The Age of Suffering - The Excavation

This log was edited by the player of Koviaem. In certain places it shows the thoughts of the character, as it is seen from his perspective. Enjoy.

Standing on the pier of the Miruvhor docks I notice something to the east

A strange mist envelopes the Isle.

You say 'Strange'

End of Main Street

Faint voices can still be heard as the main street through the Isle of

Exile ends. There are very few people about, and the memory of what

you have seen so far has left your mind. To the west the blackened

remains of a house sways back and forth. To the east a ruined

Monastery stands lies. To the south you can still hear the chaos of the

main street.

[Exits: east south west up]

An iron digging pick is stuck in the ground.

An old shovel is stuck in the ground.

Nikyodi walks in.

Nikyodi fans her hand in front of her face.

You ponder the question.

Aelleor bows deeply.

Nikyodi says 'I'm not giIving up on him agaIin.'’

Aelleor says 'Greetings.'

You say 'Greetings'

Nikyodi says 'I read tHe MmMapsSs. He's -here-.'

You say 'Somewhere'

Aelleor says 'I hear father Jacobis...or his imitation, is about.'

Nikyodi says 'I'm doing what -I- think I should.'

You nod.

Aelleor says 'Perhaps he could provide guidance on what is best.'

Nikyodi flings dirt over her shoulder into the huge mountain behind her.

Nikyodi says 'There is no 'best'.'

You tell Aelleor 'I am not sure that Nikyodi will care about everyone so long as she gets her revenge'

Spread the suspicion and I will be less suspected

Aelleor says 'Of course there is, we just don't know what it is.'

Nikyodi says 'Even if their was, I wouldn't go to anyone but myself to find it.'

You tell Aelleor 'We must watch her carefully'

Nikyodi says 'Wanna know why?'

Aelleor tells you 'Revenge for what?'

You tell Aelleor 'Revenge against certain people, but not us'

Nikyodi lies her shovel across her shoulder. 'Because there is no Father Jacobis, not one that we can trust fully.'

You tell Aelleor 'Our worry is that she might betray us'

Nikyodi says 'There is no Malchaeius either. Nothing is certain, nothing has been.'

You say 'How can you be sure'

Nikyodi says 'Nothing has been certain since the event. Nothing.'

Nikyodi says 'I have been lead by the nose in circles for a long time. I think Thorm was too.'

You say 'Our day to day lives have been sure'

Nikyodi kneels down and puts her ear in the dirt.

You say 'Hear anything?'

Nikyodi says 'Not a damn thing.'

Nikyodi stands back up. She's dripping with mud. 'I know it is here.'

You say 'What did Thorm write in his last scroll?'

Aelleor says 'I think we're closest to the dig site in the jail.'

You say 'Yes, but the shrine is above us'

You say 'So the entrance is directly below us'

Nikyodi says 'I tried the jail for a while. Didn't feel right.'

You yell 'Oii!'

You yell 'Thorm!'

You yell 'Can you hear me?!!'

Thorm yells '...e...szs.....!'

Nikyodi says 'ZS****!'

You say 'Listen!'

You yell 'Thorm!'

Nikyodi drops to her knees and puts her ear back on the ground.

You yell 'We are above you!'

Nikyodi says 'Youhh heahrd ThhaoT too? oOoh damn.'

Nikyodi yells 'we're digging!'

You say 'He must be deep'

Excitement fills Nikyodi's red eyes. 'Damn!'

You say 'We can hardly hear him.'

Nikyodi says 'Weh'reh cjLOosse! coOomMmmmoonNn!'

Nikyodi gives you a digging shovel.

Thorm yells '...o....pe Y.... brought.. rie..ds!'

You yell 'It is the two of us!'

You yell 'We came to help you!'

Nikyodi kicks the jugs over so that the blood inside washes into the dirt.

Koviaem stabs the tip of his shovel into the dirt, the dirt gives very little way.

You say 'Ah!'

You say 'The blood'

Thorm yells 'Help! i amM being attacked by thormM!'

You say 'What the'

You say 'Did you hear that?'

You yell 'Thorm!'

Aelleor says 'The Eldrych temple...'

You say 'What?'

Nikyodi digs hurriedly. 'Is the puddle Thorm.'

Aelleor slams the pick into the ground, but he moves only a small bit of ground.

You say 'This dirt just won't move'

Thorm yells '..u.rt...so.ften it... w.ater..or blo.d.'

Thorm yells 'K.ep... t..rying...i..s...'

Thorm yells 'Yo. w..ill... ne.d m.ore... h.elp!'

Aelleor says 'No scrolls. Lets not draw our opponents here.'

Aelleor says 'We should work in individual requestsa.'

And so we called on different friends and allies who might give aid in the rescue. Suddenly, Thorm appears in our presence

End of Main Street

Faint voices can still be heard as the main street through the Isle of

Exile ends. There are very few people about, and the memory of what

you have seen so far has left your mind. To the west the blackened

remains of a house sways back and forth. To the east a ruined

Monastery stands lies. To the south you can still hear the chaos of the

main street.

[Exits: east south west up]

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

( 4) A light water jug is resting here.

An iron digging pick is stuck in the ground.

Luzizac the Grand Master of Seasons is here, sitting astride a white charger.

(White Aura) Aendros the Holy Knight, General of the Protectors is here, sitting astride the Goliath.

Nikyodi the Master Bard is here.

Thorm the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

(Charmed) (White Aura) A member of the Blood Guard protects his master.

(White Aura) Dirmin the Holy Knight is here, sitting astride the Goliath.

(Charmed) A stone golem stands here to do his master's bidding.

(Charmed) (White Aura) A member of the Blood Guard protects his master.

Aelleor the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

A pig wallows in the mud and oinks in contentment.

Something is inexplicably strange about this Dwarf. With mustached brown

beard reaching down and braided to his knees, this squat humanoid stands

with a set jaw before you. His eyes burn with a white fire, and hold no

other coloration. His forehead is set forward casting a heavy brow upon his

face, letting a small shadow fall over his tanned cheeks. Intricately

carved wooden beads and tokens hold tightly upon his facial hair, tying it

and keeping it kempt. His short frame is garbed in white robe and shining

chained mail. A hooded ivory cloak is drawn over his head, brimmed with red

satin. His arms, draped in the mithril chain, are obviously well muscled

and trail down to two bare hands. Holding no adornment in metal or stone,

they are calloused and rather worn. His legs, holding similar chain to the

arms, shimmer their entire meager length. His feet, also well mailed, hold

a dusty glow about them as well. There is something wrong with all of this,

however. Something is just not right.

He has travelled quite a lot.

Thorm is in excellent condition.

You say 'Something is not right.'

Dirmin says 'That'sSs nnoOoT ThoOormM..'

You say 'How can you tell'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' It appears to be Master Brimli.

You say 'Brimli?'

Nikyodi grabs a fistfull of her own hair. 'Did he kill Thorm?'

Aelleor says 'This thorm odes not walk in the light. It is not the healer we know...'

Nikyodi says 'Are we too late?!'

Dirmin lays his large, fiery sword on the imposters shoulder.

Dirmin says 'Szspeahhk, ImmmposstEhr..'

You peer around yourself intently.

Aendros taps his chin thoughtfully. 'Strange work is afoot.'

Thorm flails his arms quickly, stretching.

Aelleor says 'Who are you?'

Thorm says 'Aoi?'

Thorm begins to pace a moment saying, 'There be somethin down 'ere...'

Thorm continues, saying 'Kint even commune no more.'

Nikyodi says 'No distractions. Just. Dig.'

You say 'Can you show us?'

Thorm says 'Aoi..... ye not LisTenin!'

Aelleor says 'Show us how to get down there...'

Thorm runs a few fingers through his long, braided beard.

Thorm says 'YEhr Nnoot listeNnIinn.....'

Nikyodi says 'You're not explaining! I'll listen when I can trust what I hear.'

You say 'EVRYONE SHUT UP!'

You glare at nothing in particular.

You say 'Speak, then'

Thorm says 'Ye not vbe listeniin, yoUh sUhreh yEh be wanTiin' tahhHh GEt vbuRnt?'

Thorm says 'Vbe lIke fire daown 'ere.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Unless you can think of a better way.

Thorm says 'ZSsomMetHiN' vbeenn changiInNn'.... stArted.... chAhNgiin lahTely..'

Thorm says 'Ffiirst, beh stahrtiin' wiIth mmmore strehaammms. thiis pLaozjE bEhenNn A swamMP wheN.....'

Thorm seems in thought, continuing 'When we started.'

Thorm proceeds to guide us on how to reach him…or it…whatever

Thorm yells 'H..p!'

Then we are graced with the holy Father Jacobis’ presence

Ancient beyond belief, the frail looking man before you stands at a

meager five human feet in height. He is clad in home-spun, white cotton

robes that appear to proffess his dedication to a humble life style. Deep

lines are etched into the pale skin of his face to form the many wrinkles

that reside on his visage. Light maroon eyes are set deep beneath thin

white eyebrows. The sparkling orbs of his eyes rise and fall whenever he

examines something for a prolonged period of time. He is completely bald on

the top of his head, having lost most of it to the winds of time ages ago.

However, white hair hangs from the side of his head all the way to the top

of his neck.

From the side of his robes, his two thin arms can be seen. There is

absolutely no muscle definition that can be seen. It is as if the skin,

having lost its elasticity, merely drapes over the bone. His feet are

covered by modest brown leather sandals that provide him with excellent

support. His only prized possession appears to be the gnarled yew staff

that he carries with him at all times.

Father Jacobis is in excellent condition.

Father Jacobis is using:

the Robes of a Holy Man

'Forgiveness' the Holy Yew Staff of Tranquility

Aelleor bows deeply.

You say 'Jacobis!'

Father Jacobis says 'What is this?'

You say 'We are trying to reach thorm'

You say 'He is being assaulted.'

Father Jacobis says 'By whom?'

You say 'An imposter we believe'

Father Jacobis says 'Imposter?'

You say 'That is what aendros called him'

Father Jacobis chuckles softly, 'I see then.'

Nikyodi says 'That's what it -is-.'

You say 'In fact, we are not sure who he is'

Thorm yells 'D..ig You anvi...dro.Ping...elf..ki.sers! '

Father Jacobis says 'Such deception.'

Thorm yells 'sSstay OUht aofF hehRe awnnd Do nnnot iNntErfehREh! ThEhreh ARe thhinGss aht wOrk hhEhRE tHAt you've no cOmPREhHehnNnssIioNn OfF Hhaow Too caontraol!'

Thorm yells 'D...o not l....issten to.....it.... come!'

Thorm yells 'q...uicklY...'

Father Jacobis says 'What do you hope to find?'

Nikyodi says 'Not going to stop now. No way.'

Aendros yells 'hhang iin there my friiend! we move wiIth the ZszPeed of craneszs!'

You say 'Cranes?'

You say 'Why caan't it be szsomething betteR ZSsounding'

Nikyodi looks at Jacobis again very briefly. 'Don't know.'

Aendros enters a frenzied state, shoveling and picking at the ground like never before.

Grawrer keeps digging with a fury as both clawed hands fling dirt and stones out of the way.

Nikyodi says 'Don't care. Worked too hard on this.'

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

You say 'We hhOopEh too ffiNd wHhAhtevEhr is dOwnNn tHhEhrEh'

Nikyodi grins at you. 'Cute. Yeah, about right.'

A messenger hands you a scroll marked "note"

AVA Jacobis: BEWARE!

Sat Oct 11 14:54:49 2008

To: All

T..p! I.'s a .ra.!!

Aelleor says '.......ReaD yoouhr nNnoote...'

Father Jacobis says 'I wrote nothing..'

You say 'A trap?'

Father Jacobis says 'I am standing before you!'

Aelleor says 'Who.......do we believe?'

Nikyodi narrows her eyes at the letter. 'This is...'

The dirt beneath you opens ever so slightly.

Nikyodi lights a small black cigarette with shakey hands.

Nikyodi says 'I. Don't. Care!'

Nikyodi says 'It could be the Rift itself!'

Nikyodi says 'I am -not- stopping. Not now!'

Nikyodi crumples the letter and flings it over a mound.

Grawrer keeps moving mounds of dirt with his bare hands, brown specks all the way up his arms to his armpits.

Progress begins to be made as finally the ground slows its resistance.

Thorm yells 's....omMethin.....g....w.....rong! kuui...ckl.y...... he..lp..... to..o.....hot!'

There is suddenly a breakthrough in the digging!

Thorm yells 'hhelp! Thorm is trYing to chop me in to bits!'

You say 'That Note iIs a fFahke..'

Nikyodi continues to spear the ground with her shovel.

You say 'We must huhHRRy'

Bancroft says 'Some get food and water. We cannot continue at this pace without it.'

An Unstable Tunnel

It has taken a lot of effort to dig this much into the resistant ground.

The more effort you exert, the more you realize that the ground is closing

in around you. It is as if the dirt itself is sentient and is preventing

your very entrance. This tunnel is not stable, and you fear that it may

collapse at any moment. It is not a good idea to dawdle... No... Not a

good idea at all.

[Exits: (up)]

You say 'Where ahhre we'

Aendros says 'We aoPpear TrawPPeD'

'Think I'm going to stop?' Nikyodi hisses as she digs.

Bancroft says 'Progress! Dig!'

You say 'We have gone beLow'

Aendros nods quickly and shoves his glaive into the ground once again.

Aelleor says 'We're...in the tunnnnel...'

Aendros yells 'Thorm, we are coming!'

Nikyodi says 'I know. I've been digging this for months!'

Nikyodi says 'Finally got somewhere with some help.'

Bancroft says 'With no exit. We must dig.. but which way?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I told you my friend, help was yours.

You say 'DOwNn'

Thorm yells 'P...lea.... I... am l..osi..... consio..sne....'

Nikyodi says 'Down. Down, down, down.'

Thorm yells 'H.e..l..P.... DIG!'

Aendros slams the butt end of his glaive into the ground, freeing up the soil.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' We need more water.

Nikyodi yells 'Thorm, don't you dare let in! Hold on!'

Dirmin yells 'We can't dig with Anume's 'chosen' are interfering!'

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Bancroft slams his pick into the ground over and over again.

Aelleor says 'We AhrE siiTtiing duhhcks iNn ThIis TuhHNnEl.'

Aendros says 'So dig!'

Father Jacobis says 'Do not let the dirt close above you...'

We are then assaulted by the living undead, a shaman by the name of Jalice. We all go to arms as we are all assaulted and it is quickly disintegrated into ash

Father Jacobis says 'My question was never answered.'

Father Jacobis says 'What do we look for?'

Nikyodi says 'Can't stop now, though.'

Dirmin says 'We look for Thorm.'

Father Jacobis says 'To what end?'

Dirmin says 'To any end.'

Nikyodi says 'Any end. Don't care anymore.'

Dirmin says 'As long as one of ours is safe.'

Father Jacobis leans on his staff and stares in thought.

The dirt beneath you shifts and thunders as you hear digging and violence. Truly an epic battle is taking place.

Valadar tells you 'And why do you help them, hm?'

You tell Valadar 'Who says I help'

Valadar tells you 'I know thorm'

Valadar tells you 'And i know the mirror of thorm.'

Valadar tells you 'Which do you Save.'

You tell Valadar 'Neither'

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Father Jacobis says 'That must be Thorm.'

Father Jacobis says 'I understand your motivation Dirmin. '

Bancroft continues to dig oblivious to the exhaustion that has set in.

Thorm yells 'Help! Thorm is tearing me to shreds!'

Father Jacobis says 'He is a member of your organization.'

Dirmin says 'So will you?'

Dirmin places the pick into Father Jacobis' hands.

Dirmin says 'Help us dig?'

Father Jacobis says 'Do you know why you are here Aendros?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Aye.

The air in here is stifling with the presence of so many!

Grawrer growls with frustration, 'Where me put dirt from here?' as he asks with arm armload of debris.

Aendros closes the dirt above you.

Nikyodi murmurs whilst digging furiously. 'Up. Throw it out.'

Aelleor says 'If anyone interrupts us, we should show them they have but two choices: Leave or Fight us.'

Sweating profusely, Koviaem continues to dig into the tunnel, it becoming deeper as he works.

Thorm yells 'Y..o..ur...cl..ose! Do... n..ot stop!'

Gradrel appears in a swirling mist.

Gradrel lets out a bellowing snort.

Dirmin slams his body into the dirt below.

Thorm yells 'I AM WARNING YOU FOR THE LAST TIME! LEAVE NOW! YOU ARE NOT WORTHY OF WHAT LIES BENEATH YOU! FIND OTHER MEANS TO YOUR ENDS!'

Palwen raises her shovel, 'Are we here to talk or dig?'

Zudarthan turns his eyes to Gradrel, 'Greetings.'

Grawrer says 'We get close, other voice try to stop us now'

Thorm yells 'THE DWARF WILL PARISH IN THE GRAVE HE HAS DUG FOR HIMSELF. DO NOT JOIN HIM.'

Thorm yells 'Help! Thorm is attacking me!'

Grawrer hurls another armload out of the tunnel with a battle cry.

Koviaem continues to dig into the tunnel.

Deeper we go as we make progress with out tunnel, but the walls begin to quiver, so unstable is our work

Nikyodi continues to displace soil, panting and hissing.

Grawrer proffers a brisk salute to Gradrel.

You say 'We are close'

Father Jacobis stands by and watches, taking to action himself.

Throwing his back into digging, Koviaem tosses the dirt out the tunnel.

Father Jacobis says 'I fear we may find more than Thorm.'

Nikyodi occasionally looks at Jacobis as she digs. 'Whatever.'

Dirmin says 'Perhaps we may.'

Bancroft nods in enthusiastic agreement with Father Jacobis.

Dirmin says 'We will slice through whatever it is.'

Nikyodi says 'Or diie by It.. daoeZSsN't mAhtTer.'

At this point, I wish to gather all under my leadership, so that it is not disputed that I lead this expedition. For someone must take the initiative when the time comes

Palwen says 'JOoiiN taogeThher aand fiIgHhT..'

You say 'FOllaow meh'

Father Jacobis says 'Fight against what? What if the Demon manipulates this entire ordeal?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' And what if it is not? I can't let fear rule me.

Nikyodi's eyes burn with anger as she tries to ignore Jacobis.

Father Jacobis says 'Let there not be fear, only courage.'

Father Jacobis says 'Courage is not synonymous with recklessness however.'

Grawrer cracks a tired smile as he hurls another armful of dirt and stone out of the way.

You say 'Whaat else do you want?'

Father Jacobis looks at you.

The Blood Guard grabs a large boulder and throws it up out of the tunnel.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' You find my actions reckless, Father Jacobis? Or you simply warn against such.

Father Jacobis says 'And why do you dig?'

You say 'Me?'

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

Someone says 'Such a pitiful bunch.'

Grawrer peers around himself intently.

Grawrer says 'Who say that'

Aendros peers around himself, looking into the shadows.

Aelleor says 'IF yaoU wish to InsUhlT Uhs, shOow us yOuhr faoce.'

Thorm yells 'I..c.a.nNn...ea.r..You! K.ep...at..it..'

Aelleor says 'To do otherwise is meaningless...'

Someone says 'Your lives are meaningless.'

You say 'Ii diig becAhUse i cknow that whatever Is dowNn there wiill heLp us'

Bancroft says 'Blood upon stones!'

Nikyodi focuses her movements. 'No distractions.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Please, do not taunt whatever may be lurking. Let us focus our efforts on this tunnel.’

Grawrer hurls an armful of debris towards the voice, 'Eat dirt'

Aelleor gives an order to his guard, 'Ignore the voice. Keep digging.'

Someone says 'You will fail.'

Bancroft says 'Progress is made.. or they would not try to deter with words. DIG!!'

Nikyodi spades the ground with her shovel. 'Just. Dig.'

The dirt trembles as the ferocity nearly triggers a cave-in!

Palwen stabs at the dirt with her shovel, trying to losen it up.

Grawrer strikes a large rock and with a ferocious roar he cracks it into fragments with his powerful claws.

Father Jacobis closes his eyes and creates an aura that seems to ease the shifting of the rocks.

Dirmin pushes his body into the gravel, and the light around him throws the dirt high into the air, and out of the tunnel.

Thorm yells 'THIS PLACE HOLDS GODS WILL, AND IT WILL BE HIS WRATH THAT BURIES YOU AT ITS HEART IF YOU CHOOSE TO CONTINUE, YOU PETTY FOOLS!'

Father Jacobis says 'You will bring this entire tunnel around us.'

Aelleor signals to Palwen and Bancroft, 'Expand your protective shield, perhaps we can expand it cover this part of the cave in case of a cave in?'

Someone begins kicking dirt back into the freshly dug holes.

Nikyodi yells 'ClosSze.. JuZszt hold onnn!'

You say 'DiIG, we wilL Buhhrrow oOour way THhrOUGH'

Aelleor yells 'we've dug downn verY deep.....we are being vissited by sSzhadows....'

Grawrer nods at you in agreement.

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

You say 'We Must fIinnnd wherE thoorm iis'

Dirmin yells 'Blast this shadow back into the depths it came from!'

Thorm yells 'Help! Thorm kicked dirt into my eyes!'

Someone frantically pushes the dirt back into the hole, attempting to cover up the work.

You say 'EhvEhryONneh fFOllow mME!'

[50 Hea] Palwen 100% hp 55% mana 100% mv 451654 xp

[50 Pal] Aendros 98% hp 62% mana 100% mv 642620 xp

[50 Hea] Aelleor 100% hp 100% mana 100% mv 421833 xp

[50 Nin] Grawrer 100% hp 60% mana 100% mv 497071 xp

[50 Bar] Koviaem 100% hp 97% mana 100% mv 428519 xp

Dirmin says 'DIG!'

Dirmin yells 'QUICKLY!'

Aelleor pushes the limits of his protective shield to cover a small portion of the cave.

Then suddenly we were assaulted from below. The dirt we had just dug up molded into some beast that lashed out at us. We quickly dispatched with the dirt, mainly due to Bancroft’s use of the water elements

Bancroft follows suit and expands his protective shield.

Aendros gasps. 'The dirt...it's alive?

You say 'We MmMuszst hurry'

Thorm yells 'Hell itself will bar Your way, with God's hheaVen in agreement! what will swaY You creatures to value your lives?! '

You yell 'The truth!'

The walls pulsate angrily and... wait... what is that smell...

Bancroft runs his index finger along his absurdly large nose.

Koviaem sniffs the air.

Grawrer hastens his pace, his nine remaining claws blurring with speed as he digs.

Dirmin slams his body into the walls.

Palwen grimaces painfully at the thought.

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

Palwen pinches her nose.

You say 'What iszs that..?'

Nikyodi peels hair out of her face and snirks loudly. 'Smell is back.'

Nikyodi says 'NOt like the blOOod thaough.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Decay?

You say 'NNnOo...'

You say 'SzsoOommmethhinngh more...'

Grawrer says 'Maybe we find out soon'

Nikyodi glances at Aendros. 'Sulfer maybe. Keep digging.'

It smells like... oil?

Once more we are assaulted by the very ground we stood on

You say 'We are getting nearer'

As the group gets deeper and deeper into the ground, the earth becomes violent!

You say 'We can't rest'

Aendros continues to diligently shovel loose dirt and mud with his glaive.

Dirmin says 'Iif yOouhH'rEh tao liIvEh, I mmmust.'

Grawrer gains a second wind from the adrenaline of the recent fight, furiously digging once more.

The heat is overwhelming! Sweat literally streams from every pore in your body!

Dirmin throws his body against the dirt once more.

Gradrel lets out a bellowing snort.

Thorm yells 'ghaiIaa?! gahhiahh hHaas nnoo clahIm ooVeR thIs plasjeh. tHheh sSztRuhhgghle IZsz

BEhtweEhnnn MmMoOoRTawl ANnd gOd HhiMmMself NoOow!'

You say 'I do not believe a word.'

Thorm yells 'help! thorm is attackiIng me!'

Nikyodi breathes hard as she digs. She slows down considerably.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' He insults Her, Overseer...

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'So I hear.'

Bancroft expands his protective shield to cover as much area as possible.

As the ground becomes enraged, the rocks that you have been throwing away seem to come together!

As we dug deeper we came across more frequent occurences of boulders in our way. The blood guard was very useful in pulling the large stones out of the earth and hurling them behind us. But as with the dirt, the boulders took on life as their own and attack us. Maybe against one of us it would have made a difference, but with all of us, it was a mere annoyance as we shattered its frame

Thorm yells '..t...he....h...ea..t...be ..bec...omin Unn...bearable, thi...s.....beinNng be...fin...diNg me..... eve.Ry...wheRe....'

You say 'Dig!'

Aelleor yells 'We are closse!'

Bancroft says 'We should assign shifts. Some to dig some to defend.'

Father Jacobis says 'They are becoming stronger.'

Father Jacobis says 'And more violent.'

Gradrel nods in enthusiastic agreement with Father Jacobis.

Father Jacobis says 'From dirt to the very rock itself.'

Father Jacobis says 'This place is cursed.'

Bancroft says 'Not natural, nope, not natural at all.'

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'Cursed by the Demon Lord himself.'

Nikyodi spins around and continues to dig. 'Don't care.'

Bancroft slams his pick into the ground.

Nikyodi says 'Not stopping.'

Aendros lets out a burderened sigh. 'We must not give up!

You say 'ThEhn it is oUr dUhTy To stop it.'

Grawrer says 'We end curse when we find what down there'

***Deeper we go… ***

An Ominous Tunnel

The strenuous effort that you have exerted has brought you to this point

beneath the ground. Try as you might, you cannot dig any further down. The

dirt has now given way to a strange dark rocky substance. Each strike with

your shovels sends a ringing noise throughout the temple. You fear any

attempts to dig further down would lead to a disastrous collapse.

[Exits: up]

(Charmed) (White Aura) A member of the Blood Guard protects his master.

(White Aura) Dirmin the Holy Knight is here, sitting astride the Goliath.

The Blood Guard walks in.

Grawrer flies in.

Bancroft rides in.

Aendros rides in.

Koviaem looks at the solid rock beneath his feet.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'We are close.'

You say 'We cannot go further down..'

Grawrer says 'ME Nnoo thiinnk we shoOould dIig doOowNn nnO MorEh'

Father Jacobis looks upward and frowns. 'What is keeping all of this dirt from collapsing?

Palwen hits the solid stone below her feet with her shovel.

You say 'Hrmmm'

Aendros yells 'thHORmm!'

Looking all around us we took tosearching the walls for hidden entrances or any deteriorating rock of any kind. There had to be a way to get to Thorm or it…whatever

A slab of strange stone is closed.

You open a slab of strange stone.

Within an Eldrych Temple

Before you is an extended and elaborate array of ruined edifices; all

composed of incredible, though unfamiliar building styles, and having

various stages of preservation. Most of the structures appear to be made of

marble, and gleam with a whitish hue, reflecting off the rays cast from the

lanterns placed around the room. The shape of the temple is unfamiliar,

being larger than the other two, including numerous isolated pagodas and

villas on the steep slopes of its roof. The roof is held up by partially

fallen and broken columns, but there still remains an air of some powerful

ancient splendors, of which nothing could be effacing.

[Exits: north]

(Translucent) (White Aura) Aelleor the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

(White Aura) Grawrer the Master of the Miyama Ryu is here.

(Translucent) (White Aura) Dirmin the Holy Knight is here.

A large horned beast is here, snorting at you.

(Translucent) Aendros the Holy Knight, General of the Protectors is here.

Thorm the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

Bancroft flies in.

Thorm sits down and rests.

A medium sized humanoid is here, looking disheveled and worn. A tired

look in his glazed eyes divulged little of his identity. He partially nude,

and carries only a barrel and some tools for digging.

He has travelled quite a lot.

Thorm is in excellent condition.

Thorm's severed head plops on the ground.

Aendros says '..........'

Aendros says 'Nnao.........'

Aendros yells 'NooOo!!'

Aelleor says 'We...were...so close...'

Koviaem looks around himself, he wields the marmalade orb in defense.

Aendros says 'ThHe impOorsTer!'

There is a sudden and violent collapse of the tunnel!

Grawrer says 'This be real thOormM?'

You say 'The tuhnnel!'

Father Jacobis growls.

Grawrer says 'HiMmM be real or impOster?'

Thorm says 'I..killed it.'

Father Jacobis says 'The tunnel collapsed.'

Father Jacobis says 'Why was I ignored?'

Aelleor says 'Southward there is a pedastal.'

The secret compartment is closed.

Thorm says 'No...'

Father Jacobis says 'Yes. With nothing in it!'

Grawrer says 'Hoow we aopen doooor?'

Father Jacobis says 'This WAS a trap wasnt it?'

Bancroft yells 'Elven script!'

Thorm says 'That door should not be opened...'

You say 'Whahht lies thereh?'

Thorm says 'A tunnel had been opened...'

Grawrer says 'HiM MmMirraor iMmMage'

Thorm says 'The heat has come from there.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I can feel it.

Grawrer says 'You imposter!'

Thorm says 'Believe what you will.'

Aelleor says 'I can no loOonger pass the daooor soUhth........'

And so we try our way eastward, and there we find another hidden chamber

A Hidden Chamber

As you enter the room, you are nearly blinded by the sheer luminescent

and rhythmic pulsation of an object in the middle of the chamber. There is

nothing in this room save for this single object. It sits atop a pillow

that sits atop a pedestal. It is strangely marked with elven writing. What

is it doing here in such a gloomy place.

[Exits: west]

(Translucent) Aelleor the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

Sneizl the Caller of the Pack is here.

Dirmin walks in.

Grawrer flies in.

Koviaem approaches the pedestal.

Grawrer says 'Who read old elven?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Thorm, you have brought us here. What is the next step?

Thorm says 'Me?'

Grawrer says 'Be something in room to east'

Thorm says 'I told you what is to the south. Certain death.'

You say 'I dOo NnooT feAr deawTh'

Nikyodi hesitates as she reaches toward the object on the pedestal.

Grawrer says 'Me no can get good look at it'

Nikyodi says 'Why is there elvish oOon this thing?'

Grawrer says 'Must be clue'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' It is ancient.

Aelleor says 'Iit loooks elvIsh bUht....I sjannnnNnoot read Iit.'

Aelleor speculates, 'It seems to be a very ancient dialect...'

Palwen says 'Let MmME try Tao see.'

Thorm says 'I am warning you... you've retrieved me. Saved my life. That is enough. Let us leave.'

Father Jacobis says 'Leave how?'

Thorm walks west.

Father Jacobis says 'The tunnel collapsed.'

Thorm walks in.

Grawrer says 'Now we here, we must end curse'

Koviaem reaches out a hand towards the object.

I pass my hand through nothingness as it is an illusion, frustrated I take a step back and look for clues

Father Jacobis says 'Because they rushed in without thought.'

Thorm says 'You...you've not dug properly?'

Father Jacobis says 'No.'

Father Jacobis says 'Led by this one.'

Father Jacobis nods at Nikyodi.

Father Jacobis says 'Who just wished to dig without thought.'

Nikyodi snorts derisively.

Thorm sighs.

Father Jacobis says 'It has collapsed.'

Aelleor says 'We can dig out the same way we duhg in..'

Aelleor says 'Iit iis oOof No cooNnzjernn..'

Aelleor says 'What is of concErn is this pEdastal....'

Nikyodi scrapes mud off of her sleeves. 'Cute.'

You say 'I thought you were supposed to grant courage to all, Jacobis?'

You say 'We will come through this'

Father Jacobis says 'Courage without forethought is recklessness.'

You say 'We are here now'

Nikyodi says 'Jjust dOonn't blaMmMe Me.. iI Taold yaouh why ii was digging.'

Grawrer says 'How we figure it out?'

Father Jacobis says 'The blind leads the blind?'

Thorm says 'It appear so.'

Grawrer says 'No be time for I told you so's'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I can barely see with this pulsing light.

Father Jacobis says 'Now it is time for planning?'

Grawrer says 'If we no plan now, we die here'

Bancroft says 'Plans are always good. You have advice for us father?'

Grawrer says 'And taints above all laugh at us'

Father Jacobis says 'I do.'

Father Jacobis says 'This is clearly a puzzle of some sort.'

Father Jacobis says 'Many different rooms all with the same appearance.'

Father Jacobis says 'You rushed in here so quick to save Thorm, you did not listen to reason!'

Grawrer says 'You keep saying, but too late for going back, so what we do now?'

You say 'Sounds familiar.'

Father Jacobis says 'Now I will not give my advice to those who will only act foolishly and jeopardize everyone.'

Father Jacobis says 'If I give my advice, it will be to those who are level headed.'

Aelleor says 'There is a dooaor wesTward tO the sOuhHTh.'

Grawrer says 'So you say Jacobis, Grawrer be listening'

Father Jacobis says 'Very well.'

You say 'We can only listen now.'

Father Jacobis says 'Let us return to the center.'

Within an Eldrych Temple

Before you is an extended and elaborate array of ruined edifices; all

composed of incredible, though unfamiliar building styles, and having

various stages of preservation. Most of the structures appear to be made of

marble, and gleam with a whitish hue, reflecting off the rays cast from the

lanterns placed around the room. The shape of the temple is unfamiliar,

being larger than the other two, including numerous isolated pagodas and

villas on the steep slopes of its roof. The roof is held up by partially

fallen and broken columns, but there still remains an air of some powerful

ancient splendors, of which nothing could be effacing.

[Exits: north east]

Father Jacobis says 'Thorm, what do you know of this place?'

Thorm says 'Most of the dig is...'

Thorm flickers once more, 'A vague memory, though...'

Thorm sits down and thinks deeply.

Aelleor says 'If it is a puzzle, we should access all the information...find all the rooms, and study them...'

Aelleor says 'We cannot get the room southward.'

Thorm says 'No... these creat.... individuals may have sealed their fate.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Will you be quiet?

Nikyodi sighs. 'Thorm mentioned an ebony wall and a key.'

Nikyodi says 'Did he ever smash those? Is there a key?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Thorm is right here trying to talk to us. Let us listen.

Thorm says 'Yes, there was...'

Thorm says 'A black metal had been cut through, however...'

Thorm waves his hand south, upon the black wall.

Thorm says 'I do not see anyone capable of cutting through this, sealed by heat.'

Gradrel flexes his muscles...what a stud!?!

Gradrel lets out a bellowing snort.

Thorm says 'Ah, Gradrel..'

You say 'He could probably try'

Thorm says 'I do not wish to lead this group to its death, and thus, I will continue to look to the east.'

Thorm says 'Gradrel, feel free to bring your Gaia to the flames beyond.'

Grawrer says 'What jacobis think?'

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Aendros taps his chin thoughtfully.

Father Jacobis says 'How many rooms are accessible? '

Grawrer says 'You can read clue on object in east?'

Grawrer says 'Only three'

Gradrel closes his eyes for a moment, a brief hint of green light envelope his hands.

Nikyodi shakily lights a skinny black cigarette by putting its end against one of the walls.

Grawrer says 'Big room here, object east, and crazy devil scratch on walls north'

Distracted, Gradrel opens his eyes.

Father Jacobis says 'One moment while I examine the writing.'

I walk east, allowing Father Jacobis to examine the elven script while I see where Thorm—it went

A Hidden Chamber

As you enter the room, you are nearly blinded by the sheer luminescent

and rhythmic pulsation of an object in the middle of the chamber. There is

nothing in this room save for this single object. It sits atop a pillow

that sits atop a pedestal. It is strangely marked with elven writing. What

is it doing here in such a gloomy place.

[Exits: west]

(White Aura) Thorm the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

Thorm reaches forward, scanning the scroll before him.

Thorm mutters to himself, 'Tlrim leijin freindili strylkic ...'

Thorm shakes his head.

Thorm notices your presence.

You say 'Hrm'

Thorm turns his gaze away from the scroll again.

Obviously not going to share his secrets with me, I returned towards the center temple to see what Father Jacobis found

Within an Eldrych Temple

Before you is an extended and elaborate array of ruined edifices; all

composed of incredible, though unfamiliar building styles, and having

various stages of preservation. Most of the structures appear to be made of

marble, and gleam with a whitish hue, reflecting off the rays cast from the

lanterns placed around the room. The shape of the temple is unfamiliar,

being larger than the other two, including numerous isolated pagodas and

villas on the steep slopes of its roof. The roof is held up by partially

fallen and broken columns, but there still remains an air of some powerful

ancient splendors, of which nothing could be effacing.

[Exits: north east]

(Translucent) (White Aura) Bancroft the Angel of Arcana is here.

Nikyodi the Master Bard is here.

Grawrer the Master of the Miyama Ryu is here.

A large horned beast is here, snorting at you.

A frail looking priest stands before you, surrounded in an aura of tranquility.

Aendros the Holy Knight, General of the Protectors is here.

Aelleor the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

Grawrer says 'Maybe starstone help? nexs have all me slabs'

Father Jacobis says 'Each room must be activated.'

Grawrer says 'How we do that?'

Father Jacobis says 'By speaking the words.'

Grawrer says 'Mmme naot goOoaod WIithh woordsSs'

Father Jacobis says 'Each says something different in an undecipherable language.'

Thorm walks past, mumbling quietly, 'Only by force will the door be opened.'

Thorm moves north, mumbling to himself.

Thorm walks north.

Grawrer says 'IF you nOot knoow Wordss, hOw wE ging tOo Knaow?'

Uninterested in another elf puzzle I followed Thorm once again to see if I could get information from him

Thorm says 'Do not open thE door. do noT awszsk thEh behaZSst to opEhn iT.'

You say 'You have been acting strange, ever since we found you'

Thorm says 'MmmortaalsSs sSshoUld nnnoT wiehlrd ZSsuhch poWEhr.'

Thorm says 'No mortal caan be truZszted wiTh szsuch.'

Thorm shakes his head.

And once again, it seems as if Thorm has lost his wits entirely, another lost one added to my list of past acquaintances who have met a foul fate. And so I returned to the Temple one last time to see the group in rapid discussion with Father Jacobis, evidently they had found the first of three passwords

Aelleor says 'How do we activate the room?'

The ground shakes beneath your feet, causing the dust to float around.

Grawrer says 'One Room done, what be nexT?'

Father Jacobis points to the fourth word on bottom right of the wall. It reads 'Xyzzrwhg'

Father Jacobis takes care not to say the word himself.

Aendros says 'XzysZzszzrwhg'

Grawrer says 'ThAht oOone be tOougher'

Aendros says 'BlzdreIis'

Grawrer says 'Me think it be code'

Aendros nods softly, committing the words to memory

Aelleor says 'Are we suppposed to be finding a correlative word in the common tongue or mimicing back the elvish?'

The ground shakes violently, as you fear the tunnel may collapse at any moment!

Father Jacobis says 'One more.'

Father Jacobis scans around the room, looking for the third and final word.

Father Jacobis says 'Where is it.'

Nikyodi says 'Blzdreis, Xyzzrwhg. Where is that pedestal?'

Thorm winces as the heat suddenly rises before you.

Then the Unholy Knight of the One, his avatar of sorts entered my thoughts

Tnaris tells you 'What is going on in there?'

You tell Tnaris 'WE arEh tRapped withiN'

Tnaris tells you 'What were you doing down there?'

Koviaem watches as Jacobis walks around the room.

Thorm turns his attention down as the words spoken seem to impact the compartment.

Father Jacobis opens the secret compartment south of you.

We walked south only to find a chamber much like the one where we found the empty pedestal, the frustration showing in my fellow travlers’ faces

Father Jacobis says 'Were we not already here?'

Aendros says 'Ahhhh, mmOore wOrds.'

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'I do believe so.'

Father Jacobis says 'This is the third room?'

Aendros says 'Well, teChnizjallY this makes the fourth.'

Bancroft runs his index finger along his absurdly large nose.

Father Jacobis says 'When you entered it without speaking the words.'

Father Jacobis says 'It must have triggered this defense.'

Father Jacobis peers intently at Aelleor.

Grawrer says 'It look same, but not be in same place'

Aendros says 'AwHh'

Tnaris tells you 'Koviaem?'

You tell Tnaris 'Yes?'

Tnaris tells you 'What were you doing down there?'

You tell Tnaris 'Finding Thorm'

You tell Tnaris 'Now we search for something'

Tnaris tells you 'For what?'

Father Jacobis says 'The final word.'

Aendros says 'Moore wRiting'

Thorm says 'This is an effort of madness, do you not feel the heat rising as you make progress? Would not it be better to send for help than to proceed?'

Tnaris tells you 'Is it the weapon you spoke of?'

Grawrer says 'Who can help thorm?'

Grawrer says 'How them get down here?'

You tell Tnaris 'Yes'

Father Jacobis says 'You are correct Thorm.'

Aelleor says 'Go back to a dying world defeated? No.'

Tnaris tells you 'What is the weapon, do you know yet?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' We made this mistake already.

Aelleor says 'There is power here...power that blazes with light...'

Father Jacobis says 'Have you not noticed something else?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Before we charge in, let us weigh our position carefully.’

Thorm begins to take on a crimson tone as the heat drives higher.

Grawrer says 'This room no be same one we in before'

Grawrer says 'Strange copy'

Grawrer scratches his head, looking very confused.

You say 'HHrm'

The air is becoming thinner and thinner the longer you are here - along with the heat - clearly you do not have much longer.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' This object here, on the pillow.

Aelleor says 'We CANNOT leave this place unsearched. It may hold the key to winning this war.'

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Father Jacobis says 'There is no air supply with the tunnels collapse.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Father, can you read these words?

The mirrors about Thorm reflect the room a thousand fold, outlining the words about, backward.

Father Jacobis says 'I do not read them.'

Father Jacobis says 'I cannot.'

Nikyodi holds a hand against her sternum. 'Hurts.'

Grawrer says 'Grawrer going to die from hunger'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Something must be placed in this pedestal. Something missing.’

Thorm says 'I am sure if we turn back not, GOD himself will grant our stomaches peace.'

Thorm says 'Now, rather.'

You say 'We mMust aact quickly'

Father Jacobis says 'I must know one thing.'

Father Jacobis says 'Who will handle whatever it is we find?'

Thorm nods at Father Jacobis.

Father Jacobis says 'That is a great responsibility.'

You ponder the question.

Gradrel sits down and thinks deeply.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' It could mean certain death...

You say 'That iZsz a good queszstiion'

Grawrer says 'Grawrer handle it'

Nikyodi lights up another cigarette foolishly. 'Me.'

Grawrer says 'Me brave'

But of course, anyone would be willing to hold an object of power, who does not envy it? It alone would grant the wearer the choice between salvation or doom

Father Jacobis says 'It should be someone who has shown foresight.'

Thorm says 'What mortal can be trusted with such power as the golden or....what you find?'

Nikyodi says 'Someone has to die, just give it to me. If you care.'

Gradrel peers intently at Thorm.

Aelleor peers intently at Thorm.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Do not be so brash my friend.

Aendros looks at Nikyodi.

Bancroft says 'Golden what?'

Bancroft nudges Thorm.

Koviaem watches as everyone around begins to bicker.

Nikyodi sighs a cloud of smoke. 'Someone else experiment then.'

Bancroft says 'You must recall what you know. We all depend on it.'

Nikyodi says 'I chose to start this a long time ago. I'm willing to see it through to the very, very end.'

Hark! No Nikyodi, you had no idea how long I have been waiting for this moment, to bring about the true power of the cataclysm. My task, my work, my destiny. MINE! One way or the other I wILL SUCCEED!

Aelleor says 'I amm willing TO aaccept cerTiAn deawth.'

Thorm says 'You've done so by coming here.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I cannot let you do this, my friends. I will not watch you die.

Grawrer says 'Grawrer only one who choose not to die?'

Grawrer says 'Me can handle whatever it be, and no die'

Grawrer flexes his muscles...what a stud!?!

Suddenly, I realized that this was my moment, my time to act. If not now then never. This sudden situation presented an urge to volunteer myself

No matter how deep a breath she takes, Nikyodi can't stop wheazing.

Aelleor syas, 'Thorm, what do you know that you aren't telling us?'

Aendros nods firmly. 'If it is agreeable, I shall accept this burden, if it turns out to be as such.'

Koviaem says quietly, 'I will take it.'

Aelleor syas, 'Thorm, reveral the information immediately.'

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Father Jacobis looks at you.

Father Jacobis says 'I second that motion.'

Nikyodi groans. 'Take it to save us, or take it to take it?'

Gradrel nods in enthusiastic agreement with Father Jacobis.

Grawrer says 'We all brave, so let us get on with it'

Bancroft says 'We cannot afford to quarrel amongst ourselves.'

Grawrer nods.

Koviaem looks around, 'I will hold it to keep it safe.'

Aendros raises an eyebrow at you.

Grawrer grabs Thorm and shakes him, 'What you know! We dying'

Aelleor closes his eyes momentarily.

Thorm suddenly grows angry, saying 'What I know is unimportant. Accept fate and make these last minutes comfortable for you. I have warned you not to descend.'

You say 'WEh won't die, GrawrEr'

Aelleor says 'MyselfF, ahhendros, or PalwEn arE thE only ones fFit to take it.'

But of course, the lightwalkers ultimately always feel the ownership of anything and everything, their egos know no bounds and it is the device of their downfall. History tells us this

Grawrer growls.

Grawrer says 'We no even know what it is'

Palwen says 'It belongs in the hands of the land elves.'

Grawrer boggles at the concept.

Koviaem watches as those before him continue to bicker.

Grawrer says 'What do?'

Father Jacobis says 'It seems an excellent time for a disagreement.'

Thorm drops another black piece of metal, accidentally. As it falls near the pedestal, it glows hotly.

Grawrer says 'We speak of mystical object we not know'

Nikyodi hunches slightly. 'What is the third word?'

Grawrer growls.

Gradrel stops using a belt of Elven Skulls.

Thorm mutters something quietly to himself.

Gradrel buckles a belt of Elven Skulls around his waist.

Gradrel peers around himself intently.

Nikyodi says 'It doesn't matter what it is if we're all going to die anyway.'

Grawrer says 'Thorm carry secret!'

You say 'Shall we put iT tao a vote?'

Aendros says 'Aelleor, allow me to take this charge. As General of the Protectors, it is my charge.'

Father Jacobis nods in enthusiastic agreement with Nikyodi.

Thorm nods at Nikyodi.

Aendros approaches the pedestal.

Bancroft walks over to Thorm and pokes out his little finger, 'Now listen here Thorm. We came here to save this world from certain destruction at the hand of the demons and dead! If you are giving up now I am ashamed to call you cousin!'

Thorm says 'Some power should never be held by mortal hands.'

Grawrer says 'Thorm leaking secret bits'

Thorm shakes his head.

Grawrer says 'Me say if thorm no give up missing objec, we take it.'

Grawrer growls.

Aelleor says, 'Thorm, some mortals are superior to some immortals.'

Grawrer rolls his eyes, disgusted.

Gradrel bonks Aelleor on the head for being such an UTTER moron.

Father Jacobis says 'Put it to a vote.'

Nikyodi keeps her distance and folds her arms. 'I can watch.'

Thorm falls back, as Grawrer throws him to the ground.

Bancroft says 'He cloaks his appearance.'

Aendros turns and speaks over his shoulder as he nears the pedestal. 'If you against me taking this, speak now.'

You say 'Take what?'

Grawrer snarls angrily.

You say 'There is nothing in the pedestal'

Grawrer says 'We need missing piece'

Reaching up a hand to shield a pouch, Thorm loses his grip, relinquishing a bag of black metal to Grawr.

Grawrer says 'Thorm have it!'

Nikyodi says 'How could we be against it? We don't know what it is.'

Aelleor says, 'As long as a lightwalker plucks it from the pedastal I will agree.'

Nikyodi says 'Just take it. Someone.'

Aendros takes a second look at the pedestal. 'Hrm.'

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

Thorm says, 'No...'

Aelleor says, 'We cannot tkae it until the last word is spoken.'

You begin to feel woozy. Suffocation is not far off.

Palwen says 'What is the last word?'

You say 'Listen to yourselves.'

You say 'Bickering and fighting'

Father Jacobis says 'I do not approve of this chaos.'

Grawrer says 'Thorm, give Grawrer bag'

You say 'This is exactly as the demon lord would want'

Glancing up at the bag bearing the word 'Keiihn', Thorm passes out.

Thorm goes to sleep.

Grawrer nods in enthusiastic agreement with you.

Grawrer says 'Keiihn!'

Palwen says 'Koviaem is right.'

Grawrer says 'Keiihn'

Aelleor says 'Keiihn.'

You say 'Shut up!'

You glare at nothing in particular.

As focused as I am on the situation that is rapidly spinning out of my grasp, I cannot stand the imbeciles around me. So caught up on finding a solution to a solution, when they need but listen to Father Jacobis who seems to have all the answers

Bancroft says 'Nhiiek.'

You say 'We are about to die from suffocation'

Nikyodi says 'Blzdreis, Xyzzrwhg, Keiihn.'

You say 'We agree on something now or die.'

Grawrer says 'Hmm, thorm say something bout backwards...'

You say 'The fruits of our labor for nothing.'

Nikyodi sighs and puts her cigarette out on her palm.

Grawrer says 'Maybe words be spoke backwards now?'

Bancroft nods in enthusiastic agreement with Grawrer.

Nikyodi says 'Nhiiek?'

You say 'I will hold onto this object.'

You say 'Who agrees'

Grawrer says 'Nhiiek ghwrzzyx sierdzlb'

Aelleor says, 'No.'

Thorm seems to shudder, as he takes on a more Golden glow. The word spoken seems to render him paralyzed, as he falls over the pedestal.

Aelleor says, 'Aendros, Palwen, or I. No one else.'

You say 'Thorm?'

Aelleor says, 'I believe Thorm is lying to us.'

Grawrer says 'Maybe thorm be object ti put in pedestal'

Grawrer grins evilly.

Bancroft says 'I saw him drop a metal piece earlier. '

Grawrer says 'If he have object he be object too'

Aendros holds his head in frustration. 'We are dying, soon....we must come to a decision.'

Bancroft says 'He cloaks himself even now.'

Suffocation claims its first target...

Bancroft's severed head plops on the ground.

Grawrer starts trying to shove Thorm in to the pedestal.

Father Jacobis sighs.

Flickering and wavering several colors, in the same pattern as the pedestal, Thorm sighs.

Gradrel winces in agony.

Father Jacobis gets the corpse of Bancroft.

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

Aelleor says, 'If we said the words why is nothing happening?'

Aelleor says, 'Father Jacobis?'

You say 'BAncroft fell'

You say 'Thhe claock iiZsz tiiCkIing...'

Thorm says, 'You... if this is what you want...'

Father Jacobis says 'You will not last long.'

Father Jacobis says 'Who will bear it?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Yes, Thorm, I will take it.

Aelleor says, 'Aendros.'

Aendros steps forward.

Father Jacobis says 'Two for Aendros.'

You say 'Ii do not agRee'

Grawrer says 'Aendros'

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'Aendros.'

Aelleor says, 'All for Aendros.'

Grawrer says 'Let him take it'

You say 'And WhHat thHen'

Father Jacobis says 'Aendros has the majority.'

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'The Protectors shall put an end to this.'

Grawrer says 'We see what happen'

Palwen says 'I will.'

Palwen says 'Aendros or Aelleor.'

Fine, if they want him to have it then he can take it. But it will be his for no longer than a blink of his eye

Nikyodi stares at you for a little while. 'Just... Aendros.'

Thorm drops, weak against the pedestal. A light forming from within him and it.

You nod.

You say 'WEh awre suhHFFocawtinNng'

Palwen says 'Aendros it is.'

You say 'Leht Us do this'

Aendros peers bleakly at the light, almost blinded by it.

Yay! Go Aendros!!! Grawrer cheers him on.

Palwen nods at Aendros.

A myriad of colors overtake all of you, as something passes from Thorm to the pedestal below him.

Aendros approaches the pedestal, taking as much caution as can be afforded with what little time remains.

Grawrer says 'No be time for caution! Be time for action'

Koviaem begins to inhale and exhale deeply, the oxygen giving out.

Grawrer stars to panic as the air supply dwindles.

Aendros reaches into the pedestal, searching for...something.

You say 'The third word.'

Father Jacobis points to the third and final word 'Niiekn'

Aendros says 'Miiekn!'

Grawrer begins clawing at the wall, 'Me find air somewhere!'

Aendros says 'Niiekn!'

You say 'BlzdrEis'

Nikyodi sits down slowly, a hand on her chest. 'Xyzzrwhg.'

And with the proper reciting of the three words – finally- the room began to shift. And as the oxygen rapidly is used up by the anxious travelers, they begin to see, or think they see, an object appear in the pedestal

Thorm blinks rapidly, the mirrors about him collapsing.

Grawrer breathes in some sweet air of relief.

Aendros grabs a shining, radiating object from within the pedestal and lifts it out slowly.

The sentient dirt comes alive once again, and you notice that the passage out of the room has disappeared.

You say 'We ahre TrappeD'

Grawrer frowns.

Grawrer says 'Be no way out of room now'

Grawrer says 'Must use object!'

Aelleor looks at himself.

Grawrer says 'Somehow...'

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

You say 'We havEh no iDEaa whHawt iT cOould do'

Thorm slides limp, to the floor.

The room itself melts from all around you, as if it were an illusion - a dream.

Grawrer says 'Do we have choice?'

Aendros peers around himself, unsure of what is happening.

Aelleor says, 'Follow me, Aendros.'

Aendros shakes his head.

You say 'WhAtever happens becaause aoF Deciisiions MmMaode'

Grawrer says 'Jacobis, what we do?'

Father Jacobis says 'It is not done.'

Aendros grasps his glaive with both hands, his instincts tingling with the sense of lurking danger.

Grawrer looks enviously at Palwen as Palwen sips Palwens ale.

Stairs begin to form where there were none before as the sentient ground moves to make a path.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Stairs...?

Father Jacobis says 'Look.'

Father Jacobis points toward the ground where it is beginning to clear before your very eyes.

Nikyodi scrambles to her feet as the floor shifts and disolves. 'Gaaah.'

Gradrel walks down.

Nikyodi walks down.

Palwen looks towards the ground.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' A way out...friends, you must escape.’

Still blinded by his own inability to see that he sees an illusion in his grasp, I leave Aendros and walk down those gray steps and find myself in a room of unheard wonders

The Chamber of Secrets

You find yourself in a treasure trove! Exotic trinkets from all over

Aabahran can be found in this room! Clearly the other rooms must have been

a decoy. Objects from times long ago can be seen - though there is

something that bothers you about this scene. You cannot put your finger on

it, but it is as if you are being watched. Any decision you make could very

well lead to something horrible. You put the thought out of your mind for a

moment a dull orb floating in mid-air.

[Exits: up]

(Glowing) (Humming) An orb radiating a very intense light is here.

Grawrer the Master of the Miyama Ryu is here.

Nikyodi the Master Bard is here.

A large horned beast is here, snorting at you.

A frail looking priest stands before you, surrounded in an aura of tranquility.

Grawrer says 'Orb of yaegar....'

Grawrer says 'Aendros take orb?'

Aendros nods.

Within Aendros grasp the orb pulsated momentarily but then changed to its dull color. He immediately pocketed it and looked around in accomplishment. So sad, he wasn’t even going to make it hard for me. He never noticed as I slightly bumped him on my way to look at a ruby-encrusted dagger

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Was that not what was agreed?

Grawrer says 'Me just asking'

Aelleor says, 'Koviaem took it.'

Grawrer chuckles politely.

Gradrel looks at you.

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Thorm slides in weakly.

Palwen beams a smile at Aendros.

Aendros beams a smile at Palwen.

Gradrel looks at Aendros.

Aelleor says, 'I locate the orb on Koviaem...'

You stop using a small hot ball of fire.

You light The Orb of Yaegar and hold it.

Aendros boggles at the concept.

Aendros looks at you.

You say 'This is it?'

Turning the orb in my hand, it seemed no different than a very smooth stone. Yet in an instant, my mind was dragged across time and space and I saw a vision. The lands were dark and cracked, the skies burning with a blood-red, the rivers evaporated into dry tiles of mud, and the bleached white bones of many corpses

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' you.

Aelleor says, 'Give it to Aendros. Now.'

Palwen says 'Give it Ahendros.'

You say 'It is time.'

Aelleor, quick to see the treachery attacks me. Him and I had gone far back, in political strife and power struggle over Rheydin. Father Jacobis slowly stepped between the two of us, blocking Aelleor from casting his enchantments on me

Father Jacobis says 'Violence?'

Thorm shakes his head.

Father Jacobis says 'Now?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Friends, what is this?

Grawrer shakes his head in dismay.

Father Jacobis says 'How shall you leave?'

Aelleor says, 'Koviaem is veiled in darkness.'

Aelleor says, 'I can get out.'

Thorm weakly says, 'Mortals...were not intended to wield such power...'

Nikyodi looks at you.

Father Jacobis says 'And you would leave everyone else?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' you, please. Do not do this.

Aelleor says, 'I can get them out, too.'

You say 'No'

Father Jacobis chuckles politely.

Aelleor says, 'My cloak is imbued with ancient magic.'

Grawrer says 'We argue we die...'

Grawrer says 'Let us listen to Jacobis'

Father Jacobis says 'Koviaem has taken the orb. Why?'

Aelleor says, 'Koviaem is veiled in darkness, and has been. I have known it for decades...'

Father Jacobis says 'And you allowed him to come?'

Gradrel chuckles politely.

Aelleor says, 'Allowed him to?'

Father Jacobis says 'You did not prevent it.'

Grawrer says 'Koviaem spy?'

Aelleor says, 'His entire family has attempted usurp the power of the Tribunal, at the cost of the people.'

No you fool. Your power came from THE PEOPLE! Nothing MORE! Your ignorance knows no bounds! And now by your inability to see the truth standing before you, you failed in protecting those people. I will be the one who will help my people. MY PEOPLE!

Grawrer growls at you. Hey, two can play it that way!

Aendros sighs, 'If only I had known...

Koviaem cackles maliciously.

Thorm shakes his head.

Father Jacobis says 'And now he holds the key.'

You say 'You kill me, and I will cast the orb down.'

Father Jacobis places a hand over his mouth and begins to chuckle, 'The irony.'

You say 'It will shatter, and you will all die.'

Aelleor says, 'Better destoryed than in his hands.'

Nikyodi looks at you.

Grawrer says 'What you want then?'

You say 'And nobody to protect the world'

Aendros growls.

You say 'The world to go to chaos'

Koviaem grins maliciously.

You say 'Tsk tsk'

Father Jacobis says 'I have a better solution.'

Grawrer says 'Me have idea too'

Grawrer grins evilly.

[Jalice, the unliving shaman, from somewhere above us calls out]

Jalice yells 'I can smell your fear, but do not fret! There is a way you can still save yourselves.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Father, please...what advice have you?

You say 'What advice can an old man give you'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Silence, bastard.

Koviaem chuckles to himself.

Father Jacobis says 'Old man?'

Father Jacobis chuckles politely.

Nikyodi rolls her wrist, which cracks.

You yell 'Help! Nikyodi is trying to knock me out!'

You yell 'Die! Aelleor, you sorcerous dog!'

You yell 'Help! Grawrer kicked dirt into my eyes!'

You yell 'Help someone is attacking me!'

Hark! They began to attack to try and retrieve that which they lost

Someone sighs. 'Friends, this is not the way....

Father Jacobis says 'Tsk.'

Father Jacobis says 'No one will hurt him!'

You say 'Hrm'

Jalice yells 'Ah, yes... A bard makes a good snack from time to time.'

Jalice yells 'But.. who will sustain you next?'

Grawrer says 'Then what be plan Father?'

Father Jacobis says 'The plan is simple.'

Father Jacobis says 'Find a way out of here.'

Aelleor says, 'No.,'

Aelleor says, 'No.'

Aelleor says, 'We all die here or a lightwalker leaves with the orb.'

Father Jacobis says 'You test my patience!'

Aelleor says, 'I will not deliver great power to darkness.'

Aelleor says, 'Never.'

You yell 'Die! Aelleor, you sorcerous dog!'

You say 'Am I evil?'

Aelleor yells 'Help! I am being attacked by Father Jacobis!'

You say 'Look on me'

Thorm looks at you.

Nikyodi looks at you.

Grawrer looks at you.

You say 'Am I evil'

Thorm shakes his head.

Grawrer says 'Why you want world to be chaos though?'

Grawrer scratches his head, looking very confused.

You say 'Did I say so?'

Grawrer nods.

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

Grawrer says 'You did'

Grawrer says 'You say so just before'

Gradrel walks in.

Palwen says 'How could you do this?'

You say 'I said it would, if you killed me'

You say 'You kill me, it shatters'

Grawrer says 'So what you want?'

Thorm walks in.

Grawrer says 'Why you take orb?'

You say 'I will not let a lightwalker take it and throw the balance over'

Grawrer nods.

You say 'One terror for another'

I did not intend to lie once again, but it could not be helped. Oncemore I spun my truths to confuse my fellow travelers

Grawrer says 'That why me volunteered before.'

You nod.

Grawrer says 'Me agree someone neutral be right for job'

Father Jacobis says 'Enough of this foolishness.'

Grawrer says 'But tell that to elf'

Grawrer sighs.

Father Jacobis says 'My task has been accomplished.'

Aendros raises an eyebrow.

You say 'I understand Grawrer'

Father Jacobis says 'Koviaem. Give me the orb.'

Gradrel raises an eyebrow at Father Jacobis's weird actions.

Zhokril appears in a swirling mist.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' ...imposter....?

Grawrer peers intently at Zhokril.

I knew…I had sensed it…The chaos that clouded my eyes from his appearance…It was him. I knew ever since he first appeared before us above ground

You stop using The Orb of Yaegar.

You give The Orb of Yaegar to Father Jacobis.

A rumbling can be heard as more earth begins to drop in upon itself, and Thorm moves saying 'Imposter?'

Palwen nods.

Father Jacobis grins as the orb comes into his hand.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' NO!

Father Jacobis says 'You have done well.'

Grawrer says 'This make Grawrer nervous'

Father Jacobis looks at you.

You nod at Father Jacobis.

Rising into the air, Zhokril emanates, 'You fool.'

Anume chuckles.

Nikyodi laughs. 'Malchaeius's little bitch.'

Nikyodi looks at you.

You say 'I have done as commanded.'

Father Jacobis grins as his facial patterns begin to deform.

Gradrel growls.

Grawrer snarls angrily.

Aelleor says, 'Father Jacobis assaults a lightwalker?... I think he is with Koviaem...he is an imposter. This was a plan to deliver power to darkness...'

Aendros begins to cry slightly. 'This....no...'

Thorm whispers, 'Fools... I've warned you... but you did not listen...'

Grawrer says 'You never warn of jacobis...'

Grawrer growls.

You say 'For years I waited and bided my time.'

Grawrer glares icily at you, you feel cold to your bones.

Palwen says 'The letters.'

Wings begin to form from the back of Father Jacobis as he cackles raucously!

Aendros drops to one knee, the shock of the situation seemingly leaving him wounded.

You say 'Now you are doomed.'

Grawrer says 'Koviaem be traitor....'

Grawrer snarls at you, for some reason.

Gradrel growls at Father Jacobis. Better leave the room before the fighting starts.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Father Jacobis...why...

You yell 'Die! Aelleor, you sorcerous dog!'

And so I am slain, the paladin, the healer, and the ninja…all three in a frenzy

You tell Aendros 'It matters not...'

You tell Aendros 'YOU'

You tell Aendros 'ARE'

You tell Aendros 'DOOMED'

Aendros tells you '...no.........'

Then my master, the Demon Lord, grants me a blessing many would cherish…

Malchaeius has called onto Malchaeius to grant you a chance for a new life.

Use "accept" to accept the resurrection.

My vision blurred and I felt myself being pulled rapidly to where I was felled, that moment when I was between limbo and space rapidly leaving my presence

With great effort your body heaves as your heart begins to beat once again!

You begin to quickly lose your ghost form.

Grawrer says 'Demon have it'

Grawrer says 'Koviaem give it to demon!'

[Malchaeius] 'Precious little object isnt it?'

Grawrer snarls angrily.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'The Demon has tricked us.'

Malchaeius lights The Orb of Yaegar and holds it.

Gradrel lets out a bellowing snort.

Palwen winces in agony.

You say 'For years I waited'

Aendros readies his lance for whatever may come. 'This...this is impossible....

[Malchaeius] 'And you have done well.'

You say 'Many have tried to hinder my work, they have failed.'

Koviaem grins maliciously.

[Malchaeius] 'An Orb built by the elves to prevent the Cataclysm.'

[Malchaeius] 'To weaken the power of the rift.'

Malchaeius examines the object with much delight.

[Malchaeius] 'Or strengthen it.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I trusted you, you bastard....

Aendros looks at you.

You say 'Yes...'

Koviaem grins maliciously.

You say 'You did'

Thorm sighs deeply, saying '... Demon... it has been many years since I've last seen you..' and reaches

vainly forward for the orb.

[Malchaeius] 'Your Father still lives.'

Palwen says 'Where have you hidden him?'

Anume comments wryly, 'A bit anyway.'

Grawrer frowns.

[Malchaeius] 'M'Lady is showing him much.. love.'

Aelleor says, 'Where is the real Father Jacobis?'

Gradrel yells out his warcry.

Gradrel yells 'GAIA, heed my call, and guide your children!'

Aelleor says, 'Why all of this?'

Aelleor says, 'Surely you could reach down yourself and take it...'

[Malchaeius] 'I could not.'

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'She will not allow this.'

Gradrel draws his axes.

Grawrer says 'Me think elves be smart enough to put demon ward on it'

Gradrel growls at Malchaeius. Better leave the room before the fighting starts.

Anume appears right behind you.

Grawrer says 'He needed mortal to touch it'

Grawrer snarls at you, for some reason.

[Malchaeius] 'Ah ah ah, calm yourself Gradrel.'

Aendros snarls at Anume.

You say 'You are correct, Grawrer'

Grawrer spits in utter disgust!

Anume says, 'A fine play, very entertaining.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'I will not.'

[Malchaeius] 'A fight between us would likely kill them all.'

Grawrer says 'And what demon promise you Koviaem?'

[Malchaeius] 'I am fine with that. Are you?'

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'How so, Demon?'

Grawrer says 'Make you twisted like him?'

Grawrer snorts derisively.

You say 'He promises me nothing, I live because of him.'

You say 'I am, because he IS'

Malchaeius creates a ball of fire in his open claw.

Grawrer says 'Him use you and him discard you.'

[Malchaeius] 'Perhaps not.'

[Malchaeius] 'But it certainly prevents what I do not want.'

Anume says, 'Used correctly the orb should strengthen the Rifts nicely.

Malchaeius utters the words, 'gaiqhjabral'.

You are surrounded by a white aura.

Zhokril says, 'Or destroy the comfortable world which you inhabit, Sadist.'

Anume says, 'Though they might converge into a single huge one.

[Malchaeius] 'You did not comprehend the sheer power the opening of the Rift has provided me.'

[Malchaeius] 'Even the Gods could not sense.'

Grawrer yells 'Die! Anume, you sorcerous dog!'

You say 'Grawrer, you owe me.'

Aendros mutters to himself. 'This must be a dream...

Aelleor says, 'He owed you nothing.'

You say 'Unless you remove yourself from the halls of battle'

[Malchaeius] 'Though somehow, the Oracles could always detect a presence.'

Nikyodi leers from a distance, lighting another small cigarette.

You say 'You owe me'

You smirk.

[Malchaeius] 'Now. Who today seeks the mark?'

Aendros snarls angrily.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'Do not take it.'

Aendros closes his eyes momentarily.

Aendros is surrounded by a white aura.

Aelleor says, 'Never.'

Anume chortles maliciously.

Zhokril peers intently at Anume.

Thorm flickers with a crimson glow.

You say 'Do not take it'

You say 'I wish them to burn in hell'

Aelleor says, 'The mark is worse than death.'

Aendros looks at Thorm.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'Those who take it, will die by my axe.'

Zhokril says to Anume, 'You do not wish a mark, Anume?'

Anume smirks at Zhokril's saying.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I will not bear it's disgrace.

Anume says, 'I am Malchaeius General already, there are easier ways to draw power.

Aelleor says, 'Lies, Anume.'

Anume smirks.

Aelleor says, 'You know how bad the mark is.'

[Malchaeius] 'Zhokril, as guardian of the timeline, you know this is destined.'

Aendros looks at Zhokril.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'It seems your plan has stalled, Demon.'

Aelleor says, 'You know that it is foolish, and that is why you do not take it.'

Anume says, 'You know nothing, Aelleor. As you have proven.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'They are not foolish enough to hear your lies.'

Palwen's force shield shimmers then fades away.

Aendros has been divinely empowered!

You say 'You knew this would happen'

You say 'You spoke of it'

Grawrer looks at you.

You ponder the question.

[Malchaeius] 'Aendros. I owe you a special bit of thanks.'

Grawrer snarls at you, for some reason.

Aendros growls at Malchaeius. Better leave the room before the fighting starts.

Gradrel raises an eyebrow.

Anume chortles, enjoying the show.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I do not seek your tainted words.

Malchaeius taps his forehead with one of his claws.

Gradrel looks at Aendros.

[Malchaeius] 'Let there not be fear, only stupidity.'

You hear the sadistic laughter of the Demon Lord within your minds.

[Malchaeius] 'I believe you will die down here.'

Malchaeius has transferred you.

The Central Square of Val Miran

You stand amid the central square of Val Miran. All around you colossal

buildings rise up. The smell of commerce is in the air and the citizens of

Val Miran bustle with activity. Horse carts haul trade items for sale in

the Eastern and Western districts, and travelers and adventurers alike walk

the streets in search of new challenges.

[Exits: north east south west up]

A mighty Fortress looms over the area.

(Humming) Pulsating with wild energies the Nexus Rift is here.

The Golden Banner of Val Miran blows in the wind here.

The official Tribunal Roll Call has been posted here.

A granite fountain is here filled with water for the thirsty.

The screams of a thousand souls momentarily fill your ears as Malchaeius appears!

[Malchaeius] 'I leave them to die.'

[Malchaeius] 'You have done well.'

Anume appears right behind you.

You say 'I did as was tasked and more.'

You say 'I cannot ask for anything except to please my creator.'

Malchaeius nods.

[Malchaeius] 'Do you still seek a seat in Herald?'

You ponder the question.

You say 'And what shall I do there'

[Malchaeius] 'Be the voice of the Age.'

Koviaem grins maliciously.

You say 'As commanded.'

You are now a member of cabal Herald.

[Malchaeius] 'It is done.'

[Malchaeius] 'You have been spared.'

[Malchaeius] 'By order.'

Tnaris walks in.

Jalice tells you 'What did they find, besides their own end?'

You tell Jalice 'A traitor in their own ranks'

You tell Jalice 'Deception, betrayal, and deceit'

Jalice tells you 'Besides yourself?'

You tell Jalice 'Yes'

Jalice tells you 'Whom?'

You tell Jalice 'They followed the cloaked form of the demon lord'

You tell Jalice 'He had convinced them that he was Jacobis'

[Malchaeius] 'Keep your ears and eyes open.'

You say 'I shall'

Malchaeius gives you the whispering sandals.

You are now an EXILE.

A royal page hands you a scroll:

By the royal order of Aelleor, Koviaem has been exiled from ValMiran!

And is no longer safeguarded by the laws of Aabahran!

Anume gives the Rift a long considering stare.

Tnaris says 'Exiled without breaking a law..'

You say 'They have always been corrupt'

Tnaris nods at you in agreement.

You say 'I saw to that'

Koviaem grins maliciously.

Anume chuckles, 'Does this astonish you?

Tnaris says 'I find it amusing.'

Tnaris says 'Similar was my own fate.'

A flare of pure chaos is felt as Malchaeius fades into nothingness.

Valadar the count swoops down into the commons in the form of many bats, converging into his dark self

Valadar tells you 'Well well'

Valadar tells you 'I see my curiosity in you was not a wasted notion.'

You tell Valadar 'No, it was not'

In a cold and sinister voice Valadar says, 'And here the blood I drank from you carried some notion of things to come.'

Valadar pulls his hood down, revealing the mark upon his brow, his dark locks falling acros his pale skin.

You see a reddish cloud beginning to form in the sky above Aabahran.

Anume says, 'And so it starts.

Anume watches the Rift calmly.

Koviaem slowly looks up at the skies, his mouth turning into a devilish grin.

In a cold and sinister voice Valadar says, 'So in the end you did more than even I wished of you.'

A larger rift is forming in the sky. Larger. More powerful. And beyond dangerous!

[HERALD] (OUTLAW) (WANTED) Koviaem Tansay the Hand of Manipulation, Voice of the Age of Suffering