An Audience With Khalandar, Lord of Cursed S'handor

[Raargant]

A darkness descends about you... it is oppresive in nature.

Gantanir snickers softly.

Gantanir yells out his warcry.

Gantanir yells 'The one god, I bring forth your fury!'

You now follow yourself.

You stop following Stocaryn.

A scourge demon speaks in a demanding tone. 'You will come with me.'

Stocaryn looks at a scourge demon.

Gantanir raises an eyebrow.

Gantanir says 'It speaks.'

Flesico sighs softly. 'I see.'

You now follow a scourge demon.

Gantanir sniffs the demon.

A scourge demon says 'Excellent. This will be easier than I hoped.'

Stocaryn blinks innocently.

Stocaryn says 'Wut?'

Gantanir says 'What is it you want again?'

Flesico lifts his palm toward Stocaryn. 'Don't worry.'

Flesico draws an oversized quill pen from his vest pocket.

Flesico nasales, 'I expect I will be needing parchment.'

A scourge demon procures a large sack which it places over your head! With a well placed punch, you are knocked out cold.

The scourge demon spreads its wings and takes into the air, disappearing from sight within moments.

The Bodyguard's Keep

This room is finely decorated and furnished. You see a window that

looks out to the destruction and devastation of the city. Balwen's own

bodyguards use to stay here. It's amazing how the destruction of the

city did not affect this room.

[Exits: south]

A scourge demon is here looking for another kill.

(White Aura) The Curse of Virigoth stands before you, its eyes full of contemplative insanity.

When you come to, you find yourself in front of the massive beast known as the Curse of Virigoth.

Flesico, rings under his eyes, looks up from his possition on all fours to behold the Khalandar.

The Curse and the Demon seem to be having a conversation... as the haze clears from your mind.

Flesico sits back on his heels, his head heavy and rolling on his shoulders.

Khalandar says 'You have your orders, demon.'

A scourge demon kneels respectfully before Khalandar.

A scourge demon says 'They will be carried out, your Majesty.'

Noticing that you are coming to, Khalandar turns its massive form to look at you.

His eyes tacky, Flesico blinks away the blur. '...Oh dear.'

Morchial tells you 'Let us meet at the druidic temple in the forest south of val miran, should you truly need to meet in person.'

You tell Morchial 'Do not wait for me. Something has happened...'

Morchial tells you 'Indeed.'

With its claws clasped behind its back, this creature carries itself regally. Though you can detect the insanity within its eyes, you can tell that it holds its desire in check.

Khalandar says 'Welcome, Herald.'

Flesico hunches for a moment before hobbling to his feet. 'Your Majesty.'

Flesico's cracked monocle swings by its chain from his vest pocket.

Khalandar smirks.

Khalandar says 'The Heralds are famed for their story-telling.'

Khalandar says 'Perhaps YOU would like to hear a story?'

Flesico manages a small, yet honest smile. 'Oh my. I would!'

Khalandar says 'Look out of this window. What do you see?'

Flesico turns his two green eyes to the window and peeks through it.

Outside of the city gates, you see a massive army of demons and undead.

Rubbing the back of his head, Flesico comments: 'I've looked through this window, but not at such a sight at this!'

They pour into the city, and the gates close behind them. Throughout the city, there is a hustle and bustle of activity as all kinds of unliving and deformed creatures mill about.

Some work on weaponry, others practice drills and formations. You can hardly see the ground as there are so many who are gathered.

Khalandar appears to be disappointed at your response.

Flesico timidly approaches the window to get a broader view of the commotion.

Khalandar says 'I meant the city itself. The once beautiful city of S'handor.'

Flesico touches the glass with his fingertips. 'I see.'

Khalandar says 'DO YOU REALLY SEE?!'

Khalandar grabs you and holds you outside of the window itself, its grip is for all intents and purposes unbreakable!

Flesico's breath is seized. He gags.

Khalandar narrows its eyes. Eyes that hold much carnage within. It views you with such intense hatred. And with every syllable spoken, the creature proceeds to shake you.

Khalandar says 'LOOK! I TELL YOU! LOOK AND TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE!'

Khalandar says 'THE STRUCTURES! THE BUILDINGS! THE PEOPLE!'

Khalandar says 'WHAT DO YOU SEE?!'

Teeth bared, Flesico chokes: 'I ... see ... Kingdom.'

Having had enough, Khalandar brings you inside of the window, tossing you unceremoniously on the ground.

Flesico rolls several times before coming to a halt on his stomach.

The creature seems to be somewhat calmed, though its nature is quite unstable.

Noisily, Flesico takes in an enormous breath and returns to his hands and knees.

Khalandar says 'S'handor was once a great city of Light.'

Khalandar says 'One place where the residents of this Abyss-forsaken world could come and find peace.'

Khalandar says 'A veritable unpenetrable fortress. '

Khalandar says 'Though the king was a fool.'

Panting, Flesico returns his reddened, yet quiet eyes to Khalandar.

Khalandar says 'Balwen the Magnificent, they called him.'

Khalandar snorts even at the mention of the word 'Magnificent'.

Khalandar says 'But this isnt the story of Balwen.'

Khalandar says 'No.'

Khalandar says 'This is the story of Vergat.'

Khalandar says 'You know of Vergat, no?'

Flesico stands, his knees crooked. 'I do.'

Khalandar says 'What do you know of him?'

Khalandar peers at you intently.

Flesico rubs his jaw. 'A servant.'

Flesico glances at the ceiling. 'The 'traitor'.'

Khalandar tosses its head backwards and proceeds to laugh. Though as the laugh continues, you begin to see that it is a laugh that is seeded with anger and pain.

Without notice, Khalandar proceeds to grab you by the collar and drag you out of the room.

Khalandar forces you to go south.

Hallway in the Palace

The walls are dark as night. You hear the call of a beast in the

distance. Souls of those that lost their lives in S'handor Fortress are

hovering over you.

Khalandar forces you go south.

The Study

This room is surrounded by dark magic. It is much like the hallway

outside. The room is dark and cold. This used to be the king's personal

study, but now, it's nothing more than a wreck.

Flesico's black bowtie tears loose. 'Nnh.'

Khalandar drops you face first on a familiar, though secret, door.

Flesico's nose nearly cracks against the Portal of Vergat. He yipes.

Khalandar says 'Yes... a traitor... a servant..'

Khalandar says 'But so much more...'

Khalandar says 'A dark soul, was he.'

Flesico pushes himself up and pivots his head to again witness Khalandar.

Khalandar says 'He was born and raised within these city walls.'

Khalandar says 'Back when this city, and not Miruvhor, was the Jewel of the East.'

Khalandar says 'Growing up poor, he always wanted to be one of the King's' followed by an exaggeration of the word, 'FAAAAMED bodyguards'

Khalandar says 'Led by one known as Traugor the Just.'

Flesico's eyes wander as he defiantly returns to his feet. 'Traugor...'

Khalandar says 'He had to show his worth. And thus, was forced to begin with the cityguards.'

Khalandar says 'He was hired.'

Khalandar says 'And quickly became one of their best...'

Khalandar smirks.

Khalandar says '...and cruelest men.'

Khalandar says 'Torturing a barbarian here. Brutalizing a mountain bandit there.'

Khalandar says 'Even extorting the most prominent citizens.'

Flesico licks the interior of his lower lip, which he finds has collected some blood.

Khalandar says 'He gained the interest of Mordeth, one of the King's many advisors.'

Khalandar says 'You see. Mordeth was an... ambitious man.'

Khalandar grins to add effect to his words.

Eyeing Vergat's portal, Flesico continues to listen.

Khalandar says 'A greedy man by nature, Mordeth made a deal with Vergat.'

Now Khalandar begins to stroll about the study, eyeing what's left of the books and other baubles of interest. Is it taking inventory perhaps?

The movement attracts Flesico's wide-eyed attention.

Khalandar says 'Mordeth told Vergat that he would make him Head of the Famed Bodyguards of the King!'

Khalandar twirls around. This time its smile is maniacal.

Khalandar says 'On one condition: If Vergat would lead a rebellion against the so-called Magnificent king!'

Khalandar says 'Vergat accepted. Of course, he was a natural leader. Within months the rebellion had gained a large following.'

Khalandar says 'Secret, of course.'

Khalandar says 'And unknownst to the fool of a king.'

Khalandar picks up one of the few surviving books and thumbs through the torn pages.

Khalandar says 'Mordeth funded the endeavor, of course. Even got Vergat a position amongst the new inductees of the famed bodyguards.'

Khalandar says 'Oh, how deep the pockets of that one were.'

Khalandar spits in disgust. The acidic spittle burns a hole on the floor.

Khalandar says 'As fate would have it, the plan was uncovered.'

Khalandar says 'Or I should say...'

Khalandar grins evilly.

Khalandar says 'Mordeth betrayed Vergat.'

Khalandar says 'Leaking the plan to the King under the guise of having discovered the treachery.'

Khalandar says 'Mordeth had little trust that the plan would work, but he manipulated himself into the position of the King's main advisor.'

Flesico lowers his chin, piffing a sigh. 'Oh my.'

The Khalandar shakes its head, and leans its hulking form against a delapitated bookcase.

Khalandar says 'A promotion for his great work!'

The enthusiasm of the Khalandar reeks of mockery.

Khalandar says 'The night before the would-be raid.'

Khalandar says 'King Balwen had Traugor the Just gathered a large force of his most fierce and well trained bodyguards.'

Khalandar says 'They attacked the base of the rebels.'

Khalandar says 'Oh, it was massacre!'

Khalandar throws back its head and cackles with insane glee!

Khalandar speaks this part of the tale -very- slowly, as if enjoying every gory detail.

Khalandar says 'They set the building on fire!'

Khalandar says 'The best battle, however, was between Traugor the Just and Vergat.'

Khalandar says 'Vergat was an excellent combatant, you see.'

By the words of the beast, you can almost picture the battle in your head...

Flesico's eyebrows pique.

A burning building... combat raging between two solitary figures....

One - later in his years... the other - younger and quite lithe but powerful in appearance.

Khalandar says 'Traugor was the better fighter - NOT due to strength - but the experience that came through many a campaign!'

Khalandar knees you in the gut, bringing you down to your knees! It then brings an elbow against the side of your face with so much force that you feel stunned!

Flesico heaves out this little, aged breath that hardly carries. He lands solidly on the floor of the study.

Khalandar feigns a stabbing motion towards your heart! Clearly, the beast is caught up in a memory of sorts.

Khalandar says 'Yes. As the tale goes.'

Khalandar says 'Traugor was said to have stabbed Vergat through his dark heart.'

Khalandar says 'But he survived! Traugor's aim was not true!'

Khalandar says 'Vergat moved JUST enough to avoid the fatal blow!'

Flesico's uppermost arm sways half consciously above him. He grips his ringing ear.

Khalandar says 'Traugor left Vergat there to die. To burn in the fiery building that was near total collapse.'

Khalandar says 'All of Vergat's men were by this point dead or captured and on their way to the gallows.'

Khalandar says 'The resilient do not die easy however... Vergat managed to crawl out before his fate was sealed.'

Khalandar says 'Do you know what happened next?'

Though the question seems to be rhetoric in composition, the Khalandar still eyes you very intently.

Flesico rolls to his back, a hand against his concaved gut. 'No.'

Khalandar lifts you by the neck, bringing you to merely inches away from its face. To say the breath of this creature is foul would be an understatement!

Khalandar says 'He got his wounds healed. And changed his name...'

The eyes of the Khalandar narrow.

Khalandar says 'To Virigoth.'

Flesico's closed eyes part into small, watery slits. 'No...'

Khalandar says 'Yes.'

Khalandar says 'He vowed revenge on S'Handor and all of its inhabitants.'

Flesico again bares his teeth, gasping for air. 'V-Virigoth?' It is clear he is fighting to disbelieve his own ears.

Khalandar says 'It was during the fourth age, and as fate would have it, the armies of Chaos needed able men.'

Khalandar says 'Virigoth joined their cause. Awaiting his opportunity to strike back.'

Khalandar says 'His skill earned him a position of commander.'

Khalandar says 'I am sure you are well-versed in the story at that point.'

Khalandar releases you again, leaving you to fall the great distance between its face and the floor.

Flesico *glucks* from the very back of his throat after collapsing to the floor.

Khalandar continues his story, without a care for your physical well-being.

Khalandar says 'Years after Vergat's defeat - the wars of Chaos raged throughout Aabahran.'

Khalandar says 'S'handor, however, still remained a fortress that most did not believe possible to destroy.'

Khalandar says 'Attack after countless attack failed to bring S'handor down.'

Khalandar says 'A Fortress with thick walls surrounded by a mountain.'

Khalandar says 'It was a death trap for all who would dare make the attempt.'

Now very jittery, Flesico props himself up on his knee, hunched toward the floor.

Khalandar says 'King Balwen the Magnificent was praised! The citizens were happy. The failed rebellion was only a bad memory.'

Khalandar says 'But memories have a bad way of resurfacing when you least expect them...'

Khalandar says 'Virigoth, as he now called himself, had now fallen into the grasp of the Nameless.'

Khalandar says 'In the middle of the night, Virigoth appeared to Mordeth.'

Khalandar says 'Who is still the King's most trusted advisor.'

Khalandar says 'Mordeth nearly emptied his bowels on himself at the sight of Virigoth.'

Khalandar says 'One who he believed had died. None of Mordeth's sweet words would sway Virigoth.'

Khalandar says 'Virigoth gave the pudgy bastard two options: He could die now for his treachery. Or he could aid Virigoth take S'handor.'

Khalandar says 'The coward, of course, chose the latter.'

Khalandar says 'For the week following, Mordeth set up his plan.'

Khalandar says 'He sabotaged all of the army's weaponry.'

Khalandar grins evilly.

Khalandar says 'And other supplies.'

Khalandar says 'But the most crucial point of sabotage?'

The eyes of the Khalandar extend as it relates the following.

Flesico elevates his chin at last.

Khalandar says 'The day of Virigoth's assault - Mordeth throws a banquet for all of the cities healers, clerics, and holy warriors.'

Khalandar begins by speaking 'The wine...' and ends by whispering '...was drugged'

Khalandar throws back its head and cackles with insane glee!

Khalandar says 'They all slept soundly!'

A vague little smile forms on Flesico's face, despite the obvious pain in his eyes.

Khalandar says 'The invasion comes, and their best hope all sleep!'

Khalandar throws back its head and cackles with insane glee!

Khalandar says 'Oh how peaceful was that sleep... their last.'

Khalandar says 'Within one hour, S'Handor was overtaken.'

Khalandar says 'ONE HOUR!'

Khalandar says 'The fortress that could not be conquered!'

Khalandar says 'One hour!'

Khalandar says 'Revenge is such a sweet dish.'

Flesico supports himself with his hands, one on each knee.

Khalandar says 'Virigoth ordered the entire city burned.'

Khalandar says 'Like his base was set on fire.'

Khalandar says 'ALL citizens. Men. Women. AND child alike were put to the sword!'

Khalandar laughs, taking pleasure in the gory details once more.

Khalandar says 'NONE were spared. Well. Almost none.'

Khalandar says 'Virigoth made his way into the castle, where the King was watching the destruction.'

Khalandar backhands you with such force that you are sent flying into the next chamber!

The Bodyguard's Keep

This room is finely decorated and furnished. You see a window that

looks out to the destruction and devastation of the city. Balwen's own

bodyguards use to stay here. It's amazing how the destruction of the

city did not affect this room.

Khalandar flies in.

Khalandar says 'THIS VERY ROOM!'

Flesico, heaped into the corner, groans.

Khalandar says 'Yes... this very room.'

Khalandar says 'The King cowered here. Unable to comprehend the destruction. The betrayal.'

Khalandar says 'His men guarded him. Honoring their oath!'

Khalandar rasps, 'The fools.'

Khalandar says 'Virigoth single-handedly sent each and every member of the bodyguards to their doom.'

Khalandar says 'But he saved Traugor for last.'

Khalandar says 'Toying with the aged warrior.'

Khalandar says 'Taunting.'

Khalandar says 'Teasing.'

Khalandar says 'Torturing.'

Flesico cradles his jaw in one palm as his mouth continues bleeding.

Khalandar says 'Before plunging Carnifex through his heart. But Virigoth did not miss.'

Khalandar says 'And for further insult, he beheaded Traugor.'

Khalandar says 'Only one stood between Balwen and Virigoth... Mordeth.'

Khalandar says 'Virigoth took much pleasure in letting the King know of Mordeth's betrayal.'

Khalandar says 'And so, Mordeth received his 'reward' for taking part in treachery once more.'

Khalandar says 'His form was twisted by Virigoth.'

Khalandar says 'Forced to never be able to tell the truth about what happened.'

Khalandar says 'And since he was such a greedy soul, he was given ALL of the wealth of S'handor. Cursed to NEVER be able to leave the palace.'

Khalandar throws back its head and cackles with insane glee!

Khalandar says 'To have the wealth of a Kingdom, but to be able to spend none of it.'

Khalandar says 'He was literally forced to lie in the bed of his own making.'

Khalandar says 'But the story is not over... not yet.'

Khalandar says 'Virigoth grabs the King, leading him into a chamber well beneath this castle.'

Khalandar says 'I suppose you have seen it?'

Flesico props his back against the wall, breathing heavily.

Flesico nasales, 'I have.'

Khalandar says 'Yes. There he shows the King something truly 'Magnificent'. A tool of death.'

Khalandar says 'The Soul Forge.'

Khalandar says 'With it, Virigoth turns this entire city into a land of the dead.'

You see swarms of demons outside of the window, along with masses of undead. It is like a sea of activity.

Khalandar says 'The S'Handor you know.'

Khalandar says 'With his final curse...'

Khalandar takes a hulking step towards you.

Khalandar says 'Virigoth twisted the form of the King...'

Khalandar takes another hulking step towards you.

Khalandar says 'Turning the beloved king into a mindless beast.'

Flesico's eyes travel up to Khalandar's face. His eyes widen again and he whispers. 'Balwen.'

Khalandar closes the distance with another hulking step towards you.

Khalandar says 'Cursed to roam his city. Never free to leave. As a living curse.'

There is nowhere to go now. The Khalandar blocks any possible exit.

Flesico's mouth thins, a line of blood reaching from his lower lip to his chin.

Khalandar leans over you, and the telling of this tale has obviously angered the creature to no bounds.

Khalandar says 'The Curse of Virigoth.'

Khalandar says 'How my connection was interrupted, I know not. But I have regained control of this body.'

Khalandar says 'No longer mindless.'

Khalandar says 'But now, I hunger for revenge.'

Khalandar says 'If I cannot exact it on Virigoth. I will exact it on Aabahran, so that ALL may know the pain of S'handor.'

Khalandar says 'THE PAIN OF BALWEN!'

Khalandar says 'Tell your citizens that their death will be slow. Painful.'

Khalandar says 'A great holocaust will sweep this land!'

Khalandar grabs you gingerly this time, easily holding you over its head. It brings you over to the window and dangles you there.

Khalandar yells 'BEHOLD DEMONS AND UNLIVING! YOUR KING SPEAKS!'

At this, the sea of creatures beneath the castle all turn and look up at the window.

Khalandar yells 'OUR TIME SOON COMES! REVENGE WILL BE OURS!'

Sweat runs down Flesico's face from all angles.

At this - all of the foul beasts raise their hands and claws in unison! Cheering!

The entire fortress of S'handor vibrates with the zeal of this army of utter chaos!

Khalandar says 'Your time here is over.'

Flesico whispers, 'I have your tale safely in my heart, your Majesty.'

Khalandar says 'Good. I hope you survive then.' releases his hold on you, and you fall from the window! The wind rushes about your body as you free-fall to what appears to be your certain death!

Several demons are awaiting your fall, and spring into the air! But they do not rise to aid you - they rise to claw you as you fall!

You are pulled in several directions at once! This luckily slows your fall enough so that your impact on the sea of undead and demons is only painful and not fatal!

Flesico hisses, panicked and rather numb. His eyes remain pinched closed.

Quickly, the army surrounds you, tearing at your form! You can feel the cold hands of many attempting to tear you to bits... LITERALLY!

One word frees itself from Flesico's tightened lips: 'Malanith'.

Darkness begins to envelope you. The comfort of death cannot be too far...

Throughout Aabahran, the war cry of a massive army can be heard! This is followed by silence... which is disturbed by the piercing scream of the Khalandar.... All is silent afterward...

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.