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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1635
(5/20/03 2:17 pm)
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The Grove
Ruglan is still sizing up the decorpitated head of Gulkhu when the grey mist suddenly rises up out of thin air and engulfs the group. The atmosphere in the hallway changes almost immediately, the cold silence of the mountain depths replaced by the fresh breeze of the open air, and even the soft singing of birds. The blood-stained hallway of stone is replaced by a fog shrouded grove of ancient trees, their massive trunks reaching up into the mist. Green grass and dried autumn leaves provide a welcome cushion for battle weary feet. Lyssa, the elves, and the entire expedition (including the shrouded forms of Meneloss and Ruig) are clearly not beneath Old Kurlew any longer.
The dozen or so armored elves immediately step away from Lyssa and the party, strangely relaxed and off their guard compared to their lethal and earnest manner just moments earlier. The elf sorceress opens her eyes and smiles at her disoriented guests.
"Welcome. You will be safe here as my guests. There is water and food in the tent yonder. I will return shortly." Lyssa then turns and fades into the deep mist.
Only a few yards away a square, white canvas pavilion stands. As Atan, Ruglan and Sangraal wonder how they're going to get their wounded comrades to the tent a trio of young elven acolytes descends on them from out of the mist. Each utters a whispered prayer over the wounded folk, closing the worst of their injuries and giving even the weakened Madragar the strength to get to their feet.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 5/20/03 2:40:22 pm
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 492
(5/20/03 2:38 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Eyes adjusting to the sudden change in illumination Sangraal wanders over to the tent and peers inside.
"Yelm be praised" he stammers.
Shouldering his pack and flail he steps inside.
Edited by: yucatanyeti at: 5/20/03 2:47:19 pm
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Ruglan
Ruglan
Posts: 169
(5/20/03 2:40 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Ruglan drops his pack next to a tree, removes his armor, and walks to the pavillion for some much needed refreshment. Afterwards, he will rest against the tree.
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1636
(5/20/03 2:43 pm)
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Re: The Grove
A wide stone basin sits in the middle of the tent filled to the brim with clear, cold water. A small table beside it bears an abundance of fresh apples, pears, loaves of bread and chunks of simple Moagaran cheese. A number of wooden chairs are scattered about, though to Sangraal the lush green grass that covers the ground inside the canvas shelter looks very inviting.
As the group staggers about, weary, relieved, though still a bit disoriented, the acolytes (Sangraal thinks they're devotees of Orlanth) adminster to the dead. Ruig and Meneloss are lifted up and set on two low wooden tables nearby, their hastily prepared shrouds replaced with clean white linens.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 5/20/03 2:45:27 pm
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doggius
Kezib Ahitub
Posts: 355
(5/20/03 2:51 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Kezib, finally coming to realize the reality that both Ruig and Meneloss are gone, Kezib walks out of the tent and slumps down with his back against a tree. Looking to the heavens, Kezib laments to himself.
"Why is this the road that you have chosen for me, Oh mighty Yelm? You bring these people, Yimris, Meneloss and Ruig, these honorable and good people, only to be taken away. What cruel joke is this that is played upon my heart?"
Not able to question his god anymore, Kezib places his head in his hands and softly mourns for the fallen.
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Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 481
(5/20/03 2:54 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Madragar fishes into his pack and withdraws two precious gold coins. Wearily, he approaches the acolytes.
"These were brave warriors," he tells them. "A credit to the names of their fathers. Pray for their souls, you who have the ear of the gods. They died well, and prayers should precede them into the sight of the Eternal."
"Their names were Meneloss and Ruig."
He presses the coins into the hands of the nearest acolyte, and, poorer in purse but lighter in spirit, goes to recline in the pavilion.
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 493
(5/20/03 3:17 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Sangraal watches the Acolytes prepare Meneloss and Ruig. He thinks of assisting but dismisses it with one glimse at his blood and grime covered hands.
Gently kneading his fingers he tries to remove the layer of dried gore. Failing at that he moves over to the basin on water and fills up his waterskin.
Then moving outside the tent he leans agianst a tree and begins to wash away the grime and filth.
Edited by: yucatanyeti at: 5/20/03 3:22:23 pm
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Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 535
(5/20/03 3:40 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Draxim, alerted by the change in temperature and pressure, wakens breifly. "Eh? Oh elves, heh heh. Good I'm still dreaming..." snore.
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Atan
Registered User
Posts: 104
(5/20/03 4:40 pm)
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Re: The Grove
While the Acolytes are preparing Meneloss, Atan walks over. Grabbing one by his elbow he speaks quickly, his voice with a little too much intensity. "He wanted to be burned. A funeral pyre."
He turns embarasssedly away from the group, his eyes clouded with water. Wiping his bloodied sleave across his face. He walks to Ruig and puts a hand on the dwarven cleric's chest. After a prolonged moment of silence Atan looks back up at the Acolytes, whose duties he interrupted, "There was another who fell beneath the mountain. Yimris the elven of the Merek Lek. See that he is not forgotten."
There is no hiddding it now. Tears leave distinct trails down Atan's face, cutting swaths of purity through his grime and blood encrusted face. As if fighting the frustration and cascade of emotions, Atan tries to stiffle the tears with his shirt sleaves. Attempting some form of composure, he heads to the door of the tent and outside.
[GM - What happened to Jackal? ]
[So everyone knows I have got all the stuff we picked up in a sac in my backpack.]
Edited by: Atan at: 5/20/03 6:04:56 pm
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1638
(5/20/03 6:33 pm)
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Re: The Grove
The jackal headed broo was taken a short distance away, blindfolded, gagged, and tied securely to an oak tree.
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 495
(5/20/03 10:07 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Sangraal finishes washing his hands and face. Drying them on still dirter clothes, he pauses as the futility of his actions sinks in. He is covered in 5 days of grime, blood and dirt. Unbuckling his armor he drops it at the base of a large moss covered oak, upon it he heaps his helm, flail and pack.
Stalking across the glade he intercepts an acolyte.
"Please make it known to those above you that I wish to participate in the burial of my two companions. Are we to stay here long? If so is there someplace inwhich we can bath ourselves?"
[OOC: Is there anyplace to clean up?]
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1640
(5/20/03 10:14 pm)
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Re: The Grove
There is a shallow stream just a few yards away from the tent, creeping its way through a thicket of thorny shrubs. Sangraal, and anyone that cares to, can clean themselves there.
Meneloss is to be cremated, per Atan's instructions, and it will be done at dawn. Ruig, however, is a Ghurugil (and these strange elves seem to know all about that group of dwarves) so must be taken back to The Lodge.
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1644
(5/20/03 10:24 pm)
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Re: The Grove
Slowly the afternoon passes into evening though the mist, it seems, never diminishes. It becomes clear also that the grove is not some idyllic elvish haven but an armed camp. There are at least two dozen tents scattered along the length of the shallow dell with small camp fires every fifty feet or so, armed elves taking their rest among the ancient forest. At least once Draxim detects the not so distant sounds of an anvil being worked in earnest.
Finally, the group is invited to a slightly larger pavilion, one with space for themselves and Lyssa. There they are seated around a low wooden table. No chairs are present, only leather cushions spread out on the lush green grass. Their wounds still ache, though between Sangraal and the acolytes they have all but vanished. In the informal atmosphere of the pavilion they are served a modest meal of hot meat, warm bread, and cool wine. After days of travel rations it is a culinary paradise.
Lyssa eats quietly, waiting for the initial pangs of hunger griping her guests to subside. Then, sipping wine lightly from a silver cup, she turns to Madragar and speaks.
"Edrigan and I supped at this table many times, young one, and filled the night with our wild stories and intriguing discoveries in the arcane tongue. It was a happy time, for both of us, before the legions marched away. But... those days are over, and will not return."
Lyssa pauses, staring into the crimson depths of the wine.
"I am sorry for what has happend," Lyssa continues, looking at each of her guests in turn. "Many allies have been lost, and have fallen so quickly... you were not meant to go to the mountain. That place is known far from the shores of Moagara, and it should have been protected. There was no time, you see?" Lyssa's eyes are filled with sorrow, and it is clear she at least partially blames herself for the deaths of Ruig and Meneloss.
Then, sighing deeply, she continues. "There are many questions, and I hope to provide some of the answers. It is a long story, and one that begins just a few short months ago... no, earlier. I should go back to the beginning."
Lyssa takes a long, slow draught of wine and begins her tale...
[Sit back. This could take a while.]
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1648
(5/21/03 10:39 am)
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Lyssa's Tale
"The Shadows forever seek the destruction of Yelm and his children, spreading despair, madness and devastation wherever they cast their hollow, lifeless eyes. They are cunning beasts, and Chaos crept across the land of the Moagari like a secret plague in a time when the tribes struggled against each other for dominance. Worship of the Shadow Cults spread quietly among the simple folk, and many did not understand the poison they were ingesting until far too late to save themselves or their families."
"The tribes continued to fight; clan warfare was all they knew. Then, out of the west, came Irigaal. Yes... I can see that you have heard that name. Irigaal, Lord of the Paindrinkers, and the hero Hralma Ten-herds that defeated him in the autumn mists of the Nral valley... the story is true, or at least most of it. Urox was the first among the Lightbringers to reach down among the Moagari and raise up a champion, what we now call the Rune Lords. The Storm Bull's hatred for Chaos and lust for war broke upon the land like a tidal wave. Irigaal was defeated and the terror of his coming shook the Moagari free of their internal struggles. Worship of the Lightbringers was revived, and new Rune Lords arose among the faithful."
"Irigaal was the first form taken by the great Shadow that haunts us now. It was a creature unwillingly possessed by the corrupting influence of Chaos and infused with incredible, unholy power. Generations passed and the tribes grew restless and forgetful. Again they descended into the turmoil of clan warfare, sons and sons of sons seeking to settle old scores. Again the Shadow Cults returned, and so too did the Shadow itself. This time it took the form of a giant wyrm, the chillserpent Slaeg Gnara, a beast of such size and power that it plunged down into the solid rock of the mountain to make its lair. Old Kurlew became its home and the Shadow Cults worshiped it as a god."
"The wyrm knew no equal among the Moagari, and the land was devastated by its passage. Gaining strength from the vast, bloody sacrifices of its worshipers, Slaeg Gnara was poised to destroy everything from Dobrug to the Isselwaith. Yet, at that moment Yelm chose to seek aid beyond the shores of Moagara, and hither came Darqai, Lord Marshall of the Empire with two legions and little patience for local strife."
"I've always wondered what Moagara looked like back then, through the eyes of an Imperial noble. I believe the Lord Marshall simply saw two warring tribes and, given a mandate to conquer the land, declared war on both. The tribes quickly capitulated, being badly weakened by their battles against Slaeg Gnara and its accursed followers. The Shadow Cults were quickly subdued, their ranks devastated by the pitiless legions, their lairs sealed by Lunar priests. The temple beneath Old Kurlew was besieged, and Slaeg Gnara eventually driven back into its pit and slain. Though the Shadow fled the dying body of the chillserpent, many other lesser Shadows remained in the depths of the mountain. Thus, the Pit of Slaeg Gnara was also sealed."
"But, as you know, the Legions did not stay to maintain the peace they had forged. Their departure was foretold, and it was then that the Ulur tribe of giants, bitter enemies of the Shadows, came forth from the Wild Lands and made a blood oath to protect the Pit of Slaeg Gnara. Old Kurlew became the home of the elder Koraeus, and he crafted the fortress with his own hands. Soon he came upon a previously unknown tunnel where a darkleech of incredible size was burrowing its way to the surface. The wise Koraeus intercepted the creature's tunnelling at the lip of the Great Chasm and, with the aid of Edrigan and myself, destroyed the darkleech, fought back the tide of Shadows, and sealed the tunnel with potent enchantments and a simple but adequate lock."
"From that moment, Edrigan, Koraeus and I became allies. We called it the Long Watch, for there was no power from Dobrug to Raven's Gate that would come to our aid if we failed to keep the broo from coming north from the Wild Lands. With Koraeus vigilently guarding over Old Kurlew, Edrigan and I kept a watchful eye on the surrounding forests. Edrigan made his home in the Cullwood, I came here to the Grove, deep in the Braithvale. I often crept into the Wild Lands, taking the form of the beasts of the forest, or sometimes even as a broo. The movements of the Jangui tribe were well known to me and when they came north to raid we rode to meet them. We were grateful when the Merek Lek learned to cooperate with us, to heed our warnings. For a time the settled lands were safe."
"Then came the Gorgon, a wizard from somewhere beyond the sea. We did not know his purpose at first, and he showed no signs of being hostile, but it did not last. The Gorgon had been corrupted, just as Irigaal had been, and as the great wyrm Slaeg Gnara, too. Perhaps his studies brought him too close to the dark sorcery of the Outer Worlds, or the vile blasphemy of necromancy. I was patrolling the Wild Lands when he struck and before I returned Edrigan had disappeared."
"Since that day my followers and I have struggled to stem the tide of Jangui broo that has boiled up from the Wild Lands. We call ourselves the Grovewardens, and just as the Merek Lek kept watch over the Nral river valley, so have we maintained watch over the Rhevas. Koraeus reinforced his great hall, and prepared for the assault that was sure to come."
"Word came that you had escaped the Gorgon's minions, Madragar, so I tracked their movements. It didn't take them long to find you in Dobrug, and it appeared I came just in time. Druuga surely would have dragged you back to his master had I not intervened... in the form of an elven horseman. It is a disguise I prefer to use when outside the protection of the Grove. I was glad to see you took my advice, and that Meneloss travelled with you."
"My strength has been surely tested since that day. I have roamed all over this land, trying to find the Gorgon and uncover his scheme. My eyes were pleased to see you defend the home of the lady Grugni, and my ears were filled with joy at tales of your exploits in Werthyn. I yearned to guide you away from Old Kurlew when it became clear you intended to go there, but Koraeus had already fallen."
"The Gorgon must have studied the mountain fortress in great detail, for his army marched north with wooden ramps designed specifically to scale the outer defenses. With Koraeus I battled the Jangui host, supported as they were by the Gorgon and his minions. The unexpected arrival of the Merek Lek brought us hope, but the Gorgon was too strong. I was forced to flee north, to warn the council in Dobrug and all the villages between the rivers. Koraeus fought the broo all the way back the the door of Old Kurlew, taking with him whatever Merek Lek remained. Their defense was valiant, but doomed. The Lord of the Mountain was overcome, and his corpse dragged south into the Wild Lands. The Ulur tribe sensed his death and immediately sent another of their kin, the young Daemagu, to take the place of Koraeus as the new guardian of the Pit."
"I pursued the Gorgon, harassed his column, and tried to discern what he intended with Koraeus' body, though I had my fears. When I felt someone trying to open the Chasm Door I had no choice but to return. I gathered the Grovewardens and made for Old Kurlew, and reached it only a short time before Daemagu's arrival. There I found the aftermath of your valiant battle, and... here we are."
Edited by: Jubilex at: 5/21/03 11:25:37 am
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Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 109
(5/21/03 11:06 am)
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Re: Lyssa's Tale
Atan listens intently to Lyssa's tale, not bothering to eat during the whole story for fear that the food would distract him and he would miss something. At the end of her story Atan sits back alittle more relaxed, "So that could be why a Legionairre was in Old Kurlew. Although I wonder why he was alone....well, except for that dwarf. Also I thnk we can be glad that we did not open those doors across chasm." A slight chucle escapes his lips when he recalls the heated debate, "We came very close to opening it Lyssa." Taking a bite of his food, "So, we are in the Brandlewood? Cullwood I recongize but I do not recall the Brandlewood. Are we close to Ravensgate?"
[OOc -I didn't see Brandlewood on any of the maps. Would I be familiar with it?]
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 498
(5/21/03 11:06 am)
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Re: Lyssa's Tale
"My Lady" Sangraal says " It seems it was most fortuatous that we both investigated the Chasm door and choose to leave it alone. Your arrival most assuredly saved us from the anger of Daemagu."
"There was another under the mountain whose pressence and conduct were puzzling to say the least. For he was a Legionarre, and as you mentioned earlier about the forces of darkness studing the mountains defenses, this legionarre was looking for the secret halls of Old Kurlew. How he fits into this is beyond my knowledge, but I believe it is information best passed on to the new guardian of the Pit of Slaeg Gnara, and to thoses who seek to protect it."
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Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 110
(5/21/03 11:10 am)
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Re: Lyssa's Tale
Hearing Sangraal ask the same questions momments after his own, Atan tilts his head like a confused dog.
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1649
(5/21/03 11:28 am)
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Re: Lyssa's Tale
[My mistake. It's the Braithvale, not the Brandlewood.]
"A legionnaire and his accomplice... mercenaries perhaps." Lyssa refills her cup and narrows her eyes as she ponders the question. "The Gorgon would have needed someone to help the Jangui construct the wooden ramps and to remove the stones from atop the Pit. Carpentry is a skill the broo lack. Once the task was complete, the dwarf may have simply been exploring, trying to find some additional treasure to line his purse."
"In any event, you were wise not to open the Chasm Door. Its defenses were only meant to keep at bay those tainted by Chaos, but the final turn of the lock would have killed everyone in the cavern."
Edited by: Jubilex at: 5/21/03 11:39:49 am
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Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 111
(5/21/03 12:54 pm)
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Re: Lyssa's Tale
Atan, still chewing a bit of fruit, nods his head and smirks, amused at the thought of how close the party came to folly. Holding his hand slightly in front of his mouth so as not to appear rude speaking while eating, "I hope I am not too much of a bother but I have another question. You said we were never intended to go to Old Kurlew. Was there a place you wished us to travel? Or just anywhere other than the mountain? Also Gulkhu and his ilk did manage to open the pit. Could have anything of Chaos escaped despite our presence?"
[OOC - Did I use all my healing kit? It was good for 5 checks.)
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1650
(5/21/03 1:35 pm)
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Re: Lyssa's Tale
[Atan has used almost all of his healing supplies. He'll need to restock.]
"You were not meant to go, no, but it is fortunate you did. The Jangui beneath Old Kurlew were still strong when you set out for the mountain. I honestly didn't think you would survive against such odds. Yet, as I said, there was no one to oppose Gulkhu and his band, though I did not expect them to move so quickly in clearing the Pit. Their plan is foiled, and the Dark Eye is dead. This is cause for celebration, at least."
"But you are mistaken if you think the Pit was opened. I was there, remember. That last stone was in place, holding the old Lunar seal shut. Believe me, if the Pit had opened you would not be sitting here now. I imagine Daemagu is piling more stones on the portal as we speak."
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Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 112
(5/21/03 2:28 pm)
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Re: Lyssa's Tale
With the official news that the Broo's plan was successfully thwarted Atan holds his fist in the air, giving it a robust shake, "In your eye Gulkhu!"
"But what about the other?", Atan ask with a jerk of his head in the direction of the bound Jackal-headed Broo. "He speaks Moagaran, that is the only thing that stayed our hand. But with many of our questions answered, it now seems more burden then boon."
[OOC - After removing Jackals equipment, does its eyes still glow weirdly?]
Edited by: Atan at: 5/21/03 2:30:51 pm
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