Difference between revisions of "Road to Revolution 1"

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<pre>Isyle drinks water from the marble fountain.
+
<pre>Shielded Bank of the Hyloth River
−
 
+
  Spreading from the western ridge to the rapids to the east, this small
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Padraic tells you 'Gate to me.'
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sliver of snow-covered earth is shielded from the erosive waters of the
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+
Hyloth by a raised bank made of hard rock.  The high grey ridge-face is
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You step into the void, crossing space with your magics.
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dotted with small ledges, each covered with fresh, white snow, almost
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The magical winds of the void tear at you!
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appearing as a giant staircase.  A collection of arranged sticks and
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You fade into existence.
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branches pokes out over a ledge high on the ridge-face.   
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Your passage through the void DISMEMBERS you!
+
−
 
+
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The Infirmary
+
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  The infirmary of Krilin Fortress is a spacious room with bare wooden
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walls and a well-worn log floor.  A wooden countertop is build into the west
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wall, cluttered with bandages, salves, and healing ointments.  A round
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shield decorated with the symbol of Jolinn is mounted on the wall.  The
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−
infirmary continues south.
+
  
 
[Exits: south]
 
[Exits: south]
−
(Hide) Padraic the Hero of the Shadows is here.
 
−
A scholar of water bustles about the infirmary.
 
−
 
−
Padraic looks at you.
 
−
 
−
You fade out of existence.
 
−
 
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Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'Shal I take us somewhere more private?'
 
−
 
−
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
 
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Padraic spreads his hands.
 
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Padraic says 'Do as you like.'
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'If there is no need.'
 
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Vaeshir nods to Padriac.
 
−
 
−
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
 
−
Padraic says 'What are your feelings on our High Priest?'
 
−
 
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Your protective shield fades away.
 
−
 
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Vaeshir's expression hardens, his face now grave.
 
−
 
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Padraic says 'The question is a simple one.'
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'It carries with it a great number of questions.'
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'I have both praise and reservations for the man.'
 
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Vaeshir smiles thinly 'Why do you ask?'
 
−
 
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Padraic steps out of the shadows.
 
−
Padraic says 'I have been away from my duties for quite some time'
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'Did you know him at all before your departure?'
 
−
 
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Padraic nods.
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'You feel he may have changed?'
 
−
 
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Padraic says 'I am wondering, perhaps hoping, that he has.'
 
−
 
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Vaeshir laces his fingers together before him.
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'Hoping that he might have changed how?'
 
−
 
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Padraic says 'My own questions remains unanswered.'
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'Quite true.'
 
−
 
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Padraic eyes the scholar quietly.
 
−
 
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Padraic says 'Perhaps it is best if you take us away.'
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'Very well.'
 
−
Vaeshir traces a broad circle in the air.
 
−
 
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A shimmering gate rises up before you.
 
−
 
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You enter a shimmering gate.
 
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A Crystal-filled Cave
 
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  The subterranean tunnel curves to the north and east at this point, the
 
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cave walls formed of a dark brown sedimentary stone.  Sprouting from this
 
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stone are dozens of naturally-formed crystals, whose intricate shapes line
 
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the walls in shimmering patterns.  Broken shards and whole shafts of crystal
 
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lay about the floor of the cave, the smaller pieces filling the various
 
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cracks and variations in the stone floor.
 
−
 
−
[Exits: north east]
 
 
     A shimmering black gate rises from the ground, leading to parts unknown.
 
     A shimmering black gate rises from the ground, leading to parts unknown.
−
A large pile of crystals moves fitfully about the cave.
+
    A large eagle's nest sits precariously balanced on a stone ledge.
−
You fade into existence.
+
Padraic the Hero of the Shadows is here.
−
Your passage through the void hits you.
+
Shasarik the Thane of Battle is here.
 +
A weak, newly hatched eagle sits warm within the nest, squeaking piteously.
 +
Using the nest as insulation against the winds, an eagle preens herself.
  
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Padraic has arrived through a shimmering gate.
+
Your passage through the void maims you!
−
Padraic's passage through the void wounds him.
+
A raven has arrived through a shimmering gate.
 +
A raven's passage through the void decimates it!
  
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You fade out of existence.
+
Shasarik lowers his gaze from the sky.
  
−
### Walk out of the Crystal-filled Cave
+
The sun slowly disappears in the west.
 +
Clouds move into the area, obscuring the sky.
  
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A Rough Earthen Tunnel
+
Shasarik peers about his surroundings quietly before resting his gaze on the river.
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  The walls of the rough earthen tunnel continue, with jagged pieces of
+
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stone protruding from the sides.  The floor is uneven, and appears to have
+
−
been chiseled in places.  The rough tunnel continues to the north and east,
+
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and a side tunnel leads upwards.
+
  
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[Exits: east west up]
+
Vaeshir touches his mouth in rememberance.
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(Hide) Padraic the Hero of the Shadows is here.
+
  
−
Padraic nods.
+
Shasarik says 'I have been here before.'
 +
Shasarik says 'Yes.  Only by your... gates... this may not even be Avendar from what I know.'
  
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.
+
Vaeshir whispers 'Isn't it wonderful?'
  
−
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Shasarik looks at an eagle hatchling.
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Padraic says 'The question, to the hyperactive mind, is laced with political agendas and intrigue.'
+
  
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Your description is:
+
Padraic rolls his eyes diffidently.
−
Very few physical traits remain to tie this man to his racial heritage.
+
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The skin about his face is predominantly smooth, a trait unusual for those
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of his race, and seems to be pulled taught against his frail frame. His
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head, completely bald, exhibits his angular bone structure diffidently,
+
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complementing the thin, sharp features of his face.  His jaw is often
+
−
clenched, making the muscles about his jaw more pronounced than usual.  From
+
−
time to time, they chatter, revealing unusually shaped teeth that peek
+
−
out from between thin lips.  A band of black cloth, clearly old and
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worn, is tied about his head, covering the unsettling sockets, one of the
+
−
few remaining marks of his shuddeni heritage, from clear view.  Thin
+
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charcoal strips of cloth, both ragged and torn are wrapped crudely around
+
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his arms.  As the bandages come to an end at his hands the tiny black scales
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−
that cover most of his body peek through the tattered coverings.  His
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fingers, unbound and bare, end with sharp claws.  The clothing his bound
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limbs disappear into is undone near the neck bearing the disturbing flesh
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there to the air, the light, and, consequently, to view.  The skin on his
+
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chest is a gristly gradient of scales and scars.  To the bottom of the
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visible patch, tiny black scales take the place of his dark somewhat natural
+
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skin.  As your gaze moves upwards, the pattern of overlapping scales is
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disturbed by the sores and scars of disease.  Interestingly enough his face,
+
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however strained, is somewhat calm; indifferent to the drastic
+
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transformation that has siezed his body.
+
  
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Padraic says 'But truthfully, I merely seek to ascertain the current state of our house, nothing more.'
+
Shasarik looks at the eagle.
 +
Shasarik turns to face Padraic.
 +
Shasarik lowers himself to his knees, tucking his tail under himself.
 +
Shasarik sits down on the ground.
 +
Shasarik swiftly sheathes his weapons with the grace of a student swordmaster.
 +
Shasarik stops using an axe made from tempered steel.
 +
Shasarik stops using a long steel foil.
  
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Vaeshir says softly 'It would be difficult for me to judge him without bringing my own wants for the future of the House to bear upon my opinion.'
+
A mask of indifference settles itself upon Padraic's face.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'If you could tell me what in particular troubled you I would be able to speak to it directly.'
+
  
−
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
+
Padraic says 'Such trust.'
  
−
### Walk farther down into A Suberranean Tunnel
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Trust has little to do with it.'
  
−
A Subterranean Tunnel
+
Shasarik nods, a saddened trace to his expressions.
−
  The dark subterranean tunnel leads to the north, and curves sharply
+
−
downward to the east.  The hard, dark clay of the cave walls curves overhead
+
−
to form a low ceiling.  The air in the tunnel is dank and musty, and the
+
−
damp clay of the floor has been marred by the passage of a large, clawed
+
−
animal.
+
  
−
[Exits: north down]
+
With a flip of the wrist, Padraic slides a jewel-encrusted dagger up his sleeve.
−
(Hide) Padraic the Hero of the Shadows is here.
+
  
−
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Padraic stops using a jewel-encrusted dagger.
−
Padraic tips the chalice in your direction, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.
+
Padraic says 'Perhaps.'
−
Padraic says 'Or have you brought your own supplies this time?'
+
Padraic says 'But we have yet to cease our bush beating.'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have, but I would drink in rememberance if you like.'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Enough is clear.'
  
−
[SHUNNED] Amyril: If you see Ehraejal, tell me please
+
Shasarik says 'Avendar is a stage, yes?  And we are players... some with a house and some that travel for the clinking of coins... but in these plays all wear their masks.  Only those who feel they have a mastery of this artform are empowered to hide their masks aw'
 +
Shasarik says 'away behind a thin veil of shadow.'
  
−
Padraic says 'I'm not one for such sentimental activities.'
+
Chill winds dance about, assailing you from all directions.
  
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
Padraic says 'Eloquently spoken, dear boy.'
 +
Padraic applauds slowly.
  
−
Padraic leans against the earthen walls, gazing at you patiently.
+
Shasarik draws his cloak more tightly around himself in vain attempt to shield his body from the winds.
  
−
Ehraejal tells you 'Flunkies took stones, yes? From you?'
+
Padraic says 'But you still wonder at my involvement.  And I still wonder about yours.'
  
−
Vaeshir exhales wearily 'As I have said, my opinion of the High Priest is mixed. I feel no great need to detail the full extent of my sentiments toward him to you.'
+
Shasarik says 'Indeed.'
 +
Shasarik says 'Until this time I... knew not... of your involvement.'
 +
Shasarik turns slightly to Vaeshir.
  
−
Padraic eats a bowl of beef broth.
+
Padraic reaches into a satchel, pulling out a sheet of withered parchment, folded neatly into quarters.
−
Padraic shrugs his shoulders.
+
−
Padraic says 'Mixed.  I assume he has not lost a shred of his pompousity then.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir says curtly 'Little.'
+
Shasarik restores his northward gaze.
  
−
Ehraejal tells you 'Bjorcha got tongue?'
+
Padraic says 'I suppose that I should take that as a compliment.'
  
−
[    Nef  Psi] (PK) Ehraejal the Master of Prescience
+
Vaeshir's lips part slowly.
  
−
Padraic says 'I was slightly surprised that he did not address you as "Lord" Vaeshir, upon your arrival.'
+
Shasarik smiles thinly.
 +
Shasarik blinks and his face is emotionless.
  
−
You tell Ehraejal 'I don't have the time to chatter with you now, Ehraejal.'
+
Padraic slowly unfolds the sheet, slowly reading it over.
  
−
Padraic says 'He seems strangely enchanted by such titles, and has been throwing them about liberally ever since I made my return.'
+
Vaeshir, moving nothing more than his arm, holds it out towards the sheet of parchment calmly.
  
 +
Shasarik watches this actively.
  
−
Ehraejal tells you 'Pity. Ehraejal know something interesting, but you too busy.'
+
Padraic smiles grimly.
−
Ehraejal tells you 'No matter, no.'
+
  
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Vaeshir says softly 'That was an anomaly.'
+
Vaeshir gasps with mock surprise.
  
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Padraic says 'An absent minded high priest?'
+
Shasarik drinks water from a large leather water skin.
−
Padraic mulls over the idea.
+
  
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Vaeshir says softly 'So it seems. Perhaps you read too far into his slip.'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Would you prefer to wear the mask longer?'
  
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Padraic says 'Perhaps I do. But he bears the highest of credentials, which one rarely achieves except through an uncanny ability to not make mistakes.'
+
Shasarik chuckles darkly.
−
Padraic waves dismissively.
+
−
Padraic says 'Then again, he has been rather abysmal in hiding his affiliation with the Lord of Deception.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir chuckles 'Well.'
+
The winds lessen to a brisk breeze, sending fingers of chill air curling about you.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'There are legitimate reasons for that.'
+
  
−
Padraic continues 'Even Abliss did a better job than he, and she was a woman.'
+
Padraic quietly folds the sheet again.
  
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.  
+
Shasarik whispers 'So...'
  
−
Padraic says 'What legitimate reasons does he have, anyway?'
+
Padraic says 'I have seen no undonning from your camp.'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It seems to me to be a question of priorities.'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'The questions are not clear.'
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The Lieutenant has expressed a desire to make our power known to all. I believe they embark upon that path together bringing the House along with them.'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'While stealth and power often go together it is not, in this case, in the interests of that plan.'
+
  
−
Padraic says 'In such a case, Tlkhanu should simply discard his mask, rather than keeping its shredded remains hanging loosely about him.'
+
A triumphant screech echos from afar, as a predatory bird finds a meal.
  
−
Padraic says 'If he wishes to show his power, than he should do so.'
+
Padraic says 'An answer can be provided without a question to induce it.'
−
Padraic says 'Staying in Limbo will not help him.'
+
  
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Vaeshir nods 'I agree completely. When my word holds more strength among the Five I will see to it that my opinion is known.'
+
Shasarik moves his mouth quickly, no words coming forth.
  
−
Padraic looks at you.
+
Padraic places a finger upon Shasarik's lips.
  
−
Padraic says 'The Keeper's role has yet to be fulfilled.'
+
Vaeshir tilts his head slightly 'You showed no surprise at my appearance.'
−
Padraic says 'Unless Tlkhanu means to hold two seats in the council at once'
+
  
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Vaeshir's expression twists from grimace to bitter scowl.
+
Shasarik closes his mouth.
−
 
+
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Padraic says 'Then it should be little trouble to find a way to get yourself installed.'
+
−
 
+
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Vaeshir lets out a silent cry, bringing his hands to his head in pain.
+
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Vaeshir falls against one of the cave walls and leans heavily agaist it.
+
−
 
+
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Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
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Padraic purses his lips, his eyes narrowing slightly.
+
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+
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Breathing heavily, Vaeshir regains his composure.
+
−
 
+
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Padraic gives you an everfull chalice.
+
−
 
+
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You give an everfull chalice to Padraic.
+
−
Vaeshir waves the water away.
+
  
 
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
 
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
 +
Padraic stops using a string of dragon-bone hair beads.
 +
Padraic wears a pair of runed spectacles on his head.
 +
Padraic stops using a pair of runed spectacles.
 +
Padraic wears a string of dragon-bone hair beads on his head.
  
−
Padraic says 'Such a terrible fit.'
+
Padraic says 'I haven't, have I.'
  
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Amyril yells 'Greetings'
+
Vaeshir shifts his gaze towards the parchment 'You protest that you are in contact with the Gods, or a God, yet my question has gone, thusfar, unaswered.'
  
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Padraic rolls his eyes in disgust.
+
Shasarik looks at Padraic.
  
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Vaeshir says softly 'The transformation has brought with it a number of interesting effects.'
 
−
 
−
Players near you:
 
−
(PK) Vaeshir                      A Subterranean Tunnel
 
−
(PK) Amyril                      Under a Crevice
 
−
(PK) Padraic                      A Subterranean Tunnel
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'The episodes have been more intense and more frequent in number of late.'
 
−
 
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[SHUNNED] Amyril: Paying a visit to the shrine?
 
−
 
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Padraic says 'An excellent time for the idiot to make his entrance.'
 
−
 
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[SHUNNED] Padraic: Considering it.
 
−
 
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Vaeshir glowers with disgust.
 
−
 
−
Players near you:
 
−
(PK) Vaeshir                      A Subterranean Tunnel
 
−
(PK) Padraic                      A Subterranean Tunnel
 
−
 
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Vaeshir says softly 'I believe he knows better than to intrude.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic nods.
 
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Padraic says 'His face is useful to the house, so long as I don't have to see it.'
 
−
 
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Vaeshir examines his claws idly 'He grows old. In time even his usefulness as a killer will pass away.'
 
−
 
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Padraic says 'They all do.  And then they are forgotten.'
 
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Padraic says 'But we were speaking of Tlkhanu, and of your chances of assuming the Mantle of the Keeper.'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.
 
 
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.  
 
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'There is still a complication.'
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I am, due to the Siren's extended travel, still bound to her.'
 
  
−
Someone bursts into laughter.
+
Shasarik stares at Padraic's pendant intently.
  
−
A Subterranean Tunnel
+
Padraic tilts his head slightly to the side.
−
  The dark subterranean tunnel leads to the north, and curves sharply
+
−
downward to the east.  The hard, dark clay of the cave walls curves overhead
+
−
to form a low ceiling.  The air in the tunnel is dank and musty, and the
+
−
damp clay of the floor has been marred by the passage of a large, clawed
+
−
animal.
+
  
−
[Exits: north down]
+
Vaeshir raises an arm slowly, leveling it with Padraic's face.
−
(Hide) someone the Hero of the Shadows is here.
+
Vaeshir says softly 'You are not the first to call for Shasarik's freedom.'
  
−
Vaeshir glowers into the shadows.
+
Padraic says 'I have not made that call, I am afraid.'
  
−
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Shasarik gasps quickly but catches himself.
−
Padraic says 'For all of her preening, she is still no more than a bar wench with fancy clothing.'
+
  
−
[SHUNNED] Khaseem: Sssalutationssss, Chosssen.
+
Padraic says 'I merely asked about his wishes.'
 +
Padraic turns his eyes towards the sky.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have always held that belief. I believe she knows it.'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'The nature of the questioning combined with the unusual timing have made your intent clear enough.'
  
−
[SHUNNED] Khaseem: Ah a new face.  Sssalutationsss.
+
Shasarik draws his hands behind his back to keep them from shaking.
−
[SHUNNED] Vaeshir: Greetings.
+
Shasarik flexes his tail off the ground before letting it drop with a loud echo.
  
−
Vaeshir's lips twist into a wry smile.  
+
Padraic stifles a smirk.
  
−
Khaseem tells you 'Truely a new face, or an old one returned?'
+
OOC to Padraic: 'have made' --> 'has made'
 +
OOC to Shasarik: 'have made' --> 'has made'
  
−
You tell Khaseem 'The latter.'
+
[OOC] Shasarik: noted.
  
−
Padraic says 'If you like, I may have her relinquish the bond.'
+
Padraic says 'The nature of your answers is providing me with a clearer picture than I could have hoped for.'
  
−
You tell Khaseem 'This one sits on the chair marked with a Scorpion.'
+
[OOC] Shasarik: if that's the worst slip that happens tonight consider yourself lucky... look at me...
  
−
Padraic says 'Aedariara owes me.'
+
Padraic says 'Something is unravelling about you, Vaeshir, that you do not fully understand.'
  
−
Vaeshir straightens himself.
+
[OOC] Shasarik: esays instead of emotes... heh
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It is not so much that she will not break it away, it is more that she has not been present to do so.'
+
  
−
Padraic frowns.
+
Padraic says 'Shadows are coming to life, and you are not sure which ones will remain still, and which ones will pounce.'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have not seen her several years.'
+
Vaeshir shrugs his shoulders indifferently 'I have been the first to begin removing my mask.'
  
−
Padraic taps his fingers together thoughtfully.
+
Padraic suddenly turns his attention to the raven.
−
Padraic says 'I'll have my men search for her, then.'
+
−
Padraic says 'She's fairly high in profile, and should be easy to find.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Her debt would be transfered to me were you to do so.'
+
Shasarik whispers to himself 'the light... to what end?'
−
Vaeshir sighs wearily.
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I cannot say I will complain.'
+
  
−
Khaseem tells you 'Tlkhanu never fully explained the chair of the ssscorpion.....'
+
Padraic says 'A pretty specimen.'
  
−
Padraic says 'Come, you know me to be far more reasonable than that petty bitch.'
+
Vaeshir holds his arm level with his shoulder.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'True enough.'
+
Shasarik chants 'There were three....'
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Truth be told I have begun a search for another to fill her chair.'
+
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
+
  
−
Padraic says 'Have you now?'
+
A raven shifts to pirch on your shoulder.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Of course, my lack of clarity with regards to her function has made that a trifle difficult.'
+
Shasarik continues 'and now... there are two...'
−
Vaeshir smiles grimly.
+
  
−
You tell Khaseem 'You might ask him if you like.'
+
Padraic says '... And then there were none.'
 +
Padraic says 'That's how the poem finishes, you know.'
  
−
Padraic says 'The Siren is "our voice"'
+
You are thirsty.
 +
You are feeling extremely dehydrated!
 +
You DISEMBOWEL yourself!
  
−
You tell Khaseem 'To me, the man who sits in that chair is the eyes and ears of the Coven.'
+
Shasarik nods, understanding.
  
−
Padraic says 'My house has several people like her, all of them far beyond her in terms of competency.'
+
Padraic says 'Another drink, Vaeshir?'
  
−
Vaeshir tilts his head to one side 'How very unusual that she should be chosen for the position.'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Yes.'
  
−
You tell Khaseem 'Eyes, ears, and sting as well.'
+
Padraic gives you an everfull chalice.
  
−
Padraic says 'Her story is unknown to me.'
+
You drink water from an everfull chalice.
 +
You drink water from an everfull chalice.
 +
You give an everfull chalice to Padraic.
  
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
Shasarik says 'But... there shall be those... those who remain...'
 +
Shasarik says 'Those who need not trouble themselves with meat and drink.'
  
−
Khaseem tells you 'apparently he doessss not wish to dissscussss it, he denied holding the sssseat'
+
Clouds move into the area, obscuring the sky.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It was the High Priest, who, in the Lieutenant's stead, brought the Darklord into the collective.'
+
Padraic says 'Or those who need not worry about the ravages of time, or those who need not ponder over the blades of mortal men...'
  
−
You tell Khaseem 'Unsurprising.'
+
Shasarik says 'Those whose minds alone suspend countless strings.'
−
You tell Khaseem 'Do not press the issue.'
+
  
 +
Padraic holds up the folded parchment.
  
−
Padraic says 'Sythrak's chosen'
+
Shasarik says 'Those whose masks entwine with skin entwine with soul.'
−
Padraic says 'An odd fit, wouldn't you agree?'
+
  
−
You say 'Quite so.'
+
Padraic says 'This letter was sent to me by my superior.'
 +
Padraic says 'Mind you, there is but one who can claim such a thing upon me.'
  
−
Padraic says 'I would hope that he hasn't attempted to make an attempt upon any of us "warmbloods"?'
+
Vaeshir makes a quick gesture.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Certainly not directly. For one of their number his is surprisingly passive.'
+
Shasarik offers a quick nod.
  
−
Padraic mulls over the idea.
+
A raven flies quickly over to land on Padraic's shoulder.
−
Padraic nods.
+
−
Padraic says 'He is subservient to the Lieutenant?'
+
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I maintain, both in my conversations with the High Priest as well as those with the Lieutenant, that there will come a time when the interests of the Coven and those of the Sept will be in conflict.'
+
Shasarik grazes himself.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'He is.'
+
  
−
Padraic says 'Are you?'
+
Chill winds whip about your body, tearing at loose accoutrements.
 +
A forceful gust of freezing air bites into your exposed flesh!
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It is unusual indeed. I believe I had the Lieutenant convinced just as he was initiated.'
 
  
−
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
+
Shasarik chokes a moment as few drops of blood fly from his mouth.
 +
Shasarik wounds himself.
 +
Shasarik sways slightly on his feet and then is well.
 +
Shasarik looks from Padraic to Vaeshir.
  
−
Vaeshir sighs heavily, tightening the straps of cloth about his arms.
+
Padraic says 'Why I have chosen to reveal myself at this time, is now clear to you, I assume.'
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Khaseem will inevitably start to tilt in favor of the Lord of his blood line'
+
  
 
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
 
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
  
−
Padraic says 'Shasarik seems to have broken from that sort of thing'
+
Padraic taps the note lightly.
  
−
Vaeshir furrows his brow.
+
Shasarik says 'P-padraic... might I... petition you for a loaf?'
 +
Shasarik injures himself.
  
−
Padraic says 'Speaking of him, how are your relations with your former servant?'
+
Padraic says 'I'm afraid I'm fresh out.'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Better than I might have expected.'
+
Shasarik shakes his head.
 +
Shasarik says 'Very well.'
 +
Shasarik says 'Continue.'
  
−
Padraic says 'It doesn't irk you that he now holds more power than you?'
+
You get a cake of Nendorian waybread from a large hide bag.
  
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
+
Shasarik grazes himself.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'He has proven himself.'
+
  
−
Padraic nods.
+
You give a cake of Nendorian waybread to Shasarik.
−
Padraic says 'It irks me.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir tilts his head to one side slightly.
+
Shasarik turns the bread over in his hands.
 +
Shasarik gives you a cake of Nendorian waybread.
 +
Shasarik says 'Continue, Padraic.'
  
−
Padraic folds his hands in front of him.
+
Shasarik misses himself.
−
Padraic murmurs 'Lieutenant...'
+
  
−
Vaeshir breathes 'He has divine favor.'
+
Vaeshir turns his gaze sharply to Shasarik.
  
−
Padraic says 'Really?'
+
Shasarik locks his eyes with Padraic's.
−
Padraic says 'How so?'
+
Shasarik grazes himself.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I relenquished control of him in exchange for knowledge. For reasons that remain unknown to me he saw the man fit to lead the Vanguard, and trained him from that moment forward for that purpose.'
+
Padraic says 'I am stepping in, for others who have bungled, and for others that may have shifted their positions.'
  
−
Padraic frowns.
+
Shasarik maims himself!
−
Padraic says 'Shasarik will be useful, still.'
+
Shasarik mauls himself.
  
−
Vaeshir continues 'The two of us have been met with a great number of martial victories. His capacity as a leader has yet to be determined.'
+
Padraic says 'A portion of my mask has been revealed. It is your turn again.'
  
−
Padraic paces back and forth, a thoughtful look upon his face.
+
Shasarik sways slightly.
  
−
Vaeshir sspreads his hands 'Or so I believe.'
+
The sun slowly disappears in the west.
−
Vaeshir casts a thoughtful glance towards the heavens.
+
  
−
Padraic says 'Shasarik will stay.'
+
Shasarik scratches himself.
−
Padraic says 'Aedariara, perhaps not.'
+
Shasarik looks up at Padraic.
  
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
The sun slowly disappears in the west.
  
−
Padraic says 'You shall be made Keeper.'
+
Shasarik injures himself.
−
Padraic says 'And Tlkhanu...'
+
Shasarik says 'I have either been chosen. Or I have been marked as a slave.'
−
Padraic says 'I have yet to place him.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir studies Padraic's face intently.
+
Padraic eyes you with a slight smirk.
  
−
Padraic glances at you, as if suddenly becoming aware of your presence.
+
Shasarik says 'At this time it matters little.'
  
−
Vaeshir offers 'I find it unsettling that he holds power over all of the seats of the Council.'
+
Vaeshir purses his lips 'Or both.'
  
−
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Shasarik hits himself.
−
Padraic says 'You have yet to express your reservations about him.'
+
Shasarik says 'I... have found a way that I can be free from my bondage to Lor-Archmage Vaeshir.'
 +
Shasarik says 'And at the same time no blood will touch blade nor earth.'
 +
Shasarik decimates himself!
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The most important ones have already been made clear.'
+
Vaeshir taps a finger against his cheek idly.
  
−
Padraic says 'Humor me, refresh my memory.'
+
Shasarik closes his eyes, lost in a brief dream.
 +
Shasarik mauls himself.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Firstly, his inability to balance his divine ties with his pursuit of the vision he shares with the Lieutenant.'
+
Vaeshir turns his gaze toward Padraic.
−
Vaeshir continues 'and secondly the fact that he holds power over the circle of Five.'
+
  
−
Padraic says 'But someone must hold that power.'
+
Shasarik says 'Father... he has promised my... release.'
−
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
+
Shasarik devastates himself!
−
Padraic says 'Is it merely his position... or him?'
+
Shasarik says 'It has been written in the dust of the stars, in the essense of the dreams, in the notation of the spheres.'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'There is a clear difference between how the Coven behaved under Lilisa.'
+
Vaeshir holds up a hand before Shasarik.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The Warlord's induction is only the most blatant example.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic nods.
 
−
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
 
−
Padraic says 'And your praises?'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'He is obviously intelligent. He is also clearly capable of leading the Coven in the direction he sees fit.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic says 'Do you agree with his vision?'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It has yet to be made fully clear to me.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic says 'That reflects rather poorly upon him.'
 
−
Padraic eats a bowl of beef broth.
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Quite so.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic says 'There will come a time when I will ask for your assistance.'
 
−
Padraic says 'When that time comes, where will you stand?'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'You will have my support.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic nods.
 
−
Padraic says 'Then that is all.'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir offers 'If you like I might move to gather the support of the Lieutenant.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic nods.
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'He has been known to yield to my judgement in times of strain.'
 
−
Vaeshir chuckles dryly.
 
−
 
−
Padraic says 'The Lieutenant bears the might of the Vanguard behind him.'
 
−
Padraic says 'His support will be crucial.'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'If my suspicions are correct, we already have it.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic says 'Excellent.'
 
−
Padraic flexes his hand slowly.
 
−
Padraic says 'Let us away from here.'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir ponders 'Perhaps more of our former bond remains than he might suspect.'
 
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.
 
−
 
−
A shimmering gate rises up before you.
 
−
 
−
Padraic looks at you.
 
−
 
−
You enter a shimmering gate.
 
−
A Ruined Hall
 
−
  The broken walls of an ancient hall of men surround a fire-blasted and
 
−
desolate space, now open to the bleak sky above.  Charred beams of wood and
 
−
fragments of the stone walls still pierce sky with harsh angles, and in the
 
−
center of the room a once-great spiral staircase lies crumbled.  Its
 
−
blackened marble steps rise several feet above the ground still, before
 
−
dropping into a jumbled mass of broken stone and shattered wood.  The steps
 
−
do, however, continue downward, through the floor of the hall and into a
 
−
gaping hole whose bottom is beyond the blackness of its depth.  To the south
 
−
an archway, still intact, leads to a courtyard. 
 
−
 
−
[Exits: south down]
 
−
    A shimmering black gate rises from the ground, leading to parts unknown.
 
−
A mountain goat is resting here.
 
−
Your passage through the void wounds you.
 
−
 
−
Padraic has arrived through a shimmering gate.
 
−
Padraic's passage through the void mauls him.
 
−
 
−
Padraic gives you a tough scalemail shirt.
 
−
Padraic says 'Place that in the Nexus for me.'
 
−
Padraic leaves down.
 
−
 
−
### Later, in Gaald
 
−
 
−
Padraic nods.
 
−
 
−
[51  Shud  Sch] (PK) [SHUNNED] Vaeshir the Archmage of Void, Chosen of the Serpents
 
−
[    Human Thi] (PK) [SHUNNED] Padraic the Hero of the Shadows
 
−
 
−
Players found: 2
 
−
 
−
Padraic says 'Aedariara will release you.'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir breathes 'Excellent.'
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'You spoke with her in person?'
 
−
 
−
Padraic nods.
 
−
Padraic says 'My intuition is that she will delay the action for as long as possible.'
 
−
Padraic says 'So persistence will be necessary.'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I am in no position to apply force.'
 
−
 
−
Padraic says 'Tell me, how did you find yourself in your current position?'
 
−
 
−
Vaeshir gives Padraic a confused look.
 
−
Vaeshir says softly 'You ask how I was bound to the Siren?'
 
−
 
−
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
 
−
Padraic nods.
 
 
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
 
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
−
Padraic says 'She claims the Dark Lord put you in your position.'
 
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'A lie.'
+
Shasarik closes his mouth.
 +
Shasarik hits himself.
 +
Shasarik whispers ''tis true, My Lord, 'tis true this not yet Is.  This that shall be.'
 +
Shasarik hits himself.
 +
Shasarik says 'I shall still close my mouth at the wave of your hand... my blood runs with the taint of the Bindings...'
 +
Shasarik closes his mouth.
  
−
Padraic says 'Very well.  How did it transpire then?'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'I believe you will find it is in your best interest.'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The past I share with the Lieutenant as well as the rather unorthodox methods I employed to gain admittance were both seen as rogue elements.'
+
Shasarik hits himself.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The then High Priestess thought a time to prove my loyalty was prudent.'
+
Shasarik bursts from closed lips 'ssssssoon.'
−
Vaeshir pauses.
+
Shasarik grazes himself.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have never been on good terms with the Siren. It was clearly a test.'
+
Shasarik says 'There, the mask that is a smiling frown is half-revealed.'
 +
Shasarik says 'I have, Padraic of the shades, paid my ante.'
 +
Shasarik wounds himself.
 +
Shasarik looks at an eagle hatchling.
 +
Shasarik wields an axe made from tempered steel.
 +
Shasarik dual wields a long steel foil.
 +
Shasarik stands up.
  
−
Padraic nods.
+
Shasarik's mighty cleave *** DEMOLISHES *** an eagle hatchling!
−
Padraic taps his fingers together thoughtfully.
+
An eagle hatchling is DEAD!!
−
Padraic says 'I'll need to speak with Lilisa then.'
+
An eagle hatchling's leg is sliced from his dead body.
 +
Shasarik sacrifices the corpse of an eagle hatchling to the gods.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I would come with you, if you would allow it.'
+
Shasarik gets the leg of an eagle hatchling.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Or perhaps now is not the time.'
+
Shasarik skins the leg quietly with his axe as he listens.
 +
Shasarik scratches himself.
 +
Shasarik eats the leg of an eagle hatchling.
  
−
Padraic examines you carefully.
+
Padraic smiles lightly.
−
Padraic says 'We will wait and see if the Siren acts on her promises.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I am disturbed that she did not release me immediately at your request.'
+
Shasarik sits down on the ground.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I assume she gave you no reasons for her hesitation?'
+
Shasarik stops using an axe made from tempered steel.
 +
Shasarik stops using a long steel foil.
  
−
Padraic says 'She dislikes you.  It is apparent enough.'
+
Padraic says 'Nothing is unbreakable, is it.'
−
Padraic says 'She claims that she is uncertain of your loyalties, but my sense is that you have somehow aggravated her in a more personal fashion.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir yawns wearily 'I do not hold my tongue when I am in her presence.'
+
The clouds begin to disperse, clearing the sky.
  
−
Padraic waves dismissively.
+
Shasarik drinks water from a large leather water skin.
−
Padraic says 'When you are made Keeper, she will have to hold hers.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir nods slowly, a hint of a smile playing across his lips.
+
Padraic muses 'Not the strongest of men, the strongest of gods, nor the strongest of bonds...'
  
−
Padraic says 'Tell me, how have you shown yourself to be loyal to the Coven?'
+
Shasarik says 'If my body pulsed with water or wine such ease would be my toil.'
−
Padraic says 'I am in need of a story to feed to others.'
+
Shasarik says 'But not so, on the contrary, my heart beats the constant drumming of bloodflow.'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Do you anticipate an audience of sorts?'
+
A raven shifts, stretching its wings.
−
Vaeshir says softly 'One with more than the two of you in attendance?'
+
  
−
Padraic says 'No, but one should always expect the unexpected.'
+
Padraic says 'And yet, Vaeshir watches on contentedly?'
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have no doubt that the Lieutenant would speak on my behalf in such a situation.'
+
A triumphant screech echos from afar, as a predatory bird finds a meal.
  
−
Padraic says 'And if not?'
+
Shasarik says 'He has what he wishes.  Soon he will have more.'
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Given the Priestess- Lilisa's reservations, our extended cooperation would be the strongest point in my favor.'
+
−
Vaeshir turns his gaze towards the sea 'I suspect they all wait for how I will perform in the final Ritual.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Final ritual?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir waves a clawed hand across his more unusual features.
+
−
Vaeshir gingerly pulls back his lips revealing short fangs.
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'There is yet more to come.  Interesting.'
+
−
Padraic knocks a merchant unconscious with a well-placed blow.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It is far from complete.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic nods.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'How my performance in the Ritual would speak to my loyalty remains a mystery.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'A future event is no good.  I must find a means of making Aedariara appear to be as the petty being that she is.'
+
−
Padraic tilts his head, as if listening to something.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir purses his lips quietly.
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Have you knowledge of Braka's gleaming spear?  Its location, to be precise.'
+
−
 
+
−
### I locate for it- No go.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It is beyond my sight.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic nods.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'There is no single event I can point to that would embody my devotion to the Coven, I'm afraid.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'We will need to fabricate one, then.'
+
−
Padraic says 'Or several, perhaps.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir hesitates only for a moment 'Very well.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Have you ever been defeated?'
+
−
Padraic looks at you.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'No. Would she not have to have observed these actions?'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Not since my initiation, but that hardly speaks of loyalty.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'For the Vanguard, it would.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'A curious interpretation.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Shasarik's words of your loyalty unto death would be fitting.'
+
−
Padraic says 'Other words will need to be spread.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir offers 'I formulated the plan that brought the Javelin of Anirim into our hands.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Situations where you deflected personal gain to advance the interests of the Coven.'
+
−
Padraic says 'Expand on that.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'There was no personal gain lost in that event, however I was responsible for the victory.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Has Aedariara ever done such a thing?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have known her only as a frivilous mistress.'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I cannot speak to or of her actions before my initiation.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'I have only known her as a lusty harlot, seeking to pry armaments from my hand.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Are you certain binding my entrance into the position of Keeper with her expulsion is wise?'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Her expulsion will have to wait.'
+
  
 
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
 
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Agreed.'
+
Padraic says 'He sits at the trade table then.'
  
−
Padraic says 'As a new Keeper, you will need to affirm your power base first.'
+
Shasarik says 'And yet expects that to elude us.'
−
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
+
−
Padraic sits atop a large wooden box, brooding thoughtfully.
+
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have the firm support of two of the remaining four chairs. Lilisa as well has expressed her consent in a limited manner. She still has respect for the bond between myself and the Siren.'
+
Padraic's gaze falls lightly upon your neck, then moves on.
  
−
Padraic says 'How are your relations with the former High Priestess?'
+
The dull roar of the wind abates a moment, the ensuing quietude unusual to the ear.  
−
Padraic says 'I was under the impression that she sat in Aedariara's camp, but that may not be true now.'
+
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Well enough, I would guess. Our interactions have been limited.'
+
Padraic says 'I must consult with my... superior.'
  
−
Padraic frowns.
+
Vaeshir opens his mouth as if to speak, then shuts it.
−
Padraic says 'I shall probe the matter with her, at my leisure'
+
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'When the Shadow Mage took up the mantle of High Priest I again expressed my desires to her. She mentioned the bond and told me simply, "We all must wait for our time."'
+
Padraic smiles craftily.
  
−
Padraic says 'The Shadow Mage...'
+
Shasarik ponders this silently.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have, perhaps with too much optimism, taken that as limited support- or at least lack of dissent.'
+
Padraic says 'When the time comes, we will speak again.  Make no mention of me to the others.'
−
 
+
−
Padraic shakes his head quietly.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir furrows his brow, gazing at Padraic.
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'I spoke with him.'
+
−
Padraic says 'He has not changed.  He has grown worse, if anything.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'In what way?'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic waves dismissively.
+
−
Padraic says 'It is of no import.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir shrugs lightly.
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic descends from the top of the box.
+
−
Padraic says 'There is nothing that we can do for now.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I must agree.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'All that there is to do is to wait and see.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'When do you plan to speak with the former High Priestess?'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'I shall wait until she breaks from her vigil over the Nexus'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Very well.'
+
−
Vaeshir plants his staff firmly in the ground and pulls himself to his feet.
+
−
 
+
−
A shimmering gate rises up before you.
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic says 'Should she speak with you, choose your words cautiously.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir spreads his hands 'Please. Of course I will be prudent.'
+
−
 
+
−
Padraic nods.
+
−
 
+
−
You enter a shimmering gate.
+
−
 
+
−
### Later, inside the Bandit's Blade
+
−
 
+
−
The Bandit's Blade Tavern
+
−
  Under a low ceiling encrusted in cigar smoke lie the numerous tables of
+
−
this large tavern.  The floor is covered in bits of food and cloth, and the
+
−
wiry oak rafters above are shrouded with layer upon layer of dust.  The
+
−
floor boards are scratched and scuffed, presumably from numerous duels and
+
−
confrontations that take place here.  To the east, the counter and drink
+
−
shelf lie.  To the south and east, the numerous tables continue, while to
+
−
the west is a back room. 
+
−
 
+
−
[Exits: east south west]
+
−
Elciryar the thief leader and betrayer of the ethrons sits here.
+
−
Shasarik has arrived.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik looks at a rotund old barkeep.
+
−
Shasarik says 'What is our business here?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Talk. Talk of various things.'
+
−
Vaeshir braces himself against the shelves and lowers himself to the floor.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik sighs in small, controlled bursts.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir gazes up at Shasarik through the cloth bound about his face.
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'You are tense. Why?'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'The girl... the girl... I admire the fighter's style but...'
+
−
 
+
−
Put to work by the leaders of the Bandit's Blade, this young girl is at
+
−
the beck and call of the criminals in the tavern.  She appears harrowed by
+
−
the experience of working under the conditions imposed by men of such
+
−
unscrupulous natures. 
+
−
A young servant girl is in excellent condition.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'I cannot glean her intentions...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'No, the other one'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Isyle.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'True neutrals... they disturb me.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir furrows his brow.
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Neutral in which matters?'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Which girl do you speak of?'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'They cloak themselves in a shroud of indifference... armor of stasis...  Isyle... the fighter.'
+
−
 
+
−
You haggle with a rotund old barkeep.
+
−
You buy a mug of sailor's ale for 675 gold.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'From our last clash with the Lords of Conquest I found that the technique of fighters is... potent.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'An interesting name for a woman.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'I thought as much...'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir takes a small sip of his ale.
+
−
 
+
−
You drink dark ale from a mug of sailor's ale.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'I wish a fighter servant... but Isyle will not be bound, I suppose.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Few can be bound with words alone.'
+
−
Vaeshir raises his gaze to meet your own.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik nods at this.
+
−
Shasarik says 'There is something else...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'It is the Darklord...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'He is of my Vanguard and still I do not trust him fully.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir traces the rim of his glass with a finger, a slight hint of interest in his face.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'This plagues me, for only those who I am assured of... only those who...'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik sighs.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says into the mug 'Why?'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Why do you not trust him?'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'He was inducted without my presence at the ceremony.  And he is of the Elder.'
+
−
 
+
−
You think 'Excellent.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir raises the glass to his lips again.
+
−
You drink dark ale from a mug of sailor's ale.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'I... I found my eyes locked upon the Saurian Elder once... he attempted to bind me...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'I was young... and foolish... I ran... ran on the legs of a mortal from a god.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir gives Shasarik an offhand glance.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik removes his helm slowly to reveal the trigon of the Vanguard in its entirety.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Perhaps that was answer enough.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'There is no rune of the Elder in this.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'And there is a reason for that.'
+
−
 
+
−
### The symbol on Shasarik's forehead:
+
−
 
+
−
The Symbol of the Black Vanguard consists of a midnight-black Raven
+
−
surrounded by three smaller markings.  Such is the nature of the Symbol that
+
−
no one component dominates its perfect equilibrium.  Around the Raven, the
+
−
peripheral markings are positioned at the vertexes of a thinly-detailed
+
−
equilateral triangle drawn in red.  The Raven itself is drawn as a perfectly
+
−
symmetrical image of beautiful, refined power, the eyes of which are
+
−
narrowed to sharp, ever-viligant slits.  Even for a lifeless symbol, the
+
−
Raven appears particularly immobile, its wings of pitch creased back evenly,
+
−
allowing its presence alone to manifest its capabilities.  Within the
+
−
lower-left corner of the triangle is the symbol of the Great Dragon of the
+
−
Void, pulsing softly with the unenergies of the nothingness itself.  Within
+
−
the lower-right corner of the triangle is the symbol of the Father of the
+
−
Mask, Lord of the Fallen, fading in and out of the grasp of your sight.
+
−
Within the apex is the mark of the Silver Pentagram, flowing with the
+
−
ever-present energies of the Collective.  Between the eyes of the Raven,
+
−
occupying the very center of the trigon, is a small rune of Will,
+
−
identifying Shasarik as the Lieutenant of the Black Vanguard. 
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'The goals of the Sept are not our own.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Their practices are not our own.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'And there will be a time when their ways conflict with ours.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir tilts the mug back deeply, emptying it as you speak.
+
−
 
+
−
You drop a mug of sailor's ale.
+
−
The gods give you 60 gold coins for your sacrifice.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir looks at Shasarik intently.
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'What is your opinion of the High Priest?'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'When this day comes, and Khaseem must choose, we will no longer hold influence over the Sept and it will be much more difficult to destroy him.'
+
−
Shasarik peers at the rafters with this topic change.
+
−
Shasarik buys a huge glass of Brintor Mountain Snow.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I have said those words to you myself in the past, but we may continue speaking of them later.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik sets the glass on a table and peers at you.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir taps a claw against the broken wooden floorboards idly.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'The High Priest is abled of mind, but sometimes I believe he puts his own powers before the power of the Collective in its entirety.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir smiles, facing southward 'A direct answer.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Perhaps I make this observation because the Vanguard relies more on the whole than on any one blade...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'But a mage can do wonders alone.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir's smile deepens into a grin.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'No living soul will deny that the High Priest is of power.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'He did use his power to bring the Warlord among us.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Indeed.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'That disturbs you.'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Offends you?'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Disturbs... slightly.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Threatens you?'
+
−
Vaeshir nods at nothing in particular.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Threteans... not me alone.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'I simply wish he would have spoken to me at greater length.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'At times I fear that his position grants him more power than...'
+
−
Shasarik halts for a moment as he chooses words.
+
−
Shasarik says 'Balance is of importance.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir interjects 'I don't believe he has ever shared his true intentions with me.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik nods gravely.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir raises his gaze to lock with your own once more.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'I fear that he knows more than I could ever... ever imagine.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'You, of course, are one of the Circle. Perhaps he has spoken with you of them.'
+
−
Vaeshir tilts his head inquisitively.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik shakes his head slightly.
+
−
Shasarik says 'Not a breath.'
+
−
 
+
−
The edges of Vaeshir's mouth turn downward slightly.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'You... you will be the Keeper... I know this as you know this as the archmage of the nexus knows this.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'It is my hope that when we stand within the circle together we shall restore a measure of... balance.'
+
−
Shasarik sips calmly from a glass.
+
−
Shasarik drinks rum from a huge glass of Brintor Mountain Snow.
+
−
Shasarik frowns and discards the glass.
+
−
Shasarik drops a huge glass of Brintor Mountain Snow.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik splits 90 gold coins. Your share is 45 gold.
+
−
Shasarik sacrifices a huge glass of Brintor Mountain Snow to the gods.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik mutters 'Too sweet.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir laces his fingers together, bringing his legs up to his chest.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik begins again 'He keeps the scrolls... he holds all the keys...'
+
−
 
+
−
You think 'How fully I know this one.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'I know he is bound as we all are... but slowly he rises above...'
+
−
Shasarik tenses briefly.
+
−
Shasarik whispers 'I know not of what I speak.'
+
−
Shasarik turns his head to the ground.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir stares idly into space.
+
−
Vaeshir murmurs 'You know of the Scorpion, I presume.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik blinks and closes his mouth.
+
−
Shasarik says 'The scorpion is without a name and form to me.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir turns his head upward to study Shasarik's face.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik looks about for a serving man.
+
−
Shasarik slowly sets his gave to you.
+
−
 
+
−
[OOC] Shasarik: er, gaze
+
−
 
+
−
OOC to Shasarik: np
+
−
 
+
−
    a sea-blue opal
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Do don't suppose they serve nonliquids in this place?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir ponders quietly 'Perhaps I assume too much.'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It is a bar. That aside, I would not trust a meal served in this den of thieves.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik surveys the room without moving his head.
+
−
Shasarik says 'The Scorpion.'
+
−
Shasarik is about a continue but doubles over slightly.
+
−
Shasarik says 'Might you... have a spare loaf?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Certainly.'
+
−
 
+
−
You get a cake of Nendorian waybread from a large hide bag.
+
−
You give a cake of Nendorian waybread to Shasarik.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik sets his jaw and nods in thanks.
+
−
Shasarik eats a cake of Nendorian waybread.
+
−
Shasarik says 'The Scorpion has revealed him or herself to you?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir crosses his legs, dusting off his clothing vainly.
+
−
Vaeshir shakes his head.
+
−
Vaeshir holds up a clawed hand before his face.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik admires the slight pulse of his axe passively.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Just as anyone else, I have my suspcicions.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Would you perhaps wish to share them?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It was an idle question. I am sorry to have brought it up.'
+
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'No no... I must admit I do contemplate the nature of the Scorpion's role and...'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'And its true identity.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Speculation does nothing.'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The nature of the role is intriguing, I will agree.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Speculation is a facet of science...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Without conjecture there is little progress in some respects.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Blind speculation most certainly is not.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Agreed.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Perhaps it is not our place to enquire...'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says quietly, a hissing sound barely entering his voice 'I am inclined to agree.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It is most certainly not my place.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik nods, wiping crumbs of waybread from his armor.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'What are your feelings as to the nature of neutrality?'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir quotes 'The Eyes, Ears and Sting of the Coven.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Political and otherwise...'
+
−
Shasarik says flatly 'I am well-versed in the doctrine.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir presses his lips together in thought.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Although it does leave much to be desired, yes...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Desires, those that do not impede the strength or will of the Collective, should not be ignored.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The direction of his or her gaze is not specified. An intriguing anomaly that is.'
+
−
Vaeshir purses his lips 'I would not aspire to sit in that seat. It would not suit me.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Nor I.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'I feel my position is rather fitting.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir chuckles 'Of course you do.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik allows a dry chuckle to come.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir places a hand on the table, pulling himself to his feet.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'They're all dead, you know.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Eyes to study both the external world as well as the funcitons of the Coven itself. A healthy component of a complex and interesting system.'
+
−
Vaeshir turns his head to one side questioningly.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'My men stand at arms.  With every breath their vigilance does increase.  The Guardians wish they had such sentries about the towns.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'And there is no one to fight.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Perhaps that is why Isyle bothers me.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'I am used to meeting threats cleanly and moving on... but I don't know what Isyle is.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir offers 'Not all threats are so easily defined and done away with.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'It is not even that... I believe that the military componant of my being is dominating the more... intangible essences I used to feel so strongly within myself.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Now it seems like the only time I truly understand my surroundings is when I attempt to enlighten fools who will never see... it is like I use them to reteach myself my true thoughts and feelings, knowing that they never will understand my verse-spea'
+
−
Shasarik says 'er, verse-speak...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Balance...'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'A heavy burden has been set upon your shoulders. It is only natural that you struggle under it's weight.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Perhaps the quiet shall give me a moment's time to withdraw back to my true intentions and speak with myself...'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'I... still have a price to pay, you know.'
+
−
Shasarik becomes very quiet.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Perhaps you already have.'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik nods gravely.
+
−
Shasarik stands with the fluidity of a trained swordsmaster.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'What of the Siren, then?'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik says 'Perhaps she has been detained.'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir looks at you, his brow arching only slightly.
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Not of her location.'
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'What do you think of her person?'
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik drinks water from a sturdy leather water skin.
+
−
Shasarik says 'My thoughts of her person are irrelivant if such a thing lies beneath the western sea.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'Last I saw her she made preparations for a westward journey.'
+
−
Shasarik says 'I have little knowledge of the Otherrealms...'
+
−
Shasarik says 'But assuming she will return to us one day...'
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Your thoughts for or against the other members of the collective are always of importance.'
+
  
 
Shasarik nods.
 
Shasarik nods.
−
Shasarik says 'I believe that she sees her charge of you as a burden rather than an act of good fortune.'
 
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'She has returned, although I have not spoken with her in person yet.'
+
Padraic says 'They are not to know of my appearance yet.'
  
−
Shasarik says 'Ah.'
+
The sun rises in the east.
−
Shasarik says 'I believe...'
+
  
−
Vaeshir whistles, surprise in his voice 'Really?'
+
Shasarik says 'It shall be as you wish.'
 +
Shasarik stands up.
  
−
Shasarik looks at you intently.
+
Vaeshir says softly 'I desire the note.'
−
Shasarik utters 'Trust... let it be about us in this...'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Just payment for silence.'
  
−
Vaeshir states blandly 'She intends to release me, but will not do so yet.'
+
Padraic says 'In good time, Vaeshir.'
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I cannot begin to guess her reasons for hesitation.'
+
−
Vaeshir chuckles to himself 'Well..'
+
  
−
Shasarik says 'I believe that you are far more intelligent that I or her... and that you will have your release from her no matter her hesitation.'
+
Shasarik eyes Vaeshir caustiously.
  
−
Vaeshir continues to stare silently towards the entrance to the Tavern.
+
Padraic says 'You will get your payment, soon enough.'
  
−
Shasarik says 'You will sit in the throne of the Pentagram... and I know this will be well for us.'
+
Shasarik looks at Padraic.
  
−
You think 'Appeal to his sense of duty, perhaps.'
+
Padraic quaffs a potion of transportation.
 +
Padraic disappears.
  
−
Shasarik says 'And I cannot explain in words why I believe this...'
+
Shasarik quaffs a potion of transportation.
−
Shasarik closes his eyes for a moment.
+
Shasarik disappears.
  
−
Vaeshir changes the subject once more 'She was given a charge and failed to complete the task.'
+
You step into the void, crossing space with your magics.
 +
The magical winds of the void tear at you!
 +
Your passage through the void mauls you.
 +
Near a Rocky Peak
 +
  A thin path of fragments of white stone winds its way upward and westward
 +
around the side of a high, round hill, whose rocky peak looms just to the
 +
north.  The path drops away quickly to the east, into a narrow valley
 +
between the arms of the hills.  Far to the east, beyond the valley and
 +
beyond yet more hills, a wide, grey plain stretches away into the distance.
 +
To the west the path winds deeper into the hill country, whose craggy peaks
 +
rise high above the southern forest.
  
−
Shasarik opens his eyes forcefully.
+
[Exits: west down]
 +
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
 +
A raven follows right behind, through the opaque portal.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Unless she considers throwing a meaningless command my way from time to time to be a suitable test of loyalty.'
+
A Rising Valley
 +
  A narrow valley, which winds southward between the out-flung arms of two
 +
hills, ends its northward climb at the face of an outcrop of sheer granite.
 +
A narrow path, nothing more than a twisting line of whitish pebbles, winds
 +
upward to the west, criss-crossing its way toward the peak of that hill.
 +
Far to the south a broad forested valley is visible, stretching away into
 +
greyness.
  
−
Shasarik queries ''Failed...''
+
[Exits: south up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
You think 'That seems to have hit home.'
+
Near a Rocky Peak
 +
  A thin path of fragments of white stone winds its way upward and westward
 +
around the side of a high, round hill, whose rocky peak looms just to the
 +
north. The path drops away quickly to the east, into a narrow valley
 +
between the arms of the hills.  Far to the east, beyond the valley and
 +
beyond yet more hills, a wide, grey plain stretches away into the distance.
 +
To the west the path winds deeper into the hill country, whose craggy peaks
 +
rise high above the southern forest. 
  
−
Shasarik says 'The archmage of the nexus knows of your loyalty... as do I and the High Priest.'
+
[Exits: west down]
−
Shasarik says 'She failed, yes... but where she failed the Coven itself succeeded.'
+
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
−
Shasarik says 'A newborn, I was unclear on the intentions of many.  It was I, after all, that helped define the terms of your enterance.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
−
[OOC] Shasarik: enterence? enterance? dammit
+
Upon a Barren Hillside
 +
  Upon the western slopes of this high round hill, the great extent of the
 +
hill country can be seen. Rampart upon rampart rise into the distance, ever
 +
northward toward the dimly visible shadow of the Brintor Mountains.  Like
 +
rows of blackened teeth, the crests cut their way southward, ending suddenly
 +
as a great forest begins.  The narrow path here bends eastward, around the
 +
southern face of the hill.  To the north it winds toward an out-thrust
 +
ridge.  
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'It is interesting that one who so blatantly ignores her duties as a member of the Circle remains within it.'
+
[Exits: north east]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik gasps near-inaudibly at this.
+
Upon a Barren Hillside
−
Shasarik says 'I never questioned the Siren's worthiness of position.  That is far beyond my sphere.'
+
  Upon the western slopes of this high round hill, the great extent of the
−
Shasarik whispers to himself 'Well, perhaps not that far...'
+
hill country can be seen. Rampart upon rampart rise into the distance, ever
 +
northward toward the dimly visible shadow of the Brintor Mountains.  Like
 +
rows of blackened teeth, the crests cut their way southward, ending suddenly
 +
as a great forest begins. A narrow path of shattered white stone begins
 +
here and winds southward around the western face of the hill. A pathless
 +
ridge stretches out from the hill to the northwest.
  
−
Vaeshir repeats '"Beyond your sphere."'
+
[Exits: north south west]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'Beyond my...'
+
A Spiny Ridge
−
Shasarik struggles for the words.
+
  A shale-covered ridge stretches to the northwest from a high, round hill
−
Shasarik casts a glance at his arms and then at his torso.
+
which rises in the southeast. Facing the gradually descending march of the
 +
ridge, you can see its end some distance away, where it disappears into an
 +
unseen precipice.  In this direction the jagged granite spine of the ridge
 +
is to your left, while to the right a slope leads down into a
 +
northward-running valley.
  
−
Vaeshir continues 'Self-study is critical to the survival of any organization, as well as any soul.'
+
[Exits: south down]
 +
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
 +
A great red stag walks through the hills.
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik whispers 'This mind... what I would have given to be born into your... your frail... tiny form.'
+
The Beginning of a Broad Valley
−
Shasarik says 'Until I can master this... limited... mind... I shall never be a true scholar of the arts of war.'
+
  A broad valley is embraced by lines of jagged hills the the east and
 +
west, and is cut off to the south by a diagonal ridge. The shaley slopes of
 +
this ridge make an awkward but achievable climb. To the north the valley
 +
opens, its wide, stony floor broken with drifts of earth, from which sprout
 +
thickets of glossy-leaved spruce.
  
−
Vaeshir shifts slightly, almost uncomfortable.
+
[Exits: north up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'It must be so effortless at times, yes?'
+
A Broad Valley
 +
  Here a deep, rounded valley is embraced by hilltops to the east and west,
 +
climbing into a narrower valley to the south, and stretching away to the
 +
north.  The shaley slopes of the facing hills rise to craggy peaks topped
 +
with weather-torn growths of dark pine.  Here on the stony floor drifts of
 +
earth sprout thickets of resinous spruce.  Cold wind from the higher reaches
 +
swirls down into the valley whistling in the evergreen leaves.  Like craggy
 +
waves, the hills march to either side, their sharp peaks and curving saddles
 +
too steep to climb. 
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Nothing is ever easy.'
+
[Exits: north south west]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik nods.
+
A Broad Valley
−
Shasarik says 'Yes, but the knowledge... the understanding... you had it when I still believed all there was to life was cleaving things in two.'
+
  Here a deep, rounded valley is embraced by hilltops to the east and west,
−
Shasarik says 'Do you remember... the templar Zarekie?'
+
climbing into a narrower valley to the northwest, and stretching away to the
 +
south. The shaley slopes of the facing hills rise to craggy peaks topped
 +
with weather-torn growths of dark pine. Here on the stony floor drifts of
 +
earth sprout thickets of resinous spruce. Cold wind from the higher reaches
 +
swirls down into the valley whistling in the evergreen leaves. Like craggy
 +
waves, the hills march to either side, their sharp peaks and curving saddles
 +
too steep to climb. 
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The true wisdom of the Coven came to us both at the same time, Lieutenant.'
+
[Exits: south west]
−
Vaeshir smiles in memory 'Of course I do.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik nods and takes a deep breath.
+
A Broad Valley
−
Shasarik says 'What do you believe became of the one who taught me true fear and showed me also the benefeit of wit?'
+
  Here a deep, rounded valley is embraced by hilltops to the east and west,
 +
climbing into a narrower valley to the north, and stretching away to the
 +
south. The shaley slopes of the facing hills rise to craggy peaks topped
 +
with weather-torn growths of dark pine.  Here on the stony floor drifts of
 +
earth sprout thickets of resinous spruce.  Cold wind from the higher reaches
 +
swirls down into the valley whistling in the evergreen leaves.  Like craggy
 +
waves, the hills march to either side, their sharp peaks and curving saddles
 +
too steep to climb. 
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'The one who showed you the benefit of wit?'
+
[Exits: north east south]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'She worked with demons and such while I was still using a practice weapon... but always kept her wits and humors about her.'
+
The Beginning of a Broad Valley
 +
  A broad valley is embraced by lines of jagged hills the the east and
 +
west, and ends to the north where the arms of two hills are thrust together.
 +
A rising crevice is formed between these spurs, down which trickles a tiny
 +
stream of water. To the south the broad valley opens up, its wide, stony
 +
floor broken with drifts of earth, from which sprout thickets of
 +
glossy-leaved spruce.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I knew her so briefly.'
+
[Exits: south up]
−
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.  
+
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'Indeed...'
+
A Spiny, Fir-Clad Ridge
−
Shasarik says 'We have sat in this place for a night and a day... perhaps we should return our thoughts to the present... and the future.'
+
  Formed by the out-thrust spurs of two southward hills, this jagged, rocky
 +
ridge extends northward, deep into the rugged hill country. Interspersed
 +
with the knife-like granite outthrusts, thickets of dark-leaved fir bend in
 +
the bitter wind. The weather-torn branches of these mishappen trees are
 +
clad in weeping veils of dark needles, and their shallow roots cling to the
 +
tenuous soil. To the south the ridge ends, and a cleft between the hills
 +
drops away into a broad valley.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'We may have been speaking of the present more than you might think.'
+
[Exits: north down]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'We departed briefly.'
+
A Spiny, Fir-Clad Ridge
 +
  Formed by the out-thrust spurs of two distant southward hills, this
 +
jagged, rocky ridge extends to the northwest, deep into the rugged hill
 +
country. Interspersed with the knife-like granite outthrusts, thickets of
 +
dark-leaved fir bend in the bitter wind.  The weather-torn branches of these
 +
mishappen trees are clad in weeping veils of dark needles, and their shallow
 +
roots cling to the tenuous soil.  A kink in the northward march of the ridge
 +
sends it in a westward arc around the shore of a wide, still lake.  A cleft
 +
in the side of the ridge channels a trickle of water into lake, and provides
 +
a means of descent. 
  
−
Vaeshir acknowledges this with a nod.
+
[Exits: south down]
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Just as we judge others we are in turn judged.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'Will the halls expand and reform themselves with the growing ranks of the Vanguard and the expansion of the Pentagram?'
+
A Narrow Cleft
 +
  Cutting a straight passage down the side of a northwest-running ridge, a
 +
narrow cleft channels a trickling stream from the craggy, fir-clad heights
 +
into a wide, still lake to the north.  As the ground levels the cleft
 +
widens, only to meet the steep, shear walls of the cliffs bounding the lake.
 +
Here the tumbled rocks from the crags above choke the stream, and mosses and
 +
tiny ferns grow amongst the crevices. 
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Just as the success of the individual is determined by his willingness to step forward and embrace his desires, so to is the health of a group determined by those within its number who step forward to take an active interest in its well being.'
+
[Exits: north up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'Whereas we were an order of a few with many slaves and spies we shall soon be an order of many more.'
+
By the Shore of a Still Lake
−
Shasarik says 'The realms themselves are changing...'
+
  A narrow shelf of pebbly ground forms the shore of a wide, still lake.  
 +
The lake stretches away to the northeast, surrounded in all directions by
 +
high, grey cliffs whose serrated peaks are reflected in the still waters
 +
against a dim sky. In the very center of the lake is reflected the highest
 +
crag, a lofty bluff over the eastern shore whose spiney peak of jumbled
 +
black stone floats serenely in the lightless deep. Here at the southwest
 +
corner of the lake a tiny stream trickles across the pebbly shore from a
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Allow me to continue, if you will. I have nearly made my thoughts on the matter entirely clear.'
+
narrow cleft in the southern cliff.
  
−
Shasarik nods and closes his mouth.
+
[Exits: north east south]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Vaeshir points at Shasarik.
+
By the Shore of a Still Lake
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Do not question your feelings, your doubts, or your thoughts of and for the other members of the Coven.'
+
  A narrow shelf of pebbly ground forms the shore of a wide, still lake.  
 +
The lake stretches away to the north, surrounded in all directions by high,
 +
grey cliffs whose serrated peaks are reflected in the still waters against a
 +
dim sky.  In the very center of the lake is reflected the highest crag, a
 +
lofty bluff over the eastern shore whose spiney peak of jumbled black stone
 +
floats serenely in the lightless deep.  The shelf continues along the
 +
southern shore beneath an eroding granite face.
  
−
Shasarik looks forward, his gaze constant.
+
[Exits: east west]
−
Shasarik says 'Can you understand my motives for doing as much?'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I understand them, but I do not agree.'
+
By the Shore of a Still Lake
 +
  A narrow shelf of pebbly ground forms the shore of a wide, still lake.
 +
The lake stretches away to the north, surrounded in all directions by high,
 +
grey cliffs whose serrated peaks are reflected in the still waters against a
 +
dim sky.  In the very center of the lake is reflected the highest crag, a
 +
lofty bluff over the eastern shore whose spiney peak of jumbled black stone
 +
floats serenely in the lightless deep.  The shelf continues along the
 +
southern shore to the west, but directly to the east the shore is blocked by
 +
great toppled splints of stone, which rise, step-like, to the cliffs above.  
  
−
Shasarik nods sharply.
+
[Exits: west up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
A Stair of Toppled Granite
 +
  A natural stair is formed here of great pillars of granite, eroded and
 +
toppled from the cliff face to the south. The stair overlooks a wide, still
 +
lake, which stretches away to the north.  At the base of the stair a narrow
 +
shore stretches eastward around the lake, while upward the stair meets the
 +
craggy cliff-tops. 
  
−
Shasarik says 'I act for the well-being of the Coven.'
+
[Exits: up down]
−
Shasarik says 'My position commands that...'
+
A large hawk circles in the cold winds above the hills.
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'Membership commands it.'
+
Overlooking a Still Lake
 +
  This craggy cliff-top forms a high stone girdle about a wide, still lake.
 +
Jutting upward from a narrow shore, the cliff's serrated peaks are framed
 +
against the sky above, and against the deeper blue of the reflective depths
 +
far below.  Just to the west the face of the cliff has fallen in a series of
 +
jumbled pillers, eroded by the harsh, cold wind of the heights.  Eastward
 +
the cliff continues about the southern edge of the lake. 
  
−
Shasarik sighs and shuts his mouth as he stares forward.
+
[Exits: east down]
−
Shasarik says 'Thoughts that conflict with the general opinion of the council are dangerous and are often purged.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'They are rarely revealed.'
+
Overlooking a Still Lake
 +
  This craggy cliff-top forms a high stone girdle about a wide, still lake.
 +
Jutting upward from a narrow shore, the cliff's serrated peaks are framed
 +
against the sky above, and against the deeper blue of the reflective depths
 +
far below. Here the brink curves northward, around the southeastern edge of
 +
the lake, and marches eastward, where the cliff-face is scored and broken
 +
with erosion. 
  
−
Shasarik says 'Perhaps had I better asserted myself Khaseem would be under my sway and my Vanguard would not be compromised.'
+
[Exits: north west]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Vaeshir returns his gaze to the doorway.
+
Overlooking a Still Lake
 +
  This craggy cliff-top forms a high stone girdle about a wide, still lake.
 +
Jutting upward from a narrow shore, the cliff's serrated peaks are framed
 +
against the sky above, and against the deeper blue of the reflective depths
 +
far below.  To the south the precipice bends around the southeastern edge of
 +
the lake, while to the north the ground rises.  At the peak of the rise,
 +
mounted upon the highest spire, a jumble of ruined black stone squats
 +
darkly.  Some ancient work of men, the remnants of its toppled towers thrust
 +
like crooked fingers against the sky.
  
−
Shasarik peers at the doorway.
+
[Exits: south up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Vaeshir says softly 'A time of great strain is coming to the Halls, Lieutenant.'
+
Before the Ruined Gates
−
Vaeshir says softly 'I believe you will have the strength to follow your duty to Night when the time comes.'
+
  The jumbled ruin of an ancient fortress sits atop the high peak of this
 +
ridge.  Its once-lofty towers are now shattered and in ruins, with only
 +
hollow shards of wood and stone left to recall their splendour.  The wall of
 +
the fortress is broken in many places, and the collapsed arch of a gaping
 +
gateway lies directly to the north.  To the west a sudden brink overlooks a
 +
wide, still lake far below. The reflective, blue waters stretch to the
 +
north and south, and above the looming cliffs of the western shore the
 +
rising ridges of the hill country can be seen marching, spine upon jagged
 +
spine, into the distance.  Just to the south the edge of the cliff drops
 +
steeply.
  
−
Vaeshir turns to regard Shasarik silently.
+
[Exits: north down]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'I feel this as well... but I cannot place its origin, its cause, or its effect.'
+
A Blackened Courtyard
−
Shasarik says 'I, however, believe I shall as well.'
+
  Wracked by some great violence of fire and force, the wide courtyard of
 +
this fortress lies in blackened desolation. Scorched flagstones have been
 +
heaved from their places, and lie strewn amongst the scattered fragments of
 +
the broken walls. A few small buildings line the courtyard - a smithy, a
 +
stable, a servant's quarters - all now roofless and tumbled.  To the north
 +
lies the main keep of the fortress, its towers and high halls cast into
 +
ruin.
  
−
Vaeshir's lips twist into a wry smile.  
+
[Exits: north south]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
−
Shasarik says 'I must.'
 
−
Shasarik turns to face the barkeep cooly.
 
−
Shasarik gestures to the barkeep.
 
−
 
−
Shasarik says 'We will have to, of course, kill this one.'
 
−
Shasarik blocks the exit with his axe.
 
−
Shasarik flexes his muscles and screams in a fit of savagery!
 
−
 
−
Shasarik's mighty cleave === OBLITERATES === a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
 
−
They resist your blindness.
 
−
Shasarik's cleave MANGLES a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik's pierce MANGLES a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik's cleave MANGLES a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik's pierce *** DEMOLISHES *** a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Your life drain DISEMBOWELS a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Your life drain DISMEMBERS a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
A rotund old barkeep has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
 
−
 
−
Shasarik's cleave MANGLES a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik's pierce MANGLES a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
The ruby in Shasarik's ring glows red, and a column of fire envelops barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik sends a column of fire smashing into a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik's column of fire *** DEMOLISHES *** a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Your life drain misses a rotund old barkeep.
 
−
Your life drain DISEMBOWELS a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
A rotund old barkeep is in awful condition.
 
−
 
−
They resist your blindness.
 
−
A rotund old barkeep is in awful condition.
 
−
 
−
Shasarik's mighty cleave misses a rotund old barkeep.
 
−
A rotund old barkeep is in awful condition.
 
−
 
−
Shasarik's cleave MANGLES a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik's pierce MANGLES a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
Shasarik's cleave *** DEMOLISHES *** a rotund old barkeep!
 
−
A rotund old barkeep is DEAD!!
 
−
You receive 0 experience points.
 
−
You hear a rotund old barkeep's death cry.
 
−
Shasarik gets 2594 gold coins from the corpse of a rotund old barkeep.
 
−
Shasarik splits 2594 gold coins. Your share is 1297 gold.
 
−
Shasarik splits 120 gold coins. Your share is 60 gold.
 
−
Shasarik sacrifices the corpse of a rotund old barkeep to the gods.
 
−
 
−
### We find the serving girl elsewhere
 
−
 
−
Shasarik has arrived.
 
−
 
−
You compel them to obey your will.
 
−
 
−
Fassthalt's slash MASSACRES a young servant girl!
 
−
Fassthalt's slash MASSACRES a young servant girl!
 
−
 
−
Shasarik nods.
 
−
 
−
The Bandit's Blade Tavern
 
−
  Under a low ceiling encrusted in cigar smoke lie the numerous tables of
 
−
this large tavern.  The floor is covered in bits of food and cloth, and the
 
−
wiry oak rafters above are shrouded with layer upon layer of dust.  The
 
−
floor boards are scratched and scuffed, presumably from numerous duels and
 
−
confrontations that take place here.  To the north, the counter and drink
 
−
shelf lie.  To the north and west, the numerous tables continue. 
 
−
 
−
[Exits: north west]
 
−
Shasarik the Thane of Conquest, Lieutenant of the Black Vanguard is here.
 
−
A young servant girl is here, fighting Fassthalt.
 
−
Fassthalt is here, fighting a young servant girl.
 
−
 
−
The Bandit's Blade Tavern
 
−
  Under a low ceiling encrusted in cigar smoke lie the numerous tables of
 
−
this large tavern.  The floor is covered in bits of food and cloth, and the
 
−
wiry oak rafters above are shrouded with layer upon layer of dust.  The
 
−
floor boards are scratched and scuffed, presumably from numerous duels and
 
−
confrontations that take place here.  To the northeast, the counter and
 
−
drink shelf lie.  To the north and east, the numerous tables continue, while
 
−
to the west the tavern's exit. 
 
−
 
−
[Exits: north east west]
 
−
Korthag the kankoran Bandit Lord sits at a table here.
 
−
Shasarik has arrived.
 
−
You hear something's death cry.
 
−
 
−
A shimmering gate rises up before you.
 
−
 
−
You enter a shimmering gate.
 
 
A Ruined Hall
 
A Ruined Hall
 
   The broken walls of an ancient hall of men surround a fire-blasted and
 
   The broken walls of an ancient hall of men surround a fire-blasted and
Line 1,337: Line 717:
 
do, however, continue downward, through the floor of the hall and into a
 
do, however, continue downward, through the floor of the hall and into a
 
gaping hole whose bottom is beyond the blackness of its depth.  To the south
 
gaping hole whose bottom is beyond the blackness of its depth.  To the south
−
an archway, still intact, leads to a courtyard. 
 
  
 
[Exits: south down]
 
[Exits: south down]
−
    A shimmering black gate rises from the ground, leading to parts unknown.
+
A raven has arrived.
−
A mountain goat is resting here.
+
−
Your passage through the void injures you.
+
−
Shasarik has arrived through a shimmering gate.
+
−
Shasarik's passage through the void DISEMBOWELS him!
+
  
−
Shasarik leaves down.
+
Vaeshir casts a glance downward into the abyss.</pre>
  
−
### Brief walk into the Halls
+
[1][http://www.ender.com/~jolinn/avendarbible/wiki.pl?Road_to_Revolution_2 2][http://www.ender.com/~jolinn/avendarbible/wiki.pl?Road_to_Revolution_3 3][http://www.ender.com/~jolinn/avendarbible/wiki.pl?Road_to_Revolution_4 4][http://www.ender.com/~jolinn/avendarbible/wiki.pl?Road_to_Revolution_5 5]
−
 
+
−
The Hall of the Shunned
+
−
  A great hall stretches away before you to the west. Two row of high
+
−
granite pillars march down the center of the hall, supporting a ceiling
+
−
which rises in a series of lofty vaults to a dias at the far western end.  
+
−
To the east an archway, ornate with carven reliefs, leads to an outer
+
−
antechamber, while to the north and south along this wall, the corners of
+
−
the great hall are lit with fiercely burning braziers. To the west, in the
+
−
center of the hall, stands a circle of high-backed stone chairs. Offsetting
+
−
the ancient, quartz-streaked stone, hangings of fine fabric and deep, rich
+
−
colours, emblazoned with a multitude of arcane symbols, drape between the
+
−
pillars and hang high on the chamber walls.
+
−
 
+
−
[Exits: north east south west]
+
−
Shasarik the Thane of Conquest, Lieutenant of the Black Vanguard is here.
+
−
A tall sentry in black plate armour stands motionless by the wall.
+
−
A tall sentry in black plate armour stands motionless by the wall.
+
−
 
+
−
Shasarik nods briefly, wordlessly.
+
−
 
+
−
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
  
−
Shasarik leaves south.</pre>
+
Return to: [[The Apocrypha]] See also: [[Vaeshir]], [[Shasarik]], [[Padraic]]

Latest revision as of 22:49, 21 January 2003

Shielded Bank of the Hyloth River
  Spreading from the western ridge to the rapids to the east, this small
sliver of snow-covered earth is shielded from the erosive waters of the
Hyloth by a raised bank made of hard rock.  The high grey ridge-face is
dotted with small ledges, each covered with fresh, white snow, almost
appearing as a giant staircase.  A collection of arranged sticks and
branches pokes out over a ledge high on the ridge-face.  

[Exits: south]
     A shimmering black gate rises from the ground, leading to parts unknown.
     A large eagle's nest sits precariously balanced on a stone ledge.
Padraic the Hero of the Shadows is here.
Shasarik the Thane of Battle is here.
A weak, newly hatched eagle sits warm within the nest, squeaking piteously.
Using the nest as insulation against the winds, an eagle preens herself.

Your passage through the void maims you!
A raven has arrived through a shimmering gate.
A raven's passage through the void decimates it!

Shasarik lowers his gaze from the sky.

The sun slowly disappears in the west.
Clouds move into the area, obscuring the sky.

Shasarik peers about his surroundings quietly before resting his gaze on the river.

Vaeshir touches his mouth in rememberance.

Shasarik says 'I have been here before.'
Shasarik says 'Yes.  Only by your... gates... this may not even be Avendar from what I know.'

Vaeshir whispers 'Isn't it wonderful?'

Shasarik looks at an eagle hatchling.

Padraic rolls his eyes diffidently.

Shasarik looks at the eagle.
Shasarik turns to face Padraic.
Shasarik lowers himself to his knees, tucking his tail under himself.
Shasarik sits down on the ground.
Shasarik swiftly sheathes his weapons with the grace of a student swordmaster.
Shasarik stops using an axe made from tempered steel.
Shasarik stops using a long steel foil.

A mask of indifference settles itself upon Padraic's face.

Padraic says 'Such trust.'

Vaeshir says softly 'Trust has little to do with it.'

Shasarik nods, a saddened trace to his expressions.

With a flip of the wrist, Padraic slides a jewel-encrusted dagger up his sleeve.

Padraic stops using a jewel-encrusted dagger.
Padraic says 'Perhaps.'
Padraic says 'But we have yet to cease our bush beating.'

Vaeshir says softly 'Enough is clear.'

Shasarik says 'Avendar is a stage, yes?  And we are players... some with a house and some that travel for the clinking of coins... but in these plays all wear their masks.  Only those who feel they have a mastery of this artform are empowered to hide their masks aw'
Shasarik says 'away behind a thin veil of shadow.'

Chill winds dance about, assailing you from all directions.

Padraic says 'Eloquently spoken, dear boy.'
Padraic applauds slowly.

Shasarik draws his cloak more tightly around himself in vain attempt to shield his body from the winds.

Padraic says 'But you still wonder at my involvement.  And I still wonder about yours.'

Shasarik says 'Indeed.'
Shasarik says 'Until this time I... knew not... of your involvement.'
Shasarik turns slightly to Vaeshir.

Padraic reaches into a satchel, pulling out a sheet of withered parchment, folded neatly into quarters.

Shasarik restores his northward gaze.

Padraic says 'I suppose that I should take that as a compliment.'

Vaeshir's lips part slowly.

Shasarik smiles thinly.
Shasarik blinks and his face is emotionless.

Padraic slowly unfolds the sheet, slowly reading it over.

Vaeshir, moving nothing more than his arm, holds it out towards the sheet of parchment calmly.

Shasarik watches this actively.

Padraic smiles grimly.

Vaeshir gasps with mock surprise.

Shasarik drinks water from a large leather water skin.

Vaeshir says softly 'Would you prefer to wear the mask longer?'

Shasarik chuckles darkly.

The winds lessen to a brisk breeze, sending fingers of chill air curling about you.

Padraic quietly folds the sheet again.

Shasarik whispers 'So...'

Padraic says 'I have seen no undonning from your camp.'

Vaeshir says softly 'The questions are not clear.'

A triumphant screech echos from afar, as a predatory bird finds a meal.

Padraic says 'An answer can be provided without a question to induce it.'

Shasarik moves his mouth quickly, no words coming forth.

Padraic places a finger upon Shasarik's lips.

Vaeshir tilts his head slightly 'You showed no surprise at my appearance.'

Shasarik closes his mouth.

Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
Padraic stops using a string of dragon-bone hair beads.
Padraic wears a pair of runed spectacles on his head.
Padraic stops using a pair of runed spectacles.
Padraic wears a string of dragon-bone hair beads on his head.

Padraic says 'I haven't, have I.'

Vaeshir shifts his gaze towards the parchment 'You protest that you are in contact with the Gods, or a God, yet my question has gone, thusfar, unaswered.'

Shasarik looks at Padraic.

Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly. 

Shasarik stares at Padraic's pendant intently.

Padraic tilts his head slightly to the side.

Vaeshir raises an arm slowly, leveling it with Padraic's face.
Vaeshir says softly 'You are not the first to call for Shasarik's freedom.'

Padraic says 'I have not made that call, I am afraid.'

Shasarik gasps quickly but catches himself.

Padraic says 'I merely asked about his wishes.'
Padraic turns his eyes towards the sky.

Vaeshir says softly 'The nature of the questioning combined with the unusual timing have made your intent clear enough.'

Shasarik draws his hands behind his back to keep them from shaking.
Shasarik flexes his tail off the ground before letting it drop with a loud echo.

Padraic stifles a smirk.

OOC to Padraic: 'have made' --> 'has made'
OOC to Shasarik: 'have made' --> 'has made'

[OOC] Shasarik: noted.

Padraic says 'The nature of your answers is providing me with a clearer picture than I could have hoped for.'

[OOC] Shasarik: if that's the worst slip that happens tonight consider yourself lucky... look at me...

Padraic says 'Something is unravelling about you, Vaeshir, that you do not fully understand.'

[OOC] Shasarik: esays instead of emotes... heh

Padraic says 'Shadows are coming to life, and you are not sure which ones will remain still, and which ones will pounce.'

Vaeshir shrugs his shoulders indifferently 'I have been the first to begin removing my mask.'

Padraic suddenly turns his attention to the raven.

Shasarik whispers to himself 'the light... to what end?'

Padraic says 'A pretty specimen.'

Vaeshir holds his arm level with his shoulder.

Shasarik chants 'There were three....'

A raven shifts to pirch on your shoulder.

Shasarik continues 'and now... there are two...'

Padraic says '... And then there were none.'
Padraic says 'That's how the poem finishes, you know.'

You are thirsty.
You are feeling extremely dehydrated!
You DISEMBOWEL yourself!

Shasarik nods, understanding.

Padraic says 'Another drink, Vaeshir?'

Vaeshir says softly 'Yes.'

Padraic gives you an everfull chalice.

You drink water from an everfull chalice.
You drink water from an everfull chalice.
You give an everfull chalice to Padraic.

Shasarik says 'But... there shall be those... those who remain...'
Shasarik says 'Those who need not trouble themselves with meat and drink.'

Clouds move into the area, obscuring the sky.

Padraic says 'Or those who need not worry about the ravages of time, or those who need not ponder over the blades of mortal men...'

Shasarik says 'Those whose minds alone suspend countless strings.'

Padraic holds up the folded parchment.

Shasarik says 'Those whose masks entwine with skin entwine with soul.'

Padraic says 'This letter was sent to me by my superior.'
Padraic says 'Mind you, there is but one who can claim such a thing upon me.'

Vaeshir makes a quick gesture.

Shasarik offers a quick nod.

A raven flies quickly over to land on Padraic's shoulder.

Shasarik grazes himself.

Chill winds whip about your body, tearing at loose accoutrements. 
A forceful gust of freezing air bites into your exposed flesh!


Shasarik chokes a moment as few drops of blood fly from his mouth.
Shasarik wounds himself.
Shasarik sways slightly on his feet and then is well.
Shasarik looks from Padraic to Vaeshir.

Padraic says 'Why I have chosen to reveal myself at this time, is now clear to you, I assume.'

Vaeshir inclines his head slightly. 

Padraic taps the note lightly.

Shasarik says 'P-padraic... might I... petition you for a loaf?'
Shasarik injures himself.

Padraic says 'I'm afraid I'm fresh out.'

Shasarik shakes his head.
Shasarik says 'Very well.'
Shasarik says 'Continue.'

You get a cake of Nendorian waybread from a large hide bag.

Shasarik grazes himself.

You give a cake of Nendorian waybread to Shasarik.

Shasarik turns the bread over in his hands.
Shasarik gives you a cake of Nendorian waybread.
Shasarik says 'Continue, Padraic.'

Shasarik misses himself.

Vaeshir turns his gaze sharply to Shasarik.

Shasarik locks his eyes with Padraic's.
Shasarik grazes himself.

Padraic says 'I am stepping in, for others who have bungled, and for others that may have shifted their positions.'

Shasarik maims himself!
Shasarik mauls himself.

Padraic says 'A portion of my mask has been revealed.  It is your turn again.'

Shasarik sways slightly.

The sun slowly disappears in the west.

Shasarik scratches himself.
Shasarik looks up at Padraic.

The sun slowly disappears in the west.

Shasarik injures himself.
Shasarik says 'I have either been chosen.  Or I have been marked as a slave.'

Padraic eyes you with a slight smirk.

Shasarik says 'At this time it matters little.'

Vaeshir purses his lips 'Or both.'

Shasarik hits himself.
Shasarik says 'I... have found a way that I can be free from my bondage to Lor-Archmage Vaeshir.'
Shasarik says 'And at the same time no blood will touch blade nor earth.'
Shasarik decimates himself!

Vaeshir taps a finger against his cheek idly.

Shasarik closes his eyes, lost in a brief dream.
Shasarik mauls himself.

Vaeshir turns his gaze toward Padraic.

Shasarik says 'Father... he has promised my... release.'
Shasarik devastates himself!
Shasarik says 'It has been written in the dust of the stars, in the essense of the dreams, in the notation of the spheres.'

Vaeshir holds up a hand before Shasarik.

Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.

Shasarik closes his mouth.
Shasarik hits himself.
Shasarik whispers ''tis true, My Lord, 'tis true this not yet Is.  This that shall be.'
Shasarik hits himself.
Shasarik says 'I shall still close my mouth at the wave of your hand... my blood runs with the taint of the Bindings...'
Shasarik closes his mouth.

Vaeshir says softly 'I believe you will find it is in your best interest.'

Shasarik hits himself.
Shasarik bursts from closed lips 'ssssssoon.'
Shasarik grazes himself.
Shasarik says 'There, the mask that is a smiling frown is half-revealed.'
Shasarik says 'I have, Padraic of the shades, paid my ante.'
Shasarik wounds himself.
Shasarik looks at an eagle hatchling.
Shasarik wields an axe made from tempered steel.
Shasarik dual wields a long steel foil.
Shasarik stands up.

Shasarik's mighty cleave *** DEMOLISHES *** an eagle hatchling!
An eagle hatchling is DEAD!!
An eagle hatchling's leg is sliced from his dead body.
Shasarik sacrifices the corpse of an eagle hatchling to the gods.

Shasarik gets the leg of an eagle hatchling.
Shasarik skins the leg quietly with his axe as he listens.
Shasarik scratches himself.
Shasarik eats the leg of an eagle hatchling.

Padraic smiles lightly.

Shasarik sits down on the ground.
Shasarik stops using an axe made from tempered steel.
Shasarik stops using a long steel foil.

Padraic says 'Nothing is unbreakable, is it.'

The clouds begin to disperse, clearing the sky.

Shasarik drinks water from a large leather water skin.

Padraic muses 'Not the strongest of men, the strongest of gods, nor the strongest of bonds...'

Shasarik says 'If my body pulsed with water or wine such ease would be my toil.'
Shasarik says 'But not so, on the contrary, my heart beats the constant drumming of bloodflow.'

A raven shifts, stretching its wings.

Padraic says 'And yet, Vaeshir watches on contentedly?'

A triumphant screech echos from afar, as a predatory bird finds a meal.

Shasarik says 'He has what he wishes.  Soon he will have more.'

Vaeshir inclines his head slightly. 

Padraic says 'He sits at the trade table then.'

Shasarik says 'And yet expects that to elude us.'

Padraic's gaze falls lightly upon your neck, then moves on.

The dull roar of the wind abates a moment, the ensuing quietude unusual to the ear. 

Padraic says 'I must consult with my... superior.'

Vaeshir opens his mouth as if to speak, then shuts it.

Padraic smiles craftily.

Shasarik ponders this silently.

Padraic says 'When the time comes, we will speak again.  Make no mention of me to the others.'

Shasarik nods.

Padraic says 'They are not to know of my appearance yet.'

The sun rises in the east.

Shasarik says 'It shall be as you wish.'
Shasarik stands up.

Vaeshir says softly 'I desire the note.'
Vaeshir says softly 'Just payment for silence.'

Padraic says 'In good time, Vaeshir.'

Shasarik eyes Vaeshir caustiously.

Padraic says 'You will get your payment, soon enough.'

Shasarik looks at Padraic.

Padraic quaffs a potion of transportation.
Padraic disappears.

Shasarik quaffs a potion of transportation.
Shasarik disappears.

You step into the void, crossing space with your magics.
The magical winds of the void tear at you!
Your passage through the void mauls you.
Near a Rocky Peak
  A thin path of fragments of white stone winds its way upward and westward
around the side of a high, round hill, whose rocky peak looms just to the
north.  The path drops away quickly to the east, into a narrow valley
between the arms of the hills.  Far to the east, beyond the valley and
beyond yet more hills, a wide, grey plain stretches away into the distance. 
To the west the path winds deeper into the hill country, whose craggy peaks
rise high above the southern forest.  

[Exits: west down]
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
A raven follows right behind, through the opaque portal.

A Rising Valley
  A narrow valley, which winds southward between the out-flung arms of two
hills, ends its northward climb at the face of an outcrop of sheer granite. 
A narrow path, nothing more than a twisting line of whitish pebbles, winds
upward to the west, criss-crossing its way toward the peak of that hill. 
Far to the south a broad forested valley is visible, stretching away into
greyness.  

[Exits: south up]
A raven has arrived.

Near a Rocky Peak
  A thin path of fragments of white stone winds its way upward and westward
around the side of a high, round hill, whose rocky peak looms just to the
north.  The path drops away quickly to the east, into a narrow valley
between the arms of the hills.  Far to the east, beyond the valley and
beyond yet more hills, a wide, grey plain stretches away into the distance. 
To the west the path winds deeper into the hill country, whose craggy peaks
rise high above the southern forest.  

[Exits: west down]
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
A raven has arrived.

Upon a Barren Hillside
  Upon the western slopes of this high round hill, the great extent of the
hill country can be seen.  Rampart upon rampart rise into the distance, ever
northward toward the dimly visible shadow of the Brintor Mountains.  Like
rows of blackened teeth, the crests cut their way southward, ending suddenly
as a great forest begins.  The narrow path here bends eastward, around the
southern face of the hill.  To the north it winds toward an out-thrust
ridge.  

[Exits: north east]
A raven has arrived.

Upon a Barren Hillside
  Upon the western slopes of this high round hill, the great extent of the
hill country can be seen.  Rampart upon rampart rise into the distance, ever
northward toward the dimly visible shadow of the Brintor Mountains.  Like
rows of blackened teeth, the crests cut their way southward, ending suddenly
as a great forest begins.  A narrow path of shattered white stone begins
here and winds southward around the western face of the hill.  A pathless
ridge stretches out from the hill to the northwest.  

[Exits: north south west]
A raven has arrived.

A Spiny Ridge
  A shale-covered ridge stretches to the northwest from a high, round hill
which rises in the southeast.  Facing the gradually descending march of the
ridge, you can see its end some distance away, where it disappears into an
unseen precipice.  In this direction the jagged granite spine of the ridge
is to your left, while to the right a slope leads down into a
northward-running valley.  

[Exits: south down]
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
A great red stag walks through the hills.
A raven has arrived.

The Beginning of a Broad Valley
  A broad valley is embraced by lines of jagged hills the the east and
west, and is cut off to the south by a diagonal ridge.  The shaley slopes of
this ridge make an awkward but achievable climb.  To the north the valley
opens, its wide, stony floor broken with drifts of earth, from which sprout
thickets of glossy-leaved spruce.  

[Exits: north up]
A raven has arrived.

A Broad Valley
  Here a deep, rounded valley is embraced by hilltops to the east and west,
climbing into a narrower valley to the south, and stretching away to the
north.  The shaley slopes of the facing hills rise to craggy peaks topped
with weather-torn growths of dark pine.  Here on the stony floor drifts of
earth sprout thickets of resinous spruce.  Cold wind from the higher reaches
swirls down into the valley whistling in the evergreen leaves.  Like craggy
waves, the hills march to either side, their sharp peaks and curving saddles
too steep to climb.  

[Exits: north south west]
A raven has arrived.

A Broad Valley
  Here a deep, rounded valley is embraced by hilltops to the east and west,
climbing into a narrower valley to the northwest, and stretching away to the
south.  The shaley slopes of the facing hills rise to craggy peaks topped
with weather-torn growths of dark pine.  Here on the stony floor drifts of
earth sprout thickets of resinous spruce.  Cold wind from the higher reaches
swirls down into the valley whistling in the evergreen leaves.  Like craggy
waves, the hills march to either side, their sharp peaks and curving saddles
too steep to climb.  

[Exits: south west]
A raven has arrived.

A Broad Valley
  Here a deep, rounded valley is embraced by hilltops to the east and west,
climbing into a narrower valley to the north, and stretching away to the
south. The shaley slopes of the facing hills rise to craggy peaks topped
with weather-torn growths of dark pine.  Here on the stony floor drifts of
earth sprout thickets of resinous spruce.  Cold wind from the higher reaches
swirls down into the valley whistling in the evergreen leaves.  Like craggy
waves, the hills march to either side, their sharp peaks and curving saddles
too steep to climb.  

[Exits: north east south]
A raven has arrived.

The Beginning of a Broad Valley
  A broad valley is embraced by lines of jagged hills the the east and
west, and ends to the north where the arms of two hills are thrust together.
A rising crevice is formed between these spurs, down which trickles a tiny
stream of water.  To the south the broad valley opens up, its wide, stony
floor broken with drifts of earth, from which sprout thickets of
glossy-leaved spruce.  

[Exits: south up]
A raven has arrived.

A Spiny, Fir-Clad Ridge
  Formed by the out-thrust spurs of two southward hills, this jagged, rocky
ridge extends northward, deep into the rugged hill country.  Interspersed
with the knife-like granite outthrusts, thickets of dark-leaved fir bend in
the bitter wind.  The weather-torn branches of these mishappen trees are
clad in weeping veils of dark needles, and their shallow roots cling to the
tenuous soil.  To the south the ridge ends, and a cleft between the hills
drops away into a broad valley.  

[Exits: north down]
A raven has arrived.

A Spiny, Fir-Clad Ridge
  Formed by the out-thrust spurs of two distant southward hills, this
jagged, rocky ridge extends to the northwest, deep into the rugged hill
country. Interspersed with the knife-like granite outthrusts, thickets of
dark-leaved fir bend in the bitter wind.  The weather-torn branches of these
mishappen trees are clad in weeping veils of dark needles, and their shallow
roots cling to the tenuous soil.  A kink in the northward march of the ridge
sends it in a westward arc around the shore of a wide, still lake.  A cleft
in the side of the ridge channels a trickle of water into lake, and provides
a means of descent.  

[Exits: south down]
A raven has arrived.

A Narrow Cleft
  Cutting a straight passage down the side of a northwest-running ridge, a
narrow cleft channels a trickling stream from the craggy, fir-clad heights
into a wide, still lake to the north.  As the ground levels the cleft
widens, only to meet the steep, shear walls of the cliffs bounding the lake.
Here the tumbled rocks from the crags above choke the stream, and mosses and
tiny ferns grow amongst the crevices.  

[Exits: north up]
A raven has arrived.

By the Shore of a Still Lake
  A narrow shelf of pebbly ground forms the shore of a wide, still lake. 
The lake stretches away to the northeast, surrounded in all directions by
high, grey cliffs whose serrated peaks are reflected in the still waters
against a dim sky.  In the very center of the lake is reflected the highest
crag, a lofty bluff over the eastern shore whose spiney peak of jumbled
black stone floats serenely in the lightless deep.  Here at the southwest
corner of the lake a tiny stream trickles across the pebbly shore from a

narrow cleft in the southern cliff.  

[Exits: north east south]
A raven has arrived.

By the Shore of a Still Lake
  A narrow shelf of pebbly ground forms the shore of a wide, still lake. 
The lake stretches away to the north, surrounded in all directions by high,
grey cliffs whose serrated peaks are reflected in the still waters against a
dim sky.  In the very center of the lake is reflected the highest crag, a
lofty bluff over the eastern shore whose spiney peak of jumbled black stone
floats serenely in the lightless deep.  The shelf continues along the
southern shore beneath an eroding granite face.  

[Exits: east west]
A raven has arrived.

By the Shore of a Still Lake
  A narrow shelf of pebbly ground forms the shore of a wide, still lake. 
The lake stretches away to the north, surrounded in all directions by high,
grey cliffs whose serrated peaks are reflected in the still waters against a
dim sky.  In the very center of the lake is reflected the highest crag, a
lofty bluff over the eastern shore whose spiney peak of jumbled black stone
floats serenely in the lightless deep.  The shelf continues along the
southern shore to the west, but directly to the east the shore is blocked by
great toppled splints of stone, which rise, step-like, to the cliffs above. 

[Exits: west up]
A raven has arrived.

A Stair of Toppled Granite
  A natural stair is formed here of great pillars of granite, eroded and
toppled from the cliff face to the south.  The stair overlooks a wide, still
lake, which stretches away to the north.  At the base of the stair a narrow
shore stretches eastward around the lake, while upward the stair meets the
craggy cliff-tops.  

[Exits: up down]
A large hawk circles in the cold winds above the hills.
A raven has arrived.

Overlooking a Still Lake
  This craggy cliff-top forms a high stone girdle about a wide, still lake.
Jutting upward from a narrow shore, the cliff's serrated peaks are framed
against the sky above, and against the deeper blue of the reflective depths
far below.  Just to the west the face of the cliff has fallen in a series of
jumbled pillers, eroded by the harsh, cold wind of the heights.  Eastward
the cliff continues about the southern edge of the lake.  

[Exits: east down]
A raven has arrived.

Overlooking a Still Lake
  This craggy cliff-top forms a high stone girdle about a wide, still lake.
Jutting upward from a narrow shore, the cliff's serrated peaks are framed
against the sky above, and against the deeper blue of the reflective depths
far below.  Here the brink curves northward, around the southeastern edge of
the lake, and marches eastward, where the cliff-face is scored and broken
with erosion.  

[Exits: north west]
A raven has arrived.

Overlooking a Still Lake
  This craggy cliff-top forms a high stone girdle about a wide, still lake.
Jutting upward from a narrow shore, the cliff's serrated peaks are framed
against the sky above, and against the deeper blue of the reflective depths
far below.  To the south the precipice bends around the southeastern edge of
the lake, while to the north the ground rises.  At the peak of the rise,
mounted upon the highest spire, a jumble of ruined black stone squats
darkly.  Some ancient work of men, the remnants of its toppled towers thrust
like crooked fingers against the sky.  

[Exits: south up]
A raven has arrived.

Before the Ruined Gates
  The jumbled ruin of an ancient fortress sits atop the high peak of this
ridge.  Its once-lofty towers are now shattered and in ruins, with only
hollow shards of wood and stone left to recall their splendour.  The wall of
the fortress is broken in many places, and the collapsed arch of a gaping
gateway lies directly to the north.  To the west a sudden brink overlooks a
wide, still lake far below.  The reflective, blue waters stretch to the
north and south, and above the looming cliffs of the western shore the
rising ridges of the hill country can be seen marching, spine upon jagged
spine, into the distance.  Just to the south the edge of the cliff drops
steeply.  

[Exits: north down]
A raven has arrived.

A Blackened Courtyard
  Wracked by some great violence of fire and force, the wide courtyard of
this fortress lies in blackened desolation.  Scorched flagstones have been
heaved from their places, and lie strewn amongst the scattered fragments of
the broken walls.  A few small buildings line the courtyard - a smithy, a
stable, a servant's quarters - all now roofless and tumbled.  To the north
lies the main keep of the fortress, its towers and high halls cast into
ruin.  

[Exits: north south]
A raven has arrived.

A Ruined Hall
  The broken walls of an ancient hall of men surround a fire-blasted and
desolate space, now open to the bleak sky above.  Charred beams of wood and
fragments of the stone walls still pierce sky with harsh angles, and in the
center of the room a once-great spiral staircase lies crumbled.  Its
blackened marble steps rise several feet above the ground still, before
dropping into a jumbled mass of broken stone and shattered wood.  The steps
do, however, continue downward, through the floor of the hall and into a
gaping hole whose bottom is beyond the blackness of its depth.  To the south

[Exits: south down]
A raven has arrived.

Vaeshir casts a glance downward into the abyss.

[1]2345

Return to: The Apocrypha See also: Vaeshir, Shasarik, Padraic

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