Difference between revisions of "Road to Revolution 1"

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<pre><pre>### A little while back Padraic tells me "We will speak soon."
+
<pre>Shielded Bank of the Hyloth River
### After a short while I take him up on the offer.
+
  Spreading from the western ridge to the rapids to the east, this small
### His response was quite prompt.
+
sliver of snow-covered earth is shielded from the erosive waters of the
 
+
Hyloth by a raised bank made of hard rockThe high grey ridge-face is
The sun slowly disappears in the west.
+
dotted with small ledges, each covered with fresh, white snow, almost
The clouds begin to disperse, clearing the sky.
+
appearing as a giant staircase.  A collection of arranged sticks and
 
+
branches pokes out over a ledge high on the ridge-face.   
Padraic tells you 'Gate to me.'
+
 
+
You step into the void, crossing space with your magics.
+
The magical winds of the void tear at you!
+
You fade into existence.
+
Your passage through the void DISMEMBERS you!
+
The Infirmary
+
  The infirmary of Krilin Fortress is a spacious room with bare wooden
+
walls and a well-worn log floorA wooden countertop is build into the west
+
wall, cluttered with bandages, salves, and healing ointments.  A round
+
shield decorated with the symbol of Jolinn is mounted on the wallThe
+
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.
 
 
Players near you:
 
(PK) Vaeshir                      The Infirmary
 
(PK) Padraic                      The Infirmary
 
 
You fade out of existence.
 
 
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
 
Vaeshir says softly 'Shal I take us somewhere more private?'
 
 
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
 
Padraic spreads his hands.
 
 
Padraic says 'Do as you like.'
 
 
Players near you:
 
(PK) Vaeshir                      The Infirmary
 
(PK) Padraic                      The Infirmary
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'If there is no need.'
 
Vaeshir nods to Padraic.
 
 
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
 
Padraic says 'What are your feelings on our High Priest?'
 
 
Vaeshir's expression hardens, his face now grave.
 
 
Padraic says 'The question is a simple one.'
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'It carries with it a great number of questions.'
 
Vaeshir says softly 'I have both praise and reservations for the man.'
 
Vaeshir smiles thinly 'Why do you ask?'
 
 
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
 
Padraic says 'I have been away from my duties for quite some time'
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'Did you know him at all before your departure?'
 
 
Padraic nods.
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'You feel he may have changed?'
 
 
Padraic says 'I am wondering, perhaps hoping, that he has.'
 
 
Vaeshir laces his fingers together before him.
 
Vaeshir says softly 'Hoping that he might have changed how?'
 
 
Padraic says 'My own questions remains unanswered.'
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'Quite true.'
 
 
Padraic eyes the scholar quietly.
 
Padraic says 'Perhaps it is best if you take us away.'
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'Very well.'
 
Vaeshir traces a broad circle in the air.
 
 
A shimmering gate rises up before you.
 
 
You enter a shimmering gate.
 
A Crystal-filled Cave
 
  The subterranean tunnel curves to the north and east at this point, the
 
cave walls formed of a dark brown sedimentary stone.  Sprouting from this
 
stone are dozens of naturally-formed crystals, whose intricate shapes line
 
the walls in shimmering patterns.  Broken shards and whole shafts of crystal
 
lay about the floor of the cave, the smaller pieces filling the various
 
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.
  
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!
  
### Wander wander wander.
+
Shasarik lowers his gaze from the sky.
  
Players near you:
+
The sun slowly disappears in the west.
(PK) Vaeshir                      A Rough Earthen Tunnel
+
Clouds move into the area, obscuring the sky.
(PK) Padraic                      A Crystal-filled Cave
+
  
A Rough Earthen Tunnel
+
Shasarik peers about his surroundings quietly before resting his gaze on the river.
  The walls of the rough earthen tunnel continue, with jagged pieces of
+
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,
+
and a side tunnel leads upwards.
+
  
[Exits: east west up]
+
Vaeshir touches his mouth in rememberance.
(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?'
  
 +
Shasarik looks at an eagle hatchling.
  
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Padraic rolls his eyes diffidently.
Padraic says 'The question, to the hyperactive mind, is laced with political agendas and intrigue.'
+
  
### Oh, I don't think your mind has to be _that_ hyperactive
+
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.
  
Padraic says 'But truthfully, I merely seek to ascertain the current state of our house, nothing more.'
+
A mask of indifference settles itself upon Padraic's face.
  
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.'
+
Padraic says 'Such trust.'
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.
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Trust has little to do with it.'
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Padraic tips the chalice in your direction, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.
+
Padraic says 'Or have you brought your own supplies this time?'
+
  
Vaeshir says softly 'I have, but I would drink in rememberance if you like.'
+
Shasarik nods, a saddened trace to his expressions.
  
[SHUNNED] Amyril: If you see Ehraejal, tell me please
+
With a flip of the wrist, Padraic slides a jewel-encrusted dagger up his sleeve.
  
### You can go to hell.
+
Padraic stops using a jewel-encrusted dagger.
 +
Padraic says 'Perhaps.'
 +
Padraic says 'But we have yet to cease our bush beating.'
  
Your current aliases are:
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Enough is clear.'
    lick:  ,licks his lips gingerly.
+
    so:  esay 'says softly'
+
    incline:  ,inclines his head slightly.
+
    run:  ,traces his fingers idly across the scales covering his neck.
+
    rsc:  order all rescue
+
    bl:  c blind
+
    wry:  smote Vaeshir's lips twist into a wry smile.
+
    tilt:  ,tilts his head to one side inquisitively.
+
    blink:  tell self You don't have eyes.
+
    ls:  where pk
+
    frown:  smote The edges of Vaeshir's mouth turn downward slightly.
+
    2:  quaff goblet
+
    1:  where ehraejal
+
    cry:  ,lets out a silent cry, bringing his hands to his head in pain.
+
  
Padraic says 'I'm not one for such sentimental activities.'
+
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.'
  
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
Chill winds dance about, assailing you from all directions.
  
Padraic leans against the earthen walls, gazing at you patiently.
+
Padraic says 'Eloquently spoken, dear boy.'
 +
Padraic applauds slowly.
  
Ehraejal tells you 'Flunkies took stones, yes? From you?'
+
Shasarik draws his cloak more tightly around himself in vain attempt to shield his body from the winds.
  
### Try and weasel your way out of it, why don't 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.'
+
  
### There we are. Work with me.
+
Shasarik restores his northward gaze.
  
Vaeshir says curtly 'Little.'
+
Padraic says 'I suppose that I should take that as a compliment.'
  
Ehraejal tells you 'Bjorcha got tongue?'
+
Vaeshir's lips part slowly.
  
[    Nef  Psi] (PK) Ehraejal the Master of Prescience
+
Shasarik smiles thinly.
 +
Shasarik blinks and his face is emotionless.
  
Padraic says 'I was slightly surprised that he did not address you as "Lord" Vaeshir, upon your arrival.'
+
Padraic slowly unfolds the sheet, slowly reading it over.
  
You tell Ehraejal 'I don't have the time to chatter with you now, Ehraejal.'
+
Vaeshir, moving nothing more than his arm, holds it out towards the sheet of parchment calmly.
  
Padraic says 'He seems strangely enchanted by such titles, and has been throwing them about liberally ever since I made my return.'
+
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.'
+
  
Vaeshir says softly 'That was an anomaly.'
+
Vaeshir gasps with mock surprise.
  
Padraic says 'An absent minded high priest?'
+
Shasarik drinks water from a large leather water skin.
Padraic mulls over the idea.
+
  
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?'
  
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.
+
The winds lessen to a brisk breeze, sending fingers of chill air curling about you.
  
Padraic says 'Then again, he has been rather abysmal in hiding his affiliation with the Lord of Deception.'
+
Padraic quietly folds the sheet again.
  
Vaeshir chuckles 'Well.'
+
Shasarik whispers 'So...'
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 says 'I have seen no undonning from your camp.'
  
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.  
+
Vaeshir says softly 'The questions are not clear.'
  
Padraic says 'What legitimate reasons does he have, anyway?'
+
A triumphant screech echos from afar, as a predatory bird finds a meal.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'It seems to me to be a question of priorities.'
+
Padraic says 'An answer can be provided without a question to induce it.'
  
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.'
+
Shasarik moves his mouth quickly, no words coming forth.
Vaeshir says softly 'While stealth and power often go together it is not, in this case, in the interests of that plan.'
+
  
Players near you:
+
Padraic places a finger upon Shasarik's lips.
(PK) Vaeshir                      A Subterranean Tunnel
+
(PK) Padraic                     A Subterranean Tunnel
+
  
Padraic says 'In such a case, Tlkhanu should simply discard his mask, rather than keeping its shredded remains hanging loosely about him.'
+
Vaeshir tilts his head slightly 'You showed no surprise at my appearance.'
Padraic says 'If he wishes to show his power, than he should do so.'
+
Padraic says 'Staying in Limbo will not help him.'
+
  
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 closes his mouth.
 
+
Padraic looks at you.
+
 
+
Padraic says 'The Keeper's role has yet to be fulfilled.'
+
Padraic says 'Unless Tlkhanu means to hold two seats in the council at once'
+
 
+
Vaeshir's expression twists from grimace to bitter scowl.
+
 
+
Padraic says 'Then it should be little trouble to find a way to get yourself installed.'
+
 
+
Vaeshir lets out a silent cry, bringing his hands to his head in pain.
+
Vaeshir falls against one of the cave walls and leans heavily agaist it.
+
 
+
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Padraic purses his lips, his eyes narrowing slightly.
+
 
+
Breathing heavily, Vaeshir regains his composure.
+
 
+
Padraic gives you an everfull chalice.
+
 
+
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.'
  
### ^_~
+
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.'
  
Amyril yells 'Greetings'
+
Shasarik looks at Padraic.
  
Padraic rolls his eyes in disgust.
 
 
### Seriously.
 
 
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
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'The episodes have been more intense and more frequent in number of late.'
 
 
[SHUNNED] Amyril: Paying a visit to the shrine?
 
 
Padraic says 'An excellent time for the idiot to make his entrance.'
 
 
[SHUNNED] Padraic: Considering it.
 
 
Vaeshir glowers in disgust.
 
 
Players near you:
 
(PK) Vaeshir                      A Subterranean Tunnel
 
(PK) Padraic                      A Subterranean Tunnel
 
 
Vaeshir says softly 'I believe he knows better than to intrude.'
 
 
Padraic nods.
 
Padraic says 'His face is useful to the house, so long as I don't have to see it.'
 
 
Vaeshir examines his claws idly 'He grows old. In time even his usefulness as a killer will pass away.'
 
 
Padraic says 'They all do.  And then they are forgotten.'
 
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.'
+
Shasarik stares at Padraic's pendant intently.
Vaeshir says softly 'I am, due to the Siren's extended travel, still bound to her.'
+
  
Someone bursts into laughter.
+
Padraic tilts his head slightly to the side.
  
### It's not _that_ funny.
+
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.'
  
A Subterranean Tunnel
+
Padraic says 'I have not made that call, I am afraid.'
  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]
+
Shasarik gasps quickly but catches himself.
(Hide) someone the Hero of the Shadows is here.
+
  
Vaeshir glowers into the shadows.
+
Padraic says 'I merely asked about his wishes.'
 +
Padraic turns his eyes towards the sky.
  
Players near you:
+
Vaeshir says softly 'The nature of the questioning combined with the unusual timing have made your intent clear enough.'
(PK) Vaeshir                     A Subterranean Tunnel
+
(PK) Padraic                      A Subterranean Tunnel
+
  
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Shasarik draws his hands behind his back to keep them from shaking.
Padraic says 'For all of her preening, she is still no more than a bar wench with fancy clothing.'
+
Shasarik flexes his tail off the ground before letting it drop with a loud echo.
  
[SHUNNED] Khaseem: Sssalutationssss, Chosssen.
+
Padraic stifles a smirk.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'I have always held that belief. I believe she knows it.'
+
OOC to Padraic: 'have made' --> 'has made'
 +
OOC to Shasarik: 'have made' --> 'has made'
  
[SHUNNED] Khaseem: Ah a new face.  Sssalutationsss.
+
[OOC] Shasarik: noted.
[SHUNNED] Vaeshir: Greetings.
+
  
Padraic the Hero of the Shadows is here.
+
Padraic says 'The nature of your answers is providing me with a clearer picture than I could have hoped for.'
  
Vaeshir's lips twist into a wry smile.  
+
[OOC] Shasarik: if that's the worst slip that happens tonight consider yourself lucky... look at me...
  
Khaseem tells you 'Truely a new face, or an old one returned?'
+
Padraic says 'Something is unravelling about you, Vaeshir, that you do not fully understand.'
  
You tell Khaseem 'The latter.'
+
[OOC] Shasarik: esays instead of emotes... heh
  
Padraic says 'If you like, I may have her relinquish the bond.'
+
Padraic says 'Shadows are coming to life, and you are not sure which ones will remain still, and which ones will pounce.'
  
You tell Khaseem 'This one sits on the chair marked with a Scorpion.'
+
Vaeshir shrugs his shoulders indifferently 'I have been the first to begin removing my mask.'
  
Padraic says 'Aedariara owes me.'
+
Padraic suddenly turns his attention to the raven.
  
Vaeshir straightens himself.
+
Shasarik whispers to himself 'the light... to what end?'
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 'A pretty specimen.'
  
Vaeshir says softly 'I have not seen her several years.'
+
Vaeshir holds his arm level with his shoulder.
  
Padraic taps his fingers together thoughtfully.
+
Shasarik chants 'There were three....'
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.'
+
A raven shifts to pirch on your shoulder.
Vaeshir sighs wearily.
+
Vaeshir says softly 'I cannot say I will complain.'
+
  
Khaseem tells you 'Tlkhanu never fully explained the chair of the ssscorpion.....'
+
Shasarik continues 'and now... there are two...'
  
Padraic says 'Come, you know me to be far more reasonable than that petty bitch.'
+
Padraic says '... And then there were none.'
 +
Padraic says 'That's how the poem finishes, you know.'
  
Vaeshir says softly 'True enough.'
+
You are thirsty.
Vaeshir says softly 'Truth be told I have begun a search for another to fill her chair.'
+
You are feeling extremely dehydrated!
Vaeshir licks his lips gingerly.
+
You DISEMBOWEL yourself!
  
### This Bud's for you.
+
Shasarik nods, understanding.
  
Padraic says 'Have you now?'
+
Padraic says 'Another drink, Vaeshir?'
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Of course, my lack of clarity with regards to her function has made that a trifle difficult.'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'Yes.'
Vaeshir smiles grimly.
+
  
You tell Khaseem 'You might ask him if you like.'
+
Padraic gives you an everfull chalice.
  
Padraic says 'The Siren is "our voice"'
+
You drink water from an everfull chalice.
 +
You drink water from an everfull chalice.
 +
You give an everfull chalice to Padraic.
  
You tell Khaseem 'To me, the man who sits in that chair is the eyes and ears of the Coven.'
+
Shasarik says 'But... there shall be those... those who remain...'
 +
Shasarik says 'Those who need not trouble themselves with meat and drink.'
  
Padraic says 'My house has several people like her, all of them far beyond her in terms of competency.'
+
Clouds move into the area, obscuring the sky.
  
Vaeshir tilts his head to one side 'How very unusual that she should be chosen for the position.'
+
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 'Eyes, ears, and sting as well.'
+
Shasarik says 'Those whose minds alone suspend countless strings.'
  
Padraic says 'Her story is unknown to me.'
+
Padraic holds up the folded parchment.
  
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
Shasarik says 'Those whose masks entwine with skin entwine with soul.'
  
You feel someone protecting you.
+
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.'
  
Khaseem tells you 'apparently he doessss not wish to dissscussss it, he denied holding the sssseat'
+
Vaeshir makes a quick gesture.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'It was the High Priest, who, in the Lieutenant's stead, brought the Darklord into the collective.'
+
Shasarik offers a quick nod.
  
You tell Khaseem 'Unsurprising.'
+
A raven flies quickly over to land on Padraic's shoulder.
You tell Khaseem 'Do not press the issue.'
+
  
### Oro.
+
Shasarik grazes himself.
  
Padraic says 'Sythrak's chosen'
+
Chill winds whip about your body, tearing at loose accoutrements.
Padraic says 'An odd fit, wouldn't you agree?'
+
A forceful gust of freezing air bites into your exposed flesh!
  
You say 'Quite so.'
 
  
Padraic says 'I would hope that he hasn't attempted to make an attempt upon any of us "warmbloods"?'
+
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 says softly 'Certainly not directly. For one of their number his is surprisingly passive.'
+
Padraic says 'Why I have chosen to reveal myself at this time, is now clear to you, I assume.'
 
+
Padraic mulls over the idea.
+
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.'
+
 
+
Vaeshir says softly 'He is.'
+
 
+
Vaeshir says softly 'It is unusual indeed. I believe I had the Lieutenant convinced just as he was initiated.'
+
Vaeshir sighs heavily, tightening the straps of cloth about his arms.
+
 
+
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.'
  
### Woo!
+
Shasarik misses himself.
  
Padraic folds his hands in front of him.
+
Vaeshir turns his gaze sharply to Shasarik.
Padraic murmurs 'Lieutenant...'
+
  
Vaeshir breathes 'He has divine favor.'
+
Shasarik locks his eyes with Padraic's.
 +
Shasarik grazes himself.
  
> Now key two flips to Landrel.
+
Padraic says 'I am stepping in, for others who have bungled, and for others that may have shifted their positions.'
  
Padraic says 'Really?'
+
Shasarik maims himself!
Padraic says 'How so?'
+
Shasarik mauls himself.
  
Padraic frowns.
+
Padraic says 'A portion of my mask has been revealed.  It is your turn again.'
Padraic says 'Shasarik will be useful, still.'
+
  
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.'
+
Shasarik sways slightly.
  
Padraic paces back and forth, a thoughtful look upon his face.
+
The sun slowly disappears in the west.
  
Vaeshir sspreads his hands 'Or so I believe.'
+
Shasarik scratches himself.
Vaeshir casts a thoughtful glance towards the heavens.
+
Shasarik looks up at Padraic.
  
Padraic says 'Shasarik will stay.'
+
The sun slowly disappears in the west.
Padraic says 'Aedariara, perhaps not.'
+
  
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
Shasarik injures himself.
 +
Shasarik says 'I have either been chosen.  Or I have been marked as a slave.'
  
Padraic says 'You shall be made Keeper.'
+
Padraic eyes you with a slight smirk.
Padraic says 'And Tlkhanu...'
+
Padraic says 'I have yet to place him.'
+
  
Vaeshir studies Padraic's face intently.
+
Shasarik says 'At this time it matters little.'
  
Padraic glances at you, as if suddenly becoming aware of your presence.
+
Vaeshir purses his lips 'Or both.'
  
Vaeshir offers 'I find it unsettling that he holds power over all of the seats of the Council.'
+
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!
  
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Vaeshir taps a finger against his cheek idly.
Padraic says 'You have yet to express your reservations about him.'
+
  
Vaeshir says softly 'The most important ones have already been made clear.'
+
Shasarik closes his eyes, lost in a brief dream.
 +
Shasarik mauls himself.
  
Padraic says 'Humor me, refresh my memory.'
+
Vaeshir turns his gaze toward Padraic.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Firstly, his inability to balance his divine ties with his pursuit of the vision he shares with the Lieutenant.'
+
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 continues 'and secondly the fact that he holds power over the circle of Five.'
+
Vaeshir holds up a hand before Shasarik.
  
Padraic says 'But someone must hold that power.'
+
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
Padraic says 'Is it merely his position... or him?'
+
  
Vaeshir says softly 'There is a clear difference between how the Coven behaved under Lilisa.'
+
Shasarik closes his mouth.
Vaeshir says softly 'The Warlord's induction is only the most blatant example.'
+
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 nods.
+
Vaeshir says softly 'I believe you will find it is in your best interest.'
  
Padraic steps out of the shadows.
+
Shasarik hits himself.
Padraic says 'And your praises?'
+
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.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'He is obviously intelligent. He is also clearly capable of leading the Coven in the direction he sees fit.'
+
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.
  
Padraic says 'Do you agree with his vision?'
+
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.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'It has yet to be made fully clear to me.'
+
Padraic smiles lightly.
  
Padraic says 'That reflects rather poorly upon him.'
+
Shasarik sits down on the ground.
 +
Shasarik stops using an axe made from tempered steel.
 +
Shasarik stops using a long steel foil.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Quite so.'
+
Padraic says 'Nothing is unbreakable, is it.'
  
Padraic says 'There will come a time when I will ask for your assistance.'
+
The clouds begin to disperse, clearing the sky.
Padraic says 'When that time comes, where will you stand?'
+
  
### Insert dramatic pause here.
+
Shasarik drinks water from a large leather water skin.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'You will have my support.'
+
Padraic muses 'Not the strongest of men, the strongest of gods, nor the strongest of bonds...'
  
Padraic nods.
+
Shasarik says 'If my body pulsed with water or wine such ease would be my toil.'
Padraic says 'Then that is all.'
+
Shasarik says 'But not so, on the contrary, my heart beats the constant drumming of bloodflow.'
  
Vaeshir offers 'If you like I might move to gather the support of the Lieutenant.'
+
A raven shifts, stretching its wings.
  
Padraic nods.
+
Padraic says 'And yet, Vaeshir watches on contentedly?'
  
Vaeshir says softly 'He has been known to yield to my judgement in times of strain.'
+
A triumphant screech echos from afar, as a predatory bird finds a meal.
Vaeshir chuckles dryly.
+
  
Padraic says 'The Lieutenant bears the might of the Vanguard behind him.'
+
Shasarik says 'He has what he wishes. Soon he will have more.'
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.  
 
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
  
A shimmering gate rises up before you.
+
Padraic says 'He sits at the trade table then.'
  
You enter a shimmering gate.</pre>
+
Shasarik says 'And yet expects that to elude us.'
  
### Later, in Gaald
+
Padraic's gaze falls lightly upon your neck, then moves on.
  
Padraic nods.
+
The dull roar of the wind abates a moment, the ensuing quietude unusual to the ear.  
  
[51  Shud  Sch] (PK) [SHUNNED] Vaeshir the Archmage of Void, Chosen of the Serpents
+
Padraic says 'I must consult with my... superior.'
[    Human Thi] (PK) [SHUNNED] Padraic the Hero of the Shadows
+
  
Players found: 2
+
Vaeshir opens his mouth as if to speak, then shuts it.
  
Padraic says 'Aedariara will release you.'
+
Padraic smiles craftily.
  
Vaeshir breathes 'Excellent.'
+
Shasarik ponders this silently.
Vaeshir says softly 'You spoke with her in person?'
+
  
Padraic nods.
+
Padraic says 'When the time comes, we will speak again.  Make no mention of me to the others.'
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.  
+
Shasarik nods.
Vaeshir says softly 'I am in no position to apply force.'
+
  
Padraic says 'Tell me, how did you find yourself in your current position?'
+
Padraic says 'They are not to know of my appearance yet.'
  
Vaeshir gives Padraic a confused look.
+
The sun rises in the east.
Vaeshir says softly 'You ask how I was bound to the Siren?'
+
  
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
+
Shasarik says 'It shall be as you wish.'
Padraic nods.
+
Shasarik stands up.
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
+
Padraic says 'She claims the Dark Lord put you in your position.'
+
  
Vaeshir says softly 'A lie.'
+
Vaeshir says softly 'I desire the note.'
 +
Vaeshir says softly 'Just payment for silence.'
  
Padraic says 'Very well. How did it transpire then?'
+
Padraic says 'In good time, Vaeshir.'
  
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 eyes Vaeshir caustiously.
Vaeshir says softly 'The then High Priestess thought a time to prove my loyalty was prudent.'
+
Vaeshir pauses.
+
Vaeshir says softly 'I have never been on good terms with the Siren. It was clearly a test.'
+
  
Padraic nods.
+
Padraic says 'You will get your payment, soon enough.'
Padraic taps his fingers together thoughtfully.
+
Padraic says 'I'll need to speak with Lilisa then.'
+
  
Vaeshir says softly 'I would come with you, if you would allow it.'
+
Shasarik looks at Padraic.
Vaeshir says softly 'Or perhaps now is not the time.'
+
  
Padraic examines you carefully.
+
Padraic quaffs a potion of transportation.
Padraic says 'We will wait and see if the Siren acts on her promises.'
+
Padraic disappears.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'I am disturbed that she did not release me immediately at your request.'
+
Shasarik quaffs a potion of transportation.
Vaeshir says softly 'I assume she gave you no reasons for her hesitation?'
+
Shasarik disappears.
  
Padraic says 'She dislikes you. It is apparent enough.'
+
You step into the void, crossing space with your magics.
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.'
+
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. 
  
Vaeshir yawns wearily 'I do not hold my tongue when I am in her presence.'
+
[Exits: west down]
 +
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
 +
A raven follows right behind, through the opaque portal.
  
Padraic waves dismissively.
+
A Rising Valley
Padraic says 'When you are made Keeper, she will have to hold hers.'
+
  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.
  
Vaeshir nods slowly, a hint of a smile playing across his lips.
+
[Exits: south up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'Tell me, how have you shown yourself to be loyal to the Coven?'
+
Near a Rocky Peak
Padraic says 'I am in need of a story to feed to others.'
+
  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.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Do you anticipate an audience of sorts?'
+
[Exits: west down]
Vaeshir says softly 'One with more than the two of you in attendance?'
+
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'No, but one should always expect the unexpected.'
+
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 'I have no doubt that the Lieutenant would speak on my behalf in such a situation.'
+
[Exits: north east]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'And if not?'
+
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. 
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Given the Priestess- Lilisa's reservations, our extended cooperation would be the strongest point in my favor.'
+
[Exits: north south west]
Vaeshir turns his gaze towards the sea 'I suspect they all wait for how I will perform in the final Ritual.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'Final ritual?'
+
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. 
  
Vaeshir waves a clawed hand across his more unusual features.
+
[Exits: south down]
Vaeshir gingerly pulls back his lips revealing short fangs.
+
A shaggy mountain goat picks its way along the stony ground.
 +
A great red stag walks through the hills.
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'There is yet more to comeInteresting.'
+
The Beginning of a Broad Valley
Padraic knocks a merchant unconscious with a well-placed blow.
+
  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 ridgeThe 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 says softly 'It is far from complete.'
+
[Exits: north up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic nods.
+
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 'How my performance in the Ritual would speak to my loyalty remains a mystery.'
+
[Exits: north south west]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'A future event is no goodI must find a means of making Aedariara appear to be as the petty being that she is.'
+
A Broad Valley
Padraic tilts his head, as if listening to something.
+
  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
 +
southThe 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 purses his lips quietly.
+
[Exits: south west]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'Have you knowledge of Braka's gleaming spear? Its location, to be precise.'
+
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.
  
### I locate for it- No go.
+
[Exits: north east south]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'It is beyond my sight.'
+
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. 
  
Padraic nods.
+
[Exits: south up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'There is no single event I can point to that would embody my devotion to the Coven, I'm afraid.'
+
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.
  
Padraic says 'We will need to fabricate one, then.'
+
[Exits: north down]
Padraic says 'Or several, perhaps.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
Vaeshir hesitates only for a moment 'Very well.'
+
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.
  
Padraic says 'Have you ever been defeated?'
+
[Exits: south down]
Padraic looks at you.
+
A raven has arrived.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'No. Would she not have to have observed these actions?'
+
A Narrow Cleft
Vaeshir says softly 'Not since my initiation, but that hardly speaks of loyalty.'
+
  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.
  
Padraic says 'For the Vanguard, it would.'
+
[Exits: north up]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'A curious interpretation.'
+
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
  
Padraic says 'Shasarik's words of your loyalty unto death would be fitting.'
+
narrow cleft in the southern cliff.
Padraic says 'Other words will need to be spread.'
+
  
Vaeshir offers 'I formulated the plan that brought the Javelin of Anirim into our hands.'
+
[Exits: north east south]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'Situations where you deflected personal gain to advance the interests of the Coven.'
+
By the Shore of a Still Lake
Padraic says 'Expand on that.'
+
  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.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'There was no personal gain lost in that event, however I was responsible for the victory.'
+
[Exits: east west]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'Has Aedariara ever done such a thing?'
+
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.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'I have known her only as a frivilous mistress.'
+
[Exits: west up]
Vaeshir says softly 'I cannot speak to or of her actions before my initiation.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'I have only known her as a lusty harlot, seeking to pry armaments from my hand.'
+
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.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Are you certain binding my entrance into the position of Keeper with her expulsion is wise?'
+
[Exits: up down]
 +
A large hawk circles in the cold winds above the hills.
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic says 'Her expulsion will have to wait.'
+
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. 
  
Vaeshir inclines his head slightly.  
+
[Exits: east down]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Agreed.'
+
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. 
  
Padraic says 'As a new Keeper, you will need to affirm your power base first.'
+
[Exits: north west]
Padraic drinks water from an everfull chalice.
+
A raven has arrived.
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.'
+
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.
  
Padraic says 'How are your relations with the former High Priestess?'
+
[Exits: south up]
Padraic says 'I was under the impression that she sat in Aedariara's camp, but that may not be true now.'
+
A raven has arrived.
  
Vaeshir says softly 'Well enough, I would guess. Our interactions have been limited.'
+
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.
  
Padraic frowns.
+
[Exits: north down]
Padraic says 'I shall probe the matter with her, at my leisure'
+
A raven has arrived.
 
+
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 says 'The Shadow Mage...'
+
 
+
Vaeshir says softly 'I have, perhaps with too much optimism, taken that as limited support- or at least lack of dissent.'
+
 
+
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.'
+
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. 
  
Vaeshir spreads his hands 'Please. Of course I will be prudent.'
+
[Exits: north south]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
Padraic nods.
+
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
  
You enter a shimmering gate.</pre>
+
[Exits: south down]
 +
A raven has arrived.
  
[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][http://www.ender.com/~jolinn/avendarbible/wiki.pl?Road_to_Revolution_6 6]
+
Vaeshir casts a glance downward into the abyss.</pre>
  
 +
[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]
  
 
Return to: [[The Apocrypha]] See also: [[Vaeshir]], [[Shasarik]], [[Padraic]]
 
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