Settling in

[House Phoenix, Library]
The library of the House is a largish room, with walls completely hidden by bookcases. A wide selection of reading material can be seen from a cursory glance. Treatises on science and history stand next to ancient volumes on forest lore and magic. One rather extensive section seems devoted to arms and armor and the many subjects dealing with the arts of war. Locked glass-fronted cabinets hold rare tomes and fragile scrolls and even the odd clay tablet. Scattered around the room are several chairs. You also see some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, a mug of amber lager, a chaya of warm sake, a chaya of warm sake, a massive bearded white tiger that is sitting, a carved red sandstone pedestal with an ancient volume on it, a spiral staircase, a trash barrel, a lacquered cherry cabinet with a carved rising phoenix on the doors, a plain wooden table with a gold-trimmed modwir plaque on it and an elegant golden buffet table with carved Voln symbols around its perimeter with some stuff on it.
Also here: Leifa who is sitting, Scavage who is sitting, Shirkon, Clunk who is sitting, Lord Dragauth who is sitting, Sir Tebon, Great Lady Evialla who is sitting, Veni who is sitting, Mohrgan who is sitting, Ryski who is sitting, Beldin who is sitting, Argent Scribe Thia who is sitting, Mezma who is sitting, Lyndianne who is sitting, Kragdruk who is sitting, Karibeth who is sitting, Errethe who is sitting, Greganth who is sitting
Obvious exits: north

You say, "Eyo everyone."

You smile.

Shirkon deeply says, "Before we start. Iffin anyone would likes a drink, der some on da bar ta da north."

Shirkon deeply says, "Iffin anyone wants milk er watah let me knows."

Clunk sets out a bevy of drinks for everyone including warm sake, glasses of fine beaujolais, mugs of amber lager, and milk along with a cart from Shirkon.

Clunk sinks into the comfortable depths of an over-stuffed leather chair.

Clunk sniffs at his amber lager.

Beldin glances at a golden-glazed pegasus cookie on an elegant golden buffet table with carved Voln symbols around its perimeter.

Shirkon deeply says, "Oh, cookies on da tray as wells."

You say, "I'll probably be a bit formal tonight. I have been in Wehnimers for near 20 years. It's beaten out a lot of my highman accent."

Speaking to you, Tebon says, "Ye's need ta get back ta yer roots from time ta time."

Tebon nods to you.

You exclaim, "Unless you all want to get drunk!"

You grin.

You say, "Demon rum, bout th' only thing that does it."

Tebon rubs his phoenix pin.

Mezma calmly says, "Can't drink for 3 more trains."

Tebon asks, "How bout some Eldreth's?"

Tebon grins at you.

You shrug at Tebon.

Thia says, "Rum and cookies, mmmm."

Evialla says, "Fill him up to the eyebrows with it."

Thia flashes a wide grin.

Shirkon deeply says, "Please folks, when Geijon starts, hold yer movin around ta a minimum."

You exclaim, "I hope you are all ready for this!"

You cackle!

Dionket whispers, "Rum at your feet, Great Lord." Karibeth takes a drink from her fine beaujolais.

You pick up some black demon rum. You exclaim, "Yeahhhh!"

You take a drink from your black demon rum. The blistering fire of the alcohol is only slightly tempered by the heavy, unappealing herbal aftertaste. A krolvin might enjoy it, but it's difficult to imagine how any other race would.
You have 6 quaffs left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

You throw your head back and howl!

You raise your black demon rum in a toast!

You say, "Glad you made it, Wizard."

Speaking to Shirkon, you ask, "Bout time?"

Shirkon nods to you.

You say, "A round of appluase for our Chairman, Lord Shirkon Rockcleaver! Without him I may not be presenting any of this to you tonight."

(lots of applauding)

Shirkon rolls his eyes.

Tebon hoots.

You say, "He doesn't like th' attention."

You grin.

You bow to Shirkon.

Shirkon deeply says, "I smack him latah."

Tebon whispers, "I'll stand at arms, ifin ye's want it m'friend."

You nod to Tebon.

You whisper to Tebon, "Might be wise."

Let's Begin - Opening

You warmly say, "Thank you all for coming. The House of the Rising Phoenix is proud to host you all for our 20th Anniversary Celebration. In honor of this event we are holding a Discussion on the Unlife. I am your presenter, Geijon Khyree, and we will spend the next few hours retelling events that will begin to explain the intricacies and difficult nature of our Houses charge. I hope to present to you a bird s eye view of the Unlife as it pertains to our world, our continent, and then finally this city."

You say, "I do expect this to be about two hours long, with some overrun."

You warmly say, "The discussion will be presented in four distinct parts. Each will be followed with a brief Q&A session composing of a handful of the best questions. I would ask as you think up questions during each portion, so as to not interrupt, to inform my assistant this evening, Lady Evialla or myself. As we come to each question session we will discuss those that are most pertinent to the current topic and I feel will add the most to our Discussion. Time permitting or in a later discussion, we will come back to earlier questions throughout the night we may not have covered as they are more pointed to the topic at hand. As I am sure many questions will arise I promise to follow-up on them in future discussions or through debates until we have exhausted every angle."

You say, "I have already planned a potential discussion regarding the Council of Ten, but I am not an expert on those matters. Along with Castle Anwyn."

You diplomatically say, "Our intent is to educate, to bring you knowledge, and gleam additional insight ourselves. Much of this is based off observation and in some cases practical theory. I make no claims to be infallible in my research or my presentation and I hope to learn more from each of you as well through this discussion or to reach consensus on several of these topics."

You merrily say, "I realize you are not all members of the House of the Rising Phoenix; we appreciate all of you in turn, and expect each of you to add greatly to this discussion. I thank you in advance for joining us to celebrate in the 20th anniversary of the Cooperative Houses of Elanthia. I encourage you to visit each of the Houses events as you have ours tonight in honoring the longevity and vigor of these organizations."

You bow.

You smile.

You say, "Ground rules covered."

(Geijon corrects a note.)

You say, "I am reading too fast. I've made that correction.

You say, "I blame my editor."

You grin.

You say, "Lets begin."

Shirkon deeply says, "Ya is yer own editor, silly."

You say, "Indeed."

You laugh out loud!

You say, "It is in the very beginning we are taught the lessons of the power of the Unlife. People will have you believe that it does not exist or that it is no longer a danger to us. This is an entirely flawed notion as I will prove here. The Unlife is a malevolent, chaotic power bent on destruction of anything foreign to itself. It feeds on us in ways far more horrific than death. Many people have attempted to explain the Unlife and failed. The Unlife is not the Undead or Undeath as people have oft confused it with, for creatures of the Unlife never were "alive" as we mortals perceive it. For all intents and purposes and to simplify understanding, those of the true Unlife are extra planar beings such as demons, or a power source, of entirely demonic nature. This should form the basis of the question "What is the Unlife?" It is by no means exhaustive and the Unlife has numerous traits that help to identify it, which will be referenced throughout tonight."

You take a drink from your black demon rum. The liquid burns agonizingly before assaulting your throat with a riot of herbal flavors. You can distinguish caraway, cumin, fennel, and dill, all of which have transformed into something eminently less appealing during the fermentation process.
You have 5 quaffs left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

You say, "I might die t'nite."

Evialla exclaims, "You never know!"

Thia casually observes her surroundings.

You admiringly say, "Aonghus was the first to introduce me to the knowledge I present to you all today. He believed in virtues that Phoenix held in high regard. In respect to that I have based much of my life as it pertains to my service to the House of the Rising Phoenix on the excerpt within this book."

You tap an ancient volume on a carved red sandstone pedestal.

You say, "I will read it aloud for all of you:"

You recite:

"...and the coming of the Unlife may take many forms. Some may garb themselves in shapes of terror and evil and dwell in the forgotten places of the world and in the realm of the dead. Others may come among you with secret words of power and mystic symbols to lure even those who would fight hardest against them."

You lean against an ancient volume.

You reach out and touch an ancient volume on a carved red sandstone pedestal.

You say, "Sweet...sweet...Volume..."

You snicker.

Evialla says, "Profound."

You agree with Evialla.

You cough and add, "That is indeed true.

You pointedly say, "The Unlife is never obvious in its intent and to explain it we must go back far, to the Origins of Elanthia itself. I trust each of you is aware of the Drakes as the first caretakers of our world and some of the relationships they had with the Arkati. It is said each Drake had a mirror in the form of an Arkati. The Arkati themselves were mere servants of the Drakes. Before them we cannot claim to know who or what was here, but through them we begin to piece together the timeline of our existence. I will occasionally on the Arkati known as Luukos, the Master of Undeath and Lies, and his Drake Mentor, Vel'Athorre as well as Lorminstra, the Goddess of Death, Rebirth, and Winter as it pertains to their struggle against one another."

Sir Cryheart just arrived.

You exclaim, "Ah Cryheart!"

Cryheart bows.

Cryheart sits down.

You say, "Luukos' patron, Vel'Athorre, had an intense curiosity for the outer planes. Luukos often accompanied him on these frequent visits to the twisted realms. Under his tutelage, Luukos grew extremely skilled in manipulating the world around him, and, due to his affinity to the outer realms, that which he wrought upon his surroundings was often a twisted mockery of what he knew to be natural. The desire to pervert and twist life into something as unnatural as undeath could not be borne from one who had not gazed upon greater horrors. I share with you an excerpt from The Unlife, by Maruko Ashimine, one of our founders."

You recite:

"The Unlife feeds on destruction, upon the deaths of individuals and societies with equal fervor. It is a thirst unquenched and unslakeable. Indeed, the more it consumes, the more it seems to require. It has no source, but it is everywhere, waiting for a tool to open the door and allow it to enter.""

Lyndianne shifts her weight.

You distantly say, "Then the Ur-Daemons came....."

You say, "The Ur-Daemons were primitive demons, the oldest and most powerful of their kind. They fed on mana and created pure chaos. Unspeakable horrors poured forth, unleashing their hatred and foulness upon our ancestors. When the peoples of the Land beheld this Darkness, their lives were extinguished and their bodies used for the swelling armies of demons. In the end, the Ur-Daemons were driven back by the Drakes and their Arkati servants, the Ur-Daemons made a final stand before the portal leading back to their own dimension. This final battle blasted the landscape for hundreds of miles, leaving it a barren landscape, though twisted and fragmented by the impossible power released during the battle. It is our suspicion that this area is what we term as Rhoska-Tor."

You briskly say, "The coming of the Ur-Daemons bestowed certain effects on to the people of Elanthia and because the rip in the dimension that they had come from wasn t completely closed, and some say they remain or remained someplace in this tear in the fabric of time, thus some of their essence was loose and magic was imbued into the lesser races. The Drakes were decimated and the Arkati split on how to shepherd the new world. One group would become the Lords of Liabo, the other, including Luukos, the Lords of Lornon."

You briskly say, "It was many generations later when the lesser races had risen to greatness themselves, chief among them the Nation of Elves, that the power of the Unlife would first be wielded by mortals. A woman called Despana appeared, wielding the power of Unlife to a degree that astounded the Arkati. She had found the Book of Tormtor in what is believed to be Rhoska-Tor. The relative calm that the world had enjoyed was now shattered as the Undead Wars raged upon every civilization. The book itself had pages formed from the flayed skin of elves and dwarves and penned with their blood. Its spine is the vertebra of a powerful elven wizard, and its covers two scales from a fallen Drake, and written in the language of the Ur-Daemons. It taught Despana how to harness and twist souls, to place them into vessels, and to animate and command them to her will. Undead at the command of mortals."

You say, "A powerful, treacherous, evil book that."

Clunk fidgets.

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Clunk whispers, "Ye speaks of old hag."

You nod to Clunk.

You say, "Aye Clunk. You call her old hag."

You briskly say, "Realizing something drastic must be done the Faendryl, having researched powerful spells that would be usable against Despana, concocted a dangerous plan, attack Despana at her source, the keep named Maelshyve. Daephron Illian played a major part in concocting the sorcerous spells which ultimately defeated Despana. He had discovered a way to pierce the veil, a barrier between the planes. Daephron and others of his kind struggled to master this strange new power, but they were inpatient to act and proposed to use this power against Despana to end the war."

You say, "Much of this history is known to many of you. It is greatly abbreviated so I encourage you to read further if this raises more questions than answers."

You smile.

You briskly say, "The elves assembled against Despana at Maelshyve. The resulting carnage struck fear into the hearts of all who beheld it. The Faendryls unleashed their incredible spells, summoning hordes of vile demons to wreak havoc upon the enemy. The hideous creatures from beyond the veil nearly decimated Despana's troops. The elves then sealed their victory by releasing yet another spell of awesome destructive power. They imploded Maelshyve, utterly obliterating the mighty fortress and all that dwelled within."

You shake your head.

You say, "Faendryl."

You give Evialla a good pinch!

You see Great Lady Evialla Violetskye the Sorceress.
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.
She is tall and appears to be in the flower of life. She has long-lashed violet eyes and golden brown skin. She has thigh-length and lustrous, wavy deep auburn hair shimmering with fiery copper and golden highlights. She has a delicate face, an aquiline nose and slightly upswept pointed ears.
She has a pouncing kitten tattoo on her thigh.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a bright gold ring, an enameled onyx night sky pendant, a crystal amulet, a delicate silver necklace, a midnight-black spidersilk cloak embroidered with the image of a hooded sorcerer with blood red eyes standing triumphantly over a gruesome troll king, a lich-engraved silver sigil, a white diamond phoenix pin, a turquoise-bound maoral Adventurer's Guild badge, a brilliant dragonfire ruby chicken charm, an ebony spidersilk backpack, some elven leathers painted in fanciful designs surrounding a maelstrom threatening a host of undead creatures, an onyx and ruby wedding band, and an ivory rose-clasped reticule.

You lean softly against Evialla.

Evialla says, "Hmph."

You say, "Aint all bad."

Leifa clears her throat.

You frustratedly say, "After the war, it was said the Arkati met in Koar's sanctum again to discuss the dreadful magic that was even now festering in the minds of the power-hungry mortals in Despana's wake. Lorminstra and many others of the Liabo pantheon argued that the power was too dangerous, too unstable, and the potential for disaster was too great to allow mortals to wield it again. Luukos' past transgressions with this power were brought up time and time again. Weighing the matter for quite a long time, Koar passed his judgment -- as none had intervened to give the knowledge to mortals, none should intervene to take it away. They must be allowed to rule themselves, and to make their own choices regarding these matters."

Leifa adopts an agreeable expression.

You shrug.

You say, "I can't disagree, but so dangerous..."

Leifa nods slowly to you.

You say, "With this decision made, both sides began to plant their own philosophies among their mortal followers -- the religions which worshipped Luukos became even stronger and more numerous with the advent of undeath, and Luukos himself aided them in understanding its mysteries. Beyond his own factions, other mortals began to experiment with the power on their own, their sloppy techniques only promoting more accidents and death which pleased him so."

You say, "On the other side, Lorminstra worked with others who believed in the purity of life or to oppose Luukos and others like him who would use this Power, such as the Lords Voln and Ronan, and to put a stop to the flood of corruption that the Unlife brought to mortals. The Arkati who aided her believed that life was a cycle to be protected, to have an order to it. As opposed to the Chaos that Unlife brings with it."

You gaze heavenward.

(Geijon jots down a note that he thought he had corrected.)

You say, "It is here that the story begins to diverge into separate paths. I do not mean to be cryptic so I will summarize some of what has been presented before we begin the Q&A session for part 1 of this discussion. I have described early history dating back thousands of years and in a very rapid pace."

You suggestively say, "As presented I will make several quick points. Firstly, I believe Luukos was the first user of the power of the Unlife among the Arkati as he learned of it through planar travel and the Drake, Vel'athore. Secondly, Despana used the Ur-Daemon work the Book of Tormtor to harness the power of the Unlife and be the first mortal to create the undead. Third, Daephron unlocked the secrets to the veil in Rhoska-Tor, the same place Despana located the Book of Tormtor, and likely the same place where the Ur-Daemons entered our world and were banished by the Drakes. These same demons summoned through those portals to destroy Despana are the lesser Daemons of the planes and highly likely empowered by the Unlife as well. Thus, the Unlife feeds upon itself without discrimination linking their belief that the world will be thrown into chaos and nothing can contain it. There are more recent events that follow the same pattern which we will discuss later."

You commandingly say, "In closing of this section, Luukos wields incredible power as an Arkati, has vast knowledge of the arcane and is a user of the Unlife, potentially allowed Despana to locate the Book of Tormtor, and yet he is not the creator of the Unlife, only a stylized acolyte who deems himself master of Undeath as befitting his title as the Lord of Lies, but he remains one of the most dangerous foes known to elanthia for these very facts. He hungers for souls because it is required to further fuel the power that Unlife grants him."

You pound a carved red sandstone pedestal with your fist, causing it to shake and tremble.

Clunk nods to you.

You take a deep breath.

You say, "Questions so far, Lady Evialla? Or we will open the floor for discussion."

You nod.

Thia smiles.

Evialla says, "Perhaps some people have one or two they've not mentioned."

You say, "The second portion is entitled Terate and the Vvrael."

You say, "I do want to be challenged on some of my research."

Tebon raises his hand.

Evialla says, "Go ahead and ask aloud, Clunk." You ask, "Shifty rock?"

Clunk deeply says, "Oh."

You say, "Just ask you questions outloud at this point."

Clunk deeply says, "Uhh ..."

Tebon asks, "There are points you skipped o'er, I assume fer brevity's sake, involvin' tha battle against Despana?"

Clunk glances at Greganth.

You say "I dont think I'll need assistant Evialla."

You give Evialla a good pinch!

Speaking quietly to Clunk, Greganth says, "Urnon."

You nod to Tebon.

You say, "Yes unfortunately."

Tebon nods to you.

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Clunk deeply says, "Tiz the rock came from the lass who sploded the globes hangin o'er landin."

You say, "Lets put that on th' table. That is an excellent question."

Clunk deeply says, "I hear story on it as lad."

You ask, "Any expert on Urnon present?"

Clunk nods to you.

You ask, "It's Demon Metal no?"

Clunk nods to you.

Greganth holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.

You ask, "That was your question, Tebon?"

You nod to Greganth.

Greganth quietly asks, "If I may?"

You say, "Feel free."

You say, "This is a discovery process."

You smile.

Greganth quietly says, "The metals or ore itself is not evil.. it is sentient however.. it aborbs the characteristics of the who works, or wields it, amplifies them."

Clunk nods to Greganth.

Greganth quietly says, "Symbiotic is a more apt description I would say."

Clunk furrows his brow.

Tebon says, "Actually, my point, goes back ta tha war wit Despana, in how her army of tha undead decimated tha Vaalorian legion of tha time, an' wit that, tha combined forces of human, dwarf, elf an' giantkin, were tha initial begin of tha demise of Despana's plan of conquest."

You nod to Tebon.

You say, "Shadowguard, aye."

Tebon says, "Jus' a historical footnote."

Tebon nods to you.

You say, "I had to skip it unfortunately."

You say, "I do so in a few instances here."

Shirkon deeply says, "We would nevah claim ta has all da answahs. Heck, we donna even gots all da questions."

You agree with Shirkon.

You say, "Aye."

Tebon nods to you.

You say, "Excellent question Clunk. Thank you Greganth. It seems to be something we know very little about."

(Geijon makes some notes.)

You say, "I think the additional sections will spark more questions."

You ask, "Shall I continue? Anything else to cover?"

Clunk whispers, "Ye knows dwarf is talkin of it if'n they speaks of rock that got more faces than an elf."

Evialla says, "Let us continue."

Evialla nods to you.

You agree with Evialla.

You say, "Alright."

You smile.

You crisply say, "Let us begin the second portion of our discussion. It brings us into living memory, as do the other remaining segments. We left off at the completion of the Undead War, the destruction of Despana by the Faendryl sorcery that summoned demons to drive back and destroy Despana's Undead. It is not surprising that Demons would easily thwart even the most powerful Undead because born of them is the power and control of the Unlife itself, not simply minions created by it as the Undead are."

You crisply say, "At the end of 5097 an elf by the name of Terate, the Fallen Chosen, became known to us. His first appearance was in Wehnimers. He appeared on the ledge in the Shadow Valley and slew myself and my companions, other incidents occurred throughout the night, until we gathered at Hearthstone where he continued to obliterate us on a whim. He put a face and a voice to the Vvrael, who had appeared within the last year at the time, and he was fearsomely powerful."

You steeple your fingers, quietly observing your surroundings.

Clunk nods.

You ask, "Some of you I am certain met Terate?"

Tebon grunts.

Clunk nods to you.

Tebon adopts an agreeable expression.

Evialla nods.

Cryheart nods to you.

Mohrgan nods.

Cryheart says, "At a distance."

Cryheart chuckles.

Beldin nods.

Clunk deeply says, "Splatted twuld be better said."

Tebon agrees with Clunk.

Cryheart nods to Clunk.

You patiently say, "We have to go back briefly to explain the Vvrael. The same Daephron Illian, the elf whose plan and work lead to the destruction of Despana continued to toil far beyond bringing the demons to bear against her at Maelysve. He wanted to pierce the veil and tap it for arcane knowledge of the planes, which was beyond mortal comprehension at the time. But..."

You say, "....he awakened something far darker. Instead of opening the gateway to planar travel, he released something far more terrifying. Illian summoned the Vvrael -- collective sentient anti-mana. For they, as we learned, hunger for souls, need to destroy all living things, and command among the most powerful undead we know exist. This is where we begin to learn that planar creatures, some atleast, seem to possess varying degrees of the power of Unlife, or its a realm unto itself that perhaps the Vvrael exist in or are linked with."

You ask, "Th' rift is a terrifying place, this is not magic we should dabble in, aye?"

Tebon adopts an agreeable expression.

You say, "I have to take a moment to explain that the Vvrael is a truly demonic force, more horrifying than many we know, and the undead at their command is beyond mortal comparison. These extra-planar beings appear to be wholly different from the Ur-Daemons, but seem to draw from a similar unfathomable power as they did. Where they diverge is that the Vvrael were a manifestation and the Ur-Daemons seemed to be individual entities. Both are of a nature to cause destruction for the sake of it and wholly unnatural to us and this is where the two parallel each other. I have made connections that Luukos studied the Unlife, the Ur-Daemons had immense power and the knowledge to create undead, but the Vvrael hungered directly for that which powers the Unlife...they hungered for souls."

You shudder.

You sigh.

You calmly say, "Let us return to Terate. As I said he was the Fallen Chosen, the fourth prophesized by Lorminstra to combat and seal the rift that the Vvrael sought to enter our world from and consume us. It would be through him that we learned most of what we know, but he was a torn individual and his information is not entirely reliable. We can piece much together from our dealings with him though."

You say, "I do not claim to be an expert on this. I did meet Terate on several occasions. At Heathstone, in Icemule, and throughout th' War."

You say, "Lorminstra and the other Arkati feared that if the Vvrael gained entry into Elanthia it would mean the total destruction of our world. Lorminstra recognized the Vvrael. She had prophesized their coming and set out to find thirteen chosen to defeat them. When the gods were split over the power of the Unlife and its usage by mortals the two sides began to align their pieces, but even in this case Luukos was compliant in his opposition to the Vvrael for he knew that the order that the Arkati had created in this world, even his twisted vision of it, would be annihilated by the Vvrael. Perhaps he understood the level of mastery that the Vvrael possessed over the Unlife compared to any he claimed to have, or he simply wanted this world for his own."

You pace back and forth.

You say, "The Thirteen Chosen were tasked with collecting the six Stones of Virtue. As they were assembled they the stones gave clues to the key to entering the Rift to seal it and preventing the Vvrael from entering our world. This information, the visions given to the Chosen by Lorminstra, and Terate himself would eventually turn the tide in our favor and the Vvrael menace was contained. I would like to share one such story from Lady Heathyr Hazelwood s stone. She possessed the stone of Faith. It was a dull grey stone and it told this story:"

You recite:

"Several people stand within a village square, their hands bound to stakes behind them. A priest walks down their line. He wears brown robes with a green serpent embroidered upon the back, and holds a dagger with a twisted blade in his right hand. Stopping at each of the prisoners, he asks them an inaudible question. Some of them nod in response, and are cut free. Others shake their heads and are slain as the priest draws his dagger across their throats.... "

You recite:

"The priest comes closer, stopping in front of a boy. He leans forward and asks "Will you pledge your soul to the serpent?" The boy glares at the priest, hatred burning hot within his eyes. After a moment, the priest sighs, and then moves his dagger upwards across the boy's throat. Impossibly, the blade does not pierce the tender skin! The boy's eyes widen with comprehension, and his hands break free of their bonds. Snatching the dagger from the stunned priest, the boy dispatches his would-be executioner. A booming voice reverberates across the square, "Go forth my loyal and immortal son. It is your destiny to be my champion against Unlife!" "

You exclaim, "It is interesting that this message would be one delivered in face of the Vvrael menace through the Stones of Virtue and Lorminstra if they did not wield the power of Unlife. As if telling us, "You have fought this enemy before!"

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

You say, "Since I am moving at a brisk pace, if necassary, as they jump into your brain, tell your question to Evialla."

You grin.

You say, "I dont want us to forget to touch on anything cause you lost it."

You say, "When the final battle occurred the Chosen had assembled all the stones and entered Koar's Temple, their stones were the key to entry, and they finally reached the Eye of the Drake. The rift in the veil existed here and the struggle was catastrophic for our defenders. The most chilling lesson from this was what the Vvrael said as the battle to close the rift raged. From others recollections the voices range:"

You shudder.

You recite:

"...AH SWEET TERATE...YOU HAVE COME TO FEED US...BRING THE SOULS TO US NOW...OPEN THE RIFT WIDER OUR PRECIOUS ONE..."

You recite:

"...FEED US...FEED US...TERATE...OPEN THE RIFT WIDER..."

You recite:

"...WE HUNGER FOR THE SOULS...""

You recite:

"...THE RIFT...OPEN IT NOW..." "

Karibeth frowns.

Evialla nods to Clunk.

Mohrgan lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Greganth leans forward and rests his chin in his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face.

You ask, "Does this Power not begin to put fear into you, for your lives, for your souls?"

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

You shift your weight.

You say, "Chilling."

You calmly say, "Love would be the solution that saved us from the Vvrael. Terate's mortal half had bonded with Lady Raynne and this dilemma of his being was enough to have him turn against the Vvrael and use his power to close the rift. As he closed the rift, he was struck in the chest and lay dying, but Terate was redeemed, and the Rift was closed, but at great cost. The eighth Chosen, Lady Risper lost her soul to the demonic before the rift could be sealed."

You say, "There are some additional connections between the Vvrael, the Ur-Daemons, and the Unlife. It is contained in a later story regarding Castle Anwyn, but for the sake of moving this along I will wrap up this section with a brief summary. The Arkati united against the Vvrael, as they had done against the Ur-Daemons, both of these extra-planar invaders wielded unimaginable power, control of the undead, and where the Ur-Daemons fed on mana the Vvrael seemed to feed on anti-mana."

Evialla says, "Love, twue love."

You say, "Raynne would play a part in that also, her kidnapping. I also referenced the Ten in Icemule. Lichs."

Errethe appears to be trying hard not to grin.

You chuckle at Evialla.

You say, "Well timed, Well timed, Evialla."

You say, "Both used souls to empower their strength. The Ur-Daemons used souls to unleash their power and create greater armies. The Vvrael themselves FED on souls. I would daresay that the Vvrael are a more direct source to the Unlife, than the Ur-Daemons or Luukos are practitioners of its power."

Greganth idly scratches himself on the neck.

You say, "This concludes part 2 of our discussion. We will now sort through some of the questions and begin our second Q&A session or as some of you may like, a brief intermission, refreshments are in the Grand Hall, on the carts, and in the kitchen, but don't wander far."

Clunk fidgets.

You smile.

Evialla points at Clunk.

Clunk deeply asks, "Ye knows Lady Rayyne twas here in Landind? when globes and costrucks came?"

Karibeth whispers, "Beldin had one of the stones... was one of the Chosen."

You nod to Karibeth.

Clunk deeply says, "Constructs."

Clunk blinks at Beldin.

You say, "I was going to tell th' Chosen story in greater detail. In my haste...I did not see we had one in our company."

You bow to Beldin.

Cryheart nods to Beldin.

You say, "Clunk draws a scary connection also."

Karibeth smiles at you.

Evialla slaps herself on the forehead.

Clunk bows to Beldin.

You nod to Clunk.

Evialla says, "Gah." You sigh at Clunk.

Tebon smiles at Beldin.

Beldin grins at Clunk.

Tebon says, "Jus' another ol' fart."

Tebon flashes a wide grin.

Speaking to you, Beldin says, "You summarized it very well."

Karibeth laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

You ask, "I did not know she was here when th' Summoners came. Was this with...their so called leader..A...At..Az..

You bow to Beldin.

Clunk deeply says, "She reklected me scratchin on Anwyn morror when she were stuck there."

Clunk nods to you.

Karibeth nods to Clunk.

Karibeth smiles.

You ask, "Who was th' sorcerer who killed Mirayam?"

Beldin says, "I wa there that night as well when Rayyne was in the mirror."

Tebon says, "I didnae see tha Lady Rayyne meself, news ta me."

Clunk rubs his chin thoughtfully.

You nod to Beldin.

You say, "Our Onar tattoos marked us. I see a handful who were marked present."

Cryheart says, "I recall the mark of Onar."

Greganth quietly says, "She fought along side us many nights as the Summoner's attacked... Mirayam gave herself to save us, she was not struck down."

You nod to Greganth.

Karibeth nods to Greganth.

Evialla rubs her silver necklace.

Shirkon deeply says, "Unfortunately I membahs Terate ta well. His blasted me ta smitherins at HS one night."

You say, "Azae...Az...I cannot remember his name."

Speaking to you, Tebon says, "I fear at that time, I 'ad already reverted ta my baser nature."

You say, "Let me look at my notes."

Karibeth says, "Albright was the one summoner."

You say, "Albright."

You nod to Karibeth.

You say, "Aye."

Shirkon deeply says, "I cut dat Onar mark off almost as soon as it was put on me."

Beldin nods to Shirkon.

Evialla says, "I did too."

Cryheart says, "And there was Raznel."

Greganth nods to Cryheart.

Shirkon deeply says, "I will admit, it hurt likes da dickens cuttin it off too."

You say, "I will offer some advance notice, my discussion ends with th' Summoners beginning."

Evialla asks, "Clunk, can you give us all of the names of the Chosen? For the sake of it?"

You smile.

Clunk points at Beldin.

Clunk deeply says, "He be one."

Clunk deeply asks, "Jala?"

Cryheart begins chuckling at Clunk!

You say, "I have them."

You say, "First to be chosen was Heathyr Hazelwood."

Clunk peers quizzically at you.

Clunk nods.

You say, "Followed by Writher second, Krackenstar third, Terate as the mentioned fourth."

You say, "Jala was fifth, indeed."

You say, "Berr, the Chief, was 6th. Mithadris 7th, Risper 8th."

Clunk deeply exclaims, "Berr!"

You nod.

You grin.

You exclaim, "Berr!"

You raise your black demon rum in a toast!

Evialla exclaims, "Berr!"

Tebon raises his matte ebon maul high over his head, letting loose a battle cry as if preparing to deal a crushing blow!

Evialla hoots.

Tebon exclaims, "Berr!"

Cryheart nods.

Clunk taps some gleaming silver-studded plate that he is wearing.

Clunk nods.

You say, "Wanton was 9th, Nyte th' 10th, Tedra 11th, Beldin th' 12th."

Cryheart says, "He did not like getting that mark."

You bow to Beldin.

You say, "And finally Merry, the 13th."

Clunk shows Beldin his silver-studded plate.

Speaking to you, Karibeth says, "Well done."

Cryheart says, "Wanton."

Cryheart gazes heavenward.

You say, "I had planned to cover them all, but I was concerned for time."

You say, "So I had already researched it."

You say, "Heroes all, if we have ever witnessed one."

Karibeth nods in agreement to you.

You smile.

Evialla says, "Its good to have them all brought back to memory."

Evialla nods.

You agree with Evialla.

Karibeth nods to Evialla.

You [General]: "Discussion on the Unlife continues for those who wish to come. We're beginning th' 3rd portion."."

You nod.

Shirkon deeply asks, "Who keeps peekin at us?"

You ask, "Shall we continue? Have you all stretched?"

You say, "We're starting th' 3rd portion now."

Speaking deeply to you, Shirkon says, "Moment o' silence fer those o' da Chosen dat has passed please."

You nod to Shirkon.

Clunk gets up into a kneeling position and begins to pray.

You incline your head.

You hang your head.

Mohrgan glances down.

Cryheart nods.

Arbeia glances down.

Tebon adopts an agreeable expression.

Cryheart gazes heavenward.

Tebon closes his eyes for a moment.

Karibeth hangs her head.

Karibeth closes her eyes for a moment.

Shirkon sighs.

Dragauth just arrived.

Cryheart says, "May great Kai guard them in the after life."

Beldin says, "Risper for sure."

Cryheart says, "And the Lady Lorminstra watch o'er em."

Shirkon nods to Cryheart.

Tebon says, "Voln watch o'er their souls."

You say, "Mayhaps we could also schedule a more fitting tribute to them since this seems to be something Elanthia should do together."

You nod.

Clunk sinks into the comfortable depths of an over-stuffed leather chair.

You say, "When I was researching all of this....it struck me that these stories need to be told. I've started to do what I can in that respect."

You say, "I think we've struck on a plan then. a Certain Wizard added white roses, one for each area in th' lands, with 13 carried to th' rift for Koar's Shrine. To remember them."

You say, "Mayhaps we can get some volunteers to plan such a ceremony later."

You say, "Otherwise I've made note.."

(Geijon makes some scribbles in a prayerbook.)

Aterik takes a drink from his warm sake.

You say, "And we'll put that in motion."

You smile.

You say, "Now where was I...."

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

You say, "We discussed the Origins of the Unlife, Ur-Daemons, the Vvrael, and numerous practitioners of the power of the Unlife so far tonight. We have also spoken much of the struggle between Luukos and Lorminstra. We pick up in the struggle between the two here. Few mortals, if any, can say they have seen a Drake or an Ur-Daemon, but we have witnessed Lorminstra's grace each time we die and in her delivering us from the Vvrael, and we have all seen the minions of Luukos and his allies who would seek to destroy or enslave us for their ends. This struggle would come to a head in the form of the Griffin Wars, namely the Second one, when Luukos and his compatriots would become known as the Dark Alliance."

You say, "I fought in the first Griffon War as did others, Kerl's recollection remain the best memory of those events, but it was many years ago. I will focus on the Second Griffin War that began in 5102 and lasted until 5105. By now Luukos had assumed a level of skill in his arts that his nicknames were numerous. Pointedly he had also become known as the "Soul-Eater". His allies were V'Tull, the God of bloodlust and carnage, Sheru, the God of Nightmares, and Mularos, the God of Pain. Their High Priests represented each of them in turn. Morvule Thinevael as high priest of Luukos and the presumed leader of the group, Draezir Moltonin of Sheru, Eryael Ladrinyth of Mularos, and Zerroth of V tull."

You nod.

Errethe reaches out and touches his blue pelican feather.

You smile.

You tap a silver-edged blue pelican feather that you are wearing.
A narrow white ribbon tied to the shaft of the feather bears the simple inscription, "A small token of thanks to the Silver Gryphons for their efforts on Solhaven's behalf during the fall of 5102 in the Griffin Sword War."

You say, "Indeed."

Clunk frowns.

Cryheart says, "I would spit in distaste...but tis nae knightly."

You say, "House Dreadnaught wears a different memorial item."

Greganth blinks.

You ask, "Dragauth do you have one with you?"

Speaking to Cryheart, Tebon says, "But it is fiterly."

Greganth rubs his steel grey eyes.

Cryheart nods to Tebon.

Mohrgan growls, "Cursed be their names..."

You ask, "Or does Tebon have one?"

Cryheart says, "Amen."

Aterik taps a silver-edged blue pelican feather that he is wearing.

Greganth whispers something to Karibeth.

Mohrgan shows you a crystal sword-shaped pin, which he is wearing. You see nothing unusual.

Tebon says, "I 'ave tha same in my locker."

Speaking softly to you, Mohrgan says, "Northern Fury."

Karibeth furrows her brow.

Mohrgan nods.

You say, "Sabreon showed me. It's not th' Feather. That was for Solhaven."

You nod to Mohrgan.

Cryheart says, "Well..I could run down to Haven."

Cryheart grins at you.

Karibeth whispers something to Greganth.

Greganth nods to Karibeth.

You say, "Ultram honored th' Eastern Alliance as well with something else, but we'll have to find out another time."

Cryheart says, "But tis a long journey."

You chuckle.

Tebon says, "Let me go ta me locker."

Tebon nods to you.

Sir Tebon just went north.

You take a drink from your black demon rum. The blistering fire of the alcohol is only slightly tempered by the heavy, unappealing herbal aftertaste. A krolvin might enjoy it, but it's difficult to imagine how any other race would.
You have 6 quaffs left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

You say, "I'll continue when he gets back."

Karibeth takes a drink from her fine beaujolais.
Karibeth looks rather relaxed.

You take a drink from your black demon rum.
You have 5 quaffs left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

Aterik taps a crimson dagger pin engraved with a golden phoenix that he is wearing.

Aterik taps a gilded eahnor campaign pin that he is wearing.

Telsas [General]: "Ok, where is the lecture of unlife at?"

Evialla says, "If his locker is any like mine, that could be hours.."

You say, "I should get good an drunk before th' last topic."

Evialla grins.

Greganth frets.

You chuckle.

Greganth stands up.

Errethe grins at Aterik.

Sir Tebon just arrived.

Mohrgan chuckles.

Errethe taps a bluish-black pin on a black silk sash.

Zerkeis [General]: "House of Phoenix Telsas."

You say, "There he is."

Errethe taps a red and black enameled pin on a black silk sash.

Errethe taps a golden phoenix pin on a black silk sash.

Tebon says, "I'll show it ta ye's ta tell tha others wat ye's see."

Tebon shows you a gilded eahnor campaign pin, which he is holding in his left hand. Two slender chains provide a link between a polished gold bar and the upper corners of the shield-shaped pin. Crafted of lightly gilded crimson eahnor, the shield sports an exquisite border of white ora overlaid with intertwined golden patterns. Affixed to its center are three tiny, crossed daggers, their upward-pointing blades made of white crystal. Engraved below the daggers is the simple inscription, "To those who defended the shining city during the spring of 5103 in the Griffin Sword War."

Tebon taps a gilded eahnor campaign pin, which is in his left hand.

Telsas [General]: "And that is found..."

You nod to Tebon.

You ask, "There it is. Show th' room?"

Evialla says, "Ahh ha."

Speaking quietly to you, Greganth says, "Please escuse me."

Greganth just went north.

You ask, "Can you show me your feather again, Aterik?"

Aterik drops a chaya of warm sake.

Aterik takes off a silver-edged blue pelican feather.

Tebon put a gilded eahnor campaign pin in his ivory linen backpack.

Clunk takes a drink from his amber lager.

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Aterik shows you a silver-edged blue pelican feather, which he is holding in his right hand. A narrow white ribbon tied to the shaft of the feather bears the simple inscription, "A small token of thanks to the members of House Onoir for their efforts on Solhaven's behalf during the fall of 5102 in the Griffin Sword War."

You say, "Ahh House Onoir."

You say, "They are personalized."

You say, "Vera nice."

You smile at Aterik.

Aterik puts on a silver-edged blue pelican feather.

Errethe glances at a bluish-black pin on a black silk sash.

You say, "Lets continue. I will make a note of these though."

Tebon says, "I have tha Jantalar pin as well."

You say, "This all was of grave concern to our mortal existance, our lives, and ultimately our souls. We have gleamed claims that their high priests wanted to become gods themselves, or that they wanted to send the world into complete darkness. The key to all of this was the Griffin Sword, forged and imbued with what was believed to be Lorminstra's divine essence or part of her very life force and given unto one of her champions by the name of Morfell. Lorminstra, for those who do not know of her or are joining us late, is the Goddess of Life, Rebirth, winter, and the natural cycle of our world. It is no surprise that she has been the foremost of the Lords of Liabo to oppose Luukos and the power of Unlife. It is because of her efforts that the Lords of Liabo are so venerated by the House of the Rising Phoenix. We are mere mortals who seek guidance and the Lords of Liabo have aided us in our purpose beyond measure."

Telsas [General]: "Well I apparently can't fog there."

Tebon put a variegated ivory linen backpack in his hide climbing pack.

Tebon removes a polished matte ebon maul from in his imflass weapons harness.

You nod.

You say, "The Dark Alliances armies were led by each Lornon faiths High Priest. Chief among them was Morvule. A chilling example of Luukos growing skill through the millennium was in the transformation he performed upon his High priest. It is said that the practitioners of the Unlife could "Transform" with its power. Morvule was one such being, born an elf during the Undead Wars he appears to us with slitted eyes and green scales, much like a serpentine appearance of his Arkati Master. For this he was called a "True Luukosian" or the "Flawless". In some sects and ancient books detailing the Unlife this exact event is transcribed when servants would give themselves over freely to become a higher form of the Unlife. Morvule was impressive in his mastery and Luukos gave him many gifts. He was an advanced student of the planes and had a penchant for demon summoning."

You shake your head.

You say, "Morvule is likely the most powerful mortal I've witnessed. He and Terate were beyond comparable and it took our gods to end them, but I digress."

You say, "More on him as we continue."

You say, "It becomes difficult to explain all of these events, but during the initial attack Lorminstra's Prophet Ulstram fought against Morvule with the Griffin Sword and it was shattered for a second time. During this the corrupted champion who had wielded the Griffin Sword originally, Morfell, was killed. He had been corrupted over the years by the Dark Alliances High Priests as they sought to use him to taint the sword. It is through this example that we learn more of the Unlife uses by Luukos. Morvule and the Dark Alliance required Morfell, or believed so, to locate the sword remnants after its reshattering and he had been killed. It was then that Morvule, using a great deal of his power, bound Morfell's shattered soul and raised him to Lichdom. This is one of the highest forms of Undead that the power of Unlife can create. Only remnants exist, but rituals detailing the Transformation of Morvule to his serpentine form are similarly used to bind souls and create a Lich in Morfell's case."

Cryheart says, "I once informed Morvule at the North Gate, he did not pay his entrance fee."

Cryheart nods to you.

You say, "I think I recall that."

Tebon grins.

Cryheart says, "Dinnae think he liked that."

You grin.

You say, "He struck you down right after."

Greganth just arrived.

You snicker at Cryheart.

Cryheart nods to you.

Cryheart grins.

Greganth sits down next to Karibeth.

You bow to Greganth.

You smile.

Speaking to Greganth, You say, "I had just finished commenting on how Morvule was transformed and Morfell was raised to lichdom."

You say, "The Griffin War was focused on Wehnimers Landing and Solhaven first, but I skip ahead to the East beyond the Spine where the Elves were being manipulated by the Dark Alliance. A trap was set and the armies of Ta'Illistim marched against an undead uprising near Shadowguard itself. The Illistim army was slaughtered in a single night. They were then raised as undead to join the fight and the search for the sword fragments. The parallel's here to the Undead Wars is difficult, but Morvule continually illustrated the power of Unlife that Luukos had granted him at incredible levels in raising so many undead at once."

You steeple your fingers, quietly observing your surroundings.

You casually observe your surroundings.

You say, "Another chilling example during the Eastern campaign was a creature called The Overseer. Again this appears to be a creation of Morvule These Overseers, much like a Venus fly traps would gradually ensnare living things and locate corpses with its tendrils and as it compiled matter it could create simple undead constructs to infest areas it was present in. These Overseers were in turn manipulated by a local agent of the Dark Alliance to cause havoc in specific areas."

Cryheart nods to Tebon.

You say, "I did not encounter th' overseer myself, but a rather inept sorcerer was controlling the one or two I am familiar with so even an acolyte can control a fearsome power of undead creation."

You say, "I will need Tebon to possibly expound on my next example."

You say, "Later, when the entire East had been pushed back to the walls of Ta'Illistim and the Dark Alliance grew frustrated with the defense. Morvule ushered in a new horror. With the help of the other High Priests they created the Miscere'Golab. Born from the shapes of nightmares, thousands were sacrificed to provide the corpses and souls needed for Morvule to infuse into the construct, and to control it as a weapon against the Elves and the Resistance. Ulstram and Lorminstra were not caught completely unaware, for Ulstram had fashioned three blades he had seen in a vision from his goddess, one of which was wielded by Tebon Hawggweiler, and Kadesha, both of whom are sworn to fight the Unlife with Phoenix, and Kinshack Starblade. With a large attack, and a brave airship captain, this construct was slain."

You shake your head.

You frown.

Telsas just arrived.

Telsas flashes a wide grin.

Karibeth shifts her weight.

Telsas clasps her hands in a reverent gesture.

You nod to Telsas.

Tebon adopts an agreeable expression.

You say, "Welcome Telsas. Running late."

You chuckle.

(Telsas quietly takes her place with the others.)

Tebon says, "That was a mess, that night."

Cryheart nods to Tebon.

Telsas kneels down.

Clunk nods to Tebon.

Telsas folds her hands in her lap.

Clunk put a mug of amber lager in his infantry backpack.

Karibeth whispers something to Greganth.

Clunk tucks in his arms and flaps them like a bird.

Telsas gets an odd look on her face.

Clunk nods to Tebon.

Clunk removes a mug of amber lager from in his infantry backpack.

Greganth nods to Karibeth.

You say, "Kinshack was a fearsome warrior, I would consider him and I of th' same era."

You chuckle.

You say, "Tebon, well, is Tebon."

Cryheart grins.

Tebon raises his fist defiantly.

Cryheart just nudged Tebon.

You say, "Kadesha lives on Teras mostly, in retirement, and has lost some of her memory."

Aterik begins chuckling at Tebon!

You say, "Morvule was not done here. When the War started to go badly, he set upon the children of Vornavis as they sought the fourth and final piece, raising them as undead when they fell and then.."

You shake your head.

You sigh.

You say, "Morvule went to Bonespear Tower and used the summoning circle atop it to rip open a whole in the veil. Through it he tore incredibly powerful demons - the abyran'ra, which had fought for him before and the newer more hideous creatures - the many-eyed oculoth and the insanely powerful vathor. It was then that Morvule and Ulstram met in combat and Ulstram was killed." Shirkon reminds you, "Donna fergit, Some da Arkati became more directly involved as well. Ronan sent his paladin to help in da Nations."

Mohrgan sighs.

Tebon grunts.

You say, "Ronan became involved here. He sent his Dreamwalker, Chaeye, to both th' Elven Nations and then Solhaven for the titanic battles."

Errethe sighs.

Mohrgan gently wraps his hand around his obsidian sword symbol and murmurs a softly spoken prayer.

Karibeth nods slowly.

Tebon shows you a faint silvery mark.

Tebon nods to you.

Errethe traces the lines of his faint silvery mark.

Cryheart lightly places his hand on the field mouse, which responds by moving her body beneath his hand for a thorough rubbing.

Tebon nods to Errethe.

(Errethe looks a little misty.)

You say, "When all was thought lost the Dark Alliance was defeated in the planar fortress they called the "Black Temple". They had managed to reforge the sword and with Morfell were about to send the world to darkness, but Lorminstra protected us until the end, shielding our champions against the horrors within as Ulstram's spirit lead them, and through Charna, who had been granted a scythe by Goseana s angel, was able to bring the her weapon to bear against Morfell just moments before he would strike the killing blow, and the scythe, using all its instilled power, turned the once powerful artifact into nothing, ending its existence in a blinding blur of power."

You say, "Now I realize I covered an incredible amount of details in a much summarized fashion. I apologize for butchering what is a far more epic tale, but key points in this portion of our discussion were the opposing forces of Life and the Unlife, primarily Lorminstra and Luukos, among the Arkati. Morvule, Luukos High Priest, display of the Unlife in the form of his individual transformation, his creation of Morfell into a Lich, his ability to resurrect large undead armies, The Overseer minions, the Miscere'Golab, and finally, his incredible control over demon kind by his ability to summon some of the most powerful demons we've seen in living memory."

You say, "Morvule was killed in that battle when th' Sword exploded. We hope for all time."

You cough.

You say, "I could use some water."

You grin.

You say, "I will now open up our third Question and Answer session."

You exclaim, "Rum will do!"

You take a drink from your black demon rum. The blistering fire of the alcohol is only slightly tempered by the heavy, unappealing herbal aftertaste. A krolvin might enjoy it, but it's difficult to imagine how any other race would.
You have 4 quaffs left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

Tebon says, "Tha greatest fiend I 'ave e'er seen, is tha Miscere'Golab."

Telsas quietly says, "Good, I dinnea want to share anyhow."

Telsas takes a drink from her deep amber rum.
Telsas looks rather relaxed.

Cryheart grins at Tebon.

Clunk nods to Tebon.

Tebon says, "Feh, large as tha Shinin' City it was."

Cryheart nods.

Clunk takes a drink from his amber lager. You chuckle at Telsas about the Coven Ale.

You take a drink from your black demon rum.
You have 3 quaffs left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

Clunk takes a drink from his amber lager.
Clunk looks rather relaxed.

Evialla asks, "Had anyone questions?"

Mohrgan softly says, "Incidentally, the Lady Chaeye yet struggles even as we speak, locked behind the gates of Ronan's Temple in Solhaven."

Tebon says, "Her an' tha other Dreamwalkers."

Tebon nods to Mohrgan.

Mohrgan nods to Tebon.

Errethe nods to Mohrgan.

Clunk peers quizzically at Mohrgan.

Karibeth nods to Mohrgan.

You nod to Tebon.

Errethe hangs his head.

Clunk deeply asks, "Why fer no one let em out?"

Mohrgan lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Tebon rubs his phoenix pin.

Shirkon deeply says, "Some o' us still bear da Dreamwalkah's mark."

Tebon says, "Few remain though."

Tebon nods to Shirkon.

Shirkon traces the lines of his faint silvery mark.

Tebon says, "We were named tha Blades of Ronan."

Errethe nods to Shirkon.

Tebon says, "As we transported Ronan's Talisman from Ta'Vaalor ta Ta'Illistim."

You say, "I skipped th' being nershuul, much of Ronan's involvement, and Goseana for time sake. I would encourage you all to read of them, those tales are at th' Dwarf Krakii's place and our library at the House Portal"

Speaking quietly to Clunk, Mohrgan explains, "That is a tale in itself. But there is a threat that stirs and threatens the Dreamscape...goaded on by the paw of the jackal."

Tebon agrees with you.

Arbeia stands up.

Clunk deeply says, "Heh."

You say, "I do have reference material, while not perfect, does explain a great deal of th' missing portions I've had to skip for brevity."

You ask, "No questions?"

Aterik says, "I tend to get my invasions mixed up .. but wast baron hob part of the second griffen war or was that yet another adventure."

Cryheart says, "Another."

You say, "That was th' War of Nations."

Cryheart nods to you.

You say, "Th' Bregandian War preceeded that."

Mohrgan nods.

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Shirkon deeply says, "Da two wars, War of Mations an da Griffon Sword War overlapped at times."

You nod.

Mohrgan softly says, "I still remember the look on Hochstib's faced when he died."

You nod to Mohrgan.

Errethe says, "It was a busy few months."

Cryheart nods to Mohrgan.

Cryheart nods to Errethe.

You chuckle.

Clunk deeply says, "Twas time of the rot in Logoth, too."

You nod to Clunk.

Arbeia says, "I remember that."

Arbeia nods.

Clunk mutters about dirtyworms.

Errethe says, "Still have my bane weapon in the bottom of my locker."

Tebon says, "It was a time of heroes, an' of villians."

Cryheart says, "We can blame it on the Blue comet."

You ask, "Interesting connections no?"

Shirkon deeply says, "An da War o' Nations actually started ovah 12 years ago, na when lotta folks thinks."

You agree with Shirkon.

Greganth reaches out and touches something in a veniom-toggled rugged suede weapon harness.

Beldin nods to Cryheart.

Cryheart nods to Beldin.

You say, "We saw that scout, killed him, then we figured Hochstib wasn't coming yet back too during th' Second Griffin War. That is a Gryphon story perhaps for another time."

You ask, "Do all of these events seem valid links to our topic?"

Karibeth nods.

Arbeia just went north.

You nod.

Shirkon deeply says, "Da Unlife effects lotta things."

You say, "I'll start th' final section then."

[House Phoenix, Library]
The library of the House is a largish room, with walls completely hidden by bookcases. A wide selection of reading material can be seen from a cursory glance. Treatises on science and history stand next to ancient volumes on forest lore and magic. One rather extensive section seems devoted to arms and armor and the many subjects dealing with the arts of war. Locked glass-fronted cabinets hold rare tomes and fragile scrolls and even the odd clay tablet. Scattered around the room are several chairs. You also see a chaya of warm sake, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, a mug of amber lager, a massive bearded white tiger, a carved red sandstone pedestal with an ancient volume on it, a spiral staircase, a trash barrel, a lacquered cherry cabinet with a carved rising phoenix on the doors, a plain wooden table with a gold-trimmed modwir plaque on it and an elegant golden buffet table with carved Voln symbols around its perimeter with some stuff on it.
Also here: Telsas who is kneeling, Greganth who is sitting, Sir Tebon, Lord Dragauth who is sitting, Lord Aterik, Shirkon, Errethe who is sitting, Sir Cryheart who is sitting, Clunk who is sitting, Great Lady Evialla who is sitting, Mohrgan who is sitting, Ryski who is sitting, Beldin who is sitting, Kragdruk who is sitting, Karibeth who is sitting
Obvious exits: north

You ask, "Any last questions?"

Speaking deeply to you, Clunk asks, "Them all adds to the chaos? makin it easier fer em to do they work?"

You agree with Clunk.

You say, "In many ways."

You boldly say, "We now turn our sights on the environs surrounding Wehnimers Landing, as we know it now, but like the Unlife it has had numerous names, so too does our city, and previous inhabitants. After the destruction of Despana the humans, trolls, and other forces that swore allegiance to her hungered for the power they tasted in her employ and thus Cults to the Unlife were commonplace in lawless regions throughout Elanthia. As we know much of this area was one of those regions."

You waggle your fingers mystically.

You gasp.

You take a drink from your black demon rum. The liquid burns agonizingly before assaulting your throat with a riot of herbal flavors. You can distinguish caraway, cumin, fennel, and dill, all of which have transformed into something eminently less appealing during the fermentation process.
You have one quaff left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

You say, "The story of Bandur Etrevion describes the spark that ignited the local cults here. Of undistinguished lineage, the brothers soon realized that the quickest means to power and wealth was to cast their lot in with the forces of the Unlife. He and his brother Kestral had carved out a territory along Darkstone Bay after famed service in several military campaigns. While Kestral was the perceived leader in the area his brother Bandur remained a shadowy presence in the background, gathering dangerous knowledge, and subjecting himself more and more totally to the foul aims of the Unlife."

You say, "I had contemplating cutting some of this for time, but I think it tells a great deal about...some group."

You grin.

You say, "Kestral was often called away or thirsted for conquest. Thus, Bandur, who was left in de facto charge of this territory, had built a large and very loyal network of shadowy spies, along with well placed throughout the entire land, he was so totally immersed in his studies and writings that he did not notice the chaos developing in the land until it reached the breaking point."

Evialla says, "Some group."

Cryheart whistles tunelessly to himself.

You say, "I get to that."

Clunk takes a drink from his amber lager.

You say, "The very spirit of the Unlife was strong; it pervaded and corrupted the land and its influence was felt everywhere. Bands of armed Brigands and rogues were free, kidnappings and ritual slaughter became commonplace, wild creatures roamed the towns in search of prey, while enemies raided the borderlands at frequent intervals. Bandur roused himself from his arcane pursuits and concluded that something needed to be done to suppress the wanton bloodshed, cruelty and disorder in the land, but not for the sake of peace and tranquillity, but more to allow him to continue to exploit and divert its resources to the efficient services of the Unlife."

Clunk removes a mein handaxe from in his dwarven war harness.

Clunk slings an Eonak crested vultite shield off from over his shoulder.

Clunk stands up.

Clunk moves over to you and stands ready to guard you from attack.

You nod to Clunk.

Cryheart grins.

You say, "Bandur relentlessly eradicated pockets and strongholds of resistance in order to central rule with a dedicated force of well-paid soldiers and an assembly of foul creatures of his own creation. Once all opposition in the land was crushed, he formed an official cult dedicated strictly to the worship of the Unlife, in which all were strongly urged to join under risk of death. The state cult filled the need of the people for leadership and direction, thus Bandur usurped the throne of Kestral. With this Bandur became the first "Dark Master". When his brother returned they quarreled and Bandur killed Kestral."

You shake your head.

You say, "Some would say Kestral was "Possessed" or driven mad by the power the Unlife had given him."

You say, "Bandur's anguish over his brother's murder tore at him. Nothing helped to ease his mind, and the Unlife fed on him with unbounded glee as his inner conflict tore his sole asunder. He returned once more to tell the high ranking members of his cult a few cryptic messages, but he ended with "Find me not if you value your souls!"."

You ask, "A parallel to Terate perhaps?"

Greganth leans forward and rests his chin in his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face.

You say, "Thus the story of the creation of the Graveyard comes to pass and with his cult the founding of what became known as the Council of Light. I will now turn my attention directly to this Council and its methods for it is a wholly evil place that uses hidden lodges and whispered words to attract the young and naive. They promise to serve the Light or to fight evil by learning evil, until it is far too late."

Karibeth ponders.

You exclaim, "I am sure we are beginning to think that the Unlife is a powerful thing, but this is all very old, Bandur existed before our time and Wehnimers. I have discussed a great many connections. My intent was always to describe the traits of the Unlife and that it remains active and strong today. We have talked about the Ur-Daemons, the Vvrael, the Dark Alliance and the Lords of Lornon, but this is our home. Why would we allow such evil to permeate here? The answer is that we have not, but people turn a blind eye to a sore area of town or begin to accept that it cannot be totally purged from our existence and with this people have forgotten, but I have not!"

You pound an ancient volume with your fist, causing it to shake and tremble.

Tebon glances warily around the room.

You mutter something inaudible.

You growl ferociously!

You say, "This Council, or other society, continues to this day throughout Elanthia and their lodge was previously housed under Cholgar's bathhouse. We will get to that "previously" part shortly. Let us create a current timeline. This organization was known to the residents of Wehnimers, some of which would form the House of the Rising Phoenix and some that simply opposed an organization bent on murder and the consumption of your soul to feed the Unlife. I find it necassary to explain that the House of the Rising Phoenix does not target individuals, we believe that the level of deception of the lodge's leadership blinds them from the truth, but we seek to help them before it is too late, and to oppose the Organization as a whole."

Errethe twists his head slightly, cracking his neck. He looks relieved.

You say, "Our House was founded in 5090 and was built in 5091. We are celebrating that event over these weeks. The battle against the Unlife here in Wehnimers Landing started then as well. We believe the Organization to be evil. It uses lies, deception, and coercion asking you to complete trivial tasks that grant you escalating powers at a small cost until, in the end, the true cost of your Soul is revealed, empowering the Unlife. We do not impede individual members as we believe them to be deceived, but at times the Council has openly attacked people for various reasons and I will cover some of them now."

You pace back and forth.

You squint.

You gaze heavenward.

You hesitantly say, "I am likely at great risk the further we continue. I have a certain distinction as potentially being a high level target of the Council as they employ what we call cowled ones or "Dark Assassins" to carry out murder for those within or without who speak of their secrets. Although, they are likely watching this discussion, it is my hope that with so many of us gathered they will not attack, it is uncommon, but they prefer to isolate individuals before striking. I first learned of the Council's Assassin in 5095 from my father Gaq and have had the pleasure of dealing with them on numerous occasions."

You casually observe your surroundings.

Telsas quietly says, "Excuse me, one of the dead is about to decay."

Telsas stands up.

Telsas clasps her hands in a reverent gesture.

Telsas just went north.

You scowl.

You take a drink from your black demon rum. The liquid burns agonizingly before assaulting your throat with a riot of herbal flavors. You can distinguish caraway, cumin, fennel, and dill, all of which have transformed into something eminently less appealing during the fermentation process.
That was the last of it!
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

You recognize Clunk using the Symbol of Recognition.

Tebon glances warily around the room.

You shrug.

You say, ""It won't be th' last time."

You grin.

You say, "The Council is always busy, recruiting through various unsuspecting agents in town, and in others, as its influence has spread more throughout Elanith. It has taken hold in most known cities. This has driven their secretive nature underground further and made them more difficult to track and point at when events arise. In this they have become very good and operate as a powerful criminal organization, but in cases we can prove their involvement."

Aterik says, "We need to make sure that folks understand all those with the other society nae evil .. just mis-guided .. it our duty to try and bring them back."

You say, "It previously existed in Cholgar's Bathhouse. It's still active within Wehnimers, possibly in an undisclosed headquarters."

You nod to Aterik.

Karibeth nods slowly. You say, "One such event was in the autumn of 5098. We had been attacked by numerous undead and spirits throughout the summer. We had difficulty pinpointing any reasoning behind why tormented souls, wraiths, and numerous other undead were attacking. Assassin sightings were numerous throughout the known world. I do not have perfect evidence to support these conclusions that the events are linked, but in the month of Imaerasta a massive kobold and troll attack occurred. Trolls have been associated with the Unlife since the days of Despana. This one was particularly viscous and it was led by the Princes of their kind and a Queen. They offered hymns and prayers to the Unlife as they slaughtered us. The Queen wielded implosion against the defenders at the Gates and we were nearly overrun. One such event went badly, I survived, but it took me days to recover as my arm regenerated."

Speaking to himself, Tebon says, "Bad days, those were."

Aterik says, "Troll necros would be part of that."

You shudder.

Karibeth frowns.

Clunk shakes his head.

Cryheart raises an eyebrow.

Cryheart says, "Bad troll."

You say, "In Fashanos of 5099 we learned that a new "Dark Master" had been appointed to head the lodge in Wehnimers Landing. It was shortly after that beatings, disappearances, and numerous murders began to occur. We had linked a great many events together at this time and the Council was gravely concerned about the amount of Oath breaking of those who served the Society. A viscous crackdown was occurring from within as we had uncovered vast amounts of their plots between 5098 and up to 5100. Throughout this period assassins were prevalent. I recall several events, one vividly at the Wayside Inn where the Assassins taunted us."

Clunk shakes his head.

You say, "In 5102 we found it increasingly difficult to track them, but we knew they still recruited into their ranks. Many years later we learned that during this time the organization's Wehnimer's Landing chapter, having become too high profile for superiors, had been dissolved, dissected and relocated. I was able to construct this timeline due to the appearance of Lacheis Taurvon. Oath Breakers continued to be a problem for the Council and Lacheis was later identified as holding the rank of Grand Assassin of the Council."

You pace back and forth.

You ask, "Have any of you met Lacheis? Unfortunately?"

Karibeth shakes her head.

Tebon grunts.

Cryheart rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Clunk deeply says, "Duzznt think so."

You say, "Then this information is good to share."

Cryheart says, "I recall the name...not sure."

You say, "During the period of years between 5100 through 5102 the Council had established lodges in Solhaven and Ta'Vaalor. We had suspicions and the Dark Alliance was highly successful in both of these cities. This level of success points to key information that the agents of the Unlife had been providing them. Lacheis at this time was active in all of these cities, dispatching with anyone who would speak openly about their dealings. A particularly gruesome exchange in River's Rest after speaking of the Council went as follows:"

You recite:

"A trio of hooded dark men wanders in. One clips the Oath Breaker with his mace, and he falls to the ground, stunned. Quickly, they tie his hands to the willow tree and his feet to a nearby team of horses. One slaps the rump of the horses and they lunge forward, tearing him in half. His entrails flop to the ground and the men wander off, chuckling. "

Aterik says, "I was once a member of the other society .. but Morgiest showed me the dark side and i was able to leave without a visit from an assassin."

A pained expression crosses Evialla's face.

You nod to Aterik.

You say, "That is good. Evialla was so stricken before she met me also."

You smile.

You say, "Lacheis killed any and all Oath breakers. We have reports of him in Solhaven, Ta'Vaalor, Ta'Illistim, and River's Rest."

Tebon says, "There was another lad, his name escapes me...he were dismembered, while still alive."

You shudder.

Karibeth's face turns slightly pale.

You say, "Lacheis was masterfully good....at murder."

Cryheart nods.

You say, "It was in these years that a plot was put in place in Wehnimers Landing to put in a despot Mayor as the current one was creating problems for the Council's dealings there. A plan was hatched in the lodge to kill the mayor, rob the city, and implement a new puppet mayor."

You say, "Elections were called and several candidates such as Plur, Juspera, Ardwen, Xanith, and Nevrek, among others, campaigned vigorously for the mayor race. This went on for some months climaxing in a debate, lead by an official named Rarl, between the parties at Moot Hall before an official vote was to be had."

You say, "I think you will recognize some of them. They go "Across the Aisle" as you would."

You chuckle.

Karibeth nods.

You say, "Ardwen is th' richest man in Wehnimers, or argueably."

Clunk nods.

Tebon adopts an agreeable expression.

You say, "Plur...owns a pub, wears a diaper."

You chuckle.

Cryheart says, "He is soiled for life."

Mohrgan smiles.

You say, "Nevrek, was a Luukosian and a rather accomplished scholar."

Tebon says, "Juspera...sense of humor on that one."

Cryheart nods to you.

You nod to Tebon.

You smile.

You say, "Juspera doesn't come to my memory as easy nowdays. Xanith is a warrior."

Tebon says, "Juspera was a rogue."

Tebon says, "Nice lass, mostly."

Greganth quietly says, "Rogue, very smart, very goofy."

Cryheart nods to Clunk.

You say, "Garrilon, another so called official arrived and thanked them all for their contributions. After ensuring all of the candidates from the letter Garrilon had received as debate candidates were present, he slew all of them. Lacheis then arrived to gloat and claim they controlled our city and they all vanished."

Tebon agrees with Greganth.

Greganth chuckles.

Cryheart grins at Clunk.

You say, "A new mayor was installed by a dubious source and much silver is as of yet unaccounted for. After the murders the city guards entered the bathhouse headquarters, but only found corpses. We believe the Council dissolved and retreated to its lodges in Solhaven and the Elven Nations. Lacheis vanished without a trace and eventually the puppet mayor was replaced by Lord Stennis."

You say, "In the winter of 5107 Stennis disappeared under suspicious circumstances. He was known to have quarreled with residents of Teras over museum artifacts prior to his disappearance."

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Karibeth nods.

Cryheart nods to you.

You exclaim, "Between 5103 and 5107 it becomes difficult to piece a great deal of evidence together, but they were active!"

You say, ""We now have a newly elected Mayor, Walkar Wellington, and a new threat, the Summoners, have been active."

You say, "The Summoners..."

You say, "Among their powers of planar manipulation they have sent Oculoths and Vathors, the same demons summoned by Morvule. The bathhouse is being repurposed and the Museum is being renovated. Mere coincidence, I find this highly doubtful, but I miss a few pieces of information to make this connection complete beyond great suspicion at this time."

Aterik gasps.

You pound an ancient volume with your fist, causing it to shake and tremble.

You tap an ancient volume on a carved red sandstone pedestal.

You tap an ancient volume on a carved red sandstone pedestal.

You tap an ancient volume on a carved red sandstone pedestal.

You exclaim, "Do not be decieved!"

Greganth whispers something to Karibeth.

Karibeth blinks at Greganth.

You say, "Now I have presented throughout incidents linked to the Unlife. Numerous names, plots, and schemes are involved with this force if not outright war, destruction, and death. When I have not given undeniable proof I have laid before all of you common traits and tactics used by the Unlife and so a short recap of the timeline shows them to be very active."

You say, "I will now open up the floor to Question and Answers as this completes my presentation of the discussion. I hope this has been enlightening and I must give a few moments to thank people whose research, recollections, or existence assisted me in piecing together aspects of this Discussion. Much more of these tales, in complete detail, are provided at the House Phoenix Blackboard. [http://gshusephoenix.com]."

You pant.

Evialla says, "Still feeling a bit green and pale at the thought of entrails flopping about on the ground."

You sit down.

Cryheart grins at Evialla.

Karibeth whispers something to Greganth.

You pick up some black demon rum. You take a drink from your black demon rum.
You have 6 quaffs left.
You feel the blood drain from your face as your eyes glaze over.
You are stunned!

Aterik asks, "I not a big fan of Walker .. there where times when he tried to pursuade us to give the girl up during last incident .. why ?"

Evialla applauds.

Cryheart says, "Well spoken."

Cryheart nods to you.

You say, "I'm not dead yet least."

You grin.

Cryheart grins.

Mohrgan echoes, "Hear hear."

Mohrgan nods to you.

Dragauth stands up.

Clunk applauds you.

Speaking to you, Beldin says, "Well done and given me food for thought."

Greganth whispers something to Karibeth.

Speaking to Aterik, Errethe says, "Because his duty was to protect the citizens and property of the landing. Not to defend the life of a single girl at any cost."

Errethe says, "That was our job."

Errethe nods to Aterik.

Errethe grins.

Tebon says, "There are those of us, who 'ave dedicated our lives ta battlin' tha Unlife."

Aterik nods to Errethe.

Tebon says, "We are House Phoenix."

Clunk nods to Tebon.

Clunk put a mein handaxe in his dwarven war harness.

Tebon says, "We also seek ta educate folks of tha Unlife, so they know tha truth."

Clunk slings an Eonak crested vultite shield over his shoulder.

Evialla says, "We've encountered those dark...guys, huh Tebon."

Tebon nods to Dragauth.

Evialla says, "Right at our own door."

Tebon agrees with Evialla.

Tebon says, "More than once."

Tebon says, "Prolly will 'gain."

Clunk deeply says, "Spose I can stand down now."

You nod to Clunk.

You smile.

Clunk sinks into the comfortable depths of an over-stuffed leather chair.

Clunk slowly empties his lungs.

Evialla lets out a cheer!

Pages on the ancient volume begin to turn rapidly then comes to stop.

Clunk deeply says, "Uh oh."

Evialla says, "Well."

Tebon nods to Aterik.

Evialla glances at an ancient volume on a carved red sandstone pedestal.

Tebon turns towards Aterik and renders a sharp salute with his matte ebon maul.

Aterik turns towards Tebon and renders a sharp salute with his black ora broadsword.

Shirkon deeply says, "Heck, dem dark fella's has come right inta da Library here."

Greganth whispers something to Karibeth.

Tebon nods to Shirkon.

Lord Aterik just went north.

You say, "Much of my discussion is spoken after investigation, it is difficult to be knowledgeable of th' Unlife as it acts through nefarious means, this...and the presence of Demons, is why we are so adamant in combating these Summoners."

Mohrgan nods to you.

Clunk deeply asks, "Why fer them pages was russelin?"

You say, "Now that I've laid out some evidence. You can all, if you combat th' Summoners, you can expect all of Phoenix behind you."

Evialla says, "Spooky spooks."

Karibeth nods slowly to Greganth.

You blink at an ancient volume on a carved red sandstone pedestal.

This massive, leather-bound book appears to be a copy of the ancient Tomes of Elanthia.

The sandstone pedestal begins to shake violently.

Greganth stands up.

Mohrgan stands up.

You drop some black demon rum.

Mohrgan turns to face a carved red sandstone pedestal.

You remove a superior maoral-hafted vultite maul from in your threaded war harness.

Greganth surreptitiously glances around the room.

You gaze heavenward.

Clunk deeply says, "Uhh."

Mohrgan hesitantly says, "What...what was that..."

Shirkon deeply says, "Here we go agins."

You focus deep within yourself, searching for untapped sources of strength.
You feel a great deal stronger.

Clunk deeply says, "Mebbe not good ideer to stand down."

Clunk stands up.

You chuckle at Clunk.

Clunk removes a mein handaxe from in his dwarven war harness.

Clunk slings an Eonak crested vultite shield off from over his shoulder.

Errethe stands up.

Errethe just opened a black leather climbing pack.

Tebon says, "This is House Phoenix, inside these walls, or outside, Phoenix fears nae tha shadows."

Errethe removes a gold-combed imflass burgonet from in his climbing pack.

Suddenly the red sandstone pedestal cracks in many spots!

Evialla says, "Shadows not to mess with our volume for it is true."

Errethe puts a gold-combed imflass burgonet on his head.

Errethe removes a superior maple-hilted mithril warsword from in his leather weapons harness.

In one brisk move, Errethe slides a razern-edged vultite tower shield off his shoulder.

Tebon glances at a cracked red sandstone pedestal.

You say, "I have a bad feeling."

The Undead pour forth!

A lesser vruul and company just arrived!

A lesser vruul and company just arrived!

A lesser vruul growls an arcane phrase.

A monastic lich points at Karibeth!
CS: +150 - TD: +354 + CvA: +2 + d100: +26 - -5 == -171
Warded off!
A burst of ethereal energy erupts from the ground and surrounds a shadow steed!

A shadow steed emits a low, unearthly moan!

An unearthly moaning echoes around you, dispelling any sense of peace and security from the area.

A nightmare steed rears back, its hooves glowing a dull grey.

A greater vruul gestures mystically!

An opalescent aura surrounds a greater vruul.

A shrickhen drums her hands on her head and a ring of cold blue fire springs up around her.

A lesser vruul growls an arcane phrase.

A monastic lich points at you!
CS: +150 - TD: +223 + CvA: -21 + d100: +50 - +5 == -49
Warded off!
A burst of ethereal energy erupts from the ground and surrounds a shadow steed!

A shadow steed stomps at Errethe with its foot!
Errethe moves at the last moment to evade the attack!

A nightmare steed rears back, its hooves glowing a bright red.

A greater vruul gestures mystically!
An opalescent aura surrounds a greater vruul.

A shrickhen drums her hands on her head and a ring of cold blue fire springs up around her.

Mohrgan slings a battleworn black tower shield off from over his shoulder.

Tebon looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Tebon whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a lesser vruul! A hit!
Whoosh! Several ribs driven into lungs.
The lesser vruul is stunned!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a monastic lich! A hit!
Lucky shot rips through bone and muscle sending weapon arm flying.
The lich's ceremonial kris falls to the ground.
The monastic lich is stunned!
Just as Tebon moves to strike, the shadow steed fades into the shadows!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a nightmare steed! A hit!
Knocked back several feet by blow to abdomen.
The nightmare steed is stunned!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a greater vruul! A hit!
Knocked back several feet by blow to abdomen.

A greater vruul claws at Evialla!
AS: +285 vs DS: +115 with AvD: +37 + d100 roll: +93 = +300
... and hits for 60 points of damage!
Well placed shot pierces knee, that hurt!
She is knocked to the ground!
She is stunned!

A shrickhen screams furiously and points at Cryheart!
CS: +275 - TD: +350 + CvA: -21 + d100: +84 == -12
Warded off!

A greater vruul growls an arcane phrase.

Shirkon deeply says, "Da Poohbah has sent folks ta stops us talkin bouts him befores."

Mohrgan removes a silver-edged midnight black waraxe from in his weapon harness.

Karibeth stands up.

Greganth removes a vultite-edged golvern longsword from in his suede weapon harness.

A wave of power flows out of you and toward a superior maoral-hafted vultite maul.
A brilliant white light wraps around the maul for a moment and then quickly seeps into its surface, leaving a soft white afterglow.

Greganth slings a drake-carved red fireleaf shield off from over his shoulder.

A monastic lich's hollow eye sockets flash with a blood red glow as he shakes off the stun!

A lesser vruul gestures at Evialla!
CS: +205 - TD: +282 + CvA: +14 + d100: +81 - -5 == +23
Warded off!

A monastic lich moans an arcane phrase of magic.

A nightmare steed releases its magical energy at Cryheart!
Cryheart blinks and appears distracted.

A shrickhen screams furiously and points at Ryski!

A wave of dark ethereal ripples moves outward from a shrickhen.
A lesser vruul is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A monastic lich is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A nightmare steed is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A greater vruul is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A lesser vruul is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A monastic lich is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A nightmare steed is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A greater vruul is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
Shirkon is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
Greganth is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
Tebon is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
Errethe is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
Clunk is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
Evialla is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves.
You are buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and knocked to the ground.
You are pinned in place, unable to move.
Roundtime: 8 sec.
Ryski is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
Kragdruk is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.

Tebon roars!

Karibeth draws an intricately glowing pattern in the air before her.

CS: +365 - TD: +131 + CvA: +25 + d100: +63 == +322
Warding failed!
A lesser vruul lets out a blood curdling scream.
A lesser vruul drops a battle axe.
A lesser vruul decays away.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the lesser vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.

A shadow steed forced into visibility by the pattern.

A shadow steed backs away from the pattern for a few moments. CS: +365 - TD: +217 + CvA: +25 + d100: +43 == +216
Warding failed!
A nightmare steed lets out a blood curdling scream.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the nightmare steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.

The steed bubbles and seethes for a moment, then dissolves away.

CS: +365 - TD: +269 + CvA: +25 + d100: +57 == +178
Warding failed!
A greater vruul lets out a blood curdling scream.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the greater vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A greater vruul decays away.
CS: +365 - TD: +297 + CvA: +25 + d100: +48 == +141
Warding failed!
A shrickhen cowers as far away from the pattern as it can get.
CS: +365 - TD: +158 + CvA: +25 + d100: +75 == +307
Warding failed!
A lesser vruul lets out a blood curdling scream.
A lesser vruul drops a battle axe.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the lesser vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A lesser vruul decays away.

CS: +365 - TD: +132 + CvA: +15 + d100: +40 == +288
Warding failed!
A monastic lich lets out a blood curdling scream.
A monastic lich drops a ceremonial kris.
A monastic lich drops a blackened shield.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the monastic lich's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A monastic lich dissolves into a foul-smelling miasma.
CS: +365 - TD: +234 + CvA: +25 + d100: +57 == +213
Warding failed!
A shadow steed lets out a blood curdling scream.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shadow steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shadow steed fades into oblivion.

CS: +365 - TD: +271 + CvA: +25 + d100: +75 == +194
Warding failed!
A nightmare steed lets out a blood curdling scream.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the nightmare steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The steed bubbles and seethes for a moment, then dissolves away.

CS: +365 - TD: +323 + CvA: +25 + d100: +8 == +75
Warded off!
A greater vruul is not affected by the pattern.

CS: +365 - TD: +351 + CvA: +25 + d100: +64 == +103
Warding failed!
A shrickhen backs away from the pattern for a few moments.

Mohrgan looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Mohrgan whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shadow steed! A hit!
Hard strike to the abdomen.
Ethereal entrails seem to spill from the shadow steed's mangled substance,
vanishing into misty tendrils as they strike the ground.
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shrickhen! A hit!
Smooth slash to the shrickhen's hip!
Nice crunching sound.
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a greater vruul! A hit!
Massive blow smashes through ribs and drives the greater vruul's heart out the back.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the greater vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The greater vruul screams one last time and lies still.
The opalescent aura fades from around a greater vruul.
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shrickhen! A hit!
Hard slash to belly severs a few nerve endings.
The shrickhen is stunned!

Shirkon slings a vultite wall shield emblazoned with the image of a fiery phoenix rising from smoldering ashes off from over his shoulder.

Dragauth slowly draws his golvern lance from inside his sheath.

Cryheart stands up.

A shadow steed shakes his mane.

A lesser vruul and company just arrived!

Shirkon puts a dark green Tam-o'-shanter on his head.

A lesser vruul growls an arcane phrase.
A monastic lich points at Errethe!
d100 == 1 FUMBLE!

A burst of ethereal energy erupts from the ground and surrounds a shadow steed!
A shadow steed shakes his mane.

A nightmare steed rears back, its hooves glowing a dull grey.

A greater vruul gestures mystically!

An opalescent aura surrounds a greater vruul.

A shrickhen snatches up a blackened shield!

A shrickhen snatches up a blackened shield!

A shrickhen claws at Cryheart!
Cryheart evades the attack with ease!

Shirkon removes a vultite miner's axe from in his weapon sling.

Everything around you turns red as you work yourself into a berserker's rage!

Dragauth looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Dragauth whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!

You jump to your feet snarling in anger!

Karibeth slings a faenor-banded elven longbow carved with a tangle of intricate vines off from over her shoulder.

Mohrgan lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

A greater vruul growls an arcane phrase.

Tebon lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

Karibeth draws an intricately glowing pattern in the air before her.

CS: +365 - TD: +131 + CvA: +25 + d100: +2 == +261
Warding failed!
A lesser vruul lets out a blood curdling scream.
A lesser vruul drops a battle axe.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the lesser vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens. A lesser vruul decays away.

CS: +365 - TD: +105 + CvA: +15 + d100: +20 == +295
Warding failed!
A monastic lich lets out a blood curdling scream.
A monastic lich drops a ceremonial kris.
A monastic lich drops a blackened shield.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the monastic lich's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens. A monastic lich dissolves into a foul-smelling miasma.

CS: +365 - TD: +207 + CvA: +25 + d100: +21 == +204
Warding failed!
A shadow steed lets out a blood curdling scream.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shadow steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens. A shadow steed fades into oblivion.

CS: +365 - TD: +217 + CvA: +25 + d100: +60 == +233
Warding failed!
A nightmare steed lets out a blood curdling scream. You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the nightmare steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens. The steed bubbles and seethes for a moment, then dissolves away.

CS: +365 - TD: +269 + CvA: +25 + d100: +12 == +133
Warding failed!
A greater vruul cowers as far away from the pattern as it can get.

CS: +365 - TD: +324 + CvA: +15 + d100: +56 == +112
Warding failed!
A shrickhen backs away from the pattern for a few moments.

CS: +365 - TD: +324 + CvA: +15 + d100: +65 == +121
Warding failed!
A shrickhen backs away from the pattern for a few moments.

CS: +365 - TD: +324 + CvA: +25 + d100: +40 == +106
Warding failed!
A shrickhen backs away from the pattern for a few moments.

Cryheart points at a greater vruul.

Kragdruk says, "Woah."

Tebon jumps to his feet snarling in anger!

Mohrgan rages across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a greater vruul! A hit!
Mighty swing separates head from shoulders.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the greater vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The opalescent aura fades from around a greater vruul.
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shrickhen! A hit!
Left leg ripped from socket at the knee!
A shrickhen is knocked sprawling to the ground and he grasps his mangled left leg!
The shrickhen is stunned!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shrickhen! A hit!
Quick, powerful slash to the shrickhen's right knee!
The shrickhen is knocked to the ground!
The shrickhen is stunned!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shrickhen! A hit!
Whoosh! Several ribs driven into lungs.

Greganth quietly says, "No area spells."

Shirkon swings a vultite miner's axe at a shrickhen!
AS: +364 vs DS: +184 with AvD: +32 + d100 roll: +75 = +287
... and hits for 75 points of damage!
Hard slash to the shrickhen's side!
Left arm no longer available for use.
The shrickhen howls and grasps at her mangled left arm as her blackened shield falls to the ground.

You rage across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
You swing a superior vultite maul at a shrickhen!
AS: +451 vs DS: +177 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +6 = +320
... and hit for 147 points of damage!
Crushing blow to the spine!
The shrickhen slumps to the ground.
AS: +451 vs DS: +141 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +87 = +437
... and hit for 179 points of damage!
Blow ruptures the stomach!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from her torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.
You swing a superior vultite maul at a shrickhen!
AS: +451 vs DS: +300 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +80 = +271
... and hit for 106 points of damage!
Left leg ripped from socket at the knee!
A shrickhen is knocked sprawling to the ground and she grasps her mangled left leg!

Beldin just opened a green lacquered bow case painted with stalking tigers.

Dragauth looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Dragauth whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Dragauth thrusts with a superior golvern lance at a shrickhen! A hit!
Awesome shot collapses a lung!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from his torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.
Dragauth thrusts with a superior golvern lance at a shrickhen! A hit!
Left arm ripped from socket at the elbow!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from her torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.

Beldin removes a sleek wyrwood composite bow with a chiselled bone grip from in his lacquered bow case.

Kragdruk slings a sturdy silver-veined shield off from over his shoulder.

Karibeth draws an intricately glowing pattern in the air before her.

Errethe jumps to his feet snarling in anger!

Beldin stands up.

Greganth stands up.

Clunk stands up.

You spin around looking for something to attack!

Finding no target for your rage, you let out a horrendous scream of frustration!

The redness fades from the world and you begin to breathe harder.

Beldin rubs his veil iron earring.
An opalescent aura surrounds Beldin.

[House Phoenix, Library]
The library of the House is a largish room, with walls completely hidden by bookcases. A wide selection of reading material can be seen from a cursory glance. Treatises on science and history stand next to ancient volumes on forest lore and magic. One rather extensive section seems devoted to arms and armor and the many subjects dealing with the arts of war. Locked glass-fronted cabinets hold rare tomes and fragile scrolls and even the odd clay tablet. Scattered around the room are several chairs. You also see a blackened shield, some black demon rum, some tattered flowing black robes, a blackened shield, a ceremonial kris, a battle axe, a greater vruul that appears dead, a shrickhen that appears dead, some tattered flowing black robes, a ceremonial kris, a battle axe, some tattered flowing black robes, a battle axe, a ceremonial kris, a shrickhen that appears dead, a greater vruul that appears dead, a shrickhen that appears dead, some black demon rum, a chaya of warm sake, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, a mug of amber lager, a massive bearded white tiger, a cracked red sandstone pedestal with an ancient volume on it, a spiral staircase, a trash barrel, a lacquered cherry cabinet with a carved rising phoenix on the doors, a plain wooden table with a gold-trimmed modwir plaque on it and an elegant golden buffet table with carved Voln symbols around its perimeter with some stuff on it.
Also here: Shirkon who is lying down, Greganth, Sir Tebon, Lord Dragauth, Errethe, Sir Cryheart, Clunk, a stunned Great Lady Evialla who is lying down, Mohrgan, Ryski who is lying down, Beldin, Kragdruk who is lying down, Karibeth
Obvious exits: north

Kragdruk appears to be focusing his thoughts while chanting softly...

Evialla stands up.

Mohrgan lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

Karibeth gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...

Ryski stands up.

Ryski removes a white ora falchion from in his eonake-bound sheath.

Kragdruk appears to be focusing his thoughts while chanting softly...

Tebon says, "Tha Unlife fear tha truth."

Dragauth searches a shrickhen.
A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Dragauth searches a greater vruul.
A greater vruul decays away.

Dragauth searches a shrickhen.
A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Evialla removes some ephlox moss from in her spidersilk backpack.

Dragauth searches a shrickhen.
A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Hypnotized for a moment, you find yourself watching the dancing flames surrounding Ryski's white ora falchion.

Evialla takes a bite of her ephlox moss.
Evialla's right leg looks better.

Karibeth pulls Kragdruk to his feet.

Shirkon joins your group.

Mohrgan pants, trying to catch his breath.

A lesser vruul and company just arrived!

Dragauth picks up a dark scroll.

A lesser vruul growls an arcane phrase.
A monastic lich points at Shirkon!
CS: +150 - TD: +252 + CvA: -21 + d100: +49 == -74
Warded off!

A burst of ethereal energy erupts from the ground and surrounds a shadow steed!

A shadow steed shakes his mane.

A nightmare steed rears back, its hooves glowing a deep crimson.

A greater vruul gestures mystically!

An opalescent aura surrounds a greater vruul.

A shrickhen snatches up a blackened shield!

A shrickhen claws at Shirkon!
AS: +333 vs DS: +160 with AvD: +7 + d100 roll: +3 = +183
... and hits for 6 points of damage!
Strikes a fingernail.
Bet he'll lose it now.

A lesser vruul and company just arrived!

Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a lesser vruul!
AS: +505 vs DS: +96 with AvD: +32 + d100 roll: +13 = +454
... and hits for 138 points of damage!
Powerful slash trims the lesser vruul's fingernails...
and the remainder of its right hand!
The vruul screams and grasps at its mangled right claw as its battle axe falls to the ground.
The lesser vruul is stunned!

Cryheart pulls Shirkon to his feet.

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
Beldin gestures at a lesser vruul.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a lesser vruul! Several of the thorns jab into the vruul!
... hits for 18 points of damage!
... 45 points of damage!
Blow shatters knee and severs lower leg!
The vruul screams and falls to the ground grasping its mangled left hind leg.
... hits for 20 points of damage!
... 45 points of damage!
Strike to wrist severs left hand!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the lesser vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The lesser vruul screams one last time and lies still.

Kragdruk gestures at a greater vruul.
Kragdruk concentrates intently on a greater vruul, and a pulse of pearlescent energy ripples toward it!
CS: +381 - TD: +233 + CvA: +25 + d100: +83 == +256
Warding failed!
The greater vruul shudders with severe convulsions as pearlescent ripples envelop its body.
The greater vruul is crushed for 50 points of damage!
... 35 points of damage!
Strike glances off the chest.
... 35 points of damage!
Blow grazes right leg.

Evialla takes a bite of her ephlox moss.
Evialla makes a horrible face!

Shirkon rolls to the right, then springs to his feet, ready again for action!

Karibeth pulls on Shirkon, trying to get him closer.

A monastic lich points at Dragauth!
CS: +150 - TD: +342 + CvA: -21 + d100: +58 - +5 == -160
Warded off!
A burst of ethereal energy erupts from the ground and surrounds a shadow steed!

A nightmare steed tries to bite Ryski!
AS: +327 vs DS: +274 with AvD: +20 + d100 roll: +94 = +167
... and hits for 20 points of damage!
Minor puncture to the back.

A greater vruul gestures mystically!
An opalescent aura surrounds a greater vruul.

A shrickhen snatches up a blackened shield!

A lesser vruul and company just arrived!

Everything around you turns red as you work yourself into a berserker's rage!

Ryski looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Ryski whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Ryski swings a white ora falchion at a lesser vruul!
The lesser vruul barely manages to fend off the attack with its axe!
Ryski swings a white ora falchion at a monastic lich! A hit!
The monastic lich is stunned!
A burst of ethereal energy erupts from the ground and surrounds a shadow steed!
Ryski swings a white ora falchion at a shadow steed! A hit!
Glancing blow to the right arm leaves a trail of vapor in its wake.

Tebon lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

Dragauth put a dark scroll in his black cloak.

Errethe lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

Greganth swings a vultite-edged golvern longsword at a greater vruul!
AS: +266 vs DS: +119 with AvD: +37 + d100 roll: +68 = +252
... and hits for 39 points of damage!
Quick slash catches the greater vruul's cheek!
Dimples are always nice.

Tebon rages across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a lesser vruul! A hit!
Lucky shot rips through bone and muscle sending shield arm flying.
The lesser vruul is stunned!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a monastic lich! A hit!
Hard blow breaks the femur!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the monastic lich's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The monastic lich collapses to the ground, his spirit released.
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a shadow steed! A hit!
Hard strike to the abdomen.
Ethereal entrails seem to spill from the shadow steed's mangled substance,
vanishing into misty tendrils as they strike the ground.
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a nightmare steed! A hit!
Massive blow smashes through ribs and drives the nightmare steed's heart out the back.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the nightmare steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The nightmare steed falls to the ground and dies.
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a greater vruul! A hit!
Left leg mangled horribly.
The greater vruul is knocked to the ground!

You rage across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
You swing a superior vultite maul at a lesser vruul!
AS: +477 vs DS: +40 with AvD: +35 + d100 roll: +100 = +572
... and hit for 234 points of damage!
Hard blow breaks the femur!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the lesser vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The lesser vruul falls to the ground and lies still.
Just as you move to strike, the shadow steed fades into the shadows!
You swing a superior vultite maul at a greater vruul!
AS: +477 vs DS: -16 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +44 = +577
... and hit for 231 points of damage!
Right leg mangled horribly.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the greater vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The greater vruul screams one last time and lies still.
You swing a superior vultite maul at a shrickhen!
AS: +477 vs DS: +244 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +34 = +307
... and hit for 131 points of damage!
Shield arm removed at the shoulder!
The shrickhen is stunned!

A shadow steed coalesces from the shadows.
A shadow steed shakes his mane.

A greater vruul claws at Karibeth!
Karibeth moves at the last moment to evade the attack!

Kragdruk appears to be focusing his thoughts while chanting softly...
Kragdruk gestures at a greater vruul.
Kragdruk concentrates intently on a greater vruul, and a pulse of pearlescent energy ripples toward it!
CS: +381 - TD: +263 + CvA: +25 + d100: +48 == +191
Warding failed!
The greater vruul shudders with severe convulsions as pearlescent ripples envelop its body.
The greater vruul is crushed for 50 points of damage!
... 25 points of damage!
Blow grazes right arm lightly.
... 20 points of damage!
Strike hits close to the left eye!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the greater vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The greater vruul falls to the ground and lies still.
The opalescent aura fades from around a greater vruul.

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
Beldin gestures at a shrickhen.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a shrickhen! Several of the thorns jab into the shrickhen!
... hits for 27 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Strike punctures thigh and shatters femur!
A shrickhen is knocked sprawling to the ground and she grasps her mangled left leg!

... hits for 38 points of damage!
... 35 points of damage!
Strike through both ears, the shrickhen is quite dead!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from her torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.

Dragauth looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Dragauth whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Dragauth thrusts with a superior golvern lance at a shadow steed! A hit!
Attack whistles right through the chest!
It's like fighting fog!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shadow steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The shadow steed collapses to the floor, a thick grey mist pouring from his nostrils.
Dragauth thrusts with a superior golvern lance at a monastic lich! A hit!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the monastic lich's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The monastic lich collapses to the ground, his spirit released.
Dragauth thrusts with a superior golvern lance at a shadow steed! A hit!
Attack whistles right through the chest!
It's like fighting fog!
Dragauth thrusts with a superior golvern lance at a nightmare steed! A hit!
Mighty swing separates head from shoulders.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the nightmare steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The nightmare steed falls to the ground and dies.

Cryheart just opened a sturdy leather weapons harness.

Shirkon swings a vultite miner's axe at a shrickhen!
AS: +422 vs DS: +277 with AvD: +32 + d100 roll: +50 = +227
... and hits for 42 points of damage!
Large gash to the left arm, several muscles torn.
The shrickhen is stunned!

Mohrgan lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

Errethe spins around looking for something to attack!
Errethe rages across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
Just as Errethe moves to strike, the shadow steed fades into the shadows!
Errethe swings a superior mithril warsword at a shrickhen!
The shrickhen evades the attack by a hair!
Errethe swings a superior mithril warsword at a lesser vruul! A hit!
Awesome shot collapses a lung!
The lesser vruul is stunned!
Errethe swings a superior mithril warsword at a monastic lich! A hit!
Wild downward slash severs the monastic lich's left foot!
Bloody stump, anyone?
A monastic lich falls to the ground grasping his mangled left leg!
The monastic lich is stunned!
A monastic lich's hollow eye sockets flash with a blood red glow as he shakes off the stun!

A shadow steed flicks his tail back and forth!
Glowing specks of sparkling silver energy begin to spin around a shadow steed.

A nightmare steed releases its magical energy at Ryski!
The glowing specks of energy surrounding Ryski suddenly shoot off in all directions, then quickly fade away.
The elemental aura around Ryski wavers.

Cryheart removes a perfect vultite greataxe from in his leather weapons harness.

Kragdruk appears to be focusing his thoughts while chanting softly...
Kragdruk gestures at a shrickhen.
Kragdruk concentrates intently on a shrickhen, and a pulse of pearlescent energy ripples toward her!
CS: +381 - TD: +291 + CvA: +15 + d100: +29 == +134
Warding failed!
The shrickhen shudders with moderate convulsions as pearlescent ripples envelop her body.
The shrickhen is smashed for 42 points of damage!
... 25 points of damage!
Strong shot to head messes up brain fatally.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from her torso as the dissimilar parts finally fall still.

Cryheart looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Cryheart whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Cryheart swings a perfect vultite greataxe at a shrickhen! A hit!
Deep slash to the shrickhen's right side!
Several inches of padding sliced off hip....
From the inside!
The shrickhen is knocked to the ground!
The shrickhen is stunned!
Cryheart swings a perfect vultite greataxe at a lesser vruul! A hit!
Powerful slash leaves the lesser vruul without a right leg!
The vruul screams and falls to the ground grasping its mangled right hind leg.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the lesser vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The lesser vruul screams one last time and lies still.
Cryheart swings a perfect vultite greataxe at a monastic lich! A hit!
Slash to the monastic lich's lower back!
Kidneys sliced and diced!
Death is slow and painful.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the monastic lich's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The monastic lich seems to collapse in upon himself, leaving only a withered husk.

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
Beldin gestures at a shrickhen.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a shrickhen! Several of the thorns jab into the shrickhen!
... hits for 25 points of damage!
... 30 points of damage!
Well aimed strike shatters bone in left arm!
... hits for 38 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Strike to right arm shatters elbow and severs forearm!
... hits for 10 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Beautiful shot pierces both lungs, the shrickhen makes a wheezing noise, and drops dead!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from her torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.

Kragdruk searches a shrickhen.
A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Mohrgan spins around looking for something to attack!
Mohrgan rages across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
Just as Mohrgan moves to strike, the shadow steed fades into the shadows!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a nightmare steed! A hit!
Quick, hard slash to the nightmare steed's right arm!
*CRACK*
The nightmare steed is stunned!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a greater vruul! A hit!
Awesome shot collapses a lung!
A greater vruul growls an arcane phrase.

Kragdruk picks up a pink sapphire.

Kragdruk put a pink sapphire in his royal blue pack.

Shirkon swings a vultite miner's axe at a greater vruul!
By amazing chance, the greater vruul evades the attack!

You spin around looking for something to attack!
You rage across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
You swing a superior vultite maul at a nightmare steed!
AS: +477 vs DS: +135 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +87 = +469
... and hit for 183 points of damage!
Right leg mangled horribly.
The nightmare steed is knocked to the ground!
You swing a superior vultite maul at a greater vruul!
AS: +477 vs DS: +121 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +40 = +436
... and hit for 174 points of damage!
Left arm ripped from socket at the elbow!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the greater vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The greater vruul falls to the ground and lies still.
Tebon spins around looking for something to attack! Tebon assaults a nightmare steed with an unrelenting fury!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a nightmare steed! A hit!
Incredible smash to what used to be a stomach!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the nightmare steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The nightmare steed screams one last time and dies.
A shadow steed coalesces from the shadows.

A shadow steed nickers apprehensively.

Kragdruk traces a sign while petitioning the spirits for cognition...

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
Beldin gestures at a shadow steed.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a shadow steed! Several of the thorns jab into the steed!
... hits for 18 points of damage!
... 35 points of damage!
Quick strike to the left leg!
The shadow steed makes no bones about it.
... hits for 10 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Strong assault amputates the leg at the knee.
It floats in the air a moment before drifting back into place!
... hits for 40 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Strong assault amputates the leg at the knee.
It floats in the air a moment before drifting back into place!
... hits for 35 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Strong assault amputates the leg at the knee.
It floats in the air a moment before drifting back into place!

Kragdruk gestures.
A small mote of bright white light swirls into existence around Kragdruk.

Greganth swings a vultite-edged golvern longsword at a shadow steed!
AS: +292 vs DS: +249 with AvD: +41 + d100 roll: +80 = +164
... and hits for 15 points of damage!
Weak blow leaves a brief imprint on the shadow steed's chest!

Errethe spins around looking for something to attack!
Errethe assaults a shadow steed with an unrelenting fury!
Errethe swings a superior mithril warsword at a shadow steed! A hit!
Strike swipes cleanly through the abdomen, but seals up a moment later!
Errethe swings a superior mithril warsword at a shadow steed! A hit!
Direct assault cleaves straight through the breastbone.
Alas, it mends before you can make a wish.

A shadow steed coalesces from the shadows.
A shadow steed shakes his mane.

Ryski swings a white ora falchion at a shadow steed!
AS: +341 vs DS: +200 with AvD: +36 + d100 roll: +97 = +274
... and hits for 69 points of damage!
Deft blow to the spine cuts along the ethereal bones.
Fillet of soul?
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shadow steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The shadow steed collapses to the floor, a thick grey mist pouring from his nostrils.
The glowing specks of energy surrounding a shadow steed suddenly shoot off in all directions, then quickly fade away.

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
Beldin gestures at a shadow steed.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a shadow steed! Several of the thorns jab into the steed!
... hits for 28 points of damage!
... 35 points of damage!
Quick strike to the right leg!
The shadow steed makes no bones about it.
... hits for 32 points of damage!
... 45 points of damage!
Painful attack flays the leg from thigh to calf.
New skin lies, snakelike, beneath the old.
... hits for 30 points of damage!
... 45 points of damage!
Painful attack flays the leg from thigh to calf.
New skin lies, snakelike, beneath the old.
You begin to lose touch with your internal sources of strength.

Mohrgan spins around looking for something to attack!
Mohrgan assaults a shadow steed with an unrelenting fury!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shadow steed! A hit!
Hard strike shatters arm into vapor.
The arm reforms before your eyes!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shadow steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The shadow steed collapses to the floor, a thick grey mist pouring from his nostrils.
Kragdruk appears to be focusing his thoughts while chanting softly...

Tebon spins around looking for something to attack!

Tebon lets out a blood curdling scream of frustration!

The berserker's rage leaves Tebon's eyes.

You spin around looking for something to attack!

Finding no target for your rage, you let out a horrendous scream of frustration!

The redness fades from the world and you begin to breathe harder.

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...

Shirkon searches a greater vruul.
A greater vruul decays away.

Shirkon searches a lesser vruul.
A lesser vruul decays away.

Shirkon searches a monastic lich.
A monastic lich dissolves into a foul-smelling miasma.

Errethe spins around looking for something to attack!

Errethe lets out a blood curdling scream of frustration!

The berserker's rage leaves Errethe's eyes.

You search the shadow steed.
It had nothing else of value.
A shadow steed fades into oblivion.

You search the nightmare steed.
It had nothing of interest.
The steed bubbles and seethes for a moment, then dissolves away.

You search the greater vruul.
It didn't carry any silver.
It had nothing else of value.
A greater vruul decays away.

You search the shrickhen.
It had 120 silvers on it.
You gather the remaining 120 coins.
It had nothing else of value.
A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Dragauth removes a pure potion from in his black cloak.

You search the lesser vruul.
It carried a corroded brass chest on it!
A lesser vruul decays away.

You search the monastic lich.
You discard the lich's useless equipment.
He didn't carry any silver.
He had nothing else of value.
A monastic lich dissolves into a foul-smelling miasma.

Mohrgan asks, "Vruul, here?"

You search the shadow steed.
It had a black tourmaline on it!
It had nothing else of value.
A shadow steed fades into oblivion.

You search the nightmare steed.
It had nothing of interest.
The steed bubbles and seethes for a moment, then dissolves away.

You search the greater vruul.
It didn't carry any silver.
It had a violet sapphire on it!
It had nothing else of value.
A greater vruul decays away.

Karibeth smirks.

Dragauth takes a drink from his pure potion.
Dragauth stands tall and appears more confident.

Mohrgan glances around the room.

Dragauth put a pure potion in his black cloak.

A shrickhen rushes in, snarling and gibbering!

A shrickhen rushes in, snarling and gibbering!

Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shrickhen!
AS: +505 vs DS: +264 with AvD: +35 + d100 roll: +43 = +319
... and hits for 88 points of damage!
Lucky shot severs right hand and sends it flying.
The shrickhen is stunned!

A shrickhen rushes in, snarling and gibbering!

Kragdruk gestures at a shrickhen.
Kragdruk concentrates intently on a shrickhen, and a pulse of pearlescent energy ripples toward her!
CS: +381 - TD: +298 + CvA: +25 + d100: +81 == +189
Warding failed!
The shrickhen shudders with sporadic convulsions as pearlescent ripples envelop her body.
The shrickhen is crushed for 50 points of damage!
... 25 points of damage!
Strong blow to right leg breaks it!
It is knocked to the ground!
... 25 points of damage!
Strong blow to left leg breaks it!

The mote of white light swirling about Kragdruk suddenly flares with blinding brilliance. Skeins of energy twine about the mote before lashing out toward a shrickhen.

A pulse of pearlescent energy ripples toward a shrickhen from a mote of white light swirling around Kragdruk.
CS: +409 - TD: +298 + CvA: +25 + d100: +15 == +151
Warding failed!
The shrickhen shudders with sporadic convulsions as pearlescent ripples envelop her body.
The shrickhen is smashed for 50 points of damage!
... 25 points of damage!
Strong blow breaks neck!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from her torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.
A shrickhen glances around, looking a bit less confident.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around a shrickhen.

Karibeth gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to her aid...
Karibeth gestures at a shrickhen.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a shrickhen! Several of the thorns jab into the shrickhen!
... hits for 23 points of damage!
... 30 points of damage!
Great shot penetrates thigh and shatters bone!
It is knocked to the ground!
The shrickhen is stunned!
... hits for 22 points of damage!
... 35 points of damage!
Bladder impaled, what a mess!
... hits for 30 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Strike pierces temple and kills the shrickhen instantly!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from his torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.
A shrickhen glances around, looking a bit less confident.
The bright luminescence fades from around a shrickhen.

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
Beldin gestures at a shrickhen.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a shrickhen! Several of the thorns jab into the shrickhen!
... hits for 40 points of damage!
... 35 points of damage!
Blow shatters knee and severs lower leg!
A shrickhen is knocked sprawling to the ground and she grasps her mangled left leg!

The shrickhen is stunned!
... hits for 26 points of damage!
... 40 points of damage!
Strike punctures throat and ruins vocal cords!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from her torso as the dissimilar parts collapse in a heap.
A shrickhen glances around, looking a bit less confident.

Cryheart looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Cryheart whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!

Ryski looks determined and focused.
In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Ryski whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!

Shirkon put a vultite miner's axe in his weapon sling.

Errethe searches a lesser vruul.
A lesser vruul decays away.

The voice of Greganth quietly says, "Lesser demons."

Shirkon picks up an engraved brass box.

You recognize Clunk using the Symbol of Recognition.

You glance down to see a superior maoral-hafted vultite maul in your right hand and nothing in your left hand.

Shirkon put an engraved brass box in his canvas mining pack.

Dragauth searches a shrickhen.
Dragauth gathers the remaining coins.
A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Dragauth searches a shrickhen.
A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Shirkon removes a vultite miner's axe from in his weapon sling.

The mote of white light next to Kragdruk disappears.

Beldin removes an elemental bow of vibration from in his lacquered bow case.

Karibeth cracks her knuckles!

Cryheart glances at Karibeth.

A wave of power flows out of Errethe and toward a superior maple-hilted mithril warsword.
A soft white glow surrounds the warsword for a moment and then gently dissipates.

Clunk deeply says, "Sheesh."

Beldin put an elemental bow of vibration in his lacquered bow case.

Tebon removes a pure potion from in his deer skin greatcloak.

Tebon takes a drink from his pure potion.
Tebon makes a horrible face!
Tebon stands tall and appears more confident.

Dragauth chuckles.

Beldin removes an elemental bow of vibration from in his lacquered bow case.

Errethe asks, "Is that all theyve got?"

Evialla reaches out and touches an ancient volume on a cracked red sandstone pedestal.

[House Phoenix, Library]
The library of the House is a largish room, with walls completely hidden by bookcases. A wide selection of reading material can be seen from a cursory glance. Treatises on science and history stand next to ancient volumes on forest lore and magic. One rather extensive section seems devoted to arms and armor and the many subjects dealing with the arts of war. Locked glass-fronted cabinets hold rare tomes and fragile scrolls and even the odd clay tablet. Scattered around the room are several chairs. You also see a blackened shield, a ceremonial kris, some tattered flowing black robes, a blackened shield, a battle axe, a violet sapphire, a black tourmaline, a corroded brass chest, a battle axe, a battle axe, a corroded brass chest, a plain tanik trunk, some black demon rum, a ceremonial kris, a battle axe, a ceremonial kris, a battle axe, a battle axe, a ceremonial kris, some black demon rum, a chaya of warm sake, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, some black demon rum, a mug of amber lager, a massive bearded white tiger, a cracked red sandstone pedestal with an ancient volume on it, a spiral staircase, a trash barrel, a lacquered cherry cabinet with a carved rising phoenix on the doors, a plain wooden table with a gold-trimmed modwir plaque on it and an elegant golden buffet table with carved Voln symbols around its perimeter with some stuff on it.
Also here: Shirkon, Sir Tebon, Lord Dragauth, Errethe, Sir Cryheart, Clunk, Great Lady Evialla, Mohrgan, Ryski, Beldin, Kragdruk, Karibeth
Obvious exits: north

Tebon says, "We fear nae tha darkenss, we are tha gate they try ta break."

Tebon glances warily around the room.

Mohrgan growls, "Cursed are the servants of the jackal and the serpent..."

Ryski traces a simple symbol as he reverently calls upon the power of his patron...

Greganth rubs a vultite-edged golvern longsword in his hand.

Beldin put an elemental bow of vibration in his lacquered bow case.

You squint.

Beldin put a sleek wyrwood composite bow with a chiselled bone grip in his lacquered bow case.

Ryski gestures at Tebon.
As Ryski thrusts his white ora falchion upward, a soft golden pulse of pure spiritual energy rises from its apex, washing over Tebon and those nearby.

Shirkon deeply says, "A prime example o' why ya gotta be careful o' da Unlife."

Cryheart says, "Council...council...council."

Beldin removes a gold-etched officer's bow from in his lacquered bow case.

Cryheart folds his arms over his chest.

Mohrgan glances around the room.

Evialla wiggles her nose.

Beldin leans on his officer's bow with a thoughtful expression on his face. After a moment, he inspects the limbs of his bow for damage.

Tebon yells, "Hear me shadows of tha Unlife! Tell yer Master that we shall seek him out! We shall find him! An' we shall vanquish him!"

Evialla says, "Or die tryin."

Clunk deeply asks, "This gonna be invadin?"

Tebon raises his matte ebon maul high over his head, letting loose a battle cry as if preparing to deal a crushing blow!

Mohrgan asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Mohrgan glances around the room.

Speaking to Clunk, you say, "I hope not.."

Kragdruk asks, "Anyone need healing?"

Ryski adjusts his shadowy chain mail, apparently making it easier for him to cast spells.

Cryheart glances at Karibeth.

You concentrate on the Symbol of Thought.
[Voln - Geijon] "Keep alert."

Cryheart gives Karibeth a good pinch!

Evialla says, "One small leg bruise."

Errethe rubs his azure blazestar anklet, causing a golden incandescence to dance around its edges briefly.
Errethe gets an odd look on his face.

Speaking to himself, Tebon says, "Fear tha Black Knight of Voln, I am yer bane."

Mohrgan frowns.

Dragauth darkly says, "I could use a little healing please."

Kragdruk meditates over Evialla.
Kragdruk takes Evialla's right leg damage.

Speaking deeply to you, Shirkon says, "Heck o' a way ta prove ya warnins bouts da Unlife is true."

Mohrgan gently wraps his hand around his obsidian sword symbol and murmurs a softly spoken prayer.

Greganth frowns.

Errethe adjusts his half plate, reinforcing weak spots.

You squint.

Greganth slowly empties his lungs.

You pick up a corroded brass chest.

A lesser vruul and company just arrived!

A lesser vruul growls an arcane phrase.

A monastic lich points at Karibeth!
CS: +150 - TD: +354 + CvA: +2 + d100: +58 - -5 == -139
Warded off!
A burst of ethereal energy erupts from the ground and surrounds a shadow steed!

A nightmare steed stomps at Cryheart with its foot!
Cryheart skillfully interposes his greataxe between himself and the incoming strike, deflecting it harmlessly to the side!

A greater vruul gestures mystically!
An opalescent aura surrounds a greater vruul.

A shrickhen tries to bite Ryski!
AS: +323 vs DS: +279 with AvD: +20 + d100 roll: +43 = +107
... and hits for 2 points of damage!
Light slash to Ryski's abdomen!
Barely nicked.

You put a corroded brass chest in your veniom-threaded backpack.

Tebon lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

Beldin gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
Beldin gestures at a lesser vruul.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a lesser vruul! Several of the thorns jab into the vruul! ... hits for 22 points of damage!
... 35 points of damage!
Well placed shot pierces knee, that hurt!
It is knocked to the ground!
The lesser vruul is stunned!
... hits for 22 points of damage!
... 45 points of damage!
Shot destroys eye and the brain behind it!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the lesser vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The lesser vruul screams one last time and lies still.

Errethe nods to Ryski.

A shadow steed notices Greganth botch an attempt at concealing himself.

Everything around you turns red as you work yourself into a berserker's rage!

Cryheart swings a perfect vultite greataxe at a monastic lich!
AS: +500 vs DS: +151 with AvD: +38 + d100 roll: +82 = +469
... and hits for 294 points of damage!
Awesome slash severs the monastic lich's left arm!
A jagged stump is all that remains!
The lich's blackened shield falls to the ground.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the monastic lich's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The monastic lich collapses to the ground, his spirit released.

Shirkon swings a vultite miner's axe at a greater vruul!
AS: +422 vs DS: +91 with AvD: +32 + d100 roll: +64 = +427
... and hits for 103 points of damage!
Weapon arm mangled horribly.

Tebon spins around looking for something to attack! Tebon rages across the battlefield, striking with unrelenting fury!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a shadow steed! A hit!
Strong strike splits the belly open, revealing ghostly organs.
Haggis anyone?
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a nightmare steed! A hit!
Right leg mangled horribly.
The nightmare steed is knocked to the ground!
The nightmare steed is stunned!
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a greater vruul! A hit!
Tremendous blow crushes skull like a ripe melon.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the greater vruul's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The greater vruul falls to the ground and lies still.
The opalescent aura fades from around a greater vruul.
Tebon swings a polished matte ebon maul at a shrickhen! A hit!
Massive blow smashes through ribs and drives the shrickhen's heart out the back.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shrickhen's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
A shrickhen's arms, legs and head separate from his torso as the dissimilar parts finally fall still.

Ryski looks determined and focused. In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Ryski whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Ryski swings a white ora falchion at a shadow steed! A hit!
Direct assault cleaves straight through the breastbone.
Alas, it mends before you can make a wish.

** A peal of thunder cracks from Ryski's white ora falchion as pure white light streams forth to surround the shadow steed, assaulting it with flames of white-hot fury! **
... 15 points of damage!
A weak slap on the wrist.
That's not going to reform a soul.
Ryski swings a white ora falchion at a nightmare steed! A hit!
Wild downward slash severs the nightmare steed's right foot!
Bloody stump, anyone?

Errethe lets out a loud snarling growl and goes berserk!

Karibeth gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to her aid...
Karibeth gestures at a nightmare steed.

Dozens of long thorns suddenly grow out from the ground underneath a nightmare steed! Several of the thorns jab into the steed! ... hits for 17 points of damage!
... 15 points of damage!
Minor strike under the left eye, that was close!
... hits for 32 points of damage!
... 10 points of damage!
Minor puncture to the back.
... hits for 16 points of damage!
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the nightmare steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The nightmare steed screams one last time and dies.

A shadow steed notices Greganth botch an attempt at concealing himself.

Mohrgan looks determined and focused. In a breathtaking display of agility and combat mastery, Mohrgan whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Mohrgan swings a silver-edged midnight black waraxe at a shadow steed! A hit!
Direct assault cleaves straight through the breastbone.
Alas, it mends before you can make a wish.

Evialla traces a sign that contorts in the air while she forcefully incants a dark invocation...

You spin around looking for something to attack!
You assault a shadow steed with an unrelenting fury!
You swing a superior vultite maul at a shadow steed!
AS: +462 vs DS: +178 with AvD: +44 + d100 roll: +46 = +374
... and hit for 191 points of damage!
Massive strike to the chest crashes through the shadow steed's back in a cloud of vapor.
Slowly, the shadow steed reforms its torso.
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the shadow steed's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The shadow steed collapses to the floor, a thick grey mist pouring from his nostrils.

Errethe spins around looking for something to attack!

Errethe lets out a blood curdling scream of frustration!

The berserker's rage leaves Errethe's eyes.

Evialla gestures at a shadow steed.
Nothing happens.
A void rips open in the area, , but a shadow steed is dead. Parts of the steed begin ripping from the torso and disappearing into the void. A number of items ranging from 1 to 23 feet from the void were sucked into the blackness. The void disappears without further incident.

Tebon spins around looking for something to attack!

Tebon lets out a blood curdling scream of frustration!

The berserker's rage leaves Tebon's eyes.

Shirkon searches a greater vruul.
A greater vruul decays away.

You spin around looking for something to attack!

Finding no target for your rage, you let out a horrendous scream of frustration!

The redness fades from the world and you begin to breathe harder.

You search the shadow steed.
It had nothing else of value.
A shadow steed fades into oblivion.

You pant.

Speaking to a monastic lich, Tebon says, "Welcome ta House Phoenix."

Tebon searches a monastic lich.
A monastic lich dissolves into a foul-smelling miasma.

Karibeth begins chuckling at Tebon!

You chuckle at Tebon.

You agree with Tebon.

Clunk deeply says, "Them is from mon'stary."

A lesser vruul decays away.

Errethe searches a nightmare steed.
The steed bubbles and seethes for a moment, then dissolves away.

A shrickhen's parts decay away.

Evialla throws her head back and howls!

Tebon roars!

Cryheart grins at Karibeth.

You tap a cracked red sandstone pedestal.
Deeply carved into the soft stone of the pedestal are scenes of a fierce battle between a phoenix and a sea drake.

Beldin just opened a tanned hide satchel.

Beldin removes a wooden arrow from in his hide satchel.

You say, "It's cracked."

Beldin just closed a tanned hide satchel.

You frown.

Evialla says, "Hmm."

Tebon nods to Cryheart.

Shirkon deeply says, "Maybe I should put da Doorkeepah back on duty."

Clunk glances at you.

Cryheart put a perfect vultite greataxe in his leather weapons harness.

Karibeth winks at Cryheart.

You nod to Shirkon.

Speaking deeply to you, Clunk says, "Ye knows? ye left out invadin of Vaalor."

You chuckle.

You ask, "Would it make th' undead not attack us?"

You grin.

You say, "Maybe they are mad."

Clunk shakes his head.

You exclaim, "You didn't talk bout Old hag enough!"

You cackle!

Speaking deeply to Clunk, Shirkon says, "An kin adds da invadin o' Phoenix."

Errethe asks, "Anyone still have their bloodstone amulets?"

Errethe grins.

Greganth quietly says, "Or they hunt for someone.."

Speaking deeply to you, Clunk says, "That be cuzza ye did."

Tebon says, "Tha undead are unthinkin' mindless creatures, cursed in their afterlife."

Karibeth says, "Excuse me, please. Pressing business needs my attention."

Tebon nods to Karibeth.

You nod to Karibeth.

Clunk deeply says, "Oh."

Greganth surreptitiously glances around the room.

Karibeth hugs Beldin, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Shirkon just went north.

Mohrgan glances around the room.

Karibeth just went north.

Dragauth nods to Tebon.

Clunk deeply says, "Mayhaps good time to tell folks not to call spells on Clunk."

Tebon yells, "An' tell tha Liches of tha Horned Cabal that I still search fer them as well!"

Clunk nods to you.

You nod to Clunk.

* Shirkon just bit the dust!

Tebon nods to Dragauth.

You say, "Ack."

Errethe scowls.

Tebon says, "Shirkon down."

The group goes north.

[House Phoenix, Grand Hall]
You stand in the Grand Hall of House Phoenix, a place of many a merry banquet and celebration. Dominating the room is a massive modwir table. Smaller tables are placed in alcoves along one wall for more private gatherings. Elaborately figured silken tapestries flank the great fireplace set in the eastern wall, while at the west end of the room, a small bar holds libations for guests and Householder alike. You also see a wooden door, a low sideboard with a gold-trimmed modwir plaque on it and a small walnut counter with some stuff on it.
Obvious exits: south, west

The group goes west.

[House Phoenix, Entry]
The floor of the main entry is of dark flagstone, deeply polished, the walls are of white marble, veined with crimson. The walls are hung with brightly colored tapestries and filigreed oil lamps are set in bronze sconces to illuminate them. Standing in even ranks along the walls are many types of armor from half a hundred eras and regions, each seeming to wait patiently for the trumpets of battle to sound, as they ever have and ever will. You also see a massive entry door and a polished haon chest lined with velvet.
Obvious exits: east

The group goes outside the door to the entry court.

[House Phoenix, Entry Court]
Between Wisraith Lane and the house, a quiet courtyard is situated. Several gold and wrought iron benches are nestled amid the roses and ivy of the courtyard, and a garden swing sits just off a gated modwir archway. You also see a bronze plaque, a heavy slate blackboard, the House Phoenix doorkeeper and a massive entryway with a gold phoenix-carved bell on it.
Also here: the body of Shirkon who is lying down
Obvious paths: west

You ask, "Assassins?"

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Yeps."

Ryski deeply exclaims, "Shirk down!"

You send a wave of energy toward Shirkon. It coalesces around his body and then seeps in leaving a glow that strengthens the bond between body and spirit.

Errethe searches around for a moment.

Tebon glances at Shirkon.

Tebon says, "Assassin."

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Assassin."

Mohrgan just came through a massive entryway.

Ryski searches around for a moment.

Clunk deeply says, "Oof."

Ryski growls ferociously!

Mohrgan growls ferociously!

You say, "We all might be marked."

Evialla says, "Oh no."

Cryheart glances at Shirkon. You say, "Assassins Cryheart."

Tebon says, "A moment."

A faint rustling comes from the shadows.

You say, "Ugh."

Mohrgan appears startled.

Mohrgan searches around for a moment.

You say, "They are surrounding us."

Mohrgan growls, "Show yourselves cowards..."

Beldin nods to Cryheart.

Sir Cryheart's group just went west.

Clunk deeply says, "Fer folks who duzznt know, aint good ideer to call spells on Clunk."

You rub your crystal amulet.
You feel your mind open up to the world around you.

Mohrgan throws back his head and lets out a thundering holler!

Mohrgan's holler encourages you by heroic proportions!

Mohrgan grips his midnight black waraxe a little tighter.

You briefly glimpse a furtive figure lurking in the shadows.

You squint.

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Stay in a group Geijon."

Mohrgan appears startled.

You say, "Aye."

The flames surrounding Ryski's white ora falchion blaze up for a moment.

You say, "If we go anywhere alone they will strike."

Ryski deeply asks, "Howd ye loose spirit afore hand?"

Speaking to you, Mohrgan growls, "What you said must threaten them, if they would go to such lengths to silence it."

Mohrgan grips his midnight black waraxe a little tighter.

You say, "Certain Dark Assassins can drain your spirit...and consume you."

Clunk looks considerably shaken.

You say, "They are not all alive."

You glance at Clunk.

Clunk searches around for a moment.

Mohrgan moves to stand in front of Clunk.

Ryski searches around for a moment.

Mohrgan glances around the area.

You concentrate on the Symbol of Thought.
[Voln - Geijon] "We need a brave cleric at Phoenix for Shirkon, but beware, we are marked for death."

Evialla exclaims, "Which reminds me, of a time I often asked people afore just doing it. I asked Dame Wanton, did she mind if I cast spells of protection upon her, and she replied, Of course, I'll take all I can get!"

Ryski suddenly appears to be very nervous.

You hear the sound of footsteps close behind you.

Mohrgan appears startled.

Mohrgan searches around for a moment.

Clunk nods to Evialla.

Mohrgan turns around.

You say, "This many of us will make it difficult for them to attack us."

Speaking deeply to Evialla, Clunk says, "I useta git spell all the time."

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Need healah too. My throat is gone."

[Voln - Boddiker] "That sounds more like YOU would need to beware, hmm?"

Clunk appears startled.

Evialla asks, "Your throat is ripped out?"

You see Shirkon Rockcleaver the Blademaster.
He appears to be a Dwarf of the Kazunel Clan.
He is short and appears to be advanced in years. He has tired steel grey eyes and dark skin. He has thinning, unruly deep red hair with a large bald spot. He has a weathered face, a broken nose and a long braided beard.
He has a rearing pooka tattoo on his wrist, and a faint silvery mark on his wrist.
He appears to be DEAD!
He has snapped bones and serious bleeding from the neck.
He is bleeding profusely from the neck.
He is holding a vultite miner's axe in his right hand and a vultite wall shield emblazoned with the image of a fiery phoenix rising from smoldering ashes in his left hand.
He is wearing a stylized crimson phoenix crest atop crossed gold feathers, a phoenix-inset mithril signet ring, a white diamond phoenix pin, a gold-fluted blue velvet vest, a grey canvas mining pack, some grey steel vambraces set with dark storm agate, some war-torn steel full plate, a bear skin weapon sling, a pair of black gillies and hose, some rugged red thrak hide gauntlets, a silver kilt pin wrought to resemble a sprig of heather, a leather pouch, a lustrous deep golden amulet, a polished golden charm, a heavily enruned gold ring, a small gold sleigh bell on a green velvet cord, an appliqued brocade greatcloak, an emerald green mein key suspended from a fine gold chain, a black enameled bracer with a silver gryphon set in a ruby circle, a fine woolen red and black kilt, a soiled leather-wrapped flask, an etched gold talisman, a butterfly charm, a Warrior Guild Master pin, a leather survival kit, a leather phoenix-tooled armband, a sapphire-eyed mithril dragon armband, a griffin-winged pauldron, a filigreed bloodjewel wristlet, a rune-etched platinum buckle, a silver bound lacquered ankle sheath fringed with griffin talons, a malachite inset platinum clasp, a pair of wire-framed spectacles, a pale crystal bagpipes pin, a tooled silver alloy buckle, an obsidian-bound bronze Adventurer's Guild badge, a brilliant white diamond beard-clip, a silver-bladed dagger medallion, an elegant copper alloy bracer, and a dark green Tam-o'-shanter.

Ryski just went west.

You say, "Aye...common marking."

Errethe says, "That is their preferred method of killing."

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Dem cut me throat 3 times."

You say, "..."

Evialla shivers.

You say, "Wait here."

Clunk deeply says, "But then after I vist landin three times in a row, git spells when here, and undeads came, I figger nebbe spells on dwarf aint good ideer."

A faint rustling comes from the shadows.

Mohrgan appears startled.

You squint.

You say, "Come out, come out."

Clunk deeply says, "Nwo I nearly only see's undead invadins when I goes lookin for em."

Mohrgan says, "They are all about...on your guard..."

Risky just arrived.

Mohrgan glances around the area.

You nod to Risky.

Mohrgan nods in greeting to Risky.

Risky searches around for a moment.

Mohrgan appears startled.

Evialla says, "Shadow creeps."

Mohrgan turns around.

You say, "They seem to be stalking Clunk."

Risky says, "Something is wrong."

Clunk deeply says, "I see som'n."

Risky searches around for a moment.

Evialla asks, "What you see, Clunk?"

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Geijon, tap da entryway."

Evialla squints.

You reach out and reset the entryway to only allow members to have access now.

You say, "Done."

You hear the sound of footsteps close behind you.

Mohrgan appears startled.

Evialla squints.

You say, "They will get us eventually."

Clunk deeply asks, "We gonna drag'm?"

Mohrgan says, "Let those who serve the cursed order come forth and do battle."

Mohrgan glances around the area.

You say, "It's how they do their business."

Clunk appears startled.

Speaking deeply to Shirkon, Clunk asks, "Ye be flasked?"

You nod.

You say, "I kept him. It won't last forever."

Mohrgan searches around for a moment.

Risky [General]: "Needing a healing and cleric at pheonix!"

You focus on projecting your thoughts...
You [General]: "Cleric and Empath to Phoenix' entryway?"

You nod to Risky.

The doorkeeper shifts his position slightly as he watches people come and go.

Errethe says, "Oh I think we might be able to rustle up a symbol of preservation or two among us."

You briefly glimpse a furtive figure lurking in the shadows.

Mohrgan turns around.

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Jadah.

Risky says, "Cleric comin'.

Lord Kentros just strode in.

Jadah's face turns slightly pale.

Kentros says, "Mm."

Clunk deeply says, "Oh."

You smile.

Evialla says, "Aah, brave Jadah."

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Aye."

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Whisker.

Jadah falls to her knees beside the body of Shirkon and wails mournfully!

Kentros says, "Cleric here."

You say, "Throat slit."

You see Whisker the Cleric of Eonak.
He appears to be a Dwarf of the Oltregek Clan.
He is taller than average and appears to be very young. He has thick-lashed blue-grey eyes and rosy skin. He has long, braided white hair with grey at the temples. He has a weathered face, a bulbous nose and a long braided beard.
He has a gnarled ironwood pipe clenched between his teeth.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a scorched fireleaf runestaff in his right hand.
He is wearing a golden silk sack, a pale crystal shard, a silver-pitted moonstone talisman, a black silk gold-braided full length chasuble, a glaesine crystal dragonfly, a pure white eonake beard clip shaped like an anvil, a stiff white priest's collar, a black regal griffin insignia, a black imflass quill pin, a lustrous pearl-inset white linen vestment, a silver-tooled brushed suede satchel, a leather mountaineer's pack, some gold-edged gleaming white scalemail adorned with a gold crown on the chest, some golvern inset glowbark prayerbeads, a sturdy outfit travel case stamped with a fearsome black griffin, a monk's leather brandy satchel, and an amethyst-set golvern windlight.

Clunk appears startled.

Stillson [Merchant]: "Oh unlife demonstrations?"

Jadah meditates over Shirkon.
Jadah takes Shirkon's neck damage.
Jadah meditates over Shirkon.

Jadah takes some of Shirkon's blood loss. You bow to Whisker.

The ghostly voice of Shirkon deeply says, "Thankees."

Mohrgan cautiously advises, "Careful...they are here, all around us..."

Mohrgan glances around the area.

Jadah moves to a sitting position.

Whisker bows to you.

Clunk grumbles.

Whisker turns towards Risky and renders a sharp salute with his fireleaf runestaff.

Evialla says, "Throat slitting fiends."

Greganth just came through a massive entryway.

Kentros gestures at Shirkon.
With each passing moment during Kentros's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Shirkon, as if contemplating his existence. Blinking once, Kentros thrusts his hand over Shirkon, and crackling raw power flows from Kentros's fingertips into Shirkon.

Shirkon's body suddenly grows darker.

Greganth leans on his longsword.

Mohrgan spits, "Cowards...just as are their masters."

Greganth quietly says, "couple vruul and a shirkon came back thru, they didnt survive the trip."

Greganth appears startled.

You say, "The assassins will stalk us until we're alone. Fight them as you can."

Tebon says, "Follow me to m'lord Courtyard cowled one, one on one."

Tebon blurs into a white fog and vanishes!

Evialla says, "Ugh."

Kentros looks up and glances around, appearing deeply calmed.

Mohrgan stands up.

Jadah gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...

Mezma just came through a massive entryway.

* Tebon just bit the dust!

Evialla shakes her head.

Risky says, "The whole block appears clear."

Evialla says, "Obviously, the truth annoyed them."

Kentros asks, "What assassins?"

Mohrgan appears startled.

You say, "Dark Assassins."

Mohrgan turns around.

Clunk deeply says, "In shadows."

Kentros says, "Mm."

Risky searches around for a moment.

Greganth quietly says, "I cleaned up the mess they left."

Errethe says, "Here they come again."

Mohrgan frustratedly says, "Each time I hear one behind me, it is gone ere I can turn..."

Clunk appears startled.

You say, "Jadah, et all. Be ready for more deaths."

Greganth just went west.

Kentros says, "Perhaps I should stick around...."

Risky pulls Shirkon to his feet.

Shirkon deeply says, "Sit."

You say, "We'll bring them back.."

* Greganth just bit the dust!

Risky moves over to Shirkon and stands ready to guard him from attack.

[Wehnimer's, Wisraith Lane]
Sounds of laughter and conversation echo from the residential cottages along this pleasant, cobbled street, where clumps of decorative bushes by the roadside add splashes of green to the lamplit townscape. A small boy smiles and waves from the front steps of his home, then goes back to counting stars. You also see a grizzled old warrior.
Also here: Shirkon, the body of Greganth who is lying down
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west
Evialla, Mohrgan, Errethe and Clunk followed.
Roundtime: 6 sec.

You notice as the old warrior forms the Symbol of Recognition. He must be a member of the Order of Voln.

A faint rustling comes from the shadows.

You grab Greganth's body and drag it east with you...

[House Phoenix, Entry Court]
Between Wisraith Lane and the house, a quiet courtyard is situated. Several gold and wrought iron benches are nestled amid the roses and ivy of the courtyard, and a garden swing sits just off a gated modwir archway. You also see a bronze plaque, a heavy slate blackboard, the House Phoenix doorkeeper and a massive entryway with a gold phoenix-carved bell on it.
Also here: the body of Greganth who is lying down, Lord Dragauth, High Lady Jadah, Risky, Sir Tebon, Shirkon, Whisker, Lord Kentros
Obvious paths: west
Evialla, Mohrgan, Errethe and Clunk followed.

Mohrgan appears startled.

Evialla says, "Ergh."

Kentros blinks.

Jadah's face turns slightly pale.

You say, "Split up."

Mohrgan nods.

Mohrgan just went west.

Great Lady Evialla just went east.

Errethe looks considerably shaken.

Telsas [General]: "Is that Greg being hunted instead of hunting?"

[Voln - Clunk] "those of us who is gonna die, salutes sumpin"

You chuckle.

You concentrate on the Symbol of Thought.
[Voln - Geijon] "Bring our corpses back to Phoenix as we fall"

You peer north and see ...

[Wehnimer's, Dragonsclaw Rd.]
The road travels roughly parallel to the river's course, skirting the shoreline. Fishermen, traders, miners, sailors, and townsfolk trek back and forth between the storehouses, shops, docks and offices that constitute the life of Wehnimer's Landing. You also see a three-story brick building.
Also here: Clunk
Obvious paths: north, south

Your head snaps back suddenly as a hand clamps over your mouth and pulls you backwards. Three slashes across your throat cut short any attempt to scream.

... 260 points of damage!
Incredible slash to your neck!
Throat and vocal cords destroyed!
Zero chance of survival.

It seems you have died, my friend. Although you cannot do anything, you are keenly aware of what is going on around you...

You mentally give a sigh of relief as you remember that the Goddess Lorminstra owes you a favor.

...departing in 13 mins...

You struggle briefly, but you collapse and fall to the ground as your strength fails. You barely make out the shadowy figure looming above you as your vision blurs and your senses grow dim. You can still hear the words cold and clear before everything goes dark,

" That is a high price to learn the value of silence."

Everything goes dark and the last thing you hear are faint footsteps and a sinister laughter fading away.

* Geijon just bit the dust!

* Mohrgan just bit the dust!

* Errethe just bit the dust!

* Clunk just bit the dust!

Meanwhile...back at the Phoenix Entrway

Trilya gestures at you.
A silvery translucent thread extends from Trilya encompassing you. You sense the comfort of salvation, and an odd scent drifts past, but it is impossible to place its origin.

Trilya raises a hand while murmuring a soft orison...
Trilya gestures at you.
Breathing slowly on the heels of she chanting, Trilya's gaze grows distant for several moments. With the grace of a doe lapping water at a brook, she gaze falls to you and your spirit feels strangely in tune with the natural order of life. A rush of energy briefly flows between the two of you as you feel life slowly return to your limbs.
You feel the touch of the hand leave your soul.

You say, "Ugh."

[Voln - Tebon] "Tha Unlife attacks tha truth that is House Phoenix, again, and as always, they fear to show themselves to their enemy!"

[Voln - Grutek] "what is going on?"

Kentros raises a hand while murmuring a soft orison...
Kentros gestures at Clunk.
As the last of Kentros's life energy is drained into the effort of restoring life to Clunk, he collapses! * Kentros drops dead at your feet!

Clunk seems slightly different.

Kentros's body decays into compost.

* Kentros just bit the dust!

Trilya cringes.

Dionket blinks.

Mezma blinks.

Evialla flails her arms about.

Risky exclaims, "Whata!"

Trilya gestures at Clunk.
The glazed look leaves Clunk.

You frown.

Dionket pulls Clunk to his feet.

You exclaim, "Kentros!"

[Voln - Ryski] "they not bother me at voln"

Tebon just arrived.

Mezma heartily says, "Hello."

Mezma turns to Tebon and cheers!

Tebon smiles at Mezma.

The doorkeeper scans the road watching for House members to welcome.

Mezma heartily asks, "You ok sir?"

Tebon nods to Mezma.

Errethe stretches.

[Voln - Ryski] "nope ,they lurking here too"

Mezma smiles.

Dionket just arrived. Wait, wasn't he here already?

You concentrate on the Symbol of Thought.
[Voln - Geijon] "You are probably th' target Ryski. They are clear of here."

* Ryski just bit the dust!

[Voln - Clunk] "thankya, been long time since som'n give they life so dwarf culd rise"

[Voln - Tebon] "Fear nae tha cowards, until the 'ave tha courage ta stand face ta face, they deserve tha condemnation we demand of them!"

Clunk deeply says, "Duz this mean they too knows who I is now."

Clunk shakes his head.

You nod to Clunk.

You say, "We'll talk about this more another time. Lets recover and disperse."

You say, "The enemy has made it clear."

You scowl.