After running unchecked, overpowering all in his path, the Great Red Wyrm Qevarris was finally destroyed through the cunning and persistence of two brave knights. Sir Gwaine, and the page Vander tracked down the purest of roses, a bane to the evil beast. The page Vander then courageously attacked the fell beast knowing full well he would die in the effort. However, as he hoped, Qevarris upon slaying him greedily devoured the corpse containing the rose. Death was slow and painful, his last mad thrashings shaking the foundations of the Vale he called home. For his brave efforts, Nadrik himself bestowed upon Vander his personal blessing.

Quickly the black figure ducked in and out of the shadows of Nordmaar. He saw the symbol of the black rose upon the taverns door. That’s when he saw his target. She had red hair, pale skin with green eyes. She wore a purple sash and a tartan kilt of the clan MacCallum. Upon her head was a jeweled crown worth many jeweled eggs. He walked up to the door as casually as the next customer. At a table with Queen Moira, Queen of Nordmaar, were several Celtic men, two of which were fighting. That distraction was good enough for the bandit to make his move. With a small club he clobbered Moira over the head, picked her upon his large shoulders and carried her off.

They got as far as the Sea Mage before being slain by Maelduin MacAllen. The queen was rescued but who had done this? As the Celtic kingdom issued their rage they were eventually arguing with many Yinn. Words were slung as dishonor was brought to Queen Moira by Ryshana, a yinn from the dark knights of Eclipse. King Cathal MacCallum challenged Ryshana repeatedly, but Ryshana rejected looking for less experienced prey to duel. Wryllish of Eclipse stepped in his place and they dueled.

The battle was quick as one was quickly defeated.

Nadrik was pleased. Death by am honorable duel no matter the loss is a good way to die. Nadrik knew that Raije got more pleasure out of the duel than anyone. But yet the news must be told. Sir Valis MacGregor appeared before Nadrik. Nadrik told him of two events, the death of Cathal MacCallum and that the queen Moira had Cathal's child within her. Valis swore an oath to protect the unborn child and the Queen. Without the heir, the kingdom could be thrust into the clan wars that destroyed them before.

Mencius smiled with delight. Things were about to get interesting.

"I know not else to do, my Lord" the Angel said, his voice filled with gloom. "I do not wish to give up on them, but it is my opinion that the powers you grant these Paladins seem to work more for evil than for good. I can personally punish the offenders if you wish? Kill them perhaps? For killing them would no different than slaying evil."

"Nay. stated the voice of the God of Honor. "I will handle this personally."

Snarkerl raised his head from the ground and yawned. The Dragon's large pointy teeth were the same size as the Balanx who was trying to wake him.

"You've missed the entire war, or at least the first wave!" Austanis said. "I can't tell you what's to come, but I can tell you what you've missed if you like." He said without any emotion in your voice.

"So some mortals went to war and killed one another. What do I care?" The Green Dragon hissed.

"Not quite" Austanis said, "a bit more than that occurred."

The green dragon yawned. "Didn't you alter something historic by waking me up? Go away!"

Austanis "No, you'll be dead in an hour anyway."

Now the Balanx had the Green Dragon's attention.

Snarkerl changed his expression from careless and tired to serious. "Speak. Or you'll be joining me."

"One day, but not today, my green friend." Austanis replied. "The Gods have started a War with each other."

Snarkerl asked "A full war?"

Austanis nodded his head, "All out war. The Good Gods against the Evil with the Neutral Gods caught in between trying to find peace before the world is destroyed. Many in Algoron are dead, much is destroyed."

"How long did I sleep?" asked Snarkerl.

"Not long, especially for a Dragon. You slept about 3 days." Austanis replied. "But as you know, when the Gods choose the affect the world, it happens quickly. Many Dragons slept, as did many mortals. That was not by choice, but by the protection of some Gods."

"So I slept to be protected only to be killed in 1 hour?" The dragon snarled.

"Yes. Your protection has run out." Austanis said without emotion.

"Wonderful!!" The Dragon said sarcastically. "What else happened? Who's dead?"

"The Dragons who did not sleep launched a full assault on the Slayers keep. Much to the mortal's credit, they fended off the Dragon coalition. Their downfall occurred when a Blue Dragon landed awkwardly on top of the keep. It was crushed under the Great Wyrm's weight."

"The Slayers Doom was the result of a fat Blue Dragon landing on them?" The dragon laughed.

"I wouldn't call him fat, big boned for sure, but he was a Great Wyrm, just as you are. Anyway, other clans fell to the Gods themselves. Armada was destroyed by the Pirates. The Gypsies wagons were burned by the Kingdom of Verminasia as order by Malachive. Malachive, son of Necrucifer single handedly destroyed the Pirates killing many and reducing their hideout to rubble. Malice fell before Nadrik and his Knights while Valor was destroyed by Necrucifer and his knights. Eclipse was terminated from within by Renegade Yinn opposition."

"Knighthood and Shadow took out Malice and Valor?" the dragon asked. "And Malachive? I already refused to join him! I knew he'd destroy the world instead of conquering it!"

"Yes." The Balanx replied. "It seems the honorable factions had the discipline to accomplish their lord's goals quickly. There are a lot of survivors and it's my understanding that those left alive are seeking a place in the newer starting clans. The people are calling these new orders Bloodlust, Wrath of Justice and the Order of the Talon."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" The dragon asked.

"I am here to document your death. I am just passing the time with this story. It feels refreshing to share my knowledge, especially knowing you can do no harm with it."

"I suppose I should feel privileged. Continue." The Dragon said again sarcastically. "What of the rest of the World?"

"The Elves enclosed themselves in the forest avoiding the war, as did the Dwarves who shut the mountain's gates. Both thought it was the rest of the world's problems since they were not attacked. A natural reaction I suppose. The Conclave finally did the inevitable and merged the towers under one ruler. They are the same as they were, except unified as 1 conclave with the 3 factions. They are also building a non-warring faction to teach magic. Sebatis even moved the Red Robe tower out of the main focus of these battles, to Ice Wall.

"The Austinians were destroyed by Goblins who simply sought out loot in the time of turmoil. The survivors are now calling themselves the Gray Church and are opening their doors to anyone without constraints.

"A lot of artifacts and magical items were destroyed in the world. Mages seem to have an awful advantage, for now, as the fighting types tend to figure out how to counter that. They've already starting manufacturing better armor types. The Banks have crumbled as they were looted. Looters ran rampant on those kept sleeping as well. Hundreds have been executed for their part in that. Yes, it appears the first wave of this war is over and order is coming back - for now."

"And what of me? How am to die? And why?" The dragon asked nervously.

"You're going to die by Malachive's hand for not joining him." Austanis said.

"And where is he?" The dragon asked.

"You are speaking to him, idiot." Austanis said.

"What?" The dragon asked as he watched Austanis' form change to Malachive's.

"I hope you've enjoyed today's report. Enjoy yourself in Hell dragon." Malachive said with a smile.

Malachive struck his hand into the dragon's chest and pulled out its enormous still beating heart before the Dragon could react.

The dragon's mouth flew wide open as to yell in pain, but before it made a sound, Malachive threw the heart into the dragon's mouth, forcing it to swallow it whole.

Malachive grinned as he simply said "Heh"

The Baron spoke loudly, carrying his voice all over the assembled crowd all huddled together in one of the AGL Coliseums back offices.

To the Baron’s left stood Aearin. The broad man stood upright, outfitted in his normal, polished plate mail, scribed into it various holy symbols, he looks to Randorf, then down to the holy symbol clenched in his hand before he offers a nod and smile to those gathered.

To the Baron's right stood Mantaroth, the hulking form of the minotaur towering over the dwarf. The AGL World Championship belt glinted in the candlelight, strapped tightly around his waist. His arms were crossed and his face remained blank as the dwarf began to speak.

Waiting for the murmuring crowd to die down, Randorf thrust out his stubby hand so that the crowd could see a signed AGL contract.

"Tha rumors and reports are true. Ah hold here in ma hand the fight of the century, lads n lasses. Monday night, here in Althainia, ah will be hosting a world title championship match between two of the meanest, strongest, and crowd pleasin' gladiators the world as ever known. Aearin, a paladin of deep faith and even deeper arse kickin' ability has issued challenge upon the most winningest, undefeated champion in tha Leagues history, Mantaroth Malhavoc!"

Randorf waited for the whispers and comments to subside before continuing.

"Ah will also be holding ah Pit Dragon match and hopefully ah Blade Champion versus thae Crown Champion match. Now if the lot of ye have any questions, bea quick about it."

An elven reporter for the Daily Wood raised his hand first, anxiously waving it through the air.

"You wit tha pointy ears an buck teeth, ye got a question?"

The elf muttered indignantly before asking his question.

"Yes, as we all know, the minotaur has yet to be defeated. Most of his challengers end up dead or wishing they were. What makes Aearin any different and why should anyone pay to see just another slaughter."

Randorf grinned as Aearin stepped forward. "Good sir, whilst the minotaur is certainly of formidable strength, I think we can all agree there isn't much mental prowess between his oversized horns. In the face of unwavering faith and conviction, he will surely falter. As a chosen of Nadrik, I will humble this creature before the Lord and pray for his forgiveness. Make no mistake however, he will be made to pay for his transgressions."

Mantaroth remained silent, staring blankly into the crowd as if bored.

A short, green-skinned goblin in the crowd started laughing and pointing at Mantaroth.

"Har har har har! Humanz call cow dumb as rock! Har har har! Humanz goinz to milk himz!!"

A few of the people surrounding the goblin in the crowd took a few steps away from the creature, wincing as they glanced at Mantaroth’s reaction.

But to their surprise, he did nothing but stare straight ahead, ignoring the goblins comments.

A human in the back of the room shouted "Come on Mantaroth, don't take that! Say something!"

For a moment more he remained silent, but finally he focused his attention on the assembled group of people.

"There is no hope left for any of you, least of all the Paladin. A statement will be made on the eve of battle, such that has not been witnessed before. Come if you wish, stay in your home if you are wise. It matters little. But this paladin will be made an example, and his screams will be heard whether you are here or not."

The crowd stood with gaping mouths and turned quickly to Aearin. The paladin smiled slightly and hefted his crackling mace.

"It is perhaps my greatest disappointment when I come to find some are beyond saving. But I will take solace in the fact that when your body is consumed by the Holy Light, a great evil will finally be removed from this world. Do not weep at the pain, Minotaur, for it is only the demons leaving your soul. Though I fear you have many demons."

Mantaroth's hands began to crackle as small lightning bolts swirled angrily at his side.

Sensing the tension about to break, Randorf put up a hand and motioned quickly.

"This press conference is over. See you all on Monday! Bring your coins."