Tales of the Arkati

Tales of the Arkati
Chapter One
The Gift of Kai
A Visitation to "The Wolf"~Erokose Shadowstryder
Contriuted by Lord Geijon Khyree for Erokose Shadowstryder
Chapter Two
The Search for the Stones of Virtue
by Lord Truekillr Strickulus
Chapter Three
The Water and Ice spirits
Aquayl & Iquaine
From a posting by Lord Truekillr Strickulus
Chapter Four
Arachne and The Huntress
A Tale of Betrayal and Vengeance
by Lady Evialla Violetskye~Khyree
Chapter Five
The Griffin Sword
Chapter Six
The Leya Quest
Courtesy of Lady Deavon Laeren and The Shrine of Leya

"The Gift of Kai"
A Visitation to "The Wolf" ~ Erokose Shadowstryder

Name: Erokose Shadowstryder    Race: Human    Profession: Rogue
Gender: Male    Age: 40    Expr: 257479    Level:  13

[Wolves' Den, Forge]
The massive iron anvil in the center of the room is pitted with rust. The fire pit beside it is cold, filled with ashes eons old. A rack filled with blacksmith's tools leans to the left, partway through a slow collapse. You also see some cuirbouilli leather, a reinforced shield, a broadsword, a rock crystal, some chain mail, a flail, the Erokose disk and an iron door.
Obvious exits: none.

You sense a movement in the room and a shadowy movement near the Erokose disk. A soft voice whispers, "The path is difficult, but those with the greatest faith shall perservere.

A wraith gestures at you!
A wraith hurls a powerful lightning bolt at you!
  AS: +95 vs DS: +165 with AvD: +48 + d100 roll: +12 = -10
   A clean miss.

You swing a veniom-hafted bearded alloy waraxe at a wraith!
  AS: +158 vs DS: +95 with AvD: +36 + d100 roll: +92 = +191
   ... and hit for 40 points of damage!
Round time: 5 sec.

The wraith moans evilly!
A wraith draws inward for a moment!

A wraith gestures at you!
A wraith hurls a freezing ball of pure cold at you!
  AS: +85 vs DS: +165 with AvD: +52 + d100 roll: +49 = +21
   A clean miss.

You swing a veniom-hafted bearded alloy waraxe at a wraith!
  AS: +158 vs DS: +95 with AvD: +36 + d100 roll: +41 = +140
   ... and hit for 12 points of damage!
Round time: 5 sec.

A wraith swings a broadsword at you!
  AS: +80 vs DS: +140 with AvD: +33 + d100 roll: +60 = +33
   A clean miss.

You swing a veniom-hafted bearded alloy waraxe at a wraith!
  AS: +158 vs DS: +95 with AvD: +36 + d100 roll: +65 = +164
   ... and hit for 32 points of damage!
Round time: 5 sec.
You swing a veniom-hafted bearded alloy waraxe at a wraith!
  AS: +158 vs DS: +95 with AvD: +36 + d100 roll: +84 = +183
   ... and hit for 27 points of damage!

You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the wraith's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The wraith falls to the ground motionless.
Round time: 5 sec.

You botched the job. The wraith talon is ruined.

You search the wraith.
It had a broadsword, a reinforced shield, some cuirbouilli leather.
It carried a sturdy fel box with it!
A wraith turns to dust.

You put a veniom-hafted bearded alloy waraxe inside your black leather back-sheaths.

You pick up a sturdy fel box.

You carefully examine the fel box and determine that the weight is about 16 pounds.
Roundtime: 5 Seconds.

You put a sturdy fel box inside the Erokose disk that is on the floor.
close disk
Ok, it shut.

You blink.

You feel a strong but gentle touch on your shoulder.

You blink.

You bow.
You say, "I shall keep the faith"

[Wolves' Den, Forge]
The massive iron anvil in the center of the room is pitted with rust. The fire pit beside it is cold, filled with ashes eons old. A rack filled with blacksmith's tools leans to the left, partway through a slow collapse. You also see some cuirbouilli leather, a reinforced shield, a broadsword, a rock crystal, some chain mail, a flail, the Erokose disk and an iron door.
Obvious exits: none.

You blink.

The voice whispers, as if from a distance, "Be well, my son. I hope you enjoy the gift as much as I have appreciated your faith."

You ask, "Kai?"

The Erokose disk opens.

[Wolves' Den, Forge]
The massive iron anvil in the center of the room is pitted with rust. The fire pit beside it is cold, filled with ashes eons old. A rack filled with blacksmith's tools leans to the left, partway through a slow collapse. You also see some cuirbouilli leather, a reinforced shield, a broadsword, a rock crystal, some chain mail, a flail, the Erokose disk and an iron door.
Obvious exits: none.

You blink.

look in ero disk

In the Erokose disk you see a sturdy fel box, a fringed wight skin jacket and a feras mattock.

look at jacket in disk

Ruggedly handsome, the jacket has obviously been well cared-for and is as soft to the touch as warm butter. On the back of the garment is an exquisitely embroidered image of Kai, standing alone within a circle of stone talismans. Stitched beneath the image are the words, "Ours is not an easy path to follow, yet we follow willingly, for in truth we did not choose this road so much as the road chose us."

You dance around the room to music only you can hear.

You say, "my thanks to ye"

You say, "I shall be at your call"

close disk
Ok, it shut.

The disk opens again.

look in disk

In the Erokose disk you see a sturdy fel box, a fringed wight skin jacket and a feras mattock.

You smile.

You remove a fringed wight skin jacket from inside the Erokose disk.

look in jacket
There is nothing in there.

You smile.

look at ero disk
The Erokose disk is hovering in mid-air around you.

You say, "many thanks unto ye kind un"

You put a fringed wight skin jacket inside your vruul skin vest.

You take off a midnight black jacket.

You put a midnight black jacket inside your black leather cloak.

Someone (or something) whispers to you in a deep voice, "Be well, my child. I know it cannot replace what is lost. But it is given with much affection and appreciation."

You remove a fringed wight skin jacket from inside your vruul skin vest.

You put on a fringed wight skin jacket.

You say, "tis lovely"

You smile.

look at jacket

Ruggedly handsome, the jacket has obviously been well cared-for and is as soft to the touch as warm butter. On the back of the garment is an exquisitely embroidered image of Kai, standing alone within a circle of stone talismans. Stitched beneath the image are the words, "Ours is not an easy path to follow, yet we follow willingly, for in truth we did not choose this road so much as the road chose us."

look in jacket
There is nothing in there.

Erokose smiles softly

You remove a veniom-hafted bearded alloy waraxe from inside your black leather back-sheaths.

You say, "back tae my task"

You say, "o freein the undead"

look at jacket

Ruggedly handsome, the jacket has obviously been well cared-for and is as soft to the touch as warm butter. On the back of the garment is an exquisitely embroidered image of Kai, standing alone within a circle of stone talismans. Stitched beneath the image are the words, "Ours is not an easy path to follow, yet we follow willingly, for in truth we did not choose this road so much as the road chose us."

[Wolves' Den, Forge]
The massive iron anvil in the center of the room is pitted with rust. The fire pit beside it is cold, filled with ashes eons old. A rack filled with blacksmith's tools leans to the left, partway through a slow collapse. You also see some cuirbouilli leather, a reinforced shield, a broadsword, a rock crystal, some chain mail, a flail, the Erokose disk and an iron door.
Obvious exits: none.

In the Erokose disk you see a sturdy fel box and a feras mattock.

close disk
Ok, it shut.

"Aye, my son. And I have other tasks to see to myself. Good day to you"

You say, "And ye"

You throw your head back and howl!

You say, "the Wolf is back"

Something touches your shoulder.

End.
Contributed by Geijon Khyree for Erokose Shadowstryder

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The Search for the Stones of Virtue
by Lord Truekillr Strickulus

This is a log of an event which I recorded today. Any further information will be posted as I receive it. Good and safe searching.

Note: The log was edited for size and readability. I do have the unedited log on file upon request. Special thanks to Lady Lauraellen for editing the log and Lord Aeolius for recording the same event.

Truekillr gestures.
A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.
Truekillr recites:
"I will begin...."
Truekillr gazes in awe at the runes in his hand.
Truekillr says, "The Vvrael...."
Truekillr says, "The unlife...."
Truekillr says, "Death. Destruvtion."
Truekillr says, "All synonymous."
Truekillr recites:
"I will tell you of what we know of the Vvrael and the recent happenings."
Truekillr recites:
"The Vvrael come from across the veil. They have much power. Equal to that of our Arkati, Our gods."
Truekillr recites:
"Since last winter the veil has slowly weakened."
Truekillr recites:
"Many of the invasion of Arch Fiends and such are led by the Vvrael."
Truekillr recites:
"Their aim.........
Total destruction."
Truekillr recites:
"Do not underestimate their power."
Truekillr recites:
"They are Anti-mana" they have the power to destroy even the most powerful at a single touch."
Truekillr recites:
"When our arkati noticed the VVrael atempting to pierce the Veil they began their own measures to hold it strong."
Truekillr recites:
"They keep constant vigil at the Veil even now."
Truekillr recites:
"They are ALL that is keeping the world from being over run."
Truekillr recites:
"Lorminstra in her ultimate power has chosen 13 people to stand against the Vvrael as the Arkati themselves keep them from entering."
Truekillr recites:
"Two days prior the last 2 of the 13 were chosen."
Truekillr recites:
"During this time the Fourth Chosen, Terate, came to us again."
Truekillr recites:
"Terate was the fourth Chosen of lorminstra, yet the Vvrael have gotten to him."
Truekillr recites:
"The Vvrael promise power, ultimate power of the scope we can not fathom. Terate has succumb. He is now trying to convince the other Chosen to their side."
Truekillr recites:
"Two days prior I am sure you saw all of us on the isle perish time and again."
Truekillr recites:
"At that time Terate came again. "
Truekillr recites:
"He tried in vain to make the chosen join him. When they kept faith and he failed he became angry."
Truekillr recites:
"He killed EVERYONE on the isle Everyone."
Truekillr sighs.
Truekillr recites:
"Many of us decayed in order to save the masses. We failed."
Truekillr recites:
"Terate can kill with a touch. you cannot defend and cannot kill him."
Truekillr recites:
"When all of us perished and the Arch fiends began ripping our body apart a young lass appeared...."
Truekillr says, "This lass destroyed all of the arch fiends and Terate was pushed away."
Truekillr recites:
"She came because our spirits banded together in prayer."
Truekillr recites:
"She heard the girl was Lorminstra."
Truekillr recites:
"She rid the isle of the fiends and raised us all...at that time she called the Chosen to her."
Truekillr recites:
"At this time she explained things. I will attempt to explain them to you know."
Truekillr recites:
"When the Chosen were assembled she spoke of the Vvrael and ow Terate has become so powerful as to almost unstoppable."
Truekillr recites:
"Yet she knew of a way to push the Vvrael back through the
Veil and sew it closed forever."
Truekillr recites:
"The Chosen must make it to the "top of the World" This area is near Ice Mule yet cannot be acessed yet."
Truekillr recites:
"There is to be found a shrine. A shrine to the leader of the Drakes in the Ur-daemon war. This drake pushed the Ur-daemons away and was revered for such."
Truekillr recites:
"Here is an item that can help the Chosen defeat the Vvrael."
Truekillr recites:
"The problem is...."
Truekillr recites:
"There are 6 Stones of Virtue hidden throughout the lands. These 6 Stones are needed for the Chosen to enter the Shrine. No normal person can enter this Shrine. Only the Chosen."
Truekillr recites:
"We must search for these stones with vigor! for the time is near."
Truekillr recites:
"The snows and blizzards that keep people from the Top of the World will cease in 6 days time"
Truekillr yells, "enough!"
Truekillr recites:
"Listen to me fools!"
Truekillr recites:
"If we do not find these stones we will all perish!"
Truekillr recites:
"The Vvrael are planning an attack soon. We must have the stones by then. "
Truekillr recites:
"I wish I could tell you more on how to find them. I cannot. Nor can anyone else for we do not know."
Truekillr recites:
"You will know the stones...you will know."
Truekillr recites:
"You cannot pick up a stone."
Truekillr recites:
"Physically will not be able to. You must Find a Chosen.
Only they can pick it up."
Truekillr recites:
"I will tell you the Chosen in a moment."
Truekillr recites:
"First you must understand something."
Truekillr recites:
"Do not tell anyone that you have found one. "
Truekillr recites:
"Tell only a chosen or one knowledgable of the Chosen."
Truekillr recites:
"You must tell everyone you see to search for the,"
Truekillr recites:
"Them."
Truekillr coughs.
Truekillr recites:
"The number of Chosen matters not. Only the faith they hold."
Truekillr recites:
"These stones will be known to you fear not. For now I will field Questions. I will not answer a question unless I have pointed to you. Please be patient. Raise your hand please. I am only one man in a sea of curiousity"
Pset asks, "the stones are all here on the mainland?"
Truekillr points at Ishatar.
Truekillr asks, "Yes ishatar?"
Ishatar asks, "would you please list the chosen?"
Ishatar blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Dalimar says, "ah... de chosen, well, de gods have forsaken me yet 'gain, I wish de chosen well, but I will nae involve myself"
Truekillr recites:
"I will list the Chosen after all understand the plight."
Ishatar says, "thank you"
Truekillr points at Bromos.
Truekillr says, "YEs bromos"
Saltstone says, "True you may want to list them now...lots of people may not stick around this crowd for questions" Bromos says, "what will happen if the stones are not found"
Truekillr recites:
"We will all perish."
Truekillr recites:
"I will lis tthe Chosen for those who have faith and need no question"
(Insert an accidental fogging of the entire group to north gate...)
Truekillr recites:
"Reconvene at the steps to HS please"
Lord Truekillr's group just went north.
Lord Truekillr's group just went north.
Truekillr sits down.
The Symbol of Thought begins to burn in your mind and you hear Truekillr thinking, "reconvening at the STeps again "
Demonicite asks, "Are the stones only going to be able to be found by people hunting harbingers and stuff?"
Liliea says, "did you list the chosen yet me lord"
Demonicite asks, "Are the stones only going to be able to be found by people hunting harbingers and stuff?"
Nitefallz says, "It would be courtious to let Rayvynne speak of her visons of the vvrael"
Truekillr recites:
"The Chosen are Writher, Risper, and Jala all missing Wanton, Nyte, Krakenstar, Tedra, Mithadris, Berr, Beldin, Merry, and Heathyr."
Truekillr recites:
"Terate is the thirteenth and cursed Chosen."
Skulan recites:
"'Will we have the help of the gods, Major or minor...or is it up to just us?"
Elagence asks, "Jala gone?"
Nitefallz says, "Beldin is terate"
Truekillr recites:
"Search out the Stones yourselves. I will remind you NOT to commune as it weakens the veil when you do so."
Nitefallz says, "so everyone says.."
Roekill asks, "what will the stones look like?"
Mitnagan asks, "this is no help Truekillr, how will the stone look if we do find one and how shall we search for it, if we don't know how it is different from any other stone? Do I just serach for stone everywhere I go?"
Pierat asks, "Does that apply to all communes True? or only ones about this?"
Avarond asks, "will Terate be looking for them also?"
Truekillr recites:
"Again we have 6 days till the opening of the shrine, and an unknown time till the end of the world"
Nitefallz says, "I have no place to speak, but I demand
Rayvynne be allowed to speak of her visions"
Truekillr recites:
"I know this is vague but even the Goddess Lorminstra has been blocked."
Dhevish asks, "You can bet Terate will be looking for them. If they would destroy you, wouldn't you?"
Gralkor says, "to little time and to much territory to cover."
Truekillr recites:
"All Communes to any major Arkati. Spirits and minor arkatis are excluded but still be wary."
Quaedii asks, "is there a certain discription of the stones, anything special we should be looking for?"
Truekillr recites:
"You will know the stone when you see one. It is not a coral or sapphire"
Nytemare asks, "Any tips as to where these stones could be found?"
Demonicite asks, "WHERE can we hope to find these stones?"
Roekill asks, "what will it look like?"
Danyanna says, "kombat begins again, I guess...."
Shadowtip says, "M'lord True. A question."
Isaboa says, "bet its not smooth either"
Dhevish asks, "Is the stone large? I mean are we looking for a boulder? Or something small?"
Arga says, "i want to hear the vision"
Truekillr recites:
"There have been no clues given for even the Goddess is being blocked by the Vvrael."
Plur says, "If ye have any doubt at all..guess what..it's not it."
Dafixer asks, "well, 6 stones, six days?"
Truekillr recites:
"The vision is differnt for each...and trust me you do not."
Dhevish says, "I suppose if it is small, it could even turn up on a critter."
Callistae asks, "will they be in boxes..or hidden in the lands?"
Karzak asks, "Are dese stones uf Virtue on da Isle as well er just here around tha landing?"
Shadowtip asks, "M'lord True, if you please?"
Lonwolvspirit says, "sounds like a the gods are off their rocker "
Truekillr recites:
"Let me explain further the shrine will open in six days. The stones need to be found to get into the shrine. The Vvrael have not set a time when they will attack."
Truekillr recites:
"We need the stones as soon as possible."
Nollan asks, "Where do we bring the stone if we find one, and who to give to?"
Elagence says, "only chosen can take stones "
Truekillr recites: "The stones cannot be picked up by any other than a Chosen." Selfane says, "do we have to *search* for the stones or will they be in a room when we get there, in plain sight"
Truekillr recites:
"Find a Chosen or one knowledgable in the lore."
Halfawit asks, "and if we try to pick them up???"
Arleana asks, "will the stones be on monsters we kill?"
Arleana asks, "or in boxes?"
Demonicite exclaims, "No one knows!!"
Cairem asks, "M'lord Truekillr, I spoke with Lady Heathyr earlier this eve but this thought didna occur until recently, the stones are stone of virture correct? If so, might not a clue to their location be given from the Talisman's at Kai's Shrine? If I remember correctly, 6 of those Talisman's are inscribed with a virture, or are they merely scattered about the lands in a random fashion?"
Truekillr recites:
"I wish I could give more information on the stones. But we honestly do not know."
Shadowtip says, "M'lord True, please. A question... an intelligent one."
Truekillr exclaims, "Now yer thinkin!"
Truekillr recites:
"This is not a race with each other it is a race against time."
Skulan says, "So put simply...we mut put aside our own gains this weak and band together to search"
Truekillr recites:
"My only advice. KEEP FAITH!"
Ravenwulf says, "I thought there are eight talisman"
Archpain asks, "Shall we go to kai's shrine?"
Demonicite exclaims, "let the search begin!!"
Truekillr recites:
"Ask questions I will try to answer"
Nitefallz says, "Faith is hardly in existance anymore unfortunately"
Halfawit asks, "we dont know when the attack will come???"
Meisternicus asks, "who were the chosen?"
Mithos asks, "ahhh..I might have missed something...but how tough are these Vvrael???"
Cairem says, "There are, two of them are about Despair and another I currently canna remember."
Plur says, "Really..I have faith. Therefor..it mus' still be'round."

End.
Used by permission of Lord Truekillr Strickulus.

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The Water and Ice spirits
Aquayl & Iquaine
From a posting by Truekillr Strickulus

Many of us know of the tales and history surrounding Meyno and her sons. Less of us know the tales and such of Cingh the Fire elemental spirit. This is an attempt to pen scrolls that I read in passing when I visited the Great Library in Biblia. These are general, but I feel quite detailed. This is not an entire history, nor should it be considered one. I am sure there are many tales and interactions with these spirits...

The Water and Ice spirits:

Yes, there are two, but are quite close...as you shall see.

Aeons ago when the Drakes were scared into hiding, and after the Great Ur-Daemon war, the Arkati began to nurture the land and take certain spheres of power. As is known, Charl controls the seas. His malevolence is well known though he is under the Pantheon of the Liabo moon. The tale begins with him and his daughter Niima.

One day when Charl was speaking with Niima she seemed sad and lonely. He offered to create a being so intelligent and so beautiful that Niima would never feel lonely or want of anything again. She naturally declined this offer and went on her way. However, it has been said that Charl liked this idea so much that he continued thinking about it, not for Niima any longer, but for himself. He would not mind having a helper in the seas to take certain chores and leadership responsibilities. He searched far and wide and gathered a large number of his sea mammals and animals to him. He then took the strongest traits of each and placed them into an orb. For a few examples, he took the intelligence of a dolphin, the strength of a whale, the patience of a terrapin, the instinct of a shark and so on. When all of these traits were in the orb he placed it into a large oyster under the sea to nurture and grow much like an egg.

A millenia passed before he went back to check upon his creation. As he opened the oyster, out stepped the most beautiful sight he had ever laid eyes upon. A humanoid of unbelieving strength, prowess, intelligence and beauty. An entity so perfect that Charl was impressed with himself. He immediately started setting it to tasks and teaching it the ways he knew. He taught it all of the sea and of the history of the lands to that point. It reveled in this knowledge and sought more and more. Eventually after having learned all of what Charl told it, it asked the simple question, "What of the land dwellers father?"

Charl was reluctant to tell his creation about what lay beyond the shores, so he lied to it. He said that it was a place of desolation and destruction. All that it contained was charred and blackened land upon which the blood of the Ur-Daemons kept it infertile. He never spoke of it again.

It seems that his creation did however, and would ask the dolphins and the whales of the sights they say, of the tales they have heard from other animals in the lands. These tales furthered its curiosity till one day it decided to try and walk the lands. As it cleared itself of the water, it felt such intense and excruciating pain that it could but catch a glimpse of the shore. What it saw was enough to warrant the pain. It saw hills and valleys and forests of such life and beauty. It could not stop thinking of what lay beyond the water.

Charl of course knew of what had transpired and felt such great rage that his perfect creation could feel nothing but wanton for something other than the realm he controlled that he decided to take drastic action.

He went to his creation and with a heavy heart spoke these words, "My creation, let it be known that if my sphere is not what you seek than may that part of you that wants for more have it." He then took his great trident and split his creation into two pieces.

One piece contained all of the previous strengths, but lacked the desire to seek other forms of life. The other was still bound by the dictates of water, yet could not stay in the salty water as if the water was like acid to its form. Thus the spirits were born.

Aquayl: The Water Spirit

After Charl split his creation into two pieces he noticed a subtle change in his Water Spirit. It began to form more and more into the shape resembling a male. This creature still kept the allegiance and loyalty to its Father, yet began to devlop skills in manipulating the water itself. It could form tidal waves and power typhoons from its Air cousin. With this growing power came more responsibilty. Charl granted the Spirit these powerful abilities, but the Spirit was constrained to the water. It could take form in either fresh or salt water, but it could never directly touch the rays of the sun. In its stead, it began to manipulate the water to do its bidding. The most powerful of its creations was the Water elemental. This elemental could walk the lands and manipulate its contents, but only for a short period of time. These elementals are said to be quite rare and quite strong. They have the ability to form into a puddle and thus dodge attack, or draw upon any other source of water they can to heal or strengthen themselves. All in all a legendary creature.

Aquayl has not been seen often, but it is said that the Sea Elves of auld have powerful artifacts and scrolls dealing with Aquayl and his legends. Perhaps when we are able to travel to Ruin Creek we will learn more of his powers and legends. There was an artifact recovered by an old empath by the name of Acantha during the battle with Despana long ago that a dying sea elf gave to her. This artifact was a medallion made of pure golden coral. On it was a picture of Charl sitting on his thrown, a male figure on his right and a femlae figure on his left. Under the figure on the right was etched "Aquayl", under the left figure was etched "Iquaine".

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"Arachne and the Huntress"
A Tale of Betryal and Vengence

The Huntress, still in her mortal human form, saves the life of the King, not once, but three times through her heroic actions, putting her own life in peril to save his. In gratitude for her deeds, her sovereign bestows upon her his guardianship, and as she kneels before the King in acceptance of the honor, the Queen and her bodyguard Arachne, a cocky smirk upon her face watch jealously from deep within the shadows, whispering condescendingly about her and plotting their revenge against the Huntress.

During the evening, the Queen stealthily slips a strong potion into the Huntress's drink, sending her into a deep, unknowing sleep. The Queen's accomplice, Arachne plants a dagger in the sleeping Huntress's hand. Arachne and the Queen then raise the alarm throughout the castle, accusing the Huntress of attempting to murder the King, and the Huntress is arrested and thrown into the dungeons to await trial.

The time of the her trial having come, the wrongly accused Huntress stands in chains, with the Queen and Arachne testifying strongly against her. The King is moved to belief by their treacherous speeches. Only one single person is willing to stand up for the Huntress, a lone guardsman, but his honest efforts on her behalf are to no avail. She is banished to the barren wastelands of the desert, clad in a black death-shroud.

Stumbling through the desert, exhausted and parched, having exhausted her meager two day's supply or water, the Huntress discovers a cool, dark cave hidden in an outcropping of rocks and wearily enters to await her fate. To her horror, she finds inside not quiet solitude in which to rest, but a terrifying hoarde of gigantic spiders. Valiantly fighting off the swarm of grotesque arachnids, her very existence at stake, she manages to kills them. To ease her painful thirst, she then drinks their blood. But the blood is poison, and finally her agonies ended, she slips into the silent, cold realm of death. Inspired by her gallant heroism, the spiders build an altar for her, laying her still, pale body upon it.

Her soul slips the bonds of the moral realm, escaping into the heavens, where she counsels with the gods, stating her wronged plight to them, and swearing her revenge. She vows to repay in kind those who wronged her. Ultimately, she awakens immortal and seeks out the arachnids to share her story. Stirred still by her valor, they vow to help her seek her revenge. The Huntress silently makes her way back into the city, her face set in grim determination.

Stealing into the city, she finds that a militia of citizens has been formed to protect the town. The Huntress, not wishing shed the blood of innocents, steals a scythe and creeps secretly into the castle. Acting swiftly, she slays kills the King's eight sons, and finally the King himself. The guards, having discovered the slaughter, set upon her, forcing her to retreat into the depths dungeons once again. To her surprise, the Huntress discovers that the same guardsman who tried to defend her from her accusers at her first trial has been locked within the dungeons since then, as well as Arachne for her knowledge of the truth.

The kind-hearted guardsman tends to the her wounds, while Arachne pleads with the Huntress for forgiveness. Thus another plot of vengeance is undertaken. Together, Arachne and the Huntress go to slay the Queen. The Huntress kills her, but the treacherous Arachne stabs the Huntress and also the guard. Enraged by her betrayal the guardsman stabs Arachne, and both all fall to the floor, mortally wounded. fighting to preserve her life, and not willing to face death, Arachne stoops to drink the spilled immortal blood of the Huntress. In a bizarre twist, as she drinks, Arachne is bitten upon the lip by a black widow spider.

Her oath of vengeance complete and her divinity assured, the Huntress ascends into the heavens to take her place among the stars, followed by the faithful guardsman, his duty to ever protect her in the night sky.

Meanwhile, the venom of the black widow spider which bit Arachne works within the immortal blood she swallowed, twisting her now-immortal form into that of a giant spider, forming for eternity the rivalry between the Goddess of Betrayal and the Goddess of Vengeance which rages across the lands.

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"The Griffin Sword Dark, Omnious clouds began to drift over all of Elanthia and evil tidings were approaching. Lorminstra's Temple located in Wehnimers Landing was to be the target of one of the largest attacks ever to be witnessed and fought. The warning signs had already begun to show and it would become clearer and far worse with the arrival of the Prophet of Lorminstra..

The Prophet arrived at Hearthstone one late evening and lead the citizens of the Landing to the roof of the Manor. Instructing everyone to sit down the Prophet removed a staff and suddenly was surrounded by a light and it was as though Lorminstra herself used him as a beacon and the Prophet began to speak to us.

"A time of troubles is approaching and to explain the time of troubles, I need to speak of the past. Thus it was many years ago that there were crafted a few great swords. Great even by today's standards."

"The story I wish to tell you today is of the Griffin sword."

"Many blacksmiths came from lands far and near. They labored for months over its design, materials, and finally construction. The sword cost more to make than many possess even to this day."

"The Pommel of this sword was crafted from the finest sapphire in the lands in those days. The sapphire was set in a platinum shaped hilt and sculptured into Griffon claws which grasped it. The setting was gilded with tiny sapphires, diamonds, and chips of Golvern, and then polished to gleam like the dawn. The hilt was constructed from red veined alabaster, carved and polished to perfection. Copper, platinum, and gold braids were inlaid upon the grips and ruby encrusted platinum rings were crowned and booted to the hilt. It is said that the hilt never grows hot or cold and the grip seems to shift so that any hand can wield it comfortably."

"Much information on the Blade itself is lost to antiquity. I shall endeavor to tell you what is still known. Remember this is from ages past though and information is only as accurate as was written at the time."

"The Blade was crafted using a folding style known only on the Isle of Teras. In any event the blade was said to glow like a flame in the sunlight, a moonbeam at night, and a beacon on dark stormy days. Lastly were constructed the Quillons. A quillon is the part that angles out to the side of the sword and protects the hand from damage. It was crafted from fine gold and gilded with platinum, rubies, and diamonds. The quillons were carved into the shape of Griffin wings that spread elegantly from the hilt and blade. The connecting ring that sits upon the hilt and tang was carved into a Griffin head on both sides of the blade and the eyes were made of small emeralds."

"Now you know what the weapon looks like. Here the story darkens."

"Once the blade was completed, the magicians were called together to enchant the blade. It was enhanced beyond what normally was done, but wizards are a secretive lot and what they did exactly is also lost to Antiquity. Remember also that magic then is not what it is today. It is still a very powerful weapon, but not what some are used to in this day and age. Finally when all the work was completed the sword was brought to the temple of Lorminstra. There it was consecrated and given to a great warrior-priest of Lorminstra, known as Lord Morfell Destrieder."

"The ceremony to consecrate the sword took many days and Lorminstra was pleased by the effort once completed. It is said that Lord Morfell spoke with Lorminstra that day and that Lorminstra personally blessed the sword. For a time Morfell worshiped her, but like some do when they get power, he became corrupt. He made a dark pact with V'Tull, Mularos, Sheru, and Luukos. He consecrated the sword to his new dark gods in a secret dark ritual. That night there was lightning, thunder, and howling winds the like of which has not been seen since. The next day.. the sun failed to rise. The sword was split asunder and its 4 pieces scattered about the realms. The four pieces are Pommel, Blade, Hilt, and Quillons."

"Here ends the past, and that is all I shall say about the time of troubles."

"Lorminstra in her infinite wisdom decided that after all these Eons the sword should finally be reforged and put to some good use. Alas, the four Dark Gods, (V'Tull, Luukos, Mularos, and Sheru) had other plans. Each god sought out one piece, and was successful in their quest. Each god now holds a part of Lorminstra's power. As evil gods often do they plotted against Lorminstra. Just having the parts of the sword was not enough. Their evil plot is to desecrate Lorminstra's temple, forever! Lorminstra has cast many divinations herself and ascertained that they come to her temple, each with a piece of the sword. If they can desecrate the temple while using part of her power (the pieces of the sword), then it will forever be desecrated with no chance of redemption."

"All will be lost if this happens."

"Nine days prior to one ride from today after dark, the Warhost of V'Tull comes to try to complete their mission. V'Tull being the least powerful, if you stop them, prepare for the next god to try some time after. And expect it to get worse. V'Tull is a god of warriors, so you may expect many great warriors to attack. A ride is ten days. So one day hence expect this to come to pass. The leader calls himself the Mouth of V'Tull."

"This will take place in the landing, they will start outside town and try to get to the Temple. I suggest you stop them if you can from even reaching town. Expect warriors from V'Tull, who knows what form of monster or man from the other gods? I would expect a small measure of time between the gods coming. Time for them to plan anew if you stop V'Tull's minions. This is a quest from Lorminstra, if someone is good and just, someone will get the Griffin sword. But it is for you to choose if you wish to help or not."
-The Griffin Sword
As told by the Prophet of Lorminstra

With this we had been warned, we were blessed by this warning for without it we would have been decimated. Thus like never before the people of Wehnimers Landing banded together and formed a volunteer militia. Wehnimers Landing, being mostly a trading post, had never had a need for a standard army and thus this was an unprecedented event. A force as formiable as this had never been arrayed to defeat an evil, but the enemy had never been so dangerous. The enemy was the Gods themselves..

These four dark Lords of Lornon would soon be upon us, the first to lead his minions against us was V'tull, the lord of warfare, domination and carnage, "The Slayer". Nine days since the Prophet had warned us, that night lightning and thunder streaked across the skies, dark clouds covered the land, and the minions of V'tull struck!

The forces of darkness hoped to weaken our defenses first by sending plaque carrying Rats, Worms and Feral Cats. These were not able to open the whole that V'tulls minions had sought to create, but it was widely only a diversion. Slowly making their way through the Lyserian Hills from the east through the Krolvin Villages V'tullian Scouts, Soldiers and War Hounds traveled swiftly through the meager defenses we had set up to that direction.

The war drums began to beat at a fervored pace. The heat of the battle spread across the lands, courageous warriors screamed their battlecries and charged into the oncoming forces. The tide of the battle swayed back and forth, but the V'tullians were unable to break our barricades, but the worse was yet to come. V'tulls leader sent in his second wave of attackers, V'tull sent in waves of mercenaries, berserking barbarians and V'tullian Maruaders riding upon gigantic Myrmidons. Yet we stood against them, but it was to be only for a short time.

The pounding war drums faded a bit, but in the shadows we could hear the rhythmic footfalls of hundreds of invaders seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once. The war drums then beat a thunderous staccato crash and all about us the battle was everywhere and above us we could see a glow, illuminating a scene playing out in the heavens above, dark shapes locked in combat with luminous beings, mirroring the battle on the ground below.

Then the Generals of V'tulls army were upon us, the V'tullian Elders came leading more of their forces against us. They cut into our numers and were threatening to break through, but all was not yet lost. Ragni and Gillaume, The Pope, had outflanked the invading army and had come upon the Mouth of V'tull, the leader of V'tull's forces, a horrific battle ensued and Gillaume and Ragni were heavily injured, but by summoning his courage, Ragni delt one final blow to the opposing forces commander, thus slaying the monstrous beast.

Word of their leaders defeat spread rapidly, the drums wavered and receaded to nothing, and the V'tullian forces withdrew with no one to lead them. The day was won, but we had worse yet to come.

In the wake of the invasion, we had a brief time to shore up our defenses, but during that time the dark gods were not idle. A black stone had been secretly placed in front of Lorminstra's temple, and it was interfering with the prophet's ability to communicate with the goddess. Some said it was a beacon to the enemy.

Thus came the forces of Sheru, the bringer of night and nightmares, Ronan's great nemesis. His tactics were widely known and highly feared. The night would be plaqued with death, blood and suffering.

It was a brisk fall evening, and as the fading sun set and our breath turned to frost on the wind, the drums of war could be heard again. Gradually they built up in intensity, filling the cold air until Sheru's minions arrived by the hundreds. Much the same as V'Tull, Sheru sent forth feral dogs, cats, and poisonous worms, but he wasted little time inflicting more horror upon us as his attack grew more fierce by the moment." As the drums of war beat into a furious frenzy Sheru sent in his Harbingers riding upon their nightmare steeds. These minions weilded magics that bound and silenced us and hacked us to shreds, then came the Tormentors and other vile creatures. The casulties were mounting. Thus the Sheruvian Nightmaster appeared, laying waste to our forces, but again we prevailed and the hilt of the sword was recovered by Challen from the leader of Sheru's forces.

We would have little rest or time to recover for the Prophet had appeared again in a much weakened state. Many years later we would learn that Lorminstra had been using much of her powers to aid us and the defenses had taken their tole on her and her worshipers, but we would have no time to worry for Mularos and his minions would soon be upon us.

Mularos, the Lord of pain, masochistic acts, and the delighter in ones suffering. Like their evil master, the minions of Mularos would delight in our wails and screams of pain and suffering.

Then came the beating of the drums again to tell us of the Gods minions as if to tell us "Dare to stand against us". Shouts filled with blood-lust came from all around us, as the servants of Mularos followed the pounding of the drums. Black pumas, Slime Worms and Mularosian Scouts and Soldiers followed, and the battle was intense. Where we had previously fought off the invaders without horrid losses, the Mularosians were a force to be dealt with and inflicted as the had sought out to do, inflict pain and suffering on the defenders.

The frantic shouts of the servants of Mularos screamed for our blood as they battled fanatically onward to the relentless pounding of the drums. Mularos Dissipators, Slave-warriors, Punishers, and Dominators to their ranks. All fearsome beasts each with their own way of striking terror in the hearts of their foes. Again we managed to hold, but they were overunning our barriers and assaulting the town directly in some places.

Mularosian flayers, Dissipators and more minions continued to attack, but Thalior, largely on his own was holding them back, mulling them down as they came in waves against him including their leader, the Master of Pain, bent on defeating him and him alone, but in the end he was the one who delighted in their pain and suffering for Thalior had defeated their leader and recovered the third piece of the sword, the Quillions.

Thus would come the final battle, against Luukos, the most powerful of the invaders, The Lord of Death, "The Soul-Taker", fear was his ground, death was his blood, souls were his nourrishment.

This time Luukos would test our patience. The skies turned blood red and the drum beats began, thumping, thumping, from a distance. Slowly becoming clearer and clearer as they approached. Many of the young defenders shook with fear and deserted their posts on the oncoming marauders. Just as Luukos grined in the skies above and his snakelike tongue flicked. He smiled thinking this battle would be his.

We would be blessed for Spike, The war rat, had joined our side. Coming from the far lands of Breganda he would be our strongest ally in the battle that was to come. Snakes, Luukosian Scouts, Dissipators, Walocks, vile vortces and Luukosian Dark Wraiths attacked in droves. Intent on crushing us.

Then Luukos sent the creations of our nightmares and his delightful children, the Lizard-Warriors and Reptilian Soldiers, they were covered in bone like spikes and rock-hard scaly flesh. Our weapons couldnt penetrate their tough hides and our hearts sank. We retreated in droves, many were felled just trying to flee. The battle was horrific and the Luukosians screamed in pure delight, shouting taughts and vile words as we faced them.

Luukos was winning and he laughed in delight, sending his Luukosian Shamans, Arch-Mages and Soul-Takers ahead of Luukos' emissary, The Keeper of Lies. The final battle took place with the eldest heroes in the lands banding together to defeat his minions. The Luukosians were stopped and held then we began to push them back! Again the heroes who had recovered the other three pieces battled the Luukosians and in the end, again we had won and the four pieces had been recovered, but few were left standing on that day.

A month later the Prophet returned. In much better health and requested that the four pieces of the blade be brought forth. The pieces were then reforged by Eonak himself and placed the Griffin Sword in a solid glowing white stone at the base of Lorminstra's Temple to be a reminder of the great battles that had been fought.

The monument was made from a slab of pure white marble. Intricately carved into the borders are figures representing each race of Elanthia, kneeling over fallen comrades on a great battlefield. The center of the wall is smooth and polished, marred only by carefully engraved letters. A small gold plaque sits on the bottom of the monument.

"Know ye that these brave adventurers gave selflessly of their lives to guard our town, and all the world, from the forces of Darkness."

In honor of the many who died in the battle a memorial was built to them in Lorminstra's Temple and to this day serves to remind those of the triumphant stand that the citizens of Wehnimers had against the strongest array of forces assembled to defeat us, that of the Gods themselves.

With the end of this great battle the sword became a holy item and was used many times for blessing magical weaponry to face the Undead, but there were those who were leary of the Swords power and its believed to this day that the true intention of the four Dark Arkati was to place the blade close to Lorminstra's temple and slowly over many years drain the power from her temple until one day a dark hero will arise from one of the Dark Arkati's followers and draw the blade from its stone and destroy Lorminstra once and for all...be warned.

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