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Letters to Aderyn
Posted: 03 Nov 2005 08:51 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
So much has passed since I have seen you. My ‘rebirth’ was not without any consequences I’m afraid. Often I’m beleaguered by memories that aren’t entirely my own, which isn’t of course all that foreign to me. Yet I know that I’m walking on a rope spanning the abyss of madness. Only my own willpower seems to keep both the rope from slacking and me from failing.
The world around me often isn’t very different from the insanity lurking in the darkest corners of my mind. Take Maldovia for instance. I’m sure I have told you about my encounter with the count and subsequent run-in with the lying apostles of death, whom we call the dark angels. But I digress once more. Suffice to say that the present Maldovia has nearly nothing in common with Syn’s lands from not one, but two lifetimes ago. If one thought that the situation was dark and despairing in the past, now it is utterly grim.
I understand finally why the way has been made more difficult. At first I thought it was done by the dark inhabitants of the peninsula, but soon it was made clear that the people here want to prevent their peers from joining the legion of undead. If it were up to me, I’d make it impossible from ever reaching those treacherous lands.
Yes, as you may have guessed, curiosity got the best of me. Ignoring my own warnings (it would seem that I always find one excuse for doing so) I set off to explore what changes have been wrought on the wretched place. I can be very succinct: it is not good. What is more, everything there is permeated with evil to such an extent that it becomes tangible.
I pride myself that I have an almost infallible way of staying unseen, but it helped me not one bit. As I was about to enter the town of Maldovia proper, I was beset by what I call twilight giants. Despite their size, they’re quite able to remain unseen and for some inexplicable reason they saw me. So I did the only thing I could, I ran. Once more plants saved my life, this time it was the coppice, which prevented them from fully pursuing me.
Still not deterred, I pressed on taking a slight detour. I’ll spare you the details of the village, which only seems to be in worse shape than a year ago and go straight to count Valinor’s castle. Hardly had we (oh yes, Luther had joined me; he’s still as foolhardy as before) set foot on the threshold or we were greeted by a very elaborate welcome committee. Amongst it a hound that could rival a small dragon. It was at least as vicious as two dragons combined and believe me, I have first hand knowledge in that department.
After being heartily welcomed by another group of Valinor’s intimates, I decided to turn tail. Luther (have I told you he’s still every bit as foolhardy as in the past, if not more so?) wanted to continue, but I had no intention of pressing my luck too much. If I died here I had little hope of ever returning amongst the living.
I’ve beaten the Ice Queen’s soldier (I’m sure she still blames me for destroying her throne with a fireball), had way too many encounters with the Lord of Undeath (they don’t call it hellball because it’s fun), blown myself to pieces to save the lands and was extracted from a demonic dragon’s soul, but you only meet Syn once. There’s nothing more to extract afterwards.
This may all seem so very gloomy, but I can end with at least a positive note. Nature adapts no matter what the circumstances and to my delight I have discovered five new moss species and one new orchid, all growing in a bog around the town of Maldovia. The orchid and two mosses are carnivorous and seem to really like blood.
I hope that this letter found you well. Right now I’ll search for one of Nottias’ birds. It seems to have gone missing.
Sincerely yours,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Letters to Aderyn
Posted: 03 Nov 2005 10:40 AM |
| ((welcome back PD - Luther will kindly arrange for you a tour of places "where not to go". Trust me, you'll die to go)) |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
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"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
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<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 12 Nov 2005 05:44 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
Some things are better left undiscovered. It’s a universal truth, but often there are those whose curiosity smothers all sense. Very much to my own regret, I belong to this category.
Where to start? Perhaps a year ago, when my interest was first piqued. In a remote area, far away from all civilisation, one can find a strange edifice at the end of a valley. The way towards the valley is not without peril of course, but in all honesty, nothing really is. Inside this mausoleum roam the living dead – incredibly strong, mindless monsters that are nothing but walking mounds of dead bodies and far worse, the most intelligent of them all, wizards and priests who gave up their mortality to continue their studies.
Why then would anyone go there? A fair question of course, but you see, I wanted to know why those liches gathered there. Did they possess a library, a font of knowledge? Or was this a religious place, attracting those who worshipped whatever nameless god reigned there? I had to find out and find out I would. Of course I was hardly welcome and the undead wizards flung their most potent spells at me. Little good that did and I wasn’t terribly impressed. After some convincing I was able to persuade the inhabitants to leave me alone. And then I was there. A strange place. Yes indeed, a most peculiar place. I came upon a door!
What’s so special about a door you ask? With all the twisting and turning I’m not sure I’m correct but I was probably in the centre of the complex. And there in front of me was a stone door, more a sliding wall really. It took some time to find the locking mechanism and even more time to figure out how it worked. Actually I never found out how it worked for it was the most complex locking system I had ever laid eyes upon. I used tools, magic and even pure force, but all to no avail.
What could be hidden there? It had to be their library! What else could be of such value that you’d protect it with such draconic measures? And so one year later I went back. Much to my surprise it was unlocked. Maybe, just maybe this was because I had hidden myself from all sights, both mundane and magical. And then I made a mistake.
I saw no books, no scrolls stacked in cases, no desks, nothing, just a vast hall with pillars. Well this isn’t the complete truth, I also saw many creatures roaming about, acting as though they were all rather busy. I should have run away then. Instead I called Amna’rak. Everything (they are undead so everyone would be highly inappropriate) stopped in their tracks and looked at him. Right now I wish they only had looked at him, but of course they had to advance on poor Amna’rak. En masse.
This is truly nothing different from other times of course, except that at other times there aren’t any floating skulls around. When I saw its multicoloured teeth - gems containing the souls of its victims – I realised my very grave mistake. I shouldn’t have been there. When the demi-lich’ hollow eyes turned upon me, its teeth rattling in what resembles a mad cackle, I further understood that whatever protections I had, I was like a newborn baby. So I employed tactic number one. I ran to live another day, ordering Amna’rak to hold them up as long as possible.
Alas, the door had closed once more. I truly appreciate good craftsmanship, especially in locks, but not when it prevents me from leaving! To my consternation, Amna’rak was slowly being driven towards me. There was no way left to run to. In mere seconds it literally became a dead end.
How am I writing this then? Well to be honest, I’m not writing anything. But sanity is a frail thing and if I don’t give myself an account of my stupidity, I’ll descend into total madness. Currently I’m a bit in the dark as to what will happen exactly. Thanks to my idiot decision to stick my nose where it obviously didn’t belong, I’m now a guest in my own body.
It’s quite the experience, although I’m not too happy with everything my body is doing. Perhaps I should say: ordered to do. The demi-lich was so kind as to animate me and bind my soul back to the bones. The flesh, it said, I would have to earn back. Of course it did cover me once more with flesh for the task, but as long as I wouldn’t complete it, the blood and skin would never be mine again.
And the task? Quite simple really. I only have to find a spell. This ought to be a piece of cake. At least I hope so.
Hoping to be able to send you a real letter soon,
Xaranthir
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Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 02 Mar 2006 07:48 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
Often my ventures into the wilds in search of rare botanical specimens lead me to the strangest places and just as often into peril. This time however I started by imperilling myself to find a rare albino variety of Thrift or Sea pink as it’s commonly known. The problem is that this little plant grows on sea cliff walls and preferably those that go down a long way. My climbing skills are decent, having spent most of my youth in the mountains gathering flowers with my mother, but a straight wall of limestone is not what one can classify as easy. After several attempts, I finally made it halfway down when suddenly I saw a cave. Once more curiosity got the better of me (I do think it’ll be my epitaph) and I descended at a breakneck speed. The latter was alas not due to my aforementioned skills.
The cave, a small bay hidden by the overhanging rocks, or rather what was inside, made me dizzy. One of the strangest vessels I had ever seen lay there in the waters. Instead of sails it seemed to have some sort of cigar-like, well a thing really. Only moments later did I realise that I wasn’t exactly alone. Here I stood, still dressed in that cursed Frobozzian loincloth, with a single flower in my hand, gaping at their ship (I assumed then it was theirs) and not seeing the dozen or so men that were present. One of them greeted me and told me to go talk to the captain. They probably must have thought that one freak was better suited to talk to another one. I don’t mean any disrespect of course, but their captain was not exactly what you would call a normal human(oid). Imagine a hawk standing some six feet tall, with human arms. Still too baffled by seeing the strange ship, I just took the sights of the kenku for granted.
He was actually so charmed by the fact that I hadn’t freaked out, he offered me a ride on his ship. I was very glad that I grabbed this opportunity with both hands, because as soon as we left the bay, the ship lifted into the skies. I could see the Midor mountains far away and soon we were even higher. A couple hours later we arrived at an isle, which seemed completely barren. Not a single tuft of green, not a single tree was to be seen. There were few people about and they helped resupply he ship, although I have no idea where the supplies come from.
After wandering around on this huge rock in the midst of the seas I decided to trek up higher. Perhaps a higher vantage point would make me see other islands, other sights. Much to my own surprise, I did find signs of previous inhabitants. A few smashed boat hulls lay on the stony beach, but most peculiar was the building halfway up. Some of the surrounding walls had crumbled and the remainder looked as though it would topple over any second, but inside stood a nearly intact building. Not just any building for the building style, or more specifically some of the ornaments resembled those from Aristi. Or at least that’s what I think they are, for I have not seen many vestiges or depictions thereof from Aristi at all.
I think it will bear more investigations, for it is very intriguing. Who built this on the rocky outcrop and more importantly, why? I would have gone inside, if only there was some safe way inside, but as it looks now, an excavation team will be needed. I can only dream of what books could be preserved within, if anything is left at all of course. But one can surely hope.
Until we meet again,
Xaranthir
PS: Do not worry, I shall get rid of this horrendous outfit soon! At least, that's what I hope.
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Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 03 Mar 2006 12:54 PM |
Dear Aderyn,
I am afraid that my curiosity has once more gotten the better of me. But this time it seems as though I do need to meddle. You, of course, have no idea what I am talking about. I can already feel the inquisitive gaze that you’re throwing my way. To be truthful, I do not even know where to start. It seems impossible to unravel this very complex matter, let alone to follow just one strand. Nevertheless, I shall try.
You remember the island I mentioned in my previous letter? I went back with Markus, a paladin of the Novus Aristi, who seems to be very interested in all things Aristi (but of course!). Actually, another came with us, a woman, Dana, who seems to follow Markus’ every step.
We tried to enter the Aristi building, a fort of some sort, via an old mine, but soon were persuaded otherwise. Someone – perhaps more, but they all remained unseen – had done his or her utmost best to ward the rooms with skilfully placed traps. I must say that the summoned fire elemental also helped a lot and so we left.
What then, does this have to do with mysterious plots? I’m getting there, just bear with me. Sir Markus and Dana afterwards told me a story of how for several weeks now they were plagued with dreams, which they could not remember. And this is how I learned of the vanity of Sir Markus. Once horribly scarred, he consulted two priestesses of goddesses I truly loathe: Naruth and Helkris. What is more, he willingly made an oath of fealty to a creature that I would never turn my back to. In fact, I go out of my way to show my face to it too. As you can see, these are hardly traits that are highly sought in paladins.
A week ago, I had discovered a bay hidden in the mountains, where derelict ships lay. At first, I thought the ships were new, but Kyria assured me that the fog had blinded me and that indeed they were quite old. Which is what Connavar, apparently a good friend to Solitaire and Sirac, had told me when I informed him of this find. One day however, as I happened to be there, I saw people, dressed in military attire, come on land and disappear somewhere underneath the mountains. When I confronted Connavar about that, he could only sigh and say that this should be kept a secret as it was all for the greater good.
I do not like it when my information comes from just one source and so I consulted Markus, with the promise that I would look into the strange matter of his dreams. Slowly, very slowly, I learned that somehow these people are working on something very secretive. Apparently they have uncovered an ancient gnomish factory, where golems were once manufactured.
Neither Markus, nor Connavar could assure me that what was being done, would not cause the end of the world. In their words: it was all for the greater good and several mages had been consulted and/or were working on it. Has it ever occurred to them that perhaps these mages are looking for something much more? Has it ever occurred to them that perhaps, as seemingly impossible it may look now, one of them is merely interested in power?
I am a mage myself and I know what the lure of power is like. I have felt it when I had two power nodes in my possession. It is very hard to resist and for most even impossible. I have given my life once to stop corruptible and destructive power like that, so I shall not be told that they know what they are doing.
What is more, it became quite apparent that Connavar is under a geas. His mind has been magically altered so that he can not speak about any of this. As for Markus, he has the heart in the right place, but unfortunately he is very gullible and vain.
What is more, they are working with beings, who claim to be or really are centuries old, but are not undead. According to Markus they do not crave power, but I have my doubts. I have met one such a lady once and I can tell you this much, they are as incomprehensible as dragons and just as dangerous. If not more.
I have written a letter so that I could speak with a certain Lady Grace, who according to Markus knows more about all of this. In case you receive no more letters, you can safely assume that this benign organisation, who mind controls their followers, has taken care of me.
Wishing you well and hopefully until better times,
Yours forever,
Xaranthir.
PS: I'm afraid that the loincloth is still on me. Even eating turnips didn't help.
OOC: just wanted to say that I don't use true seeing to spot hidden people. It's not how the spell was intended to be used in the first place. However, when in his safehold (the mirror) TS will be on and he knows who enters. Furthermore, the place is warded. Anyone entering uninvited should expect to be turned into a vegetable at the best of times . |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 05 Mar 2006 08:51 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
I am having more and more doubts about the Novus Aristi, despite the fact that Blanche and Lord Byron are the leaders. Yesterday, I had joined Sir Markus, Alton and a few others to rescue a certain Lillian Blackstone from Syn-cursed Maldovia. Surprisingly Lady Grace was there too and I confronted her. Something which didn’t go well at all, for she called Markus and admonished him for his loose tongue. What is more and far worse, she actually had the audacity of putting a geas on him and without his consent as I learned afterwards.
Lady Grace told Alton and me that we couldn’t join them. I was rather struck with disbelief that she would deny the help of a cleric of Vilyave and myself while going to Maldovia. And so Sir Markus, Alton and me went there alone, vowing to find and bring back Lillian. I do not know who she is, but I wouldn’t leave a single mortal in the hands of the vampires. I would save Vidus himself from there.
Alas I must report that our mission was a complete and utter disaster. Not only did we encounter vampires, those viciously howling hounds and creepers, there was something else there. A creature made from the darkest of shadows and incredibly resistant to all but the purest and holiest of magicks. Sir Markus was slain by one, and it took all our efforts and energies to reclaim his body and raise him. It became quickly clear that we would not be able to push through and we did the only sane thing left to us. We fled.
However, the creepers followed us everywhere we went: from the bridge back to the mainland and to Mirghul and the Bloodwood. What was worse, after scrying for Grace –she was nowhere to be found- we learned that she actually was in Maldovia after all! Had she set us up? Had she told us not to go, fully realising we still would and thus using us as a decoy?
The forces we had encountered in Maldovia seemed unnatural even for that place. It seemed as though a rift had been opened, a breach in the fabric of reality though which shadow and nothingness spilled. I could feel it deep within my core that something was terribly amiss, but we couldn’t stay long enough. I am not sure I would have stayed any longer had Sir Markus been able to remain unseen like both Alton and me.
Once more I have written Lady Grace a letter. This time I made it clear that she would talk to me, for too much is at stake. I know about the tunnels and what is inside there. I will not stand idly and let them accidentally or purposefully activate the factory or its guardians, but I shall keep you posted of course on any progress, or lack thereof, I make.
With the highest regards,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 11 Mar 2006 04:40 PM |
Dear Aderyn,
I am afraid that both my quest for better clothing and to meet with Grace have met with utter failure so far. However, some interesting things happened, that I do not wish to deny you. Strangely enough I can visualise you rolling your eyes when you are reading the word ‘interesting’. You are right of course, strictly speaking, the ensuing events were not very benign. Well, I did survive, so that has to count for something, correct?
Imagine my surprise earlier today when I met up with Sir Markus and Alton on the outskirts of the Great Plains. Where one would have normally expected to enter Mirghul forest, there was a sea of red greeting me. Hundreds of thousands of poppies were bobbing their frail heads in the wind, and copses of sugar maples stood there in their most resplendent autumnal colours. Were it not for the fact that indeed it isn’t autumn and that until yesterday these scarlet fields were afforested, one could deem this a miracle. And yet, it gets weirder still. There was a monument there, a grave marker to be more precise, commemorating the loss of all those who fought during the battle of the Great Plains. In itself that should be special too, as it seems unlikely that it could be erected in a single day or even less than that. Would you believe me if I told you that the monument was translucent? It seems to be made of ether, half in and out of this world, very much like a ghost. A man is praying there, has been praying there for over a day now, oblivious of his surroundings. This man, Jerec Duvados – my mother knew of him a long time ago – also happens to be protected by what seems to be a unicorn and an angel. Both are also thicker than air and not quite tangible.
Strange occurrences would you not say so? Perhaps the next part will sound even stranger. We decided to go and speak with Lex. From what I had heard, he seemed to fight Syn, trying to contain the Maldovian curse, and what is more, he knew Lady Grace. He had actually found her in the very building we were going to visit, so I gathered later. Forgive me for glancing over the mortal perils we encountered along our rather troubled journey, but I would otherwise worry you too much of course.
What we learned from Lex made the doubts in my heart and mind only greater (to be honest, it made my skin crawl). Avadielle’s fate, a fallen angel, was somehow linked with that of Grace. So here we have it, someone in the upper echelons of the Novus Aristi command, with access to the Hush tunnels and what Lex calls Automata, the neutral city. She throws geas on people like there is no tomorrow (which may very well be so, if we allow them to poke around Automata) and seems to be generally trusted by the Novus Aristi. Hardly anyone questions her or what she has done these last thousand years, but we can be certain of one thing: both she and Avadielle are very unstable.
Having spent what seems an eternity in the mind of a fallen angel myself, I can assure you that the last thing we want is another unstable angel. Certainly not one that is perhaps several millennia old. If I were Lucius or Balthor, I would be licking my lips and trying to find a way to distill her essence and either sell it or keep it for myself. Fortunately, I am neither.
And then now for the big finale. I have met with Natika. I could go on for ages on just what a pretty woman she is, but I shall cut to the chase immediately. She is nothing a but a cold hearted, venomous vampiress. Unfortunately she also happens to be one of the most powerful ones. It was only after we saw her that I learned how Lex and the vampires are on ‘friendly’ terms. To be more precise, I ought to say that they do not have a hostile relationship. Despite all Lex’ wards, the syn cursed Aristi woman stepped inside without so much as being hindered. We listened to her, politely (it is always wise to do so, something I had found out a long time ago when Fri’el had become Gukathul’s minion or when Lani invited me to Fiirhallen) and were eventually allowed to leave once more.
I can assure you that right now, I have had my fill of Maldovia. I hate the creepers, I hate the stalkers, I hate the nightmares and above all, I hate the vampires. But before you decide to send back some cheese to go with my whine, I shall finish this letter.
I hope that this letter finds you in excellent health and that soon I can send you some better news.
Until then, always remaining yours,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 15 Mar 2006 03:15 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
I’m sure that what I will tell you next, will take you completely by surprise: I have a knack for attracting trouble. No, I still haven’t met with Lady Grace, nor have the Maldovians started to hunt me for taunting them in a loincloth. No, it’s much, much worse. Earlier this week I was walking along the Buckshire coast when all of a sudden I saw myself appearing out of nowhere, all the while screaming how I would make Frobozz pay, only to disappear again. Allow me to clarify the above statement: I saw someone, seemingly an exact copy of me, just pop out of thin air and then whisk away once more. Was it a shapechanger who teleported in to make fun of me, or perhaps another mage who thought it would be hilarious to disguise himself magically?
Such thoughts were quickly pushed aside when I met with up with Connavar, who was closely followed by a rather intimidating ogre. As I would later learn, the ogre’s name was Lob. Those two told me, well in all honesty Conn told me and Lob used some sort of primal language, that they had seen me appearing and disappearing everywhere. I had been on the Great Plains and according to Lob had even somehow been making out with a blonde halfling priestess in Brandibuck! I assure you that I know naught about blonde halfling priestesses, anywhere, but it was still all very daunting. I decided to ask the priestess just what had happened and what she had done with whom (I know this sounds wrong, but I didn’t want that much detail really).
We, for both Conn and Lob decided to come with me, went to the Four Wind’s Inn so we could ride to Brandibuck. Imagine my surprise when all of a sudden Uwe, the owner, comes out screaming that he didn’t want any trouble from me, ‘Frobozz’. Being quite sure that I’m not that insane and widely feared wizard, I reassured him that I was Xaranthir and had no intentions of transforming his inn into a hut walking on chicken legs. According to our dear mister Uwe, it’s what I said 70 years ago as well. Now, I know I look daft in the loincloth and Esmeralda is doing me no favours either, but I have a feeling that the entire world has gone crazy. And yes, I very well know that this is what all insane people say, but I wasn’t even born 70 years ago!
Our little trip to Brandibuck was rudely interrupted as a couple bandits waylaid us in the desert. Talk about being daft. Ask Connavar put it: “Do I look like easy prey?”. I wonder whether it was Lob that made them think they could take us (he’s after all only 9 feet tall and probably just as wide), or me in nothing but a loincloth and a skull on top of my head. The last thing I’d ever want to do is try to take the belongings from someone who looks like a demon. At any rate, we finally arrived in Brandibuck.
The priestess lives in a hidden glade, that is quite lovely. I had indeed been there, but not the previous day as Lob said. After Connavar knocked on the door, a pretty, blonde halfling opened and immediately started screaming. At first we thought she was scared of Lob (who wouldn’t be?), but that was alas quite wrong. Once more I had to hear how my name was Frobozz and how I had used her to raise the Turnip Lord. It sure sounded like something Frobozz would do, except I’m starting to take personal offense he’s using me.
Neither of us got the chance to say anything, as she slammed the door shut and bolted it. When we heard sounds of a fight, I told Lob to break down her door and we entered her abode. Not a single sign of a halfling woman could be seen. All that was left was a glittering blue gem. Sensing its highly magical properties I picked it up. Actually, I should say tried to pick it up with great effort. Despite only being half an inch in diameter, it weighed nearly 50 pounds! When I touched it, I suddenly knew that this was a device that could alter time.
Have you ever seen the ice underneath a glacier? Due to the high pressure it becomes blue and that is exactly what this gem was: a very tightly compressed block of ice. I can’t even fathom the amount of pressure that was used to pack 50 pounds of ice into a tiny gem. It’s packed so hard that even constant exposure to the desert sun doesn’t melt it. And what is more, it is compressed so extremely that even time itself was captured inside it.
Hoping that we might find a trace of the disappeared woman, I decided to use the ice crystal. For someone who always tells others to be careful and look around, I sure do the stupidest things. With its powers unleashed I felt as though my body was being shredded, as though it was torn into hundreds if not thousands of copies. At that very time I understood that the appearing and disappearing Xaranthirs had been born that very instant. I was all over the place and all over time. Alas, we still didn’t learn more about how the halfling had been kidnapped. Would I do it in the future while returning in time? Was it Frobozz? Was it this dreaded Turnip Lord? I do not know.
What I dreaded most of all, was the solution that Connavar suggested. I would have to seek out and speak with Frobozz. He’s the only one who can make head or tails of the anachronicities. Suddenly, finding Lady Grace and talking to her about a guardian vampiric angel seems easy compared to this.
I do have some good news to report too, however. I met with a friend who has been delving into translocation magic. He actually managed to develop a spell that allows the user to magically jump around from one spot to another. The distance is limited, but nevertheless it means we no longer have to get wet feet when crossing a river! What is more, he said that my issues with time had helped him to finally develop it. As a gift he offered his notes, from which I then distilled the spell myself. I scribed it on a scroll and offered it to the library of Ka’azim. Surely such an important find shouldn’t become lost in time (if you pardon the pun).
This time really hoping I can bring you better news in my next letter,
((struck through)) Frobo...
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 15 Mar 2006 03:27 AM |
| ((anachronicities - a new word! excellent choice, if you ask me. Frobozz would be proud)) |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 15 Mar 2006 06:45 AM |
| ((Hahahahhaaa.... by the way, the Halfling was male. I was cracking up IG every time you referred to him as a female.)) |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 15 Mar 2006 07:08 AM |
((Bloody hell! I knew it! At first I kept saying it was a him, but then by looking at the portrait and listening to Lob -note to self: never listen to anything Lytton ever tells me again- I thought I was wrong. Gah! )) |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Curiosity killed the cat.
Posted: 19 Mar 2006 08:41 AM |
| dey all look deh same to meh |
ratemypoo.com |
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Horrors unfold.
Posted: 19 Mar 2006 01:38 PM |
Dear Aderyn,
Everything has gone horribly, horribly wrong. As of yesterday, Esmeralda escaped and started telling everyone – and I do mean everyone – about what lies beyond the Ikarian Bay. Hordes of people have come there now to see with their own eyes the alleged armada that will soon attack Midor or so they claim. Apparently she’s now staying with Jessup, who took up a watch as well. I’ve told him very truthfully that there’s nothing there but derelict ships, but that indeed it is a special place. As a matter of fact, besides the entrance to the Hush Tunnels, it’s also one of the few sites where Queen of the Night flowers. With the masses paying the bay a visit now, I’m not sure for how much longer it will be there. And it only flowers once a year!
But this is not why I am writing you. Something far worse has happened. I do not even know where to start… Perhaps I should start with my meeting in Bowness. Conn had told me that Blanche’s husband Philippe wanted to talk to me. Not only was he accompanied by Lady Grace but also by Jerec Duvados. I never learned what Philippe wanted from me, but Jerec was looking into the disappearance of Faloman, that halfling I had told you about in my previous letter (for the record, it seems that she is a he – sure fooled me). I scried for Faloman and found out that he had been turned into a purple badger. Yes, I suppose there are worse curses than having to walk around half naked. After some debating about how we could return the halfling to his original form, we decided to take a look at the turnips in Brandibuck (bear with me for a moment). You see, turnips are so dreadfully boring and unmagical that they can probably be used for the creation of purple badgers. If not just for the properties that it doesn’t have, a turnip is also … purple!
Having heard terrible stories about the Turnip Lord, we were very careful. But not so my friend Lucifer. He thought it was all hogwash and illusions. To prove to us that it truly was merely a story to scare children, he summoned it. I wish he hadn’t done it, for he truly did summon the dreaded Turnip Lord. And I can assure you that it is a horror unlike any Vives has ever known. You will see why in a moment.
Meanwhile, Alton and Markus had joined us and together we decided to visit Frobozz’ isle. Mind you, this wasn’t my idea, but Jerec who had insisted that I try to undo the purple badger curse there by – and you will never guess this one – creating a purple badger! In retrospective, it was complete and utter madness. When finally we arrived at the isle, we descended into the labyrinth that seemingly runs for miles and miles. Neither of us knew the way, and so Jerec suggested – mind you, once more it was him – that perhaps I should think like Frobozz since everyone seems to think I am him or he is me. Whatever.
Actually I didn’t remember anything from this point forward, but Jerec was so kind as to write me a very detailed, nay an extremely pedantic report. I say, it was the most boring work I have ever read, and I do mean ever. But I digress. From that point onwards I had done the exact same things the insane wizard would have done. For instance: I pulled a moustache out of my ear, must have performed the silliest if not stupidest dance in the entire timeframe man has existed and finally teleported us all to Frobozz lab. Or should I say my lab, because not only did Frobozz, actually another me, show up, but I had completely forgotten about myself.
To my own horror, I had acted exactly as Frobozz would have. Unfortunately I also did something unpardonable, even to myself. As much as I hate to tell you this, as much as I hated hearing it myself, as much as I hated actually having done this… I have created a purple badger. The very first one. It may seem illogical that I could invent one when they were already there, but that’s besides the point. I have invented them now. Frobozz, invented them now.
Remember the Turnip Lord? I also learned afterwards why it was necessary to raise it from it’s patchy grave. Forget purple badgers. Forget Frobozz (well that would be me, no? Scratch that, don’t forget me!). The Turnip Lord will give rise to a whole new species of dread: the awakened legendary dire purple badger! Yes, awakened! It’ll be the bane of all things arcane…
Ah yes, and I also called Jerec a Maldovian, which is something he denied. Apparently his name is Maldovian but he definitely isn’t or so he says. I’m having doubts here. Did you notice how he pushed me into everything? He made me feel guilty about Faloman’s abduction and subsequent purple badgerisation! Now he wants to make me feel guilty about creating that badger. The man needs to make up his mind. I wonder who the insane one is here?
When we finally got out of the laboratory – I had teleported us out – I came back to my senses, but had forgotten everything that had transpired before. It took us ages to get out of the maze, but finally we escaped.
So what is the end result? I have been given halfling robes from one of my simulacrums. To what end, I do not know. Perhaps to help with the scrying but that wasn’t what I … he had said. I have become Frobozz or have thought so at any rate and have unleashed horrors onto the world. What am I to do now? How can I ever fix any of this? How will anything be ever right again?
Hoping to find an answer to these conundrums,
Fr ((furiously scratched))
Xaranthir. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Horrors unfold.
Posted: 19 Mar 2006 06:58 PM |
| ((yeah, sure..blame the wizard)) |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
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"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
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<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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The Library and the Eunuch
Posted: 22 Mar 2006 04:16 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
It seems that problems just keep stacking, as I am once more in the midst of yet another quandary. La Sapienza, that most beautiful building in Midor where I have spent most of my youth and adult life, is under duress. From Lucifer I learned that access has been prohibited to everyone. Somehow the Midorans must fear the knowledge that is present there, which is truly something that worries me greatly. What has happened in the formerly fair city, the totalitarian regime – a monstrosity really that doesn’t know its match anywhere else – is deplorable and something that seemed unstoppable. I’ve been foolish many times, but going in there and telling Midoran to stick it somewhere is only something Balthor would do (which reminds me that I need to tell you something about him).
What then is the problem at hand? Simply that if they decided that the books contain dangerous lore (which they don’t, I assure you – unless it means dangerous to the regime), instead of closing the library and warding it, it would be far easier to just burn the building. Why install costly and time consuming wards when you can get rid of it in one blaze? And they seem awfully fond of fires right now. My concern is more than just for my chambers alone, because La Sapienza represents something we should all hold dear. It holds accounts of art, literature, scholarly knowledge – however boring that may be at time – and it should be preserved.
So I have decided to save it. I cannot possibly remove the thousands of books present there in one night –even a week wouldn’t be enough -, but there may yet be another way. Lucifer said that spellcasting in the city has become very difficult. Not impossible, but difficult. There isn’t much time left I’m afraid, but I will need some to test out a few things. My ultimate plan is to move the library in its entirety from Midor and place it somewhere far away from Midor. The difficulty here of course will be how to remove a building that encompasses dozens of halls and several floors. Yet I am adamant to find a way.
And I do have some news about Balthor. Remember him? He’s that greedy dwarf who ran head first into dragon dens to slay them. Somehow it was mostly him who got the worst deal out of it, to the point that I could go and haggle over his body (only at the request of others or I would have let him rot there). One would think him to be the epitome of a brazen male, right? Well perhaps very stupid, but still the prototype of what most stories say a man should be like.
Imagine my surprise when I learned yesterday from his very own mouth, that he is a eunuch! Apparently he had learned that keeping two purple badgers to one’s skin, can restore one’s manhood. I had never heard anything so preposterous in my entire life, but there he was, having shoved down a purple badger down the back of his shirt and holding another one affectionately. I almost felt pity for the abominations. I’m not sure it’s anything I would wish upon them.
This is it for now, as Esmeralda is still running rampant and Lady Grace is ever so talkative. Faloman has still not been found (how does one differentiate between those purple badgers anyway?), but the Hush Tunnels seemed to have closed off the entrance at the bay. And fortunately the Queen’s site is still untouched!
With high regards,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: The Library and the Eunuch
Posted: 01 Jun 2006 04:34 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
My curiosity has often led me to strange places, but never such ones as strange as these. Have you ever walked around in forests that feel older than the world itself? I have been in a wood with boles so majestic that it makes you feel tiny and irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, but instead of being awed, I felt oppressed. It was as though thousands of eyes were upon me, watching my every move, even though I knew to be invisible to all. To be honest, it gave me the creeps, even more so than when I went to look for the Orchis sanguinea, that wonderful vampiric ochid.
Strange creatures dwell there, walking trees if you would believe me (and how I would love to have a couple for my garden), and none of them to keen on visitors. How do I know this if they couldn’t see me? Easy enough, for after setting only two steps inside the - what I believed to be - virgin forest, I stumbled over vines. Not just any vines, but razorthorn. Had it not been for my magical protections, my foot would have been severed at the ankle. Razorthorn is truly one of the most vicious plants in existence, but at least it’s not sentient. Yet. It wasn’t the only trap awaiting me. At first I considered the walking trees to be responsible for these crude, but very effective, deterrents. However, they cannot bend down and so it’s impossible for them to actually attach the vines anywhere. Furthermore, once I stepped onto an exploding patch of … well, it looked like leaves to me at first. Although the trees are sentient they do not seem to possess the level of intelligence to fabricate such intricate traps. Oh and fear not, my wards protected me from the blast.
Great was my surprise when I suddenly ended up on a walkway through the canopy of yet another forest. I’m no expert really in these matters, but I could have sworn that this was made by elves and yet, not a single elf was in sight. I pressed forward, either dismantling certain traps or just avoiding them (aye, I had learned my lesson now and made sure to look twice before going anywhere). That journey led me to a system of caves, which felt even more oppressive due to the humidity and the stench of decay. And let’s not forget the spiders. I passed those without any problems, but the deeper I went into the caves, the stronger the odour became, a smell of rot. It was only when I ended up in the midst of a swamp, that I understood why: the rotting vegetation made me almost gag.
A fetid swamp never held me back before though and it certainly didn’t do so now! I must say that the abundance of traps underneath the murky water would have been quite lethal had it not been for my keen senses. The swamp bordered yet another forest and of course I just had to see it. I suppose that no one places traps just for the heck of it and I very strongly wanted to know what it was that needed such good protection. I think it may have been a mistake in retrospect, for what I saw chilled my enthusiasm considerably. It looks like someone or something is worshipping a dark divinity there. Perhaps I’m a bit presumptuous to jump to that conclusion but after seeing the sacrifices strewn about, all of them quite human I think, I’m quite convinced of this. And I’m equally convinced that it was a very good thing for me to get away from there as quickly as possible.
All in all, it was a most enjoyable day otherwise and quiet interesting. Also quite interesting is the rise of some sort of magical guild or order, calling itself the Magistry. They claim that magic should only be in the hands of their members. I’m afraid I cannot quite agree with that and will have to show them, whomever they are, that magic is not to be bound or leashed.
And I have some gossip too to share. Apparently Balthor, the dwarf who considers himself so very important, is in reality a eunuch! I heard it from various sources now and some claim to have heard it from the dwarf himself or from his brother. I never knew he had a brother, but well, I never really knew him all that well.
At any rate, I wish you well. I’ll be off in search of Nippie now.
Yours,
X |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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The Prophesy
Posted: 20 Jun 2006 10:32 AM |
((The following is OOC. No one but Talion and Fennigan know about this and of course they don't know X' inner thoughts. So please RP accordingly))
Dear Aderyn,
Several days ago, someone had replied in a most unconventional way to one of my messages. The original message is not very important, but the reply was most enigmatic unless, of course, you receive lots of replies engraved in slabs of ice. The reliefs of hourglasses and the embedded Ice Diamond gave it away as Helkrisian in nature. The work of art shimmered with rare glitterway lights, which was clearly an indication that Aurora, the Ice Queen’s sorceress, had sent me the message. Furthermore, a game of chess with the pieces at their starting positions was depicted, indicating that she somehow wanted to talk to me about a game being played. Curious as I am (of course, have you ever known me to be anything else), I accepted the invitation, but apparently I wasn’t alone. Two others were in the Vale, Talion and a halfling, whose name I have forgotten – if ever I knew him.
I’ll spare you the trip there, but finally we arrived at the Ice Palace. Hardly had I introduced ourselves when Aurora immediately came down to business. Apparently they (I assume Helkrisians) had become aware of me, for I had stepped into their domain. At first I thought they meant the lands of ice, but it soon became clear that she meant the streams of time. According to her, the streams of time are muddied right now and need to be once more cleared. As you might understand I didn’t feel all too brave at that moment, for I thought that they would simply remove the one who muddied the stream in the first place. But my worries were for naught as she told me matter of factly that I had asked a question and from her demeanour I knew we would get an answer.
The walls, floor and ceiling of the castle flickered with images as she started speaking. I am not sure that she was fully aware of her actions, for she seemed to be prophesising. And as she spoke, the game was slowly unfolded. It was indeed like a game of chess. She spoke of white pawns, who only lived to die and of red, clothed in the brilliance of white. The latter know that they have to die, as they chose death themselves. They choose for the world to dishonour them. They are the frontline in an asymmetrical war. Next we saw images of the Midorans, who were described as the white knights, described as the fists of either justice or injustice. The visions showed people being abducted, disappearing forever more. Red knights moved in completely different ways, that are hard to predict.
But it was when she uttered the word bishops that I felt my breath stock. Lain dormant until now, the white bishops come into play. I am sure I understood correctly when she used the plural bishops. And most enigmatically, she told me that the red bishops are not The Red Bishop. Discretion being their main attribute, the other side cannot know that a war is being fought. The might and backbone are the white rooks and in the walls we saw the silhouette of what must be one of the greatest wyrms to live on Vives. The red was gigantic and even though it was merely an image, I still felt awed.
And yet red has a power too, according to Aurora. A secret power that moves in subtle ways. The red rooks move silently, stealthily, but they are more powerful than anyone knows. And indeed we saw yet another dragon, whose scales shimmered and shined as though one were looking through a crystal. Never have I laid eyes on something so beautiful. You can imagine how I had a very hard time not asking her any questions, but she wouldn’t have answered them. What did she mean when she said that they are what hold the world together, that have always held the world together? Somehow deeply down I understood what she meant, but my mind couldn’t fathom it. It is when she asked whether there was truth in what I had said in madness, or if it had been merely an illusion of truth that I could no longer stay my tongue. We saw the reflection of the red queen who according to Aurora moves freely, swiftly and efficiently, while the red king stands behind the scenes. Are they who they appear to be, or does someone else lead? It was a strange question, until I saw her. The queen and king were apparently called Amaranth and Atropos, eternal life and eternal death, but it was not them I was interested in. Atropos was wearing Esmeralda. As on cue –could they hear me?- the man, Atropos, removed the mask. Aurora just continued with her litany, asking whether it was truth or illusion, a mask behind a mask. What she said next filled me with dread.
I quote her: “The death's head is not yet where it must be. And there - there is the beginning. Unto the Death's Head, bestow the death's head. He does not possess it yet.”
There are several problems with the above. For one, I do not possess Esmeralda anymore. She flew away and is now working with Jessup. Two, despite the knowledge of her approximate whereabouts, I’m uncertain of how to coerce her into joining me, although I do have an idea of course. After all, she always wanted to visit tombs, well I suppose she can go visit this one with me. No one said I had to tell the truth, right? Because apparently if I don’t get her there, the alternative isn’t very pretty. If what Aurora showed us is true, we’ll have a repeat scene of what happened several months ago with the battle of the three and this time there would be no ending.
Finally, we saw a flicker of La Sapienza. The other two hadn’t recognised the place, but having spent there most my life, it was quite definitely the library and not the museum as the others suggested. Why then has this been shown to me?
How much of what we saw is truth? A part of it? All of it? It would seem that the best thing to do right now is to go to talk to some of the Aristi. Unfortunately, they won’t take me very seriously if I show up in this loincloth. Actually, at the moment, I fear that they don’t take me seriously anymore at all, as a result of the Frobozz phases. So my prime task will be to finish that greater disjunction spell that Lucifer talked about. We are still missing a part and although I may have an idea where to find it, I do not rejoice in going there. It is certain death. I was lucky that the first time he ended the geas, this time I might not be so fortunate.
Nevertheless, it will be necessary. I can no longer function like this. It needs to come to a halt. Once the cursed accoutrement has been shredded, I’ll have to arrange a meeting with the Aristi. Fortunately the other two who accompanied me today have no clue that I am to take Esmeralda back. The only thing they know is that I need to arrange a date with Amaranth, who according to Talion is a vampire. Well, at least he’s no loremaster.
The moment I have finished this task, you shall hear from me again. In the meantime, take good care of yourself.
Yours,
Xaranthir
PS: for several days now Amna’rak has been running around with either a trumpet or violin. I’m sorry to say that many animals have simply died of hearing his mournful plays. Or perhaps it was fright. I’m not sure which yet. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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An End. A Start.
Posted: 26 Jun 2006 05:08 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
Both are done. With the help of Lucifer I was able to lift the curse and remove the mind addling loincloth. Unfortunately, the garment turned to dust. Unfortunately indeed, for it could have proved helpful in understanding weaving different layers of protection into one material. As far as I understand it, Lucifer hasn’t really progressed in his endeavour to combine protections. His last suggestion, which involved using a permanent hail storm, didn’t seem all that practical to me. I may not always have acted quite sane these last months, yet I think that in many ways he’s sometimes more like Frobozz than I ever was. Despite this, I have other good news to share, for as I said both are done.
I was able to obtain the mithril needed for the cloth and found the perfect smith, one Kakita, to hammer it into an evenly thin sheet. Actually it’s so thin that it cuts through flesh and bone alike. I had to pack it in between blocks of wood as to be able to carry it, without cutting myself in half.
Last night, under a starry sky, I was able to embed those fine ethereal tendrils of phase spider silk into the sheet of mithril. Through the judicious use of several rare oils, such as the extract of dragon scales - the latter which I had somehow gained while in one of those Frobozz phases – I was able to not just create an extremely resilient, but also a very supple material. It no longer is the rigid metal sheet that I had obtained, but a silvery coloured cloth. And as was my goal, it’ll expand to a much larger size, with in its midst a deep hole that is out of phase when folded.
I’ve already discussed with Lucifer our way inside and apart from some minor points, he seems to agree. If all is well we should be able to start the operation soon. But before that, I will need to have him weave those protections on it. Let’s hope that he comes up with a solution quickly, preferably even yesterday.
The people who went with me to speak with Aurora and were also part of the prophetic images, have begun to ask me rather annoying questions about the death’s head. I was convinced that they hadn’t paid strict attention to Atropos’ headwear, but it may seem that I was wrong. At any rate, they somehow think that it’s related to something that Lucius is wearing. What preposterous reasoning. I can’t say I’ve ever been interested in anything the man does, apart from carrying a certain amount of disgust for it.
Actually, yesterday I was asked if Lucius is a powerful wizard. I suppose so. An ogre swinging a dead tree around is also powerful, but the crudity of it all doesn’t make one a fine example of what a wizard is like. Flinging around raw power like there’s no tomorrow (and if he keeps it up like this, one of these days that will indeed be so) is just the mark of those who need to show off. If he is to be the prime example of wizardy, I’d rather be a farmer then. Obviously he doesn’t even know what he’s doing when he summons fiends, something which has happened quite a lot apparently judging from my sources. So powerful? Sure, but also quite incompetent and foolish. And those, my dear Aderyn, are bad attributes for just about anyone.
At any rate, I’ll keep you updated on the progress with the project. Stay safe.
Yours,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Full Circle
Posted: 29 Jun 2006 03:13 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
Never say never. I had thought the insanity had stopped, but it only took one minute of talking to Lucifer to find out that it hadn’t and probably never would either. I’m under the vague impression that never saying never doesn’t apply to ending madness, then again, I’ve been wrong before.
Lucifer kindly informed if I had moved. Not sure that I quite understood him, I told him that of course I hadn’t as we were on a boat trip and it was the boat that moved. He quickly asserted me that it was not what he meant and once more asked if I had moved. It appeared that he had stumbled upon my belongings outside of Midor. Since I haven’t been in Midor in ages, I can only assume that someone must have stolen my belongings. For one, I couldn’t see the Midorans moving anything – they’d probably rather destroy it all – but it also seemed very strange. La Sapienza has been closed for months now, so who had access there? I had been seeking entrance myself of course, for a completely different reason than moving my meagre possessions, and thus this all came as quite a surprise.
What is worse – actually it’s terrible – is the fact that all my belongings have been moved to that cursed isle. I went there with Lucifer of course for I wanted to see it with my own eyes. We spent hours in the labyrinth, as everything seems to have shifted until finally we arrived in something I had never seen before. And unfortunately Lucifer had been right from the very start. It were my possessions, as I don’t know of anyone who has won a crystal blade from Queen Aquilas. Besides, my collection of historical armours, ranging from Se’eth to Fiirhallen gave little doubt as to whom the owner was.
If I had any doubts left – perhaps it would be better to say hope, for I hoped that it wasn’t true, it was utterly crushed when I found the note. Getting imploded makes me feel giddy compared to what it said:
“This place is a mess now, so clean the premises. Also, you’ve been appointed gardener. So tend to the plants.”
Of course it was signed Frobozz. The man is my eternal curse, he follows me closer than my own shadow. He seems to be everywhere, seems to follow every move that I make. He torments me and has ruined my life more than once. Whenever I think I can breathe freely, he’s there once more. I suppose I could just run away and ignore it all, but I have a feeling, no, I am sure that it would avail to nothing. I give up, Aderyn. I’ll become his darn gardener.
Speaking of which, I didn’t really understand what he meant, as there weren’t any plants around. That is, until Lucifer kindly pointed to some vines hanging from the ceiling, which seemed to come from a hole high up in the ceiling. Lucifer asked me if I had ever heard of a story called Jack and the Vinestalker or something, about a boy who stalked vines in the clouds. Or perhaps he had bound a cloud with a vine which he threw as a lasso? I’ve forgotten the details, but what do two wizards do when confronted with vines dangling from a hole high above? What does any sane person do? Why, they climb it of course. I know, it doesn’t make sense, not one bit.
Nevertheless, we arrived in a truly mystical, if not mythical place. Plants from all over the world surrounded us. Snappervines, the extremely rare shadewillow that grows shadetomatoes, manticore cacti, assassin vines, sorcerer’s sundew, … You name it and it’s there. And if I needed more proof that someone –most likely Frobozz – stole my belongings, my beloved Maldovian Bloodorchid was there too.
What was more, on one of the walls hung a boar’s head. Judging from its sad look, it’s the very same boar that Amna’rak fiddled to death with his mournful song a few weeks ago. Now it could be just me, but nothing surprises me anymore, yet I think I saw it twitch a few times. So I’m not quite sure it’s really dead. Perhaps it’s dead, but not dead dead. You know what I mean? At any rate we left then as Lucifer didn’t really enjoy himself there.
I’ll write you back later, because right now I need to find someone from the Aristi or Alliance. I need to understand the visions I saw and only they can help me. Until later, Aderyn, and hopefully without anymore complications.
With high regards,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Trickery?
Posted: 30 Jun 2006 04:32 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
I’ve met with Lady Rosen, who was of course rather wary of me given our previous encounters. Nevertheless, she was willing to listen and showed great interest in what I told her. She’ll inform both the Aristi and the Alliance, of which she’s apparently a member. My quest to find out more about Claude, Atropos and Esmeralda met with dismal failure though, for she had only heard the name once or so. Before taking, let me rephrase that, before trying to take Esmeralda to where she’s supposedly should be, I’d like to find out a little bit more.
Already she’s doing the world no favours by being in the hands of a crime lord, let alone I would let her roam with that. Unfortunately our meeting was disrupted, not by turnips or badgers or Frobozz, but something I fear even more. Out of nowhere an Atalan suddenly stood there in front of us, demanding that we gave it back. It didn’t take us long to figure out what exactly this it was. It was a gem and judging from how she told me – if I had hoped they wouldn’t remember me, I was wrong – that this time I wouldn’t destroy it, I knew immediately that she was speaking about a power node.
This realisation drained me at first of all energy. I felt literally as though the life had been sucked out of me. But then she, the Atalan was a woman, jolted me by telling us that a halfling had stolen it from their cave and that she was going to stop her. As I’ve told you, my mind didn’t work perfectly and like slaves following their master’s order, Rosen and I followed the Atalan who had disguised herself as a human.
Eventually we arrived in Port and thanks to Jusin in Brandibuck we knew she was looking for a blonde halfling, a Hin we found in Johe’s store. I had met her before, a foolish little girl who goes by the name Cora and who calls herself the cutest sorceress in the lands of Vives (see, that’s what I meant with foolish; I can also add childish to the list). When we confronted her about the gem, she denied at first of course. Her companion, an equally ignorant halfling, told us to leave her alone as it was her gem. The fool even tripped me so Cora could get away. Unfortunately for her, this is when the Atalan mage, I should say archmage, appeared again. Everything went from bad to worse right then.
Something still didn’t feel right, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I’ll get to that later. She demanded the gem back, which of course Cora refused. I took my chance then as she wasn’t paying attention to me and immobilised the Atalan with magic. Unfortunately, she had sealed the door and to our detriment she wasn’t alone either. Another Atalan suddenly jumped out of the shadows and not only killed Cora’s halfling friend but also grievously wounded Lady Rosen. I killed him in return – and I’m sure that the Atalan will add this to their list as well – and finally we managed to flee as Rosen shouldered the door.
I told Cora to come with me as I knew the perfect hideout. At first she didn’t trust me, thinking that I was just after her gem – of course I was, but there was no time for that then – but when I confronted her with the dead of her friend, a certain Akly, she quickly followed me. We went to the only place I could think of, where magic users couldn’t follow us and where most people get lost – the sole place on Vives where I’d rather not go willingly (well there are a couple others too of course…): Frobozz’ isle.
The isle is the bane of any magic user and as most of the Atalan rely on magic, I felt safer there than anywhere else. I tried to convince Cora to give up the gem, to make her see that what she had wasn’t a toy or just an ordinary magical item, but something which could not just destroy her, but possibly the world. As it goes with all those who fall prey to a siren’s song, they do not listen to reason. So I did the only thing I could do. I knocked her out. Unfortunately I didn’t find the gem and it was only when she was conscious again that she pulled it out, in the hopes of trying to use it. She couldn’t cast a spell to save her life, the wild magic twisting everything, but through some fluke or was it good luck, I managed to grab the gem by accelerating myself a thousand times.
It was not the smartest move in my life. Where I had been able to resist the lure of the power nodes in the past, albeit with great difficulty, this time I fell prey to it. I wanted it, I needed it and finally it was mine. I left the halfling in the labyrinth, all by herself, not caring if she died of thirst or hunger.
Hours later, after making sure I was somewhere alone and secure, I studied the gem. I wanted to unlock its powers, to unravel its mysteries. I didn’t discover much alas, apart that the gem was self sustaining. Unlike the other power nodes, this seemed to attract a person in other ways. It was as though the holder was drawn in. If there was a purpose and function to it, I didn’t find it and so I tried another approach. I used magic on it. Nothing worked, until I used that which undid the curse of the loincloth. Its magic stopped and when I cast another spell at it, the crystal shattered. I collected the dust, not because I missed the gem terribly, but because it may prove useful later.
There are a couple things that I need to find out still. Where did Cora find that gem? Alas, the bleating girl only could whine about how I stole her precious gem and that I should give it back to her. When I told her I would if she told me where she had found it, she said she wanted it back first. Apparently her want for it wasn’t all that great, for she kept refusing. Perhaps I’ll have more success with her friend Akly, who apparently got restored back to life. Let’s see if he wishes to die once more on behalf of that self appointed cute sorcerer.
What worries me however is why an incompetent like her got that gem in the first place? I can’t believe that the Atalan just leave power nodes scattered around caves. So it’s my impression that they planted it there and wanted it to be found. For what reason however? As I’ve written above, this gem is different and the Atalan mage telling me that I wouldn’t destroy this one, makes me even more suspicious. Perhaps they wanted me to destroy it? I pray to Theus that it is not so, for that would mean that I have started something which may defy our imagination yet.
Hopefully until later, with better news,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Power
Posted: 01 Jul 2006 03:10 AM |
((Disclaimer: Unless you've been told this directly, you don't know anything about this!))
Dear Aderyn,
I had expected that the news would spread, but never this fast. Then again, it didn’t surprise me too much. It seems that the Atalan and their gems are on everyone’s tongue nowadays. I rarely venture outside again, without at least some measure of protection, for despite the fact that the Atalan are territorial, their arms can reach far. And so it came to be that while I was in Carfax, I saw Lucius and a fat dwarf looking for something. Although in retrospect I now know that they were looking for someone. Me.
I took off for Port, magically jumping around both with invisibility and an ethereal shield pulled up to shake off any pursuant. It must be that I have underestimated Lucius. Apparently he now possesses the tracking skills of a dragon or even god. Perhaps it was his companion the obese dwarf, but nevertheless, Lucius found me in Port. How matters little at this point, although I will have to take extra measures of course.
Lucius kindly suggested that he had to talk to me and pointed to the PAJWT building. When I went in, I immediately closed the door and two seconds later, it opened again. There was no one I could see, either inside or out, but it was then that I realised that Lucius and Dana had often been seen travelling in the company of a fat dwarf, his name was something like Heavyweight Sam. I’ve encountered enough people in my life to know that some of them are extremely good at hiding. Given the fact that all this took place at PAJWT, there’s little doubt in my mind that they are affiliated with the crime lord Mister Jessup. I wonder if Lucius was taking the initiative himself or if he was working for Jessup.
We went upstairs to his room – that was luckily sheep and prostitute free; yes, don’t ask – and Lucius immediately cut to the chase. What did I know about the gems? Already he had been told by Fri’el that the Atalan were seeking them and what was more that I had once died to destroy several of them. Ah Fri’el… always sticking her nose into business that she shouldn’t. Actually I wonder how she knew that fact, since I never told anyone. I didn’t leave any notes, so it truly makes me wonder who she’s working for now.
Anyway, she had also told Lucius that the Atalan were corrupted by them. Lucius suddenly accused me of lying when I told him that I knew nothing about these gems. Surely if I had blown myself up to protect the world from a cataclysm I had to know something? If they were the same power nodes, it would have been a lie, now it was only a tiny lie. I know that they’re different, that they very closely resemble a power node and are self sustained artifacts that have no connection whatsoever to magic in general. I seemed pulled to it yesterday. Not as before, but as if the magic of the gem itself pulled me in, as opposed to my own desires drawing myself to it. Oh, I once succumbed to the call of a power node and it was nothing like what happened now. To many the differences would probably be negligible, but having experienced both calls, I can assure you that they’re two different things.
Apparently Lucius has been approached by the Atalan, who promised him power and knowledge –something which Lucius seems to confuse with one another – if he would obtain the gem from Cora. Unfortunately, I intervened when he was trying to and then subsequently, I also acquired it. But you know what happened afterwards. And so the main question of the day was to be what I had done with it. Needless to say that I didn’t tell him what that was. I trust him as far as I can throw him. I don’t trust myself in this, so I certainly won’t start having faith in someone intent on obtaining wealth and power – again the same thing to him. And how he insisted on knowing what the gems could do!
Later that day, I met Talion, who also inquired about the gems. I played the fool, but he’s smarter than Lucius I would think. If not that, certainly more shrewd. At any rate, he learned nothing from me. I did learn something from him though. Apparently rumour has it that Lucius already possesses one of the gems and that he’s being corrupted by it. According to some Lucius has been acting in strange ways. Then again, I’ve never known him to be anything else but strange. At least I was under the influence of that curse, but what excuse does he have for pretending to be a chicken in front of a dragon? And he would like me to tell what I know about the power nodes? Indeed, my sentiments exactly.
I’ll write you back later, Aderyn. I hope this letter finds you well and that I will speak with you soon again.
Sincerely,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Past, Present, Future
Posted: 11 Jul 2006 10:35 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
History repeats itself. At least that is what they say. Yesterday as I was making my way towards Brandibuck, I heard voices, which I couldn’t help to overhear. It also helped that there was a small cliff where I could hide myself, while those talking were on top of the hill. I heard a woman and a halfling having a strange conversation about scythes, marks and strange happenings. No longer being able to suppress my curiosity, I joined them, where I was promptly greeted by a halfling named Fennigan.
He sounded as though I was a heaven’s sent and quickly prompted the woman, who seemed vaguely familiar, to tell her tale to me. After the introductions –her name was Serai-, I learned that indeed we had met once in the past. As it had been a rather fleeting encounter and she never told her name then, I had forgotten all about it. Yet apparently something was wrong now. Fennigan was very worried about it, but he dared not speak to me. He almost seemed afraid of Serai, who wasn’t threatening at all. Then again, appearances are of course deceiving. After all, there’s people who fling magic around and consider themselves to be mages, while they wouldn’t even know the first thing about it. But I digress.
Fennigan, who is under the control of Desth’des, told me later that evening –once we were alone- why he is so worried about Serai. Apparently, the two of them and Sinjin –not the wisest man in existence either- went to the cold lands to kill the frost giants. Wherever they went scythes appeared, preceding their path. That is indeed quite uncommon, but it gets weirder still. They killed many of the giants, but their leader was a bit beyond their capabilities and Serai and Fennigan fell. When Fennigan opened his eyes again – I think he was raised through the judicious use of a scroll by Sinjin- Sinjin tried to unite Serai’s soul with her body as well. The magic went awry –I’ll need to investigate this wild magic zone there- but somehow she was revived again. It’s my personal opinion that the magic may have had some residual effect, but that the essence of it got through.
The strangest part was when Serai picked up yet another scythe that had somehow appeared there and suddenly became a true fury. She sliced through the giants like a farmer through the wheat. At this point, something was gnawing in my mind. I had a feeling of déjà vu. When Fennigan announced that she was also wearing a skull mask, I knew for sure. Yet first I asked him her full name, which apparently is Serai Aquesti. When I heard that, I couldn’t suppress a smile while being worried at the same time.
Serai Aquesti is after all nothing but a scrambled form of Quies Asteria, the woman who lived next door to me in La Sapienza. It felt as though I was once more shred apart and put together when I realised it. Two years had passed since I had last seen her on Ka’azim. I still remember it as though it was yesterday. Both Calmeir and I were present then and we were sure that we had seen the last of her. And now of course, she is back. What is more though, she seems to be shunning me. Perhaps it is because she was afraid I’d find out her true identity? Or is it because I know whom she serves? If that is of course still the same. I am sure of nothing.
I’ve asked Fennigan to keep an eye on her, both in her own and my interest. I’ll stay away from her for a while, unless it can’t be helped of course. Having dealt with Quies I know that forcing her one way only leads to her running the other and cornering her is a very bad idea indeed. She possesses inhuman strength, which is of course a result of the pact she made. Ah decisions, decisions!
Speaking of which, I also spoke to Lady Grace this morning, regarding the prophetic viewing I received from Aurora. She was of course very wary of me –having dealt with those pesky Frobozzian clones- but after a while she understood that she had little to fear from me. I must say though, that I’m not sure of anything. She’s about as mysterious as Quies, if not more. When I told her about the dragons, she asked me if I meant the murals. She doesn’t even know that a basilisk exists. She’s a strange one, but she was nevertheless surprised when I brought up the name Amaranth. After some prodding I got out of her that there’s only one Amaranth and that it doesn’t really exist, like … yes, dragons. When I pressed her about more information regarding Amaranth she snapped shut like a crocodile’s mouth and told me that she had to consult Phillippe or Byron first.
I’m still quite unsure of what to make of Lady Grace. At least with Se’eth you know what to expect. He’ll blast you sky high without a moment’s thought, while Grace seems friendly one minute and then all reserved and paranoid the next. To say the very least, she’s weird. I’d bring her a basilisk just to prove that they’re not fairy tale creatures, but I’m afraid she might not appreciate the gesture.
I wish you well,
Xaranthir. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Great is Evil
Posted: 16 Jul 2006 04:34 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
I’ve finally managed to see Lord Byron Lorian. Despite having told the story twice already, it had not reached his ears yet. We met in Icy Vale after a shaky ride in that flying contraption, but once I told him I had something confidential to share – although I’m intrigued to see how long it’ll remain confidential as I’ve told one paladin and Lady Grace – and he suggested we took it elsewhere. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been there, scaring most of the inhabitants while plummeting down from the cloudy skies, but Haven still hasn’t lost it’s strange appeal to me.
It wasn’t just Byron and me however, as Claudia accompanied him and some other woman, whose name I wasn’t told –I’ll call her miss Backup-, merely that they were family. Claudia being a halfling I doubt he meant that they were bloodrelatives. Yet I digress. Before we left for Haven though, I had to explain that I no longer was under the influence of that dire curse, which elicited remarks from Byron about how he was running around in a loincloth while being turned purple. Just to spite me I guess, he had to mention the name of that peacock Karlina. Judging from the way he talked about her, I have a feeling he’s interested in her. It’s my personal opinion that an airhead would be a good addition to the Novus Aristi, but you’ll see why later on. I digress yet again though.
We went to the command tent, where I once more told the tale. Once I mentioned Death’s Head the two women looked worried, especially miss Backup. Byron on the other hand was more interested in hearing about the mask that Atropos was wearing and he kept incessantly asking about Esmeralda’s whereabouts, which only led to me ceaselessly avoiding his questions. I’m not one of his loose lipped Heralds after all. Seemingly not perturbed by the lack of information regarding Esmeralda, Byron told me that the Novus Aristi are not the red side. Yet according to him, it does concern them, because, and I use his very own words here “This does concern the Aristi. As we are defenders of the Greater Good, so must we do all we can to help those fighting darkness. In this case, Midor.”
Ah yes, he used the two words in my favourite combination, the Greater Good. In my humble opinion there is no such thing as the Greater Good, it’s merely an illusion, a ploy for people to gain authority, might, power and to eventually do what they dang well please to do. Again in his words, it is only that no one has stood for it in so long, many think it is dead. To be honest, I sincerely hope it is dead. Before we continued to explore the motives of this so called greater good association, Byron told me he could get me into contact with the Red side. Apparently he’s bound by his honour, so he couldn’t inform me directly whom they are. On the other hand, he also can’t contact the Amaranth and Atropos, which are nothing but titles – or so he claims. I asked him to write the letter so that they would contact me if they’re interested in hearing the rest. When Byron heard that, he was genuinely surprised. But let us see if indeed he is a man of his word, for we didn’t part as friends, I can tell you that much.
As I was about ready to leave, he had to bring it up again of course. With the blood of dragons in my veins I’m wholly immune to mind magic and certainly to a theatrical diatribe about the greater good. If there’s one thing I despise, apart from people torturing others or killing them over differing opinions, it’s someone trying to brainwash me with the nonsense that is the greater good.
I distinctly remember a meeting with Jerec, quite a while ago, wherein we discussed the foolishness of adhering to such beliefs. I told him that it’s easier to live under a tyrant, because his attention waxes and wanes, than it is to live under the thumb of those self righteous people who believe in the greater good. They are morally sick. And I know very well that I’m speaking here about a faction that is being led by a friend of mine – Blanche.
They make it sounds so very grand and special, but they adhere to something that has gone extinct. Ah yes they say, the people may have vanished – well all but those two relicts from the past I should say- but the Code survived! Why are they upholding believes of something that vanished centuries ago and that, judging from what can be gleaned, was just as decadent and bureaucratic as current Midor?
In my life, I have seen more harm done in the name of greater good than by anything else. As I’ve told them, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I must have hit to close to home, for Byron became angry and that’s again, quite an understatement. How dare I badmouth their organisation that tries to help the world? According to him, their actions speak for themselves. What actions would that be I wonder? Sitting around in their heavily secured camp, preparing for Theus’ knows what? And so I was indirectly accused of suspecting their pureness and of refusing to see the Truth.
If I hadn’t known I was in Haven, I would have sworn that I was talking to Vidus. Actually, come to think of it, you switch the armour and robes and I am sure that I will hear the exact same things. If I have to judge them by their actions, then I presented him with the example of ‘Sir’ Markus. Yes, all those titles, lord, sir… they’re nothing but wasted air, so let’s do away with them. Anyway, Markus, being a Herald, should be the prime example of someone doing the greater good, right? I’m sure that consorting with a hand eating, murdering wannabe half-orc witch and running to a Naruthian priestess –whom he calls friends, as he told so myself- to cure his curse is a fine example of that. And yet, I shouldn’t judge the Aristi for those actions. Indeed I won’t.
By now Byron had become furious, calling me addled and cynical. Apparently I had insulted the honour of everything they had built there. Honour? I’d be a lot more concerned with everything else than with honour. It seems to me that the Novus Aristi are nothing but elephants. They do a lot of trumpeting and make sure you notice them, but when push comes to shove, they’re not really doing anything. Except of course build their military might –it’s hard to not see it in Haven. If anything, they are just like the Midorans now, bent on conquest and ruling, albeit draped with the mantle of greater good. I don’t care one bit about their philosophy, which is old and bombastic.
The sad thing is that I probably will never see Haven again. I don’t give one wit about the windbags that walk around there – those former paladins are nothing but lemmings, following those that make the most sound. They don’t seem to question their motives, their reason for existing. How is that healthy? I’d rather have someone who questions me, than someone who blindly follows me everywhere. But perhaps the wearing of metal helmets has cooked their brains away. No, the sole reason I want to see Haven is for the Hush tunnels and that to which it connects. The sea is luring me and I want to see it again.
Well, it’ll be soon time for me to really do something, unlike the Novus Aristi, who simply talk about it. Until then, stay safe.
Best wishes,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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On the nature of secrets
Posted: 18 Jul 2006 04:47 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
Once more we have progressed - we being Lucifer and I. With my part, of what we now call the Project, done, Lucifer was to find a way to protect it. After his earlier suggestions, which if you ask me sounded like they were cooked up by an imbecile, he finally demonstrated something that will work. This involves the binding of a water elemental, but unfortunately not just any elemental will do. As he apparently tested it on more mundane equipment, Lucifer quickly discovered that even the strongest of those we muster to summon and control won’t last for very long. We need an elemental that is not only larger, but is also self sustaining. To be honest, my mind can’t even fathom the size of such a water spirit, for according to Lucifer due to its size it can cause tidal waves.
Where does one find something like this? I know of no body of water large enough to contain a primal elemental, apart from the seas that is. So naturally my thoughts went out to the Eye, the maelstrom near Maldovia, but if indeed there is one there, it would be beyond anything we can deal with. Lucifer suggested another place, Undraeth and so him, Sinjin and I made our way there. To be honest, I never feel very much at ease going to Undraeth, which of course may be related to the fact that the Atalan simply do not appreciate a good conversation without resorting to their most lethal incantations.
At any rate, we chose a good spot near the sunless sea where Lucifer started the summoning, using a fire elemental as bait (I must say I was a bit worried when he mentioned bait there, as we hadn’t talked about that aspect). What ensued made me forget everything I knew about water elementals. Never in my life have I ever encountered something alike, but I quickly focussed on the task at hand and tried to control it. All to no avail. My dominating magicks fell short and so I must say did most of our combat incantations. I would have run away if not for Sinjin who was drowned by a tidal wave. Had I not been on higher ground myself, I surely would have perished too. The two of us unleashed spell after spell, and I even had to resort to fleeing to my vault.
When I returned, Lucifer had fallen too, swept away probably by one of those gigantic waves. I understood then that I would never be able to control such a creature and my only option was to try to send it back to that bottomless sea. Eventually I succeeded and I was able to revive my two companions, the magical waters no longer filling up their lungs.
When I returned to Brandibuck later that day, I couldn’t help overhear a Hin child talking about cowwussantee or something akin. After some poking around I learned that a few days ago a paladin by the name of Ulalume had given a small speech in front of dozens of Hin, saying how she is of the Coruscanti. It is a strange name indeed and I wanted to find out more about it and often as luck would have it, I met one of her companions, lady Rosen.
If anyone would know something about this, it surely would be her friend and so I asked her what she could tell me of these Coruscanti. From the look she gave me, I knew immediately that indeed she did know more about it and, what is more important, that apparently it should all remain very secretive. Well, I can’t be blamed for asking about something which was said in a public speech, but apparently she was quite astonished, nay, shocked even, that Ulalume had done such a thing.
After playing a little game of questions and answers – I’m afraid I was the only one learning something worthwhile here – she decided to tell me more of it. Apparently she has been approached in the past by an angel, who revealed a terrible prophecy to her (and I suspect to the others too). According to this prediction, the forces of nature and everything are not infinite, but may very soon be subject to change at the very least or come to a full stop at the very worst. I do not have to explain myself what this would mean of course.
According to Rosen, her own interpretation of it anyway, magic must be resuscitated. And no amount of fire and shapechanging will accomplish that. The source of magic is belief in magic. It is a leap of faith into the supernatural. And apparently this group calling itself the Coruscanti is part of that, but they won’t ever raise buildings or have banners in their name. Judging from all of this, I can only deduce that they work behind the scenes and what is more it almost sounds like a religion of sorts. When I pointed the latter out to Rosen, she sort of agreed with me on it.
It certainly made me wonder. If the red side is not the NA, could it possibly be these Coruscanti? I do not trust Aurora anymore than I trust Fri’el, but peculiarly, she did mention that red moved in oblique ways. Oblique… hidden ways. It certainly seems worthwhile to ponder about this and to find out more about them. All in good time though.
I was blessed twice today actually. When I casually mentioned that I had been trying to find a primal elemental –without ever saying what for (not that Sinjin had any idea why we needed on, let alone he asked... ah blissful ignorance- before I went to Brandibuck, I heard Rosen inhaling sharply. When I questioned her later if she had ever heard of or seen such beings, she did confirm it to me. There is a sanctuary deep in the earth –probably associated with the Coruscanti, and thus only reinforcing my belief that indeed this sounds very religious- which has such guardians or occupants. I forgot what they were exactly.
This however could help us enormously. There will never be a way of either Lucifer or myself to command one of them, so that leaves one other option. The solution then is of course quite easy: we ask one of those elementals. It’ll have to be bound but in return it will be released upon completion of the Project or in the very worst case, if we ought to be discovered, upon my or Lucifer’s death. I didn’t give Rosen any of the details but only told her, truthfully, that what we were going to do, would benefit everyone. I am after one of the greatest treasures and it will enrich everyone’s life if I succeed.
I hope to hear from her soon, but until then, as always, I wish you well.
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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The List
Posted: 19 Jul 2006 05:28 AM |
Dear Aderyn,
Once more Lucifer wanted to try capturing one of those primal elementals and once more we met with abysmal failure. This time several other accompanied us, mostly out of curiousity and at least one out of boredom. The irony of it all was, that despite Lucifer and me warning them about the inherent danger of approaching such a ferocious spirit of the waters, we were actually the first to succumb. At least I have learned a valuable lesson. Now matter how fast one is, one does not outrun two tidal waves coming from opposite sides.
Apparently our previous encounter angered them and I must say that it was quite obvious. Well I don’t remember most of it as I was ten feet under water and when I opened my eyes once more a woman stood before, her face hidden by a skull and she was wielding a scythe. At first I thought it was just another form of Gukathul, but then I remembered that he’s no longer around. Drowning isn’t known to have beneficial effects on reasoning and so it took me a while to realise that I had seen this apparition before. Quies. Of course. This was confirmed to me once we left Undraeth while she took off the skull mask.
If I had ever any doubts that Serai and Quies are indeed the same person, they had totally vanished now. But it’s food for thought for a later date.
I am now wholly convinced that I should seek out those Coruscanti and try to persuade their elemental guardians. It’s simply impossible for any mortal to control them and so the only way would indeed be to talk, to persuade and if necessary to beg it to agree to the Project. Of course the Project is something that will benefit everyone, but there is a personal side to this as well.
Jerec once told me some time ago how he has hidden a list there. Not just any list, but something that will make him famous for sure. If for nothing else, his name will be remembered for future generations to come! It is a list of animalisation – descriptive definitions used to portray certain people. I’ve already given you a few examples, such as a peacock, who’s to vanity as a fish is to water – they can’t live without it. There’s also elephants, who make lots of noise and a big mess, but don’t ever accomplish something useful. Then of course, there’s the lemming, who will blindly follow orders because their superiors deemed it good and beneficial and so it must be good indeed!
Speaking of peacocks, I’ve learned that Karlina can neither read or write and has taken lessons. Well perhaps if she invested less energy in being her vain, obnoxious little self, she would have learned it a long time ago. Then again, I’m sure that Madame Setine doesn’t require reading and writing as a skill.
But you see that this list, once published, will revolutionise everything we know! Well, I’m not quite sure how, but I’ll find a way. Next time I’ll hopefully have more and better news regarding the Project.
Kind regards,
Xaranthir |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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