The Chronicles of Heroic Endeavours

The Stolen Lands Part 2 "The Rivers Run Red"

2011-06-10T11:30:00.001+08:00

Albion

Barons Cholron, Drelnor and Alden with assistance from Brevoy and the swordlords of Restov founded the village of Windmere in the northern coast of Staghorn Lake. With them were their companions in the journey including the barbarian Amiri, the sorceress Seoni and a new member the rogue Merisiel who has opted to stay since being rescued from the Staglord's prison. The first year of their rule was quite peaceful though they were often overcome with financial burdens and a lack of food being still importers of resources from Brevoy. This was sold towards the end of their first years when a the first farms began to harvest. After 12 months Albion stretched north to south from the border with Brevoy to the coast of Staghorn lake and all along the eastern borders of the Greenbelt. Their capital is now a small town of more than a thousand people and the barony itself harbored several thousand citizens.

Part 1: Into the Wild

By summer wanderlust had set in, the new lands beckons and the party once again set out to explore. Amidst rumors of troll ambushes and fighting against the fey they reached out to map the unchartered areas of the southern Kamelands and the Greenbelts. Chief among their successes were the finding and killing of the cantankerous old snapping turtle Old Crackjaw, their runs in with the the worg Howl-Of-The-North-Wind and finally defeating it in its own ambush. They also made contact with the new settlement of Tatzlford, mostly inhabited by refugees from the wartorn country of Iobaria in the Northeast, along the way the resolved some problems with the local fey populace - including the a Nixie's trouble with loggers and an Nymph druid's trouble with a particularly nasty scythe tree. Among other memorable encounters was with the witch Feiya and her trouble with her ancestral spirits. After freeing her from the curse, the witch turned to be an ally and now lives with them on the outskirts of Windmere.

Part 2: Homegrown Trouble
Back home they stopped a werewolf's vengeful attacks on their town's populace, and stopped an spiteful attack from a foreign trouble maker by the name of Grigori. The bard had come into the town of Windmere with previously unknown secrets and the aim of destabilizing the local government. After a tense debate with Baron Cholron, Grigori was out argued and he stepped back to the west where he came from. The party suspects his presence is because he was sent by Baron Hannis Drelev from the west (also appointed by Brevoy) who may harbor some sort of jealousy. But there is no evidence to prove any of these allegations.

Part 3: The Forgotten Keep

Deep in the western reaches of the forest, the party finds an ancient abandoned elven fortress, its new inhabitants were fey who did not want them around. An ambush resulted in enough damage that the party was forced back to regroup - however when they came back prepared, the remainder of the feys were put down. The leader of this group is a figure called the Dancing Lady, a bloodthirsty fey from the First World who fashioned herself as a queen of the old keep. Her reign ended when she was confronted by the party, and claimed the keep for themselves. An escape fey Quickling by the name of Rigg Gargadilly came back to kill them by enlisting trolls to ambush - as we know ambushes don't really work with this party and again the trolls were put down and the quickling fell to his own tricks but not before claiming that the woods belong to "his queen from the shadows"... an ominous warning of the mysterious creature that is haunting their lands.

Part 4: Isle of the Lizardfolk

A missing boy led the party to candlemere keep and the lizardfolk isle. Candlemere keep lies in Candlemere lake a body of water connected by rapids to the Tuskwater/Staghorn. Candlemere keep is a strange location radiating with malevolence, it seems to be the focal point for Wisps coming to the isle in groups. After managing several of these groups, the party fled - with them a strange new dagger that seems unwilling to held by those of lawful bent. They suspect the lizardfolk had killed the boy, on a spying mission Drelnor found the boy was about to be sacrificed, an urgent attack ensued with the party coming in from across the waters and over the fortifications. The lizardfolk were being misled by a particularly smart Wisp pretending to be an ancient lizardfolk spirit guiding the lizardfolk leader King Vesket. The Spirit of Sstishak as it is known escaped when the party overwhelmed the lizardfolk village. The boy was finally rescued, but the fate of the lizardfolks were sealed.

Part 5: Troll Trouble

Continuing troll attacks plagued them and news of this reached Restov who offered an additional reward as incentive to killing the trolls. The party left on a troll hunt, and journeyed south once again. The lizardfolk who now are deprived of their defensive warriors were wiped away by the attacking trolls, as the party found when they passed again the settlement. Along the way they also met and almost made peace with the wandering giant Munguk. He was fine before Merisiel tried to steal from him after which he attacked everyone but died. They also killed the so called King of the Forest, a forest drake who has been hunting in the southern forests of the Greenbelt for sometime. At the drake's lair they rescued Marach, a wandering wizard searching for magical secrets of ancient empires as well as an acquaintance of Seoni from Varisia. Marach was ambushed by trolls and sought revenge. Marach joined the party and together their tracking located the troll lair deep in the forested hills of the southern Greenbelt. It was guarded by a bullete the battle with which alerted the trolls to the party's coming. The trolls defended themselves in an old dwarven keep, their leader Hargulka had two lieutenants a rocktroll Kargadd and the rare two headed troll Nagrundi that even the lesser trolls fear. The battle was not without casualties and both Amiri and Merisiel were disabled from that. However the trolls were defeated, and their treasures taken back to the capital.

Part 6: Hunting the Beast

Arriving back from their troll hunt, the party felt victorious. But they arrived home to devastation as their town has been attacked by a creature that destroyed lives and buildings. Witnesses say the beast was a huge armored owlbear that came in the night and left after leaving a trail of devastation. Not willing to lose its tracks, the party quickly rearmed itself and trailed after the creature, finally tracking it to a lair 60 miles to the southeast. The battle was difficult, and their leader Cholron was knocked unconscious, but with the help of Marach, Alden and Amiri put the creature down in fierce combat, and after killing the the lairs denizen's the found clues as to why the creature raged. In the lair was the body of a fighter holding a ring of beastial control which was similar in make as a ring of natural armor that was found on the body of the Staglord. The mystery deepens as to who their true enemy is, and why she has remained hidden all this long.

Part 7: The Blade of Erling Kinslayer

Upon returning home to Windmere, the party stops by a barrow mound. They came upon it after following a map they retrieved from a crazy hermit during exploration of the forests. The barrow was the burial place of one Erling Kinslayer an old leader of the Hailit clan of humans descendant from the early northern explorers of Old Iobaria. The tough battle saw them pitted against skeletal champions and finally the raised corpse of Erling himself, raised as a Cairn Wight. Together they took the old chief down and claimed his old broken blade as their own.

Epilogue

The party is tired and weary. Three months of adventuring has taken a toll on most of them, each has been close to death several times during the last adventures and it seems time for a rest. The attack on Windmere left them not only damaged but it also killed their Warden Akiros Ismort, a reformed lieutenant of the Staglord who turned sides to help the party defeat his former master. Akiros died fighting the monster that attacked his town, in his place the Barons promoted Amiri the former Executor to the role of Warden. Their new friend Marach of Varisia accepted to stay and take up the Executor role. Life continues, until new threats come across the lands.

The Stolen Lands Campaign Part 1

2011-06-10T11:27:00.000+08:00

This story takes place in a land to the far distant north east frontier of the known world. Called the stolen lands, the moniker is apt for it is a land often claimed but never held or owned by anyone.
It is bordered by great nations, and ruled by a multitude of self made barons and bandit kings. No one holds through power over the stolen lands and those who manage to hold on to power often do not last long before another usurper takes the crown.

The stolen lands have always been contested and have long resisted attempts at colonization. Wedged between the River Kingdoms and Brevoy the wilderness has a long history of being regarded as "stolen" – from and by whom depending on the point of view. Those from Brevoy in the
north regard the stolen lands as taken from them by bandits and usurpers of the River Kingdoms or the barbarians of Numeria. In the River Kingdoms, the the impression is that Brevoy let the lands fall
into the hands of monsters and fey who dominate the wilderness. Even within the wildlands themselves, lands are stolen and conquered in constant struggles between bickering tribes of centaurs, kobolds, fey, trolls, bandits, lizardfolk, boggards and barbarians and more.

The truth is that the Stolen Lands belong to no one. Many tried to claim it but the land dotted with ruins and fallen keeps stand as testaments to the difficulty of ruling these savage lands.

This story is about the Stolen Lands and the adventure that the main characters find whilst exploring and conquering its interior. The main players are mostly hailing from Brevoy or the surrounding nations.
Cholron and Drelnor hail from the Brevoy, a land that for two centuries been ruled by a single royal house, house Rogarvia and maintained relative peace between its people. However in recent days
Brevoy has been on the brink of civil war. Cholron is a cleric of Abadar while Drelnor is a ranger of old elven traditions.

Alden is a mysterious northern swordsman and soldier who came from the ancient kingdom of Iobaria which lies even further north east and is beyond the known worlds of the western continent. Marach is the latest addition to the team, a wizard from the far western land of Varisia
here on an errand to find a friend - and to seek knowledge of a lost civilisation.

The others in the party, in order of appearance include Amiri a barbarian from Numeria, Seoni a sorceress from Varisia who is searching for her lost brother Ezren same as Marach; and lastly
Merisiel a free spirited elven rogue.

Season 1: The Stolen Lands

The story opens with Cholron receiving a writ from the lords of Restov allowing him and a group of his choosing to explore and map the Stolen Lands in the south of Brevoy. This move is a highly political move as Brevoy since the lost of its royal family a decade ago has been ruled by an unpopular regent who has since been trying to secure his rule of the lands.

However the people have long memories and Brevoy was once 200 years ago split between north and south, the northern called Issia and the southern called Rostland. It was only through its unity at the hands of Choral the Conquerer that the kingdom of Brevoy was founded (read Treatise on Brevoy).

Cholron secured the aid of a old contact and friend the elf Drelnor and they were joined by the foreign barbarian Amiri before making their way south to the borders of the Stolen Lands. The area they were supposed to explore was known as the Greenbelt, the only region of the lands covered with a dense old forest bordering with a swath of rugged hills known as the Kamelands.

The starting point of the adventure was at a small outpost called Oleg's Trading Post, the farthest south settlement in Brevoy that lays at the northern most tip of the Greenbelt. There the party met with their other recruits the fighter Alden and the sorceress Seoni, who had heard of this commission of explorers into the Greenbelt and wanted to join.

Part 1: Trouble at Oleg's

Their first action was defending the trading post from bandits that has reportedly been plaguing the area. Oleg Leveton is a gruff man who fled from the cities in favor of the quiet country life. He lives at the trading post trading with hunters, hermits, trappers and woodcutters. Oleg had sent for help to Restov after being almost put out of business by these same bandits, Cholron and his team came
forward and managed to put the threat to rest by killing the bandits that came to rob them the next day.

With the immediate bandit threat done, the party then headed out to explore - knowing that other bandits roam the lands and could exact revenge on the trading post. Their exploration yielded new maps and contact with a hermit potion maker by the name of Bokken.

Part 2: Bandits of the Greenbelt

They tracked the bandits to a hideout on the Thorn River only a day's ride away from the trading post. This temporary bandit camp was headed by a woman by the name of Kressle, a rough frontiersman who leads a group of nearly a dozen bandits, some of whom they have already killed
earlier. The party stormed the camp and made short work of the bandits, Kressle they took prisoner and interrogated before killing.
From the interrogation, they learned that the bandits here in the Greenbelt owe some fealty to a figure called the Staglord who dwells farther south.

Part 3: Exploring the Greenbelt

Before confronting the Stag Lord, they began mapping the lands from the forests of the Greenbelt, into the Kamelands to the east and the rivers flowing through it. They encountered fairies and boggards, found an old Temple and killed rogue beasts. Most notable was the slaying of a pair of mating Tatzlwyrms a rare and elusive creature related to dragons and serpents. The site of the battle is now the base of a new town, called Tatzlford.

Part 4: The Old Sycamore and the Sootscales

Looming over the hills in the northern Kamelands, a greying hulk of a sycamore tree clings to the rocks precariously. The 100ft tall tree is a well known landmark and is visible for miles around, but it is also known to be infested with Mites. The party came to the tree and explored the Mite caverns beneath it eventually freeing a Kobold prisoner within. The Kobolds came from the Sootscales tribe living in a silver mine not far to the south. The Kobolds were ruled by fear by a shaman called Tartuk who has taken control of the tribe away from their leader Chief Sootscale. The Shaman has incited war against the Mites who he claims has stolen a holy relic. In truth the Shaman is only interested to incite war so that the two tribes will kill off each other. Tartuk is a reincarnated gnome sorcerer who has been travelling from tribe to tribe killing off Kobolds. The party then helped Chief Sootscale to get rid of the Shaman, after the Chief realises that the holy relic was a lie.

Part 5: The Staglord

The bandit scourge was focused on a near mythical figure living in the southern Kamelands called the Staglord. This mysterious man is known to be a deadly bowman and commands his own private army of bandits and thieves. He is seldom seen and when appears is always clad in a helmet
made of the head and antlers of a stag. The party tracked his location to a small keep in the northern shores of Tuskwater (later renamed Staghorn lake) and raided it after creating a ruse pretending to be bandits from the north. The ensuing battle would be later retold in song and story by bards of the Brevoy as the five fought at killed all of the Staglord's men and guardians.

Epilogue

The swordlords of Restov who authorised this expedition to the Stolen Lands were pleased with the results and that the party brought peace to a small part of the Stolen Lands. There are three other groups that were sent to explore other regions of the lands, and most were returning with similar good news. The swordlords had sanctioned the exploration in a political bid to secure their own southern borders as tensions with north Brevoy were escalating. However they did manage to
convince the current Regent to support and fund the expedition, as a result King Noleski Surtova appointed three of the explorers as Barons and rulers of their own land, to manage and protect, in the same region as they have explored. The barons called their new land Albion and proceeded to build a capital in the same location as the Staglord's keep, and a castle as well in its place.

A New Tale Begins

2011-06-10T11:25:00.002+08:00

This is the story of how Durante Alighieri (Dante) crossed paths with Marach.

Growing up in Andoran, Dante was very interested in the rich local history especially that of an oracle bard called the Sacred Verses of Caladnei. The verses in the chronicle seemed to portent the future and Dante's casual research has revealed that these "little prophecies" as he calls them have all been proven true. The last of these prophecies predict the rise of "a new race and nation of power in the lands of ever changing streams" that would alter the balance of power in Golarion forever.

It seemed likely the oracle was talking about something big happening in the River Kingdoms. He studied the history of the land, and that of its neighbors Brevoy and Iobaria and believes that the recent turmoils may become a catalyst for this new creation (Iobaria is recovering from its civil war for the last decade, and seems Brevoy is just headed into one). He sets off to find out more about it by being in the land itself. His goal is to collect more stories and seek out other sages and oracles of these lands. Legend speaks of three secret verses that Caladnei may have written - these were given to her disciples and has never been heard from again. Their secrets may portent more information about what threats the "new nation" faces or even clues to where it is finally located.

His journeys take him the elven lands of Kyonin, into the River Kingdoms of Sevenarches, Lastwall and Daggermark before finally reaching the Art Halls of Pitax where he spent the most time. King Castruccio Irovetti of Pitax has always been fond of the Arts and has the greatest collection of performers and bardic texts in the River Kingdoms, it makes no doubt that Pitax would be his major stop in his search.

Alas, Dante finds no clues about the lost verses in Pitax and decides to move on. While performing in the theaters and taverns of Pitax, he hears a sad tale about an oracle princess from Iobaria who was killed by her people for predicting their own doom. The nature of the predictions appear similar to the style of the bard Caladnei and her disciples. The possibility that one of them ended up teaching the style centuries ago in Iobaria was exciting and may yield clues of the lost verses. Unfortunately for him the new rulers of Iobaria despises outsiders and the "living God" that has taken over the kingdom seem to have no interest in history or the past, as rumors go. His best bet would be to search for refugees or a different way of learning about the kingdom's history, and to start would be to learn from the refugees in Brevoy, Varnhold and Albion. Just as luck would have it, rumors also say that one of the Princess's close relative (possibly only living one) is still alive and living in Albion.

Along the way, Dante travelled with various adventuring parties and merchant caravans. On his way to Albion, his party was ambushed by a group of thugs. They didnt have any markings to indicate their affiliation to any faction.

Dante was the last one standing and he was cornered by two thugs. He tried to distract the thugs by doing a quick stand-up act (his specialty is Stand Up Comedy). Of course he failed to distract them, in fact he enraged them further, at which point they made a lunge at him. Marach arrived in the nick of time to blast them away with his scorching rays in mid air. By that time they were already on their way to death due to the numerous grievous wounds inflicted by Dante so Marach's fires landed the final blow. Wary but ultimately grateful for the newcomer's help, Dante extended his hand in appreciation.

Dante shared his tale and how he got there and decided that sticking to Marach was a good idea at least until they got to "civilisation". They travelled to the rendezvous point together but were ambushed by the beasts of the forest.

A New Epic Adventure

2009-10-15T14:29:00.002+08:00

For whomever is following this blog, I wish to officially inform you that COGMA is now put on hold. We still do not know what exactly happened to MoD after the Spellplague. Did they all die of old age? Did they die horrible deaths dealing justice to evil? Did they achieve immortality? These questions shall be answered in due time.. most probably when the DM has enough time on his hands to think of a suitable story for each of them.

This new adventure revolves around a group of adventurers led by John Russkin. More info on each of the members will be posted soon.

Shadows Over Cormyr - Part 1 - Modra's Threat

2009-10-06T23:08:00.000+08:00

The game opened in prison as the local hero, warlord and leader of Ruskin's Rebel is hauled up to his feet again after being locked up for bar fighting. The three visitors confirmed his identity and ordered the guard to get him cleaned up and presentable at a bar nearby.

It wasn't long before Ruskin once again found himself at the bar a few of his old friends already there, collected by no doubt another rich man looking for adventurers for some petty quest. Except that this time the rich man was no mere merchant looking for treasure hunters but the local lord of Arabel himself, High Marshal Kess.

The party was then charged to seek out and learn more of rumors of another portal or shadow rift in Cormyr. Their previous experience of discovering and closing what is now known as the Winterhaven portal is known by many in Arabel and served as reference to their abilities.

The discovery of the Winterhaven portal made a Cormyrian government already wary against a Netheril threat against the kingdom even more fearful. The Purple Dragons, elite knights of Cormyr, have stepped up information gathering and searches for more Sharan Cells, worshipers of the Night Goddess, who are are partial to a Netheril takeover. Sharan cultist were responsible for the plots at Winterhaven, where opening of the shadow rift there would free an Ancient Shadow Dragon Shadraxil to torment the lands and all Cormyr.

Fortunately Ruskin's Rebels quelled the cult before the shadow rift could be open and killed their leader Kalarel, a powerful priest of Shar. Since then however 6 months have passed and the party have split to doing their separate things.

John Ruskin found himself selling stories and getting paid to talk merchants and rich nobles out of hiring him for some foolhardy treasure hunt in between drinking and getting into bar fights. His team quickly joined up on this new cause. After sitting bored for months or doing simple jobs around the region they were again eager for adventure.

The Quest

Lord Kess explained that the Sharan cult in Cormyr still has plots in the making. Information received from spies seem to indicate that another portal was found hidden in Wheloon, the prison town. This portal could very well link Cormyr directly with Netheril and could be an invasion point in the future. He asks that the party find out and destroy the portal. A sum of 1000 gold pieces would be awarded to each of the members who make it out alive from Wheloon.

The town of Wheloon was walled and turned into a prison 80 years ago when it was found that a majority of the citizens were worshipers of Shar and were Netheril sympathizers. The town has languished since, and while regularly allowed to trade for their supplies is still an impoverished slum of some 800 souls.

After accepting the quest, they return to the streets only to be ambushed by zealots in an alley not far from their destination. Although outnumbered, they quickly gained the advantage and put the attackers to the death save for one that was tortured for information.

He revealed that his master Modra ordered the attack upon the party for reasons unknown. Most of the members were just thugs and mercenaries, and the leader of the party, a sorcerer, was killed in battle and could not be interrogated.

At least now they know the name of their nemesis: Modra, who he is and what his relationship to the quest at hand is still a mystery. All they know is that Modra, was among the few who can escape Wheloon and return as he wishes.

Then it came for the journey to begin. The Purple Dragons worked out a disguise for the party to be merchants that make their way sometimes into the town and after sailing across the Wyvernwatch Lake, the party is now joined by Red - a female warlord, originally thought to be one of Lord Kess' bodyguards is actually a trusted mercenary and representative of the Kess household.

The journey to Wheloon across the Wyvernwatch took just two days. During the time the party spent perfecting their disguise - part if the party entered the town as merchants while the remainder sneaked in through the sewers.

A day passed since they arrived, and whatever ill welcome they received has now been forgotten - as trade resumes in Wheloon during the Market Fair.

Another Epic in the making...

2009-08-19T14:41:00.002+08:00

While King Grel is happily minding his own business in Grelthane Keep, a handful of new adventurers emerge after the Spellplague in search of glory, fame, and fortune. In game terms, we started a new 4th Edition campaign in Faerun set 120 years after the Spellplague. Here's the background and the story so far..

Background
The town of Winterhaven—around which much of the adventure revolves—lies on the East Way between Arabel and Highmoon in the nation of Cormyr. The town is located deep in the Thunder Peaks, precariously situated at the edge of Sembia’s influence. See attached map - the town is not on it, but trace a line between Arabel and Highmoon, right in the mountains we'll place Winterhaven.
To those new to Forgotten Realms, Cormyr is one of the oldest kingdoms of the land and most similar to our real world medieval nations of Britain or France. Their long time neighbors are Sembia, a nation ruled by the merchant class through a Council and under the influence of Shar the Goddess of Night and Shadows (basically a slightly more evil bent nation, but not too obvious). The King of Cormyr is King Azoun Obaskyr the VI, a man now in his forties and a direct descendant of the founders of the kingdom over 1400 years ago. Through the ages, the kingdom has had many turbulent moments - plagues, invasion by foreign forces, wars with Sembia and Netheril to their north (also a Kingdom under influence of Shar) and perils that came from its past - as what we're going to go into in this storyline.In the year 1375 an event known as the Spellplague destroyed and changed much of the known Faerun world. It happened when Shar tricked Cyric the God of Madness and Murder, killed Mystra the Goddess of Light and Magic. Shar thought she could handle all the power of Mystra, but she was wrong and the Weave that held magic and the world together crumbled. This caused untold destruction upon the world when the phenomenon called the Blue Fire ravaged nations and destroyed all magic. Basically it set the world to change from 3.5 ED to 4.0 ED in gaming terms. The story picks up again 120 years later, in the year 1495 DR (Dale Reckoning).

Cormyr and the Keep on the Shadowfell
Long before the arrival of the dracolich Aurgloroasa (known to some as the Sibilant Shade), in the Thunder Peaks (on the east border of Cormyr), another dragon prowled the mountains. The great wyrm, Shadraxil, was the shadow dragon sire of Aurgloroasa’s mother, Shhuusshuru. At the birth of Cormyr in 26 DR, Shadraxil was already a great wyrm and sire to many other dragons, including Shhuusshuru. As Cormyr extended its power, the nation built fortresses along its frontier, including in the Thunder Peaks. At that time, Shadraxil laired there, and in the year 236 DR, the great wyrm began attacking Cormyr’s outposts. Among these forts was the place that was to become Shadowfell Keep. In response, Cormyr sent a contingent of brave soldiers led by the knight Jerold Keegan. Keegan devised a plan to lure the beast into an arcane trap, where Cormyr’s War Wizards managed to bind the wyrm in a prison within the Plane of Shadow. Shadraxil has been trapped in the prison for twelve centuries, forgotten by most and assumed dead by the few who recall his name. After centuries of imprisonment, Shadraxil believed he would never escape. However, when Shar folded the Plane of Shadow into the Shadowfell following the Spellplague, the dragon awoke and saw his chance. The Spellplague weakened the protective seal keeping the dragon imprisoned, and so Shadraxil struck a deal with Shar, offering his services in her dark purpose if she could use her agents to free him. After years of excavation and preparation, Shar’s servants are finally poised to free Shadraxil, a beast mighty enough to upset the balance of power in the region. Shadraxil’s liberation could be the opportunity Netheril and Sembia have coveted in hopes of delivering a killing blow to Cormyr and the Dalelands.An underpriest of Shar named Kalarel has infiltrated the nearby town of Winterhaven. His cult operates out of the town, which helps supply Kalarel and his followers, who are hard at work in Shadowfell Keep preparing to unleash the wyrm. As his activities in the mountains increase and he began to subvert the local Goblin and Hobgoblin population, he begins to attract the attention of the peacekeepers and the Mayor of Winterhaven sent for help.

Ruskin's Rebels

With the activities of the Cult of Shar, led by Kalarel, getting more advanced, he required fresh supplies to be brought to his base. Kalarel employed a tribe of goblins living in the Thunder Peaks to raid and steal supplies from trade caravans traveling across the East Way into Sembia. These frequent Goblin raids have almost stopped all trade going through Winterhaven and the Lord Mayor there pleaded for help from Arabel to assist with the goblins.Enter John Ruskin, a retired soldier and sometimes adventurer who although in his semi retired drunk state still holds one of the rare Royal Charters which signified a recognised and legal adventuring party in Cormyr. You see it is law for citizens to avoid carrying arms in public unless those same citizens have with them an Writ or Charter from the government - the most valuable and expensive to get is the rare Royal Charter - always signed by the King himself.
Ruskin's old crew have more or less been either killed or are simply missing in action, the warlord was plucked back from obscurity and torpor by his mentor Douven to answer Winterhaven's call for help, being as he is among the few with the legal permission to do so. After hastily putting together a new group, the new Ruskin's Rebels made their way up the Thunder Peaks only to run into hoards of goblins and a Sharan cult.

Winterhaven

Lord Padraig promised gold for the protection of the city as well as ending the goblin scourge. In the party's exploration, they discovered that the goblins were based at a waterfall within miles of the city and had been selectively hoarding and transporting supplies to another location.After clearing the goblins base, they discovered that rumors of a Sharan Cult in Winterhaven was true and that a spy in the town was also responsible for leaking information about caravan movements and traders inventory. Tracking the trail of the traitor as well as clues left behind by Ruskin's mentor Douven who was also investigating the area, the party found a lost dragon burial site.The battle at the burial site was long and hard, but finally the party managed to questioning of the halfing Agrid who led the excavation that there was a Sharan Cult in the area, led by Kalarel - who was after something called the Shadow Rift. Unfortunately, Ruskin was too late to rescue his mentor Douven who perished in the battle.

Keegan's Keep

With the help of the venerable sage Valthrun who resides in Winterhaven, Ruskin managed to piece together that Kalarel is after the Shadow Rift that exists beneath the old ruins nearby Winterhaven called Keegan's Keep.The story of the keep goes back to Cormyr's founding where as mentioned the Purple Dragon Knight Jerold Keegan led the army to defeat the Shadow Dragon Shadraxi. The dragon now imprisoned within the Shadow Rift is about to be freed.In haste the party ventured into the haunted keep to encounter more goblin excavations and hobgoblin mercenaries guarding Kalarel and his closest minions. The fight took three full days as Ruskin's Rebels ventured deep into the underbellies of the old Keep eventually confronting Kalarel just as he was about to complete his mission to free the old Shadow Dragon. The party's interference was just enough as the spell to open the Shadow Rift failed to complete and Shadraxil is again thrown into the void of the Shadowfell.

Victory
Ruskin's Rebels returned to Winterhaven as victors and the Lord Mayor proved good to his word as each one was rewarded with Gold from the town coffers. After spending a few more days in Winterhaven mopping up the mess the goblins left behind, the party split and while some returned with John Ruskin to Arabel, some decided to take their fates into their own hands in search of more adventures elsewhere.

The Thunderspire

Months have passed since they were together, when whispers of another mystery reaches their ears. Reports from scouts around the Thunder Peaks have seen duergar and gnolls active in the region again, calls are again made for adventurers to explore what has been found in the eastern mountains again.

Mystery Villainess?

2009-01-19T08:12:00.002+08:00

To Diero, Ruler of Occipitus,

I so hate dealing with mortals you have such short memories... As I mentioned I am in need of reagents to fulfill the spell that I have been preparing all this while - the last remaining one I need is in Grelland and happens to be none other than Grel's remaining testicle... don't worry he won't need it when we're through with him. The hordes of Shendilavri shall make his body their playground - testicles are not required. Regretfully the price of our deal does not include myself or my armies waging senseless war in Occipitus - unless you wish to strengthen the deal?
Grazzt and Iggilwv is now busy fighting Orcus, and Lolth has her hands full with the Demogorgon. We are all very busy demons so please stop sending those "help me" letters it makes you sound pathetic in the eyes of your demonlord colleagues. Oh before I forget - we are gathering at the end of this month on the Fields of War to meet with Asmodeuses devils this time - gonna be a big fight so bring out the reserve units - if you still have any heheh oh and budgets are down so bring your own potluck feasts... no one is casting freebies this time... bother...

Luv

Job well done

2009-01-16T08:59:00.003+08:00

Azavain,

I congratulate you on your successfull mission. I will send out one of my Chole Dragon squadrons to pick you up. They are under strict orders not to harm you. Whatever you do, do not agitate them cause they might just blast you with their poisonous insanity vapours.I shall see you soon and we shall drink a toast with M on the imminent destruction of Full-of-Shit Land. I'm especially looking forward to when ShitThane Keep is obliterated from the face of Toril.

Lord Diero

Azavain the Doublecrosser!!!

2009-01-16T08:53:00.005+08:00

M and Diero

I congratulate you all with the success of capturing that no-brainer flea Dakmorr. Im sure it was quite easy...Hahaha, just throw in a few naked female drow pretending to ritual dance for Eilistraee in the woods and it would surely make that idiot "excited"......muahahaha.
By the way, the item you sold to me is really interesting... just like you said. It will serve the purpose to eradicate Grelland before they even says "F***". I already placed most of in strategic locations across Grelland. They will be in a hell of a surprise when they try to plane shift...muhahaha. The effect will trigger simultaneously. Im actually quite sad(muahahahahaha...no I'm not) what will become of the so called Grell and Viskag troops.. So no worries...probably only 5% of them will survive the traps.

Azavain
Elven High Mage of Evereska
p.s. - Could you send someone here to fetch me...i think im lost.....damn it.

Lord Diero to "M"

2009-01-15T22:26:00.002+08:00

To Her Majesty Malcanthet,

The Succubus Queen of Shendilavri

Thank you for your most gracious support. Pray tell me though for I cannot seem to recall what our agreement was. I shall be more than happy to grant any wish within my powers. Forgive my insolence, for I have been preoccupied with the preparations for my official coronation as ruler of Occipitus. Of course, I shall be extending an official invitation to you in due course.

Will your majesty and the hordes of Shendilavri be joining us for the massacre of the fool King Grel and his army of wimpy amoebas? If he ever finds a way to enter the abyss that is. (It might be too much work for his fleabrain though).

I shall await your reply in earnest.

Viskag's Virgins

2009-01-15T18:50:00.002+08:00

His Excellency Lord Grel,

Of course my excellency, as you command. But I must warn you that Ilmater does not look kindly upon your actions, and frankly the people as well as the ministers are not pleased by your actions, some even talk of mutiny among the ranks, but I will see to it that those who oppose you are given a public execution. As for the matter of Protector Zaxis, I agree that he's presence will boost the troops morale, so might I suggest that news of his capture will be kept a low profile. Perhaps even use a decoy to play his role for the upcoming war? But honestly why would the troops look to him for morale support when we already have you my lord leading us into the battlefield? Could it be that they think that Master Zaxis is the more fearsome and in fact mightier than My Lord Grel? I will look to this matter and see to it that any rumors regarding this will be put to an end and those who are guilty will be tortured and mutilated.

And My Excellency, I am truly touched and honored to know that you consider me as a close friend and would save me if I were in a dire situation. Although honestly I wouldn't want your help in such situation, only because I do not want to trouble you over more important matters such as ruling this kingdom and conquering the universe, my life is just a small speck compared to yours My King of Kings! As a token of my gratitude, I present you two young virgins, they are part nuns in training and very ripe, perfect time for picking. Enjoy.

Viskag

Grellonian Patriarch of Ilmater

Grel's Reply to Viskag

2009-01-15T16:57:00.000+08:00

Viskag,

Zaxis's kidnapping and subsequent subjugation to demonic forces is a great blow to Grelthane Keep. We cannot stand idly by while he is in such a grave state of danger. My decision to dispatch the special forces team to extract Zaxis serves several purposes. Firstly, I do not want to sour diplomatic relations with Lady Qilue and The Promenade. They have been with us since the beginning and even now her Protectors are on the way to assist us in our war against Occipitus.

Secondly, Zaxis is Weaponmaster of Grelthane Keep. His presence in the battlefield will greatly help in improving troop morale. In fact, Loremaster Zane has just informed me that the troops are feeling a bit uneasy and some have even expressed fear. That does not bode well... especially on the eve of a battle of such magnitude.

Thirdly, Zaxis is a friend. A good friend. Would you stand by and watch calmly if your mother was being mauled by a dire pig in front of your own eyes? I think not. I would go down to the abyss myself to save him if it werent for this blasted war! Please Viskag.. try to understand. If you were in his position, I would do the same, and he would do the same for you. I think.

As for your "suggestion" for me to convert to Ilmater, I must tell you that I refuse. That is all I have to say about that.

I suggest you resume your post to prepare Grelthane Keep for war.

King Grel

Viskag's Input

2009-01-15T15:45:00.002+08:00

To Lord Grel,

Sire I must advice with great caution that you that we don't allow Captain Vargus to be involved in the rescue of Protector Zaxis. We know how skilled of a warrior Zaxis is and for him to be captured is a great feat indeed, It will take the strength of the old crew together to be able to free him. It is indeed a great loss for us and a heavy blow to our offensive forces, but we cannot allow the loss of more men. I'm afraid it is too late for him, and besides the Lord Ilmater does not want any quarrel with The Spider Queen at this point in time.

But If you insist on pursuing and freeing Master Dakmorr, I might be able to obtain the help of an old friend. He goes by the name of Calderion, a retired paladin but still as deadly with the sword as he was during his glory days. He owes me a favor for performing circumcision on his children. And we need some mercenaries to assist him, might I advice the service of one of Waterdeep's Guildmaster, Uel Gwydian. I know you despise her for rejecting your hand in marriage but you have to admit that she is very resourceful. Who knows, perhaps maybe we can encourage both of these skilled masters to join us in our war efforts?

Please consider my proposal, I shall say a prayer for Master Dakmoors safety. And Sire, you still have not made your daily offerings to Thy Lord Ilmater, remember Sire it is he who brings life and fortune to Grellonia.

Regards,

Viskag

Grellonian Patriarch of Ilmater

Enter the Mystery Villain

2009-01-15T12:02:00.003+08:00

To Lord Diero Ruler of Occipitus,

As agreed we have lured the fool Dakmorr to my domain and I am pleased to report he is now our prisoner however for now I shall keep his location a secret. You will have one less troublemaker to worry about when that delusional fool King begins amassing at your borders. The defense spells have also been cast, any who planeshifts into Occipitus now without the proper protection shall appear as a Toad as we agreed. Now for you to fulfill your part of the bargain and deliver us what you have promised.

Zane's reply to Cavatina

2009-01-15T10:46:00.002+08:00

Lady Cavatina,

This is grave news indeed. On behalf of His Majesty, I must convey our deepest sorrow and regret. The Promenade has always been by our side fighting the good fight and Protector Zaxis's service to Grellonia has been nothing short of exemplary.

Fear not my Lady, we shall do whatever we can to help bring him back. Though most of our men are preparing for the war with Occipitus, I believe I can spare a few of my best men for you. I will send Vargus, our Captain of The Guard. He is very experienced in covert operations and shall lead a special forces team immediately to the Promenade. They will be yours to command.

I apologise for not being able to offer you a visit to Grelthane Keep at this moment. Let us hope that all this trouble with Occipitus will come to a close soon so that we may once again enjoy a fine bottle of Elven Wine in the Grelthane Gardens.

Please let us know via magical sending as soon as you have any sort of news.

Humbly yours,

Zane Alabaster

Master Lorekeeper & Chief Advisor to King Grel

Grelthane Keep

Letter from Cavatina Xarann

2009-01-15T10:35:00.003+08:00

Greetings Lord Grel,

I am Cavatina Xarann, Dark Huntress of The Promenade. I bring ill news of Protector Zaxis Dakmorr. During our battles with the scourges from the Abyss, Zaxis was captured in his mission to free our beloved sister Chizra & Iljrene from the bitch queen Lloth's stronghold. We were not told at the time that Lloth was having visitors; the Dark Prince Graz'zt & the Succubi Queen Malcanthet! Zaxis was able to free both our sisters but he himself was captured & dominated by the demon Malcanthet! I should've forseen this! The protections we provide him weren't enough... This happened a month before I sent you this letter. I'm unable to act sooner for we all are mourning his loss...for he is the only one who can provide us female Protectors...with the "special needs". The news of his disappearance has gotten worse; in one of Lady Qilue's visions, she saw Zaxis has become a demon himself! He is now under the control of the Succubi Queen Malcanthet and became her personal guardian & worse... I could not imagine such a disaster that befell us. Each and everyone of us is praying to Eilistraee to give Zaxis the strength & will to fight the charm, then return back to The Prominade; thus ultimately, to Grelthane Keep. Please, let us pray for his safe return.

Cavatina Xarann

Darksong Knight

Hand of The Protectors.

Viskag's Request

2009-01-14T16:14:00.002+08:00

To my lord Grel,

I heard the latest news of the battle. It would seem that Azavain the Orang Bunian Mage has joined into the fray but alas he has decided to joint venture with the likes of demonic spawns. My thoughts is that he is doing this out of spite towards you. And It would seem that he is mocking us by running around naked whilst holding a spear with Tenuk Tenuks head impaled on it. Nevertheless he will be disposed of easily, shouldnt be too much of a problem, I'll just send a few highly trained mage killer monks to handle him.

Now regarding the matter of your religion Sire, It is of the utmost importance that you divert your faith towards the light of Ilmater Sire. We have discussed this numerous times and yet you have remained inconclusive of your decision. Sire, the KEY to the success of our campaign is your conversion, Ilmater demands it, It is ill fated if you do not. The heavens will only foresee our victory if you become a faith of Ilmater. And besides the people of Grellonia are beginning to question your faith and sexuality, majority of the people are ilmaterians and non cross dressers, isn't it time you become one with your people?

Forgive me for bringing forth this matter on the eve of the invasion my lord, but please take this matter seriously.

Regards,
Viskag
Grellonian Patriarch of Ilmater.

Azavain's Offer

2009-01-14T15:32:00.002+08:00

Dear Diero,

I'm pretty impressed with what's going on here. Well, I just want to say that I will help you to kick this psychopath cleric's ass and vaporize that half amoeba jackass Grel. Besides, where else could be good place to test my newly invented spells. Haha. I must say its kinda sad to see old comrades fighting each other over one stupid, smelly and intellectually malfunctioned goblin. IT's JUST A STUPID GOBLIN. You can get 100's of goblins anywhere.....sheesh....FOR GOD's SAKE...JUST FORGET IT ALREADY...

I'll be on Occipitus in a day or two...mmm...im not too sure where it is...

Azavain,
High Mage of Evereska

Viceroy Viskag's Address To The Nation

2009-01-14T14:03:00.003+08:00

My fellow faithful and worshippers of our holy lord Ilmater,

Today Is a grave and sad day in the history of our faith. Upon certain events which led up to this day, It has now come to a point in which there is no other choice but to lead an assault into Occipitus. That event which has caused this movement of action was of deceit, betrayal, unholy and unfathomable lies. Lord Diero is a menace, he is a menace to our lives and not just us but the whole of Faerun. Look at the person next to you, your father, mother, sisters and brothers. Ignore my cry for war, and you will see the blood of your loved ones being spilt by none other than the Demon Prince Diero himself. The heavens themselves have predicted this and one night in my slumber, I received a message, a message from thy Holy Lord Ilmater himself, HAIL ILMATER! PRAISE THE LORD!.

He told me my children, he told me to beware of the Demon Prince, for he is upon us all! He will come for your blood! he will unleash his demonic plague onto us and unleash hell. The blood of our children will flow thick until we no longer are able to stand for ourselves but to watch ourself boiled and skinned alive all the while hearing the grim laughter of the Demon Lord enjoying every single moment of it. As I woke in that cold night, I realize what has to be done, I fear for the day to come and finally it has.

Forgive me my children for my months of solitude and incoherent behaviour, some of you might think I have turned insane and even possessed, for I was merely trying to overcome the sadness and fear and also making preparations for this day.

On the day of the tribunal, Lord Diero has committed a trecherous act which violates every known Grellonian Law, he struck down our close and dear goblinoid friend and also one of the advisors to me and Lord Grel, Tenuk Tenuk! you heard it right, it was Tenuk Tenuk that was slain by Diero. But his real target was Tunak Tunak, I played along stating that it was Tunak Tunak merely as a cover up to protect him. But now Tunak is safe and hidden under my protection and care but still grieving the loss of his dear cousin. Diero took that action without any hesitation or proper confirmation that it was Tunak Tunak, obviously he was too consumed by rage and vengeance and pleasure that he did not care, he said his lord Tyr gave him blessing to do so, but I say HE SERVES NO LORD! but only to bring himself up to divinity state, and as long as I am alive I swear that day will never come to exist! His villainous act on that day only made it clear of Ilmaters warning of what is to come.

So my friends, JOIN ME! join me in my venture headforth towards the land of Occipitus to commit retribution and to slay the the great evil before it is unleashed to us as told to me by our Lord Ilmater and with his blessing we shall conquer and become victorious and prove that good mights over the forces of evil! Let your fear become your focus, let anger be your strength and let pain drive you onwards, do not cower, stand tall and bask in the holy light of Ilmater. I swear to you with every strength, every breath, every thoughts and every word that I have left, I will not stop until this evil is vanquished. If you love thy lord Ilmater, THEN FOLLOW ME!!!!!!

Regards,

Viskag

The Grellonian Patriarch of Ilmater

Loremaster Zane's Report on Occipitus

2009-01-14T09:31:00.008+08:00

My Lord Grel,

I have managed to gather this information about Occipitus as you requested...

The 507th level of the Abyss, Occipitus is unusual even amongst the intensely diverse topography of this chaotic plane. Millennia ago, it was a actually part of Celestia, or Heaven. Then it was the site of a tremendous battle between celestial armies and the army of Adimarchus, a rebel angel.

In order to purge Celestia of Adimarchus's corrupting influence, the Gods of Light literally carved out the ground beneath his feet, sending plains and mountain ranges alike hurtling out of Heaven.When Occipitus landed in the Abyss, it became a twisted, decimated echo of its former site. Although it was corrupted by Adimarchus's evil (and the evil of the demons who came to inhabit it), the plane retained small shards of positive energy reminiscent of its former glory; these shards often manifest themselves as "flashbacks," briefly and tantalizingly transforming the environment into something beautiful and serene. Most of the time, however, Occipitus is just as hideous and inhospitable as the rest of the Abyss.

Its environment has a disturbingly organic motif: flora resembles hair and bones, lakes are filled with ulcerous blood, and the ground itself is the colour and texture of decaying flesh. High above the ground, the air seethes with semi-sentient blobs of acidic protoplasm. These blobs surge continuously out of the "eye" of Occipitus's most distinctive landmark: a bone-white mountain in the shape of a smashed skull.When Adimarchus, the former lord of the plane, was imprisoned in the planar prison of Carceri, he left behind him a series of magical tests -- collectively called the Test of the Smoking Eye -- to determine which, if any, of his claimaints deserved to inherit Occipitus.

Diero Chadrezzan Uuthrakt has recently completed the final test, and has been granted control over the plane's physical reality. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to wield this massive power, or what it will bode for the residents of Sundabar.

SUNDABAR
The city of Cauldron is located in the caldera of a long-dormant volcano, surrounded by mountains (to the north and south) and jungles (to the east and west). The city has a population of approximately 10,000 humanoids (79% of which are humans). Its economy is based upon the mines and plantations surrounding the city; most of its food and textiles come from trade with the neighboring cities of Redgorge, Hollowsky, and Silverymoon.

The human presence in Cauldron began about 700 years ago. At this time, a powerful mage named Surabar Spellmason led a small army inland from the recently founded city of Sasserine. He founded Redgorge, and later Cauldron -- but first, he fought to rid the region of an ancient demonic taint. The events of this battle are re-enacted every year at the Demonskar Ball.After Spellmason confirmed that the extinct volcano posed no danger to settlers, the settlement of Cauldron thrived, since its caldera provided both natural defenses and a supply of fresh water.

Precious metals were discovered beneath the surface, attracting communities of gnomes (who founded Jhadrizune) and dwarves (who build the Malachite Fortress). These communities mostly departed in the last 200 years, for reasons unknown.

Cauldron is an electorate. All citizens who own land (or who can successfully petition their equivalent value to the city) are eligible to vote. The current elected leader is Lord Mayor Severen Navalant; he works with a council of noblemen to govern and administer the city.Cauldron's aristocracy is composed of a handful of independently wealthy families who trace their lineage to the foundation of the city (they are called the First Families), and a number of nouveau riche entrepeneurs and merchants. The city's prosperous middle class is composed mostly of merchants, while the lower classes work as peasants, labourers, or mercenaries.

The city is defined by a series of concentric thoroughfares at various heights. The highest and broadest street is Obsidian Avenue, followed by Magma Avenue, Lava Avenue, and finally Ash Avenue, which encircles Crater Lake. The general social class of the inhabitants decreases as one moves closer to the centre of the city. Since most of Cauldron's side streets are stepped, or paved at steep angles, the city is not friendly to horses or other livestock.

(source: http://cauldron.wetpaint.com/ )

I hope this information is satisfactory, my Lord Grel. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Your Slave,

Zane Alabaster

Principal Loremaster

Grelthane Keep

Lord Diero's Response to Proposed War Between Occipitus and Grel Land

2009-01-14T09:12:00.002+08:00

Dear Lord Half-Amoeba in Grelland,

I don't really understand though... i thought tunak tunak was viskag's toadie?? why is grel getting all worked up and busybody about with matters that don't concern him? and what's this nonsense about some non-existent Grellonian Ambassador in Occipitus... And some claim that i was resolved to attack grel land? Grel, are you making up stories again? You're just like viskag, conceited, full of yourself and a fleabrained half amoeba jackass at that. Grel is so damned conceited and such a damned village idiot so come attack me if you can.

You know what, i am gonna leave this in the hands of Tyr... since i did technically get his blessing to exact punishment on Tunak Tunak for framing me. Good luck and all the best talking to Tyr, my petition to place viskag under house arrest has already been accepted by him and will be carried out soon by none other than the Astral Deva Melenkurion. So you can go clarify this matter with him.

There is no army on the borders of Occipitus...frankly there are no borders in Occipitus that's connected to the material plane you jackass... so why the in the infinite layers of the abyss would i bother amassing armies on my borders.

I am sick and tired of you war-mongering pyschopaths henceforth I hereby close all communications/routes to and from Toril. If anyone wishes to contact me, you can try your luck walking through 506 layers of the abyss.

This is my last message to all former members of MOD. Good luck and all the best. See you all in maybe a hundred years, if any of you survive that is.

His Lordship,
Lord Diero C. Uuthrakt
Demon Prince and Overlord
Occipitus
507th Layer of the Abyss

King Grel's Address To The People of Grel Land Before Marching On Occipitus

2009-01-13T11:03:00.003+08:00

Over the years I've greatly enjoyed this opportunity to get together with you and report on the week's events here in Grelthane Keep. But last week, after witnessing the trial of Diero Vs. Viskag and Lord Viskag's declaration of war, my minions and I will march on Occipitus. We go with full hearts, with best wishes and gratitude to all of you.

It's been a privilege to serve you and the Nation we've always loved and love so much today. It's difficult, of course, to put all the events of 5 busy, tumultuous years in perspective; in fact, that's best left to the impartial judgment of history. But as I look back over these weekly addresses, I can't help but think about how often at moments of accomplishment and triumph, as well as crisis and heartbreak, we came together in this way: a King giving his accounting to those, under our monarchy, to whom he is accountable.

We've shared a great deal together; for me it's been a special relationship. Believe me, weekends will never seem the same. I'll miss you. But you know, somehow messages of farewell, leave-taking, and nostalgia don't quite capture my mood today. Don't get me wrong, we've had great years and done much together. The economy is booming. Long-festering social problems like the filthy peasant, crime, and a decline in our magical education standards are being dealt with. And for the first time in the postwar era, trade has started to open up with Mithril Hall and Mirabar.

This last development is, of course, so heartening to those of us who have lived through all the brooding terrors of the postwar era. We're prayerful and hopeful -- hopeful that the next generation of Grellans will not have to contend as we did with the nightmares of magical terror and totalitarian expansionism. You know, shortly after the Farastu Wars and the struggle against Adimarchus, Viceroy Viskag looked with grave concern and sadness at a world that evolved so quickly, as he put it, from ``triumph and tragedy.'' But then as he began to detect the vigor and resolve of Grel Land against the Farastu menace and for freedom in Toril and everywhere in the Multiverse, he grew hopeful and grateful for this unselfish unity.

There's a story I want to tell you today about a meeting Protector Zaxis had with a group of Sembian merchants in 1376 at a time when all the troubles of the Farastu Wars, including the hardship of morally and militarily rearming the Sword Coast, were keenly felt. His friend and physician, Leliana Vrinn, recorded Protector Zaxis's appraisal of My leadership. ``What other nation in history,'' Zaxis asked, ``when it became supremely powerful, has had no thought of territorial aggrandizement, no ambition but to use its resources for the good of Toril? I marvel at Grel Land's altruism, her sublime disinterestedness.'' ``All at once I realized,'' Leliana wrote, ``Zaxis was in tears, his eyes were redder than usual, his voice faltered. He was deeply moved.''

Well, generous words, honest emotion from a great world leader... me..; and now, as a decade comes to a close, there is hope that the generosity and resolve that I saw in the people of Grel Land is at last paying an historic dividend: the possibility of a new time in human history when all the problems that so haunted postwar Toril give way to peace and expansion of freedom.

So, you can see why to me, the story of these last 5 years and this Monarchy goes far beyond any personal concerns. It is a continuation really of a far larger story, a story of a people and a cause -- a cause that from our beginnings has defined us as a nation and given purpose to our existence.

The hope of human freedom -- the quest for it, the achievement of it -- is the Grellonian saga.

That destiny beckons us still. Whether we seek it or not, whether we like it or not, we Grellonians are keepers of the miracles. We are asked to be guardians of a place to come to, a place to kick back with a cold mug of ale in hand, a place to live in the dignity Shaundakul meant for his children. May it ever be so.

Thanks for listening, and Shaundakul bless you.

To War!

King Grel's War Address To Grel Land

2009-01-13T10:32:00.002+08:00

This morning the Grellonian Ambassador in Occipitus handed the Occipital Government a final note stating that unless we heard from them by 11.00 a.m. that they were prepared at once to admit guilt to the death of Tunak Tunak , a state of war would exist between us.

I have to tell you that no such admission has been received, and that consequently this country is at war with Occipitus.

You can imagine what a bitter blow it is to me that all my long struggle to win peace has failed. Yet I cannot believe that there is anything more or anything different I could have done and that would have been more successful.

Up to the very last it would have been quite possible to have arranged a peaceful and honourable settlement between Grel Land and Occipitus, but Lord Diero would not have it. He had evidently made up his mind to attack Grel Land whatever happened; and although he now says he has put forward reasonable proposals, that is not a true statement.

The proposals were never shown to us; and although they were announced in a magical sending on last second tenday night, Lord Diero did not wait to make comment on them, but ordered his troops to gather at the gates of Occipitus.

His actions show convincingly that there is no chance of expecting that this “man” will ever give up his practice of using force to gain his will. He can only be stopped by force.

We have a clear conscience. We have done all that any country could do to establish peace. The situation in which no word given to Occipitus’s ruler could be trusted and no people or country could feel themselves safe has become intolerable.

And now that we have resolved to finish it, I know that you will play your part with calmness and courage.

At such a moment as this the assurances of support that we have received from Waterdeep and Silverymoon are a source of profound encouragement to us.
When I have finished speaking certain detailed announcements will be made. Give these your closest attention.

I have made plans under which it will be possible to carry on the work of the nation in the days of stress and strain that may be ahead. But these plans need your help. You may be taking part in the fighting Services or as a meat shield on the frontlines. If so you will report for duty in accordance with the instructions you have received.

You may be engaged in work essential to the prosecution of war for the maintenance of the life of the people – in workshops, in transport, in public utility concerns or in the supply of other necessaries of life. If so, it is of vital importance that you should carry on with your jobs.Now may Shaundakul bless you all. May He defend the right. It is the evil things that we shall be fighting against – brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression and persecution – and against them I am certain that the right will prevail.

Leliana Vrinn

2009-01-13T09:53:00.001+08:00

Greetings Lord Grel,

I am Leliana Vrinn, High Priestess of Corellon Larethian, Defender of The Prominade Ruins and one of the few surviving High Priestess of the now...deceased(sob)...Eilistraee. I am sorry to have disturbed you during your plight and internal conflict...but I bring grave news...no, not news from the grave, but very grave indeed...too grave to be graved upon. It is concerning your weaponmaster, Protector Zaxis Dakmorr. Alas, I cannot tell you now of his current condition, for it is very grave indeed. Later, yes, perhaps later I will write to you again...hopefully during your better times.

Thank you.

Leliana Vrinn

High Priestess of Corellon Larethian

Descendant of the Miyeritar

Rebuke from Lord Diero

2009-01-13T09:48:00.001+08:00

Oh yea, you're welcome to try to enter Occipitus, i shall see how many of Ilmater's devoted would actually dare set foot into the 507th Layer of the Abyss populated with hordes of demons, demon lords and demon princes.... muahahahhaahahahhaah....Besides, you can't even plane shift/teleport into Occipitus unless you cast it on something built on Occipitus. You are truly a fool Vis'kag...

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH !!!

P.S. viskag you dumb fleabrain, if you destroy air itself, you'd wipe out everything else EXCEPT the Air Genasi coz we don't breathe remember.

Declaration of War

2009-01-09T14:18:00.002+08:00

Dear Lord Diero,

WTF!!!!!!!!!!! OMG YOU MOTHER*&%$#@ YOU PUNK ASS SON OF A &$*#@
WTH!!!! YOU KILLED TUNAK TUNAK!!!!!!!!
THIS MEANS WAR!!!!!!!

I will swarm you with my army of hundreds of thousands, all loyal devotees to the church of Ilmater. Along with Lady Keesha by my side, she shall mass her forces and the skies of Occipitus will be covered with her flying Angelic Zero fighter squadron. I will lay waste to those who dare to stand in my way in my mission to like totally annihilate you and your family and relatives, you Air Genasi right? I shall perish the universe of your kind including air itself!! MUAHAHHAHAHHA!!!!!!

Take care and hope to see you soon buddy =D

With kindest regards,

Viceroy Viskag'

Psychotic Mad and loving it

Diero's Revenge

2009-01-09T12:19:00.001+08:00

On a cold dark winter morning in Grelthane Castle, Lord Diero was taking a walk in the gardens, trying to calm himself down.

Lord Diero was feeling peeved. He had to abandon his negotiations with the demon princes of Occipitus due to some dumb hearing that that half jackass half amoeba Grel managed to pull off. The only reason Diero was even here was because he didn't want to offend Tyr's feelings. Now it will take weeks before Diero can get the demon princes to stop their petty wars and reconvene negotiations on establishing a proper sovereign state in Occipitus with none other than Lord Diero as Overlord.

All this started because he let Lady Keesha stay for a few days in Occipitus because she just couldn't take Viskag's rather bizzare fetishes anymore and needed some peace. When she returned home, she took a dagger of Diero's as a souvenir. What a mistake. The other half jackass, Viskag, took it so badly that Diero feels Viskag's brain is probably the size of a flea. And Lady Keesha... she's so absorbed in taking care of that sick bastard that she didn't even help clear Diero's name. Oh yes, Diero was definitely peeved... he needed to kill someone....very very soon at that.

Just as Diero turned a hedge he saw Tunak Tunak sitting under a tree talking to himself. Diero immediately backed up and hid himself to observe. Tunak Tunak was holding in one hand, god damn it, another one of Diero's daggers. In the other hand..... Lady Keesha's lingerie. Diero was fuming, why that son of a farastu bitch...

Diero slowly pulled out Karimshaan and Nimblewright and moved silently among the hedges towards Tunak Tunak. His eyes sharpened and his blood started racing. He hadn't felt this good since he went on a rampage of killing unwanted demon villagers in Occipitus. (they refused to pay tribute). It was time for revenge... Tyr would have understood, after all, this is justice.
Tunak Tunak was oblivious. Mere seconds passed, as Diero sneaked into a position behind the tree. With one swift motion, two swords came out from behind the tree in a scissor like motion instantly decapitating Tunak Tunak. There was a spray of blood on the tree.

The sky got darker. Thunder...and some lightning on the horizon. And then rain poured. Perfect. Diero picked up the headless goblin (head and all) and was about to leave when he remembered to pick up his dagger and Lady Keesha's lingerie as well.

Diero headed to the moat around the castle infested with dire crocodiles, all the while whistling to himself in the rain, an infamous tune called Death to the Goblins by Gary the Vulgar....

Boredom

2008-10-22T17:01:00.003+08:00

I grow bored. And lonely. So very lonely. The tediousness and predictability of palace life is sucking the life out of me. I long for the taste of hot blood spraying across my face!! The feel of steel cutting through flesh! The orgasmic sensation of raw arcane power channelling through my body! Are those days gone? Have I doomed myself to a life of mediocrity and servitude? Yes. Though I am King, I do serve. I have an obligation to my people. They depend on me. I cannot fail them.... Mel, I wish you were here to crack a few jokes or trade an insult or two from time to time.

One day, when the time is right, I will escape this prison... rejoin the world.

2008-07-17T19:25:00.001+08:00

To: King Grel

No Lord Grel, He is innocent, Lord Viskag is innocent, I assure you he is not to be held responsible for those claims, for Lord Viskag is truly a marvelous man, he can't be the one. Oh mighty King Grel, you must see that it is I!!!! It is!!! my dagger!!! I Diero put the dagger there! yes yes it was me!!! not Viskag but me!!!

Yours truly,
Tunak Tu..

Lord Diero C. Uthrakt

Court Decision

2008-07-17T18:29:00.004+08:00

From: Tyr
To: Lords Diero and Viskag
Cc: King Grel

After much contemplation and deliberation as a result of the recent proceedings concerning accused Lord Diero Chadrezzan Uuthrakt from charges put forth by Lord Viskag, the Divine Court of Justice has decided in the favour of Lord Diero. The charges put forth by Lord Viskag was with insufficient and inconclusive evidence, furthermore DNA analysis shows that the traces of semen found around Lady Keesha's tub belonged to a goblin. The court considers this case to be on hold while further investigation takes place to determine which goblin was present at the crime scene at that specific time. The court will not speculate further.

Lord Diero, you are hereby declared free of the charges laid by Lord Viskag and may continue your reign over Occipitus as you wish. Lord Viskag, your baseless allegations will not go unpunished. Until the court decides what punishment is suitable, you will be under probation. The court has assigned the Astral Deva Melenkurion to supervise your probation.

Unventful events

2008-05-02T10:01:00.004+08:00

The keep is empty, the lands are peaceful, anything and everything within a 5-mile radius around the keep that is classified as a monster has been desensitized... sigh... I miss that half-brained doorknob Mel.

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-21T17:53:00.001+08:00

Greetings,

So it WAS NOT my imagination for seeing a half-naked angel cleaning up the garden! Poor Lady Keesha...it's better for her to be left in Occipitus rather than being treated as this. But I understand Cardinal Viskag's current state and ....needs. For that matter, I would like to recommend a congregation between all lords and discuss the matter entirely.

Of course there are more ways to mend this crisis; (1) Miracle, (2) Wish. But as for my part, I will pray to Eilistraee for help. I'll do a sending to Lady Qilue' as well regarding this matter. Heck, i'll tell the whole of Faerun, vis-a-vis Cardinal Viskag's "inconvinience". May Eilistraee grant Lady Keesha the means of....mmmmm.... bringing....mmmm...... good.....mmmmmm..... feeling to Cardinal Viskag's.....mmmmmm..... craving, I MEANT needs.

P.S: Ever since we defeated that misbegotten spawn of an earth worm, Stratis, my body (except my "titan") feels... numb.... day by day.... like undead or something.... Abyss, nevermind that.

Protector Zaxis

Weapon Master, Grelthane Keep

Office: 09-8261690 ext 001

Fax: 09-8262690

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-21T17:49:00.000+08:00

To: Lord Grel;

Cc: Lord Diero;

Greetings my Lords,

First and for most I would like to apologize for my masters' recent behavior. I am writing this under the discretion of my Lords knowledge, If he were to know this I'd already be a dead goblin hung next to the decomposed body of Squeee.

My master has not been himself for the past year, no one really knows of his condition or what turned him this way. He used to be a righteous and noble man always praying to his god and always in the historical archives, researching about the history of the lands.

Now lately he always spend his time in his room engraving runes and inscriptions on the wall. The weird thing is I saw an engraving of the male and female genitals in a manner where you might say "on top of each other"......it is very unlike a holy man.

With his heavy armor, it is not that hard to notice him sneaking out of the cathedral heading towards the nearest brothel lounging with the wenches there, although I myself spend some quality time there with my favorite dwarven matron. Not only that, he also seems to have an interest in bodypainting himself and frolicking naked all over the cathedral garden.

To the discontent of Lady Keesha, she tried to purge him of whatever curse he is under. But alas the spell did not work, and my Lord has lady Keesha dressed up in scantily clad leather chain tied at her neck cleaning up the garden so that others do not try to accuse him of insanity.

This worries me my Lords, help is needed for him otherwise it will be too late before he starts frolicking in your very own gardens....

Tunak Tunak,
Scared and Stiff

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-21T17:46:00.000+08:00

Enough of this!!!

Viskag, Diero may be a freak with blue skin, but you have no right to call him a foul smelling air-dweller. And Diero, Viskag is a trusted friend and advisor.. he is NOT an idiot. We all know that I am the biggest idiot in the realm. No one shall take that title from me! And Viskag, your allegations towards Diero are very serious indeed. He has officially ascended the throne of Occipitus and therefore any wrong allegations may result in serious crap for you. I will personally look into this "peeping tom" business and any evidence shall be brought forward to Tyr himself. Diero, I suggest you prepare your defense. Get a good lawyer, because if these charges are true, you might have to step down from the Occipital Throne of Carnal Mayhem. As ruler of this realm, it is my duty to uphold justice. You both will hear from me soon.

Note: Tunak-tunak, gather all the evidence for this case from both parties. Get a senior ranking priest of Tyr to get in touch with me, then prepare the ballroom for the hearing.

Yours sincerely,

King Grel

King, Grelthane Keep

Office: 03-21482626 ext 244

Fax: 03-27328536

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-21T17:43:00.000+08:00

Good riddance to you Lord Diero. Occipitus is the rightful place for an airheaded abomination freak like you. But you cannot deny the truth, I and only I know the truth, You sneaked into Lady Keesha's bathroom and hid underwater inside her bathing pool just to peep on her . How I know this? because I found one of your daggers stuck in the drainage system. One day we shall meet and our swords will collide and I will make sure to put back that dagger where it belongs, up your ass!

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-21T17:39:00.000+08:00

Vis'kag you dumb bass...

I know this information because of my connection to Occipitus. For your information, Occipitus has a part of celestia embedded in it. Hence my knowledge in relation to beings from celestia is somewhat better than what your nitwit brain packed with wool manages to comprehend. I do not take lightly to an insult and will retaliate no matter friend nor foe, you mangy son of an albino half hellhound half farastu mongrel!

Note to Lord Grel:

I hereby submit my resignation from all state posts and duties of Grelthane Castle due to my recent elevation to the throne of Occipitus. I shall pay you an official state visit once i have consolidated the loyalty of the demon princes here.

Lord Diero C. Uuthrakt

Ruler of the 507th layer of the Abyss (Occipitus)

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-21T17:37:00.000+08:00

Lord Grel,

Lady Keesha won't be able to make it for the rave party. Anyway it is no point to continue with Mel's copulation experiment since Lady Keesha does not have any lower genitals. This info was passed on by Lord Diero. God knows how he knew that, even I don't know that. Wait till I get my hands on that foul smelling air dweller.

Cardinal Vis'kag,
High Priest of St Grelmathius Cathedral

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-06T21:54:00.000+08:00

Greetings my Lord Grel,

At last I'm back from the Promenade. Lady Qilue and Protector Iljrene send their regards.

It was terrible there. Hundreds of demons came upon us, though many were slain, we lost quite a lot of good protectors. Some were resurrected over and over again until they lost their will to fight. Although we proved to be the victor, but the casualties... The Promenade is safe for now. It's hard for me to leave them (especially those HOT drow chicks :D.... ) but my place remains here, by your side.

Thats all for now. I'm dead tired, and in dire need of rest. Maybe I'll sleep and dream of Lady Qilue... with her nice boobs.. I MEAN her nice smiles, motivating us, gave us courage to fight on in the Dark Maiden's name.

P.S: If you really need an angelic chick, I COULD introduce you to one, only that she has no wings, not so good looking (god damn UGLY!!!) and dead (casualties of our war).

Yours truly,

Protector Zaxis Dakmorr ,
Weapon Master, Grelthane Keep

Olympus Rave Party

2008-01-06T21:52:00.000+08:00

Dear Viscount Viskag,

Next tenday there will be a rave party on Mount Olympus to celebrate Mel's recent "liberation" from his steel cage. He will be gone for two days. Mel is pretty psyched about the whole thing because this will be his first time up there since his banishment 2 milennia ago. Since his Visa is only valid for the 2 days, he wants to make sure all his preparations are done. Therefore in effect he will not be around for 4 days starting the day after tomorrow. Im writing to you because I would like your permission to have Keesha by my side in Mel's absence. You see, old pal, Im conducting some studies on the relationship between human genitalia and angelic procreation techniques... its for a new spell Im researching. I think Keesha would be an excellent substitute.

So what say you, dear old friend? Its only for 4 days. I will be good to her. You have my word as Regent of Grelthane Keep.

Yours sincerely,

King Grel Mathias

King, Grelthane Keep

Housekeeping

2007-11-11T15:37:00.000+08:00

Diero,

My people have justly voted for Zaxis to be our next Weapons Master. Therefore I need your help in coordinating the ceremony once the formalities have been done with. No need to invite everyone, lets just keep it simple. By the way, keep an eye on Filthy Peasant. If you see him skulking around the castle, be sure to kick him out. His last foray into our kitchen had me purging so bad I felt like my ass was on fire.

Freedom

2007-11-09T12:10:00.000+08:00

“By my will, I release you, Melenkurion Demonbane, from this iron shell, to serve the forces of good in all your angelic glory!!”

Amplified by the arcane magics stirred within the blade, his words rang deep and long. For a moment, nothing happened. Suddenly a bright ray of light pierced the gray sky and bathed Grel in a nimbus so bright the companions had to shield their eyes lest they go blind. The ground around him cracked. Grel felt as though his soul was being ripped from his body. The blade in his outstretched hand forcibly released itself and flew into the air. Moments later, as Grel and the others stood staring at the floating blade, a piercing scream filled the air as the blade shattered into a million pieces, knocking everyone to the ground.

As Grel opened his eyes, Mel was there. Bent on one knee with tears streaming down his comely visage, he let out a cry of joy that filled the hearts of the companions with feelings of courage and strength. Strangely enough, all Grel could feel was emptiness; a void that he knew would forever be a part of him.

Melenkurion the Astral Deva, had finally been freed.

At 7 ½ feet tall, Mel towered over the companions. He was bald, with sharp, handsome features. The gigantic sword strapped behind his back looked almost unwieldy. But one look at his muscular frame can put an end to any doubt. He spread his wings and arms, a joyous grin on his face. “What took you so long, you filthy son of a dog?”

Grel smirked and shook his fist in the air, “You better watch that tone, you overgrown fly, or by Shaundakul I swear I’ll castrate you with a blunt spoon”.

“Heh, once an idiot always an idiot. Did your mother drop you as a child or you just never bothered with your books? Angels don’t have reproductive organs… see!”

It was true. Mel unfastened his codpiece to reveal… nothing. Just smooth, flat skin.

“Hmmph. Too bad for you then”, Grel said. “It pleases me to know that you will never have the chance to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. But enough of this tongue wagging!!” Grel grabbed his pack, and adjusted his crown. “Onward! We have a kingdom to steal!”

A collective groan filled the air.

The Demonblade Part 3

2007-08-20T23:22:00.000+08:00

The smell of the fresh stew made his mouth and eyes water. Savaen looks at the pot hungrily and wasted no time in eating the savoury stew and bread that was provided. He saw the innkeeper walk by and sat herself on the next table bringing a jug of drink and two metal tankards.

It has been weeks since he had seen the comforts of an inn. Granted the Platinum Scimitar is not by any standard the kind of establishments he is accustomed to in the cities of Cormyr or along the sword coast like Waterdeep. However after weeks of being in the hostile cold any sort of warmth was a welcome feeling.

“You have not answered my question sir,” said Isabel, “Or all friendly travelers secretive as well?”

Savaen smiled, “Of course not all, but certain things are best left to the eyes and ears of those who are more trusted, and known or course. For now suffice to say my companions and I are here because of we are passing through on our way north.”

Isabel nodded, and poured them two tankards of ale. She noticed several things about her new guest that he really isn’t trying very hard to be secretive, and that given the appropriate amount of inebriation he may actually speak more about his intentions.

But what it is to come to anyway? Either he means harm or does not, his presence means there is more business to the tavern.

“Understood then, I will try not to be the prying innkeeper in a lonely hamlet, and you sir must promise that for my silence to not drag any problems into our establishment.”

“I promise there will be no troubles, cross my heart and hope to...

*************

“DIE!”

The warcry sounded close enough to Vargas that he was startled into action. The figures in the snow are now closer, he could make out four figures, one of them the size of a child.

A shape the size of a man jumped from the top of the fort’s walls and he could make out several more running from beside his Inn charging the surprised travelers. Instinct made him reach for his sword, but his hands clasp empty air as he recalled leaving his blade behind near the bar counter.

There was no time to run back for a weapon, the first of the attackers have made more than half the way to the cart and the four travelers, the rest are close behind. Vargas makes a quick dash to the right and ran as fast has he can to catch the rear of the attacking group. As he reached the first of them he noticed they wore light armor, were armed with short swords and had their faces wrapped in black or red cloth.

Vargas made a dive to tackle the first, but as soon as his muscles tensed to make the jump the world exploded around him.

*************

Isabel nearly fell over the chair she was on when the explosion rocked the windows of the tavern. Savaen chocked on his stew as plates and mugs fall to the floor.

“Those better not be your friends, sorcerer…”

“I think they are but I can assure you a good reason, I promise,” he said as he ran out the front door forgetting about his boots and coat. Isabel ran after him remembering to haul Vargas’ blade as well as a short one of her own.

Outside the scene was that of chaos. Fire was dying out on the snow beyond the doors of the tavern, the snow had melted in a wide patch beyond the gates leaving the ground wet and evaporated steam suffused the air making it difficult to see. Isabel could make out a handful of figures, immobile on the brown patch of dirt and several more charging towards another group of people surrounding a cart.

Savaen had run towards the gates barefooted and was pulling trinkets and powder out from the pouches he had. He finds what he was looking for and shouts an arcane word of power and a second explosion sent a wave of aftershock knocking those still standing to the ground.

The steam is thoroughly thick now as Isabel runs after him, she sees the lifeless forms of black garbed men on the dry patch of ground in front and hears the sound of fighting beyond the veil of steam, but Vargas was no where to be seen. She sees Savaen entering the steam fog and disappears within, around her everything else was chaos.

Isabel had seen battle before and her eyes see the blood and burning of her youth. Orphaned when she was very young, the earliest memories she had of her mother and father were also her only memories of them now, the picture of her father falling to a rider’s lance and her mother dragging her shocked self away. Those very same memories stunned her and she paused for breath against the secure walls of her new home. When she regained her senses, she called out for Vargas.

***************

Vargas felt as if he was falling for a long time. Then he remembered the heat and the flames, and feels cold wind against his back. Gods, he thought, what happened? He felt his breathing to be deep and the cold blasts of air that hits his lungs brought him back to reality.

Vargas opens his eyes to smoke and fire; he spots a handful of burnt and dead corpses and sees men fighting just beyond, flashing blades and axes. He brings himself up just in time to see a bolt hit the ground where he was lying. They think I’m one of the attackers; he thought and hunkered low again then drops to roll behind some large rocks by the roadside.

Two of the attackers had cornered a fur cloaked defender against the cart; Vargas sees an opportunity and launches himself forward and down tackling the men from behind. One of them tumbled over him and the other managed to avoid his attack but the distraction gave the defender some time to act and swung a quarterstaff at the other man’s head. The blow was only a glancing one just enough to make him a little off balance so that Vargas could make a second trip before grabbing the fallen short sword of the first attacker. He saw from the corner of his eye, the fur cloaked figure running away behind the cart and focuses on the two fallen figures.

Using all his weight he steps on the neck of one while kicking the other in the head knocking him unconscious. He breathes heavily looking around and surveying the battlefield. The people from the cart have scattered into the woods, he sees shapes of fighting just beyond the cart on the other side, but without proper light he could not make who is the enemy and who he is supposed to be defending.

Three more black garbed assassins are coming towards him. Where do they come from? Vargas swore under his breath and met them head on; ducking the first swing he edges his body sideways low enough that he could pick up the second short blade on the snow. Then turning fully around so quickly he uses the momentum of his swing to slash all three of the attackers almost simultaneously; finishing his blow by stabbing the two who remained standing.

“Vargas!” he hears Isabel calling out for him and spots her nearer to the gates holding his blade. “There’s more, coming out from the woods!” She was screaming at him and then throws the blade as far as she could to the middle of the snow field between them.

He wasted no time and moves immediately towards the area she was indicating and sure enough sees a handful or more shapes coming out. The arrows struck him first; two glance past his head and chest while a third punctured his right arm. Grimacing in the pain he lunges forward pulling the sword from the ground and continues into a tumble towards his attackers. He moved too quickly for them to change their weapons and the first found cold iron between their ribs while the second barely had time to scream before his head was lopped off his shoulders.

The remaining three had drawn their swords and made to surround him. A spray of magic bolts were launched from the direction of the cart and slammed into one knocking him to the ground. Vargas saw that it came from the fur cloaked defender that he rescued. Great another spell slinger, he thought. Why do they all come looking for trouble here?

His thoughts were cut short as the first opponent charged and stabbed twice with his weapon which is easily enough parried and evaded. Vargas then turns to his left and spins around the first attacker, using his opponent’s own momentum to stab his friend before pulling his blade away and ripping the man’s belly. Two more corpses joins the already red snow.

The Demonblade Part 2

2007-08-08T22:38:00.000+08:00

Winter passed slowly this year and towards the end, Isabel would be proven right yet again. There were slow nights and there were the busy nights as well. Vargas busied himself with the affairs of the village throughout the cold weeks. During the day he would check snares and alarm traps in the forests, then by noon he would meet with hunters and talk about what they have seen and heard in the forests and buy the night’s dinner, before the sun sets he tries to get his chores around the tavern done; preparing the wood and oil for the night and setting the common room’s chairs and tables. Isabel is in charge of taking care of everything else around the tavern, including the food. She was also a somewhat capable cook.

On a particularly cold night where he would not normally expect any customers, Vargas was upending chairs on tables after the sun had set long, and the chimes of the clock rang five. The door of the tavern opened sneaking cold winds that immediately took offence at its outdoor confinement bringing chills down his back. Vargas turned to hear the door close and what seemed to be a rider in plain brown cloak and furs standing by the door.

He had the look of an adventurer, though without the usual complement of arms around his belt or strapped to his back he seemed out of place for one. Vargas said nothing but turned fully to face the stranger and crossed his arms.

“Is this an Inn or a mortuary?” asked the stranger.

“That would depend, are you looking for a roof or for a fight, because both of these I can provide,”

The stranger pulled back on his cloak and smiled. He had a friendly face and long dark hair tied into a ponytail, the clothes he wore underneath the cloak was finely made, two belts cross his chest containing several pockets odd trinkets hanging from several holes and hooks on the belt itself. He drops a backpack on the table nearby and clasps his hands together.

“Well then, a room for the night for me and my companions and the finest ale you have good innkeeper,” he replied and sensing the next question, he continued “they are on the way I assure you and should be here within the hour, I rode ahead to clear the way of danger. My name is Savaen Firesbane, my companions and I have ridden a long way to come to this tavern.”

Vargas walked towards the bar counter, he spies Isabel coming out from the kitchens and motions her back just slightly that he thinks this Firesbane will not see. Isabel stops in her tracks and stays in the shadows.

“Of course, our ales are simple, but it will quench any thirst, would you rather not have some hot mulled beer to warm you up,” he asked as he reached the counter and grabbed a metal tankard from the shelves behind.

“The rooms are also clean and well heated, you’ll sleep soundly tonight, Master Firesbane,” he said it in a manner of a servant to a master, but it came out rather cynically to any listener, but the message seems to cloud over his guest as he was leisurely taking off his boots in front of the fire and shaking snow off his cape.

“We’ll see if the night’s sleep is sound, innkeeper,” came the reply, “and you can tell your… wife I would guess, lurking in the shadows of that hall that she can come out, I am harmless, as you can see, I don’t even have a weapon.”

“There are other ways to fight Master Firesbane, a blade cannot be as quick as the arcane tongues,”

A sorcerer, Vargas had him figured from the moment the man walked through the door. Lord Grel, his former employer and now benefactor and owner of this tavern was one, and he had grown accustomed to seeing what an unarmed adventurer can do in a fight. Unlike wizards, sorcerers gain use of the arcane arts naturally, like a child learning to walk or climb, like a bird just instinctively knows how to fly. Wizards can be made, but sorcerers must be born with the talent.

This Sevaen Firesbane had the mark of a wizard, the cleanliness in his dress, the uncomfortable high boots that would be useless in a sword fight, and the layers of cloak and cape. But what gave the sorcerer away was his smell, the ever persistent smell of sulphur and smoke that always seem to signal the entrance of a mage of some sort.

“You have a keen eye innkeeper I…”

“I’m not the innkeeper, she is,” he said pointing to the kitchen hallway towards Isabel as she makes her way into the room.

Savaen tried not to stare as Isabel entered the common room, she walked with a certain confidence that he has seldom seen, and there is also a lithe grace in her steps.

“Well met, Savaen Firesbane, what an intriguing name for an adventurer. I am called Isabel, this is Vargas, and he leads the people of the village. You said you have ridden a long way to come to this Inn? Pray tell what could bring respected men like you into the backwaters of the Dalelands.”

Savaen stood up and approached Isabel, his action immediately caused Vargas to change his guard and stand next to her. However the sorcerer remained his distance and bowed instead.

“Then the honor is mine dear Isabel, and pardon my rudeness earlier for assuming he is the master of your house,” he said while indicating to Vargas. The big man just ignored the obvious insult, as minor as it was; it was still an insult, but he just was not going to pick a fight with a sorcerer just yet.

Isabel smiled, “There is no need for apologies good sir, I will serve your ale and the rooms will be made ready as soon as your companions arrive.”

“You have my thanks,” said Savaen and he bowed with a slight flourish befitting a courtly encounter, “I only wish that we can enjoy your hospitality longer, alas it is just for one night.”

As soon as the sorcerer has settled in front of the fire again and began gorging on the hot stew, bread and ale, the fighter walked out the front door and stood outside in the unforgiving winds. The cold whipped around him, little pieces of snow falling on his neck and smashing against his unprotected hands. Vargas walked around the building and looked into a window that gave him a good view of the man in front of the fireplace.

Isabel had stepped outside of the kitchen again and sat down near her guest and he could see the little animated discussion between the two through the dirty frost covered windows. The snow was thick and heavy, it fell in heavy chucks almost as if another layer of frost from the elemental planes had opened above their little tavern and dropped its contents onto the buildings.

Vargas turned now and looked for tracks or horses, of course the snow would have begun covering tracks, but as he looks out on the dark smooth snow across the courtyard and the open wooden gates, he saw none. Even this heavy snow could not have poured so much ice and snow to cover all the tracks immediately. He looked back towards the door and again into the snow covered road; smooth and virgin, no one has been there, certainly no horses or animals, not even the print of a man befitting the size and shape of that sorcerer inside.

The fighter was no tracker, he has hunted before in his time, but as he bends down to look for tracks on the deck in front of his tavern he realizes there were none.

No one is this good, he thought, and I’m not that bad a tracker. The tracks seemed to have appeared suddenly in front of the door. Vargas took into his mind the meaning of all that he observed and walked towards the main gates.

The Platinum Scimitar was built on the remains of a squat fortress that was surrounded by a high wall. The main building is a vaguely circular structure which formed the rear walls of the fort that was also built at the edge of a steep cliff almost two pine trees tall. From there the twenty foot high walls sweep left and right of the building forming a horseshoe albeit a very rounded one. A couple of out buildings are in the courtyard, one was a stable and the other a small hut used sometimes by Vargas, or one of the hunters.

The main gates were large, two full cart sizes wide and two men need to stand on top of each other to reach the top. Right now the gates were open; two lanterns frame the archway leading into the courtyard and two signs, one beside each lantern show that the place was indeed an inn and a tavern.

Vargas leaned against the part of the archway that is under shadow and looks out towards the road that led south, he could almost make out the shapes of beasts and riders slowly making their way forward in the bitter cold.

The Demonblade Part 1 - The First Winter

2007-07-25T07:17:00.000+08:00

Chapter 1: Vargas

Seven times the chimes sounded in the main hall and seven times it echoes throughout the empty room that is lit only by candlelight and lanterns. Chairs lay upended on empty tables, the floors clean of dust, and a small empty stage in the corner that now played to no one.

Just a few months ago, this place would have its patrons; pilgrims on the road to mark holy days, fat merchants and their endless carts or adventurers bloodied and broken seeking a place to lick their wounds; but that was before the elves came. With them they brought their war and reignited the flames of hate that has slept in Cormathor for centuries. Now the Platinum Scimitar only feeds the locals, who never spend much, and the occasional stray soldier that walks off the battlefield, sometimes to die on the front porch. War is no longer profitable, he thought, it used to be.

The man looks out the window. He is dressed warmly in furs, especially for being indoors. Outside was darkness and snow, empty like the room he stands in.

Vargas looks back at the clock, the most recent of extravagant purchases of the tavern’s owners. It was a large monstrosity, wholly taking over the mantle piece above the walk in fireplace that dominated the common room. It had the stone head of a dragon in its center, flanked by stone carvings of lesser serpents. It was five feet long and four feet high, a huge clockwork stone oddity in a tavern of wooden floors and bare walls. The workmanship was fine and intricate, obviously dwarven, all the inner workings of the clock hidden well within its hard outer shell.

It must have cost them a small fortune, he thought, a lot that would do to them on a night like this. He was startled by a voice from the bar.

“You’re cold? Why not light the fire?”

The voice came from behind a long counter, the owner of the voice is a tall dusty blonde woman, younger than him. She had the look of a Nar, but with a certain air of intelligence in her crystal blue eyes and an almost regal tone in her voice. Legacy of being in a big city and educated, he had surmised once. She is fair, almost pale, of average build and not too thin, her high cheekbones suggested a definite Nar parentage, as well as her affinity for drinking men into shame.

“There are no customers, it would be waste,” he replied solemnly and continued his vigilance out the window.

“But you’re cold,” she persisted, “And so am I,”

Vargas glared back at her, unlike Nar women, this one glared back.

He thought of a few quick retorts, a cynical reply, or perhaps a good scolding like the Nars give to their unrepentant children. But he knows Isabel would be able find flaws in any of his arguments, he has long conceded that the tall, stubborn though comely woman behind the counter at the Platinum Scimitar was smarter than him and had more patience.

With a long drawn out sigh, the warrior proceeded to light the fireplace. At least it would give more light to this building, he thought, and wandering monsters may just choose to make his evening worthwhile.

It took a while to get the fire started, but soon a crackling blaze was alight and warmth returned to tavern. The business was losing money; the owners had spent much of their dragon hunting and adventuring fortune building the tavern and inn along with rebuilding a good portion of the thorp of Atenkara’s Rest.

Vargas and his Nar tribe had been wandering nomads before they were captured and forced into slavery in the hamlet, mining for lost ore. It was only through their rescuers that they survived, the same rescuers who killed his former masters and rebuilt for his people a settlement and a tavern for his own livelihood. He always saw his relationship to the now famous Order of the Masks as more than just luck, he’s always seen it as a form of divine providence a new destiny that is yet to unfold.

Though for now destiny can wait, now he has to show them that the settlement can at least survive its second winter and its only business, the tavern, survive without additional gold. They knew he was not accustomed to normal work, the Nars had always been warriors and fighters and wandering nomads who hunted for sustenance and lived on the earth taming the wild lands of Faerun; so along with the tavern’s interiors came Isabel.

All he had known about her was that she was from a large city far from Shadowdale; that she was well educated and came through recommendations of friends of the Order of the Mask, friends who may have also once been a member of the Order. Isabel is an accomplished book keeper and speaks well, so well that he’s accustomed to letting her talk whenever an outsider comes to ask fanciful questions about directions, and lords of this place and that place, or even ask about the weather. He once heard her talk for an hour about clouds and rain. Utter nonsense to him of course, every Nar knows that rain clouds comes from the horns of the great bison that circles the world which lay on the backs of seven turtles that swim the cosmos…

“What’s on your mind,” her interrupt startled him again, “You are remembering the old times?”

He frowns at her, getting really annoyed at her interruptions.

“If I am it is not of your matter,” he retorts a little too forcefully which he immediately regrets.

She waits for him to continue.

“Truth is,” he sighs, “since word of the elven crusade broke, and that Sembia will be fighting a war against them, I’ve heard that merchants will no longer risk this road through Shadowdale and that would be bad for our business.”

“So I’ve gathered,” she replied, “But it’s no quieter than last winter, I remember empty days last year as well, I’m sure once the rumours have settled the fat merchants from Cormyr will be back.”

“Besides,” she continued, “War could mean more adventurers, or mercenaries..”

“Neither of which I’d like to see in this settlement,” it was his turn to interrupt this time.

With war come sides, he reasoned her, and with sides come territorial disputes. By its geography, Atenkara’s Rest lies within the domain and protection of the Lord of Shadowdale; Mourngrym Amcathra. But truth be told, while the Order had always been fighting for the greater good, they had never had much of an attitude towards authority, especially those claiming of nobility and peace between the thorp and the demesne of Shadowdale came only at an awkward moment of negotiation. Thus officially, the thorp is not under the protection of Shadowdale and had to fend for its own.

“I’m weary of attacks Isabel,” he admitted, “I’m a warrior and I know that if I were an army from the north or south, by the lay of the lands Atenkara’s Rest provided more protection for an army than any hamlet or forest east of Shadowdale.”

It was a scenario that has played in his mind for a long time. If Sembia were to attack the dalelands, her generals would need to cut through Mistledale on Shadowdale’s southern border, mere miles away from Atenkara’s Rest. From Shadowdale they would be able to launch attacks not only on the elven home of Myth Drannor, but also still protect themselves from any Zhent army prowling the banks of the River Tesh north of their lands.

If it was the Zhent attacking from the north, then Atenkara’s Rest provided the best base from which to assault Mourngrym’s troops. They were in the midst of a great war between three powerful opposing forces.

“But it’s something you have prepared for isn’t it,” Isabel asked, “And maybe even looking forward to, and even if the worse comes, Lord Grel would still return to defend us.”

“Grel can’t stop three armies,” he said while tossing small twigs into the open flame. Vargas leans against the mantelpiece, “if they come we are prepared to fight yes, but we must also be prepared to flee, this land is not worth the blood of a hundred Nars.”

Although now his tribe is no longer the wandering raiders and nomads they once were, he can sense the most experienced among them already smell the coming of battles and there is an electrifying feeling in the air about everyone. War will come to Shadowdale and they will see blood again.

MEMO TO ALL CASTLE DIGNITARIES, FUNCTIONARIES, RESIDENTS, SERVANTS AND WHOMEVER ELSE OF RELEVANCE:

2007-07-24T18:41:00.000+08:00

The recent disturbance due to the release of lightning elementals inside the castle walls has been a highly regrettable incident. However, they will be taken care of by the end of today. In view of this, all are advised to stay indoors from late afternoon until the dust settles with the exception of those involved directly with the battl... erm, clean up work. This is for your own safety and the administration will bear no responsibilities for any unfortunate mishaps whatsoever.

Also be informed that there will be a great feast in our new Moonlight Ballroom during suppertime, to celebrate our impending victory. All Dignitaries and Functinaries are cordially invited to this event.

Commander in Chief,
Lord Diero C. Uuthrakt

By order of,
His Malevolency King Grel Ruler of All

The King is OUT

2007-07-24T18:38:00.000+08:00

Diero,

Regrettably something has come up and I must leave on an errand with Mel, therefore I will not be able to accompany you to slaughter the lightning elementals. We are going to Sembia to buy components for some of my spells. Please make sure Tunak Tunak cleans up after you.

By the way, also please issue a memo informing everyone of the resignation of Vargas as Weapon Master of Grelthane Castle (effective immediately). Do you have anyone in mind to replace him? Thank you dear friend. I truly appreciate your efforts in helping with the day to day running of the castle.

Yours truly,

King Grel of Grelthane Castle.

Letter to Lord Diero

2007-07-24T14:07:00.000+08:00

Lord Diero,

It is a pleasure to finally be able to meet your lordship for you are truly right, it has been many moons since we last left carceri and we haven't had our share of battle ever since then. However I refuse to make my way there and see your pompous malign incoherent slime of a master you call King Grel.

The last time I met him he tried to snip off some of my hair and wanted to make clones of me. He also wanted to hide under my skirt, he's reasons being that it's cool under there and it protects his complexion from the UV rays of Carceri......THERE IS NO FREAKING SUN IN CARCERI!!! And last but not least, he tried to prevent me from raising Vis'kag from the dead and whispered in my ears "don't rez him, I want his mace, and stab you with it, if you get my drift baby"...........the pig.

I'm truly sorry but I will not be attending your event, and Lord Vis'kag either, he is busy attending to High Mage Azervains request of summoning powerful undeads so that he may tinker with them.
Whenever you are free my lord, please make your here and I will hold a grand dinner and entertainment for you.

And finally about those angels in your court, I will send a representative to calm them down while you and *ugh* ....lord grel... attend to those elementals. My representative is actually our Personal Bedmaker and Seat Cushioner, Tenuk Tenuk. In fact he is the cousin of Tunak Tunak your Plumbing Inspector and Chief Featherer of the Angelic Chambers. I'm sure they would be happy to be able to met each other again.

Divine Angel and High Bishop Viskag's Personal Cutie, Lady Keesha

Letter to Lady Keesha

2007-07-24T14:05:00.000+08:00

To: Lady Keesha
Cc: His Malevolency King Grel Ruler of All

My Lady,

It has been many moons since we left the cursed land of Carceri, and it pleases me to inform you that Grel Land is currently thriving. We have been quite busy with the administrative duties of running a kingdom and as such have been unable to write to you or our other companions. Which reminds me, how is Viskag? Is he still swearing a lot? A trip to demon prison plane for one so pious as him seems to have left quite a mark on his personality. I do not blame him. Before i forget, His majesty King Grel sends him most warmest regards.

Now, to be perfectly honest with you, a somewhat small crisis has befallen our otherwise orderly kingdom (in a somewhat chaotic way). Our dumb Plumbing Inspector and Chief Featherer of the Angelic Chambers, Tunak Tunak has somehow managed to offend the Angels who frequent the scrying pool by releasing lightning elementals to get rid of goblins who were using the scrying pool as their own personal swimming pool. They were punished heavily for the misdeed but alas, stupid Tunak used Grel's Elemental Summoning Rod (quite a fascinating piece of artifact) which was way beyond his puny mind's control. So now the elementals refuse to leave, and the Angels are threatening to leave.

We would be much honored if you could bless us with your visit. A visit from one so revered such as you would definitely keep the other Angels preccupied while I attempt to clean up the mess. You could bring along Viskag you'd like. I'm sure he would find it to be an invigorating exercise, sparring with lightning elementals. Grel himself may join in on the fun. I have sent our Royal Weapon Master, Vargas to personally deliver this message to you, and have entrusted him to escort you and High Bishop Viskag back to King Grel's Castle.

Please hurry my Lady, things are beginning to get ugly. I do not wish to have to use violence against your kin. Its for their own protection, we can't have them running out in the countryside just because they're afraid of lightning elementals now can we? The peasants will drop everything and just gawk at them all day long. Plus, they would attract the attention of that collossal red dragon that roams the other side of the mountain. Grel struck a deal with him for a tribute every harvest season but this sort of thing could make him unhappy. I knew we should've killed him. Oh well... We shall be awaiting your arrival in ernest.

Thank you.

Commander in Chief of the Armies of Grel Land,
Lord Diero C. Uuthrakt

Lord Diero

2007-07-24T14:03:00.000+08:00

Tunak you dumbass, I told you to summon lightning elementals but NOT using Grel's Elemental Summoning Rod !! We have plenty of wizards coming through the academy you dolt, why didn't you ask one of them to do it! The only way to destroy those things now is either to kill them ourselves. Kord !! Why am i surrounded by idiots ?!

Grel my friend,Are you feeling up to a little exercise today? We seem to have a few lightning elementals running wild. (well, 6 to be exact) And I've invited a couple of old friends to join in. If we're done by suppertime, I could arrange for the Royal Kitchen to hold a feast in the new Moonlight Ballroom. What say you? I'm sure Mel would be more than happy to help you out, and besides, he's getting a bit cranky with all that inactivity.

Vargas,I want you go to the Royal School of Teleportation in the west wing of the the new Grel Land Magic Academy. Show them the following letter bearing my seal and tell them its on King Grel's business. Tell them to teleport you to Lord High Bishop Viskag's residence in Sundabar, the wizards at the academy will know what to do. Please also remind those amateurs that this time, KEEP THE DAMN PORTAL OPEN so that you can return immediately with our guests.

You will deliver this letter to Lady Keesha, and at all costs return with her through the portal.

Tunak Tunak, PI/CFotAC

2007-07-23T19:51:00.000+08:00

To : Commander in chief Diero C. Uuthrakt.
Cc : His Malevolency King Grel Ruler of All,

Lord Diero,

I have done as you have commanded me by releasing lightning elementals into the pool. All those goblins have been taken care of and their bodies have turned to mere dusts.

However there is a bit of a problem. We couldn't capture back those elementals, they fried the Elephant Shamans before they could beunsummoned.

Now they are running loose and all our bathing water are charged with high voltage electricity. This of course is of doesn't concern to most of the denizens here, no one really baths here because we take example of our Lord Grel, HAIL LORD GREL!. However those Angelic Maidens are very angry about it and if nothing is done, they will leave.

Should I call in Viceroy Vis'kag to calm those bickering wenches? they do seem to have a certain affenity to him.

And what about those elementals? your urgent reply is most appreciated, my lord.

Plumbing Inspector and Chief Featherer of the Angelic Chambers, Tunak Tunak.

King Grel

2007-07-23T19:50:00.002+08:00

Diero once again your eloquence and obvious intelligence has found me stumbling for a worthy retort. I may be an egomaniacal psychopath, but I am a kind and thoughtful one. Yes, even I, the Great King Grel, have moments of weakness... so please forgive me for calling you an idiot... you bastard son of a blue kelubar!!!

Lord Diero C. Uuthrakt, Commander In Chief

2007-07-23T19:50:00.001+08:00

Who are you calling an idiot. You better be nice to me if you want a generous royal allowance. This is the thanks i get for sticking with an ego maniacal psychopath who's obsessed with an arrogant eccentric bastard of a sword, who talks too much by way. No wonder people think you're mentally deranged. You should be thanking Shaundakul for your lucky stars. If it weren't for her (and a hell of a lot of effort and gold on our part), you'd still be wandering aimlessly as a ghost stuck in between planes.

King Grel

2007-07-23T19:49:00.000+08:00

Diero you idiot. You spelled my name wrong. AGAIN!!!!!! ..... sigh... and I appointed YOU as Head of The Royal Treasury...

Diero C. Uuthrakt, Commander In Chief

2007-07-23T19:48:00.000+08:00

Tunak Tunak,

Why are the goblins so idiotic. You as the royal toadee should be doing your job man. Just throw in some lightning elementals into the pool, we might kill a
few goblins in the process but the rest of the goblins with run cowering. It will instill fear and obedience into them and also serve as an example to the rest of Grel's army.

Commander-in-chief of the Armies of Grelland; Head of the Royal Treasury, Personal Advisor and brother-in-arms to King Grell,

Lord Diero C. Uuthrakt

King Grel's reply

2007-07-23T19:47:00.001+08:00

Tunak you idiot. *sigh*. Just tell Vargus to take care of it. And when did I acquire fire whelps??? Shaundakul save me...

Urgent Message from Tunak Tunak

2007-07-23T19:43:00.000+08:00

King Grel!! King Grel!! My Lord!!,

The goblins are using your pool of scrying as their swimming pool and your livestocks as dingys. And the cows cannot float my lord, thus taking down the goblins as well.

Should I release the fire whelps to deal with their idiotic behaviour my lord? Or would you prefer to handle this yourself?

Your demonic rodent,
Tunak Tunak

Maiden of My Dreams

2007-07-13T23:27:00.000+08:00

Last night I had a really good dream. I dreamt of a beautiful elf maiden with long blonde hair and red cherry lips. I figure that the heavens are telling me something. Perhaps I am destined to meet this Voluptuous Virgin of Feminine Fertility. Or perhaps it is a quest given by Shaundakul to save her from her drunk husband. As soon as I awoke, I grabbed my writing tools and drew up this simple portrait of her.

I dont know who she is or what role is she to play in my destiny, but I shall wait and hope that we will get a chance to meet... and get jiggy.

Note to PR Agent

2007-07-12T23:03:00.000+08:00

Dear Whatsyourface,

Dont tell them Im on a mission to save the world; it will sound too pretentious. Instead, tell them Im on a quest to bring peace to The North and reclaim what is rightfully mine. And take care of those rumors about my wives and children.. Im not paying you gold for nothing you know!

Prison cells

2007-05-21T18:28:00.000+08:00

We entered the door to the north. We were in a dark room with three doors on each side. Prison cells, obviously. The sound of moaning and tortured screaming filled the dank air. The pungent stench of mildew emanates from the wet dungeon walls. Rydus and Diero had broken off from the party to scout around. That left ME in charge of things. So I decided to open the first door on the right. It was locked. Mel scanned. No magic. I took out the chime of opening and rang it. A moment later I could hear the lock unravel making slight mechanical noises. I opened the door... to see.... an angel??? Azavain and Viskag pushed their way past me to get a closer look. It sure didnt look human... her body was too perfect. But the wings were a dead give away. I looked at the elf and he confirmed that it WAS an angel. An Astral Deva to be exact. As we stood there staring at the chained and bloodied angel, I could practically hear Viskag's heart thumping in his chest. Someone is excited....

I didnt want to waste more time just gawking, so I approached and reached for the iron mask that covered her face. I used the chime once again because it was locked. The moment her chains fell loose, she lunged forward at me. I managed to dodge her attack and immediately lunged back, attempting to pin her down, but she was too fast. Then Viskag rushed her and grappled her from behind. Viskag the Horny. As she was struggling, Zaxis came forward and slapped her twice with the flat of his blades, knocking her out cold. Viskag gently eased her to the floor, a look of concern on his face. The dam bitch tried to kill us!! What in the Nine Fucking Hells was he so concerned about!!! Kill the fucked up bitch already. Mel spat curses in my head that would embarrass my mother... I didn't want any part of it. Never trust a beautiful woman chained to the wall of a prison cell wearing a mask... thats what I always say. Fuck. Even the elf has more common sense. Still, I have to give Viskag the benefit of the doubt. This is the first time I've ever seen him think with his dick instead of his head. He's usually very practical. Poor sunnovabitch.

The lobby

2007-05-21T18:16:00.000+08:00

At the end of the large room, the fattest, most despicable-looking demodand was floating and barring our way into the next room. By the time we noticed it, half the farastu were already down. The fat demodand (a Klubar I think) of course started casting, turning the tide to their advantage. Since no one had the balls to face it, I teleported right beneath it and immediately started casting another spell whilst simultaneusly spewing curses at its mother. A moment later, I heard Azavain shout, "Spellcaster!!" ... dam. I hate invisible evil magic-users. Cowards.

The sweet taste of pure necromantic energy coursed through my body and out my arm to strike unerringly at the flying fucker.. but my spell had little effect. It merely laughed. FUCK!!!!

Skullrot Part 2

2007-05-12T17:06:00.000+08:00

The Imposing fortress that was Skullrot loomed before us. As we got closer we noticed that it was made out of some kind of black stone, decorated with skulls of various shapes and sizes. Quite pleasing to the eye actually. The fortress was surrounded by a large moat filled with a dark smelly liquid. From where we were we could see dozens of farastu crossing the moat via a hanging bridge. The farastu entered through a large portal at the side of the fortress. We approached the moat…

We wondered how the farastu crossed the bridge, because upon closer inspection, the damned thing looked like it would collapse with just a hint of weight. I suggested teleportation. Zaxis didn’t care about the condition of the bridge and was about to cross when we noticed something big moving around in the moat. Heh. Even if he did fall in the moat, he would’ve made minced meat out of whatever was in there. Such is his prowess with the blade. Rydus, Diero and I looked at each other… brows furrowed in thought. Then Azavain offered a ‘brilliant’ solution. Scoffing and smirking like only an elf would, the idiot reached for his spell components and waved his hands a bit in the air; creating an invisible bridge across the moat. I took note of his hand gestures and immediately knew what he was casting. He had made use of The Weave to create a flat plane of pure force. If memory serves, the spell was originally intended to have the effect of a wall instead of a flat plane. However, by subtly manipulating the verbal and somatic components of the spell, he managed to bend the conjured force to his will to create the effect that he wanted. Clever. Quite clever.

Soon enough, all of us were safely across the moat and confidently walking up the stairs to the main door. At the top of the landing, a hideous yet cool looking double door barred our way in. Rydus was the first to the top. He looked at me and nodded. *Sigh* Do I have to do EVERYTHING?? I grabbed Mel and scanned the door for any magical emanations. There was one. Abjuration. I told them to step back and summarily dispelled it. Then, without the slightest hesitation, I swung open the door.... to be greeted by what seemed to be a large platoon of farastu... hehe. I gave a throaty laugh, they turned as one, and the slaughter began.

Zaxis drew first blood. Zipping past me while mumbling some weird prayer in Drowic, he made short work of the nearest demon. To this day, I am still awestruck by the sheer brilliance of his mastery of the blade. He cuts with precision, yet every blow was struck as if by the arms of a giant. His footwork was dazzling. Turning, half-leaping, slicing and rending - by the end of six seconds, three farastu had been turned into worm food.

But as one demon fell, three more came rushing in....

Skullrot

2007-05-09T21:06:00.000+08:00

The journey to Skullrot was uneventful. Not a single petitioner in sight. The only eventful happening was the elf’s occasional whine and Rydus’s periodical comments about how ‘evil’ the whole place was. Sheesh. Gimme a break.

It was a typical Carcerian afternoon – clear reddish skies, vast barren and rocky landscape with impossibly high mountain ranges in the distance. The ground was littered with thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of farastu carcasses – the result of the closing and subsequent destruction of the huge gate over Sundabar.

As usual, Diero was leading the party, constantly observing the ground and horizon for anything unusual. A couple of hours passed when we noticed a change in the atmosphere. The sky was gloomy and rain started to fall. It was black and oily, with a stench of ash and burnt bodies. As far as we could tell it wasn’t acidic, but it did give the rest an uncomfortable feeling. I didn’t feel a thing. But I was drenched nonetheless. Rydus pointed out that the rain was unnatural. Duh!! Three cheers for the winner of the Most Useless Observation Award!!. Sheesh….

As soon as the rain fell, Azavain’s keen eyes spotted something in the distance, straight ahead. It was Skullrot. Everyone stopped and stared - eyes fixated on the obscene structure that seemed to mock life itself. We just knew it was Skullrot. Even from that distance, the overpowering sense of evil that emanated from it was thick in the air. Viskag made a holy sign in the air to his god. Zaxis unconsciously gripped the hilts of his twin blades. I smirked. For the first time in our adventures together, I could see the grim determination to end this whole campaign showing so strongly on their faces. More so on Diero’s grim visage. He has suffered much to get there. Though I felt like cracking something funny to lighten up the mood, I understood the seriousness of the situation. This was it. The end of a very long road. All these years of laughing at death in the face has climaxed to this day. The day I defeat Adimarcus and take control of Carceri.

2007-05-09T21:05:00.000+08:00

Mel is a dumbass! I’m never talking to him again. Just because he’s an “intelligent” sword, doesn’t mean he’s intelligent! Idiot.

Draft Note to Vargus Godson

2007-05-08T20:52:00.000+08:00

Dear Vargus,

How are you? I'm fine thank you. So is Diero. He says Hi. Im writing to make sure you're doing your duties as Deputy Regent of Atenkara's Rest. I need you to report to me via a sending regarding the following:

1. What is the current population at the Rest?
2. Have you been recruiting militiamen for the defense of my small kingdom? If yes, please report in detail.
3. Any news from our annoying neighbors?
4. How is the trade situation? Any new agreements?
5. Any other events of note?

I expect your report within the next tenday. If all goes well, I shall be back on my throne by the end of the month. Prepare for my arrival.

Your King,
KING GREL MATHIAS OF THE NORTH

Derro and Devourer Part 3

2007-05-08T20:29:00.000+08:00

It didn't take long for the crazy rants of the derro to turn into violent threats. The first thing it did was summon this gigantic devourer-thingy. It reminded me of the titan we fought back in the ethereal plane - only more dead looking and evil! Then it started to go on and on and on about how powerful it was and bla bla bla. Azavain and I blasted two undead-frying bolts of supercharged electricity into the Derro and the Devourer. The battle was short lived, we didnt break a sweat, and "Rydus" and Zaxis didnt even get a chance to draw their knives. Hehe. Too slow.

After the battle, the death of the devourer must have set off some weird anchor that bound the stone structure on that particular sphere of Carceri, because all of a sudden the walls and ceiling expanded. Dont really know how to explain it. But the elf's "quick-thinking" and rare penchant for risk-taking got us out of there via a plane shift spell.... we arrived at exactly the same place as Viskag and Diero. Right at the shattered portal.

I think this whole campaign across the planes of existence has taken its toll on Viskag. I dont know him that well but from our travels together, he seemed like a very reasonable man with a streak of pragmatism. Recently though, he's been cursing like Demogorgon was his mother. Well it doesnt bother me... but I think our self-appointed leader "Rydus" is gonna lose a nerve. He's so touchy. Too bad the freakin pally died. They could've been gay life-partners. Speaking of pallys, I wonder what Caldarion is doing right now.....

Derro and Devourer Part 2

2007-05-05T16:57:00.000+08:00

The stone structure was huge. A giant could walk through the door. After a moment's hesitation, I pushed open the door. The inside was just as cold as outside. In the dim light, I could see row upon row of bookshelves... but there were no books! Odd. Which idiot would acquire bookshelves without books to put on them? Anyway, I walked forward as I heard Rydus talking to someone. Behind me Azavain and Zaxis entered the building. It seemed that the person Rydus was talking to was a Derro. An old looking derro... who looks to be a wizard of some sort, judging from his clothes. In front of him was the most ginormous book I have ever laid eyes on. It was probably 3 feet thick and twice as wide. The derro was tearing whole pages from the book to throw them in a small fire behind him.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed something. The book was actually an artifact of great power which I read about sometime ago. As far as I could recall, it had the ability to confer vast amounts of knowledge to the reader regarding a particular topic.

2007-05-03T20:58:00.000+08:00

Note to self: Ask Azavain - do undead have functional reproductive organs? Is there such a thing as being half-undead? Mel says no but I dont trust him.

Gary The Vulgar Material

2007-05-02T10:33:00.000+08:00

Why do dwarves have such big nostrils?

Look at the size of their fingers!!!

An Elf, Human, and Dwarf order a beer. When the beer arrives, a fly lands in each one.

The Elf shoves the beer away in disdain.

The Human flicks the fly away and drinks the beer.

The Dwarf picks the fly up by the wings, holding it over his glass and screams, "Spit it all out you little *******!"

Derro and Devourer Part 1

2007-05-02T09:58:00.000+08:00

The ravine was deep - it probably went down for miles. And the other side was a good couple of miles too. My dimensional leaps couldn't take us that far and Azavain was loathe to expend one of his teleports. So after some deliberation, the damned elf decided to polymorph himself into a dragon - again! But this time he was a gigantic ice wyrm. It was quite unnerving really, except for the fact that you could see some semblance of Azavain's facial features on the dragon... so we hopped on him and flew across. Rydus had spotted a faint column of smoke just beyond a rise across the ravine so that was the most logical direction.

A couple of minutes into the flight later, we started to hear dragon calls all around us. The elf's transformation must've somehow alerted the locals. Hehe. The next few moments were among the most terrifying of my life. This ginormous demonic-looking dragon popped out of nowhere and started tailing us! Zaxis and I were screaming our lungs out (I later found out that it was due to the MAGICALLY-INDUCED DRAGONFEAR. King Grel is not afraid of dragons). It blasted a ray of force the size of a frost giant's torso but the idiot elf managed to evade it. Lucky for us, we were faster so we out flew it. Good riddance. It stopped chasing us. Must've realised my presence and decided against facing me. Sometimes I think these extraplanar dragons have more sense than our Faerunian ones.

It turned out that the smoke was coming from a box-shaped structure of about 40 to 50 feet high with double doors that a giant could fit through. We landed about 100feet away from the structure. Zaxis, Azavain and I decided to stay while Rydus 'volunteered' to check it out.

Separated

2007-05-01T15:11:00.000+08:00

Stratis was a tough nut, but he wasn't that hard to kill once his abjurations were dispelled. Idiots. Practitioners of the Art should ALWAYS hire muscle as bodyguards. Well, good for us he's dead. Anyways, as soon as Zaxis landed the killing blow, the guy just exploded and created some sort of rift that must've sucked the four of us in. Next thing we knew, we were tumbling down some kind of snowy slope at breakneck speed. The cold was nothing to joke about either. It was kind of thrilling actually, tumbling uncontrollable like that... but I managed to suppress my laughter enough for me to see the somewhat 'dire' predicament we were in.

I couldn't really see what the rest of the guys were doing but I managed to somehow grab my feather token from my belt pouch and spoke the command word. Poof! All of a sudden I was luging down the slope on a tree. Then I noticed Rydus... the idiot was trying to throw his grappling hook on... something. I dont know. Anyways, he was slowing down and I was still speeding towards the ravine...!!! Heh. I wasn't scared for a second. I looked back, saw some weird humanoid-shaped pillars jutting out of the snow, and spoke the verbal command... and I was teleported on top of it. Didn't even break a sweat! Meanwhile, Azavain (who was now an Avariel - the idiot seems to enjoy polymorphing himself... must be some kind of sick sexual fetish) was already on his way up the slope, along with Zaxis.

None of us were seriously injured, thank Shaundakul for that, except for Azavain who looked as though he had just mated with an ice elemental. The idiot was too proud to say he was freezing... so I expended some energy to protect himself from the elements. Sheesh.. if it weren't for me, this whole party would've died many horrible deaths months ago.

I am King Grel Mathias

2007-04-24T20:55:00.000+08:00

I am King Grel Mathias. I was born on 26 Mirtul, 1352 Dale Reckoning, Year of The Dragon... but no one really gives a shit. Anyway... its cool being king cuz you have all these subjects to boss around. The only problem is they dont seem to listen to me. I have conquered the Marsh of Tun! Killed countless Baatezu! Kicked countless Tanarri ass... I know i know. Yeah. Ok... shut up!!!! Ummm... what?? Nevermind.