Storm Over Ulthuan
Moderators: The Heralds, The Loremasters
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Bob of Beleriand
- The Clubslinger
- Posts: 1867
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 8:44 am
"The Tournament...I...I had forgotten about it. My sister...I would like to see her too...the manner of my return however, if only it was better.." Avel sighs and continues "I can't imagine what sort of champion they would choose, but even without him, amongst the best combatants of Ulthuan will be present there. It will be quite a feat indeed to win, although I imagine this..Veiled Alliance wouldn't be fighting by the rules..they couldn't risk it, this perhaps could aid us in their detection."
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
"In any case, Master Avel'Firrodeth, I suggest you begin your training. And the rest of you may wish to assist him."
Weeks pass, during which you stay in Tor Sayaleth and Avel trains for the Masters' Tournament. At first he trains in solitude, practicing form after form. Thereafter, he spars against any available. While not over fond of practice fighting like this, Avel knows if he is to win he will require all the practice he can find and more. His first duel is against Elshar, who, although lacking the trained skill of the others, has become a fearsome combatant in his own right through pure experience and instinct. Avel underestimates Elshar's speed and skill, and is soon on the backfoot. The stream of four blades flashing makes it incredibly hard for either fighter to land a blow, and soon Avel regains his tempo, returning the duel to a more even footing. Finally after twenty minutes, an incredibly long duel, Avel manages to catch his shortsword behind Elshar's blade, pulling his defensive stance open a fraction, and then lunging with his second sword into the momentary weakness, ending his lunge a second before it would enter Elshar's heart. Elshar inclines his head and surrenders the bout.
Avel's next duel is with Aruthan, who he knows is a deadly capable warrior from fighting far more battles against the druchii than he can imagine. Still, Aruthan's great skill is with a bow, not a blade. Once again Avel is surprised as Aruthan throws himself at him, blade humming as it cuts the air so quickly. The force of the blows is staggering, and it is only because of his twin blade defence that he is able to hold the Shadow Warrior back. Finally he sees his opening and sidesteps out of Aruthan's way. Aruthan spins around and strikes at his arm, and even though the sparring blades are enchanted not to cut, the force of the blow causes a loud snap as Avel's left arm breaks under the force of the blow. Avel's blade is, however, poised over Aruthan's throat, and the fight is his, as healers rush forward to attend to the injury. As a result, sparring is called off for the rest of the day.
Weeks pass, during which you stay in Tor Sayaleth and Avel trains for the Masters' Tournament. At first he trains in solitude, practicing form after form. Thereafter, he spars against any available. While not over fond of practice fighting like this, Avel knows if he is to win he will require all the practice he can find and more. His first duel is against Elshar, who, although lacking the trained skill of the others, has become a fearsome combatant in his own right through pure experience and instinct. Avel underestimates Elshar's speed and skill, and is soon on the backfoot. The stream of four blades flashing makes it incredibly hard for either fighter to land a blow, and soon Avel regains his tempo, returning the duel to a more even footing. Finally after twenty minutes, an incredibly long duel, Avel manages to catch his shortsword behind Elshar's blade, pulling his defensive stance open a fraction, and then lunging with his second sword into the momentary weakness, ending his lunge a second before it would enter Elshar's heart. Elshar inclines his head and surrenders the bout.
Avel's next duel is with Aruthan, who he knows is a deadly capable warrior from fighting far more battles against the druchii than he can imagine. Still, Aruthan's great skill is with a bow, not a blade. Once again Avel is surprised as Aruthan throws himself at him, blade humming as it cuts the air so quickly. The force of the blows is staggering, and it is only because of his twin blade defence that he is able to hold the Shadow Warrior back. Finally he sees his opening and sidesteps out of Aruthan's way. Aruthan spins around and strikes at his arm, and even though the sparring blades are enchanted not to cut, the force of the blow causes a loud snap as Avel's left arm breaks under the force of the blow. Avel's blade is, however, poised over Aruthan's throat, and the fight is his, as healers rush forward to attend to the injury. As a result, sparring is called off for the rest of the day.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
"It seems you have improved since we last fought, either that or I got lucky then." Elshar said as Avel had his arm treated by a healer.
"It's a pity that the duels have been stopped for the day. I was curious to see how you fared against Galathalas. I must admit my money is on him." he continued.
"It's a pity that the duels have been stopped for the day. I was curious to see how you fared against Galathalas. I must admit my money is on him." he continued.
"Nothing is forgotten. Nothing is forgiven." - Alith Anar, the Shadow King
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Etherion Fenix
- The Immortal Phoenix
- Posts: 1734
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:32 am
- Location: Beyond mortal understanding
Aruthan spins the sparing blade in his hand. "Hmm, I will have to remember to not make the mistake again."
He had near mastered the bow, now it remained for him to perfect his techniques in closer combat.
As he practiced a few moves, he thought about the eye. The power behind these cultists. That would be what he would prove himself agains't now.
He had near mastered the bow, now it remained for him to perfect his techniques in closer combat.
As he practiced a few moves, he thought about the eye. The power behind these cultists. That would be what he would prove himself agains't now.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Bob of Beleriand
- The Clubslinger
- Posts: 1867
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 8:44 am
"Victory sometimes has it's price...I'm sure you know this Aruthan, and often it is a price that must be paid to secure said victory. Elshar, my training has been focused on such an event as this, while yours hasn't, it isn't a matter of me improving rather that this is my specialty, and not yours."
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
The next day Galathalas and Avel take the floor against each other. This time Avel knows to be cautious, and the two stand still, facing each other, waiting for a distraction. As Elshar coughs suddenly, the distraction comes, the two launching themselves at each other. Blades flash with lightning rapidity, and then suddenly the tableau pauses - Avel has reversed his shortsword and parries Galathalas' greatsword, while his longsword is resting on the Swordmaster's shoulder. He has got inside the reach of the greatsword and once inside swiftly defeated the Swordmaster.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Etherion Fenix
- The Immortal Phoenix
- Posts: 1734
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:32 am
- Location: Beyond mortal understanding
Aruthan paid no heed to the duel between Avel and Galathalas. He was practicing his unarmed combat. It need to perfect it, given it worked so well on the cultist before the room was blown apart.
Smoothly he cycled through stances, punches and kicks thrusting out at rapid speeds before calm, tight defensive manoeuvers.
Smoothly he cycled through stances, punches and kicks thrusting out at rapid speeds before calm, tight defensive manoeuvers.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
As time passes, more news comes in to the town. Not only have Alarielle and Tyrion emerged safely from the forests of Avelorn, but the Dragon Gate has been reclaimed from the druchii by none other than High Prince Imrik of Caledor. In a battle at the ruined gate, Malus Darkblade broke through the Asur lines and escaped north, but a large portion of his army was trapped between enemy from north and south and annhiliated.
In Saphery, order has returned to Tor Sayaleth, although the guard patrols have been increased. There is still a week of practice and preparation left until you will travel to Yvresse.
In Saphery, order has returned to Tor Sayaleth, although the guard patrols have been increased. There is still a week of practice and preparation left until you will travel to Yvresse.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Etherion Fenix
- The Immortal Phoenix
- Posts: 1734
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:32 am
- Location: Beyond mortal understanding
Aruthan was fuming. He had seen the arrow strike, watched as Malus's head had exploded with the impact. The daemon that inhabited his body was obviously far stronger then Aruthan could have imagined. Yet again it meant that Aruthan had not been stronger enough to best a great evil. This lack of success was beginning to infuriate him. He had to bide his time now though, wait until it was right then strike.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Bob of Beleriand
- The Clubslinger
- Posts: 1867
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 8:44 am
"I feel I must spend this last week in solitude, focusing myself; mentally and physically. I'd ask that I'm not disturbed for anything but the most dire of reasons.
Locking himself within his room, his thoughts were troubled by his return. He hadn't seen his sister, for what seemed an age, his indiscretion at Eataine. Would he be greeted with praise, scorn, or not-at-all. These questions raced through his mind, hampering his attempts to focus himself mentally, but not physically.
Locking himself within his room, his thoughts were troubled by his return. He hadn't seen his sister, for what seemed an age, his indiscretion at Eataine. Would he be greeted with praise, scorn, or not-at-all. These questions raced through his mind, hampering his attempts to focus himself mentally, but not physically.
"Seeing as there's not much really much else to do for the week you don't mind if I train with you?" Elshar asked Aruthan.
"I'm sure you'd prefer to practice against a real opponent, and learning new combat techniques never hurt from my point of view. I've study the basics of unarmed combat, but never gotten much further than that. It's an area that could use some work." he went on, having a feeling that if Aruthan accepted he was probably going to end up being very sore by the end of the week.
Elshar also planned to have a few modifications made to his lion cloak during the week. In particular some form of way to better allow him to use the claws as climbing tools if the need arose.
"I'm sure you'd prefer to practice against a real opponent, and learning new combat techniques never hurt from my point of view. I've study the basics of unarmed combat, but never gotten much further than that. It's an area that could use some work." he went on, having a feeling that if Aruthan accepted he was probably going to end up being very sore by the end of the week.
Elshar also planned to have a few modifications made to his lion cloak during the week. In particular some form of way to better allow him to use the claws as climbing tools if the need arose.
"Nothing is forgotten. Nothing is forgiven." - Alith Anar, the Shadow King
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Etherion Fenix
- The Immortal Phoenix
- Posts: 1734
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:32 am
- Location: Beyond mortal understanding
Aruthan looked at Elshar menacingly. "You do know what you ask?"
He began limbering himself up, he wanted to be in peak condition by the time he reached this competition.
"Let us begin."
He began limbering himself up, he wanted to be in peak condition by the time he reached this competition.
"Let us begin."
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
A message arrives that day for Galathalas too, mage-burned from the White Tower. It is an immediate recall to leave the service of Calarion Sapherior and return to the White Tower for debriefing.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
Galathalas sighs. He is not that surprised. He goes to his quarters and packs his few belongings. He does not know if he should keep the greatsword given to him, but in the end he takes it for the 'troubles' at Tor Sayaleth.
When he walks outside, he says farewell to the others, although he draws Elshar close, and whispers "Should you need any aid in Yvresse, give this to my brother" and hands him a small sigil with a claw holding a spear downwards and the motto "High as Honour" written in small Eltharin over the sign. Elshar takes it to be the Itharim sign.
When he walks outside, he says farewell to the others, although he draws Elshar close, and whispers "Should you need any aid in Yvresse, give this to my brother" and hands him a small sigil with a claw holding a spear downwards and the motto "High as Honour" written in small Eltharin over the sign. Elshar takes it to be the Itharim sign.
"I am going to call my kids Ctrl, Alt and Delete. Then if they muck up i will just hit them all at once.
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Etherion Fenix
- The Immortal Phoenix
- Posts: 1734
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:32 am
- Location: Beyond mortal understanding
"What an in-opportune time for them to decide to speak with you Galathalas."
He moved away to the sparing field again. "All this time in Saphery and only now, I sense something being planned here," he mumbled to himself.
He moved away to the sparing field again. "All this time in Saphery and only now, I sense something being planned here," he mumbled to himself.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
Galathalas sets off to the White Tower, as Elshar and Aruthan begin their unarmed training - which seems, in Elshar's mind, to consist of him being pummelled by the Shadow Warrior. It is a few days later when Galathalas emerges from the small woods and finds himself again, for the first time in over a year, standing at the base of the immense White Tower, which rises pristine and undisturbed into the sky for uncalculable miles. The Swordmasters who stand outside salute the Yvressan as he ascends the stairs leading into the vast central room. Galathalas breathes in, as he stands in the vast entrance hall, the sunlight splayed on the floor in the form of an Ei'Cython rune, the symbol of Hoeth, as it shines down through a vast stained-glass window.
"Master Galathalas!" a voice comes, and an elderly robed elf appears, his ageless brow still worn with aeons of care. It is Belannaer the Wise himself, the second of the Loremasters of the White Tower.
"Master Galathalas!" a voice comes, and an elderly robed elf appears, his ageless brow still worn with aeons of care. It is Belannaer the Wise himself, the second of the Loremasters of the White Tower.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
"Master Galathalas, it's so good to see you back amongst us again," the aged elf says sincerely. "If you'll just follow me please, the Loremasters are waiting. They have some questions for you regarding your time away from us."
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
"Yes of course, Master" he says and follows Belannaer.
I would rather face Malus Darkblade again than this... Galathalas thinks silently to himself, but he knows the Loremasters must be curious about events...and by the mage-burned letter he's convinced his cousin Calarion has something to do with it.
I would rather face Malus Darkblade again than this... Galathalas thinks silently to himself, but he knows the Loremasters must be curious about events...and by the mage-burned letter he's convinced his cousin Calarion has something to do with it.
"I am going to call my kids Ctrl, Alt and Delete. Then if they muck up i will just hit them all at once.
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
The Loremasters are assembled and waiting for Galathalas as he enters. Belannaer takes his seat amongst the other greatest mages of Ulthuan - Finreir, Herulach, Valnole, Allisair, and more. And every one of them is staring at Galathalas.
"Relate for us, Bladelord, a summary of your activities since you left the Phoenix Gate under orders from Prince Tyrion," one of the robed elves says.
"Relate for us, Bladelord, a summary of your activities since you left the Phoenix Gate under orders from Prince Tyrion," one of the robed elves says.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
Galathalas bows to the robed Elf:
"After the events at the Phoenix Gate, which I'm certain you know about, we found a ring bearing a then unknown sign to us. Later we found out this belonged to the Veiled Alliance, which I think you will have heard about.
In Eataine we found some clues in Lothern which lead us to a village of vineyards, where the mage who tried to blow up the Phoenix Gate hailed from. While there, we found out an undead priestess was killing off innocent Elves. We did manage to kill it. It was apparently itself killed by the mage some decades before." Galathalas takes a breath and collects his thoughts.
"A truthsayer from Albion then came to Lothern, and a White Lion companion of mine showed him to the Phoenix King's Hall. I'm sure you are aware of what happened in the hall. And an army was sent to the isle, and we joined up. In Albion we quickly became detached from the main army, and went with the Truthsayer, acting as escort from him and intelligence gatherers you can say. We fought many vile things while there. While fighting, we came across Ogham stones..." Galathalas explains about them and how the act similar to the Vortex "and after months of hard battle we came to the Iron Citadel where we infiltrated it. Inside we faced...Be'Lakor the Gifted of the Ruinous Powers. While the others occupied him enough, leading to the death of my White Lion friend, I took some Ogham dust, which destroys Ogham Stones and ran to find the corrupted Ogham stone in the Citadel. After facing one of the Blood God's Warhounds, I managed to kill it and destroy the citadel, ending the taint of that land. Although, the people of Ulthuan consider the expedition to Albion a failure, I assure you the Asur lives lost there were not lost for nothing. We faced elite Druchii warriors as well as a Chaos army on the last battle." Galathalas thinks hard again and then continues
"We were then among the last Elves to embark the ships taking us home. Our ships were seperated from the last, and near the Chracian coast we were attacked by Druchii corsairs, who we fought back, although my party was split up. While there, we came across Malus Darkblade's army camped in an unusual location. We continued inland, where we later came to an old Chracian mansion, who turned out to be my companion Elshar's family manor. A Druchii captain had apparently killed his sister and family before and now he wished to atone for his sins. Elshar spared him, the village mob did not.
Afterwards we traveled further inland into southern Chrace and a town called Tor Elyar. We ended up staying there, when we found out Malus Darkblade was attacking it. We rounded up the militia and gave them some semblance of training. And while there we sent a message to the White Tower for Lady Esperanza to come back, as she was the rightful ruler of this town. She came, and then the Druchii attacked. We did beat them back some times though, and it was a small part from Malus Darkblades army. Then on the 3rd Day, Lord Winter arrived" Galathalas explains about him and his army "We enlisted the help of the local White Lions, and with their aid and their casualties we fought them back. However, Lord Winter managed to defeat me and others in duels and took Lady Esperanza with her. We'd also found out he was a commander in Malekith's army during the Sundering, while Lady Esperanza is the soul of Everqueen Yasarielle reborn. Their tale is perhaps known to you, if not I can tell it afterwards. We did follow him, and did manage to defeat him, although it was Lady Esperanza who did so. We returned to the town and managed to hold the Druchii at bay through an incredible spell cast by Lady Esperanza, until Lord Elthair and his Legion showed up and drove the remaining away" Galathalas then thinks hard and continues:
"As a reward for my participation at the Phoenix Gate, Lady Jasper crafted a Circlet to me. It allows me to communicate with the spirits. This I did after the victory...and the spirits told me that this attack was a rouse, that the Dragon Gate had fallen and Malekith and Malus was attacking the Evercourt, by pincer movement. We had to act fast, and by advice from the White Lions, we traversed across the Anulii...across the Chaos-embued tops. It is a trek I wish not to endure again.
We came to the Evercourt...where that...I'm even not ashamed to say this, fool Eltharion decided to STAY and fight Malekith. As he was the highest in command, I could not do anything but obey. That day I thought I would die. The battle did commence, with Eltharion facing Malekith and myself attacking any Druchii coming near the Everqueen. Malus Darkblade showed up and defeated her, and was almost to kill her when I charged him. I did manage to keep him occupied and even wounded him, before his mount the cold one struck me down, almost bit me in half. I passed out because of the pain and quick loss of blood. When I woke up, I heard Tyrion had saved the Everqueen and Eltharion was lauded as a great hero. The deaths of those Swordmasters and Handmaidens that day could have been avoided, but alas they were not, so Eltharion could give the Witch King a mere flesh wound." Galathalas tries to keep his voice in check, but it switches between a neutral and an angry pitch.
"Also when I woke up, High Prince Calarion was there, if he is even a Prince. We were treated and healed...and somehow ended up in his service. I did receive this greatsword as a gift when I stayed at his family manor. Some days ago we were ordered to find a book called "A Discussion of Religious Practices in the Time of Aenarion" in Tor Sayaleth."
Galathalas then relays exactly what happened in Tor Sayaleth as this seemed to be most interesting to them, and probably what they wanted to hear. He leaves nothing out. The book, the burning uncrewed ship, the plague, the ambushes, the new ring, the mage who could heal and lastly the attack on the pleasure house. He also replies about how Calarion reacted and about his agents.
He then awaits a more thourough interrogation.
"After the events at the Phoenix Gate, which I'm certain you know about, we found a ring bearing a then unknown sign to us. Later we found out this belonged to the Veiled Alliance, which I think you will have heard about.
In Eataine we found some clues in Lothern which lead us to a village of vineyards, where the mage who tried to blow up the Phoenix Gate hailed from. While there, we found out an undead priestess was killing off innocent Elves. We did manage to kill it. It was apparently itself killed by the mage some decades before." Galathalas takes a breath and collects his thoughts.
"A truthsayer from Albion then came to Lothern, and a White Lion companion of mine showed him to the Phoenix King's Hall. I'm sure you are aware of what happened in the hall. And an army was sent to the isle, and we joined up. In Albion we quickly became detached from the main army, and went with the Truthsayer, acting as escort from him and intelligence gatherers you can say. We fought many vile things while there. While fighting, we came across Ogham stones..." Galathalas explains about them and how the act similar to the Vortex "and after months of hard battle we came to the Iron Citadel where we infiltrated it. Inside we faced...Be'Lakor the Gifted of the Ruinous Powers. While the others occupied him enough, leading to the death of my White Lion friend, I took some Ogham dust, which destroys Ogham Stones and ran to find the corrupted Ogham stone in the Citadel. After facing one of the Blood God's Warhounds, I managed to kill it and destroy the citadel, ending the taint of that land. Although, the people of Ulthuan consider the expedition to Albion a failure, I assure you the Asur lives lost there were not lost for nothing. We faced elite Druchii warriors as well as a Chaos army on the last battle." Galathalas thinks hard again and then continues
"We were then among the last Elves to embark the ships taking us home. Our ships were seperated from the last, and near the Chracian coast we were attacked by Druchii corsairs, who we fought back, although my party was split up. While there, we came across Malus Darkblade's army camped in an unusual location. We continued inland, where we later came to an old Chracian mansion, who turned out to be my companion Elshar's family manor. A Druchii captain had apparently killed his sister and family before and now he wished to atone for his sins. Elshar spared him, the village mob did not.
Afterwards we traveled further inland into southern Chrace and a town called Tor Elyar. We ended up staying there, when we found out Malus Darkblade was attacking it. We rounded up the militia and gave them some semblance of training. And while there we sent a message to the White Tower for Lady Esperanza to come back, as she was the rightful ruler of this town. She came, and then the Druchii attacked. We did beat them back some times though, and it was a small part from Malus Darkblades army. Then on the 3rd Day, Lord Winter arrived" Galathalas explains about him and his army "We enlisted the help of the local White Lions, and with their aid and their casualties we fought them back. However, Lord Winter managed to defeat me and others in duels and took Lady Esperanza with her. We'd also found out he was a commander in Malekith's army during the Sundering, while Lady Esperanza is the soul of Everqueen Yasarielle reborn. Their tale is perhaps known to you, if not I can tell it afterwards. We did follow him, and did manage to defeat him, although it was Lady Esperanza who did so. We returned to the town and managed to hold the Druchii at bay through an incredible spell cast by Lady Esperanza, until Lord Elthair and his Legion showed up and drove the remaining away" Galathalas then thinks hard and continues:
"As a reward for my participation at the Phoenix Gate, Lady Jasper crafted a Circlet to me. It allows me to communicate with the spirits. This I did after the victory...and the spirits told me that this attack was a rouse, that the Dragon Gate had fallen and Malekith and Malus was attacking the Evercourt, by pincer movement. We had to act fast, and by advice from the White Lions, we traversed across the Anulii...across the Chaos-embued tops. It is a trek I wish not to endure again.
We came to the Evercourt...where that...I'm even not ashamed to say this, fool Eltharion decided to STAY and fight Malekith. As he was the highest in command, I could not do anything but obey. That day I thought I would die. The battle did commence, with Eltharion facing Malekith and myself attacking any Druchii coming near the Everqueen. Malus Darkblade showed up and defeated her, and was almost to kill her when I charged him. I did manage to keep him occupied and even wounded him, before his mount the cold one struck me down, almost bit me in half. I passed out because of the pain and quick loss of blood. When I woke up, I heard Tyrion had saved the Everqueen and Eltharion was lauded as a great hero. The deaths of those Swordmasters and Handmaidens that day could have been avoided, but alas they were not, so Eltharion could give the Witch King a mere flesh wound." Galathalas tries to keep his voice in check, but it switches between a neutral and an angry pitch.
"Also when I woke up, High Prince Calarion was there, if he is even a Prince. We were treated and healed...and somehow ended up in his service. I did receive this greatsword as a gift when I stayed at his family manor. Some days ago we were ordered to find a book called "A Discussion of Religious Practices in the Time of Aenarion" in Tor Sayaleth."
Galathalas then relays exactly what happened in Tor Sayaleth as this seemed to be most interesting to them, and probably what they wanted to hear. He leaves nothing out. The book, the burning uncrewed ship, the plague, the ambushes, the new ring, the mage who could heal and lastly the attack on the pleasure house. He also replies about how Calarion reacted and about his agents.
He then awaits a more thourough interrogation.
"I am going to call my kids Ctrl, Alt and Delete. Then if they muck up i will just hit them all at once.
"Let us train with the sword for a bit, I'm sure it should result in something a little less one sided." Elshar said getting up slowly after one of the hand to hand combat pummellings.
"I doubt you'll have to go hunt Malus down, I'm sure he'll be looking for you after the mess you made of his head. At range his no match for you, but up close is another matter." he continued drawing his swords and awaiting the Shadow Warrior.
"I doubt you'll have to go hunt Malus down, I'm sure he'll be looking for you after the mess you made of his head. At range his no match for you, but up close is another matter." he continued drawing his swords and awaiting the Shadow Warrior.
"Nothing is forgotten. Nothing is forgiven." - Alith Anar, the Shadow King
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Etherion Fenix
- The Immortal Phoenix
- Posts: 1734
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:32 am
- Location: Beyond mortal understanding
"It is my weakness so far. One I hope to rid myself of. Come, show me how to fight with the sword." Spinning the sparing sword in his hand, he circled around Elshar ready to make his strike.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
The Loremasters look at each other, and then back at Galathalas. "We are aware of the events in Albion, and the High Loremaster is there now. What are the High Prince's current plans?"
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
-
Calarion Sapherior
- High Prince of Saphery
- Posts: 2766
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:34 pm
- Location: Saphery
Meanwhile, Aruthan and Elshar spar in Tor Sayaleth. Aruthan's aggresive style lets him take the initiative, although the fight soon settles down into a more measured exchange. Aruthan's ferocious attacks make him often almost break through Elshar's defence, but the two longswords turn them aside repeatedly. For his own part, the Chracian manages to unleash his own counterattacks, forcing the Shadow Warrior to duck and dive in defence. After a gruelling defence, finally Elshar tires and Aruthan breaks through his guard powerfully, flinging him to the floor. In this duel, the winner was not the most skilled, but the one with the most endurance.
"Ask every person if they've heard the story,
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
And tell them, loud and clear, if they have not:
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot."
-
Etherion Fenix
- The Immortal Phoenix
- Posts: 1734
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:32 am
- Location: Beyond mortal understanding
"Hmm, I still lack skill i fear. Then again I still won, which in war is what must be done."
Aruthan left the exhausted Elshar, he had had enough of combat. Now he needed to begin stealing his mind. As well as plotting his moves when they reached the contest.
Aruthan left the exhausted Elshar, he had had enough of combat. Now he needed to begin stealing his mind. As well as plotting his moves when they reached the contest.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Elshar only shrugged in response to Aruthan's words, he had a bit of work to do before their next encounter with the cultists. But for the moment he needed to take a break and have a rest.
As he made his way back to his room, he thought a little about the tactics the cultists had used. So far they themselves had been easy to deal with, the one thing that had caught them all out was their use of magic. Maybe he could find a mage who'd be willing to help him build up some sort of magical defences before they next came across one of the cultists mages.
As he made his way back to his room, he thought a little about the tactics the cultists had used. So far they themselves had been easy to deal with, the one thing that had caught them all out was their use of magic. Maybe he could find a mage who'd be willing to help him build up some sort of magical defences before they next came across one of the cultists mages.
"Nothing is forgotten. Nothing is forgiven." - Alith Anar, the Shadow King
Galathalas thinks hard, but his first loyalty has always, always been to the White Tower.
"We were going to the Master's Tournament in Yvresse. Apparently, the Veild Alliance might be strike next there. Calarion suspects either one of the tournament participants or some other means, although he strongly suspects the first. He believes they can cause quite a mess with many High Princes and highborn Yvressians present. One in my party was to enter the tournament to try and discover anything. That is all we were told. I suspect the High Prince doesn't trust his "servants" that much"
"We were going to the Master's Tournament in Yvresse. Apparently, the Veild Alliance might be strike next there. Calarion suspects either one of the tournament participants or some other means, although he strongly suspects the first. He believes they can cause quite a mess with many High Princes and highborn Yvressians present. One in my party was to enter the tournament to try and discover anything. That is all we were told. I suspect the High Prince doesn't trust his "servants" that much"
"I am going to call my kids Ctrl, Alt and Delete. Then if they muck up i will just hit them all at once.