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The goblins of the pickclaw tribe were not known for their
wit. In fact, because of their extreme lack of intelligence, they have been
abused in trades by just about every merchant in Norrath. If one were to wonder
why the citizens of Highkeep permit the clan to live in the mines beneath their
homes, the answer is quite simple, they are good miners and they trade the ores
cheaply.
The goblins would slave day in and day out looking for the
"shiny rocks" for which the stupid humans gave them coin. The fact that these
same rocks actually made the coin is a feature that has escaped them thus far.
In addition to the humans of Highkeep, the goblins also make
secret trades with both the Teir'Dal of Neriak and the Koada'Dal of Faydwer. The
Teir'Dal would reward the goblins with decent arms and generally paid the best.
They were dangerous to deal with as they were just as likely to kill you as pay
you. Trading with the Koada'Dal was rather uncommon. The Koada'Dal only came
seeking the few rare stones they used to create their arcane runes, which was
fine for the pickclaws as no one else wanted those dull looking rocks. The
pickclaw miner Nurgal was on par intellectually with of the rest of his clan.
Nurgal was quite happy this day as he had found a new vein in his section of the
mines. In fact, he'd already pulled three shiny yellow bricks today and was sure
to get at least a fistful of copper for them! After chipping a few more layers
he hit something very hard with his pick, so hard that his pick bent.
"Whaza!" he exclaimed.
In the crevice he revealed was a slightly glowing blue rock.
"Hmm," he thought, "me never seen a blue rock afore." He tried chipping at a
little bit more but could not even put a scratch into it. Finally in a display
of rare brilliance, and after ruining several more tools, he decided to carve
around the rock and yank it out.
The rock was spherical in shape, about 8 inches in diameter.
Nurgal's eyes gleamed with a dull brilliance as he guess how many allies he
could buy with this rare find. He quickly concealed it in his belt pouch, wary
as always that some of the larger goblins might see it and take it from him. He
quickly scrambled out of the hole he was working in and started off to the city
to find the dark elf ambassador. The dark elves had always given Nurgal the best
prices for rare finds, and this would be no exception he decided.
Tyrana Slil was quite pleased with Nurgal, especially since
he swore that he brought his new find straight to her without telling anyone
else. As one of the Teir'Dal ambassadors in Highkeep, it was Tyrana's job to be
both spy and broker for materials gained in the keep. Although Tyrana enjoyed
the dark end of her work, she really wanted to be back in Neriak. Working with
these lesser races day in and day out was, after all, beneath her standards. She
thought, "And thanks to this stupid creature, I may just have a ticket back
there."
"So, u pay me big?" he asked with a disgustingly lustful
gaze.
"Sweet sweet Nurgal, you've been so kind to me, how can I
ever repay you? More wine?" Gods how she hated having to play the role of
seductress to this loathsome creature, but nevertheless, her tactics were
effective. Nurgal gulped the wine, most of which ended up on his gut, and seemed
most pleased with himself. "Now, let us see just what kind of properties this
find of yours has."
She had the orb centered on the table, although she was not
the most practiced geologist, as a necromancer of Innoruuk she did have some
powerful identification spells at her disposal. As she finished her minor
enchantment there was a birght flash of blue light and a burning sensation that
caused her to jump back, shrieking. Nurgal promptly jumped under the table
wanting no part of the dark elf's wrath that was sure to follow.
But instead of draining Nurgal's life as she stared at her
now burnt fingertips, Tyrana begin to cackle with unabashed glee. "By Innoruuk's
hand this is no mere metal! It's magic properties alone are teh strongest I've
seen!" Realizing that his mistress was happy again Nurgal pulled himself up from
the floor and smiled. "Nurgal. Are there more of these where you found this one,
in the mines?" she asked.
"Umm, me not know,but usually when me find one type of shiny
rock me find more later," he replied.
"I must get both this rock and this information to Neriak at
once," Tyrana thought to herself, "But, before I leave, I must have this
wretched creature show me where he found this, so I can be done with him."
After Nurgal was appropriately intoxicated, Tyrana tried to
convince the goblin to show her where it was he found this vein of strange blue
ore. Nurgal was hesistant to reveal the location of his find to the dark elf but
after Tyrana offered him a sizeable reward, the goblin finally agreed. Calling
for a guard from the keep to escort them, Tyrana followed Nurgal down into the
mines where he revealed the location of the strange blue vein of ore.
Tyrana was very pleased with Nurgal's find and complimented
the goblin on a job well done. After inspecting the vein of ore, Tyrana turned
to the goblin and grinned, her hands began to glow with a pale green light.
Nurgal jumped in fear as the magic began to swirl and build
around Tyrana. The coarse hair on the goblin's body began to bristle with the
building energy. Ducking his head, Nurgal blathered, "What you doing, You not
hurt Nurgal now?"
Tyrana continued to smile at the goblin and said in a sweet
voice, "Why Nurgal! I'm not going to hurt you, I'm simply creating your reward!"
No sooner had the Teir'Dal uttered these words did she draw away the full sum of
Nurgal's lifeforce. With a pitiful squeal, the goblin slumped to the ground, a
dry and empty husk. Tyrana laughed.
Concealing the large blue sphere in her packs she prepared to
journey back to Neriak to report her find. Tyrana sought out Grigog, Bgug, Saag,
and Glunn a group of Orcs of the Shralok clan. Tyrana often used these four as
escorts for her journeys between Neriak and Highkeep. Though she always paid the
orcs well for their services, they were always willing to help protect
"bootifal" Tyrana Slil and likely would do the job free of charge.
Grigog was the leader of the mercenaries, slightly bigger
then the others and a rather powerful shaman to boot. Bgug was the most demented
of the Orcs and delighted in the torture of his already dead opponents. He would
usually cut small openings into different parts of the body trying to guess the
identity of certain anatomical parts. He would do this until Grigog kicked him
in the back of the head, breaking his morbid trance.
Saag was easily one of the biggest and dumbest orcs in the
lands. He was utterly useless when given complicated orders butonce someone gave
him a target it was assured that it would stand no more, be it human or
inanimate object. When not fighting he enjoyed staring into empty space and
drooling. Glunn was another matter altogether. He was as happy-go-lucky as an
orc could be. He was celebrating his 12th birthday but because he could not
remember exactly when he was born, he had been celebrating his birthday for
several days now and planned to continue celebrating it for a few more, just to
be safe. Tyrana was very good at ignoring the orcs. She cared only that they
were strong fighters and were fiercely loyal to her. They proved their
usefulness to her once again that day.
The group met with some minor resistance along their way to
Neriak, in the form of some humans that assumed the worst upon seeing a dark elf
being escorted by a group of rather large orcs. Saag and Glunn were left behind
in the battle as the remaining three slipped away during the commotion. Saag and
Glunn were presumed to have been slain during the conflict. Tyrana could have
cared less for the sacrifice of her protectors. From that point onward, they
moved quickly as word spread of their travels and further resistance began.
Tyrana and the remaining orcs were soon joined by other curious Teir'Dal who,
ever loyal to their own, helped to drive back the attackers.
With her now rather large retinue of curious Teir'Dal and
others friendly to the dark elven cause, they arrived in Neriak Commons. There,
Tyrana met with Laarthick K'Shin and they proceeded to go to the Neriak Academy
of Lesser Magics. She handed the stone to Laarthik, whispering quietly with him
as the crowd of onlookers looked on curiously.
Turning the sotne over ihn his hand a few times, Laarthik
K'Shin looked to Tyrana and said in a stern voice, "Very well Tyrana. You may
return to Highpass at this time."
Shocked at being ordered back to the place she disliked, even
in the face of this momentous discovery, she began to protest, "Surely you will
not send me back to the den of humanity! The place reeks of those sightless
fools and the filthy creatures that war daily with them! Does not my discovery
earn me the right to be freed from such lowly duty?"
His face twisting in disgust, Laarthik shot back, "Hold your
tongue woman before I remove it from your head! As a member of an insignificant
and non-noble house, you have no 'right' to anything! You will do as you are
told and be happy that you are allowed to serve us."
Moving sharply, he wrote upon a parchment with quick, jagged
motions. Thrusting the parchment toward Tyrana, he barked, "Here are your
orders. Leave me at once."
Removing the bag from his vest, he scattered a pile of gold
coins upon the table behind him and said, "Those loyal brethren that wish to
escort Tyrana back to High Keep may take their payment now." Turning quickly, he
marched from the room. Mouth agape, Tyrana stood in shock for a moment. Then,
snarling to herself Tyrana strode indignantly form the Academy, her escorts
following close behind.
The Wood Elves are thought by some, to be the least active
race on Norrath, content with living their lives in their beloved forest
fighting off the occassional Orc incursion. This is far from the truth however.
Tunare's Martyrs have many operatives throughout Faydark and Antonica, even
keeping one stationed in Erudin. Felinin Deepwood was the Highkeep operative and
was charged with keeping tabs on the Teir'Dal actions within. He was young for
his rank and eager to please his superiors and Tunare. For weeks his main
target, Tyrana, had done nothing but buy various types of ore from the goblins
and make a few shady deals with the local Merchants.
Word of Tyrana Slil's strange and sudden journey to Neriak
convinced him that the Teir'Dal were up to something terrible. He made the
decision that he would take action, figure out what was going on, and try to
stop them. He gathered those folk in the area that were willing to help stop the
Teir'Dal and began to lay plans for an ambush.
Tyrana, Grigog, Bgug and the few Teir'Dal escorts brave
enough to get close to the human keep stepped into the dark forest of Kithicor.
Her head filled with rage from Laarthik's cold rebuke, Tyrana was taken by
surprise as Bgug slumped to the ground, clutching at the arrow in his back. Her
violet eyes wide with terror, she shouted, "Ambush! We are under attack!"
Suddenly, the forest was alive with arrows flying, the sound
of metal clanging against metal. Everything was electric as spells were
channeled and great explosions erupted sending lifeless bodies sailing through
the air. Drawing forth her dagger, she faced off with Felinin, a feral snarl
flashing across her face.
Lunging forward to stab the Wood Elf in the chest, Felinin
dodged easily and slashed with his scimitar seriously wounding Tyrana's leg.
Suddenly fearful for her life, Tyrana began to call upon the dark art of
Necromancy to steal the precious life energy of the Fier'Dal and heal her grave
wound. Felinin's attacks were relentless and the dark elf was not able to
channel forth the energy necessary to complete her spell. A final cruel blow to
her chest sent Tyrana Slil reeling. Stumbling to the ground gasping for breath,
she died.
Tyrana Slil defeated and her escorts dead or fleeing for
their lives, Felinin congratulated those that helped him on a job well done.
Searching the now lifeless body of the Teir'Dal, he found the note that had been
given to Tyrana from Laarthik. The note held grave news for the citizens of High
Keep and indeed, all of Antonica. The Teir'Dal had decided it was time to take
High Keep as their own.
Wasting no time, Felinin made his way to the keep and
delivered the grave news to Lord Tephys, the High Elven ambassador. Lord Tephys
was greatly concerned by the news. Lord Tephys called for a meeting of the
allied races at the keep. Runners were dispatched immediately to all corners of
the known world, taking the news and begging representatives to attend this
meeting of serious importance.
Lord Tephys of the Koada'Dal and Carson McCabe of Highkeep
stared at each other with long faces over the council table in Highkeep. The
meetings were not going well. Upon hearing of the Teir'Dal plans of conquest,
Tephys had immediately dispatched word to Felwithe petitioning help. He had yet
to hear a reply.
Carson's biggest problem in drafting forces for Highkeep was
that most of the merchant lords on the council were just that, merchants. They
spoke endlessly of buying their way out of the fight, that the goblin was lying,
or that they should just cut their losses and leave. Carson and Tephys held no
such disillusions. They knew that the Teir'Dal would not bargain, and those that
surrendered were doomed to a quick death at best, with a long life of torture
and servitude being the alternative.
"Have we received any word from Antonius Bayle yet?" Tephys
asked, not for the first time since the council had convened.
"I'm afraid that my messengers have returned with the same
news we expected Lord Tephys," Carson explained. "He cannot lend us much
support, if any, in our struggle. He is afraid, and with good reason, that were
he to make any attempt to do so the rival factions in and around Qeynos would be
quick to take advantage of the city. He invisions everything from the gnolls to
Blackburrow overrunning the city to the Bloodsabers taking it from beneath him.
And the sad thing is, I can't really say I blame him."
"What of Freeport?" asked Taliman Yurick, the leader of the
cities brewing merchants. "Surely they're in the best position to help us,
practically bordering Nektulos and all."
"Freeport is in no position to help us either," Lord Tephys
was quick to point out. "The Militia and the Paladins keep each other in check
constantly. Both know that if either were to support us the other side would
only use it as an excuse to try and take complete control of the city. No my
friends, I'm afraid it looks like both of the great cities of Antonica will not
be aiding us in this fight. And we can count the dwarves out as well. As I
suspected, my emissaries to King Kazon were met only by the damned dwarven logic
of, 'all the more reason we should stay here and prepare to defend the shores of
Butcherblock'."
"I too, have contacted my people across the sea," spoke
Pracil Micus of the Erudite. They have agreed only to bring it up in the next
High Council meeting for discussion, at which point they may decide to send some
sort of help."
"Great!" shouted Thubr Axebringer. The prominent dwarven
smith from Kaladim jumped up from his seat fuming, "The way ye blasted Erudites
discuss things in yer meetins we should be getting help just about this time
next decade!"
Indignant, Pracil Micus retorted, "Why you little bearded
retch, I suppose I should expect such manners from a.."
"SILENCE!" bellowed Carson as he banged his gavel upon the
table. "I'll have no bickering between us, especially at a time like this. You
think the Teir'Dal are fighting over which of them are going to attack us!? No,
they're not because they ALL want to attack. And if the stories I've heard of
late are indeed true, that the Teir'Dal have indeed united under this prophet,
this 'child of hate', then we may not just be facing a few Teir'Dal war parties,
but rather the whole of Neriak itself!"
"But Carson!" Taliman protested, "IF what you're saying is
true then we're doomed already. We have no armies save the guard of Highkeep, no
allies to call upon, and all against an entire nation of Dark Elves!"
"Perhaps you are not alone as you think my friends," said a
voice from the crowd. Two high elves step forward, resplendant in their ornate
armor. One, an older male with lines of battle etched into his face, the other
is a younger female with the beauty of a goddess herself. Both appeared to be a
bit travel worn but fully armed.
Lord Tephys stood, an obvious wave of relief flashing across
his face. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the council, allow me to introduce Galeth
Veredeth, High Paladin of Tunare and chief advisor to King Thearis Thex." The
members of the council were impressed and quickly invited the newcomers to join
their meeting.
"Thank you Tephys my old friend," Galeth said with a look of
sympathy for the tired elven Lord. "The young lady accompanying me is Firiona
Vie, Paladin of Tunare and my finest student yet."
Firiona bowed politely to the table saying, "The honor is
mine your lordships."
"Ah yes!" said Tephys with sudden recognition. "You have
truly grown in the grace of Tunare since last I saw you young Firiona, we
welcome you to our table. Now, please tell me you bring good news Galeth."
"Indeed I do," replied the Paladin. "I'm pleased to announce
that the entirety of the Paladins of Tunare are at your disposal."
Cheers erupted from the council and the crowd. Galeth holds
up his hand for silence and continues, "As we speak our legions are sailing
across the Ocean of Tears and should arrive in a fornight. The remainder of the
Koada'Dal forces shall have to remain in Faydark however, as we are constantly
besieged by the orcs of Crushbone. This is all King Tearis can spare. The only
stipulation we insist upon is that Lord Tephys must lead the armies defending
Highkeep."
Lord Tephys attempted to argue against this at first, but was
quickly and unanimously outvoted as the entire council, led by Carson McCabe,
insisted that it was a grand idea. A messenger stepped forward and whipsered
something in Carson's ear.
Carson stood with a smile on his face and spoke, "In addition
to this most fortunate news, I've just been informed that adventurers from all
over Norrath are volunteering by the dozens to aid our cause!" Again the crowd
and council were swept away by rampant cheers of thanks.
Lord Tephys once again stood and addressing everyone said,
"With that said gentlemen, I believe this council is adjourned. We all have a
lot of plans to make adn little time to spare. By the grace of Tunare, we just
might have a chance."
All throughout Antonica, forces were being prepared for war.
Quartermasters scrambled to equip hastily recruited troops. Men both military
and mundane trained and practiced diligently on both sides for what would surely
be a most terrible war. Anyone who could carry a weapon, carried one during
those days for none knew when the army of dark elves would advance.
The Teir'Dal likewise prepared. They were confident that they
would be successful. Indeed, they had the blessing of Innoruuk and his very
daughter Lanys T'Vyl to lead them. Together with her mentor Laarthik K'Shin, the
two would lead their great army against the forces of High Keep further
increasing the strength of the nation of Teir'Dal and dividing the two cities
Qeynos and Freeport, setting up a stranglehold upon the races of light.
The morning was rainy and cold when the dark elves began
their march. Lead by Laarthik K'Shin and Lanys T'Vyl, the hordes of Teir'Dal
were a consuming fire upon the common lands. Platoons of Teir'Dal broke off to
crush the rag-tag bands of allied forces that rose to stop their advance.
Regardless of the opposition they faced, Lanys and Laarthik pushed toward their
goal. All around the sounds of war rang out, metal against metal, battle cries
and screams of the dying.
As the army approached Kithikor forest, a rear guard was left
behind to prevent the advancement of any of the races of light through the
common lands. It was then that the army began to splinter and spread throughout
Kithicor forest like a goblet of wine spilled upon a table. Slinking through the
forest, a group of 30 Teir'Dal crept into Riverdale. They struck quickly and the
peaceful halfling city was occupied and subjugated under the brutal heel of the
dark elven oppressors with little or to no resistance. The Teir'Dal raided the
shops and took whatever meager wealth the halflings had. Any who protested were
quickly struck down by the new rulers of Riverdale.
As the army continued to work its way through the forest,
they began to meet with heavier resistance as the allied races of light sprang
forth from their hiding places and ambushed the Dark Elves. Battles began to
erupt in every corner of the forest. As quickly as a Teir'Dal was struck down,
another would come forward to take its place. As soon as a Teir'Dal platoon
would survive one ambush, they would be ambushed yet again. Both armies were
relentless. Neither side could tell who was winning. The smell of death and of
blood began to replace the usually fragrant smells of the forest.
Lord Tephys, Galeth Veredeth and Firiona Vie waited just
outside the entrance to High Pass with the assembled forces of the Paladins of
Tunare and all others that were willing to assist them. The situation was very
grave. The armies approached was hearalded by a stampede of frightened animals
all scurrying in fear of the approaching dark elven menace. It was shortly
thereafter that they began to hear the sound of marching boots, the clang of
weapons, and the rattle of armor peppered with the occassional scream
approaching through the forest.
It was there, near the entrance to High pass that the leaders
of the two armies met, face to face. The forest seemed to groan and the very
earth trembled. Cruel laughter was heard echoing through the trees.
Lord Tephys raised his mailed fist into the air and swore
aloud, "By the grace of The Mother, you will be stopped Child of Hate! Your
cursed army shall go no farther then where I stand."
Lanys's derisive laughter seemed supernaturally loud as it
rang out, almost hurting the ears of those around her, "Old fool, you feel such
hate for me and in that I am glad. This only proves the strength of my father
and his power! However, the hate you feel toward me is nothing compared to the
sheer depths of hate I hold toward you and your kind. Prepare to feel the full
force of the power that is hate itself!"
And with those words, the two armies clashed. Lanys seemed to
close the gap between herself and Lord Tephys in but a single leap and struck at
the old Paladin with a viscous fury. Like a hammer unto an anvil, Lanys's swords
struck again and again against the upraised shield of Lord Tephys. The Paladin
struggled valiantly under the harsh blows of the Child of Hate. The attacks were
relentless and only seemed to become more violent as they continued.
Finally, the shield of the old Paladin failed him and Lanys
landed a blow sqauarely upon the aged shoulder of the holy fighter. Dropping his
shield, he staggered backward but clutching his wound as it beld freely he
whispered for aid from Tunare. His hand glowed a soft blue as the wound healed
and he smiled to himself as he felt the love of The Mother. His smile quickly
faded as he looked up to see Lanys's hands glowing as well, a cruel smile upon
her face.
Shouting out words in Ancient Teir'Dal, Lanys made a sweeping
gesture toward her enemy, great streams of magical energy coursing from her
outstretched hands and enveloping the High Elf. Lord Tephys clutched at his
chest as his whole body was wracked with incredible pain. Stunned from the
sudden and unexpected blow, Lord Tephys failed to block as Lanys struck a final
terrible blow. Lord Tephys fell quietly to the ground and into the bosom of the
Great Mother.
Meanwhile, a much different battle was being waged. Two
seasoned fighters, leaders of men, both ancient and both veterans of countless
battles squared off against each other. Like a deadly gaem of chess, Laarthik
K'Shin and Galeth Veredeth circled one another in a deadly ballet of thrusts and
parries. Both were opponents of equal skill but Laarthik, through the dark power
he practiced, had the body of a young man. Galeth on the other hand, though in
excellent physical shape for his age, was still very old. Lowering his guard
ever so slightly, Laarthik allowed Galeth to bash him square in the chin with
his shield. Striking like a serpent, Laarthik's hand shot forward envoloped in a
blaze of fiery magical energy. Stepping inward and snaking his blazing hand
under the upraised arm of the High Paladin's shield, Laarthik touched the chest
of Galeth as teh fire left the hand of the Teir'Dal and enveloped his mortal
enemy.
A cry of shock and pain erupted from the lips of the elder
fighter. But with a speed that one would not expect from an old man he quickly
jumped back and laying his hand upon his blistered and still smoldering skin,
the wound disappeared completely though the smell of burning flesh was still
heavy in the air.
Galeth smiled briefly at his mortal enemy and laughed, "It
appears we are still even my worthy adversary." Then feigning surprise, he
raised his eyebrows and taunted, "Oh wait, I see your lip is bleeding! Perhaps
it is I who have the upper hand!" They resumed their deadly dance.
As Lord Tephys fell Firiona Vie moved to assist him but she
quickly realized that she was too late to save her companion. Lanys T'Vyl sprung
upon Firiona like a hunting cat after it's prey. Firiona was surprised by the
uninhibited fury of Lanys T'Vyl and by the sheer strength of her blows. Shifting
her weight she dug the side of her foot firmly into the ground in a back stance
as she began to parry the fierce thrusts and savage slashes of Innoruuk's
chosen.
Again and again, Lanys's weapons struck down upon Firiona's
shield and sword. Unlike Lord Tephys, she was able to withstand the force of her
attacks. She did not forget the training she received from her mentor Galeth.
She realized the importance of remaining calm and level headed during combat.
Firiona and Lanys were polar opposites on the field of combat. Lanys foamed at
the mouth and struck visciously while Firiona was calm, almost relaxed, as she
turned aside her blows. Biding her time and saving her strength, Firiona simply
parried the blows of Lanys T'Vyl.
Laarthik and Galeth continued their deadly ballet. The body
that housed Laarthik's evil soul was young and strong but Galeth's old body was
growing weak. Little by little, he felt himself loosing his edge. He began to
realize, that this was a battle that he could not win. He resolved himself to
hold off Laarthik for as long as possible, regardless of the outcome.
As Lanys's attack continued against Firiona, the Chosen of
Tunare noticed the fury begin to fade just a bit from the dark elf's strikes. In
a single fluid motion, the Paladin parried both her opponents blades downward
with her single sword as she circled swiftly to the side of Lanys. Swinging her
shield in a back handed motion as she spun, she struck Lanys brutally in the
back of the head, pushing her off balance momentarily.
Though surprised and momentarily dazed by the sudden attack,
Lanys regained her composure in time to turn aside the deadly sword thrust that
was aimed directly for her midsection. It was from this point forth, that
Firiona took the offensive. This time it was she who struck again and again,
with Lanys continually backing up under the force of her blows.
Swarms of tiny insects began to swarm around the battle and
the ground began to tremble at the Great Mother's displeasure. Firiona seemed to
grow in stature and her golden hair began to shine brilliantly as she was filled
with the love of the Mother and surrounded by her protection. She waged her
battle against the chosen of Innoruuk without mercy, making known the full
displeasure of the Tunare.
Lanys was becoming weak and faltered under the righteous
anger. Her eyes, once a blaze of hate and fury were now glazed and filled with
exhaustion. Defending herself grimly, she called out, "Laarthik, please help
me!"
Hearing the cry of help from his student and the chosen of
his race and god, Laarthik was filled with a new found rage. Roaring like a
lion, he drove the pummel of his sword straight across and onto the temple of
the tiring Galeth Veredeth. The savage blow was too much for the High Paladin of
Tunare. Galeth, for the first time in his long life, fell before an opponent on
the field of battle, bleeding and unconscious.
Seeing the gravity of the situation, Laarthik pulled the
large glowing blue sphere found by the goblin Nurgal, from out of his
breastplate. The orb glowed brightly, pulsed and vibrated in Laarthik's hands.
The air resonated and hummed with energy. Holding the orb to the sky, he cried
out in a strangled voice, "Innoruuk! In the name of Lanys T'Vyl, I beseech you!
Attend her!" The energy contained within the orb was released.
The screams of ten thousand damned souls filled the world as
an immeasureable power opened a rift in the astral barrier. The hearts of even
the most evil and twisted creatures in Norrath were suddenly filled with dread
and fear from the terrible miasma of evil that spewed forth from the Plane of
Hate. Laarthik's borrowed body was encased in a pillar of fire emanating from
the orb, as the energies of Innoruuk were unleashed. Nothing can withstand the
presence of a god and Laarthik's body was quickly torn apart by the terrible
power.
Lanys tossed her head and laughed throatily. She shouted out
in welcome to the power of Innoruuk. Her body glowed with crimson flame as she
was drawn upward by the Prince of Hate, her father. The Child of Hate
disappeared into the swirling rift in the sky as teh remains of Laarthik
crumpled to the ground. A tremendous roar rose up and from the very heart of
Norrath.
Firiona Vie stared in dismay and shock as Lanys was swept
into the Heart of Hate, dread filling her eyes with angry tears. The Chosen of
Tunare called out to those around her as her heart was overcome by terror,
"Flee! Flee for your lives! Doom approaches!"
Firiona rushed to Galeth's side and cried, "This is a portent
of death! None can survive the Hate Innoruuk will cast upon us!" She helped her
fallen mentor struggle to his feet and together, they both fled the scene of
calamity.
A vacuous wave of hopelessness and dread withered the souls
of all in Kithicor as sight was ripped from their eyes from Innoruuk's presence.
Hearts beating rapidly in fear suddenly stopped. In an instant, the terrible
clamor of war was replaced by an unnatural silence. All life in the forest,
whether dark elf, ally, or animal, was instantly extinguished.
And so ended the Battle of Bloody Kithicor. Both sides
suffered terrible losses. The allied forces held what was probably the most
sober and somber "victory" party in history in High Pass. The Dark Elves
retreated to Neriak. The once quiet, sylvan forest that was filled with
relatively peaceful woodland creatures had been forever tainted. To this day,
Kithikor is haunted by the restless souls of the fallen soldiers that perished
during that terrible war. The world was never the same again.
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