- Tiggum
- Oct 24, 2007
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Your life and your quest end here.
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Dead in the Deep posted:The two intimidating Herbwarden Hunters notice your Sommlending guildsman's tunic and step aside wordlessly. You enter into a beautiful chamber, covered in the same greenery as the exterior, and a carpet of moss cushions your feet. The air is filled with the sound of small songbirds, and blue lamps give the light a softness. An old Herbalish sits with his long beard settled upon a desk studded with green buds seemingly carved from a living tree stump. He welcomes you as you enter, and to your surprise enquires what a Kai might be looking for here in the Lyrisian headquarters of the Purifiers of the Reclaimed Wastelands, especially since the recent wars have put the project on hold. Unable to contain vour surprise, you ask what it was that gave you away. "The Herbwardens of Bautar have many means of knowing friend from foe."
After the fall of the Darklords of Helgedad in MS 5070, the Elder Magi of Dessi, the Herbwardens of Bautar and the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star undertook a joint mission to restore life and fertility to the volcanic wastelands north of the Maakengorge. They were protected by volunteers from the armies of Sommerlund, Lyris, and Magador, and it was the first unified but tentative step towards the reclamation of all the Darklands. Despite their successes, their progress was slow. It would take not years, but centuries, to undo the harm caused by the Darklords, and counter to their expectations, the inhabitants of the Darklands had not driven themselves to extinction with civil wars after the fall of the Darklords. The reclamation slowed even more with the assassination of President Kadharian of Magador and ceased altogether when his replacement, Marshal Luthos Vorgada, allied himself with the Drakkarim of Ogia and closed the borders of Magador thus breaking the alliance with the Freelands, and leaving the purifiers unable to use the overland route through that country.
"We kept this enclave alive in Varetta, in the hope that one day we might be able to use the route across the Zandzendod Mountains again. But now, the headquarters of our Sommlending allies in the Iron Hills has been destroyed, and I fear that this accursed desert will never know life again," the Bautarian says with a gentle sigh.
You ask if he is aware of the local operations of the Acolytes of Vashna and he snaps that only a blind man could miss them, blaming the princes of the Stornlands for their swelling numbers. With another sigh, he apologises for his rudeness and rubs at his temples with weather-beaten fingers.
"Our Hunters have confirmed that the Cener Druids of Ruel are among their number. It's unsurprising really when you consider that the Acolytes' last known leader, that accursed Cadak, was himself the Arch Druid of the Cenerese. Alas, the rulers of Lyris seem disinclined to allow us to hunt them ourselves," he adds bitterly.
When you mention that you may have to deal with the Acolytes and their Cenerese allies, he brightens noticeably, sliding two vials across the desk to you. He explains that they are Bautarian Antitoxin, a formula continually being improved by his order to counter most common diseases and poisons, particularly the lesser sorcerous plagues of their Cener enemies, that have been spread intentionally to help drive people to the cult of Vashna.
Each vial contains enough for 2 doses. In addition, he offers to sell you the following medicines and alchemical compounds:
- Potion of Alether: 5 Gold Crowns. Adds 2 COMBAT SKILL for the duration of one combat.
- Potion of Malavan: 6 Gold Crowns. Increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge, by adding 2 COMBAT SKILL for the duration of one combat.
- Rendalim's Elixir: 7 Gold Crowns. Restores 6 ENDURANCE when swallowed at any time.
- Volko Berry Concentrate: 7 Gold Crowns. This catalyst speeds up magical reactions between substances.
- Potion of Ghilev: 4 Gold Crowns. Induces sleep in humans and animals when ingested.
- Powder of Obhanthor: 6 Gold Crowns. This healing spice restore 5 ENDURANCE points per dose when eaten with a Meal.
You bid him good day and leave the Grey Tower by crossing the flowered park.
Beyond the park, a street paved with white gravel leads to the tallest building in the city by far, the Tower of the King. Through the courtyard entrance, you spot a grand building whose brick and marble façade is adorned with the words 'Halls of Learning'. As you approach, passing a bubbling fountain, you are stopped by three brown-robed scholars.
"Welcome to Varetta's Halls of Learning, Grand Master," says the youngest and shortest of the trio, his thick eye glasses giving his face the overall appearance of an enormous insect. "I am Solain Gavalandro," he adds with a bow, "I am a mathematician and an astrologer, my lady. Do not fear, we have been expecting your coming for some time. In fact, we followed your approach across our beloved city and would have sent assistance if you had... well, if
you had lost your way, and..."
"I was supposed to meet the High Solain Gwynian in person. Would you three gentlemen be kind enough to escort me to him personally?" you ask, cutting him short. You feel uneasy. Can you trust anyone that would announce your true identity openly, in the middle of a public courtyard?
A look of remorse crosses the face of the young scholar and his comrades. "My lady, we must inform you Master Gwynian's condition has worsened of late. He cannot leave his bedroom. Perhaps we..."
He is interrupted a second time as the silhouette of an old man appears in the doorway, stepping up quickly beside Gavalandro, nodding and smiling knowingly. You recognize the figure instantly: it is an apparition of Gwynian the Sage, a projection of his spirit-self from another location-one of the astrologer's favourite tricks.
"Welcome, Braveheart," Gwynian says. "We must have words, you and I."
"But High Solain ..." Gavalandro whines.
"This is not a request, Solain Gavalandro. I must speak in private with our illustrious guest, the same woman, I might add, who saved our beloved city while you were still a daydreaming youth. Continue the preparations and await the arrival of our other friend. And ensure that he is punctual. The stars indicate that our timing is crucial."
The apparition turns toward you. "Braveheart, if you'll come this way."
You follow him along the white gravelled path which leads to a sign, hanging over a richly-carved oak door that simply reads 'Library'. You enter the cool interior, impressed by the many thousands of books lining its thick stone shelves. The apparition does not linger and ushers you through a series of corridors to a staircase. After climbing many floors, the ghostly figure stops before a door set in a wide archway before abruptly vanishing.
You find the door unlocked, and enter a spacious bedroom lined with bookshelves and stellar maps, illuminated by a single, floating ball of light. A thin silhouette slowly sits upright upon the small bed, with some difficulty. You feel your pulse quicken as you realise this frail figure is Gwynian himself. Your friend has aged far more in the flesh.
"It has been so long since last we met my lady," he says with a trembling voice. "Please, be troubled not by my appearance. Sit! Sit! We must talk, you and I."
The full weight of Gwynian's age moves you. Here sits another living legend of Magnamund. He who was the architect of victory for the New Order Kai during the siege of MS 5077. Each time the Acolytes of Vashna's plots threatened peace, he was there to assist Lone Wolf, and to thwart their schemes. Much like your master, he was the sole survivor of his own order when agents of the Darklords burned the first Halls of Learning in MS 5059, later he reformed the order with patience and no small courage. You rush forward to help as he straightens himself with trembling arms, as thin as willow branches, leaning heavily against the headboard. You feel your heart ache, but he gently waves away your concerns, wincing at the discomfort of his aging joints. He must be a century old at least, sustaining himself with his astral skills alone, and you inwardly applaud him for making the effort to welcome and assist you.
"Do not be downcast, my friend," Gwynian says gently, with a comforting smile. "My work has not come to its end. Gwynian can still be of some use! Moreover, I must make amends after the regrettable capture of Grand Master Steel Hand."
His voice tremulous with fatigue, yet filled with the same old conviction, Gwynian explains that your fellow Grand Master came to the Halls of Learning less than two weeks ago and that he also requested the help of the Sages of Varetta.
"At that time, I was certain our enemies were plotting another attempt to resurrect their dark master," Gwynian says. "Through astral meditation my fellow astrologers and I were able to guide Steel Hand safely to the ruins of Emolyria. Thankfully, our spiritual projections are different from those generated by your own psychic powers, and we were undetected by the horrors that haunt that ruin. We even sensed that Steel Hand was able to achieve some great victory there, only to be captured. Alas, we have been unable to establish precisely how he was detected and overpowered. More disturbing yet, our enemies continue to occupy Emolyria as if nothing untoward has occurred."
A detail bothers you, which echoes Lone Wolf's own misgivings. "High Solain, you doubt that Vashna's resurrection is the goal pursued at the Maakengorge?"
"Precisely, my lady. What is at stake in Emolyria is perhaps more terrible. Grand Master, during the past few nights the stars have shown me a new threat, deadlier even than the former Archlord of the Darklands himself. Something that could seal the fate of Magnamund! You must travel to Emolyria in turn and achieve what Steel Hand could not. The agents of darkness have patiently established there, at the gates of the Stornlands, a gigantic fortress. We felt it as we watched over your fellow Grand Master; I fear too that they are still performing this terrible ritual, which must be stopped at any cost."
Gwynian's voice grows weaker. "I pray you, my Lady, return to the Library and discuss these matters with Gavalandro. He may not appear so, but he is the most capable astrologer I have seen in many years and has trained in these halls since they were raised anew. He will guide you on how our order can aid your quest and on Guildmaster Banedon's diversion of.... Oh, and one last matter!"
Gwynian produces a small scroll of parchment from his robes and hands it to you. "This is the last augury the stars were ready to gift me, just this last night. I have been unable to interpret it, but I am certain it relates to the New Order Kai."
Upon the scroll, written in flowing verse:
Long ago within a sunny realm arose
A Warrior and a Magician, set by fate opposed
One, selfless protector of his kin
The other, damned and banished for his sin
If hate be unwound, and buried their grievance
Changed forever shall be the great balance
For one, an eternal kingdom enshrined
The other, eternal freedom for mankind
Disquieted by the scroll's message, you turn to ask Gwynian what his thoughts are, only to see he has fallen asleep (you may record Gwynian's Scroll as a Special Item on your Action Chart). Preferring to let him rest, you quietly bid him farewell, and slip quietly from the bedchamber.
When you descend to the main hall of the library, it is crowded with young scholars. You are quickly intercepted by Gavalandro, who hurriedly ushers you into an adjoining chamber, where floating balls of light illuminate a stone table, covered with scrolls and maps. Behind it, you see the figure of Guildmaster Banedon, accompanied by an escort of elite Wizards from the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. Your allies have arrived sooner than expected.
"Well met, Braveheart! Our timing is fortuitous indeed" says Banedon with a grin. "I must congratulate you on your victory in Chai even if our current predicament does not quite lend itself to celebration. May I introduce my escort?"
You thank the ageing Guildmaster, your mentor's closest friend and the man with whom he has shared the greatest of adventures for over fifty years. He presents the distinguished magicians that accompany him, all recently appointed members of the Brotherhood's High Council of Elders. While you make introductions, Gavalandro and several other Sages of Varetta enter, shutting the door behind them.
"Now that our noble company is complete, I propose we start," says Gavalandro, unfurling a map of northern Lyris. "Let me present the situation as it stands, my lords¹. Beyond the Quarlen Range stretches the barren wasteland known as the Zaut." The young astrologer points to the southern edge of the scar representing the Maakengorge.
"To the north of the Zaut lie the ruins of the ancient city of Emolyria. The 'New Varetta' as it was nicknamed in the ballads, the jewel of the Golden Vale, its splendour unrivalled by any..."
"Kindly get to the point, honourable Solain," interrupts Lady Jhudyth, a proud magician with silver-white hair. "Lessons in history will avail us nothing, nor will they hasten the return of Grand Master Steel Hand."
Gavalandro does not lose his composure but redoubles his speech. "Nobly spoken, my Lady. Since the opening of the Maakengorge, the Zaut has been haunted by an Agarashi host released from the Underworld. Their ranks have been depleted across the centuries, but there are still hundreds of Creatures of Darkness roaming in the vicinity. Emolyria has become the epicentre of their occupation, leading us to conclude that they have allied themselves with the Acolytes of Vashna who themselves have settled in their thousands in Emolyria.
I can scarce imagine what kind of loathsome pact the Acolytes have struck, but an Agarashi swarm thus stands between us and Steel Hand's prison," states Guildmaster Banedon, grimly.
"Indeed, Guildmaster," says Gavalandro with a nod, "nor are they alone. A sizeable Darklands force has joined with the Acolytes. They are busy fortifying the ruins as we speak. More concerning still, they were met by an immense swarm of Kraan that arrived just after Steel Hand entered their lair - the skies above the region are now regularly patrolled, and no one could possibly reach Emolyria on foot without being detected and consumed. Well, no one except perhaps a Kai Grand Master of course, with your pardon, my Lady."
Nodding at the politeness, you inquire "How was it that Steel Hand was able to bypass such defences? Even without the Kraan, the enemy seems well entrenched."
"He is a Kai, my Lady! And they are but the Agarashi of the Zaut. All he lacked was the capacity to predict their reactions. We were able to give him a little help in this regard," he adds with a proud smile. "As you all know, we astrologers can project our spirit-selves, and the most skilled seers can even predict the immediate future. We tracked Steel Hand and were able to warn him of approaching Agarashi, or when his path seemed to lead toward inevitable doom."
"So how was he captured?" Jhudyth asks, bitterly. The smile slides from Gavalandro's face.
"The closer he came to the Maakengorge, the weaker our projections became. The Chasm of Doom is a touch of the Dark God on Magnamund. Its mere presence disturbs our link with the stars. While Steel Hand remained in Emolyria, we could still feel and follow him, but no longer could we warn him. Our enemies have been busy burrowing underground facilities also; so by the time he reached the deepest levels the darkness had grown to the extent that we could see him no longer."
"And you claim that you can find him, even now?" demands Banedon.
"Not precisely, but yes, Guildmaster," Gavalandro says. "He is alive. But there is something exceptional about the place where he is imprisoned. As if he were there and yet in another place, beyond the fabric of Aon. Reality itself is being distorted in the Maakengorge. Such a thing is unique if it be true!"
Gavalandro meets your gaze with a strange excitement, as if on the edge of hysteria. "And there is worse still, Grand Master. For the past several days, Hemet, the Star of Chaos, has begun to flare alarmingly, obscuring other stars upon whose movements our projections rely. We will not be able to guide you as directly as Steel Hand. If possible, we will still send you signs, but regrettably, we will be unable to do more. If you find Steel Hand and escape, however, we will know it, and will send a party to assist."
This news does little to relieve your misgivings.
"Worry not, Braveheart," Banedon says upon seeing your concern. "You will not depart unprepared. Solain Gavalandro and his fellows should be able to provide far more information than they could to Steel Hand - did you not follow Grand Master Steel Hand as he ventured into the heart of the enemy stronghold?"
"I did indeed, Guildmaster. Even if I failed to protect him in the end, I accompanied Steel Hand as far as I could," Gavalandro says, his cocksure tone suddenly diminished.
"So you saw, or at least felt, every place he visited? Have you committed them to memory?" you ask. Gavalandro nods and Banedon steps over to him. Without a word, the Guildmaster reaches out and touches the temples of the young mathematician with the first two fingers of each of his
hands.
"You have an able mind, Gavalandro," Banedan says approvingly, "now I understand why Gwynian thinks so highly of you. Thanks to your memory, we shall have what Steel Hand did not."
Banedon reaches out with his arms, whispering the incantation of a greater Brotherhood Spell, and from the thin air between the Guildmaster's fingers, a living, three dimensional vision of Emolyria's ruins springs into being. Your gaze wanders down a ghostly series of tunnels and pits, weaving deeper and deeper through a network of gigantic caverns until it comes to the very depths of the Maakengorge, miles below the surface.
"It's gigantic!" whispers Jhudyth. "It must be as large as any of the old Darklands city-fortresses."
"Which passed our notice, for months, or rather years," Banedon adds, darkly. "They constructed this right under our noses and started perhaps even before the pilgrimage of the Acolytes. At last, we understand why they abandoned Nadgazad. A new citadel for the Archlord."
Banedon's vision focuses in on a network of intricate narrow tunnels at the deepest levels. "Here. Gavalandro's memory seems to fail us in this precise spot. Yet I am sure this is where Steel Hand is captive. Contrary to our last attempt, the defenders of Emolyria will have other concerns, Braveheart," Banedon says confidently. "The Brotherhood will be able to clear the road, possibly up to the very walls of the city. By Ishir's grace, they will overlook a single individual capable of blending into the background!"
The Guildmaster explains that the Brotherhood's skyship fleet will launch an assault on Emolyria's defences using the full might of their magic in a few days. The vanguard will attract the Kraan swarm to the peaks of the Southern Durncrags, where other crews will ambush them. The Brotherhood will also prepare a surprise on the southern edge of the Maakengorge. This should attract the attention of the Agarashi of the Zaut, who will be lured into the chasm, and draw the eyes of Emolyria's masters outside of their walls.
"This is certain to be a terrible battle - many Brothers and crewmen may die," whispers Banedon. "But the Brotherhood has gathered enough power..." he pauses, locking eyes angrily with Lady Jhudyth, "...to prevail." - Do we take one or both vials of Bautarian Antitoxin?
- Do we buy anything from the Herbwardens?
- If we're picking up any new Backpack Items, what do we drop to make room?
- Should we ask what's got Banedon so angry or stay out of it?
¹ Even though there is explicitly at least one woman present in the original text, Gavalandro addresses the entire group as "my lords", so I left it as is.
Belt Pouch (money)
- 42 Gold Crowns
- 8 Nobles
Backpack:
- Flute
- Potion of Klorva (+6 EP)
- Potion of Laumspur (+4 EP)
- Karmo (Doubles your ENDURANCE points score for the duration of combat. After consuming Karmo, pick a number from the Random Number Table. The number you choose determines how many ENDURANCE points you lose as a consequence of the side effects (0 = zero).)
- Tazheng (a powerful anti-venom)
- Potion of Laumspur (+4 EP)
- Platinum Amulet
- Andui Flask
- Potion of Alether (+2 CS)
- Drodarin Bag of Holding (+5 Backpack Spaces)
- Potion of Ashexa Concentrate (+6 EP)
- Tincture of Sabito root
- Potion of Oxydine (+2 EP or cure Korovax)
- Potion of Laumspur (+4 EP)
- Rope
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Oct 28, 2019 10:23
is redundant.
to give us another item that will forever mess up combat balance 
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