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Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
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<blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 2840024" data-attributes="member: 3285"><p><strong>Assault Upon the Gate of Tears - Prologue</strong></p><p></p><p>It had been mere days since they valiantly defended a Sanctorum of the Arcane hidden away in an ancient ruined city somewhere in the Hinterlands. Since that time, Y’vigne and Master Ecor contacted other Sanctorum across Onara, asking for assistance in a critical push against the Harvesters of Ymandragore and the machinations of the leader of the Ordainers, the traitor Lucious Orata.</p><p></p><p>“You came here awful fast,” said Kham with a smirk to his Elorii companion. “I didn’t think you cared for the fate of humans.”</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė whirled to face the Val, her silver-and-purple tresses whipping behind her. “This involves more than humans.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh right,” said Vlad, kicking at the ground. “Sevestia. Do you know her?”</p><p></p><p>“Do you know the name of every human?” asked Ilmarė, her lips pursed.</p><p></p><p>“Uh…well, no,” said Vlad.</p><p></p><p>“Then do not assume I know every member of my race,” she said. </p><p></p><p>“Where’s the rest of the gang?” asked Kham.</p><p></p><p>“Elabac summoned Beldin and Sebastian back to Solanos Mor. Something about taking on a new apprentice.”</p><p></p><p>“And the cat and the lizard?”</p><p></p><p>“The mission requires stealth,” said Ilmarė. “In Ymandragore, they would gives us away by their mere presence. Now where is Quintus?”</p><p></p><p>“In there,” said Kham, pointing a thumb at the tallest of the ruined temples behind him. “Looks like the elf—the other one—finally decided to share some information about the Harvesters.”</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė strode past him. Kham shrugged and nodded to Vlad. They walked in behind her.</p><p></p><p>They entered a cold, metal chamber, only to discover that the greatest Arch-Mages of Onara were already present. Quintus stood solemnly with several other men and women. Sevestia stood with them.</p><p></p><p>Master Ecor was addressing the assemblage. “I have been unable to make contact with Master Chivron. I fear he may have slipped too far to listen to reason. But I thank those of you who have made the journey.”</p><p></p><p>“Wow, Master Nevanbe’s here,” said Kham to Vlad. “We’re finally playing with the big boys.”</p><p></p><p>“We have the unprecedented opportunity to strike at the very heart of the Harvesters and of Ymandragore itself. Though I disagree with the method, certain members of the Hawk faction have been unwittingly assisting a former member of our Order, the traitor Orata. Orata has been revealed to be the head of the Ymandragoran finger known as the Seekers of Ordained Knowledge.”</p><p></p><p>Ecor went on to explain how Cassicus, Augustus val’Tensen’s son, had been infected with a magical disease that was infectious to sorcerers. Cassicus would act as a human bomb, to be delivered to infect the whole of the Isle and potentially the Sorcerer-King himself.</p><p></p><p>“They would infect their own kin,” said Ilmarė in disgust. “Barbaric.”</p><p></p><p>Looking contrite, Master Theron took advantage of a pause in Master Ecor’s speech. “Though we are sorry for the manner in which this has played out, it is a golden opportunity to strike at Ymandragore! The boy himself is resolved to see this through. He knows he will die regardless from this insidious curse and wishes to die for a reason, not hopeless and helpless in his bed.”</p><p></p><p>“Then we trade one monster for another?”</p><p></p><p>All eyes turned to a small man sitting upon an open-air litter. His ebony legs were frail and contorted in a manner that was painful even to look at. And yet, his voice was clear and commanding.</p><p></p><p>“At the very least, the Sorcerer-King is contained upon his rocky perch by the ancient Myrantian Curse. Would we not be loosening a monster that could then strike with impunity across the land?”</p><p></p><p>Matching his steely gaze, Master Theron turned to the wizened Altherian Magus. “No. Now that we know of his plot, we will teach this Ordainer the folly of using the Hawks as his personal plaything. We will indeed set the boy’s curse upon Ymandragore, but if all goes well, Lucius Orata will not live to enjoy it.” </p><p></p><p>Sevestia stepped forward. “The Ordainers’ base is hidden upon one of the many archipelagoes that surrounds the Isle of Tears. My father has been upon the tiny island many times and can lead a strike team directly down Orata’s throat.”</p><p></p><p>Shaking his head ruefully, Mater Ecor broke in. “Though I fear this may be folly, I have no choice but to believe that this may be our best chance for success. Here is what we have planned: Sevestia gave us the location of a gathering point for the Harvesters operating here in the Hinterlands and nearby nations. This base is well shielded from prying eyes as well as scrying spells. This particular gathering point has several escape tunnels strategically placed on the ground above that may allow us access to the base below.”</p><p></p><p>Gesturing towards the crippled Magus, Master Ecor continues. “Master Nevanbe’ has procured enough blastpowder to destroy these tunnel entrances, ensuring that no Harvesters escape to warn their fellows. Thus, the first order of business is to sneak down these tunnels and blow up the entrances.”</p><p></p><p>A man standing next to Quintus stepped forward. He had black hair, blue eyes, and was dressed in Milandisian attire. A large flintlock rifle was strapped across his back. “The entrances can be blown up by placing explosives at the base of the second set of wooden braces within the mouth of the tunnel,” he said.</p><p></p><p>Master Ecor continued. “Then, each strike team will proceed down into the base proper and make their way to the docking port inside a natural cavern that opens up to the sea. We have contacted the Pearl Maidens and have secured their services in ensuring that no one but our own people escape out that way.”</p><p></p><p>Sevestia stepped forward again. “As best as I can recall, the way to the cove is almost directly south of the escape tunnels. Keep on that course and you should be able to make your way to the docks with ease.” </p><p></p><p>There was some murmuring amongst the motley band of mercenaries, criminals, pirates and professional adventurers that had been assembled. </p><p></p><p>“One other thing,” said Sevestia. “Each Black Ship captain has a ring that commands those Infernals bound in the galley below. You must take the ring and command the demons to row out to the Pearl Maidens’ waiting ship so that the second stage of the assault can begin.”</p><p></p><p>“Of course, should you come across any vital pieces of information or an opportunity to cause even more problems for the Ymandrakes, feel free,” said Master Ecor, coughing into one fist. “Just keep in mind that the primary objective is to capture that ship!”</p><p></p><p>Kham smiled broadly at Quintus from across the room. “I knew you would need me on this mission!”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="talien, post: 2840024, member: 3285"] [b]Assault Upon the Gate of Tears - Prologue[/b] It had been mere days since they valiantly defended a Sanctorum of the Arcane hidden away in an ancient ruined city somewhere in the Hinterlands. Since that time, Y’vigne and Master Ecor contacted other Sanctorum across Onara, asking for assistance in a critical push against the Harvesters of Ymandragore and the machinations of the leader of the Ordainers, the traitor Lucious Orata. “You came here awful fast,” said Kham with a smirk to his Elorii companion. “I didn’t think you cared for the fate of humans.” Ilmarė whirled to face the Val, her silver-and-purple tresses whipping behind her. “This involves more than humans.” “Oh right,” said Vlad, kicking at the ground. “Sevestia. Do you know her?” “Do you know the name of every human?” asked Ilmarė, her lips pursed. “Uh…well, no,” said Vlad. “Then do not assume I know every member of my race,” she said. “Where’s the rest of the gang?” asked Kham. “Elabac summoned Beldin and Sebastian back to Solanos Mor. Something about taking on a new apprentice.” “And the cat and the lizard?” “The mission requires stealth,” said Ilmarė. “In Ymandragore, they would gives us away by their mere presence. Now where is Quintus?” “In there,” said Kham, pointing a thumb at the tallest of the ruined temples behind him. “Looks like the elf—the other one—finally decided to share some information about the Harvesters.” Ilmarė strode past him. Kham shrugged and nodded to Vlad. They walked in behind her. They entered a cold, metal chamber, only to discover that the greatest Arch-Mages of Onara were already present. Quintus stood solemnly with several other men and women. Sevestia stood with them. Master Ecor was addressing the assemblage. “I have been unable to make contact with Master Chivron. I fear he may have slipped too far to listen to reason. But I thank those of you who have made the journey.” “Wow, Master Nevanbe’s here,” said Kham to Vlad. “We’re finally playing with the big boys.” “We have the unprecedented opportunity to strike at the very heart of the Harvesters and of Ymandragore itself. Though I disagree with the method, certain members of the Hawk faction have been unwittingly assisting a former member of our Order, the traitor Orata. Orata has been revealed to be the head of the Ymandragoran finger known as the Seekers of Ordained Knowledge.” Ecor went on to explain how Cassicus, Augustus val’Tensen’s son, had been infected with a magical disease that was infectious to sorcerers. Cassicus would act as a human bomb, to be delivered to infect the whole of the Isle and potentially the Sorcerer-King himself. “They would infect their own kin,” said Ilmarė in disgust. “Barbaric.” Looking contrite, Master Theron took advantage of a pause in Master Ecor’s speech. “Though we are sorry for the manner in which this has played out, it is a golden opportunity to strike at Ymandragore! The boy himself is resolved to see this through. He knows he will die regardless from this insidious curse and wishes to die for a reason, not hopeless and helpless in his bed.” “Then we trade one monster for another?” All eyes turned to a small man sitting upon an open-air litter. His ebony legs were frail and contorted in a manner that was painful even to look at. And yet, his voice was clear and commanding. “At the very least, the Sorcerer-King is contained upon his rocky perch by the ancient Myrantian Curse. Would we not be loosening a monster that could then strike with impunity across the land?” Matching his steely gaze, Master Theron turned to the wizened Altherian Magus. “No. Now that we know of his plot, we will teach this Ordainer the folly of using the Hawks as his personal plaything. We will indeed set the boy’s curse upon Ymandragore, but if all goes well, Lucius Orata will not live to enjoy it.” Sevestia stepped forward. “The Ordainers’ base is hidden upon one of the many archipelagoes that surrounds the Isle of Tears. My father has been upon the tiny island many times and can lead a strike team directly down Orata’s throat.” Shaking his head ruefully, Mater Ecor broke in. “Though I fear this may be folly, I have no choice but to believe that this may be our best chance for success. Here is what we have planned: Sevestia gave us the location of a gathering point for the Harvesters operating here in the Hinterlands and nearby nations. This base is well shielded from prying eyes as well as scrying spells. This particular gathering point has several escape tunnels strategically placed on the ground above that may allow us access to the base below.” Gesturing towards the crippled Magus, Master Ecor continues. “Master Nevanbe’ has procured enough blastpowder to destroy these tunnel entrances, ensuring that no Harvesters escape to warn their fellows. Thus, the first order of business is to sneak down these tunnels and blow up the entrances.” A man standing next to Quintus stepped forward. He had black hair, blue eyes, and was dressed in Milandisian attire. A large flintlock rifle was strapped across his back. “The entrances can be blown up by placing explosives at the base of the second set of wooden braces within the mouth of the tunnel,” he said. Master Ecor continued. “Then, each strike team will proceed down into the base proper and make their way to the docking port inside a natural cavern that opens up to the sea. We have contacted the Pearl Maidens and have secured their services in ensuring that no one but our own people escape out that way.” Sevestia stepped forward again. “As best as I can recall, the way to the cove is almost directly south of the escape tunnels. Keep on that course and you should be able to make your way to the docks with ease.” There was some murmuring amongst the motley band of mercenaries, criminals, pirates and professional adventurers that had been assembled. “One other thing,” said Sevestia. “Each Black Ship captain has a ring that commands those Infernals bound in the galley below. You must take the ring and command the demons to row out to the Pearl Maidens’ waiting ship so that the second stage of the assault can begin.” “Of course, should you come across any vital pieces of information or an opportunity to cause even more problems for the Ymandrakes, feel free,” said Master Ecor, coughing into one fist. “Just keep in mind that the primary objective is to capture that ship!” Kham smiled broadly at Quintus from across the room. “I knew you would need me on this mission!” [/QUOTE]
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