Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Into the Icy Darkness II: The Next Generation
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1617622" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>“So... it’s <em>that</em> bad?” Tesseron said an hour or so later. Her look flashed between her friends. The Emperor, fresh from another dour meeting with the Imperial Council this morn, came with news that at least ten barons were involved in the plot, and another fifteen or so had left the city in a sudden hurry over the past three days. </p><p></p><p>Among their names were some of the leading houses in the Empire... including two ArchDukes, five Dukes, and one person of Princely rank. Altogether, if they ever had a a chance to combine their forces, it would be most ‘bad’ indeed.</p><p></p><p>“Umhm,” Lucius nodded, a simple reply that in Vintressa’s mind did the situation no justice.</p><p></p><p><em>Umhm? A large rebellion, someone tried to kill us qualifies as an umhm, dad?</em> her mind groaned. She, and Valaron were alone in the room with the other three. Raven had been told to keep Royukgan occupied, as information was about to be discussed that neither ruler felt it would be safe for him to be privy to. </p><p></p><p>For Tesseron Keldare was many things. A Baroness, peer of the Empire. A former headline entertainer at the greatest theaters and music halls within the Empire. A mother of three. A formidable adventurer and knowledge seeker.</p><p></p><p>But above all this, she was the head of an organization so unique, so powerful, that the Emperor and Empress had taken to referring it as ‘The Organization.’ </p><p></p><p>It was known under many names in many realms... its reach was far and widespread. In Ak Konylu it was known as Aashio. Within the Valley, it had taken the name, ‘Angelic Mercy.’ Across the Empire it was known as ‘Angel’s Fire.’</p><p></p><p>For Tesseron Keldare was no normal bard... no normal bard was united with a solar, and committed to righting injustices where normal means and power could not reach. No normal bard, by her appearance, could make dukes, counts, or even princes quake, fearful of the possible power she would unleash. No normal bard carried within her voice a power and force for change as strong as an Imperial edict.</p><p></p><p>And no normal bard headed an brotherhood of thousands, spread across realms and oceans, dedicated to the same.</p><p></p><p>It had begun out of the frustrations of Tesseron Keldare and her two former companions, the present Emperor and Empress. Both were not of elite noble stock, and brought with them to the throne the idealistic charge of, “righting all wrongs, and taking care of the common man.’ Sadly, they quickly realized that politics and the other Powers That Be would constrict their means to do so.</p><p></p><p>Tess herself, meanwhile, was going through a catharsis at the same time. She felt horrible for some of the less than holy acts she had committed over the few months of the Demon Wars, and was seeking absolution. The need for wrongs to be righted that Imperial hands could not touch beckoned, and the bard used her wits, charm, and approachability to recruit others to help her.</p><p></p><p>Now, the ‘Angels,’ as they were secretly known, stretched where Imperial power wouldn’t or couldn’t. They operated outside the law, striking back at oppressive barons and secretly helping barons who were true stewards and caretakers of their people. They also acted as agents for the pantheons of Celestia, rooting out those who were lured to dark powers that were in positions of authority. </p><p></p><p>Her life meant that Tess had no true home. She wandered (or more often teleported) where she was needed, and depended on the hospitality of good and true folk for hearth and food. Her wandering soul did not mind such an existence, and her powers had grown to the point that she could teleport to her true home, in the remote heights of the northern Balarac Mountains, at will. Loyal servants and friends cared for her children, whom she visited daily. </p><p></p><p>Her ten years of such an existence had built up a network of people who kept her and her allies informed, ranging from lowly farmers and ferries, to the Emperor and Empress (when practical). In the eyes of many barons and the like, the word that Tesseron Keldare was at their doorstep was a cause to either rejoice (for those who followed hte path of righteousness and goodness), or tremble...</p><p></p><p>It was to this immense network Vintressa’s mother and father were turning to for information. Undoubtedly words had been dropped around agents, items carelessly mentioned that were being catalogued... and if the Imperial government could get this information...</p><p></p><p>“Great,” Tesseron groaned, and Vintressa watched her mentor roll her eyes and give a sigh. “Strange that this happens about the same time as my own mess!”</p><p></p><p>“What mess?” Siabrey asked uneasily. The Empress had changed from her sparring outfit to something only slight more imperial... her old battle armor.</p><p></p><p>“Well,” the bard closed her eyes, as if she could force the events away with her mind, “Several of my own people have run lost.”</p><p></p><p>“Several of your own people run lost?” Vintressa asked, confused.</p><p></p><p>“A year or so ago, my chief informant for Iskeldrun.... you may know him, Ratalas?”</p><p></p><p>Vintressa and Valaron’s mouths dropped. Ratalas was known as one of the best playwrights in Imperial history. His epics covered everything from the death of Emperors to comedies about the lives of the everyday man. </p><p></p><p>“He recruited several idealistic members of the Hieroneous church. A paladin named Evermyn and several hopefuls of hers. They were very enthusiastic, especially after they found out that a solar of Hieroneous was affiliated to this work,” Tess sighed. </p><p></p><p>“They had been following leads that spoke to the fact that there is a rather large and active cult to Vecna alive and well in the Empire,” she said slowly. The Emperor and Empress nodded in understanding, but Tess could read the looks of confusion on the faces of Vintressa and Valaron.</p><p></p><p>“Vecna was once an ancient king of Iskeldrun... many millenia ago,” Tess began explaining. “He wished for immortality, and with the help of the darkest of arts, he transcended life and death, becoming a lich... neither living nor dead, but an undead.”</p><p></p><p>“Seeings this potential for power, he created the first undead armies, and swept across the continent... until a group of righteous minded persons overthrew him, and destroyed his physical form. You might have heard of some of his foes... Cuthbert, Valerian, Sadelmar?”</p><p></p><p>“But Cuthbert and Sadelmar are gods!” Vintressa protested. The two had heard of the name Valerian... the first Emperor to rule from Iskeldrun, when the ‘Empire’ extended only a few miles from the city walls. </p><p></p><p>“Yes... Cuthbert is a saint of righteous retribution, closely affiliated with Hieroneous and Pelor. Sadelmar is the patron saint of archers. They were once mortals, that slew Vecna’s undead body... but Vecna’s soul has increased in power.”</p><p></p><p>“Many wanted his secret... the secret to unlife, to avoid death. And they began worshipping him, begging for the secret, giving him more and more power. Their power grew... especially among a tribe the dark elves within the mountains north of this very city. Rather unusual, considering most of the underfolk of that kind worship Llolth, another dark being. Either way, his cult with their worship eventually grew large and powerful... until the great rebellions some five hundred years ago.”</p><p></p><p>“Remember the stories of the evil temple in the desert that we ransacked?” Siabrey spoke up. “Temple to Hextor, another cult that was wiped out at the same time.” The two children nodded in understanding.</p><p></p><p>“The rebellions ended with the Emperors wiping out the dark elves as a power, and shattering the worshippers of Hextor and Vecna. Small cults have survived, but you will no longer find any open and powerful temples to the two,” Tess added. </p><p></p><p>“Like I said, Evermyn and her troop were following evidence that there is a sect of Vecna cultists still alive, and operating out of the Batterner Woods east of the city. They are being led by a dark elf named Elsidor, who at last we heard, was in hiding.”</p><p></p><p>“So some of the dark elves that worshipped Vecna survive?” Valaron asked unnecessarily.</p><p></p><p>“Yes... and this particular fellow is rather... potent.” Tess stopped, looking for proper words. “See... he is over five hundred years old, and he is the son of the last prince of the drow tribe wiped out by the Emperors.”</p><p></p><p>Eyes widened in understanding.</p><p></p><p>“As such, he is enraged at the Empire, and has been for five centuries. To make things worse, he’s used his time researching magic and plotting vengeance... he has power that is probably the equal of some of the greatest wizards known!” Her voice then dropped, “And just before they stopped reporting... they said he had been contacted by House Erelion...”</p><p></p><p>“Why? What for?” there was a tinge of alarm in Siabrey’s voice. Her face showed she was thinking of numerous possible connections, none of which were pleasant.</p><p></p><p>“That, I don’t know... see, Evermyn has gone... well... rogue, for lack of a better word,” Tess sighed.</p><p></p><p>“She went from being a paladin to a thief?” Valaron asked again.</p><p></p><p>“No... she has decided to be... independent of our organization. See, this Elsidor, some forty years back, decided to test his powers. He came out of hiding, and using magic, boiled alive a small village... the village of Evermyn’s parents. She was but a small girl, and luckily out in the forest playing with her friends.” The bard stopped for a moment, as the image raced through everyone’s mind. </p><p></p><p>“The pain that such evil caused made her want to join the paladins of Hieroneous in the first place. Its just, when she found out this was the same Elsidor, she became... unhinged,” the bard settled on the proper term. “Righteous vengeance.”</p><p></p><p>“How... unhinged?” Lucius asked carefully.</p><p></p><p>“We don’t know. Most of her troop has followed her out... many were also survivors of this... unusual event. The few that did not go out have very little to say... other than Evermyn intends to kill Elsidor.”</p><p></p><p>“Serves him right!” Valaron pronounced. “When she comes back, I say she should be given a medal!”</p><p></p><p>“What in the world would House Erelion have wanted to talk to a powerful wizard that worships the god of secrets? Ressurection of someone?” Lucius rambled out the obvious thoughts as his mind sorted the information.</p><p></p><p>“Well, if Erelion wanted to raise someone, and destroy the Imperial hierarchy by doing so, they certainly wouldn’t be able to get any of the major churches to help, would they? You heard what Diogenes said about their lead in the Tarantor Church!” Siabrey jumped in.</p><p></p><p>The Emperor grunted. “Yes... he expressed verbal support, nothing more. Who would they want to raise though? Someone of our bloodline?” Lucius’ voice suddenly trailed off, as it hit him like a thunderbolt. </p><p></p><p>Seeing this, Siabrey’s eyes went wide, as her own mind immediately jumped from why they would be wanting to raise someone, to a specific person. A person they had sent to the afterlife some sixteen years before....</p><p></p><p>Tess read both of their eyes, and gauged what was happening.</p><p></p><p>“No, Lucius, she cannot come back,” Tess reassured him. “The Countess’ soul was destroyed, as was her body. Her dusty remains were tossed into the Celestial Sea! That I made sure of!”</p><p></p><p>Valaron’s brow wrinkled. Both he and his sister had heard of ‘The Countess’ before. She was the evil sorceress that tried to kill his parents before he was born... and raised the demon armies that had been crushed so many years before. <em>But why did dad mention her in the same sentence as our bloodline? Was she a relative?</em></p><p></p><p>“Why would they raise her?” the prince blurted out. “Was she a relative of yours, father?” Vintressa as well leaned in eagerly to hear their reply... and both got confused when their parents winced.</p><p></p><p>“Um... yes. She was,” Siabrey said quickly, before turning to Tess. “So, if not her, then who?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, if what the rumors I’ve heard are true... he’s got a good mind for necromancy, and controlling the undead...”</p><p></p><p>“...so he just needs a body,” Luke groaned. </p><p></p><p>“So we just send people to guard the tomb of the Emperors!” Vintressa shrugged simply. “Keep him from getting close... oh wait,” she suddenly realized something important, “You’re the first of this line, aren’t you father?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes... he’s headed for the old family tombs, out in the Valley,” Lucius said. “Dammit!”</p><p></p><p>“Where are your family’s tombs in the Valley?” Tess asked insistently. </p><p></p><p>“The family catacombs I know of are in the mountains south of Holstean… those go back as long as the Caladron families held the title of Count. I know not of any other crypts or catacombs,” Lucius answered. “I believe you have already been there,” he said, a very distant smile on his face at how he’d first met his wife and Tess. The smile was small and fleeting, replaced by a frown at both him not being able to go secure his family’s resting place, and the prospect that there was not a single foe facing him anymore.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t worry Luke, I’ll be off there-“ Tess started.</p><p></p><p>“Valaron and Raven will be headed with you. He is supposed to be going to the Valley anyway,” Lucius interrupted. “And I’ll send some of the elite guards… a few, nothing that would raise a major fuss. He’s gotten skilled with his blade, and Raven has some magic. And if people do recognize you for who you are, you have the cover of explaining it’s a trip of some kind…” Lucius reasoned aloud.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>“Hmmm... very intriguing,” Elisdor said slowly, looking over the small, raised mound of dirt in front of him. Overhead the gnarled growth of forest blotted out the light of the sun. The drow looked down at the wide eyed young man his comrades held bound.</p><p></p><p>“Simeon, do not worry! You have several days left in your life! Have you ever been to the Valley before?” he asked, running a hand mockingly along the boy’s cheek. The binding was hardly ever released, and thus the young noble’s face was constantly torturous and filled with pain. Simeon shook his head, grunting.</p><p></p><p>“Oh... well, then you are in for a treat!” Elsidor laughed callously. “You’ll get to see a new place, and an undead person before you leave this world!” The drow then turned to his comrades, holding out his hands.</p><p></p><p>“Come brothers, let us combine our powers...” he intoned, and roughly Simeon was thrown into the center of the circle formed by the six dark figures. The six joined their hands, and chants of power rose in the air...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1617622, member: 15043"] “So... it’s [i]that[/i] bad?” Tesseron said an hour or so later. Her look flashed between her friends. The Emperor, fresh from another dour meeting with the Imperial Council this morn, came with news that at least ten barons were involved in the plot, and another fifteen or so had left the city in a sudden hurry over the past three days. Among their names were some of the leading houses in the Empire... including two ArchDukes, five Dukes, and one person of Princely rank. Altogether, if they ever had a a chance to combine their forces, it would be most ‘bad’ indeed. “Umhm,” Lucius nodded, a simple reply that in Vintressa’s mind did the situation no justice. [i]Umhm? A large rebellion, someone tried to kill us qualifies as an umhm, dad?[/i] her mind groaned. She, and Valaron were alone in the room with the other three. Raven had been told to keep Royukgan occupied, as information was about to be discussed that neither ruler felt it would be safe for him to be privy to. For Tesseron Keldare was many things. A Baroness, peer of the Empire. A former headline entertainer at the greatest theaters and music halls within the Empire. A mother of three. A formidable adventurer and knowledge seeker. But above all this, she was the head of an organization so unique, so powerful, that the Emperor and Empress had taken to referring it as ‘The Organization.’ It was known under many names in many realms... its reach was far and widespread. In Ak Konylu it was known as Aashio. Within the Valley, it had taken the name, ‘Angelic Mercy.’ Across the Empire it was known as ‘Angel’s Fire.’ For Tesseron Keldare was no normal bard... no normal bard was united with a solar, and committed to righting injustices where normal means and power could not reach. No normal bard, by her appearance, could make dukes, counts, or even princes quake, fearful of the possible power she would unleash. No normal bard carried within her voice a power and force for change as strong as an Imperial edict. And no normal bard headed an brotherhood of thousands, spread across realms and oceans, dedicated to the same. It had begun out of the frustrations of Tesseron Keldare and her two former companions, the present Emperor and Empress. Both were not of elite noble stock, and brought with them to the throne the idealistic charge of, “righting all wrongs, and taking care of the common man.’ Sadly, they quickly realized that politics and the other Powers That Be would constrict their means to do so. Tess herself, meanwhile, was going through a catharsis at the same time. She felt horrible for some of the less than holy acts she had committed over the few months of the Demon Wars, and was seeking absolution. The need for wrongs to be righted that Imperial hands could not touch beckoned, and the bard used her wits, charm, and approachability to recruit others to help her. Now, the ‘Angels,’ as they were secretly known, stretched where Imperial power wouldn’t or couldn’t. They operated outside the law, striking back at oppressive barons and secretly helping barons who were true stewards and caretakers of their people. They also acted as agents for the pantheons of Celestia, rooting out those who were lured to dark powers that were in positions of authority. Her life meant that Tess had no true home. She wandered (or more often teleported) where she was needed, and depended on the hospitality of good and true folk for hearth and food. Her wandering soul did not mind such an existence, and her powers had grown to the point that she could teleport to her true home, in the remote heights of the northern Balarac Mountains, at will. Loyal servants and friends cared for her children, whom she visited daily. Her ten years of such an existence had built up a network of people who kept her and her allies informed, ranging from lowly farmers and ferries, to the Emperor and Empress (when practical). In the eyes of many barons and the like, the word that Tesseron Keldare was at their doorstep was a cause to either rejoice (for those who followed hte path of righteousness and goodness), or tremble... It was to this immense network Vintressa’s mother and father were turning to for information. Undoubtedly words had been dropped around agents, items carelessly mentioned that were being catalogued... and if the Imperial government could get this information... “Great,” Tesseron groaned, and Vintressa watched her mentor roll her eyes and give a sigh. “Strange that this happens about the same time as my own mess!” “What mess?” Siabrey asked uneasily. The Empress had changed from her sparring outfit to something only slight more imperial... her old battle armor. “Well,” the bard closed her eyes, as if she could force the events away with her mind, “Several of my own people have run lost.” “Several of your own people run lost?” Vintressa asked, confused. “A year or so ago, my chief informant for Iskeldrun.... you may know him, Ratalas?” Vintressa and Valaron’s mouths dropped. Ratalas was known as one of the best playwrights in Imperial history. His epics covered everything from the death of Emperors to comedies about the lives of the everyday man. “He recruited several idealistic members of the Hieroneous church. A paladin named Evermyn and several hopefuls of hers. They were very enthusiastic, especially after they found out that a solar of Hieroneous was affiliated to this work,” Tess sighed. “They had been following leads that spoke to the fact that there is a rather large and active cult to Vecna alive and well in the Empire,” she said slowly. The Emperor and Empress nodded in understanding, but Tess could read the looks of confusion on the faces of Vintressa and Valaron. “Vecna was once an ancient king of Iskeldrun... many millenia ago,” Tess began explaining. “He wished for immortality, and with the help of the darkest of arts, he transcended life and death, becoming a lich... neither living nor dead, but an undead.” “Seeings this potential for power, he created the first undead armies, and swept across the continent... until a group of righteous minded persons overthrew him, and destroyed his physical form. You might have heard of some of his foes... Cuthbert, Valerian, Sadelmar?” “But Cuthbert and Sadelmar are gods!” Vintressa protested. The two had heard of the name Valerian... the first Emperor to rule from Iskeldrun, when the ‘Empire’ extended only a few miles from the city walls. “Yes... Cuthbert is a saint of righteous retribution, closely affiliated with Hieroneous and Pelor. Sadelmar is the patron saint of archers. They were once mortals, that slew Vecna’s undead body... but Vecna’s soul has increased in power.” “Many wanted his secret... the secret to unlife, to avoid death. And they began worshipping him, begging for the secret, giving him more and more power. Their power grew... especially among a tribe the dark elves within the mountains north of this very city. Rather unusual, considering most of the underfolk of that kind worship Llolth, another dark being. Either way, his cult with their worship eventually grew large and powerful... until the great rebellions some five hundred years ago.” “Remember the stories of the evil temple in the desert that we ransacked?” Siabrey spoke up. “Temple to Hextor, another cult that was wiped out at the same time.” The two children nodded in understanding. “The rebellions ended with the Emperors wiping out the dark elves as a power, and shattering the worshippers of Hextor and Vecna. Small cults have survived, but you will no longer find any open and powerful temples to the two,” Tess added. “Like I said, Evermyn and her troop were following evidence that there is a sect of Vecna cultists still alive, and operating out of the Batterner Woods east of the city. They are being led by a dark elf named Elsidor, who at last we heard, was in hiding.” “So some of the dark elves that worshipped Vecna survive?” Valaron asked unnecessarily. “Yes... and this particular fellow is rather... potent.” Tess stopped, looking for proper words. “See... he is over five hundred years old, and he is the son of the last prince of the drow tribe wiped out by the Emperors.” Eyes widened in understanding. “As such, he is enraged at the Empire, and has been for five centuries. To make things worse, he’s used his time researching magic and plotting vengeance... he has power that is probably the equal of some of the greatest wizards known!” Her voice then dropped, “And just before they stopped reporting... they said he had been contacted by House Erelion...” “Why? What for?” there was a tinge of alarm in Siabrey’s voice. Her face showed she was thinking of numerous possible connections, none of which were pleasant. “That, I don’t know... see, Evermyn has gone... well... rogue, for lack of a better word,” Tess sighed. “She went from being a paladin to a thief?” Valaron asked again. “No... she has decided to be... independent of our organization. See, this Elsidor, some forty years back, decided to test his powers. He came out of hiding, and using magic, boiled alive a small village... the village of Evermyn’s parents. She was but a small girl, and luckily out in the forest playing with her friends.” The bard stopped for a moment, as the image raced through everyone’s mind. “The pain that such evil caused made her want to join the paladins of Hieroneous in the first place. Its just, when she found out this was the same Elsidor, she became... unhinged,” the bard settled on the proper term. “Righteous vengeance.” “How... unhinged?” Lucius asked carefully. “We don’t know. Most of her troop has followed her out... many were also survivors of this... unusual event. The few that did not go out have very little to say... other than Evermyn intends to kill Elsidor.” “Serves him right!” Valaron pronounced. “When she comes back, I say she should be given a medal!” “What in the world would House Erelion have wanted to talk to a powerful wizard that worships the god of secrets? Ressurection of someone?” Lucius rambled out the obvious thoughts as his mind sorted the information. “Well, if Erelion wanted to raise someone, and destroy the Imperial hierarchy by doing so, they certainly wouldn’t be able to get any of the major churches to help, would they? You heard what Diogenes said about their lead in the Tarantor Church!” Siabrey jumped in. The Emperor grunted. “Yes... he expressed verbal support, nothing more. Who would they want to raise though? Someone of our bloodline?” Lucius’ voice suddenly trailed off, as it hit him like a thunderbolt. Seeing this, Siabrey’s eyes went wide, as her own mind immediately jumped from why they would be wanting to raise someone, to a specific person. A person they had sent to the afterlife some sixteen years before.... Tess read both of their eyes, and gauged what was happening. “No, Lucius, she cannot come back,” Tess reassured him. “The Countess’ soul was destroyed, as was her body. Her dusty remains were tossed into the Celestial Sea! That I made sure of!” Valaron’s brow wrinkled. Both he and his sister had heard of ‘The Countess’ before. She was the evil sorceress that tried to kill his parents before he was born... and raised the demon armies that had been crushed so many years before. [i]But why did dad mention her in the same sentence as our bloodline? Was she a relative?[/i] “Why would they raise her?” the prince blurted out. “Was she a relative of yours, father?” Vintressa as well leaned in eagerly to hear their reply... and both got confused when their parents winced. “Um... yes. She was,” Siabrey said quickly, before turning to Tess. “So, if not her, then who?” “Well, if what the rumors I’ve heard are true... he’s got a good mind for necromancy, and controlling the undead...” “...so he just needs a body,” Luke groaned. “So we just send people to guard the tomb of the Emperors!” Vintressa shrugged simply. “Keep him from getting close... oh wait,” she suddenly realized something important, “You’re the first of this line, aren’t you father?” “Yes... he’s headed for the old family tombs, out in the Valley,” Lucius said. “Dammit!” “Where are your family’s tombs in the Valley?” Tess asked insistently. “The family catacombs I know of are in the mountains south of Holstean… those go back as long as the Caladron families held the title of Count. I know not of any other crypts or catacombs,” Lucius answered. “I believe you have already been there,” he said, a very distant smile on his face at how he’d first met his wife and Tess. The smile was small and fleeting, replaced by a frown at both him not being able to go secure his family’s resting place, and the prospect that there was not a single foe facing him anymore. “Don’t worry Luke, I’ll be off there-“ Tess started. “Valaron and Raven will be headed with you. He is supposed to be going to the Valley anyway,” Lucius interrupted. “And I’ll send some of the elite guards… a few, nothing that would raise a major fuss. He’s gotten skilled with his blade, and Raven has some magic. And if people do recognize you for who you are, you have the cover of explaining it’s a trip of some kind…” Lucius reasoned aloud. “Hmmm... very intriguing,” Elisdor said slowly, looking over the small, raised mound of dirt in front of him. Overhead the gnarled growth of forest blotted out the light of the sun. The drow looked down at the wide eyed young man his comrades held bound. “Simeon, do not worry! You have several days left in your life! Have you ever been to the Valley before?” he asked, running a hand mockingly along the boy’s cheek. The binding was hardly ever released, and thus the young noble’s face was constantly torturous and filled with pain. Simeon shook his head, grunting. “Oh... well, then you are in for a treat!” Elsidor laughed callously. “You’ll get to see a new place, and an undead person before you leave this world!” The drow then turned to his comrades, holding out his hands. “Come brothers, let us combine our powers...” he intoned, and roughly Simeon was thrown into the center of the circle formed by the six dark figures. The six joined their hands, and chants of power rose in the air... [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Into the Icy Darkness II: The Next Generation
Top