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Story Hour
Knightfall's Realmsian Dragonstar (Updated: Sept 08/10)
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<blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 342916" data-attributes="member: 2012"><p><strong><em>Part Three - Prelude to Invasion</em></strong></p><p></p><p>The council was in an uproar. The members from hundreds of affiliate worlds and organizations were yelling to be heard, while Chancellor Syrath Erais tried frantically to regain control. Dozens of skiffs hovered in midair in the building known as Arcanum House. A perfect sphere, Arcanum House was known by all that had seen as a wonder of science and magic combined. The building wasn't just the seat of power of the Arcanum of the Stars; it was also the last hope for some in stopping the Dragon Empire from conquering every Outlands world from the edge of Imperial territory to the end of the galaxy.</p><p></p><p>Elminster of Shadowdale was one of those few. Syrath Erais had agreed to let his friend petition the council for aid against the Empire but had warned him ahead of time that nothing would probably come of it.</p><p></p><p>"They will not risk bringing the wrath of the Empire down upon their worlds, Elminster." Syrath had spoken those words to the Sage of Shadowdale in the chancellor's private chambers.</p><p></p><p>"I must try. These Imperial butchers killed my Goddess. Something must be done. I will make them see reason."</p><p></p><p>Now the two stood together on the central skiff of the House, reserved for the chancellor and where individual members of the council are allowed to put forward special petitions to the Arcanum. Syrath watched the chaos unfold after Elminster had pleaded for the Arcanum to intercede in Toril's behalf. The vote hadn't even taken place yet and probably wouldn't take place at all. It was as Syrath had said; they feared the Empire too much.</p><p></p><p>Elminster let out a long sigh and leaned on the edge of the skiff with his handed knotted at his chest. The chancellor put a hand on the old mages shoulder. "I am sorry, my friend. But I did warn you this would happen."</p><p></p><p>"I can't believe the Arcanum will ignore this tragedy." The old mages voice carried across the council hall through the speaker box, which was used by the chancellor to amplify his voice throughout the House. He had not meant for the entire House to hear his words and he was surprised to hear silence, as all in attendance wished to hear what he might say next. Elminster of Shadowdale was well known and popular with many other members in the Arcanum.</p><p></p><p>He took the opportunity, stepped to the podium, and raised his voice louder so that none could say they hadn't heard his words. "Every time a world is threatened or conquered by the Dragon Empire this council does nothing. Every time another race or another merchant house is wiped out this council does nothing."</p><p></p><p>"What are we even doing here if we don't attempt to stop these tyrants from enslaving the entire galaxy. The world of Breka fell into ashes because this council failed to help a member world fight off the Dragon Brigade. Now that world's people are enslaved and it member's in the council are now exiles here on Charamosh. If this council fails to act again then I submit that I will never set foot in Arcanum House again."</p><p> </p><p>"And not a moment to soon." A jet-black skiff designed for the Theraman Trading Collective floated towards the Chancellor's skiff. Its dark member was someone that Elminster knew well. Or at least, Elminster had known the original Manshoon. This Manshoon was different, one of the clones that the 'real' Manshoon had created in case of his death, he knew he wasn't the real Manshoon (unlike the other clones) and had fled Toril to build a new life somewhere else. Eventually, he petitioned and joined the Theraman Trading Collective and soon became one of the affiliation's greatest leaders. He was also the affiliation's mouthpiece in the Arcanum. He cared nothing for Toril and did not associate himself with its politics.</p><p></p><p>"Manshoon, I expected more of a retort from you." Elminster and the evil clone had played this game before in the council. They were more than rivals. Each believed that the other didn't deserve to be a member of the House. "Are you slipping? It that copied mind of yours fading?"</p><p></p><p>Manshoon boiled beneath the surface but kept his composure. "For years you have whined and complained that the council does nothing. Yet, you were told when you joined this council that starting an interstellar conflict with the Dragon Empire was NOT how the Arcanum works. It is, after all, a secret organization."</p><p></p><p>"Well, maybe Elminster has a point." Anther skiff rose just opposite of the TTC skiff. A large half-dragon female spoke for this affiliation. "Maybe it is time for the Arcanum of the Stars to change. Maybe it is time that we do something rather than let worlds like Breka and Toril fall to the Empire."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, Arassil," Manshoon bowed in mock humility. "You are indeed one of the most wise amongst the council but your view is tainted by your unique perspective of what happened on Breka."</p><p></p><p>"And you are a vicious, slimy viper who wiggles around the galaxy selling overpriced, shoddy merchandise." Arassil's eyes burned with an internal fire and she openly growled at Manshoon. "And for your information, what happened on Breka was that an entire world was wiped out in less than a month by one of the most vicious beings ever."</p><p></p><p>"Ah yes, the infamous Thul Gulokas." Manshoon rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Wasn't he your mate at one point?"</p><p></p><p>Arassil's eyes bugged out and she spread her wings, as if she would take flight and cross the distance between the two of them and sink her teeth into the evil wizard.</p><p></p><p>"Enough!" Syrath Erais had heard enough. "This pointless bickering is giving me a headache! Manshoon, you are out of line and I am fining the Theraman Trading Collective for your insolence! Trade insults someplace else or I will ban you from the council for a year and a day! I have warned you several times not to behave in this manner!"</p><p></p><p>"And as for you Arassil," the chancellor had noticed that the half-dragon member had a huge grin on her face. "Wipe that smile off your face because while you are indeed one of the wisest amongst the council, you still could not resist trading barbs with Manshoon. Thus, I am fining you personally and don't want to hear another word out of you for the rest of the day."</p><p></p><p>"Now, if we can get back to the manner at hand. Elminster of Shadowdale wishes the council to vote on the manner of what is to be done to prevent the Dragon Empire from conquering Toril. Those that refuse to vote on the manner may leave and as long as two thirds of the council remains in the House then the vote will take place."</p><p></p><p>"Chancellor, please don't do this. You know there won't be enough left to vote." Elminster couldn't believe that Syrath had trumped his petition.</p><p></p><p>Syrath put one hand over the speaker box and the other on the old mage's right arm. "Elminster, if it was up to me we would have left for Toril three hours ago with every ship the Arcanum has access to. But Manshoon is right, that is NOT what the Arcanum was created for. We oppose the Empire every way we can but we do not confront them ship to ship. Such a fight would be suicide for every affiliated world and organization in this council."</p><p></p><p>Elminster noticed while Syrath was speaking to him that more than two-thirds of the council had left Arcanum House. His heart sank with the realization that Syrath had done him a favor. The longer he had tried to convince the council to vote in favor of helping Toril, the longer he would be away from his world and the people he was trying to defend. "Toril is doomed."</p><p></p><p>"You don't know that." Syrath had never known the Sage of Shadowdale to give up so easily. "You must not give up hope. Don't let Mystra's death be in vain. Fight if you must but don't ever give up hope."</p><p></p><p>The Chancellor's words seem to light a fire in the old mage's eyes. "Aye, you are right Syrath. Giving up would be the last thing she would want me to do. She would have liked you, I think. It is time for me to go home."</p><p></p><p>"Not without me you don't." Elminster turned to see Arassil and her freedom fighters floating on her skiff next to the chancellors. "The Arcanum of the Stars might not be willing to get involved but we are!"</p><p></p><p>"Arassil, please don't forget that you swore an oath to keep the council a secret." Syrath looked 50 years older at the thought of the Dragon Empire capturing Arassil and prying the existence of the Arcanum from her mind. "You barely escaped from Breka with your mind and body intact."</p><p></p><p>"Syrath, you worry too much. I know what I'm doing. And don't tell me you wouldn't jump at the chance to blow a few Imperial lackeys into dust if you weren't stuck here on Charamosh. And don't worry about this silly little secret you've dedicated you life to. My crew and I would never give away the Arcanum even if it is turning into an Old Boy's Club for the insanely paranoid."</p><p></p><p>Syrath didn't know why he even bothered anymore. "Forget it, I knew there wasn't any reasoning with you. Be careful and don't get killed, or worse, captured. There aren't any resources I can spare for a rescue mission, alright?"</p><p></p><p>"Ah," Arassil and Syrath's relationship was known to only a select few. Elminster wondered why they simply didn't get married. "And here I though you didn't care."</p><p></p><p>The large half-dragon elf cooed at her lover making the chancellor turn red as a solar sky. "Time to go El. We're burning starlight."</p><p></p><p>"Quite right."</p><p></p><p>Arassil turned to her men and gave the usual speech about how this wasn't sanctioned and there wasn't any real chance of rescue if it went bad. All of them had heard it before - Bakner, Caranarth, Marda, and Samuall - all those that had fought on Breka and lived to tell about it.</p><p></p><p>Elminster stepped onto the skiff with the resistance members and each one activated their Arcanum signet ring one after the other. Elminster activated his last and closed his eyes and thought of Shadowdale. "To Toril."</p><p></p><p>Syrath Erais watched as they vanished, transported instantly to the world of Toril. He could only guess at what would be awaiting them when they arrived. "Please, be careful my friends."</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>While Elminster of Shadowdale stood next to the chancellor and pleaded his case to the Arcanum, Hadrhune was leaving the Temple of Shadows in the city of Shade. He had asked for an audience with the High Cleric of the temple to discuss the current crisis regarding the Spell Weave and Shadow Weave. The High Cleric's assistant had said that the Lady of Night was unavailable and that he should come back later. This was the High Cleric's way of telling him that not only did she not know anything but that she also didn't think he had a need to know when she did.</p><p></p><p>Hadrhune had been worried before, but now he was trying not to panic! Yes, the clerics of Shar were known for being secretive but not with him. He was one of Shar's favorites even if he wasn't one of her Chosen. This brush off was like a slap in the face. Shar had always been fine with the fact that Hadrhune had kept his loyalties divided between the Dark Mistress and Lady of Mysteries. He had to find out what had happened. Was Mystra simply blocking his access to the Weave? Impossible, he secretly visited her temple in Harrowdale, the House of Mystra, ever month.</p><p></p><p>"That's it," Hadrhune should have thought of it earlier. "Llewan will know what has happened. She will not turn me away."</p><p></p><p>Llewan Aspenwold, the high priest of the House of Mystra, struggled to keep the temple occupied and had accepted Hadrhune when the shade had first come to her. His outlook on life may be different but the high priest had never doubted the shade's devotion to the Lady of Mysteries.</p><p></p><p>Hadrhune's Shadow Walk ability allowed him to traverse the distance to the temple in less time than it would take a winged creature to fly from Shade to Harrowdale. He stepped back through the shadow to Toril arriving near the entrance to the temple as he always did, cloaked in the shadow of the building. The shade drew his cloak around him and pulled his deep hood up to hide his shadowy nature. Not that it mattered when dealing with Llewan. She knew what he was and he refused to hide his features unless there were other worshippers in the temple that might be frightened by his visage.</p><p></p><p>The shade stopped before the doorway to the temple and spoke the accustomed prayer to the Lady of Mysteries. He then removed his holy symbol of Shar and tucked it into a small alcove that Llewan had built for him so that he could store the symbol near the temple without having to risk losing it. He had agreed to never bring a symbol of Shar into the House of Mystra and would not break his vow now, regardless of the danger he might face without it.</p><p></p><p>Then Hadrhune of Shade stepped through the doorway and into the temple. This place was like a second home to him even though it wasn't the most opulent temple in Faerûn. In fact, it was more like a roadside shrine with four walls then a temple. The pews were wooden planks on pulled up stumps and the temple looked more like a temple to one of the gods of nature. Only the banner above the Alter gave away the temples true deity. A circle of seven blue-white stars with red mist flowing from the center, Hadrhune never bored of looking at the symbol of the Lady of Mysteries. He instinctively reached under his cloak and grasped his second holy symbol dedicated to Mystra.</p><p></p><p>It was then that Hadrhune noticed two figures sitting together near the front of the temple on the front row of pews. He knew Llewan right away but didn't know the woman sitting next to her. Hadrhune had gotten to know most of the permanent members of Llewan's flock. This woman was obviously not from Harrowdale. Her manner was regal even as she openly wept. She wore the clothes of a minstrel but was armored in some of the finest chain mail Hadrhune had ever seen. Llewan had her arm around the woman and was obviously trying to comfort her. Hadrhune backed into the far corner of the temple and waited. Hadrhune knew better than to expose his face to strangers visiting the temple even those that also worshipped Mystra. Not everyone was as tolerant as Llewan. He tried not to eavesdrop but couldn't help himself once the stranger spoke.</p><p></p><p>"How can this be?" Her voice was like a harp being played by a celestial and Hadrhune was instantly mesmerized. "Why did this happen?"</p><p></p><p>"I don't know," Llewan hadn't seen Hadrhune come in her attention focused completely on the person beside her. "I miss her too. It isn't the same now that she is gone. I haven't felt this way since the Time of Troubles."</p><p></p><p>"What will become of us if the Lady is dead forever this time?"</p><p></p><p>Hadrhune's heart sank. He had considered the possibility that the Weave was destroyed but not his Goddess. He felt his knees give out and he stumbled into the back pew. Llewan and the stranger turned. He had his back to them but Llewan knew exactly who he was. Hadrhune with his hands in face started shaking and tried desperately not to cry. He was devoted to Shar but he loved Mystra.</p><p></p><p>"Hadrhune, I did not hear you come in."</p><p></p><p>The shade tried to remain composed turning to face the two women. Upon seeing her face, Hadrhune knew exactly who the other woman was. He immediately started praying.</p><p></p><p>"Storm Silverhand, this is Hadrhune." Llewan noted the look of displeasure on Storm's face and realized she had put Hadrhune in harms way too late. "Oh dear, now Storm lets be reasonable. Hadrhune is welcome here. He is one of my most faithful flock members."</p><p></p><p>"I hope you're kidding!" Storm looked like she was ready to flail the shadowed skin off the shade. "This thing does not belong here!"</p><p></p><p>"Hello to you to Storm," Hadrhune couldn't help himself. He enjoyed playing this game. How had he missed the fact the Storm Silverhand was in his presence? It must have been the fact that she wasn't hurling magic and insults at him. "It's been a while. Did you miss me?"</p><p></p><p>Storm went for her spell component pouch and Hadrhune knew he had gone to far. He dived towards the shadows and shifted to the Plane of Shadow just as Storm's Flashburst spell went off where he had been standing a moment before.</p><p></p><p>"Storm, this is the House of Mystra!" Llewan grabbed the Chosen's arm and spun her about. "Hadrhune might be a shade but he is also faithful to the Lady and you will leave him be while he is in this temple!"</p><p></p><p>Storm couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I will do no such thing!"</p><p></p><p>"Then I must ask you to leave." Llewan might have been young compared to Storm but as the high priest of the House of Mystra she decided what was acceptable behavior in the confines of her temple. She knew that another higher-ranking priest might not have agreed with her allowing Hadrhune to worship at the House of Mystra but they could not force her to ban him.</p><p></p><p>Even Storm knew this but it didn't stop her from making her opinion known. "It is a mistake for you to let him enter this temple. Even if he is devoted to the Lady, his heart is an evil twisted thing."</p><p></p><p>"I will not turn away the faithful of the Lady regardless of morality." Llewan now spoke as a high priest would to a wayward flock member. "All who love the Lady of Mysteries are welcome here."</p><p></p><p>Hadrhune was now listening from the shadows. He had come back from the Plane of Shadow and now stood quietly off to the left of the quarreling women. He did not speak or even move. The shade was still unsure whether or not Storm would attack him again. It had served him right that she had. He had been arrogant and less than pious with his remarks towards the Chosen of Mystra. She deserved his respect while they stood within this temple even if they were enemies.</p><p></p><p>Llewan had succeeded in calming Storm down enough that the Chosen had stopped looking for Hadrhune in every shadow. She was still agitated though. "If he is so pious then why is he hiding?"</p><p></p><p>"Maybe because he isn't sure whether or not you are going to blown him to ashes." The high priest made Storm take her hand out of her spell pouch. "Now stop that or I'll kick you out on your butt!"</p><p></p><p>Storm flushed. Llewan had scolded her like a bad child. "I-I'm sorry Llewan."</p><p></p><p>"Fine, fine. Now sit over there and don't move. I may not be a Chosen of Mystra but if you hurl magic in my temple again I swear I'll make you sit the corner. Hadrhune, you can come out now."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you Llewan and I am sorry. I behaved badly." The shade stepped out of the shadows. He turned to Storm and sucked in his pride. "I am deeply sorry Chosen. I did not treat you with the respect you deserve as one of Mystra's faithful. My behavior was boorish and unacceptable."</p><p></p><p>Storm sat on the pew with her jaw hanging open. It was almost comical. Hadrhune had surprised her. "Thank you, I think."</p><p></p><p>"Much better," Llewan put her hand on the Alter and sighed. She looked fatigued.</p><p></p><p>Hadrhune stepped quickly to her side and helped support her. "Are you all right Llewan? You don't look well."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, I'm just tired. You are about the nineteenth person who has been here today seeking guidance since Mystra died."</p><p></p><p>"So it is as you said earlier." Hadrhune helped her sit down next to Storm. He couldn't help keeping one eye on the Chosen. The shade sat on the other side of Llewan. "What do you know about how it happened?"</p><p></p><p>"Not much," Llewan put her head on his shoulder and Storm took her hand. "I felt it happen. Then she was simply gone and the Weave with her."</p><p></p><p>"I felt it to." Hadrhune now knew what had drawn him onto the balcony. It was the death of the Lady of Mysteries. "What is so powerful that it could destroy a goddess and her magic in one stroke? It doesn't make sense."</p><p></p><p>"I been trying to figure that out." Storm voice was forlorn. She sounded more than just a little depressed. "When Mystra perished part of her essence, part of the magic was transferred into me. The other Chosen have also been given a part of her essence."</p><p></p><p>Hadrhune perked up at the news. "You have a part of her? Does that mean she might still be resurrected somehow?"</p><p></p><p>"We still don't know. It's possible, I guess." Storm felt heavy with burden. "We can hope but I don't think she will come back."</p><p></p><p>"The Shadow Weave has also been affected." Hadrhune had been tiptoeing around the subject wondering if he should bring it up.</p><p></p><p>"Are you serious," Storm didn't care about Shar but new that if what Hadrhune was saying was indeed true that the world might be in serious jeopardy.</p><p></p><p>"Deadly serious," the shade's visage turned grim. "The Shadow Weave is fluctuating wildly and the Lady of Night of the Temple of Shadows in Shade doesn't have a clue what is going on."</p><p></p><p>Llewan stood and walked over to the Alter of the temple. "This is not good. If magic is failing all over Faerûn the entire continent is vulnerable. An organized army could conquer everything."</p><p></p><p>"And if the worlds magic fails then Shade will crash to the earth." Hadrhune knew that none would mourn the city's destruction. Not even the 'true' Empire of Shadows would care that much about one Vassal State.</p><p></p><p>"Is that all you care about, shade." Storm was quickly losing her patience with him again. "Is that all the Lady is to you? A way to keep your precious city in the air."</p><p></p><p>"Storm, I warned you!" Llewan grabbed the Chosen by the ear and pulled her off to one side. "You arrogant child, of course he is worried about his city. And you should be concentrating on worrying about the Dalelands. Without magic to protect it the Zhents will overrun every fort, town and farm."</p><p></p><p>Storm turned red again, this time in anger, and rubbed her ear. She glared at Hadrhune and the shade knew she would refuse to back down again. So much misplaced aggression and pride.</p><p></p><p>"Llewan, it was a joy to see you again but I think it would be better if I went back to Shade. There are still a lot of questions that need answering and I must prepare the city in case its magic fails. Chosen, I am sorry if my words upset you. That was not my intent. It is true that we will never be allies but I do respect your power and envy the love the Lady gave you."</p><p></p><p>Hadrhune of Shade turned and walked from the House of Mystra. He stopped and retrieved his Shar holy symbol from the alcove. He tucked it inside his cloak after putting the chain around his neck. Then he did something he never thought he never do. He held both his symbols together and prayed.</p><p></p><p>"I will try to find a way to bring you back, Mystra. But if I cannot then I swear will avenge your death even if it cost me my very soul." Hadrhune's eyes glowed with a reddish light, as he stepped into the shadow of the temple and began his journey back to Shade.</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Captain Farhand hadn't remained seated for very long. He hated waiting. The Emperor would have the message by now but there still wasn't a reply authorizing him to attack. The world was ripe for the plucking and he intended to use the full might of the starships he had available to him to get the job done.</p><p></p><p>Elgan watched as his captain paced back and forth in front of the forward window stopping ever once in a while to look out at Toril and then continue pacing. He had never seen the captain so agitated before and was trying to think of a way to calm him down.</p><p></p><p>"Sir, why don't you go to the ship's temple and speak with Centurion. "The Aspect has never been in a battle like this before. It may be nervous."</p><p></p><p>The captain stopped pacing and looked at his First Mate like he had grown a second head. Then he noticed that the crewmen on the bridge were looking at him like he was going crazy.</p><p></p><p>"Perhaps you are right." Farhand walked toward the bridge door, pushed a button next to the metal frame and stood there as the hydraulic door slide open with a hiss. "Let me know once the Emperor's reply has arrived through the ansible."</p><p></p><p>"Yes sir," Elgan noticed the bridge crew relax a little once the captain stepped through the doorframe and the door slide shut behind him. "Don't relax too much boys. We need to keep the edge keen. I want an update on the planet's defenses within the hour."</p><p></p><p>The crew snapped back to attention and Elgan hoped that the ship's patron Aspect could calm his captain down.</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Centurion had known this day would come. An Aspect of the True God known as the Destroyer, Centurion relished battle and destruction. The Aspect's Avatar was not nervous in the least. He stood facing the starship's Divine Sphere waiting for Captain Gregory Farhand to arrive at the temple. Being the patron of the ship's entire crew the Aspect was responsible for the morale of the crew, even its captain. It would take some time for the captain to traverse the length of the ship so the Aspect was content to wait.</p><p></p><p>Then Centurion felt another divine presence in the temple. "Welcome, Ao of Toril. Come to surrender have you?"</p><p></p><p>"It is not my world to surrender," Ao, the Overpower of the Faerûnian Pantheon stood behind the Aspect of the Destroyer. "I have come to enter the Divine Sphere and return back to the Unification Church where I belong."</p><p></p><p>Centurion turned around and laughed at Ao. "You take me for a fool, Ao. You are not an Aspect of One of the Twelve. You are an arrogant backwater god with little real power!"</p><p></p><p>"If you doubt what I say then look into me and you will see I am telling the truth." Ao locked eyes with Centurion and opened his essence to the Destroyer's Aspect.</p><p></p><p>Centurion couldn't believe it. This backwater god was indeed an Aspect of One of the Twelve, an Aspect of the Warrior no less. "Ao, you are indeed one of us. How did you come to be lost out on the rim of the galaxy?"</p><p></p><p>"I am not lost, Centurion. I have existed since before your construction, since before the Great War sent this part of the galaxy back into the Dark Ages. I was this world's Primary Aspect before there even was a Dragon Empire."</p><p></p><p>"And now that I am here you wish to leave?" Centurion meant it as a rhetorical question. He knew that an Aspect cut-off from the Divine Sphere's was little more than a mortal prisoner stuck in magical stasis.</p><p></p><p>"Correct," Ao looked at the Sphere. "I can't even have worshippers on this bloody world. I've been reduced to a watchdog for a bunch of childish wannabe gods."</p><p></p><p>"Has it really been that bad, brother?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes," Ao was pacing now. "I had to strip them of their godhood once just to keep things from getting boring. I've even had to allow mortals to become gods in order add some variety."</p><p></p><p>"Mortals, as gods! Are you insane!" Centurion imposed himself between Ao and the Divine Sphere. "I don't know if I should let you return!"</p><p></p><p>"Relax, brother. They are completely under my control. I could strip the lesser gods of their power completely and reduce even the greatest of them to mere shells of divinity."</p><p></p><p>"Really," Centurion would test this Aspect's loyalty to the Unification Church. "The coming battle would be a lot easier with you on our side. What do you say, brother?"</p><p></p><p>"I have been preparing for this since the galaxy collapsed into war. The world's goddess of magic, Mystra, was linked to the world's very magical essence called the Spell Weave. What she didn't know was that I sabotaged it. I modified the essence to break apart when a starcaster or technological engine were activated in the system. Thus, when you entered the system the resulting shock wave ripped her apart through the Spell Weave and then it collapsed. The mortals are magical paupers now."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, you have been planning to betray them from the beginning? I approve, brother. Of course, I will need you to strip these gods of whatever powers you can before I let you through the Divine Sphere."</p><p></p><p>"Done," Ao shifted to the Cynosure just before Captain Farhand walked through the archway of the ship's temple. Centurion would ease the captain's mind with the knowledge that conquering this planet would be easier than they had originally thought.</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Kelemvor was waiting for Ao in the Cynosure. He had felt Mystra die and wanted to know why. Most of the other greater gods were also manifested in the meeting place of the gods. Bane, Chauntea, Cyric, Lathander, Oghma, Shar, Silvanus, Talos, Tempus and Tyr all awaited their Overpower, as Ao manifested in the center of the circle of the gods. He despised every last one of these backwater deities and would be glad to be rid of them as part of his immortal existence. Immortal Existence, they really didn't understand what that meant. They would learn though. These, of Faerûns most powerful gods, would survive the reckoning but would be little more than demigod paupers. Even some of the remaining mortals would have more power.</p><p></p><p>Ao hid it all inside as he always did. They could not see his True Aspect as one of the Twelve. He called out to the remaining gods of the Pantheon and soon the ring of gods was full. They were all insignificant compared to an Aspect of One of the Twelve True Gods. Only Cyric had come close to learning the truth when he had gone mad by reading that infernal book of his. Ao had allowed Bane back to keep Cyric in check, even if Bane was oblivious to the fact.</p><p></p><p>"Mystra is dead," Ao thought the words to every god in the Cynosure. Then the Aspect revealed his true self to the Gods of Faerûn. A murmur rose amongst the deities.</p><p></p><p>"How did this happen without me knowing?" Kelemvor was upset. Not because Mystra, his former lover, was dead but because death had occurred and he knew nothing about it.</p><p></p><p>"Because I did not want you to, you insignificant little cur." Ao was done being diplomatic with these gods. "I killed her and I wanted none of you to know how or why it happened until I dropped it on you."</p><p></p><p>If a god could be stunned stupid then the Gods of Faerûn could be described as being such after Ao thought those words in their divine minds.</p><p></p><p>"I don't understand." Lathander thought the words before any of the others could fathom a response. "Why? Did she betray us?"</p><p></p><p>The Cynosure shook with Ao's laughter. "You stupid little god, you don't get it do you. I am Ao, Aspect of the One Warrior, a True God of the Unification Church. You could never comprehend what I am."</p><p></p><p>"We shall see!" The Black Lord didn't like being mocked by anyone. He attempted to shift out of the Cynosure but found himself unable to move.</p><p></p><p>"Ah, Bane. You would be interesting as an Aspect of the Destroyer but I have a feeling that my brother Centurion wouldn't approve. Ah well, as the mortals say 'spilt mead and all that'. But I do have something to show you all."</p><p></p><p>Ao changed the Cynosure until it was pitch black. Then he related the history of the Unification Church, as he knew it up until the Great War. Then he continued by revealing the little he knew of the galaxy since that time. The Gods of Faerûn watched in horror as he described what would become of Toril once the Dragon Empire was done with it.</p><p></p><p>"You see, you really have little choice in the events that are about to unfold. Centurion has asked me to strip you down to your most basic divine abilities and I have agreed."</p><p></p><p>"They'll destroy us all!" Tyr struggled to free himself from Ao's mental grip. "They will destroy the world, its culture, it people! How can you do this?"</p><p></p><p>"Because I don't care. I cannot have worshippers on this world unless they worship me as my Aspect. And in order for that to happen the world would need to be under the control of the Unification Church and I'd have to want to stay. I do not want to stay here. I will not risk being cutoff from the Divine Spheres again!"</p><p></p><p>The Cynosure shifted again and the Gods of Faerûn found themselves standing on a desolate island south of Calimshan. The gods looked around for Ao but the Aspect of the Warrior of the Twelve was gone. Several of the lesser gods cried out as they transformed into dust before the others' eyes. A few of the gods came to the painful realization that they were now mortal. Only Kelemvor, Oghma, Shar, Talos and Tempus had enough power remaining too be considered intermediate gods.</p><p></p><p>"Well, this is an interesting development." Oghma, the Lord of Knowledge, took stock of his new form and went through the knowledge that he still remembered. "Unbelievable, I remember knowing so much more. But it isn't there and there isn't any sense of loss. Fascinating."</p><p></p><p>"Fascinating!" The Black Lord was furious and kicked at the ashes of Malar. "All of my allies are either dead or are mortal and I've barely the power keep a hold of my realm! Ao shall pay for betraying us!"</p><p></p><p>The Black Lord shifted away to seethe in anger.</p><p></p><p>"No, don't leave me here alone!" Loviatar was crying. She had become mortal. "I would rather have died than exist in this state."</p><p></p><p>"I would grant you death Loviatar, " Kelemvor stood behind the fallen Goddess of Pain, his grim mask showing no emotion. "But you are too valuable to let die. The Goddess of Pain will be needed again. In fact, I believe you will be needed more now than ever."</p><p></p><p>Kelemvor was still the Lord of the Dead, even reduced in power as he was. He surveyed what was left of the fallen Gods of Faerûn. Besides he, Oghma and Bane, the only gods with any divinity in them were Akadi, Chauntea, Cyric, Gond, Grumbar, Helm, Ilmater, Istishia, Kossuth, Lathander, Selune, Shar, Silvanus, Sune, Talos, Tempus, Tyr, Ubtao and Mask. Of all the lesser gods only Mask survived with his godhood intact. This didn't surprise Kelemvor. Mask always found a way to survive, it was in his very nature.</p><p></p><p>Besides Loviatar, only a few of the remaining lesser gods were transformed into mortal form. Beshaba, Lliira, Milil, Torm and Tymora all became human. Finder was transformed into a wyvern, Mielikki became a unicorn, Nobanion became a dire lion, and Umberlee became a monstrous shark. Umberlee dragged herself from the shore disappearing into the sea, while Finder took flight and headed towards Chult. Nobanion attacked a slew Beshaba before any could stop the beast. Beshaba turned out to have bad luck as a mortal. They chained the great lion was to a large stone. Chauntea tried to comfort Mielikki and Helm watched Cyric with a keen eye making sure he didn't try to kill one of them and take their power.</p><p></p><p>"In all there are only 22 of us left, including Bane, with the spark of divinity." Kelemvor seemed destined to lead the new Gods of Faerûn, as the others seemed to be thrusting the mantle upon him. "Another nine could become gods again with a little bit of luck. Finder, Nobanion and Umberlee will be the hardest to raise back to godhood, as their new animalistic natures take over their minds.</p><p></p><p>"Mielikki," the Lord of the Dead addressed the now mortal unicorn. "You must hide where no one may find you until we can find a way to restore you. I suggest the Moonshaes or Evermeet. Chauntea, we will leave the task of protecting Mielikki to you. Take her somewhere safe."</p><p></p><p>"It will be as you command, Kelemvor." The Earthmother put a hand on the unicorn's back and the two of them shifted away. Kelemvor thought of Jergal and remembered something the Scribe of Death told him once.</p><p></p><p><em>"Leadership is never a choice one makes. Others make you lead so that if you fail, they do not."</em></p><p></p><p>"Cyric and Shar." Kelemvor turned toward the two dark gods. "You don't like me and I don't like you. We all need to get over it and keep this pantheon intact. Case in point, Bane. He is a wildcard in this game. He would sell every last one of us out if he thought it would gain him Faerûn. I need you two to watch him closely. If it goes well then we may be rid of him again and the two of you can divide his essence up however you choose."</p><p></p><p>Shar bowed and agreed to the Lord of the Dead's terms. Cyric on the other hand laughed at Kelemvor.</p><p></p><p>"Who died and made you boss?" Cyric was eyeing his old friend with a lust for vengeance. "What's to stop me from taking your essence?"</p><p></p><p>"Not what Cyric, but who." Kelemvor called over the Lord of Shadows. "Mask, I need you to do the pantheon a favor. I need you to keep an eye on this jackal."</p><p></p><p>"Yes Lord Kelemvor. It will be my pleasure." Mask wasn't fond of Kelemvor but he knew the Lord of the Dead would not betray him. He was too honorable. Cyric and Bane, on the other hand, he had bowed and scrapped to because he had feared them. Now that the two gods weren't more powerful than he was, they were not valuable allies.</p><p></p><p>Cyric growled at Mask and told him it was the Lord of Shadows who would have to be watching his own back. "Lest Razor's Edge find you." He then shifted away. Kelemvor asked Shar to watch Cyric as well.</p><p></p><p>Mask watched Shar shift away. He wasn't worried about Cyric. The Lord of Shadows was hiding his true power and none knew that he was still, in fact, a lesser god, even after Ao's reckoning. A secret cache of essence along with several quick thrusts from Stealthwhisper had kept him alive. Several of the other lesser gods had died by Mask's sword before Ao took their essence. Instead of them turning to ash they had been quickly absorbed by the Lord of Shadows keeping his true power from being siphoned off by Ao.</p><p></p><p>It had been a great plan and he had executed it perfectly. And as a result, he had taken out Gargauth, Hoar, Savras and Talona. He had lost very little of his own essence and gained the portfolios of four gods, which he let Ao have without a second thought. While still only a lesser god, he could handle Cyric.</p><p></p><p>"Gond and Oghma, we need you to learn as much as you can about this Dragon Empire. We cannot fight something we know very little about."</p><p></p><p>"Knowledge is power." Oghma bowed to his new Overpower. "It will be as you say Kelemvor."</p><p></p><p>The two gods vanished together.</p><p></p><p>"Now, I need a new Scribe of Death." Mortals are going to start dying soon and I need to keep track of everything. Milil, you are only mortal now but I think you will do."</p><p></p><p>"Scribe of Death?" The once god thought for a second and then shook his head. "I don't think I would like that at all. You should pick someone else."</p><p></p><p>"I didn't ask you whether or not you wanted the job, Milil. I need a scribe and you are it."</p><p></p><p>Milil looked to the remaining gods. "Can he do that?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes," Tyr's thoughts echoed through Milil's head. "Or would you rather join my flock and fight to a glorious death."</p><p></p><p>"Well, when you put it that way." Milil stepped away from Tyr and stood next to the new leader of the Faerûnian Pantheon. "How could I refuse Kelemvor's offer?"</p><p></p><p>"The remaining once gods shall remain in hiding until they can be restored." Kelemvor turned to elemental gods. "Akadi, Grumbar, Istishia and Kossuth. Each of you will be responsible for keeping one of the once gods safe from harm. Akadi will take Tymora, Grumbar will hide Torm, Istishia is responsible for Lliira, and Kossuth will keep Loviatar safe."</p><p></p><p>"I will not hide like some lowly cur!" Torm the True believed in duty and honor. "I may be mortal but I can still fight! Would you ask the mortals that will risk their lives in to run away and hide?"</p><p></p><p>"Very well, Torm. But if you die, I will not bring you back."</p><p></p><p>"I understand."</p><p></p><p>"Grumbar, you will hide Nobanion from our enemies."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, Lord Kelemvor." Grumbar grabbed the chain that held the once god now dire lion and separated it from the stone with a mere thought. He and Nobanion shifted away, as well as the other elemental gods and their charges.</p><p></p><p>"The rest of you must go and prepare the world for the battle to come. I must find out if the other gods of Toril are still alive. We may need their help if we are going to stand a chance."</p><p></p><p>The remaining Gods of Faerûn shifted away to warn their faithful of the Dragon Empire. Kelemvor, the new leader of the Faerûnian Pantheon shifted to Mulhorand to speak with Horus-Re and the other Old Gods of the Mulhorandi. He would need their help and hoped he could convince the rival pantheon that an alliance was vital to the world's survival.</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Captain Farhand stood on the bridge of the <em>Centurion</em> with the full knowledge that the Aspect of the Warrior, Ao, had stripped the Faerûnian Pantheon of their most powerful abilities. The Aspect was gone now - merged with the Divine Sphere to rejoin the One Warrior. It would not be back.</p><p></p><p>The reply from the Emperor had arrived shortly after the ship's Aspect had told him the good new and Farhand now watched as the Hammerhead drop ships moved into place above the continent of Faerûn. Then the ships systematically began to separate section by section. The resulting section ships were like floating armories, each one carrying ground forces and a plasma cannon that could be fired from space.</p><p></p><p>"Launch all interceptors, deploy the plasma cannon platforms and charge the main gun." Farhand gave the order in a calm monotone voice and his crewmen were now confident that their captain was himself again. A dozen interceptors rocketed out of the ship's custom designed fighter bays. They grouped themselves into perfect V formations and held their position. They would not attack the surface until the bombardment from above the planet took out the major cities.</p><p></p><p>Farhand then heard the detachable weapon platforms separate one after another from the outer hull of the ship. A design he chose himself for the <em>Centurion</em>, the 10 platforms each had a single plasma cannon and could be automated or operated remotely. The nearest one could be seen to rocket forward with its propulsion system and then open up and fold itself back to reveal its huge plasma cannon, extending out from its center. The platforms maneuvered and systematically placed themselves between the gaps left between the twenty four drop ship sectionals.</p><p></p><p>"Is everything in position?" Farhand knew it was but wanted to hear the words.</p><p></p><p>"Yes Sir! The weapons are charged and fire control awaits your command."</p><p></p><p>Captain Gregory Farhand stepped to the forward window and looked at the array of weaponry at his command. They had no idea how much their world was about to change. "Fire."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Knightfall, post: 342916, member: 2012"] [b][i]Part Three - Prelude to Invasion[/i][/b] The council was in an uproar. The members from hundreds of affiliate worlds and organizations were yelling to be heard, while Chancellor Syrath Erais tried frantically to regain control. Dozens of skiffs hovered in midair in the building known as Arcanum House. A perfect sphere, Arcanum House was known by all that had seen as a wonder of science and magic combined. The building wasn't just the seat of power of the Arcanum of the Stars; it was also the last hope for some in stopping the Dragon Empire from conquering every Outlands world from the edge of Imperial territory to the end of the galaxy. Elminster of Shadowdale was one of those few. Syrath Erais had agreed to let his friend petition the council for aid against the Empire but had warned him ahead of time that nothing would probably come of it. "They will not risk bringing the wrath of the Empire down upon their worlds, Elminster." Syrath had spoken those words to the Sage of Shadowdale in the chancellor's private chambers. "I must try. These Imperial butchers killed my Goddess. Something must be done. I will make them see reason." Now the two stood together on the central skiff of the House, reserved for the chancellor and where individual members of the council are allowed to put forward special petitions to the Arcanum. Syrath watched the chaos unfold after Elminster had pleaded for the Arcanum to intercede in Toril's behalf. The vote hadn't even taken place yet and probably wouldn't take place at all. It was as Syrath had said; they feared the Empire too much. Elminster let out a long sigh and leaned on the edge of the skiff with his handed knotted at his chest. The chancellor put a hand on the old mages shoulder. "I am sorry, my friend. But I did warn you this would happen." "I can't believe the Arcanum will ignore this tragedy." The old mages voice carried across the council hall through the speaker box, which was used by the chancellor to amplify his voice throughout the House. He had not meant for the entire House to hear his words and he was surprised to hear silence, as all in attendance wished to hear what he might say next. Elminster of Shadowdale was well known and popular with many other members in the Arcanum. He took the opportunity, stepped to the podium, and raised his voice louder so that none could say they hadn't heard his words. "Every time a world is threatened or conquered by the Dragon Empire this council does nothing. Every time another race or another merchant house is wiped out this council does nothing." "What are we even doing here if we don't attempt to stop these tyrants from enslaving the entire galaxy. The world of Breka fell into ashes because this council failed to help a member world fight off the Dragon Brigade. Now that world's people are enslaved and it member's in the council are now exiles here on Charamosh. If this council fails to act again then I submit that I will never set foot in Arcanum House again." "And not a moment to soon." A jet-black skiff designed for the Theraman Trading Collective floated towards the Chancellor's skiff. Its dark member was someone that Elminster knew well. Or at least, Elminster had known the original Manshoon. This Manshoon was different, one of the clones that the 'real' Manshoon had created in case of his death, he knew he wasn't the real Manshoon (unlike the other clones) and had fled Toril to build a new life somewhere else. Eventually, he petitioned and joined the Theraman Trading Collective and soon became one of the affiliation's greatest leaders. He was also the affiliation's mouthpiece in the Arcanum. He cared nothing for Toril and did not associate himself with its politics. "Manshoon, I expected more of a retort from you." Elminster and the evil clone had played this game before in the council. They were more than rivals. Each believed that the other didn't deserve to be a member of the House. "Are you slipping? It that copied mind of yours fading?" Manshoon boiled beneath the surface but kept his composure. "For years you have whined and complained that the council does nothing. Yet, you were told when you joined this council that starting an interstellar conflict with the Dragon Empire was NOT how the Arcanum works. It is, after all, a secret organization." "Well, maybe Elminster has a point." Anther skiff rose just opposite of the TTC skiff. A large half-dragon female spoke for this affiliation. "Maybe it is time for the Arcanum of the Stars to change. Maybe it is time that we do something rather than let worlds like Breka and Toril fall to the Empire." "Ah, Arassil," Manshoon bowed in mock humility. "You are indeed one of the most wise amongst the council but your view is tainted by your unique perspective of what happened on Breka." "And you are a vicious, slimy viper who wiggles around the galaxy selling overpriced, shoddy merchandise." Arassil's eyes burned with an internal fire and she openly growled at Manshoon. "And for your information, what happened on Breka was that an entire world was wiped out in less than a month by one of the most vicious beings ever." "Ah yes, the infamous Thul Gulokas." Manshoon rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Wasn't he your mate at one point?" Arassil's eyes bugged out and she spread her wings, as if she would take flight and cross the distance between the two of them and sink her teeth into the evil wizard. "Enough!" Syrath Erais had heard enough. "This pointless bickering is giving me a headache! Manshoon, you are out of line and I am fining the Theraman Trading Collective for your insolence! Trade insults someplace else or I will ban you from the council for a year and a day! I have warned you several times not to behave in this manner!" "And as for you Arassil," the chancellor had noticed that the half-dragon member had a huge grin on her face. "Wipe that smile off your face because while you are indeed one of the wisest amongst the council, you still could not resist trading barbs with Manshoon. Thus, I am fining you personally and don't want to hear another word out of you for the rest of the day." "Now, if we can get back to the manner at hand. Elminster of Shadowdale wishes the council to vote on the manner of what is to be done to prevent the Dragon Empire from conquering Toril. Those that refuse to vote on the manner may leave and as long as two thirds of the council remains in the House then the vote will take place." "Chancellor, please don't do this. You know there won't be enough left to vote." Elminster couldn't believe that Syrath had trumped his petition. Syrath put one hand over the speaker box and the other on the old mage's right arm. "Elminster, if it was up to me we would have left for Toril three hours ago with every ship the Arcanum has access to. But Manshoon is right, that is NOT what the Arcanum was created for. We oppose the Empire every way we can but we do not confront them ship to ship. Such a fight would be suicide for every affiliated world and organization in this council." Elminster noticed while Syrath was speaking to him that more than two-thirds of the council had left Arcanum House. His heart sank with the realization that Syrath had done him a favor. The longer he had tried to convince the council to vote in favor of helping Toril, the longer he would be away from his world and the people he was trying to defend. "Toril is doomed." "You don't know that." Syrath had never known the Sage of Shadowdale to give up so easily. "You must not give up hope. Don't let Mystra's death be in vain. Fight if you must but don't ever give up hope." The Chancellor's words seem to light a fire in the old mage's eyes. "Aye, you are right Syrath. Giving up would be the last thing she would want me to do. She would have liked you, I think. It is time for me to go home." "Not without me you don't." Elminster turned to see Arassil and her freedom fighters floating on her skiff next to the chancellors. "The Arcanum of the Stars might not be willing to get involved but we are!" "Arassil, please don't forget that you swore an oath to keep the council a secret." Syrath looked 50 years older at the thought of the Dragon Empire capturing Arassil and prying the existence of the Arcanum from her mind. "You barely escaped from Breka with your mind and body intact." "Syrath, you worry too much. I know what I'm doing. And don't tell me you wouldn't jump at the chance to blow a few Imperial lackeys into dust if you weren't stuck here on Charamosh. And don't worry about this silly little secret you've dedicated you life to. My crew and I would never give away the Arcanum even if it is turning into an Old Boy's Club for the insanely paranoid." Syrath didn't know why he even bothered anymore. "Forget it, I knew there wasn't any reasoning with you. Be careful and don't get killed, or worse, captured. There aren't any resources I can spare for a rescue mission, alright?" "Ah," Arassil and Syrath's relationship was known to only a select few. Elminster wondered why they simply didn't get married. "And here I though you didn't care." The large half-dragon elf cooed at her lover making the chancellor turn red as a solar sky. "Time to go El. We're burning starlight." "Quite right." Arassil turned to her men and gave the usual speech about how this wasn't sanctioned and there wasn't any real chance of rescue if it went bad. All of them had heard it before - Bakner, Caranarth, Marda, and Samuall - all those that had fought on Breka and lived to tell about it. Elminster stepped onto the skiff with the resistance members and each one activated their Arcanum signet ring one after the other. Elminster activated his last and closed his eyes and thought of Shadowdale. "To Toril." Syrath Erais watched as they vanished, transported instantly to the world of Toril. He could only guess at what would be awaiting them when they arrived. "Please, be careful my friends." * * * While Elminster of Shadowdale stood next to the chancellor and pleaded his case to the Arcanum, Hadrhune was leaving the Temple of Shadows in the city of Shade. He had asked for an audience with the High Cleric of the temple to discuss the current crisis regarding the Spell Weave and Shadow Weave. The High Cleric's assistant had said that the Lady of Night was unavailable and that he should come back later. This was the High Cleric's way of telling him that not only did she not know anything but that she also didn't think he had a need to know when she did. Hadrhune had been worried before, but now he was trying not to panic! Yes, the clerics of Shar were known for being secretive but not with him. He was one of Shar's favorites even if he wasn't one of her Chosen. This brush off was like a slap in the face. Shar had always been fine with the fact that Hadrhune had kept his loyalties divided between the Dark Mistress and Lady of Mysteries. He had to find out what had happened. Was Mystra simply blocking his access to the Weave? Impossible, he secretly visited her temple in Harrowdale, the House of Mystra, ever month. "That's it," Hadrhune should have thought of it earlier. "Llewan will know what has happened. She will not turn me away." Llewan Aspenwold, the high priest of the House of Mystra, struggled to keep the temple occupied and had accepted Hadrhune when the shade had first come to her. His outlook on life may be different but the high priest had never doubted the shade's devotion to the Lady of Mysteries. Hadrhune's Shadow Walk ability allowed him to traverse the distance to the temple in less time than it would take a winged creature to fly from Shade to Harrowdale. He stepped back through the shadow to Toril arriving near the entrance to the temple as he always did, cloaked in the shadow of the building. The shade drew his cloak around him and pulled his deep hood up to hide his shadowy nature. Not that it mattered when dealing with Llewan. She knew what he was and he refused to hide his features unless there were other worshippers in the temple that might be frightened by his visage. The shade stopped before the doorway to the temple and spoke the accustomed prayer to the Lady of Mysteries. He then removed his holy symbol of Shar and tucked it into a small alcove that Llewan had built for him so that he could store the symbol near the temple without having to risk losing it. He had agreed to never bring a symbol of Shar into the House of Mystra and would not break his vow now, regardless of the danger he might face without it. Then Hadrhune of Shade stepped through the doorway and into the temple. This place was like a second home to him even though it wasn't the most opulent temple in Faerûn. In fact, it was more like a roadside shrine with four walls then a temple. The pews were wooden planks on pulled up stumps and the temple looked more like a temple to one of the gods of nature. Only the banner above the Alter gave away the temples true deity. A circle of seven blue-white stars with red mist flowing from the center, Hadrhune never bored of looking at the symbol of the Lady of Mysteries. He instinctively reached under his cloak and grasped his second holy symbol dedicated to Mystra. It was then that Hadrhune noticed two figures sitting together near the front of the temple on the front row of pews. He knew Llewan right away but didn't know the woman sitting next to her. Hadrhune had gotten to know most of the permanent members of Llewan's flock. This woman was obviously not from Harrowdale. Her manner was regal even as she openly wept. She wore the clothes of a minstrel but was armored in some of the finest chain mail Hadrhune had ever seen. Llewan had her arm around the woman and was obviously trying to comfort her. Hadrhune backed into the far corner of the temple and waited. Hadrhune knew better than to expose his face to strangers visiting the temple even those that also worshipped Mystra. Not everyone was as tolerant as Llewan. He tried not to eavesdrop but couldn't help himself once the stranger spoke. "How can this be?" Her voice was like a harp being played by a celestial and Hadrhune was instantly mesmerized. "Why did this happen?" "I don't know," Llewan hadn't seen Hadrhune come in her attention focused completely on the person beside her. "I miss her too. It isn't the same now that she is gone. I haven't felt this way since the Time of Troubles." "What will become of us if the Lady is dead forever this time?" Hadrhune's heart sank. He had considered the possibility that the Weave was destroyed but not his Goddess. He felt his knees give out and he stumbled into the back pew. Llewan and the stranger turned. He had his back to them but Llewan knew exactly who he was. Hadrhune with his hands in face started shaking and tried desperately not to cry. He was devoted to Shar but he loved Mystra. "Hadrhune, I did not hear you come in." The shade tried to remain composed turning to face the two women. Upon seeing her face, Hadrhune knew exactly who the other woman was. He immediately started praying. "Storm Silverhand, this is Hadrhune." Llewan noted the look of displeasure on Storm's face and realized she had put Hadrhune in harms way too late. "Oh dear, now Storm lets be reasonable. Hadrhune is welcome here. He is one of my most faithful flock members." "I hope you're kidding!" Storm looked like she was ready to flail the shadowed skin off the shade. "This thing does not belong here!" "Hello to you to Storm," Hadrhune couldn't help himself. He enjoyed playing this game. How had he missed the fact the Storm Silverhand was in his presence? It must have been the fact that she wasn't hurling magic and insults at him. "It's been a while. Did you miss me?" Storm went for her spell component pouch and Hadrhune knew he had gone to far. He dived towards the shadows and shifted to the Plane of Shadow just as Storm's Flashburst spell went off where he had been standing a moment before. "Storm, this is the House of Mystra!" Llewan grabbed the Chosen's arm and spun her about. "Hadrhune might be a shade but he is also faithful to the Lady and you will leave him be while he is in this temple!" Storm couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I will do no such thing!" "Then I must ask you to leave." Llewan might have been young compared to Storm but as the high priest of the House of Mystra she decided what was acceptable behavior in the confines of her temple. She knew that another higher-ranking priest might not have agreed with her allowing Hadrhune to worship at the House of Mystra but they could not force her to ban him. Even Storm knew this but it didn't stop her from making her opinion known. "It is a mistake for you to let him enter this temple. Even if he is devoted to the Lady, his heart is an evil twisted thing." "I will not turn away the faithful of the Lady regardless of morality." Llewan now spoke as a high priest would to a wayward flock member. "All who love the Lady of Mysteries are welcome here." Hadrhune was now listening from the shadows. He had come back from the Plane of Shadow and now stood quietly off to the left of the quarreling women. He did not speak or even move. The shade was still unsure whether or not Storm would attack him again. It had served him right that she had. He had been arrogant and less than pious with his remarks towards the Chosen of Mystra. She deserved his respect while they stood within this temple even if they were enemies. Llewan had succeeded in calming Storm down enough that the Chosen had stopped looking for Hadrhune in every shadow. She was still agitated though. "If he is so pious then why is he hiding?" "Maybe because he isn't sure whether or not you are going to blown him to ashes." The high priest made Storm take her hand out of her spell pouch. "Now stop that or I'll kick you out on your butt!" Storm flushed. Llewan had scolded her like a bad child. "I-I'm sorry Llewan." "Fine, fine. Now sit over there and don't move. I may not be a Chosen of Mystra but if you hurl magic in my temple again I swear I'll make you sit the corner. Hadrhune, you can come out now." "Thank you Llewan and I am sorry. I behaved badly." The shade stepped out of the shadows. He turned to Storm and sucked in his pride. "I am deeply sorry Chosen. I did not treat you with the respect you deserve as one of Mystra's faithful. My behavior was boorish and unacceptable." Storm sat on the pew with her jaw hanging open. It was almost comical. Hadrhune had surprised her. "Thank you, I think." "Much better," Llewan put her hand on the Alter and sighed. She looked fatigued. Hadrhune stepped quickly to her side and helped support her. "Are you all right Llewan? You don't look well." "Oh, I'm just tired. You are about the nineteenth person who has been here today seeking guidance since Mystra died." "So it is as you said earlier." Hadrhune helped her sit down next to Storm. He couldn't help keeping one eye on the Chosen. The shade sat on the other side of Llewan. "What do you know about how it happened?" "Not much," Llewan put her head on his shoulder and Storm took her hand. "I felt it happen. Then she was simply gone and the Weave with her." "I felt it to." Hadrhune now knew what had drawn him onto the balcony. It was the death of the Lady of Mysteries. "What is so powerful that it could destroy a goddess and her magic in one stroke? It doesn't make sense." "I been trying to figure that out." Storm voice was forlorn. She sounded more than just a little depressed. "When Mystra perished part of her essence, part of the magic was transferred into me. The other Chosen have also been given a part of her essence." Hadrhune perked up at the news. "You have a part of her? Does that mean she might still be resurrected somehow?" "We still don't know. It's possible, I guess." Storm felt heavy with burden. "We can hope but I don't think she will come back." "The Shadow Weave has also been affected." Hadrhune had been tiptoeing around the subject wondering if he should bring it up. "Are you serious," Storm didn't care about Shar but new that if what Hadrhune was saying was indeed true that the world might be in serious jeopardy. "Deadly serious," the shade's visage turned grim. "The Shadow Weave is fluctuating wildly and the Lady of Night of the Temple of Shadows in Shade doesn't have a clue what is going on." Llewan stood and walked over to the Alter of the temple. "This is not good. If magic is failing all over Faerûn the entire continent is vulnerable. An organized army could conquer everything." "And if the worlds magic fails then Shade will crash to the earth." Hadrhune knew that none would mourn the city's destruction. Not even the 'true' Empire of Shadows would care that much about one Vassal State. "Is that all you care about, shade." Storm was quickly losing her patience with him again. "Is that all the Lady is to you? A way to keep your precious city in the air." "Storm, I warned you!" Llewan grabbed the Chosen by the ear and pulled her off to one side. "You arrogant child, of course he is worried about his city. And you should be concentrating on worrying about the Dalelands. Without magic to protect it the Zhents will overrun every fort, town and farm." Storm turned red again, this time in anger, and rubbed her ear. She glared at Hadrhune and the shade knew she would refuse to back down again. So much misplaced aggression and pride. "Llewan, it was a joy to see you again but I think it would be better if I went back to Shade. There are still a lot of questions that need answering and I must prepare the city in case its magic fails. Chosen, I am sorry if my words upset you. That was not my intent. It is true that we will never be allies but I do respect your power and envy the love the Lady gave you." Hadrhune of Shade turned and walked from the House of Mystra. He stopped and retrieved his Shar holy symbol from the alcove. He tucked it inside his cloak after putting the chain around his neck. Then he did something he never thought he never do. He held both his symbols together and prayed. "I will try to find a way to bring you back, Mystra. But if I cannot then I swear will avenge your death even if it cost me my very soul." Hadrhune's eyes glowed with a reddish light, as he stepped into the shadow of the temple and began his journey back to Shade. * * * Captain Farhand hadn't remained seated for very long. He hated waiting. The Emperor would have the message by now but there still wasn't a reply authorizing him to attack. The world was ripe for the plucking and he intended to use the full might of the starships he had available to him to get the job done. Elgan watched as his captain paced back and forth in front of the forward window stopping ever once in a while to look out at Toril and then continue pacing. He had never seen the captain so agitated before and was trying to think of a way to calm him down. "Sir, why don't you go to the ship's temple and speak with Centurion. "The Aspect has never been in a battle like this before. It may be nervous." The captain stopped pacing and looked at his First Mate like he had grown a second head. Then he noticed that the crewmen on the bridge were looking at him like he was going crazy. "Perhaps you are right." Farhand walked toward the bridge door, pushed a button next to the metal frame and stood there as the hydraulic door slide open with a hiss. "Let me know once the Emperor's reply has arrived through the ansible." "Yes sir," Elgan noticed the bridge crew relax a little once the captain stepped through the doorframe and the door slide shut behind him. "Don't relax too much boys. We need to keep the edge keen. I want an update on the planet's defenses within the hour." The crew snapped back to attention and Elgan hoped that the ship's patron Aspect could calm his captain down. * * * Centurion had known this day would come. An Aspect of the True God known as the Destroyer, Centurion relished battle and destruction. The Aspect's Avatar was not nervous in the least. He stood facing the starship's Divine Sphere waiting for Captain Gregory Farhand to arrive at the temple. Being the patron of the ship's entire crew the Aspect was responsible for the morale of the crew, even its captain. It would take some time for the captain to traverse the length of the ship so the Aspect was content to wait. Then Centurion felt another divine presence in the temple. "Welcome, Ao of Toril. Come to surrender have you?" "It is not my world to surrender," Ao, the Overpower of the Faerûnian Pantheon stood behind the Aspect of the Destroyer. "I have come to enter the Divine Sphere and return back to the Unification Church where I belong." Centurion turned around and laughed at Ao. "You take me for a fool, Ao. You are not an Aspect of One of the Twelve. You are an arrogant backwater god with little real power!" "If you doubt what I say then look into me and you will see I am telling the truth." Ao locked eyes with Centurion and opened his essence to the Destroyer's Aspect. Centurion couldn't believe it. This backwater god was indeed an Aspect of One of the Twelve, an Aspect of the Warrior no less. "Ao, you are indeed one of us. How did you come to be lost out on the rim of the galaxy?" "I am not lost, Centurion. I have existed since before your construction, since before the Great War sent this part of the galaxy back into the Dark Ages. I was this world's Primary Aspect before there even was a Dragon Empire." "And now that I am here you wish to leave?" Centurion meant it as a rhetorical question. He knew that an Aspect cut-off from the Divine Sphere's was little more than a mortal prisoner stuck in magical stasis. "Correct," Ao looked at the Sphere. "I can't even have worshippers on this bloody world. I've been reduced to a watchdog for a bunch of childish wannabe gods." "Has it really been that bad, brother?" "Yes," Ao was pacing now. "I had to strip them of their godhood once just to keep things from getting boring. I've even had to allow mortals to become gods in order add some variety." "Mortals, as gods! Are you insane!" Centurion imposed himself between Ao and the Divine Sphere. "I don't know if I should let you return!" "Relax, brother. They are completely under my control. I could strip the lesser gods of their power completely and reduce even the greatest of them to mere shells of divinity." "Really," Centurion would test this Aspect's loyalty to the Unification Church. "The coming battle would be a lot easier with you on our side. What do you say, brother?" "I have been preparing for this since the galaxy collapsed into war. The world's goddess of magic, Mystra, was linked to the world's very magical essence called the Spell Weave. What she didn't know was that I sabotaged it. I modified the essence to break apart when a starcaster or technological engine were activated in the system. Thus, when you entered the system the resulting shock wave ripped her apart through the Spell Weave and then it collapsed. The mortals are magical paupers now." "Ah, you have been planning to betray them from the beginning? I approve, brother. Of course, I will need you to strip these gods of whatever powers you can before I let you through the Divine Sphere." "Done," Ao shifted to the Cynosure just before Captain Farhand walked through the archway of the ship's temple. Centurion would ease the captain's mind with the knowledge that conquering this planet would be easier than they had originally thought. * * * Kelemvor was waiting for Ao in the Cynosure. He had felt Mystra die and wanted to know why. Most of the other greater gods were also manifested in the meeting place of the gods. Bane, Chauntea, Cyric, Lathander, Oghma, Shar, Silvanus, Talos, Tempus and Tyr all awaited their Overpower, as Ao manifested in the center of the circle of the gods. He despised every last one of these backwater deities and would be glad to be rid of them as part of his immortal existence. Immortal Existence, they really didn't understand what that meant. They would learn though. These, of Faerûns most powerful gods, would survive the reckoning but would be little more than demigod paupers. Even some of the remaining mortals would have more power. Ao hid it all inside as he always did. They could not see his True Aspect as one of the Twelve. He called out to the remaining gods of the Pantheon and soon the ring of gods was full. They were all insignificant compared to an Aspect of One of the Twelve True Gods. Only Cyric had come close to learning the truth when he had gone mad by reading that infernal book of his. Ao had allowed Bane back to keep Cyric in check, even if Bane was oblivious to the fact. "Mystra is dead," Ao thought the words to every god in the Cynosure. Then the Aspect revealed his true self to the Gods of Faerûn. A murmur rose amongst the deities. "How did this happen without me knowing?" Kelemvor was upset. Not because Mystra, his former lover, was dead but because death had occurred and he knew nothing about it. "Because I did not want you to, you insignificant little cur." Ao was done being diplomatic with these gods. "I killed her and I wanted none of you to know how or why it happened until I dropped it on you." If a god could be stunned stupid then the Gods of Faerûn could be described as being such after Ao thought those words in their divine minds. "I don't understand." Lathander thought the words before any of the others could fathom a response. "Why? Did she betray us?" The Cynosure shook with Ao's laughter. "You stupid little god, you don't get it do you. I am Ao, Aspect of the One Warrior, a True God of the Unification Church. You could never comprehend what I am." "We shall see!" The Black Lord didn't like being mocked by anyone. He attempted to shift out of the Cynosure but found himself unable to move. "Ah, Bane. You would be interesting as an Aspect of the Destroyer but I have a feeling that my brother Centurion wouldn't approve. Ah well, as the mortals say 'spilt mead and all that'. But I do have something to show you all." Ao changed the Cynosure until it was pitch black. Then he related the history of the Unification Church, as he knew it up until the Great War. Then he continued by revealing the little he knew of the galaxy since that time. The Gods of Faerûn watched in horror as he described what would become of Toril once the Dragon Empire was done with it. "You see, you really have little choice in the events that are about to unfold. Centurion has asked me to strip you down to your most basic divine abilities and I have agreed." "They'll destroy us all!" Tyr struggled to free himself from Ao's mental grip. "They will destroy the world, its culture, it people! How can you do this?" "Because I don't care. I cannot have worshippers on this world unless they worship me as my Aspect. And in order for that to happen the world would need to be under the control of the Unification Church and I'd have to want to stay. I do not want to stay here. I will not risk being cutoff from the Divine Spheres again!" The Cynosure shifted again and the Gods of Faerûn found themselves standing on a desolate island south of Calimshan. The gods looked around for Ao but the Aspect of the Warrior of the Twelve was gone. Several of the lesser gods cried out as they transformed into dust before the others' eyes. A few of the gods came to the painful realization that they were now mortal. Only Kelemvor, Oghma, Shar, Talos and Tempus had enough power remaining too be considered intermediate gods. "Well, this is an interesting development." Oghma, the Lord of Knowledge, took stock of his new form and went through the knowledge that he still remembered. "Unbelievable, I remember knowing so much more. But it isn't there and there isn't any sense of loss. Fascinating." "Fascinating!" The Black Lord was furious and kicked at the ashes of Malar. "All of my allies are either dead or are mortal and I've barely the power keep a hold of my realm! Ao shall pay for betraying us!" The Black Lord shifted away to seethe in anger. "No, don't leave me here alone!" Loviatar was crying. She had become mortal. "I would rather have died than exist in this state." "I would grant you death Loviatar, " Kelemvor stood behind the fallen Goddess of Pain, his grim mask showing no emotion. "But you are too valuable to let die. The Goddess of Pain will be needed again. In fact, I believe you will be needed more now than ever." Kelemvor was still the Lord of the Dead, even reduced in power as he was. He surveyed what was left of the fallen Gods of Faerûn. Besides he, Oghma and Bane, the only gods with any divinity in them were Akadi, Chauntea, Cyric, Gond, Grumbar, Helm, Ilmater, Istishia, Kossuth, Lathander, Selune, Shar, Silvanus, Sune, Talos, Tempus, Tyr, Ubtao and Mask. Of all the lesser gods only Mask survived with his godhood intact. This didn't surprise Kelemvor. Mask always found a way to survive, it was in his very nature. Besides Loviatar, only a few of the remaining lesser gods were transformed into mortal form. Beshaba, Lliira, Milil, Torm and Tymora all became human. Finder was transformed into a wyvern, Mielikki became a unicorn, Nobanion became a dire lion, and Umberlee became a monstrous shark. Umberlee dragged herself from the shore disappearing into the sea, while Finder took flight and headed towards Chult. Nobanion attacked a slew Beshaba before any could stop the beast. Beshaba turned out to have bad luck as a mortal. They chained the great lion was to a large stone. Chauntea tried to comfort Mielikki and Helm watched Cyric with a keen eye making sure he didn't try to kill one of them and take their power. "In all there are only 22 of us left, including Bane, with the spark of divinity." Kelemvor seemed destined to lead the new Gods of Faerûn, as the others seemed to be thrusting the mantle upon him. "Another nine could become gods again with a little bit of luck. Finder, Nobanion and Umberlee will be the hardest to raise back to godhood, as their new animalistic natures take over their minds. "Mielikki," the Lord of the Dead addressed the now mortal unicorn. "You must hide where no one may find you until we can find a way to restore you. I suggest the Moonshaes or Evermeet. Chauntea, we will leave the task of protecting Mielikki to you. Take her somewhere safe." "It will be as you command, Kelemvor." The Earthmother put a hand on the unicorn's back and the two of them shifted away. Kelemvor thought of Jergal and remembered something the Scribe of Death told him once. [i]"Leadership is never a choice one makes. Others make you lead so that if you fail, they do not."[/i] "Cyric and Shar." Kelemvor turned toward the two dark gods. "You don't like me and I don't like you. We all need to get over it and keep this pantheon intact. Case in point, Bane. He is a wildcard in this game. He would sell every last one of us out if he thought it would gain him Faerûn. I need you two to watch him closely. If it goes well then we may be rid of him again and the two of you can divide his essence up however you choose." Shar bowed and agreed to the Lord of the Dead's terms. Cyric on the other hand laughed at Kelemvor. "Who died and made you boss?" Cyric was eyeing his old friend with a lust for vengeance. "What's to stop me from taking your essence?" "Not what Cyric, but who." Kelemvor called over the Lord of Shadows. "Mask, I need you to do the pantheon a favor. I need you to keep an eye on this jackal." "Yes Lord Kelemvor. It will be my pleasure." Mask wasn't fond of Kelemvor but he knew the Lord of the Dead would not betray him. He was too honorable. Cyric and Bane, on the other hand, he had bowed and scrapped to because he had feared them. Now that the two gods weren't more powerful than he was, they were not valuable allies. Cyric growled at Mask and told him it was the Lord of Shadows who would have to be watching his own back. "Lest Razor's Edge find you." He then shifted away. Kelemvor asked Shar to watch Cyric as well. Mask watched Shar shift away. He wasn't worried about Cyric. The Lord of Shadows was hiding his true power and none knew that he was still, in fact, a lesser god, even after Ao's reckoning. A secret cache of essence along with several quick thrusts from Stealthwhisper had kept him alive. Several of the other lesser gods had died by Mask's sword before Ao took their essence. Instead of them turning to ash they had been quickly absorbed by the Lord of Shadows keeping his true power from being siphoned off by Ao. It had been a great plan and he had executed it perfectly. And as a result, he had taken out Gargauth, Hoar, Savras and Talona. He had lost very little of his own essence and gained the portfolios of four gods, which he let Ao have without a second thought. While still only a lesser god, he could handle Cyric. "Gond and Oghma, we need you to learn as much as you can about this Dragon Empire. We cannot fight something we know very little about." "Knowledge is power." Oghma bowed to his new Overpower. "It will be as you say Kelemvor." The two gods vanished together. "Now, I need a new Scribe of Death." Mortals are going to start dying soon and I need to keep track of everything. Milil, you are only mortal now but I think you will do." "Scribe of Death?" The once god thought for a second and then shook his head. "I don't think I would like that at all. You should pick someone else." "I didn't ask you whether or not you wanted the job, Milil. I need a scribe and you are it." Milil looked to the remaining gods. "Can he do that?" "Yes," Tyr's thoughts echoed through Milil's head. "Or would you rather join my flock and fight to a glorious death." "Well, when you put it that way." Milil stepped away from Tyr and stood next to the new leader of the Faerûnian Pantheon. "How could I refuse Kelemvor's offer?" "The remaining once gods shall remain in hiding until they can be restored." Kelemvor turned to elemental gods. "Akadi, Grumbar, Istishia and Kossuth. Each of you will be responsible for keeping one of the once gods safe from harm. Akadi will take Tymora, Grumbar will hide Torm, Istishia is responsible for Lliira, and Kossuth will keep Loviatar safe." "I will not hide like some lowly cur!" Torm the True believed in duty and honor. "I may be mortal but I can still fight! Would you ask the mortals that will risk their lives in to run away and hide?" "Very well, Torm. But if you die, I will not bring you back." "I understand." "Grumbar, you will hide Nobanion from our enemies." "Yes, Lord Kelemvor." Grumbar grabbed the chain that held the once god now dire lion and separated it from the stone with a mere thought. He and Nobanion shifted away, as well as the other elemental gods and their charges. "The rest of you must go and prepare the world for the battle to come. I must find out if the other gods of Toril are still alive. We may need their help if we are going to stand a chance." The remaining Gods of Faerûn shifted away to warn their faithful of the Dragon Empire. Kelemvor, the new leader of the Faerûnian Pantheon shifted to Mulhorand to speak with Horus-Re and the other Old Gods of the Mulhorandi. He would need their help and hoped he could convince the rival pantheon that an alliance was vital to the world's survival. * * * Captain Farhand stood on the bridge of the [i]Centurion[/i] with the full knowledge that the Aspect of the Warrior, Ao, had stripped the Faerûnian Pantheon of their most powerful abilities. The Aspect was gone now - merged with the Divine Sphere to rejoin the One Warrior. It would not be back. The reply from the Emperor had arrived shortly after the ship's Aspect had told him the good new and Farhand now watched as the Hammerhead drop ships moved into place above the continent of Faerûn. Then the ships systematically began to separate section by section. The resulting section ships were like floating armories, each one carrying ground forces and a plasma cannon that could be fired from space. "Launch all interceptors, deploy the plasma cannon platforms and charge the main gun." Farhand gave the order in a calm monotone voice and his crewmen were now confident that their captain was himself again. A dozen interceptors rocketed out of the ship's custom designed fighter bays. They grouped themselves into perfect V formations and held their position. They would not attack the surface until the bombardment from above the planet took out the major cities. Farhand then heard the detachable weapon platforms separate one after another from the outer hull of the ship. A design he chose himself for the [i]Centurion[/i], the 10 platforms each had a single plasma cannon and could be automated or operated remotely. The nearest one could be seen to rocket forward with its propulsion system and then open up and fold itself back to reveal its huge plasma cannon, extending out from its center. The platforms maneuvered and systematically placed themselves between the gaps left between the twenty four drop ship sectionals. "Is everything in position?" Farhand knew it was but wanted to hear the words. "Yes Sir! The weapons are charged and fire control awaits your command." Captain Gregory Farhand stepped to the forward window and looked at the array of weaponry at his command. They had no idea how much their world was about to change. "Fire." [/QUOTE]
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Knightfall's Realmsian Dragonstar (Updated: Sept 08/10)
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