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
Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5703694" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaria entered the parchment-scented library and made her way to the center table. She noted Erevan at one of the solitary writing desks that were placed sporadically around the library’s perimeter. If the elf noticed her entry, he made no indication of it. The elf’s quill carefully transcribed letters from the stack of books and scrolls atop the desk.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">As she entered the central opening with the large table, the puffballs of light atop the chandelier bathing the table in their even glow, Alaria was surprised to see Amarys lounging casually in the center of the table. There were no other books or scrolls out and Stenthil was nowhere to be seen. The wizardess supposed the magician was lost somewhere in the stacks and presumed to wait for him. If the lap-drake was here, surely her master was not far.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Hello Amarys.” Alaria said softly. “Where is your master, this evening?”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The lap-drake’s head popped up at Alaria’s address and cooed at her. The creature’s metallic teal scales rippled for a moment before taking on a golden sheen that was remarkably similar to the harvest gold traveling robe Alaria was wearing that day.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Amarys stretched out its clawed fronnt legs and and arched its back. Its dragon-like snout opened in a long exaggerated yawn. Then Amarys stretched out her small wings and lunged into the air, flapping casually to keep herself bopping above the table. She warbled a purring noise at Alaria and fluttered to one of the aisles that led further back into the library and turned a serpentine neck to look at Alaria again.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Ah, I see. Thank you, Amarys.” Alaria repliedand followed the lap-drake back through the aisle, around a bend, down another aisle to a smaller opening against what she presumed to be the back wall of the library. There was another smaller table and chairs. This study area was lit with multiple candles instead of the magical light-balls even as the evening sky sent a sliver of rosy colored light through one of the narrow windows.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">There, at the table which was cluttered with stacks of tomes and scrolls, ledgers and books of all sizes, sat Stenthil thoroughly engrossed in what he was reading. The crystal orb sat next to the book the magician was studying.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Amarys landed smack in the middle of the pages Stenthil was reading and warbled at the mage. Her scales, again rippling from nose to tail, shifted back from gold to bright blue-green.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Amarys, I told you to…OH! Magess Alaria. Excellent, excellent. Is it time already? Forgive me. I do lose track of the hours when I’m in study. You understand, of course. I’m sure. Do sit down. Sit.” The old mage rambled on for a bit, shooing Amarys from what he’d been reading and attempting to gather up books and papers to make room for the magess at the table. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Devrim?” the wizard called out. It was really only a convensational tone, but in the serenity of the library, the sound seemed to boom through the stacks.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Thank you, Master Stenthil.” Alaria sat in the chair the wizard had pulled up beside him.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">As she did so, the blue robed Devrim entered the alcove from some place hidden behind the stacks. He smiled at Alaria and the two exchanged pleasantries. He seemed much more happy than when the two had first met.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Yes. Yes. Very good, my boy. We’ll take the tea now, if you please. The Magess and I have much to discuss.” </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Devrim nodded and left with an almost cheery “Yes, Master.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Stenthil handed Alaria the orb as he began. “Your intuitions about this crystal were quite astute, Magess. It is, indeed, more than it appears.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“What did you find? Were you able to discern any connection between the orb and Sharzaak?” Alaria questioned. Her inate magical curiosity was immediately piqued. Perhaps Stenthil was able to find something about the crystal that Rhea had been reluctant to share.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Well, yes and not exactly. It is a most intriguing object. If I am correct, it has quite a history. Far more ancient than one would think. It is referred to…” the mage shuffled through one of the stacks and retrieved a small book with a marked page. “…according to this little treasure trove of information, as the Ihs Repahl, ‘the Wind’s Soul’ as you already knew. Which, naturally, led me to look into the legends of the Repahlentim...with which, I am sure, you are acquainted.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Stenthil smiled broadly, his bushy grey brows risen in an expectation of agreement. The excitement of whatever he’d discovered in his research all but bubbled out of him.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“I am afraid, Master Stenthil, that I am not.” Alaria begrudgingly admitted.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Ah, well. Tis to be a history lesson as well then, eh?” the wizard chuckled. “You do know of the creation of the world, I should hope.” Stenthil began, again seeming hopeful of a positive response.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Of course.” Alaria replied, trying not to sound too indignant. The creation of the world, Alaria thought, Manat’s star how long a history lesson is this going to be?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Well, then you know that long before the Selurians or Tanku Empires rose, before the Five Tribes of Men ever set foot on Orean soil, the world belonged to the ShiStaliiri. And before that…?”Stenthil paused as a teacher searching for an answer.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Before the elves?” Alaria was shocked. Her mind raced to recall her studies in ancient history. “Before the elves, there were only the Children of Zho and Ahl. <<em>author/DM’s note: the dragons and titans, respectively</em>></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Just so.” Stenthil replied with the pride of a teacher who had received a correct answer. “There were the dragons and the titans…and their <em>magic</em>. The fundamental elemental energies of the Elder Gods and the birth of the world. You, ehm, you are familiar with the Elder Gods, are you not?”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaria had a vague recollection. There were only eight original Elder Gods of Orea. Pairs of male and female, each tied to…or was it created from?…the elemental forces of existence. Gods, Alaria chastised herself, she should have paid more attention to Magess Feranga’s ancient religion courses at the academy. She recited what she recalled for Stenthil.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Just so.” The mage said again. “Now, only the rarest of remnants of those primordial forces remain to us, only threw legend and myth, from those treasured items created by the Children of Ahl and Zho. Like the fabled Gifts of Doron and the Treasures of Wyr….or the Repahlentim.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Six stones of surpassing power over the elemental forces of the world…and beyond, some say. But we’ll get to that…”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Just then, Devrim returned with a tray containing a tea pot and matching cups and saucers. All beautifully crafted of delicate white porcelain, glazed in bright blue with scenes of twining dragons and eagles and other aerial creatures Alaria could not readily identify. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Devrim began to pour and passed the first cup and saucer to Alaria. The spicy aroma was very familiar to the magess. She could hardly believe her nose.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Is that…?” Alaria began.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Indeed, R’Hathi Black Ginger. My favorite…and the captain’s. I acquired a bit of his personal store for this meeting. I do hope you will like it.” The kindly wizard explained as he took a cup and saucer from Devrim. “Pour yourself a cup also, my boy. This will be a good lesson for you as well.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Devrim smiled unabashedly. He had hoped beyond hope he might spend time with his new master and the magess learning about this intense research Stenthil had had him running raggard for the passed week.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Now…ehm…Where was I?” the wizard asked as he took a noisy slurp from his cup.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“The Repahlentim, Magus.” Alaria replied. With the addition of Devrim to the conversation, she felt the need to apply ‘official’ titles, as was customary in R’Hath when among those of lesser training.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Ah yes. Six stones of surpassing power…crafted by a titan. There is some disagreement as to whom…multiple names appear…” The wizard began rifling through scrolls again. “Ampheron seems the most commonly accepted…but there was another…”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“If you please, Magus Stenthil, the what about the Repahlentim? Is this orb one of them?” Alaria could hardly conain her impulse to hear what else the wizard had to say.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Indeed, I believe it very well may be, my dear. There were six stones in all. Each for the primal forces of the universe!” the wizard laughed in the revery of his excitement. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Seeing Alaria did not yet share his elation, Stenthil continued. “Ehem, yes. Well, they have subsequently named and categorized by the elves and later, the Selurians which are the names we have for them today. One for ‘Ihnt’, or Earth, ‘Fehs’, Fire, ‘Vort’, that Water,” the mage said in an instructive tone towards Devrim, “and ‘Ihs’ or Air. There was also a Repahl for Life and one for Death though I could not find reference for their Selurian, or indeed any other, names.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“The combination of such are said to give utter command over the world…and all life and even death itself.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaria looked at the orb in her hands with utter amazement. Did she truly hold one of the most ancient, most powerful treasures in all of legend? She immediately thought of the visions she’d seen while in the spell sleep.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“What do these other stones…or…the Repahlentim look like? Are they all orbs like this one?”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Stenthil was pleased with the obvious excitement in Alaria’s voice. The girl was catching on. “Well, there is really no way to tell. They are so old that there is really no way to tell, you see? Ages and ages of time have passed. But…I did find reference to some of them…well, only two, actually.” </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The wizard again rifled through the stacks of books and withdrew a rather large thick tome and flipped through multiple markers within the pages, finally settling on one. “According to the Natorum Chronicles as written by the sage, Olion…”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaira did know that name. Olion was the one of the sons of one of the Founding Five archmagi of R’Hath, Serion the Green. Olion was renowned for his knowledge and collected histories of the earliest days of the Principalities.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“It is purported by Olion, that the Archmage Nator used the Fehs Repahl as the heart when creating his Staff of Fire. And here…” he switched to another page, “describes the Repahl as, quote,<em> ‘a jewel of unmatched quality and beauty, the brightest red any mortal eye had ever laid eyes upon.’</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">If that is true, and I’ve never known in all my years of study for Olion’s work to be anything but,” he added as an aside with a knowing wink at Alaria, “then the Fire Staff of Nator holds one of the Repahlentim. Alas, of course, it is long lost from the grasp of the ruling mages of Ablidon and no doubt lost forever from the realms of men.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“And the other account, Stenthil?” Alaria forgot to use the proper title in her exuberance. So, Alaria quickly realized, Rhea and the Steel Dragons were seeking the Fire Staff because it held one of the Repahlentim! But what were they for, she wondered…other than immense cosmic power, of course. She smiled at her own foolishness and returned her mind to Stenthil’s discourse.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“The other…” Stenthil all but threw the large tome aside and waved his hand over in a simple gesture over the arrayed chaos on the desk. A very old-looking scroll rose from the pile and unfurled itself before Stenthil. He leaned in closely to look at the ancient writing on the parchment that looked like it might crumble into dust right before their eyes.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Can’t be too careful when dealing with fragile documents, young Devrim. Prestidigitation is often required. Now, let’s see…</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“The other, my dear Magess, it says here in this copy of a page from the Staliirim Verstes, may very well be known to us, these days, as…” Stenthil paused for dramatic effect before bursting in childlike excitement. “…the Eye of Arinane. Can you believe it?!”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The Staliirim Verstes, Alaria knew, were the Treasures of ShiStaliir, the Star Elves first among the races brought into being. They were reputed to be a variety of items of great magical power that were gifted to the highest families of the ancient elvin nation of ShiStaliir.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">One such item, known through myth and history, was the Eye of Arinane which belonged or, Alaria presumed, ‘belongs still’ to the ruler of the House of the Moon…the king of the Miralostae elves…Originally, this was the sorceress who led the elves who would become known as the Miralostae out of ShiStaliir. She was the same sorceress who slew the dread wyrm Sharzaak and whose progeny established the Miralostae nation.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The R’Hathi magess’ mind raced while Stenthil explained all of this to Devrim.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“The goblin army is after the Eye of Arinane!” Alaria blurted.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Stenthil and Devrim looked at her in surprise.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Perhaps. Perhaps.” Stenthil mused, scratching his grey beard and furrowing his brow. “If this account is correct and the Eye of Arinane is, indeed, one of the Repahlentim…but what would goblins want with an artifact of such power? They couldn’t possibly understand or use its magics.” Stenthil posed. “Of course, it is ridiculous to think for a moment that<em> any</em> army would stand a chance of penetrating so far into Miralosta.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Sharzaak, Alaria thought. It has to have something to do with Sharzaak…and Tresahd. “It is not the goblins that worry me, Stenthil, but whomever their master might be capable of doing with it. Was that the connection to Sharzaak you found?”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Huh?” Stenthil murmured roused from his own musing on the possibilities. “Oh. No. No. Here…”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The wizard flicked his wrist and the aged scroll rolled itself up and gently placed itself back among the other documents. “Devrim, more tea for me, please. Alaria?” He searched through the stack of tomes.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaria sipped the last of her cup and nodded thanks to Devrim for a refill as well. She did enjoy, and did not realize how much she had missed, Black Ginger tea.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Here we are.” Stenthil began opening yet another lage book and finding the marked page. “I confess, I must give credit to Prius for finding this tidbit. Have you met Prius, my dear? Lovely man.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaria explained that she had met the Bridgetower scribe and archiver at the feast earlier that week. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Well, Prius has been quite a help these passed days…as has young Devrim, here…he found this account in the archives regarding the Battle of Thornfeld and the Feldmere. I suppose you do not know military history any better than myself.” Stenthil chuckled. “Sorilorr’s blessing on Prius for not being as narrow minded as we, eh?”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Magus…” Alaria interjected. Seemed keeping the wizard ontrack was going to be repeated necessity.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Stenthil noisily sipped his tea again and placed the cup and saucer on the table. “Indeed. Well, this account of the Battle of Thornfeld explains how it was a very necessary and decisive win for the forces of good in these parts against the demon-godson. It even credits the battle with turning the tide. You know the Scourge Wars ended not two years after? I was surprised myself to find that out.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“In any event,” the wizard continued, perusing the pages of the historic work, “the Battle of Thornfeld was waged between the forces of the high-king Elibon…of course, he wasn’t high-king yet…and the forces of the Scourge who were held up in one of their greatest strongholds. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“The stronghold was said to have been a citadel leftover from the Selurian Empire and twisted by the Scourge’s insidious evils. The accounts of the day name it Nor Gorthok…which would indicate, obviously, it was a dwarf made construction, just as Nor Tyrilith or the elvin city of Nor Evand. ‘Nor’, of course indicating ‘rock’ and ‘Gorth-…”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Master Stenthil, please…” Alaria interjected again. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Yes. Yes. The commander of this stronghold and the army of evil within was a dragon of surpassing evil and ferocity named Desaarthal <<em>’dez-AY-arth-ahl’</em>>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Desaarthal, my good Magess, was reputed to be one of the elder wyrm Sharzaak’s many broods.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaria’s brow furrowed. She did not understand the connection. Stenthil continued.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“The dragon threw all of its evil and magics from its hoard at the forces of Grinlia. There is a passage telling of an orb used by the dark servants of the citadel which roused the winds and brought storms down upong the Grinlin forces.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“But in the end, goodness prevailed and the dragon fled the field, wounded…and returned to the depths of Nor Gorthok, cursing the lands and creatures as it fled, defiling them with evil and corrupting all in its path. The surrounding lands befouled and swallowed the citadel in their festering depths.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Those are the lands we now know as the Feldmere. The ancient stronghold of evil, the dragon and its hoard may yet exist beneath the reeds and mud of the swamp.” A bushy eyebrow rose in speculation.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“But you said the dragon was defeated!” Devrim piped up, somewhat surprising himself. “There could be a dragon’s treasure just a day away somewhwere in that troll0infested swamp?”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Trolls are not the only dangers of the Feldmere, young Devrim. Far from it. However, I said the dragon fled the field. It was wounded, yes. Defeated, yes. But I found no indication that the wyrm was slain.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“You honestly believe the dragon might yet live…it’s been centuries.” Alaria questioned.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Stenthil chuckled to himself. “My dear, you are unlearned in the ways of the wyrms it seems. Centuries to an ancient dragon could be a mere nap…or perhaps, the creature did die from its wounds in the bowels of the citadel. The accounts have no way of knowing.” </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“You believe the Ihs Repahl was that magic orb? That it, somehow, in these passed centuries since the Scourges Wars, rose to the world of men again?” Alaria questioned.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“Rose? Was brought? Maybe even sent forth by whatever evil still haunts the mists of the Feldmere today. I could not find any other accounts of magical orbs which could control air in such a manner.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“You said you claimed it from a dark wizard’s lair. Perhaps this wizard found Nor Gorthok and ventured into the lost stronghold. Perhaps it had been brought forth centuries ago to be claimed by the wizard elsewhere? Maybe a Grinlian soldier all those years ago found and kept it as a spoil of the battle….Who can say? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“But<em> you</em> have it now, Magess Alaria, and I suggest you not let it go.” Stenthil finished. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Alaria finished her tea and set down the cup. Her mind was swimming with all she’d heard. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“My thanks, Magus Stenthil, for the excellent tea and the research. You surpassed my expectations. But I regret I must retire, I have an early day. Good morrow to you both.” With that, Alaria rose and exited the library. There was so much to discuss with the others. </span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 5703694, member: 92511"] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaria entered the parchment-scented library and made her way to the center table. She noted Erevan at one of the solitary writing desks that were placed sporadically around the library’s perimeter. If the elf noticed her entry, he made no indication of it. The elf’s quill carefully transcribed letters from the stack of books and scrolls atop the desk. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]As she entered the central opening with the large table, the puffballs of light atop the chandelier bathing the table in their even glow, Alaria was surprised to see Amarys lounging casually in the center of the table. There were no other books or scrolls out and Stenthil was nowhere to be seen. The wizardess supposed the magician was lost somewhere in the stacks and presumed to wait for him. If the lap-drake was here, surely her master was not far. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Hello Amarys.” Alaria said softly. “Where is your master, this evening?” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The lap-drake’s head popped up at Alaria’s address and cooed at her. The creature’s metallic teal scales rippled for a moment before taking on a golden sheen that was remarkably similar to the harvest gold traveling robe Alaria was wearing that day. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Amarys stretched out its clawed fronnt legs and and arched its back. Its dragon-like snout opened in a long exaggerated yawn. Then Amarys stretched out her small wings and lunged into the air, flapping casually to keep herself bopping above the table. She warbled a purring noise at Alaria and fluttered to one of the aisles that led further back into the library and turned a serpentine neck to look at Alaria again. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Ah, I see. Thank you, Amarys.” Alaria repliedand followed the lap-drake back through the aisle, around a bend, down another aisle to a smaller opening against what she presumed to be the back wall of the library. There was another smaller table and chairs. This study area was lit with multiple candles instead of the magical light-balls even as the evening sky sent a sliver of rosy colored light through one of the narrow windows. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]There, at the table which was cluttered with stacks of tomes and scrolls, ledgers and books of all sizes, sat Stenthil thoroughly engrossed in what he was reading. The crystal orb sat next to the book the magician was studying. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Amarys landed smack in the middle of the pages Stenthil was reading and warbled at the mage. Her scales, again rippling from nose to tail, shifted back from gold to bright blue-green. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Amarys, I told you to…OH! Magess Alaria. Excellent, excellent. Is it time already? Forgive me. I do lose track of the hours when I’m in study. You understand, of course. I’m sure. Do sit down. Sit.” The old mage rambled on for a bit, shooing Amarys from what he’d been reading and attempting to gather up books and papers to make room for the magess at the table. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Devrim?” the wizard called out. It was really only a convensational tone, but in the serenity of the library, the sound seemed to boom through the stacks. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Thank you, Master Stenthil.” Alaria sat in the chair the wizard had pulled up beside him. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]As she did so, the blue robed Devrim entered the alcove from some place hidden behind the stacks. He smiled at Alaria and the two exchanged pleasantries. He seemed much more happy than when the two had first met. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Yes. Yes. Very good, my boy. We’ll take the tea now, if you please. The Magess and I have much to discuss.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Devrim nodded and left with an almost cheery “Yes, Master.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Stenthil handed Alaria the orb as he began. “Your intuitions about this crystal were quite astute, Magess. It is, indeed, more than it appears.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“What did you find? Were you able to discern any connection between the orb and Sharzaak?” Alaria questioned. Her inate magical curiosity was immediately piqued. Perhaps Stenthil was able to find something about the crystal that Rhea had been reluctant to share. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Well, yes and not exactly. It is a most intriguing object. If I am correct, it has quite a history. Far more ancient than one would think. It is referred to…” the mage shuffled through one of the stacks and retrieved a small book with a marked page. “…according to this little treasure trove of information, as the Ihs Repahl, ‘the Wind’s Soul’ as you already knew. Which, naturally, led me to look into the legends of the Repahlentim...with which, I am sure, you are acquainted.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Stenthil smiled broadly, his bushy grey brows risen in an expectation of agreement. The excitement of whatever he’d discovered in his research all but bubbled out of him. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“I am afraid, Master Stenthil, that I am not.” Alaria begrudgingly admitted. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Ah, well. Tis to be a history lesson as well then, eh?” the wizard chuckled. “You do know of the creation of the world, I should hope.” Stenthil began, again seeming hopeful of a positive response. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Of course.” Alaria replied, trying not to sound too indignant. The creation of the world, Alaria thought, Manat’s star how long a history lesson is this going to be? [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Well, then you know that long before the Selurians or Tanku Empires rose, before the Five Tribes of Men ever set foot on Orean soil, the world belonged to the ShiStaliiri. And before that…?”Stenthil paused as a teacher searching for an answer. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Before the elves?” Alaria was shocked. Her mind raced to recall her studies in ancient history. “Before the elves, there were only the Children of Zho and Ahl. <[I]author/DM’s note: the dragons and titans, respectively[/I]> [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Just so.” Stenthil replied with the pride of a teacher who had received a correct answer. “There were the dragons and the titans…and their [I]magic[/I]. The fundamental elemental energies of the Elder Gods and the birth of the world. You, ehm, you are familiar with the Elder Gods, are you not?” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaria had a vague recollection. There were only eight original Elder Gods of Orea. Pairs of male and female, each tied to…or was it created from?…the elemental forces of existence. Gods, Alaria chastised herself, she should have paid more attention to Magess Feranga’s ancient religion courses at the academy. She recited what she recalled for Stenthil. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Just so.” The mage said again. “Now, only the rarest of remnants of those primordial forces remain to us, only threw legend and myth, from those treasured items created by the Children of Ahl and Zho. Like the fabled Gifts of Doron and the Treasures of Wyr….or the Repahlentim. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Six stones of surpassing power over the elemental forces of the world…and beyond, some say. But we’ll get to that…” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Just then, Devrim returned with a tray containing a tea pot and matching cups and saucers. All beautifully crafted of delicate white porcelain, glazed in bright blue with scenes of twining dragons and eagles and other aerial creatures Alaria could not readily identify. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Devrim began to pour and passed the first cup and saucer to Alaria. The spicy aroma was very familiar to the magess. She could hardly believe her nose. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Is that…?” Alaria began. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Indeed, R’Hathi Black Ginger. My favorite…and the captain’s. I acquired a bit of his personal store for this meeting. I do hope you will like it.” The kindly wizard explained as he took a cup and saucer from Devrim. “Pour yourself a cup also, my boy. This will be a good lesson for you as well.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Devrim smiled unabashedly. He had hoped beyond hope he might spend time with his new master and the magess learning about this intense research Stenthil had had him running raggard for the passed week. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Now…ehm…Where was I?” the wizard asked as he took a noisy slurp from his cup. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“The Repahlentim, Magus.” Alaria replied. With the addition of Devrim to the conversation, she felt the need to apply ‘official’ titles, as was customary in R’Hath when among those of lesser training. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Ah yes. Six stones of surpassing power…crafted by a titan. There is some disagreement as to whom…multiple names appear…” The wizard began rifling through scrolls again. “Ampheron seems the most commonly accepted…but there was another…” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“If you please, Magus Stenthil, the what about the Repahlentim? Is this orb one of them?” Alaria could hardly conain her impulse to hear what else the wizard had to say. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Indeed, I believe it very well may be, my dear. There were six stones in all. Each for the primal forces of the universe!” the wizard laughed in the revery of his excitement. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Seeing Alaria did not yet share his elation, Stenthil continued. “Ehem, yes. Well, they have subsequently named and categorized by the elves and later, the Selurians which are the names we have for them today. One for ‘Ihnt’, or Earth, ‘Fehs’, Fire, ‘Vort’, that Water,” the mage said in an instructive tone towards Devrim, “and ‘Ihs’ or Air. There was also a Repahl for Life and one for Death though I could not find reference for their Selurian, or indeed any other, names. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“The combination of such are said to give utter command over the world…and all life and even death itself.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaria looked at the orb in her hands with utter amazement. Did she truly hold one of the most ancient, most powerful treasures in all of legend? She immediately thought of the visions she’d seen while in the spell sleep. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“What do these other stones…or…the Repahlentim look like? Are they all orbs like this one?” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Stenthil was pleased with the obvious excitement in Alaria’s voice. The girl was catching on. “Well, there is really no way to tell. They are so old that there is really no way to tell, you see? Ages and ages of time have passed. But…I did find reference to some of them…well, only two, actually.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The wizard again rifled through the stacks of books and withdrew a rather large thick tome and flipped through multiple markers within the pages, finally settling on one. “According to the Natorum Chronicles as written by the sage, Olion…” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaira did know that name. Olion was the one of the sons of one of the Founding Five archmagi of R’Hath, Serion the Green. Olion was renowned for his knowledge and collected histories of the earliest days of the Principalities. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“It is purported by Olion, that the Archmage Nator used the Fehs Repahl as the heart when creating his Staff of Fire. And here…” he switched to another page, “describes the Repahl as, quote,[I] ‘a jewel of unmatched quality and beauty, the brightest red any mortal eye had ever laid eyes upon.’[/I] [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]If that is true, and I’ve never known in all my years of study for Olion’s work to be anything but,” he added as an aside with a knowing wink at Alaria, “then the Fire Staff of Nator holds one of the Repahlentim. Alas, of course, it is long lost from the grasp of the ruling mages of Ablidon and no doubt lost forever from the realms of men.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“And the other account, Stenthil?” Alaria forgot to use the proper title in her exuberance. So, Alaria quickly realized, Rhea and the Steel Dragons were seeking the Fire Staff because it held one of the Repahlentim! But what were they for, she wondered…other than immense cosmic power, of course. She smiled at her own foolishness and returned her mind to Stenthil’s discourse. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“The other…” Stenthil all but threw the large tome aside and waved his hand over in a simple gesture over the arrayed chaos on the desk. A very old-looking scroll rose from the pile and unfurled itself before Stenthil. He leaned in closely to look at the ancient writing on the parchment that looked like it might crumble into dust right before their eyes. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Can’t be too careful when dealing with fragile documents, young Devrim. Prestidigitation is often required. Now, let’s see… [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“The other, my dear Magess, it says here in this copy of a page from the Staliirim Verstes, may very well be known to us, these days, as…” Stenthil paused for dramatic effect before bursting in childlike excitement. “…the Eye of Arinane. Can you believe it?!” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The Staliirim Verstes, Alaria knew, were the Treasures of ShiStaliir, the Star Elves first among the races brought into being. They were reputed to be a variety of items of great magical power that were gifted to the highest families of the ancient elvin nation of ShiStaliir. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]One such item, known through myth and history, was the Eye of Arinane which belonged or, Alaria presumed, ‘belongs still’ to the ruler of the House of the Moon…the king of the Miralostae elves…Originally, this was the sorceress who led the elves who would become known as the Miralostae out of ShiStaliir. She was the same sorceress who slew the dread wyrm Sharzaak and whose progeny established the Miralostae nation. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The R’Hathi magess’ mind raced while Stenthil explained all of this to Devrim. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“The goblin army is after the Eye of Arinane!” Alaria blurted. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Stenthil and Devrim looked at her in surprise. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Perhaps. Perhaps.” Stenthil mused, scratching his grey beard and furrowing his brow. “If this account is correct and the Eye of Arinane is, indeed, one of the Repahlentim…but what would goblins want with an artifact of such power? They couldn’t possibly understand or use its magics.” Stenthil posed. “Of course, it is ridiculous to think for a moment that[I] any[/I] army would stand a chance of penetrating so far into Miralosta.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Sharzaak, Alaria thought. It has to have something to do with Sharzaak…and Tresahd. “It is not the goblins that worry me, Stenthil, but whomever their master might be capable of doing with it. Was that the connection to Sharzaak you found?” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Huh?” Stenthil murmured roused from his own musing on the possibilities. “Oh. No. No. Here…” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The wizard flicked his wrist and the aged scroll rolled itself up and gently placed itself back among the other documents. “Devrim, more tea for me, please. Alaria?” He searched through the stack of tomes. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaria sipped the last of her cup and nodded thanks to Devrim for a refill as well. She did enjoy, and did not realize how much she had missed, Black Ginger tea. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Here we are.” Stenthil began opening yet another lage book and finding the marked page. “I confess, I must give credit to Prius for finding this tidbit. Have you met Prius, my dear? Lovely man.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaria explained that she had met the Bridgetower scribe and archiver at the feast earlier that week. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Well, Prius has been quite a help these passed days…as has young Devrim, here…he found this account in the archives regarding the Battle of Thornfeld and the Feldmere. I suppose you do not know military history any better than myself.” Stenthil chuckled. “Sorilorr’s blessing on Prius for not being as narrow minded as we, eh?” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Magus…” Alaria interjected. Seemed keeping the wizard ontrack was going to be repeated necessity. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Stenthil noisily sipped his tea again and placed the cup and saucer on the table. “Indeed. Well, this account of the Battle of Thornfeld explains how it was a very necessary and decisive win for the forces of good in these parts against the demon-godson. It even credits the battle with turning the tide. You know the Scourge Wars ended not two years after? I was surprised myself to find that out. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“In any event,” the wizard continued, perusing the pages of the historic work, “the Battle of Thornfeld was waged between the forces of the high-king Elibon…of course, he wasn’t high-king yet…and the forces of the Scourge who were held up in one of their greatest strongholds. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“The stronghold was said to have been a citadel leftover from the Selurian Empire and twisted by the Scourge’s insidious evils. The accounts of the day name it Nor Gorthok…which would indicate, obviously, it was a dwarf made construction, just as Nor Tyrilith or the elvin city of Nor Evand. ‘Nor’, of course indicating ‘rock’ and ‘Gorth-…” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Master Stenthil, please…” Alaria interjected again. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Yes. Yes. The commander of this stronghold and the army of evil within was a dragon of surpassing evil and ferocity named Desaarthal <[I]’dez-AY-arth-ahl’[/I]>. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Desaarthal, my good Magess, was reputed to be one of the elder wyrm Sharzaak’s many broods.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaria’s brow furrowed. She did not understand the connection. Stenthil continued. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“The dragon threw all of its evil and magics from its hoard at the forces of Grinlia. There is a passage telling of an orb used by the dark servants of the citadel which roused the winds and brought storms down upong the Grinlin forces. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“But in the end, goodness prevailed and the dragon fled the field, wounded…and returned to the depths of Nor Gorthok, cursing the lands and creatures as it fled, defiling them with evil and corrupting all in its path. The surrounding lands befouled and swallowed the citadel in their festering depths. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Those are the lands we now know as the Feldmere. The ancient stronghold of evil, the dragon and its hoard may yet exist beneath the reeds and mud of the swamp.” A bushy eyebrow rose in speculation. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“But you said the dragon was defeated!” Devrim piped up, somewhat surprising himself. “There could be a dragon’s treasure just a day away somewhwere in that troll0infested swamp?” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Trolls are not the only dangers of the Feldmere, young Devrim. Far from it. However, I said the dragon fled the field. It was wounded, yes. Defeated, yes. But I found no indication that the wyrm was slain.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“You honestly believe the dragon might yet live…it’s been centuries.” Alaria questioned. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Stenthil chuckled to himself. “My dear, you are unlearned in the ways of the wyrms it seems. Centuries to an ancient dragon could be a mere nap…or perhaps, the creature did die from its wounds in the bowels of the citadel. The accounts have no way of knowing.” [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“You believe the Ihs Repahl was that magic orb? That it, somehow, in these passed centuries since the Scourges Wars, rose to the world of men again?” Alaria questioned. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“Rose? Was brought? Maybe even sent forth by whatever evil still haunts the mists of the Feldmere today. I could not find any other accounts of magical orbs which could control air in such a manner. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“You said you claimed it from a dark wizard’s lair. Perhaps this wizard found Nor Gorthok and ventured into the lost stronghold. Perhaps it had been brought forth centuries ago to be claimed by the wizard elsewhere? Maybe a Grinlian soldier all those years ago found and kept it as a spoil of the battle….Who can say? [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“But[I] you[/I] have it now, Magess Alaria, and I suggest you not let it go.” Stenthil finished. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Alaria finished her tea and set down the cup. Her mind was swimming with all she’d heard. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“My thanks, Magus Stenthil, for the excellent tea and the research. You surpassed my expectations. But I regret I must retire, I have an early day. Good morrow to you both.” With that, Alaria rose and exited the library. There was so much to discuss with the others. [/SIZE][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
Top