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Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 96900" data-attributes="member: 11">InterludeBalem, 26th of Nuiet – 564 H.E.It was after breakfast, that cold morning and Beorth sat in the quiet solitude of his room at the Golden Plough, while the others ran errands about town.Beorth was sitting on floor and thinking over the recent events and about his troubling dreams, always involving the walking dead.There was a knock at the door.Beorth quickly rose and answered the door.  He was very surprised to find two baldheaded figures dressed in the heavy woolen black robes of Anubis.  Neither monk it seemed were dressed for the cold weather since they are both wearing sandals.One of the brothers stepped forward, he was swarthy and had deep sparkling green eyes, and he was no taller than five feet seven inches.   “Beorth, it is good that we have finally found you.  I am Maynard, and this is Phlan,” The other monk was very tall and gaunt.  He was paler, with black circles beneath his brown eyes.  “Our Master saw you in a vision and asked us to find you immediately.  It is urgent that Master Hamfast speak with you.”The paladin shaken by the arrival of two members of his sect, but the hard-learned lessons of growing up in the monastery had not been undone by a few months on the road, he knew not to question them on this matter. “I am sure that this must be a serious matter indeed if I am being summoned by one of the brothers.  I was unsure if there were any members of our sect in Derome-Delem.  I will prepare quickly for the journey.”Beorth turned to pack his belongings, but was stopped by Maynard.  “There will be no need for you to bring too many belongings, nor will you have any need for your weapons.  You will be safe in the hands of Anubis.”Beorth donned his fur cloak, grabbed his staff and stepped toward the door.  He checked his breast pocket to be sure that the amulet he carried was still there.  “I am ready.”--------------------The two monks led Beorth out the backdoor of the Golden Plough, and southeastward to the bluff, and down, and then followed the enormous shelf of land southwestward. Soon they were wading through snow drifts, and winding their way between hills.  When they stopped at mid-day to rest and eat, the monks folded a single slice of bread in their mouths and drank mouthful of water.  Phlan never spoke a work“I did not know there were monks of Anubis in Derome-Delem.  Does Master Hamfast run a monastery here?” Beorth asked Maynard as the three of them began their march once again.“Master Hamfast is the head of a small monastery on the western edge of an area called ‘The Outland’ here in Derome-Delem.  We had a dangerous journey arriving here," Maynard explained. "As for why we are in this area, there are places and things left unattended while our brothers are at their convocation (92) - we are looking after them.  I am sorry, but we are not at liberty to tell you more - but  Master Hamfast may be able to tell you more clearly."Beorth was quiet for the rest of the day, remembering that monks of Anubis preferred to keep their minds focused on one thing at a time whenever possible, whether the things be as simple as talking and walking.At nightfall they made rough camp under a tree.  Phlan went out for firewood, and returned bearing more than Beorth thought possible for a man of his build.They traveled the entirety of the next day, making slow progress through the deep deep snow.Anulem, 28th of Nuiet – 564 H.E.Two days after leaving Ogre’s Bluff at around mid morning, Beorth and the two monks made their way up and around a hill covered in many small stones that made for treacherous footing, especially where the snow was deep and the round smooth stones concealed.Around the side of the hill, which was low and bald, and in the shadow of much steeper shelves of rock, there was small cave entrance.Upon entering the cave, Beorth noticed small stones with strange runic inscriptions on them arranged in neat rows and though Beorth could not understand the writing, he did understand that this was a graveyardPhlan stood by the cave entrance as Maynard led Beorth further into the cave.  In the rear was a side passage that was curtained off.  Maynard held the curtain open and allowed the paladin of Anubis to walk through first.   Behind the curtains was an area transformed into a rough shelter, with straw mats on the hard floor, a a rough stone hearth, a warped wooden table and several small wooden benches..An old man no taller than 5' 5" was doing a kata back there. He moved like a dancer, his hand and foot movements were anything but gentle.  He ran through a series of blocks, punches and kicks, before looking up.  He stopped and bowed.He was totally bald except  for a triangle of gray hair in the back of his head.  He had no shirt on and is was very muscular.  He had multiple tattoos of goats and rams on his chest, back and arms."Brother Beorth.  It was essential that you come and speak with me.  It is Anubis' will you came here - for you are not officially part of the order - though sworn to defend its principles - and its very principles are in danger."  The old man said.Beorth bowed deeply to Master Hamfast, but cast a curious glance at the strange tattoos. "As always, Master Hamfast, Anubis' will is my own.  Maynard has spoken to me of troubles in the area that have prevented you from attending the convocation.  These troubles must be grave indeed if you are here and not involved in this required meeting. What exactly is amiss?"Hamfast looked at Maynard, who bowed to both Beorth and the old master and then slipped back out through the curtain.Master Hamfast grabbed a simple woolen cassock from the table and slipped it on.  “My brothers and I are here tending to the concerns of Anubis, not discussing matters of politics as are the rest of our order.The last word hung in the air as if he has spit it out with such force it defied gravity.  He continued, “I have called you here so that you will understand what is occurring at the convocation.  The Grandmaster himself is calling for changes to the sect and his changes are weakening the Fist of the Jackal Headed God.”"The fist of the Jackal Headed God?” said under his breath, but then spoke up.  “Surely you do not think that the convocation will result in the lessening of the influence of our sect in Aquerra? The power of death negates all power in this life and surely the Grandmaster himself must be aware of that.   How does his will differ from that of Anubis?"“What difference does it make if the sect’s power is weakened?  It is Anubis’ will that must be obeyed and the Grandmaster forgets whose laws he must ultimately answer to.”  Hamfast paused for a moment and looked hard at Beorth.  “Have you ever considered becoming a full brother?”Beorth looked at one of the benches.“Please, sit,” said Hamfast.  Beorth took a seat and a deep breath and then replied, "Master Hamfast, I do not believe that I could ever become a full Brother.  I believe that I will serve Anubis best as a warrior.  I swore many years ago to fight the undead and I believe that I must remain a fighter to be able to accomplish that oath.  I have however discovered that the power of Anubis is now flowing through me and that I can, with his guidance, achieve feats that were not possible in the past.  I have struggled alone to learn how to harness the divine energy that is within and I believe that I am growing closer and closer to him every moment.  Anubis' power is the power of death and the power of life. I learn a little more each day, but I know that in many ways my knowledge is lacking.  I have encountered undead in the past and have been unable to handle them.  They do not tremble before the power of Anubis and I do not know the best way to do battle with them.  It seems that this knowledge was lacking in my early training.  Perhaps you could share what you know of the undead and how best to fight them? My confidence has been shaken by my inability to fight them."Beorth lifts his eyes to meet Master Hamfast.  "The dead even haunt my dreams."Beorth removed the necklace from his pocket. It was the green fang of malachite pendant that the party had gotten from the crazed man that lived beside the abandoned mastaba (93). It was about two and half inches long. "I believe that the Dead can communicate with me through the power of this amulet,” Beorth explained to Hamfast.  “They urge me to lead them and to command them.  I have sought to destroy the amulet but no one seems to be able to tell me how to accomplish that.  I know that I do not have the power, but perhaps you do…?"Beorth held out the necklace for Master Hamfast.Hamfast took the amulet into his hands and examined it briefly. “I do not have the power to destroy this necklace.  It is a token of great power.”He handed it back to Beorth.  “Have you tried using it?”"It is the teaching of Anubis that the dead shall find rest, and I do not believe that this amulet allows the dead to find their peace in the Duat. (94) Therefore I believe that this amulet performs an evil function.  The power that this amulet offers is not of the sort that I desire."Beorth tucked the amulet back into his clothes and scanned the cave, looking for evidence of anyone else that might be here, or another way out."I will discover the truth of the amulet, however, and as Anubis' will desires, so shall be done.  I swear that it will be so," he added."But are the dead in question not already in a state of unrest?  If you can use that amulet to keep them keep them at bay, keep them from hurting the innocent - have them flee - your  faith augmented by its power?  Perhaps you are wise to be trepidatious - but consider my words. . ." Hamfast said, calmly."I have thought of using the necklace as you speak, but have never done so. I have encountered the undead before and I believe that though this necklace could be used to control the undead to protect the innocent it would also corrupt me and seek to undermine my beliefs.  The undead deserve the  rest that our Father Anubis can bring to them and to control them is not the same as granting them that rest," Beorth spoke with wisdom and confidence.He paused and then changed the subject."So why is it that you sought me?  And what tasks are you performing for the Brotherhood that prevent you from attending the convocation?""I did not go to the convocation because I knew what would happen there, that the ways of Anubis would be perverted and that those who spoke out against the Grand Master would be taking their lives in their own hands - and while I do not fear death - someone needs to lead those monks who hold true to the traditions. There is one of our order who is doing so and I have  pledged myself to him and to Anubis in order to help him.  And thus, I am here, warning you."Shocked by the information and the sudden increase in importance of the already apparently crucial convocation, Beorth let out a flood of questions,  "Who have you pledged yourself to?  What exactly does the Grandmaster believe that is not in keeping with the teachings of Anubis?  How long have you  been following this individual? Are there others who believe as you do?" When did the markings of the goat and the ram get placed on your body and for what purpose?  And do you know who is buried in the graves within this cave?"“You suddenly ask strange questions, young Master Sakhemet, and many of them as well," Master Hamfast asked wryly, but did not smile – Monks of Anubis never smile.Hamfast stood and paced over near the wall."The tattoos on my body remain from my violent and undisciplined youth.  As for our temporary leader (until one is chosen by Anubis himself to replace Grandmaster Asaph) is called ‘Adder’."He cleared his throat and went back to the previous topic without segue."If you believe yourself so weak that the amulet will corrupt your spirit - then it is well you do not use it.  I can sense that you are suspicious and  do not believe what I am saying of the convocation.  That is fine.  I tell you to remain suspicious.  It may be some time before your loyalty is tested and  you will have to decide if you stand with the Order or with Anubis himself.  When the Order abandons what it stands for and seeks to bring the death of some over others, when the Order turns against other priesthoods of the gods of Ra's Pantheon…  You need not believe me now.  But it will happen. . ."Hamfast paused and walked over and sat again.  He continued."However, if you seek evidence beyond my word - then I say seek out Adder himself and speak to him - Have you ever heard of Hurgun's Maze?""I must apologize, Master Hamfast, for my skepticism but I have seen much since I left the monastery.  I have encountered many creatures and beings that are not as they seem," Beorth explained. "It is definitely strange to find another member of our order so far into Derome Delem. And, I have heard of Hurgun's Maze, but no one has really been able to describe it or to tell me the history.  I suspect that Hurgun was a wildly powerful wizard at some point in the past.  Do you know the story of the Maze?” Hamfast stood again."There are some legends of it in Derome-Delem, among dwarves and gnomes, but in Verdun only scholars are likely to have heard of it, let alone know what it is…"He walked over to a table and began to prepare a meal of cold meats and bread.  He gestured for Beorth to come over and take a seat on one of the small barrels that served as chairs.Hamfast studied Beorth for a moment, and the young paladin could feel the old man’s eyes searching his face for some expression. They seemed to almost draw out his worries, concerns and fears to his normally placid face, but he resisted."Hurgun of the stone was the kind of wizard known as an Elemental Savant - He was said to have been very old and a founder of the now defunct Elementalists' League," (95) he continues.  "He is known not only for his great power, but for being prolific.  For centuries now magical items and scrolls of his spells can be found far and abroad,” Hamfast passed Beorth a plate with three pieces of meat wrapped in bread and held together by thin splinters of wood.  He continued,"During the Mountain Wars, when the Kingdom of Herman Land attempted to conquer Derome-Delem ~ much of the heaviest fighting took place in this general area - other kings might have been satisfied to conquer the shores and slowly move their people in and conquer over time - but not King Herman XII - he sent his troops to where the races and peoples of Derome-Delem lived and had them try to surrender or flee - the warring was some of the most vicious this world had ever seen - that is why so many of the undead can be found here - but that is beside the point - I do not judge his strategy as good or evil - that does not concern me - what does concern me is this - during the war, a combined delegation of gnomes, dwarves and elves sought out Hurgun's Stronghold, called Hurgun's Maze and petitioned him for help against the invading armies.  He replied that he would not get involved.  Representatives of the Herman Land army also sent word asking for help - and he did not reply.”“And then legend says, he 'closed' the Maze - We are not sure what that means - but we do know that its exact location, said to be some days travel north of here, was lost - but the Maze itself is said to be a planar focal point. . . It draws energies from many other worlds - including those of the gods - It is there we plan to commune with Anubis and find out what his will truly is. It is that place that Adder searches for and that the Grandmaster's agents will try to keep us from finding."He stopped."Now let us eat."Beorth quietly pondered what Master Hamfast had said while eating his meal.    In many ways it helps to explain the creature that was found with the gnomes. Beorth waited for Master Hamfast to finish his own meal before speaking."Is it possible that the Maze could somehow be ‘open’ again?  Much of the information you have given me seems to bear directly on a creature that my companions and I discovered while staying with a group of gnomes.  It seems that the gnomes found a very curious creature and were detaining it. It was shaped like the temples during The Time Before are said to have been. (96) It had 4 sides, each triangular in shape with an eye and an arm on each face.  And although it was made of flesh, it seemed to be almost like a moving statue. When I gave it a spoon, it immediately started to dig with the spoon.  Almost like it would use a shovel.  Perhaps it is some sort of magical construct that Hurgun created to help build his stronghold… The gnomes mentioned Hurgun and the Maze as a possible source for the creature.  I wonder if the creature did not come from inside the Maze.”Beorth paused for a brief time and collected his thoughts."In either case, Hurgun's Maze seems to be a location of great importance, especially if it contains a focal point for the planes.  Perhaps Adder could use some help finding the Maze. And if that creature did come from the maze, its location must be somewhere near the gnome village that we were staying in."The opportunity to speak directly to Anubis is one that should not be missed.  And by discovering Anubis' will, perhaps a schism within the brotherhood could be avoided,” Master Hamfast replied."Do you know more about what lies within the Maze?"  Beorth asked, hoping to find some of the answers that his companions were seeking.“What lies within the Maze, and if it truly even is a maze is a complete mystery.  All that I know of it aside from what I have already told you is that many have sought it for centuries and either failed or never returned.  It would not be jumping to conclusions to say that the place itself or the  way to the place is fraught with peril," Hamfast explained. "But let us rest now.  Tomorrow I want to take you to a place nearby here and show you a graveyard we uncovered.  You might find it interesting."Still focusing on Hurgun’s Maze, Beorth continued, "Indeed the Maze sounds like a terrible place, but surely those of strong will and faith should be able to overcome any obstacles standing in the way…"Beorth looked around.  "Where is it that I should bed down?""You have strong faith, Master Beorth," Hamfast says, as he lead him to some mats on the cold cave floor.  "You may sleep here."As Beorth drifted off to sleep, you could hear Hamfast and the others talking in low voices, and then the regulated breathing and occasional grunts of martial arts.Ralem, 1st of Dek – 564 H.E.There is the sound of heavy breathing in the darkness, and sandals on stone.  Someone is running. . . Beorth  tries to open his eyes, but they feel heavy,  difficult to open - and even when he finally manages it, very little light comes to him.   He feels flattened against a wall, unable to move anything but his eyes, back and forth, but very slowly.  He is in a huge vaulted  chamber, with a raised dias and a throne and he can see a figure bearing a torch coming in followed by multiple silhouettes.Suddenly, the earth shudders and a crack runs up a column that supports the chamber."Hurry!" the figure cries to the silhouetted figures that finally come more clearly into view.A dozen shambling men, their flesh rotting, their eyes glowing with malevolent unlife come bearing a litter.  Upon the litter is a huge animal that looks vaguely familiar, but Beorth cannot see it clearly from where he is trapped.  The zombies and the man are wearing clothes similar to those depicted in the wall paintings of the tombs beneath the Monastery of Anubis in Verdun.  The man with the torch wears a pharaoh’s headdress.  He hands the torch to one of the zombies and from the wall behind the dais brings a huge sword of the ancient mode, a falchion.The figure speaks a word and the sound of stone against stone fills the room, as a huge block of stone is raised from the floor and the zombies place the litter upon it.  The earth shudders again, and the figure leaps upon the stone bier and speaks another word and it begins to lower itself into the floor, as pieces of the sandstone ceiling begin to fall.  One of the zombies is crushed.As the stone sinks, Beorth  sees the face of the animal finally, it is a huge ram, greater than the size of most horses, tied down to the litter.   As it disappears below the floor level, its sad but majestic eyes meet Beorth’s gaze..The earth begins to shake again, and this time it does not stop.  Columns collapse, there is screaming and all is black.-----------------Beorth awoke with a start."It is morning," said Maynard.  "Master Hamfast awaits you outside."Beorth sat up quickly and looked around the cave, trying to catch his bearings.  He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and shook his head trying to clear it.He dressed as quickly as possible and headed out to the mouth of the cave.  He tapped his breast pocket to be sure that the amulet was still with him.Beorth exited the cave and stepped into the light of morning.  "Master Hamfast, I am sorry to have kept you.  Which direction are we heading?  And what is the history behind the burial grounds that you wish to show me?  Do you know?"Hamfast turned in silence and headed directly toward the sun.  The light streamed down on Beorth’s face. A few moments later they stood looking down at a gully between two nearly barren hills holding nothing but melting snow."Down there is the Pit of Bones," Master Hamfast said.  "During the Mountain Wars this was the scene of a great battle between humans and dwarves.  During the battle, there was a sudden earthquake (some say caused by one of  the powerful dwarven priests present) and the whole area collapsed into a fissure in the earth and hundreds of scores of men and dwarves and their mounts died."Beorth was silent, simply looked down at the depression filled with snow and stones, and the occasional bones sticking out of the earth.The wind moans through the stones below.  "The place is filled with the  bones of the dead never put to rest.  It is a major task excavating this place and setting up a proper and respectful tomb of stone for all these that died here.  The spirits here and the bones here are not at rest and it is troubling work.  This is what we are doing here.  Silently toiling at Anubis' work while our kin travel on ships to far off lands to discuss philosophy."He turned and looked at Beorth."Beorth, this place was long hidden and I am only showing it to you as a sign of faith and trust.  Tell no one else of this place.  There are those that would seek to excavate it for other reasons. It is said that ancient magics are buried here.  For yes, this new philosophy of the Brotherhood of Anubis would say that the items interred in a tomb are best used!  Can you imagine, those promised to fulfill his will violating it so blatantly?!? The arrogance of such an attempt.  I want you to promise me that you will defend the  knowledge of this place with your life and that when you are free to do so, you will return and help establish a monastery here and retreat for warriors of Anubis to guard this sacred site."Beorth did not reply, but continued to look down at the pit."Do you promise?""It is sad that so many souls have not been able to find the rest that they need.  The Mountain Wars are long past and these souls must surely be in  need of peace," Beorth said absently. He turned to face Master Hamfast.  "There is much work that must be done here and if I were not sworn to other tasks right now, I would stay and help you.  But as you say, I can return after I have tended all my other duties."Beorth paused again.“I do swear to return here to establish a monastery.  This area would be ideal for a monastery where I could train others in the ways of Anubis. I can only pray that Anubis will give me the wisdom and strength to accomplish a goal as great.  It is truly in his name that I work. Is there any aid right now that I could give you?  I could give you some of my time today if you think it would be valuable....  Or perhaps a bit of silver could help in some way....."Beorth reached for his money and stops when he heard Master Hamfast speak.“We could use your help for the rest of the day, pulling bones and items  from the topmost layers and bringing them carefully to the shrouds we have set up, and then tomorrow I will have Phlan and Maynard guide you back to Ogre's Bluff. But again, I must warn you others may be looking for this place to despoil and exploit it.  You can not ever tell anyone where this place is or guide them here.""I swear in Anubis' name that I will tell no one of the location of this site. If the powerful magics that you speak of are located here then many would come to disturb the sanctity of this grave site.   I would that these spirits find the rest that they have needed for all this time.  A caretaker for these souls is exactly what the Pit of Bones needs.  In the future this place will be a place of peace and I will make it so.  I swear this to you and to our Father Anubis."Beorth looks to see if the other monks are around."What tasks would you have me accomplish today?  And where should I begin?”  Master Hamfast led Beorth down into the pit and they worked the rest of the day uncovering bones and bits of armor and weapons and other artifacts and placing them on shrouds for proper burial.Along with Hamfast, Maynard, Phlan, there are three young acolytes, who cart of dirt and wrap up the shrouds when they are full and took them to the cave for safe-keeping. That night, Beorth slept better, exhausted from the long day’s work in the cold.In the morning he bid Master Hamfast adieu, and with the aid of Maynard and Phlan headed back to Ogre’s Bluff.Tholem, 4th of Dek – 564 H.E.And after marching for two days and camping out two nights, they parted ways just below the bluff in the shadow of the many caves that led into the Honeycombe.  Beorth climbed up the steep icy path that led to town and made his way back to the Golden Plough.The common room was mostly empty, with a few figures talking loudly around a table in one corner by the hearth, and a few local shepherds at the bar sipping their mulled wine.Beorth asked the inn-keeper about his friends and received the note Martin had left for him, explaining that they had left for the elven enclave.  The paladin of Anubis decided not to wait, and made his way to the door so he could find them that very night.He was about to open the door, when someone came in from the outside.  It was Martin.   The watch-mage’s red hair was crusted with dirt, and there were spots of blood on his face, hands and robes.“Thank Isis!” Martin cried. “Beorth, hurry. We need your help!”---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Notes:(92) In the winter of 563 H.E. a message appeared on Verdun’s infamous Dwarf Wall, calling all monks of Anubis to a grand convocation in the Archduchy of Wallbrook, where the grandmaster of the entire order resides.  The subject of the convocation was not made clear, but all were required o attend or lose their rank and title in the order.(93) See Session #8(94) The “Duat” is the name for the state of peaceful waiting a soul is in while in Anubis’ Realm.(95) The Elementalist’s League was established sometime in the Third Age, and was one of the first wizardly organizations in Aquerra.  However, it was disbanded not too long after, as few of these wizards could agree on a common agenda and method of operation.(96) In The Time Before it is said the gods were much more directly involved in mortal life, and most of the world was a sea of sand.  In that time, there were many more pyramids than can be found in Aquerra today.</blockquote>

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