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
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Tirlanolir/D'nemy's Tales of Turgos: The Heroes of Goldfire Glen (UPDATE 7/26)
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="Canaan" data-source="post: 3160837" data-attributes="member: 40239"><p><strong>Chapter 30: Wizards</strong></p><p></p><p>Thanks for the input istrider! And now.......</p><p></p><p>for an update......</p><p></p><p>* * * </p><p></p><p>"It's dreadful business, dealing with fiends." Kranston sighed, shaking his head.</p><p></p><p>"Then why bother." I said to, rather than asked, the wizard acidly.</p><p></p><p>Kranston looked at me with a slightly hurt expression tinged with guilt. "You spoke to Helena about this business of my summoning the succubus before you came here?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes." Lilian responded.</p><p></p><p>The wizard winged. "She mustn't know what happened here!" Kranston clearly realized that we would likely be reporting the result of our efforts here to Helena.</p><p></p><p>"Why shouldn't we tell her, wizard? It was your folly that set these events in motion in the first place." I retorted.</p><p></p><p>Thaddeous whimpered in the corner, his bow still in his shaking hand.</p><p></p><p>"I can help you." Kranston offered.</p><p></p><p>"How?" I asked, unconvinced.</p><p></p><p>"You tell me." Kranston responded.</p><p></p><p>I looked to Lilian.</p><p></p><p>"Caladriel took some artifacts of the Wind Dukes of Aaqa to an organization she called the Axis of Annihilation. Have you heard of it?" Lilian asked.</p><p></p><p>"Axis of Annihilation." Kranston started pensively, tapping his index finger to his chin. "It sounds vaguely familiar, like I read a passage about it or something. Follow me to the library, and I will consult my books."</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>After a few hours of study and a brief repast, Kranston revealed what he had learned. "The Axis of Annihilation is a heretical and highly fractured cult that believes that it can raise Kharas'Vhoories by merging three of the Sleeping Gods into one great overgod. It is made up of deranged and highly fringe worshippers of Lazbrall'Thull, the demon lord of slaughter and bloodletting; Nerull, the god of death and secrets; and Ba'al, the Lord of Avernus, the First Hell of Perdition. Calling them 'worshippers' is something of a misnomer, for their dogma makes it clear that the process of merging the three gods will invariably snuff out their divine essences to fuel the ritual to breathe life into Kharas'Vhoories." Kranston explained.</p><p></p><p>"That's horrible." Lilian said.</p><p></p><p>"Quite." Kranston responded, sipping his tea. He looked ridiculous holding the dainty handle of a fragile tea cup in his blackened, swollen demonic fingertips, pinky extended.</p><p></p><p>"Why don't the priesthoods of these Sleeping Gods end this heretical cult?" Shallahai asked.</p><p></p><p>"Because they do not know its membership. The first art of subterfuge: hide in plain sight. Am I correct?" Talon asked.</p><p></p><p>"That's quite astute of you, Talon. Yes. In fact, its members are so hidden that the mere existence of the cult is thought of by many to be sheer rumor." Kranston responded.</p><p></p><p>"What do you know of such things, Talon." I stated. "You are an aesthetic."</p><p></p><p>"It is part of master's teachings. We Celind used to have to hide in plain sight or risk assassination by our mortal enemies, the Mordind." Talon responded.</p><p></p><p>I couldn’t help but think this was more rubbish. Why would the Mordind seek to assassinate the Celind, unless the Mordind were truly vile? And if the Mordind were so truly vile, how would that reconcile with their asceticism? For that matter, how would subterfuge reconcile with the asceticism of the Celind? Each time I dig below the surface of Master’s teachings as revealed by Talon, I feel more uneasy.</p><p></p><p>"In any event, gentlemen, an additional reason exists as to why the priesthood or secular followers of the Sleeping Gods do not destroy the heretics in their own ranks. That is because the worshippers of these particular Sleeping Gods would never voluntarily cooperate with each other to complete such a task, such is the vast difference in philosophy and teachings among them. Ba'al is the master of diabolical tactics; a perfect specimen of orderly battle, bred to conduct warfare. Lazbrall'Thull is his complete opposite; a creature driven by its own insatiable desire to kill, maim and torture in the most twisted ways imaginable with no foresight or plan. It acts on whatever sadistic desire that catches its fancy. And Nerull? well, Nerull does not share information." Kranston continued.</p><p></p><p>Lilian's brow furrowed for a moment, thinking. She looked at me and at Shallahai and Talon. "You know what we must do, don't you?"</p><p></p><p>I nodded my head.</p><p></p><p>"Don't say it, Lilian." Hu Li pleaded.</p><p></p><p>"We must stop the Axis of Annihilation from bringing back Kharas'Vhoories." Shallahai finished for her.</p><p></p><p>Hu Li winced.</p><p></p><p>I continued nodding my head. While the mere thought of confronting a powerful and insane cult dedicated to such foul entities made me shudder, I knew that Canaan expected no less from me. And though I had been charged with ferreting out the Adversarial plot against Canaan, stopping the return of Kharas'Vhoories to Turgos seemed somehow more pressing.</p><p></p><p>"Why us?" Talon asked.</p><p></p><p>We all looked at him, with various expressions.</p><p></p><p>"What do you mean, 'why us?'" I asked, annoyed.</p><p></p><p>"Wouldn't Balian or Helena be better equipped to confront this Axis of Annihilation, even Kranston for that matter?" Talon responded.</p><p></p><p>"A wizard commands great power, when prepared for battle, yes. But a wizard needs to be able to work his magic without distraction. A wizard would likely be slaughtered if alone against a large number of foes." Kranston answered Talon.</p><p></p><p>"More importantly, Balian has charged us with the task of destroying Veshra. My bets are on the fact that Veshra is helping the Axis of Annihilation." Shallahai added.</p><p></p><p>"We don't even know where they are. Where would we possibly begin to look for them?" I asked.</p><p></p><p>"That's where I can help." Kranston answered.</p><p></p><p>* * * *</p><p></p><p>Kranston beckoned us to follow him as he explained that using a spell he could probe our thoughts to get the image of The Kurjan who teleported from Brightstone Keep with the succubus and using that image, he could scry for him using the Mirror of Um-Jamhat. As he said the last, we arrived at our destination, and with a flourish Kranston brought down the burgandy curtain that we passed on our way to Kranston's summoning chamber. It revealed a mirror the height of the wall and nearly as wide. It's frame was carved alabaster and contained bas relief visages of demons copulating. They were actually moving! I averted my eyes from the ghastly, unholy sight.</p><p></p><p>"This is the <em>Mirror of Um-Jamhat</em>, my friends. In it, I can find anyone I put my mind to finding. Once that person's visage appears in the mirror, you can step through the mirror to the location of that person. It is truly a wonderful device." Kranston explained, beaming.</p><p></p><p>Hu Li drooled enviously.</p><p></p><p>I volunteered for the mind probe, not wishing to subject Shallahai, Talon, or Canaan-forbid Lilian, to probing by this bizarre wizard. Soon the visage of The Kurjan appeared on the surface of the <em>Mirror of Um-Jamhat</em>. "That's him!" Lilian cried out.</p><p></p><p>"What's he doing?" I asked.</p><p></p><p>"It looks like he's in a cave." Hu Li said.</p><p></p><p>"No. It's a mine." Shallahai corrected him. </p><p></p><p>Several cowled figures were engaged in some sort of ritual involving ritual scarification. The Kurjan was there, handing the box he was holding when he emerged from the mine entrance at Brightstone Keep to a woman in black robes whose eye sockets were empty. Claw marks scarred the area of her face around her eyes. The Kurjan bowed to her.</p><p></p><p>"They are performing a ritual." Shallahai continued.</p><p></p><p>"Are they at Brightstone Keep?" Talon asked.</p><p></p><p>"I don't think so." Shallahai responded. "The candle light is shining off of the mineral in the walls. It appears to be quartz or..." Shallahai trailed off for a moment, studying the image intently. "They’re diamonds. This is a diamond mine." Shallahai finished.</p><p></p><p>"There's only one place that can be." Kranston announced. </p><p></p><p>We all looked at him.</p><p></p><p>"They are at Diamond Lake. The only place known to have diamond mines in all of Turgos." Kranston finished dramatically.</p><p></p><p>"Diamond Lake." That's where Allustan is from, I said, thinking out loud. Then it dawned on me. "We have to warn him!" I said.</p><p></p><p>Kranston was already ahead of me. He issued a sending to Allustan.</p><p></p><p>"You know Allustan?" I asked after the sending was away. </p><p></p><p>"Oh yes. We go way back." Kranston responded nonchalantly.</p><p></p><p>The sending was unanswered.</p><p></p><p>After a few uncomfortable minutes, Lilian suggested. "Why don't you scry him in the <em>Mirror of Um-Jamhat</em>."</p><p></p><p>"That would not likely result in success my dear. He is obviously shielded from scrying." Kranston responded with a little too much self-assurance.</p><p></p><p>Deducing a delicate situation, I offered an alternative suggestion. "Can the mirror scry places, as well as people?" </p><p></p><p>"Why yes. I know where you are going with that priest. I shall scry Allustan's tower in Diamond Lake. Once its visage is on the surface of the mirror, you can walk through it to the tower." Kranston finished.</p><p></p><p>In no time, Kranston had Allustan's tower on the surface of the magical mirror. We walked through it. Lilian first, followed by Talon and Shallahai, followed by Hu Li--eyes closed. I looked to Thaddeous, who was still visibly shaken by the fight with the succubus. "Will you come with us?" I asked him.</p><p></p><p>He shook his head no, but did not speak.</p><p></p><p>I looked to Kranston.</p><p></p><p>"I can arrange for his safe passage to Soliel." Kranston assured me.</p><p></p><p>"Thank you for your help, Kranston." I said, as I turned to walk through the mirror to Diamond Lake.</p><p></p><p>“Evora.” Kranston beckoned. </p><p></p><p>I turned back to face him.</p><p></p><p>“I must confide in you something.” Kranston said sheepishly. “It is the reason I do not wish Helena to know of what has happened here, to know of my folly.”</p><p></p><p>“Go on.” I responded. </p><p></p><p>“As you must know, Helena is a diabolist. Her methods are similar to, but distinct from, mine. We are colleagues of a sort. Occasionally, we meet for tea and discuss arcana. But more importantly, long ago, we had a bit of a romp.” Kranston revealed.</p><p></p><p>“Oh.” I said, surprised that this arcanist actually ever bedded a woman.</p><p></p><p>He continued. “So you see, it would be quite embarrassing to me if you were to explain to her that I lost control of a creature I thought I had compacted with.” </p><p></p><p>“That’s understandable.” I said, thankful that he did not appear to have given any notice to my surprise. </p><p></p><p>Annoyance flickered on his brow as he continued. “Besides, I have to have a word with her about that particular compact.” And after a pause, he added. “And I think it best if news traveled to her by my own mouth rather than by rumors or filtered through the prayers of Canaanites.” Kranston finished.</p><p></p><p>“Do not worry, Kranston. We shall not divulge your secret to Helena.” I assured the Arcanist with a tired smile and walked through the <em>Mirror of Um-Jahmat</em> to Diamond Lake.</p><p></p><p>* * * *</p><p></p><p>It was raining in Diamond Lake. Sheets of cold water poured from the early Autumn sky, drenching everything. Allustan’s short, squat tower was just ahead, a solitary candle flickered in a window of its highest story a score of feet above the road. We crossed the deserted muddy street in front of the walkway to Allustan’s abode. Only the insane and the desperate would be out in this downpour, and as to which we were I was beginning to doubt. Some part of me wished I had stayed in Goldfire Glen with Gabriel, healing its people and rebuilding its livelihood. Oh Canaan, forgive me my weakness.</p><p></p><p>Covering my head with the cowl of my cloak, I followed the others to Allustan’s front door, being careful not to slip in the mud.</p><p></p><p>After the fourth set of knocks, the door finally opened. A tall and proud-looking bearded man dressed in fine red robes answered the door, holding a candle in his free hand. His graying hair was neatly combed and tied back in a braided ponytail with a leather strap. It was clearly Allustan. Even late in the evening at his own abode, he maintained that regal bearing I observed in Auros.</p><p></p><p>Allustan’s eyes widened at the sight of the Champion. I pushed through the others to get to the front. “Allustan!” I shouted above the wind and rain. “It is I, Evora Faro. We met in Auros at the Duke’s pleasure several weeks ago. My friends and I, we come bearing dire news.”</p><p></p><p>His eyes never left the Champion. “Come in! Come in! By Canaan, it’s true! The Champion has returned by the grace of Canaan!” Allustan exclaimed in disbelief as he made room for us to pass his threshold and waved us in.</p><p></p><p>After closing the heavy reinforced wooden door behind us, he turned. “You must be freezing! Come to my study. I have a fire going. You must warm yourselves before you catch your death.” He quickly moved passed, leading us up a stone staircase around the inside wall of his tower to the second floor and his study. A whirlwind of activity ensued.</p><p></p><p>Once inside, we removed our soaking wet outer garments and warmed them by the fire. Allustan brought blankets for us and sat in a nearby overstuffed chair. His servant brought us cups of hot mulled cider. Allustan’s eyes were still full of wonder at the sight of Lilian, alive.</p><p></p><p>I was quite impressed by Allustan’s tower. It was tastefully modest, unlike the crass opulence of Kranston’s diabolical abode. And it was pristinely maintained, unlike Balian’s dilapidated tower. I’ve always believed that you can tell a lot about a man by observing how he keeps his home. I noted in Auros those many weeks ago that Allustan was the first wizard I had met that seemed at all “normal.” Being in his home only solidified that feeling. I felt very comfortable with Allustan.</p><p></p><p>“I received word from the Duke that the Voice and Will had indeed performed the miracle of resurrection and successfully returned Lilian Evenshire to our world. But the knowing of a thing is nothing compared to the seeing of a thing. Remarkable.” Allustan said, examining Lilian. </p><p></p><p>All of his fuss was clearly making Lilian uncomfortable.</p><p></p><p>“Allustan, much has happened since then and we bring terrible news.” I stated firmly.</p><p></p><p>“Yes. Yes. Of course.” He fixed his full attention on me.</p><p></p><p>I told Allustan of our efforts to return Shale to us and explained that the creature standing before him is Shale reincarnated as Shallahai. I detailed our efforts to take Brightstone Keep. And finished with the Succubus and The Kurjan teleporting away with the treasures of the Wind Dukes and our confrontation with Kranston and Caladriel.</p><p></p><p>“So you see, Allustan. According to the <em>Mirror of Um-Jahmat</em>, The Kurjan brought the Wind Duke’s treasures here to Diamond Lake and is presently in a diamond mine near here.” I finished the tale.</p><p></p><p>“Impossible!” Allustan responded in disbelief after I had finished. “After all of these years, the treasure of the Wind Dukes is right under my nose. And their tomb has been ransacked by a demon and a Half-Orc!” Allustan’s face was flushed.</p><p></p><p>“I’m afraid your prediction may have been accurate, Allustan. It does indeed appear that someone is trying to bring back Kharas’Voorhies.” I continued.</p><p></p><p>Allustan recovered from his outburst. The rational, composed wizard reasserted himself. “This Axis of Annihilation must be stopped. I fear that Turgos is not ready to fight Kharas’Voorhies. Canaan’s followers have become soft. The Green’s followers live in fear of Canaan’s. The wizards are not united.” Allustan paused pensively.</p><p></p><p>“Do you know the history of Kharas’Voorhies?” Allustan asked.</p><p></p><p>“My master bested him long ago.” Hu Li answered proudly.</p><p></p><p>“No. Canaan smote him.” Lilian corrected Hu Li.</p><p></p><p>“Not really, we don’t.” I answered.</p><p></p><p>Looking at Lilian and Hu Li, Allustan said. “Actually, you are both wrong.” Then he told us the story of Kharas’Voorhies.</p><p></p><p>“Mind you that my particular area of expertise is in the province of the Wind Dukes of Aaqa and the primordial spheres ruled by the elements. But I was for a time an apprentice to Balian the Everwatchful and learned much of the time before.”</p><p></p><p>Allustan took a sip of his mulled cider before continuing.</p><p></p><p>“I do not know from where Kharas’Voorhies came, but it is clear from writings about him and rumor that he transcended mortality. His true allegiance was to Nerull. In fact, once he had tricked Orcus into granting him lichdom, Kharas’Voorhies revealed his allegiance to Nerull, the god of Death and Secrets. He created a damned city; a safe haven for Nerull worshippers in the jungles of the Thassaline. Centuries ago, Kharas’Voorhies sucked the souls out of every living being in that city to fuel a ritual designed to make him a god. He only partially succeeded.” Allustan paused again to take a sip of his mulled cider.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t know what happened back then, but its result was such that Kharas’Voorhies was unable to affect this world. Then, three hundred years ago, his diabolic servant, Veshra, freed him. Kharas’Voorhies was intent on subjugating Turgos and challenging Canaan directly. It was then, for the first time in history, that the wizards of Turgos, led by Balian the Everwatchful, united to form the First Council of Wizards. Balian convinced the Council of Wizards to stand together with the Church of Canaan to vanquish Kharas’Voorhies. Balian and the other wizards reasoned that should Kharas’Voorhies prevail in his battle for Turgos, the Age of Worms would begin, snuffing out all life as we knew it. Helena was the first to concur, and with her concurrence, several others joined the ranks. Together, the Wizards of Turgos and the Canaanites defeated Kharas’Voorhies, but only temporarily. They were unable to kill him, managing only to imprison him.”</p><p></p><p>“The wizards saw that their involvement in the affair between Canaan and Kharas’Voorhies was decisive of the victor. But more importantly, the Canaanites did as well. The Canaanites were too well aware of the power the wizards commanded. The Wizards knew it would be only a matter of time before the Canaanites took it upon themselves to limit that power. So, Balian preempted the Canaanites. He convened a Second Council of Wizards, at which the Wizards of Turgos agreed to The Grand Injunction; a decree that prohibits a wizard from interfering in any way with matters of religion in Turgos. The Grand Injunction was presented to the Voice and Will and ratified by the Curia. That was the end of the matter. But Balian was crafty. He provided in the Injunction that the Wizards would police themselves. And since there was no real vehicle for doing so, given that the wizards had no formal affiliation with one another, no wizard ever came up on charges of violating The Grand Injunction. It was a win-win scenario for the wizards.”</p><p></p><p>We sat silently letting Allustan’s tale sink in.</p><p></p><p>“I had no idea that Balian was so involved in these historical events.” Talon said after a moment.</p><p></p><p>“Yes. I had thought him a selfish, eccentric, probably insane old coot.” Lilian added.</p><p></p><p>“Well, this explains why none of the wizards of the higher orders with which we have been conferring are involving themselves in these affairs. It explains why Balian and Helena did not vanquish Veshra on their own and why they merely suggested the danger she represented and trusted us to go on our own out of our own sense of duty.” I said, thinking out loud.</p><p></p><p>“Well, it didn’t really happen that way.” Lilian corrected me. “I think Balian probably pushed us out the door, rather insistent that we find and vanquish Veshra.” Lilian continued. “A blurring of the lines between violation of the Grand Injunction and acceptable behavior at the very least.” Lilian finished.</p><p></p><p>“I suppose you’re right, Lilian.” I responded. “But why the secrecy until now? None of them—Balian, Helena or Kranston—told us the reason they did not get themselves involved was due this Grand Injunction.” I continued.</p><p></p><p>“That’s because we wizards don’t generally like to remind people of its existence. Out of sight, out of mind.” Allustan said with a wink.</p><p></p><p>“Hu Li, did you know about this Injunction?” Shallahai asked questioningly.</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps.” Hu Li responded vaguely in his characteristically shrill voice.</p><p></p><p>“Of course he did.” I quickly countered. “Don’t be fooled, Shallahai! That’s why he refused to go to Soliel with us after the incident at Harpy Ruins that killed nearly all of us.” I continued angrily.</p><p></p><p>“I say, Allustan, what is the penalty for violation of The Grand Injunction?” I asked, turning to the arcanist.</p><p></p><p>“Death by burning at the stake in a public square.” Allustan responded.</p><p></p><p>“Of course it is.” I said cynically, turning back to Hu Li, who had lowered his gaze into his lap.</p><p></p><p>“Evora, let it go.” Lilian said soothingly. “Canaan has a reason for everything.” She assured me.</p><p></p><p>“You are right, Lilian. Forgive my outburst.” I said sheepishly. It was now my turn to lower my gaze into my lap.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, perhaps Canaan had a reason for Talon’s tactical miscalculation at Harpy Ruins that nearly killed all of us.” Hu Li harrumphed, emboldened by my cowing.</p><p></p><p>I turned beet red, but held my tongue.</p><p></p><p>Talon raised a finger to correct Hu Li, but thought better of it as Shallahai’s cautioning gaze penetrated the young monk.</p><p></p><p>“You have all clearly been through much.” Alluston stated. “But if you are intent on searching for The Kurjan and believe him to be in a diamond mine near here, the diamond mine is owned by Ragnolin Dourstone and is known as the Dourstone Mine.”</p><p></p><p>“What sort of man is this Ragnolin Dourstone.” Shallahai asked.</p><p></p><p>“He is no man, in fact, Shallahai. He is a dwarf.” Allustan responded.</p><p></p><p>“Dwarf? Did you say dwarf?” Hu Li asked incredulously.</p><p></p><p>“Yes. Why?” Allustan responded.</p><p></p><p>“I thought them myth.” Hu Li shrilly responded.</p><p></p><p>“Oh no. Dwarves are quite tangible.” Allustan assured Hu Li. “This particular dwarf is extremely taciturn and greedy. Normally, I would recommend that you obtain permission from him to enter his mine before you go investigating in it. But in this case, we don’t know his where his allegiance lays. For all we know, he is collecting rent from the Axis of Annihilation to rent space in his mine.” Allustan finished sardonically. </p><p></p><p>“No, in this case, I recommend that you investigate by means of stealth.” Allustan advised.</p><p></p><p>“I should like to see this dwarf, nonetheless.” Hu Li announced. “I have never seen a dwarf.”</p><p></p><p>“Hu Li does have a point.” Talon offered before any us could react. “We might learn something about this dwarf’s allegiances, if we talked to him without tipping him off to the reason for our presence here.” He continued.</p><p></p><p>“Will you be here when, Canaan willing, we return?” I asked Allustan.</p><p></p><p>“By all means.” Allustan responded.</p><p></p><p>“Then we shall return to you once we have completed our mission.” I said. “May we spend the night here to prepare for our trials?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“Of course, Evora. My apprentice will see to your rooms.” Allustan responded.</p><p></p><p>A nervous boy, perhaps 14 years old appeared in the doorway, wearing elegant red robes. A few freckles marred his melanin deficient skin and his light-brown hair stood shock up, meticulously greased to remain in that position. Coupled with his youthfulness, raised eyebrows and nervousness, the boy looked to be in a constant state of surprise.</p><p></p><p>“This is Austin Veradesex, my apprentice.” Allustan said, gesturing to the boy. “He will take you now.”</p><p></p><p>We followed the apprentice up the stairs to the third and final floor of the squat tower. </p><p></p><p>“I have heard that you are the Heroes of Goldfire Glen. Is that true?” Austin asked.</p><p></p><p>“I suppose so.” Lilian responded.</p><p></p><p>“And many of you have died and been returned.” He said breathily, looking at Shallahai.</p><p></p><p>Shallahai nodded.</p><p></p><p>“It appears so.” Talon responded.</p><p></p><p>“That’s quite remarkable! Sometimes I think of how incredible it would be to be a hero like yourselves. But then I think of the danger and the dying. It makes me happy that I have a warm bed and a good master looking after me.” Austin finished with a smile.</p><p></p><p>I looked at Austin. “Never forget what you have here, Austin. And don’t be too quick to leave the tutelage of such a learned sage and good man.”</p><p></p><p>That night I dreamed of Talon sticking a sword made of green energy into the gut of his master, killing him, and Lilian being consumed by darkness and taken by oblivion. Bad omens preceding a worse day.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Canaan, post: 3160837, member: 40239"] [b]Chapter 30: Wizards[/b] Thanks for the input istrider! And now....... for an update...... * * * "It's dreadful business, dealing with fiends." Kranston sighed, shaking his head. "Then why bother." I said to, rather than asked, the wizard acidly. Kranston looked at me with a slightly hurt expression tinged with guilt. "You spoke to Helena about this business of my summoning the succubus before you came here?" "Yes." Lilian responded. The wizard winged. "She mustn't know what happened here!" Kranston clearly realized that we would likely be reporting the result of our efforts here to Helena. "Why shouldn't we tell her, wizard? It was your folly that set these events in motion in the first place." I retorted. Thaddeous whimpered in the corner, his bow still in his shaking hand. "I can help you." Kranston offered. "How?" I asked, unconvinced. "You tell me." Kranston responded. I looked to Lilian. "Caladriel took some artifacts of the Wind Dukes of Aaqa to an organization she called the Axis of Annihilation. Have you heard of it?" Lilian asked. "Axis of Annihilation." Kranston started pensively, tapping his index finger to his chin. "It sounds vaguely familiar, like I read a passage about it or something. Follow me to the library, and I will consult my books." *** After a few hours of study and a brief repast, Kranston revealed what he had learned. "The Axis of Annihilation is a heretical and highly fractured cult that believes that it can raise Kharas'Vhoories by merging three of the Sleeping Gods into one great overgod. It is made up of deranged and highly fringe worshippers of Lazbrall'Thull, the demon lord of slaughter and bloodletting; Nerull, the god of death and secrets; and Ba'al, the Lord of Avernus, the First Hell of Perdition. Calling them 'worshippers' is something of a misnomer, for their dogma makes it clear that the process of merging the three gods will invariably snuff out their divine essences to fuel the ritual to breathe life into Kharas'Vhoories." Kranston explained. "That's horrible." Lilian said. "Quite." Kranston responded, sipping his tea. He looked ridiculous holding the dainty handle of a fragile tea cup in his blackened, swollen demonic fingertips, pinky extended. "Why don't the priesthoods of these Sleeping Gods end this heretical cult?" Shallahai asked. "Because they do not know its membership. The first art of subterfuge: hide in plain sight. Am I correct?" Talon asked. "That's quite astute of you, Talon. Yes. In fact, its members are so hidden that the mere existence of the cult is thought of by many to be sheer rumor." Kranston responded. "What do you know of such things, Talon." I stated. "You are an aesthetic." "It is part of master's teachings. We Celind used to have to hide in plain sight or risk assassination by our mortal enemies, the Mordind." Talon responded. I couldn’t help but think this was more rubbish. Why would the Mordind seek to assassinate the Celind, unless the Mordind were truly vile? And if the Mordind were so truly vile, how would that reconcile with their asceticism? For that matter, how would subterfuge reconcile with the asceticism of the Celind? Each time I dig below the surface of Master’s teachings as revealed by Talon, I feel more uneasy. "In any event, gentlemen, an additional reason exists as to why the priesthood or secular followers of the Sleeping Gods do not destroy the heretics in their own ranks. That is because the worshippers of these particular Sleeping Gods would never voluntarily cooperate with each other to complete such a task, such is the vast difference in philosophy and teachings among them. Ba'al is the master of diabolical tactics; a perfect specimen of orderly battle, bred to conduct warfare. Lazbrall'Thull is his complete opposite; a creature driven by its own insatiable desire to kill, maim and torture in the most twisted ways imaginable with no foresight or plan. It acts on whatever sadistic desire that catches its fancy. And Nerull? well, Nerull does not share information." Kranston continued. Lilian's brow furrowed for a moment, thinking. She looked at me and at Shallahai and Talon. "You know what we must do, don't you?" I nodded my head. "Don't say it, Lilian." Hu Li pleaded. "We must stop the Axis of Annihilation from bringing back Kharas'Vhoories." Shallahai finished for her. Hu Li winced. I continued nodding my head. While the mere thought of confronting a powerful and insane cult dedicated to such foul entities made me shudder, I knew that Canaan expected no less from me. And though I had been charged with ferreting out the Adversarial plot against Canaan, stopping the return of Kharas'Vhoories to Turgos seemed somehow more pressing. "Why us?" Talon asked. We all looked at him, with various expressions. "What do you mean, 'why us?'" I asked, annoyed. "Wouldn't Balian or Helena be better equipped to confront this Axis of Annihilation, even Kranston for that matter?" Talon responded. "A wizard commands great power, when prepared for battle, yes. But a wizard needs to be able to work his magic without distraction. A wizard would likely be slaughtered if alone against a large number of foes." Kranston answered Talon. "More importantly, Balian has charged us with the task of destroying Veshra. My bets are on the fact that Veshra is helping the Axis of Annihilation." Shallahai added. "We don't even know where they are. Where would we possibly begin to look for them?" I asked. "That's where I can help." Kranston answered. * * * * Kranston beckoned us to follow him as he explained that using a spell he could probe our thoughts to get the image of The Kurjan who teleported from Brightstone Keep with the succubus and using that image, he could scry for him using the Mirror of Um-Jamhat. As he said the last, we arrived at our destination, and with a flourish Kranston brought down the burgandy curtain that we passed on our way to Kranston's summoning chamber. It revealed a mirror the height of the wall and nearly as wide. It's frame was carved alabaster and contained bas relief visages of demons copulating. They were actually moving! I averted my eyes from the ghastly, unholy sight. "This is the [I]Mirror of Um-Jamhat[/I], my friends. In it, I can find anyone I put my mind to finding. Once that person's visage appears in the mirror, you can step through the mirror to the location of that person. It is truly a wonderful device." Kranston explained, beaming. Hu Li drooled enviously. I volunteered for the mind probe, not wishing to subject Shallahai, Talon, or Canaan-forbid Lilian, to probing by this bizarre wizard. Soon the visage of The Kurjan appeared on the surface of the [I]Mirror of Um-Jamhat[/I]. "That's him!" Lilian cried out. "What's he doing?" I asked. "It looks like he's in a cave." Hu Li said. "No. It's a mine." Shallahai corrected him. Several cowled figures were engaged in some sort of ritual involving ritual scarification. The Kurjan was there, handing the box he was holding when he emerged from the mine entrance at Brightstone Keep to a woman in black robes whose eye sockets were empty. Claw marks scarred the area of her face around her eyes. The Kurjan bowed to her. "They are performing a ritual." Shallahai continued. "Are they at Brightstone Keep?" Talon asked. "I don't think so." Shallahai responded. "The candle light is shining off of the mineral in the walls. It appears to be quartz or..." Shallahai trailed off for a moment, studying the image intently. "They’re diamonds. This is a diamond mine." Shallahai finished. "There's only one place that can be." Kranston announced. We all looked at him. "They are at Diamond Lake. The only place known to have diamond mines in all of Turgos." Kranston finished dramatically. "Diamond Lake." That's where Allustan is from, I said, thinking out loud. Then it dawned on me. "We have to warn him!" I said. Kranston was already ahead of me. He issued a sending to Allustan. "You know Allustan?" I asked after the sending was away. "Oh yes. We go way back." Kranston responded nonchalantly. The sending was unanswered. After a few uncomfortable minutes, Lilian suggested. "Why don't you scry him in the [I]Mirror of Um-Jamhat[/I]." "That would not likely result in success my dear. He is obviously shielded from scrying." Kranston responded with a little too much self-assurance. Deducing a delicate situation, I offered an alternative suggestion. "Can the mirror scry places, as well as people?" "Why yes. I know where you are going with that priest. I shall scry Allustan's tower in Diamond Lake. Once its visage is on the surface of the mirror, you can walk through it to the tower." Kranston finished. In no time, Kranston had Allustan's tower on the surface of the magical mirror. We walked through it. Lilian first, followed by Talon and Shallahai, followed by Hu Li--eyes closed. I looked to Thaddeous, who was still visibly shaken by the fight with the succubus. "Will you come with us?" I asked him. He shook his head no, but did not speak. I looked to Kranston. "I can arrange for his safe passage to Soliel." Kranston assured me. "Thank you for your help, Kranston." I said, as I turned to walk through the mirror to Diamond Lake. “Evora.” Kranston beckoned. I turned back to face him. “I must confide in you something.” Kranston said sheepishly. “It is the reason I do not wish Helena to know of what has happened here, to know of my folly.” “Go on.” I responded. “As you must know, Helena is a diabolist. Her methods are similar to, but distinct from, mine. We are colleagues of a sort. Occasionally, we meet for tea and discuss arcana. But more importantly, long ago, we had a bit of a romp.” Kranston revealed. “Oh.” I said, surprised that this arcanist actually ever bedded a woman. He continued. “So you see, it would be quite embarrassing to me if you were to explain to her that I lost control of a creature I thought I had compacted with.” “That’s understandable.” I said, thankful that he did not appear to have given any notice to my surprise. Annoyance flickered on his brow as he continued. “Besides, I have to have a word with her about that particular compact.” And after a pause, he added. “And I think it best if news traveled to her by my own mouth rather than by rumors or filtered through the prayers of Canaanites.” Kranston finished. “Do not worry, Kranston. We shall not divulge your secret to Helena.” I assured the Arcanist with a tired smile and walked through the [I]Mirror of Um-Jahmat[/I] to Diamond Lake. * * * * It was raining in Diamond Lake. Sheets of cold water poured from the early Autumn sky, drenching everything. Allustan’s short, squat tower was just ahead, a solitary candle flickered in a window of its highest story a score of feet above the road. We crossed the deserted muddy street in front of the walkway to Allustan’s abode. Only the insane and the desperate would be out in this downpour, and as to which we were I was beginning to doubt. Some part of me wished I had stayed in Goldfire Glen with Gabriel, healing its people and rebuilding its livelihood. Oh Canaan, forgive me my weakness. Covering my head with the cowl of my cloak, I followed the others to Allustan’s front door, being careful not to slip in the mud. After the fourth set of knocks, the door finally opened. A tall and proud-looking bearded man dressed in fine red robes answered the door, holding a candle in his free hand. His graying hair was neatly combed and tied back in a braided ponytail with a leather strap. It was clearly Allustan. Even late in the evening at his own abode, he maintained that regal bearing I observed in Auros. Allustan’s eyes widened at the sight of the Champion. I pushed through the others to get to the front. “Allustan!” I shouted above the wind and rain. “It is I, Evora Faro. We met in Auros at the Duke’s pleasure several weeks ago. My friends and I, we come bearing dire news.” His eyes never left the Champion. “Come in! Come in! By Canaan, it’s true! The Champion has returned by the grace of Canaan!” Allustan exclaimed in disbelief as he made room for us to pass his threshold and waved us in. After closing the heavy reinforced wooden door behind us, he turned. “You must be freezing! Come to my study. I have a fire going. You must warm yourselves before you catch your death.” He quickly moved passed, leading us up a stone staircase around the inside wall of his tower to the second floor and his study. A whirlwind of activity ensued. Once inside, we removed our soaking wet outer garments and warmed them by the fire. Allustan brought blankets for us and sat in a nearby overstuffed chair. His servant brought us cups of hot mulled cider. Allustan’s eyes were still full of wonder at the sight of Lilian, alive. I was quite impressed by Allustan’s tower. It was tastefully modest, unlike the crass opulence of Kranston’s diabolical abode. And it was pristinely maintained, unlike Balian’s dilapidated tower. I’ve always believed that you can tell a lot about a man by observing how he keeps his home. I noted in Auros those many weeks ago that Allustan was the first wizard I had met that seemed at all “normal.” Being in his home only solidified that feeling. I felt very comfortable with Allustan. “I received word from the Duke that the Voice and Will had indeed performed the miracle of resurrection and successfully returned Lilian Evenshire to our world. But the knowing of a thing is nothing compared to the seeing of a thing. Remarkable.” Allustan said, examining Lilian. All of his fuss was clearly making Lilian uncomfortable. “Allustan, much has happened since then and we bring terrible news.” I stated firmly. “Yes. Yes. Of course.” He fixed his full attention on me. I told Allustan of our efforts to return Shale to us and explained that the creature standing before him is Shale reincarnated as Shallahai. I detailed our efforts to take Brightstone Keep. And finished with the Succubus and The Kurjan teleporting away with the treasures of the Wind Dukes and our confrontation with Kranston and Caladriel. “So you see, Allustan. According to the [I]Mirror of Um-Jahmat[/I], The Kurjan brought the Wind Duke’s treasures here to Diamond Lake and is presently in a diamond mine near here.” I finished the tale. “Impossible!” Allustan responded in disbelief after I had finished. “After all of these years, the treasure of the Wind Dukes is right under my nose. And their tomb has been ransacked by a demon and a Half-Orc!” Allustan’s face was flushed. “I’m afraid your prediction may have been accurate, Allustan. It does indeed appear that someone is trying to bring back Kharas’Voorhies.” I continued. Allustan recovered from his outburst. The rational, composed wizard reasserted himself. “This Axis of Annihilation must be stopped. I fear that Turgos is not ready to fight Kharas’Voorhies. Canaan’s followers have become soft. The Green’s followers live in fear of Canaan’s. The wizards are not united.” Allustan paused pensively. “Do you know the history of Kharas’Voorhies?” Allustan asked. “My master bested him long ago.” Hu Li answered proudly. “No. Canaan smote him.” Lilian corrected Hu Li. “Not really, we don’t.” I answered. Looking at Lilian and Hu Li, Allustan said. “Actually, you are both wrong.” Then he told us the story of Kharas’Voorhies. “Mind you that my particular area of expertise is in the province of the Wind Dukes of Aaqa and the primordial spheres ruled by the elements. But I was for a time an apprentice to Balian the Everwatchful and learned much of the time before.” Allustan took a sip of his mulled cider before continuing. “I do not know from where Kharas’Voorhies came, but it is clear from writings about him and rumor that he transcended mortality. His true allegiance was to Nerull. In fact, once he had tricked Orcus into granting him lichdom, Kharas’Voorhies revealed his allegiance to Nerull, the god of Death and Secrets. He created a damned city; a safe haven for Nerull worshippers in the jungles of the Thassaline. Centuries ago, Kharas’Voorhies sucked the souls out of every living being in that city to fuel a ritual designed to make him a god. He only partially succeeded.” Allustan paused again to take a sip of his mulled cider. “I don’t know what happened back then, but its result was such that Kharas’Voorhies was unable to affect this world. Then, three hundred years ago, his diabolic servant, Veshra, freed him. Kharas’Voorhies was intent on subjugating Turgos and challenging Canaan directly. It was then, for the first time in history, that the wizards of Turgos, led by Balian the Everwatchful, united to form the First Council of Wizards. Balian convinced the Council of Wizards to stand together with the Church of Canaan to vanquish Kharas’Voorhies. Balian and the other wizards reasoned that should Kharas’Voorhies prevail in his battle for Turgos, the Age of Worms would begin, snuffing out all life as we knew it. Helena was the first to concur, and with her concurrence, several others joined the ranks. Together, the Wizards of Turgos and the Canaanites defeated Kharas’Voorhies, but only temporarily. They were unable to kill him, managing only to imprison him.” “The wizards saw that their involvement in the affair between Canaan and Kharas’Voorhies was decisive of the victor. But more importantly, the Canaanites did as well. The Canaanites were too well aware of the power the wizards commanded. The Wizards knew it would be only a matter of time before the Canaanites took it upon themselves to limit that power. So, Balian preempted the Canaanites. He convened a Second Council of Wizards, at which the Wizards of Turgos agreed to The Grand Injunction; a decree that prohibits a wizard from interfering in any way with matters of religion in Turgos. The Grand Injunction was presented to the Voice and Will and ratified by the Curia. That was the end of the matter. But Balian was crafty. He provided in the Injunction that the Wizards would police themselves. And since there was no real vehicle for doing so, given that the wizards had no formal affiliation with one another, no wizard ever came up on charges of violating The Grand Injunction. It was a win-win scenario for the wizards.” We sat silently letting Allustan’s tale sink in. “I had no idea that Balian was so involved in these historical events.” Talon said after a moment. “Yes. I had thought him a selfish, eccentric, probably insane old coot.” Lilian added. “Well, this explains why none of the wizards of the higher orders with which we have been conferring are involving themselves in these affairs. It explains why Balian and Helena did not vanquish Veshra on their own and why they merely suggested the danger she represented and trusted us to go on our own out of our own sense of duty.” I said, thinking out loud. “Well, it didn’t really happen that way.” Lilian corrected me. “I think Balian probably pushed us out the door, rather insistent that we find and vanquish Veshra.” Lilian continued. “A blurring of the lines between violation of the Grand Injunction and acceptable behavior at the very least.” Lilian finished. “I suppose you’re right, Lilian.” I responded. “But why the secrecy until now? None of them—Balian, Helena or Kranston—told us the reason they did not get themselves involved was due this Grand Injunction.” I continued. “That’s because we wizards don’t generally like to remind people of its existence. Out of sight, out of mind.” Allustan said with a wink. “Hu Li, did you know about this Injunction?” Shallahai asked questioningly. “Perhaps.” Hu Li responded vaguely in his characteristically shrill voice. “Of course he did.” I quickly countered. “Don’t be fooled, Shallahai! That’s why he refused to go to Soliel with us after the incident at Harpy Ruins that killed nearly all of us.” I continued angrily. “I say, Allustan, what is the penalty for violation of The Grand Injunction?” I asked, turning to the arcanist. “Death by burning at the stake in a public square.” Allustan responded. “Of course it is.” I said cynically, turning back to Hu Li, who had lowered his gaze into his lap. “Evora, let it go.” Lilian said soothingly. “Canaan has a reason for everything.” She assured me. “You are right, Lilian. Forgive my outburst.” I said sheepishly. It was now my turn to lower my gaze into my lap. “Yes, perhaps Canaan had a reason for Talon’s tactical miscalculation at Harpy Ruins that nearly killed all of us.” Hu Li harrumphed, emboldened by my cowing. I turned beet red, but held my tongue. Talon raised a finger to correct Hu Li, but thought better of it as Shallahai’s cautioning gaze penetrated the young monk. “You have all clearly been through much.” Alluston stated. “But if you are intent on searching for The Kurjan and believe him to be in a diamond mine near here, the diamond mine is owned by Ragnolin Dourstone and is known as the Dourstone Mine.” “What sort of man is this Ragnolin Dourstone.” Shallahai asked. “He is no man, in fact, Shallahai. He is a dwarf.” Allustan responded. “Dwarf? Did you say dwarf?” Hu Li asked incredulously. “Yes. Why?” Allustan responded. “I thought them myth.” Hu Li shrilly responded. “Oh no. Dwarves are quite tangible.” Allustan assured Hu Li. “This particular dwarf is extremely taciturn and greedy. Normally, I would recommend that you obtain permission from him to enter his mine before you go investigating in it. But in this case, we don’t know his where his allegiance lays. For all we know, he is collecting rent from the Axis of Annihilation to rent space in his mine.” Allustan finished sardonically. “No, in this case, I recommend that you investigate by means of stealth.” Allustan advised. “I should like to see this dwarf, nonetheless.” Hu Li announced. “I have never seen a dwarf.” “Hu Li does have a point.” Talon offered before any us could react. “We might learn something about this dwarf’s allegiances, if we talked to him without tipping him off to the reason for our presence here.” He continued. “Will you be here when, Canaan willing, we return?” I asked Allustan. “By all means.” Allustan responded. “Then we shall return to you once we have completed our mission.” I said. “May we spend the night here to prepare for our trials?” I asked. “Of course, Evora. My apprentice will see to your rooms.” Allustan responded. A nervous boy, perhaps 14 years old appeared in the doorway, wearing elegant red robes. A few freckles marred his melanin deficient skin and his light-brown hair stood shock up, meticulously greased to remain in that position. Coupled with his youthfulness, raised eyebrows and nervousness, the boy looked to be in a constant state of surprise. “This is Austin Veradesex, my apprentice.” Allustan said, gesturing to the boy. “He will take you now.” We followed the apprentice up the stairs to the third and final floor of the squat tower. “I have heard that you are the Heroes of Goldfire Glen. Is that true?” Austin asked. “I suppose so.” Lilian responded. “And many of you have died and been returned.” He said breathily, looking at Shallahai. Shallahai nodded. “It appears so.” Talon responded. “That’s quite remarkable! Sometimes I think of how incredible it would be to be a hero like yourselves. But then I think of the danger and the dying. It makes me happy that I have a warm bed and a good master looking after me.” Austin finished with a smile. I looked at Austin. “Never forget what you have here, Austin. And don’t be too quick to leave the tutelage of such a learned sage and good man.” That night I dreamed of Talon sticking a sword made of green energy into the gut of his master, killing him, and Lilian being consumed by darkness and taken by oblivion. Bad omens preceding a worse day. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Tirlanolir/D'nemy's Tales of Turgos: The Heroes of Goldfire Glen (UPDATE 7/26)
Top