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Rocket your D&D 5E and Level Up: Advanced 5E games into space! Alpha Star Magazine Is Launching... Right Now!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 259750" data-attributes="member: 143">Thanks all; I must be doing my job as a writer when a cliff-hanger provokes so many replies.  As if NWN wasn't enough, my fiancee got me Warcraft III this weekend for my birthday.  There just aren't enough hours in the day.  And to make matters worse, we lost another staff member at work, and guess who got her workload...ARGH!  Monday!  Well, at least there's one bright Monday morning constant: story hour update!  * * * * * Book V, Part 16And then…The silvery sheen of the mithral wall beyond the arch began to deepen, until the color of the metal was darker than that of the blood that coated its surface.  Then, as the dwarf and the drow elf watched together in amazement, the metal seemed to grow transparent, its surface falling in upon itself until a corridor of utter blackness that seemed impervious to the room’s light gaped in the very substance of the pillar. They did not have long to wait, for only a few moments more crept by before the outline of a form appeared in the darkness.  It moved forward, and as it reached the transition point where the metal wall had just stood it resolved itself instantly into a humanoid form as it strode into the chamber.  He was a young human male, well built, naked save for a long skirt apparently fashioned of thin metallic scales that shone in the torchlight with a golden sheen.  At first glance it was clear that he was bald, but on closer examination it became clear that he had no hair at all on any part of his body that was readily visible.  While he had no eyebrows, exaggerated brows had been painted on his forehead with dark pigment, their whirls and twists exaggerating the strong lines of his face.  He was beautiful in an otherworldly way, but his eyes blazed in a way that was utterly incongruous with the appearance and movements of his physical form.  He strode forward boldly, his bare feet slapping against the cold stone, the metal scales of his garment whisking softly as he moved.  His gaze took in everything, traveled over Shemma for an instant before dismissing her, and finally settled on the dark elf.  When he spoke, it was with a voice both deep and sonorous, with a slight echo as if it were emitting from a dark cavern.  He spoke in an ancient language known to few on the surface world, but which was understood by both of those present.  “I am the Avatar.  I have been sent to pave the way.”The dark elf bowed.  “I am honored by your presence.  Everything has progressed according to the schedule.” The young man turned and walked along the edge of the bowl, gazing down at the messy pile of flesh at its bottom.  For a moment, it was as if he had forgotten the presence of the other two.  Then, finally, he turned, raising one hand and flexing the muscles along his arm as if testing the power stored within.  “The schedule must be accelerated.  The final ceremony will take place three days’ hence, at the alignment of Xoros and Calivex.”The duergar cleric, who had thus far been silently appreciating the results of her handiwork, stepped forward.  “Three days… but that’s impossible!  It will take months, yet, to acquire the gems needed to complete the stele…”She subsided as the full weight of the Avatar’s gaze settled upon her, the words drifting away as her mouth moved soundlessly.  He looked back up at the dark elf, who nodded reluctantly.  “I do not see how it can be done, Great One,” he acknowledged.“As I said, I have come to pave the way,” the young man repeated.  “If necessary, blood will ease the way to the final rending of the seals.  There has been much waiting for this moment, but for now action must replace caution.  My appearance here will not… has not… gone unnoticed.”“I must rest.  Manifesting here has been… tiring...”“Of course, Great One,” the dark elf said.  “Come, we have prepared quarters for your needs.  They are nothing for one such as you…”“They will be suitable.  I must rest… and then, we will begin…”He allowed himself to be led by the dark elf out of the chamber, while the duergar simply stood there, watching them go, her misgivings clear in the furrowed line of her brow.</blockquote>

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