Venta Cemetary

Its been awhile, I know.  We have been on the move.  Since arriving in Kourna we have rescued Koss, which was laughably easy.  I thought it was a trap, but it seems they've underestimated us.  They will not do so again.  We've also run on some light sunspear rescue missions, but now that we have them all we have to evacuate them.  This will prove a problem, because our path the boats is heavily guarded.

 

Our task at hand is to neutralize every one of the twelve guard posts on the way to Koss' contact.  Seems simple enough in such a large area but  it is teeming with enemies, and directly in the center is a huge fortress that will seige us  if we are spotted.  We must do it quickly.    There are also traps.  Sentry trap that fling sharp projectiles on a timed sequence.  Luckily Rojis teaches me how to disarm them, crafty sunspear.

 We leave from the command post with our sunspears.  We wipe out the first command post as quickly as we can, and move on to the next, and the next.  We flank patrol groups of corsairs and kournans and send them to the mists.  We edge the perimiters, we are definitely no match for what the fortress would have in store for us.  Finally we wipe out the last of the towers, and move towards Koss' contact.

We get to the boats and there stands a woman, Corsair to the bone.  I do not trust her, but Koss says she is not a loyal corsair.  She goes where the money is, and at the moment, the money is with us.  They know eachother well I can tell, so I let go of my better judgement and we board the ship to Kamadan to give our findings to the Council.  They will not be happy, we are at open war with Varesh

.

Consulate Docks

 Oh Elona, where have you been all my life.  It is warm, sunny, and smells of the sea.   Kormir greets me right off the boat, pleased to see us so soon.  From one adventure to the next, i'm developing a taste for saving the world.  She asks me to help her rally her troops, and so I stand with her as she delivers a fantastical speech that lights the hearts of the Sunspears on fire.  The problems in Elona stem from a woman named Varesh.  She is a dervish sorceress, and according to Kormir, she is intent on bringing Nightfall upon the lands of the Golden Sun.  She wants to free Abaddon from his immortal chains, blah blah blah, sounds so familiar.  Someones always trying to free something or other to end the world.  Third times the charm right? I hope theres no battles afterwards.

 

We arrive at the consulate docks with our troops are Kormir.  They look a little apprehensive at first to be following someone new in to battle, but my record speaks for itself, and most importantly, Kormir Speaks for me.   Kormir is a seasoned warrior with a spear, older with experience, and reveared by all generals of the peacekeeping Sunspears, and feared by the wretched Kournans.   We fight our ways through the gates until we reach Nerashi's team.  All of this seems too easy to me, and Dunkoro, a weathered healer, balding and sunburnt, agrees with me.  Kormir agrees aswell, but she demands we push forward anyways, and watch for being flanked.

 

We find Varesh in the keep by a shrine.  She is casting a spell, and a large ominous purple orb hovers over the circle, pulsing.  She cackles with laughter as an enormous beast emerges with a few emmisaries.  Nightmares to behold.

 

 We fight valiantly, but our new recruits are not trained against beasts.  One by one they fall until we have no choice but to retreat.  It does not come easily to any of us, but it is now our responsibility to get as many as we can out safely. 

Dunkoro beings to organize our retreat, finding a safeway out under covering fire.  Kormir is the only one that remains in the keep alive, and Varesh just continues to laugh while intermittantly yelling "ABADDON!" 

Poor brave Kormir.  As we stand at the gate she is the only sunspear left in the battle, and she is lone against the great Hunger.  It will eat her eyes, it keeps barking, and she falls captive.  We must run. Upon arrival on the mainlands, we are told that Koss has been taken aswell.  He is being held near though, looks like two rescue missions are on the docket now.

Raisu Palace

A group of four.  We are the end of Shiro. We arrive at the palace to find it seemingly abandoned.  The gates are all locked upon the way but we see Shiro'ken.  These Shiro'ken appear to be at ease, they must have been here for awhile.

This only means that Shiro is already within the palace.  He wants the emperors head so that he may be mortal again.  Though this seems a good thing for him, it is good for as aswell, because mortal we can kill.  Kuunavang gives us great gifts of skill we will need to be victorious, and we go on our way.

Unwaking Waters

In to the jade whirlpool.  Mhenlo led us to the harvest temple, theres been an awful occurance.  The emperor has taken Shiro on as a body guard.  Can you believe that?? Shiro! A bodyguard.

 He was allowed entrance to the harvest temple, but the guards say he was acting most strange. Stranger than allowing a murdering ghost to be on your team? I would think not.

 We begin our descent through the jade maze of the harvest temple.  An old friend joins me, his skills have become quite honed over the years and the help is always a welcome sight. 

 We are attacked by afflicted creatures the entire way down as we run in circles trying to attack or appease the great dragon, Kuunavang.  Finally he takes us in to the central chamber of the temple where he speaks.

 We cannot hope to defeat Shiro if we cannot deem ourselves worthy to Kuunavang and recieve gifts. He attacks us with poison flames and weakens us with his scales but we hold strong and are victorious.  He tells us there is massive unreset within the palace, the emperor himself is under attack and we must hurry.  Shiro attacks for the final time.

Eternal Grove

We arrived in the eternal grove but our negotiations were not met well.   The Kurzicks were amidst a war with the luxon over the Eternal Trees, and they all believed the afflicted to be gone when we battled Shiro in the sewers.

They lock us up in the keep when the Luxons approach in attack, turtles the size of houses with large cannons attached to their back slowly waddle forward.  A sight of terror, if not so awkwardly humorous!

Boreas Seabed

We arrive at the Boreas Seabed.  The welcome is much warmer than at the Kurzicks, but I feel that is only because there are so many people here.  The Elder is well acquainted with Master Togo, and allows us audience with her instantly. 

Arborstone

Deep in the Kurzick forest we delved.  It is dark and the people are pale and powdered. Mushrooms grow to the size of trees and deliver a pollen that slows us.  We burst through wardens, who appear like walking trees, and go to the Cathedral as we were bid.  The first thing we need is the Urn of Saint Viktor, and it lies amidst years of degraded ruins.  Countess Danika uses her magic to open the gate for me, and she seems very comfortable with us and Mhenlo.  Cynn must be going crazy.

Tahnnakai Temple

Now that we are Weh No Su, we dash off to meet Master Togo at the sacred Temple of Tahnnakai.  The guard at the gate doesn't allow us entrance though, but Mhenlo comes out when he sees us.  Master Togo has spotted masses of afficted marching to a place down the tunnels and we are needed to help.  We escort Mhenlo safely to Togo and annihilate the siege, and Togo comes back with us to the Temple as Mhenlo takes his leave to speak with Nika, and will join us inside the temple.

Nahpui Quarter

Nahpui Quarter, home of the adept.  This is where we belong for the Canthan ascension.  If we wish to see Shiro, we must pass the test of the celestials.  Before us, the seer tells of the four great bosses we must defeat.  The four bosses are celestial in nature, made of stars, and I can't imagine anything made of stars to be harmful.

The old man opens bright orbs of portals for us to begin our venture, and upon entrance we see a manner of beast that is familiar.  They are like the Caromi Tengu of my home, except they are referred to as "stars".  They fill the platforms and confusing ramps and paths and we are very careful not to attract the attention of too many.   We reach the first celestial being, a monk named Kaijun Don.  The shape of a kirin, the equestrian creature sparkles and glimmers.  Truly beautiful to behold, but soon enough we find out how deadly it can be.  Dodging and casting, we destroy him sadly, but in his place a great beacon of celestial power erupts and from within emerge dozens of smaller copies of Kaijun, and we are forced to lay him down repeatedly.  We follow the outskirts of the maps until we reach the next being, a turtle referred to as Kuonghsang.  Don't ask me to pronounce that. We defeat him next, and again a beacon emerges spraying copies of not only himself, but Kaijung Don aswell.  Fighting their copies and the star tengus we reach Tahmu, a celestial dragon.  Awe inspiring is his shape, the glimmering of the moon off the stars that have come to earth, but we must kill Shiro so we destroy the phoenix sadly, and copies of each of them litter our final path to Hai Jii, the mesmer.   Hai Jii is a quick defeat, we aim only for him as when he is dead, we are finished.

Adept Nai transports us to Senji's Corner, a small outpost nearing the vales to the clanstowns.  We have successfully become weh no su, and that is one step closer to saving Cantha from Shiro the great.  Seems my life has become all about saving the world.

Hell's Precipice

 

 The gates of Komalie are open.  Speaking to a gentle lost soul in our safehold, I learn that the gates are closed by "Soul batteries".  The chosen are sent as sacrifice to keep the gates closed.  This is what we were sent for, to reclose them with our lives, but I have a suspicion that should we time it right, the Vizier, i'm sorry... the Lich, would be enough to close the doors for good and end this prophecy. If I am to die, I will not die withou taking a few of grenths bastards with me.

Ring of Fire

We have reached the islands.  The air is thick with ash from the volcanic rocks. Brechnar, Jalis' brother, stands with us on the port and we are instantly despaired, as the path is thick with mursaat guards and it seems hopeless.  He turns to me with a wink, and yells "FOR THE DWARVES!" and alone he runs, taking all the Mursaat with him.  A heroes death, much like Saidra.  We do not waste our moment and run up the opposite path scarcely seen by enemy eyes.  We reach a magical ward that blocks our progress.  Carefully, I distract the Jade guards with my longbow, and then we go in for the kill.

Thunderhead Keep

The Deldrimor Dwarves are in trouble.  Everyone is in trouble these days, but they are the only ones who can transport us to the fire island so we must get their fortress back.  The White mantle, along with their mursaat, have broken the gates and overrun the sacred place.  King Jalis is in a temper, red with rage at the befouling of his beloved keep.

Iron Mines of Moladune

 Up the mountain we climb.  The chilled air thinning with every step.  I am going to kill Markis. The traitourous swine needs his heart cut out, and served to Saidras monument on a platter of gold.  I am also off to see if the Seer can aid our fight. Evennia's intelligent officers tell us the Seer is holed up in a cave atop the mountain.   Fiends of all types dog our feet while we take the mountain backpathes.  To face the mursaat now would be a suicide mission. A price we cannot afford to pay. 

What the Seer has is store for us in a mystery.  The secrets to the mursaat much the same.  When we reach him it is with nervousness, and awe to finally have a way to defeat these terrible beasts.  The seer stands by a fire.  Or floats, I should say.   It hovers over the ground, a creature unlike any i've ever seen.  Its body wide and rectangular as a stone coffin, its voice faintly feminine and robotic.  I can scarcely believe a creature such as this would need our help, but it tells me that it wants to help us because I will do what its kind never could; defeat the Mursaat for good.  It cannot help me as it stands though.  There is a beast, a Eidolon, in a cave nearby and its skin is naturally immune to the agonizing touch of the Mursaat.  Naturally, I must kill it and bring its guts steaming freshly to the Seer and he will infuse my armor with it.  Also naturally, I do as it asks.

Time to test this spectral beings work.  I leave the cave to go further up the mountain and encounter my first Mursaat.  I am stronger, and he does not overcome me like before.  It works!  Praise be to Dwayna.  The playing field is now even.  Before killing Markis, I decide to take my new gift for a spin.  I am going to release all their prisoners, and dismantle their trebuchets, annihilation of the white mantle and mursaat is also on my menu.  I climb back down the mountain through the enemy camps until I find Blade Scout Ryder.  Only one prisoner? I had wished to hit them much harder, but Ryder tells me there is a Judge. And Inquisitor if you will, and he is leaving to meet with Markis at this moment.  I will take his head for Ascalon.

Taking a moment, I breathe.  I put myself back on track. We come up to Markis' keep, and dispatch of his watch from outside the wall.  Inside, he scoffs at us seeking revenge, but  he is grossly outnumbered now, and we are immune to the Mursaats agony.  He is dead, and Evennia curses him in death to spend his time in the mists in torture for those he's gotten killed and betrayed.  Saidra has been avenged.

Thirsty River

Task two.  We run up the paths which are littered with devourers, and giants.  We must find the second Hero to complete our next task.   This task will lead to our cleansing, we must take the hero safetly to the Rune Circle at the bottom of the hill.  Sounds easy enough, but we will be passing legion after legion of serpants, each with ressurection abilities.

Sanctum Cay

We arrived in the small beach port with no real difficulties.  The White Mantle never managed to catch up, but now with the scepter we must find the Vizier on the island.  Our boat sets sail on the calm blue sea, and within no time we reach our destination.  Evennia lets us off and hands me the Scepter.  She says she would trust no one elses skill with it over mine.  The compliment is humbling. If only she knew how I failed my prince.

Bloodstone Fen

The White Mantle will know by now that I am with the Shining Blade.  They will know that I helped give them the Chosen, and they will assume now that I am hostile.  I don't expect a reception of Battle Isle Iced Tea and jars of honey where I see them next.  To be honest though, I know not what to make of these Shining Blade.  They are unorganized, but powerful.  They dress like exhiles and rebels but fight with the fervor of trained soldiers.  They speak of a princess, thrown aside by the takeover of the Mantle.  Salma is her name, she takes refuge in the Temple of Ages.  What makes me trust the Blade more, is that they have left me the decision.  They told me to find the bloodstone, then all my answers about the White Mantle will reveal themselves, and I fully intend to do so. 

The Wilds

It has gone bad.  Deep in the jungle, where the air is heavy and humid, the jungle rebels of the Shining Blade have killed the brother of Justiciar Thommis, and they have kidnapped all the of the chosen and lead them to their deaths.   Justiciar Thommis is in the throws of grief at his lost brother and swears the death of all Shining Blade.  He commands me though, and my team, to chase them in to the jungle.  Chase them in to the Wilds they know much better than myself.  Though my skill is forever rising and I have yet to fail a mission, I can't help but think this isn't something to give to the new allies. A piece of me tells me this is a trap.  A piece feels honour bound to do what they ask.  I wish Rurik could command me, level my thoughts and fears and rationalize me.   He is not.  I must forget him. He will never be seen again.  In to the wilds I go. 

 Deep in to the forest we forge, and it is not far before we are seen by the Shining Blade.  They have the advantage of knowing the terrain.  We are trapped by entangling branches, and swarmed by scarabs, beasts that suck the life from you at every touch.

While we blindly stumble through the thick brush we stumble upon a centaur meeting.  They speak of some big name commanders meeting in the area, a party I think I will crash before we save the chosen.  The Blade have already seen us, the element of surprise is long lost.  After I get as much information from them as I deem necessary we slit their throats and I take my spoil.  A seed that seems to grow, and return to seed form.  Magical, it could be very useful to me in the correct places.  We run across massive fallen trees that serve as bridges, and trip through the moving roots in the jungle floor and from around a mountain side I spy the Shining Blade at a cliff.  He is surely lost himself, maybe we aren't as hopeless as I had though, but then I see him take a seed not unlike mine and drop it within a shining orb in the brush and from it emerges a mass of vines creating a bridge and off he goes. 

We dismember centaur after centaur until we turn off towards the meeting.  This could work in our advantage, for if the Shining Blade does not think we are following after all, they may slow.  We come to the meeting area.  Empowered statues of what looks like shining blue energies litter the area, and so do more centaurs.   In the back, we find two powerful elementalist centaurs, they must be those spoken of.  They definitely have the advantage of power, but we have the numbers, and the brain. 

Our jobs done, we continue on our path to the Shining Blade.  They have left us a trail with their vine bridge.  We come across fields of Trolls, their skins green from the jungle diets, and great spindly wind riders trying to invade our minds.  We finally catch sight of the Blade again, they run in to the river.    The moment my feet wade into the cool jungle waters I feel renewed.  The waters must be enchanted with mending powers.  We run anewed, darkness around us from the thick canopy above until we are surrounded with spiders.  One by one they come from the canopy tops and attack, and I get a bad feeling.  This is how they intend to dispose of the Chosen.  They will feed them to the spiders.

Sure enough, we are in a nest.  The chosen are all spun up and ready to be fed, and the Blade are keeping watch.  The spider slowly lowers itself and runs to its first victim, but the Shining Blade soldier attacks the spider instead.  Their leader, a woman in white, yells across at us to stop following them for now, if we had a heart we would help them save the Chosen... Save the chosen? We cut through the spiders, the Chosen are freed, but we are now surrounded the Blade.  The leader, the woman in white, is named Evennia, and she questions us.  Not harshly, but directly.  She says they were saving the chosen from the Mantle. The spiders, ofcourse, were a mistake.  The mantle kill the chosen every year, an offering to the Bloodstone.  What the Bloodstone is, I have no idea, but Evennia says we are free.  We are free to find our own answers, to head to the bloodstone, and then we will know what fools the Mantle have played us for.  Fools indeed my heart tells me.

Divinity Coast

The air is getting thicker the further west I go. It smells sweeter, more humid.   I am to be given a great honour today, to escort the "chosen warriors" to the Justiciars.   The Eye of Janthir will follow me and my team and we must seek out our soldiers.  We follow the path to Shaemoor.  Justiciar Hablion is waiting for us, and the Eye is indeed magnificent.  It is a pyramid of flourescence with a human shaped eye directly in the middle.  It eminates flows of electricity, either giving courage to its reciever or knocking them down in rejection.  Before we may take the Eye, Hablion says we must be cleansed and purified in the ritual fountain of Truth.  It is crawling with Mergoyles, so we must engage in their defeat before we are worthy.

 We return, cleansed, to Hablion, and the eye attaches itself to us through yarns of electricity.  It picks up a citizen immediately within the gates, and they are overjoyed.  We gain another in the small town down the path.  We are to take the Eye and its chosen few to Loamhurst so they may set off on their journey.  Some villagers are not as easy to find. Some villagers were under attack already when we arrived.  We manage to find and save them all though, and when we arrive in Loamhurst we are given a heroes welcome.  The chosen stand with those already in the villa, and the eye takes its place atop the Altar.

I do not know where they are going.  When loading up into the caravan, my party and myself are invited to join.  We are going to the jungle, which is not far from here.  We arrive in a place called Druid's Overlook, and my heart is made easy by the large shrine of my patron Goddess, Dwayna, in the square.  It must be a sign that I am meant to have come here.

D'alessio Seaboard

I'm not sure I trust the White Mantle.  It is nothing in their actions, but the way they spew their hatred around about the Shining Blade, a band of rebels i'm told, reminds me muchly of the way King Adelbern spewed his hatred of the Krytans.  I help them though, more, but I will remain on guard and make my own decisions.  This has helped us all greatly on our perilous journey.   Emotions lead to rash decision, which may lead to death. 

I meet my co-ordinator,  Mantle Knight Karriya, and he tells me that they have found the sceptor of Orr. My eyes nearly pop out of my head in surprise.  This sceptor is the sign of the Flameseeker stories, the fabled weapon of the mercilous Lich.  Many men died retrieving this scepter overnight aswell, overtaken by the undead.  My mission is simple.  Cleanse Hakewood of all the undead scum, find Confessor Dorian, and retrieve the sceptor of Orr.  Time to go.