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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Jun 2005 : 21:33:18
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"Ah friend your willingness to work by my side is appreciated. But I must decline your offer friend, not because you are not able, but because I do not wish to be discovered and you be hurt in the process. I am a good escape artist, so being on my own in this matter would be best. I promise I will turn back once I see any kind of activity. I will not engage the enemy without you all there."
Elussien looks at his friend Valanwe with a deep show of respect, then turns to Daleson as all have done so. He was their leader, he would make the call and whether or not it was the best solution he would follow willingly.
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 12:18:21
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As is his way, Daleson listens to the opinions of the group before making a rash decision. Foolish maybe. "We stay together. Elussien, since I know not your strengths to their potential, I will trust in your judgement. Let us prepare, however, before you make your descent. Someone tie up some rope to the nearby trees so we will be able to rappel down to aid our rogue if trouble finds him.
Oh, and make sure the tree does not come to life," he adds rubbing some of his fresh wounds.
Trahæarn quietly joins Elussien and Valanwé. After a glance to the elder elf, he looks at Elussien, not entirely sure what to make of the newcomer. “If you are going in there, you might need some help,” he offers. |
Edited by - Kaladorm on 29 Jun 2005 12:18:54 |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 17:13:14
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Elussien nodded his thinks to Daleson for his support, looking to whoever might have a rope. Then it was Trahæarn who spoke to him.
"Well I thank you friend. I realize it is highly unsettling to send in just one man to make sure the passage is safe. But I have had extensive training in this area which I believe could help this group. This area of stealth though is difficult to maintain with others in tow. I shall be fine friend, just a quick look see and we'll all be exploring soon after." He nodded to Trahæarn, showing no disrespect.
"Here..." Caylith hands the rope to Elussien. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2005 : 23:24:19
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| Elussien moved swiftly through the storage room, finding nothing of interest. His real goal was to figure out where they needed to go. When he came across the statue he was at first puzzled but knew he could come back to that in due time. Quickly he moved on. Confronted with the door and passage, curiosity caught the better of him to check out the room, only to reveal the staircase which was something he could leave to his friends. Using as much stealth as possible Elussien crept through the passage way that had turned hard left. The sound ahead was a threat, something he didn't want to fight for sure, but he had to know what it was. So without fear, he moved forward hoping to get close enough for a good look. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2005 : 23:32:07
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Carefully feeling his way along the corridor, Elussien eventually reaches the room around the corner, and also the location of the sounds he heard.
In the room are three humanoid creatures huddled about something. Their skin is a deep purple, much like a fresh bruise, and had many open holes in it where the flesh has simply fallen off.
As Elussien approaches one of them looks up and stares right in his direction, giving Elussien a view of what exactly it was they were huddled around. The three 'things' had been eating a human corpse.
Perhaps it doesn't know that Elussien is there, or perhaps it doesn't care, as after a few seconds it goes back to eating its meal, the sharp teeth ripping the flesh from the corpse and making a wet crunching sound as it gnaws on the bones |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2005 : 23:23:35
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Quickly Elussien averted his eyes, seeing the absolute horror before him. It was bad to see a man cut in two, but this desolation of human flesh broke all barriers. With as much safety as possible Elussien made his way back to the group, moving up the rungs of the ladder as fast as his little legs could carry him. His chest heaved from the speed in which he took, looking around findally to the members of his party.
"It would appear that this... home, is home to some foul beasts. There are several creatures feasting upon... what can only be called a man." He looked to dale for guidence, this rabbit hole had just gotten alot deeper. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2005 : 23:24:51
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"Hmm...is there anyway, we can draw them out here?" Caylith asked?
"These creatures," Selm began, looking carefully at the grim look in
Elussien's eyes, "what exactly did they look like?" He felt a sinking
feeling in his stomach - having dealt with various kinds of creatures
before, he was well aware that anything that feasted on corpses like that
was less than friendly and he had a nagging doubt that he knew what the
creatures were. "And were they," he paused, wrinkling his nose in distaste
and trying to find a good way of expressing it, "less than truly alive?" |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 11:51:21
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| "Between us Selm, I believe we can take care of any undead creatures. If they are beyond the living we must dispose of them. I will descend first, as the Morninglord abhors the unliving and has charged all of his followers with destroying them. I need someone watching my back and also someone to pick off any straglers from a distance. And, I will cast a spell to weaken any undead near to the opening to about twenty paces even below us. Try and stay close to it if they are undead for extra protection." With a telling grin Daleson straps his shield to his back over his axe, checks his mace for quick reach, and grasps his holy symbol and says a quick prayer. "Are we ready?" he asks. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 14:34:54
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| Caylith draws her sword and looks at Elussien. "Can all of us fit down there? If not, I am not opposed to remaining up here to catch any that try to escape by coming past Lord Daleson and out this way?" |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 18:37:20
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"I believe the passage is wide enough for combat, although I do not know if I can easily use my crossbow with you guys side by side. I could initiate the assult with my crossbow, then when they get within range you could use your swords. I hope for our sakes these things can be killed quickly, I do nay relish the idea of becoming tonights mutton. Also, we might wish to use some kind of light, maybe torch or that spell of yours Master Valanwe. If you wish I will lead, but I would like you guys as the shield... not the close combat kind of guy." He grins slightly.
"Oh and I might just want to mention to you all... there is another way to go. There is a staircase that looks to lead up into the manor, if we do not wish to commit to battle."
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 18:39:06
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"I suggest we all stay together then. I doubt any will escape, Caylith.
Given the narrow confines we should think carefully about how we will go
down there. My Lady also detests these imitations of true life, I will
happily follow Daleson to try and remove them as efficiently as possible."
Selm looks at the others, ready to descend.
Caylith nods and prepares to follow. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 18:50:12
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| "I would not wish to pass these creatures by, though I remain opposed to venturing further," says Valanwé. "They may pose a greater threat later. I am able to cast a spell for light - upon what would you have it cast?" |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 12:20:34
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Thinking carefully over Valanwes words, Elussien finally smiles. "You could always cast it upon..." He extends the poison tipped bolt.
Trahæarn looks briefly at Elussien before focusing on Valanwé, “That might be a good idea, to keep them at distance. However, if they are as unnatural as it sounds, would your poison have any effect?” |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 16:02:08
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"I'm sorry to upstage you like this, Valanwé," says Selm, rummaging around
in his pack, "but I wouldn't want you to waste one of your spells." After a
couple of seconds he pulls out a carefully carved and polished rod of oak
with a thick black cloth wrapped around the bulge attached to the top.
Removing the cloth, he reveals a globe glowing with bright orange light.
"This combines the best bits of a torch and your useful spell - it can't be
put out and is handy to carry around with you. I picked up up in Suzail a
couple of years ago." He offers the light to Daleson. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 16:49:33
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"A useful tool," observes Valanwé, grateful for the consideration shown by
Selm. "I know of a spell - though I do not know its text - that will produce
an everlasting light such as this. Perhaps I ought to learn it, and make a
kind of business of it? Still - I shall save the spell, as you say." |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 19:09:56
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"At some point soon," says Valanwé, "it would be prudent to attempt to
detect any magical auras in the vicinity. If anyone has remote means for
finding traps, this also might prove useful."
He looks around for a reaction from the others.
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 01:48:46
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Elussien followed close behind the others, letting them take the heat of the battle when it came to close combat. But he was eager to kill the beasts involved, they had to be sent back to the hell they came from.
When he saw the creatures, he quickly spoke taking aim. "Alright, let me take first shot." With that said Elussien ripped off his bolt!
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 01:58:00
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Selm boldly brandishes his holy symbol out at arm's length towards the
creatures. "Be gone, unnatural beings. May you disrupt Eldath's peace no
longer."
At the production of Eldaths symbol, a waterfall plunging into a still pool, the undead creatures turn away from Selm and scamper to the back corner of the room.
Unable to escape the holy light now emanating from the symbol, the ghouls frantically claw at the wall, before the light gets brighter still and sears their flesh.
Eventually there is nothing left but a pile of dust where the undead once stood, the beings destroyed by the energy channeled by Eldath through Selm.
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 12:10:55
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Trahæarn raises an eyebrow and favors Selm with a glance. "Very useful," he
says quietly, and begins searching the room for any other surprises. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 13:29:41
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Selm turns back to look at Trahæarn. "It can prove quite handy, yes. It's a
far better way of dealing with unnatural creatures such as these that won't
listen to reason. Such foul things have no place in this world so my Lady is
willing to restrore tranquility by removing them." He sighs, "Sadly not
everything is as clear-cut as this and while I take no pride in having to
destroy such perversions of nature, at least I know I'm doing the right
thing."
Elussien listened to the group as they talked about the powerful spell of Selms. He merely shook his head smiling. But then he had to admit the guy had taken out these beasts quickly.
Slolwy Elussien started to circle the room, his eyes darting to every crevice, every hole. His fingers shifted along the floor, feeling and searching. He also looked up to the ceiling, making sure they were safe. |
Edited by - Kaladorm on 12 Jul 2005 14:41:21 |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 14:38:14
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Searching the room the party comes to realise that this was obviously a kitchen. The majority of the food supplies were in the previous room, but those that were in the kitchen appear to have been ignored in favour of the meal the ghouls found on the floor there.
It is imposible to tell what the man (if indeed it was a man) died of, the corpse has been completely mutilated.
Daleson covers the corpse with a large cloth found nearby, as good a burial as can be expected for the moment, and offers a brief prayer to Lathander to allow the safe passage and rebirth of this persons spirit.
The Paladin then reminds the party how joy cna be found even in death, and that every dawn brings a new day to right the wrongs done previously. Their spirits strengthened again the party presses onwards.
With Daleson once again leading the way the adventurers turn back to the main corridor. In the dim light they can all now see the sillhouette of the massive humanoid in the corridor, and then almost imperceptibly a smaller figure darts out from behind it.
The smaller figure runs towards the companions and appears to be heading straight for the room with the stairwell in at the end of the corridor.
Before he can get very far though a wispy white figure appears floating in the air before him, and the man cowers. The ghostly figure is wearing robes which billow out around him as if in a fierce storm or battle, but the figure himself remains still. Then he speaks.
"Ye disturb my rest! how dare thee come to my home, whisp'ring and moaning of blood which raineth. Thou shalt be slain and join the torment here of those which you disturb"
At that the figure swings out with his beautifully engraved sword, and it goes right through the man without causing a single wound. Before your eyes the poor human who had been struck begins to wither like a dying tree, his limbs become twisted and cracked, his body losing all shape and substance.
The apparition then turns to face you, and his face (such as it is) contorts in rage and he floats towards you at considerable speed.
"More intruders!"
To protect himself and his party Daleson holds up his symbol of Lathander, a sunrise made of red, yellow and rose gems. The ghost merely laughs at this and bats the symbol and Dalesons hands aside.
Poising to strike he then pauses and cocks his head to one side, peering at Daleson whilst still toying with his sword, the point dangerously close to the Lathanderites neck.
"Ye're bearers of the light" as much a question as a statement.
"Then it must be ye're hid to rid us of this horrible curse...." The ghost begins to chuckle and eventually breaks into uncontrollable laughter "nay nay of course ye're not, no man can rid us of 'this' curse. I mean to say ye're here to rid me of these intruders. I've had a lot of time indeed to study these little subtelties, I can tell whatever pitiful energy came from that trinket, I have felt the same thing a million, nay a billion times over in the room at the end here, once a shrine for my servants here
"Help me this once and I shall help ye in return, I may even not slay thee for disturbing me here. There is a being of great evil here, he is tormenting us in our already twisted fallacy of 'rest' by tainting this mansion. I can even tell ye all where I hid some of my research if ye can remove this man. I know not what he wants here but he is causing me great pain, I would remove him myself but I canno...."
"AENCAR!! Die once more you fool! How many times must you feel my wrath before you will submit?"
Another spectre has appeared at the stairwell, larger than the ghost who is quite clearly Aencar, and the owner of the manor.
The resulting battle is quite spectacular, as Aencar forces the other ghost back into the room and slams him against the wall, rubble falls off the wall and disintegrates away leaving the wall undamaged.
Black tentacles rise from the ground and wrap around Aencar, only to be dissolved away as a lightning bolt hits the other ghost in the chest, breaking his concentration.
Globes of energy fly back and forth, magnificent and frightening illusions appear and are struck down, each wizard doing whatever he can to thwart the other. Waves of force emanante out from the ghost, pushing Aencar back, but Aencar returns with 5 copies of himself all dancing around the room, disorientating the other mage.
When it looks like the other ghost has the upper hand, with Aencar being constricted by a giant ghostly snake, the huge humanoid shape you had seen down the hall comes crashing towards the battle.
The party manages to dart back into the corridor just in time as what turns out to be a huge construct made of hardened clay charges down the corridor. Leaving dust behind it as its form cracks under the charge, it dives into the room for the ghost attempting to destroy his master.
Unfortuately the golem protector and servitor never was given the ability to protect it's master in death, and so crashes through thin air and into the wall behind. After a long low rumble the room starts to cave in.
The party can see nothing through the rubble but the sound of the spell battle is evident, the ghosts unable to give up their fight despite death and the destruction of part of the manor. |
Edited by - Kaladorm on 20 Jul 2005 14:54:24 |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2005 : 21:14:13
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As the golem thundered by, Elussien rushed along with the group to let the beast have a clear passage. The whole event was confusing, yet epic in contrast to his life. He had always hungered for adventure, intrigue, mystery and magic, yet now... he only wished for the crazed mages to discontinue their feud. This was not going to end until one of them was killed or the whole darn manor came down around them.
"Guys I think we hight tail it out of here. This mages duel is nothing we want anything to do with. Not only is it dangerous, but it serves no purpose. I say we get out of here, and re-think our stategy. This place could come down any minute, what with their earth shattering spells and all! So come on, lets not wait another minute!" |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2005 : 13:05:30
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Daleson holds his morning star and shield in hand, ready for battle.
In the company of dwarves for so long he felt at home in the tunnels
underneath the ground.
"The golem is buried, he'll cause us no more trouble. You heard
Aencar, he said the artifact lies somewhere ahead, and we're not
leaving without it!" |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2005 : 22:12:04
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| Caylith readies her sword. "Lead on." |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 17:19:17
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"Aye," says Valanwé with a solem nod to Selm, acknowledging his
channeling of Eldath's power. "Lead on," he continues: "If this spirit bids
us continue, it would be unwise to go against his wish - we know nought of
his power. However, as I have said before, let us be wary of what lies
ahead." |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 17:22:17
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Elussien sneered as the group allied themselves with Daleson. It was
pure insanity to go into the manor! They could easily lose their lives, or
worse. He had half a mind to go and leave them to their fate. He turned
slightly towards the exit when he stopped and looked back to the group.
They had risked all for sake of some important artifact. But what if their
quest meant more then just riches and glory? What if they had a higher
calling? His eyes moved to Valanwe, the one individual who had been a
slight friend from the onset. He had continued to help by listening to what
he had said.
STung by his prior decision, Elussien pulled free his short sword and
smiled to Daleson. "Well chief, it looks like we head into the lions den.
If death is what awaits us, then so be it! I am yours to command." With
that said, he quickly moved to the front of the group, pulling his cloak up
over his head, to help keep him hidden in the shadows.
"I will take point, I am experienced in this matter." Quickly he moved
forward keeping some distance between himself and group. His eyes searching
every area he moved. He would not be caught unaware. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 17:23:28
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Following a short distance behind, Valanwé moves soon after Elussien,
cautiously, realising that though he did not have the power over undead
weilded by Daleson or Selmwell, that magical attacks could be valuable were
they to come across further ghosts or other such ethereal creatures. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 17:25:08
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"It's always nice to have someone willing to explore," notes Selm to the
remaining members of the party, "but if we're not careful we're going to get
strung out and there's nothing worse than getting strung out or split up in
a place like this. Therefore I propose we follow elven companions carefully
but not straying so close as to make a scout pointless. I'm quite happy to
watch our backs if that is alright with everybody else." So saying, he waits
for the approval of the others. "Oh, and please try to make sure the front
two don't destroy absolutely everything they come across," he adds with a
grin. |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 17:32:53
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The east part of the underground complex has a number of bunk beds
each with a chest at
the foot. Many of the chests have been shattered and lie broken.
Others have rotted through, and the decay spread to the spare garments
left inside them. Elussien exits the room as the others come in behind
him and he explains that these were once a quarters of some sort.
The west room is slightly smaller, but still very spacious, noticeable
by the fact that the room contains nothing but a desk in it.
The papers once filed in the desk have been ripped, burnt and
disordered, and appear to be nothing more than accountancy records of
the ingoing and outgoing sums of money for the manor.
The keen eyed Elussien notices in his search that the wall on the
south side is actually an incredibly well concealed door, but despite
the parties best efforts there is no way to shift it.
Finally the party come to the central room, and the largest of them all.... |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2005 : 18:02:54
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Elussien manages to get into the final room unnoticed.
He sees a tall man, approximately middle aged and with long blank hair that hangs limply down, clinging to the side of his face and neck in the damp. He stands in between a large altar of a roaring dragon, and a solid stone table which appears to have some sort of bone structure on it. The area around the altar has a sickly grey-green mist which floats about thick and heavy, tainting the pool of water in front of of the altar as well. He is chanting in a guttural tongue, and has a sinister sound. The ritualist is wearing black robes embroidered with purple stitching and purple trim, but at that distance it is impossible to make out any significant markings. All around the man are undead creations. Zombified humans and skeletons of those risen after their slaughter at the manor. Elussien counts 5 skeletons and 6 of those undead with their bodies still intact.. Many of the zombies still wear the clothing (albeit rotting and falling apart) that they wore in life. One can see many servants outfits, and even a chefs apron. The undead beasts stand staring at the ritual, waiting to be commanded. Every so often the man calls one of the zombies who bring forth an itme for him and hand it to him before returning to their place.
In his hands is the Blood of Lathander. Four drops of blood encased in amber, which are pulsing violently with an angry red light. The man flinches away from them, and he peers about nervously, and spasmodically, but does no deter from his course.
Following his hands as he raises the artifact in the air, still continuing to chant, Elussien notices that the giant bone structure is actually moving.
Peering still further to take in the full scale of the gargantuan object, it gradually dawns on him that this thing is a skeleton of a dragon! Bits of black flesh and tattered dark scales (now gone grey) still hang from a few of the bones, and acid burns still mark the skeleton in places with dark brown stains. |
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Kaladorm's Campaign Journal
