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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Sep 2005 : 07:58:51
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Since Orcus has been severely limited in how he can influence followers in Damara, does anyone else think that Velsharoon would be particularly interested in moving in on the cultists that are left in the region. Would Orcus be sending in agents from lands where he still does have influence?
How ambitious is Kiransalee? Would she be interested in trying to pick up followers outside of drow in order to oppose Orcus and gain control of a cult of undeath experts?
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2005 : 13:32:43
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Wasn't Orcus slain by Kiransalee? After King Gareth and his party destroyed the wand of Orcus, Orcus somehow fell against Kiransalee. That's what I heard.
Well, in answer to questions, Velsharoon may try to wrestle Orcus for his followers, but that may draw Kiransalee's attention (probably a unfriendly reception from the drow goddess of the undead). That will depend on whether Velsharoon can "dance" with Kiransalee's power and allies.
Orcus followers are not very well recieved in lands that are still free of Orcus influence, but he can or may send agents abroad from his lands where he has influence, but I dare not say whether his agents can achieve anything.
Kiransalee can be considered to be ambitious, proven in her relentless efforts to remove the last traces of Orcus. But to pick up Orcus followers....unless she is pragmatic enough, she will pick them and convert them, otherwise, not very likely. Gaining non-drow followers, hmm....possible since necromancers are among her followers, and these necromancers can be non-drow too but provided these non-drow followers have usefulness. But otherwise, her faithful seemed to be comprised of mostly drow, I doubt she has eradicated the mortal remnants of herself- mortal drow that hates non-drow like every drow, I am sure she hates non-drow even she is now a demigod. |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2005 : 14:20:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadovar
Wasn't Orcus slain by Kiransalee? After King Gareth and his party destroyed the wand of Orcus, Orcus somehow fell against Kiransalee. That's what I heard.
Well, in answer to questions, Velsharoon may try to wrestle Orcus for his followers, but that may draw Kiransalee's attention (probably a unfriendly reception from the drow goddess of the undead). That will depend on whether Velsharoon can "dance" with Kiransalee's power and allies.
Orcus followers are not very well recieved in lands that are still free of Orcus influence, but he can or may send agents abroad from his lands where he has influence, but I dare not say whether his agents can achieve anything.
Kiransalee can be considered to be ambitious, proven in her relentless efforts to remove the last traces of Orcus. But to pick up Orcus followers....unless she is pragmatic enough, she will pick them and convert them, otherwise, not very likely. Gaining non-drow followers, hmm....possible since necromancers are among her followers, and these necromancers can be non-drow too but provided these non-drow followers have usefulness. But otherwise, her faithful seemed to be comprised of mostly drow, I doubt she has eradicated the mortal remnants of herself- mortal drow that hates non-drow like every drow, I am sure she hates non-drow even she is now a demigod.
Orcus is back, and with a vengeance. He is very angry at Kiaransalee. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2005 : 17:10:52
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quote:
Originally posted by khorne
Orcus is back, and with a vengeance. He is very angry at Kiaransalee.
Indeed. He's been mad ever since she dissed his recipe for butterscotch fudge.  |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2005 : 19:02:10
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I think Velsharoon is still trying to organize his church all around Faerun, and might see the Cold Lands as a not-so-relevant area. A bigger aim for him might be trying to convert as many clerics of Cyric (especially those who formerly worshipped Bhaal and Myrkul) as he only can. And not to forget the Red Wizards, too   |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2005 : 19:20:39
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| My thought was more that Banak and Knelleck would be looking for someone to fill in the void in what is left of their organization, and Knelleck specifically would find Velsharoon appealing. I doubt that there are many wandering missionaries of Velsharoon in the Bloodstone lands (though that is an ammusing thought, Velsharoon Missionaries with pamphlets and black roses standing outside of inns and taverns saying, "Velsharoon wants you to live forever, please take a pamphlet!") |
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2005 : 01:24:06
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| If Velsharoon clerics were to go round Faerun preaching their deity's dogma, I think it is the same result with the clerics of Orcus, cold reception from the people of Faerun. Unless the clerics of Velsharoon uses a more subtle way of gaining converts, say organizing big eat for free meals which had been drugged, then they can preach easily to these drugged "converts". |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2005 : 02:04:32
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| I think that Velsharoon would be interested in Damara and its inhabitants, especially now. There has always been "rumours" that the Witch-King isn't dead and with RAS's new novel coming out with such a revealing title, I suspect that the undead activity in that area would increase. |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
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TymoraChosen
Seeker
67 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2005 : 02:07:27
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quote:
Originally posted by DDH_101
I think that Velsharoon would be interested in Damara and its inhabitants, especially now. There has always been "rumours" that the Witch-King isn't dead and with RAS's new novel coming out with such a revealing title, I suspect that the undead activity in that area would increase.
And may very well draw the attention of all the faiths of the Light to Damara for a big showdown with the Witch-King. |
May tymora's blessings be heaped on all |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2005 : 12:10:09
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quote:
Originally posted by DDH_101
I think that Velsharoon would be interested in Damara and its inhabitants, especially now. There has always been "rumours" that the Witch-King isn't dead and with RAS's new novel coming out with such a revealing title, I suspect that the undead activity in that area would increase.
The year of rogue dragons takes place after RAS`s new novel, and the Witch-King is most dead there. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2005 : 15:13:36
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| Well, you know, somehow I have the feeling that the followers of Velsharoon haven't read that book |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2005 : 00:51:12
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| I get the feeling that "Promise of the Witch King" is less about the Witch King litterally being around to promise something, as it is a reference to something that was left behind by him. But I could be wrong . . . |
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2005 : 18:15:18
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quote:
Originally posted by khorne
quote:
Originally posted by DDH_101
I think that Velsharoon would be interested in Damara and its inhabitants, especially now. There has always been "rumours" that the Witch-King isn't dead and with RAS's new novel coming out with such a revealing title, I suspect that the undead activity in that area would increase.
The year of rogue dragons takes place after RAS`s new novel, and the Witch-King is most dead there.
No, even in Year of the Rogue Dragons, nobody is EXACTLY sure if the Witch-King is gone, which is why Sammaster took his identity and was able to recruit a horde of monsters to attack Damara. |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2005 : 05:24:50
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"I'm sure glad we tossed Zhengyi's phylactery into the waters of the Seven Heavens. No way he's coming back now."
"Er."
"We did toss his phylactery into the water in the Seven Heavens right?"
"Well I know we talked about it, but I didn't know if it was a solid plan. We never said who would carry it and all of that either, so . . . "
"Okay . . . we don't tell anybody about this. I mean, we killed Tiamat's avatar and destroyed the Wand of Orcus . . . how bad can it be that we forgot a little thing like a lich's phylactery?"
(Keep in mind that my PCs recently fought and defeated a lich without finding his phylactery either . . . the devil is in the details . . . or the lich in this case) |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2005 : 07:49:33
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
"I'm sure glad we tossed Zhengyi's phylactery into the waters of the Seven Heavens. No way he's coming back now."
"Er."
"We did toss his phylactery into the water in the Seven Heavens right?"
"Well I know we talked about it, but I didn't know if it was a solid plan. We never said who would carry it and all of that either, so . . . "
"Okay . . . we don't tell anybody about this. I mean, we killed Tiamat's avatar and destroyed the Wand of Orcus . . . how bad can it be that we forgot a little thing like a lich's phylactery?"
(Keep in mind that my PCs recently fought and defeated a lich without finding his phylactery either . . . the devil is in the details . . . or the lich in this case)
How many people know that a lich`s life is bound to his phylactery? I can imagine a party killing a lich only to have it come after them a few years later. (adventurer)"What? Didn`t we kill you?!!" (pissed off lich)"No you didn`t!! Eat hellfire!!" |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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coach
Senior Scribe
USA
479 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2005 : 02:52:15
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i think a deity with more reason to fill the void left by Orcus would be Tiamat
She did after all suffer a slight setback from the Damaran heroes and would have revenge on her mind
Also, Ilmater is listed as an enemy of hers, which would also draw her church to the area
Also, in Powers and Pantheons, a canon temple to Tiamat named The Wings of the Queen Reborn is located beneath the old Castle Perilous ruins where she is said to appear to her followers in her Undying Queen dracolich avatar (undead?)
also, there is the canon flights of dragons located in the area
it all adds up to make perfect sense to have Tiamat as the antagonist deity in the Cold Lands region
IMO |
Bloodstone Lands Sage |
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Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2005 : 04:40:28
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ALthough there is certainly a void left over after Orcus' defeat at Gareth Dragonsbane & Co.'s hands, Velsharoon would certainly have to vie with Kiaransalee for control of the undead left over after the Bloodstone wars. With their demonic patron defeated, either deity could seek to gain worshippers by granting spells to the former Orcus cultists, either openly or covertly, much as Shar did when she slew Leira and assumed her portfolio.
Neither Velsharoon nor Kiaransalee has much influence in the Cold Lands in recent history; Orcus seems to have dominated in matters undead for as long as history records. However, canon still indicates that Knellict the Archmage and High Priest Banak were still alive after the defeat of Zhengyi. If either deity were to begin granting spells to Banak or forge an agreement with Knellict, the faith could be established once again in Damara.
They do, of course, have to overcome the small problem of an epic-level paladin who now rules Damara. I'm certain Dragonsbane didn't go through the trouble of traveling to the abyss, stealing the Wand of Orcus, and slaying an avatar of Tiamat just to have some other deity jump right into Orcus' place.
And, as was mentioned earlier, the rumors of Orcus' demise were greatly exaggerated. |
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
12079 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2005 : 21:56:49
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What's to happen in Damara?
Of the Orcus followers, I see the cult of the dragon showing up in Damara. There is after all a massing of dragons occurring in Vaasa. The cult of the dragon focuses on the making of undead (typically in the form of dragons, but in other forms as well). The cult however has no ONE deity that they rely on. Velsharoon would gladly seek to advance himself within this cult and would probably obtain some converts.
Of course, I also see followers of Tiamat massing in Damara as well. They must be VERY pissed at Gareth right now. However, would they rather make war on the Cult of the Dragon or on Gareth? Or both?
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 07 Nov 2005 : 05:01:21
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| I'd ahve to agree that both the cult of Tiamat and the Cult of the Dragon would both be drawn to Vaasa, attempting to sway the dragons presently roosting in the ruins of Castle Perilous. If the cult of Tiamat had to choose an enemy, I'd guess it would probably be Gareth Dragonsbane first, then the Cult of the Dragon. After all, Gareth was directly responsible for the death of their deity's avatar, so revenge against him and his colleagues would be high on their list. It would certainly be interesting to see a three-way conflict develop between them. What strange alliances might develop from such a conflict, I wonder. |
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 12:38:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by khorne
Orcus is back, and with a vengeance. He is very angry at Kiaransalee.
Indeed. He's been mad ever since she dissed his recipe for butterscotch fudge.
Have you had that? Its crap |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 15:08:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Brother Ezra
much as Shar did when she slew Leira and assumed her portfolio.
Shar didn't slay Leira. That was Cyric. Shar slew Ibrandul. |
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Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 15:30:28
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Most info on Orcus and the Bloodstone Lands is from the days of Zhengyi in his prime, so pretty dated. Velsharoon is actually an ally of Kiaransalee and I doubt that he will join up with Orcus (or the other way round). As I see it, Orcus will have his cult here and there, much like other Abyssal Lords and Archdevils, but nothing to make a deity worry or write home about.
Orcus might be mad about Kia killing him, but she is pretty safe where she is now, not to mention that she climbed to a higher divine status and thus personal power. In the end, it all lies in the Wizards' hands though. |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
Edited by - Zanan on 07 Jan 2007 15:31:20 |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 19:37:19
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I asked Ed this question but he's probably a bit too busy to answer it.
I'm basically debating whether Velsharoon is a minor god of necromancy when the Crown of Horns cult and Orcus (A lesser god) exist plus plenty probably worshipping Shar.
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My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
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Marc
Senior Scribe
662 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 20:06:10
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| What do you think, Zhengyi could have known Velsharoon (and Szass) |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 20:48:48
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Velsharoon is a cool character but ironically, his coolness derives from how much he sucks. I actually use him in my games as the over-promoted god. Larloch, Ssass Tam, Zhengyi, these are legendary figures. Velsharoon on the other hand was just beneath their weight class. He was the guy who studied next to Raistlin Majere in the Necromancer's school.
Thus, a good portion of the fun of RPGing Velsharoon for me is that he's NOT terrifying and so many of his schemes are based on working to improve his reputation and increase his power. Let's not forget that he stole all of his power from Talos rather than earning it.
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My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 22:24:07
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To some people, stealing = earning. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2007 : 04:43:22
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I don't know, so far Velsharoon has actually been pretty slick. Yeah, he "stole" power from Talos, but Talos created him as a disposable uber minion. Velsharoon basically played Talos, and "backdoored" his way into a legitimate portfolio as the god of necromancy by appealing to Azuth and getting him to advocate for him to Mystra, which causes Mystra to actually take in a god that is diametrically opposed to one of her best "allies" Kelemvor.
Yeah, it could still all blow up in his face, but you have to give him credit for having . . . er . . . the guts to even try what he did, both in becoming a god and in preserving his newly immortal skin when he realized what was really going on.
The true measure of his nerve and intelligence is if he does go forward with his gambit to make inroads with Shar. I can definately see Shar just wiping him out and quietly impersonating him in order to gain necromancy as a portfolio, and move it more "naturally" to the Shadow Weave. If he proceeds with THAT plan, he is definately going to have to be careful, and he is running out of greater gods to play against one another that would be sympathetic to his arguements. |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2007 : 06:11:45
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I think Velsharoon would be smarter to take up with Bane personally.
Bane is evil, cruel, and shows his true colors when he smites a lot of Bhaal's followers.
On the other hand, he no longer has Strife in his porfolio either...
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My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
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Velsharoon in the Bloodstone Lands
