"Hear this tale from me, and pass it to your fellows It's not a tale with an ending, but a begining...."

The Sorcerer Korion smiles at the elven warrior.

An angelic elven warrior looks over towards the Sorcerer Korion and nods.

The Sorcerer Korion calls for silence.

The Sorcerer Korion points at an angelic elven warrior.

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"I was an esteemed warrior, a noble among my fellows While many of my brothers we're good stout men, I was also a spiritualist, and kept myself pure."

The Sorcerer Korion leans on its iron staff.

The Sorcerer Korion points at an angelic elven warrior.

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"General Taki was our champion, leader of The Sabrar. The ancient home of the Sabrar, Shadoguard was our to defend, and had been for as long as most elves could remember."

The Sorcerer Korion looks over towards an angelic elven warrior and nods.

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"Then came Despana......"

The Sorcerer Korion shudders.

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"Despana and her cursed general and lover, Dharthiir, the one who would destroy us."

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"Despana raised the army of the damned and beset upon us. Such a war was never fought and lost all in one day."

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"Despana laid a curse upon us... she cursed the lands, the keep.... Our fallen souls......."

The Sorcerer Korion sighs.

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"All I do see, is the souls of my comrades killing in their rage Cursed by Despana to ever walk these lands in the hope.. That someone wil free them from their bonds."

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"Despana built upon the lands where Shadoguard stood..."

An angelic elven warrior recites:

"And I fear that Shar has inherited this necroplis from her cursed blood line."

The Sorcerer Korion grimaces.

Kree asks, "Warrior....is there a way that Shar can be touched?"

Ravenstorm asks, "where was Shadowguard?"

An angelic elven warrior says, "Not by my hand, I'm am as invisible to her, as she is to me."

Kree says, "But..."

Kree asks, "Is there a way?"

An angelic elven warrior says, "I can only hope...."

Kree says, "For I have heard no blade can touch her."

Kree asks, "Was Despana untouchable by the blades that fought against her?"

Kree asks, "We're her generals safe from the spells of their enemies?"

An angelic elven warrior says, "Nay."

Kree says, "Ahh"

An angelic elven warrior says, "Her general and lover Dharthiir was slain.."

An angelic elven warrior says, "Which was behind her fury and cure upon us."

Lyrista asks, "cure, or curse?"

Kree asks, "Where is this place?"

Kree asks, "This necropolis she now lives upon?"

Kree says, "I know many that would go with me to such a place"

Kree says, "Shoud the path be open."

Ravenstorm nods to Kree.

An angelic elven warrior says, "I know not now, it was upon the grounds of Shadowguard... but I cannot go back now."

Kree says, "Shadowguard..."

(Kree appears thoughtful.)

(another break in the parchment this time, it appears a significant amount of time was lost )

Kree asks, "What of the ground it was born upon? A graveyard perhaps?"

The angelic warrior rises stately upwards and vanishes.

Ladron asks, "what of shadowguard, Lord Korion, have you any knowledge which would tell of it's location?"

Kree says, "For if we strike at Shar in her own home...she will least expect it."

(much conversation passes before the Sorcerer speaks finally)

The Sorcerer Korion says, "Seek not this place."

The Sorcerer Korion says, "Only death is found there."

Silverlock asks, "Korion, You said you follow Shar.. Has she been defeated before or have all fallen to her?"

The Sorcerer Korion says, "Shar thrives."

The Sorcerer Korion says, "I do not follow Shar. I watch her movements, and that of her minions."

Celia asks, "Korion who are her minions?"

The Sorcerer Korion says, "THe fallen dead."

Celtic asks, "Aside from Xarann.. who else leads her armies?"

Johnnny says, "She's still angry about Dharthiir getting wacked by Taki, so why don't we find out about Taki"

The Sorcerer Korion says, "I alone will find Shar, and her cursed city."

The Sorcerer Korion says, "Or die trying."

Dax says, "naw!!! Ill go with yas Korion"

The Sorcerer Korion says, "You're a fool, little fellow."

The Sorcerer Korion points at Dax.

-------------------------------------------

and here the parchment ends.. though the scene itself did not. If anyone else has a recording of the rest of this scene, please do relay it.

Elros

 

Category: Socializing & Roleplaying
Topic: History!
Author: Lady Princss Arwenstar (REBECCAW)
Posted: Dec 28, 1997 20:55:59

Just to clarify one thing.. .the "stunned and webbed a calmed etc...." bit was a "bug" with the rez spell that fortunately was cleared up. It used to scare people half to death to walk into a room and see that.

All this happened in October 1995, near All Hallows Eve... lots of invasions.... I even died at the front desk of Thraaks, after being trampled by a nightmare steed (IN the Inn).

Elros is always after me to jog my memory and see what else I can come up with... that's a lot of memory to go through though. If someone should happen to remember (even if vaguely) an event and can remember the general time frame for it, let me know and I'll see what I can dig up.

Princss

 

---

 

Category  Role-Playing (4)
Topic     Thoughts on Role-Playing (4)
Message   A question about Despana(long) (4847)
By        ILVANE@PLAY.NET (Just what it says!)
On        Dec 5, 2000 at 11:39

Of late there has been a growing amount of people beginning roleplays regarding Despana and the Book of Tormtor. As far as I can tell in the history Despana was defeated. Some seem to believe that she wasn't defeated and got away, and that the Book of Tormtor is out there someplace, and in the hands of someone else.

I've tried to get to the bottom of it by asking questions of those who are interested and exploring it, but I kind of feel as if I didn't get anywhere, because they were reluctant to answer when I had a serious conflict with it as a character(seeing as Ilvane is a *very* proud warrior from Ta'Vaalor and is very firm about her ancestors history)I was just looking for a firm strong reason why the history that is known should not be believed.

Of course, no history or story is perfect, but I guess what I'm asking is if there is anyone who can explain to me why they think Despana is alive, and how she has kept so quiet for so long with no one knowing she was around..and gaining her power once again.

I just find it hard to believe as a player that she is still around as well, even with strange things happening in the lands. She was powerful, of course but I can't imagine she survived the implosion and hasn't made a peep all of these years. It seems a tad uncharacteristic .

Basically, I'm looking for information, and not really looking to start a angry debate..I really just want to know.

And if any GM's have any idea about it or could help clarify for me, would be great as well.

Angela, Ilvane's player

P.S I added the history of Despana below.

--------------------------------------

Nobody knows just who or what Despana was. Her contemporaries believed that she came from the jungles said to lie beyond the Southron Wastes. She searched the land for the old places of the Ur-Daemons. Somewhere in what is now called Rhoska-Tor, her quest succeeded when she found the Book of Tormtor. The book was lost during the events which followed, so none can now be sure of its contents. It was said to be written in the language of the Daemons.

Using this ancient work, Despana created the first of the Undead. Their numbers grew rapidly, and she soon had a vast horde of them to serve her. Their first task was to build the great keep of Maelshyve, where Despana took residence. From this keep, countless hordes of the Undead began their second task - the conquest of Elanthia. They were led by the arch-lich Dharthiir, who was said to be more than simply Despana's General.

Dharthiir commanded many of the living, as well. Entire tribes of orcs, drawn by promises of conquest and plunder, swore fealty to him. They brought with them their traditional allies, the trolls. Many humans, too joined Darthiir's horde. Some came for silver, others to join any foe of the elves.

The hordes struck first at the elven nations. Their progress was lightning fast,easily destroying what little resistance they met in the outlying provinces. The leaders of the elven houses were unable to organize any real defense. This was not due to a lack of means, but a lack of leadership. Each house wished the glory of vanquishing the Undead for themselves, and none would consent to have their troops led by another. And no house would commit troops to defend the territories of another.

Within a month, the Undead had cut a swathe to the heart of the elven empire, threatening Ta'Vaalor itself. The Vaalor were led by Taki Rassien, wielder of the legendary veil-iron sword Aramier, and the greatest warrior of his time. He took the cream of the Vaalor armies to make a stand at the fortress ShadowGuard. With him went the Sabrar, a legion of elite knights that had never known defeat. Taki knew that, at ShadowGuard, the Vaalor would stop the horde.

The battle of ShadowGuard lasted less than one day. The Undead destroyed the entire garrison, leaving fewer than a score of survivors. The elite Vaalor armies had been lost, along with Taki himself. At the time, this was considered the greatest defeat in the history of the elven empire.

Modern scholars, however, point to the battle of ShadowGuard as the turning point of the Undead War. For several reasons, it marked the high point of Despana's campaign. First, the leaders of the other houses were shocked into cooperating. At last, the Faendryl were able to unify the command of all the elven armies and mount an organized defense. Second, Dharthiir himself was never seen after ShadowGuard. Tavern-tales hold that, at the last, Taki led the Sabrar in a charge at the heart of the undead army, and that he slew the lich. As none of the Sabrar survived the battle, this confrontation remains more legend than history.

The battle of ShadowGuard also brought new allies. From Kalaza, the dwarven overking sent legions of his heavy infantry. The Giantman Warmaster ordered each of the tribes to support the elves. There were even small bands of halflings and sylvankind. Lastly, humans came to fight with the elves. Some were mercenaries, but others came for nobler reasons. Thus were humans the only race to fight on both sides of this war.

The Undead advance slowed, then stopped. A stalemate was reached, with neither side able to push the other back. Daily charges across the lines of battle brought heavy casualties, but little progress. This state of affairs lasted for years.

Finally, the Faendryl proposed a plan to end the war - a lightning strike at Despana's keep. They claimed to have discovered a secret that would destroy Maelshyve and its mistress forever. It was a new form of magic, one they would not reveal to any.

The elven armies and their allies assaulted Maelshyve, and the attack went well at first. Berserking giantmen warriors broke the front lines of skeletons, zombies of ghouls, and a solid square of dwarven infantry battled back the orcish hordes. Slowly, they pushed Despana's forces back toward the keep.

Then, Despana released the banshees. Their screams decimated the attacking forces, which fell back in disarray. For a moment, the battle appeared to be lost.

The Faendryl chose that moment to reveal their secret, their new magic. Inscribing circles upon the ground, they summoned a flight of lesser demons to battle the undead hordes. Their foes fled back through the gates of the keep. The Faendryl then cast their final spell, causing the keep itself to implode, leaving nothing but smoke and rubble.

Despana and her armies are said to have been utterly destroyed.

 

Category  Role-Playing (4)
Topic     Thoughts on Role-Playing (4)
Message   Re: A question about Despana(long) (4859)
By        XSETZERXX@PLAY.NET (Setzier von Evenlore)
On        Dec 6, 2000 at 07:25

I find it interesting what Witcheaven said about Shar wishing to destroy Luukos and Sheru. I would think they would work towards the same goal(?)..

Shar is merely a mortal Sorceress that is trying to raise up into the power of Godhood. She also believes herself to be better than Luukos at what he does, and in that thinking -- she's trying to overthrow Luukos, and become the Goddess of Unending Death. As to why she wishes to destroy Sheru, it's simple. Sheru's servants, the Sheruvian Order, has a monastery in the Broken Lands. Also in that region is a crystal dome created by Uthex that has a immense power. The only way Shar can fully take the dome is to destroy the Sheruvian Monastery, and go against Sheru himself.

Setzier's player

 

Category  Role-Playing (4)
Topic     Thoughts on Role-Playing (4)
Message   Re: A question about Despana(long) (4854)
By        ZEBRA@PLAY.NET
On        Dec 5, 2000 at 18:00

Shar does indeed claim to be Despana's daughter. In the several instances that I met Shar over the years, I found her to be the true queen of lies. Each time she appeared she would have a different story and a different horde of followers. She's a true genius when it comes to propaganda and winning followers. For instance, the raining of Shar medallions upon Wehnimer's several years ago.

My personal theory is that Despana herself is dead. Studying an individual as disturbing as Despana takes an open mind, however. It's one thing to create undead hordes. Despana opened the book of Tormtor and brought forth a general for her cause of extreme intelligence and very life-like abilities. For instance, it is commonly believed that they were lovers. The depravity of Despana is immense.

Legends have held that the book of Tormtor itself is held by Luukos. I sincerely doubt that Shar has it. The book is an interesting piece of history. A theory that I have discussed and shared with Starsnuffer for many years is that the book was left by the Ur-Daemons as a last effort to spread chaos and destruction upon our world after their defeat. Surely, they assumed, someone would find it and unleash its horrid power upon Elanthia.

I look at Despana and I just do not see a very dynamic individual. In my eyes she appears to be quite the pawn and lacking in any sort of sanity or common sense. Her intentions for Elanthia embrace chaos completely and I believe it was more the actions of the book of Tormtor than Despana herself that led those armies.

Keep that in mind when anyone should call to her name. It wouldn't injure my Elven or Faendryl pride to see a servant of that creature. They are just as muddled as she was.

Silvean Rashere,

Patriarch House Chesylcha

 

---

The following is my log from 8/4/1998. It contains a bit of information concerning the last time Shar was making herself known.

[Wehnimer's, Outside Gate]
Citizens, merchants and assorted dregs of society jostle against you before the great wooden gates of Wehnimer's Landing. Harried guards and militiamen try to keep the chaos to a minimum, but it is hard to keep track of those entering, let alone leaving, this large trading post. A dirt path encircling the wooden palisade of the town leads east and southwest. Nailed prominently to the wooden wall beside the gate is a sign you really should read. You also see some light leather, a wooden shield, a short sword and a wayside inn.
Also here: Redale, Ghultan, Lord Setzier, Lady Jandria, Lord Makrone
Obvious paths: north, east, northwest, southwest.

>You smile.

>You hug Jandria.

>Jandria just kissed you on the cheek.

>You bow to Makrone.

>You bow to Setzier.

>Makrone bows to you.

>Setzier says, "What is it Sinocence, Nyte, and Layce have that Shar wants."

>Setzier furrows his brow.

>You say, "Hello all."

Setzier nods to you.

>Setzier says, "Good'eve"

You ask, "Ah, you are talking of Azerea?"

Setzier nods to you.

Setzier says, "Sinocence, Layce and Nyte were brought before Shar, Azerea and Xarann within the sphere of midnight for some strange reason."

You say, "I heard she was about, but I did not hear what had happened."

Jandria sighs.

>Jandria says, "I have no idea what they're up to."

You ask, "But Shar did not make her wishes known?"

Setzier says, "Azerea, Shar and Xarann are planning to destory the Sheruvian Monastery, take over our land, and control the power of the sphere."

>Setzier says, "erm dome not sphere"

>You say, "Who is Xarann? I have not heard that name before."

>Jandria says, "That doesn't sound good."

>Setzier says, "Xarann is Shar's general"

>You nod to Setzier.

>Setzier says, "She was killed long time ago by Blades and is now alive."

>Setzier says, "With her head"

You ask, "What makes you think they are after Sheru's territory?"

> Jandria rubs her chin thoughtfully.

>Setzier says, "Azerea said."

>Setzier says, "I trusted Azerea the first time till she said there was no pact between Shar and Sheru... it was a lie."

>Setzier says, "I have been blinded and trusted them."

>Setzier says, "No more."

>Setzier says, "I almost killed Azerea if she didn't pull a cheating trick"

Jandria smiles at Setzier.

You say, "I would never trust one such as Shar. Any who do are foolish."

Setzier says, "Anyhow... I tried to speak with Sheru using my Sheruvian Powers... Shar blocked it. I did a communion, Shar blocked it. Tvarr did a communion, got through, but no answer cause he doesn't follow Sheru...then."

>You ask, "So Shar wants it all it sounds like eh?"

You ask, "That was all tonight?"

>Setzier says, "Draezir sensed our attempts and sent his protector Garstel to find out what was going on, and I asked Garstel to ask Draezir if I could have council with him."

>Setzier says, "Soo garstel left and i'm now awaint council with the High Priest."

>Setzier nods to you.

>Setzier says, "Yes... all tonight."

>Makrone says, "You've been busy."

>Makrone nods.

>You nod to Makrone.

>You chuckle.

You say, "Pelendur and I came down from the north expecting to hear news, and no one was speaking of it. I find that very odd."

>Setzier says, "Azerea tore up parts of the Monastery with her spells."

>You say, "Hmmm."

>Setzier says, "Everyone was on in the area known as the Broken Lands."

>You nod to Setzier.

Setzier says, "All I can do is wait and see if theres anything I can do, or find information out from the High Priest"

>Setzier leans on his staff.

>Setzier sighs.

>You nod to Setzier.

>Setzier says, "But if I pass Azerea again, beleive me, her head will be mine."

>Setzier says, "Or whats left of it."

>You say, "Well, I will be interested to hear. But since I am not very fond of your Lord either, I should probably be on my way."

>You bow to Setzier.

Setzier chuckles.

>You say, "I respect the gods, some just from a distance."

>You wink at Setzier.

> Setzier grins.

>Makrone starts chuckling at you!

> You bow to Makrone.

>Setzier says, "Good'eve to you then, Danay. Perhaps next time we see each other, I will have a head in my satchel."

>You say, "Nice to see you Makrone."

>Makrone bows to you.

>You chuckle.

>Makrone says, "Likewise Danay."

>Makrone smiles.

>You say, "That would be good news Setzier."

>Setzier grins.

>You say, "Good night all."

You wave.

 

---

The following log is from 3/28/00. Lylia announced on the net she would be talking about Despana at HS. The discussion also included Elven politics. (Note: this log is from one of my other characters and her views are not those of Danay.)

 

You hear the faint thoughts of Lylia echo in your mind: "Anyone who may be interested in hearing more about Maelshyve and Despana may join me on Hearthstone's porch."

You open the door.
You walk through the door.

[Shanty Town, Muddy Lane]
The roadway becomes almost impassible as it circles a burned-out stump sitting directly in its path. Ramshackle dwellings sit crowded around the old stump, as if they are mesmerized by the senseless meander the pitiful excuse for a road is executing. The hovels lurch shoulder to shoulder, like a stack of dominoes ready to topple over in a cascading heap.
You also see an empty hovel, a seedy-looking rough plank shanty and a dilapidated tin-roofed shack.
Obvious paths: north, west.

>You close the door to a seedy-looking rough plank shanty.

>You lock the door to a seedy-looking rough plank shanty.

>n

 

>go step
[Hearthstone, Front Porch]
Airy and open, the porch is enclosed by smooth, freshly painted white modwir up to a height of about four feet. As you ponder the sky-blue color of the ceiling and a lacework of deep green ivy that crisscrosses the open space between posts, the hubbub of the world beyond quickly fades away. Rocking chairs of various sizes are an inviting sight, and an elegant marble arch provides a tantalizing view of the splendors inside the old manor.
You also see the Armaxis disk, a short sword, the Lylia disk, a silver wand, a wooden sign, a doorman, the porch steps and an elegant green marble arch.
Also here: Kuldi, Lord Armaxis, Demondrake, Tarkisis, Kastara who is seated, Lady Lylia who is seated
Obvious paths: none.

>Lylia nods to you in greeting.

>You nod to Lylia in greeting.

>You scratch your chin.

>You survey the area.

>You sit down.

Lylia gestures at an enruned serpent ring.

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

Lylia says, "Hm. This seems to be out of charges. It would have to be 'blanked' with a grot t'kel potion."

Lylia offers Demondrake an enruned serpent ring.

Demondrake accepts Lylia's serpent ring.

Demondrake asks, "How much those cost?"

Lylia asks, "Armaxis, do you have anything embeddable you would part with?"

(Armaxis rummages through his robes.)

Armaxis says, "No, I don't believe I do."

look in grea
In the brown greatcloak you see a badly damaged tanik trunk, a crooked witch nose, some acantha leaf, a sturdy monir coffer, a mongrel hobgoblin snout, a white flask, a hobgoblin scalp, a lead ring, a mongrel hobgoblin snout, a lynx pelt, a mongrel hobgoblin snout, an acid-pitted iron coffer, a hobgoblin shaman ear, a hobgoblin shaman ear, a hobgoblin shaman ear, a hobgoblin shaman ear, a black crystal, a white crystal, a gold ring, a brass amulet, a single red rose, a blue crystal, a blue crystal, a sealed message, a shiny blue glaes orb, a pale golden crystal orb, a frosted sugar cookie, a frosted apple tart, a lemon drop, a small statue and a crystal amulet.

s>Lylia says, "Oh...fie, Armaxis."

s>Lylia mutters under her breath.

You say, "I found a ring."

s>Armaxis says, "Hmph."

s>Lylia smiles at you.

You remove a lead ring from in your brown greatcloak.

You tap a lead ring.

s>Lylia says, "Embeddable? That would do nicely."

s>You ask, "This what ye lookin fer?"

s>Lylia says, "A ring for a ring."

s>Lylia removes a gold ring from in her hooded cloak.

Lylia offers you a gold ring. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

Lylia nods to you.

You nod to Lylia.

You accept Lylia's offer and are now holding a gold ring.

s>Lylia says, "Lead into gold...you are an alchemist, it seems."

You offer your lead ring to Lylia, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

s>Lylia chuckles.

s>Lylia has accepted your offer and is now holding a lead ring.

You ask, "What's that?"

(Demondrake leans close to the wall, as if listening to something, then with a sudden motion, he hideously cracks his neck vertibrae with the twist of his spine )

sR>Lylia says, "Er...alchemist. Like Bin, along North Ring Road, more or less. Reputed to transmute lead into gold."

sR>Lylia gestures and utters a phrase of magic.

sR>Lylia gestures at a lead ring.
A deep blue thread grows between Lylia and the ring. It glows brilliantly for a moment and then fades into invisibility.

sR>Kuldi begins a careful examination of Demondrake -- she takes his pulse, checks his temperature, and checks for broken bones or any other ailments.

s>Lylia says, "That works beautifully."

s>Kuldi coughs.

s>Tarkisis says, "reputed perhaps, but not proven"

You say, "I don pay no attention ta that magic stuff."

Lylia concentrates intently on a lead ring.
You can see power pulsing through the essence thread connecting her to the ring.

s>Tarkisis waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

s>Lylia offers Demondrake a lead ring.

s>Demondrake says, "Thanks"

s>Lylia says, "Now...you will pay the price and hear a story."

s>Lylia smiles at Demondrake.

s>Lylia stands up.

s>Demondrake sits down.

s>Lylia smooths down the black lace overskirt of her gown against the crimson silk below.

s>Lylia asks, "Now...I would presume that most of you here are already familiar with Despana and her keep at Maelshyve, yes?"

s>Tarkisis nods to Lylia.

s>Sasara nods to Lylia.

s>Kuldi nods.

s>Kuldi says, "I knows a li'l bit." Kastara nods.

You shrug.

s>Demondrake scratches at a hard leather skullcap.

s>Armaxis says in dark elven, "It seems you may have to be a bit more...longwinded than you had hoped not to be."

s>Armaxis examines his fingernails.

s>Armaxis says in dark elven, "Or perhaps that was your goal the entire time."

s>Armaxis clears his throat.

You snicker.

s>Kuldi says, "excuse me, my lady..."

s>Kuldi smiles at Lylia.

s>Lylia nods to Kuldi.

s>Kuldi asks, "Ye will be tellin' in Common, aye?"

s>Lylia nods to Kuldi.

s>Kuldi says, "I dun unnerstan' anything else."

s>Lylia says, "Of course."

s>Lylia smiles.

s>Kuldi says, "thank ye"

s>Kuldi sits down.

s>Lylia says, "Now...imagine if you will the Elven Empire. Seven noble Houses united under the Faendryl flag of red and grey, unchallenged in its dominion of the civilized world. All roads led to it, and Elven might was absolute."

s>Lylia paces back and forth.

You lean forward and rest your chin in your hand, a thoughtful expression on your face.

s>Lylia says, "Then came Despana. No one knows who she was, exactly, or where she arose. She is often known, at least among my people, as the Destroyer."

s>Lylia says, "And rightly so."

s>Lylia says, "What she sought exactly, none know. Dominion? Destruction? that is unclear. But what is known is that with her coming, and with the Book of Tormtor, she was able to cast the Elven Empire and the very world into chaos."

s>Lylia asks, "Are you familiar with the Book of Tormtor?"

s>Tarkisis asks, "This book was associated with the Ur-daemons?"

s>Kastara says, "vaugely"

s>Lylia nods to Tarkisis.

s>Lylia says, "Precisely. It was rumored to be written in the language of Ur-Daemons, and contained powers more vast than anything seen since the Great Drakes."

You scratch your chin.

s>Lylia says, "Despana, using the Book of Tormtor, created---or some would say, summoned---the first of the Undead."

You ask, "Who wrote it?"

s>Kuldi blinks.

s>Lylia says, "No one knows."

You mumble something under your breath.

s>Lylia says, "Some say the Dhe'nar did, but only the Dhe'nar say that."

s>Lylia smiles wryly.

You snicker.

s>Tarkisis says, "puzzling how a mortal could read such forbidden majiks"

s>Lylia says, "No one claimed Despana was an ordinary mortal."

s>Lylia smiles.

s>Lylia says, "So...she called about her hordes of undead. Legions of them. An army to rival, even overpower, the massed might of even the Elves."

s>Tarkisis closes her eyes for a moment.

s>Tarkisis shudders.

s>Lylia says, "With her was the Arch-Lich, Dharthiir. He was her general, and reputed to be more if you catch my meaning."

s>Lylia leans forward.

s>Tarkisis chuckles.

Tarkisis says, "indeed"

s>You smirk.

s>Lylia says, "It is said she bedded with the creature."

You say, "Thas creepy."

s>Lylia says, "Indeed."

s>Lylia says, "Now, Despana was not only followed by her Undead hordes. Orcs, trolls, all manner of more nefandous creatures also did her bidding."

s>Lylia says, "Some humans even joined her cause."

You smirk.

s>Kuldi leans back.

s>Kuldi blinks.

s>Lylia nods to Kuldi.

You see Kuldi Redpath the Human Mender.
She appears to be in her 30's, has shoulder length, curly golden blond hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin.
She has some old neck wounds, old battle scars on her right arm, a mangled left arm, old battle scars on her right leg, old battle scars on her left leg, old battle scars on her right hand, several painful-looking scars across her chest, several painful-looking scars across her abdominal area, an old battle scar across her back, a black-and-blue right eye, developed slurred speech, and a scar across her face.
She is wearing a gold ring, a mithril-bossed targe, a sprig of heather blossoms, a white wolf skin cloak, a tiny silver rose earring, a wine-colored drawstring bag, a burlap miner's pack, a bright green sack, some azure trousers, a rope belt, a dusky thigh-sheath, some light leather, a frumpy green bandana, and a crystal amulet.

s>Demondrake says, "Were they deemed powers for her cause"

s>Demondrake rubs his chin thoughtfully.

s>Lylia nods to Demondrake.

s>Lylia says, "The Elven Nations were her primary target..."

s>Lylia says, "And she swept down on them with all the fury and all the might she could summon. The outlying provinces fell like wheat before a scythe."

s>Demondrake says, "Ragged they come and ragged they kill . . ."

s>Lylia says, "Some claim that this was because leadership was not absolute; the Faendryl were not powerhungry enough, it is said. I do not make guesses at that, though."

s>Lylia says, "Despana's next target was Ta'Vaalor itself, the center of power of the Vaaloran Elves."

You ask, "Don know if Despana were a elf?"

s>Lylia says, "None know that either, I'm afraid. It was the Age of Chaos, after all."

You mumble something under your breath.

s>Lylia says, "Records were ill-kept."

s>Lylia says, "As an aside, I should mention that Taki Rassien, a Vaaloran Elf, attempted a valiant battle against Despana's forces."

s>Sasara nods to Lylia.

>Lylia says, "He and his elite corps were quickly dispatched, sad to say...Despana's creatures destroyed them almost to a man. It is rumored, though, that Rassien did slay the Arch-Lich Dharthiir."

You lean back.

s>Lylia says, "Which probably did not please Despana, as her bed was left colder still."

s>Lylia smirks.

s>Demondrake says, "Eeeeww"

You say, "Sounds like it were already col with him."

You smirk.

s>Demondrake snickers.

s>Lylia says, "The battle that Rassien brought to Despana did mark one important change, though. Thanks to it, the Elven Houses were surprised into cooperating."

s>Lylia says, "They finally bowed to the Faendryl leaders as was proper...or some would have it."

s>Lylia says, "Also, thanks to Rassien's brave effort, more allies were drawn to the Elven cause. The Dwarves fought alongside our people, as did many of Giantkind..."

s>Tarkisis grins smugly.

s>Lylia says, "And I should note that a far greater number of humans fought with the Elves than against them."

s>Lylia smiles.

s>Kuldi says, "That's good te know."

s>Lylia says, "Thanks to these allies, a veritable stalemate ensued. You see, Despana could only summon up so many soldiers, while the atrocities they committed drew more and more neutral parties to the Elven banner."

s>Lylia paces back and forth.

(There was an interruption here with a dead body dragged in through a gate and getting healed.)

s>Lylia asks, "Now where were we?"

s>Lylia rubs her chin thoughtfully.

s>Lylia says, "Ah, yes...the Elven armies arrayed against Despana's minions."

s>Armaxis leans on his staff.

(Lylia steeples her fingers.)

s>Lylia says, "This is when the Faendryl history truly begins, in a sense...for it is at this time that my people devised a plan which would put an end to the war, off Despana, and destroy her center of power at Maelshyve for good."

s>Lylia says, "The Faendryl leaders devised this plan, but kept it secret, as it was thought rather...drastic."

s>Lylia says, "The Elves arrayed their armies around Maelshyve. All races were represented there, it was a final stand..."

s>Lylia leans forward.

s>Lylia says, "They were decimated by Despana's latest atrocity, though...banshees."

s>Tarkisis shudders.

s>Tarkisis closes her eyes for a moment.

You scratch your chin.

s>Tarkisis says, "banshees are in my nightmares still"

s>Tarkisis nods to Lylia.

s>Lylia says, "Not the mild-mannered wenches that we have in Castle Darkstone, mind you. These Banshees were something altogether different."

s>Tarkisis closes her eyes for a moment.

s>Kuldi shifts her weight.

s>Lylia says, "It seemed all was lost."

s>Lylia says, "But the Faendryl revealed their plan at last---a lightning-quick strike at Maelshyve, taking time only to draw the proper circles and tear apart the veil to summon a flight of lesser demons."

s>Kuldi rubs her chin thoughtfully.

s>Demondrake says, "Excellent"

s>Demondrake wrings his hands.

s>Tarkisis glowers.

s>Tarkisis says, "and a foolish plan it was..dangerous.."

s>Tarkisis narrows her eyes.

s>Sasara nods to Tarkisis.

s>Lylia says, "These demons made hash of Despana's creatures. It is said that the blood of orcs and trolls ran as deep as one's ankles in the valleys at their coming, and grown men soiled themselves in fear."

You shrug.

You say, "It worked."

(Lylia gives you an approving nod.) Edit note: she used my name in the ACT, but I removed it for anonymity.

s>Lylia says, "Precisely."

You grin.

s>Armaxis says, "And were it not for sssuch a 'dangerous' plan...it is doubtful you would be here to call it such."

s>Lylia says, "The final act the Faendryl committed was to cast a series of Implosions, collapsing Maelshyve and all the horrors within it forevermore. Reduced it to rubble."

s>Tarkisis says, "the veil has been weakened"

s>Lylia says, "There is more than one veil..but more about that in a moment."

s>Tarkisis paces back and forth.

s>Lylia says, "Now, for this act of desperation---for that is what it was, let us not mince words---the Faendryl were exiled. They were sent to Rhoska-Tor, banished from what they once ruled."

s>Lylia narrows her eyes.

s>Lylia says, "Which is how we became 'Dark Elves' instead of the rulers of empire."

s>Kuldi asks, "Who banisht them, me lady?"

s>Lylia says, "The other Elven Houses. Vaaloran and Nalfeini advisors were the main instigators of it."

s>Kuldi nods to Lylia.

s>Kuldi rubs her chin thoughtfully.

s>Lylia says, "Some say that their motivations were mostly political."

s>Tarkisis says, "power is a hazardous thing"

s>Lylia says, "They wanted what the Faendryl had."

s>Lylia smirks.

s>Lylia says, "Power. Rule."

s>Lylia asks, "So I ask you...is absolute rule bad, if it is benevolent?"

s>Lylia raises an eyebrow.

s>Lylia says, "The Faendryl would say not."

You shrug.

s>Kuldi rubs her chin thoughtfully.

You say, "Long's people don tell me what ta do I don care."

s>Kuldi asks, "Is that a serious question, me lady?"

s>Lylia says, "That is something that scholars still debate to this day."

s>Kuldi nods.

s>Kuldi smiles.

s>Kuldi says, "I bet."

s>Lylia says, "Yes, it is. I am curious what you think about the matter."

s>Lylia asks, "Now you see why I insist we are Sorcerors, and Faendryl, and not 'sorcies'?"

s>Lylia smiles at Demondrake.

s>Kuldi says, "Well, even if ye could count on benevolence ferever...and I not sure ye can..."

s>Demondrake nods to Lylia.

s>Lylia says, "Well...you are human, but still a Sorceror."

s>Lylia chuckles.

s>Kuldi says, "Peeple likes te make up they own mind."

s>Lylia says, "Wise rulers know when not to rule at all, I would rejoin."

s>Lylia smiles at Kuldi.

Demondrake says, "Thank you for the lesson"

s>Kuldi asks, "Then is it ruling?"

s>Lylia says, "Thank you for your attention."

s>Kuldi shrugs.

s>Kuldi smiles.

s>Lylia nods to Kuldi.

s>Lylia says, "Of course."

s>Sasara says, "But cohesiveness requires strong leadership. Or the whole unravels."

s>Lylia says, "Look at it this way...say Armaxis is my subject, and I his ruler."

s>Lylia glances at Armaxis.

s>Naamit begins chuckling at Lylia.

s>Armaxis glances at Lylia.

s>Lylia says, "Just play along, Armaxis."

s>Armaxis mutters quietly.

s>Lylia says, "I could waste all my time ordering him to polish my boots and march like a soldier and clean my cupboard and make my bed..."

s>Lylia glances at Armaxis.

s>Lylia snickers.

s>Lylia says, "Which is a rather amusing image, I must say..."

You grin.

s>Armaxis says, "And I could give you a thrashing for it when you weren't aware of me."

s>Armaxis stares off into space.

s>Kuldi says, "Now me lord, dun tek offense, we is only supposing of course."

s>Lylia asks, "But would I not be a wiser ruler if I made it known that I expected these things, and that if they were done, my beneficence would be great?"

s>Tarkisis says, "Though the imagery of Armaxis thrashing you could be amusing as well"

s>Tarkisis grins at Lylia.

s>Lylia begins chuckling at Tarkisis.

s>Lylia says, "Oh...as if."

s>Lylia raises her voice in merry laughter.

You try hard not to grin.

s>Kuldi asks, "It be wiser of course. But what if he din't want any beneficence?"

s>Lylia asks, "Who would not want protection from foes, a meal on the table, entertainment, wine, bread, circuses?"

s>Kuldi smiles quietly to herself.

s>Kuldi says, "Oh well, I can't speak fer me lord here. He may like circuses."

s>Lylia says, "A body requires a head, and hands, and a heart, and everything else. The Faendryl are the head, and that is why the decapitated Elven Empire fell."

s>Tarkisis asks, "And what then were the Ashrim?"

s>Tarkisis rocks back on her heels.

s>Lylia says, "Vicious killers, if you want my opinion."

s>Tarkisis laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

s>Lylia says, "The Ashrim made a fatal mistake. They did not accept the hand of friendship offered them."

s>Lylia says, "In looking back, it is possible that the Ashrim incident was a bit hasty."

s>Lylia examines her fingernails.

s>Tarkisis says, "The Nalfein are well known for politiking..it is a..possibility they were involved as well"

s>Lylia says, "At any rate, I seek only Elven unity now."

s>Lylia smiles.

s>Lylia nods to Tarkisis.

s>Lylia says, "It shames me, as a Faendryl, to think we were ever out-politicked."

s>Lylia chuckles.

s>Tarkisis says, "leadership and politics do not always co-relate"

s>Lylia nods to Tarkisis.

s>Lylia says, "True enough. Both are Faendryl specialties, though."

s>Lylia smiles.

s>Tarkisis nods.

s>Lylia says, "Though the Loenthrans make better wine."

s>Lylia clears her throat.

(Kuldi dithers to herself about listening in on elf politics and decides not to.)

s>Kuldi smiles at Lylia.

s>Kuldi waves.

s>Kuldi went down the porch steps.

Lylia says, "My personal belief is that it is time for us to put aside differences. I would like to see Elven reunification."