[RP] Tapestry Of Secrets

[Jarexia]

Tapestry of Secrets
[Rather than posting the full (and rather gory) logs, I`m posting a summary of the intro to this new RP]

Prologue – The Waylaid Courier
It had been a long journey from the 3rd Level and Residy was tired. All his life he had been a courier, racing across the levels (and occasionally up and down them) delivering letters and parcels, but this was the first time his work had taken him to the Dome. The package he carried was important, not to mention valuable, but time –he was told- was not particularly vital, and so he had taken the long way up to the Dome. Besides, he enjoyed the exercise and the countryside. Had he taken the winch he would have missed out on so many wondrous sights. The Cups of Laanx, the city of Sarpendil over the Irifon river, the ruins of Ylon Dynari, the exquisite qulams of Shimieth...but he felt sure he was nearing the end of his trek.
Rounding a bend in the road he noticed a rather curious cluster of tents on the grassland to the side of the roadway. He could even smell the porg roasting on a spit at the center of the camp and his stomach noisily reminded him that he hadn`t eaten for some hours. He could see a couple of people by a table at the camp`s edge: might as well get a bite to eat and ask directions at the same time...

As he came closer to the camp he started to have doubts. The individuals under the covered stalls looked more like cutthroats than vendors, swathed in black and watching him with hungry eyes, but the weight of the claymore strapped to his back was comforting. Nevertheless he tightened his hold on his satchel and its contents.

The two at the table were both enkidukai; one female, in battered plate mail armour and a helmet with four horns curving round before her face, the lower half of which was covered by, of all things, a fine purple handkerchief. The other was a stocky male wrapped in belts, from which hung several curiously empty scabbards. His hand was closed around a quarterstaff.
Taking a deep breath the ylian courier called out a greeting to them and asked if they could direct him to Hydlaa. The menki turned and pointed to a hill, indicating that the city was not far beyond it...but the fenki regarded him with an avaricious stare. Soon the pair were asking him about his journey...and what he carried. He turned to leave but, while the fenki rushed to block his path, his feet were swept from under him by the menki`s quarterstaff and he found himself on his back, his weapon pinned under him.
He refused to give up his burden, and this sealed his fate.
He was soon gagged and his limbs systematically hacked off with an axe, Red and Crystal-way magic being used to cauterize and heal the stumps...the poor ylian succumbing to shock and unconsciousness before they had finished with him.

He eventually came to, his body racked with pain, in a location he had only been to once before in his life...for he found himself lying on his back in the cold, dark catacombs of Dakkru`s realm. He attempted to stand, only to find that he could not. He tried to push himself upright yet did not move. Craning his neck he looked down at his body to find that his arms and legs had not accompanied him from Yliakum. He opened his mouth to shout for help but could manage no more than a formless bellow, for his tongue too had been taken.
Like some obscenely large consumer grub he began to crawl across the chamber and up the roughly hewn stone staircase...


Meanwhile back in Yliakum the two outlaws divided up the loot: the man`s boots, his tria purse and claymore, before opening his bag to reveal its contents. A bottle of schaeminare soap which the menki took, needing it to clean himself up after the butcher`s work...and a rolled scroll of cloth. The fenki unrolled it to reveal an exquisite woven image of the Iron Temple.

She pocketed it, already thinking about who she could sell it to and how much she might demand...

[bloodedIrishman]

Well done, I enjoyed reading it. The part about permanent lost limbs was apt. 

[Dralion1221]

Lost limbs FTW (I look forward to the next part of this RP )

[Jarexia]

[Thank you! For those who would like to read the gory logs, give thanks to Rigwyn and head here: http://sites.google.com/site/rigwynsetson/role-play-logs-1/tapestryofsecrets/the-waylaid-courier. But be warned, it`s a fair bit more...detailed.]

[Oronec]

[Tres tres bien! That was most enjoyable to read.  Hopefully just as fun to play out.]

[Geoni]

 Oh gosh, have i been waiting to meet somebody with no legs and arms all my life! Perhaps this is my chance! {yes that is very mean and cruel to want to see  ]

[MellasFenixxes]

Oh my... xD
Beside the whole limbs chopping off part, let's hope Melly doesn't find out who did this... *snickers*
This is the utmost cruel yet effective way of getting rid of someone, I'd say. You'd think the real criminals would cover their tracks like this more often...
Curious to see how this develops! Nice effect on the screenie of the laanx temple as well

[Elady]

Actually I've been thinking this is the best way to deal with the criminal element in Hydlaa.  After all a criminal isn't so dangerous when they have been permanently disarmed 

[Oronec]

Yay for not being a criminal! 

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Giroum examined the old cloth in his hands, admiring the intricate weaving and the near flawless image of the Iron Temple within it. Definitely an original Hythoret. The only thing that puzzled him was the reddish flagstone upon which the old master had signed it in purest white thread.
Wandering out of the temple into the plaza he approached the statue of his lord, bowing his head in respect, before turning back to face the temple...trying to match the point of view the artist had taken years earlier.
It was then that someone called to him...


(09:37:07) Giroum says: Hythoret was known to always sign his works, as this one is, with a flourishing "H"...but he was always careful to keep his mark small...subtle. Here it`s embroidered atop a red flagstone."
(09:40:29) Garosan nods "I am by no means an art expert, but that is peculiar"
(09:40:54) Giroum nods, adjusting his pipe and looks across the plaza flagstones
(09:41:09) Giroum says: Which one do you figure it is?

...namely Garosan. The warrior had saved the lemur priest`s life some time ago when he had been kidnapped and they had not met since. Giroum explained to the man about the tapestry and its strangely-hued section, marring the otherwise perfect work of art. The two studied it, comparing it to the flagstones of the plaza and eventually pinpointed which of the stones it actually was.

(09:47:46) Giroum drops his quarterstaff and runs his fingers round the edge of the stone
(09:48:08) Giroum says: Well...it looks old...worn.
(09:48:43) Garosan removes his gauntlets and runs one of his hands over it
(09:49:13) Giroum scowls at his torch and relights it
(09:49:30) Garosan says: Aye, very old....this chip here appears to be well worn down.
(09:50:19) Giroum looks where Garosan points and nods before looking to the man, "You don`t happen to have a rock pick, do you?"
(09:51:36) Garosan chuckles "Aye, 'av all my belongings on me."
(09:52:34) Giroum nods and looks about guiltily, "There`s nothing *on* this stone...but...the tapestry is too strange. How about we sneak a peek under it?"
(09:53:54) Garosan says: Couldn't hurt i guess. Can always lay a new one.
(09:54:07) Giroum says: Well, let`s try not to break it!
(09:54:27) Giroum looks about, checking there are no guards watching
(09:54:38) Garosan tries to fit the edge of his pick under the flagstone
(09:55:10) Giroum watches Garosan slip the point of his pick into the groove nicely
(09:56:03) Garosan begins to lift the edge of the stone with his pick
(09:56:23) Giroum crouches to peer under the stone with his torch
(09:56:57) Garosan gently flips the stone onto its back
(09:57:15) Giroum frowns at the marks on the back of the flagstone
(09:57:45) Giroum looks up to the Klyros and swallows
The two had obviously drawn someone`s attention...though thankfully it was not a city guard but rather Mandrith of the Klyros Junction....who accepted their request for aid, heading to the library for some paper and charcoal, with which they took a rubbing of the stone`s markings.

After several hours of interpreting and misinterpreting the map rubbing...resulting in several false trails and the group swelling and contracting a few times, they determined that the numbers on the map corresponded to those engraved on the blocks surrounding the pool at the center of the Hydlaa Plaza.




It was finally Mellas who, looking at the rubbing and Garosan`s complete map of the city, determined that the lines leading away from the center of the plaza corresponded to Octarch`s Way...but that lead them to the tavern, rather than a tree as depicted upon the map.
(11:27:17) Giroum takes a deep breath, "But...there`s no trees in the tavern, right?"
(11:27:51) Garosan scratches his beard "Or is there? Most of the place is made of wood."
(11:27:53) Inreck says: 3 rooms and 3 floors
(11:28:03) Mellas blushes. 'I'm sorry, I didn't realize we were looking for a tree.'
(11:28:22) Giroum says: Well, how about we look around...see if there`s anything like a tree?
(11:28:26) Giroum shrugs
(11:28:40) Garosan scratches his beard then quickly heads up the stairs
(11:28:43) Inreck says: here
(11:28:50) Inreck says: this painting has a tree on it
(11:29:47) Giroum says: Indeed...what about the markings on the map to either side of the tree?
(11:30:31) Giroum examines the rubbing again, "Hills? Rocks? What are those curly things?"
Noting that there were several paintings on the walls of the tavern, some of which contained trees, they began to search the building from basement to rooftop terrace.


Eventually it as Inreck who, checking behind a painting of dermoria on the second floor, found something well hidden in the frame!
(11:46:01) Inreck says: hmm... how about this tree?
(11:46:18) Giroum looks at the painting with Inreck
(11:46:41) Giroum says: A painting of Dermoria....Well, Hythoret *was* dermorian, yes.
(11:46:43) Inreck says: hehehe!
(11:47:01) Inreck says: and those trees grow on the third AND fourth floor of yliakum!
[Sadly no one made the connection between the carvings on the wooden panels of the tavern and the markings on the map  ]


They returned to the lower room to examine his find...

Thoughts Whilst Visiting The Locales Of The Dome In The Year 630AY, by Hythoret.

page 1
After being raised and completing my schooling upon the Far Ground I had always been possessed of a great urge to explore the higher levels of Yliakum. The fiery forges of the Stronghold and the rivers of glistening tria they are said to produce, the very bastion and source of our land's wealth. The endless swaying fields of crops that make a patchwork quilt of the Barn, and the good-natured peasants who till the fine earth there. And of course up to the Dome. Over the last two decades of my life Laanx saw fit to take me to the Stronghold and the Barn and so I set out in mid Azhord, bidding a temporary goodbye to my neighbours, bound for Nalvys, the winch and finally the Dome.
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page 2
Before I go on to detail my travels upon the first level let me spare a word for a small village, the name of which I with regret must admit now escapes my aging memory, in which I stayed a night. Just beyond the Jillian swamp and no more than a day's travel from Nalvys and the winch, this small town was the site of a quaint temple, in the baroque style indicative of lemur design, dedicated to Laanx. It was possessed of some of the finest stained-glass windows these old eyes have ever seen and inspired me so greatly that despite the weariness of my travels I stayed up throughout the night recapturing an image of Laanx from the temple in my weaving. It was but a hurried work, yet the innkeeper: a kindly enkidukai, was so moved that I presented the piece to him in apology for keeping him from his bed throughout the night.
I know not what became of the piece nor the town, for we live in 'interesting times', but if it remains and you should find yourself headed for the Dome, I recommend spending a night there.
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page 3
THE DOME
Though the winch -a fine and wonderous technological contraption if ponderously slow and prone to sway dreadfully in highwinds such as assailed my ascent- brought me to the fine city of Hydlaa, ruled by the just line of Stronghands, ties of blood demanded that I refrain from exploring that first port and rather took me thence to fair Quinterion, city of my brothers and sisters.
A detour through the lush forest of Salith Kinon brought me to Otlidi Eam's city. Located deep within a forest of bright, verdant trees, the town itself is built up in the boughs. Construction the likes of which you will find no where else upon the first level. Indeed the plaza of Quintherion itself is a vast platform surrounding the central tree of the city many meters above the greensward. No visit to Quintherion would be complete without a viewing of the Water Tree, which inspired me to create a piece of which I am rather proud. After which I sampled the fine foods of my brothers and sisters before retiring for the night, taking rest in a bed carved from the very wood of the tree in which it was perched.
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page 4
Returning to Hydlaa I began to study the city itself: the winding streets radiating from the plaza, the greatest of these being Octarch's Way. The curious mixture of architectural influences, ylian, xacha and more. And even more so the myriad races which fill the veins of this fine city. I found lodgings at the tavern upon Highwatch, surely the social heart of the city and, I might add, while the artwork adorning the walls is somewhat plain it suits the warm and friendly atmosphere...and I was pleased to find an image of fair Dermoria, the ancestral home of my people, on display.
On my second day in Hydlaa I began to weave the Iron Temple itself. I will not rush myself in this work for I mean it to be the pinacle of my time upon the Dome. I cannot yet explain what inspired me to capture not the statue of Laanx but rather the image of his house of worship.
I did of course spend much time admiring the statue, pool and the fine masonry of the plinth Laanx stands upon. And spent many a day, when I was not weaving or embroidering, pouring over the fine volumes of the library. There are few finer repositories of information to be found.
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page 5
My travels took me beyond the paradisical city of my kind and Hydlaa, for I ventured as far as the Irifon, taking in the sights between, and to Gugrontid in the other direction.
I stood upon the very site where Talad's summoning of the Azure Sun's power scarred Laanx so many centuries ago. And it was while I stood upon the nearby Mound of Talad, regarding the great kran city named for the one whose life was lost, that I was approached by one of Talad's children.
Kra inquired as to my business and I gladly showed kra the image I had started of kras home city. I am pleased to say kra was much impressed and we spoke at length about matters from the Octarchy to my travels throughout Yliakum, of legends old and new. Kra was particularly knowledgeable upon the oral history of kras own race and after many hours, as the light faded, kra promised to meet me once more.
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page 6
I continued my piece of the Iron Temple over the next few days, taking rest upon the temple green from time to time. I too ventured within that hallowed hall and was given a tour by a kindly priestess. The ornate serpentine carvings upon the humble pews I studied for some time. The serpent is a symbol common to most cultures in one form or other, be it positive or negative, and the priestess related how the xacha craftsman had chosen it for the serpent's rejuvenative powers, it's strong will, and fierce wrath when wronged. I could but agree in its aptness, and found other serpentine symbology throughout the temple.
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page 7
Whilst continuing my tapestry of Galeran's greatest work I was joined by the kran with whom I had shared pleasant conversation days before. Kra praised my work and engaged me once more in talk of times past.
We spoke of the gods and their choices of mortals: Dakkru and her servant Londris, ever to be found within the Citadel...Laanx and the xacha Galeran Tarbius, creator of the Iron Temple, and Talad and his first-formed: Konroran. We spoke of Galeran's prominence, the temple being a constant reminder of him, not to mention Galeran's Seat: the terrace overlooking the temple. In the case of Londris, that willy old man has chosen rather immortality, of a kind. My conversation partner expressed sadness at the fading of Konroran's memory. I asked about this and kra explained that Konroran's quest to find Laanx had taken kra away from the duty kra had first taken on: the stewardship of krankind. In kras absence Aedaisti, kras closest companion, took on the duty of leading their people. And it was Aedaisti whom Talad sent to recover Konroran's body from the Stone Labyrinths. It seemed that Aedaisti came to eclipse Konroran in the minds of krankind over the centuries.
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page 8
I continue to work on my tapestry of the Iron Temple, but my talks with that kran over the last few days have moved me greatly, for kra has told me untold stories and secrets kra bid me keep so. Old traditions unseen for long centuries. No matter how my heart yearns to tell, to illustrate these lost words, kra bid me not to, telling me these are things to be remembered not upon parchment nor vellium, but passed from tongue to tongue by a select few.
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page 9
To think that I once believed that my weaving of the Iron Temple would be the great pinnacle of my time upon the Dome! The piece is finished yet it now holds little meaning to me in the light of my illumination.
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page 10
I am set to return to the Far Ground.
Perhaps it is the weakness of age or the zeal of the uncompromising artist but, may the gods forgive me, I cannot leave what I have learned unrecorded. Kra told me that kra and kras kind are the last of a dwindling breed, believers in forgotten and out-moded beliefs.
The image of the Iron Temple is complete. Within it is the first step in my attempt to preserve their legacy.
I shall take it with me on my return and do all I can to ensure that it reveals that vital first stepping stone only when the gods deem it necessary.
This, my journal, shall remain in Hydlaa, the third step. Rather than the chronicle of my travels it has become something less and yet more.

To those who seek the truth I beg of you to question your motives before you venture forth.

Past couple of rock to the small quiet land of my cousins wherein lies the key to the first's legacy.

(12:00:14) Mandrith says: The kra told him something...
(12:00:24) Giroum nods at Mandrith`s words
(12:01:09) Giroum says: Hythoret seems to have met this kra a few times...
(12:01:48) Mandrith says: Read the last page..... There is a clue to what is hidden by him...
(12:01:59) Giroum skips to the last page
(12:02:43) Mellas rereads the last page carefully
(12:02:45) Mandrith says: The land of his cousins.... It was mentioned earlier
(12:03:15) Inreck says: what's this guy's race?
(12:03:23) Giroum says: Hythoret was a dermorian.
(12:03:34) Inreck says: cousin is sometime the word used to qualify a simmilary race
(12:03:47) Inreck says: like the two types of elves, and the two races of dwarvs
(12:04:04) Inreck says: the land of his cousins may refer to the racial cousins of the dermorians
(12:04:07) Giroum says: Very true....so his cousins...
(12:04:12) Giroum looks to Mellas
(12:04:17) Inreck says: Nolthrirs
(12:05:14) Giroum says: You *are* cousins, racially, to the dermorians.
(12:05:28) Giroum says: But yes...a nolthrir land, on the Dome?
(12:06:02) Giroum takes out a map of the known Dome
(12:06:07) Inreck says: hmm....
(12:07:24) Mellas rubs her temples, trying to make sense of her thoughts. 'Last two levels are those where the nolthrirs dwell..' she mentions.
(12:08:11) Giroum says: Now...small quiet land of nolthrirs....past couple of rock.
(12:08:19) Giroum frowns over the map of the Dome.
(12:08:30) Inreck says: a couple of rocks...
(12:08:51) Inreck says: oja isn't the case for it's not calm
(12:09:11) Inreck says: The fallen lovers are two big rocks
(12:09:17) Inreck says: do boulders count as rocks?
(12:09:20) Giroum says: Wait...he said `coup- yes!
(12:09:43) Giroum says: `Couple of rock`...not couple of rock*s*. The Fallen Lovers!
(12:09:52) Inreck says: THAT'S IT!!!



They were soon joined by the young xacha mage Vilthis and began their preparations to set out along the Ojaveda Road...Giroum bumping into his fellow aged lemur Izalox in front of the temple.
(13:19:55) Vilthis says: We are close now master.
(13:19:57) Giroum says: From the last page...
(13:20:29) Inreck says: what is that cavern thing on the map, between derghir village and gobble village?
(13:20:46) Giroum says: Specifically the last lines, it seems that Hythoret - more than a century ago- hid something. Past a couple of rock
(13:20:54) Giroum nods toward the Fallen Lovers
(13:21:07) Inreck says: passed....
(13:21:28) Giroum says: `The small quiet land of my cousins.` Hythoret was a dermorian...so we assume his cousins refers to Nolthrirs.
(13:21:58) Vilthis says: I trust your seasoned wisdom old master.
(13:22:08) Giroum says: What do you make of it, Izalox?
(13:22:13) Inreck says: tell me, would he have respected the roads? or taken a shortcut through grass like us?
(13:22:27) Giroum shrugs, "Who knows."
(13:22:36) Izalox says: Im afraid my eyes aren't quite as sharp as they one were.
(13:22:36) Inreck says: hmm....
(13:22:51) Giroum says: By all means, take a closer look at the book
(13:23:21) Izalox steps forward to look at the book up close
(13:23:46) Izalox says: Last page you say ?
(13:24:00) Giroum says: Particularly the last, yes.
(13:24:53) Izalox says: The land of my cousins ?
(13:25:11) Inreck says: Yes we already associated that to the racial cousins of Dermorians: the nolthrir
(13:25:46) Izalox says: Why must we question our motives first ?
(13:26:12) Giroum raises his eyebrows

(13:27:58) Giroum says: Now. We are at the couple of rock. Beyond which there should be a small quiet land of nolthrirs.
(13:28:09) Giroum looks to the map, and about at the surrounding countryside
(13:28:20) Inreck says: camp banished....
(13:28:26) Izalox says: Well, there's Ojaveda .. too
(13:28:38) Izalox says: And a Dehgir village
(13:28:49) Giroum says: Neither are particularly quiet...or associated with the nolthrir though.
(13:28:50) Inreck says: as Mellas said nolthrir live in the 7th and 8th levels, so if they were here would it be safe to assume they were banished?
(13:28:52) Giroum frowns
(13:29:20) Inreck says: I know camp banished is filled with rogues.....
(13:29:39) Inreck hits his head with his palms "Gah I can't make heads or toes from this!"
(13:29:39) Giroum says: Is it quiet? Not particularly.
(13:29:50) Inreck says: the lake of stealth?!
(13:29:59) Inreck says: to be stealthy you must be quiet right?
(13:30:09) Giroum looks up at Inreck in surprise
(13:30:31) Inreck says: land of the cousins
(13:30:40) Inreck says: aren't nolthrirs capable of breathing underwater?
(13:30:54) Inreck says: land could have been a metaphor
(13:30:56) Izalox says: Yes..
(13:31:15) Izalox says: Perhaps it would be worth checking the lake
And so their travels took them to the Lake of Stealth.

(13:33:30) Inreck says: wherin lies the key!
(13:33:35) Inreck says: thus the key must be in the lake!
(13:33:37) Giroum reads, "Past couple of rock to the small quiet land of my cousins...wherein lies the key."
(13:33:39) Giroum nods
(13:33:44) Inreck plunges in the lake to search
(13:33:53) Giroum says: Did...erm...did anyone bring an spade?
And, lacking decent digging equipment Inreck and Vilthis resorted to using their helmet and weapons to dig, coming up for air when necessary, while the two old lemurs: Giroum and Izalox, looked on.
(13:37:31) Giroum mutters "We really need some nolthrir for this."
(13:37:37) Izalox looks into the pool wth a concerned expression, "Dear Laanx that Klyros may catch a cold like that"
(13:37:55) Izalox shakes his head and sighs.
(13:38:47) Giroum says: Something you said concerns me, Izalox...about the line that we should question our motives...what do you think it means?
(13:40:00) Izalox says: Its worrisome indeed.. Why be so cautious ? What did the writer know that we do not ?


But alas the elders` discussion was interrupted as Vilthis made a discovery...
(13:42:17) Vilthis says: Master Duphra!
(13:42:24) Giroum looks up
(13:42:36) Vilthis says: I may have found something of interest
(13:42:37) Giroum says: What is it, Vilthis?
(13:43:05) Vilthis produces the book from his hand
(13:44:08) Vilthis says: We would have to becareful with the pages, the fibres are delicate when wet.
(13:44:10) Izalox says: "A wet Klyros .. and eh.. " Izalox look over at Vilthis
(13:44:53) Giroum looks over the small book Vilthis found buried at the bottom of the lake in a leather bag



..it was a poem, written by the old artist`s hand.


(13:46:56) Giroum says: What concerns me is why Hythoret would bury it at the bottom of a lake....and a poem: uncharacteristic for him, a tapestry-maker.
(13:48:24) Vilthis nods as he looks at the water proof leather satchel
(13:48:27) Inreck says: stone most precious, isn't that platinum?
(13:49:01) Giroum clicks his tongue, "To a lot of people in Gugrontid..yes, platinum is most precious."
(13:49:39) Giroum says: `First born of gold-bearer`...who bears gold?
(13:50:12) Giroum says: But would that be Talad or Laanx? They were the first gods to come to Yliakum.
(13:50:16) Inreck scratches his head
(13:50:23) Giroum says: Perhaps you should spend more time in the library, young one.
(13:51:46) Inreck says: I think laanx would be the gold bearer
(13:51:53) Giroum says: Why is that?
(13:51:55) Inreck says: since she had enormous beauty
(13:52:09) Inreck says: she would probably be wearing fancy clothing with gold threading and such
(13:52:35) Giroum adjusts his pipe as he thinks, "Izalox? Vilthis?"
(13:52:46) Izalox says: She did have a single piece of jewelry around her ankle
(13:52:54) Izalox says: I dont recall it being gold though.
(13:53:08) Giroum raises a finger at Izalox`s words, "Yes!"
(13:53:15) Inreck says: well she was the finest beauty of all and it says i quote "Finest form than all yet to come"
(13:53:20) Vilthis raised his head from deep thought "Legend has it that Talad bore a gold armlet upon his right biceps"
(13:53:55) Giroum nods to Vilthis, "Talad is the gold-bearer! And Laanx the silver."
(13:54:45) Inreck says: So.... who are the first born of talad?
(13:55:05) Vilthis looks up at the inquiry "The Race of Kran"
(13:55:33) Inreck says: most precious of stones is platinum for many in gugruntid, home of the kran
(13:55:48) Inreck says: I don't know...
(13:56:00) Giroum says: More thought, Inreck, less speed.
(13:56:43) Giroum takes a deep breath and looks over the poem again
(13:57:27) Giroum says: `Nycthemeron`??
(13:57:33) Inreck says: Talad messed up and disfigured Laanx. from there on out she changed and became different, she has silver and became ethereal having no visible appearance. she went into the labyrinth
(13:58:33) Giroum says: Oh, I have no doubt it speaks of both Talad: the gold-bearer, and Laanx: the silver-bearing ethereal demiurge.
(13:58:59) Inreck says: I don't see why but I think the second verse speaks of the iron temple
(14:01:08) Inreck says: I think it's the architect's part. I just can't seem to figure out why that stays stuck to my mind
(14:01:34) Giroum says: Ah, the architect is Galeran Tarbius?
(14:01:43) Inreck says: I think so
(14:01:57) Inreck says: I believe he was a very strong believer in Laanx right?
(14:02:28) Giroum says: At Tarbius` command the first`s kin were sent to retrieve...who? What?
(14:02:42) Inreck says: what does "kin" mean? I'm not familliar with that word
(14:02:53) Giroum says: Tarbius was the chosen prophet of Laanx, yes. Kin means family or relations.
(14:05:11) Giroum says: Hmm...perhaps we had best check the library....or a knowledgable kran.

And so, with the mystery only having deepened...they headed back to Hydlaa, seeking advice and information...


[OOC thanks to Darvu (the first one week old baby I`ve seen in Yliakum), Garosan, Mandrith, Resildren, Mellas, Linalen, Inreck, Izalox and anyone else I missed.]

[Jarexia]

[mispost]

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Later that day, after studying Hythoret`s journal and the cryptic poem, Giroum asked Vilthis and Mellas for aid once again...Mogweh joining them en route to the library. Having identified the gold-bearer and the silver-bearer as Talad and Laanx, they needed to find out more about Talad and his `firstborn`...


(01:17:08) Mogweh says: There's a book here about the history of the kran
(01:17:22) Vilthis removes a book from the shelf titled "Kran history and Origin"

They determined that the first kran was Konroran, and that he was better sculpted than all krans who came after him: the Firstborn of the gold-bearer, finer form than all yet to come...as written in Hythoret`s poem.
And both the kran history and the poem matched:
yet consumed by grief,
born into light yet causing flight
of silver-bearing ethereal demiurge. - Konroran`s feelings of guilt at the damage done to Laanx in his creation.
Lost form vowed to create,
nycthemeron long toiled. - Konroran made creating a sculpture of Laanx his life`s quest.
Though shared by close few
was goal of first
set out alone for labyrinths of stone. - And upon completing the sculpture he set out to find Laanx.

At command of their architect
First`s closest kin was sent to retrieve - Talad sent Aedaisti to recover Konroran.
For at quest`s end first did expire
knelt in presentation of glorious work - Konroran`s life ended as he presented his work to Laanx.
Henceforth the faithful few
upon stone most precious
remember sacrifice of first evermore.
This last the four could not be sure of the meaning of....but it seemed to indicate Gugrontid, whether `stone most precious` was the lumium of Gugrontid or something else...


A day later Giroum, Mellas, Mogweh, Garosan and Merivo met at the gate near the Windowless Tower in Hydlaa and set out for Gugrontid, not suspecting that their journey would take a dramatic turn...
For no sooner had they started out across the plain from the road to the kran city, than a deafening roar met their ears!

Despite his age, the old lemur sprinted as fast as his arthritic limbs would carry him...

Their original quest abandoned, they rallied the populace of Gugrontid before the raging ulbernaut came into sight...

and soon rain began to fall as combat was joined...the sky ominously darkening to a blood red hue...

And soon it was not only the sky but also the grass and rocks which were red...but the ulbernaut was driven off!

Fearing it was not the end, the defenders rallied and formed up in case of a second wave...

And a second wave came...and finally a third, headed by the largest beast any had ever seen, its very tread shaking the ground like the fist of an angry god.
Hail the vilenaut!

The foul beast even charged all the way up into Gugrontid itself! Once it was beaten off the drawbridge, but it came back once more up, up!

...and it was thrown back by the defenders, Merivo valiantly falling in the act, the vilenaut plummeting back to the ground to land in a bloody heap before beating a retreat back out the valley to the wilderness beyond.

With the sky clearing back to azure blue, retiring to the Stonehead tavern the survivors drank to celebrate their victory...and to the sacrifice of those who had fallen in the city`s defence...
Mellas
Merivo
Mogweh
Grizzt
Kaerli
Anonymous miners
[anyone else I missed?]

[bloodedIrishman]

Indeed, an interesting turn of events.

You missed Kaerli, several miners (who defended the city by using their bodies as fodder, clogging up the claws and mouth of the beast with their gore).

[garoninja]

[Giroum...That was so awesome you could not have planned that. Sweet twist in the plot line  ]

[Tadano Hitoshi]

[Giroum...That was so awesome you could not have planned that. Sweet twist in the plot line  ]

[Completely unexpected...but most welcome! Giroum has written an account of the event actually, with copies for those who took part.]

Giroum wandered into the Stonehead Tavern again. After the battle he had downed a beer to steady his shaken nerves, but eventually headed out to seek solace upon the Scar of Laanx: ironically also said to be the resting place of Konroran kraself. There he penned an account of the fight against the raging beasts, the images still vivid in his mind. Putting away his quill and ink he closed Under A Carmine Sky and made his way back to the tavern. The bloody red sky, and the strangeness of the attack weighed heavily on his mind.
Was it an omen?
If so it could only be an ill one. He had set out from Hydlaa with four companions: Mogweh, Mellas, Merivo and Garosan....three of whom had been felled by the beasts. Was one of the gods trying to sway them from their path? To put an end to their quest?

Within the tavern he met the young fenki Calla Nivalli. He was quickly impressed by her humble yet cheerful spirit...not to mention her well brewed tea. Far more agreeable to his delicate constitution than beer, though the hard stone benches left something to be desired...
nevertheless he soon came to questioning the other occupant of the tavern...
(18:51:35) Giroum says: Calla, dear. You wouldn`t happen to know much about Gugrontid itself and its past, would you?
(18:52:01) Calla shakes her head softly
(18:52:18) Calla says: I havent really had the chance. I know only a few things.
(18:52:26) Giroum smiles and nods his head, "Ah well."
(18:52:29) Calla's head tilts to the right
(18:52:44) Calla says: Anything that troubles you?
(18:53:22) Giroum says: Well, it`s a bit of a long story...but something lead myself and some comrades here...in search of, we think, a statue or sculpture.
(18:53:34) Calla`s ears perk
(18:54:05) Giroum raises his eyebrows
(18:54:15) Calla wipes down the table's corner with a clean cloth, her eyebrows raised
(18:54:23) Giroum says: Well...
(18:54:29) Giroum takes out a small poem book
He carefully explained the poem, reading it aloud as she herself could not read...
(19:02:38) Giroum says: "Henceforth the faithful few upon stone most precious remember sacrifice of first evermore".
(19:03:00) Calla chews her lip thoughtfully
(19:03:16) Calla says: Well, there's a precious stone here.
(19:03:27) Giroum raises his eyebrows
(19:03:32) Calla shakes her head softly
(19:03:41) Calla says: Oh, don't worry. It's nothing.
(19:03:52) Calla gives a faint smile and resumed her cleaning
(19:03:56) Giroum leans forward, "No, please..please tell me."
(19:04:26) Calla looks up and frowns faintly, her ears tilting forward
(19:05:00) Giroum follows the young fenki`s gaze, "Above us?"
(19:05:11) Calla says: Well, I was just thinking there's two 'stones' that would be considered precious here. That one in the huge stone hollow, that a preist stands by. And of course, that Mount Talad place. Right next to it there's a thing devoted to Laanx.
(19:05:26) Calla nods at Giroum
(19:05:50) Calla giggles
(19:05:58) Calla says: See? I told you it wasn't important.
(19:06:06) Giroum says: Ah! The temple of Talad....I must admit, due to my own faith, I have never visited it.....though the others I know of: the Mound of Talad and the Scar of Laanx.
(19:06:43) Calla nods at the name and clicks
(19:06:45) Calla says: Thats the name!
(19:07:05) Giroum whispers, "The temple of Talad...?"
(19:07:13) Calla gives a small nod
(19:07:17) Calla says: Mhm!
(19:07:27) Giroum looks to Calla, "Calla...would you do me a favour?"
(19:07:28) Calla looks up at Giorum and stops her cleaning at his expression
(19:07:45) Calla's expression brightens
(19:07:48) Calla says: Oh! Sure.
(19:08:20) Giroum says: Would you go into the temple and take a look at the stone for me? I need to know if there is any image carved or sculpted into it.
(19:08:51) Calla furrows her brow at the strange request but gives a nod anyway
(19:09:14) Giroum smiles with relief, "Thank you dear!"
(19:09:28) Calla returns the smile, though looks quizzical
(19:09:45) Calla says: I'll trust you with the tavern for a few seconds, okay? I'll be back.
(19:09:50) Giroum nods
(19:09:55) Calla makes her way across the room

And soon the young fenki returned...

(19:13:32) Giroum smiles and looks hopeful
(19:14:22) Calla hands Giroum a charcoal sketch of a stone with scales radiating from the center. In the middle there is a small clear circle, with drawings inside. One of them looks like a half moon or a shell, while the other seems hard to make out. One of the smaller drawings looks almost like a lizard.

Most interesting indeed...though it did not seem to fit with the poem`s suggestion of a faithful few remembering Konroran`s sacrifice evermore...it didn`t seem that the stone had been created by Konroran, or bore any testament to the first kran. Nevertheless, his spirit was buoyed.
He was not going to give up.
The search would continue...