Event December 29th late about the bearers of Truth
- Thread starter Xhas
- Start date
JayelleNephilim
"Helpy Helper"
Here is Jayelle's log of this morning's events (*edited in order to make it more reader friendsly -- most nonscence was removed to keep it in character):
The announcement -- The Bearers of Truth return:
For everyone on SoD who is interested in roleplaying, take a moment to read this over. Tonight marks the return of the Bearers of Truth, a previous attempt at gathering the people interested in world lore and storyline events, so that events could be made which wouldn't be overrun by level 65s going 'lol lmao' and whining about fame points.
The attempt failed, partly due to time limitations, but mainly because it was a real guild, which excluded people from guilding with friends, for raids, and so on. This time, being a Bearer means that you are given a mark which is displayed in your name (*RP*) and allows you to speak in the cult-only guild channel.
This means that you can join the Bearers and still be in another guild.
Idoith says out of character, 'what are the bearers of truth?'
Weetrow says out of character, 'i'm sure that'll be the next announcement'
Raynn says out of character, 'how do i join the bearers?'
The rules of being a Bearer is very simple, as for the actual joining, an IC message will go out soon to introduce that.
First of all, you are required to roleplay on the events. You are required to not be an idiot in the cult-channel, and you are required to have some kind of in-character concept for your character, no matter how vague.
You do NOT need to be in-character all the time, not even in the cult channel (even though it's encouraged there), but on events it is an absolute MUST.
Anyone who joins and does the LOL ROFL ROFL routine on an event will be instantly removed.
This is not a special club because you want to hang out with GMs or anything, it's for people interested in roleplay, lore, and storyline events that may well not give you any fame points (the travesty)
With that said, those who are interested should come to the dead city of Felwithe, where the Prophet will explain the vision and goals of the Bearers.
Note that you should be in character when speaking to the Prophet. That is all.
Your head swims for a moment. You blink, as a voice you vaguely remember, a voice that has spoken to you in your dreams. It urges you towards the lost city of Felwithe, towards the dead elvenhome. It says that you are a called one, that you have a part of the greater destiny to fulfill. It says that it is a prophet, a prophet of fate. It says that it wishes to tell you more about this world. The voice fades, and you must decide what to do.
(Everyone will be given 10-15 minutes to get here before the speech is made. If you arrive late, just sit down and try to catch up.)
(There will be chances to join after this as well, but this is the best time to ask questions or generally just roleplay around the reforming of the cult)
In Felwithe, awaiting the Prophet's speech:
Winbas says, 'Could anyone here please explain to me about this accult reformation?'
Veruuca says, 'patience young one'
Joudaro says, 'It's still largely a mystery to us all.'
Winbas says, 'Ah alright, I did not know if this was another continuation of a previous night in which you all have met'
Torgar says, 'I am here on the basis of a vision. I have no knowledge of this place nor of this man.'
Raynn says, 'I am Very curious as to what will happen after all of this.'
Kabre says, 'I've made his acquaintance once before.'
Dundrey says, 'I followed a voice'
(For anyone that missed what the Bearers are, you can read up on it in the new Roleplaying forum. IC info will be added after the kick-off.)
Foolra says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Kabre says, '(are the old roleplaying posts gone forever?)'
(And since I KNOW some clueless person is going to ask, www.shardsofdalaya.com/forums)
The Prophet says, 'Dismiss your servants. You will not need them here.'
Underwing says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Weetrow says, 'No! Not toonces!'
Shamgar says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Pyrotechnic says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Raynn says, 'Yes sir'
Toonces says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
You say, 'As you wish!'
The Prophet says, 'I shall begin.'
The Speech:
The Prophet says, 'Welcome, all. I have called you, just as you have been called in your dreams, because you are all part of the greater picture. There are countless being living their lives over the face of Dalaya, and all serve a purpose, but yours is special.
Neebos nods at The Prophet.
Raynn beams.
The Prophet says, 'Your purpose is to change the very fate of the world, one way or another. You may use different means to accomplish this, and you may seek different ends, but in the end, you all cooperate in accordance with the will of the Lord of Fate.'
The Prophet says, 'Let me tell you of the Lord of Fate.'
Gewere says, 'i believe we make our own fate!'
The Prophet says, 'Forget all that you know of the petty Gods that rule over this world. They are powerful by mortal standards - truthfully by any standards - but in the end, they are as fallible as mortal creatures, and simply pieces of the puzzle.'
Riaddon says, 'Blasphemy!!'
Gamba raises an eyebrow.
Vigore says, 'tis truth he speaks, even the gods may err'
Xanzabak looks on incredulously.
Terantella says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Shoken says, 'So there are those higher than the gods themselves?'
Gewere says, 'what puzzle?'
Niki salutes the gods in pure admiration.
Kelyin says, 'Perhaps we should let him finish before asking questions'
Weetrow says, 'Would you interrupt your lector at one of the fine Dalayan universities?'
Foolra agrees with Kelyin.
Veruuca agrees.
Xanzabak says, 'yes.'
The Prophet says, 'The Lord of Fate is no mere elemental spirit, or gathering of energy presiding over a single little world. He is the will, the shaper, the weaver. Understand, however, that the futures he weave are many. There is not one set future, and each creature has the potential to affect which future the world is brought into. This is a necessity, for if there was only a single possible path, then existance would be meaningless, would it not?'
Gamba nods at Kelyin.
Winbas agrees with The Prophet.
Foolra nods at The Prophet.
Niki nods.
Hassan says, 'indeed!'
Neebos nods at The Prophet.
Shoken says, 'Aye!'
Morgaine agrees with The Prophet.
Idoith agrees with The Prophet.
Veruuca nods.
Riaddon drools all over The Prophet.
Raynn nods at Dundrey.
Gewere says, 'the future is my will! I will make my future!'
Ykarri pokes Dundrey.
Raynn nods at The Prophet.
Weetrow says, 'A single possible path, undivided by mortals, would not seem meaningless as it would be incomprehensible to us, weak as we are'
Vigore says, 'then make it somewhere else and stop interrupting'
Torgar says, 'If you do not believe in fate, why have you sought out the prophet then hmm?'
Sibro says, 'Human. Why have you called me here?'
Gewere says, 'perhaps some glimpse into the mists of time...'
The Prophet says, 'Equally, once you understand that the future is moldable, you must also understand that there is one future that is *right*. One future that the universe strives to achieve, one future that will unbind all the constraints that this existence places on its sea of souls. This is the future that the weaver wishes us to reach. He could force us, yes. This is a possibility.'
Joudaro raises an eyebrow at Sibro, "Does that look like a human to you?"
Sibro says, 'Things with too much flesh all look the same'
The Prophet says, 'This is why I am called a prophet. I speak of what may come, and what SHOULD come, but yet must be struggled for.'
Niki scowls at Sibro.
Joudaro says, 'On that point, I can agree.'
Sibro grins evilly.
Shoken says, 'I believe you've had one mead to many Prophet!'
Winbas says, 'So, how are we to make this change in the universe that is *right*?'
Gewere says, 'only freedom from the constraints of flesh is what should come!'
The Prophet says, 'For this reason, the weaver has lent me his voice, his sight, insight into the true path of the creatures of this world.'
Shoken sits back and listens.
Hassan says, 'prove it'
Riaddon says, 'The Weaver sounds like an OK guy.'
The Prophet says, 'Just as there is one true future, each of you have a True Path, a path to follow that will lend your assistance to the bringing about of the correct future, the determined future.'
Niki sighs at Hassan.
Shoken says, 'The "weaver" must intend on letting me fulfill my goals if he’s willing to drag me out of my quest for vengeance'
Sibro says, 'I have not seen so many gathered in a long time. Not a comforting thought'
Chrux says out of character, 'free the slaves !'
The Prophet says, 'In truth, every creature in existance has a True Path, but for many, it is minor, and varies little. A baker needs do nothing but continue to bake, but for those whose True Path involves battle and blood, it is more complex.'
Shoken says, 'Indeed... my murderer could be standing amongst us...'
Kabre points at Narmarratuk. Yeah you!
Gewere says, 'and a leader shall lead all those who believe!'
Shoken says, 'and death shall find those who are weak!'
The Prophet says, 'There are actions along the way which might seem evil, or opposed to your views of the world, or equally may be too selfless for your taste. You may be asked to do these things, and again, you must choose which you value more. No hand can be forced in this matter.'
Ykarri says, 'Evil is in the eye of the beholder'
The Prophet says, 'This is what it is to be a Bearer. It is to accept that your True Path exists, and seek it, hunt for it, and once you find it, to walk it.'
Raynn says, 'what is this path The Weaver wishes Us to Fallow?'
The Prophet says, 'It is a path of self-fulfillment, a path of understanding.'
Niki nods subtlely.
Raynn nods at The Prophet.
Hassan nods at The Prophet.
Gewere says, 'I walk the True Path! I fulfill my own destiny!'
Ykarri says, 'To be who we were born to be? Is that the basic gist of it?'
The Prophet says, 'For each, the path will be different, but every path involves one important part.'
Gamba ponders the Prophet's words.
Hassan says, 'What is the reward of the path?'
The Prophet says, 'You must involve yourself in the world. You must see its changes, seek to understand the goals of other creatures and powers, learn of the true face of the Gods and their games.'
Gamba says, 'Hmm. And how are we to do this?'
The Prophet says, 'This is why the Bearers must gather together, for some things cannot be learned alone.'
Shoken says, 'Will those who follow achieve their ultimate goals?'
Raynn says, 'These So called Gods they seem to be the enemy, full of lies they seem to be'
The Prophet says, 'The Bearers must accept the mark, and seek to strive in unity to gather the necessary understanding.'
The Prophet says, 'The Gods are not my enemy, though they may be yours, that is your choice to make.'
The Prophet says, 'They are simply the same as you, parts of the tapestry, though their parts are greater, and many of them have lost their way.'
Kabre thinks there are plenty of enemies around without making them of gods.
Ykarri says, 'Lost their way? How can a god lose their way?'
Gamba says, 'Unity is the one thing we have been taunted by the enemy that we will never have.'
Riaddon ponders the matters at hand.
The Prophet says, 'That is one of the things you will come to understand as a Bearer.'
The Prophet says, 'How this entire world has lost its way, and what will happen if it does not find it again.'
Raynn says, 'I wish to help it find its way any way i can'
The Prophet says, 'This, a ruin-city, a monument to what once was, is an accurate picture of Dalaya as a whole.'
Raynn says, 'empty'
Riaddon agrees with everyone around it.
Ykarri says, 'It is empty true, but it hardly crumbled. It could be re-populated'
Grizabella says, 'rebuilt.'
Shoken says, 'Bad architecture and covered in decaying mess? An accurate picture, prophet.'
Riaddon says, 'We'd better get started then. *wink*'
The Prophet says, 'Yes! You understand. In time, people may come to return to this city. The mist may come to be driven out of the forest.'
Morgaine says, 'Rebirth of a new era'
Tsabayne says, 'And out of Nagthilon'
The Prophet says, 'And equally, the world may be set back in its True Path. Those who ask for rewards, should understand that there is no reward greater than the True Path.'
Ykarri says, 'I see, so there is nothing unfixable about the world, we must simply learn how to fix it'
Gamba says, 'Drive away the Mists at Kelethin? A daunting prospect indeed.'
Veruuca agrees.
The Prophet says, 'It will bring you all your hearts' desires, though you may not know what they are.'
Gewere says, 'the only reward is what you make for yourself!'
Riaddon says, 'No rewards greater? Infinite plat would equally satisfy me'
Shoken says, 'Vengeance is the only reward i seek.'
Riaddon says, 'Psycho'
Veruuca says, 'I wish to find my true path!'
Tsabayne says, 'Neither vengeance nor money satisfy the soul.'
Idoith scowls at Riaddon.
Dundrey sighs at Riaddon.
Kabre scoffs at Tsabayne.
Shoken says, 'It does mine, for i will be aloud to rest.'
The Prophet says, 'You may doubt my words, but think of my offer. I offer you understanding. I offer you a way for insight. How you use this insight will be entirely in your hands.'
Riaddon quivers in fear.
Ykarri says, 'Happiness satisfies me, whatever happens to bring it'
Hassan says, 'teach me master!'
The Prophet says, 'I make no demands except that you listen, and seek for your True Path.'
You say, 'how do I begin my journey?'
Anyadia says, 'my true path, and my hearts desires, are both still a mystery to me, as I am so young.... but I shall seek them all the same'
Raynn says, 'I wish to see the truth of witch you speak to understand the actions that it will take to re-build all the ruin that has been cast upon Dalaya'
Gewere says, 'Prophet, your words ring true. I shall forge ahead with my destiny!'
Klaskin says, 'how may my path begin'
Shoken says, 'This seems like a path that will help me reach my ultimate goal faster... a chance to search if you will.'
The Prophet says, 'Those who wish to bear the Mark of Truth, those who wish to be Bearers of Truth, may follow me. Those who deny the truth may leave.'
Kabre pushes through the crowd to be first in line.
Ykarri says, 'Always happy to be a follower '
Hassan says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Gamba hangs back, observing the ceremony for a bit.
Hassan says, 'I been marked!'
Your left cheek has been branded with the symbol of truth...
Niki bows before The Prophet.
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* Hail friends! *CULT*'
Anyadia giggles at how many of us have fishing poles in hand.
(Move away when you are marked. You can use [/** **] to speak in cult chat)
Cypu bows before The Prophet.
Weetrow points at Dundrey. Yeah you!
Kabre tells the guild, '*CULT* ? *CULT*'
Awardis nods.
Raynn tells the guild, '*CULT* Hellow brothers and sisters *CULT*'
Kabre felt the mark but doesn't see it.
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Heyo my fellow Bearers *CULT*'
Riaddon says, 'While I disagree with what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it.'
Sibro motions to Narmarratuk.
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* we shall make our own destiny! *CULT*'
The Prophet says, 'This way, those who have yet to be marked.'
Idoith says, 'stand near the prophet'
(Your mark will not show up on yourself until you zone or relog)
(If you got the message, you are marked)
Riaddon beams a smile at Morgaine.
Bandaen tells the guild, '*CULT* greetings all *CULT*'
Anyadia cackles gleefully.
Weetrow salutes the gods in pure admiration.
Raynn tells the guild, '*CULT* Hello brothers and sisters *CULT*'
Sibro lets out a sigh.
Winbas tells the guild, '*CULT* heya *CULT*'
Sibro says, 'Yet another waste of my time'
Anyadia claps her hands together - hurray!
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* Grertings *CULT*'
Gamba rubs his cheek thoughtfully.
The Prophet says, 'Is there any I have not marked?'
Dynak kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Xanzabak says, 'me'
Sibro says, 'I have yet to meet a trustworthy human'
Dynak says, 'me'
Onadan tells the guild, '*CULT* hello *CULT*'
Hassan says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Sibro says, 'Come'
Xanzabak says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Asai says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Idoith tells the guild, '*CULT* greetings *CULT*'
Dynak tells the guild, '*CULT* hello *CULT*'
Morgaine says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Shoken tells the guild, '*CULT* Hmmph, I guess I’m off to search *CULT*'
The Prophet says, 'OOC: I think that should be everyone.'
Morgaine kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* hello all *CULT*'
Narmarratuk tells the guild, '*CULT* hello *CULT*'
Terate says, 'I am not marked'
Ykarri says, 'Do you have further need of us Prophet?'
Raynn tells the guild, '*CULT* is this all for today *CULT*'
Asai says, 'I am not yet marked either'
Hassan says, 'is the meeting adjourned?'
Erowid says out of character, 'wheres the heler'
Joudaro says, 'Nor have I.'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Welcome, all. Welcome to the beginning of a long road. *CULT*'
Shoken tells the guild, '*CULT* I figured someone marked to fulfill destiny wouldn’t be my murderer. So be on the lookout *CULT*'
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* Is the meeting adjourned? *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* A road that I think most of us are pleased to walk *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* I think this is it today *CULT*'
Joudaro bows before The Prophet.
Anyadia kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Idoith beams a smile at The Prophet.
Sibro shouts, 'I am finished with this. Does anyone provide transport back across the water?'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Before I continue, is there any of you who is of an age enough to remember the fall of elvenhome, when the Mass invaded the tree-city of Kelethin? *CULT*'
Hassan begins to cast a spell.
Shoken shouts, 'I can, but it takes me off track of my journey'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* I'm old enough to recall that event *CULT*'
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* I was of age but not in the area*CULT*'
Veruuca tells the guild, '*CULT* I have been told the tale *CULT*'
Sibro shouts, 'A translocation will serve well. I thank you.'
Caelin tells the guild, '*CULT* Aye, I was there *CULT*'
Shoken tells the guild, '*CULT* I was there in my past life *CULT*'
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* those who can't see they are part of this group...you must leave this zone first to see it *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* I was not personally at the event, but I have heard many a story of it *CULT*'
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* stop blocking the exits.... *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Then you may understand that the way that the mist came to Kelethin is different from how it claimed the city of Nagthilian, and the vale home of the halflings. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* but aren't the mists in Kelethin and Nagthilian the same kind of mists? I have entered both cities and do not personally recall any difference *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Kelethin was a dead city for a long time, a city ravaged by Kaezul. When the corruption of the New World was cleansed, and the city made alive once more, its people only had to time to barely settle before the Mass attacked. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Mass had been observed before, in small attacks and ambushes along the coastal waters outside Goblinskull, but noone thought it was anything beyond another species of unquiet dead, of which there are so many on this planet. *CULT*'
Narmarratuk tells the guild, '*CULT* any efforts to rebuild this city? *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* and the mass that attacked Nagthilian was the first time that city fell, correct? *CULT*'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* mabye the mass have been "Given" a purpose by something greater. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It was not until it attacked the city, in greater and greater numbers, that its true power was made known. The battle lasted for hours, and it was only thanks to the sacrifice of many adventurers that so much of Kelethin's population escaped, but in the end, the Mass took the city. *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* I thoughtt that the mass was a tool of destruction unleashed by Baldakos *CULT*'
Players on Game:
---------------------------
[59 Luminary] Klaskin (Barbarian) <Revelation>
[57 Preserver] Onadan (Wood Elf) <Revelation>
[56 Waywatcher] Dynak (Wood Elf) <Revelation>
[65 Arcanist] Terate (High Elf) <Legacy>
[62 Grave Lord] Narmarratuk (Iksar) <Phoenix Rising>
[51 Heretic] Joudaro (Iksar) <Revelation>
[45 Druid] Joudaru (Halfling) <Revelation>
[34 Ranger] Asai (Half Elf) <Clan Kill>
[37 Druid] Cypu (Halfling) <Goon Squad>
[45 Ranger] Dundrey (Half Elf) <Beyond>
<LINKDEAD>[ANONYMOUS] Raynn <Dalaya's Beginners>
[ANONYMOUS] Kimeya
[13 Necromancer] Morgaine (Dark Elf) <Drunken Stupor>
[ANONYMOUS] Aurion
[ANONYMOUS] Caelin <Legacy>
[ANONYMOUS] Trysten
[11 Magician] Xanzabak (Human) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[16 Shadow Knight] Sibro (Iksar) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[ANONYMOUS] Anyadia <Dalaya's Beginners>
[62 Hierophant] Nahra (Wood Elf) <Phoenix Rising>
ANONYMOUS] Winbas
[ANONYMOUS] Torgar
[31 Magician] Idoith (High Elf)
[55 Beguiler] Foolra (High Elf) <Revelation>
[57 Preserver] Kelyin (Wood Elf) <Revelation>
ANONYMOUS] Riaddon <Aeternus>
50 Wizard] Tsabayne (Dark Elf) <Dobluthen>
[65 Thaumaturge] Awardis (Gnome) <Legacy>
[ANONYMOUS] Shoken <Venerate>
65 Coercer] Salanthas (Gnome) <Phoenix Rising>
[9 Wizard] Cabba (Human) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[41 Magician] Neebos (Human) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[54 Rake] Kabre (Dark Elf) <Phoenix Rising>
[55 Myrmidon] Veruuca (Ogre) <Revelation>
[39 Rogue] Ykarri (Barbarian) <Beyond>
[ANONYMOUS] Kalathir
AFK [33 Magician] Hassan (High Elf) <Clan Kill>
[ANONYMOUS] Mareleena
[33 Druid] Grizabella (Wood Elf) <Beyond>
[16 Shadow Knight] Halisstra (Erudite) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[58 Conjurer] Jayelle (Dark Elf) <Revelation>
There are 41 players in Felwithe.
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The following morning, as scouts returned, the city had been abandoned, there was no trace of the Mass. The bodies of those who fell were gone, and an unusually heavy mist hung around the trees. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* What does the Mass want with our cities anyway? I hardly trust their word, but they claim they merely want to stop the Gods War from wreaking havoc on our world. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* As they entered the abandoned city, the mist came to life, hunting them. A few escaped to tell the tale. The mist that permanently settles around the city now kills many unwary explorers. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The strange thing is that while this should mean that there is a clear relation between the Mass and the mist.. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* There is no reports whatsoever of the Mass, or anything like it, from the few who survived the Betrayal in Nagthilian. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* well logically, wherever the Mass go, the mist follows correct? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* What they speak of was people, dark elves, dissolving, turning to smoke, becoming the tendrils, and hunting their fellows in a massive slaughter. For every dark elf killed, a new tendril appeared, until none were left alive in the city. Other sources tell us that the way Baldakos unleashed the mist was through sacrifice, a sacrifice which in no way involved the Mass. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It would seem, in fact, that the mist came BEFORE the Mass. *CULT*'
Jayelle mourns her people.
Tsabayne bows his head.
Morgaine remembers her village slain.
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* And this is why the mist that hunts Kelethin is different. Weaker. From how it operated in Nagthilian, it would be expected to spread all over the forest, hunting the dark places, raising those it kills to be as it. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* But it does not, and I have been shown that it can be removed. In truth, that it MUST be removed. *CULT*'
Kalathir tells the guild, '*CULT* But the mist kill all that approach it! *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* You see, from what I have glimpsed of the future - the TRUE future - the Mass is a manifestation of the wrong path this world has taken. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* How? It strikes dead anyone who comes near it in an instant. How do you fight what you can't even get close to? *CULT*'
Kimeya tells the guild, '*CULT* How? How can we remove it from the fair elven city? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It is wrong - entirely wrong - and it seeks to undo everything that the weaver would bring about. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It seeks to shape existence in its own image. *CULT*'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* the mass exists to stop us... *CULT*'
Tsabayne tells the guild, '*CULT* And they've given it access to Mistwoods... Fantastic. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* I have said it before and I will say it again, that pact was necessary, pleasant or not *CULT*'
Tsabayne tells the guild, '*CULT* I'm sure the erudites you sacrificed for it would agree. *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* pact? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Mass was born from the mist. While the mist in itself was not wrong - it had little bearing on the shaping of the future, strange as it may seem - something went utterly, distasterously wrong in its making. *CULT*'
You tell the cult, 'the pact between the people of this world and the mass'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* How many other cities would the Mass have attacked had we refused them? How many would have died while we fended them off? How long til we finally failed to stop them? *CULT*'
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* a small loss for the greater good... *CULT*'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* is it possible, Mabye there was an outside influence during its making? *CULT*'
Xanzabak tells the guild, '*CULT* perhaps we are all meant to join it. Perhaps it is release. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Something in that weapon created a new form of existance, and the Mass brings its creator with it, using it against the places it conquers, using it as a scourge of life that they see as weak. *CULT*'
Joudaro tells the guild, 'There was a fairly large GM event, culminating in a pact made between the Dalayans and the mass, granting them a portal allowing enterance into Dalaya, which now resides at the Mistwoods druid ring.'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* How can they see us as weak? We defeated them. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* I do not know entirely how Kelethin can be cleared - not just yet - but I have been shown one who holds the vital part of the puzzle to do so. *CULT*'
Joudaro tells the guild, 'We were given an ultimatum, to either allow them that, or they'd brutalize us.'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Mass cannot be defeated in simple combat, each part you kill simply returns to the greater Body. *CULT*'
Kimeya tells the guild, '*CULT* Guide us, Prophet. Tell us what we can do *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Defeating it just delays it. *CULT*'
Riaddon beams a smile at Morgaine.
[Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* then how do we kill the body? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Betrayer. He who unleashed the mist. He knows how it can be combated. He is, however, unlikely to give up this knowledge. *CULT*'
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* why don't we build cities on the great sea's, they couldn't reach us there *CULT*'
Idoith tells the guild, '*CULT* but we must delay it to buy the time to decide what to do *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Defeating the Mass is not what must - or can - be done at this point. Keep your imminent goals in focus. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* The Betrayer? Forgive my ignorance Prophet, but who is that? *CULT*'
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* would he not have had help.. maybe someone weaker can leak the info *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* Baldakos *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* the Betrayer *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Ah, I see *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Betrayer is Baldakos, the left hand of Kaezul, the general of his armies. He is a dark elf who betrayed his people by unleashing the mist on Nagthilian. *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* yes, he would know *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* He is Kaezul's active hand and active eyes outside of Ikisith. *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* it must be captured and questioned *CULT*'
Gnokins says out of character, '27 rogue lfg'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Then he would be rather hard to reach for this information I imagine *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* however he works for Kaezul, why would he betray the secret of the method to defeat the mas? *CULT*'
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* and who is the right hand of Kaezul? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* That, I do not know, only that one stands higher than Baldakos in his service. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* I know that the Betrayer enjoys walking the streets of the cities of Dalaya openly. Few are those who would recognize him, after all. *CULT*'
Narmarratuk tells the guild, '*CULT* I would like to know if he found any gems in the dirt as he was once looking for... *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* A bold move, what if someone DID notice him? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* But as for how you would get the information you wish out of him... I cannot tell you. I have not been shown. *CULT*'
Kabre narrows his eyes at Narmarratuk.
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* If he betrayed his people before, I do not see how it's not possible for him to betray his master now. For the right reward I'm sure he would *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Few would dare challenge him, and he is slippery. Should he find himself outclassed, he will likely fade back into the shadows. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* What can we offer him that Kaezul could not match or better? *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* Perhaps those who know your streets should begin looking quietly *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* Or perhapss he is here right now *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* I must withdraw, but I wish you luck in your search, Bearers. *CULT*'
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* Everyone has their weakness *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Remember your True Path. *CULT*'
Morgaine kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Kalathir waves at The Prophet.
Torgar says, 'Thank you'
Torgar bows before The Prophet.
You kneel before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Neebos bows before The Prophet.
Kimeya kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* I will find my path Prophet, or die in the search *CULT*'
Riaddon tells the guild, '*CULT* I hope for the latter *CULT*'
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* My path is clear to me...Prophet. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Hah, and good luck to you as well then *CULT*'
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* has anyone come across the betrayer in any of the cities? *CULT*'
... and so my Journey began to find the one they called Baldakos the Betrayer ...
The announcement -- The Bearers of Truth return:
For everyone on SoD who is interested in roleplaying, take a moment to read this over. Tonight marks the return of the Bearers of Truth, a previous attempt at gathering the people interested in world lore and storyline events, so that events could be made which wouldn't be overrun by level 65s going 'lol lmao' and whining about fame points.
The attempt failed, partly due to time limitations, but mainly because it was a real guild, which excluded people from guilding with friends, for raids, and so on. This time, being a Bearer means that you are given a mark which is displayed in your name (*RP*) and allows you to speak in the cult-only guild channel.
This means that you can join the Bearers and still be in another guild.
Idoith says out of character, 'what are the bearers of truth?'
Weetrow says out of character, 'i'm sure that'll be the next announcement'
Raynn says out of character, 'how do i join the bearers?'
The rules of being a Bearer is very simple, as for the actual joining, an IC message will go out soon to introduce that.
First of all, you are required to roleplay on the events. You are required to not be an idiot in the cult-channel, and you are required to have some kind of in-character concept for your character, no matter how vague.
You do NOT need to be in-character all the time, not even in the cult channel (even though it's encouraged there), but on events it is an absolute MUST.
Anyone who joins and does the LOL ROFL ROFL routine on an event will be instantly removed.
This is not a special club because you want to hang out with GMs or anything, it's for people interested in roleplay, lore, and storyline events that may well not give you any fame points (the travesty)
With that said, those who are interested should come to the dead city of Felwithe, where the Prophet will explain the vision and goals of the Bearers.
Note that you should be in character when speaking to the Prophet. That is all.
Your head swims for a moment. You blink, as a voice you vaguely remember, a voice that has spoken to you in your dreams. It urges you towards the lost city of Felwithe, towards the dead elvenhome. It says that you are a called one, that you have a part of the greater destiny to fulfill. It says that it is a prophet, a prophet of fate. It says that it wishes to tell you more about this world. The voice fades, and you must decide what to do.
(Everyone will be given 10-15 minutes to get here before the speech is made. If you arrive late, just sit down and try to catch up.)
(There will be chances to join after this as well, but this is the best time to ask questions or generally just roleplay around the reforming of the cult)
In Felwithe, awaiting the Prophet's speech:
Winbas says, 'Could anyone here please explain to me about this accult reformation?'
Veruuca says, 'patience young one'
Joudaro says, 'It's still largely a mystery to us all.'
Winbas says, 'Ah alright, I did not know if this was another continuation of a previous night in which you all have met'
Torgar says, 'I am here on the basis of a vision. I have no knowledge of this place nor of this man.'
Raynn says, 'I am Very curious as to what will happen after all of this.'
Kabre says, 'I've made his acquaintance once before.'
Dundrey says, 'I followed a voice'
(For anyone that missed what the Bearers are, you can read up on it in the new Roleplaying forum. IC info will be added after the kick-off.)
Foolra says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Kabre says, '(are the old roleplaying posts gone forever?)'
(And since I KNOW some clueless person is going to ask, www.shardsofdalaya.com/forums)
The Prophet says, 'Dismiss your servants. You will not need them here.'
Underwing says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Weetrow says, 'No! Not toonces!'
Shamgar says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Pyrotechnic says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Raynn says, 'Yes sir'
Toonces says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
You say, 'As you wish!'
The Prophet says, 'I shall begin.'
The Speech:
The Prophet says, 'Welcome, all. I have called you, just as you have been called in your dreams, because you are all part of the greater picture. There are countless being living their lives over the face of Dalaya, and all serve a purpose, but yours is special.
Neebos nods at The Prophet.
Raynn beams.
The Prophet says, 'Your purpose is to change the very fate of the world, one way or another. You may use different means to accomplish this, and you may seek different ends, but in the end, you all cooperate in accordance with the will of the Lord of Fate.'
The Prophet says, 'Let me tell you of the Lord of Fate.'
Gewere says, 'i believe we make our own fate!'
The Prophet says, 'Forget all that you know of the petty Gods that rule over this world. They are powerful by mortal standards - truthfully by any standards - but in the end, they are as fallible as mortal creatures, and simply pieces of the puzzle.'
Riaddon says, 'Blasphemy!!'
Gamba raises an eyebrow.
Vigore says, 'tis truth he speaks, even the gods may err'
Xanzabak looks on incredulously.
Terantella says, 'As you wish, oh great one.'
Shoken says, 'So there are those higher than the gods themselves?'
Gewere says, 'what puzzle?'
Niki salutes the gods in pure admiration.
Kelyin says, 'Perhaps we should let him finish before asking questions'
Weetrow says, 'Would you interrupt your lector at one of the fine Dalayan universities?'
Foolra agrees with Kelyin.
Veruuca agrees.
Xanzabak says, 'yes.'
The Prophet says, 'The Lord of Fate is no mere elemental spirit, or gathering of energy presiding over a single little world. He is the will, the shaper, the weaver. Understand, however, that the futures he weave are many. There is not one set future, and each creature has the potential to affect which future the world is brought into. This is a necessity, for if there was only a single possible path, then existance would be meaningless, would it not?'
Gamba nods at Kelyin.
Winbas agrees with The Prophet.
Foolra nods at The Prophet.
Niki nods.
Hassan says, 'indeed!'
Neebos nods at The Prophet.
Shoken says, 'Aye!'
Morgaine agrees with The Prophet.
Idoith agrees with The Prophet.
Veruuca nods.
Riaddon drools all over The Prophet.
Raynn nods at Dundrey.
Gewere says, 'the future is my will! I will make my future!'
Ykarri pokes Dundrey.
Raynn nods at The Prophet.
Weetrow says, 'A single possible path, undivided by mortals, would not seem meaningless as it would be incomprehensible to us, weak as we are'
Vigore says, 'then make it somewhere else and stop interrupting'
Torgar says, 'If you do not believe in fate, why have you sought out the prophet then hmm?'
Sibro says, 'Human. Why have you called me here?'
Gewere says, 'perhaps some glimpse into the mists of time...'
The Prophet says, 'Equally, once you understand that the future is moldable, you must also understand that there is one future that is *right*. One future that the universe strives to achieve, one future that will unbind all the constraints that this existence places on its sea of souls. This is the future that the weaver wishes us to reach. He could force us, yes. This is a possibility.'
Joudaro raises an eyebrow at Sibro, "Does that look like a human to you?"
Sibro says, 'Things with too much flesh all look the same'
The Prophet says, 'This is why I am called a prophet. I speak of what may come, and what SHOULD come, but yet must be struggled for.'
Niki scowls at Sibro.
Joudaro says, 'On that point, I can agree.'
Sibro grins evilly.
Shoken says, 'I believe you've had one mead to many Prophet!'
Winbas says, 'So, how are we to make this change in the universe that is *right*?'
Gewere says, 'only freedom from the constraints of flesh is what should come!'
The Prophet says, 'For this reason, the weaver has lent me his voice, his sight, insight into the true path of the creatures of this world.'
Shoken sits back and listens.
Hassan says, 'prove it'
Riaddon says, 'The Weaver sounds like an OK guy.'
The Prophet says, 'Just as there is one true future, each of you have a True Path, a path to follow that will lend your assistance to the bringing about of the correct future, the determined future.'
Niki sighs at Hassan.
Shoken says, 'The "weaver" must intend on letting me fulfill my goals if he’s willing to drag me out of my quest for vengeance'
Sibro says, 'I have not seen so many gathered in a long time. Not a comforting thought'
Chrux says out of character, 'free the slaves !'
The Prophet says, 'In truth, every creature in existance has a True Path, but for many, it is minor, and varies little. A baker needs do nothing but continue to bake, but for those whose True Path involves battle and blood, it is more complex.'
Shoken says, 'Indeed... my murderer could be standing amongst us...'
Kabre points at Narmarratuk. Yeah you!
Gewere says, 'and a leader shall lead all those who believe!'
Shoken says, 'and death shall find those who are weak!'
The Prophet says, 'There are actions along the way which might seem evil, or opposed to your views of the world, or equally may be too selfless for your taste. You may be asked to do these things, and again, you must choose which you value more. No hand can be forced in this matter.'
Ykarri says, 'Evil is in the eye of the beholder'
The Prophet says, 'This is what it is to be a Bearer. It is to accept that your True Path exists, and seek it, hunt for it, and once you find it, to walk it.'
Raynn says, 'what is this path The Weaver wishes Us to Fallow?'
The Prophet says, 'It is a path of self-fulfillment, a path of understanding.'
Niki nods subtlely.
Raynn nods at The Prophet.
Hassan nods at The Prophet.
Gewere says, 'I walk the True Path! I fulfill my own destiny!'
Ykarri says, 'To be who we were born to be? Is that the basic gist of it?'
The Prophet says, 'For each, the path will be different, but every path involves one important part.'
Gamba ponders the Prophet's words.
Hassan says, 'What is the reward of the path?'
The Prophet says, 'You must involve yourself in the world. You must see its changes, seek to understand the goals of other creatures and powers, learn of the true face of the Gods and their games.'
Gamba says, 'Hmm. And how are we to do this?'
The Prophet says, 'This is why the Bearers must gather together, for some things cannot be learned alone.'
Shoken says, 'Will those who follow achieve their ultimate goals?'
Raynn says, 'These So called Gods they seem to be the enemy, full of lies they seem to be'
The Prophet says, 'The Bearers must accept the mark, and seek to strive in unity to gather the necessary understanding.'
The Prophet says, 'The Gods are not my enemy, though they may be yours, that is your choice to make.'
The Prophet says, 'They are simply the same as you, parts of the tapestry, though their parts are greater, and many of them have lost their way.'
Kabre thinks there are plenty of enemies around without making them of gods.
Ykarri says, 'Lost their way? How can a god lose their way?'
Gamba says, 'Unity is the one thing we have been taunted by the enemy that we will never have.'
Riaddon ponders the matters at hand.
The Prophet says, 'That is one of the things you will come to understand as a Bearer.'
The Prophet says, 'How this entire world has lost its way, and what will happen if it does not find it again.'
Raynn says, 'I wish to help it find its way any way i can'
The Prophet says, 'This, a ruin-city, a monument to what once was, is an accurate picture of Dalaya as a whole.'
Raynn says, 'empty'
Riaddon agrees with everyone around it.
Ykarri says, 'It is empty true, but it hardly crumbled. It could be re-populated'
Grizabella says, 'rebuilt.'
Shoken says, 'Bad architecture and covered in decaying mess? An accurate picture, prophet.'
Riaddon says, 'We'd better get started then. *wink*'
The Prophet says, 'Yes! You understand. In time, people may come to return to this city. The mist may come to be driven out of the forest.'
Morgaine says, 'Rebirth of a new era'
Tsabayne says, 'And out of Nagthilon'
The Prophet says, 'And equally, the world may be set back in its True Path. Those who ask for rewards, should understand that there is no reward greater than the True Path.'
Ykarri says, 'I see, so there is nothing unfixable about the world, we must simply learn how to fix it'
Gamba says, 'Drive away the Mists at Kelethin? A daunting prospect indeed.'
Veruuca agrees.
The Prophet says, 'It will bring you all your hearts' desires, though you may not know what they are.'
Gewere says, 'the only reward is what you make for yourself!'
Riaddon says, 'No rewards greater? Infinite plat would equally satisfy me'
Shoken says, 'Vengeance is the only reward i seek.'
Riaddon says, 'Psycho'
Veruuca says, 'I wish to find my true path!'
Tsabayne says, 'Neither vengeance nor money satisfy the soul.'
Idoith scowls at Riaddon.
Dundrey sighs at Riaddon.
Kabre scoffs at Tsabayne.
Shoken says, 'It does mine, for i will be aloud to rest.'
The Prophet says, 'You may doubt my words, but think of my offer. I offer you understanding. I offer you a way for insight. How you use this insight will be entirely in your hands.'
Riaddon quivers in fear.
Ykarri says, 'Happiness satisfies me, whatever happens to bring it'
Hassan says, 'teach me master!'
The Prophet says, 'I make no demands except that you listen, and seek for your True Path.'
You say, 'how do I begin my journey?'
Anyadia says, 'my true path, and my hearts desires, are both still a mystery to me, as I am so young.... but I shall seek them all the same'
Raynn says, 'I wish to see the truth of witch you speak to understand the actions that it will take to re-build all the ruin that has been cast upon Dalaya'
Gewere says, 'Prophet, your words ring true. I shall forge ahead with my destiny!'
Klaskin says, 'how may my path begin'
Shoken says, 'This seems like a path that will help me reach my ultimate goal faster... a chance to search if you will.'
The Prophet says, 'Those who wish to bear the Mark of Truth, those who wish to be Bearers of Truth, may follow me. Those who deny the truth may leave.'
Kabre pushes through the crowd to be first in line.
Ykarri says, 'Always happy to be a follower '
Hassan says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Gamba hangs back, observing the ceremony for a bit.
Hassan says, 'I been marked!'
Your left cheek has been branded with the symbol of truth...
Niki bows before The Prophet.
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* Hail friends! *CULT*'
Anyadia giggles at how many of us have fishing poles in hand.
(Move away when you are marked. You can use [/** **] to speak in cult chat)
Cypu bows before The Prophet.
Weetrow points at Dundrey. Yeah you!
Kabre tells the guild, '*CULT* ? *CULT*'
Awardis nods.
Raynn tells the guild, '*CULT* Hellow brothers and sisters *CULT*'
Kabre felt the mark but doesn't see it.
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Heyo my fellow Bearers *CULT*'
Riaddon says, 'While I disagree with what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it.'
Sibro motions to Narmarratuk.
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* we shall make our own destiny! *CULT*'
The Prophet says, 'This way, those who have yet to be marked.'
Idoith says, 'stand near the prophet'
(Your mark will not show up on yourself until you zone or relog)
(If you got the message, you are marked)
Riaddon beams a smile at Morgaine.
Bandaen tells the guild, '*CULT* greetings all *CULT*'
Anyadia cackles gleefully.
Weetrow salutes the gods in pure admiration.
Raynn tells the guild, '*CULT* Hello brothers and sisters *CULT*'
Sibro lets out a sigh.
Winbas tells the guild, '*CULT* heya *CULT*'
Sibro says, 'Yet another waste of my time'
Anyadia claps her hands together - hurray!
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* Grertings *CULT*'
Gamba rubs his cheek thoughtfully.
The Prophet says, 'Is there any I have not marked?'
Dynak kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Xanzabak says, 'me'
Sibro says, 'I have yet to meet a trustworthy human'
Dynak says, 'me'
Onadan tells the guild, '*CULT* hello *CULT*'
Hassan says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Sibro says, 'Come'
Xanzabak says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Asai says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Idoith tells the guild, '*CULT* greetings *CULT*'
Dynak tells the guild, '*CULT* hello *CULT*'
Morgaine says, 'Hail, The Prophet'
Shoken tells the guild, '*CULT* Hmmph, I guess I’m off to search *CULT*'
The Prophet says, 'OOC: I think that should be everyone.'
Morgaine kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* hello all *CULT*'
Narmarratuk tells the guild, '*CULT* hello *CULT*'
Terate says, 'I am not marked'
Ykarri says, 'Do you have further need of us Prophet?'
Raynn tells the guild, '*CULT* is this all for today *CULT*'
Asai says, 'I am not yet marked either'
Hassan says, 'is the meeting adjourned?'
Erowid says out of character, 'wheres the heler'
Joudaro says, 'Nor have I.'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Welcome, all. Welcome to the beginning of a long road. *CULT*'
Shoken tells the guild, '*CULT* I figured someone marked to fulfill destiny wouldn’t be my murderer. So be on the lookout *CULT*'
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* Is the meeting adjourned? *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* A road that I think most of us are pleased to walk *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* I think this is it today *CULT*'
Joudaro bows before The Prophet.
Anyadia kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Idoith beams a smile at The Prophet.
Sibro shouts, 'I am finished with this. Does anyone provide transport back across the water?'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Before I continue, is there any of you who is of an age enough to remember the fall of elvenhome, when the Mass invaded the tree-city of Kelethin? *CULT*'
Hassan begins to cast a spell.
Shoken shouts, 'I can, but it takes me off track of my journey'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* I'm old enough to recall that event *CULT*'
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* I was of age but not in the area*CULT*'
Veruuca tells the guild, '*CULT* I have been told the tale *CULT*'
Sibro shouts, 'A translocation will serve well. I thank you.'
Caelin tells the guild, '*CULT* Aye, I was there *CULT*'
Shoken tells the guild, '*CULT* I was there in my past life *CULT*'
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* those who can't see they are part of this group...you must leave this zone first to see it *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* I was not personally at the event, but I have heard many a story of it *CULT*'
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* stop blocking the exits.... *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Then you may understand that the way that the mist came to Kelethin is different from how it claimed the city of Nagthilian, and the vale home of the halflings. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* but aren't the mists in Kelethin and Nagthilian the same kind of mists? I have entered both cities and do not personally recall any difference *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Kelethin was a dead city for a long time, a city ravaged by Kaezul. When the corruption of the New World was cleansed, and the city made alive once more, its people only had to time to barely settle before the Mass attacked. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Mass had been observed before, in small attacks and ambushes along the coastal waters outside Goblinskull, but noone thought it was anything beyond another species of unquiet dead, of which there are so many on this planet. *CULT*'
Narmarratuk tells the guild, '*CULT* any efforts to rebuild this city? *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* and the mass that attacked Nagthilian was the first time that city fell, correct? *CULT*'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* mabye the mass have been "Given" a purpose by something greater. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It was not until it attacked the city, in greater and greater numbers, that its true power was made known. The battle lasted for hours, and it was only thanks to the sacrifice of many adventurers that so much of Kelethin's population escaped, but in the end, the Mass took the city. *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* I thoughtt that the mass was a tool of destruction unleashed by Baldakos *CULT*'
Players on Game:
---------------------------
[59 Luminary] Klaskin (Barbarian) <Revelation>
[57 Preserver] Onadan (Wood Elf) <Revelation>
[56 Waywatcher] Dynak (Wood Elf) <Revelation>
[65 Arcanist] Terate (High Elf) <Legacy>
[62 Grave Lord] Narmarratuk (Iksar) <Phoenix Rising>
[51 Heretic] Joudaro (Iksar) <Revelation>
[45 Druid] Joudaru (Halfling) <Revelation>
[34 Ranger] Asai (Half Elf) <Clan Kill>
[37 Druid] Cypu (Halfling) <Goon Squad>
[45 Ranger] Dundrey (Half Elf) <Beyond>
<LINKDEAD>[ANONYMOUS] Raynn <Dalaya's Beginners>
[ANONYMOUS] Kimeya
[13 Necromancer] Morgaine (Dark Elf) <Drunken Stupor>
[ANONYMOUS] Aurion
[ANONYMOUS] Caelin <Legacy>
[ANONYMOUS] Trysten
[11 Magician] Xanzabak (Human) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[16 Shadow Knight] Sibro (Iksar) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[ANONYMOUS] Anyadia <Dalaya's Beginners>
[62 Hierophant] Nahra (Wood Elf) <Phoenix Rising>
ANONYMOUS] Winbas
[ANONYMOUS] Torgar
[31 Magician] Idoith (High Elf)
[55 Beguiler] Foolra (High Elf) <Revelation>
[57 Preserver] Kelyin (Wood Elf) <Revelation>
ANONYMOUS] Riaddon <Aeternus>
50 Wizard] Tsabayne (Dark Elf) <Dobluthen>
[65 Thaumaturge] Awardis (Gnome) <Legacy>
[ANONYMOUS] Shoken <Venerate>
65 Coercer] Salanthas (Gnome) <Phoenix Rising>
[9 Wizard] Cabba (Human) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[41 Magician] Neebos (Human) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[54 Rake] Kabre (Dark Elf) <Phoenix Rising>
[55 Myrmidon] Veruuca (Ogre) <Revelation>
[39 Rogue] Ykarri (Barbarian) <Beyond>
[ANONYMOUS] Kalathir
AFK [33 Magician] Hassan (High Elf) <Clan Kill>
[ANONYMOUS] Mareleena
[33 Druid] Grizabella (Wood Elf) <Beyond>
[16 Shadow Knight] Halisstra (Erudite) <Dalaya's Beginners>
[58 Conjurer] Jayelle (Dark Elf) <Revelation>
There are 41 players in Felwithe.
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The following morning, as scouts returned, the city had been abandoned, there was no trace of the Mass. The bodies of those who fell were gone, and an unusually heavy mist hung around the trees. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* What does the Mass want with our cities anyway? I hardly trust their word, but they claim they merely want to stop the Gods War from wreaking havoc on our world. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* As they entered the abandoned city, the mist came to life, hunting them. A few escaped to tell the tale. The mist that permanently settles around the city now kills many unwary explorers. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The strange thing is that while this should mean that there is a clear relation between the Mass and the mist.. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* There is no reports whatsoever of the Mass, or anything like it, from the few who survived the Betrayal in Nagthilian. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* well logically, wherever the Mass go, the mist follows correct? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* What they speak of was people, dark elves, dissolving, turning to smoke, becoming the tendrils, and hunting their fellows in a massive slaughter. For every dark elf killed, a new tendril appeared, until none were left alive in the city. Other sources tell us that the way Baldakos unleashed the mist was through sacrifice, a sacrifice which in no way involved the Mass. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It would seem, in fact, that the mist came BEFORE the Mass. *CULT*'
Jayelle mourns her people.
Tsabayne bows his head.
Morgaine remembers her village slain.
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* And this is why the mist that hunts Kelethin is different. Weaker. From how it operated in Nagthilian, it would be expected to spread all over the forest, hunting the dark places, raising those it kills to be as it. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* But it does not, and I have been shown that it can be removed. In truth, that it MUST be removed. *CULT*'
Kalathir tells the guild, '*CULT* But the mist kill all that approach it! *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* You see, from what I have glimpsed of the future - the TRUE future - the Mass is a manifestation of the wrong path this world has taken. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* How? It strikes dead anyone who comes near it in an instant. How do you fight what you can't even get close to? *CULT*'
Kimeya tells the guild, '*CULT* How? How can we remove it from the fair elven city? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It is wrong - entirely wrong - and it seeks to undo everything that the weaver would bring about. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* It seeks to shape existence in its own image. *CULT*'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* the mass exists to stop us... *CULT*'
Tsabayne tells the guild, '*CULT* And they've given it access to Mistwoods... Fantastic. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* I have said it before and I will say it again, that pact was necessary, pleasant or not *CULT*'
Tsabayne tells the guild, '*CULT* I'm sure the erudites you sacrificed for it would agree. *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* pact? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Mass was born from the mist. While the mist in itself was not wrong - it had little bearing on the shaping of the future, strange as it may seem - something went utterly, distasterously wrong in its making. *CULT*'
You tell the cult, 'the pact between the people of this world and the mass'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* How many other cities would the Mass have attacked had we refused them? How many would have died while we fended them off? How long til we finally failed to stop them? *CULT*'
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* a small loss for the greater good... *CULT*'
Neebos tells the guild, '*CULT* is it possible, Mabye there was an outside influence during its making? *CULT*'
Xanzabak tells the guild, '*CULT* perhaps we are all meant to join it. Perhaps it is release. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Something in that weapon created a new form of existance, and the Mass brings its creator with it, using it against the places it conquers, using it as a scourge of life that they see as weak. *CULT*'
Joudaro tells the guild, 'There was a fairly large GM event, culminating in a pact made between the Dalayans and the mass, granting them a portal allowing enterance into Dalaya, which now resides at the Mistwoods druid ring.'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* How can they see us as weak? We defeated them. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* I do not know entirely how Kelethin can be cleared - not just yet - but I have been shown one who holds the vital part of the puzzle to do so. *CULT*'
Joudaro tells the guild, 'We were given an ultimatum, to either allow them that, or they'd brutalize us.'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Mass cannot be defeated in simple combat, each part you kill simply returns to the greater Body. *CULT*'
Kimeya tells the guild, '*CULT* Guide us, Prophet. Tell us what we can do *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Defeating it just delays it. *CULT*'
Riaddon beams a smile at Morgaine.
[Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* then how do we kill the body? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Betrayer. He who unleashed the mist. He knows how it can be combated. He is, however, unlikely to give up this knowledge. *CULT*'
Hassan tells the guild, '*CULT* why don't we build cities on the great sea's, they couldn't reach us there *CULT*'
Idoith tells the guild, '*CULT* but we must delay it to buy the time to decide what to do *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Defeating the Mass is not what must - or can - be done at this point. Keep your imminent goals in focus. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* The Betrayer? Forgive my ignorance Prophet, but who is that? *CULT*'
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* would he not have had help.. maybe someone weaker can leak the info *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* Baldakos *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* the Betrayer *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Ah, I see *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* The Betrayer is Baldakos, the left hand of Kaezul, the general of his armies. He is a dark elf who betrayed his people by unleashing the mist on Nagthilian. *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* yes, he would know *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* He is Kaezul's active hand and active eyes outside of Ikisith. *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* it must be captured and questioned *CULT*'
Gnokins says out of character, '27 rogue lfg'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Then he would be rather hard to reach for this information I imagine *CULT*'
Allielyn tells the guild, '*CULT* however he works for Kaezul, why would he betray the secret of the method to defeat the mas? *CULT*'
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* and who is the right hand of Kaezul? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* That, I do not know, only that one stands higher than Baldakos in his service. *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* I know that the Betrayer enjoys walking the streets of the cities of Dalaya openly. Few are those who would recognize him, after all. *CULT*'
Narmarratuk tells the guild, '*CULT* I would like to know if he found any gems in the dirt as he was once looking for... *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* A bold move, what if someone DID notice him? *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* But as for how you would get the information you wish out of him... I cannot tell you. I have not been shown. *CULT*'
Kabre narrows his eyes at Narmarratuk.
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* If he betrayed his people before, I do not see how it's not possible for him to betray his master now. For the right reward I'm sure he would *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Few would dare challenge him, and he is slippery. Should he find himself outclassed, he will likely fade back into the shadows. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* What can we offer him that Kaezul could not match or better? *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* Perhaps those who know your streets should begin looking quietly *CULT*'
Sibro tells the guild, '*CULT* Or perhapss he is here right now *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* I must withdraw, but I wish you luck in your search, Bearers. *CULT*'
Torgar tells the guild, '*CULT* Everyone has their weakness *CULT*'
The_Prophet tells the guild, '*CULT* Remember your True Path. *CULT*'
Morgaine kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Kalathir waves at The Prophet.
Torgar says, 'Thank you'
Torgar bows before The Prophet.
You kneel before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Neebos bows before The Prophet.
Kimeya kneels before The Prophet in humility and reverence.
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* I will find my path Prophet, or die in the search *CULT*'
Riaddon tells the guild, '*CULT* I hope for the latter *CULT*'
Gewere tells the guild, '*CULT* My path is clear to me...Prophet. *CULT*'
Ykarri tells the guild, '*CULT* Hah, and good luck to you as well then *CULT*'
Salanthas tells the guild, '*CULT* has anyone come across the betrayer in any of the cities? *CULT*'
... and so my Journey began to find the one they called Baldakos the Betrayer ...
My long narrative of the event:
---
Gamba Erudani jerked awake with a gasp, suddenly aware of his surroundings as his world
reeled around him. He'd have fallen to the ground were he not floating above the grassy
badlands at the height of a man's head, buoyed up by the subtle forces of magic. He steadied
himself, his mind whirling. Had he been sleepwalking, out here in the badlands? Madness!
To one side his elemental companion, a mass of writhing water in the shape of a man from the
torso up, stared at him without comment. Hannibal rarely spoke, except to acknowledge his
master's commands. Gamba regarded the spirit he had conjured from the very natural forces
and sighed. "I don't suppose you know if I was sleepwalking or not?" he asked Hannibal. The
elemental was silent, like a cat staring at its owner.
Gamba tried to recall the dream. It was so real, a man, a prophet, beckoning him to the dead
city of Felwithe. It felt familiar like... like the dream he had had a month ago, which turned out
not to be so much of a dream after all. He fingered the Gem of Learning in the charm he wore.
Yes, no doubt about it, that was no dream. And maybe... this wasn't either?
In a moment his mind was made up. Felwithe would be easy enough to visit for a magician
such as himself, one who could weave the threads of mana into purpose and design. He
concentrated and the field of mana around him intensified with a rolling sound like thunder.
Mana and space contested with each other for supremacy, and mana won. Reality shifted and
the badland winds blew on through the space that the mage had occupied only moments
before.
The city felt old, Gamba thought, as he skimmed above the ground on a buoyant field of mana,
Hannibal trailing faithfully behind. In truth the city that the high elves had built for themselves
wasn't that old in the history of this land, but the grand architecture gave a certain loftiness to its
abandoned, ruined nature that felt like the pedigree of ages. He wondered what his own home
city of Erudin would look like if it had been ruined and abandoned for generations and felt a
chill run along his back.
They were gathering just past the vaulted entry towers of the city. Gamba inspected the
growing crowd warily as he moved among them. Some were practitioners of the magical arts
like himself, dressed in arcane robes and carrying a variety of staves of power. Some were
warriors in eldritch armor, some were priests in battle regalia, he saw shamen, druids, rogues
and villains. He nodded to himself. Yes, it was ever thus, Dalaya had its own social circle of
wanderers, adventurers and ne'er-do-wells that delved the same ancient ruins, crossed the
same trackless wastes, and vied for the same treasures.
Some were sitting quietly, some amused themselves by taking other forms, including one who
danced about in the form of a scarecrow attempting to provoke a reaction. As one, the crowd
ignored him, having seen this trick before. And there, at the center, that man...
Gamba raised an eyebrow at the figure in the robes of a sage who stood calmly at the center of
attention. He had not expected the figure to be of the Erudite race, like himself. Tall, high
browed, dark skinned, the Prophet's deep voice carried strangely over the noise of the
growing crowd.
"Welcome, all. I am the Prophet. I have called you, just as you have been called in your
dreams, because you are part of the greater picture." spoke the man, his words drawing the
attention of most. "There are countless beings living their lives over the face of Dalaya, and all
serve a purpose, but yours is special."
The crowd of adventurers greeted this pronouncement with a shrug and a glance from one to
another. Gamba settled in to listen to the prophet speak. Already he could hear the words
echoing, as if he could almost remember them from his daydream. Fighting off a sense of
deja-vu he focused on the speaker.
The Prophet spoke of their purpose, and of changing the world. He spoke of the Lord of
Fate, and Gamba's mind raced back to the tales his grandfather told... it was half-remembered,
fleeting... but no. The Prophet's soothing voice drowned the memory as he spoke of the
irrelevance of the gods in the larger scheme of things and how instead, the choices made by
those who fought for the Truth would be the deciding factor in shaping the world.
"Once you understand that the future is moldable, you must also understand that there is one
future that is right. One future that the universe strives to achieve, one future that will unbind all
the constraints that this existence places on its sea of souls. This is the future that the weaver
wishes us to reach." The Prophet paused, his breath trembling with fervor, then he dropped his
voice low. "He could force us, yes. That is a possibility."
There were angry mutterings from the crowd. Gamba glanced around and saw some were
looking thoughtful, some rebellious. He marveled at how easily the Prophet's words were
swaying the majority of the listeners.
The Prophet let his words sink in a moment, then continued. "In truth, every creature in
existence has a True Path." Gamba could hear the emphasis on the last two words clearly.
"But for many, it is minor, and varies little. A baker needs do nothing but continue to bake, but
for those who's True Path involves battle and blood, it is more complex."
As Gamba listened the Prophet's voice rose and fell, punctuating his points. He told them their
lives were special, that their paths held meaning. That they must learn the true face of the gods
and their games. And that they would need to find how the world had lost its way, the true
way that the Lord of Fate had foreseen would be the right way, so that they could set it on the
correct path again, and rebuild from these crumbled ruins.
One spoke from the crowd, Gamba thought it was Ykarri. "This city is empty, true, but hardly
crumbled. It could be re-populated."
The Prophet leaned forward, thrusting a crabbed hand out to the assembled. "Yes! You
understand! In time, people may come to return to this city. The mist may be driven out of the
forest."
Gamba coughed. "Drive away the Mists at Kelethin? A daunting prospect indeed." He knew
the swirling mists at the doomed city of the wood elves that slew unwary travelers before they
could draw a breath in surprise, and he had no desire to visit that accursed place.
The Prophet was unmoved by the skepticism in the magician's utterance. "It will bring all your
heart's desires, though you may not know what they are."
As Gamba sat back, unconvinced, the adventurer sporting the scarecrow illusion quipped how
and unending river of platinum coins would be his heart's desire and then rolled on the stone
tiles, cackling madly in glee. The Prophet's performance was clearly leaving him unimpressed.
Several of the assembled scowled at the mocking figure.
"You all bear the mark of Truth Seekers," said the Prophet, waving his hand in an airy
benediction. "Even this cackling one may one day find his true path."
To his surprise, Gamba felt his left cheek burn. He raised a hand to his face but could feel no
mark. As he glanced around he saw many of the others feeling their own faces in surprise.
The Prophet began to walk slowly through the echoing streets of the empty elven city, the
crowd following him curiously.
"Now I would speak of something new, of the Mass which has plagued our land with its recent
attacks. Are there any here who are of an age to remember the fall of elvenhome, when the
Mass invaded the tree-city of Kelethin?"
A few of the assembled, some aged, some with timeless features, raised their hands or nodded.
It was before Gamba's time, but his family had not been untouched by the war that had raged
through Dalaya in that era. The Prophet walked slowly, his voice soft but penetrating. "Those
of you who recall the time may understand that the way the Mist came to Kelethin is different
from how it claimed the city of Nagthilian, and the vale home of the halflings."
The Prophet spoke of the fall of Nagthilian, when Baldakos the Betrayer unleashed some
terrible weapon that dissolved the dark elves of the city into tendrils of mist which hunted and
turned more of their brethren into mist until none were left. This they all knew, the infamy of
this deed still burned in the hearts of all.
Gamba knew that the Mass, however, played no part in the fall of Nagthilian, and was only
observed for the first time later in small attacks and ambushes outside the Goblinskull
mountains. At first it was thought only another variety of unquiet dead, of which there were so
many on Dalaya since the corruption of Kaezul's war. A screeching mass of shadows that
swarmed its unlucky victims was terrible, but no more terrible than many another horror that
befouled the land.
"It was not," the Prophet boomed, "Until it attacked the city of Kelethin in greater and greater
numbers that it's true power was made known. The battle lasted for hours and it was only the
thanks to the sacrifice of... many adventurers that so much of the city's population escaped.
But in the end, the Mass took the city." He sighed and appeared to fight off some greater
emotion, then continued.
"The following morning, when scouts returned, the city had been abandoned. There was no
trace of the Mass. The bodies of those who fell were gone, and an unusually heavy mist hung
about the trees. As they entered the abandoned city, the Mist came to life, hunting them, killing
them. A few escaped to tell the tale."
The brooding figure of the Prophet paused and turned to gaze upon them all. "The strange
thing is that while this should indicate there is a clear relation between the Mass and the Mist,
there were no reports of the Mass at the Betrayal of Nagthilian or of anything like it."
"And this is why the Mist at Kelethin is different than the Mist at Nagthilian. Weaker. Were it
the same Mists, it would have spread out to the surrounding forests, hunting the dark places,
raising those it kills to be as it, and yet it is contained."
He let that sink in for a moment.
"I have been shown that it can be, nay, must be removed. It is a manifestation of the wrong path
this world has taken, it is wrong - entirely wrong - and seeks to undo everything that the
Weaver would bring about. It seeks to shape existence in its own image."
Several of the assembled adventurers exchanged looks and murmured to each other. Gamba
wondered if they were already planning their assault on the Mist or discussing relocating far, far
away from this problem. He wondered which way his own feelings ran on the matter.
The Prophet spoke again. "The Mass was born from the Mist. While the Mist in itself was not
wrong - it had little bearing on the shaping of the future, strange as it may seem - something
went utterly, disastrously wrong in its making. Something in that weapon created a new form
of existence, the Mass. The Mass brings its creator with it, using it against the places it
conquers, using it as a scourge of the life they see as weak."
Gamba coughed politely. "Prophet, we have fought the Mass before, I have seen it ravage my
beloved city of Erudin. We lost." The mage looked at the shining eyes of the Prophet. "Do
you have any knowledge of its weaknesses?"
The Prophet stared back calmly. "Defeating the Mass is not what must - or can - be done at
this point. Each portion you defeat merely returns to the greater Body. There is one, however,
who knows how it can be combated." The Prophet lowered his eyes and said mildly, "He is,
however, unlikely to give up this knowledge, for he is Baldekos the Betrayer."
Several people in the crowd drew in a hissing breath and some shifted angrily, fingering the hilts
of weapons.
"Baldekos is Kaezul's active hand and eyes outside the fortress at Ikisith. Only one stands
higher than he in the service of his master." Checking the many questions that hovered on the
lips of the assembled crowd, he plunged on. "I know that the Betrayer enjoys walking the
streets of the cities of Dalaya openly. Few are those that would recognize him, after all."
This revelation shocked the crowd into silence. Some glanced around as if fearing that the
Betrayer could be behind them at this very moment. Some looked openly skeptical.
"But as to how..." the Prophet hung his head, looking suddenly tired, "That you would get the
information you wish out of him... I cannot tell you. I have not been shown."
An angry murmur and a few shouts gave the general consensus of the crowd that they could
get what information they desired should they lay hands upon Baldekos.
The Prophet shook his head sadly. "Should he find himself outclassed, he will likely fade back
into the shadows." He raised a hand to his brow in weariness. "And now I must withdraw, it
is tiring being the voice of prophecy. I wish you luck in your search, Bearers of Truth."
As the adventurers drifted off, singly in or in small clumps of whispering forms, Gamba
pondered the challenge that lay before them.
---
Gamba Erudani jerked awake with a gasp, suddenly aware of his surroundings as his world
reeled around him. He'd have fallen to the ground were he not floating above the grassy
badlands at the height of a man's head, buoyed up by the subtle forces of magic. He steadied
himself, his mind whirling. Had he been sleepwalking, out here in the badlands? Madness!
To one side his elemental companion, a mass of writhing water in the shape of a man from the
torso up, stared at him without comment. Hannibal rarely spoke, except to acknowledge his
master's commands. Gamba regarded the spirit he had conjured from the very natural forces
and sighed. "I don't suppose you know if I was sleepwalking or not?" he asked Hannibal. The
elemental was silent, like a cat staring at its owner.
Gamba tried to recall the dream. It was so real, a man, a prophet, beckoning him to the dead
city of Felwithe. It felt familiar like... like the dream he had had a month ago, which turned out
not to be so much of a dream after all. He fingered the Gem of Learning in the charm he wore.
Yes, no doubt about it, that was no dream. And maybe... this wasn't either?
In a moment his mind was made up. Felwithe would be easy enough to visit for a magician
such as himself, one who could weave the threads of mana into purpose and design. He
concentrated and the field of mana around him intensified with a rolling sound like thunder.
Mana and space contested with each other for supremacy, and mana won. Reality shifted and
the badland winds blew on through the space that the mage had occupied only moments
before.
The city felt old, Gamba thought, as he skimmed above the ground on a buoyant field of mana,
Hannibal trailing faithfully behind. In truth the city that the high elves had built for themselves
wasn't that old in the history of this land, but the grand architecture gave a certain loftiness to its
abandoned, ruined nature that felt like the pedigree of ages. He wondered what his own home
city of Erudin would look like if it had been ruined and abandoned for generations and felt a
chill run along his back.
They were gathering just past the vaulted entry towers of the city. Gamba inspected the
growing crowd warily as he moved among them. Some were practitioners of the magical arts
like himself, dressed in arcane robes and carrying a variety of staves of power. Some were
warriors in eldritch armor, some were priests in battle regalia, he saw shamen, druids, rogues
and villains. He nodded to himself. Yes, it was ever thus, Dalaya had its own social circle of
wanderers, adventurers and ne'er-do-wells that delved the same ancient ruins, crossed the
same trackless wastes, and vied for the same treasures.
Some were sitting quietly, some amused themselves by taking other forms, including one who
danced about in the form of a scarecrow attempting to provoke a reaction. As one, the crowd
ignored him, having seen this trick before. And there, at the center, that man...
Gamba raised an eyebrow at the figure in the robes of a sage who stood calmly at the center of
attention. He had not expected the figure to be of the Erudite race, like himself. Tall, high
browed, dark skinned, the Prophet's deep voice carried strangely over the noise of the
growing crowd.
"Welcome, all. I am the Prophet. I have called you, just as you have been called in your
dreams, because you are part of the greater picture." spoke the man, his words drawing the
attention of most. "There are countless beings living their lives over the face of Dalaya, and all
serve a purpose, but yours is special."
The crowd of adventurers greeted this pronouncement with a shrug and a glance from one to
another. Gamba settled in to listen to the prophet speak. Already he could hear the words
echoing, as if he could almost remember them from his daydream. Fighting off a sense of
deja-vu he focused on the speaker.
The Prophet spoke of their purpose, and of changing the world. He spoke of the Lord of
Fate, and Gamba's mind raced back to the tales his grandfather told... it was half-remembered,
fleeting... but no. The Prophet's soothing voice drowned the memory as he spoke of the
irrelevance of the gods in the larger scheme of things and how instead, the choices made by
those who fought for the Truth would be the deciding factor in shaping the world.
"Once you understand that the future is moldable, you must also understand that there is one
future that is right. One future that the universe strives to achieve, one future that will unbind all
the constraints that this existence places on its sea of souls. This is the future that the weaver
wishes us to reach." The Prophet paused, his breath trembling with fervor, then he dropped his
voice low. "He could force us, yes. That is a possibility."
There were angry mutterings from the crowd. Gamba glanced around and saw some were
looking thoughtful, some rebellious. He marveled at how easily the Prophet's words were
swaying the majority of the listeners.
The Prophet let his words sink in a moment, then continued. "In truth, every creature in
existence has a True Path." Gamba could hear the emphasis on the last two words clearly.
"But for many, it is minor, and varies little. A baker needs do nothing but continue to bake, but
for those who's True Path involves battle and blood, it is more complex."
As Gamba listened the Prophet's voice rose and fell, punctuating his points. He told them their
lives were special, that their paths held meaning. That they must learn the true face of the gods
and their games. And that they would need to find how the world had lost its way, the true
way that the Lord of Fate had foreseen would be the right way, so that they could set it on the
correct path again, and rebuild from these crumbled ruins.
One spoke from the crowd, Gamba thought it was Ykarri. "This city is empty, true, but hardly
crumbled. It could be re-populated."
The Prophet leaned forward, thrusting a crabbed hand out to the assembled. "Yes! You
understand! In time, people may come to return to this city. The mist may be driven out of the
forest."
Gamba coughed. "Drive away the Mists at Kelethin? A daunting prospect indeed." He knew
the swirling mists at the doomed city of the wood elves that slew unwary travelers before they
could draw a breath in surprise, and he had no desire to visit that accursed place.
The Prophet was unmoved by the skepticism in the magician's utterance. "It will bring all your
heart's desires, though you may not know what they are."
As Gamba sat back, unconvinced, the adventurer sporting the scarecrow illusion quipped how
and unending river of platinum coins would be his heart's desire and then rolled on the stone
tiles, cackling madly in glee. The Prophet's performance was clearly leaving him unimpressed.
Several of the assembled scowled at the mocking figure.
"You all bear the mark of Truth Seekers," said the Prophet, waving his hand in an airy
benediction. "Even this cackling one may one day find his true path."
To his surprise, Gamba felt his left cheek burn. He raised a hand to his face but could feel no
mark. As he glanced around he saw many of the others feeling their own faces in surprise.
The Prophet began to walk slowly through the echoing streets of the empty elven city, the
crowd following him curiously.
"Now I would speak of something new, of the Mass which has plagued our land with its recent
attacks. Are there any here who are of an age to remember the fall of elvenhome, when the
Mass invaded the tree-city of Kelethin?"
A few of the assembled, some aged, some with timeless features, raised their hands or nodded.
It was before Gamba's time, but his family had not been untouched by the war that had raged
through Dalaya in that era. The Prophet walked slowly, his voice soft but penetrating. "Those
of you who recall the time may understand that the way the Mist came to Kelethin is different
from how it claimed the city of Nagthilian, and the vale home of the halflings."
The Prophet spoke of the fall of Nagthilian, when Baldakos the Betrayer unleashed some
terrible weapon that dissolved the dark elves of the city into tendrils of mist which hunted and
turned more of their brethren into mist until none were left. This they all knew, the infamy of
this deed still burned in the hearts of all.
Gamba knew that the Mass, however, played no part in the fall of Nagthilian, and was only
observed for the first time later in small attacks and ambushes outside the Goblinskull
mountains. At first it was thought only another variety of unquiet dead, of which there were so
many on Dalaya since the corruption of Kaezul's war. A screeching mass of shadows that
swarmed its unlucky victims was terrible, but no more terrible than many another horror that
befouled the land.
"It was not," the Prophet boomed, "Until it attacked the city of Kelethin in greater and greater
numbers that it's true power was made known. The battle lasted for hours and it was only the
thanks to the sacrifice of... many adventurers that so much of the city's population escaped.
But in the end, the Mass took the city." He sighed and appeared to fight off some greater
emotion, then continued.
"The following morning, when scouts returned, the city had been abandoned. There was no
trace of the Mass. The bodies of those who fell were gone, and an unusually heavy mist hung
about the trees. As they entered the abandoned city, the Mist came to life, hunting them, killing
them. A few escaped to tell the tale."
The brooding figure of the Prophet paused and turned to gaze upon them all. "The strange
thing is that while this should indicate there is a clear relation between the Mass and the Mist,
there were no reports of the Mass at the Betrayal of Nagthilian or of anything like it."
"And this is why the Mist at Kelethin is different than the Mist at Nagthilian. Weaker. Were it
the same Mists, it would have spread out to the surrounding forests, hunting the dark places,
raising those it kills to be as it, and yet it is contained."
He let that sink in for a moment.
"I have been shown that it can be, nay, must be removed. It is a manifestation of the wrong path
this world has taken, it is wrong - entirely wrong - and seeks to undo everything that the
Weaver would bring about. It seeks to shape existence in its own image."
Several of the assembled adventurers exchanged looks and murmured to each other. Gamba
wondered if they were already planning their assault on the Mist or discussing relocating far, far
away from this problem. He wondered which way his own feelings ran on the matter.
The Prophet spoke again. "The Mass was born from the Mist. While the Mist in itself was not
wrong - it had little bearing on the shaping of the future, strange as it may seem - something
went utterly, disastrously wrong in its making. Something in that weapon created a new form
of existence, the Mass. The Mass brings its creator with it, using it against the places it
conquers, using it as a scourge of the life they see as weak."
Gamba coughed politely. "Prophet, we have fought the Mass before, I have seen it ravage my
beloved city of Erudin. We lost." The mage looked at the shining eyes of the Prophet. "Do
you have any knowledge of its weaknesses?"
The Prophet stared back calmly. "Defeating the Mass is not what must - or can - be done at
this point. Each portion you defeat merely returns to the greater Body. There is one, however,
who knows how it can be combated." The Prophet lowered his eyes and said mildly, "He is,
however, unlikely to give up this knowledge, for he is Baldekos the Betrayer."
Several people in the crowd drew in a hissing breath and some shifted angrily, fingering the hilts
of weapons.
"Baldekos is Kaezul's active hand and eyes outside the fortress at Ikisith. Only one stands
higher than he in the service of his master." Checking the many questions that hovered on the
lips of the assembled crowd, he plunged on. "I know that the Betrayer enjoys walking the
streets of the cities of Dalaya openly. Few are those that would recognize him, after all."
This revelation shocked the crowd into silence. Some glanced around as if fearing that the
Betrayer could be behind them at this very moment. Some looked openly skeptical.
"But as to how..." the Prophet hung his head, looking suddenly tired, "That you would get the
information you wish out of him... I cannot tell you. I have not been shown."
An angry murmur and a few shouts gave the general consensus of the crowd that they could
get what information they desired should they lay hands upon Baldekos.
The Prophet shook his head sadly. "Should he find himself outclassed, he will likely fade back
into the shadows." He raised a hand to his brow in weariness. "And now I must withdraw, it
is tiring being the voice of prophecy. I wish you luck in your search, Bearers of Truth."
As the adventurers drifted off, singly in or in small clumps of whispering forms, Gamba
pondered the challenge that lay before them.
I was one of the rebellious few who was also amazed at how easily the Prophet swayed the crowd. The Prophet was basically saying there was -only one- "correct" future and this future was -pre-ordained-. I was sceptical and insistant that we all make our own destiny (i.e. that we all have free will). It wasn't until the Prophet said:
The Prophet says, 'I make no demands except that you listen, and seek for your True Path.'
that I decided to join in.
The Prophet may believe there is only one correct & pre-ordained future, but I will seek my own True Path and make my own future. That the future thus made is pre-ordained is doubtful; and whether it will be the Prophet's "correct" version will only be known as the events of time unfold.
As a Shadowknight, I believe we are all individually responsible for our lot in life.
The Prophet says, 'I make no demands except that you listen, and seek for your True Path.'
that I decided to join in.
The Prophet may believe there is only one correct & pre-ordained future, but I will seek my own True Path and make my own future. That the future thus made is pre-ordained is doubtful; and whether it will be the Prophet's "correct" version will only be known as the events of time unfold.
As a Shadowknight, I believe we are all individually responsible for our lot in life.