Journal - The Heart of Karmana - Revision history

RustyLinks: /* The Elvrahum and Falcor's Soul */

2024-07-04T17:30:17Z

The Elvrahum and Falcor's Soul

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:30, 4 July 2024
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	Amat - the death of the Elvra;<br>		Amat - the death of the Elvra;<br>
	Tingus - death to the elemental;<br>		Tingus - death to the elemental;<br>
	~~Midhhil~~ - death to the divine (and Kraldar's Deputy).		Nidhil - death to the divine (and Kraldar's Deputy).

	He warned that I was more vulnerable than I had ever been, as I was already walking in the land of Death. He was kind enough to give me a blessing to aid me, given in the name of the Daughter (Karmana), but the blessing came from Milada as we had lost our connection with Karmana. The blessing invigorated me, and I caught a glimpse of a wonderful garden with a beautiful feminine figure in simple robes, surely Milada herself, who looked at me in a way that suggested she didn't fully trust me. I had the impression that "perhaps one day" I might be trusted, but for now I had her blessing - as long as I used it to bring Him back to her!		He warned that I was more vulnerable than I had ever been, as I was already walking in the land of Death. He was kind enough to give me a blessing to aid me, given in the name of the Daughter (Karmana), but the blessing came from Milada as we had lost our connection with Karmana. The blessing invigorated me, and I caught a glimpse of a wonderful garden with a beautiful feminine figure in simple robes, surely Milada herself, who looked at me in a way that suggested she didn't fully trust me. I had the impression that "perhaps one day" I might be trusted, but for now I had her blessing - as long as I used it to bring Him back to her!

RustyLinks: /* Origins of the Dragon Clan */

2024-03-19T08:25:27Z

Origins of the Dragon Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:25, 19 March 2024
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	The legionnaires seemed refreshed as a portal fully opened above the latest casualty. Two Saloroc dropped as I engaged the nearest legionnaire, leaving only the Saloroc leader still fighting. I finished off my foe just in time to see the bodies of the Saloroc get sucked into the open portal. I threw an orb of Ithnak Alna into the portal, hoping that Treddar might investigate that place, but then the last Saloroc fell. One of the two remaining legionnaires just jumped into the portal with an expression of rapture on his face, and the other paused with a similar look but then turned and pressed his attack on me. The last Saloroc body was sucked away like the others - feeding Treddar with power, no doubt. A strange hand reached through the portal to help the legionnaire, putting force behind his blow, but thankfully the surprise of this intervention made his aim just wide of the mark.		The legionnaires seemed refreshed as a portal fully opened above the latest casualty. Two Saloroc dropped as I engaged the nearest legionnaire, leaving only the Saloroc leader still fighting. I finished off my foe just in time to see the bodies of the Saloroc get sucked into the open portal. I threw an orb of Ithnak Alna into the portal, hoping that Treddar might investigate that place, but then the last Saloroc fell. One of the two remaining legionnaires just jumped into the portal with an expression of rapture on his face, and the other paused with a similar look but then turned and pressed his attack on me. The last Saloroc body was sucked away like the others - feeding Treddar with power, no doubt. A strange hand reached through the portal to help the legionnaire, putting force behind his blow, but thankfully the surprise of this intervention made his aim just wide of the mark.

	I countered with two good blows, but I could see the wounds knitting immediately after I caused them. I commanded Aramat aflame, hoping that this would counter the healing power, but as soon as I did so the portal snapped shut in an instant. I guess Treddar didn't want to face Death just yet. Without his aid, the last legionnaire fell quickly and I was alone again. Except every fucker knew exactly where I was now, of course!		I countered with two good blows, but I could see the wounds knitting immediately after I caused them. I commanded Aramat aflame, hoping that this would counter the healing power, but as soon as I did so the portal snapped shut in an instant. I guess Treddar didn't want to face Death just yet. Without his aid, the last legionnaire fell quickly and I was alone again. Except every fucker knew exactly where I was now, of course! I set off towards the mountains quickly, but this time angled to the right of my previous path, before veering left of my mark and then straightening up, hoping it might help to avoid pursuit. Being clean and white in a forest, though, there wasn't that much I could do to avoid standing out.

			The first hour was fairly calm, with normal forest sounds and the feeling of life all around me. Did the coming of death change the nature of life? The time I had entered with the Keeper of Hisstory had felt completely different. A little farther on I heard the familiar sounds of clinking that gave away the movement of troops, and veered right to avoid them if I could. As the land started to rise towards the mountains I could hear sounds of combat to the south, but this time decided to leave well alone and kept moving upwards. I was looking to find somewhere to rest, knowing that sunset would come quickly in the lee of the mountains, but climbed up to see if there were any rocks that might offer shelter. I looked back over the forest, and it did seem that the area I had come from looked a little different to the surrounding forest, as if slightly better kept, at least in the near past. There was also a clear line of felled trees to the south with a few fires already alight where the Legionnaires were camped. That part of the island was obviously under their control. Looking towards my destination, there was a strange cloud on the mountain. It was too localised to be just weather, but was certainly ominous. I could see no obvious sign of Elvrabor trees anywhere to the east of the mountains, though.

			As the shadows started lengthening around me I felt a slight twinge of irrational fear. Instinctively I used dweomer to protect myself, feeling calmer, but felt like I needed to do more. I began to collect wood and stones to build a wind chime, linking the wood of the forest, the rock of the mountains, and the air around them. Once I had a rough chime I added some healing ointment to add some life essence and began to dedicate it to the Creator. About halfway through the ceremony, I noticed that I was being watched by a bearded, horn-helmed figure in the shadows. I kept chanting, pacing around the shrine, but saw another figure appear from the shadows after about ten minutes. After another ten minutes or so a figure stepped from the shadows in the rock about forty yards in front of me - I was sure that there was nobody there before, so perhaps they had stepped out of the rock like the Elvradhil?

			He told me to stop, moving to confront me, and it was clear that I wouldn't be able to complete the ritual, so I stopped and addressed him. He spat at any mention of the Elvradhil or the Gods, rejecting them all, and made it clear that he wanted to break the shrine I had built. He demanded that I backed off, but I refused, using dweomer to protect the shrine against magical attacks. He advanced, so I stepped between him and the shrine and drew Aramat, commanding it aflame. At this, all the figures dropped to a knee; the closest said "Armatrocbalvar - truely?" and then demanded to know where I had stolen "Armatumvar"? I knew that Umvar meant "Shadow" - and it seemed that these were some perverted Elvradhil that had devoted themselves to shadow. Another figure stepped from the shadows, and this time he seemed to be actually formed of shadow, drawing the darkness with him as he moved. I summoned a bright beacon of light with the word "Luc" into the shadows behind him, effectively a big "fuck you" to these foul creatures. The light rippled out, strangely slow enough to see, and the new new arrival disappeared instantly. The two that had been keeping a distance stepped into the shadows and then emerged much closer from others, but then I was in melee with the nearest. Aramat cut into him, and he looked at it with what seemed to be avarice, but he also landed a heavy blow in return. One plunged his hand into the shadows around him and pulled out shards of darkness that he then threw them at me, the shadow effectively streaking in a long line towards me before drawing back. Thankfully I was able to dodge most of them, and one glanced off my armour.

			I struck another two blows with Aramat, although I was now beset by two of them, and my armour kept me in the fight. Ulric's sword struck the final blow on the first one, though, and I turned to the other. He was using two axes, striking more quickly, and we exchanged blows. His weapons seemed to bite as if they had unusual power behind them. The other kept sending streaks of shadow towards me, but I felt no pain from them and managed to kill the axe wielder, again striking the final blow with Ulric's sword. I turned and shouted at the last one to go, or to meet the same fate, and he stepped back into the shadows, disappearing.

			I was sore and tired now, but I summoned more light - this time making the shrine itself a beacon. I then dedicated it to the Creator as I had intended to from the beginning, moving the bodies away so that they would not desecrate the shrine. Once that was done, though, I decided to return to the forest to rest... I didn't like it here very much! Fortunately I was able to find shelter and slept the night without being disturbed. As I was meditating in the morning, though, I head voices from up the slopes. I moved nearer, just looking from behind a tree, and I could see shadow dwarves around the shrine. The one that was formed of shadow was accompanied by heavily armoured warriors, although his form seemed affected by the light and he paced around the shrine warily. I watched for what felt like an hour as he kept using dweomer on the shrine, presumably trying to destroy it or at least remove the light, but he had no success. He finally swung a blow at it in frustration, but recoiled before touching it, then turned his back and marched into the rock in frustration, followed by the others. I waited for ten minutes or so, and then approached the shrine myself. I touched it and said a prayer of thanks to the Creator, then shaped the crude rock base into the lower half of a tree using dweomer to complete the shrine.

			Satisfied, I returned to the forest and start skirting south around the mountains.

RustyLinks: /* Origins of the Dragon Clan */

2024-02-29T22:48:35Z

Origins of the Dragon Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:48, 29 February 2024
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	I think I created at least some of the names of the Clans in my conversation, which was a little unsettling! He liked "Dragon Clan", as well as "Tiger Clan", and of course they would come to be in his future. I advised him to seek out the Elvradhil and seek shelter in their deepest places of safety before the events I knew would come to pass played out. I would try to seek out the Elvradhil in my time and ask after him or his guardian in the hope of seeking his help when he knew more about death. He helped with my wounds, restoring my body with energy, and bid me farewell before disappearing suddenly. It was me, though, that had actually disappeared as I had just returned to my time. The nature of my surroundings had changed, although I was in the same place. It was older and rougher, and the breeze had shifted. More blatantly, the crushing sense of pervading Death was all around again.		I think I created at least some of the names of the Clans in my conversation, which was a little unsettling! He liked "Dragon Clan", as well as "Tiger Clan", and of course they would come to be in his future. I advised him to seek out the Elvradhil and seek shelter in their deepest places of safety before the events I knew would come to pass played out. I would try to seek out the Elvradhil in my time and ask after him or his guardian in the hope of seeking his help when he knew more about death. He helped with my wounds, restoring my body with energy, and bid me farewell before disappearing suddenly. It was me, though, that had actually disappeared as I had just returned to my time. The nature of my surroundings had changed, although I was in the same place. It was older and rougher, and the breeze had shifted. More blatantly, the crushing sense of pervading Death was all around again.

			I used dweomer to help shield myself from detection again and then headed towards the southern edge of the mountain range, where Falcor had spoken of an old Elvradhil hall (although I don't think he had ever visited). I was wary, knowing that there would be danger here, and about an hour into my journey I heard the sounds of a moving armoured force to my left. I stopped by a tree and saw marching legionnaires approaching, about half a dozen by the look of it, with what looked like a golden Pegasus symbol on their shields. I didn't know the legion, but as they had a habit of putting creatures they killed onto their pennants I was not expecting them to be helpful.

			Instead of fighting, though, I tried a bluff. I slipped the ring of lies onto my finger (for the first time), and leant nonchalantly against the tree and waited. Eventually I was seen and a cry went up. They approached with weapons drawn and their leader called out to me to identify myself. I said that I was a priest of Treddar, dressed for hunting the Elvra, and seeking to kill them. They eventually seemed satisfied, although a little confused, and I urged them to continue with their own orders. At that point their training kicked in and they marched off on whatever mission they were dedicated to.

	~~Cast nondetection again~~, ~~trying to evade as~~ I~~'m changed time~~ and ~~place. Then head towards south~~ of ~~mountains~~. ~~About~~ an ~~hour later hear movement of armoured force~~ to ~~left~~. ~~Stop by tree~~ and see ~~marching~~ legionnaires, ~~about half a dozen by~~ the ~~look~~ of it~~. Pegasus symbol?~~		I walked on, but it was only a half hour or so before I heard shouting and the sounds of combat. Not wanting to miss the chance to help an ally, I headed for the noise to find more legionnaires, but this time fighting Wolf Clan Saloroc. There were dead already, all Saloroc, and it was clear that the legionnaires had the upper hand. I could see a miasma starting to form over the bodies, and I rushed forward to try and close it. The legionnaires noticed me, but were focused on the Saloroc for now, especially as one of them was cut down. I managed to close off the portal that was opening, but of course that would have got Ilyanna's attention. I used it again to close whatever portal was forming over the human body, and this time sensed Ilyanna trying to focus on me, but then another human fell!

	~~Wear ring~~ of ~~lies and bluff my way as priest~~ of Treddar. ~~Walk~~ on ~~as they eventually pass~~, a ~~little confused. Half and hour hear more,~~ but ~~also urgent shouting~~ and ~~then ring of steel~~ on ~~steel~~. ~~Approach to find Wolf~~ Saloroc ~~beset by legionnaires. Dead bodies behind them~~ - ~~all Saloroc - and miasma starting to form~~. ~~Rush forward to try~~ to ~~close it as one human cut down. Works... but now~~ the ~~other one. Do close that too~~, but ~~another human cut down. Get a sense that maybe Ilyanna starting to notice~~.		The legionnaires seemed refreshed as a portal fully opened above the latest casualty. Two Saloroc dropped as I engaged the nearest legionnaire, leaving only the Saloroc leader still fighting. I finished off my foe just in time to see the bodies of the Saloroc get sucked into the open portal. I threw an orb of Ithnak Alna into the portal, hoping that Treddar might investigate that place, but then the last Saloroc fell. One of the two remaining legionnaires just jumped into the portal with an expression of rapture on his face, and the other paused with a similar look but then turned and pressed his attack on me. The last Saloroc body was sucked away like the others - feeding Treddar with power, no doubt. A strange hand reached through the portal to help the legionnaire, putting force behind his blow, but thankfully the surprise of this intervention made his aim just wide of the mark.

	~~Legionnaires seem refreshed as portal fully opens. Two Saloroc drop as~~ I ~~engage legionnaire and land~~ two good ~~hits~~. ~~Finish him off~~ as ~~bodies of Saloroc get sucked into~~ the ~~now open portals over human bodies. Throw Ithnak Alna orb into~~ portal~~. Last Saloroc falls. One of the Legionnaires jumps into a portal, with~~ an ~~expression of rapture~~. ~~The other pauses, looking similar, but presses on me. Saloroc body sucked away. Hand helps legionnaire, but blow goes wide due~~ to ~~surprise~~.		I countered with two good blows, but I could see the wounds knitting immediately after I caused them. I commanded Aramat aflame, hoping that this would counter the healing power, but as soon as I did so the portal snapped shut in an instant. I guess Treddar didn't want to face Death just yet. Without his aid, the last legionnaire fell quickly and I was alone again. Except every fucker knew exactly where I was now, of course!

	~~Land two hits~~, ~~but wounds knit straight afterwards. Command Aramat aflame~~ and ~~then all the portals snapped shut~~.

RustyLinks: /* Origins of the Dragon Clan */

2024-02-29T22:25:44Z

Origins of the Dragon Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:25, 29 February 2024
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	==Origins of the Dragon Clan==		==Origins of the Dragon Clan==

	~~Conversation~~ with "Keeper of Hisstory" - Telok’hranitel is the ~~name~~ of his ~~companion~~.		I had a long conversation with the Saloroc that called himself the "Keeper of Hisstory", with his guard "Telok’hranitel" not participating. It seemed that I had traveled either back in time or out of time, as Keeper did not know Death and the Saloroc were not divided into clans in the same way we knew them to be. He listened to my story with interest, although it was all alien to him, but assured me that he remembered everything and of course fully expected to be alive in my own time as the concept of death was not something he could comprehend. He looked at Falcor's soul, but said that I should seek him out in my own time when he might understand more about it and be able to help. He did say that Falcor's Elvradrak body could only be restored in the Forge... but then added that the Ardroc might also work. If his soul and his human body were brought together, though, then the soul would transfer to the body, even if it took time.

			I think I created at least some of the names of the Clans in my conversation, which was a little unsettling! He liked "Dragon Clan", as well as "Tiger Clan", and of course they would come to be in his future. I advised him to seek out the Elvradhil and seek shelter in their deepest places of safety before the events I knew would come to pass played out. I would try to seek out the Elvradhil in my time and ask after him or his guardian in the hope of seeking his help when he knew more about death. He helped with my wounds, restoring my body with energy, and bid me farewell before disappearing suddenly. It was me, though, that had actually disappeared as I had just returned to my time. The nature of my surroundings had changed, although I was in the same place. It was older and rougher, and the breeze had shifted. More blatantly, the crushing sense of pervading Death was all around again.


	They disappear (I have in fact, as nature of surroundings disappear). In the same place but very different, older and rougher, subtle shift in nature of breeze and crushing sense of death pervading all around. Cast nondetection again, trying to evade as I'm changed time and place. Then head towards south of mountains. About an hour later hear movement of armoured force to left. Stop by tree and see marching legionnaires, about half a dozen by the look of it. Pegasus symbol?
			Cast nondetection again, trying to evade as I'm changed time and place. Then head towards south of mountains. About an hour later hear movement of armoured force to left. Stop by tree and see marching legionnaires, about half a dozen by the look of it. Pegasus symbol?

	Wear ring of lies and bluff my way as priest of Treddar. Walk on as they eventually pass, a little confused. Half and hour hear more, but also urgent shouting and then ring of steel on steel. Approach to find Wolf Saloroc beset by legionnaires. Dead bodies behind them - all Saloroc - and miasma starting to form. Rush forward to try to close it as one human cut down. Works... but now the other one. Do close that too, but another human cut down. Get a sense that maybe Ilyanna starting to notice.		Wear ring of lies and bluff my way as priest of Treddar. Walk on as they eventually pass, a little confused. Half and hour hear more, but also urgent shouting and then ring of steel on steel. Approach to find Wolf Saloroc beset by legionnaires. Dead bodies behind them - all Saloroc - and miasma starting to form. Rush forward to try to close it as one human cut down. Works... but now the other one. Do close that too, but another human cut down. Get a sense that maybe Ilyanna starting to notice.

RustyLinks: /* The Lost Saloroc Clan */

2024-02-29T21:35:41Z

The Lost Saloroc Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 29 February 2024
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	I continued my journey southwest for several hours more, but then came across a small clearing where an unusually well dressed Saloroc sat on a low-lying tree branch reading. He nodded as I entered, politely, but a larger, more brutish Saloroc stood by him. This one was still well dressed, but was armed with sword and spear, as well as a hand axe, and glared at me suspiciously. A leather pack was placed on the floor nearby.		I continued my journey southwest for several hours more, but then came across a small clearing where an unusually well dressed Saloroc sat on a low-lying tree branch reading. He nodded as I entered, politely, but a larger, more brutish Saloroc stood by him. This one was still well dressed, but was armed with sword and spear, as well as a hand axe, and glared at me suspiciously. A leather pack was placed on the floor nearby.

			==Origins of the Dragon Clan==

	Conversation with "Keeper of Hisstory" - Telok’hranitel is the name of his companion.		Conversation with "Keeper of Hisstory" - Telok’hranitel is the name of his companion.

RustyLinks: /* The Lost Saloroc Clan */

2024-02-29T21:35:04Z

The Lost Saloroc Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 29 February 2024
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	I focused on the one wielding swords, and found him easier to land blows on. After a couple of minutes he fell, again disappearing, but it did mean I was struck in the back with a dagger. It might have been poisoned, but I didn't notice any effect so I turned and struck a decent blow in return. His daggers scraped off my armour this time, but I felt a stabbing pain in my neck as one of the flying creatures appeared out of nowhere. Again, although painful, I felt no further effects, and I swung at both the foes, connecting with both. The flying creature disappeared, but I had a sense of where it might be so chanced a swing with Aramat and felt a connection. It appeared as it fell from the air, it's body landing on the ground and staying there. I turned my full attention to the dark elf, quickly cutting him down, and then looked up to find that the archer had already gone (at least it seemed that way).		I focused on the one wielding swords, and found him easier to land blows on. After a couple of minutes he fell, again disappearing, but it did mean I was struck in the back with a dagger. It might have been poisoned, but I didn't notice any effect so I turned and struck a decent blow in return. His daggers scraped off my armour this time, but I felt a stabbing pain in my neck as one of the flying creatures appeared out of nowhere. Again, although painful, I felt no further effects, and I swung at both the foes, connecting with both. The flying creature disappeared, but I had a sense of where it might be so chanced a swing with Aramat and felt a connection. It appeared as it fell from the air, it's body landing on the ground and staying there. I turned my full attention to the dark elf, quickly cutting him down, and then looked up to find that the archer had already gone (at least it seemed that way).

			All of the bodies had disappeared except for the flying creature, which lay crumpled on the ground. At least it didn't appear to be touched by death. It had an unusually large body compared to its wing size, suggesting that dweomer kept it in the air. It was certainly otherworldly, and didn't seem to belong to this place, or anywhere like it. Something was holding it here, though, and I could sense an energy around it that might be preventing it from returning to its home. I wondered whether, if I did find the Dragon Clan, they might know more about it. I used a sack to wrap around part of its tail and dragged it behind me as I continued walking southwest, as best as I could reckon from the mountains I could see. After about half an hour, though, the body suddenly disappeared, leaving my hand with an empty sack. I dropped it in surprise, scanning around for any threats. As I did that, another of the flying creatures became visible - it was very close, in a tree right in front of me.

			I tried speaking to it, but it didn't seem to acknowledge my words, instead dropping to the floor lightly. Its stance was odd, though, with its wings dropped low to the ground, and its arms limp by its side. I backed away and it shuffled forward until it reached the sack I had dropped, pointing at it and looking up at me sheepishly. I eventually decided that it just wanted to go home, and was hoping that I could help. I took another sack out of my pack and gingerly started to wipe its wing, noticing that there was some oily residue on it. It offered no resistance, and by the time I had wiped both wings it disappeared, just like the body had. That left me with two dirty sacks, so I placed those into a third sack and returned them to my bag... I didn't want to litter!

	~~Dead flying creature didn't seem undead. Unusually large body to wings~~ for a ~~flying creature~~ - ~~probably using dweomer~~. ~~Otherworldly~~, ~~and doesn't seem to belong here (or anywhere like here)~~. ~~Something~~ was ~~holding it here~~, ~~though~~, as ~~there was an energy about it. Use~~ a ~~sack to wrap tail~~ and ~~drag it behind~~ me~~, trudging south west (I think) but half an hour later disappears~~. ~~As I turn to look, another becomes visible in front of me in~~ the ~~tree~~.		I continued my journey southwest for several hours more, but then came across a small clearing where an unusually well dressed Saloroc sat on a low-lying tree branch reading. He nodded as I entered, politely, but a larger, more brutish Saloroc stood by him. This one was still well dressed, but was armed with sword and spear, as well as a hand axe, and glared at me suspiciously. A leather pack was placed on the floor nearby.

	I speak, but it didn't seem to acknowledge it, and it dropped to the floor lightly. Dropped wings to ground and arms at sides, limp. Eventually work out it just wants to go home. Help to wipe it down, leaving two dirty sacks, and it disappeared eventually. Scooped dirty sacks into last (clean) one and put them away - don't want to litter. Continue southwest for several hours.

	Come across a small clearing where an unusually well dressed Saloroc sat on a branch reading. Nods as I enter. More brutish fellow stood by him, but still well dressed. Sword and spear, as well as a hand axe, but not in hand. Leather pack on the floor nearby.

	Conversation with "Keeper of Hisstory" - Telok’hranitel is the name of his companion.		Conversation with "Keeper of Hisstory" - Telok’hranitel is the name of his companion.



	They disappear (I have in fact, as nature of surroundings disappear). In the same place but very different, older and rougher, subtle shift in nature of breeze and crushing sense of death pervading all around. Cast nondetection again, trying to evade as I'm changed time and place. Then head towards south of mountains. About an hour later hear movement of armoured force to left. Stop by tree and see marching legionnaires, about half a dozen by the look of it. Pegasus symbol?		They disappear (I have in fact, as nature of surroundings disappear). In the same place but very different, older and rougher, subtle shift in nature of breeze and crushing sense of death pervading all around. Cast nondetection again, trying to evade as I'm changed time and place. Then head towards south of mountains. About an hour later hear movement of armoured force to left. Stop by tree and see marching legionnaires, about half a dozen by the look of it. Pegasus symbol?

RustyLinks: /* The Lost Saloroc Clan */

2024-02-29T21:10:55Z

The Lost Saloroc Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:10, 29 February 2024
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	I focused on the one wielding swords, and found him easier to land blows on. After a couple of minutes he fell, again disappearing, but it did mean I was struck in the back with a dagger. It might have been poisoned, but I didn't notice any effect so I turned and struck a decent blow in return. His daggers scraped off my armour this time, but I felt a stabbing pain in my neck as one of the flying creatures appeared out of nowhere. Again, although painful, I felt no further effects, and I swung at both the foes, connecting with both. The flying creature disappeared, but I had a sense of where it might be so chanced a swing with Aramat and felt a connection. It appeared as it fell from the air, it's body landing on the ground and staying there. I turned my full attention to the dark elf, quickly cutting him down, and then looked up to find that the archer had already gone (at least it seemed that way).		I focused on the one wielding swords, and found him easier to land blows on. After a couple of minutes he fell, again disappearing, but it did mean I was struck in the back with a dagger. It might have been poisoned, but I didn't notice any effect so I turned and struck a decent blow in return. His daggers scraped off my armour this time, but I felt a stabbing pain in my neck as one of the flying creatures appeared out of nowhere. Again, although painful, I felt no further effects, and I swung at both the foes, connecting with both. The flying creature disappeared, but I had a sense of where it might be so chanced a swing with Aramat and felt a connection. It appeared as it fell from the air, it's body landing on the ground and staying there. I turned my full attention to the dark elf, quickly cutting him down, and then looked up to find that the archer had already gone (at least it seemed that way).



			Dead flying creature didn't seem undead. Unusually large body to wings for a flying creature - probably using dweomer. Otherworldly, and doesn't seem to belong here (or anywhere like here). Something was holding it here, though, as there was an energy about it. Use a sack to wrap tail and drag it behind me, trudging south west (I think) but half an hour later disappears. As I turn to look, another becomes visible in front of me in the tree.

			I speak, but it didn't seem to acknowledge it, and it dropped to the floor lightly. Dropped wings to ground and arms at sides, limp. Eventually work out it just wants to go home. Help to wipe it down, leaving two dirty sacks, and it disappeared eventually. Scooped dirty sacks into last (clean) one and put them away - don't want to litter. Continue southwest for several hours.

			Come across a small clearing where an unusually well dressed Saloroc sat on a branch reading. Nods as I enter. More brutish fellow stood by him, but still well dressed. Sword and spear, as well as a hand axe, but not in hand. Leather pack on the floor nearby.

			Conversation with "Keeper of Hisstory" - Telok’hranitel is the name of his companion.

			They disappear (I have in fact, as nature of surroundings disappear). In the same place but very different, older and rougher, subtle shift in nature of breeze and crushing sense of death pervading all around. Cast nondetection again, trying to evade as I'm changed time and place. Then head towards south of mountains. About an hour later hear movement of armoured force to left. Stop by tree and see marching legionnaires, about half a dozen by the look of it. Pegasus symbol?

			Wear ring of lies and bluff my way as priest of Treddar. Walk on as they eventually pass, a little confused. Half and hour hear more, but also urgent shouting and then ring of steel on steel. Approach to find Wolf Saloroc beset by legionnaires. Dead bodies behind them - all Saloroc - and miasma starting to form. Rush forward to try to close it as one human cut down. Works... but now the other one. Do close that too, but another human cut down. Get a sense that maybe Ilyanna starting to notice.

			Legionnaires seem refreshed as portal fully opens. Two Saloroc drop as I engage legionnaire and land two good hits. Finish him off as bodies of Saloroc get sucked into the now open portals over human bodies. Throw Ithnak Alna orb into portal. Last Saloroc falls. One of the Legionnaires jumps into a portal, with an expression of rapture. The other pauses, looking similar, but presses on me. Saloroc body sucked away. Hand helps legionnaire, but blow goes wide due to surprise.

			Land two hits, but wounds knit straight afterwards. Command Aramat aflame and then all the portals snapped shut.

RustyLinks: /* The Lost Saloroc Clan */

2024-01-17T22:30:13Z

The Lost Saloroc Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:30, 17 January 2024
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	There were apparently those that had arrived by other means, and I asked if it was the Elvradheramat (dark elves), which it was. No surprise there after the last encounter with them! He asked that I did not wield Aramat in this place unless my life threatened, or if it was to directly oppose the agents of chaos. They had only been here a matter of days, it seemed. I placed an empty waterskin, with his permission, on the ground as a marker to help me find this place again, and then used some dweomer to shield myself from being easily found (again with his blessing - protective dweomer was acceptable, it seemed). As I did this, though, I became aware that I had no connection with this place - it was as if there was no life at all to draw on, even though I was clearly surrounded by it. When I commented on this sensation, the serpent said that it was because I was nowhere now. That made no sense to me, of course.		There were apparently those that had arrived by other means, and I asked if it was the Elvradheramat (dark elves), which it was. No surprise there after the last encounter with them! He asked that I did not wield Aramat in this place unless my life threatened, or if it was to directly oppose the agents of chaos. They had only been here a matter of days, it seemed. I placed an empty waterskin, with his permission, on the ground as a marker to help me find this place again, and then used some dweomer to shield myself from being easily found (again with his blessing - protective dweomer was acceptable, it seemed). As I did this, though, I became aware that I had no connection with this place - it was as if there was no life at all to draw on, even though I was clearly surrounded by it. When I commented on this sensation, the serpent said that it was because I was nowhere now. That made no sense to me, of course.

	I was resolved to travel onwards, so I stepped forward and noted that the portal closed as soon as I had taken a few steps. The place was disconcerting, because of that lack of sensation I was used to having, even though the forest seemed quite pleasant to all my other senses. The energy did feel like Karmana's, though, even though it felt different in some way. I was glad that there was no sense of my Father's realm at all, at least.		I was resolved to travel onwards, so I stepped forward and noted that the portal closed as soon as I had taken a few steps. The place was disconcerting, because of that lack of sensation I was used to having, even though the forest seemed quite pleasant to all my other senses. The energy did feel like Karmana's, though, even though it felt different in some way. I was glad that there was no sense of my Father's realm at all, at least. I walked south, tracking the mountains, for three hours or so until I noticed that the forest sounds were more subdued, and had a feeling that I might be being watched. I casually reached out towards a tree that I was passing and half-turned to look back, just managing to catch a glimpse of something roughly cat or dog-sized flying into the branches of a tree. I saw greens and yellows in terms of colour, but that was all I could see before it was out of sight. I tried walking back towards it, but heard a burst of movement from the far side of the tree, and it was gone and out of sight by the time I reached it. I carried on walking for a bit, turning again but seeing nothing, but then caught a glimpse of something a couple of hundred yards to the east - humanoid this time.

			I muttered some dweomer to disguise myself as one of the dark elves and then moved to the west to reach one of the larger trees, peering back and waiting to see if anything moved. For a few minutes there was nothing, but then I saw another flying thing in the tree canopy to the east - the same or similar as the first one I'd seen. I continued my attempt at deception, studying the ground and then indicating to the south. I saw the flying thing a bit more clearly, and it did look a bit chaotic in nature, and then I saw one of the dark elves. Yep, it looked like they were after me again! I used some dweomer to protect myself from evil and then sprinted east towards them. I saw another flying creature, which disappeared as I approached, but lost track of the elf as well.

			It felt like I was chasing shadows, so I used dweomer to get as far away as possible, then jogged to the south east for ten minutes or so before slowing to a walk. I went this way for a good five or six hours, until the light started to fade slightly, sure that I had lost my pursuers for the time being. The trees started to thin out to the east, and I could eventually see the sea beyond the forest, so I turned south. As I was doing so, though, I noticed a flying creature about a half a mile away to the north west, flying above the trees. I kept going, though, until it began to get dark when I found what cover I could and laid down to rest.

	~~Walk south~~, ~~tracking~~ the ~~mountains~~ for ~~three~~ hours or so ~~and notice~~ forest ~~sounds more subdued, and get sensation~~ that I might ~~be being watched~~. ~~Reach out~~ towards ~~tree~~ I~~'m passing and half turn~~ to ~~look back, catching~~ a ~~glimpse~~ of ~~something cat/dog sized flying~~ as ~~it goes into~~ a ~~tree~~. ~~Greens~~ and ~~yellows, but that's all~~. ~~Try walking back~~, but ~~hear burst from far side~~ and ~~gone~~. ~~Walk on~~ for ~~a bit~~ and ~~turn again~~, but ~~nothing. Sounds still subdued, though. Catch a glimpse of something a couple of hundred yards to east - humanoid this time~~.		Remarkably, I was able to sleep undisturbed. I meditated a little in the morning and then headed south for a few hours. I began to get a sense that the forest was better tended at this point, so I turned south west to head into the forest in the hope that I might encounter someone. About a half hour afterwards, though, I heard the screech of an animal in distress somewhere off my right shoulder. I turned towards it, jogging forwards to see if I could help. I noticed birds flying away as I closed to within a few hundred yards of where the cry had come from. It wasn't the encounter I had hoped for, as I found the party of dark elves butchering a deer. Hoping to get the drop on them this time, I sprinted forwards and managed to close to melee. They did notice me, but it was too late to easily escape and they drew swords or daggers, ready for the fight. I went straight for what appeared to be their leader, and Aramat drew first blood, but he deftly dodged Ulric's sword and drew blood himself with some artful blade work.

	~~Disguise myself~~ as ~~dark elf~~ and ~~move west~~, ~~then peer back~~. ~~Nothing for a few minutes~~, but ~~then see another flying thing in the canopy~~ to ~~east~~ - ~~the same~~ or ~~similar as~~ before. ~~Continue~~ my ~~deception~~ and ~~pretend I am tracking~~, ~~indicating south~~. ~~See~~ the ~~flying thing - looks a bit evil/chaotic~~, ~~and then a humanoid figure. Yep~~, the ~~dark elves were after me again~~.		There were three on me in total, with the one I was facing clearly the best swordsman. There was another in the tree nearby tracking me with a bow, but he seemed unwilling to fire into the melee, at least for now. Again we traded blows, like for like, until I finally struck with both swords as his riposte slide across my armour. Ulric's sword drew blood again, and this time he staggered, but I was hurt too. I had been ignoring the others, recognising the greatest threat, but had suffered some nicks from them too. I had to make a decision - to stay and try to finish him quickly, or escape before I was overwhelmed. I gritted my teeth and pressed the attack, and thankfully it was Aramat that connected first. As he fell, he simply disappeared - before he even hit the ground. I couldn't ponder this, though, as more blows rang against my armour from the other two.

	~~Protect myself from evil, then sprint east. See another flying creature, but disappears as~~ I approach. Chasing shadows so use dweomer to get as far away as possible and then jog away as soon as I can for ten minutes or so. Then keep walking but this time roughly south east. Keep going for five or six hours, until light starts to fade slightly. Trees starting to thing to east, and ~~see the sea beyond it. Catch a glimpse of flying creature about half a mile~~ to ~~north west above canopy.~~		I focused on the one wielding swords, and found him easier to land blows on. After a couple of minutes he fell, again disappearing, but it did mean I was struck in the back with a dagger. It might have been poisoned, but I didn't notice any effect so I turned and struck a decent blow in return. His daggers scraped off my armour this time, but I felt a stabbing pain in my neck as one of the flying creatures appeared out of nowhere. Again, although painful, I felt no further effects, and I swung at both the foes, connecting with both. The flying creature disappeared, but I had a sense of where it might be so chanced a swing with Aramat and felt a connection. It appeared as it fell from the air, it's body landing on the ground and staying there. I turned my full attention to the dark elf, quickly cutting him down, and then looked up to find that the archer had already gone (at least it seemed that way).

	~~Keep going for the half hour of light and find some cover to rest it~~. ~~Sleep undisturbed. Meditate~~ a ~~little and then head south for a few hours. Start to get a sense that the forest is better tended at this point so turn south west to head into the forest. About a half hour afterwards hear a screech~~ of ~~an animal off my right shoulder, so turn towards it and jog forwards.~~

	See birds flying away as I close to within a few hundred yards. Dark elves butchering a deer. Sprint at them, getting into melee this time, although they see me coming and draw weapons. Aramat draws blood, but he ~~deftly dodged Ulric's sword and drew blood himself with artful blade work. Three on me - one really good~~, ~~and one in the tree tracking with bow. Manage to draw blood with Aramat~~ again, but ~~once again he~~ struck back. ~~Focus on the leader and strike with both blades~~, but it'~~s not enough to take him down~~ and this time ~~my armour just deflected his blow. Manage to hit with Ulric's sword and he staggered slightly~~, but ~~still standing~~. ~~Strikes me back~~, although ~~weaker it still hurts.~~

	I ~~strike back~~ and ~~he dropped, but disappeared before he hit~~ the ~~ground. Struck by others~~, ~~but not penetrating armour. Respond against one~~ with ~~two good blows~~. ~~Follow up with Aramat, cutting deeply~~, but ~~somehow still standing. Cut him down, although take dagger in back whilst doing~~ so. ~~Again, body disappears before~~ it ~~hits~~ the ~~ground. Jabbed in the neck from behind, which is painful but thankfully not lethal. Daggers scrape off armour.~~

	~~Change facing and land hits on both~~, ~~but then flying creature disappears. Still swing and Aramat connects, slaying the thing -~~ it ~~stays~~ on the ground ~~after death~~. ~~Swing both swords around and cut~~ dark elf down, ~~again disappeared. Look~~ up to find archer ~~has~~ already gone (at least ~~I think~~).

RustyLinks: /* The Lost Saloroc Clan */

2024-01-17T21:41:01Z

The Lost Saloroc Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:41, 17 January 2024
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	When I was sure that there would be no further intrusion into the forest, I left Ralek and continued my journey, sad that I had not known they were friends of the trees. The whole encounter could have been avoided if I had. I would have to try and learn Saloroc! The rest of the day passed without incident, and when I was too tired to continue I found some cover to rest under a bivvie. I knew that a fire would not be welcome, so I just ate what I already had and slept. It wasn't that cold, and surprisingly the night seemed to pass uneventfully. Perhaps here, as I was nearing the mountains, was an area that was not controlled by any one faction? I was able to meditate in the morning without disturbance, although I sensed that there was a transition that was more significant that simple territorial boundaries here.		When I was sure that there would be no further intrusion into the forest, I left Ralek and continued my journey, sad that I had not known they were friends of the trees. The whole encounter could have been avoided if I had. I would have to try and learn Saloroc! The rest of the day passed without incident, and when I was too tired to continue I found some cover to rest under a bivvie. I knew that a fire would not be welcome, so I just ate what I already had and slept. It wasn't that cold, and surprisingly the night seemed to pass uneventfully. Perhaps here, as I was nearing the mountains, was an area that was not controlled by any one faction? I was able to meditate in the morning without disturbance, although I sensed that there was a transition that was more significant that simple territorial boundaries here.

	I carried on regardless, with no other options open to me, and waled east until I was past the mountain range (it took about three hours or so), before turning south. I was still in an old forest, but it seemed to be increasingly better kept, or at least less wild. I felt a bit more comfortable knowing that disorder was lessening, as if I was getting closer to the Creator. After four or five miles I again noticed that the normal forest sounds had reduced and started to scan around for any threat. I also noticed that, for the first time in a very long time, I could not feel my Father's realm intruding - had I passed beyond his reach for now? I stopped and said a quick prayer to the Creator, hoping that he might hear me, and when I looked up I noticed that there was a snake-like creature, about ten feet long, wrapped around a branch above and ahead of me, just resting its head and watching.		I carried on regardless, with no other options open to me, and waled east until I was past the mountain range (it took about three hours or so), before turning south. I was still in an old forest, but it seemed to be increasingly better kept, or at least less wild. I felt a bit more comfortable knowing that disorder was lessening, as if I was getting closer to the Creator. After four or five miles I again noticed that the normal forest sounds had reduced and started to scan around for any threat. I also noticed that, for the first time in a very long time, I could not feel my Father's realm intruding - had I passed beyond his reach for now? I stopped and said a quick prayer to the Creator, hoping that he might hear me, and when I looked up I noticed that there was a snake-like creature, about ten feet long, wrapped around a branch above and ahead of me, just resting its head and watching. It was quite iridescent, with a predominantly blue head although slightly multi-hued, and a semi-metallic coppery body.

			I first tried reaching out with telepathy, and it moved its head slightly and flicked its tongue out, but otherwise provided no response. I tried speaking a couple of words I had picked up in Saloroc: "Prite" (a formal hello) "Durg" (a rather generic form of "friend"). I got a reponse to this, in perfect Common, as it commented that my Saloroc was TERRIBLE. Which was fair, although I had started to learn some vocabulary before the world went to shit. I apologised, in Common this time, and said that I sought the Dragon Clan. It seemed to raise its hackles (scales? pointy bits on its back?) and asked why. I explained that it was to seek help to save the soul of "He", and that I was a friend to him. He was worried that I brought death (the usual), and I asked if he spoke of Aramat Gendrossin (the sword). He knew that this was death to the Gods, although I was quick to point out that none had died by my hand, but then noted that it belonged to Nidhil (Death of the Divine), which was interesting.

			He was more worried about "Zmayashtoroz", though. I established that this was the name of the serpent staff that I had been carrying around since the swamp encounter in Rozdyrevdoy (the Saloroc homeland). He admitted that he held the key to the path that I sought, but said that he would not allow Zmayashtoroz to enter. I said that I would gladly give it up to the Dragon Clan for their aid with Falcor's soul. He said that this was a powerful offer, but asked if there was a trusted second party that I knew who might hold the staff until he kept his end of the bargain by giving me access to the true path to the Dragon Clan. I immediately though of Aergarnion, as there was none I would trust as much with Falcor's future. He knew of the Lord of Air, and seemed to be willing to trust him as well, so he asked me to wait and began to withdraw.

	~~Snake quite iridescent~~, ~~predominantly blues~~ but ~~some multi~~-~~hued elements at~~ the ~~head~~, ~~muted but semi-metallic coppery body~~.		I saw him twist and coil into the foilage and then just disappear, so I sat and meditated calmly, mentally thanking the Creator for bringing me such a fortunate encounter. It must have been about an hour before he returned, and just a moment later I heard the familiar beating of wings as Aldemot (not Aergarnion, but a trusted agent that I had met before) landed next to me. He explained that Aergarnion was not willing to leave Falcor's body unattended, so he had been sent to act on his Lord's behalf in this matter. The serpent stated the terms clearly - exchange of the staff for passage to the Dragon Clan, to be kept by the agent of the Lord of Air until his path had been proved true, and we both formally agreed to the terms in front of Aldemot. For his part, Aldemot took the staff and departed with it, after which the serpent did as he had promised.

	~~Psionics make~~ it ~~move head slightly~~ and ~~flick tongue~~, but no response. ~~Try broken Saloroc:~~		A wall about forty feet across and about thirty feet high appeared between a couple of the trees to the south. It was misty in appearance, but sharply defined, and I could not see through it in the way I had for other portals, although it was definitely a transition to another place. He also warned that, whilst he could guarantee that I would be on the true path, he could offer no guarantees as to what reception I would find. I had no choice but to continue, though, and I stepped into the portal. I was surprised to find that what had seemed like a deep mist was actually only paper thin, and I immediately found myself on the other side. What was disconcerting, though, was that the other side appeared to be identical to the forest that had already seemed to be there! I looked back, and sure enough the serpent was still in the tree branches, although he did not look metallic now (the colouring was the same, but not with the same sheen to it). I spoke to him to ask what would have happened if I had continued without his blessing, but his response was to ask if he knew me! When I explained what had just transpired, he said that I had spoken to his brother, but that he was glad that I had arrived with his brother's blessing.
	~~Prite - Hello/formal~~
	~~Durg - Generic "friend"~~

	~~Responds in Common~~ that ~~my Saloroc is terrible. Apologise~~ and ~~say in Common that~~ I ~~seek~~ the ~~Dragon Clan~~. ~~Raises hackles - why? Explain to help soul of~~ He ~~- what am~~ I to ~~him? Friend~~. ~~But~~ I ~~bring death. Aramat Gendrossin... death~~ to ~~the Gods? Yes~~, ~~but none slain by my hand. Apparently belongs~~ to ~~another~~ - ~~Nidhil~~... ~~death~~ of ~~the divine. He is more worried about "Zmayashtoroz" - the serpent staff~~.		There were apparently those that had arrived by other means, and I asked if it was the Elvradheramat (dark elves), which it was. No surprise there after the last encounter with them! He asked that I did not wield Aramat in this place unless my life threatened, or if it was to directly oppose the agents of chaos. They had only been here a matter of days, it seemed. I placed an empty waterskin, with his permission, on the ground as a marker to help me find this place again, and then used some dweomer to shield myself from being easily found (again with his blessing - protective dweomer was acceptable, it seemed). As I did this, though, I became aware that I had no connection with this place - it was as if there was no life at all to draw on, even though I was clearly surrounded by it. When I commented on this sensation, the serpent said that it was because I was nowhere now. That made no sense to me, of course.

	~~Holds the key~~ to ~~the path~~, ~~but would not allow Zmayashtoroz to enter.~~ I ~~would give it up to~~ the ~~Dragon Clan for their aid~~. ~~A powerful offer. A trusted second party to hold it until he kept his end~~ of ~~the bargain? Perhaps Aergarnion, Lord~~ of ~~Air? Agreed. Asks me~~ to ~~wait~~, ~~and saw him withdraw into foilage until disappears. Comes back about an hour later, and a moment later hear~~ the ~~beating of wings~~. ~~Aldemot - not Aergarnion, but he would not leave Falcor~~'s ~~body. Accept terms~~, ~~so agrees to open the path~~.~~.. although cannot guarantee~~ my ~~reception~~.		I was resolved to travel onwards, so I stepped forward and noted that the portal closed as soon as I had taken a few steps. The place was disconcerting, because of that lack of sensation I was used to having, even though the forest seemed quite pleasant to all my other senses. The energy did feel like Karmana's, though, even though it felt different in some way. I was glad that there was no sense of my Father's realm at all, at least.

	A wall about forty feet across and about thirty feet high appeared between trees to south, misty in appearance but sharply defined - cannot see through. Definitely a transition to another place. When I step through it was only thin, although it appeared to have depth, and the forest looked identical on the other side. Look back and serpent was still the same but no longer metallic in nature. Brother to the other - welcomed. Do not wield Aramat unless life threatened - Elvradheramat? Yes - only here in matter of days.

	Place a waterskin. Use some dweomer to shield myself from being found... and become aware that there is no connection with this place - there seems to be no life here to draw. He said this was nowhere? Door closes as soon as I take a few steps. Disconcerting even though the forest seemed pleasant. The energy here does feel like Karmana, though, even though it feels different. No sense of death, though.

	Walk south, tracking the mountains for three hours or so and notice forest sounds more subdued, and get sensation that I might be being watched. Reach out towards tree I'm passing and half turn to look back, catching a glimpse of something cat/dog sized flying as it goes into a tree. Greens and yellows, but that's all. Try walking back, but hear burst from far side and gone. Walk on for a bit and turn again, but nothing. Sounds still subdued, though. Catch a glimpse of something a couple of hundred yards to east - humanoid this time.		Walk south, tracking the mountains for three hours or so and notice forest sounds more subdued, and get sensation that I might be being watched. Reach out towards tree I'm passing and half turn to look back, catching a glimpse of something cat/dog sized flying as it goes into a tree. Greens and yellows, but that's all. Try walking back, but hear burst from far side and gone. Walk on for a bit and turn again, but nothing. Sounds still subdued, though. Catch a glimpse of something a couple of hundred yards to east - humanoid this time.

RustyLinks: /* The Lost Saloroc Clan */

2024-01-17T19:54:32Z

The Lost Saloroc Clan

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 17 January 2024
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	I carried on regardless, with no other options open to me, and waled east until I was past the mountain range (it took about three hours or so), before turning south. I was still in an old forest, but it seemed to be increasingly better kept, or at least less wild. I felt a bit more comfortable knowing that disorder was lessening, as if I was getting closer to the Creator. After four or five miles I again noticed that the normal forest sounds had reduced and started to scan around for any threat. I also noticed that, for the first time in a very long time, I could not feel my Father's realm intruding - had I passed beyond his reach for now? I stopped and said a quick prayer to the Creator, hoping that he might hear me, and when I looked up I noticed that there was a snake-like creature, about ten feet long, wrapped around a branch above and ahead of me, just resting its head and watching.		I carried on regardless, with no other options open to me, and waled east until I was past the mountain range (it took about three hours or so), before turning south. I was still in an old forest, but it seemed to be increasingly better kept, or at least less wild. I felt a bit more comfortable knowing that disorder was lessening, as if I was getting closer to the Creator. After four or five miles I again noticed that the normal forest sounds had reduced and started to scan around for any threat. I also noticed that, for the first time in a very long time, I could not feel my Father's realm intruding - had I passed beyond his reach for now? I stopped and said a quick prayer to the Creator, hoping that he might hear me, and when I looked up I noticed that there was a snake-like creature, about ten feet long, wrapped around a branch above and ahead of me, just resting its head and watching.



			Snake quite iridescent, predominantly blues but some multi-hued elements at the head, muted but semi-metallic coppery body.

			Psionics make it move head slightly and flick tongue, but no response. Try broken Saloroc:
			Prite - Hello/formal
			Durg - Generic "friend"

			Responds in Common that my Saloroc is terrible. Apologise and say in Common that I seek the Dragon Clan. Raises hackles - why? Explain to help soul of He - what am I to him? Friend. But I bring death. Aramat Gendrossin... death to the Gods? Yes, but none slain by my hand. Apparently belongs to another - Nidhil... death of the divine. He is more worried about "Zmayashtoroz" - the serpent staff.

			Holds the key to the path, but would not allow Zmayashtoroz to enter. I would give it up to the Dragon Clan for their aid. A powerful offer. A trusted second party to hold it until he kept his end of the bargain? Perhaps Aergarnion, Lord of Air? Agreed. Asks me to wait, and saw him withdraw into foilage until disappears. Comes back about an hour later, and a moment later hear the beating of wings. Aldemot - not Aergarnion, but he would not leave Falcor's body. Accept terms, so agrees to open the path... although cannot guarantee my reception.

			A wall about forty feet across and about thirty feet high appeared between trees to south, misty in appearance but sharply defined - cannot see through. Definitely a transition to another place. When I step through it was only thin, although it appeared to have depth, and the forest looked identical on the other side. Look back and serpent was still the same but no longer metallic in nature. Brother to the other - welcomed. Do not wield Aramat unless life threatened - Elvradheramat? Yes - only here in matter of days.

			Place a waterskin. Use some dweomer to shield myself from being found... and become aware that there is no connection with this place - there seems to be no life here to draw. He said this was nowhere? Door closes as soon as I take a few steps. Disconcerting even though the forest seemed pleasant. The energy here does feel like Karmana, though, even though it feels different. No sense of death, though.

			Walk south, tracking the mountains for three hours or so and notice forest sounds more subdued, and get sensation that I might be being watched. Reach out towards tree I'm passing and half turn to look back, catching a glimpse of something cat/dog sized flying as it goes into a tree. Greens and yellows, but that's all. Try walking back, but hear burst from far side and gone. Walk on for a bit and turn again, but nothing. Sounds still subdued, though. Catch a glimpse of something a couple of hundred yards to east - humanoid this time.

			Disguise myself as dark elf and move west, then peer back. Nothing for a few minutes, but then see another flying thing in the canopy to east - the same or similar as before. Continue my deception and pretend I am tracking, indicating south. See the flying thing - looks a bit evil/chaotic, and then a humanoid figure. Yep, the dark elves were after me again.

			Protect myself from evil, then sprint east. See another flying creature, but disappears as I approach. Chasing shadows so use dweomer to get as far away as possible and then jog away as soon as I can for ten minutes or so. Then keep walking but this time roughly south east. Keep going for five or six hours, until light starts to fade slightly. Trees starting to thing to east, and see the sea beyond it. Catch a glimpse of flying creature about half a mile to north west above canopy.

			Keep going for the half hour of light and find some cover to rest it. Sleep undisturbed. Meditate a little and then head south for a few hours. Start to get a sense that the forest is better tended at this point so turn south west to head into the forest. About a half hour afterwards hear a screech of an animal off my right shoulder, so turn towards it and jog forwards.

			See birds flying away as I close to within a few hundred yards. Dark elves butchering a deer. Sprint at them, getting into melee this time, although they see me coming and draw weapons. Aramat draws blood, but he deftly dodged Ulric's sword and drew blood himself with artful blade work. Three on me - one really good, and one in the tree tracking with bow. Manage to draw blood with Aramat again, but once again he struck back. Focus on the leader and strike with both blades, but it's not enough to take him down and this time my armour just deflected his blow. Manage to hit with Ulric's sword and he staggered slightly, but still standing. Strikes me back, although weaker it still hurts.

			I strike back and he dropped, but disappeared before he hit the ground. Struck by others, but not penetrating armour. Respond against one with two good blows. Follow up with Aramat, cutting deeply, but somehow still standing. Cut him down, although take dagger in back whilst doing so. Again, body disappears before it hits the ground. Jabbed in the neck from behind, which is painful but thankfully not lethal. Daggers scrape off armour.

			Change facing and land hits on both, but then flying creature disappears. Still swing and Aramat connects, slaying the thing - it stays on the ground after death. Swing both swords around and cut dark elf down, again disappeared. Look up to find archer has already gone (at least I think).