Editing Chronicle - Minas Olga

<big>'''Minas Olga'''</big>

'''Entering the Minas'''

We descended into a large room at the peak of the Minas. On the East wall was a picture of a Minas on fire (not one that we had seen before) being pulled down. Near the edge were vast armies under Orcus' banner butchering Dwarves who were scattering around the Minas. Only one, prominent, dwarf was holding his ground and parrying the blows of attackers. To the South was the depiction of another Minas, and Orcus could be seen killing a dwarf with messy blows to the head. To the West were more stairs leading down into darkness. Tables and chairs were scattered across the floor, apparently left in a hurry, and one large table had a map laid out across it.

As we surveyed the scene, some of the furniture was pushed aside and an invisible creature struck out at Hintzu; we were not alone. Hintzu and Merc made their way forward with weapons flailing, hoping to hit something. Merc had some luck, landing a heavy blow and causing at least one foe to fall to the floor. From further in the room a table was lifted and thrown at Merc, but he gracefully danced back towards Lanzi. Lanzi was being attacked by something, and we all closed on his position in an attempt to defend him. I connected with a blow, which enabled Merc and Hintzu to concentrate their attacks, felling another attacker.

Quiet returned, and it seemed that we were temporarily safe. Lanzi urged us forward, eager to take a look at the documents in the room. As he studied them, I called upon Odin to aid him once more. Lanzi in turn used some keotones to aid Hintzu, whilst Merc tended to his own wounds. The map seemed to show the outer defences of a stronghold, and there was worried discussion that the enemy might already have attacked a friendly fortress, perhaps Nega. There were also some messages that gave us an insight into the enemy's plans.

Feeling somewhat refreshed and enlightened after studying these documents for a time, we continued down the stairs to the next level of the Minas. We emerged into a slightly smaller room that was also decorated. To the North was depicted Bifrost Bridge with Orcus crossing it, holding the chain of Fenris and surrounded by Tanari'i being led by Balor; the bridge ended at the foot of Minas Olga. To the East was an image as if seen from a darkened room looking towards a light source. On the right was Balor, whipping the hand of Ranash and ensnaring two rings (water and fire) whilst causing him great pain. To the South were three battle scenes: to the South-West the Tanari'i were laying siege to the Sylvan lands and killing Elves and Hobbits with a forest backdrop behind them; directly South was a huge siege of Nega, again with the Tanari'i butchering the defenders (this time Samurai) before the walls; to the South-East Nega was shown with its defences breached and many samuari dying inside. On the roof a blue wyrm, wreathed with sea foam and spray, was writhing in stormy clouds. Below the dragon was a ship flying Me-Lai's colours being tossed around in the storm.

In the room before us was an abomination that can hardly be described. A ball of tentacles and spidery legs that was taller than a man, and just as wide, gazing at us with a multitude of eyes and with teeth sprouting all over its mass. Lanzi quickly stepped to the side of the entrance we had emerged from, and Merc charged at the thing in an attempt to cut it down quickly. I am ashamed to say that Hintzu and I were overwhelmed with fear at the nightmare that was advancing on us and retreated back up the stairs without thinking - the creature had some effect on our minds. To make matters worse, as we fled the creature disappeared from sight, so Merc did not know where to strike! The thing began to lay about Lanzi, stopping him from using his dweomer for fear of serious injury.

The nightmare abomination advanced on us and struck terror into our hearts.

Thankfully Hintzu recovered from the fright and grabbed me, shaking me back to my senses; we were in the first room again, and realised that we had left our friends in danger. We turned to hurry back, but our headlong flight had caused me some injury and I fell to my knees breathing heavily. Hintzu lifted me up and ran back, not willing to leave me alone in this place.

Upon returning we could see Lanzi and Merc trying to do battle with the invisible foe. Hintzu set me down and stepped back to take stock - or at least that's what I thought, but he might have been using me as bait to lure the creature. Seeing me slumped on the floor it saw me as a prime target, and a mighty blow landed from the thing. It hurt. However, Lanzi was finally able to use his dweomer to make the creature visible again. Now that they had a target, Merc and Hintzu were able to butcher it in short order. We stopped then to heal again, Lanzi and I having suffered greatly.

When we were ready to continue, we investigated the door opposite where we had entered; beyond was a short corridor leading to the left and then twisting away out of sight down some stairs. Unwilling to suffer more injuries, Lanzi prepared with Mirror Images whilst I called upon Odin to bless us for any forthcoming battles. Gingerly, we opened the door.

Beyond was a room of a similar size to the last we were in, with a door in the far right corner. On the North wall was a brightly painted man in a black kimono (Iki Moko) kneeling before Marilliath and holding out the ring of fire. One of his hands was bandaged, whilst on the other he wore the rings of air and earth; a huge sword (Rakos) was worn across his back, and on his obi was a pouch. To the East Iki Moko was depicted again, this time fighting a Half Elf dressed in blue, a Half Elf fighter and a Priest of Odin under Lastar's Tower. Writing accompanied this image:


Vexed by the need for blood

With friends turned against you

Who will hold back the flood

Of Chaos which you slew?


Come hither with my desire

To me you are always drawn

Bring me that of fire

No longer a demon's pawn.


To the South was a picture of Marilliath bowing before Orcus, offering him a palatir. Orcus was snarling and snatching it from her. Written by this was the following text:

Now it is the turn of Balor

We will not be so easily overcome.


In the centre of the room, floating above the floor, was a beast that looked like a large eye staring at us along with seven other small eyes on stalks above it's bulk. Three other stalks had been hacked off. The thing seemed injured and worse was rotting - it certainly smelt that way, anyway - shrivelled and wasting away. The eyes blinked and changed colour quickly, but we felt no ill effect. Hintzu quickly loosed some arrows at the thing, but they had no effect on it. Merc, though, called upon Freya's grace to banish the thing, clearly thinking (as I did) that such an unnatural thing would be in a state of undeath. Freya smiled on us that day, for the thing immediately began to move away from us, skulking into a corner. I prayed to Odin to grant us his blessing that we might remain untroubled by it, and sure enough it stayed well away from us.

With the immediate threat removed, Lanzi noticed that there was a wax-sealed scroll on the floor. He retreived it and read the following:


The Eastern Lords brought bands of gold

And Western men whose hearts were cold

Fled before their Rings of fire.


Elven Kings with gems so bright

Caused the evil to turn in flight

The stench of death still in the air.


The noble dwarves joined them both

And with them fought back the wrath

Of Evil beasts summoned from the earth.


The youngest children of Odin came

And with their crowns of light and burning flame

Drove back the darkness over the water.


Lastar made the Sarnim Stone

With ring, gem, crown and bone

To rule this land in Odin’s name.


Beyond the door a spiral stair lead further down into the Minas, emerging into a rectangular room with an arched exit opposite with yet more stairs leading down. On the North wall was a battle scene showing many oriental warriors ascending a steep vale being attacked by flying demons. Minas Olga was visible atop a cliff at the end of the vale with a precarious stair winding up to it. Marilliath was visible on the Minas raining down blasts of fire on the warriors. Iki-Moko was leading the force, wielding Rakos and wearing all four elemental rings. Enscribed on the wall was the following script:


The weakness of men shall be your end.

Let Lastar's twisted stone torment your heart;

Soon it will be too late to make amends,

The madness deep set will tear you apart.


To the West was an image of Marilliath blasting down a tree with an outstretched hand, and grabbing a four-pointed crown with red gems from the head of a female Elf. She was hacking down other Elves and her twisted face held a look of gloating victory. On the floor was a pentagram with a scorch mark around it, and the symbols of the Dwarven houses at the points. An open book was carved with a podium facing it. Above us were the carved shapes of winged devils perched on pillars growing out of the walls; twelve altogether. Also on the ceiling, Marilliath was shown wearing the same crown as before, but also holding a shard.

There was no movement visible, but as we advanced and I crossed into the pentagram the twelve statues came to life and flew amongst us attacking viciously. A mad melee ensued, with the enemy all around and each of us fighting for our lives. Si-Ti-Qa used his dweomer to send many of the things fleeing from the room - but unfortunately the same dweomer overcame me and I fled the battle once more. Fortunately, Merc and Hintzu were able to take advantage of the creatures' flight to strike them down, and with their ranks thinned they were able to quickly finish off the others.
The winged devils came to life as I stepped into the pentagram.

When I came to my senses I was upstairs with a few of the surviving creatures flying past me. Hintzu arrived and carried me back down to rejoin the party as before. I called upon Odin to heal some of my wounds, whilst Lanzi used keotones to dress his wound and then renewed his mirror image. Suitably rested, we started onward once more.

The stairs lead down in a wide spiral until they eventually emerged in a small room. Ominously, all the stonework was deep black. To the South were carved a vast array of undulating hills with an army of Tanari'i slaughtering samurai. Above the scene was carved Marilliath's smiling face. To the West was Daudrag kneeling before Orcus, offering him the ring of Earth. Orcus was pointing at a mountain range with his wand and refusing the offering. In the high, domed ceiling above us was a glinting image of the moment the Sarnim Stone was shattered. Darkness was blasting out, and a hand seemed to be turning skeletal.

A passageway could be seen to the left, but between it and the entrance were three giant bears with ram horns and wings. One had seen us, and swept towards us breathing fire, although we were able to avoid the worst of the blast. Hintzu was first to his feet, and charged forward to engage the beast in combat. It did not stand up well to his righteous wrath and fell quickly beneath his blows.

Another creature blasted fire at us, and this time I was too slow in moving. The fire took hold in my clothes and many of my possessions were incinerated, although my armour was intact. I passed out with the pain, and I was not the only one suffering; Hintzu took down a second creature but was engulfed by flames from the last and also passed out. Fortunately, Merc was in a position to outmanouver it and killed it before it could do any more damage. Between Merc and Lanzi, the flames were put out and healing balms applied to revive Hintzu and I. Lanzi was able to lend me one of his oriental robes (a 'kimono') to wear beneath my armour, for which I was very grateful. Armour on flesh is not at all comfortable and I would very quickly have been sore all over.
Renash's Remains

After some time sorting out my remaining equipment and calling upon all our remaining healing powers, Merc and I called upon Odin and Freya to protect us and continued on. Lanzi also used his dweomer to make Hintzu invisible and to haste the party in order that we might defeat our foes before they could damage us too greatly.

In the next room we found a grizzly sight; the remains of a man chained to the wall in a decorated room. To the South was shown a lich killing Erowyn and taking from his head a three-pointed crown with yellow gems. Over this in an unknown hand was written the following:


Unified in the defence of the Minas,

Dwarves, Elves and Men,

Threw back the Demon's minions,

Expecting help that never came.


Death was renewed by the avenger,

Keeping Bavarik's lineage true;

Yet lost the Dwarves of Findor were,

And Olga could not be made anew.


Seek thee the end of their miseries,

Find what would make these men sane.

Find these rings that were lost of old,

And end the Elves' pain.


Beneath the image on the South wall were some runes that Lanzi determined to be explosive, and apparently unintelligble. On the East wall was the image of a tree that had been scratched into the shape of Orcus' wand. It was the North wall that the decomposing body was chained to; it was mostly bone, but a few scraps of skin remained - a beard and moustache could be just about made out, along with some dark hair. A blue robe had been dumped in the corner furthest from us, beside a spiral staircase leading down opposite where we had entered.

Mindful of the protection we had called down upon us from the Gods, we decided to hurry on before spending time examining the area, and descended the stairs to find an arched entrance covered by fabric. Voices could be heard beyond and we listened carefully.


Voice One: "Her death would be most welcome. However, we need to understand what they do."

Voice Two: "Yes, my Lord."

Voice One: "I do not need you to bring her here. You can extract the information. Let me know how you get on."

Voice Two: "Lord, if I may, it may be unwise not to send our forces there to assist her."

Voice One: "I agree, you fool; do you think I would not send more? Bring Gladbrazu to me - I need information swiftly. Go now, fool!"


This conversation was interesting, but the sound of beating wings was approaching the archway and we readied ourselves for combat. The fabric was drawn aside, and we were confronted by a tall human/vulture hybrid thing. Beyond the monstrosity we could see a large room, and in the centre a Balrog stood by a planatir! I had thought that such things were myths or had long since left the world, but here was a creature of shadow and flame stood before us! The Balrog was flanked by gross toad/crocodile things - it seemed that unnatural forces had played with animals and fashioned minions for the evil forces.

At this point I was considering a strategic withdrawal, as I doubted that we could stand against such forces in our weary state; all thought of such plans was put aside when Merc ran past the thing in front of us and headlong at the Balrog! Such a display of courage, or stupidity, was inspiring and Hintzu quickly followed him into the fray. Lanzi, judging that they might need some help, used his dweomer to summon a storm of ice that thrashed at the Balrog and its minions. Whilst he was casting, I protected him from the creature before us, and with a blow that used the powers of my rod I was able to fell the thing. Thinking to draw the attention of the enemy away from the small number of attackers, I shouted "Lieutenant, bring down the army, the Balrog is here!".

There was a flash of silver light behind the Balrog, but then he was plunged into darkness. Fortunately I could still make out what was happening using the infravision that my girdle afforded me. In their hasted state, Merc and Lanzi were opening gash after gash in the Balrog's body - the heat from inside the beast clearly marking each wound. Before I could tear my gaze away and join them, the great beast fell to the ground with a roar and lay still. They had beaten the thing between them, a truely heroic feat!

Suitably uplifted, I charged into combat with the nearest minion, shouting for the forces of Sutur to follow me, in order to keep the bluff going. A fireball exploded in front of me, but I shrugged it off. Then a creature appeared and my mind was once again overcome with an unnatural fear. I turned and ran towards the entrance we had used, and Merc joined me in flight. Hintzu fell to the ground, overcome by the remaining minions and unable to fight them all off alone.

Lanzi was the last of us still fighting, and in desperation read from one of his precious scrolls. In some way he was able to protect himself, as only one of the enemy moved to attack him. His fighting skills were tested by the creature, but eventually he was able to send it into a stupor and he was safe.

When I recovered my senses once more (this was beginning to be embarrassing, I must seek penance for my weakness), I returned to find Lanzi tending to Hintzu with three of the foul minions standing around looking curiously at him. He left me to apply more bandages to Hintzu and went to investigate the palantir. This may not have been wise, as Orcus was still using the artefact from another location; he spoke "Balfor, what happens?". Lanzi seemed to be mesmerised and dropped to his knees. Seeing this, I knocked him to the floor in case his mind was in danger.
Finally, Lanzi was able to recover a palantir.

Whilst this was happening, the creature that had been unconscious at the foot of the stairs recovered and made its way back into the room - making straight for me! I tried to call on Odin, but the thing was upon me too quickly and I was forced into melee again. Fortunately it was weakened and I was able to kill it without suffering any injury. Lanzi, who had suffered no ill effects, threw a cloak over the palantir to remove the immediate danger.

We were now out of immediate danger, but were still in the company of three creatures who were only kept from attacking us by Lanzi's dweomer. I then had an idea. I had recovered a scroll in Aarda that had, fortunately, survived my near incineration earlier; the scroll allowed me to channel Odin's power to move people, or creatures, to another plane of existence - something that Lanzi had taught me to respect. With Lanzi's help and much gesturing, I was able to convince the creatures to hold hands and read from the scroll. It was the first time I had tried to use this power, and I was only partially successful in applying Odin's grace - two of the creatures disappeared, but one remained (looking very confused).

I felt much safer now, and Lanzi left me with Hintzu whilst he and Si-Ti-Qu went looking for Merc. The last creature walked over to the palantir and started talking. I knew that this could only mean an evil influence on the thing, and ran to attack it before Orcus, or anyone else, could glean information from it. With a swift strike I felled the beast and then left the palantir well alone; such artefacts were the domain of wizards and wicked men, and a man of pure faith needed no such trinkets.

Eventually Lanzi returned with Merc, and together we were able to revive Hintzu. With the party regrouped, we finally took a moment to take in our surroundings. The room was large and hung with tapestries. To the East the tapestry showed a lich plunging his sword into the head of Bavarik, apparently in the very room we stood in. To the South was shown the same lich killing a dwarf and taking a two-pointed crown with orange gems. The dwarf bore the symbol of Kalasar, 3rd Lord of Olga, and mountains in the background bore the symbol of the Iron Mountains. To the West was another tapestry, showing Demogorgon plunging a tentacle through the chest of a kneeling dwarf, bearing the symbol Rune seen on tapestry in Olga, who was holding a shard. The background to this scene was not Olga, but another Minas that we had not yet seen.

Lanzi picked up the cloaked palantir, and a voice tried to influence him and Merc, but thankfully to no avail. As Lanzi took the palantir away from the podium, the voice disappeared and all was well. After closer inspection, we discovered some runes on the wall behind the tapestry to the East, marked with the symbol of Imrahir, that read:


Oh would that I had been here,

Taken that fatal blow instead of thee.

What was left undone would now be over,

And we would all be set free.


I commeth now my Lord,

I avenge thee and thy son.

Dead Ezollach is by my sword,

My father's will is now done.


That which was broken I will make new,

That which was stolen I will return.

Nobles of this land are now few;

They will receive that for which they yearn.


Gone is Lastar's stone,

Broken by wand of bone.

In grief I paid it little heed,

Now it may be our direst need.


Searching further, we found that there were also runes behind the tapestry to the South, again with Imrahir's symbol, that read:


Avenged yea have been.

Thy death for naught,

Will no longer seem,

To those who were bought,

As evidence of futility.


Placed thou ist with thy forebears,

In great calm thy will now rest.

I go in search for thine heirs,

For together evil we shall best,

As thou witness our brutality.


Opening the double doors at the end of the room revealed that we had passed this way before. Back when I had just joined the party and knew little of what was to come, we ventured into the outer halls of Olga and this was one of the rooms we had entered. The broken statues of dwarven guardians remained where they had fallen as we attempted to enter the very room we had just left.

Having recognised our surroundings, and content for now that we were reasonably safe, we made our way back upstairs to the room with the remains of a person chained to the wall. We investigated the body more closely and found a worn piece of flint in its hand that had been used to scratch a code into the wall. The code read:

1/1/1/9

1/2/1/8

1/3/3

2/2/1

2/3/13

2/4/5/7

3/1/1

3/2/7

3/3/10


We decided that the code probably related in some way to the inscription opposite the corpse, but it was Hintzu that worked out how to interpret it, and the message read "UNDER KALASAR". Clearly the deceased person was trying to tell us something - hopefully his last message would not be in vain.

We discovered a damaged piece of a book in the robe.

In the robe that was discarded in the corner we found a badly damaged piece of a book and a crumpled piece of parchment. The text was informative, and read as follows:

(Book)

''Spring 1005. The land was bathed in warmth and the cool wind bourn out of the mountains once again brought hope of a new and prosperous life. A shadow remained, however, which caused those that love the freedom of the air too much trouble to be forgotten. Unwisely perhaps, I convinced Ythanos of my determination to do what had been neglected for so long. Of stout heart he listened intently, turning his attention once again to the thorny issue of the Dragon holed up in Minas Tiris. Entrusting his young son, Aran, to his wife Catherin and the monastery, the Great Castellan led his party of veteran warriors, accompanied by Curial and I, to the Great Wyrm’s lair. Perhaps rashly without Fastlor, using the Portal, we entered the Tiris and were immediately engaged by the Beast. The stench of sulphur and scorched earth is not endured for long as the battle is swift and fierce; I am ashamed to tell the Dragon won the day. Blasted by fire, bitten and raked by teeth and claw, Ythanos, son of Eomere, met his doom in Minas Tiris. Curial too came to an untimely end at the talon of the Great Wyrm. Only I escaped. Managing to stave off the powerful dweomer thrown at me and the many blasts of fire emanating from the Dragon’s jaws, I took up the Crown left by Ythanos. The Wyrm’s treasure was unbelievable; ancient as he was, I realised that Rantor had collected many of the artefacts left by our greatest mage. Yet I had only the strength to grab the Ring of Fire before jumping back through the Portal to the wondrous blue and the cleanest air...''

(Parchment)

''By decree of the Castellan of Sutur, Ythanos, son of Eomere, thou, Tarthor, man at arms to our most beloved Elborn are released from castle service and will accompany the New White Council on their most urgent quest to discover the whereabouts of our heinous enemy Iki Moko. Thou whilt also report unto the Castellan any news of the Great Artefacts of Lastar, Arch Mage and binder of races. I remind thee of thy solemn vows and we entrust unto thee the lives of the Council, as we have entrusted thee with the souls of this great fortification.''

''Thou wilst accompany Tagaran, that most noble of men from our religious origin and, by decree of our valued supporter, Curial, he will be your party’s guide in all things religious and more corporeal. Flaine Cawstock, acolyte of the monastery here within and Semaj Recklaw, prestidigitator and apprentice of the great Renash, are also charged to thy care. Additionally, our much loved brethren, the Numenoreans, have pledged the help of Fanderel a most adept young warrior, in all your doings. Treat him as thine own.''

''Go now; be true to thy cause and take our most kind thoughts with thee.''

''In the second moon of the autumn of the year 995, according to the Vikriain.''

The parchment was marked with the symbol of Ythanos.

Having gleaned what information we could from the room, Lanzi was keen to make use of the palantir that he seemed to have adopted as his own, so we made our way up to the room above with the podium and the pentagram. Lanzi made some preparations and surrounded himself with a shimmering globe before setting the palantir on the podium.

At first he just saw a faint reflection, but then realised that the image was not his own reflection but instead the face of Marilliath. The image only remained for a moment before the palantir clouded over, but then a mountain top emerged from the clouds and a giant humanoid figure was standing atop it wearing a beautiful kimono. The figure had white skin, marbled with blue, and silver hair. As Lanzi watched, the figure stepped up onto a ledge at the very top of the moutain and reached up towards another figure in the clouds. A scroll case was passed down to the one on the mountain and the two spoke at some length. On the hand of one of the figures could be seen a white gold ring with a light blue gem (the ring of air, we believed). Then the image changed back to Marilliath's face and a look of recognition passed across it before the palantir faded into darkness.

Lanzi, having watched passively thus far, then attempted to gain control of the artefact and direct it to look towards Sutur. He seemed to be successful, as the gardens before Lastar's tower were visible within the globe. The vision then moved towards and into the tower, seemingly sucked into a bubble, as if looking out, but no-one was visible to converse with. At this stage Lanzi had been transfixed by the palantir for some time, and the rest of us were getting nervous. We decided to force him to break contact and cover the thing, just in case all was not well. Lanzi, however, insisted that all had been fine, but that he was finished with it for now.

We discussed our next move, and decided that the clues left by the body (of Renash, we think) should be followed up on, which meant descending below the Minas. We made our way back to the room where we had defeated the Balrog and followed the stairs down from the room beyond, looking to travel down as far as we could. Negotiating our way past a falling portcullis (Merc's strength proved useful), we emerged into the Dwarven entrance hall that I first entered what seemed like an Age ago when I was only concerned with lifting the siege of my home. The same image of Findor wearing a two-pointed crown with orange gems was visible on the Northern wall, and the walls were still adorned with tapestries. Most of the symbols on the tapestries were familiar; there were the symbols of Hindor, Fandor and Boffur - but there were two symbols that I did not recognise: Another Dwarven rune and Yet another Dwarven rune.

We made our way down the trapped stairs to the hidden entrance at their foot, and Lanzi used his chime to cause the doors to swing open. Beyond was the chamber where we first appeared after leaving Sutur. The scene showing the celestial dragon fight loomed over us, and as the doors swung shut again we could see the image of the beautiful tree, complete again.
The Tombs of Minas Olga

We wound our way down further into the chambers beneath the Minas, until we reached a room with two closed doors as exits. A scratching sound could just be made out beyond the door to our left. Acting prudently, for once, we used the other exit and descended further into a large room. Unfortunately the room was occupied by three giant humanoids with two heads. The place stank and was strewn with rubbish; it looked like it had once been a refectory, and the remains of fireplace could be seen to one side.

Having exhausted my link with Odin, after all that had happened so far, I joined Merc and Hintzu in charging forward to meet the foe in combat. Lanzi clearly still had some dweomer about him, as a fireball exploded amongst the giants. Hintzu cut one of the things down, and then did for another that was foolish enough to take its place. I sent the other one crashing to the floor, as it was already badly burnt.

Not wishing to linger too long in such a smelly place, we continued our downwards trek. Opening a door, we emerged into a high room that was clearly decorated. To the South was an image of Ragnorak with Thor fighting a dragon, and the pantheon of Gods fighting giants behind them. To the West could be seen Bavarik defending the Bridge of Calahar. To the North, Lastar was looking down with open arms at the burning body of Dispater; he wore the crown and rings, and was holding a gem.

A dozen grey humanoids that we had met before in this place were in the room, and proved to be equally aggressive. Merc and I engaged them in melee, whilst Hintzu used his ring to summon a ball of flame in their midst. Almost simultaneously, a billowing cloud appeared in front of us and and many of the foes fell lifeless to the floor - Lanzi's doing, no doubt. I killed one in the more traditional manner of a righteous blow to the head, as did Merc, and by the time we were finished there was only one remaining. Looking panicked, it turned and fled into the far corner. Merc made his way over to the other door and, still psyched up, battered it down when it would not open.

We followed the stairs beyond down to a smaller room littered with old weaponry. The shimmering image of an old hag could be seen in the centre of the room; it had red eyes beneath a cowl and looked very suspicious. It drifted towards us, waving its arms, and Merc sprang to attack instinctively. Both magic and normal missles just passed through, but Merc and Hintzu's blades finished it off. I had tried dispelling magic, thinking that it might be an illusion, but it was the magical blades that did for it.

Continuing on cautiously, we descended even further to find a short passage ending in an open door. Entering the room beyond we found that it was wet, with water running down the walls. A glint of daylight could be seen through fissures in the ceiling, and it was clear that we were no longer underneath the Minas itself. Body remains covered the floor, and three gibbets held skeletal remains.
Gibbets held skeletal remains.

We began to make our way across the room, all except Lanzi who used his boots to jump across. He landed badly, though, slipping on the wet floor but not falling. Distracted by this we were almost surprised by a skeleton emerging from a side passage, and as he entered various body pieces pulled themselves together to form four skeletal forms with a glowing ball of fire in their centre - all uncannily moving to attack us from all sides.

I called upon Odin to banish the abominations, but they seemed unaffected by his power and soon we were locked in a swirling melee. One of the things reached inside itself, drawing a flame out and throwing it at us. Not expecting this, I was caught in the blast and knocked to my knees. Another burst of flames knocked me out cold. When I came to it was to find Merc tending to my wounds, and Lanzi laying beside me - apparently also caught in the flames. Hintzu and Merc had been able to smash the skeletons before coming to our aid. We were badly hurt and without much healing ability between us; we were now relying on the ring of regeneration to keep us together, which was never good.

We made our way on to the area we believed that Renash was directing us to, passing another room on our left with parchment on a table. Just beyond, on the right was the room we were looking for. A sarcophagus stood in the centre of the room, to the South was a picture of Bavarik slaying a horde of orcs in a large battle who were bearing the jackel head and tentacle symbols, whilst to the North was a diagram showing the lineage of Findor.

The sarcophagus bore the symbol of Kalasar, confirming that this was our target. The symbol of a crown with two points and orange gems was set in the centre of the lid, but the lid had been pushed aside and the contents removed. Our hearts fell at the thought that we might have been beaten to it. However, whilst scanning the room with the gem he used to search for hidden switches, Merc noticed that the end of the sarcophagus was out of phase. He moved his hand against it and it went right through, finding a ring in a space beyond. Twisting the ring caused dust and air to shoot out from under the sarcophagus and it moved aside to reveal a hidden compartment.

Concealed within were a collection of valuable trinkets, including a bundle of incense sticks that might prove useful in my rituals. More importantly, there was a section of the Codicil - the History of the 2nd Age. As Lanzi reached for this prize, the symbol of Renash floated above the items and a voice spoke to us:


''You have come in good or you would be dead,so I grant you this information.''

''I, Renash, of sane mind, impart to those that seek Lastar's stone information which I fear I take to my grave.''

''Like the Dwarves of Olga before me, I discovered a shard and like them I have buried it fearing capture.  Seek thee the name of the first Dwarf to have wielded a shard after it was broken; there look for my sign.''


We agreed that, despite our weakened state, we should press on in an attempt to retrieve such an important artifact before we could rightfully allow ourselves to rest. But first we returned to the room with the parchment we saw on a table, hoping to gather some more clues as to the enemy's plans, and we were not disappointed. We discovered two missives, although the first appeared to be an interception of a message between two others, which was interesting. The palantirs may offer an easy means of communication, but they leave echos that can be seen by others.

First Message (Intercept)

''My Lady, as you are aware, much of Gorgoroth is now ours and the prickly issue of Gos has been removed by my great ally the Lord of the Tana'Ri. As I have little interest in the province, other than the region of Endor, I would willingly cede the territory to your most malevolent governance. Perhaps your greater involvement in my other interests would be mutually beneficial. Firstly, those that call themselves 'High' amongst your race have a weak King, easily bent to my will. With your assistance, in particular your powers of persuasion, I am certain that his land will be ours in all but name. Clearly, unhindered access to the Ishurias is of great mutual benefit and will enable me to unseat the usurper quickly. Moreover, we can spread our influence across the Vale, joining with my forces currently occupying much of Zem and Hama'Las. Secondly, with greater assistance, I would be assured of supremacy at sea in and around the Ashorias and further south; perhaps even to Celin. Lastly, should you wish to share your intelligence, particularly of matters arcane, I would reward your knowledge greatly and support your conquests further east. Time is of the essence and your immediate response would be most welcome.''


Second Message

''Greetings to his highness, Calios, Master of the Air. My Lord seeks your assistance with the forthcoming assault and would grant you dominion of these exalted mountains in return. The ancients have agreed to assist Lei Kung's acolyte; thereby securing the sea and perhaps the river itself. (I understand that his command over the Great Wyrms is to our benefit.) Our sister moves against the city and we now ask that you move against the fortress. I will despatch my servant Glabrezu to formally negotiate our particular positions and request that you treat him as you do me for he has my Lord's ear.''


Then began our move to Frastor's Hall, following the clue that Renash left us. We battled all manner of undead, and although Odin's light drove many before us, we were forced to fight on several occasions. We just managed to survive the journey, but finally reached Frastor's Hall and there discovered Renash's symbol scratched in a corner. Discovering a concealed space, we were able to retrieve the shard that we were seeking, and it was wrapped in a parchment that read as follows:


''Know that my life is forfeit and I take with me much knowledge of the arcane wonders once born by the supreme mage. My last request is that my daughter, Gwendolyn of Sutur, is given protection so richly deserved by her pure mortal soul. My last thoughts are with her and she should know that I have loved her with all my being.''

''My mind now turns to urgent matters at hand, before the enemy engulf me. We know that the prophesies speak of a ring bearer, who comes from the west. We once believed this to be Iki Moko but were proved wrong. I had thought to come to this place to discover more of his flight from Everinstar and to my shame have learned little. I know his flight took him to Findor's Stair and beyond into the Iron Mountains. The Palantir has left images in my mind, last I touched it, which have disturbed my thoughts. I saw the murderer on the Stair, high in the clouds, examining the precipitous rock next to him. Running his hands over the stone, a dwarven riddle etched on the surface appeared to glow. Turning fully to the rock as if reading Iki recited:''


In age gone by when not in heaven,

A mage brought peace and funeral pyre.

Crowns worn their points total seven

His was the new breed's gem of fire

To Andurin's home you have come,

In flight from dark into sky and cloud.

What is written of old cannot be undone,

The names of those left behind, cry aloud!

For this way is barred to all but three:

Elf, man, dwarf, perhaps thee?


''Clearly, he knew his lore for a dwarven door opened in the rock face opposite and in he slipped. The vision then showed a tree suspended, roots and all, in mid-air, wrapped in cloud it appeared huge. My mind brought me closer to the roots, dark and thick until - passing into one - I was presented an image of Iki climbing up a stair, inside the root (or was this under ground?). he had clealy fled the Battle of Sutur and only wore three of the rings - Air, Earth and Water. Climbing up, he emerges into the clouds and the vision passed.''

''Clearly, there is a hidden door into Andurin's home (I presume the Iron Mountains) on the Findor Stair. It would seem that Iki fled that way when he escaped Sutur. I believe that he lost his ring of Fire in Olga shortly after he jumped through the pentagram gate at Sutur, though I have found no sign of it here. Where he went next I cannot even guess at.''

The parchment was marked with the symbol of Renash.


Perhaps unwisely, Lanzi took the shard, although I would rather it was he than I who carried such a dangerous item. I would not have my mind bent in the way that Iki Moko and Dor had by such things. Merc had been increasingly restless during our journey, and now surprised us all by announcing that we had to get to the exit as soon as possible; usually we would expect him to encourage us to look for more lore before leaving a place, but as we were in such dire condition we did not argue the point.

We made straight for Findor's Stair, encountering some resistance but reaching the exit without too much trouble. Emerging into the light after what seemed like a age, we found ourselves looking North towards Amras Aarda, with Calahar to our left. The stairs did not just lead down, but also wound up into the Iron Mountains; Merc, however, was desperate to get away and back to Calahar and immediately started down to our left.

Findor's Stair wound through the mountains

As we travelled, Merc's pace increased until we had trouble keeping up. Occasionally he would stop, looking into the distance and mutter something like "she needs me" or "they are coming", which allowed us to keep up with him, but after a little way he started running down the stairs, drawing his weapon and shouting for his Captain, Caladhor.

Merc increased his speed until he was outpacing us all, sprinting down the stair. Surely he could not keep up this pace all the way to Calahar? It was if a madness had overtaken him. Then he started to shout "Elerienne!"; my unease was relieved slightly - if it was about a woman then it would explain the madness. It seemed that Elves were as likely as men to go mad over them. Thank Odin our order encouraged us to control our emotions.

Lanzi and Hintzu were shouting for him to slow, that we could not follow at this pace (I was just trying to keep up). Merc discarded his ebony fly and shouted for us to follow. Lanzi stopped to use his statuette of a pegasus, once again summoning the creature from within the statue. I took up the fly and did the same, mounting my slightly less impressive steed to follow. Lanzi swooped down beside Merc and beseeched him to join him. I took Hintzu, agreeing to meet them at Calahar as the pegasus would cover the distance more quickly. The last I heard as they flew ahead was Merc shouting "You don't understand, she has it - the source - she is dying."

As we approached Calahar I spied a great eagle circling the city. Hintzu shouted with joy - recognising Morwath in one of his animal forms. I was yet again amazed at the sights that this world still held for me to see. Truely Odin favours me. We landed with Morwath to find Merc already mobilising his army to march North to Sutur, convinced that there was a new threat there. Merc managed to find a moment to explain himself, saying that he had seen the death of Elerienne and Sutur burning as a portent and that he had to go to their defence. I felt like accompanying him, with my homeland under threat, but all the messages we had discovered told us that the South was equally threatened, and there would be no army marching to their aid - only my companions. I would stay with them. We agreed to meet again at Calahar in a month's time, and Merc appointed Lanzi as the leader of our party in his absence. As Merc left, Lanzi bowed to him and called him "my Lord" - it seems that Merc was not the only one acting strangely!

After Merc's departure we took stock of the local situation to find that it had improved; Calahar was no longer threatened, although they had no word from Sutur and limited supplies from the West. We took the opportunity to rest and recover, replacing our lost and damaged possessions (I needed a new backpack, for one thing). We also discussed our next actions. We had one clear lead, thanks to Renash, to follow Findor's Stair into the Iron Mountains.

Iki Moko had fled to Olga from Sutur and given the ring of fire to Marilliath, but then had ascended Findor's Stair and used a secret passage to enter Findor's home in the mountains. We deduced that the names that would open the door were Nenye, Aerandir and Findor. This could be our next journey. However, we had not yet heard Morwath's news and listened eagerly as he explained what he had discovered. Unfortunately the news was bad.

The Vikrian was no longer safe, and was ablaze in many places with battles likely to occur anywhere at any time. The king of the Vikrian (Elevator?) was weak and did not react with any strength. Drow had been found in the Marsh of Malor, even though they were usually found to the North of Gorgoroth. Morwath also informed us that the king's son, Clenwe, was on his way to Calahar, and was taking that action that his father should have been advising. Having studied the shards and seen echos, Morwath advised a visit to the king of the Vikriain to encourage him to take firmer action against the growing threat. Speaking of shards, we were able to divine the alignment of the new shard, finding it to be benevolent in nature, which was reassuring. Morwath took the shards, being the least likely to be affected by their influence (although Lanzi parted with it reluctantly).

We met with Clenwe on his arrival; he was dressed in wondrous mithril armour and wore a gold chain circlet with a diamond set within it upon his head. He carried both long and short swords and a robe with the golden sun embroidered upon his tabard underneath. His features were soft, almost feminine, but his eyes were engaged and reassuring - appearing to look beyond the surface of those he studied. His actions bore out his commitment to our cause - I liked him.

Whilst we were staying at Calahar, we were beset by visions in our sleep...

[[Dafydd Calahar Vision|Dafydd's Vision]]

[[In Calahar|Hintzu's Vision]]

[[Morwath in Vikrain|Morwath's Vision]]

After much discussion we agreed that our strategic objective was to bring balance to the Prime by:


* Destroying the created artifacts (the crown and the Sarnim Stone).

* Splitting the elemental rings and returning the gems to the Elves and the gold bands to the Dwarves.

* Uniting the races under a White Council.


With this in mind we decided that we should seek out the Giant in the Iron Mountains that held the ring of Air. We would hopefully be able to disrupt the enemy's plans in the South as well as retrieving one of the artifacts that we required. So we had to return to Findor's Stair.