[LIB]: The Return (12/2015-4/2016)

[Judas D'arc]

Prologue: Relthor’s Apprentice

Summary: Faeryl Tyra’them, an elven traveler from another shard-world arrives without any memory of how she came to be here. Soon, she gains the attention of a mysterious hooded mage, who proceeds to torment and tempt her into becoming his servant.

********

12/2015:

A few months ago, the elf Faeryl Tyra’them, a native of another shard-world of Sosaria, appeared, with no knowledge of how this happened, and bereft of her recent memories. She was also suffering from an ongoing black rock illness. Despite the efforts of Faeryl and those she befriended, no answers were forthcoming. Along the way, she befriended the bard Judas, who was this world’s version of a close friend from her home.

One evening, while relaxing at Empath Abbey, Faeryl and Judas were approached by a stranger who knew of her missing memories, and stated that he could help. He also claimed that he served an expert on dimensional travel who wanted to meet the elf, and that her “coming was foretold.” Desperate for leads, she disregarded Judas’ advice and agreed to speak with the man’s employer. The bard grudgingly accompanied her.

Outside, a red moongate appeared. Faeryl and Judas entered it, and were transported to the Church of the Black Sun, a place of worship for a long-disbanded cult located on Verity Isle of Felucca. They were greeted by a hooded mage who reiterated that the elf’s “coming was foretold.” He explained that Faeryl had been promised to him by “a voice,” a being from another world who was aiding the mage with his research into portals. The elf changed her mind and tried to depart, but their host’s guard struck down Judas. They threatened to kill the bard unless Faeryl cooperated.

After healing Judas’ wounds, the guard dragged him away, and the mage proceeded to strip the elf of her clothing and belongings. She was forced to kneel inside the center of a pentagram, and her captor performed a ritual that established a blood bond between them. He told Faeryl that she belonged to him, and he was now her “Master.” The mage then cut off all her hair and began to collect samples from Faeryl -- blood, fingernails, and other bodily fluids. Before he returned her to Empath Abbey, he branded her with a strange, unfamiliar symbol, which was later revealed to be that of the Broken Ankh.

Faeryl was soon found by Minalan Zhalfast, Rotep, and Jennitha Devi, three members of the Mage Council, a group the elf was affiliated with. She was in a trance, and Minalan sensed that blood magic had been used on. The trio brought her to the Skara Brae healer’s, and listened to her incoherent mutterings about the Church of the Black Sun and the missing Judas. As she recuperated in Skara Brae, the bard was recovered, his wounds mysteriously healed, as if the attack had never occurred.

Weeks later, Faeryl and Judas were back at Empath Abbey, discussing various options to recover her missing memories. Suddenly, they were interrupted by the appearance of the hooded mage from the Church of the Black Sun. He stated that he possessed pieces of Faeryl, knowledge of her missing memories. When the elf refused to listen to him, her new master cast a spell and placed the bard into a deep sleep. The mage reiterated that Faeryl had a purpose to fulfill, and she was promised to him by “the Voice,” who foretold her coming. He claimed she was a creature of darkness, not of light, and wanted him to leave with him. But the elf refused to believe him or obey, and a battle erupted between them. The mage put an end to her resistance by threatening to kill the unconscious Judas. Before departing, he insisted she carried hatred, deceit, and cowardice inside of her, and that he would soon return for her. After the bard awoke and learned what had transpired, he attempted to comfort Faeryl.

1/7/2016:

More time passed, and Faeryl’s black rock sickness worsened, and the hooded mage, who she discovered was named Relthor and affiliated with the Cult of the Broken Ankh, continued to pursue her. Finally, a ritual was arranged to cure her of her ailment.

Faeryl and Judas returned to the Church of the Black Sun, and they met with the elusive Healer of the Broken Ankh. Callista of the Purple Guardians of Honor and her lover, the mercenary Rorik of Library of Scars were in attendance at the request of Relthor, who had recently employed the warrior and provided him with some spiritual guidance. The Healer conducted a ritual in which everyone held one of five black statues and stood in a semi-circle around the church’s inactive black gate.



The hooded cultist then prayed to his dark gods and activated the gate by connecting it to the Void, and used the energy of Faeryl's illness to summon a giant blue demon. The creature was initially subdued, until the Healer linked it with the fallen ranger Silvara Winds, who he kept captive in a different room.



Following this, the blue demon broke free and rushed out of the room. The Healer told those assembled that the creature could be destroyed by killing Silvara, and he left. A debate ensued, with Judas and Faeryl advocating to kill the helpless woman, and Rorik and Callista opposing this and arguing to preserve her life. In the end, Rorik and Callista won out, and they escorted her away to a nearby moondate. While Faeryl’s sickness was cured, the gaps in her memory still existed, and she was now even more indebted to Relthor. And a powerful demon had been loosed upon the world.

*Special thanks to the player of Tserim for writing up most of the 1/7/2016 event summary.

[Judas D'arc]

Chapter One: Renthar’s Journal

Summary: Relthor of the Broken Ankh’s discovers the existence of artifacts that are potentially useful for his ongoing research. He tasks his new apprentice, Faeryl Tyra’them, with retrieving a collection of old journals containing information about the prize he seeks, a quest that gains her both new allies and some unwanted attention.

********

1/2016:

Relthor of the Broken Ankh summoned Faeryl Tyr’athem, who had finally acquiesced to being his apprentice. He tasked her with locating a book written by Renthar, a sorcerer who once served the dark wizard Mondain. Over the centuries, Renthar recorded much of the knowledge he had amassed in a series of journals. The particular book sought by Relthor concerned a quartet of artifacts known as the Titan Seals. According to Relthor’s research, many of the journals had been collected by the sorcerer’s foes, the now-defunct group of adventurers called the Emerald Empire, and kept inside of the library of their former Spiritwood headquarters. Coincidentally, Faeryl’s current lover, the bard Judas, was a former member of that very same group, and Relthor directed her to ask him about Renthar’s journals.

At her master’s behest, Faeryl questioned Judas about Renthar’s journals. The bard explained that following the Emerald Empire’s disbanding, their headquarters was maintained by a related group called the Emerald Fist. But after the Fist disappeared, the area fell into ruins, eventually being occupied by the muffin mage Rotep, and then later, the Rangers of Spiritwood’s outpost. Unfortunately, Judas did not know the fate of all the books once held in the Emerald Empire’s library.

Soon after Faeryl reported back to Relthor, he sent her to meet with Walden, a rare book dealer living in Jhelom. The eccentric mage also assigned another ally of the Broken Ankh to assist his apprentice while she was visiting the city. This was Rorik, a member of the Library of Scars, one of the island’s most infamous mercenary guilds. Together, Faeryl and Rorik tracked Walden down and questioned him about their quarry. Upon retrieving another book of value for him, the book dealer told them about Theo, a Trinsic librarian and known collector of Renthar’s journals. Walden also mentioned that he was once approached by a “large, hooded man” from the city of Skara Brae who expressed an interest in finding the books they now sought.

During a visit to Paladin Isle in Trinsic, Faeryl learned that none of his fellow librarians had seen Theo for a couple of weeks, not since he left to meet with a fellow book collector in Jhelom. She then returned to Walden, who admitted that he and Theo were supposed to meet, but that the Trinsic librarian never arrived on the ship he planned to take from Skara Brae.

Next, Faeryl traveled to Skara Brae, where she gained the unwanted attention of Michael Mitre, the new Keeper of the Rangers Guild of Skara Brae. Upon learning of the object of her search, he tasked one of his rangers to escort her around the city. Mitre also made it clear that the elf should depart Skara Brae as soon as possible.

As Faeryl and her escort looked around the docks for signs of Theo, they were approached by a stranger who seemed to know the elf by sight. He claimed the missing librarian was actually in hiding, and that he wanted to speak with Faeryl in private. The elf agreed to this and dismissed her escort. The stranger led her to a farmhouse on the mainland, where he suddenly changed his story. He now advised her that Theo did not want to see her at all, and warned her to end her search for him. When Faeryl questioned him further, demanding to know why he had lured her there, he struck her down, leaving her for dead.

1/13/2016:

Concurrent to Faeryl Tyra’them’s hunt for Renthar’s journals, the mercenary Rorik and Governor Dezera Blackwell, both members of the Library of Scars, met to discuss some recent events. Among these was a ritual that Rorik had attended with his current lover, Callista of the Purple Guardians of Honor. Faeryl and the bard Judas were also present. During this ritual, the so-called Healer of the Broken Ankh cult was able to cure Faeryl’s blackrock sickness by bonding a demon to a rogue ranger named Silvara Winds. Rorik recognized this ranger; he had previously captured her for the AXIS cult of Umbra.

Rorik invited Dezera to meet with Relthor of the Broken Ankh, as the eccentric mage was a source of potentially lucrative contracts for the Library. The Governor agreed.

1/19/2016:

Dezera met with Relthor, and he told her that Rorik spoke fondly of her. Next, the mage explained how Faeryl had pledged her life and soul to him, agreeing to serve as his apprentice, yet received nothing in return. He also told her how Rorik aided him because he was interested in finding a greater truth and purpose for himself. Then, Relthor asked Dezera if she also sought truth and power and change. When she stated that she did, the mage was pleased by this notion. But he said that bringing truth to her was not his role. Dezera seemed confused by his words, so before he departed, Relthor advised her that his words would soon make sense to her.

1/28/2016:

Dezera faced her first test from the Broken Ankh. Rorik arrested a man madly ranting in the streets of Jhelom and detained him in the Hand of Death guildhall so the Governor could speak to him. When they attempted to interrogate him, their prisoner madly ranted at them as the temperature of his body rose, leaking boiling blood and smoke. On his chest, there was a glowing scar in the shape of the Broken Ankh’s mysterious symbol. At Dezera’s command, Rorik put the man out of his misery. Upon searching his body, she found a mysterious stone with the Tear of Sacrifice carved into it.

1/2016:

Back in Skara Brae, Faeryl awoke in a cell in the Spiritwood Jail, the prisoner of Keeper Michael Mitre, who had tended to her injuries. The Keeper interrogated her about her quest for Renthar’s journals, but after learning that she was only interested in the Titan Seals's volume, he offered her a deal. If Faeryl brought him Walden, dead or alive, Mitre would charge the Jhelom book dealer with Theo’s murder, and also provide additional information about the journal she sought. But if the elf failed, then the Keeper would have no choice but to prosecute her for killing the librarian, as she was the only other viable suspect. He also insisted that the other possible culprit, Walden’s “large, hooded man from Skara Brae,” did not actually exist.

With no other choice, Faeryl agreed to the deal and Mitre released her from her cell.

[Judas D'arc]

2/2/2016:

Following her release from the Spiritwood Jail, Faeryl encountered Dezera and Rorik at Jhelom's Horse’s Head Tavern. They talked about the Broken Ankh symbol, which the elf had repeatedly been told meant “change.” When Rorik asked about her book hunt, Faeryl told them about everything, including Keeper Mitre’s ultimatum. Dezera and Rorik offered to help her find Walden. They split up, with Dezera and Faeryl visiting the local inn, and Rorik searching the library.

At the inn, the two women learned that earlier in the day, Walden had checked out of his room and was last known to be heading to the docks. It was there that they located him, and the book dealer appeared surprised to see Faeryl. Upon being questioned, Walden admitted that he hired a mercenary to beat on the elf as a warning because she was not as passionate about books as he was. But he insisted he did not know the whereabouts of Theo or the missing journals of Renthar. When he asked the Governor’s permission to duel Faeryl for the honor of books everywhere, Dezera refused and allowed him to depart to pursue his fixation elsewhere. After briefly reconvening to update Rorik, Dezera and Faeryl traveled to Skara Brae to speak with Keeper Mitre.

The Keeper was in his office, and the three discussed Renthar’s journals, Walden, and Theo. Without offering details on the matter, Mitre confirmed that the missing librarian was already dead. He also repeated his previous ultimatum: the book dealer, alive or dead, in exchange for information about the book they sought. Otherwise, he would be forced to report Faeryl and Walden’s involvement in Theo’s disappearance to the Trinsic authorities. An agreement was struck between them, and Dezera and Faeryl were given one week to fulfill their side of the bargain.

2/4/2016:

In Jhelom, Faeryl met with Dezera, Rorik, and their friend, the bard Frey. Rorik informed the group that Walden’s ship had sailed to Moonglow. After some back and forth, Faeryl and Rorik persuaded Dezera and Frey to help them retrieve the book dealer.

On Verity Isle, the foursome located Walden inside the Lycaeum. While Rorik guarded the nearby teleporter, the other three confronted the book dealer and his bodyguard. But Walden repeated his accusations against Faeryl and refused to return to Skara Brae with them. When he tried to punish the elf for allegedly lying about her love for books, a fight broke out between the two sides. Initially, the book dealer and his guard gained the upper hand, but after Rorik rejoined the others, they managed to win the battle. Due to Walden’s obvious insanity, they chose to bring him back dead instead of alive, and Frey decapitated him.

Next, Dezera, Faeryl, and Frey traveled to Skara Brae to meet with Keeper Mitre. Upon receiving the book dealer’s head, Mitre revealed that it was not information about the journal’s location that he possessed, but the journal itself. He then gave it to them, and promised to inform the Trinsic authorities that Theo’s murder had been solved.

The three delivered Renthar’s journal about the Titan Seals to Relthor of the Broken Ankh. The eccentric mage explained how more than a decade ago, the Titan Seals were used to open a portal to somewhere else, and he was curious to learn more as part of his research. After discussing the Broken Ankh symbol, Relthor asked Dezera and Frey if they would agree to provide more assistance in the future, stating that the nature of this mysterious portal might hold interest for them all.

********

Notes on a Prophecy by Renthar

“To know the future, what awaits us around that next unknown corner. Such insight would have been beneficial to my former master, Mondain [Cross-reference with Journal Entry on ‘Mondain’]. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to predict how dangerous of an opponent this Lord British [Cross-reference with Journal Entry on ‘Lord British’] would be, or how effective this Stranger [Cross-reference with Journal Entry on ‘Stranger’] would be at overcoming him. However, I am not one for sulking, and prefer instead to look towards the future, perhaps even throwing in a bit of personal guidance.

It really began while on a journey to British’s lands, shortly before our dark lord’s untimely defeat. Accompanied only by loyal Jon Abbot, before we parted ways and he began referring to himself by the name of Preacher [Cross-reference with Journal Entry on ‘Preacher’], we undertook our appointed task with the usual ease. But that is not really the point of this narrative, it is really about the unexpected surprise we encountered during our escape.

Prophecy. The ranting of a mad woman. If only we had been able to take her back with us, but it was rather difficult with the pursuit taking place, though I am sure Britain is a lovely city when the guards are not after your head. So I had to kill her instead. But the message was clear enough, Lord British will be the eternal king. Except for some reason, eternity might not last forever. And once it is gone, what will come to follow?

As I write this, Lord British’s influence is spreading, in the aftermath of the cataclysm that destroyed the four lands. One does not have to be a seer to realize that he will ultimately unify the kingdom, from the moronic Mages of Moon to the far from pleasant knights of Trinsic. As long-lived as rumor claims, British is more than capable of creating a kingdom that will last forever. Under such circumstances, what hope does one such as I have to coming even close to tasting the power that I once did under Mondain? None at all, unless I am capable of finding faith in the rambling words of the insane.

She recognized me. Not as Renthar, servant of Mondain. But as the player in a prophecy, some future drama not yet written. Someday, perhaps centuries from now, when the eternal king is gone, there will come a time when Sosaria is in conflict, without leadership and its direction uncertain. She ranted about the gathering of seals, how together they would unlock the puzzle, and four names I am unfamiliar with:

Hydros
Lithos
Pyros
Stratos

Those are the names I believe she stated. Perhaps men and women not yet born? She also mentioned other strange objects, an amulet was all that I could understand in the fleeing of the moment. And how I should beware the ether.

Most of her words made little sense. I am probably a fool for even writing this. But if she is correct, then one day, I will have a part to play in shaping this world. The king will not last forever, and when he is gone, these seals will unlock something. A prophecy, or perhaps a riddle, that will help to determine what follows in Lord British’s departure.

If I have a part waiting for me, I plan on embracing it. It is fortunate indeed that my former master provided me with a final gift, to ensure that I live to see it.”

2/5/2016:

Keeper Mitre sent the following letter to Trinsic regarding the librarian Theo’s death:

*Letter to Governor Gryphon and Empress Piper*

2/8/2016:

Keeper Mitre met with Governor Blackwell. He shared what he told Trinsic about Theo’s murder and asked her to relay this to Faeryl. In this version of events, Walden murdered Theo, Dezera and Faeryl were searching for one of Renthar’s journals to learn how the elf first arrived on this shard-world, they were the ones who brought the book dealer to justice, and ultimately, Mitre provided the book to them. “A truth which is close enough to the truth,” according to the Keeper.

[Judas D'arc]

Chapter Two: Semidar’s Research

Summary: After receiving Renthar’s Notes on a Prophecy, Relthor sends Faeryl and her allies after the research of Semidar, a scholar and librarian of the notorious Stower family of Magincia, who had previously studied the Titan Seals. Along the way, this makeshift group must contend with Stower machinations and Nujellan politics.

2/2016:

Relthor summoned Faeryl for a meeting to discuss the contents of Renthar’s journal that she had retrieved for him. According to the author’s notes, the Titan Seals were related to a centuries-old prophecy that foretold a time when Lord British no longer sat upon the throne of Britannia, and his kingdom lacked a true leader. Renthar’s research uncovered precious few details about the Seals, except for four unfamiliar names -- Hydros, Lithos, Pyros, and Stratos, and that they could unlock a puzzle of some kind. Many years later, the artifacts were eventually found, and a librarian named Semidar used them to open a portal to another world. A group called the Emerald Fist sacrificed themselves to close it from the non-Sosarian side. Relthor believed that this portal was the puzzle that Renthar discussed. He was confident that a scholar such as Semidar maintained records of his research, and he needed them retrieved.

But before proceeding, Relthor wanted Faeryl to improve herself in both body and spirit. First, the eccentric mage sent his apprentice to the wisp circle near the dungeon Shame of Felucca. He advised her to bring the grotesque statue the elf had acquired during the recent ritual that cured her of her blackrock sickness. The elf did as instructed, and she experienced a strange vision that began her initiation into the Broken Ankh cult.

Next, Relthor dispatched Faeryl to Minoc of Felucca. There, she met with a man called ‘The Smith’, an armorer who once served the Shadowlord Faction, and Paul, his eager and young apprentice. After ‘The Smith’ took her measurements, he told her to return the next day, promising that their blood and sweat went into everything he crafted. She also spent time getting to know Paul, who seemed to fancy her.

When Faeryl returned, ‘The Smith’ greeted her and led her inside of a cave, where she was surprised to find Paul chained to a wall, standing above the pile of her armor. ‘The Smith’ explained it was that the sacrifice of the crafter’s blood would empower her new equipment. He then placed his dagger to his apprentice’s throat and began to chant a mystical incantation. At the same time, Paul pleaded with the elf to slay his master and to instead use his blood to finish the armor. In the end, she chose to side with ‘The Smith’, and he cut Paul’s throat and used him as the sacrifice. The craftsman then gifted Faeryl her new armor, and stated that it was a pleasure to serve her. And with this, the elf returned to Relthor.

2/19/2016:

At the Horse’s Head in Jhelom, Rorik relayed a request from Relthor to Dezera, Faeryl, and Frey. The hooded mage sought Semidar’s research concerning the Titan Seals, but he also wanted the foursome to recruit two new allies. The first was John Merrick, a ship captain currently docked in Jhelom. The second was Aila, a gypsy seer and member of Minalan Zhalfast’s Mage Council. Faeryl was also part of the council, having joined at the behest of Relthor to obstruct Minalan from locating him.

Dezera and Rorik tracked down Merrick, while Faeryl and Frey sought out Aila, and both were persuaded to join this makeshift band. When all six were back at the Horse’s head, Rorik explained that their employer foresaw an eventual need for Merrick’s ship and Aila’s gift for visions, but their current task was to recover Semidar’s Titan Seals research. Their best lead was Oswin Stower, the scion of the family that once employed the librarian, who was known to frequent Nujel’m.

They found Oswin drunk and relaxing at the Silver Bow Tavern of Nujel’m. They questioned him about Semidar’s research, and the Stower explained that his sister Alionna Arroway burned most of his papers. In fact, it was due to the librarian’s betrayal of the family and attempt to use the Titan Seals for his own benefit that caused her to do so. In exchange for providing them with the surviving notes, Oswin demanded that two of the three women present spend the night with him.

After Aila, Dezera, and Faeryl refused, the Stower offered a compromise. Following the recent defeat of Vizier Said Halabi of Nujel’m, who temporarily deposed the Sultan and attempted a war with Britannia, a pair of Britannians journeyed to the island city in an effort to organize its poor against the ruling class. In turn, this was causing significant problems for some of his friends. If these foreigners were removed from Nujel’m, Oswin would provide them with the prize they sought. The group agreed to this, and Aila, Dezera, Faeryl, and Frey left to meet with the duo.

In the city’s poor quarter, the four learned that the Britannians adhered to Lord British’s virtues and the example of his knights, the Order of the Silver Serpent. So dedicated to their cause, they refused to desist in their efforts to organize the island’s poor. Frey even offered to aid them if they agreed to depart Nujel'm long enough for the group to obtain Semidar’s notes from Oswin, but the aspiring knights refused. When Dezera tried to frighten them off with necromancy, the pair attacked and were quickly slain. The victors disposed of their bodies and returned to the Silver Bow. Pleased, Oswin agreed to retrieve Semidar’s surviving research for them.

2/20/2016:

The next day, the six returned to Oswin, who gave them what they wanted. However, there was a small problem the Stower had only just discovered. These notes were written in code, and the only people capable of deciphering it -- Alionna, Horace Stower, and Semidar, were dead. Oswin suggested they perform his family’s Hollowing ritual to restore one of them to life for questioning, but after being threatened by Dezera, he agreed to look for alternative options. Meanwhile, Rorik suggested that Aila’s talents as a seer might prove useful here. The mercenary then left to deliver the librarian’s research to Relthor.

********

Semidar's Papers (Coded Text)

OTTTR DTUHO KOSAO TMWHA UNINN APLLS EOTEO TKXSU NICEU OAKD

[Judas D'arc]

2/22/2016:

Accompanied by Faeryl, Dezera met with Relthor for the first time. At first, the hooded mage questioned them -- not about the Titan Seals, but what they had discovered about themselves as they became enlightened in the ways of the Broken Ankh.

The three then discussed Semidar’s coded research. Relthor had determined that they were protected by a columnar transposition cipher. A keyword was required to learn the first code, which would then reveal what was needed to unlock a magical ward concealing the text. The hooded mage then suggested three options: 1) casting a Stower resurrection ritual called the Hollowing to restore one of the three dead people (Alionna Arroway, Horance Stower, or Semidar) who knew of the cipher; 2) investigate Alionna’s possessions bequeathed during her will-reading in Skara Brae to determine if they held clues; or 3) use Aila’s gifts to uncover the keyword. As the women left, Relthor reminded them that their work was in service to something even greater than all of them.

2/24/2016:

Dezera and Faeryl sought out Keeper Michael Mitre of the Rangers Guild to learn about the items disposed of by Alionna Arroway’s will. By coincidence, Lyric Stower, the illegitimate son of Arroway, was also present for the discussion. The two women learned Lyric inherited the unique spellbook of his grandmother, Iliana Stower; most of Alionna’s personal effects were given to her husband and daughter; her brother Oswin received a valuable wine collection; and her youngest siblings, the Twins, were granted a portrait of Iliana Stower, a flawless soul gem, an autographed copy of the book “Ten Women, One Wand,” and a map. Mitre mentioned he did not know the Twins' location. Even at the will-reading, they did not appear, and were instead represented by a solicitor named Percival Coburn. He suggested that the best person to speak with about their whereabouts was their only surviving sibling, Oswin Stower.

Reluctantly, Dezera and Faeryl returned to Nujel’m and asked Oswin about his elusive younger siblings. He warned them that his siblings were not like everybody else -- they were smart, ruthless, and known for impersonating others. It was possible that the two women had already met them in disguise. But in exchange for Dezer and Faery letting him see them naked, the Stower agreed to let the Twins know they wanted to speak and were searching for the keyword needed to decipher Semidar’s notes.

2/26/2016:

Aila, Dezera, Faeryl, Frey, Merrick, and Rorik gathered at the Horse’s Head in Jhelom, and they were briefly joined by Rorik’s lover, Callista of the Purple Guardians of Honor. But Callista soon stormed off; she was still angry with Faeryl over the events of the night the Healer summoned the blue demon and bonded it to Silvara Winds. Next, the group discussed using Aila’s unique abilities to scry for the cipher protecting Semidar’s notes. The seer brought them to the roof of the Council of Mages tower to make the attempt. Once settled there, Aila placed the coded notes on her lap and entered into a deep trance. She then proceeded to relate the following four visions to her companions:

First, Aila saw a robed man using the Titan Seals to summon a mighty elemental army from a portal, until he was slain by a band of warriors. Next, the robed man walked out of a prison in a forest. He was the same, yet also different. A crowd watched on, their emotions ranging from anger to satisfaction, until this man was struck down by a single arrow. Then, there was a masterfully painted portrait of a beautiful, blonde noblewoman who possessed great power. And finally, the robed man stood in front of a mirror, staring at his own reflection and calling out his own name.

When Aila’s visions were finished, Faeryl recalled how the Stower Twins had inherited a portrait from Alionna Arroway, and the group decided to talk to Oswin about his siblings.

2/28/2016:

At the Silver Bow in Nujel’m, Oswin introduced Aila, Dezera, and Faeryl to his siblings’ solicitor, Percival Coburn. Percival was straight to the point, stating that his clients would share the keyword if the women agreed to perform two tasks, one for each Twin. First, they were tasked with tracking down Colin Stark, their nephew and former prince of a powerful northern kingdom that no longer existed. As punishment for his betrayal of their family, the Twins wanted the ring finger of Colin’s left hand, as well as the issuance of a warning, “This was only the beginning.” Second, they were told to confront Keeper Mitre and inform him that “Jon Abbot sends his regards” and see how he reacts. With no other options, the three women agreed to these terms and departed Nujel’m.

Using Aila’s abilities, they were able to locate Colin Stark in Skara Brae. As Dezera and Faeryl disguised themselves, the seer engaged him at the tavern. Unfortunately, others, including Lyric Stower and Keeper Mitre, were also present, so the women were unable to move against him. Eventually, he retired to his inn room, which is where the disguised Dezera and Faeryl struck, overwhelming the mage. They then cut off his left ring finger, gave him the warning, and dragged him to the healer’s to treat his wounds.

Next, Dezera hired a messenger to approach Mitre at the tavern, and verbally relay the requested words as Aila and Faeryl watched on. The Keeper’s response was to attack the woman with his sword, knocking her down. As justification for this response, he told the surprised tavern patrons that her words were, “foul, born of ill-associations.” He then interrogated the messenger about who hired her, and she lied, telling him that it was an old man with silver hair in Britain. The Keeper immediately departed to investigate, and Aila and Faeryl helped the frightened messenger home.

Following this, they returned to Nujel’m, delivering Colin’s finger and sharing the details of Mitre’s violent reaction to Jon Abbot’s name. In exchange for completing these tasks, they were given the cipher: RADIMES. This was Semidar’s name written in reverse, and explained the seer’s earlier vision of the librarian shouting his own name at his reflection in a mirror.

Rejoined by Dezera, they visited Relthor and him on their progress. He instructed Faeryl to employ the keyword to decipher Semidar’s notes, and return to him once finished.

[Judas D'arc]

3/2016:

Applying this cipher, RADIMES, Faeryl successfully unscrambled the phrase protecting Semidar’s research: “OTTTR DTUHO KOSAO TMWHA UNINN APLLS EOTEO TKXSU NICEU OAKD.”

Decoded, it read, “To unlock this text one must know our oath and speak it aloud.”

With some investigation, and some additional bargaining with Oswin, the elf learned that the Stower family’s oath was, “Blood is all.” Upon chanting these words while holding the book, Semidar’s complete notes on the Titan Seals were revealed.

********

Research Notes on the Titan Seals by Semidar

299 A.C., Month ??

- Found another journal written by this Renthar. Self-aggrandizing, too many subjective musings and not enough scholarship. This one speaks of a prophecy.

********

301 A.C., Month 5

- Independent verification. Old legend involving Akalabeth’s Lost King. Mentions the same four names too: Hydros. Lithos. Pyros. Stratos. Elemental forces? Titans?

Where are they now?

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302 A.C, Month 9

- Presented research to Stower. Interested.

He’s power-hungry, undeserving but only one that might consider. Must suffice for now.

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303 A.C., Month 3

Pyros in Jhelom? Who is this “Old Man?”

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304 A.C., Month 1

- Shared copy of journal with Phearcy but not other research. He found it interesting but doubts the accuracy of this prophecy. Let him keep his books. Hah!!!

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305 A.C., Month ??

- Lady Stower’s death a great loss. But it also creates opportunities. Stower seeks to take charge of the family and is ready to gather the Titan Seals.

He has theories about the Lost King’s descendants among the northerners.

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305 A.C., Month ??

- The Emerald Fist makes for the perfect pawns. Slow to trust but I seemed to earn it helping them against the demon Abbadon. Was it fate that allowed our paths to cross?

I have plans. Stower remains undeserving.

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305 A.C., Month ??

- Fist’s aid has proven invaluable. More than Stower’s certainly. My betrayal inevitable. Will hope that Byron’s vengeance will rid me of his younger brother.

Divinations have proven useful. Will share with Fist as needed:

Hydros: Island City. City of Islands. Most likely Vesper.
Lithos: Order of Lithos in Umbra of this new facet Malas. Doubtful a coincidence.
Pyros: Old Man of Jhelom. Former Head of Library of Scars. He has it now.
Stratos: Still no trace. In possession of the Lost King’s descendants?

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305 A.C., Month ??

- Neville Holden is a fool. There is no chance he is the Lost King’s descendant or that he will be able to use the seals. But he and his men provide suitable distraction.

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305 A.C., Month ??

My pawns continue to gather the seals. Stower will not trouble me for much longer.

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306 A.C., Month ??

Renthar wrote:

“Someday, perhaps centuries from now, when the eternal king is gone, there will come a time when Sosaria is in conflict, without leadership and its direction uncertain.”

My research indicates the legend is a half-truth. Perhaps trickery. Titan Seals are not a compact to restore the Lost King’s line to power. They are a portal to another world that is intended to be summoned when the kingdom is in disarray. At its weakest.

Most importantly, the Titan Seals are usable by anyone with sufficient magkical power.

Whatever power awaits us on the other side of the portal will be mine to wield.

I will write no more.

[Judas D'arc]

Chapter Three: A Gathering of Elements

Summary: After studying Semidar’s notes, Relthor realizes he can simulate the power of the Titan Seals by creating four magical artifacts attuned to the same four elemental forces of air, earth, fire, and water, and summon a portal to another world. He sends the makeshift Jhelom group to gather the ingredients needed for these items.

3/4/2016:

In a meeting with Dezera, Faeryl, and Frey, Relthor shared all the texts relating to the Titan Seals that he had gathered: Notes on a Prophecy by Renthar; Research Notes on the Titan Seals by Semidar; and a third book, The Titan Seals by Finlay of Yew.

The hooded mage explained that years ago, Semidar used the Titan Seals to summon a portal to another world and unleashed an army of elemental creatures on Britannia. But he was slain, his attackers absconded with the seals, and they entered the gate to close it from the other side, never to be seen again. However, Relthor believed it was possible to craft objects of similar power, one for each of the four elements -- air, earth, fire, and water -- and attempt to summon this doorway. This was their next task, and they would begin with Pyros / Fire. He handed Faeryl a bracelet, and advised them that Rorik was in Jhelom with further instructions.

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The Titan Seals by Finlay of Yew

Introduction:

There are beings that exist beyond that which is considered normal by the true race of Sosaria. Even the elves, both dark and light, the dwarves, the gargoyles, the orcs and others live by the same laws of life that govern man. All are born, all can die. But these others, they do not follow such rules. They do not live as men do, and they do not die as men do either, if they can die at all. Gods, demons, the names for them vary, but these creatures exist, usually beyond the boundaries of our world.

There exists a world, not unlike Sosaria, but not like it either, by the name of P---- . Not much is known of this P---- , or the ways of its people, but word of their ways, and of the beings they worship, has made its way to Sosaria in texts and rumors. Each of the four elements, air, earth, fire and water is actually a force tied to one of four god-like beings, known there as Titans. What little information I have of them, gathered from this world, is as follows:

Hydros is the titan of water, queen of the seas and storms. She is the source of power for the tempest, a mortal being who channels the power of water.

Lithos is the titan of earth, lord of the dead, and king of the mountains. Worshiped by necromancers, who are charged not with perverting life, but perpetuating the cycle of life and death.

Pyros is the titan of fire, lord of demons, and the power of sorcery. The source of power for a conclave of sorcerers, the mighty flames of Pyros are tapped to do their bidding.

Stratos is the titan of air, lady of healing and wisdom. Her power spawned a line of mystics who wandered the land helping others.

Events and rumors concerning this land of P---- will likely never be proven. However, there is some evidence of the Titans and their presence upon Sosaria, in the form of a legend I have come across.

The Titan Seals:

In a time, long ago, before Lord British united the city states into the kingdom of Britannia, before the Stranger defeated the evil of Mondain, Sosaria was made up of four continents. On each of the four continents there lived two kings, and their relationships varied. In the lands of the Feudal Lords, for example, Barataria and Rondorin were at odds. In the lands of Danger and Despair, Shamino and the King of the White Dragon were closely allied.

And in what would come to be known as the Lands of Lord British, there was British, of course, and a man known by history as the Lost King. Lord British had come to power quickly, and his popularity with the people of the land grew daily. This troubled the Lost King, whose throne had descended through generations of his family, and who came to view Lord British as a threat to his rule. Though the Lost King was content with the happiness brought to him by his wife, his son, and his four daughters, still he feared the unknown future. Deciding that he must know what would come to pass, the Lost King sought advice from his seer.

The Lost King was horrified to learn of what would come to pass. How Lord British’s power would expand, how the power of the other seven kings would end, and how Sosaria would come to be replaced with this kingdom of Britannia. Worst of all, the legacy of his family would be lost to history. Refusing to allow this to happen, the Lost King turned to his seer once more, and demanded of him to find a way to prevent this, and threatened how failure would cost the seer his life. For forty days and forty nights, the seer searched for an answer. He perused ancient texts, he bribed those who controlled information, he forced his mind to bring him visions. Finally, after he was ready to give up hope, the answer came to him in a dream.

The seer told the Lost King of the Titans: Hydros of water, Lithos of Earth, Pyros of Fire, and Stratos of Air, and how they might be able to help him. He warned the Lost King of the danger of bargaining with such beings, and how their ways were not the ways of mortal man, and that their gifts should not be taken lightly. Far from a careless man, the Lost King decided to think upon the matter. But all the time, his fear and jealousy consumed him, and not even the comfort of his family could calm him. Finally, he decided to contact these Titans, and began to study the rituals and magic that would be necessary for such.

First, the Lost King summoned Hydros, who was angered by his audacity of his contact. But upon hearing of his plight, she agreed to pledge herself to his cause, upon two conditions. Firstly, he would have to convince her three siblings to help, and secondly, she would have the right to demand of him any possession that she so desired. So surprised at her pledge, the Lost King eagerly agreed to her demands. Next, came Lithos, who seemed amused, but gave the same response as the watery queen. Both Pyros, who responded with irritation, and Stratos, who listened with patience, also agreed to aid the Lost King, upon the same two conditions asked by their siblings.

With all four pledged to his cause, the Lost King summoned the Titans together, explaining to all that the first condition had been fulfilled by all, and that it was time for them to make good on their pledges of aid. Hydros spoke first, telling the king it was time for her payment, any possession of his that she did desire. He asked her price, and she told him she wished for the life of his eldest daughter. At first the Lost King refused, but when Hydros threatened to withdraw, the King acceded to her demands. He told himself that he had three other daughters, and all was being done for the good of the family line. So he gave to Hydros his eldest daughter, whom the Titan of Water drowned on the spot, while her father sadly looked on.

Next was Lithos, who refused to be outdone by his sister. He too asked for the life of the Lost King’s eldest daughter. The Lost King wanted to refuse, but realized to do so would make the sacrifice of his first daughter in vain. Besides, he had two daughters left, and it was being done for the good of the family line. So he brought to Lithos his second daughter, who was now the eldest, and the Titan of Earth crushed her with rocks, while her father sadly looked on.

Next was Pyros, who also demanded the life of the Lost King’s eldest daughter. His heart heavy with sorrow, the Lost King was ready to refuse the Lord of Fire. But then he thought that if he did, his other two sacrifices would have meant nothing. Besides, he still had one daughter left, and it was being done for the good of the family line. So he brought to Pyros his third daughter, who was now the eldest, and the Titan of Fire consumed her with flame, while her father sadly looked on.

Last was Stratos, who was saddened by the gifts asked by her siblings. Before she could speak, the Lost King pleaded with her not to take the life of his remaining daughter. Though he loved all of his children, she was his favorite, and he could not bear to be without her. Stratos explained that she could not ask for a gift lesser than her siblings, but told him that she took pity on him, and would not ask for the life of his remaining daughter. Instead, she demanded the life of his only son. Quietly, with tears in his eyes, the Lost King sent for his only son, so filled with despair, he could not bear to argue. So he brought to Stratos his only son, and the Titan of Air stole the breath from his lungs, while his father sadly looked on.

With the price paid, it was time for the Lost King to make his request of the Titans. Despite the grief he felt for the loss of his children, the king managed to find his words. He told the Titans of Lord British, of how he would come to dominate Sosaria, and destroy the legacy of the Lost King’s line. He demanded of them to preserve to his family line, to make it destined to rule once more. Hydros, Lithos, Pyros and Stratos all agreed to the King’s demand, and told him that they would preserve his family line, and make it so that they were destined to rule once more. The Four Titans then demanded that the Lost King bring to them his remaining daughter. At first he refused, crying that she was all he had left, but they assured him that they would bring the girl no harm. The Lost King then fetched his remaining daughter, who upon seeing her dead siblings, became filled with fear.

Hydros turned to the remains of the Lost King’s first daughter, bloated with the water that had brought her death. From her, she fashioned a seal, a symbol of her power. Hydros presented it to the Lost King’s remaining daughter, and demanded that the child spit upon the seal. The girl turned to her father, who told her to obey. The girl then spit upon the symbol, and where her saliva touched the symbol, words were formed.

Lithos turned to the body of the Lost King’s second daughter, crushed and broken underneath the rocks that had brought her death. From her, he fashioned a seal, a symbol of his power. Lithos presented it to the Lost King’s remaining daughter, and demanded that the child urinate upon the seal. The girl turned to her father, who told her to obey. The girl then urinated upon the symbol, and where her urine touched the symbol, words were formed.

Pyros turned to the corpse of the Lost King’s third daughter, burned by the fire that had brought her death. From her, he fashioned a seal, a symbol of his power. Pyros presented it to the Lost King’s remaining daughter, and demanded that the child bleed upon the seal. The girl turned to her father, who handed her a knife and told her to obey. The girl then made a cut upon her hand, and where her drops of blood touched the symbol, words were formed.

Stratos turned to what was left of the Lost King’s son, his body preserved perfectly. From him, she fashioned a seal, a symbol of her power. Stratos presented it to the Lost King’s remaining daughter, and offered the child words of comfort, apologizing for the loss of her brother and sisters. The girl then began to weep, and where her tears touched the symbol, words were formed.

The Titans then each handed their seals to the Lost King, who read the words inscribed upon them. His body shook with rage and his words filled with venom, as he accused the Titans of cheating him, stating that this was not what he had bargained for. In response, Hydros laughed, Lithos chuckled, Pyros smiled, and Stratos sighed with sadness. They reminded him of his words, and how he had asked for them to preserve his family line, to make it so that it was destined to rule Sosaria once more, and they assured him that this would come to pass. The Lost King told them that this would not stop the ascension of Lord British, which is what he had wanted. The Titans explained that this was not what he had bargained for, and it was not their place to look into the hearts of men when making bargains, and that they could only go by the plain meaning of his words.

With that, Hydros returned to the her sea, Lithos returned to the mountains, and Pyros returned to the flames, all satisfied with their bargain. Stratos, who felt pity for the Lost King, and all that he had lost, lingered a moment longer. She told the Lost King that they would make certain that his line would always continue, and that his remaining daughter, her children, and her children’s children, would all remain protected. And that when the time of British had ended, and the four seals were gathered, it would lead the way for his line to ascend to the rule of Sosaria once more.

Having no words for the Titan of Air, the Lost King departed her presence, taking with him his remaining daughter, and the four Titan Seals. He returned to his kingdom, wondering how he would explain all that had occurred to his wife, and realizing that his seer had been right, that it was not the place of mortal man to make bargains with such creatures, for their ways were nothing like our own.

Conclusion:

Thus, is the story of how the Titans’ power has manifested in our world, through these seals created by the actions of the Lost King . The current location of seals of Hydros, Lithos, Pyros and Stratos are unknown, and it is possible that this all really is a myth. With the defeat of Mondain, a great cataclysm took place, and the castle of the Lost King was likely destroyed or vanished, and with it the knowledge of the whereabouts of these symbols.

[Judas D'arc]

3/4/2016:

Aila, Dezera, Faeryl, Frey, Merrick, and Rorik gathered at the Horse’s Head tavern. As instructed by Relthor, Rorik shared a story about the Seal of Pyros, the Titan of Fire:

“Years ago, Jhelom was occupied by the mercenary Black Rose Society. This angered Braknar, the so-called “Old Man of Jhelom,” and former leader of the Library of Scars, a fighters’ guild native to the island, to which Dezera and Rorik also belonged. Somehow, Braknar found the Seal of Pyros, and promised it to anyone who was able to honor the Library’s legacy and drive off the Black Rose Society. While a few made the attempt, it was the Emerald Fist, working alongside Semidar, that accomplished this and earned the Seal of Pyros. Later, the librarian betrayed his allies and used the Seals to open a portal to another world and summon an elemental army. It was the Fist that slew the librarian, sacrificing themselves to close the gate from the other side.”

With the Seals long lost, Relthor theorized they could replicate their power by imbuing specially prepared artifacts with elemental power. The group’s first step was to craft an artifact of fire by traveling to the Crimson Veins, a region of the Stygian Abyss dungeon, and defeat the renowned fire elemental residing there. Faeryl was provided with a bracelet that would absorb the creature’s essence, empowering it for the hooded mage’s purposes. The makeshift group journeyed to the Abyss, faced the renowned fire elemental and its minions, destroying them in the presence of Faeryl’s bracelet. They returned to Relthor, who accepted the object, promising he would contact them again soon.

3/11/2016:

Dezera, Faeryl, Frey and Merrick met in Jhelom. Rorik was absent, performing another task for Relthor, and Aila was unable to stay for long, but they were joined by the bard Judas, who was there at Faeryl’s request. Relaying instructions from Relthor, the elf informed the group that their destination was the Necromancer’s arena in Umbra. She carried a pair of earrings that the hooded mage had enchanted for the next part of his plan, which involved replicating the Seal of Lithos, the Titan of Earth. At the arena, the fivesome encountered the remnants of a once-powerful cult called the Order of Lithos, and these necromancers shared the following tale:

“For centuries, the Order of Lithos flourished, until the great change, when Malas joined with the other facets of Sosaria. Soon after, the Arch-Necromancer, the Order’s leader, was nearing the end of his life, and a successor needed to be chosen. Two candidates emerged: Fortune, one of his apprentices, and Kracus, a recent recruit from Britannia.

Each had outside supporters from Britannia, who desired the Seal of Lithos for their own purposes. Fortune eventually defeated Kracus in ritual combat and ascended as their new Arch-Necromancer, and her allies departed with their reward. The Order was soon forgotten by all, as Umbra became the home of vampires with strange ways and a fetish for adopting children. Then Matthew, one of Fortune’s apprentices, betrayed the Order, slaughtering many and stealing their secrets before fleeing Malas for good. Now, there are only a handful left, with no Arch-Necromancer to lead them.”

Despite a weakened status, the Order continued to perform its duties, safeguarding the cycle of life and death. When Faeryl asked if they could empower Relthor’s artifact with the might of Lithos, the necromancers first required the group’s help with completing the rite to choose a new Arch-necromancer. While they had completed the necessary blood sacrifice, they lacked the numbers to venture inside the dungeon Doom and defeat the being known as the Dark Father. This would earn them the blessing of Lithos, and the Titan could then choose a candidate to become the new Arch-Necromancer. After briefly discussing the matter, the Jhelom group agreed to the Order’s terms. They traveled to Doom, making their way to the area known as the Gauntlet. There, the group summoned and overcame the Dark Father. Upon their return to the arena, one of the necromancers thanked them by blessing the earrings provided by Relthor. Following this, the fivesome delivered the empowered artifact to the hooded mage, the identity of the new Arch-Necromancer of the Order of Lithos left for another day.

3/12/2016:

Aila, Dezera, Faeryl, Frey, Judas, and Merrick gathered once more, and the elf informed them that Relthor had given them two tasks for the evening. First, according to the hooded mage’s research, Hydros, the Titan of Water, was known for seas, storms, and her furious temper, and her seal was formerly in the possession of a powerful Vesper merchant with a large fleet. Relthor posited that her power could be recreated by tracking down and slaughtering a ship and its crew at sea in the presence of a ring he had specially prepared. Using Merrick’s ship, the makeshift group hunted down a pirate ship and did as requested, killing its entire crew.

After Aila left to rest, Faeryl stated that their next destination was the dungeon Shame. Semidrar’s research indicated that Stratos, the Titan of Air, represented healing and wisdom, but the location of her seal was lost to history. To replicate this artifact of air, the group traveled to the dungeon and challenged a Wind Elemental Guardian while Faeryl wore the magical pendant Relthor crafted for the purpose of absorbing its essence.

The group then returned to Relthor and gave him the empowered ring and pendant. He informed the group that he planned to utilize the four artifacts in a manner similar to the original Titan Seals, and open an otherworldly portal. Judas, who was familiar with what occurred the last time the Seals were used, voiced his objections. But the hooded mage stated that he did not intend to summon a horde of elements as Semidar did. Instead, his purpose was to explore this other land and its unique magic. While Judas refused to participate in the attempt and warned the others against it, Dezera, Faeryl, Frey, and Merrick agreed to be there when Relthor tried to summon a gate to this other world.

When the others were gone, the hooded mage brought Dezera and Faeryl to meet with the Healer of the Broken Ankh in the Blighted Grove of Felucca. Recently, the elf had caused problems for the cult by sharing details of its activities with outsiders in Spiritwood, and putting herself, Relthor, and Rorik at risk. Due to this, the Healer punished her by forcing her to ingest a strange item. For the next fortnight, it would force Faeryl to spread lies and deception, causing her great pain if she spoke the truth. Once they departed the grove, Relthor reiterated that his apprentice still had much to learn, and Faeryl’s pain would be the result of her own choices.