Vrandoth Xzorn Biograhpy/Story

[Cyco999]

Vrandoth Xzorn : Through a Ravenous Eye

Part I : Of Death and Birth

As the Night Desended over a small hamlet in the shadow marches
torches flickered in the passing of a breeze which blew accross
the vast expanse that was the demon wastes.
That night below the household of Xzorn the screams of a woman
echoed through the night as the star constellation of Falazure
became illuminated in the nightsky.

It was the the Nine Hundred and Sixty Eighth year since the
Kingdom was founded and all through that dark and errie night
did a woman struggle with the pains of labour and bore a child
at the stroke of midnight.
Robed in black Kyndarian stared down upon his son that did not
scream but was silent wrapped in a small loin cloth eyes black
as midnight.

Kyndarian intoned in a low voice raising up his son "I name ye
Vrandoth" looking to his wife with a slight grin as she returned
it with a simple smile.
Born into a life on the frontier his family maintained a small
temple above ground dedicated to Tira Miron and the Silver Flame
; whilst below the temple stirred their true loyalty and desire
a temple in honour of the Lich Queen Vol marked by the symbols
of Falazure the Night Dragon.

The years went by as Vrandoth became learned in the ways of
Necromancy by Night whilst by day he was involved with assisting
wounded adventurers and miners that dared brave the wastes.
Not all of these brave folk were of course ...successfull in their
attempts at getting rich or famous and a large majority of them
ended up as undead below the house'o'Xzorn whilst another empty
grave was filled in above ground to which no tears were lost.

[Cyco999]

Part II : A Mysterious Visitor

The sun begun to set over the landscape as the gates to the
blood cresent command post slammed shut to the shouting of
the half orc Baruk a ranger in his fourth season of training
and appointed commander of the settlement.
The howls and snarls of beasts could be heard in the distance
as folk retreated indoors and archers took their guardstations
upon the battlements.

Within the temple of the Silver Flame Kyndarian and Scarlet
Vrandoths parents patched up a battle ridden dwarf who was
the last survivor of a party whom were attacked by Rakasha.
As the last bandage was applied to a series of healing ailments
the hearty fellow intoned standing up "Thank yee for yer kindniss"
hobbling off on one leg using a stick to keep balance.

As the Door to the temple closed a chilling voice came from a
dark corner of the room "children of blood I have come to speak
with you I bring a message from our queen" a shadowy figure
moved into the light with the grace of a cat.
Kyndarian drew a wand out of his robes and uttered the first
part of a spell ; a red glow started to form at the end of the
wand as scarlet drew forth two daggers and started to flank the
mysterious figure.

"Whom are you and what do you want" Kyndarian intoned ..the
hooded figure threw back her hood revealing the features of
a beautiful woman...with white eyes "I am Sasha of the Emerald
claw child ..stay your spell :moving eyes to scarlet: stay your
blades".
All relaxed a little as she bore the Sigil of one of the Emerald Claw
and opened her arms in the customary manner of one of Vol's
Messengers.

Kyndarian motioned to a wall and spoke quickly whilst moving
toward "let us take this conversation below quickly" as the
the others followed him through the illussionary wall and
made their way down a dark tunnel.
Along the way Skeleton Lords moved towards them as Kyndarian
held forth a glowing red gem and barked instructions ...
the sounds of which were all too familiar for Vrandoth as
he lifted his head from his spellbook and prepared for the
daily lecture about what he was doing correctly or wrong.

The doors to the main temple opened as the trio entered and
began to talk at great length ... Vrandoth listened from his
study using a magical hat which he found on one of the
adventurers whom didnt need it anymore.
Much was said and he picked up a few things of interest from
his ease dropping including the goings on in a far away land
known as Xen"drik and of a planned temple that was to be
constucted there.

The Vampire Cleric also made mention of Vol's being pleased
with their efforts in the wastes and warning of a possible
visit from Silver Flame Inquisitors.
Vrandoth noted the conversation in his journal then turned
in for the night still fancinated by the Vampiress and her
seductive voice.

Through the night he had a strange dream and she appeared
in it ..he could see her falling back into the shadows as
if leaving his arms as would lovers part.
He awoke the next day to find an enclosed letter marked
with a blood red symbol ..eagerly he opened it and noticed
the smell of fresh blood permiating from the ink as
Elaborate words were written "Accross the seas you shall
find me ..beware of the white haired human for he shall
come in time" .

[Cyco999]

Part III : Three Inquisitors

Many months went by as business went as usual in the small
hamlet and there was no shortage of fresh materials for
the Xzorn's to make use of ; the undead numbered many
legions now and were ready to be put to use.
It was the sixth of Lharvion when a detachment of soldiers
arrived in town aboard two mighty ships that anchored in the
shadow marsh harbour.

Three offical looking figures seemed to command the soldiers
and wasted no time in marching the small force toward the
hamlet and had them set up camp outside.
By now people were beginning to ask questions all over town
a man boasted in the thirsty dragon tavern "I swear e was
a paladin I tell ye felt all gooey inside I did them and
their goodly ways" ...in the shadows an eyebrow lifted a
second ..then in a swirl of robe and cloak a hooded figure
left the tavern allmost instantly.

Two master Inquisitors and a paladin of the silver flame
spoke with Baruk at great length and then starting sifting
through the township asking the odd question here and there.
By late afternoon they arrived at the Silver flame temple
..Kyndarian was draped in the robes of the flame as was
Scarlet both with arms open and big smiles to greet them.

From behind a wall through a hole Vrandoth watched and
listened placing upon him the hat once more and listening
to the conversation.
At one point he caught sight of the Paladin known as Talvon
a tall fellow finely draped in the garb of the silver flame
with flowing white hair and a modest expression.

Everything seemed to progress well until Kyndarian seemed
to become distracted by something ..and that something was
a vial of necromantic supplies that had been left carelessly
out in the open.
Talvon and the Inquisitors reached the end of their questions
but Talvon seemed unsettled ..though he struggled to find the
reasoning as to why ..as he had detected evil ever since he
set foot upon the wastes and decided that it was nothing.

Upon their way out the holy voice of Tira Miron Spoke and as
it did Talvon was distracted and stumbled into the vial by
mistake knocking over the vial with spell components inside.
"I shall not allow this to go on any more" ..as the inquisitors
and Talvon turned , noticed the spell components on the
ground and hearing the voice of the Silver Flame Kyndarian
wasted no time taking out a red gem and intoning vile words.

The sound of magic crackled in the temple as the Inquisitors
surrounded themselves in holy silver flame auras and their
swords were drawn and bathed in white flames.
Talvon drew forth his sword whispering a prayer to the flame
... a battle ensued as Skeleton Lords burst from the
illusionary wall slamming into the trio as Kyndarian let
a host of spells loose upon them.

Just about falling over himself Vrandoth had prepared for
this moment should it come and readied a bag of holding
containing many a supply for a long journey.
The paladin fought well cutting asunder the undead in score
as the Inquisitors followed suit .. in the chaos of battle
Kyndarian was mortally wounded by Talvon's sword but not
before Scarlet managed to bury a dagger deep into one of
the Inquisitors.

The battle poured out onto the street as gouls , zombie ,
skeleton , and spectre alike clashed with soldiers ..while
from that hole in the wall he beheld his parents slain.
With no time to greave their loss he mounted a black steed
outside and made a break for it ..allmost to the edge of
town when a soldier appeared before him.

"Stop right there and dismount" he ordered .. "Why sure
ill do that" :grinning and then putting the steed in full
charge:.
But not before the soldier had a chance to make a swipe
with his sword cutting Vrandoth accross the left eye
before being trampled by the horse.

Bleeding in agony he quickly slapped herbs to the cut
and held a bandage accross it with right hand as he
held on for dear life until he reached a nearby town.
Thirty gold later , some words spoke , and the wound
was taken care by a passing cleric of some faith as he
walked off with a slight hobble.

It was dusk as the Black Crow set forth to sea for its
long and perilous journey to Xen'Drik .

[Cyco999]

Destiny of Death : Voyage to the Continent of Secrets

Part I

It was mid-afternoon as a seasoned captain peered to the
horizon using a strange gnomish device ..the crew worked
the ship known as the black crow well moving back and
forth to the Quarter Masters orders.
The sea breeze washed over the boat as the haze of the sea
recoiled over and over with each lapping wave the hull
broke through.

It was Zol-day the twenty fifth of Barrakas and the crow
made good speed toward the stormreach as they passed the
continent of Aerenal.
All seemed well as Vrandoth scratched away at a journal
recording the journies events ..or lack of more to say
..when suddenly there was an allmighty crash that sent
crew and passanger alike sprawling.

Vrandoth slowy stood up cursing and putting the journal
away wondering what all shouting that was coming from
above deck was about ..slowy he walked up the steps to
the upper deck ..his trusty deadwood staff at the ready
and a few spells.
The ship was awash with undead as a spectral ghostship
loomed off the port side of the black crow ..ju-ju
zombies with torn sailors clothing did battle with
the crew'o'Black Crow whilst a Skeletal Figure
watched from the spectral ghostship.

Vrandoth surveyed the situation for a few moments
until he was sure that no one was watching then
started to point his staff and utter words of
necromancy ..suddenly the ju-ju zombie pirates
started turning on each other.
In the thick of battle the captain of the black
crow was slain but a mighty dwarf came to save
the day swinging around a glowing hammer which
sent the dead swimming ..swimming , fighting
each other ... , and that sort of thing.

When all seemed to be over the Skeletal Captain
made his presence known walking down slowly the
gang plank and drew forth his sword ..the errie
glow of ebon could be clearly seen as his eyes
blazed with hatred.
Vrandoth seemed to be enjoying the battle though
he didnt let anyone see his trying to contain
himself from bursting out laughing.

He watched the valiant dwarf as he was joined by
other adventurers including a strange looking elf
mage who pointed a ring at the Skeleton and chanted
the word "smite" and a magical rams head lept forth
and knocked over the undead captain.
Next thing the dwarf charged in swinging downward with
his mighty hammer and shattered the captain into a
hundred pieces of bone and dust.

The remains of the undead were quickly dealt with and
a cleric of Onatar laid the dead to rest aided by
his accolytes.
The dead captain was cast out to sea wrapped in the flag
of the black crow as per his wishes ..a single sailor
raised his hands to the sky and said a silent prayer
to Arawai "may our cap'in ave good winz to iz journi
ladi Arawai" he intoned.

At the back of the boat Vrandoth noticed a magical rod
of wind ...and quitely picked it up and noted the arcane
word upon it and spoke it softly raising it to the sails.
The gust of wind came thick and fast as the sails filled
with air ..crew , passanger , and even mage alike allmost
being knocked over again as the crow pushed on into the
thunder sea.

[Cyco999]

Part II : A Rough Arrival

With no captain and a fierce storm brewing in the thunder
sea everybody including passangers were on deck pulling
their weight.
Lightning crackled accross the night sky and waves tall
as houses rose and fell around the black crow buffeting
it to the point of allmost capsizing.

When all seemed lost a loud cry from above could be
heard .."land ho" ..as the light from a lighthouse
could barely be made out in the darkness.
Suddenly a huge rock came into view right in front
of the boat ...the boat crashed into the rock sending
its crew and passangers flying.

The hull of the boat splintered with a loud crashing
, cracking sound and the cries of people could be
heard amoung the wake of calamity.
Vrandoth was thrown overboard breaking the surface of
the water ; he struggled to the surface , and the fought
to remain afloat through the night holding onto a piece of
boat.

The next day the remains of the once proud sailing ship
the black crow littered the harbor of stormreach , barrels
, pieces of ship , and the odd person holding on for dear
life some alive others that didnt survive the night.
Vrandoth managed to make it to shore and dried himself off
in the sun that managed to poke through the clouds ..his
vision hazy and his senses dulled from the nights events.

The sun reached its Zenith as survivors were aided by
various forces of law and clergy ..the comments of
gathering folk could be heard commenting on the extent
of the tragedy.
Seizing the opportunity to quickly blend in Vrandoth
found himself a street vendor and bought some fresh
clothing ,some supplies ,and then found himself a
room at a local inn ..avoiding the gaze of the locals
keeping subtle and being discreet.

For the next few days he kept a low profile just listening
to the locals gossip about the ship and the rumours of
the ghost ship ..until all the chatter faded away and
the rumours changed to different subjects.
At one point a halfling approached him and enquired on
where he was from ..extending his hand with a slight
smile and explaining he was from distant lands he talked
for a while with the chirpy little rouge and of ways to make
coin.

In the later part of the day he retired and thought deeply
of the events that had transpired and swore to himself
quitely that he would find Sasha and raise a temple in
time to honour Vol , Falazure , and his family.

[Cyco999]

Stormreach : A New Beginning

As the months trickled by Vrandoth slowly begun to investigate
the city passing through the denziens of Adventurers , merchants
, travellers , and city folk.
Many troubles seem to plague the residents in different forms
rumours of kobold tribes and troglytes filled taverns as
Adventurers boasted about hard won battles fought in the depths
that were the sewers below the City and of fabulous riches to
be had.

For much of the time he simply wandered making note of various
places of interest and gathering information about the city and
the surrounding lands..being carefull to avoid the subject of
sasha and awaited direct contact with her at some stage.
In between his studying his arts in secret he found time to
make coin from various tasks ; some of which his new found
friend Perim managed to save his life on many an occasion by
disarming some rather deadly traps.

Venturing around he also met some interesting folk an elven
called Telsadil whom agreed to aid him with a nasty bunch of
kobolds in a certain warehouse.
The magus commented on her skill with sword and sort to seek
her out for companionship in the future ..seeing another darker
side to her that could possibly be appealing to the bloodkin.

Another woman he met seemed to seize his curiosity completely ..
a Drow Woman whom aided Perim and him on a job to clean out a
kobold infestation.
She moved with such grace ..such splendor and had knowledge of the
arcane which she merged with her skill with blade ..her ruthless
style and unforgiving nature in battle caught his attention like
a Lightning Elemental wanting a hand shake.

He felt as one with her when he was fighting like pure energy
cutting through the air with the crackling sound of power that
combined to obliterate the kobolds of the troubled warehouse.
In the later part after they had collected payment they began
to talk at the wayward lobster in a quite corner away from
prying ears.

Vrandoth and Drilis talked at length about a great many things
the magus attempting to seek the heart of her ambition as he
looked into her eyes beholding her radiant beauty that was
evident.
Being cautious of the forces of law and of prying ears and eyes
he was carefull not to reveal his darkest nature that being
a Necromancer of The blood of Vol and his obsession with undeath.

They eventually parted and talked of meeting up again at some stage
..Vrandoth making it known to her that he would be staying at a
certain inn handing her a hastily scribed note mentioning directions
and his desire to see her again and possibly meet with her sister too.

Night desended upon the city as a certain dagger fell upon a kobold
accross an Altar in the sewers as a whispering voice spoke "I offer
ye this Sacrifice in Your Name My Queen may your glorious house
rise once again"......

[Cyco999]

The Dying of the Light

As the sounds of Festivul Cheer Echoed about the streets of Stormreach
people walked about seeking out certain coins that were rumoured to
be exchangable for strange and wonderous gifts.
It was an attempt by certain powers that be to dampen the fear of the
long reaching shadows that reached like icy cold fingers into the hearts
of Men seeking their inner most fears.

And those shadows lurked in the least obvious of places in the form of
deceit , skullduggery , anger , foul schemes , and meancing creatures
that roamed the lands and slithered beneath the city sucking the very
life from the bones of unfortunute folk foolish enough to trifle below
into the dangers of the deep.
Foolhardy or Brave both a second away from Madness one thought as he
stared into the vast expanse of a sewer drain into the dark of blackest
night that filled that rather large drain pipe.

Drips of water dripped below as the sound of kobolds could be heard
arguing over something foul ..the smell of something reached his
nostrils as he ventured below climbing slowly ..very slowly.
One Kobold fought with another over the belongings of some adventurer
who began to decompose over the long months since their unfortunute
encounter with the ooze slime creature.

Vrandoth noticed a hint of red as the kobolds tore the sack apart and
a Gem of Necromancy spilled out into the water an arc of energy
pulsing within the gem as it fanned out touching the remains of
the fallen down there in that dank and dark place.
The groans of Zombies filled the sewers as half eaten , worm ridden
, sickening looking corpses started to move around ..by this time
the kobolds had fled retreating to a barricade where they readied
themselves for the undead.

Vrandoth watched as the dead paced about the red gem which had now
captured his complete attention :rubbing his hands together: ..he
pointed his hand at the dead uttering the foul tongue of necromancy
..suddenly the zombies shook and turned to him.
He approached a look of complete concentration and control as the
zombies awaited his commands ...he walked over and picked up the
gem ..the same type of gem his father used to control and summon
the undead years earlier and now he possessed one.

Still only in the fourth circle of magi he still had a limited
knowledge of the workings and uses of Necromantic gems from his
teachings and study years earlier in the Blood Cresent.
Seeking amuzement and out of curiosity he held the gem up and
uttered foul words ... suddenly two Skeletons started to shake
and move ..their eyes suddenly glowing red...with shield and
sword now in bony hand the skeleton lords were at Vrandoths
Command.

The undead assulted the barricade to orders of the young
Necromancer who watched with interest holding the gem close
uttering words on occasion maintaining his concentration and
gesturing on occassion in the direction of the undead.
The undead made short work of the kobolds ..one final "yark"
echoing down the slimy tunnels as the zombies feasted upon
kobold remains the skeletons turning awaiting Vrandoths
Next Order.

From the faint glow of the torch a glimmer of a smile could
be made out as the halfling perim looked on and started
clapping speaking in turn "Good times".

[Cyco999]

Sasha the Dreadweaver

As he poured through the pages of a certain tome he had aquired
in an area known as the soulgate he made a few notations within
his grimore concerning Necromancy.
Having assisted the Silver flame to his own desires making them
believe he was aiding them he laughed as the undead finished off
a lone librarian and then turned them on each other walking out
with a certain ..tome.

Silver flame warders moved to intercept the undead that shuffled
foward out of the library as Vrandoth called "All have been
slaughtered ..the dead come... be ready :grins as he turns and
watches them fight the undead and walks off with the tome tucked
under his arm:.
A certain person would be handed a copy of this tome later on as
he agreed to return to ..aid in certain matters of the dead..
expressing his great 'concern' for family matters to a certain
individual.

In the later part of the day he returned to the sewers beneath
the city where he had made a temporary make shift head quarters
for the Cult behind a secret door ; Previously owned by a Kobold
Shaman it allready came with everything he required to conduct
his experiments.
He placed a 'tome' upon a writing desk and began to look over an
experiment when out of the corner of the room a familiar voice
came forth "Vrandoth ... So nice to see you again" the vampiress
intoned as she moved out of the shadows hooded and robed.

A few moments passed as Vrandoth raised the red gem before she
calmly threw back her hood looking deep into his eyes ..so deep
...that one allmost became lost in her gaze.
He lowered the gem placing it back within his robe ..then
proceeded to bow before her uttering "I humbly bow before you
Sasha Honoured of Vol ..it is an honour to speak with you":bows:.

Sasha raised a hand intoning in a smooth tone "I bring word from
our Queen ...She has big plans for Xen'drik ..and she wishes
stormreach become a center for those plans ...rise and come
talk with me Necromancer..your family honoured Vol till death..
and this has been noted by our Queen ..and not lightly by dear
human" :brushes his face with her hand in passing walking back
and forth making note of his work:.

"There exists certain items of power that are sort after ..Vol
commands you to take under your wing the Cleric Known as Vana
..Vana is loyal to the Blood of Vol ..She has a Bodyguard
arriving from distant lands as her main protector ..but we
need secure :makes a fist walking off in thought: our position
here ..Misdirection will be made to lead minds and eyes away
from our efforts I will see to that Personally" She spoke with
an intense look in her eyes of ambition.

"Giant kind will soon become a thorn in the side of Stormreach and
their resources will become spread like sand in the wind :smiling:
Forged Documents will be Sent to" :A long conversation takes place:.
They talked at great length then retired together for some rest ..
part the way through the night screams of all kinds echoed from
Kobold and Creature Alike...the Need to Feed..Burning within the
Vampiresses Blood...as one slept soundly after a 'rough' night.

[Cyco999]

The Shadows of Ones Past

As the Sun set over the City of Stormreach Vrandoth stood upon some ruins
lined with Gargoyales as Sasha Stepped out of the shadows to see him off
..:nodding in the direction of a mage he watched as she was Teleported
away to Illmarrow Castle fortress of the Lich queen Vol bowing to Sasha
as the spell reached its completion:.
As the magic particles danced around before them and slowly vanished
he turned to Vana and Whispered something in her ear ..All knelt before
the Cleric as she lead them in Prayer each dedicated utterly mind , body
, and soul to their Queen.

After the sermon was over all rose from prayer and noticed the constellation
of Falazure suddenly Light up in the sky ..there was some muttering and
confusion as comments passed in the wind .. "tis a sign" .."The Nightdragon
beckons to us"...Vrandoth looked up and simply said "We must gather more forces
to us ...I have sent word to our Queen for Instructions But we Must have numbers
if we are to effect any of her wishes :slams right fist into left hand:.

It was midnight when Vrandoth decided to retire to his slumber in the sewers
placing his hand on a magic rune tablet and watching as the wall clammored
open .. revealing the Cults head Quarters for a brief moment.
As the wall slammed shut the others of the Cult retired to their chambers
as Vrandoth looked through various Necromantic notes taken from the tome
of Duality.

Muttering to himself as he did "Wraith..no..yes" .."Spectre ..hmm.." much time
passed as he poured over the tome finding differnt uses for the host of kobold
dead which were piled into a large adjacent chamber ..it seemed more and more
of the kobold dead kept coming in every day.
As the Night wore on he become tired and put down the tome ..when suddenly a
spectre materialised before him ...it was his father Kyndarian..just about
falling over at his table Vrandoth rose and walked toward the spectre of his
father..the look of amazement and facination.

"My time is short here my son..Falazure has granted me this small favour and
I must be hasty about what I have to say" the Spectre voice was chilling and
serious in nature.
"Remeber my son the key to controlling the undead is focus .you must focus
and concentrate ..learn all you can..and persevere in your studies..knowledge
is the key to power..and be ever mindfull of the forces of Good..for they shall
watch you and hinder your progress..create a front as your mother and I did years
ago..but beware of the Flames Power...try a magic shop that would be safer"...
:spectre begins to fade speaking in its chilling tone: "Remember us ...my Son"...
the Spectre of Kyndarian fades away..

Vrandoth stood in thought for a while then was seated once more ..thinking long and
hard about a great many things .. reflectively he stared into the fire of a torch as
flashes of his past slipped through his mind ..of his parents being slain...being cut
by the swordsman...his earlier years ..and of Talvon the Paladin :directs an iceray spell
at the torch putting it out: .... The Paladins figure he imagined on the Cults Altar..
before he retired to his sleeping chamber.

[Pellegro]

Great read! Can't wait for next installment ... :)

[Cyco999]

Servants of Vol

The Moon had arisen over the city of Stormreach illuminating all with its
touch and grace ; as one stared aimlessly into the moonlit waters of the
harbour.
Thoughts raced through his mind of deeds most foul indeed ..for the
madness of Xoriat had penetrated .. his very core ..this diseased
and cold blooded killer.

Malkroth had not allways been as such ..for once he was once a loyal
Servant to the Coin Lords under the direction of Sir Lawrence ..that is
until ..he met his fate at the hands of many Undead Kobolds within
the Stormreach Sewers.
He was commissioned to investigate strange disappearances which were
believed to be related to something lurking in the sewers ..he was
part and parcel of a team of five that desended on that fatefull night.

The lead scout called from the torchlit allmost complete blackness ..as
the sounds of slime squished and squelshed under the footsteps of the
Coin Lords Investigation Team.
Malkroth pointed at a hole where two reds eyes stared forth unblinking
and focussed upon them .. and their flesh .. suddenly a cry came from
up ahead as a splash could be heard then the childlike moans of many
kobolds.

They came from all directions as the group struggled against the seemingly
unending flood of kobold undead .. A mage in the party threw a fireball
at a large group of them but it was pointless as more and more kept coming
.. the party soon becoming ..overwhealmed as darkness filled their eyes
as their lives were taken away in that cold and unforgiving place.
Vrandoth smiled as the kobolds returned tapping his staff to the ground
with two loud thuds ..the kobolds stopping midstep ..as he inspected the
bodies of the party..looking over the group with interest shaking his head
at the particularly decayed state of a mage.

Noticing the symbol of the Coin Lords upon each of them he became interested
thinking to himself ..about time a message was sent to these ..Coin Lords
..I tire of their meddling.
Within a seperate chamber three of the bodies were laid out upon stone slabs
as the Necromancer intoned the spell of animation on each of them ..they
shook and slowly stood up .. devoid of feeling and at the beckon call..of
their masters will.

Raising his staff and intoning boldly "Go to the surface ...feast upon flesh
..find...Sir..Lawrence" ... The Necromancer ordered ..the undead shook and
started towards the surface ..cold laughter echoing about..to the pitter
patter of kobold dead feet and Perim playing target practice with them
with a returning dagger.
A guard patrol marched passed as the facination of the Moonlit water
passed from Malkroths Mind ..as he turned around his mind with one thought
racing through it ..'must find flesh..must find Sir...Lawrence'..his
memories retained in life barely holding in undeath as he pressed forward
his eyes white ..without feeling ..devoid of life.

Two silver flame Paladins talked near the entrance to a certain noble figures
house as screams came from the distance ..the Paladin split one remaining
behind to guard the entrance.
Two humans were feasting upon flesh ..a begger becoming the unlucky victim
to the mindless zombies as an arm was tossed out of the 'foray' and landed
at the Paladins feet.

Meanwhile .. As the other Paladin guarded the door ..meancing eyes and a deep
groan came from the dark as icy ..cold hands reached out to grope and rend..
the smell of fresh flesh beckoning the zombie forward..and the flashes of
his previous life ..and his final commission.
The Paladin struck true upon the two zombies allmost falling over when he made
out who they were as the power of the flame dissipated from his sword ..having
smitten the evil ..and once good two humans that he once knew.
Confused further still was the other Paladin who looked on Malkroth with complete
bewilderment thinking he was drunk .."ahh Malkroth ..have you been drinking again
" he asked questioningly.

The response was "ughhhhrahh" :bite to the neck and subsequent gurgled scream: ..
By this time Sir Lawrence was up and about muttering about being woken in the dead
..of night ...drawing forth a blessed sword and walking downstairs.
As the sword illuminated his path the sounds of something pounding on the door could
be heard as he put his eye up to the peep hole ...The Zombified Malkroth could be
seen slamming himself into the door as Sir Lawrence considered the situation for a
few seconds ..and quickly making his mind up after noticing the dead Paladin.

The door swung open as Lawrence swung his sword in arcs at the zombie ..the zombies
swipes going amiss and the sword striking true ; the blessed nature of the sword
like a hot knife to butter.
In the later part of the night an emergency meeting was called ...the topic of the
previous commission being the burning topic as Sir Lawrence slammed his fist on the
table demanding answers ..as dirt was flung into their graves ..the unlucky
investigators .. that became Servants to Vol .

[Cyco999]

A Nightmare Unleashed Part I

Spread accross the Continent of Secrets are many hidden things from the
past of a Continent where many races and creatures have lived some ..even
imprisoned so that their evil may never rise again.
One such being stirred within a warded chamber deep beneath the city of
Stormreach ..its cold and unforgiving resolve having survived the many
centuries since it was imprisoned by mages of an earlier time.

The being was known simply as a Dreamstalker ..an ancient being drawn
out of Xoriat the Plane of Madness by an Evil Wizard seeking to use it
for her own ambition ..but alas 'it' had plans of 'its' own ..failing
to prey on marely her enemies but also her ..bringing her Nightmares
into reality as she faced her greatest fear and was slain in her own
dream..thousands of years ago.
In a last ditched effort a Collection of Mages known simply as the
Circle of Light sort to imprison the dreamstalker and did so at
great loss when they laid their warded trap ..some of the mages
having their lives drained away by the horrid creature as it took
the bait ..and the final warded stone door was closed shut ..for
all time.

Days turned into Months ..Months to years ..and Soon the Last war
had passed ..as time pressed on ...the Dreamstalker loosing none
of its potency ..simply waiting ..such as a preying mantis would
wait for its prey.
But its wait was soon to be over as the clammor of powerfull
hammers swung at the warded door ..the curious explorer Wren
and his party of adventurers having discovered the warded
chamber in the year 998 YK.

Nothing seemed to move the warded door as its rune simply glowed
at every attempt to destroy it sending men and woman flying as
they hurled hammer , spell , and shouts at the seemingly
unmovable door.
The mages had thought of everything to trap the Dreamstalker
inside ..except one thing ..one of their own bloodline need
only spill blood on the warded door and the spell would be
undone.

When all seemed lost Kala ..a young Wizard yelled in frustration
and struck the warded stone door with her fist and cried "ouch"
retracting her hand in pain as she bruised and cut her hand on
the surface of the stone.
As Wren sort to comfort her ..the door blazed White as the rune
symbol on the door arced with pure white energy...building to a
Zenith of intensity as all watched in fear.

The Warded Door exploded with a mighty thundering sound which knocked
everyone over the energy pulsing outward ; the dust cloud was thick
as the adventurers choked and gagged.
Kala stood a few steps back and focussed toward the dust cloud uttering
the words of a gust of wind spell .. the dust cloud was blown aside
revealing the now exposed chamber.

Regaining their composure the Party under Wren strode boldly forward into
the Chamber eager with Anticipation of finding Gold and Wealth ...But what
they found was ... (to be continued)

[Cyco999]

A chance encounter

It was a day like any other within the hustle and bustle of Stormreach
; and one felt parched as he ordered a tea from the rusty nail tavern
sitting in the corner of the tavern and taking out some reading material.
From a short distance away Vana Hallows talked with a Halfling about
something or another ; whilst a drow dancer danced in a strange fashion
in which Vrandoth had never seen "breakdancing" ..making a slight notation
of the style of dance as he had never heard of such dancing in any part of
the Realm.

Time passed as tea was sipped and scrolls looked over ..the dancer became
tired and decided to finish up and leave ... Suddenly a strikingly beautiful
drow woman came into the tavern.
She bore a staff and had the look of possibly an arcanist ..she walked with
a gracefull step and walked alongside the bar ..the barkeep continuing to
wipe a glass after handing her an azure coloured drink.

The drow glanced around making the comment "two humans and a halfling this
has the makings of a fine joke" she commented with confidence ..the comment went
astray save from the ears of the human wizard returning "You should have
been here earlier there was dancing drow" :grinning as he did so: .
Pharie walked back to the bar and glanced at Vrandoth on occassion as he
glanced at her in turn ..looking up from a complex lightning bolt spell
he was copying into his spellbook.

His attention was indeed distracted and he could not help but gaze upon
her beauty and met her eyes offering an aimless :wink: ..the drow womans
eyes suddenly were ablaze red as she held a clenched fist toward him...
after which she left in a gracefull stride.
He raised an eyebrow in response knowing how fiery drow can be he
thought to himself "To Cross the River of Hate or Not...hmm" ..."I Dare"
he said standing and walking over to the bar speaking with the bartender
about the drow woman that was just there before :describes Pharie:
..and paying the bartender to hand her a note and produced a black
rose which he had found growing in a graveyard the day before and
asked that be handed to her as well.

The Note would read :

To the Mysterious Drow woman ,

I wish to endure your passion a second time
those firey red eyes and the soul that lingers
within ..perhaps we could find other uses for
such passions..as I have a similar spirit.
Spare me from your powerfull embrace ..your
lust-full grace .. for I am powerless against
the fires that burn within..Like a Vampire
the blood is the life.

Signed

Wizard Xzorn

:symbol of Falazure in magical ink unseen to the naked eye:

[Cyco999]

The Kolgness of Death

The ships sails flapped in the breeze as captain Niles Cage walked
about his ship with much on his mind ..he had left word at the
leaky dingy that he was seeking adventurers to aid him with his
plight.
The Leaky Dingy was alive with patrons talking of the Festivult and
of the many goings on within the City of Stormreach ..One such
patron stood there explaining how he had fought with Fifty Hobgoblins
and lived to tell the tale ..showing off his muscles and his glowing
swords..what he didnt realise was that his daggers and gold pouch
had been quitely taken from him ..by the halfling rouge ..Perim.

Seated at a table at the back of the tavern ..Vrandoth leaned upon
his staff ..as perim tugged at this robe with a sheepish grin..
he looked down to see the shiny gold pieces illuminate the dark.
"Come sit next to me my dear" he intoned with a smile .."there is
work to be had this day" ..."seems a captain Niles Cage has problems"
.."ones he wishes to have fixed for a price" :rubs chin: .

"Oh" she said as she stared up to him ..."more coins would be good"
Perim explained in her cute little voice which Vrandoth had become
use to the many days they had known each other since he arrived
in Stormreach.
A dwarf stepped forward and spoke in a harsh voice ..."I be interestid
'makin some coyn...lets be talkin about Niles Cage"..his eyes meeting
Vrandoths under his hood.

Vrandoth gestured to a chair speaking clear common "take a seat and lets
talk on the details" he spoke as he bought forth a black bound journal
...Vrandoth opened the journal then puts quill to ink looking him deadeye
"tis a task of great risk ..there will be much ..blood spilt helping this
captain cage" the words came from his lips like sheets of ice filling the
tavern.
The Dwarf seemed unphased his axe slung at his side as he spoke with
confidence "Nae a problim fer me Laad...:taps axe: If there be blood
ta be spil't nae wun be mine :chuckles: " .
:Vrandoth grins evily then asks: "Do you have any faith Master dwarf"
he asked with an assesing look such as a hawk circling over its prey
on a nice sunny day.

"Aye lad...Certainty of Death curtisy o'me ax ...If its gol'n I can
touch it..Tha Be Faith Nuff Fer Me Laad" ... he spoke nodding once
at the end.
"Interesting ... I may have other work for you as well ..will see how
things go on this venture....mr sorry what was your name again
:dabs quill in ink again: :the dwarf says with pride: "Kolg" :nodding
once slightly:.

Vrandoth notes down in his journal Kolgs name and makes a brief entry
regarding the dwarf and of certain other matters of a dark nature ;
by the end of the day they had convinced a series of adventurers to
come along for the voyage.
Night arrived as the moon rose High into the Sky as they sailed out
to the 'island' to see to the Captains wishes ; Throughout the
endevour Vrandoth noted the Ferosity of Kolg in battle and his
subsequent acts of random drinking of the blood of his enemies.

Upon their arrival back in port after a long fought campaign ...he
invited Kolg to accompany him to the sewers for a 'chat' ..as they
desended he tapped a hidden button opening a secret door.
There within they both entered and an altar lay before them with the
body of an Elf Merchant upon it stuggling in his bonds ..the Symbols of
Vol and Falazure adorning the walls.

Vrandoth uttered something and his illusionary robe vanished revealing
his real Robes ..as a Blood of Vol Necromancer ; he tapped his staff
twice on the ground as a group of undead moved out to block the entrance.
Vrandoth adorned a ornate helm inlaid with symbols of High Magic ...from
out of the shadows Perim appeared , Kirath , and then Vana ...as Vrandoth
turned to Kolg .. "We are the Blood of Vol Kolg ...join us in our struggle
to Master Death ..To Bring our Queen to Assension ..and our struggle against
the forces of good".

Kolg stared long and hard at the forces that had bubbled up from virtually
no where and was quite impressed ..he of course knew of the Cult and had
sort to join something of its nature for quite some time.
"Of cours'ill join ye .. long as ye pay me well ..thar be plenti dwarvin ale..
ta dink....and plenti a killin ta be dun"...Vrandoth approaches him emotionless
and hands him a dagger ..pointing to the altar..."Your first task!".

From a long way up at the surface a human child played near a sewer grate as a
faint scream could be heard ...the child stared with curiosity at the grate not
knowing what it was and continued throwing his lucky stone around.
Whilst below chants came from the Cult "Kolg ....Kolg.....Kolg" came the chants
of the worshippers of death ..as drums were beaten and all knelt in prayer
before the Cleric Pledging their faith to the Lich Queen and the Night Dragon
Falazure.

[Cyco999]

Secrets of Xen'drik

Within the Cults hidden chamber beneath the city of Stormreach all had
gathered for Vrandoths speech as he walked toward their gathering holding
a strange staff which he began to lean on as he talked to them.
"There is still no word from our queen in Illmarrow castle and there
are pressing matters at hand that need be addressed" as he spoke he
glanced around at each in turn his resolve was clear as he spoke
in a commanding tone.

"Kirath you shall see to the wishes of Vana she would see you train
with your skills with Kolg and Perim..seek out items of power and
bring any artifacts to me so that we may gather items of power for
our queen and furthering our efforts here in Stormreach".
"Perim I hear word that fellow cult members have been careless and
allowed themselves to be uncovered ..seek out any information you
can about this rumour I heard :raises voice: SECOND HAND :lowers
voice: at the Phoenix Tavern :mutters: ".

"Vana your spiritual direction is refreshing and I would ask my
lady to do as she pleases for the time being ..this recent information
about exposure might be prelude to an oncoming storm..I would advice
subtlety in such times :inclines head to Vana:".
"Kolg your addition to our cult is invaluable and we shall seek items
of power and riches to fill your desire :gestures with a flourish of
his right hand: I would ask that your blade fight beside Kiraths and
Vana's in future endevours...many would seek the unraveling of our
cult and without word from Illmarrow we are without direction save my
own for the time being :nods at Kolg:".

"I too shall look into matters of the Silver Flame ..seems a Paladin
seeks a certain sword which he has travelled Leagues to find ..I shall
make sure he never sees that sword :he grins evily: ..Blend with them
move amoung them Blood of Vol and keep a watchfull Eye and Ear for
any usefull information ...We seek items of power , We need train , and
we need listen for information :Moves hand in an arc fashion over the
gathering whilst speaking: "now go hence and we shall speak again in a
ten day" .

The gathering moved out of the secret door as Vrandoth laid a map of
Xen'Drik accross a wooden table and stared assessing various areas..
including that of the Tangleroot gorge ..muttering "I wonder what
secrets are hidden there" ..he muttered to himself looking over the
vast area that was Xen'drik.