July 2003

William and BlackDawn glanced toward their brother as he rose to his feet. Roba, the Vardagul, placed a single hand upon his right temple and gentle rubbed the area as he rose to his feet. “Fighting a copy of yourself is quite.. Tiring.” Roba muttered under his breath as he glanced toward his brothers. A faint smirk crossed William’s lips as he turned his gaze to the other side of the long corridor. From the window cut into the thick stone wall, Roba could see a quick flash of lightning illuminating the sky. “What of my army, brothers?” Roba said clearly as he turned his gaze toward his brothers once more. BlackDawn reached within a pocket upon the side of his robe and pulled out the Stone of the Fallen. “They have been laid to rest once more. They remain in the stone. The last request of Zeteginen was for you have his robe, and it lies within your own quarters. As for the forces of Vlakrados.. I highly doubt if you remember your last actions. In any event, they have been vanquished.” Blackdawn said as he extended his hand containing the stone toward his brother. Roba quickly snatched the Stone of the Fallen from the hand of his brother and glanced at the oddly shaped stone.

“Will you be so hasty this time?” The voice of Lord Mordain echoed through the long corridor, falling upon the ears of the brothers. Lord Mordain paused before continuing once more, “Or should I introduce you to the true power of the stone?” Lord Mordain’s words preceded him, but soon after his presence emerged from the darkness that consumed the corridor. “Three of my loyal men, my very own Vardagul amongst them.. Forming the blood rights of brotherhood.” Lord Mordain spoke in a calm tone before stopping before the three brothers, a faint smirk upon his face. The three brothers had not seen Lord Mordain in sometime, and the oncoming lecture from the great lord did not entice them in the slightest. “My Vardagul, I have heard that your previous master has gone so far as to make clones of you, how.. Amusing. Your new brothers must be already tired of his antics, for I know I am.” Lord Mordain paused for a moment before resuming, “There is a way to make your brotherly bond enhance your own powers to an unbelievable extent. If the Stone of the Fallen is used in this ritual, this empowerment will only be greater, so much so that you will be able to enter the Void once more and slay Vlakrados himself. There is a downside to the transformation.. Certain side effects may inhibit your powers. I am uncertain of the exact side-effects but the transformation and power gained are certainly worth it.”

Roba could not help but to gaze at the stone, wondering how such a relic could imbue them with such power. Roba shifted his gaze toward Lord Mordain before clenching the stone within his hand. “How can this transformation take place? The souls are trapped within the stone and to release them would only recreate the army..” Roba muttered under his breath before raising his gaze to Lord Mordain. “That is a simple process, my Vardagul. The secret is how to bypass the typical reaction.” Lord Mordain said as he took several steps toward Roba. “The true question is.. Are the three of you prepared to endure the ritual and the side-effects that will result?” Lord Mordain spoke calmly as he stopped directly between the three brothers.

“I am prepared to endure whatever torment the stone is willing to deliver.” William said as he glanced toward the stone in Roba’s hand. BlackDawn nodded in agreement to his brother’s words before speaking, “If William is prepared, and I am as well. What do you say Roba?” Roba paused for a moment, gazing intently upon the stone. “Zeteginen would have wanted it this way. In owe him and my brothers that much.” Roba paused for an instant before resuming, “Very well, Lord Mordain, we will perform the ritual.”

A broad grin crossed the lips of Lord Mordain as he quickly snatched the stone from the hand of Roba. Muttering a small incantation under his breath, Lord Mordain raised his right hand, directly pointing the Gem of Souls at the small insignia etched into the smooth surface of the stone. The Gem of Souls upon Lord Mordain’s finger began to emit a deep crimson light, the same light emanated from the insignia upon the stone. Lord Mordain’s voice began to raise slowly, the incantation still unrecognizable to the three brothers that surrounded him. Lord Mordain slowly closed his eyes and continued the incantation as the light emanating from the stone and the Gem of Souls began to glow brighter. Lord Mordain slowly reopened his eyes; the typically sullen orbs were a shade of midnight black. Lord Mordain’s voice then rose to a higher tone, as the insignia and the Gem of Souls emitted a flash of blinding light.

When the three brothers regained their vision, Lord Mordain could be seen clenching his right hand into a fist, the Gem of Souls still brightly glowing, as for the Stone of the Fallen, it appeared to have disappeared without a trace. Lord Mordain turned his gaze to Roba before speaking, “Roba, give me the dagger, now.” Lord Mordain commanded as he motioned Roba forth with his left hand. Roba withdrew the dagger upon his waist and quickly handed it to Lord Mordain. Lord Mordain began yet another incantation upon the dagger which now rest in his left palm. In another flash of bright light the dagger was imbued with the power absorbed from the Stone of the Fallen. A broad grin crossed the lips of Lord Mordain as he simply handed the dagger back to Roba. “You know what to do..” Lord Mordain said before taking several steps backward.

Roba glanced toward his brothers before mimicking the motions of the previous bloodbond. William placed his hand upon the hand of Roba, and BlackDawn placed his hand upon the hand of William, a faint mark from the previous pact still visible upon each of their hands. The three brothers nodded to one another before speaking in unison, “Blood in and blood out.” Roba quickly slammed the dagger down into the three hands, aiming for the visible mark. As the sharp blade concluded its course through the three hands, a brilliant flash of light emanated from the hands of the three brothers. As the transformation began, Roba could feel a strong heat emit from his abdomen. The heat quickly rose from his abdomen throughout his entire frame, as the heat rose into his skull he groaned in pain as his canine teeth elongated into the shape of long, sharp fangs. His eyes quickly transformed to a shade of midnight black before his irises changed to a crimson hue. His overall appearance became that of a long forgotten race, the shadowling. As the transformation of Roba concluded, the memories of each warrior trapped within the stone flooded his consciousness, imbuing him with immense fighting prowess and power. The transformation of William began with a sharp pain in his abdomen as it slowly coursed through his frame. William gritted his teeth together as the pain finally ceased. His mind was flooded with immense knowledge of the arcane arts, but the many battle wounds that adorned his body became an ashen gray hue that appeared to be permanent. BlackDawn remained perfectly still for quite sometime before slowly opening his eyes toward his brothers. Soon enough BlackDawn became wracked with unimaginable pain. BlackDawn knew this pain all too well; this was the result of a lethal poison. As the pain subsided, BlackDawn closed his eyes once more and could no longer feel the poison coursing through his veins; he became aware of the fact that the poison became his blood. As this realization struck BlackDawn so did the absolute knowledge of poison, and a greater understanding of the dark arts.

Sensing the transformation of the three brothers was at an end, Roba violently ripped the blade from the three palms, a small insignia left upon each of the brother’s hands. BlackDawn, William, and Roba glanced upon one another before turning toward Lord Mordain. A devious grin crossed the lips of Lord Mordain as he gazed over the three brothers. “I can already sense that the three of you are ready for battle. Your bloodlust must remain unquenched for the time being, for there are others that support the one you all wish to vanquish.” Lord Mordain said as he walked toward the three brothers. “There is also something you must know.. Your powers are exponentially greater than they ever were before, but you must never allow anyone to harm the dagger that binds you. If the dagger is destroyed, your power will be stripped from you.” Lord Mordain paused before resuming, “Ah.. Your place in the Temple shall reflect this bond and the instrument that allows it to continue. From now on the three of you shall be known as Turor’ Tincmaeg, The Brothers of the Dagger.”

********************************************************

From the hushed battleground upon which the massive battle between the forces of the former Vardagul and his brothers and the forces of Vlakrados clashed, tow lone figures could be seen. In the darkness the two figures merely glanced at each other and then toward the direction of the Temple itself.

One figure, adorned in a blood red robe turned toward the other figure adorned in a charcoal robe. The two understood what must be don

More of the story at http://boards.powergamers.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=36

The High Council of Britannia will meet this evening at 8:00 PM CST in the North Dining Room of Castle Britain on the Trammel Facet. The evening will begin with discussions on some changes made to the High Council over the past couple of weeks.

If you would like to add items to the agenda for the 55th Meeting of the High Council, which is to take place on Monday, July 28, 2003 at 8:00 PM CST, please send us a notice, and be sure to include contact information so we may verify your item.

Applicants for the Seat of Britain: There will be a Public Debate held on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 8:00 PM CST in the Throneroom of Castle Britain upon the Trammel Facet. All members of the public are invited to ask questions of the candidates. The format will be a moderated debate where a question will be asked, and each candidate will receive two minutes to answer that question. The debate will run no later than 9:30 PM CST. The Mayor of Britain is also invited to attend the debate to speak on behalf of a prefered candidate. All candidates for the Seat of Britain are requested to attend.

Thank you,


Ra'Dian Fl'Gith
Chancellor of Virtue
High Council of Britannia

From Branwen:

Once, giants roamed the world. Nay, not giants in the truest sense...though to many they were considered giants amongst men.

They were not of any particular sect or affiliation. They spoke not a uniform tongue, nor did they necessarily agree amongst themselves. Some worked together and gained noteriety, whilst others lurked in the shadows and set wonderful ideas into motion.

The names I knew as a child are all but forgotten with today's youth. What is worse, they know only the thrill of the kill -- not the art of banter. I long for the days when evil was swiftly squelched by a seemingly never-ending torrent of good forces. I can still picture in my mind the swaggering gait of the ill-clothed EdGuardo. All of this seems to have come to an end.

"Dissent and apathy drives 'em away," my decrepit old friend said recently. "Where they go is anyone's guess. Mayhaps they flee to new lands and'll return to us one day with wondrous stories." I do not know if the hag is right, but I hold that hope close to my heart.

Hail Citizens of Britannia!

This is just a reminder that the regularly scheduled meeting of the High Council will NOT be taking place this evening. The next meeting of the High Council will take place on Monday, July 21, 2003 at 8:00 PM CST in the North Dining Room of Castle Britain.

Also, as a reminder, the Seat of Moonglow is currently accepting applications. These applications will be accepted through Friday, August 1, 2003. Those of you who have applied for the Seats of Trinsic, Britain, and Minoc, please look for notice coming later this week as to what is next in the elections process.

And finally, if you are looking to add an item to the agenda for Monday's meeting, please visit the Council Hall and let us know what you wish to add. A valid means of communication is required so that we may confirm the item you wish to add.

Thank you,


Ra'Dian Fl'Gith
Chancellor of Virtue
High Council of Britannia

This egg-laying annnouncement by Redlow:

Hail all,

Majestic Oaks is pleased to bring you another entirely free event ran by the fine folks who bring you Great Lakes' best auction house. This coming Tuesday (July 15th) at 9pm EST/8pm CST, there will be a rooster tournament at the Musuem of Memories in Malas. That's right, for all you tamers out there, go find yourself a chicken, train it up and have it do battle with other chickens! And for all you non-tamers, a little side note: chickens are very easy to tame :)

As mentioned, this is a totally free event with the winner recieving 500k. Three runner-ups will also recieve one of three powerscrolls.

Here are a few things you should know:
First, this is a guilded event. In otherwords you will need to temporarily leave your guild to join the rooster fighting guild. Sorry for the inconvenience, but due to Trammel rules, this is the only way chickens can fight.

To join, you will need to register. Registration will take place at two different times for your convenience. You can register on Sunday at 9pm EST/8pm CST at the Majestic Oaks Auction house. Or, you may arrive at the Majestic Oaks Auction house on Tuesday two hours before the event starts (so that's 7pm est/6pm cst). All you need to bring is a book. *Do not bring your chicken to the registration.*

For the event itself, you may either head directly to the Museum of Memories on Tuesday with your chicken, or head to Majestic Oaks and someone will be there to gate you to the Museum if you do not have a rune.

You may train or cast on your chicken all you like any time before the chicken duels, but while it is fighting against another chicken, no spells or healing will be allowed.

Again:
Registration on Sunday at 9est/8cst at Majestic Oaks, OR come two hours before the tournament on Tuesday.

Tournament on Tuesday at 9est/8cst at the Musuem of Memories; gates will be provided from Majestic Oaks for those without a rune.

From Gem:

The long hot days of July were made hotter by the sun's glare reflecting off the waves of the sea. Several of the crew, weary from hours of fishing and slaughtering serpents, began to doze where they stood on deck.

Gem, their captain, realized it was time to stir things up. "Fizban! Flipper! Arridas! Wake Up! We need to kill some serpents and get some nets. 'Tis been too long since the landlubbers have seen the fury of the seas. We need another Net Toss!"

Alfons approached the captain "Here are four nets captain. I'll donate just for the fun of watching 'dem landlubbers get killed tryin' to deal with the spawn 'o the sea."

Foo Fisher chimed in, "Many know not the fun of casting 4, 5, or 6 nets into the deep sea at once. The spawn of krakens, serpents and elementals be amazing!"

Gem replied, "Aye, many will die, but the loot will be fine. We allow the public to loot the corpses as they wish. They may get a rope or a net or a map or an SOS bottle. All they need to is attend and help kill."

The Fishing Council of Britannia (www.thefcb.com) will host one of its famous Net Tosses at the docks of Buccaneer's Den at 7:00 p.m. EST on Sunday July 20. Please---only use melee, archery, or magic--no peacemaking or provoking or tamed beasts! Gates will be cast from the Main Bank of Britain.

Hail, Citizens of Britannia!

The High Council is in the process of finalizing a reformed Charter, fine tuning much of what has been added or changed in the original document over the course of the past years. In addition, due to the number of applications received for each of the three open seats, we are working on a method to better conduct the public scrutiny portion, by scheduling public debates for applicants. All applicants will receive an email with the date and time of the debate for their seat when the time comes. The first debate will be scheduled for the week of the 21st, after our next public meeting.

Within the next couple of days, the "Add an Item to the Agenda" feature on the Council's site will become active, and should be used to add items to the Council's agenda. Private meetings of the High Council will henceforth be scheduled for times outside of public meeting dates, so starting with the July 21 meeting, the meetings will be held each Monday at 8:00pm CST unless otherwise announced due to emergencies.

Finally, the Seat of Moonglow now sits open with the resignation of Councilor Tarondor. The application for Councilor of Moonglow shall remain open through Friday, August 1, 2003, and the election process will begin after that.

We thank you for your cooperation over the next few days as we work to make the High Council more functional, and we hope you will enjoy that which we bring to you.

Thank you,


Ra'Dian Fl'Gith
Chancellor of Virtue
High Council of Britannia

From Quill Runebran:

To walk among the mines once more, to smell ore smelting into iron, to eat stonebread, and to fight the Orc's once more-that is the good life. The best life. For all his deeds and wisdom, it was the simple life of a smith that Damon Omenborn always wanted. The myth maker, the legend builders, had elevated him into a hero in his own lifetime. No doubt after he was dead, their exaggerations would grow lager with each passing century. He did not wish it. A far more suitable tribute would be the continued happy existence of the nation he'd founded, Rik-Baraz

Damon Omenborn walked in the shade of the deep mines. It was a remarkable dream he was having. Dreams were wisps of imagination, flashes in the minds eye. This one was different. The smells, sounds of the busy hold were all around him. The mines became decorated walls. Pain flooded in to his limbs, and he gasp loudly. There was a pressure on his cheek. Damon Omenborn opened his eyes and realized his wife was kissing his face.

She drew back. "By Valaya!" Crea cried. "You're awake!"
"Yes, Thank the Ancestor's." "Water", he gasped.
Crea looked distress "water, will Ale do?"
"Ah sweet Crea, get some people in here. Witnesses. Quill, the guards. . . anyone. As fast as you can.
Crea called for help, and the Hammerers threw open the doors "Run and get Quill Runebrand!" she said.
The rest of you gather around, the King has something to say, and he wants you to hear it!"
Seven of the Kings Hammer crowded and the bed where the king laid. Crea raised he husband up and placed a pillow under his back so he could see his people.

"My fellow Dwarves," Damon Omenborn rasped. "These are my last commands."
"Find my son, restore our people." He coughed hard and blood began to trickle from his mouth.
"Do not forget our oaths and allies." The light did fade from the Kings eyes. Damon Omenborn was dead.

Quill Runebrand, his beard twisted and his mantle askew, wept openly at the foot of the Kings bed. "I was to late," he sobbed. The Hammerer looked up at her. "He called to you, Lady," he said chokingly. "And to someone named Willow".

She had to swallow her Grief, at least briefly. It was important that her husband wishes were carried out. "Did you all here what hear what was said before he died." Crea said frantically.
"Yes, Lady", said the sergeant of the Hammerers. The others swore oaths they had heard the Kings words as well.

"The High King of the Dwarves is dead!" the sergeant said, "Long live the King!"
The Hammerers surrounded Damon Omenborns bed and came forward to raise him up. By ancient rite, the dead
King would be carried to the Shrine of Valaya for prayers and purification. With great tenderness, they lifted Damon Omenborn and carried him down the central stairs to the Great Hall. At the bottom of the stairs stood most of the dwarf nation, down to the humblest stable boys. All cried openly, and their heads bowed as the body of the High King was borne past them. The horn of Thornfel sounded a solitary note.

From Gem Omenborn:

Dear Master Runebrand,

I trust this letter meets you strong in mind and wide in girth.

Much has happened in the few days since I last wrote. We rooted out a nest of goblins, hired on as caravan guards, hunted for bandits, and assisted fellow adventurers in need. As you can tell, I am, perhaps a bit excited at the moment. Please allow me to retreat a breath or two and begin my tale from where my last letter left off.

As you may recall, we were headed over to Hewolf's store, a large warehouse that served as both a tack and weapons shop and a bustling leather-works shop. Thank Valaya that the tannery itself was some distance out of town, and generally downwind. Here we presented our letter from General Jakob Covenant and began collecting the gear that was to be our equipment for the quest.

It was our ill fortune that we came upon a band of Elves also collecting garb, outfitting them for a journey on the business of Elf Lord. We made introductions all around and learned that they were in a group of Elven rogues lead by Aramil, along with Cedrik, a cleric, and a half-Elven bard named Kerith. We left Hewolf's shop before our new found acquaintances and headed to the printer's.

On the way we came upon a badly injured adventuring company making their way slowly toward the Church of Minoc. These were the "Reavers of the Keg." The priest Baladeen was leading the procession and he welcomed our help in pulling a sled loaded with the bodies of at least three fallen Reavers. They had just come from Grizelda's Challenge and had fared badly. They had made it out though. At least some of them had.

When we finally made it to Master Kurgen's printing shop, he had a cozy fire going in his parlor and offered us tea, bread and bit of pipe weed. We took seats by the fireplace. Only after we were settled and warm did the mage inform us that he had received a letter from you, and that we needed to make our way to The Great Library of Britain.

Master Kurgen suggested that we always remember, in the course of a mission, where we were and why we were there. Too many ills befall the company that loses sight of its mission during the excitement of the quest. He also stressed that we pay close attention to the few details that we were able to gather prior to setting out on our quest. As an illustration, he pointed out the difference between a lost Dwarven Citadel and a Dungeon. Each would likely pose very different challenges. As we discussed our quest to find the Crystals of Power, Master Kurgen told us that while he has many maps of the area, he thought the most likely route would take us some 20 to 25 miles in a South-Southwest direction out of Minoc. Talk tapered off quickly as we agreed with Master Kurgen's suggestions on the best route.

Before we can set out to find the first Crystal of Power, the whole group of us has agreed to meet at the Barnacle in Minoc at 8 Pm under the Eastern Skies on Saturday and then set along the road to Britain. I will try and meet with the Highland Guard and our other allies before hand, but have no worries we shall be there with all due haste

Yours truly,
Gem Omenborn
Brewmaster Karad-a-Karaz