In the wee hours of last night or very early this morning, however you wish to term it, a small band of travellers stumbled upon a discovery that bears some importance. Last night as things were winding down, a ghost by the name of Demona Noctem approached the tavern. Seeing that she was having on of those out of body experiences we resurected her. When questioned as to how she arrived at this state, she told us a trap had been sprung and offered to show us when she received nothing but quizical looks on our faces.

Aethelstan, Demona, Rhysart, Kazola and I ventured down into the crypts outside of Yew to retrieve Demonas belongings. Upon seeing them I rushed ahead to go collect them for the good lady, obviously missing why they had stopped. I had never been down into the crypts and the odd black colored tiles did not seem out of the ordinary to me. As soon as I ran across the tiles, the ground lit up in flames and scorched me as I ran the fiery guantlet. I arrived on the other side weary and nearly dead, but able to collect Demona's items. I enjoyed a laugh at my foolhardiness and noted that I was unable to resist the magical flames. It seems that the flames were a new addition to the crypts. Curious as to the why, we headed above and searched the area, looking for some clue. I was feeling a bit slow and wandered, only to catch up with the group in the middle area of the three buildings that mark the crypts.

We saw a tent with blood covering it and watched it change colors before our eyes, into the deepest black I have seen. The sign on the tent said, "Begone or Die!" and was signed only with an M. Feeling rather foolish again, I ran inside to look around. Only to be scorched with those same flames eminating from the ground. I quickly turned back out and received healing, then tried to teleport inside. When that failed I quickly ran in again to the very back and peered into the chest sitting there. I noted that I was once again nearly dead and silently laughed to myself.

Inside the chest were assorted body parts, a red robe and a scroll scrawled in barely legible script saying, "Rhysart! Rhysart! He is the cause of mine troubles! He shall die!!" At this point it became apparent that there could be no doubt that we had found Mordread's tent. A chill settle in the air, well over the others, for I was still standing in the room of fire. I marked a rune inside and ran the flames once more to rejoin the others outside. Unbeknownst to me, we were not allowed to gate inside next to the chest, so I marked a run outside the tent and made yet another run through the fire, opened a gate from inside to the entrance of the tent and we were able to rummage through Mordread's chest.

Feeling uneasy and a bit somber we returned to Kazola's Tavern to relax. We had found Mordread's outpost, yet he is now nearby in the neighborhood. Rhysart was brave through the whole ordeal, despite knowing the lich's intent towards him. I must not suggest walking the fires to anyone. Although amusing, the fire can be quite deadly. Travel carefully through the Yew Crypts now and even more so above ground, for the lich is near.

Rhysart has gone missing. His cave was blocked off by an avalanche, but more ominously, blood was seen leading away from the cave, perhaps indicating a struggle. It is feared that Mordread has struck at Rhysart, leaving the avalanche as a distraction to his nefarious deeds. The location of the bolt of purity is not known either.



































Rhysart Found from Garet Jax, June 15th.

I bring great news! Rhysart was found in the hidden valley, tonight. Apparently, he hath been stuck in a cave-in. From there, he had lost his memory, and wandered to the hidden valley west of Trinsic. He had told us his father used to take him there as a boy. The Great White Hart visited the tavern that night, it seemed most intent on leaving south.. Ah, hmm! We immediately created a band of warriors, and begun our journey. Well, Aside from the annoying fiend Vale, who had the suggestion of killing the hart, saying it was 'good humor'. 'Twas a very joyful journey. Very long indeed!

As soon as we reached the hidden valley, under the harts lead, we found Rhysart, in a white robe. He did not act as if he was normal. Not normal, indeed. He had the personality of a child, but rather, not any child, but one that he had been in the past.

He did not know us, did not realize his friends. And then I asked "Anyone have a rune to here!? Prithee, hand it here!" Maximilian gave me a rune, marked for the place. I immediately recalled to the bank, then the Yew Rangers' tower. I got fellow and then recalled to the bank, then to the hidden valley.

Then, as soon as Rhysart saw Fellow, he started in on a reflection on his whole life. What he has gone through, from his Birth, and life with his parents. To the Orcs who had stolen his bolt. Midway between his flashback, we went back his cave, and there he had a flashback of his mother, his father, and their death. He started saying how his family is dead. But, everyone shouted "But Rhysart, we ARE thy family!"

Immediately, his flashback seemed to hasten, soon after, he told us of the orcs. Prior to that, we gated to the abbey. Luckily the Great White Hart had taken his Bolt, Robe, crimson crossbow, and his lantern, back to the guards. They put it in his bank box. As soon as Rhysart put on his robe, and wield'd his crossbow, and robe, everyone cheered!

It is now believed that the cave-in was natural. Apparantly the rocks struck Rhysart on the head and caused him to lose his memory, he then wandered off, bleeding from the blow. Still, suspiscions abound that a small earthquake triggered the collapse, and might have been magically induced. Rhysart's protector's need be vigilant yet.



















Tavern Attacked from Kazola, July 18th.

Kazola's tavern was attacked this night by foul Liches. Worse yet, Mordread himself made an appearance and participated in the slaughter. It had already been a troubled evening, with bands of murdering sorts making trouble at the tavern. Their efforts, however, were quickly overshadowed by the force of liches that attacked. Numerous Liches appeared and started the killing. Many fell in the chaos that resulted. Mordread himself enterred the tavern and continued the mayhem, he was impervious to all efforts to stop him. In all, it is estimated that over a score lost their lives.

Mordread's motives for the attack can only be guessed at. Perhaps he struck expecting Rhysart to be present, as he is known to frequent the establishment. Or more likely Mordread knows how the Tavern is the focus and gathering spot for the opposition which is growing. We must not let his acts of terror deter us from our efforts to oppose his evil.






















The Story as it Ends, August 23rd.