Early 2004:
King Raenilar and his band of Outcast scum finally overtook the city of Shard, killin many including the Ferdhal in the process. Rumor had it that Raenilar was seekin a sword. I know of a few moon mages who spoke of visions and dreams of this man, Raenilar as he fulfilled his prophesy. Verry dark times they were indeed.
Late 2004:
Sedrig held a large party to celebrate the end of the year. Here was where we first been seein Syken the bounty hunter. This ragged and one eyed elf was passing around wanted posters and asking if we had seen or heard of a Tog who’d recently escaped from the Penal Colony on M’riss.
>look sy
You see Bounty Hunter Syken, an Elf Mercenary.
Though one eye is heavily scarred from forehead to cheekbone in a diagonal slash, the other eye is the deep green of a darkened forest, scanning his surroundings with constant vigilance. His sleek black hair is pulled into a short ponytail at the nape of his neck. He has tanned skin and a muscular physique. He has a tattoo of a dark stylized scorpion on the right side of his neck, its stinger poised to strike.
He is physically in his prime, though his eyes appear much older.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a tattered and stained red flag in his right hand.
He is wearing an azure leather bandolier with crimson stitching, a faded leather thigh quiver sewn with numerous pockets and buckles, some fingerless black leather gloves, some wrought iron manacles suspended from a black leather belt, some black leather pants with throwing dagger sheaths stiched along the outer seams, some scorched full double leathers, some dark leather boots branded with stylized scorpions, a jadeite gwethdesuan, a kyanite gwethdesuan and a modified ironwood crossbow with a bloodgem inlay.
>look post
Written in a deep red paint, the words; "Wanted Dead or Alive" is scrawled across the top of the poster. The image of a burly Gor'Tog gazes out from the surface of the parchment, his face scrunched up in a painful grimace.
There appears to be something written on it.
>read post
A wanted poster reads:
Wanted -- Gronku the Gor'Tog. Suspect in the murder of several guards of the M'riss Penal colony, during a brutal escape attempt. He should be considered armed and very dangerous. If located, inform the local law enforcement immediately. One hundred platinum reward for his capture, dead or alive.
Many of us had no idea of who this Tog was or what the circumstances of his escape might have been, so we enjoyed the party and danced verry much. Unfortunately I had some problems with one of the local brews and fell victim ta a short two anla nap in the corner…
Late 2004:
As news of the Tog spread, many of us were ta be seen searchin every nook and cranny fer the elusive Tog. Rumor had it that something else was goin on and made us mighty curious. It was durin this time that Outcast Raenilar decided he was homesick and started movin forces from his Shard stronghold. With our time divided between huntin the escapee, and fightin the Outcasts little else could be done.
Early 2005:
An odd elvish lass found her way inta the city of Crossings and inquired about some lodging. She introduced herself as Elvyane, an archaeologist from a recent Throne City excavation. While I was there a score of thugs and ruffians came out from the shadows and made an attempt on her life. Several of the defenders met an untimely end, but with we were able ta secure her in the Half Pint before sittin down fer a nice ale. Elvyane claimed ta know nothing about what the thugs wanted. We managed ta recover a note off one of their bodies that told a different tale however…
>look par
Bold lettering, written in a deep green ink, covers the surface of the parchment.
There appears to be something written on it.
>read par
A piece of parchment reads:
As we discussed, the price of fifty platinum will be paid for the return of the artifact in question. Along with the proof that the female Elf, Elvyane has been eliminated. I expect to hear conformation from you within a timely manner, or else I will be forced to seek more qualified individuals to complete this task. Signed, Mr. X
>
Early 2005:
Word reached me ears that Syken had finally caught up with the infamous Tog, and put an end to his life. I dunna know the details involved, but needless ta say many thought the Tog innocent. I’ve never known of such a thing as an evil Tog, let alone one powerful enough ta escape from M’riss only ta be captured by a bounty hunter….
Mid 2005:
Several of me moon mage friends were greatly troubled to learn that Yhaman, right hand man ta Raenilar had occupied Throne City and was lootin the museum. Several made attempts at uprootin this evil mage, but none were successful. I remembered Yhaman from the war. He was a warrior mage most skilled, but also very curious to learn more. He studied the Zalfung stones – a long guarded secret of the land that I have also encountered meself. I just hope he didna learn something that yet escapes me…
Mid 2005:
The day came at last when Shard would be set free! As the Zoluren troops invaded, many adventurers swept inta the streets, only ta be met by thugs and ruffians set out from the sewers! As we worked ta clear both their numbers, and the many Outcasts yet remaining – we wondered what in Elanthia was goin on.
Supposedly Raenilar had gotten homesick, and was worried about his people still in the desert lands near Muspari. Ye see the Outcasts had an enemy known as Grondor, reportedly an orc, who controlled vast armies in the north. Grondor was searchin through the deserts and destroyin all who opposed him. Some Outcasts didn’t like his orders however and remained behind fer us ta slaughter.
At one point in the battle, just when all seemed won, Syken appeared. I was still wary of him, but gave him a firm greetin nonetheless. If only I’d known better. He quickly shot an arrow of some sort through me leg, and then another through me side. Bloody elf! A stout Olvi ranger by the name of Nazirre was with me and ran the fool off.
I recovered and later joined the chase. We thought him mad as he spoke of the person who’d sent the thugs ta create havoc in the threats. He spoke of some evil that we couldna see. Finally our commanding officer, Anamir, stuck him down and we won the day!
Mid 2005:
I encountered Elvyane once more in Bearholdt’s. I was surprised ta see her considerin what happened the previous time. Apparently she’d been stayin in Gaethrend's Court, and layin low. As it so happened we all sat down and ordered some food and drink. Then me stomach got mighty upset, and I knew right away we were all the hapless victims of assassin’s poison! As more thugs and ruffians made their way ta attack Elvyane, we struggled and fought them off as best we could. Then Syken showed up and killed many of us who tried protectin the lady. Fortunately she somehow seemed ta slip away, yet again.
Late 2005:
Durin a small foray inta the Gate of Souls, several of us encountered an odd army of crimson armored folk marchin along side the road. We quickly hid ourselves and tried ta listen inta the conversation. Catchin bits and pieces of “Find the meeting place”, and “The master will be returnin” made us more than a bit worried. Some scouts apparently located us and we had ta quickly kill them. Thanks ta the suggestion of Gracie, we donned the armor of the Crimson folk, and impersonated them well enough to learn some information…
The questioning crimson robed man wanted to know, “Where does your blood flow?”
We had not an answer…
He also asked us why we fell apart from the others, and lied through our durn teeth ta convince him we were genuine. After this he explained we were ta make our way secretly into The Crossings, and wait fer the signal ta meet at the appointed place. Many others would be joinin us inside the town walls in short time… We later boarded Pirant Captain Kuren’s ship and made way to pick up Rav in Haven. Durin our return voyage many Crimson robed people boarded our vessel. Thankfully the able bodied crew and our own cunnin won the day.
After returnin to town Syken arrived to warn us of a “Danger right under your noses”. As had happened several times in the past Syken was very cryptic with everythin he said. It made more than a few of us want ta run him in… Askin him about the Tog, Syken said that the Tog and several people had been taken care of. These people were, dangerous er something. He also said he had killed Elvyane and collected the bounty on her head, much ta my dismay.
Late 2005:
More crimson folk were spotted all around the Crossings. Kuren happened ta wander inta one of their camps in the western wilds. The crimson folk were battling the ogres there for land, and Kuren helped lead their kind inta extinction! The odd thing about all the crimson folk was the repeated symbol on all their weapons, armor, and cloaks.
A tempest raging behind a sword broken into 3 pieces. Very odd symbol I thought. I’d heard rumor that a sword had been used ta trap the spirit of Malgyarr long ago. This sword was later shattered I guess, and if it was ever reunited I suppose one could release the evil spirit trapped inside. Malygarr was a vile mage of old who I’ve heard practiced such arts as Blackfire and worse!
Late 2005:
Word reached me ears from me sources sayin that an elderly gnome named Thimmas had a nephew named Emmet, who’s doll carried inside of it an evil artifact or gem of some sort. Rumor also had it that one of the gnomes had met Raenilar in the past, so perhaps a connection there existed. He was briefly in the Crossings before wandering off. Other facts were explained that have since fled my memory, but would later be of most importance.
Late 2005
I returned home ta the Crossings and caught sight of Elvyane! She was nae dead, but had returned ta see some auction this Thimmas fellow was goin ta be havin soon. Unfortunately many cloaked black people following black wagons entered the city shortly after my arrival, causin us much suspicion. Then Syken appeared and began chasin Elvyane. We held out in me fortress fer a time, but eventually we lost track of her as she fled…
Late 2005:
Eventually the time fer the auction was upon us. I could only hope they’d acquired some suitable guards ta protect whatever was so valuable. As we stood in the trader hall it was apparent some other forces were tryin ta be hard at work. There was two factions apparent in the crowd. On one side ye had these dark cloaked elves, and on the other ye had crimson armor on beneath their cloaks. Several small scuffles broke out durin the biddin that lead ta more than a few deaths by my toll.
At the end of the auction Thimmas announced a final item ta be sold, a gem of some sort. He claimed ta have hid it back at the Half Pint, and would soon return. As he fled we lost track of him, and the durn fool got himself killed and shot across the sky like a fallin star… Since then I’ve heard several rumors of where the gem maybe be..
Rumor 1: The gem was stolen out of the boy’s doll before we found it. UPDATE! (turns out it was all a ruse, some adventurers bluffed having the gem to confuse Syken/Elvyanne)
Rumor 2: Gracie took the gem out of the doll. She may or may not be coverin it up fer some reason.
Rumor 3: The thieves guild stole the gem and is demandin ransom fer it.
Rumor 4: Another who was present durin the fightin took the gem.
Rumor 5: A crimson commander took the real gem, and planted a fake one fer us ta find.
So, I was verry confused by it all.
Late 2005:
Elvyane wandered inta town extremely hurt and in need of dire aid. We were able ta comfort her and listen ta her story while Sete healed her wounds. Elvyane explained how after the auction she was kidnapped by Syken and some black cloaked elves. They tortured her and tried ta have her divulge the resting place of the gem. She claims he showed her the hilt ta the sword, and claimed to have the blade.
Elvyane slipped and said she was workin with the Moon Mage Council to find the gem, hence her comin ta the auction despite great peril ta herself. She has also displayed affinity ta lunar magic in the past. In any event, certain aspects of her story seemed odd.
Gracie and several others claimed she was not present when Syken was seen in the hall. Others saw her resting comfortably following the assassination. She said Syken was a lover of hers from a younger time before he received the scar on his eye. She said that following that injury he became a bounty hunter, and changed forever. I canna prove nor disprove that claim.
Elvyane revealed that anyone posessin the gem would experience hallucinations and should be careful. She tried repeatedly ta get us ta divulge who had it, and wanted ta see it ta ensure it was safe. As I mentioned above, none of us truly knew who had it, and it only caused more confusion. Eventually crimson armored tempest soldiers locked everyone out of the cities, and assaulted us directly. I quickly raised one of me fortresses and waited fer the masses ta be cleared. Elvyane, scared fer her life, called upon Kssarh supposedly ta gate her out of me fortress – and to safety.
Dec 6th, 2005:
Syken was again spotted at the Crossing Ranger guild and Sete managed ta speak with him briefly regardin the situation before suprisin him with an armed escort ta the jail. He still claims ta have at least one of the three sword pieces. He said another lies with the sand crawlers, possibly Outcasts I’d imagine. I still be thinking Syken is but a pawn, workin fer someone else as he’s always bein chased off... Me gut says the damned Mountain Elf Queen Morganae’s got a hand in this. Especially seein as how she had a personal escort see ta Raenilar’s extraction in the first place.
Vorclaf seems ta be losin total control of the city without any reason behind it. I suspect these Crimson folk might be ta blame. I’ve pegged them as bein verry zealous religious types bent on bringing back their long dead “master”.
It will take some time ta sort through all of these events, collect many peoples’ experiences, and figure out just what exactly we be facin in these dark times…
Dec 10th, 2005:
Today we saw a white leopard terrorizing the local traders. I felt it necessary ta see who’s it was, since leopards a common familiar amongst mages of me order. Turns out it was a vaguely familiar face, perhaps one from the Outcast war. After describing the features, he was identified as Yhaman. Yhaman, a mage I dunna know from the look, but more from the tales of his horrible deeds while in the Outcast army. Mass slaughterer of Elotheans, overtaker of the land. Partly one of the reasons me tribe is now gone…
Meetin with the scumbag yielded little results. He was much too arrogant and in control fer us ta use any leverage. Though, meetin confirmed he is after the sword’s three pieces. With Yhaman it seems his quest fer power comes via knowledge. He seeks ta study and understand the sword. Bah! Durn thing’d prolly blow him up.
Yhaman also demonstrated skill usin colorless flame. Verry dreadful indeed. I’m thinking this must be brought ta the attention of me order, but they seem more akin ta just sweepin it under the rug. Only time will tell I suppose. I planted the seeds of discord amongst his thoughts while he tortured one I was with – Raecear, an elven lunar mage who accompanied me. Unfortunately they had fought previously, and Yhaman set ta make sure me friend remembered who won that confrontation. Now with Yhaman seekin Syken, I can only hope one weakens the other in the battles ta come!
March 17th, 2006
A darkly clad Paladin happened across some adventurers yesterday in Haven. In her hands was a box she claimed to have removed from Syken's possession. Believing that something valuable was inside, she sought the help of the party in opening it. They had no key, but were told Syken was a follower of Damaris and liked Seedy bars. A search led to a key being found behind the shrine to Damaris in Crossings, and they discovered not the fabled gem but rather Syken's personal affects inside. While quickly sailing for Arthe Dale, a band of bounty hunters attacked their ship, and then later Syken was seen accosting the party directly.
Contained within the box were the following:
>get cont
You get a faded contract from inside your mahogany box.
>read cont
A faded contract reads:
"As your superior requested, I have outlined the details of the bounty, placed upon parties that shall remain anonymous, to apprentice bounty hunter Syken. Upon retrieval of the mark in question, as well as the stolen artifact in the subject's possession, two thousand platinum in the coin of the realm shall be paid in full. Any means may to taken to retrieve the subject dead or alive, but the artifact must be undamaged. By my hand -- 46 years, 148 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer."
>read par
A tear-stained parchment reads:
"Syken my Love, you have taken everything from me, and betrayed me for the last time. Now you have hidden our love behind rock and stone, choosing to deny the true fire that burns in our hearts. Even when the essence of life itself was held in my hands, you choose duty above me once again. The bitter taste of our last parting still lingers upon my palate, but I go into my protected solitude knowing you are now truly as blind as you have always been. -Elvyane"
March 23rd, 2006
Lady Snow and Seleamar were seen in the Crossings today doing some shopping. As they left the NE gate a white leopard showed up. Investigation showed the familiar to be Yhaman's, and Renwulf sent his panther to speak with the mage.
Discussion with Yhaman was difficult, as the two had previous disagreements over cultural bigotry. Regardless, Renwulf learned that Syken might be under some control (or influence of Yhaman) that would prompt him to deliver him the remaining blade pieces.
It was also learned that Mr. X. had visited Yhaman after spinning some tales, but left disappointed - shocked even (does this mean Yhaman had him killed?). Yhaman regards the elf, Elvyane as inconsequential and with disdain. Finally, the conversation was cut
short when an Outcast guard arrived announcing, "The slaver caravans are here." Renwulf mistook this for the Outcasts having resorted to slave trading - when in reality he discovered Yhaman and his guards were destroying the slavers.
June 16th, 2007
I was not present during the invasion that took place this evening. However the reports of undead Tempest soldiers leading War Mammoths at the city did not come as a suprise. Long has Malygarr hid and gathered a force around him. Now that he has grown in power, it is unknown what may stop him...