Eyes of fire....Darkness

Those words seemed to be the only think making but the slightest of sense among the flood of incoherent babbling of the priestess who had found her way to the plaza, wishing to declare the warning of her vision.
Though the words on first glance may not have had the right impact on the present drow, they should soon prove to be the start of a most peculiar event.

The usual affairs in Ultrinnan quickly resumed, but everyone could not help to keep the think upon the spoken words. The air appeared less humid, the streets seemed darker and even the usual noise appeared less intense. It was hard to place word upon, perhaps something was indeed brewing, or simply the impact of the priestess' words of warning that made room for suspicion.

The babbling of the priestess come to a halt, and complete silence lingered in the plaza, and without any sign of warning globes of darkness began to engulf the assembled drow in the plaza. Once the black shroud of the globe of darkness disappeared, something began to happen. Dimensional doors manifested themselves through out the city. The smell of decay spread with haste, and the intense moaning quickly followed as a small undead army find their way into the plaza, materializing through the dimensional door. Fortunately, their approach was quickly brought to an end by the well prepared drow.

Silence once again fell upon the plaza, but it was brought to an end by series of clicking sounds, and a salve of darts, coated with sleep poison hailed down upon the scattered drow. Howls and warcries rushed through the area and through the shadows stormed a well trained army of rebel drow. Everyone embraced themselves for battle, and the sound of clinging weapons and agonizing screams erupted through the midst of the battling dark elves. Commander Paz'kole participated and soon the attackers had to acknowledge the superiority of their enemies and successfully fought back.

Another foe vanquished, but as things calmed down and the casualties was being estimated, the drow priestess was gone. Rumors has it, that during the turmoil of the battle she was dragged away, pushed through a dimensional door by rebel drow, never to be seen again.

Though Ultrinnan stand victorious, many questions remains unanswered, why did the rebels initiate such an attack?, where did they gather such powerful allies to perform a breach upon the usual strongly guarded city? Was there more to the priestess' warning than expected? What interest could the rebels have in the priestess' capture?

Safe to say, that though the defending drow where victorious, something else is indeed brewing, and the proportions of this danger remains unrevealed, until further investigations has been initiated.

((those wishing to follow up on the event, just send me a PM or reply your character reaction below ))

_________________
<-<-<- Mirhun Thinker ->->->
<-<-<- Azdanduil Ilistyn ->->->
<-<-<- Malavin ->->->
<-<-<- Galenduil Kil'tlar ->->->

_________________

Arissa Nightblade's Wiki

Elvinna'dris listens to the rumors and ponders on the curious priestess. She follows up on any leads as to who the woman was.

*Panting heavily, and glances around in the after match of the battle, he quickly cleans his bloody sword, searching himself for any wounds but findinging no one, he starts to wander to the Temple, to give his report to the Spider gaurd office, and then let himself be avalible for any courseo f actions the Malla Ulath'tallar might take*

Ariel crouches low with her calf muscles tense, ready to pounce, her sword and shield are gripped tightly in her raised arms and her burning gaze flickers to the darkest recesses of the plazaa. Silence decends as the last of the rebels are slaughtered where they stand, though the screams of the dying and the battle cries of those locked in deadly combat still rang clearly in her ears. She retains her feline stance for a moment longer, her lips curl upwards into a snarl and she hisses at the fading dimensional doors. She licks at the rebels blood that surrounds her mouth, dripping slowly from her chin to congeal upon the ground and raises herself to her feet, still eyeing her surroundings cautiously. She takes a few deep breathe's to calm herself, the last vestiges of adrenaline clearing from her veins, and steps forward to take a better look at the scene of devistation.
The street was littered with the mutilated corpses of the rebel Drow, some with deep slashes across their torsos, some with caved skulls, some missing limbs, while others seemed to have suffered the effects of fierce magical energes that twisted and burnt their bodies. As Ariel picked her way among the dead she spied a few Lolthite corpses amongst the tangle, most of them wearing the black and yellow colours of the Vanguard. She chuckles as a thought emerges from the back of her mind.

'Most of those dead Vanguard were killed by the Commander when she flew into her rage, the unfortunate waels.'

Now that the battle seemed to be over she took a moment to reflect upon the situation, many curious questions that begged for answers popped into her head as she leant against the blood stained wall of the Security institute.

'How is it that the rebel's were able to penetrate the cities defences? How is it that they could create those 'dimensional doorways', or whatever Azdanduil would call them? They must have had aid from a higher power! Those waels alone can hardly manage to co-ordinate their own legs to walk with, yet alone a precision attack such as this one, that magic simply was far too advanced for them, way beyond the grasp of their tiny minds.'

As she loses herself in her thoughts a jaluk hurries over to her unnoticed. He coughs politely and Ariel snaps back to reality, glaring at the male with obvious disdain. She watches him expectantly, waiting for him to speak.

'Ma..malla Qu'el'yathrin, th...the rebels have t..t..taken the other unfortunate Yathrin ba..ck through the, err, door wi..with them.'

He bows awkwardly and hurries off, stumbling over a stray lifeless arm as he does so. Ariel looks upwards towards the cavernous ceiling, hidden behind the impenetrable blackness that surrounded the city and returns to her thoughts, her brow furrowing in confusion.

'They have taken the Yathrin? What would they want with her? She was clearly out of her mind as she approached me with her rantings.'

Looking back down again, she quickly scans the assembled Drow for any of a superior rank to her, seeing none, she motions to a few nearby jaluken. They approach her warily as she beckons them closer, her voice is cold and calculating as it cuts through the silence of the street like a knife.

'We need answers, and we need them now! You will come with me to the rebel camp and we will storm their decrepit tower until we find out what we want to know.'

Without watching to see if they follow she turns on her hells swiftly and marches down the street towards the gate, mumbling a quiet prayer to Lolth as a feeling of foreboding grows within her, like spiny tendrils creeping up from the pit of her stomach.

The small expedition arrives outside of the camp about an hour later, looking the worse for wear after fighting their way through terrifying stone gargoyles and huge, green gelatinous cubes. Ariel brushes away a globual of slime as it clings to her armour, the result of thrusting her sword deep into the heart of a cube, and surveys the scene ahead of her, her natural elven night vision illuminating the outline of the Rebel's tower as it pulsates with a sickly green light. She glances over her shoulder at the jaluken and they move forward slowly, their footfalls upon the damp stone floor barely making a noise. They reach the gates of the tower and begin to prepare themselves for whatever lies ahead. Ariel lowers her katana and shield to the ground, placing one atop of the other, she takes a deep breathe and looks skywards, raising her arms above her head on either side. She begins chanting prayers to her Valsharess, her body elevating slowly off the ground until her tiptoes are a few inches above it. Her fiery eyes erupt with a blazing light as the morbid words drift away into the huge cave. The sordid green glow is banished as a myriad of colours dance around her body, each one either dissapating or exploding at the end of it's journey. Her incantations cease abruptly and she drops nimbly to the ground again, radiating divine energies. She nods to the others and they open the huge, cast iron doors, slipping into the darkness within, one at a time.

A shout from down the corridor signalled the approach of the enemy, Ariel tensed herself for battle, and threw herself at the Rebels as they rounded the corner, slashing left and right she tilts her head backwards and laughs , a cruel sound that echoed eerily down the corridor, audible even above the noise of battle.The group fight their way ruthlessly through the twisting corridors of the tower, up creaking stairwells, and passed gaping holes that seemed to be endless. The Rebel's were helpless as their fighters and mage's alike fell beneath the blades and divine magics of the Lolthites who ran through the tower, leaving in their wake a trail of blood and death.

Finally they reached the top most floor. The room was slimy and the air fetid, the walls crumbling as she ran her armoured hand across it. Turning her attention to the matter in hand, she saw two door against the far wall, one at each end. With a lazy flick of her wrist she split the group into two, covering both the entrances. She waited a moment, smiling to herself, allowing her anxiety to grow.


'These waels, at least, should provide us with some real sport. Always save the best till last.'

Indicating that the others should follow her lead she reached for the door handle and tugged it open... Except that it didn't open. With a frown, she leant closer to the door and rested her ear against it, listening intently. A faint voice floated through the solid steel.

'Keep those doors shut until the ritual is complete!'

...To be continued... 'dum dum DUMMM'

*The black and yellow colours are the vangaurd not the Spider gaurd*

...Continued...

Ariel curses under her breathe and kicks at a nearby rock, sending it tumblng across the ancient floor to land with a dull thud at the other side. She steps back and signals for the other to listen at the doors. Wandering over to the center of the room she glances around at the ancient architecture, her nose wrinkling at the foul smeel of must and decay. Her mind begins to wander and soon she is lost, once again, in her thoughts.

'Malla Qu'el'yathrin, the doors are unlocked!'

The agitated voice of a jaluk breaks her concentration and her head whips around, she stalks up to the nearest door, her eyes ablaze.

'Upon the count of three we go in together and we destroy all that breathes. However, I need at least one of them kept alive for questioning. Ready? 1... 2... 3!'

The doors are kicked open by armoured feet and Ariel takes a moment to study the large chamber. The crumbling architecture is much like the rest of the tower, mould growing upon the slimy walls. To her left stands another dimensional door, it's alien surface adorned with intricate patterns. In the center of the room stands a raised platform, small steps leading up to it from all sides. Upon the platform stood a large throne, it's delicate, spider-like structure marking it as Drow made. Sat upon the throne was a small female Drow, her long silvery hair cascading around her shoulders, her gaze locks with Ariel's and she chuckles, her beautiful face radiating malicious glee. Ariel snarls as she watches the rebel leader and rushes into the room with her blade drawn, instantly met by a large assemblage of the rebels. Ariel leaps amidst the fray, her katana blurring as it sweeps from left to right, slicing through armour and flesh alike as it's magical enchantments cut down her foe. As the rush of battle courses through her body, all thoughts of composure are lost and she claws at a rebel's face, gouging five deep welts across his features. Slowly she progresses through the room her burning gaze locked upon the leader. Time seemed to slow down as she began to climb the stairs, the edges of her vision dimmed as she focused upon her target. She was vaguely aware of the vicious attacks other Drow were directing at her, but she merely batted them aside, muttering her prayers to Lolth, engulfing her opponents in magical fire, sending them reeling backwards to scream as their skin melted away from their flesh. Slowly she ascended the stairs until she reached the top, being almost a foot higher then the other female she looked down into her face and smiled, her features seemed to be contorted into something almost demonic as an unnatural light shone on her from below, casting shadows across her form. As the last of the insurgents were chased down and slaughtered Ariel opens her mouth to speak, her voice calm and resolute.

'You have lost wael, your minions lie scattered in pools of their own blood and there is nowhere else to run and hide. I want answers, jalil. If you tell me what I want to know then I shall swear upon my Valsharess that I will allow you to live. If you do naut, then, I fear, you shall live out the rest of your short life in extreme pain and suffering. And believe me when I tell you this, jalil, I am an expert on pain and suffering.'

The female hesitates a moment before responding.

'I shall never tell you anything!'

Ariel shrugs whilst unbuckling her belt from her side, she grasps the hilt firmly and raises it above her head, pausing for a long moment to allow the female's trepidation to fester. Her arm moves sharply downwards and the whip snakes through the air, leaving in it's wake a faint red mist that gradually dissapates into nothing. The tip of the whip sinks into the female's flesh and cuts deep into her shoulder. Ariel quickly snaps her arm backwards and the whip follows, it's spiny barbs tearing the flesh from the bone, exposing a long, jagged wound. The female's screams reverberate around the tower, a shrill cry of anguish that would make even the most despicable of creatures cringe. Blood surges from the wound and creates a river that meanders down the steps, she writhes across the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, biting her lip so hard that she punctures it with her teeth. As she begins to slip into unconciousness Ariel quickly mutters a few words under her breathe and the female's eyes snap back open. Ariel crouches down infront of her and reaches out to grasp the female by the cheeks, pushing them in slightly to purse her lips.

'That was your own doing. Further pain could be avoided by speaking now.'

The yathrin speaks loud and slowly, as if talking to a child. When the female replies her voice is barely above a whipser, gulping in the squalid air as she does so. The colour from her face has completely drained as she leans against the base of her throne.

'I... I do not know much, I swear! We... We received a letter from some...someone, though who it was, I do...do not know...They t...told us that we ha...d a chance to strike at Ultrinnan... W...we could not refuse su...ch an offer! We... Were told we must ca...pture a Yat..hrin from the city and bring he..r back here. Th...ey told us we mus..t perform a ritual of sa..crifice in order to begin the process of su...summoning a terr...ible demon that would lay wa...ste to your city. The ritual is n...ow complete, our t..task is done, there is no...nothing you can do about it. Who..ever it is wants to see the D..row crushed, and th..ey have allready ta..ken the first st..eps in doing so!'

Ariel listens intently as she speaks, trailing her whip in small circles across the female's leg. She watches her eyes carefully for long moments before nodding her satisfaction.

'She speaks the truth. You may do with her as you wish.'

'B..ut you swore you'd l..et me live!'

Ariel turns around and looks to the female incredulously.

'I swore upon my Valsharess, wael. Chaos, deception and trickery are among many of her more favoured traits, jalil.'

She smiles to her sweetly and turns on her heels, the screams of the rebel leader following her as she heads back to the city.

'I must report this to my Il'haress at once. And then, perhaps, summoning a demon from the Abyss would be a wise move. It might just be able to tell us something.'

Sliding a slim finger along the leg of a nearby spider, Lua'breena pondered upon the current state of the city. No news, be it bad or good, passes her quellar unnoticed. Demonic rituals and rebel attack, within the city? This certainly didn't please the matron of quellar Beanre and could this event be deciphered as the first step to destruction?

She shook her head from side to side, her snow white hair twirls from side to side, until coming to a halt, curling down her back as a silken scarf. There was no doubt, that the majestic appearance and proud stand radiated nothing but power and confident. She was a matron, an Il'haress of the fourth house, not a powerful position in the society, at least not yet. Everything comes in due time, her beloved Valsharess always favors those with devotion and unquestionably loyalty. A slight smile slips into the maton's already alluring facial features, for she was confident. Never had she stepped away from the path, for the only thing driving her wicked soul, was to please her Valsharess. Soon she would bear witness of the fruit from her efforts.

Time has come to take a more active part in the city, it was not that she lacked initiative, her scouts provides her with all the rumors and stories of the plaza, so she knew exactly how to place her feet in order not to fail. Settling in a new city has consumed much of her attention, but by being accepted as a noble quellar by the council, the first step has been completed. Now it was time to spread her name, so none would question her abilities and reputation.

Her keen eyes, flickering with a dark glow, catches the sight of a running priestess. With a few gestures of her little finger, she beckons her closer. The animated viper heads on the cruel whip hisses at every step the priestess took in her approach. After the priestess offered her respect, Lua'breena directed a mental order to the cruel whip, the viper heads bowed their head in acceptance of the order and curled themselves around her slim waist, glaring intently at the approaching priestess.

With an elegant movement, she removed her exquisite gloves and produces a small journal, wrapped in what appears to be rivvin skin. Though preserved well, a faint smell of rotten flesh teased the nostrils of those nearby. She had already interviewed one priestess, and though her devotion was admirable, she was not the one having her interest. This was the one being present during the attack, and here was Lua'breena's chance to take initiative and become an active part in the matter.

Her quill darted across the pages of her journal, as the priestess answered her questions. The beautiful matron took it just as much as a hobby, than business, to interview a few priestess'. The way the chose to place their words in order to answer her questions, revealed much of their abilities, and the journal contained enough to praise and punish those having taken part of the interview.

Slowly she closed the book, being certain this was the priestess she would use to utilize the next step, and while petting the nearby spider she formulated her request.

"It is time to take initiative, the demonic summoning shall be performed within fourteen cycles, and I shall personally be present to supervise the procedure, yathrin. I ask of your to gather a team of trusted kin to participate and deal with the outcome of the summoning, and mind you, I will be keeping my eyes locked upon you during every step of the procedure. Let this matter be dealt with efficiently, so that we may deprive our city from those enemies. Do naut disappoint me yathrin, I would hate to realize your words of devotion and wisdom are but empty phrases."

The confident matron of quellar Baenre glared at the yathrin, smiling faintly before taking her leave. She couldn't help to feel slightly anxious to fight back this enemy and prove the Valsharess, that her children remain strong and superior.

((A'right, next stage of the plot will be initiated on Sunday 12:00 GMT. If it doesn't appear suiting, then PM me and I'll try and alter it so as much as possible can participate ))

~~edited: "There seem to be some conflicts in timezones, so I'll put it on hold until I've come up with a more suiting day and time. Still very interested in getting PMs about what time would suit you all the best~~

_________________
<-<-<- Mirhun Thinker ->->->
<-<-<- Azdanduil Ilistyn ->->->
<-<-<- Malavin ->->->
<-<-<- Galenduil Kil'tlar ->->->

// hmm... 8am for me.. I'll try and make it.

_________________

Arissa Nightblade's Wiki

Ariel'eth ran down the dark, gloomy streets, her head lowered and her eyes downcast. Those she passed on her hurried journey would wonder where she was heading to at such a pace, but the mystery would remain with her alone.

She slowed a bit as she made her way down the main street and a movement caught her eye to her right. She stopped abruptly. She looked. She bowed. The Il'haress of Beanre herself was standing before her, beckoning her closer.

'Ah, so this is the Il'haress of the fourth que'llar is it? It has been a long time since she has shown her putrid face amongst us. Ha! I wonder what she wants. It shall be interesting to, at last, gather my own opinion of her.'

Ariel slowly approached the Il'haress, her eyes carefully averted to the dirt-trodden floor. She halts a few feet away from her before speaking, her usual harsh tones seemed to be muted somewhat.

'Vendui', malla Il'haress, it is an honour for you to have graced us with your glorious presence at last. I wonder if you would spare the time from your busy schedule to enlighten a lowly Yathrin upon the purpose of your visit?'

The Il'haress seemed satisfied with her as she stole a quick glance upwards from the corner of her eye, though she reprimanded her slightly for the over use of flattery. She proceeded to explain to Ariel that she had been out in the city interviewing members of the Yath, and that the previous ones did not seem to suit her criteria, and that she hoped Ariel's answers would prove more lucrative.

'Del'heen, Il'haress, I shall endeavor to answer your questions to my full potential, and hope that they are adequate.'

The Il'haress of Beanre began to ask her numerous questions about Ariel's opinions on the state and happenings of the city, the current politics and the Valsharess. Ariel answered each one carefully, making sure she gave her the least amount of information possible, without giving anything of importance away about herself and her qu'ellar. However, when it came to her Valsharess she spoke fervantly. Lolth was who she lived, breathed and worked for.

The interview went on for some time, until finally, the Ilharess seemed satisfied. Ariel's brow furrowed as she stated her plans to oversee the summoning. She waited patiently before she had taken her leave.

'This Il'haress is strong, indeed. Devious and devoted. I shall have to watch her closely. Does she plan to take the credit for my hard work? I shall have to see about that.'

// Sorry for the huge delay in posting, but haven't been on the forums in a while.

Xuneera heard of the event, as she was not there to participate herself. Luckily for her and the House, she did earn slight power as her guards seemingly helped against the rebellious attack, with the guards of the other Qu'ellaren.

"Rebel.. blood must spill, for this blasphemy." she muttered to herself, as only response to the event. And immediately set her House on high alert against infiltrators, heretics and rebels. Even sending a few heretical hunting patrols into the caverns now and then.

Time passed before Ilharess May'Vrae Do'Veldran finally contacted Xuneera, explaining the situation to her, which she of course already knew of.

"I have waited for Ilharess Tinnerai to summon the council, but apparently she has done nothing about this. I shall summon the Matrons."
May'Vrae explained quickly, both the Matrons in a hurry.

"And I shall support the meeting."

And in only few words the Matron's finished the meeting as quickly as it had begun.

_________________
Shattered Gem Productions, is honoured to have brought you


Siggy by Koragi, Vegan, & Myself

Absentmindedly Lua'breena glides a hand through her hair, twirling a lock around her index finger. So lost in thought, the powerful matron were, that she hardly saw approaching slave. It was the sound approaching footstep, bare feet upon a smooth cold stone floor, that brought the forced the vicious matron away from her contemplating step.

Her lips curls up as she produces a threatening snarl. Without any warning she grasped the unfortunate slave around the neck, squeezing until the color of the frightened slave's face changed due to lack of air. Despite her urge to punish the slave, for no apparent reason than satisfying her own amusement, she loosened the grip.

"Speak up!"

Gasping for air the pathetic slave looked at Lua'breena, fear seemed to have taken its toll on the slave as it desperately tried to utter the answer without stuttering.

"The ti..ti..time i..is up malla I..Il'haress"

Trembling with fear the slave extends his right arm, balancing a silver plate containing a dark wooden carved hour glass. Fearing for its life, the slave looks at Lua'breena again, hoping to obtain some knowledge of its fate in her expression.

The smile upon Lua'breena's lips brings some comfort to the unfortunate slave, and relieved to have been spared it slowly took its leave. The slave barely managed to complete three steps before it clutched it heart and fell to the ground squirming and screaming in agony. It was during these brief seconds of torment, that the slave came to realize the error it made. Not only did it look the matron in the eyes, it forgot to bow as well.

A tear of despair finds its way down the suffering slave's cheek, and a dark smile, illuminated by the dark magic erupting from the matron's little finger, was the very last thing the slave managed to observe, before magical flames engulfed the writhing slave.

Barely able to hold back a snicker, Lua'breena shot a glance towards the screaming slave, before heading to the plaza to assemble the drow in the Sorcere.

The wizard appointed to the task lived up to the responsibility, and by adding the powers of multiple casters, the summoning circle was sufficiently strengthened to withhold the presence of powerful demons.

Sol'rak, a powerful demon found it's way through the rift as its name was being uttered. Despite the preparation, some of the students had to draw forth the full extent of their concentration to uphold the defensive runes in the summoning circle.

"Inferior race, while you're manifesting what abilities you have in order to claim some control over me, the reason behind your quarrels is being spoken to in some apartments not far from here."

Acidic drool sizzled in the air before splashing down on the cold stone floor in the summoning circle, as Sol'rak moved its dog-like maw and muzzle. Little interest did Sol'rak pay the remaining drow as it moved it's deformed
and grotesque monkeylike head towards Gloth T'sab, testing the will power of the drow wizard.

Having fulfilled its end of the bargain, Sol'rak was released from the circle and allowed to return to the lower plane. In return of its answers, the name of the lesser fiend uttering its name was given. The thought of peeling the skin of the wretched betrayer forced a wicked smile upon the demons lips as it began to fade from existence.

Quickly the present drow ran for the apartments, and the truth in Sol'rak's words quickly became apparent as they caught a cultist mage trying to flee. The smell of victory was slowly beginning to tease the nostrils of the present drow, as they began to interrogate the mystic magus.

"I have nau interest uttering words to those who are soon to die when -he- rises. Fear death I do naut, for once my soul leaves this organic carcase, -he- will embrace my soul and grant me a place in his kingdom once the final ritual has been completed"

The cultist barely managed to close his mouth before he undertakes a sequence of violent twitches. With a loud snap, the viewers of this morbid display knew, that there was little life back in that mage. Suddenly the light in the room began to flicker, something with a vile presence was influencing the immediate area. Though the neck of the mage might be snapped, something was taking control of him. A vicious smile spreads upon the mage's lip and followed by the sound of sickening cracks, the joints in the neck was brought back in order.

Eyes of fire....that was the exact words the priestess uttered before she was abducted, and those said word seemed a perfect description as the possessed mage glanced around the assembled drow with eyes resembling nothing but two flaming orbs.

"Pathetic, did you really expect to stir my plans that easily. I -will- rise and what joy I will take in forcing you to submit to my supremacy. Do not try and fight back something that goes beyond your comprehension and give me back what is mine!"

But this desperate demand revealed the importance of the map they managed to obtain from the mage during his capture. Perhaps this holds the key to the final stages of the rituals. None of the drow showed any interest in handing back the map, and by sensing this desire the possessed mage growls in frustration. The flaming eyes grows in intensity and another sequence of violent twitches set the mage in motion. The morbid scenario culminated in an organic explosion, scattering the mage all across the room, accompanied by a roaring demonic laughter.

Silence slowly took its claim in the room again, so close the drow where to the truth and yet it appeared so far. However, something was gained from the incident, a map...what importance it held, and how it may be used remains a mystery, but there was no doubt it held the key to their victory.

_________________
<-<-<- Mirhun Thinker ->->->
<-<-<- Azdanduil Ilistyn ->->->
<-<-<- Malavin ->->->
<-<-<- Galenduil Kil'tlar ->->->

...Drip...

The room was richly furnished with ornate objects of a spider like design. A silent figure sat upon one of them; a tall and spindly chair. It was hunched over a small and rather creased square of parchment.

...Drip...

The silent figure stirred, shifting it's weight upon the chair and issued a soft grunt. The only light in the dark room issued from it's eyes, a fierce glow of blazing red. They were focused upon the parchment that sat on the desk in front of it.

...Drip...

Ariel'eth snarled and lashed out at the pipe beside her, it's job being to carry warm water through to the bath room, her small hand arced through the still air and smashed into the slender pipe, tearing it from it's brackets and snapping it in half. Water gushed forth and quickly formed a large pool on the tiled floor that spread slowly across the room to trickle out from underneath the closed door. She muttered a few obscenities under her breath, rubbing at the back of her stinging hand. She turned her attention back to the map she had procured from the incident and smiled her satisfaction. The low and gentle gurgle of escaping water being more to her taste then the harsh and repetitive dripping.

'Hmmm, it seems obvious to me that this demon and his lackey's have somehow managed to convert our city into a vast summoning circle. Aha, the mages of the Sorcere needn't have bothered preparing their pathetic one for hours...What to do?'

She sighed and cleared her throat noisily before gracefully climbing up from the chair. She whipped the map up from the table and clutched it in her strong grip. Turning abruptly on her heels she half walked, half waded over to the door to open it, the water cascading out into the corridor as she did so. She made her way to the exit of house Do'Veldran and slipped away into the gloom, shouting over her shoulder to one of the guards.

'My room seems to be slightly damp, get it fixed.'

Ariel'eth marched through the plazaa and abruptly halts upon sighting the matron mother of Beanre. She bows her head in respect and approaches her slowly.

'Vendui, malla Il'haress. I have been studying the map and it is of my opinion that they have transformed the area of Ultrinnan into a huge summoning circle. As far as I can see the sensible course of action would be to place guards upon each point. Have the surrounding areas searched and possibly excavated. Then have members of the Yath cleanse them. Hopefully the searches shall prove to be invaluable to us.'

The two of them converse for a short while before heading their seperate ways, both having plenty of tasks to occupy their minds.

Mayae sighed and shook her hair loose she slipped into her baths in the Tinnerai compound. She needed something to relax her self after the distressing news and a nice hot bath should suit her perfectly. She thought of the circle and each building that was marked. Sighing Mayae ordered a servant to wash her hair as she contemplated the situation.

After her relaxing bath, she combed her beautiful silky white hair that flowed down to her shoulders. A paper was quickly taken out and she wrote an elegant notice, that she sent a servant to deliver it to her male. Her male would understand when he got it, what he was needed for. Mayae dressed herself in her usual elegant Robe, inlaid with rich gold and black. Symbols of spiders and spider webs were clearly visible upon her robe.

Mayae found the Ul’saruk and House weapon master of Tinnerai, Zanticor in the Melee Magtheria. Mayae smiled a cruel and dark smile, like she often did when heaving to deal with males of some importance. Mayae slid into the chair, and looked at him, taking out a map of the city, and pointing to the buildings that were the same as the ones she saw on that the magus had.

“Zanticor, you have heard by now of the demon, xas? I want patrols here, here, here and here. The guard’s presence is to watch these buildings, at all times, if they don’t make them regret it. I will naut have the Goddess’s city fall. I want the whole City patrolled; these places especially. I want these buildings serchered inside and out, what ever the reason was for the Demon choosing them, we shall find out. “

Mayae listened to Zanticor speak his turn, Standing up, she spoke in a chanting like tone. “Kyorl jal bauth, kyone, lueth lil Quarvalsharess xal belbau dos lil belbol del elendar dro.” Which translated to Watch all about, warily, and the Goddess may give you the gift of continued life. The Goddess’s City would not fall Mayae vowed to herself, as she headed to the Temple to pray to Lolth.

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made by Gem.
Elven information links

*Mayae listened to the Ill'haress of Do'veldran talk about the plans to defend the city. Mayae had to agree that they would work, but claiming the credit will go to those who Lolth wants credit to go to. Mayae leans back in her chair in the Tinnerai compound and writes down a few notices, one to the Vanguard and their captain and one to the mages at the sorcere.*

skilled mages in the ability to detect magic and knowledge of the arcane are ordered to search the ruins of the Vandree house. anything and everything must be reported. in a few cycles I want that place swept for all magical items in there.

Lolth tlu Malla!

Mayae Tinnerai

All Vanguards are ordered to patrol the city. in addition, additional guards are ordered to be placed near the security institute, the bath house, the apartments and the library. These areas must be guarded, watch all the enter.

Lolth Tlu malla!

Mayae Tinnerai

*Mayae then stands up and orders a slave to dress her, as she goes to find the Ul'saruk to tell him his latest orders. *

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made by Gem.
Elven information links

//sorry for the delayed post.

After taking some time to assess the situation, May'Vrae heads out into the city to see what progress has been made thus far. She was greeted by three of the Yath, which after a brief chat about the current situation left May'Vrae frustrated.
"Why hasn't this been done already!? We are to take action NOW!" She goes off to the academies to inform them of the situation.

"The Ul'saruk is to gather some of his strongest warriors and assign AT LEAST four patrols to each of the five main points: The Vandree Ruins, Library, Pleasure House, Security Institute, and Apartments.
I want the security institute to keep careful watch in and around the city for anything out of the ordinary -- these five points especially. Be ready to capture and interrogate any potential suspects.
The Ul'faruk will gather his most competant mages of Sorcere to go out to each of these five points and assess the area for any possible magical presences. If necessary, we will use slaves to perform the actual excavation of the area. If we are lacking in these resources, we will seek to obtain more from Underpot.
All Yath shall be ready to bestow blessings upon these areas when the time allots. We will begin our investigations (and possible excavation) at the library, as it is the closest to Lloth's temple and poses the greatest potential threat of the temple being harmed."

//DMs I'm wondering how are we going to do this? I thought it might be good if we did this by scheduling it one area at a time so everyone would have a chance to get involved. would this be better (and easier) to do?

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Arissa Nightblade's Wiki

As the patrol had been distributed among the Vanguards and the marked buildings on the map thoroughly searched, every investigating team returned empty handed. Nau physical sign seemed to indicate any attempt of intrusion of demonic activity for that matter, however, the appointed mages scanning the positions claims to feel an increase in the magical patterns of the weave. The gap between the etheral and the material plane seems smaller on the marked positions, what this significance might hold is hard to decipher, for such magical zones can be found throughout Ultrinnan, some stronger than others.

Whether this could be linked to demonic rituals seems highly puzzling at the moment, but perhaps there's more to it than meets the eye...


((I apologize the late respond, getting a bit occupied with study and all, I'll be around to clarify the results ingame as soon as possible))

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<-<-<- Mirhun Thinker ->->->
<-<-<- Azdanduil Ilistyn ->->->
<-<-<- Malavin ->->->
<-<-<- Galenduil Kil'tlar ->->->

*upon request, a small letter is distributed amongst the Il'haressen, carrying the seal of the Ul'fearuk*

There seems to have been some incident if miscommunication present, regarding distributed responsibilities agreed on the council meeting, and lacking information to the academies. Since the frustration of the lacking response of a letter, regarding the demonic incident, has grown to a level, where I feel I must take the task from Gloth and complete it.

Recently the Spider Guard Ssinssrin has uncovered some vital information regarding the demonic entity, through successful negotiations, some scrolls of ancient lore came within our possession, revealing some historical references to a similar incident that may be linked to what we're dealing with at the moment. The scrolls contains the names of the demon, which the citizens at that time bestowed upon it. These historical references are of great importance, as they may be used to uncover the true name of the demon. With the true name in our possession we can successfully banish it from our plane.

Gloth has been left in charge with the ritual, as he has shown great potential in summoning forth monsters from the lesser planes. Having experience and contacts only benefits his upcoming task. By summoning forth a powerful demon, Gloth should be able to use the historical references to make the summoned demon locate the true name of the demon. It will naut be an easy task, as such negotiating with demons always proves to contain difficulty.

Should this succeed, the true name will make us able to banish it from our plane, though only one problem remains. The demon doesn't reside in our plane, it seems to be trapped in the void between the planes, which would explain its somewhat limited access to our plane. We suspect the pinpointed locations and the captured priestess is a part of a ritual to manifest itself fully within our realm.

As Gloth seems to be somewhat absent at the moment, there's a delay on the ritual, but before we consider placing another magus in charge, it needs to be decided what action to take. With the true name in our possession, we cannaut banish the demon..unless it walks the same plane as the one where the true name is being recited. Thus I leave it to the Il'haressen to decide what action to take, a possible scenario would be to allow the demon to manifest itself in our plane, then read the name aloud and banish it for good. This, however, will mean the priestess might be losst during the demons entry, and the defences of the pinpointed locations needs to be removed as well.

The historical references is within the possession of the Spider Guard, the ritual will be on hold until the Il'haressen have had the time to take the facts under consideration.

*the letter is signed*

Ul'fearuk Azdanduil Do'Veldran

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<-<-<- Mirhun Thinker ->->->
<-<-<- Azdanduil Ilistyn ->->->
<-<-<- Malavin ->->->
<-<-<- Galenduil Kil'tlar ->->->

Elvinna'dris peers at this letter ((the one written by Azdanduil in the post above)) upon one of her journeys to the Surface world - she had made a quite a few lately for reasons unknown to any but herself and one other. However, on this particular journey, when the night had come to a close, and Elvinna'dris had to stop before she reached her objective, she snuck into a barn and pulled out this letter from her days as the Ilharess of House Tinnerai.

As she read where the Demon had been trapped in the Void, she clicked her tongue a few times. She recalled a time where Olath'url and herself had led the interrogation of an infiltration into the City. A mage - one of those serving the Demon - had attempted to set up a ritualistic diagram upon the floor of a room in the VDVM. As they worked upon the helpless jaluk, he had been usurped by the Demon's spirit, whom Mayae asked a few ridiculous questions, and then.. as Olath reported to Elvinna'dris.. poofed. Just up and destroyed.. the Demon must be rather close..

Her latest talk with Azdanduil had reminded her of this letter. The conversation flitted through her head, as well as the memory of what happened afterwards..

"Azdanduil, what do you expect to be done? The Demon was supposed to have been summoned by Gloth.. a now gone, magic-user, of your Academy.. whom else do you expect to deal with this except yourself?"

"Malla Yath'tallar, Demonic beings can be summoned forth by yath as well.. it was in this particular instance that the Ilharessen wished it to be dealt with by my Academy, but it does naut require magic.."

Then the odd sounds and the rampage of rothe drew them away from their conversation..

The thoughts swirled, and she slipped the letter away to steal a few moments of rest. "I will think more of it on the rest of the journey.." she murmured to herself, and she slithered underneath the hay of the barn. Noone would find her there.