Rumors begin to come from Underport and other points Below that the drow city once known as Ultrinnan is no more. As to what exactly caused the destruction, few on the surface, or even below, know. Or if they do, they aren't speaking of it. There are, however, reports of a massive and long-lasting series of earthquakes in the Skull Crags recently. And, strangely, where Ultrinnan once sat there is nothing more than a calm, deep subterrainian lake being fed by the Underriver.

Auron never looked back as the city finally got destroyed. Silently, deep within, he hoped that most Ultrinnanyr had fled to the Surface, towards the Light, rather than further deep into the Underdark.

Of the messages he left scattered while the city was still standing, he saw no drow from Below at the shrine and never found his notices, as expected, probably all destroyed by the Ultrinnanyr.

Using a portal, he brought the Tinnerai with him to Endir's Point, then looked up at the sky for a quick, brief moment, once he got there, thinking to himself.

Daughter, I tried. Not sure if they listened.

From there, he led them through Endir's Point towards L'Obsul, killing trolls and ogres, guiding or perhaps following the Tinnerai towards their claimed caves, when then he left, wandering the Underdark.

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BlackDahlya

Once Upon A Time Played
Adr'ael Ken'rahel, Auron Teken’ath, Aurora Mesodias, 'Daniel' Daoskinaxarijikkym, Eilin'ira, Helena Rios, Layla Faircurrent, May'Une Do'Ndar, Mellinda Tellus, Michael of Cliffside, Rizzen of Twilight, Valkirya d'Claddath

Maltha'gor would hear the rumors, him been staying in L'Obsul. He would simply let out a long, exhausted sigh.

"Much has been predicted, including this. Malla Lolth preserves in chaos, and this is just a whim to her will."

May'ryna, arguably the weakest Yath present, had little but her blade to lend to the actions, but lend it she did, and she's half-followed, half-supported away by Arran Qos'Yutsu some time later, the two locking themselves securely in a bathing chamber to get rid of the muddy fungal filth they're covered in.

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Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

Standing in a dark corner of Underport with a longbow in hand that blended in with the shadows in which this one stood in, it'd hear the quiet slithering whispers and the echoing voices of happenings that have passed through. The destruction of Ultrinnan being the main voice to the uttered into this ones ear, causing a stop along the idle drumming along the grip of the bow.

This ones mind flourished with thoughts and memories of that place, giving a shake of the head as the shade slowly accepted it in the end. One last moment of a thought slipped into that ones mind:


"Udos was the first, Ultrinnan to be the second, will we all be the third?"

Once which had stood there in that corner twisted from sight.

_________________

Vhursk'arr fled the city along with the others as the temple was destroyed, dodging large boulders and stalagtites as they plummeted down from the unseen heights above. Dust clouded the air, making it difficult to breathe or even see, and though content with saving his own skin in the catastrophe, he spared a few moments to observe the Tinnerai matriarchy. They appeared for the main part to be concerned with self sacrifice and the well being of one another, as if they actually cared. A strange sight to see so far beneath the surface; he hoped it was not something that would bring a similar fate to Ussen d'Vhid's fortified caverns. Once clear of the earthquakes he left the rest of the group, heading off in his own direction.

Vlos stopped several times to survey the destruction of the city as he made his way from the temple, to the city center and then out to the hollow caverns. As the ground shook under his feet and the city was crumbling he saw Lucretia exit. Looking at her he spoke. "Some how it seems less satisfying now."

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----------------------------------------------------
"Toss me...I cannot jump the distance. You will have to toss me." -Gimli

Blood Storm followed her Honored Matron Mother out of the crumbling city, the last of the Spider Guard, a mage and the lone child of the Great Spider Queen keeping pace. Her helm was firmly in place along with a wicked smile. She pivoted around in order to watch as the cavern coughed up the last of the dust before the river swallowed it whole.

Vengeance is done. She thought, very pleased.

She gave her bloody, dusty blade a spin. She felt the pride that came with the knowledge that it was the cunning and strength of House Tinnerai that the Great Spider Queen entrusted with executing Her will. And they had been victorious.

The trek to House Tinnerai was largly uneventful. Once there camp was set up and food, drink and rest were offered to the two Ultrinnan Spider Guard and Ultrinann Mage that had been escorted there. The spider had been guarded and kept interested in following with choice bits of food.

Only one thought kept surfacing in her mind…. There should have been more fire.

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Ari'aerath Dlues'athsha ~ Silver Singer with the Bow of the Sun
Clarette Feohn ~ Magic is Art.
Victoria Marrs ~ "I have an herb for that."

*within Castle Tarkuul, in its private.. residence, word reaches Frey of the final demise of Ultrinnan*

It is done.

So do those whom disrespect Frey Asaid'De Majere pay the price.

Now, perhaps this "new" city will fare better, if the leadership there is as mine spies have reported...

We shall see.

*withdrawing a leather-bound tome from a desk within its room, a flourished dip of the quill into it's well, and with an extravagant motion, a check is placed next to a line in the second page of the tome*

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"Come under the flag of truce, and brook no treason... for mineself is Death, and care not whom knows mine touch."
- Frey Asaid'De Majere

Exiting the city Lucretia feels only regret for how the city fared in her absences for all those years. speaking to herself

"They'll destroy the next one too. It's only a matter of time. Then, when they come to do so, I shall let them all die with their mistake."

Lucretia is yet to show up to the new home the drow from Ultrinnan or more important to her where Tinnerai are making from themselves.

She visits the mouth of the cave that once lead to Ultrinnan leaving insignias and ranks she had taken for the bodies of those she helped pass on towards their goddess. The ranks and insignias ranging from the lowly warrior of the Magthere to the the high priestess of the Yath.

"These might as well die along with the city. My vengeance is served. Finally"

Lucretia is seen now wandering the old caverns turning away new drow towards L'Obsul.

_________________
Lucretia D'Tinnerai (drow with a disgusting powerbuild)
Kosj'lxen (Pure Sorceress)
Jaysen Slaaaria (Barbarain)
Zoltan (druid)

Looming over the wreckage of the once grand city the forms of an extravagantly dressed mage (with his constant pair of dragons, small and large) grins bestially as he spout his loud monologue.

Ah Ultrinnan, my friend you grew powerful then venerable but like all things your failing have finally caught up with you and so you now lie defeated and dead.

Lashing out with arcane magic the mage cuts a deep X into the rock followed by a more intricate etching of grinning dragon beside it.

Turning to go he pulls out a very old, yet pristine book of drow poetry. Flipping through the book he stops and reads for a minute before looking to his dragon escort and offing his usual large grin.

How young I was... Now then how about we go find a few barrels of fine liquor. I feel like a celebration for my fallen adversary and comrade is most called for.

Letting out a low roar the dragon follows the mage as they depart from the fallen city.

A dark figure walked on the shore of the newly created lake, protected by various enchantments. He seemed to be a drow or elven male, clad in black armor, carrying a heavily adorned wizard's staff in one hand and a cruel-looking dagger in the other. The most remarkable thing about his appearance were the two crimson flames which seemed to shadow the movements of his eyes, darting across the helmet's visor from one side to another as he inspected what was once Ultrinnan.

After some time, the figure stopped, and leaned on the staff, remaining both silent and quite still. What nobody could see or hear were the thoughts going through the lone visitor's mind.

At last, it has happened. I didn't expect it to take this long, but then again... the ultrinnyr were never efficient in anything they did. It is a shame that the city did not take with it its inhabitants, the true source of the problem. But, with time, that may be corrected...

As he thought that, the mage sheathed his dagger, and fished around in the inner pockets of his cloak for a few moments with his now-free left hand. He took out two small metal objects, insignias of sorts. With a flick of his wrist, the visitor threw both the objects into the lake. The crimson light of the flames stemming from his eyes reflected on the surface of the water as he watched the two metal pieces sink. After this seemingly meaningless action, the figure finally turned around, walking away from the lake, its dry, raspy voice barely audible as he spoke but two words:

Aluve' Ultrinnan

//I need those who participated in this event to PM me with there character name and class. Dont assume i remember you it was a work night and i was dead on my feet. PM me donot post here.

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Ilharess Oloth'chu Tinnerai
Faeryl Freth

Elvinna'dris made her way to the ruins of the once grand city she was raised in and the large caves it inhabited to take a look at what her past had come to. She felt like she had seen it coming ever since she had chosen to leave Ultrinnan and Lolth had still blessed her with her power. That didn't make it less meaningful to her faith and belief.. a beautiful drow city, destroyed by fools.

The worst part was that the fools were probably still alive. They never really died in this hellhole of an Underdark.

(I was going to post this a while back but lost it, now its found. Better late then never? )

Oloth’chu looked about her. Some of the faces she knew, some well, others hardly at all. All of them Lolth’s children gathered at an appointed time to perform a task dictated directly from Lolth herself. Not the showing she had expected, not every noble house was represented and those who were represented were pitifully so. Tinnerai having the largest force on the field. To an extent this pleased her, as Lolth had chosen to assign her, there Ilharess this incredibly important task. World these gathered be enough? She caught herself wondering and immediately chastised herself. Of course they are enough, we are Drow and Lolth has commanded us.

After enough time had past that she was certain all were present who were going to be she addressed them. She reminded them there assigned task and the order in which it was to be completed. The temple which had become infested with taint was to be cleansed, and then destroyed. After, the city in its entirety was to be raised to the ground. Lolth had made it clear that all that had been was tainted, no longer worthy of her and she wanted no part of it, the very soil itself even no more fit for her.

Oloth had considered long how best to approach this task and had devised two plans as possibilities. Carefully she laid out her preferred plan first and briefly discussed it. Then to be certain of there course, she submitted to those around her second possible plan. Both had there merits but the second she thought more flawed. Those around agreed, it would be her favored plan. It was fairly simply. Once inside two groups would form, both nearly equal in strength and ability as the other. From there they would move separately though the once great temple clearing the demon filth as they went, insuring none could later flank them. Room by room they would go until they met once again at the doors to the sanctum itself. The plan was well understood and then Oloth’chu instructed them in the last critical piece. The Valsharess had favored Tinnerai. She had favored Tinnerai in there prayers and given to them a manifestation. That manifestation revealed to them the means of the portals destruction. Molten rock she explained. The foul portal would have to be subjected to molten rock and that would mean reserving fire magics until the portal was reached.

Once everything was greed and groups designated the assembly moved and when they were before the ruined temple final preparations began. Clerics weaved divine energies about those present, mages to spread arcane enchantments about all of those in reach, and a final prayer to Lolth was issued.

The foul thing inside had seeped its influence outside the temple, not much but enough. Before the door was an obstacle of unnatural fungus and mushrooms. Ilharess Oloth’chu ordered there removal, a jaluk mage swiftly moved to obey and with hardly an effort blasted them from there path in one utterance. Oloth smiled inwardly, she hoped all went to well, though she was no fool and would not count on it.

Inside they met no initial resistance and they were able to divide and move out unhindered. However this was not to last and by the time each group reached there first corner the demons made them selves known. Fresh and well protected the Drow almost carved there way though as if the enemy were dead flesh hung upon hooks. As they advanced they executed the plan as precisely as experienced Drow always did. As the fighting progressed fatigue started to slowly set in and each battle began to drag on longer and longer. Finally they reached the door to the inner sanctum. Both groups rejoined and became one united force once again.

The demons were aware of this threat but also they were aware that the Drow were tiring, there enchantments slowly waning and the demons had been able to summon reinforcements though the portal Lolth’s children had not yet reached. A much more grand battle erupted in the hall outside the inner sanctum. Wave after wave appeared, some even appearing some how from behind, the Drow fought viciously against the tide that threatened to engulf them and end there holy cause. Oloth’chu to close to the battle withdrew a moment and surveyed her force. Things were beginning to go poorly, her Drow were beginning to wear out. She growled recognizing the ploy for what it was. There at the very entrance to the inner sanctum more demons then they had encountered yet had surfaced to face them, nothing bared there way through the door though, save the invisible chains forged of the Drow’s fierce need for combat and conquest, this demon invader was playing them and it would stop here and now.

Oloth shouted her orders instructing everyone into the inner sanctum, withdraw to the inner sanctum our fight is there. The gathered Drow force obeyed crashing into the inner sanctum with the force of conviction born of the need to do as Lolth commanded. The demons that had been in the outside hall, so fierce there began falling more easily as they tried to squeeze though the door behind the Drow. Surprisingly few creatures were in the inner sanctum itself and those not involved with the fight at the door turned there hungry attention on those few. After the clashing stopped Oloth quickly ordered the next phase in motion not wanting to loose there momentum or give time for the demons to regroup.

All with access to magics poured relentlessly fire of all sorts at the stone of the temple above and around the cursed portal. Scrolls were read at such a furious pace tongues threatened to fail, mages unleashed there memorized incantations one after another there heads feeling as though they may turn inside out so fast there spells fled from them, the clerics uttering there prayers so loud and fervently there voices began to crack. It was working, the stone first a glow began to slide, the rock molten taking a life of it’s on, hot and furious flowing down and over the portal. So much fire flew forth upon the rock divine and arcane that it felt as day and the Drow were battling the light as well as there fatigue. The portal disappeared under the molten rock and all took a short breath of relief.

The ground suddenly shook and the solidifying rock cracked over the portal. The invading demon was not done yet. From out of the pit climbed a huge monstrosity, spider like, though clearly not, and as large as any dragon Oloth had ever seen. It waded into the assembled Drow and again a furious clash began. The Drow fought weary but unwilling so close to give up on there goal. The Drow force seemed to make no progress, the creature was well protected, well protected indeed and it seemed the battling Drow could do little more then hold there own. The creature crushed armor and flung weapons from skilled hands all over the room and the clerics worked furiously to keep the Jaluk and themselves on there feet. Finally it began to bleed finally its impressive enchantments began to wane and the Drow pressed with renewed vigor at the realization. The fight was by no means over but the tide had turned again in the favor of the Drow. Finally, the abomination fell and Oloth immediately set upon it digging into its flesh and finally cutting out its heart for all to see.

The ground trembled again and attention was brought to the portal again. The Drow mustered all they had remaining within them squeezed out every last drop of fire and heat they could summon. Molten rock began to flow once more and this time, the portal could no longer resist and was no more. The room, no the very temple began to shake a rock threatening to give way and crash down on them at any moment. Quickly Oloth ordered everyone out at there best possible speed, they obeyed. Once at the exit Oloth had one last thing she felt she needed to do. The stone of the ceiling had begun to crack, time was running short but she felt she simply must do this thing. Everyone was out save for a few of her Tinnerai who lingered, seemingly unwilling to leave her. She ordered them out. They refused. Again she ordered them out, again they did not move. She growled not use to her commands being so obviously disobeyed. Finally she tried another approach assuring them she would be out soon having one last task to perform that as an Ilharess she felt it her duty to perform alone. Reluctantly and painfully slow they began to leave, rocks were beginning to break free of the ceiling and finally she was alone.

Those cursed prophesies or what ever they were said or rather claimed a Tinnerai played a hand in this mess. She hated such an implication but here she was. In her mind if a Tinnerai had begun this then it shall be a Tinnerai who accepts the responsibility and puts an end to it. Full circle she though, as it should be. She looked about one last time and uttered a blessing over the area then summoned forth a pure alter dedicated to her queen, Lolth. She wasted no more time and placed the heart of the felled creature upon it. She uttered a prayer and offered Lolth one last sacrifice in a temple that belonged to her and nothing could deny her that. She exited the temple as the dust inside had about become unbearable.

Oloth’chu came into the clean air of the cavern beyond the temple, covered in dust with a dust cloud billowing out of the temple door behind her she scanned the area. Things were not much better out here and gingerly though how wonderful that was.

Those who had been fighting inside were gathered outside the temple but there looks said it all. The tremors were not confined to the temple and a stalactite came crashing down nearby as if to punctuate. Out she commanded out of this district immediately. They moved to do as she said, all but her Tinnerai. She looked at them briefly considering. Should they be punished? She barked orders giving them something to do, something more then just fleeing, they were ordered to evacuate all they found, spider, guard, merchant, they all must be evacuated. Now they moved. Her precious Tinnerai she thought with satisfaction. Though one had not moved quickly enough. A fragment struck a jalil near her knocking her to the ground dead. Oloth cleared the debris and hoisted her up on her shoulder and made her way to the exit.

The tremors in the commons area were present but not as much so. Still carrying her Tinnerai jalil cargo she issued further orders. Destroy the support columns this city must be raised. Mages and clerics alike began casting great spells to shake the foundations of the city. Buildings began to crack, the ground split, roofing fell and off in the distance rushing water grew louder. Quickly she instructed its time to leave. Tinnerai members were pulling some guards along, assisting others, a merchant here and there, a couple yath even led a small train of spiders out of the cavern with offers of taste meat tidbits. If the situation were not so severe it would have been comical. Still shouldering the fallen Tinnerai jalil but unaware of it she moved to the cities last exit, the caverns just beyond. Tinnerai had evacuated all its supplies, precious items and slaves to the new build sight long ago. The nobles were all that had remained, to see to the city and those who had not yet departed and of course, to see to this final task.

For several long moments she watched the result of there labors, the fulfillment of Lolth’s decree. Buildings fell mist hung heavy in the air mixing with dust creating quite the mess as water levels began to rise. One monumental offering to the Valsharess she thought. She was aware suddenly that she was not alone, about her, her Tinnerai remained with her. It seemed they simply refused to leave her. No matter she thought, I was determined to not loose any of them as well, in these times every child of Lolth is important. She had determined herself not to loose any Tinnerai in this, not a one. It was not to be, she felt it a while ago, the disconnection, a link in her mind severed. Tinnerai had lost one, a precious one. Oloth had not been without that link for a long time, she turned to leave and looked over her shoulder one last time. Had she loved him she wondered, could she? There was much yet to do, a long march ahead. Tinnerai would survive and in time thrive in the far off land Lolth had instructed them to go to. In the cavern beyond spider, guards, refugees of all sorts, and those who had under taken this task waited.

Little was said but a new cycle they would all see, in weeryness and relief they set out for the new future Lolth would usher in.

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Ilharess Oloth'chu Tinnerai
Faeryl Freth

-Ibseth, sitting in a bar in Menzo, hears of this from one of his subbordinates. CHuckiling he merely shakes his head and turns back to his drink-

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siggy by qualiz<3

(cut/paste from another section)

Rising Blood Storm had set up her items for scrying so many times that the actions afforded her time to think back upon the events earlier that cycle. Her armor was still covered in blood, bits of fungus and dust. She now had all the names of those who took part and placed names and faces together as she remembered….

THE FALL OF ULTRINNAN

The portal light faded and Blood Storm stepped into Ultrinnan. The stale, tainted air would do nothing to quell her excitement. She couldn’t deny that this is what she had wanted for those she served. It had been so many cycles ago that she had said as much to Vlos’Killian. She recalled the prophecy –

“Before the altar, a figure of black and gold. Prayers uttered and blood was shed upon the holy stone. Within it, darkness, within it, disease. And the holy stone screamed, for no longer was it Her stone. As the blood was corrupted, so it became.”

She was certain that it had been Yathrin Lualyrr in black and gold. Blood Storm had prayed back then, cycle after cycle, to the Great Godess of the Webs, ultimately begging for the means to exact vengeance upon those that would dare disrespect Her. All she received was silence. Then Blood Storm realized that the silence must /be/ the answer, why should the Dread Valsharess tell Blood Storm what to do when she already knew what must be done.

The cold, chill of vengeance filled Blood Storm now as it had those many cycles ago. Now, as cold and calculating as death, she surveyed those gathered. She placed pieces on her battle board. She knew where to place several already.

Malla Ilharess Oloth’chu Tinnerai to whom Blood Storm was fiercely loyal to would describe her plan and lead. Malla Yath’tallar Ko'serae Tinnerai whom Blood Storm held the highest respect for would provide not only healing but great destruction in her wake. Lucretia, Blood Storm smiled wryly, Lucretia would leave the temple littered with bloody bodies. Div’esril would no doubt call upon the abyss to aid him and although she had not as yet seen him in battle she had no doubt that he needed none to tell him what needed to be done. Auron was not only able to use the weave but was vicious in battle with rapier and throwing axe. Finally there was Vlos’Killian. She had trained him and they had been together in many battles. Blood Storm had complete confidence in her mates abilities.

Her crimson gaze traveled to those she did not know. She noted armor and gear as she went to them one by one with the same question. “What are your skills jaluk?”

“Me?” Furion answered. “Apart from my devilish good looks and my rethorical brilliance? Just a humble spellsword.”

“I'm also rhetorically debonair.” Ke’yo’s tone then became slightly more serious. “But that's hardly useful to you.. Hrm.. I can cut someone open nicely given the right angle.”

Arran, stood hands clasped behind his back. “I'm a mere soldier, mistress. Skilled with a blade, and little else.” Considering his apparent discipline Blood Storm doubted that he was a /mere/ soldier. “Do you have rank? Sargtlin? Draada?” She queried. “I held the rank of draada, prior to my absence to the city. I suppose it still stands.” He replied.

Standing off from all others was Vhursk'aar with a simple answer. “I work with shadow mistress.”

Tipping off her helm as she moved over to a position near her Ilharess and Yath’tallar she noted that Vlos’Killian was examining a corpse that littered the stone ground. Nodding to himself he then turned to Lucretia who was standing blade out and ready nearby. “Do you wish to volunteer or shall I use this body?” Vlos asked her.

“Depends... want to keep your head?” Lucretia replied.

“So you are volunteering?”

“Only after I take your body and turn it to ash Vlos.”

Ilharess Oloth’chu then addressed those assembled. “I had expected more representation of the other houses, but I see some are at least represented. Do you all come with the full understanding of what we are to accomplish?” Ilharess Oloth’chu’s voice carried wisdom and power with it as she spoke.

Yath’tallar Ko’serae shook her head her voice low. “I thought we would have at least one Ussen'd'Vhid...”

At this the shadow worker, Vhursk'aar, spoke up. “I belong to Ussen d'Vhid, mistress.”

Ilharess Oloth’chu nodded at this information as well as the information on the jaluks that Blood Storm whispered to her then continued. “Our task is straight forward enough, we're to cleanse the temple of the filth inhabiting it, destroy the portal and then bring the temple itself down. It is the Valsharess’ will we do so.”

“Malla Ill'haress,” The Draada in Auron surfaced, he was also thinking of battle plans. “Do we have a plan other than simply breaking in and smacking down?”

“Xas, there is a plan.” Ilharess Oloth’chu regarded those gathered, most likely, as Blood Storm had done, placing them within the parameters of her plan. “The temple was designed to make siege difficult, so this will not be an easy task. As you are aware, it’s important to keep your flank guarded. The temple was designed to inhibit that. As a result we will be required to do what commanders least enjoy.” She paused briefly. “Divide our forces.”

Blood Storms features remained neutral hiding her approval of this plan. If they had gone in as one group they were too many to be effective in such close quarters as the temple halls. Skills would be wasted as warriors would be left to stand idle lest they accidentally injure an ally. And they would be ineffective in clearing out the halls on the way to the alter room. Splitting into two groups would clear the way leaving nothing to attack from behind.

Ilharess Oloth’chu continued. “Once we enter which ever direction we take if taken as a whole leaves our flank exposed. To counter that, will have to form into two combat groups. Ko'serae will do the sorting, you will however need to be straight for once and not over state your abilities.”

“I can give both support and charge. You command me as you see fit, malla Yath'allar.” Auron offered. “A quick note, Malla Il'haress, for whatever it is worth it. I can fly.” He finished, poking the lower tip of his draconic, translucent-black wing, from beneath his cloak.

It didn’t take Yath’tallar Ko’serae long to sort those gathered. “The group that will go to the east corridors are Vhursk'aar, Furion, Div'esril, Aly'isgar and Vlos. The rest of us shall go to the western corridors. We will be one over in number.”

Ilharess Oloth’chu continued. “Once we split up inside we will need to clear the halls and adjoining rooms as our forces each come to them. Once the portal is destroyed the filth that’s already there won’t multiply but will be quite a battle getting there.”

“If the plan fails, Il'haress, or something goes wrong?” Vhursk'arr asked.

Div’esril answered. “You will be dead more then likely.”

Blood Storm had no doubt that she would cut down any who ran before the task was finished, she wondered if Div’esril would also.

“Ah, no back up plan, then. Death is as good as any, I suppose.” Vhursk’arr said.

Auron cast his gaze in Vhrusk’arr’s direction. “Failure is not an option.”

“We've have enough Clerics here to raise you, kid. Put some hair on that chest.” Ke'yo quipped and quickly added as Furion chuckled, “Well, figurative hair.” To which Ko’serae snorted and Auron snickered. Arran simply smirked, glancing across at Ke'yo for a moment, before returning his stare to the ground.

Lucretia motioned Blood Storm over and she moved closer. As Blood Storm neared Lucretia whispered. “...Alot are going to die...”

Blood Storm simply added. “Possibly several times.”

Lucretia motioned then to Furion. “Try and keep that one alive….also….good hunting sister.”

Blood Storm placed her gloved right hand on Lucretias shoulder. “Yes, good hunting sister.”

Priestess May'ryna arrived; Blood Storm and the others paid their respects as Ko’serae continued her instructions. “Aly'isgar, you shall be leading the east group. Div'esril, you should cover the rear of it for exposure and keep your casters safe.” Turning she addressed Lucretia. “You will lead ours.” Blood Storm turned towards Ko’serae with a respectful nod. “Xas, Malla Yath’tallar.”

Still whispering Lucretia continued. “Alas it seems the Yath'tallar wishes me at her side... I'll be ashamed if I don't see you at the end.”

“I am certain we will be alive come the destruction of the temple. The others....” Blood Storm shrugged slightly.

Ilharess Oloth’chu cautioned them. “Conserve your fire and heat creating spells. They will be our means of destroying the portal.”

Blood Storm had been in the room when she, Ilharess Oloth’chu, Yath’tallar Ko’serae had prayed to the Dread Valsharess and received the answer. This was unlike the other times when she had prayed and received a small taste of the Great Queen of the Webs power. It was a terrifying experience for one such as herself where fear was hard to come by. She could still feel the power…and the dread. Giving a slight shiver she recalled the message:

“Destruction you wish to bring to that which is foul,
The Queens wish to see it scream, moan and howl.

The door is open it is that you must close
To do this make the stone that is as the blazing orb and like water before it has froze.

The stone shall destroy and cleanse,
The taint from the Temple, so you shall flense.”

Blood Storm knew immediately it was lava they needed. Enough heat to melt the stone. It was into lava that she had dropped the shards of the Slime Lords Avatars heart to destroy them. To “make the stone as the blazing orb so that it flowed like water”….lava. Blood Storm also knew that Vlos’Killian was prepared. She patted the bag holding where several barrels of exploding fire similar to the ones that had been used in the attack on the Shrine of the Dark Dancer many moons ago, rested. She was ready as well.

Ke'yo spoke up, “If absolutely everything goes wrong Helmet and I can always dip out through the shadows and come back with enough scrolls to bind a book.”

“Oh if that male is with you... make sure he dies... he annoys me.” Lucretia whispered, to which Blood Storm chuckled softly, leave it to Lucretica to lighten the mood.

“Once we get to this portal, we will have to cast while everyone else defends. We will not make it otherwise.” Ko’sarae said.

“Do not attempt to destroy the portal directly with these spells,” Ilharess Oloth’chu continued. “The objective is to melt the rock under around and over it; the Valsharess has provided us with knowledge that the molten rock should do the work. Once near the temple we will not discuss this further, they may have means to observe the area close to the temple.”

Auron spoke as he unsheathed his rapier and checked if his throwing axes are strapped to right spots of his armor, “Remember, too, Malla Il'haress, that if the demoness speaks, she might do so as a way to stall us, to have protective spells wear off. Let us not let her speak.”

“Xas, I’ve been inside alone once already and encountered such a ploy, as I had nothing to say to it, it failed.” Ilharess Oloth’chu replied her voice confident and matter-of-fact.

At Ilharess Oloth’chus command they moved to the Temple. Standing outside prayers were said and the power of the Dread Valsharess and that of the Lady of the Dead filled the servants. The air crackled and hummed.

Blood Storm tipped on her helm. Standing before her Vlos’Killian reached into a pouch and pulled out a handful of ash and spread it down the front of Blood Storms breast plate before running the ash through his hair. Aid by way of the undead servants, abyssal creatures and even Yath’tallar Ko’serae’s drider pet appeared. As did mushrooms. And more mushrooms began to pop up, caps slowly unfolding.

Ke’yo’s amused voice alerted them all. “Oh no! Mushrooms have come to stop us!”

Priestess May’ryna then stepped forward. “Hold. These...are coming from under the temple. Through the rock." She growled faintly and continued. “I'm not sure...what kind they are, but if they're this far out, it's entirely possible this entire sector of the city is...infected.”

As a quiet, bubbling chuckle filled the air made by the nearby mushrooms, vibrating like strings on a harp Blood Storm gave quick orders to her unit, Div’esril in the rear with Furion and May’ryna, Vhursk’arr up front with her. Vlos already knew where best to be during the battle.

Ilharess Oloth’chus voice broke through the eerie sound instructing Furion remove the obstacles from in front of the temple doors. Furion immediately began to cast a bit of fire upon the mushrooms and moss clearing the way. Then following Ilharess Oloth’chu through the now open, scorched temple doors they went inside.

....to be continued...


//My sincere thanks to all the players and our outstanding DM - Gers for the wonderful RP . RP that was too wonderful to leave sitting on a chat log. This event was fantastic!
_________________
"I am not above creating my own fun."

And having that fun with:
Aly'isgar Vlos'maral
Rach'el Sjack Mirrik
Rynn'or'sarya Xull'd'Vharcan
Kella Rockslasher

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Ilharess Oloth'chu Tinnerai
Faeryl Freth

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Hawk Starbrow
Leena 'Pathfinder' Lorne
Fiona Fentol

Crow stumbles upon a path that leads to the flooded ruins of what once was Ultrinnan. Upon further investigation, he comes to the conclusion that this event happened fairly recently. With this in mind, he begins his vigilant search of things left behind, for there is always a bauble or two forgotten in haste.
Suddenly, he feels a tug at his leg, he looks down to find some little shark trying to make him its next meal. The warhammer appears in his hand almost as if a mere button was pressed, to come crashing down upon the creatures' head. The blood that spreads forth into the water from the sharks' caved in skull seems to attract more of the creatures, even larger ones, and some that look like a dwarven hammer to boot.
Finally, with wounds to surely scar, Crow defeats the vicious fish. He quickly downs a few healing quaffs purchased from the cute redhead in the temple of Waukeen, this stops the bleeding, like it matters in the growing pool of bloody water he was already standing in, for this will surely draw in more of the beasts.
Crow decides to move off from this section and continue his search in another part of 'town', if one could even call it that anymore.
Later, after another battle with a group of the odd sharks, Crow makes a heading towards Cordor and the merchant Hil'rash with the few items he was able to uncover. But not before procuring more of the glowing green potions from the freckly faced lass. He smiles to himself as he thought it interesting that she finally remembered his name, for it is so common.
[I]" I will be back for your treasures, my sweet little secret."[/I] Can be heard floating on the light, slightly salty breeze drifting across the now still waters, broken only by the occasional fin.

Taking a breath in the clean air of this cavern next to Quellar Tinnerai contrasted greatly with the horrible stench they had encountered upon their entry into the temple. The foul fungus-spore filled malodorous filth would not be something Blood Storm would soon forget.

THE FALL OF ULTRINNAN: Inside the Fallen Temple

Through the doorway and into…silence. Silence to Blood Storm for she discounted the metal clanging of armor, the squeak of leather as gloved hands griped their weapons tighter, the quick breathing or the sharp intake of air of those who realized they were holding their breath and the nervous cough or two. They were not met immediately and divided as commanded. Blood Storm moved her group forward. The quicker they met the enemy the better, the false sense that this would be easy needed to be put out of the heads of those new to these types of battles. Blood Storm knew they would not be alone for long.

As she rounded the first corner, there before her were the massive hoofed feet of a Balor. But not just a Balor, a fungus encrusted filthy thing. Towering above them and flicking its tail. Something else nearby was casting a string of lightning storms. She paid that no mind as she arched her blade into the deadly dance that only a scimitar could do. As she carved chunk after chunk of the Balor she noted that Div’esril had joined her and that Vhursk’arr had maneuvered around in back of the huge demon to damage it from behind. Her battle awareness provided her the locations of the other enemies and her allies nearby. Several of her strokes were hits in critical areas however it was Vhursk’arr who scored the final killing blow and the huge fungus-encrusted Balor began its long fall to the ground.

Blood Storm was already on the move before the Balor’s body crashed to the temples stone floor. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the annoying squat beast that had been casting lightening storms fall beneath Div’esrils bloody blade. She heard the high pitched squeal of another beast that looked like a harpy. That thing too was covered in the vile fungus. Her heighten battle senses kept her from getting hit as she swayed and danced to her next target. Another of the spell casting squat beasts was in the midst of casting and she had no trouble recognizing the arcane words for a spell to slow, followed by a powerful dispel. Blood Storm shrugged them both off with a cold grin from under her helm. Soon the hapless creature joined the pile of other fungus encrusted creatures at their feet.

Instead of staying back with the priestess May’ryna and Vlos’Killian, Div’esril had forged forward following his blade as it carved a path through the fungus encrusted creatures. Blood Storm took a moment as she moved to her next target to wonder why he would disobey a direct command. The thought was quickly replaced by a growl as she saw Priestess May’ryna being set upon by a fungus-encrusted harpy thing, a Shaj. The thing knocked her down followed by Vhursk’arrs dismayed cry. “The Mistress is down!”

The fungus-encrusted Shaj had no time to celebrate nor deliver the final blow for Blood Storm in the form of a bloody blade pierced its heart and it was thrown aside.

Blood Storm noted that Vhursk’arrs had the sense to stand guard instead of run off. She deposited her blade back into its scabbard, knelt down and helped Priestess May’ryna to her feet. As Blood Storm quickly applied healing salves and bandages to staunch the blood flow of the worst wounds, May’ryna coughed and indicated she was ready to continue. Blood Storm pulled her blade as she spun around and charged down the hallway leaving May’ryna to her own and Vlos’Killians divine aid.

She checked the rooms as they passed. Div’esril and Furion were also doing so. Coming back into the hallway, Furion called, “Clear!” Stepping over slain foes and making sure not to slip on the bloody floor they continued towards the inner sanctum door. Soon the sounds of the other group in battle could be heard. As well, Blood Storm heard a deep voice calling upon the weave. She pivoted and then dodging and dancing by smaller foe made her way to the towering fungus-encrusted Tanar’ri Mage.

She got its attention as she interrupted the spell. Determined it began casting again. “Yes, keep casting fool.” She whispered as she arched her blade to slash through flesh and chip bone. There was a rhythm to delivering death and the mage realized too late that Blood Storm was playing its death song. A haphazard grazing of great claws shrieked across the gold and black and bloody armor. Then the fungus-encrusted Tanar’ri Mage sighed its final note.

A fungus-encrusted Mane ventured too close and Blood Storm merely sent its head flying south whilst its body toppled north.

Then suddenly they were one again drow force. A fungus encrusted Balor toppled to the floor under then fire swordsmanship of Arran. “Nice to see you.” Vhursk’aar called out.

“This is too easy.” Lucretia said as she came into view.

“Not for some.” Was Blood Storms reply.

“Well quite frankly I’m happy not having gushing wounds.” Ke’yo quipped.

“Heal up and get together!” Came the command from Ko’serae.

Blood Storm herself had remained, for the most part, uninjured. Her intense battle training meant that she remained unfatigued. She knew to conserve energy, her armor, infused with the power of her Lady through Vlos’Killian, made it so she didn’t have to spend much energy dodging as some did. However, she could not say the same for others. The creatures were powerful and abyssal. The air was full of the foul stench of fungus. And it seemed that there would be no time for rest as more fungus-encrusted denizens appeared once again.

There was instant activity. Ke’yo, with a dancers grace, spun his blade upon a fungus-encrusted Cambion. The two voices of Furion and Ko’sserai almost blended together as they began their casting. Furion chanting to spin the weave into the beautiful wail of the Banshee and Ko’serae’s prayers pulling divine power for a Storm of Vengeance.

Blood Storm recognized that they would continue to come attempting to keep them from entering the alter room. The drow were tiring. She couldn’t help but wonder how many spells did the casters have left, would it be enough to close the portal?

In the din of battle came voices shouting, “Surrounded!” (Vhrusk’arr). “Correct me if I’m wrong but there will be coming more and more until we close the portal right?” (Furion), “Exactly!” (Auron).“WE NEED TO GATHER UP AND MOVE ON!” (Ko’serae), “We need to get into the alter room!” (Blood Storm), “Everyone into the alter room!”(Lucretia).

Blood Storm was busy with another fungus encrusted Tanar’ri Mage, her blade ringing off it until she found her mark and pierced it driving her blade up through its stomach with a devastating critical thrust. Ko’serae’s attention went from the fungus encrusted Cambion she had just dispatched to a nearby fungus encrusted fat mane with a mighty cleave. Oloth’Chu scored a killing blow upon the fungus encrusted mane sending it bouncing down the hall. Ke’yo caught his target by surprise and another fungus encrusted mane met the temple floor with thud. Vlos’Killian could be heard praying for healing on the injured. Vhursk’arr gutted the demon he and May’ryna were beating down with a single thrust. Auron using his Draada training to great advantage scoring sneak attacks and doing critical damage to whatever demons were within range of his wicked blade. Arran showed his battle ability again and again as he moved to aid those around him, his strikes so hard limbs would fly into the cloven air from time to time. Div’esril too, moved about the battle ground doing his share of damage. From afar Furion’s devastating spell brought down another fungus encrusted mane. Lucretia’s comment about this being too easy rang in Blood Storms ears as she turned to see a fungus encrusted succubus sneak up and drive Lucretia to the bloody floor.

Oloth’chu had had enough for her voice rang out over the noise of battle. “GET INSIDE!”

A fungus encrusted Balor managed to swat Div’esril aside and he joined the demons falling to the temple floor. Blood Storm didn’t wait, she charged through the door into the alter room. She knew that Vlos’Killian would be right behind her.

….to be continued….

//My apologies for taking so long to get this entire story posted, it's been rough deciding what to keep out because the RP was outstanding. Again thanks to all who were involved! The last installment coming soon.

THE FALL OF ULTRINNAN: Inside the Alter Room

Blood Storm paused briefly a few strides from the doorway. It was one of those moments that seemed to last a very long time yet in reality it was only seconds. Her crimson gaze swept the room and the sight filled her with anger. Seething, hot, blood pounding anger.

She had been in the holy alter room before. Her favorite memory, to sacrifice the villagers that House Tinnerai had captured in a surface raid. She played the memory over what she saw now, the room had been clean save the blood spilling over the alter. The idol of the Queen of the Webs radiated with power and had filled her with dread. The screams of the terrified villagers had rang out like a beautiful symphony as the Yochal had appeared with its message from their Godess of Darkness.

And now…now…Blood Storm growled. She found her target inside the room, a fungus-encrusted Tanar’ri Mage. She didn’t run, she strode up to it and the poured all her cold rage into it. As flesh flew and bones chipped under her wicked blade she made it pay for the mushrooms upon the floor, the fungus that covered the idol, the filth that floated in the air and for daring to do such things thinking that the Dread Queens own would allow it.

Behind her she heard the hot battle at the doorway. The drow had managed to get into the room and several were slaughtering the fungus encrusted abyssal creatures as they attempted to follow. Perhaps they too saw the state of the temple and used that anger to fuel themselves for it didn’t take long before the creatures were all down.

Blood Storm smiled to herself grimly. The alter room itself held very few foe. One less as the body of a fungus encrusted Mane bounced on the stone nearby. Her Vlos’Killian was standing over it picking pieces of its flesh from his morning star and flicking them back upon it’s lifeless bloody body.

There was hardly a second of hush as the last fungus encrusted creature literally lost its head to Aurons blade. Oloth’chu quickly gave the command and all attention was on the portal area. They needed fire, hot enough to melt stone.

Oloth’chu chanted for a Storm of Vengeance with Vlos’Killian’s chant not far behind. The holy power of the Dread Queen and the Lady of the Dead through vengeance pleased Blood Storm as she brought out the first barrel. Furion was thoughtful enough to begin flinging fireballs into the area making it unnecessary for her to light the barrel; she simply picked it up and tossed it in, delighted at the explosion it caused.

Vhursk'arr had no means to melt rock but he was not idle. “They might wish to close the door behind us too. Erect the barrier.”

Within moments the room began to feel as if the fires of hell had entered. Oloth’chu and Vlos’Killian as if they had some unspoken battle plan switched to strikes of flame. Ko’serae soon joined them and it was an unending flame strike. Flamestikes, fireballs and the concussive explosion of Blood Storms barrels began to seem like a battle song.

Then again in unison, for surely this coordinated of an effort could only be divine in origin, Oloth’chu and Vlos’Killian cast Storms of Fire.


Vhursk'arr staggersed back as the wave of intense heat crippled him.

Over the roar Ke'yo quipped. “Bloody Hell. It's like elemental droppings.”

Auron grumbled at the amount of fireballs “Bloody light...”

As the clerics blasted away, the rock around the rim of the pit begins to rapidly liquefy and soften....

Ko’serae then brought forth a terrible ruining and as it hit the area she landed abruptly on her arse. And the chanting stopped as did the explosions.

Arran opened his eyes as he heard the casting come to an end.

Lucretia could be heard now. “Yath'tallar, Ilharess... how are you both faring?”
To which Ko'serae waving at Lucretia replied, “Spent, but alright...”

Looking from the ruined portal to the door out of the altar room, Auron asked. “Will we also bring the temple down or just the portal?”

Ko'serae answered first. “We should...“huffing and puffing as she returned to her feet “endevor to take the temple down...” Then her hand reached out and she began to pet her hideous drider.

“Bring it all down!” May’ryna called out.

“Vengeance demands that nothing of this entire city be left.” Blood Storm said softly before reading from the scroll she held. She opened a Gate and her servant stepped through. Abyssal and clean from fungus her Balor looked about with a grin.

Auron saw it. “Did someone here summon that one?” he asked aware enough to note that it was free of fungus. “That is mine.” Blood Storm assured him.

“This place... may be coming down around us...” Ko’serae said at the same time as Vhursk’arr said, “Perhaps the temple is already crumbling..”

The liquefied rock flowed down into the pit, and immediately a high pitched keening noise filled the air, seeming to reverberate from the rock walls.... it sounded very, very angry, whatever was making it; that'd likely be the cause for the sudden reaction as well. Demons begin to pour through the gate.

“We failed to close it!” Ko’serae growled.

There was a flurry of activity from the band of drow. Blood Storms Balor was fresh and eagerly attacked the first demon through. Lucretia, laughing with insanity, was close by her blade cleaving in such a devastating manner it was in two pieces before it fell to the floor. Vlos’Killian brought another storm of vengeance into the alter room and Blood Storm went after the foolish fungus encrusted Cambion that dared attempt to interrupt her mates casting.

May’rynas voice rang out above it all. “Lolth thu Malla!

As more demons poured through the gate, something much, much larger followed them.

Vhursk'arr cried out. “Vith!”

A fungus encrusted spider leg appeared, followed by another and another…

“Uh-oh.” Furion said having to back up for a better position with which to cast his deadly spells.

It looked very much like a spider but this ruse was wasted upon the drow faithful this day. The Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith screamed it challenge rattling everything within the alter room.

Oloth’chu charged with Blood Storm on her heels. Oloth’chu had better position and Blood Storm ended up having to duck and roll as a huge fungus encrusted leg reached out to fling her aside. She managed to strike it away and it missed her. Continuing her roll so that she ended up on her feet she began her dance. Arran simply growled, then charged in to hack at the Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith. Every drow in the room followed suit with their own expertise.

Out of the corner of her eye Blood Storm saw Ke’yo sneak up and attempt to hit the Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith who moved so that his hit missed. Div’esril and Lucretia’s blades rang as they were deflected harmlessly. Furion’s volley of missiles flew at the Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith only to melt harmlessly upon it.

“Pretender!” May’ryna screamed as she hacked at it ineffectively the madness of battle directing her aim. But her motions caught the creatures’ attention and its huge leg flicked and she went flying. Blood Storms blade seemed to be useless as well as the others so she changed her tactics to instead get the creatures attention. Auron chanted a spell that would grasp the thing. But that spell too had no effect.

She could hear Vlos’Killian casting. Instead of directly attacking the Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith he was attempting to blind it. Pride in her mate filled her. Vlos’Killians wisdom soon changed his spells to doom the thing. He had realized that they needed any edge they could get.

Blood Storm paced herself. This would be a long battle. “Patience.” She chided herself. She would need to study this foe. It had a weakness; she would need to find it.

Blood Storm heard a grunt of satisfaction as Arran managed to take a chunk from the beast. However it did nothing to slow it nor did it seem to have felt any damage. And that was when its leg whipped out to hit Blood Storms greave. All her training under The Weapon Master came into play and without thinking, with the utmost discipline; she turned her leg and drew back her blade in order to go with the powerful hit. As she used that momentum to spin and bring down her blade upon its leg joint she growled to herself, “Hells! The vithing thing attempts to remove armor!” She quickly sent a prayer of thanks to her Lady of the Dead as she wore very little metal armor instead allowing her Lady to protect her instead.

Vhursk'arr appeared out of a shadow to take a swipe at it. “Can't we bring the temple down on top of it?”

“We should try.” Auron added.

Back on her feet, fury in her voice May’ryna answered. “Spoken like a heretic! KILL IT!”

Ko'serae echoed that sentiment “Kill the vile creature that DARED invade our temple!!!”

Nearby she heard Lucretia. “This is hopeless.”

It certainly seemed that way, they were chipping away at the beast but it did no more than not hitting it at all. Blood Storm was in her element. Her dance was such that it allowed her to think ahead. They needed to shake the beast up; they needed to regain their fervor. Blocking another attempt by the beast to claim a piece of her armor she called to Vlos’Killlian, “Earthquake the room!”

Oloth’chu chanted for destruction, Vlos’Killian called forth another Storm of Vengeance followed by a call to his servant, Ke’yo laughed tauntingly as he scored a hit before slipping into a shadow. Auron cursed then called upon the weave and acid surrounded him, Div’esril called to the abyss for his servant, Ko’serae filled those around her with divine energy and wounds began to heal… Then her words reached Vlos’Killian. The room began to shake. It shook with her Lady’s vengeance.

The drow forces were learning. Their strikes upon joints were scoring more often now. The Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith was favoring a leg. It was finally showing the fruits of the drow forces efforts.

Vlos’Killian with his seemingly unending reserve of divine spells continued to cast, hammering the beast with divine energy. Blood Storm had the beasts attention and it slashed with its razor riddled legs and even managed to bite her shoulder pumping poison into her. She stumbled back, her place quickly taken by Lucretia who was knocked sideways by the beasts’ leg. “RIP it to shreds!!” she growled out. The coursing of the poison was short lived as Blood Storm swigged the antidote and looked for a way back into the battle.

Oloth’chu chanted a prayer to the Great Queen and they all felt the insurgence of dread divine power. The Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith certainly did for the beast turned it attention to Oloth’chu attacking with everything it had. Two then three legs lashed out, the gigantic head lowered and fangs drove down to get a piece of Oloth’chu. It was badly injured now and put its desperation into getting rid of the most powerful servant of the Dread Queen. Oloth’chu was driven back mercilessly. Her snakes hissing angrily twisted and writhed in an effort to keep the beast from their mistress. Oloth’chu swept the first two legs aside and dodged the fangs but the third leg made bone jarring contact. The blood and bodies upon the floor provided the perfect place to twist and ankle and down she went.

Vhursk'arr shouted above the din. “The Il'haress has fallen!” Furion pulled weave and suddenly they all moved more swiftly than ever. However he was standing too close and received a slash from a nearby beast leg for his efforts. Div'esril staggered loosing his summon as Oloth’chu went down. Ko’serae was swiftly to Oloth’chus side while Aarun, Auron, Vhursk’arr, Ke’yo and Furion kept the beast away from Oloth’chu.

Blood Storm smiled, a cold-chilling smile. There. The Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith – servant to the foolish demoness of fungus had provided her with its weakness. Blood Storm spun her blade.

Aly’isgar d’Tinnerai had faded as she became Blood Storm in this battle. Now all the years of training pushed Aly’isgar d’Tinnerai completely away. She had been made, forged like a blade in fire for one purpose. As pure, cold and deadly as the adamantine blade she drove before her, she was vengeance. Raw, intense, clear…vengeance.

As the Gigantic Fungus-Encrusted Bebilith bent its head down towards Oloth’chu to attempt another bite, its fangs dripping venom, Blood Storm danced in. Her blade rang with sonic energy as she reached her position directly underneath the beasts head. Then with all the strength she could muster, calling upon her Lady to assist in the delivery of vengeance, Blood Storm thrust up. The thrust was so devastating her blade went in through the beasts chin, through the brain all the way up to the hilt. There was the sweet scream of death as it shuttered. Blood Storm swiftly drew back her blade and managed to get out of the way of the falling beast.

May'ryna saged, nowhere near as strong as the rest of them. Although she had impressed Blood Storm. Blood Storm made herself a mental note to seek out the fiery priestess to offer her, her blade and battle training. Arran swayed, taking a moment to regain his composure as the creature went down. Vhursk'arr, panting heavily, wiped his rapier on his cloak. Ke’yo simply sat down.

Ko'serae, having tended Oloth’chus wounds, looked around at the rest of them. “Is that gate... is it closed completely?!”

Oloth’chu surged to her feet and moved over to the fallen beast cutting into it and then ripping out its heart. Then placed a pure alter to Lolth.

While Blood Storm hacked off a leg and stuffed it into her bag, Auron prodded the creature with his rapier. Huffing and puffing Ko’serae wobbled back over beside Oloth’chu then rested herself.

“It’s not over.” Said Lucretia still standing and looking winded but ready. “Ilharess... put your armour on.”

“Right... I am out of spells. We run and... uh... find something to crumble the temple to dust.” Auron offered.

“Very well... we face what we must...” was Ko’serae’s reply. “Yes, we must crumble the temple...”

Blood Storm was now standing beside Vlos’Killian who was carefully searching her for injury and tending to what he found. Auron caught her eye. “That was a very good hit, Diamond.” He said.

“Bel’la dos Auron.” Blood Storm was not surprised he had spotted the killing strike.

Lucretia’s head swiveled as she looked around her. “....actually... everyone make sure they've got armour on.”

Admist the chanting of Ko’serae and Vlos’Killian as they prayed for divine assistance and the calling of the weave from Furion to protect himself and those near him the conversation continued.

“No I do not.” Said a surprised Auron. “How?”

“Armors shattered…” May’ryna said dismayed, gasping for breath pulling the pieces of her armor together.

“You didn’t notice?” Ke’yo chuckled.

Arran quickly glanced down at himself.

“Why would I notice?” Auron said noticing that he was only wearing his linen clothing, which he uses beneath his armor. “I was trying to kill the thing.”

“Yes, well suddenly being naked seems a bit eye-opening to me.” Ke’yo was still chuckling.

“Our job is mostly accomplished; we still have to make sure no more remain within the walls.” Oloth’chu said after a few moments of rest. “Then bring the walls down.”

“Yes.” Auron replied as he started looking for his armor, then, giving up he finds his old one within a pack and puts it on.

Arran takes a breath, readying himself.

Lucretia caught Blood Storms attention. “Lucky hit.”

“You wish. I am well trained.” Blood Storm countered.

Snapping the armor back in place Auron asks, “I will go out and check the halls. Or should we go together?”

“I’ll come. Can't let you streak the halls alone.” Ke’yo quips.

“No,” Ko’serae says, “we should go together.”

The portal down in the pit suddenly flared up brightly for a moment, before a snapping crackle announced an effort to force it back open, from the other side.

Several spoke at once, “The portal…” (Auron); “...erm... guys... it's trying to reopen...” (Lucretia); “It tries to open again.” (Blood Storm).

Oloth’chu and Vlos’Killian, again in tandem, chant and two storms of fire engulf the area. Ko’seraes chant brings forth the strikes of divine flame, Furion flings balls of fire and the scroll in Blood Storms fingers flashes into flaming arrows that launch themselves into the area as well.

With the last few spells, the remaining rock melts about the hole, sealing in the portal. In the Temple of Lloth in Ultrinnan, large chunks of masonry begin to fall from the ceiling, withering tendrils of fungus poking out of them, as the whole building begins to violently shake with the collapse of the portal.

“Clear the room!” Oloth’chu commanded.

..... to be continued....

THE FALL OF ULTRINNAN: Destruction of the Temple and the fall of the city

Blood Storm followed Oloth’chu while Ko’serae watched, making sure everyone had left. And just beyond the door the familiar ring of battle was already sounding. Blood Storm stepped through to see Ke’yo, Arran, Lucretia and Furion already engaged. However, this time, each time a foe was slain none come to take its place.

Furion sent the last of the creatures, a fungus encrusted Balor, crashing to the hallway floor. Lucretia called out, “Get to the Exit.”

Vhursk’arr cursed and made a dash for the exit of the temple.

Shuddering, May’ryna added, “Run…”

“Sounds like we should go…” Ke’ya joined the others moving to the exit.

“Its coming down – move!” Ko’serae shouted as she ducked a chunk of falling rock and then screamed, “Ilharess!?” She spotted Oloth’chu and moved quickly down the hallway.

“Off you go, hurry!” And with a couple of hops and a thrust of his powerful wings, Auron took flight, streaking down the hallway to the exit.

They all raced to the temple door where Oloth’chu was taking a count, not wishing to leave any behind.

Auron touched down lightly and tucked his wings back, standing just in front of the doors. “Ilharess, go.”

“I will be the last, leave now.” Oloth’chu replied.

Auron said. “Alright.” And out the door he went.

Blood Storm stood her ground looking first to Oloth’chu. “No, I will not leave you.” Then turning. “Div’esril go quickly.”

Oloth’chu tone was firm. “It’s not up for debate. Go I will be directly behind. All of you out. This is something I must do as Tinnerai Ilhaess. Now go.”

It suddenly made sense to Blood Storm. She put Oloth’chus taking of the heart together with her wishing to remain longer in the Temple together with her comments and Blood Storm understood. She did as commanded and with her customary purposeful stride exited the temple. She didn’t stop in front of the doors but made sure to clear the structure swaying as the ground heaved beneath her.

The ground continued to shake violently, even outside the structure, and fissures had begun to open, spreading outward from the base of the temple as the fungus-infested rock crumbled. The living mortar that was holding it together had started to shrivel away now that it was cut off from its source of power.

Div’esril and Lucretia also appeared, however they paused near the doorway.

“The Ilharess?!” Ko’serae called out.

“She bid us leave. Do not go back inside.” Blood Storm replied.

“Aly’isgar! Good you’re out.” Auron called, to which she simply replied “Yes.”

Suddenly a large chunk of rubble fell upon the position Lucretia had been standing. A puff of dusty fungus rose covering the area so that none could see in. All eyes watched as for several moments only dust could be seen. Finally, Lucretia, injured but still very much alive stumbled out.

“We cannot allow this!” Ko’serae said.

Ke’yo offered, “Want me to go yoink her?”

Blood Storm stood firmly. “NO! No one goes.” Ke’yo nodded.

May’ryna touched Arrans arm as he held his shield over their heads his gaze on the doors.

“What is she doing?” Auron asked.

“What needs to be done.” Blood Storm said calmly.

“A final goodbye?” Lucretia asked.

“There is nothing to say- there is nothing left of the Valsharess in this temple to honor...” Ko’serae murmered.

“Self-sacrifice does not strike me as Lolthite... Go figure...” Auron grumbled.

Ke’yo with his arms folded turned to Auron. “It's a little early to be questioning her faith, fool.”

“I do not believe she intends her death.” Blood Storm offered.

“There she is.” Auron breathed.

“As you see…” Blood Storm commented as Oloth’chu could be seen rushing out of the temple clouds of dust behind her.

Ko’serae waved for Oloth’chu to come, “The ground beneath our feet crumbles! We must go!” She urged. As soon as Oloth’chu was past her position she turned and chanted. The temple felt the full force of a great ruin as divine power flowed from Ko’serae. And voices rang out: “We have to move.” (Lucretia); “Go quickly.” (Oloth’chu); “Away from the Temple!” (Blood Storm); “Let’s go!” (May’ryna)

An earthquake shook the ground but Blood Storm recognized it as the work of her Lady through Vlos’Killian. The moss and mushrooms given life through the demoness now wilted and died as Vlos’Killians divine power was unleashed.

“Come on Diamond!” Auron called out muttereing something about women , then cursing in poor abyssal as he vaulted into the air his draconic wings carrying him out of the way of the falling debris. May’ryna was not so fortunate grunting as debris caught her and blood blossomed in her silvery hair. There were shouts of dismay and Ko’serae could be heard chanting for healing for all.

Stalagmites dislodged from the ceiling as the shaking continued, pelting the ground where Lucretia and Div’esril were standing, still at the front of the temple. “Div’esril and Lucretia…” Ko’sarae said stepping back unable to peel her eyes from the temple. Blood Storm cursed under her breath for neither Lucretia nor Div’esril seemed inclined to move from in front of the doors to the fallen temple.

“We need to move back further perhaps honored Ilharess.” Blood Storm said.

“This district has begun to fail, get back to the city.” Oloth’chu said.

None moved. Most seemed entranced with the falling temple. Auron stared at Blood Storm mumbling to himself. She in turn was facing Oloth’chu. “We may dig them out later, Malla Ilharess.” She matter-of-factly.

“Come ON.” Oloth’chu commanded. “Get back to the city proper.”

Vlos’Killian moved along with Oloth’chu and Blood Storm looking over his shoulder at the others. “Keep moving, you will not serve in death as I may.”

Auron wings uncovered, ready to take flight at anytime whispered to Blood Storm. “What are they doing?” indicating Lucretia and Div’esril.

“Lets go.” Lucretia said motioning for Div’esril to follow. She got half a step forward when more rocks dislodged from the cavern ceiling landed on them, squashing them flat. Everyone paused in shock, staring at the dust filled air where the rocks had fallen.

Blood Storm whispered back to Auron. “Dying.”

“Out to the city!” Oloth’chu’s voice cut through the shock and they moved quickly to get out of the academy district. Oloth’chu managed to get back to Lucretia bringing her along.

As the earthquake continued, with a mighty roar, the ground beneath most of the Academy District gave way, falling down into a larger cavern below the city.... carrying the Temple and the other academies with it. The drow force was now running to keep ahead of the crumbling rock beneath their boots.

Out in to the city proper the sound of their boots upon the stone bridges was drowned out by the roar of the crashing academy district. A large could of dust spread out over the remainder of the city, as earthquakes continued to wrack Ultrinnan.

Blood Storm skidded to a stop so suddenly beside one of the Queens children, Vlos’Killian almost ran into her. She attempted to entice the spider with a chunk of food to follow her. “Come”, she said calmly, “we are leaving.” Auron touched down lightly nearby. “Come on, there is nothing left for us h…” Unable to finish he coughed and shook his wings as if to remove dust from them. Then as Blood Storm moved out again Auron launched into the air. Vlos’Killian, his robes rustling and kicking up dust followed.

The roar of rushing water falling into the hole where the Academy District was was growing louder.

Oloth’chu also coaxed a spider to follow with a meaty morsel and ordered the guards to abandon their positions. May’ryna coughing followed by Vhursk'arr pelted past them with the monumental catastrophe only a cavern away. Vhursk’arr struggled to remain upright, the noise deafening his ears.

Pausing near the guards as the glow of one porting in appeared. Blood Storm, protectively leading out the spider paused to offered this choice to the new comer. “Leave the city or die.” The spiders and guards didn’t waste any time following Oloth’chu to the gates of Ultrinnan. Auron, soaring overhead, called down. “Come on Aly, lets go.”

And the rushing waters behind them began to roar louder.

The light faded and Luniir looked around. “Wrong time to arrive in the city I’m guessing.”

“Yes.” Blood Storm replied. Vlos’Killian covered with dust merely smiled.

“Follow us. We are leaving.” Oloth’chu commanded and Luniir did indeed follow.

“This may be a rude question but what is going on?” He asked as they moved out the gates toward the Hollow Caverns.

“The city is falling on itself, jaluk.” Auron offered. “The city falls.” Blood Storm agreed.

“Oh, well that clears that up.” Luniir said.

“At least it’s a spectacular ending.” Furion added as he trotted past.

Finally they were out into the Hollow Caverns. Behind them the roar of water was closer still and the small entrance from the Hollow Caverns to the former city belched dust as the city of Ultrinnan gasped its last breath.

“Aluve Ultrinna…” Vhursk’arr choked as the dust engulfed them. Nearby Furion spat “Bah.” Then began to cough heavily as he put his helmet back on.

Nearby Lucretia was able to rise under the healing power of Ko’sarae. “The spider guard stayed…” Lucretia was saying.

“Stayed?!” Was Ko’sarae’s shocked reply.

Ke’yo took off his helmet and mopped his sweat with the back of his hand.

“It was his wish.” Oloth’chu said simply.

“He will not be missed.” Auron said.

Oloth’chu turned to him. “Auron, you served the Valsharess well but do not tempt my anger.”

As the small remaining number of Ultrinnan's residents continued to flee, the central district of the city had begun to collapse into the gaping, empty magma chamber below where Ultrinnan once sat. Anyone in the Skull Crags above felt the ground shaking violently in the region.

With the roar of the water nearing their position Oloth’chu continued. “You all performed well.” To which Ko’sarae bowed to Oloth’chu, followed by Lucretia and Blood Storm.

“It was my honor to deliver the killing blow to the demonesses summon with the blessings of my Lady for the Dread Valharess.” Blood Storm said.

“Lucky hit.” Lucretia replied.

Auron watching the cavern ceiling spoke up. “Not lucky. Blood Storm is skilled. It was not luck.

Oloth’chu voice carried above the roar of rushing water as Underriver started to fill the ruins of Ultrinnan. “Luck and divine guidance, often indistinguishable in the heat of battle.”

“It is never a question for me, Malla Ilharess. Vengeance has been served.” Blood Storm turned her gaze to the opening they had rushed out of into the crumbling city beyond.

Auron had his portal wand out and was saying “Endirs Point.” as he activated it. One by one the Drow force who defeated the demoness, brought down the temple and destroyed Ultrinnan stepped into the portal.

Blood Storm was still gazing into the opening and sighed, muttering something sounding like 'Not enough fire'.

Beside her Vlos’Killian leaned closer. “As I said a long time ago. I was there to watch this city burn...” He chuckled coldly and she smiled in return. Then as one they turned and joined the others through the portal.

...The End.

//Thanks to all the wonderful players and our awesome DM Gers who provided the RP that made this event so memorable for me. I look forward to RPing with each of you in the future!

*The following script is elegantly carved into a broad rock face near the entrance of the ruined city.*

They called her Victory.

And in their hearts, that's what they saw;
Weakness, defeat and failure no more.
They promised Her this as they left the shore
Of Udos Dro'xun; corrupt to the core.

From the bare rock they carved their homes,
The towering spires and glistening domes.
From finest metals to all precious stones,
They built their walls thick, and lined them with drones.

And so here they grew with little refrain,
Life swam through streets like blood through veins,
The strong rose high while the weak were slain,
And sun bleached lands knew fear and pain.

Hymns rang clear for they were blessed,
They had obeyed at Her behest,
And they had met what they professed.
Mighty Victory had reached its crest.

But greatness with chaos has never endured.
In time their passion and vision were blurred,
So away from their path they became lured,
As is the curse of the self-assured.

The fall from grace came from darkest fears;
It wasn't quick, but took countless years.
The ailing folk ground a halt to the gears,
Of this once proud city - each blamed their peers.

They could not see their own demise;
Idleness, pettiness, fools, to surmise,
Though it's not you to which this implies.
From such a mess there would be no reprise.

The people of Victory invoked Her ire,
The streets of the city were struck down by fire,
Plague, civil war and strife would conspire,
To tear down their homes, and create this mire.

Yet 'We Survive' you hear us cry,
We struggle and strain, with vim we vie
To amend our faults and to satisfy
Our burning ambition, beneath Her eye.

Now Twilight descends at the end of our day,
We have this one chance to prevent the decay,
That has torn us apart, and led us astray.
Repeat past mistakes, and we'll fade away.