The War of Tears (Adventure)

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Scribe Notes

Summary

Adventure: The War of Tears
GM: Martin
Season: Summer 799 WK

Party
  • Amelia - Halfling leader and fighter - Rosemary M
  • Gerald - Human troubadour - Struan J
  • Keshah - Elven mercenary - Mike H
  • Martyn - Human exceptional warrior - Chris R
  • Mary-M - Halfling with wings - Helen C
  • Serendipity - Elven Lady - Lisa R
  • Silverfoam - Elven Noble Admiral - Michael P
  • TDP Roberts - Human author of this account - Phil J
Employer
Self Employed
Mission
With the approach of the 2000th anniversary of the battle of Penjare there are many dire portents. Astrologers speak of a unique (in existing records) conjunction of heavenly bodies in the near future. Demon Emperors are rising from their captivity and Powers are walking in Alusia once more. Many signs point to the turning of an Age.
Our purpose is to travel back to just before the War of Tears in order to investigate the backgrounds of many of these Powers and to understand better what occurs in such a time of change in order we can better prepare for, or stop, it.

Scribe Notes

Daily Summary

Meadow 799 WK
Date Summary
1st Despatched delegations to talk to Xanadu and The Green Mage.
2nd Sailed from Seagate for the Elven Isles.
3rd Sailing for the Elven Isles.
4th Sailing for the Elven Isles.
5th Arrived at the Elven Isles and had dinner with Silverfoam's family.
6th Had a look in the elves library then left for Terra Nova.
7th Travelled down the magic seaway to Terra Nova.
8th Travelled down the magic seaway to Terra Nova, looked at the deactivated side passage.
9th Travelled down the magic seaway to Terra Nova.
10th Arrived in Terra Nova and then travelled south to Ocos.
11th Walked down the southern sea-path to Quito and met the Admiral.
12th Travelling from Quito to Cuzco.
13th Travelling from Quito to Cuzco.
14th Travelling from Quito to Cuzco.
15th Arrived at Cuzco, the halfling capital of the Empire of the Sun.
16th Looking around Cuzco, a strange and wonderful city.
17th Looking around Cuzco, a lot of halfling nobility here.
18th Looking around Cuzco, not a lot to do.
19th Looking around Cuzco, bored senseless.
20th Looking around Cuzco, we had better be leaving soon or I will start killing half-sized helpful bureaucrats.
21st Left Cuzco and travelled to the University. We met Unis and the Chancellor and made preparations to use the time portal.
22nd Travelled through the portal to the time of the War of Tears. Met the elvish clan Pure Saffron Blossom.
Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF
Date Summary
1st Breakfast with Lord Luthier and Lord Lorac at Jubilant Sky. Dinner with the vampire elf Lord Dray of Mocking Ashen Dawn.
2nd Left for Eldamar with Lord Lorac on his flying ship. Explored Eldamar a little.
3rd Went to court in Eldamar. Met Lord Yo (The Green Mage) and Empress Letheana
4th Looked around Eldamar.
5th We returned with Lord Lorac to Jubilant Sky.
6th Looked around Jubilant Sky.
7th Looked around Jubilant Sky.
8th Looked around Jubilant Sky.
9th Left Jubilant Sky on a sky clipper for the lands of Pure Saffron Blossom.
10th Arrived at University and went into stasis after saying goodbye to Lord Yo.
Heat 799 WK
Date Summary
6th Started Lois on road to recovery.
7th - 20th Waited and trained at the University whilst Lady Katerina builds a catapult to knock down the mana draining black pillar.
21st Met The Green Mage and helped him recover his memory.

Daily Notes

1st Meadow 799 WK

After the guild meeting, but prior to departing for Cuzco in Terranova, we decided to talk to some experts about the War of Tears and the Powers of old.

First we spoke to the elvish princess Illyana, of the clan Dancing Turquoise Tiger, who was hibernated to save her from the upheaval around the War of Tears but all she could tell us was the date she was put to sleep. 

17th of Falling Blossoms on the 23rd Cycle of the Blue Stone.

Also two delegations were despatched to see:


First Martyn and Mary M went to see Xanadu. They were shown into a huge cavern by a suarime (lizard man) that had a row of six statues of large dragons down each side forming an honour guard for the statue of a huge dragon at the end which was possessed by Xanadu and spoke to them.

He told them that after the first war (not the War of Tears) no more gods were made, only mortals, and his children were the first of these. Early on his children could chose their form but many became fixed in the various forms of their choosing. Most of his children went away but some stayed as watchers to guide and protect the younger races from the DARKNESS. The DARKNESS caused Envy, Hate and Maliciousness and young ones were drawn to it as a moth was toward a flame. Xanadu then tired of talking and then departed.

Next Seren, Gerald and Silverfoam went to meet The Green Mage. In order to obtain an audience they met the Count Kree of Borovia who then introduced them to Kokhan, the Adviser to the Triumvirate of Kinlu, who contacted The Green Mage and provided his palace for the meeting. The meeting was set for next morning.

2nd Meadow 799 WK

Seren, Gerald and Silverfoam had breakfast with The Green Mage. When questioned about the War of Tears he said, "I told them not to do it". Apparently a "young chap" found something Banned. The Bans were magic related restrictions and imperial edicts laid down by the Council. He did not recognise the date but said the Blue Stone cycle may have something to do with a ruling house associated with turquoise.

"Back in the beginning there was more of us but they left". Gerald realised that The Green Mage's name was a translation from a name in a draconic tongue. An alternative, and perhaps more accurate, translation might be "The Green One". This led them to suppose that he is a Watcher, one of Xanadu's children, and the original green dragon. He gave us a Jade green magic goldfish so we could send him a message and then departed.

When they returned to us in Seagate we discussed what they had found out and then departed for the Elven Isles on a ketch of Silverfoam's. Also travelling with us was the Lady Katerina (half sister of the Western king and Silverfoam's wife), with her young daughter Anastasia, Count Kree of Barovia and Faith, a 2 foot 3 inch tall "Elf".

3rd-4th Meadow 799 WK

Sailed towards the Elven Isles.

5th Meadow 799 WK

Arrived at the Elven Isles in the early evening. There we met Lord Gwidian (Silverfoam's brother and heir to the throne of the Elven Isles. We had a very nice meal and the Silverfoam's family told us that all they know of the Vanyarami were from cradlesongs about flying elves that lived on clouds. 

Quote: Silverfoam said to Seren "I've never thought of you as a Lady."

6th Meadow 799 WK

After a brief look in the library of the elves (and after lunch) we set sail for the magic seaway to Terranova. We added a nurse (looked very guard like) for Anastasia to our group.

7th Meadow 799 WK

We walked down the magic seaway to Terra Nova. We saw a side passage (which is still inactive) leading off into a deep trench in the ocean.

8th Meadow 799 WK

We walked down the magic seaway to Terra Nova.

9th Meadow 799 WK

We walked down the magic seaway to Terra Nova until we reached the end. Then we decided to camp and egress next morning.

South end of northern Terranova

10th Meadow 799 WK

We were met by some guards from the hidden fort of the Elven Isles and then we exited on to the beach in Terra Nova. 

Quote: Amelia said to the party members who had been here before "I got the distinct impression that some of you knew where we were going."

We clarified the plan, which turned out to be that we would go south to Ocos. Then we would convince them to let us use the short southern sea path to the port city of Quito, which was the northern-most city in the Empire of the Sun.

On our way south we there was a large dragon hovering over the jungle which used its fiery breath to scorch out a huge patch which it landed in. We decided it was best to leave it alone. Also we noticed one of the huge floating hives way out to sea to the north.

By the end of the day we reached Ocos, which is a small primitive town - often attacked by drow slavers. They let us into the sea path.

11th Meadow 799 WK

This sea path was much shorter, we reached the other end in only half a day. A group of armed guards (halflings) lead us into Quito and took us to an audience with the Admiral (The governor of Quito). He issued us with passports (identifying us as friends) and had guides show us around the city of Quito.

It is quite strange here in Quito (besides everything being very short) as they don't have money or personal possessions at all. The rulers just give you anything you need. The locals seem happy enough.

12th Meadow 799 WK

After leaving Quito we travelled quickly over the main road (even though it has steps and stairs periodically) stopping only at lunch time and setting up the portal route from Quito to Cuzco.

13th - 14th Meadow 799 WK

Travelling from Quito to Cuzco.

15th Meadow 799 WK

Mid-afternoon we arrived at Cuzco which is an amazing city laid out in a bowl pattern around the palace, which is in the exact centre. Oh and the roofs of most buildings are covered in gold (despite the Destinians stealing much of it). We decided to stay a few days to acclimatise to the air being thin (we are quite high up in the mountains).

16th Meadow 799 WK

Looking around Cuzco, a strange and wonderful city.

17th Meadow 799 WK

Looking around Cuzco, a lot of halfling nobility here.

18th Meadow 799 WK

Looking around Cuzco, not a lot to do.

19th Meadow 799 WK

Looking around Cuzco, bored senseless.

20th Meadow 799 WK

Looking around Cuzco, we had better be leaving soon or I will start killing half-sized helpful bureaucrats.

21st Meadow 799 WK

We left Cuzco and travelled to the mountain village of Pebble. We established a temporary portal from there to the waterfall near the top of the mountain. Steam was coming off the river and it flowed around a small island that had ruins on it (we found out later that these ruins were called the lower city).

Glass went through the waterfall and asked if all of us would be let in. A crystal ramp appeared that went through the waterfall and we followed this. None of us got wet and it was much warmer as we approached an opening in the cliff. The crystal entity Eunice spoke to us - "Welcome" and said that she would let the Chancellor know we'd just arrived.

The University is called ATAR (Academy of Theologic Advancement), as there used to be others around this one is called Mount Everwhite.

We went down a corridor and through a portal to the garden. This was at the top of the waterfall (in mid-stream) and was protected by a large dome. In the garden there were many paths and six strange structures or buildings.

  1. Two towers spiralled together - In these there are many doors that can temporarily transform you into different shapes which last about an hour.
  2. An oblate building with leg like protrusions (Spider like) - This building was the showcase of the Planer Traveller mages and contains many creatures (mostly insects) bought back from other planes.
  3. A Sphere sitting on the ground - This is some sort of planetary display - Deep ether exploration.
  4. Tetrahedral Pyramid - Has little illusions of cities in miniature - something to do with rapid travel within a plane.
  5. A strange shimmery dome - Not a public place and protected.
  6. A tower with a cage containing a steel ball on top of it - This has lots of clocks in it (all telling slightly different times and seems to be dedicated to temporal studies.

An old but well-preserved elf (The Chancellor) came forth and we began discussions on using the time portal to go back to the War of Tears.

When asking about a date that the War of Tears started, the Chancellor said that they didn't have many details of it but could give us the date they "lost communication" with the other institutes: 

14th Gathering Dark 208,721 years after the founding of the city of Eldamar.

It is now around 240,000 years after the founding. A war involving many clans up north had already started. This was unusual as although inter clan conflict was not strange it normally only involved two clans not several. This northern dispute had been going several months prior to contact being lost with the other institutes.

Apparently just before that a young elf called Iruloki (The Ruby Scourge) had discovered the Extraction magic at Mount Everwhite ATAR. This type of magic was placed under an Imperial Ban and he left the institution. (See earlier notes on interview with The Green Mage). The Empress back then was called Letheana (clan of Noble Sapphire Day) and she had been ruler for a decade or so.

In order to help heal (fix?) Eunice and her colleague Lois we would have to locate and return with someone skilled as a "Crystal Shaper". All of the crystal entities had communication with each other (including memories) and each specialised in areas of expertise.

Theoretically the portal is two way. People should be able to return through it. The location of the other end of the portal moves with time. Over one month it would move around 100 yards. As the other end moves we can either pick a time to appear in and have to just accept where we arrive or we can choose a location to go to and just accept when the portal was there.

We can go back in time to any period up to when the portal was built (about 30 years after the War of Tears). But the other end of the portal may have to have something done to it in order for it to allow us to return.

I suggested that each time the portal was opened a marker should be thrown through it in order to identify the location it open last.

The researchers who built the portal, they finished it about 30 years after the War of Tears, travelled back to about 40 years before the War of Tears and were not heard from again.

The Chancellor can open the portal at most once a week for one hour. He cannot sustain this level of regularity for very long so we agreed that he would open the portal every ten days for six times and then every 30 days for a year.

We gave the Chancellor a secret word (In halfling - Mathion). After we left, and if he heard no more from us, he would travel to the Vaults and see if one of them is opened by this key word. If it is it would have to be set by us as the halfling language did not exist when the Vaults were made. He also he gave us a copy of his thesis (stored magically) called "Deep Ether Exploration" as a way of authenticating us to him back in time.

He suggested one far away place that we could say we came from. A place called "Cal Othella" which is the fifth planet and accessible via portal. The Chancellor started to activate the time portal and we had a good nights sleep.

22nd Meadow 799 WK

We went down to the portal to perform some tests and to establish whether we could use it two way.

  • First we sent through an illusionary animal which had orders to carry through some objects then return. Unfortunately it did not come back.
  • Next threw through a rock with an X scratched on it.
  • Then we sent through a fire sprite with orders to throw the rock back then return to us with a second rock. It successfully threw the rock back but the rock was badly scorched. Also the second rock appeared out of the tunnel in such a way to suggest that the fire sprite was destroyed en route.
  • Martyn and Keshah went through. We discovered that things sent through are fine but on return the pick up a large amount of temporal energy which manifests itself as heat destroying all non-durable objects that were returned. We also realised that the portal took a couple of minutes to traverse.

We all went through. It looked like a black tunnel that we were inextricably drawn along. Near the other end of the tunnel there was a lot of turbulence that meant we exited the tunnel tumbling around. Glass conjectured that the turbulence was the time period of the War of Tears where the magic was disrupted.

Even though we had left just after breakfast we exited in darkness. The height of the moon suggested to us that it was two hours after midnight. In the distance we saw a building with lights on inside, and we could hear music and laughter coming from within.

We checked that we were still on Alusia and also found that we were in a high mana zone (we suspect everywhere is high mana here). Amelia suggested we find some cover so she and Martyn ventured away from the building until they found a 12' high hedge maze which we relocated into.

A large flying ship made all of transparent crystal, and flying many pennants instead of sails, flew over to the building and landed on the other side. We used a crystal of vision to get a view of the building from high up and found it was one corner of a star shaped walled town with a fortified manor / castle at each corner. After a little while symbols started appearing on the crystal ball and then it turned off (no peeking).

Seren lead Mary M, Silverfoam and Gerald up the hill to investigate the party. There were around a thousand guests and as soon as they entered they were offered drinks (fantastic self-cooled nectar, tasted like sunshine and honey) by the servants. Everyone there was extravagantly dressed and our four companions were more or less ignored. Servants, all human, lined the walls (they all had outfits of Russet and Gold one with a small brown flower design) and there were many unusual guests.

  • Some humans.
  • A dwarf.
  • Two centaurs.
  • One halfling.
  • A titan (sitting down).
  • Two wolflings - Gnolls.
  • An elf with a bowl on her head (Sea elf - no a MEDUSA).

A quick check revealed that about half the elves were colleged mages, although there were no greater summoners or rune mages. Also there were five extra colleges that we could not recognise.

Silverfoam met Lord Luthier of Crying Emerald Lightening who told him they were at the castle of family Pure Saffron Blossom at the heart of the empire. Lord Luthier also introduced Silverfoam and Seren to the cousin of the lord and they explained we had come through a portal and weren't exactly sure where we were.

She offered Silverfoam the run of the house and the servants (just being polite I think). The rest of us joined the party and had a look around. The "castle" is around 2000 feet across all up and is very tall with many stories and elegant architecture.

Seren asked a servant to take them to a map and they lead some of us into a study with a strange table with a dome on top of it (looked a little like a mushroom).

In the dome the map was a illusion which could have its size changed. At small scales she could see that the nearest other town from here was about 30 miles away. At bigger scales the whole continent looked cultivated. It was mostly flat with some gentle hills and groomed forests. The rivers look as if they have been redirected.

There are many towns (clan holdings) on the map, some of which are floating out to sea, some flying and one in trees in a forest. A selection of their names are:

  • Patient Steel Sky.
  • Fearsome Autumn Butterfly.
  • Noble Sapphire Day (current Imperial clan).
  • Forsworn Iron Dawn.
  • Radiant Brass Willow.
  • Wounded Winter Mountain.

By talking to the servants we established the date was the last day of waving grass (the 8th month of the year) and tomorrow is the 1st of Gorvannon's Forge in the year 208,720. Therefore we were only fifteen months prior to gathering dark in 208,721 when the University cataclysmically lost contact with its fellow institutions.

1st Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

Lord Luthier invites us to breakfast aboard his flying 50' wingspan emerald bird (the medusa accompanies us). We headed northwest, apparently towards the lands of Jubilant Sky.

Lord Luthier advises us that he is in the 'mercantile' trade. When pressed he suggested that Lord Lorac (our breakfast host) might be able to provide introduction at court. We obtained some trivia with regard the current queen. 

"Fickle, A mere child. I mean 'Amethyst Day' - Who has an outfit made of amethysts?"

We arrived at the flying city Jubilant Sky, which seemed to be about 1/2 a mile across and 10 - 15 stories high. It had many delicate spires and towers made from a dove grey stone (kind of cloud coloured). One in the city we saw a similar mix of people as there was at the party, with the addition of sylphs.

Keshah spoke to a human, Sebastian, who was from the house Penitent Summer Night and is a gem merchant. He indicated that the human part of the house was in a 'cadet' relationship with their elven patrons. He also told us that the Empress banned culling within the Empire but it was still legal in the Outlands.

We were introduced to Lord Lorac, who takes a fancy to Seren and offers to introduce us all to the Imperial court. He is very amused by our Seraph, and insists that all our 'colleagues' accompany him to court.

Whilst flying over a garden Mary M gets zapped like a lightning bug by some sort of ward - It warns you with some sort of St Elmo's fire before frying you.

We look around the flying home of the clan Jubilant Sky (population approx 1000 elves) guided by the female elf Kieran (poor cousin?). She tells us lot of useful stuff.

The population of the world is around 10 million, of which there are 9 million humans and 1 million elves. In addition to clans there are many political factions - Jubilant Sky is a member of three factions.

Lorac is a big wheel in:

  • The War party.
  • The Mercantile Confederation.
  • The League of Traders (trade within the Empire).

We track down a library (which doubles as a magic academy and do some background research on the 5th planet. In the evening Seren and Martyn go on flying on the giant eagles.

Lord Lorac takes us to dinner with Mocking Ashen Dawn. Apparently it is "advisable" to wear weapons and armour. A flying black obsidian pyramid arrives to transport us to dinner. On board the servants are wearing grey and black. This pyramid lands on top of another much bigger pyramid (becomes the capstone) into which we enter (this is the clan residence).

This dinner seems to be a big event, there are several thousand guests, and lots of humans (dressed and undressed but all collared and chained therefore "hired") which appear to be "servants" and entertainers. All of them are very good looking.

It is very decadent with much drug consumption, fornication, food and other amusements for the elves. Mixed in are some exotics eg. fairy folk, sylphs, satyrs etc.

Lord Lorac says we are here for business and trading (educational, hidden warning to us).

Lord Lorac approaches a thin (gaunt? old?) elf on a throne made from scrimshaw (humans bones with some sort of magical protection) with a lot of beautiful people lounging around on cushions.

This is Lord Dray (who is a vampire elf) drinks some blood from a servants throat (Icky) and introduces us to Lady Drick who showed us around the entertainments. The haunting singing is coming from a young woman strapped to a frame. She is singing despite her throat being cut and having an elf playing her vocal chords. Other more revolting stuff.

Thankfully we made to return to Jubilant Sky and refresh / clean our pallets. Silverfoam was very good and didn't voice any of his thoughts! Martyn kept his visor down as otherwise someone would make an offer to buy him. Back at Jubilant Sky we were outfitted for court and got a good (but restless) nights rest.

2nd Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

In the morning we were met by Lord Lorac and departed for the capital, Eldamar, in his 200' long, three masted, flying ship. As we travelled (the ship sped along at about 50 knots) we passed many elven enclaves - All were different shapes. The officers on the ship had hand weapons that shot small balls at very high speed (and deadly effect) through magic. We were told that the ship also had some larger versions of these set up for 'broadsides'.

The ship flies because of a crystal keel made from Silama (described as a kind of crystallised mana - Also used extensively in the construction of Jubilant Sky).

After a couple of hours flying we crossed some hills and saw a large (80 mile across, a circular bowl of water) lake completely surrounded by gardens and groomed parkland. On the lake were many pleasure craft and vessels of all shapes. Around 25 miles into the lake was an island some 30 miles across which was filled by the capital Eldamar. As we approached the ship came in to land (no magical flying inside the city) and entered he city through a large archway over a canal. The city is surrounded by walls 150 feet high which have towers twice as tall scattered around it's perimeter.

We sail into the outer city and head along one of the eight major canals towards Lord Lorac's "city house". The air is fragrant and the city has many parks and gardens all immaculately maintained. Once we had settled into our accommodations we learned that our audience was tomorrow and we could have a look around the city this afternoon.

We were told that we would be unable to see any of the people we wanted to until after we had visited court:

  • Irin (otherwise known as watchers), apparently there is one called Lord Yo at court.
  • Academics from the Mount Everwhite ATAR - to uses the portal we need an introduction.
  • Vanyarami - there are a few of these winged elves around, mostly they stay in the air sector or around court.

Before leaving we got a quick rundown on how the politics around here work. Basically the Empress designates unallocated provinces to individuals who therefore become ministers. She then can offer these ministers portfolios as she sees fit, there is no official set of portfolios, portfolios are created as need be (or at her whim). There is also a Senate of Clan lords, actually only those of influence attend, which manoeuvre to assist themselves into portfolios.

The mana here is very strange. It is still high mana but it feels very tame, groomed, it feels definitely like you are given an exact portion of mana (we suspect this may be recorded somewhere) for use in your spell.

We left in a small cutter to circumnavigate the city. There are eight sectors in the city Air (where Lord Lorac's residence is), Light, Fire, Death, Earth, Dark, Water and Life and each area has the "feeling" and architecture of its theme.

There are many different races living in the capital (at least including - Titans, Narga, Yetti, Gargoyles, Harpies, Centaurs, Gnolls, Doppelgangers, Trolls and some extraplanar beings as well. Humans used as servants but 'Noldor' (halflings) are generally respected. Apparently the gods made them as some sort of repository, they are often referred to as "wise ones". There is one clan of pure Vanyarami called Heroic Silver Sky which reside in the Air sector.

Eldamar map

3rd Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

In the morning we boarded a barge with Lord Lorac and set sail for the centre of the city. The innermost 10 miles of the city is walled off. There is a mile wide ring of water on the outside of the walls and another just inside them. The walls to the inner city were 300 feet high with 450-foot towers (everything built on a grand scale). The walls themselves were covered in writing that seemed to be "clawed" into the stone. Gerald identified it as some sort of early draconic and it seemed to be a listing of Laws.

We disembarked half a mile inside the walls and had to cross these huge bridges for the last half-mile. At the outer ends of the bridges were huge statues of dragons (two per bridge) and these seemed to be individual dragons. After walking the bridges we entered a huge building that took up the innermost 8 miles of the capital Eldamar. The hall we walked through was over a hundred feet wide and high and a mile long.

Again several different races were in evidence (we saw Centaurs, Sylphs, a cloud of Pixies). A titan (he had six storm giants as guards) briefly stopped to talk to Lord Lorac. The building turned out to only be a large ring a mile thick. Inside it was a large (4-mile diameter) garden open to the sky with a half-mile wide tower at its centre. The tower appeared to be several (say about five) miles tall, strange we couldn't see it from the outside (must be magic).

All the servants are wearing pure blue / cobol coloured outfits. Lord Lorac lead us off to a natural (very subtly made) ampetheature area that had a hundred odd people in light coloured robes engaged in little discussions and debates.

There were around sixty elves, twenty humans, and 20 winged elves (Vanyarami).

Lord Lorac asked Mary M to give a little acrobatics display. This seemed to upset a few of them and a couple got very angry. Lord Lorac seemed to be using Mary M to mock them and he seemed to be quite pleased with himself. Mary M flew off quite upset, as she wanted to meet the Vanyarami and now she had been used to insult them.

One of the elves very angry placed his hand on his sword and had to be restrained by a woman who apologised for him. We learned afterwards that they were the faction known as Noldenor (translates: Those who know light / The Illuminated) and the male elf was Lord Mika and the female Lady Uri. We think they will become two of the Powers of Light ie. Michael and Urieil. Amelia followed Mary M and the rest of us stayed with a smug Lord Lorac.

We ambled through the gardens and met Lady Sellina of Crying Sable Raven, wife of Borrese (first name Iruloki) with whom Lord Lorac is very good friends with. Lord Lorac described Iruloki as a great mage recently thrown out of a small-minded institution and continuing his research from his home now.

Mary M landed upset in a tree and was asked by a passer-by what was wrong. She explained what had happened and he was most sympathetic. Amelia turned up and he introduced himself as Lord Yo and invited them both to a picnic. At the picnic he told them that Lord Yo was a shorter version of Lord Yo Long (translates: Jade Dragon). The Green Mage! He described the statues one the bridges outside as "Kin that have gone". A picnic was prepared and they had some lunch.

Part way through the two halflings mentioned the rest of their companions and servant were sent to invite us. Lord Lorac said our audience wasn't until late afternoon and he had a few things to do first so the party joyfully accepted the offer of lunch with the dragon.

After we arrived Lord Yo provided us all with translation amulets so we could converse easier. We asked about the writing on the inner city walls and Lord Yo said these are the Laws of Draco and that we have already broken one (the one prohibiting time travel). He also said that we were not the only ones to break this law. The others (the original elvish researchers using the portal in an attempt to stop the War of Tears) had formed The Illuminated and were called the Founders.

Lord Yo told us a story (#C - Jade Dragon's Story) this explained many things and is a vital link in the history of the world. He also informed us that Apollyon and Abbadon were twins (two dragons from the same egg).

Apparently Iruloki Borrese has found an incorrect way to combine some of the parts of magic and achieve some of the dragon's power, but it is not "balanced" so will only lead to evil.

He also said that there were few other Watchers around as most of Baal's children and Xanadu's children had "walked beyond" but the few that remained tended to be named after gems (Ruby Dragon, Topaz Dragon etc). The other dragons that "Walked to the spaces beyond" may return in times of dire need. 

Quote: Someone said "Act in haste, Repent at leisure."

When asked what Baal was trying to do with his ritual before he was defeated Lord Yo said: 

"If you kill one person you are a murderer."
"If you kill a million people you are a conqueror."
"If you kill everyone, you are a god."

Not good.

We decided that we needed to talk to the Vanyarami (Who were also supposed to "Walk to the places Beyond at some stage") in order to ask them for help (actually to give them a message to give to the Dragons if they find them where they are going). Lord Yo said the only real way to easily contact them was to go back to the Illuminated ones. So we went (accompanied by Lord Yo back to the amphitheatre.

Mary M was going to speak for us and she was nervous, Lord Yo suggested she just imagine Lord Mika naked. When we arrived Lord Mika had the area "sealed" against intrusion / interruption and then made a speech about the Noldonor - Those who seek Truth in Light.

Mary M explained that we were from the future and needed help (and she did a very good job of it too), all of the Noldenor started discussing this, aided by some of the founders (the elven researchers from 40 years in the future) who added to our credibility. Lady Uri realised that Mary M's wings had been created by one of the Powers of Light (Sammiel) and this caused quite a ruckus as they expected that none of the Noldenor were going to survive the upcoming upheaval. Finally the Vanyarami came to some sort of decision and all flew off together in formation (very impressive). Then servants came to tell us that it was time for our audience with the Empress.

So we (joined by Lord Lorac) walked to the tower (Half a mile diameter by five miles high - tapers slightly) in the centre of the garden. The base of it has eight 300 foot by 600 foot high archways and has a slightly silvery sheen to the floor.

In the centre of the tower is a large raised dais that has an 1,800 foot pool of a silver substance (quicksilver) which is bubbling. The bubbles (between 6 and 12 feet in diameter) slowly rise up the centre of the tower. There is also a massive spiral staircase around the inside of the tower. Lord Lorac steps into a bubble with Seren and it carries them upward.

Lord Yo turns into a massive (50 foot long, 150 foot wingspan) green dragon and flies up with Amelia on his back. As we go up (several miles) we see structures built on clouds and other strange things. We were told that the silver pool at the bottom is the Master Portal, from which most (certainly all exotic ones) of other portals in the Empire are powered from in a spider-web arrangement with here as it's centre.

When we reach the roof it to is some sort of silvery substance and we pass through it and are deposited on the floor on the other side. The room we are in is very big (half mile across?) and it has stairs upwards for another 1,600 feet, which we have to walk. Actually some magical effect seemed to make it easier and we came out on the top of the tower

The top is only a quarter of a mile across and hasn't any walls or railing at the edges. In the centre there is a circular stepped pyramid with a throne designed to look like a reclining dragon (full scale, 50 long). We were ushered closer and the dais rotated so we were facing the Empress.

The Empress Letheana appears to be only around 15 years old (a real infant by elvish standards) and had a pet tiny dragon (fire drake) called "Snuggles". She asked Amelia to say something wise (as halflings are wise ones) and she said: 

 "The reward of a job well done is another Job."

She didn't like that wise saying.

Lord Lorac said "I have come here to address the same question as I did before. The elven population declines and the younger races breed prolifically. The young ones are restless. I want culls and restrictions on the teaching of our magic to them.". The Empress Letheana said "I'm sure you'll find some solution." and dismissed us. Lord Lorac was livid.

The major domo teleported us back to the garden and Lord Lorac said he had to go and talk to some people.

Lord Yo met us and gave us some crystal mites to fix Lois.

We had some further discussions with Lord Yo about what Baal is trying to achieve. He gave us another quote: 

 "If the Anchor is gone the others will perish."

Apparently the mortal realm anchors the souls of mortals in a similar way a lodestone attracts metal, hence if it is destroyed (everything) he will be set free.

We asked about the pieces of things he needs for his ritual. What they looked like? Why he needed them? Could we stop him by getting to them first? Again Lord Yo told us a short story: 

In the beginning there was nothing.
Then the nothing separated into two something's,
Which were opposite but could not be recognised without the other,
Let us call these Light and Darkness.
The gods were created from mixtures of these something's,
And they made everything else.
Some pieces of the pure something's survived,
Scattered in amongst the gods creations.
These were hidden as they were imbued with power from outside the realm.
They had the power of the Universe,
The power to be or not to be.
And Baal covets this.

These pieces would take on many shapes but in general they will be obviously magical and powerful. A divinate should recognise that they are very special. The black Orb Baal is trapped in is one such piece.

After this story we left Lord Yo, planning to meet him in a week's time at the Mount Everwhite ATAR, and returned to Lord Lorac's city house. We decided to stay here one more day then return to the flying city Jubilant Sky.

4th Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

We found it remarkably easy to catch lifts around the city and see various strange sights. Gerald, Mary M and I went back to examine the dragon statues guarding the bridges (Gerald sketched them all) and we went and memorised the statue of Anu in the garden.

Keshah went down and looked at the "market" and found that everything is made to order (nothing off the shelf) by skilled crafts-elves. Hard to go shopping.

Seren and Martyn found the practice grounds and saw two Harlequin practicing and Seren asked if her bodyguard, Martyn, a human could be involved in a demonstration. He choose unarmed combat and acquitted himself very well (much to some of the bystanders disgust) but lost Three / One. They were very surprised at his level of competence but the main difference was the level of acrobatics the Harlequins used and their ability to naturally "boost" or "speed" themselves.

5th Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

We returned with Lord Lorac to Jubilant Sky.

6th - 8th Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

Looked around Jubilant Sky waiting for the portal back to be opened.

9th Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

Left (after saying goodbye and Lord Lorac giving Seren a necklace of silver studded with sapphires, the biggest of which seems to have an empty space shaped like an eagle inside) Jubilant Sky on a sky clipper that Lord Lorac leant us and travelled back to the lands of Pure Saffron Blossom.

Just after midnight we sent our message back to the Chancellor thought the portal he opened and asked which stasis vault should we be stored in. He sent a message back "Lutheran".

We departed for the Mount Everwhite ATAR.

10th Gorvannon's Forge 208,720 AF

We docked at the tower in the University and soon after we disembarked we met Lord Yo. We went up from the lower city (not yet in ruins) to the academy part of the Mount Everwhite ATAR where we were hustled down to a silver portal - the entrance to the vault Lutheran. We said our goodbyes to the Lord Yo who gave us a statuette of a Jade dragon and asked us to give this to him in the future and he would find us some souvenirs. We entered the portal.

6th Heat 799 WK

We exited the portal and met Count Kree. Accompanied by the Chancellor we went down to the lower city and let the crystal mites loose in Lois.

7th - 20th Heat 799 WK

We spent time at the University (reading, ranking etc) whilst Lady Katerina built a catapult to knock down the mana draining black pillar that was just outside. This went very smoothly (although the pillar exploded as it was finally knocked over).

Count Kree took us back to Kinlu via one of his portals, which also went to a place called Avalon).

21st Heat 799 WK

We had breakfast with Kokhan and The Green Mage. We handed him the Jade dragon he had given us and it vanished, and then he seemed a lot better and also seemed to have that Dragon feel about him again. He also got his memory back.

After a pleasant breakfast we returned to the guild and disbanded the party. The Green Mage came to us just before the guild meeting and delivered a number of souvenirs of our trip.

The End.

Places / Events

As at 799 WK

Cuzco
The capital of the Empire of the Sun. This city is currently ruled by halflings and is located at the top of a mountain in Terra Nova. It is built in a circular basin with the royal palace in the centre. The roofs of most of the buildings are covered in gold.
Eldamar
This is the name of the Capital city of the old elvish empire. It was destroyed in the War of Tears and it's ruins now stand in the middle of an area blasted by magic and covered by terrible storms. The Ruby Scourge has sometimes lived in the ruins and there is a large magical object it it's centre that may be the prison of Baal. see Old Eldamar
Elven Isles
An island nation of seagoing elves.
Empire of the Sun
A halfling empire in Terra Nova built on the remnants of the old elvish empire.
Kinlu
The new, as in since 2000 years ago when fabled Erilay sank, home of the Erilain race. This is currently ruled by a Triumvirate advised by Kokhan. The Green Mage lives in a Jade tower just off the coast.
Ocos
The northern most town of the Empire of the Sun. This town is often raided by drow slavers and has a secret access to the sea path south to the city of Quito.
Pebble
A small village in the Empire of the Sun notable only as the closest village to the University.
Penjare
The location of a terrible battle 2000 years ago that changed the world in many disastrous ways.
Quito
The port city of the Empire of the Sun which is located at the top of the southern continent. This city guards the sea path north to the town of Ocos.
Terranova, Arcadia
The vast western continent in which the drow live. To the south is the Empire of the Sun. This was the site of the old elvish capital Eldamar and most of the continent is highly magical as a result of the War of Tears.
The University of Mount Everwhite ATAR
This University dates back to the time of the old elvish empire. It was a place of great learning and research where many studied. It was cut off from the empire at the time of the War of Tears and is now empty (and mostly ruins except for the Chancellor and the crystalline entities Eunice and Lois. It is the location of a time portal back to any time prior to the War of Tears.
War of Tears
Otherwise known as the Elvish civil war this occurred around 32,000 years ago on Terra Nova and resulted in the destruction of the elvish capital Eldamar and much of the continent. This war split the various elvish races from the drow and used up most of the mana in existence.

208,720 after the founding of Eldamar

Eldamar
This is the name of the Capital city of the elvish empire. Formally the inner city was built by, and lived in by Dragons, and they called it Kadath. On its walls are written the "Laws of Draco". When the Xanadu's children went away the elves moved in and built the outer city using the eight sector theme approach (Life, Air, Light, Fire, Death, Earth, Darkness, and Water). In the centre of the city is a huge garden where the elvish senate meets and discusses issues. In the middle of the garden is the half mile diameter, five miles high tower of the Empress Letheana.
Jubilant Sky
This city is the flying clan hold for the clan Jubilant Sky. It moves around the empire to allow them to trade in different locals.

People / Clans

As at 799 WK

Admiral, Governor of Quito
The Admiral, or Lord of Ships, controls the northernmost city, Quito, in the Empire of the Sun. Despite his name and title the Empire of the Sun does not actually have a navy. He has the power to issue passports into the Empire of the Sun
Abbadon
One of the Demon Emperors. His sphere of influence is over Death. After he was killed in the last attempt by Baal to become a god (see #C - Jade Dragon's Story) his spirit returned to Alusia. His spirit may be joined into one with his twin Apollyon but details are sketchy. He is the god and guider of the Spawn race in Terra Nova along with Apollyon. They have as their minions a number of Naga and Balrogs.
Anu
Anu was the first dragon to die. She was a child of Xanadu and the mate of Baal. Her story is recorded in #C - Jade Dragon's Story.
Apollyon
One of the Demon Emperors. His sphere of influence is over Light. After he was killed in the last attempt by Baal to become a god (see #C - Jade Dragon's Story) his spirit returned to Alusia. His spirit may be joined into one with his twin Abbadon but details are sketchy. He is the god and guider of the Spawn race in Terra Nova along with Abbadon. They have as their minions a number of Naga and Balrogs.
Ahriman
One of the Demon Emperors. His sphere of influence is over Darkness. After he was killed in the last attempt by Baal to become a god (see #C - Jade Dragon's Story) his spirit returned to Alusia.. He currently resides underground near Bowcourt and is building an army of dwarven fighters to assist in the final war. He is not ready however and does not want this war to start now.
Baal, The One
Baal, also known as "The One" is one of Xanadu's children. Father to the Demon Emperors it is said that his return will end this Age. To understand his history and motives see #C - Jade Dragon's Story.
The Chancellor
The Chancellor is the elvish custodian of the University. He has mostly been in suspended animation since around the War of Tears and knows how to operate the time portal back to there. He has a very close relationship with Eunice who held him in stasis for many years to protect him.
Estu/Istu
Estu is one of the Demon Emperors. His sphere of influence is over Fire. After he was killed in the last attempt by Baal to become a god (see #C - Jade Dragon's Story) his spirit returned to Alusia. It is not known where he currently resides and the last known sighting of him was trapped in an obelisk in the Microverse. There is reason to suspect that he is trapped no more.
Count Kree of Barovia
The Count Kree of Barovia is a Guild member who is mostly inactive at this time. He is the nephew of Kokhan.
Illyana
Clan Dancing Turquoise Tiger. Illyana is an elvish princess from the old empire who was put to sleep around the time of the War of Tears.
Iruloki, The Ruby Scourge
Now commonly known as the Ruby Scourge and in the form of a huge dragon, Iruloki studied at the Mount Everwhite ATAR until he discovered the magic of Extraction that utilised the "Life Power" of living things to power magic. His studies were placed under an Imperial Ban but it appears he continued with these anyway. It is thought that these actions in part contributed to the starting of the War of Tears.
Katerina
Katerina is the half sister of the Western king and has a young daughter named Anastasia. As a "hobby" she expertly builds siege engines.
Kokhan of Kinlu
Kokhan is the Adviser to the Triumvirate of Kinlu and one of the few mages in that territory. He is uncle to Count Kree of Barovia.
Leviathan, The one that is Blue, Dagon
Leviathan is one of the Demon Emperors. His sphere of influence is unknown but presumed to be over water or the seas etc. After he was killed in the last attempt by Baal to become a god (see #C - Jade Dragon's Story) his spirit returned to Alusia. It is not known for certain where he currently resides but it is suspected that he is under the water in the centre of the great ocean between the Baronies and Terra Nova where there are fierce Mana Storms. Unlike the other Demon Emperors, who were betrayed and imprisoned, he is in a "cage of his own choosing".
Lois
Lois is the crystalline entity that guards the Lower city nearby the University. Previously she has been mad and dangerous but recently she is being treated by some crystal mites we bought back from before the War of Tears.
The Demon Emperors
The Demon Emperors are the sons of Baal and thus the grandsons of Xanadu. There are five Demon Emperors, Arhiman, Estu, Apollyon, Abbadon, and Leviathan and all were trapped until very recently. Of the five only Leviathan remains imprisoned although there is some doubt of Estu's location.
The Green Mage
Also known as Lord Yo, or Lord Yo Long (Jade Dragon). The Green Mage is reputed to be the oldest living mortal and is a master of magic. He is also one of Xanadu's children (an Irin or "Watcher") and is natural form is of a huge Jade coloured dragon He assisted in building the ancient elvish capital Eldamar. Currently Kokhan of Kinlu is one of his apprentices. His favoured method of travel is via a flying tea bowl. After the party returned to him he regained his memory and reason (as well as some of his more draconic aspects)
Eunice
Eunice is the crystalline entity that guards the University.
Xanadu, The Dragon father
Xanadu is an ancient powerful being. He is the father of all dragons. His children were the first mortals until most of them "went away" but some remained to watch and guide the younger ones. Baal was one of his children so the Demon Emperors are his grand children. It is suspected that The Green Mage (with whom he supposably built the ancient Elvish capital Eldamar with) is also one of his children. He can be contacted by going to the suarime caves 30 miles south of Seagate where he sometimes possesses a statue of an enormous dragon.

208,720 after the founding of Eldamar

Lord Dray
Clan Mocking Ashen Dawn. He is a vampire and seems to delight in torturing humans.
Lady Drick
Clan Mocking Ashen Dawn.
Kieran
Clan Jubilant Sky. Perhaps a poorer cousin of Lord Lorac.
Empress Letheana
Clan Noble Sapphire Day. Letheana was the Empress of the old elven empire at the time of the War of Tears. She had only ruled for the decade prior to this and is a child of fifteen years old.
Lord Lorac
Clan Jubilant Sky. Lord Lorac is one of the "Old Guard". He is an intensely honourable person but supports many of the traditional views for dealing with humans. He is a prominent member in The War party, The Mercantile Confederation, and The League of Traders.
Lord Luthier
Clan Crying Emerald Lightening. A local lord, and merchant, whose lands are near those of Pure Saffron Blossom.
Lord Mika
Lord Mika (along with Lady Uri) is a prominent member of the Noldenor (Those who seek Light / The Illuminated) and is believed to become one of the Powers of Light.
Sebastian
Clan Penitent Summer Night. Human gem trader.
Lady Sellina
Clan Crying Sable Raven. Wife of Iruloki Borrese.
Lady Uri
Lady Uri (along with Lord Mika) is a prominent member of the Noldenor (Those who seek Light / The Illuminated) and is believed to become one of the Powers of Light.

Clans of Old Eldamar

Crying Emerald Lightening
A neighbouring clan to Pure Saffron Blossom. Members: Lord Luthier.
Crying Sable Raven
Members: Iruloki Borrese, Lady Sellina.
Dancing Turquoise Tiger
Members: Illyana.
Heroic Silver Sky
A clan of Vanyarami, flying elves.
Jubilant Sky
This is a trading clan that lives in a flying city. The city moves around so they have different customers. Members:Lord Lorac, Kieran.
Mocking Ashen Dawn
This clan does not regard humans as people, they keep slaves and like to torture them. The Clan lord is a vampire elf. Members: Lord Dray, Lady Drick.
Noble Sapphire Day
The current Imperial Clan. Members: Empress Letheana.
Penitent Summer Night
Another trading clan with relationships with Jubilant Sky. Members: Sebastian
Pure Saffron Blossom
This is the family name of the clan in whose lands the time portal arrives in 208,720.

Appendix

A letter from the guild of Astrologers.

Dear Sir,

During the cataloguing of certain new astrological data and theses, we discovered that a particular, rare, oracular symbol may have been misinterpreted in certain recent astrology readings.

Routine checks of archival readings filed with us revealed that this symbol had been used in a reading performed for you by the Baron Neuf-de-Pap, the Teleri Silverfoam, that had been deposited in the library along with the notes from the subsequent abortive expedition.

We certainly have no wish to criticise the Baron's otherwise elegant reading, but rather offer this reinterpretation, complete with footnotes, free of charge, in the hope that the new reading may in some way help you towards your goal.


Kind Regards,
Hildegard of Whitehall
for the Guild Astrological Service.
"Working towards a brighter future"


Original Question
How do we find the next part of Martyn's sword?


In Kadath did Xanadu,
(and others),
A mighty dome decree;
Where elven sacred rivers ran,
And caverns measureless to man,
Bordered a sunny sea.
So thrice ten leagues of fertile ground,
With crystal towers were girdled round:
And here the gardens spoke with sensual trills,
Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree,
And here were forests older than hills,
Enfolding shady spots of greenery.

In Kadath did Xanadu,
(and others),
A mighty dome decree;
And if decrees forever held,
Forgiveness made for heroes felled,
There'd be no fiery1 sea.
So thrice ten leagues of glassy2 ground,
With fire fonts3 are girdled round:
And here gods sang a funeral dirge,
Where blossomed hate and enemies,
And here the placed a ruby scourge4,
Concealed in crystal greenery.


  1. This is the original misinterpretation. The oracular symbol was originally interpreted as icy, whereas the new material suggests that this is its opposite meaning. Thus in the new version the term fiery has been substituted.
  2. The original interpretation of frozen is still valid, but the suggestion that this term refers to something ice-like but the product of extreme heat has led us to take the liberty of reinterpreting this term as glassy, as in context it probably refers to some vitreous substance such as obsidian.
  3. This misinterpretation was most probably caused by the confusion surrounding the fiery/icy symbol. We find no substance to the suggestion of pendency, and are of the opinion that it most probably refers to some sort of fiery vent, or less likely, a form of geyser. An alternate interpretation is of some form of up-thrust protrusion (probably volcanic in nature). Because of this, we offer the alternate line "With crystal crags are girdled round:".
  4. Whilst this is the same as the original, it may have more meaning with the new interpretation. A scourge is person or thing regarded as an instrument of divine vengeance or punishment. A volcano could be seen in this light, and this possibility is particularly compelling when taken in conjunction with its adjective and the preceding lines.


In Kadath did Xanadu,
(and others),
To dream a mighty dome;
And rivers, caves and sunny sea,
Are frozen in tears of misery,
In sorrow for their home.
So thrice ten leagues of blasted ground,
With swords and towers are girdled round:
And near god-kin in silence mill,
Where sensual gods in laughter lay,
With faces older than hills,
Exposing all their sadness and dismay.

Haiku

These are the Haiku as used or heard in Terra Nova before the War of Tears.

Haiku written for Seren (by Silverfoam) for use with Lord Lorac.

Return from Flight

  Lord Lorac returns
     Eagles take him to his rest
        A mighty fortress.

The City

  Lone standing summit
     Floating above the mundane
        Feathered dreaming spires.

The Eagles

  Cloudy grey plumage
     Wings that fly fleeter than the wind
        lightening sharp talons.

Greeting

  Generous Lorac
     Greetings O courteous lord
        So kind to strangers.

Haiku written for Mary M (by Silverfoam) for use with Kieran

  The Noldor rejoices
     Her heart soaring happily
        Food glorious food.

Spontaneous haiku written for Seren by Lord Lorac

  Souls portals sky's heart
     Ice the sun has never touched
        Jewel bright sapphire eyes.


  Raven tresses fall
     On snow from sacred mountains
        Lady of dark mien.


  Panther stalks the night
     Terrible jet predator
        Cats paw of the mind.

As she was leaving 

  A sea opposes
     Never forsworn or unoathed
        Where is honor now?

Jade Dragon's Story

Jade Dragon's Story

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