Sender  Opal~

Date    Sat Oct 14 01:25:50 2000~

Stamp   971501150

To      all~

Subject Opal’s return~

Text

I stood at the edge of an abyss, on the other side of the rift.  A

place so evil, so consuming, you can’t breathe.  I glanced behind me, and

saw my frozen body being covered by snow.  No one was there...  No one was

coming to help me.  After all I had done for Aurora, the hopes and dreams I

had...  For what?  All the time spent on it wasted?  I felt tears falling

down my cheeks, I knew the time had come.  A new era had begun the moment I

changed my ways.  It was all a matter of time.  All around me I could hear

low growls, hisses, my name being whispered over and over.  And through the

darkness a voice cut through like a blade through flesh.  Oh, how sweet it

is, to have you here with me now, my dear Opal.  I have waited such a long

time for you.   I blinked, trying to fight back the tears.  You’ve

waited for naught, for I won’t be staying long.   I said softly.  Oh, I

think you will.  But it doesn’t matter, you have no choice in the matter.

I glanced around and saw the rift beginning to close behind me.  When I

speak, you will listen.  I’ve had about enough shit to last me the rest of

my bloody life!  I’m NOT going to die, I’m NOT going to stay here, I will

NOT give up everything I’ve worked so hard on.  Not for any bloody thing in

the world!  So you can take these axes and shove them where ever the bloody

hell you want to!   I screamed, as I smashed my two axes together.  You

dare defy me?!  You dare challenge me?   The voice boomed, echoing around

me.  I will do as I wish.   I replied, as the axes became one, and a

blindingly bright light burst forth, shattering my armor, and began forming

a new suit.  A suit of armor black as night, green as my eyes, with a

blood-red dragon engraved on the chest plate and back plate.  Made of an

unknown crystal, vibrating power.  I stood, grinning, my eyes glowing a

malevolent green.  I growled deep in my throat, then jumped through the

closing rift, and found myself standing in the place I had died in.  I

glanced toward the sky at an unseen face and grinned, knowing they were

watching. 

~

Sender  Raal~

Date    Sat May 25 15:01:31 2002~

Stamp   1022364091

To      all~

Subject Church of Kain Conquers Church of Declor~

Text

At Last the VILE Church of Declor has been smitten!

After many long battles between the Church of Declor and the Church of Kain

the Church of Kain has proven its unrivaled power and emerged Victorious!

The Church of Declor was only able to achieve 1-2 virtories during the War

of the Churches.  The Church of Declor’s Leader Zeroecho managed to aquire

did not loose heart.  The High Priest of Kain Raal devised a great plan to

destroy thier Immortal enemy. He selected a strong young warrior by the name of Chaos to aid him in his plan.  Raal prayed to the almighty Kain for  way to

banish both Zeroecho and Chaos to the Abyss where they would never be able to

return.  Kain answered Raal’s Prayed with a gem to have Chaos wear and

instructed Raal to send Chaos to battle Zeroecho by alone.

Raal gave the gem to Chaos and assured him that with that gem and his faith he

would bring the Church of Kain victory!

Chaos then went to face the Immortal Zeroecho.  The foolish Zeroecho slew Chaos without a second thought.

As Chaos’s soul left his body to take is place by Kain’s side the gem Raal had

given him began to glow brightly then as Chaos’s soul went on its final journey

Zeroecho’s soul was merged with Chaos’s soul.  The unknowing soul of Chaos went to take his place by Kain

Zeroecho’s soul was merged with Chaos’s soul.  The unknowing soul of Chaos went to take his place by Kain. Kain banished Chaos along with Zeroecho to the Abyss since the combined soul was not purely faithful to Kain.

With the loss of their Leader the Church of Declor was no longer to

even stand even a small resistance to the Wrath of Kain and the Church of Declor was scattered!

Raal will let no one stand up against Kain and his followers

He will sacrifice his own warriors souls should it be required to destroy a

threat to Kain!

~

Sender  Declor~

Date    Sat May 25 15:17:56 2002~

Stamp   1022365076

To      all~

Subject Church of Declor will RISE again!!!~

Text

Thanks to the over confidence of Raal the Church of Declor has a new leader. Declor has risen from the shadows!!!!

The Church of Kain will fall under the wrath of Declor!!!!!

Starting with the slaying of all followers of the Church of Kain!!!!!

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!

Declor

~

Sender  Vizchu~

Date    Sat May 25 23:45:33 2002~

Stamp   1022395533

To      all~

Subject CoD’s return~

Text

I was off training in one of the darker rooms of the hall when the news finally reached my

ears, CoD had a new leader. I laughed knowing that their leadership wasn’t what brought them down the last time. Declor’s followers are, simply put, pathetic excuses for warriors.

I slowly made my way back to my chamber to prepare my equipment, I didn’t need Raal to tell me that the morning would bring battle...

~

Sender  Dwayne~

Date    Tue May 28 21:31:18 2002~

Stamp   1022646678

To      all~

Subject The Story Behind The Ravagers Cub.~

Text

“Boy!” Shouted an angered Elvin archer.  Get over here, your troubles will cease to be when I’m

through with you.  Dwayne had just turned the ripe age of thirteen, his teen years, and had

pegged one of the town guards square in the back of the head with a rock.  Why he had done

this?...At an early age Dwaynes sister, Farienthal had been raped by a group of lone barbarians,

all armed with spears made from the deer prominent in the Sacred Grove.  Three Elvin warriors,

supposedly tried to disarm them, but were badly wounded in the fray, and helplessly watch the

human girl loose her virginity without consent.  The town was devastated, and the Elvin men

demoted to basic watch duty.  Though the town eventually forgave them all, Dwayne had not, It had

burned in his heart as a cruel reminder that they COULD have helped her...It was his baby

sister...

Night after night the same reoccurring dream.  The smell of fear...The sweat streaming

down my neck, and the bloodshed of the innocent.  Night upon night I would awake, my once

white pillow stained crimson red with blood running freely from my nose.  It was habitual

to have a cloth handy to clog my nose, for fear of blood loss.  Sitting up in my room, I

would play back the dreams...Always ending with a hideous lipless mouth, laughing...Its

teeth a shad of yellow, pointed as if filed down, and yet...always there.

Trying to explain myself to the local clergy was hard enough, dealing with the elves was

yet another issue.  As the days passed into weeks and the moon fell and rose, I became

more and more interested in the explanation to the reoccurring images.

* * * *

“Arise my child...It is time once again for a lesson.”  The voice, a resounding rasp awakens

the ocean eyed boy.  He rolls over into a crouch, sleepy, groggy eyed, and yet aware of

everything.

Morning lessons were not unheard of, by the boys’ caretakers.  The Beast, and its religion was

shunned in the area Surrounding Old Thalos.

“You shall make the trek from here...to The Crystal Fortress In three days time...any longer

and I shall promise you...You WILL be culled...”

* * * *

Dwayne is, to say the least, a loner amongst players. He is a brute, and does not deign to ally himself with any of the other players. Good or evil, he would sooner attack than listen to them.

~

Sender  Rhodry~

Date    Fri Jul 12 22:47:39 2002~

Stamp   1026539259

To      all~

Subject Undead Summoning gone wrong~

Text

Rhodry was once a great ranger that protected nature with every waking moment of his life

He was a fair protector of the forest though. He let hunters and villagers use the lands of his forest as long as they didn’t rape the land

One day the creatures of the forest started becoming ravenous and started destroying their own homes and attacking the people that lived by the nearby forest.

Rhodry knew that there must be some evil force behind the sudden change in the forest creatures.

Rhodry contacted his friend a priest come and help him defeat this evil but did not wait for him to arrive to venture off to find the evil

He found a cave deep within the forest that seemed to emanate evil

As Rhodry ventured deep into the cave the occupant of the cave was watching from the shadows at Rhodry walked right into his trap

as soon as Rhodry was deep enough into the cave the Necromancer called his force of undead warriors to capture Rhodry

even though Rhodry was an excellent fighter the sheer numbers of the undead overwhelmed Rhodry and he was taken captive

the Necromancer then began a ritual to make Rhodry one of his slaves and use his superb fighting ability to lead his undead army.

near the end to the ritual Rhodry’s friend the priest found the cave and the necromancer inside

Just as the summoning ritual was completed the priest released a massive dispel evil spell upon the Necromancer

because of this Rhordry’s soul did not completely leave his now skeleton body and he is now forced to walk to the earth being shunned by the very thing he loves so much

but because his soul still clings to his skeleton he fights for nature and a way to rid himself of his curse

~

Sender  Achar~

Date    Thu Feb 20 15:56:05 2003~

Stamp   1045785365

To      all~

Subject what’s that, RP?~

Text

alright, I being bored as usual have come across a crazy idea! why not stir up

some RP! I’m going to start giving out prizes for Role Play what they are and

how valuable they are will be up to me.  Also, i’m going to award special

bonuses to those that have the best backgrounds.

Post your backgrounds on the RP board for all to see those posted to just me

will be ignored.  Also if you don’t follow with your background in RP I will

deduct points from the background competition.

those working through your tiers make your backgrounds for what you intend to

be 4^th tier.

Also I will be having a similar competition for descriptions. 

Except, instead of posting them I want you to put them in your description of

your character.

Rest of you Imms please give me input about these posts to help me make a

decision on the winners.  Also feel free to give small rewards to people you

see doing a good job RP’ing.

~

Sender  Achar~

Date    Thu Feb 20 16:00:22 2003~

Stamp   1045785622

To      all~

Subject RP spark~

Text

I look forward to seeing the gossip channel lighting up!

but on a side note please in your RP avoid things like level and your exact

class.  Be original and creative! Good Luck to all of you!

Achar, your friendly neighborhood Immortal

~

Sender  Darma~

Date    Thu Mar 13 00:32:12 2003~

Stamp   1047544332

To      all~

Subject A little insight into Gandrek~

Text

My body hurts paled beside that of the land I had sworn to protect. My

ravaged sword arm ached to feel a blade within its grasp, and I laughed in

anguished realization that it never would again.

I took to wielding a length of branch in my left; trying to go through the

forms I knew so well. I felt hemmed in; I wanted nay needed to see what had

befell my land.

As evening fell I looked across at her. Her body was now more hunched, limps

shaking. Yet her face was as beautiful as ever.

It is time for you to leave Corwyn Trahern. You still have work to do in

this existence.

And what of you? I asked my hand reaching out, fumbling towards her.

You need not worry about me. Adelas words came out brittle, blistered,

with no more strength to them than a feather. My hand for the first time

touched her, gripping her bone thin arm. I failed, the one whom I should

not have failed. She coughed. Her lips pale and blue chilled beyond

imagining.

It was not you who failed, he doubted himself. For all his study his heart

could not

That was my failure; I was cleaved to him. Yet my heart caused my eyes to

look away. He did not believe I would do what must be done; abandon this

form and that I desired. I waited, but he did not call and fell, all fell. 

The devil is loose in the land and I am to blame. Her eyes pleaded with me

to understand, but I could not, would not accept it.

It was he, not you. You were cleaved to him his wishes commanded you. It

was his courage and belief that failed. You had not free choice. You’re very

nature would not allow you too. I shook her with my good hand, seeking to

shake acceptance into her.

What Corwyn Trahern do you know of my true nature? Her question rattled

out, humming in the air between us. I dragged in a breath, and for the first

time gave voice to my knowledge.

You are a creature of the layer between, not of this world or the next. A

leech bane, soul sucker, a feeder on men’s hearts a seers familiar. For the

warmth of a mans embrace you grant him access to the powers of the

elements.

You call me one that wallows in a mans arms, drinking of what the Gods

gave him? There you show your ignorance. She cried, trying with her

weakened strength to break away from me.

Then enlighten me?

Enlighten, how? You think of me as a demon, a creature of the layer

between. By comparing me to such you dishonor him and me. Was he of the

enemy? What robes did he wear?

A priest?

A servant of the Gods, those you curse for the fate of the land. Yet they

gave a tool into his hands, a weapon, which failed him. Yes I am not of this

world, but never have my feet trod between this existence and the next.

She shook, her body falling in on itself, fading in my grasp. I embraced her

holding her close, seeking to keep her with me. What are you? The question

rushed from my lips, seeking her dying essence.

Nerian Lord and master, the warrior God, his arms and amour forged with

the spirit of life. Sisters four, helm, shield, spear and Her head

slumped, wisps of her hair dissipating before my crying eyes.

Sword, you are the sword of Nerian! As I screamed her worn robes fell

empty against me. I wept, raged, beating the earth. She was gone and I was

alone. I lay hugging her blighted garments till the summer moon glistened

over the trees.

‘Why weep for that which was not alive? A mans voice sounded behind me,

pricking through my rage and grief.

She was, is alive.

You saw and desired? The man mocked me from the shadows.

I saw and loved. My rage at the taunting voice brought me to my feet.

Yes, you saw clearly Corwyn Trahern. The failure was not his or hers, but

mine. I gave her into the hand of the wrong man. As he spoke, the owner of

the voice stepped out from beneath the trees.

[To be continued]

~

Sender  Darma~

Date    Thu Mar 13 00:36:25 2003~

Stamp   1047544585

To      all~

Subject A little insight into Gandrek (part 2)~

Text

On his head was a helm, marked by war, the steel dulled by time. Against his

back a great shield hung. Studded with bronze, weighty as if its surface

still carried the blows struck against it. In his right hand a shaft of ash. 

The wood polished by use and stained with blood, the steel tip notched and

worn.

But it was the blade on his left hip that drew my gaze. The steel was

grayed, edges bearing the marks of fierce combat. The hilt off set as it

forced back by a mighty blow. The grip worn thin by use and the round pommel

cracked.

Adela

Yes my battle blade staunch defender of my brothers and sisters creation

and mine. If I were to give her into your keeping, to what use would you put

her? Her bodies tangled round yours in the heat of rumbled stained sheets? Or

in your hand serving this land?

I fell to my knees, heart screaming. Could I take her as a woman, add to the

burden of failure I knew her spirit carried? I could not. Any feeling,

desire the spirit of the blade had for me would be crushed. Turned to

loathing.

There was but one way. I staggered to my feet and extended my useless sword

smiled at my gesture. Slowly he unbuckled his sword belt,

wrapping the cracked leather round the tired blade.

Your sword hand is damaged, how shall you use her? Nerian asked as he

pressed the steel into my weakened grasp.

I will find a way.

Nerian nodded and turned, leaving me alone with her.

Posted by Darma, written by Gandrek.

~

Sender  Vizchu~

Date    Sat Mar 15 13:56:45 2003~

Stamp   1047765405

To      all~

Subject Vizchu and the Grasping Dark~

Text

Many years have passed since the fall of Simm and the Grasping Dark so that much of the Crypt has already forgotten the destruction and suffering they once caused. It was during these

times that the few surviving members of the Grasping Dark generally took to hiding while those less corrupted by Simm’s powers, renounced their allegiance to him.

Those that went into hiding continued to train and grew slowly in power. I, the wizard-thief Vizchu, stood out from the others and quickly grew through the ranks of Grasping Dark. I

knew few would accept anyone’s control but Simm’s, so he set off to the ancient Grasping Dark fortress where Simm had fallen. After countless days and nights spent searching through

decaying ruins, I had finally found what I sought.

I returned to the clan hiding spot wearing the crown of our former leader, Simm. Several objected until I drew Simm’s Shocking Sword of the Grasping Dark. Many stood in awe at its power

and my ability to wield it. Few took arm but were slain, like so many had been when Simm wielded this epic sword, before they could even draw their blade.

With the Grasping Dark continuously growing in power and a new leader proclaimed, Simm’s dreams shall finally be achieved.

~

Sender  Darma~

Date    Sun Mar 16 15:54:30 2003~

Stamp   1047858870

To      all~

Subject The Evil that lurks these lands.~

Text

Though the evil wrath of Simm has almost been forgotten... Evil is still very much at work in these lands.

Sightings of Slayers as far west as Arachnos, and as far east as The Dragon Sea are starting to come in by the dozens. 

These Slayers don’t seem to be interested in anything other than HERO’s, which leads most of us to believe the Grasping Dark is up to their old games.

I’m sure that Grasping Dark believes that if they can kill all of the powerful adventurers in the Realm with these Slayers... There won’t be anyone left to oppose them.

HERO’s of the Realm... I warn you now... Do Not face one of these Slayers alone!  Bring your clans with you!

Darma, Hopes one of these doesn’t come after the Immortals.

~

Sender  Darma~

Date    Tue Mar 18 19:13:45 2003~

Stamp   1048043625

To      all~

Subject The Shadow Clan~

Text

From the mist’s of the Shadows arises a new force... The Clan of Shadows.  During Jade’s disappearance, he and some trusted followers, hide in the Shadows observing and watching the Grasping Dark.

Knowing that if they let themselves become revealed to the Evil at hand... They would surely be destroyed before they could recoup their strength. 

Planning in secrecy, and mustering as much opposition as they could, Jade and his followers awaited their prime opportunity to strike.

With the elimination of the Evil Simm the Shadow clan strives for balance, and consistently keeps the clans of Good and Evil in check.  Always hiding in the shadows stalking the rest of the Realm... ensuring no one gains more power than is necessary.

The Shadow clan isn’t Allied or at War with any one... no sides have been taken since the abomination of the Grasping Dark.

Some non-RP notes about the clan:

The Shadow clan is always looking for new members.  If you would like to apply to join the clan, please note ‘shadow’ or email me at ‘start2finish@cox.net’.

You’ll go through a small application process, you must display a solid knowledge of the mud, and be Role-play orientated.

The Shadow clan is a pk clan, but we don’t pk unless we have a solid RP reason to do so.  Also, the Shadow clan doesn’t take any applications from players that have alts in other clans (except loners).

It’s acceptable to have multiple alts in the Shadow clan, but it’s not acceptable for Shadow clan members to have alts in other clans.

If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.

Darma.

~

Sender  Thanis~

Date    Wed Mar 19 08:27:52 2003~

Stamp   1048091272

To      all~

Subject Turning~

Text

I’ve never felt that I’ve agreed with the followings of good, but the power

of leadership is always convincing.

but now I have found that I can not stay here anymore, by which my true feelings are neither good nor evil.

I will not be good or evil, and now I am following the way I was suppose to be.

I will leave the Guardians of Light for the Shadow Clan, and therefore will follow Darma.

I’m not and never will be true good or evil, and that is why I choose the shadow clan

I’ve been waiting for this moment to arise, and will not fail to grasp it.

therefore my day has come to convert.....

Former Leader of Guardians of Light.....Thanis....Seeking his true nature.

~

Sender  Darma~

Date    Fri Mar 21 20:21:01 2003~

Stamp   1048306861

To      all~

Subject The Evil that Grows inside.~

Text

Regarding the decision of Thanis and his move to the Shadow Clan.

Our reputation is unrivaled for being the unbiased force of the Realm,

neither Good nor Evil... Guardians of Light’s presence has been just

as prominent, if not more so for the forces of Good.  Thanis didn’t

leave GoL to be a Traitor or because he was evil as some of you have

said... Nah!  He left because he felt the presence of evil in GoL...

Kasata the new GoL Leader.  Kasata’s lust for blood has grown daily,

and no true Leader of the prestigious Guardians of Light can be that

blood thirsty.  To this day few have had a greater lust for blood... Vizchu...

Vilkata... and Simm are the only ones to come to mind, all from Grasping Dark.

This is the reason he left, because of the evil Kasata... not knowing

where else to turn to... he came here, to the Shadow Clan.  Much like

Jade, he knew that he needed to go into hiding until the he could

muster the strength to banish the evil that haunted him.

Many years have passed since the Shadow clan has been forced to

take up arms.  Kasata, do not think that because of this fact we have

gotten weak, and that your evil plans will prevail.  Nah!  Just the opposite

is true, for we have grown in strength beyond compare!

Guardians of Light, realize that the Grasping Dark has planted a seed

of evil among you.  A seed that is almost fully grown.  GoL, I urge you

to purge yourself of this vile Evil of Kasata and send him back to the

Grasping Dark, where he belongs!

The Shadow Clan will assist in his vanquish if needed.

Darma, Shadow Clan Diplomat

~

Sender  Declor~

Date    Sat Mar 22 09:33:42 2003~

Stamp   1048354422

To      all~

Subject The Guardians of Light~

Text

Since the destruction of the Dark Lord of the Grasping Dark the Guardians of Light

have been healing their wounds. Kasata, the leader of GL, has been gathering the

forces of good within the realm. This gathering is needed do to the rise of the Shadow

clan within the realm. Though, thought to be a neutral clan, the Shadow have been known

to serve the evil dark lords of the Grasping Dark. Making them an enemy of all

things good. With battles soon to come, the Guardians are preparing for the worse.

With the past turning of Thanis to the dark side of the realm, the Guardians will be

hunting all traitors of GL and teaching them that their evil ways will be there undoing.

The power of the dark lords of Shadow are powerful but will fall to the good of GL!!!!

Guardians of Light

~

Sender  Vizchu~

Date    Sat Mar 22 14:06:22 2003~

Stamp   1048370782

To      all~

Subject Grasping Dark is rising once more~

Text

I shook my head when I got wind of Thanis’s decision.  Shadow Clan was growing faster than any other and now Darma has found a way to change Thanis’s allegiance. I knew I had to do something if we were to return to our former glory. I

immediately adorned my armor and set out in search of new recruits.

My initial attempts proved unsuccessful. Every town has their hero, yet none proved worthy. Giving up I began the long journey back to the hills outside of Midgaard. On the second night I stopped at a small tavern near the eastern city, New

Thalos, to quench my thirst. Upon entering the establishment immediately fell silent as they no doubt recognized me and what I represent. It was then that a young warrior named Caerid asked to join Grasping Dark. At first I was

startled by the request. After a long pause and careful debate I nodded and said, “Yes, you may join...if.” It was then that I noticed the fire in Caerid’s eyes. He already knew my request. I finished, “If you leave no survivors.” In a

flash his blade was drawn and one had already fallen. Three more were dead before anyone began to draw their weapon. I watched with delight from the doorway, blocking the escape of anyone who tried to flee. In a matter of minutes, Caerid

had spilled the blood of nearly two dozen innocents. Together we shared a draught of mead and reveled in the presence of a fresh kill. Shortly thereafter we set out.

One new recruit wasn’t what I had hoped for, but it was a start. Back at the hall, I immediately began training Caerid. He has much potential, I only hope that he will allow me to fully harness his power. For the next several weeks Caerid

and I would train constantly. His progress was shocking, even to me. It was during one of these training sessions that a fearful messenger, stumbling through his words reported an intruder. With a grin I told Caerid to continue his

training while I dispatch the nuisance. As I approached I heard the clang of steel on steel and could smell fresh blood. I watched as the intruder spit another of my guards’ helmets down the middle. He sheathed his sword and turned to me,

“Ah yes, Vizchu! I thought this might be the fastest way to speak with you.” As I nodded he continued, “I am known as Syph, perhaps you recognize me. I was once the leader of an ancient clan, Forsaykyn. It seems hard times have fallen upon

our members and we are thus, no more. However, I am very interested in what you and the Grasping Dark can offer me.”

With the additions of Syph and Caerid, Grasping Dark will soon be ready to succeed where Simm had failed.

~

Sender  Thanis~

Date    Sat Mar 22 22:05:03 2003~

Stamp   1048399503

To      all~

Subject ABOUT the SHADOW clan~

Text

ok, I thought I explained this before, but I guess it doesn’t go through the head of some Guardian of Light people who don’t know the difference between good, evil and neutral.  If you’re that blinded by your own damn Guardian Light, Then use your ear

now.  WE, as in the SHADOW clan, are, always have, and always WILL be NEUTRAL, NEUTRAL, did you hear that?  I don’t believe we have don’t anything in such a way to prove that we were evil, I believe I have had to defend myself more then once from be

being attacked by a Guardian of Evil..er Light.  If anyone is acting evil, it’s the so called guardians of light, I can understand not being looked at nicely for leaving,

but protectors of good don’t get Blood Lust from one member leaving!

So, either your minds have melted from the heat of the Light, or you’re blinded by your own stupidity.  Get it straight, were neutral, we don’t go attacking for the love of killing as I’ve seen with the Guardians of light.

until you’re on the right path, watch who you call evil...

Thanis, LEADER of the Shadow Clan.....

~

Sender  Julob~

Date    Sat Mar 22 22:10:48 2003~

Stamp   1048399848

To      all~

Subject Kasata and the Shadow Clan~

Text

There seems to be a pointless debate raging as to the good and evil of

the Shadow Clan.  On one end of the spectrum, we have Gods so obsessed

with their image and the potential tarnishing of their good name by their

supposedly righteous followers really being bloodthirsty nasty evil knaves

with no concept of true goodness if it came up and bit them, and then on the

other end, long-standing individuals recognizing not only the blood-thirsty,

rash and even power-grasping and petty nature of those who claim to be a leader

of the “good” clan known as the Guardians of Light but also that such leaders

need to be not only held in check but maybe perhaps, culled from

membership before they do more evil than good.

Now, I cannot believe that Declor, who, for as long as I have been living

has been a kind and benevolent entity, although, based on his announcement

recently, entirely delusional, would actually protect and defend such

a bloodthirsty and even cowardly individual such as Kasata. 

A true believer of the Light and a follower of good and righteousness would

not hide in shadows and attack from cover.  He would not use cowardly

advantages such as supreme equipment and kill creatures wherever just to prove

his supremacy in combat when he cannot defeat those closer to his abilities in

the arena. 

Such a leader of Light should have the wisdom and ability to chose his battles

wisely fighting creatures and persons equal to his capability rather than those

so below his ability where they would hardly be worthy to a true good person

or someone so vastly more experienced and capable that he quite literally is

schooled in his attempt to follow his delusional master’s guidance. 

Secondarily, a leader would also know how to fight properly so that

other clan leaders or even lowly barely hero personas wouldn’t so easily kill

such a leader as was witnessed by a friend of mine.  But, then when one has

and stared into the light long enough, one usually is blinded by that light and

only knows what one believes is the world around them and not the reality that

is obvious to all others. 

I do not see how one can find any fault to Thanis for choosing to leave the

Guardians of Light when the Guardians of Light so obviously fail to understand

the evil that grows within themselves.  It would seem to me that in Kasata’s

quest for power and glory that he would do anything and everything to get that

power and, even if Thanis had not left and become part of the Shadow Clan,

Kasata would have eliminated Thanis when Thanis became inconvenient. 

That is not the markings of a good leader or even a person following

the ethics of good but rather one masquerading as good to cause more evil and

destruction and giving those of the Grasping Dark more power. 

Beware of this puppet of evil; I say to my Guardian of Light brethren who

are not swayed yet by Kasata’s charismatic tongue, he brings fell

existence to your clan.  Those of the Shadow, much like Jade,

see better the darkness hidden in the light because we are in the darkness, and

we embrace the darkness just enough to recognize that evil is not visible

darkness but rather darkness on the soul. 

Before you embark on a foolhardy quest against those who seek to understand

darkness and evil before combating it, who seek to recognize true evil

and watching for true evil to rear its head in the most unlikely of places, and

swiftly, silently and efficiently, like the shadows we are, eliminate it, look

into yourselves and your leader and identify the true evil out there. 

We profess our neutrality only in regards that we recognize that there are no

easy lines in the sands to be drawn as to good and evil and the best disguise

that a devil can ever have is one of the righteous and true crusader bathing

he and his own in the blood of innocents that had the misfortune

of being ever so slightly different. 

~

Sender  Achar~

Date    Tue Apr  8 17:17:39 2003~

Stamp   1049847459

To      all~

Subject Shadow land~

Text

There once was a legend of a horrible place that lies behind the shadows.

This is a place of where your worst fears and nightmares are a dreadful reality.

Recently, a dark priest in midgaard found that this place is far more than just a legend. When he

mistakenly opened a portal through his dark altar when performing a ritual sacrifice.

Now the path to the land of shadows lies open for those daring or stupid enough to venture through!

~

Sender  Achar~

Date    Wed Apr  9 19:47:22 2003~

Stamp   1049942842

To      imm~

Subject God of Death~

Text

I have taken the role of God of Death, Lies and Betral

I’m going to begin tempting players with the power of “death” making them immune to all physical harm.

Let them get their heads in the clouds as they test it on mobs, then the first character they fight they will become vulnerable.

Not only vulnerable but suddenly finding themselves at 200 hp.

All to feed my desire for human souls!

Achar- the Liar, Betrayer, and Bringer of Death

~

Sender  Achar~

Date    Wed Apr  9 19:51:51 2003~

Stamp   1049943111

To      imm~

Subject God of Death~

Text

P.S. those of you with morts go please don’t tell your clannies and what not my plans are

Those who would blindly take power over their allegiances are fools

oh yeah to get my “powers” they must betray all their beliefs and go loner. >:)

~

Sender  Thanis~

Date    Mon Apr 14 16:46:06 2003~

Stamp   1050363966

To      all~

Subject Balance upon the Realm~

Text

I have seen and heard of many a corrupt soul within the land, and I believe now it is my turn to change it.  I will now find a way, if possible, to return it to the even balance it once was

I have left the shadow clan for this time being to restore balance but my heart still holds true to what I believe.  I will not be stopped into reaching my goal for true balance, even if it means burning it into your soul.

I will return to the shadow clan when I believe the realm is not tilted either way, but in complete balance.  Any betray me and you will feel the worst possible DEATH!

Do not think this is just my decision, I will be given true sight to see whether your soul is true to what you follow, or if you’re just another corrupt being plaguing this world!

I will not be stopped, If you decide lie about what your suppose to hold true, you will find yourself lying in your own puddle of blood, screaming for the anyone for help, which there will be none.

Be warned, If you do not hold true to what you’re expected of, nothing can save you, not even your god.

if you know of anybody who is not being true to what they are, report them to me, I will deal with them, they will once again respect what they should not have strayed from long ago.

The only your safe is to realize what you believe in, only then, will you be safe.

The bestower of balance, Thanis, Champion of Death

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Fri Apr 18 06:49:41 2003~

Stamp   1050673781

To      all~

Subject birth~

Text

A spark....a flickering light. I open my eye and find myself

standing in a formless void. my dress is rather strange and

I find that I know things. I feel......powerful and yet know

not why, or what it means. I look around and see things. many

things. in many different times and places. I know not how I

know what these things are...but I do. I find that I can speak

every language ever known.

Then a voice comes from the darkness and speaks to me. It is

a male voice, gentle yet possessing more power then I myself.

It says to me Greetings Merlana. Know now that thou art a

GOD. I give to the this world and these mortals to do with

as you see fit. BUT! there are rules, and penalties for breaking

those rules.”

So I’m a god......whatever that is. Sound fun. I sit quietly for

a minute thinking. I can since that there are others up here in this

void. But three stand supreme that I can sense. There is another

that interest me. Female by the feel. Sexy and soft. And another

dark and strong. And there are other beings. Tiny sparks that

are born, flare, and flicker and die. Those must be the mortals

the voice spoke of. Wonder why they die? Seems like a waste of time

to me, but oh well to each his own.

I look down at my dress and think to myself. Oh this will never

do. With just a thought my attire changes to fit my needs. My weapon

as well changes. I look out across the mist of time and space and

see the mortals. They are so small. But at least I now have some

entertainment. I walk out of the void and into the heavens to look

down upon these mortals. I watch them closely and see why they are

so special. The over come so much with very little at their command

I watch and a tear slides down my cheek.

Yeah rite. please. these mortals are a joke. look at them.

Oh I’m going to have so much fun. the Pranks I’m going to pull. and

as for the blah blah blah about the RULES. well. they have to

catch me first.

And with an impish giggle speaking volumes of mischief the new

goddess of mischief namely me turns and cloaks herself in godlike

invisibility running off to reverse street signs, back up sewers

and to steal everyone’s left shoe.

I’ll need followers of course. People that are like me and enjoy

a good prank.......followers. YES followers coughscapegoatscough

so I’ll just put out the call to ARMS! impish giggle

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Sat May 10 11:03:32 2003~

Stamp   1052589812

To      all~

Subject mischief~

Text

She crept along the misty halls of Valhalla on silent feet keeping

to the shadows with the practiced movements of a natural thief.

Since her awakening she had gotten bored. Bored with life as a

goddess. There was just NOTHING to do when you can go anywhere and

do anything.

As she crept along she heard them...the three elders.....the chanting

was coming from the chamber of creation.

She had often wondered what THEY did in there, she was never allowed

in. One if not all always shooed her out before they got started.

She did know that when those three were in there great things happened

creatures appeared....items were forged....and races were born.

But how? How did they do it? How did they create such wonderful things?

Well today she was going to find out! She crept along to the door and

like a common thief peeked through the key hole. Yep, there they

were all gathered around that silly stone basin. It wasn’t even

pretty, Gray stone with no gems or jewels to adorn it, just gray rock.

As she watched they all three placed their hands on the basin and

spoke in unison. She could feel the energy the raw power of the

three. And then poof there stood a glorious shimmering dragon.

With a wave of his hand the one known as Synwulf sent the beast to

the mortal realms.

“That’s enough for today my brothers. Let us rest and see what this

new beast will do to our realm.”

She scrambled for a dark corner as Synwulf spoke knowing that they

would be leaving the room soon and not wanting to get caught

eavesdropping. She watched as they left the room and closed the door

to the chamber. Well might as well get some use out of this goddess

thing she thought. She crept over to the door and looks at the lock.

Shouldn’t be much of a problem. She pointed her finger at it and

says “ok. zap it!.”

Nothing happened. Hrm.......then she hears a voice in her head

“try the door daughter. it isn’t locked.”

She reaches down and tries the door. “well bugger me. it isn’t locked.”

She opens the door and slowly enters the room. She looks around

it and slowly makes her way to the basin. Looking down into it

she sees a large crystal about the size of a small melon. It is

shimmering with every color of the spectrum. But she feels no power

from it. Nothing. Just a cold lump of crystal. “so this is how they

“do it. hrm.”

She reaches down and takes the crystal from the basin then whirls

when she hears the snarl behind her. A shadow beast stands there

glaring at her with baleful eyes. “uh oh. this could be bad”

The beast leaped at her and with a speed and strength that caught

her by surprise she draws her sword with a steely whisper and a

blinding flash. She heard two thumps as both parts hit the floor.

“well. that was easy.”

She turns to leave the room and there stood two more blocking her

path. Well she thought, I AM a goddess.

Seconds later she leaves the chamber of creation with the gem tucked

under her cloak.

As she runs through the halls she laughs silently to herself thinking

“the crystal of creation. the most powerful tool of the gods.

“where should I hide it? hrm.....oh I know. the prime material”

Laughs a silver peel of laughter as she crosses the ethers to the

prime material.

merlana goddess of mischief

~

Sender  Rakasha~

Date    Mon May 12 11:37:19 2003~

Stamp   1052764639

To      All~

Subject Chamber of Life~

Text

Within the Chamber of Life, the very chamber from which the Elder Gods weave

existence, two pockets of dark mist begin to form of the far corner of the

antechamber.  From this dark mist, two forms emerge.  “Do you think she knows,

My Lord?” asks the rather elegant looking Rakasha to the figure standing beside

him.

“It matters not my friend.  Merlana is intelligent enough that she shall soon

discover the truth of it all; no matter how much I try to hide it from her.  If she

were not so busy causing trouble, no doubt that she would already know.”

“What of the Crystal of Creation, My Lord?  Surely she shall not be allowed to

keep it.”

“No my friend, she shall not be allowed to keep it, but for now, she causes no real

harm.  I know to where she takes the crystal.  The other matter is of a more

pressing matter, for which I feel I must attend to.”

“And how may I help you, My Lord?”

“There is nothing you can do, my friend.  That is the one thing in which neither

Good, nor Evil, Elder, nor Immortal, has the power to control, no matter how

much either may try.  She and she alone, is the only one who controls that, and

therefore, I am at her mercy.”

“What of the Shadow, My Lord?”

“Yes, that is something we must prepare for.  I must speak with the Ancients,

arrange it, immediately.”

“As you command, My Lord, so it shall be done.”

Without the slightest trace, the elegant Rakasha vanishes like a fine mist, swept

away by the spring wind, leaving his Lord alone within his own thoughts.  The

figure, embraced within his cloak, hood drawn so as to hide any discernable

features, contemplates the latest events.  Seemingly from no where, an image of

Merlana, poised with pride and nobility, appears before the hooded figure.  With a

soft sigh, the hooded figured and the noble image vanishes into the nothingness

from which they came, leaving the Chamber of Life empty.

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Tue May 13 14:39:27 2003~

Stamp   1052861967

To      all~

Subject mischief cont.~

Text

Snarling....snapping......geez the beast were everywhere!

Merlana dodged left,right,jumped forward then 20 ft. straight up.

The baler’s fiends just kept coming. Whose bright idea was it to

cut thought the abyss anyways? Already she had slain many, her

sword coated in the black blood of the beast which befoul this

realm, and they just didn’t stop.

“why keep fighting them daughter?

the voice again. She wished she knew who this voice was. He always

seemed to know exactly what she was thinking and when. Spooky to

say the least.

“Well what else can I do? they’re kind of blocking the path out.”

ask a stupid question and you’ll get a stupid answer.

“you’re a god daughter. BE ONE!”

She looked down at the creatures amassed below her. She closed her

eyes and looked within her. There it was. The bright flame of

her divinity. Why had she never seen it there before she wondered.

She reaches within herself and calls forth this flame. Her entire

body is suddenly incased in a bright shimmering aura of divine

Holy light, the creatures below her stop in fear and look at the

baler with uncertain eyes. Merlana opens her eyes and looks down

at the baler. She can sense his power, and compared to hers his is

a mere spark. Where her’s would be a raging forest fire.

“you should flee baler. Cause I tire of this game.”

She fixes the baler with a look and speaks a single word. The rest

flee in terror, scattering to the corners of the smokey realm.

Wow. that was easy. REALLY easy. Oh well enough fun. on to the

prime material. She checks the crystal and makes sure it’s still

in it’s hiding place. then with a way of her hand she opens a gate

to the next plane.

She steps out of the gate in the middle of a grassy plain and looks

around. To the north about 20 yards was a road. And walking down that

road was a man. He was dressed in the garb of a warrior. But he

had the robes and feel of a priest. Strange. She walked to the road

and falls into step behind him. Her godly invisibility letting her

walk along without any fear of being seen. She wondered where he

was going and why he was going there. But more importantly she

wondered how she was going to fit this crystal into his pack without

him knowing it.

She smiled to herself as she looks ahead up the road and sees the

walls of a human town. To the side of the road was a sign and

written on that sign was a single word. Midgaard.

OOC btw. if any wish to get involved in this rp then feel free

to write a role. mortal or immortal alike. the more there is the

more it will grow. and maybe I’ll get a promotion for it. rofl.

merlana goddess of mischief

~

Sender  Rakasha~

Date    Wed May 14 10:59:14 2003~

Stamp   1052935154

To      All~

Subject Into the Hall of the Ancients~

Text

Peering about the darkened antechamber, Rakasha becomes fully aware of an

others presence, most likely that of an Ancient come to see if he is to be dinner.

Before him, a massive set of double doors, adorned with mithril and platinum,

separating the antechamber from the chamber mortals have come to know as The

Crypt.

“Who dares approach the Hall of the Ancients unannounced?”

“Forgive my intrusion, Ancient.  It is I, Rakasha, and I bring word from His Lord.

The Shadow approaches and His Lord has requested your presence so that he may

better decide what to do of it.”

“So, His Lord pauses from his games long enough to address the fate of all life? 

He toys with this Merlana and the fate of existence is on the verge of being

extinguished.  Tell me Rakasha, how bad has it become?”

“Ancient, the legends of old are returning.  The Shadow approaches.  His Lord

has become enthralled with this Merlana, his attention compromised.  The Crystal

of Creation has been allowed to be taken and relocated by the very person His

Lord is enthralled with.”

A deep resounding rumble begins to fill the antechamber, bouncing from wall to

wall, increasing its booming effects.

“I need not remind an Ancient of what would happen if the Shadow were allowed

to fall upon the lands once more.  Terror will rise from the depths of the Shadow

to slay all who stand in its way.  The clans will...”

“ENOUGH!  Do not forget your place Rakasha!  Do not forget that it was I who

stood against the Shadow in the War of Old, and YOUR LORD who interfered

and allowed the Shadow to thrive.”

‘I beg your forgiveness, Ancient.  I only fear that which may be.”

“Tell His Lord, I shall contemplate all that has transpired, and when I am

prepared, I shall present myself to His Lord and offer guidance.  Advise His Lord

that the Grand Ancient recommends ending this infatuation he has for this

Merlana, no good may come of it.”

“It shall be as you command, Ancient.”

As quickly as he appeared, Rakasha is engulfed into the mist which surrounds

him, and dissipates into nothingness.

“The Dark One is pleased?”

Seemingly from nowhere, a sinister voice answers, “I am.”

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Wed May 14 20:37:33 2003~

Stamp   1052969853

To      all~

Subject mischief in midgaard~

Text

She walked along the city streets watching the mortals go about

their daily lives. The young goddess was never one to pass up the

chance to spread a little mischief however and several things

happened as she walked the streets. A basket was knocked over here

a skirt blew up there and always the people heard the silvery impish

giggles of the cloaked goddess. She had lost the man in the bustle

of the streets but no matter, there were more than enough mortals

around for entertainment.

She turned down an alley and came upon a small child, the child was

a young girl of about 4 she figured, dirty and bedraggled she sat

looking up at merlana with large blue eyes. Strange she thought.

almost as if the child could see her. Without thinking or wondering

why she did it she conjured a large platinum coin and dropped it

into the child’s lap and skipped off down the street. As she neared

the end of the alley she stopped when the voice again entered her

“compassion daughter? One wouldn’t expect that from you.”

this for some reason irritated her immensely. “well then you

“obviously don’t know me very well do you?”

she walked on the crystal in the pack on her back was strangely

warm. The previous night she had experimented with it a little, to

no avail, and had learned two things about it. Jack and crap. and

jack she learned had left town.

She rounded the corner and found herself in a dark alley way.

Strange. seems she would have known this alley was here. after all

she knew everything else in this town. every bug and every stone.

she knew where every nail was and every piece of dust. but this

alley wasn’t in her mind. Then a dark figure stepped from the

back of the alley. For some reason this figure made her skin

crawl and she got a feeling of hopelessness and emptiness as she

looked at it.

“wh.....who are you?”

she asked her hand straying to her sword.

The figure spoke in a dusty whisper that made the hair on the

back of her neck stand up and her stomach churn.

“that is of no moment. you have something I want little goddess.

“just hand it to me and you can go about your way and perhaps you’ll

“live a bit longer than the rest.”

well she deffinately didn’t like his attitude for sure. Little

goddess indeed. She squared her shoulders and looked at the figure.

“I don’t know who or WHAT you are friend. but you’ll get alot more

“more than you bargain for if you attack me.”

The figure laughed at her. actually laughed and it was the laughter

with no mirth in it at all. Without moving an inch the figure seemed

to be suddenly right in front of her. It grabbed her shoulder and

flung her into the wall with enough force to crumble the building

to rubble. O.K. she thought. don’t let him get his hands on you.

“beast! destroy this puny excuse for a goddess and bring me the

“crystal of creation.”

and just like that he was gone. And in his place stood two knight’s

of complete shadow......no..not shadow....more like....VOID.

well void or not she WAS a goddess. She climbed to her feet and drew

her sword with a steely whisper. Advancing on one she slashed it

with her blade and watched in total disbelief as the blade a weapon

forged by synwulfe himself shattered into useless shards of metal.

UH OH. This was DEFINATLY NOT good. One of the knights reached out

and touched her and she could feel her very life her very divinity

being drawn out of her. What were these things and how did one

fight such as these? She ducked under the reaching hand of another

and without thinking grabbed the only other thing she had that she

might use as a weapon. The pack holding the crystal of creation

came off her back and she swung it like a mace. It struck the one

that had shattered her sword and in the instant it touched him

she understood even less about the crystal than she did before.

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Wed May 14 20:56:40 2003~

Stamp   1052971000

To      all~

Subject mischief in midgaard cont.~

Text

Anger hot and bright flared within her. RAGE burned in her and pushed

Pain......agony.......OH GODS THAT HURTS!

she didn’t know these things could move that fast. One down and

she thought one to go. but this last one was trouncing her hard

she’d never felt pain before. not till now did she know what the

mortals go thro on a daily basis. It wasn’t funny anymore.

She cowered against the back of the alley fearful to move. wanting

to run...wanting to flee....wanting anyone to save her.

“flee daughter! RUN! you cannot defeat this creature of nothingness

“flee before he ends you and takes the crystal!”

so that was all this voice cared about huh? this stupid crystal.

Anger hot and bright flared within her. RAGE burned in her and pushed

away her fear. So this thing wanted a fight did it? Well by the goddess

namely HER, she was going to give him a fight.

As with the baler she reached into her inner self and called forth

her inner fire.

“NO daughter! You cannot win against it. FLEE!”

Too late for that she thought. Now we’re going to play things MY way

she waited till the creature approached her and with the sly cunning

of a fox she pointed behind it and yell “look out!”

And would you believe the stupid thing fell for the oldest trick

in the book?

That instant of lost concentration was all she needed. She fixed

the beast with a blazing look and spoke a single word. The one word

that was never meant to be heard on the prime material. Her name.

The explosion leveled most of the western quarter of Midgaard and

totally destroyed the beast. But it also left her unconscious in that

alley. The crystal tucked safely in her backpack the goddess of

mischief lay unconscious oblivious to the world alone and unprotected.

merlana goddess of mischief.

~

Sender  Redox~

Date    Wed May 14 21:43:53 2003~

Stamp   1052973833

To      all~

Subject Counting the coins~

Text

I’m please to announce the reopening of the Inner Circle.  Many may argue that the land is ruled by good, ruled by evil, ruled by demons, or even by deities.  I contend these all to be falsehoods. 

As the legends of old show, the Inner Circle has swayed the balance of power time and time again.  The one thing that sways us in the proper direction is the sparkle of the jewel, the luster of gold, the weight of platinum.

We are the living proof that it isn’t the will of gods that write history, but the value of greed.  Anyone and anything not only CAN be slain by us, but most likely HAS been slain by us. 

The trophy of Somer’s once mortal soul is a testament I wear proudly.  Even the all mighty Simm, although powerful, underestimated us and it led to his first downfall. 

We only hope for his return one day, for there is much more profit in war then there is in peace. 

Until that day, the Inner Circle is open for business once again.  No task to small, no equipment to remote, no person too safe.  The right offer will buy you anything you desire 

Just remember, don’t take it personally, business is business.  Pleasure is just an added bonus.

Redox - CFO Inner Circle

~

Sender  Gerald~

Date    Mon May 19 02:13:25 2003~

Stamp   1053335605

To      all~

Subject evil swallows evil~

Text

He walked unaffected through the rubble where moments ago Western quarter had been obliterated.

Each step punctuated with the crystalline tap of the melted sword he used as a cane.

This part of the city, before its recent... redecoration was mostly slum lands.

He briefly considered if Inner Circle had decided to mark its return with some havoc.

It was pure denial, he knew better. This had the classic signs of Simm, or one like him.

That name sent the blood rushing to his head, pure uncontrolled hatred and malice that the

former Lord of The Grasping Dark had honed in him so long ago.

Everything was gone since that time. The Aurora Knights were all dead, finally obliterated by

Grasping Dark in his absence. Jade gone and Austere with him.

Those names doused his temper. He missed them, yet amazingly Redox was back.

His proclamation was upon every tongue. Something’s never changed it appeared.

For the right coin even the mightiest of this new Grasping Dark would have their

heads on a pike. He understood the hunger of greed. His very body hungered.

Gerald unconsciously turned right. He could feel it, to the point of pain. He was running now.

The pain of his broken shell of a body, forgotten in its hunger for life.

It was close, the Crystal of Creation. Soon it would be over.

The devastation was more and more complete with each tap of his cane.

With a shutter he stopped. He had to collect himself. Control was all he had left.

The crystal was close enough that he could point at it with his eyes closed.

Something was not right. There was wrongness, here.

Despite a maddening longing for the crystal he began to concentrate on that emptiness.

He walked toward it more calmly than his mind would have thought possible.

His sword made a crackling sound as it dug into the mouth of this new crater.

He deftly climbed over the last rise. he was in the epicenter now.

As he dislodged his sword from the rubble he saw her from the corner of his eye.

Despite the hundreds of years he had walked the earth hunting Simm, the sight of Deities always surprised him.

The Aurora Knights manipulated the world through the practical application of the occult and mystical forces that

formulated reality. The divine was, in his opinion, the manifestation of belief.

Belief is not supposed to hang around unconscious.

She was lovely as Goddesses often were. So lovely in fact that he nearly let his head

be taken off by a creature whose essence was the antithesis of existence.

~

Sender  Gerald~

Date    Mon May 19 02:27:43 2003~

Stamp   1053336463

To      all~

Subject “A not so mischievous question”~

Text

Merlana woke to the sound of combat. Apparently the explosion had not taken care of her problem.

But as fate would have it, someone else was.

His face was old, and scarred by more than the years of battle.

His brown eyes were had the look of a man haunted by demons unknown.

His right arm was mangled beyond mortal repair. His dark cobalt armor had seen better decades.

And his sword was so burned fused that only her divine vision could see the Rune of the last Aurora Knight embedded upon it.

But despite this he fought like a killing machine. In fact he seemed to feed off of the violence and nothingness in the creature.

He sliced through the its neither weapons like lightening. Yet, despite this intervention she was worried.

This man, and the monster he fought were filled with the same emptiness, bitterness, and hunger of death.

She was awake. Deities had a nasty habit of doing that. She couldn’t escape, not while he was so close.

Fending off his attacker, Gerald aimed his sword toward the weekend deity and fired.

A beam of blue light exploded from the tip that temporarily restrained Merlana where she was.

It wouldn’t last long, the dead seldom could stop the divine.

His back swing absorbed the last of the creature into his blade.

“I am Gerald Cryonight, the last of the Aurora Knights” he said, calmly walking toward Merlana.

“I have been cursed by Simm and only the Crystal of Creation has the power to release me.”

He let his barrier fall away, “A goddess entrusted with its power must be able to heal me.”

“Will you help me?”

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Mon May 19 13:31:25 2003~

Stamp   1053376285

To      all~

Subject questions and more questions~

Text

She had watched this man battle the creature. Watched as he had slashed

and fought with the strength of a lion. Watched as he had retrained her

if only temporarily and then vanquished the beast.

Then that fated question. Will you help me?”

“well daughter? will you help one such as him?”

That voice again. Who ever he was he was beginning to tick her off.

And what if I don’t want too? what if this mortal is beneath me?”

THAT should shut him up she thought.

then don’t.”

SIGH wouldn’t you know he’d have to get the last word.

help you how? you seem to be able to take care of yourself just fine.”

she looked at him closer now. He was like those things. Empty....void...

mere shadows almost.

She didn’t want this guy to know that she knew nothing of the crystal or

how to make it work. She didn’t want to seem stupid.

she slung the pack across her back and looked at the man. Well I thank

you for your help. but I have to be off now.”

she turned to leave and the man leaped at her saying as he moved with

the speed of a cat not with my only hope your not!”

Mortals.....the thought as he passed though her shadow she having translocated

several feet away. She laughed a silver tickle of laughter as he slammed

into the rubble that she had cast her image on.

Her godly invisibility coming up around her she vanished from sight

but stood still watching the man. He pulled his self to his feet and turned

to where she had last been hope dying in his eyes as he saw her gone.

Please.......help me.”

The quiet dignity of his plea and the resigned look in his eyes the faded

hope and the gently sad sigh tugged at her heart in a way she had never

thought possible. What had this man been through? And how could she help

when she didn’t even know how to make the crystal work or what it did.

You need only ask daughter.

How does it work?

The crystal possesses no power of it’s own. It is merely a tool to

amplify ones own power.

So THAT was it. THAT’S how this thing worked! She faded back into view

and looked at the man for an instant. The with a look of determination

she took the pack from her back and took out the crystal holding it in

her hands. Tell me what to do.”

merlana

~

Sender  Rakasha~

Date    Mon May 19 22:01:01 2003~

Stamp   1053406861

To      All~

Subject The Plot~

Text

Kneeling in the epicenter of what was once the Grand Hall of the Dark Lord

Rakasha lowers his gaze to the floor, showing the proper respect for his master.

“My Lord, all proceeds as you have commanded.  The Ancients have been

informed of the situation, and, as you predicted, they are unsatisfied with how the

situation has unfolded.”

Rakasha pauses for a brief moment, as if knowing the next bit of information

could enrage His Lord, thus causing some severe discomfort, or perhaps even his

death.

“As was foretold, My Lord, the Legends of Old have returned.  Coomasie has

been seen off to the eastern shores.  It is reported that Redox has reinstated the

Inner Circle and no doubt that Coomasie shall soon join him, uniting two of the

five Inner Circle council members.  Gerald, once thought destroyed during his last

encounter with the Dark Lord, has surfaced, showing up in the now destroyed

quarter of Midgaard, where Merlana fought your pets.  I have even seen reports

that Jade has been seen around Midgaard.  It seems many of the Legends of Old

have arisen from the ashes of The Crypt, where the Dark Lord attempted to use

the Crystal of Creation.”

Pausing only long enough to know if His Lord intended to reply, the report

continues...

“As we speak, Merlana prepares to use the Crystal of Creation.  Though confused

by the voice within her, she continues to listen, as you knew she would.  Once she

uses the Crystal of Creation, it shall draw upon existence to do her bidding,

thereby drawing its energy from existence, consequently draining life, until it is

no more.  What was allowed to be interrupted shall soon be completed by the very

ones who brought about existence in the first place, the Elders, using that very

power which created it that shall now destroy it.”

Just then, from the Shadow which engulfs the former chamber of the Dark Lord,

The Lord, Baal, steps forth, kneeling before the Shadow.

“What is thy bidding, My Lord?”

Echoing throughout the chamber, emanating from no specific place, a sinister

voice speaks.

“You are to protect Merlana, at all costs.  She must be allowed to use the Crystal

of Creation.  Destroy all who should stand in her way.  Once she has used the

Crystal, you are to place this dagger within the back of Merlana.  I care not if she

lives or dies, for it is the message which matters.  You are not to do this prior to

her using the Crystal of Creation.  Fail me and I shall strip the flesh from your

body and toast the destruction of life with your blood as I feast on your heart.

When done, send your agents to assassinate the Elder, Synwulfe.”

From the shadow, a long bladed dagger embedded with several rare and precious

gemstones, flies through the chamber, coming to rest, blade first, within the stone

floor before Baal.  Upon the daggers hilt is the ancient and arcane symbol of the

once renowned and great house of the Grasping Dark.

Showing no emotion or hesitation, Baal vanishes to carry out His Lords orders.

“Rakasha, return to the Hall of the Elders before they become aware of your

overdue presence.  Do not return until Merlana has used the Crystal of Creation

and the Shadow Blade has been delivered unto her back.”

From the mist of nothingness from which Rakasha arrived, he quickly vanishes,

leaving the Shadow to itself.

“This time, the Elders and their coalition of mortals shall not stop the Shadow.

The light shall soon fall victim to the Shadow, and nothingness is all that shall

remain.”

~

Sender  Gerald~

Date    Tue May 20 01:30:47 2003~

Stamp   1053419447

To      all~

Subject revelations~

Text

“Just hold it up.” whispered the man who was neither dead nor alive.

She held the Crystal of Creation aloft. It glowed with an eerie blue light.

Gerald spoke softly, “The dead envy the living. That resentmement

leads them to consume the all life. The Crystal of Creation can be made to work in

a similar way. Creation is one half of destruction. Destruction or chaos resents the order of

life. The crystal can destroy the living death of my curse restoring me.”

Merlana watched as the Crystal in her hand suddenly flew into Gerald’s chest of its own accord.

Sending him flying into the ground several paces before her.

It penetrated with the sickening squish of armor being torn and flesh being punctured.

The crystal’s light enveloped him in a blue fire, as his human soul couldn’t contain the focal

energy it contained. Somewhere in the back of her mind, a perverse sense of satisfaction

seemed to take root. Death was pretty. With a shiver she banished the thought from her mind.

Where had THAT come from?

Through clenched his teeth she heard Gerald whisper, “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me.

And what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not complacent nor am I silent. I have no respite for

the aria of sorrow comes. The some voices you hear will betray you. The Great Lord shall attempt to consume

you. A Godling’s power won’t save, you don’t listen.” With a grimice of pain, Gerald exploded in 

a shower of blue light that faded into nothing.

The Crystal of Creation floated where his chest had been. It’s light was different, somehow tainted

and dulled. It floated back into her hands, quivering. This was not what she had expected. She was just

about to lament on the passing of another mortal who got it wrong when the space before her seemed to

distort and bend on itself.

He walked out of the distortion unscathed. Decades gone from his body, half healed scars vanished. In fact,

his wardrobe had the look of a wealthy nobleman. His cobalt armor gleamed in the sun, disfigured only by a small

hole where the crystal had punched through it. Still a definite improvement. Flexing his new right arm he said

“What I represent can never be destroyed.”

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Tue May 20 08:14:42 2003~

Stamp   1053443682

To      all~

Subject decieved~

Text

“well that was”

She broke off the sentence as a scream of pain escaped her lips. Gerald

jumped in surprise as the point of a dagger exploded from her chest

spraying her eterial blood on his now shining armor. She collapsed to the

ground to lie still and gerald saw what had stabbed her. Baal stood looking

down at her with a look of satisfaction on his face. He had served his

lord and carried out his assignment. “FIEND”

Gerald’s blade leaped from it’s sheath and he advanced on the creature

rage evident upon his face, but he stopped when another voice echoed

across the land.

“HOW DARE YOU!”

Gerald and Baal froze in place like two scared rabbits in front of a

hungry wolf as Creation itself ripped open and the Anchient Synwulfe

stepped from the ethers of the very void. Gerald had heard of them of

course but he’d never thought to see a true anchient, he tried to look

upon him to study him but found he could not. He could only lower his

eyes in homage and sink to his knee’s in reverance. Synwulfe advanced

on the startled Baal. His lord hadn’t mentioned this would happen, baal

thought.

Baal turn to flee across the ethers back to his lord but found himself

unable to move as the dread form of the anchient advanced on him with the

promise of destruction more evident than that of his lords promising.

“YOU WOULD STRIKE MY CHILD AT HIS BIDDING?”

Synwulfe reached out his hand and Baal felt his very essence being torn

from his flesh. It was over in a flash. Baal was gone. Uncreated where

he stood. Even the memory of his existance was erased from creation itself

Synwulfe turned and kneeled beside Merlana. With gentle ease he slid the

dagger from her back and watched pleased as the power of her divinity

closed the wound healing her. She stirred moaning quietly as synwulfe

stood and turned to Gerald.

“DRAW THY SWORD MORTAL AND PROTECT MY DAUGHTER MERLANA WITH YOUR LIFE.”

“I CHARGE THEE WITH THE TASK OF GAURDIAN SHIP. WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS

“MOST NOBLE OF TASKS?”

The question hung there Gerald looked to the beautiful goddess lying

helpless on the ground then to the feet of the anchient then back to the

lovely face and the crystal lying in the dirt next to her.

Decisions-decisions.

merlana

~

Sender  Gerald~

Date    Wed May 21 03:34:10 2003~

Stamp   1053513250

To      all~

Subject Der Wille Zer Macht~

Text

He hated baby sitting. Even if it was a divine being. Worse, he really hated it when Divine Beings

had leverage on him. Just like when he met Somer!He had no real choice but to except. With

little effort he released himself from Synwulfe’s spell. Decifering how something worked was

a specialty of his. The study of Synwulfe would take multiple lifetimes, but now was not that time.

Rising to his feet he said simply, “You of all people should know that I can’t say no.” He picked

up the Crystal of Creation and placed it into Merlana’s pack. “However, I am currently in the service

of the Goddess Somer. So long as the objectives are workable I will protect your Godling.” He wrapped

up the unconcious Goddess in his cloak. The youthful face looked so stern, without it’s mischievous grin.

“To carry out your task I will make Merlana’s power unable to affect you. Nor will she be able to use

her abilities to escape you.” Synwulfe proclaimed. An energy bolt flew from his eyes, burning a mark into

Gerald’s hand. While the noble nursed a particularly permenant brand he vanished into the ether.

She was cold. The Dagger of the Grasping Dark tended to make most creatures quite dead. This particular

dagger was probably coated with the blood of something very dark and very evil. She needed somewhere safe

to heal. Perhaps one Place left would do. As the smell of his burning flesh crossed into his nose he picked

her up and walked into the twilight with the Goddess, a crystal and a mission he knew little about. They would

be coming.

During the Great War Castle Cryonight had several passages into the City all connected to a series of rooms

shielded from the Grasping Dark. Even Simm himself had never learned of it’s existance. As he walked through

the tunnels the voices of the past seemed to surge forth without his wish. His wife, walking these halls, the

men and women who where his friends. No more than a memory now and this place his historical life’s requiem.

He turned a corner in the unending maze deep underground and was in his old spare bedroom. Dust lined the desk

and library shelves. Yet the incantaitons he had placed on the bed had left it in impeccable condition. He gently

tucked in the sleeping Goddess. The silks and red carpets with gold guilding seemed appropriate for a Goddess.

He turned to study himself in the mirror and stopped in cold dread. Where the essense of Merlana and the dagger

had come together a darkness had begun to form. He quickly set about for some treatment protocal. The section on

Fixing Immortal Deities was understandably empty. Not having any other alternative he removed a glass flask from

the desk.

Long ago, he had learned how to concentrate the energy in good and evil. The process resulted in a liquid that

shimmered like the Northern Lights. It had given rise to his Kingdom, and this was the last of that great power.

Only a few drops remained, inside due to a crack in the glass. It had been blessed by thousands, and thousands

more had died to ensure it’s purity. He poured the liquid into the wound. If she had the will to fight she would live.

From the depths of her slumber the Goddess mumbled, “The visible world was formed in love, it’s invisible sphere’s,

in fright.” Somehow that, coming from a face so innocent, made the hairs on his neck stand on end. Perhaps Somer would

know what to do. For the first time in five hundred years Gerald prayed for an answer.

~

Sender  Merlana~

Date    Wed May 21 18:24:20 2003~

Stamp   1053566660

To      all~

Subject something different~

Text

She awoke to a dull pain in her head and a sharp pain in her back and chest.

She sat up slowly looking about her with the thought of wondering where she was

and how she got here. The room had obviously not been used in some time. Dust

and cob webs hung everywhere and the covers that lay over her were old and faded.

She had the stranges taste in her mouth, and as she sat up she found that her

clothing had been removed and folded neatly on the chair next to the bed. Her

wounds had been covered and bound with clean strips of cloth which she took off

and lay to the side. “not even a scar.”

She tossed the covers off and stood up and looked around.

Something was different. Something was different with HER. She felt.....Stronger.

She could feel things that she couldn’t feel before. And she knew that she could

do things that she couldn’t DO before. She shrugged her shoulders and thought

“oh well. another question for another day on another subject she knew nothing about”

She snapped her fingers and was instantly clothed...but even her choice of clothing

had changed. Instead of the dark cloak and the brightly colored jesters suit

that she usually wore she was now dressed in shining armor. And damn did she

look good in it. It fit her every curve and seemed almost as a second skin.

At her side slung low to be drawn with ease was a silver sword the likes of

which she had never seen. She slowly begain to draw the blade when a voice entered

her mind. This voice had the ring of a thousand swords clashing together in

battle within it’s depths. “i wouldn’t draw that if i was you.”

She slowly removed her hand and asked “why not? It’s only a sword.”

“oh it’s much more than that. THAT blade will NOT break against the creatures

“ of void. THAT blade will slay ANYTHING in or out of creation.”

She didn’t know who this new voice was but she senced it to be about the same

strenght of the other. She wondered where the mortal had went and what was going

on. She was about to go look around when the shadows of the room seemed to swell

and a beast of hideous features leaped at her. It was over extremely quickly.

The sword came out there was a flash then “poof” the sword seemed to absorb the

thing rite into it and almost to feed upon it.

She didn’t even have to wipe the blade she watched in amazement as the blade

seemed to draw in and drink the very void that was the thing. “well that was

easy.

She sheathed her blade and took up the crystal and without a moments hesitation

she teleported outside and looking around watched the sun rise over the eastern

horizon and for some reason couldn’t help feeling that this sunrise was possibly

the last that she would ever see.

merlana

~

Sender  Gerald~

Date    Thu May 22 04:03:44 2003~

Stamp   1053601424

To      all~

Subject An answered prayer~

Text

He sensed the evil eminating from his room. He’d been outside in the hall, nostolgically walking through his

ruined home. He’d managed to get some food. Real food(!) From a magically protected pantry and was returning to Merlana.

When the ferral scriek errupted from his room. The bread fell forgotten as his sword sprang from it’s back

scabbard. He obliterated the door with a bolt of engery and ran into the room before the smoke had cleared.

A zombie Trap! They were all around him. Gerald’s downward palm strike shattered the 1^st creatures wrist.

He grabbed on and broke the arm at the forearm, elbow and shoulder in a series of armlocks that culminated in

snapping the ruined husk’s neck. He tossed it into the fray behind him. One jumped on his back and he went

down to his knees. Two more grabbed his sword arm, pinning the blade to the ground. The zombies seemed to weigh

upon him like bricks.

He couldn’t get up. All those spirits who died in this place. They wanted him to join them. He cursed The Grasping

Dark. His friends couldn’t even rest in death. The smell of rotting flesh filled his nose, gagging him. He had to

get up. They hadn’t penetrated his body armor yet. Their teeth scraped against the guilded armor. He wasn’t going to

make it. With a slam his helmet absorbed a blow that blurred his vision. No man cheats death forever. He couldn’t breath.

From out of nowhere, Somer seemed to materialize face to face inches from his nose. Certainly a lot more pleasing than the

zombie that was intent on eating his face. Her smooth features had the look of someone who was somewhat cross with a child.

“You really have this thing against asking for help don’t you Cryonight? Some people call for their Goddess’ protection.

But no, not you! You go from killing a demonic shadow knight to this. Tisk” She faded out of existance with the shake of her head.

The world promptly vanished the loudest “BOOM” he’d ever heard.

The explosion sent him flying into the air and down onto the ground. Zombie parts mixed with blood rained

down on him in a shower of carnage. The ringing in his ears was beyond belief. He couldn’t hear his own

voice. Merlana was gone, however the concussion was very much here to stay. Why was he in so much pain?

“That’s because your ear drums are bleeding and you hit your head on the ground when you fell.

You arn’t a vampire anymore, the healing doesn’t come fast.” Somer said or rather telepathically

chimmed into his brain. “Well, since you’re human the Crystal of Creation must have worked.” the Somer’s mouth

turn up slightly. Was she smirking at him? Probably making fun of him as all deities seemed to enjoy.

~

Sender  Gerald~

Date    Thu May 22 04:05:58 2003~

Stamp   1053601558

To      all~

Subject “A promise made”~

Text

He took a moment to study Somer, she had found him where Simm had left him, phased outside of reality, doomed

to watch the world and starve until his sanity finally crumbled. She’d told him where Merlana would be with

the Crystal of Creation. She floated above him her white cloak spread behind and above her like an angel’s wings.

She seemed to be clothed in a liquid light that formed a Paladin’s armor. The Aura that encompassed her was like looking

into the sun. In three weeks he’d accrued more obligation to her than in five hundred years. He’d never be free.

Even though he couldn’t hear his own voice he said “The Goddess Merlana, how do I protect her? And from who?”

“Certainly not like that.” Somer said, magically wisking a zombie finger from his hair. “I can’t believe you fell

for such a classic ambush. I can’t tell you how, other than be patient, she is your polar opposite. However, she’s got

all the cards in this matter. For your last question,” she tossed a single platinum coin at him.

He knew the answer before he snatched the coin out of the air. Redox was nearby. He staggered to his feet.

He was a total fool, falling for a trap designed to delay him. Asking questions when his charge was in danger.

The world spun and he would have fallen, if he hadn’t steadied himself in the doorway.

Somer placed her hand on his shoulder. Concern? He must’ve hit his head harder than he realized. Warmth seemed to flow

into him, his hearing seemed to recover and his head pounded a lot less. “Be careful Cryonight, I still need you

to finish something for me. She’s right outside. She’s near the cliffs. You’ll make it if you run.”

With a nod he grabbed Borealis, and placed the sword into his back scabbard. He ran.

Somer looked around the destruction for a moment, finally settling on a painting of Gerald and his former family. She felt a

sudden stab of deep sorrow for what was going to happen to him. Those proud eyes had always tried to be just. It wasn’t

rig