You say, ‘Hail, Irak Altil’

Irak Altil says ‘Ah ______, it is so good to see you again. I hope my sword has been treating you well. What [brings you here], friend?’

You say, ‘What brings me here?’

Irak Altil says ‘Yes, what is your purpose here? Perhaps you are curious as to how I’ve gotten here? Would you [like me to tell you]?’

You say, ‘I would like you to tell me.’

Irak Altil says ‘Let us start at the beginning. I, in my mortal form, was a follower of Quellious. As a young paladin, my tutors early on noticed my talents at spell-casting and my skills as a swordsman. I surpassed all of my mentor’s expectations but I still had a [lot to learn].’

You say, ‘A lot to learn?’

Irak Altil says ‘My knowledge grew quickly, to the point where I could not learn anymore from my mentors. One day, I was given the choice of learning from a new master, one that rarely teaches knights. To be taught by him, I was given a series of rites that I had to pass. The path was long and difficult, but I was able to [impress my new master] and convince him to teach me.’

You say, ‘You able to impress your new master?’

Irak Altil says ‘Oh yes, I apologize if this sounds like boasting, but my master was both impressed and surprised with my progress. He took me as his student. Years later I had gained all the knowledge I could acquire from my master and I was able to craft a great sword, the Fiery Defender. At this point in my life I decided to on a mission to help people in need, to promote the paladin ideals to those that wished to listen, and spread the word of my Lady Quellious. However, this is not [where the story ends].’

You say, ‘Where does the story end?’

Irak Altil says ‘A few years after I set out on my own, I met a man named Kirak Vil. Despite being a dark elf, I welcomed him as an equal. Though I was cautious, I decided to teach him the ideals of paladins; courage, honor, truth, as well as all of the other ideals that encompass our lives. One day something [bad happened].’

You say, ‘What bad happened?’

Irak Altil says ‘Kirak one day turned on me. We set on an expedition deep inside Old Paineel to save a kidnapped child, when a creature named a Thought Tormentor attacked us. Kirak did not help defend me and our small expedition. Last thing I remember before blacking out was a being named the Keeper of the Tombs drawing the life out of me. I [remember little after that].’

You say, ‘What little do you remember after that?’

Irak Altil says ‘I have intermittent memories of being tormented and imprisoned in the Fear plane. I was stripped of my dignity and honor, and all that was left was a shade of my former self. Most of my vivid memories of that time consisted of unbearable flashes of pain. With whatever cognitive thought that remained, I prayed to Quellious to give me strength. That is when you came to my side and [saved me].’

You say, ‘I saved you?’

Irak Altil says ‘Yes, by giving me the honor of wielding my sword, shield, and armor, I was set free from my torment in that wretched place. I was still not whole, however. I journeyed to many places in Norrath, looking for a place to sacrifice myself upon the spear of pain. I eventually found my way to some of the [outer Planes].’

You say, ‘What outer Planes?’

Irak Altil says ‘As I stepped foot into the Plane of Tranquility, my soul began to yearn to be complete. This must have been a gift given to me by my Lady Quellious. I ventured into the Plane of Valor and this is when the Lord Mithaniel Marr found me and felt my suffering. I was summoned to the Temple of Marr and upon arrival, I was greeted and welcomed by every knight there. While I commanded respect in my former self, nothing I had ever experience was as intense as this. For the first time after the betrayal, I had felt complete. Lord Mithaniel and his priests gathered around me and chanted for three straight days. What happened next was [unbelievable].’

You say, ‘What was unbelievable?’

Irak Altil says ‘My soul and the lifeless bones that were my body began to burn like fire. It felt both painful and soothing at the same time. Energy poured out of my body and then a flash of light occurred, I passed out shortly thereafter. During my slumber, the Goddess of Love nurtured my mind and kept me company. I awoke a week later to find myself still in the Temple of Marr. The priests of Marr took care of me during my [transformation].’

You say, ‘Transformation?’

Irak Altil says ‘Indeed, Lord Mithaniel endowed me with this body and spoke to me, he said “My brother, while you are not a follower of Marr, I offer you a place of brotherhood here in the Halls of Honor. Your courage and perseverance are extremely commendable and I would like you to serve in my army.” Honored by the ascension Lord Mithaniel had given me, I still had to take time to [consider] the offer.’

You say, ‘Consider?’

Irak Altil says ‘Yes, I was afraid my Lady Quellious would be saddened if I stayed in Mithaniel’s realm. So I prayed to her and asked for guidance. My Lady appeared to me in my dreams and praised me for my loyalty. She then gave me approval to serve as a Soldier of Marr and offered me a place in her realm once my services to Lord Mithaniel were over. I was most [honored] and grateful at the same time.’

You say, ‘Honored?’

Irak Altil says ‘Honored is an understatement. I was overwhelmed by the fact that the god of Valor and Honor chose me to serve in his army. I was also overwhelmed by my own god’s offer to serve her after my tour was done in this plane. I try to be very humble about this honor, for that is a virtue held dear to all paladins. Now that my story is over, I [require something of you].’

You say, ‘What do you require of me?’

Irak Altil says ‘When I ascended to this plane and was transformed, Mithaniel gave me a specific purpose. I was graced with the ability to sense others who were like me, others who were tortured and tormented. I have a sensitivity to other poor beings that have been tormented the same way as me. I would like you to find these beings who were being tortured, and perhaps that may shed some light on my past. I have had a few [visions] on what may help you find these other tormented beings.’

You say, ‘What visions?’

Irak Altil says ‘I have had visions recently of various beings who have been captured by some foreign minion and tortured. The visions all were similar in nature. Very horrible things were done to these beings, very gruesome things. As the being kept fighting the pain and anguish, more torture was applied to break them…it was a horrible vision. A spell was casted mid-way though this ritual and the tormented being was held in a stasis. I felt a tugging at my soul, and I saw that the being’s soul was being pulled from their body. The soul was removed from the being and imprisoned in a crystal of foreign origin. My only guess is that whoever is behind this ploy has been stealing the souls of various races of Norrath for some dark purpose. Help those that are tormented, find the crystals, and this will help you find the minions behind this plot. Go now noble Crusader!’

——-

You say, ‘Hail, Enic Ruklin’

Enic Ruklin says ‘______! I’m glad you are here. Something terrible has occurred recently. Would you like to know [what happened]?’

You say, ‘I would like to know what happened.’

Enic Ruklin says ‘A few nights ago, I was standing guard at the Pool of Jahnda like any other night, but something was different. The night air was cooler than usual and the sky was barely visible because of all of the dark clouds. Sometime around midnight, a flash occurred near the pool and I saw an Iksar run off with a Koalindl. As I chased him, he casted a portal spell and disappeared. This is grave indeed! I will need your help, ______. Will you help [track down] this Iksar and return the Koalindl?’

You say, ‘I will track down this Iksar and return the Koalindl.’

Enic Ruklin says ‘Very well, ______. Unfortunately, I cannot offer you any hints. My only guess is that this Iksar might be near a large body of water, for the Koalindl needs to be kept near water at all times. I fear that the Koalindl may have been destroyed. Go now and find the Koalindl or the remnants of that great servant of the Prime Healer!’

——

You say, ‘Hail, Brunar Rankin’

Brunar Rankin says ‘______! Are you looking for a Koalindl? I have heard some knights such as yourself were searching for that sacred fish of Qeynos. I saw one come through here recently. An evil looking Iksar had one in some sort of stasis spell and the fish didn’t look too good. Now, I’m not sure what exactly the Iksar was going to do with it, but I did see a chunk of the fish fall into the water. A few minutes later I ended up fishing up an odd looking fish scale. Immediately after I was attacked by a large and evil fish! Luckily I was carrying with me a flaying dagger and I was able to slay the evil fish before it could hurt me. Here is a note I found on the dock before the Iksar left. You must put a stop to whatever it is this Iksar is planning on doing!’

—————

My master, I have acquired a Koalindl. I plan on twisting the fish to my will and then feeding the remains of this fish to the ocean. This should taint the ocean with the dark remains and convert all fish to undead. We will corrupt all of the oceans for our master Cazic Thule!

I plan on visiting the Ocean of Tears first, then I will head to the Overthere, I will visit the Gulf of Gunthak and finally I will go to Nedaria’s Landing. Once I have fed the waters with the dark remains, it will only be a matter of time before they are tainted. You will be pleased, master.

———

Enic Ruklin says ‘So this is what happened to the Koalindl? This is sad indeed. I have heard that you have stopped a greater tragedy from occuring by treating the pestilence that was being brought to the seas. You have done a very good job, ______. I present you with a seal of nobility that was given to me long ago. This seal has granted me audiences with many of the different races of Norrath, including the Ring of Scale. Perhaps it will aide you in your journeys. Thank you again, sir.’

——————

You say, ‘Hail, Dry Sapara’

Dry Sapara says ‘Welcome ______. I see you have the Seal of Enic, I imagine you have done a very good deed for Enic to acquire that. If Enic gave you that, he must trust you. And if he trusts you, then so shall I. I ask a favor of you, paladin. I wish for you to help me with a servant of mine. Rithnok, a very loyal servant of the Peak, disappeared a few days ago. He has returned, but he is not the same. . .he appears beaten and torn. I feel he has been tormented by some unknown being. For what reason? I do not know. However, he must be relieved of his suffering. I ask you to release him from the confines of this world and bring me back anything you find. Go now.’

—————

Dry Sapara says ‘This appears to be a vessel that housed Rithnok’s soul. However, it appears to be missing a few shards. Take this soulstone and piece it back together. I have a feeling once this item becomes whole it will lead you to whoever did this to our poor Rithnok. Thank you for releasing him, ______.’

————-

You say, ‘Hail, Mikhal Young’

Mikhal Young says ‘I’m so glad to find a fellow knight. Hail to you ______. I was curious, are you traveling through or could you possibly help me [try to find my sister]?’

You say, ‘I will try to find your sister.’

Mikhal Young says ‘My sister Drema and I were traveling through Tenebrous Mountains after trading some supplies in Katta Castellum. We ended up setting camp in Mons Letalis for the night, so that we could have an early start on our journey back to Dawnshroud the next day. The next morning I woke up and my sister was gone! Nothing remained on her cot from the night before. . .I’m not sure where she disappeared off to. I spent the course of several days searching all of Mons Letalis for her, but I couldn’t find any clues that would lead me to her where-abouts. I journeyed back to Dawnshroud Peaks and had my friends here make a rescue party so that we could find her. We set out to look for her and spent several days in Marus Seru, Mons Letalis, and the Grey looking for any sign of her. We did not [find anything.]’

You say, ‘You did not find anything?’

Mikhal Young says ‘As we were turning back to Dawnshroud Peaks, my good friend Ryann Desgrey found her locket in the dirt in the Grey. Here, take the locket. Perhaps you will have a better chance of finding her, and perhaps she will come with you once you present her with the locket. Please, let her know that I miss her and that we all want her to come home safely. Go now, noble paladin.’

———

Drema Young groans, ‘Uuuurgh. . . Crystal. . .’ As Drema reaches out to receive the locket, her fingerbone breaks off in your hand.

—————

Mikhal Young says ‘You have found her in Mons Letalis? This is her fingerbone, what has happened? She has turned into a skeleton? Oh my, this is grave news indeed. Show this fingerbone to Denns, maybe he can figure out a way to investigate this dire situation.’

————–

You say, ‘Hail, Denns Rootenpaw’

Denns Rootenpaw says ‘Can I help you? Can’t you see that I’m busy right now.’

Denns Rootenpaw says ‘What is this? Drema’s fingerbone? While I don’t usually help paladins, in this situation I will help you and Mikhal investigate this tragedy. Here is what will need to be done: Take this bag and collect three dark skeleton remains, found somewhere here in Luclin. Bring them back to me so that I can cast a dark spell on it. The spell will turn bones into powder, a powder that should revive Drema long enough to have her explain what occurred. Go now and find these bones.’

————–

Denns Rootenpaw says ‘Very well, I have turned this collection of bones into powder. Take this powder to Drema and see if it awakens her. Good luck, knight.’

—————-

Drema Young groans ‘Please end my torment ______. I beg of you!’

Drema Young’s corpse says ‘Thank you for releasing me. Avenge me by defeating that insidious Vampire!’

———-

You say, ‘Hail, Etumer’

Etumer says ‘Mujaki! Haha! He.. He captured me and.. Imprisoned me here as punishment for some supposed transgressions against him. Mujaki always was jealous of my own prowess and resentful of our fathers favor toward me. He has only further proven his weakness through trapping me with power granted to him by Terris Thule. Hmm, [perhaps]. . .’

You say, ‘Perhaps what?’

Etumer says ‘Perhaps you could find some way to overwhelm Mujaki? I might be able to work an enchantment to transport you closer to my brother. I only feel I have the power to send twenty four of you, when you have formed rank please have the leaders of your groups let me know when you are ready.’

——————–

You say, ‘Hail, Lovine Lemise’

Lovine Lemise says ‘______, I am glad you are here. My name is Lovine and the poor soul lying on the bed over here is my good friend Reiya. My friend could use some [assistance].’

You say, ‘What assistance?’

Lovine Lemise says ‘I should probably begin by telling you what happened. Reiya was found a couple of days ago on the shore in Natimbi, face down in the water. The Wayfarers that found him were not sure if he was dead or not, until they brought him here to Abysmal. It appears he was unconcious at the time, since he later awoke on this bed. Something is terribly with him though.’

You say, ‘What is wrong?’

Lovine Lemise says ‘I’m not sure what is wrong with him, though he constantly fades in and out of consciousness. His speech is erratic when he is awake, and his thoughts do not appear to be in this world. I have a feeling that he is being tormented in some way, but I do not know how or why. I would like you to gather a few things for me, to make a concoction that may awaken Reiya. I will tell you what the [ingredients] are.’

You say, ‘What are the ingredients?’

Lovine Lemise says ‘I am looking for the following things: a Potameid seaweed strand, blood from a Mastruq Havocblade, the tail of a Noc Fleshfeaster, and the jawbone of Ra’Tuk Screambringer. Place the items in this enchanted potion bag, and return it to me so that we can attempt to awaken Reiya. Please be dilligent in your search, ______.’

————–

Lovine Lemise says ‘Thank you for gathering these items ______. This potion will help him very much, however, Reiya will need one more potion to help him gain conciousness. I will need you to bring him a potion of Mist of the Breathless. Go now and bring this quickly, friend.’

—————

The Shade of Reiya the Pained shouts, ‘Fool, you think you can come here and try to defeat me? Try as you may, you will fail.’

—————

You say, ‘Hail Apprentice Udranda’

Apprentice Udranda says ‘I heard you released Reiya from his tourture, ______. I have seen muramites gathering in Vxed and I fear this may have to do with Reiya and the creatures responsible. Go there now and investigate, Noble Knight.’

———————

You say, ‘Hail, Irak Altil’

Irak Altil says ‘______, I see you have returned with three Soulstones. These crystals are very delicate and hold the souls of those tormented beings. The keepers of these Soulstones were being controlled by some superior being, someone dark and evil in nature. I will need you to find one more Soulstone, so that we can find out who is behind all of this. This final tormented soul I feel is a Erudite…a Wayfarer Erudite, though I cannot discern where this person is. Please hurry and find this tormented being.’

———————

You say, ‘Hail, Redis Linrok the Suffering’

Redis Linrok the Suffering says ‘Auuugh. . .Tantelus. . .the. . .catacombs. . .is where. . .my essence. . .is. . .’

A flash of light occurs as Redis disappears. An entrance to an unfamiliar place has been opened for you. Perhaps you should investigate there.

————–

Shade of Redis Linrok shouts, ‘Fools, I see you have found your way here. Be that as it may, you shall not take my essence!’

As the four soulstones meet, four voices in unison echo in your thoughts, ‘The one who has taken us and tortured us is in Wall of Slaughter. He is the defiler, the tormentor, the end to all of our pain. Find Durunal the Cursebearer, put a stop to his plans, and prevent others from suffering our fate. Go now!’

———–

Durunal the Cursebearer shouts, ‘I feel some souls have returned for me. Redis, Rithnok, Drema, and Reiya. . . I feel your presence here. Come to me now and let us end this!’

Durunal the Cursebearer’s corpse explodes into a sizzling cloud as its armor pieces crash to the ground.

As you hold the sword, your soul is tugged for a few seconds and then all four soulstones speak in unison, ‘This sword is the key, this sword is the misery, this sword is the instrument that took us away, and this sword is what will set us free. Take this cursed sword to Irak Altil, for he will know how to end our pain.’

———–

Irak Altil says ‘I see you have destroyed the monster responsible for this plot. This sword, this twisted piece of steel and blood that lies in your hands, must be the instrument used by Durunal to twist and corrupt those he tortured. I can feel that this sword has a dark magical power that he used to forcibly and violently siphon the soul of those he tormented. There is only one way to correct Durunal’s wrong-doings, as well as lay to rest the souls of those he tortured. You must take the crystals you have gathered and meld them with the sword. . .give those tormented souls a new purpose and a new meaning. After you have joined the souls with this weapon, I will [tell you about my master].’

As the four soulstones come together, a soft blue light eminates around the dark sword. The soulstones find themselves at home within the sword. A flash occurs and four voices in unison speak in your mind, ‘Thank you for saving us and giving us a purpose again. You are truly our savior and our redeemer, and we shall serve you from now on. Thank you, noble knight!’

You receive ‘The Redeemer’