Category Archives: Dartain

Age's End, Al'Kabor, Dartain, Lodizal, Prexus, The Chelsith Stone, Velious

Deity involvement in Age’s End

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You say, “Hail, Dartain”
Dartain says to you, “Welcome back. Tell me what happened.”
You say to Dartain, “I sounded the horn, as you suggested.”
Dartain says to you, “So, the horn worked, did it?”
You say to Dartain, “It did. It acted as a guide to Lodizal, a creature that evidently was blessed by none other than Prexus himself. It appears to be his duty to help the “destined ones” reach the shores of Velious.”
Dartain says to you, “Interesting. It seems that perhaps even the gods themselves are involved in this endeavor as well. I believe that we are on the right path, then, and the appearance of Lodizal is evidence of that. This is excellent.”
You say to Dartain, “What do we do now?”
Dartain says to you, “For now, I will continue to work on my studies here. I might need to call on you again for more assistance, as you have preformed admirably in every task I asked of you. For now, please go about your usual business. Im sure we will speak again.”
You say to Dartain, “Very well. Farewell to you for now.”

Age's End, Al'Kabor, Dartain, Deepwater Knights, Prexus, The Chelsith Stone, Velious

Prexus’ Chosen One

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You find a tome that seems to describe creatures of incredible size seen around the shores of Velious. It speculates on their existence, saying that they seem to possess a power beyond creatures of their kind. This book appears to confirm what you found in the Deepwater Knight tome, but doesn’t expressly state Prexus’s name.
The following page does, however, bear the same symbol as the Deepwater Knight tome. It also seems to speak of Prexus, saying that other races on Velious worshiped the Ocean Lord. They also, evidently, had a method for summoning these immense beasts. It details assembling a horn, and gives information on the necessary parts.

You say, “Hail, Al’Kabor”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Welcome back, adventurer. Did you visit the city of New Halas?”
You say to Al’Kabor, “I did, and I believe I found some information we can use.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Excellent. What were you able to find out?”
You say to Al’Kabor, “I found a tome bearing the sigil you asked me to investigate, detailing creatures that were chosen creatures of Prexus. These were massive creatures that were at the behest of Prexus, and could be tapped to do his bidding.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Interesting. What more did you find?”
You say to Al’Kabor, “I was able to find instructions for creating a summoning horn for calling on one of these chosen creatures. I collected the pieces, and have assembled the horn.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Very well, then. I don’t believe that the placement of the sigil is happenstance. You did the right thing by assembling the horn.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “We’re going to attempt to summon the creature, then?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “We are. I cannot be sure what will happen, but if for nothing else than to solve my own curiosity and to test my theory, let us see if the horn will do as it is intended to do.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “All right… how do we know the creature won’t simply attack us? We don’t know what is going to answer the call.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Correct. We do not.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “This seems like a strange way to test a theory, to be honest. I should hope that you will come to my aid before I get devoured, should this thing turn malicious.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Of course. Now, head to the docks, and blow the horn. Let’s see what answers.”
You receive a summoning horn.
You say to Al’Kabor, “Very well then.”

 

Age's End, Al'Kabor, Anashti Sul, Bayle, Dartain, Luclin, mobile, Odus, Prexus, Rune of Bayle, Rune of Oblivion, Rune of Severing, Rune of Sunder, Rune of Velious, The Chelsith Stone, Ultera, Velious

The Chelsith Stone Rings (prexus)

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Al’Kabor says to you, “Indeed. What else did you find?”
You say to Al’Kabor, “It seemed like it was a symbol that was associated with Prexus, coming up frequently in texts relating to a “Chosen” being from of all places… Velious. I was wondering if maybe it was someone from Velious, but since that continent is lost, there’s no way to be certain.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “That’s because I don’t believe that it was someone from Velious, but Velious itself.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “I’m… I’m sorry, what do you mean?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “I think we might have been looking at this the wrong way. These aren’t all representative of beings, but are representative of many different things. While some are certainly beings, others appear to be events or objects.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “Like what?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “For example, I believe the Rune of Oblivion is less about Anashti Sul herself, and more about her return to Norrath. She became a herald, proving that return from Nothingness was possible. The Rune of Sundering represents the destruction of Luclin, and I believe that the Rune of Severing is the phasing of Odus into Ultera.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “I see. Is there a connection?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Indeed! You see, these things fall on specific points of the prophecy. Certain things, like the Rune of Bayle and the Rune of Velious, fall on the inside ring. Others, such are the Rune of Sundering and Rune of Oblivion, fall on the second ring. This is no accident.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “What is your theory, then?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Look at the sigils and what they represent. Look at how they are placed. What do you see?”
You say to Al’Kabor, “Well, if what you’re saying is correct, then the inner symbols seem to represent beings and places. Similarly, the outer ring would appear to be events – things that have happened in Norrath’s past represented on the Chelsith Stone.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “My theory is this. The sigils in the outer ring are a specific series of events. These events are somehow connected, either with each other or with a larger event that they all play a part in. As these events come to pass, we grow ever closer to the culmination of Age’s End.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “What is the inner ring?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “I believe they are instructions.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “Instructions? For what?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “Preventing the coming of Age’s End. I believe that in order to turn back the oblivion we seem to be destined for, we must pull together the pieces to counter that who is represented within the center of the prophecy.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “What is it that we must do, then?”
Al’Kabor says to you, “I don’t know the answer to that just yet, but I do know that according to the last rune you found, the one of the keys to all of this is tied to Velious, and thus, we must find a way to get there.”
You say to Dartain, “Hmm… I think there might be a place to start. The island of New Halas was discovered with the dwarven people known to once call Velious home: the coldain dwarves. It’s possible that they might have some idea where Velious is, or how to find it.”
Dartain says to you, “Excellent thinking, adventurer. You will need to travel there, and see if you can find any information regarding the location of the lost continent, and how we might rediscover it.”
You say to Dartain, “Very well. Let me see what I can do. Farewell.”

Al'Kabor, Dartain, Deepwater Knights, Paineel, The Chelsith Stone

The Deepwater Writings

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You say, “Hail, Al’Kabor”
Al’Kabor says to you, “I’ve been anticipating your return. Did you find any texts of the Deepwater Knights?”
You say to Al’Kabor, “I did. I searched through the library of Paineel, and I believe I found what we were looking for.”
Al’Kabor says to you, “What were you able to discover?”
You say to Al’Kabor, “Well, I did not find any references to someone working on this rune in particular – it seems like its discovery was rather new. But it seems that a similar shape appears in a few select pieces of text for the Deepwater Knights.”

Age's End, Al'Kabor, Dartain, Deepwater Knights, mobile, Monoliths of Theer, Rohen Theer, Shissar, The Chelsith Stone

Monoliths of Theer

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You say, “Hail, Dartain”
Dartain says to you, “Shh… one moment. Let me finish this passage.”
You say to Dartain, “My apologies.”
Dartain says to you, “… and finished. Welcome back. What did you find out for us?”
You say to Dartain, “Quite a bit, actually. It seems that these sigils might be representative of something he calls the “monoliths of Theer”. According to his notes, these are important to the calendar of the Shissar.”
Dartain says to you, “The calendar… hmm.”
You say to Dartain, “There’s more. It seems that the calendar was intended to be a part of the stone. It appears that Mayong has unearthed the calendar, and is attempting to find the sigils that fit on its face. He seems to have found a few, and is still in search of them.”
Dartain says to you, “I have a theory. I want to see if we can test that theory. I have one more thing for you to do, if you would.”
You say to Dartain, “Certainly. What do you need?”
Dartain says to you, “This symbol, the one with the three lines on it, I have an idea as to what it might be. I’d like you to check and see if you can confirm my theory. I’ll need you to go to the library in Paineel. Search for any tomes relating to the Deepwater Knights, and search through the texts. I have a feeling you’ll find what we’re looking for there.”
You say to Dartain, “Umm… that’s it? Is there anything else I should know?”
Dartain says to you, “Not for now. I don’t want to color your perception with my theory. Return when you find anything.”
You say to Dartain, “Very well. I’ll return when I can.”

Age's End, Al'Kabor, Anashti Sul, Dartain, Mayong Mistmoore, mobile, Rikantus Everling, Rohen Theer, Rune of Oblivion, Rune of Sunder, Shissar, The Void

The Mysterious Sigil

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Dartain says to you, “Very well, I hope you were able to find what we were looking for.”
You say to Dartain, “I believe I have. I found a tome here that seems to describe the first rune as the Rune of Oblivion. It appeared to have something to do with the Void, and as I read, it occurred to me that it might actually represent Anashti Sul herself.”
Dartain says to you, “Really? And what brought you to that conclusion?”
You say to Dartain, “It seemed that based on our research so far, each of the runes might actually represent a being. Given that she once held close ties with Rohen Theer, and the fact that she just returned from the Void recently, I believe that this rune might indicate that she is somehow tied to the prophecy.”
Dartain says to you, “Very astute. Your logic is sound, and could very well be exactly as you say. I will continue work on this rune based on your findings. What else did you discover?”
You say to Dartain, “It seems that the second one is known as the Rune of Sundering. This one is a little more difficult to figure out who might be tied to it. It seems to point to an event rather than a being – the Shattering. Perhaps it’s representative of whoever is responsible for the destruction of Luclin?”
Dartain says to you, “Perhaps, but I think this might actually be a good clue to the nature of the rings of the prophecy. Hmm… if you don’t mind, I’d like to see that tome. It will take me a little time to go through this and figure out what significance the runes carry, and how they might pertain to one another and ultimately, to the prophecy itself.”
You say to Dartain, “There was one more thing. Lord Everling had notes on another shape – one that he seemed to think might be quite significant, but that he had little information on. I am not sure what to make of it… perhaps it’s worth looking into?”
Dartain says to you, “Let me see that. Ah, this is Shissar writing. Hmm, yes, I think I’ve seen something like this before.”
You say to Dartain, “Is that so? Where?”
Dartain says to you, “When I was researching Mayong Mistmoore’s discoveries, there were a few sigils like this one that he had notes on, and was attempting to find if there was a particular significance to. Some of these were clearly just bits of the written language of the Shissar, but others were slightly different, more ornate, seemingly more important.”
You say to Dartain, “Did you research them?”
Dartain says to you, “Only far enough to discern that I couldn’t learn more about it. There didn’t seem to be anything to cross-reference with these, unlike the other sigils, which had many appearances in history. Whatever they are, they seemed to mean something only to the Shissar themselves.”
You say to Dartain, “Are they worth looking into, then?”
Dartain says to you, “Hmm… I believe so, yes. As long as I’m attempting to look into the information you’ve provided me thus far, it might be worth seeing if there’s something here to be discovered.”
You say to Dartain, “Very well, I am ready. Where should we start?”
Dartain says to you, “I think that the one who might have the most information on these sigils would be the one who discovered them in the first place – Mayong Mistmoore himself. He has had more time to be looking for the meaning to these symbols, and might have information that we can use. It’s with him that you should begin.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “The idea of rummaging through a vampire’s belongings isn’t terribly appealing, but I’ll see what I can find.”

Age of Turmoil, Age's End, Al'Kabor, Dal, Dal Crown, Dartain, Erudite, Firiona Vie, Kunark, Mayong Mistmoore, mobile, Odus, Shissar, The Chelsith Stone

The Chelsith Stone Rings

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Conversation 1 with The Duality

You say, “Hail, Al’Kabor”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “Greetings, adventurer.  I am pleased you have come.  We, as Norrathians, are close to a crucial point in our history, and perhaps in fact, our existence.  Only by understanding can we hope to avert what is to come.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “You speak of the Age’s End prophecy, is that right?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor\/a says to you, “Indeed.  I believe, based on my studies, that the “prophecy”, as it were, does very well point to events that will come to pass, and that may be unavoidable.  But perhaps with proper study, we can discern what is to come and even a way to avert it.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “How is it that you know so much about the prophecy?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “During the Age of Turmoil, I came across information during my travels in Kunark about the stone found by the shissar in ages past.  It was apparent to me that I had stumbled across something of significant importance when it was no less that the agents of Mayong Mistmoore himself that I found the information with.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “What happened then?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “At first, my interest was primarily driven by the idea of countering Mayong’s plans, whatever they may be.  As I looked into the information further, it was evident that what he had found was more than some nefarious plot or insidious scheme.  I knew that I needed to learn all that I could about it.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “I see.  What were you able to find out?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “Information was difficult to come by, as I wasn’t certain what it was I was looking for.  I found, though, that it was much like the proverbial iceberg – the more I learned, the more I discovered that there was to learn.  Questions led to answers, which led to more questions.  It was quite some time before I could even put a name to what I was researching.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “That sounds frustrating.”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “You might think so, but I found the feeling of discovery exhilarating.   Every step forward I took in the research was a triumph, and every step back was a new challenge.  I never felt like my endeavor was pointless.  Although I had many more adventures I went on with my companions, I worked on my research until my own death.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “So for all of your research, what did you manage to find?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “Admittedly, in spite of all of the time I invested into this, I discovered very little, as there simply wasn’t much information on the Age’s End prophecy available to me.  Mayong had hoarded the vast majority of it, and I was forced to decipher shreds of evidence hidden the tomes of Norrath’s libraries.  I did, however, make some interesting discoveries.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “What were those?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “I believe I have found the meaning of a couple of the symbols represented on the object known as the Chelsith Stone, but not necessarily their significance.  I believe the orientation of the symbols on the stone to be an important piece of the puzzle, but until recently, I had little idea what the face of the stone looked like.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “You have seen it, then?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “No, I have not.  But then, it’s not necessary that I do.  I’ve found that some notes have been made about the inscriptions on the stone, and I’ve been able to piece together my own picture of the face itself.  This will help my research immensely.  To be honest, I believe my role here will be to simply compile and piece together what has been discovered by others here, and see how they are all interconnected.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “You said you had deciphered some of the runes.  Which ones were they?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “Well, to be brief, the one I found first was the rune of the Dal Crown, which I found in the notes I discovered on the agents of Mistmoore.  I originally believed this to somehow represent Brell or the Underfoot, as it appeared to resemble the crown worn by the Duke of Below.  However, this appeared no where in any information connected to Brell Serilis, and in fact, no where in the Underfoot which Dartain was imprisoned in.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “Interesting.  What might it mean?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “I believe it more specifically points to someone who has a role to play one way or another in the Age’s End prophecy – my long time companion, Firona Vie.  It was for this reason I sought her out, and implored her to reveal herself.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “And so she did.  But how do you know that her part in this prophecy isn’t for ill?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “I don’t, until I know more about the placement of the runes themselves.  However, in order to discover that, I need to know the meaning of the runes.  This is where you can be of service.  I have a marker here with a rune symbol etched on it.  I want you to search for information, and see if we can unlock the mysteries surrounding it.”

You say to Al’Kabor, “Very well.  Where should I start searching for information?”

Al’Kabor:Al’Kabor says to you, “Given that this symbol shows up in many erudite structures of the past, I might research their tomes on Norrath, in the libraries where they live.  I studied in the libraries of Odus extensively, and was never able to find a satisfactory answer.  Bring any information you find back to me, and I will try to piece the puzzle together.  Good luck to you.”
You say to Al’Kabor, “And to you.  Farewell.”

Barbarian, Dark Truth, Dartain, EQ1 Books, Erudite, Gnome, Ognit Eznertob, The Hole, Wall of Living Stone

The Hole Uncovered: History Repeats Vol. II

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“Finally, the inevitable happened. Ognit channeled just a small amount of energy into the Hatch. It wasn’t much, not even enough to kill a moss snake. However this time, the Living Wall began to shudder spasmodically and took on a pale, sickly color. The earthquake that resulted was truly terrifying. Chunks of stone began falling from the ceiling and the ground itself began to be ripped apart. From the huge gashes in the earth, the three saw terrifying creatures emerge. All about them were sounds of shrieking, crying and bellowing. The noises were both exclamations of excitement for finally being freed and rage for being imprisoned for such a long time. The three began to flee the hole in terror as the creatures began to swarm around them, their ears ringing from the unholy screams. As they made haste toward the surface, they came across a figure that looked to be an Erudite. The Erudite was walking slowly and limping slightly. He was filthy, covered with dirt and soot. His skin was pallid, as one who had not stood under the glare of harsh sunlight for ages. He wore a robe that was a splotchy brownish color. It was difficult to tell if this was the robe’s original color or if it was the result of the filth that covered it. He turned quickly and upon seeing them, he spoke. “”Gnomes, and a Barbarian woman of all things! I don’t know whether I should thank you or draw the full sum of the life-force from your bodies right here and now!”” Dagda pushed her way past the two gnomes, putting herself between them and the Erudite. Facing the strange man she asked, “”Who are you?”” He folded his arms across his chest and smiled slightly. He raised an eyebrow as he spoke, “”My name is Dartain of the Dark Truth. I don’t suppose you have any idea about what you have just done? Or perhaps I should say undone, do you?”” He seemed to stare through their souls with eyes fierce yet lined with weariness. “”Your meddling has caused the Wall of Living Stone to weaken once again. Though your actions have finally allowed me to break free after being trapped for so many a year, you have also allowed many of the denizens that were imprisoned behind that wall to escape into the world again as well.”” Even in the dim light, Ognit’s face became visibly paled. Dartain continued, “”The Hatch is still unharmed and appears to be functioning as it should. I believe the wall will repair itself again in time. While the breach remains however, there will be a steady flow of creatures escaping from the underfoot. I suggest you make haste out of this place and take warning to those above, so that they may prepare themselves.”” As he finished speaking, murky shadows made their way from the floor and encircled the dirty robes the strange man wore. As he disappear from view he softly muttered, “”Finally, I am free.”” “

Al'Kabor, Dartain, EQ1 Books, Erudite, Gnome, Odus, Ognit Eznertob

The Hole Uncovered: Ognit Arrested Vol. III

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“Al’Kabor was utterly silent and his face expressionless. A slight twitch in the corner of his mouth was his only movement. Ognit asked, “”Al’Kabor?”” Al’Kabor raised his fist, his eyes flashing in murderous rage as he looked upon the gnome, “”Now I shall end your miserable gnomish life!”” Wind charged with electricity seemed to blow directly up from the ground itself and enveloped the crowd as the wizards hands began to glow with sheer power. People began to take a few tentative steps backward. At those words, the Erudite that was writing quickly put his book in his vest pocket and interposed himself between the gnome and Al’Kabor. The Erudite shouted, “”Stay your hand wizard! I shall take it from here!”” The wind subsided as the energy drained away harmlessly. Al’Kabor recognized the man that shouted and he smiled to himself. Ognit saw that it wasn’t a good smile. It was a smile that told him that it may have been better to have been blasted to bits. The man identified himself, “”I am Warden Lius of Erudin. I have been following these three since this catastrophe began!”” He turned to the gnome and said in a commanding voice, “”Ognit Eznertob! You are hereby under arrest for the crime of treason! You have imperiled the continent of Odus and have released unto the world a heinous criminal, the heretic of old Dartain!”” The Warden bound Ognit’s hands and feet in heavy chains. “”I doubt that there will be need for a trial. By your own admission made here this day, it is evident that you are guilty. Surely it will be ‘The Hollowing’ for you.”” Pushing the gnome roughly he commanded, “”Move along criminal!”” As Ognit was led away, Dagda was surprised to find tears falling from her face. She knew that Ognit was guilty, yet she was not sure if execution was the just course of punishment in this situation. As a follower of The Tribunal, she was torn between her notions of justice and her loyalty and vow to protect her two gnomish friends. Indeed, she would rather that it was she who was being led away. At least she may have had the strength to break free and perhaps escape. She knew that the physically weak gnome would have no such chance and given that the Erudites are the most experienced and schooled in the use of magic, she had no doubt that they would take every precaution to prevent his casting any spell. She felt truly hopeless. “