Category Archives: Soulfire

The Interrogation of Opal Darkbriar


Opal Darkbriar: “Release me immediately! Cristanos Thex will not stand for this!”

Opal Darkbriar: “Do you know who I am? I have powerful allies!”

Opal Darkbriar: “These infernal wards nullify my translocation spells…”

Opal Darkbriar: “If you do not release me there will be hell to pay! Do you hear me?!”

Captain Maganus strides into the cell block, the two resting spellsplitter’s snapping to attention. The third shows no sign he is aware his commander has entered the room.

a Militia spellsplitter: “Captain.”

Opal Darkbriar: “Maganus. How much longer do you plan on holding me here?! This is a grave insult to lock me in this cage!”

Captain Maganus: “Calm yourself, Darkbriar. No one is buying into your theatrics.”

Opal Darkbriar: “You threaten the entire city of Freeport by detaining me. Neriak will not stand for this!”

Captain Maganus: “Is that so…?”

Opal Darkbriar: “Queen Cristanos Thex, herself, will see to my release.”

Captain Maganus: “I believe you are sadly mistaken, Opal. You see, it was the queen who allowed us to enter Neriak and apprehend you, traitor.”

Opal Darkbriar: “You are lying!”

Captain Maganus: “Am I? There were certain conditions that were agreed upon when the Darklight Pact was signed, your arrest was one of them. The Overlord doesn’t take kindly to having his property stolen.”

Opal Darkbriar: “I didn’t steal anything! Secondly, Neriak would go to war before allowing itself to sign a treaty with the likes of that madman.”

Captain Maganus: “Fortunately, Queen Thex has a wiser head than you. You sadly overestimate the strength of Neriak. The queen was in no position to do much bartering.”

Opal Darkbriar: “You are delusional, human. Neriak has been, and will always be one of the greatest empires on Norrath!”

Captain Maganus: “I am afraid it is you that is out of touch of reality, my dear Darkbriar. Thex couldn’t sign the treaty fast enough… what with the multiple legions camped on her doorstep once the Commonlands tunnel was completed.”

Opal Darkbriar: “Make no mistake, it is just a temporary convenience.”

Captain Maganus: “Lord Razon Blayze has been assigned permanently to Hate’s Envy to oversee the relations between Neriak and Freeport. He’ll make sure Neriak upholds their part of the longstanding treaty.”

Opal Darkbriar: “My nation will not be held to such conditions for long. I will see to that personally as a loyal and powerful ally of the Teir’Dal Empire!”

Captain Maganus: “Ah, well there is that as well. Your allegiance is something of suspect these days.”

Opal Darkbriar: “How dare you! I am Teir’Dal!”

Captain Maganus: “The queen wasn’t aware of such theft, and it was your hasty escape that led us right to Neriak’s hidden doorstep. We have you to thank for Freeport’s present political gain.”

Captain Maganus: “What we want to know is who you were working for when you stole Soulfire.”

Opal Darkbriar: “I wasn’t working for any-!”

Captain Maganus: “No, don’t protest… I wouldn’t expect you to divulge any information… and it would save our ears from your screeching. Rest assured my spellsplitter division will discover the answers we seek.”

Opal Darkbriar: “A division you wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for me and my academy’s training. You owe me, Maganus.”

Captain Maganus: “If we relied on your faulty training we’d still be searching for the clues of your theft… something I have no doubt you intended.”

Opal Darkbriar: “Listen… we can work something out! I… I can make it worth your while. What is it you want? Power?! Money?! Love…”

Captain Maganus: “You are getting desperate, Darkbriar… and you insult me. We will get to the bottom of this, and then the time of your trial will be at hand. Good day, Opal.”

The Captain turns sharply and strides towards the exit. Just before reaching the stairs Darkbriar calls out to hi one last time…

Opal Darkbriar: “Maganus! Maganus! You can’t leave me here! He’ll have me executed! He’ll do it himself!”

Maganus pauses, half turning back to her. His eyes close briefly as he says quietly,

Captain Maganus: “I believe that’s the plan.”

 

Keeper of the Blade


Glancing through the book, you see a wealth of information on locks and keys designed by the Everhot family.

After scanning through page after page, you finally discover information about the Soulfire chest. Its actual name is the Keeper of the Blade. It was created for the Zimel family upon reaching Faydwer, ages ago.

The locking mechanism of the chest requires four unique keys. The first key is actually a metal ankh designed after a rune taken from the Loping Plains. The other three keys are known as the Keys of Binding.

There are three unique Keys of Binding. These keys were crated for the Zimels, but later recorded to have been aquired by Lord Mayong Mistmoore. Although Mayong hides these keys from the world, they can be duplicated if the correct components are obtained.

To create copies of the three keys, a person must first obtain raw components. You will need vibrellium ore from the Everhot Mine. The locksmith will then need one enigma diamond for each key. These diamonds can only be created through the manipulation of the Grungetalon geoanimators. After, the key molds must be obtained from a forge master. The final items are the three blessed forge hammers from the chapel. Take all of these items to the locksmith wheel and you can recreate the Keys of Binding.

The Missing Pages of the Sword Heist Journal – Rebound


The pages were ripped from a book. They were originally written in some weird code. One that was not a known language. But by using the Eye of Ree to peer at the missing pages you were able to read the passages.
…Our union is not an easy one. These dark elves are back stabbing creatures, but the promise of riches greater than all the plunder of the Far Seas is too much to ignore. This alliance is not good on so many levels. It is one thing to ally with the Ebon Mask, but to ally with the Foci is unwise…

…So it is the knowledge of an ancient professor that will show us the path. We have known of his eternal imprisonment in the valley for quite some time, but it always seemed worthless to us. Now this trapped spirit has knowledge greater than anyone knew. His involvement in the engineering of his former school shall allow entry to the great fortress above……The Foci’s plan seems foolproof, provided the Overlord does not find out. It is simple, the Mask enters through the forgotten portal. Soulfire is found and replaced with another. The Mask then uses our routes to get to the caves where we will aid in the journey to the elven lands. There we are to meet the ambassador king and exchange gifts…

…After our exchange we will return the scroll to the Foci and receive our part. Our raiders shall go unseen and many ships shall be plundered in the name of Lord Ree…

The Case of the Ursa Rhym


I have been assigned by Lady Alethea Jyleel to investigate the tragedy of the fairiefolke living within the Gully of the Ursa Rhym. The rhym seem to be a type of fairy about the size of a firefly, if not smaller. These rhym gather the information of the environment around them like a sponge absorbs water. This information is then processed and emitted in a melody that few outside of the rhym can decipher. In this case, Lady Alethea is capable of reading the melodies of these tiny fairies.
I managed to locate the Gully of the Ursa Rhym within a western crag in the Greater Faydark, on the way to Steamfont Mountains. The gully used to be a magical little village where numerous rhym buzzed about in melody, but the melody is no more. I have discovered the rhym village in disarray and destruction. The little village was ruined through dark magic, this is quite evident from the arcane smoke and unyielding flames that now consume the habitat.

Unable to properly decipher the clues before me, I was forced to enlist the aid of the legendary sleuth, Inspector Berlok Beeglesnoop. The great inspector told me that I could become an investigator myself should I acquire the three volume Investigator Guidelines, penned by the master detective himself. Although, in his old age, he would not offer me these valuable manuscripts, I was able to pry a few hints as to where I might find these books. Through an illogical and often frustrating conversation with the inspector, I was able to deduce that the books could be found in Felwithe.

Amidst the madness that now envelopes the once honorable city of Felwithe, I would find the Investigative Guidelines needed to become great detective. My first trial led me to the grove of a great tree. There could be found the fluttering pages of one of the books, ripped from the binder I found earlier. The second book would be found within a submerged chest, magically locked. Following the clues on the chest, I managed to unlock it. The final book would rest in the hands of a soul that now walks the fields of Ethernere. Luckily, I discovered a ritual that would allow me to call forth the spirit of General Jyleel, a great ancestor to Lady Alethea Jyleel.

Having read the Investigative Guidelines, I have grasped the thought process and guidelines of a great detective. I returned to the Gully and the Ursa Rhym to see if I could procure any bit of new evidence. What I found amidst the carnage of the tiny fairy village was a flaming pawn, a chess piece. The flames are clearly magical in nature and not the dark magic that existed everywhere else in the village. Before they met their demise,. the rhym left this clue for me… for anyone. What does it mean? It is merely a flaming pawn resting just a bit away from the chessboard it once called home.

I have gathered some evidence in the charred area known as the Broken Fields in Butcherblock Mountains. The bits of evidence appear to be the battered remnants of daggers and shields. These remnants must have taken great damage and not by an ordinary force. I could tell by the scorch marks and the condition of the metal that this was the result of dark magic. There may be someone around these Broken Fields that can shed some light on my findings. Perhaps they may have even been a witness to this carnage.

I spoke to a talking rat named Chypp, last ‘p’ silent. He was a witness to the conflict that created the ruin that is now the Broken Fields. It appears as though a secret meeting occurred here where one group of brutes and evil grins passed along a magical sword to another group of brutes and evil grins. It is my belief that the brutes were orcs and by the evidence collected, they are Ree orcs from the Commonlands. These Ree orcs brought the magic sword to another group that then betrayed, using the gift to destroy the couriers. I believe it is time to travel to the Commonlands and gather information where the Ree orcs keep hidden from the Overlord and Freeport.

I collected a lot of evidence that has led me to the conclusion that the dark elves allied with the Ree orcs are none other than the Ebon Mask. I have heard tales of old about this old house of thieves that hailed from the Teir’Dal city of Neriak. They were said to be some of the craftiest thieves on Norrath and excellent assassins also. Apparently, they did not die with the collapse of their city. The Raiders of Ree are orcs removed from their empire, this I have learned. They now live for the heavy coin of the black marker. What would bring a band of opportunistic orcs and a dark elf thieves house together? More evidence is required.

I have found that the Ebon Mask worked alongside the orcs in an expedition to a hidden valley where the soul of Zarvonn is contained for eternity. This ancient mage was once a member of the Academy of the Arcane Science. I am not sure what the spirit of Zarvonn knew, but a spirit that hailed from one of the greatest mage guilds on Norrath most likely holds many secrets. His secret had something to do with the flaming sword that was rushed to Faydwer and used against the courier force of the Ree and Ebon Mask. Such a secret would reveal much about the sword, its origin and where it now resides. Such revelations could only be held by the leader of this eccentric pack of orcs.

While investigating the throne room of the leader of the orcs, I was forced into battle. Lord Ree and his minions were foolish to challenge me. In the end, they met their demise. After the battle I found what appeared to be a book detailing a heist for a “Sword.” Unfortunately, the pages had been ripped out. I was them ambushed by Teir’Dal agents of the Ebon Mask, supreme rogues of the now defunct Thex Dynasty. I was forced to do battle or end up another notch in their belt. They have their best, but in the end, I emerged victorious. as they fell to the floor, the ripped pages from the heist journal flew into the air. Perhaps the pages will finally explain what this caper was all about.

Soulfrire was stolen from Freeport. The mastermind behind the heist was the Foci of the Academy of Arcane Science. She hired agents of the Ebon Mask to infiltrate the citadel via a forgotten portal left open by one of the original engineers of the fortress when it was known as the Academy of Arcane Science. The Ebon Mask hired the Raiders of Ree, opportunistic orcs. Using Ree smuggling routes, they transported Soulfire to Butcherblock Mountains. There the sword would be traded for a scroll desired bu the Foci, but a betrayal occurred and the Ree and Ebon Mask couriers were slain. All i know now is that an ambassador king was the one that betrayed the heist.

I exchanged information with Lady Alethea Jyleel of the Order of Marr. I handed over my notes, but kept this case journal for my records. According to Lady Alethea, the Overlord of Freeport was not fooled by a false sword that replaced Soulfire in the vaults of Dethknell Citadel. He has ordered his finest agents to recover the great sword. Together we discovered that it was a band of Lucanic Knights that razed the Gully of the Ursa Ryhm. If that is so, then the Overlord is one step ahead of the Order of Marr.

Lady Alethea bid me farewell, knowing that such a great crusade as this cannot be left to anyone other than her ancient order of knights. I have taken her reward for my deed, but I cannot shake the mystery behind Soulfire. Where is it and why is it so important to anyone other than the Overlord of Freeport? Perhaps is I can discover who this ambassador king is someday, I can reveal the secret of Soulfire. As for this investigation, the Case of the Ursa Rhym is closed… but the Case of the Soulfire Sword is soon approaching.

Sir Vallius Bayle and the Soulfire


You say, “Hail, A vision of Sir Vallius Bayle”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “Who calls upon the spirit of Vallius Bayle?”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “My name is Bolly.”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “Champion Bolly, Sir Vallius Bayle, ready for your command.”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “I seek the secret of the sword known as Soulfire.”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “Soulfire, the sword from oblivion. I keep my secrets as instructed by High Lord William Taros. Are you of the Order of Marr? Are you ready to keep the secret origin of Soulfire?”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “Aye! I am ready to keep the secret.”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “I am Sir Vallius Bayle and before my time in this knighthood, I was once a great adventurer of Norrath. I have seen the Tower of Solus and the heart of Neriak. My journeys have been grand. But no journey was greater than the one that earned me the secret of Soulfire.”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “[Continue]”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “I was lost in Subtunaria for months before I happened upon a place rarely seen, the Duchy of the Dead. It was within the bowels of the Duchy that I first met Soulfire. ”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “[Continue]”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “The great sword was sitting upon a stone slab with dark elf priests all around it. The holy men departed and that is when I crept up to touch the hilt of Soulfire. It was then that it spoke to me.”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “[Continue]”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “”I am Aeteok of the right hand of Theer and this is my gift to my other.” That is what it spoke within my head. Then, a crimson circle appeared before me.”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “[Continue]”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “And after the circle formed, the runes appeared. It was a vision I could not forget for my life, but one I would not understand until my time with the Order of Marr.”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “[Continue]”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “It was not until High Lord William Taros shared his knowledge of Soulfire that I could begin my odyssey and learn the origin and purpose of the sword.”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “[Continue]”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “Little did I know that my quest would last a full quatrain and the path would lead me to my former village kingdom and to the obelisk of shadows.”

You say to a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle, “[Continue]”

a vision of Sir Vallius Bayle says to you, “Aaaargh! I… cannot… continue! Evil is upon me… in the Gray Fields. Evil approaches… Valmarr. “

SoulFire Text


Source: part of the everquest 1 paladin epic

You say, ‘Hail, Kalatrina Plossen’

Kalatrina Plossen says ‘Hail! Welcome to the Hall of Truth. We, the Knights of Truth, are all the hope this city has of loosening the grip of Lucan D’lere and his militia. I seek a young knight to [serve the will of the Truthbringer].’

You say, ‘I serve the will of the Truthbringer.’

Kalatrina Plossen says ‘Stand tall then, knight! We have need of your services. We have sent a man to infiltrate the militia. We fear he may soon be found out. Take him this note of warning. Say the words, ‘Truth is good,’ and you shall find him. Be careful, young knight. The militia does not take prisoners.’

You say, ‘Hail, Guard Alayle’

Guard Alayle says ‘Greetings, citizen! You should not be in the Militia House. These are restricted grounds. Please leave at once unless you have business here.’

You say, ‘Truth is good.’

Guard Alayle says ‘Ssshhh!! Pipe down. The others might hear you. You must have something for me. Kalatrina must have given you something if you serve the Hall of Truth. If you have nothing, please leave. You will blow my cover.

Guard Alayle says ‘This is not good news. I must leave immediately. Here. Take this to Kala.. I mean my father. I found it on the floor of Sir Lucan D’Lere’s quarters. Thanks again, messenger. I got this just in time.’

ZIMEL’S BLADES
….. … …. .. …
……. …… … .. … ……. …. …

You say, ‘Hail, Krazen Loosh’

Krazen Loosh says ‘The towering wall of stone is clearly unmovable at this point, being held in place by collection of magical energies.’

Krazen Loosh says ‘Hello, Alayle. We just got a message from Qeynos. I think you should come with me.’

Guard Alayle says ‘Oh no!! It is too late!! Run!!’

Krazen Loosh says ‘As you try to open penetrate the stone wall it is clearly being held in place by a powerful force.’

Guard Alayle says ‘My comrades will avenge my death.’

Kalatrina Plossen says ‘Zimel’s Blades?! Hmmmmm. It doesn’t ring a bell and the remainder of the writing is too hard to make out. It kind of looks like a list of prices. You know, down at the Office of the People they might be able to tell us if this place exists. Go speak with Rashinda. She knows all about Freeport. If [Zimel’s Blades] existed, you must report back to me what happened to it.’

You say, ‘Hail, Rashinda Elore’

Rashinda Elore says ‘Hello. I am Rashinda Elore. The city Landholder Manager. If you have business to discuss, please direct it to my two clerks downstairs. Good day.’

You say, ‘What do you know of Zimel’s Blades?’

Rashinda Elore says ‘Ariska Zimel was a human blacksmith, a master when it came to making swords, I hear. He kept to himself a lot. He disappeared about one year ago. A lot of people were disappointed when we had to condemn Zimel’s Blades. All the merchandise was handed over to Groflah Steadirt. Mostly charred junk.’

You say, ‘Who is Groflah Steadirt?’

Rashinda Elore says ‘Groflah Steadirt is the dwarven owner of Groflah’s Forge which is right near here. He was Ariska Zimel’s best friend. They were apparently avid travelers before settling down here in Freeport. I guess it was during their travels that they picked up the fine arts of the forge. You should talk to Groflah about Zimel. He can tell you more than I can.’

You say, ‘Why was Zimel’s Blades condemned?’

Rashinda Elore says ‘About a week after Ariska Zimel’s disappearance, strange noises were heard from his shop. Loud booms and rumbling as though the earth itself were exploding. When the militia got to the shop, they said the shop was badly burned by an exploding boiler. They had us condemn the building due to its unsafe structure.’

You say, ‘Have you heard of Zimel’s Blades?’

Rashinda Elore says ‘Zimel’s Blades? It used to be a fine place of rare weaponry. [Ariska Zimel] was the owner. No one knows what happened to the man. He just vanished overnight. His shop used to be in East Freeport which is now a slum, er, I mean, which now has plenty of available lots for sale with plenty of potential. As for Zimel’s Blades, we condemned it.’

You say, ‘Zimel’s Blades was condemned’

Kalatrina Plossen says ‘Why would Lucan visit a condemned building? He must be searching for something. When I last visited the local forge, I heard rumors of Lucan searching for a sword named Soulfire. If this is true, you must find it first! No more power should go his way. Seek this sword out!’

You say, ‘Hail, Groflah Steadirt’

Groflah Steadirt says ‘Greetings, adventurer! Certainly a person who looks as hardened as yourself deserves a fine blade to match your prowess. Here at Groflah’s Forge, we supply you with only the finest quality weapons.’

You say, ‘Do you know Ariska Zimel?’

Groflah Steadirt says ‘Zimel!! I do not know who you mean. Now go away. I am very busy. I will not talk here!!’

Hand him the tattered flier.

Groflah Steadirt says ‘Where did you find this? This was the main price list of Zimel’s Blades, but it should be all burnt up. I was at Zimel’s right after the fire and I did not see it hanging where it should have been. The entire inside was gutted and . . . wait . . . the sequence of the dots!! Hmmm. I cannot talk with you here. Meet me at the Seafarer’s by the docks at night. Give me the note when next we meet.’

You say, ‘Hail, Groflah Steadirt’

Groflah Steadirt says ‘Greetings, ! Join in the [celebration]! Have a few drinks. Alas, there are no [Tumpy Tonics].’

Hand Groflah the tattered flier.

Groflah Steadirt says ‘This used to be hanging in Zimel’s Blades. It is the price list. It is badly faded though. There was a fire in Zimel’s Blades and I was on the scene just afterward. I did not see this hanging. I wonder who took it . . . Hmmmm.. oh, yes.. the markings on the list! It is a code! Here. I will fill it in. Read it. You probably do not even know who Ariska is.’

ZIMEL’S BLADES
..h… e… l .. p.. …
..c….. ..a…. … p.. t… ..i….v. …. …

You say ‘Who is Ariska?’

Groflah Steadirt says ‘Ariska Zimel was my best friend. He and I learned our knowledge of metal from such places as Halas and Kaladim. When he disappeared, it seemed to involve foul play. He must be alive somewhere in the city. I pray this is not the work of [Pietro Zarn].’

You say, ‘Who is Pietro Zarn?’

Groflah Steadirt says ‘While we were traveling through the Lavastorm Mountains, we happened upon a caravan. They wore emblems in honor of the evil god, Innoruuk. They did not see us, but we saw them. And most importantly of all, Ariska saw the apparent leader’s sword. It was glowing with great energy. Suddenly, the evil knights were in a battle. The knights gave chase, leaving their camp unattended. The knight who owned the sword left it behind, opting to fight with another, leading me to believe it was not his to begin with. It was at this point that Ariska ran down and grabbed the sword. A few weeks later, we were to learn that the knight was a powerful man by the name of Pietro Zarn and that he was looking for a sword stolen from him. He called it .. Soulfire. I believe Zarn must have finally found Ariska.’

Groflah Steadirt says ‘Sing it, lass! Sir Lucan D’Lere is no friend of the people.’

Henna Treghost says ‘Sing us a melody.’

Branis Noolright says ‘Here’s one for Sir Lucan… He’s just a ruler. In a long line of rulers. Looking for a few more orcs to slay. They say that he fights them with one hand tied to his back. And he won’t leave Freeport till you remember his name. Thank you.’

Tykar Renlin says ‘That man is no just ruler. He has jailed me and my friend Zimel for merely begging.

Henna Treghost says ‘Music!! Music!!’

Trolon Lightleer says ‘My city is mighty and all shall learn to cower. We are nothing less than the ultimate power. My city is pure and filled with beautiful charm. I shall conquer you to save you from harm. My city shall first send its guards to back you in times of need. Soon you shall learn to live under my laws, indeed. So bow down when you see me and give out my favorite cheer, ‘All Hail Antonius Bail!’ My city is Qeynos and there is nothing to fear.’

Tlin Bowfright says ‘I wish the Qeynos Guards would come and conquer Freeport. The Freeport Militia are nothing more than mercenaries and criminals.’

Talym Shoontar says ‘Antonius Bayle is a blithering fool.’

Tlin Bowfright says ‘The only blithering fool in here is you, Talym Shoontar.’

Talym Shoontar says ‘All right, Tlin! I am going to smash your face in!’

You say, ‘Hail, Tykar Renlin’

Tykar Renlin says ‘Do you have any spare coppers for a thirsty soul?’

You say, ‘What can you tell me of Zimel?’

Tykar Renlin says ‘What?! You know my friend Zimel?! I would like to speak of him, but my mouth is so parched. Maybe a fine grog would loosen my lips. I am uncertain which flavor shall do the trick.’

Tykar Renlin says ‘Oooh!! That is the taste. My lips are almost loose. Maybe another will do the trick.’

Tykar Renlin says ‘Oooh!! That is the taste. My lips are almost loose. Maybe another will do the trick.’

Tykar Renlin says ‘Oooh!! That is the taste. My lips are almost loose. Maybe another will do the trick.’

Tykar Renlin says ‘Ahh!! That was good. Now where were we?. Oh yes. My friend Zimel is a fellow beggar. He was locked up in the arena. They were going to let him go when the Freeport Militia came for him. Ha!! He is crazy as a troll now. I took this blanket from his cell before I was released. I no longer need it and my guilt has reached its peak. I do not want crazy old Zimel to freeze. Perhaps you can return it to him.’

a prisoner says ‘unngh!!.. Biggle and boo.. Goggle froo..’

You say, ‘Hail, a prisoner’

a prisoner says ‘Aaaarghhh!!.. Buggl n gump.. Figgle and fump..’

You say, ‘Are you Ariska Zimel?’

a prisoner stares deeply into your eyes.. Very eerie!!

a prisoner says ‘Bog n Goo.. Blanket too!!’

a prisoner says ‘Bog n Goo.. Blanket too!!’

a prisoner hands you something and says, ‘Hide, hide, safe, cee.. lerk has the clue.. Must travel.. Travel.. Travel.. Tunaria’s corridor..’

You say, ‘Hail, Bank Clerk Jaylin’

Bank Clerk Jaylin says ‘Greetings! I am Jaylin Monel, your Highkeep bank clerk. If you are here to close an account, please return your strongbox key to my assistant Kiolna and she will return any items you may have stored.’

You say, ‘Hail, Assistant Kiolna’

Assistant Kiolna says ‘Hello! I am Jaylin’s new assistant, Kiolna. If you wish to hand in your keys, please give them to me and I will be happy to assist you! It is a pleasure doing business with you.’

Assistant Kiolna says ‘I am sorry to see you check out. Here is all you had in your box. We hope to serve you again. Have a nice day!! Next!’

Ariska,
For your great service to the Temple of Life I shall honor your request and hold Soulfire until I see this note presented to me by either you or a noble courier of the Hall of Truth.

Brother Hayle

You say, ‘Hail, Priestess Jahnda’

Priestess Jahnda says ‘Welcome to the Temple of Life, where the will of Rodcet Nife, the Prime Healer, is carried out. I am the High Priestess Jahnda. If you require any training in our ways, please talk to any of our priests or any of the paladins of the Temple of Life.’

You say, ‘Where is Brother Hayle?’

Priestess Jahnda says ‘Brother Hayle Mool is one of our finest clerics. He could convert anyone to the ways of Rodcet Nife. Recently, he has been out in the [Plains of Karana] trying to befriend the [Splitpaw clan]. I pray he has not become their prisoner or even worse, their dinner.’

You say, ‘Hail, Brother Hayle’

Brother Hayle says ‘This is no place for you. These Splitpaws are very fierce. Only the power of Rodcet Nife will guide them to the light. By the way, I might warn you that the cells here lock behind you.’

Brother Hayle says ‘Finally!! I see that Ariska has found a noble knight to retrieve Soulfire. Per Ariska’s orders I am not to give Soulfire to you until you can show me [proof of nobility]. You must honor both the Temple of Life as well as the Hall of Truth and to a high degree. Only then shall you hold Soulfire.’

You say, ‘What proof of nobility?’

Brother Hayle says ‘I require the returned note I gave you, a Testimony of Truth, a Sword of Faith and finally the hilt of Soulfire. The Testimony and Sword of Faith are earned in the Hall of Truth, but for the hilt of Soulfire you shall have to battle [Xicotl].’

You say, ‘Who is Xicotl?’

Brother Hayle says ‘Xicotl is the evil troll who attempted to steal Soulfire from the vaults of the Temple of Life. The hilt of Soulfire broke off during the battle and now rests in the hands of this troll shadowknight. From what I have heard, he is frequently an invited guest at the castle called Mistmoore. Woe to any paladin who dares set foot upon the land of Mistmoore, but should you attempt it you might search the guest rooms for the troll. May Rodcet Nife walk with you.’

Valeron Dushire says ‘I am Sir Valeron Dushire, leader of the order of the Knights of Truth. If your soul shines with purity and strength, I urge you to join our order. The might of Mithaniel Marr stands behind all who join. Soon that might will help us free this city from the tyranny of the [Freeport Militia].’

You say, ‘What Freeport Militia?’

Valeron Dushire says ‘The Freeport Militia took control of this city long ago. They are nothing more than a group of thugs not worthy of respect. They follow the words of [Sir Lucan] D’Lere. He has been a thorn in this city’s side for too long. If you wish to aid us in the fight against tyranny, go speak with Jemoz or Sir Theron. May the Truthbringer shine upon your soul.’

You say, ‘Who is Sir Lucan?’

Valeron Dushire says ‘Lucan is a bad seed. You see, I trained Sir Lucan. He was nothing more than a street rat who was taken in by the Temple of Marr. The priests taught him and found him to be very agile and strong. They requested either the Priests of Marr or the Knights of Truth take him on as a squire. Gygus could not spare the trainers at the time and so we took the boy. The boy became a man, and a very formidable knight. Then something [went awry].’

You say, ‘What went awry?’

Valeron Dushire says ‘During one of our crusades into the lands of Norrath, we left Sir Lucan in charge of the remaining knights. He did much good and the people respected him. He was overtaken by power. He soon began to hire mercenaries to guard the city, calling them the Freeport Militia. His true downfall began when he killed Sentry Dillius, a paladin of the Priests of Marr. His divine powers were stripped from his soul. He was a paladin no longer. He and his militia now control the city. They treat it as their playground and bully the populace. Someone must [stop Sir Lucan].’

You say, ‘I will stop Sir Lucan’

Valeron Dushire says ‘That would be good, but I doubt you can. We have been trying for years and are unable to get him apart from the militia. If you do the impossible and destroy Sir Lucan, bring me his testimony. Every knight of the Hall of Truth carries a signed testimony. Sir Lucan still holds his.’

Sir Lucan D`Lere says ‘Die, dog!!’

Sir Lucan D`Lere says ‘You cannot stop the undead!! Foolish mortal!!’

—-

TESTIMONY OF TRUTH

I believe in the might of Mithaniel Marr. I shall uphold the words of Marr and defend them with my life. I shall protect the righteous weak and avenge the souls of those whose life has been taken for naught. From this day forth I shall become a living vessel for the ideals of the Truthbringer and if I should ever falter from his grace may he cast me from this life and into the lifeless void.

PRAISE BE TO MARR

Sir Lucan D’Lere

—-

Valeron Dushire says ‘Praise be to Marr!! You have done the impossible!! Sir Lucan is finally sent to the higher courts of the Tribunal. The city now has a chance to prosper. The Hall of Truth has been redeemed and gives you thanks. Take this. It is the Sword of Faith. May you wield it with righteousness. Beware of the remainder of the militia. They will be hunting for your head.’

You say ‘Hail, Merko Quetalis’

Merko Quetalis says ‘Hail, good citizen! You have entered the Hall of Truth. What is it you seek? Many citizens come to request aid in dealing with the local rogues or the oppression of our sworn enemies, the Freeport Militia. A few valiant ones have been [summoned to the Hall of Truth].’

You say, ‘I have been summoned to the Hall of Truth.’

Merko Quetalis says ‘You have been summoned? You do not have the look of nobility. You must be a [squire]. There are many squires who have been summoned to our Hall. Not all pass the [Test of Truth].’

You say ‘I am a squire.’

Merko Quetalis says ‘Then I welcome you, Squire . Being a squire is the first step to becoming a true knight of the Hall of Truth. Remember always to protect and serve the meek. I have a [small task] which suits a squire perfectly.’

You say ‘What small task?’

Merko Quetalis says ‘Venture to the Commonlands and seek out our noble friend Altunic Jartin. He lives and works out of his home. Hand him this note.’

Altunic,
I have sent this squire to look into your problem for you. Hope to see you at services at the Temple of Marr.

Sir Merko Quetalis
Hall of Truth

You say ‘Hail, Altunic Jartin.’

Altunic Jartin says ‘Greetings, traveler! Have you need of provisions or perhaps other wares? I sell what I find upon the battlegrounds of the Commonlands.’

Altunic Jartin says ‘You are the one they have sent? A squire?!! I hope you can help me. I gather items strewn upon the grounds of the Commonlands. I sell them at good prices. Lately, I have been terrorized by a human rogue named Narls. He will no doubt appear at my [house] soon. Bring his head to me.’ (Note that Narl’s name is misspelled in this text; it doesn’t have an S in it.)

You say, ‘Where is your house?’

Altunic Jartin says ‘Follow me.’

Squire Narl says ‘Death to all who oppose Innoruuk’s will!!’

Squire Narl’s corpse says ‘Innoruuk has seen what you have done. His hate, along with the Dismal Rage, will find you.’

Altunic Jartin says ‘You have performed a great service to me, but I fear others will attack me while I stroll the countryside. It would be very noble of you to fetch me a cloth shirt for protection from wicked creatures. It is not much, but it will help.’

Altunic Jartin says ‘Thank you. You are very noble for a squire. I can see you becoming a very valuable asset to the Hall of Truth. Take this token. Tell Merko that you have [earned the Token of Generosity].

You say ‘I have earned the Token of Generosity.’

Merko Quetalis says ‘Go to the deserts of North Ro. Seek out the desert tarantulas. Stand and face this dreaded creature. If you are lucky, you will find a venom sac. This is what I require. When you return, hand it to me.’

Merko Quetalis says ‘You have earned the token of bravery. Now you must ask yourself if you are ready to face true fear. You will have but one chance. If you feel you are powerful enough to easily slay that desert tarantula, then hand me both tokens earned and you shall face the Test of Truth.’

You say ‘What Test of Truth?’

Merko Quetalis says ‘Only when a squire is ready, may he tempt his fate. All he need do is hand the tokens of bravery and generosity to me. If the squire survives his ordeal, then he or she shall enter the order of the Knights of Truth. The squire will be given the Testimony of Truth and become a respected knight.’

Merko Quetalis says ‘Go to the open sewer across the way. Inside you shall find your opponent. Victory shall bring you your final token. Return it to me. Remember our ways and remember our foes. Send them to their judgement in the afterlife. Be swift with your thoughts. May Marr be with you.’

You say, ‘Hail, Guard Willia’

Guard Willia says ‘Please, let me go. I shall leave the [Freeport Militia]. I did not know they were such a vile group.’

You say, ‘What about the Freeport Militia?’

Guard Willia says ‘I thought they were nothing more than the local militia. Little did I know they were so vile. Now I am stuck [here] and I ask for your forgiveness.’

You say, ‘Why are you here?’

Guard Willia says ‘I came here to escape the militia and ask [Merko to forgive] me.’

You say, ‘Why ask Merko to forgive you?’

Guard Willia says ‘I had a small encounter with his wife, my aunt. She was quite red after that altercation. I guess I upset her in a great way, somehow. Could you please go ask Merko to forgive [Willia]. I shall wait here for his answer.’

If you don’t attack Willia for a while, she will say:

Guard Willia says ‘Please do not harm me!! I am a lady underneath this garb. I just wanted to join the [Freeport Militia] to help my people.. Please.. Please.. I am nobody. Marr have mercy. I give you the truth. Is that not what you stand for? Merko is my Uncle!!’

You say, ‘Who is Willia?’

Merko Quetalis says ‘She is my niece. Lucan ordered her to kill my wife.. She did. She now belongs to the Freeport Militia. As part of the militia, she must die!! Let no militia member stand in the way of nobility.’

Guard Willia says ‘Thank you, my friend. I shall mend my ways.. maybe.’

Guard Willia’s corpse says ‘Your name shall be added to the most wanted list of the Freeport Militia!!’

Merko Quetalis says ‘You have performed well. You have shown your allegiance to truth and cast aside the Freeport Militia. The militia will surely despise you from now on. This is how they treat the Knights of Truth. Beware. The followers of Marr stand alone in this city.’

TESTIMONY OF TRUTH

I believe in the might of Mithaniel Marr. I shall uphold the words of Marr and defend them with my life. I shall protect the righteous weak and avenge the souls of those whose life has been taken for naught. From this day forth I shall become a living vessel for the ideals of the Truthbringer and if I should ever falter from his grace may he cast me from this life and into the lifeless void.

PRAISE BE TO MARR

Brother Hayle says ‘I will not hand Soulfire to you until you hand me the Soulfire hilt, Testimony of Truth, Sword of Faith and the returned note. I require them as [proof of nobility].’

Brother Hayle says ‘I will not hand Soulfire to you until you hand me the Soulfire hilt, Testimony of Truth, Sword of Faith and the returned note. I require them as [proof of nobility].’

Brother Hayle says ‘I will not hand Soulfire to you until you hand me the Soulfire hilt, Testimony of Truth, Sword of Faith and the returned note. I require them as [proof of nobility].’

Brother Hayle says ‘You have proven yourself worthy to hold Soulfire. Do not let her slip into the hands of evil. There are many who wish to free the many trapped souls of shadowknights and necromancers trapped inside the blade. The power of the blade can be called upon to heal you if need be. May Rodcet Nife and the twins of Marr hold you in their glory.’

Congratulations on getting your SoulFire

Tome of Destiny – Chapter IX – The Battle of Defiance


The pendant glowed like blue fire around his neck as the ranger called lightning down from the sky, striking the throngs of orcs and ogres. He fired arrow after arrow into their ranks, felling one after another of the cruel beasts.

But he knew it wasn’t enough.

The army of Qeynos was vastly outnumbered. Though storms raged above them, the Rallosian legions were drawing closer. Giants from the east uprooted boulders and used them as weapons, hurling them against the city walls. It seemed certain the gates would soon be breached, and then all would be lost.

The ranger signaled for his archers to fire at the giants, but the massive brutes were difficult to take down. And the orcs… the orcs were everywhere.

“For Qeynos!” shouted the ranger, and his troops cheered. They fight bravely, he thought to himself.

“For nothing!” replied a loud, hissing voice from the center of the Rallosian ranks. The ranger looked up. The wall of giants parted, and there, above the orcs and ogres, towered a being that seemed to be made of fire itself.

Niffet drew close to his leader. “What is that creature?”

“The Avatar of Flame,” the ranger replied. “The chosen of Solusek Ro.”

“Oh. Well, I have no doubt you can defeat it,” that halfling announced, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

The ranger drew his swords. “Keep taking down the giants. The city gates must hold.” He began slashing through the mass of orcs, making his way toward the being of fire.

“The Militia is falling back, General. Freeport will soon be ours.”

Urduuk smiled. “As I told you it would, Ignara. I will have Lucan’s head on a pike by nightfall.”

The ogre surveyed the battlefield. His troops swarmed everywhere, overpowering the city’s defenses in both number and ferocity.

“Beautiful,” he muttered.

“Indeed it is,” a familiar voice replied. Urduuk turned to face the massive being.

“Avatar!” he exclaimed. Have you come to witness my victory?”

“You have done well, Urduuk. This chaos is extraordinary. I look forward to your army decimating the other continents as well.”

“This is only the beginning, I assure you. When Antonica is cleansed, we move to Faydwer and–”

“General!” Ignara shouted. “We are being attacked on our southern flank!”

Urduuk looked toward the desert. A small but powerful force was cutting into his ranks, striking at the Rallosians with considerable power.

“The cursed monks have joined the fray,” he muttered angrily.

“Why weren’t they eliminated already?” The avatar asked. “The servant of the Tranquil will be imparting them a strength your oafish legions do not possess.”

“I ordered them to be destroyed, but my incompetent lieutenant betrayed me! I will show her the price of failure!” Urduuk drew his sword and advanced toward Ignara.

“Wait, General!” Ignara cried. “Something else approaches from the south!”

Urduuk turned. A thick cloud rolled rapidly across the sands, darkening the sky with a dense green haze.

“What have you done, Urduuk?” the avatar asked him. “What did you do to unleash this madness?”

The cloud was moving quickly toward the Rallosians. As it reached the edge of the army’s ranks, the ogres it touched fell lifelessly to the ground. The general watched them gasping for air one moment and twitching on the ground the next.

“My steed!” Urduuk ordered. “The son of Zek must live to fight another day. Bring me my steed!”

But no one was left to obey. The mist encircled the general, killing all those around him. Ignara struggled to breathe, reaching out to her leader. Finally even she collapsed.

“Fool!” the avatar shouted at Urduuk. “It is you who brought this fate onto your own people! The orcs are my only hope now. I will deal with the monks myself.” The massive figure marched toward the center of the orc army.

The mist coalesced around Urduuk, leaving him no escape. He swung his sword at the green cloud, but there was nothing solid for him to hit.

Defiler! it whispered to him. The time has come to pay for your crimes.

“What… what are you?” Urduuk stammered.

I am the voice of the one you betrayed. Your pride has brought your people to their downfall, just as it was in ancient days. But this time, retribution shall be mine.

“I betrayed no one!” he shouted back, swinging his sword wildly.

Liar! Fear could have been your ally. Instead you entered its temple and enslaved its children. Your insolence shall be the death of your people. But your soul, defiler, will know Fear for all eternity!

“No!” he screamed, but there was no reply. The green mist enveloped him, seeping into Urduuk’s lungs and stealing his breath. All around him the general could see his fallen soldiers, the lost remnants of his once unstoppable army.

The mist pulled at him, lifting him into the air. Below, Urduuk saw his own body crumpled on the sand. He tried to cry out, but had no voice. The mist carried him southward toward the darkness that lingered hungrily.

The defenders of Qeynos cheered as the mist receded, leaving the bodies of the ogres strewn across the grassland.

Aimara felled another orc and called out to her husband. “That cloud did half our work for us, Murbeck. Now all we’ve left to do is wipe out the orcs, giants, and goblins!”

“Child’s play for a Halasian!” shouted Murbeck. “We’ll finish these beasts up in no time.”

She laughed and swung her sword again. She relished the battle, but knew the odds were still slim. The orcs were off-balance and confused, but they still held the advantage in numbers. Soon they would realize this fact and resume their advance.

Aimara looked across the field of battle. The Avatar of Flame towered above the orcs, rallying the Rallosian forces and directing the giants to hold their ground. The avatar waved its hand, and suddenly a line of gnolls covered in flame charged toward the Qeynosians.

“By the Tribunal!” Murbeck shouted. “That beast set those pitiful gnolls on fire to use them as living weapons!”

The gnolls yelped in pain as they charged madly into the defenders’ ranks. The tactic had its desired effect as the army of Qeynos began to fall back.

“Enough!” cried a booming voice, louder even than the thunder. “You will pay for what you have done to the children of Brell!”

The battle grew still for a moment. The voice seemed to come from the ground itself, as if every rock had suddenly been given a voice.

“Who dares speak to me this way?” hissed the Avatar of Flame.

“The one who will make you pay for looting the dens of Brell’s creations!” answered the voice. “In your hunger for power you sought to consume the entire world, but now it is you who will be devoured!”

The earth shook violently and tore open huge chasms beneath the feet of the Rallosian army. The orcs screamed as they fell, their cries muffled as the fissures sealed up and buried them alive. Orc after orc was swallowed by the angry earth.

“No!” hissed the Avatar of Flame as its remaining forces began to scatter and flee. “Hold your ground, I command you!”

The ranger signaled to the knights waiting upon a nearby ridge. They charged down and circled the flaming creature. “Now,” said the ranger, “we finish this.”

“So you think the Avatar of Below has turned the tide, monk? I will show you that the power of Zek cannot be denied!”

The monk circled the massive being, fists clenched. “It was the pride and ignorance of your own armies that led to their downfall. Urduuk defiled the Temple of Cazic-Thule and made an enemy of the Avatar of Fear, while the enslavement of the gnolls caused Brell’s avatar to strike back at the orcs. Now all that remains is to put an end to you.”

“Fool! You cannot best me in battle!” The avatar drew his flaming sword. “If all else fails, I will at least have the pleasure of grinding you to dust.”

The monk leapt into the air and struck first, kicking the Avatar of War and knocking him back. The avatar swung his sword but missed, leaving him open for a series of punches.

The avatars clashed, striking at each other with the power of their opposing planes. The ground on which they fought began to rise, forming a plateau beneath them. On the flatlands below, the Ashen Order and the Knights of Truth fought the remnants of the Rallosian forces. The Freeport Militia drove the orcs away from the city walls and advanced upon the site of the battle, a helmeted figure in dark armor leading them forward.

The knights slashed at the fiery creature with their swords while the ranger called down winds and storms against it. The avatar was weakening, but it still struck with deadly fury.

The ranger looked around. Most of the remaining orcs were fleeing northward, though a few pockets of resistance held out against the Qeynosians. He could see a fierce battle going on between a group of barbarians and some of the stronger orcs.

“Yield to me, knights!” hissed the avatar. “I will share all the truths that the ranger is keeping from you!”

“Enough of your lies!” cried the leader of the knights. “Back to the abyss from whence you came!” He drove his sword deep into the center of the avatar’s chest. The creature crumpled to the ground, flames sputtering as its essence began to fade.

“Fools!” it hissed weakly. “Your victory means nothing. The people of Norrath have not yet begun to suffer!” The avatar collapsed into a smoldering pile of ash.

The ranger touched the pendant at his neck and calmed the storms overhead.

“What did it mean?” asked the leader of the knights. “What suffering is yet to come?”

The ranger didn’t reply. He drew his sword, the blade inlaid with ancient runes. He offered it to the knight. “For your service, I give you Maelstrom, Blade of Storms. It will serve you well.”

The ranger turned and walked slowly toward the gates of Qeynos, stepping carefully over the bodies of the fallen that lay all around him.

The monk unleashed all his fury on the avatar, striking him down with a final blow. The Avatar of War slumped to the ground, defeated. The monk knelt on the ground to recover and heal his wounds.

An armored rider on a black horse reached the top of the summit and dismounted. He walked to the body of the fallen avatar and lifted the sword from its lifeless hand. The blade burned with unholy fire as the dark knight held it aloft.

“D’Lere!” the monk called out. “That sword doesn’t belong to you.”

The Overlord removed his helmet to reveal a scarred, smirking face. “Of course it does, fool,” he replied. “Soulfire is now where it was always meant to be. I thank you for bringing it to me, and for delivering the true enemies of Freeport to justice.”

“True enemies? What do you–”

Lucan walked to the edge of the plateau and faced the army below. “Citizens of Freeport,” he called out in a booming voice that carried across the battlefield, “your Overlord has brought you victory this day! Now is the time to bring justice to the criminals who have returned to our lands! Turn your swords against the Knights of Truth and the Priests of Marr and let none of them escape!”

“Are you insane?” the monk asked angrily. “You have a chance to wipe out the rest of the orcs, but you’d rather feed your petty desire for revenge?”

Lucan laughed as he donned his helm again. He climbed atop the black steed and pointed the edge of Soulfire toward the monk. “Be grateful I let you live, Avatar. Don’t think I have forgotten our history. I suggest you return to the desert and show your face in my kingdom no more.” He turned the horse and rode down the side of the plateau.

The monk stood wearily. “It never changes,” he told himself. He clenched his fist and hoped he wasn’t too late to aid the followers of Marr who had risked their lives by trusting him.

The ranger wandered the battlefield looking for survivors. There were so many fallen, so many who had lost everything for this cause.

He saw a barbarian kneeling on the ground, her face stained with dirt and tears. She cradled the fallen man in her arms, rocking him gently back and forth. His armor was cracked by arrows that stuck out from his lifeless chest.

“Are you injured, milady?” The ranger asked softly.

The barbarian looked up at him. “Murbeck chased after the orcs, even though I told him we’d already beaten them. He didn’t notice the archers taking aim. He never saw the arrows coming.” She dropped her head and sobbed.

The ranger looked down. He had no solace to give, no answer for her pain. He knew that soon he would leave this realm, and that it would be left to mortals like her to prepare for what was to come.

“You fought well, my husband,” she whispered to him. “You died as a Halasian, and one day your name will be sung in the great halls of our people. You will never be forgotten.”

The ranger swallowed hard and turned away, leaving the barbarian to her sorrow. The price was too high, he thought to himself. And this was only the beginning.