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Posted on September 17, 2012 15:27
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- The Dread Sea Dominions
Epic tales of adventure: The Dread Sea Dominions!
Welcome to the Dread Sea Dominions, a place where mighty barbarians do combat with hideous monsters, dark warlocks whisper terrible sorceries in forgotten temples and noble amazons duel in the sun scorched arenas of Faberterra, capital of a decadent empire! Will you grab glory and riches beyond your dreams or will you be crushed and forgotten in the winds of time, your destiny is in your hands.
This truly is a time of high adventure!
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Brave the Tower of the Elephant! (Active)
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Heart of the Elephant!
With the party’s new “trusted†companion Vanku they quickly headed off towards the Tower of the Elephant and their goal, the Elephant Gem! Once they reached the tower the group was able to successfully find a good darkened location to quickly scale the outer wall. And, thanks to Vanku’s keen eyes everyone was able to narrowly avoid the glass and shards of metal hidden in the shadows at the base of the inside wall. Once over the wall the next obstacle were the three tower guards that needed to be quickly dispatched before they could raise the alarm. Vanku led with a lightning attack which the party quickly followed up; the guards were down in seconds and now the group was clear to quickly race across the courtyard to the where the second wall stood before them.
As they approached the second wall they noticed a line of wicked looking vines and brush along the base, Ash was able to remember a rumor he’d heard in Jalizar’s taverns about some kind of venomous plants in the garden’s of the tower. As a precaution and to hide any trace of their presence the group proceeded to toss the downed guards into the vines and brush which to some surprise ferociously devoured their bodies, revealing their wicked nature. Now only how to get over the vines and up over the wall? Kroad looked at the guard’s spears and had a rather dexterous idea, and with a good run he deftly vaulted himself on to the top of the wall! Vanku, not to be out done at such an endeavor quickly landed on the top wall with a cat like grace. The others needed a more practical method so Frydas tied Vanku’s silk rope to the remaining spear and Vanku and Kroad held the other end of the rope on top of the wall. Dalyika and Ash then climbed up and across using the rope, Ash just making it! Frydas then with all her strength and speed leapt over the vines, unfortunately ones of the vines snagged her ankle as she grasped the edge of the wall. Fortunately with the help of the others she was able to break free and complete the climb up to the top of the wall.
Beyond the wall lay the inner garden, a wild tangle of jungle trees and exotic vegetation, and passed that the tower! At this point Vanku let the party know of the true reason for obtaining the Green Lotus powder. He proceeded to explained how there were fierce beasts beyond the wall and that he would use the Green Lotus poison to dispatch of the beasts. Vanku instructed the party to wait for his return before coming into the inner garden. Vanku with blow gun, darts and Green Lotus in hand swiftly disappeared into the dark jungle of the inner garden. The on edge party waited until the last second before another patrol of guards began to appear in the outer garden, thankfully just then Vanku reappeared successful and the party dropped down into the inner garden. The party passed two enormous Lions lying on the ground, presumed and thankfully dead as they quickly made their way to the base of the tower, Vanku had kept his word.
The one hundred and fifty foot tower’s outside was made of a slick shining ivory like material that glistened under the starlight. At the base of the tower with much skill Dalyika managed to shoot an arrow attached with a grappling hook and silk rope over the top edge of the tower. The arrow found its mark and the rope was secure enough to allow everyone to scale the tower to the top.
The top was full of gems and stones that glistened in the starlight, as much as the party tried they could not loosen any of the stones, perhaps inside would hold more obtainable treasures. As the group moved towards a small structure on the roof Vanku made a gruesome discovery, a mostly decayed corpse stuck in the door of structure. Once searching the body Vanku knew, this was the corpse of his father Taurius. Vanku was visibly shaken upon finally finding out the fate of his father, but through some straight and wise words from Ash Vanku agreed to continue on as long as they could return and carry his father’s remain to a proper burial.
The party entered the small chamber to find it full of gems and covered in gold and silver, some chests and chairs also resided inside. Kroad proceeded to examine the chests, opening one and finding it full of precious gems which he quickly stashed in his bag. As the group was moving around examining the room they failed to notice the giant spider creeping down upon Ash and Dalyika. Too late for them to react Ash and Dalyika were ensared in the spider’s web as it bore down on them. Just in time Frydas lept into action and with a mighty swing she split the spider in half spraying it’s entrails down upon a sticky and shaken Dalyika, although better than deadly spider venom she later agreed.
There was a golden door on other side of the room which led the party down a circular stairwell to the next level where they found a very large ivory door. With no traps detected they entered to find an incredible chamber lined with pure gold and at the far end a giant statue of a creature obviously not of this world! In the hand of this “creature†was a giant red translucent gem, which Kroad figured was the gem they sought, the Elephant Gem. Quickly Kroad made a line for the gem while Frydas moved in to examine the large creature statue. As they both got the closer the “statue†came alive and spoke, and moved its large trunk to shield the gem from Kroad’s grasp. The statue turned out to be an ancient being called Yag-Kosha who told a sad tale of his capture and mastery by the evil sorcery priest Yara, who resided just one level below. To be free of his centuries long torment he begged the party to slay him, take his heart and pour it’s blood upon the Elephant Gem. Once done they should take the gem before Yara below, who should be in a Lotus induced dream state, and speak the words, “‘Yag-Kosha gives you a last gift and enchantment.†Yag-Kosha explains that will rid this world of Yara and set himself free, as well the way will be clear for the party to escape the tower. With some reluctance from Kroad, the party agrees. Frydas performs the ritualistic slaying of Yag-Kosha, obtains his heart and drains it upon the gem, the blood seems to be absorbed by the gem which now has become murky red in appearance.
With the enchanted Elephant Gem in hand the group heads down to the next level where they find a large obsidian door. Within is an ornate room containing the chambers of Yara himself. They find him laying on a couch surrounded by the haze of the most powerful and insidious Black Lotus. Quickly Frydas laid the gem on floor a few feet from Yara and spoke the words. Doing this awoke Yara and he was shocked to see the gem and the party, what followed was even more of a shock for Yara, for the gem consumed him! He was shrunk down and absorbed inside the gem, where the party was able to see the faint images of a screaming Yara and a massive winged elephant headed being towering over him! Yag-Kosha’s justice and Yara’s demise seemed to be at hand. The large gem disappeared in a blast of smoke and light but what remained was a solid red ruby like gem, which the party quickly snatched up.
Right after this display of powerful sorcery and magic the entire tower began to crumble, for the magic holding it together was no more. After Ash reasoned with Vanku that there was no time to go up and retrieve his father’s remains the whole group raced out of the tower just in time. Luckily Yag-Kosha had kept his word and all guards were slain and all doors open. When they reached the grounds below the entire tower shook and wavered and after a moment imploded in upon itself and disappeared from this reality all together!
Startled but safe the party took a moment to regroup. Vanku spoke up about his sense of failure at not retrieving his father’s remains; both Ash and Frydas spoke reasoned words with him which were well received. Vanku looked upon the group, smiled, thanked them for the shared adventure and noted for now, he was the new Prince of Thieves and that perhaps their paths shall cross again some day!
The party now needs to assess their situation in Jalizar and find passage back to Jahir in Gis, for they now have the Elephant Gem!
Always cautious and never trusting, Dalyika keeps her past heavily veiled due to the ever-present danger of being discovered, or worse, captured. She remains ever in a purgatory created it seems specifically for her - the Gods and the demons of her Valk ancestry both laughing. First driven from her home in Ekul where she never belonged despite the blood bond, and then, to watch her true family destroyed at her feet; Dalyika looks as an estranged wild animal ready to either escape or pounce at any moment.
More than Lotus!
[ We did two "flashback" interludes for Dalyika and Kroad. Dalyika's took place in the time between the party's return of the Tome to Jahir and their travels to Jalizar. Kroad's took place some time ago on the long hard journey from the Cairnlands to Gis. Kroad has posted his and I ask that Dalyika do the same. Both did a great job and each was awarded an adventure card for their efforts.]
We last left off in the Broken Coin tavern with the party questioning Buryal before they made an attempt to steal the Green Lotus Powder from the Kyrosians. Buryal explained he would have further information for them about what dangers lay beyond the tower walls from a contact of his when they returned. He pressed the point to the party that they would surely need a powerful weapon like the Green Lotus Powder to defeat whatever guardians might lie beyond the Elephant Tower walls.
The party formulated a plan, Ash and Frydas would feign a conflict to distract the guards while Kroad and Dalyika quietly made their way across the field and into the caravan wagon containing the Lotus Powder. With this task in mind Kroad persuaded Buryal to find them some Ghost paint, which he reluctantly did, especially at this late hour, which Dalyika and he would use in their plan. The party then set off to the caravan yard under the moonless night.
Frydas and Ash distracted the guards with some success, at the very least they brought the guards down on them. A fight they couldn't win but it for sure removed many guards from having eyes toward the caravan wagon that contained the Lotus Powder.
Kroad and Dalyika were able to successfully stealth across the yard to the caravan unnoticed, just barely. Kroad then climbed up and opened the caravan wagon and to his surprise saw another man stealing the power and about to be attacked by a huge snake. Kroad hesitated for a moment but in the end helped the stranger kill the massive snake. At this point a Kyrosian sorcerer named Deepti was awoken by his guards and the chase was on! Both groups ran with Kyrosians, mercenaries and an enraged Kyrosian sorcerer in chase! But in the end after a frantic chase through the streets of Jalizar both groups were able to get away and all reconvened at the Broken Coin tavern.
Buryal was very surprised to see Vanku arrive with the party members and a quick and heated banter began between them both. Vanku accused Buryal of being dishonest and up to his old tricks and vice-verse. In the end Vanku gave Buryal a bit of the Green Lotus Powder and Buryal was on his way. The party could tell a disgruntled Buryal was hoping for a larger profit this evening but had decided it wasn't worth dying for.
Vanku, impressed by the parties resourcefulness and thankful for the help asked to join forces. He proceeded to explain he is none other than the son of Taurus of Syranthia, a famous thief and once known in Zandor and beyond as the Prince of Thieves. He explains because of his father's previous attempt to rob the tower he has information that could help them. As well when the Elephant’s Heart is mentioned by the party he is dismissive and says that is just one part of the massive treasures inside. With the perfect moonless night at hand the group agrees it is time to brave the infamous Tower of the Elephant!
While walking through the forest on the way towards Gis, you see Kroad momentarily start before bending over and plucking a single beautiful red flower from the earth. He places the flower to his nose, inhales deeply and lets out a wistful smile. It is likely the first time you have seen him look, happy.
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As a young teenager I had the opportunity to attend many gatherings, parties and banquets held by the elite in Faberterra. While there were many beautiful girls, without question the most stunning was the Lady Salander. Lady Salander was the only child of the High Tricarnian Ambassador Curoch. Her skin was as white as porcelain, her eyes gleamed like sapphires, her breasts were like…A-hem forgive me.
Anyway, although beautiful, Lady Salander was as cold as ice. Many tried to woo her including myself. Oh she would go through the motions, matching my lead as we danced to the song of shadows, nodding her head politely as I read her romantic poetry. Nothing would work to break that hard exterior.
Still as time passed I persisted and it became as a private game between us. I would sing beneath her balcony – she would turn away. I would give her exotic candies – only to see the empty box in the stables. Finally, one day I overheard her handmaidens speaking of her love for flowers and how she wished she could see the Queens private gardens. Now I had of course given her many flowers to no effect. But the Queen’s garden was reported to be one of the finest in the world, with rare flowers from every corner of the Dominions. But to tread in the garden without the Queen’s permission was death, and she never gave permission.
Of course being young and foolhardy I threw caution to the wind and broke into the garden during the Festival of Lights when the guards were either drunk, asleep or watching the famed pyrotechnic display. While there I stole a bunch of this very flower, scaled the wall to Salandar’s bedchambers and lay them on her bed before retiring for the night.
Although it was only days until I could expect to see her again at the the next indulgent gathering of Faberterra's elite, it seemed endless. Finally the day arrived, but she was nowhere to be found. Dejectedly I left the party wondering what had happened. Just as I was about to walk out the door, a hand grabbed me roughly from behind and I felt a kiss on my lips and the scent of this flower in my nose. It was her. She gave me the kiss to end all kisses. It was as if time stopped and the earth stood still. After all my efforts, what sweet victory. Finally it ended, leaving my gasping for breath. She smiled at me for the first time, tears in her eyes. Then she curtseyed, thanked me for the flower and left. I should have followed but I was stunned at what had transpired.
The next day I heard the Ambassador and his family had been recalled to Tricarnia. I have never seen or heard from her since. As for the flower, most call it the Burning Heart but I of course call it Salandar’s Kiss.
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As a young teenager I had the opportunity to attend many gatherings, parties and banquets held by the elite in Faberterra. While there were many beautiful girls, without question the most stunning was the Lady Salander. Lady Salander was the only child of the High Tricarnian Ambassador Curoch. Her skin was as white as porcelain, her eyes gleamed like sapphires, her breasts were like…A-hem forgive me.
Anyway, although beautiful, Lady Salander was as cold as ice. Many tried to woo her including myself. Oh she would go through the motions, matching my lead as we danced to the song of shadows, nodding her head politely as I read her romantic poetry. Nothing would work to break that hard exterior.
Still as time passed I persisted and it became as a private game between us. I would sing beneath her balcony – she would turn away. I would give her exotic candies – only to see the empty box in the stables. Finally, one day I overheard her handmaidens speaking of her love for flowers and how she wished she could see the Queens private gardens. Now I had of course given her many flowers to no effect. But the Queen’s garden was reported to be one of the finest in the world, with rare flowers from every corner of the Dominions. But to tread in the garden without the Queen’s permission was death, and she never gave permission.
Of course being young and foolhardy I threw caution to the wind and broke into the garden during the Festival of Lights when the guards were either drunk, asleep or watching the famed pyrotechnic display. While there I stole a bunch of this very flower, scaled the wall to Salandar’s bedchambers and lay them on her bed before retiring for the night.
Although it was only days until I could expect to see her again at the the next indulgent gathering of Faberterra's elite, it seemed endless. Finally the day arrived, but she was nowhere to be found. Dejectedly I left the party wondering what had happened. Just as I was about to walk out the door, a hand grabbed me roughly from behind and I felt a kiss on my lips and the scent of this flower in my nose. It was her. She gave me the kiss to end all kisses. It was as if time stopped and the earth stood still. After all my efforts, what sweet victory. Finally it ended, leaving my gasping for breath. She smiled at me for the first time, tears in her eyes. Then she curtseyed, thanked me for the flower and left. I should have followed but I was stunned at what had transpired.
The next day I heard the Ambassador and his family had been recalled to Tricarnia. I have never seen or heard from her since. As for the flower, most call it the Burning Heart but I of course call it Salandar’s Kiss.
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