The Dark Roots of True Evil

[Othello]

Your eyes open as you lie in your bed. It had been a busy night...figuratively. Vivid dreams and images raced through your head as you tossed and turned under the covers. It was a cold night. As your weary eyes glaze out through the window you catch the snow falling upon other houses, much like yours, silhouetted by moonlight. You look across your room and begin to feel warmer as you recognize the familiarity of your house. The wooden sides of your house, a deep brown, show the weathering they’ve taken, it has been an abnormally cold winter. You breath a deep sigh as your last dream comes fully to memory. You sit up on your stuffed mattress, and instantly regret leaving the cushioning comfort of it. It’s too late though, and you now realize what you must do.

As you wander through your room, now lit by candles or torches, or whatever light source you have, you ponder back to your dream. It started with a bright flash, as you saw yourself standing in a field of flowing grass. A deep voice could be heard in the background, speaking to you. You hear the voice, but the words have been lost. You can see your face; it shows a look of fatigue, and loss. The view turns as a mountain range comes into view, what appears to be several miles high. You gaze at the mountains, as the wind coming at you picks up. Suddenly, a strange, thick, dense fog climbs it’s way over the peaks and gaps and valleys of the mountain ridge, and pours its way down the shale slopes before you. You know this fog contains a great evil, and that there is almost no way of stopping it.

This is a dream that has re-occurred in your head numerous times over the past few months. Of course, none of you are aware that the other four people are having the same dream. In fact you’ve never even met each other yet. The five of you span different countries, and yet although you’ve never met, a feeling deep with inside of you pulls you to a location far away.
Even in the midst of this Great War you know that this is a journey you must undertake, as adventurers and as the remaining hope for this cataclysmic war.

The journey itself takes you months as you must remain secret to not draw even one of the many numerous eyes of the enemy. You make your way through cities unknown to you and push yourself as hard as you can to finish your travel. As you travel, the extent of the forces of evil come to your sight. The five of you have been fighting this war at your own speed and pace before now, but now things change. As you travel you see the evils of all the enemies of men. Burned and wrecked villages entirely brought to the ground. Some villages you pass you can still pick up the faint scent of death and destruction. It’s a terrible, terrible sight.

As your journey ends you find yourself somewhere in the Cairn hills, near the legendary Free City of Greyhawk. It is one of the last holdouts of free men on the northern border of good. As you look into the hills, you see a large towering spire rise into the sky. It appears to be made of a shiny black material, and comes to a point at the very top.

As you each come through different paths to the great tower, you finally enter an oddly placed flat plain of dirt, with a long cobble stone pathway to the tower. As you look around your surroundings you see four other figures walking toward you.

What you do from here on out is up to you.

[Virgo]

Ashka


The past months had been Hell.

No, far worse than Hell, for Ashka counted a number of beings in Hell as her allies. She has sulked her way through armies, and hidden, like some contemptible vermin, in the most degraded of places as legions of soldiers marched past. They, of course, would be child’s play to dispatch- but she could not risk the attention of their commander, may the depths of Nessus claim his hide.

She watched the tower approach as she sped through the lowest reaches of the clouds. As it loomed over the horizon and pushed upwards into the sky, she collected herself. Greyhawk was near- there was the possibility that there were people out here, and people meant power, for people were her specialty. Running a gold-filigreed fingernail through her hair, she looked down at herself. Even her unearthly perfection had been taxed by the arduous quest to this silly hamlet, perched on the edge of what should rightfully be her forces.

From this height, she thought she saw movement on the ground. Not groups of soldiers, but single figures. Her eyes narrowed, and she was torn between suspicion and an odd glimmer of something that might be hope, for a less calculating being. Perhaps there were the people who could help her reclaim her kingdom.

Sweeping down wisps of cloud to cover her descent, she alighted and tested the add terrain beneath her. As her leathery wings folded into nothingness, she weaved her hands through the air carelessly and the mundane filth of her flight melted into inconsequential nothingness.

When she stepped out onto the cobblestones, her coal-black hair was snaked and curled into an elaborate updo, through which a thin adamantium chain snaked and secured an Amulet of Undetectable Alignment decoratively in the back of her hair. Her face was in darkness, obscured by a similarly fine veil of adamantium mesh, breathtaking in its delicacy and craftsmanship.

As she moved, the elaborate black dress she wore hissed not with the sound of silk on silk but the sibilant crackle of flames, and the trim of her sleeves, high neckline, and hem swirled through hues of red and gold as she awaited the arrival of the beings for which she had such high hopes, or such great designs.

[LongVin]

Geladil

Character info for future reference:

Spoiler

Show

Name: Geladil <last name coming>

Race: Elf

Class: Wizard

Physical description: Though many centuries old Geladil appears to be extremely youthful thanks to the use of powerful magics and alchemy. Dressed in a bright blue and gold robe(not to mention highly magical) Geladil possesses an extremely regal appearance, very fitting for an Elf of his station.

Standing of average height for his people, Geladil keeps his hair cut shorter than normal for Elf standards. This is a byproduct of his adventuring days in which a soldiers haircut was the best way to stay alive. When walking he favors leaning on his staff, though this is not neccessary at all as the wizard is perfectly capable of walking and running on his own accord, he prefers merely to rest on the staff.


Inventory:

Ring of Aquatic life- A plain gold ring set with a blue stone, a keen eye will notice the stone pulses slightly. Many assume that the ring allows its wearer to breath underwater, which is indeed true but the ring has an even more powerful power. The ring grants its wearer immunity to all but the most intense heat and flames.

Ring of the unseen swordsman - Wizards always suffered from the inability to stand toe to toe with an armed opponent. This ring puts an end to that disadvantage. With a flick of the wearers wrist a large animated sword comes into existance to battle any foe who would dare threaten its master. A snap of the wizard's finger dismisses the blade. And if the wearer so desires he can reach out and grab the sword himself to wield. Physically, the ring is just a plain piece of onyx with tiny etchings of swordplay across its length.


Staff of the Elements- Ancient and sentient, in the distant past the greatest wizards of the Elves used this powerful artifact to control the weather. But, centuries of misuse and neglect has left this powerful and intelligent artifact weakened. While the staff can no longer summon or control massive weather effects which effect counties and perhaps even kingdoms it still is powerful enough to control(and summon) nearby elements and creative fantastic displays of power. Possessing an intelligence of its own, the staff allows itself to be wielded by Geladil for mutual gain. In exchange for freely being able to wield its powers Geladil will help restore the staff to its former greatness.

The staff itself appears to be gold with intricately carved runes and glyphs across its body. It is topped with a glowing crystal, the colors ever changing. The crystal serves many roles, first as the beings eye, secondly to show the beings mood to those it is not mentally attuned with and finally as a source of light.


Robe of the Oracle - Granted to Geladil by the council upon his assumption as leader of the ruling council. This bright blue and gold robe allows the wearer incredible insight in the field of scrying as well as allowing him to see glimpses of the future and past. More practically, the robe is covered with a vast network of hidden pockets and loops so that the Wizard can easilly and unnoticed produce whatever item he may happen to need.

Background Story: Born into the extended royal family Geladil was set from a very early age to attend the Academy of Magical Arts. Possessing a strong attunemen to the arcane, even more so than usual for the magically inclined Elves.

His many years at the academy were spent in intense study, not only of the direct magical arts of spellcasting and crafting but also the tributory arts of alchemy and the creation of items of power. And, in his final test to prove his worth to the masters that he was truly worthy of the title Wizard Geladil presented them an item of his own creation. Noting that many wizards had died when confronted by armored warriors it was only logical to design an item that could help defend the caster. Gathering together as many books on swordplay he studied them all making sure to have a myriad number of styles, techniques and philosophies, his protector must be ready for any situation it may encounter. Even, going as far as hiring fighters to act out battles for him of which he took detailed notes.

Finally, after many months of study he was ready to craft the ring which would house the magic. He had chosen a ring for its functionality, it allowed the caster to summon the blade with the slightest motion and could be done nearly unnoticed. For a blade, he had chosen a finely tuned Elven silver sword, in of itself it was deeply imbued with magic and had cost Geladil a substantial sum. But, it would all be worth it. In front of him was the sword, the black ring and the assorted texts and notes on the art of swordfighting. His hands weaving in intricate patterns, his mouth speaking the words of the ancient language of the arcane mystical energies sprung forth, the pages of the books turned rapidly as if being read all at once with impossible speed. In a few moments it was all over, with a loud pop and a plume of smoke the sword was no more, while the unenlightened would say it resided in the ring itself, which in some ways was true, but more accurately the sword was housed in a demi-plane that was accessed through the powers of the ring.

Presenting his creation to the council which ruled the college he had them send 2 constructs against the magical blade. Dancing upon its own free will the blade bounced to and fro, gracefully sliding around attacks to deliver powerful counterblows against its unliving enemies. After many moments of battle, the constructs were heavily damaged and the council called an end to the display. Geladil had earned his right to be called wizard.

Graduating the academy brought a sudden change to the young elf's life. He of course had the option of staying locked away in a tower some place as part of a wizard's guild studying whatever lore that was on hand, or that could be easily purchased in exchange for creating trinkets and casting the occassional spell to wealthy individuals. Or, he could set out in the world unknown and seek out lost arcana and unlock the mysterious of the world. Geladil chose the latter...

Joining up with his older cousin, Lenar, a cleric and a small band of fellow adventurers they set off in search of the lost powers of the ancients, and the advancement of all Elvenkin. Geladil soon comes to learn that the life of the adventurer is much more difficult and alien than he had at first imagined. But, he had made a commitment to his cousin and the band and would see that commitment through to the end.

It quickly came to the attention of the young wizard that one of the staples of adventuring was the fact that many of the most ancient and powerful items were lost within the bowels of the Earth, in environments that were not only unfriendly but could easilly kill those who dwelled in them. Long dormant, and sometimes still active volcanos often served as the final resting place for many an adventurer and magical item. It was during one such expedition where intense heat drove the party away from what was believed to be an extremely rich find Geladil took it upon himself to remedy the situation. Taking a few weeks leave from the group and working with the speed of an obsessed man, Geladil forged a new item of power. Another ring, but its purpose was entirely different from that of "unseen swordsman," this ring would allow its wearer to withstand the intense heat of the world's most volotile sites and with an added bonus allow for one to breath underwater. Satisified with his creation, he forged 4 additional rings for the rest of his band.

Over time Geladil does develop an affinity for the life of an adventurer, if only for the fact it allowed him access to more ancient texts on magic than he would ever hope to examine by staying at the academy. He would spend nearly 5 decades in the field, but his adventuring life would come to a quick and dramatic end with an encounter with an ancient red Wyrm. They had been lead to believe that the Wyrm was long dead and it would be a simple matter to find out the creature's abadoned horde and liberate the treasure within. How wrong they were, inplace of old bones they encountered an angry dragon. The battle was brutal and the adventuring band was pushed to the brink of destruction, only a final powerful spell tossed at the ceiling wall brought the battle to the end when several hundred tons of stone was brought down into the lair and presumably killing the dragon. Three out of five of the party were dead, leaving only Geladil and his cousin left to give them the proper rites and take what little remained from the dragon's hoard. It is here Geladil discovered the most powerful item he had ever come across, The Staff of the Elements. It is alo here when he decided to finally retire from adventuring.

Returing to the Academy which he left so many years before, he assumed the mantle of a teacher and scholar. Devoting himself totally to unlocking the mysteries of the vast treasures he had collected over the years and passing it on to the next generation of adventurers to use.

Over the years, Geladil rose in power and ranking within the Academy even being granted a position on the ruling council, but vanity soon set in, centuries of life combined with years of hard adventuring began to take their toll upon the wizard's body. He could not allow this, using magics and alchemy he restored his body to its once youthful form much to the displeasure of some of the eldest wizards who viewed these marks as a sign of maturity.

Dark times soon came to the land and while many went out to stem the tide of evil, Geladil, now the leading member of the council refused profusely to return to the world of adventuring, he had seen enough suffering and death. But, now when everything was against the wall and it seemed that no hope is left he resigns himself to once again using his gift for combat. He had seen too many of his students fall trying to do what is right, not even his carefully crafted spells or items could save them, it was time for the master to step up and wield the power in only the way he can.

The young-but-old Elf leaned heavily on his staff as he walked along the cobble stoned path, it was hard to tell what exactly was wrong, if anything that required the Elf to need a walking stick.

His eyes glance around nervously as he can see four lone figures approaching from different directions. The road behind him was perilious with many near misses and possible ambushes. This could very well be one of them so close to his final goal. Half a century of adventuring has taught the wizard to be careful espicially in these dark times.

Willing the crystal in his staff to diminish its glow, his pace quickens towards the city. He had avoided conflict for the past few months and did not want to engage in a battle now so close to his goal. But, if he must fight he would do it on his terms.

[Leon Stormchild]

Kirik

The past months of travelling had been hard, even for someone known to his friends as "the Traveller". Kirik found himself in the depths of the evil which he had been fighting for what seemed like ages, and he felt as though the dark tide was endless.

But he was compelled to follow the dreams.

This compulsion is what brought him to the spire. He recognized the city of Greyhawk, for he had visited the city briefly once, but the spire was new to him, and so he made his way through the foothills until he found himself before a plain of dirt, a cobblestone path nearby leading to the tower. Gazing around, he quickly noticed the other figures coming onto the plain. He then stepped out of the shadows and onto the plain himself.

His long, brown hair was braided down his back, with many feathers and leaves woven into it. His green outfit looked unassuming, not much more than common travelling clothes. His swirling blue tatoos stood out against his lightly tanned skin, and he wore his two swords; one across his back, the other at his hip. He moved onto the plain with a dancer's grace and his hands near the hilts of his weapons.

[Othello]

EDIT: My bad, I kind of lacked on the description of where you are now.

As you look around, you see what looks like a large circular valley tucked deep within the mountains. There are only two clear paths, which lead to narrow valleys leaving this one. The mountains that surround you are sheer all the way to the top, no ordinary creature could climb these. The circular mountain wall around you looks to be about 500 feet high, and in the center of this circular canyon that you five are now in, is a large black tower, which overtakes the top of the mountains. You know that this tower is where your instinct has been pulling you too.

[Silverkiss]

Julius

He had been travelling for quite some time now. He was already tired, tired of his life of adventuring, tired of his mistakes. The only thing that still drove him was the will to discover the causes of his master's curse, and to avenge him. Nothing more. No honor, no glory. The only thing the man wished was to correct his greater mistake.

Julius arrived at the Cairn Hills in that morning. He was anxious to continue with his trip, so he pressed on, ignoring his tireness. He was trained to resist the need of sleep; his mind was stronger than his body. There was no need for rest. And he had found something interesting. Julius aproached the great tower with caution, walking slowly, his grey cloak covering most of his body. But the cloak was only a travelling cloak, it did not hide any armor or weapon under it. If seen in a normal road, Julius could be taken as a regular traveller.

As Julius drew closer and closer to the great tower before him, he felt four other presences. Three, he could already see. An elf with an walking stick, moving in a quick pace. There's more to that elf than what the eye can see - though Julius. He could instinctively sense the energies coming from the man. Another one was a beautiful woman, richly dressed. That woman is not ordinary, either. The third man was also an elf, and he moved graciously through the cobblestone path, freely walking towards the tower. The fourth, Julius could not see yet.

Keeping alert, Julius continued on his walk towards the tower. The four would meet with him at the tower's entrance, it seemed. Even if he sensed no danger, Julius readied his body; he would fight, if needed. With his mind resolved, Julius continued moving towards his goal.

Spoiler

Show

Hey Leon, look what funny thing. While DMing I prefer to use present tense, but while playing I instinctively use past tense. Weird, uhn ?

[Virgo]

Ashka

The lady in black watched the first two emerge from their respective paths, studying them with interest behind her veil. As the elf limps down the road she notes his staff and, with a whispered incantation and a brush of her fingers across her eyes, confirms that it is powerfully magical.

Interesting, she thinks to herself. An arcanist, it seems.

The other male approached with the graceful bearing of a dancer, or a warrior. As he stepped from the shadows, she admired the fluidity with which he moved, and the vigor that lurked behind the tan skin.

And, as a third man joined them on the road, she noted with interest his apparent simplicity. No doubt, she though to herself, the naive would be placated by his quotidian appearance. She remained on her guard.

She straightened up, and tilted her head in a commanding but cordial way, saying by way of greeting in her feminine, crisp voice,
"Gentlemen."

[LongVin]

Geladil


Still leaning on his staff for support he fixes his gaze on the female who has addressed the group. It appears atleast she does not know the others, this could be a good sign.

"Greetings to you, young lady. How may I be of assistance?" The Elf responds almost sincerely happy and jolly.

[Virgo]

Ashka

Heh. Young. Well, good manners.

Ashka put her hand to her temple in apparent confusion, and looked at the tower behind her. "I... I'm not sure," she stammered. "I feel as if I somehow need to be here... But I've been walking for so long. I can hardly stand."

Punctuating the end of her sentence, she stumbeled a bit over a raised cobble and caught her balance, weakly moving a bit closer to the elf.

[Silverkiss]

Julius

No way... Something is not right... That woman is bluffing.

Julius is now pretty close to the elf and the woman, and the other elf, the one with two swords, is getting nearer. Julius can still sense the fourth person's presence, but he or she is nowhere to be seen. Julius continues his walk to the tower, ignoring the others, but paying close atention to what they say and do.

[LongVin]

Geladil

Switching his staff to his left hand, Geladil tentatively reaches out for the girl. It could be a trick but if not he did not want to see the poor thing suffer. And, if she should prove hostile it would be a simple matter to summon his dancing blade to tear her and her treachery to shreds.

"Please sit, you appear tired."

[Virgo]

Ashka

Ashka lowered herself falteringly to the ground, and gingerly removed the veil from her face, revealing stunning features, gracefully proportioned and expertly articulated with small touches of makeup. She parted her ruby lips and smiled a gleaming smile up at the elf in surprised thanks, bringing her charms to bear before returning to her looks of faltering weakness.

"Oh... Thank you. My name is Ashka. My- uh," she faltered briefly, cursing herself. She hadn't done this in ages, since before she was Empress. Casting her mind quickly around, she alighted on Glasya, the Archduchess of the Sixth. "My father is the duke of a small town a few days from here. It fell to the darkness last week. I've been having these terrible drams, and we were separated, and I... I didn't know where else to go."

She tilted her head towards her new friend, as well as the cloaked stranger who she could tell was watching from a distance. "Why... Why are you here? You're not going to rob me or something, are you?"

Spoiler

Show

Yeah, guys, I know it's cheesy. But she has to just get this out of the way first.

[Silverkiss]

Julius

I can't stop feeling something wrong about this woman...

"Milady, - Julius bows quickly to the woman in front of him - I am Julius, at your service. I also had strange dreams, and was draw to this place. Maybe our - Julius looks to both elves - meeting was decided by Fate. This can't be simple coincidence, for five people - Julius quickly looks around, trying to locate the fifth person - to come to this isolated place at the same time."

[WhiteKnight777]

Nikai

A tall, pale young man stepped suddenly out of the shadows - and this was no metaphor. In one moment, he was not there, in the next he was, sliding out of the shadows as easily as another man would step through a doorway. A chill wind seemed to follow him, one that made flames gutter and nearly die, and carried the cold scent of bitter snow and ancient winter. He looked around, his dark eyes gleaming - he carried no light and seemed to need none, seeing perfectly even in the dark of night.

He was dressed for travel - a long, dark cloak, heavy boots of leather, thick clothing and leather gloves to match his boots. Across his shoulder a satchel was slung, and he opened it, briefly glancing within. There were half a dozen crystal vials, each containing a glittering substance - thick and heavy, it rolled back and forth inside the shifting vials like molasess, but glittered with an inner light - yet at other times seemed to reflect it like quicksilver. Looking at the others, he spoke up at last

Good evening... I assume that you were called here, as I was? He spoke with no preamble - he could taste their dreams on the air, and the vials in his pack seemed to hum with resonance. There was a link here, no doubt of it, and he knew that whoever had been skilled enough to send dreams into his mind would have had no trouble seeding them in another's.

[Virgo]

Ashka

Ashka was impressed- this new being, whoever he was, had literally stepped from the shadows. Her eyes, unhampered by darkness of any kind, confirmed that he hadn't just been hiding.

Remembering her part, she gave a small "Eep!," of surprise and fear, shrinking into the knee of the elf with the staff. AS she did so, she redoubled her efforts to pull these men under her sway, frowning inwardly. They were most resistant. Each, then, was powerful in his own right, and expierenced.

How marvellous.

[LongVin]

Geladil


Spinning around with a swiftness not expected from one using a walking stick. His staff pointed directly at the new arrival, its crystal top flared an angry red. The sentient object whispers into its masters mind to be careful and not discount the woman, there was something strange about her. This could still be a trap.

His thumb idly spun the ring on his finger as he set his gaze firmly on the man of the shadow. "It is not wise nor safe to sneak up on travellers in the matter you just have."

[WhiteKnight777]

Nikai

The man chuckled softly. His voice was deep and resonant, yet somehow soft and silky at the same time. He stared calmly at the flaring crystal pointed menacingly in his direction, and spoke once more. I was not sneaking, per se... such is merely my method of travel.

[Silverkiss]

Julius

And so the fifth shows himself....

Julius crosses his arms, watching the situation. He doesn't know why he was called to this place, and who are those four people. They could be dangerous. Julius decides to wait...

[Leon Stormchild]

Kirik

Through with hanging twoards the fringes, Kirik walked over to the group. He heard the shadowy newcomer as he came near and said, "Indeed. I assume, then, that I was not the only one to have the dreams?"

Spoiler

Show

hehe, I know how you feel. xD

[LongVin]

Geladil

Planting the staff down in the ground the redness of the gem dims as he looks over all those assembled. Closing his eyes he calls upon the power of the oracle's robe to try to gain some insight. Seeing quick glimpses of those surrounding him all wandering from far off lands towards this site. Geladil realizes now that they atleast mean each other no harm.

"It seems to me that we have all been summoned here by some outside force. For what reason I do not know."

[Virgo]

Ashka

Ashka looked confused, and gazed up at the four men, still sitting on the cobblestones. As Kirik approached, she allowed heself a moment to apprecate his good looks.

"But- why would I have been called here? My kindgom's probably fallen, my father may be dead..." She looked down at the road, then, as if struck by an idea, looked up hopefully at those around her. "Will you help me reclaim my kingdom?"

[LongVin]

Geladil

Curious, it appeared the girl's story had recently changed. The staff's assumptions had proven correction so it seems. "Miss, your kingdom? did you not say your father was a duke of a town?"

[WhiteKnight777]

Nikai

Nikai withdrew one of the crystal vials from his pack, looking at it meditatively as he spoke to the others, his voice thoughtful.

Aye... summoned. Called through the Dreaming to this place... for why we know not. Such odd dreamings, too. Not my own dreamstuff, but of a brand I have not seen before... no dreamsmith I know or know of crafted such visions, but the work was passing skillful.

[Leon Stormchild]

Kirik

Though he hadn't heard the girl's original story, when the young-looking elf had questioned her about the "kingdom", he was immediately a little suspicious. However, he brushed it aside and looked at each of the other travellers. Then he spoke up. "We were all called here for a reason, whatever it may be. And seeing as we may be travelling together for awhile, I believe introductions are in order." He gave a graceful bow. "My name is Kirik, the Master of Blades of the Bladedancers." He looked at each of the others, a look of polite curiosity on his face.

[LongVin]

Geladil

'Of course, excuse me for my lack of manners. I am Geladil Silverleaf, First amongst of equals of the Ruling Council of Elven Arcane knowledge."

[Silverkiss]

Julius

Uncrossing his arms, a smile passes through Julius' face.

"I am Julius Dragonblade. I'm afraid I do not have any fancy titles or positions in any organization. You must be really impressive people."

[Leon Stormchild]

Kirik

Kirik smiled at Julius. "For someone to have chosen and earned the a surname like "Dragonblade"? I believe that to be rather impressive, my friend."

[Silverkiss]

Julius

"Heh, that's merely the name my mentor gave me before we parted ways. I always liked dragons and the way of the sword."

[WhiteKnight777]

Nikai

Nikai turned from his contemplation of the bottled dreamstuff to once again address the others. [I am Nikai... I do not have any given titles, but I am a dreamwalker, and a master of the Shadow.

[LongVin]

Geladil

Nodding, "We can certainly tell by the very nature of your entrance."