GLRP E&H Rhysart: The Saga of Rhysart the Hermit and Mordread the Lich

The Saga of Rhysart the Hermit

and Mordread the Lich

This archive was compiled in late 1998 by Tyr-anon, with stories and assistance provided by: Belgarion, Kazola, Lei Ashcroft, Garet Jax, and Narranon. Original artwork by Carde.

50 Years Ago

"The story of Mordread the Lich:
As told to Belgarion by Rhysart

'Twas along time ago. Mordread and his parents art rangers like my family. On a fateful day Mordread's parents were tending a herd of deer, when suddenly a Dragon flew over the herd. The dragon panicked the herd of deer and in the stamped the parents were cut up. Thou must know..the hooves of deer art sharp. 'Twas terrible. Mordread survived it and he vowed to kill every deer in Britannia. Mordread turned his back to the forest. He became a mage. I hath no idea what evil magery he did, but an accident made him a lich and an unusual one. Mordread still remembered his past and his skills as human, so the lich went on a killing spree, killing animals and mostly the deer. He entered the lands my family guards. Many times we hath to kill the lich. But alas..he came back after all the time. Finally on a terrible day, which was at first a day of joy. My sister Hope got married and we partied and got..eeh drunk. Mordread choose to attack at that moment. We could not defend ourselves. We were killed. Many Dragons flew over the lands... puting with their hot breath all in fire. I barely.. *swallows* barely escaped and fled into the woods, with my red crossbow as only thing I hath of my father.

For 50 solstices I remained hidden in the woods avoiding any contact with humans. I tended the deer and other animals, but I felt that I hath to come out of hiding. All that hunting of the deer that hath to stop. So...and 'tis why I am back. And it went quite well until last week. Last week Mordread was killing the Deer in the HedgeMaze. Terrible! But with the brave help of Kazola and many other brave people.. Mordread was stopped..and he hath to flee. But before he left..he vowed that he would find me. Now, what Mordread did is send Azhur the Dragon to locate my cave and to kill me. Well he tried..but thanks to help of my friends all of thee here, I survived. But now I must find away to kill that Lich."

Enter Azhur

From Belgarion, April 19th.

It seems that Mordread is not too fond of Rhysart the Hermit. Stung by his defeat this weekend, the evil lich has sent out Azhur the Dragon to find Rhysart at his cave. The Dragon, wearing his magical cape assumes "HU..man" form, and the bald, bleach-skinned one carries a black staff and casts lightning while wielding his staff. Do not mistake him for a mere human though! He can vanquish most anyone with one hit from his staff. Ostensibly he still carries the strength of a dragon. I witnessed the hatred between drakes and dragons in Destard, from which he has not ventured forth till last night. He felled two drakes with a simple cast of lightning. Perhaps he spoke too much when mentioning that a lich does not carry his heart on his body, which is why they can return time and time again. My friends and I believe that the key to defeating a lich thus lies in finding where the heart of the lich is stored, yet we could be mislead, for the air was thick and many took to fainting spells. I do not believe the dragon to be evil, but rather mislead and bent to the will of the evil master Mordread. He partakes in fair fights and does not kill randomly.

When first meeting him he asked me to take him to the Hermit's cave, so I ripped him a gate to a trapped building, which I found rather amusing. I assumed he would be trapped there for eternity, for there is no way out. Yet, his master saw it fit to spirit him out. For some reason now he does not trust my gates. I cannot fathom why. =) The two of us exchanged some banter in between fights and after fighting and parted on somewhat neutral terms, for I do not believe him to be inherently evil.

After three fights I stand at two wins and a loss to Azhur. It is not mere strength, but rather guile that will kept me alive, as in his words, "a true adversary." (Okay three wins if you count eternal imprisonment via a moongate. *still grinning* ) Azhur will have to come through many including myself to reach Rhysart. Let us hope to break Mordread's grasp on this misguided dragon and to defeat the lich before Rhysart is harmed.

Azhur attacks the Hermit's Cave

From Belgarion, April 25th.

I had arrived late on the scene with Torix and Thraxion IV. We briefly dispensed of some orcs and hell hounds and moved on towards Rhysart's cave. I had been absent for the preliminary battle, so I will skip to the part that has to do with the storyline. The three of us met up with the main defense force at Rhysart's cave. A large black dragon, who was later determined to be Azhur's cousin, still stalked the area. Templar and myself summoned daemons and distracted the dragon. Then I proceeded to blade spirit the dragon and trap it in between the two daemons a house and a blade.

Vindicator quickly followed up with a blade of his own. Following with another blade spirit and three energy bolts from Templar, Vindicator and myself we finished it off.

I regret that my recording device did not note anyone that had been shooting arrows, so I apologize now for any lack of credit. In any case, Azhur's cousin was dead and the attack was repelled. An odd cursed shrine had been left on Rhysarts bed with the message that his home was now known to Mordread.

Now, at this point most people do not know the story. I personally do not believe Azhur the Dragon to be an evil creature. He himself has admitted to me before that he cannot resist the will of his master, Mordread. Therefore, I plan on breaking Mordread's grasp on Azhur and freeing him. My will is stronger and besides, I'm a much nicer master. *smirk* In any case, I make no secret of my plans. Azhur does not attack people unprovoked. His only objective is to kill Rhysart. Because Azhur is as determined to kill Rhysart as I am to protect him, simply killing Azhur will not solve the problem at this point in time. Therefore, whenever I see Azhur I go out of my way to inconvenience him, much to his chagrin I imagine. Our record stands with me leading him 4-2. Got you again Azhur. And this is where the second part of the night began.

Thinking the battle was done and no further blood would be shed, I retired at Kazola's Tavern with a few others. Kazola and I jumped a gate by chance following a friend. We heard that Azhur was at Rhysart's cave and proceeded to the scene. As expected some had not heard of the strength of this dragon, so let me reiterate this once more. Azhur's lightning kills in one strike, and I have personally witnessed this on drakes. A swing from his staff fells all but the mightiest warrior. In any case people seemed determined to fight Azhur and subsequently died. I was still unable to ferret which two knaves had revealed the location of Rhysart's cave. And after warning people not to fight the dragon hand to hand and watching serveral fall, I dropped an EV on Azhur. Vik had his deamon attack. And either Kendar or Pane Darksteel dropped another EV on Azhur, right before my second one. Three EVs and a daemon later, Azhur was dead, despite healing himself many many times. Against the very vocal behest of many in the crowd I took Azhur in a gate to Trinsic. So, I suppose I ended up as the villian in this story. In any case, after Dai resurected Azhur, we had an interesting exchange. Kazola tried to tell the truth of how Mordread's parents were killed and I professed my intentions of breaking him of Mordread's will and bending him to my own. Well after trying to reason with the dragon he finally disappeared. Funny how far Rhysart's cave is from Trinsic isn't it? I think that Azhur has a long walk ahead of him.

The Dragon at the Tavern

From Belgarion, April 27th.

It seems that Azhur the Dragon has made his way from Trinsic where he was deposited last night. He approached Kazola's Tavern where Rhysart the Hermit was relaxing among friends. Ostensibly, Azhur still intends to kill Rhysart, despite trying to convince him otherwise the other night. He told Rhysart, "Thine friends cannot guard thou all the time!" After an extremely brief exchange Mordread opened a red moongate for Azhur the Dragon and spirited him away. I hope that Mordread the Lich shall be vanquished and hopefully freeing Azhur the Dragon. But if that cannot be done, then master and servant must perish for the greater good and to save Rhysart.

The Search for the Great White Hart

The Search for the Great White Hart
As told by Lei Ashcroft, May 5th.

Once more, I bring quill to paper to relate a tale I have garnered from the most potent of a ranger's abilities: Living it out. The faint backdrop for the scene being my newly arrived presence to the Treetop Keg and Winery Tavern in eastern Yew, where I had finally return after a self imposed seclusion to Skara Brae. There, I found a very Spiritual part of myself that had been missing. And so I had returned, a Ranger. At least, in Spirit.

I entered the Tavern that Sunday eve, cold and damp from an exhausting day of making bows for the local bowyers. I had long wanted to return to this place, but had not the courage to do so. Knowing how much of this place was influential in my Mentor's death, it was quite obvious why I tried to avoid the place. But the fact remained it was the only Tavern in Yew, and I needed a fine drink to chill my bones. Funny how old I sound, when I just celebrated my sixteenth Birthing Day the other week or so.

Within I spoke briefly with the patrons, namely due to the addition of Ashcroft as a surname. Not truly my name, or my Mentor's, but we had both adopted it to honor a cherished friend and teacher who had left us. But eventually, the Lord Belgarion arrived, whom I was greatly happy to see. For he was renowned throughout the town for tricking the Dragon Azhur thrice or so now into leaving the Hermit Rhysart alone, without knowing it. So I called to the Lord when the initial hails ended, and mentioned to him my honor in meeting him. He too was honored apparently, saying he knew my Mentor, Jill. I told him of her fate, but he insisted she was alive and had seen her the other day. Now this woman had long suffered from her own ghosts, so I did not find it entirely impossible to believe she was not haunting the area, but I agreed with him in good terms, and headed outside to see what all the commotion had been.

Gathered outside were two warriors, flanking the Hermit himself, who eagerly tried to speak to us. When the Lady herself, Kazola, arrived, we got the Hermit speaking, and he told us an incredible tale. Apparently the great white hart whom had eluded him for so long, had been spotted near the Dungeon Despise, and might have wandered in. He thought that the creature was his only chance of defeating his mortal enemy, Mordread, so we started forming a small band to rescue the creature. I decided I would aid the man, knowing it would allow me to truly test my skills in battle, and to help the people the Doctor had loved. And so, with a few Gate Travel spells, we headed off.

Dungeon Despise had never been visited by my Mentor, or if it had, she had failed to mention it. It was a sprawling network of caverns, leading inexplicably lower and lower. Occasionally the smallest of tremors would knock stones loose to bounce upon plate mail. We decided on heading downward, through no cause of my own, but lucky we were to do that. Within, the opposition was not much. We fought mainly mongbats, giant spiders and scorpions (which made a mess due to the recent influx of poisons in the area), and slimes. At our first opportunity, we headed lower, and noticed a strange increase in ghoul activity. Not native to the area, they were accompanied more often than not by specters. Warned by Rhysart these creatures would eat the Hart, we made haste to slay all we could. He also mentioned that the Hart would head for water, since it might be thirsty, so we headed for an underground lake therein. And we were pretty sure we had found the hart. For upon the isle was score upon score of ghoul, spectre, and mage. They all attacked with a vicious ferocity, and I must admit, one hit me pretty hardly, for I soon found myself dead. Not truly angered by this, seeing as how often this happened to me when I was younger and still in my thieving days. So I set off through the murky grayness, still vaguely hearing Kazola's or Belgarion's warnings not to wander off. Not heeding these calls, I ran through the now incorporeal bodies of the attackers, and across the bridge. I searched the small isle on the other side, and almost immediately found the Hart, huddled among a pile of treasure heaped high, and quite skittish. I ran back to the battle, and waited until someone had the opportunity to resurrect me, when I proceeded to tell them what I had seen. With renewed vigor, we fought on, be it with bow, sword, crossbow, mace, or magic, and eventually made our way through the swarms on the bridge. And there, on the other side, all Anarchy broke loose as we all scattered to finish off the remains, and protect Rhysart and the Hart from their attackers. Meanwhile, the Hermit had been busy taming the creature, and it soon bore the name, Whitey. We held off the last of the monsters, and finally they were gone. Defeated by the combined efforts of numerous factions. I strode soon there after to Belgarion's side, as he was one of the few people I knew there, and was not quite ready to trust most of the looting and sorting warrior's around me. Finally, a gate was opened to allow us all to return to Rhysart's cave, which we happily leapt into.

Therein, he proceeded to tell us he needed the animal for his defeat of Mordread. We were still unsure of how, but we anxiously waited. Until he pulled forth a gleaming saw, and lopped it's majestic antlers off. He then fashioned them into a mighty white bolt, with which he proclaimed he could destroy Mordread's invulnerability, so we warrior's might slay him. We all then asked the most wanted to know question at that possible moment, 'When?' He laughed at us, and bade us wait and in due time, we would strike. But until then, we would celebrate! A celebration was called at Kazola's, and we all headed off. Save for me, who after seeing the creature taken off to a more secure setting, had my fare share of adventure for the day, and thought I would be doing someone's soul proud. Thus is the story of my adventure into Despise.

Lei Ashcroft
Ranger of the Glen'Moore'Ill

The Quest to Retrieve the Elixir of Purity

As related by Tyr-anon, May 9th.

This is a tale to relate the retrieval of the Elixir of Purity from the depths of Hythloth, and of the valorous deeds performed during the quest. 'Twas early in the morning of May the Ninth when the call was sent out for warriors and mages to gather at Kazola's tavern. Rhysart the Hermit had learned of the location of the Elixir of Purity, and he needed assistance to retrieve it. This elixir was needed to treat the white bolt and provide it with the potency to strike at Mordread. A mighty host was gathered at Kazola's tavern and was directed to Hythloth. Numerous individuals from Yew were part of this force, as well as members of the The Royal Guard of Britannia, the Yew Rangers, and KOS. The atmosphere was somewhat poisoned by the murder of Training Dummy by Hades, and the general buffoonery of KOS, but the quest was too important to be forgotten. The gate opened and the battalion of about 20 warriors left.

The foul dungeon was dark and dank, but with the aid of minor spells and potions we were able to find our way about. Sulfurous fumes filled the hellish place, making the air thick and the walking difficult. Undaunted the force set off for the deeper regions where the elixir was likely to be hidden. Various minor monsters fell before the combined powers, but the disparate group became disorganized and small groups splintered off. A small corridor presented a particular problem. Some mage had magicked it so that if you stepped in the wrong place, you would be teleported back to the beginning of the hall. A much experimentation, a path was found that led through the maze. Snaking down a few more passageways we came to a doorway, an almost palpable sense of evil lurked behind it. Undaunted we pressed ahead, and almost met total destruction.

The room was dark and smoked filled, and a giant bloodied pentagram bespoke foul deeds done, and the promise of more to come. We piled in the room, and disturbed a few of the hounds of hell that were resting there. They were quickly dispatched, but not before sounding the alarm. Their fiery barks woke the chamber's guardian, and our force was thrown into great peril. A mighty Daemon arose from the pentagram, night black, and reeking of hell. The air grew thicker with the smell of fear as the Daemon tore into our ranks. Worse yet, dissension reared its ugly head. As the Daemon struck, the black-robed Matrix Sirrion of KOS let out a laugh and cried, "Let them die, then loot them." The Royal Guard of Britannia made a stand against the Lord of the Abyss, but were struck down to the last man. To their credit, KOS also attempted a stand, ignoring Matrix's order. Magus Sirrion and Tartman were cut down. Most of the party was now scattered, some fleeing back down the corridor pursued by the Daemon, others pinned in the room by new swarms of hell hounds. One of these swarms found me on the edge of a group and attacked. Pinned on all sides, and choked by smoke, I was pulled down and killed as well. I joined a large group of ghosts who could do nothing but watch as our numbers dwindled. When a new swarm of hell hounds appeared and attacked, all looked lost. Kazola had fainted in the smoky air, and Rath and St. Angelica attempted to preserve her while holding onto their own lives.

They managed to revive her, and tide began to turn. Cyrak had regained the room, and re-inforcements including Dark Sol, Sarzek Talic, Pyanfara Chanur, and Alex arrived. They reported that the Lord of the Abyss had finally been slain, and helped clear the room of the hell hound pack. Sarzek Talic ressurected me, while many other ghosts left by a gate. I re-equipped, the fighting having been so intense that my body had been uninterrupted. We quickly filed out of the room, not trusting that the evil contained within would be content to rest.

Passing many a room filled with monsters, we began to despair of ever finding the elixir. Our numbers had regrown from the nadir experienced in the Daemon's lair, but we were still not as strong as we had begun. After fruitlessly breaking my pick on a chest, we were at a loss as to the chest and elixir's location. At this point we were joined by Andrew, who reported a room filled with fire elementals that surrounded a red, glowing chest. We took heart at his words, as the chest seemed unusual enough to spark our interest. We enterred the room via a teleporting square, and extinguished the fire elementals within. Upon felling the last elemental, we opened the red chest, expecting to find the elixir.

It was not to be. We were too late, as some beast had claimed the prize before us. The old-styled writing and claw mark on the note pointed to Azhur the Dragon, the disgruntled one-time henchman of Mordread. Azhur had broken free of Mordread's control, but his current motives remain unknown to us. He has sworn vengeance on Mordread for trapping his spirit, but what he will do after he is free is unknown. Without the elixir, our spirits sagged, as we thought that all our battles and losses were for nought.

Worse yet, Azhur did return to taunt us with his success. He called out in that raspy voice of his, "Foolish hu..mans.... You seek the elixir of purity? Well... I have it.." When we beseeched him for it, he replied, "It is mine, and I need use of it. For what reason would I give you it? I need it in my fight against Mordread.. Yes..." We suggested he deal with us, since we had a common foe, but he is wary and filled of contempt for humans, "I do not trust you hu..mans. You are vile.." Considering the behaviour of many in the land, it should not be surprising that he has developed this attitude. He held up the elixir, and proclaimed the white bolt from the Hart was of no use without the elixir. However he no doubt realized that the counterpart to that was that the elixir was equally useless without the bolt. Azhur considered this and said, "I must see Rhysart though..." Many were leery of taking the Dragon to Rhysart, but we felt we had no option. Lamenth provided a rune to Rhysart's cave, but Azhur, wary of gates after some of Belgarion's tricks, casted it himself.

Rhysart was startled to find so many visitors coming into his cave, and even more startled to see the head of the black dragon as it poked in. Azhur retracted his wings and entered the hermit's domicile. He found a comfortable spot in one of Rhysart's animal pens, and its unlikely the deer will ever feel quite the same about the place. Rhysart and Azhur began to discuss the elixir.

Azhur agreed to hand over the elixir, giving it to Kazola, telling her to, "Bring it to the hermit with haste." She did hand the elixir over to the somewhat stunned hermit. Azhur's presence still made the hermit a little jumpy, but he thanked Azhur, "I am flattered, I mean...first killing me, then helping me." Azhur's lips curled as he responded, "You know the old tale that evil would turn against itself in the end?" The Dragon did seem to relish the thought of Mordread's fall. When Ashaon offered that this would be the start of a joint battle against Mordread, Azhur demurred, "This is all I can do to interfere.." Who knows what controls Mordread might still have, or what motives still lurk in the heart of a dragon.

Rhysart took the elixir over to his desk, where he kept the white bolt. Rhysart, with hope in his old voice, said, "I will now pour the elixir over the bolt, and we will have the ultimate weapon against that Lich." He continued, "This bolt, crafted from the antlers of the White Hart, will join with the powers of the elixir of purity." He then poured the elixir over the bolt, and a fire burst forth. The bolt had changed from white to red, and it emanated a power that warmed the room. Azhur, uncomfortable in the close confines of the crowded cave, decided to take his leave. He left with one last begrudging comment, "Dare I say this.. Good luck hu..mans."

The quest completed successfully we gated back to Kazola's tavern to celebrate. The mention of ale did seem to interest Rhysart almost as much as our arrival with the elixir. The celebrations at the tavern contniued into the night, and the tales of our victory grew in the telling. <p>Rhysart now plans the last phase of the quest, the assualt on Mordread. He has proclaimed that the Bolt of Virute will not kill Mordread, but only make him vulnerable to our attacks. He will again need our assistance to defeat his mortal foe. As for Azhur, who knows what his next step is. Once freed from Mordread's bonds he may again withdraw from human activities, or perhaps he has plans for us yet ...

Azhur's End

as told by Belgarion, May 17th.
Artwork by Carde

We started last Sunday night (May 17th) amany and ended with a couple handfuls. News had spread throughout the land that an adventure would start at Kazola's Tavern outside of Yew. We gathered in preparation inside and out, the mages showing off their summoning tricks, some sitting around drinking, and others just chatting. Shortly after a rumored time for the start of the adventure, dracul and fs were so kind as to show up and drop a few energy vortexes and stirred up the crowd. As usual, people returned the favor and some disorder ensued. After an hour or so wasted watching both sides die equally, things settled down and we waited again, with numbers fewer. So at this point in the evening it became apparent that the adventure would be delayed thanks to the childish behavior on the part of dracul and fs. Several hours after the originally rumored time the adventure started at the Empath Abbey in Yew. We were lead to the Crypts outside of Yew where a dragon named Ember met the party on the ground, while Mordread and Azhur began to battle above on the roof of a building.

As the battle ensued on the ground we could hear above Mordread yelling to Azhur, "Feel thine life being drained, dragon!" Kato and I teleported quickly up to the roof and proceeded to attack Mordread, using a poisoned sword and dropping an engery vortex to poison the liche. The lich was wracked with extreme pain and Azhur and Mordread were equally hurt, at which point mortanius of dracul started to attack Azhur. Azhur was vanquished by Mordread and the lich started to look for Rhysart the Hermit. When the hermit was not found, he quickly left, being almost dead himself. Paying for his sin and treachery we all witnessed the the child mortanius laying on the roof, justfully looted. The battle had been lost. Azhur left this world and Mordread had fled once again, leaving another reminder of his presence. A black pillar stood on the roof now where Azhur had died. Azhur had cried to us that he would not die in vain and implored us hu..mans to kill the lich.

We regrouped and rested in a somber mood, talking with Rhysart who had arrived, and were caught unaware when liches started appearing around on the ground. The soulless were dealt with accordingly as were the the lich lords Mordread also sent. Heavy hearted the night ended to a feeding frenzie of looters of the fallen heroes and heroines. Mayhaps the lich will survive yet, but he will fall soon. The misled dragon who was bent to the will of Mordread and escaped, was forever gone. A worthy adversary at first, and an ally in the end struggle against the lich, Azhur died a hero whether he knows it or not. Farewell our enemy, our friend, Azhur the Dragon. May your death be repaid upon Mordreads head and missing heart.

Mordread's Trap

From Belgarion, May 23rd.

In the wee hours of last night or very early this morning, however you wish to term it, a small band of travellers stumbled upon a discovery that bears some importance. Last night as things were winding down, a ghost by the name of Demona Noctem approached the tavern. Seeing that she was having on of those out of body experiences we resurected her. When questioned as to how she arrived at this state, she told us a trap had been sprung and offered to show us when she received nothing but quizical looks on our faces.

Aethelstan, Demona, Rhysart, Kazola and I ventured down into the crypts outside of Yew to retrieve Demonas belongings. Upon seeing them I rushed ahead to go collect them for the good lady, obviously missing why they had stopped. I had never been down into the crypts and the odd black colored tiles did not seem out of the ordinary to me. As soon as I ran across the tiles, the ground lit up in flames and scorched me as I ran the fiery guantlet. I arrived on the other side weary and nearly dead, but able to collect Demona's items. I enjoyed a laugh at my foolhardiness and noted that I was unable to resist the magical flames. It seems that the flames were a new addition to the crypts. Curious as to the why, we headed above and searched the area, looking for some clue. I was feeling a bit slow and wandered, only to catch up with the group in the middle area of the three buildings that mark the crypts.

We saw a tent with blood covering it and watched it change colors before our eyes, into the deepest black I have seen. The sign on the tent said, "Begone or Die!" and was signed only with an M. Feeling rather foolish again, I ran inside to look around. Only to be scorched with those same flames eminating from the ground. I quickly turned back out and received healing, then tried to teleport inside. When that failed I quickly ran in again to the very back and peered into the chest sitting there. I noted that I was once again nearly dead and silently laughed to myself.

Inside the chest were assorted body parts, a red robe and a scroll scrawled in barely legible script saying, "Rhysart! Rhysart! He is the cause of mine troubles! He shall die!!" At this point it became apparent that there could be no doubt that we had found Mordread's tent. A chill settle in the air, well over the others, for I was still standing in the room of fire. I marked a rune inside and ran the flames once more to rejoin the others outside. Unbeknownst to me, we were not allowed to gate inside next to the chest, so I marked a run outside the tent and made yet another run through the fire, opened a gate from inside to the entrance of the tent and we were able to rummage through Mordread's chest.

Feeling uneasy and a bit somber we returned to Kazola's Tavern to relax. We had found Mordread's outpost, yet he is now nearby in the neighborhood. Rhysart was brave through the whole ordeal, despite knowing the lich's intent towards him. I must not suggest walking the fires to anyone. Although amusing, the fire can be quite deadly. Travel carefully through the Yew Crypts now and even more so above ground, for the lich is near.

Rhysart Missing

from Various Sources, June 13th.

Rhysart has gone missing. His cave was blocked off by an avalanche, but more ominously, blood was seen leading away from the cave, perhaps indicating a struggle. It is feared that Mordread has struck at Rhysart, leaving the avalanche as a distraction to his nefarious deeds. The location of the bolt of purity is not known either.

Rhysart Found

from Garet Jax, June 15th.

I bring great news! Rhysart was found in the hidden valley, tonight. Apparently, he hath been stuck in a cave-in. From there, he had lost his memory, and wandered to the hidden valley west of Trinsic. He had told us his father used to take him there as a boy. The Great White Hart visited the tavern that night, it seemed most intent on leaving south.. Ah, hmm! We immediately created a band of warriors, and begun our journey. Well, Aside from the annoying fiend Vale, who had the suggestion of killing the hart, saying it was 'good humor'. 'Twas a very joyful journey. Very long indeed!

As soon as we reached the hidden valley, under the harts lead, we found Rhysart, in a white robe. He did not act as if he was normal. Not normal, indeed. He had the personality of a child, but rather, not any child, but one that he had been in the past.

He did not know us, did not realize his friends. And then I asked "Anyone have a rune to here!? Prithee, hand it here!" Maximilian gave me a rune, marked for the place. I immediately recalled to the bank, then the Yew Rangers' tower. I got fellow and then recalled to the bank, then to the hidden valley.

Then, as soon as Rhysart saw Fellow, he started in on a reflection on his whole life. What he has gone through, from his Birth, and life with his parents. To the Orcs who had stolen his bolt. Midway between his flashback, we went back his cave, and there he had a flashback of his mother, his father, and their death. He started saying how his family is dead. But, everyone shouted "But Rhysart, we ARE thy family!"

Immediately, his flashback seemed to hasten, soon after, he told us of the orcs. Prior to that, we gated to the abbey. Luckily the Great White Hart had taken his Bolt, Robe, crimson crossbow, and his lantern, back to the guards. They put it in his bank box. As soon as Rhysart put on his robe, and wield'd his crossbow, and robe, everyone cheered!

It is now believed that the cave-in was natural. Apparantly the rocks struck Rhysart on the head and caused him to lose his memory, he then wandered off, bleeding from the blow. Still, suspiscions abound that a small earthquake triggered the collapse, and might have been magically induced. Rhysart's protector's need be vigilant yet.

Liches attack Tavern

from Kazola, July 18th.

Kazola's tavern was attacked this night by foul Liches. Worse yet, Mordread himself made an appearance and participated in the slaughter. It had already been a troubled evening, with bands of murdering sorts making trouble at the tavern. Their efforts, however, were quickly overshadowed by the force of liches that attacked. Numerous Liches appeared and started the killing. Many fell in the chaos that resulted. Mordread himself enterred the tavern and continued the mayhem, he was impervious to all efforts to stop him. In all, it is estimated that over a score lost their lives.

Mordread's motives for the attack can only be guessed at. Perhaps he struck expecting Rhysart to be present, as he is known to frequent the establishment. Or more likely Mordread knows how the Tavern is the focus and gathering spot for the opposition which is growing. We must not let his acts of terror deter us from our efforts to oppose his evil.

The Golden Dragons

From Narranon, August 2nd.

The night began with an eagle flying into Kazola's courtyard. Oddly enough, amazing everyone present, the eagle spoke, begging with its dying breath to give Rhysart the following note:

In the first mistake of many that we made that evening, instead of trying to find Rhysart, we charged to the Yew Crypts, trying to solve the puzzle of the note ourselves. Underneath the crypts, we found the red moongate spoken of, but the way was blocked by three liches.

The liches at first did not attack, but stood silently, blocking the path. Entreaties for some clue as to what was the meaning of their presence (for this reporter at first mistakenly thought that they were the authors of the note) went unheeded. Eventually, some of our number provoked the liches by attacking them. Another foolish mistake, for the liches were impervious to our weaponry or magic! They began to cut down our party one by one. As we fled upstairs, our way was blocked by lesser undead. The floor of the crypts began to resemble a slaughterhouse as brave fighters one after the other fell. I recalled out of the charnel house, and decided to try to find Rhysart on my own.

Incredibly, I found him just outside his cave, taking a stroll as if nothing were happening. I breathlessly thrust the note in his hands and pleaded with him to save those still trapped within the crypt, as his blessed crossbow could possibly slay the liches where we could not. He followed me back to the crypts, and steadfastedly hunted the liches down. The red moongate lay before us, unprotected now save by a fearsome fire field (which slew me within seconds of stepping foot into it). Those with higher resistance to magic than mine reported that the moongate was not functional.

Unsure of what to do next, Rhysart suggested returning to his cave, that perhaps the authors of the note were there. After a time, a rune was procured, and we gated there to find... the authors of the note, Tal'Hur and SulPhur. The two were mighty golden dragons! We were very fearful (and alas, many among us were also very stupid, challenging the dragons, each other, Rhysart, and in general making a nuisance of themselves throughout the remainder of the evening. Made me wish the liches were still around causing quieter havoc.)

Rhysart eyed the dragons as the crowd approached. The two creatures glared at the crowd, and SulpHur said, "Get these creatures back." Rhysart, knowledgable of the ways of Dragons after encounters with Azhur, attempted to make some room for the beasts saying, "Make room lads, the Dragons get nervous." Narranon then recognized the names of the Dragons, realizing that these were the authors of the books the eagles dropped off. SulpHur was still unhappy with the crowd, tapping his claw impatiently, and growled, "Please step back hu....man." He then began his speech, with his brother TalHur chiming in at times. SulpHur reared back and got everyones attention, and then began to speak, "We have come, for we share a common foe. I will say this once for I resent having to come here for help." TalHur added, "And only once." SulpHur continued, "The entity Mordread has earned my hatred for his measures are quite intolerable. He will pay the price for his lack of vision towards us and his failure to deal with his ailing mental health." Orlandu replied that, "We all seem to have a hatred for him, for he hath killed many of us." SulpHur then asked for the aid of the group, and a chorus of "ayes" rose from the crowd. Rhysart said he trusted the two Dragons, as they were "just like Azhur, and having his blood, I know thou art both worthy." SulpHur's eyes grew dark at the mention of his brother, and said that Mordread would, "pay for that too."

And almost as if he had been listening to the whole affair, Mordred appeared. He gated in accompanied by a few allies. He was still invulnerable to our feeble attacks, not yet having been hit with the bolt of purity. Mordread traced a line on the ground with his staff, and a powerful field of magic burst forth from the earth. This isolated Rhysart and Mordread, and Mordread called out, "I have something for you! A present to show my feelings." He clapped his hands together and called out a great flame which struck Rhysart, wounding him badly. Jill Morris called on the Dragons to help Rhysart, and they moved to attack, bellowing flame. However, they too were incapable of harming the foul Liche. SulpHur could not break into the magic square, while TalHur's flames bounced away from the liche, scorching Rhysart further.

Mordread let out a low chuckle and began another incantation. Foul magicks were summoned up from the earth, swirling around Rhysart. Mordread cut off the spell will a sharp motion of his skeletal arm, and in a flash, Rhysart was burned to a cinder. Gasps of horror came from the crowd, and Rhysart's faint cries for help were drowned out. Mordread made a gate, and forced Rhysart's skeleton through. The gate snapped closed and despite valiant efforts to stop him, Mordread was gone, and the image of Rhysart was burned in on the eye of all that were present.

A stunned silence was followed by recriminations thrown at the Dragons, who had claimed to come to help. SulpHur did not take kindly to these threats, and spoke again, "Shortsighted humans, can you not see? We were powerless to do anything." He again asked for room and time to think. Or he asked if we wished to "break the pact and lose our help. Which shall it be? Think well on this. I can reveal the secrets to his power. But I will not speak while others question my integrity. The hermit can be saved." TalHur then broke his silence and said that, "Mordread will destry Rhysart's ghost. But he will wait till the moons are aligned." SulpHur explained further, "When the moons are aligned, ye will see a great sight for all the moongates will become red as your blood. The bolt of purity must be found before this event, which will happen in a few days time. The bolt of purity was here! One of you must have it!" He then waited for someone to turn it over. When no one came forward with the bolt, he mentioned that, "There is another possibilty, I did see a ghost near the corpse. Twas named Twilight, and looked to be no ordinary ghost. Ye must find this ghost." He added a last recrimination to his would be allies, "Hu..mans are so .... predictable. I hope next time we meet with more success."

Resumption of Narranon's narrative.

And with that, they flew off into the distance. I know not what it means for the moongates to turn red, but I fear it is not good for our world to find out.

Twilight the Ghost

From Narranon, August 9th.

As many adventurers relaxed at Kazola's Treetop Keg and Winery, the dragon Tal'Hur suddenly appeared in the courtyard!

He quickly got to the point...

Phelan: That...is a mighty fine dragon.
TalHur: Humans *sigh*
TalHur: We must seek the ghost
TalHur: He has the bolt
TalHur: This foolishness must be stopped finally.
TalHur: There is only one man.. that can help us
TalHur: His name is Starkuyl
Fayrwynd Mordayn: And where...may we find him?
TalHur: Rumors be
TalHur: He lives on the isle of fire
TalHur: We must seek him out..
TalHur: Only then we will retrieve the bolt from the ghost
Kazola: Where on Fire Isle is he?
TalHur: He is a medium of great power..
TalHur: Just south of the northern mountain range is where he lives
Phelan: *mutters* ...I hate the Fire Isle...
TalHur: On the isle
Tempus: at the Temple?
TalHur: Not in a temple
TalHur: In a house
Fayrwynd Mordayn: never been..how do we get there?
Cernynnos: a mage might gate us all
Phelan: Antigon's tower were there, Fayr. We jus' dinna go wanderin' round.
Kazola: I may have a rune to the entrance of Hythloth
Phelan: Blasted bone knights e'erywhere.
Arda: That is close enough kaz
Kazola: I'll go get it

And so we all followed through a gate to Fire Island. We began just outside dread Hythloth and moved north, following Tal'Hur across the island. It was slow going. We did get to know our dragon protector a bit better on the journey. This may not have been a good thing.

Armorz: *pets TalHur*
TalHur: *snaps his jaws at the foolish human*
Armorz: I am not a human
TalHur: You smell like one
Armorz: *sigh*
Fayrwynd Mordayn: *thanks her stars she is not a virgin*
Lance: how do we smell?
Lance: like chicken?
TalHur: A mix of mongbat dung and month old cabbage
Lance: d'oh

---

TalHur: All these infernal houses
Narranon: You could smite some of them
Armorz: Burn them down
TalHur: I should
Narranon: We wouldn't mind
Armorz: Please do

---

TalHur: Poor hu..mans cannot fly

As we penetrated deeper into the jungle, our party began to become seperated from one another. Bands of bone mages and skeletal knights came at the group from behind, and energy bolts flickered among the jungle. Tal'Hur continued on, heedlessly, until after a little while he noticed that there weren't too many "hu...mans" left following him...

Lance: oh-uh
Kyra: hmm?
Lance: methinks they ran into trouble
Narranon: We seem to be missing an army
TalHur: GRRRRRRRRRRR
Lance: great Dragon many are missing..
TalHur: Where are the rest of the ants
Lance: Fighting in battle...
TalHur: Ah well
TalHur: I care not
Lance: "..."
Kyra: are all dragons this mean?
Narranon: Yes
Narranon: This one at least hasnt killed you yet

---

Lance: Too many are missing
TalHur: fine
TalHur: we will wait a minute
Kyra: ok i think im scared now
Lance: Alright...
Lance: stay here
TalHur: *stomach growls*

---

Lance: BAD news...
Kyra: what?
Lance: They were overwhlemed
Twang: what happened?
Lance: All dead...
Twang: how many dead
Lance: or at least most...
TalHur: ALL?
Lance: Most..
Lance: Few stand fighting...
TalHur: Hmm
TalHur: Time for a snack then

And with that the dragon turned around and headed into the battlefield, tearing apart the undead as he went. Eventually the battle was won, in large part with Tal'Hur's help, and we regrouped and set forth again for the medium's house. It wasn't too far off.

Starkuyl: I wasted my time stupid Dragon!
Starkuyl: *glares*
TalHur: Excuse me?
TalHur: What did you call me, human?
Phelan: Found'im! An' there he be!
Starkuyl: *smiles a bit*
TalHur: I do not stand for insolence
Starkuyl: and that is the dragon
Starkuyl: who jakked about me?!
TalHur: Starkuyl
TalHur: Let's be done with this

Starkuyl had us form a loose circle (with 50 or so independent-minded folk, it's harder than it sounds) and began the incantations necessary to bring the ghost Twilight back to realm of the living.

Starkuyl: Corp Kal Rel Mani
Starkuyl: Corp Kal Rel Mani
Starkuyl: Corp Kal Rel Mani
Starkuyl: *chants*
Starkuyl: Twilight show thee!
Twilight: OOo

Starkuyl: very well
Starkuyl: I wil let thee speak with normal tongue
Starkuyl: I summoned thee!
Starkuyl: I have done my part.
Starkuyl: *frustarted waves*
Twilight: oOOOo OOO Oo
Starkuyl: now ask him
Sarah Mordayne: Thank ye Starkuyl
Starkuyl: I am ready!
Arda: Twilight, do ye have the bolt?
Cernynnos: where is the bolt!
Tristan: Where is the bolt?
Hunter X: we need the bolt
Starkuyl: *rolls eyes*
Starkuyl: HAVE ONE ASK HIM twerps!
Twilight: i found it
Hunter X: the bolt of Purity'
Sir Martin: twilight
Starkuyl: ONE!
Kazola: We need the bolt to destroy Mordread, Twilight
Twilight: Fine with me
Twilight: where am I?
Silk: On the isle of Fire.
Twilight: I know no Mordread
Twilight: How doth this concern me?
Twilight: Why hath ye brought me here?
Gill-Galad: are you a follower of the virtues?
Garet Jax: Explaining this evil one to yah, would take more than a few minutes.
Twilight: Aye
Gill-Galad: then as such
Gill-Galad: you must help us defeat the evil lich
Twilight: are ye a follower fo the virtues?
Gill-Galad: aye
Twilight: then why didn't ye knock before bringing me here!!???
Gill-Galad: *sigh*
Sarah Mordayne: Twilight
Sarah Mordayne: We knew no other way
Sarah Mordayne: We asked Starkuyl and he brought ye
Twilight: I was able to touch it even though dead
Twilight: I thought has much
Twilight: power
Sarah Mordayne: It seems to
Kazola: 'tis the essence of good...it is the only thing which will let us destroy Mordread
Sarah Mordayne: We need that to destroy Mordread
Heather: we seek no power for ourselves
Twilight: and Mordread is who?
Sarah Mordayne: An evil liche who threatens the world.
Twilight: is he that red liche?
Twilight: I saw him right before I died
Kazola: the evil lich who seeks to destroy our friend Rhysart.. and everyone else..
Sarah Mordayne: A vile creature
Twilight: *thinks*
Sarah Mordayne: Please
Sarah Mordayne: Help us
Twilight: and ye need the bolt?
Sarah Mordayne: Aye
Heather: we do
Fayrwynd Mordayn: We plead with thee.
Twilight: may I have it back when the liche is dead?
Sarah Mordayne: T'is not mine to give milord
Heather: you are welcome to pull it from his corpse
Twilight: Tis mine
Sarah Mordayne: But I would if I am able
Twilight: hmmm..
Fayrwynd Mordayn: The Mordayns stand as one.
Twilight: but
Sarah Mordayne: If I can return it I shall
Twilight: you promise?
Sarah Mordayne: I swear I will try
Fayrwynd Mordayn: Aye...we shall
Twilight: very well
Twilight: you... you
Twilight: may....
Twilight: errk..
Twilight: have it
Sarah Mordayne: I thank thee Twilight
Twilight: *looks at the bolt one last time*
Twilight: *sighs*
Twilight: noble and good.. great
Twilight: *hands Sarah the bolt*
Twilight: er..
Twilight: umm..
Heather: Thank you Twilight
Kazola: Aye, thank you Twilight
Twilight: can i hold it once more?
Starkuyl: *rolls eyes*
Twilight: I need my bolt!
Hunter X: You will get it back
Twilight: give it back!
Sarah Mordayne: I shall return it if I can
Twilight: no!!
Heather: i think he means right now
Twilight: what have i done!!
TalHur: NO
Twilight: aaacckk
TalHur: IT IS MINE
Starkuyl: I disengage thine bonds
Starkuyl: with this world!
TalHur: Enough of this already
Starkuyl: back to the reighn of the death!
Twilight: Oo oOOoooo
Twilight: OO ooooOOO

And so, Sarah Mordayne of the Mordayne Sisters recieved the Bolt of Purity from Twilight, and gave it to the dragon Tal'Hur for safekeeping.

TalHur: Now give it to me
George: And how are you going to use it dragon?
TalHur: Away somewhere safe
Sarah Mordayne: There Talhur
Sarah Mordayne: Take it
Sarah Mordayne: But please
TalHur: thank thee, milady
Sarah Mordayne: I have a debt to Twilight
Sarah Mordayne: if I can I would return it
Fayrwynd Mordayn: Aye...the Mordayns must return it if we can

Tal'Hur then spent a moment giving two knaves some richly deserved dragon's breath before leaving...

TalHur: I am leaving now
TalHur: 'til the moons synch
TalHur: Then we shall meet again
TalHur: I thank thee
TalHur: If I see those other two mongbats again
TalHur: I will devour them whole
a spectre: Taaalhurrrr.... farrrewellll
TalHur: *smiles*
Vicktoria: tasty snack
TalHur: Farewell

And with that he left. Although we still have no clue as to the fate of Rhysart's soul, surely its liberation has moved a step closer tonight as a result of these events.

The Moons Aligned

From Tyr-anon, August 21st.

Twas early Friday evening when I was attempting to travel to Skara Brae and I noticed a sight that brought a chill to my blood. The Moongate was red, as had been predicted by the Dragon SulpHur a few weeks ago. This could only mean that the moons were now aligned, and the time had come when Mordread would attempt to destroy Rhysart's spirit. I quickly sent off communication using In Corp Quas, letting many others know of the situation. Some were already aware and making preparations. I dropped in on Kazola's tavern, and the host was beginning to gather. I left then, as it appeared that events would be taking some time to develop. The Golden Dragons were not yet present, and their promised gate, not yet materialized. I left for the Abbey, and continued to tell the tale of the red moongate, making sure that enough knew.

A couple of hours passed, and I returned to Kazola's Tavern. By this time, a mighty war host had gathered, overflowing both the tavern and courtyard. Unfortunately, there was a Southerly breeze also, bringing the thick noxious air from Britain up over the Serpent's Spine. It was hard to be anything but sluggish under those conditions. A small group of us split off to the eastern entrance of the hedges, acting both to make room, and to keep a watch in case of attack. In this group were my fellow Yew Militia members, Althea Greenfay, Lifestar, and Allen Grey, as well as Yew residents, Carde, Uncer, Tanya Keklam, and my wife Ashera. One Lich was then heard and tracking showed evidence of its passing, but it soon dissapeared. Still, its presence put us on our toes, as the Dragons had not yet appeared to help us, and seemed overdue. Talk of an attack on the tavern became rampant, and small fortifications and barricades were being built for defense purposes. But these measures were to no avail, as the attack came not from Liches, but from bombers who gated into the courtyard and let loose a stream of explosions. A half dozen fell to this attack, as the thick air prevented assistance or escape. As has come to be expected, the more depraved residents began looting and then recalling to safety. The assembled host began to grow angry and apprehensive, as the Dragons still had not appeared, and more attacks seemed likely. Worse yet, the moons would soon be perfectly aligned, allowing Mordread to begin his foul ritual. The crowd thinned and spread out, but a large number of warriors remained.

Finally the event we had been waiting for occurred, the arrival of TalHur and SulpHur. As has come to be expected, they were not happy with the humans crowding them, but the vast numbers all but necessitated it. They also mentioned being hungry, although this may have simply been a ploy to buy some room. They apologized for the lateness of their arrival, but TalHur said that the gate, "Took a while to complete." One can only assume that Mordread was attempting to block its formation, as he needed more time until the exact alignment of the moons. We had little time to waste, and soon the Dragons created a grey moongate for us to proceed. The first few through the gate should be accorded accolades, as they knew they were plunging into extreme danger, yet they did not shirk from their duty. Any glory gained by those that followed was only won by the blood of those first hardy souls. As I approached the gate myself, my horse Dusk grew apprehensive so near the dragons, making it hard to move. The crowd slowly pushed to the gate, but the foul air from Britain was still with us. We feared for those allready through, and slowly moved to join them. As I passed the dragons, I nodded said, "Luck be with you." SulpHur replied, "And to thee." The dragons also started moving to the gate with that, and we passed through into a killing zone.

The first wave of Liches already lay dead on the ground, and the first wave of courageous warriors as well. The air here was even thicker than at the tavern, with the thick stench of undead and magickly charred flesh filling the air. Most were frozen in place as soon as they exited the gate, and it was hard to put up any sort of organized resistance to the liches. But the toll of numbers was on our side, and eventually we won free from the immediate location of the gate, allowing the last stragglers to proceed through. It was then that another 15 liches attakced the group, but these were handled far easier, as the group had spread out enough to allow for more effective fighting tactics. The host began to proceed to the North along the coast, and it was then that I recognized the island. 'Tis one of the Eastern Valorian Isles, north of the Shrine of Valor, and west of Serpent's Hold. It is best known for an abandoned temple, and the numerous Silver Serpents. It would seem that Mordread intended to put that temple and altar to nefarious use this eve. I sheared off to the east heading to the temple, when I heard RedRum cry out, "Black dragons East!" With that, the host turned to its right, and the Golden Dragons came as well.

And black dragons there indeed were. At least a half dozen waited on the front steps of the temple, as if they were expecting us. There was no imminent attack however, and I walked down to the eastern edge, allowing for more room for those who were to follow. The dragon spoke, and asked, "What doth thy puny self desire?" It was at this time that I first caught a glimpse of Rhysart's ghost further up on the temple. I moved closer to get a better look, but we were warned off, "Step no closer, hu...mans" the dragon growled. Carde, also spotted Rhysart at this point, and attempted to ressurect him. Mordread's hold on him was too strong still, and the spell failed. The dragons did not take kindly to the attempt and we were warned, "We shall kill thee if thou doth try." At this point I asked, "What must we do to pass?" to which the dragon replied, "Pass? Why would I let you pass?" But with a greedy gleam in his eye, he added, "The only think I seek is gold. Perhaps thou has a good amount? Perhaps ye might share it? I would add it to my horde." At this I smiled, as I knew that the residents of Yew were overflowing with gold long gained over the months. The dragon also stated that we should, "Bring me food as well." Both LD and myself were carrying some chicken, and the dragon instructed us to, "Drop the food at the steps." This we did, but the Dragon then added that he was eyeing Dusk, who had carried me there, "The horse looks as if it would make a far better meal." I was beginning to understand the hunger these dragons had, and was searching for a solution. Not wanting Dusk to end up as dragon-fodder, I told them, "I fear Dusk is not very tasty, too many years of tough riding." The dragon snorted a plume of noxious smoke, and while licking his massive jaw said, "I would disagree." At this time Ashera had rejoined me, and reminded me that we had 50 cooked ribs that she had hunted and prepared back at our store's workshop. I had not yet put them on sale with all the confusion of tonight. She marked me a rune for the temple, and I recalled to Yew to get the food and gold. As I did so, the fatal mistake was made. Erdan casted an energy vortex on the dragons, and Theo a blade spirit. As I dissapeared, the avoidable battle broke out.

Hoping it was not too late to avert the hostilities I gathered up the food and grabbed 4000 gold from the bank, as I could carry no more. I recalled back to the temple, but it soon became apparant that I was too late. Numerous bodies lay scattered about temple steps, and the dragons were continuing to hunt down the few who were present. I hid behind a tree, and started scattering the ribs about in an attempt to distract the dragons. It was to no avail. They had gotten the taste of human blood, and were no longer going to be reasoned with. With Lifestar and Uncer I then circled to the east of the temple, remembering that you could gain access to the plaza from the back corners as well as the stairs. Uncer and I sneaked up behind the altar, Mordread was intently gazing up at the moons which had almost reached the feared alignment. Rhysart's ghost was still next to him, and gazing up at the moons myself I shuddered when I saw the first moon, a thin crescent with the tips pointing upward, had almost lined up perfectly above the second, full, moon. They were beginning to grow red tinged like the moongates, and Mordread had begun a low guttural chant. Barely interrupting his preparations, he dispatched Soul Seeker and Pitt, muttering, "Out of the way human, this is between the hermit and I." The wind rose as Mordread lifted his arms, lightning crackling out of the end of his staff. A small vortex began to circle Rhysart's ghost, as he wailed. But more people had eluded the dragons and come up on the altar, Mordread had no choice but to pause in his ritual to deal with them. Knowing he was still invulnerable to his blows, he attacked relentlessly. However a few eluded his attacks and someone successfully cast ressurect on the spirit of Rhysart. I believe it was Sarzec Talik who managed the deed, but I cannot be sure.

In the confusion that followed, Rhysart pulled out his famous red crossbow, and somehow obtained the Bolt of Purity. He stared into the hollow eye sockets of the Lich and fired. The bolt's path was traced with a luminous streak of white, and it embedded itself in the Lich's chest. Mordread gazed down, seemingly stunned by the attack. He looked up to the sky and screamed, as his Lich body collapsed around him. A frail spectre emerged from the ruins of the Lich Body, and Mordread was now vulnerable to our attacks. While dodging dragon attacks, we focused our attention on finishing off the Lich. Rhysart attempted to bring more to the action by crying out, "Mordread is here, he is vulnerable!" I fired my crossbow once, and proceeded to move closer to the action. Sarzec, Dyson and Abigail Mordain were all in the center of the fighting. Dyson fell, but Mordread was now badly injured. Once Honey, Devon, and Odinwolf arrived, Mordread was overwhlemed and killed. Rhysart bent down and removed the bolt of purity from the corpse of the former lich, and Mordread's body collapsed into dust as the moons finally became aligned.

Unfortunatly the battle was not over, and dragons still abounded. Uncer and I were slain in the rear of a temple, as our entreaties for assisstance were ignored by people celebrating the death of Mordread. Dusk continued to fight over my dead body, but was not killed as the dragon was distracted from his meal by other fighters. The black dragon then plowed into the main group, killing others, including Yew Town Bard, Tanya Keklam. Eventually the dragons were all dispatched. But looters, as always, followed the dead. I was fortunate in that Dusk partially hid my body from sight, and Ashera recognizing my horse, came and retrieved my items (including the 4000 gold). Others were not as fortunate, as the vultures that are the bane of any noble person descended. 'Tis a sad testament that the cause of rescuing Rhysart attracts both the noblest and most base of our realm. Many ressurections then followed, as the dragons TalHur and SulpHur assisted, as well as many human mages. Arda brought me back to life, and I gave him two ressurection scrolls in thanks. A grey gate was again created, and brought us back to Kazola's tavern, but this time with Rhysart whole, Mordread dead and his threats forever ended.

The Story as it Ends

From various sources, August 23rd.

This is how the story ends. Rhysart is now safe after 50 years of being hunted by the Lich Mordread. We should never forget the sacrifices made and friends gained. Azhur the dragon is now gone, but an understanding has been reached with some of his brethren. Perhaps our needs will again coincide, although I doubt they are likely to ask the hu...mans for help often. Rhysart will now return to his simple life of tending to the animals of Brittania, but promised to return to the area from time to time. He would miss Kazola (and her ale) too often not too. In addition, Maximillian, Mayor of Yew, has announced that Rhysart has deigned to become a citizen of the wooded town. If further events follow, you can be sure to hear of them here. While Rhysart is now safe, more evil is sure to surface. So if you have a strong arm, if you are clever with the magicks, and swift of foot, perhaps find yourself at Kazola's Tavern and lend a hand. Even if mighty deeds are not being done, you can be sure to hear of others, be they real or exaggerated ...

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