Gate of the Abyss (Epic)

You enter the Audience Chamber and marvel at the vaulted roof that gives an airy feeling to the room. Senneth sees you and waves you over, relief at seeing you plain on his face. 'It's good to see you again Warrior, I was concerned that the Warden Golem would be argumentative and... difficult. I'm glad to see I was wrong. What did he get you to do to prove your usefulness to the Circle?' You tell him the Warden sent you to make a Mana Shard from the Shimmers in the caves beneath the Circle. Senneth gawps at you, 'Really!? You managed to build a Mana Shard?' He chuckles, 'That is a physical test that the all first years studying here dread. It is their job to collect the Shards for the upper years alchemy experiments. It's also used in detention, and everyone hates it. The Shards make it difficult to form a Fireball so you have to be precise in your casting. I'm glad you managed to impress the Golem.'

He then takes a deep breath, 'But impressing the Warden is not the point of us being here. We need to talk to one of the Councilors of the Circle. I have been... absent from the Circle for a long time so this might be quite a challenge. But I have read a study on Cor Odio by a Mage called Findor Sanders. I think we might find an interested ear there, meet me in Sanders Chamber and we shall see if he listens.' You enter a well furnished chamber and immediately wish you hadn't. An angry Mage glares at you over a desk overloaded with scrolls. Senneth looks at you worriedly, 'Sanders will not consider anything you have to say unless you give him a Circle Docket.'

You step past the Rune Mage and place the metal disc on the cluttered table in front of the irritated Sanders. He picks it up and to your astonishment bites it. 'Well now, that nearly broke a tooth. I'm sorry but we are having some major troubles at the moment.' He picks up a scroll then angrily crumples it up and throws it in a bin beside him. 'I just can't get reliable information. So then, who are you?' You are about to answer when you realize Sanders is not looking at you. You step back and Senneth blinks at him and licks his lips nervously.

He shrugs, then answers, 'I'm a Rune Keeper.' Sanders squints at him, 'Which one?' he says. Irritation washes over Senneth's face for a moment then he masks it with a fake smile. 'Does it matter?' Sanders leans back in his chair, which squeaks alarmingly, 'I suppose not, but I would like to know if you don't mind. I've always been fascinated by anything connected to the myth of Cor Odio.' Senneth gives a smirk and gestures to you, 'Then you should listen to the Warrior, you will be interested by the tale.'

The Mage looks at you with open disinterest, 'I really don't have time to waste, but as you have provided a Docket you may speak.' Strangely the memories are foggy but you eventually recall the events that lead you here. You start with meeting the Cat in the Krul Forest and following it into the Grove and defending it from the vicious Slime Golems. Then entering the walled Cottage and meeting the pleasant young woman and doing the various tasks she set you. This eventually lead you to the Mage Vault with the Death Sigils and Senneth breaking the Hex that had been laid on you. Sanders stares at you for a long time, then he looks over at Senneth, 'You vouch for the Warrior's tale Rune Keeper?' he nods, 'The Warrior has no knowledge of Cor Odio but has detailed information concerning her. This would only come from actually meeting the Witch.'

Sanders leans forward, 'But how could the Warrior survive the Curse Lamps? Anything that touches the light is killed instantly. Even the local bird and animal life have learned to avoid the Cottage!' Senneth actually chuckles, 'Tenetur obviously cast a glamour on the Warrior and I would guess Cor Odio weaved the Hex at some point early on. It is well documented that Witches can cast their Craft through the eyes of their bound minions. The Hex would have allowed the Warrior to pass through the Lamps and the Rune Lock is set for Cor Odio alone, so the Warrior could walk through that as well.'

Sanders stares up at both of you, 'But... you realize what you are saying? Cor Odio is real!' Senneth sighs loudly, 'Do you think the founders of the Circle would overcome their differences and work together and form the first Circle if she was not real? No, logic dictates she is real and so the Rune Lock is necessary to maintain as the Codex of the Circle states. The problem is Cor Odio is learning to break through the Lock. If she escapes, the Realms will be in terrible danger again.' Sanders smirks up at Senneth, 'There have been advances in Runes lately, if the Runes are cast with a different weight, the alterations will be reflected in the Rune Lock, which will keep Cor Odio guessing for another millennium. I will inform the other Rune Keepers to recast their Runes at once. But I need to speak with the Warriror about another matter mentioned in your report.' He hands Senneth a Scroll, 'Ask the Warrior about that, I will be back as soon as I've spoken to the other Rune Keepers.' He then walks hurriedly out the room. Senneth reads the scroll Sanders handed him. He looks at you sideways, 'Do you know anything about a Bloodstone rooted in the Snow Forest?'

You tell him that Cor Odio had an interest in destroying the Golems that lead to an interest in Demons. One of the tasks she set was to make a Bloodstone leak energies, but the Tarnish Charm didn�t work properly and it shattered the stone. She said that the Mages were keeping a Summoning Portal within a Volcano open by feeding energies into it through the Bloodstones.

Senneth stares at you, 'You shattered the Bloodstone...'

Sanders blusters back into the small chamber, 'Right, that's all done. The Rune Keepers will recast their Runes and keep Cor Odio exactly where she is. But I think even this partial breach in the Rune Lock has proved almost fatal. So, Warrior you mentioned the Witch had you do various tasks, would one of these tasks be anything connected with the Bloodstone?'

Senneth nods, then turns to you. 'In the early histories of the Circle there was an invasion of Demons. The Demons had help from a treacherous Mage that aided them in tearing a rift between our world and theirs. We managed to partially re-seal the breach but the seal has to be constantly feed arcane energies to stay in place. The method of doing this was to set the Bloodstones and for an entire order of Mages to pay a terrible price. The Order turned themselves voluntarily into undead so that the Bloodstones would never be without energies for the rest of eternity, so keeping the realms safe from the demonic hordes.'

Sanders says grimly, 'Until today, when we discovered a Bloodstone shattered into pieces. So, Cor Odio was up to her old tricks and wants to bring death and carnage back to the Realms.' The impact of what you have done begins to dawn. The Skeletal Mages were not foolish Mages enslaved by demons, but an noble Order paying the ultimate sacrifice to keep the demons out of the world of the living.

Senneth folds his arms and says, 'The Warrior said that the Charm used backfired and destroyed the Bloodstone when all she meant was to make the stones leak a bit. The Bloodstones not working properly would have distracted the Circle allowing her more time to make her escape, I would surmise. But your analysis is correct Sanders. Cor Odio has nothing but mischief in mind. Can anything be done to salvage the situation?'

Sanders only now smiles at you both, 'At last I get some reliable information.' He leans back on his creaky chair, 'The Bloodstones have been feed by the Skeletal Mages for centuries uncounted. This does count for something, so the seal does have a store of energies so it will not fail immediately. But now we know that Cor Odio shattered the Stone and it was not another traitor within our Circle, we can concentrate on resetting the Bloodstone.'

Sanders opens a drawer in his desk and takes out a dusty tome, after thumbing through it he reads aloud, 'The Bloodstone is an alchemical amalgamation of arcane and demonic elements. Both components although dissimilar are aligned through the alchemical process to work in concert with each other. So forming the Bloodstone helped to stem the flow of demons through the rift in the plains of existence.' He sighs deeply and slams the book closed, 'That is where it stops being useful, the Bloodstones are an early construct and were shrouded in secrecy even then. But I do have a hunch. There is an odd creature in the Paladir Forest that we might look into. But we require a Scholar of Alchemical Histories to help us in our endeavor I think. Warrior I want you to go back to the Courtyard and use the Paladir Portal in the Eastern Minor Chamber. That will take you to the Paladir Tower where I will send the Historian Tarkin to meet you. Do as she directs you. Off you go, I need to have chat with Senneth. Sanders dismisses you with a wave. Senneth smiles at you, 'Thank you for all your help Warrior, may Lindarsil guide your steps.' You step out of the yellow light of the Portal and look around the crumbling Tower. It is covered with weeds and ivy and completely empty apart from the an old woman staring at the ancient architecture around her.

She turns and gives you a wide smile, 'Well hello Warrior. When I got the call from Councilor Sander I was astonished. I thought my days of excitement were well over. Now can you tell me why we are here? My instructions said you would fill me in. I don't know what use I can be out in the real world, I'm just an old Alchemist Scholar. Quite a good one I'm told, but a bit out of my depth when out of the library to be quite frank.'

Her eyes lock onto you and you see apprehension and fear within. You say simply, 'The Bloodstone in the Snow Forest has been shattered, we need to set a new one.' Tarkin blinks slowly, and stares at the wall next to her. Without looking at you she says slowly, 'The Bloodstone has been shattered... This would mean that the rift will open and a demonic storm the likes of nothing we can even imagine will sweep over all the Realms. The Demons will kill everyone and remake this plain of existence into another hell dimension.' She coughs slightly, 'Is that the situation we find ourselves in?' You reply, 'Yes'.

She rounds on you and screams, 'Warrior, my last problem was a spelling error in a bibliography. I don't do Apocalypse, what possible use can I be in the face of universal extinction!' You look into the terror stricken face of the old historian. You say simply, 'The Bloodstone is an alchemical amalgam of arcane and demonic components. Is this correct?' Tarkin bristles at your words, 'Sounds like Semple and Fletch to me. Such drivel, I'm astonished they even got their rubbish in print. They never could admit they didn't know what they were talking about and hid the fact in floral prose. It's nice to read but useless in the end.'

'The problem is that nothing in our arcane or alchemical lore can �balance� either component. I know that Semple and Fletch gives the impression it can, but we just need to face the facts. Our Lore does not allow us to accomplish the feat. It simply does not work like that. You see our Lore can only use one component for feed off another to make the desired effect. Unfortunately the mechanisms of alchemy consumes either one or both the components as fuel for the process. This is useful normally as it makes for excellent return custom for potions and such. But the Bloodstone never ran out or faded. It just sat there and worked. There is simply nothing in our lore that does this.'

Tarkin then shrugs, 'I suspect that the first Circle didn't know how to do it either and they got help. But where from is the problem I could not answer. So I never published my suspicion.' Then the Alchemist bites her lower lip, 'Councilor Sanders is not a fool, his hunches should not be ignored. We should check out the Paladir Forest, but I can't shrug off the feeling that the first Circle had help in making the Bloodstone. Even legends need a helping hand occasionally. I seem to remember there are a clan of Elves in the Forest. They are not very friendly and attack those they do not know on sight. It is not clear why the Elves are here, I think we should find out. Search the Paladir Forest East for an Elven site of some sort. If you find such a place, try to find something within that could possible tell us which Clan the site belongs to, then return here to me.' The Barrow is cold and forbidding. Within the shadows you think you hear a soft growl, but when you turn to look there is nothing there. You have found some ruined sarcophagi in the Barrow but when you come across a magnificent panther statue sitting next to an intact Sarcophagus, you stop and stare.

The beauty of the statue is astonishing, the carving is stunningly lifelike. As you look, you see an odd plinth at it's feet. It's as if something is missing. Maybe you should look around the Barrow to see if you can find anything that would fit there.

You receive +600 Current Stamina. You return to the Panther Statue. At it's feet there is an empty plinth. You should see if you can find anything would fit there.

The little icon is the same as the symbol carved onto the side of the flawless sarcophagus the statue appears to be guarding. As you place it on the small plinth ,the icon glows then vanishes from sight. You then hear an ominous low grinding come from the Sarcophagus behind the Panther.

Turning to look, you see the symbol on it's side shining with a silver light, and the lid of the ancient tomb slips to the floor with a crash. You take a deep breath and draw your weapon. You expect a skeletal hand to grip the side of the Sarcophagus and an undead to lunge at you. But nothing happens...

Silence...

Confused you step up to the lidless tomb and quickly glance into the Sarcophagus. You are shocked to find no corpse of any kind, just a set of steps leading down into darkness. You walk down the ancient stairs and into a cramped chamber, shelves laden with scrolls cover half the walls. But your eyes are drawn to a crystal ball sitting on a rough stone table.

You pick up the Ball and a series of words made of flame appears in the center. You don't recognize the flowing script but you know that Tarkin will want to see it.

You receive 1 x Crystal Augury and +600 Current Stamina.

You should take the Crystal Augury back to Tarkin. The old Alchemist Scholar waits for you in the ruined Paladir Tower, 'Good to see you again, did you find an Elven Site in the Forest and aquire an Artifact that shows which Clan the site belongs to?'

Tarkin takes the Crystal Ball from you, she frowns at the empty Crystal. 'Well this does not tell me anything about...' She stops talking as the fire script then flows through the depths of the Crystal. 'Oh, yes it's definintely Elven.' She then gasps, 'This is an Spell Augury, I've only ever read about these in books.'

Tarkin then gazes into the Crystal for a long moment, you see fiery light reflecting on her features. She then laughs and digs out a parchment from her backpack, 'The script is ancient and I don't understand the subtleties just yet, but I can get the gist of what it is saying. Now - I'm not sure why, but the Augury notes a Frog that carries a Corrupted Orb in this realm. It's important to the Blood Stone for some reason. Sorry, but I don't know why. The Elven Script is not my specialty, so you will just have to be patient with me. But the good news is that it looks like both Councilor Sanders and myself were right on both counts. I was correct about the Circle getting help and the Sanders was right about the Frog. We are on the right track, which is good news! Now, build me a Tainted Moon Stone from this recipe. I will hopefully understand more about how it is used by the time you return. I just need to figure out more about the Elven Script. Now off you go, I need some quiet to work on the Augury.'

You receive 1 x Tainted Moon Stone Recipe You return to find Tarkin staring into the Crystal Augury, 'Have you managed to get me the Tainted Moon Stone yet?'

The Alchemist takes the Stone from you and examines it closely, 'This is well made Warrior. I commend you.' She then puts the Stone in her backpack, 'I have found a curious reference to life force whilst you were away. It's not clear why, but we require something from a Elemental of Paladir.'

'She gives you another scroll, 'I have written the details of what we need in this recipe. The Augury does not tell me where to find this Elemental, it assumes you know. All I can say is that it is somewhere in Paladir. I would Search the East Forest carefully, there might be something you missed. Return when you have the required Orb.'

You receive 1 x Orb of Grow Recipe and +600 Current Stamina You walk the Paladir Forest looking for anything you might have missed as Alchemist Tarkin instructed you, but you find nothing. Then on the edge of the dark wood you see a Goblin spying on the nearby Dwarven Camp.

You draw your weapon and try to creep up on the vile Creature. The Goblin hears you long before you even get close. He looks at you with cruel eyes. Realizing you have lost the element of surprise, you stop and wait for the Goblin to attack you. To your surprise he does not, he simply looks at you, then points with his dagger at the Camp. 'Them Fatties did my brother in, I want's them dead.' He looks at you then, in a whiny voice says, 'It's only fair, blood for blood. We was only hunting Frogs for our stew. It's not fair, him dead while they Fatties sit and laugh and eat.'

To your utter astonishment you find yourself actually agreeing with the wretch. You say, 'Stay here, I'll see if I can find anything about your Brother.' The little sneak goggles at you, then hunkers down in the shadows of the trees, 'Alright, but I warns you, cross me and I'll kills you in your sleep!'

You should try to find something out about the Goblin's Brother. But you doubt the Dwarfs had much to do with it, they would have the Goblins head on a spear by now for all to see. You figure you should see if there are any powerful creatures lurking within the realm. You may require aid from Guild members or try upgrading your items. The Goblin Stalker eyes you suspiciously, 'You found out who killed my Brother?'

The Stalker stares at the Shield, 'Yep, this is his alright, but now I'm holding it I can feel the bad Ju Ju in it. I knew we should not trusted that Orc we met in the woods. The price was too low.' He looks up at you, 'So who had this?' You know it's a filthy Goblin but you can still hear the sadness in his voice as he said those words.

You tell him that the Nightshade Elves were carrying it. The Goblins red eyes go narrow with vicious spite, 'Those idiot Elves. Staring up about the Full Moon as if they haven't ever seen it before. They took my Brother, but I can take from them as well. Here, have this Rune. We got it off of one of them idiots when they tried to tell us they owned the Forest. It will open up a door to one of their Hidden Groves. Now you know one of their precious secrets. That hurt them, you know. Elves just loooooove their secrets. Go tell everyone you know! I'm off to find that Orc who sold that Shield.'

He throws a Rune at your feet and turns into the darkness of Paladir Forest without another word.

You receive 1 x Paladir Grove Rune and +600 Current Stamina

You should see if you can find the Paladir Hidden Grove that the Goblin Stalker mentioned A beautiful Wood Nymph stands in the Forest, her face downcast in misery. You walk up to her and ask, 'Why so sad?' The wood spirit blinks at you, 'You can see me?' You nod confused. She gives a sly smile, 'Please give me the Paladir Grove Rune and I shall open the Secret Way for you.'

The Nymph laughs with glee, 'This is so good! Meet me in the Hidden Grove, it is at the end of the Secret Way.' With that the Nymph vanishes from sight.

You may now enter the Paladir Forest East Secret Way, search the Paladir Forest East Hidden Grove and find the Wood Nymph The Wood Nymph waves you over.

The Nymph giggles, 'I'm sorry, but I'm not supposed to let you in here. The Elves have bound me to an unending servitude to show the other Paladir Fae not to oppose them. As part of the Spell cast on me, only those with the Grove Rune can see me and only the Elves are supposed to have the Grove Rune. I have been treated as a common doorstop for centuries now.' The Nymph folds her arms and glares at you. 'Do you know how that feels, to be taken for granted and ignored?'

She then tilts her head and says, 'Can I ask you, why you are here?' You hesitate for a moment not sure that you should trust the Spirit. But you don't really have a choice, you tell her that you need to make an item from something called the Elemental of Paladir.

The Nymph laughs, 'I can help you there! Take this Paladir Elixir Recipe. It will show you the Elementals you seek. Just promise me that you will do as much damage as you can. That will punish them for this torment and humiliation I am forced to endure.'

You receive 1 x Paladir Elixir Recipe

Return to Alchemist Tarkin when you have made the Orb of Growth Alchemist Tarkin sits transfixed staring into the Augury, 'Oh, there you are Warrior. Have you managed to get the Orb of Growth we need?'

She takes the Orb from you, 'That�s strange, why does it show a Moon in the Orb? Surely there would be a symbol of water or sun. Something that would be iconic of, well growth.' You mention that the Palaidr Elves are fascinated with the Moon.

Tarkin blinks, 'Well, Elven culture does seem to have the Moon as a recurring theme. Even within separate Clans of Elves.' She then glances at the Augury, 'But that would explain this symbol I keep seeing. There is also a tribe of Moon Elves in the Udan Forest. But I don't think they have links here within the Paladir Forest.' She then looks at you, 'Unless we are wrong and Paladir is one of the Elven Havens. There is little we know about the Moon Elves even in our own Elven Studies. Maybe the Magic Circle did that on purpose and is trying to hide the fact that the Moon Elves assisted in construction of the Bloodstone.'

She smiles back at you, 'Anyhow, it's another trail we can follow. Meet me back in the Magic Circle (Eastern Minor Chamber), and we can investigate the Moon Elves further.' Tarkin waits for you in the small chamber, she holds the Augury under her cloak.

She hushes you loudly, 'Quiet, we don't want everyone to know what we are up to. Now we are interested in the Moon Elves and I remember that they have roots in Udan. So I went and looked in the library about the region and quickly discovered some references to a few kingdoms that have fallen for little apparent reason in that area. The interesting thing I saw was that these kingdoms all fell at around the same time, as well as the fact that the Magic Circle had strong links with the Moon Elves way back then. But for some reason they all just suddenly vanished from history. There are not any studies on why, which is strange, since scholars just love to write books about such mysteries. It's almost as if the Magic Circle are ignoring the whole subject.'

Tarkin frowns, 'I know it's just a small thing, but inconsistencies such as that irritate me. What I did discover was a Portal Vault in the lower Ramdel Caves. The Caves are near the Udan Forest, so I think we should go there and check them out. Meet me in the Ramdal Caves (Carved Vault).' Tarkin pulls her cloak closer round her as she stands in the cool Vault.

'This is a miserable place. No wonder nobody comes here any more. Search the Ramdal Caves (Level 4) for anything out of the ordinary, come back to me if you find anything.' A skeleton stands in the dark cave with it's sword drawn.

Undead usually attack anything they see, but this one stands in one place and glares at you. You are astonished when is hisses, 'Warrior, I do not sense ill will from you. Tell me who sent you.' Unthinkingly you blurt, 'I was sent by Tarkin of the Magic Circle.' The Skeleton nods, 'I see. It has been so long, since anyone came here. I am attacked constantly by the Hell Hounds that infest this Realm. Would you help me? My Shield has been destroyed. Would you please find a replacement for me? I will return the deed and let you pass into the Vault I guard.' The Skeleton Guard glares at you, 'Warrior, have you managed to find a replacement shield for me?'

You gingerly hand the Knights Shield over to the Skeleton. The Guard threads his bony arm through the shield loops, 'Yeeees, this is perfect. This shall help battle against those little pups. You may pass into the Vault Warrior, live well.

You receive +600 Current Stamina. At the end of the cold Vault, a Spectre paces the floor muttering to itself.

The Spirit stops and looks at you, 'It has been so long since someone stood before me. But I suppose there is no reason to pay respect to someone who has lost everything, even their station in life. Death can be both cruel as well as heartless.' The Spectre then closes it's eyes against a deep pain, 'I used to be a King you know. But now I have no crown and those who would do me ill have given it to those wretched zombies that used to be my loyal subjects. But no one remains loyal to me and my house has fallen into oblivion. A King should not have to suffer such a shame.'

There is a well of pain within the haughty words of the ghost and your heart goes out to him. You ask, 'A king should not be without his Crown. Maybe I could bring it to you.' The Spectre looks up at you, surprise mixed with hope in his eyes, 'You would restore my Crown? I don't know what to say Warrior.' The Spirit then shimmers and comes into sharp focus. He walks over to a tomb and takes out a scroll. This was left as a reminder for what I have lost by those who did this mischief. Return my Crown to me and I shall reward you.'

You receive 1 x Iron Crown Recipe The Kings Spectre paces the Vault waiting for your return, 'Have you come to restore my Crown to me Warrior?'

He takes the Crown and places it on his head. 'Thank you Warrior. The Iron reminds us that we are bound to the roots of the earth and only if we serve the land will the kingdom flourish. Also the weight tells us of our responsibility to our people. It is important to me... Even though I have no loyal subjects left.'

At this you frown and say, 'You do have a loyal subject. There is a Knight that guards your Vault even after death.' The King smiles, 'The Royal Guard, ever faithful. I didn't know. Thank you Warrior. You have done me a great service. Take this Signet of Iron, it has the Royal seal inscribed on it. Therefore it has the authority of the King behind it. May Osverin guide you.'

You receive 1 x Signet of Iron and +600 Current Stamina

You should return to Alchemist Tarkin and show her what you found. You return to find Tarkin still staring into the Augury, 'Welcome back Warrior, did you find anything unusual within the Caves?'

The Alchemist looks at the ring, 'Well, this is exquisite work. It's strange it is done in such a humble material.' You then tell her of the Spirit who gave it to you and she looks back at the ring. 'A Royal Signet, anything done in the name of this has the full power for the Kingdom behind it. I shall have to do some research on the heraldry to find out who the King was. So the Ramdal Caves might actually be a huge Royal Burial complex rather than simply a cave network. But why would Necromancers go to all the trouble to enchant Zombies with a mock crown to insult an dead King that history has long forgotten?'

She bites her lower lip, 'There is something here we are not understanding. But we will require more pieces of the puzzle before we can solve the conundrum. I know this is important, I just can't connect it to the Bloodstone.' Anger flares in Tarkin and she stands abruptly. 'Dead Kings will have to wait, we are in search for Moon Elves. I have figured out more of their script and there is actually a mention of a Citadel the Circle used to meet the Moon Elf Mages in. I shall open a portal to the Citadel from the Magic Circle. I need you to Journey back through the Magic Circle (Eastern Minor Chamber) and enter the Udan Forest (Elven Citadel) portal. I shall meet you in the Citadel.' You step out of the portal and into an airy hall, intricate carvings cover the walls and a pleasant light filters through high windows. Tarkin stands close to a wooden door staring worriedly into the Augury.

You see concern etched on the Alchemist's face and you hesitate in disturbing her.

She see's you and gives a weak smile, 'I'm sorry Warrior, but I don't see anything here that helps us with building another Bloodstone. But maybe I'm not using the artifact correctly. I am finding several references to Udan, but it becomes very sketchy when I try to follow that thread. It might be that the Augury was constructed about that time so it cannot see into it's future, if you know what I mean.' Tarkin then stares up at the ceiling and sighs deeply.

'There is a connection between the Moon Elves and the Bloodstone, we know this. There has to be something here in Udan that is linked to the Bloodstone's creation. Search the Udan Forest for a place of high magic. Creation of something like the legendary Bloodstone is not done without leaving a mark. Return to me if you find something.' You walk the Udan Forest for what seems an age, and the sun has long since dipped below the horizon, turning the sky a deep inky black. The shadows of the Udan Forest are long and dark, and within the gloom you find an old stone with glyphs scored into it's ancient skin but faded with time. You are about to walk by, but you see that the stone seems to be pointing skyward. When you look up, you see directly above you a bright blue star hovering in the dark.

The stone aligned with a star must have been set here for some reason. Maybe the star is important to the Elves that are in the Forest. You step up to it when a soft voice filled with malice seeps out of the night. 'Step away from the Sacred Menhir, or face the consequences.' Turning you see a pale faced Elf with a wickedly sharp longsword drawn ready to strike.

You shrug and ask, 'I'm sorry, but can you tell me about this stone.' The Elf's eyes narrow. She hisses, 'The Menhir has deep significance to the Moon Elves. None may know of it's lore without Elven blood coursing through their veins.' She then puts a silver horn to her lips and blows a shrill call into the night. You hear a distant whisper of running feet coming toward you and draw your weapon.

The Moon Elfs smiles, 'Good, at least you might give us some sport this night Warrior!' She lunges at you without another word.

You must kill 100 Moon Elves to live. The Moon Elves are ferocious warriors and give no quarter. You will have to kill the entire Night Guard to live.

The last of the Moons Elves falls before you and you try to catch your breath. You place a hand on the Menhir to steady yourself, when you hear a cry rip the night apart. Turning around, you are horrified to see pale ghosts rising out of the ground all around you.

In hushed, bitter words they chant as they come towards you, 'The Law was satisfied, the Cost was paid with both blood and lineage. We upheld the bargain, so why do you give more Blood to the Menhir?' You follow their horrified stares and see that where you placed your hand on the ancient stone, blood from your battle has trickled into the faded glyphs. Above you the star has turned a dull red and the Elven Ghosts point up to it and cry out in anger and fear.

'You have started the pact, now you must pay the price... You will finish what you have started, to the Hideout we shall take you!' The Ghosts surge towards you, You must defend yourself or be snatched by the Elven Ghosts, defeat 30 Elven Ghosts A wall of Elven Ghosts surge towards you, you must defeat 30 Elven Ghosts to stop being dragged away by them.

You beat the Ghosts back and the remainder hurl curses but fade back into the forest.

You should return to Alchemist Tarkin and tell her what happened.

You receive +600 Current Stamina. Tarkin gazes, mesmerized into the depths of the Augury, 'Did you find any sign of a magical site in Udan Forest?'

You describe finding the tall stone aligned to the shining Blue Star with the faded glyphs carved into it. Then fighting off the angry Moon Elves and accidentally putting blood onto the faded glyphs on the Menhir stone which summoned the host of angry Ghosts. Tarkin goggles at you, 'Well, that seems an eventful evening. Did the Ghosts say why they attacked you. Was it for desecrating the Stone?'

You think back and say, 'They mentioned that the �Law was satisfied and the Cost was paid with both blood and lineage.� They then ranted about me starting a pact that I would pay the price for, and wanted to carry me off to their Hideout.'

You see the old Alchemist�s eyes go wide, 'The Law of Costs is the price for casting magic. But the idea of sacrificing lineage is something which...' She then goes very quiet and puts the Augury under her cloak. 'I'm sorry Warrior, but I think we need to look into this Hideout the Ghosts mentioned. There must be an entrance to it somewhere in Udan Forest, lead on.'

You sigh deeply. You have just fought for your life to stay out of the Hideout only to just walk straight into it. Tarkin opens the large wooden door of the Citadel, 'Come now Warrior, answers await.' Tarkin looks around the dark halls of the Udan Hideout.

The Alchemist nods stiffly, 'I feel a strange presence here, we should be careful. It is odd that the Elven Ghosts would want to bring you here. It's as if they wanted to bring you before someone, maybe that is the presence I feel. Could you check to see if the Hideout is safe before I venture in too far?' Moon Elves are roaming the cold halls of the Hideout, you have to defend yourself against them several times. You also feel eyes watching you from the shadows, occasionally you catch a slight glimpse of movement but you cannot catch whomever is lurking there. You decide to leave whoever is there for the Moon Elves to deal with.

As you walk the cold stone corridors of the hideout, you enter a large room and find an empty throne within.

You step up to the Throne and marvel at the fine workmanship on done on the intricate leaf and moon carvings. As you touch the fine wood, a silky voice lances out the dark, 'Are you going to take a seat Warrior? Do you wish my place in the World? Frankly I would not recommend it.' Surprised you snatch your hand back as if the Throne was on fire. From behind it, an Elven woman in long robes steps into view.

She smiles at you, 'My name is Syndorell, this is my home. You do not seem connected to the Dwarfs creeping through my halls. Why are you here Warrior?' There is an unmistakable aura of power that is radiating from the Elf. You say, 'I have been on a quest with a Scholar from the magic Circle. We found an ancient artifact in a hidden library that lead us here...'

Syndorell frowns for just a moment, she mumbles. 'What artifact could lead someone to me...' Then a deep hunger blossoms within her, 'This artifact, is it a crystal ball with spell script within it?' You blink in surprise and stammer, 'No... it's nothing like... that at all.' But the Elf sees right through you, 'I can't believe that after all this time, I finally have it returned to me.'

Blindly she walks past you, the Augury is important to Tarkin she will not just give it up. You should stop Syndorell (Elite) from finding Alchimest Tarkin and taking the Augury from her. Tarkin waits for you to return, she looks terrified and seems to be fighting the urge to bolt up the staircase behind her. 'Have you checked the Hideout is it safe to look around?'

You tell her that you met an Elf called Syndorell, and she wanted the Augury back badly. Tarkin goes pale at the name, 'Tell me you stopped her!' You nod, but Tarkin looks around panicked. 'Syndorell, by Gurgriss' teeth! She is a powerful and influential figure from ages past. But she fell from history when she received a crushing curse.' She then freezes and stares at you, 'The Augury belongs to her doesn't it...'

You nod. She then unwraps it from her cloak and stares into it's depths. She mutters the name, 'Syndorell' quietly under her breath. A light then bursts from the ball and you are momentary blinded.

Your sight returns, and you find Tarkin hunched over the Augury sobbing. 'This is not an Augury, it is not a repository of ancient knowledge. It is a vessel that contains Syndorell's vast wisdom. I have been sifting through her thoughts all this time. But now I know how the Bloodstone was made. We should be quick, there is a price for accessing the Augury. I don't know how much time I have before misfortune catches up with me. Come now, we must complete the pact you started. At least the Realms will be safe from Demons when this is all over.

She stands, 'You should also know, that Syndorell cannot be killed as long as the Augury is in existence. The Augury roots her spirit into the Realms of the living, so she will return. We should go. As I have been wandering through her mind, I saw how she traveled from here to her Tower in the Snow Forest. I shall active the portal, enter the Way of Syndorell and meet me in the Tower of Syndorell. Be quick now, I don't know how long I have before Syndorell's curse finds me.'

You receive +600 Current Stamina You enter the Tower of Syndorell and see Alchemist Tarkin cowering on the floor, making you forget the elegant beauty all around you.

Tarkin is frozen by terror, her breath comes in quick and shallow gasps. She sobs, 'I am lost Warrior, the Curse of Syndorell has found me already!' You turn with weapon drawn and growl through gritted teeth, 'We shall see about that...'

Drive back 3 Curse of Misfortune (Champion) Alchemist Tarkin cowers in terror, 'The Curse of Syndorell has caught me already, I am doomed.'

Tarkin glances around the pale tower, 'Thank you Warrior. But you have not broken the Curse, merely delayed it. I am grateful though, for now we can complete our task. Come, meet me where the original Bloodstone was set in the Snow Forest North. I just pray that the gods are listening!'

You receive +600 Current Stamina. You return to the Bloodstone, but now all you see is chunks of crystal littering the white snow. Tarkin stares at the ruined crystal in silence.

There is a strange sense of purpose in Tarkin, it unnerves you somehow.

Alchemist Tarkin does not look at you, she continues to stare at the broken crystal at her feet. 'Isn't it strange Warrior, how we become accustomed to something always being there. But when it's gone we only then understand it's value. I know now why the Magic Circle has not explored the reasons for the Udan Kingdoms vanishing. It's not a mystery you see.' Tears start to stream down her face.

She picks up a black chuck of Crystal, 'There is a Law of Costs to the use of magic. It's so basic that I forgot the implications. All magic has this Cost, and is usually paid with components or natural reserves within the User themselves. But there are other ways to pay for that cost... Ways which are not so readily used. Human sacrifice is one such way, this is employed by the darker side of Magic practices. But I never knew or even dreamed that there could be other ways...'

'I realize that the Magic Circle means very little to you Warrior. But it has been my shelter for as long as I can remember. I understand why the Magic Circle did what it did, but I cannot agree with it. I know the logic behind their actions I just cannot accept them. I am just not strong enough to cope with the consequences of it. I do admire the Circles determination to make sure the Realms live. But I could not stay silent about it. I would probably destroy it with what I have found, and that would do no good for the Realms. They need the Magic Circle.'

In a small cold tone Alchemist Tarkin then says, 'So... here we are then...'

You blink in surprise when you see that you are both surrounded by a ring of Skeletal Ice Mages. You instantly draw you sword and get ready for them to attack. But Tarkin just smiles at them. 'Lets hope that now the Cost is paid my Brothers.' They nod, sign and then bow their heads as one.

Tarkin, whispers to you, 'Warrior, when it is done, could you take the items to Counselor Sanders. I would like him to know what has happened from you.' You nod.

Something is going to happen and you don't like it... The Skeletal Ice Mages that encircle you with their heads bowed start to chant. The air hums with power and a shimmer of light arcs overhead. The heavy thumps of axe against stone draws your attention and you see a dozen bladed pendulums of the Curse of Misfortune uselessly slamming against the magic shield.

Tarkin smiles at you, 'You have done well Warrior, but now you must simply observe and not interfere. Will you do that?'

She then stands on the shattered base of the Bloodstone and looks around at the chanting undead Mages. 'Duty calls.' The Mages pause in the chanting and look at Tarkin, you see approval in their skull faces somehow. Then they bow their heads and continue their spell weaving.

Tarkin closes her eyes and looks up, she says quietly. 'Lindarsil.'

At the name, the Snow Forest vanishes and you stand with Tarkin in a deep endless blackness. You are surrounded by a circle of pillars of fire where the Skeletal Ice Mages once stood. Beside Tarkin, a woman dressed in elegant white robes stands smiling at her.

In a soft, clear voice Lindarsil asks, 'Present the one who began the bargain.' Tarkin opens her eyes and is almost overwhelmed by the wonder of the moment. But she regains her composure and points at you.

Lindarsil then looks at you, 'You are worthy Warrior, I welcome you.' She then reaches out to you but Tarkin cries out, 'I shall pay the tribute my Goddess.' Lindarsil smiles at Tarkin, 'I see your thinking here Tarkin. I have always been so proud of your application of knowledge. Very well. I accept the tribute. Now present the payment on Constancy.' Tarkin then lays the Orb of Growth at Lindarsils feet, 'From the root of the Forest and Blood of Magic.'

Lindarsil smiles, 'Old weaving here, are you sure of this path my Tarkin?' The Alchemist nods.

The Orb vanishes, Lindarsil then asks, 'Now present the payment of Perpetuality.' Again Tarkin lays something at Lindarsils feet, 'A people slain and the destiny of their legacy.' You see the Signet of Iron given to you by the Royal Specter. Lindarsil picks it up sadly, 'I remember the entire Udan Kingdom being sacrificed, their destiny is an acceptable payment. The King agreed to pay the Cost for the good of all. I hold his name in special honor.'

Lindarsil then frowns at Tarkin, 'I see no one else here Tarkin. I don't see how you will accomplish this.' With a sigh she asks, 'Now present the payment of Power.' The Alchemist hesitates, then places the Augury at Lindarsil's feet. The Goddess of Magic stares down at the ancient Artifact, 'This vessel has ancient wisdom... but I can't accept this... it was given before.' Tarkin looks stricken at you...

Lindarsil then shakes her head, 'The Bloodstone has not been paid and therefore cannot be set.' In your minds eye you see the gates of the netherworld fade and pour forth endless Demons eager to devour all the living.

Then a shout from above deafens you, 'By the bloodied blade Lindarsil, you just can't admit when you are out flanked can you?' You look up and see a gargantuan Warrior dressed in full plate standing in the void above you. He holds a mighty axe that could fell mountains casually over his shoulder. 'The vessel did not pay the cost last time, it was the curse on Syndorell that paid for that. The creation of the Augury was the casualty of that sacrifice. So if the sacrifice was enough last time, then the Augury is acceptable now. They must be of equal value! You just can't admit that you have been outsmarted! If you will not accept this, then I SHALL! I admire the strategy that Tarkin has employed here.'

Lindarsil stares up at Gurgriss, 'You cannot say that, you oaf! You cannot sustain that price!' Now Gurgriss grins, 'Oh, don't you worry your pretty little head about that Lindarsil. The Warrior serves me well... I accept Syndorell's Vessel and Tarkin's battle-plan for the payment for Power.'

Lindarsil clenches her teeth, 'If you will risk the Warrior serving you, then I agree. But I still require the Tribute and Tarkin has agreed to the cost.' Gurgriss stares down at Tarkin, 'Lindarsil... you will do this?' Tarkin then screams for a moment before being encased in a pillar of ice. Lindarsil then reaches into the pillar and rips the very bones out of Tarkin. The pale ice then turns to the color of blood.

The bones of Tarkin then blaze with a blue fire and rise to stand before Lindarsil. You stare, speechless. Tarkin has been transformed into a Skeleton Ice Mage before your eyes. The black void then fades and the Snow Forest returns. Tarkin bows silently to you, then turns and walks away to serve the Bloodstone for the rest of eternity. The other Skeletal Ice Mages bow and follow...

Bitterness almost chokes you, but then you see the Bloodstone sparkle in the clear winters light. Around this new Bloodstone a bright protection rune shines. The Realms will now be safe from the Demonic onslaught.

At the base of the Bloodstone is Tarkin's backpack and belongings, enter the Tower Syndorell and take the Udan Forest (Elven Citadel) portal. Then re-enter the Magic Circle and take Tarkins Belongings to Counselor Sanders in his room just off the Audience Chamber.

You receive 1 x Tarkins Belongings Sanders scribbles on a bit of parchment. As the door closes behind you he looks up, 'Ah, Warrior. How is the Bloodstone coming on, did you find anything useful in the Udan Forest?'

You place Tarkins Belongings on Sanders desk.

Sanders looks at the backpack and staff, then back at you. The Staff rolls off the backpack and is about to fall onto the floor when Sanders reaches out and catches it. He holds the staff in his hand, 'I've never seen Tarkin without her staff. She... did not make it?'

The memory of her death scream as the ice encased Tarkin comes crashing back and you almost choke on your words as you say, 'Tarkin has made it alright, she figured out how to re-set the Bloodstone. But Lindarsil demanded a terrible price. She has been transformed into a Skeletal Ice Mage and now wanders the Snow Forest feeding the Bloodstone. But the Realms are safe because of her sacrifice.'

Sanders takes a sharp intake of breath, 'Tarkin... she's been turned into a zombie!' He goes pale and sits back in his chair. 'I never meant for anything bad to happen to her. But it is good that you managed to re-set the Bloodstone.' He leans forward, 'So how did you do it?' You see an ugly hunger for power in Sanders face and have to fight the urge to punch him. With bitterness you say, 'Tarkin bargained with the goddess Lindarsil and it cost her an eternity of service as a zombie to re-set the Bloodstone. Also the process was... torturous. But the details of how it was done is only known to Tarkin.' You remember that the original Magic Circle had help from Moon Elves and their magical lore rooted in the earth, along with sacrificing an whole Kingdom as well as entire order of their own Mages. They had struck a bargain with Lindarsil to protect the Realms. Such a terrible cost had been paid for selfish world. But what else could be done, the rift had to be closed.

Sanders sighs deeply, 'That's a shame that the knowledge has been lost. But maybe that's not the point. The lesson we should learn from this is to take better care of the Bloodstone we have, so another one doesn�t have to be made.' He then puts his head in his hands, 'Such a shame about Alchemist Tarkin, we will miss her. The standard reading for Alchemy in the Academy is basically her work. I'll have to think about how to remember her as well as her crowning achievement of building another Bloodstone. Who else could figure that out?' He looks up at you, 'But, we have you to thank for this as well as Tarkin.' Sanders scribes on a piece of parchment and hands it to you, 'Take this, I hope you do not think too badly of us Warrior. Sometimes one has to do unpleasant things for the benefit of others. Maybe this will bring some good out of it all.'

Sanders then picks up a scroll, 'I have also received an odd message from the Cathedral of Ways concerning a strange Rune.' He looks up at you, 'The message mentions a Warrior has been dispatched, I don't supposed you know anything about this?' You nod and Sanders stands slowly, 'Well, you had best come with me then. I am to meet Vinthorp to discuss the matter. Meet me in the Chamber of Vinthorp, let's pray we can clear this up quickly!' With that Sanders rises from his squeaky chair and stalks out the room.

Meet Sanders in the Chamber of Vinthorp, just off the audience Chamber

You receive 1 x Amulet of Tarkin Recipe, +650 Current Stamina, +50 Max Stamina and +1 Stamina Gain.

.

..

...

Sitting on an ornate throne within cold, lightness halls, an Elven Sorceress gasps for breath. Tears stream down her flawless face and from the darkness a Dwarf steps in for the kill. With a casual flick of her left wrist the Assassin is consumed in flame.

The Sorceress stands unsteadily, a Moon Elf comes to her aid at once. In a frail voice the Sorceress whispers, 'The vessel of my Wisdom is shattered. I have lost so much of myself but the curse is lifted and I can finally have my revenge on the Magic Circle.' She looks down at the astonished Elf by her side, 'Although I am very much reduced, I am invigorated with this new found focus. But first I must tidy up my house. Lets go kill these irritating Dwarfs.' The Moon Elf smiles and bows, 'Together my Lady.'

They both walk into the darkness, it is not long before the screams start to echo through the cold, stone corridors... Congratulations! You have reached the end of this Epic Quest arc. The next arc will pick up where we leave off here in a future release! Stage 34 Minimum Level: 30 Location:Magic Circle (Sanders Chamber) (2, 2) Required Item: Tarkins Belongings Required Kills: None

Sanders scribbles on a bit of parchment. As the door closes behind you he looks up, 'Ah, Warrior. How is the Bloodstone coming on, did you find anything useful in the Udan Forest?' You place Tarkins Belongings on Sanders desk.

Sanders looks at the backpack and staff, then back at you. The Staff rolls off the backpack and is about to fall onto the floor when Sanders reaches out and catches it. He holds the staff in his hand, 'I've never seen Tarkin without her staff. She... did not make it?'

The memory of her death scream as the ice encased Tarkin comes crashing back and you almost choke on your words as you say, 'Tarkin has made it alright, she figured out how to re-set the Bloodstone. But Lindarsil demanded a terrible price. She has been transformed into a Skeletal Ice Mage and now wanders the Snow Forest feeding the Bloodstone. But the Realms are safe because of her sacrifice.'

Sanders takes a sharp intake of breath, 'Tarkin... she's been turned into a zombie!' He goes pale and sits back in his chair. 'I never meant for anything bad to happen to her. But it is good that you managed to re-set the Bloodstone.' He leans forward, 'So how did you do it?' You see an ugly hunger for power in Sanders face and have to fight the urge to punch him. With bitterness you say, 'Tarkin bargained with the goddess Lindarsil and it cost her an eternity of service as a zombie to re-set the Bloodstone. Also the process was... torturous. But the details of how it was done is only known to Tarkin.' You remember that the original Magic Circle had help from Moon Elves and their magical lore rooted in the earth, along with sacrificing an whole Kingdom as well as entire order of their own Mages. They had struck a bargain with Lindarsil to protect the Realms. Such a terrible cost had been paid for selfish world. But what else could be done, the rift had to be closed.

Sanders sighs deeply, 'That's a shame that the knowledge has been lost. But maybe that's not the point. The lesson we should learn from this is to take better care of the Bloodstone we have, so another one doesnt have to be made.' He then puts his head in his hands, 'Such a shame about Alchemist Tarkin, we will miss her. The standard reading for Alchemy in the Academy is basically her work. I'll have to think about how to remember her as well as her crowning achievement of building another Bloodstone. Who else could figure that out?' He looks up at you, 'But, we have you to thank for this as well as Tarkin.' Sanders scribes on a piece of parchment and hands it to you, 'Take this, I hope you do not think too badly of us Warrior. Sometimes one has to do unpleasant things for the benefit of others. Maybe this will bring some good out of it all.'

Sanders then picks up a scroll, 'I have also received an odd message from the Cathedral of Ways concerning a strange Rune.' He looks up at you, 'The message mentions a Warrior has been dispatched, I don't supposed you know anything about this?' You nod and Sanders stands slowly, 'Well, you had best come with me then. I am to meet Vinthorp to discuss the matter. Meet me in the Chamber of Vinthorp, let's pray we can clear this up quickly!' With that Sanders rises from his squeaky chair and stalks out the room.

Meet Sanders in the Chamber of Vinthorp, just off the audience Chamber

You receive 1 x Amulet of Tarkin Recipe, +650 Current Stamina, +50 Max Stamina and +1 Stamina Gain.

.

..

...

Sitting on an ornate throne within cold, lightness halls, an Elven Sorceress gasps for breath. Tears stream down her flawless face and from the darkness a Dwarf steps in for the kill. With a casual flick of her left wrist the Assassin is consumed in flame.

The Sorceress stands unsteadily, a Moon Elf comes to her aid at once. In a frail voice the Sorceress whispers, 'The vessel of my Wisdom is shattered. I have lost so much of myself but the curse is lifted and I can finally have my revenge on the Magic Circle.' She looks down at the astonished Elf by her side, 'Although I am very much reduced, I am invigorated with this new found focus. But first I must tidy up my house. Lets go kill these irritating Dwarfs.' The Moon Elf smiles and bows, 'Together my Lady.'

They both walk into the darkness, it is not long before the screams start to echo through the cold, stone corridors... Congratulations! You have reached the end of this Epic Quest arc. The next arc will pick up where we leave off here in a future release!