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Sword of Sacrafice Articles
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| Information Sought on Mysterious
Sword |
 Here
are three accounts of a mysterious sword that was recovered
in our realm. As with all mysteries, there are many questions
that go unanswered.
Hail,
Two warriors, Billy Bob and Dante of Inferno, brought
me the most fascinating sword, tonight. Though not magical,
it was made of some metal I have never seen before! The
blade seemed fairly ordinary, and only my vast knowledge
of arms lore could tell me that is was of exquisite quality.
If anyone can tell me where to find more blades like this,
please let me know. The warrior I sold it to paid me much
more than I purchased it for.
William the smith
And yet another account:
I was fighting in Trinsic tonight alongside my fellow
warriors, when all of a sudden, this paladin named Krannen
emerged from the Paladin's Hall. He said that he had found
an old artifact while searching through the Hall's storage
chambers, and that it wasn't safe there with the invasion
going on. He begged for a gate to Vesper, but the best I
could do was my house by the shrine of sacrifice. After
he stepped through the gate, I though "Hmmm... an ancient
artifact...", and followed him. I thought to kill him, and
take the thing for myself. Alright, so I'm a greedy fool...
tell me you wouldn't have similar thoughts!
But I wasn't the only one thinking that way. A second
gate stood near mine, and out of it came several murderous
mages, and a host of bandits. I died quickly, paying for
my treachery. Krannen managed to run by his attackers, and
made it to the shrine. He then stopped, and faced them.
He drew a sword, and before my eyes, the sword began to
glow orange... I watched in awe as he struck down every
brigand as they approached him. In moments, the battle was
over, and the ground was littered with corpses. Krannen's
wounds must have been tainted by poison, for a moment later,
he fell lifeless.
I rushed to the shrine to get resurrected, but the sword
was gone from Krannen's hand. I never saw anyone there to
take it...
I just hope a weapon like that doesn't fall into the hands
of evil. Or get sold on E-Bay.
Raistlin
And this from Berilias...
Hail! Last night, the town cryers told us of a strange
spirit that had been spotted near Vesper. A friend and I hightailed
it over there, and found the ghost we sought - it hovered
amongst a group of adventurers that were quickly becoming
frustrated with it. Every time they would attempt to resurrect
it, it would move away to the south, and it would not speak,
even to answer their questions. After most of the crowd grew
frustrated with this 'stupid newbie', as they refered to it,
someone wondered if it was trying to get us to follow it.
A few of us did, and it led us deep into the woods, towards
the Shrine of Sacrifice.
We were immediately attacked by a waiting group of bandits,
led by some powerful magic users. I fear that my sword arm
was too weak, and I was driven off.
I heard later that a couple of the others survived, and
were given a talisman by the shrine, itself. The talisman
was a sword of rather exceptional quality, and I heard that
it was sold back in Vesper to a smith named William.
I am curious as to a few things... Who was the ghost?
Why were the bandits waiting at the shrine? I assume they
sought the sword, but I heard it was nothing special...
Can anyone add more to this?
Berilias
It is moments like this when a nice dose of fact would do us
all well. What became of the paladin named Krannen? Where is
this sword now? I can only guess that the paladins must be unhappy
with the loss, is there a possiblity of recovery? So many questions!
If anyone has more information, please do not hesitate to contact
your Atlantic Shard news team here at UOSS. Until then, fare
thee well! |
| Lord Hiram Slain, Sword of
Sacrifice Still Missing |
Hail,
I received a pigeon tonight telling me that Greg Ironhand
had been able to confront Lord Hiram. The noble and a companion
had been spotted in a Vesper tavern, but he still refused
to give up the sword we've been seeking. When he left the
tavern, he quickly managed to lose his pursuers in the streets
of the city. A great number of people showed up to help
comb the city.
My guildmate Raistlin and I checked the road north of
town, the area between Minoc and Vesper, and finally the
road towards Britain when I spotted him in the distance
(thank the gods for incoming names!). We tried to catch
up to him, but he was too fast!
When we finally did, it was because he had been surrounded
by about four dozen attackers - brigands and mages, from
the looks of it. Raistlin rushed in to help, and died almost
immediately. I was much more lucky, and managed to get a
good look at Hiram and the sword he was carrying. It was
bright orange, and called 'a sword of sacrifice'. I lost
consciencenous shortly thereafter. When I came back, I was
dead, but so were all of the attackers and Lord Hiram! By
the time I got resurrected, all of Hiram's possessions were
gone. I did see his companion, Volthorp, running back towards
Vesper. Maybe he recovered the blade.
Well, at least we are rid of that obnoxious brat, Hiram...
Breiswight of Cove
Thankye, Breiswight, for this information. |
| Ancient Wyrm Holds the Key to
the Sword |
| These
are a series of reports concerning a new found creature that
has been popping up around towns for awhile now. The fabled
ancient wyrm has had many eye witness reports done about it...here
are the ones we have compiled thus far-
Late Tuesday night, I was sitting in the Wandering
Wisp Tavern, just chatting with a few guildmates, when I suddenly
thought I was dreaming...
But, no, the others had seen it too...
We all ran out of the Wisp quickly to have a better look.
After a few minutes we found the apparent vision again,
sitting on the ground and surrounded by a herd of cows,
just to the west of the tavern.
This vision we realized was indeed a quite real ancient
wyrm and a bright red one at that. As we approached the
wyrm, we saw him kill one of the cows and tear flesh from
the carcass. The wyrm then growled deeply.
Breti, Knight of KOS, had the courage to greet the wyrm
and ask him if he could speak. The wyrm replied, "Much better
than you, little one...."
We asked the wyrm a number of questions. Invariably, the
wyrm turned the conversation back to the subject of his
hunger....
"What are you, little one? Do you taste good?"
*sniffs* *points at those without armor* "Less work...
easier meal"
"Bring me food... now!"
One of our company, Thoma Valient, sacrificed his horse
to feed the wyrm.
When asked why he had come to Elysium, our town, the wyrm
only replied with questions: "Elysium, is that what you
call this place...? Why did you build a town on my hunting
grounds?"
Perhaps the wyrm will return one day. I think we should
stock up on raw ribs, just in case.
-Gwendolyn, Knight
Knights of Sosaria
I twas on my way back to my home after a quick trip to the
bank in town, When what did I see but an Ancient Wyrm standing
in the field just east of my humble home. It didn't seem that
interested in me or many of the other adventurers that were
passing by, though it did have a slight interest in their
mounts. It hung around for a few moments chatting up the local
hunters and attacking the wildlife then as fast as it appeared
it twas gone. Tis strange why this Wyrm keeps poping up all
over the land, is it possibley lost, seeking a home, or simply
in need of company? Hopefully it will manifest again soon
and answer some of these questions!
~DukeArcher
It would seem, after several small skirmishes with pirates
and thieves alike, that the sword of Sacrifice has fallen
into the hands (or claws rather) of a great and ancient
red wyrm. This creature holds the item hidden deep in its
treasures, guarded by traps of the most deadly kind. This
old creatures of times long past wishes an exchange of that
item, and did not seem very caring of who it traded with.
However, it did give specific instructions as to what it
did wish; an item as equally rare ifin nay amusing to it.
Now, know it true I donna know what such creatures find
amusing, that tis for the Gangrel… but do know that it would
prove a great asset ifin we can obtain this blade. It would
be best to perhaps to come across those holding knowledge
in our realm of rare items… Nystul… Gregory Ironhand… that
ilk. Interrogation or a friendly chat, each serves its own
purpose… but find what that creature wishes…
Also… the blade is NOT surrounded by a mystic glow… so
it can be wielded by undead and mortals alike, despite popular
belief…
As well, the barer must pay for that victory in which
it will fairly bestow apon them with nay their life… but
mayhap as well, but twas said their soul… we shall see more
of that methinks.
-Shardak Mardas-
Most interesting developments as of late. We'll see how this
all pans out and report to you the latest news. |
| Dragon's Dung and Sacrifice |
| Torum
Firestar made an interesting discovery outside the dungeon of
Destard. There is much more to this story friends, read on for
the details.
I was walking around the world, as I do when I get
bored and I stumbled across this just a little ways away from
the entrance to destard and thought it was strange so I thought
I would send it in. I went into destard but didn't find anything
else. I guess a dragon killed him or something.
-Torum Firestar
Now this find would be interesting in itself, but as with
most things in our realm, there is a story behind it. The
tale begins with a young paladin in Trinsic. While searching
through some old relics, this paladin came across a powerful
sword. Realizing its power, he sought to take it to the shrine
of Sacrifice for safe keeping. But tales of the find leaked
out beyond the Paladin's order, and evil men were waiting
for him upon his arrival. He managed, with the aid of the
sword, to defeat them, but alas, he lost his life doing so.
Now, it is said that the shrine took the sword into its safekeeping
and was waiting for the right time to act. The history of
events tells that the shrine instructed the lost spirit of
the paladin to bring adventurers to its sacred grounds, so
that the sword may be returned to the world of men.
It is then that a ghost appeared on the bridge north of
Vesper. Never saying a word and seemingly unable to be resurrected,
he always stayed a few steps away from any one who would approach.
He wordlessly lured those around him to follow to the Shrine
of Sacrifice, occasionally blinking in and out of sight. The
adventurers that followed defeated a group of bandits that
had come seeking the sword. If that were not fascinating enough,
they were then addressed by the shrine itself!
"Take this talisman...Seek out William the smith, in Vesper...
Give it into his care, and you shall be rewarded...May the
path of Sacrifice guide you..."
The adventurers then travelled to the Ironworks in Vesper,
where William the Smith purchased the weapon for 2000 gold
pieces. Rumor of the sword reached Gregory Ironhand, Guildmaster
of the Moonglow Tinker's Guild.
At his request, those present sought out Lord Hiram to claim
the artifact. They met Hiram and his noble companion, Valthorp.
They found them to be two very obnoxious spoiled rich boys.
In the end, they ended up trying to kill Hiram in town, and
Hiram escaped with the sword. The two nobles were seen a second
time. This time, the players managed to find them and Gregory
at the same time. At this point, Gregory examined the sword
and determined that it was indeed the Sword of Sacrifice.
But then, the nobles escaped. Adventurers searched desperately
for them throughout the night. But the nobles had fled north
and along the way were ambushed by bandits. The sword was
then used by Hiram, killing him in the process. Seeing his
fallen friend, Valthorp took the sword and ran to Vesper.
En route to Vesper, Valthorp was ambushed by more bandits,
yet this time the sword was taken. Valthorp was found later
moping about the Vesper tavern, mourning the loss of his friend
and pointing players to Buc's den for the Sword of Sacrifice.
A large party of adventurers headed to Buc's Den to seek the
sword. There, they were attacked by Thieve's guild brigands,
and met a rogue who for a bribe, would tell them the information
they needed.
It was discovered that the sword was being stored in the
thieves hall, and was being smuggled off the island the following
Friday on a supply ship. The players were then attacked by
red cloaked assassins, warriors that reputedly appear, attack,
and disappear just as quickly...
A large party of adventurers headed to the island, and intercepted
the assassins and their cargo. Among the cargo captured was
a crate of swords. Gregory was able to pick out the right
one. It is then that a thief by the name of Breiswight stole
the sword, eluding those who pursued him.
The thief obviously met his demise outside of the dungeon
Destard, (as shown in the rendering submitted by Torum Firestar)
and the evidence would suggest that it was at the hands...or
claws...of a dragon. About this time, an ancient red wyrm
began to make appearances throughout the realm. It was later
discovered that this same ancient wyrm was in posession of
the Sword of Sacrifice. Deduction suggests that the dragon
responsible for the untimely end of the thief Breiswight is
indeed this ancient wyrm.
There are many questions, that much is certain. Recent accounts
tell of the ancient wyrm being attacked by this mysterious
band of red cloaked assassins. Who are these assassins, and
who is behind their involvment in these events? The sword
itself is sought by many different organizations within the
realm. The ancient wyrm does indeed posses this sword and
it is suggested that the wyrm wishes to trade the sword for
something of import. What that trade is, or what it would
define as important is not yet clear.
This Sword of Sacrifice is deadly powerful weapon. A relic
once belonging to the Paladins of Trinsic, we know that it
can kill man or beast in one blow...but with one caveat. Upon
using the sword, the wielder will lose their life as well.
I shudder to think of the ramifications should this sword
fall into the wrong hands. I look forward to your thoughts
friends.
Yours in the light, |
| Shadow and Substance |
What would you say if I told you there was a device...that
could cross dimensions and force material to be created, practically
out of thin air? You would say that ol' GreyPawn is off his
rocker, some of you already do, but that's besides the point.
Recent events in Moonglow have shown that there does indeed
exist such a device. Let me relay to you a short tale of how
this thing came about to be and the events surrounding it.
There is an ancient wyrm. Her name, is Lady Liane when
she is in human form, which she takes on merely to oblige
the social graces afforded such. This ancient wyrm came
into possession of The Sword of Sacrifice via a snivveling
thief who was subsequently charred and dismembered. The
Sword of Sacrifice, I will remind you, has power great enough
to vanquish any single foe, with the cost being the wielder's
life. Forces of Light and Forces of Darkness have attempted
to woo this ancient wyrm to trade for it, or offer other
services to no avail. Thus far all these have gone futile.
The ancient wyrm seeks something of such grand entertainment
to itself, that it would be willing to trade the sword in
return.
Gregory Ironhand, Grandmaster Tinker and retired guildmaster
of the Tinker's Guild in Moonglow, knows this, and has quested
for the sword alongside us, with great zeal. Gregory recently
informed us that he was working on a project of quite a
bit of interest. A contraption, a device, he told us, was
being worked on at the Illusionist's Guild in Moonglow.
He could tell us very little because even he wasn't at that
time privy to the information the Guild chose to keep from
him. Intrigued, we visited the Illusionist's Guild several
times, to find nothing but scattered papers and the usual
mages selling their wares.
Awhile later, Lady Liane, the ancient wyrm, came to visit
Moonglow. She had heard word of this device that was being
worked upon and took great care to let us know she was indeed
interested. We walked, most of the way, to the Illusionist's
Guild, along with Lady Liane, who refused to enter the building
herself when we arrived. "Something is going on in there.
Those mages are up to something..." was her comment before
departing. About half a week later, frantic reports streamed
in from a great number of people, screaming "Shadow creatures
are attacking Moonglow! Send help immediately!!!" Needless
to say, I was on the spot-post haste.
The creatures...appeared to take the shape of normal everyday
monsters we fight in the land of Britannia, but with two
great differences. They looked like pure and total shadow,
and for shadow, they were severely strong. Where an ettin
normally would have taken a minute or so to dispatch, the
shadow ettins took neigh on a quarter of an hour each. The
land near the Illusionist's guild was scattered with the
massive and powerful shadow creatures, among them shadow
orcs, ettins, trolls, ogres, and the worst of all, shadow
elementals. To relay to you the horror of the difficulty
in besting these creatures, I can only refer you to what
you know. Imagine if one of the "a rotting corpse" creatures
from the invasion of Trinsic had a baby with an Ice Fiend
and it was very mad. That being said, I thank the Virtues
for the bard that was on the scene, without which the night
would have never ended.
Two shadow creatures remained on the field, and Gregory
Ironhand arrived on the scene. He appeared to be most troubled
by what he saw, and after seeing the last two dispatched,
he started towards the interior of the Illusionist's guildhall
and took the teleporter up to the rooftop, with us in tow.
A snivveling little mage named Dastryl peered out over the
balcony at the carnage and smirked. Gregory at once struck
up a conversation with him, asking him why this had happened,
and where they had taken the lantern. "Lantern?" was the
resounding question posed by both myself and Thoma Valient
at the same instant. Gregory went on to explain that the
device he had been working on was a lantern that could control
the indwelling forces of the dimension of shadows, and their
creatures. The Illusionist's Guild elder mages, it had seemed,
had taken advantage of the project before completion, and
utilized the lantern. That was the cause of the shadow creatures...
He continued on to explain in some detail, how a flame
of shadows was the beginning source of the entrance to the
shadow realm from which these creatures spawned, and the
lantern was to be created to control the flame existing
externally from it. The snide little mage dismissed himself,
and Gregory and the rest of the coateree proceeded to hypothesis
what such an object could do. If it could summon forth shadow,
and turn it into substance, than it would be capable of
creating anything one wished for or desired. Constructed
of exotic ore from Fire Island, this lantern had been lit
prematurely, and released hordes of shadow creatures on
the land near its lighting as a cause.
Today, it happened again.
I was summoned on the scene by a frantic missive from
a friend, who was screaming that there were shadows attacking
him and the townspeople. Knowing where they were coming
from I head to the Illusionist's Guild just in time to see
a gout of shadow elementals burst upwards towards my face.
The battle was harsh, and lasted a good two hours. Shadow
elementals this time, came, along with thier orcs, ettins,
and lesser creatures, with Shadow Deamons. As the battle
waged on, more and more townsfolk joined in, peoples from
all around Britannia rushed to Moonglow's aid under this
attack of shadow. The Order of the Ebon Skull and the Cult
of Infernal Necromancy were even on the scene, taking up
swords, obviously understanding that the powers of creation
twisted into this form of shadow, is nay beneficial to either
side, Light or Dark.
At the peak of the battle, Xerot the Black, an illusionist
in a dark blue robe, strode up from the south road, carrying
the lantern and smirking. He mentioned several times that
what he saw, did indeed please him deeply, although it "needed
work". The battle still raged, and the mage watched on in
pleasure, noting the power and strength of the shadow beings
as they were dispatched. The lantern, hued dark and apparently
forged of a blackish metal, glowed dim as the last shadow
deamon was laid low. The mage, ignoring most of the inquiries
being volleyed at him, examined the device closer, and became
somewhat saddened. The lantern had gone out...and Xerot,
after exchanging some words with a few of the undead whom
were present, fled to an unknown location to relight the
lantern from the shadow flame.
One can only surmise that there will be more horrors to
come shortly from the realm of shadow....and no one truly
knows the intentions of the Illusionist's Guild Elders or
this mysterious Xerot the Black. We will watch, and we will
wait for more signs or clues, and faithfully report them
to you as they become available. Till then...Walk in Honest
Light.
Sincerely,
Your Humble Servant,
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Stratics Central
