Times Foretold

Beneath the grand city of Tildruin is a great evil, over the last millennia, since the end of the last Race War, it has been slowly escaping. It has nearly escaped completely. When it has, it will be too powerful to stop it, it will destroy every creature on the planet. That time has nearly come. In it's weakened state a group must rise up and strike it while they can. The creature was sealed under Tildruin by and unknown race with immense power. A large door, also sealed with magic, was formed with several locks. These locks can only be unlocked by the 'Gifts' .At the end of the last Race War, sets of 'Gifts' were formed, a set for each race, only a member of that race can wear the 'Gifts' without suffering severe pain. The evil has been sealed in a bubble of magic, but is still managing to escape, only those wearing the gifts can strike the first blow on the evil. After that, the entire the group must fight together to defeat it.

The gifts are as follows:

To the Elves were given a bow of solid gold and a robe woven from gold.

Granted to the Dwarves a stone of axe and a suit of perfect armour.

The Trolls receive the legendary 'Skull' club and the skin of a Griffon

A staff of earth and a Yew wand the Halflings did get.

Humans are given the legendary long sword 'Protector' and a book of every spell conveived.

To the Orcs were given a helmet of protection and the Polearm of Narrgh Arukhnar, an Orcish King.

There is a great evil lurking beneath the fair, innocent city of Tildruin. Now it is up to a group of the most unlikliest people to save the world as it is known. Scattered across the face of the world lie gifts for each main race. Now they need to be brought together and the wearers, along with everyone else joining in, will fight this grand evil, and vanquish it, or be thrust into a perilous world of pain and suffering.

Full Log

<Kamrock> Ahh, Customers or friends?

Shandor takes a few steps towards the smithy

<Shandor> Friends, greetings again Kamrock

<Mihwen> Once again we met Master Kamrock

<Kamrock> My friend, not often enough

<Derwin> What are ye working on this fine day?

<Kamrock> Nothing much, a few pieces of armour, for myself

<Shandor> Aye, and you'll be needing them

<Kamrock> What brings you this way? Another quest?

<Shandor> A quest alright, one ye'll probably not believe

<Kamrock> Ahh, really?

<Kamrock> I'll get the Ale and the seats out then

<Shandor> Thank you.

<Mihwen> I would be needing one of those great knives...

<Dytalorie> You wouldn't mind crafting me a sword, would you? Last one rusted and I left it home.

<Mihwen> the one I got did disappear *smiling innocently*

<Shandor> Now, ladies and gentle-dwarves, takes seats and we will drink before discussing business

<Derwin> You're a kind host, Kamrock.

Kamrock places out five seats around an Obsidian table and places five tankards full of ale before them.

<Shandor> I see you have your new Obsidian table, old friend.

<Kamrock> Ahh, yes, your Dwarven friend will have trouble breaking this one

<Shandor> Don't tempt Thor.

Shandor smiles

Derwin chuckles.

Dytalorie grabs a seat.

Derwin places his delicate dwarven hind end on one of the seats, and lustily eyes the ale.

<Mihwen> it really suites the room

Kamrock sits and sips his ale

Mihwen shakes her head..

<Shandor> Now, first we shall hear orders for blades, Mihwen, Dytalorien?

<Dytalorie> A long curved sabre with a simple ironwood hilt, please.

Kamrock nods

<Dytalorie> Your order, Mihwen?

<Mihwen> Master Kamrock knows what I need..

<Kamrock> Derwin will you be needing a weapon?

Derwin pets the axe at his side.

<Derwin> No, thank ye.

<Derwin> I always come prepared.

Dytalorie makes a mental note to get lessons from Derwin on preparation for quests.

<Kamrock> Shandor, you will have my sword again?

<Shandor> I would be honoured.

<Kamrock> So then, please explain, what ludicrous quest have you for us?

<Shandor> Ahh, gather round...

Mihwen wonders for her self who forgot to take a bath for the last 10 years..

Dytalorie perks up and listens a bit more intently.

Derwin places his mug down and leans in.

<Mihwen> sing out old friend..

<Shandor> At the end of the final Race War gifts were forged for each of the fighters, Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, Orcs and Trolls.

<Shandor> The gifts ranged from wizard's robes to bows of solid gold.

<Shandor> Only one set were made of each, and over time they have faded into myth and legend.

Dytalorie rolls his eyes as there's always something with gold.

<Mihwen> I’ve heard this story...

Derwin strokes his beard, lost in thought.

<Mihwen> and so has all little children.

<Shandor> Now, however, great scholars have unravelled information to the whereabouts of a great, great evil.

Dytalorie muses as he's never heard the tale.

<Kamrock> an Evil, ahh for the last one, he was a trouble

<Mihwen> now you’ve got my full attention old friend

<Shandor> Only the gifts, brought together, can defeat this evil. And only a worthy member from the race they were given to could wear them

<Shandor> These scholars have found the location of the gifts, there are scattered throughout the world.

<Derwin> This could be a problem...

<Shandor> But the Evil has stayed near all along.

<Shandor> At this very moment, as with sup ale, the evil lies buried underneath this fine city of Tildruin

Dytalorie ponders.

Mihwen looks around her shoulder

<Shandor> We cannot approach the chamber without the gifts, as they unlock the doors to the chamber.

<Shandor> Those who gave the gifts, believed to be Grand Nanjarii, said that only by coming together could the races defeat the evil.

<Shandor> The races ignored this and went their separate ways, and this event could cost everyone here their lives

<Kamrock> Ahh, It wouldn't be a quest if it wasn't a trouble

<Derwin> Shandor, if I may, I have a small question.

<Shandor> Of course Derwin.

<Derwin> Looking about this table, I have no doubt that there are fine examples among us...

<Derwin> But the Orcs and the Trolls?

<Dytalorie> Not to mention halflings...

<Shandor> I intend to rally people in this fair city, anybody, hopefully we will get at least one Orc, Troll and Halfling

<Derwin> I only wonder what items were crafted for them...

<Derwin> A golden dinner plate for the halflings, I imagine.

<Dytalorie> If we cannot?

<Shandor> We must try Dytalorien, we must, surely the people will not ignore the call.

<Dytalorie> Ah, call me cynical, but I've little faith in all but myself.

<Shandor> Dytalorien, if everyone is like that, it could be the downfall of Tildruin.

<Dytalorie> And there lies our peril...

Shandor opens his back pack and removes several tatty scrolls, he passes them to Kamrock.

<Shandor> I believe that is Dwarven, it reveals what the gifts were

<Shandor> If you would be so kind

<Kamrock> Ahh, it is an ancient local tongue

<Kamrock> I can pick a few runes, but they really aren't of any language I have studied

<Kamrock> Maybe Derwin would have a better time with it

Derwin looks up suddenly.

Kamrock gives the scrolls to Derwin

Derwin holds a scroll close to his face, then reverses it.

<Derwin> For all I know, I could be reading it upside down...I'm afraid I can't make heads or tails of it.

<Shandor> Perhaps Thor could help, I implore you to wait here a moment.

<Kamrock> Pass them back, I have a feeling

Derwin passes the scrolls to Kamrock.

Kamrock stands up and walks to a window

Shandor waits to see what Kamrock can read before fetching Thor

<Kamrock> Ahh, these are not ordinary, it seems they are runes of the day

<Kamrock> I can make out most of it, this is Anglerian Dwarven

<Derwin> Thank Darnum!

<Shandor> If you will, Kamrock.

<Kamrock> An axe of stone, a suit of perfect armour, the gifts to the Dwarves

<Shandor> An axe of Stone? that does not surprise me.

<Kamrock> A robe weaved from Gold, and a Solid golden magic bow, the gift to the Elves

<Shandor> Golden Bow?!

<Kamrock> To the Trolls, the legendary 'Skull' club and the skin of a Griffon

<Shandor> I've never heard of a Griffon being skinned.

Derwin raises an eyebrow.

<Kamrock> I suppose that is why it is a gift?

<Shandor> Perhaps, although I have my doubts that a Nanjarii would slay such a beautiful creature.

<Derwin> I suppose that means somewhere there is a nude griffon...how unfortunate...

<Kamrock> a Yew wand and a staff of earth, held together by magic, for the Halflings

<Kamrock> For the Humans, The legendary long sword, 'Protector'

<Kamrock> and a book of every spell ever conceived

<Derwin> I very useful gift indeed, but it's no axe of stone.

Derwin smiles.

Shandor chuckles

<Shandor> Derwin, do not underestimate the power of magic.

<Mihwen> magic...

<Kamrock> A helmet of ultimate protection and the Polearm of Narrgh Arukhnar, the Orcish King

<Derwin> Believe me, I too know of the power of magic.

<Kamrock> the rest of the scroll is burned slightly, I cannot make it out

<Derwin> So there we have it. The gifts to save us all.

<Shandor> That, I believe, is all of them.

<Mihwen> Shandor, do you got any idea where these items are hidden?

<Shandor> Yes, one moment.

Shandor begins rummaging through his backpack. He takes out three scrolls, two are maps and one has ancient text.

Dytalorie swats at a buzzing fly, and misses.

<Mihwen> may I see the map Shandor?

<Shandor> Of course.

Shandor passes the maps and text to Mihwen.

<Mihwen> this looks like some ancient human writing

Mihwen lays the map on the table.. anyone of you who have travelled here?

<Dytalorie> Let me take look, I've traversed many a mile.

Dytalorie approaches the map, and gazes.

<Mihwen> never been there, and I travelled a lot with my father when he was younger

<Dytalorie> Hmm...the area seems familiar enough though I can't recall perfectly.

<Mihwen> anyone wants some more ale?

<Shandor> Yes, please, Mihwen.

Dytalorie waves away the offer, as he does not drink.

<Derwin> I would love some ale, if you wouldn't mind.

Mihwen stands up and fetches some more ale for the thirsty men

<Mihwen> here you are..

<Shandor> Mihwen, would you pass me the text scroll please?

<Kamrock> Now to look at the Map

Shandor stands over the map. He looks at the area marked Til'Druin

<Shandor> There is something there.

<Kamrock> Ahh, I know some of this land

Shandor touches the city on the map. Several Elven letters form.

<Shandor> By the spirits....

<Derwin> How curious.

<Shandor> It translates into 'Draygon.' An old name for a Dragon.

Kamrock whispers to Derwin, 'What do they mean?'

Dytalorie blinks.

Mihwen watches the lovey elven writing

Derwin whispers back, "I imagine dragon."

Dytalorie chuckles.

Derwin smiles slyly at Kamrock.

<Shandor> You seem to be taking this rather lightly.

<Kamrock> lightly yes

<Dytalorie> Who? Me?

<Kamrock> I apologize but it seems a little out of proportion

Mihwen smiles maybe an ale or two too much

<Kamrock> This map,

<Kamrock> I know a lot of the lands here.

<Shandor> So?

<Mihwen> yes.. but the land have changed..

<Mihwen> my father might have some newer maps at home

<Mihwen> shall I get them?

<Dytalorie> Couldn't persuade you to just bring your father, could I?

<Kamrock> much, but this land here, AngleRia, the land I was born in.

<Shandor> If you would, if we used them both we could better map out the locations

<Shandor> Kamrock, would you kindly get to the point, there is a dragon underneath Tildruin!

<Mihwen> I’m sorry Dytalorie, he's too old..

<Shandor> Apologize not Mihwen, the maps will help us tenfold.

Mihwen stands up and goes to the door and talks with a little boy standingoutside..

<Dytalorie> Oh, excuse me then. He would've been of great help with his knowledge.

<Kamrock> Yes, I will be able to point you the way to this land, but it is out to sea

<Shandor> Out to sea?

Mihwen comes back to the table.. they will be here soon

<Shandor> across the ocean of pereinnity?

<Kamrock> Well, whatever you call it, Aye the Ocean

<Derwin> There wouldn't be a way by land, would there...the Ocean and myself don't often agree.

<Mihwen> I hope you gentle men knows how to swim..

<Kamrock> There is no way by land

<Shandor> I have friends with ships, fear not.

<Dytalorie> Did I mention I'm a bit 'fraid of water..

<Dytalorie> And have a terrible aversion to boats..

<Shandor> If it makes you feel better we could send you of to the Trolls to fetch their gifts alone, Dytalorien

<Mihwen> don't worry Dytalorie, those thing can be cured

<Kamrock> There is of course, a large Serpent in those waters, there

Kamrock points to the map

<Kamrock> we will have to pass that point

<Shandor> Aye, I have had two bouts with that beast, I can help kill it.

<Dytalorie> Hmm, As long as I'm away from that liquid, I'll be happy.

<Derwin> Well, of course there's a large serpent. Wouldn't be a proper Ocean of Death, without it.

<Shandor> What if you are in the belly of a Troll, will you be happy there?

<Kamrock> Dytalorien, you can't go alone to the Trolls

<Shandor> 'Of Death?

<Derwin> Whatever you call it, that's what it amounts to.

Mihwen notice the little boy at the door..

<Dytalorie> Seeing as I'll be chewed up. I wouldn't really care, or rather it really wouldn't matter.

<Mihwen> oh, the maps are here.

<Kamrock> You must come with us, it is not a short trip,

<Dytalorie> And therein lies my woe..

<Mihwen> here they are..

<Dytalorie> Oh well, let's look at Mihwen's maps.

Mihwen puts maps on the table

<Shandor> Dytalorien, I'm sure Nezai, Kamrocks Potionist, can whip something up for you.

Dytalorie spreads them so all can see.

<Dytalorie> Aye, then that'll be appreciated.

<Kamrock> Aye, I can have you sedated for the journey?

<Derwin> It would be best not to sedate him too much.

<Dytalorie> As long as you all promise not to draw on my face while I’m out of it.

<Shandor> Mihwen, care to take it from here? You do appear to be the map extrodinare.

<Derwin> We need all hands conscious for that serpent.

<Kamrock> So then, my friends, we know where to go, and what to find, but how do we go first?

<Shandor> Well, let's see, the nearest one is south, towards Emerald Bay.

<Mihwen> I suggest we travel along the big roads as much as we can

<Shandor> Good idea, friend.

<Kamrock> Well, it would be, yes.

<Kamrock> Who else knows about this?

<Shandor> Kamrock, only my group and now you know of this.

<Mihwen> what do we need to bring with us?

<Shandor> We need to rally the people however, I suggest we first rally the people in Tildruin.

<Shandor> Then we rally those in Emerald bay when we reach it.

<Shandor> Mihwen, supplies, food, water, we also need more weapons, if believe you ordered a knife earlier?

<Kamrock> which gift do we seek near Emerald Bay?

<Shandor> Let me consult the scrolls.

Shandor picks up two tatty scrolls and lays them out on the table

Shandor looks at the text one, then to the map.

<Shandor> I believe this belongs to the humans.

Bolfur says, 'a gift? What’s in it for me?'

Kamrock smiles

Bolfur withdraws a silver toothpick and toys in his left hand.

<Mihwen> the saving of all the races?

<Shandor> Hmm, the human gifts; the sword, 'Protector' and the book of all spells, correct?

Bolfur peers at Shandor, 'Humans? If its a map of mines, pass it to me! Can't trust them humans when it comes to caves...'

<Shandor> Now, now Bolfur, we need the Humans to help us

Kamrock says 'Aye it is right Shandor, Bolfur we are seeking treasure of all around the world, to protect the city here from turmoil.'

Mihwen makes a little sound

Bolfur sighs heavily.

Shandor takes a few minutes to explain the quest.

Bolfur says, 'Do you expect an honest mine inspector to work for free?'

<Shandor> How much worth is your life?

Bolfur says, 'bah, just pass me some of that fine ale. I can't think '

Shandor passes a tankard of ale to Bolfur

Kamrock says 'If you don't work for the sheer satisfaction, I shall you find some gold.

Bolfur withdraws a tin can and fills it with ale.

Bolfur proceeds with the simple task of emptying the tankard.

Bolfur pockets the tin can in his right pocket.

Kamrock looks toward Bolfur

Bolfur says, 'there now.. heavy stuff. where we now? Ah, yes we were talking about gold.'

Bolfur glares at Kamrock beneath the rim of some burly eyebrows.

Kamrock smiles, 'Aye we were, if we pull this off.'

Bolfur says, 'gold or ale.. it all has its moments...'

Kamrock says 'We will travel to the place I was born, and my King will reward us, at least, and a night in a Palace, surely it is worth it'

Shandor bangs two tankards on the table, 'Excuse me gentlemen but we need to get to business.'

Kamrock glances up at Shandor

Kamrock says 'My only worry about this quest is that we will have to travel across the sea

Kamrock says 'My priest can keep a long supply of sea potions.'

Kamrock says 'I suggest we travel on a merchant ship, unless anyone here can sail?

Shandor turnes to Kamrock, 'I have a friend who will transport us for free when we reach Emerald Bay.'

Kamrock says 'He can sail well?

Shandor says, 'Indeed, best one in the area.'

Shandor yells, 'Everyone is aware of the DRAGON beneath Tilduin! Right?'

Leokin says, "isn't it a giant under Tildruin"?

Shandor begins twiddling his thumbs, 'Nay, it is a DRAGON, fire-breathing, people eating, city destroy dragon!'

Shandor whispers something, suddenly no-one can speak.

Shandor calmly continues to speak, 'Now, with silence in place we can get down to business.'

Shandor says, 'The world as we know it will end, unless we do something about it.'

Shandor continues, 'We still need a Troll, an Orc, and a Halfling.'

Shandor finishes, 'Now, I am prepared to release you, but we must remain calm, nod if you understand.'

Shandor whispers something and noise returns to the room.

Shandor says, 'Now, does anyone know where to find them?'

Leokin says, "I assume humans rarely come by here?"

Shandor says, 'Quite the contrary, humans are rife in Tildruin.'

Kamrock says 'Very rarely in my shop.'

Shandor says, 'Now everyone, sit down and listen to the plan.'

Leokin says, "Well then let's hear it."

Kamrock says 'Everyone here, now, will be at peace and get along with everyone else, Shandor is the Leader of the group on this quest.

Kamrock says 'The Elf, brought this to light, he will lead us.'

Shandor says, 'Finally, some quiet, in three days, we will leave for Emerald bay

Shandor says, 'Leokin, being the only human, is the only one that can touch the human gifts, so he will wear them.'

Kamrock says 'Who will join us?

Kamrock says 'Kala, will you join us?

Shandor continues, 'Unfortunately, there is a guardian protecting the gifts, I'm not sure what it is, but it will take all of us, working together to defeat is, no trying to be a hero, understand?'

Kamrock says 'Leokin can use the book of spells, but I fear he can't use the Sword, 'Protector'

Shandor blinks, 'Kala, are you human? I apologize I did not realise, you and Leokin can share the gifts.

Leokin says "I am well learnt in the art of magic"

Shandor says, 'Exactly, Kamrock, the book of spells to Leokin and 'Protector' to kala.'

Leokin says"I do not use weapons, but..."

kala says,' well I'm too pretty to be a dwarf and too tall' sniggers

Shandor smiles and chuckles

Shandor finishes, 'Now, I'm sure Kamrock will craft any weapons you need, we must gather people and supplies. Any questions?'

Mihwen rises from her position in the corner of the room and walks towards the table.

Shandor says, 'Now, I have kept this a secret for good reason, and I want this handled calmly, okay?'

Shandor whispers, 'The scrolls have a rumour that in the chamber where the dragon lies are-' he pauses, 'Calmly remember.'

Shandor takes a deep breath, 'buried there with the dragon are, mounds of gold and gems, taller than the tallest building, bigger that the biggest mountain!'

Bolfur bursts out in excitement, 'GOLD!'

Bolfur says, 'I knew there was gold!'

Kamrock holds Bolfur back, 'Calmly, I shall definitely enjoy this.'

Bolfurs hands twitch with excitement, foam slowly building across his lips.

Shandor says, 'Now I want this handled calmly, if others found there would be a mad panic to rally the relics and use them, but without all of them at one point, all together, the wielder will be vaporised

Bolfur stares out the window apparently lost in thought.

Shandor says, 'Rally anyone you can to our aid, and be sure to be here in three days.'

Kamrock says 'Tell no one about our quest until they have agreed to join us.'

Shandor smiles, 'Okay, now, rest, get everything you need and be ready, this is a quest of a LIFE-Time.'