[J] The Evil That Men Do

[Xelonir]

Welcome to my mind, be you friend, stranger or even foe.

I am Xelonir Paramus, son of Sagwat and Irsi Paramus.

I was born on midnight between the 90th and the 91st day of the year 1051 A.E. - on the season's change from Zephyr to Phoenix - in Sagmund's Cave.

I was the pupil of Carl Firestone, Master Elementalist, who taught me the arcane ways of controlling the elements.
Besides my arcane powers I possess the ability to record events in my mind. Some of these recordings you will find here. Be aware, however, that sometimes my mind does have strange ways of articulation. Sometimes it even puts colours to voices.

And be warned that what you read here might not please you, but offend, irritate or frighten.
But I cannot change history, cannot change the evil that men do…

[Xelonir]

Xelonir's Travels - Journey to Ascalon (1069 A.E.)


My mind wanders while I travel northward, down into Wizards Folly

It is still a long way to Regents Valley, where my uncle lives. Despite my age I'm still a bit surprised father let me go on my own. But after eight years studying with the old Volcano ("That's Master Firestone for you, young Xelonir!") I should be able to handle what little trouble I might find on my way, shouldn't I?

I'm curious about this Aziure - not to speak of the content of that little parcel Master Firestone gave me to deliver to his former pupil, who now is a master of fire magic herself. Or maybe this is just one of his little tests, and there isn't anything inside? He's always so keen on discipline. Well, I won't open it, I won't! I'm just going to ... what was that?

Sounded like some creature moving in the bushes behind me. What can it be? A big spider? One of those huge black bears? A maybe even a Grawl? Whatever it is, I will face it!


Some minutes later ...


At least I don't need to worry about dinner anymore. I like roasted rabbit. Good thing I spent some time with my uncle, learning to disembowel animals.

My uncle - Tiberius Bearpaw. He lives deep in the woods of Regent Valley with his wife and his three children. I heard rumours that the people of Fort Ranik reject him because his wife is from Kryta. I don't understand that, really. I mean - I know about the war and all, but aunt Mishiko is just a woman from Kryta, she's not responsible for the war! Sometimes I just don't understand people. I like my aunt; she's always so nice, and always smiling. According to father she was also the one naming the three kids, which explains the unfamiliar sound of those names:

Sakura is the oldest, a mere year younger than myself. Thinking of it, she resembles her mother a lot, at least on the outside. Probably gonna be a ranger just like Uncle Tiberius. They say she moves with the grace and silence of a cat, that's why they call her Neko. I'd say sometimes she's even priggish like a cat.

Ishtar is the middle one, two years younger than Sakura. She has the sharpest eyes I've ever seen, probably can spot a midge at a kilometres distance. Just like an eagle, so they call her Washi, and like an eagle she seems to have her mind high up in the air half of the day. But of the three I like her the most, because she has the kind heart and the smile of her mother.

With his 12 years of age Togusa is the youngest. He is of a strong built and knows how to use an axe. He lacks his father’s marksmanship, though, so he probably won’t be a ranger. He's got reflexes like lightning and he can snap at things as fast as a snake. Therefore the name Hebi. Sometimes, though, I get the feeling that - deep inside - he has a cruel streak.

Nonetheless I'm looking forward to seeing them all again. I was a little sad they couldn't make it to the celebration of my 18th birthday last month. And I will probably not be there for Sakura's birthday in three weeks. Cannot stay that long with my uncle before travelling on to Ascalon.

Ascalon - the big city. I remember it being very impressive from a visit when I was around six or so. I'm still not quite sure what Master Firestone meant with this "diversification"-business. But he gave me a letter of recommendation for some Lady Althea - a real Lady! Considering the fact that we don't have Ladies in our village it does not come as a surprise that I feel a little bit nervous about meeting such a person. Master Firestone gave me some advise which all sounded quite reasonable - but then again, what did he mean by "Don't wear your heart on your sleeve"? Thinking of it, the old Volcano is talking a lot of nonsense lately. Maybe it's the age.

Ah, I can see a big tower up ahead, that's probably where I will find Aziure...

[Xelonir]

Xelonir in an Ascalon Inn – 1071 A.E.


Damn, not only that the ale is warm, it still has the taste of dust to it. It’s been one year since the Searing, but still you find the dust everywhere. Even in the hearts of the people.

Damn the Charr! Why did they have to destroy everything? I can’t even get back home anymore. The area south of Regent Valley – what’s left of it, anyway – is unreachable. Don’t know if my parents still live, or Master Firestone, or any other from our village. Haven’t met any of them since the Searing. Chances are they’re all dead, but this uncertainty drives me crazy. I somehow have to find a way back home!

My cousins at least know their parent’s death for sure. Uncle Tiberius’ dying in the Searing was hard on them, but that deserting Ascalon soldier killing Aunt Mishiko just shows you how cruel fate can be. And just because she was a Krytan. Well, he paid the price for it, I guess. Found the dead body pinned to a tree after the Triple Threat returned from their hunt for their mother’s murderer. Looking at that corpse made my stomach turn. The arrows pinning him to the tree, all placed with high precision at spots where they wouldn’t kill instantly. The residue of the magic that hat burned away half of his legs had the taste of Sakura to it. Deep cuts in his upper body, draining it of blood – but again not fatal. I have the bad feeling they even used healing magic to keep him alive for a while. The final arrow – right through his eye – can really be seen as an act of mercy. Poor bastard.
The whole thing did cast a shadow on the hearts of those three, but I sincerely hope that with time they will overcome the events of that days.

As for now it seems they not only lost their parents, but also part of their sanity.


"Hey Mac, bring me another mug of that brew you call ale!"

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels – Fighting the Charr (part 1) – 1072 A.E.


I look down at the dead bodies around me - companions as well as enemies – as I walk up the stairs all alone to meet Prince Rurik on top of the Great Northern Wall. The healer rushes by me in the opposite direction, to revive the others. A waste of time and resources in my book.

When I was grouped up with these people at Ascalon to go scouting on the invading Charr I already had a bad feeling, which was instantly proven right. Without giving me time to prepare for the upcoming mission they dragged me on into enemy territory. Well, at least that gave me one additional spell instead of the Signet of Resurrection I normally would have taken. And when the first of my companions hit the earth and didn’t stand up again, I explained to him in friendly words why I could not resurrect him.
Thankfully one of the other had brought his signet, so that guy could be revived – lasting for another three minutes. In the end we did manage to find the Charr, though, and returned to inform the Ascalon forces.

For a counterattack on the Charr we were directly transferred to the garrison at Fort Ranik. And guess what? I had just finished selling some stuff I had picked up along the way when someone dragged me through the gate, out into enemy territory. They didn’t bother to ask if I was ready, they again didn’t give me time to prepare and again five minutes later it was only two of us standing, unable to bring the others back to life. And that great warrior standing by my side dared suggesting that we return to Fort Ranik and regroup. What a coward. I said to him:
”I’m still standing on two feet, so step aside and let me do my job – and you better try to keep them Charr away from me.”

I went at it in an organised way, as I had learned in my training with Master Firestone and my later Mesmer trainer, Mistress Avaricia. Group by group I eliminated the enemy, raining fire down on them while at the same time weakening them with mesmeric spells. The fallen comrades cheered at me from the world of the dead, while that braindead warrior stood there, his eyes wide open in shock and disbelieve, asking:
“Wha-what are you? How can you do that?”
Neither behaviour was understandable to me. Why cheer at me for doing my duty? Why wonder about the devastation someone obviously handling arcane powers can cause?

When we reached the technician responsible for handling the ballista, the gods – in their sometimes cruel ways – deigned our fallen comrades worthy of returning to life. And would you believe it? Now my comrades would actually listen to me and do as I told them. Or at least they did so until we had repaired and fired the first ballista. Upon reaching the second ballista they suddenly seemed to forget everything and stormed head on into the enemy – dying like they had practiced often enough before. We were lucky though. They managed to die exactly at the spot the ballista was aimed at. I ran back, pulled the lever and let the deadly war engine have its way with the Charr. Attracted by the moaning of their dying brothers a second group of Charr appeared on the scenery. I reloaded and fired again, spraying blood and body parts all over the area again.

Going back to that place of blood-soaked soil I noticed two enemies standing at the wall, the remains of this oh so proud Charr horde: their leader and a hulking creature obviously trained in the art of healing. I mesmerised the healer into killing himself, then let go at the leader, intent on quickly turning him into ashes. He resisted me longer than I would have thought, obviously possessing some healing power himself. But in the end he could no longer stand up to my deadly combination of fire magic and mesmerism – he fell like all the others before him.

I feel exhausted after all this fighting, but I hold myself upright as I walk up to the prince to tell him that we cleared the Charr from this area:
”Charr obliterated as ordered, Prince Rurik.”

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels - At the Eastern Border – 1072 A.E.


Here I sit at the outpost near the Ruins of Surmia, preparing to go on a rescue mission with Prince Rurik. We will start soon, so I have prepared myself thoroughly. This time I will not be surprised by comrades storming into battle without giving me time to prepare. I close my eyes and relax, awaiting the sound of the horn which will signal the start of our mission.

”Why, if that isn’t cousin Xelonir. I would recognize your ugly face anywhere.”

I open my eyes again and look up at the woman standing before me. Almost my size and far from ugly she is dressed in a dark orange leather armour, very well suited for camouflage in this deserted landscape. I wave casually with my right hand and point to a spot at my side, inviting her to sit down.

”Sakura, my dear. How nice to see you again. And it seems your tongue is still as pointy as your arrows. How did you fare since we last met? It seems you got yourself a new armour?”

She smiles, but her eyes remain cold - as they always do when she is around men since that day her mother was murdered.

”Oh, I spent my time hunting. And very successful, of course.”

She’s hunting Charr these days.

”First I went to Fort Ranik, accompanied by Ani Mal, Dworkin of Amber and Hohenheim Sacratum, cleansing the Valley from some bandits. And then I joined a fellow ranger named Caine da Longshot and one Miss Poisonsita for a little Charr-hunting in the Breach. I was able to get some hides from their dead bodies, which I had made into this new armour.”

”The Breach? Now that’s west of Ascalon. And it would seem to be a nice hunting ground for you. How comes you’re up here in the east?”

”Actually I was looking for you, Xelo. I met Ishtar and Togusa a while ago and we decided to leave Ascalon and head for Kryta. Doesn’t make sense to us helping these stupid Ascalonians. But we wanted to let you know before we leave, and we decided that I had the best chance of tracking you down. So here I am.”

Hearing that hate in her voice when she says “Ascalon” and “Ascalonians” I thoroughly understand their desire to get out of Ascalon. And Kryta seems to be a natural choice, since their mother was from that part of Tyria. Frankly, the idea of exploring new countries and maybe finding new arcane wisdom makes me all bumpy in my behind.

”When will you leave?”

”We will meet at Grendich Courthouse in two days.”

”Hmm. I’m afraid I can’t make it that soon, Sakura, or I would join you. I still have some business to attend to here. But leave some notes with merchants or at inns along the way, and I will try to find you in Kryta. Once I’ve finished my business there is nothing left that would hold me in this place of destruction, so Kryta seems a good place to go to. They even repelled the Charr, I heard.”

Smoothly like a cat she rises to her feet again, then giving me a brief nod.

”Meet you in Kryta then, ugly X.”

She turns and walks out through the gate, throwing some lightning gazes at folks too close to her path. It’s funny to notice how they unconsciously take a step back to make way for her.

Ah, there is the sound of the horn.

“Sir Paramus, are you ready?”

”Coming!”


[Sakura Neko]

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels – Fighting the Charr (part 2) – 1072 A.E.


Today we arrived in Yak’s Bend, leaving Ascalon behind us. Our path will lead us trough the northern part of the Shiverpeak Mountains and then down into Kryta. We are led by Prince Rurik himself, which I would have never believed had I not witnessed the incidents resulting in his expatriation with my own eyes. My mind rushes backward in time, to the Ruins of Surmia…

I joined a team which at first looked very capable. We met Prince Rurik to go on a rescue missions. Ascalonian Soldiers had been capture by the Charr. So we headed out, fighting our way through the hostile creatures roaming the land which had once been beautiful Surmia. It didn’t take us long to find the Charr, one just has to follow his nose to find these stinking beasts. They had imprisoned the soldiers in some sort of huts, spread around the land, each hut protected by a group of fearsome Charr warriors. We managed to finish them quickly, though, group by group, setting free the prisoners. They were in a poor condition, barely able to stand on their feet. Yet they proclaimed themselves capable of returning to the outpost on their own, so that we could continue with our mission.

In the last hut we found one soldier named Erol. He had been imprisoned directly after the Searing – and looked like it. A haggard body, despair burning in his eyes. He told us about three mages captured by the Charr. The hour was late already, but we decided to rescue them, too. Erol offered to show us the way. This decision did not sit well with two of our bunch, it seemed. But they would not voice their complaints to the Prince and instead started shouting at each other, almost starting a fight. The Prince and I were able to bring them to order, though. After this we headed on until we reached the former core of Surmia, where we liberated the mages. Fighting off groups of Charr we managed to enter the remains of the old academy, barricading the door behind us. To our surprise we not only found an old magical gate that would carry us away from that place of certain doom, but on a pedestal in the academy Erol spotted something that looked like a embouchure of a huge horn.
Could this be the legendary Stormcaller? We were not sure, but the Prince suggested we ask King Adelbern.

Our time was running out now, the Charr bashing away at the door which would give way eventually. The Prince activated the old magical gate and we jumped in, just as the door burst into splinters and Charr stormed in. Luckily the gate failed just after the last of us went through, preventing the Charr from following us. To our surprise we found ourselves at the Nolani Academy. The Prince sent us to the barracks to get some rest, asking me to be ready at dawn for another mission.

In the morning I joined with a new group of soldiers to accompany Prince Rurik to the city of Rin. However we found the path outside the academy full of Charr. Their archers and bow masters occupied the hills in huge numbers while their warriors blocked the path. But the Prince knew of a secret exit from the Academy, through which I headed out with my comrades to fall into the back of the Charr. They had not expected us to com from that direction, so with surprise and cunning we were able to defeat them, providing safe passage for the Prince and some mages. As we neared Rin, however, we saw it standing in flames, besieged by a huge Charr army. What could we do to defeat them?

The Prince, not willing to give up Rin, lead us up into the hills, to a huge horn resting in the earth. It’s mouth piece was missing, but the Prince had brought the one we had found in the Ruins of Surmia. Would it fit? It did! Adrenaline spiked through our veins as the Prince blew the horn. At the same time the roaring sound of the horn stroke fear in the hearts of the Charr, leaving them weakened and terrified. That was our opportunity! We rushed down into their flank, leaving behind us a trail of blood and ashes. We got through to their commanding officer, slaying him on the spot. Even more panic spread among the Charr, they broke and fled. We regrouped and entered what was left of the city.

We were greeted by none other than King Adelbern himself. Though to my eyes there was nothing kingly about him. He was just an old man, with fear lingering at the back of his cold eyes. He thanked us for liberating Rin and proclaimed that he would rebuild the city and – with the help of Stormcaller – defeat the Charr. Prince Rurik objected and instead suggested leaving the country and establishing a new settlement in Kryta. In my heart I agreed with him, but I could see hate flare up in the eyes of the King when Rurik mentioned Kryta. Giving way to his anger, the King exiled Prince Rurik, who in turn called upon all Ascalonians to follow him to Kryta.

I decided to follow the Prince, not only because I had looked into the eyes of the old King, but also to catch up with my cousins. We travelled trough the Ascalon Foothills and finally reached Yak’s Bend, where I sit right now besides a big fire, reading a message which Ishtar had left with the merchant. They had been here a couple of days earlier and were now on their way through the Shiverpeaks, still headed for Kryta.

I will follow them soon.

[Xelonir]

Xelonir at the Gates of Kryta Refugee Camp – 1072 A.E.

”How is she?”

”Still weak. But she is sleeping now. The acolyte of Dwayna thinks that it’s the drastic change of climate, coming down from the icy Shiverpeaks into tropical Kryta. She will recover eventually, but it may take some time.”

”Poor Ishtar. I never thought someone close to Dwayna would ever have to worry about such things. But I guess you will just have to stay here until she is ready to travel again. You don’t need to hurry, your in Kryta now, Sakura.”

”You are right about that, cousin. And even though I would like to go out and explore this beautiful but dangerous country, I shall not leave my little sister alone. Our brother running away is bad enough.”

”Stupid little Togusa. I wonder what has become of that young mind. Running away from his sisters is so unlike him. Maybe he will come back one day.”

”Possibly. But I am more concerned with the things going on in this country. All these undead must be here for a reason. And I have a bad feeling about these White Mantle guys. They are just … too shiny, too good. Xelonir, may I ask a favour of you?”

”Why, of course, Sakura. What can I do for you?”

”While I stay here with Ishtar, please travel ahead and try to find out what is wrong in these lands. And while you do so, please have an eye open for little Togusa, please. He is a strong boy and grew up in a harsh environment, but still he should not be out there alone.”

”I will do so, Sakura, as soon as we are allowed to pass the gates into Kryta. I have been asked to join a group who wants to find and talk to a Krytan official on this matter. We will head out once everything is prepared, which might still take some days.”

”What will you do until then?”

”Did you see that note someone pinned to the post at the entrance of the camp? About a fair taking place at Yak’s Bend? I think I will go there using the arcane ways of travelling. Maybe I even find little Tog there.”

”A good idea, cousin. Enjoy yourself.”

[Xelonir]

Xelonir in an Inn in Lion’s Arch – 1072 A.E.

They surely have good ale here in Lion’s Arch. And it’s nice to finally see a city again that is still whole. It is a good thing we could convince this Hablion fellow to open the gates for us and allow us to find a spot in Kryta where the settlers can set up a new village.

I had made it back from the fair at Yak’s Bend just in time to take part in that mission. But the fair had really been fun. There was a lot of small talk, some people even told fantastic stories and they had some sort of everlasting roasted pig. Though in my opinion it did miss some spices.

There were also some morons around, trying to disturb the peaceful event. But we mostly managed to ignore them, and finally they gave up and disappeared again.

Early on in the fair I met an interesting fellow, a warrior by the name of Dynamo Destructo. He seems to be the leader of a group calling themselves ‘The Theatre’. He was not very talkative, but I dare say he has charisma. Which is good for a leader. He even gave me the names and descriptions of some of his comrades. Who knows, maybe I will meet some of them one day, though one has to be careful these days about the people one gets involved with. But I will not judge them before I meet them.

On the sad side I did not find any trace of Togusa, the boy is still missing. Maybe he found a hidden passage into Kryta? He is somewhat resourceful after all. Well, I guess it’s time for bed now. Tomorrow I will start exploring Kryta.

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels – Henge of Denravi – 1072 A.E.

”Oh princess, oh Heidi
With your blonde hair so tidy
You have a beautiful smile
When dead monsters you pile “

No, that sounds silly. Resting here with closed eyes on the soft green grass of the Henge of Denravi, it seems my mind is growing weak. But not so weak that I would not hear the almost soundless steps of someone approaching, would not feel the soft vibrations of the earth caused by the steps. Steps of someone trained to move stealthily. A hint of a flagrance, reminding me of a mountain lake.

”Hello Ishtar. You look beautiful as ever. Come and sit down here by your old cousin.”

Ishtar giggles and lies down next to Xelonir, resting her head against his chest.

”Still the old flatterer, Xelo. But how can you tell I’m still beautiful when you don’t even open your eyes?”

”Ah, but I don’t need to, Ishtar-chan. I can feel it without seeing.”

”I believe every word you say, Xelo. Really.”

Her clear, light-hearted laughter feels good after all that has happened lately. Seems she’s back to her old self again.

”How come you are lying here in the grass and mumbling rhymes, cousin?”

”I was reconsidering the events of the last days. So much has happened in so short a time. Are you happy with our new comrades?”

”The Theatre? Yes - I guess. Haven’t had much contact with them yet. Seems funny they took us in, barely knowing anything about us and having met only you in person.“

”Well, it was either the whole family or none of us, Ishtar. I told them a little about my lovely cousin, the cute healing elementalist. Didn’t tell them much about your crazy sister and brother, though.”

I don’t have to open my eyes to see her blush at calling her cute, or the little smile when mentioning Sakura and Togusa.

”I only hope they don’t turn out to be like the White Mantle – all nice and friendly on the outside, but rotten and bad inside.”

”I don’t think so, Ishtar. I went on a dangerous quest with their … our warrior princess, Heidi. She is a good and fierce warrior, one of the rare kind who use their head not only as battering ram. I can feel she has a good heart. She was actually the one to ask if we would like to join them, though the formal invitation came from this Cain Draco fellow, whom I still have to meet in person. I also travelled the Wilds with Captain Dynamo and Enoch the ranger. That was a funny trip. Dynamo may be a courageous and charismatic leader, but relying on Enoch for path finding is clearly an error of judgement. That ranger seems to be a little fuzzy in his head. But at least you can trust him to bring you back to where you started from.”

”Good thing we don’t have to rely on others for that. We learned a lot about it from our dad - even you, Xelo.”

”Yes, though I don’t think we are a match for Sakura. That cat can find a path or person anywhere and sneak up on the most alert people without them noticing.”

”Indeed I can, cousin, though sneaking up on someone talking gibberish is not a big challenge.”

I open one eye and look up to her, standing right beside my head. An interesting perspective on her lean, muscular body. I bet a lot of men would have enjoyed it. Only they would not get a smile with it but most probably a scowl.

”Hey sis, sit down. Xelonir was just telling me about the Theatre.”

”I heard it, Ishtar. He was speaking quite loud, you know. But I will have to see for my self what they are made of. At least they have some taste, judging by that cape of theirs. It’s good for camouflage here in the jungle. But that’s not the reason I came here.”

”So what does bring you to us, Sakura?”

”I received a message from Togusa, delivered by an undead carrier pigeon. Seems he managed to sneak into Kryta without passing the gates. He’s in good health and we are not to worry about him. He just needs some time on his own.”

”I’m happy to hear that. Thanks for telling us, Sakura.”

”So what are you girls going to do now?”

”I’ll head back into the jungle. It’s good to be among real trees again. Hunting here is lots of fun.”

”I think I will stay here for a while. I feel a little tired after the trip through Kryta.”

”Yes, be careful not to strain yourself too much. I don’t want you to fall ill again. And this seems to be a save place – at least for now. And while you rest here I will see if I can help the Shining Blade in some way.”


[Ishtar Washi]

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels – The Crystal Desert – 1072 A.E.

”I hate this place!”

”I know, Ishtar-chan. I too don’t like dead places like this desert. But it seems this is something we have to go through. I’m not sure what this Ascension is about, nor what it will do to us. But somehow I feel this is what we have to do.”

The sun in Augury Rock was burning down on us. We had come to this desert with the strange Vizier’s ship, following the path of a mysterious prophecy. There seems to be no way back to Kryta, at least not for now. So I want to get done with it, get out of this heat, get away from this dead place.
In envy the old inhabitants of the outposts in the deserts – as a ghost the heat just doesn’t bother you. And for one being dead it does not matter if your surroundings are dead, too, I suppose. But I am alive, so I try to stay at the places that show at least some hint of life, small oases spread across the dry lands. Unfortunately most of these places are already inhabited by rather unfriendly creatures. But being a well trained Pyromancer I can deal with that. Strange how creatures used to the heat can still be badly hurt by fire.

”Are you finished with that book, Xelo?”

”Yes, Ishtar, here you are. Did the other one help you?”

”There were some good hints in it, yes. But some more information can only help. It’s always good to read a second opinion.”

”Strange how facing yourself can become such a problem.”

The final test of Ascension – facing yourself, getting to know your own weaknesses. Could it be harder than the other three tests we had passed in this forsaken desert? Helping some ghosts, battling the Forsaken and their strange warriors? It seems hard to believe yet completely true. But I will do it, I will pass the test and then hopefully get out of this desert. And the others will get through, too.

”So, will you use your mesmeric skills in there?”

”Yes, some of them. I have decided to try the way of the Big Uselessness. And I think I will do it now.”

”Now? But I haven’t finished my preparations yet!”

”And you don’t need to, Ishtar. You cannot help me in there, as I cannot help you. We must do this alone, every one of us. But once I have passed this test, I will send you a message, telling you about it as much as I can.”

”Be careful!”

”Don’t worry, Ishtar.”

After a brief kiss on the cheek I walk over to the Ghostly Priest, telling him I am ready. He activates the teleporter, bringing me down to the depression east of the outpost. I acknowledge the three Ghosts there, stepping through the stone gate onto the ritual marking. I feel the energy of a strange magic surrounding me. Taking a deep breath I step on each of the three stones, bringing runes on their surface to magical light. Upon stepping on the third, a shiver runs through the earth. The big, round mountain before me trembles, starts to open. I follow the now open path into the mountain, facing – myself!

”Greetings, Xelonir!”

”Greetings, Xelonir!”

[Xelonir]

A Letter from Xelonir – 1072 A.E.

WARNING: Do not play around with the magic stones included in this letter!

Dear cousins,

I hope you three are all well. I am writing to you from a most exciting place which I have … well, let’s call it “acquired”. But let me tell you the story in a more chronological way.

After performing the ritual of Ascension in the Crystal Desert I was brought to a cavern in which resides a huge dragon by the name of Glint. She told me that I – among some others – am truly chosen to fulfil the Flame Seeker Prophecies. Glint opened a magical gateway, which brought me to Droknar’s Forge, a dwarven city in the Southern Shiverpeaks. From there I swiftly travelled to the Ice Caves of Sorrow, to rescue Evennia, the leader of the Shining Blade. When returning to the Forge, I found a note from the Morningstars, a couple which has only recently joined The Theatre. They had heard about an evil person called Galrath, who was trying to break into an old Wizard’s Tower somewhere in southern Kryta. They asked if I would meet with them at the Temple of the Ages to stop this madman’s doings. You know me well – could I resist the mentioning of a Wizard’s Tower? Of course not.

So I joined the Morningstars for this dangerous mission, as did the Lady Zenaide. From the Temple we travelled southward into the region called Kessex Peak. Fighting our way further to the south we finally reached the Tower. What a sight that was! It is actually a complex consisting of one main tower and a handful of smaller towers which surround it. The whole building is placed on top of a huge rock floating in the air at the coast. It is by the way very close to a beautiful place called Fishermen’s Haven. On the mainland before the floating Tower we found that Galrath, protected by a group of bandits. I was relieved to see that he had not gotten access to the Tower yet. We dealt with them quickly, then decided to head back and get the reward that had been placed on than villain’s head. But before we left I secretly dropped a magic marker, so I could travel to that place again later.

Did I ever tell you that the Ascension can do strange things to you? Well, it did to me. As you know I have always been very talented in using Pyromancy. After Ascension I suddenly found it much harder to handle. That made me feel very bad about the whole Ascension business, until – by mere happenstance – I found out that I feel completely at easy using magic connected to the element of air, which has never been one of my strengths before. So be warned: if you ever get the chance to pass the Trials of Ascension, things might change more or less dramatically for you after that.

Now why do I tell you this? So you understand how I actually got a grip on levitation basics. Because later that day I travelled back to the Tower, casted a levitation spell on me and flew over to the floating rock – which almost killed me. Just when reaching the edge of that rock I touched a magic barrier which removed all enchantments from me and drained me of all my remaining energy. I fell and would have crashed some hundred feet below had I not managed to grab the edge of that rock, barely hanging on. I did not have the power to pull me up and my fingers were getting numb. I slowly regained arcane energy, but casting Levitation on me again would do no good, because it would be dispelled once I touched the barrier. So I went for a rather desperate trick: I pushed all my energy into a short burst of air magic to propel me up into the air and towards the tower. I passed the barrier unharmed, because at that moment there was no energy left in and no enchantment on me. On the negative side I must mention that I crashed onto the rock rather hard. Luckily I didn’t break anything.

So now I was on the rock, and I was warned. The darn Tower was protected by magical traps. But I had bought a book on traps and wards some days before, so I opened my Magic Bag of Bookholding – only to find a complete mess inside. It seemed the barrier had done more than only drain me of my arcane energy. But it had not destroyed the content of the bag, and after some searching I found the book. So I sat down and read in the book, looking for hints on detecting traps and other unfriendly things. Night fell somewhere around the middle of the book, so I carefully casted a small Sphere of Light and continued reading. When I was finished I began to carefully make my way to the tower, casting different kinds of detection webs. As it turned out, there was a belt of traps around the main tower, set between the five outer towers. Who ever placed them there did a nice piece of work, because they were set up in a way that even by using Levitation or something like a magic jump one would end up in them instead of avoiding them. So I had to defuse or spring those traps, and without getting myself killed in the progress. It took me until late morning to clear a path through the belt, finally reaching the door to the main tower. A shield of air blocked the entrance, a barrier of moderate strength. This of cause rang an alarm bell in my head. I spent another three hours searching for traps but didn’t find any. Getting tired after all this time I decided to take the risk and dispelled the barrier. I held my breath, waiting for the hidden trap to spring. But nothing happened.

During my search for the traps I had had enough time to study the runes on the door, so that by then I knew which of them I needed to touch to make the door open itself, and which to avoid. Passing the door I entered the entrance hall of the tower, by itself already twice the outer diameter of the main tower. A true Wizard’s Tower indeed. I could not resist to sit down on one of the sofas in the hall, just closing my eyes for a minute to relax, I thought. When I woke again, it was dark outside, and by the looks of it only one or two hours before the sun would rise again. But nothing had happened, and I was still alone. So I started exploring the towers, always looking for more traps. Which was good, since there where a couple of them. As I had hoped this place has – among other magical beauties - a huge library. You really should come and have a look at this place.

Which brings me to the three magic stones I sent with this letter. Each of them is magically attuned to one of you, be careful not to mix them up. You might get hurt badly! And please don’t lose them, they are rather complicated to make. The green one is for Sakura, the blue one for Ishtar and the yellow one for Togusa. By concentrating on the pattern engraved in the stone and sending arcane energy into it you will be able to travel to the Hall of Mystical Pathways here in the Tower. Appearing there will ring a bell so that I know someone has come. Please wait there for me so I can show you the save areas!

I hope to see you three here, soon.

Xelonir.

P.S.: Attached you find a picture of the Wizard's Tower

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels – The Flameseeker Prophecy (part 1) – 1072 A.E.

I watch the Mursaat and Jades patrolling below. The yellow robes of the spellcasting creatures are easy to spot, but the dark outside of the Jades is a good camouflage on the black scorched rocks of the Fire Island Chain.

The Mursaat are an interesting species. I first encountered them on the Ice Caves of Sorrow. Fortunately I was travelling with people from the Gentlefolk and Scholars at that time, who possessed protection against their painful Spectral Agony. After rescuing Evennia we travelled through the Iron Mines of Moladune where I, too, was able to obtain that protection direly needed to fight the Mursaat.
I then returned to the Ice Caves, helping Heidi to find her way through there. Knowing the area turned out to be very helpful when trying to avoid the Mursaat. And fighting together with the Princess was great. We harmonized in a way I have never experienced before. She actually confided in me that she felt the same, that she could not even find this harmony with her long-time comrades Enoch or Dynamo. Which somehow made me proud and my heart burn with joy. It saddened me, though, that she feared Enoch being jealous because she spent so much time with me.
Powered by the trust in each other the two of us went to recapture the dwarven Thunderhead Keep from the enemy – doing so with great success. After slaying hordes of Stone Summit dwarves, Mursaat, Jades and White Mantles we managed to return the Keep to its true owner, King Jalis Ironhammer. The strange Vizier Khilbron showed up and activated a magical gate for us, through which we travelled to Ember Light Camp on the Fire Island Chain.

If I see things correctly, this Island Chain is all that is left of the former nation of Orr. The magical explosion I heard about must have been unimaginable. The islands consist of nothing more than black rocks now, and where water flowed in earlier times there are now pools and streams of lava. Dangerous creatures roam these lands, huge Hydras, Dryders, Phantoms and other undead creatures. The High Council of the White Mantle had also fled to this place, but we found them and disposed of them quickly. After travelling to the Ring of Fire outpost Heidi and I split up to take rest. Days have passed since then, and I haven’t seen her again. I wonder where she is.

My mind returns from the past to the present, studying the enemy movement. Yes, they seem to follow a pattern. And they try to keep their monks at the back, like most people would. So if someone lured them away from our main group, the monks would be open to an attack from behind. And without monks to heal them, even the Mursaat die quickly. Now to find someone who does the luring…

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels – The Flameseeker Prophecy (interlude 1) – 1072 A.E.

The door to the recreation room in the Wizard’s Tower swings open, giving access to Xelonir. Sakura, sitting on a chair and tending to one of her bows, looks up.

”Oh, Mr. Lightning is back.”

”Hi Sakura. Yes, I have returned from the Abaddon’s Mouth outpost to relax here in the Tower and read some books.”

Xelonir falls heavily onto one of the chairs.

”Guess what, I actually spent some time in the library, too.”

”Sakura Neko, the book-reading ranger. I am a little surprised I must say.”

”Hey, only because I’m a ranger doesn’t mean I don’t read books! And as you very well know I managed to convince one of those ghosts in the desert to turn my elemental abilities into necrotic ones.”

”Yes, and I still wonder how they do that.”

”Well, never mind. But I thought it would be good to read some books on Necrotics, and there should be some in this huge library.”

”There are, in the west wing.”

”Yes, that’s where I found them. So …”

A knock on the door interrupts the conversation. A second later the door opens silently and Ishtar comes in.

”Hi Xelo. Sis.”

Ishtar takes a seat near the window.

”You look confused, Ishtar-chan.”

”Troubled is the better word, if you ask me. What happened, little sister?”

”Ma’Ziul.”

”Ma’Ziul?!” ”Ma’Ziul?!”

”I met Togusa over at Druids Outlook. He didn’t see me cause he was busy talking to some necromancer. I wanted to call out to him when I noticed that green flames in his eyes. You know what that means don’t you?”

”Yes, you are right. Ma’Ziul.”

”He has been silent for a long time.”

”Has he? Togusa mentioned once to me that he hears a strange voice, telling him to do certain things. Bad things, he says. You know how he is, so innocent and naive sometimes. But he assured me that he resists the voice.”

”Yes, could be Ma’Ziul. And I still think it was Ma’Ziul who made Togusa run away from us after reaching Kryta.”

”If he was able to take over control over Togusa, he is becoming more powerful. I kept hidden after noticing the flames and watched them. He kept talking to the necromancer, and then to a ranger. After those two left, the flames went out, and Togusa looked confused for a while. Poor Tog.”

”He never was the same after ‘encountering’ Ma’Ziul. Some people would call him ‘mentally challenged’, I guess – but who would not be like that, with two minds in one head?”

”I’m curious – and afraid – what will happen if Togusa ever passes the Trials of Ascension. You know what that test did to the three of us. Maybe I should search the library for a book on that topic.”

”The library, yes. That reminds me – I was about to tell you about the discovery I made there.”

”A discovery? In the library? Now why do I get the feeling you are not talking about a book, sis.”

”No, I’m not. I found a secret door in the west wing. It seems Xelonir missed that one when exploring the Tower.”

”Yes, that is obviously the case. Though I never spent much time in the west wing of the library since it mostly holds books on Necromancy.”

”So where does this door lead to?”

”Behind the door is a small corridor, which ends up at another door. Which I cannot open.”

”Let’s check it out!”

They leave the recreation room and walk through the tower to the library, passing its central area and entering the west wing. Sakura leads them into a corridor between two huge bookshelves. She points to the wall at the end of the corridor.

”Here it is.”

She pulls at one of the books at the very end of the left shelf, and a part of the wall swings inward. Behind the opening they see a dark corridor leading southward. Ishtar holds out her hand and a sphere of bright light pops into existence above her palm. They enter the corridor and after twenty meters reach another door. Xelonir tries to open it – in vain.

”It’s shut.”

”I told you!”

”You did.”

”Could you concentrate on finding a way to open it?”

”Well, if someone did not want others to open this door, he will have had a reason for that. The same goes for hiding it in the first place.”

”There might also be traps.”

”Yes, we should be careful. Wait here, I have to get something.”

Xelonir returns a couple of minutes later with a smile on his face and holding a strange wand in his left hand.

”Lots of arcane stuff in this Tower. I wish all of it would come with a letter like this one, telling you how to use it.”

”What is it?”

”It’s an Aloe Root of Detection”

Xelonir holds up the wand so Ishtar can take a look at it.

[Xelonir]

A Letter from Ishtar – 1072 A.E.

Hi Xelo, hi sis!

I spent some time in the library again, looking for hints on Ma’Ziul. Guess what, I found something. It was a book on the history of necromancers. If I am to believe what is written there, the guy lived about 400 years ago! And someday he disappeared and was never heard of again. He was last seen near the place where old Barradin had his estate before the Searing. According to the author he was quite powerful, so his disappearance caused quite a turmoil among the necros. Most people back then put the blame – or praise – on a geomancer named Harkon the Petrifier. There was some kind of feud between those two.
Could it be our Ma’Ziul? I think so, cause the book states that that Ma’Ziul from the past was very interested not only in life-transfer but also in soul-transfer. The location also fits into the picture.

If he is that powerful we should be very careful with Togusa. After talking to some members of the guild who met Togusa after Ascension I am convinced now that Ma’Ziul has taken over complete control of Togusa’s body. But maybe there is a way we can get our brother back? You all please think about that.

Love,
Ishtar.

[Xelonir]

Xelonir’s Travels – The Flameseeker Prophecy (interlude 2) – 1072 A.E.

Sitting at a cliff of the guild hall I try to reconsider the things that have happened recently. Though I rather not remember that embarrassing moment when Moonlight Spell introduced me to the people gathered at the Treasure Hunt not only as her master but also called me Archmittens. Well, she’s only a child, and a spoiled one it seems, but the consequences of her actions bear heavily on me.

I was very proud when I was given the honorary title of ‘Archmage of Lightning’. But after this incident I can no longer hold that title, for it is tainted. I tried to explain this to Zenaide, but she does not seem to understand it. Strange, that someone borne into the ruling class would not understand the concept of honour, whereas someone brought up in a small mountain village like myself does. She does not understand that I, for myself, have to regain that honour. That the honour of the Theatre as a group does not automatically give honour to a person, while – if that person holds a high position in the guild – a loss of personal honour might fall back onto the guild. Especially since we now have acquired a hall.

The Hall, our new home ... I will keep the Wizard’s Tower as primary residence, though. I want to find out more about it, and therefore it is best if I stay there. I suppose the secret library holds a lot of information about the Tower. I only need to remove the wards. Well, this is something I have partially succeeded in. After studying the wards I found that they are set up in three independent groups, each group made up of multiple, intertwined forms of magic. I decided to take down the first group though I was sure I would set off at least one of the bad effects. The choice was not easy, but in the end I protected myself mainly against elemental and mesmeric magic, the first because it’s easiest for me, the latter because it’s the most dangerous to me. So I would have to take onto me at least parts of whatever was devised into the necromantic part.
Considering the idea that had come into my mind a little earlier about the nature of the stone the Tower was built on, I made an additional preparation. I prepared the Hall of Mystical Pathways so I would be able to leave the Tower even in a weakened state. As destination I set the Ember Light Camp. I would be able to recover there and nobody would find me – or so I thought. Then I removed the first group of wards, blocking off everything as good as possible. As expected the necrotic spell got me, though. It infected me with some sort of disease.

Quickly I left the Tower, travelling to the Camp on the Fire Islands. Ironically I ran right into Zenaide’s arms there. Suffering from the effects of the disease I must have looked really bad. So she took me back to the Guild Hall. Of course that is a much nicer place than the Camp, and in the end I recovered sooner than I would have otherwise. Sitting on Dynamo’s ship and watching the ocean I fainted. According to Ishtar that state lasted for some days, and my skin even turned green for a while. I guess a lot of people worried about me during that time – something that would not have happened had I found a better hiding place.

When I came to my senses again, I was alone. Which was good, because I would not have to answer any questions. And as I sat there, I suddenly knew what I had to do. I took a little bath in the near by pond, then I travelled to the Temple of the Ages, to speak with the avatars of the gods.

The reaction to my arrival at the Temple however was different from what I had expected. When I walked up to the statue of Dwayna I was suddenly approached and surrounded by three avatars: Dwayna’s, Lyssa’s and Balthazar’s. Those three together are really something unheard of.

It seems the “acquisition” of that Wizard’s Tower brought with it more responsibility than I had thought. As far as I could tell from the Avatar’s babbling there lays a threat deep within the Tower. And I as the new owner am the one who has to deal with it.

When mentioning my other problem, the one that had brought me to the Temple first of all, they told me that I would redeem my honour in the eyes of the gods by fulfilling the Flameseeker Prophecy, and that I might find myself sharing the sentiments of the gods in the end. They even agreed that I should deal with this problem first, possibly because they feared the results of ignoring that Prophecy would interfere with their own problem.

I agreed to deal with the mystery of the Tower, and as a reward I was given a new armour to wear in my upcoming battles. Some stylish attire, I must admit. Though I must say it also shows how little they care for the more immediate problems of us mortals – those stupid avatar’s had not infused it!

So here I sit now, ready to head out into the Iron Mines of Moladune again, to infuse my new armour. Pondering about the aims of the gods. They are trying to use me for their own good, that much is obvious. And they sure as hell don’t care what becomes of me. And what about the other two avatars? Why did they not join the gathering? Well, Grenth I can understand, for he is probably on the other side, but Melandru? Strange.

But my goal has been to solve the mysteries of the Wizard’s Tower for quite some time now, so why not go along with the wishes of the gods – for now?