[ 9] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Future of Thera.
Sun Nov 25 12:13:27 2001
To: all
Therans, it is with utmost joy that I send this scroll to
each of you. Upon request from Queen Lethereal, Ruler of
Shasarazade, I was asked recently to announce that Qax and
Kaylian Leilani are to be come proud parents of twins.
Though none can be certain, the mother is expected to bear
her children within the lunar month within a city atop the
clouds. It is there that Lec and Sec Leilani will take in
their first breathe of Theran air, and the first sights will
be the Gods themselves watching over their loving parent's
shoulders. A healer will be present to assure the safety
of both mother and child, and with the Gods protection, all
should go without incident.
May Sirant's blessing be with the lucky couple at this their
happy moment.
Shandronas Yewheart, the Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald.
[ 64] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Beginning of the End? (Part 1)
Tue Nov 27 15:49:07 2001
To: all
Therans, again I come before you with ill news. Recently, I announced
the birth of twins. It brings me much sorrow to inform you that due
to complications, the mother-to-be Kaylian, did not survive the ordeal.
The birthing took place atop the mountain of Olympus, witnessed by the
Gods themselves, and attended by Ila. The first child to be brought
into this world, was Lec followed closely by his brother, Sec. When
the last child had been pushed from their mother's womb, it was known
that Kaylian was slipping away... Unable to hold her newly born sons,
before long, she was unable to see them. Qax took flight with his
wife, and their sons to an undisclosed location where after a short
while, her vision returned, but her condition worsened.
As she lay on the grass she looked upon her family and whispered a few
parting words. Her hand tightened it's grip upon Qax's and then fell
limply away. As her life slipped away, Qax stood helpless, unable to
do naught but watch it leave. He wandered the lands blinded by tears,
and still carrying his sons in adition to his wife's lifeless body,
and laid her to rest in a secret location, and as he excavated her
resting place, her spirit rose, and gave her family one last message
before returning to the Gods which granted her life. She was buried
wearing the gown she was wed in and her wedding and enagement ring
sparkled on her finger.
This would not be the end of Qax's sorrow. He returned to his home
for the first time without his wife by his side, and was attended to
by an elven noble, who happened by. It was then that the room was
plunged into an eerie darkness and a cloud of sulfur filled the air.
Without form, the darkness rushed past him, knocking him to the floor,
shielding his sons with his body. The dark presence overwhelmed him,
and he watched in horror as it wrenched Sec, the youngest son, from
his grip and returned from whence it came. Lec has been hidden for
his own protection.
(To be continued...)
[ 65] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Begining of the End? (part 2)
Tue Nov 27 15:49:46 2001
To: all
I met later with Qax, and he told of a few odd occurances that, while
seemingly coincidental, may be of great importance. When the Dark
force took Sec Leilani, as he faded away, a few feathers floated
slowly to the ground. What this could mean, I could not begin to
guess. Secondly, within the town of Rehydin, an elven child came to
Qax while he traveled with Queen Lethereal. This child, while other-
wise normal in appearance, behaved in a rather odd fashion. With a
pension for steak, he slept only during the day, remaining active
when the sun was absent from the sky. Qax also spoke a name. A
name not uttered in the Herald's halls for some time. Karman.
I did not arrive within the lands until long after Karman's fall, but
I was able to derive that a herald succumbed to the seductions of
Kaogalan and became host for a demon after his outcasting from the
ranks of the Heralds for his insane sermons and the deteriation of
his sanity. After asking many people, I learned that Karman was at
one point in love with Kaylian, Qax's wife. When he learned of her
marriage to Qax, he grew increasingly jealous. She had told him
that she would love no one that was not of the way of the mage, and
so banished all hopes from his mind. When she later met and married
Qax, he branded her a liar in his eyes. Could this be the what has
been reffered to as the Child of Lies? Could this be the Begining
[Hit Return to continue]
of Thera's End? I implore you, those able of mind and body, seek
the child before all is lost. I fear we've little time left. The
clues hopefully have been lain before us, now all we need do is
follow their path, and save Thera from what could be it's end.
In closing, I would ask that you all give your condolences to Qax
Leilani, in this his darkest hour. May the Gods be with us all, as
the moments that come to bear, may be our last.
Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald.
[ 75] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Perpetrator Revealed.
Wed Nov 28 02:08:29 2001
To: all
Greetings once again. As you all no doubt know, Gehenna has
claimed responsibility for the abduction of Sec Leilani, the
youngest son of Qax, but I come before you to annouce the
Demon's demands.
It was to Qax and Dnale that the demon made his demands. He
appeared in the form of a legion of skeletons who appeared
from nowhere in a cloud of smoke. Speaking together they
claimed to be the Voice of Gehenna, he continued to say that
we had stolen something that he loved, and he has repaid by
stealing the infant Sec. They instructed Qax that if he was
ever to see his son again, that he is to fetch the "Crown That
We Follow". Dnale informed me that he had tried to locate
such a crown, as did Bellia, but to no avail. Most likely
hidden from mortal magics, such a crown will only be revealed
by searching...
As the mass of skeletons departed the faint sound of leathery
wings was heard. Could this be another clue? None can know.
Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald.
[ 98] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Sands of Time Run.
Thu Nov 29 12:50:19 2001
To: all
Ladies and Gentlemen, time grows short in the search to regain
Sec, son of Qax Leilani. Within the month, I have been witness
to the minions of Gehenna twice. They emphasize the repricusions
if what they seek is not recovered.
Each time that they were revealed, the smell of sulfur and ink
filled the air, and a child's cry was heard echoing faintly in
the distance. The first time they came, the waters of the
fountain in Rehydin ran red as blood, and the air became hot
and I found my breath hard to draw. They appeared and without
attack spoke of their desires once more. "A crown is sought,"
they said, "we will barter the child for the crown. Each day
the child becomes more sickly. The Grandest of Crowns do we
seek." What is meant by this, I know not.
The latest appearence that I witnessed was not as peaceful.
They warned that time was running short and that bickering only
made the child sicker... "Find the crown we follow, should you
expect to see the child alive. I was forced to leave for a
moment to perform a duty, and upon my return, the mass was
gone. In it's wake an Skeletal Minion was summoned and began
to inspire numerous attacks within Rehydin. Thankfully,
numerous members of Justice were within the lands, peace was
soon restored.
Therans, I urge you to discover this crown before it is too
late.
Faithfully;
Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald.
[101] [HERALD] Shandronas: Secrets Revealed.
Thu Nov 29 17:11:20 2001
To: all
Therans... Though still weak from my ordeal, I come before
you with news, the urgency of which is parelled by none.
I sat with Qax, speaking casually of the recent events, when
I found myself flying through space and time and stopped in
what I can describe only as a void with the very planet
sprawled out before me like an plaything of the Immortals.
I heard a voice, distant at first, then louder until it
permeated my entire being, seemingly coming from within.
Slowly and deliberately, the Dischordant himself appeared
before me. Telling me that my body, and it's limitations
had no meaning in his realm. I slowly opened my eyes, seeing
all before me, yet I did not dare gaze upon his form.
His voice returned to me. He spoke to me of Chaos. That
from which all was spawned. For hours he spoke to me of
the so called balance between Good and Evil, light and
dark. As a Healer, I serve neither good nor evil, seeking
only to preserve life itself. Such was the reason he had
brought me before him. He expressed anger with Gehenna,
telling me that he did not serve Chaos, but evil. By
demanding the crown, he threatened life upon Theran soil.
The crown that is sought would place at Gehenna's call,
millions of torments of hell and would bring about the
second Bloodletting. Such was my responsibility, to gain
knowledge that would protect all, good and evil alike.
"The crown which is sought," The Dischord said, "lies
within my ancient tower, guarded by K'ira Savruul and the
Phsycic Medium." It was then that I thought of the infant
Sec. "He is but a catalyst, if not this one, then another.
And than another. It will stop only with his demise." He
then revealed the basics of the secrets of dealing death to
a demon: One must suffer a consecrated death and then be
exorcised, banished back to Hell. I scour the lands
seeking what knowledge I might find about the ancient art
of Exorcism, most likely even as you read this scroll.
He told me that the Crown which is Sought, if carried by an
unworthy mortal, would taint their soul. I asked how I would
know this worthy mortal and he said only this...
"One worthy to bear the Crowne shalt bear a Crowne himself,
and in such, carry the powers of the Three Servants of Sirant
at his breast. Seek and you shall find."
With a wave of his infinite hand, I found myself laying in
Shasarazade, with barely enough energy to stand.
I go forth now to seek what answers I might find, and seek
out the one who is worthy to wear this crown. May Sirant
guide my path, and deliver me from harm.
Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald.
[130] [HERALD] Shandronas: The One Reclaimed. (part 1)
Sat Dec 1 16:18:19 2001
To: all
Therans Rejoice! For the first time in my life, I am able to
scribe this scroll myself without the aid of Welby. Gehenna's
reign of terror and death is at an end. In a ceremony held
atop Crypticant's tower, the demon that held Thera's future in
check, was banished back to the infernal void which spawned him.
It began as a visit from him usually did, with a brimstone
stench and summoned minions.
I sat speaking with Qax Leilani, and Apollon, a fellow healer
in the foyer to the Palace of Shasarazade. The room became
stifled and the air thick with the smell of sulfur, announcing
Gehenna's arrival. In a voice full of anger, he demanded his
quarry, The Crown of Chaos. Qax, despite the fact that this
fiend was in possession of his son, stood bravely and defied
the demon, refusing to grant him the Crown, regardless of the
cost. In a fit of rage he conjured unliving monstrosities
from the very air, all of them unleashing their anger upon me.
I recited a quick prayer to Sirant, and was protected by his
wrath, delivering a blast of divine energy each time the beast
struck me. He fell quickly, but was soon replaced by another,
and yet another. Were it not for Apollon's blessings and the
heft of Qax's blade, we would have fallen under the assualt.
Soon, my mind began to falter and Qax's blade swung lighter
with each blow. We realized that we would die if we did not
retreat.
With Qax leading us, we took flight to the city of Val Miran
stopping for me to give directions to Lord Sirant's hallowed
Shrine. Our journey took only a few hours, each of us running
as fast as our legs would carry us. We finally reached the
altar, and I nearly fainted from exhaustion. Our rest was
short lived, and soon we heard the pounding of fists upon the
door of the shrine. Gehenna was unable to enter the sanctity
of the shrine, and in frustration, screamed his anger aloud.
His taunts and promises of pain beyond belief echoed throughout
the area denying us the needed sleep we required.
I recieved word from the Queen of Shasarazade, Lethereal,
that she had been assaulted by one of the demon's followers,
and I advised her to come to the Shrine where she could rest
in safety. In a few hours, she was fully rested and all was
quiet. It was then that Manheim, the servant of The Dischordant,
arrived to grant us what help he could. He concentrated deeply,
and bestowed his vision unto my unseeing eyes for the trials
that lay ahead of us, and a few others that would soon join us.
In his hands he held a tome older in appearance than any that
I had been witness to in my life.
To be continued...
[131] [HERALD] Shandronas: The One Reclaimed. (part 2)
Sat Dec 1 16:29:11 2001
To: all
Bound in black leather, the book was filled with pages of vellum,
yellowed and dog-eared, each penned in a dark, metallic ink.
The lines of text were written in a tongue that was alien to
me, it's spidery characters seemingly crawled across the
pages unrevealing of it's content. I concetrated and was
granted the ability to comprehend the words, by a blessing
of Sirant. It was the text that explained in detail the
rites neccessary to banish a demon back to Hell. I ran my
hands over it's cover, smiling, knowing that we would soon
be facing Gehenna and watching his face contort with fury
knowing that his existance would soon be at an end.
The ancient book explained that seven souls of virtue were
needed to perform the holy rite, and we then enlisted the
aid of Lexicant and Epurican, both willing to act in defense
of Thera, and return Gehenna from whence he came. They
came with speed to the Shrine and our troupe was then complete.
Manheim explained the process that was to come, and we began
our journey to Emerald Forest, where the ancient priest,
Yun Fei Yang who had promised his aid, resided.
Gehenna was there when we had arrived, lured under false
promises that the crown lay beyond the door to the priest's
humble dwelling. Blinded by his desire for the Crown, he
pushed the old priest aside and hurried through the doorway
which, unbeknownst to him, led into the Chamber of Expulsion.
We followed quickly after him, Yun Fei Yang granting me and
my companions passage upon seeing the tome that I held in my
hands. We soon found ourself in the chamber. A solemn room,
it's floor adorned with a seven-pointed star surrouded by an
amber circle. At the center of the room, a set of simple-
looking iron shackles were cemented to large rings set within
the star's center. Within their steely grasp, lay Gehenna,
his face twisted into a mask of fear and anger.
I opened the book, and gazed upon the first line. "I must
recite it precisely," I told myself, "do not falter, and utter
the text exactly as it is written.". I opened my mouth, and
words that I could not understand flowed from within, and in
response the points of the star flared into light, and then
faded just as quickly. I passed the book to Lethereal, who
stood to my left. Her voice filled the room and then she
gave the book to Qax, who gave it Apollon, who passed it to
Epurican, in turn to Lexicant, and then to Manheim. Upon
the completion of Manheim's words, the room was filled with a
blinding light, and when they faded, Gehenna was nothing more
than a smoldering hole in the center of the room. With a
gesture from Manheim, I spoke aloud the two remaining lines
of text, and a massive crack broke open the floor, shaking
everyone to their knees. Cries of pain, anguish, and
suffering filled the air, faded and when all was silent, a
child faded into view.
To be continued...
[132] [HERALD] Shandronas: The One Reclaimed. (part 3)
Sat Dec 1 16:45:40 2001
To: all
It was Sec, son of Qax Leilani. Translucent, it became
apparent to us all what Gehenna had done. Qax fell to his
knees, sobbing, as he watched his son's spirit pass through
a small door to the east, gently calling his mother's name.
We passed through this door and gasped as we found ourselves
in a room bathed in white light with a black pentacle etched
into the floor. Standing in the middle was the faint image
of Kaylian. She smiled upon each of us, and with arms out-
stretched, gathered the small child, and lifted him off of
the ground.
She approached me, and with a smile of thankfullness, she
handed me someting. It was a small pair of wire-rimmed
spectacles... A weak smile played across my face taking
pleasure in the irony. "Shandronas, my friend," she said,
"You have served me well in life and in death, for my thanks,
I can repay you only by giving you that which Manheim has."
I removed the tattered, weathered headband that had concealed
my eyes until then, and donned the delicate glasses. Every-
thing was suddenly in focus, and these eyes saw for the
first time without aid, all those around me.]
Manheim, whose story I know not to this day, was granted
enternal rest, free of his servitude. A single beam of light
speared down, and when it dissipated, he was gone. Only a
faint whisper in my ears followed. "Take care, old friend,
I will see you again." The light reflected in the room
flared and when it dimmed, we were before the temple of
neutrality, within Val Miran's walls. All were present,
save for one addition. Karman, the Demon known as Gehenna,
the fallen Herald, stood before us. His memory of the past
years was gone and he knew nothing of what had transpired
over their passing.
Other matters pulled me away from the reunion, and I was
compelled to leave the lands, leaving the friends to re-
aquaint themselves.
While young Sec, son of Qax, and the prophecised Child of
Lies did not live to see his father's ultimate sucess,
but he is held close to his mother, and both watch over us all.
Penned by Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance