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List Xenon

Mor of the same - circa 2617

Isaaz

Chronicling Xenon Von Victor's visit to the Broken Realm of Eldahar.

Accompanying Nynsagul of the Balance, Victor, Valris, Sinsifel and the Custodian Sebal arrive under the red sun of the Chaos overtaken Alternate Eldahar.

Session August 2003.

After following Nynsagul through strange doorways and along hundreds of floating platforms surrounded by darkness, Victor, Valris and Sinsifel arrive on the Alternate Eldahar at 9am in the morning.

Luckily the Red Chaos-infused sun has no effect on Victor or Valris' blood allowing the both of them to freely move in daylight.

The Chaos Lord Mor immediately senses Sinsifel's arrival though and dispatches his fell lord Isaaz to investigate.

Before Isaaz arrives though Victor and Valris have a major argument with Sebal and exchange blows. Sebal proves impervious to both Victor's claws and Valris' magic but without any abilities of his own to finish the fight quickly, a stalemate ensues. *Note - Sebal's greatest strength is his ability to keep going, forever, without stopping or needing rest.*

Victor and Valris wrestle the Custodian to the ground and attempt to pull his arms from his sockets, stab him in the eyes and blast him with lightning, all to no avail. Sebal head buts Valris when she tries to bite through his wrist (actually hurting her own teeth in the process) and hurls her from him.

Sin tells them that they're acting like children. Looking from the outside, in, she sees just how indestructible Sebal is. They couldn't effect Uncle Han in Eternium's future, and they had things like digitizers.

Victor and Valris are forced to agree and change their tact, avoiding Sebal by using their speed and agility.

A cloud on the horizon continues to grow closer at an alarming rate. As it does it also descends and Victor begins to make out creatures dipping and diving in its dark grey underbelly. Then as Victor and Valris continue avoiding Sebal by leaping and running around in circles, they see a Chariot swoop down from the sky pulled by 4 giant slithering serpents that glide through the air like fish through water.

The chariot lands atop the dunes and a seven and a half foot tall green serpent headed man steps out, flanked by a very angry and dark looking cloud.

Isaaz shouts at the trespassers before him. This is the Realm of Never Mor and you are uninvited guests. My Master Menekkra bids me makes you welcome and show you the price for trespassing in his lands. With that announcement Isaaz brandishes a serpentine sword and sneers. Kneel before me, Isaaz, Fell Lord of Serpents, and deliver your lives at my feet.

We're not hear looking for trouble says Valris, wiping blood from her nose after a particularly accurate Sebal punch.

I do not converse with lesser beings, Isaaz hisses. You will be branded and turned into Snake men. Then to Valris and Sin, And you females will become concubines to my snake lords.

The storm cloud moves menacingly towards Victor and his family, flashing with lighting and rumbling with thunder.

We should go says Valris to Victor. We can't afford to get bogged down in conflict so early on. We don't even know where we are yet.

Victor nods, but reluctantly. Let's go then.

With Sinsifel thrown over his back Victor makes for open sand with Valris by his side. Both them forget about Sebal as he can fend for himself, however the cloud advances faster they can run.

Victor shouts out above the thunder, We can't outrun it. Even as he says this, he turns back and runs towards it, letting Sin drop behind him.

As Isaaz approaches he summons a dozen of his snake lords from the sand. They move to meet Victor and Valris but are easily avoided. Then Isaaz calls lightning from his storm cloud and forces Victor to fight him one to one.

The fight is brutal and swift. After a few powerful blows have been exchanged - including where Victor hits Isaaz on the fingers causing him to bleed, Victor is knocked down and brutally beheaded in front of a shocked Valris and horrified Sinsifel.

Valris, berserk with rage and grief now engages Isaaz herself. But hissing and laughing like a maniac he subdues her with a couple of strong crippling blows to the body and head. Stunned and gushing blood from her head and nose, Valris is lifted up by the throat and examined.

You are a pretty vessel of flesh. I will take you as a concubine. You will have the honour of siring my Serpents in your belly he leers.

A Diet of Staples

Breya

Victor wakes up in a stone room with a blue robed woman looking down at him. Feeling weak and thirsty for blood he tries to sit up but notices dozens of giant metal staples zigzagging across his body. It soon becomes apparent that the staples are holding his various body parts together after being severely mutilated by Isaaz's swords. Even his neck is riddled with metal - metal that is keeping his head on!

He groans.

It's your regeneration. It isn't working on these wounds, says the woman, before introducing herself as Breya. I've tried my best. It's crude I know but I've never encountered a being quite like you before. Please accept my apologies if I have done something wrong.

No, Victor croaks. You've done fine. This has to be the worst shape I've been in for a while. Victor recalls 'dying' several times in his Vampiric lifetime but never once losing his head. He feels decidedly shocked. I need to get better with a sword he mumbles.

After a moment Valris enters and carefully embraces Victor. She still has heavy bruising around her face and upper body (because Isaaz's attacks were magical and extremely difficult to regenerate from), but is much better off than Victor.

How's Sin? Victor asks, taking a sip of water offered by Breya from a flask.

She's fine. We were rescued by magical mirrors and are now in a sanctuary of some kind. As a whisper, beyond normal human hearing, Valris adds I'm concerned about the Eye of Mythos though, so I've asked Sin to keep it hidden.

So that she can help them better, Breya asks Victor and Valris several technical questions about their blood and its abilities. They are not typical questions but very scientifically oriented. She then asks lots of questions about spirit, showing that she has an inquisitive mind well versed in magic and oddities. I know a lot about these sorts of things. My Father is the Head of Magic here. You might have heard of him? Istar?

Both Victor and Valris pull blank faces, leaving Breya a little disappointed.

Is there any Law here? asks Valris.

Breya replies No, they're all dead. Rest a while, both of you. Later today I'll take you to see my father and the others who wish to see you.

Victor feels too weak to argue or come up with any alternative plan so he lets Valris climb into bed beside him and hopes his blood does the rest.

Why didn't I completely die when I lost my head? I did lose my head didn't I? he asks Valris.

Yes dear, you lost your head. Maybe you've been hit on it so many times you've evolved into not needing it anymore.

Victor pouts and sticks his finger partly in the fleshy gap between staples.

Valris slaps his hand. Leave it alone. Have you any idea how terrified I was when I saw you fall? How terrified Sinsifel was seeing her father beheaded?

Sorry Victor says softly.

It has to be either the amount of Chaos on this world or another stage of your blood development.

Well it hurts like a bitch says Victor.

Valris nips her wrist and lets blood begin to flow from the wound. Drink and get stronger. I have a feeling we're going to have to fight again soon.

An audience with a King

Hours later Breya returns. Victor struggles to rise but with Valris supporting him manages to get dressed and accompany the young woman along dozens of bright wide open corridors.

Through large open windows he sees a shining city of towers and minarets; of garden topped roof tops and a shimmering sky home to giant rider backer griffins.

Where are we? he asks Breya.

This is the Sanctuary, the last bastion of defence against Chaos on Eldahar she replies, happy to answer several more questions from Valris too.

A little further on Victor grins when he sees Sinsifel waiting for him by an impressive pair of wooden doors.

Father! she cries, rushing to his side. You look like a railway track she admonishes.

Victor gently hugs his daughter and ruffles her hair, amazed at how quickly she has grown and how she will soon be a young woman.

Two shining guards dressed in armour as bright and reflective as mirrors open the doors and gesture for them to go in. As a family, when they do, they find themselves in a throne room filled with people and all eyes on them.

Victor takes it all in. A young girl dressed like a princess sat on a small stool by the side of the throne, Sebal standing stock still like a statue at the base of some steps, a floating head in a large glass jar, a man dressed in black with a black goatee lurking in the shadows, a young dark haired prince standing by his father, a very serious king and his queen with red hair and fierce eyes, resting her hand on his.

The King speaks. Come, come closer. Let us look at you. We very seldom get visitors in the Sanctuary.

Victor, Valris and Sin approach until they are level with Sebal. Valris scowls at the Custodian but Sebal doesn't respond.

I am King North, this is my Queen, Red, my head of magic (he gestures to the glass jar and very living head floating in it) Istar, my advisor Ashar (the man behind him in the shadows), my son Christian and my daughter (the girl on the stool) Elise.

North continues. The people you see here are my strongest arm, sharpest blade and greatest treasure. My hope, my future, my dream, my wisdom and my vision. I value every one of them and they speak freely in my presence. So too may you, until I decide otherwise.

The head in the jar speaks, its voice magically travelling into the room. We rescued you at some risk to ourselves because your arrival was most unexpected. When Isaaz attacked you we knew you were not allied to Mor but it has left us with many questions. Questions we would like to ask and have answered before we proceed any further.

Both Victor and Valris nod.

We are happy to answer any questions you have says Valris courteously.

Good says the King. Let us start with your names and a little about yourselves.

I am Sebal and they are my enemies says Sebal abruptly, taking everyone in the room a little by surprise.

Let them introduce themselves. Its only fair, is it not? says North.

Victor and Valris begin, giving their names and their worlds of origin (not that Victor even knows the name of the world he was born on). Valris mentions the Time Rift and Victor mentions Tharizden.

Valris lets Victor speak but interjects when he starts to get sidetracked. She knows how easily he mentions things that perhaps don't need mentioning.

The man called Ashar steps forward, revealing he is wearing a blindfold and whispers in the King's ear. Slightly greying and with weary eyes the King listens and nods, not realising that Valris can hear exactly what is said.

They are Chaos my Lord. Allowing them to speak is unwise says Ashar.

Sinsifel stands politely while her parents talk. She gives a small wave to the young Princess but particularly avoids the gaze of the Prince who cannot seem to stop staring at her. The throne room serves as a great distraction though, with its arched roof and open sides leading to wide balconies. She stares in awe at the giant griffins sat on perches on these balconies and at the dangerous birds of prey in the rafters of the hall, black birds, golden eagles and hunting hawks to name but a few.

As Victor and Valris continue filling King North in on their mission, Sebal can no longer stand silent and listen. He accuses Valris, Victor and Sinsifel of being responsible for the Time Rift and by their very existence endangering the whole of Time.

Valris is having none of it and argues back, provoking Sebal into further claims until eventually the two of them are silenced angrily by North who has been forced to stand up from his throne for attention.

Look, we are here looking for a piece of Time says Valris, laying it all on the line. An artefact or device of some kind that can manipulate or effect Time in some way. We were brought to this world by a strange man called Nynsagul who said it was here. Without it we stand no hope of defeating Tharizden and saving countless worlds from his hunger to I plead, if such an item is known to you, let us know its whereabouts and let us go to claim it.

The King and Queen exchange glances and Valris senses some magical form of communication flow between them.

Sebal quickly cuts in before anyone else can speak. Only I can be trusted with such a device. Only I possess the knowledge of how to use it.

You're not a Servant of the Balance Victor laughs. How are you going to use it?

Sebal steps closer to the King, triggering guards to move closer to him. I know how to operate the device you have here. I believe you have designated it 'The Arkysancture'?

Istar asks What do you know of this?

I know how to make it fully functional. The protective shield you have over this city is nothing compared to its true purpose and function. Science far beyond your technological level is encoded inside; science that contains nothing less than the imprint of an entire world.

A silence falls over the throne room for several seconds as everyone lets Sebal's words sink in.

Why would you share this with us? asks North. What do you gain from it?

In return for my knowledge I will require a place to work, tools and raw materials. I will also require the Time device be given solely to me says Sebal.

Your majesty! Valris cries. You cannot trust this monster. He has almost destroyed three worlds already because of his warped sense of what is right. We come to you as Chaos yes, but with human hearts and emotions. Our cause is just despite what flows through our veins. Not all Chaos is bad and not all Law is good! We can help you too!

The King raises a hand for silence and tells Sebal and Valris he has heard enough. It is obvious to me that both sides here hold strong opinions. I would normally think about such a thing for many days but our days have grown short and my patience for thinking even shorter. Please stand silent a moment.

The Oath

The King consults privately for a few minutes with his advisers and red haired queen before speaking again. I will give you the Tesseract, on one condition. That the three of you make a binding oath upon my sword blade, to put aside your differences and work together for the betterment of your Home Worlds - To aid one another until such time as this Time Rift is sealed and the enemies of your worlds are defeated.

Sebal immediately refuses, outright.

Then you will never get the Tesseract of Time I possess says North quite simply.

Valris and Victor whisper together before Valris finally offers a hand to Sebal. If we're to do this, the King is right, we need to work together. We both need this Tesseract. I am wise enough to see it. Are you? Take my hand Sebal.

The Custodian considers for a moment, weighing his options and calculating innumerable events before ignoring Valris' hand and turning back to the King. I accept your terms he says.

Valris withdraws her hand swearing to herself that one day she'll come up with a spell to melt Sebal down to slag.

Victor says We accept your terms too.

All three of them make an oath upon North's sword, Need- a binding oath as the sword Need holds tremendous power over all things. Sebal doesn't believe for a moment that the sword can do anything to him but for the time being, pretending to work with the Vampires serves his purpose.

North says that it will take him a while to get the Tesseract from where he has placed it. In the meantime he suggests that all four of them rest, recuperate and tour the city. If there is anything you need just ask he says.

---

Dismissed from the throne room, Victor, Valris and Sin head one way with Breya while an elven archer called Lanolin leads Sebal another.

How de do de family says Texas Vic while putting his arms around his favourite girls. Breya smiles but Sin and Valris just roll their eyes.

Don't exert yourself Breya warns.

Nah, I'm feeling much better says Victor. And indeed he is. His injuries are still very obvious and hurt like hell but after Valris' blood at least his head feels properly attached.

Valris makes her needs known. I need a room with an open view, a selection of spell materials as extensive as possible, a meeting with the heads of your magical orders so that I can get an idea of what sorts of magic you are practising, armour and weapons.

Is that all? asks Breya, a little surprised at Valris' sudden and commanding tone.

It's obvious you've all got your backs to a wall. I may know magic that can help you, give you an edge; even win this war for you Valris explains. But if time is of the essence, which I gather it is, I don't have time for tours.

I do pipes up Sinsifel.

A voice behind her startles her. Then I will take you on one, with your parent's permission of course. Sin whirls around to face Prince Christian.

That's OK, I'm actually a bit tired Sin yawns. Maybe some other time.

Valris grabs her daughter by the shoulders and moves her in Christian's direction. She would love to go with you. Maybe to see those giant flying birds of yours? Valris suggests.

Sin glares at her mother but remembers the birds and how amazing they looked. I wouldn't mind seeing them. They're griffins right? she asks the prince.

They are indeed the Prince replies with a warm smile. Come, I'll take you to their aerie.

With Sin gone, Victor and Valris return to their room to briefly discuss events and what to do next. They are only there thirty minutes when the King's adviser Ashar arrives to collect them.

Please come with me. There are people who have further questions for you he explains.

Ashar leads Valris and Victor to a private landing balcony. On the large stone shelf there is a golden gazebo / bird cage that takes them down to a stately home and garden filled with a variety of flora and fauna.

King North is there with a select few people. He welcomes them, apologises for not leaving them long to rest and then introduces a few new people - Meet my head of the religious quintet, Elensyll. General Verner my oldest surviving General, a superb tactician and a stalwart ale drinker, who just so happens to also be my most ambitious swordsman and master of arms, responsible for training the Mirror Guard. Oh and General Aidar he smiles, as if sharing some in joke.

North grabs an apple, then his people start asking questions.

We need to ask you some more questions says Elensyll, brushing some bright blue hair from her face. Can you describe to us how you might be able to help? For instance, any skills or abilities you have, any victories over Chaos you have had or Lords of Chaos you may have destroyed?

Where to begin. Victor and Valris take turns quite openly describing what they can do and how they can help.

Victor mentions his following skills;- astral projection, scrying (sight and hearing), hard to track, no heart beat, regenerate, hard to permanently kill, strong spirit, poisonous blood, fast, strong, agile, tough, hard skin, able to leap, run tirelessly, drain beings of blood extremely quickly, scream loudly, take the memories of ones victims, call Sword of Dawn, summon Rune Staff, link to a Time stone, unarmed combat and sword fighting. Magical / enchanted claws.

Ashar, who arrives and slips into the discussion with hardly anyone noticing, becomes intrigued by Victor's description of Tharizden. Might we talk a moment? he asks Victor.

Victor shrugs and strolls off a little distance with the King's adviser. Ashar asks Victor to describe Tharizden again but in as much detail as he can. When Victor is done talking Ashar nods and says There is something here on Eldahar that sounds very similar to your Tharizden. We call it the Living Dark and it seems to be made up of the same energy. It even has servants, or converts if you prefer, called Wraiths.

Fascinated by Ashar's revelations Victor starts asking questions of his own.

While Victor is chatting with Ashar, Valris describes a bit about herself - I know a lot about magic. I know a lot of spells. I know a lot about life force and nature, and preserving energy, but mainly spells as recently I have been learning probably around 30 new ones a day.

How can you learn so many so quickly? North asks. Not even Istar can do that. You could put him out of a job the King chuckles.

I have a Spell Rod I gained from a previous world Valris explains. It is attuned to me and only me, granting tremendous insight into the inner workings of magic.

To you and only you? North raises a eyebrow. Indeed. How fortunate for you he smiles.

Tentacled Horror

Griffin Victor then begins telling them about the Champion of the Balance but is interrupted by a sudden alarm. North looks skyward to the Sanctuary's domed shield and utters a curse.

What is it? Valris asks.

Another breach the King growls. We'll continue this later. With that he gets up and marches away, his two generals in tow.

High above Victor and Valris' heads the shimmering dome flickers and an immense five hundred foot long tentacle breaks through. Then as Victor and Valris watch in a stunned silence, a dozen griffins take to the air from one of the higher towers, their riders and lances catching the light of the sun.

Victor and Valris both think of Sinsifel at exactly the same moment. We need to find our daughter says Valris to Elensyll and Ashar.

The black clothed adviser appears uninterested and walks away in another direction but the blue haired Elensyll understands their concern and responds. I will take you to her.

Elsewhere in the Sanctuary Queen Red mounts a battle griffin, straps herself in and is handed a deadly Mirror Mir tipped lance. Her armour instantly settles around her and over her flesh, bound to her spirit courtesy of Ashar. She then kicks the bird to flight and angles it upwards directly towards the behemoth tentacle.

Nearby Sinsifel and Christian, visiting the griffin lofts within one of the highest towers witness the tentacle arrive no more than two hundred feet from them.

By the Gods! the prince exclaims. We've never had one so big before. The shield must be weaker than we thought.

What the hell is it! Sin cries, just as the horror swings closer and pounds the side of their building. Thrown to the floor, Sin puts her hands above her head to fend off pieces of falling masonry and closes her eyes. When she opens them a moment later she sees Christian lying over her covered in bits of debris.

He smiles down at her with a trickle of blood on his lip where something must have hit him. It's OK, it only hurts a bit.

Would you mind err, getting... Sin gestures and Christian obeys. Around them griffins are screeching and men and women are running about in a panic as the tentacle pulls back for yet another swing.

We seem to have upset it states Christian. Would you mind terribly if I... he makes a flying gesture with his hands.

Not at all says Sin. You can fly can't you? she asks cheekily.

The prince grins. I've been flying griffins since I was knee high. I'm more comfortable up there than on my own legs.

Sinsifel stands back and grips one of the stone pillars reinforcing the griffin loft. She briefly checks her backpack though and a thought occurs to her; but it's a thought she quickly dismisses.

Christian leaps atop a griffin and grabs a lance from one of the racks. A griffin keeper shouts You're unarmoured Prince Christian but the prince is already in the air, dropping from the loft and letting the griffin spread its wings and soar upwards.

Sinsifel watches him go and shakes her head. Lunatic she mumbles. Be safe.

When Victor and Valris arrive running full speed at the lofts, Valris quickly spots Sinsifel and is relieved to sense her unharmed.

Let's get you out of here says Valris.

The Prince is out there says Sinsifel. Can't we help?

At that instant the tentacle pounds the loft again and this time collapses one entire side of it. Valris speeds Sin out of death's way and down some stairs while Victor protects several other keepers from flying stones.

I'm fine mum. Go help them kill it urges Sinsifel.

Valris growls but leaves Sin there, under strict instructions to Elensyll to take her down to safety. She rushes back to rejoin Victor and assess the battle taking place outside.

The Queen has broken her lance in the tentacle's side and several other griffin riders have done the same. The prince from what Victor and Valris make out has been unseated from his bird and is clinging for his life to its under straps as it veers back and forth.

That's the biggest tentacle I've ever seen says Victor.

I never liked sea food says Valris, casting a fly spell on herself and leaping from the building.

Err Valris... calls Victor. What about me? But Valris is already hurling a lightning bolt at the tentacle, blasting a large hole in its side.

Aww heck says Victor, throwing himself off of the building too. He knows his spirit can help him glide and angles himself to at least get a shot at grabbing the thing.

The Queen and her griffin are sent spinning by the turbulence of the tentacle passing. When Red attempts to regain control and fails she takes out a knife and cuts her harness to set herself free.

Valris uses another spell to blast the tentacle and then grabs a falling lance and rams that hilt deep into the quivering monsters skin for good measure.

The Queen activates a magical ring in her possession and begins floating safely to the ground just as a flare of light from another of the Sanctuary's towers burns the sky and a gigantic lightning bolt disintegrates seventy five percent of the remaining tentacle in a blast that leaves Valris temporarily blind and dazed.

Victor is sent spinning wildly out of control but at the last moment manages to run at speed along the side of a building and leap on top of its room to roll in some bushes.

The tentacle, or what is left of it, retreats back through the city's shield and everyone breathes a sigh of relief.

Her vision clearing, Valris flies down to join Victor. Whoever cast that spell is a powerful mage. I'm going to guess it was either this Istar or Ashar as both have large reservoirs of energy.

Nice to see you dear says Victor, picking pits of rosemary from his hair.

Valris gives him an embrace before pointing to another rooftop and Sin and Elensyll. I have a suspicion about something she mutters.

Leaping tall buildings in a single bound, the two Blood Star Vampires land beside their daughter and very surprised Elensyll.

Sinsifel Rylek Dawn Valris begins. Is there something you'd like to tell us?

Sin gulps and contemplates saying no but her mother looks too dangerous to even try. I have the Eye with me she admits, gingerly handing over her rucksack.

You what!!! Valris shouts. We were leaving it behind for a reason, remember? Honestly, sometimes I feel as if no one listens to me. You're in so much trouble young lady. So much trouble!

Sin looks to her dad for support.

What your mother says says Victor, crossing his arms to show his own displeasure.

Valris opens the rucksack and looks inside. It's not in here! she shouts. You have five seconds to hand it over or so help me I'm going spank you so hard I'll take you back to being five years old.

Seeing the Prince land nearby Sinsifel hastily takes the rucksack back. It's in here. It's just hidden. I don't know how I did it but I did. Here... she takes out the gleaming red Eye of Mythos and deposits it in her mother's hand. I'm sorry. I just thought we might need it.

Look what trouble it's already caused. I'm under no illusion that tentacle was going for you and IT Valris fumes.

Excuse me, but what is it? asks Elensyll.

Victor tries to warn the lady to stay out of Valris' way but Elensyll is already in the firing line with a very intimidating Valris glaring through her skull. It's none of your business. That's all you need to know. Now if you don't mind I've had enough of your questions. We're going to take our daughter away for a while, back to our rooms. Do not get in our way she threatens.

The Prince gives Sinsifel a concerned look but Sin is whisked away before she can signal him back.

Back in their room with hardly a word spoken the entire way, Valris turns to Sin again and asks why?

I don't know why. I just couldn't leave it behind. I think it wanted to come she says, fighting back tears. What are you going to do with it now?

Valris suggests showing it to the King straight away - They're going to find out sooner or later. Better sooner. We're trying to make these people allies, not alienate them by keeping things like this secret. If they blame us for the tentacle we'll stand no chance of getting the Tesseract.

Sin argues that North and the others might take it away if they learn about it. After all, it is a Chaos Artefact and they seem pretty opposed to Chaos.

We're Chaos and they haven't killed or locked us up... yet, says Victor.

It's agreed then says Valris. We tell the King about it and hope our honesty helps salvage the deal. Valris gestures to a bed. Stay here she instructs Sin. Do not move.

Sinsifel continues crying long after they leave. The prospect of losing the Eye overwhelms her with emotion.

Outside in the corridor Victor and Valris find Christian, within earshot of Sin's tears.

Is your daughter not well? he asks, genuinely concerned.

She is not your concern Valris snaps. Now take us to your father the King.

Christian stiffens at Valris' abruptness and for a moment seems offended and about to speak up but Victor puts an arm on the young man's shoulder and whispers Don't take offence. Val is just a little pissed at the moment. She actually quite likes you.

Christian wonders if they both have different definitions of 'like' but swallows his pride and asks them to follow him.

The Tomb of Lord Ross

Champion of Law, Hero of Merlendy

North, Verner and Aimar are in a war room. The recent arrival of Victor, Valris and Sinsifel has given them a lot to discuss. North is sure that it heralds a shift in the Balance of the Realm - for better or for worse. When Victor and Valris are led to him the King is frowning deeply. I'm sorry says North, we're a bit busy. Is it important?

We have something to show you says Valris. We thought we had left it behind before coming here but our daughter hid it.

I understand how frustrating children can be sometimes says the King, casting a sidelong glance at his son.

Valris and Victor show the King the Eye of Mythos and explain what they think it is. The whole time they are talking the King remains silent and so do his Generals, though Victor cannot help but notice the panic in Verner's and Aimar's eyes.

North has an inkling of what the Eye could be but to prove his theory he has to escort Victor and Valris down into the depths of the Bastion - down a steep corridor and through a heavily shielded door.

"May Mercy watch over him," inscription above the tomb of Lord Ross

Inside they see the Tomb of Lord Ross - Hero of Merlendy and Champion of Law. But their stay is cut short when suddenly the Blue Sword of Law flies from its place on the wall and starts attacking them. North and Christian barely parry and block the sword's advance until all of them have retreated back up the corridor. Once the door is sealed again, North turns around and voices his concerns. I think that stone you're carrying is the Eye of Chaos - An object of great Power and even greater risk. I'm sorry I had to do that but I had to be sure. And now I am; the Sword of Law reacted to it in a big way.

We guessed it was Chaos too admits Valris but understand why you had to be sure. Sometimes it doesn't radiate any energy and other times it radiates loads.

If Morgrim gets a hold of it says North, we'll all be done for. You've brought a very dangerous object with you, one that my advisers will tell me to take and somehow destroy.

If that is your wish says Valris, though Victor doesn't appear to agree.

Don't worry, it's not my wish the King sighs. If I try to destroy that thing it'll probably just defend itself and at this stage of things I don't need to be fighting a two sided battle. I'm happy for you to keep hold of it for now. Just don't blow anything up with it, OK?

Victor and Valris both agree to keep it safe and follow the King out of the tomb.

In the Blink of an Eye

A while after leaving the King to continue his war meeting, Victor and Valris are given a tour by Christian of one the Bastion's Mirror Halls; a large barrel shaped room containing over 80 mirrors showing unique locations across the Broken Realm. Despite most of the Mirrors being covered by protective cloths, Victor notices a lot of bleak Chaos drained locations - black sanded deserts, bubbling volcanic pools and shifting multicoloured lakes. Christian explains a little about Mirror Magic and the Art of Mirroring - all of which Valris finds fascinating.

It is while they are exploring these Mirrors that Victor senses sudden and immediate danger and ducks, just as a black wrapped assassin of Chaos leaps passed him swiping with one foot long dripping fingernails.

Christian backs away and raises an alarm while Valris and Victor leap from wall to wall after the assassin. Mirror Mages scream and duck for cover as the creature hisses and twists and turns in the air trying to grab Sinsifel's rucksack from Valris' back.

Oh no you don't! Valris cries, tucking and rolling under the assassin's grasping nails.

Victor decides to put some recent knowledge to the test. He quickens his blood to the point that his veins and arteries swell and burst, showering him in a fine blood spray. A quivering man just a few feet from him feints in shock but Victor pays him no heed as a moment later he tenses and the blood bonds and solidifies to his skin like armour.

He then leaps at the assassin, body slamming it head on into a wall and gauging its face apart with his blood covered vampiric claws. One moment it is there and the next it is gone, banished by Kûtal's blood.

Brian, one of the heads of the Mirror Mages is utterly distraught as 10 mirrors have been broken during the fight. They are irreplaceable he moans.

Christian is also concerned. How did an assassin get in here?

Through one of the mirrors maybe? suggests Victor.

Brian flaps his hands in denial. Absolutely impossible. The only way that could happen is if someone operated the mirror from this side.

Someone or something whispers Valris, just loud enough for Victor to hear. She glances towards Sin's rucksack and the Eye so that Victor understands. It takes him a moment but he finally gets it.

Major Damien and a squad of Mirror Guards arrive on the scene and are briefed by Valris and Christian while Victor pops into a side room to quickly clean himself up, especially as his appearance en route makes at least one more Mirror Mage feint in horror.

When he emerges ten minutes later he is still sheepishly licking blood from his arm.

Their tour of the Mirror Halls over, Victor and Valris take a walk to discuss what to do about the Eye. If we stick it in a box or anything we'll lose its protection says Valris. But at the moment it's being more troublesome than helpful so a box sounds like a good idea.

Let's take it back to our room and find somewhere to put it says Valris.

Victor has other ideas though. I'll take it back but I want to find that Ashar fellow again first and ask him a few more questions.

Valris hands it over. It's probably wise to keep swapping it between us anyway. Let's not let it get comfortable.

Victor finds Ashar in one of the high gardens and asks about Wraiths again. He tries to remember his conversations with Junys about Tharizden and Anti-essence so that he can pass the knowledge onto Ashar.

Wraiths are weakened by light, fire or positive concentrations of spiritual energy Ashar explains. Such as a crowd of people praying or a group of friends holding hands. They are impervious to normal weapons but magical ones or just plain odd ones will injure and eventually be able to kill them. Ashar goes on, sharing everything he knows about Wraiths, including their hatred of large bodies of water and their tree structure of power. Victor finds it fascinating stuff.

The Eye causes more weirdness when Victor happens to think about Valris' father. Suddenly, for a split second, Junys appears - or an illusion of him anyway. The vision completely throws Victor who starts looking frantically around. Did you see that? Victor asks Ashar.

What?

Junys - Valris' father. He was here a moment ago. I saw him. Just there. Victor points and Ashar steps closer, waving his hands. As the spiritualist does the image reappears but this time remains, stabilised by Ashar's powers.

A projection of your mind Ashar explains. Unusual but then you do have some psychic abilities.

Better rub it out though before Valris sees it Victor cautions.

---

Back in their room, while clutching the Eye, Victor thinks about blood and his rising hunger. To his and Valris' surprise a blood red cloud suddenly wafts onto their balcony. It certainly smells like blood and when Victor steps into it, it seeps into his skin - It is blood! Victor thinks. But where from?

On a high for a few moments Victor merely laughs and enjoys the sensation, sharing some of his new blood with Valris. However the question of where it came from soon comes back.

They discover three people in adjacent or nearby rooms that have been drained by the cloud. A woman in her early 30's and two men on the next level above their room.

We need to tell someone says Valris.

We could just pretend it's nothing to do with us? Victor suggests, licking his lips and feeling frisky. How about going to bed?

Valris removes his arms from her waist. They're drained of blood Victor. How many things that do that do you think they have living here?

Victor thinks for a moment before flopping backwards on the bed. It's not like they're dead or anything.

Ten minutes later Breya and Ashar arrive on the scene, having been summoned by Valris.

Breya - You look like a ripe tomato! she describes of Victor, before knowing what has happened.

When Valris explains and leads Breya and Ashar to the three injured people, Breya snaps We'll tend to them, a little angry at Victor and Valris' continued endangerment of citizens.

Ashar however isn't a little angry, but very angry. This artefact of yours is too dangerous to have just lying around. I have to demand it is stored away from anything living.

I agree says Valris. You have a suggestion?

I do says Ashar.

Victor and Valris head back to their room with Ashar behind them. It's just over here says Victor, reaching for the Eye and finding it gone. He feels down the side of the bed, looks under it and scratches his head. I left it right here.

In a sudden whirlwind of hasted blood, Victor and Valris turn the entire room upside down.

It's gone! Valris cries in exasperation.

Victor thinks that the Eye might have just gone invisible. Maybe it popped out for a bite of Law or something?

Ashar summons the Queen before scanning the area himself. I can find no trace of its power or aura here. Are you sure you had it? he asks Victor.

I did! Victor exclaims. I had it in my hand. Then the takeaway floated in and I put it down. It's not my fault it's gone. Victor looks at Valris to see if she believes him. It's not my fault, honest.

While waiting for the Queen, Valris heads across the corridor to get Sin. A swift and very serious interrogation of her daughter leaves her in no doubt; Sin doesn't have it.

The Queen arrives, having been briefed on the way. The first thing she says as she enters the room is I cannot believe this.

Next Elensyll is called in to check the room for Past Echo's (an ability she has to see past events up to several hours old). She sees the Eye and then suddenly it is gone - no one according to her enters the room and takes it.

So it either teleported itself suggests Valris. Or was taken by magic.

Elensyll says that she will search for it outside. She approaches the window and in a shimmer of magic, polymorph's herself into a blue crowned hawk.

Brian the Mirror Mage arrives on the scene next, scanning the area with a small pocket mirror. I'm picking up a residual glimmer he announces.

Explain says the Queen.

The object may have been summoned by a mirror. It's difficult to say for sure though and there's no way I can prove it or identify where it has gone.

Are you aware of any mirrors that show this part of the Sanctuary? Red asks.

Brian shakes his head. There are no registered Mirrors showing any part of this area. I should know. I register them.

After the Queen and Brian leave Victor decides to meditate. Whenever he cannot find something meditation makes him feel better. Using his spirit he sends out a search, first for the Eye and then, just on the off chance, for the Runestaff and Sword of Dawn. Like so many times before, he comes up with nothing.

Just as he is stretching his legs Breya enters the room. My Father urgently needs to see everyone in the Great Hall she says.

An Istar Rising

An Istar Rising

When Victor and Valris arrive in the main hall they see Istar floating out of his glass jar atop a red robed glowing magical body. Flanked by five other mages from his Magical Order it quickly becomes obvious that something bad is happening when he reveals the Eye of Chaos.

The last thing they properly remember is him holding the Eye in a magically created hand and saying Welcome, you shall make excellent soldiers for my cause.

Victor and Valris gaze upon the Eye and feel it fill their minds with light and warmth. Istar's words become the words of a god and they drop to their knees in awe.

Arise and obey Istar commands.

We obey Victor and Valris say in unison.

Next into the hall is the King himself.

What is the meaning of this? he asks angrily. Istar, what is going on?

Victor and Valris move menacingly to block the King from going any further.

Your majesty, says Istar smiling. I am sending you on a trip. I cannot have you here attempting to foil my plans. With a wave of the Eye a cone of red light engulfs the King.

North draws his sword Need but it is already too late. The red light contracts around him and in an instant he is gone, banished to some other dimension or plane.

Istar laughs maniacally at the ease with which the great North has been dealt with. He is still laughing when Ashar leads Sebal into the hall.

Ashar is quick to notice something amiss though and disappears into the shadows in the blink of an eye.

When Victor and Valris begin to pursue him Istar calls them off. He is of no consequence. There is nothing he can do to harm me now.

Sebal stands alone now, facing Victor, Valris and Istar.

Bow down before me Sebal and we shall work wondrous miracles together says Istar.

Sebal looks at the Eye and shakes his head. Without warning he runs for the side of the building with Victor and Valris in pursuit. They get ahead of him but his velocity sends him crashing through a wall, out onto a balcony and plummeting below.

Let him go too! shouts Istar, recalling his new bodyguards. We have much to do.

Sebal dives off of the side of the building, charging straight through the balcony wall.

A minute later the Queen enters and immediately grabbed by Victor and Valris. She is then, by Istar's command, taken away and imprisoned.

As the Eye of Chaos glows brighter and brighter, everywhere throughout the Sanctuary people begin chanting Istar, Istar, Istar.

Those that refuse to look at the light are grabbed and held by Victor and Valris until they succumb. Others that attempt to flee are chased down and hurled into the light or slain.

It is then that Istar makes a public address;- Citizens of Sanctuary. You all know me. Istar, Guardian of Magic, loyalist to the Crown and protector of the Royal Family. I address you today on this day of days to inform you of a monumental breakthrough in our battle against Mor and his fell servants. Strangers have come from a far off place, beyond this World, bringing with them hope of a decisive victory. We stand here now with a weapon unlike any other. A weapon that I alone possess the knowledge and skill to wield in judgement against our enemies, even though by doing so, I risk oblivion at the same time as delivering justice. Behold the weapon of our deliverance. Behold its light and feel its power.

Go forth now and gather your arms and armour, for today is the day of the Final Battle. We will strike deep into the Heart of Mor's domain and sever the very head of the beast. Come new dawn we will no longer need this egg-like shell of a home for we will take our rightful place in the World and inherit that denied us - The Future!

Cheers greet his speech as the Eye's light sweeps from building to building like a torch. People gaze up at him like he is their salvation. They feel love for him because he is better than them. Because the Eye of Chaos has enslaved their minds.

The Clarity of Pain

Session 06/10/03

Within thirty minutes of Istar gaining the Eye of Chaos, the entire Sanctuary feels the yoke of his coercion with more than 80% of people bowing to worship him and the rest being hunted and thrown in prison.

Istar calls Victor and Valris to his side to give them orders. The Custodian is going to head for the Arkysancture and try to remove it from its resting place! he fumes. When he does and only when he does, I want the both of you to find him and kill. Istar hopes that Sebal will bypass North's protections around the Ark and lower the Sanctuary's dome shield by removing it from its emplacement. After that he is happy for the Silver man to die.

Taking out a map Istar points to where the Ark is located. This is where you will find the Ark Vault and I suspect Sebal.

Victor says that he will track Valris and catch up with her after equipping himself. He dons a full suit of Mirror Mir armour and picks up a Mirror Mir sword but before he can set off after Valris he sees Sinsifel approaching him down a corridor.

I have something to show you Father she says quite innocently.

Isn't this all just fantastic says Victor. Istar is such an amazing guy.

Sinsifel nods in agreement and then stabs him with a ceremonial ritual knife (care of Ashar) that is coated with deadly venom.

Victor stumbles backwards shocked hurt, grimacing in pain. Why'd you do that? he asks.

Sorry Father, but I had to. Do you still think Istar is amazing? Sin backs away, ready to stab him again to defend herself.

Victor thinks for a moment, his blood rushing like liquid fire throughout his body to neutralise the poison and heal the stab wound. With a scratch of his head he replies Actually, I think he's a madman who needs a butt kicking. How does that sound?

Sinsifel rushes into her father's arms and nearly impales him so he carefully removes the knife from her hand and slips it in his belt. What happened? he asks.

Ashar said if I could trigger your regeneration it might break Istar's hold on you Sin explains. So I asked him for a knife. I've been looking everywhere for you!

I was a little distracted throwing people into prison. Like the Queen... Victor suddenly remembers and looks around guiltily. How come you're not an Istar fan? he asks.

No idea Sin shrugs. Maybe I'm just too amazing to be amazed she grins. He has the Eye of Mythros doesn't he? It's my fault. I should never have brought it here.

Victor nods and then shakes his head, remembering just how powerful the Eye seems to be in Istar's hand. If we're playing the blame game then my vote is for Istar.

Where's mum?

She's keeping watch on Sebal. Which reminds me, I better go and get her. And free her Victor thinks to himself.

What about me says Sin?

Victor opens a door and gestures inside. Wait here.

It's a broom cupboard Sin frowns.

Yep, it sure is. Victor closes the door on her, but not before giving her another brief hug.

---

After leaping out of a window and running down the sides of several buildings, Victor begins to sense Valris through their 'sire to fledgling' spiritual connection. First he detects her at street level but then he tracks her to the cylindrical Bastion Tower at the centre of the Sanctuary.

As he enters the Bastion across a wide drawbridge he notices women and children being herded into bunkers and hears countless alarms sounding throughout the building.

Victor trots down the tower stairs but just before reaching the bottom feels his danger sense peak. Sure enough, at the bottom, Valris hits him in the helmet with a punch powerful enough to dent it and his head.

Ow!!! he shouts, dodging to her side and stabbing her with Sin's knife in the shoulder.

Valris screams and nearly gauges Victor's eyes out but a second or two later slumps backwards against a wall and catches her breath. The poison floods her system, makes her sweat and her blood rushes to remove it.

Why did you stab me? she asks angrily.

How are you feeling? Victor asks, ready to dodge her if she has another go at him.

I'm feeling hot, a bit sick, a bit bloody miffed that you've stabbed me and... really really angry that some prick of a mage has stolen our Eye and used it against us!

Victor grins and gives Valris a kiss. Welcome back.

Their reunion is suddenly interrupted by a noise down the wide corridor before them. They both turn to see Sebal, beyond a smashed pair of metal doors, crouched over a large sarcophagus-like device.

Victor steps closer to the Custodian. Hey Sebal, what you doing?

Sebal continues fiddling with the device, with its smooth metallic sides and hundreds of symbols engraved on top.

Sebal says Valris, we're not with Istar anymore. We could do with your help.

Sebal stands and with one arm manages to lift a side of the Ark and drag it towards them. Stand aside. This needs to be removed and secured. This World is full of Anomalies and must be cleansed he announces coldly.

Just give us a bit of time says Victor.

Using one of the devices on his belt Sebal begins converting the molecular structure of the metal doors into a tripod mountain cannon and then a suit of radio controlled robo-armour.

Sebal turns his back on them and continues running his fingers across the top of the Ark, lighting up symbols like playing the piano. You have as long as it will take me to un-encrypt the base code of the device, which will be approximately fourteen minutes and thirty two seconds. After that I will activate it and 6.3 minutes after that this world and everyone in it, except me, will be overwritten by a new material matrix. If you attempt to interfere with it or me before then I will detonate this device (he gestures to a small silver cube dangling on his belt) and vaporize this city.

Shit says Valris. That doesn't give us much time. She quickly asks about Sin and Victor explains how Sin freed him. The two of them then rush back up and out of the tower.

With the King banished both agree that their best bet in confronting Istar is with the Queen's help. Running as fast as they can, from building to building and roof to roof they soon arrive at the dungeons.

The two Mirror Mir guards outside the Queen's cell are no match for the two Vampires who drop them in less than a second. When they open the door and look inside they are see the Queen cowering and shivering in a circle of red flames.

Your majesty, we're here to rescue you says Valris.

You're the ones who through me in here. Are you joking?! the Queen snarls.

Victor gets closer to the flames but the Queen holds up a hand to keep him back. It's Chaos magic. I'm weakened by fire.

You're immune to magic. I've seen some of the spells around you says Valris, puzzled.

Istar knows my weaknesses. I don't have many but the ones I have, he knows. He's spent years testing his magic on me. You don't think I'd be up breaking necks and freeing my people if it wasn't damn well draining my strength. The Queen glowers and if looks could kill Valris would be dead all over again, twice.

Maybe I have a spell that might free you says Valris, grabbing the Spell Rod from her pouch belt just as Victor takes one of the guard's Mirror Mir shields and lays it across the flames. The Chaos fire parts, leaving a big enough gap for him to grab the Queen and pull her safely out.

Valris looks at Victor and smiles. Or we could do that.

The Queen regains her composure and quickly moves away from the flames until with every step she seems to regain her former strength.

Victor and Valris fill her in on what has happened, including Sebal guarding the Ark but not the bit about him readying to destroy the world. That part Victor and Valris assume is a given, considering their description of Sebal in the throne room.

We must get to my son says the Queen. There is only one thing in our possession now capable of withstanding this Eye.

As all three of them move outside they see the dome over the city flickering on and off and full of holes; the sky full of giant house-sized squid-like creatures swimming through the air, descending on buildings and red maggots eroding the sun.

The Queen grits her teeth. Istar will pay for this.

If he was so trusted, why turn now? Valris asks.

The Queen's expression darkens. I cannot know for sure, but I can guess. His body was taken five years ago by the First Eternal but still remains connected to Istar's head via an astral cord. Chaos has been torturing and defiling his body for some time now. That would be enough to make anyone hate Chaos and go a little mad, don't you think?

You must have been careful with him then says Valris.

We were. Ashar has kept a close eye on him over the years too. We just never expected a Chaos artefact to land in his lap. She casts both Vampire's a bitter and blame filled look.

The Queen explains that in the event of trouble she and her son have a secret meeting place in the Gardens of Zenel. She suggests going there first.

The Garden of Zenel

When Victor, Valris and the Queen arrive at the gardens, after a lot of sneaking around to avoid Istar's mad weapon wielding worshippers, the place appears empty.

He's not here says Valris, and we need to go and fetch our daughter.

Suddenly a head pops up over a hedge and the Queen smiles. Prince Christian comes out of some bushes and to everyone's surprise Sinsifel follows him.

Valris raises an eyebrow at her daughter but Christian quickly explains. I was on my way here when I came across your daughter in one of the corridors. He gestures to a bruise on his forehead and dent in his helm. After raising my vizor and pleading for my life the Prince grins, I was allowed to accompany the lady on her quest to find you.

Sin twists her foot into the ground and doesn't look up.

Sounds like my Sin says Victor, giving his daughter a friendly shove.

With their reunions over the Queen quickly takes charge and explains her plan. My husband has been banished and I have a very good idea where to. We need to get back to the throne room and from there enter the Dimension Tunnels. The Queen then turns to Victor and Valris with a serious expression. As outsiders here you do not have to accompany us. My son and I can go alone.

Valris shakes her head. We would like to come. This is our fault after all.

The Queen accepts that and asks for a minute alone with her son. When Victor tries to hear what she is saying to Christian all he gets is interference from various magical protections.

When Christian returns he seems deep in thought.

We have to get my husband back. Istar won't be able to banish him like that again - He'll be expecting it says the Queen.

Victor contemplates summoning Kûtal to help them. He is my Blood Father after all. He then contemplates North being connected to the Balance just like himself and Han. Maybe I could summon him or go to him, Victor thinks. There's a good chance that the King is actually the Champion of the Balance.

But Victor doesn't have time to stop and try. With Red taking a swift and decisive lead, the group make their way carefully towards the throne room using as many side passages and secret tunnels as they can. On the way they pass bloated yellow maggots burrowing into the ground and stonework and glance out of a window to see a bright energy beam vaporize a giant tentacle hell bent on bringing down a tower.

That isn't one of our weapons says Christian, puzzled.

It's probably one of Sebal's Victor guesses. He likes blowing things up like that. I think it's a hobby.

What is he doing with the Ark? the Queen asks, suddenly even more concerned.

Victor and Valris exchange glances and then Valris says Trying to activate it. Apparently it's some super world destroying weapon.

The Queen shows a flash of anger at that news. Do please tell, I really do want to know how my world is going to end and everyone I know is going to die.

We got there too late, explains Victor. He'd already set up shop. But the Queen doesn't seem to hear him. Instead, with even more determination, she quickens their pace and after passing through a hidden passageway arrive at a grill.

Victor gets his sword out. Red breaks the pad lock on the grill and all of them enter the throne room near the griffin landing ledges.

With no one in sight Red pads across the hall to a recess and a large stone table. This is it, the entrance.

All of a sudden they hear a noise and Ashar steps out from behind the throne. Breathing a sigh of relief Christian approaches the King's advisor.

Wait! calls Valris. We don't know if he's under Istar's spell.

Christian slows down and puts his hand on the hilt of his sword. Ashar?

The blind folded adviser bows. My prince. I am free of Istar's influence, for now. However, his power is steadily growing. I take it you are about to try and bring back the King. There is something you should consider doing first.

Christian nods. Mother has already mentioned it. He turns back to the others and says I need a few minutes. I'll be back. Please do not leave without me.

The Queen nods, a sudden sadness in her eyes but she busies herself single-handedly moving the stone table aside.

Prince Christian! Sin calls.

He turns to look down at her.

Be careful she says.

Ashar takes Christian to the Sword of Law and gets him to pick it up.

 

The Islands of Ghen

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