The Sylvan Realm #8 (#52)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #8

Still November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP


The Heroes of the Mother Tree have traveled to the ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm in pursuit of Chandra and those who traveled with him. There they found orcs as expected, but they also found things unexpected. The ruins the orcs lived in are ancient and have mysterious properties; the stone glows red and seems to radiate heat. A galleon was spotted in the port further to the north with the symbol of a bloody dagger drawn on its sail. Uniformed orcs were found and this same symbol was on the chest of their tabards. A collection of six pillars were found on the roof of the tallest tower in the ruins. A second, much larger group of pillars was found deep underground in a plaza that once upon a time had been ground level.

Strange insects collectively called the Hive appeared from this larger collection of pillars. Hive larva latched on the the heads of orcs and elves alike, transforming them in full grown Hive. Those being transformed are called broodlings, while those who have been changed are five foot tall ant-men called soldiers. Commanders are a taller version of the soldiers. Commanding all of the insects was a Hive Queen. In this case it was a human female that looked a lot like the woman known as Argent, who the group knows to varying degrees. A different sort of insect was on top of the Hive Queen's head than the ones on top of the broodlings.

Hive larva infected by Chandra and an important looking uniformed orc. The Hive Queen seemed to be able to read the minds of those infected and learned of the Mother Tree from Chandra. From the uniformed Orc she learned that they called themselves the Scro and were not from this world. They arrived via the ship in the harbor.

The Heroes of the Mother Tree set out to rescue their kin who are still unaffected by the Hive, along with those orcs, and then bring the underground cavern crashing down on top of those who are infected. The plan mostly met with success, as the ceiling did come down on the Hive. The sudden displacement of air with earth generated a fierce wind that nearly knocked over all struck by it. Earth and dust filled the air as the heroes are regaining their footing.

Lia, Talen, and Valena are the closest to the bottom of the tower as they didn't get a chance to leave the area where the weaker orcs were being held. Among the prisoners was another human female who looked just like Argent along with a female uniformed orc who answers to Myev. This orc is unlike the others here in that she stands straight up and is not hunched over like most orcs tend to be. Myev also has a look of intelligence to her and can speak an ancient form of elvish. Myev, Argent, and the other captives were fleeing when the ceiling came down. The slowest among the prisoners were caught in the same wind and dirt storm as the twins and Valena.

Lia and Valena pick themselves up after Talen pushed them down and used is own body to try and protect them. Visibility is limited due to the amount of dirt in the air. A few inches of earth covers the floor around them. The depth of the dirt on the floor deepens as they move towards the stairs.

Lia and Valena examine those elderly orcs who were also caught in the aftermath of the collapse. The first orc that Lia comes across is an elderly female. A quick examination shows that this particular orc has passed away. The sudden burst of wind drove her into a wall and the impact proved fatal to her. Other orcs in the area are hurt, but still alive.

Talen moves ahead and reaches the stairs. The earth is deeper here, perhaps a foot or two. Looking down Talen can no longer see the floor of the tall tower. It's now covered in earth to nearly the first floor. The way up still seems open. Elves and orcs slowly make their way further up the tall tower.


Higher up in the tower, Kylie and Lilia flew up the central shaft trying to keep ahead of the collapse with moderate success. The sudden wind blew them both off course, but each managed to avoid a hard impact with the central shaft's walls or bridges. Lilia picked up Laucian along the way, her strength having been augmented with magic earlier in the day. Kylie picked up two orc children along the way. Once the wind settles down, they land on one of the bridges and take stock of their situation.

Movement is noted in one of the openings as orcs are seen picking themselves up and moving up the stairs. Some of the children are crying and a few shouts of pain are heard from somewhere down below.

Looking back down, a thick cloud of airborne dirt fills the central shaft greatly limits sight. It's too thick to see more than two stories down right now. So far there is no sign of Lia, Talen or Valena.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Right now visibility is greatly limited by the dirt in the air. As it settles, sight will improve. The elves and the orcs held captive in the cave were the first to start to flee up the stairs and should by now be higher up in the tower. It was the orc females, children and elderly who didn't make it so far.

Hit Points:

Lia 37 of 60
Lilia 57 of 71
Talen 49 of 52

Spell Activity:

Lilia has 45 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Talen]

Talen:

As the wind from the collapse subsides, Talen picks himself up and asks how Lia and Valena are.

“I'll live,” Valena answers while coughing out some dirt. “We need to find the others and get out of here.”

“Agreed.”

Once the wind and dirt begins to subside Talen stands, giving Lia the moment to rise. Coughing Lia looks to her brother. “I’m alright, the floor broke my fall.” She says with a goofy grin.

“Well,” Talen answers, “that is what the floor is there for.”

“We were told to run to the surface once the collapse happened. Probably best if we go to the stairs, if we can get to the stairs.” She corrects.

"I'll take a look."

Seeing the girls check on those nearby, Talen tries to determine if the way to the stairs is clear. The area is buried a little deeper, but not deep enough to be a hindrance. The ground level of the tower is now buried beneath the Earth.

Turning to the others, “Do you think we should check on the pillar room? You know to check if…” not wanting to finish the sentence because if she does she is afraid that it would become real.

“I don't think we'll be able to get there,” Talen answers, pointing to the buried central shaft. “Everything down there is buried now. Our only choice is up.”

Talen will help out moving the orcs up the tower, carrying the weaker ones if necessary.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The worst seems to be over with. The fierce winds have died down and flying is no longer so dangerous. Lilia lands on the nearest bridge with her passenger. She sees how Kylie and Laucian are doing.

Kylie pauses a second to catch her breath. "Yeah... okay," she says between deep breaths. "Not sure... about... others." She glances over the edge of the bridge to see if any of the others are in view.

“No worse for ware.”he says smacking away dirt and dust in small clouds. “Talen went to check,"cough "on his sister.” As he clears his throat of dust by coughing some. “That was the last I saw of him.”

“Not what he was supposed to do,”Lilia notes, “but not a surprise either.

After a short pause to catch her own breath, Lilia makes a decision.

“Kylie and I will check on the others and help the rest up the shaft,” Lilia says. “Laucian, keep going up. Find our kin and start to shuttle them back to the rocs on our griffons. Once we are clear down here, we'll join you. Any questions?”

[Laucian]

Laucian

Kylie pauses a second to catch her breath. "Yeah... okay," she says between deep breaths. "Not sure... about... others." She glances over the edge of the bridge to see if any of the others are in view.

“No worse for ware.”he says smacking away dirt and dust in small clouds. “Talen went to check,"cough "on his sister.” As he clears his throat of dust by coughing some. “That was the last I saw of him.”

“Not what he was supposed to do,”Lilia notes, “but not a surprise either.

“I would do the same.”

“Are either of you hurt?”he asks looking at Kylie and then to Lilia.

Lilia then tells her of their plan, he is to go to the surface and get the other elves to the rocs.

“Kylie and I will check on the others and help the rest up the shaft,” Lilia says. “Laucian, keep going up. Find our kin and start to shuttle them back to the rocs on our griffons. Once we are clear down here, we'll join you. Any questions?”

“I’ll try and keep an eye on the orcs as well.

Laucian will make his way up the tower to the others, sword in hand. He will stay on guard as he moves up toward the entrance checking the rooms for any stragglers.

[Lia]

Lia

Lia and Valena examine those elderly orcs who were also caught in the aftermath of the collapse. The first orc that Lia comes across is an elderly female. A quick examination shows that this particular orc has passed away. The sudden burst of wind drove her into a wall and the impact proved fatal to her. Other orcs in the area are hurt, but still alive.

Lia brings a hand to the orc females wrist then her neck. Not feeling a pulse she pulls out a dagger and places it loosely under her nose. This orc draws no breath, seeing no steam upon her blade. Placing her blade away. ”You deserved a better end then this.” she says looking into the vacant eyes before her. Reaching up her hand she closes the orc’s eyes. “Be at peace,” she says and moves on to check the others.

Lia will make it a point to check the ant for anything of value as well anything with writing. Perhaps it will tell more of this hive and creatures that they ensnared in their grasp.

“I don't think we'll be able to get there,” Talen answers, pointing to the buried central shaft. “Everything down there is buried now. Our only choice is up.”

“I hope they made it out.”, Is all she says looking to Valena then to her brother. Lia will move to Argent and remove her bounds, ignoring her protests and fear in her eyes. “You are a mage are you not? How did you come to be here?”

Several moments later, She approaches the straight backed orc. Looking at the orc woman, “There is one among our group that would like to speak with you but let us first see to your people. Tell them to move to the stairs.” she says in elvish hoping that the orc understands.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Lilia has brought Laucian up to the bridge with her and set him down.

“Talen went to Check,"cough "on his sister.” As he clears his throat of dust by coughing some. “That was the last I saw of him.”

“Not what he was supposed to do,”Lilia notes, “but not a surprise either.

Kylie starts to chuckle, but her laughter is strangled by the dust still floating in the air.

“Are either of you hurt?”he asks looking at Kylie and then to Lilia.

"No, I'm good," Kylie replies, starting to get her wind back. "Just a bit dirty and bruised."

Clearing her lungs, Kylie sets the two orc kids down and herds them toward the stair to meet up with the others coming up on foot.

“Kylie and I will check on the others and help the rest up the shaft,” Lilia says. “Laucian, keep going up. Find our kin and start to shuttle them back to the rocs on our griffons. Once we are clear down here, we'll join you. Any questions?”

“I’ll try and keep an eye on the orcs as well."

"None here," Kylie says in reply to Lilia, and lifts into the air. Pivoting, her attention turns to Laucian, "Please keep an eye on those kids, okay?" Kylie asks, before diving down the shaft to find the stragglers.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena picks herself up after the collapse has run its course. Dirt is now everywhere and the floor is covered in several inches of it. Visibility is limited due to the dust in the air.

Valena joins Lia in checking up the elderly orcs who moved the slowest. The first one that Lia encounters has passed on after being driven into a wall. More wounded follows and Valena will spare a Cure Light Wounds spell only on those who appear to be near death.

Talen reports the way is clear and we start to move the last of the orcs up the stairs.

“I hope they made it out.”, Is all she says looking to Valena then to her brother.

“They should be safe, if things went according to plan,” Valena notes. “We were delayed due to the finding Argent and Myev. At any rate, we should get moving and try to find our friends.”

While not having her bow at the ready, it is not far from Valena's reach either.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

The elves are picking themselves up in the aftermath of the cavern collapse. The Hive forces seemed to have been buried as planned. However Lia, Talen and Valena didn't make it out in time due to unforeseen circumstances. Among the orc children, females and elderly being held prisoners by the Hive were another human who looks and sounds like Argent and a seemingly more intelligent orc called Myev.

While Talen scouts ahead to make sure the way is clear, Lia and Valena see to the injured. One elderly orc was killed in the collapse, but the others have non-life threatening injuries. Lia and Talen aid those who need help, while Valena leads the way.

Lia looks around for Argent, but does not see the human about. She was the first to leave the chamber and should be higher up in the tower by now. The next floor up the trio find Myev also helping the move the orcs along.

“Naa tanya ilya en' sen?” Myev asks in ancient elfish upon seeing the elves. Once she is assured, Myev helps lead the rest up the tower.


A few levels up, Lilia, Kylie and Laucian are on one of the bridges that span the central shaft connecting the two sides of the tower together. Lilia carried Laucian to this place, while Kylie transported a pair of orc children here. The plan is for Kylie and Lilia to find everyone else, while Laucian continues on towards the surface with the orc children in tow.

The stairs are clear of debris this high up and progress rapid. Before long, Laucian finds the bodies of the Hive broodlings that were killed earlier. This tells him he is at what is now ground level. At this point he can hear voices talking, both orc and elf alike. Following the voices, Laucian finds some of the former prisoners that were rescued from down in the cavern. They are in one of the ground floor suites eyeing each other cautiously. Neither side is armed at this point, but hostilities seem to be on the verge of breaking out even without weapons!


Back down below, Kylie and Lilia move to separate stairs and start to go down in search of the rest of their group. Lilia flies down to nearly the next level when she comes across several orc females carrying small children with them. They pause as if unsure what to do upon seeing the Elfin Queen.

On the other set of stairs, Kylie can hear the sound of something jangling come up the stairs. The source of the noise rounds the corner and Kylie stops in complete surprise! Moving toward her is what looks to be Argent! Her dress is filthy and torn in numerous places. The Invoker's normal well made up appearance is a mess. Her face is as dirty as her clothes and it appears that she has been crying. From the looks of it her hair hasn't seen a brush in months. Even worse, her hands are manacled together with a short chain that is attached to an iron belt wrapped around her waist. She looks thinner than Kylie recalls.

“Kylie!”, Argent calls out in joy. “You really are here!”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Myev essentially asked in ancient elfish “Is that all of them?”. Yep, found another language translator!

Laucian is on the outside ground level of the tower now, while everyone else is on the stairs further down below.

Hit Points:

Lia 37 of 60
Lilia 57 of 71
Talen 49 of 52

Spell Activity:

Lilia has 45 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Laucian]

Laucian

The stairs are clear of debris this high up and progress rapid. Before long, Laucian finds the bodies of the Hive broodlings that were killed earlier. This tells him he is at what is now ground level. At this point he can hear voices talking, both orc and elf alike. Following the voices, Laucian finds some of the former prisoners that were rescued from down in the cavern. They are in one of the ground floor suites eyeing each other cautiously. Neither side is armed at this point, but hostilities seem to be on the verge of breaking out even without weapons!

Laucian ushers the kids along. When they see the dead bodies of the broodlings, they rightfully hesitate with their arms tucked in. “Come they wont harm you.” He says in orc as he probes one with his sword. Stepping over the bodies he begins to hear voices up ahead in orc and elvish. Sheathing his sword he follows the sounds Laucian steps within a room where the orcs and elves are having a west side story stand off. Having his bow in hand, Laucian enters the room eyeing both groups wearily. the tension is hi as looks both parties over.

"Hold!"

Laucian looks from on to the other and let’s the orc children step next to him.

To the Elves- “Let them leave. There has been to much death here this day. Defend yourself if needed but do not start a fight. We are to return to the Rocs.”

To the Orcs: “Go in peace and leave this cursed land. There has been enough death Let us leave this place as equals and forget old rivalries this day.”

He looks down at the children with him and says, “Go to your people.”

Then he looks to the orcs gathered, “There are more of your kin coming. Those we could save from the hive. " Laucian will step toward the elves not turning his back on the orcs. If the orcs begin to make trouble Laucian will defend himself and people.

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

I missed this.

Lia will make it a point to check the ant for anything of value as well anything with writing. Perhaps it will tell more of this hive and creatures that they ensnared in their grasp.

The two guard ants had odd looking spears in their claws when engaged. The Commander was unarmed and attacked using his natural weapons. None of the Hive ant-men had any type of clothing on. Just a chitinous exoskeleton that protected their bodies. No bags, gear or any other items on them.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“I would do the same.”

“I know,” Lilia simply answers.

“Are either of you hurt?” he asks looking at Kylie and then to Lilia.

“My wounds are minor,” Lilia states in reference to the Magic Missile attack the Hive Queen sent at her. “I'll tend to them once we can stop and catch our breath.”

“I’ll try and keep an eye on the orcs as well.”

Lilia simply nods in response. That should go without saying as far as she is concerned.

Back down below, Kylie and Lilia move to separate stairs and start to go down in search of the rest of their group. Lilia flies down to nearly the next level when she comes across several orc females carrying small children with them. They pause as if unsure what to do upon seeing the Elfin Queen.

After Laucian departs Lilia randomly picks one of the stairs to head down to find the rest of the group. One floor down she finds orc females bearing children coming up. They must be part of the group that Lia and Valena were rescuing. It seems that they succeeded in their mission.

“Keep moving,” Lilia tells them in their native tongue. “Get far away from this retched place!”

The Elfin Queen lets them pass before continuing onward in search of the others.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“My wounds are minor,” Lilia states in reference to the Magic Missile attack the Hive Queen sent at her. “I'll tend to them once we can stop and catch our breath.”

"Good to hear," Kylie says. She blushes slightly in embarrassment, as she hadn't realized that the queen was injured.

Flying down the shaft, Kylie whips into the stairwell opposite the one Lilia took at the next bridge. Continuing down, she hears a strange jangling noise, as of many bracelets clashing together, and the noise seems to be approaching. Kylie slows down, not wanting to crash into anyone, should it be one of the survivors.

Moments later, a figure appears on the next landing. Kylie jerks to a stop in surprise. Though dirty and disheveled, it is clearly Argent! Strangely, her manner of dress is completely different than seconds ago in the large cavern, and she is shackled like a prisoner. How could she have gotten free of the collapse in the cavern, changed her clothes, and become shackled in so short a time?

“Kylie!”, Argent calls out in joy. “You really are here!”

"I-- You--" Kylie stammers, unable to make sense of what she is seeing. "A-Argent? Is... is that really you?" Kylie floats forward slowly, warily, wanting so badly to believe it is true. Yet none of this makes any sense...

[Lia]

Lia

Lia looks about for About for Argent but the mage appears to have moved on. Lia sees the bodies of the ant people and begins to look them over. Finding nothing of interest Lia begins moving to the stairs helping an elderly orc as she does.

Within moments Lia catches up with the others on the stairs as Myev asks if that is all of them.
Lia nods and answers back in Elvish, “Except for those that lost their lives. Let us put this retched place behind us.”

For a few moments she can’t help but recall the talk of what happens if an elf is not properly laid to rest. Chandra and the others do not truly deserve such a fate but there is nothing she can do.

As she goes further up Lia will move closer to Myev, if possible.

(I maybe getting ahead of myself but just in case Im not) When she she sees the others she smiles and breathes a sigh of relief. When she does see Lilia, she will call out to her and explain the dealings with the straight standing orc.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena leads the way up the stairs while Lia and Talen help those behind her. The dirt is deep at first, but becomes shallower as they move along before all that remains is a coating of dust.

One floor up we come across the upright standing orc female. She is also helping those who need aid move along. She asks if that is all the orcs in ancient elfin.

“We are the last,” Valena answers in modern elfish.

Valena will again lead the way, looking to take everyone to the level where we entered the tower to meet up with the others.

[Talen]

Talen:

“I hope they made it out,” is all she says looking to Valena then to her brother.

“Laucian should be higher up the tower by now,” Talen answers. “I'm sure the others made it to safety.”

With Valena in the lead we help those orcs who need it climb up the stairs of the tower. Talen stays near the back to keep an eye on things and to make sure that nothing comes at them from behind.

Myev is found and we continue to climb the tower in search of the rest of the elves.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

The underground cavern where the Hive and the large pillar artifact was has been buried by the collapse. The elves and orcs are making their way back up the tower once more. Laucian has reached what is now ground level and has caught up to the elves and orcs who were held captive down in the cave. They eye each other warily and hostilities seem on the verge of breaking out.

"Hold!"

Laucian looks from one to the other and let’s the orc children step next to him.

Both groups pause as Laucian gets their attention.

To the Elves- “Let them leave. There has been to much death here this day. Defend yourself if needed but do not start a fight. We are to return to the Rocs.”

To the Orcs: “Go in peace and leave this cursed land. There has been enough death Let us leave this place as equals and forget old rivalries this day.”

He looks down at the children with him and says, “Go to your people.”

Then he looks to the orcs gathered, “There are more of your kin coming. Those we could save from the Hive." Laucian will step toward the elves not turning his back on the orcs. If the orcs begin to make trouble Laucian will defend himself and people.

The elves cautiously start to move away. They reach the balcony and from there drop down to the ground below. A few of the griffons fly to them and some start to mount up to ride back to the rocs a few miles away. The rest of the elves wait warily keeping their eyes open for an attack.

The orc children join the male orcs and the group starts to thin out. Some wait for the other orcs to come up the tower, while others start to leave the tower entirely. Laucian keeps watch waiting for the others to arrive.

Outside the tower itself, the ground on one side of the tower has fallen away due to the collapse. There is now a pit there some 20 to 30 feet deep in places. Dust and dirt are being kicked about in the winter breeze.


A few floors down Lia, Talen, and Valena have caught up Myev. All are helping move the more elderly orcs along up the tower.

Lia nods and answers back in Elvish, “Except for those that lost their lives. Let us put this retched place behind us.”

“We are the last,” Valena answers in modern elfish.

“Too nir' gurthe sinome,” Myev states somberly. “Mani nae sen goth? Amin've il-elee anythien ve' sen.”

This group starts to move up the stairs once more. About halfway up to the next level, Lilia comes flying down the stairs. She slows upon seeing Myev, the upright uniformed orc female among them.


In the other stairwell a little further up Kylie has encountered a disheveled woman who looks a lot like Argent!

"I-- You--" Kylie stammers, unable to make sense of what she is seeing. "A-Argent? Is... is that really you?" Kylie floats forward slowly, warily, wanting so badly to believe it is true. Yet none of this makes any sense...

“Of course it's me, Kylie” Argent easily states. “Who else could I be? Is Jallarzi with you? Lord Sharadin? Why did it take so long to rescue me? I've been here for months! Are those rude elves with you?”

Young and female orcs are starting to come up the stairs behind Argent and Kylie. They don't stop and will go around the pair as they flee the tower.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Myev basically said : “Too many died here,” Myev states somberly. “What were those creatures? I've never seen anything like them.”

Hit Points:

Lia 37 of 60
Lilia 57 of 71
Talen 49 of 52

Spell Activity:

Lilia has 45 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

“Too many died here,” Myev states somberly. “What were those creatures? I've never seen anything like them.”

This group starts to move up the stairs once more. About halfway up to the next level, Lilia comes flying down the stairs. She slows upon seeing Myev, the upright uniformed orc female among them.

Lia regards Meyv trying to figure out exactly what she said. She puts enough of the words together and realization comes to her face. “I know not. They spoke of the hive and seemed to merge with other creatures.”

Looking at Valena, “Perhaps parasitic? I hope we all have seen the last of them.”

Seeing Lilia, Lia calls out to her, “Are the others well?”

Seeing the queen eyeing Myev she calls Lilia over silently. “The Orc woman is known as Myev. We can understand each other though some of the words are lost on me. It seems like an ancient elfish,” she says looking at Myev, knowing she can understand her.

“The Pillars the hive used to bring more I believe there maybe another upon the roof top of this tower. It had etchings that I failed to understand, but given what Argent said about being in Coruglain and being captured I am wondering if she somehow used the pillars like the hive did or at the very least the Hive learned from her.”

Looking at Valena she goes on explaining knowing she might not be fully explaining herself.” One of the Antmen cast a Magic Missile where someone said that is my spell. ..That’s when we found Argent, Do you think it possible between the Hive and Argent that these pillars can transport others elsewhere?”

“I feel she needs to be watched. She does not recall meeting Valena. Perhaps the bugs did something to her and she no longer remembers?”

[Laucian]

Laucian

Not relaxing Laucian watches as the elves begin to leave but a large hole is now around the structure in places. He casually looks to the orcs and asks, “Are any of you from the ship with Dagger emblem? Where do you hail from?”he asks curiously.

Laucian will still stay on guard his bow at the ready. When the elves are all out, Laucian will call his mount with a whistle.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Of course it's me, Kylie” Argent easily states. “Who else could I be? Is Jallarzi with you? Lord Sharadin? Why did it take so long to rescue me? I've been here for months! Are those rude elves with you?”

"Something really strange is going on here," Kylie replies. We saw you - dressed differently - out in the large cavern below. You were commanding the bug-men and promising to bring more of them to rule these lands. The new queen and I blasted you with spells and you appeared to be destroyed, yet here you are in chains with no sign of having suffered from our spells.

"I'm sorry, but neither Jallarzi nor Sharadin is here. We are far from Corunglain in the ancient Sylvan Realm."

Kylie spots the orc prisoners coming up the stairs and remembers the danger they are in. "We can continue this conversation later, Argent, but right now we need to get out of here. This whole place could collapse at any moment. Please follow these other captives of the bug-men up and out. I'm going to go check for any stragglers."

Turning, she gestures for the orc women and children to continue up the stairs as quickly as they can, then flies down the way they came from to see if there are others behind.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Bow in hand, Valena watches as the orc woman Myev speaks.

“Too nir' gurthe sinome,” Myev states somberly. “Mani nae sen goth? Amin've il-elee anythien ve' sen.”

“Never thought I'd be agreeing with an orc,” Valena mutters in common, since she believes that Myev cannot understand it. Lia tries to answer the question and Valena has nothing to add.

Looking at Valena, “Perhaps parasitic? I hope we all have seen the last of them.”

“Of some type,” Valena agrees. "From what we have seen they change others to reproduce.”

This group starts to move up the stairs once more. About halfway up to the next level, Lilia comes flying down the stairs. She slows upon seeing Myev, the upright uniformed orc female among them.

“We are the last from below,” Valena will say to the Elfin Queen. “We are safe.”

Lia attempts to explain things, but does so in a confusing manner.

Looking at Valena she goes on explaining knowing she might not be fully explaining herself.” One of the Antmen cast a Magic Missile where someone said that is my spell. ..That’s when we found Argent, Do you think it possible between the Hive and Argent that these pillars can transport others elsewhere?”

“After defeating the Hive Guards,” Valena says in common in an attempt to clarify things, “we fought a bigger version of the guards. This one cast a Magic Missile spell much like the one Argent cast when I met her in Corunglain. A voice from elsewhere in the chamber said that was her version of the spell. Among the elderly, children, and other female orcs we found Myev and another human female who looks and sounds just like Argent, but this one was being held prisoner. Both of them were clean of bugs, so once the collapse started we ordered them to move up the tower.

“I feel she needs to be watched. She does not recall meeting Valena. Perhaps the bugs did something to her and she no longer remembers?”

“I have to agree,” Valena adds. “This Argent does not recall meeting me in Corunglain or even having ever been there. Perhaps the Hive Queen somehow mimicked her and her abilities?”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Once the orcs pass, Lilia continues to fly down the stairs. Before long she spots Valena leading the others up the stairs. Among them is an orc female dressed in the same uniform as some of the male orcs were.

“We are the last from below,” Valena will say to the Elfin Queen. “We are safe.”

Seeing Lilia, Lia calls out to her, “Are the others well?”

“We are well,” Lilia reports. “Laucian is seeing to the moving the elves back to the rocs while Kylie and I were searching for you.”

Seeing the queen eyeing Myev she calls Lilia over silently. “The Orc woman is known as Myev. We can understand each other though some of the words are lost on me. It seems like an ancient elfish,” she says looking at Myev, knowing she can understand her.

“Really?”, Lilia responds. “It's not unusual for enemy races to learn each others language. It is why I can speak their tongue.”

“The Pillars the hive used to bring more I believe there maybe another upon the roof top of this tower. It had etchings that I failed to understand, but given what Argent said about being in Corunglain and being captured I am wondering if she somehow used the pillars like the hive did or at the very least the Hive learned from her.”

Lia tries to explain things, but it comes across as a bit confusing. “There are more pillars on the roof? When did you talk to Argent? You weren't down in the cavern. None of us were.”

Looking at Valena she goes on explaining knowing she might not be fully explaining herself.” One of the Antmen cast a Magic Missile where someone said that is my spell. ..That’s when we found Argent, Do you think it possible between the Hive and Argent that these pillars can transport others elsewhere?”

“After defeating the Hive Guards,” Valena says in common in an attempt to clarify things, “we fought a bigger version of the guards. This one cast a Magic Missile spell much like the on Argent cast when I met her in Corunglain. A voice from elsewhere in the chamber said that was her version of the spell. Among the elderly, children, and other female orcs we found Myev and another human female who looks and sounds just like Argent, but this one was being held prisoner. Both of them were clean of bugs, so once the collapse started we ordered them to move up the tower.”

Lilia rubs her forehead as this all sounds so confusing! There is another Argent?

“Yes, one of the larger ant-men hit me with her version of Magic Missile as well. These Hive seem to learn information and are able to share it with the rest of them. Clearly they are able to share spells as well. The Hive Queen seemed to read Chandra's mind as he was being converted. She learned of the Mother Tree and has plans for it. Likewise, she read the mind of the leader of the uniformed orcs. The Hive Queen said that they were called the Scro and that they came from another world. That ship in the harbor must be able to fly much like how we used the barge to reach the Sylvan Realm. It'll need to be kept out of enemy hands, be that orc or insect.”

“I feel she needs to be watched. She does not recall meeting Valena. Perhaps the bugs did something to her and she no longer remembers?”

“I have to agree,” Valena adds. “This Argent does not recall meeting me in Corunglain or even having ever been there. Perhaps the Hive Queen somehow mimicked her and her abilities?”

“There is much that we don't know about the Hive to preclude any possibility. For now, keep moving to the surface. We'll sort things out once we regroup.”

Lilia pauses for a second and then turns to Myev. She speaks to her in the orcish tongue. “We will not harm you without cause. Go with the others for now. I will have questions later.”

“I'll meet up with you soon,” Lilia says in common to Lia, Valena, and Talen. “I'm going to make sure Kylie is safe before heading up.”

With that, Lilia flies off to the other set of stairs in an attempt to find Kylie and this other Argent.

[Lia]

Lia

“We are well,” Lilia reports. “Laucian is seeing to the moving the elves back to the rocs while Kylie and I were searching for you.”

Relief shows on her dark features as she hears that all the others are safe for the moment but it is short lived as they have to make their way from the tower and back to the sylvian realm.

Lia tries to explain things, but it comes across as a bit confusing. “There are more pillars on the roof? When did you talk to Argent? You weren't down in the cavern. None of us were.”

“There were a set of four with intricate carvings about the pillars. The only ones that were different were the ones near the top of each pillar. We all saw them up there before we were called down.” Lia says In common, even goes deeper and describes some of the carvings she saw if Lilia seems interested.
Lia nods in understanding as she continues up the stairs with the others.

[Talen]

Talen:

Talen brings up the rear, helping an elderly orc as they go. Lilia arrives and converses with Lia and Valena. Talen has nothing to add until Lia mentions.

“There were a set of four with intricate carvings about the pillars. The only ones that were different were the ones near the top of each pillar. We all saw them up there before we were called down.” Lia says In common, even goes deeper and describes some of the carvings she saw if Lilia seems interested.

“Actually there were six pillars,” Talen corrects. “They looked similar to the ones in the cavern, only smaller. That's what we found at the top of the tower.”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

The elves are making their way back up the tall tower among the ancient ruins that the orcs who harassed the Sylvan Realm call home. Laucian is on the current ground level of the partially buried tower. The other elves are just outside using the griffons to fly back to where the rocs are waiting. Some fly off, while other elves wait close to the tower to stay warm in the freezing cold.

Inside the tower, Laucian finds that the group of male orcs has started to thin out. There are several regular orcs, but five uniformed orcs that seem able to stand upright. Normal orcs tend to be hunched over. These orcs average about six feet tall in height and are on the muscular side.

Not relaxing Laucian watches as the elves begin to leave but a large hole is now around the structure in places. He casually looks to the orcs and asks, “Are any of you from the ship with Dagger emblem? Where do you hail from?”he asks curiously.

“We don't answer to lesser creatures, elf,” one of the orcs growls in their native tongue. "Your kind will be exterminated from this world too!"

Were it not for having his bow at the ready, Laucian gets the feeling that the orcs would attack him! Even now they are eyeing him up as if he was prey.


A few floors down, Lilia has come across Lia, Talen, and Valena as they escort several elderly orcs up the stairs. Among the group is Myev, a female orc also dressed in the uniform of the Bloody Dagger. Lia and Valena relate what has happened to Lilia. The Elfin Queen starts to depart, but then has words for Myev.

Lilia pauses for a second and then turns to Myev. She speaks to her in the orcish tongue. “We will not harm you without cause. Go with the others for now. I will have questions later.”

Myev stands there listen quietly as the elves chat among themselves in both elvish that she can understand to a point and then in a language that she is not sure of. The female orc stares openly at the jewels circling Lilia's head that make up the Star Crown.

Myev lets out a soft laugh and says on orcish, “You speak my tongue better than I speak yours. It will be nice to have someone else to talk to than my tribe.”

With that, Myev continues up the tower followed by Lia, Talen and Valena. Lilia flies off to find Kylie.

[GM Mad]

Over in the other stairwell Kylie has found the last thing she expected to find: Argent!

"Something really strange is going on here," Kylie replies. We saw you - dressed differently - out in the large cavern below. You were commanding the bug-men and promising to bring more of them to rule these lands. The new queen and I blasted you with spells and you appeared to be destroyed, yet here you are in chains with no sign of having suffered from our spells.”

“That's not possible,” Argent counters. “Myev and I fled when those creepy bugs started to come through the pillar artifact. We tried to hide, but they found us and put us with the other orc women. That's where I've been for at least a day now.”

“What do you mean you destroyed me?” Argent realizes in horror. “Are you saying that you killed someone who looked like me? Wow, I like you too.”

"I'm sorry, but neither Jallarzi nor Sharadin is here. We are far from Corunglain in the ancient Sylvan Realm."

“The Sylvan what?” Argent answers in a confused voice. “I have no idea where that is other than it being far from home. And again with Corunglain! Why does everyone keep mentioning that place. I've never been there.”

Kylie spots the orc prisoners coming up the stairs and remembers the danger they are in. "We can continue this conversation later, Argent, but right now we need to get out of here. This whole place could collapse at any moment. Please follow these other captives of the bug-men up and out. I'm going to go check for any stragglers."

“No argument from me,” Argent answers as she starts up the stairs once more.

Turning, she gestures for the orc women and children to continue up the stairs as quickly as they can, then flies down the way they came from to see if there are others behind.

Kylie flies down the stairs looking for more survivors, but instead finds Lilia almost immediately. The way below is now clear and they start back up the stairs.


Laucian warily keeps the uniformed orcs in his sight feeling that they may make a move at him at any moment. The situation is diffused as more orcs, this time women, children and the elderly start to arrive. Those plain orcs men join up with the new arrivals and start to leave the area.

Before long Lia, Talen and Valena arrive. Right before they appeared, a female orc wearing the uniform of the Bloody Dagger arrived also helping the elderly. Not long after that a disheveled human female arrives who looks exactly like Argent, but not the one that was seen in the underground cavern. This one looks like she hasn't washed in weeks and her dress is filthy and torn. Her hands are chained together.

“Anyone get this things off of me?” Argent calls out holding up her chained hands. She does not appear to recognize Laucian at all.

“I'd take out those orcs if you ask me,” Argent adds upon seeing the uniformed males. “They are bloodthirsty pirates! They kill us all given the chance. Myev is okay though. She's intelligent and a mage.”

A moment after that Kylie and Lilia fly in.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Everyone is finally back together. The orcs who live here start to move off, back to their homes presumably. A few are still in the area if you wish to speak to them. Myev and the other uniformed orcs are all still here unsure what to do next.

Lots of questions I imagine!


Hit Points:

Lia 37 of 60
Lilia 57 of 71
Talen 49 of 52


Spell Activity:

Lilia has 45 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell, 6 3rd level spells and 1 4th level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 8 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell and 1 second level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lia explains things further.

“There were a set of four with intricate carvings about the pillars. The only ones that were different were the ones near the top of each pillar. We all saw them up there before we were called down.” Lia says In common, even goes deeper and describes some of the carvings she saw if Lilia seems interested.

“Actually there were six pillars,” Talen corrects. “They looked similar to the ones in the cavern, only smaller. That's what we found at the top of the tower.”

“Another formation of pillars?” Lilia says rhetorically. “But smaller. How strange. Another mystery to tackle as soon as we are able.”

The uniformed orc woman speaks.

Myev lets out a soft laugh and says on orcish, “You speak my tongue better than I speak yours. It will be nice to have someone else to talk to than my tribe.”

Lilia raises an eyebrow in mild surprise from the orcs answer. “I've had too much practice with your language,” Lilia states.

After leaving that group, Lilia soon finds Kylie coming down the other set of stairs.

“Kylie!” Lilia calls out. “Is it true? Did you find someone who looks like Argent? Another Argent?”


The two fly back up to where everyone else is at. Laucian has his bow ready as there are several male uniformed orcs present and they seem hostile. The uniformed orc female is present as is someone who looks a lot like Argent! Lilia flies in and can't help but stare at Argent in wide eyed wonder.

“How is this possible?” Lilia says in common.

After a moment's thought, Lilia speaks to Argent in the Alphatian tongue. The Argent that Lilia met before was fluent in that language.

“Quicúmque appares ?” Lilia asks in Alphatian. “Si ergo intelligere potest essetis mei. Quid existis in desertum locum, ad istud?”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“That's not possible,” Argent counters. “Myev and I fled when those creepy bugs started to come through the pillar artifact. We tried to hide, but they found us and put us with the other orc women. That's where I've been for at least a day now.”

"That must have been traumatic," Kylie replies. And fits with the rest of the evidence, she thinks to herself.

“What do you mean you destroyed me?” Argent realizes in horror. “Are you saying that you killed someone who looked like me? Wow, I like you too.”

Kylie grimaces. "Yeah... well, you -- she -- was ranting about how she was going to take over the entire world by infecting everyone with those parasites and turning everyone into bug-creatures. It was hard to have much sympathy..."

“The Sylvan what?” Argent answers in a confused voice. “I have no idea where that is other than it being far from home. And again with Corunglain! Why does everyone keep mentioning that place. I've never been there.”

"The Sylvan Realm, far in the northwest of the continent. It's where the elves lived before relocating to the Dorwynn Elfholds." Kylie pauses for a moment in puzzlement. "One of my friends met you there; perhaps it was the other you, although you didn't seem evil then. More mysteries, I suppose..."

Survival soon overwhelms the need to converse and ferret out the answers, so they part. Kylie soon encounters the queen.

“Kylie!” Lilia calls out. “Is it true? Did you find someone who looks like Argent? Another Argent?”

Kylie turns at the sound of her friend's voice. "Yes, she's heading up the stairs toward the others. While I cannot yet explain how it came to be, she is clearly a different entity than the one we saw in the cavern - and much more like the woman I knew."

She and Lilia return to the room where the others are waiting. Some of the orcs appear to have left, and there appears to be some tension between Chondra's surviving elves and the uniformed orcs. Laucian seems to have that under control, so Kylie pulls her lock-picks from her enchanted Girdle and approaches Argent as she's being questioned in some strange language by Lilia. "Let me have a look at those," she says, gesturing toward the shackles. "I haven't lost all my old skills."

[Argent]

Argent:

(Hi guys!)

"That must have been traumatic," Kylie replies.

“Oh, you have no idea,” Argent answers. “My life has been traumatic for what, the last six weeks or so? Everyday wonder if it was going to be my last, thinking I was going to be killed any moment. It's been hellish! I mean just look at my hair!”

Kylie grimaces. "Yeah... well, you --she-- was ranting about how she was going to take over the entire world by infecting everyone with those parasites and turning everyone into bug-creatures. It was hard to have much sympathy...“

“Don't worry about it, Kylie,” Argent answers. “Clearly that was not the real me, whatever that was. And yeah, if I ever have delusions of grandeur and talk about taking over the world with icky bugs, feel free to kill me on the spot.”

"The Sylvan Realm, far in the northwest of the continent. It's where the elves lived before relocating to the Dorwynn Elfholds." Kylie pauses for a moment in puzzlement. "One of my friends met you there; perhaps it was the other you, although you didn't seem evil then. More mysteries, I suppose..."

“Wait. What?” Argent says in a confused voice. “Are you suggesting that there are other me's? That's just crazy! At least I'm still on the same continent.”

After talking to Kylie, Argent makes her way up the tower and ends up in an area where the orcs, or rather Scro as they call themselves are at along with more elves. Given the intense dislike between the two, its only a matter of time before hostilities break out.

“Anyone get this things off of me?” Argent calls out holding up her chained hands.

“I'd take out those orcs if you ask me,” Argent adds upon seeing the uniformed males. “They are bloodthirsty pirates! They kill us all given the chance. Myev is okay though. She's intelligent and a mage.”

"Let me have a look at those," she says, gesturing toward the shackles. "I haven't lost all my old skills."

“Thank you!” Argents says gratefully as she holds her hand up.

“How is this possible?” Lilia says in common.

“It's a long story,” Argent says as Kylie plies her trade.

“Quicúmque appares ?” Lilia asks in Alphatian. “Si ergo intelligere potest essetis mei. Quid existis in desertum locum, ad istud?”

“Ita ego sum qui sum esse videtur,” Argent answers in annoyed voice in Alphatian. “Plane, non possum intelligere. Amo ego said, longum est eius.”

Sensing that she needs to tell her tale, Argent starts to explain what happened to her.

“Fine, here's what happened,” Argent says switching back to common. “Jallarzi kicked me out back on September 7th and volunteered me for a mission that Lord Sharadin was sponsoring. I ended up being part of a group called the Company of the Sword, as we were searching for a place called Karn's Keep and looking to find something called the Sword of Doom.”

“Along the way we ran into this nutty necromancer who called himself the Zombie Master. He had all kinds of monster zombies at his command. We helped an ancient priestess of Ehlonna out and killed the Zombie Master who was warping the forest in the area. As a reward the priestess teleported us to the outside of Karn's Keep.”

“We searched the keep and found a Pillar Artifact in its basement. One had been found underneath Gateway earlier in the summer. These Pillar Artifacts were created by an ancient race we call the Elders. The symbols on the pillars are Elder writing.”

“Anyway, the Pillar Artifact is a teleportation device,” Argent continues. “They are always in groups of six pillars. We believed the each pillar is tied to another formation of pillars somewhere else. Magic spells powers the artifact. Cast a spell on the pillar and the artifact takes you to that location. Several of these Pillar Artifacts were discovered in the Frontier Lands. Underneath Gateway, in Karn's Keep, and in several other ruins.”

“A second group of adventurers calling themselves the Seeker arrived via the Pillar Artifact, but Karn's Keep was not the destination they had choose. They were just sent there seemingly by random.”

“To make a long story shorter, suffice to say my group and these Seekers joined forces to continue the quest for the Sword of Doom. Some stuff happened and I ended up leaving with Crandor. We used the Pillars to go to Gateway and got a room at an inn.”

“I woke up next morning and Crandor was gone,” Argent says with a bit of sadness. “Not long after that Lord Sharadin turned up and assigned me a new project. I understood the Elder writing and he wanted me to do research on the Pillar Artifact. I agreed, as I didn't know what else to do at this point. Something to keep my mind busy was most welcomed.”

“Since I had already examined the formation in Karn's Keep, I decided to check out the other ones. First I went to a formation that was in the ruins of a Keln city called Mesilva. From there I went to Gateway and then finally a tropical island that held the ruins of a ancient city called Tulom. Once I completed my research, I used the artifact to return to Karn's Keep. And that's when things went horribly wrong.”

“I appeared at the Pillar Artifact on the top of this tower. I felt very week and understandably confused. I had no idea where I was, nor did I know which pillar would take me back to where I came from, assuming that there even was a direct connection. While trying not to freak out and panic, my head started spinning and I collapsed.”

“When I came around I had these chains on and my magic items taken away. Apparently Myev was also assigned to study the Pillar Artifact and when she found me up there correctly assumed that I knew about them. I played dumb figuring that Lord Sharadin would come looking for me. All I had to do was buy time and wait to be rescued.”

“That was nearly two months ago!” Argent cries out in anger. “I've been stuck here, fearing for my life, prisoners of orcs all this time! Why did they abandon me? Why didn't they come?”

“I played dumb about the Pillar Artifact for a time as I didn't want orcs to be able to use it,” Argent continues after regaining her composure. “Those orcs call themselves the Scro. They are like some more advanced form of orc not from this world. They are conquerors and need to be stopped. That ship in the harbor is how they got here. They had planned on using the orcs living here a soldiers in the army they were raising.”

“Anyway, Myev was the closest thing I had to a friend here. The orcs treat her like a servant instead of a person. They treated me as even less. Thankfully, they think that they are superior to everyone else, so they didn't molest me. She was tasked to figuring out how the Pillar Artifact work and I had to help her. While couldn't communicate directly we managed to be able to understand each other.”

“Apparently the orcs have lived in these Elder ruins for hundreds of years. They've been digging up these buildings trying to find weapons to help them defeat their enemies.”

“Things got messy a few days ago when they broke into the underground cave at the bottom of this tower. It's actually what had been the ground level back in the day the Elders lived here. Much to everyone's surprise there was a giant formation of pillars inside it. The Scro sent Myev and me to examine them and figure out how they worked.”

“The day after that, the Pillar Artifact activated and those horrible bugs came flying out! They latched on the male orcs and started to change them. Myev and I ran and hid, but they found us and put us with the rest of the women and children. That's where you found me.”

“I could really use something to eat,” Argent inquires. “And I nice hot bath. I must smell something fierce. So, who are you people? How did you and Kylie get here?”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Given how we are reference events that took place 14(!!!) years ago real time, I took a look back at the old posts to see what was said and what your characters might remember.

Several of the characters first met Argent when she appeared in New Frontiers #32. This would be Lilia and Laucian. Kylie knew Argent from earlier when they were both apprentices. This was Argent said about herself in her introductory post:

To the strangers Argent will introduce herself, as "I am Argent, an invoker of no small power. I'm also a former apprentice of Jallarzi and am known to both Kharyna and Kylie. Up until about a few days ago I was a member of the Company of the Sword on a quest for the Sword of Doom. My group met up with another band of adventurers named the Seekers and ended up merging together. I felt a bit out of place and parted ways with the new group. Sharadin asked me to do some research in the Keep for him and that's where I was when Jallarzi and Sherwood arrived. After hearing that both Kylie and Kharyna were in the same adventuring band for the moment and that they were going to meet up with them, I asked to tag along. And so I am here."

In New Frontiers #37 Argent got deeper into her own backstory in a conversation with Validar. No reason to believe she wouldn't repeat the same information to anyone else who was curious. Here's the pertinent paragraph of her speech.

"Not much more to add at this point. The two groups decided to join forces to continue the quest. Some of us declined and I was among them. I actually did leave Karn's Keep, but Sharadin quickly tracked me down to help him research the Pillar Artifact and that's what I had been doing. It was a bit more dangerous then I had first anticipated and I had a 'accident' involving the pillars. It is our theory that the pillars are breaking down and becoming unreliable. It has been decided to not use them anymore if possible."

"I was recovering from my accident when Sherwood and Jallarzi stopped by. One thing led to another and here I am! That's pretty much all of my experiences in the Frontier lands."

Kylie and Lilia left New Frontiers in post #42 and continued on in the Blackflame game. Valena first appeared in New Frontiers #49.

Kylie, Lilia, Lia and Talen all returned in New Frontiers #61 at the end of the Blackflame game. Lia and Talen only briefly met Argent in the hallway in the Duke's Fortress in Corunglain, so they've had the least amount of contact. Kylie and Lilia ended up sharing spells with Argent, Chareos and Lyonessa.

The elves left Corunglain in New Frontiers #64 and were joined by Laucian and Valena. From there they went to the Elfholds and then on to Karn's Keep. In Elfquest #2 Sherwood went into some of the background of Karn's Keep mentioning Argent's role in it and even the Pillar Artifact.

“The keep was conqueror by the Company of the Sword just last month,” Sherwood explains. “That was the adventuring band Argent used to be with. There’s a pillar artifact down in the basement that had been used to reach Gateway with a stop over in a ruined city in the heart of the Keln Lands. We’re actually on the southern edge of Rockhome now.”

And lastly, in Elfquest #3 Lord Sharadin mentioned that Argent and the others in the Guardians of Light were rewarded the status of Court Lord or Lady.

That should cover the important points.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena listens as Lilia fills us in.

“Yes, one of the larger ant-men hit me with her version of Magic Missile as well. These Hive seem to learn information and are able to share it with the rest of them. Clearly they are able to share spells as well. The Hive Queen seemed to read Chandra's mind as he was being converted. She learned of the Mother Tree and has plans for it. Likewise, she read the mind of the leader of the uniformed orcs. The Hive Queen said that they were called the Scro and that they came from another world. That ship in the harbor must be able to fly much like how we used the barge to reach the Sylvan Realm. It'll need to be kept out of enemy hands, be that orc or insect.”

“As if we didn't have enough orcs of our own,” Valena complains. “Now we're importing them! Between them and the Hive, we have some powerful enemies.”

“I'll meet up with you soon,” Lilia says in common to Lia, Valena, and Talen. “I'm going to make sure Kylie is safe before heading up.”

“Understood,” Valena answers and continues to make her way up the stairs.

Before long we come across Laucian and more of the uniformed orcs. They look hostile.

“Need a hand keeping these uglies at bay?”, Valena asks Laucian in common when he comes into sight. She aims her own bow towards the orcs. “Kind of creepy them standing up straight like that. Makes them seem even bigger.”

Argent soon appears followed by Kylie and Lilia. Valena keeps her bow trained on the orcs while Lilia and Argent converse.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“We don't answer to lesser creatures, elf,” one of the orcs growls in their native tongue. "Your kind will be exterminated from this world too!"

Were it not for having his bow at the ready, Laucian gets the feeling that the orcs would attack him! Even now they are eyeing him up as if he was prey.

Laucian merely shakes his head and aids back in their native tongue. “Apparently you do though, “ he pauses shifting his weight as he sees the look in their eyes. He can’t help but feel like prey but much like a badger this elf will make them pay for every blow.

Laucian makes ready his bow for the oncoming rush of these killers and softly says, “It must be nice to sleep with such delusions of grandeur.”

If the pack do rush him he will start putting his remaining Stunning arrows into each in turn.

Laucian warily keeps the uniformed orcs in his sight feeling that they may make a move at him at any moment. The situation is diffused as more orcs, this time women, children and the elderly start to arrive. Those plain orcs men join up with the new arrivals and start to leave the area.

“Anyone get this things off of me?” Argent calls out holding up her chained hands. She does not appear to recognize Laucian at all.

Laucian’s eyes show a sign of relief as Talen, Lia and Valena make their way in with an orc woman as well as a very dirty and disheveled woman. “You took your time.” He says with an easy smile as he looks his friends over It is good to see you well.” his eyes linger on the orc woman then the disheveled woman. “Argent? Is that you? Whose your friend?” he asks indicating the orc woman.

“Need a hand keeping these uglies at bay?”, Valena asks Laucian in common when he comes into sight. She aims her own bow towards the orcs. “Kind of creepy them standing up straight like that. Makes them seem even bigger.”

“Aye, They seem to think we are but vermin in need of eradication.” He says in common as he sees his fellow follower of Ehlonna aim her bow at the orcs. “Must be eating their vegetables for once.” he says with a wolfish grin.

“I'd take out those orcs if you ask me,” Argent adds upon seeing the uniformed males. “They are bloodthirsty pirates! They kill us all given the chance. Myev is okay though. She's intelligent and a mage.”

“Do I have to?” he asks himself mentally knowing full well that these orcs unarmed would still be formidable in close quarters “I would but I have no means of opening them. What’s a Myev?” he asks curiously his eyes still looking over at the orcs.

Several moments later Kylie and Lilia enter. And the others begin conversing with Argent. He will be mindful of the conversation between Lilia and Argent and Myev though his eyes will never leave the group of Big orcs.

[Talen]

Talen:

We finally make it up the stairs and find Laucian holding off a group of uniformed orcs.

Laucian’s eyes show a sign of relief as Talen, Lia and Valena make their way in with an orc woman as well as a very dirty and disheveled woman. “You took your time.” He says with an easy smile as he looks his friends over It is good to see you well.”

“The elderly have one speed,” Talen says to Laucian. “Slow. Did we miss anything?”

Talen draws his sword and stands ready for battle should those uniformed orcs do something foolish. Argent arrives a few moments later followed by Kylie and Lilia.

“I'm glad you are all safe,” Talen says to the girls.

While Kylie tries to pick the locks on the chains on Argent, Lilia speaks to Argent in another tongue.

“That's Alphatian, isn't it?” Talen wonders. Lilia had been teaching him and Kylie the language, but the lessons never got all that far. “What did you say to her?”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Flying back up the stairs...

Kylie turns at the sound of her friend's voice. "Yes, she's heading up the stairs toward the others. While I cannot yet explain how it came to be, she is clearly a different entity than the one we saw in the cavern - and much more like the woman I knew."

“That is good to know,” Lilia replies. “The Argent that I met before was an intelligent woman and a skilled sorceress. She could be very useful to us.”

On the ground level of the tower, the rescued orcs and elves are located. Laucian is holding several uniformed orcs at bay. A woman who looks like Argent is here as well. Kylie works to remove her bonds. Lilia decides to test Argent and see if she can speak Alphatian like the other Argent could.

“Ita ego sum qui sum esse videtur,” Argent answers in annoyed voice in Alphatian. “Plane, non possum intelligere. Amo ego said, longum est eius.”

“Good,” Lilia answers in the human tongue. “Then tell us how you came to be here.”

“That's Alphatian, isn't it?” Talen wonders. Lilia had been teaching him and Kylie the language, but the lessons never got all that far. “What did you say to her?”

“That is correct,” Lilia says to Talen. “I asked her are you who you appear to be? If you are, then you should be able to understand me. How did you come to this desolate place?”

Argent starts to tell her tale of what happened to her. While Lilia didn't know Argent all that well during the adventure in the Beleme Swamp, there were things she did pick up. Much of what Argent says does sound similar to a point.

“That was nearly two months ago!” Argent cries out in anger. “I've been stuck here, fearing for my life, prisoners of orcs all this time! Why did they abandon me? Why didn't they come?”

“I am working on a theory to fit the facts as I know them,” Lilia states. “What do you know about these Scro?”

Argent fills in more details about her time here among the orcs and the Scro. It's more pieces in the puzzle that is this place.

“You think these ruins are actually an Elder City?” Lilia asks. “That would explain a great deal like why there are Pillar Artifacts here and who made this strange reddish stone. I've studied the Elder Writings as well, but never had a chance to explore one of their ruins. This is exciting!”

“And very dangerous at the same time,” Lilia adds. “The orcs here were looking for weapons to use against the Sylvan Realm no doubt. Thankfully they didn't appear to find any, or at least any that they could figure out how to use.”

Lilia's mind is a whirl with thoughts and ideas, but alas most of those must wait for now. More important issues must be dealt with first.

“I have two more questions to ask you, Argent and they will aid me in figuring out what happened to you. First, what is the most potent spell you can cast? Second, are you a noble?”

[Argent]

Argent:

His eyes linger on the orc woman then the disheveled woman. “Argent? Is that you? Whose your friend?” he asks indicating the orc woman.

“Her name is Myev. I'm sorry,” Argent says to the elf with the bow. “I don't know who you are. How do you know who I am? ”

“That's Alphatian, isn't it?” Talen wonders. Lilia had been teaching him and Kylie the language, but the lessons never got all that far. “What did you say to her?”

“That is correct,” Lilia says to Talen. “I asked her are you who you appear to be? If you are, then you should be able to understand me. How did you come to this desolate place?”

“Very good,” Argent states. “Smart and cute too! I told her that yes I am who I appear to be. Obviously, I can understand you. Like I said, its a long story.”

“I am working on a theory to fit the facts as I know them,” Lilia states. “What do you know about these Scro?”

“Really?” Argent says in surprise. Her eyes lock in on the stones circling the elves head and concludes that she is far more intelligent then first suspected. “Ioun Stones of some type?”

Argent continues to tell her story and the elf with the stones speaks again.

“You think these ruins are actually an Elder City?” Lilia asks. “That would explain a great deal like why there are Pillar Artifacts here and who made this strange reddish stone. I've studied the Elder Writings as well, but never had a chance to explore one of their ruins. This is exciting!”

“Yes I do,” Argent agrees, “and yes I agree! If it wasn't for my situation, this would be a fantastic archaeological find!”

“And very dangerous at the same time,” Lilia adds. “The orcs here were looking for weapons to use against the Sylvan Realm no doubt. Thankfully they didn't appear to find any, or at least any that they could figure out how to use.”

“And there's the downside,” Argent agrees. “Like you said, they're not smart enough to figure out how to use anything here. I'm not sure we are either.”

“I have two more questions to ask you, Argent and they will aid me in figuring out what happened to you. First, what is the most potent spell you can cast? Second, are you a noble?”

Argent is surprised by the questions that she asked. While the first seems obvious, the second is a surprise.

“Do I really look like a noble?” Argent retorts. “Fireball is my most powerful spell, but Magic Missile is my favorite.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Oh, you have no idea,” Argent answers. “My life has been traumatic for what, the last six weeks or so? Everyday wonder if it was going to be my last, thinking I was going to be killed any moment. It's been hellish! I mean just look at my hair!”

"You've been a prisoner for six weeks?!" Kylie exclaims. "I am so sorry, Argent."

“Don't worry about it, Kylie,” Argent answers. “Clearly that was not the real me, whatever that was. And yeah, if I ever have delusions of grandeur and talk about taking over the world with icky bugs, feel free to kill me on the spot.”

Kylie nods sadly. "I hope it never comes to that; I'm not sure that I could do so again."

“Wait. What?” Argent says in a confused voice. “Are you suggesting that there are other me's? That's just crazy! At least I'm still on the same continent.”

"I'm not exactly sure what I'm suggesting, but that is starting to seem like the most rational explanation."

“That is good to know,” Lilia replies. “The Argent that I met before was an intelligent woman and a skilled sorceress. She could be very useful to us.”

"And a good friend," Kylie adds. "I don't know if you recall, but she and I trained together under Jallarzi for a while. We shared many experiences during that time, and we became good friends."

“I'm glad you are all safe,” Talen says to the girls.

"The feeling is mutual, Talen," Kylie replies with a smile. Though she doesn't say so, she is relieved to see that he survived and is well.

“Thank you!” Argent says gratefully as she holds her hand up.

Kylie nods briefly and sets to work on the locks. As one of her more developed roguish skills, she is fairly confident of eventual success. Due to her focus on the locks, she only half-hears Argent's story of the intervening weeks.

“That's Alphatian, isn't it?” Talen wonders.

Talen's mention of the language clicks a memory in Kylie's mind. It had been so long and she had learned so little of it in the short time, that she had forgotten the sound of the language.

“Very good,” Argent states. “Smart and cute too! I told her that yes I am who I appear to be. Obviously, I can understand you. Like I said, its a long story.”

Argent's flirtatious comment to Talen sparks a note of irritation, but Kylie doesn't say anything. This is Argent after all, and she has always been flirtatious. After a momentary pause, Kylie returns her attention to the locks.

[Lia]

Lia

Lia listens to Valena as she answers the question of the hive being parasites.

“Of some type,” Valena agrees. "From what we have seen they change others to reproduce.”

“Ewww. I wonder if there is anything left of you once the queen is dispatched. It seemed the Big ugly we were facing had hesitated or was in pain from something.” she says back to the archer.

“Actually there were six pillars,” Talen corrects. “They looked similar to the ones in the cavern, only smaller. That's what we found at the top of the tower.”

Scratching her head and looking somewhat sheepish, “My mistake, though it was interesting none the least! Never have I seen such etching before.” She says in reply looking between her brother and Lilia.

Lia cant help but look at Myev as she stares at Lilia’s star crown. Silently she wonders what the orc is thinking. She will have to keep an eye on this one regardless of her actions towards her and the other elves.

Before long Lia, Talen and Valena arrive. Right before they appeared, a female orc wearing the uniform of the Bloody Dagger arrived also helping the elderly. Not long after that a disheveled human female arrives who looks exactly like Argent, but not the one that was seen in the underground cavern. This one looks like she hasn't washed in weeks and her dress is filthy and torn. Her hands are chained together.

“Anyone get this things off of me?” Argent calls out holding up her chained hands. She does not appear to recognize Laucian at all.

“I'd take out those orcs if you ask me,” Argent adds upon seeing the uniformed males. “They are bloodthirsty pirates! They kill us all given the chance. Myev is okay though. She's intelligent and a mage.”

Lia looks at Argent then to Kylie, “Pirates? What’s a Pirate?” as Kylie moves forward to free the mage. Lia draws her sword and turns in such a way to keep Myev and Lilia in her view while watching the taller orcs.
“So these pillars could move you about the world? Can you control to where you wish to go? How is such a thing possible?” she asks curiously to Argent.

“That was nearly two months ago!” Argent cries out in anger. “I've been stuck here, fearing for my life, prisoners of orcs all this time! Why did they abandon me? Why didn't they come?”

“Perhaps they did not know you were abandoned?”Lia asks, “If you do not recall meeting the others then there are few options left. One, you hit your head and do not remember, perhaps the pillars erased your memory? Or you are not who you say you are.”

Lia’s lavender eyes narrow slightly but remains friendly, “But how can you not recall any of us except Kylie? Perhaps it transported your mind to a previous time where you only know Kylie or you have a twin sister?” She asks as she let's out a gasp knowing what she had said is far fetched. “I hope not. she said stepping back from Argent.

“I could really use something to eat,” Argent inquires. “And I nice hot bath. I must smell something fierce. So, who are you people? How did you and Kylie get here?”

Reaching into her supplies she takes out some rations and hands them to her. “It’s not much but it will suffice.”

“How many orcs were you imprisoned by? Did they have a leader?” she asks in common.

Lia can't help but then turn and Ask Myev, "How did your people get here? Where are your people from? Is it true you are friends with Argent? Are you happy serving your people though they treat you badly?" she asks the orc woman.

When Lia has a moment she will convert her Flameblade spell into healing( Sorry forget which spell it would be) and cast it upon herself.

[Laucian]

Laucian
Small update

“Her name is Myev. I'm sorry,” Argent says to the elf with the bow. “I don't know who you are. How do you know who I am? ”

Laucian nods in the direction of the orc woman but as Argent continues, Laucian tentatively raises his bow a fraction. “You don’t? but we have met several months ago. Validar and Lilia were there.” Figuring that their mutual friend’s name might remind her of who he was. But judging how she is reacting to him perhaps she is damaged.
“My name is Laucian Nailo of clan Grundalf member of the golden griffons.” Leaving the fact that he helps run them out due to the orcs staring at him hungrily.
Having nothing to add to the conversation he will remain watchful of the orcs

[GM Mad]

Post Closed