Order of the Dark Flame (Story, No Spam)

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 8:06 am

The Order of the Dark Flames gathered in the sitting room of their keep. Jenna tended a bright fire burning in the fireplace, warming the room on this cool, humid evening. The evening thunderstorm boomed and crackled outside, rain sheeting down over the countryside. Long into the evening they spoke, sharing what they had learned and sipping their coffees and mochas (most laced with Tia Maria).

Gwalchmai’s voice sounded loud over the distant white noise of the storm. “Let me see if I’ve got this right. We have two situations here, which may not be as separate as they first appeared. Our main concern is the Shadow Master. He seems to be planning something, something big and no doubt detrimental to the region, if not Faerun as a whole. Somehow, the Order of the Dark Flames have the power to stop him. This conclusion is elementary, given the lengths the Shadow Master has gone to separate and disrupt us. He sent Waverly to us first, to corrupt Anomen, whose good spirit was eventually separated and his body was inhabited by an evil force. Georgi was instrumental in preserving his good spirit, and we all helped, to one degree or another, to restore Anomen. But even though Anomen has now left us, the Shadow Master has continued to work against us.”

“The Shadow Master has worked against us on other fronts as well. Years ago in Kara-Tur, he killed Dragon Wench’s lover, Jerran, and imprisoned Jerran’s brother, Nippy. We freed Nippy, and he has learned to tap into some of the ancient powers once wielded by Jerran. The Shadow Master has attempted to subvert our own Jenna to evil, but she appears healed and whole again. He has sent hoards of monsters against us, including dopplegangers, I’m sorry to say. This guy has it in for us, but we still don’t know exactly what he has planned.”

“The Shadow Master’s plans also included destroying the reputation and lives of some of the local Paladin orders, most notably The Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart, but also the Order of the Black Rose. The Shadow Master’s army almost succeeded in decimating the Radiant Heart, but again, our involvement may have saved them, though we probably seriously pissed off at least one crafty little Gnome in the process.”

“I am coming to realize that the Shadow Master is also involved in our second problem as well. Apparently, our keep was originally constructed about 500 years ago for the ruler of a small theocratic realm devoted to Amaunator. The ruler was named Rai’ya, and her realm was happy, until a cleric of Moander, who called himself the Master of Shadows, began to corrupt her rule. Thanks to Vivien ‘channeling’ a conversation that occurred 500 years ago in the study that Dragon Wench found, we know that he was aided by her own husband, Ya’que, until he turned on the Shadow Master. The Shadow Master’s plans were failing, so I believe he killed Rai’ya and Ya’que as well, trying to make it look like a murder-suicide spawned from jealousy. But local lore does not discuss such a grisly end to their rule, so I think something happened after the murders to cover it up.”

“We know about the murders because Eldath gave a vision to Dragon Wench and myself in return for aid to Georgi, Loner, Thantor, Nippy, and Kramor during Anomen’s re-unification ritual. The vision showed Rai’ya, dead, in her treasury, which is now our dungeon. I think this started us on the path to solving this mystery, as a raven soon manifested itself to Kramor, which showed him a similar vision, but also showed him the cloaked figure that killed Rai’ya and how Ya’que was dominated during his own murder. This raven has now taken on the form of Rai’ya herself, but she seems to prefer stay in the ruins that Kramor found. Oddly, just as Rai’ya has taken physical form, so are the ruins beginning to rebuild themselves. There now stands a mausoleum, a great library, and a strange circular structure. Inside, we have found journals that tell us of the times leading up to Rai’ya and Ya’que’s murder, as well as tapestries and prophesies that appear to indicate that the Dark Flames may be the only ones who stand in the way of the Shadow Master’s ultimate plans.”

“I cannot think that these prophesies can apply only to us, as we now are. Prophesies of this sort are often many-layered. Something must have happened 500 years ago to stop the Shadow Master. I believe that there may have been an Order of the Dark Flames before ours. We know that Rai’ya had a son, named Perth, and that he in turn had twin daughters. These two women may have formed the core of the first Flames, though others were no doubt involved as well. It seems that Jenna is a descendant of Helena d’Perth, and Vivien may also be a descendant of Circe d’Perth. Others involved may have included Perth himself, Sir Rex (Perth’s teacher and the highest Paladin of that day), Perth’s wife, and even a seer named Hermanes, though likely poisoned by the Shadow Master, must have had family that could have been involved. Kramor appears to be a descendant of Sir Rex, since he can wear the armor that was tailored to suit only Rex.”

“There are, perhaps, more questions here than answers. I believe the skeleton lying in state in the mausoleum to be either that of Sir Rex, Perth, or Ya’que. The mausoleum and our own keep also hold other secrets, judging from the efforts somebody made to trap and seal various areas. I think that five spears may be a key to solving some of our questions, and some of us may know more about the history of this place than we once thought. Jenna, for example, has had closer contact with the Shadow Master, and may know more of his plans.”

Kramor spoke up at this point, “You’re right. I have remembered that one of the founders of the Order of the Radiant Heart was named Perth. Could it have been the same Perth?”

“Certainly,” Darkpoet said, “If I remember the story right, Perth was a convert from the worship of Amaunator to the worship of Helm. But, my question is, how can the ‘Master of Shadows’ of 500 years ago be the same ‘Shadow Master’ that threatens us now?”

Gwalchmai turned to face the fire, and his voice lowered, “Just as the Shadow Master escaped from us at the ruins of the temple at Ogre Falls, I caught sight of his face - his true face. He has a tattoo; a bar across his forehead, with a cross coming down the bridge of his nose. These are the markings of someone that my own Druidical sect fought years ago. During that encounter, the druids learned this evil man’s true name and nature. He is called Tetanus, and he is a cleric-lich. The rest of that story is far to long to tell here. Suffice it to say that Tetanus wanted an artifact of great power that is guarded by my Druidical order. Knowing this, I am sure of the connection between the cleric of Moander of 500 years ago, Tetanus, and the Shadow Master. Tetanus was probably involved in the destruction of the river goddess and her temple at Ogre Falls as well.”

Thantor spoke, cryptic as usual, “This might indicate why Mielikki has involved me in this conflict as well. She and Moander were mortal enemies, and if the Shadow Master carries any part of the essence of Moander, I’m sure that Mielikki wishes to see it destroyed.”

Gwalchmai turned to the group again, taking a long sip of his mocca, “So, does that about sum up what we know? Have I missed anything? Does anyone have anything they wish to add?”

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: Gwalchmai ]

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 8:31 am

Darkpoet was worried, he wondered who out of the four, would die. Love, he knew that feeling once. Then it was taken away, just far enough, that he couldn't pull it back. Darkpoet sharpened his daggers, at one point he had not realized, he cut himself. Looking at his hand, watching the blood drip to the ground. He took off his leather gautlet, and started cutting at the tatoo. Each time he cut, it would heal itself. He could hear the laughter in his head. "You can never, be rid of me. I will arise again, we will kill again."Dp shook his head, to get rid of the voice.

"Interesting tatoo, Darkpoet."
Looking up he saw Ria'ya, which didn't surprise him.
"Tris, it will rise again, won't it?"

Ria'ya smiled, "This area right now, is protected from the Shadow Master. He can not harm anyone here, unless he uses a nonmagical item. The tatoo is Drow, isn't it?"

"Yes it is. I have had it for ten years now."

"How did you get it?"

"I was captured, tortured and released. The tatoo is my only torture left, the Drow have seen to that."

"That's not the only torture, you carry is it, Darkpoet?"

Looking at Vivien, sitting in the sunlight.
"No, it's not. That will never go away either. Between that and the demon inside me, the Nine Hells will be a picnic. Excuse me, please."

Darkpoet left to be alone, away from everyone. He went to his room, pushed a lever, to an hidden room he had found a while back. Closing the panel shut, sitting down and closing his eyes. He let the darkness consume him.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 11:26 am

Gwalchmai's mention of Nippy reminded Dragon Wench of something she had intended to do. She had began to feel a little guilty at the indifferent way in which she had been treating him, and she also wanted to tell him some of the things that Jerran had said. Bracing herself (Dragon Wench was not skilled at apologies) she left the room and began searching, after a few moments she found his note. Reading it, she let forth a string of unrepeatable expletives and brought it down to show the others.

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 11:50 am

While Dragonwench was gone, Georgi pulled out the locket she had found to show the others. "I found this in the ruins. The woman's name is Ismena. But I don't know who the man is - her husband, presumably - or what their connection is to the murders. Does anyone recognise him?" she passed it round the room. The resemblance between Ismena and Georgi was uncanny, it was obvious they were related.

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 12:09 pm

"Don't you show it to Ria'ya? She might help you out. I don't understand you people, you stand around like little childern. Look what I found. Why don't you ask the one who might know?"
Darkpoet stands up, kicking his chair back. Startling those half listening, as the chair smashed into the wall.
"You all better start paying attention, on what's going on here. The Shadow Master is no push over, you are acting just like...... like some of us ten years ago. Now, they are dead."

Darkpoet reached over and slapped Kramor, on the back of the head.
"And you, of all people should know better. Yes, I know what love is, but I also know, what it feels like to loose a loved one. Who dies right in front of you. So, when you lovebirds get your sh!t together, let me know. Because, right now, you are all dead!!"

Darkpoet walks out the door, slamming it closed. He headed for the stables...

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:06 pm

Georgi sighed. "Well, I guess he's right about asking Rai'ya. I just wish everyone could stay in the same room for five minutes without getting mad and storming off..."

Dragonwench came running down the stairs, uttering a string of obscenities. Everyone looked at her expectantly.

"Nippy's gone back to Kara-Tur!" she informed them... "Where'd DP go?"

Georgi shook her head. "Fabulous. This is just what we need."

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:15 pm

"Kara-Tur? Does Nippy expect us to follow him?" Gwalchmai exclaimed. "Does he have any idea how long it will take to get there?"

"I don't know what he wants," Dragon Wench said, "He did mention something about the Shadow Master going after his old teachers, though how he knows this, is beyond me."

"A part of me says we should just let him be and hope that he and his teachers can take care of himself," Gwalchmai said. Then he stalked over to the fire and sat, staring into the flames.

[OOC: Did anyone like the summary? Anyone? And.... I was wondering if anyone besides us even reads this story? Lurkers?]

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:18 pm

Meanwhile Nippy was riding to a docks he knew about. He had not been harassed at all and it was a peaceful ride. Getting to the docks he booked passage and was on a boat to Kara-Tur, he slept as much as possible, he knew he would need it...

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:18 pm

(OOC

yep Guacamole they do

)

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:23 pm

"Nippy's trying to help. If he can learn more about these ancient powers, he may become a powerful ally... We still have the mystery of the raven woman and ruins raising themselves from the ground to deal with... which, by the way Gwally, you explained very eloquently.

So where do we go from here?"

(OOC Hi T'lurker

)

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: Georgi ]

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:48 pm

Ooc Gwalchmai: Yes, it was very good, and looks like it would have taken much effort

Vivien tried to think of a reply for Georgi, but nothing came to mind. With Nippy gone, and now Darkpoet storming off, it felt as if the group might splinter. Her hands tightened in her lap, and she tried not to let the stress show.

"I'll be right back." She said quietly, so as not to the disturb the talks, and ran off towards the stables, only almost tripping twice on the way.

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:56 pm

edit

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 1:56 pm

"Yes, Gwalchmai," said Thantor, stiffling a yawn, "that was very informative." He stretched a bit in his chair, then became more serious. "Actually, Gwalchmai, your narrative helped me to put things together in a much clearer way, thank you. Though, as you said, there are still many questions. Such as the way time and space have been distorted around the keep." The locket was passed to him and he looked at it quickly. The resemblance to Georgi was uncanny. She didn't have Georgi's fire though, he noted with a bit of a smile. He handed the locket back to Georgi, brushing her fingers as he gave it to her. She quickly looked up at him and gave him the most amazing smile.

"As for Nippy," said Thantor, his heart rate beginning to come back to normal, "he may have gone on a vision quest. It is not uncommon for warriors during their energetic training to receive visions from other sources of wisdom. I don't necessarily think he meant for us to follow him. I really have no idea what to do about Darkpoet."

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 2:04 pm

Originally posted by T'lainya:
<STRONG>(OOC yep Guacamole they do )</STRONG>

[OOC: @T'rouble: So, do the lurkers like the story? What did they think of last night's little escapades? I had to have my wife read it. She loved it!]

IC:
Gwalchmai muttered to himself, "Sometimes I think this group works better when we're split up anyway. It seems to be our destiny." He then fished the ornate ring that they had discovered in the old study out of his pocket. He realized that Darkpoet's advice applied to him as well, and he showed the ring to Jenna. She looked at it briefly and then held it as she sorted through the compendium of lore she stored in her head. Suddenly, her eyes flew open, "Its one of the artifacts that the Shadow Master is looking for. It's the Ring of Sorrows."

"Damn," was all Gwalchmai could say, taking the ring back.

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 2:12 pm

(OOC

T'lurker likes it

last nights postings were quite...attention keeping

)

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 2:18 pm

Originally posted by thantor3:
<STRONG>"Yes, Gwalchmai," said Thantor, stiffling a yawn</STRONG>

"Feeling a little tired, Old Man?" Gwalchmai said with a grin, "Been exerting yourself a bit much lately? Maybe you need to lie down for a while." Actually, Gwalchmai was glad to see that Georgi had filled the gap in her life left by Anomen. He knew how smitten she had been, and the loss she must have felt when he left would have been keen. He was also glad to see that Thantor had a human side as well, and that not everything was purely metaphysical. Earthly delights can be quite sublime, even in this sort of relationship.

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 2:21 pm

Darkpoet saddled his horse, trying to ignore the burning tatoo. Tighting the straps to the saddle bags, tearing off his gauntlet and throwing it. The tatoo started to glow, grabbing his forearm. He fell to the ground,

"This isn't suppose to happen, this is a safe place. Damn it, this is a safe place!"Trying to regain some kind of sanity, it wasn't working. What scared him the most, he saw Vivien approaching.

"NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

Putting his arm out, to make Vivien stop.

"Stay away from me, just tell the others."

null

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 2:45 pm

Looking at Thantor. "I think we should listen to Dp, because he's right. I'll go talk to him, we ne..........."

"NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

Everyone looked at each other, Kramor started running for the door. Grabbing his sword, as he ran outside. Running to Vivien, he saw Dp stand, with his sword held high.

He ran up, pushing Vivien out of the way. Blocking Dp's down slash, but didn't see the dagger. Kramor grunted as the dagger went into his side.
"Sh!t , I forgot my armor."
Kramor fell, kicking Dp's legs out from under him. Then he pinned Dp down, yelling.

"Help me, tie the bastard up!"

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: KramoR ]

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 3:05 pm

Originally posted by Darkpoet:
[QBnull[/QB]

[OOC: What's with this 'null' stuff? The last PM Thantor sent me had it too.]

IC:

At the sound of Darkpoet's anguished cry, everyone ran out to the stables. They saw Darkpoet clawing at his arm, and Vivien looking frantic. Kramor ran to tackle Darkpoet before any harm could come to Vivien. Gwalchmai mentally ran through the spells he had memorized: Doom? Detect Evil? Silence? Zone of Sweet Air? Remove Curse? None seemed to be particularly useful at this moment. He cast Detect Evil, just on the off-chance that it might show some indication of what was happening. Darkpoet’s arm glowed a fierce red to Gwalchmai’s perception. So, he cast Remove Curse, but there was no effect.

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: Gwalchmai ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Thu Jul 12, 2001 3:36 pm

Trying to hold down Dp, was getting more difficult by the minute. Kramor looked down a Dp's face, his eyes distracted him. Dp pushed Kramor off, picking up his sword. Dp slashed at Kramor, cutting across the chest. Dp then jumped on his horse and rode away.

Kramor sat down in the straw, not feeling too good.