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[tface=Callig]Preface
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Upon  this very day did fortune have it that a seeker of tale and a  storyteller would encounter each other. The following is a true account  of an event that offers both warning and lesson to all men. The splendid  Kendra Dales imparted this tale graciously and fully supports the  following text.

The Necromancer & The Paladin

As the sun began its descent and Mistlocke laid as quiet as Ymph allows it to be,  a deeply wounded warrior stumbled to Muskroot and beckoned for  assistance. As many men and women gathered around to see what adventure  could be had, they soon realized that a dire threat need be confronted.  The warrior announced himself a holy knight that had once fought  alongside his brethren against the evils that rose in their  consciousness. He continued to tell the tale of the Necromancer with  most unassuming name, Steve. While there were gawks at such a mundane  name, the paladin swiftly silenced humorous drivel with the tale of how his order was hunted and slaughtered by this necromancer.

Finally  the words came to an end and the many adventurers agreed upon marching  on this necromancer which had taken up residency far too close to  Mistlocke. Upon arrival, ghastly sights were to be seen. Living, dead,  and undead beings littered the place. None were exempt from being used  as material in his dark arts as women and children were plenty. Before  the valiant warriors was a fortress to be overtaken but this would be no  easy task. Steve had proven a powerful man possessing great foresight.  Upon the fortress walls awaited skeletons bathed in flames and pillars  that unleashed raw energy against his foes.

Waves after wave, the  adventurers trudged through the undead. Raw energies, dark energies,  and dark creatures clashing against the blades, spells, and will of the  living. Many died, many more were wounded. At last, the fatigued and  bloodied number found success and made it to the necromancer. They found  the now barricaded Steven on the top floor of the fortress. It is said  he was not as one would expect, he was a charismatic, charming man that  offered great bribes and boons to leave him to his work. The weary  travelers heavily considered his words doubt crept into their minds. The  creator of these monstrosities that they had barely overcome and  surrounded by the powerful pillars, all was surely lost.

Amongst  the number there was but one. Leto Talborough, Torm's Angel of Death and  one of the first Gallants, did not accept this defeat and lunged  towards the man. She hacked away with all her might, nearly felling  Steven but it was not to be, before her last blow could end him, the  infernal pillars overcame her. It was this sacrifice that passed courage  to the rest and so they did rally to her broken body and ended what she  had started.

With necromancer crushed and those who could be  saved from the clutches of death returned, the survivors searched  Steven. Only a single possession was found- a single, flawless ruby the  size of a fist. They took this token as proof for the paladin to know  the deed was done. A relieved smile upon his face, a lightened heart at  this news, the paladin did offer his gratitude. He presented them with  simple signs from his order as appreciation. As they spoke though, the  paladin began to grow ever more sickened. A few moments later the holy  knight burst; all that was left behind were bones scattered with blood  and flesh upon the grounds.

At this point an important factor  that had been forgotten rose in their mind. The reason the matter was so  dire was that the paladin had spoken of the necromancers plan to  embrace lichdom. The ruby was actually the phylactery and the  adventurers had delivered it to the necromancer's final sacrifice, the  last of the order of holy knights. And so Steven the Lich was born and  while he would desire to remain unnoticed, he still remains wrapped in  the power of undeath.*

Conclusion

This  is a tale that offers warnings to consider always. Additionally, the  presence of Steven the Lich should remain aware in the minds of the  living. My mother's quote and the tale of Talborough's courage are  lessons to take.

*Last known sighting was this day, any further development should be sent to the author to properly inform the populace.

Author: Z

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[tface=Callig]The
Collection

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Here shall the collection of offered tales be relayed. Only those bearing truth, warning, or valuable message will be placed. I tell you these stories with what artistic touch I might offer yet I do not remove them from the facts seen and heard. Learn and gain what you may from these.

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[tface=Callig]The Forgotten Tale

[INDENT]"Adversity is the one test all must face, how they rise to it will forever set the canvas to which people paint their image." ~Z

The roots of this story whine into the past a number of years ago when a powerful sorceress by the name of Shylae began to carve her legend. Having absorbed great knowledge and power, she enacted her great betrayal. H'bala was born and her own tale is recounted in many other sources for those yet ignorant to them.

Of relevant importance is her effect upon the sole circle of the time, the Stewards. Betrayal, destruction, flight in descent, a return in ascent, and the return of greatest foe anew would mark but moments in the steps of their path.

Amongst the weaved tale lies another young woman by the name of Senacherib. She was a talented member that had gained much respect for the bonds she made with the Old Ways. Her curious mind and experience also made her knowledgeable of past times, a thing that would become the clay to her sculptures. Upon the return of the known Stewards of the Ark, there was a time in which Naholopet Ymph was absent and in this time did Senacherib wander the forest forgotten. It was here that it is said the cries of the ancient* assaulted her with warnings of both past and things to come. As would any mind, she pondered these things in her head yet action was not taken. Final urge was set loose with the folly of Leged Erilram and those who would join him in Agony; this mocking creation would steal away the beloved Great Druid and ignite purpose.

Senacherib told her tribe of the ancient powers which she desired to call upon. They knew of this power, this shadow of the Old Ways but they dared not use it. It, in fact, was banned by a Great Druid of the past and all who attempted were either out casted, hidden away, banned, or deemed rogue and hunted down. And so with their denial to use this power did she return to the forest forgotten, to the essences of the ancients.

She found the tribe of the Watchers and began her work with mind upon what she thought must be done. With the ancient power of creation that is attainable by all life yet in turn born of it and in cycle, beginning again would she make her stand. She drew in others who might aid her, forming new tribe but also garnering the aid of Steward. Under mysterious purpose did they gather to offer their aid for a work that would oppose H'bala. So without knowing the full extent they were bound to the Heart of Life yet they did not trust Senacherib nor what she shared with them. The Heart of Life would herald a power once considered too great, too demanding of the  land's gift. In her mind, this was the perfect tool to battle H'bala for even she would not know it for the strict ban against it. The betrayer uses a form of this same ancient power. It is the corruption, the taint, and the change that is evident to us all upon Ymph. To combat the change that made the Isle of Blight she would offer great life.

Within the Heart of Life were the oldest and rawest powers called forth. She drew the remaining land's essences to keep taint from them and to strengthen them. The will of those who stood as one with the roots would manifest in it. This Heart is to act as a center away from her center of power. An act of opposition as it was felt that the Stewards of the Ark had only the intent to stand their ground in failing effort.

It is said that what has been seen in recent moons is a great change that comes. Given more time this evolution would have offered the balance needed yet the Heart of Life and the work of Senacherib expedited for obvious reason. Those who have embraced this change come with peace on their tongue, proclaiming their enemy is H'bala and all who would oppose her need no longer judge as they have. These words serve as knowledge yet some will see them as the understanding that the Forgotten Circle seeks while others will take them as confirmation of grievous treachery. Regardless, to this day Senacherib toils for her opus.

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Truth rapidly rises from this abstract tale yet each mind will be given chance to see it how their mind would have it. Private inquiries may be greeted with formulated response for those who would seek it. The following quotes are presented just as they were offered in conversation for the reader's viewing.

"The Old Ways alone are no longer enough."
"Her work is of aberration!"
"It is the Maiden who creates the foul, uses the old powers for evil!"
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*See the text on Ethereal Essence for further understanding.

Author: Z

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[Ethereal Essence]

[tface=Callig]Ethereal Essence

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"The eyes can be deceived, but those who truly listen will always discern truth." - Zulmara Gehni

Attend these words with open mind and better gain grasp of the mystery which draws many inquiries. Put aside skepticism and preconceived notion and you will inherently become better attuned to the Ethereal Essence.

What is the Ethereal Essence?

The Ethereal Essence while denoting singularity represents the multiple essences that border our world. Some consider this the spirits of our world but true name prevents the confusion when thoughts link spirit and foul magic. Each living creature has been in the presence of multiple essences often without realization. These essences flow in parallel but yet adjoin our realm. As they flow parallel they elude our senses because we are so used to them. Most remain ignorant of the ethereal essence for lack of witnessing event of one adjoining and presenting itself.

When do they present themselves?

The Ethereal Essence is far more apt to remain in parallel flow with our realm. But as with all things that have will, some adjoin for varying purpose. While minor purpose is possible their increased presence usually dictates importance. Death as we think of it does not exist for the Ethereal Essence but corruption, abuse, and weakening are the dangers the essences face. When they seek aid they will come forth. Understanding their presence is vital for they may not always present themselves as one would expect or desire, yet learning their purpose and offering willing assistance honors both them and you. In this honor, boon is often rewarded but should not be expected.  

How might they present themselves?

Each living being possesses an essence that the Ethereal Essence is familiar with. If not pressed otherwise, presentation happens close to the living. Manifestation can take many forms though elemental form and raw arcane magic are the most common. As an essence manifests it may seem to struggle to fully present itself. Do not disregard this effort for often does it soon manifest itself in full. Keep ready and attuned as best you can for you may find yourself with the power to aid.

The significance?

Withering both effects the ethereal essence as it does flesh. It is here on Ymph that the most damage has been done against the ethereal essence. The death of the lands shows both corruption and absence of essences that either lie dormant or flee. To offer them strength is to offer bolstering against common foe. Because of their nature in doing this they are able to do much more than what seemingly minor sacrifice would suggest.

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Words but open the way for understanding. Some may find it still hard to understand but I can only hope that presence of a true essence may enlighten you further. These words are all offered without bias and so specific inquiries may be levied to discern truth. What link this may have, in terms of specific occurrences, is but an example of question that would be answered.

Author: Z

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