EFU:R Gossip, Major Events, and Rumors (IC Knowledge)

[Ironside]

::[ Eleint 12th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

The return of Miriam Staudenmaier, Wulfric the Red, Kanedias of the New Path, and a curious oozeling from the surface all bearing a horrific curse sends shivers through the populace of Sanctuary.  Those Prefects and other rebels who accompanied the Dame on her 'redemption quest' to the Isle Ymph are never seen, or heard from again... dark rumors abound - they tell of treachery, they tell of revelations, they tell of ancient rusted ruins and the death of shades long spent... and perhaps most wildly of all, they tell of a Dragon's doom, and the wonders of the Hoard of Slithishulax.  

Many Red Mantles, overcome with a queer mix of elation and grief, bustle in and out of the House of Knowledge ... yammering on of the implications of this journey, and what has been gained or lost in the gamble.

The Watchers and Warders, for their part, strut smugly about the Sanctuary - boasting of the Tower's swift and steady doling of vengeance for the month's bloody revolt.

It would seem that the burgeoning rebellion has ended, before it ever truly began.

And the days march on...

[Ironside]

::[ Eleint 26th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

It is a day that marks the dawning of a new era for Sanctuary.  

The surviving rebels (aided by a contingent of Vaultsmen and Covenant) shattered the forces of the Watchers and Warders and stole away into the depths of the House of Knowledge early in the evening.  They left the streets bloody and the Spellguard furious - but what would follow would complicate matters for that ancient Order even further.  As the rebels battled through queer and eldritch dreams within the depth of the House, the familiar image of the Chief Herald appeared all across Sanctuary...

And began to denounce the Reformed Order, reading out a list of their many deceptions to the abject horror of their architects.  The Chief Herald unveiled her true identity - as Observer Calandra Thervion, a top-level Operative of the Tower, and thwarted the attempts of the Agents and Watchers to silence her broadcast.  For several hours, she aired the Reformed Order's dirty laundry before an increasingly baffled, skeptical, and bewildered Sanctuary.  

What was the catalyst for this sudden and shocking betrayal? Nothing less than the discovery of a surviving member of Sanctuary's most sacred and storied bloodline... by the hand of the rebel forces, a BRESLEY has returned to Sanctuary!

As this penultimate truth was unveiled, the city erupted into utter chaos.  The Spellguard attempted desperately to maintain control as years of carefully constructed narrative came crumbling down around them -- The Chief Librarian (revealed to be Agent Lorius Kesler, chief propagandist of the Order) was struck down by rebel forces, and Spellguard Commander Duke Barkely vanished under mysterious circumstances.  

The bloodshed was slated to intensify, when the freshly-promoted Spellguard Commander Kyros Miller IV bid the Watchers and Warders to stand down.. and welcomed the Boy-Mayor, William Bresley, back to Sanctuary.  William, in the company of Calandra Thervion, announced that great changes would soon come to Sanctuary - to rousing applause - before ascending into the House of Governance to begin the reformation efforts himself.  
 

[Ironside]

 ::[ Eleint 30th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

The Boy-Mayor of Sanctuary made his first declarations this eve... announcing the dissolution of the Directorate, to be replaced with a Council like that of Old Sanctuary.  The watering holes and taverns of the city are filled with posturing would-be-politicians, eagerly working on their proposed platforms and darning new and strange guild colors to represent their beliefs.  It is unknown how many Council Seats remain, but the Mayor has welcomed all citizens to send him their letters of intent -- and the various cults, madmen and zealots of Middle Sanctuary are eager to stake their claims.

Meanwhile, the Watchers and Warders lick their wounds, dreading the turning tides... and preparing to secure what powers remain to them against the onslaught of petitioners now jockeying to be their headsmen.  

[Letsplayforfun]

Some say it all began by a "my story is better than yours" contest of refugees gathered around a worm soup in Starag's. Others claim they knew it was a matter of time until "They" reacted to world's end. Most discard the stories as desperate men's clinging on the wild hopes... Depressed souls even speak of yet other futur thralls to increase the numbers of the Dread armies...
 
But more often than not, "Dragons" have begun to appear in tales of survivors from the surface. A Brass one was spotted in his dying forest camp, says old man woodcutter Curwig. A Copper one was seen circling above her wrecked town, says former barmaid Dunlipa. Little orphan Jody swears to whom would hear her that she saw a silver wyrmling spying on an ogre thrall army's camp in the rocky hills she had fled to. Boasting fishermen Ted swore he'd seen a -flight- of Golden wyrms soar above the great plains and bring havoc to Dread troops below. The one handed veteran Kron Van Dec tells a different story, of a Great Bronze flying -away- from invaders.
 
For most long term residents of the underdark, it seems to matter little wether these stories hold any truth to them, or if hope and despair are spinning their webs of lies and illusions. Life goes on. Life goes on... For down below, rumors of great wyrms of the dark, past or present, are nothing new...

[Caster13]

::[ Marpenoth 16th : 1386 DR ]::

Rumours of a host of devils and fiends unleashed somewhere out in the Underdark some cycles ago coalesced into fact this dark. What used to be tales told by adventurers of encounters with planar fiends out in the wilderness cavern became a modestly sized army of horrific devils marching upon the barbican gates.

At the head of this army was a small, blue-skinned winged evil identifying herself as Merkara the Swift, Messenger of Queen Dietza Swan whom had grown tired of waiting for Sanctuary to come to her with tribute. Councilors Isedreus Ghaustryn and Wulfric the Red, arrived at the Barbican with a large number of adventurers behind them and spoke on Sanctuary's behalf but it is said that the conversation between the leaders of the defenders and aggressors was especially short as Wulfric consistently interrupted the Messenger with stubborn threats despite Ghaustryn's attempts to learn more about the Messenger, her Queen, and the army standing at attention behind her.

Not soon after the Messenger grew tired of attempting to converse with the Councilors, she returned to her army and a horn sounded. The devils marched upon the gates and defenders of the barbican. It is said that the battle was a clear victory for the defenders, the devils only being able to penetrate the gates via the use of magical portals. Victory came at a price, however, and it was noted during the battle that whenever a Watcher of Sanctuary was injured or fallen on the battlefield, a devil would grab them and flee with the--undoubtedly--poor soul.

Though the fiendish army was easily repelled, friends, family, and colleagues of the fallen and taken Watchers are keenly aware that this devil Queen got the tribute she demanded. And, more importantly, they can't help but wonder if this Queen will demand more...

[Caster13]

::[ Marpenoth 27th : 1386 DR ]::

In a little over a tenday, an army of fiends marched upon the gates of the barbican a second time. As before, the blue-skinned Merkara the Swift approached the gates first. Greeted by Councilor Isedreus Ghaustryn and a coterie of adventurers, the messenger made it known that tribute to Queen Dietza Swan was due yet again--and, in light of the previous level of "co-operation", a doubling of the tribute was expected.

The messenger was denied out right--Sanctuary would not offer tribute. Merkara offered a chance for reconsideration, for the demand for tribute to be relayed to the city proper, but the unexpected show of patience was also rejected.

And so the army of devils approached, their grotesque roars and marching feet being the sound of their anthem. As they came within yards of the barbican gate, however, portals suddenly opened up in the air, swallowing the devils and whisking them away.

The defenders were dumbfounded but their confusion was shattered by horrific clarity seconds later as screams of terror rang out in the streets of Upper Sanctuary. Upon reaching the city, the defenders found the streets filled with malignant dretchs and terrifying abishai attack the common people. The battle was brutal and bloody, but like before it did not last long. And soon after, commoners filled the streets despite the sight of dead devils upon the streets to search for now missing friends and family members.

As before, the Queen received the tribute she demanded...

[Talir]

11th of Uktar, 1386 DR

What began with a foul taste in the water for the Public Housing Vault residents soon erupted into an invasion as drowned dead fell from water pipes above the residencies. The horde quickly engulfed the streets in massive turmoil before spilling into Starag's Rest, where the valiant efforts of Brix Colton and Nathzmar Baelghustrg held them at bay from the streets of Sanctuary for a time. Scriveners were at hard work in the aftermath and as the streets got cleared up, theories about what spurred this attack began forming -- the blame passing around in increasingly wilder theories.

Yet a few remember a strange sending made some time earlier, talking about an aberrant disease and a Doctor's cure.

[Vlaid]

::[ Tarsakh 15th : Year 161 : 1383 DR]::

The House of Governance has been buzzing with activity of late. A line of advisers, aids and prominent leaders of Sanctuary have been coming and going, locked in private discussions with the Mayor and his Secretary. Rumors begin swirling as the military powers of Sanctuary prepare for a potential call to arms in the weeks ahead. Nobody seems to be talking but one popular rumor seems to imply it is related to a vote held in secret by the Councilors of Sanctuary. With nobody talking, interested parties eagerly begin seeking out their favored Councilor for news.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Uktar 19th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Lights flick on throughout the Dunwarren machine. A blur of shadow and bright tells of systems once dormant, or perhaps never used at all, buzzing to life.

In Sanctuary, there are cries of triumph from Agents. Warders whisper to each other in wonderment, in curiosity. What might be the cause of such joy?

Some breakthrough. Some terrific thing.

A rumour spreads that ordinary citizens of Sanctuary can now purchase a Ring of Final Sanctuary for ten thousand Sanctuary Sovereigns.

A rumour spreads of a change in Dunwarren. Of illusion chambers. Of marvels never before seen under the earth.

A rumour spreads that an exhilarated Spellguard Operative: Senior Animator Basian Dhimani was seen in Freedom Square, and there remarked to the statue of Frederick Bresley: "I found the surface for you, idiot. It was here the whole time."
 

[Caster13]

::[ Uktar 24th : 1386 DR ]::

Early in the dark, a large host of adventurers lead by the eccentric but entertaining gnome Cosgrove Bilgeburgerbofflebaum departed Sanctuary, making way towards the deep reaches of the Underdark. As word spread that they were setting out to lay siege to the castle held by the Devil Queen Dietza Swan, many spoke of how they hoped these adventurers would be successful in bringing justice or punishment to the devils who had stolen a number of Sancturians.

Many hours later, the world shook and trembled. A great roar echoed through every cave--big or small, winding tunnel or expansive chasm. The adventurers returned; tired, ragged, and grim-faced at the loss of some of their numbers--supposedly two brave and selfless individuals: Chadra Myl, a pious and monastic woman of the Crying God, and Ranir Domov, a mystic sage of the wild lands. But, yet, they spoke of victory upon their return. Victory. Victory and an end to the existence of the Devil Queen.

Now, any who venture out to where the strange castle stood, upon a precarious platform above the Lowerdark, they would find only the mere, empty abyss of the dark.

[Howlando]

::[ Uktar 24th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Gossip spreads of a grim experience that took place in the darkness beyond in which many of Sanctuary's notables participated. Summoned by the eerie sounds of a blasting horn a group found their way to the Windy Canyon whereupon they discovered an enormous, pale Box of truly bizarre appearance.

Entering the Box they found themselves the subject of a sick game or experiment.. It is said that they were forced to choose among treasures of various quality and then even between the lives.of different groups of animals and at last humans.

Eventually the experience came to its end, and the adventurers - followed by a pack of animals, several children, and a bedraggled Spellguard Agent who had long been believed dead - returned to Sanctuary.

[Vlaid]

::[ Nightal 6th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Quietly, rumors begin to spread through Sanctuary. Some say that the Council has made a declaration to cut off all association with the Mound of Magnatz, though more enlightened skeptics wonder where Sanctuary will secure coal with the Mound holding a near complete monopoly in the region thanks to his slave force.

Meanwhile, other rumors speak of insults, grievances and operations that have continuously wronged the feared Baron Ormulux or simply failed to provide what he has been promised by Sanctuary. The hubris of Sanctuary's leaders begins to test the patience of Fort Mur, some say.

All the while signs that the Mound and Fort Mur are consolidating their forces and bolstering their resources, for what it is not yet clear. Sanctuary having done little to appease either of these dominant powers in the region, some begin to wonder how Sanctuary will endure...

[Howlando]

::[ Nightal 8th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Arthur Vlach had become something of a notorious figure around town: always sending adventurers off on expeditions to collect this or that unusual curio, always trying to raise funds and sell shares of the business (the "Thirsty Dragon") he supposedly wanted to establish. The man with the stone ring, the bright purple jacket, and the quick smile had a way of attracting both enthusiasm - many adventurers were quick to entrust to him thousands of gold - and controversy - with others claiming that there just wasn't something quite right about him or his mysterious plans.

He had sent adventurers into the depths of demon-haunted duergar mines. He had sent them into depths of the Dark Lake, battling with crab-things, in search of sunken treasure. He had sent them into the depths of the Lowerdark, the deepest sections of the Machine of Dunwarren, and to the Bazaar of Dark Delights deep in the Underdark. He sent them against a cursed Island Fortress crawling with driders. He had sent them into the secret crypt of the hidden Vampire Queen known as the Lady of the Spire, who had long dwelt in its deepest depths. He even sent a crowd of treasure hunters to the wastelands of the surface, there to infiltrate the Repository of a Dread Illithid's in search of Seven Thrones of Seven Conquered Kingdoms.

He even, it seemed, sent two nefarious figures to "collect" the "Curio" of the House of Knowledge Donation Bowl and in so doing earned the spluttering enmity of the Councilor Elmer Blackoak.

But at long last, he had sold every share. He had his 100,000 gold. He had completed his collection.

And so he held a party.

It began with a sending:

Good dark, Sanctuary! This is your friend, Lord Arthur Vlach. When I came to Sanctuary, all that long time ago, with a dream of opening up the 'The Thirsty Dragon' Curio Shop and Lodge, I never dreamed it would have taken me so long. Well -

I am delighted that at long last, my collection is ready, and the funds have been raised. So, to celebrate, and to welcome the arrival of The Thirsty Dragon, I'll be having a little celebratory party. It will also be a retirement party, for a dear friend, whom many of you might know. Regardless - you are invited.

I should warn you that security will be tight, so don't come thinking there is any possibility to cause any trouble. But if you're curious about my curios, why don't you join me! The celebration begins in 2 hours.

And at the appointed time, they went. Dozens of adventurers, mercenaries, share-holders, and assorted gawkers.

Met by an armored figure with a torch, they were led through the low caverns until at last they arrived at old Thomas Alqvin's Shop of Undeath and Tavern.

As they passed into the venerable old tavern, they noticed that all of its regular undead inhabitants were missing. Everything had been moved out.

They were led further, into fresh tunnels dug down and around into the Boneyard itself.

The vault below was filled with celebrating undead, ecstatic Shadow Tribe Kobolds, and purple-clad cultists surrounding the tremendous bones of the dead dragon Etorix, assembled together in one place at last. And so was the true purpose of Arthur Vlach and Thomas Alqvin, dear friends, revealed.

Etorix would rise once more.

The ritual commenced, with gold poured into a sinister brazier. Gems were placed into eye sockets. Dark words intoned. Seven thrones were crumbled.

Thomas Alqvin himself plucked from his own chest a dusty grey heart and sacrificed everything to see Etorix rise anew.

And in the end, Etorix Once More rose.

The dracolich roared its fury, screamed of vengeance, and collapsed the cavern. In wild panic, the residents of Sanctuary returned to Dunwarren to aid in setting up hasty defenses.

It did not take long for the bones of Etorix to return to old Dunwarren. It obliterated Dunwarren's defenses, tearing animatrons asunder and collapsing the walls and gate.

It ripped through the rubble, and tore through the ruins of the In Between.

Yet it did not advance upon Sanctuary proper, instead preferring to venture deeper into the ruins.

Until?

Arthur Vlach, bruised and with his coat covered with dust, found his way into the ruins. He spoke calming words to the beast, promised vengeance in some other way, and was rewarded by being knocked flat. Etorix seized the purple wearing ritualist and departed Dunwarren.

As to where Etorix Once More went, and what he will do - that remains most uncertain.

[hide=The Shouts]
::[DM Shout : [The torch light flickers in the freshly dug tunnels, twisting down and around into the bones of the Boneyard...] ]::
::[DM Shout : [The bones of the great hulk... slick and oily.... cracked in places, and attached as needed by long strands of glistening dridersilk.....] ]::
::[DM Shout : [Long collected... long gathered.... traded and sold, bartered and lost.... at last, at long last, all in one place] ]::
::[DM Shout : [The cultists in purple seem to be chanting something soft, difficult to hear....] ]::
::[DM Shout : [With great reverence, the purple-clad figure of Mr. Vlach places the huge diamond into one eye socket of the enormous skull......] ]::
::[DM Shout : [He then turns, and takes an enormous Ruby..... before, in turn, placing it into the other eye socket....] ]::
::[DM Shout : [Dripping sacks of gold.... 100,000 in value.... are then poured carelessly into a sinister brazier that burns with a purple flame....] ]::
::[DM Shout : [He then turns to the first of the seven thrones....] ]::
::[DM Shout : And in unison, the cultists chant: "And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no rulers." ]::
::[DM Shout : And the first throne crumbles to dust. ]::
::[DM Shout : He goes to the second... and once more chants: ]::
::[DM Shout : "And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no rulers." ]::
::[DM Shout : And the third.... ]::
::[DM Shout : "And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no rulers." ]::
::[DM Shout : As each throne is destroyed.... cultists and others begin to chant the words.... ]::
::[DM Shout : "And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no rulers." ]::
::[DM Shout : Once more a throne.... ]::
::[DM Shout : "And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no rulers." ]::
::[DM Shout : He approaches the sixth throne.... ]::
::[DM Shout : And chants: "And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no rulers!" ]::
::[DM Shout : And finally, he turns to the seventh throne, and chants.... ]::
::[DM Shout : "And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no rulers!" ]::
::[DM Shout : He stands before the brazier, a look of sadness in his eyes suddenly... ]::
::[DM Shout : He says: "Thomas, old friend, it is time." ]::
::[DM Shout : The peculiar figure of Thomas Alqvin, once adventurer of the early days of Sanctuary, long exiled, long walking the pale path between life and death, long shopkeeper, long observer and friend to so many of Sanctuary`s villains.... ]::
::[DM Shout : ... stands before the brazier, thoughtfully, and he looks at the huge figure of bone before him..... ]::
::[DM Shout : He extends his skeletal hand.... and uses it to impale his own chest, and with a terrible grimace pulls out a shrunken, dusty, yet-still-beating heart.... ]::
::[DM Shout : With his final act, Thomas Alqvin drops the heart into the brazier, before collapsing and expiring forever more. ]::
::[DM Shout : And Vlach intones loudly : ]::
::[DM Shout : "BUT THE DEAD DRAGONS SHALL RULE THE WORLD ENTIRE" ]::
::[DM Shout : As the screaming ghostly apparitions of the Dragon`s soul circles the chamber.... the chant continues ]::
::[DM Shout : "BUT THE DEAD DRAGONS SHALL RULE THE WORLD ENTIRE." ]::
::[DM Shout : "SO IT WAS WRITTEN, SO IT SHALL BE...." ]::
::[DM Shout : And the ground shakes and then - ]::
::[DM Shout : It rises. ]::
::[DM Shout : The bones... shift... and rise... and Etorix-Once-More stands proud and tall. ]::
::[DM Shout : It gazes over the crowd.....and utters a shrieking, piercing ROAR..... ]::
::[DM Shout : It tenses, as if to leap.... ]::
::[DM Shout : And suddenly utters a terrible word: "VENGEANCE" ]::
::[DM Shout : It flaps its bony wings, and with shrieking shadows.... ]::
::[DM Shout : It rises, and collapses the roof of the chamber! ]::
::[DM Shout : The gathered flee for the side, dodging falling rocks, and - ]::

::[DM Shout : Adventurers climb out of the rubble.... ]::

::[DM Shout : As the huge skeletal-dragon flaps off.... ]::

:[DM Shout : The caves tremble as something enormous and terrible approaches Dunwarren. Something that had uttered one word. ]::
[DM Shout : The klaxon blares as Spellguard Animatrons rumble out of caves and head for the gates. ]::
:[DM Shout : The collosal figure of bone approaches the Barbican.... ]::
:[DM Shout : It stands, silent, gazing... almost as if it is remembering ]::
:[DM Shout : It flaps its wings... roars out a word.... ]::
:[DM Shout : "VENGEANCE" ]::
:[DM Shout : --The Watchers at the gates of the Barbicans stand beside hulking animatrons. Unlike their metal and golemic counterparts, however, many of the Watchers are seen quaking in their boots...--- ]::
:[DM Shout : Shadows emerge and attack.... ]::
:[DM Shout : It tears the animatrons apart. ]::
:[DM Shout : The huge titan of bone begins to rip and tear at the gates, the walls of the Barbican.... ]::
:[DM Shout : They collapse and turn to rubble. ]::

:[DM Shout : It heads for the stairs. ]::
:[DM Shout : It prowls through the In Between.... destroying the small animatrons hurled against it.... ]::
:[DM Shout : It begins to march towards Sanctuary. ]::
:[DM Shout : It continues its inexorable march.... ]::
:[DM Shout : A fresh group of ill-maintained animatrons approach it. ]::
:[DM Shout : The people of Sanctuary begin to scream with panic, running about everywhere.... ]::
:[DM Shout : As it approaches the inner gates into Sanctuary, a final line of defense prepares itself ]::
:[DM Shout : It approaches Sanctuary, and sets to dispatching another three animatrons.... ]::
:[DM Shout : Mere feet away from Sanctuary, but then - ]::
:[DM Shout : It turns... and heads deeper into the ruins? ]::
:[DM Shout : It flaps its wings, and heads a short distance deeper in the ruins ]::
:[DM Shout : Smashing through the rubble as it goes ]::
:[DM Shout : It slays a few very unfortunate bandits on its way ]::
:[DM Shout : It tears at ancient structures in a wrath.... ]::
:[DM Shout : Tearing at the rubble... searching? ]::
:[DM Shout : It flaps deeper ]::
:[DM Shout : Once more it sets to tearing at the rubble.... ]::
:[DM Shout : As Vlach, holding the statuette, speaks to the Dragon in quiet words.... ]::
:[DM Shout : It slashes forward with a huge claw, and knocks him flat. It grabs the stunned form of Vlach, roars once more, and flies off..... ]::
:[DM Shout : It circles once, twice, thrice.... the ruins of old Dunwarren... ]::
:[DM Shout : And then speeds away into the darkness. To where..... ]::
:[DM Shout : You do not know. ]::
:[DM Shout : Exhausted and in a state of shock, the adventurers head back to Sanctuary - much deprived of its defences - yet Sanctuary still stands. ]::
[/hide]

Screenshot Thread

[Howlando]

::[ Nightal 9th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Sanctuary is disturbed by a slight vibration - almost as if there was an enormous collapse far distant from Dunwarren itself.

Hours later, a rumor begins to spread by a coterie of adventurers who went to investigate the collapse.

Traensyr, once great metropolis of the drow, now conquered by the Dread Empire, has been visited by a terrible Shadow.

The Shadow came, and parted the huge, ancient webs that supported the darkly splendid upper quarters of the city. Spires and stone stalagmites were collapsed in huge gusts of decaying breath. The upper quarters of Traensyr have apparently collapsed, and the City has been left a rubble-strewn ruin.

After wrecking unimaginable destruction, the winged Great Shadow Death swept away from Traensyr and did not return.

The Dread forces under the enthralled Kingsley, hugely damaged, were forced to withdraw into some deeper protected section. The old Slaver's Road, way to Old Port and the surface above, has been severed and destroyed. Ysinode has, perhaps, been cut off from the rest of the Dread Empire.

Along the docks and shorelines of the rubble-filled Traensyr, ooze have begun to take advantage of the absence of Dread Forces to burble forth and slide from the waters.

As for where Etorix Once More has gone now, none can say.


 

[Vlaid]

::[ Nightal 10th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Word spreads of an ill fated attempt to pilfer treasure from a troll cave along the low road. It is said that the last remaining troll fled, rousing Magga the Troll Witch to aid against adventurers.

The adventurers were driven back to the Crossroad Caves, overmatched if not for a timely killing spell by Warder ​Asathiel Visara, sending her form hurtling into the Scamander river to fates unknown. Her death it would seem, drew the ire of the trollish tribes of the region, hundreds of ancient troll forms rising from the depths, the swamps and lurking darkness of the underdark caverns. Adventurers, mercenaries and others were forced back to the now obliterated Barbican, narrowly managing to hold ground. Eventually the troll forces were beat back into a retreat to the Low Caves....

It was at the Mound that a curious meeting between the voice of Magntz delivered through a blood golem, and a barely held together mud form of Magga was found. Even more curious rumors drift back to Sanctuary of a pact made between the two, that Magnatz would take Magga as his "Maiden Fair" in return for the eye of Ormulux.

The people of Sanctuary grow ever more conflicted over their monstrous neighbors, some quietly hoping Ormulux will destroy Magnatz, bitterly remembering the many blood tributes and forced march of Sanctuary nobles to the Mound to give blood against their will.....still others hope to end the reign of Baron Ormulux and his fickle demands from those who are forced to deal with him.