The Tarathan

Author: Alexander T. Knapp <100431.464@compuserve.com>
Length: Long
Genre: Fantasy
Type: Quest
Setting: Any

The Plot

******************* CAMPAIGN LINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES *****************
*                                                                       *
* This campaign, designed and played over the course of five years,     *
* was designed for the concurrent adventuring of four different groups  *
* of Player Characters.  The plot lines of campaign, five major and     *
* five minor, are interwoven as much as possible, but could be run      *
* individually.  The majority of this material is original, questions   *
* and comments will be welcomed by the author.                          *
*                                                                       *
* Any use of copyrighted material, explicit or implicit, does not       *
* constitute a challenge to the ownership of that copyright.  The       *
* author/owner of this document otherwise retains the rights to all     *
* to all material contained herein.  Permission is granted for non-     *
* profit reproduction and/or distribution so long as this notice is     *
* retained in its entirety.                                             *
*                                                                       *
* Welcome to The Tarathan!                                              *
*                                                                       *
*************************************************************************

This file is set up in the following format:

I. Welcome message, copyright disclaimer and introduction to the format.

II. Description of the four player groups.

This campaign was designed for, and in my experience was certainly large enough to have four different groups of player characters adventuring at the same time. We did this in order to add a little more variety to the game and to allow for players to experiment with different characters. A breakdown of which group(s) were responsible for each plot line is included after each title (see below).

III. Background explanation of names and terms

In the interests of respecting other people's hard work and copyrights, some geographical and cultural names have been changed. Also, as the majority of this material is original, I include a short description of some of the terms that are used in this document.

IV. Plot Lines and Explanations

The ten plot lines of this campaign are divided into five major and five minor collections of adventures, which (as much as possible) have ties among and through each other. The unifying reference or force behind the campaign is "The Song of Solastin Ash", a 6000+ year old prophesy of the greatest elven Spellsinger (annotated and appended to this document.) I used the "Song" primarily as foreshadowing and adventure hooks/references in the campaign, leading characters along from one stanza to the next.

Each plot line has been written in the following format (NOTE - Numbers in [brackets] refer specifically to the "Song" located in Part V):

Title [Lines of Primary Reference in the "Song"] Name of Responsible Character Group
i.e **Arcanum [7-14, 25-32] Group I (Main Characters)
Historical Reference: Background to the plot
Campaign Goals and Challenges: The general goal that the PC's should achieve in this particular plot line, plus three to five specific challenges or obstacles.
Specific References: Additional references in other stanzas of the "Song" and explanation.
i.e. [11-12] As the magical drain becomes more drastic, the Runic Heiarch of Lagur (Water) increasingly uses her powers to try and contain the damage.

V. The Song of Solastin Ash

The "Song", here in its entirety, has been annotated for easy reference to each plot description. Individual lines or stanzas will be referenced in [brackets].

The "Song" follow a specific pattern (with refrain after each set of stanzas):

  Refrain
  Major Plot Line
  Minor Plot Line
  Legend or Call of Heroes
  ...
  Refrain

"Legend" is an account of some piece of ancient Tarathan history and "Call of Heroes" is a foreshadowing of many of the NPC's to be found in the campaign.

++++++ GROUP DESCRIPTIONS +++++++

Group I - The main characters who start at a lowly level, however are advanced rather fast through `parallel adventures' setting up background for secondary Groups (II-IV). Although they are ultimately the deciding force, they play a minor role until Parts Three and Four of the Campaign.

Wizard/Sorcerer Student of the Arcanum, future Runist
Cleric/Priest Psionic Potential
Thief/Rogue "Darkfang" and "Keldarion"
Fighter/Warrior Ties to the Northern Reaches/Selidon Keep
Other(s) (GM's Discretion)

Group II - "The Bonded and Fettered, Yet Free to Be Doomed", a collection of medium/high level characters with one extraordinary ability score and a common legacy, the `Golden Shackles' on their wrists. Predestined to release the Riders, die in the course of their trials, return as Servitors and restore Power to The Tarathan.

Group III - This Group of high level characters is based in a medium-sized castle, part of the Protectorate of Selidon in the Northern Reaches. Their role is primarily to explore the adventure possibilities of the `landed' nobility and provide a show of force within the Campaign when necessary.

Group IV - This Group is actually made up of a wide range of characters of varying levels who serve as playtesters for various character classes and races.

++++++ EXPLANATION OF NAMES AND TERMS ++++++

---> NAMES of Geographical Locations (in order of appearance in the Plot Lines)

Amaranth - a country ruled largely by wizards, also the name of the capitol city. Extremely unfriendly toward clerics/priests. Political tensions with the Windlands.

The Tarathan (The Jewel) - the name of the campaign world, also the name of the collection of planes upon which the Twenty Immortals reside

Windlands - a broad expanse of wind-swept plains east of Amaranth. Home to a wide variety of nomadic tribes. Political tensions with Amaranth.

Northern Reaches - largely untamed wilderness north of the "Southern Kingdoms"

Underworld - the network of tunnels, chambers and caverns below the surface of The Tarathan.

Develin - a prosperous country south of Amaranth. Ruled by a consortium of Merchant-Princes.

The Heights - the forest-state of the Elves

Warren - a particularly excavated and populated area of the Underworld directly below Develin and The Heights. Supported by four massive cornerstones.

Sand Lords - the nomadic rulers of the desert on the eastern coast of the continent. Particularly unfriendly toward wizards.

Selidon Valley/Protectorate - The main center of population in the Northern Reaches.

Cloud Mountain - a singular, massive mountain in the center of the Windlands. Site of pilgramage and prophesy for the nomadic tribes.

Adatia - a county beyond the eastern sea, populated and ruled by wizards. Unofficial patron of Amaranth.

---> NAMES of Gaming Terms (in order of appearance in the Plot Lines)

Power - all magical effects, including arcane (Wizards), holy (Clerics/Priests), and those produced by items and artifacts. Excludes Psionics and Rune Magic.

Rune Magic (Runic Heiarch) - Old Earth Magic, captured and controlled by runic inscription. A secret society lead by five Heiarchs (representing four elements plus Spirit/Balance.)

Heart of the Tarathan - a large ruby, the primary collector of Power on The Tarathan.

Chamber of the Spheres - a massive Dark elven magical construction designed to restore Power to The Tarathan bypassing the Arcanum.

Sol - the authority over the Tewnty Immortals.

Protocols - the edicts of Sol passed down at the Reckoning. The First Protocol states that "no Immortal shall walk the face of The Tarathan."

Erdefount - the first source of water in the Underworld.

Stone-Father's Tome - Agathon, Patron Immortal of the Underworld, wrote this history of the his 'children', who eventually broke among themselves and became the different races of the Underworld.

Celarion - the secret political organization of Shadogodon, Patron Immortal of Strife. Led by the "Rose" (highest political title.)

Orbs of Cymid Dar - three silver orbs, an artifact of great power. Cursed to drive the user slowly insane.

++++++ PLOT LINES +++++++

-=-=-=-=-= GREATER LINES =-=-=-=-=-=-

**Arcanum [7-14, 25-32] Group I (Main Characters)

Historical Reference - The Arcanum, the magically active remains of a star summoned in battle by the Nameless One (a pre-Reckoning Sorcerer- King), rests thousands of feet below the city of Amaranth. The impact of this comet killed the Nameless One's rival, Hanel, and shifted the planet, plunging it into a global cataclysm. Millenia later, in the current era, the emanations given off by this star, deep in the earth, act as a magic- enhancing `aura' in and around the country of Amaranth. This aura, however, consumes a significant deal more Power than it creates and is slowly draining Magic from The Tarathan.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - The PC's must identify the Arcanum and its nature, locate and find a way to stop it or its effects.

I. One of their members is a member of the Brotherhood of the Arcanum, the ruling (albeit secret) political power in Amaranth.
II. All other members of the Brotherhood will stop at nothing to prevent the destruction of their `free' source of Power.
III. The ongoing war with the Windlands requires more and more magical investment, draining The Tarathan's Power even faster.
IV. The extremely inaccessable location and unfathomable power of the Arcanum itself makes it extremely difficult for mortals to reach it and impossible to touch or affect it in any way.

Specific References - [11-12] As the magical drain becomes more drastic, the Runic Heiarch of Lagur (Water) increasingly uses her powers to try and contain the damage. [13-14] Agathon, preoccupied for several thousand years with his search for the Heart of The Tarathan, will return after its discovery (see "Tokens") and transform the surviving Dark Elves into his new Chosen, banishing the Illithid. [22-23, 72-73, 76-77, 99, 103-104] Finsternis (c.f.), trapped in his rise to Immortality in a nether-plane and neither mortal or immortal, is the only person capable of completing the magical `circuit' - the Heart of the Tarathan - in the Dark elves' (c.f.) "Chamber of the Spheres", however, the act, while restoring Power to The Tarathan, would also fully elevate him to the Twenty. [9, 50] The Dragon of Ash, a work of ritual magic, using the Arcanum against the the Windland's horde, and the death of Prayle (c.f.) in the Northern Reaches both signal the final vestiges of Power on The Tarathan.

**Riders [34-41, 116-123] Group II (Bonded)

Historical Reference - Before the Reckoning, The Tarathan was divided only between Light and Dark, the two `Bastions' of the Age. Approximately six thousand years before the current campaign takes place, the Vangaurd of the Bastion of the Light, led by the Psionicist- Mage Kry the Just and his four knights, faced the Thirteen Riders of the Vanguard of the Dark. The battle raged on the edge of a chasm in the center of Trynnia, Kry's kindom. The Riders were eventually banished and bound, but the knights were killed and Kry was lost as the edge of the chasm gave way beneath him. It was at that point that Sol called the twenty surviving Immortals to the Jewel, issued the Protocols and the new Age was begun.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - The PC's, having released the Riders, must find out their weaknesses, track them down and destroy them.

I. The only effective way to combat the Riders' auras is to possess one of the Treasures of Old, the weapons of Kry and his knights.
II. The Patron Immortals of Strife, Domination and Death each have a vested interest in the freedom of the Riders, and the advantage that can be gained by the chaos that the Thirteen create.
III. Kry's tomb has been used as the foundation for the Seers' Obelisk (c.f.), drawing on the psionic energies which are still associated with his spirit.

Specific References - [18-19] Finsternis (c.f.) corrupts one of the original members of Group I, who later bears his child, the future the leader of the Celarion and the bearer of the First Treasure of Old. [36] In the early years of the final battle, Kry's knights numbered eight, however as the Riders became more powerful, four of the knights joined with the weapons of their `brothers' to better protect them. [75] The Dark Elven kingdom falls prey to a plague unleashed by Scourge, which slowly decimates the populace and threatend the completion of the Chamber. [118-119] These three points outline the former borders of Trynnia, at their center lies the valley of the Obelisk and the tomb of Kry the Just.

**Flood [61-68] Group IV (Experimental)

Historical Reference - The "Master", a heretofore mythical monster of the Underworld, with the help of Agathon's Chosen, has begun a slow process of weakening the `Cornerstones' - four massive, natural pillars which support the kingdoms of Develin and the Heights above the `Warren', a giant region of the Underworld. If the pillars are completely destroyed, the entire region will sink, flooding it entirely and killing millions. Unfortunately, the plot isn't discovered until two of the pillars are destroyed, necessitating a replacement of the underground supports.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - Find four saplings in Agathon's `Granite Forsest' to replace the lost pillars while preventing the Master from collapsing the remaining two.

I. In order for the saplings to grow outside of their natural habitat, they must be planted in soil from `the Deep' and watered with from the Erdefount itself.
II. The followers of Agathon, faced with the Illithid conspiracy to collapse of the Warren, have begun a rebellion against the Chosen.
III. The Dark elves, in a move to hide their plague-induced weakness, and protect the Chamber of the Spheres, close their borders and ruthlessly kill any trespassers.

Specific References - [44] An accurate copy of the "Stone-Father's Tome" lies in the archives of Casteln Mists, detailing the true history of the races of the Underworld, which would further incite and ultimately justify the revolution against the Illithid. [13, 16, 31, 43, 72] The Underworld can easily provide access to any number of underground locales, information which may be useful to other Groups as well.

**Scelectious [88-95] Group IV (Experimental)

Historical Reference - Over two thousand years ago, the Patron Immortal of Thievery was vanquished by a new, young Initiate named Denethor [c.f. Evolution]. The son of Sol and the Runic Heiarch of Lagur (Water), Denethor is not bound by the Protocols, allowing him to roam The Tarathan at will. Now, a host of villians have nearly succeeded in returning the `Immortal Who is No More' to the Prime Plane. For the past thousand years, the priests, Chosen and Servitors of Scelectious have maintained a hidden temple in the Onyx Keep, dominion of the chief campaign antagonist, Finsternis. They have finally neared the point where they are ready to try to break the binding that holds their Immortal.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - The PC's must identify the threat of the Scelectious' minions, and find a way to either stop the shattering of the Barrier, or face and kill the Immortal on this plane.

I. Supported by Finsternis, the remaining Priests, Chosen and Servitors of Scelectious, will fanatically defend their Temple and the coin which is the key to breaking the Barrier.
II. For a variety of reasons, most of the Twenty fear the power of Scelectious upon the face of The Tarathan and have commanded their Chosen to cooperate in preventing his return.
III. In infiltrating the Onyx Keep, PC's will be confronted by the spectre of one of Kry's Knights, and "Yesterday's Son", bearer of the First Treasure of Old.
IV. Finsternis, seeking a easy path to Immortality, hopes to vanquish the weakened survivor of the imminent battle between Sceletious and Denethor.

Specific References - [18-19, 125] The son of Finsternis (the `Outsider') and Elsavin (the `Scion of Willows'), aged through the blood sacrifice of his mother's life, bears the First Treasure of Old [c.f. Riders] and has been raised to be the first leader of the Shadgodon's Celarion. [52] Deramis ip Baccus (the `Assassin Invisible'), one of the few surviving Scarael Excalibur and servant of Finsternis will infiltrate the PC's Group and strike from within.

**Seers' Obelisk [115-122] Group I (Main Characters)

Historical Reference - The Seers' Obelisk, made from Power-receptive Shadowstone, is in fact a massive psionic beacon created to contact creatures with active and potential psionic powers, and draw them to it. Once it has contacted all of the minds within range of its `call', it will siphon off their ability and channel it to Alain, the Patron Immortal of Fate.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - Locate and destroy the Obelisk before it completely drains all psionic potential from The Tarathan, raising Alain to a position far beyond the rest of the Twenty.

I. Kry's spirit, fully awaked by the last of the Four Treasures of Old being used once more against the Riders, will draw Penumbra to the Obelisk for their final battle.
II. The Obelisk is virtually invulnerable from physical, psychic and magical attack, with the exception of it's base ["It's four corners are weaker than the one."]
III. The `Armies of the North' will be forced to engage in the battles sundering the Southern Lands, culminating in the Call of the Obelisk.

Specific References - [74-75] The Seers, in need of massive quantities of Shadowstone, enter into an agreement with the Dark elves, who control the remaining sources of the mystical rock. However, after receiving the Stone, betray them to the Rider Scourge, who unleases a devastating plague upon in the Underworld.

-=-=-=-=-= LESSER LINES =-=-=-=-=-=-

**Finsternis [16-23] Group I (Main Characters)

Historical Reference - Finsternis, an ancient, evil black dragon, shapechanged into a High Elf, becomes the chief campaign antagonist in his quest for Immortality. Lord of the Onyx Keep high in the Amaranthan Alps, he can be found througout the Southern Kingdoms in the service of the dark Immortals.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - Oppose Finsternis' aims.

I. Finsternis will be instrumental in formenting dissent among in the most volitile areas of the Southern Kingdoms, inter alia the Windlands - Amaranth conflict and the Sand Lords' Jihad.
II. The `Temple Prime of the Banished Immortal' is housed in Finsternis' keep, which will be the staging ground for the battle between Denethor and Scelectious.
III. Finsternis' son, the new Rose of the Celarion, will seek to avenge his father's "death"

Specific References - [77, 104] In his quasi-immortal state, Finsternis will be the only person capable of placing the Heart of The Tarathan in the Dark elves' Chamber of the Spheres. [125] `The Scion of Willows' , Elsavin, will betray the PC's and marry Finsternis, giving him a son.

**Prayle [43-50] Group III (Castle)

Historical Reference - Hundreds of years ago, a renegade arch-mage was sealed into a mountain crypt in Selidon Valley. Opened and awakened by an earthquake, the insane mage, Prayle, now seeks the remaining keys to his power and revenge on the Council Arcana, who imprisioned him. Unknown to him, the entire Council is in stasis under the watchful eye of the Northern Elven kingdom, awaiting the Call of the Seers' Obelisk.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - Find and kill Prayle, before he regains his full power through the Orbs of Cymid Dar. Also, fulfill the prophesy returning the Councils Arcana of Casteln Mists before the Call of the Obelisk.

I. The discovery of Casteln Mists will prompt Selidon's Keep to mobilize, which will trigger an orc and troll offensive in the south of the Protectorate.
II. Prayle's death will signal the first major failure of Power from the Tarathan.
III. Vladyen the lich, Prayle's mentor, will haunt Casteln Mists after the Council returns and the castle becomes a part of the Protectorate.

Specific References - [108,109] "Spinner of Falsehood" names Prayle, "Archmage of Sleepers" names Chelic, of the Council Major

**Dark elves [70-77] Group II (Bonded)

Historical Reference - Driven from the surface by the Earthshaker wars, one Elven clan survived in the shadows of the Underworld. With their sensitivity to the flows of Power in the world, the elves recognize the danger of the Arcanum and have begun construction of the Chamber of the Spheres in order to restore Power to The Tarathan.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - Find the Heart of the Tarathan and assist the Dark elves in the construction of the Chamber.

I. Shunned and misunderstood by most races, the Dark elves are extremely defensive and wary of strangers, especially after the outbreak of plague.
II. The Illithid and Seers both will seek to prevent any contact with the Dark elves and the completion of the Chamber.
III. In its final stages, any mortal approaching the Chamber will be destroyed by the Power already coursing through it, necessitating a quasi-divine intervention (Finsternis).

Specific References - [11-12] As the magical drain becomes more drastic, the Runic Heiarch of Lagur (Water) increasingly uses her powers to try and contain the damage. [13-14] Agathon, preoccupied for several thousand years with his search for the Heart of The Tarathan, will return after its discorvery (see "Tokens") and transform the surviving Dark Elves into his new Chosen, banishing the Illithid. [63] The growing revolution against the Illithid complicates movement and completion of the Nucleus. [22-23, 72-73, 76-77, 99, 103-104] Finsternis (c.f.), trapped in his rise to Immortality in a nether-plane and neither mortal or immortal, is the only person capable of completing the magical `circuit' - the Heart of the Tarathan - in the Dark elves "Chamber of the Spheres", however, the act, while restoring Power to The Tarathan, would also fully elevate him to the Twenty. [108] "Shaman Below" names the High Advisor Teranis of the Dark elves, who will first accept the PC's offers of help.

**Demon/War [97-104] Group IV (Experimental)

Historical Reference - Using a stolen Dark Elven soul crystal, a foolish Amaranthan mage succeeds in summoning a demon, which then breaks free and kills him. After ravaging the Broken Lands, it begins to enter the Windlands, which is taken as an act of war, as the frayed tensions with Amaranth snap and fighting begins. The demon makes its way singlemindedly toward the Cloud Mountain where a sea of undead and spirits wait for release.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - Stop the Demon and try to stem the escalation of hostilities between Amaranth and The Windlands.

I. Factions both inside and outside the countries have strong interests in the continuation of the conflict, including the Adatians, Develinian Arms Dealers, and Finsternis, among others.
II. The Dark elves do not care about the war, but will stop at nothing to retrieve their stolen crystal, which is in the possession of, and key to the banishment of the demon.
III. The whole incident, from the crystal to the declaration of war, was actually a plot by the Seers to test their influence and destabilize a region highly resistant to their plans.

Specific References - [9] A Ritual Spell of War, the "Dragon of Ash", will be unleashed upon the invading Windlanders, but the drain upon the Arcanum will cause the first magic-dead period.

**Tokens [124-131] Group I (Main Characters)

Historical Reference - Five of the Immortals (Goldoron, Rydion, Solonor, Denethor, and Agathon) will act as the guides, patrons and challengers of the PC's throughout the campaign. Their tokens grant a limited passage and assistance in the realms of their Immorals, as well as being keys to the ultimate completion of the campaign.

Campaign Goal and Challenges - Pass the various tests and collect the tokens of the Five Immortals.

I. Goldoron (Matter) - Token of the Karellion
II. Rydion (Time) - Token of the Flute
III. Solonor (Thought) - Token of the Branch
IV. Denethor (Energy) - Token of the Hand
V. Agathon (Entropy) - Token of the Heart

Specific References - [4] Successfully banishing or destroying Scelectious will win Denethor's Token of the Hand. [13] If Agathon is led to the Heart of The Tarathan, his quest will be fulfilled and he will present it as his Token. [53] The Emerald Heiress is the Lady of an Elven family-keep lost under a curse banishing them into a loop of time. Rescuing them will win the Token and friendship of the clan.


                    ++++++ SONG OF SOLASTIN ASH +++++++

1	"The Power of this world shall fade from the Well,
2	And the Thirteen shall ride from the dark pits of Hell,
3	The sea shall rise up and strike `gainst the land,
4	And the shadow of twilight shall wound thy right hand,
5	The deaf shall hear the call of the One,
6	And the face of the Twenty shall turn to the Sun.

7	Immortal Power ne'er meant for fool aims,
8	Jewel's path disrupts and destiny claims,
9	The Dragon of Ash shall herald the Fall,
10	As chaos lays claim to the Immortal Hall.

11	As farther the Soul of the Jewel disappears,
12	The Lost Lady washes the wound with her tears,
13	The Forsaker, his treasure at the Heart of the earth,
14	Shall champion the Soulless, in the hour of their birth.

15	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

16	He not of the Jewel both minion and lord,
17	holds forth Darkness' banner from magic and sword,
18	corrupts one of the Light and First Treasure bestows
19	upon Yesterday's Child, the fount of the Rose.

20	In death finds he the Door, yet passes not through,
21	in the service of Five, as the Power withdrew,
22	Heroes of Light, in Healing the Land,
23	shall grant him the right with the Twenty to stand.

24	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

25	As the Earthshaker Wars turned the mountains to sand,
26	And grim nightmares unleashed stalked o'er the land,
27	Did the Sorcerer King incant damnation bold,
28	Above, in the heavens, came the comet foretold.

29	With the swiftness of Yeristict's Coursers it came,
30	And bore down on Hanel and poured forth its flame,
31	As the impact shifted the heart of the world,
32	Magic unbidden through the heavens unfurled.

33	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

34	The Vanguard of ancients, of Darkness unchained,
35	Crashed 'gainst the Triad as the Light slowly waned,
36	The Spirits of Four, in the hands of their kin,
37	Defied the Dark Bastion and the shadows within.

38	The Guilty, yet Blameless, Devinra's legacies' doom,
39	Hoofbeats of thunder from the cold prison tomb,
40	Despair in the Caverns, Shades silently rise,
41	History's Treasures the Just shall advise...

42	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...


43	Fortress and mountain, sanctuary, catacomb,
44	Shelters secrets forgotten and Stone-Father's Tome,
45	Watched o'er by the Queen, and from eternity freed,
46	Old Magic shall rise at the height of Light's Need.

47	Three silvern dangers from the Dark One bestowed,
48	Upon the Weaver imprisoned tidings evil forbode,
49	The last Dragon's Keep, the Historian's soul,
50	The fall of the Shadow foretells the Bell's toll.

51	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

52	An Assassin Invisible, the Shaper of Stone
53	The Emerald Heiress and the Watchman Alone,
54	Son of the Wind sacrificed to the Skies,
55	The Harper, the Gallant, the Sage to the Wise.

56	No actor untouched by fate or design,
57	No one without title, or known by a Sign,
58	Born to nobility in a court never seen,
59	Pauper and prince, servant or queen.

60	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

61	The Master, his minions the Cornerstones rend,
62	And the Heroes above are called to defend,
63 	`Gainst the tyrannous Chosen, tide rises below,
64	As above the Jewel's oceans, their boundaries o'erflow.

65	Nought but the Saplings of the Granite Lord's wood,
66	Have the weight of the heavens collapsing withstood,
67	The waters of Erdefount and the Deep's fertile soil,
68	Shall spring forth the seed, and quell Chaos' toil.

69	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

70	Long banished from sunlight, long lost to the earth
71	From the city of starlight springs exile's worth,
72	From the Kingdom Unknown shall the River arise,
73	At the close of the Age e're the last Magic's tide.

74	The Servants Unseeing `gainst the Hidden conspire,
75	Contagion's curse strikes the spark to the pyre,
76	The Heartbeat, the Token, the double-edged sword,
77	No mortal deed shall see the Power restored.

78	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

79	In the times e'er the Reckoning ages ago,
80	As Immortals crossed heavens and mountains below,
81	The Mistress of Rings and the Champion's might
82	Challenged Corruption's hold and the forces of Night.

83	The Vanguards met and Stars looked down upon,
84	The ageless challenge `twixt twilight and dawn,
85	By the Lightwoven path to the Point of Time's Close,
86	Betrayal fell and malevolence rose.

87	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

88	From beyond the Barrier the Banishd cries,
89	His Chosen, forgotten and Faith slowly dies,
90	Rise up in the Darkness and strike forth to reclaim,
91	That stolen by Childsplay, the dusklight aflame.

92	One not of the Twenty, yet once of the Jewel,
93	Watches in anticipation, to challenge the Rule,
94	Else mortal endeavor Immortality ends,
95	The Fall of the Youngest Jewelshatter portends.

96	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

97	Arrogance folly calls forth kindling of war,
98	From progeny's rest, and forgotten lore,
99	The cost of the Radiance, the Land of Fell Dreams,
100	Still Guardian the price of the folly redeems.

101	Great powers clash and Pawns move to their whims,
102	Below battle continues and Jewelspirit dims.
103	Cascade unquenchable, hope from the Unclaimed,
104	Shall heal heaven's wound, and the Initiate Named.

105	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

106	Lords of the North, the Teacher of Runes,
107	the Bonded and Fettered yet free to be Doomed,
108	Spinner of Falsehood and the Shaman Below,
109	Archmage of Sleepers, the Master of the Bow.

110	A song for each person, but a single tale winds
111	across the ages and to destiny binds,
112	Tools of the Masters who art Pawns of the Game,
113	Each identity secret until found by the Name.

114	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

115	In the age of the Bastions, the Triad preserves,
116	The Balance twixt Sol and the Power that He serves,
117	From the Village Unending, to Peaks' fiery gate,
118	and the Castellan's Keep, Trynnia's borders create.

119	Of Old, He holds Power of magic and mind,
120	Thirteen in the dungeons of Elden shall bind,
121	King's Rest - the Foundation, the One's final call,
122	Places the Blind at the Crown of the Hall.

123	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

124	Clanschief Unchosen, Harmony's Thread,
125	Scion of Willows, to the Outsider wed,
126	the Duty's Companion, and the Healer of Woes,
127	Shall see the unfolding till eternity's close.

128	The fourth of the Twenty shall be mortal guide,
129	with strength undiscovered `gainst destiny's tide,
130	Their Tokens deserve and through fire shall receive,
131	lines of all colors, a tapestry weave.

132	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well...

133	Twelve platinum chests, and the last living jewel,
134	The life of a maiden and the ritual cruel,
135	The Mason crafted the Galleon of Stone,
136	Earth Magic sprung from mercy unknown.

137	Vengeance descended and sought to demand,
138	The sacrifice due and the traitor command,
139	But greater Force struck the messenger down,
140	And gifted the Martyr the rebellion's crown.

141	The Power of this world shall fade from the Well,
142	And the Thirteen shall ride from the dark pits of Hell,
143	The sea shall rise up and strike `gainst the land,
144	And the shadow of twilight shall wound thy right hand,
145	The deaf shall hear the call of the One,
146	And the face of the Twenty shall turn to the Sun."

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Email: Alexander Forst-Rakoczy