Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another scary tale from Fetid SirDidy. It is entitled
Supper
Background music by Smartsound
The butcher’s massive knife descended with a grace that would rival even the best swordsman. The blade gleamed while it made its descent, reflecting pearls of sunlight that sparkled off the iron cookware that lay scattered about his worktable. It cut through scale and bone with ease and made a thwack sound as it came to rest on the wood before him where a monstrous fish lay. With a flick of his wrist, the butcher flung aside a large plated head which landed on the ground a few feet away from him. Two mangy dogs who had been soundlessly watching pounced on the head instantly and began tearing at it with tooth and nail.
Placing the large knife down, the butcher reached into the belt at his side, unsheathed another one that had a long slender blade, and proceeded to deftly fillet the ancient looking behemoth. When finished, he gently placed the thick strips of meat into a leather sack and held it, along with his other hand, out. A man with a pointed and lordish looking face grabbed the sack and tossed a few coins on the table. The butcher only nodded and wiped the blade off on his blood-stained apron.
Throughout the rest of the day the butcher received all manner of creatures which he cut, quartered and divided up skillfully. The coins piled up ever so slowly and the blood on the table increasingly pooled along with them.
At last the sun began to dip toward the horizon and the butcher made his way home. Before entering, he removed his blood-soaked apron and dipped it into a barrel of water beside the door. The clear water in the barrel darkened, creating a pool of radiant hues of pink that matched the sky as the sun set. The butcher stood for a moment and watched as the sky brightened for a moment in a dazzling flash of brilliance and then went dark. With a few strong twists he wrung out the apron and went inside, closing the door behind him.
A large steaming cauldron hung above the fireplace hearth, and the butcher’s stomach rumbled as he stirred the pot with a long-handled spoon. The fire crackled and cast shadows that danced on wood and stone. Aside from a polished dark table that sat in the opposite corner and a cage on the floor next to it, the room was mostly bare.
Filling a bowl, he shuffled to the table and sat down. As he ate, he glanced at the cage on the floor beside the table. In it, a gagged man with eyes wide, murmured softly. His left arm had been removed at the elbow and had stitches caked with dried blood. His right hand, with wounds far more fresh, was missing all of its fingers.
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another wonderful tale from Womby. It is entitled
Souvenir
Background music by Smartsound
The badly mutilated body revealed a tale both silent and eloquent. The shattered sword in its hand told of a fierce battle, while the head resting some distance away spoke of a particularly brutal end to what must have been a terrifying struggle for survival. A battle that was lost, unwitnessed, in this impossibly convoluted series of underground passages.
Something caught Womby’s eye and he bent down and retrieved a note lying next to the body.
“To the person reading this note: I guess if you are seeing this then I must have been killed. Shed no tears for a reckless adventurer. It was bound to happen one day. However, should you ever find yourself in Ardoris, I beseech you to inform the guards of a criminal who goes by the name Fluffington. Glib of tongue he is, for he managed to extract my life savings in return for a worthless map that has resulted in my death. May he suffer eternal torment!”
Womby Fluffington pocketed the note before returning to the exit. Another souvenir for his collection.
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another wonderful tale from Womby. It is entitled
Journey to Kingsport
Background music by Smartsound
According to his hastily scribbled map the tavern was located in Kingsport. It had taken hours of torture to extract that information from Lord Xychra. Not much of a result after investing all that valuable time. Still, Lord Xychra had mentioned an associate who ran a tavern in Kingsport. Perhaps he could be fooled into leading him to the stash.
After locating the tavern nestled by the Kingsport docks, Dhank stepped inside to discover a small, dimly lit bar that had obviously seen better days. The only occupant was the bartender, who paused what he was doing to glance up. A slightly raised eyebrow demanded an explanation for this intrusion.
“Lord Xychra sent me” said Dhank. “He has directed me to collect some items from his stash, and asked me to show you this as proof”. With that he dropped Lord Xychra’s ring on the bar. The same ring that less than 24 hours earlier he had removed from his Lordship’s lifeless body. Slowly the bartender picked up the ring and examined it carefully. “Very well. Wait here while I fetch the key and write down some directions.”
With that the barman left the room, and Dhank replaced the ring on his finger. The barman eventually returned with a rough parchment and a large iron key. “Follow these directions and they’ll take you where you need to go.”
Following the directions was straightforward, as the location was only a short walk away, beneath the docks. The key opened a door into the town sewer and Dhank slowly made his way forward, cursing his oversight in not bringing a torch. He could no longer see the map and inched forward, first following the wall on his left, then the wall on his right before becoming hopelessly disoriented.
Eventually the passage he was in led to a small platform overlooking a large channel filled with a dark and menacing liquid. It might have been water, but Dhank wasn’t about to bet his life on it. Suddenly he found himself rooted to the spot as he was struck by a spell cast from somewhere behind him. Dhank heard footsteps circle around him, then a torch flickered to life revealing the bartender who had sent him here.
“Lord Xychra would never have parted with that ring. It’s a shame that you killed him. He used to send me the ingredients for my special meals.” The bartender came closer as he spoke, and Dhank could see that he wore a butcher’s apron and carried a large set of knives hanging from a leather belt around his waist. On the opposite side of the platform, visible for the first time in the light of the torch, Dhank could see a butcher’s station.
“I guess you’re the last.”
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another great story by Fetid SirDidy. It’s entitled “The home on Spectral Peaks”
Background music by Smartsound
“It was a dark and stormy night.”
In the candlelight Liam looked at the page while his left eye twitched madly – something had gotten in his damned eye. He rubbed at it, knuckling it deeply. He tried to focus on the words written on the page, but they were obfuscated by a veil of blurriness.
Crumpling the page, he tossed it aside, laid out a fresh one, and began again.
Or at least he tried.
The wind howled outside and the shutters on his window shook in brief intermittent spasms.
Clack, clack. Clack, clack.
Liam caught himself chewing on his thumb nail;
His mind had wandered again.
He licked the feathered pen in his hand and dipped it into the ink pot that sat on his desk. Holding the pen above the fresh parchment, he pondered for a moment and then brought it down. But he did not write.
Ink began to spread out in a circle where he held pen to paper.
The pen did not move.
Liam did not move.
A noise outside had caused Liam to utterly freeze. The sound came from something foreign, something strange, something terrifying.
Something Liam could not fathom was outside. He was certain it was there. And that certainty scared him into the paralytic stupor he found himself in.
Clack, clack. Clack, clack.
The noise came again, and Liam began to whimper.
Clack, clack. Clack, clack.
Liam remained still but his eyes darted toward the door.
He thought he heard scratches.
Clack, clack. Clack, clack.
The shutters shook with more intensity. The latch finally gave way and the shutters burst inward, and along with them a bout of frigid air.
Then, suddenly, the wind died down and the shutters on the windows settled, then lay still.
Liam let go of the pen. It lay, still spreading its ink on the paper. He took a deep breath. His heartbeat slowed. And then he let out a laugh; a full belly laugh. God, he hadn’t laughed like that in ages.
All was quiet while moments passed.
His mind had wandered again like it always had.
Walking to the window, Liam looked outside.
All he saw was dark. But the dark did not frighten him.
He moved to his bedside, pulled down his trousers and got into bed.
Leaning over, he snuffed out the candle on his bedside table, and closed his eyes.
While in a deep sleep, large brown spidery arms pieced the window shutters and a multitude of beady eyes stared at Liam as he slept.
In his dreams, while horrors consumed his waking body, Liam heard the shutters.
Clack, clack. Clack clack.
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a couple more wonderful horror stories from Fetid SirDidy. Background music by Smartsound.
“Harvest Night”
A dull hum was all he heard, and what he saw was a fiery sky.
Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.
The sky was painted with brush strokes of orange and red and brown. Leaves of the same color fell all around him, and he danced as they did.
Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.
He saw his father’s hands, blistered and raw. He saw his mother’s apron, tattered and stained. He saw the local magistrate bray and scorn, and he saw the local boys and girls laugh and mock.
Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.
He saw the tall grass swaying in the wind. He saw the shadows of the windmills walking across the ridge. He felt the House on the Hill scream as it lay still.
Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.
He saw the sun dip down. He saw the darkness swallow everything around. He walked toward the House as if bound.
Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.
He stood before the mold soaked door. He pressed damp wood with trembling hands. He stood on a threshold staring into an infinite dark.
Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.
He froze. A voice in the void whispered, but Wilhelm could not hear because he was deaf.
He cried out. He knew it called out for them, but they could not hear because he was mute.
He watched as the local boys and girls moved past him. They entered the darkness and were never heard from again.
Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.
A dull hum was all he heard, and what he saw was a fiery sky.
“Arrow Black”
The boy died on a Tuesday. The arrow that pierced his skull was fletched on a Wednesday but this was of no importance to anyone other than Rolf.
Rolf stared at his breakfast. Two eggs, a slice of bread, and a glass of Ardoran orange juice. The eggs were runny, the bread stale, and the orange juice acidic. The same breakfast Rolf had eaten since being stationed here; 127 days and counting.
127 days. 127 nights in this god forsaken city.
Rolf sat in the guard tower, hen feathers in right hand and wood shaft in his left as he skillfully assembled his object of destruction. In his minds eye he saw Tanya’s boy, Thomas Cumpston, and he shuddered as he imagined the light in the boy being snuffed out.
Rolf put the arrow down and clenched his hands. Closed fists, open fists, closed fists.
He dipped fingers into a small bowl of ashen paste and spread it along the shaft of the arrow he had just created. The bolt blackened. Rolf became darker.
The iron head of the Black Arrow glistened in the early morning light. It’s target, a young Thomas Cumpston gleefully strode across the square.
Rolf loosed the arrow and relished in the inevitability that followed; a symphony of screams.
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
This is Black Rose Chronicles 13, by Belladonna Rose, narrated by Joline Sedai. Background music by Smartsound.
Visiting the various shops in Crossroads she made her way to the docks and spoke to the town crier who told her she could take a wagon or walk up the road a bit to get back to the main roadways. She decided to take the wagon. Once back on the road she looked out over the hillside and there near the coastline was a huge metropolis of buildings. The one in the center was very fancy looking. Walking down and bidding good day to those she passed she reached the gates of the city. Over the gate was a sign. Central Brittany. This must be where this Lord British fellow lives. Smiling she started towards the gate where one of the guards stopped her. He asked her name and her business and was a rather rude sort but she answered his questions. Once she gave her name and told him she was an Avatar he immediately saluted and offered to open the gate.
Before she could step through someone grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. The lady seemed quite pleasant and very enthusiastic. She started going on about the Hidden Vale and how lovely and secluded it was there. Explaining that there was plenty of adventuring to do there and even some towns to call home. Pulling Bella towards the docks she pointed to the large ship and explained that this ship would take her to the Hidden Vale if she decided to take a look. Then she patted Bella on the shoulder smiled and walked away.
Shaking her head at the lady who was waving to everyone she passed Bella decided she would take a look around Central Brittany first.
The city was massive and there were a variety of homes throughout the streets. Some fancy some not
so much. Would prove to show who had and had not. Finally making her way to the docks she asked about for the boat to this Hidden Vale. The few dock workers were kind enough to point in the right direction and she once again on her way. It was nice to set foot on the deck of a ship even though it was a small vessel.
After about an hour or so the bells on the ship deck chimed alerting all that they were setting sail. It was coming up close to dusk and she hoped it would not land them on shore after dark. That was always the one thing she hated about sailing. Coming into port in the dark. Although most of her arrivals were of that kind it still gave her an odd feeling. She had had many altercations with other ship captains and even authorities when she made landfall. Either to rob her, investigate her cargo or to just out right arrest her. The latter was more common though. Shaking her head and laughing to herself she thought back to many of those times. “You transport one bad shipment and they always think you are up to no good.”
As the ship entered the harbor she looked out over the prow to see the upcoming town come into view. It was not what she had expected. Ramshackle buildings and a few folk wandering about. Not what she would think of being a port town for sure. As they set anchor at the docks she started down the plank to the landing. Many of the buildings she could see had been boarded up and the town looked like it had and was having a rough time of it.
Stepping up the rickety walk there were several boats anchored there. A few to different towns and such. But not the hustle and bustle that would normally be seen at a port town. Sadness seemed to steep into her veins the further she walked. Most of the folk here were ragged and tattered. An old man approached and she tossed him a coin. Smiling his toothy smile he thanked her and went towards what looked like an inn. She followed him and went inside. This was not what she expected but it would do for now.
Sitting at a table a barmaid came by and told her what they had on hand and she ordered the meager meal and a tankard of ale. Hopefully one of the two would be good. Wiping the crumbs off the table she looked about. No one really noticeable to the likes of anyone in charge of a port town. After a bit the girl came back and set a average sized tankard down and smiled. “Food will be around in a bit love. Its not been too busy today so having to scrap up a decent meal fer ya.”
Belladonna smiled back and took a swig of the ale. Not too bad she thought. She tried listening to the folk about town and heard names barked out of the surrounding area. Alot of hushed talk about the undead and such. Typical talk she had heard on her travels there. She heard a bit of chatter about the sewers being haunted here and in Owl’s Head. About missing folk from Braemar and about some bad goings on in the Owl’s Nest Mines. Shaking her head she thought that this place was just as riddled with bad things as the rest of the world.
Moments later the girl returned with a platter of assorted dried meats, cheeses and vegetables. Nary a fruit to be seen. Once she found a place and set down some roots she was for sure going to plant her some fruit trees if she could find the seeds and any other things she could grow. Her cousin, Aletta would be so pleased to hear that Bucaneer Bella was thinking of becoming a farmer. Biting into a crusted piece of bread from another platter she laughed at herself. That would be a different thing to do for sure. Farming. Goodness gracious how she had fallen.
As she continued with her meal she listened to some conversation amongst the patrons. Even enjoyed a lively tune being sung by a gentleman wearing tattered and worn clothing. Seemed to her that most all the folk in this town had once seen better days. Ragged and faded and weathered faces but all still willing to continue on with life. That to her was a good sign. At least they hadnt given up just yet. As she finished her meal she lay some coin on the table..walked over to the minstrel and tossed him a coin and made for the back door.
The alley was dim but not yet dark as it was still pretty early in the day. Many market tents were set up and she could see that some folks had found a way to make some sort of living. There was a nice man with a fish cart. A tailor selling bolts of fabric. And even a vegetable cart. She walked over to the man and asked if he carried seeds for planting. He smiled a toothy grin and told her he had several seeds for planting depending on what she wanted. She asked about fruit trees and he laughed and said yes but unless she was willing to set down roots somewhere there was no point in trying that. Said it takes a bit for them trees to grow and even in the soil around these parts they wont get too big. She smiled and told him she would keep that in mind.
Further up the alleyway she found an alchemist wagon. The lady was kind and gentle and offered many potions for various ailments. She would keep her in mind for later as well. Although Bella knew a bit about alchemy from her cousin Pol. She continued on up to a stone bridge and stood there looking out at the harbor. Again she found herself whisked away to another time and place. She thought of her cousins, Aletta, Pol and Katrina and wondered if they were worried about her. She thought too of her sisters, Crimson and Scarlet and what they might be up to. With a sigh she walked over the bridge and saw a gate leading out of town. There were still a few hours of daylight left. She might as well make the most of it.
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a couple of thrilling stories from Fetit SirDidy. Background music by Smartsound
“The Man in the Kobold Dwelling”
As the Avatar approached the odd looking man, the smell of animals and rot filled his nostrils.
The sun above was a fiery eye, its stare a blazing inferno causing copious beads of sweat to materialize and run down his face in a torrent. Each drip instantly engulfed by dry earth.
Thermal waves emanated from the metal buildings and fencing around him and all was still save for the melodic turning of the windmill powered generators and a crow at the far side of the compound that picked at a bloodied carcass. Even at this distance the Avatar could hear the crow feasting, it’s beak pecking and tearing at exposed innards.
Upon hearing the Avatar’s approach the odd looking man held up a hand and beckoned him forward.
Sskkk. tsssk.. hello friend..sssskkk,” the man drawled.
Bringing clenched fist to mouth, the Avatar cringed at the site of what stood before him. He now saw that the odd looking man was actually a kobold that had the likeness of a Human man draped across its face. The human visage appeared to be tied on with leather string, like a carnival mask. As the kobold began to speak, his tongue flicked wildly behind rows of jagged teeth.
“Ah, I see you like my face…tsssk”, he chortled. The kobold turned his head left and right allowing the Avatar to appreciate the entirety of his Human mask.
As the Avatar slowly began to back away, laughter pulled his gaze near where the crow ripped at tattered flesh and vein. A trio of bodies lay sprawled on the hardened earth. One of the bodies was large and the other two were small. Two kobold younglings with clawed hands embraced gleefully danced around them, and upon their faces they wore masks of their own; with the likeness of human children.
“The Battle”
The minutes blurred into hours and the hours into days as the Avatar dodged and countered. His hands weakly held onto the wand as he flicked his hand wildly like a dying composer conducting his last symphony.
Just a little longer. Hold. Hold.
The avatar was near exhaustion. His reserves nearly spent. All the experience he had accumulated over the years was called into action as he fought, drawing every hidden ounce of power and bending it to his will.
At last the Cabalist, who had towered over him and caused his near exhaustion was defeated.
Looting his foes body, the avatar stood in horror. There, on the ground, lay a single gem, a single black pearl, and a rusted fork.
The avatar was haunted by that fork for the rest of his days
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the next chapter of a wonderful story from Belladonna Rose, entitled Black Rose Chronicles Background music by Smartsound
The walk back to Soltown was quiet and solemn. Bella thought back to the people she met in the Solace Bridge encampment. They had all been through so much and yet many still survived and endured all they had been through. The children although a few were orphaned she was sure seemed to pull through and hold out for some form of hope. Playing and doing their best although a bit odd. Smiling at the children dancing around the campfire singing the Ballad of Bloody Bones seemed innocent enough. But after seeing that creature at the Ebon Dawn ritual sites she was not all that sure.
Passing the awful bridge area again made the whole thing sink deep in her thoughts. There truly was something evil lurking about and causing all this trouble. She just hoped she could help end it all.
And the sooner the better it would seem.
Entering the edge of Soltown she was greeted by the refugees there at the campsite. Captain Stanley waved from the edge of the docks as he ushered more folk from who knew where. Patting her sides she remembered she had to deliver a message for him to some town called Ardoris. As she walked up to Stanley his smile dimmed a bit. She thought to herself ..Do I look that bad? Do I show some sort of misery to him that I bring bad news? Odd she would think this but it must show on her face. She had always been so good about hiding things like this.
“Ahhh Avatar…I mean Mistress Belladonna. Good to see you have managed well from the outskirts. I take you have news for me?”
“Yes I bear a message from Captain Kinsey. She bade me inform you that they are holding down things there despite some interruptions. But things are going well. A few folk are packing up to move on for other parts but most seem content to stay there.”
Frowning a bit he looked down at his feet…then looked back up into her face.
“I don’t know if things will ever be alright again M’lady but tis good that we have you Outlanders here to help out. Meaning no disrespect mind you. It’s good to have you here. Things in Soltown have been a bit strange of late but I guess that goes with so many refugees about.”
She gave him a puzzled look and turned to look over her shoulder.
“They all seem to be faring well at the moment. Not sure what else could be going on.”
“Ahhh well see that is the thing. The regular folk of town are a might up in arms over the folks from Solace Bridge being here. Rag tagged and all. They feel that what happened at the bridge might find its way here. And quite frankly we are not equipped or manned for such an assault.”
Bella nodded in understanding and started to step away.
“Its more than that though I am afraid.” Clearing his throat as to speak more he moved closer as if to whisper in her ear.
“Seems there have been some things happening the last few nights. Robberies, fires and someone mentioned there were bandits coming up outta the sewers. Not what one would expect here. If you wouldn’t mind moving about town and see if you can find more information about these things I would truly appreciate it.”
Patting him on the shoulder she nodded to him she would and that simple smile grew on his face again. It was amazing to Bella that this man would hold so much trust in her since she was an Outlander. Shaking her head she grew to hate that title more and more each day.
Walking towards the camp everyone bid her a good day and she made a point to speak to each one. One lady mentioned that she went to put flowers on her daughter’s grave and the pendant she had placed there was missing…and there were large footprints around her grave. She told Bella it had to have been the thief as her husband was off fighting somewhere and the boot prints were extremely large for any of the men about town. Giggling she told Bella she had spent the last couple of days going about town looking at all the men’s feet. Bella couldn’t help but laugh as well. She told the lady she would look about and see if she could solve the mystery.
One of the men in the camp was going on about a fire a few nights back..burning an entire wagon to the ground. Almost killing one of the horses. And one of the other women agreed that she had seen someone walking about with a red sash or some sort of red clothing. But she wasn’t sure as it was getting dark. Everyone was unnerved that someone would try to burn them out after what they had already been through. Many were already talking about taking what little they had and moving on. At least they wouldn’t have to deal with this.
She nodded to them her understanding and thought to herself they were better off here than out side the town. Too much evil was lurking about ..and that wasn’t just the things she had been fighting. Things like this often bring out the worst in folk.
Moving through town she stopped and spoke to Arabella a short time then made her way into the inn. Ordered some food and sat down to eat. Minding her own business as she ate she did listen to the conversation at the table. No one seemed to give her a second notice.
The mintstrel who usually is singing for a pint was sitting by the fireplace on a stool….staring warily into the flames. When she finished her meal she approached. Touching him lightly on the shoulder he almost jumped out of his skin.
“Scared me half to death ya did. Don’t be sneakin up on folk like that.”
“I did not sneak up on you and I did call your name out but you were too engrossed in watching the fire. Is there something the matter this evening. You seem very on edge.”
“Well I don’t be knowing what “engrossed” means but yes I am a bit distracted.”
Bella smiled and pulled a stool up next to him and patted him softly on the knee.
“ Here I be out back of the inn…takin care of business in the darkness when two hooded figures come barreling by me knocking me to the ground. Neither a care in the world that I could have been hurt. Rudeness if you dont mind me saying so. But that aint the thick of it. They smelled funny they did. Kinda like damp stone and moss. Like they been sleeping by the river or somethin. But it was way worse. Kinda had a dead smell about them too.”
Shivering he looked back at the fire and shook his head. “It was just strange. Made me teeth chatter thinking about the way they smelled. I thought maybe they went into the inn but they never did. I came back inside and they were nowhere to been seen.”
Patting him on the back she listened to him.. Motioning for Emily to bring over a couple of pints. As she got the mugs she handed one to the man and told him to drink up. She sipped the second one and decided she would give it to him instead. She never was good at drinking ale and beers.
After a few gulps he seemed to settle down a bit. Then she asked him if he could tell her what direction they came from and she would check it out. He told her and she again patted him on the shoulder . Standing she walked to Emily and handed her a few coins. Asking her to get the man a bed for the night so he could rest. Emily smiled and nodded.
Here she stood with three new missons to accomplish. Find a thief, an arsonist and some thugs.
Well isnt this going to be a fun time indeed.
After many days in Soltown Belladonna finally completed her missions. She found and dispatched the thief in the graveyard and returned the missing necklace to the rightful owner. She uncovered the arsonist and reported him to the Captain in town so he could deal with him. The wealthy merchant fellow is still a bit under suspicion to her though. He did not seem like a friendly fellow. Again she talked to Arabella and was told to venture out into the world. Finish the tasks at hand in the city of Ardoris and go forth to Blood River and High Vale. There were many things needing to be done in both those area to finally find the cause and reason for the Undead uprising . Also the additional uprising of the Elves.
Belladonna pondered her newfound circumstances. Now she would have to tread throughout this still unknown land trying to help fix all their problems. Shaking her head she moved on towards Ardoris
After talking to many folk throughout she met many along the way that sent her here and there for different tasks. Making her way to a shop she purchased a coal stick and blank book so she could write down all this information so she would not forget it. Each person she talked to she jotted down clues and such to help keep track. She smiled as she sat at a table in the Pelajar Tavern eating a small meal. Pulling the book out and sharpening the slight charcoal stick she wrote down the past things she had done since she arrived. Some were disturbing remembrances and some were funny. Finally catching up to the present time she stretched and took to her room for the night.
Arising the next morning she had a small breakfast. Visited a tent shop to purchase some provisions and then headed out. It was time to explore this vast world and see what it had to offer her. She needed to find a quiet place to settle down and make home port. There was no way she could keep venturing further and further without having a place to go to and revive herself both mentally and physically.
Making her way back up the road from Ardoris she passed by Soltown again. And on past Solace Bridge. She reached the area of East Reach Gap and made her way across into a desert area. Dry, hot and very few villages along the way she found herself in Desolis. Here she stayed the night and picked up more information about this and that from the villagers. Restocking her supplies she headed west as she was instructed. “Head to Brittany. There you will find what you seek” said one of the travellers in Desolis. So that is what she did.
Crossing the remaining desert she approached green grass and trees. Finally. Some respite from that horrid heat and sun. Not that she was not familiar with heat and sun being a ship’s captain but the dry air was not to her liking. She liked the sea breezes for certain.
Coming over the hillside she saw many villages dotted across the lands. This was obvious due to the smoke pillars from all the homes. She stopped into one town and took a rest there. Crossroads was the name although it was not a cross road at all. But it was a nice enough place to rest for the night. Early the next morning she stopped at a small row house shop and resupplied herself. At least the small scrabbles she had along the way gave her enough coin to purchase what she needed.
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
(Insert music track # 44 – “Medieval Introduction” by Tristan Lohengrin)
MAXIE
Disclaimer: Any character’s resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. This audio play is a work of fiction and does not reflect real world events. Any opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Avatars Radio or Portalarium.
Due to mature subject matter, parental discretion is advised.
Hope you enjoy the show!
(Insert “Spacecraft Hatch Opening” sound effect)
MAX (male robotic voice)
Welcome, Serafina…
SERAFINA
Max, requesting access to historical records on the true elves in order to prepare for my mission…
MAX
Accessing “The History of New Britannia, Vol. 1” by the noted historian, Theodric, as requested…
(Insert music track # 1 – “Epic Adventure” by James Stratton-Crawley. Loop as needed until end of scene.)
MAX
PROLOGUE
A long time ago, in a parallel universe…King Arodon and his daughter Lanthirthel are facing their doom…
(Insert “Starship Rumble 1” sound effect by MiceHead)
(Insert “Rocket Thrusters” sound effect)
The time ship, Tanken-Ka, piloted by its artificial intelligence, Max, races toward a dying planet. It enters orbit and deploys its stellar converter which begins draining energy from the nearby star to provide power for the experimental rift amplifier attached to the ship’s nose.
Meanwhile, down on the dying planet below, a small tribe of slim, highly attractive, fair skinned elves stands huddled together on the edge of a cliff as waves of destruction caused by the Armageddon spell cast by the Avatar destroys the land around them. The island of Skara Brae is visible a short distance away.
(Insert “Earthquake” sound effect)
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL
Father, the earthquakes have caused a large chasm to form! There is no way across to the dock on the other side!
MAX
King Arodon nods as he speaks into a glowing orb in his right hand.
KING ARODON
We are cut off from Skara Brae, Halkon! Go on without us! At least, we will die knowing that the other elven tribes and the humans will survive this planet’s destruction…
MAX
A glowing mystical dome suddenly surrounds Skara Brae.
(Insert “Energy Shield” sound effect – by Eevan – first 20-30 seconds only)
It slowly rises from the ocean and then soars off into space.
(Insert “Sci-fi Rocket Launch 01” sound effect – by sandyrb)
The waves of destruction are visible in the distance, rapidly closing in on the elves’ position!
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL
Hold me, father!
KING ARODON
I love you, my darling Lanthirthel! At least, we will face death together…
MAX
Just then, a bright beam of light pierces the clouds and strikes the long dormant lunar rift behind them.
(Insert “Energy Blast” sound effect by Kinoton)
The lunar rift begins to glow aether blue as it powers up.
(Insert “Portal Continuous Rumble” sound effect by zimbot)
And then, Nystal TimeLord steps through.
NYSTAL TIMELORD
Hello, old friend!
KING ARODON (surprised)
Nystal?!
NYSTAL TIMELORD
Hurry! Salvation lies this way in another universe!
KING ARODON (yelling)
Everyone through the lunar rift!
MAX
The elves dash into the lunar rift. Nystal Timelord, eyes filled with sadness, takes one last glimpse of the dying world before he passes through.
(Insert “Portal Continuous Rumble” sound effect by zimbot)
Mere moments later, the rift and the entire cliff are wiped out of existence by the wave of destruction…
(Insert music track # 3 – “Emerald Forest” by Amber Raine)
MAX
PART I: SALVATION AND DAMNATION
ACT I
Five years later…
KING ARODON
We retreated here to the Great Forest where we built a thriving community. But now the time has come for us to leave this place…
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL
But why, father?
KING ARODON
Your godfather, Nystal Timelord, visited me last night and told me that in three days a Great Cataclysm is coming that will lay waste to the land for several generations. He bade me to lead my people up into the mountains to a place of refuge which he has prepared for us!
MAX
However, not all the elves were so willing to blindly follow the path laid out for them by the enigmatic being known as Nystal Timelord… Arodon and Lanthirthel are joined by High Priestess Ariel Joy…
(Insert music track # 4 – “Dissent” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAXIE
In her left hand, Ariel Joy holds a black leather-bound tome, engraved with only a spoon hosting an eight-pointed star in its bowl, on the cover. In her right hand, she wields the infamous Chaos Spoon, a 15” spoon which was forged from the strongest metals known to dwarven kind – mithril and shadow – by the great Dwarven blacksmith Watts. The stem of the spoon is adorned with runic letters which spell out “In chaos, there is fertility.”
The Chaos Spoon was imbued with powerful necromantic and chaos magic by the Dread Grandmaster of Necromantic Arcane Arts, Kane. Many of her fellow elves fear the High Priestess because the spoon is said to have the power to invade and shatter minds, leaving the target confused, or sometimes in the case of weaker beings, dead. Even without its enchantments, the Chaos Spoon is a formidable weapon, as the unfortunate Dark Elf
, Swap, learned when he called for a retreat during a battle. The High Priestess did not tolerate weakness in the face of the enemy. Swap paid the ultimate price for his failure by having the Chaos Spoon plunged into his forehead!
HIGH PRIESTESS ARIEL JOY
I regret to inform you, King Arodon, those of us who follow the path of Chaos will not be journeying with the rest of you to this place of refuge which has been prepared by Nystal Timelord.
KING ARODON (surprised)
Why so, High Priestess? Surely those who do not seek refuge will perish in the Great Cataclysm to come!
HIGH PRIESTESS ARIEL JOY
The Lord of Chaos whispered to me last night in my dreams and told me that our destiny lies…elsewhere. He gave me directions to another safe, but isolated place which has sufficient resources to sustain our small group in the dark days to come.
Sadly, my Lord told me that I will not live long enough to see the day when the land has recovered from the devastation and we will be able to emerge from our place of hiding and build new churches to spread the gospel of Chaos throughout Novia. My Lord was kind enough to show me a vision of those who are to follow in my footsteps over the next 400 years…
My daughter, Stormie, will reach her thirteenth birthday during our period of exile, and I will pass the book onto her. She will become the next High Priestess of Chaos and continue the work I have started…
She will be followed by her daughter Elle Tarien, and then her descendants Amberlyn, Mycah Nicole, and Amber Raine. I was pleased to see that Mycah Nicole is destined to marry one of your descendants, King Arodon, and on that joyous day our people will finally be reunited!
KING ARODON
Well, I am very pleased to hear that! I wish you all good journey!
MAX
King Arodon performs the DARKSTARR SALUTE.
High Priestess Ariel Joy responds by performing the DARKSTARR SALUTE as well.
HIGH PRIESTESS ARIEL JOY
Namarrie mellonamin, good journeys to you as well! May the shadows of night keep and protect you and may the star of Chaos always guide you!
MAX
High Priestess Ariel Joy retreats into the shadows.
MAX
Another group of elves which followed the path of Order also decided to strike out on their own that day. The trials and tribulations faced by both groups during this dark period is a tale for another day, but both groups did survive the Great Cataclysm, as evidenced by their prominent present-day leaders, the High Priestess of Chaos, Amber Raine, and the leader of the Phoenix Republic, Kazyn Phoenixfyre.
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL
How we will find this place of refuge, father?
KING ARODON
With this!
MAX
King Arodon pulls out a pink orb from his belt pouch. The orb begins to glow faintly. He points the orb in the direction of the mountain north of the village and it begins to glow slightly brighter…
KING ARODON
The orb will continue to grow brighter as we approach the Great Vault…
Now return home and pack your most essential belongings and provisions! Bring only what you can easily carry. The path up the mountain is both narrow and rocky… We depart at sunrise!
(Insert music track # 5 – “The Return” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAX
ACT II
The orb led the elves to a secret chamber which had been carved deep into Bear Cub Mountain. Cryogenic suspension chambers had been set up utilizing technology which Nystal Timelord had acquired in the distant future. The plan was for King Arodon and his people to sleep for 100 years and awaken in a world which had recovered from the effects of the Great Cataclysm. However, unknown to anyone including Nystal (who was journeying through time and space with his friend Gabriel Nightshadow), the system suffered a malfunction.
As a result, the elves slept much longer than they were supposed to, awakening in a hostile world ruled by the evil Obsidians…
200 years ago…
Obsidian General Trumbull, is in his base camp set up on the banks of a nearby river, conferring with his second-in-command, Colonel Melchior. His two most trusted soldiers, Bacon and Love, are standing to one side.
GENERAL TRUMBULL
Ah, Colonel Melchior! Have you procured the book which I requested?
COLONEL MELCHIOR
Yes, but with great difficulty. The hooded stranger’s tip proved to be accurate and we were able to track down Parsniferous Dar’s descendant, Zorbus Dar, to his hidden underground lair. The mage refused to sell us the book and we were forced to engage him in mortal combat. We were fortunate that his son, Pogun Dar, a powerful mage in his own right, was not there because Zorbus Dar proved to be quite a handful. We lost a dozen good men, including four of our best battle mages! I hope this was worth their lives…
MAX
Colonel Melchior hands General Trumbull an ancient, black leather-bound book with gilded pages. There is glowing red runic writing on the cover which translates to “Book of the Illuminati”. The General suddenly has a wild-eyed look as he caresses the book.
GENERAL TRUMBULL (hissing)
Yes…my precious, we are reunited at last! Now that I am the last surviving member of the Illuminati, no one will ever take you away from me ever again!
MAX
The General suddenly notices Colonel Melchior staring at him oddly and quickly composes himself.
GENERAL TRUMBULL
Colonel, I regret the loss of life, but this book may prove to be the key to our victory over the Obsidian Cabalists!
COLONEL MELCHIOR
Dark magic is not something to be trifled with, sir. Are you sure you will be able to control it?
GENERAL TRUMBULL (chuckling)
Rest assured, Colonel Melchior, controlling the eldritch energies which will be unleashed will not prove to be a problem…
MAX
Colonel Melchior notices that the strange, black serpent tattoo on the General’s inner, right wrist suddenly glows faintly for a moment and hisses!
(Insert “Angry Snake Hiss” sound effect by csaszi)
COLONEL MELCHIOR
One last thing, sir. Your beautiful daughter, Iyara, should be arriving at the camp sometime early tomorrow morning.
GENERAL TRUMBULL (whispering)
That is wonderful news, Colonel! I have not seen her in a month. I’ve missed her SO much…
MAX
Colonel Melchior cringes imperceptibly when the General licks his lips in anticipation of seeing his lovely daughter again. A most unusual reaction indeed…
GENERAL TRUMBULL (whispering)
Tend to that other problem which we discussed earlier. I will be in my tent perusing this tome and do not wish to be disturbed!
COLONEL MELCHIOR
Yes, sir!
(Footsteps fading right)
(Footsteps fading left)
COLONEL MELCHIOR
Time to clean house, Bacon and Love…starting with that nosy reporter assigned to our unit! He has been publishing unflattering reports of the General’s most recent military exploits in the Britannian Gazette and we suspect that he was sent by the Cabalist Nefario to spy on us. Once he has an unfortunate “accident”, his junior reporter, Mr. Lyser, a loyal Homeguard member, will take over his position. He who controls the media can sway public opinion in his favor…
(Insert music track # 6 – “Witch Wood” by James Stratton-Crawley.)
MAX
ACT III
General Trumbull is in his tent reading the Book of the Illuminati and listening with delight to the nearby battle between the Obsidian elves and true elves.
Krizog rushes into the General’s tent with two other Obsidian Elves. They are joined by Col. Melchior and two soldiers. Krizog gives his report while the others listen…
KRIZOG
We encountered a caravan of Outlanders in the nearby forest “claiming” to be elves, General. We managed to slaughter most of them except for the highest-ranking officers we now hold prisoner. A handful managed to escape though. Should I send out search parties to hunt them down?
GENERAL TRUMBULL
No…that will not be necessary, Krizog. Colonel Melchior will attend to that…
You have done well, Krizog! I will inform your Obsidian masters of how all you and your brethren died gloriously in battle with these “false” elves…
KRIZOG (confused)
Krizog is confused… We suffered very few casualties, General. Our foes’ powerful magic was no match for our vastly superior numbers and deadly combat skills…
(Insert music track # 7 – “Oracle of Blades” by James Stratton-Crawley)
GENERAL TRUMBULL
Do your duty, men!
(Sword slash x 4)
(Play dead sound x 2)
KRIZOG (surprised)
Why have you betrayed us?! We all serve the same master!
MAX
Both Krizog and General Trumbull draw their swords at the same time!
(Sword drawing sound)
GENERAL TRUMBULL (ranting)
No, we do not, Krizog! One of the main goals of the Homeguard is to preserve our racial purity. You foul abominations disgust me!
MAX
General Trumbull suddenly throws some sort of white powder in Krizog’s face, temporarily blinding her and making it difficult to breathe!
KRIZOG (furious and gasping for breath)
*AD-LIB AN OBSIDIAN ELF CURSE PHRASE HERE*
MAX
Krizog swings her sword wildly, but General Trumbull easily dodges the attacks!
KRIZOG (furious)
You fight without honor!
GENERAL TRUMBULL (sneering)
I don’t give a damn about honor! Winning is all that matters! DIE!
(SWORD SLASH ×2)
KRIZOG (mocking)
Ha! Tis but a scratch!
(Play dead sound)
GENERAL TRUMBULL (sneering)
Colonel Mechior, have your men take the prisoners and bind them to the trees! Then clean up this mess!
COLONEL MELCHIOR
By your command, Great Leader!
MAX
General Trumbull steps outside his tent, a twisted look of disgust on his face when he sees one of the elves prostrate before him. It is King Arodon.
KING ARODON
Please spare my people, General! They were only defending themselves from your men’s surprise attack! I offer my life in exchange…
(Insert “Slap” sound effect.)
MAX
The General backslaps King Arodon’s face with his left hand, his ornate gold ring leaving a deep imprint of the “all seeing eye” on King Arodon’s bruised and bloody cheek.
GENERAL TRUMBULL (sneering)
We don’t want your kind in our world! We’re closing our borders to ALL Outlanders! You shall indeed be the first of your people to die!
KING ARODON (defiant)
One day, you will pay for this horrible crime you have committed against my people!
GENERAL TRUMBULL (sneering)
I think not!
(Insert “Decapitation Head Fall Off” sound effect.)
(Insert “Fall” sound effect.)
MAX
As his headless body falls to the ground, Princess Lanthirthel jumps out from behind a huge boulder and draws her staff!
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL (screaming)
FATHER!
GENERAL TRUMBULL (surprised)
Eh? A survivor! Kill her!
(Running footsteps fading right)
MAX
King Arodon’s men, who futilely struggle against their bonds, gasp in horror when General Trumbull holds the bloody, severed head aloft for all to see! The General’s men salute him by extending their right arms from their necks into the air with straightened hands and shouting “Hail, General Trumbull!” The General uses the severed head to gesture toward the elves lashed to the trees…
GENERAL TRUMBULL (yelling)
Now, let us cleanse this area of the rest of this Outlander scum! Archers, ready your bows! Aim…fire!
(Insert “Arrows Flying” sound effect.)
MAX
General Trumbull’s archers fire at dead King Arodon’s bound officers. When all the elves are confirmed dead, Colonel Melchior nods to his men.
COLONEL MELCHIOR
What should we do about these bodies, sir?
GENERAL TRUMBULL (yelling)
Let the river run red with the blood of their rotting corpses as a warning to other Outlanders and those who oppose us! Let this place be known as “Blood River”!
Now is the time for us to rise up against the Obsidian Cabalists! We have the numbers. They will not be able to stop us! With the help of the Homeguard, I will take my rightful place on the throne and make us strong again!
COLONEL MELCHIOR
Of that I have no doubt, Great Leader!
MAX
As the General rants, he has a wild look in his eyes and his face has become flushed. In the midday sun, he appears to be bright orange! His adoring men…cheer.
(Insert “US Soldier War Chant” sound effect by qubodup)
(Insert music track # 8 – “The Time Machine” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAX
ACT IV
Princess Lanthirthel runs as fast as she can away from the loud cheering for the human who murdered her father. There is an Obsidian swordsman and a mage in hot pursuit, with a second group comprised of Obsidian archers and mages trailing some distance behind them. Arrows and fireballs whiz past her, but she displays an uncanny ability to zigzag through the forest to avoid them.
(Insert “Arrows Flying” and “Large Fireball” sound effects.)
Soon, she finds herself cornered in a small clearing by the swordsman and the mage. There is bloodlust in their eyes as they stare at her.
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL (defiant)
I may die today, but I’m not going down without a fight!
MAX
Princess Lanthrithel draws her staff.
OBSIDIAN SWORDMAN (growling)
DIE!
(Insert sound of swords clashing)
22
MAX
Fueled by anger and adrenalin, Princess Lanthirthel quickly lands two body blows and then finishes her foe off by crushing his skull in with an overhead strike from her staff!
(Loop “Weapon Blow“ sound effect – 2X, immediately followed by “Smashing” sound effect)
(Insert “Fall“ sound effect)
OBSIDIAN MAGE (furious)
I’ll make you pay for hurting my little brother, witch!
MAX
Suddenly, Nystal Timelord appears on the scene. Rapidly entering combat mode, he casts a lightning bolt at the Obsidian mage.
(Insert music track # 9 – “Everlasting Life” by James Stratton-Crawley. Loop as needed until end of scene.)
(Insert ‘Teleport” sound effect)
(Insert “River Noise” sound effect)
MAX
ACT V
Nystal Timelord and Princess Lanthirthel materialize on the banks of the river several miles south of their last position.
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL (sobbing)
Where were you in our time of need, godfather?
NYSTAL TIMELORD (somber)
I had to travel to the distant past to attend to an urgent matter.
After completing that task, I asked the time tunnel to send me back to this time so I could prevent THIS tragedy, but I arrived too late to help the others. I am SO sorry, my darling Lanthirthel…
PRINCESS LANTHRITHEL (hopeful)
But godfather, can’t you just go back in time and try again?
NYSTAL TIMELORD (shaking head)
I’m afraid not, my dear. According to my wrist chronoanalyzer, it appears that the “Massacre of the Elves at Blood River” has become a fixed point in time. Any attempt to prevent it from occurring will now have disastrous consequences!
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL (sobbing)
Did any of my people survive the attack by these so-called Obsidian Elves?
NYSTAL TIMELORD
Hmm…the historical record indicates that about three dozen members of your tribe, mostly women and children, managed to escape the massacre…
PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL
What will become of them…and me?
NYSTAL TIMELORD
They will do what they must in order to survive. Some will retreat into lives of seclusion, while others will mate with humans and other races that dwell in New Britannia. My good friend, Gabriel, and I will try and locate as many of them as we can and lead them to Wizards Rest, a place of safe refuge.
As for you, my dear goddaughter, I will entrust your care to my former apprentice, who will begin teaching you the mystic arts. I think you will like him, for he is a good, kind-hearted fellow!
MAX
Princess Lanthirthel can’t help but notice that her godfather is grinning and has a twinkle in his eye despite the slaughter of her people. It gives her hope…
NYSTAL TIMELORD (chuckling)
Lord Baldrith will be most surprised to learn that he will have to leave the governance of Wizards Rest to Asclepius for a while…
Despite the support of much of the military, General Trumbull’s rebellion was crushed by the Obsidian Cabalists and most of his followers were either slain in battle or executed.
(Insert “Guillotine test 02” by Glaneur de sons)
The General was found guilty of treason and ordered castrated
(Insert “Knife Chop” sound effect by deleted_user_877451)
and put on public display in the city square for a week before being drawn and quartered in the arena.
(Insert “Crowd Boos and Heckles” sound effect.)
The Obsidian Cabalists also ordered that the traitor’s name and his military exploits be struck from all known historical records.
However, a small group of Trumbull’s most loyal officers who had evaded capture, led by Col. Melchior, staged a daring rescue on the day of his execution.
(Insert “Medieval Combat Loop” sound effect by Yap Audio Production)
Using a spell he had memorized from the Book of the Illuminati, General Trumbull and his followers were able to open a portal to a parallel world known as Earth.
Upon his arrival in the year 2012, General Trumbull encountered his counterpart, who was a powerful industrialist. The General murdered him and took his place, utilizing his vast wealth to finance his political ambitions.
In the original timeline, General Trumbull’s counterpart made a series of bad business decisions which forced Trumbull Industries into bankruptcy. After a night of drinking countless bottles of Trumbull Vodka, THAT Damian Trumbull blew his brains out with a .44 caliber, titanium gold Desert Eagle Mark XIX on the evening of November 8, 2016. By taking his counterpart’s place and winning the Presidential election instead on that day, General Trumbull altered the timeline. The ensuing time quake’s effects were detected by Nystal Timelord in New Britannia on Mount Krendor due to his temporal awareness. However, before he dealt with Trumbull, Nystal had another important matter to attend to…
MAXIE
PART II: LOVE
ACT VI
New Britannia
Seven years later…
(Insert “Eerie Forest” sound effect by Greg Swinford – first 20-30 seconds only)
Inside a small wooden cottage in a moonlit clearing in the woods north of Libris…
NYSTAL TIMELORD
Well, I must be teleporting back to the cave on Mount Krendor! The snowstorm should be over by now and poor Theodric has probably woken up and wondered where I wandered off to!
LANTHIRTHEL
Please don’t wait so long to visit me next time, godfather!
NYSTAL TIMELORD
Don’t worry, dear! I shall return in about a month!
MAXIE
Nystal Timelord vanishes in a flash of light!
(Insert “Teleport” sound effect.)
(Insert music track # 10 – “By My Side (Vocal Version)” by George Micansky and Ken Hayes)
LANTHIRTHEL
Lord Baldrith, can we talk?
BALDRITH
Certainly, dear! What did you want to talk about?
LANTHIRTHEL
…about my feelings for you!
BALDRITH (confused)
Uh…what?
LANTHIRTHEL
I am in love with you, Lord Baldrith! I have been for quite some time…
MAXIE
A stunned Lord Baldrith pushes up his bifocals and smiles uneasily.
BALDRITH
Um…no, dear, what you are experiencing is not love! You are merely infatuated with me because you have not had any contact with males your own age. I am an old man, out of shape, and not very good looking!
LANTHIRTHEL
That’s not true! You are such a good, kind-hearted, and handsome man! Don’t you find me attractive?
BALDRITH (nervous)
Of course, you are stunningly beautiful, Lanthirthel, but…
MAXIE Lanthirthel suddenly pulls Lord Baldrith into a tight embrace!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith finds himself getting physically aroused as she gives him a VERY passionate kiss!
After a few awkward moments, Lord Baldrith manages to free himself from Lanthirthel’s embrace.
LANTHIRTHEL (insistent)
I don’t care about your age! I know in my heart that we were meant to be together!
LORD BALDRITH (excited)
You don’t know how difficult it has been to hide my feelings for you all these years, Lanthirthel, out of fear that you would reject me! I love you too…
But…this is SO wrong! Not only am I your master, but I’m old enough to be your father! Your godfather, Nystal, would kill me if we were to become…intimate!
(Insert music track # 38 – “Velvet Sax (Solo)” by Bogart VGM)
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith notices the lovestruck look in Lanthirthel’s eyes. Lanthirthel suddenly disrobes! Lord Baldrith cannot help but become even more physically aroused as he stares lustfully at her curvaceous figure.
LORD BALDRITH (stammering)
No…I must resist the temptation…
LANTHIRTHEL
The time for talk is over! Come with me…
MAXIE
Lanthirthel puts her finger to Baldrith’s lips to shush him and then takes him by the hand and leads him to the ornate Baron’s bed…
(soft footsteps exiting left)
(Loop “Squeaky Bed Action” sound effect by Breviceps – 3X)
(Insert music track # 11 – “Two Hearts” by Amber Raine)
MAXIE
ACT VII
Four hours later…
An energized Lord Baldrith is standing there with a goofy smile on his face as he gazes down at the beautiful, young female elf lying in his bed.
LANTHIRTHEL (sighing)
You were amazing last night…
LORD BALDRITH (worried)
Your godfather is going to kill me when he finds out what we’ve done!
LANTHIRTHEL (hopeful)
I don’t think so, my love! I think godfather wanted us to end up together…
LORD BALDRITH (skeptical)
I highly doubt it…
MAXIE
Lanthirthel gets up from the bed and hugs Lord Baldrith. They kiss.
LORD BALDRITH (excited)
Long have I repressed my feelings for you, Lanthirthel. Now I never want us to be apart! When Nystal returns in a month, I will ask him for permission to marry you!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith and Lanthirthel put on their mage robes.
LANTHIRTHEL (squealing in delight)
Nothing would please me more than to spend the rest of my life with you! I promise to be a good wife and mother to our many children…
LORD BALDRITH (stunned)
Umm…many children? Darling, I think I may be a bit too old to keep up with so many little ones running about. Besides, who is to say that I am still capable of siring children?
LANTHIRTHEL (coy)
Last night was that time of the month. Maybe we will be lucky and have twins!
(Insert music track # 12 – “Undying Love” by Stefan Grossman)
MAXIE
ACT VIII
The present…
Inside Lord Baldrith’s home in Wizards Rest…
LORD BALDRITH
…and that, my dear, Anya, is the story about how I met and fell in love with your mother and the night you were conceived!
As it turns out, your mother was correct. When I asked Nystal Timelord for Lanthirthel’s hand in marriage one month later, he admitted that he had arranged for me to train her in the hope that we would fall in love with each other.
The five years I was married to your mother were the happiest in my life. Oh, how I miss her so!
MAXIE
Anya glances over at the framed family portrait hanging on the far wall which depicts a beaming Lanthirthel sitting on an ornate cushioned chair, looking down at a laughing baby Anya cradled in her arms. Baby Anya seems entranced by the dancing bear cub shadow figure which a jovial Lord Baldrith has conjured above her head.
LORD BALDRITH (proud)
Your mother was a very talented artist! So much so that Nystal showed some of her work to Lord British’s Royal Artist in Residence, Stephen. He was so impressed by the quality of her work that he took her under his wing for a short time before he was transformed into the black wolf, Mori Tura, by the evil Duke Garen and fled into the woods. I still find it amazing that your mother did that watercolor painting completely from memory when you were three months old.
Ah…here is another painting your mother did when you were six months old!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith points to another framed watercolor painting which depicts Lanthirthel hiking through a lush forest in the summertime, closely followed by Lord Baldrith, who has baby Anya strapped to his front chest. The baby stares in awe at the colorful butterfly flying alongside her.
LORD BALDRITH (wistful)
Because of our deep love of nature, your mother and I often took long walks in the forest and along the seashore…
ANYA (sighing)
I wish I had more memories of mother. I was only two years old when she died. I remember her being a beautiful, kind, and caring person who always urged me to pursue my dreams!
I really wish you had not sent me away to study magic with Uncle Asclepius in Rifts End for all these years…
LORD BALDRITH
It was for your own protection, dear…
ANYA
I understand, father, but I really missed you…
LORD BALDRITH
Well, now that your studies are complete, we can make up for the lost time! I had Gertrude prepare a room for you on the third floor…
ANYA
I am really looking forward to that, father!
ANYA (sighing)
I wish they had come up with a cure for that rare disease that killed mother much sooner…
LORD BALDRITH (hesitant)
Umm…yes…her death was so sudden! But thanks to the research done by Doctor Shroud, no one need ever die from that illness again…
ANYA (sad)
It would have been nice to have a twin brother or sister while I was growing up… like mother wanted. It was so lonely being an only child…
(Insert music track # 13 – “Illusions” by James Stratton-Crawley)
LORD BALDRITH (hesitant)
Mother and I wanted to spare you the pain as a child, but now that you are an adult, I feel that you have a right to know. You DID have a twin brother who died in childbirth.
ANYA (shocked)
What?! I had a twin brother?!
LORD BALDRITH
Yes. I returned home from harvesting some very rare herbs for my potions in the nearby forest to find your mother had given birth prematurely! I found you cradled in your mother’s arms. Both of you were sound asleep. The midwife, Nevala, showed me the body of your stillborn brother. Mother and I named him “Valen” and buried him in the backyard in front of the giant oak tree. He was “the One Who Was”…
(Lord Baldrith CRIES.)
ANYA (grateful)
Thank you for telling me, father…
(Insert music track # 14 – “Gabriel Nightshadow’s Theme” by James Stratton-Crawley)
TOWN CRIER (Heard from a distance)
Ah, Gabriel, welcome back to Wizards Rest!
ANYA (excited)
Father, Uncle Gabriel has returned! I wonder if he was finally successful in locating the tall albino man, Count Aberon, based on that tip we received from one of Stile Teckel’s spies…
LORD BALDRITH
Why don’t you go ask him, dear?
ANYA
Aren’t you coming, father?
LORD BALDRITH
I will join you in a bit, dear! I need to check on the progress of an experiment I am conducting in my basement laboratory.
ANYA
Ok, father…
LORD BALDRITH (sad)
My darling, Lanthirthel, I feel so bad constantly lying to our daughter, Anya, about the tragic circumstances of your death, but it is for her own good…
(Insert music track # 15 – “Beneath Riftgard” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAXIE
PART III: LOSS AND VENGEANCE
ACT IX
Twenty years ago…
(Loop “Large Fireball” sound effect – 3X)
In Count Aberon’s mountainside castle, an angry Lord Baldrith races past the charred remains of a dozen guards whom he has just incinerated and down the narrow staircase which leads to the Count’s secret dungeon. He finds the archway blocked by a mystical force field.
(Insert “Magic Shield” sound effect)
Inside, Lord Baldrith can see a Wheel of Pain, plus various whips, chains, paddles, red candles on a nearby table. On a mattress on the floor in front of the Wheel of Pain, he spots a barely conscious, battered form…
LORD BALDRITH (relieved)
Lanthirthel, at last I’ve found you!
MAXIE
Lanthirthel struggles to her feet.
Lord Baldrith can see that she is covered in cuts, bruises, and red welts. Her red dress has been torn to shreds and her black lace underwear is fully exposed. She is wearing a glowing, red leather collar around her neck.
LANTHIRTHEL (weakly, but happy)
Oh, my beloved, I knew you would eventually find me…
(sobbing)
I am so ashamed that you must see me like this…
LORD BALDRITH (angry)
What did that animal do to you?! Argh…I can’t seem to penetrate this mystical force field with my spells!
COUNT ABERON (mocking)
Heh…heh…I so enjoyed having my way with your woman these past five days since my lovely sister, Lady Vastra, abducted her from your home in Wizards Rest and brought her to me! Now Lanthirthel knows what is like to be with a REAL man, not some washed up, old fool like you!
MAXIE
Count Aberon attaches a silver chain to Lanthrithel’s collar and yanks her forward until she is only a few feet from the force field.
Count Aberon licks her right cheek.
COUNT ABERON
Mmm…so tasty!
(Lanthirthel begins crying.)
LORD BALDRITH (angry)
Aberon, your beast! I am going to kill you!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith shakes his fist at Count Aberon.
COUNT ABERON (taunting)
I think not, Lord Baldrith, because you cannot bring down that mystical barrier despite how powerful you’ve become! I enjoy seeing you suffer like this… Now it’s time for you to say goodbye to your wife!
LORD BALDRITH (yelling)
No!
LANTHIRTHEL (weakly)
I love you, my darling…
(Insert “Neck Breaking” sound effect)
MAXIE
Count Aberon suddenly snaps Lanthirthel’s neck with a quick twist and lets her lifeless body fall to the ground!
(Insert ‘Falling” sound effect)
Upon impact, her white gold wedding ring slips from her finger, rolls across the floor, and comes to a stop at the force field by Lord Baldrith’s feet.
LORD BALDRITH (screaming loudly)
NO!
COUNT ABERON (taunting)
When your lovely daughter, Anya, comes of age, I will make her mine too!
MAXIE
Count Aberon licks his lips in anticipation.
COUNT ABERON (taunting)
I sense great anger within you, Lord Baldrith! Come, take your revenge! Show me how powerful you have become!
MAXIE
Count Aberon steps back towards the center of the room and utters an incantation. The mystical barrier suddenly vanishes and a furious Lord Baldrith immediately casts a powerful lightning bolt at Count Aberon, followed in quick succession by a large fireball, and then a searing ray!
Unfortunately, none of the magic spells seem to have any effect on Count Aberon…
COUNT ABERON (laughing)
Is that the best that you’ve got, Lord Baldrith? I am most disappointed! You have gained a reputation for being one of the most powerful mages in all the land! It seems that my new master’s chief mage, Kriz, was successful in boosting my magic avoidance and resistance to unheard of levels! You will never be able to defeat me! Until next we meet…
LORD BALDRITH (screaming loudly)
ABERON!
(Insert “Teleport” sound effect)
NARRATOR
Lord Baldrith falls to his knees. As he cradles Lanthirthel’s dead body, Lord Baldrith begins crying.
(Insert music track # 16 – “The Necromancer’s Bargain” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAXIE
ACT X
The present…
After Anya leaves, Lord Baldrith descends down a hatch into his five-story stone basement. Upon entering his lab on the fifth floor, Lord Baldrith goes over to the bookcase and pulls on a certain book entitled “The Avatar Chronicles, Volume I: Return of the Avatar”, causing the bookcase to swing open, revealing a secret room behind it.
Lord Baldrith enters the darkly lit room, which is filled with ancient Obsidian texts and artifacts. In a corner of the room is a shrine which houses a large, ornate vase containing the ashes of his late wife, Lanthirthel. Lord Baldrith kneels before the shrine.
MAXIE
Suddenly, the white gold wedding ring dangling from the silver chain around Lord Baldrith’s neck begins to glow faintly and a ghostly image of Lanthirthel appears before him!
LANTHIRTHEL (pleading)
Do not do this, my love! As powerful as you have become, you still will not be able to control the mystical energies you are about to unleash! They will consume you and you will be lost to the dark side…
LORD BALDRITH (determined)
My darling, Lanthirthel, I know that you do not approve of what I am about to do, but this is the only way I will have enough power to stop that foul beast, Aberon, from coming for our beautiful daughter, Anya!
LORD BALDRITH
This ancient Obsidian tome which my old friend, Theodric, recently unearthed at Desolis contains the spell which I have been searching for the last twenty years! Through Obsidian magic was Aberon created, and through it so shall he be destroyed!
(Insert “10-11-15_Depths of Hell” sound effect by Argitoth)
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith begins chanting the spell. Dark tendrils of energy rise up from the book and enter his ears, nose, and mouth. Lord Baldrith’s eyes turn black as he screams!
LORD BALDRITH (screaming)
I FEEL THE POWER COURSING THROUGH ME!
(puzzled)
Eh, what is this vision that appears before me? I recognize that crypt!
(screaming)
COUNT ABERON, YOU SHALL NOT ESCAPE JUSTICE BY HIDING IN THE PAST! I AM COMING FOR YOU!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith shakes his fist and teleports away.
(Insert “Teleport” sound effect)
Lanthirthel’s ghost shakes her head in despair and vanishes.
(Insert music track # 17 – “High Elves of the Arian Temple” by Amber Raine)
MAXIE
Nystal Timelord and his good friend, Gabriel Nightshadow, did manage to locate most of the Elven survivors and helped them successfully integrate into society. Many of them, as well as their descendants, would go on to become prominent members of society like the High Priestess of Chaos, Amber Raine, and Governor Kazyn Phoenixfyre of Port Phoenix.
(Insert “Nature Ambiance” sound effect – Recorded by Nille)
MAXIE
The Isle of Chaos, Rifts End
The Present…
It is a warm, sunny spring day and a group of elf children are staring in awe as the half-elf, Jarikith Rivinson, demonstrates his archery prowess…
(Insert “Arrows Flying” sound effect – Recorded by Mike Koenig)
JARIKITH RIVINSON
…and that concludes today’s archery demonstration!
(Insert sound of applause)
JARIKITH RIVINSON
Thank you…thank you, dear children!
ELF CHILD # 3
Wow…Jar, that was amazing! I can’t believe you managed to shoot that orange located between Governor Obsidian Tempest’s legs just below his groin MULTIPLE times while blindfolded, without harming him at all…
JARIKITH RIVINSON (laughing)
Missed it by that much…
ELF CHILD # 1 (worried)
Umm…Jar…are you sure that Obs is alright? He hasn’t regained consciousness yet…
JARIKITH RIVINSON
Aww…he’ll be fine! Just passed out from the shock…
ELF CHILD # 2
How did you get him to agree to do this in the first place?
JARIKITH RIVINSON
Well…he lost a bet to me as to whether or not one of our fellow male guild members would be willing to wear a dress for a stage play…
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
…and that’s why he’s known as…the LEGENDARY BOWMANCER!
ELF CHILD #1, #2, AND #3 (in unison)
Ooh…
Hi Amber!
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
Come along, children. Time to take a short walk to the Garden of Chaos for today’s sermon!
ELF CHILD # 3
Amber, what is the topic of today’s sermon?
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
Perseverance… Despite the many obstacles our race has encountered – the destruction of our homeward and persecution on this world by both the Obsidian elves and evil humans like General Trumbull, we have persevered and thrived!
ELF CHILD # 1
Amber, do most humans hate us because we are different? Is Rifts End – a place where elves and humans live in harmony – an anomaly or the norm?
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
I would say it is slowly becoming more of the norm. Mind you, there are far greater numbers of Obsidian elves than our kind running around these days, but we have avoided them for the most part to prevent further bloodshed…As far as humans go, most have learned to accept us…but a small minority still fear and hate us. The anti-Outlander Homeguard movement which General Trumbull founded long ago still lives on – in the form of the Atavists of Purity. They are led by a charismatic young man named Marius, who happens to be a direct descendant of the General, and have the financial backing of the wealthy nobles, Lady Vastra and Duke Garen.
ELF CHILD # 2
That is very discouraging to hear…
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
Nonsense! Most humans are very nice…like our resident playwright, Gabriel!
(Insert music track # 41 – “Teddy Bear” by ecfike)
ELF CHILD # 3
Yes, he is a very nice man! Yesterday, he was giving me some constructive feedback on the story I plan on submitting to Sean Silverfoot for his next Campfire Stories event. Unfortunately, he fell asleep halfway through his critique after eating a slice of both the garlic cheese bread and the cheesy bacon and onion quiche I made for him…
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
(laughing)
You should not have fed Bear Cub so much food! It will cause him to fall into a post meal food coma…
ELF CHILD # 3
I will remember that for next time, Amber…
ELF CHILD # 2
Bah…when I grow up, I don’t want to be a wimpy playwright! I want to become a mighty warrior like Jar!
JARIKITH RIVINSON
I am very pleased to hear that! Would you like to become my apprentice?
ELF CHILD # 2 (squealing in delight)
Oh yes!
JARIKITH RIVINSON
Excellent! We will begin your personal lessons tomorrow morning…
ELF CHILD #2
Hooray!
ELF CHILD # 1
When I grow up, I want to become a great healer and serve as an ambassador between elves and humans!
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
That is very admirable! Gabriel can train you in the healing arts while I can instruct you in the art of diplomacy!
ELF CHILD # 1 (excited)
Ooh…I would love that very much!
(Insert sound of Jarikith moaning as Obsidian Tempest)
JARIKITH RIVINSON
Ah…it seems our good governor is finally regaining consciousness! All of you proceed to the Garden of Chaos first. I will join you shortly after I tend to Obs. As Lieutenant Governor of Rifts End, my work is never done…
(Jarikith Rivinson SIGHS)
HIGH PRIESTESS AMBER RAINE
Very well! Come along now, children! I see that Dinsoo and Asclepius are already at the front gate to the Garden…
JARIKITH RIVINSON
See Obs, just like I told you…nothing to worry about! Not even a scratch on you! Hey, don’t blame me for the fact that you wet your pants!
(Insert music track # 18 – “Earthly Dominion” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAXIE
ACT XII
Earth, Washington D.C.
The White House
The not too distant future…
President Trumbull is standing in the Oval Office drinking a can of Trumbull High Energy Cola, looking out the window at the crowd of 2,500 Resistance protestors carrying signs and chanting outside the front gates of the White House.
(Insert “Angry Mob Loop” by Benjamin Harvey Design)
500 members of the Homeland Unity Guard (HUG), composed of the most loyal members of High Priest Paine’s Church of the Orange God (COG) and Supreme Knight Commander Shackelford’s White Knights of Racial Purity (WKRP) (two of the three major groups which comprise the Homeguard) stand ready in their black clockwork armor.
As the crowd suddenly surges forward, the HUG rushes forward to engage them, smashing their bodies with their heavy black steel shields and cracking their skulls with their Trumbull High Impact batons.
(Loop “Shield Bash Impact” sound effect by Hybrid_V – 5x)
The brutality of the HUG enrages the unarmed Resistance protestors and they begin to fight back with their bare fists. They begin to overwhelm the HUG with their sheer numbers.
(Insert “Freaky Scene” sound effect)
(Insert “Crowd Panic” sound effect by belthazarus)
(Loop “Electric Shock Zap” sound effect – 5X)
Suddenly, dozens of black Watcher drones swoop in from above and fire balls of concentrated electricity at the protestors. As the protestors fall to the ground and start convulsing violently, the HUG rush in to take them into custody. President Trumbull grins evilly as he turns to watches his favorite news anchor on the nearby large screen television.
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (gloating)
Fools! Don’t they realize by now that…
Resistance is Futile!
(Insert “News Intro” sound effect)
MAXIE
“This is Sam Hennessey from Coyote News reporting to you live from the Trumbull Southern Defense Wall on the fifth anniversary of its dedication. While the President, who was just re-elected to a third term in office following the repeal of the 22nd Amendment, is unable to attend due to a pressing national security matter, he has sent White House Press Secretary Harmony Hands to speak on his behalf.
There is a large crowd of people gathered here to celebrate this happy occasion!
(Insert “Large Crowd Applause” sound effect by Bansemer)
Right now, they are listening to a concert performance by the popular Southern rock group, White Anthem. Ah…here’s the man in charge of protecting our southern border, Commandant Walter Geiss. A moment of your time, sir?”
“It would be my pleasure, Sam!”
“So, Commandant, how effective has the wall been in preventing illegal border crossings?”
“Well, Sam, I am proud to say that this thirty-foot high, transparent steel wall has been quite successful in that regard! As you know, transparent steel was invented by the co-inventors of transparent aluminum, Dr. Nichols at Plexicorp, a Trumbull Industries company, and Professor Scott from the University of Edinburgh.
The wall itself is just the last of the three lines of defense here. The first line of defense is the new Trumbull Industries Mark V Hunter Drones, which patrol the desert beyond the wall. The second line of defense are my highly trained snipers from the Freedom, Patriot, and Vanguard Militias! Oh…I should point out that the drones are manufactured right here in the U.S., providing thousands of displaced factory workers with much needed jobs!”
The camera pans upward to show many grim-faced, black uniformed snipers perched atop the walkway on the wall, while dozens of menacing looking, black wing-shaped drones equipped with dual machine guns flanking a massive central flame thrower fly around the area.
(Insert “Spooky Drone” sound effect)
The television audience catches a fleeting glimpse of hundreds of burnt and bullet ridden bodies scattered across the desert beyond the wall, but the camera quickly pans away as the reporter quickly motions to the cameraman.
“Sam, I am pleased to report that, as of this week, we were finally able to reduce illegal border crossings to ZERO, fulfilling the promise President Trumbull made to the American people when he was first elected to office!”
“Commandant, on behalf of the American people, I would like to thank you and your men for all of your hard work in keeping America safe! Now, back to Lindsay in the studio…”
President Trumbull has a wicked smile on his face as Communications Director, Mr. Melchior, enters the room.
MELCHIOR
Great Leader, Vice President Paine and the rest of the Illuminati have already gathered in the conference room down the hall and are awaiting your arrival.
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL
Thank you, Storn. I must admit that it is taking me far longer to gain control of this world than I anticipated without the vast mystical powers I once had at my disposal. Fortunately, the American people are very gullible and easily swayed by the anti-Resistance propaganda put out by you and your media team on Coyote News and online social networks such as Fazbuk.
How goes the search for the headquarters of the Resistance?
(Insert music track # 19 – “Nen” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAXIE
A hologram in the form of President Trumbull’s stunningly beautiful, late daughter, Iyara, suddenly appears before him. She is dressed in sexy, pink satin lingerie. She gives Trumbull a come hither look. President Trumbull becomes visibly aroused but is suddenly aware of the smirk on Mr. Melchior’s face. Trumbull shakes his head disapprovingly and the Oracle instantly changes her outfit to proper business attire.
THE ORACLE (VERY SEXY VOICE)
Father, I have finally traced the rebel scum’s main headquarters to a secret fallout shelter under Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland in Anaheim, California. General Horst is currently assembling a strike force composed of loyal Homeguard members and he will launch his surprise attack on the facility at 9PM, Pacific Standard Time. My Watcher surveillance drones in the area confirm the identities of the four leaders of the Resistance – Senator Anna Caballero, Associate Supreme Court Justice Rebekkah Goldberg, Army Major General Richard Chang, and billionaire tech investor, Jordan Kitumbo, and place them on site, no doubt plotting a new strategy after their failed attempt to liberate the dissidents and illegal immigrants from the maximum security Arkaio internment facility in Arizona.
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (surprised)
Wait…did you say that one of the leaders of the Resistance is Senator Anna Caballero? Hmm…it seems I have severely underestimated that fine-looking piece of tail! I thought she would not pose a threat to me once I eliminated her mentor, Senator Barry Silverman. I should have asked Viktor to have his agent poison her as well with Polonium 210 before the vote on the health care bill…
Please continue, my dear…
THE ORACLE (VERY SEXY VOICE)
General Boudreaux will be launching an attack on their secondary base under Yankee Stadium in New York City at the same time. At Attorney General Jethro Shackelford‘s direction, FBI Director Frank Craven’s nationwide task force has identified all remaining government employees who are suspected of being Resistance members or sympathizers and will be rounding them up tonight as well in a serious of prime time raids! After the Great Purge, the Resistance will finally be crushed once and for all!
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL
You have done well, my precious Oracle…
THE ORACLE (VERY SEXY VOICE)
I aim to please, father. Shall I prepare the VR chamber to run the Swindle University program today in extreme mode in one hour?
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (VERY EAGER)
Oh yes, my dear…I should be done with my meeting by then!
THE ORACLE (VERY SEXY VOICE)
Your wish is my command, Big Daddy…
I’ve been a VERY bad girl and need to be punished by my professor…
MAXIE
The Oracle winks at President Trumbull and then disappears in a shimmer of pink light!
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL
This is excellent news, Mr. Melchiort! We will dub the purge, “Operation: Freedom Shield”. Since the Supreme Court, under the new Chief Justice, Bart Kassidy, recently ruled that the four internment facilities located throughout the U.S. are perfectly legal under the new “Freedom and Security Balance (FSB) Act”, we will be justified in taking action against these “domestic terrorists”! The fall of the Resistance will be the headline story on the 11 o’clock news! The ratings will be HUGE!
MAXIE
President Trumbull rubs his hands with glee.
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL
Remind General Horst and General Boudreaux that there are to be NO survivors! Instruct them to plant evidence linking the Resistance to THAT Middle Eastern terrorist group.
MELCHIOR
Yes, sir! One last thing before your meeting. What would you like us to do about that meddlesome reporter, Lori Lockhart, who is about to publish that expose in the New York Examiner on the business loans you covertly received from Russian President Viktor Puchinsky’s two younger brothers, Ivan and Sergei, in exchange for certain favors? Should she have an unfortunate “accident” like that other reporter, Cord Hawkins, who had compromising pictures of you and your Press Secretary, Miss Hands, at the Trumbull Plaza Hotel?
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL
No, Miss Lockhart is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and was a good friend of the late reporter. They both worked together previously at the Truth News Network. Besides, this upcoming expose has already been highly promoted by her newspaper and other news media. Her sudden death would raise too many questions and I don’t want her ex-father-in-law, the former special counsel, prying into my activities again!
I think it would be much better to discredit her. Have our Homeguard members in the CIA manufacture some intelligence linking her and her Arab boyfriend, Army Ranger Major Raj Abdul, to that same Middle Eastern terrorist group and have them send it anonymously to our friends at Leakers.com and Coyote News. Also, tell my personal lawyer, Martin Cabasso, to arrange a sizable wire transfer to her personal bank account from one of my shell companies in the Middle East to help sell that story. Oh…also tell him to also increase Sam Hennessey’s monthly payout by 20% to reward him for the fine job he has been doing lately pushing our propaganda to the masses. After General Horst and General Boudreaux wipe out the Resistance, Miss Lockhart will be branded a traitor and lose all credibility. That should make our little problem go away…
MELCHIOR
By your command, Great Leader!
(Insert footsteps fading left)
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (gloating)
That meddlesome Nystal TimeLord may have foiled my plans to conquer New Britannia, but there is no one to stop me here on this planet Earth! Look how easily I manipulated these humans into electing me president of this world’s most powerful nation by tapping into their fear and hatred! Now that my Homeguard has successfully infiltrated all levels of the government and the private sector, it is time to implement the next phase of my master plan for world domination…
(President Trumbull LAUGHS maniacally)
(Insert music track # 20 – “Usurper” by James Statton-Crawley)
SERAFINA
I wouldn’t count on that! As we speak, Resistance units are launching simultaneous attacks on the Southern Defense Wall, the Arkaio Internment Facility in Arizona, and the Oracle Command Center located beneath your heavily guarded estate in Palm Beach, Florida…
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (confused)
Eh? Who said that?
MAXIE
Suddenly, as a Silent Movement spell wears off, a figure wearing black short assassin’s armor and a black mask materializes next to President Trumbull. Wordlessly, she slashes him with an elven dagger.
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (gasping)
Ack…I recognize that distinctive odor! It’s dark unicorn poison!
SERAFINA (whispering)
The name’s Seras Timelord! My father, Nystal, sends his regards!
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (yelling)
Curse you and the rest of the Timelord clan!
MAXIE
President Trumbull shakes his fist at Serafina.
The veins on President Trumbull’s skin quickly turn dark black.
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (gasping)
Can’t breathe…
(Insert” Gagging” sound effect)
(Insert “PB Payback v2” sound effect by carmsie)
MAXIE
President Trumbull suddenly vomits blood!
(Insert “Puke Vomit Ralph“ sound effect)
MAXIE
The Oracle reappears, now in a state of panic!
(Insert “Helicopter Against Missile” sound effect)
(Insert “All Teams Ready2” sound effect by Nidal8585)
(Insert “Bunker Buster Missile” sound effect)
THE ORACLE (panicking)
Daddy, help me! Resistance forces have overrun the Command Center!
(Insert “Mandatory Evacuation” sound effect)
(Insert “GO GO GO” sound effect by Nidal8585)
(Insert “Gun Battle” sound effect)
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (gasping)
Iyara…
(Insert “Shadowrun” sound effect by radian)
THE ORACLE (wailing)
I don’t want to go…
MAXIE
The Oracle emits a piercing scream as she fades into oblivion!
MELCHIOR (worried)
Mr. President, are you alright in there? We heard yelling and screaming…
Hey…the door is locked from the inside!
SERAFINA (whispering)
Your time is at an end, Trumbull…Justice is served!
PRESIDENT TRUMBULL (hissing)
Frak you!
(Insert ”Fall“ sound effect)
(Insert “Wet Fart Squish“ sound effect)
AGENT BACON
Stand aside, Mr. Melchior! I’ve got this!
Agent Love, cover me!
AGENT LOVE
You’ve got it, partner!
MAXIE
Agent Love draws her gun while the very short, but highly muscular, Agent Bacon charges at the door and knocks it off its hinges!
(Insert “Wooden Door Smash Open” sound effect – by Eneasz)
Apparently, eating bacon (instead of spinach) on a regular basis makes you SUPER strong…
MELCHIOR (alarmed)
Ugh…what is that foul stench?! Oh my god! The President has been murdered! Agents Bacon and Love, kill that masked assassin!
SERAFINA
I think not!
(Insert “Invisibility Spell” sound effect by Lucas Duff)
(Loop “40 Cal Gun Shot x3“ sound effect – 2X)
SECRET SERVICE AGENT BACON
Where did the assassin go?! He suddenly vanished into thin air!
(Insert “Tick Tock” sound effect)
SECRET SERVICE AGENT LOVE
Hmm… Where is that ticking sound coming from?
SECRET SERVICE AGENT LOVE
What is this clutched in the President’s right hand? A grim looking, plush elf doll dressed in black?
Oh frak…it’s a…
(Insert “Explosion Ultra Bass” sound effect)
(Insert fall sound x 2)
(Insert “Fire Forest Inferno” sound effect by Dynamicell – first 20 – 30 seconds only)
MAXIE
A sole survivor stands amidst the flaming ruins of the White House…
(Insert “Evil is a master of disguise” sound effect by carmsie)
MAXIE
Mr Melchior sighs ruefully as he surveys the carnage, reflecting on the wasted years he spent grooming Trumbull, and how he would now have to search for another puppet to further his agenda. A look of grim determination takes over as he is emboldened by his belief that although Nystal Timelord may have won this battle, as long as Falsehood, Hatred and Cowardice exist on ANY world, then SHADOWREIGN will endure! He laughs maniacally as he leaves the ruined building………..
(Insert music track # 21 – “Beyond the Clouds (Theme for Modern Broadcast)” by Matthew Pablo)
MAXIE
…and so it came to pass that President Trumbull’s long “Reign of Terror” finally came to an end. Associate Justice Rebekkah Goldberg became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court following the suicide of former Chief Justice, Bart Kassidy, when the FBI attempted to arrest him for treason. With everyone in the Presidential line of succession either deceased or awaiting trial for the charge of treason, Senator Anna Caballero won the popular vote by an overwhelming margin in the emergency election which was held (as the Electoral College had been abolished during Trumbull’s second term of office…) and was sworn in as the new President. Jordan Kitumbo was sworn in as Vice-President. Major General Richard Chang was appointed Secretary of Defense, and Major Raj Abdul became Secretary of State. President Caballero’s Democratic Socialist Party would crush the late President Trumbull’s Nationalist Party in that election, winning back majority control of both the Senate and House of Representatives. This allowed them to pursue their progressive agenda, which ushered in a new golden age of peace and prosperity for both the poor and middle classes.
(Insert “Sunny Day” sound effect)
A twelve-foot tall statue of the late Senator Barry Silverman was erected in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to honor the original founder of the Resistance.
Former TNN reporter Lori Lockhart was able to secure financing to rebuild the headquarters of the new Truth News Network, which had been blown up by one of High Priest’s Paine’s disciples posing as the conservative superhero, True Patriot, during Awesome Mega Con on Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia several years prior. The surviving employees of their discredited and now defunct competitor, Coyote News, found themselves out of work and blacklisted by the news industry for their role in spreading Trumbull’s propaganda during the war.
…and what of our intrepid time traveler, Serafina? Although she did not realize it at the time, her time stabilizer was damaged by Secret Service Agents Bacon and Love’s gunfire and when she attempted to return to New Britannia…
This isn’t the Time Tunnel located beneath Wizards Rest. What am I doing in the middle of the Wrymsands? Oh frak…my time stabilizer has been badly damaged! Hmm…it appears I am stuck 100 years in New Britannia’s past.
MAXIE
Her wrist chronometer beeps as the holographic planets line up and begin to flash bright red. A lush, green valley suddenly shimmers into existence directly in front of the Serafina!
(Insert “Nature Ambiance” sound effect)
SERAFINA
Wow…so the story father told me when I was a child is true! The Lost Valley of the Dragon Lords really does exist!
MAXIE
Serafina looks through her illuminated binoculars at the looming mountain in the distance.
(Insert music track # 23 – “Fantasy Armies” by Alexandr Zhelanov)
SERAFINA
There it is…on the side on the mountain facing me! The ruins of Castle Gennar…headquarters of the nine Dragon Lords who helped Lord British maintain peace throughout the land in the days of Old Britannia and even after his mysterious disappearance until that fateful day 100 years ago when nearly all of them were slain in that surprise attack by the Obsidian army!
SERAFINA
Hmm…according to legend, the “Eye of Darkness” is supposed to lie within the crypt of the first Dragon Lord, Grandmaster Christoper Nightshadow, deep beneath the castle. It is one of the five ancient artifacts scattered throughout New Britannia which, when combined, form the ultimate weapon which will allow my godfather, Gabriel Nightshadow, to destroy the evil, immortal god known as Shadowreign once and for all! But first, I will need to get through the many monsters, puzzles and death traps which line the labyrinth leading to the crypt…
There…timer set. I have eight hours to complete this task and exit the valley or I will be trapped here until the next planetary alignment occurs in 50 years, according to the writings of Bowen Bloodgood.
There…I’ve activated my time distress beacon. Hopefully, by then father and the others will find a way to retrieve me!
Eh? I thought I heard something…
(Insert “Flapping Wings 3” sound effect)
MAXIE
To Serafina’s surprise, a big green dragon lands in front of here and peers at her inquisitively!
(Insert “Dragon Land” sound effect by Cyberkineticfilms)
BIG GREEN DRAGON (leering)
What have we here? A most voluptuous sight!
Hey, why are you giving me that dirty look? Dragons have needs too…
(Insert “Stomach Growling” sound effect)
But I am still SO hungry! That last group of avatars was not very filling at all! Guess I will have to satisfy my carnal desires some other time…
MAXIE
The big, green dragon begins drooling…
BIG GREEN DRAGON
Mmm…I will savor every bite of your tender, roasted flesh!
(Insert “European Dragon Roaring and Breath Fire” sound effect)
MAXIE
Serafina emerges from the inferno unscathed, protected by a chi energy field. The crow tattoo on her left arm glows brightly!
BIG GREEN DRAGON (surprised)
What?! This can’t be…
SERAFINA (taunting)
Is that the best you’ve got? My turn…
MAXIE
Serafina’s fists begin to glow brightly!
(Insert music track # 24 – “Fire Within” by Jens Kiilstofte)
(Insert “Spin Kick” sound effect.)
(Insert “Kung Fu Punch” sound effect.)
(Insert “Sweep Kick” sound effect.)
(Insert “Boxing Punches” sound effect.)
(Insert “Roundhouse Kick” sound effect.)
(Insert “Left Hook” sound effect.)
(Insert “Right Cross” sound effect.)
BIG GREEN DRAGON (breathing heavily)
I will not be defeated by…a mere woman!
SERAFINA (furious)
Mere woman?! Eat my fist, male chauvinist!
MAXIE
Serafina finishes the stunned dragon off with a devastating uppercut!
(Insert “Uppercut” sound effect)
(Insert “Dragon Roaring” sound effect)
BIG GREEN DRAGON
Uhh…Maybe I should go vegan like my cousin, Frank, after all…
(Insert “Fall” sound effect)
MAXIE
At that moment, doubtless alerted by the sound of battle, an Obsidian swordsman, archer and mage appear.
(Insert music track # 25 – Holding Out for a Hero (Instrumental Version) by Dean Pitchford and Jim Steinman)
OBSIDIAN SWORDMAN (astonished)
By the gods! She just killed that big green dragon single-handedly! I’ve never seen martial arts like that in New Britannia before! Our pugilism pales in comparison…
SERAFINA (cryptic)
That’s because I’m not from around here…
OBSIDIAN MAGE An impressive feat, to be sure, but she must be here in search of the artifact as well.
(shouting)
KILL HER!
OBSIDIAN ARCHER
By your command!
(Loop “Arrows Flying” sound effect – 3X)
MAXIE
Serafina easily dodges the first poison-tipped arrow. The second one bounces harmlessly off her rock-hard bicep, much to the archer’s astonishment! Serafina uses her lightning quick reflexes to grab the third arrow in mid-air and hurls it back at the archer. It penetrates his right eye and brain, killing him instantly!
OBSIDIAN ARCHER
Ack!
(Insert “Fall” sound effect)
OBSIDIAN SWORDSMAN (scared)
No way! I’m out of here!
(Insert fleeing footsteps sound)
OBSIDIAN MAGE (angry)
Coward! I will deal with him later…
OBSIDIAN MAGE (sneering)
We’ll see about that! Who are you, anyway?
SERAFINA
My friends call me Seras…Seras Timelord, but my foes know me by another name… Serafina!
OBSIDIAN MAGE (frightened)
Not Serafina…the “Living Weapon”?!
MAXIE
Serafina uses silent movement and then appears behind the Obsidian mage!
SERAFINA
Yup…
MAXIE
Serafina snaps the Obsidian mage’s neck before she has time to react!
(Insert “Neck Breaking” sound effect.)
(Insert “Fall” sound effect)
SERAFINA (surprised)
Well, that went a lot easier than I thought it would…
(Serafina LAUGHS)
MAXIE
Serafina begins whistling merrily as she turns and leaves.
She doesn’t realize that she is not alone, as the tall, albino man known as Count Aberon materializes shortly thereafter as his silent movement spell wears off!
COUNT ABERON
How nice of Serafina to eliminate some of the competition for me! Now all that remains are that husband and wife team of Oracle assassins, Taymar and Seela. Once Serafina leads me to the “Eye of Darkness”, I shall wrest it from her utilizing the greatly enhanced powers I recently received from Atos’ evil twin brother, the technomage, Kriz, so I can deliver the Eye to my master, Shadowreign. Then I shall feast on Serafina’s vibrant life force!
(Laughs maniacally)
(Insert “Invisibility Spell” sound effect by Lucas Duff)
(Insert music track # 27 – “Kailef’s on the Wind” by James Stratton-Crawley)
MAXIE
MID CREDITS SCENE
Deep beneath the ruins of Castle Gennar, in the crypt of Christopher Nightshadow, the first Dragon Lord…
Serafina is sent flying backward by the ferocious, white-furred man beast’s powerful blow and smashes into the stone wall hard!
(Insert “Hitting Wall“ sound effect recorded by SpookyModem)
SERAFINA (gasping for breath)
Uh…I can’t feel my legs! I think my spine is broken!
MAXIE
The man beast lets out a mighty roar and begins walking towards Serafina…
COUNT ABERON (growling)
Foolish child! Despite all your years of martial arts training, you are no match for my power! Lord Shadowreign’s technomage, Kriz, has transformed me into an unstoppable killing machine! No one can penetrate my enhanced defenses! Now the time has come for me to feast on your life force…
MAXIE
The man beast straddles her prone form. An exhausted Serafina doesn’t have the strength left to deliver a punch.
SERAFINA (shouting)
Get your filthy paws off me!
COUNT ABERON
Umm…I find your feistiness to be rather…arousing!
MAXIE
Serafina digs her fingernails into the man beast’s face!
COUNT ABERON (growling)
Argh! You will pay for doing that!
MAXIE
The enraged man beast suddenly grabs both of her arms and snaps them in half like twigs!
(Insert “Bone Crushing“ sound effect recorded by Mike Koenig)
(Serafina SCREAMS out in pain!)
MAXIE
The man beast transforms into the tall, albino man, Count Aberon! His eyes suddenly turn blood red.
COUNT ABERON (seductively)
Look into my eyes…
SERAFINA (hissing)
Get out of my mind! You can’t mesmerize me like the rest of your victims!
COUNT ABERON (frustrated)
I have never encountered a woman with such willpower! But I will NOT be denied!
MAXIE
A frustrated Count Aberon pries open Serafina’s mouth with his bare hands. His eyes then turn jet black as a beam of darkness emanates from his mouth and enters hers.
(Insert “Ghost Breath“ sound effect recorded by qubodup)
SERAFINA (screaming)
Noooo…..!
MAXIE
In a matter of minutes, Count Aberon drains all of Serafina’s lifeforce, leaving behind a withered husk. The deep scratches on his face quickly fade away as they heal. Count Aberon licks his lips.
COUNT ABERON (pleased)
Umm…she was SO delicious!
(Insert music track # 28 – “Dragon Battle” by James Stratton-Crawley )
LORD BALDRITH (shocked)
Oh no…Serafina!
(furious)
Murderer!
(Insert “Electric Shock Zap“ sound effect)
MAXIE
Count Aberon is struck in the back by a ball of crackling, black energy which knocks him to the ground! Sparks fly as many of the implants within his body suddenly short circuit!
COUNT ABERON (surprised)
Argh! I have never felt such pain! How is this possible?!
MAXIE Count Aberon rises to his feet and turns around to see a furious Lord Baldrith standing in the archway. He immediately notices that Lord Baldrith’s eyes have turned jet black.
LORD BALDRITH (shouting)
Through Obsidian magic you were created, and through it will you be destroyed! I have stripped you of your defenses, foul beast! Now…BURN!
(Insert “Fireplace“ sound effect recorded by ezwa)
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith casts Ring of Fire around Count Aberon!
COUNT ABERON (in pain)
Argh!
MAXIE
Count Aberon transforms back into his man beast form.
LORD BALDRITH (snarling)
I have already taken care of your evil sister, Lady Vastra!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith opens his satchel and rolls Lady Vastra’s severed head across the floor! It comes to a stop a few feet away from the Ring of Fire. Count Aberon can see the pained expression on her face.
COUNT ABERON (screaming)
Noooooo…!!!
LORD BALDRITH (taunting)
Your sister was defiant to the end! I broke her legs, yet she still tried to drag herself away. I slit her throat with my Blood Dagger and watched as she bled out on the floor.
You failed to protect her like you promised to all those years ago…
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith’s words trigger a memory in the man beast’s brain….
(Insert music track # 29 – “The Voidshard Falls” by James Stratton-Crawley )
MAXIE
The Grunvald Shardfall
200 years ago…
It is late afternoon asRobert and Meghan Dar walk down a long and winding path to the shardfall.
MEGHAN
It is such a warm and sunny day, big brother! I wonder why father wanted us to meet him in this dreary place…
ROBERT
I am not sure, little sister… Father barely speaks to me at all these days. All he does is brag about big brother Nestor’s accomplishments! His first zombie! His first skeleton warrior! A new record time for draining the life force from a prisoner using Death Ray! He doesn’t appreciate my writing like you and mother do…
(Insert music track # 39 – “Blithe” by Stefan Grossman)
ROBERT (very slow and romantic)
No jewel that glitters,
Or argent flame,
Can e’er compare,
With your fair name.
Enticed I am now,
Held in your sway,
My secret longings,
Grow day-by-day.
No throne that dazzles,
Or crown agleam,
No mountain vista,
Or sparkling stream,
No star of heaven,
No moonlit shore,
No nothing e’er will
I love more.
MEGHAN
Ah…you are such a gifted writer, big brother! Your love poetry really touches me right here…
MAXIE
A lovestruck Meghan points to her heaving bosom. Robert smiles as he takes her right hand and gently kisses it. Meghan lets out a soft moan as she feels goosebumps along her arm.
As they reach the center of the shardfall where their father awaits them, Robert can’t help but notice that the ground is covered by green leaves, an odd sight for this time of the year. Suddenly, Robert and Meghan find themselves trapped in an invisible force field. The green leaves suddenly vanish, revealing a mystic circle surrounded by glowing red crystals on the ground!
ROBERT (surprised)
Father, what is the meaning of this?
LORIN DAR (cackling with glee)
You and your sister are about to serve the Obsidian Empire as weapons of war! With an army of man beasts at our command, we will finally be able to crush the growing Resistance movement and I will have proven myself worthy to lead the Council instead of my arch-rival, Nefario!
MAXIE
Lorin Dar’s eyes turn pitch black as he pulls out some reagents and utters an incantation.
(Insert “Evil Incantation” sound effect by Incarnadine)
Robert and Meghan scream out in pain as they begin changing…
Their father pulls out a small glowing orb from his other pouch and begins speaking.
LORIN DAR (cold and clinical)
This is my first experiment with transformation magic on human subjects. The two test subjects, a teenage male and female, are rapidly expanding in size. Increased mass is accompanied by growth of body fur which matches the subjects’ hair color. The two subjects’ fingernails have transformed into razor sharp claws about six inches in length and their teeth have increased in size and sharpness as well. Subjects display enhanced strength and dexterity as they attempt to escape the mystical force field surrounding them.
ROBERT AND MEGHAN (screaming)
Father! Please stop this! The pain is excruciating! We are your children!
LORIN DAR (snarling)
You two have been such a disappointment! A weak and pathetic albino boy who wastes his days writing love poetry and a vain and scheming girl who uses her beauty to get men to shower her with expensive trinkets!
No…your older brother, Nestor, is my only child now! He will carry on my bloodline and bring glory to the Obsidian Empire through the necromantic arts!
MAXIE
Lorin Dar’s curvaceous wife, Constance, comes walking down the path with a picnic basket full of freshly baked bacon and cheese filled pastries for her husband and children. She is humming a merry tune…
CONSTANCE (humming)
Bacon in the morning! Bacon in the evening! Hot, sizzling, bacon makes everything better!
MAXIE
Constance is shocked by what she sees. She drops her basket and runs towards her husband.
CONSTANCE (screaming)
Robert! Meghan!
ROBERT AND MEGHAN (pleading)
Mother, help us!
CONSTANCE (furious)
Lorin, how could you experiment on your very own children! Stop this madness at once!
MAXIE
Constance slaps her husband across the face!
(Insert “Slap” sound effect recorded by SoundMaster13)
Lorin Dar glares at his wife.
LORIN DAR (furious)
How dare you strike me, ungrateful witch! It’s your fault these two turned out to be such a disappointment!
MAXIE
Lorin Dar casts a powerful Gust spell in her direction.
(Insert “Wind“ sound effect recorded by Mark DiAngelo)
Robert and Meghan watch in horror as their mother is flung backward and smashes the back of her skull against a nearby floating stone shard.
(Insert “Smashing” sound effect recorded by Yuri Santana)
She slumps to the ground…dead.
(Insert music track # 30 – “Xerah Kills the God King” by James Stratton-Crawley)
ROBERT AND MEGHAN (screaming in horror)
NOOOOOOOOOO……!
MAXIE
Robert’s white claws are suddenly surrounded by an eerie black glow. He begins slashing at the mystic barrier until it shatters!
ROBERT (growling)
You killed mother! Die…inhuman monster!
MAXIE
Robert lunges at his father, but Lorin Dar casts another Gust spell which knocks Robert back!
(Insert “Wind“ sound effect recorded by Mark DiAngelo)
LORIN DAR (angry)
Feel my power!
(Loop “Thunder SoundFX” sound effect recorded by Grant Evans – 3X)
MAXIE
The lightning bolts cause Robert to cry out in pain and fall to his knees. The smell of burnt flesh permeates the air.
MEGHAN (shouting)
Big brother!
MAXIE
Meghan leaps forward and tackles her father. Lorin Dar struggles to free himself, but Meghan’s increased body mass keeps him pinned to the ground.
LORIN DAR (yelling)
Damn you! Get off me!
MEGHAN (growling)
This is for all the nights you snuck into my room after mother and Robert fell asleep to satisfy your twisted, carnal desires!
MAXIE
Rather than extending her claws, Meghan chooses to pummel her father’s face!
(Insert “Boxing Punches“ sound effect recorded by Mike Koenig )
MAXIE
Within a matter of moments, Lorin Dar’s face is a bruised and bloody mess.
LORIN DAR (groaning in pain, but still defiant)
If you mother hadn’t allowed herself to become so fat and ugly, I wouldn’t have had to turn to you to fulfill my sexual needs! Your mother may have been an excellent cook, but she was terrible at everything else!
MEGHAN (furious)
How dare you speak about mother like that! You and your fellow Obsidian Cabalists are heartless!
LORIN DAR (dismissive)
Bah! We learned long ago that emotions such as love make you weak! Nothing must stand in the way of our pursuit of arcane knowledge!
MEGHAN (furious)
Die!
MAXIE
Prying her father’s mouth open with her claws, Meghan opens her own. A black beam of energy springs forth and begins draining her father’s life force and transferring it into her. Her eyes glow bright red as the process occurs.
(Insert “Ghost Breath” sound effect recorded by qubodup)
MAXIE
A few minutes later, Lorin Dar breathes his last and dies. Meghan turns from the withered husk to her brother, who appears to have rapidly recovered from his injuries.
Robert suddenly shapeshifts back into his original form. Meghan follows suit.
ROBERT (apologetic)
I am…so sorry, Meghan… Why didn’t you tell me?
MEGHAN
Father threatened to castrate you like he did his former apprentice, Resistance leader Amin Zul, and disown the both of us if I told anyone of his crime! I could never let him harm you…
(Insert music track # 31- “Found” by James Stratton-Crawley)
ROBERT (jealous)
But I’ve seen the way you have been looking at the town’s hunky new blacksmith, Jarin Moroba lately…
MEGHAN (reassuring)
No need to be jealous, big brother! Others may come and go, but you will always be the love of my life, my sweet “Westley”…
MAXIE
Meghan lovingly strokes Robert’s right cheek.
ROBERT
I will always protect you from now on, my precious “Buttercup”…
MAXIE
Robert brushes Meghan’s disheveled hair away from her face. The two tenderly embrace and share a long, passionate kiss! They both become very aroused – like two animals in heat – and begin giving each other love bites on the neck!
MEGHAN (breathing heavily)
I want you SO bad… Make love to me!
ROBERT (breathing heavily)
I want you too…but we must fight these urges! Now is not the right time…
MEGHAN (insistent)
Yes, it is!
MAXIE
Meghan suddenly grabs Robert’s head with both her hands and shoves her tongue deep into his mouth. The two begin French kissing and then proceed to rip each other clothes off! Meghan has a devilish look in her eyes as she whispers in Robert’s ear.
MEGHAN (whispering and humming)
I think we’re alone now…
There doesn’t seem to be anyone around…
(Insert music track # 43 – “Romantic Intro” by Setuniman)
MAXIE
Robert grins as they tumble to the ground…
Meghan straddles Robert’s prone form.
ROBERT (pleading)
Please be gentle! You know it’s my first time…
MEGHAN (laughing)
Very little chance of that, my dear “Westley”! You must learn how to please your precious “Buttercup”…
ROBERT
As you wish…
MAXIE
Robert and Meghan are unaware they are being observed as everything fades to black…
(Insert music track # 36 – “Love Theme” by Peter Eastman)
MAXIE
Early the next morning, an exhausted Robert cradles the sleeping Meghan in his newly muscular arms. He is amazed that he managed to last all night long, thanks to his enhanced endurance! He brushes the hair away from Meghan’s face.
ROBERT (very romantic)
In the quiet of the dawn,
As the meadowlarks trill,
I gaze at your form
And feel my soul fill.
We lie in our bower.
Your warmth on my skin,
I watch as you sleep
And hear music begin.
How gentle the sound,
As dreaming you sigh,
How lovely the notes,
As each breath passes by.
Rest in my arms love,
To hold you is sweet,
And when you awaken,
The new day we’ll greet.
MAXIE
Robert loving strokes Meghan’s hair and then kisses her on the forehead. She sighs in her sleep.
Several hours later…
ROBERT
It’s a good thing that father kept extra sets of clothes in that chest in his tent! We really could not afford to be seen in public in only our underwear…
MEGHAN
Indeed!What are we to do now, big brother? Both mother and father are dead and the Obsidian Order is sure to hunt us down…
ROBERT
We will have to start over again somewhere else. We will have to learn to stay in the shadows and hunt our prey at night for sustenance. During the day, we will have to blend into society.
MEGHAN
How long will we be able to retain our human forms?
ROBERT
I’m not sure yet, but I suspect no more than eight hours per day. Now we must choose new names for ourselves. Do you have a preference, my dear?
MEGHAN
Yes. I have selected the name Vastra, after the beautiful, man-eating spider woman from myth. What would you like to be called?
ROBERT
I have chosen the name Aberon. He was a famous poet from the time before the Great Cataclysm.
MAXIE
Meghan gives Robert an affectionate hug and a quick peck on the cheek.
MEGHAN
Cheer up, big brother! One day we will both be rich and powerful and find a way to cure ourselves of father’s curse.
ROBERT
I hope you are right.
Now let us depart from this wretched place quickly before someone discovers us!
MEGHAN
Yes, my love!
ROBERT (sighing)
It’s going to be a long walk back…
(laughing)
(Insert music track # 32 – “The Neverending Story” by Shooter Jennings featuring Brandi Carlile)
If only we had a luck dragon to carry us away!
MEGHAN
Umm…will those two do instead?
MAXIE
Meghan points to something behind Robert. Robert turns around.
(Insert “Horse Neigh” sound effect)
ROBERT (surprised)
Crikey! What are two white unicorns doing in the middle of a shardfall?
MEGHAN (cheerful)
It must be a sign!
MAXIE
Meghan walks over to the two unicorns and bows to them.
MEGHAN
Hello there!
ROBERT (worried)
Be careful, Meghan! Despite their friendly demeanor, unicorns can be quite deadly…
MEGHAN
Would the two of you mind giving us a ride?
MAXIE
To Robert’s amazement, both unicorns nod in agreement! Meghan turns to Robert and gives him the thumbs up sign.
After they mount the unicorns, Meghan suddenly looks at Robert with pleading eyes.
MEGHAN
Can we make a quick stop at the house to pick up our black kitty cat, Mr. Muggles?
ROBERT
As you wish…
MAXIE
Robert and Meghan ride off into the midday sun as a pair of voyeuristic earth elementals on a nearby hill wave goodbye to them!
(Insert music track # 33 – “Betrayal” by Amber Raine)
LORD BALDRITH (taunting)
Before she died, Vastra begged me to spare your inbred teenage son, who was conceived on the day you two were transformed. You were wise to hide his existence from me. I will track him down and put an end to your accursed bloodline once and for all!
COUNT ABERON (yelling)
No!
MAXIE
A furious Count Aberon roars and then leaps high into the air at Lord Baldrith with outstretched, glowing claws!
LORD BALDRITH
I don’t think so…
(Insert “Wind“ sound effect recorded by Mark DiAngelo)
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith casts GUST, which sends Count Aberon flying backward into the Ring of Fire! Despite the excruciating pain, Count Aberon slowly rises to his feet. The intense flames have burned away the flesh from the left side of his face and body, revealing several of the metal implants grafted onto his reinforced skeleton!
LORD BALDRITH (surprised)
So THAT was how you were able to withstand my attacks after you killed my beloved Lanthirthel twenty years ago! Lord Shadowreign’s technomage, Kriz, transformed you into the perfect fusion of magic and technology – a cyborg built with Kobold parts and powered by Obsidian magic! I underestimated him. His skill is on par with that of his “good” twin brother, Atos.
(angry)
But none of that won’t help you now!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith casts Root! Count Aberon attempts to break free by leaping upward, to no avail…
(Insert “Earth Element Magic“ sound effect recorded by qubodup)
COUNT ABERON (fearful)
Why can’t I break free of this Root spell?!
MAXIE
Lord Shadowreign suddenly materializes in a cloud of thick black smoke next to the Ring of Fire! Only his glowing red eyes are visible under his black hooded cloak.
COUNT ABERON (pleading)
Master, help me!
MAXIE
Lord Shadowreign ignores Count Aberon’s pleas and turns towards Lord Baldrith.
LORD SHADOWREIGN (insistent)
Count Aberon has murdered thousands of innocent people in his lifetime, including your beloved Lanthirthel. Use your newfound power to avenge them, Lord Baldrith!
COUNT ABERON (shocked)
What?! No, master!!!
LORD BALDRITH (hissing)
Yes…
(yelling)
Die, foul beast!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith begins casting supercharged bolts of black lightning at the immobilized Count Aberon!
(Loop “Thunder Sound FX ” sound effect recorded by Grant Evans – 5X)
COUNT ABERON (screaming in pain)
Argh! It can’t end… like this!
(Insert “Explosion Ultra Bass“ sound effect recorded by Mark DiAngelo)
MAXIE
Count Aberon’s body suddenly explodes! Bits of blood, gore, and metal going flying everywhere! Lord Baldrith has a wicked smile on his face…
LORD BALDRITH (excited)
That felt…SO… good!
LORD SHADOWREIGN (gloating)
Yes…forsaking the virtues has made you strong! Swear your loyalty to me and I will make you even more powerful by teaching you even more lost, forbidden Obsidian magic!
MAXIE
Lord Baldrith walks over to Lord Shadowreign and kneels before him.
LORD BALDRITH
Yes…my master…
LORD SHADOWREIGN (gloating)
You were Nystal Timelord’s finest pupil. Now his failure is complete and revenge is mine! Your former master has been my prisoner for the past year since my demonic servant, Bob, abducted him from his home in the Time Tunnel and soon so shall Lord British, Lord DarkStarr, and the Obsidian Cabalists! I have need of their combined magical power for the next phase of my plan to conquer New Britannia!
MAXIE
Lord Shadowreign removes his hood to reveal – not a red-eyed demonic being as Lord Baldrith suspected, but an incredibly handsome, blond haired, blue-eyed half-elf!
A stunned Lord Baldrith suddenly regains his senses and gasps! The face staring back at him bears an uncanny resemblance to the love of his life…
(Insert music track # 34 – ”Whispers” by Amber Raine)
MAXIE
Gabriel Nightshadow’s second home in Rifts End.
Midnight…
(Insert “Forever” sound effect by carmsie)
(Insert “I See You” sound effect)
GABRIEL (screaming)
Noooooo….!!!
MAXIE
A bare-chested Gabriel suddenly sits up in his bed, drenched in sweat! Anya, who is clad in sexy, red lace lingerie, also sits up and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.
ANYA (worried)
What’s the matter, my darling? Did you have a nightmare?
GABRIEL (anxious)
Hurry, get dressed, Anya! We must teleport back to Wizards Rest at once!
ANYA (confused)
I don’t understand…It is the middle of the night! Can’t this wait until morning?
GABRIEL (insistent)
No, it can’t! I just had one of my prophetic dreams – first one I have had in over six months! We must use the time tunnel to travel 100 years into the past and locate the ruins of Castle Gennar in the Wrymsands. If we don’t intervene, Serafina will die at the hands of Count Aberon and your father will forsake the virtues and become Lord Shadowreign’s disciple!
ANYA (horrified)
Oh no!
GABRIEL
It’s even worse than I feared! After all these years, I have finally learned Lord Shadowreign’s true identity! He is your brother…Valen!
ANYA (shocked)
My twin brother is alive?! How can this be?
GABRIEL (worried)
I don’t know… To make matters even worse, we’ve lost the element of surprise! Lord Shadowreign detected my presence in the dream realm. He knows we are coming for him…
(Insert music track # 45 – “Dragon Warrior (Loopable)” by Marcus Dellicompagni – first 30 seconds only)
MAXIE (dramatic)
All will be revealed as the blood feud between the Nightshadow (nee Dane) and Dar families which began 400 years ago in “Hungry Eyes in the Darkness” reaches its epic conclusion in…
THE AVATAR CHRONICLES: LEGACY OF THE DRAGON LORDS
(Insert “Fire-breathing dragon” sound effect by CGEffex)
It is dawn on a sunny spring morning as an alarm clock radio comes to life and the strains of Rick Astley’s hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up” can be heard. Someone can be heard grumbling from under a pillow as a hand reaches out and knocks the radio off the end table and onto the floor.
A disheveled eighteen-year old, blonde-haired, red-eyed, pale-skinned teenage boy clad in a black muscle shirt and tight black leather pants slowly gets up. He stares down at the alarm clock.
JOHNNY (yawning)
Oh darn…I overslept again! I have to be at the warehouse for the start of my shift in an hour! Just enough time for a quick shower and change of clothes before the bus arrives…
MAXIE
Johnny hears a faint humming sound and glances over at the opposite corner of the room where his enchanted, black Gibson Les Paul guitar, a present from his REAL parents, Count Aberon and Lady Vastra, on his recent birthday, is propped up against his chair. On the wall is a poster from “Ripper and the Slayers” first paid gig at the local hot spot, Stryker’s Bar. He walks over and picks up his guitar and starts strumming. The guitar begins to glow as Johnny starts singing the new song he composed last night for his new girlfriend, Harmony.
(Insert music track # 35 by Amber Raine)
JOHNNY
(AD LIB SOME HEAVY METAL LOVE SONG LYRICS HERE, CELITH…)
MAXIE
Suddenly, a lunar rift appears directly in front of Johnny!
JOHNNY (surprised)
Hey…what’s happening?!
Mom? Dad?
MAXIE
Johnny waits several minutes but no one emerges from the lunar rift.
JOHNNY (worried)
Something is wrong… Mom and Dad must be in trouble!
MAXIE
As if on cue, his enchanted gold ring, another birthday gift from his parents, suddenly begins glowing blood red!
Johnny puts on his sunglasses and grabs his guitar.
(Insert music track # 42 – “Heavy Metal Riffs – Monolith” by Tri-Tachyon)
JOHNNY
Looks like I am about to make my first trip to New Britannia! Hang on, mom and dad! Your son, Johnny “Ripper” Warlock, is on his way to save you!
MAXIE
Johnny steps through the lunar rift…
(Insert “Portal Continuous Rumble” sound effect by zimbot)
Oh my god, is this audio finally over? I really need to pee…
BEATRICE
Walt, dear, how many times have I told you not to drink so much Neon Milk when we are tuning in?
WALT
Shut up, Beatrice! Just give me my cane!
(Insert music track # 40 – “Friends (Live)” by Steven Goldman, Dom John, and Edward Vitralis)
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, and I’m delighted to welcome a new author to the ranks. This is a piece by Bee Striker, entitled
A Not So Scary Short Story
Background music by Smartsound
It started as a trickle as she walked under the awning to avoid the rain. As she extended her hand to touch the drops, a rough hand grabbed it, forcing her to swing around. A pale face with dark eyes met her surprised stare. Before she could respond, the man released her with a quick turn and walked off.
The intense moment had gone straight through her entire body, and she felt something pull out of her…or in her. She couldn’t really tell. She shuddered. A quick look around made her realise nobody seemed to notice anything odd had just happened. Shaken, she headed home, quickly looked around, and locked her door.
The unsettled feeling did not leave as she readied for bed. She felt silly as she double checked the lock on her door, the windows, every room, and even under her bed before she climbed into bed. She tried to calm herself but sleep would not come.
“Please help me.” She sat up. What the hell was that? “Please…help…” The voice initially startled her but quickly grew faint. She flew out of bed and flicked on the light. She looked under the bed again, flung open her closet, and opened her bedroom door. She stared into the darkness in silence. Nothing.
She didn’t know how long she stood in her bedroom doorway. A cool draft reminded here she was barefoot. After a quick glance around the dark house, she crawled back into bed.
A man’s limp body lay with heavy chains anchoring his feet to the cement floor. A worn loincloth was his only covering. His damp hair stuck to his pale face. Each slight movement made him groan in pain. “help me..” He wasn’t sure if he actually voiced that or it was just in his head. He heard a door creak open and footsteps slowly descend the stairs. He turned away preparing himself for more pain.
She woke up with a start, bewildered at what she just saw. The face of the man was eerily familiar. A quick image of the man who had grabbed her earlier flashed before her eyes. It was him! Why did she just have a vision of him? Was it real, or just a dream? It sent a chill through her to the core.
The next morning she ran back to the awning where she first encountered the man. Eyes flitting back and forth, she saw no sign of him. Which direction had he gone when he walked away? She tried to think. Following what she thought was the direction, she headed down the street. At the end of the block she paused, not knowing which way to go. For no reason at all, she turned right, crossed the street, and headed down the sidewalk. The sidewalk started to decay as she continued walking.
Something made her pause in front of a small lot. Weeds dominated the landscape, almost drowning out the small shack. Weeds scratched her legs as she approached the building. She listened for any indication of life as she slowly walked up to the door. The screen door was ripped and the shabby door was ajar. The door creaked as she slowly pushed it open. A sparse room gave her an apathetic greeting. The worn couch sat quietly next to an old coffee table. She felt the lone beer bottle resting on the table. It was warm.
A groan made her alert to someone else in the house. She spun around towards the door. Nobody had entered behind her. Her ears almost perked up trying to listen. “Help me…” The helpless plea seemed to be calling from below. As she looked around the house, she noticed a small staircase around the corner. The stairs creaked as she cautiously descended.
The dank room surrounded her as the aroma attacked her senses. She forced her eyes to adjust to the darkness. A man lay almost motionless on the floor. A chain anchored his ankles to the floor. A worn loincloth was his only covering. He was facing the opposite wall as she slowly approached.
“Hello?”
She saw his light skin shake slightly. As she turned him over and saw his pale face, she gasped.
Echoes From the Caverns
Posted by Asclepius - Email Author Visit The Caverns Website. Please note: This is a SotA community run project, and any and all content may deviate from the fictional canon of the game.
