Bloody Kithicor

[Ahlanah]

NURGAL'S STONE<br><br>The goblins of the Pickclaw tribe were not known for their wit. In fact, because of their extreme lack of intelligence, they have been abused in trades by just about every merchant in Norrath. If one were to wonder why the citizens of Highkeep permit the clan to live in the mines beneath their homes, the answer is quite simple, they are good miners and they trade the ores cheaply. <br><br>The goblins would slave day in and out looking for the "shiny rocks" for which the stupid humans gave them coin. The fact that these same rocks actually made the coin they received was a feature that escaped them. <br><br>In addition to the humans of Highkeep, the goblins also made secret trades with both the Teir`Dal of Neriak and the Fier`Dal of Faydwer. The Teir`Dal would reward the goblins with decent arms and generally paid the best. They were dangerous to deal with as they were just as likely to kill you as pay you. Trading with the Fier`Dal was rather uncommon. The Fier`Dal only came seeking the few rare stones they used to create their arcane runes, which was fine for the pickclaws as no one else wanted those dull looking rocks. <br><br>The Pickclaw miner Nurgal was on par intellectually with of the rest his clan. Nurgal was quite happy this day as he had found a new vein in his section of the mines. In fact, he'd already pulled three shiny yellow bricks today and was sure to get at least a fistful of copper for them! After chipping a few more layers he hit something very hard with his pick, so hard that his pick bent. <br><br>"Whaza!" he exclaimed. <br><br>In the crevice he revealed was a slightly glowing blue rock. "Hmm," he thought, "me never seen a blue rock a'fore." He tried chipping at it a little bit more but could not even put a scratch into it. Finally in a display of rare brilliance, and after ruining several more tools, he decided to carve around the rock and yank it out. <br><br>The rock was spherical in shape, about 8 inches in diameter. Nurgal's eyes gleamed as he guessed how many allies he could buy with this rare find. He quickly concealed it in his belt pouch, wary as always that some of the larger goblins might see it and take it from him. He scrambled out of the hole he was working in and started off to the city to find the dark elf ambassador. The dark elves had always given Nurgal the best prices for rare finds, and this would be no exception he decided.<br><br>Tyrana Slil was quite pleased with Nurgal, especially since he swore that he brought this new find straight to her without telling anyone else. As one of the Teir`Dal ambassadors in Highkeep, it was Tyrana's job to be both spy and broker for materials gained in the keep. Although Tyrana enjoyed the shady nature of her work, she really wanted to be back in Neriak. Working with these lesser races day in and out was beneath her standards. "Thanks to this stupid creature," she thought, "I may just have a ticket back there." <br><br>"So, u pay me big?" he asked with a lustful gaze. <br><br>"Sweet sweet Nurgal, you've been so kind to me, how can I ever repay you… more wine?" Gods how she hated having to play the role of seductress to this loathsome creature, but nevertheless, her tactics were effective. Nurgal gulped the wine, most of which ended up on his gut, and seemed most pleased with himself. "Now, let us see just what kind of properties this find of yours has." <br><br>She had the orb centered on the table, although she was not the most practiced geologist, as a necromancer of Innoruuk she did have some powerful identification spells at her disposal. As she finished her minor enchantment there was a bright flash of blue light and a burning sensation that caused her to jump back, shrieking. Nurgal promptly jumped under the table wanting no part of the dark elf's wrath that was sure to follow. <br><br>But instead of draining Nurgal's life as she stared at her now burnt fingertips, Tyrana begin to cackle with unabashed glee. "By Innoruuk's hand this is no mere metal! Its magic properties alone are the strongest I've seen!" Realizing that his mistress was happy again Nurgal pulled himself up from the floor and smiled. "Nurgal…. Are there more of these where you found this one, in the mines?" she asked. <br><br>"Umm, me not know…but usually when me find one type of shiny rock me find more later," he replied. <br><br>"I must get both this rock and this information to Neriak at once," Tyrana thought to herself, "But, before I leave, I must have this wretched creature show me where he found this, so I can be done with him."<br><br>After Nurgal was appropriately intoxicated, Tyrana tried to convince the goblin to show her where it was he found this vein of strange blue ore. Nurgal was hesitant to reveal the location of his find to the dark elf but after Tyrana offered him a sizeable reward, the goblin finally agreed. Calling for a guard from the keep to escort them, Tyrana followed Nurgal down into the mines where he revealed the location of the strange blue vein of ore.<br><br>Tyrana was very pleased with Nurgal's find and complimented the goblin on a job well done. After inspecting the vein of ore, Tyrana turned to the goblin and grinned. Her hands began to glow with a pale green light.<br><br>Nurgal jumped in fear as the magic began to swirl and build around Tyrana. The coarse hair on the goblin's body began to bristle with the building energy. Ducking his head, Nurgal blathered, "What you doing? You not hurt Nurgal now?"<br><br>Tyrana continued to smile at the goblin and said in a sweet voice, "Why Nurgal! I'm not going to hurt you, I'm simply creating your reward!" No sooner had the Teir`Dal uttered these words did she draw away the full sum of Nurgal's life-force. With a pitiful squeal, the goblin slumped to the ground, a dry and empty husk. Tyrana laughed.<br><br>Concealing the large blue sphere in her packs she prepared to journey back to Neriak to report her find. Tyrana sought out Grigog, Bgug, Sagg, and Glunn a trio of orcs of the Shralok clan. Tyrana often used these three as escorts for her journeys between Neriak and Highkeep. Though she always paid the orcs well for their services, they were always willing to help protect to "bootifal" Tyrana Slil and probably would have done the job free of charge. <br><br>Grigog was the leader of the mercenaries, slightly bigger then the others and a rather powerful shaman to boot. Bgug was the most demented of the Orcs and delighted in the "torture" of his already dead opponents. He would usually cut small openings into different parts of the body trying to guess the identity of certain anatomical parts. He would do this until Grigog kicked him in the back of the head, breaking his morbid trance.<br><br>Sagg was easily one of the biggest and dumbest orcs on the lands. He was utterly useless when given orders more complicated then a word or two but when someone would point at something and say "kill it" it is assured that it will stand no more, be it human or inanimate object. When not fighting he enjoyed staring into empty space and drooling. <br><br>Glunn was another matter altogether. He was as happy-go-lucky as an orc could be. He was celebrating his 12th birthday but because he could not remember exactly when he was born, he had been celebrating his birthday for several days and planned to continue to celebrate it for a few more, just to be safe.<br><br>Tyrana ignored the orcs. She cared only that they were strong fighters and were fiercely loyal to her. They proved their usefulness to her once again that day.<br><br>The group met with some minor resistance along their way to Neriak, in the form of some humans that assumed the worst upon seeing a dark elf being escorted by a group of rather large orcs. Sagg and Glunn were left behind in the battle and the remaining three slipped away during the commotion. Sagg and Glunn were presumed to have been slain during the conflict. Tyrana could have cared less for the sacrifice of her protectors. From that point onward, they moved quickly as word spread of their travels and further resistance began. Tyrana and the remaining orcs were soon joined by other curious Teir`Dal who, ever loyal to their own, helped to drive back the attackers.<br><br>With her now large retinue of curious Teir`Dal and others friendly to the dark elven cause, they arrived in Neriak Commons. There, Tyrana met with Laarthik K`Shin and they proceeded to go to the Neriak Academy of Lesser Magics. She handed the stone to Laarthik, whispering quietly with him as the crowd of onlookers looked on curiously.<br><br>Turning the stone over in his hand a few times, Laarthik K`Shin looked to Tyrana and said in a stern voice, "Very well Tyrana. You may return to Highpass at this time."<br><br>Shocked at being ordered back to the place she disliked, even in the face of this momentous discovery, she began to protest, "Surely you will not send me back to that den of humanity! The place reeks of those sightless fools and the filthy creatures that war daily with them! Does not my discovery earn me the right to be freed from such lowly duty?"<br><br>Angered by her impertinence, Laarthik shot back, "Hold your tongue woman before I remove it from your head! As a member of an insignificant and non-noble house, you have no 'right' to anything! You will do as you are told and be happy that you are allowed to serve us."<br><br>Moving sharply, he wrote upon a parchment with quick, jagged motions. Thrusting the parchment toward Tyrana, he barked, "Here are your orders. Leave me at once."<br><br>Removing a bag from his vest, he scattered a pile of gold coins upon the table behind him and said, "Those loyal brethren that wish to escort Tyrana back to High Keep may take their payment now." Turning quickly, he marched from the room.<br><br>Mouth agape, Tyrana stood in shock for a moment. Then, snarling to herself Tyrana strode indignantly from the Academy; her escorts following close behind.<br><br>The Wood Elves are thought by some to be the least active race on Norrath, content with living their lives in their beloved forest fighting off the occasional Orc incursion. This is far from the truth however. Tunare's Martyrs have many operatives throughout Faydark and Antonica, even keeping one stationed in Erudin. Felinin Deepwood is the Highkeep operative and is charged with keeping tabs on the Teir`Dal actions within. He was young for his rank and eager to please his superiors and Tunare. For weeks his main target, Tyrana, had done nothing but buy various types of Ore from the goblins and made a few shady deals with the local Merchants. <br><br>Word of Tyrana Slil's strange and sudden journey to Neriak convinced him that the Teir`Dal were up to something terrible. He made the decision that he would take action, figure out what was going on, and try to stop them. He gathered those folk in the area that were willing to help stop the Teir`Dal and began to lay plans for an ambush. <br><br>Tyrana, Grigog, Bgug and the few Teir`Dal escorts brave enough to get close to the human keep stepped into the dark forest of Kithicor. Her head still filled with rage from Laarthik's cold rebuke, she was taken by surprise as Bgug slumped to the ground suddenly, grasping futilely at the arrow lodged in his back. Her violet eyes wide with sudden terror, she shouted, "Ambush! We are under attack!"<br><br>Suddenly, the forest was alive with arrows flying, the sound of metal clanging against metal. Everything was electric as spells were channeled and great explosions erupted sending lifeless bodies sailing through the air. Drawing forth her dagger, she faced off with Felinin, a feral snarl flashing across her face.<br><br>Lunging forward to stab the Wood Elf in the chest, Felinin dodged easily and slashed with his scimitar seriously wounding Tyrana's leg. Suddenly fearful for her life, Tyrana began to call upon the dark art of Necromancy to steal the precious life energy of the wood elf and heal her grave wound. Felinin's attacks were relentless and the dark elf was not able to channel forth the energy necessary to complete her spell. A final swift blow to her chest sent Tyrana Slil reeling. Stumbling to the ground gasping for breath, she died.<br><br>Tyrana Slil defeated and her escorts dead or fleeing for their lives, Felinin congratulated those that helped him on a job well done. Searching the now lifeless body of the Teir`Dal, he found the note that had been given to Tyrana from Laarthik. The note held grave news for the citizens of High Keep and indeed, all of Antonica. The Teir`Dal had decided it was time to take High Keep as their own.<br><br>Wasting no time, Felinin made his way to the keep and delivered the grave news to Lord Tephys, the High Elven ambassador. Lord Tephys was greatly concerned by the news. He called for a meeting of all the allied races at the keep. Runners were dispatched immediately to all corners of the known world, taking the news and begging representatives to attend this meeting of serious importance.<br><br><br><br>THE COUNCIL<br><br>Lord Tephys of the Koada`Dal and Carson McCabe of Highkeep stared at each other with long faces over the council table in Highkeep. The meetings were not going well. Upon hearing of the Teir`Dal's plans of conquest, Tephys had immediately dispatched word to Felwithe petitioning help. He had yet to hear a reply. <br><br>Carson's biggest problem in drafting forces for Highkeep was that most of the merchant lords on the council were just that, merchants. They spoke endlessly of buying their way out of the fight, that the goblin was lying, or that they should just cut their losses and leave. <br><br>Carson and Tephys suffered no delusions. They knew that the Teir`Dal would not bargain, and those that surrendered were doomed to a quick death at best, with a long life of torture and servitude being the alternative. <br><br>"Have we received any word from Antonius Bayle yet?" Tephys asked not for the first time since the council had convened. <br><br>"I'm afraid that my messengers have returned with the same news we expected Lord Tephys," Carson explained. "He cannot lend us much support, if any, in our struggle. He is afraid, and with good reason, that were he to make any attempt to do so, the rival factions in and around Qeynos would be quick to take advantage of the city. He envisions everything from the gnolls of Blackburrow overrunning the city to the Bloodsabers taking it from underneath him. And the sad thing is, I can't really say I blame him." <br><br>"What of Freeport?" asked Taliman Yurick, the leader of the city's brewing merchants. "Surely they're in the best position to help us, practically bordering Nektulos and all." <br><br>"Freeport is in no position to help us either," Lord Tephys pointed out. "The Militia and the Paladins keep each other in check constantly. Both know that if either were to support us the other side would only use it as an excuse to try and take complete control of the city. No my friends, I'm afraid it looks like both of the great cities of Antonica will not be aiding us in this fight. And we can count the dwarves out as well. As I suspected, my emissaries to King Kazon were met only by the damned dwarven logic of, 'all the more reason we should stay here and prepare to defend the shores of Butcherblock'." <br><br>"I too, have contacted my people across the sea," spoke Pracil Micus of the Erudites. They have agreed only to bring it up in the next High Council meeting for discussion, at which point they may decide to send some sort of help."<br><br>"Great!" shouted Thubir Axebringer. The prominent dwarven smith from Kaladim jumped up from his seat fuming, "The way ye blasted Erudites discuss things in yer meetins we should be getting help just about this time next decade!" <br><br>Indignant, Pracil Micus retorted, "Why you little bearded wretch, I suppose I should expect such manners from a…."<br><br>"SILENCE!" bellowed Carson as he banged his gavel upon the table. "I'll have no bickering between us, especially at a time like this. You think the Teir`Dal are fighting over which of them are going to attack us? No. They're not because they ALL want to attack. And if the stories I've heard of late are indeed true, that the Teir`Dal have indeed united under this prophet, this 'child of hate', then we may not just be facing a few Teir`Dal war parties, but rather the whole of Neriak itself!" <br><br>"But Carson!" Taliman protested, "If what you're saying is true then we're doomed already. We have no armies save the guard of Highkeep, no allies to call upon, and all against an entire nation of Dark Elves!" <br><br>"Perhaps you are not alone as you think, my friends," said a voice from the crowd. Two high elves stepped forward, resplendent in their ornate armor. One was an older male with lines of battle etched into his face, the other a younger female with the beauty of a goddess herself. Both appeared to be a bit travel worn but fully armed.<br><br>Lord Tephys stood, an obvious wave of relief flashing across his face. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the council, allow me to introduce Galeth Veredeth, High Paladin of Tunare and chief advisor to King Tearis Thex." The members of the council were impressed and quickly invited the newcomers to join their meeting. <br><br>"Thank you Tephys my old friend," Galeth said with a look of sympathy for the tired elven Lord. "The young lady accompanying me is Firiona Vie, Paladin of Tunare and my finest student yet."<br><br>Firiona bowed politely to the table saying, "The honor is mine your lordships." <br><br>"Ah yes!" said Tephys with sudden recognition. "You have truly grown in the grace of Tunare since last I saw you young Firiona, we welcome you to our table. Now…please tell me you bring good news Galeth." <br><br>"Indeed I do," replied the Paladin. "I'm pleased to announce that the entirety of the Paladins of Tunare are at your disposal."<br><br>Cheers erupted from the council and the crowd. Galeth holds up his hand for silence and continues, "As we speak our legions are sailing across the Ocean of Tears and should arrive in a fortnight. The remainder of the Fier`Dal forces shall have to remain in Faydark however, as we are constantly besieged by the orcs of Crushbone. This is all King Tearis can spare. The only stipulation we insist upon is that Lord Tephys lead the armies defending Highkeep." <br><br>Lord Tephys attempted to argue against this at first, but was quickly and unanimously outvoted as the entire council, led by Carson McCabe, insisted that it was a grand idea. A messenger stepped forward and whispered something in Carson's ear. <br><br>Carson stood up with a smile on his face and spoke, "In addition to this most fortunate news, I've just been informed that adventurers from all over Norrath are volunteering by the dozens to aid our cause!" Again the crowd and council are swept away by rampant cheers of thanks. <br><br>Lord Tephys once again stood and addressed everyone. "With that said gentlemen, I believe this council is adjourned. We all have a lot of plans to make and little time to spare. By the grace of Tunare, we just might have a chance."<br><br> <br> <br>THE FINAL BATTLE<br><br>All throughout Antonica, forces prepared for war. Quartermasters scrambled to equip hastily recruited troops. Men, both military and mundane, trained and practiced diligently on both sides for what would surely be a terrible war. Anyone who could carry a weapon, carried one during those days for none knew when the army of dark elves would advance.<br><br>The Teir`Dal likewise prepared. They were confident that they would be successful. Indeed, they had the blessing of Innoruuk and his very daughter Lanys T`Vyl to lead them. Together with her mentor Laarthik K`Shin, the two would lead their great army against the forces of High Keep further increasing the strength of the nation of Teir`Dal and dividing the two cities Qeynos and Freeport, setting up a stranglehold upon the races of light.<br><br>The morning was rainy and cold when the dark elves began their march. Lead by Laarthik K`Shin and Lanys T`Vyl, the hordes of Teir`Dal were a consuming fire upon the common lands. Platoons of Teir`Dal broke off to crush the rag-tag bands of allied forces that rose up to stop their advancement. Regardless of the opposition they faced, Lanys and Laarthik pushed forward toward their goal. All around the sounds of war rang out, metal against metal, battle cries and screams of the dying.<br><br>As the army approached Kithicor forest, a rear guard was left behind to prevent the advancement of any of the races of light through the common lands. It was then that the army began to spread throughout Kithicor forest like wine spilled from a goblet. Slinking through the forest, a group of 30 Teir`Dal crept into Rivervale. They struck quickly. The peaceful halfling city was occupied and subjugated under the brutal heel of the dark elven oppressors with little to no resistance. The Teir`Dal raided the shops and took whatever meager wealth the Halflings had. The new rulers of Rivervale quickly struck down any that resisted.<br><br>As the army continued to work its way through the forest, they met with heavier resistance as the allied races of light sprang from their hiding places, ambushing the Dark Elves. Battles erupted in every corner of the forest. As quickly as a Teir`Dal was struck down, another came forward to take his place. As soon as a Teir`Dal platoon would survive one ambush, they would be ambushed yet again. Both armies were relentless. Neither side could tell who was winning. The smell of death and of blood began to replace the usually fragrant smells of the forest.<br><br>Lord Tephys, Galeth Veredeth and Firiona Vie waited just outside the entrance to High Pass with the assembled forces of the Paladins of Tunare and all others that were willing to assist them. The situation was very grave. The armies approach was heralded by a stampede of frightened animals all scurrying in fear of the approaching dark elven menace. It was shortly thereafter that they began to hear the sound of marching boots, the clang of weapons, and the rattle of armor peppered with the occasional scream approaching through the forest.<br><br>It was there, near the entrance to High Pass that the leaders of the two armies met, face to face. The forest seemed to groan and the very earth trembled. Cruel laughter was heard echoing through the trees.<br><br>Lord Tephys raised his mailed fist into the air and swore aloud, "By the grace of The Mother, you will be stopped Child of Hate! Your cursed army shall go no farther."<br><br>Lanys's derisive laughter seemed supernaturally loud as it rang out, almost hurting the ears of those around her, "Old fool, you feel such hate for me and in that I am glad. This only proves the strength of my father and his power! However, the hate you hold for me is nothing compared to the loathing I have for you and your kind. Prepare to feel the full force of the power that is Hate itself!"<br><br>With those words, the two armies clashed. Lanys seemed to close the gap between herself and Lord Tephys in a single leap and struck at the old Paladin with a viscous fury. Like a hammer upon an anvil, Lanys's swords struck again and again against the upraised shield of Lord Tephys. The Paladin struggled valiantly under the harsh blows of the Child of Hate. The attacks were relentless and only seemed to become more violent as they continued.<br><br>Finally, the shield of the old Paladin failed him and Lanys landed a blow squarely upon the aged shoulder of the holy fighter. Dropping his shield, he staggered backward, holding his wound. He whispered for aid from Tunare, and his hand glowed a soft blue as the wound healed. He smiled to himself as he felt the love of The Mother. His smile quickly faded as he looked up to see Lanys's hands glowing as well, a cruel smile upon her face.<br><br>Shouting out words in Ancient Teir`Dal, Lanys made a sweeping gesture toward her enemy. Great streams of magical energy coursed from her outstretched hands and enveloped the High Elf. Lord Tephys clutched at his chest as his whole body was wracked with incredible pain. Stunned from the sudden and unexpected blow, Lord Tephys failed to block as Lanys struck a final terrible blow. Lord Tephys fell quietly to the ground and into the bosom of the Great Mother.<br><br>Meanwhile, a much different battle was being waged. Two seasoned fighters, leaders of men, both ancient and both veterans of countless battles squared off against each other. Laarthik K`Shin and Galeth Veredeth circled one another in a deadly ballet of thrusts and parries. Both were opponents of equal skill, but Laarthik, through the dark power he practiced, had the body of a young man. Galeth, though in excellent physical shape for his age, was still very old.<br><br>Lowering his guard ever so slightly, Laarthik allowed Galeth to bash him square in the chin with his shield. Striking like a serpent, Laarthik's hand shot forward enveloped in a blaze of fiery magical energy. Stepping inward and snaking his blazing hand under the upraised arm and the High Paladin's shield, Laarthik touched the chest of the Galeth. The fire left the hand of the Teir`Dal and enveloped his mortal enemy.<br><br>A cry of shock and pain erupted from the lips of the elder fighter. But with a speed one would not expect from an old man, he quickly jumped back and laid his hand upon his blistered and still smoldering skin. The wound disappeared completely though the smell of burning flesh still hung heavy in the air.<br><br>Galeth smiled briefly at his mortal enemy and laughed, "It appears we are still even my worthy adversary." Then, feigning surprise, he raised his eyebrows and taunted, "Oh wait, I see your lip is bleeding now! Perhaps it is I who have the upper hand!" They resumed their deadly dance.<br><br>As Lord Tephys fell Firiona Vie moved to assist him but she quickly realized that she was too late to save her companion. Lanys T`Vyl sprung upon Firiona like a hunting cat after its prey. Firiona was surprised by the uninhibited fury of Lanys T`Vyl and by the sheer strength of her blows. Shifting her weight she dug the side of her foot firmly into the ground in a back stance as she began to parry the fierce thrusts and savage slashes of Innoruuk's chosen.<br><br>Again and again, Lanys's weapons struck down upon Firiona's shield and sword. Unlike Lord Tephys, she was able withstand the force of her attacks. She did not forget the training she received from her mentor Galeth. She realized the importance of remaining calm and levelheaded during combat. Firiona and Lanys were polar opposites on the field of combat. Lanys foamed at the mouth and struck viscously while Firiona was calm, almost relaxed, as she turned aside her blows. Biding her time and saving her strength, Firiona simply parried the blows of Lanys T`Vyl.<br><br>Laarthik and Galeth continued their deadly ballet, but Galeth's old body grew weak. Little by little, he felt himself loosing his edge. He began to realize that this was a battle that he could not win. He resolved himself to hold off Laarthik for as long as possible, regardless of the outcome.<br><br>As Lanys's attack continued against Firiona, the Chosen of Tunare noticed the fury begin to fade just a bit from the dark elf's strikes. In a single fluid motion, the Paladin parried both of her opponent's blades downward with her single sword as she circled swiftly to the side of Lanys. Swinging her shield in a back handed motion as she spun, she struck Lanys brutally in the back of the head, pushing her off balance momentarily.<br><br>Though surprised and dazed by the sudden attack, Lanys regained her composure in time to turn aside the deadly sword thrust that was aimed directly for her midsection. Firiona took the offensive. This time it was she who struck again and again, with Lanys continually backing up under the force of her blows. <br><br>Swarms of tiny insects descended upon the battle and the ground began to tremble at the Great Mother's displeasure. Firiona seemed to grow in stature and her golden hair began to shine brilliantly as she was filled with the love of the Mother and surrounded by her protection. She waged her battle against the chosen of Innoruuk without mercy, making known the full displeasure of Tunare.<br><br>Lanys weakened and faltered under the righteous anger. Her eyes, once a blaze of hate and fury, were now glazed and filled with exhaustion. Defending herself grimly, she called out, "Laarthik, please help me!"<br><br>Hearing the cry of help from his student and the chosen of his race and god, Laarthik was filled with a new found rage. Roaring like a lion, he drove the pummel of his sword straight across and onto the temple of the tiring Galeth Veredeth. The savage blow was too much for the High Paladin of Tunare. Galeth, for the first time in his long life, fell before an opponent on the field of battle, bleeding and unconscious. <br><br>Seeing the gravity of the situation, Laarthik pulled the large glowing blue sphere found by the goblin Nurgal, from beneath his breastplate. The orb glowing brightly pulsed and vibrated in Laarthik's hands. The air resonated and hummed with energy. Holding the orb to the sky, he cried out in a strangled voice, "Innoruuk! In the name of Lanys T`Vyl, I beseech you! Attend her!" The energy contained within the orb was released.<br><br>The screams of ten thousand damned souls filled the world as an immeasurable power opened a rift in the astral barrier. The hearts of even the most evil and twisted creatures in Norrath were suddenly filled with dread and fear from the terrible evil that spewed forth from the Plane of Hate.<br><br>Laarthik's borrowed body was encased in a pillar of fire emanating from the orb, as the energies of Innoruuk were unleashed. Nothing can withstand the presence of a god and Laarthik's body was quickly torn apart by the mighty power.<br><br>Lanys tossed her head and laughed. She shouted out in welcome to the power of Innoruuk. Her body ignited with crimson flame as she was drawn upward by the Prince of Hate, her father. The Child of Hate disappeared into the swirling rift in the sky as the remains of Laarthik crumpled to the ground. A tremendous roar rose up from the very heart of Norrath.<br><br>Firiona Vie stared in dismay and shock as Lanys was swept into the Heart of Hate, dread filling her eyes with angry tears. The Chosen of Tunare called out to those around her as her heart was overcome by terror, "Flee! Flee for your lives! Doom approaches!"<br><br>Firiona rushed to Galeth's side and cried, "This is a portent of death! None can survive the Hate Innoruuk will cast upon us!" She helped her fallen mentor struggle to his feet and together, they both fled the scene of the calamity.<br><br>A vacuous wave of hopelessness and dread withered the souls of all in Kithicor as sight was ripped from their eyes from Innoruuk's presence. Hearts beating rapidly in fear suddenly stopped. In an instant, the terrible clamor of war was replaced by an unnatural silence. All life in the forest, whether dark elf, ally, or animal, was instantly extinguished.<br><br>And so ended the Battle of Bloody Kithicor. Both sides suffered terrible losses. The allied forces held what was probably the most somber "victory" party in history at High Pass. The Dark Elves retreated to Neriak. The once quiet, silvan forest that was filled with relatively peaceful woodland creatures had been forever tainted. To this day, Kithicor is haunted by the restless souls of the fallen soldiers that perished during that terrible war. The world was never the same.<br> <br> <p></p><i></i>