Event: Saga of the Darkness
Early Post:
The peasants that were removing debris from an abandoned mine near Tagor knew they had found something out of the ordinary. As one ran to the nearest village to bring back a local smith the smell of death and decay began to linger in the area of the mine. When the smith arrived the smell had become so horrible the peasants had been forced to leave the mine. Shocked by what he found he immediately sent a fast rider to Loures to send out an experienced wizard.
Several suns later the wizard arrived. The condition of the area had continued to decline. Trees and animals were mysteriously becoming ill and dying. Crops were failing. Even reports of green skeletons in the area had increased. Many had speculated that the mysterious item unearthed was causing these things. It is said the wizard gasped with horror when he saw the object. Almost immediately the object was locked in a secure chest, brought by fast riders to the coast, and loaded on a ship which promptly set sail.
The wizard, who had never given his name, refused to comment on the object as he boarded the ship only saying that more study was needed. As the ship sailed many on the coast reported seeing a lone cloaked figure standing on a cliff overlooking the sea. It is said his eyes blazed red and could been seen from a great distance. When some men ran up to see this figure he had long since vanished.
Only later was it realized that peasants who worked at the mine revealed they too had seen this mysterious figure for several moons prior to the unearthing of the object but their sightings had been dismissed by local officials.
What is this mysterious object? How does this figure fit in? This mundane does not dare speculate. Perhaps in time more information will come to light.
-Dubaltach Ciaran
Tagor Scout
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Announcement:
The Final Chapter Begins...
Friday September 30th at 5:00 PM PST in the Loures Castle Throne Room
Jean, the leader of the Loures High Council, writes:
Some four deochs ago a mysterious object was reported to have been recovered from a mine outside of Tagor (see the events of Temuair board or read it here). Few knew what it was or what it meant.
Investigations have shown the mysterious object is but the latest piece in a mystery spanning back to Deoch 33, starting with the murder of then Loures Councilor Marcus Aurilius Antonius. Through six different Novus Imperia coordinated events over the deochs aislings have tried to and unravel a mystery that has become ever more complicated with each passing event.
As revealed in “Mysteries of the Dubhaim” something has returned to Temuair - something long forgotten. It has been lying dormant for nearly two decades since the breaking of the Seal of Temuair and gathering strength. It seems now that its time to awaken is near.
Several sinister organizations are aiding in this. The necromancer order seems to have been actively pursuing whatever this thing is for over 10 deochs now. Even remnants of the Pact of Anaman seem to have a stake in it.
What will happen when it awakens? No one knowss
Ramanayan Caesar, guild leader of Novus Imperia, writes:
Novus Imperia will be, for the final time, coordinating efforts to finally bring a conclusion to this deoch spanning mystery as recently written by High Councilor Jean. Over the deochs hundreds of aislings have come forth to join us in epic events and adventures. This is the final chapter my friends and we encourage all to come out and try to seek the truth.
((Saga of the Darkness will be held on Friday September 30th at 5:00 PM PST, 6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, 8:00 EST. The event will begin in the Loures Castle Throne Room. Aislings will form groups of 3 to 5 for this event. All groups will either be composed of all masters (or higher) or all non masters (above insight 10). No mixing is allowed. The event is all but the same for both types of groups however several sections are tweaked for masters or non-masters.
The groups will then venture to different locales across Temuair where they will engage in puzzle solving, adventure, questing, task completion, and some light combat if needed. The event will feature a rich and unique plot filled with twists and turns, references to Temurian history and culture, and much more.
Unlike previous Novus Imperia events the Saga of the Darkness is more non-linear in scope and is planned to provide a fresh challenge to aislings both young and old. Also for the very first time in our events all groups, not just the winners, will be able to fully complete the event within an allotted time frame. The event endings for each group may be completely different based on that group\'s choices during the event.
There will be three winning groups each of whom shall receive one of three unique legend marks created for this event. Groups finishing after these three will likely still receive some kind of a reward.
The story thus far…
Deoch 33 - Loures Murder Mystery
The assassination of Loures Councilor Marcus Aurilius Antonius on the floor of the Mileth Village Hall in Deoch 33 is where our story begins. Aislings searched all over Temuair for who was responsible for this act. Eventually a group of aislings discovered that a dreaded Anaman Avatar was behind the deed.
What many thought was an isolated event would turn out to be only the beginning. The councilor had discovered something - and died for it. If only we knew what it was then. Those who solved the murder had their marks inscribed with the legend:
"Solved Councilor Marcus Murder - Deoch 33, Fall"
Deoch 35 - Mysteries of the Dubhaim
With the Seal of Temuair broken travel to the forgotten continent of Medenia became possible. However, shortly after dubhaim creatures began acting strangely, green skeletons were being sighted where they should not have been, and there were even some reports of an Anaman Avatar roaming in the dark forests of Temuair...
Cryptic clues left behind by Councilor Marcus seemed to indicate the information he was killed for was somehow related to the current happenings..
Aislings gathered under the guidance of Novus Imperia and set out to learn more about these mysteries. Aislings traveled across Temuair from Loures, Dubhaim Castle, Astrid, Undine, and finally to the heart of the underworld itself. It was finally discovered that only through death could one find out the truth. The aisling Nagius sacrificed himself at the heart of Astrid Center to journey to the underworld and learn more.
In the end aislings learned an incredibly amount of information about the mysteries. Something long forgotten had been cast out of Temuair - and now that seal was broken it had returned. Early theories said that it was an unknown cyclopean god of Grenniel dating but later research indicated it was something very different..
All clues learned from the event pointed that something lay buried under Mount Giragan that could further explain the mysteries..
Those who solved the mysteries had their marks inscribed with the legend:
"Deo Fleous Dubhaim Mysteries - Deoch 35, Fall"
Deoch 39 - Raiders of Undine I & II
Almost immediately after the Dubhaim Mysteries had been investigated aislings began searching Mount Giragan for whatever lay hidden under it. However the sheer size and depth of the mountains made any hope of finding the object almost impossible. Still that did not stop aislings from trying. In Deoch 39... some thought they were very close indeed to finding it.
Then all hell broke loose in neighboring Undine.
A patrol of Loures soldiers in the region had gone missing. Another patrol sent out to find them never returned as well. This lead to the Loures Undine Garrison Commander Gnaeus Pompious Caprarius to launch a massive military offensive against suspected Undine Rebels in the region. He called on aislings for assistance in destroying the rebel base. The rebels likewise called on the assistance of aislings.
In an epic event now known as the "Raiders of Undine" aislings choose to either ally themselves with Loures or the Undine Rebels. Many more choose to join the rebels then they did with Loures.
However well organized supporters of Loures destroyed the rebel base, very interestingly found on Mount Giragan, completely burning it to the ground. The rebel leader was slain as well. The rebels had success as well - with the Loures forces away at the rebel base, the rebels attacked the Loures garrison itself and killed Captain Caprarius.
Sadly during the course of the conflict many excavations on the mountain were destroyed and covered up by strong snow fall shortly thereafter.
Thanks to a very interestingly timely rebellion it seemed any hope of recovering the object was lost...
Those who killed the Rebel leader or Loures captain had their marks inscribed with the legend:
Defender of Loures - Deoch 39, Fall
OR
Aided the Undine Rebels - Deoch 39, Fall
Shortly after the end of the conflict Gnaeus Pompeius Caprarius\'s funeral was conducted in Loures. Looking into the funeral pyre the noble priest Chalours saw a vision of treachery on the field of battle that lead to Caprarius being slain. Lord Ramanayan promised to investigate the matter fully.
(The funeral portion is known as Raiders of Undine: Chapter II and was held several weeks after the battle as a strictly role-playing event)
Deoch 41 - The Lost One
With many aislings preoccupied with the various happenings across Temuair, the departure of Ramanyan, and other reasons little else was learned of the mysteries until early Deoch 41. A Loures noble was attacked on the road to Tagor by necromancers and needed assistance. Aislings quickly rallied at the Mileth college and set of to find him.
Eventually a group managed to save him from certain death by attacking necromantic forces in the Shinewood Forest. The necromancers themselves had vanished - leaving only their minions behind. The Loures noble confirmed he had been indeed investigating the mysteries when he became a target.
Deoch 42 - Shadows Rising
Now the necromancers had entered the stage. A plan was devised to attempt to infiltrate the secret order of the necromancers. Aislings sought out necromantic apprentices - however few were successful. The necromancers were up to something and had every reason to hide. This event only deepened the mystery.
Deoch 46 - Prologue to the Saga of the Darkness
It took nearly four deochs for anymore information to come to light. But once again aislings attempted to infiltrate the order of the necromancers. This time two were successful in pleasing a necromancer apprentice. In his glee over their successful completions of his tasks he mentioned that something was coming back and soon the power of the necromancers would be unbelievable. In the end the two aislings stood atop mount Giragan in triumpth- as if something had drawn them there.
Deoch 52 - Mysterious Object (posting only - not a player event)
Nothing had been heard of the mysteries, necromantic activities, etc for nearly six deochs. Then one day a mysterious object turned up in a mine near Tagor. It smelled so horrible that workers had to leave the mine. When it was taken out plant life and animals began to grow ill and die. Eventually a high ranking wizard from Loures arrived, obtained the artifact, boarded a ship, and was never heard from again.
When the wizard\'s ship left many reported a seeing a strange figure with glowing red eyes standing alone atop a seaside cliff. When men went up to investigate it had since vanished. Later it was revealed the peasants who worked in the mine had reported similar sightings but they had been dismissed.
Many theorize that this very odd event had something to do with all the events from deochs earlier. Perhaps the object recovered in Tagor was somehow related to the one rumored to be buried under Mount Giragan..
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Results
Nearly one moon ago groups of aislings set out to the investigate a mystery that spanned six previous Novus Imperia events. In this seventh event aislings finally uncovered the truth. An ancient power source, the same had forged such legendary weapons as the draco fang and shadow slayer, had been found and only by joining two ancient artifacts could it be used. But was this power to dangerous for mortal hands?
Aisling investigators set out across Temuair to uncover the ancient power. They journeyed to Loures, to Tagor, Piet, Astrid, and more. In the end each group was forced to make their own decesion on what do to with the ancient power source.
The winning groups:
Kufell, Marrin, & Gildorette
KaraDawn, Starmaiden, Kendrik, Jacobue, & Chloracie
Koushiro, Dalmark, AdelaideT, Dolice, & Bardos
Hectaite, Rembrant, Kasajn, Kagado, & Mumiz
Ryoichi, Trance, SarahJane, Auticus, & Strife
Seek, Jubjubdayout, & Maverix
Snag, Zikare, Yodogg, & Cheisea
Xenoria, Spiack, Fortalice Sukenno, & Geheimni
Punchling, Skylarhawk, Bronzesword, & Draton
Possible Legend Marks (Depends On Group Choices):
"Destroyed the Ancient Power", "Seized the Ancient Power, or "Lost the Ancient Power"
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Solution Guide / Event Script
Loures Castle
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Mount Giragan
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Tagor
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Soumi Wizard OR Gigean
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(Complete Task) (Complete Task)
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Piet Sewers (Barral)
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Swamp Center
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Near Nobis
Undine Tagor Farm
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Astrid Center
TOTAL: 10 Event Hosts
Endings –
Good – Player sacrifices himself on Astrid Center, thus destroying the power.
Neutral – Player kills Ramanayan, thus obtaining the power for himself.
Evil – Player is tricked by Ramanayan, thus giving Ramanayan the power.
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Mount Giragan – Keyword “Mysterious Object”
Excavator – You must be the ones Lord Ramanayan sent. We were so close, but then armed men stormed our camp and forced us to flee. We a saw a dark figure with red glowing eyes in the woods nearby. We fear it was an Avatar of Anaman. *sighs* Our dig site is completely destroyed. We can only suspect they wanted the rumored artifact buried here. I’m sorry I can’t be of any more help to you. Perhaps someone in Tagor would know more, since there were reports of another object being recovered there some deochs ago.
Tagor – Keyword “Mysterious Object”
Peasant - Yeah a few deochs ago I was working in the mine up north. We found some strange box but it wouldn’t open. It smelled so horrible we had to leave the mine. They sent a mage from Loures who took it on a ship. We ain’t heard nothing about it since. Some of the boys said they sawed a strange red eyed figure watching the mine, but none of them officials cared to listen.
That reminds me too some necromancers were poking their heads round here right after the event in question. Take my advice aislings; don’t seek out any necromancers unless you wish to fall onto a very dark path. Perhaps someone who deals with necromancers, but is not one, has more information but won’t attempt to lure you astray.
GOOD PATH
Suomi Wizard – Keyword “Mysterious Object”
Ah we have been expecting you aislings. My master and I have followed the recent events with great concern. While we are not proponents of necromancy we do what we can to make gold to continue our research. We also learn much in the process of dealing with necromancers.
You see the object recovered from Tagor is one of two parts that, when united, will locking an ancient power source. The other piece is supposedly buried under Mount Giragan. However, we know very little about what this power does, save it is far more powerful then any kind of magic in existence.
Originally the court of Loures themselves had requested we research the Tagorian object due to our experience with necromancers. Unfortunately the object never arrived here. In fact the ship that it was placed on was never heard from again. No one knows what happened to it.
The druids have informed us that the necromancers have a considerable interest in this power source. Other evidence indicates the remnants of the Pact of Anaman are also seeking the power. We cannot allow either group to gain this power for themselves.
We are formulating a plan to stop these two groups from obtaining this power. In the meantime we need some assistance. We are aware that the necromancers are building up enough items to summon an army of undead if needed. If you can gather us a ghast skull and gargoyle skull it will help our efforts against them. Return here when you have completed this task.
(On completion of task) – Good, this will deny the necromancers more soldiers. Just recently we learned of some disturbing news. We can now confirm that the remnants of the Pact of Anaman have indeed taken the artifact that was buried under mount Giragan. However without the Tagorian artifact they cannot unlock the ancient power. We are attempting to track both objects down now, but our most important concern is recovering the one from the Pact.
We have a contact with more information but he has gone into hiding. Somewhere in the Piet Sewers 2-2 you should find some information that will lead you to him and then the artifact. We do not know what might lurk beyond there, so please be careful. Once you have recovered the artifact seek out our associate in the abandoned Undine weapon’s shop. Tell him the phrase “Monolith”.
EVIL PATH
Gigean’s Lair – Keyword “Mysterious Object”
I sense darkness in you aisling. You have chosen to come here instead of siding with those foolish elementalists. Do not fear for you have made the correct choice. We are in the mists of something great.
The artifact recovered from Tagor is one of two parts that, when united, will unlock an ancient power source. The other piece is supposedly buried under Mount Giragan. However, we know very little about what this power does, save it is far more powerful then any kind of magic in existence. Imagine armies of undead fueled by this ancient power!
Unfortunately those wrenched wizards would rather see the power destroyed then use it. And the Pact of Anaman has been no friend to us for hundreds of years. We must stop both groups from obtaining the power.
We have forces on their way to Giragan as we speak. We are also attempting to track down what happened to the Tagorian artifact. The ship carrying it from Tagor vanished without a trace several deochs ago.
In the meantime I do have a task for you to complete. We are in need of a gog’s maw to complement our undead army. When you have obtained this item return here.
(On completion of task) – Excellent, this will aide us greatly. Recently there have been some disturbing developments regarding the Pact of Anaman. It would appear that the Pact of Anaman has seized the artifact that was buried under Mount Giragan. Our men arrived too late.
However without the Tagorian artifact they cannot unlock the power source. We are attempting to track down both artifacts now, but our most important concern is recovering the one from the Pact.
We have a contact that may have more information, but he has gone into hiding. We believe somewhere in Piet Sewers 2-2 you will find clues which will lead to him and then to the artifact. We do not know what might lurk beyond there, so do not get yourselves killed. Once you have recovered the artifact seek out my apprentice in the farm beyond Tagor. Tell him the phrase “Pian”.
SWAMP Center
Good, you understood the message from the Sewers. We’ve got to keep this power out of his hands. I’ll get to the point quickly.
You see after the Tagorian artifact was recovered a wizard was sent out to retrieve it. The plan was to give it over to an expert mage in Suomi for investigation. The artifact was recovered as planned by the wizard, loaded onto a ship, and then the ship set sail. I was a member of the crew of that ship.
However, mid way through the voyage the ship was attacked and boarded. We assumed it was pirates just after ransom but we were wrong. I watched my shipmates butchered in front of me. Some of the invaders clearly were trained in the elements and eventually they overwhelmed the wizard.
I don’t know who they where but I did a good look at their leader. He looked to be in his late fifties, whitish-grey, and wore an impressive white jacket. Before they left they set fire to our ship intending to send any evidence of their atrocities to the bottom.
It was only by mere luck I managed to survive by holding onto some planks. I drifted for several days until washing up on the coast of the Isle of Dawn.
Sailing the seas I learned that the Pact of Anaman has been using Nobis as a base of operations. If you hurry, you might be able to intercept the Tagorian artifact as they are bringing it back.
Nobis Entrance
[Anaman will be standing in Oren City near the entrance to the Nobis. When an aisling group doing the quest arrives he should do as follows.]
What is this? Pathetic aislings, I know what you are here for. The artifact is pure energy inside me now. Oh, so they didn’t tell you, did they? Once either artifact touches mortal hands it becomes pure energy. The only way it can be transferred is to kill the host.
*draws blade* And dear aislings, try not to scream to much as I cut out your still beating hearts and offer them up to my Dark Lord. HAHAHAHA!
[Anaman enters into the Nobis monster area and begins to fight the aislings]
Lines to say during fight:
1: Eight centuries have passed, only two remain.
2: The Pact is stronger then death.
3: Even if you slay me, I cannot die.
4: Impossible!
5: *Dies*
GOOD PATH
Undine Closed Weapon’s Shop
Keyword – “Monolith”
Undine – Welcome aislings, thank you for recovering the Tagorian artifact. We knew more then we let on before, but we had to make sure you were up to the task.
You see this power source is the same that forged such legendary weapons as the Shadow Slayer, the Draco Fang, and more. Sometime after Ainmeal defeated Tenes the power source vanished. We do not know why. What we do is that the power source was split into two. One piece was buried in what would later become the mine near Tagor. The other was turned into pure energy and cast out of Temuair, with the Seal of Temuair blocking its return.
When the Seal of Temuair was broken the energy portion returned to Temuair and settled under Mount Garigan. Once either touches mortal hands it becomes pure energy. The only way the energy can be transferred from one to another is by killing the holder - as you did to Anaman. You now hold half of the ancient power.
No doubt you also heard our contact’s story on the Tagorian artifact. There can be no doubt that the man who lead the attack on ship carrying the Tagorian artifact is none other then your Lord Ramanayan.
Ramanayan has been holding the other half of the power source for deochs now. It now seems likely that he has been attempting to seize this power source for decades. He tried to use you aislings, just like he has used hundreds of others over the past few decades.
Ramanayan cannot be allowed to gain control of the power source. Even if you killed Ramanayan his portion would then transfer into you and then you would completely control the power source. Likewise, if he is able to kill you, then he would take complete control.
*raises an eyebrow* However, if you were to take your own life then the power would have no where to go and would cease to exist. You must sacrifice yourself aisling for the greater good. This power cannot be allowed to exist. Take some wine and hemlock, go to the center of Astrid and make the right choice. I fear because of aisling physiology it will not work in another location.
EVIL PATH
Tagor Farm
Keyword – “Pian”
Tagor Farm: Excellent, you have recovered the Tagorian artifact. We knew more then we let on before, but we had to make sure you were up to the task.
You see this power source is the same that forged such legendary weapons as the Shadow Slayer, the Draco Fang, and more. Imagine what it could do for necromancy! Sometime after Ainmeal defeated Tenes the power source vanished. We do not know why. What we do is that the power source was split into two. One piece was buried in what would later become the mine near Tagor. The other was turned into pure energy and cast out of Temuair, with the Seal of Temuair blocking its return.
When the Seal of Temuair was broken the energy portion returned to Temuair and settled under Mount Garigan. Once either touches mortal hands it becomes pure energy. The only way the energy can be transferred from one to another is by killing the holder - as you did to Anaman. You now hold half of the ancient power.
No doubt you also heard our contact’s story on the Tagorian artifact. There can be no doubt that the man who led the attack on ship carrying the Tagorian artifact is none other then you’re Lord Ramanayan.
Ramanayan has been holding the other half of the power source for deochs now. It now seems likely that he has been attempting to seize this power source for decades. He tried to use you aislings, just like he has used hundreds of others over the past few decades.
Ramanayan cannot be allowed to gain control of the power source. You must kill him aisling and then you will control the power! With our aid, we will teach you to use it. Then a new darkness will descent on Temuair that will make the Night of Tagor seem as nothing.
Ramanayan was last seen in the area of Astrid Center. Go quickly and take the power from him! Then we will rule Temuair once again!
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Astrid Center
[Ramanayan will meet the arriving parties]
For Good Groups –
Wait, before you take your own life. I know why you are here. That foolish Undine rebel has lied to you. This is not a dangerous power, but one that has the potential to reinvigorate the aisling spark.
As you probably know the other way either power can be transferred is by killing the holder. That is not entirely true. Since I have held half the power for many deochs I have done considerable research. By utilizing an ancient Grenniel era spell the power can be transferred from one to another without death.
Simply say the words “Pian Na Dubh Ramanayan” and it shall be done. Do this, and together we can restore Hy-brasyl!
For Evil Groups –
Well, I see that Gigean has some new errand boys. If you think you’ll just kill me and receive the power source you are deluding yourself. Do you even know to use it? The answer is no, but I do. I am the pathway to a power greater than life itself.
I have spent deochs researching this ancient power and it can be transferred without killing by utilizing an ancient Grenniel era spell.
Simply say the words “Pian Na Dubh Ramanayan” and it shall be done. Do this, and together we will rule Temuair! What do you say?
[If they agree]: HAHAHAHA! *summons forth the ancient powers* You fools did exactly what I thought you would. Your own greed has destroyed you.
[If they don’t]: *draws blade* Then I will take the power from your broken bodies.
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