From: <SCHOLAR> Serra To: Ilromie Subject: A fond farewell Content: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- My dearest and oldest friend,
I owe you everything for returning me from death. For it was death that had claimed me, and I till now have been living on borrowed time. I can only guess at the reason that returned me to this earth. Perhaps the chance to save a soul. Perhaps the chance to press back against the demons. Perhaps the chance to share the story of a legend that would have been kept a secret.
Perhaps it was none of those things, just a love strong enough to raise the dead. For my love for Serin has grown deep, and the bond cannot be easily broken.
I am grateful to have been able to be a part of your life, and to have shared so many adventures. To have seen you grow from an inquisitive young woman into the Polymath you are now, settled, fulfilled, with a reputation known throughout the lands.
Valindra wished me to oppose your flame. I feel I have always countered your flame, in a sense. You have grown to know me so well - you have no more need of me. Simply remember me, and if you are willful enough (as I know you are), the flame will be contained.
Someday we will meet again in Acadia.
Warmly, Serra
From: <SCHOLAR> Serra To: Valindra Subject: A favor for an old woman Content: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Valindra,
I can no longer stay. I have completed the work that I have lived for, and have seen so many souls inspired in different ways that it truly humbles me. I am sorry I will not be able to care for Olgarda as I promised, nor protect Ilromie from the curse. I had hoped... I had hoped for some things that I will never be able to see.
I have left my soul upon my Lord's altar, for it is his to keep.
For you, I leave my books. I hope perhaps you may give my last one to Kaelric, and ask him to forgive me that I cannot teach him personally.
Do not miss me when I go, my dear. For you only need to whisper into your ball, and you will find me there in Acadia.
Warmly, Serra
From: <SCHOLAR> Serra To: Kedaleam Subject: Return Content: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Lord,
I have lived too long now, and my body can sustain no longer. I hope that young ones will find the path of Water as beautiful as I discovered it to be. Thank you for being my guide, and for protecting my soul from the darkness.
Humbly yours, Serra
*** I declare to myself, and to others, over and over that I have set you free from my heart. But my love, it isn't true. I cannot - I do not know how to let go of you.
Alkas taught me we phase into this world in cycles. And so I have lingered with the hope of finding you amongst the souls. I throw myself into my work, and into the lives of countless others, searching endlessly. But I cannot recognize you. Are you yet trapped in Acadia? Have you forever turned your back on me?
You once told me we had no need for apologies between us... But perhaps that was before you felt me leave. Lord Solmundi told me I was selfish for seeking my end alone, without the farewell I promised you. It is my greatest betrayal, and greatest shame... But I could not bear to say goodbye.
That day, in the witch's flame, I sensed your presence and hoped beyond hope that you would turn and speak. Turn and look at me. Anything! But you simply faded without hearing my words.
I begged you for forgiveness.
I had never begged before.
It is how you were, defiant, holding firm to your convictions, and your pride. It is not how you were, heartless and unheeding. My memories of you keep muddling. Here the sound of your voice, there a touch, and still there a dream. I can no longer tell which is real and which is simply yearning.
I beseech you, I beseech myself... Release me. Release us. I cannot bear to miss you so.
An Old Trail | Leading off from the main trail of the mountain, a small | grassy terrain winds slowly west towards the border of x x | a river. It seems a little calmer and free of the weathers | | | of the rest of this mountain. A gentle breeze enters from o-@-x-x| the west and travels east gradually but with resolve. || Ferns at either side of this trails path have grown to x| the waist height of a typical human. They almost seem | to close the path in and protect it from the turmoils | of the rest of the mountain. ---------+
[Exits: east (south) west] This simple shack door has been crafted from deadfall. A monk stands here waiting for someone to fight to the death. A mottled wolf keeps watch over its master's abode. You yell 'Help! I am being attacked by a sparring monk!' A sparring monk's elbow slash MUTILATES you! You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
605hp 806m 417mv 1200g none mob calm field (outside) [--------- ] Not with protective shield. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
605hp 731m 417mv 1200g none mob calm field (outside) [--------- ] You parry a sparring monk's back fist with an easy flourish. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has a few scratches.
605hp 731m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ]
A sparring monk disarms you and sends your weapon flying! A sparring monk has a few scratches.
605hp 731m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ] You begin scolding your opponent for their differing alignment. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
605hp 731m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk's back fist maims you! Your punch DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has a few scratches.
571hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ]
A sparring monk's jab maims you! A sparring monk dodges your punch. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
535hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ] You get a diamond studded mace. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
535hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ] You wield a diamond studded mace. A diamond studded mace feels like a part of you! A sparring monk has a few scratches.
535hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ] A miniature chess piece transforms to form Wiggles the enormous old alsatian! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian now follows you. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
535hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ] You thrust a sparring monk's jab aside in a skillful parry. A sparring monk nimbly dodges your wrath with a practiced maneuver. A sparring monk dodges your wrath. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
535hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [--------- ] You finish your sermon and begin the next in the series. Your castigation injures a sparring monk. A sparring monk's elbow slash MUTILATES you! Your wrath MUTILATES a sparring monk! Your wrath MUTILATES a sparring monk! A sparring monk has a few scratches.
495hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] Ok. A sparring monk has a few scratches.
495hp 716m 417mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. Your wrath MUTILATES a sparring monk! Your wrath MUTILATES a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
503hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] A sparring monk's back fist MUTILATES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
463hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You say 'Let us end this, my old friend.' A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
463hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You parry a sparring monk's elbow slash. A sparring monk dances around your wrath, easily dodging it. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
463hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] A sparring monk tries to disarm you, but fails. A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
463hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You finish your sermon and begin the next in the series. Your castigation maims a sparring monk! A sparring monk's elbow slash MUTILATES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISMEMBERS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
426hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] Wiggles the enormous old alsatian barks happily. Ok. A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
426hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] You parry a sparring monk's jab with an easy flourish. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some small wounds and bruises.
426hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] A sparring monk's elbow slash MUTILATES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite MUTILATES a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
388hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] You parry a sparring monk's jab with an easy flourish. A sparring monk dodges your wrath. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
388hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] You parry a sparring monk's back fist. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
388hp 727m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] You parry a sparring monk's back fist. A sparring monk dodges your wrath. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
398hp 751m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] A sparring monk's elbow slash maims you! A sparring monk dodges your wrath. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
363hp 751m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] A sparring monk's elbow slash MUTILATES you! Your wrath misses a sparring monk. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
326hp 751m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] You thrust a sparring monk's elbow slash aside in a skillful parry. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Your wrath misses a sparring monk. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite MUTILATES a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
326hp 751m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
415hp 711m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ]
You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. A sparring monk dodges your wrath. A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
415hp 711m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
494hp 671m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISMEMBERS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
494hp 671m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
494hp 656m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] A sparring monk's jab maims you! Your wrath MUTILATES a sparring monk! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
458hp 656m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You begin scolding your opponent for their differing alignment. You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. A sparring monk dodges your wrath. A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
458hp 656m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] That makes no sense. A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
458hp 656m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! You thrust a sparring monk's back fist aside in a skillful parry. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISMEMBERS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
458hp 641m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----- ]
You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. A sparring monk stumbles and barely dodges your wrath. A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
458hp 641m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----- ] Your exorcism DISMEMBERS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
458hp 626m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----- ] You feel less vulnerable to afflictions. The white aura around your body fades. A sparring monk has quite a few wounds.
470hp 639m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----- ]
You finish your sermon and begin the next in the series. Your castigation devastates a sparring monk! A sparring monk's elbow slash MASSACRES you! Your wrath MUTILATES a sparring monk! Your wrath MUTILATES a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
393hp 639m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] Your exorcism MUTILATES a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
393hp 624m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [- ] A sparring monk's elbow slash MASSACRES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite misses a sparring monk. A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
323hp 624m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [- ] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
323hp 609m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [- ] A sparring monk's jab MASSACRES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
245hp 609m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [- ] Your exorcism decimates a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
245hp 594m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ] A sparring monk gets a wild look in his eyes. A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
245hp 594m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ]
You parry a sparring monk's jab. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISMEMBERS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
245hp 594m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ] You don't have a bag. A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
245hp 594m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ] You do not have that artifact. A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
245hp 594m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
320hp 554m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You finish your sermon and begin the next in the series. Your castigation mauls a sparring monk. A sparring monk's back fist MASSACRES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
240hp 554m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [ ] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
322hp 514m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ] A sparring monk's back fist MANGLES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
238hp 514m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-- ] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
322hp 474m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ]
A sparring monk's elbow slash MASSACRES you! A sparring monk dodges your wrath. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
249hp 474m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] You scan all around. You scan east. *** Range 1 (east) *** A monk stands here waiting for someone to fight to the death. *** Range 3 (east) *** A warrior made of stone stands here, looking for something to destroy. *** Range 5 (east) *** (White Aura) A massive ranger guardian towers above you, blocking the entrance to the wilderness. You scan south. You scan west. *** Range 1 (west) *** A monk stands here waiting for someone to fight to the death. A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
249hp 474m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [---- ] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
338hp 434m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [------ ] A sparring monk's back fist misses you. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
338hp 434m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [------ ] A warm feeling fills your body. You deflect a sparring monk's elbow slash aside in an ungraceful parry. A sparring monk stumbles and barely dodges your wrath. A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
430hp 394m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-------- ] A sparring monk tries to disarm you, but fails. A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
430hp 394m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-------- ] You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite MUTILATES a sparring monk! A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
430hp 394m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [-------- ] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
507hp 354m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----------] You thrust a sparring monk's elbow slash aside in a skillful parry. A sparring monk stumbles and barely dodges your wrath. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a sparring monk! A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
507hp 354m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----------] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
515hp 359m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----------] A sparring monk's elbow slash MASSACRES you! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk looks pretty hurt.
437hp 359m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [----------] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk is in awful condition.
437hp 344m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=---------] You parry a sparring monk's back fist with an easy flourish. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a sparring monk! A sparring monk is in awful condition.
437hp 344m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=---------] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
516hp 304m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [===-------] You block a sparring monk's attack with your shield. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk is in awful condition.
516hp 304m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [===-------] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! You parry a sparring monk's elbow slash. A sparring monk nimbly dodges your wrath with a practiced maneuver. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
516hp 289m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [===-------] Your shield wobbles and barely deflects a sparring monk's back fist. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk is in awful condition.
516hp 289m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [===-------] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
592hp 249m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=====-----] You parry a sparring monk's back fist. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk stumbles and barely dodges your wrath. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
592hp 249m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=====-----] You step away from the disarm attempt. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
592hp 249m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=====-----]
You parry a sparring monk's jab with an easy flourish. A sparring monk dodges your wrath. A sparring monk dodges your wrath. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
592hp 249m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=====-----] A warm feeling fills your body. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
673hp 209m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=======---]
You parry a sparring monk's elbow slash with an easy flourish. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk is in awful condition.
673hp 209m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [=======---] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk is in awful condition.
673hp 194m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [========--] You feel solid again. A sparring monk is in awful condition.
673hp 206m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [========--] You thrust a sparring monk's jab aside in a skillful parry. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk stumbles and barely dodges your wrath. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian's bite DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk is in awful condition.
673hp 206m 419mv 1200g none mob active field (outside) [========--] Your exorcism DISEMBOWELS a sparring monk! A sparring monk disintegrates in your exorcism! A sparring monk is DEAD!! Kedaleam gives you 253 gold coins for your tenacity. You hear a sparring monk's death cry. You get 253 gold coins from the corpse of a sparring monk. Kedaleam gives you 45 gold coins for your sacrifice.
End of the River | A river of ice flows slowly northwards, its surface covered | in a thin layer of snow. It seems to have once been a glacier | but time has melted away most of it leaving a stream of | water with little left intact. Trapped below in the ice @-~ | you see a few creatures that have fallen into it, their | | bodies preserved over the ages. Whether accidental death ~ | or intentional is unclear, though the otherwise calm nature | | of this place doesn't give much indication of any murder ~ | taking place here. Reeds frozen in the ice sprout from ---------+ the sides of the river. It seems to have once been a place of baptism.
[Exits: east] A still figure rests quietly on the riverbank. (White Aura) A powerful storm giant rests peacefully in the water. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian swims in.
The still form of a female storm giant kneels upon the riverbank. Unlike Britus, she seems to be quite dormant and void of awareness. A thin cloak is wrapped around her shoulders, and a bag marked with the symbol of the Magi is held protectively in her arms. She seems impervious to the bitter cold. Her face and hands are scarred but her expression is tranquil. Her eyes are closed.
Wiggles the enormous old alsatian looks at a still figure. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian whines worriedly.
You pat Wiggles the enormous old alsatian on its head. You say 'It will be alright, my old friend.' You say 'I release you.' You say 'I release us.'
You bow your head in worship of your god. Kedaleam grants you a little favor. Reputation with Kedaleam increased by 6. You receive 1 relic of <MYSTIC>.
You touch a still figure with a fingertip, its hard surface burning with cold.
A still figure === OBLITERATES === you! You feel a sudden, intense jolt run through your body as your spirit splits from its physical tethers.
Serra's body suddenly seizes for a moment and a burst of white light pours from her eyes.
