And here we have it! The 2nd issue of the 18th Volume of the Serin
Mystique is within your hands!

(Published on the 18th Renewal of the Celestial of Piety)

"A breeze of righteousness finds its way into the Abyss. A battle
ensues, and an immortal is killed by his poisoned blade. What he thought
was the end, was only the beginning. The Master of Illusions, The One and
The Many, was at work here. What was thought to be a glorious victory by
the paladin, was only a plan of deception he fell victim to by Zylenier
himself. The Great Return remains."

Greetings Serins!

It is your friendly, neighborhood Heralds back at it again to bring you the
latest news from around the world that is Serin. Seen roaming the lands
recently is a new group of individuals only known as Riftwards. Not much
are known about them other than they claim to have walked across planes that
no other Serin has set foot upon. They also seem to have uncanny magical
abilities and healing powers that rival any cleric within Serin.

Now being the Herald you all know I am, I have had the amazing opportunity
to befriend a couple of these individuals and adventure with them. Let me
tell you, if you wish a grant adventure these folks are definitely worth
having amongst your ranks. They are quite adept in shielding you from harm
along with dishing out just as much.

So ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion if you have the opportunity to come
across one of these fine clerics take a moment and say hello and listen to
the stories they have to tell. I assure you that you will not be
disappointed, for they are fine fellows and merely wish to see what the land
of Serin has to offer.

Stay tuned for more news from around Serin!
Zemi, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Greetings Serins,

I come to you this day to tell a tale of the ages and bring Serin fantastic
news. Through hard work from the Consortium and from the great gods Lord
Avenar and Lady Valindra, the shadow god Zylenier is no more. Now you may
be asking yourselves "How does one kill a god?", well ladies and gentlemen,
that information I cannot divulge. Many hands took part in this endeavor.
Lady Valindra, and myself translated the runes needed while Lord Avenar
opened the gate. Ithril and myself wandered the horrible land to meet the
god face to face, as Verasa made sure no one entered behind us.

Along the way we were tormented by the demon Olgarda until Ithril's quick
wit managed to trick her into leading us into the shadow god's lair. It was
here Ithril and I made our stand. The battle was bloody and relentless but
in the end we drove our blades into the shadow god's head. Once his head
was removed, Olgarda once again tried to trick us and seal us within!
Through deception we were able to find our way from the wretched plane and
make our way home.

So my dear Serins for now let us rejoice in peace for one of the prime evils
of our land has been vanquished. For may you always know that even though
it does not seem so, the Consortium is always watching and protecting the
great land of Serin.

Written with a smile,
Zemi Aerinonth, the Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Adept of Air

Now weep and despair
For the Adept of Air.
Those horrible stained teeth.
What's lurking beneath?

Laugh often and cry
For his singular eye.
Tell me--what does he see
As he lowers one knee?

Which whispers attend him,
On the witch's broom, tandem?
What truths does he hear
With her wind in his ear?

Watch Sister the goat
Spell the poems he wrote.
A wisp at the temple,
Broad chin with a dimple.

This tune, it lacks measure--
Guard an old witch's treasure.
This song--nay, a verse--
Reveals an old witch's curse.

Folks that went poof

Olag read again today how folk him knew poof -- gone away,
Got him wonder some disease got Serin folk think can't succeed,
Lot of folk seem train real hard, then lose some stuff and fold they cards,
Could be they was disillusion, fight a demon got a bruising,
Maybe think that life not worth the time and effort them put forth,
Some just want to be a thorn, then world get change so they reborn,
Others stop from come around, and one day heard they in the ground.

Olag not real understood why stuff happen way it would,
Try spend time with all him friend afore they meat untimely end.

-Olag

Shortest Lived Legionnaire

Olag knew this one drow Thief who liked to give poor Olag grief,
After giants help them gain the pinnacle them wish attain,
Sneak around and smack him head with strange tube sock fill up with lead,
Olag read they joined cabal known for them demons in they hall,
Next day took a bit too far smack him with Korvak standing thar,
Olag woke up with a ache while Thief bemoan her couldn't take,
Olag stuff that tempted so now that her delegated Rogue,
Her decide take Olag life by try to hit him with a knife,
Quickly fell but wasn't killed by giant after hand was stilled,
Korvak challenge to a duel that left behind a bloody pool,
Next thing Olag read that day was poor Elvyra poofed away.

-Olag

Greetings Serins,

I come before you this day to speak of the Unholy Knight, Deuzia. After a
battle with her that costed me my life I was able to actually get to her
tell me of her evil plans. She told me that she kills not only for the love
of the feel of her boot upon her victim's throat but also that she feeds the
souls she collects to her deity Zylenier.

So me being the curious Herald that I am pressed on, and found that she
plans to raise her deity so he may walk the streets of Serin once more! To
this I replied in asking what makes you think that the Knights or some other
faction of Light will not stop you? To which she quoted "Once I have
obtained what I need, no one will stop the great Zylenier from walking the
land."

I asked why she chose to follow Zylenier and she told me that they are the
only one that can remove a curse that was bestowed upon her. When I asked
about this curse, she told me it was given to her by Ilythir and no one but
Zylenier can remove it. To this I laughed and said any holy man can remove
such a curse but she would not hear of this.

After this she would answer no more of my question and moved on to her next
victim, so Serins be sure to remain vigilant for she seems the type that
will not stop until her goals are complete.

May the winds keep you all well and safe,
Zemi Aerinonth, the Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Greetings Serins,

I had the fantastic opprortunity to speak with a person today from a race
unlike any other here in Serin. A young Ayr by the name of Iralune and
travelled tog ether and they had an impressive story to tell.

We spoke of their ship landing and why it landed within Serin in the first
place. As was told to me, their race was fleeing from a great evil within
the cosmos that threatened not only their land but existence itself. They
also told me that even though they wanted to they could not give me more
information on the great evil, for when their ship crashed most of their
race's history along with why they fled was destroyed.

I asked them of their hopes and goals within Serin, their response to me was
but one word, survival. So being the curious Herald I am, I asked. "What
do you need for your race to survive?" I asked. To which they begain to
explain to me that their race is one of spirit not unlike the wisp we have
in Serin. But as they explained our wisp are made of aether, while they are
purely of spirit. The mechanical suits they wear protect them from the
taint of the land.

Not wanting to divluge too much, they changed the subject and started
explaining their goals within Serin. They told me that their race is
growing thin, with less than one hundred members of the ship remaining.
That their goal is to find a way to eliminate the corruption that threatens
them. Then once the corruption is dealt with, they can seek an enviroment
where they can thrive and perhaps even reproduce.

So my dear Serins, it seems that the Ayr are not so different from us. For
all they wish is peace and to be able to thrive in a rich enviroment and
live their lives. But it does make one wonder, what great threat where they
running from? Does it pose a threat to Serin? I suppose only time will
tell, for now I think the Ayr are a wonderful addition to the land of Serin.

May the be forever prosperous,
Zemi Aerinonth, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Olag interview Crilia, Beautiful Flying Demon Person (definitely not a
Flying Meat Puppet, and Olag recommend against say that unless like get
hellstream self) at Traveler Rest. Her create some mushroom, and complement
Olag on make three at once. Olag say only know some piddly magiks, still
want learn them hellstream. Olag ask Beautiful Winged Demon what want folk
in Serin know about self. Crilia said want folk know her is beautiful and
mischievous, love hellstream, and enjoy hellstream folks to see beautiful
sparks and colors! However, Winged Demon not a bad person, and primarily
defend self. Olag ask why folks want hurt such beautiful winged demon.
Beautiful Flying Demon Person mentioned some folk attack without warning,
while Knights at least mutter something about oaths and servitude. Olag ask
why like hellstream so much, must know whole bunch spell. Her said other
spell not as beautiful, Crilia see stream of blinding, beautiful light every
time cast. Olag agreed fascinating spell, and envy Beautiful Demon Person
for able cast it. Her suggest Olag work harder for learn, then Olag and
Beautiful Fly Demon Person can hellstream each other to see amazing lights.
Olag said that sound real good, ask if her like get hellstream. Demon
Person said never got hellstream yet, most mages not violent but got shield
for block hellstream. Olag admit it sting somewhat, agree mages seem
peaceful except them death mage type, bemoan him shield not good for
anything. Crilia say them platinum spiked shield not block hellstream,
crumple in hellstream instead. Olag ask why them Knights coming after
demons? Her said no idea, gotta ask them Knights. Olag said saw one of
them Big Shiny Elf went poof, maybe hellstream too good. Her said lot of
folk went poof for hellstream. Olag mention saw Ethryn body part at Lazarus
Pit. Crilia said them not a Knight, got nasty mouth, maybe too dazzled by
Hellstream. Olag said lot of folk go poof, Olag not understand. Her said
them all come to hurt Beautiful Flying Demon, end up poof over and over.

Olag ask if Demon got second demon in there. Her crossed eyes look at self.
Olag attempt cross eye and fail. Crilia say just the one demon in there.
Olag say no room for second Olag in him neither. Olag ask what like do,
other than fly around and hellstream folk. Crilia say explore difficult
place. Olag said like do that too, want for go Silent Citadel. Her agree
and said difficult place for explore. Olag said like for make dead cyclops
go there unprepare. Olag bemoan only got the one secret left there. Her
ask about patch flag at pirate ship, gonna try sewing and maybe hellstream
some pirate, that always fun. Tabby cat walk in, and Olag start to drool
some down shirt, apologize for old habit. Crilia say most time spent solve
remaining secrets. Olag said never got so far without Big Stone Brother,
Korvak. Probably could go three to Taekir and complete them secrets. Her
said seen Big Stone Brother around some.

Olag ask if Winged Demon Person got any religion, said worship them god Lord
Vhrael, God of Trickery. Olag mention them flying demon mark thing probably
block them immortal tattoo. Her said maybe some day find out. Olag invite
for join Glorious Goblin Goddess, if anyone figure out how to tattoo, it
Valindra. Crilia said them goblin goddess sound interesting. Olag tell how
cyclops could not initiate for them Air element, but Glorious Godlin make
for it happen. Olag ask if knew anything about them Big Squid God,
Zylenier, and bunch of fuss about thems lately. Her said rumors is they
visit Deuzia, her got problem with mind, like blood too much. Olag said
heard them same rumor. Olag ask what think about them flying stone demon
thing. Her said them gargoyles ugly. Olag ask if they from backside of
Underworld maybe. Crilia say not know, them just appeared one day. Olag
ask how her escape from Abyss. Her say a tear in Abyss and Crilia went
without look over wing. Olag ask if any them demons search for Crilia, him
would worry them tattle. Her said Beautiful Fly Winged Demon very fast,
zoom around, not worry much about that. Olag agree for speed. Olag ask if
speed wing power or magik; her said both. Olag ask if her like write. Her
said can paint with blood on claw so not write good, but read good. Olag
ask how learn them magiks. Crilia say learn from Abyss, taught read from
old master, gain knowledge and after escape Abyss, self taught arcane arts.
Olag say that real real fancy. Olag inquire about favorite food. Crilia
say mushrooms favorite. Her ask if they a mushroom pie somewhere in Serin,
maybe Glorious Goblin Goddess cook one. Olag say sound real nice, him watch
for one. Her gonna trade favour for mushroom pie from anyone. Olag ask her
save piece for Olag.

On the 2nd Renewal of te Celestial of Piety, the Executor of Valour
himself, Sir Tynidas, was interviewed. He spoke frankly and told the truth
as far as I can tell. So anyway, my first question was how he saw the
Knights of Valour in the overall picture compared with the other cabals and
he said, "I never think about comparison between other cabals [like that]."
I noted his reply was very virtuous though not at the expense of being too
prideful.

I ask about membership. He their roster has thinned currently but he
expects it will be bolstered. He didn't say when mind you...

And now for a direct quote from the man himself when asked about goals:

'Our goal has always remained the same. We continue to strive to protect
all Valourians and spread the goodness of Valour. Any who wish to seek
shelter in our City is welcome to. The beacon of Light will continue to
shine evermore. '

Finally, I asked where he saw the Knights heading in coming days and the
future, and he noted that he has been unable to participate and keep up with
the shifting of Serin and believes it is time for the Knights of Valour to
join in the secrets of the Abyss.

All in all, a great discussion with a great man. I hope to see them
continue to shine.

- The Tipsy Gale

Olag speak to Big Tiny Demon Lady, Eira. Her said Legion Army is seeking
to recruit new blood. Other details forthcoming.

With the passing of Commander Hotun the Jotun [See Hotun], the Justice
cabal has become just as lively and friendly as ever! Which is to say, they
remain eagle-eyed statues, unwavering sentinels never blinking an eye, but
also never moving. Attempts to approach Officer Werranydd were met with
about the same hostility as one might expect from a vulture guarding its
dinner. Which means, they are not interested in contributing. Gone
apparently are the days when a brave officer of Justice would actively
patrol the streets and show the citizens of Serin he or she meant business
rather than hiding in a guild.

- The Tipsy Gale

The Warlords have weathered some rough times. [See: Gorrak ] Korvak
remains the Last Warmaster and the Lord of Blood continues to reign supreme
as their overlord.

Other known members include Sorindal, Xharhyn, and Deliya. They have
currently appointed Edaena as their cabal's Consortium member.

- The Tipsy Gale

The Keepers of Balance are secretive in their mission of keeping things
tidy within the land of Serin. However in their secrecy the Balance holds
true. May they continue to keep Serin safe for all.

The current known Keepers of Balance are Caowyn and Ithril

Greetings Serins,

On this day of the Dragon Wars, 26th Renewal of the Celestial of Life, Zhryx
took his last breath.

Zhryx was a Quasit that loved to play tricks, but he was also a very dear
friend to us within the Consortium. Not much is known of his beginnings
other than his kind came to Serin from the Abyss. However, what this Herald
can tell you is that even though he was quite the trickster, he stayed true
to those he cared for.

May the Winds forever keep his tricks alive,
Zemi Aerinonth, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Greetings Serins,

On this day, Day of the Great War, 3rd Renewal of the Celestial of Prudence
Phasmida took her final breath.

Phasmida hailed from our Emerald Forest and was a Mystic of Serin like no
other. She was a playful Sprite and knew no one she did not call friend.
Always bound for adventure and an eagerness to learn, she lit up every room
she walked into. Ay she now walk along her best friend Zhyrx and have
fantastic adventures within the afterlife.

She will be missed by all whom have known her,
Zemi Aerinonth, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Greetings Serins,

On this day of the Alliances, 20th Renewal of the Celestial of Prudence,
Vyaeon walked the land of Serin no longer.

Vyaeon, an Elf from the Void, came to the land of Serin as one of the new,
mysterious Riftwards. He was a kind, gentle soul that was on a journey not
only to find the secrets of Serin but to recover his misplaced shadow. He
searched from plane to plane but it always seemed to elude him.

In his short time among us, I had the opprotunity to travel with him. He
was a humble man with a soft sense of humor, and missed his shadow dearly.


May his shadow be resting peacefully with him within the afterlife,
Zemi Aerinonth, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Greetings Serins,

On this day of the Alliances, 31st Renewal of the Celestial of Prudence, the
mighty Warlord Gorrak drew his last breath.

Gorrak was born into blood, sweat, and battle. From the time Gorrak could
walk his might was tested, not for any rites of passage or for tradition.
These were just the ways of his clan.

After leaving his clan, Gorrak made his way to Serin. It is here that he
joined the mighty Warlords. He made a name for himself not only as a fierce
warrior, but also a fine friend.

I myself called Gorrak friend, and we had many adventures together. He was
fierce in battle and knew the land of Serin well. But he was always there
to lend an ear or a hand in a friend's time of need.

May the gods sing his praises and he forever find the best duels in the
afterlife. For this day, we have lost a Warlord, a cheiftain, a brother,
and a friend...

May his axe always be sharp,
Zemi Aerinonth, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

The great Commander's come ande gone,
Climbing up to the top after entry.
He guarded the cities like his lawn,
But he's been a statue, not a sentry.
Finally, Hotum left. saying he was done.

Greetings Serins,

On the Day of the Dark Ages, 30th Renewal of the Celestial of Tolerance, Our
friend Fraleand took his final breath.

Fraleand was a Monk of the highest caliber and a worthy member of Strife.
For those of us that had the pleasure of knowing him know that he was also a
great man.

As a Monk, he was honorted the title of being the Grandmaster Of The Twelve
Beast, for when you dueled him it felt as if you were fighting all twelve at
once. He came from humble beginnings. Born in a small mountain village, at
an early age he felt attuned to the sun, wind, and earth.

May his journey in the afterlife grant him the peace he sought as a Monk,
Zemi Aerinonth, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Greetings Serins,

On the Day of the Dark Ages, 30th Renewal of the Celestial of Tolerance,
Ethryn drew his final breath.

Not much is know of Ethryn's origin, but for those of us that knew him saw
a Paladin of the highest caliber. Fierce in battle against the darkness and
loyal and compassionate to those that walk the Light.

May the Gods of Light embrace him and lead him into his sacred home,
Zemi Aerinonth, The Righteous Breeze, Master Scribe of Tragedy

Within the frame of this portrait, there is a goblin with viridescent
skin. She has pouches about her waist and one of her hands is a brighter
color than the rest of her body. It is as though she is alive, judging by
the opening in her mouth getting bigger...

-submitted by Storm Sister (Rhaotha)

There is a purple velvet painting of a goblin witch in this spot. The
frame is metallic, with a surface like polished bronze. The witch is
wearing a pointy black hat tilted to the right of the picture. She also has
a series of pouches about her waist. She also has verdant skin. And a big
mouth which seems be opening wide...

-submitted by Big Drunk Herald (Edaena)

A mahogany framed portait has been firmly attached to the wall. Within
it, a scene of chaos is present: a barroom filled with tilted tables, broken
chairs, smashed glasses, etc. It looks at though a brawl took place here.
In the center of the foreground is a green-skinned witch with a pointy black
hat, an excess of chins, and a number of pouches on her waist. She carries
a mug of beer in one hand, and a fan dangles from the other wrist.

-submitted by Big Drunk Herald (Edaena)

--commentary: honorable mention for best entry by an alcoholic Consortium faction head

The grand canvas before you radiates a palpable, thrumming aura of magic,
bleeding a faint, viridescent mist that smells of stagnant swamp water.
Captured in the oils is a little goblin witch of impossible age; her milky
eyes stare blindly while the rest of her features dissolve into heavy folds
of wrinkled, sagging flesh. The paint itself defies nature as her hair -
the sickening, whitish- yellow of pus - actually flickers and dances around
her bulbous frame, animated by a fool's wind bound directly into the fabric.
Her complexion is a dead, suffocating green, like cave moss unaccustomed to
the light. From her waist dangle worn pouches, some leaking splintered bone
protuberances, while others bulge with wet, shifting mysteries. Most
unsettling is her left hand, which practically glows against the canvas,
glistening with an oily, viridescent sheen far shinier and paler than the
rest of her sickly color.

-submitted by Tiny Monk (Skren)

--honorable mention for best submission from a familiar

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-submitted by Big Old Gnome (Foggledonk)

--selected WINNER for best original submission
--commentary: also honorable mention for best abstract submissions by a geriatric gnome mage