Balandar

The day had been filled with battle. It was midday when an army of Dragons attacked Olympus without warning, and without mercy. Although the initial attacks were fended off, a slew of Dragons and Drakes broke down the gates of the castle, and stormed the courtyard. With the dragons about to break down the inner gates many of the Purple Guardians of Honor retreated to Trinsic. Although the dragons had been easily visible, the one who commanded them was not. Throughout the battle many people reported on hearing a voice, which seemed to come from the sky. This voice spoke of the destruction of Olympus, and to punish those who had tried to control nature's creatures. About an hour after Olympus had been taken by the unknown enemy, we knew what this voice was speaking of. Cedric, Grey's Cowboy, and Silvana Syav'ryn launched an attack of their wyrms and dragons on the castle. The people who were waiting outside as backup for the tamers soon reported that the three tamers came back out a few minutes later, and ordered their wyrms to attack the backup group. It was obvious that any who dared to bring a tamed creature into the castle would have their mind taken over by the still unknown evil. Soon it was decided by many that if we were to try and recapture the castle, that we would need help. Long ago during the Ventryn attacks on Winterfell, we met a group of people known as The Lords of The Eternal Realm. This group was very large in size and was very willing to help people out. I contacted their leader, Antilian, and he agreed to help our forces retake the castle. Although the Lords of The Eternal Realm were great in numbers, we still felt more help would be needed, so we turned to an old ally, from days long gone, The Guardians of Light. I met with Valkyrie, and her council, and requested their assistance. They were more than willing to help us in our endeavor to retake Olympus. It had been many hours since the invasion of Olympus and a massive force was gathering at the Trinsic Barracks. Nearly 70 soldiers of the Purple Guardians of Honor, Guardians of Light, and Lord of The Eternal Realm were ready to make an attack on Olympus so as to retake the castle. Soon the order was given to begin the attack. What was seen sent most people into shock when they gazed at the castle. Dragons stood upon the battlements and standing upon the roof of the Inner structure of the castle there were three massive Wyrms. We charged the front gates, which were still broken. We hadn't even made it to the courtyard, but many dragons, drakes, and a couple of those wyrms were already set upon us. We charged the creatures, with spears being thrusted into their chests and swords driven into their backs. Soon walls of the castle were littered with the corpses of the creatures. As our forces climbed over the corpses to reach the courtyard, dragons flew over us and began to attack us from behind. Soon we saw the three tamers standing on the battlements, not even looking at the battle below. They began sending more dragons at us, but we continued to bring down each dragon, one by one. We had finally reached the inner part of the castle. Within we found many more drakes, but we pushed on and killed each one. We finally reached the last wyrm. It was far larger than any other we had fought so far, but having all three guilds united, we had the power to overcome the wyrm's strength and destroy it finally. The three tamer's face became filled with hate, and with an eerie red mist, they faded from sight. Olympus was covered in blood and corpses. The walls had burns and cracks in them, and the front gates were destroyed. It wouldn't take long for repairs to be made, but a question was now brewing in the minds of everyone there. "What could have the power to do this?" Suddenly, as though it could read our minds, we heard the voice. It seemed to be coming from the sky, and its tone was filled with rage and hatred. "You have but won a small victory. Now your allies shall pay dearly for helping you fools. I am far from finished. You shall all feel my wrath!" With that, silence griped the armies below. A sense of dread soon followed, for we knew whatever had done this was far from over, and that our allies, the Lords of The Eternal Realm and Guardians of Light would also be targeted by this foe.

Dusk dawned on the Britain crossroads as Lord Ser Brightblade gave Galam a tour of his cousin's Safehaven Inn and Tavern. The mood was flippant as Ser Brightblade told of how the inn would work in tandem with Dove of Yew's Community Center to teach the young and give them a safe place to stay. The two worked their way around the building with Galam commenting upon the unusual placement of torches just outside the large iron doors. This would have been a normal day in Britania had it not been for the strange gate that was to appear before the guildmates. That's odd, thought Ser Brightblade as he peered at the unusual gate just outside the inn. He and Galam, who watched the gate intently, could never have guessed that this uninvited visitor would be more than the common traveller and the expressions that they wore were understandably ones of surprise as they saw who stepped through the gate. Ominously black and hollow the traveler's eyes peirced them to the bone as he motioned for them to stop their talking so that he could say his words of immenent doom. He came upon Ser Brightblade and spoke of the lord's deceptions and betrayal towards him. Ventryn spoke of Ser Brightblade's attempts at spying on him and Ser Brightblade knew he had words of his own to speak in response to these accusations. "The betrayal was yours, Ventryn", he replied with a sense of truth that made even Ventryn's mouth sour. The Dark Lich's eyes narrowed at this and he threw out his own retort. "Be careful what you bring to this inn, Brightblade", Vetryn's narrowed eyes seered Ser Brightblade's mind as they seemed to look through him to his soul. Ser Brightblade thought to earlier when his good friends Gorion and Greg had brought Pythos to the inn, and with that he felt the hair on his neck stand on end. "Yes," remarked Ventryn before he had time to speak," I always watch ye." The two for a moment locked gazes with one another, each deciding what to do next but the moment passed and the Dark Lich spoke again. "Why have thee rejoined the fight after all these months, Ser Brightblade?", his voice seethed with contempt for the man," Was it fame? Glory?", The Dark Lich once again narrowed his eyes, "Tell me, what was it?" Ser Brightblade's jaw flexed as he took the devil's words in. "Knowledge, Ventryn, knowledge", he began with renewed confidence,"The same reason I came to thee months ago. That and the ability to impart that knowledge to others once learned." The Dark Lich glared at him with that response and turned to speak again. "Stop this," he said in reference to the defense of Winterfell, "I will crush you." A slight growl escaped Ventryn as he spoke adding to the air of darkness that worked its way around and most possibly through the Dark Lich's presence. Ser Brightblade gritted his teeth and raised his hand to point to the inn's sign. "This is the Safehaven Inn, Ventryn. All are welcome, including thee, but if ever you are to harm any young, the Praetorian Guard of Honor will smite you down." His voice carried with it a sense of dignity and nobility that any other man would have had a difficult time maintaining in the face of one so wicked. "The innocent shall be left untouched. Let them reside here, I will not harm them... just as I will not harm the Purple Guardians of Honor if thee were to give me the same gift in Winterfell...", his words trailed off as if awaiting a reply. Suddenly the area was filled with a jovial tone of hardy laughter. Ser Brightblade had seen this offer as insane and treated it as such. His only reply the deriding laughter that he sent Ventryn's way. " Listen now, Brightblade, and listen well," he remarked demandingly, "In the days to come I will accomplish much!" This time the sour truth gave Ser Brightblade cause to pause. "Aye", he replied in his once again noble fashion, "And we will be there to stop you!" His knight played in this chess game of threats, Ser Brightblade bode the Dark Lich to speak again. As quickly as an adder's tounge, the Dark Lich spat another intimidating threat meant to scare the man out of calling arms to defend Winterfell. "I know your homes!", he seized as Galam watched on in apparent silence, taking in every word and noting them with care. " I know", Ser Brightblade said in a somber tone and once again the truth's sourness reached his mouth. This was Ventryn's turn to laugh as he saw that Ser Brightblade was finally realizing his power. It took a solid minute for Ser Brightblade to regroup his thoughts after the nauseating visions of attacks on his friends' homes shot through his mind. "When you are ready to speak of peace, Ventryn, there will be a table here for you on this inn's first floor where papers could be signed...." He had spoke with words that were tired of this deadlocked chess match but they were cut off by the sound of the Dark Lich's repeated laugh. Ventryn was done talking as well. He had played his hand at deplomacy and had returned with nothing gained. As Galam and Ser Brightblade looked on he pounded his chest and with a wave of his arms he was gone. "Nemo me impune lacessat", Ser Brightblade cared little whether or not the Dark Lich heard his words for he knew that soon enough it would be the last Ventryn would ever hear. - Ser Brightblade

The sky was painted blue and the clouds rolled over the horizon when Lord Brightblade of the Praetorian Praefect remarked to Aluim Aster that it looked like a storm was coming. He smiled grimly as he watched the sky. Alium nodded in agreement and added, "If only it was rain that would be falling on this field today, Mellon." In one quick movement Brightblade dismounted his steed and turned to face William King of Winterfell. "Good King, I come to you as promised. The Legion of Honor dost as well, and as sworn to our Emperor Borg, we shall do as you need this night. Winterfell shall stand through the night," he proclaimed, the sense of honor beaming over his face. William replied, "I fear if this be all we have to defend the Keep, then it will fall. I ask that all present here dispatch whatever messengers they have and request they come to bolster our defenses." With that Lord Brightblade did call Vengeance, one of his eagles, to his arm and he did attach a message calling for his friends and brothers in arms to come to the aid of King William. Soon a host of allies for the eve did appear through blue portals and thundering down the road on horseback. PGoH was assembling, with Borg and Lord Brightblade giving last minute advice, all the while Borg uttering the phrase "We fight for Honor this night". GoL joined shortly after saying that Vengeance did find them as they were suiting up for adventure of their own that eve. They did line up as well adding their own strength to that of Winterfell and PGoH with their guild mistress Valkarie and Marshall of their forces Omnicron barking orders and preparing troops. Among the noise the shriek of wyrms did arise and Grey's Cowboy and Lone Wolf did appear through blue portals riding jet black mares and toting White Wyrms behind them. The long face of William did turn upward a bit at the sight he was now seeing. Perhaps the goodwill of all to thwart Ventryn this night would overcome whatever undead minions were thrown at them. The troops continued to rally, a Celt here or there a Guard of Northwood seen amongst the hosts of other armies. Even some Elves and a Picts could be seen. Soon the good King William was calling for all to quiet and for the first time it was seen that Qua'Tel and Lord Pythos had made their way to the keep almost unnoticed but by a few. William then looked upon six scattered amongst the vast gathering. Filbert Eggcup, Aethal Tar'nyn and Keoliene of Winterfell were called forward, and then a small framed half-elf moon Cordelia. Finally Veldren and Lord Brightblade did come forward for the Purple Guardians. William turned and spoke, "Tonight you venture forth into the spirit world to search for Ventryn's daughter, Alexandra. Know that you hold the hope of all Winterfell as you go and that it can be assured Ventryn will seek to keep you from returning with such information as what she might provide." Qua'Tel then beckoned the brave warriors and mages forward and began summoning forth elemental forces to embrace those who would travel the spirit path. With just Lord Brightblade remaining, Pythos turned and spoke, "You will live a few moments longer for we travel to Felluca to continue our search." With that Brightblade opened a facet gate glowing purple into Minax's abomination..Felluca. The sounds of battle rising behind as he stepped through. Upon the other side Brightblade did embrace death, and the hunt for Alexandra was on. Pythos spoke of Northwood and how that would be a good place for a start. The six spirits rushed through the morbidly gray world calling for Alexandra where they met a tortured soul, one of Stormguard's scouts, Rilo. He did jump back warning of the undead all around.for he knew not that he was dead and a spirit himself nor of how they would soon overwhelm all and destroy the army. After much coaxing by Cordelia and Keoliene, he did speak of one who might know where Alexandra could be found. Sir Elliar, a captain of Stormguard, who was stationed just south of his location. Again the six spirits set out and this time it was Aethal and Veldren who sighted the objective first. Again, like the scout, the captain did battle unseen forces unknowing that he was long dead himself. After a brief chase the noble Filbert did convince the captain that the party's intentions were good and learned that Alexandra was to be found somewhere near the gates of Trinsic's West Gate as part of a scouting party. Again they set out and eventually did find Alexandra. Although this did take some time to travel it was nothing compared to the difficulty in convincing her they meant no harm. After some time, Lord Brightblade uttered the name of her father Ventryn and how he was in danger from a great evil. He stated that only she held the knowledge to help destroy the evil and save her father. With this she stopped running and turned to speak to them. She relayed how there were four relics and that there was a fifth, owned by the family Fallshorn which, when in close proximity of the others, manifested great powers. She spoke of the Fallshorn Sword and how it would aid those in stopping the evil that threatened, unknowing that the evil that held her father was his own doing. The spirits thanked her and she asked that they promise to return when the time to save her father neared. All agreed this would be done and she stated she would return to Trinsic's West Gate nightly to await their arrival once again. With great speed and hope now the ghosts did run to the healer and prepare for the return trip to Stark's Keep. Sooner than could be thought Portals opened from one world to the next and then to the Keep itself. Through it could be heard the end of a bloody battle with undead. A cheer went up as the once spirits jumped through the gate and with it the strength of the defenders increased so that they overcame the last of the unholy hosts about them. William did then turn to those returning and without words beckoned for them to speak. Filbert Eggcup did step forward then and relayed all they had discovered. He spoke of how many of Stormguard's fallen did walk still, and of how after many a trial Alexandra was found. He spoke of the Fallshorn Sword and how it might be used to break the shield Ventryn had formed to protect him. Pythos then spoke of a quest to take place but 5 days from that time at the hour of nine by the central moon. Winterfell had staved off yet another attack and that brought hope. King William turned and walked into the Keep thinking, "Hope, yes hope, we have that now. But is it enough and has it come too late?". He knew he would learn the answers to this question all too soon. His shoulders weighed down with his responsibility he turned and entered his bed chambers for what rest he could get. - Lord Ser Brightblade

Upon last night I awoke to a fellow guildmate informing me that a citizen of Winterfell was searching for me. After recalling off my rune, I was standing in front of Stark's Keep, the stronghold of Winterfell in Tremmel. I was greeted by four members and informed that a dark day has come. Apperntly, Winterfell was tricked into placing the Helm of Thunder, one of the four relics needed to destroy Ventryn, The Black Lich, on the ground, where one of Ventryn's minions seized it. Ventryn now has all four relics needed to destroy him, and with them his powers have been increased beyond anything seen before. These new powers give him the ability to summon much stronger undead than he has been able to summon in the past. It was shortly after I was informed of this that my good freinds, Ser Brightblade, Prefect of The Preatorian Guard of PGoH, and Emperor Borg arrived. We began discussing what was to be done. We asked that Duke Evin Ghlade be summoned so we may speak ith him. After he arrived The Purple Guardians of Honor, and the Kingdom of Winterfell united toward the goal of the destruction of Ventryn. Ventryn did nay wish to see such groups to ally, for at the very moment we allied, his minions stormed the keep, and were defeated quickly, that is the first wave was. For nearly four hours Ventryns forces returned, each time the minions were stronger and faster, but the newly born allience called upon their own reinforcements. By the time of the final battle of the night, nearly 45 Soldiers and Mages had battled nearly 300 undead, consisting of mummies, skeletal mages, skeletal knights, and lich lords. Tonight we also saw a lich that although green, was not like Jou'nar, it was weaker, and looked more of jade-like green. After the first encounter, but not the last encounter with it, we named it A Lich Fiend. During the later battles we witnessed Lord Pythos, the one whos grave was desecrated by Ventryn. He seemed to watch over the battle, and after it, he informed us that this was only the first night. These attacks will continue every day, and each day grow stronger, until the final climatic battle. And so, The Kingdom of Winterfell and Purple Guardians of Honor are now united, and at war with Ventryn, The Black Lich. - Gorion.

Pre-Wedding Wedding ... sent on behalf of the God of War ... Reception

Trip taken after the Legion meeting - 09/24/99 After the Fire Dungeon the group hit the Ice dungeon. Then left to get some fresh air. Pictures taken by Daryth the Wandering Healer (aka Balandar)

Legion meeting, told by scout Finch. Pictures taken by Balandar The following is the entirety of SoW Brighblade's speech, along with Scout's Play-by-Play analysis. Borg will have to post his own speech, as I could not hear it. "Welcome my Legion. What lays before you (indicating new Tower on Ice Isle) is the future of the PGoH Legion. It is representative of the strength the Legion will exhibit and the GOD who will always have an alter and a home within. Now, if you would, in an orderly fashion, enter and assemble on the top of the second floor steps and form a line down. (PGoH shuffles inside the Tower and into position....sort of.....). You are to step forward one at a time, as called, and follow instructions. The next in line will then come to the top of the stairs and await my summons. (BB calls us one at a time, and makes us strip off all our clothing, which he then discards. We are then admitted to the Alter Room. Once all are seated (naked, cold and frightened), BB continues). Again Legion I welcome you to your Barracks and Training Center. The room you are now seated in is a shrine to our GOD MARS. It is to be used for his glory and for Legion meetings only. With that said, I now speak solemn words; heed them well. As a member of the Legion, do you swear honor and loyalty to me, and in doing so, to your Lord Borg and Olympus? If you do, say "aye." Otherwise, please exit the room. (Rousing chorus of "Ayes." Nobody leaves.) Legion, I have stripped all of rank, armour, weapons, and clothing. You are exposed for what you are: flesh and spirit. Now I present to each one of you a ceremonial suit befitting your rank and status in the Legion. Please step forward one at a time to receive this and state your weapon type when you get to the head of the line (sword, fencing, bows, mace). (BB hands out a pack containing: purple apron, purple skull cap, black boots, copper ringmail tunic, legs and arms. Maces = maul; swords = cutlass; bows = bow; fencing = short spear.) Note that these are CEREMONIAL. Do not take them out into the field. Only wear them for Legion meetings. You are now equipped with the tools to do great good for the land, or great evil. Never be swayed to the dark side (Scout's aside....."Luke, I am your father......"); it shall bring dire consequences. We are a guild of HONOR, and to behave otherwise is to dishonor MARS and Olympus. You are to serve the House of War, and in doing so, provide for other houses as they have provided for you today. From this moment forth, ALL armour and weapons collected on SoW romps is to be placed in designated crates to be smelted by the HoM to provide armour and weapons as was provided today. Wood will go to the Wood House, and Scrolls to the Arcane House. Gold will be shared as in the past, for tribute to Gods and guild, as well as Legion. It is important you recognize that for any House to exist, the Legion must support it, and in turn, for the Legion to exist the Houses must support it. Demandred please step forward. You are to be restored to your rank of Imperator. With it, you will resume all your duties. You will also soon be given command of an elite guard to protect Emperor and Senate and more importantly, the REALM. Please be seated behind me and to my right. For all who wish rank once more, there will be a series of romps over the next month to determine ranks. Rank will now be given for merit, not duration with the guild. Prove yourself to me and you shall be raised. Lastly, let me speak of Discipline and Order. When acting as a member of the Legion, you WILL learn to follow commands given by your officers and not do otherwise. To do otherwise may be viewed as insubordination. REDS will no longer be tolerated. We have a prison for such people in front of the barracks now. Those who are red will be taken there to remain until blue. Now Legion, I dismiss you to go in an orderly fashion and receive your footlocker, room key and footlocker key. If you lose either key, you will lose the privilege of using that room. Only carry them when coming or going from the barracks. In the footlocker you will find a gift from the House of Hides (dye tub), the House of Wood (the footlocker), and House of Arcane (Rune to Tower). You have already received gifts from the House of Metal (armour & weapon), and House of Hides (apron, skull cap and boots). Do not quickly forget what was said here today. For the Glory of Mars! For Honor & Emperor! DISMISSED! (PGoH shuffles downstairs)...... (Scout dances naked and gives lap dances.......)

At first we attempted to take the keep from outside in. Many lives were lost, but with the efforts of Dr. Codene and Daryth (Healers able to bring back the dead) many lives were saved. RETREAT!! REGROUP! The forces of PGoH broke through the ophidian defenses and made it inside. Our Bard was a GREAT help in the battles, keeping that EV away from the legion forces.

Last night the call to arms rang out within the guild and many responded to the call. What was the alarm? Our masters of Mischief sniffed out trouble in our beloved town of Trinsic. What was the trouble? Orc invasion! Our Legion formed up ranks and stood ready to defend the city or die trying. Scouts surveyed the country side for any sign of the horrid creatures. The PGoH along with the Citizen's of Trinsic and other factions and groups stood tall ready to fight for the people of our fair city. In the end, their spies warned them off in the face of such courage and determination. The people of Trinsic celebrate today the averted disaster and honor those who would lay down their lives for them and their homes. All Hail the Defenders of Trinsic! BB pledges to support Paladins of Trinsic

"A total of nine hardy souls participated in the second monthly treasure chest romp, this Wednesday past. We continue to average an hour per chest, but the chance to visit with friends and join in the comradeship of this adventure is the real reason to participate. Slowly but surely, we are learning how to best go about these operations, under the guidance of Treasure Hunter and WCoast (actually, his secondary). Initial paralyzing (creatures, not PGOH!) appears to be the key, following immediately by effective barding. Also, being able to run about madly while being chased with only one hit point left is essential, as yours truly can well attest. Ress scrolls are a must, when the only mages capable of doing ress go down themselves. Still, the operations went smoothly. Some folks holding distribution passports from the previous romp did not show up for their share of the goodies, but will carry over until next time. Meanwhile, the rest of us shared in some really spiffy stuff (like a red scary mask taken by yours truly), plus we got to spar a lot and generally have fun (mostly at the expense of Lags). It was unfortunate that Ryno was unable to attend, so successful is he in procuring maps, but we look forward to the next such occasion and hope all absent brethren will join us then, especially the ladies! Many gems and much cash was raised for the guild coffers. A good job well done by all, say I" - Arthil