The Menace Returns - Reprise

That does put us in a rather dangerous place. Clearly you are in a much more untenable place here than back home.

The people will rally about her, and they will love her even as we do. Her skill best suits the needs of the people to reunite Eledhel now. But, what of the more distant future?

Do you know for certain that all who have been reported as dead are, in fact, passed beyond? This woman who you say wielded lightening, can you describe her? I do not mean to press you, but it is the details that oft times hold answers to riddles unsolved.

Ahh, our relief has arrived. Beware this one. He is very... taxing to speak with.

We were rather thorough in our destruction of the orcs in the north. Yet it appears that the enemy is using the slain from our battles to wage war against the soldiers still stationed there in addition to those yet living.

(grimly) Aye, all who lived there have escaped to safety.

It wouldn't be that easy, eh?

Bastards too afraid to tell Sullath he let that one escape.

That is the exact question I would ask of you. Drop your weapon and pray for mercy, old man!

Emerald foes belch from the mountains in the north
As the trees to the south do bloom
The waters of the eastern sea do mirror
The green malady of the west.

Heart of the damned,
Liquid of life,
The flames that bring cleansing,
Bring an end to your strife.

(with hatred) Your sacrifice is accepted.

Master, I have lost contact with our scouts.

The link was painful before it vanished. I think they were slain.

(combat grunts, oaths, etc - feel free to be creative here)

It's about time you let us take the gloves off...

My apologies, master. I meant no disrespect.

Record various grunts, oaths, curses, and so on that the character might utter during combat. (See line 1 of "Male Bit Role #1" for examples.)

Of course, I'm sure - at least of the numbers. This is going to sound like I'm mad, but you have to believe me. Those knights were wielding what looked like lightning from the sky. There was no defense for it. Neither man nor beast could withstand a single touch of that light.

We are doing everything we can without endangering our own lands. You know this to be true. When we act, if we act, we will do so when we know we will be effective. Not before... Do not lecture me grandfather. I know we sit in safety while others suffer....

Many of our casualties ended in death rather than wounding. The black knights seemed very intent on achieving death rather than simply rendering our forces ineffective. I have never seen that tactic before, and it will cost them.

Very well... if you wish to help, I shan't stop you. If you wish me dead, drop the charade and be done with it, for that, too, is not something I can prevent though I will do what I can. Have a care when you move my up-till-recently beast-of-burden, for the little child I was going to eat for dinner tonight is still squirming under it.

You can call me the king of Hillgarath for all I care... But if you must know, I am Mairsil, Knight Captain of the Storm. Aye... by the look in your eyes, I see that my order is known to you.

If you intend to make me a prisoner, I must warn you that our relationship shall take a turn for the worst and I will kill you as soon as I am able.

Nay, sir. I have no wish to counter your command nor to be contrary, but I will not violate the tenets of our order on your whim. To kill in battle is honorable; to kill a prisoner in our control... you must conduct your own murder.

Those honorable gentlemen, valiant of heart though they be, are no match for our strength and skill and have no place in an extraction operation. Maybe we should just line them up as fodder - their souls forfeit for the honor of being in the company of the self-important Aegis. Maybe the information we bear should be placed on banners for the enemy to use to destroy any chance at restoring the rightful owner of the throne in Eledhel.

I know all this. You just don't know... Let's just say that tight spaces and I have a history. I'm not worried about the water. It's this womb of cold earth is my concern. Bah! Im going.

That one thinks with her heart instead of her head. In fact, that's a pattern I'm coming to see more and more in all of us. I fear it will get us all killed.

We don't have time to cry for our dead or bicker with each other over our romances. Yes, I've seen how you look at Duna, and how you behave around each other. I don't know what has passed between you, but we don't have the luxury of such distractions right now.

Creepier than dead children crying as we hack them apart? No. Dont answer that. I know what you mean.

What in the name of Xyris are YOU doing here? Geran, capture them!

By all means, bring this up with the Nightmaster. I am sure that she will be most pleased to hear that you have allowed the enemy to roam freely within these halls.

Oh my dear, why are you so surly? Think of this not as a task but as an opportunity. Gelias will be so pleased by the progress you have made.

Possible or not, it is what must be done. Fear not. I would not be suggesting this thing if I did not believe we could succeed. It took quite a bit of... hollow threats to get Daedrun to back off from his desire to go with you.

Were it made by the enemy, I would agree. This is a product of my kinsmens craft and I marvel to find it here. I will take it and study it.

Indeed. If he speaks to you ere you depart, I caution that you reject any offers he might make. He is looking for any excuse he may to not return to the relative comfort of his keep.

You weren't there to see father butchered by those things! I was. Do not stand there and tell me what I should and should not do.

This is not something I will argue with you. I know what we face and I will come with you. War has made orphans of us all.

You will find that you are not the only Argalen who refuses to back down! Come, accept the inevitable and let us move on.

Shhh! (hisses) If you want to get caught, please keep squirming around like that.

I'm not going it there! You know all of those old tales about foolish children getting captured and cooked by evil witches? Well, I can't shake the thought that this is one of them.

I'm scared, Elena! Oh gods, this man is dead!

I am not willing to hold the attack on Belathon - indeed, it would be impossible to get a message to 5th in time to have them abort and they most definitely will need our support.

There is plenty of room at my table and the less hearty among you are certainly wlecome to the fire.

The enemy still controls the lands around our position. Try as we might, we can do little enough against those accursed black-robes. We beat back their attacks and no matter how badly we devastate their bodies, we face 'em again a couple days later.

(haughtily) I am in command here. I appreciate that you have come here to augment our forces. 'Tis better than I hoped for.

We've fought these idiots for years. A show of decisive might right here and now is all we need. At the sight of our arms, they will tuck tail and run like they always do. Tell me, Captain, will you not join your men with mine?

Bah... worthless allies you lot are! So be it. You're where you belong anyway - in the rear echelon.

After all the pain and suffering I have felt and witnessed, I fear that all I have left anymore is questions... questions in an empty husk of flesh long bereft of life, long bereft of hope... questions that will never be answered - not even if I prostrate myself at Manaan's feet at the end of all things. (weeps)

Theyre not yet done, but I wanted to show you. You are always in my thoughts. For as much as we have hurt one another, I cannot deny that you have also brought me great strength. Almost, I feel that we can win this war and be together in the end. I love you, Argalen.

You have the gall to chastise me about not using my 'power' whilst you tromp through life unwilling to even use your brain! How many mistakes have you made since I met you? The truly inspiring ones... Bah! Morwen would have been wiser to shove you into a jester's suit rather than trust your service to her.

As is pride... (sighs) It is pride more than anything that will keep him on his present course. Many who make such terrible mistakes cling to their choices long after all wisdom would suggest a new course, for to do otherwise would be to admit that they were fools.

I, too, have tried to retire from public service and managed to do so successfully for many years. Alas, my lack of foresight cost me in the end. When I wasn't looking, I was jumped and a crown was thrown on my head.

It is the cook and not the quarry that decides how it will be incorporated into the evening meal. While some might accuse me of having a low threshold of patience, I have certainly been dealt sorer trials than delaying a walk among the stars for a quarter of an hour.

I recognize you, Atrin and I will assume for now that you have not fallen to this madness. I forget my place, time for introductions is short. I will assume the best, for if you mean me ill, I am already dead and my secrets captured. Tell me simply: who do you serve?

I know not where or who the legitimate monarch is, but I suspect that you will find out in time. Be it Aradin or Morwen - those of Ardenel's children who are unaccounted for - let them know that my men and I are with them.

Given the reputation of your father, I would hazard a guess that he will muster a resistance to Aramed so long as there is hope of legitimate succession. I would also assume that you plan to meet with him as soon as you can.

My loyalty has a price, my king. I will serve faithfully and without question for the remainder of my days and I ask only a small thing in return. I want the head of Donald Belathon.

As for the rest of my companions here you will most likely find them uncooperative at best.

I did not survive this long by choosing the wrong side.

I shall have to remember to apologize for not seeming appropriately flattered by that revelation... I feel about as potent as a mug of water. As for being helpful, right now... do you need a doorstop?

(extremely sinister hiss) It is very important for your continued life for you to drop your haughty, arrogant tone. I am in a fell mood and would happily lash out at you though I buy myself my own death by that deed.

I have nightmares. They are the same every time. I vividly remember Lady Kirin and the brutality with which the enemy had slain her. I see her raising her head and staring at me with those horrible, evil eyes. In the darkness of night, she has been replaced with my mother...

(laughs) Oh please! Your opinion of yourself is far greater than is healthy. I do not while the days away thinking, 'Oh, what can I do to torture Argalen today?' You are of little significance, though that has not precluded me from trying to mould you into something useful. I try because you are malleable, though with all of your flaws, I may well have to move on.

Tell me, would you have the walnut grow without its fruit, without the hard shell, the soft flesh of the nut exposed to all? We would, I think, end up with a great number of fat squirrels... until winter came and they all starved to death, the unprotected nuts no longer viable. (chuckles) I don't profess to have made a sensible analogy there...

These waters... nay, all the waters of the seas could not fill the void in my heart, could not cleanse the darkness in my soul! Were I intending to clean myself here and now, I would turn all the waters of this world red with the stain of the blood I have on my hands... the blood of those I should have loved and nurtured rather than 'aiding' them on to the next phase of their lives. I was blind to the fact that I cut short their purpose... Bah! I am a hideous monster... I counsel love but what do I know about it? I am incapable of ever loving again.

Why did that person climb that tree? I dont want them to fall out of it and break anything. Thats not nice.

Yes, I would, Hagledad... you can ride with me and Duna.

If the bad people don't go away, you should say 'rarr! Booga booga!' See, that would scare them away 'cause those are mean words you can say to bad people. (earnestly) That would protect my friends Duna and Galadhel and Atrin and... (suspiciously to Halgaladh) Actually, I don't know about you... you're a big fuzzy boy.

Well, if your vomit on my backside is the worst thing I have to endure this day, it will be a good day indeed.

I shall not insult your intelligence by going into the details of why you'd seem to gain favor no matter what happens here. Provided you survive, of course.

And here I was going to chastise you for taking advantage of my chivalry and having me carry you about. (pause) Here, drink this now. It is going to dull your pain, but also your mind.

General Kirin! Forgive my lack of protocol, but I bear grim news. Our lord Ardenel is slain... betrayed by Aramed!

Aredec and Arador have indeed fallen. Aradin, I have sent Captain Emeldur to find. As for Morwen, she is unaccounted for.

Yet I fear that I must return to my men empty-handed. It does not sound like you are in any position to aid us and, in fact are in need of it yourselves.

News of the coup had not reached Evergreen Regiment ere I left. Last we had heard, Ethyl Tirath was likewise threatened by this dead army as was Dol-Minras.

Better than most. Indeed, they have been Evergreens lifeline and what little we have in supplies we get from them. Word is that there have been some attacks on the keep, but theyve all been beaten back. Lord Tirian has been able to stay in contact with Ethyl Tirath.

That is quite impossible. If I leave these lands, I will be betraying their trust in me. They cannot fend off the evil tide that washes over them alone. Indeed even with my strength, I may not be able to stem it. Yet I shall not leave it uncontested.

As I have, my friend. If I do so, what do I truly accomplish? I initiate a civil war and must move on Aramed to defend my claim. I sap these lands of the energy they need to sustain themselves, the enemy crashes over them, and those who do not die join the enemy's ranks. I kid myself. Those who do fall also join the enemy's ranks.

No, Thalion, I cannot agree to Bregolas's request. However, it is also clear that strong leadership is needed in Eledhel. Wenna... rather, Princess Morwen must take up the mantle as Queen Morwen and lead our people... I will stand beside her in that.

Alberich, I seek also my beautiful cousin Morwen. Her... head is much valued... for there are none who are her equal in diplomacy. Much could she do were she found... much for the good of this land.

Lady Belathon, let me paint you an ambitious picture. Eledhel will be great again, but only as great as her monarchy. I know well what your family has done for me... You are also quite lovely and exceptionally charming. How could I possibly say no? (chuckles) If I did, I would likely find a dagger in my back.

(slams fist into the thrones arm and angrily snarls) How in the name of the gods did you manage to lose your entire army, Commander Sullath? Nay, say nothing! I care not for your excuses.

If it is an illusion, it is a good one. It sounds like nothing is there any longer... apparently, one can walk right through the areas where the foundations should be.

I love this man dearly and though I did not sire him, he is my son, always in my heart and now in a firm legal sense. Aramed, my son, please come forward. (Aramed arrives as Ardenel holds aloft a circlet of golf) Kneel, my son. With this emblem of the royal line do I confirm your place among my children. I have always loved you as a son and today, you have become a son. Please, Aramed, arise and take my hand.

(spectral / undead) Even in death, our people are loyal. I know not what you can do for us, but I know what we can do for our people who yet live.

It appeared a foregone conclusion to me that Donald was a traitor in this matter. It does not surprise me that he is gone. Aramed, I shall take your advice immediately and return to my father's side with the Aegis.

(spectral / undead) You failed us in life, worthless Aegis. You are unfit to serve us in death.

(sounding spectral) I am sorry, Argalen... I was too weak to resist the part I was set to play. Too weak to avoid giving you pain. Some... Some comfort I can give... Wenna lives... (anguish) Please help my parents! Save their souls from this fate... protect my siblings who yet live...

Greetings, Lord Argalen! Pay my husband no mind. We are deeply honored by your vigilance.

(spectral) I feel the hand of the puppeteer withdrawn for the time being and my strings left to my own devices. I suspect that is the same for most here.

(spectral) Our plight is but a small part of the greater problem. We are not alone in our torment... Many of our people suffer and that cannot be tolerated.

(absently) Since I'm here, I might as well handle it... (angrily when the player's squad arrives) You are late. Such a lack of discipline will not be tolerated.

(snorts) Unavoidably delayed, is it? I thought Alandros was to relieve me... can't say as I've seen any of you here before. No doubt you are the new recruits out of Eldarel? (pointedly) Ahzk nach dae nukubbazar ilrud n! Wrz Xyrisadh un dubr kimilzdh. (feel free to improvish this "gibberish")

(dismissively) So be it... my entourage and I shall leave Belathon and his load in your hands. Be sure to inspect the shipment before sending it down. We cannot accept shipment of any ruptured vessels this time...

On a long campaign, sometimes routine is the only thing that keeps one going. Any good commander knows this. Keep your men focused on the task at hand and keep them too exhausted for idle thought. Dig a ditch if you must, if for no other reason than to keep 'em busy. Another day can be spent filling the damned thing later.

(chuckles and then shouts to a nearby soldier) Get off your arse and fortify that position, Haldor! The enemy aint waitin while youre baskin in the sun!

(hisses) We have a problem. Youre up.

I never want to hear the words I, he, she, or they escape any of your mouths when asked to report. Away from those outside the group, that is where you deal with the individual who has made a mistake.

The place was swarming with these black-robed men and worse... there are creatures... hideous beasts with wings. They have blue flesh, claws the size of daggers, and they wield lightning as we might wield a bow. The force looked overwhelming, so we backed off and awaited night. As the sun sank, the blue creatures left.

Aye... already dead. (brokenly sighs) By the gods, I can't find the words to even describe what I've seen. Those who were dead animated? Their blades as fell as ever...

Hear her out, Hoarmul, please. Do you understand how important the blade is? It is rumored to capture souls! That, I believe, would certainly grant us rare favor in Xyris's esteem.

That argumentative streak is going to get you killed one day, my friend.

Please make sure I am not taken down with you when that is proven wrong... So, when do you wish to depart?

There will be no alliance between the dwarves and your country, ambassador. Kill the dwarf but take this one alive. The Nightmaster wills it.

(snarls) What is the meaning of this, slave? You shall pay for this impudence with your life!

Record various grunts, oaths, curses, and so on that the character might utter during combat.

Examples:
1. Now I will send you to your doom!
2. Argh!
3. No!
4. (maniacal laugh)
5. Drink deeply from the well of death!
6. Eat this!
7. I am the last thing you shall see in your wretched life!

(rasping) Villain, is it? I am not the one who entered another's home and murdered his friends, now am I? Now, I lie here bleeding of multiple wounds with said murderer standing on my throat. What say I? Not a damned thing.

(gasps in pain) My memories? What is this besotted fool speaking of? Nay, I know that my death is nigh. Do the deed and be done. Ere I die, I console myself with the knowledge that you shall soon follow me. But take these words with you: the honor of the Guard is tarnished since the days of old. You have an enemy unarmed at your feet and you would resort to petty torture.

I shall humor you. We are simple mushroom farmers. The corpses we collect because they suit our needs... My garb and trinkets, I wear because they are comfortable and will become increasingly so as the autumn gives way to winter.

(harshly speaks in another language - feel free to improvise) Ahzk dur Parand na duluk na obruk na anddak na dhaled. Xyris abrk birkish.

Arise now, my pet...

The scion has betrayed me? You must hound G'larch until he and those who corrupted him are slain. 'tis amusing that Xyris's forces have suffered for it but we cannot let that cancer spread.

Folly, is it? Is it folly to lead those who can affect the darkness? Folly to join the side of power? Folly to help dictate the salv...

Damn you, child! Please do not make me kill you! Duna... trust in me, please... (he approaches slowly, apprehensively) I love you... more than anything in this life. Please, stand down and let me tell my side of the story. I promise... no harm will come to any of you.

(calmly) Very well, Duna... you have vanquished your foe. I'm sure that mother would be proud of this moment, her little girl ending her eldest's life. Aye, this is a moment you should cherish... please, as you are cleaning your blade of my blood, think on how to explain this to them.

Surely wasn't expecting to see you here, miss Maranumminas, Argalen... mighty odd to see you with one of them blue fellows too, but he don't seem like he's ready to rip our heads off, so I'll feign being hopeful that you haven't turned to the enemy and are actually here to help us out. Lord Hrondil, its time to leave this place!

Works for me then... no child of the general would have survived long enough to join up with that wretched usurper.

I won't waste any of your time nor do I suppose any others here would. I think it's safe to say we're all anxious to be out of here and are full willing to do our part.

If I have to endure any more debates between Argalen and my squire, I shall do my utmost to learn how to turn each of you into flies and me into a frog - anything to give me a little peace.

(laughing) Easy, my dear. You must control that anger of yours, and you must also learn to not allow environmental effects interfere with your magic.

Nay, do not be sorry, for look! You have gotten a positive result. My skin is thick enough to handle your outburst... In fact, were you to shave the beard, you might well pass for Duna.

Sir, this knighthood wields a terrible power... their commanders seem able to call upon the skies to bring lightning down upon their foes and I do not speak in metaphors. Meanwhile, these undead appear to be led by strange black-robed men who have a particularly vicious array of unexplainable weapons.

Verily, milord. These blue beasts are the same foes who destroyed Caranost. They have the ability to disguise themselves or at least are talented at concealing their true nature.

When they attacked, they only appeared to be testing their strength, large though the scale of the last attack may have been, they withdrew and did not press their attack, otherwise the remnants of Caranost's army surely would have been wiped out.

Yes, my lord!

Far too many died today. Let us hope that tomorrow is not worse!

Marien has fallen? Gods no! Morwen, I am so sorry for your loss.

... your manservant is quite lacking in manners, Belathon. Are you sure you have him under control?

(scoffs) Oh really? And how might that happen? I would not hesitate to kill him were he to be stupid enough to attack me.

... can dress those midgets up really pretty but you can't domesticate them. Really, Herumor, I had thought you wiser.

It was your sage strategy that got us into this position. We will do things my way.

I shall enjoy implanting your dead, bloated corpse, fool!

She came out of the mist! Of course she is not a common resident of the world! I warn you now, if we trust this harlot the remainder of our lives will be short and painful.

And tell her what? Think for a moment! (mocking parody of Alberich) Lady Morwen! You're in great danger. Thomas had a bad dream and a figment of his imagination might have been trying to tell him that you're not safe! (returns to normal voice) It's clearly out of the question. We will report the events to her brother when we get to Ethyl Tirath - letting him know that Thomas wasn't actually told anything useful.

I will go. I must admit the idea of your heads on pikes warms me down to my soggy toes, but I will do my duty, as I have done, ere-to-fore. I shall take Tinruth and another Aegis if you wish. But whatever you think of me, remember this: Guard well what Halgaladh carries. The fate of the entire kingdom rests on what happens to that orb.

Kaden son of Harath?

You will come with me for an audience with King Khazurin VI. It appears that your services will be required for a journey to the Kingdom of Eledhel.

So it would seem. I will speak with Lord Kelgaard of this matter, though it seems prudent to add some urgency to our training and mobilize come spring time.

If it proves that this threat is directed toward you alone, you need but ask and I will be happy to come to your aid.

I believe that I could send you fifteen thousand footmen without lessening Orothysse's ability to defend herself.

Bregolas has survived? That is a pleasant tiding. His keep has been razed and I feared the worst.

Galadhel? I apologize for not recognizing you. (shouts) Open the gate for our guests! Come, my friends, I will see to your needs.

It is not a convenient time to speak of them. I would send you away to take in sustenance, rest, medical attention, and the opportunity to clean and make yourself presentable first.

Do not worry, Kuarl. Lady Morwen has long been this lands chief diplomat. She can certainly receive us. I see that Lord Erenion of Hillgarath is also here. This is good for we have another natural ally here.

Indeed. It would not hurt my feelings if you changed into some... erm... more suitable clothing, my friend.

As with your father, I am yours to command, my lady. I would say that Kuarl is like a brother to me and in him you will find no stauncher an ally.

(irate) What? We will be slaughtered! The men are piss-poor soldiers and you know it! If we stay in here, even those imbeciles cant lose.

Record various grunts, oaths, curses, and so on that the character might utter during combat.

Examples:
1. Now I will send you to your doom!
2. Argh!
3. No!
4. (maniacal laugh)
5. Drink deeply from the well of death!
6. Eat this!
7. I am the last thing you shall see in your wretched life!

By all means, Hoarmul. If you wish to languish in this god-forsaken no-man's land at the onset of winter you are welcome to it. Consider this a personal request from her majesty.

All is in there, my obedient little lackey. Your mind is addled and I cannot trust to your memory. (hisses very ominously) And forget not, little man, I am in charge in this region. Such is the right Seregwyn gave me.

I will add you to my... what was your term for it? Brood... if you attempt to cross me again. I have had quite enough with your rumblings.

Aye. Cant say as I blame him. Hed be killed if he reported that. He...

Record various grunts, oaths, curses, and so on that the character might utter during combat.

Examples:
1. Now I will send you to your doom!
2. Argh!
3. No!
4. (maniacal laugh)
5. Drink deeply from the well of death!
6. Eat this!
7. I am the last thing you shall see in your wretched life!

(evil) No way in hell am I going to go into her presence again!

Greetings, Donald! (slight pause) Aredec is in that tent...

Alas, Argalen, that is correct. (sighs) Im afraid that not everyone made it. Im sorry, but your father and all of his men-at-arms fell to the enemy.

Galrund died at my side. The rest are with your family. Arthellyn is one of the few fastnesses thats holding out in the north. Nay, we will have time all to grieve later. Right now, we need to make these bastards pay.

You know your mother. She refused to leave your fathers side. Their fight... their sacrifice allowed your sisters to escape, to bring scant warning to my lands ere they, too, fell.

My thoughts exactly. Do not be hard on yourself, sir.

(confused) What is it, sir?

This was worth the risk and we positioned ourselves here knowing full well this could happen.

(thrilled) Truly?! That is a hope unlooked for... the others? (sees the player's face darken) Alas, that is difficult to bear. Nay, ser... I should make my other introduction but then I beg of you to take me to Aeryn.

Lord Bregolas??? Why is he here? Nay. Ere we go to see your father, Galadhel, I would ask that you please take me to see Aeryn. It may sound silly, but right now, I could not care less as to the woes of the land. If I can just hold my daughter for a few minutes, that will make all seem far less grim to me.

You wish to move against this Vargath? It may prove far more dangerous than you think. One of the reasons I have returned somewhat prematurely from my business in the north was because of rumor. He has been quietly purchasing iron from the smelters around Arnost - until recently.

My queen, you were correct. I have recovered a body...

You are not upset? You knew this was coming?

Was not Fergus your brothers man? Surely Lord Herumor must be dealt with.

Aye. The sooner we get out of here, the happier I will be.

Mums the word from me, young man. As for Morleth, well find help there, I think.

... so that wretched worm excrement can leave his comfortable little rat hole at Dhuras and search for them himself. These baubles he seeks are a damned waste of time.

(inhales sharply) Very well, if that is how it is to be... obedience through intimidation, is it? Give me the damned papers. Who is this buffoon parading about with the blade? Further, where am I to meet this agent of ours in the south?

In the morning.... We'll catch a ship at Serach and make the damned journey. I'm sure they'll be as pleased as us. Still, that wench was right about one thing. I have no problem with migrating to a warmer clime.

Lord Bregolas. (sighs) No simple thing, seeing your Lord's home... or what was left of it after they laid waste to it. That she's alive... (shakes head) Bah!

(collects himself) We have traveled long, and not always hard until recently. Milady, I know not why you're here, but surely your grace is at home in this house.

I tracked down the thieves as they were handing the load over to some half-rate ruffianly men. They said those black-clad knights put the fear of death in Vargath.

Sir, I apologize for the lack of notice, but the King of Hillgarath was rather insistent and I felt that it was not my right to argue with him in his own halls.

Be that as it may, I think that long-term accommodations will need to be provided for another score... If I understand things correctly, Lo...

You are too kind, my lord. The praise belongs to Berenar for have ridden so hard for so long.

Aye, and you as well, Lord Faradur.

That is a wise decision, my l...

Oy! Kuarl! (grimly) Seems we have company.

(haughty) What of it?

Of course they were, you imbecile! Our enemy is out there.

Dispatch the Twilight Guard to find them. If the rite is interrupted and the legion fails, the Nightmaster will do far worse than kill us. Prepare the Blood of Xyris and burn this whole forest down if you need to.

It appears that the dark days of old may be once again approaching. Kaden, as you know, Eledhel is currently engaged in open war with Andurath. They have taken a rather noble stance of protecting southern Tirnost as the bulk of that nation's army is engaged in the west with Temnaria and its allies.

I will be mustering our troops for immediate intervention and have requested that Khazurath have a presence in Eledhel. You will lay the groundwork for that.

Aye, old friend. It is. We have you to thank for it as you know quite well... You and Faradur. Nay, you needn't bow!

If those are as dead as they look, the one advantage I thought we had may well be gone, for they will not be affected by the oncoming winter. We can only hope that the same will not be true for those armies to our east.

He underestimated us, but he is a smart one and will not let that happen again. I think I shall cause some trouble for him. I will take Griffon to Eledhel and notify him of his defeat. It should accomplish two things: One, the citizens of Eledhel need to know that some resist. It should cause some unrest.

(booming voice) I have come for parley! The usurpers armies have been crushed. Are there any within these walls who would entreat with me, or is this self-proclaimed King of Eledhel going to continue to cower like a craven behind a shield of women and children?

No... he's got to be in here somewhere. That map could not have just vanished into thin air and I know it was here last patrol! I tell you, I saw that Phaedra officer run in here.

Bah! Let's just find him! Gerach and Bren will be back here shortly. We'll do a thorough sweep and have them babysit the door - see, here they come now. Oy, Bren, see 'em?

Yer blind, old man! (snorts) Watch the door and we'll have a look!

Well, you can tell Lord Sullath about this wrinkle... I had to do so last time.

Whatever... we should report this.

(combat grunts, oaths, etc - feel free to be creative here)

I wish to speak on behalf of my Lord Aramed to the highly esteemed Lord Kirin, of late the General in charge of the 1st Division of our mighty army.

Merely that protocol would dictate you opening the gates and allowing us entry, for we come at the behest of your king. (sourly) After this visit, merely a formality, we would expect that you continue your faithful service to your country.

(laughs harshly) So General Sullath said you would respond. Very well. Be it known that you and your entire division are hereby declared outlaw. The personal holdings are hereby forfeit and will be confiscated.

(screams) Don't hurt me, please!

(screams) No! Stop it! You're hurting me!

(evil laugh) Come! Join us in death's embrace, Aegis!

I don't want to die! Mama! Help me!

Please don't hurt me!

(sinister/evil) It is time to pay for your meddlesome ways, Aegis!

You did not know Vilias before her sorrow jaded her. Laiwen was my name for her when the world was young. She was Joy, she was Hope... and to have watched as that was taken from her, to see her wither like a delicate lily bereft of water, is difficult to bear.

If you give in to despair and pity, then Balgeth has already won. Yes, he is moving, the Black Enemy of old! That is how dire this situation is. Who better to fight him than those in whose blood flows the memory of his chief rivals of old?

Are you the type of person who will act knowing he is being watched because it is the right thing to do or will you hide, afraid of your own shadow and only peeking out of necessity?

Nay, good Aegis. It is no trouble. And you will certainly not have a cup of tea and crust of bread. This is a manor, not a dungeon.

The acts of service we perform bring us a small amount of joy in these dark times. If we go through any trouble, it is because it is one spot in our lives that remains somewhat normal.

Please, enjoy what we have made.

Certainly! I have been given the opportunity, so I am told, to serve the new master of the kingdom in the same capacity I have always done. (chuckles) And so, I will help you in any way I can, hoping that you bring him to justice.

No need. I would simply do something about this intolerable situation. I have seen enough to know that the usurper's new army is a group of murdering thugs, but the judges walk a fine line here. If we press, I know that we will be removed.

Advice is always a dangerous gift... In your actions to return the kingdom to its rightful place, do not become that which you hate. If you merely seek vengeance upon Aramed, you are no better than he. Justice is not necessarily carried out by his destruction. Pity him, loathe him, whatever you wish, but the hand that shows mercy may benefit the most.

Id be concerned about commander Sullath. The Storm will descend upon you and your wretched nest if you betray us here and now, Keeper.

Vargath is an imbecile, but give him credit. He has forced all of our hands.

We waste time! The enemy... (looks directly at the squad) Damn it! Theyre right here!

Shh! I just woke from a dream that bid me go to my door to meet those who would one day return the legacy of Eledhel to the legitimate line. Yes, I know who all of you are. Why do you risk so much to visit me?

So it would seem, my dear. See, Tinwen's being rather shy right now, despite her antics... She speaks to me... (laughs) Nay, I am not crazed.... or perhaps I just vainly hope that to be true.

I do not know how any words of mine could assuage your anxieties. However, if by this you ask if you can rely on me to not make your enemies aware of your presence here, then certainly I can help.

Herumor! By the gods, I never hoped to see a friendly face again!

I will do what I can... things do not feel... 'right' inside me, but I think... no, I will not stand by and only watch others work toward what I want as well.

Why I am here, what they do to me when they wish to feed their perverse pleasures, is no business of yours and I do not appreciate your tone. Change it or I will have nothing further to say to you. I do not wish to waste my energies during my time away from torture battling some mean-spirited wretch who thinks his situation unique.

You, Terak, the acolytes outside need reinforcements. Take the Guardians out and destroy these wretched flies.

(furious) Be glad if that is not the last sentence you utter, wretched fool. You do and you live by my grace.

Didst thou think to defile my home and escape without punishment? Amusing little flies thou hath been until now, but I weary of your trespass. For thy foul murder of my Acolytes, thou shalt be punished.

What would you have my men do?

And where will our allies be?

I dont like it. If intel is right, and I doubt not for a second that it is, we shall be vastly outnumbered.

I... I... I don't know what you ask. They will kill me if I tell!

(desperate sob) Very well... make your way into the heart of the temple. There, you will find the Nightmaster and his Orb of Obedience. The orb creates small spheres of energy that are implanted into the corpses. It is these that give them the power of the beyond. Our understanding is imperfect, only recently having acquired this orb.

I don't know... what do armies ever do? Please, let me go and I will tell you how you can stop it.

(croaking, harsh groan) Welcome. I have been tracking you since you left my Nightmaster's lair.

I have prepared these... festivities for you.

If you survive, you will tell my husband what happens to those who oppose your king. You need not ask. The offer of submission is not available to you.

The goal was, when Eledhel was first built, to allow for a completely secure route to any location where the king might need to go without spying eyes following his movements. It is my hope that these tunnels will remain unknown to our enemy - likely given their artful construction.

The years lay heavily on my swordarm. I'll try not to get in the way.

For all of that, he seems to have not done too badly. He still has all of his teeth. My Ailenor in a similar circumstance would have knocked a few of mine out and probably would have hit a bit lower too...

Worry not, my faithful servant... it is a setback. Nothing more. My patience is great and while not limitless, it is not yet consumed.

... returned to answer for her meddling... likely, she will be forced to reflect upon her action by the wells for ages. Is that not the way of things? They do not understand us. They never will and, thankfully, they will continue repeating their same mistakes until the End.

Patience... you must learn patience. Already, I see the vessels more than half full. This will serve us well. For now, we must eliminate our greatest threat. Come spring, you must destroy Hillgarath.

(snorts in disdain) Save your ire for a more worthy target. We collectively got schooled by Eledhel's 1st army. Those pathetic Keepers are no doubt still running to the east, your fleets, my army...

(laughs) Make no mistake, you sit on your throne only because of me. You owe everything to me, and I am quite capable of taking it away from you. (calmly, venomously) I do not threaten you, I merely state what is truth.

Nightmaster Seregwyn has once again entreated with me demanding the thing - no, I do not wish her to have it any more than you. Ere she uses it as an excuse to attack you, it must be sent away. It has been requested to me to have it dispatched to Tirnost immediately - and no, this is not a request to you, it is the price of your continued existence.

Sir, I... please. I bear grim tidings, but also words of hope. I must speak with him at once. I am sorry, but I must speak to him and not rely on another to bear my message. I know that you are his Aegis, sir... please search me to allay your fears.

In the cruelest twist of fate, it was done at the hands of your cousin in plain sight of the people of Eledhel. The Aegis also were slain outright by some evil power I've yet to understand.

(puzzled) Do I know they are passed beyond? If you are asking me some esoteric details concerning the eventual fate of their spirit, I'm not a priest or a seer. If you are asking me if they shall rise again to fight in armies of combative corpses, I also do not know.

I suppose that as long as we use dry fuel, we can safely light a fire now without giving away our position. While we have little to go with it, a broth may serve well enough.

I never thought I would see this day - that I would be branded an outlaw and would be forced to flee that which I love... Ahh... no time for foolish sentiment. Let us be off.

I will go for a time. It is stuffy in here. I will return soon, but I have much to tell the pretty lady. She does not have the time to hear it now.

There are no grounded ones for many miles.

It is as though a black talon of... pain and evil sprays forth into the sky from there. It is yet many leagues as the corvid flies (genuinely amused with her witty barb) yet all too near.

Yet one who would be your friend has been... targeted by a rather pointed argument and even now has some rather vivid thoughts playing through his head about you feebly pawing at your leaking entrails, something large and scaly standing over your ruptured torso ready to end your life. It is, perhaps a harmless fantasy and I sense that the sincerity of the thought is not there.

I am the opportunity missed, the lamb being guided by wolves. Nevertheless, my banter wastes your time when such things mean life itself. I would now encourage you to face the next challenge.

Who might I be? That is a tale in and of itself - a tale that deviates considerably from the topic at hand. I am weak. I am strong. Burning. Freezing. Hiding behind inconsequential armor. I am my greatest fear. I am accursed, damned. I was beloved, but now forgotten. I am a thrall to the desires of others. Most importantly, I may well be an example to all of what not to do as you go through your life.

(laughs) The next one to call me an imbecile will die!

I haven't the nobility or sense of mercy of that one. (points at Meric) Try me and the crows will feast on your rancid flesh.

You amuse me. Perhaps I should keep you alive if only for your great wit. You heard your master. Do as you were bidden!

Yes, too many friends have fallen, and it is mere fortune that our walls again stand strong - though that at a great price.

There is a dream I have that troubles me though I've mentioned it to no one until now. There is a void, furious and ravenous. Blackness is all I see in my vision, and that blackness seeks to devour, and what it can not consume, it wishes to destroy. It waits and looks and plans and schemes. This dream has haunted me for many a moon, now.

Unexpected are your words. Be careful with whom you share them. Of this, I am certain, we should be scouring our histories to learn what we may from them.

(sniffles) I didn't want to look but I saw it anyway. I saw mother... no. I can't stop seeing it.

Please don't leave us again! I don't want to lose you too!

(angrily) Everybody dies! I hear people speak when they think I'm not listening. We're next. They all think that.

I really don't care what your aunt said. Are we going to sit back and do nothing? Take a look around you, Adanessa. People are dying.

You can just blame me for this. People have come to expect that.

What would you have done? Am I so different? I wanted to do the right thing... I want to make a difference.

(sneers) Why do I fear anything? I am mighty, the power I wield unrivaled in this world, yet why do I tremble?

A setback? Nothing more? My lord, there have been a series of incomprehensible periods of incompetence. Oh sure, we have stolen many souls from the well, but we have also brought forth the wrath of our enemies. They are aware of me and while they know not what truly is going on, it is only a matter of time. Bah! I have sent my daughter to right the wrongs.

Our 'erstwhile ally' will betray us as you know full well. She wishes only to set herself up as you once did... Nay, you need not say it. I am using her just as she uses me. We both benefit from the other's meddling.

You appear to have taken a wrong turn somewhere along the way, D-Aldarian. Did you lose your way? (sneers) No, I know exactly what is happening due to my stunning cognitive abilities and I just felt I should warn you that you cannot escape this way.

(laughs) And here I took you for a complete imbecile. (chuckles) Yes, you are correct. As you arent a shambling mound of dead flesh and bones, you can thank me for your continued life. When you have your first child, feel free to name it after me.

(bored) Yes, yes... You posture and were all quite terrified, beat on your chest elsewhere, you semi-evolved ape. You will have your legion of the dead. Dalreth, see to it. I must report this to Seregwyn.

Record various grunts, oaths, curses, and so on that the character might utter during combat.

Examples:
1. Now I will send you to your doom!
2. Argh!
3. No!
4. (maniacal laugh)
5. Drink deeply from the well of death!
6. Eat this!
7. I am the last thing you shall see in your wretched life!

Record various greetings that the character might utter when the player wishes to initiate conversation or notify the player that conversation cannot be initiated.

Examples:
1. Hello, Aegis.
2. Oh, what do you want?
3. Greetings and well met!
4. Not right now.
5. I can't talk right now. I'm learning how to juggle live ferrets.
6. By all that is good and holy in this world, why must you pester me again?
7. So, the great Argalen has come to honor me with his (her) presence.
8. ...and so Argalen did b... Oh! Hello, Argalen. I didn't see you. I was just coming up with the latest entry in my memoirs.

Record various farewells that the character might utter when the player wishes to end conversation or notify the player that conversation cannot be initiated. Be creative. Feel free to use humor.

Examples:
1. Farewell, Argalen.
2. Goodbye.
3. Fare thee well! Do not let fear and self-doubt cloud your plans for a better future.
4. Aye, 'tis time to hit tha bottle after the pain from this talk!
5. Next time, I think I will just feign death.
6. I always enjoy our talks!

Record various grunts, oaths, curses, and so on that the character might utter during combat. (See line 1 of "Male Bit Roles" for examples.)

Record various greetings that the character might utter when the player wishes to initiate conversation or notify the player that conversation cannot be initiated. (See line 2 of "Male Bit Roles" for examples.)

Record various farewells that the character might utter when the player wishes to end conversation or notify the player that conversation cannot be initiated. Be creative. Feel free to use humor. (See line 3 of "Male Bit Roles" for examples.)

The Usurper of Eledhel's crown has fled the capital city and the Lord Kirin has recovered it in the name of the legitimate ruler. Alas, in the interim between the Usurper's occupation and its liberation, the Knights of the Storm came en-force and a substantial loss of life and considerable damage has been done to the city and its surrounding areas.

That is the most difficult part about being a leader - sending others to die in your stead. I would add that the true mark of a good leader would be to allow those others to do exactly that, to die in your stead because they believe in the cause you ask them to fight for.

(grumbles) Idiot... Calec, prepare your platoon for a sortie. Some of our erstwhile allies will be in need of aid soon. When they are beaten back, cover their retreat. Follow after them now but under no circumstances leave this ridge.