An Epic story of five races coming together to start a new world. Evil however lurk about the world, and a darkness that once was is ever present wanting to find it’s way back to the throne that was taken from it.
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Transcript I – “The Sentry Council” Ep.1
“He’s late”, said Dragus Dogun. “Are you surprised, with the troubles he says he has been having, plus it’s an entrance,” Angelica Kareem states calmly. “That may be the case, but should we be worried”, asked Dragus? “Why? It’s new for all of us to come together and form this Sentry Council,” said Andromeda LaSheen, “and we should be nervous because we have never been at this point before.” “That may be, but his quietness is unnerving”, stated Dragus while leaning his head towards another being. “When I am needed to talk, I will talk, until then I will remain silent”, Asprion Colchat stated with poise. “Silence brings wisdom and allows for thoughts to be sharp and precise”, whimsically states Angelica. “Well just so you know, this is a council, and at a council, words are needed in order to make any progress”, says Andromeda. “If you’re worried whether or not I will contribute to the council, don’t”, retorted Asprion. “Surprised she got a rise out of you Asprion, but I apologize, we are all nervous at this point of our venture even me”, Said Dragus. “Agreed”, states Andromeda, and the rest follow. Just then a familiar voice and heavy footsteps could be heard ringing through the stairway.
“Have you all been waiting on me, you’re too kind”, Dukard Barshear’s voice echoed in the chamber. “Better late, than never Dukard my friend”, says Asprion. “Well stated Asprion”, said Dragus. Asprion noded his head in thanks towards Dragus. This is the first of hopefully many meeting that the Sentries will convene on. It might take some time for traditions and formal interactions to take shape, but I see great things upon the horizon, but nothing has yet been accomplished. The evil that once was is still present and must be ever watched.
“Shall we begin this council”, said Dukard, “I didn’t travel all this way just to sit and idle chat.” “As always your presence shows through and livens up the council”, stated Asprion. The idle chat was broken up by the clang of a powerful staff heard banging the floor. All who attend stand and bow their heads in respect. I climb to my seat and sit as the others follow my lead. I look about the room searching the eyes of the Sentries that are before me sitting in a circle. The table is large and round. There are cut outs for the Sentries to sit in. My seat is raised up into the air as it is an old heavy throne. It use to seat an evil being, but now it is a seat of honor and virtue. The chamber’s ceiling is supported be thick wooden beams. The chamber is lite by a chandelier made of wood and iron, and instead of candles there is a small thin canal that holds a unique oil that when lite never burns out. Rune stones and jeweled rocks make up the walls creating a glowing brilliance as the stones themselves give off a soft glow. The Rune Stones themselves are full of magic and help keep the Darkness at bay. However, the magical force that truly keeps the darkness at bay was a sacrifice hard to bare and discuss. An entry way to a stairway sits behind the Sentries. There are windows with clear glass with an arch on top circling the room with a single torch in-between each.
This room once held the great terror that ravaged this world, but because these beings, these protectors, these Sentries came together and decided the world would not be forever in darkness. They decided to free the world and now through this council, will always stand guard over its people to beat back any darkness that arises. I the Keeper reside over this council and transcribe what was, is, and told, so let us begin.
“This meeting is now underway as all the Sentries have arrived”, I state clearly to everyone, “so, let us get on with it and discuss the matters that need our attention.” How about we start off with why the timely entrance of one Dukard Barshear”, Dragus proclaims. “Ah yes, I was late in arriving to the meeting, and for that I apologize”, Dukard says somberly, “but, I have news from the Northern Fire Nest.” “DRAGONS?” Andromeda stats with concern in her voice. “Correct”, retorts Dukard. “Reports are coming in that they are on the move and we do not know why”, Dukard continues. There is a silence in the room for a moment and everyone is looking around. “It seems a rogue dragon struck one of our northern villages. I and a small force marched north and disposed of the problem”, Dukard stated firmly. “It was but a small Seeker Dragon and we dealt with it quickly”, Dukard expressed confidently. “Good, the last thing we need is for a Grand Dragon making a Claim of Coercion”, Asprion says with relief. “This movement by the dragons is concerning and a sharp eye will be needed to make sure something else is not driving their movements”, I state with concern. “What of the village Dukard”, Angelica expressed with concern, “were you able to save it?” “The village was only partially scared be fire”, said Dukard with a slight smile, “our dwarf brethren showed their strength and kept the beast at bay.” “Once dispatched, we helped in the clean up and left a small guard unit to help if anything else showed up”, Dukard stated, “and that was why I was late to arrive. I had just come all the way from the Northern Fire Nest gathering information.” “I will send soldiers to the Northern Fire Nest to help reinforce the position in case things turn south”, Dragus said with assurance in his voice. “I thank you for that Dragus, and I will send word that they are coming”, Dukard stated back. “We will keep this as a high priority for now”, I said. “Dragons are not to be tampered with or turned a blind eye to”, Asprion said, “and I will have some of my vessels take extra supplies to Andromeda’s Pearl Port to stock supplies in case the dragons venture further south.” “Our scout outposts will be informed of the situation and put on high alert for dragon activity”, Andromeda said.
“Is there anything else that needs our attention at this time”, I said moving the council along. “Dragus, Asprion, is there any word on the Phantom Forest?” I continued. “Scouts state no movement on the south side and all seems calm for now”, said Asprion. “The forest seems to be still as of now on the north”, said Dragus. “Angelica, what word from Bardune?” I asked. “The Whispers are silent as of now, which is a good thing for us. There has been no word that the Gorge of Sorrows is growing, and if it does the Whispers of the Rune Wood will let us know”, Angelica stated with slight concern in her voice. “Asprion, how are things at Sea Dragon Port?” I asked. “We are moving supplies quickly and sending forces to reinforce the north more, and we will be ready in case the dragons do in fact move”, said Aspiron.
This Council was a make of uncertainty. I wondered if it would hold together. Though times were good now, what would happen when it turned? For it would eventually turn, and then that would be the moment that we were going to need their help. Time was going to be needed. Time and patience if this council was going to succeed in its endeavors. It has promise though, as I sit here listening to them talk. Each has their own experiences and hardships to fall on, but all have a common troubled life that they had to deal with. The Darkness that once dwelled in these walls is no more, but its mark will never leave. It is what’s going to drive them to become one and push themselves past all the hardships ahead. All it will take is time.
“This is our first meeting and we have been waiting a long time to once more join in arms here. The last time of course it was different”, I said with Dukard saying, “and much more violent.” “Yes, a joy for you I would imagine”, I said back. He only smiled and drink from his cup. “I work is going to long and hard. We have a lot to do make a better world. Each of you and your peoples, you are leading them well, but it is going to take more if we are to survive and prosper even more. This council is here so that we may grow together making something that was never possible before. We united our people once and look at what we were able to accomplish. Think of what we are capable of if we do more here. This council must succeed, for we all know what lurk in the dark. We must be more than we are now. We have no choice, for we are the only ones who stand here together, who forged everything before us. I sacrifice was much, but in the end we can have so much more. Are you ready, ready to be more than leaders? To be and become the Sentry Council”, I said standing? All stood raising their cups in the air. I slammed my staff onto the stone floor and from it came a deep ringing that echoed throughout the room and passed beyond the doors. It seemed as though it passed throughout the whole castle.
Our tale is one of great sadness and burdens. We know not of freedom till this point in our lives. Our darkness held on to these land since we could remember. A dark power that enveloped the world in which we knew. Our land is large and vast. Encircled by water on all sides. There is land beyond the great waters, but seldom traveled and explored. The greate darkness, had a name, one we refuse to use as we rid the world of that name. We want it to never be remembered or brought back. Its power brought forth from this castle and devoted followers. Once that was all of us, once we were the reason it was so powerful. The name that which should be forgotten, but never forgot. Surgone, will never be spoken again. Its mark left is well known, and felt throughout all the lands. None know where or how it came to be, but it is gone, thanks to them. We sit in a room that was once scene of horrifying actions, but now it will be the point in which we make a new world. I befitting monument to have over that once dark power.
There are evils still in the world. To the west we have the Phantom forest. A place that is always dark once you enter the thicket, and specters lurk ever searching for souls to feed on. However rumors spread of a being who calls this place home. One that was well known during the war. I’ll have to make it a priority to find out more on these rumors. If an ally does exist in that forsaken place, much knowledge could be gained. To the south east, and not too far from the castle, is a place that has me much more concerned. The Gorge of Sorrow, a dark scorched piece of earth that will never leave us. A scar that was formed stretching a distance that would take a day to walk. Though walking in the area could mean your death. This gorge did not have a bottom, and it was not natural. It’s a doorway. To a place that exist in the nightmares of all. It is said that this is the place that the fallen dark lord was born. A gate way that must never be allowed to open ever again. For what my sentries do not know is that if it was indeed born from that place, then there must be other beings there. Beings that might be even worse than him. This location must be watched carefully, for we can’t afford to falter there. Sadly we have eyes there. Mystics that were thrown in the gorge at the time of its creation, still wonder the area. Their souls not free, yet not taken. A prison for most it would be. The Mystics visit and talk with their fallen comrades. They call themselves the Whispers. Their wound is deep and saddening, but they have vowed to forever watch the gorge and see to it that it never opens again. They can never leave and as far as we all know never move on. I have been searching and searching for an answer to help them move on if possible so that their soul might be at piece, but is has been to no avail.
Our Meeting continued with monetary task and discussions about trade. The Sentries discussed their opinions with other issues of relevance. For a few more hours The Sentries and I worked out plans and sought out agreements. We were forging a bond that was going to see this world come into the light and stay there. The Darkness is forever present, but this Council will see it never come back again. The Time had finally come for the Sentries to leave, and all said their goodbye. Our first meeting is at a close. I wonder what task will burden this Council our next visit. We will soon see.
Transcript II – “The Dwarfs” Ep. 2
The time has come for our next meeting of the Sentry Council. It will be a few hours before my guest arrive so I will take this time to write a personal anecdote of each of the Sentries. The transcripts need to be kept in order so that if ever anything happened to me, someone can be there to take up the helm. These accounts of the Sentries are so the records can show who they are and what they stand for. It is my job to help the Sentries to keep this world safe, and these records will show that to everyone. Each Sentry will have their own record.
Dukard Barshear is probably the best person to start with as he is the most out spoken of the council. Dukard is a dwarf and a very strong one at that. His people highly respect him and follow him pride fully. Dukard himself is very prideful, but is laid back as well. This allows for him to be very personable and highly respected on this council. Though, you can tell life has been hard for him as well as the dwarf race as well. Very rugged and rough looking, Dukard has the face that shows his life story on it, however life has never brought him down and he will dive head first into battle for his fellow dwarfs or allies.
The race of dwarfs live in the northern region of the known world among the Highland Mountain Range. Their land is filled with sharp, tall, and steep mountains. The base of which are covered in a thick forest and broad valleys. Dukard’s home city is Dwelldor and it is built into the base of a mountain. Dwarfs are known for their building skills and they are second to none. Their home is evidence of that as no army has ever taken it. Their defensive capabilities are the best in the land. Once long before the taking of this castle, I saw the city and to this day I am still finding myself looking upon the entry way to it.
Early in the days of the first Darkness appearing, many of armies of evil attacked and went to take this mighty city, but it was never taken not once did it fall. The dwarfs were the only ones of the race that never fully fell under the darkness once it had taken over, but due to this there lands and homes were surrounded and locked into never being able to be truly free. They were not under the Darkness’s rule but were in all sight prisoners for a lifetime. Their farm lands burnet to a crisp and out laying homes destroyed. If the Darkness couldn’t enslave them, then it would eradicate them from the world, but it didn’t know the might of the dwarves. It seriously underestimated them and they stuck together and bunkered down like none other do. Together they found a way to survive and out last the Darkness till the right moment. Their lands are just now starting to come back, and the dwarves are starting to once more move out and reestablish their homes of old.
When you live in the area that they live in, having a strong fortified structure is the way of life. The land is filled with danger and enemies. Dragons live in the most northern parts of the mountains. Nesting and slumbering among the many caves and hidden areas. To venture into their lairs is near suicide as dragons are cleaver and mean beast. They communicate with each other for purposes of dominion and food sources. They do war among themselves on occasion which can spill over into the dwarf’s lands. Dukard himself has seen action of this type and tells a many tales on the subject. There outlaying homes that have been built back, are far away from these areas, but it doesn’t stop the beast from showing their ferocity on the lands. Free from any one controlling them, they are themselves their own race. Left alone and looking to be left alone, they stay to their skies and peaks, but all battle and this is where conflict starts.
One such story, was many years ago and how Dukard himself became the Sentry of his province. A troop of dwarfs led by Baylore, then the Sentry, were on the move north to reinforce a fort that had been built to keep watch over the north east area. Dukard was among the troop and second in command to Baylore. Baylore himself was a wise and surprisingly quite Dwarf. He helped in the war that took down the darkness that was. This tales place right after the taking of the dark castle. Things were somewhat chaotic then, and structure needed to be made or remade. The dwarfs had the ability to once more push out and grow their lands back, but what was once theirs had been taken over by nature and by fiery beast. The job of taking back all these areas was going to be a hard fought battle. Areas that had not seen Dragons before were now active for them. Without the presence of dwarfs the dragon’s range of territory had grown. Conflict was sure to happen, but the dwarfs needed to gain back what they had lost. The areas that they sought to take back were rich in minerals and metals vital to life for the dwarfs, as well for all of Nelbring. Their lines of supply stretch to all corners and assist in many of the fine weapons of all the races here. On such supply was needed, but it was the farthest north and hardest to currently supply as it in a heavily active dragon zone.
While on the move towards the fort his troop was suddenly engulfed in a dragon death match. Baylore and his men were marching along a make shift path among the mountains when suddenly they heard a roar like no other. The wind picked up like a huge storm had happened upon them suddenly. Soon from the left rocks began to fall and there they were. The dragons were in the air twisting and turning. There was a furry of claws, teeth, and fire breath being sown everywhere. The dragons beat each other against the mountains and then would gain air and hurl themselves at each other again. Baylore and the dwarfs formed a battle line of shields to try and protect themselves from the debris cascading all about them. This was hell on earth and fire was all upon them. They moved to cover when they could and sought out areas to escape. Reports had flooded in that this had been going on and why reinforcements were needed. A plan was to take action later in the seasons to muster an army to move through and push them back, but supplies had been limited to the area. The terrain was hard to move through as well. The years of neglect abandonment let nature take back that which was once its property.
Suddenly one of the beast swiftly went for the other’s throat and bit hard causing the beast to let out an amazingly horrifying roar. The dragon that had bit pushed hard and forced the other to dive down wards. Both dragons where approaching the ground near the troop and there was nowhere to go. Suddenly the dragons collided with the ground sending out a huge shock wave and cloud of smoke in every direction. The dwarfs started to try and regather their troop as fast as possible, but as the smoke cleared they found themselves face to face with the winning dragon standing upon the corpse of the defeated dragon.
Letting out and tremendous roar for victory the dragon paused to catch his breath. Throughout the fight the dragon had never noticed the dwarf troop below, but since the fight was over and his senses cleared he smelt them right away and looked about at them. This was a truly terrifying moment for the dwarfs as fighting a dragon was not something one seeks to do and they were underprepared for such an endeavor. The dragon started to raise its head and started breathing in heavy readying his fire for a quick broil of the dwarfs. Suddenly a spear flew through the air and connected with the dragon’s throat spewing fire outwards. Baylore had perched himself among a rocky out cropping high enough to get a clean shot, and as the dragon started to breath in his scales exposed the less dense skin underneath as it stretched to ready the fire breath. Baylore struck cleanly and true. This caused the dragon to fling about widely. Many dwarfs ran for cover, but some could not make it from being stomped on and whip lashed by its might tail as now the beast was furious.
Baylore knew he had but one chance to stop this massacre. He sought out the perfect opportunity and yelled to the dragon to gain his attention. The beast looked his way and stared towards him with gleaming eyes of hate its neck leaking a orange glowing liquid that also drooled out of its mouth. The dragon started towards Baylore and unknown to the beast was that Dukard was hidden just below ready to strike when the moment was right. Baylore had gained the monsters attention and it raced towards him. Baylore moved back to a small hole set back a bit to wear the dragon had to stretch his neck to reach for Baylore, and this was the moment Dukard was waiting for. As the beast stretched its neck Dukard struck and cut the neck at the spot the spear had punctured. The beast flung itself back falling against the stone wall of the mountain flinging orange liquid heat all about.
Struggling to breath and fighting death the beast still sought to kill, and with one last effort struck out at Dukard now exposed after attacking. As the dragon raced forward from upon high Baylore jumped off the out cropping and landed on the head of the beast. Wrestling to hold on and striking with his mighty ax Baylore was able to hold the beast at bay till it fell, but as it did Baylore fell underneath the head of the beast. One of the many horns was strewn through Baylore. The remaining dwarfs and Dukard gathered and lifted the head of the dragon and pulled Baylore out. He did not stay among this world much longer, but looked to Dukard to gather the remaining dwarfs and march on. Their journeys and battles brought forth a race of beings that are stronger together and tougher than the mountains around them. Their people have built mighty fortresses and their structures will stand longer than any. The test of time will look back and see them as the great builders of the world.
Since the great darkness has been banished the dwarfs have been in their lands living in these harsh environments, but for them it is home and it is far better than what is was. Freedom is now available to all, but it cost a hefty price to maintain. Dukard is one of the youngest of the Sentries and therefore brings a youthfulness to the group. However, he has seen much in battle throughout his life and as such is still well maintained in the way of being a leader. His people look up to him for guidance and he has not let them down. That day he became the new Sentry, and soon met here among the others. Dukard has seen his fair share of battles, but has experienced loss as have all the Sentries. Dukard himself is prideful and looks to not dwell on the losses, but celebrate who they were and how they lived. He is a member of this council that is needed indeed. Soon he and the council will convene, and Dukard will enlighten us with another of his tales, and I look forward to it when the time comes. Maybe one day a tale or two can be told about this council.
Transcript III – “Mankind” Ep.3
As I move on to writing the next personal anecdote. My next entry will be of mankind’s Sentry Andromeda LaSheen whose life has made her a tough and hardened person, and this sometime makes it hard for members of the council to get along with her. Mankind lives in the north eastern part of Nelbring close to the shores of the Murkmore Sea. At the most eastern part of the Highland Mountain Range lies the province of man. Andromeda’s home is the castle Thran which lies close to Pearl Port. Man has made its living through the Pearl Port through trade and fish markets. Their port lies off the steep cliffs that border their province. It was built in the sea on huge pillars. The dwarfs helped in its construction creating a massive passage way through the cliff itself down to the port. It has stayed the test of time, and is quite the spectacle to walk through.
The port is a main part of man’s comings and goings through Nelbring, but Thran lies on the outskirts of the truly dark parts of the Highland Mountains. The mountains they border are the strong hold for the goblins. An unruly bunch of monsters small in stature, but their numbers are vast. They have no castle, instead they dwell in all the mountains in immense caverns and caves the mountains possess. They scavenge what they can and makeshift things to their needs. They rarely venture out on to the valley floors or past the mountain borders, but occasionally they do venture south and that is when conflict with man erupts.
Mankind has been locked in a bloody conflict with the goblin horde for longer than anyone can remember. Long ago, before the dark castle was taken such a conflict happened. Goblins are known to have no master, just chieftains leading clans. They do fight with each other which is nothing but food or small chieftain brawls, but at one time The Dark One had the power to control them and unify them as an army for himself. In doing so The Dark One unleashed the horde upon mankind in hopes of destroying them.
At this time mankind was led by Andromeda’s parents who were the Sentries of her province. Her parents were Thral and Melainda LaSheen both powerful warriors and great leaders. They lead their armies against the horde many times. Andromeda at the time was young and the commander of the Grand Guard. She saw to the protection of the Sentries and the protection of Thran itself. She was next in line to take over as the Sentry of their province. Andromeda had great admiration for her parents, as did their people, and they fought for them undeniably. Andromeda herself cared deeply for Thran and her people, and sought to protect them from any danger. The people in return saw her as their protector, and she embraced them as such.
The war with The Dark One was well under way and the horde was making a push to take Pearl Port. Thral and Melainda moved their forces to meet them and fight them back. As this battle was taking place however another goblin force had secretly dug tunnels in the west and past the battle lines. Scouts had found where an army of Goblins had started to gather and sent word back to Thran to warn them. When Andromeda received word of this she immediately sent word to her parents at Pearl Port, but no word came back. Not wanting to wait for an attack Andromeda decided then that she would attack the western front. This would not be something the horde was expecting and would give Andromeda the advantage. So she struck out with her army to face the oncoming horde.
The battle saw itself take place where to large hills met, and when the goblin horde reached the lowest part that is when Andromeda unleashed their attack. Scouts found the location and so Andromeda saw to it the battle would take place there. They decimated the goblins who were not ready at all. They had no cover and fought up hill. The victory was swift and deadly to the goblins. Few men lost their lives and Andromeda saw her first strategic command out of the protection of Thran go well. They headed back to what they thought was going to be a great welcoming, but the news when they returned was not good.
Upon returning to Thran, Andromeda got word that the battle at Pearl Port had not gone good and that the port had been over taken by the goblin hordes. It was told that the goblins had reinforcements that Sentry Thral and Melainda had not known about. Andromeda was furious and wanted to know what had happen to her parents. She immediately gathered her troops numbering nearly a thousand to take Pearl Port back, and they set forth right after returning from their last battle. They mounted horse back and moved swiftly to the port. It was going to take one day to get there and hopefully it was for not.
Once they topped the last hill that over looked Pearl Port they saw death upon them. The port was set ablaze and a great battle had taken shape on the entrance of the passage way. There they could see the remaining forces of Thral and Melainda being pushed back to the burning port. Without hesitation Andromeda rallied her troops and they charged giving out a battle cry and blowing a rallying horn to signal the advance. From the distance the horn echoed all the way down to the battle, and there Thral noticed the advance coming. He gave a call out and his men formed battle lines. Shield to shield the knights tied together and formed a wall to hold back the wave upon wave of goblins. Trying everything they could to hold the advance of the horde till Andromeda reached them.
By now the Goblins had taken noticed to the oncoming charge and started to form a make shift spear line, but too little too late. Goblins are small and direct assaults do not hold well for them. They are masters of ambush and over running their enemy in numbers, but a cavalry charge put them at a great disadvantage. Andromeda’s charge had reached them and plowed into them like a massive avalanche. Spears, swords, arrows, and horse hooves crushed goblins before them. The goblins started to shake and flee but this battle wasn’t over quite yet.
The tree line was close and in it the goblins had something hidden waiting for the right opportunity to unleash. With a horn blow giving the call to unleash their reinforcements. From the distance a roar could be heard and a blast of wind came down from the tree line. Out of the trees came a dragon. Though dragons have never been under a master as there is nothing powerful enough to control them, this dragon was with the goblins. It first flew up preparing a sweeping of fire breath heading right for the ports entrance. A fire blast would surely incinerate anything trapped in the massive entrance way. With fire behind and fire being spewed into the tunnel it would be like an oven.
Andromeda’s forces had not yet reached her parents and she watched helplessly as the dragon approached. Thral and Melainda embraced as the fire engulfed all that was there. Andromeda was now yelling in madness, had to be restrained from racing to them blindly. The Goblins were still about them trying to move out of the way of the dragon. For now it was time to take cover and formulate a plan to take down the beast. They were not prepared for something like this. Her mother and father’s forces were gone and Pearl Port seemed lost to the goblins. This dragon was going to end them, and once they were gone there was nothing to stop the goblins from marching straight to Thran. The dragon by now had turned and was readying another sweeping blow. Andromeda and her army retreated back running for the rocky areas that lay close to the cliffs hopping for some protection.
As they ran the dragon flew in and blew his fire upon them catching some of the horse men and burning them to ash. All seemed to be lost as they had no weapons to fight this beast, but just then something called out causing the dragon to fly up and turn its attention to the west. Andromeda gathered her force seeing that the dragon was leaving and the goblins started to fall back as well. In the sky over head she suddenly saw why. Griffins were swooping in and attacking the goblins, and on the ground a dwarf army had come. Built strong and tough they started their battle line and marched forth pushing the goblins back. The griffins were being rode by Draksins. These beings were quite large in stature and swung heavy hammers and axes.
The Draksins split into two groups where three raced to kill the dragon. They found it and encircled it to where it could not target one easily. One of the Draksin, Katon, over top the dragon jumped from its griffin, and as it fell towards the dragon drew its ax and slammed it in the head of the dragon immediately causing it to cry out and fall. The Draksin jumped off and his griffin came to catch him and the returned to the goblin battle.
With tears and anger in her eyes Andromeda once again rallied her army calling upon them to once more fight for their people. They charged and smashed the goblins before them. Leaving none alive that they could find. They pushed them all the way back to the mountains they came. Once there with the assistance of the dwarfs they sealed the openings. Spending weeks searching they sealed every hole they could find, and afterwards spent months building fortified positions to fight back the hordes if they ever returned. It would be hard for the goblins to muster another attack for they lost many in that war.
Due to Andromeda’s attack in the west it had a crippling blow, and had she not attacked Thran would be under siege as Pearl Port fell. Then both the western attacking goblins and the eastern attacking goblins would be upon Thran with no hope. Andromeda that day found her inner strength for her people and fought for them as well as her parents. Thran held a great funeral for her parents, and rallied upon Andromeda. They looked to her now that she was the Sentry, but it was also Thran’s people that helped rally her to become the person she is today.
After the western goblins had fallen word had got to Baylore about the battle and what was taking shape at Pearl Port. As dwarfs know much of the doings of Dragons they knew that the goblins had been trying to become allied with the dragons. Baylore had already started to move a troop of dwarfs towards Pearl Port for reinforcement. Their scouts in the mountains at the Northern Fire Nest had already seen the number of goblin movements increase and knew the battle would be soon. A Request for aid from the Griffins of the Draksin was sent by the dwarfs knowing that dragons might be in use.
The war with The Dark One saw cruel things happen to each race and many great warriors lost their lives in the search of a victory. Andromeda lost both her parents that day, but her people rallied around her and her allies as well. They drove the enemy back and found victory. That day Andromeda and her people vowed to avenge the fallen and defeat The Dark One. The battle of Pearl Port was the turning point of the war against The Dark One, and established hope once again among the Sentries that victory could indeed be had against him. Andromeda herself was never the same, and since then has sought to completely destroy the horde in the mountains. Her mind ever on the day she saw her parents burned to ash. She will not stop in the destruction of the goblin horde.
It has always been a mystery as to how the dwarfs kept such a close watch out on the goblins and what was happening. All that is known is a being with special skills working with the dwarfs had been scouting them for an unknown time. He was the one who informed Baylore of the dragon, and it was he who gave word to the Draksin about needing aid to best the beast the goblins had working for them. This mystery being is still said to be in dwelling in Nelbring somewhere, but has not been seen for some time. He how ever had other tales in the battle against The Dark One. Someday maybe I will get the chance to meet this being and thank him. Maybe all of us will get that chance someday. All that is known is he played a major role in the war as his tales are brought up many times. We will see though, as there is still time.
Transcript IV – “Mystics” Ep. 4
In the southeast lies the great Rune Wood. A forest that covers a great region of Nelbring. Its vast trees create a great carpet of green extending out of eye sight. This area is extremely potent in magic. The very air is filled with power and mysticism. Which brings me to my next personal anecdote on Sentry Angelica Kareem. Her province is home of a race called the Mystics. These are beings that are embodied with the magical forces of the forest itself. The Mystics are all females and embody the beauty of the forest itself, but their looks can be deceiving because they are some of the deadliest warriors.
Angelica’s home lies in the great forest and is called Allura. The towers of their castle are built within the great trees of Rune Wood. Majestic in all its glory, Allura is constantly growing as the forest grows. It is a living castle that the Mystics treasure and nurture helping it grow. Using their vast skill in the magical arts they create the structures that make up the castle itself. The Castle lies deep in the forest allowing it to be hard to access. The forest itself has the magic ability to sense evil and will make it hard to navigate, and using the magical properties of the forest the Mystics are able to see all who enter the forest. They guard the great forest from evil very passionately.
It is told that the Mystics were derived from old magic of ancient times, and this is how their race flourishes. Through the magical properties of the forest itself they are able to give life to more Mystics. Their limit is based only on the power of the forest, and what it can sustain, as like the crop in a field, only so much can be planted in the ground. Endowed with a green aura and wearing evergreen armor with gold rune markings of magical properties, Mystics encompass all that is Rune Wood. They can scale the tree tops fast as any cat, and run as swift as any deer. Their archery abilities are legendary among Nelbring. They attack swiftly and without warning before disappearing back into the great forest. They don’t particularly like visitors in their province, and take convincing even from allies that wish to pass through the Rune Wood.
Angelica Kareem is the oldest Mystic of her people allowing her to be the Sentry of their province. Mystics live much longer than most other beings and the knowledge gained from all is passed to all. Angelica has seen to it that her province the Rune Wood grows and allows for her people to gather more magic. When The Dark One ruled the lands the Rune Wood was greatly diminished and sickly. The Mystics were on the brink of destruction when Angelica found a way to bring her people together and restore the Rune Wood’s magic.
The magic of the Rune Wood was being twisted by The Dark One for his own dark desires, and in doing so it was causing the Rune Wood to die. The Dark One wanted to see to it that he killed off the Mystics so that the powers of the forest were left to his will. The war with The Dark One had not yet begun, and his will and influence was ever present. This was indeed a dark time and the Mystics were on the brink of destruction.
The Dark One knew if he wanted to defeat the Mystics and destroy them, he would need to create a great rift between them and the magic of the forest. He therefore created a great scare upon Nelbring in the Rune Wood. The Gorge of Sorrow as it became known to all that resided in the world. The Dark One called upon all his dark powers and then the ground shook all over and soon split creating a gaping gorge running through Rune Wood. The gorge stretched for miles and cut right through the forest. The Dark One’s black magic filled the gorge and tainted the very ground in which it cut into. Rune Wood started to die and a sickness started to fall upon the Mystics.
Angelica gathered her forces and sought to attack the gorge and destroy the evil magic. When Angelica’s forces arrived they called upon the forest and used their magic to start to close the gorge, but this was the moment that The Dark One was waiting for. He was wanting to draw the Mystics out and then destroy them. When Angelica and her forces had gathered and their energy focused on the gorge that is when The Dark One unleashed his trap. Fire spewed forth and fell upon the ground everywhere. The Mystics scattered trying to flee, but the fire had set the trees and ground ablaze making escape near impossible. There was but one option and that was to continue to try and close the gorge.
Fire was only the beginning of this battle as The Dark One had called upon an ancient evil to come forth from the gorge. Soon demons adorned with fire and having the face of the dead crawled forth from the gorge and a great battle ensued. Angelica’s forces fought bravely, but the demon horde was vast and endless. Angelica found her forces failing all around her, but as a Mystic fell she saw that the demons were caring them to the gorge and throwing them in. Since the Mystics were derived from the forest itself their bodies held magic and The Dark One wanted it.
The battle was over and Angelica found herself alone trying to escape, but hesitating to leave her fallen behind. She could still hear the screams of some of the Mystics that were alive as they were flung into the gorge. Angelica escaped burned, beaten, and bloodied. She arrived back at Allura calling the rest of the Mystics to prepare for an attack. This was going to be there last stand. Out of desperation she sent emissaries out to both Thral and Melainda LaSheen and Asprion Colchat hoping that at least one would come to assist. Smoke now filled the forest and ash fell from the sky. Angelica knew that they did not have the forces capable of repealing this coming attack, and that she needed to do something if she didn’t want her people to be destroyed.
The magic of the forest was deeming and Angelica knew what she needed to do, but would it be enough to help. Allura is built around the heart of the Rune Wood where all of its magic is created. Angelica would try to channel this magic through her and repeal the demon horde, but there was a chance that it would be too much and consume her. Angelica knew there was no other option and went before the heart. Inside a hollowed out tree lies a single flower perfectly bloomed and giving off a radiant glow. Angelica approached and knelled before the flower. She placed each hand above the flower in the radiance it gave off. Speaking an enchantment the gold runes on her armor started to glow and soon light shown forth from her eyes and mouth as the magical energy entered her body. She began to float in the air adsorbing all of it, but the forest did not take Angelica instead it endowed her with incredibly power.
The demon horde had arrived at their gates, and as they were about to signal for the attack, the gates of Allura opened. Angelica was there radiant in all the magic of the heart. Her eyes glowing with pure energy and anger walked out to meet the demons descending upon them. As she walked she raised both hands holding them spread out in front of her. With a grimace look and tears forming in her eyes, Angelica spoke an incantation in an echoing voice that shook the ground. When she reached the end a blinding beam of light burst forth from her, and she turned the demon horde into ash before her.
The attack on Allura was over and Angelica had vanquished the horde. Only ash was left, but this battle was not over yet. The gorge was still open and another Demon horde would be spewing forth to attack again. Angelica now fell to the ground completely exhausted from transformation. She could barely stand but knew she must somehow gather enough forces to attack the gorge, but she didn’t know if this would be enough as she saw what happened last time. Her fellow Mystics came to her aid and helped ready her for the next battle, but she and the other Mystics continued to think that this was the end and that there was no hope.
However hope was not lost, soon the sounds of warring trumpets could be heard from both the north and west. Andromeda and Asprion had come bringing their armies to aid the Mystics. Angelica rallied her troops and together with her allies marched forth to the gorge. Angelica informed them of what they were about to face and what had transpired at Allura. Asprion, a great keeper of past history, was familiar with the dark magic used to call upon the ancient evil spewing forth from the gorge, and so he formulated a plan of attack that they would use destroy the evil now upon them.
They reached the burnt and ash riddled ground of what use to be forest, and readied for the attack. Asprion went and scouted from afar the gorge first, then he posted his troops in the front of the assault with his archers up front. Thral and Melainda split their forces on horseback to the left and right behind the frontal assault force. Angelica and her forces that were in smaller numbers due to the last attacks were reinforcing Asprion’s archers in the front. Angelica and her people wanted to be in the front to lead the attack, and as the Mystics’ archers are second to none Asprion was counting on them to be up front for their skill.
Angelica again had strong emotions flowing through her as she was once again staring at the battle ground wear she lost so many Mystics before. With tears in her eyes she raised her hand and gave out the call for the attack. They started to march forward slowly at first then picking up speed. Asprion following the frontal assault on horse started to cast a spell that enchanted the arrows of all the archers. They would counter act the dark magic and destroy them.
Their presence had not gone unknown as the gorge once again started to billow fire and soon the demon horde was crawling out. From what Asprion had scouted previously he had determined where the heart of the gorge was, and that would be the focus of their attack. Their forces numbered close to five thousand, but the demon horde’s numbers were uncountable as they were spawned by black magic. The gorge was miles long and if the attack was to be successful they had to be fast. The demons would surely encircle them from the other ends of the gorge, and soon be overrun if the attack was slowed by any means.
The arrows hit hard and the demons fell immediately. Asprion and Angelica’s forces made it to the edge of the gorge and stared into fiery chasm below. Thral and Melaind’s forces split and blocked the forces coming from the sides. This bought Angelica and Asprion’s forces time to conjure a spell that would destroy the gorge. Angelica was the conduit of the spell and would be the deliverer, but it took time for Asprion to conduct the spell. Soon however their forces had been pushed back, and even Thral and Melainda were being pushed back. Time was running out, and something was coming that could affect the outcome greatly.
Just before the spell was done the sky grew dark and the ground shook. Something was coming and it was not being caused by the spell Asprion was forming. The Dark One had seen that the Sentries had come together, and saw a chance for their destruction. He saw this as an opportunity to end them all and was about to arrive. The Sentries began to figure out what was about to happen, but the spell wasn’t ready. Angelica looked upon the others and her fellow people, and knew of only one thing that would end this. She once again called upon the heart of the forest to aid her, knowing it would undoubtedly take her this time.
The Clouds started to fling down black lighting and the moment was now or never for The Dark One had come. Angelica waved her arm pushing all her allies back with a magical blast, and then turned and ran for the edge of the gorge. When at the edge she jumped. Completing the spell as she fell, she then wrapped her arms around herself and a light that was brighter than the sun burst forth from her. Soon the entry gorge was enveloped in the light and the clouds were broken up with sun shinny through.
The spell worked and destroyed the fire in the gorge. The Dark One was beat back to the Dark Castle and the Sentries had won, but at what they thought was a great loss. Cheers could be heard all around through the army except for the Sentries left standing on the edge of the gorge. They gathered around the edge looking into the abyss all saddened by the loss of Angelica, but as they stood there soon a small light started to appear. It first appeared as what looked like a star then it grew bigger. Soon the Sentries could tell that it was moving towards them, and soon it flown out of the gorge floating high above them. Silence had befallen the armies. The light started to float down and fade. It revealed that Angelica was laying there before them.
The Sentries knelt before her and saw that she was alive. They created a cot and carried her back to Allura. She awoke back home in a bed with all the Sentries standing around her. Even Baylore of the Dwarfs and Katon of the Draksins had come. They brought reinforcements to help secure the Rune Wood and fortify the gorge. Angelica was very pleased and grateful for all that they had done. She then told them of her journey and of how the heart of Rune Wood saved her and sent her back to see to it that the Rune Wood was restored.
The forest itself was already starting to grow back. The ash from the dead demon horde Angelica created from her attack to protect Allura, was enchanted. The magic in it restored the ground that had been scorched and the trees were already growing. The forest was fixing itself and the Mystics’ power were starting to return. Angelica’s healing was progressing faster as the forest grew.
Days after the battle of the gorge the Sentries gathered and decided then and now that it was time to vanquish The Dark One. This was their first meeting all together, and it was the beginning of the Great War. They saw in the battle that they could indeed beat The Dark One. The hope was there and from that point they allied themselves. From then on they started to call themselves the armies of light to fight The Dark One till he was destroyed. Soon great battles would ensue covering Nelbring in war and death, but there was a light at the end.
Transcript V – “Vangors” Ep. 5
To the southwest lies the land of the Vangors which is led by the Sentry Asprion Colchat. His people are believed to be related to or even decedents of the elves that once walked this world. Tall and lean in stature, Vangors are extremely logical in what they do and how they think. Their intense eyes are completely blue, and their ears are slightly pointed. It is said in the old records that the elves that once ruled over these land, that they two had eyes that were completely colored, but as to what color that is not known. Much of the history recorded of the Predorn Age has been lost, but what is known is that both are closely related.
The Vangors home is called Thradone the city of blue sapphire. The stone and tall towers that make up Thradone are made up of the color blue sapphire. On sunny days the light catches the towers, and an array of blue beams are thrust out in every direction, a sight like no other to witness. The blue city is considered one of the most beautiful spectacles in all of Nelbring and the Vangors are very proud of it. The stones that make up the city are comprised of a magic that turned the stone into the blue sapphire that they are today. It is said that the walls that surround the blue city are some of the hardest in all the land, but the dwarfs are anxious to test that for they believe theirs are stronger.
Trade and commerce are a big part of what make Thradone thrive. The Sea Dragon Port supports a lot of traffic from around Nelbring, and together with the Pearl Port are able to allow Nelbring the ability to transport good from the south to the north that otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Likewise, things form the north transported to the south that otherwise could not be. The Vangors pride themselves in their sea fairing ways. They are master boats men, and when called upon during troubling times can dispatch a fleet for support. Their ground capabilities are impressive as well. Their soldiers are highly trained and are extreme tacticians.
Asprion himself is the Sentry that leads his people, and he has lead them for a long time. No one knows the life span of a Vangor. Some say that they are immortal, like the elves of old. Asprion lived before the time of the great war, and saw his people be slaughtered and enslaved by The Dark One. The Vangors suffered greatly during The Dark One’s rein. Asprion found himself locked away in the mines under the dark fortress that he meets at today. For years his people and he slaved away mining for precious metals and rune stones with magical properties for The Dark One. The Dark One had a tainted magic that made all Vangors weak and unable to fight. It was a dark magic that was unknown to the Vangors. Asprion and his fellow captives went days without seeing daylight. All seemed lost and soon Asprion lost all connection with this world believing it would never end and soon he too would be under the influence of The Dark One.
Asprion had a love interest that he had not seen in a long time. One day when they were above ground she came to him. Her name was Lalein, and Asprion did what he could to be with her. Lalein had seen that Asprion was losing hope and ever growing more under the influence of The Dark One, and knew something had to be done or forever lose Asprion to the darkness. For you see the Vangors were chosen to be the slaves of The Dark One. He could twist them in to a dark and evil force to do his bidding. These evil beings became part of the dark castle, and once turned were forever its slaves to do dark and terrible things. Vangors, unlike Mystics which were comprised of magic, had magic flowing through them but were not composed of magic. This allowed The Dark One to taint the magic flowing through them and through time turn them into his personal dark army.
The Dark One had many dark forces orcs, goblins, dragons, fire demons, and many more, but none for terrifying than the Accursed Sentinels. Much like the Sentries, however the Accursed Sentinels numbered far more and lacked free will. They served the will of The Dark One and marched forth creating havoc and enforcing The Dark One’s will in all the provinces. They slaughtered all who opposed them, or defied the will of The Dark One. Their strength like no other army alive that day. Soon Asprion was finding himself starting to fade and become Accursed. If not for Lalein, Asprion and this council would not exist today.
Lalein knew what was happening to Asprion for she had seen it many times. She worked in the castle helping with the runes stones and precious metals that were mined. She and many others procured the magic from these relics to help feed The Dark One’s thirst for power. She witnessed many Vangors suffer the fate of being transformed into the Accursed Sentinels and knew Asprion was soon going to have that happen. So, she devised a plan to save him, but at a cost so dear.
Lalein sought a council with The Dark One so that she might plead for the life of Asprion. She pleaded on her hand and knees and begged The Dark One to free Asprion of the accursed magic flowing through him so that he might live. The Dark One listened to Lalein and in his twisted mind he proposed an offering to her. He would spare his life in exchange for her own, but unknown to her The Dark One had no intention of freeing Asprion as well. He would instead free Asprion to honor the deal but later turn him once she had long been turned herself. The Dark One knew though as Asprion would work back in the mines he would once again start to be tainted and eventual be turned once again. The Dark One’s intentions for all Vangors would be to turn them all, and he would never free one completely. To him he saw this as an opportunity to easily acquire two for one and so made the deal.
Lalein’s heart heavy from making the deal found Asprion afterwards. He was indeed free of the tainted magic and his head was becoming clear. His eyes found Lalein and a moment of joy found him for he had been lost for so long. He embraced her, but right away he knew something was wrong. Upon asking Lalein, she told Asprion of the deal she made with The Dark One and it crushed Asprion, but Asprion thought he could save them both from the fate of being turned. As Asprion’s head cleared more and more he remembered while under the influence of the tainted magic he started to link with The Dark One himself. He saw his plans and saw the inner workings of his dark magic. Asprion had started to devise a plan that would free them of the tainted magic and free them of The Dark One. Asprion was going to free all Vangors from his rule. The Dark One himself did not know of Asprion’s visions and knowledge that he had gained.
Now that Asprion was free The Dark One sought out Lalein for he had a surprise that would devastate Asprion. In his dark fortress The Dark One worked his evil magic and through a vision found Lalein. Unknown to her and Asprion of what The Dark One was up to, The Dark One using a great deal of his magic grabbed Lalein from his fortress in his vision. Where Asprion and she stood suddenly Lalein shook and her body was in pain. Asprion had no idea why or what was happening. Lalein screamed out in pain as she began to float above the ground. Soon a blackness arouse from her mouth and eyes. Her body started to transform, and all Asprion could do was watch. He watched as The Dark One twisted her and formed her. He watched as The Dark One transformed her into an Accursed Sentinel instantly instead of slow as he once was becoming. It was another trick The Dark One had planned and though it took a great deal of magic he would have his Accursed Sentinel.
Asprion mad with anger and rage was on his knees because what stood before him was no longer his love but a cursed black spawn of The Dark One. The dark demon left Asprion when done transforming to join The Dark One. Asprion was in shock and knew that this was not the deal that Lalein had struck and that The Dark One had tricked them. He then knew that he too would be turned if he returned to the mines. It was at this moment that Asprion gathered himself and made a vow to defeat The Dark One and free the Vangors.
Through weeks of preparation and planning Asprion gathered what was needed. He started talking to all the Vangors he could talk to and had many of them spread the word of what he was doing and of the plan. The Vangor people started to rally behind Asprion. He had found a way to free themselves of the accursed by way of magic. He found out that a black fire was constantly lite in the great room to which The Dark One constantly over saw and kept. It was this black fire that fed the dark magic and tainted the magic flowing through all Vangors. The Dark One had poisoned the mines and the fire kept the poison running through the mines tainting the very air that the Vangors breathed. Asprion kept himself out of the mines unless necessary to enter. When he did go to the mines it was to gather the magical elements that he needed to accomplish his goal. His plan was to create a sickness within the tainted magic that would forever destroy the magic turning the Vangors into Accursed Sentinels. As like all Vangors they could see the flow of magic and could read its properties. When Asprion was under the influence of the tainted magic he got a glimpse into how it worked and was able to create a means of good magic to counter act it. As for the Vangors that had already turned he did not know what would happen to them.
In about a month the magic was ready and placed in rune stones. Asprion would have to take it to The Dark One himself and through it into the fire that fueled the tainted magic to destroy the source. Days before the meeting was set Asprion went into the mines and with the help of other fellow Vangors they spread other rune stones about the mine that started to clear the tainted magic away. Carful to never be seen by the guards and other evil watching eyes, the runes were placed about the mines none the wiser as the runes looked like the rocks of any rock quarry. Soon all tainted magic was gone and the Vangors were recovering their strength. The time had come and Asprion sought a council with The Dark One. Upon entering the room, that the Sentries congregate in currently, Asprion wasting no time found the fire and without hesitation through the stone to the fire. The Dark One caught off guard could not stop it. The rune stone landed and sent out an extreme explosion that rocked the tower that they stood in.
The explosion spewed forth glass shared and stone about. As the smoke cleared Asprion found himself on the ground gathering his wits. Soon he saw that The Dark One was up searching for him within the smoke. Asprion gathered himself and ran from the room taking notice that the fire was destroyed. The explosion was the signal that the other Vangors were waiting for. Since the fire was gone and the tainted magic destroyed the Vangors had regained their strength allowing them to once again stand and fight. They gathered their forces and fought what forces that stood against them at the dark fortress. A battle that saw the first glimpse of light starting to show in Nelbring, but The Dark One was not without his Power as well. With the dark magic destroyed and nothing to keep the Accursed under his will The Dark One cast one more spell that saw to it that the Accursed Sentinels currently turned could not leave the Castle nor lose the tainted magic from within. They would stay accursed and would never leave the side of The Dark One. He would not lose what he had worked so hard far.
It was a Bitter sweet victory for the Vangors as they had freed themselves from The Dark One’s power, but had not freed their fallen people. Gathering the forces that remained Asprion and the Vangors fled back to their homeland to do what they could to fight The Dark One. No longer under his influence The Dark One knew he had an enemy that was strong and would be hard to destroy, but this was only the beginning as soon others would soon join in the fight against him. The great war would soon be under way.
Asprion and the Vangors that were free left to go to their homeland. Through year of hardship and battles with The Dark One’s forces they survived and built their homes and finally built Thradone. Their fortress was a means of light to be shown throughout Nelbring. It was a light of hope to come together and fight The Dark One. After the day of freedom Asprion lead his people becoming the first Sentry of all races. He started something that would echo throughout all Nelbring, but never lost sight of the love he lost. Upon leaving the dark fortress he stopped for a moment to look back and tears in his eyes vowed to one day come back, but this time not as a slave.
Transcript VI – “Draksin” Ep. 5
The Draksin are said to be related to a race that even predate the Predorn age. Larger than any normal race of beings now. Draksin stand eight feet tall or taller. There immense size intimidates even the mightiest of warriors. However, Draksin have a quiet demeanor about them, and do not seek conflict, but are very skilled in the art of war wielding there preferred choices of large hammers and axes. They are devoted to their own kind and seek to live a solitude lifestyle. Compared to the other races of Nelbring the Draksin number far less, but what they lack in numbers they make up for in size, strength, and sheer will. Led by Dragus Dogun their province is one of the harshest environments and hardest to reach. Winters are long and hard, but the Draksin are built for such things. The majority of their land is rocky, rolling hills with grass, and treeless. Jutting rocks lay across the lands forming mazes and terrain that is hard to navigate.
The province of the Draksin lies in the far northwest where their home of Therador is built in The Dagone Mountains. Sharp, sheer, peeks extended to the heavens like columns, and at the top lies the nests of the mighty Griffins. These majestic and mighty creatures sore the heavens and live among the clouds of Nelbring. The Draksin have been allied to these creatures for as long as transcripts have been in writing. The bond they share is magical in and of itself. It is said that the Draksin can even understand the Griffins, and the Griffins them. Such things seem possible as the Draksin can ride the Griffins. Easily patrolling the harsh environment from above, the Draksin are the masters of the sky. Therador itself is built to accommodate the Griffins as it has steep towers that reach to the heavens for the Griffins to roost and land on.
Though their lands are hard to venture into, The Dark One’s reach still was felt even there. At the time of The Dark One the Draksin were led by Katon Bare. He was a mighty Draksin and had been fighting The Dark One all his life. His second in command was Dragus, and together it was their will that freed their people and started the movement to end The Dark One. The war was long and hard for all of Nelbring, but through it the Draksin made many allies, friends, and found a strength in their people that they did not know they had. Throughout the war all of Nelbring came together and helped fight back the evil that was. Victories were had, but not all victories end with celebration and happiness as these transcripts have shown, and none more than this.
At the end of the war The Dark One’s forces were being driving back to the Dark Lands, and all other forces that were being controlled by him were severed. These forces were scattered and had retreated back to their holes. The war was turning and the Armies of Light were starting to see their hope come to fruition, but one thing still stood in their way. They still needed to destroy The Dark One, whom lurked in his immense dark fortress.
The Dark One would not be easily defeated and almost harder to reach. For the dark fortress was and is so large it can be seen by all the province’s castles. The enormity of the fortress can been seen from a distance as if it were a mountain range and takes a day just to cross from one side to the other. The Fortress is said to have been built in the Predorn Age by the elves, but the transcripts have long been loss. The Dark One knew for the Armies of Light to besiege the fortress would be like using a pebble to dam up a river. A plan had to be made and it was Katon who devised a way that would allow them to cross the vast fortress and bypass most of the forces that stood in their way of reaching The Dark One.
A small force lead by Katon of the Draksin, Andromeda LaSheen of mankind, Baylore Prox of the Dwarfs, Angelica Kareem of the Mystics, Asprion Colchat of the Vangors, and some of their strongest warriors would attack the fortress and destroy The Dark One. Among the other warriors were Dragus Dogun, Dukard Barshears, and a warrior of which little is called Mathis. Their numbers would only be close to fifty, but if everything went as it was supposed to that would be all they would need. The Dark One had almost an unstoppable force guarding the fortress. Asprion knew of the force that was there and knew the fortresses layout and how things worked. Using Griffins to ferry themselves across the great structure Katon and the others would be able to reach the center of the fortress hopefully undetected.
All the Sentries gathered and discussed what would need to happen. There were to be two large armies amassing in the west. One would keep the orcs back and keep pushing them to the dark lands. While the other would strike out against the dark fortress itself. Its main goal was to distract The Dark One and the forces to the west and allow the smaller force of the Sentries called the Legion of Fifty to gain entrance from above. The Griffins they rode on would gather in the clouds high above the fortress’ main tower, and when the time was right swoop down and land on it. Angelica and her warriors with her would use their magic to call in a fog that would conceal their movements. Once in Asprion would lead the forces towards The Dark One’s chamber.
It is known that the force guarding the fortress were once Vangors. Turned by dark magic and now The Dark One’s personal guard. They patrolled all the fortress never resting never hungry. Embodying the armor of the dead these beings were immortal and could not be killed. Obeying the will of The Dark One was their only goal. They could however be beaten by other means. Asprion new of magical properties that could disable the beings for a short while, but it would eventually wear off and they would once again be on the attack. Asprion combined his magically knowledge with that of the power wielded by the Mystics to endow the weapons and armor of the small force to battle the Accursed Sentinels.
The evening grew close and the time for battle had come. The Legion of Fifty set forth giving the call for the armies to attack. Flying high above the Griffins soared till they were above the clouds. Led by Katon they flew across the vastness of the dark fortress every once in a while catching a glimpse of the structures below. At first the battle at the wall could be heard, but soon they had flown to high and too far to hear anything. The fog Angelica had called upon was encompassing the main tower and soon they could see the crest of the main tower. Its crowning points slightly protruding through the clouds. The Legion landed on top and started their quest down the tower to The Dark One’s chamber.
At first, they went unnoticed as they made their way down. Through a dark tunnel that seemed endless, but finally entering into the main chambers hallway. There they found guards posted at the ready. Their numbers in around ten the Legion of Fifty charged forth. Gaining the upper hand and dispatching the guards the time had now come to enter into the Chamber and deal with The Dark One. The Sentries, Dragus, Dukard, Mathis and only a few others entered into the chamber leaving the rest to hold off any who attempted to stop them. They had to be quick as the Accursed Sentinels would soon be coming and would eventually over running them.
Walking up the stairs finally there before the Sentries and others stood The Dark One. A vile creature who was adorned with black armor inlaid with red rune markings glowing faintly, and surrounding him was a black aura with a hint of green. He towered above most of the Sentries except that of Katon and Dragus. The time had come and all attacked striking out with all the hate and vengeance they had. The Dark One was tough and took hit after hit and his armor was riddled with arrows, but he to struck a few of the mighty warriors down and wounded several of the Sentries. At the end it was Katon, Dragus, and Mathis that stood alone against The Dark One. Both Draksin wielding their large ax and hammer and Mathis his two swords. Attacking together they were eventually able to take him to the ground unable to get up. The battle was over and The Dark One had been beaten, but there was a price to this victory as The Dark One knew.
As The Dark One lay there beaten and bloodied, he spoke in his tongue telling the Sentries that if he was going to die then Nelbring would go with him. The Sentries were confused as to how this was possible, but from his time there Asprion knew of what he spoke. This dark fortress is the magical conduit of Nelbring and it is what all magical forces flow through. The Dark One was going to unleash the power that the fortress had and destroy Nelbring and everyone in it. Asprion told this to all the Sentries and explained how it was going to happen. They had to do something, but what could they do. Going into battle Asprion knew that this was a possible outcome, but thought maybe the magical forces of Nelbring would flow freely without a conduit. He learned however from The Dark One that ever since this fortress was built that if it were to ever be destroyed it would destroy all of Nelbring with it.
Asprion then saw what needed to be done. The Dark One was the anchor of the magic, or Keeper as later found through the transcripts of old. It was why he was so powerful. He fed off of it and because the fortress was the main conduit he had an endless supply. Without him here the magic would flow freely without order and create chaos and then eventually destroy Nelbring. The fortress needed a Keeper to control the flow of magic, and with the influence of good not evil. Asprion saw however there would be a sacrifice that needed to be made. Whomever decided to be the Keeper would forever from then on be the Keeper. They would never again be able to leave and the person that was would never be once again.
The Sentries did not have long to think on this. The Dark One might have been beaten, but his Accursed Sentinels were still coming and the Armies of Light could not hold on forever. There was a short quiet about them but then Katon spoke up. “I will become the Keeper”, he said aloud. All the Sentries looked around at each other and lowered their heads. Saddened to be losing a great friend, but at the same time proud to be one too. Katon then looked to Dragus and told him he was ready to lead his people. Dragus with tears forming stood there hammer in one hand knelled down on one knee with the hammer facing down. Katon placed his right hand on his left shoulder and bestowed upon him his Ax. He then turned to Asprion to find out what was next.
With the help of Angelica, Asprion called upon the magical properties of the fortress. He had been at the fortress for a long time and knew of the workings. Transferring the power of the Keeper from The Dark One to Katon was going to require a lot of power. The Dark One was far from gone and knew what the Sentries were doing before his powers started to leave him he yelled out in his tongue words no one knew and then in a terrible cry fell apart in a black aura his hand reaching out and leaving only his armor behind. The fortress had stripped him of his powers and The Dark One was absorbed into the fortress itself.
While everyone stood back Asprion and Angelica performed the required spell. The floor started to glow around Katon and soon the light itself was glowing through him. The light spread sending out beams in all directions through windows that stretched across Nelbring. Soon the fortress started to shake as the magical forces gathered transforming Katon. At the cusp of the gathering a large explosion of light spewed forth sending a shock wave of light throughout all the fortress. As the light faded where Katon once stood, I now stood before the Sentries. The Keeper I am now and the Keeper I will always be.
Dragus was saddened by Katon’s choice, but was very proud in knowing of what Katon thought of him being ready to lead his people. Dragus returned home carrying Katon’s ax with pride to tell the tale that was. The people stood with Dragus and he has lead them well. If anything Dragus has set forth to prove himself worthy of the title Sentry. He has done just that and more. He now makes his way here for another meeting of the Sentry Council which is soon to begin.
Transcript VII – “I the Keeper” Ep. 7
All of the accounts and anecdote I have stated thus far have been of all the Sentries. Now I’m going to write one more before the Sentries convene once again. This personal anecdote is going to be of the accounts of me, The Keeper. I watch over all that goes on in Nelbring and the transcripts that are written are by my means. As I am the record keeper I too am responsible for taking note of my actions and accounts in this world. If ever I am destroyed there needs to be a record of what has taken place through me and so I write this now for that reason.
My life began the day The Dark One was dispatched from our lands. The world of Nelbring requires a Keeper to always be present at the dark fortress. That is because it controls the flow of all magic in the world. Long ago before The Dark One, elves ruled this world. Not much is known of the elves of old except for a few points in the account of the dark fortress and The Dark One. The Vangors are said to be related to them, but their history doesn’t say much in the way of their interactions.
The elves built this fortress long ago during the Predorn Age. They built this fortress to control the magic in the world and harness it through a focal point. Of what is written it is said that the elves harnessed the magic and were able to better control it to their own will. This power was contained here and flowed freely through and harnessed when needed. It was the arrival of The Dark One that changed everything. The transcripts were lost as to exactly what happened, but what is known is he destroyed the elves and became the master of this dark fortress and then the world. He sought to control the magical forces himself and to control the flow of it as well. He created a powerful spell that made it to where a single being became the focal point of the magic, but the being could never leave the dark fortress. If this single being were to leave then the magical forces that make up Nelbring would no longer be controlled and eventually destroy the world. The Dark One’s spell changed everything in Nelbring making there need to be a being always controlling the flow of magic, and thus The Keeper was born.
The day that The Dark One was destroyed was the day I was born. I once was Katon Bare a Draksin from the northwest, but I am no longer that being. I have his memories and body, but the beings soul that once occupied it is no longer here. The Dark One was the Keeper, but used his power for evil and controlled all in Nelbring. I encompass all that is good and seek to free Nelbring from all that is evil and undo what The Dark One has done. Make no mistake though The Dark One was not completely destroyed and his presence is ever here in the dark fortress.
After the Sentries had defeated The Dark One he did not pass to the next life as some have thought. He however, is always present here in this place. The Dark One had absorbed so much magical power that when he died the fortress absorbed his essence. His life force lives within the walls of this magical place, and he is ever trying to reclaim what he once lost. Though he doesn’t have the power he once had he fights the bonds that have him locked here. I The Keeper am one of those bonds as I now control the magic and thus control him. The world will stay safe from his darkness as long as I am here to keep him at bay.
Though being The Keeper is to live a solitaire life I am not alone. The once Accursed Sentinels have a new life. Once The Dark One created one there was no turning back, but I was able to turn them into a force of good, and it is they who help me in the aid of keeping up the fortress. They have been reborn, no longer as the undead but guiding spirits who’s armor reflected that of the armies of light. They patrol the grounds and defend the castle against all enemies whom try to enter here. One day maybe I can free these beings from their bond, but now they are an army for good no longer evil.
As it is not possible for me to leave this place I can send out messengers to give word to my Sentries. It requires a lot of magic and I become greatly weak afterwards, but it is a means for me to stay in contact with the others. I might be the most powerful person here, but mastering the magical forces requires patients and time. I seek a way that if ever my friends need me that I might be able to assist them by sending my army to aid them, but for now I am not strong enough to accomplish this.
Ever since The Dark One was the destroyed the Oppressed Age ended, and now the Radiant Age has begun. It is a time for all the beings of good in Nelbring to flourish after such a long time of darkness. However, new challenges will arrive and I will be there to see them through as will the Sentries. For now I will walk these halls forever unlocking the vast knowledge that lies here. To help me in my journey I have crafted a magical staff that helps conduct the magic in the fortress and helps me wield it when I must. It is made of a rune metal and it pulses to the very heart beat of the fortress itself.
The magic of Nelbring lives and breathes as all the creatures here do. It flows through all and their lives and embrace them giving them life. The castle is and of itself a living piece of that magic. It has the ability to heal itself and know good and evil. The Dark One controlled the world through this. He weakened everyone and everything by draining the magic in all. I know of the pain it felt for so long, and of the power it now possess. It is my job to guide and nurture it, and heal it from all the years of darkness that it had to endure. Through time this dark fortress will be a beacon of light.
Much of the fortress is cause ways and passage way for the magic to flow through. The main tower is the area that has rooms for beings to live in. It houses the great hall in which the Sentry Council convenes. A room not located at the top of the tower, but below and high enough to see all around. It is the pinnacle of where the magical force gathers and can be harnessed by The Keeper, and it is where I spend most of my time mastering it. Few have ventured to this point and the Sentries are the only ones who come frequently.
The outer walls have five points to them. Each point is in the Direction of the five castles of the races that live in Nelbring. When the time comes the Sentries ride to the points and await entrance. There are no doors or gates in which to enter the dark fortress. Admittance must be allowed through me and I use the magical forces to create an entrance for the visitors. Once inside I seal it to keep unwanted guest out. It was not by luck that the castles were built in the locations that they were. Magic flows through all and even some of the beings in this world are comprised of it. For them to harness and embrace their true power they needed to be aligned with the magical flow of the world, and thus the castles were built in their respective positions. This allowed such beings as the Mystics and Vangors to tap into their true potential and during the great war harness power that otherwise would have been weakened or even lost.
So, the time has come, as I can see the Sentries are starting to arrive, for me to greet our guest and prepare. The Radiant Age has begun and this council and I will see to it that the light never fades again. Though it might deem at times we will always be here to make it bright once more. The presence of darkness is always here, and the world beyond Nelbring is unknown. The stories that I might end up writing will truly be epic, but it is the beings that live it that tell the tales.
There can be no lack of concern through this age though. As it is written The Dark One is not fully gone, and is always fighting to get back. His name is whispered and in every dark corner, and there are dark corners in the land. I have my eyes currently on one such place, and luckily there just so happens to be a friend in that location. A somewhat troubled soul, but special to the point the even he doesn’t know how special. For the Dark One has his name written and scribed in many transcripts. I have yet to piece it together yet, but there is something there. The information that is written seems to be written by someone other than The Dark One. I must have my friend join us. I must have the harbinger meet with me. I say his name now “Bragone”, and there are whispers abound echoing through the hall ways. The Dark One fights, but he will not escape I will see to it. The sentries will see to it. Bragone, a word that all swore they would never say again. They wanted to erase all that was of The Dark One. Never let him have the power he once had, but the wise would do well to remember the old paths. I will remember the old paths that created our hell here. I will fight and remain steadfast.
The sentinels have come and informed me that first of the sentries have arrived. Asprion Colchat, early as usual. I’m glad he is though I have need to know if my messenger was able to get off and if there is any word from the Harbinger. The matter of what is happening in the west is growing on me ever so much. Maybe I was too hasty in pushing Mathis to live in such an area. Maybe, just maybe that is what he wanted. Bragone, what is the connections? What is it that is here? I have poured over all the written transcripts, but I can’t see it, but I know there is something there. Mathis is the key, some way or another, that being is going to shape a many things for us all. The sentries will need to keep on fighting. For there is much that must be dealt with before the end.
Now however, is the start, it is the start of everything. We have our freedom, it is ours, and we be damned if we set and do nothing to fight to keep it that way. Our work is to continue and we will forever fight the evil that ever lurks in the darkness. I will restore this place to the glory that it once was. I will bring it back to be the place of light and power. It will once more stand for something that was just and magical. No one will ever set foot once more in here again and take that which was sacrificed so hard for. Maybe one day we will be able to free even the castle itself. It is too powerful to allow something as The Dark One to gain its power. We will see.