Pages from Brodders Diary IV

“The Drakes of Steamfont tend to rest near some of the hotter steamvents in that land. There they shed their old skins, on this grows a lichen of properties unsurpassed in all of Norrath. Collecting this lichen, some water and a clay pot I joked that this would combine to make a potable alcohol of unusual flavors. It did indeed, and to Catbik’s distaste proved much more palatable than his favored gnomish spirits, and nearly as smooth as some of the aged Vodkas I’ve tasted. To keep the Gnomes happy I named this a Gnomish Cleaning fluid recipe as it resulted in two fluids. The pot itself decanted and filtered into a bottle provided a small potable beverage that I enjoyed, but the remains in the pot proved, once aged, that it’d make a great stripper and cleanser. A LICHEN COVERED DRAKE SCALE, found near steam vents, cooking POT, WATER FLASK, and a BOTTLE, result in SUPERIOR LICHEN SPIRITS, and a pot of cleaning paste. The Minotaurs of Steamfront had few ideas on brewing that I discovered, but it’s rumored that a visiting Minotaur Hero had a case of huge bottles of a Malt heavy brew, from our tort…um questioning sessions, with several slavers in the area and compounded by my knowledge of brewing, I’ve determined that this MINOTAUR HERO’S BREW was a heavy malted liquor. I think I’ve properly reproduced it, though due to the varied natures of waters, hops, and malt around the lands its quality can vary. Until I find the proper recipe this one shall bear its name. Take thee three MALTS of heavy quality, a single YEAST, two measures of WATER, and two SHORT BEERS to start the reaction, into a CASK of darken wood place these and let steep. Decant into bottles of Large size, suited for heroes, cover this bottle in brown parchment or leather to keep the sunlight off of it and provide discretion for others will want one themselves. I’ve found large bottles produced in Feerrott, by the ogre glass blowers, and in Solusek by the goblins there.”

The Crusade of 1312 A.G.

Source (in game book): http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/item.html?item=30154

“The Crusades of 1312 This was the time of the scattered and defeated Iksar empire. The great dragon, Trakanon and his allies of scale had left the empire in rubble and our people were divided yet again. The once grand city of Sebilis was claimed by the one who decimated it.

The remaining Iksar were scattered among the outlands of Kunark. Their places of refuge were now the dwellings of dark denizens. In the wilds a few castes came to unite. One of these was the remnants of the Crusaders of Greenmist. They were led by a powerful shadowknight named Rok Nilok. The army of shadowknights numbered in the hundreds. Within their ranks were a few mystics and legionnaires. The tribe named itself after their leader, The Crusaders of Rok Nilok, and they would purge the lands of Kunark.

The Crusaders burned across the Dreadlands and death came quickly to those who dared stand in their way. They slew many giants and many goblins. There would be no prisoners or slaves. The empire shall be rebuilt by the hands of the Iksar. All others shall perish.

Karnor’s Castle was the first major objective of the Crusaders. It had been taken over by a goblin clan. The goblins would soon find themselves under siege. For twenty days they held ground until the Crusaders chose to assault as a band of goblin deserters fled. A swift battle ensued and the castle was reclaimed.

The Crusaders then set their sights on the city of Cabilis. While the march was designed Rok Nilok discovered something very evil. Nothing is known of his discovery. No record exists of its evil. All that is known is that Rok Nilok made a pact and soon shall suffer for it.

During the battle for Cabilis a strange rain fell which shrunk them to the size of dolls and their heads were set aflame. Nilok’s head burned red and the goblins squashed the would be emperor and his minions. “

Bloody Kithicor: The Final Battle Vol. III

“As Lord Tephys fell Firiona Vie moved to assist him but she quickly realized that she was too late to save her companion. Lanys T’Vyl sprung upon Firiona like a hunting cat after it’s prey. Firiona was surprised by the uninhibited fury of Lanys T’Vyl and by the sheer strength of her blows. Shifting her weight she dug the side of her foot firmly into the ground in a back stance as she began to parry the fierce thrusts and savage slashes of Innoruuk’s chosen. Again and again, Lanys’s weapons struck down upon Firiona’s shield and sword. Unlike Lord Tephys, she was able to withstand the force of her attacks. She did not forget the training she received from her mentor Galeth. She realized the importance of remaining calm and level headed during combat. Firiona and Lanys were polar opposites on the field of combat. Lanys foamed at the mouth and struck viscously while Firiona was calm, almost relaxed, as she turned aside her blows. Biding her time and saving her strength, Firiona simply parried the blows of Lanys T’Vyl. Laarthik and Galeth continued their deadly ballet. The body that housed Laarthik’s evil soul was young and strong but Galeth’s old body was growing weak. Little by little, he felt himself loosing his edge. He began to realize, that this was a battle that he could not win. He resolved himself to hold off Laarthik for as long as possible, regardless of the outcome. As Lanys’s attack continued against Firiona, the Chosen of Tunare noticed the fury begin to fade just a bit from the dark elf’s strikes. In a single fluid motion, the Paladin parried both of her opponents blades downward with her single sword as she circled swiftly to the side of Lanys. Swinging her shield in a back handed motion as she spun, she struck Lanys brutally in the back of the head, pushing her off balance momentarily. Though surprised and momentarily dazed by the sudden attack, Lanys regained her composure in time to turn aside the deadly sword thrust that was aimed directly for her midsection. It was from this point forth, that Firiona took the offensive. This time it was she who struck again and again, with Lanys continually backing up under the force of her blows. Swarms of tiny insects began to swarm around the battle and the ground began to tremble at the Great Mother’s displeasure. Firiona seemed to grow in stature and her golden hair began to shine brilliantly as she was filled with the love of the Mother and surrounded by her protection. She waged her battle against the chosen of Innoruuk without mercy, making known the full displeasure of the Tunare. Lanys was becoming weak and faltered under the righteous anger. Her eyes, once a blaze of hate and fury were now glazed and filled with exhaustion. Defending herself grimly, she called out, “”Laarthik, please help me!”” Hearing the cry of help from his student and the chosen of his race and god, Laarthik was filled with a new found rage. Roaring like a lion, he drove the pummel of his sword straight across and onto the temple of the tiring Galeth Veredeth. The savage blow was too much for the High Paladin of Tunare. Galeth, for the first time in his long life, fell before an opponent on the field of battle, bleeding and unconscious. Seeing the gravity of the situation, Laarthik pulled the large glowing blue sphere found by the goblin Nurgal, from out of his breastplate. The orb glowing brightly, pulsed and vibrated in Laarthik’s hands. The air resonated and hummed with energy. Holding the orb to the sky, he cried out in a strangled voice, “”Innoruuk! In the name of Lanys T’Vyl, I beseech you! Attend her!”” The energy contained within the orb was released. “

Bloody Kithicor: Nurgal's Stone Vol. I

“The goblins of the pickclaw tribe were not known for their wit. In fact, because of their extreme lack of intelligence, they have been abused in trades by just about every merchant in Norrath. If one were to wonder why the citizens of Highkeep permit the clan to live in the mines beneath their homes, the answer is quite simple, they are good miners and they trade the ores cheaply. The goblins would slave day in and day out looking for the “”shiny rocks”” for which the stupid humans gave them coin. The fact that these same rocks actually made the coin is a feature that has escaped them thus far. In addition to the humans of Highkeep, the goblins also make secret trades with both the Teir’Dal of Neriak and the Koada’Dal of Faydwer. The Teir’Dal would reward the goblins with decent arms and generally paid the best. They were dangerous to deal with as they were just as likely to kill you as pay you. Trading with the Koada’Dal was rather uncommon. The Koada’Dal only came seeking the few rare stones they used to create their arcane runes, which was fine for the pickclaws as no one else wanted those dull looking rocks. The pickclaw miner Nurgal was on par intellectually with of the rest his clan. Nurgal was quite happy this day as he had found a new vein in his section of the mines. In fact, he’d already pulled three shiny yellow bricks today and was sure to get at least a fistful of copper for them! After chipping a few more layers he hit something very hard with his pick, so hard that his pick bent. “”Whaza!”” he exclaimed. In the crevice he revealed was a slightly glowing blue rock. “”Hmm,”” he thought, “”me never seen a blue rock afore.”” He tried chipping at a little bit more but could not even put a scratch into it. Finally in a display of rare brilliance, and after ruining several more tools, he decided to carve around the rock and yank it out. The rock was spherical in shape, about 8 inches in diameter. Nurgal’s eyes gleamed with a dull brilliance as he guessed how many allies he could buy with this rare find. He quickly concealed it in his belt pouch, wary as always that some of the larger goblins might see it and take it from him. He quickly scrambled out of the hole he was working in and started off to the city to find the dark elf ambassador. The dark elves had always given Nurgal the best prices for rare finds, and this would be no exception he decided. “

Bloody Kithicor: Nurgal's Stone Vol. IV

“Turning the stone over in his hand a few times, Laarthik K’Shin looked to Tyrana and said in a stern voice, “”Very well Tyrana. You may return to Highpass at this time.”” Shocked at being ordered back to the place she disliked, even in the face of this momentous discovery, she began to protest, “”Surely you will not send me back to the den of humanity! The place reeks of those sightless fools and the filthy creatures that war daily with them! Does not my discovery earn me the right to be freed from such lowly duty?”” His face twisting in disgust, Laarthik shot back, “”Hold your tongue woman before I remove it from your head! As a member of an insignificant and non-noble house, you have no ‘right’ to anything! You will do as you are told and be happy that you are allowed to serve us.”” Moving sharply, he wrote upon a parchment with quick, jagged motions. Thrusting the parchment toward Tyrana, he barked, “”Here are your orders. Leave me at once.”” Removing a bag from his vest, he scattered a pile of gold coins upon the table behind him and said, “”Those loyal brethren that wish to escort Tyrana back to High Keep may take their payment now.”” Turning quickly, he marched from the room. Mouth agape, Tyrana stood in shock for a moment. Then, snarling to herself Tyrana strode indignantly from the Academy, her escorts following close behind. The Wood Elves are thought by some, to be the least active race on Norrath, content with living their lives in their beloved forest fighting off the occasional Orc incursion. This is far from the truth however. Tunare’s Martyrs have many operatives throughout Faydark and Antonica, even keeping one stationed in Erudin. Felinin Deepwood was the Highkeep operative and was charged with keeping tabs on the Teir’Dal actions within. He was young for his rank and eager to please his superiors and Tunare. For weeks his main target, Tyrana, had done nothing but buy various types of ore from the goblins and make a few shady deals with the local Merchants. Word of Tyrana Slil’s strange and sudden journey to Neriak convinced him that the Teir’Dal were up to something terrible. He made the decision that he would take action, figure out what was going on, and try to stop them. He gathered those folk in the area that were willing to help stop the Teir’Dal and began to lay plans for an ambush. “

History of the Ocean of Tears

The oldest known mention of the Ocean of Tears appears in the ancient log of a Captain Eweniel, a high elf paladin who piloted her ship from Wielle to Faydwer during the elven exodus. She talks of attacks by aqua goblins and a seafury cyclops, lives lost to storms and starvation, and of enemies from “the old world” following and attacking the ragged elven fleet. She also speaks of passing by an island on which a terrible gigantic beast could be seen and its inhuman howls heard, which some believe may in fact be the first known sighting of the Allizewsaur. Eweniel’s log also includes a curious error. As the captain gives readings of the journey and describes the locales of various islands passed, it becomes clear she is writing as if her ship was traveling westward. However, since she leaves the city of Wielle on the eastern coast of Antonica, and arrives on the western shore of Faydwer, it is clearly not possible for her ship to have traveled any direction other than east. Some speculate that the captain intentionally entered errors into her logs to ensure no enemy could ever use them to find the elven refugees. Its also possible that the elves of Takish-Hiz used some strange form of navigation not known to the captains of today. Whatever the cause, many early maps were drawn from the directions given in Eweniel’s log, causing much confusion for the sailors or travelers who attempted to use them. Accurate maps of any part of the Ocean of Tears are rare even today, and can command great prices among traders and ship captains.

Dating from the few centuries immediately following the high elves’ exodus to Faydwer, little is known of the Ocean of Tears. There are some vague records of regular trips made to the Isle of Erollisi, corroborating the fact that the order of the Sisters of Erollisi indeed date back to this time and beyond. At some point just before or after the fall of the Combine Empire, the dwarves of Kaladim established a port in the Butcherblock Mountains and began exploration of the northern Fairsea Isles. Both elven and dwarven ships began to make regular trips from the Butcherblock Port using a strong eastward current to reduce the time of return trips. The Faydwer captains soon began establishing small colonies among the Fairsea Isles in the Ocean of Tears. The Sisters’ Sanctuary on the Isle of Erollisi became the center of much of this activity. Records from this era regularly mention the strong eastward current north of the Fairsea Isles, but make little or no mention of its companion westward current to the south. It seems likely that the captains of Faydwer were not yet aware of the westward current, and explored very little of the Ocean of Tears.

After the people following Aataltaal established the city of Landing, they too began making regular voyages across the Ocean of Tears. Not wishing to challenge the Faydwer colonies in the Fairsea Isles, the ships of Landing traveled over a much larger section of the Ocean of Tears, finding and charting such locations as the aviak-inhabited Isle of the Sky and the Isle of Allize, home of the legendary Allizewsaur. Despite their best efforts, the ships of Landing could not find a suitable place to establish an outpost, and were forced to take on supplies on the Isle of Erollisi under the watchful gaze of the forces of Faydwer.

After the city of Landing became known as Freeport, then under the protection of the Order of Marr’s Fist, relations between Faydwer and Antonican captains began to improve. The Sisters of Erollisi and Order of Marr’s Fist in particular developed strong ties, which made the reception most Freeport ships received at the Sisters’ town (often called Sanctuary) much warmer. Elven, dwarven, and human captains alike shared navigational charts with one another (though not with non-sailors), new islands were discovered, and trade between Antonica and Faydwer expanded.

When the Order of Marr’s Fist was destroyed, many brigands and criminals saw it as a sign that law and order would be less enforceable throughout the areas Freeport had previously influence. This idea, mixed with the resentment many other races had over the near monopoly dwarven, elven, and human captains had over shipping in the Ocean of Tears, led many bands of pirates of various races to begin preying on ships headed both to and from Freeport. Much of this piracy was racially motivated, or at least racially determined – everyone else raided the dwarves, elves, and humans, but human pirates generally raided dwarven or elven ships, elves raided only humans or dwarves, and so on. When the Knights of Truth and Priests of Marr reasserted control over Freeport (and reestablished diplomatic relations with the Sisters of Erollisi), the majority of these pirates were forced to operate from bases further away, including the largely unexplored Timorous Deep. Although the piracy was greatly reduced, however, a good deal of racial animosity or at least mistrust had been constructed – the damage was already done – and the captains of different races rarely shared information after that.

During the efforts to hunt down and end piracy, a Freeport ship under the command of Sir Halec Hightower discovered a strong westward current from Faydwer to Antonica. Though the current was further south than the one that ran near the Isle of Erollisi and had fewer possible ports along its route, it was strong enough to reduce travel time from Faydwer to Antonica significantly. Freeport merchants leapt at the opportunity to have a port to rival the Isle of Erollisi, and established the community of Highdock. Thus, the Ocean of Tears settled into a comfortable pattern that has lasted with few interruptions to this day. Dwarven, elven, and human captains use their detailed maps of the central routes through the Ocean of Tears to control most shipping between Antonica and Faydwer. The only challenges to this shipping are (1) a collection of smugglers and pirates that range outward from ramshackle ports along the coast of the Desert of Ro or from secret havens throughout the Ocean of Tears and the Timorous Deep, and (2) attacks by native creatures, such as aqua-goblins and cyclopes. Law is fast and loose, with only the Sisters of Erollisi maintaining a strong area of peace and security amid the turbulent seas.

Captains are mostly on their own when facing thieves, raiders, giants, and storms, and most nations accept that they are a law unto themselves while at sea. The major disruption to this pattern in recent memory was the Crusade of Tears, during which the Priests of Marr and Knights of Truth sailed from Freeport to Faydwer. The Crusade took many years to complete, during which time no pirate dared attack any ship in the Ocean of Tears for fear it would be abrim, with clerics and paladins. The fighting of the Crusade itself occurred mostly on Faydwer, however, and once it ended life on (or in) the Ocean of Tears largely returned to normal. The Freeport Militia has discovered, however, that it cannot patrol the lanes of shipping as easily as the Knights of Truth once did, for the Sisters of Erollisi stand against them. Piracy has begun to expand throughout the Ocean of Tears once more, with some pirates so bold as to establish bases within the Fairsea Isles themselves. The Sisters of Erollisi lack the naval strength to patrol the waters beyond their own island, and the dwarven and elven captains of Faydwer have much of their forces tied up battling pirates in the Timorous Deep.

It seems likely that piracy will become more common within the Ocean of Tears before some navy can find the men and ships to reestablish regular patrols.

The Story of Ankexfen

The story of the creation of the four goblin tribes

This ancient tale of a civilization long since forgotten by the name of Ankexfen was handed down to me by a visiting priestess in Najena by the name of Aerthane D’Zitherak, a Priestess of Innoruuk, and seeker of the Fabled and Ancient Staff of Ankexfen.

Long ago, there existed a race known as the Ankexfen, after their progenitor Hazeg Ankexfen, who were created by Rallos Zek during the Elder Age. This race was quite intelligent and cunning.

They quickly expanded their knowledge of magic and the other planes, yet constantly yearned for more power. So, along with their ogre counterparts, they set out to master the Plane of Earth. Alas, their attempts proved futile and the combined might of the other gods forced Rallos Zek back to the Planes of Power, leaving his creations to the whims of the other gods. ‘

The wrath of the unnamed gods was grim. Thousands of ogres were instantly slain – their empire left to crumble under the hand of retribution. The giants were flung across the face of Norrath like seeds to the wind. The Ankexfen’s fate was more severe. The entire race was exterminated, but from the ashes were born the four goblin races. Exactly how this happened is unknown. But what is known is that each goblin clan was stripped of any knowledge and was neither informed of the other clans nor of their origins. Each clan was then transported to a separate environment to help preserve the gods’ will.

However, the gods were not without mercy and each clan was granted a section of the staff. Upon each staff, a crystal was adorned. These staves served to aid the goblin clans in understanding their environment. These remnants of the Staff of Ankexfen combine to create the fabled and powerful Staff of Ankexfen.

Chronicle of Gromok Vol. II

At the height of victory it happened, I know not what fearful deities are responsible, nor what ancient magics were unleashed on my people and our brethren races of the Rallosian Empire. I know only what I myself witnessed at the accounts of the other survivors of what is spoken of only as The Curse. The first signs I saw of the curse were angry shouts of ogre magi when the planar portals closed. Then the screams of those same magi as fire simultaneously ignited from within their bodies leaving only memories and ashes.

Shortly after witnessing the demise of the magi stationed at the Fortress of Krithgor a battered legion unit arrived at the fortress gates. The soldiers brought word of Murdunk’s dishonorable death, accusing The Rathe of cursing Murdunk to fall from a cliff at the site of The Rathe’s execution. They spoke of the disappearances of many great Ogre war leaders, including Murdunk’s tactician and strategist, Generals Tallon and Vallon, and even the Warlord Rallos Zek. This worn unit of soldiers was relieved of their previous duties by our superiors and stationed at the Fortress of Krithgor. A new Legion Unit was formed from the soldiers that had been stationed there for some time, myself included, and we were charged with completing the duties of the reassigned soldiers.

Days passed swiftly for me as my legion unit traveled to various fortresses and battlefields. The sights revealed to us at each arrival to this day seem unreal. With the great military leaders and the magi dead or missing our fortresses began to fall. The Giants, also crippled with the loss of their magi, retreated deep into the wilderness. The Orcs became obsessed with greed and blood lust, dividing from the Rallosian Empire into petty clans fighting each other over the spoils of the war. The Goblins went mad cowering in the shadows and caverns of Tunaria’s frontiers. We returned after man months to the Fortress of Krithgor to find the once mighty stronghold reduced to rubble like so many of the fortresses we had visited on our patrol.

Whatever creatures had destroyed the fortress had not even spared women and children, their remains lay strewn about the stones that once formed the strongholds walls. This was when I gave in to my pride and accepted that the Rallosian Empire was no more.

Chronicle of Gromok Vol. I

The Chronicle of Gromok Hergom

I ink these words for fear that my once proud and mighty Ogres will forget the events I have seen in my long life. I am known at the time of this inking as Elder Gromok but I was once a soldier of little renown and status in the mighty Rallosian Legions under the command of Warlord Murdunk.

I was not raised to be an Elder of my fellow Ogres. My training was that of a soldier and I concerned myself only with the arts of warfare. It is with reluctance that I now bear the mantle of Elder and the cause of that reluctance is the same reason that I ink this tale.

I was stationed at the Fortress of Krithgor when the ogre magi first opened the portals to the Planes of Power. Plans were quickly laid and orders sent to our fortresses and troops in all corners of Tunaria. A large invasion force of Ogres, Giants, Orcs, and Goblins gathered at the newly opened planar portals. At the time I felt disappointed that my orders were to remain at Fortress Krithgor, that disappointment quickly turned to anger when I learned that the invasion failed, and although Warlord Murdunk survived our losses were great.

Some time passed before news reached the Fortress of Krithgor that a second invasion was being orchestrated. Rumors circled like hungry buzzards over a field of carnage concerning the plans for this second invasion. It was even said that Rallos Zek was to lead the campaign with Warlord Murdunk and the most renowned champions of the Giants, Orcs, and Goblins by his side. Once again my orders were to remain at the home front to defend the women, children, and elderly citizens of the Rallosian Empire.

It was not long after the invasion forces of the Rallosian Legions once again passed through the portals to the Planes of Power that the home front too became a place of battle, slaughter, and glory. Mortal disciples of deities opposed to The Warlord, Rallos Zek, attacked the citizens and fortresses of the Rallosian Empire on Tunaria. Our enemies fought valiantly, and the resulting battles were the most glorious I was ever to behold. My weapons and armor were stained with the blood of our foes, and our children and elders kept safe within our impenetrable strongholds. Messengers passing through the Fortress of Krithgor spoke of the victories of the legion units led by Rallos Zek, Warlord Murdunk, and the Generals Tallon and Vallon. It was said that the Rathe Council, the twelve rulers of the Plane of Earth had been captured and forced to Norrath where they were being executed by Murdunk and his Generals, that mountains burst from the earth where the gods fell and that the dying tears of the fallen gods formed a cold, deep lake between the newly risen mountain peaks.