Player Characters:
Silverwolf - Vareno Rhuin - Halfling Ranger
Lee1255 - Tirien Leafholder - Elven Archer/Mage
Emperor_Bone14 - Alexander - Highman Warrior
Willow Horse - Dylan Grayshadow - Halfling Wizard*
GoldenSphincter - Talin Brickear - Dwarven Wizard
*Due to Willow Horse's unexplained and long absence, I have taken over his position until his return.
Wood creeked as the ship slowly changed direction navigating the Burbatak river in the dark of the moonless night. The lights of the ship were out, for stealth was needed. The only light that shown was deep in the ship, deep, where none outside could see it.
In the cabin below decks, Khelan surveyed the three men that had answered the plea. An elf, a halfling, and a high man. Only three. Khelan had hoped for more. Indeed, the Keepers were desperate. As the oldest member of the Keepers, Khelan could not remember a time in which they were more strained for resources than the fall of Inioch's court.
"I am very greatful that you should come to join this quest," said Khelan at last. "We are now nearing the Isle of Burbatak. As you may recall, those of you familiar with history, back during Inioch's reign, the Isle of Burbatak is where all young wizards were trained. After the Fall, the Island ceased to have its renown, as the training of wizards there in the Six Elements ceased.
"Now, some of you likely have heard rumors to the effect that Meandor plans to ressurrect Lord Inioch in the form of living death." Khelan paused, to let this horrible rumor sink in. "These rumors," he said quietly, "are true. Lady Julia crept into the Valley herself to spy on Meandor, who is now forging an alliance of the evil races to attack the Humans in the Valley of Wonders.
"Julia wanted to search the Isle of Burbatak herself for any secrets pertaining to foiling Meandor's plans. Yet, she hasn't time. She is organizing an army to fight Meandor in the Valley. So, she organized a group of mages and sent them to the Isle. They have not returned, and all magical contact with them has been lost. So, we decided to form another party. You are they."
Khelan reached under the table and pulled out a scroll and unfurrled it - a map of the Isle and surrounding lands. "This map was made by Keeper Scouts about eleven years ago. The Isle of Burbatak is surrounded by a ring of Holy Woods, with a ring of Unholy Woods inside it. There are, however, a few places where the rings are incomplete, and you can enter. There are also teleporters on the surrounding lands that lead to the Isle. The Isle itself is divided into four sections: a Frostling-inhabited northern section, a western section, inhabited by Lizardmen, an eastern section, inhabited by Humans, and a southern desert section, inhabited by Azracs. There are wizard towers scattered all over the island and surrounding lands, the most influential one in the very center of the Isle. Julia has suggested that the stormlady Surina may be trying to take the Isle for the Cult. More, the races themselves are jealous of their Isle, and may even fight one another for it. Be wary."
At last Khelan pulled back from the table. "The longboat is ready. Have any of you any questions, I will try to answer them."
[This message has been edited by Beren V (edited 11-06-2002 @ 02:56 PM).]