Gemstone Stories Welcome to my Interpretation of Gemstone More Stories On The Way ! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gemstone III To Gemstone IV What happened ?
Survey of The Damage
The New Town and The City of Arioch
Ice Titans in Town (unedited)
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The Transition from Gemstone Three to Gemstone Four (first draft)
Ah my friend come sit down I see you are tired from your hunt today. I see the Cave Wranglers really were a challenge for you . They get smarter everyday. Blasted worms , never would have been here if it wasn't for that horrible day thirty years ago . Did I tell you that story? No? Well sit by the fire my friend. It was a horrible day for our world. The Archmage Pherantyr was experimenting with a new type of magic. I had talked to him the day before he said he discovered a way to harness the very essence of Mana and channel it into a living being. He was going to try it in the forest , on top of the boulder in what used to be Hobgoblin territory , I saw him leave that day with five of his best apprentices carrying sacks of powders and formulas. He invited me to join him but I declined for I needed to finish enchanting a new supply of armor I had just received. It was a little after noon and it was a hot day so I finished my conjuring placed the armor aside and relaxed with a good book. About a hour into my reading there was a crowd outside just a few blocks away at the main gate. I decided to go out and take a look. All I could see was a huge black , what has seemed like at the time , pillar of solid rock going straight up into the sky in the direction of the boulder. I quickly dashed up to the top of the tower knocking down about ten people , your father one of them I believe , and looked out the side view port. It wasn't a pillar it was a beam of light coming from the area. Old Pherantyr had captured the essence of mana all right but it was the dark side , and from the looks of things he had lost control.
Apparently some fellow Twilight members realized this when I returned to my House to discuss the matter and were planning to go there and discover what had occurred. We got together and discussed what to do. Lord Kyrion suggested we split in to two parties in case on was attacked on the way. I went with Lord Manny's party. On the way out a few warriors and non mages followed us , as curious as we were. We split up once we reached the path to the area. There was a sound , something to this day I can't describe which prevented me from casting any spells. Manny noticed this and said those who were unable to cast to turn back. Me and a handful of others (mostly Lord and Ladies mind you I guess with our age comes a little weakness somewhere) went back. Manny was able to hold onto his sanity but Kyrion couldn't a returned. We went back to the main gate and waited. Our fair mayor had requested all warriors in the land available to come and protect our town. We guarded every possible entrance , even the catacombs and temple were sealed. Everyone knew something was coming but what , and when we couldn't be sure. At about moon rise I believe the light totally invisible but the sound could now be heard (from what others have told me) in Teras Isle there was a massive flash of light which seemed to pass through us and everyone and everything around us. Suddenly our defenses became useless. Every evil entity within miles attacked our peaceful town. It seems they were drawn to the mana nodes in the area. Even some common house plants , the woth flowers I was cultivating , became alive and tried to eat me. I abandoned my home and went with everyone to the second gate. There only Roltons and weaker enemies were trying to get in. The trolls were attacking the Voln Monastery. The Temples around were being destroyed by Venalins and the like. Hearthstone Manor was destroyed by Wraiths and Demons the which it all my years I have never seen. (Later we all learned the Hearthstone was built over some old temple ruins).
We tried to hold them all back but it was useless. A report came in the in River's Rest in the far south Monkeys and Crocodiles had merged and had ravaged the entire town. There were no reports from Teras Isle , the ship was in mid-voyage at the time and was never seen again. In fact right now no one knows if Teras Isle is even there , those who go to check never return. It seemed everyone was being forced to leave their towns and head directly for the boulder , the cause of the troubles. The closer we got the harder the enemies were. A Kobold was the cause of this scar on my thigh , I would have died if not for Lord Darmog and Lord Earthwind , they saved my life. Finally we held our final ground on top of the boulder. There in the center of what was a burning flame of light was Pherantyr trapped within the beam. We were shocked. The world's greatest Archmage trapped in his own spell. The enemies did not seem to climb up the boulder however , but when we looked down it seemed like they had merged together. Their very existences were questioned. They seemed to Phase in and out of Existence. Only Lords , and Ladies had made it to the boulder. The others were to weak to survive the attack.
In the distance I saw the Thrak Inn tumble to the ground , meteors seemed to fall on the House of Twilight , The Pawnshop imploded taking whatever destroyed it with it. Everyone on the boulder had no idea what to do. Pherantyr seemed lost , his books half charred and potions broken all over. Suddenly Lord Manny struggled up onto the boulder tired and almost bleeding to death. "It's gone" he said. "My life's work destroyed" he collapsed there and died. Quickly Earthwind and Kyrion rushed over to save him before he was totally lost. (It seems at this time if your soul was lost it was lost to the demonic). It seemed like the end of Elanthia , Clerics prayed for guidance and tried to summon the gods for help but it seemed lost. When the remove Manny's satchel , which was all that was left on him a pure potion fell out... His sword pure vultite and the best enchanting work I've ever done , I gave it to him for a wedding present , bent in half and useless .Everything we could do seemed useless. Lady Reiley suddenly had a idea. "If this is black mana what happens if we purify it?" she said. It was a wonderful proposal. We quickly took all the pure potions we had and poured them together. Some others somehow successfully imbued the bottle itself with purity spells. It was the purest object in the land. Kyrion quickly grabbed the bottle and tossed it right at Pherantyr. At the moment the bottle hit Pherantyr (Surprisingly it passed right through the beam itself even when we couldn't pass) and destroyed him. One can not be totally good. We must achieve a balance between the two. Suddenly without a focus for the beam to go upon it vanished and so did the sound. The enemies themselves were still just as strong. Quickly we cast our most potent spells and we managed to chase them all away. But the destruction was still there. The world has changed forever. We even realized the the boulder was no longer a boulder but a mountain and that our old town was lost and we would have to rebuild elsewhere. It was a sad day in Elanthia. But we will work hard , and we will train our children well for now they must be stronger to fight the enemies within.
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Survey of Township By Order of our great Mayor
Head of Survey - Great Lord Bleeds
Assistants - Lord Darmog , Page Willhiem
The following is a building survey from west to east of the remains of our fair town.
The Merchants Guild is still standing , it has alot of damage but is capable of repair.
The Grocery is a mess , food is everywhere , milk splattered all over the floor.
There is no West Gate just a pile of rubble and a few bodies.
Armory is intact , but it's stores are empty , the inside of the building seems to be set ablaze.
The SilverGate Inn is fully intact. Upon out examintation there was no damage. However upon opening the door the whole area seems to be filled with Banshees. We diecided against searching this building.
The bank is totally destroyed but it's vault is completely intact . I recommened someone come here to withdraw the money ASAP.
The Thrak Inn is but a memory it's entire support structure has collapsed. Apparently with some people still left inside.
The Archmage's shop is in flames. There is no rubble around it and it is to hot to enter the building.
The Bath House is in ruins. A small hole is in the ground where water from what used to be the fountain is flowing into. One of my assistants (Page Willhiem) went down to investigate. After waiting 3 hours he has not returned so we presume the worst for him.
The furrier was burned , and what seems to be crushed into powder. Apparently some of the more intelligent enemies got revenge for all the skins we've been taking.
The main gate is intact , the doors are gone. The East Tower is stable enough to be used but the west is a pile of rubble.
The weapons area , like the armory is basically intact other that all items are missing from whithin.
Our Great Hall is total destruction and many dead bodies. The lockers here are totally ransacked and the court room burned to ashes.
The general store is burned to the ground there is nothing left of it's location. However I am pleased to note they had missed one oilcloth sheath which lay a little singed on the ground which I had special ordered. I will take this item into my own property since I had paid for it earlier.
The Scrivener is intact , however entry is improssible since there is a body turned to stone blocking the entrance.
The gemcutter is perfectly intact! Even it's stores are secure. Apparently no one had interest in the shop or it was simply missed in the attack (or chaos your choice)
The cleric's shop is now a home for the undead. Within Zombies and other undead greatures now live in the back rooms.
The jail is gone. I had no other words to describe what has occured.
The stables are empty. There are a few bloody trails but other wise it is completely intact.
The House of Twilight is still standing with minimal damage. I held my ground there and cast multiple spells to transport enemies away from that area. Hoping to buy enough time.
The blacksmith is dead. The shop itself is perfectly intact. (Note - job as blacksmith now open)
The temple is still standing. However Lord Darmog detects a large number of evil presences within it's walls. We decided not to enter, for when attempting to open the door we were all given a minor shock.
The Museum is still in flames I don't think it is ever going to go out.
The florist is a death trap. Some of the flowers have come alive and are chasing us further north. We decided not to investigate that area.
The Catacombs are sealed from Cul Du Sac. Entry is imporssible. However I hear the rats on the other end digging downward , or somewhere in a attempt to escape.
The House of Brigatta , was lucky it has in damage but the outside will have to have major repair.
The locksmith is gone. Just gone. There is no debris at all.
The barracks are a bloody mess. Aparently the soldiers did'nt get out in times and a Blood Burst spell was cast upon it.
The healer is'nt going to heal any more. The tent is still in flames at the minute. The whole area around is totally silent.
At this time we heard a explosion to the south and we rushed down just to see Helga's explode and it's rubble thrown from one point to the other. I caught a glass in midair and will take it with me as a momento.
Don't even ask about the warehouse.
The pawnshop is up and running. I ran in and pawned a few spare wands I was trying to get rid of. According to the shop keepers assistant the enmies did'nt go much farther than Helga's around here. But I am doubtfull of this claim. Some people had told me that this building had imploded but I now believe it was the locksmith they had viewed and not the pawnshop.
The herbalist is also intact. It's door is locked with a sign saying "Running and Foraging if my shop is still up be back soon
The House of Phoenix is on Fire , hopefull is will be reborn becuase nothing will be able to repair this damage.
The bakery is a pile of rubble. A broadsword covered in blood lies stuck directly into the rubble.
The salon is gone. It's horrible there are bits of coats and capes everywhere.
Bledricks and Friths are intact to my eye. However both doors are locked and we can't gain entry.
The House of Arcane has vanished. It seems to have literally floated away.
The second warehouse is intact , except for the building that lies in total waste.
We are unable to cross the bridge to the other side to explore. There is a Harbinger on the other side watching us evilly. I do not wish to swim accross and fight them. I am to weak from the previous battles to fight it.
The hut is intact. But there is no longer a way to reach the catacombs from here.
Lastly the Town Square itself has sunk into the ground. Now only a large hole remains leading deep into the earth. Deeper than the catacombs went. The slope of the area indicates if we were to fall in we could not get back out. I have decided against going in.
This concludes this survey. I realize a few places were skipped. I apologize for this.
This Survey is Presented to the Mayor and it's Council Members of the Town of Wehnimer. On The 4th Moon after the day of Renewal.
I guarentee all within is correct as I have seen and understood it.
Signed ,
Lord Bleeds
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Discovery of The City of Arioch , Beyond the Mountains and the new Town location.
It was the 5th Day in the Age of Renewal. The few that had survived the disaster had all come together at the boulder where it all started. The only area currently known left to be a node. On this day the survivor count was 1243 persons out of the entire town population. Survivors from other areas also came. We sent messengers to every point reachable to have everyone possible come to the site. We soon had the survivors from the Elf Villages , Hearthstone Manor , River Rest and many other cities and villages at the site. We agreed that we would have to start over. We also had the problem that the only survivors were the Lords and Ladies. They were the only ones strong enough to survive the battle a handfull of others survived but that was immaterial. On that day we created a new class system. It was agreed upon by all. Those who were Lords and Ladies of the first order (In Gemstone Terms Legends) were to keep the title of Lord and Lady. I myself could no longer sustain the title and was now given the term Squire (for Lords and Ladies below level 50). Lastly the few that did not survive were given the title Page (for those who were above level 11). This new system made the titles seem more adequete for the new time period. For now a simple Kobold could kill anyone below a page and a Hobgoblin could kill a Squire with no effort. We also agreed that the monetary system should be reset. The Bank in Wehnimer had returned with the vault and was willing to honor all notes. However records of deposits were lost. Soon after a few less important things were discussed and those who lived in other areas of the world departed all agreeing that they shall not build in the same place they did before. Evil entities controlled all thier towns now and it was a waste of time to flush them out.
We decided to build our new town in front of the Colssus. The enemies here were weaker and had not been affected by the mana burst as others were. The Colssus itself was perfectly intact and had survived the attack nicely. While wandering outside of our new little town I happened to discover a entire new area which was before hidden behind the mountains. There was a river and a old boat by the shore. Around were numerous blossoms of Woth and the rare Xancatha which I had only seen in books (in is said to clear the mind ,restore speech ,and revitalize the spirit). I took some of these herbs and returned to town and told my story. A few Lords and Squires accompanied me on . We repaired the boat and began to explore the new territory beyond the mountains.
We went down the river for what seemed like eternity. The mountains were on both sides. The current was nice and smooth and there was'nt a sound. Not even the sound of rushing water seemed to disturb us as we went past. When night seemed to approach we finally came upon a fork in the river. The current took us the the left. At the right fork the current seemed to move in the opposite direction , however a the time of this writing no one has been able to swim or sail up in that direction. We finally stopped at a island in between the mountains , deciding against going further.
It was totally silent. The was no sign of life. Only the trees and plants of the area. When the wind blew they made no sound of leaves rustling. It was as if the very sound they made was stripped from them. We decided to procede directly north. The trees were thick and little light got through. It finally became so dense that torches had to be used to light our way (in the middle of the day) through the forest. We moved onward until we finally heard a sound from the trees. Suddenly behind us was a small Imp-Like creature. It kept speaking different languages until we responded. "Ah what have here?" it said. "Invaders into our land? You finally passed the mountains ? You must have broken the seal we placed there to stop you from crossing , you have learned alot since we last saw you those thousands of years ago. My name is Klitkrieg the Imp." He bowed slightly. He was a small looking man. About 4 and a half feet high. He was wearing a strange metallic metal armor the shimmered in the sun and carried a sword which glowed until he tapped it's hilt."Come with me , I shall show you the sites of the Eastern Side of Elanthia. You have become strong enough to fair with the rest of the world." We followed him we went in so many directions I was'nt sure which way was up. As we twisted and turned we were attacked by a stranged ant like creature. Klitkrieg suddenly vanished and we hear him say "I'm to tired to kill such a weak enemy here you try." We attacked but none of our swords and weapons could touch it. Only spells seemed to affect it. I cast Major Fire and it spit it right back ! We were all in shock. This was a weak enemy? What were we to do? Suddenly Squire Earthwind threw down his sword and cast a ressurection spell upon it. The creature collapsed instantly. It was undead ! But none of us knew it. Klitkrieg has masked that from us, it was all a test.
"You have done well , come to our fare city." Klitkrieg said. We followed him to the most spectacular city I have ever seen. It towered above the land like something from the myths. I could'nt believe my own eyes. Klitkrieg said "This is Arioch City of the Great Seal. I am sorry you can't explore but we will meet later on in the city. Come let us exchange stories and information." We went into a small building , people staring as we went passed. We told Klitkrieg of the mana burst which destroyed our side of Elanthia , and most likely broke the seal. Most of our world lay in ruins. He told us that here our races lived as well as Imps , Ogres , and Fairies. All in peace in a common goal to destroy the evil within our lands. They had mastered powers that I could not begin to describe (I noted them later in my journal). He gave us many gifts including a sword made of Malignite as he called it which was 2 times a strong as our Vultite , and a sachel of gold coins ,a bow and arrow made of oak and cedar, and lastly a scroll which contained three of thier spells which could be copied and used to train others. In return I gave him my Vultite Broadsword which had my House Seal upon it. My Purse which contained our silver currency , and from Lord Darmog a scroll containing some of our spells along with a Rolton Skin Cloak that he saved from his home. He thanked us and led us to the local node so we could return home. In a quick thunderclap we had returned home (the nearest mana node from there was Arioch's node so we returned straight home) and told the people our story.
Below is the Journal Log Of The Examination of The Items
Malignite sword - It shimmers in the light and seems to radiate a power beyond my understanding. It can cut through Ora and Mithril like butter. Vultite cracks and brarely withstands it's blows. It estimate is to be at least 1.5 to 2 times as powerfull as Vultite at least.
The Gold Coins - They have a Five Star Seal with a eye in the center on the flip side is picture of a moutain separating a river. Pure Gold , Worth About 18 of our silver coins a piece.
The Bow and Arrow - Elven Archers could train us in the use of such weapons but they were so rare since no one could remember how to make them from ancient times that they were never used. This is a simple bow with one arrow. It now hangs in our new Town Hall directly under the main exit door.
The Scroll Contained Three Spells - Water Walk , Focus , and Whirlwind. No Lord or Lady has been able to cast them successfully yet.
This concludes this entry in the logs of our new town and the discovery of Arioch and it's people. They said the would come with in 5 moons. But we shall see. Until then we are building another boat/ship to take us back as well as a new town.
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It was a cold day. I was trying to keep warm near the fire. A blanket over me and a hot cup of fire fly tea in my hand. No one as around Whinmer this day. It was much to cold. It seems that the weather from Ice Mule had come to visit us. I decided to continue my research on discovering a spell to restore a lost soul when suddenly a gust of wind blew open my door. The fire went out and I was so shocked I dropped my cup onto the floor. The shards scattering everywhere. I managed to close the door and started to pick up the mess when suddenly a swarm of Ice Golems invaded the town. The alarm was ringing and people came out from there homes into this horrid weather. I maybe old but still I quickly donned my Cloak , put on some boots and went out to stop the menace. I had made a trip recently to Melgorns (ole Melgorn wish I had known him) and had a full stock of wands to use. I burned and toasted as much as I could but in the weather the flames never hit thier target. No one knew what to do. I quickly ran to Twilight Hall and there was a meeting going on about what to do (they finally called one after Warble's house was crushed by a Golem) they did'nt know what to do. I put my two-silvers in saying the wands were to weak to do anything and threw them all at the wall... a few hit Randdom and I got a few looks but it was otherwise ignored. Kyrion came downstairs after finally getting Manny up (take forever to get him up) and Warble poped up after moving back into her old room. Arwen was discussing the possibility of a huge fireball concentration by all of us casting smaller into a larger model and changing the climate. This was turned down after the fact that we would be burned to. Also considered was a huge Fear Spell but that would scare away the people as well. I decided to gather my wands when Kyrion noticed and stopped me saying "that's it! I've got it" we all turned to him. He explained the only loss would be someones eye .. or someone's familiar. He proposed that we take make a mana battery filled with fire magic and attach it to a Eye or a flying Familiar and send it up above the town and detonate it. The heat would definatley change the climate and would kill the Golems. It did'nt work. Twilight Hall and all of western Whinmer was destroyed. The mayor was killed and the guards ran. It seemed all was lost. My house was still standing... on top of three others that is. Manny had a idea. He would burn his cloak. The fabric was made from fear itself and supposedly anything evil would run out of town. He loved his cloak however but saw it as the only alternative. The whole town was there. Mana spells later and alot of mana wasted the cloak burst into flames. At that moment I felt as if my very soul was being challenged by a unseen force. I collapsed onto the ground and just before I blacked out I felt another body land upon me. I awoke in Kyrion refuge. Arwen and Kyrion were next to me. Kyrion was old cold and Arwen was just getting up herself. She looks so peacefull when she's asleep... Arwen looked fine but Kyrion looked like he had ran right into a building. I went out and into the Main Hallway and there lay Azery , Wintermiss and Manny all half dazed. It had worked but the force had knocked everyone out. Twilight itself was badly damaged. The entire upstairs area was almost destroyed and there were occasional holes in the wall. The poor Librarian had apprently quit (which upset me becuase she was doing some research for me). I sighed. Walked out. A few friends and I levitated my house back and helped clean up and I went back to fix my home. On the way I passed Warble who was sitting in a Dark Alley. She seemed a little depressed and wished to be left alone. In her hands was a broken staff. The sight brought a tear to my eyes ... I felt the best thing was to leave her alone . I could tell she lost someone special. When I got back home it was a mess. My tea kettle was tipped over and tea was everywhere. Furniture overturned , paintings destroyed and my work damaged. I sighed and restored my easy chair , sat down , and looked out the window. Then suddenly ... I laughed. It was just another day in the world of Elanthia.
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