Worthy Tales

[Ascension]

[tface=Callig]The
Collection

[INDENT]

Here shall the collection of offered tales be relayed. Only those bearing truth, warning, or valuable message will be placed. I tell you these stories with what artistic touch I might offer yet I do not remove them from the facts seen and heard. Learn and gain what you may from these.

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[Ascension]

[tface=Callig]Preface
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Upon  this very day did fortune have it that a seeker of tale and a  storyteller would encounter each other. The following is a true account  of an event that offers both warning and lesson to all men. The splendid  Kendra Dales imparted this tale graciously and fully supports the  following text.

The Necromancer & The Paladin

As the sun began its descent and Mistlocke laid as quiet as Ymph allows it to be,  a deeply wounded warrior stumbled to Muskroot and beckoned for  assistance. As many men and women gathered around to see what adventure  could be had, they soon realized that a dire threat need be confronted.  The warrior announced himself a holy knight that had once fought  alongside his brethren against the evils that rose in their  consciousness. He continued to tell the tale of the Necromancer with  most unassuming name, Steve. While there were gawks at such a mundane  name, the paladin swiftly silenced humorous drivel with the tale of how his order was hunted and slaughtered by this necromancer.

Finally  the words came to an end and the many adventurers agreed upon marching  on this necromancer which had taken up residency far too close to  Mistlocke. Upon arrival, ghastly sights were to be seen. Living, dead,  and undead beings littered the place. None were exempt from being used  as material in his dark arts as women and children were plenty. Before  the valiant warriors was a fortress to be overtaken but this would be no  easy task. Steve had proven a powerful man possessing great foresight.  Upon the fortress walls awaited skeletons bathed in flames and pillars  that unleashed raw energy against his foes.

Waves after wave, the  adventurers trudged through the undead. Raw energies, dark energies,  and dark creatures clashing against the blades, spells, and will of the  living. Many died, many more were wounded. At last, the fatigued and  bloodied number found success and made it to the necromancer. They found  the now barricaded Steven on the top floor of the fortress. It is said  he was not as one would expect, he was a charismatic, charming man that  offered great bribes and boons to leave him to his work. The weary  travelers heavily considered his words doubt crept into their minds. The  creator of these monstrosities that they had barely overcome and  surrounded by the powerful pillars, all was surely lost.

Amongst  the number there was but one. Leto Talborough, Torm's Angel of Death and  one of the first Gallants, did not accept this defeat and lunged  towards the man. She hacked away with all her might, nearly felling  Steven but it was not to be, before her last blow could end him, the  infernal pillars overcame her. It was this sacrifice that passed courage  to the rest and so they did rally to her broken body and ended what she  had started.

With necromancer crushed and those who could be  saved from the clutches of death returned, the survivors searched  Steven. Only a single possession was found- a single, flawless ruby the  size of a fist. They took this token as proof for the paladin to know  the deed was done. A relieved smile upon his face, a lightened heart at  this news, the paladin did offer his gratitude. He presented them with  simple signs from his order as appreciation. As they spoke though, the  paladin began to grow ever more sickened. A few moments later the holy  knight burst; all that was left behind were bones scattered with blood  and flesh upon the grounds.

At this point an important factor  that had been forgotten rose in their mind. The reason the matter was so  dire was that the paladin had spoken of the necromancers plan to  embrace lichdom. The ruby was actually the phylactery and the  adventurers had delivered it to the necromancer's final sacrifice, the  last of the order of holy knights. And so Steven the Lich was born and  while he would desire to remain unnoticed, he still remains wrapped in  the power of undeath.*

Conclusion

This  is a tale that offers warnings to consider always. Additionally, the  presence of Steven the Lich should remain aware in the minds of the  living. My mother's quote and the tale of Talborough's courage are  lessons to take.

*Last known sighting was this day, any further development should be sent to the author to properly inform the populace.

Author: Z

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