Asherons Call: New Player Fiction

It starts in the Naqut desert of Ispar. My mentor, an exiled Milantan wizard, is falling to dark masters of the Cabal seeking whom are seeking reprisal for his opposing their fetid order. They turn their attention to me. I run knowing fatality is close. They close upon me cackling chills the night as they gleefully attempt to slay me. Salvation swirls before me in the form of a portal I choose the unknown over death. I am in Dereth.

I awaken bathed in sweat and out of breath. Before I entered the portal a voice beckoned me to enter. The voice was that of the ancient mage who taught me all those years ago. Surely the blackened pile of dust he was reduced too couldn't have conveyed any instructions. Pondering his words came back to me, "The fabric of life and death is very fine, the mysteries of returning from that realm are known by few".

The haunting concerns are driven to the corners of my mind with the beginning of the new day. The mansions grounds are busy with warriors and wizards preparing to face the denizens of Dereth. I likewise prepare for my self-chosen task of the day, The Aerie of the gromnatross, Aurlanaa, there are remains of a nest high up the peaks of Aerlinthe. This day I have set aside for its exploration. Through various writings I have learned the peak known as Cunara is to the west of the volcano and there is a long abandoned temple nearby. First task is getting to the Island and preparing. I have long since had the coveted spell that allows access and an expenditure of mana whisks me to the isle. Preparations begin. Only the strongest spells will do here. The shores of the Harbor are among the most dangerous places on Dereth. Following my experience from lessons hard learned I find myself at the egress. I rely upon speed to get me past the sea of creatures each bent upon sending me hurling to the lifestone. Unable to chance healing I run up to a precipice and find myself nearly alone and nearly dead. There is a magma field that is rife with Vapor and Plasma Golems. With long practiced combat I clear them and find the route up to the nest.

The titanic Gromnatross appear to have been winged creatures, ranging from cottage-sized to the approximate length of the Empyrean Obsidian Span between Cragstone and Arwic.
- Ashif al-Kaba, Fellow of the Zaikhal Arcanum (from the book, "Farthest Outpost of the Empire: Dereth Before the Olthoi")

It's an unremarkable ring of stones with ash Gromnies about them. With the remaining protections I clear the nest and sit inside it to imagine awhile on ancient times. In a relaxed state a vision comes forth unbidden. A pale existence slowly fills my thoughts as a familiar presence. It coalesces into the image of the Ancient Milantan mage who taught me my craft. With his typical wry smile he assess what I am become.

"Took you long enough to bring me forth" the hoarse whisper of his voice intoned.
"Are you a spirit or am I in slumber?" I inquired

"It matters not but in truth I am both and neither" the form issued

"Do explain then. I am not one for riddles" I demanded

"I am an echo of he you once knew a fragment if you will of a soul delivered unto you at the moment of the hosts death" was the answer.

"So you are the source of my Dream?"

"Aye, we live that together. The last flame of life lost" came out in a low moan.

"Why have you waited till now to reveal yourself? Instead of lurking about my sleep?"

"Interesting", he thought a moment "You did not summon me with arcane powers?" he asked with confusion and curiosity.

We sat and considered for a while his form silently floating while my more solid form securely on the ground. The whole of the situation came to me with theory which I shared.

"Maybe its this place?" For the Yalain considered the Gromnatross a mystical creature.

"Its no matter" My mentor continued "There is one more lesson I am here to impart before I can be released into the void"

And so on the wind swept cliffs of Aerlinthe I became a student for the final time to my departed mentor. A lesson that is not mine to share.[/i][/blockquote]