Tales of Candera

The sacred pools.(Aszkhara/Arishka)We entered the forest before the sunset. Venturing deeper into this strange forest gave us shivers but we had no other choice than to explore it even further to find out what is the source of this strange magic. Alas we could tell that this was surely some kind of magic cause there we so many beautiful and never before seen flowers trees and some plants known in our world but still different. But there was more to the case. From the first steps we have recognized a strange haze some kind of magic fog witch concealed much of the flora right before our eyes. Susanne tired of this inconvenience casted a wind spell. Right before my eyes a great wind broke up and outstripped the fog right in front of our company. For the time it seemed to be working the whole pack started to praise Susanne but soon after we made another 50m the fog was there already. With a laugh of irony Metyst submitted to the harsh conditions. The rest of us soon made the same choice. The darkness was gone and as I marched I watched all around me, this beauty and some spiritual force radiated a light quickly changing colors. Celeste stopped and gazed at the animals which came to us. The full spectrum of magic forces within this forest have made a tremendous feeling just as if we were in the heart of nature. These tiny shining “lightsifts” as Baniarek named them were all around us. Nevertheless we had a task to fulfill so we continued marching forward and not wasting more time. 10 minutes later we had encountered a strange and light blowing pool. It was almost blinding us with light. Metyst stepped forward to check it out. Then out of nowhere this strange elf like woman appeared right in front of us. “Canbera I am called and I am a keeper of the groove. This a magical pool of Aszkhara. If you wish to strengthen yourself then you may feel freely to enter this pool – naked of course ”. Now we knew that this is a magic pool of Aszkhara instructed by Canbera to take of all our clothing and enter it. I saw Susanne blushing but then as quick as the wind she slipped her clothes and jumped to the pool as first. “hehe yes the rest just like me were astonished by her beauty. Only now did I finally realized that she is a half elf …and a lovely one as well. Seeing our gaze at her when she turned herself back around she nodded and said the only thing I think was to say “Man. Better than staring at me you all should jump in”. Soon after we were all in the pool and it started to act strangely as if it were alive. Strong current has hit me and afterwards a warm rain hit us with the pool changing colors of light. I felt like in the high heaven itself. Never have I felt something like that –nor in the past nor after that miracle. Then I realized Susanne looking at me with a smile. Of course if have been thinking of her as well from our first steps in the forest I watched her closely. “Well it’s so damn hot in here so I just don’t seem to wonder that you seem to blush”. I had no reply(as if that would matter now).Finally the wind and rain have came to a cease.………………….we entered the cave. After a little chat we went further into the deeps of this system of caverns. The long march we had was finally ending and our pack entered the main grotto. It was huge than it struck me. In the center of this cavern was a cage with a person inside. I said to Baniarek “I recognize this person he’s Thunan”. Baniarek quickly replied “but that’s not possible Thunan is behind us” and as we turned we saw to our disbelief that he was long gone then we realized that we have been fooled and soon after we have heard a laughing voice “heroes oh mighty heroes hehe it seems you have been tricked. Too bad (and now the voice started to change to a more demonic type) you all won’t live long enough to tell others. And then we heard a clearly demonic laugh and with the last words “poor fools” we saw the whole cave starting to move. From the darkness started to appear monsters earlier only lurking in the shadow. “start preparing yourself for the battle of our lifetime” I shouted. Soon after the monsters started to attack. The fight was intensive and a bloody one. As the last beast has been slain and lesser monsters started to flee we were healing our wounds. Previously imprisoned Thunan who have saved “our guts” started asking about this foul demon which played us so long perfectly deceiving our insight. <“what were you doing here, what else…..what You have braked the 5 locks. Tell me are you so stupid and unlearned that he was able to trick You so badly. I understand that blinded humans by the treasures could be easily fooled but an Elf? Why have You overlooked his sign? …ehhh he grumbled I hope more of you will be at least wiser for if not then we may be already too late to save the day…. Than Susanne exploded – ”you learn us all but we have been tricked not held prisoner like almighty and so wise ….(his name?) Alright enough of these nonsense we have no time to waste there will be other days to tell about the past. Now we must hurry. dialog”> Finally we made our way to the entrance only to see it has been blocked by some rocks from the ceiling of the cave. “The demon is more clever than I have thought…well it will take us some time to clear those rocks” With the saying of this words he has dropped his upper clothes and started to cast spells…. 4 hours have passed and the rocks were all but gone. The entrance was clear and we made our way into the light…..

…..maybe facing one demon is not enough for the likes of us….W obecnych czasach nie ma już tak oczywistych zagrożeń jak w przeszłości. Pomimo tego nie powinniście zapomnieć o utrzymywaniu hartu ducha. Nie poddawajcie się ogólno panującemu marazmowi ponieważ rozłożył on już nie jedno imperium. Właśnie prozaiczność, przyziemność naszych czasów wymaga specjalnej dyscypliny i samokontroli ponieważ ciężej się zmobilizować gdy nie ma jak dokonać heroicznych czynów lub po prostu nie ma dla nich miejsca. W okresie pokoju jaki panuje za naszego władcy Aopa musimy tym bardziej się mobilizować i wytężać do cięższej pracy gdyż szansa jaką mamy jaką jest okres względnego spokoju i dobrobytu może się już długo nie powtórzyć. Pracujcie zatem w pocie czoła i pamiętajcie o tych którzy ciężko wytężają swe muskuły dla dobra nas wszystkich. Nie zapomnijcie choćby o najmniejszych i najbardziej lichych pracach gdyż każda jest wkładem w budowanie naszego wielkiego społeczeństwa. Wreszcie wspierajcie się i szanujcie nawzajem jako pełnoprawnych współobywateli by tchnąć nowego ducha który na pewno jest nam w dzisiejszych czasach potrzebny.

Wyczuwam widmo groźby na horyzoncie. Odległej wydawać by się mogło; kompletnie nie istotnej, lecz wręcz na przekór temu bardzo groźnej. Bagatelizowanie przyszłych zagrożeń może skończyć się tragicznie. Pewne odstępstwa od norm, słabość charakterów, wszechogarniająca chciwość i spłycenie marzeń oraz dążeń społeczeństwa w dłuższym okresie może zaowocować jego powolnym rozpadem i ostatecznie klęską na równi biednych jak i bogatych. Baczcie na me słowa bo widziałem w życiu wiele i doszedłem do mądrości która musi być przekazana by móc myśleć o lepszym jutrze. Ciemność ponownie zaczyna wychodzić z otchłani. Czas mroku się zbliża….

Prawdziwy dramat zazwyczaj przechodzi bez echa, a uciśnieni kwilą po cichu. Tym większa to tragedia gdy wokół wszyscy sobie radzą a tylko niektórzy nie są wstanie podołać wyzwaniom stawianym im za życia. Nie ma to wtedy pomocnego ramienia na którym można by się oprzeć wyżalić i zebrać siły do następnego dnia uwierzyć w lepsze jutro. Strzeżmy się gdyż ta prawie niezauważalna tragedia poszczególnych jednostek może później dotknąć całego społeczeństwa jak bumerang wrócić do nas i uderzyć ze zdwojoną siłą….

„Ahhhhh if not for my stupidity and wrecklesness I wouldn’t have been In this shape after all. But when you are young it seems the whole world is at the palm of your hand. My hunt for the wretched witch Sarusa was a fatal mistake”. Yes I have heard of that story. With 4 of your men you followed her into the warlocks territory. I bloody hunt but nonetheless unsuccessful. “Yes on the way I lost all my friend’s. Trapped or just cut to pieces. At the end it was me against her. I thought my time for revenge is now. Finally. But the future turned out to be very different. She has defeated me very quickly. A fireball has blown my whole stomach. Well it should be all over then but my conqueror had another fate installed for me. “Oh that was all to ease. Such a brave warrior and goes to waste. Well don’t worry I like mighty men and your path is not over – yet.” These words was the last one I remembered. Once I was awake again it struck me. She made out of me a death knight. It was horrible but she also a slave to her will so there was nothing I could do. When she came she even started to touch me like she wanted me but soon after she laughed and said” well your half alive then maybe it’s not a good idea to come closer to each other”. After that I was ordered to do some task’s for that monster. My final mission was to kill my old friend woman priest named Asara. It was when I had defeated her and was ready for the final blow it was that moment when I had been liberated. Something in me have broken and I spared her life Asara has escaped. But with that choice I made Sarusa casted on me through her bond with me a terrible spells that almost killed me trying to force to do her bidding. But she failed. I was free of her dominance. “and what happened later. Who did you managed to come here to a city so well guarded”. “I am still a master spy and able to infiltrate almost any kind of secure zone. I’m asking for help. I life has been taken away from me but some rumors tell about a secret shrine that can regenerate all life within you”. “yes that’s true but it will be a hard task even for the likes of you. And what will you do then when you will finally recover?”. “I want to pay a little visit to my former mistress”. Alright I will tell you how to get there but In return you will do me some favor….after all if you wish to travel to Morador then you could beside your main quest acquire some valuable info for me”. ”it’s a deal then”. They shook their hands and Alkan opened his chest and quickly found old map of Aldruina. Taking it to the table he showed a path to Darkmore as he wishes to be it called now. One month later in a Citadel chamber…Master spy found he’s oppressor Sarusa . “It seems witch that we meet again only this time you will not be so lucky”. after quick melee Sarusa has been overcome by Darkmore now more agile and faster cause in he’s veins now run magical blood. “No you can’t do that sheet that was not planned. I am your mistress and a wife to Zander”. “No you’re not ”. “Yes I am”.” “No you’re not”. “Yes I am”. “Well I will show you then“. A quick daggers strike and she was bleeding. “Stop” Sarusa screamed. But Darkmore not caring for her words took he’s dagger even further. Still young sorcerer only started to bleed over her mouth. It was all over. When Darkmore released her from he’s death grip she fell to the floor. Lifeless as he once was. “Damn you cursed woman!”. That was the last words dying Sarusa heard. Master spy soon escaped her chamber and the whole castle. When the news truck Zander he’s anger had no limit’s. “My beloved wife has been killed. In my own leisure of power. Well well well it seems that from now I will be called Bane”……In the meantime Kiel– demon slayer was ready for he's prey.-“Once again we meet Demon, but this time you will not escape”

-“bold words from someone who have barely escaped alive imprisonment”

-“you had your chance now it’s my turn”

After saying these words Kiel started his attack. Left leg kick was dodged by Arcanus. Next nearly second later a fire blow was casted by Kiel on his opponent. Barely escaping the blast Arcanus screemed “You fool your pitiful magic won’t stop me that easy”. Kiel seeing that there is enough distance between them was already starting to concentrate and summon elementals. One by one they started to come to this mortal plain. Arcanus feeling that he could be soon overwhelmed started to cast inferno on elementals but it was all too little too late and he was engaged by 3 elementals in melee combat. Strong as he was he managed to crush the first one with two blows. Hit hard by the next one he backed up and casted firearm directly at the elemental. After that the only thing remaining of the elemental was steam. The last one managed to throw a waterspout spell at Arcanus hitting him hard. Stunned for the moment the demon responded quickly by electrocuting the last elemental. This combat gave enough time Kiel to cast on himself spells strengthening him and making him resistant to magic. As the last of the elementals fell he engaged Arcanus himself yet again. A tremendous and ruthless fight when on for about 5 minutes. Blows from each side and spells were also cast. Finally tired(weaken) and bleeding demon decided that it’s time to leave. ”not this time” Kiel shouted and quickly casted on himself haste. Arcanus managed only to escape about 20m before Kiel overrun him and cut him off from the only escape route. “It’s over demon” and after saying that battle mage casted on his surprised opponent the final blow. It was Medea’s fury which harnesses the forces of wind and water. Only a hellish scream later the demon was on he’s knees. Bleeding from about everywhere he fell down. While drawing out his sword battle mage said “The pitfall that you have set upon us was your last. Die demon” and after that he crushed Arcanus head with the swords blow.Not long after in Candera.„ahhh i have been poisoned. This dagger I Just can’t believe that Interus Was a traitor”. ”But that’s a fact my lord”. “Yes I know but still it’s hard to believe. My fear’s are becoming more a reality now. These strange murders of the most powerful wizards. Blood barbarians to the south. Some demonic forces and their followers are doing their work here. We must be prepared, no you must be prepared for I feel that my 1000 year life is about to end”.”Now husband you cannot leave us now in the darkest of times”. “But nonetheless my will is fading. And this poison is doing it’s work in my veins. I can feel it”. Suddenly in corridor of the palace a strange figure showed up and made he’s speech “Arch mage Auris ruler of all Candera do not despair. You are not alone old foes have came to this plane but also old friends are here and I can assure you that we will outlast them. ….”The defence of the kingdom of Candera (part 2)

-„the Fort of Nezrujah has been besieged. Our formidable walls will hold the (opresors) for the time being.”

-“how long can we stand our ground against these horde’s?”

-“I don’t know. The Alpha towers will protect us for a while but there energy is limited and so are our men, I fear that the worst can happen”

-“don’t worry we have been in worst situations. Let’s go to the walls”

And so 2 brave heroes joined the garrison of the south-western part of the fort's outer circle. Soon the siege has begun. ……..”the walls are being overrun we have to run for our lives. Now!” ….quickly grasped ….arm and forced him to retreat. It was just in time for the gate was already down and most of the walls were lost to the enemy. Only few of the defenders managed to escape to the inner circle before the gate was closed. In the part of the fort that has been abandoned a vicious rampage has begun and soon it was all in flames. Flames tore down most of buildings the two Alpha towers in south were down. The demon ranks were already attacking directly the south-eastern part of the city. Only 3 Hour’s later rest of the defender’s of this part was forced to retreat. This time the fort was not being burned but instead the lesser siege weapons were brought in to do a final siege of the main fort. Arch mage Auris was at he’s council at the moment. Soon it has begun. The Arakih demons operated the battering ram. Few minutes later the gate was down and hordes of Arakih and lesser demons braked thru the first line of defense formed by loyal spearmen. Auris with the elite guard marched quickly to meet this threat. The second line just 50m away was already under heavy attack soon to be dismantled. “If the second line will fail then it is up to us men and we have to be quick about it” Auris shouted. Only Moment later they were close enough to see what was left of the second line of defense. “my men are scattered the” running for it officer in charge has spoken. “Stand your ground coward. I will do my best to stop this onslaught” and with these words Arch mage took the staff of terror up and started to summon earth elementals. Soon out of the floor massive elementals have arisen. “It won’t hold the Arakih’s for long” lieutenant said. In reply he has heard ”but this will”, and Auris not wasting more time struck the staff on the city road and started to concentrate. The energy was flowing more and more and the skies have darkened. It was the meteor shower spell. “I don’t believe what is happening right before my own eyes” Tarek assented. “these meteors are clearing all the terrain the demons have gained in the center of the fort”. “now move forward the area is clear” Auris commanded he’s troops. But little did they know a foul beast was already in the fort. As they have passed to the road crossing it has attacked. Auris well experienced in battles had already a shield spell on him. With the beast attack the shield has done it’s work and surprised Arch mage managed to quickly cast a medea’s fury spell on the beast. “I can’t believe what this spell is able to do. Such a monster pounded and thrown away behind the walls” ….couldn’t bear what he was seeing. Finally The last spell Dragons breath was cast and all the remnants of the demon army were cleared from the central fort's southern entrance, burned to the ashes. In the air there was only a smell of burned flesh. “Let’s end this. To the entrance” arch mage commanded. Minute later all of the elite guard were just behind the city gate shooting down the remaining monsters in the houses which where infiltrated. Auris struck he’s staff for the last time on the ground and casted magic gate spell on the previous gate or what’s left of it. The staff shined with blue light and a circle of light arose around it. “It’s over just do not let the staff be damaged for as long as it is here no demon will enter this side of the fort. I am exhausted and will return to the main tower”….

Men we have to fend for our self’s.

In the meantime in a distant country of Topolokai Bane the ruler made he’s speech ”the kingdom of Candera is weak. Without their most powerful wizard’s they will not pose a significant threat to our plan’s. But not all is going as planned. Arcanus has been killed. And these pack of adventures is crossing our plans. We should strike quick before they will discover our main attack. Still we are able to hide the sect that has helped us so much but if they are discovered they can betray our final plan’s and that is the risk we cannot take (afford to have)”. -“alright let’s attack then you have convinced me”……But sire we have only one chance to surprise the free men. If we fail now there won’t be any turning back because most of the hidden agenda will be discovered in their plot against these kingdom’s. We will loose not only spies but formidable follower’s. “ahhh but that is the risk we can take for this was planned all along”.(Well from the autors wiev it seems that they are still f*cked <Bane and the rest I mean>)