Ali 1.1 - The Flames of Maelforge

I am unkindly shaken from my dreams and it takes me a moment to realize the dampness, and the smell of ash and smoke in the air are not remnants of the dream.  Even as I wake there is a haziness that reaches the corners of my vision.

Helen Brass shakes me again. “I can’t believe your here, Alisandrian.  Hurry!  There could still be people alive in the next jail cell.”

I sit up slowly, but even still my head throbs.  “Jail cell?” I ask as my eyes light on the bared door.  Beyond it I see the well of Lantern Hook, which at least suggests the dampness of the stone floor I’m nestled on.

 

4.03 - Rock Ridge

Anneleigh, the Priestess Hellen, and Sir Armex turned as one at the sound.   Its resonance caused the windows of the houses to shudder and the fire to flicker dangerously.  The pressure wave that followed a few seconds later smelled of ash and was warmer than any summer breeze she had ever felt.  In the distance above the low mounds and tall clay pillars they could see the fire rift erupting.

“That’s over Rock Ridge.  I know it is.”  Ser Armex said

3.04 - The Deeps

Anneleigh followed the forest road downward towards the base of the large waterfall.  When she finally approached the waykeepers they were surprised to see her but regained their composure quickly.

“An ascended!  Thank the vigil!  My scouts narrowly avoided capture escaping the Deeps.  One reported massive stockpiles of goblin venom.  They could poison our entire water source with a supply that large.”

3.03 - The goblin plot

“I have been so weak, drained, since the rifts first tore through this wood.   When the rifts first struck, magic from Regulos, from the Death Plane, infected the pines, twisting them into hate-filled treants.  I remember little else.”  Laria said in little more than a whisper.  “I had hoped that by bonding myself with the forest, I would have the strength to fight against the shadow that consumes it.   I am weak, unable to help you further, but the power of the Ascended is like a light against this darkness, and as the darkness fades, my strength grows.   Continue about your purpose,” Anneleigh’s eyes widened and Laria must have noticed her surprise, “yes even in my weakened state I can sense your minds division.  Continue in your purpose.  When the time is right, I will find you.  You will be the undoing of the evil that has consumed my dear forest.”

3.02 - The Forest Alter

Anneleigh crossed Gloamwood Pines to find the guard post on the outskirts of town to the west. 

“Marshal Oakheart?” Anneleigh inquired of the guard captain, “The Guardian guard at Gnarlwood sent me your way.”

The marshal nodded.  “Thank you for seeking me out.  Stand tall; we have an amazing journey ahead of us!”

2.15 - A meeting with Prince Hylas

Loras Tivan described the goblin lord, its location, and the location of the guard responsible for arranging the meetings.

“And you don’t feel this could be a trap?” Anneleigh asked him.

“Possible, but like I said, what choice do we have?”

2.11 - Gutter's Cave

Anneleigh gathered her few belongings and set out north towards the goblin encampment Professor Drift described.  As she crossed into the goblin’s area, it was clear why no other soldier had succeeded.  All around her, goblins were using a combination of spell craft and blunt weapons to both slay and restrain those residents of Silverwood and Quicksilver College who had unknowingly crossed their path.  Many were still alive.  Anneleigh attempted to free them, but her strength was not sufficient to break the spell holding them to the pillars.