Xavier sat in breathless wonder as he stared at the small sphere cradled in his hands. A mythic item and it was his! Of course, it was part of the quest he had been sent on and he would likely have to give it up to complete the quest but still… he had a mythic item!
Shaking his head he looked about the room slowly and remembered what led to this, finding Ella and the fight with the rat-men was what put him in the location where he could be offered the quest, then coming to this cave and the fights here ultimately leading to the fight with the Gan Ceann. That caused him pause though and he looked to the corpse still lying on the floor. Yes, it had been kill or be killed but he had actually done it. He had killed another person. His mind had dismissed the rat-men since they seemed more animal than person for some reason, but this was different. When the Gan Ceann had its head on its shoulders it could just be another human. He looked back to his hands and the sphere there, but his eyes focused on his fingers and the red tinge to them from the Gan Ceann’s blood.
He dropped the sphere and stared horrified at his hands as the realization actually sunk into his thoughts. How? How could he, a simple code writer from Seattle, have killed someone. What did that make him? A killer, well obviously. A murderer, maybe but he was fighting to save his own life cause the Gan Ceann was trying to kill him. Did this make him a monster as well? The thoughts raced through his head, and he was visibly shaking and on the verge of being overwhelmed by them when soft hands touched his blotting out his view of the bloodstained fingers. He looked up and his eyes met Ella’s.
She curled her fingers around his, her deep jade eyes caught his gaze and held it. A soft smile pulled up the edges of her lips as she sat beside him simply holding his hands. Her eyes never left his while they sat. Her presence and demeanor soothed his frayed mind, and eventually his budding panic melted away, his breathing calmed down once again, and he was able to set aside the overwhelming guilt and fear that had been building, for now at least. He smiled in thanks to her when she finally released his hands.
“I am glad to see you are not just a ruthless or wanton killer Xavier.” Her words were soft but still filled the chamber they sat in amongst the dead and bones. “Too many callously kill and maim without thought as to what that does to them or others. I think I am starting to see more of your nature the longer we are together. I want you to keep my blade for as long as I travel with you. As I said earlier you need a good weapon at least as a back-up.” A glimmer of her grin returned as she eyed him a moment longer. “I think if we are going to keep exploring like this you need some actual armor as well. Cloth, unless it is enchanted, does not do much to turn a blade or a spell.”
You have completed a quest: Rescue the Lost 2
Your kind nature and willingness to help others has increased Ella Bree’s trust in you and she has gone from a mere traveling companion to an actual companion. As long as your goals and drives align, she will support you. Be wary trust earned can be trust broken.
Rewards: A new companion. +300 Experience
You have earned 500 relationship points with Ella Bree.
Your relationship with Ella Bree has increased from Acquaintance (Reluctant) – "You know their name… though you wish you didn’t." (-250 loyalty) to Acquaintance (Eager) – "You’d call them in a pinch… but only if no one else was around." (+250 loyalty.) She will happily answer most general questions and provide general information that she knows.
Xavier rolled his eyes slightly at her words. “I hadn’t noticed.” He popped another piece of the forest sage into his mouth and began chewing it as well, sighing as the last vestiges of pain eased and his final hit points were restored. She giggled at his words and reaction before scooping up the glowing sphere and placing it back into the leather pouch that he had dropped earlier and handing it back to him.
“We should take this back to that sprite. It will likely be dark by the time we get back and I would rather not travel in these woods after dark. Dire wolves and worse creatures hunt the forest, and they become more active after the sun sets.” Ella said as she rose to her feet and retrieved the spear. “We have a long way ahead of us and it would be best to get going.”
Xavier stood, his eyes going over the room one last time, before he nodded and took the lead heading out of the room and back up the winding passage to the top. Something about the small dungeon and the fact it held something so miraculous as the Heart of Creation didn’t quite sit right with him and he would have to figure out why that was.
Ella had been correct; the sun had passed its zenith and was settling into the afternoon by the time they emerged from the cave. Though there were still several hours of light left it had taken them nearly that long to trek to this location that morning and that was before fighting and the exhaustion that left in the body. Xavier rested a hand on the pouch holding the precious sphere to ensure it was still tied to his belt and then led the way back to the path turning to follow it back towards the ruins of the village.
The walk back was relatively uneventful. Ella had pointed out several more herbs that they could return to collect in the next couple days, but their focus had been to hurry back to the relative safety of the ruins, specifically the large intact chamber where they had met the sprite. As the sun settled beneath the horizon and a pair of moons, one an emerald green the other a cerulean blue, rose from the
From there it was only a short time before they saw their destination and quickly made their way inside. As promised, hovering in the center of the chamber was the sprite. Her ever-changing form turned towards the pair and she smiled impishly. "I see ye've returned, and in but a single day! I’m surprised it was done so swiftly. Ye did find what I set ye to seek, I hope. I'd be sorely disappointed if ye’d given up so quick." The sprite moved closer to the pair her eyes instantly drawn towards the small pouch on Xavier’s belt that held the requested sphere. “Ye did find it, then. Curious, I thought that with as long as it’s been lost, the task would be harder. Yet I be glad it’s returned home at last… or mayhap it’s not the true original. No matter, for now ye hold the means to restore the forge—and perhaps the city itself to its former glory. But heed me, do not rekindle the forge... not yet. Its time will come, but without protections beyond ye two, there’d be naught to stop it from fallin' into hands with dark designs and desires. Come I’ve something to show ye.” She turned suddenly and flew towards the wall at the back of the chamber. As she approached an opening appeared and revealed a passageway leading down into the ground. The sprite didn’t hesitate and flew down the new passage and almost vanished from sight before the two got over the shock of the revelation and rushed after her.
Xavier gawked at the well-wrought stonework lining the halls they walked through and mused that if this was the quality here then it was no wonder the ruins, as old as they seemed to be, were as intact as they were. Whoever built this place was amazing in their skill. He also pondered, for just a moment, if he could achieve that level of skill as well. It took about fifteen minutes for them to reach their destination in the small maze of passages beneath the village and when they followed the sprite out into the new chamber Xavier's breath caught. The chamber stood about forty feet from side to side though it was circular instead of being squared off like the other chambers they had passed. Much of the floor was dedicated to an intricate mosaic. Eight distinct patterns touched in the center of the masterpiece and swirled out from it.
The mosaic was an s a breathtaking work of art. At the very center, where all eight different patterns touched, the tiles were arranged in a swirling, chaotic mix of colors that merged seamlessly into one another. Here, no single color or symbol dominates, creating a dazzling, hypnotic effect that symbolizes the unity and interdependence of all the different sections. The nexus glows softly, as if it possesses a life of its own, with faint magic pulsing beneath the tiles.
As they left this central point each pattern became more distinct, and Xavier could only assume they aligned with elements of magic or nature. One section was composed of simmering white and gold tiles arranged in beams that fan outward like rays of sunlight. Small pieces of crystal are embedded to catch the light, causing this part of the mosaic to glow naturally as light hits it. A sunburst is situated near the center and fades into golden rays extending toward the edge of the circle.
Directly to the right of that section was one filled with vibrant reds and oranges, evoking the image of roaring flames. Gold accents create the appearance of sparks and embers dancing within the fiery section. A phoenix sits boldly near the nexus, its wings reaching outward in a way that mimics flickering fire. The mosaic pieces in this section are arranged in jagged, chaotic lines to create a sense of movement and intensity.
That section was followed by a section depicted with greens and browns. The symbol, a tree with sprawling roots is prominently placed near the center and grows outward. The mosaic tiles in this section are arranged in solid, structured lines, suggesting the firm and unyielding nature of Earth. Hints of gold highlight the edges, representing the richness of soil and minerals.
Continuing around the circle came another section, this one somber and haunting, made of dark grays and blacks interspersed with pale blue highlights. Its symbol, a single raven’s feather, is near the center, blending into mist-like patterns that dissipate toward the edges. The tiles are arranged in swirls, suggesting an eerie mist or smoke that fades into darkness, creating an unsettling beauty that contrasts sharply with the brighter elements. Xavier shuddered slightly as if someone had walked over his grave looking at that section and quickly moved to the next.
The next area was just as ominous though not as oppressive, it exuded mystery, and was crafted from midnight blues, purples, and blacks. A shadowed eye serves as its symbol, placed near the center and ringed with faint stars or flecks of silver. The mosaic tiles were arranged in a way that creates the illusion of depth as if one could fall into the darkness. Shadows seem to seep from this section, blending into the adjacent elements in a subtle, graceful manner.
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Thankfully the next section was fluid and soothing, rendered in shades of blue and green that create the illusion of moving water. The symbol, a wave, lies near the nexus, its lines flowing outward in graceful, undulating patterns. Tiles are arranged in waves and spirals, capturing the essence of water in motion. White tiles are used sparingly to create foam-like highlights along the edges, adding depth and vibrancy to this part of the mosaic.
The change continued onwards into the next section of the mosaic. It was light and ethereal, with pale blues and silvers arranged in sweeping arcs that mimicked gusts of wind. The symbol, a small swirling spiral, is placed close to the center, with faint lines that radiate outward as if caught in a gentle wind. The tiles are placed in a flowing, wispy pattern that gives this section a sense of motion as if the air itself were circulating above the mosaic.
Finally, the last section before it touches back to the starting point was vibrant and full of energy, with lush greens, yellows, and pinks that blend harmoniously. This section's symbol, a blooming flower, is placed near the center, radiating outward with delicate tendrils and vines. This section is arranged with intricate floral patterns, and tiny gemstone accents give the impression of dew drops, capturing the vitality and beauty of life itself.
As Xavier studied the artwork, the color and light within each section seemed to beat along with his heart as it grew subtly in vibrancy and color. Each section seemed to glow with its own life and power.
"This be the Syr’Vailen, a nexus of elemental powers and ley lines. Where the Mael'Anthir, the great forge, stood as the heart seen by all, this… this was its very soul. Whosoever masters this nexus holds the might of the Syr'Vailen—and by that power, they hold sovereignty o’er Cael'Anthir above. I am Aelriva, guardian of the Syr'Vailen and Cael'Anthir. I have watched ye, mortal, and weighed the depths of yer soul. Ye’ve proven worthy to be named caretaker and Lord o’ these forgotten lands. See to it I’ve no cause to doubt my judgment." The aura of the sprite swelled as she spoke and her authority within these chambers became crystal clear. The sections of the mosaic flared to life each element rising from the floor to embody their powers in a maelstrom of magic and light raging around one another before just as abruptly they collapsed back in upon themselves and dimmed back to simple works of art once again.
The radiance they held when he first entered the chamber faded away leaving the chamber feeling diminished in some way. However, at the very center of the chamber, a small glowing orb floated about two feet off the ground dimly lit from within. "Go now, take the focus and my blessin’, and claim the mantle of Ard'Maelor—the High Forgemaster anew. Rebuild the city if ye’ve the strength, for it's been long absent from this world. As the nexus holds the balance of the elements, so too was Cael'Anthir a place of harmony and balance within the land. But that harmony has faded through the centuries, and the world nears a breakin’ point."
Aelriva’s words struck a chord in Xavier and his mind flashed back to his meeting with Danu. She had said almost the exact same thing about the world and its impending fate. His soul felt as though fingers had strummed it like a string and he moved forward to where the focus waited his choice. He looked back and forth between Ella and Aelriva before his hands scooped under the glowing orb and energy suffused his body.
The sound of rolling drums filled Xavier’s ears, and a prompt filled his vision.
Know this! You have gained a mark: Ard’Maelor – The Grand Forgemaster.
You have claimed the title of Ard’Maelor. In centuries past the Ard’Maelor was the leader of the Sylmyrian peoples, a long-forgotten race. They were master crafters and built marvels unlike anything known in this world. Only time will tell if you have the drive and will power required
Congratulations! You have purified a lost village. As the Ard’Maelor of the Sylmyrian, you have become the Lord of Cael’Anthir, The Shining Forge, this once marvel of an ancient civilization has fallen from its lofty perch to become the the ruins and remains you have discovered in the forest. Will you restore their city to its once-former glory and revive the people anew or will you squander the potential you have been given?
Your village is level 1. As you increase the level of the village, more capabilities, powers and resources may be discovered. You are now bonded with the nexus Syr’Vailen: The Convergence of Essence. You have gain access to the magic and mana of the nexus location. Nexuses are places of power and mystery and to uncover their secrets requires intent and willpower. Discover and master them at your own peril! May the fates be with you!
Congratulation! You have been awarded +600 Reputation points.
Total Reputation: +600, your reputation has increased from 0 to +600.
This reputation change has advanced your reputation level from “Nobody Knows, Nobody Cares – You’re like a shadow in the corner of a tavern. If you disappeared into the mist tomorrow, the world would carry on without a single elf or dwarf noticing. Good luck finding a hero’s welcome”
to
“Who Are You Again? – Your name might be whispered in the winds, but most can’t recall it. If you were a knight, you’d be the one who gets left out of the battle plan. People might nod at you in the market, but they’re mostly confused.”
You have completed a hidden quest: Reforge the Past 1
Your actions in returning an object to reinvigorate the Great Forge along with earning the trust of Aelriva and gaining the right to claim the nexus has not only increased your personal power and prestige it has granted you title and lands to go with them. You are now the Lord of Cael’Anthir and the Master of its lands. Aerith may be forever changed due to this event.
Rewards: A settlement of your own. +2500 Experience
You have been offered a quest: Reforge the Past 2.
Having gained mastery of Cael’Anthir it is up to you to restore it to its former glory and rebuild its people. Increase the settlement level to level 2.
Quest Objectives: See the Settlement Interface for details on increasing settlement to level 2
Penalties for Failure or Refusal: Stagnation of settlement growth. As this is a settlement improvement quest for a settlement bound to you there is no capability to refuse.
Potential rewards: A level 2 settlement with increased powers and capabilities. +5000 Experience.
A crescendo of chimes sounded in his ears followed by the following prompt.
Hark and Hear! You have ascended in level. You are now level 3! Humans are granted 4 attribute points to distribute. Blessings of the Gods (Danu) has increased this to 6 attribute points. You will have 3 days to assign these points else they will be randomly assigned for you. Go forth, seek glory, seek love, LIVE!
As the prompt filled his vision his right forearm began to twitch and burn. He looked down in awe as an image formed on his skin. Golden in color the shape of a city in profile etched itself into being. Above the city a hammer in hand was raised as if to rain a blow down upon an anvil. It remained visible for several moments before fading back out of sight. Xavier gasped as it vanished, the pain of its birth fading just as quickly. He knew however that he could call it forth if needed to display his right of power. And reputation, add that to the list of things he needed to figure out how affected him and now his people… he had people now. Well only two for the moment but there would be more.
“Wait, a forgotten race of people? What happened to them? Why are they no longer around? What are you not telling me? This place has been forgotten for how long?” Questions assaulted his mind and he in turn voiced them to the sprite. His eyes narrowing slightly as he suddenly felt as if he had been specifically rail-roaded into this position and didn’t have the choice he actually felt like he should have had.
"Be at peace, mortal. What ye speak of lies in ages long past. Civilizations rise and fall upon this world, and those who vanish oft leave no trace behind. While I yet remain, with faint memories o' the Sylmyrian folk, there are others whose very names were swept away by time and fate. The Shattered Expanse is but one such place—when gods clash, nothin' is left in their wake. The peoples o' that land were erased from memory itself. Yet, as ye restore the city and its folk, the memories o' the Sylmyrian will return in time." Aelriva spoke softly, her tone changing as her body shifted through its constant metamorphosis.
Xavier noticed something, now that he had seen the nexus, the sprites body shifted along the same patterns as the mosaic. She was literally the embodiment of elements that made up this place. Her presence had reverted to that of the sprite he had met in the chamber above and she felt far less grand than she had a few moments before when she had proclaimed him being worthy of the city.
Taking a deep breath Xavier tried to wrap his mind around all the sudden changes. In the space of a couple days, he had gone from being a level one nobody alone in a brand-new world to level three and having his own settlement. Granted his settlement was nothing more than a collection of ruins currently but that was half the fun of survivor games, wasn’t it? Finding a place to build and grow? He looked over to where Ella and Aelriva waited for him and pursed his lips. They were not enough to really make any changes to what was above, or even what was within the warrens beneath the village.
As he thought he looked about the room and noticed some additional details he had overlooked due to the impressive display of the mosaic earlier. Another passage led off from the circular room. Opposite of where they had entered was another archway with a set of stairs that led deeper into the earth. The arch was lined with intricately carved stonework that unlike the rest of the warrens had been untouched by time. He crossed the area to stand before it and could nearly feel the power that radiated from it. Reaching out a hand he gently touched the carvings and knowledge filled his mind. They were runes of power, warding runes to be precise. He wondered what would require such runes to be placed here and it made him curious what lay below.
"That path leads to the deep depths below. In the days when the Sylmyrian folk were at the height o' their power, it was from down there that wondrous metals and gems were drawn forth to craft their mighty works. But now, all manner o' dark creatures and foul things dwell within. The archway above is warded to keep any evil from risin' up. Such power and skill the Sylmyrian enchanters wove into those wards that even time itself could not diminish their strength. Yet, such mastery is gone from this world, and mayhap lost forever. If ye truly wish to rebuild this city as it once stood, ye’ll need to cleanse those depths and restore 'em to their former state as well." Aelriva had flow up beside him and her gaze was on the dark passage deeper as well. "But ye are not yet prepared to face the depths below. Turn yer focus first to the warrens and the village above. The day will come when ye’ll be ready to tread the first level o’ the deep… but not today, mortal, not today."
Xavier nodded to the sprite and turned back towards Ella. He smiled at her and motioned to the passageway leading back to the surface. “I suppose we should go back above and see what I oversee now. Maybe we can get an idea of the work that needs to be done and plan a strategy of how to do it.” With that the three of them made their way back up to the ruined chamber and paused, darkness had fallen during the time they were below and it seemed as though further exploration and planning would need to wait until the sun rose once again over the fledgling settlement.