Difference between revisions of "SignStories"

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 +
SPOILER WARNING !!
 +
 +
 +
Stop reading if you wish to discover the backstory by yourself !!
 +
 +
 +
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|- style="background-color: #EEEEEE"
 
|- style="background-color: #EEEEEE"
!width=75% | Story
+
!width=70% | Story
 
!width=10% | Location
 
!width=10% | Location
 +
!width=5% | Tileset
 
!width=15% | Additional Informations
 
!width=15% | Additional Informations
 +
 +
|-
 +
|The Den of Danger, as it is known today, was a former prison outpost built for the great Northern Desert Empire by the grand architect Hobb. It fell into disuse after the empire's inexplicable collapse.
 +
|Central - Doubledoom
 +
| ?
 +
|1 lvl1 bandit, 1 spoon, some gold
 +
 +
|-
 +
|The sign here is old and faded. You make out only a few words.
 +
 +
"... speaks of a lost and ruined tower, known in ancient texts as "Gaan-Telet". The secret of its location is protected by powerful magical wards, and the Tower floors themselves regularly shift in and out of existence, ensuring that each new intruder meets a unique and terrifying challenge. No two Tower experiences are ever the same..."
 +
|Central - Venture Cave
 +
| ?
 +
|3 spoons, 4 gold piles
 +
 +
|-
 +
|"I've got 99 orbs, but a Zot ain't one."
 +
|Central - Grimm's grotto
 +
| ?
 +
|Cracked Orb, 4 gold piles
 +
 +
|-
 +
| Embarrassing Adventurer Problems #6: Goblin Itch
 +
Though not always as dangerous as some of the realm's more exotic creatures, goblins can still be a nuisance to any adventurer. We've all heard the reports of some poor schmuck clearing out a low-leveled nest of the creatures, only to accidentally stub their toe and meet an untimely end because they were too clumsy to notice their waning health.
 +
 +
Nothing short of an assassin's blade can outdo the alacrity with which these creatures strike, but magically slowing them down before attacking can yield favorable results and a more valuable kill.
 +
| Central - Grimm's Grotto
 +
| ?
 +
| 2x level 2 Goblins and some gold piles
 +
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Tales of the Favoured, extract:
 
|Tales of the Favoured, extract:
Line 11: Line 49:
 
<p style="color: violet">The creature perished, and her body felt a sudden pureness again..."</p>
 
<p style="color: violet">The creature perished, and her body felt a sudden pureness again..."</p>
 
|North - Cursed Oasis
 
|North - Cursed Oasis
 +
| ?
 
|Level 6 snake guarding a Fortitude Tonic and some gold
 
|Level 6 snake guarding a Fortitude Tonic and some gold
  
 
|-
 
|-
|This sign is old and weathered, but the script is neat and precise.
+
|FOR THE RECORD OF THE ARCHIVES
 +
COUNCIL VOTES (ROUND 1): <br />
 +
MP - In Favour <br />
 +
MZ - Not In Favour <br />
 +
PP - In Favour <br />
 +
PZ - Abstained <br />
 +
A - In Favour <br />
 +
N - Not In Favour; Called For Veto
 +
|North - Cursed Oasis
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold and three Whisp Charms (Text when picked up [same for every charm]: "... the lost empire has awoken ... <span style="color: violet">pLaY a liTTle s0ng fur us?</span><span style="color: turquoise"> @&NshU9Ad(!</span><span style="color: red"> BRING IN THE AVATAR</span>")
  
"The experience has changed me. I got what I wanted, but now I forget why I wanted it. I can sweep aside any foe, but which one was the enemy I wanted to destroy?
+
|-
 +
|I have gone mad.<br />
 +
So has the rest of the council.<br />
 +
So has the rest of our empire.<br />
 +
Only afforded the briefest lucidity while this entire civilisation disappears.
 +
|North - Northern Desert
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold and Lemmisi(?) (reveals every black square)
  
I dream of a figure in a hood, but no more than that."
+
|-
|East - Eastern Tundra
+
|Grand Architect Hobb began constructing the new Golden City with his hearts of Rock, Fire and Spirit. One was shattered by the Naga. The other two went missing.
|three Goat Horns and some gold
+
|North - Rock Garden
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold and a {{i|Forlorn}}
  
 
|-
 
|-
|Fighting continues in the South. To end this madness, the Dragons will be sending our champion as an envoy.
+
|There's something scratched into the signpost here.
|West - Havendale Bridge
+
<span style="color: violet">"This has always been a Civilisation built on Magic and Chaos. It seems a fitting end.</span>
|~6 gold piles
+
|North - Shifting Passages
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold and a level 8 Imp
  
 
|-
 
|-
|The sign here is old and faded. You make out only a few words.
+
|So. The council has me locked in here. Treason? Hardly. They've agreed to do something terribly stupid on the advice of a hooded stranger. I don't care if it wins us the war - some threats are greater than mere snake men.
  
"... speaks of a lost and ruined tower, known in ancient texts as "Gaan-Telet". The secret of its location is protected by powerful magical wards, and the Tower floors themselves regularly shift in and out of existence, ensuring that each new intruder meets a unique and terrifying challenge. No two Tower experiences are ever the same..."
+
I shall escape tomorrow, and make my way East.
|South - Venture Cave
+
|North
|3 spoons, 4 gold piles
+
| ?
 +
|Some gold and a {{i|Wall Cruncher}}
  
 
|-
 
|-
|"I've got 99 orbs, but a Zot ain't one."
+
|They gathered in a circle to summon the Avatar.
|Central - Grimm's grotto
+
|Cracked Orb, 4 gold piles
+
  
|-
+
They thought that they could control it.
|From the Book of Namtar:
+
  
<p style="color: red">"... and then came his greatest achievement. He discovered true immortality, and rendered himself untouchable by the divines. It came at a great cost: whatever he'd discovered in the Pit had broken him, too."</p>
+
But they were too feeble to even complete the ritual.
|East - Creeplight Ruins
+
 
|Cracked Soul Orb ("There are few known forces which can damage a soul orb like this. You feel uneasy. Provides a charge of death protection upon entering the inventory, then becomes inert.", 10g, 50c) + 5 gold piles
+
Their minds clouded over and they cursed us all.
 +
|North
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold and a statue leaving a ritual scroll when killed.
  
 
|-
 
|-
|Hi Draco,
+
|I saw their bodies change. The five of them took terrible forms
 +
|North
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold, and a shade
  
You really need to keep your heart in a safer place, buddy. Those Kingdom oafs have started poking about in this region - if they stumble across your grove you're pretty much done for.
+
|-
 +
|Two faces? Same being.  
 +
- The Mad Heretic
 +
|North (Demonic Library)
 +
| ?
 +
|Mystera Scripture (20 CP, consumes for +1 MP)
  
And PLEASE drop that ridiculous accent. You're not impressing anyone and I know you're putting it on.
+
|-
 +
|I saw their bodies change. The five of them took terrible forms
 +
|North
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold, and a shade
  
- H
+
|-
|West - Magma Mines
+
|At first there was only confusion. Then there were TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH
|Dragon Heart (+3 health on level up, "Yuck, it's glowing and stuff. Improves your health gain by 3 every time you level up. Convert to kill its owner.") After picking it up Draco blocks the way out
+
|North - Demonic Library
 +
| ?
 +
|Amulet (both descriptions: ???, changes the tilesets to water with stones), also lvl 1 Thrall + lvl 9 Thrall (guards Schadenfreude) + ~3 gold piles
  
 
|-
 
|-
 +
 
|(Text told by Marwood, a level 10 frozen troll) :
 
|(Text told by Marwood, a level 10 frozen troll) :
 
This is the Paan Labyrinth
 
This is the Paan Labyrinth
Line 65: Line 141:
 
Explore if you will, but take responsibility for your pain.
 
Explore if you will, but take responsibility for your pain.
 
|East
 
|East
 +
| ?
 
|A unexplored labyrinth, with 3 hellboi (99% lifesteal)
 
|A unexplored labyrinth, with 3 hellboi (99% lifesteal)
 +
 +
|-
 +
|This note looks to be fearly recent :
 +
"Associates, I am finding little information in this forsaken land concerning the lost arts of Golemancy and Spiritual animation. The former appears to have been lost with time, but it seems that knowledge of the latter was deliberately destroyed."
 +
|East
 +
| ?
 +
|5 gold piles and a depleted glyph
 +
 +
|-
 +
|The Underworld is near. Man or god, it lies beyond your comprehension.
 +
|East
 +
| ?
 +
|Some gold, and 3 Imps
 +
 +
|-
 +
|I pity your foes. They know not what they are doing. But they shall be destroyed regardless. I maintain command of the revenants.
 +
|East (to be verified)
 +
| ?
 +
|?
 +
  
 
|-
 
|-
Line 72: Line 169:
 
The room dims and a voice echoes, "Why do Paladins always have all the fun, anyway?"
 
The room dims and a voice echoes, "Why do Paladins always have all the fun, anyway?"
 
|East - Berserker camp
 
|East - Berserker camp
 +
| ?
 
|Sir Thrawn appears (as a vampire)
 
|Sir Thrawn appears (as a vampire)
 +
 +
|-
 +
|From the Book of Namtar:
 +
 +
<p style="color: red">"... and then came his greatest achievement. He discovered true immortality, and rendered himself untouchable by the divines. It came at a great cost: whatever he'd discovered in the Pit had broken him, too."</p>
 +
|East - Creeplight Ruins
 +
| ?
 +
|Cracked Soul Orb ("There are few known forces which can damage a soul orb like this. You feel uneasy. Provides a charge of death protection upon entering the inventory, then becomes inert.", 10g, 50c) + 5 gold piles
 +
 +
|-
 +
|From the Book of Namtar:
 +
 +
<p style="color: red">"Dracul grew displeased with Namtar's behaviour and reclaimed his gifts. Our leader laughed - the baubles were no longer needed."</p>
 +
|East - Creeplight Ruins
 +
|Halls of Steel tileset
 +
|4-5 gold piles
 +
 +
|-
 +
|This sign is old and weathered, but the script is neat and precise.
 +
 +
"The experience has changed me. I got what I wanted, but now I forget why I wanted it. I can sweep aside any foe, but which one was the enemy I wanted to destroy?
 +
 +
I dream of a figure in a hood, but no more than that."
 +
|East - Eastern Tundra
 +
| ?
 +
|three Goat Horns and some gold
 +
 +
|-
 +
|This sign is old and weathered, and it appears that someone left a note for themselves a long, long time ago:
 +
<p style="color: red">Aha! I've found the knight buried here. The artifacts are missing, but the remains will be of use.</p>
 +
|East - Halls of Steel
 +
| ?
 +
|Wand of Binding (like {{i|Slaying Wand}} but summons Animated Armour [same lvl as you] on use) and some gold
 +
 +
|-
 +
|It is said that the dragons have forgiven us, so why do they not come to our aid? Their two-legged children run rampant.
 +
|South
 +
| green stone floor
 +
| Some gold, lvl 1 dragon elite guarding BURNDARAYZ
 +
 +
|-
 +
|The hooded creature has approached me regularly, providing news of men and urging war. Our magi can smell the heavy stench of illusive magic, but the stranger's information still prove reliable and thus remain welcome at court.
 +
|South - Ick Swamp
 +
| ?
 +
| Some gold, a level 9 goat which give dairy diary when killed.
 +
 +
|-
 +
|I fear it would mean my death if the Emperor ever discovered my plans. But they have to undertsand what they are doing.
 +
 +
I've been speaking with one of their leaders. He claims to be of high influence. I have told him of our secrets, our shame and the mistakes that do not bear repeating - this time, it could risk dooming us all.
 +
|South - Ick Swamp
 +
| ?
 +
| Some gold, and a mana power-up
 +
 +
|-
 +
|While I'm certain that our mysterious informer is a friend - a powerful one at that - he often has more anger than sense. I hope the Emperor is careful with such counsel.
 +
|South - Ick Swamp
 +
| ?
 +
| Some gold, and the long rant
 +
 +
|-
 +
|The dark ones fled north after destroying the Dragon's Sapphire at Hexx. Their temples remain, but we dare not set foot inside.
 +
 +
We'll surely be held responsible for this mess. May the great Sun Serpent guide us in these troubled times.
 +
|South - Ick Swamp
 +
| ?
 +
|gold
 +
 +
|-
 +
|Our priests have discovered much about these foreign religions.
 +
 +
The Spider, the Snake and the Dragon have always been gods, strong and true and terrible. These aspects that the two-legged walkers have fashioned for themselves are vain, confusing and numerous, yet still seem to hold some power.
 +
 +
Is this just a different view of the same gods? Or does some pretender hide in here, playing with their hearts and minds?
 +
|South - Ick Swamp
 +
| ?
 +
|some gold and the Crumbling Ward
 +
 +
|-
 +
|Our enemies have unleashed a power too terrible to fight or control. We have no choice but to withdraw our forces and hope that the great darkness does not follow us further south.
 +
|South - Hexx Ruins
 +
| ?
 +
|Amulet (both descriptions: ???, changes the tilesets to water with stones), also lvl 1 Thrall + lvl 9 Thrall (guards Schadenfreude) + ~3 gold piles
 +
 +
|-
 +
|The Sun-Touched Prince and the Light-Soaked Emperor shall never give up their fight against the North. May the foe's towers sink into the sand and their armies be curshed by the desert mountains! They do not deserve the warmth and light that the great sky orb has been gracious enough to provide them.
 +
|South - Naga City
 +
| ?
 +
|Bound Sword (15% damage, not convertible)
  
 
|-
 
|-
Line 78: Line 265:
 
"All hail the mighty Lost Lekon! Our blood for you!"
 
"All hail the mighty Lost Lekon! Our blood for you!"
 
|West - Laryrinth
 
|West - Laryrinth
 +
| ?
 
|Killing the goats provides magical protection.
 
|Killing the goats provides magical protection.
  
Line 83: Line 271:
 
|The Dragons eventually willed it that the remains of the Sapphire be buried in the East - at the border of the Great Cold - to serve as a ward against its encroaching evil.
 
|The Dragons eventually willed it that the remains of the Sapphire be buried in the East - at the border of the Great Cold - to serve as a ward against its encroaching evil.
 
|West  
 
|West  
 +
| ?
 
|There is just some money piles and the sign.
 
|There is just some money piles and the sign.
  
 
|-
 
|-
|Grand Architect Hobb began constructing the new Golden City with his hearts of Rock, Fire and Spirit. One was shattered by the Naga. The other two went missing.
+
|This ancient text is entitled "DRAGON LORE: THE COLLECTED UNDERSTANDINGS OF ARCHDRUID GIMMIFIX." Most of the writing has been redered illegible, save for one barely readable entry.
|North - Rock Garden
+
 
|Some gold and a {{i|Forlorn}}
+
"Unlike their brothers, the Dragons have only one temple. This place of worship is rarely visited, as approaching it is often considered a show of arrogance.
 +
| West
 +
| ?
 +
| Some gold
  
 
|-
 
|-
|FOR THE RECORD OF THE ARCHIVES
+
|Hi Draco,
COUNCIL VOTES (ROUND 1): <br />
+
 
MP - In Favour <br />
+
You really need to keep your heart in a safer place, buddy. Those Kingdom oafs have started poking about in this region - if they stumble across your grove you're pretty much done for.
MZ - Not In Favour <br />
+
 
PP - In Favour <br />
+
And PLEASE drop that ridiculous accent. You're not impressing anyone and I know you're putting it on.
PZ - Abstained <br />
+
 
A - In Favour <br />
+
- H
N - Not In Favour; Called For Veto
+
|West - Magma Mines
|North - Cursed Oasis
+
| ?
|Some gold and three Whisp Charms (Text when picked up [same for every charm]: "... the lost empire has awoken ... <span style="color: violet">pLaY a liTTle s0ng fur us?</span><span style="color: turquoise"> @&NshU9Ad(!</span><span style="color: red"> BRING IN THE AVATAR</span>")
+
|Dragon Heart (+3 health on level up, "Yuck, it's glowing and stuff. Improves your health gain by 3 every time you level up. Convert to kill its owner.") After picking it up Draco blocks the way out
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Fighting continues in the South. To end this madness, the Dragons will be sending our champion as an envoy.
 +
|West - Havendale Bridge
 +
| ?
 +
|~6 gold piles
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Our brothers in the North have forgotten about us... or perhaps choose to forget. Even Hobarix has styled himself with a new name, as if to spit on our ancestry.
 +
|West - Havendale Bridge
 +
| ?
 +
| Gold piles
 +
|-
 +
|Their love is boundless, but their fury is implacable. They have instructed us to seek out the remaining Spiders, destroy them and build a new empire over their corpses.
 +
|West - Havendale Bridge
 +
| ?
 +
| Gold piles
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|OUR SURROUNDING ENVIRONS
 +
by Maphax the Explorer
 +
 
 +
NORTH: The Great Sand. There is little life amidst these rolling dunes aside from a few Spider colonies. They're as fiercely territorial as their southern cousins, and exploration opportunities are limited and dangerous.
 +
|West
 +
| ?
 +
|~3 gold piles
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|OUR SURROUNDING ENVIRONS
 +
by Maphax the Explorer
 +
 
 +
SOUTH: Skirting past the Spider Swamp (naturally), travellers will encounter a seemingly impassable mountain range. There is only one known way through - the Exile's Path. It was sealed up by Dragon magic after the heretic clans left for lands unknown. Tearing down the barrier has been forbidden.
 +
|West - Magma Mines
 +
| ?
 +
|~3 gold piles
 +
 
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|OUR SURROUNDING ENVIRONS
 +
by Maphax the Explorer
 +
 
 +
WEST: Nothing but the Great Ocean. Those who have sought to explore it return with reports of nothing but endless blue... or don't return at all. It is said that the Dragons know more, but they will not speak of it to us.
 +
|West - Labyrinth
 +
| ?
 +
|~3 gold piles
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
|Hello,
 +
 
 +
I know we haven't always gotten along, but I thought I'd leave you a message to say that some of your really, really, really distant cousins have returned via the Exile's Path.
 +
 
 +
Now, I don't hold any great love for your kind in general, so I naturally tried to wipe these ones out the moment I found them - which doesn't techically break any promises, so don't go whining to mommy.
 +
 
 +
Unfortunately, it has been a less than conpletely effective measure (you're quite a tenacious bunch, I'll grant you that) and they've secretly re-established themselves in the midst of my complacency. My bad, I know! :)
 +
 
 +
Now, I understand there's some ancient feuds and oaths and whatnot blahblahblahdontcare, so basically I know YOU don't want these folks hanging around either. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. They've settled, they've grown and they're probably coming for you. I think it's in our best interests to co-operate, yeah?
 +
 
 +
Temporary friendship? ;)
 +
-H
 +
|West - Magma Mines
 +
| dark green (Moss?)
 +
|~4 gold piles
 
|}
 
|}

Latest revision as of 22:10, 10 March 2015

SPOILER WARNING !!


Stop reading if you wish to discover the backstory by yourself !!


Story Location Tileset Additional Informations
The Den of Danger, as it is known today, was a former prison outpost built for the great Northern Desert Empire by the grand architect Hobb. It fell into disuse after the empire's inexplicable collapse. Central - Doubledoom  ? 1 lvl1 bandit, 1 spoon, some gold
The sign here is old and faded. You make out only a few words.

"... speaks of a lost and ruined tower, known in ancient texts as "Gaan-Telet". The secret of its location is protected by powerful magical wards, and the Tower floors themselves regularly shift in and out of existence, ensuring that each new intruder meets a unique and terrifying challenge. No two Tower experiences are ever the same..."

Central - Venture Cave  ? 3 spoons, 4 gold piles
"I've got 99 orbs, but a Zot ain't one." Central - Grimm's grotto  ? Cracked Orb, 4 gold piles
Embarrassing Adventurer Problems #6: Goblin Itch

Though not always as dangerous as some of the realm's more exotic creatures, goblins can still be a nuisance to any adventurer. We've all heard the reports of some poor schmuck clearing out a low-leveled nest of the creatures, only to accidentally stub their toe and meet an untimely end because they were too clumsy to notice their waning health.

Nothing short of an assassin's blade can outdo the alacrity with which these creatures strike, but magically slowing them down before attacking can yield favorable results and a more valuable kill.

Central - Grimm's Grotto  ? 2x level 2 Goblins and some gold piles
Tales of the Favoured, extract:

"... and as she approached the great serpent, it raised itself from the floor and struck at her neck. The attack was brief and deadly - two puncture marks silently wept blood onto her collar. Yet even with the liquid anathema flowing through her veins, she raised her hammer and shattered the vile creature's skull, all the while praying to divines who may or may not have existed.

The creature perished, and her body felt a sudden pureness again..."

North - Cursed Oasis  ? Level 6 snake guarding a Fortitude Tonic and some gold
FOR THE RECORD OF THE ARCHIVES

COUNCIL VOTES (ROUND 1):
MP - In Favour
MZ - Not In Favour
PP - In Favour
PZ - Abstained
A - In Favour
N - Not In Favour; Called For Veto

North - Cursed Oasis  ? Some gold and three Whisp Charms (Text when picked up [same for every charm]: "... the lost empire has awoken ... pLaY a liTTle s0ng fur us? @&NshU9Ad(! BRING IN THE AVATAR")
I have gone mad.

So has the rest of the council.
So has the rest of our empire.
Only afforded the briefest lucidity while this entire civilisation disappears.

North - Northern Desert  ? Some gold and Lemmisi(?) (reveals every black square)
Grand Architect Hobb began constructing the new Golden City with his hearts of Rock, Fire and Spirit. One was shattered by the Naga. The other two went missing. North - Rock Garden  ? Some gold and a Item: Forlorn Forlorn
There's something scratched into the signpost here.

"This has always been a Civilisation built on Magic and Chaos. It seems a fitting end.

North - Shifting Passages  ? Some gold and a level 8 Imp
So. The council has me locked in here. Treason? Hardly. They've agreed to do something terribly stupid on the advice of a hooded stranger. I don't care if it wins us the war - some threats are greater than mere snake men.

I shall escape tomorrow, and make my way East.

North  ? Some gold and a Item: Wall Cruncher Wall Cruncher
They gathered in a circle to summon the Avatar.

They thought that they could control it.

But they were too feeble to even complete the ritual.

Their minds clouded over and they cursed us all.

North  ? Some gold and a statue leaving a ritual scroll when killed.
I saw their bodies change. The five of them took terrible forms North  ? Some gold, and a shade
Two faces? Same being.
- The Mad Heretic
North (Demonic Library)  ? Mystera Scripture (20 CP, consumes for +1 MP)
I saw their bodies change. The five of them took terrible forms North  ? Some gold, and a shade
At first there was only confusion. Then there were TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH TEETH North - Demonic Library  ? Amulet (both descriptions: ???, changes the tilesets to water with stones), also lvl 1 Thrall + lvl 9 Thrall (guards Schadenfreude) + ~3 gold piles
(Text told by Marwood, a level 10 frozen troll) :

This is the Paan Labyrinth

It exists between the worlds above and below. It's a place of both quiet contemplation and danger, or peace broken by sudden violence. What does a mundane creature like you hope to gain here?

Explore if you will, but take responsibility for your pain.

East  ? A unexplored labyrinth, with 3 hellboi (99% lifesteal)
This note looks to be fearly recent :

"Associates, I am finding little information in this forsaken land concerning the lost arts of Golemancy and Spiritual animation. The former appears to have been lost with time, but it seems that knowledge of the latter was deliberately destroyed."

East  ? 5 gold piles and a depleted glyph
The Underworld is near. Man or god, it lies beyond your comprehension. East  ? Some gold, and 3 Imps
I pity your foes. They know not what they are doing. But they shall be destroyed regardless. I maintain command of the revenants. East (to be verified)  ? ?


"Here lies Sir Thrawn, the Dark Knight. The hero we deserved, but not the one we needed"

The room dims and a voice echoes, "Why do Paladins always have all the fun, anyway?"

East - Berserker camp  ? Sir Thrawn appears (as a vampire)
From the Book of Namtar:

"... and then came his greatest achievement. He discovered true immortality, and rendered himself untouchable by the divines. It came at a great cost: whatever he'd discovered in the Pit had broken him, too."

East - Creeplight Ruins  ? Cracked Soul Orb ("There are few known forces which can damage a soul orb like this. You feel uneasy. Provides a charge of death protection upon entering the inventory, then becomes inert.", 10g, 50c) + 5 gold piles
From the Book of Namtar:

"Dracul grew displeased with Namtar's behaviour and reclaimed his gifts. Our leader laughed - the baubles were no longer needed."

East - Creeplight Ruins Halls of Steel tileset 4-5 gold piles
This sign is old and weathered, but the script is neat and precise.

"The experience has changed me. I got what I wanted, but now I forget why I wanted it. I can sweep aside any foe, but which one was the enemy I wanted to destroy?

I dream of a figure in a hood, but no more than that."

East - Eastern Tundra  ? three Goat Horns and some gold
This sign is old and weathered, and it appears that someone left a note for themselves a long, long time ago:

Aha! I've found the knight buried here. The artifacts are missing, but the remains will be of use.

East - Halls of Steel  ? Wand of Binding (like Item: Slaying Wand Slaying Wand but summons Animated Armour [same lvl as you] on use) and some gold
It is said that the dragons have forgiven us, so why do they not come to our aid? Their two-legged children run rampant. South green stone floor Some gold, lvl 1 dragon elite guarding BURNDARAYZ
The hooded creature has approached me regularly, providing news of men and urging war. Our magi can smell the heavy stench of illusive magic, but the stranger's information still prove reliable and thus remain welcome at court. South - Ick Swamp  ? Some gold, a level 9 goat which give dairy diary when killed.
I fear it would mean my death if the Emperor ever discovered my plans. But they have to undertsand what they are doing.

I've been speaking with one of their leaders. He claims to be of high influence. I have told him of our secrets, our shame and the mistakes that do not bear repeating - this time, it could risk dooming us all.

South - Ick Swamp  ? Some gold, and a mana power-up
While I'm certain that our mysterious informer is a friend - a powerful one at that - he often has more anger than sense. I hope the Emperor is careful with such counsel. South - Ick Swamp  ? Some gold, and the long rant
The dark ones fled north after destroying the Dragon's Sapphire at Hexx. Their temples remain, but we dare not set foot inside.

We'll surely be held responsible for this mess. May the great Sun Serpent guide us in these troubled times.

South - Ick Swamp  ? gold
Our priests have discovered much about these foreign religions.

The Spider, the Snake and the Dragon have always been gods, strong and true and terrible. These aspects that the two-legged walkers have fashioned for themselves are vain, confusing and numerous, yet still seem to hold some power.

Is this just a different view of the same gods? Or does some pretender hide in here, playing with their hearts and minds?

South - Ick Swamp  ? some gold and the Crumbling Ward
Our enemies have unleashed a power too terrible to fight or control. We have no choice but to withdraw our forces and hope that the great darkness does not follow us further south. South - Hexx Ruins  ? Amulet (both descriptions: ???, changes the tilesets to water with stones), also lvl 1 Thrall + lvl 9 Thrall (guards Schadenfreude) + ~3 gold piles
The Sun-Touched Prince and the Light-Soaked Emperor shall never give up their fight against the North. May the foe's towers sink into the sand and their armies be curshed by the desert mountains! They do not deserve the warmth and light that the great sky orb has been gracious enough to provide them. South - Naga City  ? Bound Sword (15% damage, not convertible)
When stepping on a brocken altar, 8 goats appear. You shout :

"All hail the mighty Lost Lekon! Our blood for you!"

West - Laryrinth  ? Killing the goats provides magical protection.
The Dragons eventually willed it that the remains of the Sapphire be buried in the East - at the border of the Great Cold - to serve as a ward against its encroaching evil. West  ? There is just some money piles and the sign.
This ancient text is entitled "DRAGON LORE: THE COLLECTED UNDERSTANDINGS OF ARCHDRUID GIMMIFIX." Most of the writing has been redered illegible, save for one barely readable entry.

"Unlike their brothers, the Dragons have only one temple. This place of worship is rarely visited, as approaching it is often considered a show of arrogance.

West  ? Some gold
Hi Draco,

You really need to keep your heart in a safer place, buddy. Those Kingdom oafs have started poking about in this region - if they stumble across your grove you're pretty much done for.

And PLEASE drop that ridiculous accent. You're not impressing anyone and I know you're putting it on.

- H

West - Magma Mines  ? Dragon Heart (+3 health on level up, "Yuck, it's glowing and stuff. Improves your health gain by 3 every time you level up. Convert to kill its owner.") After picking it up Draco blocks the way out
Fighting continues in the South. To end this madness, the Dragons will be sending our champion as an envoy. West - Havendale Bridge  ? ~6 gold piles
Our brothers in the North have forgotten about us... or perhaps choose to forget. Even Hobarix has styled himself with a new name, as if to spit on our ancestry. West - Havendale Bridge  ? Gold piles
Their love is boundless, but their fury is implacable. They have instructed us to seek out the remaining Spiders, destroy them and build a new empire over their corpses. West - Havendale Bridge  ? Gold piles
OUR SURROUNDING ENVIRONS

by Maphax the Explorer

NORTH: The Great Sand. There is little life amidst these rolling dunes aside from a few Spider colonies. They're as fiercely territorial as their southern cousins, and exploration opportunities are limited and dangerous.

West  ? ~3 gold piles
OUR SURROUNDING ENVIRONS

by Maphax the Explorer

SOUTH: Skirting past the Spider Swamp (naturally), travellers will encounter a seemingly impassable mountain range. There is only one known way through - the Exile's Path. It was sealed up by Dragon magic after the heretic clans left for lands unknown. Tearing down the barrier has been forbidden.

West - Magma Mines  ? ~3 gold piles


OUR SURROUNDING ENVIRONS

by Maphax the Explorer

WEST: Nothing but the Great Ocean. Those who have sought to explore it return with reports of nothing but endless blue... or don't return at all. It is said that the Dragons know more, but they will not speak of it to us.

West - Labyrinth  ? ~3 gold piles
Hello,

I know we haven't always gotten along, but I thought I'd leave you a message to say that some of your really, really, really distant cousins have returned via the Exile's Path.

Now, I don't hold any great love for your kind in general, so I naturally tried to wipe these ones out the moment I found them - which doesn't techically break any promises, so don't go whining to mommy.

Unfortunately, it has been a less than conpletely effective measure (you're quite a tenacious bunch, I'll grant you that) and they've secretly re-established themselves in the midst of my complacency. My bad, I know! :)

Now, I understand there's some ancient feuds and oaths and whatnot blahblahblahdontcare, so basically I know YOU don't want these folks hanging around either. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. They've settled, they've grown and they're probably coming for you. I think it's in our best interests to co-operate, yeah?

Temporary friendship? ;) -H

West - Magma Mines dark green (Moss?) ~4 gold piles