The Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Xorn.
Bookmark Ansalon MUD's Author Xorn!












A little gully dwarf runs by and says 'Wordwrap Off 65 80.'
The gully continues 'Eyes hurt? Turn Color OFF!! (regular story dates)

Astinus says ' Enter the main library here to view only the author list.'

Astinus gently places a giant book on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Xorn' scribed in earth-colored maroon ink.

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Manthus, the Month of Rannmont, 18 09:25:47 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Interesting.....

Percival glances at Xorn across the park.
 
The sun disappears beyond the horizon, and Xorn rests 
upon a blanket, taking in the moon's risings.  His eyes 
drift from the white, to the red, and seem to search for 
something invisible.  He smiles to himself for a moment, 
before scanning the park.  Upon seeing the young man 
across the way, Xorn grins slightly, his ice-blue eyes 
catching the white moons light.
  
Percival feels a funny feeling when their two eyes meet 
and smiles slightly.
    
Pretending not to notice the young man, but obviously 
ignoring him on purpose, Xorn leans back upon the blanket 
he is resting on.  With his finger he begins to trace a 
constellation.
 
Percival meanders his way slowly to the blanket that the 
cute human is on. 
  
'The dark queen may be gone from the sky, but I see your 
consort is still there.'
 
Percival says 'I have also noticed a few missing. Hi, I'm 
Percival'
  
At the statement and the greeting, Xorn sits back up, and 
looks the man over thouroughly, pausing a moment before 
speaking. 'Few know the stars and their meanings.  During 
this time of upheaval...........who would have guessed 
the heavens would be missing the two most important 
constellations.  But I digress.'
  
Percival says 'I know, those were my two favorite stars. 
They burned the brightest to me.'
  
Xorn looks at the man with a questioning gaze, but it is 
gone as soon as it came. He grins again, his eyes once 
again looking the man up and down. 
  
Percival begins to check Xorn out secretly.
 
'It is such a beautiful night, to sit under the Ironwood 
trees.  I often read the stars. And I am being rude, 
since I have your name and you do not have mine.  I am 
Xorn. Would you care to join me?' Xorn pats the blanket 
he rests upon, scooting over slightly to make room on his 
right side.
  
Percival says 'I would love to' and as he sits on the 
blanket. He reaches out his hand.
  
As Percival extends his hand, Xorn reaches out and both 
shake hands.  But as Xorn releases his grip, he runs his 
delicate fingers down Percival's palm, looking him 
directly in the eyes as he does. 'So what brings you to 
Solace.......you don't look like you are from around 
here? Displaced from the west, or......I know...you seem 
like the adventurous type.'
 
Percival says 'wow, you can read me like a book. I am the 
adventurous type.'
  
Xorn grins at Percival, nodding to his statement.  From 
behind him, he pulls a leather satchel.  When he opens 
it, there are several books and scrolls inside.  He pulls 
a piece of parchment from it, and speaks. 'I do love 
to.........read.  And I have a knack for meeting.....you 
could say.....interesting people. Are you an interesting 
person Percival?'
  
Percival asks 'I think so...Why would i have such an 
interesting jacket if I was not interesting?'
  
Xorn takes the parchment in hand and begins to fold it.  
A corner here,  a corner there.  His hands work quickly 
but with skill, and he keeps folding the parchment while 
he converses with the young man.
 
Percival asks 'So where are you from?'
  
'I have travelled extensively these last few years.  
Collecting..........interesting things.  Knowledge 
mostly.  It has power you know.  But if I had to call a 
place home it would be Tarsis.'
  
Percival asks 'I've been there... Do you collect people's 
hearts?'
  
At the question, Xorn looks perplexed, and a little 
uneasy, his eyes looking up as if he is remembering 
something.  But again this is quickly gone, his normal 
expression returning, the smile back. 'I once killed an 
elven cat, and took it's heart.  But it wasn't exactly a 
person and........it was a matter of neccesity.'
   
Percival asks 'Nice... So tell me, you have any family?'
 
Xorn continues to fold the paper, and it begins to take 
the shape of something familiar and unsettling.  When his 
hands stop moving it has become a dragon crafted of 
parchment, it's wings spread out in flight.
   
Percival says 'I like it. You gotta teach me that 
sometime.'
  
'Family...........once upon a time.  But that is 
something I would rather not discuss. '
  
Percival says 'Alright. I have never known my family.I 
have had to fend for myself all of these years.'
   
Xorn pulls the tail of dragon, and the wings flap up and 
down. He studies it a moment, before reaching out and 
placing it in front of Percival.  
 
Percival says 'Thank you.' and grabs the parchment 
dragon. He studies the dragon carefully... It seems to 
look semi realistic to him.
  
'Fending for yourself is the way of the universe my 
friend.  The strong live, and the weak die. It 
isnt..........evil.........it's just the way of nature 
and existence.  To believe otherwiseis...well foolish.'
  
Percival abruptly hisses 'I say kill the weak! Show no 
weakness! Cept in times.'
  
'Killing is neccessary upon occasion, but the weak and 
foolish end up dooming themselves.  But such is not a 
conversation for such a beautiful night,and..interesting 
company.'
 
Percival says 'Too true. All too true. So, do you have a 
wife?' 
  
As Percival studies the paper dragon, again Xorn studies 
the man closely.  Reaching into his satchel again, he 
pulls a vial of what appears to be dust. 'I have never 
married, nor do I think I ever shall.  I am devoted to 
something greater'
    
Percival says 'Im not Interested in wives. Too much of a 
hassle. Always wanting more and more shoes.'
   
Taking a pinch of the dust from the vial, Xorn reaches 
over and sprinkles it upon the figurine in Percival's 
hand. Smiling he asks, 'And what.....exactly are you 
interested in....my new friend?'
 
Percival looks uneasy... that goes away a split second 
after it came. 'umm...' Percival contemplates something. 
'Males... I know its not natural, but I can't help it.'
  
Xorn throws back his head and laughs heartily, but stops 
himself suddenly, looking around the park for signs of 
other visitors.  'A dangerous.........interest.  It can 
get you killed.  Especially in small towns such as 
these.'
   
Percival says 'I love to live dangerously... shhh' 
Percival puts his finger up to Xorn's lips.
 
Xorn again laughs heartily as Percival puts his finger up 
to his lips.  He then simply nods. 'Dangerously it is 
then!'.  Xorn begins to speak in a language beautiful and 
complex, and takes his own finger and begins to wave in 
the air. Suddenly the paper dragon that Percival is 
holding, beings to float from his hand and into the air.  
It's wings flap and it's tailwags back and forth as it 
begins to fly around the two on the blanket, orchestrated 
by the direction Xorn points. 
  
Percival begins laughing and says 'Nicely done.' He 
starts to point around to try moving the dragon but only 
looks like a bafoon.
 
'And now for the grande finale'.  Clutching his hand into 
a fist, the dragon expells a tiny flame from it's paper 
mouth, and the catches on fire.  It quickly incenerates, 
but instead of ashes, gold glitter falls down upon the 
two. Xorn smiles broadly.
     
Xorn turns to Percival, his expression becoming more 
serious as he does. 'I am full of surprises.  And I have 
many.......interests.  At the moment, you have piqued 
mine.'  Xorn reaches out his hand and gently strokes down 
the side of Percival's face.
 
Percival whispers 'Wow... never met another with the same 
feelings.'
  
'I have eclectic tastes.  As for feelings....' Xorn looks 
up to the sky again, a glint of recognition coming across 
his face, his expression changing to a a serious tone. 'I 
have........business I must attend.
 
Percival says 'Alright, go attend to your buisness.' He 
kisses Xorn's hand and stands, bowing before the mage.
  
'It would be a pleasure to meet again.In one week's time? 
 We can have further..discussion.'Xorn gathers his 
satchel, and grinning as Percival kisses his hand. He 
looks to the sky and nods, whispering 'It is time.' 
Walking around one of the trees, he vanishes.

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Rannmont, 20 08:57:18 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (BG) Part 1 Under The Light Of The Moons

Tarsis was once a beautiful city by the sea, and the 
glowing gem of Ansalon.  A bustling city, a leader in 
commerce and culture, it was only rivaled by Ishtar. And 
I know this, for I was born before the God's rained down 
judgement upon Krynn.  
 
I would give you it was the best of times speech, but my 
childhood was....average, the only child to a successful 
merchant father, and a mother with a terrible secret. For 
you see, she was a renegade mage. During this time, they 
were hunted with even greater fervor than they are today, 
but she practiced her art in secrecy, and remained hidden 
for the majority of my childhood.  This however, would 
change when I was fourteen.
 
I had began to show what my mother refferd to as "the 
signs."  When I would become upset or anxious, curious 
things would happen.  A picture would fly from the wall,  
a glass of water would overturn.  
 
So she came to me one night, dressed in fine gold and 
emerald robes, and beckoned me to follow her to the wine 
cellar. She was as serious as I had ever seen her, and 
coming up to one of the walls, she simply knocked.  The 
wall shuddered, and creaked, as the stones began to re-
arrange themselves, a door forming.  Speaking a tongue I 
had never heard, light sprang from the newly found room 
beyond.
 
"My Son, I wished, and even prayed that this night would 
never come.  However destiny had other plans for you. I 
have kept a secret from you.  Something that could 
destroy me, and now apparantly us both." She continued 
thoughtfully, pausing a moment.  "I.....I mean we have 
the gift of magic.  This is a blessing and a curse, for 
there are others of our kind who wish to....form us to 
their preconceptions of it's use.  They will come for us 
if we are discovered, these wizards who worship the 
moons." I looked around the expansive chamber in awe.  It 
was full of books, and jars of spices.
 
"Here we will learn how to control the power that flows 
through you.  This has to be our secret, and you must 
swear to me that you will never use what I have taught 
you in public. The consequences will be dire." I nodded 
to her, the understanding coming without words.
 
For the next year, we spent every night in study. 
Cantrips at first, and progressing into the first spells 
I would ever learn. It came quite naturally to me, and 
especially invocation spells. That year was a joy to me 
and it opened my eyes to the vast power that I could one 
day possess.
 
And then the dream began. At first I could not remember 
what the vision was about, just a feeling of foreboding 
that would come with me into the waking world. But slowly 
as the nights passed, I would remember a glimpse here and 
there. Through the next few months, the dream would 
repeat itself, and each time I would remember more.
 
I am standing in the great Library of Tarsis, surrounded 
by shelf upon shelf of books and scrolls.  The library is 
empty, and when I look to the ceiling it is missing.  The 
constellations shine down brightly, because the moons 
have not risen.  
 
The White moon rises first, and it is full.  Silver light 
falls upon the library, brightly illuminating the various 
pieces of art and sculpture. The light is comforting, and 
a male voice speaks from all around me.  "To save her, 
you must sacrifice your life."  
 
Next, the red moon rises, again full.  The library 
becomes tinged in hues of red, tinting everything the 
color of blood. Another voice speaks, this time female.
"To save each other, you must sacrifice your desire."
   
Finally, the black moon rises.  It tints the room in 
shades of grey at first, then things become progressively 
darker.  A third voice speaks, but this one is unearthly, 
neither male or female or perhaps a combination of both.  
"To you save yourself, you must sacrifice her."
 
The moons now converge into the "Great Eye", the light of 
all three now focused in a beam directly upon me.  Now 
all three voices speak in unison, a cocophany of sound 
that overpower all of my senses.  "Three choices.... 
three paths of destiny."
 
And with that, I would wake carrying a weight upon me 
that invaded my body, mind and spirit.  This began to 
take its toll, as I awoke nightly contemplating the 
symbolism and questioning these three choices.  And I 
would not have to wait very long for the answers.
 
Flashing forward another year. I am now almost seventeen. 
The dream has gone, but I do still contemplate it. I 
suppose I should have shared it with my mother, but 
something compelled me to keep this insight to myself, as 
if I was unable to tell her.  Looking back I see the Geas 
upon me.
 
One day I was in the market district, picking up certain 
"spices" for the collection, when I simply lost track of 
the time.  I was alone, and the sun began to set quickly. 
When night came only Solanari rose in the sky, the other 
two moons waned to new.  And as I hurried home, footsteps 
gained upon me. 
 
They attacked from the shadows with blinding speed, 
knocking me to the ground in seconds, the components I 
had purchased scattered. Then a knife ripped heat and 
pain into my face.  I was bleeding profusely, the blood 
running into my eyes, when a rage overtook me.  My 
attackers laughed, and I felt a kick to the ribs as I lay 
upon the ground. 
 
I wasn't going to die this night, and I reached for the 
vial in front of me. Grabbing the sulphur, I let the 
magic take control.  Conjuring the mental picture, I 
flung the substance into the air, but what were the 
words.  They came to me, and with hate in my blood 
stained eyes, the magic came forth. A great force took 
the air away, as fire exploded upon my tormentors from 
bloodied hands.  And then, the stench of burning flesh 
and screams.
 
Freed, with my attackers reeling I ran towards home. But 
I never made it, for HE was upon me, a man in black 
robes.  "Where is you master!" he exclaimed.  "You did 
not learn that power by yourself.  Who taught you that 
invocation?" I was frozen in place, my mind shifting back 
and forth, and my lips silent.  He persisted.  "Tell me 
or I shall rip the information from your mind!" 
 
Then a curious thing happened, the light of the silver 
moon came down upon me, and the dagger at my side, and 
the same voice I heard in the dream spoke.  "To save her, 
you must sacrifice yourself."  And I was selfish for I 
had to survive.  
 
A black robe placed his fingers upon my head and reached 
into my thoughts.  There is no way to describe it, he 
just.........stole them, and when he was done, he slapped 
me across the face, and left me with these words.  "Do 
not make the mistake your mother has.  When it is time, 
seek us, or we will come for you."  And then I blacked 
out.
 
I awoke sometime later, and I rushed home, but I found my 
house in ruins, and my father huddled in a corner.  He 
rose up as if to strike me.  "This is YOUR fault.  They 
have taken her, and you are no longer my son.....mage!"  
And with that statement I knew I was on my own.  And I 
knew instinctively, that THEY had found her, and spirited 
her away.  I had not sacrificed myself to save her, and 
the first path was now gone.  I salavaged what was left 
of her spellbooks and scrolls and I never looked back. 
 
For the next year I wandered southward towards the Ice, 
wanting to be alone with my choice and what information I 
could glean from my mother's work.  And a night came when 
I sat in front of a fire on a cold winter's night.  The 
red moon rose full in the heavens, with no trace of the 
white or black.  I heard the tingling of bells, and knew 
someone was very near, woman's voice came from the 
darkness.  
 
"Might you share your fire with an old woman?  The night 
is cold and I have travelled far."  I nodded but placed 
my hand upon the dagger at my side as she came into view. 
 
CONTINUED....

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Rannmont, 20 09:05:44 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (BG) Part 2 Under The Light Of The Moons

She was a crone, dressed in furs and skins, carrying a 
staff of ironwood which she used as a cane. She rested 
across the fire and grinned a toothless smile towards me 
and spoke.  "You are a kind young man."  The words 
sickened me and I replied, "Not as kind as you might 
think." We sat in silence for a long while, it becoming 
uncomforable and I decided to make some form of small 
talk.  
 
"It is not safe for an elderly woman as yourself to 
travel the wilds alone." At this statement, the crone 
cackled with glee, her wrinkled face lit with amusement.  
"Deary, I am never alone."  She hissed this and waved her 
hand to the darkness beyond. I saw a sickly green glow in 
the distance, quickly coming closer to my camp, and when 
it reached the perimeter, terror came into my soul. For 
it was obviously a disembodied spirit.  Something dead 
but alive, however incorporal.  She waved her hand again, 
and this apparition simply vanished.  
 
"Who are you?" I asked, and the crone responded simply, 
"I am the only one who can help you.  They will fulfill 
their promise you know.  They WILL come for you, and they 
will tear your soul apart if you do not accept them."  
Stunned, I simply sat frozen, my gaze locked now with 
hers. This went on for some time until she broke the 
silence again with her crackled voice.  "But this does 
not have to be.  I could teach you a rare magic, that is 
if you have the............desire."  
 
The word desire hit me like a boulder, and the light of 
the red moon seemed to focus down upon the campsite like 
a beacon of scarlet, with the same voice from the dream 
searing my mind.  "To save each other, you must sacrifice 
your desire."  The Crone stood and beckoned me.  "Follow 
me if you want my power.  The choice is yours."  And I 
wanted that power for myself, and with that choice made, 
I went further into my destiny knowing that the second 
path was now cut off from me.
 
I stayed with the crone for another year, learning with 
relish the awesome power of Necromancy as well as the 
other spells and tecniques she had to offer.  She was not 
a cruel master, but neither was she warm.  I saw in her a 
philosophy of life that made sense to me.  The strong 
survived and the weak died. Those that had knowledge had 
power over the ignorant.     
 
Over that year she had become sick, and this sickness 
became worse.  I knew she would not live much longer and 
so did she. And so a night came when she came to sit 
beside me by the fire. "My body will not live much longer 
my apprentice.  And so now I must make...preperations. I 
will not be taken to the realm of the dead.  And with 
what must be done, I must ask you to go.  I have prepared 
a spell book for you and packaged a.....unique amulet 
that might aid you to take on your journey.  You must 
leave this very night."  
 
I simply nodded, grapsing her words and what she intended 
to do.  I began to speak but she put her finger to her 
lips to quiet me.  "They will consider you ready for 
thier.....test.  Go to them or not, this is your choice, 
and either way there will be consequence. And rememer 
deary, there are others paths, those that are not 
illuminated by the light of the moons."  I reeled from 
her words, nearly fainting in fact, but I steadied myself 
and simply....began to pack.  The amulet she gave me was 
beautifully crafted of emerald and gold.  She would not 
tell me of its use, only that it would be available when 
the timing was right.
 
And so north I travelled and the closer to civilization I 
became, the more stories I began to hear. Ishtar had 
begun forcing its will upon its neighbors, the self 
righteous King Priest declaring a holy war on those of a 
different mind than his own.  The moon mages were under 
scrutiny and were even being attacked in some places.  I 
found all of this amusing, but my amusement would soon 
end.  
 
I would head to Solace. I did not know why I was going 
there, but it seemed like a reasonable place to blend in. 
I had decided I was not going to die in the moon mages 
stupid test.  I could do as my mother had done, and study 
in secret.  It was now close to the end of the year, and 
soon the three moons would converge into the "Great Eye".
 
Everytime this alignment would happen I became on edge, 
always the dream coming into my mind, haunting me.  And 
this time it was even more so, for I was nearing Tarsis 
once more.  I planned to skirt the city, but I needed 
supplies for the next leg of my journey. There in an inn 
came more bizzare gossip and stories.  Some talked of the 
ocean's boiling.  Others talked of raging fires in one 
place, and then in another fire would not burn at all.  
Some said that clerics from all over had vanished from 
their temples.  
 
I found what I needed the next day, and quickly left the 
city heading towards the mountains to the north. The sun 
had set and I was contemplating all I had heard the 
previous day as I was making camp when the final piece of 
destiny fell into place.
 
The lightning came out of nowhere, and struck me with 
such force that I flew through the air and landed hard 
against a tree, the wind knocked out of me.  I gasped, 
reeling from the magic, when a figure in black robes came 
to stand above. He was hooded, and I could not see his 
face.  The figure appeared to be trying to speak, and I 
realized that I had become deafened.
 
Anger, fear, and instinct took me as I began to fumble 
for components in the pouches hanging from my belt.  And 
the figure reached down to grab me. The blackest light 
shone down upon me suddenly and the emerald in the amulet 
began to glow a sickly green, and I simply knew this was 
the time of which the crone spoke. And I lifted it from 
my chest.  Instantly a bolt of sickly green mystical 
energy flew into the black robe above me, and just as 
quickly he was engulfed in the same green flames.  Still 
deafened, I could not hear screams, but the figure 
collapsed to the ground, tearing at itself. 
 
I tried to get up, but my legs would not respond to my 
mental commands.  The black robed mage became inanimate 
then. The fire had not actually burned him at all, and I 
understood the power of the charm.  It had burned out his 
soul.  I dragged myself the few feet to the body, and 
using all my strength turned it over.  I wanted to see my 
enemy's lifeless eyes.  And as I pulled back the hood, 
the last part of me that would ever truely feel or love 
died.  There was my own mother....dead at my own hands.
 
And the unearthly male/female/neither voice spoke from 
all around me.  "To save yourself, you must sacrifice 
her."  I cried out in anguish, but could not hear myself. 
A sadness I had never experienced overtook me, and 
coupled with the damage I had sustained I feel into 
blackness.  
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Rannmont, 20 09:09:40 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (BG) Part 3 Under The Light Of The Moons

I awoke sometime later, to my camp and a rustling fire. 
Noticing I could hear again, and actually move again, I 
slowly made my way towards it.  However I was not alone.  
A child sat beside it, stoking the logs with a stick, and 
as I met his gaze his eyes bore deep inside me. Those 
eyes were as black as night with pupils of obsidian. I 
froze in place, but the child giggled and spoke.  "Xorn, 
come and sit by the fire.  There will be discussion." He 
knew my name and I felt compelled to do his will.  So I 
sat and he continued. "Why do you run from your master? 
Why do you hide the power he has given you from others? 
He wants you to come into his fold.  He sent me here to 
tell you he forgives you for your stubborness.  You have 
had bad examples to follow.  Come home to Nuitari, and 
you will know power beyond your imagination."
 
Suddenly I was overcome with.....peace.  I could continue 
to run, learn on my own, keep my freedom, or I could join 
the Conclave and go to the tower for my test.  The debate 
went on in my mind for what seemed an eternity. And the 
child simply sat quietly there, those black eyes staring 
at me with question.  Finally the child spoke again.  
"You must decide quickly, or you WILL die here this very 
night.  Tonight is the new year, and the Eye will 
converge in the sky.  Choose to be strong and you will 
live.  Choose to remain weak and you will die.  It is 
your........last choice.  He awaits your decision.  Call 
to the black moon at the convergence and he will preserve 
you.  I leave you to your thoughts."  And with this the 
boy stood and skipped gleefully into the night.
 
And for the next hours I sat quietly and in stillness, 
weighing the pros and cons of the situation.  And then 
the moons began to rise one by one.  And as the Eye began 
to form, something else caught my attention in the 
heavens.  It looked to be a new star at first, but it 
began to grow in size and brightness.  Bigger and bigger 
it became, and I realized something terrible was about to 
occur. I turned my attention back to the three moons at 
the moment of convergence, and lifted my hands to the 
dark pupil at the center. I cried out, "I pledge my life 
and destiny to you Nuitari. I am yours, do with me as you 
wish."  And then there was nothingness.
 
I awoke in the dead of night, once again to a roaring 
fire, but I was definitely in another location.  My body 
felt so heavy, but my mind was sharp.  And a giggle came 
from the darkness, as the same child skipped once more 
into my life.  "You are favored by the Dark Father Xorn.  
He has brought you out of death and into a new life. You 
will find the world......changed." I opened my lips to 
speak but the boy put his finger to his lips to quiet me. 
This brought upon me a great feeling of deja vu.  He 
continued.  "It will take you some time to.....adjust to 
things.  Go about your life, it is yours for the time 
being.  However, when the Dark Lady, and the Lord of 
Light vanish from the heavens, you are to make your way 
to the Tower of Wayreth to take your test, and if you 
survive, wear the robes of the black moon.  Do you 
understand?"  Afraid to open my mouth, again I nodded.
 
And so in a blink of an eye, I had been moved over three 
hundred years into the future.  And yes, this did take 
time to overcome.  There were new cultures, new 
languages, new landscapes, and I relished in it, for I 
was alive. 
  
It has been ten years ago I awoke to the new world, and 
now, finally the time has come.  Paladine and Tahkisis 
are gone from the sky, and I find myself in of all places 
Solace, heading towards The Tower and into my destiny.  
 
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Shinarai, the Month of Mishamont,  5 09:19:58 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) A New Master And A Task (PT. 1)

Jendaron says 'Ah greetings human, I have heard your 
name whispered in these halls but not for positive 
reasons. It seems you have fallen behind in your studies 
of the arts. Though perhaps it is not a fault of your 
own, it is something that concerns me. So thusly, from 
this point forth I will be taking over your training. As 
you are a black robe, and I oversee all black robes, it 
is my duty to make sure you get back on track. What do 
they call you, human?'
 
The apprentice, upon noticing the head of the conclave 
entering, and his words, simply nods, bowing slightly.  
When the high mage finshes Xorn nods in agreement.  "My 
name is Xorn master.  You need no introduction.  You are 
a legend." 
     
Jendaron says 'Ah, surely my fame exceeds my deeds. 
Nuitari has always been my guide.  With proper training 
and direction, and a dedication to the arts and his dark 
highness, you can acheive the same things as I. Join me, 
this tower is stuffy and impersonal.' He gestures for 
Xorn to follow him.
     
Xorn again nods in agreement with Jendaron, picking up 
the few supplies around him.  Standing he follows. "The 
dark father is indeed wise and guides us in destiny and 
power.  I am at your disposal my leige."
 
Jendaron says 'You see I didn't focus purely on 
destruction with my magic. I used it for my own ends as 
well. There is much great power in magic, that can do 
more than just destroy or hurt. I have made millions of 
gold coins in my years. And I used that money to build a 
tower in hommage not only to our dark lord, but all the 
lords of magic.' He continues 'Ahh, we are close now.' 
He looks high above through the trees at an onyx colored 
tower and points. 'This is my second home.'
    
A huge black tower reaches towards the heavens amidst 
huge oak trees that seem to almost be alive. The trees 
sway and creak though no wind blows. Travelers often get 
the feeling of eyes watching them not only from the
forest but also from the tower itself. A feeling of 
uneasiness encompasses all who stand before the black 
iron gates of this mysterious tower. The path leading 
towards the tower is a strange type of black gravel, 
rarely seen on Krynn. Huge walls encircle the entire 
tower and stand nearly twenty feet, with glowing onyx 
spikes atop it every few feet. A feeling of evil
permeates through the entire area, as a wolf howls deep 
within the forest, then the sound of a yelp and cry is 
heard. Somehow, no matter the time of day, the skies 
always appear dark around the tower. The black gates 
appear to have no means of lock or guard but rather a 
magical enchantment placed upon them which enables 
whoever owns this tower to allow invited travellers
inside while keeping unwanted wanderers away. The tower 
itself rises several hundred feet into the air, with two 
smaller towers on each side of it. The tower has no 
windows except for one circular window barely visible 
from the ground. 
 
As the apprentice follows the master through the forest, 
he listens intently to all is said, Xorn nods as the 
grand mage speaks.  Between phrases he speaks near the 
tower. "You are indeed wise.  Wealth brings power as 
well as the magic."
     
Jendaron says 'Power, wealth, fame, infamy, glory, 
wisdom. The magic brings it all to us. If you are wise 
enough that is, you cannot let the magic take control of 
your mind and your thoughts. I had days when I was 
younger...' At this Jendaron shakes his head.'That is 
another story for another time, human. What do they call 
you again human?'
    
You say 'I am called Xorn.  Simply Xorn.  I no longer 
have a need for a last name.  That time of my life 
is..........long gone.  I serve Nuitari and him alone, 
and through him......now you.'
 
Jendaron says 'Yes, indeed. I like that. Well Xorn, 
there might be things in this tower that are shocking, 
scary, suprising or simply overwhelming to you. There are 
thousands of years of magical knowledge and power,derived 
directed and collected inside these halls.'
    
Xorn nods to Jendaron quietly in agreement and obedience. 
"I trust you my leige.  I shall keep my emotions in 
check.  Lead the way into darkness.  My heart and mind 
are open." And the master resonds.'Indeed. Then 
onward we go.'
 
The entry of this tower is even more disturbing than the 
gates that guard it. Upon entering, the gates slam 
quickly behind all travellers and the foyer becomes 
almost pitch black. Barely visible are several strange 
arcane artifacts on display atop several small shelves 
that line the eastern and western walls. Several small 
magical rings, a blue-thread wound spellbook
and a few small pouches of magical components sit atop 
the eastern wall's shelf. On the western wall however, 
appear to be a small pile of ground bone
dust, a large jar of a strange red glowing material, and 
what appears to be the skull of a small humanoid. There 
are spiraling metal stairs on the northern side of the 
room that lead to the upper levels of the mysterious
tower. A single picture on the eastern wall is the only 
piece of art in the room. The picture is one of an 
intense young man with jet black hair and a long black 
robe. The darkness in the tower obscures the view of how 
high up it truly goes. An incredible feeling of 
uneasiness overcomes all who enter this tower. 
    
Jendaron closes the door and as he does it slams with a 
violent echo of the metal hitting the onyx.'This, is my 
tower.'
     
Xorn scans the foyer of the grand tower in amazement, and 
yes, a little horror, but remains silent as the master 
speaks.  He scans the artifacts present, and upon 
noticing the skull, a grin comes across his face.
 
Jendaron says 'We must not dally though, you will find 
out how precious my time is and eventually how much so 
your own is.' The Master Mage walks towards the 
stairwell and heads upwards.
    
These metal stairs twist turn and creak with every step. 
The walls are smooth granite stone that appears to have 
been washed with some sort of black dye and polished 
smooth to give them a strange glass like radiance.
The stairs are made of a strange metal that seems pliable 
and dangerous. Likely to prevent groups of unwanted 
travelers from ascending the stairs together, for it 
looks as though they could not support the weight of more
than one or two bodies at a time. The stairs go high up 
into the tower leading to several sanctuaries and 
libraries.  
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Shinarai, the Month of Mishamont,  5 09:23:39 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) A New Master And A Task (PT. 2)

Xorn responds as they walk, 'I can appreciate...time my 
lord.   Time is indeed precious, and it slips away..so 
quickly.'
    
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, there are three 
obvious paths visible. To the west there is a soft white 
glow that radiates from an unseen shrine. The soft glow 
pours only into the entrance of the room and then appears 
to be swallowed by the darkness. To the east there is a 
red glow that is similar to the room to thewest. 
Apparently another shrine dedicated to the arts of the 
magi. The flickering red lights are again devoured by the
darkness that is encompassing this hallway. A small 
trapdoor can be seen on the northern side of the room in 
the ceiling. It appears to be sealed however. 
 
Jendaron says 'To the east and west are chambers to 
both Solinari and Lunitari, but those places will be for 
another visit. For now I will show you where I study and 
rest, as well as hold personal meetings. I keep the 
entrance hidden to the naked eye.' Jendaron speaks a 
few indescernable words and opens a trapdoor.
     
A study chamber for the archmage contains several small 
pieces of furniture, a single bookshelf on the western 
wall, and a moonstone desk resides in the center of the 
room. The walls of this room, similar to several other 
rooms in the tower are a dark stone washed with a black 
dye and smoothed and polished repeatedly until a mirror 
shine reflects any light off of them. There is a small 
cot in the eastern corner of the room, large enough for a 
single being, but small enough to be tucked away during 
times of study and visitation. On the northern wall there 
is a stairwell up to a shrine. The evil aura that 
permeates from the chamber above can be felt deep within 
the heart of any who stray to close to it. There is a 
black "light" that pours into the quarters of the 
archmage, a contrast to the single circular window on the 
southern wall, the only window in the entire tower. The 
desk in the center of the room is made of a strange blue
-green stone that has apparent magical properties, it 
glows with a strange off-blue radiance. The magical auras 
in this room and enchantments of protection provide 
safety to the archmage that calls this tower home. A 
strange glyph of warding can be seen on the ceiling, but 
to the untrained eye appears to be nothing more than an 
ornate etching or design. This is truly the room of a 
dedicated magi. 
 
At the mention of Solinari and Lunitari, Xorn looks up as 
if in deep in thought remembering something troubling. 
But he silently follows Jendaron into the study, nodding 
and looking about as they make thier way.
    
A moonstone desk in the middle of the room provide a 
place for study for the Archmage. Jendaron sits down at a 
moonstone desk. 'This, is my study. Stand before my 
desk apprentice and take a seat.'
    
Xorn continues to look around as if in a daze for a 
moment but as the mage speaks, he comes too, walking to a 
chair before the grand desk.  Sitting he remains silent.  
 
Jendaron says 'You will thus forth be recognized as my 
apprentice.'  Xorn responds 'It is an honor my leige. 
I shall be your vessel.' The master corrects the 
apprentice 'You shall be Nuitari's vessel. I will 
merely prepare you thusly.'
    
Jendaron says 'You will have an assignment that will 
show me your current preparation level and knowledge of 
the magical arts. As I am taking over your trainining in 
a non-traditional manor I will need a gauge of your 
current progress. A simple task I assure you, but one 
that will teach you much about both magic andyourself.' 

 
Xorn again nods to Jendaron silently.  He for the first 
time really looks at his new master, but just for a 
moment.
    
A cold and bleak aura surrounds a black robed figure 
standing roughly six feet tall. The black robes are that 
of the Conclave of Mages, the organization of High 
Sorcery on Krynn. These robes however are somehow
darker than black, the evil that eminates from the heart 
of this man pales in comparison to the evils seen since 
the Great Cataclysm. There are golden and crimson 
stitches along the outer edges of the robes this man 
wears, obviously enchantments placed upon them. 
 
Jendaron pulls his hood further over his face and says, 
'Perhaps someday you shall see my face apprentice, but 
not yet. You will understand why, when you do. But to the 
task at hand. You are to gather nine magical items for 
experimentation and education. Three wands, three staves 
and three scrolls. Potions will also work but you must 
gather three different potions for each item type you 
replace. Basically potions are easier to find but will 
teach you less. For every one stave, wand or scroll you 
find you could gather three different potions instead. 
Sounds simple enough I am sure, but I have a condition. 
These potions, they must not be clerical or healing type 
potions, and they must not be able to be purchased within 
a store or apothecary, you must find them out and about 
in the world of Abanasia. Do you understand this 
assignment, Apprentice?'
     
Xorn pulls a parchment and quill from the satchel he 
carries.  After digging in the bag he finds a tin of ink, 
and begins to write upon the parchment. "Yes my Lord.  
I take down notes. I will not fail you or our God."
 
Jendaron says 'Indeed, then go forth and learn both 
about yourself and about the magic. Go forth, and Nuitari 
be with you apprentice. I will escort you out of the 
tower.'
   
You say 'May the Dark Father be with us all.  Bran, his 
light shine upon us and radiate within our souls.'
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Gilaedai, the Month of Mishamont,  7 01:41:54 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) A Task, A Spell, And An Answered Prayer.

The hour is late and the young apprentice sits at a desk 
in the tower of study.  He holds a pendilum above a map 
and with his eyes closed and begins to chant in the 
language of magic.  "Es Du Meh. Katah Pre Shandai."
   
This whole floor is dedicated to higher learning in the 
ways of spell craft.  Upon every shelf resides a book 
with information on every spell a mage might use.  Each 
section is based upon each sphere of spells. 
    
'Nuitari Show me the path.  Show me the way.  I am your 
faithful servant.  Give me the knowledge.  Give me a way 
to understand my task.'
    
The high mage watches the young mage closely at his task, 
and listens to his prayer, raising an eybrow.
 
Xorn continues, swinging the pendilum across the map that 
is spread across the table.  "You delivered me from 
death.  You brought me into your fold.  I wish to please 
you and my master that you have given me Jendaron.  Show 
me! Es Du Meh. Katah Pre Shandai."
     
The stranger stands and walks over to the young mage 
looking down at the map and pendilum. 'Seems you are 
having a bit of trouble young mage.'
    
As the elder comes to the table, the apprentice open his 
eyes, looking to the mage who has taken note.  Xorn grins 
to the black robe as he speaks. "Yes..Trouble.  I am an 
unacceptable sacrifice." With his words, he takes a 
dagger, and cuts his hand, a stream of blood pouring down 
upon the map.
     
The masterwatches the young mage cut his hand and the 
blood begin to flow down onto the map, and shakes his 
head. 'What is it you are hoping to accomplish, blood 
sacrifice is not needed for all things to work.'
 
Xorn takes the pendilum in hand again.'I am frustrated 
my liege.   I have done as my master asked.  And I 
have.........gathered.'
    
The black robe looks at the young mage, "What is it you 
have gathered, something important for your master? What 
is it he seeks that you seem unable to find?"
    
"It should have been simple brother. Three scrolls, 
three wands, and three staves. The wand were easy....' 
Xorn sighs, and turns his attentions back to the spell he 
is attempting to cast.
    
He nods to the apprentice. 'And you cannot find scrolls 
That is your dilema?'
    
Xorn pulls several items from a bag of holding, placing 
them on the table.  Several wands,  several scrolls, 
several staves, and even some potions, and herbs.
 
The wizard asks, 'Or is it a certain one he wishes you 
to find?'
     
"I have travelled the world. My master.....Jendaron, he 
was specific. They could not be clerical. They had to 
contain our magicks. I have killed, I have lied. I have 
manipulated. And I still come up short."
   
The black robe points around the room and says 'You try 
too hard to find the things that are right in front of 
you young mage. Look around you young mage. What do you 
see?'
    
'I learned alchemy my lord.  A.........long time ago.  
Buy someone who now still lives but does not........live. 
She was my mentor before........I came to understand 
Nuitari's plan for me and us all.' Xorn sighs again 
heavily, before continuing with the newcomers train of 
thought. "Is it cheating?..........to have them made?"

 
The man raises an eyebrow and asks. 'Is it cheating to 
have them made? Is it cheating to steal them off the 
corpse on an innocent. I trust your master did not tell 
you how it was you were to acquire said items?'
    
'I followed his words to the letter.  Perhaps......oh 
no I am still quite new at this, although......quite old 
at this as well.   I should not speak.  You are a master, 
and I am but a novice.   But perhaps........yes.....'
     
Xorn looks to the map and the blood and the pendilum.   
"I summoned help to find the last of this collection.   
Perhaps Nuitari and his wisdom.......sent you to me."
     
The robed man slowly states 'Perhaps in the end he did. 
But then you have not told me exactly what it is you 
seek. And I must tell you now everything comes with a 
price.'
 
'Of course it does.  But before we speak of prices and 
bargains.  Might I know you name Master?  I am called 
Xorn.'
    
The master retorts, 'My name is of little importance as 
to this matter. When the time comes for you to pay said 
price, then you will know my name.'
    
'That is fair enough.  I wish to complete what I have 
been given.  If you are the answer to my prayers so be 
it.'
    
The man nods at the young mage before he speaks. 'So 
tell me what you seek. And if indeed Nuitari has brought 
me back into these halls for that purpose I will do what 
I can.'
 
'I have gathered the wands.  Actually I have gathered 
more than required.  But I wish to impress my master.  I 
have gathered two of the three staves he required,  and I 
have gathered two of the three scrolls he required as 
well. I have travelled all over Ansalon, but now I am at 
a loss. He said I could replace some with potions, which 
I have. But I am still lacking.' Xorn slams his hand 
down upon the map in disguist, and takes the pendilum and 
wraps it around his neck.  
     
The Black Robed master chuckles at the mage.
     
'Failure is not......an option.   We don't try.....we 
do. That is what seperates us from the white and red.'
 
The wizard slowly states 'Be at ease young Xorn. I can 
indeed help you. If all you require is a scrolls those 
are easily enough made.'
He pulls a few scrolls from an ornate case and places 
them on the table in front of the apprentice.  Standing 
he speaks. 'From here until the day I require payment 
you no longer know me. You haven't seen me. If asked the 
scrolls were left on this desk after your prayer to 
Nuitari.'
    
Xorn nods in acquiensce. "Your will be done in this 
matter then." The apprentice looks over the scrolls, an 
evil grin coming over his face. And as the mage stands 
Xorn looks deeply at him for a moment.   
 
Long straight black hair, pours down over broad 
shoulders, like shining silk. Dark eyes, peer out of an 
oval face, with a slender nose and mouth. A black robe, 
etched with silver runes, and tied at the waist with a 
thin gold chain, covers a slender six foot frame, and 
silver tipped boots peek outfrom underneath. 
      
The master nods at the young mage as he returns his quill 
and bottle of ink to his pack and he walks away through 
the halls and vanishes into thin air.
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Gilaedai, the Month of Mishamont,  7 02:19:21 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) A Word Given.  A Word Recieved.  (PT. 1)

Xorn enters the temple, looking to the right and left as 
he does.  He does not notice the man there at first, but 
the raven  flying about.   Sending a greeting with a 
hand, he smiles and rests.
     
The raven flaps a lazy circle around the temple, than 
lands on a man's shoulder and seems to mutter in his ear. 
The mage nods and stands to walk towards the man that had 
entered. He leans heavily on his grey staff.
      
Xorn continues into the temple again looking around as 
the bird comes to rest upon the man's shoulder. Muttering 
under his breath he speaks.  "Tahkisis,  always 
Tahkisis. She is the dominate evil, but Nuitari holds the 
real power."
 
Black marble pillars reach up into the jagged outlined 
dome at the center of the temple.  Torches burn in pairs 
on each, reflected by the smooth polished black marble 
floor.  A large stained glass window rises almost 50
feet off the floor and almost 20 feet in width, depicting 
the Dark Queen encompassing Krynn.  A Large granite altar 
resides infront of the window, its corners burning an 
eerie blue flame.  Along the edges of the room are
sacrifice tables, each with its own instruments and 
dressing.  
      
The man with the bird slowly states 'One always assumes 
to know the gods. The mage raises his head and looks at 
the man, smiling. My elven ears hear a lot.' With this 
he pushes back his hood to reveal himself as an elf.
 
The man continues closer to the elf with the raven, 
looking to the bird, and staring deep into it's eyes, 
before sizing up his master finally. "Apparantly, I 
tire of the same old same old. There is.......more." 
Taking a moment, he looks over the individual thourougly.
 
The elf is an average height but has quite a slender 
build. His light brown hair is pulled back into a pony-
tail and falls out from underneath a black cowl that is 
pulled low over his face. Almost nothing of his face can 
be seen except a scar under his left eye. The cloak that 
the cowl is part of is plain on the outside, but closer 
inspection shows ruins stitched into the inside of it. He 
wears a grey, loose fitting, shirt with a black vest over 
it. His black pants are tucked into tall, scuffed and 
worn, black boots. On the elven belt he wears around his 
waist hang many pouches containing his spell components. 
Also on his belt he has two wands and a dagger with a 
black blade, with intricate runes engraved in it, and a 
blood-ruby is set into the pommel. Across his shoulder is 
a satchel that holds his scrolls, potions and spellbook
and he holds a grey staff with black runes that run the 
length of it. 
 
The elf grins, 'Someone I might want to talk to.' The 
elf looks at the man's belongings, and his grin grows 
larger, 'A mage I see. Tell me, have you come for the 
glory of catching a renegade?'
     
'You were already let go.  You were already captured. 
If I wanted to snare you again.  I would just unleash the 
magic and make the attempt. No......I just care to talk  
Are you willing to have..........discussion?'
      
The renegade taps his finger on his chin, 'And I am 
sure it will not be my last time sitting in that dungeon, 
but I certainly hope it will be. And I suppose I could 
hold a discussion? First tell me, have you passed the 
test?'
 
Xorn does the same thing,  he taps his fingers upon his 
chin, before answering.  "The test will not be a 
problem. I have not taken it,  but I am the apprentice to 
the head of the conclave.  He is teaching me well." 
Xorn again looks to the bird,  and it looks to him in 
kind.  They both nod to each other before Nestos speaks 
again.
       
The elf mage breaks the silent nodding, 'Jendaron is 
your master, huh? Yes, he would have me take the test 
again if I rejoined the conclave. Oh, excuse me, please 
sit.' He motions towards a bench on the wall of the 
temple.
      
Xorn walks to the place the elf suggests, and sits,  but 
his eyes do not leave the raven on the elf's shoulder.  
He places his weapons at his waiste to the floor, in a 
show of peace. "There will not be violence this night 
Elf. Just discussion."
 
The renegade says 'I hope you will excuse me if I do 
not do the same. It is a pain to retrieve them." He 
looks to his leg. "Plus, these are nothing of 
consequence." He indicates the staff and dagger. 
"Anyway, do you find my familiar interesting?"
       
'A familiar you begged for.  And A God answered your 
prayers friend.  He sent me to tell you.......who!' 
Xorn smiles as he drops more weapons to the ground on the 
bench, even dropping the belt with spell components. "I 
am unarmed my friend.  We are free to talk.  Nothing 
more."
     
The mage gets a look of slight anger in his eyes, "It 
was not a familiar I begged for. I wanted only to be rid 
of that bloody forest. Sitharnos was sent to me as a 
guide and I took him as my familiar. Forgive me," The 
elf says with a smile returning to his face, "I know 
who it is that sent him. Probably more than you, though I 
do not doubt your words. So please, speak them in 
peace."
 
Xorn smiles to the raven first and then to the elf. 
"You were desperate.  You called upon the powers that 
be. And one answered.  I was once like you elf.  I was in 
doubt.  I ran from the moons..........and I was given 
grace."
      
The elf's smile quickly turns to a grin, "So, it is 
capture that you come here for. Jendaron spoke of the 
same thing when he came to me when I sat, rotting, in his 
dungeon. It is appropriate you are his apprentice. And I 
will tell you what it is I told him, the moons have not 
turned on me, it was the Conclave."
     
'It does not have to be. And by the way.  I am called 
Xorn.  If we are to parley what shall I call you elf?'
 
The renegade answers thoughtfully 'It would seem you 
know more than you let on. I fear the position has 
changed from what I normally am in. My name, I am sure it 
is already known to you, but Nestos. And it is a pleasure 
to meet you, Xorn." And with this he bends in a mocking 
bow.
      
'And for the record, The Conclave nor my master 
Jendaron, knows I have approached you.  I come in one 
name only. And you know his name.  Dont you?'
     
Nestos slowly states 'Ah, but there are many names, are 
there not? He smiles wrily at his evasion. 
 
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Gilaedai, the Month of Mishamont,  7 02:23:33 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) A Word Given.  A Word Recieved.  (PT. 2)

Xorn again points to the raven on Nestos's shoulder.  And 
laughs wildly. "If you want a name......ask your guide 
from the forest.   You are the one who asked, and you are 
the one who.....recieved."
      
Nestos turns to the bird and asks in a mocking tone, 
"What name is it that he speaks of?" The bird mutters 
something in his ear. Nestos laughs and the raven's 
quorks seem to come out as laughs as well.
     
'I could share with you a tale.......Something that 
will send shivers up your spine. I also once ran.  I also 
thought that freedom was a price to pay. But he always 
catches up with us.'
 
The dark elf grins, "Do tell...just let me sit 
first." Then he sits on the bench next to Xorn.
     
"I was born before the cataclysm.  This is something I 
do not usually share, but I see in you a kindred spirit. 
I was raised a renegade. I ran for years.  And it almost 
destroyed me.  Then........he came to me in the darkest 
hour.  He saved me. Do you see any correlation?"
      
Nestos retorts 'Correlations yes, but you were raised a 
renegade and I was created one. He did save me, and yet I 
am still not in the Conclave. Do you see the 
correlation?'
 
Xorn pauses a moment before answering. "He sent you the 
way.  Your.......familiar is devoted to you......But he 
was sent by the Dark Father.  Sent to lead you out of 
darkness.  And into your......destiny."
      
Nestos says 'Oh the Ungod!' He turns to the raven 
'You lied to me my friend.' Turning back to Xorn with 
a grin he continues. 'Yes, I know and it is in to the 
darkness that he beckons me. I fear you have been 
speaking with Solinari, my friend.' Nestos snickers 
softly.
      
At the mention of Solinari, Xorn spits upon the ground in 
diguist, obviously revolted. "Stop playing games 
Nesto!. There is but one God of magic, and you know his 
NAME!"  
 
The renegade is obviously pleased that he got a rise out 
the Xorn. 'Dear friend, you mustn't lose your composure 
if you are to sway one to the Conclave. How would that 
look to those that are actually thinking about it?' 
Nestos grins widely again and points around the temple, 
'And I would keep your voice down as well, the priest 
are not fans of yelling. Further, you are standing in the 
temple of the most powerful. Her son, true is the most 
powerful of the gods of magic, but he still grants me his 
power as I worship his mother.' Nestos grin grows 
beyond the boundaries of his mouth as he rises. 'So do 
tell me, why would I go back to The Conclave when the 
world is what is promised to those that follow the 
Dragonqueen?'
 
'I didn't come to ask you to join The Conclave silly 
elf. If I came in the Conclave's name, you would already 
be my slave. I came only in 'His' name.  I serve him and 
him alone.  The conclave is a bi-product.' Xorn points 
to the raven resting on the elf's shoulder, and as he 
does it flies from Nestos to Xorn, resting upon his 
shoulder. "Nuitari giveth and he taketh away.  He is 
patient and he forgives....to an extent.  I  was sent to 
give you his word.  Nothing more. Run from the Conclave 
if that is your desire.  But know who is you Lord? Do you 
understand?'
 
Nestos smiles a surprisingly disarming smile, "He 
certainly does. I have known the power of all three gods 
of magic. I know who is the most powerful. The 
Nightreaver has given to me, and he has not taken away. I 
have not strayed from his sight since he revealed himself 
to me."  Nestos looks to the raven, which immediately 
takes flight into the rafters of the temple. "Do not 
think for a second I do not know the extent of his power. 
He has given it to me and it will not be you that comes 
and takes it. Do not think that you are the only one in 
the room devout to him, my friend. It is just his mother 
that has the power over the world, and it is her who I 
worship for matters not pertaining to magic." As he 
grins at Xorn and the raven comes down to his shoulder 
and mutters another something into his ear.
 
'You are a wizard Nestos. You might serve the Dark 
Queen. But you serve her through her son. Your prayers 
might have been answered by Tahkisis, but they were 
manifested by her Son.  You are a mage and you will 
always be goverened by the Devouring Dark. Do what you 
will, but know this, Nuitari is in control  Join her 
army. Do the Dark Lady's will, but in the end you answer 
to the Black Moon' Xorn again points to the raven, 
"When you called to the Gods in the forest 'HE' is the 
one who answered." 
 
The dark elf responds 'I do not think I have said 
otherwise. I would be a cleric of the Dark Queen if it 
was her who gave me my powers. My friend, I think we 
argue the same thing in different words. We followers of 
the Ungod must stick together. It is this type of 
miscommunication that has us at each other's throats all 
the time. I have said no wrong about our god. He has done 
right by me and I thank him for it. It is The Conclave 
that does folly in his name, and the other two for that 
matter, that angers me and that lead to my expulsion.'
 
'Nuitari saved me from the cataclysm.  He transfered me 
through time and space.  His condition? I serve him with 
my whole heart.  I see you do the same Nestos. The 
Conclave will not understand this however.'
    
Nestos says 'So, indeed we do speak the same truth with 
different words. Than it will not come to blows.' The 
elf smiles and loosens his grip on his staff 'You had 
me worried there for a second. And you have my word, I 
have not turned my back on him and will not.'
     
'He told me to come to you in truth alone. No blows, 
only an understanding.  You belong to him.  He answered 
your prayer in the forest.  He sent you your new guide, 
and he will propel you into your destiny. You might not 
wear the black robes,  but He understands your heart. Do 
his will in all things. I cannot protect you from the 
others.  But nor will I betray you either.'
 
Nestos says 'But truly, come share a pint with me and 
we can talk more about your time. The cataclysm, huh? Was 
it all, fire and brimstone?' The renegade elf smiling 
yet another wry smile.
     
Xorn stands and laughs, nodding to the elf. "A drink 
yes. That sounds good.  I will tell you about Tarsis,  
when the ocean still carried our wonderous navy, and 
Ansalon was whole....Different than today, but in many 
ways quite.........the same........"
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Gilaedai, the Month of Mishamont, 14 09:05:57 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil (PT 1)

Darkness falls upon Wayreth Forest, and two of the three 
moons rise.  Not yet full.  The red and white, waxing 
shed thier light upon the courtyard, as Xorn exits the 
black tower into the courtyard.  He pauses a moment, 
searching before entering. Seeing someone near the 
center, he looks the woman up and down, as if committing 
her form to memory. He nods to himself or someone else 
and sits on one of the stone benches around the spring of 
water.
 
A lightly tanned woman with pointed ears and long hair of 
a golden white stands here whispering towards the white 
moon. Unlike most mages that worship Solinari she doesn't 
wear robes. A swathe of white snow leopard fur is tightly 
bound around her well proportioned breasts showing off 
her inticing cleavage. A loincloth of the same fur hangs 
from her waist reaching just above her knees. Her shapely 
and well toned legs can be seen flexing as she walks 
around her surroundings listening to the whispers of the 
skies and plains. A sash made from what seems to be the 
tail of a black panther holds the loincloth in place and 
many pouches made from interlocking Tylor scales are 
bound to it. The scent of many spell components drift 
about her seductive form, bringing to mind a cross 
between a stuffy labratory and the wide open plains of 
dust. As her glance returns from the heavens glimmering
eyes of deep violet scan those around her with a look of 
intelligence and suspicion. Attached to her right wrist 
is an intricate harness containing a silver dagger 
encrusted with diamonds and emeralds.
      
Kah looks up as a man enters and takes a seat near the 
water. 
       
Xorn looks up to the sky, seaching forsomething..unseen, 
and having endured the uncomfortable silence long enough, 
gives a smile to the pretty lady. 'A nice night to 
enjoy the moons and perhaps....company?'
 
Kah closes the book and slides it into the swirling sands 
beneath her, looking at the man questioningly as she does 
so. 'It is always nice to enjoy company.  Bran, I ask 
your name young magi?' She stands up and steps from the 
dervish and walks towards the man.  The sand disapates 
leaving no trace of it, nor the book that had been stored 
within.
    
Xorn hunkers down, relaxing on the bench, and placing a 
very black leather bag next to him. "My name is Xorn, 
my lady.  And you might be?"  He again stares at her 
with piercing ice blue eyes, and then he simply smiles, a 
warm look on his expression.
      
Kah says 'I am High Archmage Kah'rihn.  Mistress of the 
sands.  Bran, I join you?' She gestures towards an empty 
spot on the bench next to the man.
 
With her greeting, and title, the apprentice looks 
slightly sheepish, looking down a moment, but he looks up 
just as quickly. He nods to the woman, and even demurs.  
"It would be an honor."
      
Kah sits down next to the mage, her slender form resting 
gracefully upon the smooth stone. 'So what brings you 
to the courtyard at such late hours Apprentice?'
     
'I could not sleep.  I have always followed more the 
moons.......than the sun.  This is the time to be alive.  
Can you hear the crickets and the frogs?  Many worship 
the night.'
     
Kah says 'The night brings out good hunting.'
    
'It also brings out peace.......and solitude.  And it 
brings........the moons, and what they represent.'
 
Kah looks to the sky, her gaze following the white moon's 
graceful accent, her mind drifting off to fond memories 
of the open plains of dust. 'I always find it easier to 
work during the late hours.  More productive energy.'
     
'Mine is absent tonight.  But he will return.  And even 
when he is gone from the sky.  He is always there.'
      
Kah looks the young man over trying to see something in 
his demeanor. 'One day when you have learned more and 
taken your test you will notice the moons never leave the 
skies.  Even when the sun is out they can be found within 
the heavens.'
    
Xorn grins as the woman studies him. "Yes,  I am not of 
your order.  When I speak of 'him', I speak of another. 
However, we all serve magic, and I find this courtyard a 
blessing.  There are no politics, no right or wrong,  
just the magic."
 
Kah says 'I may lead the Whites, but don't get me wrong 
I hold no predjudice against the followers of the dark 
moon.'
     
'Jendaron speaks.......highly of you.   You have taken 
the mantle of leadership that was.........forgotten and 
abandonded by your predecessor.'
     
Kah says 'My order needed direction and action.  I 
could not stand by and watch them dwindle and die out to 
leave the teachings of Solinari from the world.'
    
Xorn cackles to the sky, laughing with abandon. "As 
well you should. Your order was dying, and needed repair. 
I am not a virgin to the doctrine of balance. I know it 
all to well. He takes a flask of wine from another bag 
at his side. "Would you care for a drink."
    
Kah says 'I never drink anything without knowing what 
it is first.'
 
'It is wine sweety.  Nothing more, nothing less.  I 
would not attempt to poison you on these grounds.  If you 
are unsure, simply identify the substance.'
      
Kah says 'I do not fear you poisoning me.  I just have 
finicky tastes when it comes to what I drink.' She 
takes the flask and swallows down a few mouthfuls before 
handing it back. 'Good vintage. Silvanost Best 120 PC. 
Very rare to say the least.'
     
Xorn smiles and takes the flask, gulping down a few 
draughts himself.  "Satisfying is it not?  The best 
Silvinost has to offer. And especially in..........these 
times.'
    
Kah asks 'So how did you come across such a marvelous 
find?'
   
Xorn waits a very long moment, again his gaze goes to the 
sky, and a look of question comes upon him.   He turns to 
the woman, the High mage of the White Robes."I came 
from......somewhere else."
 
Kah asks 'Somewhere.. else?'
    
'Sometime..........else would be more accurate I 
suppose. He told me I would meet you.  And he told me to 
disclose this.'
         
Kah sits up a little more straight, gazing at the man 
questioningly.
    
Xorn points to the sky and simply stares back to the High 
Mage.
     
Kah says 'I understood the "he", it was the sometime 
that is eluding my understanding.'
    
'I was told.....we would become in contact.  I was also 
told to tell you the truth.   I came from the past 
to the future.'
translated if you will.  He brought me from the past 
to the future.'
    
Nodding, Kah says 'That would explain the fresh taste 
of the wine.'
      
'It is an........offering of peace?  I do not know.  I 
would not have anything to do with you, if it was not His 
will. But HE willed it.  And so I share myself, and my 
wine.'
     
Again the High mage nods,'Yes, I see that we would not 
have much dealings were the hands of Gods not involved.' 

 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Gilaedai, the Month of Mishamont, 14 09:12:41 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil (PT 2)

Xorn hands the wineskin back to the White Robe. "This 
is all there is, so enjoy it.  It is my offering.  And 
yes he told me I would meet you, although I thought I 
would be meeting you in robes.  But since I am not in 
robes, it is only fitting. I have more knowledge than 
most here know.  I keep that back.  I wish to impress my 
master and.......I shall.'
     
Kah takes the wineskin and drains it of the sweet liqour, 
handing the empty container to the man. 'I am sure you 
will.  You master is a good man, regardless of the robes 
he wears.  And I have never worn robes, they are way too 
restrictive when on the hunt.'
 
'Politcal power matters not to me.  I serve the 
Devouring Dark, and him alone.  Real power comes from the 
God's and not man and the institutions they have put in 
place. This place is only a way to serve them. He told me 
you would understand.'
    
Kah says 'Our role is only to serve our moons and bring 
their knowledge to the world.'
    
'You are as devoted to Solinari as I am to Nuitari.'
    
Kah again nods. 'I have a feeling I know Nuitari's 
reasoning for sending you my way as well.'
      
'The three moons always agree on one principal.  The 
knowledge.  They disagree on how it becomes known.'
And in that regard,  they are alone, away from the other 
Gods.' And when the other God's left mortals.  They 
remained with us.'
 
Kah says 'They wouldn't have it any other way.  
Seperate from the others, together in the magic.'
    
'And now Tahkisis and Paladine have left the heavens,  
and have come to the world. He told me this would happen, 
and he told me to come now, to the tower. I thought it 
was just to take the test, but now I understand. There 
was more to his plan.'
     
Kah says 'Troubling times are ahead of us. How do you 
think I am part of his plan?'
     
'You have a problem don't you?   Something you don't 
understand?'
 
Smiling, Kah says 'I believe you just confirmed my 
suspicions on what your master desires of me. Being one 
to compromise with the powers of magic I feel I can trust 
you with my dilema.' Reaching into a blue scaled pouch 
at her side she pulls out a small obsidean mirror and 
hands it to the man.
     
Xorn smiles, his grin now becoming quite evil, revealing 
his true nature for the first time. "My master desires 
you sweety.....But he will take what he can get.  Your 
Disir problem..........yes." He takes the mirror in 
hand, and studies it a long moment.
    
Kah says 'The mirror will show the memory of the vision 
shown to me by Solinari, but it sounds as if Nuitari has 
shown you the same.'
 
Xorn looks deeply into the mirror, and it flashes from 
white, to red, to black, and so do Xorn's eyes as he 
looks. The magic fades and he hands the mirror back to 
Kah. 'Apparantly they all agree. I will tell you what I 
know.'
    
Kah places the mirror back within the pouch. 'Yes I had 
my theories that the relics within the caves belong to 
all the gods of magic.'
     
'They do.  However Solinari rules it.  But why then is 
there an abomination in control of the place eh?'
        
Kah says 'It is a question I hope to discover the 
answer once my apprentices finish the tasks given them.'  

     
Xorn closes his eyes a long moment and begins chanting in 
a language long forgotten even to modern mages. 'Give 
me a moment White Robe.'
 
Kah nods.
      
Xorn continues to chant,  his voice getting louder and 
louder as if calling something or someone. An amulet of 
Emerald and Gold around his neck begins to glow a sickly 
green color, illuminating him. And suddenly a lich rises 
from the ground in physical form. "Isaldora, I would 
not ask you to come, but we need an answer."
     
Kah looks at the lich with wonder.  For an apprentice, 
this young man had extraordinary talent to be able to 
summon such an undead so easily.
     
The lich looks to Xorn and then to the White Robe with 
question. "You picked a fine time to call me Xorn.  I 
hope the amulet I gave you has served you well!" The 
undead laughs, and looks around the courtyard, her hollow 
eyes expressing disdain.  
     
'Yes Izzy.  It.........served me well.  I overcame my 
obstacles.........And now I serve Him.  You always knew, 
didn't you. It was part of the plan......was it not.'
 
Kah looks at the lich hovering inches above the ground an 
absent look upon its face as its lips moved wordlessly.
     
The lich looks over the woman, but stops, turning her 
attention back to Xorn.  "Why have you summoned me, and 
especially here?" Xorn simply nods to her. "I am to 
help this woman and We need and answer.  What are the 
Disir?"
     
The Lich responds. "They were dwarves. They turned to 
dark magic during the time of fire. They turned to 
Morigon and became.........changed, in many ways like me. 
They gave up their former lives, and turned to a new form 
of.....death and decay. It is thier essence."
     
Kah asks 'So the creature I saw in the vision is one of 
the undead?'
 
The lich hisses at Kah in anger, but turns back to Xorn. 
"You summon me for THIS?"  She looks around, her body 
convorting as she does. "They are not undead Xorn, not 
like me.  But he turned them..........changed them. The 
Black Wind gave them a form that could survive."
       
'They turned to someone who would hear thier cries. And 
apparantly he listened.'
     
Kah nods and says 'Interesting.'
     
'White Robe she will not lie.  She only exists 
to...exist.  And she turned to Chemosh.  Didn't you 
Isaldora?  That is why you sent me away all of those 
years ago.'
 
Kah says 'I do not question her honesty.  But, how does 
this help with my problem.'
       
The lich nods to Xorn. "They are turned. They are 
cannibals. They are followers of carrion.  They worship 
Morigon and him alone.  And to converse with one of thier 
cursed race is to invite thier hunger. This is all I know 
about them. As for the temple you search for. Look near 
the skull. And Xorn, the amulet only holds so many 
charges. Do not summon me again for such a trivial 
manner."
      
Kah looks at the skeletal mage with scorn 'Tempermental 
hag.'
 
The lich simply dissolves into the ground, leaving a 
pussy residue. "I have done what I can." Xorn looks 
to the ghastly resudie with a look of shame 
and...sadness. 'She was all I knew.  She taught me more 
than.....any of you could ever.  I asked her only because 
I was told to help solve your problem.'
       
Kah says 'I am sorry you lost a friend over my 
account.'
      
'She is gone. She died and I did not. She gave her soul 
to Chemosh. I did not. I was saved and she was not. Do 
not be sorry. You have information. Do you not?'
 
Kah says 'Thank you very much.  It will help when the 
time comes to confront this thing.'
      
'And do with it what you will.  I have done what my God 
has asked of me. As for what resources I have. That is 
between us presently........correct?'
      
Kah says 'I am grateful to you and your patron.  And 
your secrets are your business and not mine to tell.'
   
'I will help your problem. Call me when I am needed.'

Kah says 'I will do that.  It was pleasant couple on 
this fine evening.  Farewell.'
     
Xorn walks from the courtyard and into the black tower, 
never looking back.
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Nuindai, the Month of Mishamont, 16 17:49:24 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) The Quill Is Mightier Than The Sword. 

The dark moon rises high into the heavens, full in majesty, and Xorn walks 
up the spiral staircase to the very top of the black tower.  Upon reaching 
the door to the highmaster's chambers, he pauses for several minutes in a 
moment of self introspection. He knocks upon the door, and a spectral 
appears suddenly, opening it, and ushering him in. The room is quite dark, 
but Jendaron sits at a table, a lamp barely illumination him. 
     
Jendaron says 'I recieved your note that you had completed your task, and 
a taskmage of mine delivered me the items you sent for me. A very 
interesting selection of magical items indeed. You did well young magi.'
 
Xorn nods to his master, bowing in reverence, but remaining silent as 
Jendaron speaks.  He simply nods and smiles to his words.
     
Jendaron says 'I waited to beckon for you because I wanted to allow you 
time to reflect on the magic you had discovered and to allow you to learn 
more about yourself. So, what have you learned apprentice'
   
Xorn pauses a long moment before answering, looking up as if to phrase his 
response carefully. "I've learned that magic can be found in the most 
unexpected places, and is stored and wielded by those you least expect. 
Also...I learned to rely on my wits and intellect and not just arcana.  
Magic does not always solve all problems.  You must be resourceful as 
well."
 
Jendaron nods and continues, 'You have made a wise statement indeed young 
apprentice. That actually brings me to my next topic for your preparation. 
Most magi will find themselves able to absorb magic quickly, the more they 
study and learn. True dedication to the language, both written and oral of 
magic is the way to master it. But the magic can not protect you in all 
instances.'
     
Jendaron sits back in his chair, his hooded face becoming only slightly 
visible allowing you to see him mouth the words 'How good are you with a 
dagger?'. The words ring in Xorn's ears and in his thoughts as he 
ponders.
    
Xorn nods, a slight smile and a knowing looking in his expression. "I can 
use them, yes.  However I prefer a staff."
 
Something resembling two powerful hands pushes Ciskei back through the 
door! A spectral guardian says 'You cannot be in here, the master would 
not be happy with that!'
    
Jendaron says 'The staff is a weapon of preparation, the dagger however 
is a cunning and sly weapon.'
    
Xorn lifts the bottom of his robe up past his knee, revealing a leg sheath, 
with a dagger strapped to it.  "Yes, it is always best to have a few 
surprises up your........robe."
    
Jendaron says 'When your life is in danger, and the words escape your 
thoughts, your hand can still reach for a dagger. I would like you to train 
not only with your spear but also with a dagger to better protect yourself 
in various situations you might find yourself in. I also want you to 
practice in other various methods of using magic.'
 
Xorn nods to his master and smiles. "I shall go and do whatever you wish 
my leige.  I am yours to command."
    
Jendaron says 'Certainly you have begun to master the means to speak the 
magic, but I would like you to learn to read it so efficiently that even 
unknown spells would make sense to you. The ability to read and write magic 
are paramount to your success in the future. Thus I would like you to 
practice scribing and reciting scrolls until you are ready. You will know 
when this is and you will come to me, at which point I will test you to see 
if you are finished with this task.'
    
Xorn looks around the blackened room as his master dictates his 
instruction, but listens intensly.  He again nods in acquiesence to 
Jendaron.  "This shall be of greatest priorty then.  I will spend my time 
in the library, perfecting this art."
 
Jendaron says 'Indeed. Be of utmost haste apprentice because when you 
have completed this task you will be nearly prepared for the Test of High 
Sorcery. I am excited for you to finish the test, I have great plans for 
you if you are interested. You could end up working directly with me with 
tasks of importance to the entire Conclave itself. I hand select who I 
teach as only the brightest and highest potential students. You have 
excelled even under my tutilege so thusly you will be of great use to the 
me. You will continue to learn past your test, the magic of thousands of 
years of knowledge.'
 
At the mention of the Test, a gleam of.....glee comes into Xorn 's eyes. 
And at his master's next words, the gleam become fullfledged....desire. 
"I wish to serve you and our God in any manner I may."
     
Jendaron says 'That is, of course, if that is what you wish. You could 
always become a common conjurer or enchanter.' Jendaron nods slowly and 
leans forward in his chair. 'I have a serious question for you 
apprentice.'
 
'Being common is something.......detestable.  Greatness awaits those who 
devote themselves to  Nuitari.  And I am an open book to you my leige. I 
will answer honestly.'
     
Jendaron says 'You are around the common grounds and areas of the Tower 
much more oft than I. Typically I spend most of my time in my own tower and 
merely visit Wayereth once a day to make rounds and check on various 
things. Are things going as you think they should throughout the halls? I 
have heard rumors of things opposite to what I expect.'
     
Xorn pauses a long moment before answering, again looking as though he is 
coming up with just the right words. "The white robe numbers are growing. 
Thier new leader is practical,  even compromising.....However, there is 
much fighting between the orders......especially with some of the red 
robes.  There is one who might be swayed to our......position. His thirst 
for blood is........quite emmence.'  
 
Jendaron says 'Indeed, as much as I had heard and expected about the 
fighting. I will be more present to try to counteract these things, 
infighting within the order is not a good way to develop the Conclave as a 
whole. But for now you must go forth and do your work, I will begin to 
prepare for your Test of Sorcery.'
    
'It is important to project unity to the outside world as well. Else, 
others will exploit these riffs.'
    
Jendaron nods and says 'Indeed, the renegades and dragonarmies always 
search for weaknesses within our order.'
 
Xorn grins again, and nods in agreement with his master.  He picks up his 
black leather bag, inscribed with runes, and bows to Jendaron. "I will 
contact you when I have completed this next stretch of destiny.  I am very 
blessed to have you as master."
    
Jendaron bows before Xorn. 'Until we meet again, apprentice.'
    
'May the black light of the Devouring Dark shine upon you, and the entire 
world.'
    
Jendaron says 'Nuitari be with you.'
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Mishamont, 20 15:33:24 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Black, White, With A Hint Of Grey. (Pt. 1)

Not long after the sun has set upon the Plains of Dust, but before the 
moons begin to rise, a shadow in the corner of the inn distorts and twists. 
It seems to become blacker, darker, as it begins to swirl unnaturally.  
Suddenly a figure rises from its center, composed of the same darkness at 
first, but then becoming more and more......human.  Xorn looks around the 
inn and takes in the scenery. 
 
There is surely no match for the fun and merriment to be had here. Good
people from across Abanasinia travel across the New Sea to this historic
destination. The Inn, built long ago, houses any and all who come to pay
with good money. Absolutely no one is excluded from the confort and
hospitality that this Inn has to offer. Primarily run by humans, they seem
to prefer to have a liking to everyone, since you see an assortment of
races, including half elves and gully dwarves serving the populace of the
Inn. There is surely no match for the fun and merriment to be had here. 
Good people from across Abanasinia travel across the New Sea to this 
historic destination. The Inn, built long ago, houses any and all who come 
to pay with good money. Absolutely no one is excluded from the comfort and
hospitality that this Inn has to offer. Primarily run by humans, they seem
to prefer to have a liking to everyone, since you see an assortment of
races, including half elves and gully dwarves serving the populace of the
inn. 
     
The sounds of laughter and cheer float about the common room of the Sand 
and Stone, as Kah'rihn the High Archmage dances and sings within the center 
of the patrons. The Inn is full of all kinds of people, and Xorn looks 
harshly at all of them, before picking out a spot to settle.
 
The white fur of Kah'rihn's loincloth flares as she swings her hips in 
rythm of the song. "The shivering sands speak of times long past... Times 
of dragons! Times of fear..."
       
Xorn notices the woman, but turns on his stool to the bartender. "Give me 
a howling moons."  He turns back to the woman in the dance, and smiles, 
again turning back to the bartender. "Make that.....two."
     
Singing with the energy and glow that only pride in one's home can stir, 
Kah'rihn brings her song to its climatic conclusion "The shivering sands 
speak of times long past... Times of Freedom!  Times of peace..."
 
Xorn takes the two doubles from the barkeep, and stands......clapping to 
the woman who wearhunteress garb.  He cheers her on in bravado, while most 
the crowd remains silent. "Bravo my Lady.  At least you dance with 
purpose!.  The rest of these fools have no understanding."x The man with 
ice blue eyes, lifts one of the two glasses to the beutiful woman, and 
simply winks. "The most excellent Kah'rihn, you should join me in a 
drink.  To dance is to invite.....company." Xorn simpy places his 
cocktail on the bar.
 
Kah smiles at the man in black robes she had met the other night in the 
courtyards within the tower of wayreth. 'Ah. Xorn, a pleasure to see you 
out here in the out of the way environs.' She walks over to the man and 
takes a seat at a table he moved to. 
    
Xorn smiles back to the very attractive woman.  He sets down his drink, and 
picks up the extra he ordered, handing it to the dancing woman. "A 
double, for a double...beauty? Are we.....friends?.......or something 
different away from the tower.  I do know the rules. There is nothing 
stopping you from annihaliting me here and now."x
 
Taking the glass of alchohol Kah'rihn tips the glass and downs the drink in 
one swallow.  Looking at the dark mage quizzically she says 'I believe 
that is up to you young man.  Unless you are planning on doing something I 
would have to stop, we are fine. She shrugs as she places the empty glass 
upon the table. 'We are both children of the moons.  I say working 
together gets more results. Don't you?'
     
Xorn giggles to her, and reciprocating, downs the glass of spirits.  He 
nods to a wench and reaches into a pouch procuring, several coins. 
"Another round please."  Helooks deeply at the white mage.
 
Kah says 'So Xorn, what brings you out here to the far reaches of the 
Plains of Dust?'
    
Xorn looks all around, and specially to some of the crowd gathered.  
'I was born in Tarsis, but my family would come here on holiday, or 
sometimes for the summer. This was before it was dust. At one time it 
was......quite beautiful. It was a second home.' He looks around the 
place, as if looking into the past.
    
Kah says 'I too call this place home.'
    
'I wished to stop along my way back to the forest. For memory's sake if 
nothing else.'
 
Kah slowly states 'And it is still beautiful...'
    
'And here of all places..........I find you again.'
    
Kah says 'Yes, funny how things work out.'
   
The wench returns with two more rounds of spirits, and rests them upon the 
table.  Xorn tips her generously, but his gaze never leaves the huntress.
'This used to be grassland.  It supported all kinds of life. The elves 
wandered this land.  Tarsis to the south, was rich and diverse. Now it is a 
wasteland.'
    
Kah says 'Yes, I have heard stories from the elders of my families.  My 
mother's father lived through the times of Balif the great elf general.'
 
Xorn shakes his head, and takes the next round delivered by the wench in 
hand. "I feel......fortunate I missed the desolation.  I am fortunate 
that Nuitari brought me forth to this time." He raises the glass and 
drinks. 'Yes......elves live much longer, but they progress so much 
slowly.'
    
Drinking the glass empty before placing it back on the table, Kah'rihn says 
"They do, and having their blood,  made living within this environ much 
easier."
    
Xorn smiles to the white robe and her.........constitution,  out drinking 
him.  "You surprise me Kah'rhin.  You are not what I ever expected from a 
follower of the Silver one. This is  refreshing..........and disturbing."
    
Kah asks 'How so?'
 
Xorn gulps down the rest of his drink in attempt to keep up.  He winks at 
the elf. 'It is your turn to buy the next round.  And as for how?  I 
figured your kind to be rigid and chaste.  On a magely level, but also on 
an elven one.  I have been proven wrong on both counts it seems.'
    
Kah slowly states 'Ah, yes.  Most elves are stuck up, but being raised by 
my human family has helped alleviate those... predjudices of my mother's 
people.  And as for those of my order, I can not speak for how some think 
that they are as spotless as their robes, but being the voice of Solinari 
within our orders I must have a different view of things.'
   
'None of us are spotless.  To be wrinkle free, is to be plain and...quite 
ordinary.'
    
'Yes exactly.  And as you can tell, I lead a very open existence.'  Kah 
stands to show off how much of her is not hidden.'
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Mishamont, 20 15:41:27 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Black, White, With A Hint Of Grey. (Pt. 2)

'You are.............quite beautiful.  But you know this white robe 
leader. It is......part of your appeal is it not? A pure soul, but with a 
the body of a succubus.' Xorn demurs, and does not look at the woman's 
beauty. The minotaur at the adjoining table places another order for 
rounds.
    
A drunk dwarf walks over to a the minotaur haranging the bar wench and 
kicks him in the shin. "Lousy Cow, stop holding up the wench. I am 
getting parched over here!"
 
Yelling across the tavern to the Minotaur working the bar Kah'rihn calls 
out her order "Mrugh I'd like two bottles of your finest elven wine, two 
tylor steaks, some poached desert owl eggs and some spiced potatoes.  And 
make it quick."
   
Xorn looks around the inn, studying the differing patrons, as if sizing up 
any trouble makers or cut-throats.
    
Kah says 'I hope you don't mind me ordering for the two of us. I'm well 
known in these parts.  I doubt there would be any trouble here tonight.  
Least not any that two mages couldn't handle.'
    
Xorn looks up to the cieling of the desert tavern and winks to the leader 
of the White Robes.  "The Dark Lady, Her Lover, The Thief,  The Black 
Wind....they all have servants. You can never be too careful."
 
A gruff minotaur in a soiled apron delivers the bottles of elven wine and 
the plates heaped with food to Kah'rihn. "Enjoy your meal mistress." 
The minotaur turns and heads back behind the bar and serves the next round.
    
"And, the same could be said for the Platinum Dragon, The Healing Hand, 
The song of Life. They have servants too. I can never bee to careful."
    
The huntress says 'The gods do as we do.  Eat before your food gets cold. 
Have you ever tried tylor?'
   
Kah takes up her fork and knife and cuts a large piece from the tylor 
steak.  Steam and rich aroma flows from the white meat of the great beast 
of the desert.
 
A drunk dwarf pinches A half-elven waitress's bottom and grins. He laughs 
as the waitress turns and slaps him.  He bellows as he gaffawls "I am 
still waiting on my drink woman. But, your bottom feels more pleasing!"
    
Xorn takes a knife in hand as well, and upon hearing the name Tylor, he 
simply.....freezes. He looks to the woman, cutting into her food, and 
without missing a beat, does the same.  Taking a sample of it,  he smiles 
with delight.
 
The drunken dwarf pulls the woman into his lap as she screams to be let go.
and Kah stands.  "One second please."  She walks over to the dwarf and 
wench. 'Let her go and go home. You have had too much to drink this 
evening master dwarf.' Looking at Kah'rihn the dwarf grins and drops the 
waitress on the ground and reaches out to grope the High Archmage. "You 
look like you got a nice firm bottom on you, and its more open to grab!"
     
Xorn continues to eat and drink from what the white robed ordered, and 
under his breath he whispers to himself or no one. "Tylor."
 
The dwarf's hand never reached it's target.  Kah'rihn whispered a single 
word and with a few dried petals of rose sprinkled on the dwarf's head had 
put him to sleep causing him to fall to the floor hard. She returns to her 
seat and meal and carves off another chunk of her steak without missing a 
beat. 'Yes this meat comes from a local beast called a Tylor.'
    
Xorn raises a goblet of wine that was brought to the table to Kah. "Quite 
delicious, my leige.  You have........excellent taste."  He almost chokes 
a moment on the wine, but swallows down his food. Looking to the slept 
dwarf, Xorn raises his glass of wine to her. "Of course you can take care 
of yourself. Chivalry is dead!"
 
Kah says 'You are lucky.  It is a very rare delicacy and the owner was 
lucky that he had happened upon the carcass after a territorial dispute our 
dinner had with a larger male.'
    
'I must ask my lady, and do not take offense, because I do not mean any 
disrespect. I've met the others at the tower. How did you become the Silver 
Lady?  You are nothing like.......anyone could expect.' Xorn continues to 
cut into the meat, obviously savoring it, and the side dishes, but his eyes 
never leave the sand woman.
    
Kah says 'I do and go as the white moon guides me.  It is in his honor I 
have obtained, the prestige I now hold.'
 
'You don't seem like one who cares about prestige, or even political 
power.'
     
Kah savors the last bite of her steak, the bowl off eggs having been 
emptied long ago, being used as a dip for the meat. 'I do not care for 
either. But, a good leader does not look for those simple awards.  A good 
leader strives to make things better for everyone that looks to them for 
guidance.'
     
Xorn also finishes his meal, and takes the last of his wine in hand. He 
look deeply at Kah. 'I expected you to be loving, kind, and well..naive.  
You are some of these things, however not niave. And you treat me with 
kindness, even away from the tower.'
 
Kah says 'I am as carefree as the winds through the sands, as shifting as 
the sands themself, as diverse as the creatures that call the sands home, 
and a beakon of direction like the silver moon in the heavens. And young 
Xorn, no reason has arisen for me to treat you any other way.  Just because 
of the color of your robes does not mean I should treat you any 
differently.'
   
Xorn rests down his knife and fork, his dinner, done.  He gulps down the 
rest of his wine. His expression becoming quite happy, intoxication heavy 
in his eyes.   
 
Kah says 'And if any of our orders wished to seek my advice or direction, 
regardless of robe color, they are free to do so.'
     
'This surprises me Master.'
    
Kah asks 'How so?'
     
Xorn looks around and reaches in close to whisper. 'There is much 
fighting in between ourselves as of late. This is something of a concern to 
the master. When he asked me of it, I told him the truth. I would figure 
you would only be of help to your own order, strengthen them for the 
advances of some of the others.  But I might add, I did praise you to 
Jendaron.  You have brung unity for Solinari's disciples.'
 
Kah leans in and whispers back. 'You should not be surprised young Xorn. 
I have been honest and upfront with you. We learn and teach each other, in 
order to strengthen ourselves for those who would destroy us from the 
outside.'
     
'To show conflict is to invite outsiders to exploit riffs in our 
order.'
    
Kah says 'Agreed.'
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Mishamont, 20 15:43:17 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Black, White, With A Hint Of Grey. (Pt. 3)

Xorn pauses a long moment before continuing his train of thought. "There 
are some that tear at our unity, and the divide us, and they project 
conflict to the outside world. Jendaron will deal with these 
individuals.'
     
Kah says 'He has a lot of responsibility, your master does.'
    
'He does and with much to come apparantly. Can I tell you 
something?..........something I will tell him in time, when he is ready to 
hear it. But you should know now, because you will recieve it.'
    
Kah nods and says, 'You may tell me anything you wish.'
 
'HIS word is this.... The great wars are coming. And in the realm of 
possible futures, All will come to agreement in order to save Krynn.  She 
will eventually be granted her wishes. And this will grieve the moons, 
especially Nuitari.'  
     
Kah slowly states 'A very big riddle you have given me there...'
    
Xorn begins to tremor in his seat, his eyes becoming clouded by a black 
mist, becoming dark obsidian. He begins to sway, obviously in a magically 
induced trance, and he screams as he collapses to the floor. 
 
Kah jumps up and comes to the unconscious mage and kneels by him, resting 
her hand on his neck to check his lifebeat. 'I think we have had too much 
excitement for the evening.  I believe it is time to depart.'
     
Oblvious now to the outside world, caught up into another frame of 
reference of time and space, Xorn whispers a question in his delerium 
"How can the future be stolen?" Again he screams, and with that he 
falls deep into a coma and into Kah's hands.
 
With a flare of light and sounds, the two mages, Kah'rihn and Xorn are 
transported magically from the Sand and Stone tavern in Stone Rose, back to 
the Tower of Wayreth. Where Xorn would remain comatose for several days.
   
FINE
 

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Mishamont, 24 18:25:00 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Secret Negotiations. (PT 1)

The raven sits on the top of the building looking out, and Nestos looks 
through his eyes as the cutpurse runs out. He spies the mage walking down 
the small alley. Nestos blinks as he comes out of the trance and gets ready 
to greet him.
    
Xorn walks down the street, looking at the various buildings.  Suddenly he 
hears the squawking of a bird, and looking up sees the raven fly down from 
the top of a warehouse.  It circles him a moment, and flies to a doorframe, 
resting there.
    
Xorn walks closer to the door and the bird, and smiles. "Yes this must be 
the place, isn't it.......now what was your name again?  Sil..?"  The 
mage looks up as if trying to remember, and knocks upon the door.
 
The door opens and a man runs from the building and down the street, 
obviously in a great hurry.  Xorn ducks his head through the doorway and in 
a silly voice says. "Yoohoo!  Anyone...........home?"
     
Nestos says 'I am over here.' The renegade sits on a crate over near 
another door. He looks up to the mage,  "And his name is Sitharnos."  
    
Xorn walks in and bows to Nestos, nodding to him in response to the raven's 
name. "So sorry my friend.  My mind has been a little.......clouded 
lately.  Do forgive my laps of memory."  He walks near the renegade, and 
leans against a crate.
     
Nestos asks 'It is already forgiven. So, what brings you to Sanction?'
    
"The Shadow Walking Spell."  Xorn laughs, and rests his staff next to 
him as leans upon the crate.  He grins at Nestos and continues. "I needed 
out of that damn tower, if just for a little while."
 
Nestos grins, "I certainly can understand that. Shadow Walking, eh? Fun. 
And how are things in the towers?"
   
'They are.......tedius.  Jendaron wishes me to learn to read scroll, and 
learn to write them.  I understand his wisdom in this, but yes.....tedius.  
I have been taking little sojourns, to freshen myself.'
    
Nestos asks 'So, where have these sojourns led to, other than one of my 
many doors?'
    
Xorn looks up as if remembering, taking time before he answers. "I went 
back to Tarsis, and this saddend me, for it is a husk of it's former glory. 
I went towards the icewall, and looked up an........old friend." Xorn 
pauses before continuing. 'And then I recently travelled what is known 
now as the Plains of Dust.  There is a village there, I remember fondly 
from my youth, but it is also radically changed. And since you are on my 
mystical map, so to speak.  I thought I might drop in.'
 
Nestos says 'Ah, the Plains of Dust? I do like that place. One can be 
alone.' He smiles, 'And you are definetly welcome whenever.'
     
Xorn looks disturbed a moment, but it quickly passes with Nestos' welcome.  
"I find it detestable.  The longer I live in this time, the more I 
understand why people turned away from the Gods.  Plains of Dust!  Once 
beautiful grassland."
         
Nestos says 'Even still, there is a beauty to its desolation.'
    
'It's funny you should say that.  Someone very recently said that very 
same thing.  But then again she grew up there.  But I bore you with my 
petty irks.  What have you been doing my renegade friend?'
    
Nestos slowly states 'Distasteful things, as always.' The mage smiles 
wryly.
 
When the dark elf answers his question, Xorn grins evilly, and nods. "I 
have been so busy completing trivial tasks, and playing the social game to 
do any of the same.  I hold on to the times when......HE......shares with 
me."
    
Nestos nods, "Well never feel that you need to be too trivial here, or 
social for that matter. And as for me, just before you came I had to deal 
with a betrayer. Always fun when dealing in secrets." Nestos smiles a big 
grin.
    
Xorn nods and suddenly a look of inspiration comes across his expression.  
"There is but one punishment for betrayal.  I hope you sent him packing 
to the abyss........screaming.  And secrets eh?   What do you trade,  
generally speaking of course."
 
Nestos says 'I did send him to the abyss with my regards to Takhisis. As 
for screaming, no, I sent him with hope. The Darkqueen will flay his soul 
enough, he can have that small hope. And as for secrets, if you want to 
know it, chances are I already do. And as for the man, he was a good 
informant, I owed him that hope.'
     
Xorn again nods to the dark elf's words, again pausing if considering 
something.  "Most believe that if you worship the dark ones, hope is 
something to be squashed.  Perhaps those who follow the Black 
Wind.......and speaking of which....I think I have a proposition for you.   
It was given to me by our Dark Father, to help a certain white robed elf.  
I would not have gone to her if it was not commanded, but she 
is..........interesting, and her dilemia........delicious."
 
Nestos mocks interest, "Proceed? I am all for propositions."
     
Xorn brings his legs up to the top of crate and crosses them, and reaches 
into the satchel carried on his side.  He pulls a scroll case from it, and 
opens it, producing a parchment.  He tosses it in the air, and with a 
gesture, it floats to Nestos.
    
Nestos studies the parchment, "And where do I fit in?"
     
'Have you ever seen anything like this in your travels?  They are a 
created race,  mutated by Morgion shortly after the catacylsm.  They 
worship him soley.  And I am getting to where you fit in shortly.'
     
Nestos asks 'Interesting creatures. No I have not run into one of these. 
Morgion, huh? I do like a little decay here and there.' Nestos laughs. 
"Is it information that you want then?"
 
Xorn gestures, and the parchment flies back across to him, he places it 
back in the case, and back into the satchel. "They are called the Disir, 
or so an acquaintance told me.  Once dwarves who called out to him, If you 
can believe that.  The white robe elf I spoke of was given a vision by the 
moons.  One is squatting in a very old temple, somewhere near what used to 
be Zhaman."
          
Nestos asks 'Most interesting. And what is it that the gods of magic 
wanted of her?'
     
Xorn pauses a long moment before he continues with the last. "It is a 
temple to Solinari apparantly, but it contains, ancient artifacts, from my 
time or before, of all three Gods.  I was commanded to help her find it. "
HE does not want those items gifted by him and his mages to fall into her 
hands.'
 
Nestos says 'Understandable, white robes with artifacts of the Ungod just 
makes no sense.' He pulls out a parchment and a quill and begins to write 
on it. 
    
'She would most likely destroy them, and I must not let that happen.  
They are to brought to the black tower.  However, I'm sure we could come to 
some kind of......arrangement? Yes?'
     
Nestos stops writing a moment and looks up to the human and grins, "I am 
certain that something can be arranged. Is she to be given the others?"
     
Xorn smiles and shakes his head as if not knowing. "I was not given the 
specifics.   Only to help her find the temple and find a way to either 
communicate with, or kill this..........Disir. But something will and can 
be arranged.  There will be profit in this for you."
 
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Mishamont, 24 18:26:37 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Secret Negotiations. (PT 2)

Nestos says 'Than I am in. Although I will ask that I accompany you to 
this temple. I have been in Neraka and Sanction too long. I need to have my 
own.....sojourn.'
   
Xorn nods to the renegade elf and smiles. "Yes, lets have a holiday, and 
when this is over, we will have new toys to play with. I will inform the 
white robe I have found someone who can help her. She will want to meet 
with you,  but she is not like some of the others in many regards.  We will 
find a neutral space to converse."
    
Nestos finishes his writing, and after he folds up the parchment his rises 
and walks to the door, "I have no problem meeting with other mages, I 
have found though that they have a problem with meeting me, but if she is 
as understanding as you say...then I do not think we will have a problem"
 
'I will work out the details, and send you a missive with the 
information.  I look forward to working together. The Ungod will be pleased 
you are with his will. And as I said, you will be handsomely 
compensated.'
     
Nestos opens the door and leans out his head, "He kid, come here." When 
the child gets to the door he hands him the parchment, "Bring this to 
Fidget." The kid agrees and runs off. 'I do like compensation. And I 
like adventure as well.'
     
Xorn rubs his hands together in greedy anticipation. "Beats the abyss out 
of writing scrolls!"
 
Nestos returns to crates and sits back down, "I would have to agree, and 
I like the thought of meeting this "new" race."
   
'Oh I forgot to mention this.......Finding a way to communicate might be 
wise. According to my source, they pretty much eat anything that comes into 
view. Dead and or alive.'
    
Nestos laughs, "Communication is not always through tongues. But, yes, I 
would like to join and I have just sent a message to have the information 
gathered."
 
Xorn jumps down off the crate he was resting on and takes his staff in 
hand.  He bows to the dark elf. "Then I Will leave you to it.  When I 
have things arranged I will be in touch."
   
Nestos nods, "Than I will see you soon and that information will not 
elude me for long."
    
Xorn walks to the door, and smiles to the Raven, before he walks back into 
the street. "May the unlight shine down on you Nestos.  Blessed be those 
who serve the Devouring Dark."  And with that he walks around a corner 
and vanishes into the shadows.
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Mishamont, 31 03:24:22 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Prices And Celebrations.  (PT 1)

Nestos sits in a leather chair in the corner of the tavern, staring at the 
flames that lick from one of his fingers to another.
    
In a dark corner, the shadows from the dim lighting begin to pulse then 
swirl, as a black figure emerges.  At first it is nothing but blackness, 
but it coalesces into a human, who looks around a moment.  Xorn walks forth 
into the tavern.
    
Nestos smiles, still looking at the flames, "Xorn, again so soon? I would 
have thought it would have been a little longer."
    
Xorn watches the renegade playing with the fire in his hand, and grins.  
"Neat trick,  you must show that one to me sometime.  I came to bring 
word about our future adventure."
 
Nestos waves his hands and the flames disappears as he looks up with a 
smile, "Good. I do like words. They are what put gold in my hands."
    
'You are if anything consistant Nestos.  And that is one of the many 
qualities that I adore you for.  That and your heart is as black as mine.  
But you are also honerable, something that many who follow the Dark ones 
are lacking.' Not seeing another chair near,  Xorn scans the tavern, and 
sees something comfortable across the room.  He gestures to the chair, and 
it flies into the air and falls next to the dark elf.  He rests next to his 
associate.
     
"Glad to oblige," Nestos states with a mocking bow, still sitting in 
his chair, "Welcome to one of my home away from homes."
    
"As you said before.....one of your many doors."  Xorn returns the mock 
bow before he continues. "We are beyond such formalities now.  You are a 
kindred spirit, two servants of the Ungod, fulfilling his will in differing 
ways."
 
"Very true," Nestos says, pointing to the other mage, "What news do 
you have?"
      
'I spoke with the White huntress.  She is eager to meet with you. She has 
given her word you will not be harmed, confined or in anyway accosted.  She 
needs all the help she can muster, and she knows it.'
     
Nestos grins wide, "Very good than. I will meet her, but tell me, do you 
know the why?"
     
Xorn pauses for a moment, which is now obviously his manner, as he mulls 
over the question posed. "I know only that this temple, houses artifacts, 
and this monstrosity has possession.  No more has been revealed to me,  nor 
do I think to Kah'rhin."
     
Nestos asks 'Ah, I had thought, but now I know, the High Archmage?" 
Nestos rubs his hands together. "So, who is to go on this adventure of 
hers?'
 
'Yes, head of the white robes herself.  She is not what I expected...at 
all.  As for those involved currently, she had some of her apprentices 
doing research, but only one of them succeeded in her task. She was sent on 
some errand, but I do not know what it was, only she returned. Her name is 
Mariala,  a high born elf, very snobbish, but very...lucious. If only I 
could get her into my bed.........I do love a challenge!'
    
Nestos grins, "Well good luck in that endeavor, I enjoy challenges as 
well. Which reminds me, I found some good information, though it required 
some drastic measures, I do have some more resources still out there."
    
This time Xorn rubs his hands together in anticipation, his eyes lighting 
up at Nestos' disclosure. "Do tell.  And be sure to fill me on 
these.......drastic measures."  The mage sits back in the chair, and 
places his staff across his lap.
 
Nestos slowly states 'Oh, the usual form of drastic.' The renegade 
drags his finger across his neck with a smile and a shrug. "Anyways, I 
found out a little bit about this creature, and also what is in that 
temple, but even for a friend, these are expensive morsels."
   
Xorn nods to the dark elf renegade, agreeing with him. "I would say the 
same if I were in your position.  What is the price Nestos.....and I will 
make arrangements."  The mage raises his hand, summoning over a wench.  
"Elven wine, the oldest you have."
     
Nestos slowly states 'Ah, trying to get the drinks from your time? Elven 
wine would be the closest, though I prefer other vices.'  Nestos pulls 
out a pipe from his robe and fills it with a green leaf and lights it. 
"And as for the price...I will give you one piece of paper for several 
pieces of paper and some leather." The mage grins.
 
The wench returns with a bottle of wine and two goblets.  She places them 
before the two wizards, and Xorn hands here a ruby.  She blushes, looking 
shocked before she departs. He looks at the label. "A hundred years will 
have to do I suppose." He waves his hand over the top, and the cork 
simply vanishes and as he pours a glass for himself he continues. 
"Information for information. What would you like me to procure?" 
    
Nestos says 'Almost as old as me. And a book. A spellbook to be precise. 
I know it is in the towers, but obviously...' The mage pauses looking 
down at himself, "I can not just walk in and ask for it."
      
Xorn nods to Nestos again, agreeing with his words. "I suppose not.  I'll 
make you a deal.  I will......borrow what you want.  But only for as long 
as it takes you to copy the spells, and then it will be returned.  Is this 
acceptable?"
 
Nestos puts a look of disapointment on his face, "I would have much 
rather kept it, but I would like the spells contained in the book more"
The dark elf rubs his temples, "Bah, agreed, and please pour me a glass 
of wine." The mage waves his staff over the table and a scrollcase drops 
out from an extradimension. The mage picks it up and opens it, pulling out 
a piece of paper and a worn old scroll of paper.
      
Xorn takes the bottle and pours the goblet full of wine.  He takes both 
glasses in hand, and offeres one to Nestos. "Give me the name of the 
grimore or it's description and I will find it for you.  Seems everywhere I 
go compromises are made.  The Ungod is nothing if not pragmatic."
 
Nestos slowly states 'I am glad. This is what I want.'The mage hands 
Xorn the folded paper. "And this is what you are buying for it. You will 
not get it till I recieve payment, but please look as long as you want. The 
rest of the information will come with a secure...trip with you all."
      
Nestos unrolls the rolled up paper to reveal it as an old map of Zhaman, 
"This was one of those items that required a drastic measures. I truly do 
not know who the author was, but I am 100% of its authenticity."
 
Xorn looks at the parchment, and his eyes widen a little. "This will take 
some doing, but I will get it."  He leans over and looks at the paper the 
renegade unfolded,  and smiles. "Yes, that is more like it. And the trip 
will be secure.  I still have a few tricks up my sleeve, and afew....things 
I can call upon if need be."
     
Nestos grins, "I am sure you have plenty of tricks, as do I," Nestos 
says with a wink, "I am glad about this trip, and there will be one more 
payment I will require, but I think that will require the High Archmage to 
be here." Nestos grins. 'And I do apologize for the price, but this 
information is not too easy to come by, it would be much worse if I did not 
consider you a friend.'
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Mishamont, 31 03:25:50 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Prices And Celebrations. (PT 2)

Xorn grins widely as well,  holding up his glass of wine to Nestos. "Then 
to prices paid, friendship, a grand adventure, and to our most Unholy 
Lord!" He taps his goblet against the renegades and takes a long swill. 
      
Nestos takes a long gulp as well after stating, "Yes, to the Ungod."
    
'I will send word to you when it is time to meet Kah'rhin.  I had hoped 
it would have been sooner than later, but I think she has her finally put 
her Order in..........order.'  Xorn laughs at his own pun. 'As soon as 
I know,  you will know.'
 
Nestos says 'Good. Well, I must be off.' Nestos stands. "I must speak 
with a wife I widowed. I do not like being anything but transparent." The 
renegade grins. "Plus, they had always been good to me. I owe the man's 
family at least some condelence, and gold."
    
'As I said Nestos, you are an honerable person.   When we next meet I 
will have the grimore.  I must begin to........formulate how it will be 
done.  But I Am resourceful.  Until we meet again my friend.'
     
 
Nestos drains his goblet, "Yes, until we do."
    
Xorn stands as well, and looks around the tavern,  finally spotting the 
wench from earlier.  "I think I will tarry here for a little while,  
and.....socialize." The mage winks to the woman, and turns once more to 
bow to Nestos. "She reminds me a little bit of the elf apprentice.  I 
think I'll act out a fantasy, or prepare for a reality."
     
Nestos simply grins at his associate and leaves Xorn to his "socializing".
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Chislmont,  3 03:45:16 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     Desderada Malificar. (Pt. 1)

The black tower seemed even more dark, and eerily quiet as I returned from 
my negotiations with the renegade dark elf known as Nestos.  I was 
exhausted from the trip back to Wayreth, for the Shadow Walking spell did 
take it's toll upon the body, and sometimes even the mind, but I found 
myself pacing in my quarters well into the wee hours of the night. 
 
A decision had to be made, and quickly. It was not an easy one. Every so 
often I would walk to the desk in the corner and re-examine the parchment 
my associate had given me. It contained only two words, but those two words 
carried a grave weight, because of what they represented.
    
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
 
Just two words, just a grimore. A book of spells that no self respecting 
white robe could ever grasp.  A book of spells that would send terror into 
any red robe. A book of spells that many black robes even shunned. For the 
spells within were pure Necromancy.  
    
Necromancy is not just a school of magic. It is a philosophy, and in many 
ways a religion unto it's own.  Each time a spell of this sort is cast, a 
piece of your soul becomes darkened, and a part of your body defiled. There 
is an unseen line that when crossed, there is no return.  And I knew this, 
because I had been ushered into it's art more than three hundred years 
prior, by my former master, and now Lich, Isaldora.  
Necromancy, an art divided as well. Only two God's of the pantheon had any 
influence in the school, and they were at many times at odds.  Nuitari 
favored it's use in the physical world, while Chemosh's domain was the 
spiritual. However many times these lines would become blurred.  An undead 
minion is part of both, a spell that syphons life energy as well. And this 
has been a "debate" amongst black robed mages, and priests of the death 
God, where "debate" many times is defined as battle.
   
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
 
The words upon the parchment haunted me. I dared not take this book from 
the Conclave and hand it to a renegade.  It was against everything I had 
been told, everything the Conclave stood for.  I would be handing over 
power to a supposed enemy.  But........Nestos was not my enemy, and I was 
not an obedient servant of the Conclave.  I was an obedient servant of 
Nuitari, and him alone.  My pledge was to him, not men.  I served the 
Conclave because he commanded it.  They were and would always be a bi-
product of that service. 
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
    
I continued to pace, going over the events that lead up to this point in my 
mind over and over, weighing out action and consequence.  The book was not 
housed in the Conclave library, and I knew where it was, because it had 
called to me, soon after I had come to the tower.  And I knew what it was, 
and it's history because of Isaldora.  
 
According to the story, the book was neither clerical nor arcane. What was 
inscribed within was pure necromantic thought.  It was a road map from the 
beginning practices to the greatest disertations.  A chapter would have to 
be mastered, before the next would mystically become unlocked. It was said 
that it could only have one owner at a time, because the grimore would bond 
to a host, and could only be retrieved upon the host's death, or 
transformation into the other worldly, with death usually being the 
outcome.  The grimore was sentient, and craved souls to add to it's own 
power.  It was thought the information inside were the actual thoughts of 
its victims. It was bound in the flesh of every race on Krynn, and inked in 
the blood of the same.  
 
As Isaldora told it, the book was ancient, at least a thousand years old,  
and had passed through generation after generation of hands, defiling any 
who could not master it, taking control of the weak minded, and stealing 
their very essence.  She said there were other ways to master the art, and 
anyone foolish enough to use the grimore deserved their fate.  Looking back 
on her words, I have to wonder, for she gave her soul to Chemosh for 
physical immortality.  But yet I digress.
 
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
    
The book had a will and mind of its own, and was able to seek out people 
who would benifit from its use.  It would tempt those able to decipher it  
with promises of dark power and eventual immortality, whispering paranoia 
into the users mind, the whispers of total control over life and death 
itself. And the book had called to me.  My mastery over necromantic 
energies had grown significantly in the last years, and when I had come to 
the tower, I heard its call. 
 
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
    
I had been at the tower only a few months, and I had........"the dream."
I had not had it since my mother's death, and my translation through time.
I often thought about it, but it had not re-occured.  
   
Once again the moons rose above the Library of Tarsis, as it was before the 
cataclysm, once again they spoke their truths of fate and choice. But this 
time, I knew I Would chose the black moon, I knew that Nuitari would save 
me.  I knew that I would become his voice for a new generation.  And when 
the dream would usually end....it continued.  I found myself magically 
moved to the Tower of Wayreth, and to the black tower.  And I saw the dark 
light of Nuitari shining down.  This time it did not illuminate me, but a 
path. With every step I took, the light would shift to point the way to 
somewhere........to something.  As I descended the tower to the ground 
floor, the light shone upon a wall to the south, and a whisper came. 
"Another sacrifice is required.  Will you give in order to recieve?"
 
And I awoke in night sweats, a feeling of elation and terror mixed inside 
me.  It had been so real, and I knew I was being lead there.  By this time
I knew when I was recieving a vision from the Ungod, and when it was merely 
a dream.  There was a sense of urgency as well, so I immediately went to 
the place marked in the dream.  I found the wall, crafted of solid onyx, 
quite ordinary.  There were no runes, no seams, not even a stone. In fact, 
it was perfectly carved, raised no doubt by magic.  
The whispering words of the dream came to the forefront of my mind then. 
But what sacrifice?  Was I to kill an apprentice?  Take on an elder?  And 
then the revelation came. This was a matter of.....faith, and the sacrifice 
was me.  I pulled the dagger at my side, and took a long moment, wondering 
if it was just my mind or something more significant.  There was only one 
way to find out. 
 
The pain was searing heat into my wrists, as the dagger cut deep into the 
arteries and veins, and the blood began to flow out quickly, not in drops, 
but torrents. I immediately became light headed, as I Watched the blood 
flow all over my body and then down to my feet where it pooled in a sticky 
goo. But it did not remain there for long.  The wall in front of me began 
to....."breath" and the blood was it's breath.  The more that fell from my 
mortal wounds, the more the wall absorbed. And I felt pulled towards the 
barrier now, not knowing if it was near death hallucination or real magic.
 
The trance state took me over once again then.  I could feel the pull, I 
could hear myself chanting in various tongues, words I did not understand, 
contemplations that came from another source.  My vision clouded, as 
darkness took me.  And I knew then I was either a visionary or a fool.  
I would awaken later for my fate to become known. 
    
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Chislmont,  3 03:51:09 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     Desderada Malificar. (Pt. 2)

DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
    
I awoke in darkness, and I immediately fumbled to find my wounded wrists, 
but even in total blackness, I knew the wounds were no longer there.  And 
then a giggle came, a giggle I had not heard in quite a long time. It was 
instantly recognizable.  And the voice of a child came from the void around 
me. "Shirak!"  A light appeared, and blinded me for a moment, as my 
eyes became adjusted, and before me stood the wicked child,  the messenger, 
the harbinger.  His eyes were of the blackest night, as they had always 
been, no pupil, just absorbing black matter, and he simply winked at me, 
and giggled again. 
 
"Xorn, so lovely to see you again. The Dark father is pleased with you.  
You have done exactly as he commanded.  You serve him without hesitation, 
and he rewards those who devote themselves to his cause. Your faith opened 
the doorway to this place and its contents.  You will be rewarded for your 
service.  The child skipped across the room, the light he created 
becoming brighter, filling the chamber, illuminating the space. 
 
The wicked.....whatever it really was... had an affect on me.  I found it 
hard to speak in its presence, so as usual I simply followed the child.  
Looking around I found myself in a pyramid of the purist black crystal.  
The single light the child had created, was reflected on every surface, and 
I found the pyramid bare, except for a stand crafted of blood rubies, and 
upon it was........."the book".
  
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
It looked just as Isaldora had described, a patch work of skin from all the 
races of Krynn.  And I could hear it call to me, tempting me to pick it up 
and begin.  The child skipped back up to me and just....slapped my hand. 
"NO! It calls, but you are not to peruse its contents.  Nuitari 
has.....other plans.  You will be given the knowledge.......later, and 
without the very......very..dear cost. The Lich knew and she told you of 
the consequences and dangers.  The book is meant for another!"
 
"Who?" It was all I could muster to say, and the child again winked at 
me before he continued. "Glad you decided to join the conversation 
prophet. You are to go the Neraka, home of the Dark Lady, now that she has 
returned in quasi-physical form to Ansalon.  There you will meet a fellow 
mage. He also serves the Devouring Dark, but in....an unusual way.  He has 
spent some time in the dungeons of Wayreth, and will be very suspicious of 
you.  But you are to tell him the truth about yourself and give him a word 
from the Black Moon."
I nodded to him, and tried to speak once more, but again I was unable.  The 
child lifted the book from the stand and opened it, scanning page after 
page before he continued. "Yes, the Desderada Malificar, it's a good read 
in the beginning.  The ending is a REAL DRAG however." The child laughs 
wildly at his own statment and places the book down upon the stand once 
more.
"Tell the renegade dark elf, that I.....I mean the Black Moon cherishes 
his service.  Tell him that it was the Ungod who sent the raven to guide 
him from the forest and away from Wayreth.  Tell him he may serve the 
mother and her army, but remind him that his power and his soul belong to 
Nuitari alone. You are not betraying the Conclave by befriending him.  He 
will prove very.....useful to the cause.  You will understand more as time 
unfolds what is to come."
I kept looking at the grimore with........ambition, greed, and for that 
matter lust, but I trusted the child explicitly.  And I remembered 
Isaldora's words.  The book destroyed those greedy enough to put faith in 
only it.  The grimore stole souls.  And I was already on the path.  
   
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
   
The child then slapped me across the face, and hard. "The last mage who 
studied this tome, is now captured inside it.  It is how it operates.  You 
have enough will to obstain, and you must.  You will be asked for it soon 
however, and you are to give it freely.  Again, you are not betraying your 
precious Conclave.  You are doing the Lord's will."
 
I could only nod to the wicked being before me. "The will of Nuitari is 
my own.  I will do what you say. When the time comes I will not question, I 
will only do the will of my God."  The child nodded in agreement. "When 
is time to procure this you will know.  You are not to warn the one who 
requests, but you can study the effect.  One day it may be yours."
  
And with the words, the child gestured to the light he had created, and it 
vanished, once again darkness assaulting all of my senses, and the same 
feeling of the trance coming upon me.  Why did I always scream in this 
state?  "How can the future be stolen?"  But again I Was unconcious 
only to awake in my bed, many nights later.
And so as the year unfolded, I met the dark elf Nestos.  I was given the 
vision of the Disir and the temple, and yes, the renegade and I did become 
friends.  I understood his desire, and his contempt for the conclave, 
although I did not share his hate.  The Conclave came into my life at the 
perfect time and place, just as Nuitari had said.  I knew the child was 
either his child, or the Devouring Dark himself, and I trusted him 
implicidly, because he had never lied to me.  Only the truth came from the 
visions or the messenger.  When I was told to go to the white robe leader 
Kah'rhin I complied.  When the mirror showed me the same vision it was 
confirmed.  Even when after over three hundred years, I came face to face 
with my former master, and now devotee of Chemosh, Nuitari's plan only 
became more clear.   
 
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
  
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
  
And so the orbit of the black moon as come full circle as I pace my room 
this night.  And how fitting.  The silver and red moons are in low 
sanction, and Nuitari flies high in the sky, full, and only seen by his 
followers.  A sign?  I do not know.  I creep silently down to the wall, 
this time, no sacrifice needed, and I enter.  The book rests upon the blood 
ruby stand, and I take it in hand, again the whispers come into my mind.   
But I know better. I will not look.  It is for Nestos.  It will either 
destroy him, or give him secrets to share.  
 
DESDERADA MALIFICAR.
  
I make my way to Tarsis, to meet him, and Kah'rhin, and her apprentice 
Mariala.  Payment made, prices negotiated.  A future born.
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Chislmont,  3 08:40:52 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) The Beginning of Culmination. (Pt. 1)

The sounds of early morning songbirds can be heard as Kah'rihn finishes 
with her paperwork.  A knock at her door shakes her weariness from her 
mind. A knock comes upon the door and the white robe answers 'Come in.'
    
Mariala opens the door.  She steps in, one hand holding a container with a 
reddish substance.  She is still dressed in travel stained clothing that 
bears spots of blood and other questionable substances.
    
Kah says 'Ah, Mariala welcome home.  I see that things worked out in your 
favor!'
    
Mariala shrugs.  "I guess.  It was large...it was smelly...and it was 
rather sad that we had to destroy it."
 
Kah ponders for a moment on that thought sadly before speaking again.
'It is always a shame to kill a living creature, no matter the reasons 
behind it.  Even the justified ones...'
    
Mariala nods. "I must say though...Diz and his kind are an amazement.  
It's a wonder that the staff I worked so hard for wasn't...borrowed." She 
says, then adds, under her breath. "The little thieving monsters."
    
Kah snickers softly before she continues the conversation. 'Yes, they 
definitely are very comicial. So, let's see the staff.'  Kah'rihn holds 
her hand out for the staff to be placed in.
 
Mariala says 'Nevertheless...they were grateful that you sent someone to 
take care of the critter...and looked on me with strange amusement when I 
took the blood.  Diz wondered what you were going to do with it.  I told 
him I didn't know.' Mariala nods.  She sets down the container of blood, 
snarling her nose at it.  She drops her packs to the floor with a thud.  
With a slight curse under her breath, she pulls the staff from it and holds 
it out.
       
Taking the staff from her apprentice, Kah'rihn looks it over the whole time 
as  a faint glow emits from her eyes. "Very good, the staff is in fine 
shape and seems to have grown in strength while in your possesion. Lets see 
the blood now." Kah holds out her hand for the vial.
 
Mariala sighs.  She picks up the container and holds it out.
 
Kah says 'Follow me. She turns and heads out the door and towards the 
glyph of transportation leading her apprentice in silence.'
    
Mariala starts to protest, looking down at her filthy clothing.  She lets 
loose a string of dwarven and human curse words as she follows.
     
Arriving at the glyph of transportation, a room dedicated to enhancing the 
ability a mage has at using the pathways of magic, Kah'rihn stops and turns 
to face her apprentice. 'We will be heading to Tarsis to meet up with 
Xorn.  We will also meet his informant.'
       
Mariala sighs. "Great!" she says under her breath.
     
Kah says 'I know that you feel uneasy around the black robe.  But, 
remember he is still a brother in magic.'
    
Mariala nods. "That he may be, but he disturbs me greatly."
   
Kah nods.
 
Mariala laughs.  "A bath, perhaps? Not all of us are privledged to walk 
around in sooty robes and feel 'clean'"
    
Pulling a small carving of a dolphin from a pouch hanging from her side, 
Kah'rihn holds the foci high and recites the words 'Portnea.' A 
swirling portal opens in the center of the room and the town of Tarsis can 
be seen on the other side.  Looking through Kah'rihn can see the townsfolk 
beginning to stir and start their day. "That man is far from clean." 
    
Mariala says 'Why do we travel to such a place?  Is it not better to keep 
this staff safe in the Towers and away from places where thieves worse then 
kender could get their hands on it?'
   
Kah says 'No simple thief would dare assault a group of mages.  And I for 
one doubt that a thief would be able to snatch it from me.' 
 
Mariala looks at the humans through the portal.  She shakes her head. "Is 
the dark robed one not thief enough?" she whispers.
   
Kah says 'As I said he has his place.  Soliari showed in the vision 
artifacts he wished to be restored to his cousin.  Xorn is just his 
messenger.' She motions for Mariala to follow and then steps through the 
portal and out into the streets of Tarsis.
    
Mariala sighs again. "I hope I don't look too horrible," she says, 
glancing down at her atire again. Mariala enters the portal. She makes a 
face at seeing the people wandering around, but does not say much about 
them.
 
Looking back at her apprentice, Kah'rihn notices the wide berth the 
citizens of the town are giving her as well as the stares and realizes the 
condition her apprentice is in. 'I think we need to get you something 
else to wear.  I hear there is a fine tailor in this city.  Let's go and 
get you something nice as a reward for your accomplishments.' Kah'rihn 
heads down the street and stops shortly after in front of a very pleasant 
and orderly shop. 
    
Mariala merely walks on, her eyes the only thing showing her disgust at her 
appearance.  "Why?  I did exactly what you asked of me...unlike the 
others who forgot what they were to do. I would have merely asked for time 
to bathe and get myself cleaned and presentable before you whisked me away 
from the Towers."Mariala grumbles to the back of her Mistress.  
 
Kah says 'Oh, come now a new robe and a nice hot bath in your own room 
will be nice for you.  And your appearance makes it easier to spot 
thieves.' Kah winks at Mariala.
    
Mariala looks at her mentor, a surprisingly human expression that is a 
mixture of boredom, disgust, and unhappiness on her elven face.  With a 
shrug, she follows, grumbling to herself in the dwarven language.
   
Grinning to herself Kah'rihn steps into the shop and begins to browse the 
numerous dresses and robes and other finely tailored garments arrayed 
arounds the shop.
   
Mariala merely glances in the shop.  Instead of entering the shop, she 
flops to the ground outside, sitting while she pulls her tattered boots 
off.  "I hate.....blech."
 
Kah stops looking at the garments when she notices that Mariala is not with 
her, so  she heads to the doorway to look out into the street.  Noticing 
her apprentice is sitting out there in the middle of the road taking off 
her clothing.she asks. 'My dear. I know you want a bath, but don't you 
think you should wait until you are in private to be doing that?'
  
Mariala turns and glares. "If you think that the shop mistress wants 
these filthy foot covers tracking whatever...filth...that is on them...by 
all means, I will gladly track it.  But, by the look on her face, I think 
that she might prefer me removing them and entering her shop bare 
footed." Mariala finishes with her shoes.  With a grumble, she stands and 
drops them by the door. With a sigh and an apologetic looks she enters the 
shop.
 
Kah glances over her shoulder and to the seamstress who nods in 
confirmation at Mariala's comment.
   
Following her apprentice into the shop, Kah'rihn heads over towards a 
section devoted purely to robes of all types, sizes and colors.
   
Mariala looks through the assortment of clothing, her hands balled into 
fists at her side.  After a bit, she points one dirty hand at a particular 
set of materials.  She speaks quietly to the shop mistress who takes the 
clothing and bundles it together for her. "When you are ready...I have 
what I need for new clothing."
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Chislmont,  3 08:46:40 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) The Beginning of Culmination. (Pt. 2)

Kah says 'I see you found something to your liking.'  She hands the 
seamstress a few coins, definitely more then three times what the clothing 
was worth and leads Mariala out of the shop and down the street deeper into 
town and towards the docks.
   
Mariala notices where they are heading.  With a grumble, she shakes her 
head.  "Wonderful...I can bathe in the cold water of the sea," she says 
to herself."
   
Kah says 'The tavern we are headed to is the more comfortable place in 
the =whole of town.'
  
Mariala shakes her head. "For some reason...I doubt there are many places 
'comfortable' in this accursed town."
 
Kah says 'You'd be surprised how comfortable places can be, even in the 
most bizarre of places.'  Stopping before a large and extremely old 
building she looks to Mariala. 'We are here.' She reaches out and opens 
the door and heads to the counter and speaks quietly to the owner.
    
Mariala looks at the building.  She follows shortly behind Kah. "I saw 
more comfortable staying with Diz and his people."
   
Kah says 'The rooms are taken care of.  Your's is the second one on the 
right.' Scanning the tavern common room she notices Xorn has not shown up 
yet. 'It seems that we are early.  You should go prepare yourself before 
he gets here.'
 
Mariala looks toward the hall. With a shake of her head, she heads down the 
hall. Reaching the door, she opens it and steps into the room....and gasps 
at the sight before her. A steaming bath sits in the middle of the room, 
tendrils of steam rising lazily.  She closes the door, latching it tightly 
and laughs to herself.
    
Walking to a table near the center of the common room Kah'rihn orders a 
bottle of the owner's best and sits back waiting for her company to arrive
 
Xorn watches from where the border ethereal and the shadowlands meet. 
Somewhere inbetween the physical world and where the dimensions around it 
meet.  He studies the sand mage, and her apprentice for many moments, 
before his form coalesces into existance in the tavern. He nods to his 
companion, also out of phase, giving him a look to wait for a moment.  As 
he walks forth he nods to the barkeep, and comes up behind Kah'rhin. "An 
excellent choice in drinks.  Mind sharing a glass?"
    
Kah says 'Take a seat.'  The mage pours some of the fine alchohol into 
a glass and hands it to the black robed prophet 'I take it you wished for 
us meet with your informant this day, and I hope this information will be 
useful in our endeavor.'
 
Xorn sits next to the white robed elf, and takes the glass poured in hand.  
"Thank you for meeting me so far away from the towers.  But you do love 
an outing if I remember from our last tavern romp."  He takes a long swig 
from the spirit, and smiles 'You always educate me in the new world 
culture.  He is present.  He does have reliable information.  He is just 
worried, that you will not keep your part of the bargain, and enslave him 
again.'
     
Kah says 'He will not be enslaved.  He may reveal himself and join us 
here at the table like a civilized man.' She pours another glass of the 
fine alchohol and places it before a vacant seat at the table.
 
At the White Robed Leader's words, he turns to a dark corner, and nods.  
"Very well then mistress.  Nestos, come forth.  As I promised you will 
not be harmed." Xorn takes another swig from the glass, as the sand elf 
pours another.
     
Nestos appears in the same fashion as Xorn, his cowl pulled low, covering 
his face. His runed red robes moving as walks towards the table, leaning 
heavily on his staff. He sits in the chair with the alcohol, pulls out a 
pipe and lights it. 'Hello, High Archmage.'
    
Kah says 'Greetings Nestos.  Been a long time.  I see you are beginning 
to enjoy the company of our orders.'
   
Nestos grins, "They are where the money is these days. I do not turn down 
a paying customer."
 
Smiling tenderly towards the renegade Kah'rihn says softly, "I do wish 
you would change your mind and come to our orders.  You would make a fine 
compatriot of the moons."
   
Nestos says 'Oh, I am still a compatriot of the moons, just not the 
bureucracy of the towers. We could continue this attempt at conversion, or 
we could get down to business. I will come back to the towers if I find it 
worth while, until than, I am here.'
    
Mariala slips out of the tub, enjoying the last little bits of it.  She 
unbundles the clothing and wears it.  With a giddy laugh, she spins in a 
tight circle before putting the new shoes on.  With a last look in the 
mirror, she makes sure she is ready and steps out of the room and walks 
back into the common room and toward the open chair at the table.
 
Xorn remains silent through the exchange, sipping his glass of spirits, as 
the two elves talk.  He pats the satchel at his side, nodding to Nestos as 
he does so.  As Mariala enters, his demeanor changes, a very wide smile 
coming across his face.  
   
Kah says 'Ah, Mariala welcome back.  My you look lovely in your new 
attire. We were just getting ready to get down to business, please sit and 
we shall begin.'
   
Nestos nods to Mariala, "Good evening, young apprentice."
    
Mariala nods toward her Master.  With merely a glance at Xorn, she lowers 
her head...while maintaining eye contact...toward the unknown person.  She 
stands, taking a seat next to Kah.
 
Kah says 'Mariala, I would like you to meet Nestos.  He is a... renegade 
wizard on temporary amnesty.'
    
Mariala merely smiles. "Master Nestos...a pleasure...I hope."
  
Nestos pulls his hood back, revealing his Silvanesti heritage, and grins, 
"It is a pleasure." 
   
At Kah's words, Xorn obviously bites down on his own tongue, but the smile 
remains, as he looks over the now quite beautiful elven woman.  He still 
remains silent, and when his glass of spirits is gone, gestures to the 
bottle, if asking for another
 
Nestos says 'So, I see that the payment has been obtained.' Nestos 
looks to Xorn as he pulls out a rolled up map and lays it flat on the 
table. "This is one piece of information I have located. This is a map of 
the area, before its destruction of course."
     
'Zahman,  now known as Skullcap.'
   
Kah looks to the black robe then to the renegade before looking at the map 
laid out on the table.  She passes the bottle of alchohol along to Xorn.
   
Xorn pours another glass of the ale, and again begins to sip it,  still 
grinning widely at the elven maid.  
     
Kah says 'A horrid place to be sure.  I have visited it a few times 
 
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Boreadi, the Month of Chislmont,  3 08:49:18 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) The Beginning of Culmination. (Pt. 3)

Mariala looks at the map, her eyes looking at the landmarks
    
Kah says 'However, I have never seen a Disir there.  Only undead.' She 
drinks dark ale from a bottle of "Gheosfe's Delight".
    
Nestos says 'This is why I thought a map would help to show where things 
used to be.'
   
'The undead are easily controlled.  I have a certain.....affinity for 
necromancy, as you well know mistress.  They will easily be bypassed.  No 
fight needed.'
    
Kah gets a small pipe from a backpack.
   
Her hand raised, Mariala catches the attention of the waitress.  With a 
smile, she asks for water to be brought to her.  She smiles when the 
waitress return with a mug of water.
 
Nestos takes a few longs puffs of his pipe, letting the smoke drift out of 
his mouth and inhaling through his mouth.
    
Kah says 'Yes, this map shows some interesting markings depicting 
underground tunnels and what is this symbol here?'  She points to a 
symbol of a strange beetle clutching a skull and crossbones.
   
Mariala leans closer to the table, looking closely at the map.
   
Nestos,after exhaling says, "I have some information that I will divulge 
on the way. Although, right now, I know of a few people that we could speak 
with for further information."
    
Kah asks 'Like who?'
    
Nestos says 'A few dwarves. They have some sad, sob story, but they have 
information on these Disir.'
 
Kah nods. 'Let's go meet them then.'
    
Xorn gulps down more of the spirits,  in more of a ritual than complusion.  
The black robe, twists his neck back and forth, releasing tension with the 
cracking of bones.  He nods to Kah as he does so. 'By the way,  it was 
given for me to know.'  Xorn points to the beetle and skull.  This is a 
trial of faith.  Will we run screaming, or face..........the swarm of the 
scabard."
     
They all lean in and look at the symbol each with different thoughts and 
hopes and fears playing across their faces.  Kah'rihn thought to herself, 
nothing will ever have me running screaming.
 
Xorn takes the satchel from his shoulder, and drops it next to the dark 
elf, nodding as he does.  "Your help is appreciated by not just the 
Conclave, but also by me and the one I serve.  Be careful Nestos.  I will 
say no more."
 
MORE TO COME.  STAY TUNED!

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Chislmont,  7 03:18:58 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) The Education Of A Thief. (PT 1)

Raphael glances at the strange looking man as he enters the Tavern. He 
drains his tankard and rises from his stool, before staggering toward the 
door. He bumps into the man and then almost falls into a table. "Scuse 
me, dar matey," he says in a slur and stammer.
    
Xorn looks to the drunken man with the jet black hair and pays him no 
attention as he walks to the bar.  He gestures to the barkeep, and asks in 
rough common. "Might I have elven wine?  Do you have any?" But as he 
reaches for his change purse he finds it missing.
 
Raphael smirks as he reaches the door and starts outside.
    
Xorn turns from the barkeep, and puts up a finger, as if to only pause the 
conversation, and turns back to the drunk who bumped him.  Quickly he runs 
towards the door, and catches up with the smirking man, right before he 
exits. 'This can end in two ways my.........."friend."   You can either 
give me back what is mine............OR.......I'll filet your soul.  Two 
choices.........two answers.......to outcomes?  Do you understand?'
 
Raphael suddenly becomes quite sober. "Filet my soul huh? First time Ive 
heard that one." He grins and dangles the pouch before the man. 
"Though, how you would do that, makes me wonder." It was obvious he 
wasnt as drunk as he acted.
     
Xorn grins evilly at the young man, and snatches the change purse from him, 
then stares at him coldly. "Yes filet......it is an.....appropriate term. 
You picked the wrong mark tonight, but since I am celebrating......I will 
ignore your impulse."
 
Raphael chuckles softly. "Celebrating huh? Would you care for some 
company?" He says, already starting back toward the bar.
   
Xorn turns to the man once more, and his visage becomes altered.....All of 
a sudden, the man looks like a walking corpse, rotted and defiled.  Xorn 
becomes the epitamy of death.....but only for a second, as his lifeless 
hollow eyes bore holes into the thief.
    
'Filet your soul...........yes! And as for company.  If you can be 
civil........so can I?  Agreed?'
 
Raphael raises his eyebrow at strange man and sits at the bar. "Of 
course, Ol' boy. Names Raphael..Thief by profession. But im sure you knew 
that already."
    
Xorn walks back to the bar and again raises his hand to the barkeep, now 
having his money in hand.  "Elven wine, the oldest you have, for me and 
my new........friend?"  Xorn again looks at the cutpurse and grins,  this 
time only his teeth look rotted, and this is quickly gone again.
     
Raphael grins slightly and nods. "One can never have too many friends."
 
Xorn laughs heartily as the barkeep brings a bottle of wine and two 
glasses.  "You are a hard one to frighten.  And I already like that about 
you.......thief.
     
The thief shrugs indifferently. "I've seen stranger things."
    
Xorn pours two glasses of the wine, and hands one to Raphael,  taking the 
other in hand.  Again he smiles, and offers his own glass in a toast. "To 
the future, and what it might bring."
    
Raphael swirls the wine in the glass and lifts it to meet the other mans. 
"To the future." He says before taking a sip of the wine. "So tell 
me, my friend. What may i call you?"
 
'I am known as Xorn.  And only Xorn. It is a title more than a name, but 
it declares who I am.'
    
Raphael says 'Ah. Well met then Xorn.'
    
Xorn looks the man up and down, and takes a swig of his wine, before he 
rests the glass back upon the bar.  "Well met.......Raphael.....thief." 
The mage looks around the bar, noticing those gathered.
 
A tall, lithe man stands before you, his jet black hair worn down around
his shoulders. He has dark green eyes and sports a well trimmed goatee. He
wears a fine pearl gray doublet, trimmed in black, with matching hose and
soft black leather boots. His hands are wrapped in strips of black and 
bloodred cloth. A slim rapier hangs from his left hip, from a some what 
elegantsword belt. His eyes have a mischievous twinkle to them and he 
smirks as you look at him. 
   
Raphael smirks and runs his hand through his hair. "What brings you to 
this..'Wonderful' city?" He says this with heavy scarcasim on the word 
Wonderful.
 
'This city is nothing more than a distraction.  It is full of noble born 
snobs, who hate what they do not understand.  It is full of bright ideas 
and wonderful notions that will never come to fruition.  I came to meet a 
contact nothing more.'
     
Raphael grins and takes another swig of his wine. "I'll drink to that."
   
'One day, this city will fall into darkness.  It will bow and worship 
those they disdain,  and they will be grateful.'
    
Raphael chuckles and nods. "If you say so my friend. If you say so."
 
'Saying and knowing are two different things.  But yet I digress'
   
Raphael sighs gently and drains his glass. "Well lets hope I'm far from 
this place when she does come. I'm not much for bowing to anything."
   
'The Dark Queen wants control of everything.  She doesn't care about 
freedom, and she definitely doesn't care about her own son, and his 
followers.'
  
Raphael shrugs. "She can want all she wants. But I dont plan on being 
controlled by some malevolent Goddess."
   
'We are all controlled in one way or another,  but you have no loyalty to 
anyone.  I Can tell.  I would advise you have some loyalty to me.  Because 
the next time you try and steal from me,  I will have some fun at your 
expense.'
 
Raphael smirks. "I dont steal from the same person twice."
    
'Then we might be able to reach some kind of......understanding.'
Xorn grins to the thief, and pours two glasses of the elven wine, offering 
one to Raphael.
    
Raphael takes the glass and looks slightly intriged. "An understanding 
you say?"
   
'I could always use......I mean appreciate someone with your.......unique 
talents. We might be able to benifit each other.'
    
Raphael smirks and pulls out a coin and begins flipping it across his 
knuckles. "How so..If I may ask?"
 
Xorn looks to himself and then to the man known as Raphael.  He studies him 
a long moment before he continues. "Do you know what I am young man?"
   
Raphael takes a deep breath, through his nose. "From the way you smell, A 
mage. And from the way you talk, one of the Black robes...or possibly a 
Renagade."
      
Xorn does not answer, but walks from the bar to the floor where people are 
dancing.  He finds a young woman and meets her gaze, and they begin to 
dance.  At first the dance is normal, but they begin to move quicker and 
quicker, and before long, the two are airborne, dancing high above the 
crowd below, in a whirl of color and motion.
 
Raphael takes a sip of his wine, looking terribly unimpressed, but says 
nothing.
   
Xorn flings the girl from his grasp, and she falls to the ground, crashing 
into a table, looking quite stunned and deshevled, and the mage simply 
floats back to the ground, as he walks back to his drink and the thief.
'NOT A RENEGADE!  You fill in the blanks.'
    
Raphael smirks and nods. "Forgive me, my friend. The only mages I hear 
talking about the Dark Queen are renagades who've joined up with the 
Dragonarmies." He takes another sip of his wine.
 
'Do you know how the pantheon works?  Do you know of the Gods who 
represent evil?'
     
The thief shrugs. "Im a worldly man, my friend. I deal with what I can 
see, not Gods and that nonsense."
 
Xorn looks somewhat surprised by Raphael's reponse, but simply nods in 
return.  "I'll break it down for you, from a wizard's perspective.  
Tahkisis gave birth to the black moon Nuitari.  But he resents his mother.  
She is nosy and bothersome.  She wishes to control the entire world, while 
her son only wishes to fulfill his role as guardian of black magic, and 
those that serve him.  She would ursurp all control over the world, and 
take away from HIS power and wisdom.'
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Chislmont,  7 03:25:40 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) The Education Of A Thief. (PT 2)

The cutpurse swirls the wine in his glass and nods. "So you wish to stop 
her from gaining control over everything?"
    
Xorn pauses a long moment, again swirling his wine and taking a drink 
before he responds.  "My wishes are not important.  I only serve the one 
who brought me forth..........the Devouring Dark. And the Dark Mother will 
fail, because she is not only opposed by the God's of Light, but even those 
in her own pantheon. And the Gods of neutrality will side with the Gods of 
Light as well. Reorx created the universe, would he give it to her 
ambition?"
 
Raphael says 'Who am i to ponder the wishes of these Gods? Im a mere 
thief, my friend.'
      
'THINK IN BIGGER TERMS' Xorn swallows the rest of the goblet in front 
of him. 'You will have to chose eventually.  If not now, then in the 
possible future.'
    
Raphael smirks gently. "Friend, all I got to think about is the next meal 
in my stomach"
 
'What if I could offer you more than that?  What if I Could give you some 
purpose?' Xorn rubs his hands now, greedily, his expression becoming 
dark, but at the same time inspired.
    
Raphael downs his goblet and catches the coin he had been flipping across 
his knuckles. "Tell you what. Heads, I'll listen. Tails, You give me 
whats in that purse of yours and I'll be on my merry little way."
Raphael flips the coin into the air and then slams his hand down on it the 
moment it touches the bar. When he removes his hand the coin is laying 
"heads" up. "There we have it. I'll listen, if you buy another round of 
wine of course."
 
Xorn simply nods to the thief, and gestures to the barkeep. "Give me the 
really good stuff.  I'll pay in diamonds not gold friend.  Find the BEST!  
I will not drink this swill again." The barkeep nods and returns a few 
minutes later.
     
Raphael simply grins softly, his eyes twinkling mischeaviously.
     
Xorn taks the bottle in hand and checks the label.  "Two hundred years 
old. Now that is better.  Vinted after the cataclysm.  I should know young 
man, for I am older." The black robe, not in black robes pours two more 
glasses. 'Being my associate,  and friend WILL......have rewards my young 
cutpurse. I see you are a man who appreciates material reward.'
 
Raphael takes his glass and swirls it around. "So I can see." He says 
as he takes a sip of his wine. "Material rewards are all there is in this 
world my friend. At least to a "Cutpurse" like you call me."
   
'It is only half of the equation Raphael.  Your soul is the other.  To 
have one is to have the other.  To lose one is to lose the other.  You said 
you would listen if bought more spirits, and I have bought the best'
   
Raphael says 'So speak on. You have my ears.'
 
Xorn grins to Raphael and his.........youth and vitality. The mage waves 
his hand over the bar, and coins begin to fall, everyone of them ends up 
heads as the drop.  "Good boy.  Back to metaphysics for just a moment 
before we get into the practical."
   
Raphael raises his eyebrow at the coins his hand twitching involuntarrily. 
"Of course."
     
'The Gods matter my friend. They have a hand in everything.  From before 
the cataclysm till now.  They have only recently revealed themselves once 
more, but they were never gone. Do you know the stars, planets and 
constellations?'
 
Raphael says 'Not so much. I killed my father and my brother because I 
got bored with the school they had put me in.'
        
Xorn giggles and then laughs, but his tone becomes somber after.  He grasps 
the hand of the the thief, and looks upwards to the ceiling of the tavern, 
motioning for Raphael to do the same.  He waves his hand in an arc above 
them, and the ceiling simply vanishes, replaced by the night sky.  All 
three moons shine down upon them, but Xorn ignores them, instead pointing 
to one constellation.  He traces a book within it. "That represent Gilean 
the God of the Book, and the master of neutrality."
    
Raphael nods, but stays silent.
 
'Around them were two more star clusters.  One was a representation of 
the platinum dragon, and the other represented the chromatic dragon 
herself.  What do you see my friend?'
        
Raphael asks 'The Gods?'
        
'They should be there, but they are gone.  Paladine and Tahkisis are 
missing.'
     
Raphael nods softly. "Aye, you are right. I see that..."
 
'If they are not in the heavens looking down upon us?  Then where do you 
think they have gone?' Xorn nods as Raphael understands and again grins 
wickedly.  "You are not alone in this physical world you know.  The Gods 
have come down from heaven to the world."  
     
Raphael smirks and gazes into his glass. "And what does this have to do 
with me? I'm a bastard thief, living day to day with what I can steal."
    
'Your day to day is not yours anymore, when the sky is empty is it? You 
care not for good or evil. You live from hand to mouth.  But soon, and very 
soon my friend, one will prevail, and on earth, not in the heavens.'
Now the spiritual has very real consequences does it not?'
 
Raphael falls silent for a long time. "I suppose it does." He says 
quietly, draining his goblet.
    
'So never ask me again of the little importance of it. Everything 
matters.'
     
Raphael says 'So you say, my friend. So you Say.'
        
Xorn gulps down the last of his goblet before he refills both glasses once 
more with the ancient elven wine. He waves his hand again and the ceiling 
of the tavern returns, the night sky returned to its proper place.
    
Raphael says 'My thanks. That was starting to get a tad unnerving.'
 
'At last! I finally got your attention.'  The dark mage grins wickedly 
at the cutpurse. 
   
Raphael chuckles softly and takes a sip of the freshly poured wine.
    
Xorn takes his glass in hand, and bumps it next to the thief's in a toast.  
"You who serve nothing, will see what chaos can do, and in your lifetime. 
You might change your mind about that."
   
Raphael bumbs his glass back and smirks. "I might." He says taking a 
long drink, almost draining his goblet. "But Speak fast, or keep that 
wine to yourself. A drunk companion isn't all together a rational one."
 
'I could use a man of your talents..........If called upon........would 
you be available?'
   
Raphael says 'If you can find me, then I will be available.'
     
'Finding you will not be a problem...........' Xorn vanishes from the 
place he is sitting, and appears across the tavern, and he waves to the 
thief.  Suddenly he is on the other side of Raphael and he taps his 
shoulder, then he is gone again, replaced by a floating figure above, who 
pours a little of the wine from his goblet upon the man.  Finally he is 
sitting where he was, and all of this was within seconds.
 
Raphael shudders slightly. "Please, dont do that again."
   
'Since you said........please.  But you are on my mystical map now. I 
WILL find you when the time arises.'
Raphael says 'And tell me, What is in this for me? I am a materalistic 
man. Your spirital nonsense is all well and good but if it doesnt pay, then 
you can count me out.'
 
Xorn hands the cutpurse the original pouch he stole from the beginning of 
the encounter.  It is heavy, and full.  "What is here is yours.  You will 
find it............quite ample."  The wizard smlies as he hands it to the 
thief, and takes his drink in hand, taking another big gulp of the wine.
    
Raphael smirks and tucks the pouch away. "Well then my friend. Why dont 
we get drunk and be merry? Me thinks this is the begining of a very 
profitable friendship for the both of us."
    
'Time will tell my young friend..........Time will tell.'
 
FIN

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Gilaedai, the Month of Chislmont, 18 00:08:26 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) To Lance A Boil. (PT 1)

Ravir drags himself in, a heavy thud resounding from the templar's plate 
boots. Covered in a mildewed robe, the creature, the size of a man, moves 
over toward a wooden bench.
   
Isini looks up at the templar but doesn't pay him too much heed.
    
The Blue Dragon bustles with activity, and all are oblivious that the black 
robed mage is there.  He waits in the shadows of a corner, partially 
corporeal and partially out of phase with reality,  hovering 
and......watching. Xorn looks at the newcomers with........interest.
 
After positioning himself in a slumped over manner, Ravir hisses from under 
his hood. 'Sorcerer.. your pressence is most welcome.' The man reeks of 
infection and blood begins to pool near the bottom of his robe and faintly 
a crooked smile reflects from the darkness of the hood over his face.
    
Isini snorts softly at the word sorcerer, the monk never liked the term. He 
canted his head head to the side and made sure his ears were covered.
 
Xorn looks even more interested now, at both of the new people.  One knew 
he was there and the other, raditates something not seen in Neraka for....a 
long time.  The shadows around him recede, and his black form takes shape.
He walks to the bench the hooded figure is sitting upon and almost sits 
next to him, but upon noticing the pooling of blood, walks around the 
table, and sits across from him.  He simply glares at the other one,  
sizing him up.
    
Ravir loks over at you, peering at him through his hood, which seemed to go 
on into an eternal sea of darknness. 'You come to take a place within 
Lord Pestilence's favored grace have you?' The man digs a bone clawed 
finger into the table and smirks.
 
Xorn looks coldly at the dark priest, but the smile on his face is ever 
present.  His ice blue holes study the figure, and he shakes his head at 
the figure's words.  "You called me out.  I came. Speak your....peace 
     
Isini continues to drink, though his rate has slowed as if he is listening 
to the two men.
    
Ravir slams his fist upon the table and the bottles shake upon it. 'Tell 
me what you cherish, Sorcerer.. I am always pleased to know what one holds 
dear.' He hisses this through his hood.
Xorn just laughs as the man slams his fist down on the table, obviously 
pleased he got a rise out of him.  "Wouldn't introductions be in order 
first.......before we get down.......to business? I'll start, since I have 
not forgotten manners. My name is Xorn, and I am not a sorceror.  I am a 
mage."
     
Ravir only flashes a devious smile and retorts. 'My name is of no 
concern, Mage.' The man speaks in a harsh and raspy tone. He quickly 
turns to scratch his leg with his own armor, the more he moves to worse the 
smell comes from underneath his robe.
 
Isini wrinkles his nose slightly at the smell but puts it out of his mind.
    
Xorn turns to the other man, and wrinkles his nose, as if smelling 
something, not smelled in a long time.  His smile remains the same, and he 
does not answer the petulant plague bearer, instead giving a friendly nod 
to the other man. 'My........friend.   You are in the wrong place and 
definitely at the wrong time.  You shouldn't be here.  You are quite in 
danger.  Take a moment and look around.'
    
Ravir slowly removes his gauntlets, wincing is an appropriate aura coming 
from the man. He snaps his fingers at a bartender and motions for a drink. 
Upon further inspection his hands are covered in boils and old scars. A 
lesion on his upper hand moves as if there were maggots beneath. 'Run in 
fear, it only breeds power.' The templar chuckles and begins to drink his 
drink.
 
As the deseased man motions the bartender Isini turns and looks at him 
fully, wondering where such a man would believe throwing around his disease 
would be viewed as power.
   
Xorn simply......nods to the good man, a silent understanding as if the 
mage had read his thoughts.  He turns back to the plague bearer, and speaks 
slowly and dilebrately, but not with malice, or anger. 'I've heard it 
before.  Why should I flee from you?  You have your God.........and I have 
mine.'
     
Ravir scratches the side of his face underneath his hood and whispers 
harshly from within, 'Stay if you wish, and share in his divine ways.' 
The templar pulls his hand back from the hood and dried blood can be seen 
clinging to his fingertips.
 
Isini blinks slightly, he is starting to wonder if he and the diseased one 
were listening to the same converstaion.
     
Ravir continues to bleed from his left leg. Finally noticing the pain 
beneath he removes his leg plate, causing an open aroma to come forth as if 
a rotten grave were left open for all to smell. Inspecting his leg, the 
templar pulls out a shard of metal harnessed to a leather strap from his 
calf and drops it with a heavy thud on his gauntlets.
    
Xorn looks back over the the good one, but his left eye truely never leaves 
the plague bearer, and as the man brings his bloodied hand to his face, 
Xorn looks quite disguisted.   The smell then overwhelms the mage, and he 
looks with wonder at the man fully. 'It's the one thing I've never 
understood about you people, the Morgion followers.  You allow yourselves 
to be corrupted by such horrors. And then you all wonder why no one wants 
you around.'
 
Isini blinks, doing a double take, then turns away facing the bar again.
    
Ravir chuckles at those that draw back in terror and grins in a twisted 
pleasure. 'There are many who would fear the inevitable. Where there is 
decay there is disease. You have not told me of what you Cherish, mage.' 
The templar asks through a hiss in his hood. He motions to the bartender 
for a flask of whiskey.
    
Xorn looks around the Bar then turns to the plague man. "Why should I 
tell you? You wouldn't even give me a name when asked?"
      
Isini shakes his head slightly at the diseased mans words and mutters, 
'Disgust is not the same as terror...'
 
Ravir looks up and says to Isini 'Do watch your tongue, should you wish 
poison upon your family.' He scratches his face once more within his 
hood. 'Tell me to fulfill my curiosity, mage. A drink perhaps on me will 
sway your mind?'
      
Isini chuckles, 'And since I do not, by your words I shouldn't hold my 
tongue.' He turns and looks at the two sitting at the table again more 
fully.
     
Xorn again laughs at the good man that muttered, but his eyes never leave 
the Morgion follower. "I like him.  He speaks the truth.  You 
are......disgusting, an not only for your diseases, but your lack of 
etiquette as well."
 
CONTINUTED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Gilaedai, the Month of Chislmont, 18 00:11:14 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) To Lance A Boil. (PT 2)

Ravir shrugs to you in little response and pours the whiskey down his 
rotting leg. He places the flask upon the wooden table and points a boil 
covered finger at you. 'Fear is true power. The Ungod has no comparison. 
Be afraid naught! I offer a deal should you stand my smell.'
   
'I Speak.........personally for the Ungod.  I am his voice in this time.  
Do not underestimate that.  But if you have something to say then SAY IT.  
But be pleasant about it.  I am tired of your threats.'
    
Ravir chuckles and coughs for several long moments before replying softly. 
'Tell me of who is the Ordermaster of the Black Robes now.. I have a 
complaint of a renegade in these times.' The man reels back and cracks 
his fingers.
 
Isini shakes his head slightly as the conversation moves past him.
    
Xorn looks to the good man, still looking quite quizzically at him, as he 
sits at the bar, oblivious to where he is.  He turns to the plague bearer. 
"I'll play the game.......but I want a name to go with your diseased 
face."
    
Ravir hisses from within his hood. 'Skelsule...' The templar begins to 
place his gauntlets back on his hands and asks once more. 'A minotaur 
casting spells in the area has been spotted a few times. A name I cannot 
offer you in regards to whom.' Ravir looks up at the ceiling curiously 
and then looks back to Xorn. 'The Ordermaster Mage. I seek his name.'
   
Isini cants his head to the left feeling Xorns gaze on his back.
 
'You are a liar.  But your master is the father of lies isn't he.  Lies 
lead to destruction.  Fine, no name for you.  I'll just call you BOIL.  The 
master's name I will not give.  If you truely care about this......renegade 
problem.  Simply tell me.'
     
Ravir chuckles deviously from within his hood and extends his arm to the 
mage. Touching his velvet robes the templar grins evilly. 'Your words can 
be so cruel.' He says in a sarcastic tone and then his tongue flicks. 
'Just as I can be so cruel.'
 
Ravir rises up and says 'Skelsule would be the name you will speak to me 
as, should you wish suffering so soon. When I learn more of the rogue mage, 
I will summon for you, Xorn mage of the Black.' He then nods to Isini. 
'I reckon we will see each other again.' Ravir turns back to Xorn as he 
begins to exit. 'I still look forward to learning what it is you 
cherish.' Speaking to himself, 'In time. In time.'
     
Isini glances over at the noise.
 
Xorn simply nods, and takes his other hand, and removes the skeletal, 
bloodied fingers from his.  "I suppose so BOIL." The mage walks over to 
the good man at the bar, and beings to chant, and when the spell is done he 
says. 'You are going home young man.  You do not belong here.' He 
finishes the spell and Isini vanishes, and finds himself back in Palanthas. 
 A whisper on the wind says into his ear. "I have done you a great 
favor."
   
Isini shrugs slightly, 'Probably not... Thank you sir.'
    
The ramblings of the monk of H'rar follows him out the doors. Ravir's scent 
hangs around for a few minutes after he exits.
  
And Xorn whispers to himself.  "Someone needs to.....lance that boil."
 
FIN

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Shinarai, the Month of Chislmont, 30 01:10:09 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     (RP) Coda.

Xorn did clasp Nesto's arm and the spell he cast did seem to take the two 
to parts unknown.  However it was merely an illusion, in case the sand mage 
or her bitch apprentice returned.  The two dark mages remained, for 
something was....overlooked.
    
Nestos says 'Nothing like a well cast illusion spell to confuse an 
enemy.' He grins and winks as he speaks to his companion.
     
Xorn grins back.  "She told me to to shut up."  His eyes looks menacing 
again, the ice blue pupils frozen in a very real hate. "One day.......I 
will cut out her tongue." He says the last part not with contempt, or 
merely any emotion. He says it as if it was just..............fact.
 
Nestos says 'An act I would not stop, but, I must obtain the rest of my 
payment from the rooms of the other moons. Will you join me?'
    
Xorn nods and his grin becomes a smile. "You saw it too then. The fools 
were so busy wondering if that abomination could speak to others....they 
missed the obvious." He cackles a hearity laugh into the temple.
     
Nestos laughs, "The problem with the wonderment of creatures, one misses 
the magic even in the walls." Nestos turns down towards the red marble 
hallway and walks towards its dimly lit red domed room.
   
Xorn follows the renegade elf to the red domed portion of the temple.  His 
eyes begin to glow the sickly green once more. He scans the interior of the 
hallowed space. "The sconces. They illuminate each part of the temple."
 
Nestos slowly states 'And each is magic of the God who's room it is.' 
He steps into the center of the room and looks up to the roof. He then 
pulls out a red orb, two inches in diameter, and swirling with magical 
energy, and grins at Xorn. 
     
Xorn simply nods, and then gestures for the white and black portions of the 
temple.  "The God's smile upon you Nestos.  Or so it seems."
     
Nestos holds the orb out with his hand flat and begins to chant. He then 
pulls out a ruby and holds it in the other hand and begins to chant. As he 
does, the very light of the room seems to be absorbed into the ruby making 
it grow. And at the climax of the spell, the ruby has turned to a red orb, 
swirling with magical energy.
 
When this is done, the two silently walk from the red dome, and then down 
the hallway to where the objects of Nuitari were procured earlier.  The 
Black dome is illuminated with similar light from sconces.  Nestos does not 
speak at all this time, but begins the same ritual this time with a 
blackened pearl.  Again the light is captured, turning the stone into a 
similar orb, however this one swirls with dark magic.  
     
Nestos says 'One last stop my friend, and then truly we can depart. And 
yes, I am lucky to have the blessing of all three.'
    
Xorn again simply nods and follows Nestos.  He clutches the large sack of 
the Ungod's artifacts close to him, the smile on his lips frozen still.
 
Nestos walks from the black hall into the main foyer, "I would recomend 
not bringing the sack into this hallway, Lunitari may be understanding of 
the artifacts presence, but I can not speak for Solinari. And you may not 
want to enter yourself. It may be, an uncomfortable feeling.'
    
Xorn again simply nods, and stops before the hallway of white marble. "I 
will indeed wait here dark elf.  I will remain until your return."
     
Nestos now walks down the white hallway and into the room at the end, from 
a far, Xorn can see Nestos hold the black and red orbs in his right hand 
and a small pearl in his left; and again, he begins to chant, and the light 
in the room is absorbed into the pearl, making it grow. At the climax of 
this spell, the light in the temple goes out, and the temple becomes pitch 
black.
 
Xorn utters the word. "Shirak" and his staff begins to glow a sickly 
green, illuminating him in dead light.
    
Nestos chuckles, still out of range of Xorns light, "SHIRAK!" He 
exclaims, and the temple is again filled with light, but is lit by the orbs 
now orbitting eachother, each giving off the light of its color.
    
'We all got what we wanted I suppose.  Happy ending all around it seems 
eh?'
     
Nestos says 'I would agree, two items for me, three if the book is 
included I suppose. I would say that this adventure was well worth missing 
a little bit of time from the information game. And speaking of the book, 
it is a persitant thing is it not?'
   
Xorn winces at the mention of the Desderada,  obviously flenching. "You 
asked for it.  I provided.  You can have it. But soon you may not.....want 
it."
 
Nestos slowly states 'Oh I do want it, and it clearly wants just any 
soul. I plan to make it wait...at least a little while.' Nestos smiles 
wryly.
    
'Some........shortcuts...........get you lost.  I'll leave it at that 
Nestos.  I should return to the towers.  But before I do.   You get one 
item from the Ungod as promised.  He wants us to play a game!'
Xorn cackles into the heavens, and then settles his gaze upon the renegade. 
"You reach inside the bag, and whatever you pull......is yours."
    
Nestos steps up to the bag and opens it, "How I enjoy games of fate." 
He reaches his hand in and digs around for a moment, before pulling out his 
prize. In his hand Nestos holds a bracer, made of chipped onyx. Runes cover 
the length of it as well as a cartouche of the black moon in the center.
 
'May it give you lifetimes of happiness.' Xorn looks momentarily sad, 
his ice blue eyes, looking down a moment, but soon the normal smile returns 
to his companion.  "And with this I sadly must depart for now my friend.  
Places to go, and petty white robed elves to kill you know.'
    
Nestos says 'Of course, until we see each other again, my friend. Good 
luck.'
     
'I will offer her heart to the black moon, even if it takes me a 
lifetime.  I Can be patient.   Oh yes......very patient.' With this he 
waves, and jumps into a dark corner of the temple, and he is absorbed into 
the darkness.
   
And as he travels the ether, riding the wave of negative energies through 
time and space, he whispers to himself, and to his God.  "I did not warn 
him, as I was instructed.  And another piece of any kindness left inside me 
has grown dark."
 
FINE

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Bran,  5 03:32:08 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     The End Is The Beginning. (PT 1)

Xorn rests under the Vallenwoods of Solace,  watching the night sky. His 
look is serene.  It has been almost a week since the ugliness at the tower. 
He holds an orb of sickly green light in his hands.
    
Noskire wanders lost in the woods, he looks up as he notices the green glow 
and pushes through the branches until he spies Xorn, 'You.. I saw you once 
before didn't I?'
     
Xorn simply smiles as the minotaur approaches him. He remains silent a long 
moment before he responds kindly.  "You were called to the tower.  I 
believe I complimented you on this, before all the abyss broke lose.  Yes?"
     
 
Noskire nods slightly towards the human, 'Aye i do believe so... I am still 
unsure exactly what happened in the excitement.' He frowns and looks at the 
orb again. 
     
'A magical battle.  One of wills.  One of.......Destiny.  It is over now.  
The fight had a victor.  I would say I lost.......but that would not 
exactly be the truth.  It is just how it appears for now.'
     
Xorn motions for the larger being to rest beside him.  The sickly green 
light from the orb flares brightly a moment.
 
The minotaur cants his head to the side slightly and looks at you, 'You 
never lose until you no longer can complain that you lost.. Until then it's 
only a minor set back.' Noskire comments wryly thinking on his past, after 
you gestures he sit
    
Noskire comments wryly thinking on his past, after Xorn gestures he sits 
near the man but makes sure he keeps his eyes and ears open wary for any 
hostilities.
    
Xorn laughs hearitly at the minotaurs words.  "You speak the truth my dark 
friend.  The truth indeed!"  The human puts the orb he was holding in a 
pouch at his side as the newcomer rests beside him.  "Solace is a quiet 
place......for now."
 
Noskire nods slightly, 'Aye though to be honest it always seems like that 
before something happens...' He chuckles at look at Xorn, 'So that orb..'
    
Xorn grins at the demihuman.  "A way of seeing.......Magic in its purest 
form.  A gift from the dark father. "  Xorn looks around the park and the 
trees, then finally to the city above.  "One day it will all be in flames.  
He has made this known."
    
Noskire looks around at the trees, 'It is a forest.. They tend to burn down 
a lot..' He looks back at Xorn as he realizes something, 'Who has made that 
known?'
 
'Don't be coy, beastman.   Who gave you the magic?  Who gave you the 
desire.  Speak his name.  It is important we are clear.'
     
Noskire says 'Nuitari speaks with you?
    
Xorn winks at the minotaur.  "He reveals to his prophet.......the possible 
future yes.  Noskire is it?   A regal name really.  So few of your race are 
called to his service."  Xorn looks to the heavens and points to the black 
moon.  
    
Noskire blinks widely, 'Nuitari has a prophet?' He asks, 'Not to sound dumb 
but... My people don't often talk about Him much.'
 
'Your people follow the Condor, Sargonnas.  Sargos to you probably. He is 
the consort of the Black Queen,  but they do not control the magic.  That 
is left to the moons.   A moon drew you here, and his name is Nuitari.'
    
Noskire nods slightly, his eyes narrowingly, 'You saw Nuitari drew me 
here?' He asks darkly, 'What purpose do you claim he has for me, who does 
he want me to kill?' Obviously the minotaur is used to the ways of Sargos, 
the way of war.
     
Xorn simply smiles again,  nodding to Noskire's words.  "The Black 
Moon..........it is a little more complicated my friend.  Killing.....yes, 
but not for glory.  To accept the magic is take on 
additional.......destiny." 
 
'The magic is the means and the end.  It is for it's own sake.   Magi do 
not particpate in the great war for political power, or status.  We do so 
only to further the magic......the gift you have been given.'
     
Noskire raises an eyebrow, 'What do you mean additional destiny?'
    
'To serve the moon, is to do his will.  And his will is very simple.  To 
grow his power, and to reap the rewards of the magic.  To pass it on to 
those that come after you.'
     
Noskire nod slightly, 'How does one grow in power? I assume that is how His 
power grows?'
 
Xorn turns to the heavens, and points back to the black moon. 
"Yes........he begins to understand."  Xorn laughs for a moment, not at the 
minotaur but with something invisible.  "You begin to your journey."
    
Noskire looks at the mage slightly askew, 'Um who are you talking to?' He 
looks around but doesn't seem anything. He shakes his head slightly, 'Can 
one grow in power, I've never learned any new spells in..' He trails off.
     
'You seek the blackest gift?  The raising of the dead?  The healing by 
taking?   The darkness of the soul?   Necromantic Exctatics?'
 
Noskire shrugs slightly, 'I seek any knowledge that allows me to slay my 
enemies quicker... ' He looks at Xorn intently, 'If I can prove that i am a 
warrior first maybe my people...' Once again he trails off but the need for 
acceptance is obvious in his eyes.
     
Xorn cackles again into the darkness of the park, and then meets the 
minotaurs gaze.  "In decades,  mere decades, your people will conquer the 
elves.  The price will be high, but it is possible.  This conversation is 
not about that."
     
'It is..........more personal.  The Ungod wants those who serve him on his 
own terms.  Not for your people.  Just you.   '
 
Noskire blinks slightly, 'He wants me... To turn my back on my people?' He 
shakes his head, almost unwilling to believe it, 'I will earn their respect 
if I have to kill their warriors one by one!' he declares.
      
Xorn shakes his head,  negatively to the question.  "He wants you to give 
yourself to him, and forget about your people for now....yes.  In return 
for your service, he provides the tools.  But again this is personal, and 
invitation to you alone."
    
Noskire looks at Xorn thoughtfully, 'What is he offering?'
    
Xorn pulls the sickly green orb back from the pouch.  "This is a symbol of 
the power he offers.  I see your gaze and how you covet it.  If you want 
this knowledge,  bow to his will."  Xorn holds the orb out to the minotaur.
 
CONTINUED

Dragonlance Author:    Xorn           
Date:      Soldai, the Month of Bran,  5 03:35:42 354 Post Cataclysm
Subject     The End Is The Beginning. (PT 2)

Noskire reaches a hand towards the orb, but hesitates. 'What does he 
require in return..' He looks up from the orb at Xorn distrustfully.
    
'He requires your soul silly.  Isn't that what all God's want.  But he 
doesn't sell it, or keep it.  He allows it to flourish.  But if you take 
this power, you are his,  for now and into eternity.'
     
'Slavery is a tool Of Sargos and Tahkisis.  It is not Nuitari.  He gives to 
those who give to him.  Symbiotic perfection.'
    
Noskire blinks rapidly, 'That doesn't sound too harsh.'
 
'I have given all I am,  all I could be to my God.  It can be harsh.  I 
will not lie to you.  However, the rewards outlast the sacrifices.  It is 
all I can tell you'
     
Noskire nods slightly, 'That is different then i am used to.. When one 
gives Sargos his devotion he gives up a lot of himmself..' He looks at Xorn 
thoughtfully, 'Nuitari sounds like more of an even trade.'
    
Xorn simply nods to the minotaur, and again holds the orb out to him.  "If 
it is your will, take and drink of the dark river of life.  But once you 
have tasted , there is no going back.  Do you understand 
this...........apprentice?"
 
Noskire hesitates and looks at the orb again. After a moment he reaches for 
it and brings it up to his lips.
    
Xorn reaches out, as Noskire brings the orb to his lips, and clasps his 
hands to his face, holding the orb to his lips.  There is a crack and 
sizzling of flesh, and then of spirit,   sweet pain digging into the 
minotaur as it is absorbed.
    
As the crack sounds Noskire's face twitches and flinches in pain but he 
holds himself steady, bearing the pain and focusing on the power.
 
Xorn releases his grip, as the sickly green light is absorbed,  green 
flames begin to flare across the minotaur's body, and 
then........recognition.   "You are now his body and soul Noskire.  You 
belong to the Ungod........the Devouring Dark."
     
As the flames flare Noskire's body shakes and twitches and he utters a 
single word. 'Nightreaver' And then his eyes flare with a greenish glow and 
the flames fade, though they stain the mane, after all of this Noskire sits 
trembling a look of amusement on his face.
     
'Good Good.  We must have a little more conversation now.  It is important 
to know where you and I stand.'
 
Xorn sighs and looks troubled,  his gaze becoming haggard, his body sagging 
after the exchange of Necromantic power.  "I no longer am a part of the 
conclave.  Nuitari has called me to something bigger.  I Will not bore you 
with details."
    
'I cannot tell you his will for you.  This is something you must discover 
on your own.'
     
'You may stay with the conclave,  or leave.   This is for you and our God 
to work out.'
 
Noskire shakes himself slightly, resembling a bull more then ever, then 
looks at Xorn, 'For now I believe I will remain.' He smiles slightly, 
'After all they hold more knowledge then any other source and I will need 
all of the knowledge and power i can get.'
     
'I have lived for over three hundered years now.  I undestand.  It was not 
my wish to leave, but it was.....neccesary.'
    
'Seek Jendaron...........or the one known as Falkore.  But do not under ANY 
circumstance mention me.'
    
You ask 'Do you understand?'
 
Noskire nods slightly, 'Aye, and one day I may well follow in your 
footsteps.' He nods slightly remembering the names, 'Aye.'
    
Xorn grins, and begins again.  "Since you are now his." Xorn points to the 
blackened moon hanging in the sky.  "You are also mine.  I Will teach you 
the secrets I know as well.  You are my........unnofical apprentice as 
well."
    
Noskire nods slightly, a slow grin spreads curling his lips above his 
pointed teeth. 'That is well Master you seem to know a lot i can learn.'
 
'Good. We understand each other.   You belong now to Nuitari alone. Serving 
the Conclave is but a bi product.  Meet me here when the black moon is full 
once more.  Until then.'
    
Xorn stands, and simply nods to the minotaur.   He walks amongst the trees, 
and is present no more.
 
FINE
The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD
Astinus points to the massive wall of books behind him
and bids you to make a selection.
Authors: All|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z



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