The Eighth Age of Inzeladun, Part One

THE EIGHTH AGE: (Year One and Two) After the Destruction, changes swiftly swept over the continent. Drychtnoth was usurped by Fraz-Urb'Luu. The Demon Prince destroyed the Council that had ruled Drychtnoth for the past eleven years (much to the secret delight of many of Drychtnoth's kings). Much of that nation became wasteland because of the terrible War Spells of the Red Robes. Emperor Fraz-Urb'Luu led the Drychtnothians on bloody campaigns against Nyandar, Nytoj, Odhirann, and Lamapacher. Emperor Fraz-Urb'Luu supplemented the human armies of Drychtnoth with legions of demons from the nether pits of the Abyss where he was formed. The Red Robes wanted desperately to depose this infernal dictator, wanting to be ruled by a human being. The warlords of Drychtnoth, along with the now outlawed priesthood of Olanigan, strove to undermine the Emperor's every scheme in any way possible. Twelve of the Red Order's archmages (Isaxar, Striakad, Daxterata, Xesta, Mohb, Thaxos, Nylia, Kadthyl, Bathkyna, Thosa, and Omarik) made a secret alliance to hopefully bring about Fraz-Urb'Luu's fall and usher in a new emperor. Although they had disagreed with the idea of a council of warlords ruling Drychtnoth as in the Seventh Age, they certainly did not want a demon prince in command.

Nytojh and Jyrune renewed their ages old war and destroyed each other. Now, neither nation was healthy. Lycanthropy became prevailent in Jyrune and its former society collapsed. Ingara was utterly decimated by the Destruction. Lord Nadam, Lady Zren'f, the "Duchess", the former Queen of Ingara, and Lord Xanath Darksword banded together to create the States of Mercia. To help provide some sort of unity in the chaos that Inzeladun had become, King Grimhelm of Silvergate, on the First of Thomtain, Year 1, issued a declaration that proclaimed him as Emperor of All Inzeladun!

Lord Komaaks began to work to create his Orcish Nation. He began to attack and terrorize all the Orcs that surrounded his immediate area. Absorbing the tribes that would accept him as leader and destroying those tribes that would not, Lord Komaaks, now called by his former name (Kozad Jardak), began a war that would devastate the south regions of Inzeladun.

Taking the Winged Folk armies left to him from the war in Indor, Lacjasu and Kozad Jardak turned them into terrible cold-blooded killers. Because of these twisted Winged Folk, the world began to fear the entire race. Lord Nadam, not content to be only a partial ruler of Mercia, used rites and incantations best forgotten by man from a terrible black tome to meld a portion of Ravenloft to the Prime Material Plane. This was on Xaul 25th of the first year.

In Drychtnoth, Isaxar the Archmage (now an outlaw) began to prepare his allies for the coming of Emperor Grimhelm. The entire nation was secretly rejoicing, awaiting the overthrow of the Demon Fraz-Urb'Luu.

(Year Three) Lord Nadam continued to search for Thigru the Arch-Mage and his Blue Robed Acolytes. After three harrowing attempts on his life, Thigru Thorkisen began his flight toward The Desert of Yam Ibn Saud. Keeping one step ahead of the Vampire King of Mercia, Thigru finally reached the Desert and got a message (requesting protection) to Yam Ibn Saud. Yam Ibn Saud, after negotiating terms, allowed Thigru to reach his castle in the heart of the Desert. Palex Amir, the Holy Avenger used by Han Dirgon the Paladin was found by a young paladin of the Silver Tree named Raloth. The Ferrous Dragons awoke from their ages long slumber. The first to be killed was Isaxar the Chromium Dragon. He was killed by Raloth of Silvergate, Ayonna the priest of Thoth, Shazaar the Pirate, and Thelsenora the Witch (wife of Shazaar). Yam Ibn Saud planted the seeds of religion in Ara'bya, a religion based upon his own "godhood". Using Thigru Thorkisen to summon sandstorms and to augment his voice, Yam Ibn Saud would appear to the common folk as a diety. a young female mage that served Yam Ibn Saud would project dreams of his coming to the mystics of Ara'bya. Offering hope to the downtrodden, Yam Ibn Saud gathered a huge following of people convinced of his godhood. Emperor Grimhelm of Silvergate went to Nytojh to unify them under his glorious Empire of the Silver Tree. Lord Komaaks led his Orcs into war with the Dwarves.

Azanar the Lich awoke when several hapless adventurers went searching for Azanar's Talisman

By the end of the wintery month of Agik, the third year of the Age, Emperor Grimhelm, Ahgy the Druid, Thumedan the Mage, and Tho'ef Sharpshooter the Elf snuck into the evil nation of Drychtnoth. The first day of the month of Timbal in the third year of the Age, the Holy Day of the Silver Tree, Grimhelm and his people succeeded in destroying the Tyranny of Drychtnoth. Thumedan destroyed the Demon Fraz-Urb'Luu nearly single-handedly as the others fought off the Drychtnothian ruler's demonic aids. Emperor Grimhelm set up the Red Robed Mages as the new ruling body of Drychtnoth. The Red Robes, in return, swore fealty to the Emperor. This new ruling body was led by Isaxar the Archmage. His eleven partners formed the rest of the Council of Warlords. While Isaxar and his compatriots would never swear loyalty to Fraz-Urb'Luu, they readily swore it to Grimhelm. As they legally were no longer serving any Drychtnothian king (due to their outlaw status), the twelve Council members were free to declare their loyalty to the Empire of the Silver Tree. Emperor Grimhelm left Drychtnoth in the Council's capable hands.

Emperor Grimhelm, believing there was good in Lord Nadam, invited the Vampire to Silvergate on the 23rd of Timbal. Lord Nadam left for Silvergate just moments before Glauraith the Crypt Ranger was to challenge him to combat, for Glauraith had snuck into Lord Nadam's fortress. While searching in vain for the Vampire King, Glauraith was forced into captivity again. On the 14th of Thomtain, Emperor Grimhelm led a rescue party into the Abyss. When all the Elves left Inzeladun, they were intercepted in their travels and captured by Demogorgon, the Prince of Demons. They managed to arrive and regroup and they defeated Demogorgon and outwitted Orcus. On the 25th of Xaul, Yam Ibn Saud conquered Ara'bya without the use of troops. The military genius of Yam Ibn Saud used deceptive, demoralizing tactics and stratagems to usurp control of the wealthy desert nation. Utilizing the talents of Thigru Thorkisen to appear as a god of mercy and destruction, Yam Ibn Saud won over most of the populace. In the end, Yam Ibn Saud and Thigru Thorkisen (with the additional help of a young female mage, Hiss, and Morgul) killed the rulers of Ara'bya. Yam Ibn Saud named the nation Azrael and divided it up amongst his helpers and loyal friends, including an Efreeti Lord. Xanthor became a lich in this year.

Azanar the Lich, now with a copy of the Nan Curunir in his possession, began to read the tome. He discovered several passages concerning his eventual demise. All of them seemed to revolve around a group much like that of the group Xanthor the Red travelled with. He began to plot a way to destroy them, thereby making sure that the prophecies would not come to pass, or, at the very worst, were delayed for a long time. Yam ibn Saud trained in the orient and conquered lands there as Kensushuki.

Grimhelm disolved his empire.

Upon receiving word of the dissolving of the Empire of the Silver Tree, the Council of Warlords, still led by Isaxar, took immediate control of Drychtnoth. They did not want the nation to explode into chaos as all the kings vied for control. Several of the kings and warlords reacted with anger and violence. The warlords did not think warlords should be in charge. The kings demanded an emperor. The Council demonstrated via power that they will rule Drychtnoth, for they were the named successors of Grimhelm. The kings acquiesed...for now. They warned that if the Council ever weakened, their collective throne will be forfeit. The Council agreed. They will be no different than any other Emperor. The priesthood was outraged, but were placated when the Council reinstituted Olanigan as the patron of Drychtnoth (replacing the Silver Tree of the Grimhelm era). But the priesthood continued to wait and promote the coming of a "true" Emperor. One of the more prominent Orders of Paladinhood began a quest for the "True Emperor, of the Royal Blood, of the line of Malinnan, heir of Xelos' Imperial Throne".

(Year 4)

The liches Nepethoth (the Tiger) and Merandius become entangled in the machinations of Inzeladun on the 15th of Agik. Nepethoth caused Xanthor to slay Garmund the Vampire and steal his magic staff. Garmund was an ally of the lich Merandius. Sapphirian laid claim to Garmund's castle, but abandoned it a few days later due to an extreme amount of hauntings going on there.

Kreon the One-Eyed, an ancient Red Great Wyrm, was becoming very active toward the end of Agik. Raloth killed him.

Tomodachi came out of the Orient and Samadhi passed his wizard's test. The Rod of Seven Parts came to Inzeladun and was found by Raloth and Samadhi.

Thigru published the notes he had gathered on the Tower of Magic. It was titled The Tower Revealed: The Secret Deceptions of Grindill and the Horrible Truth Hidden by the Myths.

Thigru began to read several strange tomes, many of Angustian origin. He began to shun human company even more than usual. He also began to show an interest in things necromantic in nature, a side of magic he had previously always treated with disgust. As a transmuter, Thigru could not grasp the concepts inherent in necromancy, but Thigru tried. He began to gather necromantic relics.

Demi left Yam ibn Saud and established the site for Atman Tor, a refuge for female mages. She contacted Thigru and had him help her to move her vast army to the new location. Atman Tor was being constructed on the ancient site of Catemar, atop the ruins of the old Elvish, and pre-Elvish, tower. At this time, however, she was unaware of the power she is building on. She began to make contact with other female mages, including Neria the Bladesinger.

Yam ibn Saud became a demi-god and destroyed Qadib, the City of Wands.

Raloth requested an audience with the Council of Warlords, the ruling body of the Empire of Drychtnoth. They granted the request. He spoke to them of the upcoming war with Yam ibn Saud and the need to be prepared. They signed a treaty with Raloth.

Tzareth, the Lich Queen of Golgaryllgar, discovered that The Old Ones and the lost book of Groll had been uncovered. Anger, greed, and fear motivated her into action, after centuries of study and inaction. She contacted a wizard whom she had been watching for several decades. She then contacted the Kings of Onearomon and told them to get ready for guests. Then she contacted Ornt and told him to prepare for another shipment. She awakened her gargoyles and prepared her plans.

Neria undertook a quest for magical armor. Isaxar Ghor, the death knight, was killed on this quest by Neria and Sir Raloth.

Using a spell gained from Omarik, Demi "fixed" Lenore - removing from her golem body all taint of Angustian evil.

The ghost of Marlorn appeared to Demi and requested that she rebuild him, for he had been an Illusion Golem, and she was his only hope. She needed to invade Grindill's castle to gain the secrets of Marlorn's construction. She hired a barbarian warrior who had come from Indor and was terrorizing the coasts of Lamapacher and a bard of Yithilla's acquantance to help her. They invaded Grindill's castle and stole the information required, as well as a large portion of Grindill's remaining Library.

Thigru, researching the methods of lichdom and seeking a method of keeping his soul eternally (instead of surrendering it to the demons and devils he sold it to during his warlock days), had difficulty finding a way to create the phylactery, for, as a transmuter, he was unable to understand or cast necromantic spells. However, he felt that the transformation of a box to a phylactery, and the transformation of a mortal to a lich must be able to translated into some sort of Alteration spell. The Codex told him that he had surmised correctly. He requested of the Codex the location of the knowledge he desired. He discovered the key he needed was located at a ruin not too far southeast of Atman Tor. But it was written on three two-ton slabs of stone. He also knew he might need a warrior's hand in the future, so he decided to test one out. Made aware of the Elvish warrior Anzoshi, Thigru poisoned his hippogriff with a crystaline plague from an Angustian ruin he had been studying. Unfortunately, Anzoshi's mage henchman, Lemarris, discovered Thigru. Thigru shapechanged into a Gelugon, which Lemarris mistook for the Gelugon Larbius. Thigru then poisoned Lemarris and left the scene.

When Anzoshi and his sick hippogriff reached Atman Tor, Thigru was summoned by Demi and Thigru cured both the steed and the mage. In return, Anzoshi had to fetch the stone tablets Thigru needed. Anzoshi met Nala again and Shou Lee the Wu Jen...they had traveled far, across the unknown lands. They traveled to the location of the mystical stones. A barbarian tribe had built their village around the stones and the base of the old castle. Anzoshi and his companions explored the castle of the deep ones, met an old man, a druidic half-elf, and another half-elf in the castle and the surrounding village. Shou Lee polymorphed into a roc and carried the three two-ton stones to Atman Tor where Thigru teleported them to his home at Castle Darksword.

(Year Five) Thigru Thorkisen issued a proclamation, ordering all the blue robes out of Universitat within 24 hours. The next day, Thigru killed all the people remaining in the tiny nation, sacrificing them in a terrible rite culminating in Thigru's transformation into a Lich.

A priest of Olanigan, named Anathek, called to fight the Un-Dead, arrived in Itsitlawikanah and pledged his loyalty to Samahdi. Samahdi took this priest as a henchman. (winter, 4 Agik)

Firelord, now called Hitenno Tomodachi, finished his training as a Wu Jen. The only thing left to become the most powerful of mages is to retrieve his stolen soul from The Thing in the Tower.

Demi went in search of powerful song-magic. Yithilla intimated that ancient records of the Elven Song Mages who lived here during the First Age should be in the deep vaults of Atman Tor. These vaults were found to be empty, and Demi discovered that Thigru had raided Atman Tor. She and Ahmie and another creation went to Universitayt to confront Thigru. She was shocked by the carnage she found after Atman Tor teleported her to Tintagel. Thigru refused to see her, but offered to meet her at Atman Tor. Afraid of what had happened to Thigru, she returned to Atman Tor and activated the defenses of her tower and awaited Thigru's coming. He came and was revealed to her as a Lich. He denied everything and left.

Emperor Yam ibn Saud came to Thigru the Lich and told him that the first part of his training was complete, and he wanted the lich to start him on the next part. Yam ibn Saud, always desirous of power, and forever leaning on wizards to support him, decided to learn magic from the feet of the master. (date unknown. Approx. 10-13 Agik)

Emperor Yam ibn Saud sent the most powerful of the priests of Saud into The Desert. Upon entering the Sandy Sea all of them died. The last six to die was deemed worthy by Yam ibn Saud. He used the power of the Desert and caused them to rise again as his Angels of Death. The first amongst the newly risen was Fshehte. The others were Shedou, Mashtrues, Deshir, Zool, and Sulmoj. (winter, 16 Agik)

Grindill (or the Entity that Was Grindill) appeared on Golgaryllgar. He spoke to Tzareth briefly, but failed to convince the Queen of her folly. He went to the coast to speak to Tomodachi, but the Lord of Fire was not there. Confused, Grindill cast forth his essence, seeking out the Wu Jen, but was not able to find him. Grindill cursed at Shuma, sure that she had managed to kill him. Unfortunate, thought Grindill. It will be another century before Another is born. Grindill came here to help Tomodachi gain the Talisman hidden here by Sha'a and to give him three spells, one of which would allow the Wu Jen to use the full potential of the Tower Talisman. He did not know Shuma had transported Tomodachi to the future. Only on this day, with this alignment of the planets and spheres, could the Three Spells of the Tower be learned and taught to Another. The Grindill Entity tried one more time to find Tomodachi and, to his surprise, located him. He was less than a mile away along the coast of Golgaryllgar. The Entity chalked it up to the weird magical conditions found on Golgaryllgar. He teleported to Tomodachi's location and began to teach him the three spells. (winter, 20 Agik).

In Khemt (aka Ameen or Stygia), a new power was rising through the ranks of Set's dark priesthood. By unwholesome magicks, this sorcerer defeated the mightiest of the darksome priests of Set and placed himself before them. Throughout that furtive nation rose the priesthood of Set once again, vociferous in their adulation of this new necromancer. This priest was crowned Pharoah Sapanemma Kherit (pronounced SA-pa-NEMma CARE-EET); and Khemt was once again unified under the unholy laws of Set. (winter, 9 Agik through 7 Thomtain)

Kherit took the throne of Khemt on the seventh of Thomtain and became the Pharaoh. Pharaoh Kherit ordered the construction of his pyramid tomb. He also ordered Tema'enxay (the City of the Sun) abandoned and looted. He moved the capital to Erday'Nefu. He reversed the "friendlier" laws of Nepanhkra's regime, ordering the obliteration of that pharaoh's name from all constructions, denying that former king an afterlife. Nepanhkra's mummy-less ceremonial tomb was robbed of its riches to furnish money for an upcoming ceremony. The loot from the former capital was put to the same end. Kherit then ordered the capture of all non-humans in Khemt (allowed to enter and live in that nation under Nepanhkra's rule). After all the known non-humans were captured and brought to the new capital, they were sacrificed to the dark Stygian gods in an elaborate ceremony wherein six powerful sorcerers of Set were killed, mummified, and entombed, then resurrected as living monsters to serve Kherit. Nearly 200 gnomes, halflings, and other humanoids were slaughtered in this monstrous rite. (winter, 14 Thomtain)

Thigru, acting under Yam ibn Saud's instructions to bring him Demi's head on a lance, attacked Atman Tor. Thigru prepared three armies of Tanar'ri. Warned by mystical means, Demi had her people, including her mages, evacuate Atman Tor. They fled into the woods surrounding the Tor. Thigru's minions, using powerful illusions, led them into traps, where they were captured or killed. Thigru then sent a horde of one thousand Dretch Tanar'ri, his first army, into Atman Tor. Thigru and his minions destroyed Anzoshi the Elf (who had come to defend Atman Tor while Demi fled) as the Tanar'ri horde destroyed the three hundred soldiers that also stood in Atman Tor's defense. The three hundred soldiers fought well, and, even as they died, defeated the Dretch horde. Lenore also fought in defense of Atman Tor, despite the abandonment of Demi. While Thigru searched for Demi, his minions slaughtered the residents of Atman Tor, drenching the ground around the Tower with blood. Thigru, who had transferred his soul into that of one of his minions before the battle, went to Atman Tor and destroyed the tower (after emptying it of its secrets and giving Yam ibn Saud all the spell books (except Grindill's, which Thigru kept) that was stored within). Demi did not attempt any sort of attack. She had been hiding in Azrael while those who followed and trusted her died fighting for her. Thigru found her and sent his minions to Demi. They captured her. Thigru came to her and cast Intestinal Fire. As her body burned, he whipped out a crude machete and removed her head. He affixed it to an iron lance and presented it to his lord, Yam ibn Saud. (winter, 19 Thomtain) [See Fall of Atman Tor.wps for more details]

[Historian's Note: A noted historian has claimed that the above account of the Destruction of Atman Tor is unfair to Demi. This dissenting historian believes that Demi had no alternative but flight, and that the order to evacuate the city was the inhabitants' only chance for survival. I personally believe she had a choice and, with her army of golems, could have put up one great, noble last stand. Indeed, she might have successfully defended Atman Tor. The hero always finds alternatives. The coward finds flight the only choice. The reader will have to decide for themselves if this history has been unfair to Demi. I find it abominable that a site so powerful as ancient Catemar was simply abandoned to the ravages of a lich. -Sha'a, Historian of Inzeladun]

With the destruction of Atman Tor, the Lord of Magic, the Thing in the Tower, took notice of Thigru and decided steps would have to be taken.

Also, taking the destruction of Atman Tor as a foretaste of things to come, the Council of Warlords took care to hide themselves in secret from Thigru and his monstrous minions. Ahgy came to them and took them.

Lorna returned to Atman Tor, her quest to the Elflands complete. The destruction horrified her, but now she had the keys to the (still undestroyed) "rooms" that continued to float around the site. Unable to use the keys herself, Lorna decided to seek out the destroyer of Atman Tor. She was found in the ruins by Ahgy, who took her with him to where he was gathering the forces of Inzeladun. (winter, 1 Xaul)

Grindill came to the Council of Warlords, the ruling body of Drychtnoth. When he left them, they decided to oppose Yam ibn Saud.

Hiss (now called Iss'ul) completed his training by Grindill. He was now an Archmage and a master psionicist. He was unique amongst lizard men and more powerful than nearly all of humanity.

Yam ibn Saud mobilized his forces, gathered 70,000 troops, and sent them to attack Inzeladun. General Morgul led 52,000 troops on a land march toward Silvergate. General Onokuni led the remaining 18,000 in a navy of 300 Baghla ships around the coastlines of Inzeladun, heading toward the Sea of Storms and Hrothton. (winter, 3 Xaul)

Ahgy came to his brother Thumedan and asked him for the Crystal of the Ebone Flame. Thumedan asked why Ahgy needed it, for Thumedan was loathe to part with it. Ahgy explained the threat of Yam ibn Saud and he wanted the artifact for its Death Ray power. Thumedan no longer had interest in Inzeladun, but he respected his brother and understood Ahgy was sentimental. He gave the Crystal to his druidic brother. Ahgy bade him farewell, indicating that they would likely never meet again. Fearing that his brother's fears might be correct, that Ahgy won't live after facing Yam ibn Saud, Thumedan decided to keep an eye on his younger brother. (winter, 4 Xaul, The Beastlands)

Yam ibn Saud sent missives to each of the 48 kings of Drychtnoth, telling them that if they fought for him, the future Emperor of Drychtnoth, they would receive crowns of power. The kings of Drychtnoth refused. They were honor bound to support the Council to whom they had sworn fealty and most certainly would not give their loyalty to a foreigner. (winter, 29 Xaul)

The priests of Olanigan in Drychtnoth were divided. Nearly half of them believed in Yam ibn Saud's divinity as the Son of Olanigan. The rest felt his claim was spurious at best. The believers sought to persuade their kings to fall in with Yam ibn Saud, but the kings were resolute. "Yam ibn Saud does not know our ways, he is ignorant of our proud culture," they said, afraid of change. A Drychtnothian emperor they would accept, but not a foreign one. The priests warned of the upcoming scourge if they denied Yam ibn Saud. The kings were not afraid of battle.

One by one, the members of the Council came to the various kings of Drychtnoth. Soon all of Drychtnoth's nobility was agreed. They would fight as one against Yam ibn Saud and his hordes. The grumblings of the priests were soon quelled by pressure from the non-believing priests and kings.

Tomodachi, Somahdi, Lalla, Neria, and Gwyndain traveled to the Tower and attacked it. They defeated the Thing in the Tower and Tomodachi became the Lord of the Tower and Lord of Magic. (First Day of Spring, Hera 1)

Elah began to preach his philosophies in Lamapacher. Initially hesitant, he saw the wars of Yam ibn Saud as such an abomination that he decided to make his vocal stand. Setting aside his personal insecurities, he and Hobsen gathered their camp and made their way out of the Unknown Lands toward Lamapacher. His small band of followers, twelve in all, accompanied him. He stopped briefly at the ruins of Atman Tor, but it is unknown what he did there. (Spring, 8 Hera)

Research by Samadhi indicated the existence of a psychic weapon - the Ghost Anchor. A powerful spear that can anchor a ghost in place, or yank it from the etherworld to this world. Research indicated it was held in the Illithid community where it was created centuries ago, the Mind Flayer community of Molladoon. Raloth the Paladin, Lalla the Grand Mistress, and Glauraith the Crypt Ranger battled the mindflayers and took the weapon. Glauraith died.

All of Indor's Viking ships and pirate vessels began to journey back to Indor, abandoning their accustomed preying upon coastal towns. (spring, 20 Hera)

The Council sent a fleet of seventy five warships to Hrothton, believing Yam ibn Saud will choose to invade Inzeladun via the sea. Ahgy the Druid volunteered to lead the Drychtnothian Navy. (spring, 24 Hera)

Gnomes in Western Inzeladun began to die. A horrible plague was destroying them, a plague sent on them by human missionaries, priests sent to convert them. Angered, the gnomes began to war on the humans. The humans fought back. First the gnomes attacked Indor. Then, as the plague spread, they began to attack Lamapacher and Odhirann.

Human priests visited the Halflings. They, like the gnomes, began to die. But, unlike the gnomes, they simply accepted their fate or tried to find a cure.

Yam ibn Saud gave Thigru his permission to destroy the Red Robed mages of Drychtnoth. (spring, 30 Hera)

With the spring storms, Yam ibn Saud lost nearly twenty percent of his fleet, 60 ships. Expecting such losses, General Onokuni pressed the Saudian navy onward. (Spring, Hera and Artim)

The gnomish forces attacked on the first day of summer and, using their illusion skills, destroyed the powerful Indorian city Newnir. A gnomish army attacked Catemar in Indor, but were (barely) repulsed by grey-cloaked wizards. (summer, Eul 1-10)

Elah traveled to Karn. He spoke about the eternal nature of the soul and the cycles of rebirth. He told the people that friends in the present have been companions in their previous lives. The relationships may vary, but their souls are the same and your soul remembers them. (summer, Eul 11)

Yam ibn Saud sent Iss'ul (Hiss) to Hrothton, using his servant witch to teleport him. Hiss spied upon the doings there and returned to Yam ibn Saud. He reported that the Drychtnothians had seven ships left out of a fleet of seventy. The rest were sank when they attempted to attack Indor. They were not sunk by the Indorian fleet, they just sank. Yam ibn Saud returned Iss'ul to Hrothton to find a way to get the Saudian fleet through the Sea of Storms. (summer, 10 Eul)

A visitation by Grindill's apparition prompted General Onokuni to send a genie to report to his master, Yam ibn Saud. The Genie told the tale of how the phantom, claiming to have once been Grindill, but now is something more, warned the oriental General not to attack Indor. Yam ibn Saud, remembering Hiss' tale, and knowing of Grindill's famed power, decided to attend to this personally. He arrived on Onokuni's flagship and ordered the fleet to stop. He commanded the flagship to continue on, and the rest of the battlefleet to continue one day behind him. (Summer, 10 Eul)

The sub-Indorian town of Fayht was attacked by the gnomes on the 11th of Eul. Disoriented and defeated, the gnomes took the entire town captive and led them into the mountains where they disappeared.

Kalendor, a mighty Indorian city, was attacked by the gnomes next. They held back the gnomes but at a considerable cost. (summer, 13 Eul)

Grindill appeared over the Osgeld Mountains and destroyed three clans of gnomes in retribution for their attacks on Indorian cities. (summer, 15 Eul)

Yam ibn Saud and his flagship successfully passed along the coast of the Hrothton isthmus, skirting the edge of the Sea of Storms. As he closed upon the ports of Hrothton, a glowing apparition appeared unto him, its features in constant flux, high up in the sky. "I am/was/will be Grindill. Do not attack Indor or you shall most certainly face the most horrible and powerful of enemies." The apparition then addressed Yam ibn Saud by his true name. "I do not care what happens to the rest of Inzeladun, but Indor is my experiment and I shall not suffer to have it tampered with." Yam ibn Saud asked what assurance he had that Grindill or Indor would not attack him. "I do not give my word, nor do I ask for yours. Our words are meaningless. Our acts judge us. As attacking Indor will gain you the most powerful of enemies, so attacking you shall yield me mine. Do not attack me, and I shall take the same advice. Do as thou wilt, but be advised and I shall do as I wilt, and I am like advised." The bright figure disappeared.

Yam ibn Saud pressed on toward Hrothton. There he was met with the seven warships Iss'ul (Hiss) had mentioned, but also discovered thirteen ships covered in illusion. Twenty ships against his one. Onokuni, although it was beyond his power as a channeller, attempted to cast Tsunami. Yam ibn Saud sent out a warrior in a rowboat to stall the approaching fleet. Klia, who had accompanied Yam ibn Saud prepared herself for battle and swallowed an invisibility potion stolen from Thigru. Yam ibn Saud determined that Ahgy was in the fleet somewhere. Onokuni unleashed the Tsunami, but, with blood pouring from his orifices, was rendered unconscious. The Tsunami smashed into the Drychtnothian fleet, smashing the ships into tinder. Ahgy used magic to protect his ship. As he was preoccupied with that task, Klia used her last teleport to slip behind Ahgy. Invisible, she launched a powerful psychic assault on the druid. Ahgy attempted to defend, but she battered and hammered and shattered his defenses, then she used her most feared power, the Mind Ripper. She stole from him his mind and memories, leaving only a husk behind.

Noticing Klia was gone, Yam ibn Saud sent his genie to retrieve her. As the Tsunami passed, only one ship remained. Yam ibn Saud sent his ghosts in to destroy Ahgy. They found Klia above him and Ahgy already dead. So they tore his body asunder and returned the pieces to Yam ibn Saud, piling the parts into a grisly pile before their master. The genie returned Klia to her quarters aboard the ship. She had stolen the Crystal of the Ebon Flame.

Watching the battle was Thumedan the White. Enraged at the murder of his brother Ahgy, he flew caution to the wind and attacked Yam ibn Saud. The powerful wizard used an acid strike against the warlord, but Yam ibn Saud proved impervious to the acid (which burned a hole through the ship). Quickly Thumedan put up his cube of force to defend himself. Just as quickly, the genie encased the cubicle force field in steel and dropped it over the side of the ship. As it sank, Thumedan released his cube and teleported back to the ship and launched another magical attack, Bones to Jelly, upon the Saudian. Yam ibn Saud resisted the alteration magic and feebleminded the White Guardian of the Silver Tree. With the mind of a child, Thumedan was unable to defend himself and Yam ibn Saud struck off the wizard's bearded head.

As his ship continued to sink from the hole in it, Yam ibn Saud appeared before Hrothton and turned the skies red as he spoke in a voice as thunder. Hrothton bowed before him and surrendered. Six hours later, the ship still sinking, Onokuni awakened from his coma and Yam ibn Saud healed him. Onokuni disintegrated the remains of the two Guardians of the Silver Tree and flung their ashes into the ocean. (summer, 20 Eul).

General Morgul and the Saudian troops arrived in Silvergate. During the three month journey, he lost 52 warriors to desertion, and only 5 warriors to other causes. He found the mighty nation of Silvergate to be overrun with barbarians. He quickly subjugated the city of Silvergate and claimed it in the name of Saud. (summer, 20 Eul)

The rest of Yam ibn Saud's fleet arrived at Hrothton the next day, but lost fifteen more ships to the Sea of Storms as they made their way to Hrothton. (summer, 21 Eul).

The gnomish armies traveled along the Najin River and attacked Mikhaam. (summer, 22 Eul)

The Indorian city of Osgeld was attacked by gnomes. (summer 23 Eul)

General Morgul separated his troops and sent them to the various cities and towns of Silvergate and subjugated them.

In the meantime, General Onokuni directed his fleet northward, leaving a garrison of 425 troops at Hrothton to serve the new regional governor.

Reaching the tip of the Famul Melimba, General Onokuni divided his fleet. He sent one quarter of his ships into the Ingaran Lazihir (the Ingaran Sea) to subjugate towns along its coast and to travel as far as possible up the Shanto River. This fleet was commanded by Captain Al-Madhiri. The main bulk of the fleet sailed northwest along the established trade routes. (summer, 19 Ankou).

Yam ibn Saud arranged for an audience with Tagunolasu Nagutsikatsenu, the king of Nyandar, and secured his allegiance. King Tagunolasu agreed to serve as Regional King under Emperor Yam ibn Saud in return for future peace with Drychtnoth. (summer, 20 Ankou)

Yam ibn Saud and Thigru traveled to Sprakxorclerat, the capital of Drychtnoth. Thigru destroyed the city, causing it to be swallowed in an earthquake so massive its aftershocks were felt over 900 miles away. The Warlord Library was destroyed (along with two copies of the Nan Curunir, and the sum of all warlord knowledge). The Training Hall was destroyed with all the peaceful teachers of war and its methods. The Emperor's Palace, the largest castle in Inzeladun, was destroyed. Drychtnoth's most gifted and talented weaponsmiths died. The Hall of Scribes, where all of the world's best literature was stored, crumbled and burned. And the Imperial Hall of Olanigan, the most massive and elaborate temple of their god of war, fell in with the rest of the rubble. The most powerful of the Priests of Olanigan were killed. With the destruction of Drychtnoth's capital city, the story quickly raced through the nation that the Council were destroyed along with the buildings. (summer, 23 Ankou)

Yam ibn Saud and Thigru parted ways, their alliance ended. (summer, 24 Ankou)

The varied kings of Drychtnoth began to break their unity, the threat of Yam ibn Saud lost reality, and they began to war amongst themselves. Without government, the kings battled for supremacy, to gain the Throne of the Emperor of Drychtnoth.

General Morgul had a watershed meeting with Intaba, the brutal leader of the largest horde of barbarians ever gathered since the 1300's V. Intaba would support Yam ibn Saud, whom Morgul managed to convert into a worshipper of same, but only if he also was made a general. General Morgul agreed to this term and Intaba's Horde, estimated to number nearly 50,000, became subjects of Yam ibn Saud's Empire. Intaba gave Morgul native guides, shamans, and teachers. Thus General Morgul began the conversion of his troops from desert warriors to capable woodsmen. General Morgul opted to delay his march on Lamapacher, and the rendezvous at Alisander, to train his men, adapting them to new methods of survival. (summer, 25 Ankou)

Nef of the Godmen, the adopted daughter of Yam ibn Saud, agreed to support Yam ibn Saud. (summer, 27 Ankou)

Captain Al-Madhiri of the Saudian Ingaran Lazihir fleet attacked Zimbala Caba. The trading town was no match. The single Drychtnothian pentekonter was quickly subdued by the 56 ship fleet. Captain Al-Madhiri left two ships behind to garrison the town. He didn't want Indorian craft sneaking up behind him. He split his fleet in twain. 27 ships under his direct command went north along the coast of Universitayt, the other 27 ships crossed the Lazihir towards Beladumpob and its coastal trading city. This second flight of ships was placed under the command of Commander Al-Nasim. (summer, 28 Ankou).

Sha'a, King of the Elves, abdicated his throne and left all knowledge of men and Elves. He left Elfland and journeyed into the Unknown Lands of Inzeladun. The Elves gathered and a new king was selected. (summer, 30 Ankou)

Commander Al-Nasim and his fleet reached the Coastal City of the Beladumpob region and attacked. Their rather minor defensive fleet of eight warships put up a glorious but vain defense. Two of Al-Nasim's baghlas were destroyed and two hundred and three men were killed. After Al-Nasim secured Coastal City, he impaled two hundred and three of the most prominent citizens of the town. He proclaimed the entire Beladumpob region as belonging to the Empire and said that to kill an Imperial soldier was as to slay their most important citizens; therefore all men of Beladumpob must not harm any of the Empire or, in retaliation, further impalings will occur. (summer, 1 Nemed)

Four of Al-Nasim's Baghlas traveled along the Beladumpob river to the capital of the region. They sank seven cargo craft along the way and subdued eight villages. The capital of the Beladumpob region, named Beladumpob, was taken after a brief struggle with its defending nine pentekonters. Al-Nasim captured one pentekonter and sank the remaining. His loss was twelve warriors. He impaled the twelve most prominent citizens and left his four ships (and one hundred and ninety six warriors) to garrison the city. His remaining thirty two warriors took the captured pentekonter back to rejoin the rest of his fleet. (summer, 1-7 Nemed)

Captain Al-Madhiri's fleet traveled along the Universitation coastline, finding it already dead, lifeless, and abandoned. After nine days of dull travel along coastlines of mountains, they reached the mouth of the Shanto River (AKA Kreon's River). Bored with long crowded days aboard their craft, the entire crews of the twenty seven baghlas, one thousand six hundred and twenty bloodthirsty warriors, disembarked and utterly ravaged the trade town that sat on the river's mouth. Captain Al-Madhiri lost a hundred and seven men in that savage attack, but took nearly seven hundred captives (mostly women and children) and captured two pentekonters, seven caravels, and one Ingaran trireme. (summer, 8 Nemed)

General Onokuni and his fleet of 167 baghlas had sailed past the Femul Melimba territory and into the Palazwem Melimaix coastline, where towns and cities could be found. He attacked three coastal ports by the 8th of Nemed, leaving 60 warriors and a baghla at each to maintain them as part of the Empire. He encountered a fleet of twelve Nyandarian drommonds on the 10th of Nemed. These ships, out to sea since the late spring, did not know of the alliance made between Yam ibn Saud and King Nagutsikatsenu of Nyandar. Via magical communication Onokuni did know of the alliance and did not particularly prepare for an attack. The drommonds, huge ships over 130 feet long (compared to the baghla's 95 foot length) with over 300 warriors per ship (compared to Onokuni's 60 per ship), rammed in toward the fleet. The twelve warships ran alongside Onokuni's forerunning ships and grappled them and began the assault. Eleven of the hapless baghlas were quickly taken. The twelfth, Onokuni's flagship, was defended by the wu jen's magic. Although he couldn't cast some of his more destructive spells (for he would destroy his own craft, if not the rest of his own fleet), he was very effective and managed to defend the ship. The other ships in General Onokuni's massive fleet crowded in, each trying to get to a drommond, but only one ship at a time could get in, so Commander Khattab al-Singh had his ship lock onto a baghla that had managed to latch onto a drommond. His men scurried over the friendly baghla onto the drommond. Khattab motioned for another baghla to latch onto his ship, whereupon their crew scrambled over his ship, onto the next and onto the drommond. And so it went, until, finally, the drommonds were overtaken. Although over three thousand Nyandarians were killed and three of the drommonds captured, General Onokuni lost eleven baghlas, and suffered the deaths of nearly five thousand Saudian warriors, (and lost the 550 warhorses carried in the eleven baghlas). He promoted Commander Khattab al-Singh to captain for his quick thinking. (summer, 10 Nemed)

Commander Al-Nasim's fleet traveled up the Bompuchelib River in the Vral Melimba of Ingara. They left their fleet at the edge of that dark forest and mounted their horses. Leaving 80 men to guard the twenty three ships, 1300 horsemen began to sweep the Ingaran plains. Their first target was Firztrefu, a wealthy city at the base of a small range of gold-laden mountains. (summer, 12 Nemed)

End of Part 1. Go to Part 2 of the 8th Age

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