Crasi-Quest Rumours From: m.b.walker@open.ac.uk Date: Mon, 20 Nov 1995 00:00:00 +0000 THE RUMOUR MONGER - A COMPILATION OF CRASIMOFF'S QUEST WORLD RUMOURS ISSUE 1 BY THE STRANGEST DREAMS The Sentinel Hills are the site of the Crypts of Dalarnus where the dead are said to protect the tombs of the High Circle. Belgar the self proclaimed King of Madness is in hiding deep in the Calendra Forest with a large band of Dark Kin. [SHADE MACE - This powerful unholy weapon appears to be made of a black metallic substance, the origins of which are said to lie in the Dark Lands. It is designed in an ornate fashion with the head being made of a mass of demonic faces, their mouths open as if in a silent scream. Those struck by the Shade Mace will find some of their vitality (toughness) drained from them. There are rumours of the mace having powers that can be triggered through the USE order.The last owner of the weapon was a F'norian priest who was a self-styled monarch, claiming to be the King of Madness. He is believed to rule a large army of Dark Kin and is completely insane, thus living up to his name.] Keeping eyes open and investigating inns is a good way of discovering various new gambling activities. Knucklebones remains one of the more popular. Three black robed riders mounted on nightmares have been seen heading in the direction of the Forest of Olgrane. Many lost relics of the K'nor sect are said to be in the Forest of Olgrane and members of the faith are anxiously seeking them out before F'norians get there. Duke Halderson has been exiled to the Zandor Mountains after the infamous Slaver Scandal. It is still not known where he hid all his profits. NEWS FROM THE FRONT An interview with one of the villagers of Volgane from the Journal of Palgrim Gale] 'We who lived under the shadow of the Zandor Mountains ignored the ruins. For years and years it was nothing more to us than a man-made mountain. We warned those adventurers who entered it seeking gold and prayed for their souls when they failed to come out again. Several fortnights ago, strange lights were seen in the area. The bravest amongst us crept close to the gateway. Thet heard noises coming from within, noises fit to freeze the blood of a saint. It was then that the strangers came with their banners of the bone hand and their wagons loaded with huge urns. Elira was the first to disappear...' A large band of mirauko and gurauko have been seen marching along the New Vale Road under the banner of a twisted claw. A family of Wind Wyrms are making life difficult for those travelling on the Saharna Road and at least one merchant is offering a reward for their heads. A mighty bronze dragon has been spotted flying high above the Lake of Vanis. The travellers who saw the creature report it to have a tear in its left wing. [ENDARTHRAX - This ancient and evil bronze dragon is mentioned in several legends, terrorising towns and reducing villages to ashes. Numerous heroes have sort out this beast in an effort to kill it and those few who did return were badly burnt and missing the odd limb or two. The hoard of this creature is believed to contain many artefacts and relics amassed over the years, including some of the great weapons. Endarthrax has lain low for almost a decade though rumours abound of recent sightings of a huge bronze dragon.] [SWORD OF GRIMBOLD - This mighty weapon is said to have belonged to Grimbold, a dwarven hero of great renown. It is three feet in length and has a hilt ornately carved to resemble two entwined Wind Wyrms. The exact powers of the weapon are not known, though tales tell of Grimbold sending forth lightning from the sword. The exact whereabouts of the sword are a mystery though some say that Grimbold was slain by Endarthrax, a great bronze dragon, and that his sword now lies in the hoard of that nefarious beast.] The Barrow of the Five Princes can be found within the Farborm Hills and holds the treasure of their father. A Houri of L'noval has brought about the downfall of Chief Bernulf and allowed his devious son to lead the Corl Council in Karlin. The elven lord of Entris has a map showing the location of the Pits of the Soulkeeper. At least two great holy relics lie within the Pits. Laseer, the Black Raven, is in league with a group of Mordel and has been seen near the Ridomir Wastes. [LASEER - A sorceress of great power, Laseer is also known as the Black Raven. The name probably stems from her black raven hair which cascades around a fresh, youthful face that is set with a pair of fascinating dark eyes. She is normally dressed in dark clothing, embroidered with intricate designs in silver thread. Many rumours abound about her actual age and how she stays looking so young. There are those who believe her simply to be power hungry, doing whatever it takes to achieve her aims.] A Dragon Turtle in the Magdemon Swamp has wiped out an entire mercenary force sent into the foul terrain to carry out a 'cull' of the Swamp People. A group of A'stall pilgrims are seeking Wobblers in the Brankle Mountains but their reasons for this are not known. Beware the Wandering Market of Tundron, for there have been deaths in two villages recently from Moloch steaks bought from the market. The Red Thieves Guild has influence in several cities on Crasimoff's World and the great master thief is believed to be a man called Rat. The poisoned body of the great elven bard called Karliniar was found on some rocky ground near Glormon. [LUTE OF KARLINIAR - The elf Karliniar is regarded by many as the greatest bard who ever lived. His lute was fashioned from the branch of a Sensewood tree that was given to him by A'nis herself. The instrument was strung with the tail hair of a golden unicorn and when played the music produced could charm even the most savage of beasts. A group of Mordel are now believed to be in possession of the lute.] PROVOKING PROSE [These two verses were heard by those attending the last performance by the famous elven bard Karliniar before his untimely death] Below the Nightfire Mountains, When bells chime and with many cares, Under the Shadow of the Sun, Beware the flitters in the air, Lies a Cavern full of Fountains, Beyond the idol climb the stairs, And the Temple of the One. To find the greatest treasure there. Out on the eastern most coast of Crasimoff's World lies the Forest of Whispers which is a place of pilgrimage for true followers of the A'nis faith. The shroud of Eutherel is being carried by a group of K'norian monks along the Charn Road. They are heading back to the shrine it was taken from. A famous hero called Krabe was recently encountered by a merchant caravan that was crossing the Shatter Wastes. He is reported as now living as a nomad. [KRABE - An adventurer of whom many tales have been told, Krabe is said to have once been appointed Town Protector of Nomicus. Minstrels still relate how he robbed the Town Vaults with an audacious plan and how he came to have his bastard son accepted into the Court of Duke Boriak. Nothing was heard of him for a good many years and he was presumed dead. Recently however there have been several sightings which should be good news to those of his many enemies who felt cheated of not taking his head themselves. Krabe is famed for using two magical daggers he called 'The Twins' and 'Cruncher', a magical great axe.] There are reports that a village in the Evergreen Woods is now devoid of life, the inhabitants having been found in their homes, drained of blood. Darkwater Bog should be avoided at all costs due to the hidden horrors which lurk in the mists. The Trolls of the Boulder Hills have become more active of late and several farms have been raided as a result. A great monster has been plaguing the residents of Gorvill. It attacks at night and seems only interested in taking children. A large number of Trog slaves were discovered on a ship bound for Oblesk and at least one K'norian organisation is offering rewards for freeing Trogs. A huge blue-scaled dragon has been spied in the vicinity of the Stormcall Mountains. The residents of Mastar report the loss of a large number of cattle. A cave containing over forty frozen bodies was found in the Morin Mountains and further tunnels were discovered by those who explored the location. Baron Thorn has sent some of his men in the direction of the Longshadow Woods. It is not known why he has sent this force, but some say he seeks magical aid. [BARON THORN - The Baron leads a small army of knights who are all dressed in plate mail. The armour is partially covered in tattered white tabards with the emblem of a large tree on the front. Those who have seen the Baron say that he is a strong and experienced looking man, though he is apparently getting on in years as his black beard is now heavily streaked with grey. Some say that he comes from across the sea and is questing for something called the Spirit Crown. Baron Thorn has been known to come to the aid of one or two adventuring groups, one notable instance being a party beset by a hoard of Gurauko who were more than relieved to see the Men of Thorn coming over the rise.] Journeys in certain areas of the world can be quite hazardous due to bandits and mirauko clans. The Staff of Shalbaris is now in the hands of one of the Wizards of the Ivory Gate. The Staff is known to be an artefact of tremendous power. Large wicker frog statues have been discovered by travellers in the Stinking Pots. Offerings of various valuables have been found at their feet. The Swamp People of the Veller Wets are quite civilised and some have been spotted wearing simple hessian clothing and carrying metal tools. A page from a tome on Greater Magic was recently purchased by a mage residing in Wolf Dale. It was bought from a trader who claims to be able to get more. [GATE - This is one of the spells of Greater Magic and is normally found in (one use) scroll form. It opens up a temporary 'gate' between this world and another plane which the party can pass onto. Once cast the party walk through the shimmering portal onto the new land and the 'gate' closes up behind them. A group must be sure before they cast this spell for it is apparently a one way trip. There are some sages who claim there to be permanent portals to be found all over this world and other planes that can allow 'two-way' travel. The target for this spell is the number of the plane you wish to go to (information which can be discovered at various points within the game). Other planes believed to exist are the Dark Lands of F'nor and the Mirror Realm.] Members of the Free Watch, a mercenary law-keeping force, are claimed to be responsible for pillaging and razing a village to the ground in Tanglewoods. The Quest for the Chalice of Flame is being undertaken by a group of devout T'gellen Knights known collectively as the order of the fire circle. V'garnians are believed to be responsible for the reapers plaguing several of the north eastern villages. The demonic races of the Saru Woods are planning a major campaign against the cities in the area. Hardwell scouts have been investigating. Deep within the Saru Woods lies the Temple of Eternal Night where several F'norian relics are believed to be held. THE FACE OF F'NOR [Recent findings from the book of K'gros by Sage Wilos] This tome reveals much of the origins of K'gros who was known as Kygane when on the mortal plane. The most surprising feature is that during his time as a mortal F'norian hero he managed to acquire a very powerful relic, a mask that was said to have been based on the face of F'nor himself. The Face of F'nor, as the relic became known, had many abilities that made Kygane almost invincible but at the cost of his body which became withered and wracked with pain. Is seems that to look into the mask could rally the heart of the most fearful F'norians whilst those whose hearts were untainted by evil could be driven insane. Kygane was even able to control the minds of opponents as well as calling down terrible curses when wearing the mask. The book reveals that the Face of F'nor was lost at the time Kygane himself went insane on a quest of destruction in the Saru Woods. I suspect the F'norian sect would pay almost anything for the relic. Thanarik the Old King will return from the dead to avenge himself against the holders of the stolen torc. The past few full moons have brought terror to the village of Longholme with people as well as cattle falling prey to a huge Kresh. The ground beneath the City of Fendle is honeycombed with many tunnels which are said to be inhabited by a sightless race of rodent-like creatures. Brayton is built on the remains of a great astoff fortress and there are quite a few hidden entrances into a labyrinth which lies beneath it. The Grey Wastes are said to have been the location of one of the greatest battles of the Elemental Wars. The nomads of the Wastes trade magic crystals. An ancient astoff city lies on an island in the Sea of Dreams and it is very difficult to find due to the mysterious fog which plagues the sea. Ruins of a time from before even the Astoff Empire are there to be found by those brave enough to explore the Jungle of Galagris. The misty valleys of the Hammer Hills are shrouded in mystery and shunned by many wanderers. They contain the Halls of Rexmortis where great riches lie. Friar Parston is spreading the word of light throughout the western peninsula and carries the great Sun Seal. Ancient astoff records have recently been uncovered which reveal the Forest of Mantaur to be a place of great importance. Several scorpio have attacked a merchant caravan travelling past the edge of the Jungle of Shadows. The only survivor claims there was a human with them. A great swarm of Death Flies have been seen heading from the Jungle of Shadows in the direction of Morkanth. It is as if the flies are being controlled. TALKING TO TREES [Extracts from the Journals of Xerothane] '... when the blindfold was removed I did find myself in the mystical glade. Nature at its purest and a scene so beautiful that even I could not hold back from crying. At the centre of it all stood the great oak, the mighty oak, the Tree of Life... ... elves brought the bodies and laid them out at the base of the Tree, covering them in fallen leaves. In the ceremony that followed, the elves sang to the Tree and I witnessed life returned to the dead. I saw them rise and shout praise to A'nis which is when a mysterious figure approached the glade...' FROM THE HALLS OF HARZAK-DAR [Fragments translated from ancient dwarven scrolls discovered by Tarbol Jyre] '... on the rise of the moon was Garmire awoken by the strange sound. Pale was the lunar light that fell on the stone arch, free-standing alone in the glade. Previously unseen runes now glowed in the stonework and following the words of the hairless stranger, Garmire took a deep breath and stepped through. By the Blade of Breldin did Garmire now walk in the dark crypts from that time when the pale ones lived...' Please send any additions / contributions / suggestions to Ben Walker e-mail m.b.walker@open.ac.uk Up