Myanthean Journal XXI, April 13, 619

Myanthean Journal XXI: Tyrran History

The Battle for Quintari
April 13, 619

I, Daniel RedWillow, Knight Scribe of Northguard record this tale as my duty to the Kingdom. It holds a tale of great loss and great heroism in the face of overwhelming power.

My tale begins in Castle Black in the heart of our Kingdom. The flowing blood of friend and comrades quickly darkened a day that started off a joyous one.

The day began as a celebration of life. With the happy reuniting of VisCount Valthian MorAgar and Erystelle Donnel Nightflame a year earlier and their subsequent marriage, we knew we would soon be blessed with additions to the MorAgar family. Since this event, Erystelle had become pregnant and had been carrying the child for several months when the MorAgar's arrived at the swamp that day.

The VisCount and VisCountess arrived at the swamp in good spirits. Erystelle was heavy with child. It was obvious to anyone looking at her that their child would arrive any day.

Just before the noon hour Erystelle began to show signs that her and the VisCount's child was on its way. With the time of peace that was upon us, nobles were summoned from around the kingdom. It was early the next morning when the child finally arrived. The child was named Alisdair Shinnan Nightflame MorAgar. (For more information on this see Myanthean Journal III: The Noble Lines of Myanthea)

The mother and child were both doing well. The swamp was alive with celebration. However, the light spirits would turn sour. Word came down from the guards above that an elven man wearing the colors of the Quintari Royal Court had come bearing a message for Queen Celine.

A scroll was carried down to the room where all the nobles were gathered. It was handed to the Queen who read it aloud. (The letter was copied into this tome at the end.)

To sum up, the scroll described a great danger facing the elven lands. Because of the aid given to Quintari with Tarlov Ghost-Hand and the MorAgar's lineage, King Elenaro requested Myanthean aid in this matter.

After much debate a group was formed. It was decided that VisCount Valthian MorAgar was to lead the group. The VisCountess and newly born Alisdair were to stay behind, guarded by Knight Commander Ethan Heartshorne and the Royal Guard. The group traveling to Quintari consisted of two newly summoned air elemental lords, Baron Roth Faren, Sir Daniel Redwillow, Sir Nasmith Herrik, Baron Whispers, Squire Talados, Sir Istovir ElPrath, Sir Kurgin, Sguire Alisdair Kingsly and five Saurians attached to the army garrison at the swamp.

The preparations began. Count Jason was dispatched to Lyria-Tarmenal with an invitation for the elves of the Coi-Erin valley to travel with the court of Myanthea to Quintari. Count Jason arrived back the following day with King Thenneraul Laryi, Sir Aldryn Argith, Lord Argith Silverleaf, Algar formerly of the Silvermyst and five elite members of the Order of the Unicorn. Crown Princess Arianna Laryi also traveled to Castle Black but stayed to speak with Her Majesty regarding other issues.

With the apparent importance and potential danger that faced Quintari, we began to do everything in our power to prepare. It was time to gather resources and make sure all of us were properly equipped.

The next week was very busy. The guild masters were summoned to the swamp to turn over all guild components except enough to cast one 'magic aura' and two 'destroy formal magic' rituals. All formal magic casters were gathered at the Academy in Northguard. At that time many magical items were created for use by the nobility in the upcoming battle. Most of the rituals cast were; Store Ability, Cloak Death, Expanded Enchantment of Life and Imprison, Spell Store for every caster and Arcane Armor. We also brought several scrolls with us. Some create Golem Scrolls, Spirit Recall, Spirit Store and a few others.

Outside allies were also called in to aid in some areas. Qurinas and Nostrum also aided in the effort. They gave a few items of power as well as creating crystals that would allow a person to activate their dormant transform for a period of one full day.

Spirits were high when the group prepared to open the gate to Quintari. For Roth and Valthian it was just going to be like the battle against Tarlov, tough but winnable. And this time everyone was much better equipped than when the court traveled to Volta to fight Tarlov.

We arrived in Quintari to see the area outside the capital city covered with a small tent city. There were contingents from The Hinterlands, Tyrangel, Elysia, The Plains of Haydren and many others.

We arrived, set up camp and King Thenneraul and VisCount MorAgar went to meet with King Elenaro and the leaders of the other courts present. During that time I got a chance to look around and see who was about.

The Jesters Guild of Tyrra was well represented by Silvus, Baron Arainyn of Drakemere, and several others.

There was an elite force from Myrr. The force was comprised of about ten Sarr led by a friend of the Kingdom, Solaris. That night Roth and Solaris stayed up most of the night around the fire laughing and exchanging stories.

There was also a group from Tyrangel. They were led by Count Rodrik Tyrangel. The others were Baron Winston of Southerland, Baron Thorne Darkstrider, and a mysterious human named Nadji whom I did not get to speak with.

A rather large contingent traveled from the Duchy of Ravenholt. The large group was led by VisCount Daramore Darkcloud. It consisted of most members of the courts of Capulus and Westmarch. Some notable people in the group were Baron Gabrielle, Sir Nork, Lady Tristamere, Baron Nerrik, and Sir Ferral. Valthian and Daramore met in a happy embrace when their group arrived.

The next camp I came upon was the ducal entourage of the Silvermyst, led by Gonnir Valaryan. I met one more member of the court, Heru Faenor. However, by the time I arrived at their camp, it was late and The Gonnir and The Heru were going to meet with King Elenaro of Quintari and King Thenneraul of Lyria-Tarmenal. This was the first meeting of the three leaders and they were awake well into the night discussing matters.

The next camp I entered belonged to the contingent of The Hinterlands. I passed through without saying too much considering our strained relations with them. However, I did see Sir Palador of the White Hart, Sir Shaemus of Ice Wyrm, Lord Edmund of GriffonClaw, Sir Nathan Bloodmoon of Ice Wyrm and Baron Ethaneal General of the Armies of the Claw.

I also met an elven man named Lord Caldric from the Twilight Kingdom. I heard a few interesting tales from his land. However, he was very busy catching up with friends he had not seen recently. I sadly did not have more time to speak with him. He, like so many others, would be dead by this time the day from tomorrow.

We awoke the next morning with high spirits. People were feeling invincible. They had seen friends they had not seen in a while and were re-united with old fighting companions. Preparations continued. The need for celestial ritual casters was great so both VisCount MorAgar and Baron Roth were off casting rituals most of the day. That night the festivities continued.

I acquired much information that day, the information has been placed into the appropriate tomes. If you wish to see some of the tales they are in the tomes for: The Hinterland, The Fall of the Haydren Empire, the Ravenholt Reconstruction, The Evendarr Conspiracy, and The Formation of Avendale.

The next morning came and spirits were still quite high. A feeling of 'Espirit de Corps' had taken hold of the entire encampment. We discussed battle plans and sat down for a late breakfast. Just as we were finishing, the alarm bell sounded.

We all poured from the meal tents and gathered our weapons and met in front of the tent city on the field in front of the Capital of Quintari. We were not prepared for what we saw.

A huge rift had opened on the north end of the field. We stood for a few moments simply watching it. It was like a black cloud boiling with fire and smoke. We watched if for a few moments and nothing emerged. A group of scholars were dispatched to the rift to see if anything could be discerned about it.

Baron Roth spent a few minuets gazing at it. He wagered that by its pattern, it was a death rift. Since nothing was happening at the moment and because of the fear that this rift was inspiring, VisCount MorAgar decided he was going to spirit store into one of the Iron Golems. Sir Nasmith and Baron Roth both activated their crystals as did Lord Argith.

VisCount MorAgar was just returning to the line when it started. The rift flashed in an incredible brightness for a moment and creaturs poured forth.

The creatures were humanoid shapes of red and black energy…destruction elementals.

We held our ground waiting for the force to come. The two groups met. Bolts of pure destruction poured forth, as innately delivered shatter and destroy spells. As we were well prepared for the threat the shatters and destroyed were nearly useless except against the VisCount and the few others stored into constructs.

The battle was going well. We dispatched most of the first wave of creatures with only a few people falling to the bolts and claws of the enemy. Then things took a turn for the worse.

The next creatures came out of the rift. This time they were black humanoids…Death elementals with a mix of destruction elementals. We prepared to meet them when we heard a terrible scream from behind us.

We turned to see one of King Elenaro's advisors get torn apart from the inside. His body exploded into a fine, red mist. The being left behind appeared to be human with black and red energy swirling through his skin and his weapons grafted to his flesh. A rift opened behind him and the battle began. This creature turned to the guardsmen that were protecting the King. He began casting death spells that were going through the shield magic of the victims. The guardsmen began to fall.

Several more creatures similar to the first came through the rift. They attacked the king in earnest. They were truly terrifying creatures. Their swords would cause a person to die if it broke the skin. There also seemed to be no end to the death spells they were able to cast innately.

The forces began to make their way over to the fight. The most powerful from every group went to aid King Elenaro. The first to arrive were the elves from Laryia-Tarmenal. Unfortunately, it would be in vain. Just as King Thenneraul and his people arrived another creature stepped through the rift.

The creature was grey skinned with several symbols lining his face. He was shrouded by a cape and cowl. He wielded a black shield and sword, both glowed with a fiery red aura. As he emerged from the rift, a menacing cackle emerged from the back of his throat.

The creature broke off from his entourage and headed straight for King Elenaro. King Thenneraul joined King Elenaro and they stood their ground as the creature approached. The two courts held the creatures lieutenants at bay and the two kings squared off against the new foe.

The grey skinned creature cackled with a wild look in its eyes. He smirked at the two elves and braced himself for the attack. Elenaro and Thenneraul charged. They both attacked in earnest. The creature recoiled under the onslaught of the attacking elves.

The creature, know to us now as Lord Oraban, was barely able to defend himself. His defense and attacks were clumsy. He appeared to be outmatched in almost every way. For a few minutes he just took blow after blow from the two elves. He stood his ground for the most part, but did nothing to the elven kings.

We turned back to facing the other creatures since Elenaro and Thenneraul seemed to have things well in hand.

The battle raged for a few more moments when I glanced back at the elven kings. I saw them both reach down into their spirits looking for the power there. They both struck with such power that a single of their strikes would have killed any normal person or creature.

Oraban let out a screech as the blows knocked him off his feet and a dark ichor flew through the air from the cuts all over his body. He hit the ground with a sickening thud. We heard the soft sounds of what we thought was sobbing. The day was won right there, or so we thought.

Lord Oraban lay on the ground, but what we thought was sobbing slowly became louder. His maniacal cackling grew louder until it drowned out even the sound of battle in the area. He slowly picked himself up off the ground and stood straight.

Oraban glared at the two elves with hate filling his eyes. His eyes lacked the confusion they held a few moments earlier. He casually wiped away the dark ichor oozing from his mouth and running down his chin. He closed his eyes for just a moment and a pale purple glow surrounded his body. All the wounds, the two elves had opened, closed. A narrow, evil grin twisted the corners of his mouth and he charged the two kings.

Oraban's blows were a combination of incredible skill and strength. His sword struck out at King Elenaro first. He blocked several blows and used magic armors on a few more. Where there was confusion and laughter before, from the creature of death, there was only methodical silence as he battled.

King Thenneraul cried, "I strike at you with the Might of Vehanna!"
The white blade of his sword gleamed in the midday sun as it arced towards Oraban. He channeled several life spells through his blade into Oraban. King Elenaro stepped back and cast several life spells at the creature.

Wounds opened up on the grey skin of Oraban. He appeared not even to notice the wound and turned on King Thenneraul. He responded in kind and his red blade pulsed with power. He swung at Thenneraul and struck his shield several times, each time he channeled an obliterate through his blade.

Thenneraul responded quickly and by the grace of Vehanna became insubstantial just as each obliterate would have effected him.

King Elenaro tucked his sword under his arm and began to cast spells at Oraban. He cast several life spells, then began to cast celestial damage spells. The Dragon's Breaths that followed quickly closed the wounds opened by the life spells. It appears that the creature was healed by fire.

The battle shifted around us. It appears we were too wrapped up watching the fight that we had allowed some death elementals to advance on us. One dove at me. I struck out once with my sword at struck away its magical defense. I reached down deep within myself and powered my strike with my spirit. I struck the creature perfectly and it dissolved away in an instant.

I turned to see a large group of destruction elementals attacking Valthian. I rushed to aid just as they cut him down. Time was short. I shouted for help. Nasmith and Roth quickly finished off the ones they were fighting and rushed towards the destruction elementals. Roth cast four lighting storms into the prone Iron Golem with Valthian's spirit within. Valthian quickly recovered and we dispatched the remaining elementals.

We looked around to make sure everyone else was fine. We got a head count and all were accounted for. One small disaster averted.

With our potential enemies dispatched we ran to aid Elenaro and Thenneraul. As we approached there was a surge of destruction energy and Valthian's golem body, along with all other constructs on the field, were destroyed. His body lay in the remains of the construct. And thanks to the flawed spirit store scroll, I lifed and healed him.

Just as we continued our charge towards the fight, we heard an incantation that we did not recognize from Oraban and time seemed to slow around us. We watched the battle before us trying to move and were unable.

A circle went up around Thenneraul and Elenaro. We watched in horror, powerless to do anything but stand there and watch.

As all those on the field stopped the three looked back to each other. The two kings healed themselves and looked back at the creature. It was obvious they had cast magical protections on selves to ward against the effect of death Oraban's blade struck with.

Elenaro and Thenneraul charged Oraban with ferocious effort. Sword after sword blow struck Oraban opening wounds all over his form. Oraban activated several death spells and some of the wounds closed. Oraban charged Thenneraul and with a flurry of blows wounds opened across his head, neck and chest. With a final strike to the neck Thenneraul fell in a bloody heap on the ground.

Oraban concentrated and the aura around his weapon turned to a fiendish purple. He swung at Elenaro. Anyone looking at the blade knew what it would do. If it broke the skin of the Elven King, it would obliterate his spirit.

Oraban's sword arched out with great skill behind it. With the dexterity only an Elven king could manage he avoided the blow. Elenaro spun and dove for Thenneraul. He activated three purify spells on the fallen elf.

Oraban chased Elenaro past the fallen elf attempting to hit him as he ran past. Thenneraul deftly parried the blow and stood. Thenneraul quickly recast some protective magic then turned his spell power on Oraban.

Spells of every type flew from his fingers pummeling Oraban. Wounds opened as Ice, Lightning, and Stone washed over him. Oraban took a step back in an attempt to gain a reprieve. He found none. Elenaro joined in casting Doom and Life spells. Thenneraul followed his lead and did the same. Oraban began to actively defend against each spell. Cloaking, baning, or activating shield magics or healing.

Oraban stood emotionless watching the two elves. He showed no emotion as the two elves glanced at each other in an attempt to plan their next move.

An instant was all Oraban needed. He closed his eyes and a red glow enveloped him. His wounds began to close and the magic aura that surrounded his hands began to glow more brightly. The two elves realized what he was doing since he had done this same thing after their first barrage when he stepped out of the rift.

"I call upon the Power of the Unicorn, The Coi-Erin Valley and The Laryian people to Renew my Form!" King Thenneraul shouted. As he finished speaking a bright white light surrounded him. The sweat covering his brow faded, his wounds closed and the magics that he commanded returned to him.

"I call upon the Power of the Arcane, The Kingdome of Quintari and The Elves of Tyrra to Renew my Form!" King Elenaro shouted. A similar white light surround the Elven King as well. A look of inner peace softened the features of his face and soon he stood as ready as he was when he stepped onto the field this morning.

Oraban's sword still glowed purple and he laughed a terse but sickening chuckle as the elves charged. Swords met shields, swords and flesh. The battle raged for what seemed like an eternity. A quick parry or a nimble dodge was all that kept the two elves from obliteration. However, as was inevitable, their time ran out.

The fiendish purple blade struck Elenaro in the right leg. Blood sprayed and his body glowed purple for an instant as the obliteration took hold. Thenneraul gasped in horror and jumped to the fallen King. He fended off Oraban and channeled a life spell through his blade striking Elenaro.

But Oraban was too fast for him. He quickly slashed at Elenaro twice more. Elenaro fell back two bloody furrows across his chest. Oraban then pushed Thenneraul back. Oraban lashed at him furiously. Finally a blow struck home.

Thenneraul's body stood for a moment, a soft purple glow surrounding him. He fell back towards us, a bloody red sword slash across his face.

My head began to swim as time began to spin faster. All the elves on the field cried out at what they had seen. Action needed to be taken and taken now. Or else the two elves would be lost.

We charged. The circle surrounding Oraban and the elves fell. Oraban ordered two of his minions to pick up the elves and carry them to the open rift.

Sir Palador was the first to reach Oraban. He squared off against him. Palador began to hit Oraban with life spell upon life spell. Unfortunately, Palador could not hold off Oraban alone and fell. One of Oraban's minions ran over to the body and drew a circle around it in the soft earth. He cast a circle of power around himself and the body. He then cast an obliterate onto the fallen form of Palador.

Sir Aldryn, Sir Argith, Sir Nasmith, and Baron Roth finally reached Oraban. There was a flurry of spells and blades. VisCount MorAgin and Silvus of the Jesters rushed past Oraban to the minions carrying the two elves. Oraban lashed out at both of them.

Oraban cast an Obliterate at each of them. The spell, by the looks of it, would not be stopped by a shield magic. Valthian acquired the mannerisms of his wife for just a moment and jumped out of the way of the magical bolt I was sure was going to hit him. Silvus with his great speed and dexterity nimbly avoided the one sent at him as well.

Just as Valthian and Silvus jumped on them, Algar appeared out of nowhere. Silvus and Algar struck at each of them with merciless sword hacks as Valthian sent forth blast after blast of lightning. Both creatures dropped the elves they were carrying and turned to face the three newcomers.

"Algar! Valthian! Behind you!" They heard Nasmith cry out.

Both turned to see four of the other lieutenants approaching them. Imprisons went up around the three. A line of enemies cut them off. They were powerless to do anything as the creatures picked up the elves and entered the rift.

Meanwhile, Roth, Nasmith, Aldryn and Argith battled Oraban. I could see Nasmith and Roth struggling to shrug off the effects of the obliterates that kept hitting them.

Finally Oraban let loose a hail of death spells and all but Nasmith and Roth fell. However, they were no match for his swordsmanship and Oraban methodically and emotionlessly took them apart. They joined their companions in a heap on the ground.

Oraban cut a path through the defenders leaving broken bodies in his wake and entered the rift.

Without their leaders on the field the forces of death began to fall to the defenders. After another few minutes of fighting the field was silent.

Slowly a few elven royal guardsman's bodies began to appear on the field where they fell. It was obvious to anyone that looked into their vacant eyes that they were gone beyond any hope.

Several rifts were still open on the field and most of the elves were so agitated they were just pacing around, VisCount MorAgar included.

Some of the remaining scholars, who were not resurrecting at the time, went to examine some of the rifts. It was decided that any creature not of death that tried to enter one would not survive.

The best estimate we had was that forty-five people attempted to resurrect during this part of the battle. Thirteen of those people died permanently.

We were stuck waiting. It was decided there was nothing we could do until the other force did something. One way or the other, we didn't have to wait long.

About three hours after the two kings were taken all the rifts on the fields closed. We (The Myantheans) were back at camp getting food and water.

We heard a cry from across the field. Many people began to fall to their knees and weep. The bodies of King Elenaro and King Thenneraul had reformed on the field. Their eyes vacant, their skin a sickly grey and spirits having left its mortal coil.

Just then rifts began to open all over the field. Death elementals began to pour out everywhere. I looked up at the sun. It would be about two hours before our spells and items power returned. Things looked very grim.

Everyone rallied quickly, wiping tears from their eyes. We gathered in a line and prepared for the rush of creatures.

Just as the creatures crashed into our line another rift opened behind us. Seven creatures came out of it. All of them humanoid with black and red energy swirling through their skin and weapons grafted to their flesh. The order was given for the Jesters, Avendale and Laryian forces to engage the seven and for the rest of us to handle the death elementals.

For the most part people obeyed. There were a few elves that could not stand to see the murderers of their kings and not fight them. However, most people were unified on the ideals of victory and righteous vengeance and fought as a cohesive unit.

We turned our attention back to the on rushing death elementals. Sir Nasmith, Baron Roth and the air elementals were doing the most damage, since they were immune to all of their attacks. However, we would not have the benefit of the air elementals for long.

The fight behind us had shifted and had come closer to us. A hail of banish spells began to rain down on our elementals as well as Roth and Nasmith. Even though Roth and Nasmith were not affected, the air elementals were and with their defenses mostly expended they were banished.

Also Valthian, Whispers and myself fell to obliterates hitting us by surprise. I was lifed a few minutes later to a rather disturbing sight.

As I surveyed the field I saw about fifty people down. Most of Oraban's Lieutenants were dead but the only person I saw standing of the original group who engaged them was Sir Orion of Brisbane, who was currently in his lycanthrope form. Just as I awoke I saw Sir Aldryn and Lord Argith dissipate. Then in quick succession Silvus, Baron Arainyn, the other members of the Order of the Unicorn and Valaryian of the Silvermyst joined them. No one remained in that area any longer.

As I stood I saw people imprisoning themselves to spirit recall. We should have been preparing to do the same. We heard people screaming for help and for life spells all over the field.

Much to horror of those attempting it, Spirit Recall did not seem to work. I watched them as they tried to activate the ritual and it failed.

We backed into a defensive circle. The end was near. The fallen Laryian elves began to rejoin us from the circle. Sir Aldryn's body reformed where it had fallen.

The bodies of Sir Aldryn and King Thenneraul glowed with a blinding white light, then disappeared.

We turned our attention back to the on rushing enemies. There was a fierce flurry of blows and spells. We pushed back against the wave of creatures that crashed into us. As we crushed one wave, a few seconds later, another appeared in its place.

The smell of blood hung heavy in the air. As I looked across the field, in the last few seconds of consciousness, I saw the bodies of the defenders strewn about like rag dolls.

I turned to face an on coming creature, its claws swung out towards me. My defenses as well as my strength were gone. I felt a deep gash open across my chest. I felt myself falling and the world faded to black.

The first thing I remember was opening my eyes to the sounds of sobbing. I slowly sat up, my spirit still not comfortable with its newly reformed body.

I heard sobbing and look up to see Erystelle kneeling over Valthian's reforming body. As I looked I saw all of the Myanthean entourage resurrecting at the Earth Circle within the walls of Castle Black.

I stood and donned the clothes that were handed to me. I heard quickly that the Princess of Laryia-Tarmenal had been lent an air elemental to rift her home when she heard the news of her fathers permanent death.

Valthian awoke in a rage. He would not listen to reason and gathered a second force to travel back to Quintari. All of us who fell in that battle were equally ready to return to Quintari. There was much personal debate with our loved ones about the matter, but to make a very long story short, it was decided we would return to the Elven home. Before we left VisCount MorAgar was given three days to investigate and return. If we were to encounter Oraban we were to leave immediately.

We waited for our spells and items to return and departed shortly after sunset. The battle we were seeking would not come that day.

We rifted to an area just outside the Quintari border. We saw what appeared to be a larger version of the circle that surrounded the fight between Oraban and the elven kings.

We heard the sounds of battle and screaming. We heard the sounds of death. No matter how much we yelled or how loud we got no response from those within.

We waited for several days looking for a way past the circle and found nothing. (The actions tried are in The Battle against Oraban General Notes: Myanthean Journal XXIII). After our three days, which we were allowed by the Queen had expired, we returned home.

Updated:
April 634: Oraban's name added to text. Miscellaneous text.
July 641: Miscellaneous text.
June 645: Miscellaneous text.