The vision in the Crystal Ball held Faylin's interest, the Highmistress of the Red Dragonarmy, Lily Derinus, was massing her forces to attack the town of Good Bay. It was something that would normally hold little interest to the Archmagus, but Lily had other designs that conflicted with those of Faylin. Seeing her return embarrassed and defeated to Pax Tharkas became a priority.
Stepping down from the caravan from Haven Faylin saw the rushed preparations going on about the town of Good Bay. The Knight were forwarded of the attack, and Fay could see how. There, among the defenders was the strange woman she met the other night. She watched with interest as she tried to direct the defenders and smirked. They are not likely to listen to her orders, she thought, but the fact that she is with the defenders is worth exploring.
"Commander,' shouted the woman id black armor, "I see a Black Robe among you. Should you not question her?"
The Knight shook his head and went back to his duties, Faylin let out a cold chuckle.
"They are obviously too busy to pay attention to your foolishness," she said, "and besides, I am here to assist."
The Commander was visibly surprised, as were the two clerics also among the defenders. Amia Murael and Gabriel Noirgrim. Neither were particularly trusting of the woman in black, but still, they knew she was a powerful mage. Her magic could turn the tide.
They waited for many hours for the Red Dragon Wing to approach the town, scouts excitedly reported the approach, and then reported the unexpected retreat. The defenders became confused. There was debate over the best course of action, whether to pursue them to Pax Tharkas, or spend the extra time to bolster defenses. The decision was to stay, which was the better decision for the defenders since several hours later another Army approached the town, lead by the warrior only known as Twilight. They attacked the town and Twilight managed to break through the defenses to rush the black robed Archmage.
Faylin's magic barely held him back, but he finally fell. With the fall of their leader the remaining troops where quickly dispatched or fled the field.
Following the battle Faylin searched Twilight's corpse for some clue as to his orders. Why did he attack at this time, she wondered. Does this have something to do with Lily's plans? She found nothing.
The strange warrior woman in black asked to be allowed to return the bodies of the leaders to their troops, arguing that it was the honourable thing to do. The Knight Commander agreed. Faylin was exhausted following the battle and took a rest in the Good Bay Inn, before returning to the Nightlund School.
Later Faylin gazed into a large Crystal Ball, a scrying device used by the Conclave to keep tabs on their enemies - and friends. She discovered the Fortress of Pax Tharkas had changed hands. An alliance of Elves and Dwarves took advantage of the troop movement to attack the undermanned fortress and captured it. She then searched for the Red Army and found their units scattered and disorganized. Then she tried to find the strange warrior woman in black armour. Before she could focus her attention on the woman Faylin saw the face of Takhisis and the Ball shattered on its pedestal.
Shaken from her deep state of concentration, Faylin moved away from the pieces of the Ball, thinking carefully about what it told her.

(( OOC anyone that took part in this battle is encouraged to add their comment ))

Valandil Ancalime

Days before he had been alerted of secret arms buildups in Qualinost. Finding this interesting Valandil went to his mother to find out what was happening, though she only knew the rangers were preparing for battle. He then went to the ranger's commander and offered his assistance, and within his previous fame of the rescueing of a few Qualinost citizens and the defeat of their captors they allowed him in.

Days had passed then as their chance finally came, scouts reporting the Red DragonArmy moving from Pax Tharkas, messengers ran back and forth from Hill Home and Qualinost, until the army finally had passed. They set their plans into action, troops setting out to the gates of Pax Tharkas. The combined forces arrived at the gates. The Qualinost archers took ranks and began firing on the already undermanned walls of Pax Tharkas, supressing their archers, the dwarves rushed in with battering rams and the magi threw balls of flame at the gates to weaken its metalworking. The gates broke and the elves drew blades, charging forward behind the dwarves, having already entered and begun combat with the defenders. Valandil drew forth his grandfathers blade, simply named the Heirloom Blade, and assisted in cutting through the defenders ranks with ease.

Upon taking the courtyard the entered the keep, where the main skirmishes began. After a bit of a struggle they finally broke them, cutting through and clearing out the rooms from remaining DragonArmy soldiers.

This repeated a couple more times throughout the Keep, taking the armory, dining areas, barracks, and the mines. Finally clearing out the entire of Pax Tharkas, they declared victory, and began setting in motion fortifying the area from counter-attacks. Manning the walls, setting shifts on posts, and keeping constant watch. Valandil stuck around to assist in this endeavor. Until finally he was no longer needed, upon which setting out in search.

Shylana having heard of the awful display by her "highmaster", stalked through Palanthas to find them. Once again they were ensconced in an inn room. She sighed heavily and banged on the door roughly. "Open this door now or I will kick it in." Lily opened the door rather slowly standing in the frame. Shylana pushed her way in and saw Coyle asleep on the bedroll drooling on himself. She shook her head in disgust. Slamming the door behind her she turned to Lily. " Have you succeded?" she asked with a sarcastic tone. Lily, somewhat inhebriated, answered offhandly, " Does it look like it?". Shy smirks and continues, " What are your plans now?". Lily only shrugs and slurs her speach, "Sleep." Gritting her teeth in annoyance at this weak defeated woman she says simply, " I was hired for a purpose and I still have a job to do even if you failed." Lily smirks and waves a hand, " Do what you want, I dont care."

Storming out of the inn Shylana heads for the caravans to take her to Neraka in search of the NightMistress Cassandra. Upon entering the Fortress her eyes narrow as she approaches the throne. A woman sits there bearing the Crown of Power. She simply stands there and raises a brow at the woman. After staring at each other without words for several minutes Shylana finally speaks. " I seek Emporer Talash." The woman chuckles and says , " no, you really do not." Narrowing her gaze further though hidden beneath her hood, " and why is that?" Smirking the woman answers, " because if you do and remain standing for more than ten seconds I will take that head from your pretty shoulders." Slowly Shylana gets to her knees exagerating the time it would take , her eyes never leaving that of the one before her. "I am Dragon Emporess Shana Ashall, I wear the crown once again, as it was always rightfully mine." Shy simply watches with amusement then being the spriteful woman she is lends a challenging tone to her voice, " Perhaps you stole it? You dare to ask my loyalty yet you sit there a deserter, where have you been?" Shana's smirk faulters as her eyes narrow, " a deserter?" Shy bows her head slightly and waves a hand as if to dismiss the thought, " mere rumors i'm sure" she says , thinking it better to stay on this one's good side so long as it benefits her. Shana nearly chuckles and tells her, " you've the balls of a minotaur.... and for that you shall live... for now." Shy chuckles, "so they tell me. What would her dark majesty have me do now? I was hired for a specific purpose and am far above a simple foot soldier, what of Adrian?" "He is no longer your concern, you are to go to Zaradene... find them young.. they will need to be replaced." With a simple nod Shylana stands and turns to leave. Hearing Shana begin to speak she continues walking and strolls out the door.

Ramses travels to Neraka upon hearing the news of the devastating defeat at Goodbay and the loss of Pax Tharkas. His entire travel was riddled with thoughts of what was next, considering his army was the next closest to Pax Tharkas and if the new owners decided to fortify and strike, he would surely be next. The situation had turned from somewhat peaceful to dire for the Dragonarmies. Lily would surely be executed for disobedience towards the Dragon Emperor and her monumental failures if she survived the battle and if Adrian ever managed to escape execution by the Knights of Solamnia he would have several questions to answer before being put back as a guard in someone's army. They made excellent soldiers when they were given simple commands to follow....obviously they proved they are both incapable of leadership and now will pay the ultimate price. Hopefully Coyle is far wiser and will learn from this incident... Ramses thought to himself with a scowl as he road his great black Dragon to Neraka. Everything the Dragonarmies had held were now in jeopardy because of an ill prepared strike and of all the fortresses to be captured, it had to be their strongest fortification. Without an ample force it would nigh impossible to retake even with Dragons. This situation needs to be assessed quickly and carefully to ensure nothing further is jeopardized...


As he landed in Neraka, he left his Dragon next to the Keep and ordered her to do as she wishes for a few hours since he planned on making his stay a long one to ensure everything is discussed. The Dragon roared and flew off, kicking up dust from the streets as her great wings lifted her up above the city and off into the distance. Striding into the Keep, he saw a familiar figure sitting on the throne. The figure was much smaller than The Dragon Emperor Talash, but he couldn't help but smirk when he saw her. "Ah Dragon Empress at last I see? Seems I missed much by sitting out on this battle Shana." Kneeling before the throne, Ramses drew back his hood, laid his shield to his left and his sword on his right. "The Will of Takhisis has been enforced and I am bound to her Will. What can the right hand of the Crown do for the Dragon Empress?"

Shana watches the woman walk away "That one will be useful...once i have reigned in her insolence"

"Guard send out the dragons to every headquarters with orders that every ranking officers presence is required in Neraka immediatly,and tell the dragons that if any baulk at the order they are lunch"

...............

Shana beckons Rameses to rise "Talash is with Takhisis...but his will and Our Queens vision will come to pass,and us mere mortals will make sure it does.It is time for us to change Rameses not all will be happy but they will learn to change or they will explain themselves in the Abyss!"
She rises from the throne and beckons Rameses to follow "Somewhere a little more private...we have much to discuss"

Ramses rises at her beckon and collects his sword and shield before speaking. "The Will of Takhisis is law and those that do not like it can answer to her...yes, there is much to be discussed." Following Shana, Ramses ponders on what she is planning as far as "changes".


//OOC We wanna meet in game or just exchange PMs?

//IG best but if you're busy pm's are good

//We can try and meet IG (Server's still down right?) the next time the server is up. If it isn't up by tomorrow when I get off work I'll send you a PM.

Talash, sitting in his secure Sanctuary, watches the events unfold. He turns to the woman beside him... "I do so love how absolute power corrupts absolutely" he says with a smirk. The woman next to him merely smiles a wicked smile and nods.

"She thinks she has won something with her taking of the crown. It is too bad for her it was not me. She believes me with our mother. Such a surprise it shall be for her I think. Ramses of course is doing as we all know him to do. He follows the crown, whomever holds it. So much will change, and I shall enjoy the havoc these fools endure" He laughs maniacally for a few moments, then calms himself. "Private? HA! Nothing is private from me. Such romantic nonsense." He laughs again, sitting in his chair, and drinking from his large tankard, while relaxing....


"Time to discuss things with Ramses I suppose. Shana will most likely think to usurp what the queen ordered of me, for her own benefit. We shall have to remedy this I think" Talash sits back, and muses the very near future, and the changes it holds, and smiles to himself.

He picks up a quill, and dips it in ink, and begins to scribe something down. After a few moments, he drops the quill, and rolls the paper up, sealing it. "Time to have a word with my friend.......


//PM sent to the appropriate party.

Once settled in Shana's new office the talk turns from the superficial niceties to more important matters..
"What i say to you here goes no further for the moment Rameses...and say nothing till i finish then think carefully before answering"

Shana watches the slight nod and carries on with the seed of a Vision that has been given to her.

"My absence was forced upon me due to the fact i am quite attached to my life....and to lose it as so many fine soldiers did would have been a waste...but then your army suffered as did mine so i do not need to tell you.But i have not been idle during my absence...I signed myself on as a caravan guard and have travelled Krynn with no one knowing who i was but seeing much in all corners of the lands.I have travelled through Solamnia and watched the Knights in they're daily routines in both peace and war....and tho it saddens me to say it,we will never defeat them for they have something we do not....they have Faith...not just in their gods but in themselves and more importantly in each other.....I was ordered by Takhisis to defend Goodbay from the Red army and in doing so i saw their unity in adversity they stood for each other and their Gods...while we were beaten back once again.What i propose is to reject Takhisis's Law completely that evil must feed on itself to weed out the weak and to follow along the lines of the Knights of Solamnia where we are one drawing steel in Her name with no petty rivalries to help destroy us as history shows us always happens."

Shana sits back watching Rameses face as he digests what she has proposed..........

Your words are not far from what I have always thought myself since I replaced the late Lord Diesel on the Throne as Highlord of the Black Dragon Army. That level of sophistication will require ultimate submission and recognition that there is no higher voice than that of Takhisis. Many of the men that serve in these armies only recognize the Dragon Queen by name, not by theology or faith. They do not feel as we do that faith brings strength and bestows power upon the faithful. If this is the Will of Takhisis, I propose one thing that will realign the armies into one great super-power that will crush the corrupted Knights of Solamnia. While they may all agree that they serve their patron Gods, many serve themselves first, stirring the pot of corruption that has bred the infestation that reeks through Palanthas. They have few, like ourselves, that are truly faithful to the Gods above all else and have been rewarded. To take their advantage of organization away and give ourselves an advantage over them is a simple phrase: "Submit or Die." Either the armies and their Highlords submit to the word and will of Takhisis or they will face the unholy wrath of the faithful and strong chosen by Takhisis to reform and restructure.

We will need 3 generals and a grand commander to rule this new structure: A master of war to command the blades, spears and arrows that Takhisis commands, a master of the clergy to unite the unholy might of Takhisis and infuse her armies with her divine might, and a master of arcane magic that commands armored mages capable of crossing blades and slinging spells into the field of battle to compliment the masters of war and divinity. The grand commander will be the mortal voice of Takhisis' Will...you. With 4 of Takhisis' most faithful commanding the army there will be no logical reason to question a command and no logical reason to betray a fellow faithful because it will become apparent that every betrayal within the structure weakens us, corrupts us and will lead us down the same path as the Knights of Solamnia. Every soldier will be asked again to "Submit or Die", but this oath now holds a meaning deeper than before. It commands that every soldier puts their faith in Takhisis rather than their superior officer and in that respect....we will become unstoppable.

Reports tell that the highlord of the green wing, Coyle Eirnin has returned to Flotsam alone.

The town of Haven seemed to be getting back to normal. The reversal at Good Bay and Pax Tharkas having little effect on the slave traders, who continued their work with relish. On one street Faylin encountered the strange woman warrior who assisted in the defense of Good Bay. On seeing the mage Shana Ashall turned and spat, "Not the safest place for you to be mage."
"Oh. Why is that?" Faylin answered.
"Perhaps your actions in Good Bay."
"I could say the same about your actions," Faylin smirked.
Shana shook her head, "But then I came out as their commander. You are the mage who attacked my troops."
Faylin calmly replied, "That is not how I recall the events." In fact Faylin clearly recalled her awkward attempts to organize the defenders.
"No," Shana shot back, "I seem to recall you casting at the dragon army troops. My troops now," She smiled.
"And yet you left on amicable terms with the defenders of the town, as I recall," she smiled, sensing some discomfort from the woman.
Shana nodded, "I did; but then perhaps they would not have, had they known who I was and who had sent me to Good Bay."
"Perhaps, but in any case, you did not let me in on your designs. I was only defending myself from attack."
"Oh no, you could have left," Shana countered, "and yet a black hearted mage stood with the Knights. You wanted to stay and do battle."
Faylin shrugged, the woman did not understand the Black Robe's motives, and Fay did not feel like explaining herself to this one, "I do as I please. And the enemy commander, Twilight, did come straight at me."
"In my lands you do not do 'as you please' mage," Shana shot back.
Faylin did not show her surprise, now she was intrigued by this turn of events. "Ah. So you now control the lands conquored in the name of the Queen?"
Shana nodded, "I do."
Faylin thought for a moment. It was possible that this one was no friend of the High Lady of the Red Wing, either. She decided to play her hand, "What do you think of the Highlady Lily Dernuis?"
Shana was in no mood for games, "What I think is none of your business mage. Now I will grant you this one boon for your aid in taking Twilight. Leave my lands."
She feels gratitude to me for dispatching the Warrior Twilight, Faylin thought, that is interesting. And it only means one thing, Twilight is, or was, The Dragon Emperor, Talash. She smiled but was still somewhat annoyed at the ingratitude of this new Dragon Empress, Faylin sniffed at her threat and turned away, preparing to leave. "Very well," she said.
The new Dragon Empress was not done however, "Your name is Faylin isn't it," she smirked. "Know this, your name and description will be passed to everyone of my soldiers once you have gone; and you are named as an enemy of Her Majesties Armies."
Faylin looked back, she was still curious as to who this woman was. Perhaps another question will give away her identity, she thought. "When we met before you mentioned Shimmiyan. How do you know her?"
"You may tell her the accord," Shana waved her hand, "if there ever really was one, is gone, by your actions and those of Gilfaen, many years ago."
Faylin only seemed amused at this pronouncement, "Hum. Really. And you have your Queen's support in this decision?"
Shana looked clearly annoyed, "Did you not wear the Black Robes of your Order when you attacked The Dragon Armies?"
"I did not attack," Faylin replied calmly, "I was actually defending myself. But it makes little difference."
"So, you were defending the Solamnics Black Robe!" Shana laughed, "Do I look like my head buttons up the back! Now begone! Before I change my mind. Try making a new home in Palanthas. They will treat you like a hero there." Shana then yelled out, "Guards! Escort the mage out of here."
"I doubt it," Faylin smirked. "I had my reasons, but I do find your your lack of interest in my designs interesting."
Shana yawned in reply.
Before her guards could lay a hand on the Blackrobed Archmagus she cast a spell and disappeared. Shana used a Gem of Trueseeing to try to locate her, but the magic of the device was not powerful enough. The mage was gone. Good riddance, she thought. Her guards went back to their posts, and then she heard a voice in her head say, 'We shall meet again, Empress.'
On her way back to the Nightlund School Faylin considered the words of the new Empress. She was not willing to admit her own actions during the battle. The fact was interesting and it meant that the Archmagus had a bargaining chip to play.

Gilfaen was sitting in his study, within Wayreth Tower; going over the reports from the schools about the progress of the students he deemed worthy of notice. With only a single candle to light the room, he meandered over the parchments slowly.

A knock came at his door. With an annoyed sigh, he waved his hand and the door opened. In walked another black robe, but one of considerably lesser strength. With a trembling voice, the magus spoke...

"Master Gilfaen. A messenger has arrived, and is awaiting your presence in the Abanasinian school commons area."

Gilfaen looked to the man a moment, then nodded and spoke.... "Very well Isindral, speed word to the school that I shall be there soon."

The magus bowed, and left the room, closing the door. Gilfaen, looking to the door a moment, after the magus had gone; decided he would deal with that magus display of weakness as only a black robe should. He stood, and folded the parchments, he then placed the parchments into the desk drawer, then sealed the drawer with a powerful incantation for safety. He made his way out of the chamber, and through the corridors of the lower level of the tower. He walked to the stairs and ascended to the main floor of the tower. He stalked through the large expance to the portal that would take him to the Abanasinian school. He stepped into the swirl of arcane energy, and focused his mind. After a brief moment, everything faded and swirled. The portal took him to the school. When the teleport was complete, gilfaen opened the sealed door to the portal room, and walked through the area to the commons room.
He saw a man, in rags sitting upon a bench. The man was nervous, Gilfaen could tell. With a smirk he approached.

"Dravel, good to see you again. I hope this is important, and not another useless attempt to gain a small measure of wealth from me with useless information?"

The man looked up, a quiver of fear coursing in his bones, but doing his best, albeit poorly; to hide it. "N...N..No.. M..M..Master Gilfaen. I...It is n..not. I have some very valuable information. As per your instructions, I have been watching. I saw your former apprentice Mistress Faylin conversing with another woman. This woman and Faylin were having heated words. I can only guess to it, but the woman was a powerful, and inluencial commander of the Dragon Armies. Apparently, Falyin aided the Solamnics in their defence of Goodbay a week ago. Well, this woman did not appreciate it, and has said openly, that because of this, and something you yourself did years ago, that the accord between your two groups is at an end. The treaty is over now, according to the strange Woman. I think she means to harm any of the tower that wander in the Dark Queens lands....."

Gilfaen, nodded through the whole speech until the part about the treaty set up by Shimmaryn was mentioned, then his eye perked.

I see... You have done well Dravel. This information is worth more than your usual pitance. You have a family if I am not mistaken? Your wife is with child now, and your son who is already born into this world? Dravel nodded, unsure as to why Gilfaen was talking about his family. During the war, your family has fallen on some very bad hardships. You lost your home, and your family lives off of the scraps other throw away? Since you have done this deed for me, and it is vital indeed; I shall be generous this day." Gilfaen produced a rather fat sack of jingly coins, and dropped them into Dravels lap. "150 steel pieces for you Dravel. I believe this is more than enough to get you, and your family back on your feet, and living as humans again. I shall even see to it that the debts you incurred are no more. You and your family a free. Wait here a moment."

Gilfaen turned, and instructed an acolyte to bring Dravel a large plate of meats and stemed vegatables; as well as a pitcher of wine.

"Be at ease, and feast Dravel. I shall return soon. Do not worry about returning to your family, I am taking care of it." Dravel started to protest, but Gilfaen snapped him a look, and the man fell silent.

Gilfaen stepped out the front doors, and began casting. The words formed, and the energies of the arcane manifested itself. Soon, Gilfaen was flying rapidly through the air northward. After several moments, he was in Haven. He knew where to go, so he did not waste time. He found Dravel's wife, and son.

"Come with me, and do not argue. Dravel is waiting." Gilfaen grabbed the womans hand and lifted her to her feet. Both were visibly in shock and struck with fear. Dravel had only told them of Gilfaen, now they were in his presence. After a moment, Gilfaen began to cast, with the woman and child close to him. The energies swirled, and they vanished. Soon, Dravel, and his family were in front of the school of magic, hugging, and feeling joy over their new fortune, both mointary, and spiritual. Dravel, with tears in his eyes, and a deep respect in his heart, bowed and thanked Gilfaen repeatedly. After a few awkward moments, Dravel and his family began to leave.

"Dravel, one more thing..... Should you wish your children to learn to read and write, or perhaps learn the arcane magics, let me know. I will bring them for instruction.." With that, Gilfaen waved the family off. He watched a moment as they traveled down the road. Little did they, or any bandits know, that Gilfaen sent an unseen servant with them to ensure their safe travel to goodbay. Gilfaen allowed himself a moment of peace and smiled. As he turned, he saw a student of the black robes, and a student of the red robes standing off to the side of the door.

The black robe acolyte spoke.... "Why do such a thing Master Gilfaen? Why would you care?"

Gilfaen merely smirked. ""It is simple mageling. Power has it's rewards, yet it also has drawbacks. We of the Devouring Dark Are feared, and hated. We do not have respect. With this act, he will go off and tell everyone he meets of the black robe that allowed his family to live. He shall spread my name. It will add to my already Large popularity, and infamy. It will make it easier in my travels now, to find a warm bed and a hot meal in the homes of the commoner, when my enemies shall be looking in the inn rooms. It shall also gain me favor, and draw students to be trained in the ways of the art. That we may use to bolster our own ranks. To show kindness to one that does well in your name is not a weakness. Being weak, would be sending him off with tales of your cold nature, so that you find yourself outcast, and alone in times when you truly need aid. Power is not merely the intensity of your art."

The red robe student nodded slightly, and the black robe student pondered the words more indepth. Gilfaen re-entered the school, and left the two discussing his words. Gilfaen quickly hurried through the school, and entered the portal back to the tower, and through it, to his office. Once inside, he called several black robes in to him, and spoke quickly.


"It appears as though a new power has arisen in Neraka, and has found it prudent to disregard the treaty of peace. So I have decided; I shall not wait for the first blow to be delivered against us. Send word to all the arcanums. Mealgoth, Kalaman, Newport, Neraka, and Tarsis. Have them close the shops, and bring the items back here. We shall not leave the wares to be plundered. Have word sent to those of us inside the Fortress of Neraka. They shall withdraw themselves, and take the items that hold great importance to the Church with them, or destroy those that cannot be taken. If this woman wants a struggle, then she will get one. Lets see how long their power truly holds. Let it be known, than any whom remain in league with the Armies, shall be branded a renegade in full; with no chance for redemption of trial. Forever cut off from us, and hunted into extinction. As well, find me Archmagus Faylin, and tell her I want to speak with her now."

Gilfaen finished his words, and dispatched those in the room to carry out his orders. He sat back a moment, and took a deep breath.

"Do they really know what they have done I wonder? No matter, it shall be seen through."

Gilfaen, sat forward in his chair, and looked into the crystal ball on his desk. He spoke a few words, and things began to manifest themself to his eye. He smiled wickedly at the image, and rubbed his chin, thinking of the best way to make use of this information....

As Gilfaen's office emptied the Archmagus noticed a nimbus of energy nearby. Before he could challenge it's presence a familiar spherical monster became visible.
"Harmud," he said, "why are you here?"
The floating eye lowered itself in an approximation of a bow, "Mistress Faylin sends you warning of..."
"I am well aware of the nature of her warning! Where is she?"
Harmud stopped, then after a moment shifted and Gilfaen heard his response in his head, "She has hidden herself from magical scrying and has sent messages to the Arcanums and the Nightlund School, warning them of possible attack by Dragon Army forces. She will meet you in private very soon."

Harmud then waited patiently for Gilfaen to respond.

(( OOC PM sent ))