His Maker's Plan

From The Final Challenge Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search


(Story Written by Nicholai and Samiyah. Log by Nicholai)

Part I

The Arcane Laboratory
[Exits: north down]
Cluttered on tables strewn with strange artifacts are opened books that contain some old and ancient arcane tongue. There is a feeling of immense energy that flows through this room. You sense the power in the artifacts and the incredible ancientness of the room. Here too, fine layers of dust cover everything and you wonder who was the last who entered here. You wonder who was the last who left. You notice the swirl of coalescing mist... and wonder if you will be the last to enter... but not the last to leave.
(White Aura) A uniquely handsome Ogre stands before you in mage's garb.
(Dark Purple Aura) Nicholai is here.
(Charmed) the ghost of a worshiper of Ginny is here

Candles guttered in their mirrored sconces, shedding a dim and wavering light over the laboratory, the scent of the potent herbs within the tallow battling the smell of stagnancy and age within the chamber. The two standing within the room needed no augmentation to read the books spread out amidst a scattering of ritual objects and collected components upon the wide oak table. The potency of Kindred sight made even these conditions clear as day and the Ogre Mage had long since memorized every word of his tomes. The vampire absentmindedly toyed with a small pile of costly gems collected from across the world, from exotic desert opals to flawless, glittering diamonds, idly tossing them into the open, staring eyes of an elven skull one by one. Aphelion and Raage’s diligent assistance had allowed him to assemble them all far faster than he thought possible. The pieces were coming together. This plan might well work…

Nicholai extended one pale finger, indicating a specific line in one of the oldest books, a scattering of dust clinging to the ancient vellum. “Venom’s thoughts were clouded on this aspect of the process. Can you provide any clarity?”

The Ogre nodded. “It refers to the specific sequence in which the binding spells must be cast. Once the skull has been prepared, that is when the true work begins. First is the recitation…” The Ogre continued for some time, his deep voice a low rumble, detailing each of the wards that would be layered upon the object.

The Eldest nodded and then turned to the charmed spirit hovering nearby, an arcane gesture bolstering the spell’s grasp on its will. “Is a virgin sacrifice necessary for the creation process?”

The ghostly mage’s reply was inaudible, but his mind-voice was clear enough: *Necessary? No. A pleasant reinforcement of the binding and delightful diversion? Yes.*

The Ogre indicated the ghost with a nod of his head. “A clever resource to draw upon, that one...”

The Eldest could feel the spirit continue to struggle against the bonds his Charm imposed. He grinned briefly, flashing his fangs, and nodded. Molo’s quest to become an Arch-Lich was legendary, and it seemed an obvious choice to draw upon the lore gathered by his mortal form. Nicholai had divined most of the ritual from information gleaned through his bond with Venom, but it never hurt to have substantiating evidence and experience in an undertaking of this magnitude.

Khan said, indicating the skull, ‘Now, I think you’re going to have the greatest challenge when you lay down the first of the spell-traps…’

Part II


Summoning Chamber
[Exits: east]
This room is rather spartan except for the strange glyphs and wards drawn upon the portal, floors, walls and ceilings. The mystic runes seem to be made to imprison a summoned creature and contain them here indefinitely.
(Dark Purple Aura) Nicholai is kneeling here.

The last of hundreds of sigils had been traced upon the floor in virgin blood, the cloying, coppery scent causing his Thirst to stir. Nicholai surveyed his elaborate and painstaking handiwork. The skull, ornamented with priceless gemstones and obscure magical runes, lay before him on a cloth made of the outer shell of a diamond golem. Unguents made of the rarest of potions had been applied to it in the required manner, interspersed with spells, the complexity of which had surprised even him. All of the enchantments had been laid over the course of three days and nights, the work initiated at the dark of the moon. He had not paused for rest or ceased his chanting and casting for the entire duration. He had forbidden any of the Lost from assisting. If there was a cost to be paid for this task, it would be he, alone, that paid it. It was only right; Venom was his sole progeny. It was his responsibility.

In the back of his mind, the disruption of his bond with his Chyld, bound into slumber by the will of the Demi-Lich he sought to contain, was its usual distraction. It hardened his resolve yet again. Mayhem had become a disturbance in the flow of the community of the Lost, a cause of distress to DarkClaw, and a grating irritation that had to be dealt with.

With a deep sigh and an intense longing to be back in the quiet – if perhaps not the solitude – of his tree, Nicholai picked up the skull, cradling it in both hands, and began the final incantation, his normally beguiling voice a hoarse ruin.

Part III


The Heart of the Tree
[Exits: down]
Thick branches heavy with foliage encircle a hollow area in the heart of the tree. The foliage is too thick to see the outside world, but is lit by the soft glow that emanates from the branches. A warm white light bathes the small area here. Leafy branches jutting into the enclosed space provide areas resembling soft beds of leaves which look inviting to the weary wanderer. You notice a carving in the tree.
The sky is cloudy and a warm southerly breeze blows.
(Dark Purple Aura) Nicholai is resting here.
Samiyah is resting here.

Stretched out full length on a sturdy branch, the bard shivered slightly as she indicated the bag held in Nicholai’s grasp with a carefully casual flick of one dusky, henna-patterned finger. “Is that it?” Her eyes traced the contours of the object within the fabric container, memories of her own transformative journey to destroy the last such creation flooding back to her.

Nicholai nodded. Though he did not speak of its manufacture, the ashen tone to his always pale skin spoke of the exhausting and intense effort involved in the phylactery’s construction. He rested in the crook of two branches, leaning back against the trunk, taking comfort from its solidity. The fingers of one hand lightly traced the initials carved so long ago into the wood. The wind stirred his dark hair slightly, carrying the perfume of the flowers at the tree’s base, the warmth of the fur of the cat twining around the legs of the Guardian, the scent of the villagers milling about… and the bard’s sweetness. His mouth watered slightly, though he hid it effortlessly with the will and practice of centuries.

Samiyah gnawed pensively on her full lower lip, the nervous gesture entirely familiar to her companion. At long last, she spoke, uncertainty bringing out the desert lilt she usually worked to suppress. “… Do you need help? To... To cut his thread?”

The vampire phrased his response carefully. “Need? No.” He paused and then added nonchalantly, “I am fairly certain that Raage and I can do this on our own.”

“But it would be easier, safer for you, with more help?” She persisted, fidgeting with one of the ornaments braided into her long hair. She sat up, straddling the wide branch and looking at him directly, worry written all over her expressive, youthful face.

He held her gaze for a moment then answered truthfully. “Yes.” He looked away into the branches, where a sparrow looking for bugs provided a convenient excuse to release her from the potent weight of his regard. He added quietly, his tone couched to one of gentle speculation, rather than confrontation. “Though I think you have your own reasons for wanting to assist.”

Samiyah colored deeply, shifting uncomfortably. “He hurt my sister. And.. uh… Seraph commanded it before He left,” she said lamely, looking away, studying a nearby leaf. Her pulse leapt in unconscious response to the blatantly obvious misdirection so foreign to her nature.

Nicholai remained silent, simply watching her once more, one brow raised.

With a sigh, she said more honestly, stammering out the difficult truth. “I hate him. He has hurt me and hurt those I love, many times. And.. um.. I want to hurt him back for what he has done.” She paused and then admitted quietly, eyes downcast, “But I am also afraid of him, still. And I am afraid of how it will change me to kill someone.”

Nicholai’s lips curved in an entirely evil grin of triumph at her confession, which he carefully concealed with a tilt of his head and a well-timed (though not entirely false) stretch of weariness. The girl had long denied any violence in her nature, though he had instinctively known it was there within her passionate heart. Like a gardener carefully shaping a growing plant, he answered in a conciliatory and comforting tone.

"Your desire to avenge your family and friends is natural. It does not make you like him. Your brother, Cresom, fights and slays those who threaten him and those whom he cares about. Do you view him any lesser for doing so?”

“No!”

“You do not give in to fear. You stand up for yourself and your friends, and the very fact that you have friends makes you stronger than Venom." He pointedly glanced down at the glass ring upon his finger where both a physical and spectral flower served as her reminder to him of hope and caring.

She asked tentatively, “So.. How shall this be done?” Her demeanor was that of a nervous student seeking instruction, and his iron control was all that kept him from grinning once more.

Nicholai leaned forward, answering evenly. “Mayhem will not give up control willingly, so therein is our course of action. He will willingly trap himself, either through his desire for power or a false sense of security. We only need to give him reason to do so. Mayhem’s overconfidence is his downfall. He does not suspect what we have, nor would he allow himself to believe he can be defeated. Venom is still alive inside, I have felt it…and if I can weaken Mayhem enough, he may have a chance. If that should fail, then it will take all we have to destroy him.”

To Catch A Lich



c 'teleport'
You make the gesture necessary to invoke your spell.
Your vision dims to black. When it returns, your surroundings are different.
A Curving Jungle River
[Exits: (south) (west) none]

It is impossible to track here.

Obvious exits:
South - Too dark to tell
West - Too dark to tell
None.

You are pulled west.
Floating Next to a Wooden Dock
[Exits: (east) (south) none]

It is impossible to track here.

A large merchant's vessel floats here.

Your feet rise off the ground.

The Riverdale Dock
[Exits: north south west]
You may not track while flying.
No longer attempting to track...
A dock worker is here to assist those leaving the plantation.
A brawny dock worker stands here, ready to load and unload the docked vessels.
A dock worker is here to assist those leaving the plantation.
A merchant from Safehaven seems tired from his long trip.

People near you:
Venom
Nicholai

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north south]
Hemet, the merchant's liaison, looks like a very busy man.
A tall, lanky custodian nearly trips over his cleaning cart.

Venom arrives from the south.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north south]
A brilliant turquoise butterfly flutters about.

Venom arrives from the north.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north south]
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.

Venom arrives from the north.

Venom leaves south.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north east south]
A plantation worker hurries past.
(Invis) Venom is here.
A black butterfly with red spots flutters about.
A plump custodian keeps the plantation grounds clean and tidy.
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.

Venom leaves east.

A Narrow, Slate Path
[Exits: east west]

A Narrow, Slate Path
[Exits: east south west]
The plantation artist spends his day creating masterpieces for any that ask.
A large purple bee with black stripes buzzes around.
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.


Before the Manor House
[Exits: north south west]
(White Aura) Angelle, the plantation master's wife, seems to be in a trance.

The Gazebo
[Exits: south]
Soft pink roses climb along the corner posts and tiered roof of this
large, inviting gazebo. There is a sense of peace and comfort here, and
the cushioned benches beckon you to sit and rest. Something, or someone,
clearly protects this gazebo and its guests as mystical powers maintain
the sanctity here. A grass path leads south toward a slate pathway before
the plantation manor house.
This place is unusually quiet...
(Token magic) A magical spring flows from the ground here.
(Invis) Venom is here.
A packager is here, making sure the cacao beans get packaged and shipped.

Venom utters the words, 'darkness'.
Darkness envelopes you!

Venom (unseen) ftells, '(in deep monotone) I suggest you leave the plantation, before you get hurt.'.

The room grows noisy again.

c 'silence'

Ok.

c sunlight

The room grows light again!
The darkness goes away.

You ftell, 'why would I leave before I get hurt?'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) You are invading on my important lich work.'.

You ftell, 'a lich's work is never done'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) You have been warned.'.

You ftell, 'yes, yes I have'.
You ftell, 'I have something that might interest you'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) I have much more important matter to deal with'.
Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) Leave at once.'.
Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) You have been warned, stay away from my work.'.

You ftell, 'threats are meaningless to me'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) I will back it up if you meddle, ask Samiyah.'.

You twiddle your thumbs and a ball of bright red light appears.

You make the gesture necessary to invoke your spell.
You draw a wizard mark rune on a ball of bright red light.

c portal office

Opening a portal to The Office of the TFC Housing Authority.
The Office of the TFC Housing Authority
[Exits: west]
(White Aura) Wendell waits patiently while you decide where to live.

The Lower Hall
[Exits: east south west]
(White Aura) The newsboy stands here selling newspapers.

The Lower Hall
[Exits: north up]
A spear is stuck in the wall.
Sparhawk is here.
Belsambar is here.
Mish Leigh Salvandor will use her contacts to help you... for a price.

Hallway
[Exits: north east south west down]

Guild Hall
[Exits: north east south west]

The Kitchen
[Exits: west]
A small white fountain gushes forth here.
(Invis) Samiyah is here.

You make the gesture necessary to invoke your spell.
You draw a wizard mark rune on Samiyah.

Samiyah now follows you.

Samiyah joins your group.

Samiyah makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Samiyah draws a funny looking rune on you.
You feel fortified.

You are now guarding Samiyah.

Okay, you will now assist Samiyah.

Opening a portal to a ball of bright red light.
It is unusually dark...

The room grows light again!
The darkness goes away.

DarkClaw ftells, 'Nich, I think someone is upset.'.

Samiyah makes a complicated-looking gesture.
The room grows noisy again.
This locale has been cleansed from unnatural influences.

You yell (in common), 'perhaps you could instruct her to tell me yourself'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'instruct me to tell you what?'.

You say (in common), 'something about meddling and consequences'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) Summon the aid of the Bard I see'.
Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) You are no match for my powers...'.

You ftell, 'I have something far greater'.

Samiyah says softly, "It does have them, yes."

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) Than why do you hide in the safe area'.

Samiyah shifts her weight slightly, moving fractionally closer to you.

You can't see the weather here.

You ftell, 'to meddle'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) My work continues just fine, you cannot meddle from there.'.

Samiyah murmurs something quietly, the only audible words something about fear.

DarkClaw ftells, '*doesn't bother hiding a grin*'.

Venom ftells, 'You remain in safe, I will continue my work.'.

You put a small glass vial containing the Fallen One's blood in bag made from guild overseer hide.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) My Lich powers are at their peek now.'.
Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) I cannot be destroyed.'.

DarkClaw ftells, 'Everything can be destroyed.'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) Then send the Eldest to meet his demise.'.

You hold the Staff of the Lich in your hands.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) Your attempts on my life will be futile.'.
Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) I am eternal and all powerful.'.

DarkClaw ftells, '*exchanges words with Nicholai silently*'.

DarkClaw tells you, 'What do you need from me?'.

You tell DarkClaw (in common), 'maybe just hang with me'.

Venom (unseen) ftells, '(in deep monotone) Yes, you feel my lich powers... you know I am ready.'.

DarkClaw tells you, 'As in in the same room?'.

You tell DarkClaw (in common), 'yeah'.

DarkClaw emerges from a thick layer of mist as it dissipates and seeps into the ground, a soft whisper filling the area.

DarkClaw now follows you.

Samiyah bows before DarkClaw.

Marin ftells, 'I'm back.'.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) Just in time to see the fall of the Eldest and his pet Bard'.

Before the Manor House
[Exits: north south west]
DarkClaw arrives from the north.
Samiyah arrives from the north.

A Narrow, Slate Path
[Exits: east south west]
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.
A large purple bee with black stripes buzzes around.
A brilliant turquoise butterfly flutters about.
The plantation artist spends his day creating masterpieces for any that ask.
The magenta butterfly, speckled with yellow spots, flits from flower to flower.
A black butterfly with red spots flutters about.
Samiyah arrives from the east.
DarkClaw arrives from the east.

A Narrow, Slate Path
[Exits: east west]
DarkClaw arrives from the east.
Samiyah arrives from the east.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north east south]
A tall, lanky custodian nearly trips over his cleaning cart.
A plump custodian keeps the plantation grounds clean and tidy.
Samiyah arrives from the east.
DarkClaw arrives from the east.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north south]
A prospective worker hopes to be hired.
The plantation overseer is an extraordinarily busy man, hurrying about.
DarkClaw arrives from the south.
Samiyah arrives from the south.

You open the door.

The Doctor's Office
[Exits: west]
A sick plantation worker waits to see the doctor.
A sick plantation worker waits to see the doctor.
The plantation nurse smiles and greets you warmly.
Samiyah arrives from the west.
DarkClaw arrives from the west.

You close the door.

The Doctor's Office
[Exits: none]
(Intense Dark Purple Aura) DarkClaw is here.
(Invis) (White Aura) Samiyah is here.
A sick plantation worker waits to see the doctor.
A sick plantation worker waits to see the doctor.
The plantation nurse smiles and greets you warmly.

c 'silence'

Ok.

You stop using the Staff of the Lich.
You hold a violet wand in your hands.

Samiyah makes a complicated-looking gesture.

You open the door.

Sparhawk ftells, 'Oh long story short, Nich and Sami are going to kill the Lich'.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north east south]
A prospective worker hopes to be hired.
DarkClaw arrives from the east.
Samiyah arrives from the east.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north east south]
A plump custodian keeps the plantation grounds clean and tidy.
Samiyah arrives from the north.
DarkClaw arrives from the north.

A Narrow, Slate Path
[Exits: east west]
DarkClaw arrives from the west.
Samiyah arrives from the west.

A Narrow, Slate Path
[Exits: east south west]
The plantation artist spends his day creating masterpieces for any that ask.
The plantation gardener takes great pride in keeping the garden manicured.
A visitor enjoys the lush jungle surroundings.
A brilliant turquoise butterfly flutters about.
Samiyah arrives from the west.
DarkClaw arrives from the west.

Before the Manor House
[Exits: north east south west]
This place is unusually quiet...
A loud, high-pitched tone sounds in your mind.
DarkClaw arrives from the west.
Samiyah arrives from the west.

The Gazebo
[Exits: south]
(Artifact magic) A ball made of bright red light is here.
Samiyah arrives from the south.
DarkClaw arrives from the south.

Before the Manor House
[Exits: north east south west]
This place is unusually quiet...
(Invis) Venom is here.
A coachman looks dapper in his black suit and top hat.
A coachman has a smudged face and seems busy.
(Translucent) The corral hand tends to the animals.
A stableman seems in a hurry, carrying a bucket of oats.
A stableman cares for the plantation's horses.
A packager is here, making sure the cacao beans get packaged and shipped.
A packager is here, making sure the cacao beans get packaged and shipped.
The plantation blacksmith towers over you, hammer in hand.
A loud, high-pitched tone sounds in your mind.
DarkClaw arrives from the north.
Samiyah arrives from the north.

The Gazebo
[Exits: south]
(Artifact magic) A ball made of bright red light is here.
Samiyah arrives from the south.
DarkClaw arrives from the south.

Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) You do not dare face my wrath!'.

Samiyah looks around.

To the South: Before the Manor House

             a large group


Venom ftells, '(in deep monotone) I laugh in the face of your feeble powers.'.

Samiyah makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Samiyah invokes recall magic.
Samiyah disappears suddenly.

c 'teleport'
You make the gesture necessary to invoke your spell.
Your vision dims to black. When it returns, your surroundings are different.
Riding the Waves
[Exits: (north) (east) (south) (west) none]
A codfish glides through the waves.

c portal doctor's
Opening a portal to The Doctor's Office.
The Doctor's Office
[Exits: none]
This place is unusually quiet...
A sick plantation worker waits to see the doctor.
A sick plantation worker waits to see the doctor.
The plantation nurse smiles and greets you warmly.

People near you:
Venom
Nicholai
DarkClaw

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north south]
A black butterfly with red spots flutters about.
A plump custodian keeps the plantation grounds clean and tidy.
A dock worker arrives from the south.

Riverdale Road
[Exits: north east south]

A Narrow, Slate Path
[Exits: east west]

A packager was last here, traveling west.

To the East : A Narrow, Slate Path

             a large purple bee
a plantation visitor
a magenta butterfly
Angelle, the plantation master's wife
the plantation gardener
a magenta butterfly


A dock worker arrives from the east.
A dock worker leaves west.

People near you:
Nicholai
DarkClaw

c portal inn
Opening a portal to Inside the Loth-Llorien Inn.
Inside the Loth-Llorien Inn
[Exits: west]

((Nicholai travels to...))

Temple of the Lost
[Exits: south west]
This place is unusually quiet...

It is impossible to track here.

(Token magic) A magical spring flows from the ground here.
A large eye hovers in mid-air here, emitting a soft, purple glow.
(Invis) Venom is here.
DarkClaw arrives from the west.

You make the gesture necessary to invoke your spell.
You draw a wizard mark rune on Venom.

An Elemental Lair
[Exits: north]

It is impossible to track here.

DarkClaw arrives from the north.

Venom arrives from the north.

Venom makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Venom's spell does not go off.

You close the the slab of ice.

DarkClaw gets a small twig from a crystalline prism.

Venom makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Venom's spell does not go off.

DarkClaw locks the the slab of ice.

Venom makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Venom's spell does not go off.

Venom's spell does not go off.

Venom makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Venom draws a funny looking rune on you.

Venom utters the words, 'portal'.

c 'silence'

Ok.

Venom quaffs a salty clear potion.
Venom invokes recall magic.

You hold the Staff of the Lich in your hands.

You conjure a cloud of purple smoke.
Venom is revealed!

You wear a Major Amulet of True Seeing around your neck.

Your gaze pans the height and breadth of what seems at first glance
to be a regular elven adventurer when your eyes catch some rather
odd details. His clothing and equipment are immaculately clean and
rather polished, discretely bearing the runes of magical enchantment.
Something is also a bit different in his posture, he stands very
stout and proper as though a high classed mannerism were natural.
His eyes are unsettling, one a dark black, the other a slightly
glowing red. His skin is pale from avoiding the sun and ghastly dark
circles sink down his face from beneath his eyes. His elongated fangs
protrude from his grin, awaiting a young girl.
Venom leads a charmed life.
Venom is in perfect health.

Venom is using:
<used as light> (Moderate magic) (Glowing) a spinning blue spindle
<worn on finger> (Artifact magic) (Unholy) the mark of 'Al-Shaitan'
<worn on finger> (Artifact magic) a ring twice given from Eldest to Progeny
<worn around neck> (Invis) (Moderate magic) a golden medallion
<worn around neck> a spiked dog collar
<worn on body> (Powerful magic) a crimson leather vest, befitting a Ventrue
<worn on head> (Potent magic) a quilted cloth cloche
<worn on legs> The Emerald Leggings
<worn on feet> (Moderate magic) a pair of studded leather shoes
<worn on hands> (Potent magic) a pair of quilted cloth gloves
<worn on arms> The Emerald Vambraces
<worn about body> (Moderate magic) a heavy cloth cloak
<worn about waist> (Moderate magic) (Woven) obscuring shadow and ebon flame
<worn around wrist> (Moderate magic) the glowing steel bracelet
<worn around wrist> (Powerful magic) a strange brown patch
<wielded> (Invis) (Potent magic) (Bloody) razor-sharp claws of a Kindred
<held> (Artifact magic) the Brood-Queen's heartstone
<worn with pride> (Weak magic) (Glowing) the Crest of the Dragon Riders
<worn with pride> (Weak magic) (Glowing) the Crest of the Dragon Riders


DarkClaw looks between the Lich and Nicholai impatiently.

Venom says (in deep monotone) 'What purpose do you intend to serve!'

Nicholai holds the Staff of the Lich above his head.

Nicholai brandishes the staff.

Venom falls to one knee in agony!

Nicholai places his hands on Venom's temples.

Venom swats at your hands weakly.

Nicholai's eyes glow red.
Nicholai looks Venom deep in the eyes, drawing on their connection.

Venom begins to tremble and convulse slightly.

Nicholai communicates to Venom: "my chyld, you are still alive. Draw energy from me and fight"
Nicholai transfers vampiric energy to the essence of Venom.

Venom's eyes flicker from red to black and back again.

DarkClaw fidgets, clenching and unclenching her fists, watching the exchange.

Nicholai's own life force drains, feeding Venom.

Venom makes a last ditch effort to slice at Nicholai's face with his claws.

Nicholai growls "Free yourself!"

DarkClaw remains a good distance away, letting the Eldest continue, struggling with the urge to help in some way.

DarkClaw says, 'Venom...we know you want free.'.

Venom says (in deep monotone) 'Venom... is.. dead...'

Venom struggles under the powerful grip of the Eldest.

DarkClaw growls, "He's NOT. He lives, and he WILL surface."

Nicholai concentrates harder, putting all his effort into their connection.

Nicholai, with one hand on Venom's temples, brandishes the Staff of the Lich again.

Venom's hands slowly begin to rise, each glinting a razor sharp edge.

Venom's eyes flickering for a moment back to black.
Venom suddenly reaches forward with one hand, grabbing Nicholai by the throat.

Venom's other hand struggles but rises to grasp his own throat.

DarkClaw watches anxiously.

Venom begins to squeeze with both hands as an internal struggle rages on.
Venom shakes uncontrollably as his eyes flicker quickly from red to black.

Nicholai draws on his vampiric strength, channeling more to Venom's essence inside.

Venom squeels in pain as the hand grasping his own throat slashes a gouge from ear to ear!
Venom screams loudly!
Venom faints, falling into a heap on the ground.

Venom sleeps.

You pray, 'the item please'.

DarkClaw gets a skull-shaped phylactery from bag made from fire bat hide.

DarkClaw gives you a skull-shaped phylactery .

You juggle a skull-shaped phylactery .

Venom raises an eyebrow.

Nicholai holds the phylactery above Venom's body.

Venom's essense is divided as the Lich rushes to safety in the phylactery.

Nicholai seals the Phylactery.

You get a small glass vial containing the Fallen One's blood from bag made from guild overseer hide.

Venom turns his head slowly in exhaustion.

Venom rests.

Nicholai opens the vial and pours a drop of blood to Venom's lips.

DarkClaw says, 'Eldest...give the phylactery to me?'.

You give a skull-shaped phylactery to DarkClaw.

You say (in common), 'the Fallen one has left this realm, but his blood will give you strength'.

DarkClaw nods her thanks and carefully places the phylactery within a bag.

Venom's tongue traces his lips as he savours the nectar of the immortal blood.

Venom regains some of his strength and rises carefully to his feet.

Venom stands up.

DarkClaw watches intently, her face expressionless, but her eyes burning a bright crimson in color.

Venom glances around at his surroundings, unable to get his bearings.

Nicholai says, slightly weakened, "Venom..."

Venom meets Nicholai's gaze, 'Yes.. It is I, though I feel... different.'

You say (in common), 'welcome back'.

DarkClaw says softly, "Welcome back, Venom."

Venom says (in common), 'I was such a fool... I thought the lich would make me powerful, and in the end he tried to kill me.'.

Venom says (in common), 'I did all he ever asked...'.
Venom says (in common), 'Even that young girl...'.
Venom says (in common), 'I thought we would merge... but in the end he just took what he wanted.'.

DarkClaw says, 'He can't harm you now.'.

Venom says (in common), 'I feel... powerless...'.

You say (in common), 'you are powerful, you survived him. And you have friends.'.

DarkClaw studies Nicholai, reassuring herself that he didn't weaken too much.

Venom says (in common), 'I don't know where to go from here... I guess I should thank you both.'.

DarkClaw says, 'It was all Nicholai'.

You say (in common), 'I had help'.

Venom says (in common), 'What will you do with the phylactery'.

DarkClaw unlocks the the slab of ice.

DarkClaw opens the the slab of ice.

DarkClaw says, 'It will remain with me...for now.'.
DarkClaw says, 'Until we find a better option.'.

Venom says (in common), 'I must warn you Madam, it will try to possess you.'.

DarkClaw grins slightly, "Worried about my welfare now, Venom?"

Venom grins evilly, his elongated fangs glistening.
Venom spanks DarkClaw playfully.
Venom leaves north.

Venom ftells, 'Thank you both.'.

DarkClaw ftells, '*between clenched teeth* I wish you'd stop doing that.'.

Sparhawk ftells, 'Welcome back Venom'.

Venom ftells, 'Thank you, little one.'.

Sparhawk ftells, 'Atleast your back *fakes a smile*'.

Venom ftells, 'Oh, I can't begin to explain how thrilled I am to have returned to such worthy company. *fakes smile*'.

Sparhawk ftells, '*grins* Atleast its company'.

DarkClaw ftells, 'There's only one type of company Venom likes.'.
DarkClaw ftells, 'And he sometimes doesn't even care for that.'.

Venom ftells, 'Indeed.'.