Yeah, we're stuck in the path to darkness. Littered with the corpses of our foes...
We've arrived, master.
I...thank you, Torian. I've somewhere I want to go first...
It's late. Can't it wait till morning?
I've had enough rest on the ship. Let's go.
Later, at the Tarantian Times office...
Greetings, sir. I have evidence of a conspiracy you may be interested in.
*A look of suspicion crosses his face* What do you mean, 'conspiracy?' Is this some type of jest?
The Industrial Council has been illegally breeding half ogres!
Hah! And I suppose you have proof of this?
Yes, I -
Wait a minute! *Pulls Alain aside* Are you insane?! You got away with killing Willoughsby on Caladon because the guards aren't under his payroll! But here?! In the middle of Tarant? Think about this carefully...
We'll hand the documents to him now. Visit the University immediately and leave in the darkness of the night. Should problem arise, we'll set sail from Ashbury or Black Root. Problem?
You've thought this through, haven't you? *Shrugs* Oh well, go ahead...
Well?
*Shows the editor the journal.*
By the gods! Quick, put it away! *He hands it back to Alain.* This is dangerous, you hear me? I can't take it here...bring it to the office in Caladon. Sam Longwell will help you with this. It's at 7 Saints Avenue. Hurry! And don't tell anyone else about this...
Very well...
That's more reasonable. Let's head to the university first. Poke about the demon's origins.
Later, at Tarant's University...
Looks like we've got our man
Pray tell, who are you?
Yes, yes, of course. You will have to excuse my excitement, I am new to this whole phrenology discipline. My colleague, professor Gershwin, is doing wonderful things in the field. By way of introduction, I am Professor Eakins, Scientician and Expert of Demonology.
*Raises his eyebrow* (Magick and science, eh?) Let's cut to the chase. Time's wasting. I need information about L'anamelach.
Did you say L'anamelach? By the gods, why did you not say so sooner.
Tell me everything about him. It's very important.
Yes it is, why do you persist in mucking about? This is serious business.
*Rolls eyes* (Serious business, he says.) Ever heard of the Whytechurch murderer.
Gods! I had my suspicions those murders were demonic in nature, but I never suspected L'anamelach. This is bad news, indeed.
Looks, I'm a summoner as well. What's so different about this demon?
L'anamelach is one of the few demons that has the ability to possess a living being. As such, he can move among us undetected. In days of old, human sacrifices of thousands of victims were required to satiate him once he was summoned. He will be with us for a long time if we do not act to stop him.
He was summoned here? To what end?
That is a long story, let us simply say that the summoner is paying the penance for the summoning. He is the beast's present host, and has been for the past 500 years, I bet that elf wishes he was possessed of a shorter life span, now.
How did it come to possess this elf?
As I said, it is a long story, but I think I have...ah, yes. Here it is. 'The Legend of T'erre d' V'nt'. You can read the demon's story in here. *He hands over a book.*
That's nice. But how do I kill it.
You must stab it through the heart with the Blade of Xerxes.
Let me guess, it's in a dungeon somewhere, guarded by demons.
Uh, huh. I can't wait.
Not just any dungeon - the Pit of Fires - deep within the Stonewall Mountains! Forged deep within the underworld by fire demons, it is the only weapon in Arcanum that can be guaranteed to strike the demon down. If one was to try to defeat the demon with anything but the blade, it would be disastrous indeed.
Why?
If the Blade is plunged into the heart of the host, the demon will be sent back to the underworld as the unfortunate host dies. If he is killed by any other method, the demon shall be loosed from the confines of his host, and he will be virtually unstoppable.
And that would be bad.
Infinitely so. Are you going to retrieve the Blade to put an end to his rampage?
Yes. Where in the Stonewall Mountains is the Pit of Fires?
Here, let me mark your map.
This ought to be interesting. Before I leave, what is this phrenology you speak of earlier?
You should ask my colleague more about it. It's the science of skulls, you see. He's an expert of the area, he's the gnome by the entrance. You can't miss him.
Mmm, okay.
Nice to meet you, Benjamin. Did you say prhenology?
It's a science of the head! You see, every man and woman's head is characterized by different bumps and ridges. Through studying these, I attempt to extrapolate the personality of the individual mentioned. It's dreadfully interesting, and pehnomenally accurate...
Hmmm. Will you read MY head?
Surely! Here, if you'll just lower your head, and turn to the right...
*Alain follows the professor's instructions.*
Ah...oh! Quite interesting! I would surmise, unquestionably, that you are indeed a human!
*Golf claps.*
Your powers amaze me, Benjamin.
Yes, yes I know. But remember, it's not me, it's science! And phrenology is the science of the future!
Speaking of skulls, I have a question...
Yes, what is it?
I am interested in the skulls of the Ren'ar Siamese twins.
Ahhh, yes...interesting case, that. They were elvish debutantes who were joined at the hip their whole lives! Scandalous characters as well...stories of their exploits still float around the elite Tarantian social circles...
Tell me more about them.
Well, there are quite a few interesting rumors in the air about their heritage not being completely elven, and bizarre conspiracy theories somehow centering around them. I had the opportunity to examine the skulls before they were interred, though, and I can tel you unequivocally that they were pure bred elves. All the gossip is definitely untrue.
Yes, definitely not true for gnomes...
*Nods at Sebastian.* Thank you for your time, Professor. We've got a pit of fire to extinguish.
Oh? Do come again!
The party journeyed west to the Pit of Fires...where the legendary Blade of Xerxes lies...the only blade capable of delivering Arcanum from the hands of evil demon, L'anamelach. For without it, the demon will simply escape the confines of its dead host and wreak more havoc into this world.
So, did you read the book.
Quite...
What's it say?
Classic tale of powerful people messing with the wrong magic....
And?
Shit happens.
Wonder what's the blade of Xerxes look like...
Must be something big...worth the risk, prolly...
Looks like we're here...hmm. There's a camp at the entrance. Doesn't look hostile...
Pray tell, who are you?
I am Jyheirad! Noble warrior from Flame Keep! These are my brave companions, Moorawynd, R'yn-Diak and Frondo! Who might you be?
I am known as Alain Gilford.
Geoffrey Tallerond-Ashe, mage of epic powers, at your service...
Yeah...nobody cares, Geoffrey.
Pray tell, what is your quest? Are you here to recover the Blade of Xerxes?
Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.
We too, are here for that same purpose! We have been sent by Baron Sug himself to retrieve the Blade! A sizable fortune awaits our successful return.
I am here for a much more noble purpose than coin...
*He seems impressed* Truthfully? And what might that be.
I need the blade to kill a heinous demon.
A lowly demon?! Hah! There are many ways to kill a demon, my friend! The fortune we stand to gain is not easily dismissed by your need for a quick way to dispatch a demon!
(Guess I need more dramatization if I want to convince this bucket head...) A whole city is being held captive by this evil beast!
Yes, indeed it has!
Only a city? I thought you said this demon was threatening the very world?!
(Goodness...) The LARGEST city in the WORLD! And it already has destroyed others!
Yes, Gilford saved me from the flaming ruins of uhhh - Boil Town!
By the great god Bhuul! *He smacks his fist into his hand* What is the nature of this beast?
It prowls the night...feedinng on the hearts of its victims!
*He thoughtfully strokes his chin.* And it grows in power after each killing?
Its preferred meal is the life force of small children!
Gads! We must stop this beast, now! Damned be our measly fortunes! You wait here, we shall return with the blade!
May the gods be with you...
Many moments later, after the intrepid band of adventurers descend into the caves...
Think they're dead?
Mmm. Five more minutes. Then we'll go get it ourselves.
I still don't see why we can't go down ourselves.
I'd avoid going down there if I could, flaming monsters...probably melt our swords and armor alike...best to leave it to others...oh look!
A thousand thanks, Jyheirad! Arcanum owes you for this noble deed!
Wait, what? Are you sure THIS is the blade?
.....He has no reason to lie..surely. Let's go. I could sense magic in there...but it'd be hard to cut anyone with this. It's quite dull. Torian?
I've regained most of lost my prowes...I am... ready. Master.
Let's go.
Later at Tarant's docks...
Did we forget anything?
Almost forgot! You should check the census office for that Elmer Burbottom fellow...
Oh yeah, close call...wait here, Captain. We'll be back!
Mmmm. Tough luck. We've booked our passage to Caladon.
Suppose there's no harm in dealing with the demon first...
Later at Caladon Police Station...
Now, what exactly are you paying me for this?
Damned money hungry....! Luckily, I don't need to give you anything for it. The parents of one of the victims turned out to be a very wealthy society couple. They are offering a 2000 gold reward for 'bringing the killer to justice'. Now get out there and take care of this bleedin' thing.
At once, Inspector!
Old sewers, eh? Sounds like fun.
Want to bet it's crawling with loads of undesirables?
Definitely.
Here goes...
Swords at the ready. Remember Torian, when you spot the elf. Use the Blade.
I am ready.
Ghost, sniff out that demon.
Arf!
The party cut their way through the sewers unfriendly inhabitants, a menagerie of ghouls and other undesirables were slaughtered and several treasures recovered and finally...
You are Vincent, are you not? I am here to kill you.
*He steadies himself against the wall.* I hope you..brought the blade...
Of course. Torian?
*Draws the Blade of Xerxes.*
*He ignores Alain as he doubles over in pain. After a few moments, he rights himself and stare into the distance.* I will try to keep the beast within until..the end...but you must hurry...I am weak...
I understand. Rest in peace, friend.
Master?
Strike him cleanly. *Salutes at the elf.*
Torian did not hesitate, the blade seemed to disappear as his arms perform precise stabs at the elf's chest. Barely two thrusts later...the elf fell.
Th- thank you...take what you wish from the chest....
Farewell, brave one.
That's it? I expected something more exciting...boo!
Huh...let's check out his chest.
Mmm. Nice. Very nice indeed. I think this staff is special. It's more powerful than my mage's staff...
Not to mention the gems...and other pieces. Worth the trip, I'd say.
Let's report back to the Chief.
The party ascended, and the guards nodded as Gilford gave them instruction on the whereabouts of the elf's body.
It's been a pleasure.
Don't spend it in one place...you'll be quite famous here in Caladon, sirs.
Thank you, Inspector. I guess we deserve a little break.
Why yes, indeed...
To the taverns?
Why not?
The Whytechurch Murders was finally stopped thanks to the efforts of the Summoner. The elf wizard, Vincent was finally freed of his centuries of torment. L'enamelach shall plague Caladon no more. Yet the party can only afford a short rest for they still have a larger mystery to solve.
Next Chapter: Dark of the Elves