A/N: The world of Exile (Avernum) remains the property of Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software, not me. I promise to return to the game unharmed the following persons: Anaximander, Volb, Commander Bruskrud, Deborah, Yessenia, Dwaine, Foxfire, and Kagan; and places: Fort Emergence, Shayder, Sharimik, Fenris Port, Softport, Lorelei, Dellston, and Bengaro.
Returning to Fort Emergence, there was the now-familiar buzz of excitement as the surface explorers entered from the surface side of the fort.
Walking into Anaximander's office, Anicka said, "You may be interested in knowing that we located Tucker."
"Yes, the fellow stopped by on the way through," said Anaximander, nodding. "He's been healed, and he's back on the surface again. Brave fellow. Thanks for contacting him."
"We've been to Sharimik, and they're really coming under attack by the troglodytes," said Anicka.
Enigmatically, Anaximander nodded, and said, "Yes, I have heard of the troglodytes from other sources as well. They breed fast, and are vicious warriors. However, I have heard that their lair is near that of their great enemy ... the hill giants. Go explore, maybe this enmity can be exploited."
"Well, we have had some contact further north," said Anicka, "and there are hill giants attacking the humans, and ruining their cities."
"The giants attacked the humans out of nowhere and ruined their cities? Sounds very, very familiar. Probably another symptom of the same disease we have been fighting," said Anaximander. "Investigate the giants, and see if there is some way to take advantage of the enmity they have with the troglodytes."
"We will," said Anicka.
After spending the night in Fort Emergence, they left again, and Anicka grumbled, "That was damn near useless. I don't know why we bothered."
"Well, I did pick up some graymold salve," said Angarahad, "perhaps we could go give it to that priest in Shayder."
"I suppose," said Anicka. "And then go pick up a boat ride back to Sharimik."
They had delivered the graymold salve to the appreciative priest, and deciding not to travel by road, got lost along the way, and came into an area which proved to be a tomb—and no sooner had they entered, but the door disappeared and became a wall, blocking them in.
As they progressed through, they entered a room where a huge ghast sat on a throne, gazing at them hungrily. Drool dripped from its teeth, and there were bits of gore around its mouth.
Since it wasn't attacking, Anicka said, "What is your name?"
The ghast chuckled and said, "My name will not save your life."
"So why are you sitting here?" said Daniel.
Running a claw down the arm of the throne, the ghast replied, "I have been placed here by Gorvifal to taunt you."
"Who's Gorvifal?" said Anicka.
"You are in the tomb of Gorvifal, mighty warrior and thane! For centuries he has lurked here, hiding his crypt, and then making it visible again," replied the ghast.
"Why did he make his crypt visible again?" asked Angarahad.
"Nothing pleases him more than snaring a few passers-by, tormenting them, and destroying them. I am honored to share in his pleasure," replied the ghast. "He is brilliant. You have no hope. You may just want to let me eat you now."
"He sounds more sadistic than brilliant," said Daniel.
"When people begin to suspect that people are being abducted, he makes the crypt disappear for years and years. We get very hungry, but it guarantees much carnage for us," said the ghast, grinning. "In the long run."
"Well, maybe your long run has come to an end," said Anicka. "Step forward and fight us, and we will destroy you, and this Gravel-ful dope, too."
"Excellent! Now I feed," said the ghast.
As they progressed, a malevolent whisper echoed through the halls, "Welcome to my crypt! I hope you enjoy your stay. I seriously doubt you will be my first visitor to leave. I am quite hungry, so please hurry up and die. I haven't been fed for quite some time."
Finally, finding their way into the center of the crypt, they destroyed the spirit, who died finally with a howl of protest, and found their way out of the crypt.
"Even if no one knows," said Angarahad, "that was a good thing."
"I suppose so," said Anicka. "Let's see where we can get tickets for. We're almost to Fenris Port, and a port has to go somewheres."
Entering Fenris Port, they went to the man in rags at the docks.
"I'm Volb," he said, "Would you like a ticket?"
"Where are they for?" asked Anicka. "What town?"
"Just across the channel," said Volb. "I forget the name. I only just became a salesman."
"What happened to the last one?" asked Anicka.
"He got sick, real sad that it happened, but I'm hungry, so I took over," replied Volb.
"Fine, we'll buy tickets," said Anicka.
They arrived in Softport, and decided to head north, since there were more giants up there, and the hope of finding the lost map lay in that direction. Traveling the road, they reached an Empire checkpoint.
The captain walked up to the group, somewhat embarrassed looking, and said, "Many apologies, travelers. A certain herb, known by the name skribbane, grown on the Isle of Bigail, has been carried through here, in direct violation of the laws of our nation. Anyone approaching Lorelei must receive a quick magical inspection before proceeding. If you refuse and turn back, we will understand perfectly. However, having even a tiny bit of this herb is quite illegal."
"We've no problem with your search," said Anicka. "Go ahead."
One of the Empire wizards walked up, mumbled a spell, and touched each pack in turn, finally walking back to the captain to announce, "They're clean."
"I'm sorry for the trouble," said the captain, "you may continue on your way."
"No problem," said Anicka. "We understand."
They continued, and some Empire guards, on patrol with a pair of hounds, appearing somewhere between total exhaustion and complete collapse, gave a half-hearted warning about giants, and trudged onward.
They entered Lorelei, a city under constant bombardment. The streets were littered with fragments of the countless stones hill giants had lobbed over the walls, and every building showed some degree of damage. Lorelei's narrow cobblestone streets were nearly empty, as the people were staying inside to avoid bombardment.
Barely had they entered, but a platoon of guards, led by an Empire Dervish, marched up, and the dervish addressed them, "I'm Commander Bruskrud of the Lorelei militia. I'd like to welcome you to Lorelei. We have heard of your deeds, and we have a monster problem ourselves. Be sure to come see me in the barracks. In the meantime, enjoy our city. Oh, and don't spend too much time in the street."
With a nod, the dervish and troops marched away.
Moments later, a warty beggarwoman knelt and extended her bowl—she was old and thin, and said, "Greetings, bold adventurers! It is an honor. My name is Deborah."
"Why are you begging?" said Phaedra.
"My farm was lost in a giant attack," she said, bowing her head. "Until peace comes, this is how I must eat."
"Sorry to hear about your farm," said Anicka.
"I lost my farm and my husband. Now I am reduced to begging while trying to regain a more respectable place," said Deborah.
"Here," said Daniel, putting five coins in the bowl.
"And thanks kind adventurers," said Deborah, "I have advice in return."
"What's the advice?" said Anicka.
"I hear many rumors. In particular, I've heard there are Avernites wandering all around us! Keep your weapons close. You never know what those worms will do!" Deborah said, and with another bow of thanks she moved on.
"Weird," said Anicka. "Do you think we're not looking so pale?"
"Nah, we're still ghost white," said Daniel. "Maybe she lost her eyesight, too."
They moved on, coming into a shop where a woman pale enough to be an Avernite said, "Greetings, I am Yessenia."
"What do you do in here?" said Anicka.
"I am the official librarian of Lorelei," replied Yessenia.
"Any books that might be of use to adventurers?" asked Daniel.
"Perhaps. There might be. But we can't share our rarest tomes with anyone who walks in," said Yessenia. "Of course, if you were able to do something about the giant attacks, I might be able to help you."
"Is it hard to be the official librarian?" asked Phaedra.
"Unfortunately, my salary was recently cut. No money left for me. I have to make money other ways," said Yessenia. "Maybe I'll go up to Moon. They have an excellent collection there."
"What is in Moon?" said Anicka.
"The town of Moon is north of here, at the north end of Lake Tomor," replied Yessenia. "They have a really great library. They even have spellbooks! That's what I hear. They might pay me what I'm worth."
"How do you make money?" said Daniel.
"I have been making maps of Midori province for a little extra change," said Yessenia. "Also I do a bit of identification."
"We'll take a map," said Anicka.
Moving on, they found the barracks, and went into the office of the commander.
"I am Dervish Bruskrud. Have a seat, Avernites," she said.
Disconcerted, Anicka sat, and said, "How did you know we are Avernites?"
She turned toward them, adjusting her breastplate slightly, and said, "It's my job to know. I am the commander of the forces of Lorelei. I lead us in our battles against the giants. You're probably wondering why I am welcoming a band of Avernites."
"Well, yeah," said Anicka. "I mean ... it's not exactly a reaction we're used to ... People either aren't noticing or they do seem to want to attack us."
"I did not serve in the Avernum war, but I lost friends in it," she said, shaking her head wearily.
"And some of us lost family," said Angarahad. "Near every one of us, people our age, are orphans or half-orphans."
"That is ancient history," said Bruskrud. "Now only Avernites have had any luck fending off the plagues of monsters that afflict us. That is why I have allowed you into our city. I wanted to get your help."
"Have you had much success as the commander?" said Anicka.
"No. I command my troops, all loyal and strong men and women, in the crushing war with the giants," said Bruskrud, her fist clenching in the gauntlet. "It would be less of a struggle if our leadership were not so feeble."
"What's wrong with your leadership?" said Daniel.
She looked distressed, as though it pained her greatly to say these words, and said, "Our mayor refuses to act! She lets our people die while waiting for the Empire to aid us. My Empire, that I swore to give my life for, has shut us off. We must fend for ourselves."
"The Empire doesn't help you," said Anicka, "but you are still loyal to them?"
"Imagine how difficult this is for me to say! I would rather be slain by the giants than turn from my leaders. But I have soldiers to protect, and the people of this town as well!" said Bruskrud. "That is why I am welcoming Avernites—our people are more important than my oath."
"OK, say we wanted to help you," said Anicka. "What missions would you have for us?"
"The giants' caverns are southeast of here. They've taken many of the personal possessions of those they've slain, items that by right belong to the families," said Bruskrud. "Bring back the dead's possessions, and I will pay you out of my own pocket."
"Anything else?" said Anicka.
"The giants have captured several of our soldiers, as well," said Bruskrud. "If you can get in there and free the soldiers from the fort, again, I will pay you from my own pocket."
"As it happens," said Anicka. "We have reason to be going into the giants' caverns as it is. So we'll look while we're in there."
"Very good," said Bruskrud.
Leaving Lorelei after a good rest, they stumbled into a scene of utter chaos. The farms were in the process of being evacuated, heavily laden wagons being moved north under Empire troop escort. Unfortunately, they were being assaulted by the giants, boulders being lobbed at the column of refugees, and the troops were spread too thinly to repulse the giants and protect the farmers.
Anicka and Daniel exchanged glances, and then Anicka gave out a mighty yell, her sword free of the scabbard as she rushed to the attack, the rest of her group behind her, Frrrrrr nocking an arrow. Finally, the giants lay dead on the ground, and the column of refugees continued. A captain came over to thank them for their aid, and voices from the refugees could be heard declaring in amazement, "They were the Avernites! Avernites saved us!"
They continued south, coming to the town of Dellston, which was just a few bombardments short of being smashed to pieces. After resting there, they continued, finding their way to a defensive gate built by the giants, and as they giants remained in defensive positions, they went on to attack.
After passing through a massive cave, they entered a long passage, which finally opened into the underground home of the hill giants. The caves were humid and full of the smell of sulfur and rank, unwashed giants. From within, there were sounds of bubbling magma, chipping of stone clubs, and chanting of shamans. Bits of rubble and crushed basalt were everywhere, as were a number of bone chips scattered around the ground.
They continued, finding a workshop—with a few giant workers—where many large, round stones were worked and chipped into throwing boulders. Some of the finished stones had runes and carvings—surprisingly delicate work that wouldn't likely survive being thrown.
Finding a hall with decorations suggesting religious importance, they arrived at a door with a sturdy and massive iron padlock.
"I'll get that," said Frrrrrr, but as he tried to approach, he could not, and finally shaking his head said, "It feels like there is something holding me back. I don't understand."
"We'll keep exploring," said Anicka. "There's strange magic involved, to be sure. Maybe we even need a special key or something."
"That's likely," said Angarahad. "I've heard of many locks which defeat all attempts to open without the key."
"Hall of grate artifacts and prizez," read Daniel. "Bet that's where they're keeping that map the troglos were talking about, too."
"Most likely," said Anicka. "Well, nothing to be done but keep searching."
Climbing up an ascending passage, they came to another hall where many more giants were, the thick mist and odor of rotten eggs in the hall making their eyes water. Thick mineral deposits formed a crust at the edge of the water.
"Let's get rid of the giants, and maybe we can make a spa here," said Daniel.
"No one would pay to come to a place that stinks like this," said Anicka.
"You never know," said Daniel.
Searching through the caverns, they found a box containing some personal effects looted from a dead Empire soldier. While grimed with dirt and blood, Angarahad was sure they would mean something to the victim's family.
"Not to mention, I think that's something that commander wanted us to look for," said Anicka.
They continued their search, finding a concealed exit, hidden by trees and brush, though the terrain would make return difficult.
"Let's stay," said Anicka. "We've got more searching to do."
Searching through the area, they found a human prisoner, a warrior of the Empire army, dressed in rags, but otherwise in reasonable condition.
He jumped up to greet them, and said, "A rescuer! I knew I shouldn't give up hope. Can I escape now?"
"How long have you been imprisoned?" said Anicka.
"I've no idea. I lost track. I'm so relieved you're here! I was afraid I was abandoned by the Empire army," said the prisoner. "Can you help me escape?"
"We're not with the Empire, though," said Anicka.
"You're not with the Empire army? Then who are you?" said the prisoner with a skeptical look, and then he shrugged. "Oh what does it matter, just as long as you can rescue me."
"No one else has tried?" said Daniel.
"Who knows? The Empire has done so little good against the giants, I thought there was no hope of rescue," said the prisoner. "Now that you're here, there's hope! Can you help me escape?"
"Well, I can point you to an exit," said Anicka. "We're not ready to leave yet, we haven't searched the whole place."
"I have no chance of sneaking out the front gate, and I can't go below either, I'd get killed," said the prisoner. "Have you found some sort of more concealed way out?"
"Yeah," said Anicka, "go up this way, hang a right, there's brush filling it, but you can get out. Can't get back, but ... you probably don't want to."
"Thank you! I may die sneaking out," said the prisoner, "but at least I won't just be butchered in this hole."
With that, he slipped out of the chamber, and ran for his life.
Continuing their search, they found another place where a prisoner was held, and he jumped up, "Greetings, rescuer! Is there a safe route for me to reach the exit?"
"Yes," said Anicka, and she described the way out to this man as well.
"Not bad," said Daniel. "That's two prisoners freed."
"There probably are more," said Angarahad. "We'll keep looking until we've been everywhere."
They continued, cautiously walking into the cave, expecting trouble. However, it was quiet and empty, except for a soft hissing noise. Then several giants walked out of hiding to the west. One of them was huge, casually holding an enormous stone club. They didn't move to attack at first, and then three huge—twenty-feet long at least, snakes slithered out of holes, and they saw with horror that the snakes had a face of a woman. The serpents laughed, and the giants bowed to the serpents and moved to attack.
After a battle most fierce, they started looting, finding a crude-looking huge iron key. On a hunch, they returned to the other room, and found that the iron key allowed them to approach the door, and the lock fell free when they tried the key.
The room within was built with a craftsmanship that would have been exceptional by human standards, let alone giant ones. A pedestal by the north wall had intricate golden runes and small buttons set into its surface. A portcullis closed them off from continuing.
"Any clue?" said Anicka, looking at the pedestal, and frowning.
"None," said Angarahad. "We may have to brute force this."
After some experimentation, she noted which runes had which effect, and finally found the combination which resulted in opening the portcullis. Searching through the boxes, they found a number of items that seemed valuable, and then the map that they were looking. Not wanting to risk anything else happening, they decided to leave and hurry back to Lorelei with the effects that they had found and find out if the Empire soldiers had made a successful escape from the giants' territory.
Commander Bruskrud was pleased to see them, and reported that all four prisoners had made it safely, and they turned over the effects that they had liberated from giant treasures, and Bruskrud paid them, commenting that she never expected to see the day when Avernites would do more for the people than the Empire had done.
Leaving the barracks, they noticed the beautiful house for sale, but had far less cash than the required eight thousand gold, and were browsing the library when they heard a rumor of an Avernite staying in the city.
Following up on those rumors, they came into a house which looked unlived in—almost like a museum. Then Phaedra noticed the sun symbol of Avernum chalked on the floor, and they soon found a secret passage.
Dwaine smiled at them, clearly an Avernite by appearance, and he said, "Hello. I'm Dwaine with unspecified. Can I help?"
"May we speak with you?" said Anicka.
"I am here, in part, to help you. Ask what you want to know," replied Dwaine.
"It's good to meet a fellow Avernite," said Anicka. "How've you been up here?"
"I don't miss Avernum at all, I'm afraid. Spying up here is intensely dangerous, but I wouldn't go back," said Dwaine. "The sunlight. The food. I'm sure you understand."
"Yeah, I think so," said Anicka. "Why have you been waiting for us."
"I have a few things to report. A few odd facts. The leaders of the cities are confused. The Empire has quarantined the whole continent. There's a thieves guild in Lorelei. Nothing surprising," said Dwaine. "However, I have managed to worm out one invaluable piece of information. It's about Empress Prazac."
"What about Empress Prazac?" said Anicka.
"Empress Prazac is near hear, in Blackcrag Fortress. We may be able to deal with her directly," said Dwaine. "Anaximander needs to know this as soon as possible."
"Why would Empire quarantine this area?" said Daniel.
"It is truly insane! The Empire saw all the problems down here, and simply went 'We can't deal with this'. They closed the borders, sealed up the Keep of Tinraya, and left," said Dwaine. "There is something about the monsters—the slimes and roaches and so on, which terrifies the Empire. And Valorim's always been a wild place, which they don't entirely trust. So there you are."
"Know anything about the Keep of Tinraya?" said Anicka.
"Can't find much about that. Even asking about it is bad news. It was the biggest city in Valorim, up to the northwest. Then some monster hit it, some monster even worse than everything else, even the golems," replied Dwaine. "The whole place was devastated, and the Empire walled it off so the creatures couldn't escape."
"Golems?" said Anicka.
"Gale, to the northeast, has been bombarded by waves of golems," said Dwaine. "Nasty, nasty creatures. Don't know much more about it."
"So, about this thieves' guild?" said Frrrrrr.
"It's a guild of criminals. They no doubt possess much illicit information that would be useful to us. I know their leader is in this city, but I don't know where. I also know that they do a lot of business involving packages from Shayder," said Dwaine. "If you could contact them, it could be very interesting. Just so you know."
"Thanks for the tips," said Anicka. "And good luck to you."
They left Dwaine's quarters for the museum-like room.
"What do you think?" said Anicka, studying the map they had acquired. "If we go to Anaximander, it'll take us longer to deal with this barrier, and if we delay that, then more people die."
"Let's try the barriers," said Daniel. "Then we can go back and tell Anaximander all kinds of news."
"All right," said Anicka. "And maybe we can even make enough to come back and buy that house."
"What do you want to buy the house for?" said Angarahad.
"It'd just be nice, having a house to stay in, not always at the inn," said Anicka. "And it looks really nice."
They left Lorelei, passing a few Empire patrols which nodded to them in passing, and reached the town of Bengaro. Here, they saw a bard creating colored, wraith-like magical lights which danced before her audience.
"I am called Foxfire," she said, approaching them.
"Is that how you make a living?" said Phaedra.
"I make beauty," said Foxfire. "That is what I make. Money is much less important."
"It is very beautiful," said Frrrrrr.
Foxfire waved a hand, and tiny motes of colored light flew and danced in a wondrous, intricate pattern, and she said, "My faith inspires me to bring people joy. Alas, to bring people more joy requires food for me. May I have a coin?"
"Sure," said Anicka, "it's well worth it. Have you heard any useful gossip in your travels?"
"No, I do not like to talk about the war," replied Foxfire.
"Is that a healthy attitude?" said Angarahad.
"Perhaps not. But I must maintain my tranquility in order to maintain my art," replied Foxfire. "It requires great concentration."
"By the by, Lyle in Lorelei mentioned you might know where we could find the Knowledge Brew recipe," said Nathan.
Foxfire's dance of lights stopped, and she looked confused for a moment, before brightening, and she said, "Oh, yes. I did find out about that. Someone gave me a gift in thanks for my show. The man said that he had a key to a cult which has much knowledge, including this incredibly rare and powerful alchemical recipe. I hunt onto it. For five hundred coins, I can use to continue my act for a long time, I can give you the key. Will you give me the payment for it?"
Cringing as she realized that it was putting the house further out of reach, Anicka paid over the money.
Foxfire handed Anicka a small silver key, and said, "The man said the cult was on the southernmost of the Remote Isles, in far southeastern Valorim. He said the cultists were very odd. Good luck to you, and thank you!"
They continued on their way, and a man who at first looked like just a hard-working Empire citizen came up to them, definitely intent on talking with the group.
"I am Kagan. I'm glad to meet you at last," he said.
"You wish to speak with us?" said Anicka.
"I know I don't look like it, but I'm an Avernite! Unspecified Services!" replied Kagan in a whisper. "I have information for you."
"Why were you sent up here?" said Nathan.
"I and one other were sent to do recon against the giants, to try to find out what created them," said Kagan. "It didn't work out. T hat's why I have information for you."
"What's the information?" asked Anicka.
"A compatriot and I were trying to sneak into the giants' cavern," said Kagan, "Unfortunately, our stealth spell didn't hold out."
"What happened then?" said Phaedra.
"We got caught. My friend was slain," said Kagan. "I escaped, but worst of all, we lost Giantslayer."
"We were in there," said Daniel, "and we found it."
"Wonderful. I am glad you have it," said Kagan. "I am sure you can do a better job with it than we did."
Finding no inn in this place, they decided to move on. As they continued, they met a well-equipped and sharp-looking patrol of Empire soldiers, who had been camped by the road for some time. Unlike the other troops they had met, this patrol attacked.
After the battle, they searched the Empire soldiers, and found on one body an unsigned scroll, and Phaedra read, "The Avernites proceed north. They are undermining faith in the Empress. Dispatch them, and return quickly. We must strike the golems soon."
"Gee, really makes me want to help them," said Anicka.
"Maybe if the Empress was doing something," said Daniel, "they wouldn't have to worry about anyone undermining faith in her."
Continuing, they met a group of a dozen exhausted refugees, mainly from the area around Lorelei, hiding in the woods to evade giants.
"We don't hear much news out here, on the run and all," said one of the refugees. "If the war with the giants ever ends, and you pass through this area and see us, could you let us know?"
"Most certainly," replied Anicka.