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, the strange wizard, Mayor Yale, various innkeepers, Zik, Mia, Mundt, Paulo, Mother Melamed, Pasi, Alba, and Langley; and places: Lorelei, Fort Emergence, Krizsan, Marish, Chasm of Screams, Dorngas, Malloc, Softport, Kuper, Hectar, Shayder, Delan, Delis, Pergies, and Gale.
"All right, I admit it," said Phaedra, as they lingered over their breakfast in the Manse of Lorelei. "It was a good idea to buy this house. So, what are we going to do now?"
"Well, we probably should go down to Fort Emergence," said Anicka. "It's been awhile since we last reported."
"And now we can tell Anaximander we've got a route into Blackcrag," said Phaedra. "I guess that's worthy of a report."
"I guess so," said Anicka. "All right, then, let's go."
The trip back to Fort Emergence was tedious and uneventful, but at last they found their way back to Fort Emergence, and Anaximander's office.
"We were in the mines at Golddale," said Anicka. "They had been taken over by some sliths, and while we were there, we found a body with Avernite insignia on leather armor."
"Leather armor? You said leather armor? With an Avernite insignia? Sadly, I know who that was. That was Gwost, one of the first four people sent to the surface," said Anaximander. "As if this wasn't tragic enough, we already knew about those sliths on the surface. They were just rogues. No political significance at all. He died for nothing. But then he always was a headstrong fellow."
"We've also been traveling a bit, dealing with some minor plagues of monsters," said Anicka.
"Very good, keep up the good work," said Anaximander. He looked over the maps that Daniel had purchased in various locations, and said, "Just keep exploring. Probably should get up to Gale, I heard that there are some pretty fierce golems up there."
"I'm not sure they want our help," said Anicka.
"Well, it wouldn't hurt to go," said Anaximander. "It would put us in an excellent position with her Imperial Majesty."
"Yes, sir," said Anicka.
As they had not actually been through the tunnel, Anaximander was not particularly interested in the bit of information, and so they left his office.
Upon returning to the surface, they decided to go to Krizsan in the hopes of good-paying courier jobs, and met a wizard in dark robes sitting cross-legged as he looked at them intently from under bushy eyebrows, looking quite unimpressed.
"What's your name?" said Anicka.
"Names have power, child," replied the wizard.
"Do you provide instruction in the magical arts?" asked Phaedra.
Looking insulted, he said, "You take me for some mere academic?"
"So you don't teach?" said Phaedra.
"A wizard's secrets are rare and powerful, a much needed edge over competitors and enemies. Those who share them for mere coins are fools," said the wizard. "You should go to Shayder. I hear such fools live there."
Sincerely doubting that, with the Anama presence in Shayder, Anicka said, "So why are you sitting here?"
He shook his head in amusement, and replied, "I am merely observing. In this age of fury and blades, knowledge is a true weapon."
"Why did you call this an age of fury and blades?" asked Daniel.
"Avernum attacks the Empire. Empire attacks Avernum. This struggle is no longer relevant. Krizsan fights the slimes. This struggle is not relevant," said the wizard. "Our true enemy has yet to be found."
"So have you observed anything interesting?" asked Angarahad.
"I am simply watching carefully what happens. Who is doing what, and what is coming from where. Others can kill the monsters, and they have their purpose," said the wizard. "However, those who wish to solve the true problems that face us must watch and search and learn."
"So, how can knowledge be used as a weapon?" said Anicka.
"We all have much to learn, and about more than just monsters," said the wizard. "For example, I believe Valorim contains certain valuable magical artifacts."
"Could you tell us about the magical artifacts you know about?" said Phaedra.
"I have been trying to find them. I believe, for example, that I have discovered the location of the long lost Ring of Endless Magery," said the Wizard. "Perhaps I would tell its location to one who showed me he had true dedication."
"And how would we show our true dedication?" said Anicka, in a tone that strongly suggested she expected an imminent shakedown.
He thought, and said, "Well, I think twenty-five hundred gold is the going rate for true dedication these days. Perhaps you would like to purchase the location of the ring?"
Taking a look at Phaedra, Anicka sighed, and said, "Very well. We'd like to know the location of this ring of endless magery," and she handed over the coins.
"The Ring of Endless Magery is in the Tower of Zkal. That legendary tower, I have found, is at the southern end of the island south of the city of Gale," said the wizard. "Gale is at the northeast end of Valorim. Have a nice trip."
"Thanks," said Anicka. "I'm sure we will."
They left, and Anicka grumbled, "Notice how quick he wanted money—too good to teach, but no problem rooking people out of money for something."
"Yeah, it's funny," said Phaedra. "Don't worry, we'll get it back."
They took some courier work bringing them back to Shayder, and paid ten gold and hopped on the ferry to Marish. The trip was fairly uneventful, and they made immediately for the inn, where they noticed the mayor among the customers.
The innkeeper greeted them with an impatient grumble of "What'll ya have?"
"What are you serving?" said Anicka.
"Don't have much here, out in the middle of nowhere. You can get a drink. Good beer, only one gold. Or you can have a room for ten. And no vermin."
"We'll take the beer," said Anicka.
The mayor of Marish, sitting in his office of the common room of the town inn, looking over papers rose to greet the group, a look of mild distaste on his face at the appearance of the Avernites. "I am Mayor Yale of Marish," he said.
"How fares Marish?" said Anicka.
"Things have been better," said Yale. "I do the best I can, considering the hard times."
"What hard times do you face?" said Daniel.
"Monsters. What else does anyone have to worry about? Monsters. Undead and giant lizards are harassing us from the north," said Yale. "That's why we've been looking for some adventurers."
"We might be able to help," said Anicka.
Yale looked at them somberly, and said, "With the plagues of monsters, the Empire has neglected us out on the frontier. This policy is bearing bitter fruit. We are assaulted by monsters. Here, the problem is mainly undead and lizards. They come from a cavern in the mountains about forty or fifty miles north. Find the source of the assaults, and destroy it, and we will reward you as best we can."
"How'd you come to be mayor of Marish?" said Angarahad.
"It was a great honor. When I was too old to be a sailor, this is where I came to settle down," said Yale. "They liked me here, and the Empire liked me too. So, here I am."
"Well, I guess we'll see what we can do about your monsters," said Anicka.
After spending a night in the inn, they headed to the north end of town, where a low, crude wall defended by alert guards ran. The walls were still being built to the east and west, and the north one was newly built, suggesting recent attacks. Continuing just outside Marish, they saw a cluster of farmhouses surrounded by a hastily erected rock barrier. A ragtag band of farmers guarded the wall, and clearly had no desire to have anything to do with strangers. With a shrug, Anicka led they way further north.
After two days of travel, they reached a cavern, and stood at the edge of a massive chasm. A constant icy draft flowed out of it, and the caverns were bitter cold. It was hard to tell how deep the pit was, while a ledge led along the edge to the south. From deep within the caves, there were the sounds of the howls of damned, tortured souls, and the group found themselves overtaken by shivering.
Finally, they reached a chamber where three nagas held sway, and killing them, the worst of the chill lessened. They returned to Marish, and told Yale of their adventures in the Chasm of Screams and the battle with the nagas.
"At last! The Empire has abandoned us, but we aren't without aid. I'll make sure word of your deeds spreads," said Yale. "Also, here is a small token of our esteem." He presented a helmet, and said, "The Empire left me several such items to purchase valuable services. And," he added with a wink, "this is not the only item I have."
"Is there anything else we can do for you?" asked Anicka.
"Well, I hesitated to mention it, since it seems so far below your stature, but a band of brigands has recently taken up residence on the west coast a short distance north of here. They have disrupted travel and such," said Yale. "We need someone to put them to the sword. Should you do that, I can double your payment."
"Tell us more about these brigands," said Anicka.
Yale looked nervous as he said, "Thieves. Ruffians. Ne'er do wells. We would all be better off without them. Really."
"We'll look into it," said Anicka.
After another night in the inn, they headed north again. Moving to the west coast, they saw a sizable band of warriors camped on the beach, though they did not appear to be Empire troops. While Anicka and her group had been unable to hide their approach, the people seemed untroubled, not reaching for weapons, while one of them waved for them to approach.
Anicka and Daniel nodded, and the rest of the group followed along and accepted the offer of a meal. The warriors offered large portions of some sort of wild game stew which smelled and tasted wonderful. Initially, they drank the ale and made small talk. Finally, the talk grew more serious as they hinted they knew that they were Avernites, and that the group of warriors was not loved by the Empire either. Finally, both sides came clean to each other about who they were. This was a band of rebels, dedicated foes of the Empire, chased all over the continent and currently hiding here. Anicka's group told their history, and answered eager questions about what life is like in the underworld. Hours passed, and the leader asked Anicka to not tell anyone where they were.
"We won't," promised Anicka, "but we may need to say that we ... uh ... killed you."
"We'll make sure to give no cause for anyone to disbelieve you," said the leader, grinning.
Deciding to continue north, they reached the town of Dorngas, and took a room in the inn. After hearing there were no other customers from the innkeeper, they decided to check out the noises they heard in the adjacent room. The dirty, scarred man within was quite angry that they had invaded his room, glaring at them silently. As they stared at him, the rank odor in the room was enough to make their eyes water, and they noticed the tattoo of a sun on the back of his right hand.
"What is your name?" said Anicka, intending to break the silence.
He said nothing, his hand on his sword.
"Could we speak with you for a moment?" said Anicka.
"Fuck off," he said.
"Say, your name wouldn't happen to be Zik, would it?" said Anicka.
He looked startled, and it took a moment for him to regain his composure, then he said, "Nah. Never heard the name. Get out of my room."
"No, I think you are Zik," said Daniel. "I think you better come with us. Someone in Softport wants to see you."
"Curse them! I thought I lost them for good!" said Zik, "Now I'll have to kill you and find a fresh hiding place!"
He drew his sword, and Anicka drew hers, and a moment later, Zik was dead.
"Well, I guess we tried to take him in," said Anicka. "We'll let 'em know next time we're in Softport."
They started south then, coming into Malloc, and a tavern where a woman was drinking heavily.
"Bit heavy on the ale, aren't you?" said Nathan.
"I'm drowning my sorrows," said Mia. "Why shouldn't I?"
"What sorrow are you seeking to bury?" asked Nathan.
"My poor child," said Mia. "My poor son, lost fishing on Lake Tomor. His boat went out and hasn't returned. Oh, for something to remember him by."
"Is there any particular item he had that you'd like to have as a remembrance?" asked Nathan.
"I gave him a silver ring, a family heirloom. Oh, what I would give to have it back again. But I am sure it is lost below the lake forever," replied Mia.
Anicka meanwhile was arranging for rooms, a meal and a round of drinks for the group. Nathan then came over to sit with his companions.
"So, what did you get us into?" said Anicka, grinning.
"Her son died, and she wishes that she had a ring he was wearing as a remembrance," said Nathan. "He was fishing on Lake Tomor, which I guess is that lake out there." He gestured broadly to the east.
"Yeah, probably so," said Anicka. "All right, we'll look tomorrow."
The next day, they set out, and began searching, using the orb of Thralni until they came to a shipwreck.
"Fireball blasted this," said Phaedra. "Doesn't make sense."
"No, but I'm not going to start into detective work," said Anicka. "Any signs?"
"Yeah," said Daniel, taking a silver ring off one corpse with a look of disgust. "I guess we better torch them proper. It's getting nasty here."
"All right, I'm on it," said Phaedra, and once they had gathered up some extra wood, she cast a spell to put it all on fire.
Using the orb again, they made their way back to the mainland, and then to Malloc, where Mia was even deeper into her cups than she had been when they left.
Nathan sat down with her, and put the ring on the table, and said, "We found a silver ring in a shipwreck on Lake Tomor. Did it belong to your son?"
Mia threw her arms around Nathan's neck in thanks, "and said, "At last! I have a memory of him!" She sat back down, drinking and looking at the ring.
They returned to Lorelei again, and entered the church there, where a priest of the Anama looked them over, nodding in approval of their rings.
"I am Father Mundt. Welcome," he said.
"Mundt?" repeated Anicka, and then she said, "We met Mother Melamed in Kuper. She would really like to know what happened to you."
He smiled. "Well, now you know. I spread the faith. I walk this path alone, but pure in spirit. When I left her, it was out of cowardice. I wanted to end the struggle, to live in comfort and safety," said Mundt. "But Ahonar's faith came with me. I could not escape it. And, when I settled here, I took up the struggle again. But this time, the fight was mine, not theirs. I built this shrine with my own hands. And I am content. Please tell her that."
"We shall be sure to do so, when our travels next take us to Bigail," said Anicka.
After a good rest in their house, they went to get more courier work, and stopped in Softport to report the killing of Zik to the mayor.
"Good work. Word of his death had already reached me, and I am glad you have come back for your reward," said Mayor Scowcroft. He counted out some copper coins. "A meager reward, I know," he said, handing them a slip of paper. "When the Empire returns to Valorim, present this to a high-ranking official, and you will receive a better reward."
"Thank you," said Anicka.
They left, buying their tickets, and left Fenris Port for Kuper.
"Mother Melamed," said Anicka. "We found Mundt. He lives in Lorelei now, and has no intention of returning to Bigail."
Mother Melamed looked surprised, and said, "I thought that his reason for leaving was simple cowardice. I now know that that is not the case. He spreads the faith—I am glad. I suppose it is customary to pay adventurers for this sort of assistance." She removed a single coin from her pouch, and handed it to them. "I have owned this for several months. I suspect that it is enchanted, and I want to be rid of it. You may keep it or dispose of it, as you wish."
"Thank you," said Anicka. "Now we must be going, as we have some mail to deliver to Hectar."
"Thank you for telling me of him," said Mother Melamed.
They continued on their rounds, delivering mail to Hectar and Shayder, and then on to Delan, and finally went over to Pergies.
The innkeeper had hinted that there was a job, and so they entered the room. A man with dark skin and an intense expression sat at the table reading a prayer book, seeming strangely unconcerned that the group had barged into his room, and wearing blood-red robes.
"Welcome pilgrims," he said. "I am simply called Paulo."
"So why are you staying at this inn?" asked Anicka.
"I am a humble priest, wandering the lands and spreading my teachings," replied Paulo. "For now, I have found this village a pleasant place to stay."
"So you're just a humble priest?" said Angarahad.
"Sometimes it is a struggle to be humble, considering the foolishness and idiocy that I must encounter every day," said Paulo. "But I manage."
"Would you care to teach us?" said Angarahad.
His face beamed, and he said, "Ah, you wish to take the path to enlightenment? Are you more interested in philosophy or magic?"
"Magic, please," said Angarahad.
"Philosophy sounds intriguing," said Anicka. "Oh, I ... go ahead, Angie."
"I know several simple rituals, which may easily be adapted to the workings of your faith," replied Paulo. "Alas, I need to eat. I will require a small fee, should you wish to purchase my knowledge."
"Fair enough," said Angarahad.
After he had finished teaching Angarahad, he turned to Anicka, and said, "I teach the divinely inspired philosophy of Divine Independence."
"That sounds a lot better than Anama," said Anicka. "What is Divine Independence?"
"We have been given by our creators the greatest gift of all: the ability to act as independent creatures. This has a much ignored accompanying responsibility, however: the responsibility to remain independent," said Paulo. "Those who lose their independence are parasites. One should only take from others as part of a fair trade."
"So you don't care about the sick, poor, or young, then?" said Daniel.
"Let's just say that the other churches are perfectly free to saddle themselves with the poor and crippled. We take only those who can help us, and who want the divine freedom to not help others," said Paulo. "Fair trades take all forms. For example, I recently tried to obtain a package of herbs for my art. Parasites took my herbs from me in a crude theft."
"Perhaps we can recover your stolen package?" said Anicka.
"Delis is the home to all manner of pirate scum! I know for a fact that one of them took a package of herbs from a ship coming from the north, and that it's hidden in a back room in the inn there," said Paulo. "I'd reward well someone who brought that package to me. Just be careful. Those parasites protect their own."
"So, it's not yours?" said Frrrrrr.
"I didn't say that," said Paulo. "It was stolen before it got to me, but it was to be mine. Simply a matter of recovering what should have been delivered to me."
"We'll see what we can do," said Anicka.
Traveling down to Delis, they found a secret way in, but picking up the package revealed the magical trap, and they had to run from the town, the cries of the guards behind them.
"Good thing it is night," said Anicka. "That was close."
They returned to Pergies, and presented Paulo's herbs to him.
"Did you have any trouble?" he asked.
"Yes, we did," replied Anicka. "There was a magical trap, and it got set off."
"Oh, too bad," said Paulo. "Well your reward is well earned." He pulled out a bracelet and handed it to Anicka. "This is a lovely trinket, but not useful to me. A fair trade for services rendered."
"What was in that package?" said Nathan.
"Skribbane herb. A useful herb for meditation," said Paulo. "I give it to my acolytes. It maintains their alertness and loyalty."
"Thank you for your time, then," said Anicka.
As they ate the next day, Anicka declared that she thought it was time to go to Gale.
They had been traveling for a considerable time when they heard the sounds of battle coming from the other side of a nearby hill. Reaching the top, they looked down, and saw a merchant caravan under ambush—except that the attacking brigands looked like Empire soldiers!
"If nothing is done, those guards don't stand a chance!" said Daniel.
"No kidding," said Anicka. "Can't have that. Chaaaaaarge!" She drew her sword and did just that.
Everyone involved in the uneven battle was surprised by her approach, and a few paces behind, the approach of the others in her group. The soldiers appeared surprised that they were being defied, and the merchants were surprised to find out that they just might live another day.
As the battle ended, the merchants bandaged their wounded, and moved south. From the looks of things, they had not a gold to spare for a reward.
"Maybe those were deserters," said Anicka.
"Could be," said Daniel. "I'm glad we helped."
They continued north, and met a patrol of Empire soldiers whose armor and skin showed signs of having been exposed to powerful bursts of fire and other magical energies. When they saw Anicka's group, they seemed to recognize them, but they said nothing, looking nervous about talking with outsiders.
Further north, they came to an open area which had once been a lush expanse of farmland, dotted with farms and guardposts. Piles of freshly cut lumber, hauled from logging camps to the north, would have been stacked everywhere waiting to be shipped out. Now, golem attacks and raids from renegade soldiers had devastated the area. Most of the farms appeared abandoned, if not burned out, and only the city of Gale seemed anywhere near intact.
"West side gate. This gate is closed," read Anicka. "Enter at north side gate."
They went around, and came to the north gate, and the sign there read "Temporarily closed".
"This is annoying," said Anicka. "Let's try east."
Rounding the corner, though, well before getting to the eastern gate, they found a small, wiry man standing and waiting outside the city walls, difficult to notice as though under a concealment spell.
"Greetings," he said. "I am Pasi."
"Hi, I'm Anicka. This is Dan, and Frrrrrr, and Phaedra, Angie, and Nathan," said Anicka. "I almost didn't notice you there."
"Good. It means my spell is working," said Pasi. "I don't want to be noticed."
"A spell? Could you teach it to us?" said Phaedra.
"Well, not so much a spell," said Pasi. "A discipline, born of years of learning, study, and meditation. You could learn it. But I suspect you wouldn't want to."
"Does it protect you from the dangers out here?" asked Daniel.
"Believe me, if it wouldn't, I would not be here," said Pasi.
"So, why are you standing around out here?" said Anicka.
"Well, these days, it's difficult to enter Gale," said Pasi. "I give assistance in doing so to those in need."
"Why is it so difficult to get in?" said Anicka. "We've been to two closed gates already."
"The leadership in Gale is currently—shall we say—less than inspiring," said Pasi, and he looked them over carefully. "That is why I will give you entirely free of charge, a warning."
"What's the warning?" said Anicka.
"Word of the arrival of the Avernites has spread far, and many in Valorim welcome the news. Mayor Rali and Garrison Commander Leona do not, not at all," said Pasi. "Watch your step around City Hall. If they notice you, your fate will be grim."
"What makes you think we're from Avernum?" said Anicka.
"Sorry friends, but there's not a person in this province who doesn't know about the Avernites that are wandering around. So be careful. Some of the troops around here have standing orders to slay any Avernite they see," said Pasi. "They might not obey those orders. Then again, they might."
"We met some," said Anicka. "Do they hate Avernites?"
"No, but they love power," said Pasi. "And they're afraid the people will take it from them, the moment the people realize that their leaders have no idea how to solve the golem problem."
"Is there no one, then, who is having luck fighting the golems?" said Daniel.
"Phew, I shouldn't talk about that. I 'll wind up at the end of a rope," said Pasi. "But if I were you, I'd head north to Tevrono. There's someone up there you should maybe talk to."
"How fares Gale, then?" said Phaedra.
"It's a difficult place to live these days," said Pasi, "to say the least."
"Well, it's late, and we're tired," said Anicka. "Will you help us get into Gale?"
Pasi thought, and said, "I hear a lot of what goes on. I heard what you accomplished to the south. I'll take the risk of letting you in, though if the mayor finds out that I helped Avernites, I'll be in mortal danger." He walked to the trapdoor for a moment, turned his back to them, did something with his hands, and there was a click. "The passage in is through there. Be wary around City Hall, and good luck to you."
"Thank you," said Anicka.
They entered, and found themselves in a wine cellar. Moving forward, they found a large woman sitting at a table, her face blank, sitting there waiting.
"I am Alba," she said.
"Greetings," said Anicka. "What are you doing?"
"Just waiting," said Alba.
"What are you waiting for?" asked Anicka.
"You don't know what for? Then I have nothing to speak to you about," she replied.
"Great," said Anicka.
Just then, the innkeeper came bustling out of another room, and gave them a knowing wink, and said, "I'm Langley. How may I help you?"
"What are you serving here?" asked Anicka.
"Well, I would be honored if you would stay in one of our luxury rooms. Only twenty coins for such ... well ... intriguing guests. In addition, for such as yourselves, we have a variety of unusual services," replied Langley.
"What kind of unusual services?" said Daniel.
She pointed to Alba, and said, "If you're here for medicine, she will help you out. Very reasonable prices."
"Ummm. .. medicine of what sort?" said Daniel.
Annoyed, Langley leaned close and lowered her voice, and said, "Careful! That stuff is still illegal, and Mayor Rali will have our heads on a stick if it pleases him. You want the stuff, ask Alba over there about medicine. Don't talk to me about it anymore."
"Fine," said Anicka. "What can you tell us about Gale?"
"Nothing," said Langley, looking uncomfortable. "Nothing of importance."
"Why does everything look so crumbled and run down?" said Nathan.
Langley whispered, "Look, your secret is safe with me, but don't get me killed. The mayor's spies are everywhere."
"We need some rooms," said Anicka.