[Signature][92]Shades of Drinal: Puzzle Pieces

[Yiss]

-I need to return to Norrath, and present to him the stone I found upon Baelon.

Dartain "You've returned! Were you able figure out what has become of Ethernere?"
"I know a part of it, I believe. Ethernere is in dire peril, and although I was able to help stabilize things there, more is left to be done. However, I have something to show you."
Dartain "Oh? What did you find?"
"This stone. I found it with a creature known as Baelon."
Dartain "Let me see that..."
"There you are. He seemed to be drawing some power off of it."
Dartain "This... looks like something in Rikantus's notes. I am going to require some further research, but I think this might be something we've been looking for."
"What do you mean?"
Dartain "I'm hesitant to say with certainty but... I think this might be one of the Monoliths of Theer."
"What? What would it be doing in Ethernere?"
Dartain "That, I can't be certain of, but something Rikantus said is beginning to make more sense. Do you recall?"
"I think... something about the keys of fate?"
Dartain "Indeed. He said that the keys of fate belong to the ring, and the ring belongs to the stone. If this object is what he is talking about then... maybe there are other of these within Ethernere."
"Well, that may make things more difficult, then. Much of Ethernere is going to be impassable, according the Drinal's Steward."
Dartain "Hmm... well, I believe the "keys of fate" and the Monoliths of Theer are one and the same thing. That tells me that Rikantus might know where the other Monoliths are. I'd like to know more about this."
"Perhaps I can try to speak with him once more, then? Maybe I can get some information from him?"
Dartain "Please do. He is here now with us, but most of the time he is trying to peddle goods. Perhaps you can get more out of him."
"All right. I'll see what I can do."

"Hail, Rikantus"
Rikantus "Ah! Another fair traveler looking for curios! What is it I can get for you?"
"Actually, I'm hoping to speak to Lord Everling."
Rikantus "I'm... sorry? I think you have me... mistaken for someone else. I don't know... what you mean."
"I know you’re in there, Lord Everling. I need you to speak with me. I need to know about the keys of fate!"
Rikantus "Yelling at me... sure won't help. If you're here to trade, maybe you... maybe you can find something for me?"
"I don't think I'm interested in doing odd jobs for you right now. I must speak to you about the keys! Are they the Monoliths of Theer?"
Rikantus "You know that... that the empire... it was much bigger than you think it was."
"Wait... what? What does that have to do with anything?"
Rikantus "It stretched even into... the hidden places. The places hidden by the dragons. To Wurmbone."
"Wurmbone? What is that?"
Rikantus "Bring me a piece... of Wurmbone. I would like to see it..."
"This is going nowhere. I'll try again another time."

Dartain "How went your discussion?"
"Cryptic, as expected. I don't think I got anything about the Monoliths, though. His speech patterns are too erratic."
Dartain "What did he say?"
"Something about an empire stretching to “places hidden by the dragons”… oh, and something about a place called “Wurmbone”? It’s not something I recognize."
Dartain "Nor I. Hmm... but it's the only lead we've got. Much of what Rikantus says is broken and scattered, but none of it can be ignored"
"If it even is a lead. It tells us next to nothing."
Dartain "It tells US next to nothing, but I would wager it might mean something to someone else."
"Like who?"
Dartain "Like the dragons of the Claws of Veeshan. The dragons keep their secrets well, but the times are desperate. It might be worth discussing this "Wurmbone" with them. Perhaps they have some insight."
"All right, should I head to Skyshrine, then?"
Dartain "Many of the dragons, including the venerable Yelinak, are busy in Skyshrine with what has transpired there recently... I doubt you'd gain an audience with them. Oh... but maybe..."
"What are you thinking?"
Dartain "I think Lady Nevedaria had made her way down to Sleeper's Tomb, if I recall correctly. It's possible that she might be able to provide us with some help."
"All right, let me go and speak to her, then. Farewell."

"Hail, Lady Nevedaria"
Lady Nevedaria "Another mortal? Have you come to intrude on the lands of the dragons?"
"No, I assure you - I have no intentions of crossing the Claws of Veeshan. What is it you are doing here?"
Lady Nevedaria "I came to speak to Jorlak and check on the progress of his task. I trust, however, that you are here for more than idle chatter?"
"I am. I came on behalf of the Duality. We are attempting to track down some information on a place or a thing called "Wurmbone". Is that familiar to you?"
Lady Nevedaria "Where did you hear that?"
"From a man named Rikantus. He seemed to mention it during a conversation, but he didn't say anything more aside from it being possibly a place hidden by dragons."
Lady Nevedaria "And so it is. Rightfully."
"Oh! You know what it is then?"
Lady Nevedaria "OF COURSE. How would I not? And as I said, it is hidden for a reason."
"I imagine that the dragons had a good reason to hide it, but we think there might be something there we need. The Duality believes that this might have something to do with the Monoliths of Theer."
Lady Nevedaria "I'm not sure how that is possible, but Wurmbone Crag is a sacred place to us."
"What do you mean?"
Lady Nevedaria "There was more than one necropolis. The Claws of Veeshan watched over one, and the Ring of Scale watched over another."
"I see. I understand it is significant to dragonkind, but it may be necessary for our struggle in Age’s End. We may need to enter it."
Lady Nevedaria "So you say."
"Please, all of Norrath might depend on what is hidden there!"
Lady Nevedaria "Hmph. Your pleas are meaningless to me, mortal. But, Yelinak has ordered us to help however where we can, so if you want to enter Wurmbone Gulch, then you are granted permission on behalf of the Claws of Veeshan."
"Thank you, Lady Nevedria. Well, what must I do? Where is it?"
Lady Nevedaria "It is in the mountains of Kunark. We kept the key here, away from the door which it opens."
"May I have the key, then?"
Lady Nevedaria "Certainly. It is in the tomb here, along with the map of its location. Retrieve it the halves, and you may open the door."
"Can’t you get them for me?"
Lady Nevedaria "I've helped as much as I choose to, mortal. If you want the key, you may retrieve it. Now go."
"Very well. Farewell, Lady Nevedria."

-I must enter the Sleeper's Tomb, and find the location of the mysterious place known as Wurmbone Gulch.

Al'Kabor "I think Lady Nevedaria had made her way down to Sleeper's Tomb, if I recall correctly. It's possible that she might be able to provide us with some help."
"I was. And I was able to retrieve information on this Wurmbone Gulch."
Al'Kabor "Excellent. Where is it?"
"It's in the mountains of Kunark. By this map, it looks like it is near Jarsath Wastes."
Al'Kabor "Hmm... that is fortunate. There is a contingent of Deepwater Circle scholars not far from there. I will send word for them to venture to this place."
"Wait, there is more."
Al'Kabor "What is it?"
"Lady Nevedria said that that I have permission to enter Wurmbone Gulch. I don't know that the invitation extends to all the Deepwater Circle."
Al'Kabor "What an odd thing for her to say. Why can't we all just enter?"
"It is a sacred place to them – she mentioned it was another necropolis. If we're going to enter Wurmbone Gulch, then I think I need to go there myself, or perhaps with just a few. I don't think I want the ire of dragons directed at me."
Al'Kabor "Given the situation, I am inclined to agree with you. Still, I will send the Deepwater Circle to assist you. If you go to Jarsath Wastes, look for them off the harbor. They will act as your support however they can."
"Thank you."
Al'Kabor "Search for the Monoliths there. I believe Rikantus was indirectly pointing us to them. See if you can find them somewhere within the Crag."
"I will. Farewell to you."

-I've managed to find the pieces to the Wurmbone Key, and have the location of the Crag. I should return to the Duality and let him know what I found.

Erus Dal'viv "I came as soon as I could. The Duality said that you needed help out here."
"Well, thank you, Erus. I appreciate your assistance if I can get it."
Erus Dal'viv "So you're going into that place alone, then?"
"Well, I don’t know about completely alone, but I wasn’t going to risk angering the dragons by having too many of the Deepwater Circle go in there."
Erus Dal'viv "Understood. Well, we will be out here if you need us. In the meantime, I believe we've found the entrance."
"Ah, up there on the cliffs?"
Erus Dal'viv "Yes. It's no wonder that it wasn't found. It was well camouflaged against the rocks there. Now that we know to look for it, though, we can see it."
"I guess I’ll make my way up there, then."
Erus Dal'viv "Good luck to you, Rawadar. We'll be waiting to see how you fare."
"And farewell to you, Erus. I'll return soon."

"Hail, Erus Dal'viv"
Erus Dal'viv "How went your journey?"
"It was not easy. The Gulch is not empty, and the creatures that feed there are fierce and bloodthirsty. They appear to be something like ratonga, but… I dunno… much larger and stronger."
Erus Dal'viv "I'm glad you were able to escape safely, then! Were you able to find what you were looking for?"
"I believe so. I found this in the clutches of a particularly large creature in there. It looks similar to the one Baelon was holding."
Erus Dal'viv "This is good then! We've found another one!"
"Indeed, but I'm confused... where did this come from? Baelon's was in Ethernere. How did this get here?"
Erus Dal'viv "That's true, but how would we know?"
"There’s more to Wurmbone, I think. It seemed like the Crag was only a part of it. I’m going to look for answers in the deeper parts there."
Erus Dal'viv "You would be wise to take care, then. It's likely that whatever lurks further in will be even more vicious than what you've already encountered."
"I'm aware, but I don't have a choice. I'll let you know if I need any help. Farewell."

"Hail, Erus Dal'viv"
Erus Dal'viv "I'm pleased to see you again!"
"And you of course, Erus. And I have good news – I found two more of the Monoliths!"
Erus Dal'viv "That is excellent news! But three in one place? Where are they finding them?"
"I don't know but... I think I have a theory."
Erus Dal'viv "What is it?"
"There were ruins in Wurmbone. It was architecture that clearly wasn’t fashioned by the creatures that live in that place."
Erus Dal'viv "What did it look like?"
"I can’t say for certain but I think… I think it was made by the shissar."
Erus Dal'viv "The shissar? How is that possible?"
"I think I understand what Rikantus said now. He said the “empire stretched further than you thought it did.” Is it possible that part of it might be up in those mountains?"
Erus Dal'viv "I wonder... you know, I have heard stories about the city of Cheslith, and heard rumors that the city was actually much larger than we had discovered. In fact, some of Mayong's notes seemed to indicate they had found the calendar there."
"Ahh! That would make sense! The stone originally came from there… the Monoliths would be nearby."
Erus Dal'viv "And if Mayong was able to find a way in there..."
"Then we can too. The entrance couldn’t be too far from here. I’m going to search by the part of the city we know of, and see if I can find another entrance."
Erus Dal'viv "Good luck to you! Let me know what you find."
"I will. Farewell."

"Hail, Erus Dal'viv"
Erus Dal'viv "I've been waiting to hear from you again. Did you find it?"
"I did. And we were right. There was much more to the city than I had imagined... and I believe there is more still."
Erus Dal'viv "What did you find?"
"I think I found the room where the calendar and the stone were held. I was also able to find one more Monolith, but no more. I suspect Mayong and his supporters claimed any others that were there."
Erus Dal'viv "Well, that is four, at least."
"Indeed. I should get these back to the Duality. I think it’s time I returned to Calum and the Ethernere."
Erus Dal'viv "Very well, then. I received a message from him not too long ago. He is headed to the Cloister of Growth to pay his respects to Firiona Vie. You can find the Cloister in Greater Faydark, not too far from the entrance to Old Kelethin. Farewell to you. I'm sure we will work again together soon."
"I don't doubt it. See you then."

"Hail, Al'Kabor"
Al'Kabor "Welcome back, Rawadar. How was your journey to Kunark?"
"Much more fruitful than I would have imagined. I have quite a bit of information for you."
Al'Kabor "What happened?"
"I had a question first, if I may. What is this place here?"
Al'Kabor "This was built not long ago by the followers of Growth. Firiona Vie herself was overseeing the project, but never was able to see it through to its completion. The servants of Tunare thought it fitting that she be laid to rest here."
"And you've come to say your farewells, then?"
Al'Kabor "I have, for a couple of reasons. Firiona Vie was always a companion of mine... of Al'Kabor's... during the Age of Turmoil. But more disturbingly, I believe she was meant to be a key in the prophecy of the Shissar. Like the Swords of Destiny, her loss could be a shattering blow to our hopes of salvation."
"What will we do, then?"
Al'Kabor "I'm working on that, but as of yet, I do not have an answer. However, I am hoping you have better news for me. Can you tell me what happened during your journeys?"
"I discovered that Wurmbone is indeed a necropolis. It was full of rat-like creatures, who seemed to be feasting on the bones that littered the place. A couple of them, though, had Monoliths – just as Baelon did in Ethernere."
Al'Kabor "That's strange. The Monoliths seem inert – they only have the faintest of detectible magic, but there's been several powerful creatures that carry them. I wonder, are they drawing power from the Monoliths, or drawn to them because of their power?"
"I think I’m more interested in why some of them are in Ethernere, and some are here in Norrath. Why would they be split?"
Al'Kabor "I will study the ones you have brought me for now, and work on their mysteries. Perhaps it is time for you to return to Ethernere."
"I was thinking the same thing. I need to meet again with Drinal’s Steward, and find out what has become of Drinal himself."
Al'Kabor "Indeed. And keep searching. I wonder if there might be more Monoliths in Ethernere. Take this portal - I can't maintain it for long, but I learned to part the veil to Ethernere during my studies with Ravinus. I doubt he would be pleased to learn of this, but time is of the essence. Be safe there, Rawadar."
"I will do that. Farewell to you for now."