Not often do Drow’s leave the comfort of the Underdark for the brightness of the surface, but then again not all Drow’s find the Underdark comfortable. Particularly not Necromedon. Having been raised by followers of Az’atta, the hatred that Drows felt towards other races were also directed his way. Luckily for him, he was transported to the surface and raised by two elderly Drow’s who lived their lives contemplating the way of Az’atta. It was in his 92 year that Necromedon was sent out from the forests to begin his life with the surface dwellers.
His travels brought him to Hlint, a wondrous city, so open and inviting a creation he had never seen. His foster family had taught him many of the ways of Az’atta, to hold all other races equal, and to help all those in need. It was up to him to use those teachings, and to further his understanding of the ways by learning of and interacting with other races. He was warned however that many people would shun him for his lineage, and that many would be hostile towards him for the hatred and fear inspired by Drow’s. Somehow he was to find a way to help them overlook this, and to join them in understanding.
After entering the grand wooden doors of the city, he was captured by the sight of so many different races. Never before had he seen or believed that it was possible to keep so many different people in one place! The love these people must have for one another, to accept each other, to live together, boggled his mind. Contrary to what he had been told, those he met regarded him with kindness and helpfulness. He made friends, delving into the sewers, attempting to rid the vast underground of the vile rats. He explored the crypts with different companions, fighting off evil skeletons and ghouls. His adventures led him to the goblin scouts and their piercing arrows. Those he met, from the giant Krugger, to the Halflings scouring about, showed a sense of tolerance that could only be understood through meditation.
At times, Necromedon had to put aside some of the harsh feelings he had towards a race to understand them, and to learn about them without prejudice. However, the times were hard. Then came his first epiphany. He encountered a fellow Drow, and though of the same race, he was skeptical as to how the outcome of that meeting would be. Upon conversing with the Drow he learned that he worshipped Baraeon. It was difficult for Necromedon to accept this Drow, however with the help of Az’atta he was able to bring himself to peace. It was upon this encounter that a wondrous and foreshadowing event took place.
In the midst of conversation near the well of Hlint, an earthquake shook the ground. In a flash of fire and brimstone a half-elf appeared. Needless to say, both of us were taken aback. Who could this stranger be, and what kind of power was required to perform such an act. The stranger asked for drinks, and with this odd beginning the trio entered the inn and began a most foreboding conversation.
There the we learned of a game, a game to be played by two brothers. The game, though little details were given by the half-elf, named Tops, consisted of pawns. Pawns who were in fact, the very people of Layonara. After seeing the vast power that was required to transport the half-elf to Hlint, it was easy to believe that such a game existed. The half-elf then took leave of us. Not ten minutes had passed, when a second earthquake shook the ground. We were met by a Halfling, who took his seat with purpose and disregard for whoever had been there before. He again told us of the game, yet he told us that his master was the other brother. The same happenings occurred and the Halfling took his leave. It was at this point that we understood that something major had just occurred. There would be a game, a game consisting of people as pawns. It was not discernible if this would be in the near future or years from now, not knowing the length of the brother’s life it was hard to determine what they would consider a short or long period of time. However, we knew that there would be little to do but prepare ourselves as best we could through spiritual and physical growth.
I write again….Life is sudden and harsh, but death is eternal and peaceful….
