Vellyn Cormiere

[Vellyn]

Vellyn sat on his cot thinking of the day’s events and reminiscing on his life, where he came from and where he was going. So much had happened to him over the past few years and all of it happening too quickly. Getting down on his knees, he prayed to Aeridin and let his memory run his life …

“Vellyn, come to me lad, we must talk in private,” his mentor, Regrym, told Vellyn. He had just turned thirteen and was to spend the day with his father, Dwoemyr, who was specifically returning from his travels to be with him.

“I do not know how to say it, so I’ll just tell you what transpired. It seems your father was traveling through the town of Krandor south west of Fort Llast when the dead rose from the graves … necromantic magic I’m a sure … and began attacking the townsmen. It seems a funeral was in precession at the time, and your father knew he needed to help. He called on the power of Aeridin to turn the undead from their path but more kept coming. The townsmen escaped the women and children and came back to aid your father and a few other church knights but arrived too late. Two of the remaining church knights lived to tell of your father’s heroism as well as the other knights that fell. The two knights said if the men of the town had not returned to help, they would have died too. I am so sorry lad. Your father was a brave and righteous man.”

Vellyn did not here anymore. He rose from his seat and ran. His memory could not remember where, but he ran and fell to his knees …

Vellyn memory took him to when he was eighteen years old. He was dressed in his finest priest robes ready to be dedicated as a full priest of Aeridin. Around his neck was the holy symbol of Aeridin, a necklace with a Golden Leaf, that his father used to where. It was nothing more than an old symbol but the mental value of the symbol was priceless. A small tear had trinkled down his face as he wished his father could have been present to see his acceptance. He had never known his mother, and she lived in him only through all the wonderful things his father had told him of her. They were the last thought of her he could gather because his father had now been dead for five years. At least his mentor, Regrym , would be here to witness the acceptance. He was to come up from Fort Velensk but for some reason was not here yet.

The acceptance began and the three lads along with Vellyn came forward to the head priest of the temple. The ceremony was short and nothing more than him saying that the boys were to become men and had passed all the training they had and were now ready to venture out on their own. A messenger came in rather quickly and whispered to the head priest whose expression saddened with each whispered word.

“It is with great sadness that I tell you that Priest Regrym and four fellow church knights have fallen to a new plague of undead that have entered the Direwoods.” No more was said and no more was needed to. Vellyn fell to his knees and wept at the news. Another person had fallen to the undead …

Vellyn remembered his nineteenth birthday. A new love, Caryn, had entered his life, a vibrant young woman with a love for Aeridin like his. She was a Paladin and wished to join the LighBringers removing the accursed undead from this life so that the souls could enter the cycle of life proper as was the will of Aeridin. They lived in Hlint now and aided young adventurers into the Crypts of the city who wanted to also remove the abomination that resided within. Vellyn was sick that day and barely able to walk. Caryn had a friend who fell in the Broken Forest and immediately joined a rescue team heading out that way. Vel had wanted to go but Caryn had convinced him otherwise saying he needed his energy so they could celebrate his birthday when she returned. Night fell and the rescue party had not returned. He could take it no more and mustered up his strength to make a trip into the woods. He called on his friends Lushen, Dargo, Neveah, and Nessa to aid him knowing he was too weak to go alone.

When they arrived, death was all they could see. The shades and mummies were everywhere and nothing living was in sight. Fury, anger, and sadness filled him as he called upon the might of Aeridin to help slay the undead. He placed blessings on those close to him and used every last muscle and strength to forage through the undead until he found what he was looking for … the dead body of his young love. The others fought valiantly to help him take her body outside of the Broken Forest where he collapsed to the ground weeping. The last person he would ever love was also killed by the undead …

His mind brought him back to the present. Vellyn had not realized the tears that had fallen in his mental journey. “Oh Aeridin Great Protector and Preserver of Life, where is it that you want me to go next? What do you ask of me for I will do it with all my heart.” As if in reply though he never heard a voice, he knew that he was being called passed the basic life of the priesthood and into the LightBringers. He would seek them out through the church and become an undead slayer to help fulfill one of the primary rules of Aeridin’s belief in removing the undead. Now he needed to rest and think where to start.

[Vellyn]

Vellyn had learned that one could not just join the Light Bringers, instead one had to be called to join the Light Bringers. He did not know how this happened or by what calling was required so he continued on with his daily regiment of returning the dead back into the cycle of life as was the will of the Blessed Aeridin. Vellyn took journals regarding his expeditions into the Crypts of Hlint to aid people in the hunt for the Darksoul that the Undertaker asked for so often. He also collected the skeleton knuckles so that he could aid the lives of people through potions that would restore health. Vellyn knew he could not always be with people as he served as a healer quite often on expeditions and felt this allowed him to continue Aeridin's desire in maintaining life.

A part of Vellyn wanted to know exactly what the Undertaker was up to asking for the Darksoul so often but had spoken with a few priests of Aeridin and let it go knowing his place amongst the senior clergy. At least he agreed that removing such abominations as the acursed undead was a necessity and did feel that the Undertakers purpose could be one of goodness.

Vellyn had both succeeded and failed in his attempts to remove the undead from the Lands of Minstrone (the only place he had ventured thus far). He noticed that the more people that came along to remove the acursed souls, the more undead he encountered which only hardened his resolve to place them back in the cycle of life even after a failed expedition. Once such adventure had him and nine other people in the Direwoods where they encountered Golems. Vellyn had never fought one before and found that the regular weapons of his party could not penetrate the vile creatures. He had prayed long and hard for forgiveness from Aeridin for not being able to face such adversity nor being prepared for the unexpected. It was abundantly clear to Vellyn that the undead had a mastermind somewhere and just knew it had to be working for Blood.

Vellyn would have really known nothing about Blood had he not been in Hlint itself a few weeks past when Blood himself attacked Hlint and it was discovered that the sands of time were shifting and the great fight was coming soon (Laenther's Quest). He had even met the High Queen and the Seven sisters and swore his loyalty to the cause of removing Blood and preparing for the confrontation that was destined to happen soon. Vellyn knew that his part in this great quest had to be the fight against the undead, but this was vital as they were the minions of Blood and his Commanders. Vellyn also felt that somehow he would get accepted into the Light Bringers to further this destiny of fighting the undead and aiding in the battle against Blood and his minions. His anxiousness was the only thing that would get in his way ...

[Vellyn]

Vellyn had once again assembled a group to head into the Direwoods to do battle against the undead in another attempt to seek entrance into the Light Bringers and draw favor from Aeridin. Such great people as those he had with him this time made him feel all the more confident that they could remove some of the accursed souls and send them back into the cycle of life. A part of him even felt that Aeridin was with him in guidance and faith.

As always his trusted friend and travelling companion, Lushen Whitewood, was joining him along with his cousin, Raven. He had acquired the company of Nevaeh once again rounding out his typical traveling group. This time he had found a fellow person of faith though not of Aeridin. Matilda was her name and she was a Paladin of Lucinda. THe group was well fit to handle the likes of the spectres and bone golems that frequent the place.

The battle began as planned with Nevaen laying excellent arial magics to damaged the walking dead while Lushen, Matilda, and Raven placed their souls back into the cgreat cycle with the aid of the darkflames I placed on their weapons. I served as healer while combating with my oaken heavy crossbow that Lushen had made me. From time to time, I stepped into to melee the accursed souls so that one of the true warriors took a breather. I would use darkflame and greater magic weapon on myself to fight the evil quite successfully.

The rest of what occured is best explained in the letters I had posted in all the Inns in Mistone:

I have grave disturbing news to tell you that only further proves that Blood is on the move. The time is now to find out what you can do to join the fight for Blood only wishes to rule you all by force, terror, and submission. This tale comes in two parts and I hope the others involved post something up along with this to further explain what was seen so all of you can get the best information possible.

This story begins with me, Vellyn Cormiere, a humble priest of Aeridin along with my traveling companions: Lushen Whitewood and his cousin Raven, Nevaeh Duvaine, and Garnet Stonesmythhy. I am avid about hunting the undead in hopes of Aeridin’s Light Bringers one day accepting me into their fold. I chose the Broken Forest as my latest venture and my companions quickly agreed. We were not at all prepared for what we found.

We entered the area, black and stuffy with that typical smell of the dead, and I was anxious to make contact with some of them and send them back into the cycle of life as is the will of Aeridin. We found a gathering of zombies and went to work dispatching them into the Great Cycle when out of no where a group of bull like creatures began to attack us. We fought hard and due to our teamwork overcame these creatures but barely had time to look up to see a figure we had never seen before staring at us with disgust. We had no time to place a description to memory because he began bringing forth metal like constructions to attack us. Once again we fought together and valiantly defeating his next wave. This time we began to walk towards him as he sent a third wave to defeat us anger apparent on his face. He was much wiser the third time and sent constructs and bull men all around us. He had Nev, a sorcerer, and I individually placed in the midst of melee combat preventing her from casting her spells and me from healing the wounded. Lushen tried to come to our aid while Raven and Garnet fought onward but it was too late and I fell to the attackers.

I cannot even claim to say that I know what all was in there or what was said from that point on as I was saved from the cycle of life and my soul began the journey back towards the Broken Forest to pray over my headstone. I had been bound in Hlint. When I arrived at the edge of the forest, all combat had ceased and Ozymandias was there with the survivors. Once all of us had prayed over our ‘stones’, we followed Oz to Fort Velensk where we could discuss what had transpired. In the end, it was determined that the man … or undead rather … was saw was none other than Drezneb, a general of Blood. We knew it was not Eon because Lushen and myself had seen Eon back in Hlint a week or so earlier during the Darkening that occurred over Hlint. Lushen will need to add to this to inform you more of what was said by Drezneb that day.

My second tale involves a similar expedition butt his time into the Direwoods to combat the Spectres that float in the area taunting the living and draining people of their very lives. Again, I chose this place in order to try and please the Light Bringers for I want nothing more than to join their order and remove the undead back into the Cycle of Life. My traveling companions were similar: Lushen, Raven and Nevaeh but this time a Paladin of Lucinda, The Lady Matilda Landsend, joined us instead of Garnet.

We were doing a splendid job in the name of Aeridin (and Lucinda as would be said by Matilda) when out of no where again forces of great evil were thrown at us. This time we were already in disarray trying to combat a Bone golem that seemed to have the ability to regenerate it’s health. We expended all of our energy and ability trying to dispatch this creature and were preparing a retreat when minions came towards us. We were already scattered and unable to regroup as I watched Matilda, Lushen, and Raven fall into silent death. I had been knocked down but was not dead when I looked at the individual throwing these constructs at us and saw that it was Eon, another general of Blood. A creature then ended my life, and I could see no more.

I had accepted my passage into the Cycle of life bus was a gain spared and brought to the place of my binding in Hlint. On my journey back to the Direwoods, I ran into Oz and told him a brief description of what had transpired. He hasted me so that I could run quicker to my companions whom I found out had been resurrected by Selian but the conversation discussed between those she brought back and herself I will leave for them to tell so that it can be told right. By the time I had arrived, Selian as already gone, so I prayed at the site of my death and followed them once again. We were trying to catch Matilda for she had learned something and ran off to do what she felt was right. Once again she had an encounter with someone while in the Battle Fens but that discussion will be left for her to tell.

We caught up with her after her encounter and all ran on to the Broken Forest where something was up. To our expected surprise we ran into Drezneb who throw minions at us again to keep us busy while he continued on with whatever path he had been on. I shot a bolt at him and learned quickly how ineffective I was against him. The only thing that saved me this time was that he considered me nothing ad simply continued on his path. I followed him to the sight of the grave in the middle of the Broken Forest where he said …

‘We know about your little secret sister. Even your heroes cannot save this one.’

Then he disappeared. We journeyed as quickly as we could to Hlint where Matilda rang the great bell and gather all who would listen telling the story similar to what I have just written to all of you.

Take this for what you will and pass it on for all to hear. Access from it what you can and work with all you see to find out about Blood and his army for the war with Blood is coming whether you accept it or not. I only hope you join the fight else we will all lose ….

[Vellyn]

*Letter to the Church of Aeridin*

Fellow Aeridinites,

I hope this letter finds you all in good health and the Church brightly in Aeridin's Light. I have spent a great many number of days in my life since leaving the briliance of the Church in search of darkness and shadows that I can proudly bring Aeridin's Light to those who may not have seen it before. I pray that you continue to have faith in me and that Aeridin Bless me in my trying times I have faced and am sure to face in the future.

This letter is to ask the direction of the Church in the dark times that are laid before us. I have personally seen the undead faces of Eon and Drezneb on more than one occassion and know that I am but a drop of water in the dark weathers they have laid out. Where does the church stand on this fight, and what course of action is it taking that I may know if asked of me by those seeking aid? I know that I have personally sworn to aid the fight against Blood and his dark minions, that I may proudly bear the Torch of his greatness into their dark hearts like a stake. Drezneb has sent undead against me until I fell from exhaustion only to come back into the Light of Aeridin once more. I am resolve in my task to reomve the undead and place them back in the Great Cycle as is the will of Aeridin whom I believe has called me to do so.

I lost focus of myself for a time thinking of only myself and my desire to slay the undead due to the loss of the loved ones that once surrounded me. I prayed to Aeridin on many occassions that his Light Bringers would accept me into their order as my father once served before me. Praise be to Aeridin for sheding his light on me to remind me that my path wa always his too chose. Seeing Drezneb and Eon amidst the Broken Forest and the Direwoods combined with deep prayer over these issues allowed Aeridin to touch my soul when I lay humbly on my knees. I will continue to fight the undead with greater tenacity than ever before but this time for the Glory of the Light Bearer upon the world. Blood will use such minions when he places his final assault, and I know I am to be there to aid the armies of good. Aeridin did not tell me in words, but I believe he told me in spirit of this.

May the Light of the Great Flame shine brightly on your souls in these dark times. I can only pray the Church will take a bold frontal approach to this war knowing that without fighting, more innocent lives will be lost than if we did nothing.

Faithful Disciple and Humble Follower,
Vellyn Cormiere

[Vellyn]

Vellyn had seen enough evil in his time already that he was beginning to question his own faith. The orcs and ogres that hunted anyone in their area eating the remains of innocnet passerbys as well as the Gnolls in the Rust Mountians. How could a follower of Aeridin value such life and not chose to kill? These evil acts and creatures needed to be removed else more innocent life was lost. And let's not forget about Blood and his minions. Yes Drezneb and Eon were undead, but they brought forth evil people to do their work ... not just undead. Was he allowed to kill those in service of Blood who were still considered among the living?

such questions vexed Vellyn, and he decided it was time to retreat into a secluded area of the world and search out his faith. Maybe he was not meant to be an Aeridinite after all but rather his own lust for slaying the undead that drove him that way. He still was a healer pure and simple but enjoyed seeking out the evil in the world and removing it for the safety of others. Was this moe the will of a Paladin than a Priest? He would Meditate and Fast on these issues that perplexed him seeking guidance from Aeridin in hopes of living the true life that was meant for him. He only hoped his friends would do well while he was gone ...

[Vellyn]

Vellyn spent a week in mediatation, prayer, and fasting while trying to learn his role in life. He had been called to Aeridin at a young age coming from a family that had served him in generations past. Vellyn was proud to serve the Father of Life, The Light of the world, Aeridin. After spending a week in isloation, he felt ashamed for having questioned his faith and not understanding his path.

Vellyn felt renewed vigor to remove the undead that existed in this world. Torched, acursed souls trapped in a dead body begging to be returned to the cycle of life but overwhelmed by the negative energies that keep them from this journey. That negative enrgy that puts total hatred and evil over anthing that lives inside the dead heart of the corpse that the soul is trapped in. Kill is all they know, and the only way to combat such evilness is to destroy the body host and allow the soul to return into the Great Cycle so they could feel the love of Aeridin. Vellyn remembered the task he was called to and rose to the challenge once more.

Vellyn found his companion and dearest friend, Lushen, follower of Katia allied to Aeridin, and made his way into the Broken Forest. Along the way they found Twixel, a friendly gnome who had a hatred for undead as well, and joined on the crusade. The trio destroyed many undead feeling that their task would please the Gods above. For Vellyn, that was specifically to Aeridin. The trie decided to taste their untiy against the stronger menace of the spectres and golems in the direwoods.

Vellyn spent the evening in prayer asking Aeridin for the protection against the life taking aspects of the Spectres for him and his friends. Aeridin granted the request making Vellyn feel even more that Aeridin was pleased with his works. They took to the direwoods prepared for the evil that laid waste to this once beautiful land ... so Ozy had told them. With sword and mace, the trio chopped down the physical forms of the undead and released the trapped souls. The golems, though, proved to be a bigger challenge, and the teamwork of the three aided them in defeating the walking bone contructions that Vellyn believed were placed their by none other than Eon or Drezneb having seen them both inside the direwoods before.

As the trio left to the outlands to rest, a bird arrived with a message for all of them to come to the Lady in the High forest ... Legodia was her name if memory served correct. With haste Velyn and his friends made their way to the Lady of the Forest and listened to all she had to say. It was meant for Lushen specifically but asked that we aid him for it was the allaince of Aeridin and Katia that forged the trust and teamwork of Lushen and Vellyn. Their task of removing the undead and proteting the life of the forest had been notied by some of the more dominant figures within Lushen's religious organization. We were to seek out Rhizome and learn of the Great Oak and the Dark Teee and remove the evil tree from existance.

We could not find Rhizome but decided to investigate the Direwoods once more. We combated the undead again but this time a great power had overcome Lushen and he lost his sight. Twixel and Vellyn fought back to back leading Lushen outsde of the evil woods and get him some rest. Once away, the sight was returned. The trio learned that they had found something in this event occuring but did not knwo if they had the strength in numbers to fight this thing. They decided to rest for the night and seek out Rhizome in the morning ...

Katia and her followers noticed the actions of Lushen with Vellyn by his side. Vellyn could only pray that Aeridin and the Light Bringers would take such notcie of him as well. He knew it was the desire of hsi own heart to become one, but felt that this desire served Aeridin. He hoped that he would be noticed soon and asked to carry Aeridin's Light into the darkness.