Clan McTàr Chronicles
Curufir son of Torandin the Tall, who is renowned in song and tale, set on a journey as foretold and directed by Ekkaya the Shaman.
In days when Green was only plant and blossomed rather than grow pointy ears and try to slay yea. The world was yet small and young and the races of beast, man and Elf needed not to trespass on their neighbours land or will. Curufir was much like his father in spirit and stature and bore resemblance to his people in wisdom and love of twilight.
He set sail from his home in Caledonia towards the North and East looking for the shores of far Norsca where wolves and their kin made their abode. As Ekkaya bid, his mission to bring the pelt of the great white werewolf would ensure the clan's safety in the coming of troubled times. Thus armed with his mission, lore of his people and his sword he arrived in distant lands and searched long for the great white werewolf.
In his journeys he encountered many wondrous creatures and witnessed the birth of many marvels though his sword remained sheathed and unstained. Nigh seven months he wandered and at last found the tracks leading to the lair of his target.
There, Curufir first learned of the savagery and cruelty that exist beyond what he or his kin knew. Amidst the rocks and glaciers, many bones and dry skin were strewn and a deep despair filled the land. Only Curufir's love of twilight and trained vision saved him from the first onslaught by one of the great werewolf's minions. A fell beast all teeth and sharp blades sprang from the shadows of a mountain and aimed to butcher Curufir in his tracks. With fastness of mind and body, Curufir drew his sword and fought the beast until it was lain dead and unmoving. The sounds of battle and roars of the beast alerted the great werewolf, which emerged from his cave and advanced upon Curufir with fangs and claw.
Then Curufir said unto him: Thou have caused much suffering and misery in this world and yer days are come to an end, now though shall perish and the stolen light in thy fur will be returned to the work of bliss.
To that the Great white werewolf laughed and said: Many before and many after, never shall my hunger reduce, your bones for my throne and your meat to my table.
Then Curufir replied: Stand fast and get ready, for the halls thou shall see are more dire than yer own. And thus saying he raised his sword and struck the creature. But the werewolf was a veteran of many battles and slew many an armed foe before and he engaged Curufir and they fought long and hard. The ring of steel on claw and rock, the roars of the beast, the bones crunching beneath their feet and the screams of vultures awaiting some morsels (as was their habit in this place) echoed through the land about and silenced all other sounds. Long and hard they fought and inflicted many grave wounds on each other.
Long slashes reaped the werewolf in Curufir with his claws and a bite to his sword arm near dismembered the elbow but at last Curufir managed to drive his sword and plunge it through the beast's heart. As Curufir stood above his stricken foe, bleeding and looking down at him, the werewolf raised his head and said: May yet it be that my pelt you will have and even return to thy home, but you will carry my blessing you accursed son of Torandin, My skin will save your clan but your land shall fall and you shall flee with but your skin.
And then he died and Curufir dressed his own wounds and skinned the white fur of the creature. He left behind the claws that killed so many, the head that drank the blood of innocents and the eyes that saw only evil. The fur he concealed in his packs and started his journey homeward. No more the unstained soul, no more unaware of evil and with open eyes the world seem sharper and more keen then before. Curufir so returned to his people and found all in good form and they named him Curufir Treun, meaning the Bold.
In years Curufir grew even more in might and lore of the world and led his people in wisdom to prosperity. Thus the people of Curufir were known as clan McTreun and they excelled in all they did.
Curufir had a son Rogus, meaning 'seeker' and two daughters, Caoile and Allaidh meaning 'slender' and 'fierce'. As his life drew to an end, Curufir summoned his children and told them of the werewolf's prophecy and bade them be ready and escape if dire times came upon their land. They all took a solemn oath and prepared as they might for their appointed tasks, Allaidh the first born to lead the McTreun Clan, Rogus the second born as the clan's hunter and tracker and Caoile to learn the art of magic and become the clan's Shaman. The werewolf's white fur was kept with Caoile being closest to understanding the magical nature of the fur and prophecies.
Curufir died of old age and was buried with his sword in a cairn built overlooking the clans' lands. The cairn, known in later times as Tòrr-Curufir, was a place where wanderers and adventurers came seeking courage and contemplation.
The years flowed and the clan grew in numbers and strength. More than 100 strong with relatives in 6 other neighbouring clans and trading far and wide throughout Caledonia and the south countries. Thus came the Year of the Raven and Rogus led a party of hunters and trackers to the East coast of Caledonia to harden the clan's young blades and trade with the fishing clans on the East coast. The journey lasted 4 full cycles of the moon and while Rogus being away, Caledonia started its decent into troubled times. Unfortunate it was that the few remaining blades led by Allaidh had to endure the burden of the first blows to Caledonia and be the first to face the wrath of Uzgoth the Heavy.
Days before the departure of Rogus and his band, his sister the Shaman Caoile summoned him and warned him saying: Thy journey my brother is long and hard, yet come through it unscathed you will and bring back profit and able men, yet I fear for the clan and the omens are bad. Thrice have I consulted with our ancestors and thrice been warned, stay your journey for bad tidings are bound. So she said and Rogus answered: You have been wrapped in the white fur for long a time sister and the fear of the werewolf's prophecy clouded your vision. We shall go and return for the world is at peace and our young blades require experience and endurance and furthermore trade is required to keep us strong and flourishing. Then Caoile bade him touch the fur and see the visions of fire in his own eyes yet he dismissed them as of little meaning. And then Caoile said to him: You shall walk long brother to seek prosperity but even longer later to seek good fortune where none is found. And he left her and took his band and left for the East coast. Caoile warned her sister Allaidh of her visions but she refused to force her hand on Rogus in her role of Chief.
Even but a few nights after Rogus and his band departed, from a narrow opening in the mountains came a small group of creatures never seen before by any of clan McTreun people. They were green of skin and their ears to points. Twice have the clan's scout espied the creatures and let them be, though they did not hinder or stopped them. Killing them may have stopped the tide as it was born, but that will never be known.
The day arrived and a force poured our of the mountains, a large force numbering over 300 of the creatures led by a larger and darker one called Uzgoth the Heavy. He was of the lost race of Kruukh, giant orcs with Troll blood that could regenerate and heal their own wounds. His spies mapped the land and his army swept down and headed directly for their first target, clan McTreun's village. And thus one night, one watch before dawn, Uzgoth's army attacked. Only the sentries' quick reactions and the deep moat surrounding the village saved them all from immediate slaughter. Allaidh mustered her meagre forces and eight days the village was under siege while Uzgoth's army ravished the countryside. Twice Caoile summoned thunder and lightning to strike at the savage army and twice the orc Shamans summoned winds to drive her storm away. Twice had Caoile summoned golems from the ground to strike at the orcs and twice they were destroyed. While the orcs horde was reduced, they still outnumbered the clan's defenders and more foul creatures kept pouring forth from the bowls of the earth.
At last Allaidh decided on a desperate plan to save her people and armed with her spear challenged Uzgoth to a duel. The savage army gathered before the gate and Allaidh passed through the gate and faced Uzgoth. Caoile then lead her people through a secret tunnel and they all escaped and fled to the forest. Caoile alone crept back and watched the battle that commenced between her doomed sister and Uzgoth. Uzgoth was well nigh eight feet tall, dark green of skin and covered in heavy rings of black iron armour. In his hands he held his mighty scimitar called Sakakin il-dam, the blood drinker and on his head a skull helmet of some dreadful underground creature.
He laughed and roared and gibbered and advanced on his foe, Allaidh. She was smaller in stature and strength than him but in her eyes burned the fires of her people and at her feet, her fate. Uzgoth struck with his scimitar aiming to cleave her in twain but she nimbly jumped aside and struck her spear at him. The spear pierced his thigh and dark blood poured forth. Uzgoth roared in pain and struck at her again. Allaidh spun and danced and Uzgoth's great weapon cleaved two of the orc onlookers. He laughed again and licked the blood from his weapon. They spun and danced and Uzgoth could not strike at Allaidh but slowly the ring of orcs closed around them until they were separated and Caoile could watch no longer and saw only the backs of orcs and heard the roars of Uzgoth.
Then after a long while one of the orcs surrounding the combatants was hit by Allaidh's spear as she spun and in his anger forgot Uzgoth orders. He pulled a knife, a foul, venom covered blade and threw it at Allaidh's back. Thus she was struck and fell to her knees. Uzgoth then leaped forward and in one swoop beheaded her. As her lifeless body fell forward, Uzgoth saw the knife stuck in her back and recognising the owner he struck him and removed his head as well. He then took both the dead orc's head and Allaidh's head and fixed them on both ends of her spear. Lifting it high and shouting: Here on a stick you both are fixed, knife to front and knife to back yet my pleasure will not be denied. Uzgoth then lead his army and they razed the village to the ground. Uzgoth holding aloft his grisly trophy danced amidst the flames and then marched his army into the night.
This was the first of Uzgoth's conquests though never was he so close to be single-handedly defeated. Uzgoth marched his army through Caledonia, collecting about himself many foul beasts and green skinned creatures until his army swelled and numbered thousands. Uzgoth destroyed many clans and villages and laid ruin to wide parts of the land.
Upon returning to their village, Rogus and his band of blades found the place deserted and in ruin and feared as they hastened on their way back that the rumours about Uzgoth and the destruction of the land overpowered his people as well. And Rogus blamed himself for not listening to the omens of his sister. But as Rogus and his party camped near the ruined village and pondered on their fate when Caoile and the rest of the clan emerged from the woods, where hiding was offered from Uzgoth's army. The brother and sister embraced and then lamented the fall of Allaidh. The clan gathered then their meagre resources and wandered the land seeking refuge from Uzgoth army and roaming bands of orcs. Clan McTreun was the first to encounter Uzgoth and when his power was yet small and other clans suffered the cruelty and larger forces of his growing army. Moving from one hiding spot to another all livestock sickened and died, remains from other clans joined clan McTreun, yet most were poorly and died soon of illness. All sorts of plague and disease brought Uzgoth's monsters to Caledonia and even the plants that were not cut or burned perished. At last Caoile and Rogus held council with the clan and decided to go elsewhere and Caoile read the omens and predicted that the south held the greatest promise. Thus begun the great journey to the south that was later known as fàg-astar meaning the 'leaving/abandoning journey'.
This was the year 623AF and recorded in the chronicles of Clan McTreun as one of the lost years. The lost years are unaccounted in the oral clan history and are referred to only in these written annals.
Clan McTreun has travelled south. Rogus leading the way and Caoile guiding them through her visions and omens. South they went avoiding the roving and raving bands of orcs, avoiding beasts that crawl by night and slithering monsters yet unknown to the world. For every refugee from other clans that joined them on their journey and people of other nations seeking refuge with this little group of survivors, two were slain and two perished to disease and plague. Thus to the far south reaches of their island arrived nigh under 200 people led by Rogus and Caoile. There they mounted three ships and sailed south to the land of Eistraugle (known today as Estragales) and landed safely at night. There on the northern shores of Eistraugle they rested for three months and recovered their strength before complying with Caoile's urging them to continue south. Across the land they trekked and seen the wonders of that beautiful scene. Rolling hills green with grass, valleys deep and lush with forests, birds of wonderful colours and enchanting songs and people who welcomed the homeless band and traded with them. Little had Clan McTreun to offer in trade though its blades could teach their battle skills for a meal and their womenfolk could reveal secret of healing poultices and herbal remedies for a fee of livestock and long lasting friendships.
With their returning strength and uplifting spirits some of the people called Rogus and Caoile to stay their journey and settle in that beautiful land and work it as they have in Caledonia to the north of the sea. Chief among them was Laicho McQuatsch who lost his lands and most his folk to Uzgoth's army. Strong willed and not used to following another, Laicho struggled under Rogus and Caoile's leadership and knowing these were not his true people he sought to leave and engulf his own life. Of the 200 people he befriended some and thus one day they confronted Rogus and made their wish clear. So it was that over thirty of the people left and erected a small holding on the south-eastern reaches of Eistraugle. Under Caoile's advice Rogus has left them most of the goats and sheep they had with them for they intended to travel over sea again and the animals would serve the ones left behind better. The parting was sad for many of Clan McTreun befriended Laicho and his group. What was the fate of these people non can tell and the readings by Caoile and all her descendants never revealed their location or fortune.
From the port town of Valyncia Clan McTreun sailed ever south aiming for the Empire Islands known in those times as the Southern beacon. The most southern and inhabited post known to the people of Estragales or Caledonia. The rough sea journey landed the group in Siracusa where all eyes turned towards Caoile and her guidance to go ever south. The vast seas stretched ahead with no sailor, pirate or adventurer ever returning from the dark seas storming there. Stories of gigantic eels snatching voyagers of passing ships, gargantuan octopuses devouring whole pirate crews daring to sail those seas and the dreaded Deud-Y-Ceann, meaning Teeth-head, which prowled the waters, sank ships and devoured whole crews. Some claimed that Deud-Y-Ceann was a land creature before it was forced by the elves under the sea and some said it was the sea goddess' pet, which she found ever so hard to control. Whatever the nature of the monster was mattered not, for it wreaked havoc on the southern fleets and no magic or sword could yet slay it. And thus awaiting to gather crews brave enough to try and take Clan McTreun south, Caoile had a vision and proclaimed to the clan.
Those that come risk death at sea
The waves will drink their toll and
Deud-Y-Ceann will take its fee
But those that stay shall be no more
Like rain swallowed by the sea.
Five parts there are and so they be
One to stay, one to drown at sea
Alas
One to perish by the teeth
As two parts find their home
For health, fortune and prosperity
Once again the clan split and some fifth of its people stayed behind for they argued that coming on the voyage gives only a half chance of life and by land no harm shall find them. In this time the small crews of sailors assembled that were prepared to chance their fate in a journey to the south. For many of them have taken to Rogus and Caoile and loved the clan. With four ships, more than 60 sailors and 157 clansmen, women and children the third part of the voyage started. The four ships sailed south laden with supplies and good wishes of the Siracusa merchants who dearly wished to know what riches lie to the south.
Well over a month after their journey begun they arrived at a strange location by the sea. The winds died and not a single wave rocked the ships. Thus stranded they were for three days when tiny little whirlpools appeared in the sea around them. With no wind nor oars to the ships the crews and clansfolk could do naught but observe the growing whirlpools with dread. Then one of the spinning waters hit one of the ships which begun to twirl towards its centre with growing speed. Then Caoile said, T'is the time to save the clan from fortune final that is to come, we shall risk our future in foreign land without the white fur that is so grand. And she placed a battle helmet to serve as weight on the deck and wrapped it with the white werewolf's fur and tied around with strong string of leather. Caoile then swung the gleaming package and flung it after the faster spinning ship and both disappeared beneath the waves as if never existed. This has sated and calmed the sea and a mild breeze started to blow. Near 30 clansfolk were aboard the drowned ship and the relief for the appearance of the winds was mixed with grief for the lost ones. Most of all the clan feared the loss of the white fur and their future fortunes but Caoile reassured them and said it has fulfilled it plan and destiny.
Two months later the ships came upon a part of the sea with little green waves and a strange smell to the drink. The ships slowed down and seemed to go slowly as if through mud, despite the good winds blowing from the north. Rogus then tasted the water and claimed they be ever warm and taste as soup. Caoile divined over the strange water and proclaimed them to be healthy and good and thus for near two days they sailed through the green waters and drank them and filled their barrels with them. The travellers thanked the Gods and ancestors for delivering them these waters and thus the strength to continue on their journey. With their good fortune still lingering, spirits were high and even the sailors which were hesitant were renewed with vigour and hope. That same night, when no stars were seen, the moon hid behind the clouds and a soft wind was blowing the dreaded beast came upon them. Deud-Y-Ceann emerged and rushed in.
First a ripple appeared in the distance like a silver streak across the waters, which grew larger and advanced on the ships swiftly. One of the watchmen have spotted the flicker in the water and raised the alarm. Soon all were aboard deck, armed and ready for it. Non-expected neither the size nor the visage of the beast that surfaced near them. Deud-Y-Ceann the great Teeth-head, the whip of the sea goddess, the wyrm that sails the seas, the great devourer has arrived.
At no one time could any on the ships see all its body for in its hideous glory it was seen to be at least 10 ships in length and wide as one of the southern kings' castle spires. Deud-Y-Ceann raised its enormous head above the water and towered above the ships. It glowered at the puny little land creatures, and gazed at the three ships. Its body was black as the darkest pit and light seem to be absorbed into its thick scaly hide. It hissed and the sounds seemed like a million snakes crawling over each other. Some of the people on board clutched at their ears to the terrible sound and some knelt and started praying to whichever gods they knew, to save them.
Then one of the men lit a spear from a lantern and flung it at one of the great Deud-Y-Ceann coils. The spear with its metal, razor sharp blade bounced of the beasts hide as if of a granite rock without causing as much of a scratch. Deud-Y-Ceann though hissed again and opened its huge maw and all knew why it earned its name, Deud-Y-Ceann - Teeth-head. Its jaws like a gigantic snake held no hinges and it spread wider than seemed possible. Larger than the largest ship the giant mouth spread and thousands of sharp teeth gleamed in the dark night. Each tooth the size of a broad sword and each on its own accord reflected a lantern or torch or even a concealed star in the overcast sky. It was a wondrous, unholy and blood-curling sight to behold. Deud-Y-Ceann then in own swift move plunged down and one of the ships disappeared completely within its jaws. The beast plunged downward and disappeared beneath the waves and the lost ship inside its belly never to resurface again. Not a single scream or yell for help. No splintering boards or crushing masts, the boat was gone and yet 38 more clansmen and 15 sailors were lost to the sea. Long through the night the remaining crews and clansfolk searched the seas for the beast's return or any sign of survivors but to no avail.
Sorrowful and scared of the loss of their kin the remaining members of Clan McTreun took slight comfort from Caoile's earlier predictions. Thus as she said two fifths of the clan remained and they were the ones to finish their sea voyage and view the stretches of sandy beaches of D'jerbya. The white sandy beach stretched miles in each direction and only after two days of sailing east along the coast they arrived at the port town of Bat-Yam. The people of Bat-Yam with their strange clothes and long boats rowed by teams of 12 men and have accepted the strangers that arrived from the north sea with open arms. They too wished to know what lies beyond the great waters to the north and in short though rather confused order help nourish and recover the tired and weary clansmen back to their health.
Once Caoile focused her magic and conversed with the local shaman he said to them; a great land lies to the south of here, with many mountains, valleys, rivers, forests and a great desert that eats beasts and men alike. We send at times army units to the south to go to the mountains of G'va'ot and mine for sapphire and other stones at the caves there, but the land is empty and void and at times tribes of orcs are seen and attack our units there. And the people were dismayed and said unto Rogus; why have you brought us from one green disaster to another. The life taken by Uzgoth knows no difference from the one falling to the spear of the southern variety. Have we lost our kin to arrive at another stricken land? And Caoile said to them, Green they are but so is our future, and only growing plants you shall know in green. And they believed her and were happy. Acquiring some of the local maps and some rations they started their last part of the journey, over land to their new home.
The trek across land was uneventful compared to the one across sea. Not all made it and few perished to foul predators, age and sickness but, most managed to get through. They crossed the desert south of the city of Bat-Yam, and scaled the mountains of Shuuf. They crossed the dead lands between the mountains of Shuuf and the mountains of G'va'ot and finally forded the river and laid their tired and sad eyes on the shores of lake Lainnir. The clan travelled around the lake and decide to settle at the meeting place of the two tributaries feeding the lake, at the foothills of the mountains over looking the forests and the shining blue waters.
And thus they have learned the area, and came across the Opal cave and its amazing rich veins of opal and silver. The clan also discovered the peat soil the west of the river and they named the place Màine Blàr. In good order and quick longing for a new home the clan's people built their new homes and they were sturdy and comfortable. Trees were there aplenty and good red soil to make strong bricks, and more then most they treasured their large slates of opal brought from the cave that were easily cut and used as windows for their new homes. And these windows shone and sparkled and each morning promised a new and prosperous beginning.
At first the clansmen were afraid. They new the land not and some of Rogus' scouts have spotted goblins and orcs in some places, but the green skins did not harass them nor bother them, mayhaps due to their surprise and the purposeful actions of the clan in every deed.
And Caoile found a spot of her liking across the river and settled there away from the tribe and closer to the cave and mountains where she could find herbs, work her magic and gain some peace and quiet from the clan's daily activities. And Caoile divined two things and laid her visions to Rogus and the rest of the clan. First they shall be known in the new country with a new name, and a new history they shall acquire. From darkness to light, from despair to joy. But Caoile proclaimed that they should not forget their past and their new name shall reflect that and through her visions and divinations she named them Clan McTàr, meaning 'Gone away' so they always know and remember that exile it is and its sweetness is but a curse.
For the elders who still remembered the old country and its beauty missed it. Their new home was good and offered plenty and hope, but the borders of Caledonia were around their hearts and went with them wherever they went.
And another thing Caoile proclaimed that they should build a castle in the manner of build they knew from old and with towers as they have seen in their voyages. And this castle shall be strong and defend the people in time of need. And they have build Castle McTàr which stands to this very day.
And then Caoile was old and she chose a girl of the clan and she was called Sives. And Sives was wild and preferred running the woods and on mountain paths and played not with the other youngsters of the clan. But Caoile said, this young one has powers she yet not understands and she can hear the call of the elements but understands them not yet. And I shall train her and she shall become mighty in magic and serve you as I did in times of trouble and as in times of prosperity. And Sives became a mighty shaman and was the first to know not the sight of the old land of Caledonia but the strong and raw magic of the new land of D'jerbya. But in her soul and bones she felt the bond and yearning for the old country and she alone from all the people of the clan kept the flame and the records of the journey and she passed the lore to her successors. Sives bade them keep the flame alive and burning, for they should ever wish to return to the lands their ancestors knew and reclaim them.
Clan McTàr settled in their new homes and found the land rich and prosperous. They scouted the area and found the abode of the warlock Farcosan who lived three days ride to the south-west in his lonely hills. He more than any, kept watch and check over the chasm which opened to the underdark and from where, at times, groups of orcs, goblins and Drow came forth. Farcosan was a good and kind person though liked his solitude and peace. The only visitor he was ever keen to have, was Sives who would converse the ways of magic with him and they taught each other much on herbs and divinations and other magical studies.
Clan McTàr also resumed their making of AkvaVishky their ancient and traditional drink made from grain and mountain spring water and smoked with soil of forests long gone.
The Clan McTàr AkvaVishky was made in the new land with a new toast (saying cuimhnaithris meaning 'remember and tell') calling to remember the old land and the journey and fortunes of the clan's ancestors. The new AkvaVishky contains all the lore of the old making ways and the new, pristine ingredients of the unspoiled land. The first bottling came near 13 years after arriving in the new land, though the McTàr Castle distillery bottles the drink now at 17 summers of age.
It has been near 500 years since Clan McTàr came to its new home growing and being prosperous in all its doing. There were some bad years with small skirmishes with green skins, some years when the crops were down but overall life was a vast improvement over the disasters of the old land. This has done naught to diminish the wish to return to Caledonia and renew the lore and teaching of the clan's ancestors. The return to the old land was discussed frequently and not until 200 summers passed in the new home any sign of a different future was visible. It was then that the combined magical powers of the clan's shaman, the warlock Farcosan and a Drow priestess revealed the Fate of the Journey back in what is known as the 'seanchas tillaigh' meaning the tale of the return home.
One autumn day the warlock Farcosan sent a message to Maraeti the clan's shaman asking to see her in all due haste. Maraeti was a capable shaman and three generations successor of Sives. Maraeti consulted with the clan's chief Borantor and he bade a company of 20 blades accompany her to Farcosan's tower. Thus the small company left the village and travelled three days to Farcosan's tower without incident or harm. Farcosan welcomed them though forbade all but Maraeti enter his tower. In his tower Farcosan and Maraeti gazed through his silver scrying bowl and looked at the entrance to the chasm. Farcosan told her that he has seen three Drow priestesses with a group of fighters camping a short distance inside the chasm and by their actions he feared they are planning to raid the surface. Farcosan was more than a match for any Drow priestess and so was Maraeti but three priestesses and near 50 fighters were a force requiring all caution. In past times no more than small groups numbering a handful of Drow came through the chasm and such a large group foretold of approaching mayhem and trouble. Maraeti and Farcosan decided to try and eliminate the threat while it was still unprepared and in planning. Maraeti more than any, remembered the tales of Uzgoth and how his scouts were not killed as they ventured from the earth in the beginning.
Farcosan used his magic and sent for aid from the distant community of elves to the far west in Haderonia. The Elven prince Duukli complied with Farcosan's request and sent 7 of his warriors to assist Farcosan. The seven warriors teleported to Farcosan's tower directly and after short introduction to the clan's blades camped with them outside the tower. Then Maraeti used her powers and summoned a group of four desert bears from the area around Farcosan's tower. The hastily grouped band then travelled the day and a half distance to camp near the entrance to the chasm. Everyone was full of anticipation for the coming battle and the elven warriors have made quick friends with the Clan McTàr blades and their clan's totem animals summoned by Maraeti. As night approached the elves had come out of their hiding place and camped in direct sight from the chasm and built a bright fire in their camp. Farcosan and Maraeti knew that the Drow would not resist a tasty morsel like the seven elves with greater odds in their favour. The bears and 10 of the blades hid on the side of the chasm opening and Farcosan, Maraeti and the other 10 blades hid next to the 'sleeping' elves. They all set to wait and see if the lure would attract the Drow out. The moon was half full and some clouds travelled the night sky and thus many a shadow skipped the rocks and uneven ground around the chasm. Late into the night they waited and suddenly like fog two Drow warriors materialised near the sleeping elves camp.
Their approach was so quiet and stealthy that even the 'sleeping' elves were quietly startled. The Drow looked around and then one of them lifted a bone whistle and blew. No sound came out though in a blink of an eye the rest of the Drow band came rustling through the night and surrounded the elves. One of the priestesses lifted her long thin spear and non-too gently stabbed one of the elves in his leg. The seven elves jumped to their feet and looked around them to the grinning faces of the Drow band encircling them. Though only Farcosan and Maraeti from their rocks hideout could understand the Drow and elven speech, the Drow's intention was all too clear.
The eldest priestess said to the elves: It has been over four centuries since I had the satisfaction to hear you stupid surface dwellers scream and being denied that music, I intend to extract full pleasure from these coming delights I shall have with you. Then the leading elven warrior answered to her and said: While my thirst for screams is not half as big as yours I shall savour your defeat and it shall be done so. And he whistled too and the two other groups moved into place, quickly and with enough pounding and thudding for the Drow to hear. The group of bears and blades blocked the entrance to the chasm and the other came out of their hiding and encircled the Drow. While altogether they numbered less than the Drow group, the Drow priestess understood her predicament. Yet she laughed and said: I shall enjoy this and you will die. And she took her spear and quick as a striking snake stabbed at the elven warrior. Yet he was not pretending to sleep anymore and in one motion stepped aside her strike, drew his sword and broke her spear.
The battle was joined by all and the storm raged unabated. Deep into the surrounding desert the echoes of the battle drifted and the rocks around the combatants strengthened the sound and made it vast and hideous. The clash of steel on steel, the crunch of bone under bear jaws, the screams of pierced hearts and the groans of the wounded. The Drow and elves fought more silently than the others but even they could not stifle the sound in their throats once they were hit. The priestesses summoned a manspider creature that sprung from the chasm to join them but Farcosan blew it to pieces with his staff, and they summoned a swarm of deadly spiders that managed to attack and kill one of the blades in the dark. But Maraeti discovered them and banished them back to their plane. Then Farcosan raised a fire elemental from the elves fire and the creature jumped and swallowed two Drow warriors before it too was banished by the older priestess. Then one of the bears hit a Drow priestesses and she fell senseless to the ground. The two other priestesses, badly wounded and with 12 remaining fighters at their side charged the chasm entrance and managed to slip in and disappear in the dark.
Of the remaining human, elf and bear group few remained standing. 8 McTàr blades were alive, four of the elves and two of the bears, the rest were lying around dead locked in battle with their Drow fallen enemies. After a short pause they gathered all the bodies in two piles and stripped the Drow of their weapons and magical items. Then they burned the Drow corpses and buried the two dead bears. The remaining elven and human bodies were then teleported back to Farcosan's tower. Just then the body of the unconscious young Drow priestess was discovered with a handsome size lump on her head. The elves wanted to cut her throat and be rid of her but Maraeti and Farcosan forbade them to do this. They removed her amulets and spider symbol and tied her to a stretcher and started marching back to Farcosan's tower.
Upon arrival to the tower they tended to their wounds and the Drow priestess as well. She fought and struggled like a wild cat but soon realised that her captors mean her no harm and allowed them to bind her cuts. Farcosan and Maraeti both searched her for magical items and secured her in a room in the tower.
Then Farcosan gave Maraeti a special amulet and ring and confronted the Drow called Xianzha and said: This ring I give unto your hand and the amulet to Maraeti and you two shall be bound for all fates. You Xianzha shall go with Clan McTàr to their home and abide there. You shall be one with them and under Maraeti's control. You will be free to be one with them or as a prisoner. Any harm you shall devise or try upon Maraeti will be revealed to her and rebound on you. Choose wisely and you shall grow and prosper with them. And Xianzha was defeated and accepted her fate although her hatred at the time to Farcosan and Maraeti knew no bounds. Then the blades, Maraeti and Xianzha took their horses and the bodies of their comrades and went back to their village and castle.
Days later when they arrived the clan was grieved to hear of their loses and some wished to spend their anger and slay Xianzha but Maraeti took her to her hut and lived with her there. At first Xianzha hated Maraeti and tried thrice to slay her with poisons and traps but every time she fell to her own plots. Maraeti ate a stew laced with poison that Xianzha prepared and Xianzha herself was affected. She nearly died but Maraeti nursed her back to health. Xianzha prepared a trap above Maraeti's herbal box with a sprung knife and cut herself badly when trying to hide it. She nearly died of blood loss and Maraeti saved her again. Thus Xianzha understood the power of Farcosan's stylish bonds that he put on her and accepted her situation. With time Maraeti and Xianzha grew to be friends and although Xianzha missed her folk she knew that for them she was considered dead and they would never accept her captivity by humans.
Maraeti taught Xianzha some of her magic and in return Xianzha told her about life in the underdark and the training and devotion of the Priestesses. She told Maraeti about the raid they planned as to try and kidnap some humans, meaning of the clan, to serve as slaves in their underground city. Maraeti allowed Xianzha to roam the countryside alone, though bade her remain within a day's walking distance of the village. And Xianzha was content for the mountains of G'va'ot on the north side of the village provided her with plenty of adventure and caves to explore. Thus it was Xianzha that found Glen Bith (Green vale) and Glen Luath (the valley of ash) and told Maraeti of it. She also spied the Ettin and his Kobold minions in their cave and many other interesting discoveries of the area. While the clansmen did not trust her they grew to respect her and her adventuring capabilities. Thus it was one day that Xianzha came to Maraeti and in shocked tones told her of the vision she had.
Xianzha feeling lost and bereft of a God decided to try and pray for her spider goddess and in return received a vision so vivid and so real that she was stunned for a while. She told Maraeti so: A long time more you shall stay here in these lands and your people shall prosper and be happy but in distant lands an old hope grows and it shall bring change and conflict. Your people will divide and some will go and many will be lost twice but, those that endure shall come on the old promise and return home. And therefore I ask of you to let me go and release me from these bonds for I shall go and seek my kin and renew my faith though I vow to stay my hand of you and your people for evermore. And Maraeti used her magic and found that Xianzha told the truth and she understood that the vision meant the return of her people to Caledonia and she was glad and saddened at the same time. She well understood that the return home will be, but not in her time. She understood that it is time to let Xianzha go and loose her friendship, but all these were good and she reconciled with herself. Thus she cast a spell of forgetfulness on Xianzha and then a spell of deep slumber. She prepared a bag with two bottles of unmarked AkvaVishky, some food rations, a small pouch with spell components, a bandolier of daggers and Xianzha's spider amulet and bade two score of clan blades to take Xianzha and put her in a good hiding beside the entrance to the chasm. And so they did and Xianzha was never heard from again, but she is well remembered and mentioned in all tales.
Some two and a half centuries later the prophecy came true and rumours of a new Caledonian kingdom have reached Clan McTàr. At first some travellers mentioned that news from the world to the north. Talk of a nation of people renewed from legends and history and much gossip was spread about their location, deeds and purpose. The Clan's leaders who were old and frail decided to check the rumours and understand their meaning. The clan's chief was Anolali and she was a good and wise chief. She summoned the clan's elders and the shaman Cookaduq to a council of decisions. Cookaduq has consulted with the ancestors and read the omens and proclaimed: It is the rebirth of the old, the promise of long ago come forth. But it be not us as we are to die here and it shall be our young to return to the soil of our first blood and tears. And we shall prepare them for the task so they may reclaim our heritage and our slopes of old. Thus Anolali and Cookaduq consulted with the elders and two were chosen to lead the clan in the future in lands far and near. For the task, three young maidens with innate powers of magic and three young blades of strong spirit, were chosen.
The six young candidates were put to training and learning, of all that could be taught by the leaders and elders of the clan. The three girls were Silaugie (Little Badger), Speireag (Sparrow-hawk) and Luanfaw (Orchid). All three moved to the shaman Cookaduq's hut and started training under her guidance. The three boys Ceòrog (Wolverine), Orthankot (Willow) and Danuri (Gold leaf) have been assigned to the clan's hunting group and set to patrol the borders with the clan's other blades. After seven years of training and reaching the age of 21 years all have been called back to the elders' council and given tasks and tests to prove their worthiness. Each pair was set of in a different direction in the G'va'ot mountains and thus they were: Silaugie and Orthankot to explore a set of caves and seal the entrance to a known vipers' colony breeding nest. Ceòrog and Speireag to scout the Ettin's cave area and disrupt his building of his Kobold army. Luanfaw and Danuri to travel to the East side of the mountains and chart the area known as Green-Skin-Run. All three teams were allowed 3 moon cycles for their appointed tasks and were to return and report their accomplishments.
Of the three teams Luanfaw and Danuri never returned. Cookaduq have searched for them with magical means and the clan's chief Anolali have sent a group of 20 blades to search for them but no sign of their whereabouts was ever found. Cookaduq could only discern through reading the omens and using her magical powers that they are alive though not on this plane anymore. Silaugie and Orthankot fared slightly better although they too paid a high price for their task. After scouting the caves they proceeded to attack the vipers' nest. Silaugie cast a slumber spell on the vipers in the cave and Orthankot killed most of the vermin before a giant specimen, which was outside the cave returned and attacked the two. Orthankot has managed to slay the beast, which was over 20 feet long but was bitten and have lost the use of his left leg for the paralysing poison. They returned to the McTàr village but neither Cookaduq's magical abilities nor her healing powers managed to bring back the feelings and use of his leg. It was only through Silaugie's initial and Cookaduq's following powers that he survived and returned to health.
Only Ceòrog and Speireag have completed their appointed task without injury or mishap. They have travelled to the Ettin's cave area and observed the Ettin marshalling his Kobolds during dawn and dusk hours, trying to make them march in lines and arguing constantly with itself. The two Ettin heads favoured different tactics each and kept on giving conflicting orders to the confused Kobolds, who are not naturally disposed to military organisation. The two hundred large contingent of Kobolds kept marching into each other, kicking And Biting and creating repeated confusion in their ranks. The Ettin had to club two of them to death with his massive, spiked morning star before he managed to restore order and quiet. After watching the amusing drills and training for near two weeks, Ceòrog managed to kidnap one of two Kobold leaders who were made Captains of the Ettin's army.
Then in their hiding place Speireag cast several spells on the confused creature. First she cast an enchantment on him telling him that his rival is planning to kill him and become the King of all the Kobolds under the Ettin. Then she gave him a large wooden pendant with a dwarven symbol and cast a spell of forgetfulness on him. To finish she cast a slumber spell on him and Ceòrog crawled back and placed the sleeping Kobold Captain near the cave. Hours later, just before dawn the Kobold woke up and went into the cave. Some time later the Ettin and his army emerged from the cave and the Ettin was intent on resuming his marching drills. The enspelled Kobold decided to use one of the confused moments during the marching and stab his hated opponent. He marched with his group in the wrong direction and pulled his knife to stab his rival. The other Kobold noticed the knife in the last moment and dodged aside so that his lieutenant marching next to him was caught and fell clutching the knife to his chest.
The two opposing tribes faced each other utterly forgetting the Ettin, who was confused as well from the sudden change in scene. The enspelled Kobold shouted at his rival and drew out his short sword, as immediately did likewise all other 200 of the Kobolds, facing each other in two groups. The two Kobold leaders clashed and the other kobold managed to slash at the enspelled Kobold's shirt, which reaped and revealed to all the other Kobold the wooden pendant he was wearing. There is little Kobolds hate as much as dwarves and at sight of this symbol they charged the other group yelling at the top of their shrill voices and calling them traitors. At the clash of the two tribes the Ettin awoke from his confused state and following the best of Ettin's logic waded into the melee stomping the Kobolds with his huge feet and swinging his morning-star at them. The battle raged for several minutes until more than 50 kobold bodies were lying dead on the ground. The rest of them decided then that the enraged Ettin was losing control and more joy could be obtained by banding and trying to kill the huge general. The kobolds jumped on the berserk Ettin and tried to smother him with their superior numbers. The Ettin looked like a tree swarming with termites and for several minutes he staggered clawing at his attackers before he collapsed pierced and stabbed with hundreds of little wounds inflicted by the kobolds. It mattered not that half their number were dead as the remaining ones who could still stand danced around his body and one particular brave kobold plucked out the Ettin's eyes and strung them into a necklace.
At that moment Speireag used her magical powers and from their hiding place amongst the rocks. She used telekinesis to make the Ettin's body slowly sit up and look around with his empty eye sockets. The kobolds fell quite at the first sign of movement and slowly backed away from the presumably undead corpse. When the Ettin looked around and fixed his gazed on the kobold wearing his eyes the whole kobold army broke down in screams and fled into the mountains. After a short while Ceòrog and Speireag crawled out and dragged the dead Ettin's body into his cave and Ceòrog sealed the cave with great rocks. Ceòrog also took the Ettin's morning-star and brought it back to castle McTàr where it was proudly mounted on one of the great hall walls. After a short recovery Ceòrog left with the search party to the east to look for the missing Luanfaw and Danuri and Speireag returned to Cookaduq's hut to complete her training.
The clan's council then decided that Ceòrog and Speireag would lead the first expedition to the North, to try and find the way back to the old land and discover the truth about the rebirth of Caledonia. In their absence Silaugie and Orthankot would assume responsibility for the clan and prepare- should the day come- for the clan's journey back home. This was the year of 1098 AF.