December 5, 2000

Sir Alayne looked up at the solid stone of Ithaenc. So this was the place that begat the end of the world. Interesting. The tremors had finally subsided, and the foolish adventurers had fled before the dark onslaught. Except for the glistening red waterfall pouring its fury into the sea of blood, things were quiet and peaceful. At least, as much as they could be.

The hand of Bael'Zharon caressed Dereth, and the world shuddered in response. The rivers and the mountains were not the extent of it. The sky itself acknowledged its new lord. And troubling reports involving the Hopeslayer himself had come from many of his explorers out in Dereth. Too many.

Everywhere, people were asking, "What should be done?" Lesser and weaker men squabbled and squawked while their world fell apart. Sir Alayne had no time for discussion, no time for indecision. Now was the moment to act. He had already begun to extend his hand to the new arrivals on Dereth, preparing for the future if the world held.

If the world held. . . . He had done all he could on that front. Even if what he had done would damn him.

But what point to think of that? It had begun. He could not alter the tide of events even if he wished to do so.

Bael'Zharon walked the earth, and every living thing felt incipient doom in those footsteps. Anything done to defeat the Shadows was justifiable. Anything.

The water continued falling to the sea, red mingling with red in a bloody froth. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a cluster of verdalim plants succumbing to the increasing cold. . . .

Enough. It was foolish to put this off any longer.

"Shurov Thiloi." Ithaenc dissolved into a field of blue. Alayne tried not to think of who would be greeting him when he stepped out of the portal.

December 12, 2000

Many first learned of the Soul Stone crystals during last year's Sudden Season event. Then, the Great Work held the very world captive, draining Dereth's heat and plunging all into a wintry abyss. Yet the heroes of the land rallied, destroying the Great Work and freeing Dereth.

More crystals were to come.

Animate fragments, glittering across the landscape, promised swift death to the unwary traveler. Further Soul Stones were also found, hidden deep within the dungeon Vestibules.

These, too, Dereth's heroes destroyed.

Most recently, explorers discovered the jungle-strewn Vesayen archipelago, and on its last isle, the final crystal Soul Stone -- the Shard of the Herald. Many heroes attacked, thinking to do what was right and just, and completely rid Dereth of these malignant artifacts. Yet however dangerous they might seem, the crystals also served a higher purpose, as the prison for the dread Hopeslayer, Bael'Zharon.

With the final crystal broken, the prison itself shattered.

Bael'Zharon has been freed.

Rising from his ancient slumber, the Hopeslayer's presence has had immediate effect upon the world. Swollen rivers flow this Snowreap, yet stained with the crimson taint of blood. Other patches of land, formerly rich with fauna, have been found dead and blasted, more akin to the Obsidian Plains than anywhere else.

Already, heroes of the highest valor have begun joining together to face this evil, able to swear renewed bonds of fellowship. Vowing to share the danger, in this and other causes, they've agreed to better share the rewards of experience.

However, those recently arrived to Dereth will need to learn far more of the world before daring to face its dread Hopeslayer. To this end, several incredible quests await those looking for training and experience; from Al Arqas to Yaraq, younger adventurers have come to wonder about the mysterious letters filtering into the towns. . .

In the terror facing this month, a few pleasant moments nevertheless present themselves. Certain winter plants have come into season, promising fresh colors of dye for armor and clothing. With the temperature dropping and many starting to don their furry matty coats, adventurers will find that even newer coats of hide, and other well-crafted pieces of armor, have been devised. For some, the winter months mean more time spent indoors; as such, scholars have finished collating the history of Dereth for the various libraries.

Still, of the changes and additions taking place this month, nothing compares to the release of Bael'Zharon. Truly, this will prove a time when even the strongest heroes pray while lesser ones weep.