August 10, 2001

Ardry lurked in the bushes, closely observing his quarry, a high-ranking Tumerok. Up ahead, the Tumerok and its companions seemed to be conferring with a cloaked, sickle-wielding Virindi. Ardry noted with interest that one Tumerok carried a banner but he was unable to discern what device it displayed. After a few moments, the Virindi turned and created a portal, through which the Tumerok war party passed.

Curiosity overcame his good judgment. When the Virindi turned away, Ardry leaped out of his concealment and ran for the portal. Trying to ignore his terror as the Virindi spun to look at him, Ardry leaped through the shimmering gateway, a fraction of a second before a fire bolt sizzled through the air.

After a disorienting ride through the portal, Ardry opened his eyes in an unfamiliar Virindi installation, its twisted walls glowing red. "Don't recognize this place," he muttered to himself. "Must be new? Uncle Aliester would be interested to know how far the Virindi have moved." He made a note about the portal's location and began to explore the tunnels.

He wasn't able to explore for long. A group of Tumeroks noticed him and charged to attack. Unprepared to fight, he ran. Going purely on instinct, he sprinted through the twisting corridors, with more and more creatures picking up the pursuit. After a harrowing run, Ardry spotted the familiar pattern of a surface portal, the promise of escape.

Ardry grinned, gritted his teeth and bolted through, sidestepping one last swinging sickle blade. He closed his eyes as he felt the familiar wrenching pull of portal energy, taking him back to the wide-open spaces of Dereth. But something was wrong. Instead of the sound of the wind in the forest, his ears were filled with an ominous, thrumming hum. He opened his eyes and found himself facing the blank stare of a Virindi. There was a flash, a burst of searing pain, and Ardry felt himself falling.

August 14, 2001

With the passing of the summer Solstice, summer begins to fade into fall and the residents of Dereth find themselves locked in a struggle for survival. The Virindi continue to push further into Osteth, spreading the war to previously untouched locations--and this time, they are bringing new allies with them.

Travelers from across Dereth report sightings of army encampments and pennants streaming out across the fields above fearsome bands. Fleeing before the advancing formations, some have also reported seeing strange floating citadels towering over the landscape.

As the encroaching forces of the Virindi advance into the previously sheltered areas of Osteth, the lightning raids continue all across Dereth. Travelers seeking safety from the carnage find themselves traveling in large groups for defense. Yet even this tactic is no guarantee of survival, as the Virindi seem to hold no fear.

Many months have passed with many perils overshadowing the people of Dereth. Yet they struggle on as their ranks are bolstered by stronger and wiser new arrivals. Old timers look on the bright-eyed newcomers and remember the trials and tribulations of their own arrivals so long ago. It's a good thing the new generations seem to be better equipped to handle life in this unforgiving realm.