| Continued
. . . (previous) -
by Allan
Maki, Turbine Entertainment Software
A Reign of Stone
- from the
Zone
Morningthaw PY12: /
Earth: April 2001
Linvak Tukal has stood as a mystery to the Isparians since the fog
surrounding it was lifted. Now as the snows of the lower mountains
retreats beneath the springtime sun the last vestiges of the fog fade from
the citadel, revealing portals guarded by Lugian Raiders, besieging the
Lugians within.
Making their way through the renegade
Lugian forces adventurers find that Lugian society is much like their own.
They have crafters and warriors, merchants and leaders.
In an effort to enlist the children of
Ispar as allies in their battle against their misguided cousins Lugians
reward the stalwart with items of great power. Emissaries enter towns all
over Dereth with gems that contain spells of protection from the School of
the Heart. These gems house lower tiered spells that last for an extended
time. Further entwined in the information that the Lugians espouse are
tales of how their brethren fell to the machinations of the Virindi.
Deep within the Direlands the Virinidi
presence grows. The town of Ayan Baqur has been wrested from Isparian
control. The inhabitants of Ayan Baqur have been captured and dragged deep
beneath the sands where they have been stripped of their sense of self.
Travelers fear for the safety of Ayan's residents as they uncover twisted
laboratories of the Virindi with remnants of experiments gone horribly
awry, piecing together that the floating masters of time and space can
only intend harm to their captives. While in the town proper Virindi
vendors replace their human counterparts, mocking all who have dealings
with them.
All is not woe and despair. Throughout
Osteth profiteers who have benefited from their days spent hunting across
Dereth established casinos to entertain the masses. High stakes gambling
yields rewards such as Platinum Scarabs and Pyreal Nuggets. Though some
have walked out with incredible prizes, most leave with nothing more than
rotting cabbage to show for frivolously spent pyreals, but then that is
the nature of a gamble.
Outside the gambling dens warriors hunt
together with heightened cooperation to find greater weapons and tougher
opponents. Mattekar larger than their remaining cousins have been spotted
breathing fire and ice from their maws. These new creatures have made the
further advancement of fellowships enabling one another to recover items
lost on death a welcome addition.
Spring has arrived, but the evil of the
Virindi is on the rise and their taint spreads even to those who would be
allies to Isparian people. Stay focused on the enemy and challenge at hand
but remember to enjoy yourself as well...
For further lore on the Lugian giants,
be sure to consult the official bestiary entry, Arm,
Heart, and Mind. Continued |