Steel DarKnight

VIRTUE STAR ACHIEVEMENTS PROTOCOLS The following awards have been initiated in order to recognize those guardians whom have shown that they pursue the virtues, and as such exemplify the empire. These are NOT intended to replace the awards previously listed in the Codex but to add to their depth. These awards are intended as a recognition for a military action (or posted mission i.e non military)and thus approved by the Emperor, and granted/awarded by the Senator of War. Awards The Star of Sacrifice (Star Sapphire) – This award is granted to a member whom shows the virtue of sacrifice defined as giving of themselves for the good of Sosaria, the Guardians, or their brothers and sisters in arms. The Star of Honor (Diamond) – This award is granted to a member whom shows a dedication to the virtue of Honor defined as adherence to principles considered right; integrity. The Star of Valor (Ruby) – This award is granted to a member whom shows Valor defined as marked courage or bravery. To take actions based on ones convictions The Star of Humility (Emerald) – This award is granted to a member whom shows the virtue of Humility defined as the act or state of being humble. The Star of Compassion (Sapphire) – This award is granted to a member whom shows the virtue of Compassion defined as empathy for ones fellow creatures. The Star of Spirituality (Citrine) - This award is granted to a member whom shows the virtue of Spirituality defined as how deals with themselves and others with truth, love, and courage. The Star of Justice ( Tourmaline) - This award is granted to a member whom shows the virtue of Justice defined as devotion to truth, tempered by love. The will to follow and protect the precepts of law written in the Codex. The Star of Honesty – (Amber) - This award is granted to a member whom shows the virtue of Honesty defined as the respect for the truth. Never deceiving oneself or others. The Star of the Virtues Guardian (Amethyst) - This award is granted to a member whom has, through their virtues, been awarded all of the Medals above. The stars will be awarded as a necklace using the appropriate stone along with a sealed non-rewritable book defining the accomplishment and the date. These awards are not meant to be gained easily and some of the means to gain them are purposely hazy. This does NOT revolve around the methods within game to gain virtue as they are easily acquired by even the most un virtues Strength and ....Virtue. Steel DarKnight Senator of War

*This letter is intended to be given to each new recruit, in order to give them a crash course on the traditions, ways, and means of the empire. Please note that underlined items are linked to more detailed information found within the web sight.* Hail, and welcome Recruit, I am pleased to be one of the first to welcome you to our order and hope that you find your time in service to the Empire, and your comrades in arms, to be an enjoyable, and rewarding experience. In order to ease your transition into the empire this scroll has been given to you so that you can review and start with a basic working knowledge of the order you are now a part of. Within you will find "notes"detailing were more detailed information can be found on a particular subject mentioned. You should make it a point to further expand your knowledge of the Empire by reviewing the other information found elsewhere within the Empire’s "archives". The Purple Guardians of Honor have long been a cornerstone of the realm. Our"origins" dates back to times before the discovery of the “Lost Lands,” “Ilshenar,” or even the realm of “Trammel”. The formation of the Empire began from a simple group of 3 miner/smiths, thus the traditional half apron you will soon wear. As the Empire expanded, our "Codex" was created to give order to the chaos. The Codex details almost all parts of the Empires structure, laws, government bodies, and rules of engagement. It is our law and our way. Learn it well Recruit At its heart all things in the Empire are based upon the virtues, virtues and of course common sense. Every noble virtue is dear to the Empire but most importantly we seek to embody the virtue of HONOR. Your every action should be taken with this in mind. The Empires governing body is based upon the republic. Our Emperor whom is advised by a group of personally selected Magistrates leads this government. As is necessary we also have a senate body that meets to discuss and decide on any major issue facing the empire. Within this Senate are representatives whom oversee specific areas of the empire. The seats included within the Senate are as follows: War Trade Espionage Arcane Genesis State At the heart of our order is our military, or the Legion, as it will be called from here on out. The Legion is made up of several cohorts. Soon, should you prove yourself worthy, you will find yourself a member of one of these Cohorts. The Cohort you are enlisted in is based upon your defining skills as a warrior. These Cohorts can be expanded, per Codex, as forces allow. Infantry Cohort - Footsoldiers Melee and Range Dragoon Cohort – Horsed Military Units Heran Cohort – Animal Trainers and Bards The Legion is structured under a firm line of command. 1) Senator of War 2) Imperator 3) Centurion 4) Knight Through out the history of the Empire certain tactics have been devised, implemented, tested, and either thrown out, or incorporated into our strategies. Our battle manual detailing these strategies can be found in our archives. This "Manual" was created by one of my predecessors, but its strategies still remain sound to this day. To simplify, our strategy against your most common non-human enemies is the “Honor Wall.” The wall is what the name applies, a strong line of Dragoon warriors whom draw the enemy to them. The remainder of the cohorts supports this wall of warriors. The Shadow Riders and the Arcane providing fire and healing support. The Herans use their great beasts of war or their hypnotic music to defend not only the rear but to provide the heavy punch. As a Legionnaire you will initially serve a probationary period. This is intended to allow you to prove yourself in the eyes of your comrades and your officers. A Legionnaire should aim to accomplish the following steps to start his journey to Knighthood. 1) CODEX Review 2) Individual QUEST (Assigned by Emperor himself) The CODEX explains the structure and system that we, in the Empire, follow as our code of laws. At ANYTIME during your Legionnaire life you can request a CODEX review, at which time you will be quized on general articles of structure and mechanics the CODEX covers. This CODEX review will also contain questions that relate to HISTORICAL facts that are touched upon in the codex and further detailed in the website gallery and/or renderings. MANY Historical facts are within the CATSKILLS NEWS section of this forum. Upon completion of the CODEX review and completion of your personal QUEST.... you will move to the rank of squire were you will be assigned to a patron knight; which may or may not be the Knight who sponsored your application to the Empire. The Decurion who is the commanding officer for all Legionnaires and Squires will watch all of your activities during this time and work in concert with your KNIGHT patron to determine when you are ready for Knighthood. Decurion Squire Legionnaire As a military we are required to wear a "uniform" while in public realm events. This uniform not only shows your rank, but also shows your loyalty to the empire. It bonds each of us together and shows the realm that the Guardians are united. Please note that our uniform is clothing driven only and that any armor defined is purely for ceremony. We wish you to be as effective as possible in combat so your battle dress (armor & weapon) is yours for the choosing. As a Legionnaire, your uniform is a Black Doublet, and a Purple Half Apron. Your main point for information regarding current events, hunting missions, or other various happenings will be the "Ethereal Boards". Please check the boards often so that you may be able to take part in these events. Also, every Sunday at 7 pm as the eastern skies sun sets we have our weekly meeting. This meeting is held at our fortress, Olympus. For in-realm communication the Empire employs a system of courier pigeons (icq). You should seek to learn the roost coordinates for each of your fellow guild mates. Lastly recruit, report to the Decurion at your nearest opportunity. He will be able to further assist you in your transition into the Empire and may possibly have further instructions for you. Remember, the Empire and your time in it is what YOU make of it. No more, no less. Strength and Honor, Steel DarKnight Senator of War --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROMOTION PROTOCOLS ........Legionnaire to Squire. In order to achieve a rank of authority all members must complete the steps listed below. These have been posted in other places on these boards and I am reposting here so that all members may be aware of the requirements. These "benchmarks" have been created so that all members are assured that a equal standard has been set for all. Any whom wish to advance will be able to complete these steps and do so. There is no favoritism in PGoH.. These steps have been completed by all to gain the rank they hold. To allow others to achieve rank without doing so would diminish their predecessors accomplishments and service to the empire. SQUIRE The following items are traits to display or events to be completed to qualify for advancement. Completion of these requirements shows the legionnaire displays the primary requirements for success in PGoH and qualifies him or her for advancement. Loyalty Dedication Humility 1)Meeting with Decurion, Senator of War, and Emperor: A one time meeting to discuss the applicants qualifications for membership. Ø Define character attributes for cohort assignment (skills)Ø Provide contact information (icq#) Ø Receive training assignment(s) Ø To have any questions regarding the Guild answered. 2) Participation: This can not be overstated. Taking part in guild events is a solid requirement for advancement. This includes meetings, hunting, and working with other legionnaires to assist in mutual development (i.e. skill building, combat training, etc.) No one is expected to be able to attend every event but one cannot appear after two months of inactivity within the guild and expect advancement. 3) Term of service: All legionnaires are to serve at that rank for at least 30 days. This allows for “bad apples” to be revealed and also allows time for the recruit to become knowledgeable in Guild rules and standards. 4) Participation: in at least one announced Guild combat mission (hunt) and show proficiency in the use of PGoH tactics as detailed by the Senator of War. 5) Donation: Resources to the Guild for use in Guild events 6)Register: Register account on www.thehonorempire.net. >Once completed message Emperor Borg for acceptance. >Once accepted set up your account info so that all may have your contact information (ICQ#) Knighthood 1) Participation: (General) 2) Participation: Participating in at least one announced Guild combat mission (hunt) and show proficiency in the use of PGoH tactics as detailed by the Senator of War. 3) Ability to act within a role playing society:. I.E we do not expect everyone to religiously practice there persona, but we do insist that you can act in a manner fitting the situation. 4) Recommendation: Recommendation for promotion by your patron Knight, along with approval from the SoW and or Emperor. 5) Second Quest: The completion of a quest to be assigned by the Patron Knight, SoW, or Emperor * The Emperor may, based on the needs of the Legion, may advance members as needed. This advancement is to be approved by the S.O.W. and the Decurion if available.

Thank you for your words and your support. Upon the request of the Emperor, I have agreed to return from retirement to resume my previous role within the empire. Some of you, will remember my previous service and understand what I expect and require from the Legion. My methods, ethics, and mannerism, should also be familiar. For those whom are not, soon hopefully, you will........ I believe in what the founding fathers of our empire foresaw for the order. The moral code and ethics that the Empire was based upon stand true to this day regardless of the changes to the realm of Sosaria. I believe in the “Codex” and the intent of what it tried to provide, a solid structure of rules and organization. To remove the chaos evident in the majority of guilds, empires, kingdoms and order within the realms. But I also believe that no written document can cover the vast myriad of issues, situations, and events that a member can encounter each and every day. Mature individuals whom join this order should understand the basic premise of a “good aligned” role playing order. Hopefully each of us has been raised in a way to understand what is right from wrong. No document can replace what should be known as common sense. Attempting to find loopholes, misinterpretations, and matters not expressdly covered by the codex in order to justify ones actions of greed, and maliciousness, are not a sound excuse in my mind. In this world, as in the next, you understand inside yourself what is right from wrong. If you do not then nothing within the “Codex of Honor” will save you. Nor nothing I can ever do. I believe in the good of the many versus the one. That the acts and good will of the many can create an atmosphere of enjoyment for all. I understand that many believe the way towards enjoyment within Sosaria can be found in the acquisition of items. While I understand this drive I also wish for all to know that such is not mine. Items, Gold, Artifacts, Scrolls, are all a ends to a means and simply tools to be used for your, and others enjoyment. But, these things also foster what now plagues the realm as its greatest evil. No longer does the realm suffer its greatest enemy in the form of the “Undead” or the “Juka” or even the “Murderer”. It suffers its greatest threat from one of the most base evils of human nature. “Greed” If you feel that you must acquire items to better your own self worth, or that if have more than your brethren you are somehow better than others than once again this order, the codex, nor myself can help you. I believe that a position of leadership, or title, is not something to be worn like the latest fashion. A position of leadership shows that others believe that you have what it takes to move this order forward. That within you are qualities beneficial to this order and those around you. But having the ability and using that ability are two separate matters. A title of leadership brings you no honor in itself. It is what you do with that position that brings it and you honor. For those within those position I expect you to fulfill your role. If not, I ask you to step aside and allow those whom will to do so. In this realm as in the other, not every individual wishes to hold a position of responsibility. In this is no wrong or ill. Simply, if you do not find that the role that you have been asked to fill promotes your happiness within the realm than I expect you not to bear the title that requires the responsibility. As we move forward, we will remember our past, whom we were and what we were intended to be. We will honor our foundation and our history We will remember those lessons of our past and seek not to repeat the mistakes that have plagued us. We shall use our past as the foundation to build our future. But, This is our time and the future is up to each and every one of you. I appreciate, in advance, your patience as I adjust to returning to my previous role. Move ever forward and upwards Guardians. Strength and Honor, Steel DarKnight Senator of War

Welcome to the empire James. Please feel free to contact me regarding any assistance you require as you adjust to your new surroundings. Also, I hope you have had an oppurtunity to peruse some of the literature regarding the basic structure of our order. A brief to the point overview can be found here: Introduction

Sorry to hear about the computer trouble Hudson. Goodness knows I'm no stranger to such. Mayhaps its a sign that its time to upgrade. That computer, last I heard, was just a few years younger than me. *chuckles*

Rest in Peace, Lora DeBlood

As someone whom has walked this route... I wish you luck and an acceptance.

Charlie, It was made quite clear that the person behind the onscreen persona was not yourself. Unfortunetly, I was forced to remove him from the hall on several occasions due to acts not considered proper within the halls. I will not speak for the order as a whole, but I as an individual am of the belief that events within Olympus proper should be conducted with respect. I would advise you to be more restrictive with YOUR account. I fear more for the consequences of inappropriate actions taken with those outside of the order, then within.

This one has been around awhile, hope they get it fixed. There is also now a new issue with B.o.d.'s There is a chance now you will lose a BOD if you insert it into your books.

*laughs* Hudson sure is quick, got here to make the post and here he is.... Happy Birthday Lora!

They say that in North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming...and well...*laugh* a whole lotta places Ive journied too.

Steel DarKnight stepped quietly through the fortified doors of Olympus. Over the course of the past weeks, following his release, he had watched the order he once called his own. Sometimes, he had made his presence known and felt to those of the order. At others times he did not, preferring to watch from the cover of shadow. Initially, there were those whom had sought to speak with him, to welcome his return to the realm of the living. Always, Steel either remained silent, or spoke but a few words. His thoughts his own. He watched from the shadows as the Guardians conducted their forays and missions. He watched as the rank and file met to discuss the weekly matters of the empire. He watched, as the council convened to discuss the matters of state. He watched, the new generation of Guardians whom had stepped forward to lead the order. He watched.......his thought his own. On this day, the 1st day of each week, the Guardians, as was there practice, had gathered to discuss the events of the prior week. Pushing open the doors of the great Meeting Hall of Olympus proper he stepped inside. As he stepped forward, into the light, all eyes turned towards him. Silently Steel looked over those assembled. Many faces he did not know, but those whom he did, returned his stare with warmth. Slowly and quietly Steel took a seat at the back of the hall. He nodded quietly as those whom has once fought with him and under him welcomed him with kind words of greetings. Bowing his head to the Emperor, he bade Logan to continue. As the Emperor spoke Steel gathered his thoughts. Once more he looked upon those assembled. In each of these he saw strength’s. He had watched these strength’s mature and grow stronger as each assumed their roles within the empire. Many he had watched from their inception. But in each he also saw weaknesses, weakness that he now also saw in himself. Suddenly, Steel felt very old. Steel, contrary to popular belief was not very old. Although his hair had started to grey at the temples a bit, and his face was marked with the lines of age, of worry, he was yet but a man who had yet to reach his thirtieth winter. But his eyes....., his eyes had seen much. Times of trouble, times of happiness, times of neglect, times of prosperity and growth. And many, many, many...... faces. He was the last of a generation of recruits to the Empire. His former comrades in arms having long left the realms with their commander. As the meeting started to conclude Steel slowly stuck his hand in the air, motioning Emperor Logan to grant his request to speak. The Emperor nodded to Steel as he rose and stood before the assembly. “As many of you are aware I am recently returned from places dark and foreboding” he said quietly. “But that is the past and now we must look towards the future.” Turning towards the leadership of the order he spoke. “For those of you whom now hold positions of authority I ask for you to remember that true leadership is not granted, or acquired by title” Pausing briefly Steel continued “It is something that is displayed in your actions.” “The title is secondary to the act itself” he spoke quietly. “Your leadership badges, your metals of valor and honor...mean nothing unless there are true actions and meaning behind them” Turning back to the general assemblage Steel addressed them separately. “Once, when I was but a young knight, wise words were passed to me.” “These words I have passed to each new generation of Guardian as they have entered the legion” he continued. “These words are what I have tried to follow in heart and direction” “This order, ...this empire, is what YOU make of it, no more, no less”. Steel paused briefly as if to gather his breath. When he continued his tone and volume was much louder and clearer then before. “During this time within the Empire I have held every military post from Knighthood to Senator of War. I have presided over and helped guide the transition from one Emperor to the next.” His voice rang out “I have trained, fought with, handled dispute, and watched depart countless generations of Guardians.” “Per the Codex, I have served my time within the Legion.” “I have nothing left to prove” he spoke with a sense of finality. Unclasping the crimson red cloak designating the office of Senator of War he allowed it to slip from his back to fall upon the floor of the hall. “I will be watching.......” Quickly and quietly he stepped forward through the doorway and out of Olympus. "So in the end I will become, What I was meant to be......” ******************************************************************************** ************* “In actual life we cannot ask for an invincible general; there have been few such generals since ancient times. We ask for a general whom is both brave and wise, who usually wins battles in the course of war - a general whom combines wisdom with courage” Mao Tse-Tung

*based on real events in-game* With a horrible laugh of victory the dread “Lord of the Abyss” found himself being pulled into the material plane “Finally” he thought....”Those fools have released me,........ in order to restore him”. “They know not, the ill they have done...upon themselves...and upon their world.” Carefully and diligently he had planned for this moment, his agents upon the material plane having sowed the seeds for his return. It had seemed that ages had passed, but finally his moment of victory, and their moment of ultimate suffering, was at hand. They had found the sealed portal to the nether realm, located approprietly in a place known by mortals as the "Abyss" Allowing the summons to pull him from the true Abyss, he noted that only three individuals stood between him and his full return the material plane. Laughter again rang from his throat as he stepped forward to crush the life from the bodies of these mortal defenders.

Excellent idea Hudson. Seems fitting for you..... *chuckles quietly*

Unfortunetly, I will be unable to attend. My toddler daughter was placed in the hospital today. My time will be spent with her. Due to illness, she is dehydrated and will be spending the night with a IV and under observation.

Agreed Hudson, My prayers are for Stars boyfriends speedy recovery.

*raises hand* Have a bit of uncertainity, due to date conflicting with my wedding anniversary.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2004--Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS - News), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced the development of the next expansion pack for the massively multiplayer online game, Ultima Online (UO). Expanding the world and advancing the franchise, the new title will give consumers considerable player vs. player capabilities, two additional professions and a vast new land to explore. The UO expansion pack is scheduled for release in Fall 2004. The game name has not been announced. "We are constantly improving Ultima Online by paying attention to our players' wishes," said Anthony Castoro, Producer of UO Live. "Feedback from our large international player base helped us determine priorities for this expansion, including new world content and a unified player vs. player system." Exploring a mysterious Asian environment, players can strive to master two new professions; one focusing on physical combat abilities, and the other on magical combat and stealth. In addition, players will have new house customization themes and decorations to use in designing and building homes from scratch or modifying their existing homes. UO continues to be a leader in the online gaming space with 225,000 subscribers. The game is available in six languages and is played in over 100 countries located in every time zone. In addition to development on UO, the team continues to develop Ultima X: Odyssey (UXO), a brand new next-generation massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG). The game, scheduled to ship later this year, promises to take online adventuring to a whole new level. Source: Yahoo Finance.

Posted from Stratics Hail UO and UXO Fans, We are receiving information this morning indicating that something very serious may be hitting the news in the next few days (maybe as soon as today). So far, it is all unsubstantiated rumors, but with enough evidence behind them that we believe the information to be very close to the truth. For that reason, I am posting this to our news so that everyone can prepare for it in case it does come to pass..... With that said, the rumor is that Electronic Arts Corporate may be shutting down Origin Systems Inc (OSI, also known as EA Texas) and moving both the Ultima Online and the Ultima X: Odyssey projects to the California location. The hope is that as many current staffers (including dev teams) as possible will be relocated as well, but at this point we have no details on that. To say the least, our thoughts and hearts go out to the people that may be affected by this. So far, there has been no official comment from anyone at Electronic Arts or Origin Systems about this, but the second we do get it we will share it with all of you.

Steel’s Song Where once was light Now darkness falls Where once was Honor Honor is found no more These tears that I cry Are for all the lies That were told to me The hurt and the blame And I will weep I am so alone I am lost I will never find home..... Don't say goodbye Don't say that I never tried So in the end I will become, What I was meant to be What loyal friend Was ever there for me For now..... I will say goodbye I shall say that you never tried The tears that you will cry Will have come too late Take back the lies My hurt,............... your blame And you will cry When you face your end alone For you will be lost And you will never go home

Steels body was wracked with pain, his body was bruised battered and beaten from the tortures inflicted by the Dread Lord and his minions. But yet, that was not the worse of his tortures. His mind, had been equally abused. “The facets of torture in hell are many Steel DarKnight, and we are just now beginning” Now he was alone, left as he was at times to his own dark thoughts. He had been placed high atop a desolate mountain crag some were in the Abyss. No guards watched over him, as he had no were to go, for him they had told him.......he would never find home. Looking down at himself, Steel saw the affects of the brutal treatment of his captors. Were once his arms had been covered with fine clothes, and even finer arms and armor...were now just tattered rags. These barely served to cover the bruises and welts that now served as his armor mail. Steel had seen the foul visions passed to him each day of the realm he once called home. Visions, twisted and corrupted by the Dark Lord had entered his mine’s eye. Those visions ran through his mind, as did the words of the Deamon Lord “Were were these…when you struggled alone Steel….?” “Were were they when you passed through the Dark Night?” the voice persisted pressing into his mind. “Were are they now when you suffer in hell? For them.... Watch them smile and laugh……you have not been forgotten Steel….you are the FORSAKEN” Tears of pain, and of his suffering rolled from Steels eyes....... For all he was, all he had attempted to be, all his struggles, all the conflict he had endured,...were for nothing. Time had forgotten him. Steel Darknight’s voice rose low over the mountain top, his mournful dirge filling the air. As he continued his voice rang louder over the mountainside...a mournful wail of hopelessness and despair.

Steel/Maven from Virginia.

Guardians, I am proud to note that the events above were generated, initiated, and built upon real in game events. It was not long ago when we fought the Drow of Fel..... As I have mentioned before, the reality of the realms has no meaning without consequence. Be it good or bad. By the words expressed to me, the events ingame, and on these boards, true loss, pride, and honor was shown and felt by the consequences of this scenario. But always the words within the writings and stories on this board should be seen as a springboard to events in game. To flesh out the details unattainable in realm. Repair your armor, sharpen your swords, and gather those spells of war close to you. The table is set my friends and dinner is served. The consequences of YOUR actions will have real meaning to those around you. Perhaps a soul shall be saved...perhaps...... I am watching. See you on the inside. Strength and Honor.

“Kiss me” she spoke gently. Gently he pushed her away stopping, at least momentarily, her advances. “Why do you refuse me so… I know you care for me why do you not give in to your heart?” Steel shook his head angrily “I have must to atone for, much sadness and grief. I must make amends for, the pain I have caused” She looked down poutily “What about the pain I have that you have caused?” Steel stepped towards her. “My love the Champions of Camelot have accepted me into their ranks, regardless of my past doings…my sins. They offer me redemption” Almost hungrily she peered back up at him stepping towards him and wrapping his body in her embrace. Something was not right Steel thought. It started as a slight ringing in his ear..soon moving to a boring pain in his skull. He was….he was being offered..he was..being offered a new start.a new life…forgivness for his past… But all Steel wanted to do was to stay here with her, to love her and take her fully into his arms. Something…something was not right.. He stepped back once more breaking her grasp of him and shook his head violently… “No…you are not here, could not be here…this is illusion…” As he spoke her face and body transformed, while not unbecoming she was not the one he had left so long ago to redeem his soul. Large fangs sprang from her pouty lips as small leather wings pushed from her back” “But what about my hunger …..” the low voice of the vixen spoke. Woken from his reverie, Steel Darknight threw himself back from the Succumbus her illusion fully revealed. She stepped towards him hungrily only to be pummeled back by the quick flash of the whip within the Dark Balron Lords hands. A dark laughter rumbled from deep within his chest. He was thoroughly enjoying his new toy and even though many months had passed, he was yet to tire of his vengeance. The bright armor and apparel disappeared from Steels body to reveal the beaten, battered, and whip scarred body below “Almost” the deamon spoke. “Almost….” Steel knew that he was right, the memories of the past were a powerful thing…and choices he had made could never be remade again. But his evil captor thoroughly enjoyed pushing him once more through those painful crossroads of his life. “The facets of torture in hell are many Steel DarKnight and we are just now beginning” shrieked the dark lord of the abyss. Steel found himself falling, or was he? His pain stricken mind could not fully gather the stream of visions passing through his mind. He found himself looking down upon Olympus, then his vision moved to the inside, to the meeting chamber were he had sat and presided so many times before. “The Purple Guardians of Honor…….” A voice hissed in his mind. “The noble, honorable, Knights of Justice..always loyal…always faithful…or so it seemed…. Yes?” Steel watched a convening of the weekly meeting. He noticed many familiar faces, and some he did not know. “Always faithful…or are they Steel…look, you have been replaced…isn’t that another wearing the colors of the Senator of War,...Imperator, Decurion, Magistrate, Centurion, Phalanx,.....all the roles you once occupied” The voice hissed adamantly Steel watched the meeting convene, smiles shared between comrades, bold words spoken and met with applause, promotions passed, initiatives brought forward and discussed. “You have been forgotten Steel, your sacrifice, you were but a useful tool and your use has ended. I see none looking towards you…none with hope in his heart that you still survive” The sly voice continued. Steel looked downward, while for a time pride filled his heart as he watched those he had brought up and forward within the empire take upon themselves new roles and authority. To take responsibility. “Or perhaps not Steel, perhaps they yet know you survive and no longer care, your usefulness to them passed. Your body was never found of course” “For those whom once followed you, now have forgotten you….no…haven’t forgotten….just no longer need you” The stinging words passed through Steel like a knife. As the visions passed through Steels mind, doubt crept upon his heart Was he truly no longer needed….did he mean nothing to the order or those that followed….was he so easily replaced..? “Were were these…when you struggled alone Steel….?” “Were were they when you passed through the Dark Night?” the voice persisted pressing into his mind. “Were are they now when you suffer in hell? For them.... Watch them smile and laugh……you have not been forgotten Steel….you are the FORSAKEN”

A lone female drow walked through the shadows of the netherworld known by mortals as the “Abyss”. Coldly, even haughtily, she passed by hellish sights and sounds that would have rattled even the most dark hearted and evil stained of the drowish race. To her sides the countless evil denizens of the dark plane viewed her passing, yet none approached her. For they knew she was no mere drow, as they would have taken great glee in ripping, tearing and feasting upon the flesh any mere mortal who walked their realm. Keeping from her path they stood and watched her passing. Normally the dark maiden would have been amused by the chaos about her, for such is what she reveled in. But upcoming events, shifts with the balance of the gods consumed her thoughts. A time of trouble was coming and her goal was to see that her and her followers used it to their advantage. **************************************************************************** The Ancient Balron sat upon his throne of skulls and watched with amusement as the small minor deamon, know by mortals as a “imp”, cringed and bowed before him. He reveled in its suffering and fear, for one of his kind knew no greater pleasure than to inflict suffering. Unfortunately for him, this momentary thrill would be only passing. For when the imp was eventually dispatched he would be left with the cold emptiness of his banishment. A banishment inflicted upon him from those within the mortal realm. Seething at this thought he reached quickly down for the stuttering imp intent on crushing the life from his body. But, before he could sweep the quivering imp into his arms he noticed the dark figure approaching him. His eyes flared angrily as he watched the impetuous drow move towards him. Thoughts of ripping this intruder to threads flashed through his mind and brought a joy to his malevolent heart. Quickly he realized though that this was no normal drow and that joy was replaced by a very real sense of fear. Protectively, as she moved forward he instinctively brought his wings forward in a feeble attempt to shield his body. But he was not attacked, the drowish maiden having stopped a few yards away. Quickly the dark lord of the abyss regained his composure, realizing that when one was approached by such as this that showing fear could very well be a fatal error. “Greetings Dark Lord, fear not for I mean you no harm this day” she spoke. The Balron looked on suspiciously, knowing that this one held no morals to prevent her from lying. “Instead” she gleamed “ I come offering partnership and opportunity” Curiosity getting the better of his wisdom, the Dark Balron leaned forward and spoke haughtily. Attempting to seize, what he perceived, a slight advantage. “Partnership, Opportunity? Lloth is not one known to offer such things. Chaos, Destruction…yes that would be more likely.” Ignoring the Balrons tone she continued. “I require your services in times upcoming to assist my followers upon the mortal realm.” The Evil Balron quickly responded “Service? And what shall I ask is in it for me?” Quickly thinking he snarled, “Besides as you well know I am banished from the realm of mortals…why do you waste my time?” Continuing to ignore his obstinacy she continued. “The ones whom banished you can free you from this banishment can they not?” The Deamon Lord laughed, arrogance seething from his tone. “Yes of course but why, tell me would they do that?” She answered quite calmly as if speaking with a simpleton “For I have one that they would give much for, one that you can bargain with and use ultimately to fulfill my goal and your revenge” He shook his head angrily “Bahhh, you know not what you speak” The dark maiden, god of the drow spoke one word, a name that instantly caused the deamon to regret his doubt. Hope filled the Dark lords soul and mind and he quickly nodded in acknowledgment. Seeking to retain some manner of control he spoke. “I have been told that when one dines with the devil should bring a long spoon” The drowish maiden’s eyes flashed angrily and the Dark Lord quickly agreed to her offering.