The Codex of Dilarra Zau'Afin - A tale of a drowess

[Lambert]

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Dilarra Zau'Afin

A woman emerges from the cold biting wind of the Cloudpeak mountains into a mountain cleft. She looks behind her and see's nothing on the mountain side or in the sky. She remains unnoticed. She walks with feminine allure and feline like grace. From her hips rest notched battleaxes, stained with blood, that move easily by her side without making noise.

The entrance to the ice cavern is small. It is slightly less tall then the woman and thin. The ice cavern's entrance is blocked by a large slab of clear ice, which the woman moves aside and secures behind her as she enters. The light from the day enters through the ice and reflects and lights up the ice cavern. An iced over portal in the cavern ceiling also allows the light to enter forming a beam of light. This beam of light rests on another woman, frozen in a thin layer of ice, wearing heavy decorative armor, like a statue.

This frozen life like statue holds a round shield in her left arm, a glowing magical shield, and a morning star that likewise is ablaze with some form of magic in the right hand. The statue, on closer examination is no statue, but a woman frozen in place.

The woman who just entered the cavern walks towards the frozen woman and bows deeply. The bowing women appears to have been a women of great beauty once. But her face has been scarred by something. The scars have been covered by a beautiful tattoo that makes the woman look terribly fierce, and has given her a new type of beauty. Perhaps one more reflective of her true self. That of a hunter without peer.

"Vendui Ilharess Eloril, usstan have missed dos. Usstan apologizes for having naut visited sooner, but dos instructions to guard the next Ilharess of Zau'Afin kept ussa busy. But usstan am here now. And with bwael news Ilharess," states Dilarra affectionately.

In response the frozen statue of Ilharess Eloril Zau'Afin offers nothing but noble and silent assent.

Dilarra, having waited for the informal honorings to be complete adds, "As usstan am now finished with dos final instructions, protecting Zau'Afin interests as a dread guard for the next Ilharess, and seeing that dos daughter Nil'kah, is no longer Ilharess, usstan am now free to return to dos."

With a sly smile Dilarra reminds the former Matron Mother of Zau'Afin, "Dos thought dos were dying from a mortal wound, but usstan has kept dos here in this state, so that usstan could revive dos one cycle. Dos time has come Ilharess. Of course dos did die, but usstan preserved dos in this ice, even before dose body became cool on it's own. And now usstan have the means of returning dos to life."

Pulling out a scroll Dilarra walks over to the Ilharess she swore to serve as her personal Dreadguard. Unfirling the scroll she reads it, a scroll of resurrection. The power of the scroll suffuses the ice woman and the statue begins to glow, then go dim again. Dilarra moves close to the statue and places her ear to the chest armor. From within the breastplate a very faint heart beat is heard.

Nodding to herself in satisfaction Dilarra steps back and says to the statue, "And so dos lives. The power of dos magical ring of regeneration will keep dos alive. When the spring and summer comes, perhaps the mistress of ice will deam dos worthy of freedom and dos can walk amongst us again. Until then usstan will guard dos. Usstan will see about improving the interests of Zau'Afin here near the Cloudpeaks, for dos return. Of all the noble Matron's of Zau'Afin, dos were ussa's favorite."

Bowing deeply with reverant respect Dilarra pauses and offers a prayer for her Ilharess.

"Aluve Matron Mother. Dos family awaits dos. Usstan will go now to see if usstan can find dos venerable grandmother, that insane old spider named Eclav. Usstan have been tracking her in the caverns of the underdark keeping her alive and safe. Usstan will see about how to restore her fractured mind. With the both of dos returned, nothing could stop Zau'Afin."

Dilarra turns and walks out of the cave and secures it. Outside the cave a worg appears to greet Dilarra. Dilarra nods and pets the creature and leaves it to guard the cavern entrance. The worg pack leader turns to the rest of the worgs and they disperse, taking up their positions of guard on the mountain side so as to protect Ilharess Eloril and to warn Dilarra when trouble is near.

Dilarra returns to the tunnels near Sshamath, where the insane Yath'tallar known as Eclav Zau'Afin is known to roam. Dilarra has the difficult task of coaxing the ancient Yath'tallar back to sanity and her society. A difficult task, but one Dilarra felt she was ready to begin now having acquired the necessary tools over the last many cycles.

Eclav Zau'Afin

[Lambert]

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"Have I miscalculated," thought Dilarra out loud, all the while scanning and searching the tunnels she last saw the Yath'tallar in.

"After all these cycles of planning and careful watching. Have I now lost all hope in reviving Zau'Afin by losing it's most glorious Yath'tallar!?," thought Dilarra miserably out loud again. As if defying the fates of the underdark, known to be unforgiving to the weak and the lost.

One thing was for certain. Without the Yath'tallar, Zau'Afin would never rise again to it's former pristine glory. Or at least so thought Dilarra, convinced and certain as she was in Eclav's brilliance as a Yathrin. And without Eloril's strength and battle prowess, nothing of interest would happen for the Qu'ellar. But what was she thinking after all. Zau'Afin was now in decline. Was it not?

All things must come to and end, even days of glory. Dilarra was uncertain what the Spider Queen intended for Qu'ellar Zau'Afin. She hoped the favor of Lolth remained upon the house, strong enough, to revive it from the shadows and cobwebs of the deep tunnels of the underdark.

"Dilarra dos fool! Do naut give up hope now. Despair is for the weak and jalukens," said Dilarra to the darkness of the tunnels defiantly.

With grim determination Dilarra gave pause and thought to where the Yath'tallar Eclav may have gone. Her body was not in the immediate tunnels, and no evidence of a battle can be found. Even in her madness Eclav would not die easily thought Dilarra.

Grunting Dilarra turned her mind to where the venerable Yath'tallar may have gone.

"I have come too far and this has gone on too long to give up now. I will find you Eclav. It is dos destiny to rebirth Zau'Afin with dos daughter Ilharess Eloril," says Dilarra nodding to herself.

Turning her back to her doubts and fears Dilarra heads out into the tunnels for her search. lengthy trials alone in the underwilds was nothing new to Dilarra. What kept her going thus far was her faith in her house, and the desire to see it reborn and more glorious then ever it was.

[Lambert]

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As Dilarra fought her way through the tunnels she considered her plans and burning desires.

Measuring each in turn, side by side, she weighed the balance of her battleaxes at the same time, swinging them side by side against the determined goblins.

On one hand you must deceive your opponent Dilarra thought. Hide your weapons as your intentions so they cannot determine the length of your reach. Keep them guessing. Off balance. Their slight hesitation opens the window of opportunity you need.

And when it is time to act, you act with great vengeance, making each stroke count, each attack bleeds your enemy, even if only one drop, it leads to their defeat and your victory.

These goblins fall all too easily thought Dilarra. True victories often come with great patience she considered. While in battle unpredictability and being able to measure and lead your opponent as you see fit wins the day, wars are won with great patience and planning.

Dilarra had risked much to come this far. She had met great odds that she alone knew the extent of.

Dilarra longed for the days to dream and scheme of battles and war with her house. She desired new horizons. Life was endless challenge, and perfection it's delicious fruit.

[Lambert]

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The Search for Eclav

"Do naut betray me Eclav," thought Dilarra as she stormed through the goblin tunnels in search of her former Yath'talar.

With anger in her stance she fought the goblins and talked to them as if talking to another, "Do naut give up on dosself old mad spider."

For the last several cycles it seemed that Dillara might find a sign of Eclav's passing. Some half eaten goblin arm. A mushroom that was disturbed. But she would not find the venerable Yath'tallar. She would swear she heard Eclav's cackle, only to find empty tunnels or a pair of goblins.

Dilarra began to wonder if she was succumbing to tunnel madness. Or perhaps Eclav had died and the ghost of Eclav was tormenting her from the afterlife. The venerable Yath'tallar's cruelty would surely never end, even in death. Dilarra had heard of Yath'tallars returning as Maiden's of Lolth to exact punishments and torments.

It would seem it was possible. At times Dilarra could feel eyes upon her. Powerful, intent, like a hunter, but nothing would disturb her. She would chase after the feeling. The presence. She would hear Eclav in the tunnels. Whispering of punishments. To whom it was not certain. Then the cackles.

It dawned on Dilarra that she might be on a fools errand. Sentimentality was not a common drow feature. But then again, Dilarra was not a noble, and she was not the typical drow either.

Yet Dilarra was a realist, even if a little sentimental. Could it be that she cared for the Yath'tallar? It seemed they were just starting to have an understanding before she left for the deep tunnels.

It seemed unfair. So many things undone. Unsaid.

Dilarra began to wonder if Eclav's madness was contagious. That her memories were twisting her inside out. Why did Dilarra care? Was Dilarra getting weak?

Dilarra continued her search.

Dilarra needed answers. She needed understanding. She desired the things lost but not forgotten.

It was starting to dawn on Dilarra that she may have to leave the past behind. Start new. Make new aquitances and give up on desires for conquest. Return to being the solitary hunter.

[Lambert]

Remembering Izz'orgoll Zress

Usstan had a dream last cycle during v'dir. Usstan saw a haze, like a cloud ascending from the depths, purple in color, and surrounding the tunnels of Sshamath.

It was, usstan felt, a portent.

I sensed from it purpose and danger.

And from the haze emerged Izz'orgoll Zress. Just as he had disappeared in the mist of the city of portals, last I saw him, he had re-emerged from the underwilds around Sshamath.

Usstan felt for certain that Izz'orgoll would return.

He had told me some stories about Sshamath, his home city, and usstan was curious to see it.

Now usstan hopes to see it through his eyes.

Perhaps we will hunt again together. Those were bwael times.

Watch this after you read the entry. Izz'orgoll training video

[Lambert]

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The Other Cycle...

Usstan passed her by. A drow, young, female, something of a noble, but usstan did not see any house emblem. Usstan was too distracted by her features. They were strongly Zau'Afin. They reminded ussa of Ilharess Eloril and Yath'tallar Eclav.

She saw ussa looking at her. Usstan must have been looking at her with great intensity for I saw the fear in her. The hunter in me was alive. Usstan forgets to keep ussa's hunter at bay. She comes out now sometimes when usstan do naut expect her.

It make sense though, even if Eloril is not free'd by her desire or the spring and summer sun, and Eclav does not shake of her insanity, then perhaps there is another Zau'Afin worthy to take their place, to bring forth Zau'Afin in Sshamath.

If a worthy progeny of Zau'Afin did live in Sshamath, or came, usstan would support her. Aid her. If she was naut worthy, usstan would slit her throat and leave her as tunnel feed for the kobolds and vargioulles. If only a Zau'Afin, worthy, would come to Sshamath to share ussa's dream.

[Lambert]

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The Power of Sshamath

There is power in Sshamath, usstan have witnessed it, and it inspired dread.

That kind of dread I have only experienced before at the likes of Yath'tallar Shyntra Hunt't'tares or Yath'tallar Eclav. The other highpriestess also inspired dread, though perhaps in a more subtle way. I like that. I like them quite a lot. The nobles of Sshamath are naut weak.

Lillith Sshamath calls me daughter. She has me in obeisance kneeling on her left side. She hardly knows me, yet perhaps she detects my lethality. She insists I become a Dread Fang of Lolth. She will send me a tutor. It would be overly rude to refuse the tutor, but usstan can naut except the position of Dread Fang.

High priestess Lilith Sshamath has allowed ussa to sit and listen in confidence to her plots and schemes. I have learned many things this cycle. Possibly things I should naut have known.

To be allowed the confidence of a highpriestess of Lolth, and a noble, is a sign of great respect and familial cordiality. To betray that trust is certain death and worse it would bring harm to Zau'Afin. I will naut betray dos Lillith Sshamath, but usstan can naut be dos Dread Fang. Usstan am the Dreadguard of Zau'Afin, a role usstan will continue. However, as Zau'Afin's representative to Sshamath for now, usstan will serve dos schemes for now, guard dos daughters, destroy dos enemies, and all to gain dos respect for Zau'Afin metle. And so that perhaps one cycle my house will be allies with dos. A fitting gift for my Ilharess when she returns.

Zau'Afin will be feared and respected. I will see to that.

[Lambert]

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Everything for the Qu'ellar

It seams usstan can naut find Eclav in the underwilds, but she haunts ussa in ussa's dreams.

Just the last cycle she spoke to ussa. She said three simple words.

"Do naut fail."

How characteristic of Eclav. In the start of the cycle, as if the dream was a portent, usstan encounted an agent of a local mercenary group.

We briefly discussed some things, then he lead ussa to his base of operations.

Apparently his group was well connected. He himself was not able to give ussa assurances, but he would hear ussa out, and bring ussa's requests to his leader.

Unlike many of my sisters in the Qu'ellar, usstan have been able to deal with Jaluks and other contacts with greater ease. Perhaps because I grew up near the stench streets of Menzoberanzan, or perhaps because of ussa's time as a mercenary leader. Usstan have travelled many tunnels. Usstan have had to adapt.

This male seemed capable and professional. He did not seem like he would be a waiste of ussa's time. Usstan assumed neither would be his group, judging from his conduct and bearing.

Xandren Xall'doss gestures to Dilarra politely, "Have a seat."

"A bwael place," responds Dilarra, taking her seat at the table. Xandren slowly pulls his hood down.

Before allowing Xandren to set the tone of the discussion, Dilarra asks a question directly by stating, "Perhaps dos can start by telling ussa bout dos chapter of Bregan D'arthir in Sshamath, if dos please."

Xandren however does not take the bate and does not seam to have the need to boast of his group, or divulge information about them, making Dilarra respect the group and Xandren, and leading her to conclude that she was not in fact waisting her time. Xandren simply responds, "Such would be best coming from my leader. He has more insight on such matters."

Nodding Dillara asks another question, "So then can usstan tell dos of ussa's needs?"

Xandren nods and states matter of factly, "You can and usstan can pass that on to our leader directly."

"Bwael," responds Dilarra.

Clearing her throat and leaning in slightly Dilarra starts, "First let ussa start with Zau'Afin."

Nodding Xandren is listening intently and with care, attempting to gage Dilarra in the process, to judge whether she is what she says, a simple scout of Zau'Afin.

Smiling Dilarra continues, "It is a commoner house, but very proud. With some notably skilled individuals. Usstan am the first to arrive, to repair the way for the Yath. So of course, the first task is to pay for the protection and aid to any Zau'Afin whom arrive in Sshamath."

Nodding and showing that he is paying attention Xandren states professionally, "That is understandable."

Dilarra nods slowly and with the intensity of a warrior who has mastered battle meditation states, " There is one Yath in particular, who may already be here, but is.... lost in the tunnels. She has... quite frankly, lost her mind, but is extremely dangerous."

Dilarra, unaccustomed to the intrigues of the Yath and nobles, lets slip genuine concern and fealing while she speaks the name of the mad Yath. Dilarra is more comfortable with direct words and intent, not the subtlty of lies and deception like most drow. She has never needed to be overly deceptive as she is considered completely self-reliant, without the needs of luxury of most drow, and too frequently utterly lethal. Without boasting, it was generally understood that the Dreadguard of Zau'Afin had killed her share of sarglitins, wizards, priestesss, and even Ilharesses.

"Her name is Eclav," states Dilarra gently. But the fear in the way she announced the name also denoted the respect she had for the Yath'tallar.

All Xandren said was, "Usstan see."

Dilarra continued, more masterfully concealing her emotions this time, "It is possible she has moved on and dos may never encounter her here, but if dos do, she should be brought to ussa. So that her mind can be healed."

Xandren simply nodded again and asked, "She is traveling alone?"

"Xas. She is alone," responded Dilarra to Xandren's pointed question.

Dilarra had other things she wanted to make clear however and continued, "Usstan would also like to be informed of the conduct of any future Zau'Afin to arrive. And to be informed of any potential rivals who may wish to cause problems."

Expecting such a request, likely rhoutine and nothing of note truly, Xandren nodded in understanding again. He was well aquainted with the intrigues of Qu'ellars, noble or common, and the ever suspicious nature of his people. Suspicious and ambitious he thought. This Jalil is no different then any number of other females I have met from the Qu'ellars.

Leaning forward Xandren took a full look of Dilarra's dress and appearance and asked in emphasis, "Usstan take it your attire is the color of your Qu'ellar?"

Not answering the question immediately Dillara emphasizes the importance of her next request, "Usstan would appreciate any help in securing the position of Zau'Afin." As she finishes this last requirement she shows Xandren her house insignia. Xandren looks at the insignia and nods.

Xandren asks, "Will your other members have there insignia's showing?

"Most likely," states Dilarra, believing that they would.

"Then we should have little trouble identifying them," states Xandren matter of factly.

Nodding Dilarra adds, "Also, usstan would appreciate it if dos keep any liars and slanderers of Zau'Afin in check."

Xandren responds by stating professionaly, "I am sure something can be arranged."

Dilarra satisfied responds, "Excellent. Then what are dos general terms and conditions?"

Xandren responded, "Well as usstan said it is naut my place as to the conditions that would need to come from a member of a higher station than mine. But I will pass on what you have told me to my leader and get back to you as soon as possible."

"Very well. Ah, and usstan do naut recommend betrayal. It may not be profitable, in the long term, for dos," This part Dilarra said pleasantly, with the simple deadly honesty she was known for in her Qu'ellar.

For the first time showing some emotion Xandren states, "Are you saying that Bregan Daerth are untrustworthy?"

To this Dilarra laughed and said, "Nau, usstan am saying usstan am naut one to double cross."

Xandren stated with a serious expression, "We here do our dealings with utmost concern."

Dilarra nodded appreciatively but clarified, "I am from Menzobaranzan, and I am well familiar with Bregan Daerth operations. I was also a mercenary before I joined Zau'Afin."

Xandren seemed almost reproachful when he responded, "We consider ourselves more then just mere mercenaries. Well I suppose that concludes our meeting, I shall pass the word on to our leader immediately."

"Bwael," stated Dilarra politely as she got up and complimented Xandren on the poshness of his base of operations. Xandren led Dilarra out. Dilarra gave Xandren one more point for their contract. Xandren nodded and Dilarra left Bregan Daerth alive and well.

There was more for Dilarra to do this cycle. It had only just begun. Smiling Dilarra moved out into the underwilds.

[Lambert]

*In a scroll case made from a long bone of a Basilisk is a letter, neatly written, with the top of the case sealed with the mark of Dilarra's Dreadguard ring emblem*

Honored and Reverant Ilharess Eloril Zau'Afin,

Welcome back to the land of the living my Ilharess. Dos have been gone for many years, and things have changed for Zau'Afin. By now several Ilharesses have succeeded dos near the city of portals. The second was Nil'kah. It matters naut, by now someone else rules, and usstan have been protecting dos and prepairing the way for dos in Sshamath.

What brought dos here? Dos fell in battle against great odds with surface elves, after sending ussa away on some task. When usstan returned usstan found dos mortally wounded, and dealt with dos attackers.

However, usstan was unable to revive dos so usstan preserved dos in this hidden cavern in the Cloudpeak mountains. The worgs that guard this side of the mountain serve ussa and will lead creatures away from dos cavern while dos are resting. The cavern is extremely difficult to find, a difficult climb and with nau obvious markings or trail, if dos leave the safety and shelter of it, dos will naut be able to return.

Within the cabinet along the wall are the supplies necessary for dos to eat, drink, gather dos strength, and some books on the history of Sshamath, it's peoples, unique culture, laws, The Conclave, and Qu'ellars that reside there.

Usstan have been attemping to secure protection from Bregan Daerth in this city so that any Zau'Afin who come here will be safe. Also, usstan am attempting to gather a house wizard and some sarglitins to Zau'Afin so when dos arrives the house will be growing in Sshamath, but usstan do naut know if usstan will be successful as ussa's skills are naut geared towards such activities, as dos well know.

There are many places in Sshamath where the house may build a fortress. Included in this scroll case are maps of the city of Sshamath, the way to enter it from the Cloudpeak Mountains, and a maps of the surrounding areas and underwilds. The path is dangerous, and dos will need protections against fire, invisibility, and the ability to enter the ether to avoid certain undesirables. Everything is marked clearly on the map.

The leading noble house of Sshamath is of course Qu'ellar Sshamath. One promising Yath'tallar and daughter of the house is Lillith Sshamath. She has requested ussa do so some tasks for her house, and usstan will do ussa's best to further Zau'Afin interests by gaining Sshamath's favor. it would be vital for Zau'Afin to have Qu'ellar Sshamath as an allie and not to be perceived as a threat.

The city itself is ruled by male wizards, but of late Lolth has be gaining power and momentum within the city, however Lolth does naut have full sway there. Any attempt to assert the rights and privlages of a Yath in the city against a citizen, in particular one wielding the faerl, would possibly be a fatal mistake. Strange usstan knows.

There are apparently Elistrians and Vhaerunites in the city, and it is a delicate balance. Usstan would not suggest pursuing a purge, but to focus on economic gains within the city. It is a city of trade, and they are greedy for magical treasures and knowledge. Such could be of benefit to Zau'Afin.

Be awaire that there is an Illithid hive nearby the city. Perhaps attracted by the great magics wielded by Sshamath. They have many thrawls. Do naut wonder off the path usstan have prepaired for dos to find Sshamath.

One last thing of some import. Usstan tracked dos venerable grandmother Yath'tallar Eclav to the tunnels, but she is elusive. Apparently she has taken a touch of madness as well. Last usstan tracked her usstan found her trail leading to the tunnels of the Driders. Several driders laid dead and dismembered in her path, but she herself remains hidden still. Usstan do naut know if she has left the region or continues to wonder. If we can find her, it will be difficult to restore her mind. She has grown even more powerful in her madness however.

This city will require subtlety and cleverness over brute force my illharess.

Lolth Tlu Malla! May dos live forever !

Dos Personal Dreadguard

*Dillara's Signet ring seal*

[Lambert]

((included below is a link to Dillara's journal from another server. It is a useful journal to read to learn about drow culture and role play for players unfamiliar with drow rp and who wish to learn about it. All knowledge is OOC and no one in Sshamath would have any knowledge of these events other then Zau'afins, Nimenaar, Izz'orgoll, May'Katcha, and a few Dabel'kith.))

http://dalelandsbeyond.forumotion.com/t ... larra+code