Juo'nar and the Disciple. . . Many nights I have spent in the former city of Honor. Alone I traverse the streets, avoiding the larger enemy patrols while accosting those that can be overcome. Lich lords have been my favorite target as defeating them depletes the enemy's forces of one of its more powerful assets. On this night, however, while hunting his minions, I came upon Juo'nar himself. . . As he strode into view--many of his minions in tow--his visage was terrifying to behold. As the host of the enemy approached I noted one living human in his train, though this shadowy figure stayed back from the main host for fear that they might turn on him. I came to know this man as "Bob One". As this tale tells, he is perhaps the most despicable of those now taking up residence in the fallen city. Juo'nar halted before me, and as I raised my sword to do battle with him, he spoke aloud in his sepulchral voice: "Why are you here? To kill me? "To take back this city in the name of Honor!" I cried as I lunged forward. Juo'nar merely chuckled as my silver sword of power glanced off his seemingly impervious undead flesh. "And thou came alone? The army came last eve." Said he. "I have never left!" I declared. For--though the city has fallen--Juo'nar has as yet failed to drive myself and those who would continue the fight fully from the battlements of the once fair city. Yet, as his minions encircled me, I realized that my death here would be fruitless as I could see with certainty that Juo'nar would not fall while I yet faced so many of his minions at once. "Shall I dispatch him M'Lord?" asked Bob One, standing a safe distance from the fray. Juo'nar simply ignored this sycophantic whelp at his feet. Indeed, I began to doubt if Juo'nar considered him a servant at all, but rather suffered his presence only because he was sure his minions would slay him or drive him off in their own good time. Indeed, from time to time, one of the mummies or skeletal knights would turn and take a swipe at Bob, forcing him to flee farther to the rear. It was then that a warrior of the resistance came up from the south, one named VooNasties. As I disengaged to heal myself and regain my strength, he too engaged Juo'nar, but was quickly driven off. "Good," murmured Juo'nar as he strode once more to the fore. "Now thee. . ." he said as his gaze once more fell upon me. Summoning my courage I stood my ground. "Thou standeth before a Disciple of the Avatar!" I said in the strongest voice I could muster. This, of course, gave Juo'nar no pause as he gestured for his minions to accost me. I was quickly overwhelmed by their numbers and, of course, it was then that the craven Bob One chose to strike, casting an energy bolt from afar. The force of the impact drove me back and I made a hasty retreat. Hiding among the building of the city, I regained my strength and stamina and made my way back towards the center of town where I hoped to find Juo'nar among the pillars of the dark temple. Instead, I found Bob One. . . still basking in the glow of his craven and criminal attack upon me. I became overwhelmed with loathing for one who would side with the enemy and prey upon those already weakened by combat with the forces of darkness. Though my skills are not well suited to fighting against my fellow man, I decided it was my duty to try to rid Sosaria of such a soul. Unfortunately, in my haste, I forgot the cardinal rule of attacking a fellow human. As my hastily cast energy bolt was reflected back upon me, I was staggered by the blow. Stepping into a teleporter, I found myself on the roof of the temple. Bob One, having followed me, found me attempting to recall off of a rune in my backpack. Yet, no matter how many times I directed the ether upon the rune. . . nothing happened. Alas, heavily injured by my own spell, I watched as Bob One approached. He lifted his sword and then. . . blackness. I awoke a short time later, shorn of all my belongings. I made my way to Nystul's gate and thence to Britain. Having re-equipped myself, I now make my way back to the dark city to face the armies of Juo'nar and his new lackey who shall surely taste justice at my hand in battles to come. . . |