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WOWWEEZOWWEE.COM is proud to announce our first official contest: the Magic Item Madness Contest - where you could win a copy of the upcoming Wizards of the Coast Accessory, the Magic Item Compendium! What’s the scoop, you ask? Well, I’ll be happy to tell ya!

What We Want:
Submit anything related to, or revolving around: magic items! Want to submit a write-up for the coolest magic item ever - go for it! What about a digital painting of the latest goodie your wizard found in that lich’s treasure hoard - we’d love to see it! What about a home-brew system for creating magic items - give it a shot!

Basically, anything that has to do with magic items: magic item write-ups, magic item art, magic item write-ups with art, systems about magic items, new magic item properies, new systems for using magic items, new materials used to make magic items, new Prestige Classes that focus in on creating magic items - whatever you can come up with just might net you a free copy of the up-and-coming Magic Item Compendium!

How’s it work?
Simple, all submissions are submitted over at the Talk…talk…talk… Forum until the deadline (see Rules & Guidelines, below). Once the deadline is up, there’ll be three days of judging and whichever submission has the most votes at the end of those three days is the winner! Then, as soon as the book is released from Wizards of the Coast, we’ll send it to ya!

Who are the judges?
That’s the great part about this contest - you are!! Everyone is!! All hail democracy!! Once all the submissions are in and the voting has begun, anyone who is a member of our Talk…talk…talk… Forum is eligible to vote for their favorite submission (so tell your friends and neighbors to come and vote for ya)! At the end of the three day voting period, the submission with the most votes wins!

What are the Rules & Guidelines?

1. All submissions MUST be submitted in this thread in the Talk…talk…talk… Forum in order to be considered valid. Submissions received in any other manner (or placed in any other thread) will not be considered a valid part of this contest.
2. All submissions MUST be submitted between 02/01/07 and 02/27/07 in order to be considered valid for this contest. Late submissions will not be considered a valid part of this contest.
3. Submittors may enter as many submissions as they like, but only one may win.
4. Select submissions will be posted on WOWWEEZOWWEE.COM at a later date for the whole world to see.
5. Absolutely no spamming the forum; spamming will result in banning and disqualification from the contest.
6. The judging will occur ON 02/28/07 (all times involved are CST) via poll in the Talk…talk…talk… Forum. No other method of judging will be used.
7. The winner will receive one (1) copy of the Magic Item Compendium from WOWWEEZOWWEE.COM. As such, the winner will have to provide a mailing address to the email address listed below.
8. WOWWEEZOWWEE.COM and this contest are IN NO WAY affiliated with Wizards of the Coast.
9. Any questions, issues, complaints, or estatic exclamations of joy should be posted in this thread or directed to Brannon “Ashy” Hollingsworth via the following email address: ashebach (at) gmail (dot) com.

So what now?
Get those braincells to firing! Head over to the Talk…talk…talk… Forum and REGISTER so you can post and vote on your submissions! Or, maybe you just want the book, but don’t want to participate in the contest (other than just watch, of course) - no problem! You can head over to the WOWWEEZOWWEE.COM Store (or click the cover to the right) and buy it (and lots more too)!

Enjoy and Good Luck!

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Be sure and visit the site tomorrow for the promised BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that I mentioned last week! 

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Now, the decks were empty and bare. The argent sails clung to the rigging, rolled and ready for another voyage. Hlar’en and Thilr had the only grim task aboard the Sojourn. Weaponcraft. That couple had aided in the implanting of mithril orbs and plates into the sea serpent skull. Thilr titled them the Irises of Dawn–a poetic title for the focus of concentrated celestial energy. Thilr had taken to long hours within the foremost cabin. Hagor said the two Lorn smiths had requested some odd cache: eight steel cylinders, some steel loops, and a score of hiltless longsword blades. The Orecrust guild informed me in a docet of a large demand for coal, sulphur, and some obscure minerals. Inside the hold, a new scent of acid, smoke, pitch and other exotic aromas mingled in the brimy musk. Thirl only alluded to a possible close range defensive capability she called “Dragon’s Gout” and that the “Serpent’s Jowels” was coming closer to an operational efficiency.

While Thilr hid below, Hlar’en spent his time with Kladvin, a mycra, or testing new crossbows and ballistas, scribing results or revising his theories. Daubenspeak said he had loaned the “loquacious, lively Lorn” copies of Aquan Conflicts: Warfare on the Open Seas, Oolimari’s Subnaval Perspective, and Astrolabes and Skylenses: Charting Winds, Weather, and Waves on the Eternal Ocean. Some of the crew found the couple’s zeal for the art of war curious, though they were content to see kinsmen pouring passion into a chosen craft. I think the Admiral poked around a time or two to inspect Hlar’en’s projectiles and launchers. There was an ominous rise in warfare to Seafoam’s culture.

How will we get our troops and vessels to Fae’gos or some other location with haste? My brethren would understand techniques for astounding speed, but they were lost and the only examples of their ships laid beneath our bay’s waves. Beneath our bay… The implications began surging into perspective.

The inversed fireball–ward on Soulfire’s Bower–ended abruptly, a testament to how swift one can learn a habit. Runic frescoes adorned the lower commons of the Arcanakin mage guild. I quietly passed the handful of mages and ascended to my study several stories higher. Inside, I retrieved various tomes–including a copy of Yae’reen’s spellbook–and labored through the morning. When I had finally deduced through my parcing of the arcane text (and some divine alternatives), I headed off for the Karmatorium.

The cloying stench of compost slinked out of the earthen structure. I found the proud wemic within, attending some various herbs and flowers. “A blessed noon to you, Karma Silverclaw.” She turned and gave a look of amusement at the formality. “I think you wear that collar too tight–how about lightening up for a change?” A deep-throated purr issued from her as she whisked her long tail playfully. “How may I help you, Brother Tsidkenu?” She followed the accentuated phrase with a mock bow.

“Is it feasible to restore decayed wood–lots of wood?”

Her eyebrows arched as she stroked Grissle’s back for a minute. “By myself? Probably not. Just as feasible to ask for you to raise a slain army…but with the assistance of other druids…perhaps. What are you planning to do?”

“Raise the fleet from the Bay of Sorrows.”

Karma whirled to glare into my eyes, incredulity and shock searing from both spheres. “Shall we ask you to raise a legion when the Hell’s Eyes spew more fiends?! No! Why then do you ask the improbable and taxing upon my people?”

Seeking no qualm with the Lady of the Grove, I spread my arms in a placating manner. “Not just your people. And not instantly. I will seek those among the Lorn who can help–such as in the ranks of the Sojourn. Also, I have located a moderately low spell either the Admiral or the leader of the Arcanakin could use to retrieve the sunken vessels from the deep–one at a time…Will you hear me out, Lady Karma?”

The wemic sighed and, reluctantly, relented. “I hear you. But I want to see more of your plan before I answer.”

“Thank you. That is all I ask.”

…After leaving the Karmatorium and a hesitant Karma, I returned to the Soulfire’s Bower. By the One’s grace, I found Admiral Grissom in his chambers. I surveyed the almost maniacal blend of ostentation and rugged sea stock. The Admiral looked up, his eyes an unsettling pair of gold-flecked orbs. His gaze was unfocused, as though he acknowledged and dismissed my presence–or saw another in my place. “Greetings…Tsidkenu. Will you sit and tell me what is on your mind?”

In the span of the next few hours (straight through dinner, as neither required sustenance), we discussed the proposal. The Admiral corrected my formula for the ship-raising spell, an odd glint in his eye when he discovered my defficiency in arcane-lore. He agreed to aid if one of the elven craft came under his possession. I had trouble explaining that Jekka–and probably the council–could only decide on such terms (He insisted on my “right of rule” for a moment before dismissing the matter with, “Oh, forgive me. I forget to revise my history.”) He had me follow him to the beach, where he commensed to sink an unmanned schooner and perfect the spell of surfacing. Grissom commented, “Dry as whistle,” about the successful experiment and sauntered toward the city, humming some tuneless chantey.

The next day, I gathered the Misfits at the Witch’s Teat to debate the matter. Though at first the issue seemed to stall (Xu had flicked a balloon close–too close–to the Admiral and started another uproar…Oya had him scrub dishes for the confusion), Karma surprised me with her support. “I thought over what Tsid had proposed and found it…manageable. But, only so if we have the support of the council and several aides.” Oricx added that several aquan shipwrights and divers would gladly assist. The Admiral assured the finest ‘wrights “this side of the Plane of Water” for the slight compensation of one elven ship. While some wanted to send him to select his choice tied to an anchor, we finally concluded that the company had final say as to which ship he could place a crew aboard. When Roxo told the earlier mentioned alternative for selecting his own (with Xu painting a vivid picture in faerie fire and balloons), the Admiral acquiesced to the arrangement.

The council listened to our request with mounting tension. Several felt this would detract from–even retard–our growth. Others began a contest to see who could show the most support (namely between the Wotan and Wovas). In the end, the council devised an experimental pod of schooners and a crew of sailors, druids, Lorn, clerics, and divers, placed under the official sanction, “Seafoam Restoration Union”–SRU. Daubenspeak had formulated the creation of a new branch to study historical Seafoam. This cemented the existence of the SRU, which they placed under the aged librarian’s responsibility. We planned to attend the matter three days from the meeting.

I sent a portion of the Sojourn’s crew to act in this experimental group. Besides honing my skills with seacraft and restorative magic, I scoured tomes and memory for any nuance to aid the expedition. Daubenspeak suggested I train the clerics in the prayer I used for calling on the One’s direction during such tasks. I took it a step forward and implemented them into the crews to increase the woodshaping and repairing indirectly–via opening the craftsmens minds to the One’s aid. By the time the sun rose a third morning, the SRU’s genesis didn’t seem so abstract as astounding.

Standing at the rocking prow of the Sojourn, I watch as the school skimmed toward the spot of the Rhoneheart Gravensir, an elvin galley recorded to have sunk during a storm. “Phaesr, I wonder how the crew acted, being struck down so close to harbor…” The valiant painted pegasus ruffled his wings and clopped forward to look around the serpent’s skull. However, during the clatter, I thought he said something to the effect, “They were valiant…just as you asked them to be,” but a stunning Boom! jarred my body–and mind–from their moorings. A great cloud of acrid smoke and oily, green-tinged red flame spewed from the prow…and continued arching for a full thirty yards! The flaming globule sputtered in a steaming tidal wave. Thilr, covered in soot and rasping, lurched to the railing. “Thirty yards…still a bit rough on the backward suction, but I’ll perfect it.” She pulled a white parchment out of the collar of her jerkin and began to scan the equations on her way below deck. She didn’t hear–or ignored–my shouts for her attention. I’ll have to attend to this before the matter gets out of hand…that could have struck the schooners. Still…amazing!

The next hour passed with little activity other than intense praying. When the sun stretched toward midday, an odd, circular disturbance in the water began amid the clustered pod. A single spar, like a bony finger rising to accuse the heavens, slipped out of the bay. Next came grime-covered crossmasts and the crest of the deck. Within a handful of minutes, the ghostly image of the Rhoneheart Gravensir rose fully into sight. As I leapt upon Phaesrillion’s back, he reared on his haunches and jetisoned for the ancient wonder. Details of majestic geometry and intricate scrollwork gradually solidified as the water-bloated hull warped back into proper form–the result of divinely-assisted Lorn and druids. Phaesr had only swooped three circuits before he determined the craft firm enough to support us. He landed gracefully, releasing a joyous neigh in praise of the One. When the exhausting task of making the ship seaworthy enough to tug into dock had completed, the clerics gathered and said a benediction over the SRU’s success and a prayer to see the Rhoneheart and a complete Navy of the One soon underway on a maiden voyage to redeem Urth.

Phaesr and I oversaw the extensive overhaul of artifacts–mostly spoiled rations (which were kept to experiment on with purify food and drink) and other supplies carted from Fae’gos millenia ago. Some of the maps and tomes were partially restored through a divine-boosted spellcraft with woodwarp, adding invaluable assets to the library. Daubenspeak literally cried to see these pearls of knowledge and rushed to examine them in his study. Any items of importance were either sent to the librarian’s cubicle or to the Arcanakin for identification. News spread quick and those going off-duty within the city and those without work milled around the dock, chatting with the proud SRU team about the priceless accomplishment they had achieved.

As the lamps gradually faded out in the residential area, I turned to my companion. Odd that an awakened stallion answered a general summons. Then again, we cannot presume to know the One’s wisdom. “Phaesr, what have we succeeded in doing this day?” The sharp eyes probed the gathering darkness and hustling nightly laborers. Moments ticked away as the crashing surf nudged the Sojourn into a lull. “Tonight…an awakening of skill and comradeship long missing began. This realm, where the evening was full of nightmares, rises to find some hope to dispel the ghouls of her dreams…Unity and strength blend to forge a community of faith and fidelity.”

“Noble words from a noble friend.”

“Aye, they are. I was quoting an old friend…that was said at the height of his faith, though perhaps at the base of his power.” His twin guilded eyes turned to stare into my own. A feeling of familiarity and fondness washed through me, as though I had seen that look a million times and never lost its keen impression. “You know…I don’t remember you telling me to call you Phaesr…”

A contortion akin to a smile wrinkled his face. “No. I did not.”

“But I gather that is your name?”

“Yes.”

I look beyond to the latern-strewn decks of the Gravensir, seeking the elusive answer to the puzzle within its ancient grain…and not finding it. “Hm, perhaps I shall figure out the meaning of this riddle. Can you help, my friend?”

“In the words of my old friend and pilgrim, ‘Aging innocence will lead to purity in every sense–if you follow Jehonai.’…The One will reveal what you need to know in due time.” With that, we watched the stars glide across the sky between a loose quadrangle of the moons.

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This Seafoam Story is © Corey Blankenship

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Skyspire Abbey, Level 1 Overview
The ground floor of Skyspire Abbey rests between a steep wall of ice-slicked basalt and only a mere stone’s throw from the treacherous chasm in the mountain-side known as Sinfall Cleft, making it an idea citadel for defense as well as spiritual and physical seperation and isolation.

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Area 1: Urthroot Bridge
Spiraling outward from the side of Sinfall Cleft, the strange structure known as Urthroot Bridge is far more stable than it might initally seem. Crafted through the powerful elemental magics of the elves ages ago, this Bridge resembles a gnarled and twisted root of a tree more than a conventional “stone-and-mortar” bridge. This unusual method of construction has it benefits as well as its drawbacks, however, as large gaps are seen along the bridge’s length, which reportedly aided in its defense during the Fiend Wars.

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Area 2: Sinfall Cleft
The deep trench that seperates Skyspire Abbey from the bulk of the mountain range around it is commonly known in the Skyspire Mountains as Sinfall Cleft. It is said that the one-thousand foot rift holds the bodies of those ill-fated priests of the One who turned their back upon Him and followed the wicked sorcerer-priest Yae’reen into darkness. It is said that upon the day that the One turned his face from the Urth, these dark priests realized their folly and fled from the Abbey, screaming their repentance and gouging their eyes out in pentance. At the height of their despair, they flung themselves into the cold, yawning maw of the silent abyss.

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Area 3: Abbey Foyer
Sumptiously furnished with fine rugs of hand-woven kurtak wool and plush lowland leather greatchairs, this spacious foyer was often filled with the sounds of greetings as well as heated debates, the smoke of fine pipe weed and the clink of crystalline glasses. Always lit by a crackling fire (created by a harnassed and bound fire elemental), it was a welcome entrance after facing the brutal winter wind (or worse - the howls of the ice-hearted yetys) of the imposing Skyspire Mountains. The foyer was also a hub of activity throughout the Abbey, providing access to a Prayer/Mediation Chamber (see Area 4), the Communal Dining Hall (see Area 6), Greatstudy (see Area 5) as well as mundane stairwell access to Level 2.

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Area 4: Prayer/Meditation Chamber
Found scattered throughout the Abbey, each of these Chambers (also known as Privatestudys) are actually pockets of adjustable, extradimensional space. Once attuned to a user, the Chamber would automatically adjust to the preferences of the user upon his (or her) entrance therein. While the basic shape and layout (see Map for details) of the Chamber would remain fundamentally the same - ambient sounds, lightning, temperature, colors and even gravity were completely subject to determination by the user!

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Area 5: Greatstudy
Added after the original construction of the Abbey, when Yae’reen began to delve deeper into his arcane studies (and as such, recruit mages of ill-repute beneath his tainted banner), the Greatstudy was designed with the wielder of magic in mind. However, there are still some nods back to the original design of the abbey: all of this room’s furniture is also literally grown out of the wooden floor or stone walls nearby. Smooth, flowing, organic shapes are common, adding to the overall asthetics as well as to the slyvan and “otherworldly” feel to this locale. Thick, supple and magcally warmed kurtak wool rugs adorn the floor and every inch of wallspace not filled with a rich oaken doorway or the single, massive bay window is stocked with a bewitched bookshelf (see below) that seems grown from the floor and the wall itself with a druid’s love.

As many of the special features of Skyspire Abbey, all of the advanced magical aspects of this room are controlled by one of the unique naturakeys (see Overview for more details) and only through one of these items can the room be fully “awakened”, if encountered by an individual who does not possess a naturakey, then the room remains in its “dormant” state. In this dormant state, however, this room is still quite impressive, as it coveys the continuall effects of a permanent mage’s private sanctum (as per the spell) and the massive bay window doubles as a scrying mirror to the outside world. Also, upon entering the room, Gelid, the ursinal simulacrum librarian emerges from the stained glass frames around the bay window and constructs itself before its visitor’s very eyes! Gelid, while a bit gruff (and even contrary at times), is a helpful guide to those entering the room, and will even assist with research if offered news from the outside world. While she has all of the knowledge of the Abbey at her fingertips, Gelid yearns for news and tales of what happens beyond the wonderfully decorated window which is her home.

In the Greatstudy, the naturakey must be kept in the possession of the individual to which it is keyed in order to “awaken” all of the higer functions of the room. Once this happens, the room’s true features are made known: initially, all of the limitations set forth in the mage’s private santcum spell only apply to those individuals so appointed by the holder of the naturakey; for instance, the bearer of the key could allow all but one of his companions to enjoy the usage of detect thoughts with the outside world while limiting the reception of sendings to only himself. Secondly, the massive bay window in the room can still be used as a scrying mirror, but now functions as per greater scrying as well. Further, so long as they remain within the confines of the room, all are under the effects of the following spells: calm emotions, owl’s wisdom, and fox’s cunning. Individuals within the Greatstudy also have the ability to adjust the ambient lighting, temperature and sound within five feet of their location, allowing for private “conversation” or “reading” nooks that can be created at will.

Another method of sending private information, if enabled by the bearer of the naturakey, is the room’s system of sisspods. Named for the characteristic sound they make when trying to get one’s attention, (i.e. “Pssssiiss!”), the sisspods are nothing more than an extension of the living construction of the room itself. They always take the form of the surface closest to the sender and the receiver of the message, for example, if one is standing near a stonewall that is enchanted with sisspods, then the pod might take the form of a simple crack in the wall, through which the message issues; however if one is sitting in a wooden chair, then the sisspod might be shaped like a long vine that literally grows forth from the chair’s surface and buds and tiny “earbud” through which the recipient hears their message. Notable as well is the fact that sisspods can also be enchanted to play soothing “background” music which can be enjoyed privately or publically.

Finally, once “awakened” via the naturakey, Gelid (if she has ever encountered the bearer before) will be slightly more “bearable” and can recall all information requested by the bearer from her in the past. For example, if the bearer had asked her to research demonic summoning at some point in the past, Gelid could perfectly recall all of the resources obtained and used by the bearer. She can also, if persuaded to do so, display information contained within the tomes of the bewitched bookshelves via a mirage arcana spell. Effectively letting one see the events in a book transpiring before their eyes!

New Magic Item: Bewitched Bookshelf

Bewitched Bookshelf: These large bookshelves are usually created from wood and can take nearly any shape and form: many are seen in naturalistic shapes that reflect both their material and their creator. For instance, some wooden bookshelves appear as sturdy tree trunks with gently curved branches with which they reach out and cradle the books; stone bookshelves might take the appearance of sheer cliff walls with seperatly carved “grottos” wherein books can hide. Regardless of their appearances, each of these types of bookshelves were created by mages to be expressly used by other mages. As such, these fantastic bookshelves aid in every mundane task required in the arcane arts. Through the ingenious usage of special extradimensional chambers, a single bookshelf can hold as many books as most libraries: each shelf storing up to 5d100+50 books! Furthermore, the bewitched bookshelves aid in the usage of these many volumes, as they will deliver a particular volume upon request (as per the spell unseen servant) and will even re-shelve the tome when the reader is finished! The bookshelves can also be commanded to create (as per minor creation, with a +20 bonus on the skill check to create) copies of non-magical books, scrolls, and tomes so long as the books are stored within its shelves for at least a day. The bewitched bookshelves also offer excellent protection against the ravages of time, insect, flame and acid for all of the items held within its shelves (which is limited to non-magical books, tomes, scrolls, maps and the like). So long as the items are stored within the dweomered shelves of the bookcase, they are temporaily transumted into a substance akin to ironwood (as per the druid spell). As such, the items are not affected by the common problems faced by conventional libraries: rot, mold, insects, fire and such… Finally, if used in a “library” setting (as they are within Skyspire Abbey), these bookshelves can be commanded to automatically “Shush” guests who speak to loudly; after a set number of “Shushings”, the bookshelves can create a personalized zone of silence (spell save DC 22) around the overly loud individual. Caster Level: 20th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest, plane shift, unseen servant, ghost sound, minor creation, silence, ironwood; Market Price: 950,000 gp; Weight: 50 lbs.

Area 6: Fellows Commons
Elaborate, liquid frescoes imitate reproductions of soothing or sensational aquan scenes–marine life, mundane and magical; great sea cities; and epic black water battles–on the flowstone walls. Mounted above, a scintillating panorama of radiant light deflecting off golden clouds and azure sky swirl calmly around a celestial halo, the symbol of the One. Argent flakes drift downward from this living rendition of the heavens, gliding to rest on a long table of rich ebony. Along the table’s length are rows of chairs, each representing the taste and personality of its resident (except the guest chairs at the lower end). Thus, while one may be a classy simple oak of fine craftsmanship, the head seat was an exquisite merging of elemental wood and stone. When the convent dined together, the suptuous meals could come from anywhere–literally. Summoned angels might descend from the roof and place extravagent platters of rare Elysium fowl and game, while at other times aquan acolytes might merge from the waves and present exotic sea cuisine. Though the food came from sundry directions and themes, everything was normally prepared in the kitchen (see Area 8).

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Area 7: Heartway (Hallway)
Branching off the Commons (see Area 6), this pathway guides full penitents to the chapel, though chamberlains also use this to reach the kitchen. The hall is breathtaking in its design: Upon entering, the person sees a faint orb glow at the other end of the dark passage. Incence and saffron waft along the smooth atmosphere. Into the gloaming, the gentle hum of elysium thrushes intermingled with the movanic deva sopranos edges the senses into a relaxed and transfixed state. Any regular warns against straying–and staying–in this hushed nexus to the sanctuary. As the penitent nears the end, images of intricate scrollwork dance in eltrich luminescence, until a final flash (and tantalizing chord from the choir) ushers him into the chapel (see Area 10).

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Area 8: Amplecove (Kitchen)
Considered rudimentary by the standards of the ancient elves, the kitchen still harbors the legacy of that race’s magical and spiritual wonder. The single stove, which looks like a block of simple sandstone, actually holds an extradimensional space with a handful of small fire elementals locked inside. The elementals are tasked with heating certain regions to a specific temperature, allowing for a mass of foods and snacks to simultaneously simmer toward perfection. A similar frost chest (except with ice elementals) stores the perishable goods, which are customarily restored with purify food and drink. Among the other bobbles, a score of unseen servants aid in the preparation and floating disks tote the multitude of dishes for the Commons and private chambers. The priests debated putting a teleportation ward on the kitchen, hindering those late night opportunists; however, due to each have a partiality for deserts or simply to let a small vice slip, the fellows did nothing substantial (other than have a stern general denouncement of “prollific use of the scullery”).

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Area 9: Vjan’kil’s Hollow
Named after the celestial body that crosses over the abbey every year, this a stone garden of elemental majesty. Some say the priests used divination magic to study the lunar surface and then replicated a site they found particularly beautiful. In this glade of rockwork, some would come out to meditate in the stark winter landscape. Rumors persist of the strange spherical impression in the center held a portal to the sattelite, from which priests would cart rare minerals each celestial alignment, which they used as magical components for wards and incantations around the abbey.

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Area 10: Chapel
Perhaps one of the more ornate of the rooms, the chapel was the supposed center of the abbey’s focus. Glacial columns of sculpted force spiraled to the roof. The walls had sconces crafted in the image of outstretched wings around a halo of golden energy. Instead of pews, the chapel had oblong semicircles arranged in rows, which would comfortably form to hold a penitent of any girth and position. More preferable were the floating daises, which drifted around the central icon of the One; from these, a priest could channel prayers into the giant holy symbol, which would allow for large communions to summon powerful icons of the faith. Also, the altar acted as a channel of suzeraine might, which the higher ranking priests tested young acolytes seeking to join the abbey’s fold.

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Area 11 & 12: Common Prayer Room
Highly akin to the Greatstudy (see Area 5), these smaller rooms served to acquaint guests with the abbey and gave alternative rooms for those who found the study too full. Though smaller, the shelving linked to the other studies, allowing access to all the books held within the abbey’s libraries. A side altar for personal cleansing rests in the two rooms, allowing priests to prepare to enter the more sacred chapel (see Area 10).

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Area 13: Stairway
Conduit to the upper levels, the stairway is an intricate design of irridescent webbing and still living boughs of an ancient Ie’ea tree. The tightly-woven threads arch upwards in three flights to the second floor, a prismatic effect continually drawing the eye either upward or downward, pending on which direction a person took. On the vast walls bristle mystic creatures and surreal locations around Urth and from across the multiverse (even time itself). The animated figures romp endlessly through their native biomes, unaware of any gawking watchers. Thus, some titled the stairway “Gazing Grove” for the countless hours someone could spend simply viewing the species’ splendor among the eternally green boughs of the living, oft blooming staircase.

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Area 14, 15, 16 & 17: Monastic Cell
Though sparcely furnished, these rooms held the sleeping quarters for lodging priests. The bed, a solid, sculpted cloud covered in rich wool and fur blankets, hovered above the floor and would raise or lower, harden or soften–even warm or cool–to fit the sleeper’s mental whims. Few ever spoke of harsh dreams after resting upon one of these bunks. Usually, a finely crafted desk of transmuted hickory, sapple and green with life, and a wardrobe (expanded with a small extradimensional space) finished the adornments.

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Skyspire Abbey, Level 1 is © Brannon Hollingsworth and Corey Blankeship
Skyspire Abbey, Level 1 Map is © Brannon Hollingsworth and Brannon Hall

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Keep your eyes on the site next week - we’re going to be making a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that I think you’ll find quite exciting and interesting - enjoy!

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Ten months ago, the Sundering Legion had been the vanguard of the One’s people, the mightiest assembly of Holy Warriors on Urth. We trained; we fought; we prevailed. The honors and plundering had no limit. And, at its helm, I had enjoyed the fullness of the Onesfist’s splendor. The first outbreak of fiendish sorties came as laughter to our ears. Their obsidian skin split easily under our deific-powered blades. We just followed the reoccurring portals further and further from the city, hoping to find their master and have a decent trophy worth a Triumph through all of Urth, straight to the heart of that mighty isle—Nal’ri’kal, the Temple of His Majesty’s Mount. If we were lucky, we may be doubly blessed to carry back anything necessary for the High Priests’ experiments. Fiendshedder. A perfect cognomen to add among the long fame of my family.

The scant yards of malice-distorted allies lying in their own excretions formed a boundary that foreshadowed doom; odd that only rockbrother Dirglune remains, Hill-thane and loyal friend. Yet, his presence is the only anodyne for my crumbling soul. How could the One leave us in this hour of demise? Who will defend the High Priests’ with the vanguard butchered–and no one to pass on the end of our tale? That is crueler than a knife turned in the back. Our glory lies in the retelling. Our hope in the young ears that would hear; the young minds who would remember. Why had the Father of our people abandoned us into his most hated foes’ hands?!

The gibbering masses of tana’ri and baatezu (how are they so unified?) parted in a flicker of timidity, restraining the demanding impulse to dismember us, the last members of the Onesfist. A figure robed in a clashing regality sauntered up through the writhing aisle. In his hand he bore a slender rapier, guard and blade encased with intricate runes and carefully wrought mithril filigree over adamantine. Or so the oremaster at my back whispered among curses against all the Nine Hells. The elven face, full of malice and puissance, was vaguely familiar, like some reflection of a long forgotten dream. Or nightmare. With serpentine ease, he raised the foil in a mock guard and cajoled us with cold civility. “At last we meet, noble Hill-thane and revered Warliege. I do hope you’ll be honorable enough to accede to wisdom and surrender.” Surveying his minions with an air of nonchalance and pride, he added, “I could use such cunning, though somewhat febrile, minds as quartermasters for my horde…even mortals can soon earn prestige and glory in these stolid ranks.”

“Where do you think your high priests are getting their might?”

This halted the phlegm I had started to hurl in his face. Could it be true? Never! I did not realize that this snarl has been uttered aloud. The lordly visage took on a venomous sheen. “Very well, just as the weak wanton cleric Yae’reen toppled, I shall now anneal your stupidity…” With a startling flicker, he was a sword’s length away, lightly hefting the blade in his masterful hand. “By Vexill, Blade of the Nine and Lifesblood of the Apeture, I now rend from you your soul—as I did to your brother’s wife after stealing his fair city, El’a'katil.”

Before I could finish mouthing, ‘No,’ my armor parted just between my ribs. A secret spring of deep burgundy burst past the frosty blade with the fiery intensity of lost life. Dirglune wheeled with the ferocity of bereft love. Yet, Vexill leapt easily from my chest to meet his attack. The parry of the archfiend tossed the dwarf’s greataxe to the ground and pierced his breastplate with that feral sword. Cleaning the rapier on my shoulder, the elvin veneer gave way to the embodiment of codified evil: a Lord of the Nine whose name I dared not utter even in death. He smiled as he placed my sword back into my blood-drained palm. “Be a brave soldier and fend off at least one blow from my pets. At least you’ll do better than that groveling seed of your father did.” Chuckling he returned to the gloaming edge of the dale and the end of the Sundering Legion commenced for a final time. No more did the light of heaven shine upon the elves of Urth.

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This Seafoam Story is © Corey Blankenship

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-Ashy

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Oh, and those maps? Look for them next week - we’re making them even better!

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Appearance:
A swarthy, stout gentleman in an expensive overcoat and bearing a carefully wrought staff walks down the dock from a large warship, which peculiarly appears sculpted from ice. This overbearing captain of the sea is an anomaly himself: Upon his face traces gold filigree, culminating in a fractal design on his forehead. His face is otherwise ashen in complection. When you attempt to address him as “Cap’n,” twin golden eyes seethe with an unbridled rage. “It’s Admiral!” A well-armed skeleton presents itself in a flurry of clanging bones and metal to dissuade any questions to the matter, though the Admiral calls it off by the name “Cap’n Murphy.” The gray-haired man walks past with an unfocused air, as if he had suddenly forgotten your existence. The last thing you notice is another oddity: the cane seemed to slim into a blade. However, before you can turn, a final blur of steel flashes into view before darkness fills your sight.

Items of Note:
Orb of storms, +4 Astral Driftmetal Breastplate, Negotiator (+4 Darkwood elven courtblade), Bracers of blasting (major), Figurine of power (ebon fly)

History:
Adopted by Yae’reen, Grissom Shadecaller had been an aspiring summoner, especially in the realm of Shadow. His tutelage turned cruel as Yae’reen became a servant of Leos “Lightbringer,” inevitably bringing the young mage and his master into a bloody conflict–in which Grissom was banished from El’a'katil.

During his years of roaming, Grissom developed an intense hatred for Yae’reen, vowing to avenge himself and his lost adopted mother and brother. He honed the art of scrying and divinations, scouring Urth when the high priest dropped off the charts. However, during the Fiend War (in which Grissom acted as a profiteer, aiding both sides), the Fall blighted him as well. The young Shadecaller awoke to find himself an apalling undead of positive energy.

Grissom began picking off anyone who stood in his way, slowly adding hallowed servants to his company and developing a notoriety as “Admiral Shadelord” (Though he soon learned that water acted like acid to his new form…a fear cemented in him after Murphy Barebones, captain and loyal guard, fell overboard and seared off all his flesh). The Admiral worked with some inside the Church to keep his pirating operations out of the scrutiny of the far more powerful Navy of the Church–and to search for any elusive note about the return of Yae’reen, who had somehow remained alive through the centuries and conflict.

When the Admiral’s wards detected a disturbing activity around certain key items (such as Vexill) and the presence of an entity using Yae’reen’s name, he immediately teleported to Unbroken Serenity to uncover the matter of this unrest. To his surprise, Grissom encountered a being unkenned: The avatar of positive energy, Tsidkenu. However, the Admiral had succumbed to a ravaged mental state, in which the entity of Yae’reen and revenge against him was paramount; thus, his attachment to the Misfits–and aid to Tsidkenu–becomes questionable as to his intentions. Yet, the Shadelord has so far added a much needed element of arcane mastery to the fold of this unique company.

Personality:
Slightly delusional and highly accustomed to deference, the Admiral tolerates no disobedience. Underneath this harsh sentiment, however, Grissom bears a clever and thorough mind. Having ages of plotting and waiting behind him, he has learned that timing and strategy are important aspects to survival and success. Therefore, the Admiral exercises a rough restraint when presented annoying, yet complex, situations (such as the pestering construct, Xu). The Misfits have in him an avenue of firepower and financial strength–and a solid friend, if certain matter find themselves allievated through the coming adventures.

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