The Pilgrimage

nce again, I had been killed and looted in Covetous. This time I had been stuck in a corner and was killed by 3 Harpies, while two "blue" friends were watching and looting my body afterwards. This made me ponder about the ethics of Britannian citizens. Helpfulness was close to selfishness, generosity lived next to greed. I felt disappointed and frustrated, so I decided to store the rest of my belongings into the bank box and leave town for a pilgrimage. I would wear neither armor nor weapon, except my old practicing sword which I'd use to hunt for food.

While I was wandering through the deep forest of Yew, the sun set behind the dense treetops. I cut off some kindling, lit a campfire and sat down on a tree stump, meditating about what was left of my fantastic dreams. When I had left Trinsic as a tailor and novice warrior, I had imagined that once I would be rich, honorable and everyone would treat me with respect. Meanwhile had reached the status of Master Warrior, and none of my dreams had become reality. Chewing on a piece of cooked meat, I pondered about my destiny and my future. Would I one day end up like the others? No! The faint light of the campfire cast dancing shadows onto the mossy ground. This was the moment where I decided to start a new life. I'd wander through the wilderness as a pilgrim, preaching for peace and forgiveness.

My first destination would be the Chaos Shrine. Rumor had it that this was the place where people with bad reputation had the chance to get resurrected. I wanted to go there and pray for the lost souls who had left the path of honesty.
I started at the Vesper moongate, taking the road to Yew. Close to the Dungeon Deceit I followed a narrow winding path into the mountains, where I found a strange gate in the rocks. Inside, there was the same pentagram sign I had seen in places of magical power! When I stepped onto it, a distant voice hissed "You are not worthy of entrance to the city of Wind!" I never had heard about that city before. What was Wind? One day I would find out!

After a long search I finally found what I was looking for: The Chaos Shrine! There was nobody around. The place was unexpectedly peaceful. I sent my prayers to the Gods of Britannia. Maybe some of the Murderers, looters and thieves would one day understand the pain they were causing.
Right at this moment it appeared to me what my next destination would be: The Yew Crypts. I had heard about this haunted place in ancient tales. They told dark stories about the evil Dark Elves living there.

While wandering the road leading towards Yew, I suddenly met three strange men. One of them was obviously of a bad reputation. There was a tense atmosphere, while I uttered a greeting of peace. The evil looking fellow suddenly said: "So, who dies first." His voice was strong but somehow ironic. The other fighters didn't exactly know what to do and simply watched the scene wordlessly. I asked the killer, if he was a coward attacking a pilgrim like me. Then something strange happened! The Dread Lord Andrew came closer and handed me a gnarled staff and a pair of boots. Then he whispered "When you see a dread lord, run!"
I followed his advice and continued on my journey, however, without running. There still was hope. Some evil folks may have more decency in them than you would expect.

Soon I reached the Yew Crypts. The small stone building was hidden in the depth of the Yew Forest. But the forest was silent, even the birds seemed to have stopped singing. The path leading to the heavy iron door was decorated with furs and lit with torches. I knocked anxiously. The door swung open with a creaking sound, and I hesitated. When I had taken courage, I entered. Suddenly, a dark voice echoed from the moist walls. "This is the home of the Drow!" I shuddered. I could see nobody. I greeted politely and said that I was a pilgrim who came to explore the Yew Crypts. Suddenly an old man with grey hair, clad in dark clothes, appeared. His name was Eldrad Ulthran. He was a Dark Elf.

His voice sounded grim and resolute as he explained that the Yew Crypts was home to the Dark Elves, and visitors were not welcome. However, they might consider letting me enter if I would make them a gift. I apologized for my intrusion and offered them all I had: 55 gold pieces, a chess board, a hair dye, a gnarled staff and some other items I had gathered on my journey. Eldrad seemed to be satisfied and accepted my gift.
Suddenly a second elf appeared. He asked me whether I had seen some wisps, and I agreed. He explained that he was writing a book about Wisps, and asked if I could remember what the wisps were saying. I could, for I had written down the strange words of the Wisps. He seemed happy when I recited the words of the Wisps. After he had completed his notes, I entered the Crypts.

The Drow are known to be dangerous Elves, but they seemed to be honest. They just wanted to live in seclusion and peace. I remembered a book of Lord Blackthorn I had read in the mage's house at the Trinsic Volcano. Blackthorn had written a lot about the communications between men and creatures. TheYew Crypts were a horrifying but deserted place. I walked through strange corridors, bloodstained catacombs, not being able to grasp the history of this place. Was there somewhere hidden an ancient secret, just waiting to be discovered by a clever adventurer? I was unable to find out. I will remember this place especially for the strange and yet polite Drow.

03/98

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