It Begins

It's quiet here, in the Underdark, a silent void where the only sounds are the constant drip dripping of stalagtites and the occasional snarl of a victorious predator. The ominous serenity that has blanketed the walls is a thick and palpable thing, an uneasy arrest from the natural environment's ambience. The deadless attacks have decreased significantly and things appear to be getting back to the normal level of danger once enjoyed by its denizens. Yet a deep and swelling presence is just beyond the reach of the average senses, an anger that grows with every passing moment. Thousands of the minions of SL'ozz have been exterminated, but at what cost? As the remnants of their remains culminate together from the dust and ashes of the fallen, the presence becomes aware.



****************************************************************************************************

"Do you feel that Kax'x!? . ." The Revenancer approached the Death Knight from behind, clapping his fleshed out hand upon the General's Plated shoulder. In the years that Kax'x had spent as a Paladin, he would have loathed such an act of blatant disrespect and absolutely crushed any Drow he saw without question. This greeting became common between them, more so because the master knew it would have highly offended his servant in days long past.

". . ." The Death Knight never replied to inquires regarding 'feelings' and remained statuesque in his Black Death Plate. Kax'x was enourmous, standing well over 6'8, coupled with his spiral helm he could have easily been mistaken for an Orc.

Verenz turned after a few steps and looked at his Dread Knight with a wicked and mischevious smile. "My assessment is complete General Kax'x, and so begins the second phase of our mother's assault!"

Kax'x stood there emotionless and still, indifferent to one of SL'ozz's many monologues. Just before the Revenancer exuded additional exicitement, his demeanor became seriously calm. "But wait. Wait." his skeletal hand went to his chin in contemplation.

"You must be careful now General, because you are no longer a deadless, but a full Revenant."

Kax'x rarely responded to anything Sl'ozz had to say, though this never deterred the Pale Master from going on and on about various portions of his scheming. The Death Knight didn't possess things like pride or fear or anguish. He didn't have the luxury of pain or pleasure, Kax'x was a tool, a weapon with little choice over its weilder. Such is the price a paladin pays for an ultimate betrayal.

". . .and while you have manifested into your true form, this also means you will not return to Kiaranselee if you fall." SL'ozz continued to scratch his chin and assumed walking around the former paladin. "Indeed your absence would be most inconveinent."

In the background Maerimydra stood in all of its glorious splendor. While portions of it remained visibly damaged from the battle that had wrested it from Drow occupation, it's prescence and wonders could still hold the virgin eye agape. Activity could be seen there and if one were to get close enough it would be obvious that recontruction is progressing. The current occupants had every intention of staying its permanent residents.

"Assemble your Dread Knights, strike hard and fast at any who would dare venture in small groups. No survivors and No remains. Use the tactics of the Drow and they will suffer a cataclysmic moral failure. After they have turned fully against one another we can then easily snatch the Harrier's Gem and any surviving components to The Harrower's Beacon. . . .We're close old friend. . .so close. Try to remain at a tactical distance from General L'lamdeth and General Dzask Mor'ete. And under no circumstance shall you approach De'phele'opth'zsa'aRx." SL'ozz stopped and looked into the horizon of the great Drow city, as both hands spread wide he laughed maniacally, in celebration of the pending victory.