[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/FohmS05.png[/img][/center]

[center][b]Gripus Probus[/b][/center]

[center][i]Hero of the East, Bane of Morven[/i][/center]

[center][b]Location: Campus Magnus[/b][/center]

"Then I bid you all farewell," Gripus managed, refusing to grasp the arguments of his short lived companions. "I hope you all find whatever it is you are looking for, out there, where only the dead walk and where a great evil is about to unleash a permanent nightmare across half the known world." 

He reached into his robes, and pulled out a parchment. The Mage scribbled frantically on it, rolled it and wrapped it with a red string. He uttered some arcane words, and the the parchment turned into solid gold. Holding it high, he fixed the one known as Ellasapet with his glowing eyes. 

"I still hold great sway in the Imperial Magi. There is one that you should seek, in Fort Octavius. He's a Dwarf by the name of Bishop Ogloid, a kind fellow; he and I worked tirelessly on my age retarding projects for some years. I could not have made the advances that I have, without his assistance. He specializes in the science of biology, and his knowledge of the intricate workings of all things might avail your research into your own illness. Present this scroll to him, and he will give you whatever help that he and his laboratory can - only he will know the password to return it from gold to parchment," the Mage said, his tone devoid of emotion. "If you survive your ordeals in Iron Coast, I would urge you to consider my offer." He let the golden scroll fall, and it hit the mud with a wet thud. 

Turning to the Drow, he smiled. "You are certainly a powerful woman, Tsabal, and I thank you for confirming my suspicions as to who you really are. However, I think simply telling me to 'fuck off' would have been more prudent. I know you aimed to hurt me, reminding my flesh of its former comfort, but in truth you merely allowed me to see into your heart, and what I see troubles me. Behind such intelligence, behind such knowledge, is a blackness. As equals, I wish you well with your endeavors, but know this: should I triumph over Magnor, then I will be returning to find you... I'd hate to see one evil replaced by another." 

And then the Mage lingered on Liliana, and for a moment his face betrayed sadness. "Watch yourself, my lady. You walk among giants, and when all is said and done, see that you are not crushed underfoot. I pray that the God of the Sun continues to watch over you, and that you will come out of this nightmare unscathed." 

Not wanting to stay a second longer, Gripus thrust the Staff of Morven towards the sky, and the green gem pulsed brightly. "Amath kiera tor, alan shan!"

[hr]

[i]The Arcane Void was exactly that; nothingness. A blackness that continued forever. For someone not versed in its workings, it would truly be a terrifying place. Though Gripus had intimate knowledge of the Arcane Void - it was after all, the dimension that he and many like him, drew their strength. By focusing his efforts, a pathway lit itself for him - a purple streak of magical energy, buzzing underfoot. 

Gripus urged Shadowmere onward, following the pathway, and as he did, images flashed by him. They were locations. In one, he saw Campus Magnus, and the three of his short lived companions. In a second image, he saw trees and shambling figures. A third image crossed him, revealing an empty and decrepit roadway. He focused on the roadway, and saw that it was a place ten miles west of Actium. He hesitated, for traveling a hundred or so miles through the Void would kill many, even one such as he if he blundered. 

Teleportation was not a forte of the Arcane. It had severe limitations in accuracy, and traveling only short distances took their toll on the user. It was also easily susceptible to disruption from other arcane users, who would sense someone traveling in the Void nearby. With a few words, they could hide or destroy an image, forbidding him to come through. Still, despite its vulnerabilities and limitations, it offered a convenient passage of escape in pressing situations - such as the one at the gate. And with the Staff of Morven, Gripus could double the distance he would normally be able to travel.

He lent over in his saddle, and touched the image with the Staff of Morven.[/i]

[hr]

Dead and dying trees lined the decrepit roadway. The smell of decaying flesh was thick in the air, though no undead minions presented themselves. There was a brief crash of thunder, and an even briefer flash of lightning. Rain started to fall, and Gripus pulled his hood over his head. Sweat lined his brow, and he breathed heavily, feeling as if he'd missed a night's sleep. Traveling so far had drained him, and it would be some time before he could hope to call on the Void for such swift deliverance.

Shadowmere stirred uneasily, but Gripus calmed the beast with a brief stroke to its neck. "Easy, my friend. Come, let's see what folly awaits us." 

And so Gripus Probus, Hero of the East and Bane of Morven, started his journey, following the road that lay between Corpsewood and the Iron Forest.