Standing before the Weathered Fortress in the Mirkwood Penzei Sedai glances over her shoulder. It was oddly quiet... she turned to her group and whispered to them, "I do not know what we will find once we enter... but be on your guard." Everyone in the small scouting party simultaneously clutched their weapons close to them and eye'd the dilapidated fortress with scrutiny. She had been chosen by the Amyrlin herself to investigate this fortress. It had been held by the Defenders of the Stone but had somehow mysteriously stopped communicating recently. With the blight spreading in the north and other dark forces at play one could not be too cautious. She motioned for one of the warriors to open the gate... All that could be seen from the entrance was darkness. Using hand signals she had learned from the Shienarian Lancers she motioned for everyone to follow her and keep quiet. As quietly as she could she lead the group into the Fortress. Holding her Lantern aloft she could make out massive pillars of yellow and red stone. Rusted Iron bands circled the pillars, it had been some time since anyone had maintained this place and she could see the sky above her through an open ceiling. Just as she was beginning to let her guard down and start examining her surroundings further she heard the sound of steel being draw from a sheath. Turning abruptly towards the noise she immediately heard a brutish man yell," Attack! ". Clangs of steel on steel echoed throughout the chamber. Gritting her teeth she embraced the Saidar and began weaving...
There were two more such ambushes waiting for them inside and each time they defeated them. Pausing now to access the wounded and providing healing, she pondered. These were not ordinary mercenaries... they were paid by someone to protect something or someone here. They wandered the corridors searching. The Eastern Courtyard yield no clues, but the view from the Eastern Wing of the Spine even in the dim light of the evening was breath taking. Standing at the edge of the floor facing a sheer drop down the mountain invoked feelings of vertigo but she steeled herself... the job was not finished. She nodded to the group and lead them to the western wing of the fortress. Upon reaching western hall the wall gave way to a view of the Haddon Mirk. It was equally breathtaking as the canopy of the swamp held the glow of the dusk light. She continued down the corridor, examining the huge stone pillars as then went to no avail. Reaching the end of the wing she signaled the group to begin investigating the area. After a short time they found a doorway leading to a storage room. Someone had been moving through here... this supposed storage space was not covered in the dust and grim of the other parts of the fortress. She began examining the area closely. Paying attention to any and all small details. Before long one of the warriors motions for her to come closer. They both stared at the wall. Lightly touching the shelf, she felt it give alittle. Glancing down at the floor, she immediately recognized that the floor had a curved wear mark. She and the warrior both recognizing this was a doorway signaled to the others to ready themselves. Embracing the Saidar once more and nodded to the warrior to open the door. He opened it slowly which caused it creaked slightly as it opened wide. She could make out the dim torchlight so she motioned for the group to enter. Down the small corridor, it opened up to a room with five armed men standing before a tall man whose eyes shone with hate. As the groups stared at each other for a moment she felt a cold breeze move over here skin and her sense of the Saidar vanished from her. That's not good she thought just before the Bandit Warlord signled his men to attack...
She knelt, applying a bandage to one of the warriors. They had won they day... and she had alot to report back to the Amyrlin Seat... They departed without fan fare and returned to Tar Valon.
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Masema, the Prophet of the Dragon, received the report with a fervor that ignited the flames of his zeal. His eyes gleamed with a strange mix of excitement and conviction as he clutched the letter detailing the potential fall of the Fortress, and the opportunity. Seeing this as a divine revelation, he wasted no time in taking action.
Masema ascended the makeshift pulpit in the heart of his camp, surrounded by the devoted followers who hung onto his every word. With the letter held high, he proclaimed, "The winds of change blow through the Pattern, my faithful! The unborn Dragon Reborn stirs in the shadows, and the Dragonsworn, his vanguard, shall herald his arrival! Prepare, for the time of reckoning is upon us!"
His followers, their fervor stoked by Masema's impassioned speech, began spreading the news throughout the camp. Tents buzzed with excitement as the message of the imminent capture and the potential base for preachings stationed within Haddon Mirk.
Masema dispatched a group of his most trusted followers, armed with the letter and explicit instructions to gather more information. Their mission: to confirm the details, identify the Dragonsworn's potential location, and report back swiftly. The Prophet believed that this news was too important to be taken lightly, and the truth had to be ascertained through his own channels.
His agents moved stealthily, blending into the shadows as they embarked on a journey to investigate the fortress and the surrounding areas. Masema, meanwhile, awaited their return with bated breath, convinced that the fulfillment of a prophecy was nigh.
As the wheels of confirmation turned, Masema recognized the need for increased military readiness. He summoned his lieutenants and commanders, sharing the news and emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "Arm yourselves, my loyal soldiers! We must be ready to face the storm and emerge triumphant in his wake. We will capture this fortress at any opportunity we get!"
The Prophet's camp transformed into a hive of activity as weapons were sharpened, armor donned, and strategic plans devised. Masema, with his eyes ablaze, stood at the center, orchestrating the preparations like a general readying his troops for the battle that lay ahead.
In the midst of uncertainty, Masema's unwavering faith propelled him forward, believing that his actions were instrumental in fulfilling the prophecies that had guided his purpose.
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CTF near Haddon Mark is now available and changed. If it is taken by the Light (if the main mob is scalped by a human) it defaults to the Defenders of the Stone.
It can be taken by:
The Dragonsworn
The Winged Guard
The Defenders of the Stone
The Shadow
The Illian Companions
It has a standing patrol, a wandering patrol, and several wandering mobs. After taking the fortress, you probably want to clear out the rabble. At some point there will be a contest associated with this little area. It awards qps like Baerlon. Enjoy!
Above the gate is a jump exit.