The Pilgrimage

gain I had been killed and looted in Covetous. This time I had been stuck in a corner and killed by 3 harpies, while two "blue" friends were watching and looting me afterwards.
This experience made me think about the people on this world. Britannia was obviously ruled by selfishness, egoism and greed. Feeling feeble and disappointed I dumped the remains of my belongings into my bank box and left town. I would wear neither armor nor weapon, except my old practicing sword which I used for getting something to eat.

I was wandering through the deep forest of Yew, as the sun set beneath 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 my home as a tailor and novice warrior, I had imagined that once I would be rich, honorable and everyone would be polite and happy to see me. Now I even had reached the status of master warrior, and none of my dreams had become true. Sadly chewing on a piece of cooked meat I asked myself again and again what my destiny was. Ending up like the others? No!
The faint light of the fire made the shadows of the trees dance on the mossy ground like ghosts.
This was the moment where I decided to start a new life. I will wander through the wilderness as a pilgrim for some time, preaching and living for peace and helpfulness.

My first destination was the Chaos Shrine. I had heard that it was the place where people with bad reputation have the chance to get resurrected. I wanted to go there and pray for the lost souls, who had left the path of honesty.
On my way I accidentally found a strange gate in the rocks, near the Deceit dungeon. On the floor there was the same sign I had encountered at places of magical power! When I stepped on it, a distant voice hissed "You are not worthy of entrance to the city of Wind!" What was the city of 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 strangely peaceful. I sent my prayer to the Gods of Britannia. I begged for the killers, the looters, the thieves, and for myself. I begged to forgive them their deeds and lead them to the right way. May you bring peace across this wonderful land. May everyone live in freedom!
In this moment I knew my next destination like an inspiration: The Liche Complex. I had heard about this evil place in ancient tales. When I was a boy my father had told me about the evil Dark Elves who ruled this area.

I was following the path in the direction to Yew, as I suddenly met three strange men. One of them was obviously of a bad reputation. There was a tense atmosphere, as I uttered a greeting of peace. The one with the bad reputation 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 from a secure distance. 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 gave a gnarled staff and a pair of boots to me. Then he whispered "When you see a dread lord, run!"
Had my prayer showed it's first effect? I could hardly believe it! I followed his advice and continued my journey. There still is some hope that even the bad guys seem to be somehow fair and just. I don't know what happened to the other two guys.

I now reached the area of the Liche Complex. The forest was silent, even the birds seemed to have stopped singing.
I came across some strange buildings with no entrances. This must be the Liche Complex! Then I finally found an entrance. The path to the heavy iron door was lighted with torches and furs were laid on the ground. I knocked anxiously. The door swung open with a creaking sound, and I hesitated. Then I remembered my goal and stepped in bravely. 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 honest pilgrim, interested in the secrets of the Liche Complex.
Suddenly an old man with grey hair and dark clothes appeared. His name was Eldrad Ulthran. He was a Dark Elf.

His voice sounded bitter and resolute, as he explained that the Liche Complex was their home. They did not want to be disturbed. But they would let me in, if I would give them something.
I excused for my intrusion, and offered them all I had: 55 gold pieces, a chess board, a hair dye, a club and some other stuff I had found on my way. Eldrad seemed to accept my gift.
Suddenly a second elf appeared. He asked me whether I saw 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, and I told him. Then I entered the Liche Complex.

The Drows are strange Elves, but they seemed to be honest. They just wanted to live in peace and explore the secrets of this world. I remembered a book of Lord Blackthorn I once had read in the mage's house at the Trinsic volcano, where he wrote about the communications between men and monsters.
The Liche Complex was a horrifying but desert place. I walked through strange bloodstained catacombs, not getting the meaning of this place. Was there hidden an ancient secret which I was just too inexperienced to encounter? I don't know. I will remember this place especially for the strange and polite Drows who made the Complex their home. My father was wrong! The Dark Elves are not evil.

03/98

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