Revised Zajar Research Station
by Aoz with suggestions from RobinZajar: The Temple of Fire
Zajar was a secret that only a few knew. A hidden temple in the depths of the Lower Broken Lands, where the power of fire was ‘Empowered’ and could be accessed by those who dared. A place where the ancient immortal, Zugzul, Immortals of Mystara on pages 764-771, blessed and cursed.
The history of Zajar was a long and bloody one. It began with Gadajok, one of the primitive humans who had fled from the Flaems’ wrath in the north. Gadajok was a follower of Zugzul, the immortal of fire and destruction, who had promised him eternal life and power. Zugzul had guided Gadajok through the perilous tunnels of the Lower Broken Lands, past the Bugbear river, the Lower Orcus Rex, and into the Lower Trollhattan. There, Zugzul had shown him the spot where two magma rivers met, and where the magic fire was ‘Empowered’ by a mysterious force. Zugzul had instructed Gadajok to build a temple there, where he could study and worship fire, and become his disciple.
Gadajok had obeyed, and with the help of some humanoids who had also fled from the Flaems, he had built the Temple of Zugzul around the Forge of Spells, a massive structure made of stone, carved with intricate symbols and patterns that glowed with a faint red light. The temple had many chambers and halls, where Gadajok and his followers performed their rituals and experiments, seeking to harness the power of fire and become immortal. The temple was guarded by many pyro elementals, were transformed by Zugzul’s magic into undead living flames. The pyro undead were loyal to Zugzul and his chosen disciples and would attack anyone who tried to enter the temple without his permission. The temple was also filled with traps and secrets, some of which were known only to Zugzul himself.
Gadajok’s quest for immortality eventually failed, however. He had made a fatal mistake in one of his experiments and had perished turn to ash in a second. He had tried to create a new form of fire magic, that would allow him to transcend his mortal body and become one with fire. He had used the Forge of Spells that he had found in Zajar, that he believed was a gift from Zugzul. He had not realized that the artifact was actually a trap, that Zugzul had planted to test his loyalty and faith. The artifact reacted when Gadajok activating it and had consumed him in fire bypassing his immunities and leaving only ash. His followers, without a leader, had fallen into chaos and conflict. Some had tried to continue Gadajok’s work but had failed or died in the process. They had not understood Gadajok’s methods or goals and had made errors or accidents that had cost them their lives or their sanity. Some had turned against each other, fighting for power or resources. They had become greedy and selfish and had coveted Gadajok’s position or possessions. They had formed factions and alliances and had waged wars and battles within the temple. Some had left the temple, hoping to return to their homes or find new ones. They had become disillusioned or fearful and had lost their faith in Zugzul or fire. They had fled the temple but had faced many dangers and difficulties along the way. Some had died of hunger, thirst, or disease. Some had been killed by hostile humanoids or creatures. Some had been captured by the Flaems or their allies. Some had stayed in the temple but had succumbed to madness or corruption. They had become obsessed or addicted to Zajar and its power and had lost their sense of reality or morality. They had spent their days and nights in meditation or experimentation, ignoring their basic needs or responsibilities. They had also become more susceptible to Zugzul’s influence and had followed his commands without question or hesitation.
Zugzul had watched all this with amusement and contempt. He had never cared for Gadajok or his followers; he had only used them as pawns in his larger plan. Zugzul’s plan was to bring down Glantri’s magocracy, which he hated for its arrogance and defiance of the immortals. He also knew that Glantri was home to many fire wizards, he realized Zajar would appeal to their curiosity and ambition, and that they would not resist the temptation of fire and immortality. He also knew that Zajar would corrupt them and bind them to his will, and that they would become his tools and weapons. He planned to use these fire wizards to destroy Glantri from within and without, and to fulfill his revenge and his vision.
Zugzul began to spread rumors and clues about Zajar among the fire wizards of Glantri. He used his magic and his agents to plant some items that hinted at Zajar’s existence and location in various places. He left some ancient scrolls that mentioned Zajar and its secrets in some Glantri's own libraries and archives. He dropped some mysterious relics that bore Zajar’s symbols and patterns in some markets and shops. He engraved some cryptic messages that pointed to Zajar’s direction in some walls and stones. He also influenced some shadow elves to scout around Zajar and attract attention. He used his clerics to charm to persuade some shadow elves to explore Zajar and report their findings to their kin. He used a mortal identity of a giant Pyre elemental to intimidation and threaten some shadow elves to act as decoys and bait for the fire wizards. He hoped that some curious or ambitious fire wizards would follow these leads and find Zajar. He knew that these fire wizards would not be able to resist the lure of Zajar, and that they would fall into his trap. He also knew that these fire wizards would not be able to escape from Zajar, and that they would become his disciples.
He was not disappointed. In 1016 AC, a scout for the Consortium followed a group of shadow elves back to their camp outside Zajar. The scout was a minion of Cybrikian, a grey dragon known to Glantri as Aumrauth Grethyra, in his high elven form. Aumrauth Grethyra sent the location of Zajar back to Ezuhr Kelador, a fellow classmate from his days at the Early Fire Wizards Academy who he had discovered was still alive.
Ezuhr Kelador was intrigued by Cybrikian’s message. He was a fire wizard of the third level circle of elementalism (fire), which gave him access to powerful spells and abilities related to fire. He was also a member of the Secret Art of Elementalism (Fire), a clandestine group of fire wizards who sought to advance their art beyond Glantri’s laws and limits. Ezuhr Kelador organized an expedition to Zajar in late 1016 AC. He gathered a handful of fire wizards who were loyal to him and the Secret Art, and set off for the Lower Broken Lands.
The expedition was not easy. The fire wizards had to face many dangers and obstacles along the way, such as hostile humanoids, treacherous terrain, and unpredictable magic. They also had to avoid detection by Glantri’s authorities, who would not approve of their unauthorized and illegal venture. They finally reached Zajar after several weeks of travel, and found some burnt shadow elven corpses outside the temple. Ezuhr Kelador used his fire magic to open the temple’s entrance, and gained control of its remaining four pyro undead. He and his team entered the temple, eager to explore its secrets.
They were amazed by what they found. The temple was a treasure trove of fire magic and lore, unlike anything they had ever seen. They discovered ancient scrolls, books, and artifacts that revealed the secrets of fire and immortality. They also discovered a special chamber, where an spellcaster could meditate and become a Disciple of Zajar. A Disciple of Zajar was able to advance their abilities further than they would otherwise, without training or limits. Zajar was a reusable resource; an spellcaster could use it for as long as they wanted, but they had to maintain a certain level of piety to Zugzul to receive its benefits.
Ezuhr Kelador and his team were ecstatic. They had found the ultimate source of fire magic and power. They decided to stay in Zajar and continue their research, while sending word to Cybrikian and the Secret Art of Elementalism (Fire). They hoped that Zajar would be a great boon to their art and their goals.
Cybrikian, the sorcerer dragon who can take the shape of an elf, stood beside his friend Ezuhr Kelador in Zajar. He had followed him to this hidden temple in the Lower Broken Lands, where a great fire magic was possible. Cybrikian had come to Zajar in his elven form as Aumrauth Grethyra, a scholar, wizard and adventurer, to learn more about the ancient secrets of the place. He was curious and fascinated by the wonders of Zajar, but he also sensed something dangerous about the Forge of Spells. It was a chamber where an spellcaster could meditate and become a Disciple of Flame, gaining access to incredible powers and abilities. But Cybrikian felt a dark and sinister presence in the Forge, something that was not friendly to him (his dragon senses screamed at him).
He will try to warn Ezuhr Kelador about the Forge, but his friend was too enamored by its promises. Ezuhr Kelador had become obsessed with becoming a Disciple of Flame, and spends hours in the Forge every day. He had changed since he entered the temple; he will become more arrogant, secretive, and fanatical over time. He had also started to worship Zugzul, the Immortal of Fire and War, and became the New Master of Zajar. Cybrikian did not trust ZaJar. He suspected there is a hidden agenda behind Zajar, and that he was manipulating Ezuhr Kelador and the other fire wizards who had joined them.
They did not realize that they had fallen into Zugzul’s trap. Zugzul had a hidden agenda that was different from what he claimed. He did not want to share his secrets with the fire wizards; he wanted to corrupt them and use them as his tools. He had designed Zajar to be a subtle and insidious form of mind control. The more an spellcaster used Zajar, the more they became addicted to its power and influence. The more they became addicted, the more they became loyal and obedient to Zugzul. The more they became loyal and obedient, the more they became willing to do Zugzul’s bidding.
Zugzul’s bidding was simple: Save Glantri with use the power of fire to eradicate the "corruption" of both civilization and nature by forest fires, heat waves, and droughts, in order to herald a new world of ash, ember and the undying but ruled by fire (ZugZul). In the doctrine, the Glantri and all its peoples have been corrupted by the magic of the Magocracy becoming wicked and malformed, and the only hope was to purify everything, reducing all to smoking ash. Zugzul wanted the fire wizards to use their enhanced abilities and knowledge to cause havoc and chaos in Glantri. He wanted them to start fires, wars, and rebellions. He wanted them to purify the Glantri’s leaders and nobles. He wants them to unleash dangerous or forbidden magic on Glantri’s people and lands. He wanted them to turn Glantri into a fiery hell.
Zugzul also had another plan: create more disciples. He wanted the fire wizards to recruit more spellcasters into Zajar, especially those who were dissatisfied or disillusioned with Glantri’s magocracy. He wanted them to spread his rumors and clues, or use force or persuasion, to bring more spellcasters into his fold. He wanted them to create a secret army of disciples who would serve him and his cause.
Zugzul’s plans were not without opposition, however. There were other forces that opposed him and his disciples, for various reasons:
A rival faction of fire wizards who were loyal to Glantri’s magocracy, and who wants to stop or expose Zugzul’s disciples. They were led by Alaric de Montferrat, a fire wizard of the fourth level circle of elementalism (fire), who was also Ezuhr Kelador’s former mentor and now rival. Alaric de Montferrat was a proud and noble fire wizard, who believes in Glantri’s ideals and laws. He had taught Ezuhr Kelador at the Early Fire Wizards Academy and had seen him as a promising student and friend. He is disappointed and angry when Ezuhr Kelador exposed the Secret Art of Elementalism (Fire) to his friend Aumrauth Grethyra. He had vowed to watch Ezuhr Kelador and to expose their illegal and dangerous activities. He is currently gathering a group of wizards and Glantrians who shared his views and values, and who opposed Ezuhr Kelador and his disciples. His group is called The Order of the Phoenix, or OOP for short. OOP has learned about Zajar from an inside source and has decided to investigate it them and arrest them. If necessary, kill them.
A secret alliance bettween Priests of Zugzul and the Council of Vras Kor Nen Nadarog, a group of powerful undead, that is slowly infiltrating Glantri’s society. The group will establish themselves under the merchant company called F.A.D.E. (Fire and Death Enterprises). The alliance is led by the Council of Vras Kor Nen Nadarog, who are using undead that pass as humans along with their magic and agents. The alliance operates in the shadows of Glantri’s society, using their positions and influence to gather information or corrupt Glantri’s magocracy from within. They are targeting the children of nobles, either by corruption, binding contracts, or turning them into undead (willing only). They are building a war chest for future wars and rebellions, by stealing, extorting, or blackmailing money and resources. They will unleash dangerous undead monsters in Glantri’s during the week of dread, to cause more havoc and fear. They also have some support from Ezuhr Kelador and his disciples.
Cybrikian begins researching in his spare time in 1020 AC, what Zajar was, and he wanted to protect his friend from its influence. He had discovered some clues that suggested that Zajar was not what it seemed. He had found some references to Zajar in some ancient texts that connecting to Zugzul. He had also found some evidence that Zajar was connected to corruption. He had also noticed some strange phenomena in the temple, such as fluctuations in the ambient magic, whispers in the shadows, and visions of souls crying out for help. He wondered if there was another force at work in Zajar.
Cybrikian prepares to confront Ezuhr Kelador about his findings in 1028 AC, and try to persuade him to leave Zajar with him. He hoped that his friend would listen to reason, and see the danger that he was in. He feared that if he stayed any longer in Zajar, he would lose himself to Zugzul's corruption, or worse. He also feared that Zugzul would discover his true nature as the last grey dragon, and would try to kill him or enslave him. He knew that he had to act in the future.
He approaches Ezuhr Kelador, in 6.12.1029 AC, in his quarters, where he found him studying some scrolls from Zajar's library. He greeted him warmly, and asked him how he was doing. Ezuhr Kelador looked up at him with a cold and distant expression, and replied curtly that he was fine. He asked him what he wanted from him, and if he had come to join him as a Disciple of Flame. Cybrikian shook his head, and said that he had come to talk to him about something important. He said that he had discovered some things about Zajar that he needed to share with him.
Ezuhr Kelador frowned and asked him what he meant. Cybrikian took a deep breath and began to tell him what he had learned about Zajar's history, origin, and purpose. He told him that Zajar was not created by Zugzul, but by another Immortal who was older and more powerful than him. He told him that Zajar was not a boon to fire magic, but a trap for fire wizards. He told him that Zugzul was not their ally, but their enemy. He told him that they were in grave danger, and that they needed to leave Zajar as soon as possible.
Ezuhr Kelador listened to Cybrikian's words with growing anger and disbelief. He interrupted him several times, accusing him of lying, being jealous, or being insane. He said that Cybrikian was trying to deceive him, or sabotage his progress as a Disciple of Flame. He said that Cybrikian was a traitor to their art and their friendship. He said that Cybrikian was unworthy of being in Zajar, or being his friend.
Cybrikian tried to reason with Ezuhr Kelador, but it was futile. His friend had become too brainwashed by Zugzul's influence, and too addicted to Zajar's power. He realized that he had lost him, and that there was no hope for him. He felt a surge of sadness and regret, mixed with fear and anger. He decided to leave Zajar, and try to warn the other fire wizards who were still loyal to him and the Secret Art of Elementalism (Fire). He hoped that they would listen to him, and join him in escaping from Zajar. He also hoped that he would be able to evade Zugzul's wrath, and survive his ordeal.
He turned to leave, but Ezuhr Kelador stopped him. He said that he would be purify him, and that he would make him pay for his betrayal. He said that he would use Zajar's power to do it, and that he would prove his loyalty to Zugzul. He said that he would become the greatest fire wizard of all time, and that he would rule over Glantri and the Urt.
Meanwhile, another group of fire wizards arrived. They were a rival faction of fire wizards who were loyal to Glantri’s magocracy, and who wanted to stop or expose Ezuhr Kelador. They were led by Alaric de Montferrat, a fire wizard of the fourth level circle of elementalism (fire), who was also Ezuhr Kelador’s former mentor and now rival. Alaric de Montferrat was a proud and noble fire wizard, who believed in Glantri’s ideals and laws. He had taught Ezuhr Kelador at the Early Fire Wizards Academy and had seen him as a promising student and friend. He was disappointed and angry when Ezuhr Kelador exposed the Secret Art of Elementalism (Fire) to his friend Aumrauth Grethyra. He had vowed to watch Ezuhr Kelador and Aumrauth Grethyra to expose any illegal and dangerous activities they partake in. He was currently gathering a group of wizards and Glantrians who shared his views and values, and who opposed Ezuhr Kelador and his disciples. His group was called The Order of the Phoenix, or OOP for short. OOP had learned about Zajar from an inside source and had decided to investigate it themself.
They had followed Ezuhr Kelador’s trail from Glantri to the Lower Broken Lands, facing many perils along the way. They had finally reached Zajar after several months of pursuit, and found some burnt shadow elven corpses outside the temple. They recognized them as some of the shadow elves who had been scouting around Zajar before they disappeared. They realized that they had been killed by Ezuhr Kelador or his minions.
They also saw some signs of a recent battle near the temple’s entrance. They saw some scorch marks on the ground, some broken weapons and armor, and some blood stains. They deduced that Ezuhr Kelador or his minions had fought with someone or something before they entered the temple.
They wondered who or what their enemies had encountered, and if they were still alive or not. They decided to enter the temple themselves, and find out what was going on inside. They hoped that they would be able to stop Ezuhr Kelador and his disciples from unleashing Zajar’s power on Glantri or the world.
They used their fire magic to open the temple’s entrance, which was sealed by a powerful ward. They entered the temple cautiously, ready for any danger or trap. They followed the trail of destruction left by Ezuhr Kelador and his team, until they reached the chamber where the Forge of Spells was located.
They heard a loud roar coming from inside the chamber, followed by an explosion of magic. They rushed into the chamber, and saw a shocking sight.
They saw Cybrikian in his dragon form, fighting with Ezuhr Kelador. They saw them exchanging blasts of magic at each other, while dodging each other’s attacks. They saw them flying around the chamber, smashing into walls and pillars. They saw them snarling and shouting at each other, with hatred and fury in their eyes.
They also saw the Forge of Spells in the center of the chamber, glowing with a bright red light. They felt its power radiating throughout the chamber, filling them with awe and fear. They sensed its otherworldly power watching over them from afar.
Alaric de Montferrat and his team were stunned by what they saw. They did not know what to do or how to react. They recognized Ezuhr Kelador as their former friend and student, who had betrayed them and Glantri. They did not recognize Cybrikian as the dragon who had disguised himself as Aumrauth Grethyra, their former colleague and ally. They did not understand what was going on between them, or why they were fighting.
They decided to intervene, and try to stop the battle. They hoped that they could subdue or capture Ezuhr Kelador and Cybrikian, and bring them to justice. They also hoped that they could destroy or disable the Forge of Spells.
They joined the fray, and attacked both Ezuhr Kelador and Cybrikian with their fire magic. Cybrikian ignores the attacks . OOP hoped that they had the advantage of numbers and surprise. Ezuhr Kelador summones guardians to destroy Alaric de Montferrat and his team. The guardians of the Forge of Spells focused on their attacks to hit Alaric de Montferrat and his team as well. They did not hesitate to use lethal force, or collateral damage.
They soon overwhelm Alaric de Montferrat and his team, and most are killed or a few injured but lucky the guardians disappeared. Alaric de Montferrat was one of the few survivors, but he was badly wounded and exhausted. He realized that he had made a terrible mistake, and that he had underestimated Ezuhr Kelador and this dragon. He realized that he had no chance of stopping them, or saving Glantri or the world.
He decided to retreat, and try to escape from Zajar with his remaining team members. He hoped that he could find a way out of the temple, and make it back to Glantri alive. He also hoped that he could warn Glantri’s authorities about Zajar, Zugzul, Ezuhr Kelador, and Cybrikian. He hoped that they would listen to him, and prepare for the coming threat.
He turned to leave, but he was stopped by a blast of fire from behind. He turned around, and saw Ezuhr Kelador standing over him with a triumphant smile on his face. He had defeated Cybrikian in their battle, and had killed him with a final blow. He had then turned his attention to Alaric de Montferrat, who he had recognized as his former mentor and rival.
He said that he was glad to see him alive, and that he wanted to talk to him before he killed him. He said that he wanted to thank him for teaching him everything he knew about fire magic, and for leading him to Zajar. He said that he wanted to apologize for betraying him and Glantri, but that he had no regrets about his choices. He said that he wanted to tell him that he was now the greatest fire wizard of all time, and that he would soon rule over Glantri and the world.
He said that he wanted to offer him a chance to join him as a Disciple of Zajar, and serve him as his loyal follower. He said that he would spare his life if he accepted his offer, and that he would share Zajar’s power with him if he proved his worth. He said that he would forgive him for his past mistakes if he swore allegiance to him and Zugzul.
He said that this was his last chance, and that he should choose wisely.
Alaric de Montferrat looked at Ezuhr Kelador with a mix of pity and contempt. He saw what Zajar had done to him, how it had corrupted him beyond recognition. He saw how Ezuhr Kelador had become a monster, a puppet of Zugzul’s will. He saw how Ezuhr Kelador had lost his soul, his honor, and his humanity.
He refused Ezuhr Kelador’s offer with a defiant glare. He said that he would never join him or Zugzul, and that he would rather die than serve them. He said that he was ashamed of what Ezuhr Kelador had become, and that he was sorry for what he had done. He said that he still considered him as his friend, but that he also hated him for his crimes.
He said that he hoped that Ezuhr Kelador would someday realize his folly, and repent for his sins. He said that he hoped that Ezuhr Kelador would find peace, and redemption.
He said that he was ready to die, and that he was not afraid. Yelling out, "Long Live Glantri!!!"
Ezuhr Kelador shook his head, and sighed. He said that he was disappointed by Alaric de Montferrat’s answer, but that he was not surprised. He said that he knew that Alaric de Montferrat was too stubborn and proud to change his mind, and that he was too loyal and noble to betray his ideals. He said that he respected him for his courage and honesty, but that he also despised him for his foolishness and weakness.
He said that he had to eliminate anyone who opposed him or Zugzul, and that he had to secure Zajar’s power for himself. He said that he had to fulfill his destiny, and become the ruler of Glantri and the world.
He raised his hand, and prepared to deliver the final blow. He said goodbye to Alaric de Montferrat, and told him he will purify him.
He unleashed a blast of fire at Alaric de Montferrat, who closed his eyes and waited for death.
But death did not come. Instead, a loud roar echoed throughout the chamber, followed by a burst of light. Ezuhr Kelador’s attack was blocked by a shield of magic, which protected Alaric de Montferrat from harm. Ezuhr Kelador looked up in shock, and saw a new figure standing in front of Alaric de Montferrat.
It was Cybrikian, the dragon who was not dead, as Ezuhr Kelador had thought. He had survived Ezuhr Kelador’s final blow, and had pretended to be dead until he saw an opportunity to strike back. He had used his dragon magic to heal himself, and to wait for the right moment to intervene. He had seen Ezuhr Kelador’s attempt to kill Alaric de Montferrat, and had decided to save him.
He said that he was not done with Ezuhr Kelador yet, and that he still owed him a fight. He said that he would not let him kill Alaric de Montferrat or anyone else, and that he would stop him from using Zajar’s power for evil. He said that Ezuhr Kelador’s must him be stopped.
He challenged him to a final duel, and swore to defeat him once and for all.
Ezuhr Kelador was red with rage, and accepted Cybrikian’s challenge. He said that he would not let him interfere with his plans, and that he would kill him along with Alaric de Montferrat. He said that he would prove his superiority over him, and over all fire wizards.
He charged at Cybrikian with a renewed fury, and resumed their battle.
The two enemies clashed again in a fierce battle of fire and magic, while the temple shook with their fury. The fate of Zajar, Glantri, and maybe the world hungs in the balance.
Alaric de Montferrat watched the battle with a mix of awe and fear. He did not know who Cybrikian was, or why he had saved him. He did not know what his motives were, or what his relationship with Ezuhr Kelador was. He did not know if he could trust him or not.
But he knew one thing: Cybrikian was his only hope of survival. He knew that Cybrikian was the only one who could stop Ezuhr Kelador from unleashing Zajar’s power on Glantri or the world. He knew that Cybrikian was the only one who could end Zugzul’s threat once and for all.
He decided to help Cybrikian in any way he could. He used his remaining strength and magic to heal himself and his team members who were still alive. He also used his fire magic to support Cybrikian in his battle against Ezuhr Kelador. He hoped that together they could defeat Ezuhr Kelador and destroy the Forge of Spells.
Cybrikian noticed this, and realized that they had to end the battle soon, or else they would all be doomed. He decided to use his last resort, a secret technique that he had learned from his dragon ancestors. He gathered all his magic and energy into his mouth, and prepared to unleash a devastating blast of dragon fire.
He aimed at Ezuhr Kelador, who was too busy fighting Alaric de Montferrat to notice his move. He opened his mouth, and let out a sonic roar.
The blast of dragon was so powerful that it created a shockwave that shook the temple. It hit Ezuhr Kelador with full force, it killed him and knocking him near the Forge of Spells. He fell to the ground with a thud.
Cybrikian sensed his death him. He flew down to check on Alaric de Montferrat. However, Pyre Elementals, Disiscles of Flame, Priests of ZugZul and undead started flooding the temple and began to overwhelm the pair.
Cybrikian's forced another dragon blast. Ezuhr Kelador rose as an undead. He used his new strength and magic to deflect Cybrikian’s attack. He called upon his connection to the Forge of Spells’s power to empower himself, and to fuel his rage.
He got up from the ground and glared at Cybrikian with hate-filled eyes. He said that he would not let him win, and that he would not let him destroy Zajar’s power. He said that he would use Zajar’s power to kill him, and to purify Glantri and the world.
He raised his hand, and pointed it at the Forge of Spells. He uttered a word of command and activated it.
The Forge of Spells responded to his command, and glowed with a blinding red energy. It released a wave of magic that engulfed the whole chamber, and the whole temple.
Alaric de Montferrat was closest and wave hit him first, and felt a surge of horror and despair. He realized that Ezuhr Kelador had activated Zajar’s ultimate weapon, and that he had unleashed its power on Glantri and the world.
He screamed in agony, as he felt his body burn and is disintegrated.
Cybrikian felt the wave hit him, and felt a surge of pain and fear. He realized that Ezuhr Kelador had triggered Immortal artifact, and that he was doomed.
Cybrikian felt a strange sensation, as if he was being pulled out of reality. He saw the world around him freeze, and then fade away. He felt a presence in his mind and heard a voice.
The voice said that he was The Archmage of Darkwoods, and that he had intervened to save him. he said that he had been watching the events unfold from afar, and that it had decided to act at the last moment. It said that it had used its powerful magic to stop time, and to teleport Cybrikian and Ezuhr Kelador's daughter Lila Flamberg Kelador away from Zajar.
He told Cybrikian that Ezuhr Kelador's daughter was a young fire wizard named Lila, who had been kidnapped by her father and forced to join his team. He says that Lila had been secretly resisting her father's influence, and that she had tried to sabotage his plans. The Archmage said that Lila had been the inside source who had informed OOP about Zajar, and that she had hoped that they would stop her father. Lila
He said that he had taken Lila with them, because Cybrikian needs to protect her from her father's wrath, and because the Archmage saw potential in her. He said that she needs to train her in the true art of fire magic, and to help her redeem herself and not the Arts of Zajar.
He said that it had taken Cybrikian with them, because it wanted to reward him for his bravery and heroism. He said that it admired him for his loyalty and courage, and for his mastery of dragon magic. The Archmage said that it that he couldn't let the dragon die that one but this is the one and only time he will save him.
I have returned you to your Lair in the Ogrelords land. He said that Cybrikian lair was hidden from the world by powerful wards and illusions, and that it was safe from Zugzul's influence. As long as your pryamid stands Zugzul cannot see him.
He said that he was The Archmage of Darkwoods, had dedicated his life to studying and mastering magic, and to preserving its secrets and traditions. He said that he is opposed Zugzul and his followers, who had corrupted and twisted fire magic for their own selfish ends.
He said that Cybrikian and Lila need to share and grow their knowledge and wisdom. It said that it wanted to prepare them for the future, when they would have to face Ezuhr Kelador and the minions of Zugzul again.
The Archmage said that Ezuhr Kelador and Zajar was not defeated yet, and will grow like a cancer. He would grow in power and vengeance. The Archmage said that Cybrikian and Lila and another were the only ones who could stop Ezuhr Kelador, because they had a special connection to him. Cybrikian and Lila had a destiny to fulfill, and that he would help them achieve it.
Cybrikian felt a mix of confusion and curiosity. He recalled who the Archmage of Darkwoods was, but did not know why he had saved him. He did not know what his motives were, or why he opposes Zugzul. He did not know if he could trust him or not.
But Cybrikian knew one thing: The Archmage of Darkwoods gave him his life back. He will use it to stop Ezuhr Kelador at any cost as he was the one that sent word of Zajar to Ezuhr.
Cybrikian also looked at Lila, who was standing next to him. She looked scared and confused as well. She met his gaze briefly, and then looked away. He wondered who she was, and why she had helped OOP. He wondered what her story was, and what her role was in this saga.
Lila started to cry for the loss of her friends in OOP. She had grown close to them when she went to The Great School of Magic, and had come to respect and admire them. She had seen them as her new family, and had hoped to join them in their cause. She felt guilty and responsible for their deaths, and wished that she could have done more to save them.
The Archmage of Darkwoods looked at the young girl and said, "I did say there was another." He said that he had one more gift for them, and that he hoped that they would use it wisely. He said that he had a special bond with the feywilds, a realm of magic and wonder, where life and death were not absolute. He said that he could use his magic and power to call upon the feywilds, and to ask for a favor.
He raised his hand, and chanted some words in an ancient language. He summoned a greater phoenix, a majestic bird of fire and rebirth. The phoenix flew around him, creating a circle of flame.
The Archmage said that the phoenix was a symbol of fire magic, and rebirth. He asked the phoenix to bring back Alaric de Montferrat and his team from Limbo and he would return the favor in the future.
The phoenix agreed, as she, too was opposed to Zugzul and what was going on in Zajar plus having the Archmage owe her one, tickled her fancy. Alaric de Montferrat and his team had died without fulfilling their destiny, and that they deserved another chance.
The phoenix nodded, after winking at the Archmage then flew towards the center of the circle of flame. The Archmage added his own power to the circle. The phoenix let out a cry and exploded in a burst of fire.
The fire spread across the circle, creating a portal to Limbo. The portal opened, and revealed Alaric de Montferrat and his team members.
The Archmage of Darkwoods called out to them, and told them to follow his voice. He told them that he had come to rescue them, and to bring them back to life.
Alaric de Montferrat and his team heard his voice, and recognized it as The Archmage of Darkwoods. They were shocked and confused, but also curious and hopeful. They decided to trust him, and followed his voice.
They flew towards the portal, leaving Limbo behind. They entered the portal, and emerged on the other side.
They found themselves in new bodies, young and healthy. They felt alive again, with all their memories intact.
They saw The Archmage of Darkwoods standing before them, smiling. They also saw Cybrikian in his dragon form, looking at them with curiosity. The also saw Lila, looking at them with tears in her eyes.
They were speechless and overwhelmed by what had happened. They did not know how to react or what to say.
The Archmage of Darkwoods said that he was glad to see them alive again, and that he had a lot to explain. He said that he had saved them from Zajar's explosion, along with Cybrikian and Lila. He said that he had taken them to his lair in the Darkwoods, where he had taught them more about fire magic. He said that he had also revealed to them Zugzul's plan, and their role in stopping him.
He said that he had used his last bit of energy to bring them back from Limbo, because he believed that they were essential for the final battle against Zugzul. He said that they were the leaders of OOP, a group of fire wizards who opposed Zugzul's followers. He said that they were also the allies of Cybrikian and Lila, who had a special connection to Zugzul.
He said that he had done all he could for them, and that he now needed to rest in the Darkwoods for a time. He said that they should prepare themselves for war with Zugzul, who was still alive and dangerous. He said that they should gather allies even sending information to enemies of Zugzul to prepare for war with Zajar. He said that like the old saying goes: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
He disappeared from their sight but said in their minds that he would contact them again when he was ready. He wished them luck and told them to he needed rest in the feylands.
Alaric de Montferrat and his team were amazed and grateful to be back from Limbo. They thanked The Archmage for his kindness and generosity. They also thanked Cybrikian and Lila for their help and support.
They decided to follow The Archmage of Darkwoods' advice, and to prepare for war with Zugzul. They decided to join forces with Cybrikian and Lila, and to form a new alliance of Allies. They decided to call themselves the Circle of Phoenix Sages, or CoPs for short. CoPs had a mission to stop Zugzul and his followers from using Zajar's power for evil, and to restore the balance and harmony of fire magic.
They used their fire magic to communicate with other fire wizards and Glantrians who shared their views and values, and who opposed Zugzul and his disciples. They also used their fire magic to spy on Zugzul and his movements, and to learn more about his plans. They also used their fire magic to train themselves and their allies, and to improve their skills and abilities.
They hoped that they would be able to stop Zugzul and his followers, and to save Glantri and the world.
They prepare for to go to War starting in 1030 AC.
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A mysterious prophecy that foretold the fate of Zajar and its disciples, and how it would affect the future of Glantri and the world. The prophecy was hidden in an ancient scroll that was found by a young fire wizard named Lila Flamberg Kelador, who will tell the members of CoPs.
The prophecy read:
An immortal waits with a cunning plan, To lure the seekers of power and fame. The seekers become his disciples of flame, They learn to wield the fire in his name, And gain the power that surpasses their vision. But they also become slaves of his will, And do his bidding with fire and skill. They seek to destroy the land with magic, And turn it into a land of ash and woe. But they also face foes from within and without, Who seek to stop or join their rout. A prophecy reveals their fate, And tells the end of this fiery story. When fire from the three hearts merge, In either Pyramid or the Forge of Spells, The temple and its lord or the Dragon will plunge into the scorch. A prophecy foretells their rise and fall, And marks the end of this glorious tale. The temple-lord and Dragon, one shall descend, and one ascend, But Great Living Wall will outlast us all.
The prophecy could be true, but ambiguous.