Microsoft Zone Archive/Asheron's Lore/A Brief History for Travelers/A Reign of Stone
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Original Link (now dead) - http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/ASHEhistoryapril01.asp
A Reign of Stone
by Allan Maki
Turbine Entertainment Software
Morningthaw PY12 / Earth: April 2001
Linvak Tukal has stood as a mystery to the Isparians since the fog surrounding it was lifted. Now as the snows of the lower mountains retreats beneath the springtime sun the last vestiges of the fog fade from the citadel, revealing portals guarded by Lugian Raiders, besieging the Lugians within.
Making their way through the renegade Lugian forces adventurers find that Lugian society is much like their own. They have crafters and warriors, merchants and leaders.
In an effort to enlist the children of Ispar as allies in their battle against their misguided cousins Lugians reward the stalwart with items of great power. Emissaries enter towns all over Dereth with gems that contain spells of protection from the School of the Heart. These gems house lower tiered spells that last for an extended time. Further entwined in the information that the Lugians espouse are tales of how their brethren fell to the machinations of the Virindi.
Deep within the Direlands the Virinidi presence grows. The town of Ayan Baqur has been wrested from Isparian control. The inhabitants of Ayan Baqur have been captured and dragged deep beneath the sands where they have been stripped of their sense of self. Travelers fear for the safety of Ayan's residents as they uncover twisted laboratories of the Virindi with remnants of experiments gone horribly awry, piecing together that the floating masters of time and space can only intend harm to their captives. While in the town proper Virindi vendors replace their human counterparts, mocking all who have dealings with them.
All is not woe and despair. Throughout Osteth profiteers who have benefited from their days spent hunting across Dereth established casinos to entertain the masses. High stakes gambling yields rewards such as Platinum Scarabs and Pyreal Nuggets. Though some have walked out with incredible prizes, most leave with nothing more than rotting cabbage to show for frivolously spent pyreals, but then that is the nature of a gamble.
Outside the gambling dens warriors hunt together with heightened cooperation to find greater weapons and tougher opponents. Mattekar larger than their remaining cousins have been spotted breathing fire and ice from their maws. These new creatures have made the further advancement of fellowships enabling one another to recover items lost on death a welcome addition.
Spring has arrived, but the evil of the Virindi is on the rise and their taint spreads even to those who would be allies to Isparian people. Stay focused on the enemy and challenge at hand but remember to enjoy yourself as well. . .
For further lore on the Lugian giants, be sure to consult the official bestiary entry, Arm, Heart, and Mind.