Microsoft Zone Archive/Asheron's Lore/A Brief History for Travelers/The Gathering Storm
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Original Link (now dead) - http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/ASHEhistorynovember01.asp
The Gathering Storm
by Allan Maki
Turbine Entertainment Software
Leafcull PY 12 / Earth: November 2001
As the storm clouds gather on the horizon, the people of Ispar breathe the sweet air of respite. Virindi raiders have been driven away from the capital cities, averting a second Arwic. The people have prevailed.
They gather now, in communities of homes, built by the Zaikhal Arcanum. Here they display proudly their hard-won trophies and keepsakes. They entertain visitors and hearken friends to sit by warm fires to enjoy each other's company. Arcanum collectors have changed the focus of their collection to items once used to craft weapons wielded in the battle against the Shadows. Ceding one of the ingots over to a representative is rewarded by a writ of refuge. Over a hundred new homes have been constructed with the promise of many more to come.
The night sky is unmarred by the violet sheen that has so long reminded the people of the Virindi's attempts to gain control. Now the stars stare down more brightly than ever. Minute holes in a gentle blanket over the land.
In the peace, adventurous groups have set about their tasks in greater number, sharing the bounty of the hunt. They scour the land for treasures and find that the greatest treasure of all is sharing time with one another. Pushing deeper into the land of Marae Lassel they have found and struck down the young Olthoi Queen, earning accolades and kinship with the Aun Tumeroks. Others have taken a less savory course and hunted members of the Aun relentlessly, alienating themselves from the Tumeroks. On the plains, they stalk the unique beasts that inhabit the island with renewed vigor, striking relentlessly at the Mattekar and Siraluun in an effort to obtain the treasures that can be crafted from their hides.
The people grow stronger with every day. They meet challenges with renewed spirits, knowing that the threats they face can be overcome if they are unified.
But still the storm gathers in the distance, and a few watch those clouds with wary anticipation. As the thunder rolls and the lightning splits the sky they wonder what is to come next, and shiver at the thought of the coming snows.