Siltbreaker/Lore

Siltbreaker is...

Prologue
''In the deepest recess of Dark Reef prison, a dormant evil stirs—the fiendish Siltbreaker—waking to thoughts of freedom and a campaign of retribution to come. Only in the heart of the Kalabor Desert might we find the means to stop him... Our final chance to seize a shard of hope.''

Intro
''As the fiend Siltbreaker plots an escape from Dark Reef prison, his enemies in the Conclave of the Brine assemble a band of warriors to take up arms against him. For the adventurers who answer the Conclave's call, the road to Dark Reef begins near the sands of Kalabor, where Siltbreaker's twisted creation, Rhyzik the Corruptor, gathers strength to aid his master's plans...'' ''Siltbreaker's escape attempt did not go unnoticed Rhyzik the Corruptor has resurfaced to aid his master's revival. Rhyzik has long eluded us — Destroy him before infiltrating Dark Reef. End these threats to the Conclave — Our ledger will be cleared of your name.''

Outro
''With Rhyzik the Corruptor defeated and a measure of Siltbreaker's might destroyed, the first step of the Conclave's mission is complete. Free of Rhyzik's swarms, the people of Kalabor are free to return home or establish a new homeland amidst the pacified Weald.'' ''As the Conclave's defenders step through the wisp emissary’s portal, an uncertain fate lies before them. They journey now to their true purpose: Infiltrate Dark Reef prison by any means necessary... And ensure Siltbreaker never leaves.''

Dialogue

 * Theod
 * Praise Maelrawn... you made it. I was sent— uh! T-to guide you. Things took... a bad turn.
 * You must g-go east. To Kalabor. Stop Rhyzik. If the Conclave f-falls... armistace... with the Mer... won't hold.


 * Commander Targan
 * Whatever you want, it'll have to wait. Got howler packs scouting our perimeter, and my last patrol never came back.
 * You able to help us? Anyone wants out of this camp needs to fight either way. So gear up and find me when you're ready.
 * Hounds on all sides! Defend my life and the spoils of battle will be yours!




 * We had run-ins with Longclaw's packs, but nothing like this. Something got them stirred up.
 * With Longclaw dead, the whole of the Weald is up for grabs.
 * My employers have a lot riding on this camp.
 * With what they spent on that foolish labyrinth, could've built proper towers...
 * Longclaw was no friend, but Rhyzik... Well, there's a reason this camp's preparing for refugees.




 * Don't like to admit it, but that old howler found my scent.
 * If you're bound for Kalabor, there's a shortcut southeast of camp. Through the old temple.
 * It's a hard road... We don't open the Grimwal Gate often. You need two Orbs of Passage to get through.
 * One Orb is hidden in a... haven to the west. The other one's with the patrol that vanished up north.


 * Crossroads Garrison Footmen


 * Last patrol didn't come back.
 * Starting to wonder if the Weald is any safer than Kalabor.
 * Targan might be a hired hand, but he's a fine commander.
 * Not sure about his employers though...
 * Lot of new folks due here any day.
 * Don't see many travelers arrive from the west...




 * We could use a sword like yours around here.
 * Wet enough for you?
 * Camp's going to grow fast.
 * We have to make camp safe for them.
 * We'll even need a school.
 * That don't appeal to you?
 * I hope some healers arrive soon.
 * You'd be welcome to join us.
 * Looking for a fresh start?
 * Won't be able to turn around without running into someone.
 * Probably see a few tempers flare before long.
 * Where did you say you're from?




 * You came through the Weald alone?
 * Didn't think anyone was that crazy.
 * Recently arrived here myself.
 * Never rains like this back home.
 * I don't miss all that sand one bit.
 * You just passing through?




 * Lot of new faces in camp.
 * Wonder how long they'll survive.
 * Your group looks of the right sort.
 * Everyone's running here to escape Kalabor...
 * We got our own problems.
 * The refugees are tough. I'll give 'em that.




 * Not like this... Not like this.
 * I came here to get away from stuff like this!
 * Hungry ogres!
 * Arrogant wizards!
 * Should've taken my chances with Rhyzik...
 * At least the water's nice...




 * I don't want any trouble...
 * Got my eye on you...
 * Your banners are a welcome sight!
 * You look like you can handle yourself out there.
 * How do you even swing that thing?




 * Don't know why everyone's on edge.
 * Those howlers'll never get through the stockade.
 * I dug those posts myself.
 * I'm sure the missing soldiers are fine.
 * The next caravan from Kalabor should arrive soon.
 * Pretty soon this camp'll be a full-fledged town.
 * I'll tell my grandkids about this!


 * Lucius Longclaw
 * For those butchered in our dens!


 * Captain Lightfoot
 * Outsmarted by ogres... Ugh. Take this Orb of Passage. If you're really hunting Rhyzik, we'll be close behind.
 * We'll retreat from Rhyzik's swarm no farther. Give word and I'll sound the attack.
 * Today we show them what Kalabor's defenders are made of!


 * Rescued Footmen
 * Please! Find the Captain!
 * Good luck. I'm out of here!
 * Orb of Passage? Captain might have one.
 * Time to move back home and take over dad's farm.
 * This place is almost worse than Kalabor.
 * I traded sunburn and centaurs for a soggy cage and hungry ogres.
 * I knew someone would come!
 * Once I'm patched up, these ogres are done for!
 * Thought I was gonna die in a stew pot!
 * Is the camp safe? I saw the hounds gathering...


 * Bogdugg
 * KILL ANKABOOT FIRST!


 * Burp
 * Want a baby crawly. But crawly momma got mad. You save! Thanks! ... Want more crawlies! Hah-hah!!


 * The Dark Magus
 * The fools here think me Gallaron, but some know me by a different name...
 * Such grand plans for this labyrinth... Yet the imbeciles speak of budgets!
 * Their cause is scarce worth my notice. But I do have a fondness for orbs.
 * Dare you purchase a treasure from Quas Wex Exports?


 * Temple Adventurers
 * Thought I could skip the mountain pass and take the old shortcut to Kalabor. Bad idea!
 * Spiders and wolves I can handle. But I'm not going to dull my blade on flying gargoyles!


 * Aibi
 * Seekers of the sunken one—he who sleeps in the vault. We bring words of warning.
 * The foul Rhyzik, swimmer in the sands, is more than Siltbreaker's pawn against the drylanders.
 * Rhyzik carries inside him a measure of his master's essence.
 * If this vile reservoir can be destroyed, the denizen of Dark Reef will falter.
 * Far to the north, a small outpost of resistance makes a final stand.
 * Without your help, these lands will fall to Rhyzik's swarms. And Siltbreaker's influence will grow.
 * Stop Rhyzik's advance. Only then can our portal hasten your journey to Dark Reef.


 * You have done much, but more work remains.
 * Take this portal to Dark Reef, and the true task at hand.


 * Jungtrall
 * We lost too much retaking the outpost. Can't let anyone through while the area's still so overrun. Destroy the Centaur Warlords and I can let you pass.
 * It's time to make the final push. Captain Lightfoot and his men wait across the bridge. They'll march with you against Rhyzik.


 * Brigwyr
 * Any of you seen another way to town around here? I mean, I'm not lost—I know where town is. Just... the bandits got me cornered.
 * With you here, maybe it's ok! Just let me know when you're ready.
 * Kalabor's this way. They won't open the gate for strangers, so don't leave me behind!


 * Sathington
 * We finally recaptured the northern outpost near Rhyzik's stronghold. But the dunes outside of town are still crawling with those... things.


 * Wellum Potes (Desert Townsman - Alley)
 * Where the hell is that guy?
 * It's his turn in the watchtower.
 * I'm not going to sit up there all damn day.
 * Why did I marry into that stupid family!
 * He's probably asleep somewhere.
 * When I find him...


 * Know those family members you could just strangle?
 * Ever wish you could leave it all behind?
 * Take pride in what you do, or don't do it. Right?
 * Throw a rock around here and you'll hit that idiot napping.
 * He never had to work a day in his life.
 * Or has his head in a darn book!
 * Makes me want to smack him!
 * I'll have to help him remember what time it is.
 * Is there a cure for laziness?
 * Some people just aren't go-getters.
 * I need to get away from him for awhile.
 * And here I am pouring my soul out to an absolute stranger!
 * I'm about ready to throw a fit!


 * Marica Basil (Desert Townsman - Door)
 * All the other families already left town.
 * Ma's stubborn. Born and raised in Kalabor.
 * She ain't leaving.
 * Heck, I was born and raised here, too.
 * Only reason I'm still here is her!
 * What I wouldn't give to see the ocean.


 * All the same, only got one ma'...
 * And she's got rocks in her head!
 * I should stand up to her.
 * I wonder if a temple would take her...
 * Wouldn't expect someone like you to understand.
 * But what are you without family?
 * Why do the people you love make you feel so bad?
 * It's nice to get this out...
 * I guess she always has been there for me...
 * We just want different things.
 * Wish my brother were still around...
 * Maybe something can light a fire under her...
 * Leaving would cost a piece of my soul...


 * Pip Bon Aire (Desert Townsman - Well)
 * Thirsty? A butter-fingered food tourist dropped a nasty vial into the well trying to fill his canteen.
 * He said it'd turn back soon... but I noticed he didn't drink any.
 * And he left in a hurry. Though he kind of came in that way too.
 * It's not too bad, really. Once you get used to the texture.
 * Help yourself.


 * Would you care for some refreshment?
 * Bathtime has been interesting!
 * But it's hard to wash blood off the stones.
 * Not scared of a little blood are you?
 * Who knows what that vial was...
 * Don't be shy. Get on in there.
 * This well's all the town's got left.
 * Wonder if there's a way to revert the process...
 * Fill your cask, if you like.
 * Wish we had something better to offer.
 * With that pallor, might be you prefer it this way.
 * It does burn going down a bit. But sits cool in the gut.
 * Could say the whole town's blood's up!


 * Hathe Moonie (Desert Townsman - Walking Around)
 * This town was a beautiful oasis when I was a boy...
 * Everyone thinks monsters dried up the wellspring.
 * I don't think monsters had anything to do with it!
 * No use for old farmers like me now in this ocean of sand.
 * Maybe if you kill Rhyzik, people'll see the real problems around here.
 * Some people can't see the forest for the trees...


 * Folks always need someone to blame...
 * When you live in a desert, gotta preserve your resources!
 * When that well dries up, they can try wringin' water from a stone!
 * What this place needs is a real leader.
 * Feel free to chime in here...
 * They think I'm complainin'. I'm the only one who sees it!
 * We're all livin' on borrowed time!
 * Time comes, won't even have the strength to dig my hole...
 * Can't just magically restore what we've lost...
 * Things are gonna get real ugly...
 * Gonna have to put our heads together.
 * What good's slayin' monsters if the well runs dry?
 * Kalabor Oasis was the soul of this desert.


 * Ed Moor (Desert Townsman - 1 of 2)
 * All I'm saying is that we haven't tried offering Rhyzik sacrifices...
 * People act like I'm crazy.
 * It's not a radical idea!
 * The practice's old as time itself.
 * Entire civilizations were built on it!


 * This guy knows what I'm talking about.
 * Sometimes you have to make hard choices.
 * Can you talk sense into him?


 * Kane Istan (Desert Townsman - 2 of 2)
 * Listen to this guy. Sacrifice to Rhyzik? That's insane!
 * Lot of folks who fought to retake the northern outpost didn't come back.
 * We've sacrificed plenty!
 * Next refugee caravan leaves for the Weald tomorrow. And my girls'll be on it!
 * The pass over the mountains isn't easy...
 * But it's better than staying here.
 * This place's not worth dying for.


 * Don't you go taking his side.
 * The odds are against us.
 * Rhyzik's gonna raze this place to the ground.


 * Donce Cesa (Desert Townsman - Hiding)
 * I just want to spend time with my books!
 * What do they want from me? I'm no fighter!
 * Got to a point where it was either walk out into the dunes...
 * Or sit back here and have a good cry.
 * I think I'm good now.
 * Family's such a pain...


 * Everyone thinks they know how to live my life...
 * I don't need this town anyway.
 * My problems probably seem small in comparison...
 * You kind of cheered me up.
 * You don't think so?
 * Just need a little more time...
 * You're a good listener...
 * Nowhere to run to...
 * I like to be alone.
 * Wish I could fly away...
 * Why're you giving me that look?
 * We're all doomed anyway.


 * Oh! Uh... Hi.
 * Haven't seen you around here before.
 * This town doesn't have much going on these days...
 * Well, nothing good anyway.
 * Spend most my time reading...
 * With trade routes closed, not many new books coming in.

Gastromancer's Notes

 * Day 6 : Entry 1 - Time is running short before the White Orchids gather again. If I wish to join this august order of culinary adventurers, I need to find something worthy of their palate.


 * Day 14 : Entry 2 - Last year I thought my wyvern filets would have been enough to earn my pin, but only one new member is admitted each year and I underestimated my competition... never in my wildest dreams did I expect someone to prepare a wheel of Roshan cheese.


 * Day 22 : Entry 3 - This year though, I have a secret weapon... a trunk of seasoning from The Isle of Masks. If I find the right dish to pair these lost spices with, my membership is all but assured.


 * Day 29 : Entry 4 - My expedition to the Howling Weald has so far been a failure. The conflict between the Bonemeal Ogres and Lucius Longclaw scared away most of the wildlife save for the hellbears... but perhaps that is enough to work with.


 * Day 31 : Entry 5 - It seems dire wolves are too gamey to be used for elevated cuisine, but the quills are perfect to be fashioned into skewers for whatever protein will be featured.


 * Day 32 : Entry 6 - Silkmire spider eggs are pleasingly tart. However, based on the amount of vomiting I did after eating some, I think it’s best that I abandon dreams of using these to make a dessert.
 * Day 35 : Entry 7 - With Silkmire behind me I turn to a temple long since forgotten. Perhaps a rare truffle waits to be found in a dead king's tomb, or maybe the poison from an old dart trap could be diluted and used in broth.


 * Day 41 : Entry 8 - The temple did not prove as fertile as I had hoped. Stone bats, while a viable option for a kitschy pestle, are not particularly edible.


 * Day 46 : Entry 9 - For three days I tracked a thunderhide alpha, but it was all for naught - a Marrowfell hunting party all had eyes on the great beast... and I know better than to quibble over poaching rights with a pack of angry centaurs.


 * Day 57 : Entry 10 - Again I have been met with failure. With time running short before the competition, I must dig deep and find a new solution: Time to break out the wine.


 * Day 66 : Entry 11 - Kalabor is a waste of what little time remains. If land is bearing no fruit, I must turn to the seas. If I can't find a worthy protein in the black waters surrounding Dark Reef, can I even call myself a gastromancer?

Intro
''A descent to the main gates of Dark Reef would mean certain death for a drylander. But there is a way that circumvents the crushing depths. The final journey to Siltbreaker's vault begins amidst the windswept snows of Bitter Ridge...''

Outro
''The chosen of the Brine had seen their purpose through. The fiend Siltbreaker was no more. With their old enemy finally destroyed, and a good portion of the sea-bred’s worst offenders gone with him, the Conclave could ensure the dryland armistice would hold, and perhaps even forge a true peace between the Mer and the lands above.''

''For a time, Dark Reef prison would lie empty, save for those small creatures unconcerned with the suffering of the sentient. As for the chosen themselves... their debts to the Conclave absolved, the four wayward mercenaries were free to scatter once again into the wind. To meet again on another battlefield, perhaps as friend... or foe.''

Dialogue

 * Aibi
 * The seafloor path to Dark Reef is too dangerous.
 * Atop this snowy peak is buried a long-forgotten kingdom.
 * It once bridged these cold lands and the rough waters below.


 * Elias Frostheart
 * Damn growlers raided the penguin ponds again. Soon they'll be knocking on our doors.
 * It's about more than we can handle. Can you clear out some growlers and find those poor penguins?
 * The main village is up the mountain. We don't get there much, what with the dragon...
 * You found my wife's locket! She'd want you to keep it for now. To aid you in the trials to come.


 * Nikola Tuska
 * Can't catch any fish with so many growlers around. Stew pot's getting empty...
 * Eyes off those penguins, bub.
 * Don't stand so close to me.
 * You mean you've met THE Rylai? The real Rylai?
 * It's an honor, sirs.


 * Amelia Frostheart
 * The shifting snows foretold your arrival.
 * For too long we have been denied entrance to the halls of our ancestors.
 * But you who come from burning lands shall finally melt the way!
 * Beyond the the Iceblight Plateau lies the Frozen Crag and the passage that you seek.


 * Tuck Stonepaw
 * Outside the village the cold winds are deadly. Not allowed to go out by myself...
 * Don't see why. It's safe if you stay by the signal fires.


 * Leopold
 * mrrrrowww
 * gurrhr
 * blep


 * Remi
 * I'm trying to catch, what I'm told, is the most flavorful Azuran Pike.
 * Alas! Perch, Trout, Bluegill... even a Crimson Octopus! Just no bloody Pike.
 * All because I skimped on the binding for my journal!
 * The White Orchids convene in a fortnight. I hope my flightless friends here can speed me down the mountain in time...


 * Dorothy Beamhouse
 * The trappers keep me up to my eyeballs in hides.
 * The only way to tame harsh lands is with cold steel.


 * Lila Brightforge
 * The shopkeepers sell some of my wares, if you're interested.


 * Miranda Keeneye
 * We haven't had a shipment from Whitecap in weeks.
 * I don't miss the menfolk much, but that Whitecap salmon...
 * Now that you've cleared the way, it won't be long...


 * Su Bee
 * You lot look like you could use a hot bowl of stew!


 * Emma Emberlyn
 * It's my job to keep the fire lit.
 * You don't last long in these parts without warmth.


 * Auntie Stonepaw
 * I wish the Ice Maiden had come with us from Icewrack...
 * The Ice Maiden's sister? In these parts?
 * She'd have known what to do about that dragon.
 * You killed the icewyrm?
 * Oh, you took care of it?
 * Well I hope you didn't leave a mess behind.
 * I can't wait to visit Whitecap Lake!
 * You know, it's interesting that your heart is the icy one...


 * Shirad Winterbottom
 * This town was abandoned for a long time.
 * It feels good to reclaim these old holdings.
 * Cobalt was nice, but these are the lands of my ancestors.


 * Pathfinder Echo
 * I once knew the way... Though the way is closed.
 * The path behind might still lie ahead. One never knows.
 * This I can tell you: stand upon that seal for a vision of the future.


 * Slithereen Exile
 * I've made my peace with the restless spirits in this forsaken hall. But they do not welcome you.
 * To escape, you must unlock each of the four seals in the throne room.
 * Stand on each seal long enough to lower the door. When all four have been unlocked, the path will open.
 * The bells of the undead are sounding... make your escape!


 * Abraham
 * Hey, you! Over here...
 * Sven?! Is that you?
 * Tidehunter! Thought I'd never see you again.
 * Impressive set of legs you've got there!
 * Hey! Did I hear it right that you're a doctor?
 * Hey, perk up, kid. Life ain't all bad.
 * You! Yeah, you! Get over here. Now!
 * Wow, that's some wicked sunburn!
 * Hey, where you running off to?
 * Commendable number of appendages you have there.


 * Don't see too many friendly faces down here.
 * Spend a lot of time blending in with my surroundings...
 * Anyway, you sure you want to go that way?
 * Getting really close to Dark Reef...


 * Word on the currents says something bad--worse than usual--is going down in there.
 * Don't get me wrong. Your business is your business.
 * Just never seen anyone go into Dark Reef of their own accord...


 * But I'm happy for the company!
 * This place lacks quality conversationalists.
 * I hear folks topside have lots of conversations. 'Round here? Nothing.
 * Topside's not the best place for a guy like me, though.
 * One time a guy up there tried to catch me.
 * Put me in his boat and everything.
 * Squeezed my way out the scupper and called it lesson learned!


 * Folks've underestimated me all my life.
 * Always said a cephalopod wouldn't amount to much.
 * Even said I couldn't win the spelling bee.
 * Well, e-u-d-a-e-m-o-n-i-c. Eudaemonic.
 * That was my word.


 * But I'll tell you what-- Oh, sorry, I interrupted. Go on?


 * Well, if you've got to be on your way, I understand...
 * Maybe I'll take up gardening.
 * Or just gaze at the sun with my wandering eye...


 * Anyway, see you around.


 * Omera
 * Have you ever seen such a beautiful day?
 * I got sent to Dark Reef when I was just a lil' guppy.
 * Now that Siltbreaker's in charge, fish like me can finally get a fair shake!
 * I never liked that Warden Grimwater.
 * Head on in. For once, the water's perfect!
 * Siltbreaker

Gastromancer's Notes

 * Day 81 : Entry 12 - It would appear that I have stumbled upon some primitive tribe. I thought of trying to barter for some local spices, but as I approached their camp I saw them feasting on the corpse of a fur trader. The sooner I can find shelter the better.
 * Day 85 : Entry 13 - I did not find shelter so much as shelter found me - the tribe I had previously wrote about spotted me and gave chase... were it not for a local's intervention I would certainly be dead. On the bright side, in addition to saving me, Ymir also told me where I can find some Ogre Seals.
 * Day 90 : Entry 14 - Ahh the Frostwise Penguin... while some of my contemporaries swear that their eyes are a delicacy that every man should try once in their lives, I can't bring myself to kill a waddling creature of such majesty.
 * Day 99 : Entry 15 - Brutal. Dangerous. And utterly delicious, the Ogre Seal is the perfect protein for my play on a fish taco. Now to find a decent town and get some proper seasoning.
 * Day 106 : Entry 16 - Unlike my feelings on Penguins, I had no qualms with striking down that Alpine Growler. By grinding his fangs to meal, perhaps I could create a soft shell that will serve as a perfect vehicle for my main protein.
 * Day 121 : Entry 17 - Success! I tested out my dish with some local performers, and they were so delighted that they invited me to hit the town with them. After all I have been through, a proper celebration is a welcome end to my journey. My membership within the White Orchids is all but assured.
 * Day 122 : Entry ??? - I have failed in spectacular fashion. I spent so much focus on preparing a dish worthy of heroes, that I neglected to notice the binding on my journal has been torn. With no record of how I arrived to my final plating, the White Orchids will never accept me into their Order. So close to my final presentation, there's no way to backtrack in time to find all the missing pages... So now I sit - a half-frozen fool with a fishing pole. I've heard this lake has pike... I hate deboning pike.

Warden's Notes

 * Log: 37d 118ty - Of all those Conclave cretins, Master Siltbreaker was the most despicable. But also the most enfeebled by his dryland heritage; I'd expected him to succumb to age within the year. Was that thing really him? It tore the honor guard to pieces...
 * Log: 142d 118ty - Let Maelrawn take the Conclave. I warned against working with a council of impetuous half-bloods. Human greed makes them weak. What would their precious peace with the drylanders be worth if Siltbreaker had destroyed us all?
 * Log: 156d 118ty - Master Roe swears the Conclave was deceived -- that Siltbreaker asked them to assist in a healing ritual. Does he take me for a child? I may not be versed in magics, but the Conclave's ill-advised ploys for power are well known to me.
 * Log: 58d 136ty - I did not pass by his vault today. I may not go tomorrow. His presence no longer troubles me at night. I finally trust the binding runes to hold him, to keep the fragments of his mind scattered far away. At least in this, the Conclave's claims have held true.
 * Log: 23d 159ty - Strange incidents of unrest these past few days, but not amongst the prisoners. The guards have grown quarrelsome with each other, and several have been found far from their posts, wandering the lower levels. None recall how they came to be there.
 * Log: 32d 159ty - A gang of meranths killed two guards today. A patrol found them near Siltbreaker's vault. Unfortunately, the meranths didn't survive long enough for me to question them... Is it possible they knew the contents of the vault?
 * Log: 95d 159ty - Something seems... different about the binding runes. Did the dream of a drowned scorpion hold some meaning after all?
 * Log: 96d 159ty - Already the lower levels belong to him. Wherever the conclave sent Siltbreaker, he's more powerful even than before. The seas are lost.
 * Log: 97d 159ty - I weep for the guards turned against us by Siltbreaker's magic. But those who join him willingly deserve no quarter. They still see the drylanders only as enemies. I once felt as they do, but the Conclave was right. The years of peace have been kind to us all.
 * Log: 99d 159ty - The last of my guards have fallen... or been turned to Siltbreaker's cause. To stay means a grim fate. I might still seek refuge with the Deep Ones. We could perhaps get word out in time...
 * Log: 101d 159ty - It's no use. His mind gathers at the edges of my consciousness. How many have filled these logbooks before my one hundred and sixty years? Am I to be the last Warden of Dark Reef?