The Summoning

from Stardock Forums
“You cannot pass! I am a servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the Shadow.

YOU CANNOT PASS!”

With a bound, the Balrog leaped full upon the bridge. Its whip whirled and cracked.

At that moment, the wizard lifted his staff, and crying aloud he smote the bridge before him. The staff broke asunder and fell from his hand. A blinding sheet of white flame sprang up. The bridge cracked. Right at the Balrog’s feet it broke, and the stone upon which it stood cracked into the gulf.

With a terrible cry the Balrog fell forward, and its shadow plunged down and vanished. But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard’s knees, dragging him to the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss.

“Fly, you fools!” Ray cried, and was gone.

____________________________________

For a time he floats, nameless and lost.

A pinpoint of flickering consciousness, an unknown swimmer through a black and empty sea.

Then a voice invades the void. It reverberates, a soundless sound.

“Meta”

The wizard’s mind stirs.

In his mind’s eye, riots of colours swirl and spin. He glimpses a single planet hurtling itself through the sea of space.

The wizard’s vision plunges to the planet surface. Over the plains, four massive armies stand poised, eager to inflict cruel death upon the other. Banners of blue-green, red-white, blue and white flutter in the winds. Over the great oceans, royal blue warships engaged in merciless conflict with blood red marauders.

“It is your destiny, Wizard. To bring order to chaos. Light to darkness.”

“But... I am weak. I have lost everything in the fight. My staff of power. It is broken.” The wizard whines.

“Fear not.”

“The summoning. It has begun.” The voice continues.

“You shall be aided by many. Mages of great and mighty powers. Elementalists with dominion over earth, water, air and fire. Sorcerers of illusion. Necromancers of the vilest arts. Summoners of magical and mythical beasts.”

“Look for the One-Ring. It would aid you greatly in your quest. Unexpected allies will also emerge, bringing sweet boons to the cause.”

“Remember, there isn’t any good or evil, only power.”

As the last word fades, the wizard finds himself standing before the White Tower.

The War Council must be called.


______________________

Acknowledgements:
The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R Tolkien
Magician, Raymond E.Feist
1,251 views 19 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
To heed the Summoning, click http://www.galciv.com/metaverse/empires.asp?id=329
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
I am an Alchemist of some small skill. The laws and rules of the universe are but play-things for one skilled in my art.

I hail from the land of Mod-or, where I wrote the Book Of Writing that many a sage has used to learn the arts of altering the reality of the universe. Great and powerful this Knowledge is, I only hope that those who wield it do so for Good, not Evil. But Knowledge, in and of itself, is Neutral- it is up to the wielder to determine to what end it is used.

I grow tired of my studies, however, and wish to travel the Metaverse. The White Council appears to be the sort of company I wish to keep. Dedication and service to the community are high ideals indeed. And the thought of rolling up my sleeves and imposing Order upon the Chaos of the Metaverse appeals to me.

My contributions might be meager, and I may be lost for days on end studying a new spell, or adding to my Book Of Writing, but if you will have me, I will cast my lot with the White Council.

What say you?

~SDC~
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Many a bard have sung your praises at our Council tavern, HawaiiFive-O. It has been said that your legendary powers have been hailed and endorsed by the gods themselves.

Your alchemical formula that has enabled mere mortals to script events in a distant universe has filled us with awe and we would be most delighted to have you join our Brotherhood.
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
It is done. Let us travel the Metaverse together. I will embark upon a new galaxy this very evening, there are some new Alchemical formulae I wish to test.

~SDC~
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
My story begins as any other...

I've lived in the star system of Thindor for many years. I'd been searching for a way to halt the flood of evil into my beloved lands of Thindor IV. Over the years I felt that my studies had become more fruitless and that I would never be able to protect my homeland. When I was about to stop my research, my solitude was unexpectedly intruded upon.

A great wizard of immense power had come to search me out. He told me that his name was RayChua and that my fight against evil was not in vain. He began telling me that I should not despair and that there are others also searching for a means to halt the tide of evil. He told me of a brotherhood of wizards, a summoning.

I was then transported to a lush valley of great beauty and mystical power. Then I saw what I was brought here for... a great White Tower and within it held the White Council.

Since that day I have joined The Summoning and took my seat within the White Council where I shall stand next to my brothers and sisters until our duty is complete - to bring balance to chaos and to protect the fate of mankind.
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
Yet not all that was woken by the summoning was good and wholesome.

A dark and twisted shape stood before the tall White Tower. The many coloured lights streamed from the square windows far above, beckoning to wanderers from afar. The shape became a man and he chose a kind and fair façade, for well he knew that the lesser powers would not see through such a disguise. It was only the Greater Powers who would see into his Pure Evil soul, and they dwelt far, far above, and rarely mixed with the lesser folk.

Inside he went, and was greeted by the fair and gracious people who dwelt in the Tower.
An old, old man who was chewing his cud vigorously brought drinks and a meal to him. The creature in the shape of a man said, “I have come from afar after being drawn by the summoning made by your leader and mentor. For did not Wizard Ray seek a sweet boon, chewer?” The old, old man stopped chewing and nodded absently. For like many in the White Council he didn’t really know what was being spoken of half the time.

After drinks and a meal the creature was shown to a room and told that he could stay as long as he desired. Yet, in the cold, mid-night he left the room and crept to the library where many scrolls and books were stored. And there, after much searching, he came upon the scroll he had long sought without success. Within he came across the information, which would lead him to a Ring of Power. Not the One Ring, for none but Sauron could wield that ring, and mortals who thought they could control its vileness were much deluded. He read:

‘Of the Three Rings that the Elves had preserved unsullied no open word was ever spoken among the Wise, and few even of the Eldar knew where they were bestowed. Yet after the fall of Sauron their power was ever at work, and where they abode there mirth also dwelt and all things were unstained by the griefs of time. Therefore ere the Third Age was ended the Elves perceived that the Ring of Sapphire was with Elrond, in the fair valley of the ANZACs, upon whose house the stars of heaven most brightly shine; whereas the Ring of Adamant was in the Land of Pontius where dwelt the Lady Galadriel. A queen she was of the woodland Elves, the wife of Gerakken of GROSS, yet she herself was of the Noldor and remembered the Day before days in Valinor, and she was the mightiest and fairest of all the Elves that remained in Middle-earth. But the Red Ring remained hidden until the end, and none save Elrond and Galadriel and Cirdan knew to whom it had been committed.’

The evil creature now knew who would know of the whereabouts of the Red Ring. And with the Red Ring he could subvert the Ring of Sapphire and the Ring of Adamant, and bend them to his power. A flash of hatred and rage flashed through his twisted mind as he contemplated the Evilness that could be wrought with a Ring of Power. Unless the mighty Wizard Ray should find it before him. But the leader of the White Council appeared to remain unaware of the power of the Three Rings.

The creature slipped from the Tower and made his way in the direction of the valley of the ANZACs and the Land of Pontius. His quest for Evil domination of the gaming galaxy had begun. He walked towards the dawn, quickly.
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
Ray’s deep thoughts about the Rings of Power were interrupted by the sound of chimes annoucing the arrival of yet another Wizard who had answered the Summoning.

Stroking his long white beard Ray mused, “Yes, the time has come to pay the Apolytonians a visit.”

As Ray pondered over the impending battle, he sensed a small and barely discernable pull in the fabric of magic. A polymorph spell. That would usually not be a concern to Ray as this is afterall a Wizard’s tower, but this spell reaked of pure malice. Probably another attempt by apprentices to turn each other into sheep again, Ray thought and pushed it into the back of his mind.

Striding out of his chambers, Ray incanted a cantrip under his breath, silently summoning all Wizards to the War Chamber.
___________________

The stillness of the silent moonlit night was broken by the sudden presence of 16 persons upon the plains far beyond the castle drawbridge. The Apolyton castle was impressive by all standards. A monster of a construction built to withstand onslaughts of the highest order, it is currently the abode of no less than 88 Apolyton warlords. These powerful humans are veterans of multiple campaigns, each a conqueror of many ancient civilizations. Led ably by warlords Ellestar and LDiCesare, they once had the world of Meta under their iron fists.

“Ray, may I be so bold to ask why we did not teleport ourselves directly into the castle?”

“Patience, Philopoemen. This fortress is not without its defenses and we must never underestimate our foes. Let us announce our presence and make them come to us.”

With nary a word more, HawaiiFive-O moved purposefully towards the drawbridge, his potion pouch securely slung to him. With the invisibility spell cast upon him by a Council sorceror, he was never in danger of being spotted by the castle guards. Delicately removing a potion filled with dull reddish liquid, his eyes focused upon a well guarded Gate tower.

A humongous explosion rocked the night, followed swiftly by the sounds of screaming men. Bright yellowish flames illuminated the watch towers and the Castle was quickly roused.

As was anticipated, heavily amoured men on horseback were out of the gates before long, testimony to the ability of the Apolyton warlords to react to danger. It is for no other reason that they remain in full battle armor throughout the day and night, despite the obvious discomfort and inconvenience.

Spotting their quary, the warlords spurred their mounts on, lances set for the final charge.

A deep hum began to grow in intensity as the assembled wizards chanted, oblivious to their impending doom.

A loud resonating clap filled the plains. Horses neighed as riders pulled sharply upon their reins. A observer of this spectacle would have not failed to notice the sudden expressions of bliss upon the faces of the Apolyton warlords.

“It worked Ray. Powerful mind enchantments are often the bane of warriors.”

“Yes, Bruinb. The danger is always for men to dwell on the past and that is what we have done successfully to neutralise them. This mind magic will cause them to spend the next few years dreaming about how they have conquered the ancient Pyramids, Bach Catherdrals and Leonardo’s Workshops. They will relive every battle, every setback and will have no time to pose any further threat to the Council.

“Our work is done here. Let us quickly depart.”

The Council left as silently as they arrived.
Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
I've searched the galaxy for ages, fighting the growing forces of evil throughout the quadrants. But to no avail as the evil kept creeping closer and closer to my homeworld. No others had joined my cause and I was left to fight alone. Until...

Until a calling was sent out, a summoning. A great White Council was being formed combining the forces of good to fight this growing menace. I finally had my answer and allies to my cause. Perhaps we can save my homeworld after all and rid the galaxy of this horror.

I will add my knowledge and skills to the Council, all that I learned over many battles to help defeat our foe.

~SDC~
Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top
A monkey with a golden ring stuck on his knee stipped and fell upon the road, a dark magician hit him with his staff and stole the golden ring, the monkey died of hunger.
Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top
A bright blue banner adorns the entrance to the ANZAC island base. “Masters of the Southern Hemisphere” it proclaims.

The ANZAC’s flagship, the Battleship Waltzing Matilda lies docked at the pier, a quick hop from the tavern, a popular haunt for its crew. But not all the ANZACs were preoccupied with beer this afternoon, two were hard at work.

“Left, right, left, right. Get in line, you %#@$&% or I will have you turned into lamp chops”.

“Go easy on the suicide sheep, Space Wombat, after all it takes a lot of guts for them to volunteer for this role.”

“Aye, Christopher Packer, but all this training is what makes my sheep a much more effective team than your drop bear death squads.”

“That’s true, Wombie, the sheep sure did us proud, slowing GROSS down so much so that they have now been overhauled by the Mid Western Confederation.”

“Yes, now this new batch of sheep would head straight for the Mid-West. In fact, I have just ordered the Mother of all Detonators. Those losers are going to be in for a surprise.”

“My drop bears are ready too. These new recruits were chosen specially for their huge brown hairy arses. It’s smelly work inspecting each arse but hey, what’s this little sacrifice for the Empire?”

____________

“Where’s Wombie and Chris, Kiwi Greg? I haven’t seen them for ages.”

“Beats me. But it sure is getting crowded here in the tavern. Since when did old folks with walking sticks get interested in Aussie beer? This whole bunch of them gives me the creeps.”

“Me too, Cotal. But we need to rush, our next batch of suicide sheep and drop bears are due at our next target.”

____________


As the Battleship sailed forth on its mission, none noticed the two sets of ripped clothing lying next to the training sheds.

“Have you noticed that sheep, Cotal? It seems to be trying to communicate to that drop bear over there.”

“Yeah, and that drop bear is becoming hysterical again.”

“If I not half-drunk myself, I would have sworn those two are trying to tell us something.”

“No time for small talk. Let’s deploy the weapons. I’ll put the Mother of all Detonators on that talkative sheep.”

___________


Looking away from the scrying crystal, Ray addressed the War Council.

“The ANZACs are going to be pre-occupied for a while after that raid. Good job with the polymorph spells, Eldin. The two of them never saw it coming. Turning Christopher Packer into Drop Bear was especially gratifying.”

The assembled Wizards nodded in agreement.

The war is progressing well.
Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top
the monkey got revived by the priestess of the united monkeys using his corpse and some magic spell to her inner talents, she sucesfully did what she hoped for, then with the use of her telepathical powers she kicked the dark magician butt, he apparently died of hunger
Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top
RayChua sits astride the mighty Ranyhyn, Shadowfax, as he canters into a forest glade near the mouth of the river Entwash.

RayChua: "Hail and well met, mightiest of the Ents! What does Treebeard seek of me this day? Do you feel the need to bask in my glory and wisdom to help your growth?"

Treebeard: "Hoomm...no. I have called you hither to tell you that Tolkien never mentioned anyone from Singapore in any of his books, and your pretentious homilies are wearing quite thin. However, there is someone here to see you."

Treebeard arches one of his higher branches over RayChua. Ray looks up, and is knocked backwards off Shadowfax by a Drop Bear plummeting downwards at Warp 6. The last thing RayChua sees is not a flaming red eye, but the tachyon emissions of a huge hairy brown arse....

Treebeard: "Hoomm...homm....he should have spent less time looking at his own navel, and more time....watching the skies...."

:HOT:
Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top
History of Meta
(as recorded by Ray the Wanderer)

In the first Age of Man, the world of Meta was ruled by petty warlords. Frequently warring among themselves for the pleasure of honorable battle, they held all within their iron grip.

Yet out of the Old World, a force emerged to threaten the warlords’ hegemony. A people skilled in diplomacy and politics, they swiftly toppled the warlords through the incitement of popular uprisings against their cruel overlords.

Their ability with the tongue proved to be their bane as they were soon plagued by intense infighting and backstabbing. Foreign mercenaries enlisted by their beleaguered leader barely managed to rescue the remaining senators from the fate of assassination. Not content to restore order, the vengeful leader unleashed a great persecution within his party, a brutal witch-hunt aimed at rooting out dissident elements from amongst their ranks.

Some of these dissidents took refuge with the criminal elements that sprouted in this most chaotic of times. The pirates were a feisty group, slowly but surely spreading their tentacles of crime over the great seas of Meta.

Other civilizations also emerged during these tumultuous times, a great sea-faring nation out of the South Seas. Proud yet phlegmatic, they were skilled in the ways of the waters and the husbandry of animals.

But unbeknownst to many, a dark sinister force was to grow out of the chilling northern wastelands as a downtrodden fortune teller stumbled upon the Diabolical Book of Necro.

The sudden appearance of a group of wizards, calling themselves the White Council was greeted with much distrust. Their ways were as mysterious as the White Tower, where they often spent their time observing the World of Meta with their impassionate gaze.

Nobody knew that they were actually waiting. Waiting for the evil that was to come.



(to be continued)

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top
In the Grey Coves of GROSS Bay, there once were elven shipwrights. Farsighted beings, these elves were. Not farsighted like the pirates these days who can see a hundred miles, but rather they could sense the destiny that awaited the souls that passed by. Among the elves was Cirdan. It was upon Cirdan that the Red Ring of Fire was bestowed by the shadow. And when it was revealed that the shadow was subverting the rings, Cirdan took it with him to GROSS Bay. In a chance encounter, Cirdan met a wizard of great power, and in this wizard, Cirdan saw a destiny dedicated to combatting the powers of the shadow and a dedication that would never waver. Upon this wizard, Cirdan bestowed the Ring of Fire and wished him luck in his endless toils during the years to come.

It is say that this wizard has stayed true to his cause, and his post may be in the White Council. But such is only speculation because the chance encounter happened over a thousand years ago, and we know not where the bearer of the Ring would rest his bones today.

However, it has been suggested that if you do know the whereabouts of the wizard or the ring, you would do best to keep it secret and keep it safe.
Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top
History of Meta (Chapter 2)
(as recorded by Ray the Wanderer)

And Evil did come.

Out of the wastelands that held the graves of nomadic populations, they were raised. Zombies, vampires, wraiths, ghouls, mummies and skeletons were added daily to the swelling ranks of the undead.

The cities to the north were the first to experience the horror of the undead twilight. Those that did not flee were introduced to the fraternity of the unending unlife.

The White Wizards were at the forefront in this great battle against darkness, lending their magical energies to the aid of their comrades or calling down the power of the elements to slow the relentless waves of living death.

It was then revealed to Ray the Wanderer, leader of the Council that a great evil was growing in the heart of Meta. Tapping the powers of a mysterious artifact known as the Telenath Crystal, a mighty demonic being of enormous power was being summoned into this world.

The Council of the Wise was summoned and many factions in Meta responded to the call. It was decided that the only way to stop this evil was to form a Fellowship, a band of adventurers with sufficient courage and ability to defeat this demon. And so the lot fell to them:

Ray the Wanderer, Bearer of the Ring
Pontius the Pirate Captain, Scourge of the Seas
Gerakken the Spy Master, Thief Extraordinaire
Space Wombat the Beast Master, with his trusted familiar, Drop Bear
Plephart the Honest Farmer, Wielder of the Vorpal Plow
Ellestar the Warlord, Fastest Clicker of the Mouse
CariElf the Cleric, Living Goddess to the Bug-plagued

And so the Fellowship was formed.


(to be continued)
Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top
*POOF*

A man in a claw-footed bathtub suddenly appears, as he attempts to scrub his back with a long-handled brush.

"What the...! Holy crap, are you doing that 'Summoning' thing again, Ray??!! I swear you wizard type are just a menace to law-abiding, bathing peo.."

With a slight gesture Ray "de-summons' LifeWish from whence he came, smiling slightly to himself as he adds a small twist to the gesture where there should have been a flick; thus transforming the scrub brush into a small alligator in the process.
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