History on the Rooftop: The Dragon Priests Re-presentation 457

This lecture is part of the History on the Rooftop Lecture Series.

Year of the Golden Panther, 457 years since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 15th day in the 9th month of Dolefaren, the Brigantine. It is currently fall. (10/04/2026)

Speaker

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi

You see Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi, an Elf. Ayrell has a delicately sculpted face with elegant arched eyebrows, pointed ears, exquisite lashes accentuating lustrous sapphire eyes and a perfectly proportioned nose. Her raven hair is hip length and wavy with subtle hints of shimmery deep blue underlayers, and is worn in an elegant upswept arrangement threaded with an ornate silversteel chain twined with pale mistglass Elamiri roses. She has flawless skin with a pale radiance like moonlit alabaster and a gracile, hourglass figure. She appears to be an adult. She has a tattoo of two exquisitely shaded Elamiri roses in gradient blue tones, their elegant petals a display of realistic detailing and natural highlights which give the blooms lifelike countenance. Poised amidst the delicate bouquet, a pure white dove, wings outstretched in mid-flight, alights gracefully between the lovely blossoms inked on her right ankle. A mysterious brand of thin concentric circles mars the back of her neck, the imprinted flesh unnaturally opalescent. Thin, threadlike lines flow around the outermost ring, composing the fluid symbols of an esoteric script. She is in good shape.

She is wearing some elegant Elamiri pearl earrings arranged in chandeliers of lilac moonsilver, a lucent lilac moonsilver necklace cascading delicate tiers of Elamiri pearls, an ethereal gown of lilac shireli lace shimmering with Elamiri pearl traceries, a spiraling lilac moonsilver engagement band crowned by a blue Elamiri sapphire, a lifesculpted moonsilver wedding band cradling a trillion-cut twilight sapphire and some prim lilac shireli lace thigh boots fastened by Elamiri pearl-inset buttons.

Location & Audience

Shoan a Sidelkuloa, Outdoor Stage

The simple stage consists of a raised platform of wood planks. Lanterns provide light for nighttime performances. You also see a fluffy grey tabby kitten, a tiny chocolate brown kitten, a sleek golden panther with enigmatic violet eyes that is sitting and a door.

Also here: Vesper Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Sir Imroth, Chieftain Elizzibiana, High Priestess Aemaranth who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Spirit Guide Dilemma who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Ahneya, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Emberfire Enthusiast Miskton who is protected by a crazed black barrier, Exile's Bane Anuril who has a fiery visage, Heart Tender Kethrai, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by seven circling blades of ice, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell, Firehawk Casari, Qihhth, Lanahh Pejek'zhra Isaish, Yraggahh, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Stargazer Jahrissk who is sitting, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Knight Errant Trajan, Lord Knight Hebion, Valynn who is sitting, Witchy Woman Kiashandra who is trailed by blazing fire-roses that smolder into ethereal ash, Dragon Priest Eskerith who is sitting and Desert Blossom Zersha who is surrounded by spectral storybooks.

Introduction

Ayrell says, "Good evening and welcome to the Shoan a Sidelkuloa."

Ayrell smiles.

Ayrell asks, "Tonight's lecture will be, for the most part, a re-presentation of a lecture I gave approximately... oh, goodness... has it really been eighteen years?"

Ayrell blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Ayrell says, "That being said, this will not be identical to the previous lecture. While the history portion remains the same, I have included much in the way of additions in order to include information regarding events that transpired around the time this lecture was initially presented. My hope is that the details I have included will help provide a better understanding of a great many things, given the whispers I have heard of more recent events involving the Dragon Priests."

Ayrell says, "As a starting note, however, I do wish to be clear that this presentation is not intended as a blanket indication that all Dragon Priests are as evil as the ones whose names grace so many pages of the history books. Although fewer and farther between, there remain factions out there who continue to follow the more peaceful ways of Sh'kial's teachings... but that is starting to get ahead of myself."

Ayrell says, "So without further ado, let us begin."

Ayrell smiles.

The World Dragon

Ayrell says, "Tonight's lecture has been designed to focus on a subject that many of you may be familiar with, or have perhaps at least heard mention of at some point in your travels. History is rife with stories about the Dragon Priests, most of which tell of a war and bloodshed that paints a rather violent picture of them and the beliefs they have held for so many years. But their origins were not always so dark. And, in order to understand how they came to hold the reputation they do, it is important to understand how it all began."

Ayrell says, "To start, we have to go back to a time when the pearlescent, silvery-white light of Grazhir could still be seen in the sky alongside Yavash, Katamba, and Xibar. For it was from within Grazhir that they say the World Dragon hatched, causing the moon to explode and dealing catastrophic damage to the surface of Elanthia."

Ayrell says, "As the story goes, the World Dragon was drawn to Elanthia because of its inner fire, feeding off the very essence that provided warmth to the land. This caused the Immortals to fear what the Dragon might do once that source of sustenance was depleted. Truffenyi brought forth the concern that the World Dragon might choose to then feed upon the sun, the thought of which spurred the Immortals into battle against the World Dragon in hopes of preventing the occurrence of such a horrible fate. It is said that Katamba's golden glow was burned to black by the Dragon's fiery breath during this war, leaving behind the charred surface of the moon with which we are all familiar today."

Ayrell says, "Unable to defeat the World Dragon, the Immortals were forced to take a different approach in ending the havoc it wreaked upon the lands. Phelim, the god of sweet dreams, was said to have ambushed the creature, using his sands to set the World Dragon to sleep deep within the heart of Elanthia so as to replenish the heat that it had drained. Peri'el, the goddess of the inner earth, descended to keep watch over the Dragon where she is said to remain, to this day, lulling it with her singing to maintain the depths of its slumber and ensure it would never rise to bring such destruction upon the lands again."

The Dragon Priests

Sh'kial, Founder of the Dragon Priests

Ayrell says, "It was this story that created the foundation of a religious movement formed by the S'Kra Mur male by the name of Sh'kial. Known by history as the first Dragon Priest, Sh'kial began his teachings in the Wyvern Mountains of Ilithi, preaching a theory that, through worship and devotion, the Dragon could be appeased, ceasing its rumblings, and bringing with it a golden age of peace. Under Sh'kial's leadership, the Dragon Priests offered existential sacrifices to the Dragon in the form of goat flesh, roses, pearls, and other valuables. It was not until some time later that this began to change."

Dzree

Ayrell says, "To understand how that change came about, we first have to introduce another name to our story with which many of you may be familiar. A young S'Kra Mur woman by the name of Dzree. Young at the time, anyway. For, in the beginning, she wasn't the hag history knows her as now. No, in her youth, she was an aspirant with a dream of joining the Ru'atin Peri'el. An innocent dream, far from the violent path her life inevitably tread."

The Ru'atin Peri'el

Ayrell says, "For those who may not know, the Ru'atin Peri'el are a unique group of female singers devoted to assisting Peri'el in maintaining the Dragon's slumber through song. The literal translation of Ru'atin Peri'el is "Sisters of Peri'el." Unfortunately for Dzree, however, the entrance exam to join the "Sisters" proved too difficult and she was ultimately rejected."

The Transition

Ayrell says, "It was after this rejection that Dzree found a new religious purpose by joining the Dragon Priests and becoming a loyal protege of Sh'kial. Although Sh'kial's beliefs were considered fanatical, they were not evil. It wasn't until Dzree diverted from Sh'kial's teachings that the religion took a darker turn. For, you see, Dzree did not desire the peace Sh'kial preached. Dzree desired a different form of sacrifice for the World Dragon, in the form of Humans and Elves - and even an occasional S'Kra Mur. When Sh'kial learned of Dzree's deviation from his path, he spoke out against her, ordering his deviated followers to cease their actions immediately. In retaliation, Dzree declared Sh'kial a heretic and arranged his assassination, sparking the decline of Sh'kial's teachings and beginning a new sect of Dragon Priests who subscribed to the darkness of Dzree's way."

Dragon Priests Wage War

Ayrell says, "It did not take long for Dzree to declare herself the High Priestess of the Dragon Priests, building her following into a small army that began attacking villages in the mountains of Ilithi. The first known attacks were said to have begun approximately two years after the murder of Sh'kial. Dzree spent six years growing her sect into what we know now as the Dragon Priest Empire, sending missionaries to Qi'Reshalia to recruit more S'Kra Mur into their ranks. It was that same year that they began their assault on Shard. An assault that ended a year later when Ferdahl Corik fled."

Ayrell says, "As it is important to note, to express the gruesomeness of this assault, the Dragon Priests attacked Shard in the dead of night. Women and children were slaughtered in their beds. Those who were not killed in their slumber were rounded up into the central square and driven from the city. And those who fought back, unwilling to leave their homes - were branded upon the forehead with the Dragon's Claw. The symbol for those slated to die as a sacrifice to the Dragon."

Experimentation and the Dark Hand

Ayrell says, "The need for more sacrifices, among other reasons, drove the Dragon Priests to wage war upon the lands. Following their victory over Shard, they began experimentations on Gor'Togs and S'Kra Mur with the intent of "purification," eventually expanding their sacrifices to races outside of the Humans and Elves. They established an area south of Shard, known today as the "Dark Hand," which was used by the Dragon Priests as a breeding ground for the Adan'f and other foul experiments."

The Bards Become Targets

Ayrell says, "This is the point where Dzree's history with the Ru'atin Peri'el becomes important. For, you see - Dzree harbored significant anger and hatred toward the Bards after her rejection. So, when the Dragon Priests began their march north from Ilithi to the borders of Crossing, and the Bards stood in opposition to Dzree, she saw this as an opportunity to obtain her revenge."

Neithrel Silverfrost, Bard

Ayrell says, "The Bards were, however, a force to be reckoned with when it came to defending against Dzree and her Priests. Their leader, an Elf by the name of Neithrel Silverfrost, led the army, though his valiant effort failed to end in victory. Fueled by her hatred for the Bards, and considering them her greatest enemies, Dzree set her sights upon them, making them the prime targets for sacrifices to the World Dragon. Their guild houses were destroyed beyond repair and their teachings lost to the destruction, save for what was retained by those Bards who survived in hiding. Neithrel was taken captive to serve as Dzree's personal slave and scribe while nearly the entirety of the Ru'atin Peri'el were decimated at the hand of Dzree's wrath."

The Dragon Priest Empire Expands

Ayrell says, "Once the Dragon Priests defeated the Hounds of Rutilor, they quickly moved on to take Riverhaven. House Theren is said to have held the Dragon Priests off for three years before they were forced to flee, at which time the Dragon Priests held areas of Ilithi, Zoluren, and Therengia hostage for five years. The last of the Ru'atin Peri'el fled to a compound in Aesry Surlaenis'a. Around that same time, the Dragon Priests seized Qi'Reshalia and worked for eleven more years to extend their control over most of the Elanthia we know for another hundred and sixty years."

The S'Kra Mur Become Targets

Ayrell says, "At the height of the Dragon Priest Empire, the Dragon Priests began confining S'Kra Mur to prison islands. It is also at this time that they began to refer to Dzree as "The Hag" and "The Nameless One," though it is unsure if this was out of fear, or out of disgust for all she had done. It is said that she lived in such paranoia of her own students, she had many of them killed outright if she developed even the slightest fear that they might be after her throne. In total, the Lorethew accounted for over one hundred thousand deaths from sacrifices alone over the course of Dzree's reign as high Dragon Priestess."

Leth Deriel

Ayrell says, "It was when Dzree turned her sights on Leth Deriel in hopes of taking it for herself that Dzree acquired the most devastating of enemies to her reign. In an effort to acquire her goal, ten thousand of her soldiers were sent to march on the city. To her surprise, only one returned. And that one, babbling like a madman, spoke of the army walking the road to the city and encountering a darkling forest along the way. As they passed through it, he described a mist rising up from the ground to choke some of the men while ravens flew down from trees to blind or distract others. In his madness, he described dark figures appearing, Fae of some sort, though hideously twisted, wiping the soldiers out and leaving him alone to return as a messenger."

Ayrell says, "This, of course, enraged Dzree. In her anger, she began sending army after army to march on the city, increasing the number of soldiers with each attempt. But, like the first, each army was defeated, the enemy leaving only one to return so as to recount the tale of their fellow soldiers' demise."

The Raven Appears

Ayrell says, "It is important to note that Dzree was now truly of an age to fit the descriptive of hag bestowed upon her by so many, her life extended by means of dark enchantments to prolong her bloodthirsty existence. Stewing over the defeat she suffered, over and over again, at the hands of this unknown enemy, she was seated upon her throne the night the amber-eyed raven appeared, larger than any black bird was known to be, with a wingspan Neithrel, himself, described in his writings to stretch nearly seven feet."

Ayrell says, "When the raven landed at Dzree's feet, it transformed into the figure of a woman, standing approximately five feet in height, with hair the color of silver, long in length, and eyes the same amber as that of the black bird. Her clothing was described as having been fine at one time, though now appeared tattered and bloody, ground in dust and the ravages of time."

Sithsia, Mage of the Forest, Curses Dzree

Ayrell says, "The woman bowed to Dzree, introducing herself as Sithsia, Mage of the Forest, and declaring Leth Deriel to be under her protection. Dzree didn't require an explanation for who the woman was, as the name Sithsia was - is - legendary. Still, Dzree called for her guards to seize the woman. In response, Sithsia merely laughed, turning the charging guards to ash without even a sword or shield to mark their previous existence."

Ayrell says, "Without sign of faltering, Sithsia smiled. It was from Neithrel's writing that her words were transcribed, quote as follows: I prophesy this, fool priest. In a year's time, a warrior shall come who shall smite you where you stand and destroy you and your empire. All you have done will be as your former guards here - ashes to the wind. This I promise, and this I say to be. I, the mage Sithsia."

Ayrell says, "Upon speaking these words, Sithsia returned to her raven form, departing Dzree on a sweep of air that carried her back through the window and out into the night. Dzree ordered her men to hunt the magess, but they met the same fate as the previous armies Dzree lost to Sithsia's power. Fearing the prophecy, Dzree ordered what was left of her soldiers to remain within her citadel, closing the gates, and remained there, waiting, in a prison of her own making."

Dzree's Demise

Ayrell says, "Though Dzree could never be described as sane, the prophecy led her to absolute madness, slaughtering anyone she suspected to be the killer Sithsia described, her sermons becoming more twisted, speaking not of a golden age of peace, but of a time of terrible war in which the World Dragon awoke and consumed all of Elanthia."

Ayrell says, "It is said that it was one year to the day of Sithsia's prophecy that Dzree's end came to pass. Pacing within her chambers, a guard knocked to tell her of an arriving message. Paranoid and crazed, Dzree drew her knife and stabbed the guard before drawing the man's own blade to chop off his head - convinced that he was the assassin come to bring about her demise. In the wake of the exertion, her old heart could no longer bear the strain, giving out to leave Dzree collapsed over the corpse of her guard. Beyond the aid of any Empath who came to attend her, there was no bringing her back, ending her bloody reign as the result of a self-fulfilling prophecy."

The Dragon Priest Empire is Defeated

Ayrell says, "Fractured and crumbling in the wake of Dzree's death, the Dragon Priest Empire fell into chaos as various factions splintered off, each one choosing to follow their own leader with their own varying interpretations of the old beliefs. Open warfare erupted between these factions in Qi'Reshalia and over the next twenty to twenty-five years, they managed to destroy themselves from the inside. Several groups of wealthy merchants were able to quell the factions that remained until the Empire was officially considered conquered in the year 22 AV. It is said that Neithrel and a young Elven warrior named Savrin led an uprising that wiped out the remnants of the Empire, seeking out the former royal houses of the realms and restoring leadership across the lands."

Tenebraus, The High Priest

Ayrell says, "Despite their rather sound defeat, this was not the end of the Dragon Priests. The remnants of their Empire remained a scourge in the southern lands for hundreds of years when in the year 349 AV, the first "revival" was noted. The High Priest of their people at the time, Tenebraus, attacked during the re-founding of the Crossing Bards' Guild."

Ayrell says, "Tenebraus personally killed the Bard Siryn who worked so hard to restore the Bards to their former strength after the guild's destruction at the hands of Dzree's Empire. During this fight, Tenebraus's followers also injured the Bard Silvyrfrost, a student of Siryn's, who assumed leadership over the guild upon Siryn's death. The battle ended in victory, however, as the Bards banded together and used their song to slowly sing Tenebraus to his demise."

Hhrsaraa, Dragon Priest Empress and Daughter of Dzree

Ayrell says, "Another rise of the Dragon Priests occurred in the year 389 AV under the Dragon Priest Empress, Hhrsaraa, who claimed to be the daughter of Dzree and led a massive force across the lands with the help of her Grand Arbiter Serzyn and her General, Shaarl. Several adan'f were also among Hhrsaraa's ranks, supporting the Dragon Priests as their creators. Hhrsaraa led this war for approximately eleven years until the time of her death, upon which history again repeated itself as her Empire fell into chaos, much the same as it had done in the wake of Dzree's end."

The Dragon, Ael'tharaxus, Emperor of the Dragon Priests

Ayrell says, "It was the year 401 AV when a literal dragon by the name of Ael'tharaxus appeared to the people of Ilithi and declared himself Emperor of the Dragon Priests. Diplomatic talks were held between him and Her Grace, Ferdahl Aemmin, during which it was agreed that there was not enough trust between both sides to broker an official treaty of peace, however, both sides desired peace and would strive to maintain it. This change in leadership within the Dragon Priest ranks brought about significant changes as the lingering followers of Dzree's teachings began to disappear in the area."

The Ru'atin Peri'el and the Black Spire

Ayrell says, "In more recent times, however, it has become apparent that the Sect of Dzree may be diminished, but they are not gone. In 436 AV, a group of Dragon Priests believed to follow the beliefs once preached by Dzree attacked several adventurers who were attempting to meet with the Ru'atin Peri'el in Aesry. The Dragon Priests were eventually beaten back by the adventurers and a raid on the Black Spire was led shortly thereafter in an effort to seek revenge for the attack on the Sisters."

Ayrell says, "During this raid, however, those involved were said to have heard the sound of stone grinding and metal screeching with a distant rumble of gears and chains spinning. The voice of an ancient crone echoed through the area, declaring "Your blood will feed the stones," after which a loud thud was heard and a number of stones in the floor and walls receded. Stones shifted with a rumble and a series of clicks emanated from behind the masonry, and then there was silence. Investigation into these findings remains ongoing."

Ayrell takes a drink of some water.

Recent History

Ayrell says, "Now... this is where my previous presentation of this lecture originally came to a close. At the time, my intent was to focus on history rather than current events, however... those events are no longer what I would consider current, given that nearly two decades have now passed. As such, I view them as an important part of... recent history... that I believe may be necessary for us to address, given the whispers I have heard regarding the return of a certain Dragon Priest Ecclesiarch."

Attack on Milene's Rose

Ayrell says, "But where to begin? I mentioned the attack on several adventurers during a visit to the Ru'atin Peri'el in Aesry. That occurred around the year 436. As we are nearing the end of year 457 now, you can see, it has been quite some time. Then, in the year 438, a Dragon Priest assassin attacked one evening while myself and a few others were at Milene's Rose here in Shard."

Ayrell says, "Out of curiosity, we headed to the Spire in hopes of uncovering a reason for the assault. As expected, we encountered a great many Dragon Priest attackers, as well as a shadowy figure lurking in the background and laughing. We noted what appeared to be a blind crone casting incantations that seemed to enhance the warriors as well as summoning a green-black vortex to transport pivuh into the fight. The shadowy figure taunted us, speaking of a prophecy. In this prophecy, it claimed we would bring war to the spire to which the Dragon Priests would respond - and the Dragon would awaken. There was so much chaos that evening, I recall very little beyond the fighting, though I cannot forget the river of blood that appeared and the threads of dark magic we were forced to evade while attempting to cut through the warriors."

Diplomatic Mission First Attempt - The Ecclesiarch Suulnir

Ayrell says, "Let us fast forward, then, to the year 439. I accompanied Navesi and several other Bards on a diplomacy mission into the Spire. Violence had so far produced little in the way of answers. Our logic was that, maybe, conversation would yield better results. It was then that we first encountered the Ecclesiarch, Suulnir, whose reputation lent her the title of "Voice of the World Dragon." We met her in the Temple of the World Dragon within the Spire. Upon our arrival, she acknowledged that some of us in attendance might be there for retaliation for "those that struck out three years ago." She advised that, "three years ago, we still had not fully realized a unified purpose. There were members of the old vanguard who still held to the old ways. The attacks on Aesry, and on your Bards, were acts of that old vanguard. They have come around to my way of thinking, at least for now, and have been dealt with in a manner befitting their station."

Ayrell says, "When asked if she was the new leader of the Dragon Priests, Suulnir clarified that she is no emperor and that such a title belongs to the Dragon alone. She described herself as simply one who "preaches a new way." When I inquired of the Dragon, and the name Ael'tharaxus, Suulnir was quick to silence me, as I had not, in her words, proved myself worthy of speaking the name of the Dragon Emperor and did not appreciate the gravity of which I spoke."

Ayrell says, "Suulnir spoke of setbacks following the deaths of Hhrsaraa and Tenebraus, but spoke of an opportunity to establish a new order among the servants of the Dragon. She stated the Emperor had finally established himself on a unified throne that stretches an Empire claiming territory from the gates of Raven's Point to the Nirefrei River - and the Steelclaw Clan."

Ayrell says, "Additionally, she spoke of the past thirty years having been enlightening and that it had taken that long to find a semblance of unity, though some still follow the old ways. In her words, "For the first time in nearly four decades, we have a singular goal. The breeding pits again twist with life. The assassins have sharpened their blades. And now, our Emperor brings us guidance and hope. The children of the Dragon will usher in a new era of enlightenment that you will all be honored to witness."

Ayrell says, "Throughout the conversation, we occasionally could hear a faint grinding echo from within the corridors of the Spire, as if a large creature were sliding through hallways much too small for its body in the lower chambers of the citadel. Each time, Suulnir continued speaking as if nothing had happened. She spoke of a promise of peace. That those within the Spire had kept the word of the Emperor, regarding his promise not to attack the city. She did, however, state that she could not speak for all who serve the Dragon and that there are, naturally, dissenters to the new will of things."

Ayrell says, "Regrettably, though expectedly, Suulnir was vague in the answers she provided. She spoke of a unified purpose. The creation of something new. A new dawn of reborn magics the likes that had only been seen by the Shunned. She stated that Glorious creation will be wrought, "and you will behold the works of new magic that we shall manifest something both brilliant and divine."

Ayrell says, "Despite efforts to determine the identity of these "Shunned," they remain a point of curiosity, all these years later. Suulnir also made it clear that she would not be discussing the details of her peoples' current work and endeavors. The only thing she confirmed was that, as she worded it, "I am no Crone."

Ayrell says, "Following some additional conversation, and more of the strange noises deep within the Spire, there was a moment where a significant amount of magic suddenly dissipated from around Suulnir, indicating an intriguing mixture of spells. When the magic fell, Suulnir appeared momentarily disconnected, looking troubled, before managing to regain her composure. Upon examination by a Cleric, it was determined Suulnir did not appear to bear favor with any of the Immortals. Further investigation also showed Holy magic clinging to her person."

Ayrell says, "Toward the end of our visit, the sound we heard became a bellowed echo from the lower chambers, as if something large - and hungry - made a resonating cry. At this, Suulnir finally acknowledged our questions about what we were hearing, regarding the noise as that of a "pet." She advised it did not have quite enough room to move around comfortably, but that they were working on ensuring it has adequate space. Sadly, we did not have a chance to ask anything further as someone within our group lashed out, against the wishes of the rest of us, and struck Suulnir down. Upon her death, we heard her laugh, and a golden serpent rose from her charred ashes, drawing her back to life. A cackle could be heard resonating through the halls. As you might expect, this marked the end of our conversation as Suulnir demanded our immediate departure - and summoned her minions to attack us until we acquiesced."

Diplomatic Mission Second Attempt - Pivuh

Ayrell says, "For sake of time, I will attempt to summarize our next encounter a bit more succinctly. During a second attempt at diplomacy, our request to meet with Suulnir appeared to have been intercepted and we were greeted by a speaking pivuh instead. The pivuh mentioned having enjoyed watching Suulnir lose her stoic demeanor during our previous meeting with her, referencing the attack which led to Suulnir's death. The pivuh also described Suulnir as "liking the sound of the Ecclesiarch's own voice." The pivuh then assured us our missive to Suulnir had not gone unheard and that the pivuh was, as it stated, "quite happy to accept your surrender of the lands between the gates of Raven's Point and Horse Clans."

Ayrell says, "Of course, we never issued any surrender. Instead, we issued several questions in an attempt to determine the identity of the pivuh, or the person controlling it. Although an answer was never received, speculation abounded that it may have been controlled by the very crone having been mentioned before."

Ayrell says, "The pivuh then began making inquiries of us. Questions regarding our experience with the divine. More specifically, inquiring as to the difference between Hylomorphic and Antinomic magic. In exchange for the information, the pivuh agreed to answer one question from us. Our question: Who are the Shunned? Her answer... a trick. She twisted our words, answered a different question, winked, and once again transformed into a simple creature without capability of conversation."

Ayrell takes a drink of some water.

Ayrell says, "Goodness, but there is a lot to cover..."

Explorations of the Black Spire

Ayrell says, "After that meeting with the pivuh, several of us continued our investigations into the Dragon Priests and their activities. During a search of the Spire, a map was found within one of the chambers. It was a map of each of the known provinces of Elanthia, each with markings for major and minor cities as well as known fortresses, bases, and guild strongholds. The map for Forfedhdar had black ink blotting out significant sections of it with a sharply scrawled notation stating, "Do not show our bases of operations. Security risk: tower known to be breachable." Tomes were also noted on the table with the map, covering the topics of cultural staples and idiosyncrasies, governmental structure, and histories of the people of the five provinces. Dog-eared pages indicated someone had been reading them and noting potential points of interest."

Search for Dragon Priest Strongholds

Ayrell says, "Moving onward to the year 441, Yraggahh and I worked together to arrange an investigation in an effort to locate these supposed Dragon Priest strongholds. We each led a group, with mine starting at the Dragon Priest shrine just north of Shard. Upon our arrival, we discovered the altar to have been recently used and indications of the Dragon Priests having departed the location only shortly before our arrival. Around and on the shrine, we found traces of ash, spilled droplets of melted wax, charred wyvern fangs, and berry-colored stains as well as fresh tracks and footprints visible in the dirt."

Ayrell says, "It was around that time I received word from Yraggahh that his group had observed several Dragon Priests fleeing to the Spire and preparing their defenses. I confirmed with him that our intent was investigation and not an assault, and we proceeded onward with our search."

Ayrell says, "Along the Game Trail in the Gilen Otos Steppes, we came across something of note. Even in the tallest grass, we saw the remains of game carcasses that had long been picked over. On closer inspection, we noted linear notches in the visible bone. Scraps of discarded offal were strewn throughout and, in the distance, we could hear a number of wild creatures fighting over remains. A faint smell of smoke betrayed a clearing of bare dirt marked by a small pile of burned firewood having seemingly been abandoned not long ago, as well as a bedroll. A scrap of blood-red silk was snagged on a piece of nearby brush."

Ayrell says, "We continued on toward the Seord Kerwaith and the Crystalline Gorge. Here, the feeling of being watched intensified. Many cloaked figures could be seen observing our movements from nearby ridgelines and we noticed at least one pattern of repetitive glints from above, directed toward the Spire. It was clear to us that the Dragon Priests were quite prepared for an assault, though their line of defense appeared to be drawn at the Spire. Our belief was that if we bypassed the Spire, we may yet be able to continue without engaging them."

Ayrell says, "Carefully, we pressed onward. While traversing the ice road, we found the Mountain Road devoid of any distinct Dragon Priest tracks. Our suspicion was that they must have other, more discrete ways of traversing the pass. Throughout the rest of my group's investigation, we found no other evidence to identify any Dragon Priest strongholds, though I still wholeheartedly believe they are out there... somewhere."

Ayrell takes a drink of some water.

Ayrell says, "As for Yraggahh's group, they reported that they scouted the canyons near Horse Clan, where they noted the Dragon Priests were present in abundance. Large numbers surpassing their expectations. Yraggahh advised there were watches along the cliffs at all times, or so it seemed, and a way to signal their other holds - especially the Spire. According to Yraggahh, the Priests quickly asserted themselves, fleeing to the Spire, and forming riders to cover their escape. He agreed with our suspicion that, if the Dragon Priests use the mountain passes south of the Dwarven city, they do not do so via an open path. He suggested magic or ancient tunneling may perhaps provide passage for them to whatever secrets hide beneath."

Investigation of Steelclaw Clan

Ayrell says, "And that brings us to the final interaction we had with the Dragon Priests prior to more than a decade of silence."

Ayrell says, "In the year 446, I again attempted to uncover some indication of the Dragon Priest strongholds, or at least some clue of what they were doing. This time, I focused our investigative efforts around Steelclaw Clan, as I recalled this being mentioned as an area the Dragon Priests claimed to be within their "territory."

Ayrell says, "Along the farmland bridle path, we noted fresh tracks stretching between the north and the southwest and indicating a significant quantity of movement to and from the Black Spire. Shortly after making this discovery, we were set upon by Dragon Priest assassins. Still, we continued our search, fending off the assassins as they came. Along the overgrown path, we found ruts of wagon wheels marring the ground, appearing as if the Dragon Priests had not made any effort to hide their passage."

Ayrell says, "The more we followed the tracks, we discovered they did not only lead to the Spire, but to Wyvern Mountain as well. We decided to head in that direction, still fighting off assassins as we went. It was then that we heard Suulnir over the gwethdesuan stating, "I see you intend to impede my work. Disappointing - just as I made quite the progress, as well."

Ayrell says, "The closer we came to Wyvern Mountain, the more assassins we faced, their numbers increasing until we were nearly overwhelmed by them and the arrival of a great many intercessors. And while we did manage to hold them off, they also managed to prevent us from ever actually setting foot on the mountain. While we were fighting, we could see at the peak of Wyvern Mountain a flash of radiant light visibly lighting up the night sky, though it was gone as quickly as it appeared. At that time, we again heard Suulnir's thoughts. This time, she stated, "Thank you. That gave me the time I needed. You will not impede my project this night."

Ayrell says, "We did eventually conduct a search of Wyvern Mountain, though I regret to say we found no sign to indicate what Suulnir was doing, nor did we hear anything from her or the Dragon Priests for several years. Attempts at making contact were met with silence. Further investigations met with no answers or clues as to what Suulnir was doing on Wyvern Mountain that day, nor what the Dragon Priests have been doing for what seems to be a long time."

Conclusion

Ayrell says, "So that is where I shall end this lecture today. I do not know enough about the events of the past few weeks to address them. But I do hope the information I have shared here this evening will help, in some way, in understanding not only the history of the Dragon Priests, but what we know of their activity, and that of the Ecclesiarch Suulnir over the past twenty years."

Ayrell nods politely.