From the Raven's Herald, and passed to my attention through the trees of Blackstone.
To the Peoples of Tyrra:
Ten years ago, a warning came to a few adventurers in the North of a
despairing and desperate future wrought by the hands of a mysterious
being called Oraban. Until now, what was known of Oraban and the Dark
Future was shared privately and carefully. Silence and secrecy were
necessities as many worked to learn more of the Enemy.
Oraban is no longer a boogeyman of a shadowy future; he is a
present enemy. His evil is active in the world. Therefore, I take up my
quill to share what I have learned of Oraban so that all of Tyrra’s
Peoples may prepare to fight him and his minions. This knowledge comes
at a great sacrifice; many have permanently died and others have
gravely endangered themselves.
I ask that this writing be copied to every library large and small,
posted up on every tavern wall, and spoken aloud to those who cannot
read for themselves. Most of all, I ask that this knowledge be shared
indiscriminately. Oraban’s threat is as great as that once posed by
Tarlov Ghosthand; we will all be called to fight against him.
Those who would study Oraban should turn to the Goldhaven Library
and read the “Battle for Quintari,” the first account we have of his
powers and weaknesses. This Myanthean document came to us from the Dark
Future as a warning, so that we have an opportunity to thwart his early
plans.
Oraban is characterized as a creature of Flame and Darkness. From
the account given in the “Battle for Quintari,” Oraban also has the
ability to channel Deaths and Obliterates through his weapon and can
cast Death spells. He is healed by Fire and by Death spells. He has the
ability to heal his form and renew his powers. As to Oraban’s
weaknesses: according to document, Oraban is hurt by Life spells.
Oraban currently has in his mastery the black, lizard-like beings
known as Death Drakes. By all accounts, the Death Drakes are an
incredibly difficult foe. They are able to tap into the elemental
aspect of Destruction to wield it against those they attack, and can
strike with the magics of Death and Obliteration. The Death Drakes are
immune or unharmed by most spells. Only Life Spells, Bless Spells, and
Greater Bless spells harm them greatly. By one account, Death Drakes
are healed by Shatter and Destroy spells, and they are immune to spells
that call upon Mystic Force. Also Paralysis and Banish spells have no
effect upon them. They may be affected by Curse and Weakness. They also
have the What All Should Know About Oraban ability to break through
Circles of Power. How Oraban came to acquire these creatures as his
minions is yet unknown.
Oraban has also recruited servants from Tyrra. Having marked these
betrayers with Flame and Darkness, these men are imbued with magic no
ordinary man possesses. Their weapons seem grafted to their bodies, and
others have witnessed their ability to phase out of existence for a
short time. Pins, Webs, Confines, and Imprison spells seem to affect
these servants, but those spells and gasses that affect beings with
metabolisms are useless.
As described in the “Battle for Quintari,” Oraban also calls forth
Destruction and Death Elementals to fight with his allied armies.
For those who would seek to use such formal magics as Delve
Histories, High Horoscopes, and Dreamvisions or other auguries to try
to learn more about Oraban, I warn you that your efforts will be
entirely fruitless. Oraban has a powerful veil of obfuscation
surrounding him and his work; even great and ancient beings of power
have struggled to get but a tiny glimpse into his nature and his plans.
The time is coming fast where the world will meet in open war with
Oraban. As was needed for Tarlov’s destruction, accords and alliances
must be made with those who have known each other as enemies for
centuries. Ancient magics must be unearthed to wield again. Goodly and
noble men and women will make hard choices on behalf of defending their
people and their land; I ask you to trust their wisdom, even if it
seems they compromise too much in the name of diplomacy. For a time,
the peoples of Tyrra must fight united against Oraban or all will be
destroyed.
Our greatest weapon against Oraban is Hope. Hope that in small but significant ways, we can change the course of the future.
In Tribute to the Unicorns of the Heart of Evendarr:
Elrashah, Kelren, and Siangreth.
Ismene Leto,
Bardic Guild of Avendale