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Visitors to Tarkuul notice that some of the undead have begun to take up shovels and hoes, and tools, and have begun the incredibly slow, arduous process of dumping the sand from the island off into the ocean. Given the amount of sand they're upheaving, there's no telling how long it could take to shovel it out, or really how much sand there even is, covering the island after its oceanic descent.

Valkins deep black velvet robes wave in the wind, he stands using his staff for support making various gestures towards various undead.

A Giant rotting beholder floats above the sands, it lowers itself taking up mouthfuls of sand, behind it Valkin stands ordering various undead summons including malex to clean away the sands. Valkin would be ensuring all the undead stay in reasonable shape, making any spot repairs to them while they work, and ensuring that the sands are removed in the most effective way. Among others clearing away the sands a man dressed all in wight commanding a giant mummy, an a few dressed in reds and blacks making use of undead an other summons.

Valkin mutters an arcane phrase an makes a distinct hand gesture, suddenly a wind rushes from Valkin, the Gust of Wind would push away layer after layer of sand into the wind an out across the ocean, moving around slowly Valkin would make use of all of his second sphere spells to do this, as well as his fourth sphere slots with empowered Gusts of Wind. All are directed away from the undead or any civilians an intended to remove the largest quantity of sand with a single spell, so undead an obstetrical would be cleared if necessary.

But he was not alone in his work, others stand around him clearing away the sands to make room for a new time.

Undead and men and women digging away at the sand have revealed the roof and four walls of a small building that looks to, at one point, have been attached in some way to the Tower of the Damned. By order of the Protectorate and the High Magestri, an order that doesn't seem to have been belayed by the Voice, the small area is cordoned off from the general public.

*A dark clad figure can be seen walking around the new found area, scratching every one in a while into a black leather bound notebook*

Stepping off the Ferry a dark green and black clad Wizard looks around the city. Surprised by what he finds he heads off to find Valkin to find out what's been going on.

Shortly after a meeting between the two he is seen walking around Tarkuul with Valkin and the two seem deep in conversation, Cerestan's face is furrowed in a frown and he mentions on more than one occasion how someone is "As unreliable as a chocolate fireguard".

Later that day he delivers a letter to a Shadowmage to be read out to the voice.

((Tormak, I'll PM your inbox))

Valkins deep black velvet robes wave in the wind, he stands using his staff for support making various gestures towards various undead.

A Giant rotting beholder floats above the sands, it lowers itself taking up mouthfuls of sand, behind it Valkin stands ordering various undead summons including malex to clean away the sands. Valkin would be ensuring all the undead stay in reasonable shape, making any spot repairs to them while they work, and ensuring that the sands are removed in the most effective way. Among others clearing away the sands a man dressed all in wight commanding a giant mummy, an a few dressed in reds and blacks making use of undead an other summons.

Valkin mutters an arcane phrase an makes a distinct hand gesture, suddenly a wind rushes from Valkin, the Gust of Wind would push away layer after layer of sand into the wind an out across the ocean, moving around slowly Valkin would make use of all of his second sphere spells to do this, as well as his fourth sphere slots with empowered Gusts of Wind. All are directed away from the undead or any civilians an intended to remove the largest quantity of sand with a single spell, so undead an obstetrical would be cleared if necessary.

But he was not alone in his work, others stand around him clearing away the sands to make room for a new time.

Some Time Later....

*valkin sits in his study on his throne, around him members of many factions, all in deep discussion about plans being maid an task set, another knock is heard at the door, valkin sighs lightly tired of the constant arrivals an interruptions to his meetings, he turns and motions for someone present to attend to the door, an shadow mage did enter an speak*

"The high Magistari presence requested outside, something has been uncovered"

*with that valkin did rise from his throne like chair an nod to the others, turning the the shadow mage*

"it would appear my duties once again require my attention, i must depart to see to such, however you are welcome to accompany me if you like ot stay an make use of my office if need be"

*with that valkin maid his way outside, an a troop followed with to investigate what the excavations have found, outside it was obvious that another section that was part of or connect to the tower of the damned had been uncovered, tho it was obviously damaged, the Shadow mage steeped forward*

"Wraiths were sent in to survey the structure it is intact but will need repairs, a small anti-chamber it seems, perhaps suitable the forge"

*Valkin nods to those words, as someone piped up the the crowed, what kind of forge, valkin chuckles lightly and spoke*

"Why a Mythal Forge of course, preparations were maid to acquire one for the city, as it as needed one among many things for some time now."

*with that valkin moves about assessing the situation, when the citys thantologist piped up*

"It would seem that it is buried under a great deal of sand such would need be removed or one would need to become incorporeal to venture bellow"

*valkin assessed the possible angles, an notices the amount of people around, he turns an pulled out several scrolls of polymorph *

"General Legion, if you could have your men polymorph into umberhulks we can use such forms with the assistance of summons an spell to remove the sand around the structure, an more importantly around the entrance so we might investigate"

*The general ordered such, an so many transformed an summoned forth creatures an slung spell to move away more sand, this effort to many hours to complete, but in doing so it ensure further easy access to the stonemasons an such*

"it is done, let us enter an assess what we have found, an ensure it is secure enough to house the forge"

*with that they all entered the excavated ruins, an begun to look over what had been discovered, valkin took the lead after changing out some equipment for magic to aid in his searching, an of course to ensure he had his hand on whatever might lay within first*

"it seems to be some kind of old temple quarters, perhaps an overseer or temple priest of some long forgotten god,"

*valkin an the others continued to search around, valkin immediately maid his way to the book cases within, searching the tomes for anything new or of use, taking any tomes that seemed such, an leaving the rest to be moved to the library of tarkuul later*

"it seems we have uncovered the new home for the mythal forge that is to come, i thank all of you for you assistance in uncovering this section of the ruins, an i assume you there will be plenty more work to come"

*with that they all departed the ruins,*

"Sergent dill, you are to ensure guards are posted outside an no one enter unless authorized by myself or the voice itself"

An so another task was done, but like all the others it only opened the way for more work to be done.

Moric looked all around him. Blowing air through his teeth. "You can help with the cleanup" the powerful looking mage had said. It wasn't quite an order. But then, hadn't sounded like a mere suggestion either. Obvioulsy the fellow seemed to be in charge, everyone else digging around here. A lot of them no longer with the living. It wasn't that Moric minded, in truth he spent a lot of time digging. His line of work. There was just so much bloody sand. Leaving little ideal where to start.

Well, Moric was drawn here because everyone learned. He damned well was going to share the work then, lest they think him a shirker. And got the ideal less work meant he should have less access to the secrets within the city. And the power those secrets promised. Besides.. power was a secondary effect. A right of those who learned more.. but knowledge itself was reason enough to learn. Secrets unfolding like petals to some great flower, each bloom of discovery leading to a deeper, secret blossom hidden within.

Alright, so there was too much sand. He could deal with it. In his mind, Moric formed an imaginary grid over the cityscape. And began looking at each individual section for things of interest. Those that caught his eye. Moric broke down into further grids. From sections of city, to buildings, to parts. Trying to discern what might have been most important. To the builders. To his own questions about Tarkuul. The same way he thought of a dig. Before the day was out, after pacing the city several times. Moric had his tools out, digging around an ancient tower. They wern't made to dig fast, those tools, brushes, fine screens. But the sand did get moved. While he searched. Anything found belonged to the city he was told. But no one said, he couldn't take notes.

Any artifacts found would be turned in. After he was certain to have squeezed out as many secrets as possible from the pieces.

On Eithne's visits with Ian to the city, she has used her bardic magics to strengthen the undead to encourage the work however she may. She doesn't really know why Ian told her to do this, or for what purpose the undead are playing in the sand, but since she enjoys the skeletons and zombies, it seems almost a game-- all in all, a fun task.

*valkin would be seen walking from the tower of the damned a mummy behind him carrying a rather large chest, he takes it to the castle hall placing it were appropriate*

"You there guardian, you are to stand guard over this chest, ensure no one takes from the chest only places donations within"

*with that valkin unlocks the chest, a then places a sign next to it*

--------------------------------------------

DONATIONS

*The notice of the call to Tarkuulians is placed above the sign for all to read*
http://www.amiaworld.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=52977

All who wish to donate to the revitalization project may do so hear, we accept all donations, books, paintings, trade goods, building materials an of course gold.

The city is still in great need of stone masons an carpenters, if you wish to donate or simply wish to have some kind of arrangement with the city please contact myself.

High Magistari Valkin Mulgin.

---------------------------------------------

// is it possible for us to get a "donations" chest placed in the tarkuul castle, so that players can actually offload the items that we want to donate to tarkuuls revitalization project, we had one in the red wizard base some time ago an they have them in the underdark, an seeming this is a long term plot, it be a good investment.

"Dig!" The tiefling commanded.

The fallen angel with her burnt wings threw him a look that could incinerate him, if looks alone could harm.. Alas the Erinyes was currently bound by his spell and compelled to do as ordered.. And so the devil started digging in the sand with gritted teeth and harsh words muttered under her breath.

Ian seemed to enjoy every second of it as he sand on top of a small pile of sand and toying with his shortsword. A single fanged tooth could be seen as his grin persevered and the sword was used to pick some lingering flesh out from between his teeth, half-decayed flesh that he then flung over at the Erinyes from the tip of his sword.

The bit landed in the hair of the Erinyes, who seemed to flare up with anger at this and gave him another look of utter hatred and defiance.. When this spell was broken, Ian could surely expect to have yet another out to seek his demise.. But for now, he was the one in charge.. And it gave him endless satesfaction.

He kicked some sand over in the devil's direction again and commanded yet again. "Dig.."

*after attending a lecture hosted by Magistari Rift were he Rift used the spell Move earth to help remove 150ft by 150ft area somewhat qicly, valkind decided to make use of this spell an encourage others to use it to aid in the revitalisation project*
"This shall make the sand remove far more affective, an shall move along the revitalisation efforts, excellent work Magistari Rift."

*valkin spends some time in the feild scribing the spell "move earth" into his tome fo spells, then further time studying it an memorising it, carfully examining the right ammounts of sand, loam and clay that should be mixed with the iron blade*

"This shall make the sand remove far more affective"

*taking some loam, sand and clay he mixes it in a bag with an iorn dagger, then muttering an arcan phrase he takes a handfull of the mix an tosses it into the air*

"transortis, locasis, motionis relocatos"

*valkin continues to chant the words an focuse on an area near the tower of the damend focusing on an area 400ft by 400ft, he remains in a state of trance consentrating on the area for the time required, slowly the sands would shift an gracfull swirl an move towards the seas, an valkin would lift them away an cast them out across the ocean*

// Move earth spell.
http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Move_Earth

As the sands are slowly lessened from the cities surface. He walks around any
ruins un-earthed, noting areas or structures that would provide a stable
grounds for training the guards.

*valkin will be seen each day when the day has just begun outside attending the the sand removal, he would locate an area with a mass of sand, an produce a small bag mixing equal parts of clay, loam an sand together mixing with an iron blade an cast "move earth", he would concentrate for at least two hours each day, moving approximately 375ft by 375ft of sand a day.

Each day before or after the process if he notices others from the Magistarium or other tarkuulians he would urge them to assist with use of this spell or there means both mundane an magical. He would also encourage donations to the chest within the tower of the dammed lobby*

Between his duties the Captain can be seen a select few hours of the day shovel in hand
and aiding the other undead with the sand removal. He again urges the other inhabitants
and guards to continue with the endless task of removing the sands from the City.

While she proves either incapable or unwilling to animate corpses to add to the labor force, Abhilasha does her part to aid in the cleaning. Her tool is the expert manipulation of negative energy, strengthening various assortments of zombies and skeletons as they tirelessly work to remove the build-up of sand. She watches the operation in silence, speaking only when addressed or when casting the necessary spells for her role. Even then, her words are short and devoid of emotion. Sigsir remains at her side as always, but the imp will only mutter occasionally which is followed by a series of twitches. One day, however...

The imp known as Sigsir is seen perched upon what remains of the wall near Castle Tarkuul. He mutters to himself, looking quite annoyed at something as he goes through another series of twitches. He suddenly tenses up and turns to the sorceress nearby, a look of desperation in his eyes.

" ... Who do I have to- GRK!? "

Before the imp can finish his question, he flops off the wall and into the sand at its base, spasming silently but otherwise not causing any harm. After a few minutes, he's seen muttering once more as he slowly ascends up the wall and settles back onto his perch. Abhilasha remained silent during the whole ordeal, simply watching as the undead continue their work.

Pausing at the light thud, the captain pivots to the sound. Shovel proped across his wide shoulders, he frowns and approaches abhilasha.

"Everything is well, I assume?" he motions to the imp but as he does it rises creeping back up the wall.

Abhilasha regards the Captain with a respectful bow of her head, speaking in an emotionless tone of voice with an expression of upmost calm.

"Just getting used to the new uniform, Captain. It's somewhat bulky."

She would, of course, refer to the surcoat that's become a mandatory addition to the cloth garb.

"I would suggest adding a bit of blue to the surcoat, by the way... As it is, the solid black looks somewhat awkward with the sleeves and cloak."

Sigsir would be rubbing his head, shaking it a few times before looking to Jason with a mutter.

"Hells hath no fury like a woman with wardrobe issues..."

Swinging the shovel off his shoulders, he drives the spade into the sand and leans on it. Removing his helm he draws the back of his hand across his forhead, looking again to the imp he chuckles.

"It appears you are not the only one. . ."

His features soften somewhat, as he pauses in thought. Taking a few breaths, his gaze rises to abhilasha. Nodding once the softness vanishing, returning to it's usual stone like.

"Perhaps you and the others should come together with a design. . .something to suit?"

Sergeant and Captain of the Protectorate can be seen working tirelessly into the night shoveling sand off the edge of the City. The aid of summons to help quicken the removal.

* Valkin would still be seen each day for at lest two ours casting the move earth spell an removing as much sand as he possibly can from the living city, as well as summoning his undead and directing the undead around the city to the best site s to dig and remove the sand, other than this he has been seen tending to the new guests below the library*

"I am so glad that you accepted my proposal, i do so hope you are finding your new location more comfortable an profitable, i shall look to having a sign added above to direct new comers to the forges location"

*with that valkin departs the living city's new mythal forge and continues about his work in the library an his office*

*Valkin would be seen still each day spending two hours or so with the move earth spell, as well as assisting Captain Ruin and others of the protectorate an Magistarium with there sand removal and other assistance they might need with the city's repairs. When not doing such he attends to his duty's in the Magistarium as he makes preparations for the next lecture*

*valkin would be seen more frequently of late attending to the repairs and renovation to the city, ocationally order skeletons to the appropriate areas of the city and casting various spells to remove sand and to repair broken structures, he suggest to any other Tarkulians that frequent the city to assist in any way they can, and will teach said inderivudlas in the use of various spells such as move earth and stone shape to assist*

Thanks to the efforts of all participants... It takes along time, but the last shovelful of sand is finally cleared away from the Living City's ground, revealing what was underneath it. The Living City immediately begins to accomodate the new spaces.

Though those digging may not have noticed until now, the Living City of Tarkuul now floats a solid three feet higher in the water thanit did before. A very literal weight has been removed from its shoulders...

*Valkin would stand out on the now cleared streets and admire the city that was so hidden underneath the sands. For a time he
simply remained in quiet contemplation of the works himself and the others performed to get this far.*

"One step of many overcome, now to progress."

*With that valkin headed deep into the crypts to a place he had visited many times before, hear is waited for a time cleaning his mind and putting such into words best fitting*
"Voice of the living city with the sands removed i shall work to ensure mundane repairs are continues by my hand an others, should such be approved by you."

*With that he grows silent for at time, awaiting a reply from the city, even if he receives none he speaks once more after pausing for a reasonable time*

"I would also ask, when it will be time for the repairs of a more important nature will take place. I speak of the Mythal and its empowerment of the city. I would seek to ensure all is restored to the living city"

*With that he would await once more, if no word is given he would simply return to his duties as he always has, despite some resivations or faltering his loyalty and labours have remained true*

Irae, along with her dragon and her Corruptor, stands and gazes over the sea.

"We have done as you asked, my home. What now do you require?"
Her voice is exultant, a song of joy.

William strools around Tarkuul, his face revealing a glimt of curiosity as he studies the changes in the city.

"My.. my, there is so much to be done. Let me know what the next step is, and I will see it finished."

He speaks out to none in particular and wanders about in the city for an extra view. He is seen returning to the study a few hours later.

*After some time assessing the city's current state valkin takes down some notes on what he thinks will be required in various materials besides what is already in the funds chest, he then moves about the still remaining ruble summoning undead and ordering free guard about to assist in the removal of the remaining ruble and debris. Such is then tossed over the edge of the city and the undead are ordered to continue sweeping and scrubbing to ensure the city is restored as best it can before the restoration masonry work begins*

*After valkin has seen to the rather mundane side of the repairs and revitalization he attends to the more interesting areas of focus, broken wards, enchantments devices locks and other interesting runic markings or areas of possible importance. He would try to ascertain what they were for or are for an what if anything will be required to restore them to working order*

*After spending a considerable amount of time see to such valkin then retires to the library to write several letters to important figures who have helped the city in its repairs thus far, to thank them an urge them to continue in there support, attached is also a copy of the origianal letter that was sent out, both are also placed the in the castle main hall for all to see*

The revitalization project has progressed slowly but it has pushed forward, a weight has been lifted from the shoulders of our great city an with it the beginnings of a new era in Tarkuuls History lays before us all. Since the great lord of crypts did return the city to the surface this city has remained as it is but now despite its restoration it still remains but a fraction of what it once was.

I wish to offer special thanks on behalf of the city and myself to all who contributed to the revitalization of the city thus far an that without your efforts such might never have been possible. It is however my hope that despite this minor success all those who helped realize that this is but the surface of a much larger works an that continued support is necessary.

I look forward to working with all in the near future in the continued restoration works there is still rubble to be removed and masonry work to be restored an greater projects still that will see this city rise to the heights it did so long ago.

Regards

Valkin Mulgin

Quote:

A great repair an revitalization project has begun within the living city, as you will notice many of the city's undead as well as the personal summons and spells of the citizens of the living city work to remove the sands that confine it.

The great city that is Tarkuul has stood since -599, by Archmage Tark power and following Tarkuul was founded. An for hundreds of years it stood as a true beacon of knowledge, without fear or prejudice to what knowledge or power could be sort.

Many disagreements broke out within Tarkuul in its beginning years, an some knowledge was lost as well as some of the city's most beautiful towers and facilities, but not all was lost. An it was Immastus that found a way to ensure the city's survival, an so the city keeps power over its own defense laws and survival. Tho it was not enough.

The city fell due to Krasus folly many thousands of years ago as did all the great city's of the Netherese empire, His battle that ended all magic for but moments was an eternity to all who depended on magic, an so Tarkuul lay shattered an broken at the bottom of the sea of swords a marvel thought to be lost to time.

But the city was not lost forever, when a new power smiled upon the city. the Crypt lord himself Velsharoon did aid to raise the city to the surface of the oceans, so that it once more could be home to those who seek knowledge and power, the mythallar was repaired and the city has stood as but a shadow of the beacon of knowledge an power it once was.

Many of served Tarkuul since its original revival an many have kept it from harms way an ensured that it can continue to be a place of safety, neutrality and a storehouse of knowledge. However the city has remains for the most part a mere glimmer of the gem that it once was.

I call to all those who can dream, all those who understand the importance of the preservation of knowledge and the security and tranquility that Tarkuul offers to come to its aid. Bring your summon an spell, or your shovel if you will and help remove the sands encasing its true potential. An with time we shall repair the shattered and broken halls and towers making room for new trade new research.

A new era in Tarkuul's History. The revitalization of the Living city.

Regards

High Magistari Valkin Mulgin.

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