Circle of the Dark Sciences

[Snaga]

In a ampitheatre, lit by bright torches burning with flames of many colours, a small group of eminent minds meet.

Snaga stands to address them all:

'Welcome all to this first meeting, of the Circle of the Dark Sciences. I will say a few words in a moment concerning the purpose of our grouping, and how we achieve those ends. But first let me introduce our distinguished experts.

'I am Lord Gonnilclaur, Professor Emeritus of Applied Dark Sciences.

'We are honoured by the presence of our beautiful queen, the Professer of Electrology - Tar-Ancalime. And may I also introduce the Professor of Pyrology, Lord Drygo of Khand and Ostmor (Sting), and the Professor of Necrology - Lorien, Necromancer of Angmar. We also have with us the Dean of Necrology Research - Dain Ironfoot, and the Dean of Necrology Research - Ulairi of Dol Guldur.

'Unfortunately the most brilliant mind in the field of Necromancy and necrology, Cygnus cannot join us today for he has other pressing matters to attend to, but he sends word that he is fully supportive of our endeavors and so he has an Associate Membership, and will be considered our Special Advisor on Necrology. However that guild is well represented here, I am pleased to say.

'These are our members so far, but I hope and expect to see others join soon. But they must be part of the Dark Legion: that is essential.

'I can also say that our work is sponsored by Lord Dengen-Goroth, and is viewed as being of the utmost importance to the Dark Legion. So let me now speak of our purpose.

'I believe much of what has been done in the Guilds has been work of the greatest importance. But it has but one weakness: that it requires the sorceror himself to work the magic. And yet of old we know that the Uruk-Hai of Saruman brought blasting magic to Helm's Deep, while that wizard did not leave Orthanc. And at the siege of Minas Tirith, the great battering ram Grond was invested with magic, such that no gates could withstand it.

'This then is the mission: to look for the ways in which our powers may be woven into artful devices to aid the cause of the Dark Legion.

'To achieve this I have assembled the most creative minds of the Dark Legion, to conduct research and to advance our knowledge.

'Some of the work will be merely to make record of those arts we already have. Such as the making of orc-draughts, which allow our soldiers to march beyond their natural endurance (as well as being great at a party). But from this foundation, maybe further work might be suggested that would lead to new knowledge. Such as a new recipe for the orc-draughts which increase their potency without increasing the intoxication of he who drinks of it.

'This is how the Circle will conduct itself.

'We will have a program of research, we will have demonstrations, and we will have a library.

'Any of the Circle may propose an area of research. I will review the proposal, and I will direct you on whether I feel you have the skill to conduct this, and if not who you will need to assist you in it. I will also suggest the scale of the effort: is it large or small.

'To be able to apply the new findings, the researcher must post a demonstration, in which they describe the effects of it and something about the methods they have used. It can then be approved by myself and two other professors, to pass into the canon of knowledge. Beware: poorly thought out research can have unexpected side-effects: a professor may post a description of the defects! Many an apprentice has blown up his masters laboratory though poor experimenting.:D

'The research must then be recorded, in a lore-book or scroll, which will be placed in the library.

'If a member wishes to learn this knowledge, they must borrow the appropriate lore-book or scroll. This is done by requesting it from the librarian (which is me for now). Please make sure you return the books when you have finished. This library does not operate a system of fines, we just remove body parts!'

He paused, looking around. 'Don't worry it will be clear once we get going I believe! Trust me!

'To help run the Circle effectively, the next two posts will be all important. One will be our Program of Research, and the other will be the Library Catalog. These will be continually editted as time goes along to always be kept up-to-date. So you will always know what research is being done, and what is in the library (and who has a book if it is not there!)

'The only exception to all of this are the Special Works, where secrecy is critical. For these will be done mostly by PM, with just codenames being used on this thread.

'Now!' he grinned at them. 'Who has some good ideas for research? I have some of my own, but let me hear yours also.':D

[Snaga]

On this post will be recorded the areas of research that we are conducting. This will be editted to keep it up to date.

1. RAISING A DRAGON - Lorien - Failure/Halted
2. WEATHER CONTROL - Snaga/Dengen - Second Attempt - Success!
3. HARAD PROJECT - Drygo/Snaga - Proposal
4. RHUN PROJECT - Snaga - Suceeded
5. FIRE-LIQUID - Agar the Black - Approved for testing

[Snaga]

On this post will be recorded the lore-books and tomes of the Circle. This will be editted to keep it up to date.

Books:

Of the Brewing of Orc Draughts by Snaga - AVAILABLE
The Healing-craft of the orcs by Snaga - AVAILABLE
Pyrology and Siege-craft by Lord Drygo of Khand - BORROWED BY NAIN IRONFOOT
Necromancy- An Art (History and Applications) by Lorien - AVAILABLE
The history of Electrology for Dummies by Tar-Ancalime - AVAILABLE
Where Frankenstein went wrong by Tar-Ancalime - AVAILABLE
How to master your electromancy skills by Tar-Ancalime - AVAILABLE
Electrology Today by Tar-Ancalime - AVAILABLE
Gettin' Down with Weather by Lord Dengen-Goroth - BORROWED BY TAR-ANCALIME
Animal Magic, or How Orcs Train Wolves and Bats by Snaga -AVAILABLE
Death in the South - the Diseases of Far Harad, and their Cures by Snaga - AVAILABLE
Morgoth's Spells and Curses ... discovered by Dain Ironfoot - NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL BORROWING

[Khamul]

Lord Drygo comes into the room, with an assistant carrying the lore books regarding the integration of pyrology and siege craft.

Shall this be added to our library, Lord Gonnilclaur?

[Snaga]

'Ah yes indeed! Thank you Lord Drygo.'

[Khamul]

We must begin to enlarge the library, all members of the circle, bring in your life works.

[Lorien]

Lorien motions with his hand and a tall man enters the room, bows to the gathering and presents a lore-book titled Necromancy- An Art (History and Applications) Lorien says, "We could add this book to our library."

[Zale]

Is this a guild? If so, may I join? I consider myself a scientist (well, I like to).
If not, sorry for posting in your thread.

[Snaga]

Zale you may join as long as you are happy with allying yourself to the Dark Legion. Do you have any area of specialist knowledge that may help our endeavours?

Thank you all for your great works. I have some more writing to do myself.

Now we need to set up some projects. And also it would be great to earn some money to help us equip our lab. I could of course raid the coffers of the empire, but its better if we don't.

Lord Drygo and Ulairi, why not start making pyromancers' fireworks? You could sell them in the various bars and pubs of Middle Earth. I bet they would go down a storm.;)

Not everything we do must be military or destructive in nature (although I LOVE that sorta thing!). For example, it would be good if someone could investigate the magical toys of Dale. How do they work? Since Dale is now part of Federation, the time is ripe to try to find out.

Ulairi and Dain... that Frankenstein experiment suggestion on the Dark Legion thread? How about that? That would be a TOUGH assignment, but great fun. Lots of opportunities for amusing failure along the way I think!:D Do you accept the challenge?

Lord Drygo... do you think we could work on the flaming missiles, as used against Minas Tirith in the War of the Ring?

[Lorien]

Ah, the Frankenstein experiment would be really easy. What I really want to try out is raising a BIG undead creature, maybe a dragon. Or maybe a cross-breed creature. None of these have ever been attempted and I think Dain and I should combine our knowledge and try them out.

[Tar-Ancalime]

"Hello,my goal as a professer is to further instill the importance of the dark sciences in Middle earth society. In the past they have been shunned yet under the excellent leadership of Snaga1 and my dearest husband Dengen-Goroth it is my one hope they flourish. I have 4 classes thus far as I cannot fully commit myself due to the matters of reproduction. They are as follow:
The History of Electrology
Innovative Electrology
Electrology and the arts
Mathematics of Electrology
The pamplet I am currently passing out to prospective students is a comprehensive guide of my curiculum.Since I know you can read I leave that to you. Also, you will require the purchase of books.They are as
folows:
The history of Electrology for Dummies
where Frankenstien went wrong
How to master your electromancy skills
Electrology Today
note:most of these books can be used for multiple courses within the acacademy
Please join my class!" TAr finishes off.

[Snaga]

Your majesty, it would be an honor to enrol in the History of Electrology class if I may. I think it is important that I understand these matters more closely.

Lorien, if you feel the Frankenstein experiment would be easy, it would be good to have a demonstration of that, but you do have permission to try to raise a dragon. As you know we now have access to the Lake at Esgaroth. There lies the body of Smaug. Do your research well, and be sure to post your progress!

[Tar-Ancalime]

"Indeed my fellow professer, amoung the information being taught is famous electrology persons. With, pray shall I be modest moi!":D

[arisen pheonix]

can dark sciences change the way people think or act out of unwanted instincts thatget in the way?

[Tar-Ancalime]

"I don't thinks so." tar responds after afew minutes of thoughts,"Depends is it more insane than you already on if you choose to go on here at great risk.'

[Lorien]

Frankenstein is really Tar's department. But it's quite standard for us necromancers to raise the dead. But of course Dr.Frankenstein didn't possess such abilities. Now the dragon experiment I will plan out. I really want to try it out.

[Snaga]

Excellent, Lorien.

As for Frankenstein... if I am right, the idea was to put together the parts of various creatures, to create something new. Rather than raising the dead. Is that right? Whatever... if anyone's thinks they can do that, I'd love to see it!

To answer your question Arisen, I do not think we have that art. However it is said that people can be beguiled to believe untruths that they would not otherwise believe; to have thoughts planted in their mind. This is different from making someone do something against their beliefs, or to change what someone thinks to be right or wrong. We could undertake research in that direction possibly, if anyone would like to undertake this.

[Dengen-Goroth]

Dengen-Goroth entered the hall with a grin on his face.
"Mind me not, I have come to listen to the wisened minds of Middle Earth. Perchance, if I may inquire, manipulation over the weather? Doth any hold knowledge, for I am most interested in that myself as of late" he took a seat quitly.

[Snaga]

Lord Gonnilclaur bowed low. 'A most interesting point. This might indeed be a fruitful line of enquiry. Perchance, somethings can be done. For example, can an electromancer draw lightning from the clouds? Also, if a pyromancer used their abilities to heat the airs of the skies, strange effects might occur.

Lord Drygo, would you like to lead this research?'

[Tar-Ancalime]

Tar sees her noble husband and immeaditly stands by him,"Why hello dearest husband of mine."

[Telchar]

Telchar stood in the doorway and watched the others. When Gonnilclaur had spoken he entered. "I have another proposal you might find interesting. If a Pyromancer may control heat and fire, may they not direct this towards the ground itself?"

[Lorien]

Lorien says, "Weather....no most of don't have direct control over weather except for the Heliomancers I suppose. We do have mind-controllers and influencers, the Psionicists I believe. But unfortunately no one has taken up this study though I am seriously considering transferring some of my attention from Necromancy to the Psionics department unless of course someone wants to become a full-time Psionicist. I beleive a Psionicist would be very helpful to the Dark Legion."

[Dengen-Goroth]

"I will offer my aid in that department. For already do I have some knowledge of this feild."

[Lorien]

"Oh, good. Now I can concentrate on Necromancy."

[Tar-Ancalime]

"This guild is starting out well," tar states leaving her husbands side."I choose to retire,I do have a wedding to help with."

[Snaga]

'Retire, my queen?' inquires Lord Gonnilclaur politely. 'As in to retreat to a quiet and peaceful spot... rather than giving up your professorship and drawing a pension I trust?' ;)

[Tar-Ancalime]

"Not quite yet snaga1...that will wait till after Elbe and valar's wedding."Tar says

[Tar-Ancalime]

" I mean retire as sleep too snaga."

[Tar-Ancalime]

plese this thread is pivitol to the dark side it better not die!

[Snaga]

'You are right my queen' says Gonnilclaur. 'Come friends and Great Ones. I have done some research into the uses of electromancy. I will now attempt some simple manipulation of the weather. You shall judge the effects.'

And he led them from the dark chamber, and they from the city and into the wild. After a short while they rode to the top of a hill. The day was grey and cloudy, but there were no rains.

'Now!' said Gonnilclaur. 'Our first demonstration! Now, I am going to use my admittedly limited knowledge to try to electrically charge these clouds. I may need help with this. If all goes to plan, once the clouds are filled with electrical charge, this should transform these clouds from this dull grey quiet, into a raging tempest. We shall see. Perhaps it may not work... but I have some hope for this.'

And with that he first cleared his mind, reminding himself of all he had learnt. Then he began to summon the electrical potential little by little from the world all around; and to direct it to the skies above...

(ooc OK, any of the Professors or also Dengen or Telchar, may post what happens next... does it work???:D:D A good description please!)

[Dengen-Goroth]

Goroth stood.
"I have a book which I have penned."
*Presents "Gettin' Down with Weather"*
"You will understand the title full well when you read it. It is possible to summon storms of wrath, though it takes strength. Read scientists!"

[Tar-Ancalime]

"This should be interesting," tar says " i've alwasy wanted to summon an actual storm

[Snaga]

Above them as the electrical potential in the clouds grow they layer more from lower rain-bearing clouds, and higher levels too. But it is not quite right. Something is wrong.

'There is no eye to this storm!' someone comments.

'What?' said Snaga.... and his concentration is broken. There is a small rumble of thunder in the distance, and it starts to rain, just a steady drizzle.

'Agh! It didn't work!' said Snaga, disappointed. He frowns and sighs.

'We will have to try again. Tar, perhaps you should read your husbands book first. Your powers are greater when it comes to electrical energy. I am just a student of your work. Armed with the knowledge in this book, perhaps the results will be better.'

As they depart, nearby farmers celebrate, as some rain falls in the dry lands about them.

[Dengen-Goroth]

Goroth walks before them and raises lowers his head. Slowly a dark cloud forms above them and expands. Tendril of lightning lace out and Goroth opens his eyes.
"We should be getting in doors, this shall be quite a downpour! Now do you all see the potential?" He states as rain begins to pour.

[Tar-Ancalime]

Tar scurries indoors...fearing for her new dress and hair do. "Dengen, Impressive."tar says

[Dain Ironfoot]

"I believe this might be of some help" Dain says as he walks in with a Big book. "Tis a minor book of spells from the Lord Morgoths great halls of old, it has been in he family for years, yet most could not read it. We knew not what is was, but now we do." Dain then opens the book and asks Snaga for his teet neclace that is made of the great wurm Scatha.

[Snaga]

Gonnilclaur bows to Dain.

'Thank you for that book. A most welcome addition to our library. How your family came by this book would be of great interest to historians I deem. For it comes from the depths of the First Age, from darkest Angband. How it escaped the ruin of Beleriand I cannot say, but even minor spells and curses of Morgoth will seem mighty in the Fourth Age.

'Lorien, do you have anything to report on your investigations into how to raise a dragon?'

[Lorien]

Lorien gets up and says, "Indeed I have. My friends, it is very difficult to raise a dragon. Never in known history has it been done before and never by one person alone. But I have succeded in contacting the spirit of Smaug. The problem lies in the fact that since I have never tried raising or capturing the spirit of a dragon it is slow going, so far a crucial step of getting it to take a vague wraith-form hasn't been done yet. But I am confident within the next few days I will get its wraith-form and once that happens I will be able to take control of its spirit. Unfortunately the possession of its spirit might be a bit too much and I would request atleast a few of you who are good at healing to attend the possession for I probably will need some medical help."

[Dain Ironfoot]

I will help in any way possible.

[Lorien]

Lorien says, "Today I shall attempt to enslave the spirit of Smaug. I wish that you all come to the Lake where his body lies." The company slowly made its way towards the lake and then Lorien slowly stepped forward and uttering words in an unknown tongue began to cast a strange powder into the lake. Then he suddenly spoke loudly, "Spirit of Smaug rise forth and speak to me!" There was a roaring sound and a ghostly voice could be heard. What it was saying could not be understood by the others but Lorien smiled and whispered some words to the wind and the sound suddenly became a soft whistling one.
After many hours of speaking on and off to the wind the company seemed to be getting bored and had almost lost interest when out of the lake a shadowy form arose and it seemed to expand into a window which showed the gathered the slaying of Smaug. The images seemed to grow transparent and a giant wraith-like shape took form and there was no mistaking it it was a dragon! Lorien grimaced with exertion and slowly chanting dark words which soon reached to a shouting level the wraith-like spirit came closer towarsds Lorien and a horrible screeching and wailing could be heard as the wraith obviously tried to fight back against its enslavement. Lorien's complexion grew paler and paler till his skin became the color of white porcelain and then with a great sucking of the wind the spirit was wrenched into Lorien's nostrils and slightly opened mouth. Suddenly Lorien's complexion turned from white porcelain to an onyx color and he fell to the ground unconscious.

ooc: Is this alright? Does anyone have anything to say/change?

[chrysophalax]

* Magnus wonders to himself why so great a Necromancer as Lorien would desire to summon the spirit of a weakling such as Smaug? I am the mightiest of the Uruloki still in existence and does he ask for my assistance? No. Hm, very well...I see Snaga is involved in this insidious undertaking as well? Food for thought indeed!*

[Snaga]

Within Lorien's prone figure two spirits were in contest, locked will against will, mind against mind.

For Smaug wrathful and indomitable, fell wurm of Morgoth, was not easily to be subdued. Lorien had collapsed, not merely out of physical exertion, but because in this contest would be a duel in the shadow world, in the grey mists of the wraith-world. And in this battle, his physical form would avail him not.

For it seemed to Lorien that when the he fell the pale waters of Esgaroth were all about him, in silver shimmering world. His feet floated, and before him was very being of Smaug the Golden. Golden and yet not so, monochrome, and a dark flame now curled from his mouth and steamed all about as he glided, wreathed in a pall of malice.

'You call me from my great sleep. Do you think in death my fires are cooled? You must now duel with me in the shadowland... and I know it well. And if I should defeat you, I will claim your body.'

With that Smaug rose effortlessly, and sent an angry blast of black flame towards Lorien.

* * * * * *

Snaga crouched beside Valar's unconscious body. 'He has no pulse!... no wait! Here it is, but it is faint. Someone get me that flask of orc-draught. He's close to death it seems.'

[Lorien]

Lorien had only been sucked into the shadow-world once before and that was when he was in-training under Sauron to become a Necromancer. Lorien thought, 'The spirit of Smaug must be fell indeed.' As Smaug threw at him a challenge Lorien wondered what chance he stood against a dragon, he was no Turin Turambar, but within his heart he knew that if he was to enslave Smaug for his own he would have to duel with him. Lorien silently nodded his assent to Smaug and the dragon burst upon him with all his fury, stored for many years. Lorien spent much of the first half-hour just dodging Smaug's bursts of fire at him.

Then atlast he got a small respite and withdrew the twin swords of Eol. Smaug looking at the swords blanched and Lorien smiled a twisted grin saying, "Yes, these swords are the bane of your kind are they not? They were used before to kill the Great Worm Glaurang and now I shall use them to slay you." For long the battle continued between man and dragon and several times Lorien smote Smaug with his swords but the dragon refused to admit defeat and the battle raged on. After another hour Lorien was at his strengths end from dodging Smaug and he felt like his feet were cemented to the ground.

[Snaga]

Smaug weaved about him and sensing weakness let another burst of red-black fire from his jaws. About Lorien it wreathed and consumed him, and as it did Smaug pounced, bearing down, closer and closer, a terrible onset, coming ever closer, jaws ever wider. And to Lorien, now transfixed in his agony, it seemed that the very image of Smaug closed about him and he was plunged into darkness.

Darkness or was it whiteness?

For he found now that he alone, walking simply across a vast level plain of whiteness beneath a sky of purest blue. And he was totally alone, and he saw his pain as if it were before him in the jewel of a tear, sparkling before him. And he walked.

And he saw he approached a Great Hall, many pillared, darkling, majestic and beautiful. Perfect was its form, and dread was its door, and stairs swept up to carry him within. He found his foot had set up on the lowest step. But Mandos sat before him, upon the top step and he lifted his head and looked upon Lorien and said: 'Thou shalt not pass!'

To the question that had not yet formed in Lorien's mind he replied: 'Many sit within my Hall, doers of dire deeds, oath-breakers, kin-slayers, those who turned unto darkness. But you who have enslaved many souls shall render unto me all those you have consumed, and repent of your dark art. For in your arrogance you have over-reached yourself, and it has betrayed you. Then shall you be sent back. This is your Doom, that or wander the void forever. For only your dark master in Middle Earth can save you from this, and perhaps I know more of what lies in your heart than he, you of Valar-born.'

And Mandos lowered his head again and fell silent.

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

Snaga bent over Lorien's body. There had been no pulse or breath for several minutes, and he could not start his heart.

'I can't do anything for him. He's dead meat now.' Snaga rose shrugging. 'Shall we bury him?'

The others looked despondent.

Then their eyes widened. Snaga turned, and his jaw dropped. For there was Lorien, standing as large as life. But there was something strange in his eyes, a burning malice.

He flexed his arms, and bent his knees. He took a few paces. 'It is good to back! Even in this weakling form.' And he looked about him.

Away in the distance he looked upon the Erebor, the Lonely Mountain. 'Ahhh! Yes! I remember.' he murmured, sibilantly. He turned and bowed to Lord Goroth. 'Well met, dark one. Who are your companions?' And Dengen nodded in reply, for he saw much that passed in the world of shadow, and he was lost in thought.

He looked at Tar-Ancalime, grinning slowly, and Snaga he gave a glance to but then his eyes fell upon Dain. He looked at him for a moment...

'Here is one who I might settle a score or two with!' And he drew the twin swords of Eol. He looked at them for a moment. 'Yessss a delicious irony. Such treasures! For me to slay a dwarf, with a dragons-bane! How pleasing it is to be back.'

And with that he sprang forward, swinging with his left sword, whilst right was readied in defence...

[Tar-Ancalime]

Tar looked and grinned back at lorien,"It is indeed good to see you back lorien," she said

[Lorien]

Meanwhile Lorien who hadn't seen the Halls of Mandos since he was a little child in Valinor was in great awe. He looked sharply at Mandos who would be his Uncle in a way. Mandos' expression suddenly softened and he softly spoke to Lorien, "Why did you become like this boy? Your father wasn't very happy and your mother was heartbroken." Lorien defiantly looked back and said, "That was my choice and my life! You have no right to criticise me!!" Mandos shook his head slowly and he restated the choices Lorien had. Lorien just sat on the lower step and let his mind drift. After several hours Lorien wearily got up and said, "I'll give up the souls and I'll repent. I'm tired of this life. I want you to destroy my possessed body and send me back again." Mandos asked "Are you sure you want to go back? Your family would be glad to see you again I'm sure." Lorien nodded slowly, "There are friends I have in ME and I've grown attached to ME. I will meet with my family before I leave though."

[Snaga]

As Lorien-Smaug leapt towards Dain, his first blow nicked the arm of Dain, and his axe fell from his hand. The other blade swept towards him...

Then it was as though fire consumed Lorien from within. His legs crumbled beneath him, smoke rose from his ears and mouth. Fire raged where his eyes should be. With a scream his form was consumed entirely, and from it rose an ethereal dragon form silver-grey and raging. It eyes glared down, shimmering. And then like a dream, it was gone.

The two blackswords clattered to the ground, a top a pile of ash.

Gonnilclaur stepped forward, and picked up the two swords. 'These I will keep. Something tells me I will need them.'

He looked around at the others, who looked stunned at the fate of Lorien.

'Why do you grieve? He who pits his will and malice against a dragon's spirit must have an iron heart to prevail. In failing, we can only judge him unworthy to be part of this order. We will be stronger without him. Better this happens now, than see him waver in when the fate of us all depends upon him.'

So they departed.

On their journey, Gonnilclaur gave them some other news. 'Let it be known that another of our tasks has gone somewhat better. For we have crossed the races of orcs and olog-hai. And what an achievement: these creatures are over seven feet high, hugely strong, fearless in spirit, but with the cunning and guile of orcs. They are covered with a scaly hide that defeats most blades. And they do not fear sunlight.'
------------------------

Mandos spoke to Lorien. 'It is done. Soon you shall return.'

[Lorien]

Lorien slowly nodded at Mandos' words and then he walked off towards his father's gardens. When Irmo and Rrathinyth saw their son return after ages they joyously embraced him and for a while a family was whole again. Lorien was rather amused to discover that he now had a younger sister who was beautiful to look at and a brother who had an urge to accompany Lorien back to ME. Lorien only smiled at his brother's desire and shook his head saying, "You do not know what you want."
After many hours in Valinor and after re-visiting all the Valar and receiving their full pardon Lorien turned back towards the Halls of Mandos to be returned to ME.

[Ecthelion]

As the group was walking a horse came at them with a dwarf upon it. The dwarf jumped off next to the group. "It looks like this outfit is missing something. All parties have 2 dwarves not 1."

[Snaga]

ooc - if you delete stuff about floating on clouds of mist that would be good!:rolleyes: ;)

[Ecthelion]

OOC: What's wrong with that? I thought Necromancers could do that sort of stuff.

[Snaga]

Well Nain, I think a Necromancers powers are to do with raising the dead, calling fell spirits, that sort of thing. I think you need to learn more from your guild.

But I ask you to consider this: even if a necromancer COULD do such a think, why would you? If you wish to travel, a horse will suffice. To waste your powers on such trivia is beneath one of your guild. The art of good use of magic, is to use it sparingly, and when needed. And when you do use it, make it count.

If you learn that balance, you will find that others will respect you for it.

[Ecthelion]

Yes correct you are. There I edited my post.

[Khamul]

Upon return, Drygo pauses before the assembly. "I have brought before you another scroll. It simply states the art of inserting a combustable substance into specially made arrows, which when lit with fire turn into dangerous weapons.

One must make a hollowed arrow head, and place the substance into the remaining space. The fire which lights it will burn away the wood, but not at a quick enough rate to cause it to explode when it is lit. This should be a welcome addition to the Dark Sciences."

[Snaga]

Gonnilclaur bows to Lord Drygo. 'Excellent work. Truly brilliant. I foresee many uses of this invention.

'I myself have been researching the processes of decay and corrosion. Morgoth's book that Dain retrieved has much to say on the subject. Through its guidance, we have collected many strange and exotic substances on the slopes of Mount Doom. Through processes of trial and error I have blended them into solutions and potions of great intensity, that can burn flesh, cloth, wood or even metal. Others I discovered that can draw the moisture from the skin, drying the flesh until at the last it leaves but a husk, brittle and lifeless. Others still I have found that act merely to enhance and speed up the natural aging processes that may occur, being rusting, rotting or decay.

'Such knowledge is interesting in its own right, but the more so given the means I have devised for the propogation of these fell substances'

[Ecthelion]

Nain walks in carrying the Pyrology and seige craft book. He sets it down and takes a scroll out of his back pocket. He reads to the assembly "Do to the findings in this book I have modified the projectiles of our catapaults. I have found a flammable metal that is packed in a ball with a special powder in the middle. There is a rope connected to the powder which is lit before firing. Upon contact the powder catches a flame exploding, catching flame to the metal which flies in all directions. I hope this will help the Dark Legion especially now."

[Snaga]

What sort of metal does it use, Nain? I have never heard of fire that can rip through metal before. Interesting idea though. Drygo is the leading practioner of pyromancy, so he will need to approve the idea.

[Ecthelion]

"It is simply your everyday metal with a flammable oilwiped on the inside of it. And it just catches the ire doesn't go throught it." Nain turns to Lord Drygo "Drygo, I ask for your approvement."

[Snaga]

I have determined that Morgoth's Spells and Curses should no longer be freely available for borrowing. The knowledge it contains is too sensitive, as it appears to open up a new field of the dark arts to us.

I am studying this further, and I will reveal more in the fullness of time.

[Ecthelion]

Since Snaga had not yet put this book in the library Nain did it. "Here I have a book on Orcish Culture and Ways. I also have a book that was given to the dwarves from the elves on archery soon after the 3rd Age. I am checking it in, it is called How to:Archery by Legolas(yes Legolas wrote and gave it to Gimli and I eventually got it)." Nain starts sticking his nose into both books he just checked in.............

[Ecthelion]

Nain got up and adressed the group "Due to these 2 books, I have found that by making our bows stiffer and firmer will cause the orcs to stand more upright than slouched therefore improving the aiming ability of our orcs."

[Khamul]

Drygo stumbles in, weary from his long work and says, "I have created a form of battlement for the high seas. It follows the same method used by the Numenorians to burn the enemy away."

[Tar-Ancalime]

BOO! hello!

[greypilgrim]

After listening to the nearby conversations about upgraded weaponry, Agar the Black man from Harad reaches into his breastplate and withdraws a small black book. Removing it from it's chain, he opens it and withdraws a few sheets of paper.

On one of these is drawn a recipe for a fire-liquid. Many pictures are drawn on it, hand-weapons and catapult/launching weapons, plus a small round object.
The recipe calls for strong alcohols, strange powders, and different weeds and tree-saps to be cooked and then cooled to certain temperatures. The liquid is very thick (like black jelly)
The resulting jelly-like substance burns long and very hot, and is very easily ignited. It cannot be extingushed by water.
It can be filled into thinly made iron balls, big and small, and ignited with a wick. Once the wick ignites the liquid, it burns so hot that the ball will explode, sending this jelly everywhere. These balls can also be shot like an arrow through a hollow tube, or thin barrel, with the use of a slingshot, which is hand-held like a crossbow. They can also be catapulted over low walls.
Of course, terrible accidents can occur with it's usage in pitched battles, as well.

Agar walks a little ways away from Drygo, and folds the paper into a bird shaped object, and throws it towards him, respectfully. It glides through the air towards him with good aim.
"Drygo, please catch this and consider if it may be of any use to the Circle of the Dark Sciences, thank you." He puts the other two papers back into the book and puts the book away, then stands there looking around the (library?) place.

[greypilgrim]

?:D OK_I think that some wepons should be inspected more, that were listed in here. For use in battles of course!:)

[greypilgrim]

What's going on in here? Where are the weapons being used at? I have used some of the the detailed weapons listed in a previous post. They work ok I guess.
Do we use them in a game or something? I want to combine some of these superior, evilly-constructed weapons (made by other DL members) created here.. and attack! Something.
-->Where can i see these in action???

:confused:
-Agar the Black.

[Snaga]

Snaga enters the library where Agar has been alone for some time in silent study. He slaps him on the back causing him to jump and clasps his hand in greeting.

'My thanks for your contribution. Your recipe for fire-liquid will be of great value. I have been away, and it appears this archive of learning has been somewhat neglected.

If possible I would like to observe a demonstration of this substance, in the field as it were. There is a small walled town in Rhun, more or less deserted now as there was an infestation of some kind. Perhaps if you could create this compound in some quantity and we will catapult it inside, and see what it can do. This should indeed kill the outbreak and cleanse it for repopulation.'

OOC - these weapons, if approved, may be used in the War threads. See the Government Council RP forum.