2000/12 - Bael'Zharon's Defeat

Bael'Zharon's Defeat
See Bael'Zharon's Rampage for video and screenshots of the Hopeslayer's earlier attacks.

Event Summary

 * Later on during The Child of Daralet event, Lord Asheron appeared and summoned two monarchs who previously refused the offer of becoming Dark Masters. Asheron requested the monarchs to help rally fellow players against the Hopeslayer.
 * Following Asheron's meeting with the monarchs, Bael'Zharon appeared in Mayoi with one of his generals Ler Rhan. He then showed up again later on in Cragstone at the Fallen Shadow Spire to challenge the one who had destroyed it.
 * Asheron then reappeared. After a long dialogue with Bael'Zharon, a battle erupted between the two in Cragstone and continued on in the more remote Plateau Village.
 * As the battle continued on, the famous archer Elysa Strathelar appeared to rally her fellow Isparians. While Asheron kept the Hopeslayer occupied, she hinted at a means to defeat Bael'Zharon through seeking the "Skull, the Heart, and the Singularity".
 * Shortly after the appearance of Elysa, another servant of Asheron appeared -- his Chosen. This creature appeared at various locations throughout Dereth with a Missive written by Asheron, explaining how to obtain and assemble a magical artifact that would weaken the Hopeslayer and give access to his lair.
 * After players gathered the artifacts from each of the new dungeons, they were combined and handed to the Chosen. A portal gem was handed back giving access to the Hopeslayer's dungeon.
 * A battle was fought in the lower chamber of the lair between players and Bael'Zharon and his general Black Ferah.
 * When the Hopeslayer was defeated, the mortal remains of his former self--Ilservian Palacost--appeared, along with 6 remnants of the crystals that imprisoned him. There were only 6 per server and could be handed in for unique one time only items (see below).

The Sword of Lost Hope

 * During the next event, Now In This Hush, the Blood of the Hopeslayer started to appear on the remains of Ilservian that were left behind when he was defeated. The blood can be used on the Sword of Lost Light to create the Sword of Lost Hope. See the quest page for more details.

Images
Click image for full size version.

Lore & Dialog
Asheron Meets with the Monarchs to help rally players against the Hopeslayer

Killean's Encounter
 * Asheron tells you, "Are you the Monarch Killean who stands against Bael?"
 * You tell Asheron, "yes I am, but not monarch anymore, under Elder"
 * You tell Asheron, "I will stand against him forever though"
 * Asheron tells you, "It matters not, the time draws near, convince your monarch to be ready."
 * You tell Asheron, "I will"

Fafrhd's Encounter
 * You say, "Perhaps Ben Ten will make an appearance"
 * The Sho Man says, "Maybe, but I would much prefer Mi Krau-Li, no-one knows of him to well, but he matched Ben-Ten in power."
 * The Sho Man says, "Although we are sure he is dead though."
 * Asheron tells you, "Ben Ten acts of her own free will."
 * Asheron tells you, "Ben Ten has only her cause in mind. I would not count on her."
 * Asheron tells you, "The warrior Cragstone is dead...that leaves only Elysa."
 * You say, "I have great faith, milord, in humanity."
 * Asheron tells you, "Elysa would have me believe that also."
 * You say, "Faith is what will carry us, Lord Asheron. We will not falter, whatever the price."
 * Asheron tells you, "Timing is key. Elysa will herald my cause. I will be otherwise occupied with him....."
 * You say, "Then to her we will look for guidance, milord. I have great confidence that the slayer of the Queen will lead us to victory."
 * Asheron tells you, "Indeed! You humans are always so bold.Quite refreshing..."
 * You say, "Humbly, milord. We are stubborn, at best. May your wisdom protect us..."
 * Asheron tells you, "My wisdom will not be what saves these lands. It will need to be the citizens working together for a common cause."
 * You say, "We can, milord, and we will! We tried in vain to keep the last stone intact. We will continue to struggle, milord. "
 * Asheron tells you, "It is good to hear. Are your forces in preparation?"
 * You say, "We stand ready, sir. ON any spot in Dereth we can summon a force. I swear it now!"
 * Asheron tells you, "Not yet...Patience. The time to act will be here soon enough."
 * You say, "As you wish, milord, but I desire nothing more than to sink my ax into the Hopeslayer himself. Vitae be damned, we shall put up a great fight, no matter the odds!"
 * Asheron tells you, "Patience Fafhrd....To tell all know would be letting our enemies know our plan too soon. Your for now is to be ready."
 * You say, "Then we shall prepare, milord, and await. The forces of Dereth are ready to serve."
 * Asheron tells you, "Bael cannot bother me, unless I wish him too...comfort your followers."
 * You say, "I will, milord, as ye have me."
 * The Sho Man says, "Great relief...."
 * Ja'mar al-Karoog says, "I am glad to hear it, sir."
 * Tod Slayersun III says, "Well.. that's a relief.. now what about us?"
 * Tariq Al-Ghazali wipes the perspiration from his brow.
 * Tod Slayersun III removes his basinet, his nervouseness causing sweat to condense on the inside of it.
 * Asheron tells you, "I must retire and prepare. It should be tomorrow, perhaps the next day. You know what to do. "
 * The Sho Man says, "Perhaps we may get a better idea if you spoke to all of us, Asheron."
 * Tod Slayersun III says, "Aye."
 * The Sho Man says, "May I suggest a meeting?"
 * Tod Slayersun III says, "Even those of us who are low initiates of the land..."
 * You say, "Aye, milord, we await and prepare. Many thanks, milord, the honor is great."
 * You kneel low.
 * Asheron tells you, "I mean no insult to your followers. Many years of seclusion has left me a quiet man."
 * Tariq Al-Ghazali kneels low.
 * Tod Slayersun III kneels low.
 * The Sho Man kneels low.
 * Ja'mar al-Karoog smiles.
 * You say, "Tis understood, milord. Welcome back to Dereth, tis the land we cherish"
 * Asheron cast Armor Other VI on you
 * You kneel low.
 * Ja'mar al-Karoog says, "Thank you, Lord Asheron."
 * Fafhrd clears his throat
 * Tariq Al-Ghazali is humbled.
 * Tod Slayersun III says, "Thank you, milord, we shall serve thee well."
 * The Sho Man says, "Yes, we very much appreciate it."
 * Tariq Al-Ghazali says, "Should we keep quiet of this for now?"
 * Tod Slayersun III says, "Aye, I believe we should."
 * You say, "Bah, nay, it should be trumpteted to every town"
 * You say, "Asheron has returned, prepare for battle!"

Bael'Zharon and Asheron Meet
 * Bael'Zharon says, "Is any here fool enough to face me in combat? Come. You shall feel my wrath boil the flesh from your bones."
 * Asheron says, "Ilservian."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "That man is dead! Do not call me by his name!"
 * Asheron says, "It is your name, Master Palacost"
 * Bael'Zharon says, "Your mother isn't here to protect you this time."
 * Asheron says, "No . . . She sleeps among the Light, thanks to you."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "I ripped your father's heart from his chest still beating. I sank my teeth into it and felt his living blood run over my tongue."
 * Asheron says, "Yes. You have taken my family from me . . ."
 * Asheron says, "Bael'Zharon . . . I am sorry for what my people did to you."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "Be silent, boy."
 * Asheron says, ". . . and I am sorry that your children starved because of us. That you lost YOUR family because of my ancestors."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "SILENCE!"
 * Asheron says, "Ilservian, we are the same man. I live with regret for my loss, and you with rage."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "You know nothing of my loss!"
 * Asheron says, "Stand back citizens!"

'''A battle erupts between Bael and Asheron in Cragstone and continues on in Plateau Village. '''
 * Bael'Zharon says, "You weaken, boy. Should you not scurry back to your ivory tower?"
 * Asheron says, "You cannot defeat me, Ilservian."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "Amazing these outlander dogs still support you. Did you not use them as fodder against the Olthoi?"
 * Asheron says, "The outlanders you spit on are stronger than you think. I have seen them accomplish great things."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "Tell me, young one . . . How is the lady Elysa? All that time you've spent alone together . . . Surely you've come to know each other well. Perhaps you should introduce us."
 * Asheron says, "I found a way to imprison you once. You may be again."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "How is young Boraelian? I believe Ler Rhan should like to meet him."
 * Asheron says, "I am not alone in opposing you. You have many enemies."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "I see the same fear in your eyes I saw in your father's."
 * Asheron says, "Why do you hate so, Ilservian? You had your revenge upon those who hurt you. Set your fury down."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "The years may wear long on you, boy, but you are mortal yet. Remember I am not."
 * Asheron says, "Ilservian, listen to me."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "How does it feel to have been the death of your mother?"
 * Asheron says, "Ilservian, the Nameless is using you."
 * Bael'Zharon says, "The Kemeroi still speak to me, you know. Jhirvall's gifts pulse in me."
 * Asheron says, "Ilservian, it cares not for your loss. It wants to be freed. It wants to devour. Your pain means nothing to it. It's using you as a weapon. Can't you see?"
 * Bael'Zharon says, "I AM NOT ILSERVIAN! He is dead! I am more than that little man could have ever been! Had I been in Daralet, his children should not have died! All Yalain would have paid for their greed and gluttony!"

The famous archer Elysa Strathelar appears to rally her fellow Isparians.
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "Come sit..."
 * You bow deeply.
 * You say, "Elysa, I am honored to meet one of such fame"
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "Fellow Isparian, the Hopeslayer walks this land once more. Your people are in peril. Who is the strongest monarch you know of? "
 * You say, "Mythrandia, is by far the most capable monarch I know"
 * You say, "able to organize great armies "
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "Does this monarch hold fast with the light, or has this monarch fallen to the blandishments of the dark ones? "
 * You say, "LOL, this monarch is as unpredictable as the wind :-)"
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "The Hopeslayer is vulnerable. Gather strong and trustworthy comrades. Soon Asheron will lend you his aid and open up the paths that you must travel to defeat our great enemy."
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "No one person is able to defeat the Hopeslayer, but working together, the sons and daughters of Ispar can overcome his power."
 * You say, "That heartens me :-)"
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "You will need to work with others to challenge the Hopeslayer. Asheron requests the aid of all the citizens of Dereth, not just its mightiest heroes. "
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "Find the pathways Asheron will open in the Obsidian Plains, the north mountains, and in the desert... Seek the Skull, the Heart, and the Singularity." lifter has logged off.
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "Do you understand?"
 * You say, "He is a great scourge upon the land and it is heartning to know there is hope "
 * You say, "yes I understand"
 * You say, "I stand ready and pledge all that I can offer to your cause"
 * +Elysa Strathelar says, "Good. I must return you now, I have many people to speak to."
 * +Elysa Strathelar has teleported you.
 * You say, "Thank you"

Shortly after Elysa vanishes, the Chosen of Asheron appears
 * Chosen of Asheron tells you, "Greetings, Isparian. My lord Asheron requests the cooperation of your people. Take this."
 * Chosen of Asheron gives you Asheron's Missive.
 * Chosen of Asheron tells you, "Assemble the artifacts and bring them to me, so that with my lord's help you may challenge and strike down the Hopeslayer."

Bael'Zharon is defeated by players in his lair
 * An adventurer has struck Bael'Zharon a mortal blow! The Hopeslayer, already weakened by the magic of Asheron, is driven from this plane of existence. As he retreats, his voice rends the air across Dereth, "Puppets of the Yalain! You have defeated me here, with the collusion of a great collection of rabble. But you will never rid the world of my power, and my minions will carry on the war without me! As for you, Dule! Base traitor! I sense your art in this artifact assembled by the last Yalain. Thee and thine are banished from Our sight for all time, and ye shall be hunted until the stars fall from their course! Marked are thee!" The Hopeslayer descends, shrieking, into Darkness.