The Bleeding Eye

The legends of the Mene Usgarard speak much of the founding of the city, by Usgara the Priestess, and her faithful companions. These events are the formative experience of our people.

The city of Usgarard was built in the Emerald Caverns, where in centuries past the Salty River had cut its way down to the Sunless Sea. But we were not alone in coveting those endless halls, where the waters of the deep make constant music.

The Illithids were there before us, but seemed content to allow us to remain. Perhaps they preferred us to other, less predictable neighbours. The Aboleth were there too, but we drained their pools and left them out to dry.

But worst of all was the Demon of the Pit that sought us out once the lakes had dried up. Many spoke of leaving the Emerald Caverns, saying that the creature was too strong for us. But Usgara said "No. Lolth has brought to this place. We will remain here. We will survive!" The faithful companions of Usgara stayed at her side, but the doubters left her and that was their undoing.

The Pit Demon ambushed them as they went, all unprepared. They fought valiantly, but were overwhelmed. Hearing the shouts of battle, Usgara came to their aid and confronted the fiend herself. "I am Usgara of the Emerald Caverns...", she cried, "...and in the name of Lolth, we claim this place for the Spider Queen."

Recognising the greatest of its enemies, the Demon snatched up Usgara and sank its fangs deep into her body. Slowly it began to suck the life out of her. The companions of Usgara saw their own deaths there too, and yet they remembered her words "Lolth has brought to this place. We will remain here. We will survive!". And so they fought.

The warrior attacked; "I am Vannion Silverblade, Paladin of Lolth, and in her name I stike you down", he yelled as he plunged his blade into the side of the monster. It was enough to distract the beast, which looked up and swatted him away. The wizard saw his chance "I am Ammital Moonspinner, By the powers of high magic and the elements, look upon the true face of the void and despair!!". The creature looked up, transfixed by the void. All unseen, the third companion of Usgara had got behind it, and as the demon raised its head he plunged his daggers into its throat. "Deeds, not Words" was his only comment, as it fell at his feet.

Ammital ran to the body of Usgara. "Usgara is dead. What shall become of us?"

Vannion examined her. "No she still lives, but the creature has stolen much of her lifeblood and her pattern. But we can rebuild her. We have the power!".

The third companion, Soriak'h Shadow-walker, checking the bodies of the slain, looked up and said "We can use the blood of these ones. There is still time."

And so Vannion and Soriak'h pick up the first of the corpses of their friends. Vannion asks him "Spirit of the Drushii, you died in the cause of Usgara. Will you give of your lifeblood that she might live". "Yes, I will" is the faint reply. Ammital responds "Then by my ritual power I take your life and your blood and give it to Usgara."

Each one is asked in turn. Most agree. A few do not, and are consigned to the pit with curses. As the lifeblood is taken, Usgara begins to stir. Ammital completes the ritual by saying "Usgara, return to us. Remain with your people".

As the ritual is completed, she rises, her eyes now leaking excess blood. "Look, her eye is bleeding....."

Whether she raves, or speaks the truth remains unclear to her followers. "I have walked the valley of the shadow of death. I have seen HER. She showed me a vision. I have seen BEYOND CHAOS. I know what we must do."

"Lolth has brought to this place. We will remain here. We will survive!".