GS3: The Story of Meyno, Illoke, Khaarne and the Valley

The Story of Meyno, Illoke, Khaarne and the Valley

Many, many years ago there was a tribe of giants who lived in Stone Valley. They were a matriarchal society and worshipped Meyno, and Meyno smiled upon the Valley. It was lush and prospered under her rule, as she was compassionate and generous. Not much is known about Meyno other than that she was said to be the eldest living giantess, although in recent years, no one has seen a sign of her. What is known is that she had twin sons named Khaarne and Illoke. While Khaarne grew to be neutral in his ways, Illoke was filled with hatred and greed. The giant's society was dominated in all aspects by the women of the clan, though their society was unusual for their race. Not more than a few hundred years had passed when a male giant was born to the clan that had the mark of the shaman. He was brought up by the priestesses, but some of the clan were not happy with the matriarchal society and sought to pervert this child to their own ends. To this end, they sought Illoke.

The renegades raised the shaman as their own and when the shaman returned he returned to destroy the clan and Meyno, so that Illoke could claim rulership. The shaman sought out Meyno, but first encountered her loyal Priestess. The shaman and Priestess engaged in such fierce combat it's said to have caused the earth to shift and crack open when Illoke, in his anger, took the shaman's hand in his own power and dealt the killing blow to the Priestess. As the earth shifted and cracked open, it's said that Illoke cast Meyno beneath the surface, forever entombing her beneath what is now known as Meyno's shrine. Lore also has it that the twin mountains of Thanatoph were once one large mountain, rather than split.

The shaman then took the renegades to the mountains. They built an enormous stone fortress between the twin peaks of Thanatoph. From there, the stone giants raided the surrounding lands until a few years ago, when the fortress in the mountains fell silent. While the stone giants still live there, the massive doors to the fortress are closed and no one has been able to open them.

***

How we learned of Stone Valley

Some time ago, the merchant Lord Hortinger stopped by to visit Hearthstone Manor, a weapon in one hand, sharpening stone in the other. He passed some time chatting and socializing with friends, and had mentioned something of great interest to us. Stone Valley. We asked him to tell the story of these lands unknown to us and much to our delight, he brought us into the Hearthstone Pub where we all pulled up chairs to listen to his story. I pulled out my quill and spellbook and transcribed what he had said. He told us of the Valley, and his travels through it with his wife, Mistress Fraillake, during their merchant events. Mistress Fraillake was safely awaiting Hortinger's arrival in a town near the Valley, finishing up some business.

My thoughts turned to the wee kobold shaman that had ventured into Lower Dragonsclaw the day before, where he spoke to many of us. Unfortunately I had arrived late, missing some of what he said. What I had gotten from the small shaman was that he too was from the lands Hortinger spoke of; Thanatoph, south of Glatoph, east of Sentoph. The kobold was in search of provisions for his clan who were apparently dealing with hard times. I speculate that they too are being invaded by the Stone Giants Hortinger spoke of, as it the kobold must've seen a real need to come so far from his homeland to seek out help and provisions.

Since the original story was told by Hortinger, many noteworthy events have come to pass. A large mass of rubble and boulders was discovered off the path towards Glatoph in Danjirland. Massive invasions by creatures such as stone giants and trolls, sentinels, roa'ters and gargoyles have cost our defenders life and limb - though the invaders were aided by a mistakenly cast meteor swarm as it pretty much obliterated those who were left standing.

Lord Hortinger came to our aid a number of times with new information he had gained. We were told that he would take one of each profession to aid him in his quest to make the first expedition between Wehnimer's and Stone Valley, though the eight that will go have yet to be determined. He was to voyage to Solhaven for a special artifact that was to help out with the trailblazing of the rugged pass.

Surprisingly we found aid in an unexpected source amidst the numerous invasions - a non-aggressive sentinel that fogged into the Landing, intent on helping us. He led the adventurers to Lake Eonake where he seemed to show a great interest in the water, as he nodded and shook his head at the questions posed towards him. While sentinel was being questioned, the ominous voice of Illoke ripped down, calling the mortals "soft" and accusing the sentinel of being a servant of Khaarne. Shedding a tear, the sympathetic sentinel traced an odd symbol in the air: a star, a circle, surrounded by a half circle. This angered Illoke very much, and he killed the sentinel in the very spot it stood.

Invasions still raged across Glatoph, Danjirland and Sentoph, when a massive Krolvin attack tore through Hearthstone Manor. The sea dogs killed, maimed and plundered their way through the Manor, then turned tail to their ship and set sail for River's Rest. There, they anchored ship and eventually came across Hortinger. Ambushing Hortinger, the Krolvin held him hostage for some time. Perhaps they only took him because of his tell-tale merchant's garb and bulging money pouch, or their interest in the relic. Some theorize that the Krolvin's are allied with Illoke and were doing his bidding.

Eventually Hortinger was rescued by Lady Morgaine, Lord Mapper and a few others from the Krolvin ship. They brought Hortinger back to the Landing and ventured to Thanatoph, where Hortinger then managed to clear the pass into the Valley. The main Fortress was found to be unbreachable, and the stone creatures quite aggressive.

I came later that day to explore the Valley, where soon enough I stumbled over some vines that captured my attention. After careful inspection I discovered they hid the shrine to Meyno. Parting the vines I went in, the first to step foot there, since Hortinger's last visit long ago. I looked around, and paid my respect to the Goddess. For reasons unknown to me, she spoke, telling me of her sons and her desire to be reunited with "her babies." She weeped so mournfully that I couldn't help but sympathize with her, as there is no greater love than a mother and her children. She gave me a woven silver necklace with the symbol of her family on it; a star, inside a circle, inside a half-circle. She bade me to find her a Priestess to help her reunite her family once again. I knew the job was not for me, as I worship Lord Fash'lo'nae, and promised to do as she asked, though heavy is the responsibility.

Later that evening, Hortinger returned to retell the tale, adding some new information we had not known about. At that time Lady Drexla, feeling a kindred spirit to Meyno, threw down her Eorgina symbol in declaration of her new-found loyalty to Meyno. The symbol was promptly turned silver, changing to that of Meyno's. Amazed and joyous, Drexla then promised to help find the Priestess for Meyno.

Currently, I still seek out the Priestess of Meyno; a giantkin female of the clerical profession who is strong of mind and will, dedicated, yet soft of heart and maternal in ways, though not necessarily a mother. When I see her, I will know; when she sees the symbol I currently wear, she will feel the Call and know as well.

We've theorized quite a few things. The Priestess may be the key to opening the Fortress, with the help of Drexla and other Meyno followers. The symbol represents the family; the star representing Illoke, the 'renegade' of the family; the circle for Khaarne for his neutrality, embracing the star (Khaarne) with his love, yet a product of his mother (the half-circle); and the half-circle for Meyno, cradling or hugging both her children. We've also pondered the alliance of Illoke with other elemental forces, those which have erratic as of late in Glatoph, Sentoph, and all the way to Solhaven.

As with everything, we shall see... Until then, my search continues.

by my hand,
Lady Laranna MacRoy-Raevhaz

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