Malkar’s Words

Cy 4822 – 8^th day of Maruk – the Mountain of Menengor

As Malkar the White lifts the broken body of Aliandir from the battlefield he stops to speak to Valadain, the dread priest, before he departs.

“You fought well, my priest, you displayed courage in the face of a dreadful enemy and should be proud of the achievement here. Know that my thoughts are with you in the darkness. Since our first meeting in the valley of your father we have come far – though our paths were circuitous we eventually came together in the face of the demon. I believe Nature set us on that path when I cradled you in my arms and wept for victims of your father…and now it seems Her work is done.

“Many of my high priests, bishops and paladins are stirring. They have witnessed your ascension with great interest and – as is the nature of such men – the political tensions are causing division amongst them. The thought of my worshippers fragmenting themselves into cults is not one I will tolerate so to that end I intend to put a stop to it this day. Many call for your ascension to archpriest but I have no desire to stifle your development in this way.

“The role of archpriest is a political one. Though there is a place for politics on Grayhawk I do not wish to set you on that path…rather I have another role for you. The days to come will bring turmoil on Grayhawk – the arrival of the Dragons will cause terror and uncertainty. If truth were known I know not what the outcome of such turmoil will be.

“To that end I have decided to end your involvement in the priesthood. From this day you will not be known by any clerical name…you will be known as Disciple. Every priest on Grayhawk will know it…The Disciple of Malkar. My emissary in these troubled times and a voice for ordinary folk amongst Grayhawkians. The grief of Willowstar must take precedence, Valadain – I will take my leave but we will speak again…soon.”

DM: Hugh – the mechanics are thus: you will now rise to whatever level your experience point haul suggests (33^rd?) and will gain all spells / hit points / augmentations equivalent to that level.

Whilst you are not technically a priest you can still use all the powers / abilities of the priesthood (including turning undead) however you cannot build a temple. Whilst this seems unfair you can still use the theoportation between altars and will learn why when Malkar speaks further.