The war against Ma’nakhtuf is in its final stages and now is the winter of his discontent.  Rumors have spread all throughout Ihkten that the great Necromancer King has bent knee to his aggressors and his armies are in turmoil because of it.  Many continue to fight in his name, believing that their King’s mind has been magically altered or that he is in hiding for the moment, biding his time to strike back and a doppelganger has been created to take his place.  Because of this –or maybe in spite of this– his great armies of undead and Mamluks, now free from Ma’nakhtuf’s control are scattering in the wind, free to do as they please.  While many are shedding the tabard of their former King and settling down, others are becoming a menace upon Ihkten with no force organized well enough to stop them.  Throughout all of this, the people are crying for leadership with many whispers and prayers for Ma’nakhtufs safe return to his throne so this chaos can end.

In the confusion that was the siege of Heiratis –the downfall of Ma’nakhtuf– strange things were brewing in its harbor.  A mist came forth in the dead of night that grew into a solid fog.  Then as if it had a will and a purpose it spread inland and seemed to search the town house by house, building by building.  This event went on for nearly an hour and then all at once, it ceased.  In the morning light it was discovered that the flaghip, “The Kraken” was no longer on its supports in dry-dock.  No water had entered and allowed it to leave the harbor; it is as if the ship just vanished with the fog.

Now reports have been spreading all throughout Ihkten that in the small town of Mirror Bay, on the north western coast of this sandy nation, the Kraken has reappeared anchored in deep water and no one living or dead apparently on board.  It’s said that for a week the locals looked out upon this ship, fearful of what its appearance meant and too afraid to try and board it.  It loomed menacingly at them, and even as reports of his defeat were beginning to reach them to posed as a constant reminder of Ma’nakhtuf and the reach of his power.  Then on the winters evening of December 10th, when the bay was calm as glass, an explosion rocked the harbor and pieces of the Kraken were sent flying high into the air.  The ship or what was left of it in any case quickly sank.  Yet pieces of its hull and boxes of goods have been washing ashore ever since and the locals have been combing the desert for treasure every day and night since.  Reports of chests full of solarum, and expensive artifacts being found out in the desert have created a boom for the town and travelers have been steadily coming into the city ever since.

The small city of Mirror Bay is ill equipped to handle so many treasure hunters and foreigners.  It was founded some fifty years ago by the crew of a Verrakan galley destined for Culberon that was marooned here.  The crew settled down and took wives from the locals and slowly the city grew.  Mirror Bay and its inhabitants have strong roots in both Verrakas and Ihkten culture and until now have only been a footnote in either’s history.  With the influx of residents and money, coupled with its magnificent harbor and natural setting its growth and stability could be a shining example of what is possible in the ever changing land of Ihkten now that Ma’nakhtuf is no more.

OOC - note from Charles Hensley

As players, you will be gathering on the edge of town at a theater named, “The Red Ladies Rest” or simply the “Red Lady”.  It is owned and operated by the town’s headman Crisano Marcuore and he is keeping a close eye on all these would be treasure hunters, namely you.

Location: The game is going to take place on Saturday January 9th, at Huntington Beach Central Parks Amphitheater. The game will start at 11am and will end around 7pm.

Since I am just guest hosting the Janurary game of DK, if you are interested in NPC’ing or are a first time player, please contact either myself at declangrey@gmail.com or jessheinig@gmail.com, in addition you could post on the forum so we can make sure everything is arranged!  Happy Holidays and see ya in January!

Location Details

Huntington Beach Central Park

Address:    7111 Talbert Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1296 (map)

Phone:       (714) 536-5486

Huntington Central Park is the largest city-owned park in Orange County covering over 350 acres of land. This peaceful setting of open grass fields and extensive tree and flower plantings is used for various activities such as picnics, biking, playing, and strolling along the paved paths enjoying the serene atmosphere.