This was certaintly not going to be easy, nor safe. But the heroes knew the risks, and were either ready for a fight because it was righteous, or for the promise of wealth and glory. To make a long story short, they succeeded in overtaking the dwarven mine, through very solid planning and some smart uses of the "hold portal" spell.
As good as they felt afterwards, our heroes found that the orcs weren't acting on their own accord--something was pressing them to attack different areas around the world. Other heroes from around the world began to find out the same thing. Heroes began establishing communications with other heroes, and soon an unofficial legion of heroes came about to work against the rising evil in the East--Adrianos.
Adrianos wasn't always evil. In fact, when he took over Kingship of Narvisa (in the East) his only fault was his curiosity. And that didn't bode will for the ancestral oath that stated never to use a certain sword.
The sword, of course, consumed Adrianos as soon as he used it, and Adrianos began to create an army of evil, to take over the world. At first he did it quietly, under the guise he still meant good. But some saw through that. He quickly began to show his power, and take over the surrounding lands. Then, he set his gaze to the west.
Our heroes figured out Adrianos' intentions. They knew they had to do something. So they took on one of the most difficult challenges of all--the Wizards Keep.
There they adventured for over a month to recover carts and carts of dangerous magical items. And all of them, were for use against Adrianos.
Adrianos first went towards Sonar--the trade center of the world. Good clashed against evil, and each side brought all they had, for the outcome of this battle would determine the probable fate of the rest of the world. A great many heroes died in this battle, and the Ten Mages made their final stand at Sonar. But Adrianos and his forces of evil barely faltered as they careened over Sonar.
Adrianos next set his sites on Agar, the kindgdom to the North. Everyone knew that Agar didn't stand a chance, for Dalsona was where the real defense stood. But our heroes didn't back down a bit. They went to help in Agar as well. But it was all for naught, for Adrianos' undead were able to overcome the walls and destroy the city. The druids made their final stand here, but it wasn't enough. Adrianos now had one thing in his way from total domination--Dalsona.
Dalsona had been readying for war the better part of the year when Adrianos attacked. Dalsona looked as if they would be able to hold off the opposing armies, with the heroes help, until the tides turned. Adrianos and his dark sword decided to show up and participate in battle.
The story sure looked dark as heroes fell left and right. They couldn't touch Adrianos. Paladins and clerics did their best, but Adrianos still created mass carnage. But Dalsona unknowingly had a trick up its sleeve--more heroes. The heroes that had not yet committed to the cause against Adrianos showed up, and turned the tides yet again.
Adrianos was finally defeated, and the sword was destroyed, among many other magical items, good and evil alike. The forces of evil scattered throughout the world.
Because there weren't as many magical items left, there was a great explosion and earthquake, as magic tried to reset itself in the world. Now magic is rare, and very very powerful. Arid the Strong and Milo were the only two heroes to survive the "reshaping," and live to see the beginning of the Second Age....
Complete