Theater of Blood
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[edit] General
Home of Ayonae Ro, the Plane of Music was created by Druzzil Ro as an extension of the Plane of Magic. In the EverQuest timeline, the Plane of Music was transformed into the Theater of Blood after Mayong Mistmoore was deified with his defeat in the Demi-Plane of Blood.
The Theater of Blood figures prominently into the Prophecy of Ro Progression in that it's the only zone in which a raid mob must be killed to be pushed into Deathknell. The Theater of Blood is also considered the cornerstone of progression within the expansion; many mid-level raiding guilds require Theater of Blood access. After gaining entry to the Theater of Blood, Deathknell is only a few steps away; a single-group mission and three raid mobs.
Each of the six raid mobs in the zone drops three flag pieces allowing the bearer to enter Deathknell. In addition to the flag pieces (Inspirations) each raid mob will drop one item from it's loot table and has a 50% chance of dropping a Last Blood.
[edit] Gaining Access
To gain access to the Theater of Blood, players must complete several single-group missions; it should be noted that these missions can be done out of order. First, three missions that take place within Skylance, offered by Ao the Fourth Born in Arcstone, must be completed; Skylance: The Library, Skylance: The Oubliette, and Skylance: The Laboratory. After completing these, players will receive a Tarnished Chime. This chime will eventually become the object whereby players can teleport into the Theater of Blood.
Next, a mission offered by Oathmir the Outcast in The Devastation must be completed, Samples of Corruption. While players only technically need Samples of Corruption for Theater of Blood entry, the three previous missions (Saga Skins, Preparing Your New Skins, and Become the Vessel) must be completed in order to request Samples of Corruption. And, although a group can simply have another player request the Samples of Corruption mission for them, the Become the Vessel mission arc is a requirement for access to Deathknell.
After completing the long and grueling mission that is Samples of Corruption, players must complete three missions offered by Tak`Valnakor in North Ro; The Key to the Past, The Burning Prince, and Message from the Past. These missions take place partially in The Root of Ro and partially in the Ruins of Takish-Hiz. Upon completion of all seven of these missions, players can do some running around and speak to Arch Mage Galsin, near the zone-in from Freeport in Arcstone to eventually receive their Twisted Harmonic Chime. The right-click effect on this item, called Harmonic Dissonance, will teleport players to the Theater of Blood; players also receive this ability as an AA. Harmonic Dissonance has a 15-minute cooldown time.
[edit] Notable NPCs
[edit] Quest/Lore
[edit] Group
- The Festering
[edit] Raid
- Valik the Cruel
- Gnarlibramble
- Anastasia the Thought Drinker
- Vasella Fireblood
- Maestro Tan`lor
- Mad MaryAnne
[edit] Lore
The following is taken from flavor text given by Eodue the Pure
In this blessed place it would sometimes come to pass that the echoes of music from the mortal realm would be heard. If that music is pure enough, and its creator wise enough, it will sometimes take on physical form and reside here with us. Eodue the Pure was created by the immortal notes of Selo himself and is the eldest of the Muses. Her six companions were inspired by Jonthan, Tuyen, Rizlona, Denon, Cassindra and Ervaj. Alas, all save Eodue, have fallen to the curse that lives now in this place. (Eodue darts around very quickly as Selo was known for run speed changing songs).
Yadanu was formed from the pure essence of Jonthan's music. Yadanu could use his pure clean voice to strengthen and empower those around him. Now he is twisted and evil and has taken the name Valik the Cruel. In his selfishness he has turned his focus inward and seeks only to empower himself. (Jonthan's compositions were self only "super-buffs").
Aedai was the pure manifestation of Tuyen's genius. Tuyen was skilled at weaving together the elements and Aedai was no different. Since the coming of the curse, however, she has slipped into madness. Mad MaryAnne is her name now and she twists and flings the elements of this world about in fits of rage. (Tuyen's compositions were elemental damage over time chants).
Raelo sprang from the mind and heart of Denon. If Raelo had a fault it was too much pride, and that pride has mastered him now. He calls himself Maestro Tan`lor and he holds command performances where he forces the benighted denizens of this plane to sit stupefied for hours while he pontificates in the theater. (Denon was most known for his AE Damage and AE Damage Over Time songs)
Sialaen was constructed from the very thought-stuffs of Rizlona's magical music. Some say that Rizlona's songs could light the world afire and Sialaen surely tried! Despite her fiery nature she was beloved by all. Now that the curse has corrupted her she goes by the name Vasella Fireblood. (Songs by Rizlona are mostly known for granting overhaste. She currently resides in the Tower of Solusek Ro).
Hiarith was the inspired creation formed by Cassindra's music. Under the influence of the curse that rests in this place he no longer radiates peace and healing. Instead he sucks the very mind and soul from those around him. Gnarlibramble is his name and he sulks in the woods of this plane. Beware his prickly nature! (Cassindra composed melodies that are most known for regenerating hit points and mana).
Aelly was more beautiful than you can possibly imagine in your wildest mortal dreams, and was born from the soul of Ervaj. Now she is twisted and cruel, all thanks to this inscrutable curse and its dark master. She is renamed Anastasia the Thought Drinker. Fear her insidious ability to turn your power against you and steal the essence of your soul. (Ervaj was known mostly for his mana draining songs).
Eodue the Pure says 'A dark presence has stolen into this realm and now holds sway. I cannot pierce the darkness that clouds my mind enough to find his name. But perhaps together we can find the source of this calamity.'
Eodue the Pure says 'It would take great power to subvert one such as myself or my fellows. Such power would leave traces that could reveal secrets. As painful as it is to say the only hope we have of discovering the source of this scourge is to examine the corrupted essence of one of my fallen brethren. Free them from their torment and return their inspiration to me and we will together unlock this sad mystery.'
Upon turning in an inspiration to Eodue...
Eodue the Pure says 'Alas its is far worse than I feared! A new Dark lord is rising, The Eater of Souls is on the move. Gather your strength and return to the highest point in this realm, past the Bridge of Sorrow that Mad Mary Anne now haunts. There you may gain entrance to the abode of this dark force there. For all our sakes i wish you well.'
