Blyss watches as Victoria and Inessa follow the cranes until they're out of sight, then turns back towards the remainder of the group, saying "Formalities and titles are over with for now, you have a few hours before the banquet to explore the complex. I could give you a tour, but I'm rather busy with real work. So I leave my scribe with you and trust that you will listen and follow him." without waiting for a response Blyss walks off, and Furous takes a few steps in pursuit before seemingly remembering that he's meant to guide you and rushes back to you. clearing his throat he asks in a timid voice, "is there anything in particular you'd be interested in?"
The Crane Inessa follows leads her South, towards the entrance to a small tunnel. The tunnel is well lit by bright torches all down the space, but has the musty smell of underground, and the stone walls are slick with a substance you'd rather not know the origin of. The crane still clearly visible continues down the path as you pass by grim murals on the walls, not stopping long enough to take a close look for fear of losing the crane. Suddenly your shadowy guide disappears through a rather large black wood door, leaving you alone with Equinox. Burned into the dark wood is a sigil, and the handle is a dark and cold obsidian.
The Crane Victoria follows leads her to the central building of the complex, the largest of the towers reaches skywards, jutting up from what could be a small castle. High stone walls offer the rounded base protection from any that might to attack the place. Many colors swirl around the outline of the small palace, making you feel dizzy as you look upwards at it. Th crane passes through the double doors which unlock and swing inwards as you approach, losing you no momentum. Your guide veers down beautiful corridors lit with glass lanterns and made of polished wood, tapestries hanging all over. bursting into a door to your left the crane disappears and you find yourself in the middle of a warmly lit room, illuminated by the roaring fire on the opposite wall. A figure leans on the mantel, a warm glow accompanying the faint saint of tobacco emanates from the pipe between their teeth as they read from a book resting open on one hand. "take a seat," they say simply, their voice warm and welcoming,with a disarming and friendly smile, gesturing towards one of the velvet chairs arranged about the cozy room.
The man laughs, and clear resounding laugh with no bitterness or mockery, and smiles down at you. Speaking in a strong voice, he asks "Do you truly not remember me old friend? I suppose not, your last reincarnation was many years ago, allow me to refresh your memory" With this he blows in your face and a vision of a past life, witnessed as though in trance, floods your memory, a memory of the man standing before you, his eyes looking younger and his stance full of a youthful mirth not seen in the present. fond memories of camaraderie and fighting side by side fill most of the vision, along with victorious celebrations. As the visions fade a single name comes to mind; Aureon, Lord of Silver, Dragon of The Chamber in The Third, Master of Northwynd. "It's good to see you again Yualthian. We have much to discuss. Come this way," and with that he turns and walks towards one of the many buildings, not looking back to see if you follow.
Yualthian was dumbfounded by what he saw, it was his first peek into his ancestor memories, an honor usually reserved for the Keepers. "O..of course"he said as he picked up pace with Damydaro in tow, following closely behind Aureon. He now felt a kinship to this man, which was odd as he'd never met him, but felt like he knew him for a generation and his tone reflected that, "Why am I here Aureon, is there something you need my help with?"
The man shakes his head solemnly, his face downcast, "Oh my friend, it is not just me that needs your help, but your world. Gold, the one that truly summoned you here, has forbidden me from telling you anything of consequence. But how I wish I could my dear friend, all will be revealed soon. Come, we will talk more in my study" he says as he leads you forth.
The Crane Inessa follows leads her South, towards the entrance to a small tunnel. The tunnel is well lit by bright torches all down the space, but has the musty smell of underground, and the stone walls are slick with a substance you'd rather not know the origin of. The crane still clearly visible continues down the path as you pass by grim murals on the walls, not stopping long enough to take a close look for fear of losing the crane. Suddenly your shadowy guide disappears through a rather large black wood door, leaving you alone with Equinox. Burned into the dark wood is a sigil, and the handle is a dark and cold obsidian.
Inessa casts a weary look down the length of the tunnel she had just walked through, eyes sweeping the area uncertainly before reaching out a shaky hand to touch the sigil burned into the wood of the door.
"Equinox?" She whispers, her voice seemingly magnified by the musty and cramped space.
A soft puff of air brushes against her cheek as the space beside her is suddenly occupied by the hulking form of her dearest shadow companion. The golden eyes of the wolf glowed dimly in the darkness that had suddenly surrounded the two as he had appeared. Inessa's hand finds its way into the fur of his neck, fingers clamping down slightly in the ghostly warmth he provided.
"Let's hope we're not being led on..." She murmurs quietly, hand hovering just above the cold obsidian handle of the door. With one final inhale, comforted slightly by the presence of her wolf, she pressed down and pushed the door open.
The Crane Inessa follows leads her South, towards the entrance to a small tunnel. The tunnel is well lit by bright torches all down the space, but has the musty smell of underground, and the stone walls are slick with a substance you'd rather not know the origin of. The crane still clearly visible continues down the path as you pass by grim murals on the walls, not stopping long enough to take a close look for fear of losing the crane. Suddenly your shadowy guide disappears through a rather large black wood door, leaving you alone with Equinox. Burned into the dark wood is a sigil, and the handle is a dark and cold obsidian.
Inessa casts a weary look down the length of the tunnel she had just walked through, eyes sweeping the area uncertainly before reaching out a shaky hand to touch the sigil burned into the wood of the door.
"Equinox?" She whispers, her voice seemingly magnified by the musty and cramped space.
A soft puff of air brushes against her cheek as the space beside her is suddenly occupied by the hulking form of her dearest shadow companion. The golden eyes of the wolf glowed dimly in the darkness that had suddenly surrounded the two as he had appeared. Inessa's hand finds its way into the fur of his neck, fingers clamping down slightly in the ghostly warmth he provided.
"Let's hope we're not being led on..." She murmurs quietly, hand hovering just above the cold obsidian handle of the door. With one final inhale, comforted slightly by the presence of her wolf, she pressed down and pushed the door open.
The remaining light vanishes, leaving you in a room darker than the darkest night, like the space between the stars. You can feel the openness of the room and the seemingly infinite darkness begins to creep in on your senses, like a crushing weight you can't seem to catch your breath, until a clear calm voice speaks out through the gloom "Breathe"
The weight lifts and you can breathe easier, the air entering your lungs feeling warmer than the cold air your breath fogs. You then realize you can see your breath fogging the air, and a figure slightly less dark than the environ around you. The figure appears to be smiling, but it's hard to tell through the black that separates you.
The remaining light vanishes, leaving you in a room darker than the darkest night, like the space between the stars. You can feel the openness of the room and the seemingly infinite darkness begins to creep in on your senses, like a crushing weight you can't seem to catch your breath, until a clear calm voice speaks out through the gloom "Breathe"
The weight lifts and you can breathe easier, the air entering your lungs feeling warmer than the cold air your breath fogs. You then realize you can see your breath fogging the air, and a figure slightly less dark than the environ around you. The figure appears to be smiling, but it's hard to tell through the black that separates you.
Blinking rapidly in the darkness of the room, Inessa staggers slightly forward, eyes darting around the space for the source of the voice. Her gaze catches the figure before her, enshrouded in the comforts of the shadows; almost like a mirror of what Inessa is sure she sometimes appears as herself.
Still catching her breath, Inessa rasps out, "Who are you?"
Each word feels just barely grated out, yet her voice echoes all the same.
...The Crane Victoria follows leads her to the central building of the complex, the largest of the towers reaches skywards, jutting up from what could be a small castle. High stone walls offer the rounded base protection from any that might to attack the place. Many colors swirl around the outline of the small palace, making you feel dizzy as you look upwards at it. Th crane passes through the double doors which unlock and swing inwards as you approach, losing you no momentum. Your guide veers down beautiful corridors lit with glass lanterns and made of polished wood, tapestries hanging all over. bursting into a door to your left the crane disappears and you find yourself in the middle of a warmly lit room, illuminated by the roaring fire on the opposite wall. A figure leans on the mantel, a warm glow accompanying the faint saint of tobacco emanates from the pipe between their teeth as they read from a book resting open on one hand. "take a seat," they say simply, their voice warm and welcoming,with a disarming and friendly smile, gesturing towards one of the velvet chairs arranged about the cozy room.
Mostly convinced that their host wouldn't go to the trouble of an ambush here, when they could have lined the entire route with arrowslots or worse, Victoria sits in the indicated chair. She folds her hands in her lap and sees if this guy spurs any memories.
The remaining light vanishes, leaving you in a room darker than the darkest night, like the space between the stars. You can feel the openness of the room and the seemingly infinite darkness begins to creep in on your senses, like a crushing weight you can't seem to catch your breath, until a clear calm voice speaks out through the gloom "Breathe"
The weight lifts and you can breathe easier, the air entering your lungs feeling warmer than the cold air your breath fogs. You then realize you can see your breath fogging the air, and a figure slightly less dark than the environ around you. The figure appears to be smiling, but it's hard to tell through the black that separates you.
Blinking rapidly in the darkness of the room, Inessa staggers slightly forward, eyes darting around the space for the source of the voice. Her gaze catches the figure before her, enshrouded in the comforts of the shadows; almost like a mirror of what Inessa is sure she sometimes appears as herself.
Still catching her breath, Inessa rasps out, "Who are you?"
Each word feels just barely grated out, yet her voice echoes all the same.
"Wrong question" the figure says, their voice echoing throughout the room, yet the volume barely above a whisper.
...The Crane Victoria follows leads her to the central building of the complex, the largest of the towers reaches skywards, jutting up from what could be a small castle. High stone walls offer the rounded base protection from any that might to attack the place. Many colors swirl around the outline of the small palace, making you feel dizzy as you look upwards at it. Th crane passes through the double doors which unlock and swing inwards as you approach, losing you no momentum. Your guide veers down beautiful corridors lit with glass lanterns and made of polished wood, tapestries hanging all over. bursting into a door to your left the crane disappears and you find yourself in the middle of a warmly lit room, illuminated by the roaring fire on the opposite wall. A figure leans on the mantel, a warm glow accompanying the faint saint of tobacco emanates from the pipe between their teeth as they read from a book resting open on one hand. "take a seat," they say simply, their voice warm and welcoming,with a disarming and friendly smile, gesturing towards one of the velvet chairs arranged about the cozy room.
Mostly convinced that their host wouldn't go to the trouble of an ambush here, when they could have lined the entire route with arrowslots or worse, Victoria sits in the indicated chair. She folds her hands in her lap and sees if this guy spurs any memories.
If not, she says "Well?" and waits for a reply.
If so, she reacts accordingly.
The figure snaps their book shut and replies, "A shaft, dug into the ground in an attempt to obtain a valuable substance such as water or oil, but I imagine that's not what you meant," they say, a smile playing on their lips. Sweeping back their short dark hair they turn fully towards you and examine you with forest green eyes, seemingly caught in a wildfire the way their eyes reflected the flames. "No I imagine you wish to know who you are, or were rather. Unfortunately I'm not the one that can answer that and you might not like the guy that can, considering how he's the one that's experimented on you so horribly,"
The corners of her lips almost smile at the pun. "I've learned to appreciate deadpan humor."
"And I'd be relieved if I were the only one experimented on. Given that my scars could be interpreted as a patchwork of women of identical height & build, as easily as one person cut apart and put back together. Is he here?"
"Wrong question" the figure says, their voice echoing throughout the room, yet the volume barely above a whisper.
Gritting her teeth, Inessa takes another cautious step forward; trying her best to will away the shadows surrounding them.
"Fine. What are you then?" She shuffles over slightly, allowing Equinox to step up beside her; growling at the figure in the vast space of black. "And why have I been called here?"
The corners of her lips almost smile at the pun. "I've learned to appreciate deadpan humor."
"And I'd be relieved if I were the only one experimented on. Given that my scars could be interpreted as a patchwork of women of identical height & build, as easily as one person cut apart and put back together. Is he here?"
"... well at least you're not stupid. And I wish I could offer some comfort that you were his only subject. Unfortunately he was one of Karrnath's leading experts in the subject of Necromancy. As far as him being here, well, yes. But also no. Someone who dives so deeps into energies such as he had never truly 'dies' per se but the spirit does require some... amplification... Would you like to meet him? The real him? A shred of his soul?
"Wrong question" the figure says, their voice echoing throughout the room, yet the volume barely above a whisper.
Gritting her teeth, Inessa takes another cautious step forward; trying her best to will away the shadows surrounding them.
"Fine. What are you then?" She shuffles over slightly, allowing Equinox to step up beside her; growling at the figure in the vast space of black. "And why have I been called here?"
(Make an Arcana check for me)
"Still the wrong questions," his, definitely a him voice, sounds almost taunting now, he seems to be enjoying toying with you
"Liv-", Victoria starts, then pauses. "Existing like this, is like walking through a fog while others walk clear paths. So I'm slow. But I get there. Thank Vol that I've retained a vocabulary."
As she speaks, you notice the brief pauses, as if to gather her thoughts.
"I wouldn't say "like" to meet him. But to find who I was. It seems I must. Is it the same one who called me his "wife"? Or was that just a lackey?"
The man laughs, and clear resounding laugh with no bitterness or mockery, and smiles down at you. Speaking in a strong voice, he asks "Do you truly not remember me old friend? I suppose not, your last reincarnation was many years ago, allow me to refresh your memory" With this he blows in your face and a vision of a past life, witnessed as though in trance, floods your memory, a memory of the man standing before you, his eyes looking younger and his stance full of a youthful mirth not seen in the present. fond memories of camaraderie and fighting side by side fill most of the vision, along with victorious celebrations. As the visions fade a single name comes to mind; Aureon, Lord of Silver, Dragon of The Chamber in The Third, Master of Northwynd. "It's good to see you again Yualthian. We have much to discuss. Come this way," and with that he turns and walks towards one of the many buildings, not looking back to see if you follow.
Yualthian was dumbfounded by what he saw, it was his first peek into his ancestor memories, an honor usually reserved for the Keepers. "O..of course"he said as he picked up pace with Damydaro in tow, following closely behind Aureon. He now felt a kinship to this man, which was odd as he'd never met him, but felt like he knew him for a generation and his tone reflected that, "Why am I here Aureon, is there something you need my help with?"
The man shakes his head solemnly, his face downcast, "Oh my friend, it is not just me that needs your help, but your world. Gold, the one that truly summoned you here, has forbidden me from telling you anything of consequence. But how I wish I could my dear friend, all will be revealed soon. Come, we will talk more in my study" he says as he leads you forth.
Yualthian followed closely, listening to every word, he couldn't believe that somehow he'd be able to help with something that threatened the entire world. There had to be some mistake, still, he was intrigued. "Of course"he said, way to late for a proper response to the request, but his mind was swirling with new questions.
Blyss watches as Victoria and Inessa follow the cranes until they're out of sight, then turns back towards the remainder of the group, saying "Formalities and titles are over with for now, you have a few hours before the banquet to explore the complex. I could give you a tour, but I'm rather busy with real work. So I leave my scribe with you and trust that you will listen and follow him." without waiting for a response Blyss walks off, and Furous takes a few steps in pursuit before seemingly remembering that he's meant to guide you and rushes back to you. clearing his throat he asks in a timid voice, "is there anything in particular you'd be interested in?"
The warrior nods to Blyss goodbye and then he smiled at Furous before thinking for a second "Maybe you could guide me to the merchants area to see what this place has in stock and after that a tavern to wait before the meeting with Gold." Answered and then looked at the halfling Garrett. "Care to join us Mister...?"Added waiting for his introduction whose name he did not know.
Blyss watches as Victoria and Inessa follow the cranes until they're out of sight, then turns back towards the remainder of the group, saying "Formalities and titles are over with for now, you have a few hours before the banquet to explore the complex. I could give you a tour, but I'm rather busy with real work. So I leave my scribe with you and trust that you will listen and follow him." without waiting for a response Blyss walks off, and Furous takes a few steps in pursuit before seemingly remembering that he's meant to guide you and rushes back to you. clearing his throat he asks in a timid voice, "is there anything in particular you'd be interested in?"
Garrett watches Blyss leave with a stolid expression. Once she's out of earshot, he shakes his head and looks to Furous. "So wonderful when the big folk overlook us isn't it? Hopefully Gold is more interested in our presence than she is." He shakes his head in apparent disgust. "What sorts of items or places of interest are here in the complex; any particularly accommodating of us short folk?
"Liv-", Victoria starts, then pauses. "Existing like this, is like walking through a fog while others walk clear paths. So I'm slow. But I get there. Thank Vol that I've retained a vocabulary."
As she speaks, you notice the brief pauses, as if to gather her thoughts.
"I wouldn't say "like" to meet him. But to find who I was. It seems I must. Is it the same one who called me his "wife"? Or was that just a lackey?"
The figure studies you a moment before saying, "I know people who remember their whole lives, walking those so-called clear paths and they still stumble blindly through life, tripping on a root and calling it a tripwire. They are much slower than you might think, so you are quicker than you believe," nodding they continue, "Doing what must be done regardless of how it may hurt to accomplish your goals. Yes it's the one who claimed to be your husband, and yes, he was simply a lackey,"
@YUALTHIAN:
Aureon leads you to a small tower, a silver spire twisting upwards in the Northern area of the complex, disappearing through a mithral door and stepping into what appears to be an elevator. He holds the door open for you, smiling he says, "We're going all the way up, do you still have that fear of heights my friend?"
Blyss watches as Victoria and Inessa follow the cranes until they're out of sight, then turns back towards the remainder of the group, saying "Formalities and titles are over with for now, you have a few hours before the banquet to explore the complex. I could give you a tour, but I'm rather busy with real work. So I leave my scribe with you and trust that you will listen and follow him." without waiting for a response Blyss walks off, and Furous takes a few steps in pursuit before seemingly remembering that he's meant to guide you and rushes back to you. clearing his throat he asks in a timid voice, "is there anything in particular you'd be interested in?"
Garrett watches Blyss leave with a stolid expression. Once she's out of earshot, he shakes his head and looks to Furous. "So wonderful when the big folk overlook us isn't it? Hopefully Gold is more interested in our presence than she is." He shakes his head in apparent disgust. "What sorts of items or places of interest are here in the complex; any particularly accommodating of us short folk?
At the insult towards Blyss the gnome gets very defensive, and is suddenly not quite as timid, "Lady Blyss does NOT overlook people, she simply doesn't have the time to babysit a bunch of demanding whiny mercenaries such as yourself! And Lord Gold is much more interested in you than she, ohh you can count on it, but you might find yourself wishing he weren't sooner than later. Now, since you seem to be sooo interested in shops and drink, as is typical of your kind, I'll lead you to the marketplace, follow me you sadistic cowards," Furous marches off in a huff, towards the western end of the complex, not turning back to see if you're following.
"Still the wrong questions," his, definitely a him voice, sounds almost taunting now, he seems to be enjoying toying with you
(Arcana: 15)
Equinox snarls in the direction of the figure while Inessa lingers a few paces behind him.
"Why am I here?" She hissed out, eyes squinting in the dark for a moment. "I suggest you answer before Nox decides he's done with your games."
"There it is, you're so close, can't you taste it? You've nearly found the right question. We're in the chamber of Mabar, the endless night, a concentrated manifest zone of that plane. A shred of the infinite plane of void and hunger, caught in a little bottle. So the right question is, if we're in a shard of the most deadly place known to beings, how are you still alive, controlling the dark around you?" and you realize, he's right. When you started trying to control the shadow around you you created a swirl of voidstuff, Nox standing next to you is the only place where that heavy darkness can be near you within ten feet, and you can see the stone floor you're standing on clearly, gray stone marked with mystic sigils now glowing a purplish colour around you.
Aureon leads you to a small tower, a silver spire twisting upwards in the Northern area of the complex, disappearing through a mithral door and stepping into what appears to be an elevator. He holds the door open for you, smiling he says, "We're going all the way up, do you still have that fear of heights my friend?"
Yualthian looked at the tower, he could feel his stomach become uneasy. "I'll...be ok" was this his feeling of uneasiness or his ancestors. He was sitting on a roof in Sharn hundreds of feet above the ground, leaping from rooftop to rooftop with ease just a few days but now with this wave of memories and emotions having flooded back something had changed.
"There it is, you're so close, can't you taste it? You've nearly found the right question. We're in the chamber of Mabar, the endless night, a concentrated manifest zone of that plane. A shred of the infinite plane of void and hunger, caught in a little bottle. So the right question is, if we're in a shard of the most deadly place known to beings, how are you still alive, controlling the dark around you?" and you realize, he's right. When you started trying to control the shadow around you you created a swirl of voidstuff, Nox standing next to you is the only place where that heavy darkness can be near you within ten feet, and you can see the stone floor you're standing on clearly, gray stone marked with mystic sigils now glowing a purplish colour around you.
Inessa jerks back at the revelation, turning around in the space and finally catching her breath.
"What-"She shakes her head, watching with widened eyes as the shadows swirled around them."Mabar... I don't- I don't understand. How? You- you're a fiend? What are you talking about?" Equinox turns back to her, eyes leaving the figure to cast an almost concerned look at Inessa as she seems to stumble forward.
Her foot comes in contact with the glowing sigils and she immediately flinches back, her breathing quickly becoming shallow again as her eyes flit around rapidly.
Blyss watches as Victoria and Inessa follow the cranes until they're out of sight, then turns back towards the remainder of the group, saying "Formalities and titles are over with for now, you have a few hours before the banquet to explore the complex. I could give you a tour, but I'm rather busy with real work. So I leave my scribe with you and trust that you will listen and follow him." without waiting for a response Blyss walks off, and Furous takes a few steps in pursuit before seemingly remembering that he's meant to guide you and rushes back to you. clearing his throat he asks in a timid voice, "is there anything in particular you'd be interested in?"
The Crane Inessa follows leads her South, towards the entrance to a small tunnel. The tunnel is well lit by bright torches all down the space, but has the musty smell of underground, and the stone walls are slick with a substance you'd rather not know the origin of. The crane still clearly visible continues down the path as you pass by grim murals on the walls, not stopping long enough to take a close look for fear of losing the crane. Suddenly your shadowy guide disappears through a rather large black wood door, leaving you alone with Equinox. Burned into the dark wood is a sigil, and the handle is a dark and cold obsidian.
The Crane Victoria follows leads her to the central building of the complex, the largest of the towers reaches skywards, jutting up from what could be a small castle. High stone walls offer the rounded base protection from any that might to attack the place. Many colors swirl around the outline of the small palace, making you feel dizzy as you look upwards at it. Th crane passes through the double doors which unlock and swing inwards as you approach, losing you no momentum. Your guide veers down beautiful corridors lit with glass lanterns and made of polished wood, tapestries hanging all over. bursting into a door to your left the crane disappears and you find yourself in the middle of a warmly lit room, illuminated by the roaring fire on the opposite wall. A figure leans on the mantel, a warm glow accompanying the faint saint of tobacco emanates from the pipe between their teeth as they read from a book resting open on one hand. "take a seat," they say simply, their voice warm and welcoming,with a disarming and friendly smile, gesturing towards one of the velvet chairs arranged about the cozy room.
Farewell.
The man shakes his head solemnly, his face downcast, "Oh my friend, it is not just me that needs your help, but your world. Gold, the one that truly summoned you here, has forbidden me from telling you anything of consequence. But how I wish I could my dear friend, all will be revealed soon. Come, we will talk more in my study" he says as he leads you forth.
Farewell.
Inessa casts a weary look down the length of the tunnel she had just walked through, eyes sweeping the area uncertainly before reaching out a shaky hand to touch the sigil burned into the wood of the door.
"Equinox?" She whispers, her voice seemingly magnified by the musty and cramped space.
A soft puff of air brushes against her cheek as the space beside her is suddenly occupied by the hulking form of her dearest shadow companion. The golden eyes of the wolf glowed dimly in the darkness that had suddenly surrounded the two as he had appeared. Inessa's hand finds its way into the fur of his neck, fingers clamping down slightly in the ghostly warmth he provided.
"Let's hope we're not being led on..." She murmurs quietly, hand hovering just above the cold obsidian handle of the door. With one final inhale, comforted slightly by the presence of her wolf, she pressed down and pushed the door open.
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
The remaining light vanishes, leaving you in a room darker than the darkest night, like the space between the stars. You can feel the openness of the room and the seemingly infinite darkness begins to creep in on your senses, like a crushing weight you can't seem to catch your breath, until a clear calm voice speaks out through the gloom "Breathe"
The weight lifts and you can breathe easier, the air entering your lungs feeling warmer than the cold air your breath fogs. You then realize you can see your breath fogging the air, and a figure slightly less dark than the environ around you. The figure appears to be smiling, but it's hard to tell through the black that separates you.
Farewell.
Blinking rapidly in the darkness of the room, Inessa staggers slightly forward, eyes darting around the space for the source of the voice. Her gaze catches the figure before her, enshrouded in the comforts of the shadows; almost like a mirror of what Inessa is sure she sometimes appears as herself.
Still catching her breath, Inessa rasps out, "Who are you?"
Each word feels just barely grated out, yet her voice echoes all the same.
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Mostly convinced that their host wouldn't go to the trouble of an ambush here, when they could have lined the entire route with arrowslots or worse, Victoria sits in the indicated chair. She folds her hands in her lap and sees if this guy spurs any memories.
If not, she says "Well?" and waits for a reply.
If so, she reacts accordingly.
"Wrong question" the figure says, their voice echoing throughout the room, yet the volume barely above a whisper.
The figure snaps their book shut and replies, "A shaft, dug into the ground in an attempt to obtain a valuable substance such as water or oil, but I imagine that's not what you meant," they say, a smile playing on their lips. Sweeping back their short dark hair they turn fully towards you and examine you with forest green eyes, seemingly caught in a wildfire the way their eyes reflected the flames. "No I imagine you wish to know who you are, or were rather. Unfortunately I'm not the one that can answer that and you might not like the guy that can, considering how he's the one that's experimented on you so horribly,"
Farewell.
The corners of her lips almost smile at the pun. "I've learned to appreciate deadpan humor."
"And I'd be relieved if I were the only one experimented on. Given that my scars could be interpreted as a patchwork of women of identical height & build, as easily as one person cut apart and put back together. Is he here?"
Gritting her teeth, Inessa takes another cautious step forward; trying her best to will away the shadows surrounding them.
"Fine. What are you then?" She shuffles over slightly, allowing Equinox to step up beside her; growling at the figure in the vast space of black. "And why have I been called here?"
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
"... well at least you're not stupid. And I wish I could offer some comfort that you were his only subject. Unfortunately he was one of Karrnath's leading experts in the subject of Necromancy. As far as him being here, well, yes. But also no. Someone who dives so deeps into energies such as he had never truly 'dies' per se but the spirit does require some... amplification... Would you like to meet him? The real him? A shred of his soul?
(Make an Arcana check for me)
"Still the wrong questions," his, definitely a him voice, sounds almost taunting now, he seems to be enjoying toying with you
Farewell.
"Liv-", Victoria starts, then pauses. "Existing like this, is like walking through a fog while others walk clear paths. So I'm slow. But I get there. Thank Vol that I've retained a vocabulary."
As she speaks, you notice the brief pauses, as if to gather her thoughts.
"I wouldn't say "like" to meet him. But to find who I was. It seems I must. Is it the same one who called me his "wife"? Or was that just a lackey?"
Yualthian followed closely, listening to every word, he couldn't believe that somehow he'd be able to help with something that threatened the entire world. There had to be some mistake, still, he was intrigued. "Of course" he said, way to late for a proper response to the request, but his mind was swirling with new questions.
The warrior nods to Blyss goodbye and then he smiled at Furous before thinking for a second "Maybe you could guide me to the merchants area to see what this place has in stock and after that a tavern to wait before the meeting with Gold." Answered and then looked at the halfling Garrett. "Care to join us Mister...?" Added waiting for his introduction whose name he did not know.
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Garrett watches Blyss leave with a stolid expression. Once she's out of earshot, he shakes his head and looks to Furous. "So wonderful when the big folk overlook us isn't it? Hopefully Gold is more interested in our presence than she is." He shakes his head in apparent disgust. "What sorts of items or places of interest are here in the complex; any particularly accommodating of us short folk?
Garrett looks slightly abashed as he and the half-elf nearly talk over each other. "Ah; apologies. I am Garrett d'Jorasco from Sharn."
"And I am Jayne Tarravan of Thrane. What exactly have I been called here to do?"
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
(Arcana: 15)
Equinox snarls in the direction of the figure while Inessa lingers a few paces behind him.
"Why am I here?" She hissed out, eyes squinting in the dark for a moment. "I suggest you answer before Nox decides he's done with your games."
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
The figure studies you a moment before saying, "I know people who remember their whole lives, walking those so-called clear paths and they still stumble blindly through life, tripping on a root and calling it a tripwire. They are much slower than you might think, so you are quicker than you believe," nodding they continue, "Doing what must be done regardless of how it may hurt to accomplish your goals. Yes it's the one who claimed to be your husband, and yes, he was simply a lackey,"
@YUALTHIAN:
Aureon leads you to a small tower, a silver spire twisting upwards in the Northern area of the complex, disappearing through a mithral door and stepping into what appears to be an elevator. He holds the door open for you, smiling he says, "We're going all the way up, do you still have that fear of heights my friend?"
At the insult towards Blyss the gnome gets very defensive, and is suddenly not quite as timid, "Lady Blyss does NOT overlook people, she simply doesn't have the time to babysit a bunch of demanding whiny mercenaries such as yourself! And Lord Gold is much more interested in you than she, ohh you can count on it, but you might find yourself wishing he weren't sooner than later. Now, since you seem to be sooo interested in shops and drink, as is typical of your kind, I'll lead you to the marketplace, follow me you sadistic cowards," Furous marches off in a huff, towards the western end of the complex, not turning back to see if you're following.
"There it is, you're so close, can't you taste it? You've nearly found the right question. We're in the chamber of Mabar, the endless night, a concentrated manifest zone of that plane. A shred of the infinite plane of void and hunger, caught in a little bottle. So the right question is, if we're in a shard of the most deadly place known to beings, how are you still alive, controlling the dark around you?" and you realize, he's right. When you started trying to control the shadow around you you created a swirl of voidstuff, Nox standing next to you is the only place where that heavy darkness can be near you within ten feet, and you can see the stone floor you're standing on clearly, gray stone marked with mystic sigils now glowing a purplish colour around you.
Farewell.
Yualthian looked at the tower, he could feel his stomach become uneasy. "I'll...be ok" was this his feeling of uneasiness or his ancestors. He was sitting on a roof in Sharn hundreds of feet above the ground, leaping from rooftop to rooftop with ease just a few days but now with this wave of memories and emotions having flooded back something had changed.
Inessa jerks back at the revelation, turning around in the space and finally catching her breath.
"What-" She shakes her head, watching with widened eyes as the shadows swirled around them. "Mabar... I don't- I don't understand. How? You- you're a fiend? What are you talking about?" Equinox turns back to her, eyes leaving the figure to cast an almost concerned look at Inessa as she seems to stumble forward.
Her foot comes in contact with the glowing sigils and she immediately flinches back, her breathing quickly becoming shallow again as her eyes flit around rapidly.
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)