"Seems this Otho might need to be dealt with as well then,"Tyekanik says, then looking to the others says, "Since we've finished our meal, where to first? You said we need to collect information before heading to the trolls."
"I think our plan was to search the archives for any useful information before we make our way towards the trolls," the lich says after a moment. "Right now we should probably be looking up troll customs and culture... the last thing we need is a massive diplomatic disaster while trying to negotiate with them."
And with that, Akkron is ready to go do some research. He stands, planning to search the archives for anything useful about the trolls.
(Investigation: 20)
When Mal returns, he gives her a friendly wave.
"Hello again, Mal. Did you find anything interesting in the city's underbelly?"
"As a mater of fact I did of sorts." Mal responds to Akkron and then will show him the copies of the information she received, especially the copy of the tattoo and then she will show the information to the others, especially Sparhawk and Maynard. "Do you two recognize this tattoo by chance, as they appear to be causing trouble within your borders."
She then grabs an ale and downs it, "Now comes the fun news....The reports of dragons causing havoc I think are legit, specifically the red variety. As reports have been coming in about there sightings so we have them to deal with. The soonest we are able to get out butts in gear and get back on the road I the better. For now, I hear the call of a soft bed in my immediate future as I am a bit tired."
If we are rolling Investigation, then Khessa looks for possible confirmations for the hypothesis developed shortly before with Maynard: 'Azash needs worshipers. Without worshipers, and sacrifices, Azash would not exist. If Azash did not exist, then Otho would not, and the end of our problem. It could be, they needed people, and the Zemochs were already here, underground that Azash corrupted and Otho ruled over'.
"Seems this Otho might need to be dealt with as well then,"Tyekanik says, then looking to the others says, "Since we've finished our meal, where to first? You said we need to collect information before heading to the trolls."
"We'll dig through what we can here for anything on the past that can give us some background, and to make a show of it prior to heading up to Thalesia," remarks Brother Maynard. "We just have to figure where here at the university do we look. We should not spend any longer than a day, that should be long enough for any spies to see us."
If we are rolling Investigation, then Khessa looks for possible confirmations for the hypothesis developed shortly before with Maynard: 'Azash needs worshipers. Without worshipers, and sacrifices, Azash would not exist. If Azash did not exist, then Otho would not, and the end of our problem. It could be, they needed people, and the Zemochs were already here, underground that Azash corrupted and Otho ruled over'.
Heading over to the Department of Applied Theology, you were able to go into their library and archives, and taken down into the basement where the older material is kept. From the scent, very old documents and leather, the librarian provided a lantern, as open flame could cause massive damage if these old, dry documents caught on fire.
After searching, you do find some early descriptions of what was termed the "Edler Gods and Younger Gods of Eosia." The Elder Gods were at the beginning and creation of the world, they simply existed. Remarkably little is said about them in the research, other than they emerged when the world weas created. You read of the debates on their purpose, the balance between good and evil, light and darkness, etc. Then there is a mention of a dark entity named Klael that the elder gods fought with over the control of the world.
Klael, appears when a world is created by another entity known as the Bhelliom which is blue, thus Klael a red spirit who seems to crave destruction and bloodshed. The two spirits seem to otherwise be perfectly equal in strength and ability. When a new world is created the two fight over it in which the victor claims the world, and the other is destroyed to only return at the forging of another world.
The writings state, that in the beginning, Klael won, and while trying to possess this world, the Elder Gods all rose up to stop it. They were able to defeat it, and cast the spirit away, sealing it magically. Klael was described appearing as a colossal, winged, clawed monster surrounded by fire and lightning, but his "true" form is a red, vaguely humanoid being of light. The victory was very costly, as many of the Elder Gods perished in the battle.
It was following this battle that the Younger Gods emerged, for they believed the Elder Gods made such a mess of things and " tore at the fabric of reality" when the world was created. There is believed to be around a thousand Younger Gods who have their own followers, divided across the world, with one principal priest or priestess per god. It was this time the "Dawm Men," the original humans came into being. The different gods selected groups of people, and moved them to cover the world.
However, it does seem the Elder Gods believe the Younger Gods to be upstarts, there is a constant friction and, in some cases, open hostilities between the gods and their followers with one another. This is where you confirm the theory that the gods draw their power from their worshipers. The more they have, the more power they gain. During these conflicts between one another, some of the races or peoples would try to exterminate the other so the god would become impudent. As gods are immortal, the only way to truly harm them, is to remove all of their followers.
"We'll head over to the history department, look at what they have on the old Empires, religious practices, what they have on the war with the shadows. My concern is, as it was over a thousand years ago, may not be much."
As you walk down the street, a man walks out from the crowd, and places him in front of you. He wears black and dark brown robes, his head shaven, and a rune is tattooed on the side of his face. Brother Maynard stops and looks at the man who is blocking your way. He begins to roll his sleeves up, showing well-muscled forearms, also tattooed. Brother Maynard stops, smiles, and even snorts.
"Do you really want to do this brother?" He asks. "I am not your brother," the man replies with a sneer. "I follow the true way and challenge you to prove yours is better." Brother Maynard again smiles. "I see, then I shall prepare myself, and provide you a lesson."
Brother Maynard begins to take off his robe, loosens and drops his sword, and even pulls his chainmail off. He wears a black and silver under garment, and he too roles his sleeves up. Maynard's arms are well toned and muscled. A crowd is gathering, though it seems the discussions are more along the lines of academics-physics, physiology, different than what you would hear from a crowd about to watch a fight. "This won't take long." He states as he walks forward.
The black monk, lowers himself to a low stance, his hands shaped like claws and he begins to wave them in front of him. His has a set, dark look to his face. Maynard keeps a placid look on his face, his hands easy at his side. The two stare at one another, until the black monk strikes out with a combination of hand and feet strikes. Maynard easily blocks and brushes them off, not even moving from his place in the street. The black monk attacks again, throwing numerous low sweeping strikes, followed by leaping, spinning strikes. Maynard again easily deflects, does not strike, but does not move. The black monk is becoming frustrated and is seething.
"This is your last chance, stop now or I will begin the lesson." Maynard warns, and you see the expression on his face has changed, He is serious now. The black monk sneers even more. "What can you teach me? I follow a greater power that will soon consume you and all of these sheep. We shall have dominion overall, and us who speak for the one, will offer you as sacrifices in his name and be granted everlasting power!" The black monk's eyes had a fanatical look to them.
"That is where you are wrong I am afraid," Maynard answered, and changed his stance where his hands come up. When the black monk attacks, Maynard is a blur as he meets the attack half-way. There is a resounding crack as his fist strike the attacking arms and legs of the black monk. The black monk is stunned, surprised by the counterattack, and lunges forward again, only to be met by Maynard. Now he begins a flurry of attacks, his fist, elbows, knees and feet move in harmony and yet violent force. The black monk staggers, sets himself, and leaps at Maynard. With a quick spinning kick, catches the black monk coming down, and with enough force, sends him flying several feet to land in the street with a loud thud.
Maynard approaches the black monk, who is writhing on the ground from the impact. "You will not win," he spits at Maynard. You cannot stop us!" There is a sound of "crack" coming from the monk's mouth, then a green foam appears, and he collapses to the ground. Maynard kneels down, "Hmm, poison. Very effective." He looks over the body before returning to his gear and gets redresed.
"We will have to wait until the constables arrive," Maynard explains. That monk was a follower of Azash I believe, his tattoos are those of the runes we learned of. I am not sure he was the one watching for us, or they may be others." After a short while, the constables arrive, and after Maynard gives his statement, you are released while they take care of the body.
At the archives with Brother Maynard, he goes over to the ancient history section and begins looking for information on the Vigrid Empire, before the rise of the Zemochs. As expected, there really isn't much about the empire other than the Virgidians were an ancient people, mostly agriculture, sheep herding and wool production. Not a mighty military force. It wouldn't be until Otho began converting the Virgidians, it appears, to the worship of Azash. There is no record what god they had been following before Azash.
However, it only took a short span of a couple years, that the Empire began to grow. They went from a simple people, to a militaristic and conquering people. The ancient kingdoms who bordered Virgid either converted or were destroyed. Their people were either enslaved or ended up as sacrifices to Azash. To stop their conquests, the rest of the kingdoms joined together.
The historical theological records indicated only a few of the Younger Gods supported the war against the Virgidians. The priesthood indicated that the gods did not want to destroy the world, similar to what happened between the Elder Gods and Klael. But some of the Younger Gods did assist and lend their aid to the fight, mostly those associated with the ancient Elenes. There was still great concern, even with the Younger Gods helping, how could they face a dark Elder God.
The answer was the Troll Gods. In ancient times, they were craftsmen like the Dwarven Gods. They made weapons for the mortals, for their champions. One was Dyrnwyn, a Great Sword given to the Champiopn Rhydderch Hael. Caledfwlch (Longsword), Carnwenhau (Dagger), and Rhongomyniad (Spear) for the Battle Knight Rostam, and Gambanteinn, Staff of the King’s Wizard Gwydion. These weapons had the power to not only defeat the Virgidians, but the dark forces that Azash threw at them, like devils and demons and other creatures from the shadow.
Helping the Troll Gods was Corellon Larethian, an Elven God, and Moradin of the Dwarves. When the war, the Immarama or War of the Shadow to stop Azash, Emperor Otho and the Virgidians, it lasted a year and many lives were lost. It was when they were finally pushed back to the ancient capital of Hel, that they won. Many of Azash's followers and temples were destroyed, he was greatly weekend. One of the Younger Gods was able to emasculate Azash, the champions used the combined power wrought in their weapons to confine the God's essence into an idol. Before Azash was sealed away, he released a cursing blow of massive magical energies that rocked the world. All of the champions were killed, and a good number of the younger gods as well. This is why, some believe, the Elenes have only one God, though they can't determine if it is an Elder or Younger God.
The curse sought out the Troll Gods, reducing them to Ghworg, the God of Kill; Ghnomb, the God of Eat; Schlee, the God of Ice; Khwaj, the God of Fire; and Zoka, the God of Mating. It was believed, the Trolls had other gods, there is a mention of one of beauty, and one of knowledge. There are no further mentions of these gods. It is also believed, the Azash curse, removed the intelligence from the Troll Gods, and therefore trolls in general, in revenge for their helping in his destruction.
Khessa was ready to help, discreetly, Maynard with some spell, fearing that an individual sent to fight him in single combat had to be at least his equal - if not perhaps better, or in any case equipped with aids that would make him so.
The blonde arcane warrior sighs with relief however, seeing the ease with which Maynard dominates the fight. She studies her monk friend's technique with interest; a technique that she usually doesn't need to resort to, armed with steel and magic as she always is, but which, like all combat disciplines, undoubtedly fascinates her.
When Maynard notices that the other killed himself with poison, the tall adventuress comments: "If he killed himself to avoid being interrogated, he might be disappointed... I'm sure that Master Akkron, with his magical power, might be able to question even a dead person".
Given what emerges from the research at the archives, Khessa muses aloud: "If the combined power wrought in the champions' weapons was necessary to bind Azash, maybe we'll need to recover them. And anyway... poor Troll deities!"and profund compassion shines deep in her blue eyes "They didn't deserve what was done to them! Perhaps the young gods, working together, could be able to undo what an already weakened and defeated Azash did... If we could heal the Troll deities, perhaps they would become even more valuable allies - in addition to the fact that it seems to me to be an act of justice and goodness in itself".
"Indeed, I can talk to his lifeless corpse..." the lich says. "Though it's worth noting that, even after death, I cannot compel him to speak truth if he sees us as enemies... except maybe by turning him into a ghast or wight, but I'm not entirely sure how much he would even remember of his old life if I did that. It might be a better idea to let one of our Cleric friends try to coax him to return from the Great Beyond..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Flexing his own massive muscles and hefting his axes, Tyekanik, too, prepares to step in should Maynard need assistance, but seeing him deftly defeat the monk he only lets out a loud laugh and claps his friend on the back afterwards. In agreement with Khessa he says, "The trolls could make valuable allies if we could somehow assist their gods. They can be quite formidable in a battle."While the others research though, Tyekanik is happy to just be big and boisterous to ensure that they are seen together.
Khessa was ready to help, discreetly, Maynard with some spell, fearing that an individual sent to fight him in single combat had to be at least his equal - if not perhaps better, or in any case equipped with aids that would make him so.
The blonde arcane warrior sighs with relief however, seeing the ease with which Maynard dominates the fight. She studies her monk friend's technique with interest; a technique that she usually doesn't need to resort to, armed with steel and magic as she always is, but which, like all combat disciplines, undoubtedly fascinates her.
When Maynard notices that the other killed himself with poison, the tall adventuress comments: "If he killed himself to avoid being interrogated, he might be disappointed... I'm sure that Master Akkron, with his magical power, might be able to question even a dead person".
Given what emerges from the research at the archives, Khessa muses aloud: "If the combined power wrought in the champions' weapons was necessary to bind Azash, maybe we'll need to recover them. And anyway... poor Troll deities!"and profund compassion shines deep in her blue eyes "They didn't deserve what was done to them! Perhaps the young gods, working together, could be able to undo what an already weakened and defeated Azash did... If we could heal the Troll deities, perhaps they would become even more valuable allies - in addition to the fact that it seems to me to be an act of justice and goodness in itself".
(right after the fight) Maynard nods, "Perhaps Lord Akron could speak to this dead assassin and see what he can delve out of him."
"Indeed, I can talk to his lifeless corpse..." the lich says. "Though it's worth noting that, even after death, I cannot compel him to speak truth if he sees us as enemies... except maybe by turning him into a ghast or wight, but I'm not entirely sure how much he would even remember of his old life if I did that. It might be a better idea to let one of our Cleric friends try to coax him to return from the Great Beyond..."
After gathering what you could in the archives, Brother Maynard states, "Well now, let's go see the constables and see if Lord Akkron can get the dead assassin to speak." Maynard leads the way and leads you to the local constable office. After going inside, a desk officer is waiting. "May I help you?" the bored administrator asked." We have come to see the body of the dead assassin that died by his own hands so to say, by poison." The administrator nods. "Under whose authority would be the reason for us to grant you access?" Brother Maynard grumbles to himself about parchment pushers as he raises an official embalm. "I am here on the orders of the Elene High Church; my authority comes from the Archprelate himself. If you wish to question his authority, feel free to question the local bishop and see what his answer is."
Brother Maynard waited patiently as the administrator excused himself to go speak with a superior. After a few moments, the superior arrives. "My apologize to the church and her servants, Corporal Baker here was just following protocols. If you follow me, I'll take you to the body. After rounding some corridors, he leads you down a set of stairs into the basement. In a room light by multiple lanterns and candles, the body laid on an examination table.
Well... Akkron would have needed 4 hours (a Long Rest) to prepare the spell, since he usually doesn't make plans to chat with dead people. Or if someone just wants to hand him a spell scroll he could do it that way if we're in a time crunch.
"I will need a few hours to prepare the spell..." the lich points out sometime before we all head out to the constable's office. "Unless you would prefer that I simply use a wish to get our answers... which I suppose I could do, but I feel like there are better ways to use the single most powerful spell that anyone short of a god can cast."
"I believe there will be no problem waiting a few hours, Master Akkron!" Khessa laughs heartily, patting him (lightly) on the shoulder "After all, our interlocutor isn't going anywhere, I think..."
The blonde arcane warrior spends those hours trying to copy yet another scroll that she had bought at Baldur's Gate, before leaving; this time it's Storm Sphere!
"Seems this Otho might need to be dealt with as well then,"Tyekanik says, then looking to the others says, "Since we've finished our meal, where to first? You said we need to collect information before heading to the trolls."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"I think our plan was to search the archives for any useful information before we make our way towards the trolls," the lich says after a moment. "Right now we should probably be looking up troll customs and culture... the last thing we need is a massive diplomatic disaster while trying to negotiate with them."
And with that, Akkron is ready to go do some research. He stands, planning to search the archives for anything useful about the trolls.
(Investigation: 20)
When Mal returns, he gives her a friendly wave.
"Hello again, Mal. Did you find anything interesting in the city's underbelly?"
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
"As a mater of fact I did of sorts." Mal responds to Akkron and then will show him the copies of the information she received, especially the copy of the tattoo and then she will show the information to the others, especially Sparhawk and Maynard. "Do you two recognize this tattoo by chance, as they appear to be causing trouble within your borders."
She then grabs an ale and downs it, "Now comes the fun news....The reports of dragons causing havoc I think are legit, specifically the red variety. As reports have been coming in about there sightings so we have them to deal with. The soonest we are able to get out butts in gear and get back on the road I the better. For now, I hear the call of a soft bed in my immediate future as I am a bit tired."
Would I?
I could roll a history.
Bram Quikfoot fractured.
If we are rolling Investigation, then Khessa looks for possible confirmations for the hypothesis developed shortly before with Maynard: 'Azash needs worshipers. Without worshipers, and sacrifices, Azash would not exist. If Azash did not exist, then Otho would not, and the end of our problem. It could be, they needed people, and the Zemochs were already here, underground that Azash corrupted and Otho ruled over'.
Khessa's Investigation: 19
OK, I hope Maynard has better luck-
"We'll dig through what we can here for anything on the past that can give us some background, and to make a show of it prior to heading up to Thalesia," remarks Brother Maynard. "We just have to figure where here at the university do we look. We should not spend any longer than a day, that should be long enough for any spies to see us."
Heading over to the Department of Applied Theology, you were able to go into their library and archives, and taken down into the basement where the older material is kept. From the scent, very old documents and leather, the librarian provided a lantern, as open flame could cause massive damage if these old, dry documents caught on fire.
After searching, you do find some early descriptions of what was termed the "Edler Gods and Younger Gods of Eosia." The Elder Gods were at the beginning and creation of the world, they simply existed. Remarkably little is said about them in the research, other than they emerged when the world weas created. You read of the debates on their purpose, the balance between good and evil, light and darkness, etc. Then there is a mention of a dark entity named Klael that the elder gods fought with over the control of the world.
Klael, appears when a world is created by another entity known as the Bhelliom which is blue, thus Klael a red spirit who seems to crave destruction and bloodshed. The two spirits seem to otherwise be perfectly equal in strength and ability. When a new world is created the two fight over it in which the victor claims the world, and the other is destroyed to only return at the forging of another world.
The writings state, that in the beginning, Klael won, and while trying to possess this world, the Elder Gods all rose up to stop it. They were able to defeat it, and cast the spirit away, sealing it magically. Klael was described appearing as a colossal, winged, clawed monster surrounded by fire and lightning, but his "true" form is a red, vaguely humanoid being of light. The victory was very costly, as many of the Elder Gods perished in the battle.
It was following this battle that the Younger Gods emerged, for they believed the Elder Gods made such a mess of things and " tore at the fabric of reality" when the world was created. There is believed to be around a thousand Younger Gods who have their own followers, divided across the world, with one principal priest or priestess per god. It was this time the "Dawm Men," the original humans came into being. The different gods selected groups of people, and moved them to cover the world.
However, it does seem the Elder Gods believe the Younger Gods to be upstarts, there is a constant friction and, in some cases, open hostilities between the gods and their followers with one another. This is where you confirm the theory that the gods draw their power from their worshipers. The more they have, the more power they gain. During these conflicts between one another, some of the races or peoples would try to exterminate the other so the god would become impudent. As gods are immortal, the only way to truly harm them, is to remove all of their followers.
"We'll head over to the history department, look at what they have on the old Empires, religious practices, what they have on the war with the shadows. My concern is, as it was over a thousand years ago, may not be much."
As you walk down the street, a man walks out from the crowd, and places him in front of you. He wears black and dark brown robes, his head shaven, and a rune is tattooed on the side of his face. Brother Maynard stops and looks at the man who is blocking your way. He begins to roll his sleeves up, showing well-muscled forearms, also tattooed. Brother Maynard stops, smiles, and even snorts.
"Do you really want to do this brother?" He asks. "I am not your brother," the man replies with a sneer. "I follow the true way and challenge you to prove yours is better." Brother Maynard again smiles. "I see, then I shall prepare myself, and provide you a lesson."
Brother Maynard begins to take off his robe, loosens and drops his sword, and even pulls his chainmail off. He wears a black and silver under garment, and he too roles his sleeves up. Maynard's arms are well toned and muscled. A crowd is gathering, though it seems the discussions are more along the lines of academics-physics, physiology, different than what you would hear from a crowd about to watch a fight. "This won't take long." He states as he walks forward.
The black monk, lowers himself to a low stance, his hands shaped like claws and he begins to wave them in front of him. His has a set, dark look to his face. Maynard keeps a placid look on his face, his hands easy at his side. The two stare at one another, until the black monk strikes out with a combination of hand and feet strikes. Maynard easily blocks and brushes them off, not even moving from his place in the street. The black monk attacks again, throwing numerous low sweeping strikes, followed by leaping, spinning strikes. Maynard again easily deflects, does not strike, but does not move. The black monk is becoming frustrated and is seething.
"This is your last chance, stop now or I will begin the lesson." Maynard warns, and you see the expression on his face has changed, He is serious now. The black monk sneers even more. "What can you teach me? I follow a greater power that will soon consume you and all of these sheep. We shall have dominion overall, and us who speak for the one, will offer you as sacrifices in his name and be granted everlasting power!" The black monk's eyes had a fanatical look to them.
"That is where you are wrong I am afraid," Maynard answered, and changed his stance where his hands come up. When the black monk attacks, Maynard is a blur as he meets the attack half-way. There is a resounding crack as his fist strike the attacking arms and legs of the black monk. The black monk is stunned, surprised by the counterattack, and lunges forward again, only to be met by Maynard. Now he begins a flurry of attacks, his fist, elbows, knees and feet move in harmony and yet violent force. The black monk staggers, sets himself, and leaps at Maynard. With a quick spinning kick, catches the black monk coming down, and with enough force, sends him flying several feet to land in the street with a loud thud.
Maynard approaches the black monk, who is writhing on the ground from the impact. "You will not win," he spits at Maynard. You cannot stop us!" There is a sound of "crack" coming from the monk's mouth, then a green foam appears, and he collapses to the ground. Maynard kneels down, "Hmm, poison. Very effective." He looks over the body before returning to his gear and gets redresed.
"We will have to wait until the constables arrive," Maynard explains. That monk was a follower of Azash I believe, his tattoos are those of the runes we learned of. I am not sure he was the one watching for us, or they may be others." After a short while, the constables arrive, and after Maynard gives his statement, you are released while they take care of the body.
"Shall we continue to the archives?"
At the archives with Brother Maynard, he goes over to the ancient history section and begins looking for information on the Vigrid Empire, before the rise of the Zemochs. As expected, there really isn't much about the empire other than the Virgidians were an ancient people, mostly agriculture, sheep herding and wool production. Not a mighty military force. It wouldn't be until Otho began converting the Virgidians, it appears, to the worship of Azash. There is no record what god they had been following before Azash.
However, it only took a short span of a couple years, that the Empire began to grow. They went from a simple people, to a militaristic and conquering people. The ancient kingdoms who bordered Virgid either converted or were destroyed. Their people were either enslaved or ended up as sacrifices to Azash. To stop their conquests, the rest of the kingdoms joined together.
The historical theological records indicated only a few of the Younger Gods supported the war against the Virgidians. The priesthood indicated that the gods did not want to destroy the world, similar to what happened between the Elder Gods and Klael. But some of the Younger Gods did assist and lend their aid to the fight, mostly those associated with the ancient Elenes. There was still great concern, even with the Younger Gods helping, how could they face a dark Elder God.
The answer was the Troll Gods. In ancient times, they were craftsmen like the Dwarven Gods. They made weapons for the mortals, for their champions. One was Dyrnwyn, a Great Sword given to the Champiopn Rhydderch Hael. Caledfwlch (Longsword), Carnwenhau (Dagger), and Rhongomyniad (Spear) for the Battle Knight Rostam, and Gambanteinn, Staff of the King’s Wizard Gwydion. These weapons had the power to not only defeat the Virgidians, but the dark forces that Azash threw at them, like devils and demons and other creatures from the shadow.
Helping the Troll Gods was Corellon Larethian, an Elven God, and Moradin of the Dwarves. When the war, the Immarama or War of the Shadow to stop Azash, Emperor Otho and the Virgidians, it lasted a year and many lives were lost. It was when they were finally pushed back to the ancient capital of Hel, that they won. Many of Azash's followers and temples were destroyed, he was greatly weekend. One of the Younger Gods was able to emasculate Azash, the champions used the combined power wrought in their weapons to confine the God's essence into an idol. Before Azash was sealed away, he released a cursing blow of massive magical energies that rocked the world. All of the champions were killed, and a good number of the younger gods as well. This is why, some believe, the Elenes have only one God, though they can't determine if it is an Elder or Younger God.
The curse sought out the Troll Gods, reducing them to Ghworg, the God of Kill; Ghnomb, the God of Eat; Schlee, the God of Ice; Khwaj, the God of Fire; and Zoka, the God of Mating. It was believed, the Trolls had other gods, there is a mention of one of beauty, and one of knowledge. There are no further mentions of these gods. It is also believed, the Azash curse, removed the intelligence from the Troll Gods, and therefore trolls in general, in revenge for their helping in his destruction.
NOTE: Will be gone until SUnday afternoon
(OOC: @DM: Ok, thank you for warning us!)
Khessa was ready to help, discreetly, Maynard with some spell, fearing that an individual sent to fight him in single combat had to be at least his equal - if not perhaps better, or in any case equipped with aids that would make him so.
The blonde arcane warrior sighs with relief however, seeing the ease with which Maynard dominates the fight. She studies her monk friend's technique with interest; a technique that she usually doesn't need to resort to, armed with steel and magic as she always is, but which, like all combat disciplines, undoubtedly fascinates her.
When Maynard notices that the other killed himself with poison, the tall adventuress comments: "If he killed himself to avoid being interrogated, he might be disappointed... I'm sure that Master Akkron, with his magical power, might be able to question even a dead person".
Given what emerges from the research at the archives, Khessa muses aloud: "If the combined power wrought in the champions' weapons was necessary to bind Azash, maybe we'll need to recover them. And anyway... poor Troll deities!" and profund compassion shines deep in her blue eyes "They didn't deserve what was done to them! Perhaps the young gods, working together, could be able to undo what an already weakened and defeated Azash did... If we could heal the Troll deities, perhaps they would become even more valuable allies - in addition to the fact that it seems to me to be an act of justice and goodness in itself".
Akkron nods.
"Indeed, I can talk to his lifeless corpse..." the lich says. "Though it's worth noting that, even after death, I cannot compel him to speak truth if he sees us as enemies... except maybe by turning him into a ghast or wight, but I'm not entirely sure how much he would even remember of his old life if I did that. It might be a better idea to let one of our Cleric friends try to coax him to return from the Great Beyond..."
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Flexing his own massive muscles and hefting his axes, Tyekanik, too, prepares to step in should Maynard need assistance, but seeing him deftly defeat the monk he only lets out a loud laugh and claps his friend on the back afterwards. In agreement with Khessa he says, "The trolls could make valuable allies if we could somehow assist their gods. They can be quite formidable in a battle." While the others research though, Tyekanik is happy to just be big and boisterous to ensure that they are seen together.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
(right after the fight) Maynard nods, "Perhaps Lord Akron could speak to this dead assassin and see what he can delve out of him."
After gathering what you could in the archives, Brother Maynard states, "Well now, let's go see the constables and see if Lord Akkron can get the dead assassin to speak." Maynard leads the way and leads you to the local constable office. After going inside, a desk officer is waiting. "May I help you?" the bored administrator asked." We have come to see the body of the dead assassin that died by his own hands so to say, by poison." The administrator nods. "Under whose authority would be the reason for us to grant you access?" Brother Maynard grumbles to himself about parchment pushers as he raises an official embalm. "I am here on the orders of the Elene High Church; my authority comes from the Archprelate himself. If you wish to question his authority, feel free to question the local bishop and see what his answer is."
Brother Maynard waited patiently as the administrator excused himself to go speak with a superior. After a few moments, the superior arrives. "My apologize to the church and her servants, Corporal Baker here was just following protocols. If you follow me, I'll take you to the body. After rounding some corridors, he leads you down a set of stairs into the basement. In a room light by multiple lanterns and candles, the body laid on an examination table.
Well... Akkron would have needed 4 hours (a Long Rest) to prepare the spell, since he usually doesn't make plans to chat with dead people. Or if someone just wants to hand him a spell scroll he could do it that way if we're in a time crunch.
"I will need a few hours to prepare the spell..." the lich points out sometime before we all head out to the constable's office. "Unless you would prefer that I simply use a wish to get our answers... which I suppose I could do, but I feel like there are better ways to use the single most powerful spell that anyone short of a god can cast."
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"I believe there will be no problem waiting a few hours, Master Akkron!" Khessa laughs heartily, patting him (lightly) on the shoulder "After all, our interlocutor isn't going anywhere, I think..."
The blonde arcane warrior spends those hours trying to copy yet another scroll that she had bought at Baldur's Gate, before leaving; this time it's Storm Sphere!
Arcana: 13