At Khessa's suggestion of baiting the dark elves, Akkron glances at one of his nearly skeletal hands and chuckles.
"Somehow, I suspect that someone else would be a better candidate as bait if they're looking for a blood sacrifice," he says. "But that does lead us back to an earlier question I had: are the 'agents of darkness' looking for us specifically or are they after anyone who could be a threat to their plans?"
Sparhawk answers, "Anyone who they believe is trying to thwart their plans are set upon by unknown assassins and other dark forces. We have received word from the Wizard Council that there has been some disappearances with their members. Even a few of our eyes and ears up along the border have been set upon by raiders who seemed to know their routes."
Amanises interjected with a somewhat rueful tone, "In the eyes of followers of dark gods, beings like myself, Aasimar, tend to hold a particular allure. So, in a twisted way, I might indeed be seen as an enticing target."
She paused thoughtfully, selecting her words with care as she elaborated, "To those who serve malevolent deities, individuals like me can represent both a challenge and an opportunity. They believe that by corrupting or exploiting the divine essence within us, they can gain power and favor with their dark patrons. They may attempt to perform dark rituals or blood sacrifices using our sacred blood. Hence, in their perspective, Aasimar are often regarded as valuable prizes, a potent resource."
Amanises directed her gaze towards the group and continued, "With that said, I am willing to assume the role of bait if it expedites our investigation. Though only by necessity and I must be well-guarded. I would rather not prematurely depart the world of the living."
"If your spirit is as attractive to the forces of evil as you say, then we probably won't need to do much more than poke around in their territory to get their attention," Akkron says. "But if I am seen traveling openly it could conversely attract quite a bit of attention that might put them off... especially if we are indeed dealing with the children of Lolth, as it is likely that they would be able to extrapolate who I am. Once we have completed our raid and brought back several prisoners I'm more than happy to let them know that I have arrived to punish their crimes, but until then I can probably be disguised as a simple priest, while Khessa and Dabbert can act as Lady Amanesis' honor guard."
Amanises contemplated Akkron's concerns and then proposed a solution. "Lord Akkron, considering your distinctive nature and the risk of drawing unwanted attention, it might be advisable for you to conceal your true identity by assuming the appearance of a mortal man using your formidable wizardry skills. If that aligns with what you meant by disguising yourself as an ordinary priest."
She then turned her attention to Khessa and Dabbert, her tone polite and considerate. "I don't wish to impose on Khessa and Dabbert. If they are comfortable with assuming such roles during our investigations, I have no objections to it."
"Yes, I certainly can do that," Akkron says. "Though it would be wise to have mundane safeguards in place as well... the simplest illusionary disguise lasts only an hour, and I feel more potent spells could be put to better use. Also, an illusionary disguise can be dispelled while a mundane one cannot. I think both Khessa and Dabbert can attest that I have had a few run-ins with beholders lately that have made me a little bit paranoid about thkngs like that."
“Actually, when I spoke of a damsel in distress, I was imagining myself taking on that role…” Khessa laughs “But I agree that Amanises can make for more attractive prey – come on... who would try to kidnap a woman well into her thirties (and approaching forty), when do you have a celestial creature with a timeless look at your disposal? Even more so if you can impress your dark overlord by corrupting her holy soul... I'll gladly take on the role of the honor guard - it won't even be a fiction, as I'd try to defend her (and you all) anyway!"
"Yes, I certainly can do that," Akkron says. "Though it would be wise to have mundane safeguards in place as well... the simplest illusionary disguise lasts only an hour, and I feel more potent spells could be put to better use. Also, an illusionary disguise can be dispelled while a mundane one cannot. I think both Khessa and Dabbert can attest that I have had a few run-ins with beholders lately that have made me a little bit paranoid about thkngs like that."
Amanises pondered the situation, her fingers gently grazing her chin. "I don't suppose you have an item like a Hat of Disguise in your possession, do you?"
She turned her gaze to Khessa and Dabbert. "In the event that we don't have such an item readily available, perhaps we could explore the markets of Baldur's Gate to find something suitable."
Amanises nodded in understanding. "Though, you make a valid point, Lord Akkron. While illusions can be quite powerful, they do have their limitations. Mundane disguises, on the other hand, are more reliable and lasting even if they can be less convincing. If that is your will, then let it be so."
“Actually, when I spoke of a damsel in distress, I was imagining myself taking on that role…” Khessa laughs “But I agree that Amanises can make for more attractive prey – come on... who would try to kidnap a woman well into her thirties (and approaching forty), when do you have a celestial creature with a timeless look at your disposal? Even more so if you can impress your dark overlord by corrupting her holy soul... I'll gladly take on the role of the honor guard - it won't even be a fiction, as I'd try to defend her (and you all) anyway!"
Amanises leaned forward slightly, her starlit eyes fixed firmly on Khessa. Her voice carried a tone of intensity and conviction that was uncharacteristic of her usual calm demeanor. It may seem as if Khessa had inadvertently struck a nerve. An unpleasant memory, perhaps.
"Khessa, I must insist that you cease with this self-deprecation," she declared firmly. "Your beauty is captivating, and your spirit, your warmth, and your strength shine brightly, making you appear as youthful as any young girl I've met. If you hadn't mentioned having grown children, I might have believed you to be a young woman yourself. You would humble many in Toril."
"Above all else," Amanises added with a now gentle tone as she returned to her usual demeanor, "remember that comparisons between us are unnecessary. We each bring our own qualities. Please, refrain from comparing yourself to me or anyone else. You are remarkable just as you are, Khessa, and that's what truly matters."
"Okay Amanises, don't worry..." Khessa smiles, placing a hand on her shoulder "I'll try to avoid it. It's just... Like I told you before, right? Inside I always feel like the cabbage farmer I was born... Then, hey, I know, I've done a lot of things... In the end I understand that in my own way I'm a heroine too... It must be because when I set a goal for myself, I almost never give up, I keep up fighting to the end, sometimes even against all reasonable hope. But if it had been up to me, I wouldn't have chosen the life of an adventuress... In comparison with true heroes I... Oh, well, I was doing it again - comparison - forget what I said" she sighs. "I'll try again now".
The blonde arcane warrior stands in all her tall and imposing form, confidently holds the staff in her left hand, while holding her right hand closed in a fist over her heart and, with proud confidence in her blue eyes, declares: "I'm remarkable - and ready to be your honor guard".
Then the tall adventuress winks and smiles: "Was this okay?"
"Oh my dear friend," he says. "I promise that you are very much a real hero and that you have every right to be called 'remarkable.' Hopefully once the world is saved you'll be able to go back to your children and your cabbages."
He then turns his attention back to the matter of disguising himself.
"I think that it would be best if we use a combination of magical illusion and mundane disguises that won't disappear if I forget to cast the spell every hour to hide my appearance... ideally, I really shouldn't be in view very much anyway. I think we can afford a cart or a carriage... which we should probably have anyway if we're going to be transporting prisoners. Or I suppose I could just hide in a bag of holding when you don't need me, since I don't need to breathe. Not the most dignified means of travel, but it might just be worth it for the look on a Dark Elf's face when she opens the bag of holding and a lich pops out."
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Amanises couldn't help but be amused with a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth at Khessa's little speech. "Well, it could have been more eloquent," she admitted, "but it'll suffice for the moment."
Khessa notices Amanises' amusement and is pleased - but she is quickly distracted by the hilarious possibility raised by her mentor: "Thank you Master Akkron and yes," she can't help but laugh out loud "the look on a Dark Elf's face when she opens the bag of holding and a lich pops out would be priceless! But it's better if we choose another option maybe... I remember that extradimensional spaces can sometimes be dangerous... If by chance the bag of holding that contains you runs out in another extradimensional space... we would be forced to search for you all over the astral plane! Which is very picturesque, I admit... but also terribly large. We would waste a lot of time finding you. Or is there even a possibility that you will be destroyed? I can't remember... But I think I prefer the simple cart, anyway".
"A bag of holding rupture wouldn't actually be able to destroy me," the lich says with a chuckle. "And I would be able to return fairly easily by means of the plane shift spell... though I will admit, it might take some time and be a challenge to track you all down again. But anyway, that was more my attempt at humor than an actual suggestion. I think it would be best if I simply stay in a cart unseen until the need for secrecy is gone, using a magical illusion for the short stretches of time when I may need to step out and lend my arcane knowledge or investigative skills to our endeavors."
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There is a light knock at the door, then the innkeeper comes in. "Ah, Brother Maynard, two more of the heroes you requested have arrived, I'll show them in if you like." Brother Maynard nods and the innkeeper departs. He then returns with two more heroes (DM: This is where the new players can get caught up, introduce themselves to the group. When you are ready to proceed, let me know)
Khessa, the tall and imposing woman whose long blond curls fall over a robust suit of armour, with her features still set in the smile with which she has just joked with Amanises and Akkron, turns to look at the newcomers with curiosity in the depths of her blue eyes .
A bat rests on one of her armor's shiny pauldrons.
Behind her, a humanoid assembled with inorganic material - but apparently perfectly 'alive', at least enough to operate, remains at her side and turns with her, as if it were also curious to see those who have come to help in a matter of this kind.
Amanises, with her ethereal beauty and timeless presence, stood at a corner of their gathering slightly behind the taller Khessa. Her long, deep black hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back. She wore a unique plate armor that seemed to mimic the appearance of a flowing robe, and it was adorned with intricate patterns of gems that glittered like stars in the night sky. Her aura exuded an air of grace and serenity, and a symbol of Selûne hung from a chain around her neck. As the newcomers entered, her starlit eyes regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and warmth.
In stark contrast to Amanises' otherworldly beauty and Khessa's more simple, yet no less prominent, beauty, stands... a corpse.
Lord Akkron's body is mostly stripped down to the bone, except for a few mummified bits of flesh that still cling tightly to the ancient skeleton. Ethereal mists surround the bones, giving the undead an otherworldly aura about him.
Interestingly, any of you with extensive knowledge of Arcana may recognize the creature's cloak as a robe of the archmagi, which looks like it's been dyed a dark blue color, making it impossible to distinguish his alignment at a glance as one normally could when dealing with a wearer of one of these legendary garments.
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Olem in a way almost combines a few visual traits of all those present: He is tall for a human, yet he posesses no imposing figure. His short brown hair looks a bit unkept at the frays. He wears simple unassuming clothes besides a few notable things: A amulet made of clay in the shape of two hands grasping each other tied together with a small red leather strap. he wears a breastplate engraved with tiny symbols. If one were to look from up close they would see various recipes for healing tinktures, descriptions and images of medical procedures and holy texts of Illmater. Over his clothes and plate he wears a black cloak with tiny white spots that, as the viewer's point of view shift, seem to be anchored in space unmoving. On his back he carries an ornate bow made of beautifully worked wood and metals engraved in a similar way to the chestplate.
I have heard many grand story about all of you, so let me tell you that i feel optimistic about our future endevour. If you have not heard of me then you must know that there is no reason you should have done so. My doing in this world is just as whispered as the name of the creature whose secrets i guard. But then again having a glance at you i realize that my secrecy would not be guarded from this circle.
Olem Thayne is the Keeper of the Gravegarden. The Gravegarden is a place where powerfull undead are burried and sealed away. Many of them were once devout acolytes of Vecna the whispered One. When the site was first built it was obvious that the place needed a powerfull guardian to maintain the enchantments placed on the graves and protect it from people intending on learning dark magic and learning the secrets of undeath. The necromantic energies that linger would corrupt the body of whoever dwells there for too long. Because of that the Churches responsible for the creation of the Gravegarden decided to chose a follower of Illmater who would "sacrifice" himself for this cause. Olem stood out from the rest as a prodigy in both the arcane and spiritual and was thus trained and prepared to fullfill the post he has until now, and will continue once the matters in Eosia are taken care of. I let you all decide for yourself how aware of Olem your characters are. I would assume that Akkron very much knew of him but i let you decide for yourself.
A drow enters the room clad in black studded leathers, her piercing green eyes quickly scanning over everyone in the room, noting the potential skills of everyone as she scans then up and down and then her gaze freezes and her mouth drops open just a little bit as she sees the Lich in the corner. Her hand almost imperceptibly moves to the hilt of her rune-etched heavy crossbow slung across her back, but then she realizes that no one else seems to be reacting and she relaxes again, well relaxes as much she can relax anyway.
Barely above a whisper you hear, "Vhaeraun, what have you gotten me into now." as she moves to a corner where she can scan all the exits/entrances.
Her bright green eyes almost piercing through the others in the room, "Greetings, name is Mal, not exactly sure what I bring to the likes of this group, but if you need something dead or stolen, I'm your lady."
"The jailor of the damned," Akkron says as Olem introduces himself. "If you have been pulled away from your sacred duty then things must be dire indeed. And I assume that you know of me as well... but on the off-chance that I am wrong, or that you are unsure, I am Lord Akkron of the Shaded Isle. And it is an honor to meet you in person, Master Thayne."
The next person to enter has a different effect on the lich... memories come flooding back of torture, murder, everything thar Lolth's followers did to him, to his family, and to countless others. His gaze locks with the elf's for a few moments... but he forces himself to relax. And... looking at her more closely, he notes that her heritage is most likely mixed rather than fully Drow.
"If you are here, then I suppose it is reasonable to assume that you are not a worshiper of Lolth," Akkron says... sounding tired. "So welcome."
It is very possible that Mal may have heard the lich's name. And of his long enmity with Lolth and her followers.
I have heard your name, Lord Akkron. I have been told enogh to know that your presence here is at the very least appreciated. What matters most is the intention not the method. And worry not, the Gravegarden is save with the paladins and clerics of both Illmater and Mystra, while the main attraction, Olem pulls his robe to the side a bit to reveal a leatherbound tome strapped to his side,is still in safety.
I forgot to really clarify that the Gravegarden is sort of a collaboration of multiple churches, but mainly those of Illmater and Mystra, the latter for the arcana neccessairy to maintain the enchantments. This is also reflected in the items i chose for Olem: The tome represents his duty to safeguard the knowledge of the whispered one, the robe is a boon of mystra and the amulet one of Illmater. The bow, similar to the Gravegarden is a joint project of both of those dieties.
Sparhawk answers, "Anyone who they believe is trying to thwart their plans are set upon by unknown assassins and other dark forces. We have received word from the Wizard Council that there has been some disappearances with their members. Even a few of our eyes and ears up along the border have been set upon by raiders who seemed to know their routes."
Amanises interjected with a somewhat rueful tone, "In the eyes of followers of dark gods, beings like myself, Aasimar, tend to hold a particular allure. So, in a twisted way, I might indeed be seen as an enticing target."
She paused thoughtfully, selecting her words with care as she elaborated, "To those who serve malevolent deities, individuals like me can represent both a challenge and an opportunity. They believe that by corrupting or exploiting the divine essence within us, they can gain power and favor with their dark patrons. They may attempt to perform dark rituals or blood sacrifices using our sacred blood. Hence, in their perspective, Aasimar are often regarded as valuable prizes, a potent resource."
Amanises directed her gaze towards the group and continued, "With that said, I am willing to assume the role of bait if it expedites our investigation. Though only by necessity and I must be well-guarded. I would rather not prematurely depart the world of the living."
Akkron regards the Cleric.
"If your spirit is as attractive to the forces of evil as you say, then we probably won't need to do much more than poke around in their territory to get their attention," Akkron says. "But if I am seen traveling openly it could conversely attract quite a bit of attention that might put them off... especially if we are indeed dealing with the children of Lolth, as it is likely that they would be able to extrapolate who I am. Once we have completed our raid and brought back several prisoners I'm more than happy to let them know that I have arrived to punish their crimes, but until then I can probably be disguised as a simple priest, while Khessa and Dabbert can act as Lady Amanesis' honor guard."
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Amanises contemplated Akkron's concerns and then proposed a solution. "Lord Akkron, considering your distinctive nature and the risk of drawing unwanted attention, it might be advisable for you to conceal your true identity by assuming the appearance of a mortal man using your formidable wizardry skills. If that aligns with what you meant by disguising yourself as an ordinary priest."
She then turned her attention to Khessa and Dabbert, her tone polite and considerate. "I don't wish to impose on Khessa and Dabbert. If they are comfortable with assuming such roles during our investigations, I have no objections to it."
"Yes, I certainly can do that," Akkron says. "Though it would be wise to have mundane safeguards in place as well... the simplest illusionary disguise lasts only an hour, and I feel more potent spells could be put to better use. Also, an illusionary disguise can be dispelled while a mundane one cannot. I think both Khessa and Dabbert can attest that I have had a few run-ins with beholders lately that have made me a little bit paranoid about thkngs like that."
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“Actually, when I spoke of a damsel in distress, I was imagining myself taking on that role…” Khessa laughs “But I agree that Amanises can make for more attractive prey – come on... who would try to kidnap a woman well into her thirties (and approaching forty), when do you have a celestial creature with a timeless look at your disposal? Even more so if you can impress your dark overlord by corrupting her holy soul... I'll gladly take on the role of the honor guard - it won't even be a fiction, as I'd try to defend her (and you all) anyway!"
Amanises pondered the situation, her fingers gently grazing her chin. "I don't suppose you have an item like a Hat of Disguise in your possession, do you?"
She turned her gaze to Khessa and Dabbert. "In the event that we don't have such an item readily available, perhaps we could explore the markets of Baldur's Gate to find something suitable."
Amanises nodded in understanding. "Though, you make a valid point, Lord Akkron. While illusions can be quite powerful, they do have their limitations. Mundane disguises, on the other hand, are more reliable and lasting even if they can be less convincing. If that is your will, then let it be so."
Amanises leaned forward slightly, her starlit eyes fixed firmly on Khessa. Her voice carried a tone of intensity and conviction that was uncharacteristic of her usual calm demeanor. It may seem as if Khessa had inadvertently struck a nerve. An unpleasant memory, perhaps.
"Khessa, I must insist that you cease with this self-deprecation," she declared firmly. "Your beauty is captivating, and your spirit, your warmth, and your strength shine brightly, making you appear as youthful as any young girl I've met. If you hadn't mentioned having grown children, I might have believed you to be a young woman yourself. You would humble many in Toril."
"Above all else," Amanises added with a now gentle tone as she returned to her usual demeanor, "remember that comparisons between us are unnecessary. We each bring our own qualities. Please, refrain from comparing yourself to me or anyone else. You are remarkable just as you are, Khessa, and that's what truly matters."
"Okay Amanises, don't worry..." Khessa smiles, placing a hand on her shoulder "I'll try to avoid it. It's just... Like I told you before, right? Inside I always feel like the cabbage farmer I was born... Then, hey, I know, I've done a lot of things... In the end I understand that in my own way I'm a heroine too... It must be because when I set a goal for myself, I almost never give up, I keep up fighting to the end, sometimes even against all reasonable hope. But if it had been up to me, I wouldn't have chosen the life of an adventuress... In comparison with true heroes I... Oh, well, I was doing it again - comparison - forget what I said" she sighs. "I'll try again now".
The blonde arcane warrior stands in all her tall and imposing form, confidently holds the staff in her left hand, while holding her right hand closed in a fist over her heart and, with proud confidence in her blue eyes, declares: "I'm remarkable - and ready to be your honor guard".
Then the tall adventuress winks and smiles: "Was this okay?"
Akkron stifles a laugh at Khessa's speech.
"Oh my dear friend," he says. "I promise that you are very much a real hero and that you have every right to be called 'remarkable.' Hopefully once the world is saved you'll be able to go back to your children and your cabbages."
He then turns his attention back to the matter of disguising himself.
"I think that it would be best if we use a combination of magical illusion and mundane disguises that won't disappear if I forget to cast the spell every hour to hide my appearance... ideally, I really shouldn't be in view very much anyway. I think we can afford a cart or a carriage... which we should probably have anyway if we're going to be transporting prisoners. Or I suppose I could just hide in a bag of holding when you don't need me, since I don't need to breathe. Not the most dignified means of travel, but it might just be worth it for the look on a Dark Elf's face when she opens the bag of holding and a lich pops out."
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Amanises couldn't help but be amused with a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth at Khessa's little speech. "Well, it could have been more eloquent," she admitted, "but it'll suffice for the moment."
Khessa notices Amanises' amusement and is pleased - but she is quickly distracted by the hilarious possibility raised by her mentor: "Thank you Master Akkron and yes," she can't help but laugh out loud "the look on a Dark Elf's face when she opens the bag of holding and a lich pops out would be priceless! But it's better if we choose another option maybe... I remember that extradimensional spaces can sometimes be dangerous... If by chance the bag of holding that contains you runs out in another extradimensional space... we would be forced to search for you all over the astral plane! Which is very picturesque, I admit... but also terribly large. We would waste a lot of time finding you. Or is there even a possibility that you will be destroyed? I can't remember... But I think I prefer the simple cart, anyway".
"A bag of holding rupture wouldn't actually be able to destroy me," the lich says with a chuckle. "And I would be able to return fairly easily by means of the plane shift spell... though I will admit, it might take some time and be a challenge to track you all down again. But anyway, that was more my attempt at humor than an actual suggestion. I think it would be best if I simply stay in a cart unseen until the need for secrecy is gone, using a magical illusion for the short stretches of time when I may need to step out and lend my arcane knowledge or investigative skills to our endeavors."
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There is a light knock at the door, then the innkeeper comes in. "Ah, Brother Maynard, two more of the heroes you requested have arrived, I'll show them in if you like." Brother Maynard nods and the innkeeper departs. He then returns with two more heroes (DM: This is where the new players can get caught up, introduce themselves to the group. When you are ready to proceed, let me know)
Khessa, the tall and imposing woman whose long blond curls fall over a robust suit of armour, with her features still set in the smile with which she has just joked with Amanises and Akkron, turns to look at the newcomers with curiosity in the depths of her blue eyes .
A bat rests on one of her armor's shiny pauldrons.
Behind her, a humanoid assembled with inorganic material - but apparently perfectly 'alive', at least enough to operate, remains at her side and turns with her, as if it were also curious to see those who have come to help in a matter of this kind.
Amanises, with her ethereal beauty and timeless presence, stood at a corner of their gathering slightly behind the taller Khessa. Her long, deep black hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back. She wore a unique plate armor that seemed to mimic the appearance of a flowing robe, and it was adorned with intricate patterns of gems that glittered like stars in the night sky. Her aura exuded an air of grace and serenity, and a symbol of Selûne hung from a chain around her neck. As the newcomers entered, her starlit eyes regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and warmth.
In stark contrast to Amanises' otherworldly beauty and Khessa's more simple, yet no less prominent, beauty, stands... a corpse.
Lord Akkron's body is mostly stripped down to the bone, except for a few mummified bits of flesh that still cling tightly to the ancient skeleton. Ethereal mists surround the bones, giving the undead an otherworldly aura about him.
Interestingly, any of you with extensive knowledge of Arcana may recognize the creature's cloak as a robe of the archmagi, which looks like it's been dyed a dark blue color, making it impossible to distinguish his alignment at a glance as one normally could when dealing with a wearer of one of these legendary garments.
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Olem in a way almost combines a few visual traits of all those present: He is tall for a human, yet he posesses no imposing figure. His short brown hair looks a bit unkept at the frays. He wears simple unassuming clothes besides a few notable things: A amulet made of clay in the shape of two hands grasping each other tied together with a small red leather strap. he wears a breastplate engraved with tiny symbols. If one were to look from up close they would see various recipes for healing tinktures, descriptions and images of medical procedures and holy texts of Illmater. Over his clothes and plate he wears a black cloak with tiny white spots that, as the viewer's point of view shift, seem to be anchored in space unmoving. On his back he carries an ornate bow made of beautifully worked wood and metals engraved in a similar way to the chestplate.
I have heard many grand story about all of you, so let me tell you that i feel optimistic about our future endevour. If you have not heard of me then you must know that there is no reason you should have done so. My doing in this world is just as whispered as the name of the creature whose secrets i guard. But then again having a glance at you i realize that my secrecy would not be guarded from this circle.
Olem Thayne is the Keeper of the Gravegarden. The Gravegarden is a place where powerfull undead are burried and sealed away. Many of them were once devout acolytes of Vecna the whispered One. When the site was first built it was obvious that the place needed a powerfull guardian to maintain the enchantments placed on the graves and protect it from people intending on learning dark magic and learning the secrets of undeath. The necromantic energies that linger would corrupt the body of whoever dwells there for too long. Because of that the Churches responsible for the creation of the Gravegarden decided to chose a follower of Illmater who would "sacrifice" himself for this cause. Olem stood out from the rest as a prodigy in both the arcane and spiritual and was thus trained and prepared to fullfill the post he has until now, and will continue once the matters in Eosia are taken care of. I let you all decide for yourself how aware of Olem your characters are. I would assume that Akkron very much knew of him but i let you decide for yourself.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
A drow enters the room clad in black studded leathers, her piercing green eyes quickly scanning over everyone in the room, noting the potential skills of everyone as she scans then up and down and then her gaze freezes and her mouth drops open just a little bit as she sees the Lich in the corner. Her hand almost imperceptibly moves to the hilt of her rune-etched heavy crossbow slung across her back, but then she realizes that no one else seems to be reacting and she relaxes again, well relaxes as much she can relax anyway.
Barely above a whisper you hear, "Vhaeraun, what have you gotten me into now." as she moves to a corner where she can scan all the exits/entrances.
Her bright green eyes almost piercing through the others in the room, "Greetings, name is Mal, not exactly sure what I bring to the likes of this group, but if you need something dead or stolen, I'm your lady."
"The jailor of the damned," Akkron says as Olem introduces himself. "If you have been pulled away from your sacred duty then things must be dire indeed. And I assume that you know of me as well... but on the off-chance that I am wrong, or that you are unsure, I am Lord Akkron of the Shaded Isle. And it is an honor to meet you in person, Master Thayne."
The next person to enter has a different effect on the lich... memories come flooding back of torture, murder, everything thar Lolth's followers did to him, to his family, and to countless others. His gaze locks with the elf's for a few moments... but he forces himself to relax. And... looking at her more closely, he notes that her heritage is most likely mixed rather than fully Drow.
"If you are here, then I suppose it is reasonable to assume that you are not a worshiper of Lolth," Akkron says... sounding tired. "So welcome."
It is very possible that Mal may have heard the lich's name. And of his long enmity with Lolth and her followers.
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I have heard your name, Lord Akkron. I have been told enogh to know that your presence here is at the very least appreciated. What matters most is the intention not the method. And worry not, the Gravegarden is save with the paladins and clerics of both Illmater and Mystra, while the main attraction, Olem pulls his robe to the side a bit to reveal a leatherbound tome strapped to his side, is still in safety.
I forgot to really clarify that the Gravegarden is sort of a collaboration of multiple churches, but mainly those of Illmater and Mystra, the latter for the arcana neccessairy to maintain the enchantments. This is also reflected in the items i chose for Olem: The tome represents his duty to safeguard the knowledge of the whispered one, the robe is a boon of mystra and the amulet one of Illmater. The bow, similar to the Gravegarden is a joint project of both of those dieties.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist