Sylzet's face darkens as she is analyzed by the archmage. But she makes no comment until after the wizard has entered his portal.
"...I hate wizards."
With that, she nods to the guards and steps through... If she was going to get any info on the Curse, it's better to ask the mage it seems rather than overwhelm the poor whelp- she means guards. Totally meant guards.
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Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
Xanktus take’s the Archmage’s gaze in stride. He has nothing to hide that an outward glance would reveal. As the wizard heads through the portal, the tiefling moves along to follow, his limp leaving him well behind Sylzet as she heads in first. He offers the guards as elegant of a bow as he can muster while leaning against his cane. Noting Sylzet’s final words as she vanishes through the gateway, he simply chuckles under his breath and mutters to himself before simultaneously stepping through.
Zenver watches closely as the archmage draws the arcane sigils in the air, but most of it soars far above his head.
"One day I forsee myself being able to wield such power. But perhaps that is along a different fate chain than the one we stand one. Only one way to see I guess."
Quickly stepping forward, he gives himself over to the teleportation circle, allowing it to whisk him away to destinations unknown.
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(OOC: Due to real life time constraints, Charwoman_Gene has dropped out, so there's only going to be five of you)
As the Heroes step through the shimmering portal there is a feeling of falling and flying; of expanding and shrinking; of being infinitely far away while simultaneously being far too close. The experience lasts a moment that feels like a lifetime, then they are stepping forward onto a circular platform inlaid with gold and silver threads in swirling, arcane patterns. The platform, though at least 20 feet across, seems dwarfed as it floats in the center of a huge cylindrical shaft that's easily 60 feet across. The outer edges of the shaft are lined by bookshelves full of more books than any one person has likely ever seen in one place at a time. The shaft descends into darkness beyond what can be seen by the unaided eye, and raises above the platform for at least another hundred feet with almost every square foot covered in books. The very, very perceptive, might notice that the books appear to consist of about the same 10,000 books repeated in different patterns.
The platform the party stands on is surrounded on most sides by a short, but elaborate railing. On one side, though, a set of steps leads out of the shaft and into a wide circular room, with a black marble floor, resplendent with arcane sigils marked out in contrasting white and tan marble. This room too is bordered by massive bookcases and thousands of books, along with elaborate purple and gold tapestries. Floating candles and glowing crystals provide dim illumination, and multiple desks stand around the room where apprentices or visitors might copy information out of the gathered books. In front of the heroes, Gilead is just descending the stair, towards the larger room, clearly expecting the party to follow him.
As he approaches the center of the room, a small dais, barely a foot across, rises out of the floor. Gilead places his amethyst staff on the raised dais, where it floats up right, and is illuminated from below. The light of the room rises gently until the room is brightly illuminated. He makes a small gesture, and a series of finely wrought, comfortably cushioned chairs rise out of the ground, one sized perfectly appropriately for each party member. The two for the halfing and gnome sit on elevated platforms so they are eye level with the others, the one for Xanktus is crafted with a hole for his tail.
Gilead takes a chair in the center, turning back towards the party, his staff floating gently behind him. As he sits, he sighs, and it seems as though a mask falls from his face, as he drops the false joviality and confidence he presented in front of the guards. His eyes glow red, "Please, come join me." He says, gesturing towards the party's seats, arrayed in a semi-circle in front of him. His glowing green eyes, look to each party member as they come forward. "If you have any pressing questions, I will happily answer those. And, then, I will tell you what I know about the quest you've accepted, the curse, and anything else that I think might be helpful."
Torrin let's out a long whistle as he gazes upon the magical wonders of the Arch-mage's dwelling, but it comes out as an odd alien sounding hiss, his dragonborn lips seeming to have difficulty with the action. "I have no pressing questions sir, just an eagerness to help alleviate this land from this curse." Torrin sits in his chair, leaning his long sword and shield against the arm of the chair.
Xanktus takes in his surroundings in silences;his pupil-less eyes scanning the bookshelves and sigils frantically as he maintains an outward mask of calm collectedness. There was surely enough here in the way of information and arcane secrets to more than make up for the failure that had been his previous endeavor in the region. But that would have to be pursued later. An archmage was as likely to horde his real worth-while knowledge as vehemently as a dragon his gold.
”Quite the spectacle, this place,” he mutters, not entirely meaning to say it aloud. He takes a seat, at Gilead’s behest; leaning his cane against the one with the hole in the back and allowing himself to slip into its cushioned frame a bit harder than he would have liked. “I’ve questions enough for a good week’s worth of talk... but they can wait until our business is concluded. This town’s well-being comes first, far as I’m concerned.”
Sylzet declines to sit, standing next to the designated chair instead. "I want details on the Curse, and of our... target." She looks towards the rest of the party for a moment.
"Do those cursed continue to rise back up after they fall? If yes, does divine power such as a Smite or Sacred Flame prevent their rising again? Or must we burn them to ashes to secure their demise?" She considers Xanktus' previous comment.
"And what of those who retain their minds? Do we seek a cure, ignore them, or purge them?" She asks, offering the three moral paths she can see... It seems even despite her narcissism and clear lack of interest in those not herself, she at least has an understanding that others do not and will not agree with her choice.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
The cheerful though strange halfling seems completely flabbergasted by the arcane power on display here in the arch-mage's home. Never could I have forseen... he mutters to himself, before realizing that he is standing in the center of the circle staring up at the bookcases. "Oh, um...my apologies."
He rushes to take his diminutive seat amoungst the other chairs. "I have no pressing questions for the time being...but perhaps after our business with the Curse is concluded we could discuss the possibility of my taking time to study in here? The knowledge that you have amassed I am sure puts to shame all but the greatest of the libraries of old."
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Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
The Archmage nods at each question. "I fear there may be some confusion, while the quest begins here, perhaps, the actions needed will take place in the Abyss." He pauses gauging their reactions. (OOC: Sorry for the exposition dump)
Then shakes his head, his eyes a light lavender color, and continues. "Allow me to explain, and if you still have questions, I will do my best to answer," as he talks, he waves a hand and an illusion takes form in the space between the heroes, illustrating his point. "Just over a decade ago, was the end of the Upheaval. Many know only that the weather turned random and destructive, the elements themselves fought against civilization, and waves and waves of aberrations and undead plagued the land. What most do not know is that a rash of cults had been attempting to free Ba'al from his prison or were attempting to free his Captains, the evil elemental princes." His eyes darken to a deep indigo color, "You see, millenia ago, during the Chaos War, Ba'al was near to becoming a god. He had his advisor, a powerful mage named Ransom, craft a ritual that would drain the life force from all of his Captains to deify him. But this would not be enough. Ba'al demanded that the ritual also drain his Consort and their son's life to be sure. Ransom, however, had come to care for the boy and had mentored him in magic and power. So, instead, he betrayed Ba'al. He crafted the ritual to instead use their life force to imprison him, while Ba'al's Consort escaped with m-- their son." His voice seems to echo softly in the chamber, as his eyes become almost black, "Five seals were crafted in this way, imprisoning Ashardalon and the elemental princes. Their power working against the power of Ba'al. Like a gnome finger trap, the harder each tried to escape, the tighter the prison held."
His voice returns to normal, and his eyes glow a simple light blue, "But a group of adventurers unwittingly found Ashardalon's seal in the mountains to the south. It had corrupted a local druid, and they destroyed the seal, thinking it was the cause of this evil. It was the cause, but not in the way they thought. By breaking the seal, they released Ashardalon and weakened Ba'al's prison. Though he could still not manifest physically, he could mentally touch the world. His voice whispered in the night and drove people mad. He set them on the path to release the princes and, in so doing, release himself." He pauses to gather his thoughts. "But those stories are unnecessary to your task. Ashardalon took a few years to restore himself and gather his power, I did not know this at the time, but he made a bargain with Damagh Al'um, known as Queen and Mother of Demons. He attacked the city, and drew me out from my tower. As I fought him, a warlock of Damagh Al'um snuck into the city and planted a poison into the mythal, creating the curse. Over the years since, I've been able to effect some repairs, returning the minds to most of the citizens, but while she still lives, I cannot restore their lives. Somehow, she draws power from their lives."
He looks around at each party member in turn, his eyes back to the lavender color that seems most common. "So, the task, is nothing less than to travel to the Abyss and kill a Queen of Demons.... Are you still willing?"
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"...So, leave those with their minds alone, burn the rest then?" She asks, staring blankly at the wizard. She made a careful note of his... 'slip up' during the story, as she considers the implication.
Insight: 12 (in an effort to determine if he nearly said "my son" instead... or "my student" as it could also be... ICly. OOCly I'm laughing my ass off cause Sylzet would totally make a deal here if she catches the correct meaning.)
Once she has made her determination, however, she looks back at the group and bluntly states, "I'm just here for the payment of upwards of half the kingdom, and a chance to slay a legendary demon *****. You all turn back and I'm still going forward. Stand by me or not, but know if you do, I will do my best to ensure survival long enough for my blade to claim her head so I can have my land." She then folds her arms, smoke rising from her plate armor a bit more vigorously in response to her determination.
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Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
“Fascinating... if a bit less than subtle. But we can circle back around to that later.” Xanktus shifts in his seat, one hand now firmly grasping the handle of the cane leaning beside him. “Right now, however, I think it prudent to ask why you’d entrust something so important to folks like us. Individuals with no ties to Roses in any notable way, best as I can tell. Just a lot of eager, highly-expendable nobodies who answered a call for aid without asking for many details. I have some passing knowledge of demons and their ilk; a shocking revelation, I know...” he added in, dryly. “Surely this sort of situation that Roses has found itself in would attract attention from... lets call em bigger’ eyes than ours. Especially wHen demons of the magnitude your describing are involved. Holy folks of orders directly opposed to Ba’al and Damagh Al’um’s kind could offer hundreds of sanctified bodies to throw at this problem, rather than just the si- ...five of us. So why go with this course of action? Hiring common mercenaries rather than appealing to a religious order or two?”
After letting the question sit in the air a moment, the tiefling briefly adds: “Not that the answer’s gonna change my mind or anything, mind ya. For my part at least, I’ve every intention of seeing this job through to the end. Just like to know we’re working for someone whose being honest with us about their motives; ya ken, Gilead?”
As the story was told Torrin's smile grew and grew. "I believe I am more willing than ever, nothing would bring me more joy than to slay a demon queen and her ilk, no matter the reward..." he tosses a quick glance at Sylzet, a look of mild distrust on his face. Torrin also noticed the slip up, but his excitement at the prospect of slaying demon queens flooded his mind too much to care (ooc he wouldn't be able roll high enough to detect the falsehood)
(As far as Sylzet can tell, it was simply a verbal goof, though you can of course have whatever suspicions your character would have. But, you're pretty sure it didn't sound like he was about to say "my.")
"Well, to answer your questions, in reverse order. There are a number of reasons for hiring adventurers such as yourself. Firstly, most of the heroes who were connected to Roses were in Roses at the time of the curse. They are out there even now, walking amongst the undead. Secondly, Roses has always been a neutral country. We have done our best not to take the side between the various conflicts that have occurred outside our borders. But, as a result, no outside country is willing to help us in our time of need. And finally," Here he reached into his robes and withdrew five small white oblong rhomboids. He released them, to float in the air before him, "in the intervening years, I have only been able to make 5 of these," he said, indicating the rhomboids. "I realized that I would not be able to go myself, as I cannot leave Roses for long. If I do, all of my work on the mythal will be undone, so I made these. If we had the time, I would create more, enough for an army, but I am convinced that the longer the curse exists, the more permanent it becomes and, of course, the stronger Damagh Al'um becomes. Frankly, I'm worried that I've run out of time."
He spread his hand and rhomboid moved to hover in front of each party member. Up close, each member could see that they were carved out of a knuckle bone, and glowed faintly with runes along each side. He continued, his eyes a blue color, "These charms will protect you from the worst of the environmental effects of the Abyss. They will also provide sustenance for your bodies, as there is very little food there, and what food does exist is mostly poisonous to non-demons. More importantly," his voice grew hard, and his eyes flashed brighter, "they were the finger bones of the warlock who spread the poison in our mythal. He was bound to Damagh Al'um and these bones will allow you to avoid the majority of her defenses. I was able to find that she resides on the Plane of Pazunia. Pazunia is known as the 'first layer' of the Abyss, by demonologists, though, such a distinction is mostly meaningless in such a chaotic place. But it's known as such because its barriers with the Material Plane are the weakest in the Abyss. As such, powerful Demons will build 'Alqilae Alhadidia' or 'Iron Fortresses' that protect their physical bodies when they leave the Abyss to travel astrally. These bones will allow you to travel anywhere the warlock would have been able to in the Iron Fortress without alerting anyone. They will also allow for limited contact between us while you're there. My plan is to draw out Damagh Al'um astrally, so you can destroy her body and end this curse. We will only get one chance I suspect, as she is far too cunning to be easily fooled."
Here he looks to Sylzet. "I will be able to teleport you from here, so, thankfully, you won't need to interact with any of the citizens whatsoever. You are welcome to destroy anything you come in contact with in the Abyss as you see fit."
"...Very well." She looks over the rhomboid briefly before cracking her knuckles. "I am ready to leave whenever." She says, eyes gleaming brightly. Knowing Torrin distrusts her, the dragonborn seems to wear his heart on his sleeve a bit, but she doesn't care. She doesn't need trust right at this moment, and she'll earn respect as time goes on...
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Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
“Likewise,” says Xanktus, slowly closing one hand around the rhomboid floating before him. Not being familiar with the magic the little artifact is utilizing, he is careful to only let the gloved portions of his hand actually make contact with it. He doubts it will make a difference, but old habits are hard to shake off entirely. “Any final warnings or words of wisdom you’d impart upon us before we go?”
He shifts his gaze to the dragonborn and gnomes, curious how they will proceed. Each one was already proving to be a fascinating comrade in their own little way. He meant to mark their words and reactions well from here on out.
Torrin grabs the small rhomboid out of the air, inspects it a little, then speaks a quiet whisper in Draconic (if anyone speaks it he says "out") the copper ball that takes the place of his left eye sprouts small, spider like legs, and crawls out of it's socket. once it's out you can see it's not fully a sphere, only half of one. He gingerly removes a single platinum piece from the hollow of his eye socket, and places the rhomboid inside it. He then whispers another bit of Draconic ( "In", for those fluent) and the half orb crawls back in, and the small legs retract. he then looks back up, the copper eye still seeming to move freely of the other, and says "apologizes to the squeamish, but I couldn't think of a safer place for such a valuable item" he releases a sort of sheepish grin, then turns to the arch-mage "so we're to teleport straight to this iron fortress, assuredly fight through the queens minions, and take out her physical body. Sounds like a solid enough plan, is it safe to assume you'll be able to pull us back out once the deed is done?? and, whilst you seem incredibly powerful in your own right, will you be safe tempting her out astrally??"
Zenver has been only partially present during most of the proceedings, mainly focused on the many wonderful feats of magic surrounding them. He makes no additional comments while the story is told or the shielding device offered.
"Well, it seems our time here is drawing to a close. Such a magnificent place, I hope to be able to visit again in the future."
Closing his hand around the rhomboid, he tucks it within the tunic and robes that fall about his frame as he stands from the chair.
"No sense waiting for the tea to boil when the biscuits have already gone stale. Shall we be off then?"
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(OOC: For these magic items, I'll put them on each of your character sheets; basically, they'll function like an ioun stone of sustenance, and you can communicate with Gilead as the Sending spell, after a short rest).
Gilead blinked briefly at Torrin, he couldn't remember the last time someone had honestly inquired about his well-being. "I will be honest, while here in the center of my power, I am nigh untouchable. But, Damagh Al'um is much more powerful than I am on the astral plane. As a result, I expect it to be a running battle. Our communication will be limited, but I will have to wait until you are close to engaging her before I can draw her out with any hope of success."
"One other thing." He again reaches into his robes and produces a large book that shouldn't have been able to fit within his robes without making an obvious bulge. "This was found on the warlock's body. It's clearly the warlock's journal, but it appears to be a sort of 'guide' to the Demon Queen's Iron Fortress and her lieutenants. According to this, the various lieutenants have their own 'sections' of the Fortress, and Damagh Al'um almost encourages rivalry between them. It was written in a cipher, which I have attempted to translate as much as possible. Even once translated, the warlock was writing to themselves, so it's not completely clear what they were talking about. For example," He opens the book to a random page and reads, his eyes turning a neon, sickly glowing green, "Big Pink: mind the holes. At the top of the cavern is a Red Door, leading to Spore Spawn... I don't think part of the Device is there, and I don't think Spore Spawn is here as part of Damagh Al'um's plan. I wonder if it's some kind of 'offspring' of Kraid. Kraid is always making something out of itself. However, there seem to be some unique qualities to its spore. Maybe medicinal. Definitely hypnotic. If this thing is a spawn of Kraid, it may be protecting something useful." He looks up at the party, his eyes, purple again, "I have no idea what they're referring to here. I don't think you will know until you get there yourself."
He stands, his chair disappearing into the floor. He grabs his staff from it's pedestal, which then also drops flush to the floor. "It will take me a few hours to prepare the ritual to send you to the Abyss. I encourage you to use that time to prepare as you best see fit. If there are any materials you require, please let my familiar know, and I will see what can be done. You may rest here." He waved and a creature that looked like something like a tiny griffin, but instead of an eagle mixed with a lion, appeared to be a mix of a kookaburra and a possum, flew down from where it had been hidden in a book shelf. It perched on his outstretched arm and let out a clicking-hissing-laughing sound. "This is Cadence. If you need anything mundane, let her know, and I will see it's brought to you. You're welcome to peruse the shelves here, except for the books that are chained shut. That is for your own protection, I assure you."
He nods at the characters and walks away, seeming to walk directly through one of the walls. Cadence laughs again, and flies off to rest on one of the desks in the corner.
(OOC: I've posted the translations of the Book in the "DM Public Notes" of the Campaign, so you don't have to keep scrolling back and forth to find it. I'll add to it there if you translate more of it, and/or add your own notes there. I have generally intended for this to be a more puzzle-solving exploration type adventure, but if you find there's not enough hack'n'slash or roleplay, let me know and I can adjust as we go).
Sylzet stays where she is, honestly having no desire to move as she is more or less completely prepared in her mind. She folds her arms and looks over the rest of the party. "...Well then. Glad to see you all have spines." She gives a light chuckle, with a brief flash of fangs in her mouth before they are hidden by her lips again. "I've made my motivation clear. Am I surrounded by goody-two-shoes, doing it for the good of the people?" She asks, a smirk on her face.
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Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
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Sylzet's face darkens as she is analyzed by the archmage. But she makes no comment until after the wizard has entered his portal.
"...I hate wizards."
With that, she nods to the guards and steps through... If she was going to get any info on the Curse, it's better to ask the mage it seems rather than overwhelm the poor whelp- she means guards. Totally meant guards.
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
Xanktus take’s the Archmage’s gaze in stride. He has nothing to hide that an outward glance would reveal. As the wizard heads through the portal, the tiefling moves along to follow, his limp leaving him well behind Sylzet as she heads in first. He offers the guards as elegant of a bow as he can muster while leaning against his cane. Noting Sylzet’s final words as she vanishes through the gateway, he simply chuckles under his breath and mutters to himself before simultaneously stepping through.
”Heh... Don’t we all...”
Zenver watches closely as the archmage draws the arcane sigils in the air, but most of it soars far above his head.
"One day I forsee myself being able to wield such power. But perhaps that is along a different fate chain than the one we stand one. Only one way to see I guess."
Quickly stepping forward, he gives himself over to the teleportation circle, allowing it to whisk him away to destinations unknown.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
"Have a good day gentlemen, may Bahamut's wings always cover you" Torrin says, giving a slight nod to the gaurds, then steps into the portal.
Torrin Delmirev - Into the Abyss
Krusk - Rime of the Frost Maiden
(OOC: Due to real life time constraints, Charwoman_Gene has dropped out, so there's only going to be five of you)
As the Heroes step through the shimmering portal there is a feeling of falling and flying; of expanding and shrinking; of being infinitely far away while simultaneously being far too close. The experience lasts a moment that feels like a lifetime, then they are stepping forward onto a circular platform inlaid with gold and silver threads in swirling, arcane patterns. The platform, though at least 20 feet across, seems dwarfed as it floats in the center of a huge cylindrical shaft that's easily 60 feet across. The outer edges of the shaft are lined by bookshelves full of more books than any one person has likely ever seen in one place at a time. The shaft descends into darkness beyond what can be seen by the unaided eye, and raises above the platform for at least another hundred feet with almost every square foot covered in books. The very, very perceptive, might notice that the books appear to consist of about the same 10,000 books repeated in different patterns.
The platform the party stands on is surrounded on most sides by a short, but elaborate railing. On one side, though, a set of steps leads out of the shaft and into a wide circular room, with a black marble floor, resplendent with arcane sigils marked out in contrasting white and tan marble. This room too is bordered by massive bookcases and thousands of books, along with elaborate purple and gold tapestries. Floating candles and glowing crystals provide dim illumination, and multiple desks stand around the room where apprentices or visitors might copy information out of the gathered books. In front of the heroes, Gilead is just descending the stair, towards the larger room, clearly expecting the party to follow him.
As he approaches the center of the room, a small dais, barely a foot across, rises out of the floor. Gilead places his amethyst staff on the raised dais, where it floats up right, and is illuminated from below. The light of the room rises gently until the room is brightly illuminated. He makes a small gesture, and a series of finely wrought, comfortably cushioned chairs rise out of the ground, one sized perfectly appropriately for each party member. The two for the halfing and gnome sit on elevated platforms so they are eye level with the others, the one for Xanktus is crafted with a hole for his tail.
Gilead takes a chair in the center, turning back towards the party, his staff floating gently behind him. As he sits, he sighs, and it seems as though a mask falls from his face, as he drops the false joviality and confidence he presented in front of the guards. His eyes glow red, "Please, come join me." He says, gesturing towards the party's seats, arrayed in a semi-circle in front of him. His glowing green eyes, look to each party member as they come forward. "If you have any pressing questions, I will happily answer those. And, then, I will tell you what I know about the quest you've accepted, the curse, and anything else that I think might be helpful."
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
Torrin let's out a long whistle as he gazes upon the magical wonders of the Arch-mage's dwelling, but it comes out as an odd alien sounding hiss, his dragonborn lips seeming to have difficulty with the action. "I have no pressing questions sir, just an eagerness to help alleviate this land from this curse." Torrin sits in his chair, leaning his long sword and shield against the arm of the chair.
Torrin Delmirev - Into the Abyss
Krusk - Rime of the Frost Maiden
Xanktus takes in his surroundings in silences;his pupil-less eyes scanning the bookshelves and sigils frantically as he maintains an outward mask of calm collectedness. There was surely enough here in the way of information and arcane secrets to more than make up for the failure that had been his previous endeavor in the region. But that would have to be pursued later. An archmage was as likely to horde his real worth-while knowledge as vehemently as a dragon his gold.
”Quite the spectacle, this place,” he mutters, not entirely meaning to say it aloud. He takes a seat, at Gilead’s behest; leaning his cane against the one with the hole in the back and allowing himself to slip into its cushioned frame a bit harder than he would have liked. “I’ve questions enough for a good week’s worth of talk... but they can wait until our business is concluded. This town’s well-being comes first, far as I’m concerned.”
Sylzet declines to sit, standing next to the designated chair instead. "I want details on the Curse, and of our... target." She looks towards the rest of the party for a moment.
"Do those cursed continue to rise back up after they fall? If yes, does divine power such as a Smite or Sacred Flame prevent their rising again? Or must we burn them to ashes to secure their demise?" She considers Xanktus' previous comment.
"And what of those who retain their minds? Do we seek a cure, ignore them, or purge them?" She asks, offering the three moral paths she can see... It seems even despite her narcissism and clear lack of interest in those not herself, she at least has an understanding that others do not and will not agree with her choice.
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
The cheerful though strange halfling seems completely flabbergasted by the arcane power on display here in the arch-mage's home. Never could I have forseen... he mutters to himself, before realizing that he is standing in the center of the circle staring up at the bookcases. "Oh, um...my apologies."
He rushes to take his diminutive seat amoungst the other chairs. "I have no pressing questions for the time being...but perhaps after our business with the Curse is concluded we could discuss the possibility of my taking time to study in here? The knowledge that you have amassed I am sure puts to shame all but the greatest of the libraries of old."
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
The Archmage nods at each question. "I fear there may be some confusion, while the quest begins here, perhaps, the actions needed will take place in the Abyss." He pauses gauging their reactions. (OOC: Sorry for the exposition dump)
Then shakes his head, his eyes a light lavender color, and continues. "Allow me to explain, and if you still have questions, I will do my best to answer," as he talks, he waves a hand and an illusion takes form in the space between the heroes, illustrating his point. "Just over a decade ago, was the end of the Upheaval. Many know only that the weather turned random and destructive, the elements themselves fought against civilization, and waves and waves of aberrations and undead plagued the land. What most do not know is that a rash of cults had been attempting to free Ba'al from his prison or were attempting to free his Captains, the evil elemental princes." His eyes darken to a deep indigo color, "You see, millenia ago, during the Chaos War, Ba'al was near to becoming a god. He had his advisor, a powerful mage named Ransom, craft a ritual that would drain the life force from all of his Captains to deify him. But this would not be enough. Ba'al demanded that the ritual also drain his Consort and their son's life to be sure. Ransom, however, had come to care for the boy and had mentored him in magic and power. So, instead, he betrayed Ba'al. He crafted the ritual to instead use their life force to imprison him, while Ba'al's Consort escaped with m-- their son." His voice seems to echo softly in the chamber, as his eyes become almost black, "Five seals were crafted in this way, imprisoning Ashardalon and the elemental princes. Their power working against the power of Ba'al. Like a gnome finger trap, the harder each tried to escape, the tighter the prison held."
His voice returns to normal, and his eyes glow a simple light blue, "But a group of adventurers unwittingly found Ashardalon's seal in the mountains to the south. It had corrupted a local druid, and they destroyed the seal, thinking it was the cause of this evil. It was the cause, but not in the way they thought. By breaking the seal, they released Ashardalon and weakened Ba'al's prison. Though he could still not manifest physically, he could mentally touch the world. His voice whispered in the night and drove people mad. He set them on the path to release the princes and, in so doing, release himself." He pauses to gather his thoughts. "But those stories are unnecessary to your task. Ashardalon took a few years to restore himself and gather his power, I did not know this at the time, but he made a bargain with Damagh Al'um, known as Queen and Mother of Demons. He attacked the city, and drew me out from my tower. As I fought him, a warlock of Damagh Al'um snuck into the city and planted a poison into the mythal, creating the curse. Over the years since, I've been able to effect some repairs, returning the minds to most of the citizens, but while she still lives, I cannot restore their lives. Somehow, she draws power from their lives."
He looks around at each party member in turn, his eyes back to the lavender color that seems most common. "So, the task, is nothing less than to travel to the Abyss and kill a Queen of Demons.... Are you still willing?"
Deception: 25
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
"...So, leave those with their minds alone, burn the rest then?" She asks, staring blankly at the wizard. She made a careful note of his... 'slip up' during the story, as she considers the implication.
Insight: 12 (in an effort to determine if he nearly said "my son" instead... or "my student" as it could also be... ICly. OOCly I'm laughing my ass off cause Sylzet would totally make a deal here if she catches the correct meaning.)
Once she has made her determination, however, she looks back at the group and bluntly states, "I'm just here for the payment of upwards of half the kingdom, and a chance to slay a legendary demon *****. You all turn back and I'm still going forward. Stand by me or not, but know if you do, I will do my best to ensure survival long enough for my blade to claim her head so I can have my land." She then folds her arms, smoke rising from her plate armor a bit more vigorously in response to her determination.
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
“Fascinating... if a bit less than subtle. But we can circle back around to that later.” Xanktus shifts in his seat, one hand now firmly grasping the handle of the cane leaning beside him. “Right now, however, I think it prudent to ask why you’d entrust something so important to folks like us. Individuals with no ties to Roses in any notable way, best as I can tell. Just a lot of eager, highly-expendable nobodies who answered a call for aid without asking for many details. I have some passing knowledge of demons and their ilk; a shocking revelation, I know...” he added in, dryly. “Surely this sort of situation that Roses has found itself in would attract attention from... lets call em bigger’ eyes than ours. Especially wHen demons of the magnitude your describing are involved. Holy folks of orders directly opposed to Ba’al and Damagh Al’um’s kind could offer hundreds of sanctified bodies to throw at this problem, rather than just the si- ...five of us. So why go with this course of action? Hiring common mercenaries rather than appealing to a religious order or two?”
After letting the question sit in the air a moment, the tiefling briefly adds: “Not that the answer’s gonna change my mind or anything, mind ya. For my part at least, I’ve every intention of seeing this job through to the end. Just like to know we’re working for someone whose being honest with us about their motives; ya ken, Gilead?”
As the story was told Torrin's smile grew and grew. "I believe I am more willing than ever, nothing would bring me more joy than to slay a demon queen and her ilk, no matter the reward..." he tosses a quick glance at Sylzet, a look of mild distrust on his face. Torrin also noticed the slip up, but his excitement at the prospect of slaying demon queens flooded his mind too much to care (ooc he wouldn't be able roll high enough to detect the falsehood)
Torrin Delmirev - Into the Abyss
Krusk - Rime of the Frost Maiden
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
"...Very well." She looks over the rhomboid briefly before cracking her knuckles. "I am ready to leave whenever." She says, eyes gleaming brightly. Knowing Torrin distrusts her, the dragonborn seems to wear his heart on his sleeve a bit, but she doesn't care. She doesn't need trust right at this moment, and she'll earn respect as time goes on...
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
“Likewise,” says Xanktus, slowly closing one hand around the rhomboid floating before him. Not being familiar with the magic the little artifact is utilizing, he is careful to only let the gloved portions of his hand actually make contact with it. He doubts it will make a difference, but old habits are hard to shake off entirely. “Any final warnings or words of wisdom you’d impart upon us before we go?”
He shifts his gaze to the dragonborn and gnomes, curious how they will proceed. Each one was already proving to be a fascinating comrade in their own little way. He meant to mark their words and reactions well from here on out.
Torrin grabs the small rhomboid out of the air, inspects it a little, then speaks a quiet whisper in Draconic (if anyone speaks it he says "out") the copper ball that takes the place of his left eye sprouts small, spider like legs, and crawls out of it's socket. once it's out you can see it's not fully a sphere, only half of one. He gingerly removes a single platinum piece from the hollow of his eye socket, and places the rhomboid inside it. He then whispers another bit of Draconic ( "In", for those fluent) and the half orb crawls back in, and the small legs retract. he then looks back up, the copper eye still seeming to move freely of the other, and says "apologizes to the squeamish, but I couldn't think of a safer place for such a valuable item" he releases a sort of sheepish grin, then turns to the arch-mage "so we're to teleport straight to this iron fortress, assuredly fight through the queens minions, and take out her physical body. Sounds like a solid enough plan, is it safe to assume you'll be able to pull us back out once the deed is done?? and, whilst you seem incredibly powerful in your own right, will you be safe tempting her out astrally??"
Torrin Delmirev - Into the Abyss
Krusk - Rime of the Frost Maiden
Zenver has been only partially present during most of the proceedings, mainly focused on the many wonderful feats of magic surrounding them. He makes no additional comments while the story is told or the shielding device offered.
"Well, it seems our time here is drawing to a close. Such a magnificent place, I hope to be able to visit again in the future."
Closing his hand around the rhomboid, he tucks it within the tunic and robes that fall about his frame as he stands from the chair.
"No sense waiting for the tea to boil when the biscuits have already gone stale. Shall we be off then?"
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
(OOC: For these magic items, I'll put them on each of your character sheets; basically, they'll function like an ioun stone of sustenance, and you can communicate with Gilead as the Sending spell, after a short rest).
Gilead blinked briefly at Torrin, he couldn't remember the last time someone had honestly inquired about his well-being. "I will be honest, while here in the center of my power, I am nigh untouchable. But, Damagh Al'um is much more powerful than I am on the astral plane. As a result, I expect it to be a running battle. Our communication will be limited, but I will have to wait until you are close to engaging her before I can draw her out with any hope of success."
"One other thing." He again reaches into his robes and produces a large book that shouldn't have been able to fit within his robes without making an obvious bulge. "This was found on the warlock's body. It's clearly the warlock's journal, but it appears to be a sort of 'guide' to the Demon Queen's Iron Fortress and her lieutenants. According to this, the various lieutenants have their own 'sections' of the Fortress, and Damagh Al'um almost encourages rivalry between them. It was written in a cipher, which I have attempted to translate as much as possible. Even once translated, the warlock was writing to themselves, so it's not completely clear what they were talking about. For example," He opens the book to a random page and reads, his eyes turning a neon, sickly glowing green, "Big Pink: mind the holes. At the top of the cavern is a Red Door, leading to Spore Spawn... I don't think part of the Device is there, and I don't think Spore Spawn is here as part of Damagh Al'um's plan. I wonder if it's some kind of 'offspring' of Kraid. Kraid is always making something out of itself. However, there seem to be some unique qualities to its spore. Maybe medicinal. Definitely hypnotic. If this thing is a spawn of Kraid, it may be protecting something useful." He looks up at the party, his eyes, purple again, "I have no idea what they're referring to here. I don't think you will know until you get there yourself."
He stands, his chair disappearing into the floor. He grabs his staff from it's pedestal, which then also drops flush to the floor. "It will take me a few hours to prepare the ritual to send you to the Abyss. I encourage you to use that time to prepare as you best see fit. If there are any materials you require, please let my familiar know, and I will see what can be done. You may rest here." He waved and a creature that looked like something like a tiny griffin, but instead of an eagle mixed with a lion, appeared to be a mix of a kookaburra and a possum, flew down from where it had been hidden in a book shelf. It perched on his outstretched arm and let out a clicking-hissing-laughing sound. "This is Cadence. If you need anything mundane, let her know, and I will see it's brought to you. You're welcome to peruse the shelves here, except for the books that are chained shut. That is for your own protection, I assure you."
He nods at the characters and walks away, seeming to walk directly through one of the walls. Cadence laughs again, and flies off to rest on one of the desks in the corner.
(OOC: I've posted the translations of the Book in the "DM Public Notes" of the Campaign, so you don't have to keep scrolling back and forth to find it. I'll add to it there if you translate more of it, and/or add your own notes there. I have generally intended for this to be a more puzzle-solving exploration type adventure, but if you find there's not enough hack'n'slash or roleplay, let me know and I can adjust as we go).
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
Sylzet stays where she is, honestly having no desire to move as she is more or less completely prepared in her mind. She folds her arms and looks over the rest of the party. "...Well then. Glad to see you all have spines." She gives a light chuckle, with a brief flash of fangs in her mouth before they are hidden by her lips again. "I've made my motivation clear. Am I surrounded by goody-two-shoes, doing it for the good of the people?" She asks, a smirk on her face.
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"