Xanktus remains in his chair, studying the little balanced rhomboid in his palm. “Well sure. I mean after all, look around you,” he says to Sylzet, allowing a long, uneven smirk to carve its way across one side of his mouth; leaving one his own fangs and the double-rows of pointed teeth surrounding it blatantly on display. “Don’t we all just look the part? Selfless heroes, one and all, surely...“
He stands slowly, leaning heavily on the side of the chair until he gets his cane back in place beside his right leg. “Way I see it, we’re all here for our own reasons. Sure, the land and gold is probably first among those for most of us; but there’s no sense trying to guess at each other’s motives just yet. We can save that for when the job’s done and we’re all safely back from the Abyss, arguing over who deserves what share of the reward. For the time being, better to just pretend we’re all friends and all worthy of the trust we’re going to need to put in one another soon enough. There’ll surely be plenty of time for second guessing alliances and questioning each other’s morals later...”
With that, he wanders off to where Gilead’s little familiar settled. “Beg your pardon, Miss Cadence, but if it ain’t too much trouble, I could use some parchment before we all head out. Any’ll do, but the better the quality, the more I’d appreciate it. Ink I’ve got covered, but I’m embarrassed to say that, after all this time on the road, I’m running a bit short on proper mediums to jot things down on.” He tugs one of his sleeves a bit higher up his arm, revealing numerous notes taken in increasingly tiny handwriting. “Just whatever can be spared oughtta suffice.”
Ignoring the conversation, Zenver begins taking a slow walk along the perimeter of the bookshelves he can reach. Without touching he inspects titles and gets a general sense for what is available for perusal. As he looks pieces of dreams and visions from before came back to him...he had walked a fate chain where he had inspected this bookcase once before...his hand hovered over a particular section of books...he had reached forward and grasped a book from here...closing his eyes he let the vision guide his hand...reaching forward and blindly taking a book from the shelf and then turning it over to inspect the front cover.
(I would like to spend the time before the ritual seeing if there are any spellbooks in the Arch-Mage's library. Perhaps put an additional spell or three into my spell book before we set off. If I find a likely candidate I will of course ask before I begin copying in earnest...but it seems like an investigation check would be a good starting point. Let's go ahead and use a fortelling roll for that, I will give myself the 14 from earlier for an Investigation Check Result of 20.)
Cadence tilts her head, her features causing her to permanently look amused. This look seems even more amused when she opens her mouth and lets out the laughing call typical of the kookaburra. She hop-flies over to a nearby writing desk and pulls up the wooden cover, revealing a set of inks, and a simple, leather bound book. Grasping the book with her front claws, she pushes down the wooden cover with her back claws, and flies back over to desk where Xanktus was standing. She dropped the book in his hands, which he can see is full of empty pages.
Zenver looks down, seeing a large compendium bound in oak plates inlaid with gold. The symbols on the front of the book indicate that this spellbook belonged to Dolo the Illusive. Many of its silk pages are marked with indecipherable scrawls and scribblings, but Zenver is able to find the following spells: 1st level: Color Spray, Disguise Self, Illusory Script, Mage Armor, Silent Image 2nd level: Earthbind, Flaming Sphere, Locate Object, Mirror Image, Phantasmal Force, Shadow Blade 3rd level: Hypnotic Pattern, Phantom Steed, Clairvoyance
(OOC: There are higher level spells that you recognize, but I haven't included them since they're too high level for you to cast them. You don't need to worry about the cost of materials to copy them into your spellbook since there are plenty of the expensive inks and materials at the writing desks (it seems clear these are their purpose). But, remember, it takes 2 hours per spell level for you to copy a spell into your own spellbook (Half time if they're Divination spells, I believe). You will have a full long rest (8 hours) before Gilead is ready for the ritual, so you can choose how you split that time up to copy the spells.)
Xanktus nods to the little familiar and takes the book. “Much obliged.” With that, Xanktus begins similarly perusing the books lining the walls; though not quite as fervently. His eyes dart from cover to cover, though outwardly remain the same unmoving, solid violet orbs they have been this entire time. An archmage’s personal sanctum. What better source of knowledge could there be?
(Similar to Zenver, I’m going to be looking for any books that may hold spells in them, but specifically any rituals that might be recorded in them. As needed, here’s an Investigation: 3 and Arcana: 16 for the search. Not super concerned about actually finding anything, but I’d be remiss to pass up an opportunity like this. EDIT: Welp, with that roll now I’m REALLY not concerned lol)
Making his way to a desk, Zenver takes a moment to familiarize himself with the book before selecting which spells to copy out of the book and into his own. The next 8 hours are spent with him making notes and muttering to himself. Anyone that passes nearby is treated to strange phrases that do not make sense out of context, and probably don't make sense in context either.
"...so the me's from the past and future meet the me of the present and then we go to the other place..."
"...the black blade is only real if I think it is real, then it is real until I think it is not..."
"...once the other me's have left I am left, but am I the one that left or got left?..."
"...I don't know much, but I know I love you..."
Zenver spends the whole 8 hour long rest copying out 2 2nd level spells and adding them to his enduring spell book. They are Shadow Blade and Mirror Image. He does not benefit from a long rest, but most of his resources are at full capacity, so he should be fine. Although the mage armor he had up is now gone...so will need to use another 1st level spell later on to get that going again.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Seeing the halfling sitting down to transcribe spells, Torrin figures he'll have some time. I grabs the warlocks journal, and tries to translate the cypher the best he can (ooc not sure what sort of roll you want for that but just in case 1 ). He also grabs one of the empty journals and inks, trying to make a map of some sort with the info he has.
Sylzet shakes her head. She is surrounded by mages... She recognizes the irony herself, considering that she is a mage of a sort, but that doesn't make her like it any less. She settles herself down in the chair she had chosen to stand by, arms folded as she watchea everyone else investigate or otherwise work.
"I would rather get this show on the road, but magic and bullshit, hm...?" She mutters to herself, just... watching everyone else.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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 does not find any spellbooks, but does find a few titles that draw his attention:
‘The Spider King’ – A fictional tale of an adventurer delving into the underdark to slay a fearsome giant spider.
‘How To Waste Good Paper’ – The pages inside this book are beautifully designed with colorful trim and a illuminated with heraldic beasts and knights that magically move while the someone is observing the page. Other than the title, however, this book has no content in its pages.
'Eat, Summon, Love' - A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she joins a cult of necromancers to 'find herself'. Based on a true story.
The party spent the next few hours copying spell books, resting on magically appearing four-poster beds the blocked out the noise and light from the rest of the room, reading, or just brooding as they wished. At the end of the preparation time, Gilead's arrival is announced by the laughing call of his familiar.
"Yes, thank you Cadence." The Archmage says with the air of a loving parent who is nevertheless exasperated at an annoying habit of their child. "Well, heroes, first some book-keeping." Here he pulls out a long scroll, and reads in a business-like voice, his eyes blue, "I, Archmage Gilead, Duke of Roses Proper, Magister of the Arcane Orders, and Proconsul of the Eastern Army, officially name Syzlet Dawnbloom; Torrin Delmirev; Xanktus Shadefang; Zanna Nackle; and Zenver Misthands to the companions of the Order of the Thorns of the Rose--hereafter, collectively referred to as the Five Thorns--and bestow upon them all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges associated with a noble Order of Roses and the right to bear the newly created badge of the Order," Not taking his eyes from the scroll, he made a short arcane gesture with his hand, and an image appeared in the air in front of him, of a blue rose, with five silver swords arranged pointing outward atop the heraldic rose, the symbol the heroes would be known by in the nation of Roses. "Fieldless, a rose azure, barbed with five swords argent." Still holding the scroll, he looks up at the heroes, his eyes lavender "Don't worry too much about this, it mostly just says you're legally associated with Roses, and thus allowed to receive awards and land holdings--such as the reward for completing this task--as for rights, responsibilities, and privileges--those vary, but basically you're entitled to indefinite room and board at any city barracks, you cannot be subjected to involuntary work details or press-ganged into service, you earn the right to vote in certain annual elections. You cannot be tortured or whipped as punishment and you can commute sentences of death to voluntary exile, unless found guilty of treason. But you are required to defend Roses in any time of need, except when issued a specific decree or mission by someone of prelate rank or higher. Such as this decree," he looked back down at the scroll and began reading again."The Five Thorns are hereby ordered to descend to the Abyss, and execute, kill, or otherwise destroy the Demon Queen known as Damagh Al'um, using whatever means necessary. In accordance with the royal decree, the reward for completion of such a task will be either one's weight in platinum, or up to half the kingdom of Roses. If the latter is chosen, the land has been apportioned such that each individual member may accept up to one fifth of one half of the kingdom. The party members that choose this option may style themselves as a Duke or Duchess of the Realm, and will be awarded all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of such; and given the free reign of governorship of their land, provided they maintain the responsibilities of taxes to the Crown. They may rule this land together as a party or split it amongst themselves individual. This decree will be considered accepted and binding once the parties hereafter named step through the portal to the Abyss created by Archmage Gilead. Should they choose not to accept this order, the previous awards are nullified and revoked. They will be escorted back to the edge of Rosean land, thanked for their time, and released."
He finished reading and looked up at the party. He released the scroll, which floated gently off to one side where the party members could examine it on their own, and entertained any questions.
After the questions were completed, he nodded. "Well, to the mission then." He strode past the heroes and onto the teleportation circle they had initially appeared on. When the Thorns joined him on the platform, it began to gently descend, dropping down hundreds of feet, before it seemed to settle on a black, obsidian floor. He led the way off the platform, into a cavernous, unfinished room, seemingly underground, though it was hard to tell for sure. Off the platform, the room was illuminated by floating blue lanterns, and a series of braziers arranged in a pentagram on the ground. At each brazier, a figured robed in a dark blue robe chanted. These braziers were linked via gold and silver dust, laid in elaborate patterns on the ground and a wide circle of salt. He stepped forward and joined the chanting, the calls rose to a crescendo and then suddenly stopped. A square of color appeared in the middle of the circle, like looking through a foggy glass that began to clear and come into focus. Through the square the heroes could see a dark striated gray sky of constant storm dominated a dismal landscape of swirling red sands and black stone. A cave was visible nearby and some distant rock formations, but no other discernible landmarks could be seen within miles.
Gilead turned to the heroes, and gestured towards the portal, the sound of a storm starting to come through it. He yelled to be heard, "Remember, if you wish to return, there's no quick way back, it takes 8 hours to prepare this portal, so don't expect any quick escapes. Good luck!"
(OOC: Let me know if you have any questions, or if you want to role-play this out more and I'll go back and edit this. I just wanted to get you guys started.)
Sylzet's lips draw to a line over the course of the 'formality' of knighting them as the Thorns, but she says nothing until Gilead is finished. "...Really, just the title of Duchess?" She asks with a hint of venom before shaking her head. "No matter... Even a Duchess can become Queen eventually." She says as she watches the others for a moment... And follows Gilead onto the stone dias that would take them to the portal.
In her mind, she's going over various plans of the future. As duchess, she would have to get a way to fabricate new claims on the land reward of the others to supplant them, raise an army loyal to her in the event that it comes to war... The woman seems content for a change. Plotting is one of her many strong suits, or so she believes at least, and she is only ever truly happy when she has some scheme to work on.
Of course, once the portal is in sight, she can't help but feel just a little intimidated. A little bit of fear, perhaps. This was a gateway to world so hostile to life as she knew it that only the truly mad would willingly enter it. At least this demon queen was somewhere on the first layer, they shouldn't have to go too terribly far, right? Her jaw tightens, driving the fear away. She was not going to let petty emotions intervene now. She had an empire to forge, and a demon to slay.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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!"
Torrin looks up, sends another judging glance at Sylzet, and pulls out his shield and unsheathes his sword. He takes to a kneel, planting his shield in the ground and laying his forehead against it. he recites a small prayer to Bahamut, then stands. He strolls over to the edge of the portal, and gazes into it. "The Platinum Dragon smiles upon us, we will bring his dazzling light to the darkness of this place." A strange look crosses his face, one with a hint of madness. He clangs his sword against the outside of his shield, unfurls his wings out from under his cloak, and jumps into the portal.
Xanktus pockets one of the books, stuffing it into the interior of his coat and joins the others back on the platform.
Acknowledging Gilead’s words with a silent nod, he makes his way through the portal without another word. The Abyss lies ahead. Any time there was for talk is well passed.
Sylzet rolls her eyes. "Leave it to the platinum fanatic to just leap in without a second thought." She mutters as she steps through the portal properly now.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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!"
(OOC: Unfortunately, BaconExpert982 will not be able to continue with us, due to time constraints. They've told me that their character will simply not be walking through the portal and will abandon the quest)
(OOC: Unfortunately, BaconExpert982 will not be able to continue with us, due to time constraints. They've told me that their character will simply not be walking through the portal and will abandon the quest)
(well that's unfortunate.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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!"
"It seems the time has come." Snapping his spell book closed and stowing it away, Zenver strides without hesitation to and through the portal. "Let's go. The Abyss isn't going to explore itself after all."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
For the heroes, traveling via the portal is as simple as walking across the room, but crossing the threshold of the portal their skin prickled with an unpleasant tingling sensation, and the smell of brimstone and decay hits with the wind. Strange thunder rolls from the constant storm, sounding like an unpleasant ringing scream. The dismal landscape is predominately rust red sand marked with occasional stone formations. One such formation sits within a few dozen yards of the portal, appearing like an irregular monolith, that may at one point been a statue or a carving with the features worn away by centuries of storm and wind. Something about its shape is subtly disquieting.
As you're orienting yourself, you hear a small voice from the portal say, "I'm sorry, I just can't do it. I can't." The gnome in leather armor shakes her head and walks away from the portal, still on the side of Gilead's Tower.
Gilead looks up towards the party, his eyes green, "Looks like it's the Four Thorns now. Good luck!" And the portal closes.
The party finds themselves on a stone peninsula reaching out from the formation. The strip of stone leads into the gaping maw of a cave at the base of the formation. Pockmarks in the stone around you and the lack of any discernible vegetation, suggest that the storm moving towards you is acidic in nature and not something you're going to want to be out in.
Xanktus remains in his chair, studying the little balanced rhomboid in his palm. “Well sure. I mean after all, look around you,” he says to Sylzet, allowing a long, uneven smirk to carve its way across one side of his mouth; leaving one his own fangs and the double-rows of pointed teeth surrounding it blatantly on display. “Don’t we all just look the part? Selfless heroes, one and all, surely...“
He stands slowly, leaning heavily on the side of the chair until he gets his cane back in place beside his right leg. “Way I see it, we’re all here for our own reasons. Sure, the land and gold is probably first among those for most of us; but there’s no sense trying to guess at each other’s motives just yet. We can save that for when the job’s done and we’re all safely back from the Abyss, arguing over who deserves what share of the reward. For the time being, better to just pretend we’re all friends and all worthy of the trust we’re going to need to put in one another soon enough. There’ll surely be plenty of time for second guessing alliances and questioning each other’s morals later...”
With that, he wanders off to where Gilead’s little familiar settled. “Beg your pardon, Miss Cadence, but if it ain’t too much trouble, I could use some parchment before we all head out. Any’ll do, but the better the quality, the more I’d appreciate it. Ink I’ve got covered, but I’m embarrassed to say that, after all this time on the road, I’m running a bit short on proper mediums to jot things down on.” He tugs one of his sleeves a bit higher up his arm, revealing numerous notes taken in increasingly tiny handwriting. “Just whatever can be spared oughtta suffice.”
Ignoring the conversation, Zenver begins taking a slow walk along the perimeter of the bookshelves he can reach. Without touching he inspects titles and gets a general sense for what is available for perusal. As he looks pieces of dreams and visions from before came back to him...he had walked a fate chain where he had inspected this bookcase once before...his hand hovered over a particular section of books...he had reached forward and grasped a book from here...closing his eyes he let the vision guide his hand...reaching forward and blindly taking a book from the shelf and then turning it over to inspect the front cover.
(I would like to spend the time before the ritual seeing if there are any spellbooks in the Arch-Mage's library. Perhaps put an additional spell or three into my spell book before we set off. If I find a likely candidate I will of course ask before I begin copying in earnest...but it seems like an investigation check would be a good starting point. Let's go ahead and use a fortelling roll for that, I will give myself the 14 from earlier for an Investigation Check Result of 20.)
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Cadence tilts her head, her features causing her to permanently look amused. This look seems even more amused when she opens her mouth and lets out the laughing call typical of the kookaburra. She hop-flies over to a nearby writing desk and pulls up the wooden cover, revealing a set of inks, and a simple, leather bound book. Grasping the book with her front claws, she pushes down the wooden cover with her back claws, and flies back over to desk where Xanktus was standing. She dropped the book in his hands, which he can see is full of empty pages.
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
Zenver looks down, seeing a large compendium bound in oak plates inlaid with gold. The symbols on the front of the book indicate that this spellbook belonged to Dolo the Illusive. Many of its silk pages are marked with indecipherable scrawls and scribblings, but Zenver is able to find the following spells:
1st level: Color Spray, Disguise Self, Illusory Script, Mage Armor, Silent Image
2nd level: Earthbind, Flaming Sphere, Locate Object, Mirror Image, Phantasmal Force, Shadow Blade
3rd level: Hypnotic Pattern, Phantom Steed, Clairvoyance
(OOC: There are higher level spells that you recognize, but I haven't included them since they're too high level for you to cast them. You don't need to worry about the cost of materials to copy them into your spellbook since there are plenty of the expensive inks and materials at the writing desks (it seems clear these are their purpose). But, remember, it takes 2 hours per spell level for you to copy a spell into your own spellbook (Half time if they're Divination spells, I believe). You will have a full long rest (8 hours) before Gilead is ready for the ritual, so you can choose how you split that time up to copy the spells.)
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
Xanktus nods to the little familiar and takes the book. “Much obliged.” With that, Xanktus begins similarly perusing the books lining the walls; though not quite as fervently. His eyes dart from cover to cover, though outwardly remain the same unmoving, solid violet orbs they have been this entire time. An archmage’s personal sanctum. What better source of knowledge could there be?
(Similar to Zenver, I’m going to be looking for any books that may hold spells in them, but specifically any rituals that might be recorded in them. As needed, here’s an Investigation: 3 and Arcana: 16 for the search. Not super concerned about actually finding anything, but I’d be remiss to pass up an opportunity like this. EDIT: Welp, with that roll now I’m REALLY not concerned lol)
Making his way to a desk, Zenver takes a moment to familiarize himself with the book before selecting which spells to copy out of the book and into his own. The next 8 hours are spent with him making notes and muttering to himself. Anyone that passes nearby is treated to strange phrases that do not make sense out of context, and probably don't make sense in context either.
"...so the me's from the past and future meet the me of the present and then we go to the other place..."
"...the black blade is only real if I think it is real, then it is real until I think it is not..."
"...once the other me's have left I am left, but am I the one that left or got left?..."
"...I don't know much, but I know I love you..."
Zenver spends the whole 8 hour long rest copying out 2 2nd level spells and adding them to his enduring spell book. They are Shadow Blade and Mirror Image. He does not benefit from a long rest, but most of his resources are at full capacity, so he should be fine. Although the mage armor he had up is now gone...so will need to use another 1st level spell later on to get that going again.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Seeing the halfling sitting down to transcribe spells, Torrin figures he'll have some time. I grabs the warlocks journal, and tries to translate the cypher the best he can (ooc not sure what sort of roll you want for that but just in case 1 ). He also grabs one of the empty journals and inks, trying to make a map of some sort with the info he has.
Torrin Delmirev - Into the Abyss
Krusk - Rime of the Frost Maiden
(OOC: That would be just a straight Intelligence check, unless you have Linguist feat?)
**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 shakes her head. She is surrounded by mages... She recognizes the irony herself, considering that she is a mage of a sort, but that doesn't make her like it any less. She settles herself down in the chair she had chosen to stand by, arms folded as she watchea everyone else investigate or otherwise work.
"I would rather get this show on the road, but magic and bullshit, hm...?" She mutters to herself, just... watching everyone else.
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!"
((okay I don't get any bonuses to Int, so it's just a 7))
Torrin Delmirev - Into the Abyss
Krusk - Rime of the Frost Maiden
Xanktus does not find any spellbooks, but does find a few titles that draw his attention:
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
The party spent the next few hours copying spell books, resting on magically appearing four-poster beds the blocked out the noise and light from the rest of the room, reading, or just brooding as they wished. At the end of the preparation time, Gilead's arrival is announced by the laughing call of his familiar.
"Yes, thank you Cadence." The Archmage says with the air of a loving parent who is nevertheless exasperated at an annoying habit of their child. "Well, heroes, first some book-keeping." Here he pulls out a long scroll, and reads in a business-like voice, his eyes blue, "I, Archmage Gilead, Duke of Roses Proper, Magister of the Arcane Orders, and Proconsul of the Eastern Army, officially name Syzlet Dawnbloom; Torrin Delmirev; Xanktus Shadefang; Zanna Nackle; and Zenver Misthands to the companions of the Order of the Thorns of the Rose--hereafter, collectively referred to as the Five Thorns--and bestow upon them all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges associated with a noble Order of Roses and the right to bear the newly created badge of the Order," Not taking his eyes from the scroll, he made a short arcane gesture with his hand, and an image appeared in the air in front of him, of a blue rose, with five silver swords arranged pointing outward atop the heraldic rose, the symbol the heroes would be known by in the nation of Roses. "Fieldless, a rose azure, barbed with five swords argent." Still holding the scroll, he looks up at the heroes, his eyes lavender "Don't worry too much about this, it mostly just says you're legally associated with Roses, and thus allowed to receive awards and land holdings--such as the reward for completing this task--as for rights, responsibilities, and privileges--those vary, but basically you're entitled to indefinite room and board at any city barracks, you cannot be subjected to involuntary work details or press-ganged into service, you earn the right to vote in certain annual elections. You cannot be tortured or whipped as punishment and you can commute sentences of death to voluntary exile, unless found guilty of treason. But you are required to defend Roses in any time of need, except when issued a specific decree or mission by someone of prelate rank or higher. Such as this decree," he looked back down at the scroll and began reading again."The Five Thorns are hereby ordered to descend to the Abyss, and execute, kill, or otherwise destroy the Demon Queen known as Damagh Al'um, using whatever means necessary. In accordance with the royal decree, the reward for completion of such a task will be either one's weight in platinum, or up to half the kingdom of Roses. If the latter is chosen, the land has been apportioned such that each individual member may accept up to one fifth of one half of the kingdom. The party members that choose this option may style themselves as a Duke or Duchess of the Realm, and will be awarded all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of such; and given the free reign of governorship of their land, provided they maintain the responsibilities of taxes to the Crown. They may rule this land together as a party or split it amongst themselves individual. This decree will be considered accepted and binding once the parties hereafter named step through the portal to the Abyss created by Archmage Gilead. Should they choose not to accept this order, the previous awards are nullified and revoked. They will be escorted back to the edge of Rosean land, thanked for their time, and released."
He finished reading and looked up at the party. He released the scroll, which floated gently off to one side where the party members could examine it on their own, and entertained any questions.
After the questions were completed, he nodded. "Well, to the mission then." He strode past the heroes and onto the teleportation circle they had initially appeared on. When the Thorns joined him on the platform, it began to gently descend, dropping down hundreds of feet, before it seemed to settle on a black, obsidian floor. He led the way off the platform, into a cavernous, unfinished room, seemingly underground, though it was hard to tell for sure. Off the platform, the room was illuminated by floating blue lanterns, and a series of braziers arranged in a pentagram on the ground. At each brazier, a figured robed in a dark blue robe chanted. These braziers were linked via gold and silver dust, laid in elaborate patterns on the ground and a wide circle of salt. He stepped forward and joined the chanting, the calls rose to a crescendo and then suddenly stopped. A square of color appeared in the middle of the circle, like looking through a foggy glass that began to clear and come into focus. Through the square the heroes could see a dark striated gray sky of constant storm dominated a dismal landscape of swirling red sands and black stone. A cave was visible nearby and some distant rock formations, but no other discernible landmarks could be seen within miles.
Gilead turned to the heroes, and gestured towards the portal, the sound of a storm starting to come through it. He yelled to be heard, "Remember, if you wish to return, there's no quick way back, it takes 8 hours to prepare this portal, so don't expect any quick escapes. Good luck!"
(OOC: Let me know if you have any questions, or if you want to role-play this out more and I'll go back and edit this. I just wanted to get you guys started.)
**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's lips draw to a line over the course of the 'formality' of knighting them as the Thorns, but she says nothing until Gilead is finished. "...Really, just the title of Duchess?" She asks with a hint of venom before shaking her head. "No matter... Even a Duchess can become Queen eventually." She says as she watches the others for a moment... And follows Gilead onto the stone dias that would take them to the portal.
In her mind, she's going over various plans of the future. As duchess, she would have to get a way to fabricate new claims on the land reward of the others to supplant them, raise an army loyal to her in the event that it comes to war... The woman seems content for a change. Plotting is one of her many strong suits, or so she believes at least, and she is only ever truly happy when she has some scheme to work on.
Of course, once the portal is in sight, she can't help but feel just a little intimidated. A little bit of fear, perhaps. This was a gateway to world so hostile to life as she knew it that only the truly mad would willingly enter it. At least this demon queen was somewhere on the first layer, they shouldn't have to go too terribly far, right? Her jaw tightens, driving the fear away. She was not going to let petty emotions intervene now. She had an empire to forge, and a demon to slay.
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!"
Torrin looks up, sends another judging glance at Sylzet, and pulls out his shield and unsheathes his sword. He takes to a kneel, planting his shield in the ground and laying his forehead against it. he recites a small prayer to Bahamut, then stands. He strolls over to the edge of the portal, and gazes into it. "The Platinum Dragon smiles upon us, we will bring his dazzling light to the darkness of this place." A strange look crosses his face, one with a hint of madness. He clangs his sword against the outside of his shield, unfurls his wings out from under his cloak, and jumps into the portal.
Torrin Delmirev - Into the Abyss
Krusk - Rime of the Frost Maiden
Xanktus pockets one of the books, stuffing it into the interior of his coat and joins the others back on the platform.
Acknowledging Gilead’s words with a silent nod, he makes his way through the portal without another word. The Abyss lies ahead. Any time there was for talk is well passed.
Sylzet rolls her eyes. "Leave it to the platinum fanatic to just leap in without a second thought." She mutters as she steps through the portal properly now.
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!"
(OOC: Unfortunately, BaconExpert982 will not be able to continue with us, due to time constraints. They've told me that their character will simply not be walking through the portal and will abandon the quest)
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |
(well that's unfortunate.
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!"
"It seems the time has come." Snapping his spell book closed and stowing it away, Zenver strides without hesitation to and through the portal. "Let's go. The Abyss isn't going to explore itself after all."
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
For the heroes, traveling via the portal is as simple as walking across the room, but crossing the threshold of the portal their skin prickled with an unpleasant tingling sensation, and the smell of brimstone and decay hits with the wind. Strange thunder rolls from the constant storm, sounding like an unpleasant ringing scream. The dismal landscape is predominately rust red sand marked with occasional stone formations. One such formation sits within a few dozen yards of the portal, appearing like an irregular monolith, that may at one point been a statue or a carving with the features worn away by centuries of storm and wind. Something about its shape is subtly disquieting.
As you're orienting yourself, you hear a small voice from the portal say, "I'm sorry, I just can't do it. I can't." The gnome in leather armor shakes her head and walks away from the portal, still on the side of Gilead's Tower.
Gilead looks up towards the party, his eyes green, "Looks like it's the Four Thorns now. Good luck!" And the portal closes.
The party finds themselves on a stone peninsula reaching out from the formation. The strip of stone leads into the gaping maw of a cave at the base of the formation. Pockmarks in the stone around you and the lack of any discernible vegetation, suggest that the storm moving towards you is acidic in nature and not something you're going to want to be out in.
**By the Light of the Sun, you will burn!**
Previously BENEFICENCE
DM: Storm Lord's Wrath || Syr Valor Dayne: Sleeping Gods || tooltips | guides | dice |