Snow listens to Granohpyre's description of the gynosphinx and frowns. "What we need is so close. Close enough that I could reach out and take it with my mind, and yet if this being is as powerful as you say, I fear stealing from this area might anger it".
He looks back to the form of Benita, lying across the hyena. "I don't suppose these plants are growing anywhere else in the vicinity?", he says, knowing the answer and shaking his head even as he voices the question.
"So, do I try to take the grshma-a-ackra from here, or do we need to ask permission?", he asks of Granophyre.
Auger finds himself balancing a few ideas. There is the alyasub -- the fey alyasub -- buzzing about, and bothering Py quite a bit. There stand the needed plants, not far away at all. Caution is in his nature, but Varielky's words made sense to him, and he had unique ways of traveling around should it be needed. If not for Granophyre's description he might have already stepped forward to make the attempt to pick them. But still, he should fill the others in.
"There is... another matter of some interest here. An alyasub, a creature of the same form of Py has been following us and buzzes above us somewhere. It is possibly... a servant of some sort. Like Py. Varielky and Granophyre will recall, we faced some as opponents when visiting the -- the -- a temple in the desert some time ago. But their masters found common cause with us. Could the alyasub be connected to this creature? The gynosphinx? Or perhaps we are followed by another with abilities like myself. Someone with a servant. One of the Roc riders might have such a servant." Auger looks at Granophyre, wondering if yet again, the old scholar's knowledge extended even into these details of strange beings and their behaviors.
Varielky tries to recall if she had ever heard of such a being before. Specifically, what values might direct its actions, and whether might there be parallel stories in her own culture, depicting a similar being.
Either way, she'll suggest: "All the more a reason why we can't all go there. The gods have favoured us so far in many occasions, but I wouldn't want to test their kindness so recklessly. And, besdies, as four infants, we won't be able to help Benita.
"Taking something from a servat of a higher deity without asking is wrong. Not only that, but you may invoke its wrath. We should at least try to ask for it first. If it's just a plant, maybe it'll give it to us so we leave it alone." It was all just wishful thinking, but Varielky really wished to avoid agression here. If battle ensues, and if it takes too long, they might not be able to save Benita.
As for Auger's warning, for now, Varielky ignores the matter. Not only has she little to say or do about it, but also, it was lesser in priority to her. Even if she aknowledged that it might detriment them later.
The Hands do not answer Snow, and instead merely glare at him with fangs bared. Granophyre does, however, respond to Snow’s later question, shaking his head slightly.
“I do not know, my friend. It would depend on what this being’s definition of trespassing might be.”
To Auger, the sage says, “In my experience, the power to create a bond with a familiar creature is limited to those who practice the arcane arts, and is beyond the abilities of those who employ divine powers. Except for followers of Ritha Demsha, reputedly.”
Varielky has never heard of a gynosphinx specifically, however, there are certainly tales she’s heard of powerful guardians being tricked or overcome. Of course, in the tales such triumphs usually transpire after said guardians have defeated multitudes of prior would-be-champions.
"Put those fangs away, I am helping your chief as much as my friend, so unless you want me to let him fend for himself cut the attitude!", Snow snaps at the hands.
He then turns to Varielky, "I would do the talking, but I worry if I lose concentration that Benita and the Chief could deteriorate faster than we can resolve this issue. I think you should do it. Possibly with Auger's assistance". He adds the last looking to Auger.
"I am not sure what the other Alyasub means. Perhaps it is related to the gynosphynx or perhaps not, either way we can only deal with one thing at a time".
Auger listens to Snow, nodding as he takes a moment to look up at the buzzing sound he heard again, hoping to catch a glimpse. "Yes, the time is now to act."
Auger steps forward, assuming Varielky will follow, if not take the lead. "Or to ask,"he adds, his eyes scanning between the plants they seek, and the crest in the water.
Stay here on my shoulder Py, keep your attention on the other Alyasub as best you can.
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The Hand snaps back at Snow, “You insult my intelligence! What dolt would twice face such a demon if there was any other way!”
(OOC: yes: Varielky still has bardic inspiration.)
Py answers Auger. ‘It is invisible and has settled on the southern cliff wall above the orcs. I cannot sense it until it moves, but I know it is here. Wait!’
Auger, you and Py both suddenly recognize what is indiscernible to the others: the slightest parting of the air as something slips away from the Lands and Seas into a pocket reality between planes. The other Fey alyasub has been called back to its master.
After taking just a few steps, Auger stops where he is, turns and tells the others. "The other fey alyasub was called back to its master."Auger pauses to think on the ramifications of that fact, "there may be... company. And soon." Auger then turns and resumes moving towards the shore.
Stay back with and fly above them. Let them know if others approach us.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
“If the other Fey alyasub has been with us since the roc-riders passed us, it would have heard my name spoken aloud, and Varielky’s as well. We may have lost the advantage of secrecy, my friends.”
At that moment, the water in the pool begins to ripple and the sandstone crest begins to rise. You hear a voice in your minds, female, calm, but deep and feline like an enormous lioness.
“Who disturbs the guardian’s peace, and why have you come?”
As the shape rises, a tiara-crown is revealed atop a woman’s head. Two large cat’s eyes made of sandstone now rise just above the water, there stop, and peer at you. They move left and right to take you all in. Only the top half of the woman’s head, perhaps twice the size of a human’s, is visible above water.
The orcs shudder in response to this apparition, and the giant hyenas, tails between their legs, whimper quietly and retreat a few steps from the pool.
Auger only half-hears Granophyre as he continues approaching the water's edge, but he thinks the old scholar has the right of things. They were out of time.
Still though, as the crest rises and he hears the voice in his mind, Auger becomes centered, even calm, despite the feelings of dread that still permeate the area. He had to convince the being to let them take enough of the plant to heal two, the only question was how. A being who takes residence in the water was something he was familiar with, and that was something, but still, such small comforts would not suffice.
Auger is centered on the being and unsure if Varielky moved with him or not. Support her or make the move himself, might clarify in a moment, but he could at least start the conversation.
He takes one additional step forward then moves to one knee and bows his head before looking up again and speaking.
"I am called Dannel Fetherlac, Auger to my friends. I am First servant to a Pixie of old who lives into this time in her fashion and through me, still affects the world. We have approached because a dire need has presented itself. My friend, who is with child and--- and the Orc leader have been poisoned by the vipers who lurk in the creek not far from here. A plant that grows on the edge of the water here is capable of healing them I am told. We ask for your leave to take a few of these plants and use them to keep my friends alive."
Snow stays back, letting Auger start the conversation. From his position he watches intently, trying to get a read on the creature with the large cat's eyes. He notes the reactions of the orcs and their hyena's, and certainly does not want to make any rash moves.
He nods along as Auger begins to make their case, and waits to see if Varielky will also step forward.
Insight: 8+5=13 (Passive: 15) Special: Concentration - Enhance Ability - Benita and Chief - less than 1 hour and counting
(Sorry for the delay, I've been exhausted from some unexpected events. All good now, though.)
"Hey, cut it you two!"Varielky calls to Snow and the Hand. "We'll be crossing swords after Benita is cured." Once it seems the two are calmed down - at least a little - Varielky will regard the other fey alyasub. "If their scouts have spotted us, company will be on its way soon. But I wonder, since we were seen with Xurl, what exactly will they think?"
When the guardian surfaces, Varielky pushes those thoughts aside. Either way, if they come to stop them, she'll just have to fend them off.
But Varielky hesitates for a few moments. What happens once she enters the guardian's domain? Will she be able to help Benita, or anyone at all, if she's turned into an infant or an elder woman. She wouldn't want to become older, and at her current age, neither is being younger very appealing. She knows she's probably at the prime of her physical abilities. Humans, after all, grow fast and die fast, when compares to any other Humanoid race.
But standing here, she won't be able to help anyone either. And once Auger starts speaking, she is reminded of what's more important right now. Steeling her resolve, Varielky walks forward, to stand by Auger.
There, she bows shortly - yet showing full respect - and after raising her head, she adds what little she thinks Auger didn't say already: "I apologize for disturbing your rest, but as Auger explained, we desperately need your help. If you let us take the medicinal plant we need, we'll be gone and disturb you no more."
"My name," Varielky announces, "is Varielky Halladdottir. I hope I am of service to the very gods, or at least, I try to be. But right now, I am here on my own accord, to save my friend's life."
A great growling sound, like the turning of an enormous stone mill wheel resonates in your minds. Apparently the guardian is not pleased. Reality bends before you, as if seen through a window of thick, rough-polished glass whose position slowly shifts, causing everything you see to stretch toward its edge or compact toward its center.
The orcs groan in misery as they watch each other gain a few gray hairs with age or, growing younger, lose size and strength.
“Death and judgment await all mortals, including your friends. Sooner for them if nothing is done. But I offer you a chance. The field of battle opens before you. If you dare to stand firm, the others may take grshma-a-ackra while you are with me there.”
A black cloud begins silently to radiate out from the guardian’s head toward Auger and Varielky. The only thing visible through it are the guardian’s sandstone cat’s eyes which now crackle yellow with arcane power.
Everyone, please roll a CON save vs DC15. If you fail: Auger gains 16 years, Snow loses 12 years, Varielky gains 6 years.
Snow & Auger: also roll a Perception or Arcana check [your choice], DC20.
Varielky: you automatically succeed in a religion check which tells you this: The guardian’s challenge is a common trope in the rites of Takal Demesh.
We can gather the plants if we just stand firm and face the thing. Well perhaps that process can be accelerated... Py, when the opportunity presents, gather plants up and bring them to the Hands. I will distract this thing as much as I can. Take a risk if you think you can do it.
Auger does not comprehend what has happened to him at first, he hears what the guardian says, and mentally readies himself for some kind of fight or a contest. But it is when he stands from the kneeling position where he first feels it. Why did his joints hurt so? Are those wrinkles on his hands? He suddenly is taken with an urge to cough, as if to clear a throat he cannot clear. The warning Granophyre gave was very much on point. Aged. All at once. Time. Lost. Thinking of his family, Auger feels a rage grow within him. Time. His time. Taken. Just for approaching. Anger. At this. Thing. That takes so much when asked so little. Anger drives him. Anger guides his response.
As he stands, Auger asserts his connection to the Sea of Stars, empowering himself and shifting his perceptions there as he does. He sees himself, his otherself, already within. Anticipating. Building and quickening something at need. In this reality, Auger takes his short rod and touches it to the Yemma's Diadem at his head. At the touch a spark flies out and to the side, and then another, and then a shower of sparks marks the arrival of 4 globes of light that surround Auger. Colors shift and occasional sparks dropping to the ground from each globe as they rotate and spin around Auger. From within the Sea of Stars, Auger feels his otherself, drawing and twisting powers in a familiar way. That would be ready momentarily. Auger begins drawing in his own powers in the here and now and the others might notice bits of earth shifting around him as he does so. Clearly Auger is ready to fight and, drawing as much attention as he can in the process.
"YOU!! YOU DEMAND TOO MUCH!! BRING YOUR BATTLE AND KNOW DEFEAT!!" Yelling with all his other powers active is surprisingly draining. Auger coughs a bit. His throat. How much time had he lost?
Auger eyes this black cloud coming at him. Is it the entry into this battle? Or is it already an attack?
Details/Notes
Con check: 11 +2 = 13. Auger has aged 16 years, he is now in his 50s. Arcana check 6 +5 = 11.
Initiative/combat not yet declared, so having a little fun with a few things going on at once. The references to Mold Earth and Dancing Lights are color. If this is an actual attacking round, Auger is going to be attacking asap and will not be randomly casting cantrips.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Con Save: 2+2=4 (fail - he is now 21) Perception: 2+9=11 (fail)
Snow stumbles as reality seems to warp around him and a loud grating sound invades his mind directly rather than through his ears. He places his hand to his head to steady his senses, and looks upon the black cloud radiating towards Auger and Varielky.
Feeling somehow lighter on his feet, he is shocked by the impulsive urge to move forward and join the pair in front of him being challenged by the guardian. Gone is the priority of maintaining his concentration on the magic helping to keep Benita and the orc chieftain alive. The others can deal with that whilst he, Auger and Varielky deal with this challenge of battle.
He watches Auger react with anger, noticing how his companion has aged, how his skin has grown more wrinkles and his hair is greyer.
He steps forward, "I am Snow Das, equal parts of the Kingdoms and the Tree. I serve knowledge but my loyalty is to my companions. They shall not engage in battle without me".
Special: Concentration - Enhance Ability - Benita and Chief - less than 1 hour and counting
(OOC: Any results from Snow's prior insight check @1973? I guess the guardian has shown his feelings anyway, but anything further (not that it was a great roll mind)?)
There are too many reasons why Varielky cannot refuse this challenge. No, she's happy to accept. But looking at Auger, she can't help but panic for a moment. She... doesn't feel any different, but who knows? Within just a moment, Auger aged significantly. He's almost a different person. If she didn't see the change happen right in front of her, she would assume this must be Auger's relative, of some sort. Did the same fate befall her? But she cannot see her own face, and she can't feel any effects.
Nevertheless, there are more pressing matters. "Pull them back!" She commands the Orcs, Snow and Granophyre. "And stay away yourselves!" Then, turning to the guardian, Varielky prepares to accept its challenge when Auger begins his display of anger. Usually, she was the one to give in to emotions quickly, but if he can sense what she can see on his body, who can judge him for his anger?
"One moment!"Varielky calls to the Gynosphinx. "I will be honoured to accept your challenge, but now, it seems someone else has precedence to duelling you!"
"Are you sure?"Varielky whispers, misunderstanding Auger's intentions. "If you challenge the guardian, I'm sure it will accept, but while you're there, I won't be able to help you." No, this was not only because of her own convictions. It is very possible that, once anyone steps inside, nobody will be able to help them. She was prepared, at least she convinced herself she was. Was Auger? But if he insists, Varielky will not stop him from a chance for a proper duel. "But otherwise, I'll gladly accept the guardian's challenge, so you can take the plants we need in the meantime."
Constitution save: 12+5=17. In case Varielky will be required to make the save again, does this effect count as a magical effect, for the purpose of gaining an advantage on the save from the Spellguard Shield?
No, you are not in initiative yet. The sense you get is that to accept the invitation to battle, you must allow the darkness to engulf you. All three of you have stepped forward, so in my next post the darkness will surround you. I will roll you into initiative when necessary.
VolcanoLair: “Any results from Snow's prior insight check @1973?”
None whatsoever. The gynosphinx, like its ur-mythological namesake, is nigh impossible to get a read on.
re: Firecat5: “magical effect?”
Yes! It is a magical effect so Varielky saves w advantage due to the spellguard shield
Snow listens to Granohpyre's description of the gynosphinx and frowns. "What we need is so close. Close enough that I could reach out and take it with my mind, and yet if this being is as powerful as you say, I fear stealing from this area might anger it".
He looks back to the form of Benita, lying across the hyena. "I don't suppose these plants are growing anywhere else in the vicinity?", he says, knowing the answer and shaking his head even as he voices the question.
"So, do I try to take the grshma-a-ackra from here, or do we need to ask permission?", he asks of Granophyre.
Auger finds himself balancing a few ideas. There is the alyasub -- the fey alyasub -- buzzing about, and bothering Py quite a bit. There stand the needed plants, not far away at all. Caution is in his nature, but Varielky's words made sense to him, and he had unique ways of traveling around should it be needed. If not for Granophyre's description he might have already stepped forward to make the attempt to pick them. But still, he should fill the others in.
"There is... another matter of some interest here. An alyasub, a creature of the same form of Py has been following us and buzzes above us somewhere. It is possibly... a servant of some sort. Like Py. Varielky and Granophyre will recall, we faced some as opponents when visiting the -- the -- a temple in the desert some time ago. But their masters found common cause with us. Could the alyasub be connected to this creature? The gynosphinx? Or perhaps we are followed by another with abilities like myself. Someone with a servant. One of the Roc riders might have such a servant." Auger looks at Granophyre, wondering if yet again, the old scholar's knowledge extended even into these details of strange beings and their behaviors.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky tries to recall if she had ever heard of such a being before. Specifically, what values might direct its actions, and whether might there be parallel stories in her own culture, depicting a similar being.
Either way, she'll suggest: "All the more a reason why we can't all go there. The gods have favoured us so far in many occasions, but I wouldn't want to test their kindness so recklessly. And, besdies, as four infants, we won't be able to help Benita.
"Taking something from a servat of a higher deity without asking is wrong. Not only that, but you may invoke its wrath. We should at least try to ask for it first. If it's just a plant, maybe it'll give it to us so we leave it alone." It was all just wishful thinking, but Varielky really wished to avoid agression here. If battle ensues, and if it takes too long, they might not be able to save Benita.
As for Auger's warning, for now, Varielky ignores the matter. Not only has she little to say or do about it, but also, it was lesser in priority to her. Even if she aknowledged that it might detriment them later.
Religion: 6+4=10.
Varielky
The Hands do not answer Snow, and instead merely glare at him with fangs bared. Granophyre does, however, respond to Snow’s later question, shaking his head slightly.
“I do not know, my friend. It would depend on what this being’s definition of trespassing might be.”
To Auger, the sage says, “In my experience, the power to create a bond with a familiar creature is limited to those who practice the arcane arts, and is beyond the abilities of those who employ divine powers. Except for followers of Ritha Demsha, reputedly.”
Varielky has never heard of a gynosphinx specifically, however, there are certainly tales she’s heard of powerful guardians being tricked or overcome. Of course, in the tales such triumphs usually transpire after said guardians have defeated multitudes of prior would-be-champions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Put those fangs away, I am helping your chief as much as my friend, so unless you want me to let him fend for himself cut the attitude!", Snow snaps at the hands.
He then turns to Varielky, "I would do the talking, but I worry if I lose concentration that Benita and the Chief could deteriorate faster than we can resolve this issue. I think you should do it. Possibly with Auger's assistance". He adds the last looking to Auger.
"I am not sure what the other Alyasub means. Perhaps it is related to the gynosphynx or perhaps not, either way we can only deal with one thing at a time".
Intimidation: 10+7=17
Special: Concentration - Enhance Ability - Benita and Chief - approx 1 hour
(OOC: I think Varielky still has Bardic Inspiration, but not sure. If not he will give her another now - please let me know so I can mark it off)
Auger listens to Snow, nodding as he takes a moment to look up at the buzzing sound he heard again, hoping to catch a glimpse. "Yes, the time is now to act."
Auger steps forward, assuming Varielky will follow, if not take the lead. "Or to ask," he adds, his eyes scanning between the plants they seek, and the crest in the water.
Stay here on my shoulder Py, keep your attention on the other Alyasub as best you can.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The Hand snaps back at Snow, “You insult my intelligence! What dolt would twice face such a demon if there was any other way!”
(OOC: yes: Varielky still has bardic inspiration.)
Py answers Auger. ‘It is invisible and has settled on the southern cliff wall above the orcs. I cannot sense it until it moves, but I know it is here. Wait!’
Auger, you and Py both suddenly recognize what is indiscernible to the others: the slightest parting of the air as something slips away from the Lands and Seas into a pocket reality between planes. The other Fey alyasub has been called back to its master.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Snow looks at the Hand with narrowed eyes for a second or two, before softening his face and conceding, "That is a fair point".
After taking just a few steps, Auger stops where he is, turns and tells the others. "The other fey alyasub was called back to its master." Auger pauses to think on the ramifications of that fact, "there may be... company. And soon." Auger then turns and resumes moving towards the shore.
Stay back with and fly above them. Let them know if others approach us.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Py buzzes up and back.
Granophyre’s brow knits in thought.
“If the other Fey alyasub has been with us since the roc-riders passed us, it would have heard my name spoken aloud, and Varielky’s as well. We may have lost the advantage of secrecy, my friends.”
At that moment, the water in the pool begins to ripple and the sandstone crest begins to rise. You hear a voice in your minds, female, calm, but deep and feline like an enormous lioness.
“Who disturbs the guardian’s peace, and why have you come?”
As the shape rises, a tiara-crown is revealed atop a woman’s head. Two large cat’s eyes made of sandstone now rise just above the water, there stop, and peer at you. They move left and right to take you all in. Only the top half of the woman’s head, perhaps twice the size of a human’s, is visible above water.
The orcs shudder in response to this apparition, and the giant hyenas, tails between their legs, whimper quietly and retreat a few steps from the pool.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger only half-hears Granophyre as he continues approaching the water's edge, but he thinks the old scholar has the right of things. They were out of time.
Still though, as the crest rises and he hears the voice in his mind, Auger becomes centered, even calm, despite the feelings of dread that still permeate the area. He had to convince the being to let them take enough of the plant to heal two, the only question was how. A being who takes residence in the water was something he was familiar with, and that was something, but still, such small comforts would not suffice.
Auger is centered on the being and unsure if Varielky moved with him or not. Support her or make the move himself, might clarify in a moment, but he could at least start the conversation.
He takes one additional step forward then moves to one knee and bows his head before looking up again and speaking.
"I am called Dannel Fetherlac, Auger to my friends. I am First servant to a Pixie of old who lives into this time in her fashion and through me, still affects the world. We have approached because a dire need has presented itself. My friend, who is with child and--- and the Orc leader have been poisoned by the vipers who lurk in the creek not far from here. A plant that grows on the edge of the water here is capable of healing them I am told. We ask for your leave to take a few of these plants and use them to keep my friends alive."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow stays back, letting Auger start the conversation. From his position he watches intently, trying to get a read on the creature with the large cat's eyes. He notes the reactions of the orcs and their hyena's, and certainly does not want to make any rash moves.
He nods along as Auger begins to make their case, and waits to see if Varielky will also step forward.
Insight: 8+5=13 (Passive: 15)
Special: Concentration - Enhance Ability - Benita and Chief - less than 1 hour and counting
(Sorry for the delay, I've been exhausted from some unexpected events. All good now, though.)
"Hey, cut it you two!" Varielky calls to Snow and the Hand. "We'll be crossing swords after Benita is cured." Once it seems the two are calmed down - at least a little - Varielky will regard the other fey alyasub. "If their scouts have spotted us, company will be on its way soon. But I wonder, since we were seen with Xurl, what exactly will they think?"
When the guardian surfaces, Varielky pushes those thoughts aside. Either way, if they come to stop them, she'll just have to fend them off.
But Varielky hesitates for a few moments. What happens once she enters the guardian's domain? Will she be able to help Benita, or anyone at all, if she's turned into an infant or an elder woman. She wouldn't want to become older, and at her current age, neither is being younger very appealing. She knows she's probably at the prime of her physical abilities. Humans, after all, grow fast and die fast, when compares to any other Humanoid race.
But standing here, she won't be able to help anyone either. And once Auger starts speaking, she is reminded of what's more important right now. Steeling her resolve, Varielky walks forward, to stand by Auger.
There, she bows shortly - yet showing full respect - and after raising her head, she adds what little she thinks Auger didn't say already: "I apologize for disturbing your rest, but as Auger explained, we desperately need your help. If you let us take the medicinal plant we need, we'll be gone and disturb you no more."
Varielky
“What are you called, shield maiden? What is your name?,” the voice echoes in your minds. “And whom do you serve?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"My name," Varielky announces, "is Varielky Halladdottir. I hope I am of service to the very gods, or at least, I try to be. But right now, I am here on my own accord, to save my friend's life."
Varielky
A great growling sound, like the turning of an enormous stone mill wheel resonates in your minds. Apparently the guardian is not pleased. Reality bends before you, as if seen through a window of thick, rough-polished glass whose position slowly shifts, causing everything you see to stretch toward its edge or compact toward its center.
The orcs groan in misery as they watch each other gain a few gray hairs with age or, growing younger, lose size and strength.
“Death and judgment await all mortals, including your friends. Sooner for them if nothing is done. But I offer you a chance. The field of battle opens before you. If you dare to stand firm, the others may take grshma-a-ackra while you are with me there.”
A black cloud begins silently to radiate out from the guardian’s head toward Auger and Varielky. The only thing visible through it are the guardian’s sandstone cat’s eyes which now crackle yellow with arcane power.
Everyone, please roll a CON save vs DC15. If you fail: Auger gains 16 years, Snow loses 12 years, Varielky gains 6 years.
Snow & Auger: also roll a Perception or Arcana check [your choice], DC20.
Varielky: you automatically succeed in a religion check which tells you this: The guardian’s challenge is a common trope in the rites of Takal Demesh.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
We can gather the plants if we just stand firm and face the thing. Well perhaps that process can be accelerated... Py, when the opportunity presents, gather plants up and bring them to the Hands. I will distract this thing as much as I can. Take a risk if you think you can do it.
Auger does not comprehend what has happened to him at first, he hears what the guardian says, and mentally readies himself for some kind of fight or a contest. But it is when he stands from the kneeling position where he first feels it. Why did his joints hurt so? Are those wrinkles on his hands? He suddenly is taken with an urge to cough, as if to clear a throat he cannot clear. The warning Granophyre gave was very much on point. Aged. All at once. Time. Lost. Thinking of his family, Auger feels a rage grow within him. Time. His time. Taken. Just for approaching. Anger. At this. Thing. That takes so much when asked so little. Anger drives him. Anger guides his response.
As he stands, Auger asserts his connection to the Sea of Stars, empowering himself and shifting his perceptions there as he does. He sees himself, his otherself, already within. Anticipating. Building and quickening something at need. In this reality, Auger takes his short rod and touches it to the Yemma's Diadem at his head. At the touch a spark flies out and to the side, and then another, and then a shower of sparks marks the arrival of 4 globes of light that surround Auger. Colors shift and occasional sparks dropping to the ground from each globe as they rotate and spin around Auger. From within the Sea of Stars, Auger feels his otherself, drawing and twisting powers in a familiar way. That would be ready momentarily. Auger begins drawing in his own powers in the here and now and the others might notice bits of earth shifting around him as he does so. Clearly Auger is ready to fight and, drawing as much attention as he can in the process.
"YOU!! YOU DEMAND TOO MUCH!! BRING YOUR BATTLE AND KNOW DEFEAT!!" Yelling with all his other powers active is surprisingly draining. Auger coughs a bit. His throat. How much time had he lost?
Auger eyes this black cloud coming at him. Is it the entry into this battle? Or is it already an attack?
Details/Notes
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Con Save: 2+2=4 (fail - he is now 21)
Perception: 2+9=11 (fail)
Snow stumbles as reality seems to warp around him and a loud grating sound invades his mind directly rather than through his ears. He places his hand to his head to steady his senses, and looks upon the black cloud radiating towards Auger and Varielky.
Feeling somehow lighter on his feet, he is shocked by the impulsive urge to move forward and join the pair in front of him being challenged by the guardian. Gone is the priority of maintaining his concentration on the magic helping to keep Benita and the orc chieftain alive. The others can deal with that whilst he, Auger and Varielky deal with this challenge of battle.
He watches Auger react with anger, noticing how his companion has aged, how his skin has grown more wrinkles and his hair is greyer.
He steps forward, "I am Snow Das, equal parts of the Kingdoms and the Tree. I serve knowledge but my loyalty is to my companions. They shall not engage in battle without me".
Special: Concentration - Enhance Ability - Benita and Chief - less than 1 hour and counting
(OOC: Any results from Snow's prior insight check @1973? I guess the guardian has shown his feelings anyway, but anything further (not that it was a great roll mind)?)
There are too many reasons why Varielky cannot refuse this challenge. No, she's happy to accept. But looking at Auger, she can't help but panic for a moment. She... doesn't feel any different, but who knows? Within just a moment, Auger aged significantly. He's almost a different person. If she didn't see the change happen right in front of her, she would assume this must be Auger's relative, of some sort. Did the same fate befall her? But she cannot see her own face, and she can't feel any effects.
Nevertheless, there are more pressing matters. "Pull them back!" She commands the Orcs, Snow and Granophyre. "And stay away yourselves!" Then, turning to the guardian, Varielky prepares to accept its challenge when Auger begins his display of anger. Usually, she was the one to give in to emotions quickly, but if he can sense what she can see on his body, who can judge him for his anger?
"One moment!" Varielky calls to the Gynosphinx. "I will be honoured to accept your challenge, but now, it seems someone else has precedence to duelling you!"
"Are you sure?" Varielky whispers, misunderstanding Auger's intentions. "If you challenge the guardian, I'm sure it will accept, but while you're there, I won't be able to help you." No, this was not only because of her own convictions. It is very possible that, once anyone steps inside, nobody will be able to help them. She was prepared, at least she convinced herself she was. Was Auger? But if he insists, Varielky will not stop him from a chance for a proper duel. "But otherwise, I'll gladly accept the guardian's challenge, so you can take the plants we need in the meantime."
Constitution save: 12+5=17. In case Varielky will be required to make the save again, does this effect count as a magical effect, for the purpose of gaining an advantage on the save from the Spellguard Shield?
Varielky
(re: Zzozz… “initiative” etc.
No, you are not in initiative yet. The sense you get is that to accept the invitation to battle, you must allow the darkness to engulf you. All three of you have stepped forward, so in my next post the darkness will surround you. I will roll you into initiative when necessary.
VolcanoLair: “Any results from Snow's prior insight check @1973?”
None whatsoever. The gynosphinx, like its ur-mythological namesake, is nigh impossible to get a read on.
re: Firecat5: “magical effect?”
Yes! It is a magical effect so Varielky saves w advantage due to the spellguard shield
)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer