Ky is in utter shock throughout this whole process. She is so far past what she would ever assume would have happened. Being a vague believer but not having anything of what you would call true faith, she feels quite uncomfortable in this situation.
She is happy for Cyrnair to see his mother once more and see them reconnect, but otherwise she is trying not to keep her jaw from hanging opened.
When this godly figure sits in front of her, and says they can ask 1 questions each, everything else leaves her mind. Her single focus becomes like the arrow she releases from her bow. "How do I kill Visarai?"
The giant figure leans down to look at the small elven woman. After a short moment, he chuckles. "As straight forward as ever... Well child, to kill a goddess is no small feat, though it can be done. Part of why so few evil gods still remain is because of individuals like yourself. In order to kill a god, you simply must have the power to weaken them, before you slay them. Visarai is not a god in the traditional sense, so there is a razors edge between the distinction."
Looking to the rest of the group, he says "I hope you do not push these away lone soldier of the planes, as you have done so many others. With great heart, and great sacrifice, you will have a chance to slay your prey. Continue to grow... continue to strengthen yourself. You will find what you need child."
Looking to the rest of the group, he says "My time left is short. Please, ask your questions." As he finishes speaking, one of the Planars approaches as says, "The planar rift is nearly fully torn sire. It will touch the land and merge heaven and earth in moments. Once that is done, She will turn her attention to our shield. It will not last long against her."
Flint lowers his shield as his eyes adjust to the brilliance of being in the presence of a god. Without hesitation, the cleric of Artemis steps up and kneels before the deity. With a calm, steady voice he petitions the god. "I have lost the scent of those that we," he gestures to himself and Ky'Lera, "have been tracking - one touched by fire and her companions. Can you offer some guidance in our hunt?"
Caradoc Langham stares up at the Morninglord in wonder and reverence. His eyes water from the sheer brilliance of the deity's radiance. The words of the others roll over him as he thinks about "survivors under the rubble" of the new world.
His heart bubbles with fury as this great being, with power unfathomable, dumps responsibility for saving the world on the shoulders of his friends. How is this our job, he wonders... What in the world are we going to achieve that such a mighty being couldn't do with a flick of its finger???
Then he takes a deep breath and looks more closely, seeing the furrowed brow and exhaustion around the eyes and mouth of the great Lathander. His fury dies away in sadness -- what incredible griefs could cause such an expression on the face of one so far beyond mortal understanding -- and he walks forward and climbs up onto the god's throne to pat his arm.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The sun faced giant leans back in his seat. There is a silence for a moment, and though you cannot see his face, it appears as if he is staring off into space.
"This one you seek. This one in particular... she has found a powerful artifact to the east. She has given herself fully to the cause of the ancient Titan Primordial, and seeks to bring about a new age of volcanic rebirth upon the land."
Looking at the group, he almost seems to sigh. His form seems... diminished for a moment. "Our siblings continue to vex us it seems." Flint, you are not sure if he is speaking to himself or you. Then he continues, "Visarai is prideful and loves to display her great magics. She loves to lord her power over others, and tempt others with that power. But above all else she is a master manipulator and planner. She draws those that would use her power to gain their own ends, but they all end up her pawns."
Looking directly to Flint, he says, "Fear not friend of the gods. Stay with your hunter... stay with this group. The one you seek will be placed in front of you if you do. She is a servant of the fallen one, Visarai."
As he finishes speaking, his arms flex as if straining against something. One of the Planatars says "the dome is completed. Her attention shifts now to us."
The morninglord turns to Carodoc and smiles. "I sense your anger. It is okay. I understand your frustration. You see us as all powerful, and while we do hold great power, much of what we once had is gone. As an example, you follow Eileestree, Ky Miekieki, and Flint, Artemis. What you not understand is that they were once a singular being. I am one of 4 other beings. Our original self separated, during the first great war between Titan, primordial, and gods, as there was simply to much to do."
He holds up 2 fingers on each hand. "Our power was then cut into 1/4th its original power, but in times of need, we could allow our power to flow through the others that needed it. We lost one of my brothers in the sealing of the Primordials into their respective planes. We lost 2 more during the war against the hell's and abyss. Well worth the cost, with those planes and their hordes being utterly destroyed. The few that do remain hide within the elemental planes with the primordials they sides with."
Suddenly his body looks sunken and gaunt. Still emmencely powerful, but... weak... at the same time. "My point is this. Despite what you might think, our power is finite, and we can be killed, and die. With the loss of my 3 brothers, only 1/4th of my original strength is allotted to me. This is partially why the world is in chaos. Nature hates a vacuum."
"So to your question little one. What can you do to help me? Nothing... help yourselves. Humanity will stand on it's own against this threat. Visarai is not a true God. Truth be told, had you found her in her original form, she would be no match for all of you as you are. As she grew, you must also. Mortals have great potential. You can overcome this as well. Have faith, not in us, but in yourselves, and your friends here. Our time is over, and I will do what I can to assist you in this... to delay Visarai enough to give you that oppertunity... with my own very life."
Looking to Cyrnair, he says, "It will be your duty to bring light forward. Find others that share the desire to brighten the world. Do not close yourself off to other ways and opinions. Without the night to cool things, the sun would destroy the lands with its heat. Nothing would grow. Balance my child, is needed."
Looking to Cyrnair, he says, "It will be your duty to bring light forward. Find others that share the desire to brighten the world. Do not close yourself off to other ways and opinions. Without the night to cool things, the sun would destroy the lands with its heat. Nothing would grow. Balance my child, is needed."
Flint gives Cyrnair a playful elbow to the ribs at this statement by the paladin's god.
Ennis retreats almost entirely into his own rapidly swarming thoughts as the party makes their way down the tunnel. Even without being overtly religious himself, he can sense the swelling of mystical energy surrounding them as they descend. When Cyrnair's wings manifest of their own accord and the very earth itself gives way to their passage, he removes his glasses to wipe them off on his sleeve.
At the barrier, his heart skips a beat, though his carefully trained exterior facade reveals nothing of it. Angels! Celestial beings of the upper planes! Such creatures he has read about, and Master Baulder had even affirmed their existence to him, but to see them standing incarnate before him! Stunned beyond measure, his tongue and mouth refuse to form words as he takes in EVERYTHING before him. He follows closely with the rest of the group as Cyrnair's mother guides them, and when they pass through the platinum doors...
A transition...he can feel it. He's not certain how, but with just a step he is certain that he has passed beyond the prime material into another realm entirely. And there...seated on the massive throne before him...
Ennis's head spins as his entire world comes crashing down around him. He had long acknowledged that he himself was a creature of knowledge, of fact and logic and reason, even where the obscure and abstract principles of the arcane were concerned, which he seemed to have an inborn knack for understanding. He knew of the gods of course, how could one not when the exploits of their chosen vessels were so carefully documented down through the ages, but they had always been distant, capricious beings in his mind, ever isolated and therefore of minimal concern.
But now?
He listens in silence as the Morninglord speaks, his face still locked in its passive, observant facade. But the more Lathander says, the more that facade begins to crack. The merging of planes? The Hells and Abyss destroyed? The slaying of gods? At the mention of a war between gods, titans, and primordials, and the separation of individual gods into many...Ennis's knees buckle. All of his years of learning, and so much of it was wrong.
His heart stirred, his says a silent prayer to Oghma and Deneir...not the bland recitation of long practice with little fervor, but a true prayer. How could we have been so blind and stupid? How could we have known any of this? Why is it only just now becoming known, when it seemingly won't matter for much longer?
Ennis struggles to gather his thoughts, which refuse to stop swirling in his head...before finally taking a deep breath and rising back to his feet. If the Morninglord says their time is short, then who is he to waste more of it? He lifts his gaze, once again firmly stoic, to fix his eyes on the heavenly being before them.
"I have so MANY questions," he begins slowly, his voice barely audible. He clears his throat of the lump that had formed there before continuing, "How...how can I learn more? About all of this? About you and the other gods? About this war you speak of? And this merging of heaven and earth as you put it? What happens after all of this, if you yourself say you will soon be laying down your very life? How...how do we mere mortals move forward from here?"
Cyrnair, who has keenled in front of his God as they reach it has remained silent. A ton of mixed feelings burning in his heart and soul.
He listen to his friends and smiles, for their questions where also in his mind. When the Morning Lord speaks to him he stands and looks at Him.
“I am already accepted that truth in my heart MyLord , that Light cannot exist without Shadow. And that the world has as many interpretations as the eyes that look to it. I only try to make Thee will. I will bring your Light with honor and humility to the world and will devout my life to be an example of others and to protect them from any harm. We will evacuate the monastery and join forces with the rest of humanity to fight Visarai and help your Daughter restore the Balance. In due time we will destroy her with Thee help. “ he looks to his mother, then back to the God.
“ Thou spoke of fighting her even with your own life. Thou know that I have faith in Thou, with all my soul, but I also have something from my mother, even greater. Hope. And I hope that we could cause her so much trouble and pain that she cannot fight you with all her attention, so Thou can prevail. I have hope that all of this will end well. All my life I’ve been hesitant to accept my destiny, but no more. “ he stands tall, his wings once more visible on his back. “ For now I see the Truth that I was trying to deny to myself. I was afraid of it. But no more. “ he takes two steps forward towards the throne, looking directly at the sun that is the face of the God.
“Tell me father “ all could sense the difference. He was not addressing him as a God, but as his father “ Would I be so fortunate to fight alongside you and my sister before the end of all things? “
Gelin follows the group in stunned silence, unsure of how he ended up in this position. He had left his home to perhaps scuttle some roving bands of orcs, save a few villages. Simple tales of bravery. Great creatures seeming to tear the world asunder, this was not the adventure he had expected.
As the group makes their way through the cave Gelin can do naught but stare, mouth agape, at the situation he finds himself in. Nothing could have prepared him for what was next, though. As the dawnfather revealed himself to them, and addressed him... addressed the group, to beseech his wisdom.
He can't help but smile, as Ennis rattles off a seemingly endless group of questions. His reaction had been the opposite, drawing a complete blank. What question could he possible have of a god... alas he could only think of one.
Gelin takes a knees and bows his head as he addresses the brilliant light emitted from the deity in front of him.
"Dawnfather, I am naught but a simple dwarf, a weaver of song and tale. I'm still not sure how my path led here. I'm the outcast of meh own family... and now being tasked with savin' the world? I don't really expect an answer, but it's the only question in my mind. What can I... what can WE possibly do against forces that seek to end the world?"
At the sudden torrent of questions that come from Ennis, the dawnfather leans back in his chair and laughs happily. It seems uplifting somehow, even with the dire situation unfolding.
"It is good to see a follower of Ioun still around... or at least one of her many separations. Oghma and Deneir were both from her original form you see. She divided herself and attached one of her forms to almost every race, form of learning, and location that could be thought of, all to Chronicle it."
"Due to the growth of the early ages, even with her separation, she maintained great power. Sadly, over the years many being claimed those forms and she diminished. The last of her forms that I was aware of perished when the great knowledge loss fell upon the inner planes. I am not sure if she had any hidden away in reserve... i say all of this so you understand. Your misunderstanding of facts is not a failing on your part, or of your masters. Dark forces have distorted history, and the ones you pray to died during the war of the upper planes. The time of lost knowledge removed what remained."
One of the Planatars approaches, "Mylord, she has cleared the rubble and is assaulting the shield. Please my lord, allow us to subdue her... surely you can..."
He waves his hand and silences him. "My time has come. My hope lives with you planatars, divas, and of course... people such as this."
Looking back to Ennis, he says, "Forgive me. I wish to convey all that you ask, but I simply have not the time."
Smiling he says "You have the heart of Ioun my mortal friend, and the drive to obtain it. As to what will be when I am no longer around, who can say. Let's just say... I have faith. I have not been of any real effect is centuries."
"The universe will adjust, just as it had with the passing of the evil gods dead many years ago, as with Iouns forms, and the many other deities that have passed on. Only a handful remain. I am the last that holds the Celestial plane in place however. With my demise, the celestial realm will be no more. As an example, The 2 remaining living sisters that make up what once was Miekieki, Artemis and Eilestree, have already moved to the plane of Air. Akadi was always kind to the Celestial deities of the moon and sky. Artemis plans a war against Visarai, while Eilestree is gathering what celestial beings to her that she can... always the shepard Eilestree is..."
"I give you this final bit of information. If you wish to know more, seek Eilestree. She was close to Iouns separations... intimately close. She may know more."
OOC: so much to tell you in so short a time. I will get to the next one as I can.
Add Gelin finishes speaking, Lathender smiles again. "Another servant of the knowing mistress I see. Though not knowingly. I do find it amusing that so many bards were Iouns instruments, and they had no idea themselves."
Lathender leans forward. "You ask what you can do? You can survive. You can fight. Though Visarai is stronger then I am now, she is not stronger then some id the other Gods that are slain by mortals... or archfey in power. You all have eminence potential. Allow that to grow. Allow your knowledge and strength and power grow."
Finally, the entity turns towards Cyrnair. As Cyrnair speaks, Lathendar seems to chuckle. "I suppose in a way I am your father... but it would be more apt that you would call me your great great grandfather."
Looking back to Cyrnairs mother he smiles fondly. "Each generation failed to bring about the right child to be my champion when I fell. Until your mother."
"Your father was of my blood. Your mother was and is a faithful Acolyte. I foresaw great potential in the pairing, and your mother agreed. Your father... sadly he did not desire a long lasting union, and sired another child with a woman that was touched by fiendish blood. His hope read to create a mix of celestial and fiend. This was you're childhood friend."
"When your father left, I granted your mother 3 wishes... anything I could offer her. Her first was that you be raised and granted all access to becoming the chosen. The second was for get to know me... personally, once you were born."
Looking back to Cyrnair, he says, "you are strong of heart, and good natured. I feared you would not be able to succeed where others failed. Either zealots or lack luster. But you... sending you into the world, meeting so many colorful people of all types. You will do well to usher in new light to the new age."
As Lathendar stops speaking, a shimmering blade rises from the ground in front of the morninglord. It appears to be made from pure platinum in nature, but it has the faint hint of a ladder pattern Damascus forging. It has a wide cross guard, and the hilt is large enough for 2 hands, though it can be wielded with 1. (Picture the Master Sword from Zelda, but made entirely of platinum)
The blade seems to give off the faint glow of radiance. "This blade was crafted by my own hand, and has a fragment of my own essence within. During the War of the Outer Planes, I wielded it to great effect. I have been waiting for a time that I will no longer need it, and someone worthy can take it up. That time is now."
Looking to Cyrnair, he says, "Take your birthright my great, great grandchild. Use the Balwark of Radiant Dawn to bring about that change."
OOC: I will PM you the stats Cyrnair, for the weapon "Balwark of Radiant Dawn"
As Cyrnair reaches out to take the sword, a flash of radiant fire lashes out. For a moment it burns your hand, but you do not recoil. After a moment, the flames of the blade seem to merge with you, and you are able to draw the sword.
OOC: More to come. Please feel free to RP as well if you wish
"Ma used to say," Caradoc murmurs to the Dawnfather, "she used to tell people that my Caradoc is a mess, but he could talk a devil into setting itself on fire."
He stretches up and kisses Lathander on the cheek, then slides back down from his lap to the floor.
"I think about that now... that maybe going after Viserai head-to-head isn't the way. We need to aggravate her, to make her doubt herself... to convince her that she's not what she thinks she is. She's running on willpower and confidence and faith, just like the rest of us. We need to target that - her source of energy - not just stand in front of her and try to knock her down."
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Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
As Cyrnair finishes drawing out the sword, the room you are in shutters violently. One of the Planatars stands up concerned by the situation. "Our shield is gone. VISARAI IS COMING NOW."
Lathandar stands up and flexes, as if readying himself. Radiant power crackles throughout his form. "My last command to all of my celestials is this. Find Eileestree. Assist her. She is the last of our kin aligned with us. Do not let her fall. Prosper, and become a people onto yourselves."
Waving his hand, a gateway forms. The view from the other side of the gateway is a familiar one. The green pastures of beautiful valley with a stream flowing through it. A mix of many races, both above and below ground. Alora's Meadow is a beautiful sight to behold. "Go now. I will do what I can to delay Visarai, and seal this tear."
Planatars and Divas swarms around you, more then 4 dozen of various forms, and they start to escort you out. As you are led out, you hear Cyrnairs mother say, "I wish... I wish that my son and his companions have time and what they need to save the world."
As you step through the gateway, you feel a powerful warping of magic... of the world itself... it seems to be... rearranging itself."
You step into the chilly night air of Alora's Meadow, and you hear a voice in your head. It is multi-tonal with both Cyrnairs mother and Lathandar speaking.
"With this wish, and the sacrifice of Lathandar and his life energy, a seal has been placed around this tear in the planes. Our power can hold Visarai until the next winter solstice, at which point the barriers will be weak enough for her to break free and resume her plans."
"With this wish we also grant you the following knowledge. Ancient artifacts crafted by titans, gods, and primordials still exist within the inner planes. These tools, and the journey itself with strengthen yourself for the coming fray. These items will grow with their wielder, effecting great change."
"1 Artifact is within the lands of Cyrnairs chosen."
"A chain born of fire is wielded by the one that Artemis's priest seeks. She is found to the east of Gundrens calling, in the peaks of dragons kin."
"A shield of thunder is within the forge of a cruel and powerful Fire Giant lord. Its access to the fire plane is to the north."
"A scroll of ancient knowledge written in the hand of Mordenkenien himself. The scroll is a gathering of knowledge of the 5 great wizard sages of old, and is found to the north-east. It is within the 5 sages private pocket dimension, which has been overrun by Aberations."
"A locket of woven precious metals, infused with energy from all of the planes can be found in the cave of waves and echos. It is guarded by a corrupted water Genasi, who has been twisted by Visarai and another evil artifact. The power to open and close portals lies within this locket."
"A keepsake given to the lover of Miekiki, this emblem is imbued with generations of caregivers and their magics. Worn now in the far south by the new leader of a serpantine race, of which you have seen in alliance with Visarai."
"Use this time wisely. A little less time then a year before she can escape this realm of shadow."
As the portal winks out, Cyrnair, you turn and watch as a giant green and blue Coautl descends on your patron, and your mother. You mother, similar to your power, sprouts wings, and draws a mace from the either. Her eyes flare with divine light. "I love you my son. Be the light the world needs."
With that, silence takes all of you for a moment surrounded by plants and divas. The largest among them, actually yellow in skin tone approaches. You recognize this as a Solar, the most powerful of angels.
"I am known as Gardell. I am the last of the Solars from your... your forefathers court. I will execute his will as he asked. We will mourn in our own way, but allow us to make sure his children on this plane are well protected from the more... pedestrian... threats. I understand you have been attempting to build a way to defend these people you have adopted as your kin. Allow us to please assure their safety in what way we can."
With your nod of agreement, the 4 dozen divas, plan as, and solar fly off to the north and the south east.
With that, you are left alone in the night air, the 6 of you left somewhat speechless.
What do you do now? (Lots to catch up on and RP out.)
Caradoc falls backward onto the ground, stretching out and digging his fingers into the grass and dirt. He gives out a long sigh and stares up into the sky, wordless and weeping.
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Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Ky stands wordlessly, staring north for a long time. Then she walks up to Cyrnair and rests a hand on his shoulder. Despite her discomfort, she pulls him in for a hug, and just stands there, willing to comfort him if needed.
His form seems... diminished for a moment. "Our siblings continue to vex us it seems." Flint, you are not sure if he is speaking to himself or you.
Flint looks up to the god at this statement and scowls. "... Or those that we loved," he grumbles.He stays silent as Lanthandar continues to answer his questions. He stands and bows his head deeply when the god finished his answer to his question. He backs away to allow the others their chance. Flint can't help but chuckle seeing the halfling hop up in the lap of a god and plant a kiss on his cheek. He is quickly reminded of the gravity of the situation as the rumblings continue from outside, and the planatars constant updates. He begins to pace slowly, keeping one ear on the conversations and one on the commotion outside.
Once the group is returned to Elora's Meadow, Flint breathes a sigh of releif being out of immediate danger of the cosmic battle raging. He looks to the north and walks up behind Cyrnair and Ky"Lera, his goliath form looming over the pair. He rests a hand on each and returns his gaze to the north. After a moment he allows a smile to come to his face. "What IS her name?"
“I.. understand Mylord “ he says after the revelations of Lathander words about his heritage. He feels a little bit silly but in front of his God he quickly forgets it. All is just too overwhelming. The idea that the Morning Lord is going to give his life... is just unbelievable.
When the Sword shows up he walks towards it in reverence and hold it, finding it lighter and more well balanced that he had thought.
He walks over his mother and she grabs his left hand between hers. He was about to talk but then events happen too fast. He tries to reach for his mother but the devas took them away. He doesn’t fight, for he will not diminish her sacrifice or his Lord with negation or fighting. They had set a quest upon him and give their lives so he and his friends can accomplish it... he will not fail it. Of course part of him wants to stay and fight, but he loved them too much, he respect them too much to do it and he accepts his destiny.
When the solar spoke to him he nods and says
”Every help you can offer would be welcome. Our time is short and I will mourn in my own way. How do we keep contact once you are gone to obey our Lord last command? How do we contact you or you contact us in case such a event comes up? “ he then listen to Gardell’s answer and offers him his hand and forearm to shake.
“ We part ways today as brothers “ he says to the Solar “ and we will meet again to fulfill Lathander’s will. “
He then turns towards the Northeast. To the place where all had happened and, in silence he closes his eyes, feeling the comforting presence of his friends he keeps quiet for a few minutes and then answer to Flint’s question.
“Al’yrcia” he says “ it means The One Who Brings Hope”
he says no more feeling the warm touch of the Balkward and he finally opens his left hand. There he finds a little amulet that her mother used to wear, a simple piece of silver with a golden rising sun engraved on it, small, no more than half a coin in size, with thin white gold chain for wearing it around the neck. He puts it on and let the rest do the talking with his friends at Melora’s Meadow.
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PbP Character: A few ;)
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Ky is in utter shock throughout this whole process. She is so far past what she would ever assume would have happened. Being a vague believer but not having anything of what you would call true faith, she feels quite uncomfortable in this situation.
She is happy for Cyrnair to see his mother once more and see them reconnect, but otherwise she is trying not to keep her jaw from hanging opened.
When this godly figure sits in front of her, and says they can ask 1 questions each, everything else leaves her mind. Her single focus becomes like the arrow she releases from her bow. "How do I kill Visarai?"
The giant figure leans down to look at the small elven woman. After a short moment, he chuckles. "As straight forward as ever... Well child, to kill a goddess is no small feat, though it can be done. Part of why so few evil gods still remain is because of individuals like yourself. In order to kill a god, you simply must have the power to weaken them, before you slay them. Visarai is not a god in the traditional sense, so there is a razors edge between the distinction."
Looking to the rest of the group, he says "I hope you do not push these away lone soldier of the planes, as you have done so many others. With great heart, and great sacrifice, you will have a chance to slay your prey. Continue to grow... continue to strengthen yourself. You will find what you need child."
Looking to the rest of the group, he says "My time left is short. Please, ask your questions." As he finishes speaking, one of the Planars approaches as says, "The planar rift is nearly fully torn sire. It will touch the land and merge heaven and earth in moments. Once that is done, She will turn her attention to our shield. It will not last long against her."
Flint lowers his shield as his eyes adjust to the brilliance of being in the presence of a god. Without hesitation, the cleric of Artemis steps up and kneels before the deity. With a calm, steady voice he petitions the god. "I have lost the scent of those that we," he gestures to himself and Ky'Lera, "have been tracking - one touched by fire and her companions. Can you offer some guidance in our hunt?"
Caradoc Langham stares up at the Morninglord in wonder and reverence. His eyes water from the sheer brilliance of the deity's radiance. The words of the others roll over him as he thinks about "survivors under the rubble" of the new world.
His heart bubbles with fury as this great being, with power unfathomable, dumps responsibility for saving the world on the shoulders of his friends. How is this our job, he wonders... What in the world are we going to achieve that such a mighty being couldn't do with a flick of its finger???
Then he takes a deep breath and looks more closely, seeing the furrowed brow and exhaustion around the eyes and mouth of the great Lathander. His fury dies away in sadness -- what incredible griefs could cause such an expression on the face of one so far beyond mortal understanding -- and he walks forward and climbs up onto the god's throne to pat his arm.
"What can we do to help you?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The sun faced giant leans back in his seat. There is a silence for a moment, and though you cannot see his face, it appears as if he is staring off into space.
"This one you seek. This one in particular... she has found a powerful artifact to the east. She has given herself fully to the cause of the ancient Titan Primordial, and seeks to bring about a new age of volcanic rebirth upon the land."
Looking at the group, he almost seems to sigh. His form seems... diminished for a moment. "Our siblings continue to vex us it seems." Flint, you are not sure if he is speaking to himself or you. Then he continues, "Visarai is prideful and loves to display her great magics. She loves to lord her power over others, and tempt others with that power. But above all else she is a master manipulator and planner. She draws those that would use her power to gain their own ends, but they all end up her pawns."
Looking directly to Flint, he says, "Fear not friend of the gods. Stay with your hunter... stay with this group. The one you seek will be placed in front of you if you do. She is a servant of the fallen one, Visarai."
As he finishes speaking, his arms flex as if straining against something. One of the Planatars says "the dome is completed. Her attention shifts now to us."
The morninglord turns to Carodoc and smiles. "I sense your anger. It is okay. I understand your frustration. You see us as all powerful, and while we do hold great power, much of what we once had is gone. As an example, you follow Eileestree, Ky Miekieki, and Flint, Artemis. What you not understand is that they were once a singular being. I am one of 4 other beings. Our original self separated, during the first great war between Titan, primordial, and gods, as there was simply to much to do."
He holds up 2 fingers on each hand. "Our power was then cut into 1/4th its original power, but in times of need, we could allow our power to flow through the others that needed it. We lost one of my brothers in the sealing of the Primordials into their respective planes. We lost 2 more during the war against the hell's and abyss. Well worth the cost, with those planes and their hordes being utterly destroyed. The few that do remain hide within the elemental planes with the primordials they sides with."
Suddenly his body looks sunken and gaunt. Still emmencely powerful, but... weak... at the same time. "My point is this. Despite what you might think, our power is finite, and we can be killed, and die. With the loss of my 3 brothers, only 1/4th of my original strength is allotted to me. This is partially why the world is in chaos. Nature hates a vacuum."
"So to your question little one. What can you do to help me? Nothing... help yourselves. Humanity will stand on it's own against this threat. Visarai is not a true God. Truth be told, had you found her in her original form, she would be no match for all of you as you are. As she grew, you must also. Mortals have great potential. You can overcome this as well. Have faith, not in us, but in yourselves, and your friends here. Our time is over, and I will do what I can to assist you in this... to delay Visarai enough to give you that oppertunity... with my own very life."
Looking to Cyrnair, he says, "It will be your duty to bring light forward. Find others that share the desire to brighten the world. Do not close yourself off to other ways and opinions. Without the night to cool things, the sun would destroy the lands with its heat. Nothing would grow. Balance my child, is needed."
Flint gives Cyrnair a playful elbow to the ribs at this statement by the paladin's god.
Ennis retreats almost entirely into his own rapidly swarming thoughts as the party makes their way down the tunnel. Even without being overtly religious himself, he can sense the swelling of mystical energy surrounding them as they descend. When Cyrnair's wings manifest of their own accord and the very earth itself gives way to their passage, he removes his glasses to wipe them off on his sleeve.
At the barrier, his heart skips a beat, though his carefully trained exterior facade reveals nothing of it. Angels! Celestial beings of the upper planes! Such creatures he has read about, and Master Baulder had even affirmed their existence to him, but to see them standing incarnate before him! Stunned beyond measure, his tongue and mouth refuse to form words as he takes in EVERYTHING before him. He follows closely with the rest of the group as Cyrnair's mother guides them, and when they pass through the platinum doors...
A transition...he can feel it. He's not certain how, but with just a step he is certain that he has passed beyond the prime material into another realm entirely. And there...seated on the massive throne before him...
Ennis's head spins as his entire world comes crashing down around him. He had long acknowledged that he himself was a creature of knowledge, of fact and logic and reason, even where the obscure and abstract principles of the arcane were concerned, which he seemed to have an inborn knack for understanding. He knew of the gods of course, how could one not when the exploits of their chosen vessels were so carefully documented down through the ages, but they had always been distant, capricious beings in his mind, ever isolated and therefore of minimal concern.
But now?
He listens in silence as the Morninglord speaks, his face still locked in its passive, observant facade. But the more Lathander says, the more that facade begins to crack. The merging of planes? The Hells and Abyss destroyed? The slaying of gods? At the mention of a war between gods, titans, and primordials, and the separation of individual gods into many...Ennis's knees buckle. All of his years of learning, and so much of it was wrong.
His heart stirred, his says a silent prayer to Oghma and Deneir...not the bland recitation of long practice with little fervor, but a true prayer. How could we have been so blind and stupid? How could we have known any of this? Why is it only just now becoming known, when it seemingly won't matter for much longer?
Ennis struggles to gather his thoughts, which refuse to stop swirling in his head...before finally taking a deep breath and rising back to his feet. If the Morninglord says their time is short, then who is he to waste more of it? He lifts his gaze, once again firmly stoic, to fix his eyes on the heavenly being before them.
"I have so MANY questions," he begins slowly, his voice barely audible. He clears his throat of the lump that had formed there before continuing, "How...how can I learn more? About all of this? About you and the other gods? About this war you speak of? And this merging of heaven and earth as you put it? What happens after all of this, if you yourself say you will soon be laying down your very life? How...how do we mere mortals move forward from here?"
Cyrnair, who has keenled in front of his God as they reach it has remained silent. A ton of mixed feelings burning in his heart and soul.
He listen to his friends and smiles, for their questions where also in his mind. When the Morning Lord speaks to him he stands and looks at Him.
“I am already accepted that truth in my heart MyLord , that Light cannot exist without Shadow. And that the world has as many interpretations as the eyes that look to it. I only try to make Thee will. I will bring your Light with honor and humility to the world and will devout my life to be an example of others and to protect them from any harm. We will evacuate the monastery and join forces with the rest of humanity to fight Visarai and help your Daughter restore the Balance. In due time we will destroy her with Thee help. “ he looks to his mother, then back to the God.
“ Thou spoke of fighting her even with your own life. Thou know that I have faith in Thou, with all my soul, but I also have something from my mother, even greater. Hope. And I hope that we could cause her so much trouble and pain that she cannot fight you with all her attention, so Thou can prevail. I have hope that all of this will end well. All my life I’ve been hesitant to accept my destiny, but no more. “ he stands tall, his wings once more visible on his back. “ For now I see the Truth that I was trying to deny to myself. I was afraid of it. But no more. “ he takes two steps forward towards the throne, looking directly at the sun that is the face of the God.
“Tell me father “ all could sense the difference. He was not addressing him as a God, but as his father “ Would I be so fortunate to fight alongside you and my sister before the end of all things? “
PbP Character: A few ;)
Gelin follows the group in stunned silence, unsure of how he ended up in this position. He had left his home to perhaps scuttle some roving bands of orcs, save a few villages. Simple tales of bravery. Great creatures seeming to tear the world asunder, this was not the adventure he had expected.
As the group makes their way through the cave Gelin can do naught but stare, mouth agape, at the situation he finds himself in. Nothing could have prepared him for what was next, though. As the dawnfather revealed himself to them, and addressed him... addressed the group, to beseech his wisdom.
He can't help but smile, as Ennis rattles off a seemingly endless group of questions. His reaction had been the opposite, drawing a complete blank. What question could he possible have of a god... alas he could only think of one.
Gelin takes a knees and bows his head as he addresses the brilliant light emitted from the deity in front of him.
"Dawnfather, I am naught but a simple dwarf, a weaver of song and tale. I'm still not sure how my path led here. I'm the outcast of meh own family... and now being tasked with savin' the world? I don't really expect an answer, but it's the only question in my mind. What can I... what can WE possibly do against forces that seek to end the world?"
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
"It is good to see a follower of Ioun still around... or at least one of her many separations. Oghma and Deneir were both from her original form you see. She divided herself and attached one of her forms to almost every race, form of learning, and location that could be thought of, all to Chronicle it."
"Due to the growth of the early ages, even with her separation, she maintained great power. Sadly, over the years many being claimed those forms and she diminished. The last of her forms that I was aware of perished when the great knowledge loss fell upon the inner planes. I am not sure if she had any hidden away in reserve... i say all of this so you understand. Your misunderstanding of facts is not a failing on your part, or of your masters. Dark forces have distorted history, and the ones you pray to died during the war of the upper planes. The time of lost knowledge removed what remained."
One of the Planatars approaches, "Mylord, she has cleared the rubble and is assaulting the shield. Please my lord, allow us to subdue her... surely you can..."
He waves his hand and silences him. "My time has come. My hope lives with you planatars, divas, and of course... people such as this."
Looking back to Ennis, he says, "Forgive me. I wish to convey all that you ask, but I simply have not the time."
Smiling he says "You have the heart of Ioun my mortal friend, and the drive to obtain it. As to what will be when I am no longer around, who can say. Let's just say... I have faith. I have not been of any real effect is centuries."
"The universe will adjust, just as it had with the passing of the evil gods dead many years ago, as with Iouns forms, and the many other deities that have passed on. Only a handful remain. I am the last that holds the Celestial plane in place however. With my demise, the celestial realm will be no more. As an example, The 2 remaining living sisters that make up what once was Miekieki, Artemis and Eilestree, have already moved to the plane of Air. Akadi was always kind to the Celestial deities of the moon and sky. Artemis plans a war against Visarai, while Eilestree is gathering what celestial beings to her that she can... always the shepard Eilestree is..."
"I give you this final bit of information. If you wish to know more, seek Eilestree. She was close to Iouns separations... intimately close. She may know more."
OOC: so much to tell you in so short a time. I will get to the next one as I can.
Add Gelin finishes speaking, Lathender smiles again. "Another servant of the knowing mistress I see. Though not knowingly. I do find it amusing that so many bards were Iouns instruments, and they had no idea themselves."
Lathender leans forward. "You ask what you can do? You can survive. You can fight. Though Visarai is stronger then I am now, she is not stronger then some id the other Gods that are slain by mortals... or archfey in power. You all have eminence potential. Allow that to grow. Allow your knowledge and strength and power grow."
Finally, the entity turns towards Cyrnair. As Cyrnair speaks, Lathendar seems to chuckle. "I suppose in a way I am your father... but it would be more apt that you would call me your great great grandfather."
Looking back to Cyrnairs mother he smiles fondly. "Each generation failed to bring about the right child to be my champion when I fell. Until your mother."
"Your father was of my blood. Your mother was and is a faithful Acolyte. I foresaw great potential in the pairing, and your mother agreed. Your father... sadly he did not desire a long lasting union, and sired another child with a woman that was touched by fiendish blood. His hope read to create a mix of celestial and fiend. This was you're childhood friend."
"When your father left, I granted your mother 3 wishes... anything I could offer her. Her first was that you be raised and granted all access to becoming the chosen. The second was for get to know me... personally, once you were born."
Looking back to Cyrnair, he says, "you are strong of heart, and good natured. I feared you would not be able to succeed where others failed. Either zealots or lack luster. But you... sending you into the world, meeting so many colorful people of all types. You will do well to usher in new light to the new age."
As Lathendar stops speaking, a shimmering blade rises from the ground in front of the morninglord. It appears to be made from pure platinum in nature, but it has the faint hint of a ladder pattern Damascus forging. It has a wide cross guard, and the hilt is large enough for 2 hands, though it can be wielded with 1. (Picture the Master Sword from Zelda, but made entirely of platinum)
The blade seems to give off the faint glow of radiance. "This blade was crafted by my own hand, and has a fragment of my own essence within. During the War of the Outer Planes, I wielded it to great effect. I have been waiting for a time that I will no longer need it, and someone worthy can take it up. That time is now."
Looking to Cyrnair, he says, "Take your birthright my great, great grandchild. Use the Balwark of Radiant Dawn to bring about that change."
OOC: I will PM you the stats Cyrnair, for the weapon "Balwark of Radiant Dawn"
As Cyrnair reaches out to take the sword, a flash of radiant fire lashes out. For a moment it burns your hand, but you do not recoil. After a moment, the flames of the blade seem to merge with you, and you are able to draw the sword.
OOC: More to come. Please feel free to RP as well if you wish
"Ma used to say," Caradoc murmurs to the Dawnfather, "she used to tell people that my Caradoc is a mess, but he could talk a devil into setting itself on fire."
He stretches up and kisses Lathander on the cheek, then slides back down from his lap to the floor.
"I think about that now... that maybe going after Viserai head-to-head isn't the way. We need to aggravate her, to make her doubt herself... to convince her that she's not what she thinks she is. She's running on willpower and confidence and faith, just like the rest of us. We need to target that - her source of energy - not just stand in front of her and try to knock her down."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
As Cyrnair finishes drawing out the sword, the room you are in shutters violently. One of the Planatars stands up concerned by the situation. "Our shield is gone. VISARAI IS COMING NOW."
Lathandar stands up and flexes, as if readying himself. Radiant power crackles throughout his form. "My last command to all of my celestials is this. Find Eileestree. Assist her. She is the last of our kin aligned with us. Do not let her fall. Prosper, and become a people onto yourselves."
Waving his hand, a gateway forms. The view from the other side of the gateway is a familiar one. The green pastures of beautiful valley with a stream flowing through it. A mix of many races, both above and below ground. Alora's Meadow is a beautiful sight to behold. "Go now. I will do what I can to delay Visarai, and seal this tear."
Planatars and Divas swarms around you, more then 4 dozen of various forms, and they start to escort you out. As you are led out, you hear Cyrnairs mother say, "I wish... I wish that my son and his companions have time and what they need to save the world."
As you step through the gateway, you feel a powerful warping of magic... of the world itself... it seems to be... rearranging itself."
You step into the chilly night air of Alora's Meadow, and you hear a voice in your head. It is multi-tonal with both Cyrnairs mother and Lathandar speaking.
"With this wish, and the sacrifice of Lathandar and his life energy, a seal has been placed around this tear in the planes. Our power can hold Visarai until the next winter solstice, at which point the barriers will be weak enough for her to break free and resume her plans."
"With this wish we also grant you the following knowledge. Ancient artifacts crafted by titans, gods, and primordials still exist within the inner planes. These tools, and the journey itself with strengthen yourself for the coming fray. These items will grow with their wielder, effecting great change."
"1 Artifact is within the lands of Cyrnairs chosen."
"A chain born of fire is wielded by the one that Artemis's priest seeks. She is found to the east of Gundrens calling, in the peaks of dragons kin."
"A shield of thunder is within the forge of a cruel and powerful Fire Giant lord. Its access to the fire plane is to the north."
"A scroll of ancient knowledge written in the hand of Mordenkenien himself. The scroll is a gathering of knowledge of the 5 great wizard sages of old, and is found to the north-east. It is within the 5 sages private pocket dimension, which has been overrun by Aberations."
"A locket of woven precious metals, infused with energy from all of the planes can be found in the cave of waves and echos. It is guarded by a corrupted water Genasi, who has been twisted by Visarai and another evil artifact. The power to open and close portals lies within this locket."
"A keepsake given to the lover of Miekiki, this emblem is imbued with generations of caregivers and their magics. Worn now in the far south by the new leader of a serpantine race, of which you have seen in alliance with Visarai."
"Use this time wisely. A little less time then a year before she can escape this realm of shadow."
As the portal winks out, Cyrnair, you turn and watch as a giant green and blue Coautl descends on your patron, and your mother. You mother, similar to your power, sprouts wings, and draws a mace from the either. Her eyes flare with divine light. "I love you my son. Be the light the world needs."
With that, silence takes all of you for a moment surrounded by plants and divas. The largest among them, actually yellow in skin tone approaches. You recognize this as a Solar, the most powerful of angels.
"I am known as Gardell. I am the last of the Solars from your... your forefathers court. I will execute his will as he asked. We will mourn in our own way, but allow us to make sure his children on this plane are well protected from the more... pedestrian... threats. I understand you have been attempting to build a way to defend these people you have adopted as your kin. Allow us to please assure their safety in what way we can."
With your nod of agreement, the 4 dozen divas, plan as, and solar fly off to the north and the south east.
With that, you are left alone in the night air, the 6 of you left somewhat speechless.
What do you do now? (Lots to catch up on and RP out.)
Caradoc falls backward onto the ground, stretching out and digging his fingers into the grass and dirt. He gives out a long sigh and stares up into the sky, wordless and weeping.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Ky stands wordlessly, staring north for a long time. Then she walks up to Cyrnair and rests a hand on his shoulder. Despite her discomfort, she pulls him in for a hug, and just stands there, willing to comfort him if needed.
His form seems... diminished for a moment. "Our siblings continue to vex us it seems." Flint, you are not sure if he is speaking to himself or you.
Flint looks up to the god at this statement and scowls. "... Or those that we loved," he grumbles. He stays silent as Lanthandar continues to answer his questions. He stands and bows his head deeply when the god finished his answer to his question. He backs away to allow the others their chance. Flint can't help but chuckle seeing the halfling hop up in the lap of a god and plant a kiss on his cheek. He is quickly reminded of the gravity of the situation as the rumblings continue from outside, and the planatars constant updates. He begins to pace slowly, keeping one ear on the conversations and one on the commotion outside.
Once the group is returned to Elora's Meadow, Flint breathes a sigh of releif being out of immediate danger of the cosmic battle raging. He looks to the north and walks up behind Cyrnair and Ky"Lera, his goliath form looming over the pair. He rests a hand on each and returns his gaze to the north. After a moment he allows a smile to come to his face. "What IS her name?"
“I.. understand Mylord “ he says after the revelations of Lathander words about his heritage. He feels a little bit silly but in front of his God he quickly forgets it. All is just too overwhelming. The idea that the Morning Lord is going to give his life... is just unbelievable.
When the Sword shows up he walks towards it in reverence and hold it, finding it lighter and more well balanced that he had thought.
He walks over his mother and she grabs his left hand between hers. He was about to talk but then events happen too fast. He tries to reach for his mother but the devas took them away. He doesn’t fight, for he will not diminish her sacrifice or his Lord with negation or fighting. They had set a quest upon him and give their lives so he and his friends can accomplish it... he will not fail it. Of course part of him wants to stay and fight, but he loved them too much, he respect them too much to do it and he accepts his destiny.
When the solar spoke to him he nods and says
”Every help you can offer would be welcome. Our time is short and I will mourn in my own way. How do we keep contact once you are gone to obey our Lord last command? How do we contact you or you contact us in case such a event comes up? “ he then listen to Gardell’s answer and offers him his hand and forearm to shake.
“ We part ways today as brothers “ he says to the Solar “ and we will meet again to fulfill Lathander’s will. “
He then turns towards the Northeast. To the place where all had happened and, in silence he closes his eyes, feeling the comforting presence of his friends he keeps quiet for a few minutes and then answer to Flint’s question.
“Al’yrcia” he says “ it means The One Who Brings Hope”
he says no more feeling the warm touch of the Balkward and he finally opens his left hand. There he finds a little amulet that her mother used to wear, a simple piece of silver with a golden rising sun engraved on it, small, no more than half a coin in size, with thin white gold chain for wearing it around the neck. He puts it on and let the rest do the talking with his friends at Melora’s Meadow.
PbP Character: A few ;)