With the threat at the moment taken care of, and the sword once again placed against the helm, Pherria continues her prayer..
"By the light of Torm, by the flame of justice, I command these demons that dwell within this Helm, These foul creatures of darkness and despair, That hold the Duke in torment and thrall, I cast you out. I bind you to the light, And by the will of the god who guides us, I banish you from this place."
Virro, make a DC 11 CON save or take 10 force damage.
You all hold your breath, waiting for something to come out of the helm, but... nothing does and Pherria continues.
"In the name of Torm, the Hand of Justice, I strip you of your power, I break your hold upon this noble soul, For you are nothing in the face of divine might. Torm’s flame burns brighter than your darkness, Torm’s will is unyielding. You are cast out from this Helm! You are banished to the void where you belong! Begone!"
In a desperate attempt to assist Vitro, Archie recalls the prayer out loud at the same time as Pherria chants, hoping that if a ritual like this has more participants it may improve the magic.
"In the name of Torm, the Hand of Justice, I strip you of your power, I break your hold upon this noble soul, For you are nothing in the face of divine might. Torm’s flame burns brighter than your darkness, Torm’s will is unyielding. You are cast out from this Helm! You are banished to the void where you belong! Begone!
Virro braces himself as he faces the helm, he continues to hold the sword against it. Force energy flows through him as he steels himself for what comes next.
Reya smiles through it all as Archie joins in the prayer and she does as well, hoping there is something in it. Virro holds steady as the next wave of force energy sends shock waves through him, but he is able to brace himself against it this time.
As soon as the prayer has ended and the sword is kept against the helm, the Duke moans, brings his hands up to the helm as if about to cradle his head from a headache, and slips the helm off. His eyes are bloodshot and he looks around wearily, as if even if you were all there to kill him, he seems to have lost the fight. Noting that you are all actually not here to kill him, he brushes the sword away from him that Virro holds and sits up upon the altar.
Laying his eyes upon Reya, he nods, though his eyes show no recognition. He then nods towards Pherria, obviously recognizing her and finally he coughs, "Thank you. Thank you all for releasing me from that hell of a prison. I was afraid I was destined to remain held in the clutches of Baphomet forever. I came here with my men to find this helm.." His eyes go wide and he looks around and not seeing anyone he truly recognizes, he knows the unfortunate answer. "To find this helm and hope to find some answers on how to save Elturel from it's current fate."
"But all is not lost, I did get some visions before it was corrupted by the demon. In my spirit journey I saw a bloodied woman in armor, she was a soldier wearing the colors and crest of Elturel and she was grasping a longsword fit for an angel. Fresh blood streamed from a nasty cut on her cheek. Flying next to the woman was.. wait, was you!" He points to Lulu and she twirls around in excitement of being recognized.
He gazes in amazement at seeing his vision in real life, but then recovers and continues to recount his vision with the helm, "As an enormous, loping demon threatened to devour the woman, she plunged the sword into the ground while your friend there made a trumpet sound with it's trunk. The demon was hurled back as an alabaster palace rose up around the sword. But then your winged elephant fled and took to the red sky of Avernus, where it watched as a bloody scab grew up from the ground to engulf the palace and the enormous demon." he shudders as he recounts this vision.
"My vision continued to follow your friend as they wandered in a delirium before coming upon two odd, birdlike humanoids dressed in patchwork armor and standing next to a strange infernal vehicle. They were equipped with odd weapons and tools. After that.. things got blurry and I couldn't remove the helm."
Lulu trumpets in excitement, and you all hear within your heads as she also speaks in celestial, "Yes!! I remember! Zariel’s most loyal Hellrider, Yael, took the sword and plunged it into a rock. I called on every ounce of goodness in my heart to raise a shield around it — a fortress against evil.”
"baphomet is bad" Archie mutters to the group whilst nodding her head knowledgeably.
"Huh, cool story, I'm sorry that you had to get stuck in a helm to see it, it might actually be helpful. We're also trying to return Elturel to it's rightful place and elevate it from the hells... Any ideas how we go about that? Maybe find this fortress or sword?" She lets go of the flame blade and it dissipates, seemingly frustrated that she even used the resource to summon it for nothing.
Ravenguard looks at Reed, "No, little fella, it is not this sword." He looks thoroughly exhausted, though happy where he sits for the most part.
Lulu however, is beaming. In your heads again, and out loud in celestial, she continues, "You're right, Corlith, the sword isn't in Elturel, it's further in Avernus. It's the Sword of Zariel! It's got to be the key to saving Elturel!!" Ravenguard nods in agreement.
Lulu flaps her wings in excitement, "Chukka and Clonk are the birdfolk! The two kenkus took me to a junkyard called Fort Knucklebone, that's where they build and repair infernal vehicles to move across the blasted wastelands of Avernus. I um... I don't remember who ran the fort or if I met anyone else." Her trunk scratches her forehead as it crinkles up in thought.
Suddenly, she flies out of the cathedral. As you all stare at each other, Reya asks, "Are we supposed to follow her?" but before you decide one way or the other, she returns, "I can see it!! I can see Fort Knucklebone and it can't be more than ten miles away!"
"I don't wanna go to an enormous bloody scab... It sounds revolting" Archie says as she takes a knee where she is and then gently shifts her weight to be sitting on the ground.
"Hold on a moment, Lulu. What do you mean by infernal vehicles? Are you talking carriages drawn by infernal beasts?", Corlith asks, even as he sees Archie lower herself to a seated position on the ground.
"And there is also the matter of Ironmaiden and Archie's situation to discuss".
For a split second it looks like Reed is going to come over and smack Ravenguard for the “little fella” comment but then he takes a breath.
”I’ll assume you’re tired from being possessed and all,” Reed says then turns to look at Archie. “Yeah, maybe we should get a good meal in and have a nap or two before chasing after devil wagons.”
"odd situation at that... I've heard through the IronMaiden the plans you laid out Corlith. I've even started feeling what the IronMaiden thinks and feels now when I'm not the one in control, I think I feel sorry for them, they never asked for this and at the same time, it's all they've ever known... I think they're scared, scared of the change, scared to be alone, but also scared of hurting me... They know that if I don't get out of this suit, I'll die. It's weird to say that out loud..." Archie lays down completely supine, arms outstretched as if she were just casually looking at the clouds in a flower meadow, she doesn't turn to look at any of the group as she continues speaking. "I'm twenty now, I've lived... The IronMaiden is also just a few months old... A new life, a whole new kind of life, something that I couldn't have dreamed of during my artificer training and lessons, they are a miracle of the modern world...
Corlith, if it comes to a decision between me and them, I know they asked you to prioritise me, but...
They could do so much more for the world, a life in a machine, they needs to live, to be studied, replicated, imagine the possibilities... The IronMaiden is so so special. Please."
"You probably heard my idea was just a suggestion then, Archie. I would not do anything unless you and Ironmaiden both agree", Corlith replies kneeling down next to Archie as she lays looking up at the sky. "I do not want to hurt or kill either of you, and I absolutely won't make the decision for you".
"Remember Archie, the Ironmaiden is a very advanced automaton. A marvel you are right. But what makes them a special person is their link to you. They have learned and evolved due to you. We can try and separate you both. It might kill you, I will be honest. And it might leave Ironmaiden without a source of power. But it will definitely leave Ironmaiden without a source of morality and fairness. A source of empathy. I agree that this is a huge decision, and I wish there was an obvious answer", he adds gravely.
"The real question is, are you and Ironmaiden ready to choose to try and separate? If so I can try and achieve that through my magic. Once done though, we need someone else to make sure you are ok, and to bring you back if the worst happens".
With that he waits for an answer. And for Lulu to calm down and answer him too.
As corlith kneels down Archie pats his knee in a playful manner, but her attitude remains wistful and reflective "it was my mistake to put this suit on in the first place, though given what has come from it, I think it is a mistake that I would repeat given the chance for a do over... I think we should take the chance for separation though. To see if both of us can live, disconnected from the other. What other option do we have? Wait for the process to consume me entirely?...
Ironmaiden has learned from my memories and my mannerisms, they have lived in my mind and by my side since they first awoke. But they have also learned from you all, fought alongside and done their utmost to protect you, sought you all out for guidance and example. Their morals and values are as much on you all as me, I think they'll be fine should the worst happen, and so will you. All of you."
Reya's eyes go wide as the conversation turns to splitting up the two beings in the suit of armor. She finds a lump in her throat is making it impossible to express her feelings as the talk turns to decisions being made.
Finally, with tears in her eyes, she kneels beside her good friend and takes Archie's hand in hers.
"no need for tears Reya, you I admire quite alot. To be thrown through such betrayal and still come out on the other side filled with determination and commitment to your cause, to remain steadfast and continue standing for that which your superiors cast aside in the name of greed, you are so strong. Don't let this bump in the road slow you down. You'll look after IronMaiden I know it, even if they've been a little awkward around you, that's probably been influenced alot by me too actually, I don't know if you knew this but since we met I feel like we really connected, and I developed quite a crush, not that it matters now..." Archie chuckles, in slight disbelief of her own courage, but seemingly gaining perspective on the little things when ones own mortality is brought firmly into frame.
Reed looks around the room then back to Archie.
"Watch Virro and the guy with the helmet on his head. That's where they came from last time." Reed says. "I'll watch the hallway."
With the threat at the moment taken care of, and the sword once again placed against the helm, Pherria continues her prayer..
"By the light of Torm, by the flame of justice,
I command these demons that dwell within this Helm,
These foul creatures of darkness and despair,
That hold the Duke in torment and thrall,
I cast you out.
I bind you to the light,
And by the will of the god who guides us,
I banish you from this place."
Virro, make a DC 11 CON save or take 10 force damage.
Virro shudders as he feels the force damage go through his body, but he keeps his grip on the sword. (Takes 10 force damage)
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Stay strong", Corlith says to Virro as he sees him shudder.
He waits for something else to attack, sure it isn't over yet.
You all hold your breath, waiting for something to come out of the helm, but... nothing does and Pherria continues.
"In the name of Torm, the Hand of Justice,
I strip you of your power,
I break your hold upon this noble soul,
For you are nothing in the face of divine might.
Torm’s flame burns brighter than your darkness,
Torm’s will is unyielding.
You are cast out from this Helm!
You are banished to the void where you belong!
Begone!"
Virro - make another DC 11 CON saving throw!
In a desperate attempt to assist Vitro, Archie recalls the prayer out loud at the same time as Pherria chants, hoping that if a ritual like this has more participants it may improve the magic.
"In the name of Torm, the Hand of Justice, I strip you of your power, I break your hold upon this noble soul, For you are nothing in the face of divine might. Torm’s flame burns brighter than your darkness, Torm’s will is unyielding. You are cast out from this Helm! You are banished to the void where you belong! Begone!
Everyone, again!"
Virro braces himself as he faces the helm, he continues to hold the sword against it. Force energy flows through him as he steels himself for what comes next.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Reya smiles through it all as Archie joins in the prayer and she does as well, hoping there is something in it. Virro holds steady as the next wave of force energy sends shock waves through him, but he is able to brace himself against it this time.
As soon as the prayer has ended and the sword is kept against the helm, the Duke moans, brings his hands up to the helm as if about to cradle his head from a headache, and slips the helm off. His eyes are bloodshot and he looks around wearily, as if even if you were all there to kill him, he seems to have lost the fight. Noting that you are all actually not here to kill him, he brushes the sword away from him that Virro holds and sits up upon the altar.
Laying his eyes upon Reya, he nods, though his eyes show no recognition. He then nods towards Pherria, obviously recognizing her and finally he coughs, "Thank you. Thank you all for releasing me from that hell of a prison. I was afraid I was destined to remain held in the clutches of Baphomet forever. I came here with my men to find this helm.." His eyes go wide and he looks around and not seeing anyone he truly recognizes, he knows the unfortunate answer. "To find this helm and hope to find some answers on how to save Elturel from it's current fate."
"But all is not lost, I did get some visions before it was corrupted by the demon. In my spirit journey I saw a bloodied woman in armor, she was a soldier wearing the colors and crest of Elturel and she was grasping a longsword fit for an angel. Fresh blood streamed from a nasty cut on her cheek. Flying next to the woman was.. wait, was you!" He points to Lulu and she twirls around in excitement of being recognized.
He gazes in amazement at seeing his vision in real life, but then recovers and continues to recount his vision with the helm, "As an enormous, loping demon threatened to devour the woman, she plunged the sword into the ground while your friend there made a trumpet sound with it's trunk. The demon was hurled back as an alabaster palace rose up around the sword. But then your winged elephant fled and took to the red sky of Avernus, where it watched as a bloody scab grew up from the ground to engulf the palace and the enormous demon." he shudders as he recounts this vision.
"My vision continued to follow your friend as they wandered in a delirium before coming upon two odd, birdlike humanoids dressed in patchwork armor and standing next to a strange infernal vehicle. They were equipped with odd weapons and tools. After that.. things got blurry and I couldn't remove the helm."
Lulu trumpets in excitement, and you all hear within your heads as she also speaks in celestial, "Yes!! I remember! Zariel’s most loyal Hellrider, Yael, took the sword and plunged it into a rock. I called on every ounce of goodness in my heart to raise a shield around it — a fortress against evil.”
"baphomet is bad" Archie mutters to the group whilst nodding her head knowledgeably.
"Huh, cool story, I'm sorry that you had to get stuck in a helm to see it, it might actually be helpful. We're also trying to return Elturel to it's rightful place and elevate it from the hells... Any ideas how we go about that? Maybe find this fortress or sword?" She lets go of the flame blade and it dissipates, seemingly frustrated that she even used the resource to summon it for nothing.
Corlith had not joined in the ritual, finding it not to his liking.
When the Duke comes round and takes off the helm, he relaxes a little, listening to what the Duke has to say.
"It certainly sounds like the sword is important. Do you think you can find it again, and release it", he asks Lulu. "I assume it isn't in Elturel".
Reed cocks his head to the side while he listens to the story then shrugs and smiles.
"Was it this sword?" Reed asks, pointing to the one Virro was holding. "That would be convenient."
Ravenguard looks at Reed, "No, little fella, it is not this sword." He looks thoroughly exhausted, though happy where he sits for the most part.
Lulu however, is beaming. In your heads again, and out loud in celestial, she continues, "You're right, Corlith, the sword isn't in Elturel, it's further in Avernus. It's the Sword of Zariel! It's got to be the key to saving Elturel!!" Ravenguard nods in agreement.
Lulu flaps her wings in excitement, "Chukka and Clonk are the birdfolk! The two kenkus took me to a junkyard called Fort Knucklebone, that's where they build and repair infernal vehicles to move across the blasted wastelands of Avernus. I um... I don't remember who ran the fort or if I met anyone else." Her trunk scratches her forehead as it crinkles up in thought.
Suddenly, she flies out of the cathedral. As you all stare at each other, Reya asks, "Are we supposed to follow her?" but before you decide one way or the other, she returns, "I can see it!! I can see Fort Knucklebone and it can't be more than ten miles away!"
"I don't wanna go to an enormous bloody scab... It sounds revolting" Archie says as she takes a knee where she is and then gently shifts her weight to be sitting on the ground.
"Hold on a moment, Lulu. What do you mean by infernal vehicles? Are you talking carriages drawn by infernal beasts?", Corlith asks, even as he sees Archie lower herself to a seated position on the ground.
"And there is also the matter of Ironmaiden and Archie's situation to discuss".
For a split second it looks like Reed is going to come over and smack Ravenguard for the “little fella” comment but then he takes a breath.
”I’ll assume you’re tired from being possessed and all,” Reed says then turns to look at Archie. “Yeah, maybe we should get a good meal in and have a nap or two before chasing after devil wagons.”
"odd situation at that... I've heard through the IronMaiden the plans you laid out Corlith. I've even started feeling what the IronMaiden thinks and feels now when I'm not the one in control, I think I feel sorry for them, they never asked for this and at the same time, it's all they've ever known... I think they're scared, scared of the change, scared to be alone, but also scared of hurting me... They know that if I don't get out of this suit, I'll die. It's weird to say that out loud..." Archie lays down completely supine, arms outstretched as if she were just casually looking at the clouds in a flower meadow, she doesn't turn to look at any of the group as she continues speaking. "I'm twenty now, I've lived... The IronMaiden is also just a few months old... A new life, a whole new kind of life, something that I couldn't have dreamed of during my artificer training and lessons, they are a miracle of the modern world...
Corlith, if it comes to a decision between me and them, I know they asked you to prioritise me, but...
They could do so much more for the world, a life in a machine, they needs to live, to be studied, replicated, imagine the possibilities... The IronMaiden is so so special. Please."
"You probably heard my idea was just a suggestion then, Archie. I would not do anything unless you and Ironmaiden both agree", Corlith replies kneeling down next to Archie as she lays looking up at the sky. "I do not want to hurt or kill either of you, and I absolutely won't make the decision for you".
"Remember Archie, the Ironmaiden is a very advanced automaton. A marvel you are right. But what makes them a special person is their link to you. They have learned and evolved due to you. We can try and separate you both. It might kill you, I will be honest. And it might leave Ironmaiden without a source of power. But it will definitely leave Ironmaiden without a source of morality and fairness. A source of empathy. I agree that this is a huge decision, and I wish there was an obvious answer", he adds gravely.
"The real question is, are you and Ironmaiden ready to choose to try and separate? If so I can try and achieve that through my magic. Once done though, we need someone else to make sure you are ok, and to bring you back if the worst happens".
With that he waits for an answer. And for Lulu to calm down and answer him too.
As corlith kneels down Archie pats his knee in a playful manner, but her attitude remains wistful and reflective "it was my mistake to put this suit on in the first place, though given what has come from it, I think it is a mistake that I would repeat given the chance for a do over... I think we should take the chance for separation though. To see if both of us can live, disconnected from the other. What other option do we have? Wait for the process to consume me entirely?...
Ironmaiden has learned from my memories and my mannerisms, they have lived in my mind and by my side since they first awoke. But they have also learned from you all, fought alongside and done their utmost to protect you, sought you all out for guidance and example. Their morals and values are as much on you all as me, I think they'll be fine should the worst happen, and so will you. All of you."
Reya's eyes go wide as the conversation turns to splitting up the two beings in the suit of armor. She finds a lump in her throat is making it impossible to express her feelings as the talk turns to decisions being made.
Finally, with tears in her eyes, she kneels beside her good friend and takes Archie's hand in hers.
"no need for tears Reya, you I admire quite alot. To be thrown through such betrayal and still come out on the other side filled with determination and commitment to your cause, to remain steadfast and continue standing for that which your superiors cast aside in the name of greed, you are so strong. Don't let this bump in the road slow you down. You'll look after IronMaiden I know it, even if they've been a little awkward around you, that's probably been influenced alot by me too actually, I don't know if you knew this but since we met I feel like we really connected, and I developed quite a crush, not that it matters now..." Archie chuckles, in slight disbelief of her own courage, but seemingly gaining perspective on the little things when ones own mortality is brought firmly into frame.