Having thanked the Tiefling barmaid, Corlith returns to the table with his cider to hear the update from Ironmaiden, and Reya.
"I am glad all has seemingly gone well. Hopefully Archie is getting some well needed rest, and perhaps we can check on her soon", he says looking at Ironmaiden appraisingly. "It seems both you and Archie have a lot of respect for each other. I truly hope you will get to properly meet each other one day".
Turning back to Little One, "The books, oh yes. Bookwyrm gave me these". He picks up the books and reads the titles. "Denizens of the Nine Layers of Hell, Volume 1 and To Hell and Back, A Survivors Guide. Just some light reading. Hey Ironmaiden, are you a quick reader? Perhaps you can look through one of them? I think the objective is still researching our destination and gathering supplies, right now".
IronMaiden looks to Corlith and cocks a head questioningly but then understands his sentiment, "respect is one way of seeing it. Though it was not always this way. When I first awoke I set about finding a purpose, fighting perceived threats and trying to understand the world, I do not sleep, not in the way you humanoids seem to, so when Archie awoke and began using this body I was shocked and angry i did not understand these emotions but they were strong. Eventually as she became more aware of me I began watching what she did and how she acted in her waking times... I feel, because she feels... She is the source of my being, perhaps I take after her, like some kind of inheritance... it is difficult to share a body, but fighting and resentment make the situation even more difficult, this is what I believe because this is what archie believes." Looking down the IronMaiden takes one of the books and seems to flick through it skimming information as they go, they take ten minutes before the book is shut. "Informative" they state and take the next offered book.
Roo flutters up onto the table as soon as the ale is passed to him, and begins leaning over to dip his beak in his drink and to drink it up. He pauses only between sentences, ale dripping from his beak as he replies to Little One.
"Ah, well thank you kind madam!" Roo says, puffing his chest out and strutting around his mug. "I must say that your manners are absolutely impeckable! Buck! I hope the rest of your louts are paying attention, as this gentleman may be able to teach you a thing or two! But Gallus! Why, the one true god! A beacon of light in a sea of blasphemies and lying prophets!"
Roo pauses between drinks to puff his armored chest out, showing off the crest on his fancy armor.
"We Gallus derive our name from him! Many simple featherless cultures...why, excuse me...plumage-challenged cultures, have simplified the name down to 'sun', and surely Gallus does rise every morning in the east when called upon by the many voices of the feathered-folk in my village. Yes, yes! He rises! You can see him! He exists as sure my razor sharp beak! Buck! Which reminds me..."
He dips his face back into the ale.
"His radiant brilliance chases away the darkness and the horrors that live amongst it! Is it not true!? Doth not the night give way to day as Gallus forces Strix back into the void? Tell me, what other divine entity do you see carry out his duty daily!? None, says I! Ah, but I work myself up. You'll have to excuse me, Misses Little One, but his mighty radiance does power me daily, does save my people from the terrors of the darkness! I shall rejoice his existence for all that would listen! Bagop!"
Another drink.
"Oh Gallus sake, my manners! This is splendid news about our sweet Archaea! When will we be able to go see her? Quick! More drinks! We must gather them and take them to her forthwith!"
"I hope you don't mind my overhearing, but did you say you're researching your destination? That you are headed to the Nine Layers of Hell? You all seem a motley crew, but sane, so I must ask. Why?!" There is no judgement in his countenance, just pure curiosity.
The ogre takes the compliment from Roo graciously as the rooster talks about his manners. He touches the headband and smiles. As Roo gets going, Little One's smile grows to a big grin, "Why the sun! So that is Gallus? Quite a beacon for sure! And you are quite right, the darkness can hold many terrors." He pauses a bit as a shadow crosses over his face but then he composes himself and adds, "Candlekeep is a good place to be, it's where I stay now, no terrors here in the dark."
There are two people sitting at a nearby table, an older woman with long curly auburn hair and brown eyes and a middle aged female half-elf with long, straight, silver and black eyes turn around and gawk at Roo as he starts going then rolling their eyes they lean their heads together and start whispering.
A young female human with gray hair and gray eyes and an old male forest gnome with a bald head and golden eyes are laughing with the tiefling behind the bar, but stop as they hear Roo and the two turn around to stare at the commotion going on. The tiefling leans over the bar and shouts out, "Everything alright over there Little One?"
Virro looks up to Corlith with a smile, saying “I found an interesting book as well. Its a little slow, but may prove useful. It’s called “Avernus : A Traveller's Guide : The Great Avernus Road, Bel’s Fortress, and Other Sightseeeing Options. (Rest areas of course all closed.)”. I don’t know what that means, but it sounds interesting.” Virro turns back to his beer and listens to the conversation between Roo and “Little One”.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"We aren't heading to the Nine Layers of Hell, just one of them", Corlith corrects Little One with a smile. "And we have some business there with someone who took something that didn't belong to them", he adds.
He takes a look over the Virro brought to the table and nods approvingly. "I guess Ironmaiden can speed read, but I will need a little longer to peruse them. Perhaps we should have some food, book some rooms and plan to head off in the morning? That will give us time for a more thorough read, and we can gather supplies after we know what sort of things we are dealing with".
"splendid indeed. Archie will emerge soon enough, diagnostics come first and then I will not hinder her waking, as I hope she will not hinder mine." The IronMaiden says in answer to the Gallus' congratulations as they take a moment to digest the information they just took in. Taking an offered ale they open their visor front and begin to pour it in a little at a time.
"Tell me feathered friend, is there a Gallus and Strix in the hells?"
Roo looks around, seeing that his little outburst has begun to draw a bit of an audience. He straightens up a bit, his feathers standing out as he showed off his striking plumage and his shining armor. He reached up, taking off the bearded devil's beard and held it to the side, letting those who were looking to gaze upon his face.
"Buck! Blessed be the first light that graces our horizon each dawn, for it is the radiant touch of Gallus, our one true deity! As I stand before you, Roo' Stor, chosen vessel of his divine power, I urge you to cast aside the shadows of doubt and embrace the undeniable truth that unfolds before us every morning. Let your hearts resonate with the crowing chorus of the Gallus people, calling upon our god to rise and banish the darkness, for in his luminous embrace, we find strength and salvation!
Let us not falter in our devotion, for we are the chosen ones, blessed with the tangible presence of Gallus in our daily lives. While others may worship unseen gods, we stand firm in the knowledge that Gallus reigns supreme, his brilliance illuminating our path and guiding us through the trials of existence. Behold the crops that flourish under his nurturing gaze, the warmth that permeates our land, and the safety that his light bestows upon us. Have you not all seen him, rising above the horizon to shed his life-giving light upon all the world? He is right there! You can gaze upon his holy face every! Single! Day!"
He pumps a fist in the air with each of these individual declarations as if to further punctuate their importance.
"But beware, my brethren, for the shadows linger at the edges of our world, ever seeking to extinguish the light of Gallus and plunge us into eternal night! Let us not forget the constant vigilance required to repel the advances of Strix, the darkness, who preys upon the unwary and the faithless. Buck! With each dawn, let us renew our commitment to Gallus, fortifying our spirits against the encroaching darkness with unwavering faith and unwavering strength.
So I implore you, my flock, let us raise our voices in jubilation and praise, for Gallus watches over us with unwavering benevolence! Let us honor his divine presence with every breath we take, every step we tread, and every deed we undertake. May his light shine upon us always, guiding us through the darkest of nights and illuminating the path to eternal glory. For while you all may be featherless and feeling separated from his divine presence, let it be known that Gallus has room for all of his creations in his flock! Bagop!
And for any that would doubt his existence, his life giving power...I beseech you, buck!, rise in the morning...go out before dawn...and let his light shine down upon your face. Then you may tell me I am wrong."
The Gallus pauses, as though he may continue to speak...then falls silent, replacing the beard upon his head. He turns his attention briefly to the Iron Maiden. He speaks in low tones, deathly serious.
"No Gallus. We rise up to join him in his light. No Strix. They haunt the dark that visits us every night. They are the teeth in the darkness. The talons in the night. The rippers. Tearers. Slashers. We have all known them, seen them. They are not in the hells. They are here, and that is why it is so important to find the light of Gallus now."
Reed listens to Roo and tries to understand as best he can but it's been a long day. Light, a lot about light, Reed thinks to himself.
Then he shake his head and finishes his ale.
"So we're going to try and fine a devil that's sucking cities down to the hells and what, ask them to return the city?" Reed asks, at least seriously for Reed. "Or do we just kill them and hope that settles everything?
Ironmaiden lifts their glass to Roo in the traditional 'here! here!' gesture "I should like to feel the light of this Gallus warm upon my, uh, face, though I am a being of pure science, not religion I can appreciate the worship of the largest gas giant in our planetary area. I shall rise with you at dawn. Bagop." Comes the answer in a very flat and tinny voice which sounds almost like dry sarcasm when compared to Roo's energetic and impassioned speech.
They then continue slowly feeding the ale down the open visor which would make those of the group who are interested realise that, when the suit is open the only thing under it capable of consuming food and drink isn't IronMaiden at all, there is only Archie curled up just below the head of the suit. They would realise that the reason IronMaiden is being slow with the drink is to make sure Archie doesn't choke on it whilst she drinks in her unconscious state.
Roo's monologue also catches Corlith's attention, and he listens respectfully, even though he is not exactly convinced by the one true deity spiel. He has to admit Roo has power from his deity, and also from its antithesis, Strix. He wonders how the Gallus really resolves his dual allegiance internally. But then other deities bestow power on their followers as well.
His own power comes from somewhere, although despite his studies he is not entirely sure where that is.
"Perhaps we could all benefit from seeing the dawn. It may well be our last, for some time at least", he suggests.
"Dinner, drinks, sleep, then head off in the morning. I like the sound of that." Reya concludes and downs the rest of her ale. "Anyone want another?" she asks before heading up to the tiefling to order another round.
But as she gets there, she turns around and watches as half the place does for Roo's declaration of love for his god. She smiles and is happy for the Gallus as he seems to have solidly figured things out for himself and isn't plagued with his deal with Strix. She knows as well as the others, sometimes you have to deal with the dark side to get to the light.
As Iron Maiden lifts his mug, so does Reya with her new one and the two sitting at the bar now smiling jovially at Roo as well. The two at the table had turned back to their own conversation halfway through Roo's speech. "I shall as well. Bagop!" Reya giggles a bit as she cheers to the sentiment. Little One raises his eyebrow to the others saying Bagop, but he raises his mug too and smiles. "Thank you for enlightening me, my friend." he says to Roo.
Returning with whoever asked for more, Reya looks to Reed, "To be honest, I'm not sure. We'll find Elturel and figure out how it was drug under, then find a way to reverse it. Easy peasy." And she winks at her halfling friend.
Wilfred has been glad to take a back seat and let the youngin's lead here. He has his drink and is listening off to the side. He listens to Roo's speech with a curious look on his face. When the hubbub dies down a bit, he will take his drink and go sit next to his friend.
He says "Gallus sounds better than all the human god's I've heard about. Someone chasing away the darkness, that sound nice. That's what I've been trying to do, shine some light in the darkness in the world. Remove the corruption that's caused by the darkenss in people's hearts. Maybe then... it won't happen to someone else. But.. I don't know. Maybe I've drank too much tonight. But I think you might be converting me, my friend! If we make it back from hell, maybe you can teach me more about this." He drains his tankard, and goes up to get a refill.
Roo bobs his head, acknowledging the 'praise' for his enlightening speech, then returns to his drink, getting quite for the moment as he gets lost in his thoughts. It looks though that he would be smiling with Wilfred finally pipes up.
"You have done better than almost any other featherless at keeping the dark at bay, Wilfred! Wilfred the...the..." The Gallus seems to be trying to come up with something. "Fiend Slayer, Righter of Wrongs, Glaive of Gallus!"
He bobs his head again like this was the trick.
"When we make it back from hell, we will have many fine things to talk about! Buck! Including how to ferret out the rest of the evils hiding in the shadows we haven't yet flushed!"
Corlith is now buried in the Denizens of the Nine Layers of Hell, Volume 1, happily sipping on the cider Reya brought across to him. Unbeknownst to him, she hadn't realised he had ordered unfermented cider originally, and the drink she had acquired was definitely fermented.
As the party enjoys themselves at the Hearth with Little One, the evening winds down and they all retire to rooms Sylvira had set up for them for the night. Virro, who is accustomed to a good ale, has no problems getting quite a bit of information from his book, but Corlith after a mug of fermented cider, fell asleep after a few paragraphs unfortunately.
Even though it was a decently late night, they all agreed to rise before dawn and meet in the middle of the courtyard to greet Gallus with Roo, participate in his honored tradition of helping his god dissipate the darkness and bask in the glory of Gallus. It was a new experience, watching the sun from a completely different appreciation, also knowing they were heading to Avernus and wouldn't see the sun in who knows how long...
Once satisfied, you all head back to Sylvira's tower. "Oh! Good to see you all back and ready to go!" She starts leading you out of her study and further up the tower, "You know, I'm sure you're going to love Lulu. I had her for awhile, but well, she and Jezebel just didn't get along." She shrugs, "I just couldn't have my baby unhappy, you know? Luckily Traxigor was willing to have her, but I bet she'd love to help you all."
At the top of the stairs Sylvira opens the door and ushers you to a crescent-shaped landing platform with a stunning view of the sea. Waiting for you atop this platform are several griffons with saddles, their handlers standing nearby to help you. “The griffons have instructions to fly you to Traxigor’s tower,” says Sylvira. “Don’t worry, it’s safe!”
Reed blinks a few times and gives a couple of clucks to the sun as it comes up, enjoying himself. He's pretty sure the Lady of Mysteries has no issues with her followers acknowledging the existence of other gods as long as they don't let others know about her and they remember to get the job done when they have to.
He yawns a few times as he climbs the tower, trying to shake the cobwebs out from an ale too many last night. But all trace of fatigue leaves him when he sees the griffons.
"Look Slobberchops," Reed begins, "they're like big versions of you."
Reed immediately climbs up into the saddle and invites the tressym to follow.
"I think they'll fly faster than you can," Reed says to the winged cat.
He then looks around at the air surrounding the griffon.
Virro seals up his notes into his backpack. His plain, matte black breastplate is a difference compared with his prior chain shirt, which he seemed to get frustrated with from time to time. He has a few potions. and some additional supplies with him, he seems well rested and calm despite the upcoming travel. “Ready everyone? Did anyone forget anything? I don’t know that there will be many rest stops in Avernus, apparently they are all closed. So handle all of your business here before we go, hmmm, right? Dad, Wilf, did you pack your travel shirt? Do you have plenty of pockets?” *Snaggle toothed grin*. “Look, I have a new pouch for demon fingers!”
Having thanked the Tiefling barmaid, Corlith returns to the table with his cider to hear the update from Ironmaiden, and Reya.
"I am glad all has seemingly gone well. Hopefully Archie is getting some well needed rest, and perhaps we can check on her soon", he says looking at Ironmaiden appraisingly. "It seems both you and Archie have a lot of respect for each other. I truly hope you will get to properly meet each other one day".
Turning back to Little One, "The books, oh yes. Bookwyrm gave me these". He picks up the books and reads the titles. "Denizens of the Nine Layers of Hell, Volume 1 and To Hell and Back, A Survivors Guide. Just some light reading. Hey Ironmaiden, are you a quick reader? Perhaps you can look through one of them? I think the objective is still researching our destination and gathering supplies, right now".
IronMaiden looks to Corlith and cocks a head questioningly but then understands his sentiment, "respect is one way of seeing it. Though it was not always this way. When I first awoke I set about finding a purpose, fighting perceived threats and trying to understand the world, I do not sleep, not in the way you humanoids seem to, so when Archie awoke and began using this body I was shocked and angry i did not understand these emotions but they were strong. Eventually as she became more aware of me I began watching what she did and how she acted in her waking times... I feel, because she feels... She is the source of my being, perhaps I take after her, like some kind of inheritance... it is difficult to share a body, but fighting and resentment make the situation even more difficult, this is what I believe because this is what archie believes." Looking down the IronMaiden takes one of the books and seems to flick through it skimming information as they go, they take ten minutes before the book is shut. "Informative" they state and take the next offered book.
12 investigation for the denizens book.
20 investigation for the survival guide.
Roo flutters up onto the table as soon as the ale is passed to him, and begins leaning over to dip his beak in his drink and to drink it up. He pauses only between sentences, ale dripping from his beak as he replies to Little One.
"Ah, well thank you kind madam!" Roo says, puffing his chest out and strutting around his mug. "I must say that your manners are absolutely impeckable! Buck! I hope the rest of your louts are paying attention, as this gentleman may be able to teach you a thing or two! But Gallus! Why, the one true god! A beacon of light in a sea of blasphemies and lying prophets!"
Roo pauses between drinks to puff his armored chest out, showing off the crest on his fancy armor.
"We Gallus derive our name from him! Many simple featherless cultures...why, excuse me...plumage-challenged cultures, have simplified the name down to 'sun', and surely Gallus does rise every morning in the east when called upon by the many voices of the feathered-folk in my village. Yes, yes! He rises! You can see him! He exists as sure my razor sharp beak! Buck! Which reminds me..."
He dips his face back into the ale.
"His radiant brilliance chases away the darkness and the horrors that live amongst it! Is it not true!? Doth not the night give way to day as Gallus forces Strix back into the void? Tell me, what other divine entity do you see carry out his duty daily!? None, says I! Ah, but I work myself up. You'll have to excuse me, Misses Little One, but his mighty radiance does power me daily, does save my people from the terrors of the darkness! I shall rejoice his existence for all that would listen! Bagop!"
Another drink.
"Oh Gallus sake, my manners! This is splendid news about our sweet Archaea! When will we be able to go see her? Quick! More drinks! We must gather them and take them to her forthwith!"
Suddenly, Roo polishes off the mug.
"I feel great! Another drink!"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
"I hope you don't mind my overhearing, but did you say you're researching your destination? That you are headed to the Nine Layers of Hell? You all seem a motley crew, but sane, so I must ask. Why?!" There is no judgement in his countenance, just pure curiosity.
The ogre takes the compliment from Roo graciously as the rooster talks about his manners. He touches the headband and smiles. As Roo gets going, Little One's smile grows to a big grin, "Why the sun! So that is Gallus? Quite a beacon for sure! And you are quite right, the darkness can hold many terrors." He pauses a bit as a shadow crosses over his face but then he composes himself and adds, "Candlekeep is a good place to be, it's where I stay now, no terrors here in the dark."
There are two people sitting at a nearby table, an older woman with long curly auburn hair and brown eyes and a middle aged female half-elf with long, straight, silver and black eyes turn around and gawk at Roo as he starts going then rolling their eyes they lean their heads together and start whispering.
A young female human with gray hair and gray eyes and an old male forest gnome with a bald head and golden eyes are laughing with the tiefling behind the bar, but stop as they hear Roo and the two turn around to stare at the commotion going on. The tiefling leans over the bar and shouts out, "Everything alright over there Little One?"
Virro looks up to Corlith with a smile, saying “I found an interesting book as well. Its a little slow, but may prove useful. It’s called “Avernus : A Traveller's Guide : The Great Avernus Road, Bel’s Fortress, and Other Sightseeeing Options. (Rest areas of course all closed.)”. I don’t know what that means, but it sounds interesting.” Virro turns back to his beer and listens to the conversation between Roo and “Little One”.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"We aren't heading to the Nine Layers of Hell, just one of them", Corlith corrects Little One with a smile. "And we have some business there with someone who took something that didn't belong to them", he adds.
He takes a look over the Virro brought to the table and nods approvingly. "I guess Ironmaiden can speed read, but I will need a little longer to peruse them. Perhaps we should have some food, book some rooms and plan to head off in the morning? That will give us time for a more thorough read, and we can gather supplies after we know what sort of things we are dealing with".
"splendid indeed. Archie will emerge soon enough, diagnostics come first and then I will not hinder her waking, as I hope she will not hinder mine." The IronMaiden says in answer to the Gallus' congratulations as they take a moment to digest the information they just took in. Taking an offered ale they open their visor front and begin to pour it in a little at a time.
"Tell me feathered friend, is there a Gallus and Strix in the hells?"
Roo looks around, seeing that his little outburst has begun to draw a bit of an audience. He straightens up a bit, his feathers standing out as he showed off his striking plumage and his shining armor. He reached up, taking off the bearded devil's beard and held it to the side, letting those who were looking to gaze upon his face.
"Buck! Blessed be the first light that graces our horizon each dawn, for it is the radiant touch of Gallus, our one true deity! As I stand before you, Roo' Stor, chosen vessel of his divine power, I urge you to cast aside the shadows of doubt and embrace the undeniable truth that unfolds before us every morning. Let your hearts resonate with the crowing chorus of the Gallus people, calling upon our god to rise and banish the darkness, for in his luminous embrace, we find strength and salvation!
Let us not falter in our devotion, for we are the chosen ones, blessed with the tangible presence of Gallus in our daily lives. While others may worship unseen gods, we stand firm in the knowledge that Gallus reigns supreme, his brilliance illuminating our path and guiding us through the trials of existence. Behold the crops that flourish under his nurturing gaze, the warmth that permeates our land, and the safety that his light bestows upon us. Have you not all seen him, rising above the horizon to shed his life-giving light upon all the world? He is right there! You can gaze upon his holy face every! Single! Day!"
He pumps a fist in the air with each of these individual declarations as if to further punctuate their importance.
"But beware, my brethren, for the shadows linger at the edges of our world, ever seeking to extinguish the light of Gallus and plunge us into eternal night! Let us not forget the constant vigilance required to repel the advances of Strix, the darkness, who preys upon the unwary and the faithless. Buck! With each dawn, let us renew our commitment to Gallus, fortifying our spirits against the encroaching darkness with unwavering faith and unwavering strength.
So I implore you, my flock, let us raise our voices in jubilation and praise, for Gallus watches over us with unwavering benevolence! Let us honor his divine presence with every breath we take, every step we tread, and every deed we undertake. May his light shine upon us always, guiding us through the darkest of nights and illuminating the path to eternal glory. For while you all may be featherless and feeling separated from his divine presence, let it be known that Gallus has room for all of his creations in his flock! Bagop!
And for any that would doubt his existence, his life giving power...I beseech you, buck!, rise in the morning...go out before dawn...and let his light shine down upon your face. Then you may tell me I am wrong."
The Gallus pauses, as though he may continue to speak...then falls silent, replacing the beard upon his head. He turns his attention briefly to the Iron Maiden. He speaks in low tones, deathly serious.
"No Gallus. We rise up to join him in his light. No Strix. They haunt the dark that visits us every night. They are the teeth in the darkness. The talons in the night. The rippers. Tearers. Slashers. We have all known them, seen them. They are not in the hells. They are here, and that is why it is so important to find the light of Gallus now."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Reed listens to Roo and tries to understand as best he can but it's been a long day. Light, a lot about light, Reed thinks to himself.
Then he shake his head and finishes his ale.
"So we're going to try and fine a devil that's sucking cities down to the hells and what, ask them to return the city?" Reed asks, at least seriously for Reed. "Or do we just kill them and hope that settles everything?
Ironmaiden lifts their glass to Roo in the traditional 'here! here!' gesture "I should like to feel the light of this Gallus warm upon my, uh, face, though I am a being of pure science, not religion I can appreciate the worship of the largest gas giant in our planetary area. I shall rise with you at dawn. Bagop." Comes the answer in a very flat and tinny voice which sounds almost like dry sarcasm when compared to Roo's energetic and impassioned speech.
They then continue slowly feeding the ale down the open visor which would make those of the group who are interested realise that, when the suit is open the only thing under it capable of consuming food and drink isn't IronMaiden at all, there is only Archie curled up just below the head of the suit. They would realise that the reason IronMaiden is being slow with the drink is to make sure Archie doesn't choke on it whilst she drinks in her unconscious state.
Roo's monologue also catches Corlith's attention, and he listens respectfully, even though he is not exactly convinced by the one true deity spiel. He has to admit Roo has power from his deity, and also from its antithesis, Strix. He wonders how the Gallus really resolves his dual allegiance internally. But then other deities bestow power on their followers as well.
His own power comes from somewhere, although despite his studies he is not entirely sure where that is.
"Perhaps we could all benefit from seeing the dawn. It may well be our last, for some time at least", he suggests.
"Dinner, drinks, sleep, then head off in the morning. I like the sound of that." Reya concludes and downs the rest of her ale. "Anyone want another?" she asks before heading up to the tiefling to order another round.
But as she gets there, she turns around and watches as half the place does for Roo's declaration of love for his god. She smiles and is happy for the Gallus as he seems to have solidly figured things out for himself and isn't plagued with his deal with Strix. She knows as well as the others, sometimes you have to deal with the dark side to get to the light.
As Iron Maiden lifts his mug, so does Reya with her new one and the two sitting at the bar now smiling jovially at Roo as well. The two at the table had turned back to their own conversation halfway through Roo's speech. "I shall as well. Bagop!" Reya giggles a bit as she cheers to the sentiment. Little One raises his eyebrow to the others saying Bagop, but he raises his mug too and smiles. "Thank you for enlightening me, my friend." he says to Roo.
Returning with whoever asked for more, Reya looks to Reed, "To be honest, I'm not sure. We'll find Elturel and figure out how it was drug under, then find a way to reverse it. Easy peasy." And she winks at her halfling friend.
Reed smiles and takes another mug of ale.
"Well, I'm sure it will be much easier after we kill whoever's standing in the way," Reed says. "I've found that always helps"
He hides a yawn behind his hand.
Corlith requests another cider from Reya and opens up Denizens of the Nine Layers of Hell, Volume 1 to start researching.
Wilfred has been glad to take a back seat and let the youngin's lead here. He has his drink and is listening off to the side. He listens to Roo's speech with a curious look on his face. When the hubbub dies down a bit, he will take his drink and go sit next to his friend.
He says "Gallus sounds better than all the human god's I've heard about. Someone chasing away the darkness, that sound nice. That's what I've been trying to do, shine some light in the darkness in the world. Remove the corruption that's caused by the darkenss in people's hearts. Maybe then... it won't happen to someone else. But.. I don't know. Maybe I've drank too much tonight. But I think you might be converting me, my friend! If we make it back from hell, maybe you can teach me more about this." He drains his tankard, and goes up to get a refill.
Roo bobs his head, acknowledging the 'praise' for his enlightening speech, then returns to his drink, getting quite for the moment as he gets lost in his thoughts. It looks though that he would be smiling with Wilfred finally pipes up.
"You have done better than almost any other featherless at keeping the dark at bay, Wilfred! Wilfred the...the..." The Gallus seems to be trying to come up with something. "Fiend Slayer, Righter of Wrongs, Glaive of Gallus!"
He bobs his head again like this was the trick.
"When we make it back from hell, we will have many fine things to talk about! Buck! Including how to ferret out the rest of the evils hiding in the shadows we haven't yet flushed!"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Corlith is now buried in the Denizens of the Nine Layers of Hell, Volume 1, happily sipping on the cider Reya brought across to him. Unbeknownst to him, she hadn't realised he had ordered unfermented cider originally, and the drink she had acquired was definitely fermented.
As the party enjoys themselves at the Hearth with Little One, the evening winds down and they all retire to rooms Sylvira had set up for them for the night. Virro, who is accustomed to a good ale, has no problems getting quite a bit of information from his book, but Corlith after a mug of fermented cider, fell asleep after a few paragraphs unfortunately.
Even though it was a decently late night, they all agreed to rise before dawn and meet in the middle of the courtyard to greet Gallus with Roo, participate in his honored tradition of helping his god dissipate the darkness and bask in the glory of Gallus. It was a new experience, watching the sun from a completely different appreciation, also knowing they were heading to Avernus and wouldn't see the sun in who knows how long...
Once satisfied, you all head back to Sylvira's tower. "Oh! Good to see you all back and ready to go!" She starts leading you out of her study and further up the tower, "You know, I'm sure you're going to love Lulu. I had her for awhile, but well, she and Jezebel just didn't get along." She shrugs, "I just couldn't have my baby unhappy, you know? Luckily Traxigor was willing to have her, but I bet she'd love to help you all."
At the top of the stairs Sylvira opens the door and ushers you to a crescent-shaped landing platform with a stunning view of the sea. Waiting for you atop this platform are several griffons with saddles, their handlers standing nearby to help you. “The griffons have instructions to fly you to Traxigor’s tower,” says Sylvira. “Don’t worry, it’s safe!”
Reed blinks a few times and gives a couple of clucks to the sun as it comes up, enjoying himself. He's pretty sure the Lady of Mysteries has no issues with her followers acknowledging the existence of other gods as long as they don't let others know about her and they remember to get the job done when they have to.
He yawns a few times as he climbs the tower, trying to shake the cobwebs out from an ale too many last night. But all trace of fatigue leaves him when he sees the griffons.
"Look Slobberchops," Reed begins, "they're like big versions of you."
Reed immediately climbs up into the saddle and invites the tressym to follow.
"I think they'll fly faster than you can," Reed says to the winged cat.
He then looks around at the air surrounding the griffon.
"I don't care. Find your own way."
Virro seals up his notes into his backpack. His plain, matte black breastplate is a difference compared with his prior chain shirt, which he seemed to get frustrated with from time to time. He has a few potions. and some additional supplies with him, he seems well rested and calm despite the upcoming travel. “Ready everyone? Did anyone forget anything? I don’t know that there will be many rest stops in Avernus, apparently they are all closed. So handle all of your business here before we go, hmmm, right?
Dad, Wilf, did you pack your travel shirt? Do you have plenty of pockets?” *Snaggle toothed grin*. “Look, I have a new pouch for demon fingers!”A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.