Brother Maynard pulls out a thick pouch, then placing a cloth in his hand, pours the sliver out onto the cloth in his hand. It is a deep black in color, flat, slivered shaped. As you look at it, you can feel a deep darkness to it, strange for an object to have almost a human, or even possibly, a demon essence to it. The sliver radiates a hated towards you and the surrounding party.
When you cast your spell, you delve deeper into it. You sense it is not of this world, or of this plane. You sense it was carved from a larger item, like a polished stone. You feel it wants to control, to influence, to command. Then suddenly it reaches for your mind through the spell, you see for a brief moment a male, radiating evil and hated, whose eyes are pure black. It is trying to snare your mind, but your discipline and control prevents it and breaks the connection. You feel this sliver gives power to whop ever it is embedded in, but also controls it like a slave.
Khessa abruptly comes out of the trance she had fallen into to identify the properties of the curious object; her forehead is covered by a drop of cold sweat, as if she had escaped a great danger, but her smile expresses all her self-satisfaction for what she managed to do, while she says to the object: "Not bad... but you'll have to do better than that".
The blonde arcane warrior then explains to the others, shrugging: "No, I haven't gone crazy... I just had a close encounter with Mr Azash, I suppose. This object... it is not of this world, or of this plane. It was carved from a larger item, like a polished stone - and has its own will - or perhaps it conveys the will of Azash himself. It wants to control, to influence, to command. As I examined it, it obviously reached for my mind through the spell, as one might expect from a powerful evil artifact... I saw for a brief moment a male, radiating evil and hatred, whose eyes are pure black. I really wanted to have a chat, but even before I could say 'good morning' he was already there, trying to snare my mind! So, I broke the connection - I don't like men who rush things too much - they are often inconclusive" she winks.
"In short," the tall adventuress concludes "this sliver gives power to whoever it is embedded in, but also controls it like a slave. You were right to remove it, Maynard... we gained valuable information - and perhaps it could have even interfered with the spell of communication with the deceased. Plus... just a thought, for now, but... if Azash can really exercise his will through this object... who knows if it might be possible to hit back Azash through this object? I would be curious to hear the opinion of some of our allied deities on this matter..."
Amanises' arrival brought a shimmer of moonlight to the night, and her dark, graceful form emerged from within the silvery glow. She greeted them warmly with her enchanting smile and a voice that was soft and melodious.
"Greetings, Khessa, Mal, and Lord Akkron. You look lovelier than last time I saw you. I see some new faces have joined us while others left... Forgive my sudden departure," she said with a slight bow, her eyes carrying a hint of apology. "I had to leave to gather information about our mission. While I was away, I built a network of Selûne's followers in this distant land, and I've been following up on a lead concerning the Zemochs."
She paused briefly to take a deep breath before continuing. "I learned that the Zemochs have been using the ruins northeast of Esos. They seem to enter the ruins at night, with guards posted during the day. I went there to investigate and saw Ashen riders coming and going from the ruins during daylight hours."
Amanises then turned her gaze to her companions. "It's clear that something dark is happening within those ruins. Though I understand this may sound suspicious, I believe it's worth investigating."
Akkron can't help but chuckle at being called 'lovely.'
"Well it's good to see you're back... I was wondering where you had disappeared to," the lich says. "You've arrived just in time to help us question this dead guy who attempted to assassinate our monk friend... once I cast my spell, we'll be able to ask him five questions... Khessa is going to play the role of evil Zemoch matriarch so that we can get truthful answers out of him."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
"Maynard, Khessa, is there a container that can possibly block the use of this item? If it was Azasha and it was able to reach out to Khessa though her spell, can it be listening to us right now and know the location of this shard? We might want to break that connection and make sure they are not able to track it." Mal cautiously tells the others.
"Welcome back form your romp in the countryside Amanises, I am glad you returned safely and with a bit more information as well. We should start ticking off our list of chores we need to get done as quickly as we can." Mal states.
the tall adventuress concludes "this sliver gives power to whoever it is embedded in, but also controls it like a slave. You were right to remove it, Maynard... we gained valuable information - and perhaps it could have even interfered with the spell of communication with the deceased. Plus... just a thought, for now, but... if Azash can really exercise his will through this object... who knows if it might be possible to hit back Azash through this object? I would be curious to hear the opinion of some of our allied deities on this matter..."
"That is a dangerous artifact indeed, and it is good that we now know of it,"Tyekanik says thoughtfully, adding, "And... perhaps if we could not 'hit back' at him, could we remove the connection and simply use the power from it?"
She paused briefly to take a deep breath before continuing. "I learned that the Zemochs have been using the ruins northeast of Esos. They seem to enter the ruins at night, with guards posted during the day. I went there to investigate and saw Ashen riders coming and going from the ruins during daylight hours."
"Another ally!" Tyekanik, the tattood almost giant booms, "And one with a destination no less. Perhaps we should grab some of these riders and see what they can tell us."
"Another ally!" Tyekanik, the tattood almost giant booms, "And one with a destination no less. Perhaps we should grab some of these riders and see what they can tell us."
Amanises graciously offered her introduction, "I don't believe we've been introduced. I am Amanises, Eminence of Selûne, a devoted member of my dear goddess' church. I would go on but my origins, I assure you, are quite unremarkable. There's nothing particularly enchanting about my lifetime aside from its length."
She continued with a warm smile, "If we are afforded some time, I would be delighted to be introduced to each other in more formal terms."
"True meetings are done around a fire with a barrel of mead, until then, call me Tyekanik. Though you may have heard tales of the Raging Gaint?" Tyekanik says, grining at the nickname that had he had aquired, gripping his axe. "Either way, good to have more on our side."
"Maynard, Khessa, is there a container that can possibly block the use of this item? If it was Azasha and it was able to reach out to Khessa though her spell, can it be listening to us right now and know the location of this shard? We might want to break that connection and make sure they are not able to track it." Mal cautiously tells the others.
"Welcome back form your romp in the countryside Amanises, I am glad you returned safely and with a bit more information as well. We should start ticking off our list of chores we need to get done as quickly as we can." Mal states.
"I got the impression that Azash needed a magical thread to follow, in order to listen or strike" Khessa reasons. "I lost contact with him, once I ended my spell".
"Anyway, nothing wrong in taking precautions. Unless we have better materials at hand," the blonde arcane warrior proposes "lead could be our best bet. A container of lead can block many divinations or communications".
"Maynard, Khessa, is there a container that can possibly block the use of this item? If it was Azasha and it was able to reach out to Khessa though her spell, can it be listening to us right now and know the location of this shard? We might want to break that connection and make sure they are not able to track it." Mal cautiously tells the others.
"Welcome back form your romp in the countryside Amanises, I am glad you returned safely and with a bit more information as well. We should start ticking off our list of chores we need to get done as quickly as we can." Mal states.
Brother Maynard thinks on it for a moment. "lead," he replies. "I can seek out one of the departments here to see if I can find a lead lined box. That should keep it contained."
"Thank you, Brother Maynard," Akkron says. "For the time being, at least get it out of the room where I will be performing the spell. We can do a more thorough analysis of the item later. Khessa, I think you have been elected to ask the questions. Amanises, I don't think it will cause any issues for you to join us, as the man never saw you when he was alive. Then perhaps you may wish to perform a funeral rite... I wouldn't be surprised if the servants of Azash have a tendency to walk again post-mortem."
Once the strange magic item is out of the way and the room cleared of everyone whom the deceased would be likely to recognize, Akkron whispers an incantation and presses two fingers to the corpse's forehead, calling to the animating spirit still within the dead body.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Khessa meanwhile takes on the role of the glacial Zemoch matriarch and, thanks to the magical powers of the hat lent to her, completely changes the appearance of her body and clothing, taking inspiration from the Zemochs encountered previously, on the occasion of the 'welcome trap' in Eosia.
The blonde arachne warrior tries to put in her gaze all that contempt and sense of superiority that are so alien to her and keeps in plain sight the Death Lance that she has decided to keep for herself - since it is a Zemoch weapon, this detail it should make everything even more believable.
'If the Zemoch are in any way similar to the drow in mentality,' the tall adventurer reasons, 'I, in my role as matriarch, should feel only contempt for this failure of a monk, who was unable to complete his mission!' and so her eyes look at the dead body as if it were nothing more than a gigantic scareroach...
Ready to begin, Khessa nods to Mal, immersing herself in the role; she curves her lips in a grimace of obvious disappointment: "Stay by my side, bodyguard. This loser was useless in life! Now, at least, he will bring us what little help he can in death!"
As the spell is released, the room fills with a cold chill, a smell of overturned earth enters the room, the candles flicker. From the body, a shimmer begins until the spirit of the dark monk solidifies. It is not a typical shade from the dead, this one has a darkness outlining the form of the spirit. "I have heard your command and obey," the spirit states in a mow whisper, "why have you brought me back? What more do you expect of me?"
"Worthless pitiful failure of a weakling!" the purple eyes of the Zemoch Matriarch almost flame, while she addresses the monk "While I am far away, on a difficult and complex mission to make our lord's victory more certain, you fail miserably in your quite more straightforward one! The word 'more' should not come out from your lips on which worms are already feasting, since you haven't even accomplished 'something'! And now, make yourself useful, finally! Having been away, I need updates, so as not to make false steps as soon as I return! Tell me immediately: how many and what forces our lord Azash managed to convince to attack or disturb our enemies in Eosia?"
The shade softly responds. "Mistress, I did what was commanded, I know I failed for showing the initiative to attack the monk, it was my own worthless pride that allowed me to forsake my task, and I now accept my punishment for it. As for who is supporting our great lord, I know not. I was not allowed that information for it was not my part to be in. I know there are those here who do support our great lord, they did provide me a place to stay and avoid detection prior to my arrival to watch and listen. "
The shade pauses for a moment. "If It pleases you mistress, and in form of my redemption, I have learned that the Ashen Riders support our great lord for they escorted me to the border. While here, in the Department of Ancient Arcana, I heard the name Ghnomb mention, but this poor spirit has no idea what or who this is. I learned that the Trollocs, and their masters are ready to return, and their clans have sworn their fealty once more to the great lord. This is all I know mistress."
'Okay...' Khessa thinks 'This pawn, about his lord's large-scale plans, knows less than I hoped. On that front, I'm afraid he's already told me pretty much everything he knows. But perhaps it can at least be useful to delve deeper into what he was up to here!'
(OOC: Question 2)
And so the haughty Zemoch Matriarch blurts out: "Allow your worthless pride to forsake your task! I wonder how we would end up, if everyone dared to think for themselves, instead of letting our lord's will guide us and following it to the letter as it's right! Now it will be time to examine the situation you left pending! I will definitely have to report what has been done already and arrange the appropriate continuation. Tell me, then, what was your task here?"
The shade responds once more. "As the mistress commands, so I obey. I was sent here to observe and report. I was to see what the scholars here were doing, if anyone from Chyrellos had come seeking answers from questions of our great lords past. Then I received the Raven with the message to be on the alert and report if a group from Chyrellos, led by a Pandion and with a monk arrived for they were reported to be coming here. A message was sent they were observed departing Chyrellos and riding this way. I watched and waited as commanded, and when they were observed, I sent the Raven back with the confirmation. Then I saw the monk leading a group of these people towards the academy and decided to make stop him."
The shade pauses for a moment before continuing. "I failed, and in my failure now pay the price. I feel a disconnect with the great lord, I do not know why or have I been forsaken, butperhaps that was why I failed to defeat the monk."
The shade goes silent again.
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Brother Maynard pulls out a thick pouch, then placing a cloth in his hand, pours the sliver out onto the cloth in his hand. It is a deep black in color, flat, slivered shaped. As you look at it, you can feel a deep darkness to it, strange for an object to have almost a human, or even possibly, a demon essence to it. The sliver radiates a hated towards you and the surrounding party.
When you cast your spell, you delve deeper into it. You sense it is not of this world, or of this plane. You sense it was carved from a larger item, like a polished stone. You feel it wants to control, to influence, to command. Then suddenly it reaches for your mind through the spell, you see for a brief moment a male, radiating evil and hated, whose eyes are pure black. It is trying to snare your mind, but your discipline and control prevents it and breaks the connection. You feel this sliver gives power to whop ever it is embedded in, but also controls it like a slave.
Khessa abruptly comes out of the trance she had fallen into to identify the properties of the curious object; her forehead is covered by a drop of cold sweat, as if she had escaped a great danger, but her smile expresses all her self-satisfaction for what she managed to do, while she says to the object: "Not bad... but you'll have to do better than that".
The blonde arcane warrior then explains to the others, shrugging: "No, I haven't gone crazy... I just had a close encounter with Mr Azash, I suppose. This object... it is not of this world, or of this plane. It was carved from a larger item, like a polished stone - and has its own will - or perhaps it conveys the will of Azash himself. It wants to control, to influence, to command. As I examined it, it obviously reached for my mind through the spell, as one might expect from a powerful evil artifact... I saw for a brief moment a male, radiating evil and hatred, whose eyes are pure black. I really wanted to have a chat, but even before I could say 'good morning' he was already there, trying to snare my mind! So, I broke the connection - I don't like men who rush things too much - they are often inconclusive" she winks.
"In short," the tall adventuress concludes "this sliver gives power to whoever it is embedded in, but also controls it like a slave. You were right to remove it, Maynard... we gained valuable information - and perhaps it could have even interfered with the spell of communication with the deceased. Plus... just a thought, for now, but... if Azash can really exercise his will through this object... who knows if it might be possible to hit back Azash through this object? I would be curious to hear the opinion of some of our allied deities on this matter..."
Amanises' arrival brought a shimmer of moonlight to the night, and her dark, graceful form emerged from within the silvery glow. She greeted them warmly with her enchanting smile and a voice that was soft and melodious.
"Greetings, Khessa, Mal, and Lord Akkron. You look lovelier than last time I saw you. I see some new faces have joined us while others left... Forgive my sudden departure," she said with a slight bow, her eyes carrying a hint of apology. "I had to leave to gather information about our mission. While I was away, I built a network of Selûne's followers in this distant land, and I've been following up on a lead concerning the Zemochs."
She paused briefly to take a deep breath before continuing. "I learned that the Zemochs have been using the ruins northeast of Esos. They seem to enter the ruins at night, with guards posted during the day. I went there to investigate and saw Ashen riders coming and going from the ruins during daylight hours."
Amanises then turned her gaze to her companions. "It's clear that something dark is happening within those ruins. Though I understand this may sound suspicious, I believe it's worth investigating."
Akkron can't help but chuckle at being called 'lovely.'
"Well it's good to see you're back... I was wondering where you had disappeared to," the lich says. "You've arrived just in time to help us question this dead guy who attempted to assassinate our monk friend... once I cast my spell, we'll be able to ask him five questions... Khessa is going to play the role of evil Zemoch matriarch so that we can get truthful answers out of him."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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"Maynard, Khessa, is there a container that can possibly block the use of this item? If it was Azasha and it was able to reach out to Khessa though her spell, can it be listening to us right now and know the location of this shard? We might want to break that connection and make sure they are not able to track it." Mal cautiously tells the others.
"Welcome back form your romp in the countryside Amanises, I am glad you returned safely and with a bit more information as well. We should start ticking off our list of chores we need to get done as quickly as we can." Mal states.
"That is a dangerous artifact indeed, and it is good that we now know of it," Tyekanik says thoughtfully, adding, "And... perhaps if we could not 'hit back' at him, could we remove the connection and simply use the power from it?"
"Another ally!" Tyekanik, the tattood almost giant booms, "And one with a destination no less. Perhaps we should grab some of these riders and see what they can tell us."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Amanises graciously offered her introduction, "I don't believe we've been introduced. I am Amanises, Eminence of Selûne, a devoted member of my dear goddess' church. I would go on but my origins, I assure you, are quite unremarkable. There's nothing particularly enchanting about my lifetime aside from its length."
She continued with a warm smile, "If we are afforded some time, I would be delighted to be introduced to each other in more formal terms."
"True meetings are done around a fire with a barrel of mead, until then, call me Tyekanik. Though you may have heard tales of the Raging Gaint?" Tyekanik says, grining at the nickname that had he had aquired, gripping his axe. "Either way, good to have more on our side."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"I got the impression that Azash needed a magical thread to follow, in order to listen or strike" Khessa reasons. "I lost contact with him, once I ended my spell".
"Anyway, nothing wrong in taking precautions. Unless we have better materials at hand," the blonde arcane warrior proposes "lead could be our best bet. A container of lead can block many divinations or communications".
Brother Maynard thinks on it for a moment. "lead," he replies. "I can seek out one of the departments here to see if I can find a lead lined box. That should keep it contained."
NOTE-I am away again this weekend, will return Sunday evening. This should be the last weekend I am away for a bit
"Thank you, Brother Maynard," Akkron says. "For the time being, at least get it out of the room where I will be performing the spell. We can do a more thorough analysis of the item later. Khessa, I think you have been elected to ask the questions. Amanises, I don't think it will cause any issues for you to join us, as the man never saw you when he was alive. Then perhaps you may wish to perform a funeral rite... I wouldn't be surprised if the servants of Azash have a tendency to walk again post-mortem."
Once the strange magic item is out of the way and the room cleared of everyone whom the deceased would be likely to recognize, Akkron whispers an incantation and presses two fingers to the corpse's forehead, calling to the animating spirit still within the dead body.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Khessa meanwhile takes on the role of the glacial Zemoch matriarch and, thanks to the magical powers of the hat lent to her, completely changes the appearance of her body and clothing, taking inspiration from the Zemochs encountered previously, on the occasion of the 'welcome trap' in Eosia.
The blonde arachne warrior tries to put in her gaze all that contempt and sense of superiority that are so alien to her and keeps in plain sight the Death Lance that she has decided to keep for herself - since it is a Zemoch weapon, this detail it should make everything even more believable.
'If the Zemoch are in any way similar to the drow in mentality,' the tall adventurer reasons, 'I, in my role as matriarch, should feel only contempt for this failure of a monk, who was unable to complete his mission!' and so her eyes look at the dead body as if it were nothing more than a gigantic scareroach...
Ready to begin, Khessa nods to Mal, immersing herself in the role; she curves her lips in a grimace of obvious disappointment: "Stay by my side, bodyguard. This loser was useless in life! Now, at least, he will bring us what little help he can in death!"
Mal winks at Khessa and stands by her side, looking as menacing as she can.
As the spell is released, the room fills with a cold chill, a smell of overturned earth enters the room, the candles flicker. From the body, a shimmer begins until the spirit of the dark monk solidifies. It is not a typical shade from the dead, this one has a darkness outlining the form of the spirit. "I have heard your command and obey," the spirit states in a mow whisper, "why have you brought me back? What more do you expect of me?"
Tyekanik stands outside the door gripping his oversized axe, ready should something go wrong in the interrogation room
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
(OOC: Question 1)
"Worthless pitiful failure of a weakling!" the purple eyes of the Zemoch Matriarch almost flame, while she addresses the monk "While I am far away, on a difficult and complex mission to make our lord's victory more certain, you fail miserably in your quite more straightforward one! The word 'more' should not come out from your lips on which worms are already feasting, since you haven't even accomplished 'something'! And now, make yourself useful, finally! Having been away, I need updates, so as not to make false steps as soon as I return! Tell me immediately: how many and what forces our lord Azash managed to convince to attack or disturb our enemies in Eosia?"
The shade softly responds. "Mistress, I did what was commanded, I know I failed for showing the initiative to attack the monk, it was my own worthless pride that allowed me to forsake my task, and I now accept my punishment for it. As for who is supporting our great lord, I know not. I was not allowed that information for it was not my part to be in. I know there are those here who do support our great lord, they did provide me a place to stay and avoid detection prior to my arrival to watch and listen. "
The shade pauses for a moment. "If It pleases you mistress, and in form of my redemption, I have learned that the Ashen Riders support our great lord for they escorted me to the border. While here, in the Department of Ancient Arcana, I heard the name Ghnomb mention, but this poor spirit has no idea what or who this is. I learned that the Trollocs, and their masters are ready to return, and their clans have sworn their fealty once more to the great lord. This is all I know mistress."
The shade goes silent
'Okay...' Khessa thinks 'This pawn, about his lord's large-scale plans, knows less than I hoped. On that front, I'm afraid he's already told me pretty much everything he knows. But perhaps it can at least be useful to delve deeper into what he was up to here!'
(OOC: Question 2)
And so the haughty Zemoch Matriarch blurts out: "Allow your worthless pride to forsake your task! I wonder how we would end up, if everyone dared to think for themselves, instead of letting our lord's will guide us and following it to the letter as it's right! Now it will be time to examine the situation you left pending! I will definitely have to report what has been done already and arrange the appropriate continuation. Tell me, then, what was your task here?"
The shade responds once more. "As the mistress commands, so I obey. I was sent here to observe and report. I was to see what the scholars here were doing, if anyone from Chyrellos had come seeking answers from questions of our great lords past. Then I received the Raven with the message to be on the alert and report if a group from Chyrellos, led by a Pandion and with a monk arrived for they were reported to be coming here. A message was sent they were observed departing Chyrellos and riding this way. I watched and waited as commanded, and when they were observed, I sent the Raven back with the confirmation. Then I saw the monk leading a group of these people towards the academy and decided to make stop him."
The shade pauses for a moment before continuing. "I failed, and in my failure now pay the price. I feel a disconnect with the great lord, I do not know why or have I been forsaken, but perhaps that was why I failed to defeat the monk."
The shade goes silent again.