Reuniting the Band

The time of Presence draws near.  You notice a different energy in the air amongst the people of the Citadel.  Everyone is moving more purposefully.  Chadwick is reminded of festival days back in Monstordrink by the excitement in the air.  The morning meal is served in the dining hall and the Stewards find you afterwards.  Newly cleaned white robes are presented to you.  Martial professions are allowed a single weapon.  Starker is allowed his staff.  The Stewards efficiently describe to you the protocols of Presence and the expectations upon you.  It is a GREAT honor to be before The Lord of Axiom himself.  You detect envy, if the Stewards experienced such a tawdry emotion, from the Stewards.

The amphitheater is open air and filled when you arrive.  The other plane of Bytopia dominates the sky above with its forests and mountains.  Shurrock you have heard it called.  Each of the groups you have encountered are represented.  All present are dressed in their formal outfittings of their stations.  A large stage area is at the front of the space.  The Stewards guide you to the front of the congregation to places just before the stageYou see on the stage four spheres if azure energy.  Within each of these floats an item you recognize; the phylactery, the crown, the ring and the Staff of the Void.

It is only a short time after you find your places that a hush falls over the attendees.   Shortly after a murmur runs through the amphitheater and you see someone point.  Off in the distance, far away in the sky a pinpoint of light can be seen moving.  Given how far away it is you judge it to be moving quickly.  It approaches the Citadel and descends into the amphitheater revealing itself to be a large humanoid with golden skin, great wings and eyes glowing brightly with the purest white light.  The Thrones sound their trumpets with deafening fanfare.  It is dressed in a simple robe and cloak and carries a long, slender spear.  All kneel and bow their heads as the entity arrives.  (( You are allowed to stand or kneel as your custom allows ))

The entity settles upon the ground and folds its wings.  "Rise good people of Axiom!  Rise and be Seen!," it intones.  The crowd takes their feet and responds, "Raguelion!  Lord of Axiom!"

Rituals of welcome are then performed by the priests and accepted by Raguelion.  When the entity looks your way it feels as though its gazes pierces through you, nothing is hidden from its understanding.  The admonition from Sariel replays in your heads, "....the Lord of Axiom cannot be lied to...."   Radiance emanates from Raguelion filling you with warmth and peace.  Cyrus buries his head behind Starker's neck.

Raguelion turns its attention to you after the formalities are completed.  "Guests of Axiom!  Approach and tell your story!  What are these fell items you bring with you to Dothion?," Raguelion speaks.

Trolkarl steps forward, briefly looking to his companions.

He kneels in reverence.

Lord Raguelion, I am Trolkarl, a mortal man. I stand before you honored beyond words.

He places his hand over his chest.

My companions and I hunted and destroyed the lich Illiandil. We bring with us the remnants of his ambition — among them his phylactery.

The phylactery I would see unmade. I would not have that evil walk again. The other items are powerful, I am told, and there is dispute among us as to whether they guard against ruin… or invite it.

There are among us those more gifted in the telling than I, and others may wish to give a fuller account. 

He pauses, then slowly draws Darkbane.

He presents the blade horizontally in both hands.

I also bear a weapon not of common forge. This is Darkbane. I am the arm that wields it — though in many ways it is my master.

It has guided me in darkness and has not turned me from the light. It has asked to be revealed before you. I obey.

He lifts his eyes.

I speak no falsehood. Judge me as I am.

I am Starker. We were tasked by Xagyg with retrieving The Staff of the Void. He warned against its use, and particularly cautioned me not to attempt to attune to it. I considered that to be rude and presumptuous on his part. Thus challenged, I would like to prove my mettle by mastering this artifact. I’m extremely curious. Besides all that,  I have paid the price in blood, toil and fear.  I deserve the opportunity to make the attempt.

Another truth I will tell you is that I find myself more and more obsessed with the possession of valuable artifacts, and jewels and money. I find this to be curious as, in the past, my only obsession had been with possession of knowledge and power. 

This is my monkey, Cyrus.  He is adequate.

Thank you for your kind attention to these , my truths.

Raguelion listens to the words of Trolkarl and Starker.  A murmur passes through the crowd when Darkbane is named.  Several people are seen making holy gestures of reverence.  The two of you feel drained by the attention of the Solar, and subsequently rejuvenated.

Xymox steps forward slowly, removes one glove, and bows deeply — one knee touching stone.

“Lord Raguelion, Radiant Sovereign of Axiom… I am Xymox Xel’Mizzrym.”

His voice is steady, musical, but free of theatrics.

“I was born in a realm where reverence is reserved for cruelty, and obedience is purchased with fear.”

A pause.

“I stand before you having chosen otherwise.”

He lowers his gaze.

“My companions and I pursued the lich Illiandil into the Abyss itself. We ended his mortal form and seized the vessel of his continued unlife.”

He gestures lightly toward the suspended phylactery.

“We did not trust ourselves to unmake it.”

“So we sought wisdom beyond our own.”

His head bows further.

“I offer you truth as plainly as I possess it.”

Upon hearing his compatriots address the Solar, Kragen feels compelled to extend his courtesies and demonstrate appreciation at the courtesy they have been shown.

Steps forward and bows formally, his beard gleaming with the brilliant gems interwoven from the Lord of Granitestead and being freshly cleaned.

"Lord Raguelion, your Radiance bathes this humble servant of Tyr in welcoming warmth and brilliance. I am Kragen Gravelbeard, Cleric of Tyr, from the Clan Delhalls of the Galena Mountains on Faerun. Pardon my lack of courtesy, i am not practiced in courtside manners."

"Our company has arrived unexpectedly out of necessity, fleeing the Abyssal plane and the lair of a fell individual named Illandial. Our need, as others have indicated, is assistance in destroying this vessel which maintains this vile..." pauses to find the words "creature. This Wizard, Illandial, performed unspeakable acts across many worlds in his quest for power and eternal life. Even defeating a Titan, Krothy's, to bind or build a bridge from the Abyss to the Ethereal Plane. I know not of these things, however i have been told this is forbidden and unprecedented in act."

"We were directed, by Sariel the Watcher, to seek your counsel, which we humbly request. Bringing" jestures to the Lich's items "the remnants of our efforts and your counsel as to the means of destroying this creatures vessel and removing his taint from the cosmos."

"To support our position, i submit Illandial's journal, which provides evidence of his deeds and intent" Gestures for Chadwick to present the Journal

Steps backwards, in line with the others. 

Chadwick steps forward, all grace and confidence, then bows deeply and formally. How are his robes so well fitted, did he get them altered? More than one vow of chastity is questioned in the minds of the attendees. The party is struck on how this can be the same person that not too long ago was being admonished by his mother on the steps of a country farmhouse.

"Lord Raguelion, I am Sir Chadwick LeRoy Jenkins, it is a great honor to be in Axiom and be presented to it's Lord." He makes the mistake of meeting Lord Raguelion's eyes directly and then gets lost in admiring his glorious angel wings. An uncomfortable silence fills the hall for a beat before he snaps back. 

"The hospitality of Axiom has been warm and inviting, a beautiful and restorative place to be after the horrors in the lich's tomb. We thank you deeply for making us feel so welcomed and at home." His excitement and wonder derails his thoughts. "I've been so struck at everything here, it is breath taking, never seen anything like it! The monks were even nice enough to train me in their martial arts, and they are such great teachers." He smiles and points to one of the monk's. "Who knew that there were so many ways to breath during a fight! And the food! Sure beats rations out of dusty backpack! 

Chawick's eyes grow big and his cheeks crimson as he realizes he's rambling. He longs for his helmet. He clears his throat and bows again. 

Any thoughts in the hall of straying from chastity have been put firmly out of mind.

Meeting the gaze of Lord Raguelion', he continues. "My stalwart companions have given a good recount of the events that have brought us here, I don't have much to add. While we accomplished our mission, and were able to rescue some souls." (Gesters to Kellen and Sereethia) my thoughts do return to the trapped souls we weren't able to free; I can only hope that with the destruction of the lich's artifacts whatever is binding them will fall and they will be released. My heart is heavy recalling the slain titan Krothys, I hope he is at peace." Sadness washes over his face, but he continues on, voice strong.

"Thank you for receiving us, it has been an honor." He bows again formally, then steps back with the rest of The Company. Serenity and confidence once again in his face and form.

Raguelion listens attentively to each of your tales.  The weight of Raguelion's attention upon you is immense.  You feel as though you are being compressed and run through all at the same time.  

The Lord of Axiom then raises left hand up, palm forward.  All in the amphitheater become silent.  The air rustling through the leaves high upon the hills can be heard it is so quiet.  "You speak sooth, each of you.  As true as you know truth to be.  You are welcome in Axiom to pursue solace from your travails."

Looking to Starker, "That which you covet must be destroyed.  It has brought the Glyph of Greed upon you.  Destroy that and you are freed from its demands."  After a brief pause, "The staff is beyond you, simply put.  You will fail if you try and it will consume you.  Your journey towards such things has only really begun in earnest.  Take this to the one who charged you to retrieve it.  They are better suited to explore such things."

Xymox is next, the focus of Raguelion's stare is intense, "You have spoken truth, but not fully.  This is a place of peace and freedom.  Unless that which you hold back infringes upon the freedom of others here it is yours to keep concealed.  Be welcome here and know that you can trust the Denizens of Axiom to respect your freedom as well."  TRUST is then intoned by the crowd behind you.

"Servants of Tyr," attention is then moved on to Kragen and Chadwick.  "Blessed is your patron for steadfastness and pursuit of Justice.  Be the Sword and the Shield of Justice in the name of thy Patron."  A low hum fills the air as Raguelion slowly blinks.  "A boon is to be bestowed upon you, Priest," is said looking directly at Kragen.  "Please allow my artificers use of your hammer for a short period of time.  It will be returned to you.....improved."

Raguelion then turns to face Trolkarl fully, and nods to him.  "Bearer of Darkbane, rejoice!" is intoned followed by a deafening blast of trumpets from the Thrones.  REJOICE!! roars from the crowd behind you.  "Rejoice we to have the Bane of the Lord of Lies amongst Axiom again!" Raguelion continues.  Darkbane flares with a brilliant white radiance with this.  For the briefest glimpse you see something more, something potent, something focused in Trolkarl's hand.  "When you are ready to ascend to the Bond with Darkbane, return to Axiom and meet the Maker, your true Patron."

Raising both hands to the air and spreading wings, Raguelion slowly ascends from the stage.  LORD OF AXIOM! the gathered mass gives voice.  Raguelion then climbs into the sky and flies up and up until just a pinpoint of light.

The Presence concludes.  All in attendance begin to orderly depart the amphitheater.  This is accomplished in short order.  The Master of Stewards approaches you as this process begins.  "I am Anglor, Master Steward of Axiom," he greets you.  "Please allow a moment for all to depart and we will then make our way to the Flower Hall."  Anglor stands patiently while the amphitheater empties and then leads you through passages, up into the Citadel.  Dark tunnels lit with Everburning candles and sconces twist and turn as you travel deep into the bedrock and up.  You come to a large iron bound door of heavy oak.  Anglor throws this open to a brilliantly illuminated by sunlight garden within the high walls of the Citadel.  Beautiful flowers of fantastic appearance and those familiar to you grow here in orderly abundance.  The air is fragranced with their petals and pollens.  Fat bees buzzily float from bloom to bloom.  Anglor leads you to a sitting area with comfortable chairs arranged.  Other stewards arrive bearing trays of cheeses and meats, ewers of wine and flagons of ale.  Anglor bids you sit as the stewards prepare beverages for each of you.  Anglor accepts a crystal goblet of a deeply purple wine.

"I am here to answer any questions you may have after experiencing Presence with the Lord of Axiom," he says.  "Please ask what you will," he concludes.

Starker:”It seems I must return to where I left my pony and possessions and then make my way to Xagyg eith the staff of the void. Then, we are honor bound to kill an ancient white dragon. Can you tell me how I might get home and could you give Sir Chadwick a weapon that will help him kill a dragon?”

Anglor smiles and responds, “Returning you to your home plane is within our capabilities.  Your clarity in describing a location will assist that effort.  As for weaponry, none of you seem to be lacking.”

Xymox: " would it be possible to purchase additional equipment before we leave? Supplies,upgrades et cetera?"

Anglor smiles, “That’s not really how things work here.  I’m sorry.  If there is something you need we can provide it if available.”

Kragen sits quietly contemplating the events that have occurred. He opens and closes his palms, feeling immensely humbled and shocked at being honored so by the Solar. Listens to his compatriots and their questions.

"Master Steward, Lord Axiom has honored us with his hospitality; we are greatly appreciative." Kragen bows his head in solemn acknowledgement. "I know not if I am truly worthy of the boon he has graciously bestowed upon this humble cleric. However, by Tyr’s will, that strength shall be used to serve Justice and strike down the inequities that threaten the innocent."

"If i may ask, what does he intend to do with the Lich's belongings? Is he willing to assist us or provide guidance to the means of ending Illandial's vessel, which maintains his presence? Vanquishing his vessel from existence is our most pressing concern."

Starker, in an aside to the Man from Monstordrink:  “Friend Chadwick, I recall that I took the pulsing red ruby you have from the shelf marked “Take One” after one of us had already taken one. Shortly thereafter a gateway injured me while leaving the rest untouched. I surmise that that was when I showed the first symptom of having been afflicted with The Glyph of Greed. All I have to offer the multiverse is my intellect and character, and the notion that these have been changed by an outside force makes me sad. Would you be so kind as to destroy that pulsing ruby or causing it to be destroyed? I would fain be myself again. Of course, I will reimburse you the value of the ruby from my portion of our treasure.”

To the Steward and The Company:”There are tales that destroying a true lich’s phylactery requires the coordinated efforts of many mages as above me in mystical strength as I am above a sand flea. Steward, is there an easier way?”

"Fortunately, your twain queries have a common solution.  We are to travel to the Radiant Furnace and the titan Xanaros, the Artificer.  It is there that the hammer will be remolded with the titan shard you carry, and, the wherewithal to destroy the phylactery can be found.," Anglor says with apparent joy at being of Service.

Xymox to The Company:  "While I enjoy all of this majesty and flair, let whatever is to be done, be done.  I feel the need to get back to our plane as soon as possible."  Looks at Starker. "Waterdeep? Baldur's Gate, Monstordrink?  I don't care."

Kragen, prior to our pomp and circumstance and hospitality with Lord Axiom and the Steward. Provides feedback to the group about comms with Xygag via Sending.

"I have conversed with Xygag, he reinforces that Starker is "not to attune" the staff, it would be fell for him. He confirms to bring the staff to him. What his purpose and intent is unknown, he has been cryptic as to the rationale that may  influence our decision. Being forthright and candid, i intoned that we would need a better understanding when back in Waterdeep."

Chadwick politely declines wine and other refreshments. Sitting quietly shaking his head as he replays the audience in his head. After sitting a moment he rises and wanders through the flowers picking off a few leaves from a couple of plants. "This can't be a coincidence." He mutters mostly to himself as he crushes the leaves then pops them into his mouth. His face pinches as a response to what seems a rather unpleasant experience.

"It's an old remedy for when someone is acting the fool to help clear their head." It seems to work as he regains focus.

"Starker while I would take joy in smashing the gem that has caused you distress, let's try something a little less drastic first." He walks over to him "Please stand and accept Caellia's gift." 

--Once per day, Chadwick can cause pure water to flow from his hands. Touching an object, person or spot of ground then affects what is touched to remove one curse, poison or disease as a Lesser Restoration spell.--

Chadwick peers at Starker "How do you feel, aside from wet?" While he's trying to be serious he can't completely hide a good natured smirk.

Watching Chadwick tend to Starker...

Master Anglor, we are grateful

The Radiant Furnace... the ending Illiandil's vessel... the hammer reforged with the shard from Xanaros...and seeing my companions made whole in body and spirit... these are mercies beyond expectation.

Axiom is indeed a fine place. I would hope, when we have proven ourselves worthy of it, to walk these halls again. 

Seeing Chadwick tending to Starker
If the Furnace is our next road... is he fit to walk it?