((OOC: Mun is the Aasimar Acolyte Warlock of the Celestial. Her blood comingles with divine ichor, her childhood was as one of a temple trained devotee since the moment of her birth. She wields the magic of a sphinx in the service of esoteric planar mysteries, following the tenets of her faith that seek to serve no singular divine, rather, all that is divine…
Let’s see what the dice says.
Religion: 8. Failed to recognise the gods. Classic DND.
I know it should be that a Lucky point is spent for advantage at the choice, but I forgot she had Lucky briefly. I spent a point and the second roll was a 12 and a pass. I’m happy to go with whichever you think is best. Both are good character opportunities for her. Pass or Fail change what she says I think.)
[[ With the gods, would the Norse pantheon be all? Or are there any other odds/ends? Just curious if some of the non-human deities are present or not. ]]
Eggo Lass a look of curiosity as the party approaches, particularly when the shadar-kai pulls out a board to write with.
Daewen Pell hears a voice, not from the drow's lips, but directly in her head. (An interesting crossing of paths for sure. And good to meet another who knows the comfort of shadows. I am Eggo Lass.) After a moment she adds, (From where did your party come?)
[[
Pact of the Great Old One has Awakened Mind; telepathy in 30ft.
Also as a query, I noticed earlier Daewen was writing messages. But in the last post using sign language. Should we assume we all know enough of her signs? Or need to have Common Sign in order to know them? (Just want to make sure I know.)
OOC: Daewen and Mun know common sign language (which I never knew existed in DND before this campaign!). I kinda/sorta assumed that a god might understand sign as well? Post #59 had Daewen signing her introduction versus writing it down on her slate board w/chalk. 99% of her regular communication will be writing in Common on her little slate, or writing in the dust/dirt on the ground.
OOC: Also, I just looked up Awakened Mind...turns out it's 1-way? Not sure how Daewen could respond? I'll post assuming Eggo might be able to hear her thought response back...
A voice, clear and concise, echoes not in the air but directly in Daewen's mind. The sudden, new sensation is a profound shock, a jarring experience that feels both alien and incredibly intimate. Her gaunt features remain a mask of stoicism, but the intense, unwavering focus of her eyes narrows slightly as she recognizes this new form of communication.
The question forms clearly in her thoughts, and she responds in kind, focusing her mind's words into a clear, if brief, answer.
<We came from the land of Yaratal, following a quest to destroy a Shadow Knot.>.
Her gaze locks onto the drow woman, and she offers a single, sharp nod—a silent acknowledgment of the telepathic contact and a sign of her newfound respect for Eggo's unique power.
[I'm happy to give Mun a success, I should have probably given her advantage given her background anyway!]
[Good question: the Norse pantheon is the substitute for all of the Mount Celestia gods in this world, and would be who clerics/paladins pray towards, however there are also non-human deities that reside in other Planes, for example Lolth is still present in the Abyss, Maglubiyet is in Acheron, and Tiamat is in the Nine Hells. For the main part these additional gods are considered more minor compared to the Celestial Norse ones though]
[For Daewen, the gods speak all languages/can discern all meanings and intentions from any method of communication, so understand sign language just fine, and in 100 Dungeons I think I remember being fine with Awakened Mind going both ways so no worries with her response!]
With the help of hindsight and the celestial context surrounding you, Yistral, Xarkris and Daewen successfully identify where the party now is, and what the staircase's true identity was; rumours of infinite steps leading to every place in the multiverse are fairly frequent amongst adventurers, though you'd never had expected to encounter them yourselves, which is probably why you didn't figure it out sooner, what with that and being more focused on finding the Shadow Knot that you're now convinced might have never been there in the first place. Xarkris, Mun and Yistral are also able to identify a few of the gods around you and recall more of their lore. You're aware that the pantheon is split into two families, the Aesir and the Vanir, that were once at war but now have found peace, along with the gods of the giants, the Jotunn, who the more humanoid deities seem to be less keen of, but tolerate simply for the sake of keeping the peace. The Jotunn arguing with Tyr is identifiable as Surtur.
Tyr gives a strong nod in Xarkris' direction, murmuring 'A fine warrior you are...know that I am proud, and I hear your prayers. I have been fighting for not just the liberty of my followers, but the freedom of all on the Material Plane.' His second proclamation seems to be aimed more at the party as a whole rather than just Xarkris. Foresti smiles and nods in response, looking across the party knowingly before saying 'Yes, it was as I expected; you are from the Beast's kingdom. Us deities used to have a strong hold on the politics of the mortal realms, but ever since our representative in the Material Plane vanished without trace, we have lost contact. Of course, the majority of us were keen to take action right away against the Beast, however, the Jotunn disagreed to that, seeing as the Beast treats Giant-kin well. Given that we do not act without consensus, the level of intervention we could give Yaratal was mimimal. That is until Eggo Lass arrived. You see, it is law that if a mortal can make it to Mount Celestia and gives us a request, we must call council to consider it before dismissing or fulfilling it. So, with Eggo's plea for help, the question of whether to save Yaratal was back on the table, although so far neither of the attitudes on either side of the debate has been swayed in the slightest by this discussion resurfacing.'
For a moment you're unsure where Foresti is going with this line of thought, since it seems like nothing can be done if there isn't a unanimous agreement. But, Foresti somehow can sense that doubt, and voices comfort, explaining, 'However, with your fateful arrival, a solution that goes both ways has revealed itself. Mortals, you could act as our representatives, and be the ones to banish the Beast on our behalf. Since there is no direct intervention from us, that should hopefully satisfy the Jotunn?' He raises an eyebrow in Surtur's direction, who simply grumbles 'I do not see how a band of mortals could accomplish such a task, and if there's no risk of them succeeding, then I have no problem with you sending them to their deaths.' This seems to be a good enough response for the God of Justice, as he beams and exclaims 'Most wonderful! Then, it shall all come down to you, adventurers. Of course, if you don't want to take up such a monumental task, we would not force you, but already I think I can foresee what plan of action you'll most want to take. On agreement to take up this quest, I will inform you of the details further.'
The conversation has moved quickly, and as Tyr speaks, the veil falls from Mun’s eyes. So focused had she been on the mystery of the mortal at the side of the celestial giants, so incomprehensible a concept their true identity, that her mind had sought out the humanoid sized enigma ahead of her. A sapling sized puzzle, she had locked her eyes on its silhouette and thought herself wise as she missed the forest around her, eyes fixed upon the ground, face turned away from the sun.
Certainty. Tunnel vision. Surety. Call it what you like. In the moment that Tyr speaks, Mun knows it for it what it truly is. Hubris.
Seeker Mun. Hierophant of mysteries. Wielder of compacted power from a servant of those who debate with stern wisdoms and bicker with the everlasting endurance of eternal familiarity. Seeker Mun — whose attunement with this realm and the Empyrean majesty of the divine finds its root within her blood, a long distant ancestry that must trace to one within this room.
Her eyes flicker from face to face. Absences she notices, where is the stranger, cloaked and hooded, with eye-patch hiding keenest sight. Where is the horned head of the well drinker and where the ill-crafted hammer of the dwarves, its wielder, and they who forced its ill-forming?
As Tyr speaks, and the revelation of the divinity before her is brought to her senses, incontrovertible and insistent, her breath hitches.
One silent Aesir, far from them, turns their golden eyes upon her, hearing even such a small sound and seeing such a small shake in her form, as well should he, most famous watchman of the gods.
The gods and her allies talk. Her introduction forgotten perhaps, unsought even as she was unseeing, and she falls to her knees in despair as the thought crystalises in her mind.
For she is only, “Mun,” she whispers. What use is a seeker who cannot see.
Daewen stands motionless, a silent pillar of stone in the center of the celestial court. The gods' conversation washes over her, an overwhelming tide of divine intent and cosmic politicking. She understands the weight of it all: the Beast of Bone and Oblivion is not just a monster, but a cosmic stalemate. The Shadow Knots she despises are simply symptoms of a far greater disease, one the gods have been powerless to cure.
Her gaze, however, does not miss the reactions of her companions. She sees Yistral's casual, pragmatic acceptance of a task that could end their lives. She sees the anguish on Mun's face as the sorcerer is overcome by a moment of despair. Daewen understands both reactions; one is the cold pragmatism of a survivor, and the other is the agonizing truth of one who has lost their way. Her own grim purpose is a middle ground between the two.
Without a sound, she steps forward, her movements a blur of silent grace. She pulls her small slate, hanging from her necklace under her cloak, her fingers a blur of motion as she writes a message, her expression a mask of stoic resolve. She holds it up for her companions to see.
No more knots.
She then looks to Forseti and the other deities, giving a single, firm nod. Her gaze then quickly finds Eggo Lass, a silent acknowledgment that their paths have indeed crossed for a reason. With her message delivered, she takes a single, silent step to Mun's side and, without a word, places a gentle, reassuring hand on her shoulder, a rare, quiet sign of shared purpose in the face of this overwhelming task.
Mun reaches up and places her hand over Daewen’s. Deep, deep, deep in the shadow Daewen makes her home, and stakes her power. It is deep into her own shadowed mind that Mun places her angst.
It is not instant. It takes time, but, eventually Mun stands.
Her golden eyes glow, her tattoos drinking the celestial light of their subjects, and Mun bows her head.
“I am your servant. Your strength is my strength. Your will is my will.”
“These few who walk with me through trial are not mere wanderers. They are the tested flint upon which fate strikes fire. Let them prove worthy. Let me prove true.”
Eggo Lass blinks for a moment as Foresti speaks. "You-" she almost starts before composing herself. After the effort to try getting the gods to actually do something useful for once and they just pass the buck? She eyes the party. Us versus the Beast? she thinks incredulously.
But what more could be done at this point? Would any further discussions lead to outlawyering the god of law?
"Very well." she states. "No more knots." she adds with a sigh, echoing Daewen's sign. She walks over towards the others to take her place with them.
Xarkris is overwhelmed by the moment. The god that he had sworn loyalty to and fought for has tasked him and his allies with a quest!!! What more can a righteous warrior ask for? He is not sure what their chances are, but what a GLORIOUS way to live one’s life.
His god asked his help. Of course he will accept!
Nemmonis Xarkris rises to his fullest height and raises his Battleaxe high over his head and proclaims, “No more knots!”
He bows once more to the gods and deities, then turns to rejoin his friends.
Foresti watches intently as the party considers the proposition, taking in the wide range of reactions: Mun's quiet and mournful realisation that the nature of the gods don't quite align with what she'd believed, Eggo's sudden shock and disbelief at the level of what had been offered, Xarkris' fierce but elated roar of acceptance, Daewen's calculating assessment of the situation, and Yistral's humorous lightly response to the scenario, as if he'd been asked by an old friend to take a walk, not enlisted by a god to slay a demon king.
He leans back and takes a deep breath, a bold rushing sound akin to the cascade of a mighty river or the hammer of hooves from a great migration, before letting out a bellowing laugh. 'Magnificent! Such a spectrum of hope, such a spectrum of emotion!' His face softens as he says 'The doings of mortals has always deeply entertained me. It reminds me of our beginnings on Ysgard. Bakc then, us lofty folk were just as young and passionate as you, kicking up mountains and shouting up storms in our squabbles. Eventually, of course, we found ourselves in some seat of responsibility, given that we had shaped worlds and nurtured empires, but it's a beautiful thing to see that time of sound and fury reflected in the spark of life our creations hold. Truly, what a gift you have to live a life that is finite; you all exist in a constant state of motion and change. For us, we have the joyful prospect of living on for evermore, our interactions with the material world waning until we're left as a herd of wandering memories.'
He gives a small note as he passes over that bitterly reflective conversation, sweeping his hand to magically dim the fires in the room and materialise a storm cloud gathered upon the ceiling, whilst announcing, 'Your journey for Yaratal's liberation will take you to the heart of the Beast's kingdom, and I don't mean the Spire of Darkness.' The storm cloud has now coalesced into a sort of screen, streaks of lightning and tufts of cloud knitted together to show images as he explains. 'The Beast hails from and rules over a layer of the Abyss known as Glemsel; it is a miserable and desolate place, where things that are forgotten go to fade. His control over the Spire of Darkness and its roots likely has been allowing him to ensnare the lost memories of his subjects to then carry off into his true kingdom. However, we believe hidden somewhere in the abyssal depths of his realm is something he's long forgotten himself, and something that will serve as his downfall; his true name. Knowing a demon's true name, and addressing them with it allows you to have completely command over them, regardless of their strength or rank. Therefore, if you find the Beast's true name, you have complete control over him, and will be able to free your home.'
Yistral looks as if someone said the key to passing a math test is to study….
And wonders. Are these emensly powerful beings going to offer some sort of actual manifestation of help…. Or are we basically just back where we started only relying on each other. and simply released into the world with a pep talk amounting to nothing more than “dont die”…
basic wizard knowledge… true names have power over a creature
Daewen stands still, her features impassive as the strange god laughs and monologues about the fleeting nature of mortal life. She does not share in Forseti's amusement; she sees a simple exchange of services. They will do the gods' bidding, and in exchange, they will get what they need.
The name Glemsel resonates in her mind, a concept she understands on a visceral level. It is the core of her purpose, the very antithesis of what her people do. Her people are tasked with remembering what is forgotten, and now she must hunt the very creature that feeds on that act.
She looks at Yistral as he voices his skepticism, a hint of grim understanding in her eyes. The gods have given them a goal and a key: no more, no less. She expected nothing else. This is a quest that is meant for them alone.
Without a word, she pulls out her slate and writes, her expression radiating a fierce, grim determination. She holds the slate up for her companions to see.
I understand this place. The forgotten are my people. I will find this beast's lost name.
"Indeed. Knowing the true name of a demon is Fiend Lawyering 101." She pauses for a moment and smiles, recalling an adventure where she and a jovial half-elf bard were able to bluff a small group of manes, manesi? maneses? into thinking they'd learned their true names. "But what more information or aid can you offer? Otherwise it seems that that the status is the same as before these negotiations for all practical intents and purposes."
“I wish for only what you might choose to give, ask only what you may choose to answer. This task you give us seems insurmountable, we who are no greater than others who have fought the Knots for many years on roads parallel to our own, but, I wonder…”
”One among you might find each of us most worthy, and glean in us rich soil for your gifts. Is that not the strength of a pantheon. The diversity of dominion?”
Her tongue seems to be stumbling over itself.
“If we should be your hands, might you bless us with a weapon, those of you who feel we are most suited and in alignment to? In deference to your wisdom, I seek only a blessing which you believe best for our task.”
(Blessings/charms/Godly boons is what I’m swinging at. I’m imagining that with all the arrayed gods, Tyr might see most fit to bless Xarkris [should they be willing to bless anyone at all] and maybe other gods of narrative interest might take one of the PCs each?
Blessings or a boon would be pretty powerful so Mun would take whatever these avatars of the DM see fit to bestow — but, I’d hate to leave the gods without having asked for one!)
Daewen watches her companions make their respective pleas to the gods. She feels a quiet respect for Eggo's blunt, honest assessment of the situation and Mun's eloquent, heartfelt plea for aid. She understands both approaches perfectly. Her own loyalty is to a deity that doesn't bestow boons lightly, but she holds a grim hope that these gods will be different.
She steps forward, coming to stand shoulder to shoulder with Mun and the others. She offers a single, sharp nod towards the gods, her form radiating a quiet, unyielding support for her companions' words.
A wise request she thinks to Eggo, her mind's voice a silent echo of her approval.
Her face remains a mask of resolve as she waits for the gods to answer.
Forseti nods firmly at your requests. 'Of course, of course, it would be most unjust to send you into that forsaken plane without protection.' One of the Jotunn looks as if they're about to protest, but Tyr sternly cuts in 'This is no different to our aid towards clerics and paladins. Our assistance does not equate to intervention.' He nods to Forseti to continue, who then lift a hand and chants 'May the strengths of Valhalla be with you. May your battles be glorious, and your victories prosperous. Be blessed with the boon of the land, and the sea, and the sky, for there lies our kingdom, which we seek to be freed.' He then sweeps his arm over you, and suddenly you feel your soul plummeting through storm clouds, soaring through arches along a wave-ravaged coastline, weaving between the peaks of grand mountains, and flooding through an ancient forest like a rushing autumn breeze. You feel the twitch of a deer's ear as it senses its hunter. You feel the baited breath of the wolf, ready to pounce. You feel the soft flap of the butterfly's wings as it lands on a flower, and the delicate touch of its legs on the petals. For a moment, you have a glimpse of what the gods sense, a oneness with the natural land, and everything within it. Its strength and wisdom fills you with power and courage, and then the vision fades.
Blinking hard, your sight returns to you, though it takes a moment for you to catch your breath and refocus. You notice that somewhere on your body, the rune associated with Forseti, Tyr, and the concept of justice has appeared: a northward facing arrow, ᛏ. Forseti explains 'There is a small piece of our divinity within you now, which you will be able to channel in your times of need.' He then also rubs his thumb and forefinger together, and with a glowing light he forms a small marble rod, marked with runes of protection and peace. He presents the totem to Eggo Lass, given she's nearest to him, and says 'This should ward off the worst of the Abyss' effects on you all if you stay close to it as you rest. Think of it as carrying a piece of this plane with you.'
[Hopefully that's a good reward for everyone! Agreed with Nycrol that a blessing or boon would work best, but couldn't find one that I felt fit everyone right, so made one that's versatile enough to hopefully be useful! It's up to you where the rune manifests, as it says on the description it's about as big as a playing card so ideas I had could be the back of your palm or on your cheek if you want it to be visible, but it's solely a cosmetic thing so it doesn't particularly matter where it goes!]
[Also, although Eggo racks her brain for answers, she can't recall any memories about Glemsel. It has to be a very obscure layer of the Abyss given she hasn't heard about it, and she presumes that with its nature of being the place where things that are forgotten go, it must have just been forgotten itself]
((OOC: Mun is the Aasimar Acolyte Warlock of the Celestial. Her blood comingles with divine ichor, her childhood was as one of a temple trained devotee since the moment of her birth. She wields the magic of a sphinx in the service of esoteric planar mysteries, following the tenets of her faith that seek to serve no singular divine, rather, all that is divine…
Let’s see what the dice says.
Religion: 8. Failed to recognise the gods. Classic DND.
I know it should be that a Lucky point is spent for advantage at the choice, but I forgot she had Lucky briefly. I spent a point and the second roll was a 12 and a pass. I’m happy to go with whichever you think is best. Both are good character opportunities for her. Pass or Fail change what she says I think.)
[[ With the gods, would the Norse pantheon be all? Or are there any other odds/ends? Just curious if some of the non-human deities are present or not. ]]
Eggo Lass a look of curiosity as the party approaches, particularly when the shadar-kai pulls out a board to write with.
Daewen Pell hears a voice, not from the drow's lips, but directly in her head. (An interesting crossing of paths for sure. And good to meet another who knows the comfort of shadows. I am Eggo Lass.) After a moment she adds, (From where did your party come?)
[[
Pact of the Great Old One has Awakened Mind; telepathy in 30ft.
Also as a query, I noticed earlier Daewen was writing messages. But in the last post using sign language. Should we assume we all know enough of her signs? Or need to have Common Sign in order to know them? (Just want to make sure I know.)
]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny |
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
A voice, clear and concise, echoes not in the air but directly in Daewen's mind. The sudden, new sensation is a profound shock, a jarring experience that feels both alien and incredibly intimate. Her gaunt features remain a mask of stoicism, but the intense, unwavering focus of her eyes narrows slightly as she recognizes this new form of communication.
The question forms clearly in her thoughts, and she responds in kind, focusing her mind's words into a clear, if brief, answer.
<We came from the land of Yaratal, following a quest to destroy a Shadow Knot.>.
Her gaze locks onto the drow woman, and she offers a single, sharp nod—a silent acknowledgment of the telepathic contact and a sign of her newfound respect for Eggo's unique power.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
[I'm happy to give Mun a success, I should have probably given her advantage given her background anyway!]
[Good question: the Norse pantheon is the substitute for all of the Mount Celestia gods in this world, and would be who clerics/paladins pray towards, however there are also non-human deities that reside in other Planes, for example Lolth is still present in the Abyss, Maglubiyet is in Acheron, and Tiamat is in the Nine Hells. For the main part these additional gods are considered more minor compared to the Celestial Norse ones though]
[For Daewen, the gods speak all languages/can discern all meanings and intentions from any method of communication, so understand sign language just fine, and in 100 Dungeons I think I remember being fine with Awakened Mind going both ways so no worries with her response!]
With the help of hindsight and the celestial context surrounding you, Yistral, Xarkris and Daewen successfully identify where the party now is, and what the staircase's true identity was; rumours of infinite steps leading to every place in the multiverse are fairly frequent amongst adventurers, though you'd never had expected to encounter them yourselves, which is probably why you didn't figure it out sooner, what with that and being more focused on finding the Shadow Knot that you're now convinced might have never been there in the first place. Xarkris, Mun and Yistral are also able to identify a few of the gods around you and recall more of their lore. You're aware that the pantheon is split into two families, the Aesir and the Vanir, that were once at war but now have found peace, along with the gods of the giants, the Jotunn, who the more humanoid deities seem to be less keen of, but tolerate simply for the sake of keeping the peace. The Jotunn arguing with Tyr is identifiable as Surtur.
Tyr gives a strong nod in Xarkris' direction, murmuring 'A fine warrior you are...know that I am proud, and I hear your prayers. I have been fighting for not just the liberty of my followers, but the freedom of all on the Material Plane.' His second proclamation seems to be aimed more at the party as a whole rather than just Xarkris. Foresti smiles and nods in response, looking across the party knowingly before saying 'Yes, it was as I expected; you are from the Beast's kingdom. Us deities used to have a strong hold on the politics of the mortal realms, but ever since our representative in the Material Plane vanished without trace, we have lost contact. Of course, the majority of us were keen to take action right away against the Beast, however, the Jotunn disagreed to that, seeing as the Beast treats Giant-kin well. Given that we do not act without consensus, the level of intervention we could give Yaratal was mimimal. That is until Eggo Lass arrived. You see, it is law that if a mortal can make it to Mount Celestia and gives us a request, we must call council to consider it before dismissing or fulfilling it. So, with Eggo's plea for help, the question of whether to save Yaratal was back on the table, although so far neither of the attitudes on either side of the debate has been swayed in the slightest by this discussion resurfacing.'
For a moment you're unsure where Foresti is going with this line of thought, since it seems like nothing can be done if there isn't a unanimous agreement. But, Foresti somehow can sense that doubt, and voices comfort, explaining, 'However, with your fateful arrival, a solution that goes both ways has revealed itself. Mortals, you could act as our representatives, and be the ones to banish the Beast on our behalf. Since there is no direct intervention from us, that should hopefully satisfy the Jotunn?' He raises an eyebrow in Surtur's direction, who simply grumbles 'I do not see how a band of mortals could accomplish such a task, and if there's no risk of them succeeding, then I have no problem with you sending them to their deaths.' This seems to be a good enough response for the God of Justice, as he beams and exclaims 'Most wonderful! Then, it shall all come down to you, adventurers. Of course, if you don't want to take up such a monumental task, we would not force you, but already I think I can foresee what plan of action you'll most want to take. On agreement to take up this quest, I will inform you of the details further.'
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Sparkles: Aasimar Monk: Drakkenheim: What's In The Here And Now
Angus Ayrshire: Minotaur Celestial Sorcerer: Yawning Portal - Mad Mage
DMing A Land Of Bone And Oblivion, The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
“My calendar seems to be clear at the moment…what is it that we could do. “
The conversation has moved quickly, and as Tyr speaks, the veil falls from Mun’s eyes. So focused had she been on the mystery of the mortal at the side of the celestial giants, so incomprehensible a concept their true identity, that her mind had sought out the humanoid sized enigma ahead of her. A sapling sized puzzle, she had locked her eyes on its silhouette and thought herself wise as she missed the forest around her, eyes fixed upon the ground, face turned away from the sun.
Certainty. Tunnel vision. Surety. Call it what you like. In the moment that Tyr speaks, Mun knows it for it what it truly is. Hubris.
Seeker Mun. Hierophant of mysteries. Wielder of compacted power from a servant of those who debate with stern wisdoms and bicker with the everlasting endurance of eternal familiarity. Seeker Mun — whose attunement with this realm and the Empyrean majesty of the divine finds its root within her blood, a long distant ancestry that must trace to one within this room.
Her eyes flicker from face to face. Absences she notices, where is the stranger, cloaked and hooded, with eye-patch hiding keenest sight. Where is the horned head of the well drinker and where the ill-crafted hammer of the dwarves, its wielder, and they who forced its ill-forming?
As Tyr speaks, and the revelation of the divinity before her is brought to her senses, incontrovertible and insistent, her breath hitches.
One silent Aesir, far from them, turns their golden eyes upon her, hearing even such a small sound and seeing such a small shake in her form, as well should he, most famous watchman of the gods.
The gods and her allies talk. Her introduction forgotten perhaps, unsought even as she was unseeing, and she falls to her knees in despair as the thought crystalises in her mind.
For she is only, “Mun,” she whispers. What use is a seeker who cannot see.
Daewen stands motionless, a silent pillar of stone in the center of the celestial court. The gods' conversation washes over her, an overwhelming tide of divine intent and cosmic politicking. She understands the weight of it all: the Beast of Bone and Oblivion is not just a monster, but a cosmic stalemate. The Shadow Knots she despises are simply symptoms of a far greater disease, one the gods have been powerless to cure.
Her gaze, however, does not miss the reactions of her companions. She sees Yistral's casual, pragmatic acceptance of a task that could end their lives. She sees the anguish on Mun's face as the sorcerer is overcome by a moment of despair. Daewen understands both reactions; one is the cold pragmatism of a survivor, and the other is the agonizing truth of one who has lost their way. Her own grim purpose is a middle ground between the two.
Without a sound, she steps forward, her movements a blur of silent grace. She pulls her small slate, hanging from her necklace under her cloak, her fingers a blur of motion as she writes a message, her expression a mask of stoic resolve. She holds it up for her companions to see.
No more knots.
She then looks to Forseti and the other deities, giving a single, firm nod. Her gaze then quickly finds Eggo Lass, a silent acknowledgment that their paths have indeed crossed for a reason. With her message delivered, she takes a single, silent step to Mun's side and, without a word, places a gentle, reassuring hand on her shoulder, a rare, quiet sign of shared purpose in the face of this overwhelming task.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Mun reaches up and places her hand over Daewen’s. Deep, deep, deep in the shadow Daewen makes her home, and stakes her power. It is deep into her own shadowed mind that Mun places her angst.
It is not instant. It takes time, but, eventually Mun stands.
Her golden eyes glow, her tattoos drinking the celestial light of their subjects, and Mun bows her head.
“I am your servant. Your strength is my strength. Your will is my will.”
“These few who walk with me through trial are not mere wanderers. They are the tested flint upon which fate strikes fire. Let them prove worthy. Let me prove true.”
”What would you have us do?”
Eggo Lass blinks for a moment as Foresti speaks. "You-" she almost starts before composing herself. After the effort to try getting the gods to actually do something useful for once and they just pass the buck? She eyes the party. Us versus the Beast? she thinks incredulously.
But what more could be done at this point? Would any further discussions lead to outlawyering the god of law?
"Very well." she states. "No more knots." she adds with a sigh, echoing Daewen's sign. She walks over towards the others to take her place with them.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny |
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Xarkris is overwhelmed by the moment. The god that he had sworn loyalty to and fought for has tasked him and his allies with a quest!!! What more can a righteous warrior ask for? He is not sure what their chances are, but what a GLORIOUS way to live one’s life.
His god asked his help. Of course he will accept!
Nemmonis Xarkris rises to his fullest height and raises his Battleaxe high over his head and proclaims, “No more knots!”
He bows once more to the gods and deities, then turns to rejoin his friends.
No more knots, swears Mun, in the privacy of her own mind. How distant now seems the ennui of even this morning.
Foresti watches intently as the party considers the proposition, taking in the wide range of reactions: Mun's quiet and mournful realisation that the nature of the gods don't quite align with what she'd believed, Eggo's sudden shock and disbelief at the level of what had been offered, Xarkris' fierce but elated roar of acceptance, Daewen's calculating assessment of the situation, and Yistral's humorous lightly response to the scenario, as if he'd been asked by an old friend to take a walk, not enlisted by a god to slay a demon king.
He leans back and takes a deep breath, a bold rushing sound akin to the cascade of a mighty river or the hammer of hooves from a great migration, before letting out a bellowing laugh. 'Magnificent! Such a spectrum of hope, such a spectrum of emotion!' His face softens as he says 'The doings of mortals has always deeply entertained me. It reminds me of our beginnings on Ysgard. Bakc then, us lofty folk were just as young and passionate as you, kicking up mountains and shouting up storms in our squabbles. Eventually, of course, we found ourselves in some seat of responsibility, given that we had shaped worlds and nurtured empires, but it's a beautiful thing to see that time of sound and fury reflected in the spark of life our creations hold. Truly, what a gift you have to live a life that is finite; you all exist in a constant state of motion and change. For us, we have the joyful prospect of living on for evermore, our interactions with the material world waning until we're left as a herd of wandering memories.'
He gives a small note as he passes over that bitterly reflective conversation, sweeping his hand to magically dim the fires in the room and materialise a storm cloud gathered upon the ceiling, whilst announcing, 'Your journey for Yaratal's liberation will take you to the heart of the Beast's kingdom, and I don't mean the Spire of Darkness.' The storm cloud has now coalesced into a sort of screen, streaks of lightning and tufts of cloud knitted together to show images as he explains. 'The Beast hails from and rules over a layer of the Abyss known as Glemsel; it is a miserable and desolate place, where things that are forgotten go to fade. His control over the Spire of Darkness and its roots likely has been allowing him to ensnare the lost memories of his subjects to then carry off into his true kingdom. However, we believe hidden somewhere in the abyssal depths of his realm is something he's long forgotten himself, and something that will serve as his downfall; his true name. Knowing a demon's true name, and addressing them with it allows you to have completely command over them, regardless of their strength or rank. Therefore, if you find the Beast's true name, you have complete control over him, and will be able to free your home.'
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Sparkles: Aasimar Monk: Drakkenheim: What's In The Here And Now
Angus Ayrshire: Minotaur Celestial Sorcerer: Yawning Portal - Mad Mage
DMing A Land Of Bone And Oblivion, The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Yistral looks as if someone said the key to passing a math test is to study….
And wonders. Are these emensly powerful beings going to offer some sort of actual manifestation of help…. Or are we basically just back where we started only relying on each other. and simply released into the world with a pep talk amounting to nothing more than “dont die”…
basic wizard knowledge… true names have power over a creature
Daewen stands still, her features impassive as the strange god laughs and monologues about the fleeting nature of mortal life. She does not share in Forseti's amusement; she sees a simple exchange of services. They will do the gods' bidding, and in exchange, they will get what they need.
The name Glemsel resonates in her mind, a concept she understands on a visceral level. It is the core of her purpose, the very antithesis of what her people do. Her people are tasked with remembering what is forgotten, and now she must hunt the very creature that feeds on that act.
She looks at Yistral as he voices his skepticism, a hint of grim understanding in her eyes. The gods have given them a goal and a key: no more, no less. She expected nothing else. This is a quest that is meant for them alone.
Without a word, she pulls out her slate and writes, her expression radiating a fierce, grim determination. She holds the slate up for her companions to see.
I understand this place. The forgotten are my people. I will find this beast's lost name.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
I'm glad you're so entertained. snarks Eggo Lass in her mind as Foresti waxes poetic about how he envies the lives of mortals.
When the god mentions Glemsel she seeks aid from her warlock knowledge to recall anything she can about it.
Religion: 18 + 0 + 1 = 19
"Indeed. Knowing the true name of a demon is Fiend Lawyering 101." She pauses for a moment and smiles, recalling an adventure where she and a jovial half-elf bard were able to bluff a small group of manes, manesi? maneses? into thinking they'd learned their true names. "But what more information or aid can you offer? Otherwise it seems that that the status is the same as before these negotiations for all practical intents and purposes."
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny |
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
“I wish for only what you might choose to give, ask only what you may choose to answer. This task you give us seems insurmountable, we who are no greater than others who have fought the Knots for many years on roads parallel to our own, but, I wonder…”
”One among you might find each of us most worthy, and glean in us rich soil for your gifts. Is that not the strength of a pantheon. The diversity of dominion?”
Her tongue seems to be stumbling over itself.
“If we should be your hands, might you bless us with a weapon, those of you who feel we are most suited and in alignment to? In deference to your wisdom, I seek only a blessing which you believe best for our task.”
(Blessings/charms/Godly boons is what I’m swinging at. I’m imagining that with all the arrayed gods, Tyr might see most fit to bless Xarkris [should they be willing to bless anyone at all] and maybe other gods of narrative interest might take one of the PCs each?
Blessings or a boon would be pretty powerful so Mun would take whatever these avatars of the DM see fit to bestow — but, I’d hate to leave the gods without having asked for one!)
(( yea it would be bad if we see the gods they say good luck saving world. Be on your way without so much as a weapon or something to help us…)
Eggo Lass raises an eyebrow in contemplation at Muun's words.
History: 9 + 0 + 1 = 10
[[ Racking her brain for any tidbits of celestial contract or whatnot that could bolster the request. ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny |
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Daewen watches her companions make their respective pleas to the gods. She feels a quiet respect for Eggo's blunt, honest assessment of the situation and Mun's eloquent, heartfelt plea for aid. She understands both approaches perfectly. Her own loyalty is to a deity that doesn't bestow boons lightly, but she holds a grim hope that these gods will be different.
She steps forward, coming to stand shoulder to shoulder with Mun and the others. She offers a single, sharp nod towards the gods, her form radiating a quiet, unyielding support for her companions' words.
A wise request she thinks to Eggo, her mind's voice a silent echo of her approval.
Her face remains a mask of resolve as she waits for the gods to answer.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Forseti nods firmly at your requests. 'Of course, of course, it would be most unjust to send you into that forsaken plane without protection.' One of the Jotunn looks as if they're about to protest, but Tyr sternly cuts in 'This is no different to our aid towards clerics and paladins. Our assistance does not equate to intervention.' He nods to Forseti to continue, who then lift a hand and chants 'May the strengths of Valhalla be with you. May your battles be glorious, and your victories prosperous. Be blessed with the boon of the land, and the sea, and the sky, for there lies our kingdom, which we seek to be freed.' He then sweeps his arm over you, and suddenly you feel your soul plummeting through storm clouds, soaring through arches along a wave-ravaged coastline, weaving between the peaks of grand mountains, and flooding through an ancient forest like a rushing autumn breeze. You feel the twitch of a deer's ear as it senses its hunter. You feel the baited breath of the wolf, ready to pounce. You feel the soft flap of the butterfly's wings as it lands on a flower, and the delicate touch of its legs on the petals. For a moment, you have a glimpse of what the gods sense, a oneness with the natural land, and everything within it. Its strength and wisdom fills you with power and courage, and then the vision fades.
Blinking hard, your sight returns to you, though it takes a moment for you to catch your breath and refocus. You notice that somewhere on your body, the rune associated with Forseti, Tyr, and the concept of justice has appeared: a northward facing arrow, ᛏ. Forseti explains 'There is a small piece of our divinity within you now, which you will be able to channel in your times of need.' He then also rubs his thumb and forefinger together, and with a glowing light he forms a small marble rod, marked with runes of protection and peace. He presents the totem to Eggo Lass, given she's nearest to him, and says 'This should ward off the worst of the Abyss' effects on you all if you stay close to it as you rest. Think of it as carrying a piece of this plane with you.'
Eggo Lass receives the Celestial Totem
Everybody receives a Celestial Rune
[Hopefully that's a good reward for everyone! Agreed with Nycrol that a blessing or boon would work best, but couldn't find one that I felt fit everyone right, so made one that's versatile enough to hopefully be useful! It's up to you where the rune manifests, as it says on the description it's about as big as a playing card so ideas I had could be the back of your palm or on your cheek if you want it to be visible, but it's solely a cosmetic thing so it doesn't particularly matter where it goes!]
[Also, although Eggo racks her brain for answers, she can't recall any memories about Glemsel. It has to be a very obscure layer of the Abyss given she hasn't heard about it, and she presumes that with its nature of being the place where things that are forgotten go, it must have just been forgotten itself]
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Sparkles: Aasimar Monk: Drakkenheim: What's In The Here And Now
Angus Ayrshire: Minotaur Celestial Sorcerer: Yawning Portal - Mad Mage
DMing A Land Of Bone And Oblivion, The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!