Bree took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "I've seen a lot of adventure, but nothing I could really brag about. The simple truth is, I'm a coward." She took another breath, letting the weight of her words sink in. "And because of my cowardice, people have suffered. My mother died, so my father took me traveling with him. He was a pretty famous bard, with his own troupe, and traveled from kingdom to kingdom, performing for Kings and Queens. This was the life he wanted for me." She opened her hand with the ring and produced her lute. "He gave this to me one night, and said I would need it for my big performance. I didn't quite know exactly what he meant. Turns out, I was being put before a Queen, for her birthday. If I were to go well, I'd be set for life. But sitting at her table, wearing my best dress, I realized I was wearing mere rags compared to the people who surrounded me. Course after course of food was brought before me, and all I could think of were the children of the kingdom who were starving. It all made me feel... sick to my stomach. I realized I didn't belong, I would never belong. I wasn't one of these people."
Bree began to play on the lute, the love song her father had written for her mother. "I played this song, in honor of my mother. The more I thought of her, I knew that she would feel the same, so I made my decision. I started insulting the Queen, pointing out that her dress cost enough to feed a village for a year. The nobles loved it, laughing and encouraging me to continue, so I did. I didn't think of the consequences of my actions. I never really do..." She trailed off a moment, allowing the music to fill the air. "Finally, the Queen called for me to be arrested. Then I ran. I again didn't think of the consequences, didn't think of my dad, of the troupe. I just ran until I was lost. For days I ran, afraid to turn back. I ended up in a village, knowing in my heart the Queen had killed my father for my actions. But I never returned, even to this day." Bree swallowed hard again. "But my shame doesn't end there. Oh no, it follows me around like a shadow. You see, I have this ring that gives me visions, and just today, it gave me a vision, of which my father was able to contact me. Turns out, he wasn't killed by the Queen, he was only captured. He escaped her dungeon, only to be captured by Lord Etter, the fake Lord Etter. That's how he died. Captured by a rakshasa in order to get to me, and that is how he died. Being used as a pawn in this horrible game I've found myself sucked into." Bree closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, I'm begging you, tell me about the Amulet of na'Haroon, what it is, what its powers are, and how it can be destroyed. Because this is all I have left. This is the last way to redeem myself."
Thell reached over and gripped Bree's free hand with his own, firmly he held it. It was the first time he had heard the full story, sure Bree had mentioned her dad the famous musician that night in the garden, but not what had come of him. She had even played that song, he was sure of it. Suddenly so many things became clear, especially how his own actions would have caused her so much pain.
He looked back to the gnome, "She's given you your payment, at the expense of her own happiness. Tell us what you know"
((OOG I am working on the post, just wanted y'all to know I am here and this will take a minute... you'll see why once it is posted. And Fire, that's deep... Hopefully, your payment will be for something worth while. :) ))
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
This was before us, before recorded time. When the cosmic plane was all that was, primordial in essence. The light and the darkness played against each other. The elements played against each other. Then there was the Titans, those that were just forces of absolute power, no emotions, just raw power. In some essence, many scholars believe, the universe itself was in perfect harmony. Who is to know for sure, this is just legend. As the eons passed, new powers started to emerge. The gods were born into the chaos, their very thoughts becoming the worlds and planes we now dwell. This legend starts here, not in any particular place or time. Not the beginning or the end, just sometime in the distant past.
The legend states that there was a powerful sorcerer, one who worshiped at the foot of a now forgotten and dead, unnamed god. The patron of this magician was said to be glorious, he treated his followers with love and respect, all of them on equal footing. You can see the error of such fool-hearty assessments. Not all creatures are alike, and should not be treated as such. Some, no matter how hard you try, have certain aspects that coincide with true thought. Evil is real, so is pride. When those two share a home, disaster always comes knocking at the front door.
The sorcerer, who we will call Azulua na'Haroon, as that's what this legend calls the man that would become the Godslayer, was full of such things. Pride, envy, anger. He was the most powerful creature at his Lord's side, one who saw himself as an heir apparent. Yet, there was one problem with that. He was mortal. And Gods, as far as anyone knew at the time, were immortal. As he grew in power, he started to age. Once youthful features were now covered by wrinkles and his once blonde hair had started to turn feather white. He was going to die, and his God ignored his pleas for salvation from the curse of immortality.
Azulua na'Haroon, in his anger, decided he was not going to die. He devised of a plan, using the primordial forces that came before to make an item of great power. One that would siphon the immortality of the nameless God and grant it to na'Haroon himself. For years he crafted the item, working in secret in a tower where none but he could access. In the years it took to make the item he became closed off from his God and any others. na'Harron was alone and he started not only resenting his Lord but hating him.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"As you can see, na'Haroon just wanted to live. At first, it seemed like he just wanted to be an immortal to live with his Lord, but as time progressed he became something else. His plans for an everlasting life became mired in the bog of envy and pride. When we look back at the history of this myth, for it is very old and not many knows of it, we can see that this is the recipe for most stories to come after. We have an anti-hero who has a need, then that need becomes emotionally charged." Parsnips says as after she tells you the first part of the Legend. She looks tired, as if telling you has taken her energy away.
She walks over her desk and sits down in her chair, some more tea is conjured and she takes long drinks of the cup.
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"What of the amulet itself? Surely there's information about the amulet somewhere in this legend?" Bree looks at her tea, deciding she doesn't want it after all.
Breeze, the Air Genasi Rogue in G.M.O.A.T.S sunless citadel Guldrum, the Dwarf Barbarian in Ye ol' Yarn Spun Legend Baku, the Tortle Bloodhunter in Coliseum of Conquest
"Patience is the art of concealing your impatience, dearie." Parsnips with say with a grandmotherly smile. "But this is your Legend now, Bree Underland. So, where was I? Oh, yes, the making of the Godslayer..."
Part Two:
History and Legend have two conflicting sides, yet both of them can be hidden behind facts. There are lies throughout all recorded history, and there are truths in every Legend. If you look hard enough that is. What is known, whether it is true or not, but it is known, is that a war broke out between the divines. Sages and minstrels have told the tales far and wide, and yet now we can find no mention of why there was this catastrophic event.
The Nameless God called forth his followers from all across his realm, and they all answered his call. With one exception. Azulua na'Haroon heard the call and ignored it, knowing his Nameless God would come calling on him personally. He waited in his tower for many days, laying in wait. He had transformed himself, for the being that he was, was a being of pure hate. His skin was turned red, his eyes blackened like his soul. His hair had fallen out and his ear and teeth became pointed.
Still, the God never showed. na'Haroon made a choice to leave the safety of his tower and to make his way to the field of battle to find the God who had forsaken him. He was not long for life and had to make his move.
He found the God surrounded by his followers and walked forward and bowed. "My gracious Lord, after all this time I have finally done it. It has transformed me beyond recognition but I have made you a post powerful item. One that will protect one as magnificent as you from your brothers and sisters." He prostrated himself before the God, a golden amulet in his hands.
"Stand, friend and join my side." The now-forgotten God says as he places the golden amulet around his neck.
A lot of different tales are told about what happened next.
The world shook. The heavens ceased their travels. The sky fell. Time stopped.
But what is known is that the Nameless god was no more, as if they never existed. na'Haroon got his wish, an eternal life in a body that was not his own. His red skin and hatred removed, he was the soul he was before all his hate and pride led him down a dark road. In his pocket was an amulet and around him was peace and tranquility.
He left that realm and found his way in the worlds that were his to explore. The amulet, the Godslayer, it is no more. Lost to the ages. Some say na'Haroon is the only one who knows the truth of what happened that day, some say he never even existed. And yet, some say that item has the power of a God, to kill a God, and to erase them from all of time. But that's only if one would know how to use such an item...
"Be careful with it, Bree. Even myth's hold power."
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Bree thought on this information for a while. "Let's say that the amulet is real, and one could get their hands on it. From the story you just told me, the amulet sound pretty evil. How would someone go about destroying it? Could it effect someone who held the amulet, but never wore it?"
Quaf stays still, in the middle of the anti-magic field, not showing a hint of fear.
"You are not my Princess, Princess. And we never demanded anything. We didn't ask for any of this. But we did help you anyway. If it were not for us, you people would be at the whims of a rakshasa. In view of all that, Princess, perhaps it is time to not waste time and arrange this meeting. We are 'eager' to go after Lord Etter. Oh no, sorry. Lord Etter is dead. I meant to go after the fiend who pretended to be Lord Etter."
Quaf stays still, in the middle of the anti-magic field, not showing a hint of fear.
"You are not my Princess, Princess. And we never demanded anything. We didn't ask for any of this. But we did help you anyway. If it were not for us, you people would be at the whims of a rakshasa. In view of all that, Princess, perhaps it is time to not waste time and arrange this meeting. We are 'eager' to go after Lord Etter. Oh no, sorry. Lord Etter is dead. I meant to go after the fiend who pretended to be Lord Etter."
Quaf is eager to hear the Princess' response...
((OOG Sorry...missed that :P ))
"You're cute, for a bird." She says with a smile as she walks forward, "But I am afraid there is nothing I can do to make things happen quicker. You do not understand our ways, Quaf. The Summer Court runs this realm and has since the Exodus. I am only a Lesser Archfey and I only rule this area. While you are here, I am your Princess. Those are our laws, so it is so. Now, I am glad you are ready to go face this fiend, but I do fear for all of you, my new found subjects. You have done well thus far, but this creature is evil and vile."
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Bree thought on this information for a while. "Let's say that the amulet is real, and one could get their hands on it. From the story you just told me, the amulet sound pretty evil. How would someone go about destroying it? Could it effect someone who held the amulet, but never wore it?"
"Are items evil, or the intentions behind them? Scholars will say that evil intention and dark magic can turn something into an agent for the shadow." She looks at Thell, "Not your kind of shadow, Master Thell." And turns her attention back to Bree. "Do you know how to use the Golden Fleece? What about the Crystal Shard? The stories and legends never share all the details. But what we can learn is that something either destroyed the God or erased him from the timeline of all eternity. Either way, can't be good."
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"When the fake Lord Etter told our friend his plans to get the amulet, he mentioned it was 'where no immortal can touch and no mortal can get to.' Could that be the afterlife? If so, how does one get it back there? And you still haven't answered, how does one destroy something like this?"
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InsidersBree took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "I've seen a lot of adventure, but nothing I could really brag about. The simple truth is, I'm a coward." She took another breath, letting the weight of her words sink in. "And because of my cowardice, people have suffered. My mother died, so my father took me traveling with him. He was a pretty famous bard, with his own troupe, and traveled from kingdom to kingdom, performing for Kings and Queens. This was the life he wanted for me." She opened her hand with the ring and produced her lute. "He gave this to me one night, and said I would need it for my big performance. I didn't quite know exactly what he meant. Turns out, I was being put before a Queen, for her birthday. If I were to go well, I'd be set for life. But sitting at her table, wearing my best dress, I realized I was wearing mere rags compared to the people who surrounded me. Course after course of food was brought before me, and all I could think of were the children of the kingdom who were starving. It all made me feel... sick to my stomach. I realized I didn't belong, I would never belong. I wasn't one of these people."
Bree began to play on the lute, the love song her father had written for her mother. "I played this song, in honor of my mother. The more I thought of her, I knew that she would feel the same, so I made my decision. I started insulting the Queen, pointing out that her dress cost enough to feed a village for a year. The nobles loved it, laughing and encouraging me to continue, so I did. I didn't think of the consequences of my actions. I never really do..." She trailed off a moment, allowing the music to fill the air. "Finally, the Queen called for me to be arrested. Then I ran. I again didn't think of the consequences, didn't think of my dad, of the troupe. I just ran until I was lost. For days I ran, afraid to turn back. I ended up in a village, knowing in my heart the Queen had killed my father for my actions. But I never returned, even to this day." Bree swallowed hard again. "But my shame doesn't end there. Oh no, it follows me around like a shadow. You see, I have this ring that gives me visions, and just today, it gave me a vision, of which my father was able to contact me. Turns out, he wasn't killed by the Queen, he was only captured. He escaped her dungeon, only to be captured by Lord Etter, the fake Lord Etter. That's how he died. Captured by a rakshasa in order to get to me, and that is how he died. Being used as a pawn in this horrible game I've found myself sucked into." Bree closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, I'm begging you, tell me about the Amulet of na'Haroon, what it is, what its powers are, and how it can be destroyed. Because this is all I have left. This is the last way to redeem myself."
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Thell reached over and gripped Bree's free hand with his own, firmly he held it. It was the first time he had heard the full story, sure Bree had mentioned her dad the famous musician that night in the garden, but not what had come of him. She had even played that song, he was sure of it. Suddenly so many things became clear, especially how his own actions would have caused her so much pain.
He looked back to the gnome, "She's given you your payment, at the expense of her own happiness. Tell us what you know"
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InsidersOOC: After rereading my post, I've realized that Bree's payment wasn't a story. Her payment was her pride.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
((OOG I am working on the post, just wanted y'all to know I am here and this will take a minute... you'll see why once it is posted. And Fire, that's deep... Hopefully, your payment will be for something worth while. :) ))
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
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InsidersOOC: Here's hoping. Bree's putting it all on the line and has nothing left to offer.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
"As you can see, na'Haroon just wanted to live. At first, it seemed like he just wanted to be an immortal to live with his Lord, but as time progressed he became something else. His plans for an everlasting life became mired in the bog of envy and pride. When we look back at the history of this myth, for it is very old and not many knows of it, we can see that this is the recipe for most stories to come after. We have an anti-hero who has a need, then that need becomes emotionally charged." Parsnips says as after she tells you the first part of the Legend. She looks tired, as if telling you has taken her energy away.
She walks over her desk and sits down in her chair, some more tea is conjured and she takes long drinks of the cup.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
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Insiders"What of the amulet itself? Surely there's information about the amulet somewhere in this legend?" Bree looks at her tea, deciding she doesn't want it after all.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
(OOC - meanwhile back in the kitchen....)
Damn fey spaghetti....
Tabaxi with a penchant for shenans. He will....shenan again...
(OOC: Meanwhile back in the room we were all in)
(OOG: Thank Billy :) )
Breeze, the Air Genasi Rogue in G.M.O.A.T.S sunless citadel
Guldrum, the Dwarf Barbarian in Ye ol' Yarn Spun Legend
Baku, the Tortle Bloodhunter in Coliseum of Conquest
"Patience is the art of concealing your impatience, dearie." Parsnips with say with a grandmotherly smile. "But this is your Legend now, Bree Underland. So, where was I? Oh, yes, the making of the Godslayer..."
"Be careful with it, Bree. Even myth's hold power."
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
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InsidersBree thought on this information for a while. "Let's say that the amulet is real, and one could get their hands on it. From the story you just told me, the amulet sound pretty evil. How would someone go about destroying it? Could it effect someone who held the amulet, but never wore it?"
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
Quaf thinks that maybe there is something the Princess is hiding and wouldn't tell...
Insight 7
(OOC - go Quaf go! Kat would so be all up in her grill too if he weren't still in the kitchen)
Tabaxi with a penchant for shenans. He will....shenan again...
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
(OOC - Crenshininbon??? where! Kat likes shiny!)
Tabaxi with a penchant for shenans. He will....shenan again...
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Insiders"When the fake Lord Etter told our friend his plans to get the amulet, he mentioned it was 'where no immortal can touch and no mortal can get to.' Could that be the afterlife? If so, how does one get it back there? And you still haven't answered, how does one destroy something like this?"
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
(OOC - new book idea - Kat and the Crystal Shard - HAHAHAHAHA!)
Tabaxi with a penchant for shenans. He will....shenan again...