Astrid's face twists and the dwarf shakes her head trying to get the jarring noise out of her ears.
"Ooo..! That was no good. I couldn't make a good connection with her," she says concerned. "I hope she's okay. I think she tried to reply, but there was a lot of other noise. Perhaps she's not on this world any more, or maybe someone is in her mind. Either way, this is troubling."
“Maybe she’s already in Valentine’s domain.” Caio replies, grave as ever. His eyes bore holes into the luxurious hardwood floor. It’s just a guess, but it’s well within the realm of possibility. “We’re doomed unless we can gather more resources, more allies, and more knowledge, even going up against Clarissa as we are now would be folly. The power we need to defeat them exists, we must simply find it.” Caio moves to the door, clearly not intending to enjoy their fine accommodations any time soon. “We have much work to do.”
Alaris shakes their hair out and pushes themselves to their feet. Their silvery eyes appear more of a hazy and tarnished grey, but they move to follow Caio. "Ugh... what day is it and how long has it been today?"
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Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
“Finding an arcanist,” Caio calls back, still making haste out of the inn and expecting everyone to keep up. “Matron preserve me, I may actually miss Nikolai after all,” he says with a sigh, slowing down as they exit onto the street. “Our first obstacle is breaking into a magically protected demiplane. I‘d like to find a learned mage who specializes in wards that’s willing to assist us, or at the very least point us in the right direction.”
Falling into the familiar role of an investigator, Caio begins asking around and is quickly pointed in the direction of the Blue district. The streets in this part of the city are lined with occult bookstores and potion shops. It's a place where whispers of arcane knowledge linger in the air.
Caio's investigation leads him to a tower known as the Sanctum of Rifts. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the Blue district, the sanctum is a bastion of magical energy, protected by layers of intricate wards and sigils. Its keeper is purported to be one Elias Aetherweaver, Warden of the Rifts. The mage's reputation attributes him unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the arts of warding and planar manipulation.
There is an excitement the others have only seen come out of Caio when he is on the hunt. He practically races through the Blue District, though his haste is not without focus. He notes particularly interesting storefronts and advertisements as he goes, but he is intent on making it to the Sanctum of Rifts. As the tower comes into view in all its warded glory, the inquisitor actually smiles.
”There.” he breathes. Taking meticulous care not to trip any stray sigil lines, he picks his way to the door and knocks.
“The Septem Mortale,” Caio responds with a curt bow. “We are Slayers. We seek the Warden’s guidance and perhaps assistance regarding a particular quest of ours. If his sterling reputation holds true, it would be an honor to speak with him.”
The door swings open to reveal a corridor with dark wood flooring and panelling. Paintings line the walls, occasionally interspersed by a sideboard, console or vitrine. The passageway seems disproportionately long for the building's footprint.
Wasting no time, Caio strides confidently down the corridor, swiftly noting any wards he might pass along the way as if simply being in the tower is a learning experience.
As Caio strides down the passage, he almost marches straight past an arched doorway that slowly swings open. Inside is a room of similar decor that is dominated by a long table that runs down the middle of the room. At the head of the table stands a dusky skinned half-elf wearing ostentatious arcane robes woven of a deep blue fabric.
"Welcome, Slayers of the Septem Mortale," he greets his guests. "What brings you to my door?"
“Thank you, Warden.” he replies, giving a slight bow. “Ironically it is another door which brings us to yours. An entrance to a demiplane lies here in the city, and only a member of its creator’s bloodline may open it. There are also all manner of wards and dangers once inside, but we can’t even begin to deal with those until we have gained access.” he pauses, letting the information sink in but also weighing how much to reveal. “The realm is the private sanctum of a powerful and nefarious mage. He has captured one of our own and schemes at gaining even more power, to what ends we can only imagine. We seek to free our chosen kin and put a stop to this villain’s plots which could threaten all of Arden if left unchecked. I’m sure your services do not run cheap, but we are in dire straits. Even a point in the right direction might prove paramount to our efforts.”
Elias nods to Caio in solemn recognition, but remains silent, his arms folded as he listens to the shadow elf's story. Only when the tale finally comes to an end, does the man give any further reaction.
"You speak of Valentine Morgenstern?" He asks. The sentence is formulated as a question, but the mage's words ring with confidence.
“Precisely.” Caio response, holding his breath to see what the mage says next. He doubts that Elias is an ally of the Morgensterns, if they’re lucky he is one of Valentine’s likely numerous enemies. But the possibility does exist that the Septem have just doomed themselves by coming here and revealing so much information to a man they’ve never met, and Caio begins mentally running through their options for escaping the mage’s tower.
“You tell a grave tale and the dangers that you face are not to be underestimated. Demiplanes are intricate, capricious realms that often reflect the mind of their creator. Morgenstern's sanctum will be rife with traps, wards and obstacles designed to thwart any intruder."
The Warden paces over to a translucent window in the wall opposite the door and gazes into its azure depths, his back to his guests as he speaks.
"Accessing a demiplane locked to a bloodline is a formidable challenge, but not insurmountable. I can provide you with a way to bypass the wards at the entrance, although it will require a significant portion of my time and resources. As for navigating the sanctum and neutralising the threats within, you will need more than just courage and determination."
The mage turns once more and returns to the table.
"I can prepare a set of arcane keys, enchanted to resonate with the Morgenstern bloodline. If you know the door, then these will grant you entry into the demiplane. However, to perform the enchantment I first need something from you - a piece of the Morgenstern bloodline. A lock of hair. A drop of blood. A fingernail clipping. Anything of the like will do, but to fool Valentine's wards, I need a piece of his own."
The breath that Caio has been holding escapes along with a rare smile. “Incredible! We would be greatly in your debt, and would happily offer our services in exchange for this.” He turns to his friends, who would be warmed to see the shadow elf filled with hope if even just for the moment. That hope quickly steels to his more typical determination and focus as he continues, “We have an ally in Valentine’s son, Jonathan. He informed us that his key no longer functions, his father has locked him out as he works against him, but might his blood still be viable for your enchantment?”
Elias hesitates when Caio explains that Jonathan has been locked out.
"...perhaps. It is possible, but the chance of failure will be higher if the subject has been knowingly excluded. Another Morgenstern would make a better subject.
As for your debt, I understand the urgent nature of your quest. In lieu of my usual fee, I will require a favour — a promise to retrieve an artefact from Valentine’s sanctum. The Celestial Orrery. It is a relic of great significance to my own studies and, in the wrong hands, it could be catastrophic. Retrieve it for me, and our debts will be settled."
The sight of Caio so enthused and jovial cemented a creeping sense of hope that had been planted by the news that her life could indeed be saved. Stepping forward, her voice sounds out into the space for the first time.
"Thank you, Warden. We will retrieve the Celestial Orrery and deliver it here upon the completion of our goal."
She then turns to Caio and the others. "So Clarissa is our move, then? As the Warden said, there's a higher chance that Jonathan's blood will fail. We'll only get one shot at this."
"You will know it when you see it," Elias tells Shiva. "It is housed within a crystalline sphere the size of a large apple and contains many orbs and rings supported by golden gears and armatures. The base is made of polished obsidian. Valentine likely keeps it within a vault of some kind."
Astrid's face twists and the dwarf shakes her head trying to get the jarring noise out of her ears.
"Ooo..! That was no good. I couldn't make a good connection with her," she says concerned. "I hope she's okay. I think she tried to reply, but there was a lot of other noise. Perhaps she's not on this world any more, or maybe someone is in her mind. Either way, this is troubling."
“Maybe she’s already in Valentine’s domain.” Caio replies, grave as ever. His eyes bore holes into the luxurious hardwood floor. It’s just a guess, but it’s well within the realm of possibility. “We’re doomed unless we can gather more resources, more allies, and more knowledge, even going up against Clarissa as we are now would be folly. The power we need to defeat them exists, we must simply find it.” Caio moves to the door, clearly not intending to enjoy their fine accommodations any time soon. “We have much work to do.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Alaris shakes their hair out and pushes themselves to their feet. Their silvery eyes appear more of a hazy and tarnished grey, but they move to follow Caio. "Ugh... what day is it and how long has it been today?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Wrapped in her own internal conversation, Shiva snaps to attention and rises to her feet to follow the others.
"I have no idea, Ari. But it's been today for at least a week."
She then looks to Caio. "So what's the first step?"
“Finding an arcanist,” Caio calls back, still making haste out of the inn and expecting everyone to keep up. “Matron preserve me, I may actually miss Nikolai after all,” he says with a sigh, slowing down as they exit onto the street. “Our first obstacle is breaking into a magically protected demiplane. I‘d like to find a learned mage who specializes in wards that’s willing to assist us, or at the very least point us in the right direction.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Falling into the familiar role of an investigator, Caio begins asking around and is quickly pointed in the direction of the Blue district. The streets in this part of the city are lined with occult bookstores and potion shops. It's a place where whispers of arcane knowledge linger in the air.
Caio's investigation leads him to a tower known as the Sanctum of Rifts. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the Blue district, the sanctum is a bastion of magical energy, protected by layers of intricate wards and sigils. Its keeper is purported to be one Elias Aetherweaver, Warden of the Rifts. The mage's reputation attributes him unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the arts of warding and planar manipulation.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
There is an excitement the others have only seen come out of Caio when he is on the hunt. He practically races through the Blue District, though his haste is not without focus. He notes particularly interesting storefronts and advertisements as he goes, but he is intent on making it to the Sanctum of Rifts. As the tower comes into view in all its warded glory, the inquisitor actually smiles.
”There.” he breathes. Taking meticulous care not to trip any stray sigil lines, he picks his way to the door and knocks.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The blue-painted wood of the door warps and shifts until lips, a nose and eyes form on its surface.
"Who calls upon the Warden of the Rifts?" It asks in a deep, rich tone.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
“The Septem Mortale,” Caio responds with a curt bow. “We are Slayers. We seek the Warden’s guidance and perhaps assistance regarding a particular quest of ours. If his sterling reputation holds true, it would be an honor to speak with him.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The door swings open to reveal a corridor with dark wood flooring and panelling. Paintings line the walls, occasionally interspersed by a sideboard, console or vitrine. The passageway seems disproportionately long for the building's footprint.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Wasting no time, Caio strides confidently down the corridor, swiftly noting any wards he might pass along the way as if simply being in the tower is a learning experience.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
As Caio strides down the passage, he almost marches straight past an arched doorway that slowly swings open. Inside is a room of similar decor that is dominated by a long table that runs down the middle of the room. At the head of the table stands a dusky skinned half-elf wearing ostentatious arcane robes woven of a deep blue fabric.
"Welcome, Slayers of the Septem Mortale," he greets his guests. "What brings you to my door?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
“Thank you, Warden.” he replies, giving a slight bow. “Ironically it is another door which brings us to yours. An entrance to a demiplane lies here in the city, and only a member of its creator’s bloodline may open it. There are also all manner of wards and dangers once inside, but we can’t even begin to deal with those until we have gained access.” he pauses, letting the information sink in but also weighing how much to reveal. “The realm is the private sanctum of a powerful and nefarious mage. He has captured one of our own and schemes at gaining even more power, to what ends we can only imagine. We seek to free our chosen kin and put a stop to this villain’s plots which could threaten all of Arden if left unchecked. I’m sure your services do not run cheap, but we are in dire straits. Even a point in the right direction might prove paramount to our efforts.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Elias nods to Caio in solemn recognition, but remains silent, his arms folded as he listens to the shadow elf's story. Only when the tale finally comes to an end, does the man give any further reaction.
"You speak of Valentine Morgenstern?" He asks. The sentence is formulated as a question, but the mage's words ring with confidence.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
“Precisely.” Caio response, holding his breath to see what the mage says next. He doubts that Elias is an ally of the Morgensterns, if they’re lucky he is one of Valentine’s likely numerous enemies. But the possibility does exist that the Septem have just doomed themselves by coming here and revealing so much information to a man they’ve never met, and Caio begins mentally running through their options for escaping the mage’s tower.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Elias nods in solemn understanding.
“You tell a grave tale and the dangers that you face are not to be underestimated. Demiplanes are intricate, capricious realms that often reflect the mind of their creator. Morgenstern's sanctum will be rife with traps, wards and obstacles designed to thwart any intruder."
The Warden paces over to a translucent window in the wall opposite the door and gazes into its azure depths, his back to his guests as he speaks.
"Accessing a demiplane locked to a bloodline is a formidable challenge, but not insurmountable. I can provide you with a way to bypass the wards at the entrance, although it will require a significant portion of my time and resources. As for navigating the sanctum and neutralising the threats within, you will need more than just courage and determination."
The mage turns once more and returns to the table.
"I can prepare a set of arcane keys, enchanted to resonate with the Morgenstern bloodline. If you know the door, then these will grant you entry into the demiplane. However, to perform the enchantment I first need something from you - a piece of the Morgenstern bloodline. A lock of hair. A drop of blood. A fingernail clipping. Anything of the like will do, but to fool Valentine's wards, I need a piece of his own."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
The breath that Caio has been holding escapes along with a rare smile. “Incredible! We would be greatly in your debt, and would happily offer our services in exchange for this.” He turns to his friends, who would be warmed to see the shadow elf filled with hope if even just for the moment. That hope quickly steels to his more typical determination and focus as he continues, “We have an ally in Valentine’s son, Jonathan. He informed us that his key no longer functions, his father has locked him out as he works against him, but might his blood still be viable for your enchantment?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Elias hesitates when Caio explains that Jonathan has been locked out.
"...perhaps. It is possible, but the chance of failure will be higher if the subject has been knowingly excluded. Another Morgenstern would make a better subject.
As for your debt, I understand the urgent nature of your quest. In lieu of my usual fee, I will require a favour — a promise to retrieve an artefact from Valentine’s sanctum. The Celestial Orrery. It is a relic of great significance to my own studies and, in the wrong hands, it could be catastrophic. Retrieve it for me, and our debts will be settled."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
The sight of Caio so enthused and jovial cemented a creeping sense of hope that had been planted by the news that her life could indeed be saved. Stepping forward, her voice sounds out into the space for the first time.
"Thank you, Warden. We will retrieve the Celestial Orrery and deliver it here upon the completion of our goal."
She then turns to Caio and the others. "So Clarissa is our move, then? As the Warden said, there's a higher chance that Jonathan's blood will fail. We'll only get one shot at this."
"You will know it when you see it," Elias tells Shiva. "It is housed within a crystalline sphere the size of a large apple and contains many orbs and rings supported by golden gears and armatures. The base is made of polished obsidian. Valentine likely keeps it within a vault of some kind."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva