(OOC - to the far gate? as in the one farther from where we are or the one farthest from the enemy-mass and closest to where aisha currently is?? Will wait for confirmation before posting as this will effect actions)
"I don't think these patrons are worthy of our dark lord's strikes, Mistress. (speaking to Harmony). We need someone to make sure they don't disrupt our ritual."
Telepathically: "That means I don't think I can take that many."
Abraxas looks from the town to the dam investigating how long it will take the water from the dam to reach the town: 10. He gestures for the lizardfolk to follow him as he moves just within range and readys an action. He will cast Vitriolic Sphere at the weak spot in the dam he located earlier as the last of the prisoners, party members, and any allies them approach the gate. The dam needs to make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save it takes 19 acid damage and 19 more acid damage at the end of its next turn.
Aiming for the base of the dam, he thinks that should burst it. If not, he will cast Lightning Bolt next.
Sorry for the delay, and sorry for the confusion. I'm using the original layout as seen from the plateau as a reference point - "far gate" would be the gate furthest from the plateau, or closest to the prisoners. Not the gate that Harmony and Jove entered through.
As for the dam, the river it is holding back is plentiful. The force of the first burst of water could reach the settlement very quickly, and would first reach the area by the stone altar, where salamander-Harmony and sacrifice-Jove currently are.
Aisha was a bit perturbed they hadn't started moving sooner, but relieved that they 'finally' had. But before letting the tension out of her limbs, she would command the spirit to stay where it was, and, with the fight 'over' Tsavi knew to move towards it, so it could heal both her and Mro by flying in slow circles around them. (3 - 6 - 2 - 3 - 1 - 3)
Then, Aisha would have Tsavi sprint along the far edges to do her best to not be seen, after Aisha commanded her to make her presence known to Harmony and Jove, while doing her best NOT to be noticed by the combative throng (I don't know if a stealth roll is needed) and to wave her paw in a 'shoo' motion as best she could, before slipping out of sight, and climbing the wall both to get away, and to not draw the fight to the prisoners.
Aisha would collect as many of her arrows from the salamander that were salvageable, if any, unless somehow it would still scorch her after the first time.
Aisha herself would wait for another two minutes, before finally firing the arrow up at the dam, to alert Abraxus it was almost time to 'do the thing' to allow the others, as well as herself and the prisoners time to break away from the fight and get to the plateau.
Aisha however, instead of going to the plateau, would then run as fast as her dashing agility would allow to go where Abraxus was. So as to not leave him alone, should any enemies appear.
Careful not to start too soon and keeping an eye on the lizardfolk, Abraxas will cast his spell.
He will immediately cast Levitate upon himself next. As he rises above the water, he will extend his hand to the lizardfolk. He will try to look harmless.
Harmony had heard Jove, nodding back as she saw all the lizardfolk still left and also the fact that more combat was going on, seeing the prisoners escaping like they had planned. That must mean Aisha and Abraxas were successful and will be blowing up the dam, this confirmed as she spots Tsavi too. "Yes, it is clear that these fools are not worthy and will meet their demise at some point. That one at least is loyal." she says back before pointing at and addressing the one salamander. "You should be proud, Lord Zuzeca will reward you for such true faith unlike the rest. Continue to sacrifice the others and know that if you die, it will not be in vain." Harmony had said to the salamander with a smile. "Let us be off." she then says to Jove as she quickly gets off the altar and leads the way back to where they had first come in from the top of the plateau. 'Come on, let's go! Prisoners are escaping as planned which means Aisha and Abraxas will destroy the dam soon!' she telepathically says to Jove, keeping up the Darkness spell.
Action: Dash back towards where they came down from and back up to the top of the plateau
The scene near the altar has grown to a frenzy. Though a couple of the lizardfolk run after Jove, the rest are focused on the salamander, which is still lost in Harmony's thrall. The vicious creature impales lizardfolk with its spear, throwing their bodies aside as the rest fall on it. The air is filled with the screams of lizardfolk, burning from their proximity to the salamander's flesh.
"Go," Mro Jus Bir nods to Aisha. "I will get them to a safe distance." He runs toward the far gate, helping to speed along some of the older prisoners, while Aisha sprints through the settlement, circling the lizardfolk fight and following Harmony and Jove through the near gate and back up the path to the plateau.
There are still a dozen lizardfolk below, standing over the body of the slain salamander, when Abraxas unleashes acid on a weak point of the dam, shortly after the others arrive. The nearby lizardfolk, still unarmed, backs away cautiously from the new arrivals, sitting on the ground a short distance away and watching Abraxas. The acid splinters away a portion of the base of the dam. It starts as a trickle of water leaking through, and as the wizard prepares to damage it further, a loud crack precedes another portion of the dam breaking away, and then another. And then the rest of it shatters, shaking the ground, unable to hold back the pressure of the river flowing beneath it.
The guards at the dam having not had time to warn their kin, the surviving lizardfolk are taken completely by surprise. The deluge of water swallows them up, slamming into the closest structures and crumbling them. Strangely, the water wraps around the altar, leaving it untouched at first. Steam begins to rise from the altar as the water crashes around it, and the ground begins to rumble. Jove is filled with intense pain suddenly, dropping to the ground and clutching his head. The water near the altar bubbles and hisses, reinforced continuously by the cascading flow of the river above, an ancient waterfall returned to life. Finally, the altar is swallowed. The shaking stops, and Jove collapses unconscious.
And then, a moment of darkness - and just as quickly, the warm, humid climate of Vandyr is replaced by the cool stillness of a forest in twilight. You find yourselves sitting on logs surrounding a quaint campfire, with the exception of Jove, who is laying on the ground. Crouched over him is the beautiful human woman from your shared dream so long ago, though now Aisha has joined you in this vision as well. Also seated across from you is a familiar human man, bald, plain, and non-descript in every way. You've seen him before, somewhere. Olive is not with you.
The woman places her hand on Jove, and he gasps, returned to consciousness in a cold sweat. "Rest easy, my child." Her words flow like honey, silky and smooth, yet haunting, as if coming from another world. "You have freed yourself of Zuzeca's influence, and denied him success in his plot."
She moves to sit near the bald man, who has his hands folded into his sleeves, staring into the fire. "You have all exceeded even my great expectations. I commend your courage, fortitude, and bravery. You have earned answers to the questions you have found unanswered," she says.
He uses his action to throw the dark blade behind him at one of the hostile lizard folk in the darkness, then uses a bonus action to call it back. He then catches up to Harmony and follows her.
Atk: 24 Psychic Damage: 10.
It seems Barty and I posted at the same time. lol.
Abraxas stares around him. He takes out his journal and makes frantic notes on the change in the weather, their dreams, and behavior of the water around the alter. As questions form, he may ask them.
Harmony was glad to see Aisha as they all went back up to the top of the plateau, relieved. She drops the disguise, looking down to see the lizardfolk still there and the salamander having been killed. She saw Abraxas damage the dam before it soon cracked and then broke, the water flowing out through the settlement and swallowing up the lizardfolk. She saw the steam come up from the altar, nervous as the ground rumbled and noticed that Jove fell to the ground holding his head. "Jove!" she says, hearing the hissing before the ground had finally stopped shaking. There was darkness for a second before they appeared in a twilight forest, sitting on logs around a campfire except for Jove. But there was the human woman who they've talked to in their vision before crouching over him, now seeing that Aisha is here too and noticing the bald plain human man across from them, feeling like she's seen him before. But Olive is not here though, watching the woman touch Jove as he woke up, now so relieved. Then Harmony listened to her tell him that he has been freed of Zuzeca and denied him success in his plot before she sits next to the bald man. He speaks up about they've exceeded his expectations, commending them and having earned answers to unanswered questions. "Thank you. But who are you? Did we prevent the end of the world? Will everything be at peace now? How do we get home? Where's Olive?" Harmony thanked him before she immediately started firing off questions, so confused and wanting to get some answers.
The woman offers a patient smile. "You have forgotten me so soon? We have met before, Anilith Domarien. Perhaps you wrote it off as a dream, but I assure you where you are is very much real. I am Gabrielle, she who brought you to Rikirta to halt the motion of deities who have broken their promise made long ago, to step beyond fire, beyond frost, beyond twilight to save our existence and yours. Surely you have not forgotten? You have already stopped the plot of Zuzeca, he of snakes, who was the first to reveal himself," she says.
"Your actions have not prevented the end of the world, yet. Zuzeca's plot would have resulted in the death and destruction of all in Ruskivek, and perhaps more. But there are others who have not yet revealed their treachery,"she answers.
She looks to Jove, who still appears slightly dazed. "Zuzeca's altar was his portal back to the Material Plane. It was his influence that drew you to it, my child; with a weaker man, his idea would have worked. He tried to inhabit your body, but you resisted his call. That is all the confirmation we need that we made the correct choices," she says, glancing back to the bald man. "Aisha as well, chosen by Ginan, he of stealth and twilight. However, I fear for Yuloss's chosen, the one you call Olive. That she was not brought here bodes ill, either of her will or Yuloss. I fear for both."
She sighs, turning back to answer Harmony, "Victory over those who will reveal themselves still will carry you home to Toril. When their plots have been halted and twisted against them, our worlds will be safe, but never at peace, so long as evil exists."
Harmony was listening to the woman, very surprised and shaking her head. "No, I didn't forget. I do remember you and everything you said. It was him that I was wondering about. Please, just call me Harmony." she had said back to Gabrielle, gesturing to the man. She had been especially surprised but not happy at the woman knowing her full name and using it, not having gone by it at all since she left home. She continued to listen as apparently they haven't prevented the end of the world yet, that there are still others that haven't revealed their treachery. Harmony heard that the altar was his portal to the Material Plane, Zuzeca having tried to inhabit Jove's body but he resisted luckily. She was glad to hear that before Gabrielle went on, realizing now that the bald man is actually the one who chose Aisha, Ginan. She was worried, hearing that something bad could have happened to Olive since she wasn't brought here too. She nodded as Gabrielle said that once they have victory over the treacherous ones and stop their plots, then their worlds will be safe and they can go back to home. "Ah, alright then. Guess we still have to stay here then and keep on helping out by stopping the rest who would reveal themselves." Harmony would say back with a smile, glad to still be of help and now one step closer to their goal of getting back to their world.
Jove begins to sit up, but lies back down and holds his head. "So what do we need to do next? I vote for a good night's rest, then I should be back in action. But we still need a direction to head in."
"Ah, but you see, you already have your direction," the man by the fire finally speaks, a grim, monotonous voice that brings a feeling of unease. He locks eyes with Aisha. "Aisha's curiosity has already led her to where you need to be. I chose wisely, you see."
As all this is going on Aisha looks around for Tsavi... trying to see if she was here too, Looking every which way in a bit of a panic. But even as she did, she was listening fervently to the conversation. And as it seemed it was concluding, Aisha'es eyes locked onto the two 'gods.' Clearly she was angry in much the same fashion she had been when she first arrived in Ruskivek, and first met the people gathered around her. Pointing her finger at 'Gabrielle' with accusatory intent. How darrre you! she says with a growl as she takes several steps closer to the dieties after standing from the position she 'awoke' in.
You are so purroud of us arre you? For doing this task? We risk our lives for your goals after you ripped us away frrrom ourr own lives. Her accent was bleeding heavily into her infuriated words. And while she didn't step closer yet, it was clear she wanted to. Whether her actions were brash and fooldhardy, or brave was hard to tell. And as we worrk tirrelesly to work for your goals despite this, we are offered "Thanks and Answers" for it all? Is that it? Rufauna! You insult us, your chosen champions. You have stolen ourrr lives and frrree will frrrom us, and offerrr us pats on the back and worrrrds?! You insult us all. Perhaps Harmony is willing to just accept this, as she is verrry... nice. And it seems everrryone else so far is willing to just accept this offhand. But THIS ONE, is nyot!
Aisha dares take a few steps closer to Gabrielle. And then you have the nerrrve to tell us all 'we arrre nyot done?! Did it ever Cross your minds in your clearrrly infinite wisdom the last few words laces with frustrated spite to ask? To consider the opinion and feelings of your "chosen"? nyo? Instead you just take. It was the 'gods' of my world who's stupididity thrust my people into another dimension for centuries, ripped frrrom our home into a nightmare realm because of their duplic... Dupli.. Because of their lack of control! And NYOW even as I sought my sister in my peoples home world as she was lost, even as I sought to make my trrribe grow stronger while doing so, am torn away by other dieties with no respect, and again, I am thrrrust into a world that is nyot my home! Torn away from my only remaining family to do their bidding! Even if doing so spares my home worrrld in the process, have you NYO respect at all?! by this point Aisha was heaving in her rage and clearly buried beneath it all was pain she was trying her best to hide. The only indication being the quivering of her eyes and lips as she took another look around for Tsavi.... Had you just ASKED, Aisha may very well have taken up your call rrregardless for her sisters sake! Aisha's finger pointing at whoever she felt was most directly responsible for her current claim, such as Ginan for taking her from her world. And Gabrielle for offering 'answers' for all their troubles.
You ask us to do this and give us nyothing! Aisha has done her best with the nyothing you gave us to find ways to make us stronger. But all you offer are words. So then, if that is all you are good for, then this one will ask the most important question of wise ones. Tell her; How much longerrr do we have to do this? How much time do we have before the doom of our worlds? You should nyow this, or atleast have a guess!?
At this point, Aisha collapses onto all fours, her body trembling, as tears stream down her face, her lip quivering uncontrollably but hidden behind her long hair as it fell like a curtain over her visage. It was clear she was barely able to maintain even this crouching position.
if she wasn't smitten for her arrogance or something similar after hearing their replies, she would add, in a quaking voice Can you nyot... atleast... send us to the town Aisha heard the rumorr about...
Gabrielle kneels down next to Aisha and places a hand on the stressed tabaxi's back. She exudes an aura of warmth, understanding, and sadness. "Were it so simple as knocking on Toril's door and asking permission..." she sighs.
"Gain hold of your emotion and think on your time here," Ginan speaks. "You already bear my influence; subtlety, movement through shadows and dusk, thievery...you have felt the call since your time here, have you not: The urge, the itch to place your hand inside another's pocket and take what is theirs, for the joy it brings to work your sleight of hand?" His eyes never leave the fire as he speaks, "We wield power and understanding beyond that of mortals, but we are not omnipotent. We can only give you what you are willing to take yourself. We have sworn an oath to never interfere directly. But there are subtle ways..." As he finishes, your minds flash to an image of Aisha speaking with a human man in an office, accepting a deed to a manor. Then a flash to an image of this manor, within Ruskivek. Then a flash inside the manor, to the cellar, to an etching on the floor: A teleportation circle. "Your curiosity has already led you to where you need to be," Ginan states again.
"Understand that you are not only fighting for Rikirta. Zuzeca's ambition did not stop here. Though it pains me to hear of your sister, it will all be for naught if Zuzeca's conspirators set their eyes on Toril next." Gabrielle says soothingly.
Harmony was surprised as Ginan said that Aisha's curiosity has led her to where they need to go next, now relieved. That's good, after getting some sleep they can head out to wherever that is. But she had been extremely shocked when Aisha started yelling at Gabrielle and Ginan for taking them from their lives and making them accomplish their goals for only words and answers in exchange. The other told the two that they could have asked them all, talking about how the gods in her world messed with her people and now feeling like it's happening again, that she would have taken up their call if they had just asked. Aisha asked them how much longer they have to do this, how much time is left before that doom and that they should know or have a guess. Harmony immediately ran over when she saw Aisha collapse with her body trembling, and even crying. "Aisha, it'll be okay. We're here for you and for each other, all in this together." she gently said to the other, reassuring and comforting her by also hugging her close and putting her arm around her shoulder. While she did agree a bit about being unexpectedly taken from their normal lives to here, having to do all this without being asked first, she did not mind since it has to do with keeping their home worlds safe after all. Then she saw Gabrielle come over and try to comfort Aisha as well. She listened to Ginan before she then saw the images of Aisha getting the deed to the manor, the manor itself and inside there the cellar with etching on the floor, a teleportation circle. It was a good thing that they decided to keep that manor then! Harmony had heard Gabrielle, nodding back as she definitely did not want that to happen either.
(OOC - to the far gate? as in the one farther from where we are or the one farthest from the enemy-mass and closest to where aisha currently is?? Will wait for confirmation before posting as this will effect actions)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"I don't think these patrons are worthy of our dark lord's strikes, Mistress. (speaking to Harmony). We need someone to make sure they don't disrupt our ritual."
Telepathically: "That means I don't think I can take that many."
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Abraxas looks from the town to the dam investigating how long it will take the water from the dam to reach the town: 10. He gestures for the lizardfolk to follow him as he moves just within range and readys an action. He will cast Vitriolic Sphere at the weak spot in the dam he located earlier as the last of the prisoners, party members, and any allies them approach the gate. The dam needs to make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save it takes 19 acid damage and 19 more acid damage at the end of its next turn.
Aiming for the base of the dam, he thinks that should burst it. If not, he will cast Lightning Bolt next.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
(Waiting on adjudication still for my post but LMFAO.... Imagining the dam doing a dex save
Occassional Dungeon Master.
OOC: Lol! I think the dam's DEX bonus is -10.
Sorry for the delay, and sorry for the confusion. I'm using the original layout as seen from the plateau as a reference point - "far gate" would be the gate furthest from the plateau, or closest to the prisoners. Not the gate that Harmony and Jove entered through.
As for the dam, the river it is holding back is plentiful. The force of the first burst of water could reach the settlement very quickly, and would first reach the area by the stone altar, where salamander-Harmony and sacrifice-Jove currently are.
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Aisha was a bit perturbed they hadn't started moving sooner, but relieved that they 'finally' had. But before letting the tension out of her limbs, she would command the spirit to stay where it was, and, with the fight 'over' Tsavi knew to move towards it, so it could heal both her and Mro by flying in slow circles around them. (3 - 6 - 2 - 3 - 1 - 3)
Then, Aisha would have Tsavi sprint along the far edges to do her best to not be seen, after Aisha commanded her to make her presence known to Harmony and Jove, while doing her best NOT to be noticed by the combative throng (I don't know if a stealth roll is needed) and to wave her paw in a 'shoo' motion as best she could, before slipping out of sight, and climbing the wall both to get away, and to not draw the fight to the prisoners.
Aisha would collect as many of her arrows from the salamander that were salvageable, if any, unless somehow it would still scorch her after the first time.
Aisha herself would wait for another two minutes, before finally firing the arrow up at the dam, to alert Abraxus it was almost time to 'do the thing' to allow the others, as well as herself and the prisoners time to break away from the fight and get to the plateau.
Aisha however, instead of going to the plateau, would then run as fast as her dashing agility would allow to go where Abraxus was. So as to not leave him alone, should any enemies appear.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Careful not to start too soon and keeping an eye on the lizardfolk, Abraxas will cast his spell.
He will immediately cast Levitate upon himself next. As he rises above the water, he will extend his hand to the lizardfolk. He will try to look harmless.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Harmony had heard Jove, nodding back as she saw all the lizardfolk still left and also the fact that more combat was going on, seeing the prisoners escaping like they had planned. That must mean Aisha and Abraxas were successful and will be blowing up the dam, this confirmed as she spots Tsavi too. "Yes, it is clear that these fools are not worthy and will meet their demise at some point. That one at least is loyal." she says back before pointing at and addressing the one salamander. "You should be proud, Lord Zuzeca will reward you for such true faith unlike the rest. Continue to sacrifice the others and know that if you die, it will not be in vain." Harmony had said to the salamander with a smile. "Let us be off." she then says to Jove as she quickly gets off the altar and leads the way back to where they had first come in from the top of the plateau. 'Come on, let's go! Prisoners are escaping as planned which means Aisha and Abraxas will destroy the dam soon!' she telepathically says to Jove, keeping up the Darkness spell.
Action: Dash back towards where they came down from and back up to the top of the plateau
OOC: Sorry for the delay, DMed for my RL group today and this next post is one I don't want to rush. I'll try to get it in tomorrow afternoon.
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OOC: Updated Aisha's arrows.
The scene near the altar has grown to a frenzy. Though a couple of the lizardfolk run after Jove, the rest are focused on the salamander, which is still lost in Harmony's thrall. The vicious creature impales lizardfolk with its spear, throwing their bodies aside as the rest fall on it. The air is filled with the screams of lizardfolk, burning from their proximity to the salamander's flesh.
"Go," Mro Jus Bir nods to Aisha. "I will get them to a safe distance." He runs toward the far gate, helping to speed along some of the older prisoners, while Aisha sprints through the settlement, circling the lizardfolk fight and following Harmony and Jove through the near gate and back up the path to the plateau.
There are still a dozen lizardfolk below, standing over the body of the slain salamander, when Abraxas unleashes acid on a weak point of the dam, shortly after the others arrive. The nearby lizardfolk, still unarmed, backs away cautiously from the new arrivals, sitting on the ground a short distance away and watching Abraxas. The acid splinters away a portion of the base of the dam. It starts as a trickle of water leaking through, and as the wizard prepares to damage it further, a loud crack precedes another portion of the dam breaking away, and then another. And then the rest of it shatters, shaking the ground, unable to hold back the pressure of the river flowing beneath it.
The guards at the dam having not had time to warn their kin, the surviving lizardfolk are taken completely by surprise. The deluge of water swallows them up, slamming into the closest structures and crumbling them. Strangely, the water wraps around the altar, leaving it untouched at first. Steam begins to rise from the altar as the water crashes around it, and the ground begins to rumble. Jove is filled with intense pain suddenly, dropping to the ground and clutching his head. The water near the altar bubbles and hisses, reinforced continuously by the cascading flow of the river above, an ancient waterfall returned to life. Finally, the altar is swallowed. The shaking stops, and Jove collapses unconscious.
And then, a moment of darkness - and just as quickly, the warm, humid climate of Vandyr is replaced by the cool stillness of a forest in twilight. You find yourselves sitting on logs surrounding a quaint campfire, with the exception of Jove, who is laying on the ground. Crouched over him is the beautiful human woman from your shared dream so long ago, though now Aisha has joined you in this vision as well. Also seated across from you is a familiar human man, bald, plain, and non-descript in every way. You've seen him before, somewhere. Olive is not with you.
The woman places her hand on Jove, and he gasps, returned to consciousness in a cold sweat. "Rest easy, my child." Her words flow like honey, silky and smooth, yet haunting, as if coming from another world. "You have freed yourself of Zuzeca's influence, and denied him success in his plot."
She moves to sit near the bald man, who has his hands folded into his sleeves, staring into the fire. "You have all exceeded even my great expectations. I commend your courage, fortitude, and bravery. You have earned answers to the questions you have found unanswered," she says.
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Jove smiles. "Yes mistress of the lord."He uses his action to throw the dark blade behind him at one of the hostile lizard folk in the darkness, then uses a bonus action to call it back. He then catches up to Harmony and follows her.Atk: 24 Psychic Damage: 10.It seems Barty and I posted at the same time. lol.
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
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Abraxas stares around him. He takes out his journal and makes frantic notes on the change in the weather, their dreams, and behavior of the water around the alter. As questions form, he may ask them.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Harmony was glad to see Aisha as they all went back up to the top of the plateau, relieved. She drops the disguise, looking down to see the lizardfolk still there and the salamander having been killed. She saw Abraxas damage the dam before it soon cracked and then broke, the water flowing out through the settlement and swallowing up the lizardfolk. She saw the steam come up from the altar, nervous as the ground rumbled and noticed that Jove fell to the ground holding his head. "Jove!" she says, hearing the hissing before the ground had finally stopped shaking. There was darkness for a second before they appeared in a twilight forest, sitting on logs around a campfire except for Jove. But there was the human woman who they've talked to in their vision before crouching over him, now seeing that Aisha is here too and noticing the bald plain human man across from them, feeling like she's seen him before. But Olive is not here though, watching the woman touch Jove as he woke up, now so relieved. Then Harmony listened to her tell him that he has been freed of Zuzeca and denied him success in his plot before she sits next to the bald man. He speaks up about they've exceeded his expectations, commending them and having earned answers to unanswered questions. "Thank you. But who are you? Did we prevent the end of the world? Will everything be at peace now? How do we get home? Where's Olive?" Harmony thanked him before she immediately started firing off questions, so confused and wanting to get some answers.
The woman offers a patient smile. "You have forgotten me so soon? We have met before, Anilith Domarien. Perhaps you wrote it off as a dream, but I assure you where you are is very much real. I am Gabrielle, she who brought you to Rikirta to halt the motion of deities who have broken their promise made long ago, to step beyond fire, beyond frost, beyond twilight to save our existence and yours. Surely you have not forgotten? You have already stopped the plot of Zuzeca, he of snakes, who was the first to reveal himself," she says.
"Your actions have not prevented the end of the world, yet. Zuzeca's plot would have resulted in the death and destruction of all in Ruskivek, and perhaps more. But there are others who have not yet revealed their treachery," she answers.
She looks to Jove, who still appears slightly dazed. "Zuzeca's altar was his portal back to the Material Plane. It was his influence that drew you to it, my child; with a weaker man, his idea would have worked. He tried to inhabit your body, but you resisted his call. That is all the confirmation we need that we made the correct choices," she says, glancing back to the bald man. "Aisha as well, chosen by Ginan, he of stealth and twilight. However, I fear for Yuloss's chosen, the one you call Olive. That she was not brought here bodes ill, either of her will or Yuloss. I fear for both."
She sighs, turning back to answer Harmony, "Victory over those who will reveal themselves still will carry you home to Toril. When their plots have been halted and twisted against them, our worlds will be safe, but never at peace, so long as evil exists."
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Harmony was listening to the woman, very surprised and shaking her head. "No, I didn't forget. I do remember you and everything you said. It was him that I was wondering about. Please, just call me Harmony." she had said back to Gabrielle, gesturing to the man. She had been especially surprised but not happy at the woman knowing her full name and using it, not having gone by it at all since she left home. She continued to listen as apparently they haven't prevented the end of the world yet, that there are still others that haven't revealed their treachery. Harmony heard that the altar was his portal to the Material Plane, Zuzeca having tried to inhabit Jove's body but he resisted luckily. She was glad to hear that before Gabrielle went on, realizing now that the bald man is actually the one who chose Aisha, Ginan. She was worried, hearing that something bad could have happened to Olive since she wasn't brought here too. She nodded as Gabrielle said that once they have victory over the treacherous ones and stop their plots, then their worlds will be safe and they can go back to home. "Ah, alright then. Guess we still have to stay here then and keep on helping out by stopping the rest who would reveal themselves." Harmony would say back with a smile, glad to still be of help and now one step closer to their goal of getting back to their world.
Jove begins to sit up, but lies back down and holds his head. "So what do we need to do next? I vote for a good night's rest, then I should be back in action. But we still need a direction to head in."
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
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"Ah, but you see, you already have your direction," the man by the fire finally speaks, a grim, monotonous voice that brings a feeling of unease. He locks eyes with Aisha. "Aisha's curiosity has already led her to where you need to be. I chose wisely, you see."
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As all this is going on Aisha looks around for Tsavi... trying to see if she was here too, Looking every which way in a bit of a panic. But even as she did, she was listening fervently to the conversation. And as it seemed it was concluding, Aisha'es eyes locked onto the two 'gods.' Clearly she was angry in much the same fashion she had been when she first arrived in Ruskivek, and first met the people gathered around her. Pointing her finger at 'Gabrielle' with accusatory intent. How darrre you! she says with a growl as she takes several steps closer to the dieties after standing from the position she 'awoke' in.
You are so purroud of us arre you? For doing this task? We risk our lives for your goals after you ripped us away frrrom ourr own lives. Her accent was bleeding heavily into her infuriated words. And while she didn't step closer yet, it was clear she wanted to. Whether her actions were brash and fooldhardy, or brave was hard to tell. And as we worrk tirrelesly to work for your goals despite this, we are offered "Thanks and Answers" for it all? Is that it? Rufauna! You insult us, your chosen champions. You have stolen ourrr lives and frrree will frrrom us, and offerrr us pats on the back and worrrrds?! You insult us all. Perhaps Harmony is willing to just accept this, as she is verrry... nice. And it seems everrryone else so far is willing to just accept this offhand. But THIS ONE, is nyot!
Aisha dares take a few steps closer to Gabrielle. And then you have the nerrrve to tell us all 'we arrre nyot done?! Did it ever Cross your minds in your clearrrly infinite wisdom the last few words laces with frustrated spite to ask? To consider the opinion and feelings of your "chosen"? nyo? Instead you just take. It was the 'gods' of my world who's stupididity thrust my people into another dimension for centuries, ripped frrrom our home into a nightmare realm because of their duplic... Dupli.. Because of their lack of control! And NYOW even as I sought my sister in my peoples home world as she was lost, even as I sought to make my trrribe grow stronger while doing so, am torn away by other dieties with no respect, and again, I am thrrrust into a world that is nyot my home! Torn away from my only remaining family to do their bidding! Even if doing so spares my home worrrld in the process, have you NYO respect at all?! by this point Aisha was heaving in her rage and clearly buried beneath it all was pain she was trying her best to hide. The only indication being the quivering of her eyes and lips as she took another look around for Tsavi.... Had you just ASKED, Aisha may very well have taken up your call rrregardless for her sisters sake! Aisha's finger pointing at whoever she felt was most directly responsible for her current claim, such as Ginan for taking her from her world. And Gabrielle for offering 'answers' for all their troubles.
You ask us to do this and give us nyothing! Aisha has done her best with the nyothing you gave us to find ways to make us stronger. But all you offer are words. So then, if that is all you are good for, then this one will ask the most important question of wise ones. Tell her; How much longerrr do we have to do this? How much time do we have before the doom of our worlds? You should nyow this, or atleast have a guess!?
At this point, Aisha collapses onto all fours, her body trembling, as tears stream down her face, her lip quivering uncontrollably but hidden behind her long hair as it fell like a curtain over her visage. It was clear she was barely able to maintain even this crouching position.
if she wasn't smitten for her arrogance or something similar after hearing their replies, she would add, in a quaking voice Can you nyot... atleast... send us to the town Aisha heard the rumorr about...
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Gabrielle kneels down next to Aisha and places a hand on the stressed tabaxi's back. She exudes an aura of warmth, understanding, and sadness. "Were it so simple as knocking on Toril's door and asking permission..." she sighs.
"Gain hold of your emotion and think on your time here," Ginan speaks. "You already bear my influence; subtlety, movement through shadows and dusk, thievery...you have felt the call since your time here, have you not: The urge, the itch to place your hand inside another's pocket and take what is theirs, for the joy it brings to work your sleight of hand?" His eyes never leave the fire as he speaks, "We wield power and understanding beyond that of mortals, but we are not omnipotent. We can only give you what you are willing to take yourself. We have sworn an oath to never interfere directly. But there are subtle ways..." As he finishes, your minds flash to an image of Aisha speaking with a human man in an office, accepting a deed to a manor. Then a flash to an image of this manor, within Ruskivek. Then a flash inside the manor, to the cellar, to an etching on the floor: A teleportation circle. "Your curiosity has already led you to where you need to be," Ginan states again.
"Understand that you are not only fighting for Rikirta. Zuzeca's ambition did not stop here. Though it pains me to hear of your sister, it will all be for naught if Zuzeca's conspirators set their eyes on Toril next." Gabrielle says soothingly.
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Harmony was surprised as Ginan said that Aisha's curiosity has led her to where they need to go next, now relieved. That's good, after getting some sleep they can head out to wherever that is. But she had been extremely shocked when Aisha started yelling at Gabrielle and Ginan for taking them from their lives and making them accomplish their goals for only words and answers in exchange. The other told the two that they could have asked them all, talking about how the gods in her world messed with her people and now feeling like it's happening again, that she would have taken up their call if they had just asked. Aisha asked them how much longer they have to do this, how much time is left before that doom and that they should know or have a guess. Harmony immediately ran over when she saw Aisha collapse with her body trembling, and even crying. "Aisha, it'll be okay. We're here for you and for each other, all in this together." she gently said to the other, reassuring and comforting her by also hugging her close and putting her arm around her shoulder. While she did agree a bit about being unexpectedly taken from their normal lives to here, having to do all this without being asked first, she did not mind since it has to do with keeping their home worlds safe after all. Then she saw Gabrielle come over and try to comfort Aisha as well. She listened to Ginan before she then saw the images of Aisha getting the deed to the manor, the manor itself and inside there the cellar with etching on the floor, a teleportation circle. It was a good thing that they decided to keep that manor then! Harmony had heard Gabrielle, nodding back as she definitely did not want that to happen either.