Alten... about half way through your slumber you are aroused by a deep voice in the back of your mind...
”Alten... wake... it is Eldenser...”
Alten opens his eyes, takes a look at the surroundings, is annoyed that he's dreaming about the sentient weapon (his earlier communication was verbal), rolls over, and tries to go back to sleep.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Alten... about half way through your slumber you are aroused by a deep voice in the back of your mind...
”Alten... wake... it is Eldenser...”
Alten opens his eyes, takes a look at the surroundings, is annoyed that he's dreaming about the sentient weapon (his earlier communication was verbal), rolls over, and tries to go back to sleep.
Still mental or verbal? Does it wake anyone else? Alten sits up and looks around.
Huh? Wha?(out loud at almost normal volume)
The voice belongs to Eldenser... in your head now (mental), whereas it was audible to anyone when you first spoke. You look over at your blade and see it is faintly glowing amethyst again. A moment passes after you respond and Eldenser does not answer, then suddenly your vision goes blank...
Your vision returns and you are once again in the middle of a burning village filled with the screams and roars, choking black smoke, and searing heat.
You are a child again, laying flat on your back, a knight in gleaming armor stands over you reaching his gauntleted hand out towards you as if to help you up.
You can plainly see this knight is an avatar, or champion of Torm based on the way he is dressed.
You reach up to take the knight's hand and the knight pulls his hand back as if refusing to help you up....
The knight shakes his head at you, then slowly backs up a few feet.
An orc flies out of a burning building brandishing a crude rusty sword. He looks as if he is going to chop you in two, but the knight still does not move...
You look down at your side and see your glaive... it is glowing amethyst...
You pick it up and use it in a vein attempt to shield yourself from the oncoming orc....
The orc charges you and you close your eyes, awaiting your imminent death...
The sound barrier is suddenly broken as your glaive shoots a blast of invisible energy at the charging orc knocking it backwards with a yelp into a pile of burning wood...
You open your eyes as the sound rings out in time to see your blade pulse with the amethyst light...
You look to the knight and shakes his head at you, then walks away as four more orcs converge on you...
Your vision suddenly goes black again and you are returned to the Sunless Citadel...
Eldenser's voice speaks to you within your own mind once more...
"What really happened that day in Coalfield Alten? Did Torm save you? Or did you save yourself? Do you really think he is on your side? Does he really have your best interests in mind? I can tell you Alten... from experience... he does not care about you. You break a single one of his tenants and he casts you out and treats you like you are as bad as the evil you wish to eradicate."
My "Uncle" Versad found me as a small child in Coalfel after an Orc raid. He said I was very small, 3 or 4, no older than 5. Regardless, I don't remember the details. I just know what he always told me. He a military man, not part of the Legions of Torm. He took me to his sister Marta, who worked as a cook and servant in the temple of Torm in Luskin.
Marta had no husband so I went with her to the Temple each day. The Brothers took me under their collective wings, educated me. Brother Nylla, she taught me to wield a sword when I was old enough and strong enough to lift the practice weapons. Old Brother Tormin tried to train my mind, even though I always liked Nylla's lessons better.
Serveral of the brothers always insisted it ws Torm's will that led Versad to find me and bring me to them. I admired them and wanted to be like them. But I had never had Torm speak to me like some of the Brothers talked about. At least not until the other night.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
My "Uncle" Versad found me as a small child in Coalfel after an Orc raid. He said I was very small, 3 or 4, no older than 5. Regardless, I don't remember the details. I just know what he always told me. He a military man, not part of the Legions of Torm. He took me to his sister Marta, who worked as a cook and servant in the temple of Torm in Luskin.
Marta had no husband so I went with her to the Temple each day. The Brothers took me under their collective wings, educated me. Brother Nylla, she taught me to wield a sword when I was old enough and strong enough to lift the practice weapons. Old Brother Tormin tried to train my mind, even though I always liked Nylla's lessons better.
Serveral of the brothers always insisted it ws Torm's will that led Versad to find me and bring me to them. I admired them and wanted to be like them. But I had never had Torm speak to me like some of the Brothers talked about. At least not until the other night.
Eldenser replies in a serious tone, "Yes Alten... you have been lead to believe that Torm is the one who sent Versad... But is that the truth of the matter? Do you really think that was Torm who contacted you the other night? Do you really think he ever contacted any of your Brothers? What proof did they provide you Alten? Are you sure they didn't just make it up to elevate themselves in their fellows eyes? What proof do you have that Torm visited you even? Alten... gods are fickle... do you really think you curry his favor? Especially, after letting a child of Tiamat go free into the world?"
Torm teaches us to have belief and faith. My Brothers' words, actions, and deeds give me no reason to doubt their words. Torm, or at least his agents, took me in, sheltered me, taught me, gave me purpose. You just showed up and are yelling at me. Why should I listen to you or believe you?
When I tried to lead and this party decided to follow other voices, I made the decision to stand back. I decided not to try and fight, by myself, a wyrmling, my own colleagues, and then possibly Goblins and Kobolds. I would have been killed and been of no further use to Torm. I made the strategic decision not to throw away my life and live to serve further.
You claim I'll be cast out because of that error? Nothing in my experience indicates that's true.
Truth? Proof? I can't prove anything. I don't remember anytihing about Coalfel. I was 5 years old or less. It's just a story to me.
You talk about proof. Can you prove to me Torm didn't send Versed to save me? How do you know "gods are fickle"? What's your proof? Or are you asking me to accept your word, on faith? Why in Torm's name would I do that?
Eldenser sighs, “The young are always so resolute... so sure of themselves.... yet so easily decided. I have lived a long time Alten.. longer than most of my kind and we live a very long time indeed. I have seen gods rise and gods fall Alten. Yet, I am not asking you to take me at my wor... as I said before... You are free to make your own decisions, your own mistakes even. I will be here when you are ready to listen to my wisdom. Sleep now... But, think on what you have been taught about Torm.. Then think about the people who run so called religious orders.... their shortcomings, their failings, their sins... Who taught you the way of Torm? Was it Torm himself? Or was it man? Does it all really add up Alten? Think about the bigger picture...”
You're just taking at me. You ask about trust and proof, yet offer none. Why should I listen to your "wisdom" when I know nothing about you, your history, your motivations? "It's a long story" "I've seen gods rise and fall" "what has Torm done for you". All words that lack meaning or context.
You want something from me. It sounds like you want me to forsake my holy vows. You make it sound like I and others like me have been tricked or used by Torm and/or the Brotherhood.
Yet it is all vague, broad, words that I can't verify. Hells, lets start simple. You've lived longer than most of your kind - what is your "kind"?
Eldenser is quiet for a moment then replies calmly, “Arrogant and presumptuous... Your assumption that you deserve knowledge of me is misplaced. I offer you no proof just as Torm has not offered you proof of his love for you, nor of his existence, yet I am here communication with you... Is this something Torm has done with you? How do you know your vows are holy to begin with? Can you verify what you’ve been taught by Torm’s follower is what Torm dictates? My words are meant to make you think Alten. I am not here to solve your riddles for you. You need to examine your faith yourself... I am simply telling you not to follow others blindly. Which is why I am not forcing you to follow me.”
You appear after I received a vision from Torm, talk in circles, and give me nothing I can use to judge your statements and claims. You ask me to question my faith and teachings, but take your good intentions on faith. Evil gains if servants of law and good abandon their mission and vigil. <sigh>
Regardless, why did you feel the need to wake me? Couldn't your vision, your words of wisdom, or whatever you view it as, have waited until morning?
Still mental or verbal? Does it wake anyone else? Alten sits up and looks around.
Huh? Wha?(out loud at almost normal volume)
Passive Perception: 12 Grom is tired and likely would have laid down and attempted to go right to sleep and not ****ed around so im not gonna roll to see if he would hear it but i'll say if his passive would allow him to hear it and it would cause him to react i will let DM decide
**As grom would have laid down he would have sent ungrim back to his pocket plane**
Still mental or verbal? Does it wake anyone else? Alten sits up and looks around.
Huh? Wha?(out loud at almost normal volume)
Passive Perception: 12 Grom is tired and likely would have laid down and attempted to go right to sleep and not ****ed around so im not gonna roll to see if he would hear it but i'll say if his passive would allow him to hear it and it would cause him to react i will let DM decide
**As grom would have laid down he would have sent ungrim back to his pocket plane**
Alten are you whispering, or talking at a normal volume? Either way only one side of the conversation can be heard. Anyone actively looking at the sword can see its glowing.
You appear after I received a vision from Torm, talk in circles, and give me nothing I can use to judge your statements and claims. You ask me to question my faith and teachings, but take your good intentions on faith. Evil gains if servants of law and good abandon their mission and vigil. <sigh>
Regardless, why did you feel the need to wake me? Couldn't your vision, your words of wisdom, or whatever you view it as, have waited until morning?
"Did you receive a vision from Torm? Am I talking in circles? Or are you just not listening, Alten? ....I have not divulged my intentions to you... I am not asking you to take me at my word.. I am asking you to reflect upon your current path. Are you so blinded by the wrappings and trimmings of your religion that you can not step back and observe them? I will freely and plainly tell you... I am not malevolent, nor benign ... I am not lawless, nor lawful... I am not good, nor evil. I believe in balance, choice, and freedom. As I said I simply offer you the chance to make your own decisions in the moment. You will be free to do what you wish with the power I bestow... But, it seems you are to ignorant, or unwilling even to consider it... So, perhaps I will need to reconsider my offer to you. Perhaps there is someone better suited to wielding me... the tin-man perhaps?"
<Getting more aggravated>You ARE talking in circles. Gods have I got a headache.
<mentally shouting> You want me to question my life and Torm but don't extend me the courtesy of questioning you or your motivations? You say what you are NOT, but that doesn't really tell me anything. Oh, but I'm young and ignorant and unwilling because I shift that questioning past what you want me to question and focus it on you. That some recruiting pitch you've got there.
<mental petulance here> And just so you know, my faith in Torm doesn't prevent me from making my own decisions or questioning things. I made a decision in that moment that I'm pretty sure is against my vows. It would probably cause conflict if other members of the Brotherhood were here. I've questioned that since the instant I didn't try to kill that wyrmling.
But Torm didn't strike me down, cast me out, strip me of my powers as one of his representatives, or anything else, as far as I can tell. So that leaves me to wonder how much you actually know about Torm. And, if Torm were to do something to me, that would pretty much answer both of our questions. If that happens, then I'll have to live with the consequences of my decisions.
<deep mental "breath">
Maybe you should reconsider your offer. Maybe Talien will trade me a sword for a Glaive. I need some sleep, else I'm going to be useless tomorrow.
Alten turns over and tries to settle down. Sleep is probably difficult to come by at this point.
<Getting more aggravated>You ARE talking in circles. Gods have I got a headache.
<mentally shouting> You want me to question my life and Torm but don't extend me the courtesy of questioning you or your motivations? You say what you are NOT, but that doesn't really tell me anything. Oh, but I'm young and ignorant and unwilling because I shift that questioning past what you want me to question and focus it on you. That some recruiting pitch you've got there.
<mental petulance here> And just so you know, my faith in Torm doesn't prevent me from making my own decisions or questioning things. I made a decision in that moment that I'm pretty sure is against my vows. It would probably cause conflict if other members of the Brotherhood were here. I've questioned that since the instant I didn't try to kill that wyrmling.
But Torm didn't strike me down, cast me out, strip me of my powers as one of his representatives, or anything else, as far as I can tell. So that leaves me to wonder how much you actually know about Torm. And, if Torm were to do something to me, that would pretty much answer both of our questions. If that happens, then I'll have to live with the consequences of my decisions.
<deep mental "breath">
Maybe you should reconsider your offer. Maybe Talien will trade me a sword for a Glaive. I need some sleep, else I'm going to be useless tomorrow.
Alten turns over and tries to settle down. Sleep is probably difficult to come by at this point.
"If I may make a suggestion... Do not mention me, nor trade your glaive until you have scrutinized yourself and Torm."
A soft chuckle... "Goodnight Alten..."
DM Note: Please make a Wisdom Saving Throw [DC 22].
Alten are you whispering, or talking at a normal volume? Either way only one side of the conversation can be heard. Anyone actively looking at the sword can see its glowing.
Sorry, I didn't see your response in this post until I scrolled back due to Sorvas's questioin. I''ve been writing on the assumption that I wasn't speaking at all.
I wrote in the first post #2895 that I was responding mentally and I put it in the spoiler. When you didn't contradict it in 2896 and replied in-character, I assumed it worked and everything was mental.
Alten would not have a one-sided conversation in a 25x20 room in the middle of the night with 8 other people around, not even at a whisper.
Alten opens his eyes, takes a look at the surroundings, is annoyed that he's dreaming about the sentient weapon (his earlier communication was verbal), rolls over, and tries to go back to sleep.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
The voice grows louder, “ALTEN... wake up!”
Still mental or verbal? Does it wake anyone else? Alten sits up and looks around.
Huh? Wha?(out loud at almost normal volume)
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
The voice belongs to Eldenser... in your head now (mental), whereas it was audible to anyone when you first spoke. You look over at your blade and see it is faintly glowing amethyst again. A moment passes after you respond and Eldenser does not answer, then suddenly your vision goes blank...
Your vision returns and you are once again in the middle of a burning village filled with the screams and roars, choking black smoke, and searing heat.
You are a child again, laying flat on your back, a knight in gleaming armor stands over you reaching his gauntleted hand out towards you as if to help you up.
You can plainly see this knight is an avatar, or champion of Torm based on the way he is dressed.
You reach up to take the knight's hand and the knight pulls his hand back as if refusing to help you up....
The knight shakes his head at you, then slowly backs up a few feet.
An orc flies out of a burning building brandishing a crude rusty sword. He looks as if he is going to chop you in two, but the knight still does not move...
You look down at your side and see your glaive... it is glowing amethyst...
You pick it up and use it in a vein attempt to shield yourself from the oncoming orc....
The orc charges you and you close your eyes, awaiting your imminent death...
The sound barrier is suddenly broken as your glaive shoots a blast of invisible energy at the charging orc knocking it backwards with a yelp into a pile of burning wood...
You open your eyes as the sound rings out in time to see your blade pulse with the amethyst light...
You look to the knight and shakes his head at you, then walks away as four more orcs converge on you...
Your vision suddenly goes black again and you are returned to the Sunless Citadel...
Eldenser's voice speaks to you within your own mind once more...
"What really happened that day in Coalfield Alten? Did Torm save you? Or did you save yourself? Do you really think he is on your side? Does he really have your best interests in mind? I can tell you Alten... from experience... he does not care about you. You break a single one of his tenants and he casts you out and treats you like you are as bad as the evil you wish to eradicate."
Alten tries to reply mentally
My "Uncle" Versad found me as a small child in Coalfel after an Orc raid. He said I was very small, 3 or 4, no older than 5. Regardless, I don't remember the details. I just know what he always told me. He a military man, not part of the Legions of Torm. He took me to his sister Marta, who worked as a cook and servant in the temple of Torm in Luskin.
Marta had no husband so I went with her to the Temple each day. The Brothers took me under their collective wings, educated me. Brother Nylla, she taught me to wield a sword when I was old enough and strong enough to lift the practice weapons. Old Brother Tormin tried to train my mind, even though I always liked Nylla's lessons better.
Serveral of the brothers always insisted it ws Torm's will that led Versad to find me and bring me to them. I admired them and wanted to be like them. But I had never had Torm speak to me like some of the Brothers talked about. At least not until the other night.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Eldenser replies in a serious tone, "Yes Alten... you have been lead to believe that Torm is the one who sent Versad... But is that the truth of the matter? Do you really think that was Torm who contacted you the other night? Do you really think he ever contacted any of your Brothers? What proof did they provide you Alten? Are you sure they didn't just make it up to elevate themselves in their fellows eyes? What proof do you have that Torm visited you even? Alten... gods are fickle... do you really think you curry his favor? Especially, after letting a child of Tiamat go free into the world?"
Torm teaches us to have belief and faith. My Brothers' words, actions, and deeds give me no reason to doubt their words. Torm, or at least his agents, took me in, sheltered me, taught me, gave me purpose. You just showed up and are yelling at me. Why should I listen to you or believe you?
When I tried to lead and this party decided to follow other voices, I made the decision to stand back. I decided not to try and fight, by myself, a wyrmling, my own colleagues, and then possibly Goblins and Kobolds. I would have been killed and been of no further use to Torm. I made the strategic decision not to throw away my life and live to serve further.
You claim I'll be cast out because of that error? Nothing in my experience indicates that's true.
Truth? Proof? I can't prove anything. I don't remember anytihing about Coalfel. I was 5 years old or less. It's just a story to me.
You talk about proof. Can you prove to me Torm didn't send Versed to save me? How do you know "gods are fickle"? What's your proof? Or are you asking me to accept your word, on faith? Why in Torm's name would I do that?
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Eldenser sighs, “The young are always so resolute... so sure of themselves.... yet so easily decided. I have lived a long time Alten.. longer than most of my kind and we live a very long time indeed. I have seen gods rise and gods fall Alten. Yet, I am not asking you to take me at my wor... as I said before... You are free to make your own decisions, your own mistakes even. I will be here when you are ready to listen to my wisdom. Sleep now... But, think on what you have been taught about Torm.. Then think about the people who run so called religious orders.... their shortcomings, their failings, their sins... Who taught you the way of Torm? Was it Torm himself? Or was it man? Does it all really add up Alten? Think about the bigger picture...”
You're just taking at me. You ask about trust and proof, yet offer none. Why should I listen to your "wisdom" when I know nothing about you, your history, your motivations? "It's a long story" "I've seen gods rise and fall" "what has Torm done for you". All words that lack meaning or context.
You want something from me. It sounds like you want me to forsake my holy vows. You make it sound like I and others like me have been tricked or used by Torm and/or the Brotherhood.
Yet it is all vague, broad, words that I can't verify. Hells, lets start simple. You've lived longer than most of your kind - what is your "kind"?
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Eldenser is quiet for a moment then replies calmly, “Arrogant and presumptuous... Your assumption that you deserve knowledge of me is misplaced. I offer you no proof just as Torm has not offered you proof of his love for you, nor of his existence, yet I am here communication with you... Is this something Torm has done with you? How do you know your vows are holy to begin with? Can you verify what you’ve been taught by Torm’s follower is what Torm dictates? My words are meant to make you think Alten. I am not here to solve your riddles for you. You need to examine your faith yourself... I am simply telling you not to follow others blindly. Which is why I am not forcing you to follow me.”
Edit: Font.
You appear after I received a vision from Torm, talk in circles, and give me nothing I can use to judge your statements and claims. You ask me to question my faith and teachings, but take your good intentions on faith. Evil gains if servants of law and good abandon their mission and vigil. <sigh>
Regardless, why did you feel the need to wake me? Couldn't your vision, your words of wisdom, or whatever you view it as, have waited until morning?
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Passive Perception: 12 Grom is tired and likely would have laid down and attempted to go right to sleep and not ****ed around so im not gonna roll to see if he would hear it but i'll say if his passive would allow him to hear it and it would cause him to react i will let DM decide
**As grom would have laid down he would have sent ungrim back to his pocket plane**
Grombrindal "The White Dwarf" (Dwarf - Wizard) - Fenris_Worldsbane's Tales from the Yawning Portal
Alten are you whispering, or talking at a normal volume? Either way only one side of the conversation can be heard. Anyone actively looking at the sword can see its glowing.
"Did you receive a vision from Torm? Am I talking in circles? Or are you just not listening, Alten? ....I have not divulged my intentions to you... I am not asking you to take me at my word.. I am asking you to reflect upon your current path. Are you so blinded by the wrappings and trimmings of your religion that you can not step back and observe them? I will freely and plainly tell you... I am not malevolent, nor benign ... I am not lawless, nor lawful... I am not good, nor evil. I believe in balance, choice, and freedom. As I said I simply offer you the chance to make your own decisions in the moment. You will be free to do what you wish with the power I bestow... But, it seems you are to ignorant, or unwilling even to consider it... So, perhaps I will need to reconsider my offer to you. Perhaps there is someone better suited to wielding me... the tin-man perhaps?"
<Getting more aggravated>You ARE talking in circles. Gods have I got a headache.
<mentally shouting> You want me to question my life and Torm but don't extend me the courtesy of questioning you or your motivations? You say what you are NOT, but that doesn't really tell me anything. Oh, but I'm young and ignorant and unwilling because I shift that questioning past what you want me to question and focus it on you. That some recruiting pitch you've got there.
<mental petulance here> And just so you know, my faith in Torm doesn't prevent me from making my own decisions or questioning things. I made a decision in that moment that I'm pretty sure is against my vows. It would probably cause conflict if other members of the Brotherhood were here. I've questioned that since the instant I didn't try to kill that wyrmling.
But Torm didn't strike me down, cast me out, strip me of my powers as one of his representatives, or anything else, as far as I can tell. So that leaves me to wonder how much you actually know about Torm. And, if Torm were to do something to me, that would pretty much answer both of our questions. If that happens, then I'll have to live with the consequences of my decisions.
<deep mental "breath">
Maybe you should reconsider your offer. Maybe Talien will trade me a sword for a Glaive. I need some sleep, else I'm going to be useless tomorrow.
Alten turns over and tries to settle down. Sleep is probably difficult to come by at this point.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
"If I may make a suggestion... Do not mention me, nor trade your glaive until you have scrutinized yourself and Torm."
A soft chuckle... "Goodnight Alten..."
DM Note: Please make a Wisdom Saving Throw [DC 22].
that's a big number
Wis save 8
Edit: forgot that suggestion was technically a charm effect. Half elves have advantage, but it is still a big number.
8
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Sooooo. Talien would hear half of the spoken conversation and see the glaive glow. Correct?
Warforged Fighter Talien
Only thing Alten said out loud as "wha who?" The rest of the convo between Alten and the Glaive was telepathy - tried to use italics
Fenris will have to determine if you saw the glow - if others can see it.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Sorry, I didn't see your response in this post until I scrolled back due to Sorvas's questioin. I''ve been writing on the assumption that I wasn't speaking at all.
I wrote in the first post #2895 that I was responding mentally and I put it in the spoiler. When you didn't contradict it in 2896 and replied in-character, I assumed it worked and everything was mental.
Alten would not have a one-sided conversation in a 25x20 room in the middle of the night with 8 other people around, not even at a whisper.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus