"Ooh. Point for the librarian! I never said anything about gods, but excellent deduction! I guess you could say I've been having a...crisis of a...lack of faith ever since I nearly bought it from that bite of a creature that shall not be named.
Anyway, a thought has been itching at the back of my brain ever since I popped Krikket into his 'pocket' on the way to the shrine. Krikket's a sprite, right? But he's also...not actually a sprite? Just like Vincent is an owl, but he's also not an owl? Arg! It's times like this I wish I had the practical vocabulary that you and Etan have."
Elra smiles, "Loremaster Altervast told me the more you get to know someone the easier they are to read, even if the other person thinks they're doing their best to be mysterious. There arent a whole lot of people in this town. And the only thing I could think of someone running to was the shrine to Tymora."
"Vincent," Elra starts, then stops, "Krikket and Vincent are spirits. Generally speaking they can only take on the form of animals. Though, you're the first person I met that I've seen their Familiar take on a form that isnt an animal. It's rather interesting actually."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah! That's what I'm talking about. Krikket isn't actually a sprite, he's a...manifestation?...of the magics bestowed upon me by Her, right? And something about the magic I use to...create?...him is somehow different than the magic the rest of you use to create your familiars. Right?
So what if I've been thinking about Krikket all wrong? What if instead of me being chained to him by the Lady...?"
"Metaphorical chains, of course. I'm connected to him, but in a different way than you are to Vincent. At least, that's what I've been thinking about. Care to help me test something out?"
Arvel spins Elrato arms length and loudly says, "Would mademoiselle care to accompany me on a walk?"
Maxie escorts the librarian out onto the streets and waits until they are a fair bit away from prying eyes and ears before the disguise drops.
"OK. Follow me on this. When I made my bargain, the Lady loaded up my head with a whole lot of stuff that's been slowly unlocking the more I practice, learn, et cetera, right? That must include the ritual that summoned Krikket. So it wasn't that She sent Krikket to keep an eye on me, it's just that when the knowledge unlocked my mind came up with a simple justification for what was happening. She was sending someone to watch over me and for Her to have another hook in me, right?
But that's not what actually happened!"
The charlatan is maniacally giddy now.
"She only ever said 'Become an adventurer and grow your powers as a charmer.' No other rules or restrictions. That means when I created Krikket, the whole heart-touch thing was an expression of my own guilt. Probably over the Yeemik accident. Or more."
But that means Krikktet isn't actually here to watch over and snitch on me. He's an extension of me. He IS me!
And if there's one thing, and one thing only I know about me..."
Arvelsnaps his fingers andKrikketappears.
He points to the sprite."Stay."
He points to Elra and grins. "Stay."
The charlatan turns and sprints off down the street, after a moment he's easily 150 or 160 feet away.
Krikketturns toElraand says...
"...is that I AM me, no matter where I am!"
(You can just barely hearArvelfrom that far away."It worked!")
"... he's not really you but I get what you mean," Elra says, pauses, then gets very giddy, "gods... this is. Awesome!" Elra says when she realizes what actually is going on. "This is... whoa..."
Zeke would watch the comings and goings of his comrades with a feeling of deep contentment and creeping dread. Contentment in knowing that they were all safe and sound for the time being, cold dread creeping into his bones telling him not to let down his guard, not to become complacent, not to let horror befall his new-found charges.
He would shake himself out of his comfortable corner at the Inn with a seemingly endless supply of ale, mead, and snacklings of all descriptions.
A quick pass through the Inn and the surrounds would find Tarja chatting up the locals,Fae and Ethan happily chattering away, safe and secure in his quarters, and the cleric and the charlatan on their walk through town. Another check on the entrances and exits and he would stalk off to look in on the Redbrands - making sure they were securely held by the town.
His patrols would take him further and further afield from the Inn, a seemingly random pattern of sweeps and investigation, designed to foil any attempts to predict his movements and slip past him. Despite his diligence, the barbarian was mostly just going through the motions - moving on instinct and training more than intent or purpose.
Eventually, he found himself on the outskirts of town in a clearing, an open space where the massive tiefling would lower himself to the ground. Legs folded underneath his hulking frame, wings furled in against his body, Ezekial the Thrice Cursed would allow himself to fall into the deep trance he learned at the temple. The trance that led to the path, the path that went ever deeper.
This was the path all those who held this office had trod, one of constant vigilance, sacrifice, and eventual failure. Failure because the office was only ever surrendered upon death, one guardian must fall to make room for the next. Only now, the temple was no more and there would be no one to replace Zeke when he fell, when his failures inevitably caught up to him and those he was charged to protect.
Deeper and deeper, he wound his way further down the trail than he had ever ventured before. Deeper into the world of spirits and shadows, the realm where all the previous Guardians rested, waiting until they were summoned to continue their service even after death. He had learned to call them to his aid, to harness them to his moment of need but he needed still more, would need to be stronger, faster to meet the challenges ahead.
He should have learned all of this at the temple. At the foot of Asmodus, the Guardian who had held the post before him, the burnished bronzed skinned Dragonborn who had held the post as long as anyone could remember. Asmodus, the man who had found him in the village, who had seen past his pale complexion and freakish wings, who had ignored the whispers about his malformed nubby horns and brought him into the temple to walk the path.
Asmodus, whose body Zeke had found bloodied and broken across the threshold of the Temple. Cut down holding the last line of defense alone. Alone because Zeke wasn't there. Alone and unable to fully complete the ritual transfer - leaving Zeke cut off from the full power of the path of the Ancestral Guardians, unable to bring their full power to bear on this plane.
Deep within his trance, the tiefling continued to walk the path, seeking the answers he needs to fulfill his duty to his adopted people.
Tarja is warmly greeted by many of the local townsfolk, especially the farmers she has grown to know best since their lands are stretch out towards the wilds Tarja calls home. They seem both elated at the news of the Redbrand defeat and simply happy to see Tarja in this new, more prominent role in their small town. They ask her to recount her adventures in the recent days. Carp also asks where the other druid is. (Tarja knows he is referring the the reclusive Reidoth, who Tarja hasn't seen in many months.)
When Maxi makes his entrance everyone seems a bit taken aback. He quickly wins them over with his charm however, as there are many new faces in town these past few days and the townsfolk know that this new group has brought great hope regardless of their mannerisms, quirks, or menacing tiefling visages. When 'Maxi' gets near the bar while making his rounds Halia Thornton shows interest in speaking with him. With her cool, even demeanor she says "well aren't you the curious one." "What exactly is your specialty amongst these...heroes." She certainly seems amused by this scene, and a bit curious.
Zeke has the cool, quiet evening all to himself, only the moonlight and the sounds of crickets and bullfrogs otherwise keeping him company. After a good stretch of time to himself, his thoughts, and his trance, however, the sentinel suddenly hears voices drawing close to town. Seconds later he catches a glimpse of three figures on one of the narrow roads heading towards the center of town. They seem to be three young men too busy bickering with one another under their breath to notice Zeke. As they pass nearby he recognizes them as three of the youngest redbrands, none more than 18 or 19 years old at most. They do not appear to be armed, sneaking about or otherwise looking hostile but rather like any three young lads might during an evening of a bit of minor mischief.
(Tempting to give everyone Inspiration, haha. Enjoying the down time thus far gang! Cheers!)
(I know Arvel is outside with Krikket and Elra, but I don't mind blurring the timeline a bit to RP whatever people would like.)
With her cool, even demeanor she says "well aren't you the curious one." "What exactly is your specialty amongst these...heroes." She certainly seems amused by this scene, and a bit curious.
With an expression of wry delight, Maxiegestures to his fine, billowing cloak and his resplendent Du Champris garb. Placing his walking stick carefully on the floor with one hand, he raises the other in a flourish.
"Ooh. Point for the librarian! I never said anything about gods, but excellent deduction! I guess you could say I've been having a...crisis of a...lack of faith ever since I nearly bought it from that bite of a creature that shall not be named.
Anyway, a thought has been itching at the back of my brain ever since I popped Krikket into his 'pocket' on the way to the shrine. Krikket's a sprite, right? But he's also...not actually a sprite? Just like Vincent is an owl, but he's also not an owl? Arg! It's times like this I wish I had the practical vocabulary that you and Etan have."
DCI: 3319125026
((Lol Elra's passive insight is 17))
Elra smiles, "Loremaster Altervast told me the more you get to know someone the easier they are to read, even if the other person thinks they're doing their best to be mysterious. There arent a whole lot of people in this town. And the only thing I could think of someone running to was the shrine to Tymora."
"Vincent," Elra starts, then stops, "Krikket and Vincent are spirits. Generally speaking they can only take on the form of animals. Though, you're the first person I met that I've seen their Familiar take on a form that isnt an animal. It's rather interesting actually."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"Yeah, yeah, yeah! That's what I'm talking about. Krikket isn't actually a sprite, he's a...manifestation?...of the magics bestowed upon me by Her, right? And something about the magic I use to...create?...him is somehow different than the magic the rest of you use to create your familiars. Right?
So what if I've been thinking about Krikket all wrong? What if instead of me being chained to him by the Lady...?"
DCI: 3319125026
"He's chained to you? She's chained to Krikket..." Elra trails off for a moment, "okay I give up."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"Metaphorical chains, of course. I'm connected to him, but in a different way than you are to Vincent. At least, that's what I've been thinking about. Care to help me test something out?"
Arvel spins Elra to arms length and loudly says, "Would mademoiselle care to accompany me on a walk?"
DCI: 3319125026
"Sure!" Elra says, "sounds fun."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Maxie escorts the librarian out onto the streets and waits until they are a fair bit away from prying eyes and ears before the disguise drops.
"OK. Follow me on this. When I made my bargain, the Lady loaded up my head with a whole lot of stuff that's been slowly unlocking the more I practice, learn, et cetera, right? That must include the ritual that summoned Krikket. So it wasn't that She sent Krikket to keep an eye on me, it's just that when the knowledge unlocked my mind came up with a simple justification for what was happening. She was sending someone to watch over me and for Her to have another hook in me, right?
But that's not what actually happened!"
The charlatan is maniacally giddy now.
"She only ever said 'Become an adventurer and grow your powers as a charmer.' No other rules or restrictions. That means when I created Krikket, the whole heart-touch thing was an expression of my own guilt. Probably over the Yeemik accident. Or more."
But that means Krikktet isn't actually here to watch over and snitch on me. He's an extension of me. He IS me!
And if there's one thing, and one thing only I know about me..."
Arvel snaps his fingers and Krikket appears.
He points to the sprite. "Stay."
He points to Elra and grins. "Stay."
The charlatan turns and sprints off down the street, after a moment he's easily 150 or 160 feet away.
Krikket turns to Elra and says...
"...is that I AM me, no matter where I am!"
(You can just barely hear Arvel from that far away. "It worked!")
DCI: 3319125026
"... he's not really you but I get what you mean," Elra says, pauses, then gets very giddy, "gods... this is. Awesome!" Elra says when she realizes what actually is going on. "This is... whoa..."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
The sprite hovers in front of Elra, now sporting an uncharacteristic smirk and glint in his eye.
"I know, right?! Of course, the primary me is still blind and deaf right now. But think of it! An invisible little spy I can send anywhere I want!"
DCI: 3319125026
"That's super cool!" Elra says again, "it's nice to see something goid come out of your pain."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"I...uh. I guess I...uh...started to maybe, kinda, see a way outta this mess my life has been the last few years.
Hold on. I'll be right back."
Krikket blinks.
"Hmm. He figured it out. How grand for me."
DCI: 3319125026
Elra blinks, "You can talk?"
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"Yes. But, prior to now, my Master had forbid me to speak to anyone else directly for fear that I would reveal his secrets.
Now that he realizes that I am him, he understands that I cannot reveal his secrets any more than he can. So the restrictions are relaxed."
DCI: 3319125026
Zeke would watch the comings and goings of his comrades with a feeling of deep contentment and creeping dread. Contentment in knowing that they were all safe and sound for the time being, cold dread creeping into his bones telling him not to let down his guard, not to become complacent, not to let horror befall his new-found charges.
He would shake himself out of his comfortable corner at the Inn with a seemingly endless supply of ale, mead, and snacklings of all descriptions.
A quick pass through the Inn and the surrounds would find Tarja chatting up the locals, Fae and Ethan happily chattering away, safe and secure in his quarters, and the cleric and the charlatan on their walk through town. Another check on the entrances and exits and he would stalk off to look in on the Redbrands - making sure they were securely held by the town.
His patrols would take him further and further afield from the Inn, a seemingly random pattern of sweeps and investigation, designed to foil any attempts to predict his movements and slip past him. Despite his diligence, the barbarian was mostly just going through the motions - moving on instinct and training more than intent or purpose.
Eventually, he found himself on the outskirts of town in a clearing, an open space where the massive tiefling would lower himself to the ground. Legs folded underneath his hulking frame, wings furled in against his body, Ezekial the Thrice Cursed would allow himself to fall into the deep trance he learned at the temple. The trance that led to the path, the path that went ever deeper.
This was the path all those who held this office had trod, one of constant vigilance, sacrifice, and eventual failure. Failure because the office was only ever surrendered upon death, one guardian must fall to make room for the next. Only now, the temple was no more and there would be no one to replace Zeke when he fell, when his failures inevitably caught up to him and those he was charged to protect.
Deeper and deeper, he wound his way further down the trail than he had ever ventured before. Deeper into the world of spirits and shadows, the realm where all the previous Guardians rested, waiting until they were summoned to continue their service even after death. He had learned to call them to his aid, to harness them to his moment of need but he needed still more, would need to be stronger, faster to meet the challenges ahead.
He should have learned all of this at the temple. At the foot of Asmodus, the Guardian who had held the post before him, the burnished bronzed skinned Dragonborn who had held the post as long as anyone could remember. Asmodus, the man who had found him in the village, who had seen past his pale complexion and freakish wings, who had ignored the whispers about his malformed nubby horns and brought him into the temple to walk the path.
Asmodus, whose body Zeke had found bloodied and broken across the threshold of the Temple. Cut down holding the last line of defense alone. Alone because Zeke wasn't there. Alone and unable to fully complete the ritual transfer - leaving Zeke cut off from the full power of the path of the Ancestral Guardians, unable to bring their full power to bear on this plane.
Deep within his trance, the tiefling continued to walk the path, seeking the answers he needs to fulfill his duty to his adopted people.
Tarja is warmly greeted by many of the local townsfolk, especially the farmers she has grown to know best since their lands are stretch out towards the wilds Tarja calls home. They seem both elated at the news of the Redbrand defeat and simply happy to see Tarja in this new, more prominent role in their small town. They ask her to recount her adventures in the recent days. Carp also asks where the other druid is. (Tarja knows he is referring the the reclusive Reidoth, who Tarja hasn't seen in many months.)
When Maxi makes his entrance everyone seems a bit taken aback. He quickly wins them over with his charm however, as there are many new faces in town these past few days and the townsfolk know that this new group has brought great hope regardless of their mannerisms, quirks, or menacing tiefling visages. When 'Maxi' gets near the bar while making his rounds Halia Thornton shows interest in speaking with him. With her cool, even demeanor she says "well aren't you the curious one." "What exactly is your specialty amongst these...heroes." She certainly seems amused by this scene, and a bit curious.
Zeke has the cool, quiet evening all to himself, only the moonlight and the sounds of crickets and bullfrogs otherwise keeping him company. After a good stretch of time to himself, his thoughts, and his trance, however, the sentinel suddenly hears voices drawing close to town. Seconds later he catches a glimpse of three figures on one of the narrow roads heading towards the center of town. They seem to be three young men too busy bickering with one another under their breath to notice Zeke. As they pass nearby he recognizes them as three of the youngest redbrands, none more than 18 or 19 years old at most. They do not appear to be armed, sneaking about or otherwise looking hostile but rather like any three young lads might during an evening of a bit of minor mischief.
(Tempting to give everyone Inspiration, haha. Enjoying the down time thus far gang! Cheers!)
(I know Arvel is outside with Krikket and Elra, but I don't mind blurring the timeline a bit to RP whatever people would like.)
"Oh, that's kind of sad," Elra says, "but I'm glad that he's figured out a little bit more about himself. So where's he going?"
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
With an expression of wry delight, Maxie gestures to his fine, billowing cloak and his resplendent Du Champris garb. Placing his walking stick carefully on the floor with one hand, he raises the other in a flourish.
"It is obvious, non? I am...
...zee muscle!"
DCI: 3319125026
"He's coming back right now. He's going to ask you to...
...join me for a drink and maybe another dance?"
Arvel is at Elra's side again.
DCI: 3319125026
"Huh," Elra laughs, "that'll take some getting used to. And I'd be happy to share one with you."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"Well, with Maxie anyway. Got to put in some work keeping up appearances. New town and all that."
DCI: 3319125026