"Mortals have say in this?" Kulloda asks. He pauses for a long moment before breaking out into loud laughter. "Is that true? Ha. How? What do we do? Must choose god to anger all of the heavens, hells, and limbo. Then they fight among selves for eternity and leave mortals alone."
He keeps laughing, the thought of talking to Centulia leaving his mind for now. He claps Gash on the shoulder, laughing again.
"You know queen? Are hands the other mortals here? Yes, yes. Have council. Pick worst possible god."
Kulloda looks around then gestures with his broad hand and arm for Gash to lead the way.
Tristan looks over at the representatives of the gods as Felistra points them out, gives a small nod of thanks and moves back to join Martin and Lyr, motioning Dog and the others to join them after finishing their conversations with the would be gods. He pulls them away from the two angels and keeps his voice low as he considers their options.
“So, it would appear we have the usual groups, those who will accept either candidate, those who are against anyone, and the two groups who each have their favorite. It appears the gods moving to Limbo have the most urgency, though I am not sure why. I know of several that may be able to be swayed in either direction if we so choose. But should we try to influence this, and if so in what direction, the gnome or the dragon? What does the Queen stand to gain or lose from this?”
“Every world, mortal or otherwise, runs on influence,”— the Elf spoke, mildly amused, his Message ringing silently in the spymaster’s ears, partway during his conversation with the Angelic trio — “and Eternity is perhaps the biggest favour one could give. What you and yours stand to gain from giving it is obvious, yes?”
The Eladrin paused, allowing for his words to echo in Tristan’s mind — and perhaps even trip the mid-conversation bard up, slightly — before casting the spell again and continuing “So you may be placing the cart in front of the horses here, young troubadour. Should the question not be ‘Which will be more likely to act on such a favour?’ instead?”Llyr took a sip from his bottle, before capping it and crossing his arms. The bladesinger’s now vastly more attentive gaze once more panned through the crowds to see the far smaller mortal beings crisscrossing this gathering of gargantuan Angels and Devils — “And if you don’t know the answer to that question,” — his words still silent to everyone but the spymaster, he shrugged, staring directly at the Bard, hints of a grin tugging at the corner of his lips —“why not simply Ask?”
”In my experience, mortals are far worse liars than the Everlasting. A good enough question and a keen enough eye could very well be all you need to clarify the situation.”
A final pause, before the Eladrin spoke once again, this time without the cantrip, loud enough to reach Tristan’s ears. “Best of luck! Will be looking forward to seeing how you do.”
”In my experience, mortals are far worse liars than the Everlasting. A good enough question and a keen enough eye could very well be all you need to clarify the situation.”
A final pause, before the Eladrin spoke once again, this time without the cantrip, loud enough to reach Tristan’s ears. “Best of luck! Will be looking forward to seeing how you do.”
(OOC: Slight retcon of my previous post to address the interaction with Lyr - still finish it up with the questions for Brune, Ferrault, and Abradala)
Tristan pauses as he hears the voice enter his head, realizing almost immediately it is coming from the Elf he was talking with earlier. He sends his thoughts back: Cart before the horse? I guess it depends on the direction you are going. You assume we are interested in personal rewards and will support those who curry us with the most favor. Perhaps we are, but what if there are other calculations at play, the greater good and all of that?
In any case, I will just separate those who are not firm in their choice and find out just exactly what will motivate them to switch their support, on either side. Let’s just see what influence we may actually have to give, shall we? He makes eye contact with the Elf and replies, speaking openly now “Luck? My good friend, fortune favors the bold.”
He continues on to the three angels Felistra identified as supporting the dragon, Brune, Ferrault, and Abradala, and introduces himself with a small bow.
“Ah, waiting is the hardest part. Perhaps a song to pass the time?”Tristan pats his lute “Or just some conversation. I see you support Xa’lawea. Why a god of adversity? Doesn’t the mortal realm face enough adversity everyday without creating a god dedicated to it? Challenges, toil, strife, they define the material plane. An interesting choice for the gods of writing, craft, and magic, you would think they would favor something that supports creation, something like ambition.”
Tristan pauses as he hears the voice enter his head, realizing almost immediately it is coming from the Elf he was talking with earlier. He sends his thoughts back: Cart before the horse? I guess it depends on the direction you are going. You assume we are interested in personal rewards and will support those who curry us with the most favor. Perhaps we are, but what if there are other calculations at play, the greater good and all of that?
In any case, I will just separate those who are not firm in their choice and find out just exactly what will motivate them to switch their support, on either side. Let’s just see what influence we may actually have to give, shall we?He makes eye contact with the Elf and replies, speaking openly now “Luck? My good friend, fortune favors the bold.”
“The cart before the horse.”— the Elf reiterated, returning to the Message cantrip — “Never forget, you’re dealing with representatives of Gods. Hoping to influence any of them will prove risky enough on its own. Doing so blindly and without a clear goal is hubris… even for me.”— the Eladrin flashed a bold, dastardly smile that dared a slap: an essential tool for any Fey worth their salt — “And in regards to this ‘greater good’ you speak of, what difference is there? Would electing a God of the Hells that repays a favour not be better for any of your civilisations than electing one who will not? Benefits are benefits, o poet. Whether you ask them for the good of yourself or your people is your choice to make. But the way the game is played remains, as does the notion that those that do not play, do not win.“
”This is my advice to you. Find out who you want downstairs, and what you and yours stand to gain from getting them there. Then put in the fieldwork to make it happen.”
Arms spread out to either side, in a larger than life pose, the Bladesinger replied once more out loud, with a satisfied smile aimed at the Bard’s final remark. “That it does!“— Llyr laughed — “But it is just a favour.”
Dog's face looks like it should be experiencing a shock, but a stormcloud passes across it instead. He casts another message: "Debt? They still owe you a debt? Illuminate me."
He turns his right palm up, fingers splayed, and slowly closes them, casting move earth to make the ground under Finnegan's feet rise slowly into a pedestal, bringing the wizard closer to Dog's eyeline, as the goliath steps closer, never breaking eye contact.
“Ah yes, Kulloda. My friends and I took her along The Long Road. Delivered her to the King just before he passed. I suspect you would greatly enjoy many of our tales but yes let’s go find Queen Gentoa and her hands.”
Gash will lead his new friend to where they would be.
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Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Brune, Ferrault, and Abradala look at each other for a moment. "If not faithful then a mercenary a mortal be,"says Brune, as if quoting something, though it doesn't sound familiar. But his demeanor is not cynical. A slight smile creeps on his lips. "You think you can sway the gods? That would be indeed worthy of a prize. From Deneir, Gond, and Mystra, three in all, you would earn a favor...or a divinely blessed item. Such as perhaps the Quill of Kell or a tome of considerable power?"
-----------
At first startled, Finnegan's expression turns to bemusement. "You don't remember, dear Doggear? When you were but a young goliath, exploring in that mountain glade? When I found you, you had nearly starved to death, trapped by a long-dead wizard's snare. It is a fate that befalls your kind all too often, I'm afraid in the former battlefield of the Mage Wars."
The wizard finds a piece of lint on his fine robes and plucks it off in distaste. He looks around at the devils listening and gives them an entertainer's smile, and then turns back to Dog. "By rights, you were mine. I was owed a lifedebt, and a long one at that. Your mother tried to trade herself for you but that is no trade worth considering," he said with a scoff. "Both parents, though, that was a more enticing deal. It was complicated only by the fact that you would not stay with your tribe. You absolutely refused. You really do not remember? Well, I found a spot of compassion. You could join us until you had matured and then you would be free. Until then, I would offer you education, work only if you wanted it, and otherwise let you be."
-----------
Gash and Kulloda find themselves less than half a mile from the gathering of divine beings. A bonfire blazes in the center of half a dozen fine tents. Neventi (Gentoa's birth mother) is just entering one of the tents to attend to the sleepy cries of the young queen. Regent Duliani, legal mother to the queen, is chatting with Passalwyck, an Eladrin elf you primarily resides in the Feywild, and several nobles, both young and old. The regent smiles at Gash with a kindness rare in those of her station. That has always been her way, genuine and warm, at least when relaxed.
"Gash," she says warmly. "Join us by the fire. Who is your friend?"
Gash and Kulloda find themselves less than half a mile from the gathering of divine beings. A bonfire blazes in the center of half a dozen fine tents. Neventi (Gentoa's birth mother) is just entering one of the tents to attend to the sleepy cries of the young queen. Regent Duliani, legal mother to the queen, is chatting with Passalwyck, an Eladrin elf you primarily resides in the Feywild, and several nobles, both young and old. The regent smiles at Gash with a kindness rare in those of her station. That has always been her way, genuine and warm, at least when relaxed.
"Gash," she says warmly. "Join us by the fire. Who is your friend?"
"Regent Duliani,"Gash bows "This here is Kulloda. We are here to talk business more or less... The Heavens and Hells are to appoint new Gods -- and well, I -- we thought, perhaps The Crown's opinions on the matter may be important as, well to be frank, they once again cannot come to an agreement and it is once again our job to help them along in the process..."
Gash then explains the situation in full to Duliani should they not already have any knowledge on the issue.
"It seems we are in a position to perhaps do some good for the realm or kingdom or all mortals... we have two options that doesn't exactly seem good, but perhaps we wager a deal for our votes or we could maybe find our own candidate to take the place. This may require more time. We could..." Gash shudders a bit, "Plan yet another meeting -- a dinner -- some time away to run a campaign and find our way into a decision."
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Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
“A mercenary? You wound me. Yet you also flatter me, what services could I have to possibly sway a god? No my dear angels, I simply wonder why these gods of invention and magic support a god of adversity. When has adversity led to the creation of something beautiful, a poem, a spell, anything?” Tristan looks onto the angels with interest “And yet you tempt me with favors and divine items? I have asked for nothing and done nothing. But I will admit, you have my interest, what exactly would Mystra, Deneir, and Gond be rewarding me for?”
Kulloda grunts and nods a greeting to the regent. His eyebrows rise and then furrow as Gash speaks. Kulloda has never been a deep thinker and he's finding all that has been going on this evening more exhausting than the battle royales of his past.
"Nobles and gods like talk. Talk. Talk. Talk," Kulloda says. "Centulia also talk. Talk. Talk. It is tiring. Very tiring. This all would have been easier if just kill one god. Then no more talk."
He lets out a deep sigh.
"This not Kulloda's world," he says. "But Gash is smart. Wizard smart. So yes, mortals need choose. But not long choice. Quick choice. Gods live long, long time. Take long, long time to decide. Mortals make quick choice. Catch gods by surprise."
A whole novel's worth of emotions flit across Dog's face.
"And yet it seems like just yesterday, you had found yourself unconscious, trapped by a long-dead wizard's snare. As for rights, given that I rescued you, and carried you to safety, you are mine, correct? This means I am owed a lifedebt, and a long one at that,"Dog says, his face closing to within a few inches of Finnegan's.
"What would it mean to have a god owe you a life debt?"It comes out as almost a joyful growl.
Finnegan's manic joy is instantly tempered, his smile fading to a mere shadow of pleasant expression. "I...uh..." he says, mind beginning to whirr, "You see gnomes....and goliaths...the difference is..."
HIs eyes dart up to the taller devils and angel. He composes himself, flattening his fine clothing with several brushes of his hands. "Well, you make a valid point, Doggear. Perhaps I have, er, failed to recognize...a life for a life, I suppose. Consider your parents' debt paid," he says. "I shouldn't have much need for them now, I think."
-------
Gash and Kulloda:
"You aren't wrong, Kulloda," says the regent with a chuckle. Turning to Gash, she says, "I don't suppose we have an official position on the matter, being the neutral party. I suppose I would like to know whom the heavens would elect for their god in both cases. Can you find that out?"
-------
Tristan:
"There will be no hellish god of the arts,"says Brune. "But the hells must raise up a new god so that there is no imbalance. We choose the dragon because she is worthy...but also because it will allow us to welcome back the Traveler, long banished from the heavens. The faction that supports the gnome...they refuse to allow their grudge against the banished god go. Persuade some of those who support the gnome to accept the dragon and you will have the thanks of the gods themselves."
Standing to the side, distracted by the lure of the woods themselves, Martin is not listening to Irovax and Bailyx debate the finer points of some godly thing or another. A scholar would be more interested in such things. In fact, she is, nudging Martin as she listens to catch draw his attention to the heavenly debate. It has the opposite effect. Whatever Irovax and Bailyx are saying is muted by the surprise of seeing Viviora standing next to him. He doesn't know when she arrived but seeing her enthralled in the idle chatter of angels is enough to soften any hardening heart.
Bailyx says something or another to end the conversation, not mean or angry but more to put the conversation on pause. He strides, glides really, across the clearing to speak to a different angel. Condolus, it seems.
"What?" Viviora says with a shade of embarrassment. "That entire conversation upended 200 years of established doctrine!"
At this point, Martin realizes that the two paladins in the service of the crown, Kresteni and Yiretzi, have arrived, as have a number of Dog's security team. All of them appear relaxed, and a few have even struck up conversations with devils.
"The end of the play was very good," says Viviora. "Did anything exciting happen over here?"
“Oh. Sorta’. Honestly, I’m not sure. They seem to have figured out a lot of things among themselves. Firstly being that they don’t want to wage a war, if they can help it. Secondly: I think they want to create a limbo. Not a good place or a bad place: a medium place. But in order to make it happen, I think they need to add a god to either side. They got some volunteers for the medium place but it throws off the numbers to keep the balance. So the devil folk got a couple candidates… that squirrelly gnome over there, and a red dragon. Seems off-balance to me, I wouldn’t equate the two.”
“But then there’s this Traveler who got banished from the heavens for some reason. I don’t know what’s what with anything else, but he may be a candidate for joining the heavens, and he already has experience.”
”Now I think we’re campaigning? I feel pretty uninformed to be supporting anyone.”
Kulloda looks at the regent, then squints his eyes, closing them tightly as if he's experiencing great pain. He then opens them, turns his next from side to side, cracking noises accompanying the movement, then looks down at Gash.
"If find out heaven's choice," Kulloda begins, 'we can make all stop? No more talk, talk, talk? Kulloda not know why gods care. Just pick one. When they become all whiny? We go talk to Centulia. Tempus at least not whiny talker."
He turns to look back towards the clearing where the gods are 'debating'.
"Gash must come too. Use the smart words."
Kulloda then stalks off back to the clearing and makes a beeline to Centulia.
"Centulia," he begins, nodding his head as his acknowledgement of her power, "why we still here? Tempus is strong. Gnome? Dragon? Neither change that. Who the heaven gods want? Who Tempus want?"
“Ah, the Traveler”Tristan repeats the name with a small smile as he continues his conversation with the angels “I have heard the stories, but believed it no more than an old wives tale, more myth and legend than fact. Does anyone even know where they are, or if they would return to the heavens? And what did they do to draw the anger of the other gods anyway?”
Tristan pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. “The dragon is worthy, does that mean the gnome is not? What would make him worthy for such an ascension to the ranks of the gods?”
Excitement flits across Viviora's eyes as Martin talks about the gods themselves. When he mentions The Traveler, her expression turns to surprise. Her eyes glaze for a few seconds and then they refocus on Martin. She shoots a look, not too subtly, to Axonia across the glen. Upon looking himself, Martin sees Axonia look up as well. The angel gives the elven librarian a polite nod and a smile.
"I...I think we are supposed to find him," Viviora says, a little shakiness in her voice. "We are supposed to find him. You and me. We need to get to the library back in the city."
-------
Kulloda and Gash:
Centulia does not sway as she walks like some of the other devils. She marches almost, precision in her every step. It is only a few steps to close the distance to Kulloda. "You are right,Kulloda," she says."It doesn't matter. Tempus favors the gnome but the Limbo of War but if the dragon is what the majority want, Tempus will make no fuss. He gets what he wants either way. Help Tempus move to the Limbos and you will be rewarded, whether it be the wizard or the dragon or a god of mosquitos."
Centulialooks Kulloda, battleworn and antsy for action, from his feet to his head. "This is a different kind of fight than you might be used to, Kulloda. It does not play to your strengths. The ranger, the goliath, young Gash here...they need your blade to help them fight the war of the words, the war of deeds that will sway the gods themselves. Like you, there are gods who care more for other things than who rises to join the hells and the heavens. If they get these other things, they will be swayed. But it will require all your muscle, your fury, to achieve some of these deeds," the devil says. She places her hands on his shoulders. "If you help them, people will sing of you. Seek out the deeds of the gods, brave warrior. Make Tempus proud."
-----
Tristan:
"No, not yet," says Brune. "But the hells believe they can infuse him with more power, enough power, to make him worthy. I do not know their plan."
Martin will tap Gash, Dog, and Tristan on the shoulder before leaving, saying “I think I may have a lead on the Traveler. I don’t know much about the rest of this, but come find me at the library with Viviora if you need anything. I’ll help.” then he’ll head out with Viviora
I didn't answer all of Tristan's questions, so here is an addendum.
Tristan:
Abradala speaks up next. "The Traveler broke the balance of the heavens shortly after they were elevated to godhood," the angel says. "They elevated their brother to the position of the god of music and poetry. Milil and the Traveler were siblings, both powerful enough to ascend to a place of authority in the celestial planes. But only the Traveler was chosen to fill out the balance. With the ascension of Milil, 21 gods ruled the heavens and 20 gods ruled the hells. So the hells revolted, nearly causing a new culling of the gods. To stave off a war, the heavens cast the Traveler out, forbidding any god, devil, or angel to speak to them for 1000 years. It has been longer than that, now, and the gods still refuse to speak to them. They are all but forgotten as a god, now. Except by the gods of the hells, who have harbored resentment and distrust ever since."
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Kulloda stops and looks down at Gash.
"Mortals have say in this?" Kulloda asks. He pauses for a long moment before breaking out into loud laughter. "Is that true? Ha. How? What do we do? Must choose god to anger all of the heavens, hells, and limbo. Then they fight among selves for eternity and leave mortals alone."
He keeps laughing, the thought of talking to Centulia leaving his mind for now. He claps Gash on the shoulder, laughing again.
"You know queen? Are hands the other mortals here? Yes, yes. Have council. Pick worst possible god."
Kulloda looks around then gestures with his broad hand and arm for Gash to lead the way.
“Every world, mortal or otherwise, runs on influence,” — the Elf spoke, mildly amused, his Message ringing silently in the spymaster’s ears, partway during his conversation with the Angelic trio — “and Eternity is perhaps the biggest favour one could give. What you and yours stand to gain from giving it is obvious, yes?”
The Eladrin paused, allowing for his words to echo in Tristan’s mind — and perhaps even trip the mid-conversation bard up, slightly — before casting the spell again and continuing “So you may be placing the cart in front of the horses here, young troubadour. Should the question not be ‘Which will be more likely to act on such a favour?’ instead?” Llyr took a sip from his bottle, before capping it and crossing his arms. The bladesinger’s now vastly more attentive gaze once more panned through the crowds to see the far smaller mortal beings crisscrossing this gathering of gargantuan Angels and Devils — “And if you don’t know the answer to that question,” — his words still silent to everyone but the spymaster, he shrugged, staring directly at the Bard, hints of a grin tugging at the corner of his lips — “why not simply Ask?”
”In my experience, mortals are far worse liars than the Everlasting. A good enough question and a keen enough eye could very well be all you need to clarify the situation.”
A final pause, before the Eladrin spoke once again, this time without the cantrip, loud enough to reach Tristan’s ears. “Best of luck! Will be looking forward to seeing how you do.”
(OOC: Slight retcon of my previous post to address the interaction with Lyr - still finish it up with the questions for Brune, Ferrault, and Abradala)
Tristan pauses as he hears the voice enter his head, realizing almost immediately it is coming from the Elf he was talking with earlier. He sends his thoughts back: Cart before the horse? I guess it depends on the direction you are going. You assume we are interested in personal rewards and will support those who curry us with the most favor. Perhaps we are, but what if there are other calculations at play, the greater good and all of that?
In any case, I will just separate those who are not firm in their choice and find out just exactly what will motivate them to switch their support, on either side. Let’s just see what influence we may actually have to give, shall we? He makes eye contact with the Elf and replies, speaking openly now “Luck? My good friend, fortune favors the bold.”
He continues on to the three angels Felistra identified as supporting the dragon, Brune, Ferrault, and Abradala, and introduces himself with a small bow.
“Ah, waiting is the hardest part. Perhaps a song to pass the time?” Tristan pats his lute “Or just some conversation. I see you support Xa’lawea. Why a god of adversity? Doesn’t the mortal realm face enough adversity everyday without creating a god dedicated to it? Challenges, toil, strife, they define the material plane. An interesting choice for the gods of writing, craft, and magic, you would think they would favor something that supports creation, something like ambition.”
“The cart before the horse.” — the Elf reiterated, returning to the Message cantrip — “Never forget, you’re dealing with representatives of Gods. Hoping to influence any of them will prove risky enough on its own. Doing so blindly and without a clear goal is hubris… even for me.” — the Eladrin flashed a bold, dastardly smile that dared a slap: an essential tool for any Fey worth their salt — “And in regards to this ‘greater good’ you speak of, what difference is there? Would electing a God of the Hells that repays a favour not be better for any of your civilisations than electing one who will not? Benefits are benefits, o poet. Whether you ask them for the good of yourself or your people is your choice to make. But the way the game is played remains, as does the notion that those that do not play, do not win.“
”This is my advice to you. Find out who you want downstairs, and what you and yours stand to gain from getting them there. Then put in the fieldwork to make it happen.”
Arms spread out to either side, in a larger than life pose, the Bladesinger replied once more out loud, with a satisfied smile aimed at the Bard’s final remark. “That it does!“ — Llyr laughed — “But it is just a favour.”
Dog's face looks like it should be experiencing a shock, but a stormcloud passes across it instead. He casts another message: "Debt? They still owe you a debt? Illuminate me."
He turns his right palm up, fingers splayed, and slowly closes them, casting move earth to make the ground under Finnegan's feet rise slowly into a pedestal, bringing the wizard closer to Dog's eyeline, as the goliath steps closer, never breaking eye contact.
“Ah yes, Kulloda. My friends and I took her along The Long Road. Delivered her to the King just before he passed. I suspect you would greatly enjoy many of our tales but yes let’s go find Queen Gentoa and her hands.”
Gash will lead his new friend to where they would be.
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Kulloda nods and scratches his shoulder at the same time and follows after Gash to find the queen.
Brune, Ferrault, and Abradala look at each other for a moment. "If not faithful then a mercenary a mortal be," says Brune, as if quoting something, though it doesn't sound familiar. But his demeanor is not cynical. A slight smile creeps on his lips. "You think you can sway the gods? That would be indeed worthy of a prize. From Deneir, Gond, and Mystra, three in all, you would earn a favor...or a divinely blessed item. Such as perhaps the Quill of Kell or a tome of considerable power?"
-----------
At first startled, Finnegan's expression turns to bemusement. "You don't remember, dear Doggear? When you were but a young goliath, exploring in that mountain glade? When I found you, you had nearly starved to death, trapped by a long-dead wizard's snare. It is a fate that befalls your kind all too often, I'm afraid in the former battlefield of the Mage Wars."
The wizard finds a piece of lint on his fine robes and plucks it off in distaste. He looks around at the devils listening and gives them an entertainer's smile, and then turns back to Dog. "By rights, you were mine. I was owed a lifedebt, and a long one at that. Your mother tried to trade herself for you but that is no trade worth considering," he said with a scoff. "Both parents, though, that was a more enticing deal. It was complicated only by the fact that you would not stay with your tribe. You absolutely refused. You really do not remember? Well, I found a spot of compassion. You could join us until you had matured and then you would be free. Until then, I would offer you education, work only if you wanted it, and otherwise let you be."
-----------
Gash and Kulloda find themselves less than half a mile from the gathering of divine beings. A bonfire blazes in the center of half a dozen fine tents. Neventi (Gentoa's birth mother) is just entering one of the tents to attend to the sleepy cries of the young queen. Regent Duliani, legal mother to the queen, is chatting with Passalwyck, an Eladrin elf you primarily resides in the Feywild, and several nobles, both young and old. The regent smiles at Gash with a kindness rare in those of her station. That has always been her way, genuine and warm, at least when relaxed.
"Gash," she says warmly. "Join us by the fire. Who is your friend?"
"Regent Duliani," Gash bows "This here is Kulloda. We are here to talk business more or less... The Heavens and Hells are to appoint new Gods -- and well, I -- we thought, perhaps The Crown's opinions on the matter may be important as, well to be frank, they once again cannot come to an agreement and it is once again our job to help them along in the process..."
Gash then explains the situation in full to Duliani should they not already have any knowledge on the issue.
"It seems we are in a position to perhaps do some good for the realm or kingdom or all mortals... we have two options that doesn't exactly seem good, but perhaps we wager a deal for our votes or we could maybe find our own candidate to take the place. This may require more time. We could..." Gash shudders a bit, "Plan yet another meeting -- a dinner -- some time away to run a campaign and find our way into a decision."
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
“A mercenary? You wound me. Yet you also flatter me, what services could I have to possibly sway a god? No my dear angels, I simply wonder why these gods of invention and magic support a god of adversity. When has adversity led to the creation of something beautiful, a poem, a spell, anything?” Tristan looks onto the angels with interest “And yet you tempt me with favors and divine items? I have asked for nothing and done nothing. But I will admit, you have my interest, what exactly would Mystra, Deneir, and Gond be rewarding me for?”
Kulloda grunts and nods a greeting to the regent. His eyebrows rise and then furrow as Gash speaks. Kulloda has never been a deep thinker and he's finding all that has been going on this evening more exhausting than the battle royales of his past.
"Nobles and gods like talk. Talk. Talk. Talk," Kulloda says. "Centulia also talk. Talk. Talk. It is tiring. Very tiring. This all would have been easier if just kill one god. Then no more talk."
He lets out a deep sigh.
"This not Kulloda's world," he says. "But Gash is smart. Wizard smart. So yes, mortals need choose. But not long choice. Quick choice. Gods live long, long time. Take long, long time to decide. Mortals make quick choice. Catch gods by surprise."
A whole novel's worth of emotions flit across Dog's face.
"And yet it seems like just yesterday, you had found yourself unconscious, trapped by a long-dead wizard's snare. As for rights, given that I rescued you, and carried you to safety, you are mine, correct? This means I am owed a lifedebt, and a long one at that," Dog says, his face closing to within a few inches of Finnegan's.
"What would it mean to have a god owe you a life debt?" It comes out as almost a joyful growl.
Dog:
Finnegan's manic joy is instantly tempered, his smile fading to a mere shadow of pleasant expression. "I...uh..." he says, mind beginning to whirr, "You see gnomes....and goliaths...the difference is..."
HIs eyes dart up to the taller devils and angel. He composes himself, flattening his fine clothing with several brushes of his hands. "Well, you make a valid point, Doggear. Perhaps I have, er, failed to recognize...a life for a life, I suppose. Consider your parents' debt paid," he says. "I shouldn't have much need for them now, I think."
-------
Gash and Kulloda:
"You aren't wrong, Kulloda," says the regent with a chuckle. Turning to Gash, she says, "I don't suppose we have an official position on the matter, being the neutral party. I suppose I would like to know whom the heavens would elect for their god in both cases. Can you find that out?"
-------
Tristan:
"There will be no hellish god of the arts," says Brune. "But the hells must raise up a new god so that there is no imbalance. We choose the dragon because she is worthy...but also because it will allow us to welcome back the Traveler, long banished from the heavens. The faction that supports the gnome...they refuse to allow their grudge against the banished god go. Persuade some of those who support the gnome to accept the dragon and you will have the thanks of the gods themselves."
Martin:
Standing to the side, distracted by the lure of the woods themselves, Martin is not listening to Irovax and Bailyx debate the finer points of some godly thing or another. A scholar would be more interested in such things. In fact, she is, nudging Martin as she listens to catch draw his attention to the heavenly debate. It has the opposite effect. Whatever Irovax and Bailyx are saying is muted by the surprise of seeing Viviora standing next to him. He doesn't know when she arrived but seeing her enthralled in the idle chatter of angels is enough to soften any hardening heart.
Bailyx says something or another to end the conversation, not mean or angry but more to put the conversation on pause. He strides, glides really, across the clearing to speak to a different angel. Condolus, it seems.
"What?" Viviora says with a shade of embarrassment. "That entire conversation upended 200 years of established doctrine!"
At this point, Martin realizes that the two paladins in the service of the crown, Kresteni and Yiretzi, have arrived, as have a number of Dog's security team. All of them appear relaxed, and a few have even struck up conversations with devils.
"The end of the play was very good," says Viviora. "Did anything exciting happen over here?"
“Oh. Sorta’. Honestly, I’m not sure. They seem to have figured out a lot of things among themselves. Firstly being that they don’t want to wage a war, if they can help it. Secondly: I think they want to create a limbo. Not a good place or a bad place: a medium place. But in order to make it happen, I think they need to add a god to either side. They got some volunteers for the medium place but it throws off the numbers to keep the balance. So the devil folk got a couple candidates… that squirrelly gnome over there, and a red dragon. Seems off-balance to me, I wouldn’t equate the two.”
“But then there’s this Traveler who got banished from the heavens for some reason. I don’t know what’s what with anything else, but he may be a candidate for joining the heavens, and he already has experience.”
”Now I think we’re campaigning? I feel pretty uninformed to be supporting anyone.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Kulloda looks at the regent, then squints his eyes, closing them tightly as if he's experiencing great pain. He then opens them, turns his next from side to side, cracking noises accompanying the movement, then looks down at Gash.
"If find out heaven's choice," Kulloda begins, 'we can make all stop? No more talk, talk, talk? Kulloda not know why gods care. Just pick one. When they become all whiny? We go talk to Centulia. Tempus at least not whiny talker."
He turns to look back towards the clearing where the gods are 'debating'.
"Gash must come too. Use the smart words."
Kulloda then stalks off back to the clearing and makes a beeline to Centulia.
"Centulia," he begins, nodding his head as his acknowledgement of her power, "why we still here? Tempus is strong. Gnome? Dragon? Neither change that. Who the heaven gods want? Who Tempus want?"
“Ah, the Traveler” Tristan repeats the name with a small smile as he continues his conversation with the angels “I have heard the stories, but believed it no more than an old wives tale, more myth and legend than fact. Does anyone even know where they are, or if they would return to the heavens? And what did they do to draw the anger of the other gods anyway?”
Tristan pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. “The dragon is worthy, does that mean the gnome is not? What would make him worthy for such an ascension to the ranks of the gods?”
Martin:
Excitement flits across Viviora's eyes as Martin talks about the gods themselves. When he mentions The Traveler, her expression turns to surprise. Her eyes glaze for a few seconds and then they refocus on Martin. She shoots a look, not too subtly, to Axonia across the glen. Upon looking himself, Martin sees Axonia look up as well. The angel gives the elven librarian a polite nod and a smile.
"I...I think we are supposed to find him," Viviora says, a little shakiness in her voice. "We are supposed to find him. You and me. We need to get to the library back in the city."
-------
Kulloda and Gash:
Centulia does not sway as she walks like some of the other devils. She marches almost, precision in her every step. It is only a few steps to close the distance to Kulloda. "You are right, Kulloda," she says. "It doesn't matter. Tempus favors the gnome but the Limbo of War but if the dragon is what the majority want, Tempus will make no fuss. He gets what he wants either way. Help Tempus move to the Limbos and you will be rewarded, whether it be the wizard or the dragon or a god of mosquitos."
Centulia looks Kulloda, battleworn and antsy for action, from his feet to his head. "This is a different kind of fight than you might be used to, Kulloda. It does not play to your strengths. The ranger, the goliath, young Gash here...they need your blade to help them fight the war of the words, the war of deeds that will sway the gods themselves. Like you, there are gods who care more for other things than who rises to join the hells and the heavens. If they get these other things, they will be swayed. But it will require all your muscle, your fury, to achieve some of these deeds," the devil says. She places her hands on his shoulders. "If you help them, people will sing of you. Seek out the deeds of the gods, brave warrior. Make Tempus proud."
-----
Tristan:
"No, not yet," says Brune. "But the hells believe they can infuse him with more power, enough power, to make him worthy. I do not know their plan."
Martin will tap Gash, Dog, and Tristan on the shoulder before leaving, saying “I think I may have a lead on the Traveler. I don’t know much about the rest of this, but come find me at the library with Viviora if you need anything. I’ll help.”
then he’ll head out with Viviora
Paladin - warforged - orange
I didn't answer all of Tristan's questions, so here is an addendum.
Tristan:
Abradala speaks up next. "The Traveler broke the balance of the heavens shortly after they were elevated to godhood," the angel says. "They elevated their brother to the position of the god of music and poetry. Milil and the Traveler were siblings, both powerful enough to ascend to a place of authority in the celestial planes. But only the Traveler was chosen to fill out the balance. With the ascension of Milil, 21 gods ruled the heavens and 20 gods ruled the hells. So the hells revolted, nearly causing a new culling of the gods. To stave off a war, the heavens cast the Traveler out, forbidding any god, devil, or angel to speak to them for 1000 years. It has been longer than that, now, and the gods still refuse to speak to them. They are all but forgotten as a god, now. Except by the gods of the hells, who have harbored resentment and distrust ever since."