Thyrius speaks through the mental bond: "Now that we are all here and the bond is reestablished, I think there is a way to address all of our concerns. I am sure we can all agree that the phylactery should be destroyed but, if I can capture the soul within before it is completely undone, that could still fall within the confines of Xem's agreement, could it not? The lich's soul will remain, except housed elsewhere where it shall no longer be a threat, or so do I understand. In fact, it might even be a boon to our mission, through the aid the soul may provide me, as many others do, and as you have all surely noticed. I can harness some of the power of the undead; this would be the next step up. I am not sure of all the details involved, but my Faceless Ancestor will see to it. We simply have to destroy the physical item, the locket, as per Nuzej's instructions. My ancestor and I will take over from there."
Simaal goes about doing his cleanup of treasure, gathering and piling while he talks mentally "It's an intriguing idea and certainly one that would potentially fulfill multiple opposing thoughts, but how dangerous is it to you, could they break free, perhaps take over and imprison you instead?"
With little more than a sharp nod of acceptance, Xemnez immediately begun maneuvering his way over to the bone pit, testing the edge to make sure no invisible platform yet remained, before diving down into the grating mess. As his worse... fears? No. As his worse concern seemed to have failed to come to light, the Leonin seemed to finally calm for the moment, and drifted over to Nuzej, if only observe on the surface. Though anyone insightful or perceptive enough could see his attention seemed more on the locket itself, and the troubled frown worn throughout the ritual.
Regardless, there is no hesitance on his part in following Toc's garbled suggestion, or resistance to the later form connection. So long as he could keep a close eye on the phylactery, even the mild discomfort of feeling like some waterlogged stray failed to distract him. "... If it is, you all should know by now my... stance regarding it. We would need to keep it until the Lich has finished reforming and keep to his end of the bargain. A powerful soul, or so he implied, could hasten the process, but..." He trailed off into sigh through the nose. "I doubt any here is of want to seek such nonsense out." He went on to say aloud, either unconcern of being overheard or simply seeing no harm in his words. After which point he finally looks up to the rest of the party. 'Toc has hopefully conveyed the rest of my bargain. Though no magic binds me to the promise... as far as I'm aware, at least, I regardless will do what I must to keep up my end... But that said-' He looks to Thyrius. 'My brother's suggestion has merit. Much as our other Ancestors might disapprove of the Faceless' one and their dabbling's, their assistance in this would be one way around things. That is, so long as the soul isn't at least destroyed.' He admits through the link to all. 'But I cannot willfully turn a blind eye to it being damaged. And certainly none of you have the magic remaining to make that otherwise now don't you? Certainly no means of temporarily removing from this place.' He adds, giving the more magic bound users an expectant look.
Nuzej nods at Toc, and scoops the amulet up in an empty pouch, trying not to touch it anymore. "To destroy it, we need to damage it with fire, then cold, then divine power. That should do it. Unless...."he says over the link, looking at the warlock, and the cleric. "This is outside the realm of my expertise but I am eager to learn how this would work, and also how this would be a disaster. Are there protections we can attempt in either scenario?"
While talking, he attempts some minor excavation and remodeling with mold earth. Moving loose gravel/silt/dirt around, vibrating it to see if this helps unearth coin or valuable. Or move the water out of the dome's realm, or even mold some basic low benches for the party to sit down and take a load off.
"Not so fast. First, what exactly can this thing tell us? Xemnez, the existence of the phylactery is out of the question. To sustain the thing you need to feed it souls - as you well know. Constantly. However, the creature inside has a lot to atone for and I am willing to give it a chance to do so. If (!) it has something to offer in exchange for its existence. So, what does it offer?"
Toc sits quietly, seating himself on the silty damp ground in a cross legged fashion, and takes a deep breath, closing his eyes and meditating as he waits to hear more details on the deal Xemnez has struck with the Lich. Water droplets still drip from his hair and off the hem of his drooping cloak.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Xemnez raised a brow at Mirica, then looked over to Toc. "I /thought/ you said relayed everything I told you." He says dryly. Regardless of any answer, he sighs and shakes his softly, then turned to regard the cleric in question. "He was not exact, but I sensed no lies in his willingness to give up information on you know who. Means by which we can further... hinder his master, as he was too doubtful anyone being able can stop him." He explained. "I was able to further confirm that we should have 2 years before the full breadth of his master's plan comes to fruition. But even I would hardly take solace in that considering the damage that can be done in the interim."Xemnez chuffed and crossed his arms over his chest.
'To be clear, the entity within cares not for atonement. Death has made him too arrogant to even entertain the notion as a possibility, be it a willing choice or forced upon him. But he is somewhat certain now that we can always track him down later should he try to escape. And that so long as we possess the phylactery, his very existence is in our hands. So as far as motivation goes, he has plenty enough to want speak truthfully... But again, my brother solution is a means around the biggest concerns anyhow.'
(OOC: I presume Mirica asked her question outloud. But if not, assume Xemnez did much the same with the exception of the last bit, which he more certainly communicated mentally.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Thyrius' response to Simaal is full of belief in his patron's abilities: "However powerful the lich may be, he shall not overpower the Faceless Ancestor. I am but a vessel for their power, but I shall not be undone if my patron is directly aiding me in the process. That is especially the case should the group here decide to assist me in ways that would embolden my conviction or spur my magical understanding."
In response to his brother, Thyrius adds: "Although I cannot be sure, we may still be able to access the information this lich promised you once I... relocate them; perhaps through conversation, perhaps through extraction. But it is all conjecture at this point. The Ancestor can be vague."
Mirica was watching the phylactery as well as if the thing could say something out loud. "I have no doubts he wishes to take his master's place. After all, power is all liches care. But did I understand you correctly - you can not talk with the lich freely?" She nodded to the answer. "All right. Let's pack this thing for now."Mirica took out of her backpack the mess kit, tossed the cap and cutlery back, and scooped the phylactery into the tin box. Then wrapped the box with her winter cloak and put the whole thing into the backpack again. "What's the plan? Shall we walk from here or can you teleport us back to Myth Drannor, Toc?"
(In before someone asks - no, she will not trust the phylactery to someone else.)
"Well... with it intact, I can only hope no one dies then.... be it us or people we like or people we don't like if it means feeding it souls makes it more powerful. "
Thyrius watches as Nuzej and/or Mirica handle the phylactery and mentally asks what he thinks are obvious questions: "Are we not destroying it right here? Why delay the process?"
Nuzej consents to handing over the pouch with the amulet inside to Mirica. The question of souls and such was a little outside of his expertise - he’s listening and trying to learn more from Thyrius and Mirica.
"As I understand it, we break the phylactery as instructed by Nuzej and, at the moment, my Ancestor will capture the soul into a new trinket through me. I am as ready as I'll be."
Toc stands up abruptly, his eyes popping open, "I can manage the fire quite easily. A significant amount of cold damage in one go though I'm not really ready for."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Mirica lays the steel locket on the ground amidst the moist silty floor. Toc nods his readiness to the two others. And then flames burgeon in his fast and he hurls it at the locket.
Attack: 32 Damage: 21
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
The fire splashes across the locket and the ground. The silt sizzles as steam and smoke puff from the area...and there's a distinct "crack" as the red gem on the locket cracks in two. Slowly, the crack begins to mend.
Thryius feels a cold, deathly presence ease into his heart...and his fingers go numb. He sees them dance of their own volition....readying to capture a soul.
Thyrius speaks through the mental bond: "Now that we are all here and the bond is reestablished, I think there is a way to address all of our concerns. I am sure we can all agree that the phylactery should be destroyed but, if I can capture the soul within before it is completely undone, that could still fall within the confines of Xem's agreement, could it not? The lich's soul will remain, except housed elsewhere where it shall no longer be a threat, or so do I understand. In fact, it might even be a boon to our mission, through the aid the soul may provide me, as many others do, and as you have all surely noticed. I can harness some of the power of the undead; this would be the next step up. I am not sure of all the details involved, but my Faceless Ancestor will see to it. We simply have to destroy the physical item, the locket, as per Nuzej's instructions. My ancestor and I will take over from there."
Simaal goes about doing his cleanup of treasure, gathering and piling while he talks mentally "It's an intriguing idea and certainly one that would potentially fulfill multiple opposing thoughts, but how dangerous is it to you, could they break free, perhaps take over and imprison you instead?"
With little more than a sharp nod of acceptance, Xemnez immediately begun maneuvering his way over to the bone pit, testing the edge to make sure no invisible platform yet remained, before diving down into the grating mess. As his worse... fears? No. As his worse concern seemed to have failed to come to light, the Leonin seemed to finally calm for the moment, and drifted over to Nuzej, if only observe on the surface. Though anyone insightful or perceptive enough could see his attention seemed more on the locket itself, and the troubled frown worn throughout the ritual.
Regardless, there is no hesitance on his part in following Toc's garbled suggestion, or resistance to the later form connection. So long as he could keep a close eye on the phylactery, even the mild discomfort of feeling like some waterlogged stray failed to distract him. "... If it is, you all should know by now my... stance regarding it. We would need to keep it until the Lich has finished reforming and keep to his end of the bargain. A powerful soul, or so he implied, could hasten the process, but..." He trailed off into sigh through the nose. "I doubt any here is of want to seek such nonsense out." He went on to say aloud, either unconcern of being overheard or simply seeing no harm in his words. After which point he finally looks up to the rest of the party. 'Toc has hopefully conveyed the rest of my bargain. Though no magic binds me to the promise... as far as I'm aware, at least, I regardless will do what I must to keep up my end... But that said-' He looks to Thyrius. 'My brother's suggestion has merit. Much as our other Ancestors might disapprove of the Faceless' one and their dabbling's, their assistance in this would be one way around things. That is, so long as the soul isn't at least destroyed.' He admits through the link to all. 'But I cannot willfully turn a blind eye to it being damaged. And certainly none of you have the magic remaining to make that otherwise now don't you? Certainly no means of temporarily removing from this place.' He adds, giving the more magic bound users an expectant look.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Nuzej nods at Toc, and scoops the amulet up in an empty pouch, trying not to touch it anymore. "To destroy it, we need to damage it with fire, then cold, then divine power. That should do it. Unless...." he says over the link, looking at the warlock, and the cleric. "This is outside the realm of my expertise but I am eager to learn how this would work, and also how this would be a disaster. Are there protections we can attempt in either scenario?"
While talking, he attempts some minor excavation and remodeling with mold earth. Moving loose gravel/silt/dirt around, vibrating it to see if this helps unearth coin or valuable. Or move the water out of the dome's realm, or even mold some basic low benches for the party to sit down and take a load off.
"Not so fast. First, what exactly can this thing tell us? Xemnez, the existence of the phylactery is out of the question. To sustain the thing you need to feed it souls - as you well know. Constantly. However, the creature inside has a lot to atone for and I am willing to give it a chance to do so. If (!) it has something to offer in exchange for its existence. So, what does it offer?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Toc sits quietly, seating himself on the silty damp ground in a cross legged fashion, and takes a deep breath, closing his eyes and meditating as he waits to hear more details on the deal Xemnez has struck with the Lich. Water droplets still drip from his hair and off the hem of his drooping cloak.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Xemnez raised a brow at Mirica, then looked over to Toc. "I /thought/ you said relayed everything I told you." He says dryly. Regardless of any answer, he sighs and shakes his softly, then turned to regard the cleric in question. "He was not exact, but I sensed no lies in his willingness to give up information on you know who. Means by which we can further... hinder his master, as he was too doubtful anyone being able can stop him." He explained. "I was able to further confirm that we should have 2 years before the full breadth of his master's plan comes to fruition. But even I would hardly take solace in that considering the damage that can be done in the interim." Xemnez chuffed and crossed his arms over his chest.
'To be clear, the entity within cares not for atonement. Death has made him too arrogant to even entertain the notion as a possibility, be it a willing choice or forced upon him. But he is somewhat certain now that we can always track him down later should he try to escape. And that so long as we possess the phylactery, his very existence is in our hands. So as far as motivation goes, he has plenty enough to want speak truthfully... But again, my brother solution is a means around the biggest concerns anyhow.'
(OOC: I presume Mirica asked her question outloud. But if not, assume Xemnez did much the same with the exception of the last bit, which he more certainly communicated mentally.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Thyrius' response to Simaal is full of belief in his patron's abilities: "However powerful the lich may be, he shall not overpower the Faceless Ancestor. I am but a vessel for their power, but I shall not be undone if my patron is directly aiding me in the process. That is especially the case should the group here decide to assist me in ways that would embolden my conviction or spur my magical understanding."
In response to his brother, Thyrius adds: "Although I cannot be sure, we may still be able to access the information this lich promised you once I... relocate them; perhaps through conversation, perhaps through extraction. But it is all conjecture at this point. The Ancestor can be vague."
Mirica was watching the phylactery as well as if the thing could say something out loud. "I have no doubts he wishes to take his master's place. After all, power is all liches care. But did I understand you correctly - you can not talk with the lich freely?" She nodded to the answer. "All right. Let's pack this thing for now." Mirica took out of her backpack the mess kit, tossed the cap and cutlery back, and scooped the phylactery into the tin box. Then wrapped the box with her winter cloak and put the whole thing into the backpack again. "What's the plan? Shall we walk from here or can you teleport us back to Myth Drannor, Toc?"
(In before someone asks - no, she will not trust the phylactery to someone else.)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Well... with it intact, I can only hope no one dies then.... be it us or people we like or people we don't like if it means feeding it souls makes it more powerful. "
Thyrius watches as Nuzej and/or Mirica handle the phylactery and mentally asks what he thinks are obvious questions: "Are we not destroying it right here? Why delay the process?"
"Did not you say you can not transfer the soul right now? Because if you can, true, no need for delays. What do you need to do?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Nuzej consents to handing over the pouch with the amulet inside to Mirica. The question of souls and such was a little outside of his expertise - he’s listening and trying to learn more from Thyrius and Mirica.
"As I understand it, we break the phylactery as instructed by Nuzej and, at the moment, my Ancestor will capture the soul into a new trinket through me. I am as ready as I'll be."
Toc stands up abruptly, his eyes popping open, "I can manage the fire quite easily. A significant amount of cold damage in one go though I'm not really ready for."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"I can handle cold, and even radiant, though perhaps Mirica would like that honor..." Nuzej says.
"Let's try it then." The open tin box returned to the ground as Mirica prepared to unleash the power of radiant light at the phylactery in her turn.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Mirica lays the steel locket on the ground amidst the moist silty floor. Toc nods his readiness to the two others. And then flames burgeon in his fast and he hurls it at the locket.
Attack: 32 Damage: 21
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
The fire splashes across the locket and the ground. The silt sizzles as steam and smoke puff from the area...and there's a distinct "crack" as the red gem on the locket cracks in two. Slowly, the crack begins to mend.
Thryius feels a cold, deathly presence ease into his heart...and his fingers go numb. He sees them dance of their own volition....readying to capture a soul.
Nuzej?
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Nuzej nods and extends his hand, and a ray of frost shoots at the amulet.
Attack: 33 Damage: 57
He tries again just to be sure:
Attack: 14 Damage: 15