Pizazz's Myth Drannor

To Mirica, still in Ythryn, after the resting dome is formed: "If that is the case, why not make an attempt of bribery or assassination during the hour I spent connecting with the artifact. They surely noticed me and even paid a visit. Why not prevent my linkage to be formed in the first place?"

The stop in Myth Drannor earns little more than silent observation from Thyrius. He is cautious to follow Toc's instructions regarding the mist and not veering far way from the Mythallar, though this constitutes no proper visit to a new location. He reequips as needed in the storage room before making ready to depart once again. To his brother: "It seems Toc is also some sort of planeswalker, much like Ajani, no? I gather this is all still within the same plane, but the ease with which we travel is nonetheless impressive."

(OOC: Still thinking about mundane equipment. I'll detail it soon.)

Upon arriving in Ten Towers, Thyrius sees the sky for the first time in this new world. A relief he did not know he was craving bathes him. Once that initial reaction is fully through, the black cat looks around and is somewhat surprised that there seems to be no third Mythallar in this new location. "Not every town has one," he concludes somewhat in shock. He wonders if Mythallars have to be placed in locales that lack access to the sky. Correlation could mean causation in this instance, could it not?

Thryrius looks back at the townsfolk just as amused as the glances he is receiving: "So many fur-less humans here." His new hunting party was an eclectic bunch, and he admitted they were all quite different from your average group of townsfolk. Back in Theros, large agglomerations of humans did not take long to find reason to attack the leonins of Oreskos, or the centaurs or tritons for that matter. Thyrius kept an eye out.

"Oh, it was not a moth yet, then?" Mirica smiled innocently. "Lost track of time." The travel was not a total loss nevertheless. News about Chen was worth the travel. But also the biggest of Ten Towns had something to offer besides unfashionable but practical armour. There was a Temple - even two of them and a market. This means Mirica could stock up on quite important ingredients (as sacrilege as the word was when applied to holy relics). She did not have money but hoped Toc will share some of his - it was for the group after all, or she could sell some of the gems they still have. She would need Holy Relics (1000 gp, at least one more to feel safer) and a couple gem-encrusted bowls (1000 gp each). If it's possible to get more of them, she would not say "no".

Also, once back to their Mythallar, she would do what had to be done long ago - cast Hallow on the Mythallar chamber, suggesting Everlasting Rest or Courage as an additional effect (but would list others as well). Considering Russel was out there somewhere, still bound to the place and in a very bad company.

"You forgot," answered Mirica Thyrius' surprise. "Mythallars belong to the flying cities of an ancient civilization. What you see now is an ordinary city of our plane. Welcome, by the way, you are officially in a normal everyday environment of the Material Plane. Not the best spot, but it's getting better. Seems like Shadovar did not mind the changes. Hope, little dryad will soon feel better... But speaking of Shadovar. They knew any attempts to dissuade us from joining the Mythallar in ice city were pointless. And the battle could turn not in their favour. They had no other choice but to let you join. Now is the different matter. Be on your guard."

Mirica does a bit of shopping, but the things she is looking for are hard to come by, and though it's the largest of the ten towns, this place is not big enough to be producing mass quantities of gem encrusted bowls. That said, it seems her last time here did inspire some production since there is a single gem-encrusted bowl available.  The same goes for the holy relics, she is able to find one only. Toc doesn't have any extra coin for her to use, since she did gather most of their large find together as funds manager. She'll need to sell her gems to get enough to purchase the a relic and a bowl. 

Thryius and Xemnez are indeed pleased to finally be in a location that is outside, and as well, seemingly mundane. The air is cold and crisp...but fresh and carries with it the scent of pine. The city is certainly a 'human' one, but they also spot other elves, dwarves, halflings, and the odd tiefling amidst the inhabitants. The structures are all made from stone and wood, with steep roofs that slough off the heavy snows. The streets here are narrow and winding, likely to help reduce the effect of winter winds in the area. The humans seem friendly enough, though are hardened by the cold and dark here. They spot hunters, fishers, trappers and trade folk amidst the cities population. There are several stores that sell specialties, but most seem to have been homes that are partially converted into a shop front. The temple the group visits is likewise a large home that has been converted. 

The brothers witness a few of the local inhabitants that seem to recognize the group. They seem polite enough to give the group a smile and welcome them back to town, but there is no hero treatment for this group and the city is not praising their good deeds. You'd been told that the ice goddess had locked this whole region in an unceasing winter, and shrouded it in the darkness of night. If the group was even partially responsible for freeing the region, the people here don't seem to credit the group. Neither does the group take any effort to seek credit. For two brothers who heroic deeds had been recorded in murals it seemed an odd situation.

Meanwhile though, your eyes travel to the light grey sky. A thin cloud cover stretches across the bright open world. The clouds drift peacefully enough across the sky. Occasionally a fleck of snow drifts down from above but it doesn't smell like it will snow, and the clouds look to light and are traveling too quickly to leave much behind. The snow and ice that clogs the side streets and adorn every structure here clearly indicates that snow is the norm. At least for now. 

Nuzej takes some time to first re-calibrate his spells, knowing he will be able to wake up as himself, and then resupplies a bit with mundane items in Myth Drannor. He also charges up the Staff of Power. In Ten Towns, he crooks a half-smile as they get the news about the armor, but drops it for a determined grimace when Mirica looks at him. 

"Either destination will suffice. You can get us to either, or both? You will have to teach me what you learned to be able to home in on their lairs, so I can help in the future."

Xemnez would be no less cautious than his brother, if not even more so by way of staying well away from any --fog gate-- door. This had not precluded him from at least pacing about the 'new' Mythallar and examine it out of idle curiosity, before then ultimately seeking to find a spot in the chamber to sit and meditate. Which in truth had been all he could really do, seeing mostly everything (even the storage area) was enshrouded by mist. Still, if asked for suggestions or if someone that could see volunteered to assist, he'd but ask for a bit of time to consider and make a list.

By the end of which he'd realize that he'd have to temporarily lend his portable hole for the job. "No... I do not believe he is a planeswalker as we know them, but... I get where you're coming from brother and even I have to agree. Even so, there are clear and greater limits on his abilities compared to Ajani. So we must be mindful not to try to ask for too much." He smirked, but then his expression hardened into a more serious one as he spoke in their native tongue with a look of concern on his face. Though regardless of the answer (excluding questions), the golden furred Leonin seemed content to nod in respect before turning his attention upon other matters.

Mundane Equipment(if assisted):

 Once the group arrive in Ten Towns, Xemnez too found himself drinking in deep the chilly atmosphere. He might've event weeped a little, as all the previous days complexities that yet weighed on his mind fell away under the greatness of an alien yet strangely familiar sky. Even the odd looks some of the locals leveled his way could not keep him from absently smiling softly from that point on.

(OOC: Was Thyrius able to recharge Mirica's rod?)

In Myth Drannor:

Seeing his brother venture into the storage room (with help), Thyrius follows and collects some supplies for himself. His brother had been very thorough in the restocking of his portable hole, so Thyrius' efforts were more contained. The items he collected included materials for spell casting, a climber's kit, a length of silk rope, a regular lock and key, a chain, some oil flasks, a hunting trap, and a shovel (remembering their earlier need to dig through frozen rubble). If he can find insect repellent (block of incense) for the jungle, he'll get that too.

He'll also speak with Xem, replying to his brother words in their native tongue.

Thryius was able to recharge Mirica's rod for her. Likewise, both Thyrius and Xemnez were assisted to find everything they were looking for...and perhaps more. This includes several gourds that contain an acrid smelling oily paste that someone says is insect repellent, and a block of specialized incense for the same purpose. There's also a square wooden tarp contraption that apparently is a 'rain catcher' and valuable for long term travel in the jungle. But, in addition to the supplies, It would seem that one of their previous allies had been a chef, his name muttered over and over as the group consumed Xemnez's fare, as if in comparison. It would also seem that this chef has ensured that the storage room here had more than enough cooking ingredients. Xemnez finds a veritable gold mine of herbs and root vegetables. Some seem familiar to him, as if an echo of something from back home, but many are entirely new and their scents conjure up ideas for future meals. He samples the root vegetables including several starchy ones that are quite similar to what he has back home, but a couple of which are spicy, or tangy in strange and interesting ways. Pleased by this impressive cache he takes a good helping of much of it, feeling excited to put his culinary talents to good use forming new and interesting recipes with these ingredients. 

Toc nods to Nuzej, "Indeed, as soon as we have a day or two, I will teach you the spells he relayed to me. There are three. One is able to determine the rough location of a Lichs phylactery, if you have a part of the Lichs undead body.  The spell is sort of like scry, but....intentionally inaccurate to help avoid anti-scrying magics, if that makes sense. It works by slowly working itself closer and closer, like a magnet almost, and takes an hour to cast. The next spell is very much like a locate object spell. Again with the Lichs body, the spell leads you towards the Phylactery unerringly, if it's within about 1 kilometer. The last spell is much like an identify spell, but its attuned specifically to Phylacteries, and gives you cryptic insight into how to destroy it. These three things together should make Lich killing possible. Without such spells.....well.....I've no idea how it could ever really be accomplished. I'll teach you all three spells while we rest in the future."

Spells: Phylactery Scry, Locate Phylactery, Analyze Phylactery

Thyrius examines the incense oil/paste and the rain-catcher tarp closely. "Fine products we may want to learn how to make before eventually returning home, isn't that so, brother?"

Back at the Mythallar(again): Xemnez grumbled at the scent of the gourds, but wouldn't turn his nose up at adding them to his quickly growing horde of miscellaneous things. "At least it smells no worse than my own salves during training." He grudgingly admitted offhandedly. But as Thyrius knew well, Xem at least wouldn't look forward to the week it might take to fully get the scent of the gunk out of the Leonin's fur. Even still, he had at least nodded in agreeing, vaguely remembering a few horrid places rife with bothersome buggers.

While in Bryn Shander: As the quiet high and relief of a relatively open atmosphere died down, Xemnez began to appears confused at some of the reactions of the townfolk, then thoughtful for a time. Eventually he tries to pull Simmal aside and ask, "Were the townships not aware of your intentions to free them of that ice goddesses madness?"

Simaal gives a wave to the netherese group and sits down, rummages through his backpack and pulls out some bread, sausage, and cheese along with a bit of wine, fully satisfied that at least for now. He seems very happy to be eating. As he sits down however you hear in your minds
"“What are they doing?”
“Are they attuning to it, but there are not spots.”
“There is……we weren’t using it, didn’t check.” 
“Fools”. 
“We should stop them.” 
“Yes, fine, some intimidation should do the trick….”   
(they approach). Simaal waves again when they get part way.
(they leave).
“There was no point. I saw in their eyes, nothing short of an attack would have changed their minds. Whatever, it makes no difference. We still out weigh them.”

Simaal seems a bit out of it for the trip back, and he picks through gear for the upcoming trip. It looks like he's mostly replacing torn bits of clothes and leathers, and placing them in a bundle in an empty side spot of the room.

Responding to Xemnez "None of us proclaimed that we would resolve the issue, and I have no doubt we were not the only group trying to resolve. It doesn't really matter if they know or not, and ultimately we do not know if the threat has been mitigated for now, or resolved for the foreseeable future. Lives go on as limited as they are for all of us." he grins, one of those goofy grins of his.

"Hmm... Fair points, I suppose. Truth be told, I half figured you would've happily extoled the tale given your past habit of doing so." He smirks. "Even if at best, your tales were only adjacently connected to events going on at the time. But thank you for clearing the air there." Xemnez added with a grin, before setting about either idly wandering the town aside his brother, or simply keeping near him to defend him in case any brave or drunk off the relief of the recent restoration of their lands decided to get to uppity/violent. Either way, without much more to collect in preparation for their next stop, the Leonin patiently kept himself busy while others finalized business in town.

(Back in Ythryn, when attuning to the Mythallar) It takes a few moments, but everyone eventually picks up that Simaal's mental thoughts that he's sending you are not his own thoughts, but he seems to be sending you all the 'whispered conversation' of the Shadovar. Clearly he can some how hear them despite the distance, and also seems able to understand their Netherese language. 

The group leaves Ythryn behind, returning via magical transport to Myth Drannor. After a short quiet time to resupply and rest, eventually the entire group, including Tic, head back to the wintery environs of ten towns. The time in the small town is spent well, learning about the results of your recent events as well as finding out about Chen, and checking in on some dragon armor. 

After a couple of hours here, the group walks along the cobbled paths, caked with dirty ice and snow and find themselves a quiet alley way to stand within.  Toc looks to the group, "Very well, we have waiting long enough. By my count we're 3 days in since we killed the Lichs, which means we have about 7 to go before it reforms. Hopefully plenty of time.  Alright.  Time to go."  

Once again, reality collapses in on itself.....

They're a gut wrenching pull, and then it feels as if your bodies, wherever they may be in the absence of the universe are being pulled apart.  Lights explode around you, swirling like a vortex of chaos, and you feel like you're falling into a raging storm of smoke and light.  The others are nearby falling...and the two Leonin's seem to be tethered together by a glowing rope of light.  

Somewhere out there, in a jungle, the air is warm and moist and the trees stand, reaching for the sky amidst a dense undergrowth of bush. A lizard moves ponderously along a tall branch, the life in the trees different from the forest floor below. Chittering monkeys can be heard a ways off, and bird calls join the chorus of insect chirps leaving the concept of a silent peaceful nature to some other place. A snake slithers along a nearby tree, its tongue tasting the air. A small swarm of biting mites hover in a ray of light that pierces the tree cover above. Down below a huge lizard, on four legs, with a hard boney shell encasing its neck and three pointy spikes jutting from its face walks slowly through the bush, picking at some flowers that hang down from a patch of vine.  The creature pauses...and several huge mounds of steaming dung thud to the forest floor. The creature slowly walks away, walking over the crest of a short hill and vanishing from view. A moment later, the air of the jungle flashes brightly as a crack in reality opens up...a thunderstorm of energy crackling through the gap. 

The group tears through the chaos and the world around you forms up into a vast jungle.  Trailing smoke you all come crashing down in amongst the loam, trees, and plants, spread across a wide landing area.  (everyone takes 8 force damage).  The groaning sounds of the group can be heard, as thin wafts of vapor continue to stream from your clothes. A wall of pressing moist air falls on top of you, almost taking your breath away, and immediately beads of sweat begin to form on skin.  Mirica, laying on her front, gets her hands under her and pushes herself up...and finding herself face to face with a pile of dung that she's just narrowly avoided crashing into. Whatever creature made it must be rather large. Her comfort in the icy north, and her magical armor which has kept her warm, suddenly feels like a pressure cooker that is rapidly filling with heat and trying to suffocate her. 

The rest of the group who seems to wear little to no armor, aside from Thryius and his black leathers, quickly feels overdressed in multiple layers and the heavy cottons that kept you warm in the north are rapidly soaking with body sweat.  

Tic and Toc but struggle to their feet. Almost immediately they both begin removing their outer robes and stripping down to thin elven underclothing.

"We had a single hard journey. Not several. To... a jungle. The jungle? This may not be it. It may be. Toc, is there a way for me to get us there? Can we scry somehow?" Nuzej says, rubbing his head and removing his heavy winter clothing.

This is a little too much teleportation for Thyrius in such a tight period of time. He vomits some bile upon arriving in the forest, raising a hand to indicate that it is nothing but some stomach churn.

Once able to recompose himself, the black cat confirms: "Nuzej, you are to be our navigator, yes? Toc, how close to our target were you able to bring us?"

"Hope we are not too far from the target. Locals - whoever they are - might not take kindly to our intrusion and fighting our way through will slow down the movement." Mirica did not know where to go and simply followed their guyed, whoever it will be in the jungle.

As he was made of sterner stuff, Xemnez put off his own discomfort to rub at his brother's back, or had at least intended to, if not for the raised hand being interpreted as a request to be left be. But without the distraction, the atmosphere once again had him nearly rending what added layers remained on him, grumbling and muttering in his native tongue throughout the process. 

"Beyond foolish beast, I doubt we will find many locals to worry ourselves overserves over. Between this one's magic--" He gestures to Nuzej. "And me and brothers own prowess, we should be able to avoid the worse well enough, and deal with the rest swiftly without losing much time. But the concern is noted, and though it should go without saying, all should keep their eyes peeled once underway." 

Toc looks around the jungle, a furrow on his face and says, "Nuzej, once you learn those phylactery spells, we'll be in a better place for you to help. For the moment however...."  He reaches into his bag and pulls out a fragment of bone and begins casting a spell.  A few moments pass as he spins in place and then replaces the bone with a heavy sigh. "It would seem I've brought us awry. I can try one more time, but then I'm afraid we'll need to let yet another day pass. I'm sorry, magically scrying like this makes the teleportation process very difficult, and there could be additional discomfort and we could once again end up in the wrong place. I'll give everyone a few moments to rest, before I try once again." 

Once everyone has sufficient recovered from the unpleasant trip...with sweat beading across flesh and dripping from hair....the group gathers about Toc once again. Their guide on this trip through the cracks of the universe as they hope to arrive on target, an unharmed....

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