Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Session 35: This Fragile Thing, Time
Some point in the early Second Age...
(40 days total)
The Heartland
In a flash of jade light, the group found themselves on the open plain. Given the position of some distant mountains and a wide, southern river, they placed themselves on the Saindoron. Hearts sank as the group realized they were in the center of Nors power.
Everyone in the group knew at least a little something about the most powerful nation on the continent. Whether Nors' intolerance of arcane magic, hatred for outside religions, xenophobia against non-humans, organizations designed to ensure a pure, idealized Nors Kingdom, or the fact the Inquisitors had magehounds able to sniff out arcane usage, not one bit of recalled knowledge offered a pretty picture.
Kaylan moved into the high grass, constantly checking the sky for dragoons, and beckoned everyone to follow her. A few of the others were a little slow, if only because Diana's pack suddenly came alive...
Lavendar
Relic leveled his canon on the pack, while Thamior drew his blade. Diana slowly unlaced the bag and out flew a cat-sized cross between a dragon and a butterfly, a faerie dragon! Apparently she'd been stowed away since the fungal gardens, nibbling on crumbs and otherwise making herself at home.
Thamior kicked and Relic fired with the sudden entrance, but neither struck the little one, who cowered behind the bewildered Diana. The two quickly got to talking, getting to know one another very quickly. It was as if they shared some sort of bond and immediately the sorceress took a liking to the creature, so playful and sweet.
After moving into the grass, the kobold introduced himself to the faerie dragon by name of Kriznob. Likewise, the faerie dragon introduced herself as Lavendar.
Kriznob
The green wyrmpriest was generally cordial, if a little naive, but proved troublesome to the group. After he incidentally insulted Selja, the little wizard bopped him into sleep.
The group, feeling a little better about talking about Reedthagn without him conscious, wondered at Kriznob's purpose. The escape from the Tesseract had been too easy, the group all agreed, and they feared they were still part of some unknown plot. Some even feared Kriznob was Reedthagn, but Thamior discounted the idea, and Selja checked for enchantments and illusions, finding none. He was but a lowly kobold with some crude arcane potential.
Relic voiced his concerns with not leaving the little guy, who'd only been helpful thus far, and so Thamior threw him over his shoulder as the group decided where to go.
Southward
The swordmage suggested finding allies in the formerly-royal Faulken family, but it was a big if and a dangerous road besides. Kaylan sadly recalled Frederick Faulken a moment, before suggesting they return to the Wild. Everyone refused, understanding the cleric's need to find Giers and Hulda, but also understanding an ancient green dragon was after them. But not all of the Wild was under Reedthagn's control. Huge portions were controlled by the Green God, with many neutral kingdoms in between. Portia and Selja suggested finding their father and having him find the siblings, but Kaylan feared what she wouldn't say, that Sev Torban was not the goblin his daughters remembered any longer. That left them wondering if they could slip into Edmark and make use of a boat deed Kaylan lifted off of Sir Nickademus Bertrum. All good and well, but it was probably even safer to head to a city not controlled by the empire at all, making their final destination Sepum in the far south.
There was little time to wonder at the right course when Portia noticed distant barking. Magehounds! The group gathered their things and fled, Selja in the lead. They moved through stretches of tall grass with all possible speed. Kaylan was bitten by a snake along the way, suddenly feeling feverish. Relic hefted her over his shoulder and they continued a half mile and down into a ravine. They traced a small stream, but ended up in deceivingly deep mud flats. Struggling on through mud up to their knees (and waists to the boggarts), Selja managed to find a sandbar and the group regained solid ground. From there they continued into the tallest grass yet, alleys of six foot high green blades and wildflowers streaked across the flat expanse. The barking was gone.
Ancient Ambush
The group caught their breath and administered to Kaylan's swollen leg. They only had a few more minutes of bliss before being ambushed by six foot tall reptiles with large, hooked claws and toothy maws. Relic certainly didn't recall seeing these monsters on the way up from Azerbad.
It was a brutal fight, as the dinosaurs liked to rake their prey onto the ground where they gutted and gored them. Everyone was taken down at least once, some a good many times, and bitten and clawed besides. After a few tense seconds of dealing four of these scytheclaws, two more emerged from the tall grass. One was larger than the rest, quicker, stronger, the alpha raptor.
Magehounds or not, magic was required to win this battle and Diana and Selja let loose their worst in order to take down these beasts. They were quick, though, and intelligence, often flanking the party for easier take downs. They successfully divided the party and put up a lethal offense, even taking Portia down and out. Others bled out nearly as much, including poor, conscious Kriznob.
No Easy Prey
Despite the prehistoric ferocity of the scytheclaws, the group had been through much, across two worlds, and they would not go down easily. In a wickedly hard climb back into dominance, the group showed their valor. Relic's canon had been properly calibrated, firing devastating charges into the beasts. Diana manipulated the chaos element to explosive effects, blasting and ripping her enemies asunder. Thamior was able to teleport and maneuver the raptors with a strategist's cunning that exceeded these animal's brains, in the end beheading the alpha with a blue cut from Shivili. Portia woke with new resolve after a healing from the ever-vigilant Kaylan, using a sunrod to stab out one of the raptor's brain functions. Selja, for her part, used huge blasts of ice and fire against the brutes after her sis, but, in true boggart fashion, incidentally ended up creaming Portia in the process. That hardly lessened the power of her magic.
In the end the monsters were destroyed, but for one that ran off into the tall grass and evaded Relic's pursuit.
Kaylan couldn't help worrying, though, for every time she reached out the Kalinda the goddess felt far away.
The Party from Spelltower
The group licked their wounds and secured the perimeter. But the group just couldn't get a moment's rest. Portia heard the barking again, but before anyone could flee the boggart also noticed something in the sky. It was a small, white cloud... with a woman riding on it... heading right for them.
The rest of the party was dumbfounded when the woman landed, revealed to be an elf with a crystal wand and a commanding presence. She looked surprised herself, then motioned the humans and elves of the party back behind her while she warily leveled her wand on the boggarts, Relic and Kriznob.
The rest of the elf's party caught up: an Azerbadi mage in dark leathers holding a jeweled dagger, a half-elf in nobleman's clothes surrounded by his three hunting dogs, and a young blue jay raptoran barely into his wings, with a buckler and short sword.
Something's Very Wrong Here
After some assurance the labeled "dark ones" were friends, the elf introduced herself as Elewoon and asked the groups' identities. What followed was a revelation like none the group was expecting. Elewoon had no idea what inquisitors were or Nors. She was from Spelltower, an ancient city that existed back during the Second Age. It suddenly struck the party like a fist: They'd traveled back in time! They were now in the lands of the Elven Combine, ruled by the High King Gloriandel.
Amidst various personal meltdowns and one fainting, Elewoon implored the group to come with her back to Spelltower. They were injured, exhausted and obviously in need of a safe haven. Though it didn't sound like she believed their time travel babble, she looked like she genuinely wanted to help. She assured Kaylan that whatever the case may have been, she would do everything in her power to help.
That was enough for the cleric and Vilth-Thamior, who was VERY eager to return. In fact he insisted they see none other than the High King himself, though the half-elf Ciir couldn't help but laugh at the request. It was no where near in their power to grant. Thamior got angry at the chiding, but Ciir just laughed harder, taking a liking to the overly-serious swordmage.
The bird boy, Filias, approached the boggarts thinking them goblins. After a quick correction by the sisters, and some special attention from Selja, the raptoran introduced himself as Filias. Apparently all raptoran males had a bit of an ego and, when it was fed, warmed up to someone no matter previous misgivings. The little wizard swooned as Filias pulled her heart strings, even giving her a flower. All the while, though, big sis glowered.
This Fragile Thing, Time
Relic and Diana were the only two with serious misgivings about returning to Spelltower. Even the slightest interference by them in this time could drastically alter history. Even now, in killing those raptors, or talking to the Spelltowerns, they could be causing irrevocable damage to the time stream. This threw Relic into a melancholy state, a creature of logic overwhelmed by the ways in which this situation was bad.
Kaylan and Thamior were adamant about going back with Elewoon, but for very different reasons. Portia erred on the side of caution, but admitted there were benefits to going. How harmful could it be if they were careful? Relic and Diana insisted no, and it looked like an impasse that was not soon to be agreed on.
Serren
Relic was very uncomfortable in the presence of the Azerbadi, who Selja didn't look very fond of as soon as she saw him either. The mage, looking no older than eighteen, admired the warforged and the faerie dragon from afar. Eventually Relic swallowed his misgivings and greeted the mage in the traditional Azerbadi fashion. The mage gladly returned the greeting, offering his name, Serren.
Serren said very little throughout the encounter, mostly listening and often murmuring to himself. He took a liking to watching Relic, though, and listening to the open conversations on time travel.
Start the Ritual!
When Ciir when off to hunt the remaining raptor, Relic followed after, as sulky as a machine man could get. They were gone for a good ten minutes, while some flirted, others chatted over familiars, and still others wondered at the possibilities of meeting family or saving loved ones.
Suddenly the dogs burst out of the tall grass, tails between their legs, followed by a panicked Ciir. The back of the half-elf's tunic and pants had been torn away. He screamed for Elewoon to start the ritual, even as a thundering, primordial roar shook the very earth.
Elewoon and Serren wasted no time activating the circle, just as everyone else wasted no time jumping inside it. Relic just narrowly managed to dive into the blue, flickering energy before everyone was whisked to Spelltower.
Experience: 491 xp each (13,491 total)
Magic: none
Money: none
Loot: 2 scytheclaws (Portia)
Familiars:
Lavendar, Diana's faerie dragon familiar; a cheerful, magical creature that dwells in the sorceress's pack; has a love of food
New NPCs:
Kriznob, the kobold wyrmpriest who helped the group escape; determined to stick with the group; offered information and fought alongside the group during the raptor ambush; saved by Diana
Elewoon, beautiful elven invoker of Spelltower; leader of a party investigating reports of monsters on the plain; welcomed the group to return to the city and stay at a local inn; drew the teleportation circle which whisked them away
Ciir, half-elf ranger; a little gruff; owns three dogs for hunting; thinks the group is crazy with their time travel talk; finds Thamior amusing; found something big on the plain and narrowly escaped
Serren, Azerbadi mage of Spelltower no older than eighteen; an accomplished and knowledgeable arcane practicioner
Filias, young blue jay raptoran of Spelltower; Selja's object of crushing; looking like a fighter in training
New Quest:
Time Spiral
Operating the Tesseract has come at a terrible price: You're lost in time!
(40 days total)
The Heartland
In a flash of jade light, the group found themselves on the open plain. Given the position of some distant mountains and a wide, southern river, they placed themselves on the Saindoron. Hearts sank as the group realized they were in the center of Nors power.
Everyone in the group knew at least a little something about the most powerful nation on the continent. Whether Nors' intolerance of arcane magic, hatred for outside religions, xenophobia against non-humans, organizations designed to ensure a pure, idealized Nors Kingdom, or the fact the Inquisitors had magehounds able to sniff out arcane usage, not one bit of recalled knowledge offered a pretty picture.
Kaylan moved into the high grass, constantly checking the sky for dragoons, and beckoned everyone to follow her. A few of the others were a little slow, if only because Diana's pack suddenly came alive...
Lavendar
Relic leveled his canon on the pack, while Thamior drew his blade. Diana slowly unlaced the bag and out flew a cat-sized cross between a dragon and a butterfly, a faerie dragon! Apparently she'd been stowed away since the fungal gardens, nibbling on crumbs and otherwise making herself at home.
Thamior kicked and Relic fired with the sudden entrance, but neither struck the little one, who cowered behind the bewildered Diana. The two quickly got to talking, getting to know one another very quickly. It was as if they shared some sort of bond and immediately the sorceress took a liking to the creature, so playful and sweet.
After moving into the grass, the kobold introduced himself to the faerie dragon by name of Kriznob. Likewise, the faerie dragon introduced herself as Lavendar.
Kriznob
The green wyrmpriest was generally cordial, if a little naive, but proved troublesome to the group. After he incidentally insulted Selja, the little wizard bopped him into sleep.
The group, feeling a little better about talking about Reedthagn without him conscious, wondered at Kriznob's purpose. The escape from the Tesseract had been too easy, the group all agreed, and they feared they were still part of some unknown plot. Some even feared Kriznob was Reedthagn, but Thamior discounted the idea, and Selja checked for enchantments and illusions, finding none. He was but a lowly kobold with some crude arcane potential.
Relic voiced his concerns with not leaving the little guy, who'd only been helpful thus far, and so Thamior threw him over his shoulder as the group decided where to go.
Southward
The swordmage suggested finding allies in the formerly-royal Faulken family, but it was a big if and a dangerous road besides. Kaylan sadly recalled Frederick Faulken a moment, before suggesting they return to the Wild. Everyone refused, understanding the cleric's need to find Giers and Hulda, but also understanding an ancient green dragon was after them. But not all of the Wild was under Reedthagn's control. Huge portions were controlled by the Green God, with many neutral kingdoms in between. Portia and Selja suggested finding their father and having him find the siblings, but Kaylan feared what she wouldn't say, that Sev Torban was not the goblin his daughters remembered any longer. That left them wondering if they could slip into Edmark and make use of a boat deed Kaylan lifted off of Sir Nickademus Bertrum. All good and well, but it was probably even safer to head to a city not controlled by the empire at all, making their final destination Sepum in the far south.
There was little time to wonder at the right course when Portia noticed distant barking. Magehounds! The group gathered their things and fled, Selja in the lead. They moved through stretches of tall grass with all possible speed. Kaylan was bitten by a snake along the way, suddenly feeling feverish. Relic hefted her over his shoulder and they continued a half mile and down into a ravine. They traced a small stream, but ended up in deceivingly deep mud flats. Struggling on through mud up to their knees (and waists to the boggarts), Selja managed to find a sandbar and the group regained solid ground. From there they continued into the tallest grass yet, alleys of six foot high green blades and wildflowers streaked across the flat expanse. The barking was gone.
Ancient Ambush
The group caught their breath and administered to Kaylan's swollen leg. They only had a few more minutes of bliss before being ambushed by six foot tall reptiles with large, hooked claws and toothy maws. Relic certainly didn't recall seeing these monsters on the way up from Azerbad.
It was a brutal fight, as the dinosaurs liked to rake their prey onto the ground where they gutted and gored them. Everyone was taken down at least once, some a good many times, and bitten and clawed besides. After a few tense seconds of dealing four of these scytheclaws, two more emerged from the tall grass. One was larger than the rest, quicker, stronger, the alpha raptor.
Magehounds or not, magic was required to win this battle and Diana and Selja let loose their worst in order to take down these beasts. They were quick, though, and intelligence, often flanking the party for easier take downs. They successfully divided the party and put up a lethal offense, even taking Portia down and out. Others bled out nearly as much, including poor, conscious Kriznob.
No Easy Prey
Despite the prehistoric ferocity of the scytheclaws, the group had been through much, across two worlds, and they would not go down easily. In a wickedly hard climb back into dominance, the group showed their valor. Relic's canon had been properly calibrated, firing devastating charges into the beasts. Diana manipulated the chaos element to explosive effects, blasting and ripping her enemies asunder. Thamior was able to teleport and maneuver the raptors with a strategist's cunning that exceeded these animal's brains, in the end beheading the alpha with a blue cut from Shivili. Portia woke with new resolve after a healing from the ever-vigilant Kaylan, using a sunrod to stab out one of the raptor's brain functions. Selja, for her part, used huge blasts of ice and fire against the brutes after her sis, but, in true boggart fashion, incidentally ended up creaming Portia in the process. That hardly lessened the power of her magic.
In the end the monsters were destroyed, but for one that ran off into the tall grass and evaded Relic's pursuit.
Kaylan couldn't help worrying, though, for every time she reached out the Kalinda the goddess felt far away.
The Party from Spelltower
The group licked their wounds and secured the perimeter. But the group just couldn't get a moment's rest. Portia heard the barking again, but before anyone could flee the boggart also noticed something in the sky. It was a small, white cloud... with a woman riding on it... heading right for them.
The rest of the party was dumbfounded when the woman landed, revealed to be an elf with a crystal wand and a commanding presence. She looked surprised herself, then motioned the humans and elves of the party back behind her while she warily leveled her wand on the boggarts, Relic and Kriznob.
The rest of the elf's party caught up: an Azerbadi mage in dark leathers holding a jeweled dagger, a half-elf in nobleman's clothes surrounded by his three hunting dogs, and a young blue jay raptoran barely into his wings, with a buckler and short sword.
Something's Very Wrong Here
After some assurance the labeled "dark ones" were friends, the elf introduced herself as Elewoon and asked the groups' identities. What followed was a revelation like none the group was expecting. Elewoon had no idea what inquisitors were or Nors. She was from Spelltower, an ancient city that existed back during the Second Age. It suddenly struck the party like a fist: They'd traveled back in time! They were now in the lands of the Elven Combine, ruled by the High King Gloriandel.
Amidst various personal meltdowns and one fainting, Elewoon implored the group to come with her back to Spelltower. They were injured, exhausted and obviously in need of a safe haven. Though it didn't sound like she believed their time travel babble, she looked like she genuinely wanted to help. She assured Kaylan that whatever the case may have been, she would do everything in her power to help.
That was enough for the cleric and Vilth-Thamior, who was VERY eager to return. In fact he insisted they see none other than the High King himself, though the half-elf Ciir couldn't help but laugh at the request. It was no where near in their power to grant. Thamior got angry at the chiding, but Ciir just laughed harder, taking a liking to the overly-serious swordmage.
The bird boy, Filias, approached the boggarts thinking them goblins. After a quick correction by the sisters, and some special attention from Selja, the raptoran introduced himself as Filias. Apparently all raptoran males had a bit of an ego and, when it was fed, warmed up to someone no matter previous misgivings. The little wizard swooned as Filias pulled her heart strings, even giving her a flower. All the while, though, big sis glowered.
This Fragile Thing, Time
Relic and Diana were the only two with serious misgivings about returning to Spelltower. Even the slightest interference by them in this time could drastically alter history. Even now, in killing those raptors, or talking to the Spelltowerns, they could be causing irrevocable damage to the time stream. This threw Relic into a melancholy state, a creature of logic overwhelmed by the ways in which this situation was bad.
Kaylan and Thamior were adamant about going back with Elewoon, but for very different reasons. Portia erred on the side of caution, but admitted there were benefits to going. How harmful could it be if they were careful? Relic and Diana insisted no, and it looked like an impasse that was not soon to be agreed on.
Serren
Relic was very uncomfortable in the presence of the Azerbadi, who Selja didn't look very fond of as soon as she saw him either. The mage, looking no older than eighteen, admired the warforged and the faerie dragon from afar. Eventually Relic swallowed his misgivings and greeted the mage in the traditional Azerbadi fashion. The mage gladly returned the greeting, offering his name, Serren.
Serren said very little throughout the encounter, mostly listening and often murmuring to himself. He took a liking to watching Relic, though, and listening to the open conversations on time travel.
Start the Ritual!
When Ciir when off to hunt the remaining raptor, Relic followed after, as sulky as a machine man could get. They were gone for a good ten minutes, while some flirted, others chatted over familiars, and still others wondered at the possibilities of meeting family or saving loved ones.
Suddenly the dogs burst out of the tall grass, tails between their legs, followed by a panicked Ciir. The back of the half-elf's tunic and pants had been torn away. He screamed for Elewoon to start the ritual, even as a thundering, primordial roar shook the very earth.
Elewoon and Serren wasted no time activating the circle, just as everyone else wasted no time jumping inside it. Relic just narrowly managed to dive into the blue, flickering energy before everyone was whisked to Spelltower.
Experience: 491 xp each (13,491 total)
Magic: none
Money: none
Loot: 2 scytheclaws (Portia)
Familiars:
Lavendar, Diana's faerie dragon familiar; a cheerful, magical creature that dwells in the sorceress's pack; has a love of food
New NPCs:
Kriznob, the kobold wyrmpriest who helped the group escape; determined to stick with the group; offered information and fought alongside the group during the raptor ambush; saved by Diana
Elewoon, beautiful elven invoker of Spelltower; leader of a party investigating reports of monsters on the plain; welcomed the group to return to the city and stay at a local inn; drew the teleportation circle which whisked them away
Ciir, half-elf ranger; a little gruff; owns three dogs for hunting; thinks the group is crazy with their time travel talk; finds Thamior amusing; found something big on the plain and narrowly escaped
Serren, Azerbadi mage of Spelltower no older than eighteen; an accomplished and knowledgeable arcane practicioner
Filias, young blue jay raptoran of Spelltower; Selja's object of crushing; looking like a fighter in training
New Quest:
Time Spiral
Operating the Tesseract has come at a terrible price: You're lost in time!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Session 34: Sins of the Fathers
Morning, Orzhain 5th - Afternoon, Orzhain 7th
(40 days total)
Deliciously Good Morning
A hard week's journey deserved a reward. Selja woke before the others and visited the tundra region of the strange valley. She collected enough snow and ice to make a secret family recipe: ice cream. The group was supremely grateful. Chocolate for Kaylan, mint for Diana... down the line, even fly-flavored for Hoppers II. Portia commended her efforts, taking a bit of comfort in a piece of home.
With full stomachs and a renewed vigor, the group gathered themselves for what looked a three day journey up the primeval slopes of Highmist. It wouldn't be easy, though, as the green mountainside grew denser forests the higher it climbed. And with a pervading mist, it was a wonder what hid within it...
The Path of a Prophet
Following a miraculous journey through the desert, Kaylan's faith again proved a blessed light against the darkness and unknown wilderness. She led the group as if she'd lived on the slopes her whole life, through short cuts no stranger could have known. Kalinda was with her, she could feel it, and though she didn't see the fiery-winged angel this time, she felt the divine guiding her.
Through an ever-deepening forest, it became increasingly apparent that Diana wasn't cut out for the wild or the Wild. She was a self-proclaimed city girl, even as she cringed at the sight of a puma. When the cat suddenly spoke and hopped branches, half the group startled. This was no ordinary forest, or mountain, or world. With the beauty and mystique came the deadly and arcane.
The group forded a stream and made camp at the base of a tableland. They'd successfully cut a day-and-a-half's worth off their travel.
Spies
Relic was afforded a rare treat, a full hibernation, and the group chose watches to pick up the slack. Most the night went on uneventfully, though several times bright yellow eyes were spotted just out of camp, watching. Diana was able to see a few of them before they ran off, three-and-a-half foot tall reptilian men known as kobolds. Some in the group had encountered them before on the last visit to the Tesseract. Reedthagn was the Lord of Kobolds, after all...
The Ancient Shelf
(insert quote)
Return to the Tesseract
An Audience
Reedthagn's Secret Motives
The Green God Revealed!
Love and Sacrifice
Reedthagn Triumphant
Hijacking the Hypercube
Back to Othyr
Experience: 709 xp each (13,000 total; LEVEL UP to 8!!!)
Magic: A rusty katana?
Money: None
Loot: None
Cohorts:
Kobold Wyrmpriest
NPCs of Note:
Talking Puma, a saucy feline in the Cathedral of Nature (The Ancient Shelf of the Wild); a reminder this was no ordinary forest; some fey animals can indeed talk and reason
Reedthagn, the Elder Green, Lord of Kobolds, Master of the Tesseract (see entry)
Kobold Wyrmpriest (as yet unnamed), a green kobold priest and the unfortunate operator of the Tesseract when it was hijacked; helped the group return to Othyr by giving its Draconic name of Ot'geal'pan; now stranded on the world with everyone
Completed Quest: Cruel Ultimatum
You successfully made the new moon deadline and delivered Ghisidhran's tongue to his father at the Tesseract! Blight will forever-more be stored within the jade vaults and your hometowns are safe from its wrath.
(40 days total)
Deliciously Good Morning
A hard week's journey deserved a reward. Selja woke before the others and visited the tundra region of the strange valley. She collected enough snow and ice to make a secret family recipe: ice cream. The group was supremely grateful. Chocolate for Kaylan, mint for Diana... down the line, even fly-flavored for Hoppers II. Portia commended her efforts, taking a bit of comfort in a piece of home.
With full stomachs and a renewed vigor, the group gathered themselves for what looked a three day journey up the primeval slopes of Highmist. It wouldn't be easy, though, as the green mountainside grew denser forests the higher it climbed. And with a pervading mist, it was a wonder what hid within it...
The Path of a Prophet
Following a miraculous journey through the desert, Kaylan's faith again proved a blessed light against the darkness and unknown wilderness. She led the group as if she'd lived on the slopes her whole life, through short cuts no stranger could have known. Kalinda was with her, she could feel it, and though she didn't see the fiery-winged angel this time, she felt the divine guiding her.
Through an ever-deepening forest, it became increasingly apparent that Diana wasn't cut out for the wild or the Wild. She was a self-proclaimed city girl, even as she cringed at the sight of a puma. When the cat suddenly spoke and hopped branches, half the group startled. This was no ordinary forest, or mountain, or world. With the beauty and mystique came the deadly and arcane.
The group forded a stream and made camp at the base of a tableland. They'd successfully cut a day-and-a-half's worth off their travel.
Spies
Relic was afforded a rare treat, a full hibernation, and the group chose watches to pick up the slack. Most the night went on uneventfully, though several times bright yellow eyes were spotted just out of camp, watching. Diana was able to see a few of them before they ran off, three-and-a-half foot tall reptilian men known as kobolds. Some in the group had encountered them before on the last visit to the Tesseract. Reedthagn was the Lord of Kobolds, after all...
The Ancient Shelf
(insert quote)
Return to the Tesseract
An Audience
Reedthagn's Secret Motives
The Green God Revealed!
Love and Sacrifice
Reedthagn Triumphant
Hijacking the Hypercube
Back to Othyr
Experience: 709 xp each (13,000 total; LEVEL UP to 8!!!)
Magic: A rusty katana?
Money: None
Loot: None
Cohorts:
Kobold Wyrmpriest
NPCs of Note:
Talking Puma, a saucy feline in the Cathedral of Nature (The Ancient Shelf of the Wild); a reminder this was no ordinary forest; some fey animals can indeed talk and reason
Reedthagn, the Elder Green, Lord of Kobolds, Master of the Tesseract (see entry)
Kobold Wyrmpriest (as yet unnamed), a green kobold priest and the unfortunate operator of the Tesseract when it was hijacked; helped the group return to Othyr by giving its Draconic name of Ot'geal'pan; now stranded on the world with everyone
Completed Quest: Cruel Ultimatum
You successfully made the new moon deadline and delivered Ghisidhran's tongue to his father at the Tesseract! Blight will forever-more be stored within the jade vaults and your hometowns are safe from its wrath.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Session 33: A New Fellowship
Afternoon, Kelehess 29th - Morning, Orzhain 5th
(38 days total, 7 days until the New Moon)
The Favor
During the night, unbeknown to the group, Thamior took Relic aside and asked him for a very important favor. The robot refused, even for the sake of honor. The two went back and forth for some time in regards to it, until the others woke...
Strengthening Bonds
Rested, with the dungeon clear and lock-down commencing in the city above, the group weighed their options. They could either try and return to the Weeping Stone, potentially crawling with inquisitors, or risk using Ghisidhran's ritual to pass into a random point in the Wild.
Kaylan had some extreme reservations about Diana, Relic, Portia or just about anyone else going into the Wild. She heaped the responsibility on herself, afraid she'd lose yet another. For her the pain of Giers disappearance was still too near and understandably so. The rest of the group resolved to go, siting strength in numbers, entwined fates and a goal much greater than themselves (the sparing of a whole city).
A new fellowship had be forged.
Fey Passage
With the notion they could return to Othyr if they didn't like where they ended up, the group chose to use the ritual. Relic and Kaylan sat across from each other and began a ten minute incantation...
(insert quote)
The Canyon
They materialized in an overgrown canyon...
(insert quote)
Selja Torban
A shriek from the clouds, the slipping of rocks along the canyon side, and everyone was on edge. Suddenly there was screaming and a boggart fell clean out of the sky! She was a young half-goblin dressed in the trappings of a druid or mage. Slowly rising, her spellbook crashed at her feet, giving her a second fright and sending her on her rear.
It only took a second for Portia to realize just who this was: her kid sister! She rushed up and gave the little one a great, big hug, exclaiming "SELJA!" The young boggart, having been grabbed from behind, struggled in fright until she turned and saw her sister, missing over a month. She hugged right back and the two shared a warm reunion.
The group relaxed, welcoming her into the fold, though Kaylan kept some reservations. She recalled all too well the trickery of that Changeling back in the Savanna, and how much trouble that caused. She hinted as much to Portia, but the rogue was convinced it was her sis.
After some informal introductions, Thamior couldn't help asking why she was here, and more importantly how she was here. Selja was rather vague, explaining Portia had gone missing and she was determined to find her. She eventually met a wizard powerful enough to help her and he ported her here... though she didn't much like falling out of the sky.
Bugs
Throughout the reunion and introductions, the bugs began taking a heightened interest in the group. Fearless, for they'd never encountered Othyrians, they curiously began to land and crawl on them. At first it was a fat bee here or there, a butterfly on Kaylan's brow, crickets over Relic's feet, but all too soon the group was blanketed in creepy crawlies.
Portia asked Hoppers II for a little help and he heroically climbed onto her shoulder and gave a loud RIBBIT! The bugs immediately cleared out. He proceeded to bow and blow kisses to an adoring couple group members. This, however, sparked something in the Strangeheart, jealousy. It angrily flashed, killing all bugs within five feet of Diana, and leaching life out of the grass. The sorcerer assured the belt it was still her favorite Heart and then followed the rest to the top of the slope.
The Vista
The group moved out of the canyon and were met with a Wild view...
(insert quote)
Kaylan was able to identify the distant mountain as Highmist, the seat of the Tesseract and Reedthagn's lair. It was over a hundred miles away. Given distance and conditions, the cleric guessed it'd take about a week to cross (if all went smoothly).
Birds
A blue jay landed on Thamior's shoulder, prompting a curious attraction much like the bugs in the canyon. A myriad of bird species ranging the worldly gamut began to flock to the group. A crow landed on Diana's head and even laid an egg! Sparrows, pigeons, finches, robins, they kept on coming. Diana was quickly learning to hate the Wild, expressing as much, which prompted Relic to open his arms wide and bask in the beauty and grace of the avians. Like some ineffectual scarecrow, hundreds of birds suddenly swarmed him, to the point none of his metal body was showing, just feathers from so many birds.
Portia and Selja seemed spared, until a growing shadow cast over the rogue and an ostrich landed on her back. The half-goblin promptly flattened to the ground, as Selja pointed out "You have a big bird on you." The wizard was suddenly pecked in the rear, turning to find a confrontational turkey.
After managing to get the bird off her by plucking a feather, Portia again asked Hoppers II for aid. The gem frog climbed up onto his haunches, took a deep breath, and had his thunder stolen. Selja mustered a Ghost Sound roar which not only scared the turkey away, but all the birds. Relic was dripping in bird shit...
Couatls
Noting they seemed to be climbing the foodchain, Diana wondered if cats were next. Shadows passed through the clouds overhead and the next species revealed themselves. Eight rainbow-scaled serpents with white, feathery wings moved through the sky, looking like they were swimming more than flying. They shrieked and chased one another, but it was obvious they were playing. Each was around ten feet long.
Thamior and Diana was able to identify them as couatls. Diana reasoned they had little to fear from the creatures, but some might have heard the ice elf darkly label them as turncloaks. They were truly a beautiful sight, like so much in the Wild, but like with all the plane's beauty there was a predatory side. One of the couatals wriggled in low and took a mouthful of birds, chomping hungrily and drizzling blood and feathers. Sentiments of pretty turned to let's keep moving.
Treacherous Path
Portia identified a narrow, slippery pathway from the edge of the waterfalls, across the mist-drenched cliff face, behind the waters, and eventually down into the valley. There seemed little choice but to take it down, despite fears of taking a three thousand foot plunge.
Thamior tied ropes around everyone's waist. Portia would lead, having a knack for climbing, and Relic the rear, a good anchor in case anyone fell. Selja, knowing her limitations, hitched a ride in Portia's magic bag. Ready as they'd ever be, the group began across the ledge.
Falling
Not more than ten feet, Thamior, Kaylan and Relic took a tumble off the edge. The feladrin's knotting had been falty and the rope came undone. The three met open air with looks of terror. Kaylan was able to use the power of her fey leaf sandals to teleport back onto the ledge, whispering a soft thanks to Isabella. On Diana's sudden order, Relic grabbed Thamior by the waist. She summoned a Sorcerous Sirocco granting the machine man flight, if but for six seconds. It was enough time for the two of them to find the ledge again.
Diana plopped down, needing a moment to catch her breath and regain the life-saving spell. As it was, Selja saw the whole thing from her pack and looked like she'd just had a heart attack. The others were also shaken up, well accept for Relic and Portia. The artificer greatly enjoyed flying and postulated he'd have had a chance of surviving the drop (He's no Rend!). Portia simply didn't see the fall happen, turning and wondering what in the world possessed everyone to untie themselves. The rogue redid the knots and they continued on.
They passed closer to the falls. Had they extended their arms out they'd be sucked into the water flow and torn to oblivion. It was extremely slippery on this part of the ledge and suddenly Diana and Thamior slipped and fell into the flow! Diana tried to use her sirocco, but the force of the water pushed her down. Thankfully the knots Portia tied held, allowing Thamior to find his footing and fel step back to the ledge. It also allowed Relic to give a great yank and tear Diana back up, sopping wet but alive.
After that second close call, another break was called. They'd hardly gone five hundred feet! A discouraged Thamior took out his old sword, using it as a balancing schtick. When the group felt ready, they continued behind the other two falls, finding a widened ledge and a small cave. Ignoring it, they moved on, eventually coming to the end of the ledge. It dropped ten feet and then began again on a different narrow pathway. Shockingly, no one fell, and made it down with little trouble. Thamior even flipped onto it, impressing everyone (though proving a little excessive).
The Power of Cooperation
They traveled another thousand or so feet closer to the ground before they came to an impasse. The path abruptly ended, worn away by constant spray, dropping three hundred feet before picking up again.
The group paused a moment and tried figuring a better way to descend than relying on their climbing abilities. Portia began tying the group's collected ropes together, but the ritualists eventually uncovered an even better solution...
(Bear with me now) Using the Tenser's Floating Disk ritual, Relic created a sound platform. Kaylan made one of her own, a perfect execution, and then stood upon Relic's disk. By nature of the spell, the disks always remained close to their casters. The group then boarded either disk and Selja cast a Feather Fall on the machine man. Taking a step off the ledge, Relic gently descended, his disk and by extension Kaylan following with him. Her disk and the rest of the group followed her in turn. Humming a light tune, they managed to land safely on the ground in no time.
Camp
They touched ground on a sandy shore in the desert region, on the edge of a small lake basin of fresh mountain water where the falls crashed into and from which the three rivers emerged. Portia went off to fish, Selja tagging along to cheer her sister on, as the rest made camp. Kaylan, disgusted with her green frock, decided to take a bath. Relic, noticing the vile garment, offered to repair and improve on it. With Kaylan's blessing, he sat down and went to work, rather good with a needle and thread.
By nightfall, Portia returned with ten large trout, caught with nothing but a dagger! The thankful group cooked them up and dug in. During the meal, Relic's independence from food prompted Thamior's questioning if Relic need sleep. He did not, though he did enter a sort of inactive state, but one in which he was constantly aware. The feladrin offered to join him in watch regardless, which the robot welcomed. Diana remarked how handy it was to have Relic around, even as he continued the garment, prompting him to cheerily chime that even though he was built for war, he preferred not to destroy. If anyone had any curiosities about Relic, they were slowly being revealed.
As everyone eventually found their way into their bedrolls, Kaylan sensually beckoned Thamior to join her and keep her warm. Thamior expressed his reservations, though joined her for a time. He respected Giers too much to betray his love, where Kaylan saw it as an expression of joy. Neither meant the other harm, though there were vast differences between Kaylan's openess and Thamior's sense of honor and duty.
Diana was floored by Kaylan's advances, where as Selja curiously began asking Portia about the funny workings of grown-up love. Relic was busy with his work, but offered Diana ear plugs and remarked now and then.
Thamior eventually showed Kaylan the private parchment he'd slipped into Relic's pack earlier, his last will and testament, which struck a sad chord in the cleric. Kaylan told him he put too much on himself (the girl who wanted to go to the Wild alone and spare everyone hehe).
Vilthanos
Talk turned to Thamior's guilt and perceived incompetence, eventually revealing the feladrin had no recollection of leaving Bertrum Manor all those days ago. This brought into question his black outs and occasional lapses into cruel, ugly moods. Kaylan had tested if it was some enchantment, only to find it was not. Relic echoed his concern, at which point Thamior as the group knew him slipped into the fissue of a cracked psyche, even as an entirely different personality emerged.
Maniacal laughter heralded a person who called Kaylan half-human and showed nothing but contempt, viciousness and mockery. Kaylan defended herself, proud to be both human of House Martel and the granddaughter of the High King Gloriandel. He was astonished by her audacity.
He revealed his name as Vilthanos, Exile in the elven tongue, self-labeled Thamior's true self. He vaguely alluded to the death of someone close to him at the hands of humans, a death which lit an ravenous fire for vengeance on all of humanity. He claimed the High King had been too kind, and that his ultimate goal was the total destruction of the human species for all the evil, war and destruction they inevitably caused. Kaylan and Relic, shocked and appauled, tried to counter his reasoning, only to find him unreasonable. He was obsessed, a sadistic, bitter creature that inspired even Selja and Portia to defy him.
Vilthanos made his argument to each of them, alarming in its glimmers of truth, but at the same time entirely, mercilessly evil. Selja had heard enough and tried casting Sleep on him, but the elf resisted. He threw a history book to Relic, suggesting he read up on his history and see how wonderful humanity had made history, before releasing control back to Thamior.
The frightened feladrin begged the group to help rid himself of this other half. All the group could do was comfort him and promise...
A Quiet Talk
Kaylan asked Relic if he wouldn't mind discussing some things in light of the Vilthanos revelation and all that had happened leading up to it. The machine man agreed and the two formed a closer bond while the other's slept.
The Chosen Desert
The next morning, the group decided on the desert. If they followed the river, they'd be all right, and if worse came to worse they could ford the boundary and try their luck in the tundra. They refilled their waterskins, gathered their resolve and struck out into the sandy, arid expanse.
Relic was quite used to the heat and the sand, though it sometimes got into cracks and compartments he'd rather it not. Diana, on the first day at least, also seemed unperturbed by the heat of the blaring sun. The others trudged through the first day of hell, an arduous march that left them feeling dried out and miserable. Selja took the lead on that first day, recalling the lessons of her father to see them through.
The next six days grew increasingly worse. Thinking to wait till nightfall and travel in the cool, the cursed fey region never dropped below sweltering. Like the essence of a desert more than any sort of natural desert, it always provided the worst conditions. Night or day, it didn't matter, for every step in the dunes took a little more of their vitality. Resting did nothing for them, as even with eight hours sleep their muscles still burned and their bones ache. It became a race to the end of the desert, in sun or beneath stars, before the magic wasteland consumed them utterly.
Sun-burned, blistered and sweat-drenched, the group thought they might just crumble into dust and blow away. Kaylan rose to lead them in their hour of need, a pillar of strength, driven by something beyond herself over every sandy hill. Like a prophet of old she urged onward, fighting the baking breezes and lashing sand. She could swear she was being led by a distant, golden woman with fiery wings. Mirage, or could it have been a servant of Kalinda? She grew increasingly confident it was the latter, even as Highmist grew closer in the distance. A sandstorm threatened to swallow them on the final day, but Kaylan would not be deterred, taking two of the group by hand, who in turn took the others. With a holy cry, she pulled them out of perdition and into the wet, forest air.
Primeval Foothills of Highmist
Portia and Selja went out to hunt while the rest of the group made camp in the green, primeval foothills under the shadow of Highmist. Humid and misty, it was a blessed reversal of the week spent roaming the dunes... at least for some. The place was so very alive, and amplified, with great howls, shrieks, creaking, rustling, a rolling fog and everything that would put a city girl like Diana on edge.
Selja used her Web spell to stick a few deer and Portia respectfully took care of one of the infirm. They returned to camp, where the group ate, drank and promptly went to bed. Kaylan, more familiar with the atmosphere and tired from the journey, drifted right off. Thamior, unafraid, slipped into his meditation. Relic fiddled with this and that, finding the great din of nature pleasant. The boggarts had little trouble getting comfortable. Diana... hugged her bedroll with a frazzled look, jumping at every broken twig and flittering night bug, sighing she'd never get to sleep tonight.
Selja, trying to better earn her spot in the fellowship, offered to help. Removing her wand suddenly, she bopped the sorcerer over the head and cast a Sleep spell. The Saspish girl was knocked right out.
And so they slept...
Experience: 400xp (12,291 total)
Magic: None
Money: -140gp (Kaylan, for ritual)
Loot: Ostrich Feather (Portia), Wild samples: flowers, grasses, feathers, insects (Relic), Crow Egg (Relic), Thamior's parchment (Relic), Tinkerbell Outfit (Kaylan)
New PCs
Selja Torban, boggart wizard with heavy druidic leanings; Portia's kid sister
Featured NPCs
Wild Bugs, a varied assortment of fearless, curious little critters
Wild Birds, ranging the worldly bird kingdom and both fearless and curious of strangers
Hoppers II, Heart of the Wild in gem frog form (see entry)
Strangeheart, Heart of the Far Realm; the unnatural purple gem attuned to the Void, sharing power with horrific dimensional entities, oozes and abberations; proved capable of emotion, showing jealousy and anger, leading one to believe it can and will eventually reveal its sentience and humanoid form just as Hoppers and Adej did
Couatals, winged rainbow serpents some ten or more feet long; created by Kultuss for the God War, but they developed such love of life and nature that they turned on their father and joined Lordanna's forces; they are subsequently despised by dragons; Couatl detest defilers of nature and will not tolerate them if they can help it
Vision of Faith, a golden woman with fiery wings who guided Kaylan through the desert; what she knows in her heart of hearts was either a manifestation of her faith or a servant of Kalinda
Vilthanos, Thamior's darker personality whose hatred for humanity demands total genocide; Thamior's source of guilt and internal struggle
(38 days total, 7 days until the New Moon)
The Favor
During the night, unbeknown to the group, Thamior took Relic aside and asked him for a very important favor. The robot refused, even for the sake of honor. The two went back and forth for some time in regards to it, until the others woke...
Strengthening Bonds
Rested, with the dungeon clear and lock-down commencing in the city above, the group weighed their options. They could either try and return to the Weeping Stone, potentially crawling with inquisitors, or risk using Ghisidhran's ritual to pass into a random point in the Wild.
Kaylan had some extreme reservations about Diana, Relic, Portia or just about anyone else going into the Wild. She heaped the responsibility on herself, afraid she'd lose yet another. For her the pain of Giers disappearance was still too near and understandably so. The rest of the group resolved to go, siting strength in numbers, entwined fates and a goal much greater than themselves (the sparing of a whole city).
A new fellowship had be forged.
Fey Passage
With the notion they could return to Othyr if they didn't like where they ended up, the group chose to use the ritual. Relic and Kaylan sat across from each other and began a ten minute incantation...
(insert quote)
The Canyon
They materialized in an overgrown canyon...
(insert quote)
Selja Torban
A shriek from the clouds, the slipping of rocks along the canyon side, and everyone was on edge. Suddenly there was screaming and a boggart fell clean out of the sky! She was a young half-goblin dressed in the trappings of a druid or mage. Slowly rising, her spellbook crashed at her feet, giving her a second fright and sending her on her rear.
It only took a second for Portia to realize just who this was: her kid sister! She rushed up and gave the little one a great, big hug, exclaiming "SELJA!" The young boggart, having been grabbed from behind, struggled in fright until she turned and saw her sister, missing over a month. She hugged right back and the two shared a warm reunion.
The group relaxed, welcoming her into the fold, though Kaylan kept some reservations. She recalled all too well the trickery of that Changeling back in the Savanna, and how much trouble that caused. She hinted as much to Portia, but the rogue was convinced it was her sis.
After some informal introductions, Thamior couldn't help asking why she was here, and more importantly how she was here. Selja was rather vague, explaining Portia had gone missing and she was determined to find her. She eventually met a wizard powerful enough to help her and he ported her here... though she didn't much like falling out of the sky.
Bugs
Throughout the reunion and introductions, the bugs began taking a heightened interest in the group. Fearless, for they'd never encountered Othyrians, they curiously began to land and crawl on them. At first it was a fat bee here or there, a butterfly on Kaylan's brow, crickets over Relic's feet, but all too soon the group was blanketed in creepy crawlies.
Portia asked Hoppers II for a little help and he heroically climbed onto her shoulder and gave a loud RIBBIT! The bugs immediately cleared out. He proceeded to bow and blow kisses to an adoring couple group members. This, however, sparked something in the Strangeheart, jealousy. It angrily flashed, killing all bugs within five feet of Diana, and leaching life out of the grass. The sorcerer assured the belt it was still her favorite Heart and then followed the rest to the top of the slope.
The Vista
The group moved out of the canyon and were met with a Wild view...
(insert quote)
Kaylan was able to identify the distant mountain as Highmist, the seat of the Tesseract and Reedthagn's lair. It was over a hundred miles away. Given distance and conditions, the cleric guessed it'd take about a week to cross (if all went smoothly).
Birds
A blue jay landed on Thamior's shoulder, prompting a curious attraction much like the bugs in the canyon. A myriad of bird species ranging the worldly gamut began to flock to the group. A crow landed on Diana's head and even laid an egg! Sparrows, pigeons, finches, robins, they kept on coming. Diana was quickly learning to hate the Wild, expressing as much, which prompted Relic to open his arms wide and bask in the beauty and grace of the avians. Like some ineffectual scarecrow, hundreds of birds suddenly swarmed him, to the point none of his metal body was showing, just feathers from so many birds.
Portia and Selja seemed spared, until a growing shadow cast over the rogue and an ostrich landed on her back. The half-goblin promptly flattened to the ground, as Selja pointed out "You have a big bird on you." The wizard was suddenly pecked in the rear, turning to find a confrontational turkey.
After managing to get the bird off her by plucking a feather, Portia again asked Hoppers II for aid. The gem frog climbed up onto his haunches, took a deep breath, and had his thunder stolen. Selja mustered a Ghost Sound roar which not only scared the turkey away, but all the birds. Relic was dripping in bird shit...
Couatls
Noting they seemed to be climbing the foodchain, Diana wondered if cats were next. Shadows passed through the clouds overhead and the next species revealed themselves. Eight rainbow-scaled serpents with white, feathery wings moved through the sky, looking like they were swimming more than flying. They shrieked and chased one another, but it was obvious they were playing. Each was around ten feet long.
Thamior and Diana was able to identify them as couatls. Diana reasoned they had little to fear from the creatures, but some might have heard the ice elf darkly label them as turncloaks. They were truly a beautiful sight, like so much in the Wild, but like with all the plane's beauty there was a predatory side. One of the couatals wriggled in low and took a mouthful of birds, chomping hungrily and drizzling blood and feathers. Sentiments of pretty turned to let's keep moving.
Treacherous Path
Portia identified a narrow, slippery pathway from the edge of the waterfalls, across the mist-drenched cliff face, behind the waters, and eventually down into the valley. There seemed little choice but to take it down, despite fears of taking a three thousand foot plunge.
Thamior tied ropes around everyone's waist. Portia would lead, having a knack for climbing, and Relic the rear, a good anchor in case anyone fell. Selja, knowing her limitations, hitched a ride in Portia's magic bag. Ready as they'd ever be, the group began across the ledge.
Falling
Not more than ten feet, Thamior, Kaylan and Relic took a tumble off the edge. The feladrin's knotting had been falty and the rope came undone. The three met open air with looks of terror. Kaylan was able to use the power of her fey leaf sandals to teleport back onto the ledge, whispering a soft thanks to Isabella. On Diana's sudden order, Relic grabbed Thamior by the waist. She summoned a Sorcerous Sirocco granting the machine man flight, if but for six seconds. It was enough time for the two of them to find the ledge again.
Diana plopped down, needing a moment to catch her breath and regain the life-saving spell. As it was, Selja saw the whole thing from her pack and looked like she'd just had a heart attack. The others were also shaken up, well accept for Relic and Portia. The artificer greatly enjoyed flying and postulated he'd have had a chance of surviving the drop (He's no Rend!). Portia simply didn't see the fall happen, turning and wondering what in the world possessed everyone to untie themselves. The rogue redid the knots and they continued on.
They passed closer to the falls. Had they extended their arms out they'd be sucked into the water flow and torn to oblivion. It was extremely slippery on this part of the ledge and suddenly Diana and Thamior slipped and fell into the flow! Diana tried to use her sirocco, but the force of the water pushed her down. Thankfully the knots Portia tied held, allowing Thamior to find his footing and fel step back to the ledge. It also allowed Relic to give a great yank and tear Diana back up, sopping wet but alive.
After that second close call, another break was called. They'd hardly gone five hundred feet! A discouraged Thamior took out his old sword, using it as a balancing schtick. When the group felt ready, they continued behind the other two falls, finding a widened ledge and a small cave. Ignoring it, they moved on, eventually coming to the end of the ledge. It dropped ten feet and then began again on a different narrow pathway. Shockingly, no one fell, and made it down with little trouble. Thamior even flipped onto it, impressing everyone (though proving a little excessive).
The Power of Cooperation
They traveled another thousand or so feet closer to the ground before they came to an impasse. The path abruptly ended, worn away by constant spray, dropping three hundred feet before picking up again.
The group paused a moment and tried figuring a better way to descend than relying on their climbing abilities. Portia began tying the group's collected ropes together, but the ritualists eventually uncovered an even better solution...
(Bear with me now) Using the Tenser's Floating Disk ritual, Relic created a sound platform. Kaylan made one of her own, a perfect execution, and then stood upon Relic's disk. By nature of the spell, the disks always remained close to their casters. The group then boarded either disk and Selja cast a Feather Fall on the machine man. Taking a step off the ledge, Relic gently descended, his disk and by extension Kaylan following with him. Her disk and the rest of the group followed her in turn. Humming a light tune, they managed to land safely on the ground in no time.
Camp
They touched ground on a sandy shore in the desert region, on the edge of a small lake basin of fresh mountain water where the falls crashed into and from which the three rivers emerged. Portia went off to fish, Selja tagging along to cheer her sister on, as the rest made camp. Kaylan, disgusted with her green frock, decided to take a bath. Relic, noticing the vile garment, offered to repair and improve on it. With Kaylan's blessing, he sat down and went to work, rather good with a needle and thread.
By nightfall, Portia returned with ten large trout, caught with nothing but a dagger! The thankful group cooked them up and dug in. During the meal, Relic's independence from food prompted Thamior's questioning if Relic need sleep. He did not, though he did enter a sort of inactive state, but one in which he was constantly aware. The feladrin offered to join him in watch regardless, which the robot welcomed. Diana remarked how handy it was to have Relic around, even as he continued the garment, prompting him to cheerily chime that even though he was built for war, he preferred not to destroy. If anyone had any curiosities about Relic, they were slowly being revealed.
As everyone eventually found their way into their bedrolls, Kaylan sensually beckoned Thamior to join her and keep her warm. Thamior expressed his reservations, though joined her for a time. He respected Giers too much to betray his love, where Kaylan saw it as an expression of joy. Neither meant the other harm, though there were vast differences between Kaylan's openess and Thamior's sense of honor and duty.
Diana was floored by Kaylan's advances, where as Selja curiously began asking Portia about the funny workings of grown-up love. Relic was busy with his work, but offered Diana ear plugs and remarked now and then.
Thamior eventually showed Kaylan the private parchment he'd slipped into Relic's pack earlier, his last will and testament, which struck a sad chord in the cleric. Kaylan told him he put too much on himself (the girl who wanted to go to the Wild alone and spare everyone hehe).
Vilthanos
Talk turned to Thamior's guilt and perceived incompetence, eventually revealing the feladrin had no recollection of leaving Bertrum Manor all those days ago. This brought into question his black outs and occasional lapses into cruel, ugly moods. Kaylan had tested if it was some enchantment, only to find it was not. Relic echoed his concern, at which point Thamior as the group knew him slipped into the fissue of a cracked psyche, even as an entirely different personality emerged.
Maniacal laughter heralded a person who called Kaylan half-human and showed nothing but contempt, viciousness and mockery. Kaylan defended herself, proud to be both human of House Martel and the granddaughter of the High King Gloriandel. He was astonished by her audacity.
He revealed his name as Vilthanos, Exile in the elven tongue, self-labeled Thamior's true self. He vaguely alluded to the death of someone close to him at the hands of humans, a death which lit an ravenous fire for vengeance on all of humanity. He claimed the High King had been too kind, and that his ultimate goal was the total destruction of the human species for all the evil, war and destruction they inevitably caused. Kaylan and Relic, shocked and appauled, tried to counter his reasoning, only to find him unreasonable. He was obsessed, a sadistic, bitter creature that inspired even Selja and Portia to defy him.
Vilthanos made his argument to each of them, alarming in its glimmers of truth, but at the same time entirely, mercilessly evil. Selja had heard enough and tried casting Sleep on him, but the elf resisted. He threw a history book to Relic, suggesting he read up on his history and see how wonderful humanity had made history, before releasing control back to Thamior.
The frightened feladrin begged the group to help rid himself of this other half. All the group could do was comfort him and promise...
A Quiet Talk
Kaylan asked Relic if he wouldn't mind discussing some things in light of the Vilthanos revelation and all that had happened leading up to it. The machine man agreed and the two formed a closer bond while the other's slept.
The Chosen Desert
The next morning, the group decided on the desert. If they followed the river, they'd be all right, and if worse came to worse they could ford the boundary and try their luck in the tundra. They refilled their waterskins, gathered their resolve and struck out into the sandy, arid expanse.
Relic was quite used to the heat and the sand, though it sometimes got into cracks and compartments he'd rather it not. Diana, on the first day at least, also seemed unperturbed by the heat of the blaring sun. The others trudged through the first day of hell, an arduous march that left them feeling dried out and miserable. Selja took the lead on that first day, recalling the lessons of her father to see them through.
The next six days grew increasingly worse. Thinking to wait till nightfall and travel in the cool, the cursed fey region never dropped below sweltering. Like the essence of a desert more than any sort of natural desert, it always provided the worst conditions. Night or day, it didn't matter, for every step in the dunes took a little more of their vitality. Resting did nothing for them, as even with eight hours sleep their muscles still burned and their bones ache. It became a race to the end of the desert, in sun or beneath stars, before the magic wasteland consumed them utterly.
Sun-burned, blistered and sweat-drenched, the group thought they might just crumble into dust and blow away. Kaylan rose to lead them in their hour of need, a pillar of strength, driven by something beyond herself over every sandy hill. Like a prophet of old she urged onward, fighting the baking breezes and lashing sand. She could swear she was being led by a distant, golden woman with fiery wings. Mirage, or could it have been a servant of Kalinda? She grew increasingly confident it was the latter, even as Highmist grew closer in the distance. A sandstorm threatened to swallow them on the final day, but Kaylan would not be deterred, taking two of the group by hand, who in turn took the others. With a holy cry, she pulled them out of perdition and into the wet, forest air.
Primeval Foothills of Highmist
Portia and Selja went out to hunt while the rest of the group made camp in the green, primeval foothills under the shadow of Highmist. Humid and misty, it was a blessed reversal of the week spent roaming the dunes... at least for some. The place was so very alive, and amplified, with great howls, shrieks, creaking, rustling, a rolling fog and everything that would put a city girl like Diana on edge.
Selja used her Web spell to stick a few deer and Portia respectfully took care of one of the infirm. They returned to camp, where the group ate, drank and promptly went to bed. Kaylan, more familiar with the atmosphere and tired from the journey, drifted right off. Thamior, unafraid, slipped into his meditation. Relic fiddled with this and that, finding the great din of nature pleasant. The boggarts had little trouble getting comfortable. Diana... hugged her bedroll with a frazzled look, jumping at every broken twig and flittering night bug, sighing she'd never get to sleep tonight.
Selja, trying to better earn her spot in the fellowship, offered to help. Removing her wand suddenly, she bopped the sorcerer over the head and cast a Sleep spell. The Saspish girl was knocked right out.
And so they slept...
Experience: 400xp (12,291 total)
Magic: None
Money: -140gp (Kaylan, for ritual)
Loot: Ostrich Feather (Portia), Wild samples: flowers, grasses, feathers, insects (Relic), Crow Egg (Relic), Thamior's parchment (Relic), Tinkerbell Outfit (Kaylan)
New PCs
Selja Torban, boggart wizard with heavy druidic leanings; Portia's kid sister
Featured NPCs
Wild Bugs, a varied assortment of fearless, curious little critters
Wild Birds, ranging the worldly bird kingdom and both fearless and curious of strangers
Hoppers II, Heart of the Wild in gem frog form (see entry)
Strangeheart, Heart of the Far Realm; the unnatural purple gem attuned to the Void, sharing power with horrific dimensional entities, oozes and abberations; proved capable of emotion, showing jealousy and anger, leading one to believe it can and will eventually reveal its sentience and humanoid form just as Hoppers and Adej did
Couatals, winged rainbow serpents some ten or more feet long; created by Kultuss for the God War, but they developed such love of life and nature that they turned on their father and joined Lordanna's forces; they are subsequently despised by dragons; Couatl detest defilers of nature and will not tolerate them if they can help it
Vision of Faith, a golden woman with fiery wings who guided Kaylan through the desert; what she knows in her heart of hearts was either a manifestation of her faith or a servant of Kalinda
Vilthanos, Thamior's darker personality whose hatred for humanity demands total genocide; Thamior's source of guilt and internal struggle
Cruel Ultimatum
- The Elder green dragon Reedthagn agreed to house Blight so long as the group did him a favor...
- The group must assassinate the rebel dragon Ghisidhran, a traitor to dragonkind and convert to Reedthagn's hated foe the Green God. Ghisidhran is hiding somewhere in the Nors city of Provia, leader of a Green Cult.
- Ghisidhran's tongue must be returned to Reedthagn before the new moon or else Blight will be dropped on one group member's home city.
- Reedthagn also offered Hulda, Giers, Portia, Jeda and Kaylan side quests, tasks that would ultimately reveal a hidden truth for each of them.
- Kaylan discovered Ghisidhran beneath Blackdelve Asylum and learned of his personal ambitions to use her and her uncle's unique hereditary abilities to become a "god".
- Kaylan escaped and managed to trap Ghisidhran in the ancient elven tomb of her uncle Dazeen the Uniter.
- Portia completed her side quest, at least she thinks...
- Kaylan is yet unsure how much of her side quest she completed, or if what she's learned in the attempt was in fact the hidden truths Reedthagn spoke of.
- A party of old and new companions entered the fey lurks beneath Blackdelve and confronted Ghisidhran. They prevailed and took his tongue, though with one last curse the dragon banished Giers and Hulda to some unknown reach of the Wild.
- Heartbroken, yet determined, the party returned to the Wild via one of Ghisidhran's rituals
- Scaling a cliff alongside three raging waterfalls and crossing a desert for an entire week, the group eventually found their way to the foothills of Highmist
- All that's left is delivering the tongue to the Tesseract, sparing a city the wrath of Blight. Then they can try and find their missing friends.
GREAT JOB RPING THAT CAMP SCENE EVERYONE. VILTHANOS IS AWESOME.
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