Home.
Well, what serves as your group's impromptu home now. Miranda's home is your home. It's evening now after a few days of recovery, the party resting up. Dana's already asleep and thus so is Benyen. Tryll lingers with Miranda, the latter having a mug of strong cider as she sits by the window. From here she can see the night sky.
"Tryll?" she finally asks aloud.
'Miranda.' Tryll placidly responds, glancing at Calleigh who is currently curled up in a tiny snoring ball on a nearby cushion.
"In all your adventures, have you ever discerned why adventure and destiny call a chosen few?" She asks, looking up at the night sky before having a long drink of her cider.
'I've been alive in one form or another vor over two million years. If I have learned anything it is this: I am convinced the gods all get together every few generation and pick a few thousand mortals, and then they start rolling dice. Gods are capricious and easily-bored entities. In the end, we are all too eager to follow along with their plans.'
"To plans," Miranda remarks, as you feel it. A resonation between herself and you, a connection. It burns bright and strong as...
Node update go read and let me know you read it.
I SEENT IT
Awesome, now go ahead and reply and react to Miranda.
'Plans. Yes. We still have another heart ruby left. Then we have...whatever that man was talking about on Lifasa. He wasn't being subtle. The planes are moving, great levers and gears shifting.'
"I-" At that Miranda blinks. The night sky fades, the light of the sun coming all at once. As if noon came between the blinks of an eye, radiant with warmth.
'Lathander is here? In Ysgard?' Tryll wonders.
"Such a thing is rare, but not unheard of," Miranda puts down her drink slowly - as the sunlight grows more intense by the moment. It's becoming blinding to look outside.
'The man certainly knows how to make an entrance. Or the plane is exploding. Is the plane exploding?'
Miranda shoots you a faintly disbelieving look as light descends down. A humanoid figure wreathed in all the light of the sun, impossible to look at closely.
'I've seen planes explode.' Tryll points out. 'There's lots of light like this. No Lathander coming out of the sky, though. Usually.'
Miranda rises swiftly, "Why are we being visited by Lathander?" she asks in a low voice, hurrying to the front door.
'Maybe he wants to nap with everyone else? Being a god must be stressful.' Tryll offers, floating placidly along.
You go outside and the radiant figure approaches. As it does, the light fades...huh, Lathander's a long more angelic these days. Blonde too. Oh, and female. Very female.
The figure smiles warmly, "I am looking for Tryll and his allies. Am I in the right place?"
'Lathanderette?' Tryll ventures, 'Hello. I am Tryll. This is Miranda. What can we do for you?'
"I am Latha," The angel introduces herself, "A servant of Alicia Reynes. I would like to talk."
'Uhhh, Latha? Same Latha that works for Lathander? Used to work for Lathander? Can celestials just change jobs like that? I didn't know that was a thing. A NEW THING!' Tryll is suddenly very loud. 'New things aren't very common! Hello again, Latha. New digs?'
Smiling, "Tryll, how are you?" she asks, "It's merely making it official. I go with Lathander's blessings, as well as Celestia's, as I have served them both before. Can we go inside?"
Tryll looks at Miranda, 'It's your house.'
"Come in," Miranda says, the light fading as you head within. Once comfortably inside, "I must ask you plainly: How much of your task are you aware of now?" Latha asks.
'Which task are you referring to?' Tryll replies.
"The most important one we have," Latha says, "Are you fully aware of them now?"
'Don't be cryptic. It doesn't suit you. The only clearly defined quest we have right now is the retrieval of heart rubies for Sune. Anything else is just a half-baked plan.'
"Then I believe there's someone you and yours need to come visit," Latha says, "It's yourself, Miranda here, Dana and Benyen, as well as Calleigh? There are matters here not safe to be spoken of in places that are absolutely safe from intrusion."
'Yes, though the others are napping. Probably.'
"You know more of what's going on," Miranda asks at this, "I was just wondering about being drawn into all of this."
"I do," Latha concurs, "I wanted to meet all of you again, help support you once you understand what is going on. This is no small thing, no small thing at all."
'By all means, then. Enlighten us.'
For my own reference, refresh me on what Tryll knows IC about what's going on?
Per the Obviously Not A Messenger Old Guy, we've got to get stronger, find 21, find Alyssa, and kill Shar. That's about the extent of it.
"We have many tasks, all a part of one overarching task," Latha finally says, "As well as support from on high. Have you experienced this support directly, feelings of connections to others?"
'Minute connections to those here, culminating in significant boosts in their personal power? Yes.' Tryll agrees.
"Good," Latha says, "Those boosts will continue as long as you accomplish your goals and strive forward."
'Who or what is causing them?'
"Zaphkiel." Latha says it plainly, "The Seventh and Highest of the Hebdomad."
'Not someone who generally answers questions, right. Okay. Not who I expected. Wow.' Tryll sounds impressed.
As Miranda stares a moment in unhidden shock, Latha merely clears her throat.
"For the Highest of the Hebdomad to do such a thing is unheard of. Do you begin to grasp the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in, Tryll?" Latha asks, though not unkindly. She glances at Calleigh, sleeping away throughout this. "She may become a part of this as well. This will be no easy road, no road for a child to walk." Then, with a twist of her lips into a frown, "But she would not be the first child involved in these matters."
'Calleigh can handle it. She's tougher than she looks. She wouldn't be here if she couldn't.' Tryll says reassuringly, 'Besides, you really think you could stop her for very long?'
To this Latha merely nods. "Yes. If I must, I would and could. Bad enough one child has this laid on them. Tell me, did you know Sylvie from Aurora? Did you know her well enough to know about her son, Calley?"
'Don't underestimate a courre or their craftiness. Besides, your time is better spent on other things.' Tryll replies with a mental sort-of-snort, 'And while I've conversed with Sylvie in the past, I've only heard mention of her child once or twice.'
Miranda seems content to listen, or at least wise enough to. She stays quiet.
Latha goes on from there, "His name is Calley and shortly after Sylvie vanished, he showed a sudden mastery of all the magic, fighting ability and talents she accrued over her lifetime. He has the powers and talent of a grandmaster, hands able to slay more surely than a dozen swords and magic of all kinds at his fingertips. He is also not even ten years old. His current idea of entertainment is visiting afterlives and conversing with deities."
'The planes get stranger every day.' Tryll says, 'What of it?'
"A child should not have that power, but that aside," Latha pushes on, "Do you not find it unusual that a child suddenly has all of his mother's ability and talents, seemingly from nothing?"
'Unusual? Yes. Unlikely? Perhaps. Inconceivable? No. I understand that Sylvie did a Bad Thing when she turned herself into...whatever she is now. Holding 21 isn't something that's likely to be conducive to mortal well-being, so I'm sure there's something going on there, but I've never heard of just passing down information like that. Not among mortals, anyway. Aboleths, cetrainly. Is her child an aboleth?'
Latha's gaze is long, burning with light. "Of course not."
'Well, then I'm stumped.'
"It is important but also a tangent," Latha agrees, "You cannot say Calley should have the power he does or be involving himself in danger - yet there he is." A look to Calleigh, "Thus my concern. I've seen one courre handle such duty with skill, but she is also an exceptional specimen."
'So is Calleigh.' Tryll replies. 'Will we keep coming back to this point over and over?'
"No." Latha says, "It's not my choice. I've said my peace." Clearing her throat after, "We've gotten mildly off topic as well. If I've said too much I apologize, Calley weighs heavily on me. Many things do, these days."
'Clearly, enough to change bosses. So what's going on? What can you tell us?'
"That you must go meet Io," Latha says, "Should you have other things to accomplish, I will be glad to aid you if it is within my power."
'Io? The first dragon Io? And we're wrapping up a search for three stolen heart rubies from Sune's temple in Brightwater. Found two so far. We've got a locator thing.' Tryll pulls out the heart-finder ruby.
Latha takes a moment to inspect the chain, "Is this recovery time sensitive and urgent?"
'I don't know, but Sune has taken very obvious and personal interest in our work, to the point of actually manifesting to grab the first ruby from us once we returned it to Brightwater. I'm not keen on telling her she's not important.'
"Urgent enough," Latha says, "Understandable, but this is more important. It will also merely be a visit," Latha declares.
"VISITS!?" Calleigh shouts, lunging from a prone position into a standing one in one swift movement and then into the air over to the group. "WILL THERE BE CAKES!? CANDIES!? POPPY SEED CAKES WITH CANDIES ON TOP!?"
This gets Latha to smile a little bit before she says, "I'm sure there will be food if you'd like some, but it's also a serious visit."
"We gonna go meet Zappy?" Calleigh asks.
"Io," Latha corrects, "But yes, we will."
"Neat!" Calleigh turns to the rest of the house and takes a deep (tiny) breath while concentrating.
'Incoming.' Tryll warns.
"EVERYONE WAKE UP WE'RE GOING TO SEE A BIG DRAGON GOD MAN!"
Latha doesn't even blink at this.
"And that woke both of them up and the animals, too," Miranda muses quietly, mostly to herself.
"Yeah, which fucking one?!" Dana shouts back after a moment. "If it's Bahamut he can go suck his own shiny platinum dragon c-"
A cutoff before Benyen calls, "That sounds fun! We'll be ready in a few minutes."
'Io, actually.'
'And then Zaphkiel, so wear your good clothes.'
And if even that doesn't give Dana and Benyen pause, I'll eat my hat.
Indeed, there's no answer from that.
"Not Zaphkiel...not yet." Latha murmurs, "Though I believe that may happen in time, once we have progressed further."
'Fine. Still, Io's kind of a big deal. Who's up for a field trip?'
Ready to go? If so, any prep?
Bah, we'll be fine. Calleigh's holding the ruby. We're set.
Thus, it is a portal.
Before you is a golden gateway, shining bright, leading into some sort of labyrinth, a great maze of sturdy stone walls glimpsed within. Latha advances without hesitation, going on swiftly.
"A maze," Miranda mutters, "I hate mazes."
Benyen smiles at that, "Yeah, but it's the best to ride atop a giant minotaur and fight your way through one."
'Why a maze when he knows we're coming?' Tryll asks Latha.
"We don't have to go through it," Latha says, striding forward. "Follow me."
'Well alright then.' Tryll replies as Calleigh flies in circles around Miranda and Latha, alternatively.
You step in and all the dimensions seem to wobble and shift, adjusting themselves.
Ahead is a hall turning into stairs, rising up. All the colors of the rainbow are here, bright and luminous. The stairs rise high and higher yet, as if demanding that you climb them.
"Pretty," Miranda murmurs, Dana silent as she takes it all in.
"Beautiful's right," Benyen says, as Latha pauses to linger just a moment.
"It is gorgeous," Latha agrees, "Come, Io lies ahead."
"Yeah! Time for dragons! And they probably won't be breathing shadowstuff on us this time!" Calleigh cheers.
On and up, higher and higher. Higher and higher, higher and higher. Higher yet.
Then at last you stand atop the stairs, atop the tower. Here an endless field of stars glistens above, like jewels set into the black silk of the night sky. And yet a larger thing looms below it, something titanic. Something so big a single scale makes Baleruk seem tiny. Here a great wyrm rests, the wyrm of wyrms, in every shape and way a dragon. A dragon of steadily changing shade, shine, tint and even exact form. It is all and none at once, and then you realize it. The night sky is not above it. The night sky is a cloak it wears, as if carrying the entire sky on its back.
"At last," Io's voice is more in his presence, overwhelming and yet quiet, meditative. Thoughtful. Despite the size, the voice is not loud, overwhelming as it is. It simply is, in a way that is more than other voices. "I greet you, chosen ones."
"Hi!" Calleigh waves from atop Miranda's head.
'Hello.' Tryll is ever placid, like the surface of a pond on a windless day.
Dana's silent for once, looking up and up and up.
Miranda bows low to Io, "I confess I don't know the proper form of greeting," she says, "But I pay you honor for I have no doubt you are a fellow warrior."
Benyen licks suddenly dry lips, "It's good to meet you?" he finally tries.
Latha bows as well.
"It is good to meet you," Io agrees, "There is much we have to discuss. You and those around you are chosen to participate in the salvation of Creation itself."
'So we've heard. I'm assuming this is about Shar?' Tryll gets right to the point.
"It is about many things," Io intones, "Before we continue, I must tell you one thing above all. What I am to tell you here must never be told to another, save those who are part of this. To do so will invite the End of Creation, in a way none of us can stop. An errant word could well doom everyone in Creation. Do not speak of this lightly, and only in the places most profoundly protected. This hall is always available should you need to discuss these matters in a safe place. Do you understand?"
"Shiiiiiit," Dana says, "We've jumped into the deep end here." A hand goes up to her head, ""You're not shitting me at all? Nothing? Fuck." Dana blows out a long breath, "I can do that."
Miranda nods, her color more and more resembling that of milk, pale and white. "I understand."
Benyen's good cheer is gone now, his only answer a nod, "So do I."
"Yep!" Calleigh nodnods.
'Of course.' Tryll replies.
"The true enemy of Creation is not Shar. The true enemy of Creation is Ao, the Endless Chaos and the Incarnation of Chaos. Ao has empowered Shar to be his executioner to end Creation, thus why her power inexorably waxes, no matter what is done." Io says, voice grave. "Should one not protected understand this, endless calamity will come to Creation and all will end."
"Ao is the Incarnation of Chaos. He is beyond any of our power to oppose except by the most indirect methods. Should he have his way, should knowledge of this spread beyond those who are protected: Creation dies. Everyone in Creation dies with them."
'Oh. Well that's rather bleak. I'm hoping you have some method of counteracting this?'
Dana's expression is a scowl, deepening every moment. One hand is on the hilt of her rapier, gripping it tightly enough to make the metal groan.
"Shar wins," Latha says, "I beg of you to defend this with your life and souls." She bows her head at this a moment, "But there is hope."
"There'd better be," Benyen says, sounding more than a touch dazed. He shakes his head, "So that old man who met up with Tryll wasn't full of it?"
"We do," Io agrees, "For now the overarching goal is to stop Shar. She is Ao's executioner and must be stopped. Sylvie, one of your allies from Aurora, has 21 and must be found. One goal is achieved - I was found." Io declares, the massive dragon's gaze on all of you. "Above all, you must continue to grow stronger."
"Bullshit! We're not doing this alone!" Dana snaps, "Shit, fine, it sounds like some bullshit means we can't get Aurora's ass here and solve this shit, but who is in for this?"
Io watches her a moment, "Alicia and her closest friends. Seira and her closest friends. Moore and his closest friends. Alyssa and her closest friends. Finally....Tryll and his closest friends, all of you."
"Oh hey, we know Moore!" Calleigh says.
'The old man mentioned Alyssa as well.' Tryll agrees. 'So step one is to grow stronger, then? How will we know when we are ready?'
"For now, do not stop. You'll find that out from another, when you meet Zaphkiel in the future," Io says, "Pursue all reasonable paths to power, and I have others to speak of as well."
"Ohhh, Zappy-boy! When do we get to meet him?" Calleigh says, "Also you're real big."
Gamely ignoring Calleigh, Tryll asks, 'Any advice or assistance youre willing to give would be much appreciated.'
"There is much," Io says, perhaps ignoring Calleigh as well. "Are you yet familiar with One?"
'I'm familiar with the number, but I'm assuming that's not your reference...?'
"One. One is the self in numerology, the self against all others," Io begins. "We did not realize at first this had more truth than what laid within Creation. Yet freed of Creation, it is possible for a person to confront and focus on themselves in the Beyond. Should they triumph, they become One and divine. It is a path to divinity, one unguarded by the edicts of Ao and the Incarnations. It is one of great danger, for the slightest failure is your eternal destruction. Yet it offer divinity and the ability to survive within the Far Realm, to go forth and explore it. I became One to explore the Far Realm and become more perfect."
Here Latha speaks up, "We know of only a few that have ever succeeded at this task and implications of many more trying and failing, never to be seen again. Eblis succeeded and in this may well have laid the seeds of his own fall from grace. The other who succeeded was recent: Antenora Reynes."
"Oh! We know her! Right? Didn't she helpo out with Aurora stuff when we were retaking Lifasa?" Calleigh chimes.
'Yes, she did. Good to hear she survived the test. Hmmmmm. A focus on one's own self, you say? I have been studying psionics for a bit over two million years. Psionics are little more than the focus inward upon one's self and learning how to project that self outward in order to manipulate reality. A bit similar, I've found, to a god's ability to edit and alter reality, though not so grand a scale. How does one accomplish this?' Tryll asks.
"There are several conditions. First, you must be strong of spirit and power. This you all satisfy," Io intones. "You must do so alone - no magical items, no active spells, nothing but your own power bolstering you. The sole exception is a single object. This may be anything so long as it is made by your own hands, linked and strongly tied to you. Third, you must then go to the Far Realm and focus entirely inward and on yourself, and on the process of becoming One, of ascending past your limits. You must endure this and succeed on this task thrice, and it is no easy task. Those of the Far Realm may well come to interrupt, though allies to guard and protect you against them are permitted. Be aware that you will be unaware of anything but yourself while you do this and helpless and defenseless if you are attacked."
'I'll have to make a thing. Anyone want to go the Far Realm with me and help me become a squid god?' Tryll asks the group.
"Duh?" Dana says immediately.
Miranda shakes her head, "I will, if only because I fear I'll be hopelessly left behind by events if I do not," she says at last. "What amazing things."
Io merely adds, "Beware failure. At best you will be twisted into a nightmare that never ends, and at worst an oblivion beyond any recovery. But know that I have created a tome to help, a tome that will aid this task. It is currently in the possession of Seira Aryn, but is meant for all five nodes. You are welcome to read it."
'That's very helpful, thank you. We'll seek her out.'
"There is also another way, albeit one I do not know if you will ever be able to pursue," Io continues. "Have you heard of a divine seed?"
'No, I have not.'
"A divine seed is a creation of the Incarnations," Io begins, "It can be used to obtain divinity without resistance or approval, or to strengthen existing divinity. Were you to have one, you could become divine in moments. I had created one but its charges are spoken for. One of your allies from Aurora was ascended with part of its power: Kascha."
"HER?!" Dana blurts out, "Miss Mousy Bookworm Mage?" Staring slowly, "I mean shit, she can be hard when she needs to be, but shit."
'So a divine seed is sometring created by a god in order to elevate a mortal a servant?' Tryll ignores Dana's outburst.
"By the Incarnations," Io corrects, "But in essence that is how it is used, or to strengthen an existing deity."
'By the Incarnations. Ao, assumingly, and...whoelse now?'
"There are three," Io explains, "The Incarnation of Law, the Incarnation of Balance and the Incarnation of Chaos. Ao is the Incarnation of Chaos, while the Incarnation of Law is long lost, to what I know not. The Incarnation of Balance is likewise seemingly gone, but may be with us in another form - it is not clear, and the Incarnations are ever reserved to us, working for their own ends alone."
"The Arbiter," Latha supplies here, "Tied to the business in the world Alicia came from."
'Of course. Of course Ao is the incarnation of Chaos. Of course. Of course he would decide to be a collosal bastard about it.' Tryll is unhappy!
"Whatsa Arbiter?" Calleigh asks helpfully while Tryll has his meltdown.
"That is bullshit," Miranda agrees, "Chaos is more than that!"
Benyen just nods but perhaps wisely stays quiet on that, i nstead, "I'd like to know that, too."
"The Arbiter is the being overseeing the affair of the gnomish God-King," Latha says, "We know little of him, beyond that he has supposed us and set Alicia and Seira on this path. He may be the other form of the Incarnation of Balance Io spoke of," Here Latha quietly adds, "Or he may be a fourth, we do not know and cannot account for any and everything in the Beyond."
'Was it something Ao just decided to be when they created reality one day? Chaos? Did they draw straws? Was there a vote among all present abonminations? Or are they ALL MONSTERS? Did they all create reality with the intent to destroy it in some sick festival of depravity!? What other terrible, unnumbered CRIMES ARE THEY RESPONSIB-'
"OI!"
Tryll stops, 'I need a minute.' and then goes still.
That stops the conversation, as one might expect.
"Take time to gather yourself," Io agrees.
"He'll be fine. Tell me more about this Arbiter guy. What's he actually do? Where can we find him?" Calleigh asks.
"You cannot," Io says, "For he is restrained. He has passed judgment on the matter of the Gnomish God-King and the seals there, as well as taken the divine to task for the affair of the Fairest Star."
"Fairest Star?"
"The story of the Fairest Star is a sad one," Io remarks. "You are aware that there are countless Primes, each unique?"
"Yep." Calleigh replies, popping the P.
"Once, the seed of a Prime Material Plane was not born. It instead fell to another world. In this world many sought to find it, for the power it granted was unbelievable. In a single Prime Material World lays great power, great potential. A game, perhaps another avenue to the Answer, or so the divine thought."
A pause here as Io slowly eyes all of you.
"It was claimed by the Gnomish God-King, who waged war on the divine. With it he stood against them all, stood until he was at last sealed away."
"And he used it to immediately go to war with the gods? Why!? That's such a stupid idea!"
"What's done is done," Latha says, "And an affair that will soon come to a head, long in coming."
"I'll admit...I'm lost," Benyen speaks up here, "And I can see the reasons to go smiting someone like Bane or Demogorgon, but why everyone? There's so many deities, just choose one you like."
"Geez, mortals are dumb sometimes. Okay, so the Arbiter is unreliable, what do we do next?"
"For now your tasks are to grow stronger, advance and fulfill what you have been given," Io declares, "Work with the other nodes, grow with them, oppose Shar."
'Nodes?' Tryll snaps back to attention, 'We are a node then? Who are the others?'
Io considers a time, "Perhaps the memories of when the others found me will suffice," he says.
'Memories?'
"See and understand," Io intones as...!!!!
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104237.msg1136728.html#msg1136728
Tryll gains knowledge and memories of this, from the linked post until they leave Io's presence near the end of the thread. Read that then reply here.
'...WELL. I'm certainly unimpressed with Seira and Alicia's decisions on how to handle the seed. Lots of revelations about smart people making less-than-smart decisions today, but what's done is done. Odd that Moore failed to reach out to me, though. Come to think of it, I couldn't reach him either. Hmm. Well, nothing for it, I'll reach out once we return home. And I'll need to go ask Seira for the tome. Hopefully she is reasonable and sensible now.' Tryll says.
Latha gives Tryll a look at that, "Whatever is wrong with how they used it?" she asks.
"That's....hell." Miranda manages, quiet after that revelation of memories.
"Do you have other questions now?" Io asks.
'Knee-jerk, we-were-here-first decisions when they had JUST been informed of two other nodes? Childish, regardless of who the power was given to. The lack of forethought from actual deities is disappointing.' Tryll says to Latha.
'Io, I would like to know more about how you accessed the Far Realm, if you don't mind.'
"The choices were sound," Latha retorts, but stops when Io speaks.
"Do you mean how I gained access to the Far Realm from Creation?"
'We will continue this in a moment, Latha. Yes, please, Io.'
"The divine has the ability to leave Creation and go to the Far Realm. It is given to us in case we need to in combating a Far Realm incursion," Io explains.
'Is it something a mortal could achieve without sundering all of Creation?'
"It is possible, but the knowledge is kept away and hidden. Vanishingly few mortals have a legitimate reason to go to the Far Realm," Io explains, "While a fool could do great damage with that knowledge. I will take you or even teach you a ritual to go there if you need it."
'You have my thanks, Io. My options are few if we're going to do this right. Any aid would be much appreciated.'
"You will need it. Prepare yourself in the meantime," Io says.
Any more questions?
'Of course. Does anyone here have any further questions for Io?' Tryll asks the group.
"I don't know," Dana says, "This entire thing's been a mind fuck." Growling a bit and looking up, "Maybe after a lot of fucking time to sort it out."
"I'm the same. Overwhelmed," Miranda admits.
"Thirded," Benyen says, "This is the biggest quest ever."
'We are finished then, Io. Thank you for your time.' Tryll says.
"Remember: Speak of our true purpose and enemy with no one," Io says, "The simplest mistake could bring endless calamity on us all. Do you understand?"
'Absolutely. As far as anyone knows, we just oppose Shar.'
"Then go with my blessings. Should you need a safe place to discuss these matters, you can come here any time," Io instructs. "You are welcome."
'You have our thanks. We'll undoubtedly be back. Can I open a gate directly here?'
"To just outside the gate that leads here," Io says.
'Mugh obliged. Latha? I do believe I owe you an explanation before we go.'
"Go on," Latha invites you, "Speak freely - we may disagree but I hold no umbrage about it. I only ask that you be respectful with your disagreement."
'My issue is not with who they chose, it is the lack of consideration of others with which they did so. Now, in order to achieve goals, I am instead forced to eather make a horrifyingly dangerous decision in going to the Far Realm and possibly eradicating myself in the process, or a stupidly dangerous decision by approaching in approaching Asmodeus for access to his maybe-existent divine seed.' Tryll says, 'They made their decisions to empower their own, even after being specifically told there were two other nodes they had yet to encounter. The need was implied. There was not a moment's desitation in consideration. That is my issue.'
"They made a choice to elevate two worthy, compassionate and heroic people to the divine," Latha says, "Two people unlikely to be able to become One, held back by Ao's risk of rejection. They chose what they know and trusted to become divine - and no disrespect, but we do not know each other as well as Alicia knows her sister or Seira knows Kascha. Not yet."
A moment's pause.
"But - if there is one divine seed, we may yet find another. And should we not, we will help you in your quest to become One, if you wish to pursue that." Latha goes on, "If I can aid you in this, I will. So will Antenora, Jessica, Alicia...and even Syala, her disapproval over what happened to Ebony aside."
'What's done is done. My irritation aside, there's no way to undo it. I'm don't believe I would undo it. Consideration is all I wanted. That's all. And thank you. I'm going to need as much help as I can get on this. Who knows, maybe Zaph-'
"ZAPPY BOY!"
'-kiel has another seed or something.'
"I would not be surprised if he does," Latha concurs. "Come to us and contact us if you need aid. We're in this together."
'Thank you, Latha. I appreciate the aid.'
Okay, what's your next move here?
Back to Miranda's and divining the last heart ruby.
Anything else with Latha? She's going to take her leave of you after that to report back, understanding you can contact her or Sylica through your own power if needed.
If not we'll head on back for that.
That's fine. I can't think of anything else I'll need her for at this moment.
Thus you all arrive back. It's Dana who speaks first, "Can we take a few hours before we chase down another ruby?" she says, "Got a lot of shit to sort out."
Quietly Miranda says, "We all have much to think of."
'Go ahead. It'll likely take me a while to track it down, anyway.' Tryll says.
"Naptime!" Calleigh zips into the house.
Okay, what's the plan with tracking the ruby?
Gonna go with Examine Astral Reverberations.
Manifesting fully augmented Examine Astral Reverberations
PP: 25
DC 36 will to resist.
Effect: Discern location of targeted creature or object. If concealed behind Mind Blank or similar obfuscation technique, opposed caster level check is allowed. In addition, if successful there is a non-cryptic Divination effect stating what tcreature or objects next actions are. [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 15 + 35, total 50[/blockquote]
I'm not really expecting the ruby to resist me, as if it's at all intelligent it probably wants to be found.
The ruby has been placed an offering to the Dying King.
Well that's new. 'Any of you ever head of the Dying King?'
Also that was supposed to give me a location of the ruby. Actual location.
Just paste me the entire spell then, please.
Examine Astral Reverberations
Clairsentience
Level: Psion/wilder 9
Display: Mental and visual
Manifesting Time: 1 minute
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
Power Points: 17
This power taps information stored in the astral, such as a creature's movements or location, if that creature or object fails a Will save. This power shows the movements of said creature and all of their actions taken within the last week, as well as who and what they interacted with.
This power does not work on any plane that is not connected in some way to the astral plane. This power only functions on creatures and objects with an astral presence; a mind. Inert, non-magical objects such as walls or non-thinking creatures such as non-intelligent oozes and mindless undead are invisible to this power.
Augment
If an additional 5 power points are spent, the power also attempts to postulate a likely future outcome. This provides a benefit similar to that of a divination, but less cryptic. Any information conveyed would concern one single action or possible action regarding that creature, and the question must be phrased to outline the direction for the power to take. Information conveyed can be contained in no more than one single sentence.
If an additional 10 power points are spent, the manifestor may make an opposed caster level check to reveal information about a target that has or had an active mind blank spell.
For every 2 power points spent in either of the above augmentations, the power's DC increases by 1.
Thanks.
The ruby was taken to a throne surrounded by the dead - festering zombies and skeletons. Atop that throne sits a rotting king, who holds the ruby in his hands, lost in contemplation of it.
Any indication what plane it's on?
Checking it's travel, you can see it's on the Abyss. Pazunia in particular, the 1st layer.
'Oh it's on the Abyss that's great.' Tryll grouses.
"A fight," Dana and Miranda perk up at exactly the same time, Dana saying that.
"I could really go for a good fight," Miranda seconds, "What part of the Abyss?"
'Pazunia. Not even the weirdest layer. Just the most popular.'
"So we go in, crack heads and take it?" Benyen says, "That's a fun afternoon. I hope they have skeleton dinosaurs, those are the best to climb up while fighting off dozens of lesser, winged undead flies. Especially since that time my breastplate was broken so I was climbing up bare chested."
"Damn," Dana licks her lips, "Keep talking like that."
'This time it'll be demons AND undead. Lots of undead. A king of undead in fact.'
"So what are we waiting for?!" Dana declares, "Let's go do this!"
'We should properly prepare for negative energy this time. I think a quick trip to Brightwater for a wand of Death Ward or some much would be wise.'
Okay, it sounds like we've hit the prepping phase of this. Plans/spells/ect?
I want Death Ward. Preferably the ability to reapply it at will.
After that, Tryll & Calleigh will have Inertial Armor, and True Seeing to be refreshed every hour.
Sure. Anything else like mind blanks? Go ahead and post expenses in loot as needed and let me know when done.
Calleigh now has a new wand. We are ready.
Great. Who or what is used to get over there so I can track resources. Also, where precisely are you aiming?
I'll be using Astral Ingress and Actually I'm not sure. Perhaps we should do some research on this before just popping off to a plane without ends which is intensely hostile to all life. WE'RE STAYING IN BRIGHTWATER. Uh uh uh lemme THINK let's try the local flavor. Silverbrow Consortium. Also we need to give the next ruby to Sune.
Sure.
Done, done and done. You are now in Brightwater, amid the richness and bustle as you head to the Silverbrow Consortium. You find it as it was before, thankfully.
Go ahead.
Tryll floats inside, Calleigh flitting along!
It is as it always is. AT the front desk one of the beautiful women there smiles and asks, "Ah, Mister Tryll. How can we help you?"
'Hello. I'm seeking info on the Dying King in Pazunia.'
"Of course. We can provide that reasonably priced." Is the answer you get.
'Delightful. How reasonable?'
With a slight smile, "2,000 gold."
'Pretty reasonable.' Tryll says as Calleigh forks over the cash.
"Please wait," Is the answer.
Soon enough all of you are sitting and having a snack upstairs. As you all enjoy, "Ahem," This time it's a reddish-oranged haired woman, slender and sleek. "I'm Garnet," she smiles brightly, "You're asking about the Undying King?"
"Yep!" Calleigh chirps.
"Yeah, tell us," Dana agrees, munching on some cake.
"The Undying King is a fairly petty king on Pazunia, currently holding a small territory with lots of zombies and undead. He's one of those fleas that stays around a long time because no one has much of a reason to get him. The land he took is pretty bad, even for Pazunia." Garnet flashes all of you a big smile, "So it's like being a mouse or something in the Pazunia food chain - you're tolerated to feed bigger things. If you want to squash him, go in with lots of goodly clerics and paladins, it'll resolve itself. Of course, demons may join in when they see a fight."
'I can create and weaponize portals to the positive energy plane. Do you think that will be sufficient?'
"Ooooooh! Yeah, I bet so," Garnet giggles, "Yes, like that! They'll just hate that, won't they? Won't stop the demons, though."
"Good," Miranda says, "I could use the archery practice."
'You'd be surprised at how effective it is on living creatures. And objects. Walls. The countryside. Remember that most things tend to go pop when you fill them with too much positive energy.' Tryll says, then turns to Miranda, 'Are holy arrows a thing?'
Check loot, by the way.
"Of course they are," Miranda says, "Though more with bows enchanted to make any arrow fired from it sacred. Though you can get individual holy arrows made, certainly."
"Sounds expensive! Those arrows must cost a bundle!" Calleigh grins.
"Well," Garnet pipes up, "It's like a short term small investment that repeats versus a longer term investment that's a single time. Like renting something compared to buying it," she says, "Renting's usually the sucker's play, though often someone has no choice because they don't have enough money to buy it outright."
Clearing her throat, "That's correct," Miranda says, "Assuming your bow isn't lost or destroyed."
Dana listens along, focusing on her cake primarily.
Benyen hums, "...so that's why you learn fist fighting, like any responsible archer?"
"I have a bow!" Calleigh holds up a very tiny bow. "I'm not good with my fisties tho!"
"Regardless," Dana cuts in, "So we go in and smash this in?"
'I'd recommend you all spend a bit of cash on oils or enchantments for your preferred weapons to increase their effectiveness against both undead and demons, just in case. Other than that, yes. Smashings.'
In that case I'll do some shopping ofr them post session. Since I don't think you'll get a chance to post until this evening, go ahead and give me an okay when you see this. If it's tonight it'll just be a formality so we can move on.
Dear Mr. Dunefar,
This letter will confirm our acknowledgement of your post-session shopping excursion. The Squid Node Shopping Excursion was intended to be held Thursday, May 23rd, 2019 in Brightwater. As we discussed, time has been provided to all NPCs in order to obtain gear, equipment, consumables, or otherwise sundry items for the assault on Pazunia, scheduled for Friday, May 24th, 2019.
Please accept this letter as confirmation of intent to go forward with the project. We thank you for all of your help thus far in planning this important event. We look forward to continuing to work with you to make this an adventure we will never forget.
Sincerely,
Yuthirin
Okay, with PM talk I think they're okay to roll as it is. They'll reequip after this session. Any more prep before we go then?
None.
So refresh me on where you're aiming for real quick?
Edge of this king's territory. Might as well clear it out on our way in.
The sky is orange, bitter as death. The scent's worse and all around you is too warm. Not hot, warm. A sticky, clinging warmth.
Pale green fog blows on the wind, obscuring the path ahead.
"This is the Abyss, alright," Miranda declares, "That smell's hard to miss."
With a pop, Calleigh is now a small ball of light. "Yuck!"
'There are some days I'm glad I can't smell things.' Tryll says as he manifests True Seeing and peers into the fog.
The path ahead is quite clear, you find.
"Lucky you," Dana waves a hand in front of her face, as Benyen draws Hell Striker and strides forward.
'The fog is fake. Nothing nearby. Let's proceed' Tryll says, traveling along with Calleigh in tow.
Perception real quick?
Tryll[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 18 + 50, total 68[/blockquote]Calleigh[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 9 + 40, total 49[/blockquote]
It's...empty. Battle scarred for sure, but no sign of the undead.
You walk a time - not far really - until you can see a rusted, forgotten citadel. No visible guards are there.
'Well. They said he was a small-time player in the Abyss, but this is a bit sad.'
"This is too easy," Benyen hms, "Maybe the fortress is a construct that'll attack us?"
"Nothing?" Dana drawls, "How the fuck did a pissant little shitstain like this get a Heart Ruby?"
"I'd like to know that, too," Benyen says, "Maybe he's a romantic?"
"An undead romantic?" Calleigh asks.
"A zombie wooing?" Dana banters back. "Don't have to stop loving once I don't need to sleep."
"How about a skeletal heartthrob," Miranda chuckles lightly, "Really though, we should go on and investigate this. That's why we're here."
'Right. Let's see what's inside.' Tryll says.
You find the gates unguarded - and the courtyard within is empty. No sign of the undead, though it smells rotten here.
'An unfriendly place, to be sure.' Tryll says as he heads in.
No resistance - and you find them all in the throne room, deeper within. Here hundreds of undead stand in court, to where the Undying King sits on his throne. On his lap is the Heart Ruby, and before your eyes you can see all of the undead are staring within it, lost in its crimson depths.
'Well that's convenient.' Tryll remarks. 'This is a first for me.'
Tryll manifests Retrieve, attempting to teleport the ruby to himself.
Will DC 30.
I'm assuming he's not paying attention here, so I might be able to pull it off.
Miranda is tense several moments, yet not a one reacts.
"This is new," Benyen says, "So....how about we....just solve this in one move?"
> roll 1d20+18
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=16]
No good - the Undying King has a grip on it, so to speak. He's also looking up, empty eyes seemingly looking beyond you as much as looking at you.
'Ah well. Time to perform last rites. Violently. Ladies and Dana and Benyen? You may proceed.'
"Let me," Miranda steps forward, after moments of being stared at to no reaction.
> roll 1d20+66
> roll 1d20+66
> roll 1d20+66
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=18]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=17]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+61
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+57
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=19]
> OOC: -1.
> roll 1d20+51
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d8=5][d6=2,5]
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d8=1][d6=5,4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d8=7][d6=3,6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d8=8][d6=6,5]
> roll 1d8+35+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d8=3][d6=2,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d8=3][d6=3,2]
No resistance. The Undying King merely falls over, arrows shattering its skull and piercing its body. The Heart Ruby falls to the ground, the undead watching it even now.
'Slay the undead first, don't touch the gem until they're all destroyed.' Tryll advises.
It's not a battle, not truly.
It's a slaughter.
The undead seem captivated by the ruby. Arrows, sword and magic see to it with no resistance, the walking dead put to rest one and all.
"They're not even dodging," Miranda notes as she continues to fire arrows. "This Ruby may be stronger or have powers of allure. We must be careful."
'Probably best not to touch it directly then.'
To the last, the dead do not resist. They fall one after another, each simply ended for a second time.
When it is at last over, "Insane," Dana says, "That Ruby must be some strong fucking shit."
'Right. We're not touching it, just in case. Calleigh.'
"Yep!" Calleigh zips over and carefully scoops up the ruby into her bag of holding.
Done and done.
"Well, that was...easy," Miranda finally says, "Surprisingly so. Shall we return now?"
"Not everything has to be hard as possible," Dana says, "Sometimes bitches surrender, give it up."
'Let's not invite trouble. Last thing we need is for the lord of this layer or something showing up.' Tryll says, 'Anyone fancy a look around to see if there's anything valuable worth taking here?'
"Nah," Dana shakes her head, "You ask me, we quit because they probably don't have shit plus I smell trouble coming."
Miranda glances at Dana, "Unusually level headed of you."
"What I'm thinking is that you don't piss away an easy escape in the fucking Abyss, you go home and be happy you aren't turned into a balor's dick sheathe." Dana retorts, "Or you start fucking finding entire buildings full of dolls of yourself. Fuck that."
Moore's voice echos in Tryll's mind!
'Hi Tryll. I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to know if you have some time to talk. If you do, feel free to bring your retinue to Hope's Landing. It's my fortress in Lunia.'
To be clear, this is a form of Sending, so Tryll is allowed a response here!
'Dana speaks from experience. That sounds like the Abyss. Oh hey, Moore just sent me a sending. Delightful.' A portal is opened to Brightwater. 'Let's wrap this up and go see him. On Lunia, apparently.'
'Hello Moore. Nice to hear you're alive. I tried to reach you recently with little luck. See you on Lunia soon.'
Going to go get out of here, finish this and go visit?
That'd be the idea. Still have to drop off two rubies for Sune. We'll head to her part of town.
When you arrive within Brightwater, there is no resistance. Instead you appear on a beautiful street, rose petals blowing on the wind. The scent of them is sweet as all of you feel gentle warmth around you. Approval, love, gratitude. All fill the four of you.
"....it's nice." Miranda finally says, closing her eyes to the caresses of the wind.
"Yeah." Dana's quieter at that, not projecting her voice at all.
Benyen takes a deep breath in and just smiles.
"MAN I LOVE BRIGHTWATER ESPECIALLY AFTER LEAVING THE ABYSS WOW THIS IS REALLY GREAT YOU GUYS HEY DID I EVER TELL YOU ABOUT THE TIME WE GOT SUCKED INTO THE ABYSS AFTER SOME CRAZY MIND MAGE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO STUFF A BAG OF HOLDING INTO A BAG OF HOLDING INTO AN INSIDE-OUT BAG OF HOLDING?" Calleigh appears supercharged.
Oh, have you brought back what was stolen? I'm most eager to see my rubies again.
The voice is happy, eager and like a physical presence.
"Hi Sune!" Calleigh cheers, opening her bag of holding and prodicing two overlarge gems, "We gotcher rubies!"
In an instant, the rubies are gone.
All of you have done me a great service and have earned a reward. Do you have any need to be fulfilled?
"Uh." Calleigh is momentarily stuck.
'We didn't do this for a reward and weren't expecting one, to be honest. It's not something Calleigh or I have thought about.' Tryll explains.
"We'll take one, though," Dana says quickly.
Sune's laugh is a beautiful thing, bringing to mind memories of sunlit days of romance and happiness.
Then I shall reward you with my own judgment. First shall be Calleigh. Be radiant.
Calleigh gains +2 Charisma.
A reminder of the relevant rules: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104101.msg1109548.html#msg1109548
'YyyYYYYEEEAAAAGHHHHHHH THIS IS AWESOME!" Calleigh seems pleased.
What's that put Calleigh's Charisma at?
Now Tryll. Long ago this came into my possession, and I believe it would suit you better.
Before you it forms - a semi ghostly torc, the edges of it indistinct and blurry. It is studded with bright crystals, ones that thrum with untapped psionic power.
Loot.
20. Also loot checked.
'Ah. Perfect. Thank you kindly.' Tryll says, grasping the torc with vague tendrils and looping it over his back. 'Well-suited for me. Thank you. Also, will you want the heart-finder ruby back as well?'
Yes, I do.
The torc was created by the one you serve, I believe, or empowered by him. Wear it proudly.
Calleigh also produces the heart-finder ruby!
'I will. Thank you.'
Like that, the heart finder ruby is gone.
Now...Dana.
Dana looks in the direction of the voice, "Yeah?" she says, quieter.
I think you'd disdain most of my gifts. You have little interest in femininity and the softer side of the heart. Therefore, a more material reward for you and your friends.
With a loud thump, a golden treasure chest appears, lid ajar. Within you can see the glint of rubies.
Loot.
Dana looks over, cracks it open, sees the rubies within. She closes it and nods, "Yeah. Ain't so fucking bad having someone you like, though."
Benyen smiles a that.
"Yeah! But wait, Dana doesn't like being a girl?" Calleigh looks confused.
"I don't like being a pretty fucking princess," Dana drawls slowly, "But having someone you like's different."
Sune's mirth is another wonderful laugh, warming the air.
There's hope for you yet, Dana.
Miranda, I shall offer you some of the protections I offer those who serve me, so that your hunt is not cut short.
Miranda gains mind blank as an at will SLA.
To this Miranda bows low, "You have my deep gratitude, Lady Firehair."
"I dunno. I think you're pretty! And you're a princess! And you kick lots of butt!" Calleigh says to Dana.
'A boon to be sure.' Tryll congratulates Miranda.
Now Benyen - Raziel would rather reward your bravery himself, in his way and his time.
But let it not be said I leave those who serve me unrewarded.
A fine sheet of parchment appears in Benyen's hands, as he pauses to read it.
"That's practical and useful," he says, "Many thanks to you," he bows after in the direction of the voice.
Loot.
'Right. That's everyone, yes? If so, we'll be off. Before we go, I have one last favor to ask of you.' Tryll says.
Oh ho? Go on.
'A reckoning is coming with the Lady of Loss. I assume that, as part of your purview, she has affected you moreso than most others. I'm certain you've noticed that things are in motion. Can we count on your aid when things come to a head?'
Many want to have a reckoning with that bitch. You're hardly the first one that's asked me.
Sune's voice turns cool, cattish, disdainful.
She is like an inflamed pimple, ruining an entire Creation by being on the cheek of it.
'Yes. Well, greater gears than those in the past are turning. I'm unable to go into detail here. More detail will be available in time. Can I count on you to at least hear us out when things get moving?'
I will grant you that, cutey.
Well. It's not often Tryll meets someone who can appreciate his roguish and dashing good looks. He's quite pleased. 'Thank you for your time and consideration.' Tryll says with a weird courtly undulation of his entire body.
With that the presence is gone.
Miranda blows out a breath, "That was illuminating," she finally says. "Profitable and a blessing."
"Also fuckin' rubies," Dana grins, hefting up the chest.
"They look like roses!" Calleigh is enthused.
Okay, got anything else to do here?
Not at current! Good adventure to wrap up.
Then off to Lunia. I'll intro you in Moore's thread by end of day so you can get going there, once he finishes his current conversation. If I haven't, nag me.
Check Moore's thread, you're on there.