Edit: Mordekai was not hit. I was looking at his FF. Other than that, the bunyip that has been injured looks furious, and is bleeding from many places.
That is all.
The freezing chill saps Edward's energy faster than he had expected. His muscles lock up in protest, and his mind is overwhelmed with the shock.
In her effort to flee, Vyllaria flips over the boat and climbs in.
"Come on you stupid seal-shark thing. Bleed for me! Hahahaha!"
Semirhage swims over to Edward, whose head seems dangerously close to submerging below the water. She swims such that her shield still holds as a barrier between her and the bunyip.
Semirhage reaches for Edward, attempting to drag him over to shore or to the righted longboat. Worst case scenario, if the pair of them begin to sink before shore can be reached, Semirhage casts Air Bubble on herself, then brings her head (romantically) next to Edward's so he can breath as she drags him to shore (potentially along the bed).
Edward begins to sink beneath the waves, panic threatening to overcome him.
:
Semirhage instead flips her boat back over and climbs inside.
The remaining bunyip eyes the sinking wizard with a hungry gaze. The foul beast swims over, and grapples him.
Mordekai gets in to the boat and starts rowing as fast as he can. He kinda likes the Wizard. "Cast they touch of water or what ever thing on me once we get there. Alternatively you can go swimming to save Edward. Don't care who but one fights the bunyip and the other saves the wizard."
As we move towards the sinking Edward, Semirhage casts Resistance on Mordekai.
Captain Kargeld finally surfaces, having been stunned by the water. He grabs hold of Vyllaria's rowboat, and hoists himself in. "Keep rowing! That thing almost had us!"
His lungs screaming for air, Edward takes an involuntary gasp of ice-cold seawater. The pain and lack of oxygen drive him into unconsciousness.
"Dam this row boat! We are coming!"
Row, row row your boat, to go kill the blasted seal-shark thing. Merrily Merrily, Merrily, Life is about killing a Bunyip. This has been music with Reaver.
Semirhage casts command on the magical beast, channelling the magic surging in her blood into the command: "COME TO ME, AND HOLD FAST THE WIZARD".
The bunyip maintains his grapple on the drowning wizard, and bites him, ripping his throat out.
A large cloud of blood hangs in the water.
Seeing her ally become no more than a shredded corpse, Semirhage shrieks. In terror she grabs hold of the paddles and furiously turns toward the shore.
She screams at Kargeld, "Look at what your greed has cost us, Kargeld! The master will be absolutely furious!" Uttering a string of incomprehensible profanities, Semirhage seems ready to explode.
Archaeros flies away towards land, an ordinary thrush now that his master is dead.
Mordekai allows Semirhage to steer the boat away. He just rows away in silence for as long as Reaver will allow before rage start to boil. "He will pay for this Semirhage." Mordekai says is a quiet voice. "Our plans remain unchanged but Kargeld's death will be far more enjoyable now. Prepare all you favourite torturous tools and methods my dear. I will carve Edward's eulogy on his body and we will have a fun night. Farewell Edward, till we have have the power to bring you back."
A ragged foot floats between patches of ice, bobbing slowly.
Mythic surged Perception:
Semirhage notices a bloody foot thrown into the path of her paddle and, the blood draining from her dark face, flicks it into the boat with a smooth motion. Quickly placing it in her satchel, she continues rowing. Colourlessly she says, "Mordekai, this new development gives me a plan... our revenge may need to wait until it grows to fruition."
"My bloodlust can wait till Edward is safe then I will dine on the good captain's pain. Is one foot enough?" Mordekai keeps rowing till they are back to the ship or something else happens.
"For now, we can only hope," Semirhage whispers morosely.
As the last trail of a whisper leaves Semirhage's lips, everything freezes. The whole world stops in its tracks, taking on a dark blue hue. An enormous portal rips into the Material Plane ten meters to the south of the Frosthamar. A handsome figure with rust coloured skin and a jutting crown of ridge like thorns walks through the portal, wearing what looks to be rolls of parchment draped around his chiselled form like a toga. A large tome hovers before him. His eyes flash with red light, and suddenly all three of the surviving villains is standing on the Frosthamar, arrayed as if they were on trial.
The devil peers down at you from above the water, his handsome face etched into a shrewd stare.
"Um... oops? We are sorry... hail Asmodeus." Mordekai shakes his head and regains his composer. "Death does not mean that we have left our friend behind. We have found ourselves one of his feet and. I don't know much about magic but there has to be magic can can bring him back. I will not abandon my friends, contract or not. We will not break the contract that binds us together. Edwards is one of us even after his death. Death is a issue but not an impossible to pass barrier. Your servants will find a way past this but any aid is welcome. We have signed the contract and will always remain Asmodeus loyal subjects."
If she were not already so faint and paled, Semirhage would have visibly diminished in terror at the appearance of the devil. Steeling herself, she says, "we have been betrayed by the greed of another of Thorne's servants, servant of our master," Semirhage says, lowering her head in subservience. "Kargeld has led our quest astray into dangerous waters, and so has risked destroying the knot which Thorne had forged.
"We now seek the services of one who can reincarnate the wizard which our dark lord has, in his foresight and power, invested in. We would not dare treat his gifts with carelessness or ingratitude. We are unworthy of further gifts, but lack the resources to secure a true resurection at this time and so must beg forgiveness and patience."
Vyllaria ignores the flaws in Semirhage's logic, and decides it is best to follow the path of laying blame as far from one's person as is possible. She has nothing to say to the devil that will now further their cause, as her own views would contradict what has already been said. When one speaks of pacts and oaths with devils, it is best the story remain true to the first telling. A multitude of voices will only add discordance. It is best to speak only when spoken to.
I do not agree with Semirhage on this. While it is true we could not foresee the outcome of our actions, we could have left Kargeld to his game and stayed here on the Frosthammer. Therefore no matter how she spins it, there are ways of interpreting the tale that will likewise condemn us, if we are to truly be condemned for Edward's fate. We cannot change what has happened, we can only move forward. I for one will not shirk from whatever duty Asmodeus has for us; be it service or penance. I failed Edward. I will accept responsibility for my actions.
As an afterthought it occurs to her to wonder, Does this devil possess telepathy like the stories often claim of their kind?
"we have been betrayed by the greed of another of Thorne's servants, servant of our master, Kargeld has led our quest astray into dangerous waters, and so has risked destroying the knot which Thorne had forged."We now seek the services of one who can reincarnate the wizard which our dark lord has, in his foresight and power, invested in. We would not dare treat his gifts with carelessness or ingratitude. We are unworthy of further gifts, but lack the resources to secure a true resurrection at this time and so must beg forgiveness and patience."
The devil hums quietly, flipping through his tome.
The handsome devil walks closer to you, taking a deep breath. As he says this, his blood red eyes turn to look at Vyllaria. He smiles, revealing a double row of sharp teeth.
Vyllaria says nothing, but immediately she starts thinking ah s***, that was probably a really bad time to wonder if he was telepathic...
"Forgive me devil, but I must ask who are you to say that we have broken our contract and what was our failure? Our old contract was between us, Lord Thorn and Asmodeus. Of course, your offer to create a new contract for our friends life is one that we want to discuss. I just want to get a sense of who will hold this new deal."
"Mordekai, I do not know if your kind possesses that which all devils desire." Swallowing the knot in her throat, Semirhage formally adresses the devil, "Servant of the master of contracts, the lord of Hell, you may have from me what you most desire.
"However, in exchange you must restore Edward to life as he was before the events of today and protect him for a full day's time as he recovers from his sojourn beyond this plane. If I judge it correctly, you will find my divine soul a most coveted prize, though I now wonder if your master has already claimed it."
To emphasize her point, Semirhage causes herself to glow with Aasimar light.
In the moments anticipating the devils answer, Semirhage's mind rails, 'what have I done?! This is a binding contract from which none can escape! But, am I not already lost without this Edward, without this team? There is no choice for it then, I must offer all I have left to give.'.
The devil wreathes himself in flame, growing to colossal size, towering over you like a mountain.
"Mordekai, I do not know if your kind possesses that which all devils desire." Swallowing the knot in her throat, Semirhage formally adresses the devil, "Servant of the master of contracts, the lord of Hell, you may have from me what you most desire."However, in exchange you must restore Edward to life as he was before the events of today and protect him for a full day's time as he recovers from his sojourn beyond this plane. If I judge it correctly, you will find my divine soul a most coveted prize, though I now wonder if your master has already claimed it."
The towering devil sighs in ecstasy.
Tanthiemel looks into Semirhage's eyes almost sadly.
The colossal devil shrinks down to a mere seven feet tall, and extends a Contract to Semirhage. A red quill floats near the bottom of the Contract as if waiting.
Tanthiemel's face almost splits in two with a predatory grin.
I, Semirhage Demelain, do hereby forfeit my voice in exchange for the reincarnation of Edward Lamoran Verric by Tanthiemel, Son of Mammon, Scribe of Erebus.
Tanthiemel will reincarnate Edward Lamoran Verric within one hour of the signing of this document. In return, Semirhage Demelain will forfeit her voice in perpetuity to Tanthiemel.
Signed,
Tanthiemel
"Hah! You would take from me the very source of my usefulness to Asmodeus? No, I think not; you would leave me powerless without it. If it is the pleasure of my voice you seek, then a more intimate contract may be arranged..."
Tanthiemel shakes his head slowly.
He points at Mordekai and Vyllaria.
None of these offers are what he truly wants. You sense he wants something more material.
The handsome devil strokes his chin as he examines the pair.
Your last moments flash before you: The bunyip's teeth on your throat, the crushing, cold depths. Yet here you are. Yet where is here? You are hovering in a large expanse of white space. You are confused, and go to scratch your head, yet pause. There are horns on your head, large flowing horns like those of dragon. You look down at your hands and gasp in shock as you see black skin covered in strange flowing lines of glowing red runes. A closer look reveals that this is an ancient Infernal script. You can't quite make out what it says, as it moves across your skin like water over rock, but you can catch some glimpses: "and they came upon a hold," "and the angel said to him," "shrine that was once his resting place." "bound fast, and doomed," "he shall be anointed with devil's blood," "made servant to the Powers of Hell" and finally "smote him with harsh retribution."
"Your the one that brought the deal to her but we can offer something too. Devil, would you like something more materialistic for this deal? How about 10 pounds of Mithral? What good does our sight or limb give you? What I can give is powerful and effective on other's of your kind. What a rival removed? Make a weapon from this material and it would be very effective and very light."
Smirking, Semirhage decides to have some fun with the demon. "If it is a limb you want, then you may have one of my feet, it is of little use to me," she says flippantly. "Agreed?"
Semirhage withdraws the dismembered foot of Edward that she has in her bag and tosses it gaily toward the demon. "It was a pleasure making your acquaintance Tantheimel, I hope we do meet again on more amicable terms. Then, perhaps, I shall sing for you," she adds in a sultry tone.
A smile break across Mordekai's face. 10 pounds not good enough? Now we have a line so let's see if the fish will bite. "And here I thought you wanted to barter. Come, devil it is so much more fun if we talk and try to work something out. Is 10 pounds to little? Maybe you want more? I can offer more or something else. What are you looking for? What do devils want? Forgive my smile. This is my first time actual working out a deal with your kind. It is so invigorating and kinda fun."
Tanthiemel pauses, considering Semirhage's offer.
Tanthiemel's eyes flick up and down her lithe form.
Tanthiemel pauses when Mordekai speaks. Tanthiemel points at Semirhage.
The devil snorts, small plumes of smoke rising from his nostrils.
Turning to the final member of the party, he addresses Vyllaria.
Tanthiemel smiles widely at her, and chuckles cruelly.
Leaning back, Tanthiemel examines all three of you.
"Okay, this is starting to get boring. Bartering is when two debate a price back and forth. I offered and price and you just said 'not enough.' That is refusing not bartering, so to end this all I will skip to the end. I can offer 20 pounds you Edward's life and your true name. I hold 10, she holds the other 10. That enough? Also thank you for saying that she is a Drow. I don't have to catch myself and say she is an elf every time. Drow, Drow, Drow. What the hell is a Drow doing on the surface? Got that out of my system."
Tanthiemel smiles grimly, and nods once.
Tanthiemel holds his hands out to his sides, palms up. As Semirhage and Mordekai take the Mithral out of their packs, it floats into the air , hovering above Tanthiemel's upraised palms.
As the three of you turn around, you notice a large sphere hovering behind you. Popping like a soap bubble, the illusion disappears, revealing a hovering Edward. Edward looks around, startled as the white expanse pops revealing that he had been hovering behind his companions, likely for the entire time he has been conscious.
Edward is very changed from the devil's spell, but alive. He now has black skin etched with glowing red runes swirling across his skin. These runes are very small, and are hard to make out. He also has small wings sprouting from his shoulders, like those of a bat. Edward has horns on his head, similar to those of a dragon.
Edward has been reincarnated as a Tiefling, which is fitting due to the Infernal nature of the being who cast the spell.
When you turn around again, Tanthiemel is gone. So too is the portal, and the dark blue tint seems to fade as the world catches up from its frozen state.
Just before the crew starts moving, Edward realizes that he still has all of his gear, including the Iron Circlet, and disguises himself in his old form. Interestingly enough, he seems to have gained two inches in height.
"Well that kinda worked. Edward welcome back and what happened to you? Dang, you got ugly. Well it is better then being dead and you got taller so it all works out in the end. How do you feel?"
"Erm, hello." Edward pauses for a moment, mentally adjusting to his new voice. "Ahem. Hello again. Something... strange has happened. I no longer seem to be entirely human - I will require a mirror and some research to determine what I now I am, but if I were to guess I'd say fiendish blood now runs through my veins."
Edward looks over his shoulder at the small wings that sprout from his shoulders and gives them an experimental flap. "I will have to see what I am capable of some other time. How was I recovered from the bunyip? It dragging me under is the last thing I remember. I assume Mordekai's statement is not hyperbole and I actually did die. I am puzzled by this though - we are in the same place as before, and from the wet state of your clothing, little time has passed. I wasn't under the impression that any of you could raise the dead."
"Good you have accepted that you died very easily. I was hopping that it wasn't going to be an issue. " Mordekai claps his hands tougher and beginnings walking around the new Edward. Examining his new form. "As for you coming back, well I made a deal with a devil. Tanthiemel of something, I think his name was. He said that you would be returned to life but I suppose we did not make it clear that you would be returned the same as you left. I hope your mind was not changed like your body. Just to be sure, what was my body's original name? Simple question but this transformation has me very interested. I wonder if there is a way to make death less... annoying to return from."
Vyllaria remains unmoved by the sudden turn of events and keeps her blank outward composure while she leans against the rail. She idly acknowledges that something momentous has occurred by fishing an apple out of a barrel and taking a bite. This talk of deals with devils has only made her hungry. See, there you go, Vyllaria. Proof once again that in times like these, when the higher ups get their goat in a pinch, it's best to just shut up and stay silent. Mordekai had the common sense to barter with material goods. *sigh* Guess we won't be making that belt then.
After Edward and Mordekai have gone over the preliminary explanation of Edward's return and his new appearance, she finally says, "It's good to have you back Edward," between taking bites from the apple.
"Good you have accepted that you died very easily. I was hoping that it wasn't going to be an issue. " Mordekai claps his hands together and begins walking around the new Edward. Examining his new form. "As for you coming back, well I made a deal with a devil. Tanthiemel of something, I think his name was. He said that you would be returned to life but I suppose we did not make it clear that you would be returned the same as you left. I hope your mind was not changed like your body. Just to be sure, what was my body's original name? Simple question but this transformation has me very interested. I wonder if there is a way to make death less... annoying to return from."
"Oh," Edward responds, somewhat taken aback. "I trust you didn't offer anything that would impact our plans? Nothing that will come back to bite us later? Contract devils have a well-deserved reputation for adhering exactly to the letter of what was signed - not to what the signer believed the intention was."
"To confirm it is indeed myself, Edward, in this form, I know that that your name was..." Edward leans in towards Mordekai's ear, and whispers his name.
"It's good to have you back, Edward."
"Thank you," Edward acknowledges with a nod. "Good as it is to not be dead, I'm feeling rather poorly. Coming back from the dead seems to be an ordeal, quite punishing on the body and soul. Not something I wish to go through again, I assure you."
Mordekai smiles when he hears the right name. Edward might look different but it appears to be him. He lets Edward talk to Vyllaria before he answers his question. "As for what it cost us, we gave 20 pounds of scrap mithral for your return. Remember those snakes from the adventure underneath in the caves. Would have been nice to makes something out of it but I say it was worth bringing you back. I wonder if there are ways to make you feel right again."