I can also teach hand signals to those who are willing to learn.
"I am willing to learn. It makes sense that we all should have a basic understanding of common hand signals we can use when needed. Halt and silence being a priority I would say.”
And some of my defensive spells can be cast on others if needed."
“So does anyone know a spell which could help Astinos see in the dark, or have a potion that will do the trick they could part with?”
Alright Zuberi. Let me show you how to talk with your hands. And any of you who wish to learn.
I unfortunately have nothing to assist Astinos in the dark.
Seemingly oblivious to the near-disaster that Namaste had helped to defuse, Kemnebi responds eagerly to the dragon-warrior's question.
"No, I have no spells that will give another the gift of dark-vision. At least not yet. But I might have something that will help. Let me see what I can come up with,..." And Kemnebi happily dives back into his spellbook, muttering something about 'transmutation',...
Though he snaps out of it quickly enough when Llevinoc offers to teach basic hand signals, and promptly takes out a sheet of vellum and quill and begins taking notes, complete with tiny diagrams, written in a concise, neat hand.
Bewar Llvenoc; lest you betray secrets you should not;<she looks at you sternly>
thank you for that music; played beautifully during our repast awaking the humans arrival.
Namaste, what sort of creature are you? You are unlike any elf I have seen; nor any half breed or fey, not even among the ancients that hang around with Emperor Sebastion; I have shown your face to many through my connection the the Imperial Orb; but your type is not known, though my vision be enchanted and clear.
As for what I have seen; what I have seen is foul beyond measure; strength beyond endurance, skill of such eloquence at to cause weeping; but though I have seen many things; I have rarely seen love. Does this Ork know love; do any of you? I cannot say that I do, but I have a dread insight that to save this world it must be found and cultivated, thus says the Rede of the Kirin handed down of old. The greatest loving creature I have ever seen was a Halfling; can you believe it; a wee little fellow claiming to be the Paladin; if you can believe that; of some Halfling diety; he used to make my sister laugh; real laughter full of joy; a strange thing joy; even the joy of another; a peculiar and strange feeling I had never felt before; indeed someone had to tell me what it was as I did not know it or have a name for it. This little guy judged no one; not the great; the small; the evil; the good; he just welcomeded and fed and gave drink to everyone; as much as they wanted with a smile and good service; slow to anger; ferverous in battle; implacable in purity. A jolly fellow; know where he is now; on another prime material plane; one very different from our own; my sister is there with him teaching and helping. The little paladin with the wooden sword and the big heart.
I am a priestess, faithful but not strong, I am a mage, schooled but not strong, I am many things for I am Drow and power is my name; I am my title; my word is feared on four continents; my family is terror and my father IS the name that shatters souls and causes young and old to weep in despair. With a whisper I could destroy all of you; your families, your friends and any with them; that is what is is to the the Jewel. I am the banner of the Drow people; it is for me to go where I will and tempt others to dare thwart my will; but, I have seen; I have looked deep into the soul of the universe and shuttered; thus being the banner of Drow arrogance has no appeal. What does it matter how one race or culture or belief stands up to another if we are all naught but counting the pace of time before the end for all of us.
I was told to expect to live nearly a thousand years; but I now the world only has a couple years left; or less, unless somebody; a lot of somebodies do something important; I know some of what needs be done; I know I cannot do them; I am not right inside; not yet; and neither are you; but you could be; and that is why I am here; well, that and I am bored and hurt and dissillusioned if it is confession time; but there you go.
Cat person; I loathe the sight of you; each time I see or smell you I want to reach out and utterly destroy you. Not your fault; it is rage against another; one very much like you who hurt someone I loved; destroyed a beatiful maiden; orphaned a boy; turned his back on his people; sent millions to dance with destruction; and sits at my father's table. Oh his sins are many; but the worst is that he seems so reasonable. I love your child like innocence; I never had that; not even for a day; since my birth I have had mind contact with others learning to rule; destroy; sieze; control; the pride of the empire.
Each of you have talents I am sure; what can I do; I can give you legitimacy where you will have none; I can give you liscence and respectability. Perhaps with me with you, you wont have to fight every enemy every step of the way; some will see me and cower in fear for what I represent; some will see me and think of their alliances to my mother or my father and help or at least not impede. I wear this mask and have contact with many mages who can offer learning or insight; any spell you would learn that I can learn I can teach to you. Also; if we get in to deep to fast; I can yell and scream for help and maybe we will get some; hehe with my luck; probably the very mage I despise; but he will help; and he has power and he still lives so that I do respect.
I would hear no more of putting down Llvenoc for his rank or his birthright lest I be moved to show the you error of your choices. Call him a peacock; but I tell you he was raised as I was, in similiar fashion that is; he was raised in every moment since birth the be the best; the most arrogant; the deadliest most implacable foe; to fight with blade at range or close up with one such as myself to guide his deadly vengence, actually I am surprized his is not a wizard, things much have changed among his family. It is culural tabboo for him to speak to me unless I am imperiled; not for any lack of his; but for what he is, male, in Drow society; it would be even worse for you; to look upon me is death, thus he is torn at all time on how to act; I think he is doing admirally with adapting to this new; difficult situation. We Drow do not have experience working with others; ruling them sure; but that time perhaps is past; the Emperor has decreed we stand together with him or he will destroy us for the good of the world.
I fear the Emperor and love him as well; am much as I am able anyway. He is old; old beyond belief.
Alright Zuberi. Let me show you how to talk with your hands. And any of you who wish to learn.
I unfortunately have nothing to assist Astinos in the dark.
Ok; you guys get to the spot a hour or so before dawn and await your meeting; the sun begins to come up and the blessing of darkness begins to break up and your sigils dry up and fall off like so many ashes into the wind.
After a bit you see a fairly strong force coming toward you; about a thousand or so foot soldiers and a few hundred charioteers; about 10 chariots break off and come toward your hills ;they park down the hill and have to cross a few ravines; so takes them a bit; you have pleanty of time for breakfast; they will get to you about 9am. So you have had about five hours to sleep; rest; whatever.
Those of you who have been to the camp recognize at least one of them as Aeneaus; a minor king and chief stategist of the Prince; intell officer; You also see mighty Agamemnon; chief leader of the troops in the thick of battle; he is with some Spartans and some other guys you dont know; two you can guess; Jason the Argonaught; and a couple of his crew; one the mighty Hera'klees. A shiny metal bird seems to circle above them. You do not see the Prince.
The party has some time to discuss how they will greet those coming and anything you want to do to act as hosts; refreshments; whatever as well as who will greet; introduce and do most of the partys speaking;
The greeks and romans will expect a leader and the two group leaders will converse; then a general opening of questions or concerns from anyone; this is typical Greek/Roman Form for meetings.
The Jewel
I am glad you enjoyed the music.
I believe Namaste, or Thoron should represent us. Thoron being from the orginal group that was sent. For he has information from the Southern Continent and knows our mission the best. Namaste having special insight from her trance. Also being the most even tempered of us all. And is not hindered by racial prejudices.
Zuberi is familiar with The Prince himself, ad I know Anaeus an the other Greek Heroes and soldiers. In fact I am somewhat respected by common soldiers. I believe we should make the introductions but possibly introduce Namaste as representative of all of us.
The fey that was inside Llvenoc's instrument flies in.
"whew; did yas miss me; just flew in and boy are my arms tired; hehe; anyone gots me a drink; gots some good news and some bad news; so; which sorta folks do ya''s be; wants ya which first?"
"hehe betcha wondered how I found jyall; well, if a fey secret; hehe; not that hard actually; am impressed though; you got moving a fair spell distance from where we spoke last; yep; color me impresssed"
Well met Ancestor. Did you find your lost Niece? Is there any news of survivors from the attack at the Temple of the Oracle?
So what is the news you bring? May as well get the bad tidings out of the way first.
Kemnebi simply shrugs his shoulders when the question of who shall represent them to the Greeks/Romans comes up. He knows it is not going to be him, and he seems far more interested in the antics of the tiny Fae than in negotiations. Though he does nod in agreement when someone mentions that Namaste may be one of the best choices as party spokesperson.
I agree, Namaste should speak for us.
well; I didnt see much of that; you mean all them undead; well; hehe even vampires get confused trying to catch a few like me; hehe; nobody runs away like I do <he boasts sticking his chest out> I did see a bit of the fight; *caugh caugh* throat is parched; ack; <spit> losing my voice; but yep; i saw a bunch;
yeah; found that errant niece; off smoking toadstools; she'll be at it a month or more knowing her. But; I have news; good and bad; *gack; ack*
Kemnebi holds out the remains of his wineskin to the tiny fae, watching the tiny person with wide-eyed wonder.
Either I or Namaste can talk to the delegates. r if she would prefer we could both speak with them. It is up to her.
Thanks bud; says the fae; ah; well; now; that is better; ok; well; me one relative is all hip on shrooms; but the king lepo done found another stooge maybe more kin to yer kinda playin; really ruff tuff creampuff; yep; elite among the thugs o the fae; well now; so he is a half breed again fur sure; but aight all that bad and has a right keen nose fer trouble and can break legs wit da best of em.; he is waiting up ahead; o'er there where Caledon fears ta tread though fer no fault o his own.
nah; bout back up on the hill; well; the temple done been torn down; but the Oracle and her elf friend made it out; that treant went over the side and rooted to the side of the cliff; hehe so nobody would mess wit him there; most all the others are dead; but most I guess wont stay dead and down; except for this one girl; who turned into a guy and was killin everything bare but naked cept fur a short sword and a mace; immune to ghoul and ghast touch he was and even vamp claws couldnt peirce his skil; son of a god ifn I do call it meself; real bad apple fightin machine; whew.
Ok; so the Greek and Romans make it up the hill; in the head is the greek you all know; Aeneaus; and he nods to you all and says; this is Perseus; and these are some of his Argonaughts; and of course you all know King Agamemnon.
Well; good to see you all made it; is this all of you? well; good enough i guess if you got the stomach for it. Alright; we gonna start attacking all fronts in force starting tomorrow morning; that aught to draw out most of their reserve forces and get their attention; should free you up some movement room. Get in; get out; find the Goddess; rescue her; get your thinginy for the Green God; and get moving; speed is your friend.
We dont have any maps of down there; but Hera-kles been down there once or twice; he can tell you a bit.
Hrk?
A big man with a lionskin drapped on his shoulders and huge club, come up; has an angry expression of a drunk with a short temper.
Argh; smells putrid down there; gots two or three things to say.
first; if you can see through it; your weapons and armor are gonna be useless; magic works; but more than that; ghosts can be talked to; tell em a good story or go along with theirs and you probably can walk; spectres; you gotta fight em or whatnot; you cant out run them; they can outrun a horse at a sprint; hate all life; try to avoid em; watch the shadows; some of them strike at you.
ok; if you see some reall special like doors that have an inscriptions over them <he gives you a chilling description> dont go down that way; no way; no how; not ever; that goes to the realm of Hades himself and he dont like company.
ok; there are a few safe spots; but you gotta find em; there is a saint down there; and a few guardian ghosts and hte like who gaurd something; as long as you dont try to steal it; even think of it; they wont mess with you and they keep other undead out of their area.
The vamps is hte real threat; they can look good; you with strong libedo; dont drink nothin to weaken your resolve; they will charm you; and goad you and eat you alive with promises of dark delights. I recommend you avoid that.
Ok; those guys can smell the life on you; well some of em; most zombies and skelies just do what the are ordered to do; not to bright; but some are made special; can look like the others until they get going; some superfast; some on fire; some with bones of steel; beware; lots of magic; be careful what you read; if you cant; that is probably best; you dont need to read to find my aunt; just go where the air smells fresher.
Aeneaus says; well boys; we brought you some supplies; anything else
there are several bags of fresh water; wine; cheese; hard tack bread; jerky; dried vegetables and dried fruits like figs and dried apples.
probably enough for this group for a week.
Namaste, what sort of creature are you? You are unlike any elf I have seen; nor any half breed or fey, not even among the ancients that hang around with Emperor Sebastion; I have shown your face to many through my connection the the Imperial Orb; but your type is not known, though my vision be enchanted and clear.
As for what I have seen; what I have seen is foul beyond measure; strength beyond endurance, skill of such eloquence at to cause weeping; but though I have seen many things; I have rarely seen love. Does this Ork know love; do any of you? I cannot say that I do, but I have a dread insight that to save this world it must be found and cultivated, thus says the Rede of the Kirin handed down of old. The greatest loving creature I have ever seen was a Halfling; can you believe it; a wee little fellow claiming to be the Paladin; if you can believe that; of some Halfling diety; he used to make my sister laugh; real laughter full of joy; a strange thing joy; even the joy of another; a peculiar and strange feeling I had never felt before; indeed someone had to tell me what it was as I did not know it or have a name for it. This little guy judged no one; not the great; the small; the evil; the good; he just welcomeded and fed and gave drink to everyone; as much as they wanted with a smile and good service; slow to anger; ferverous in battle; implacable in purity. A jolly fellow; know where he is now; on another prime material plane; one very different from our own; my sister is there with him teaching and helping. The little paladin with the wooden sword and the big heart.
Namaste listens to the Jewel's recounting with a smile. "Love is boundless, and even the smallest and humblest of creatures are bigger than the mightiest mountain when they are filled with it. It is powerful, yet it is humbling. It is the most joyous, but also the most hurtful of things. I have known love of many kinds, love of family, love of culture and nation. I have known the beginnings of love of the flesh, of the heart. That one who has the greatest measure of my heart is now separated from me, and I do not know her fate. The one who brought me to my recent vision, in which I met the one who calls himself the Chancellor, he has only a slightly smaller measure of my heart than she. It has been a thing of some confusion and consternation for me. Love is baffling.
As to the sort of creature that I am, it is no wonder that you've seen no elf of my kind, for I am no elf! My people call ourselves the Kelashtar. Our bodies are host to a race of spirit folk, and we enjoy a symbiotic relationship with them. Our hosts are chosen most commonly from the best human stock of the tribes with which we have communicated. On some rare occasions, an elf might also become a host, but that is very uncommon. The spirit of an elf and the soul of a human are very similar, but there are some slight and subtle differences, and the fey and ephemeral nature of the elven spirit makes it very difficult for a symbiosis to occur with your race. Still, it does happen on rare occasion."
I am a priestess, faithful but not strong, I am a mage, schooled but not strong, I am many things for I am Drow and power is my name; I am my title; my word is feared on four continents; my family is terror and my father IS the name that shatters souls and causes...
"Please, sister, do not allow yourself to become no more than your title. Your greatest worth is in the heart that beats within you, in the mind that guides your thoughts and actions. The Jewel is a tool, a visage, a figure, but the person who dwells within is a wonder, a treasure. Find her, and you will find your true power."
Either I or Namaste can talk to the delegates. r if she would prefer we could both speak with them. It is up to her.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence everyone has given me. I would be honored to speak for you. However, I am not terribly shrewd in the ways of the world, as I believe Thoron may be. Therefore I second the suggestion that we both speak. A small delegation would be good. However, as our small force is comprised of both the people of the light and the dark, then I believe both voices should carry equal weight, for we do all have a common goal. Therefore, if Thoron and I are to speak for the followers of light, then we should also have two who speak for our opposites. Perhaps our honored sister, The Jewel and one other?"
well, she is a princess; daughter of a king by his own hand and daugher of a very old ruling house of the drow; so; while she might just be a princess; if you consider the power (troops, wealth, influence) and alliances of her and her house; she is probably the most valueable and powerful political princess on the planet; of course; she is just a kid and not of marrying age; so that cuts her value in the eyes of the drow a bit until she becomes of age.
Llvenoc ** spoiler omitted **
"I am honored to make your acquaintance, milady."
Did you say the Chancellor? as in the Chancellor of Hell; Mighty Prince of Hell's own mouthpiece? Your kind run in deep, deep and angry waters, I know of him through others; ones that have dealt with him; he will not lie to you, but things are never as they seem.
Namaste listens to the Jewel's recounting with a smile. "Love is boundless, and even the smallest and humblest of creatures are bigger than the mightiest mountain when they are filled with it. It is powerful, yet it is humbling. It is the most joyous, but also the most hurtful of things. I have known love of many kinds, love of family, love of culture and nation. I have known the beginnings of love of the...Namaste, what sort of creature are you? You are unlike any elf I have seen; nor any half breed or fey, not even among the ancients that hang around with Emperor Sebastion; I have shown your face to many through my connection the the Imperial Orb; but your type is not known, though my vision be enchanted and clear.
As for what I have seen; what I have seen is foul beyond measure; strength beyond endurance, skill of such eloquence at to cause weeping; but though I have seen many things; I have rarely seen love. Does this Ork know love; do any of you? I cannot say that I do, but I have a dread insight that to save this world it must be found and cultivated, thus says the Rede of the Kirin handed down of old. The greatest loving creature I have ever seen was a Halfling; can you believe it; a wee little fellow claiming to be the Paladin; if you can believe that; of some Halfling diety; he used to make my sister laugh; real laughter full of joy; a strange thing joy; even the joy of another; a peculiar and strange feeling I had never felt before; indeed someone had to tell me what it was as I did not know it or have a name for it. This little guy judged no one; not the great; the small; the evil; the good; he just welcomeded and fed and gave drink to everyone; as much as they wanted with a smile and good service; slow to anger; ferverous in battle; implacable in purity. A jolly fellow; know where he is now; on another prime material plane; one very different from our own; my sister is there with him teaching and helping. The little paladin with the wooden sword and the big heart.
<gm; one big difference between elves and humans; souls and spirit; a spirit such as fey or elf cannot be raised dead; they can only be reincarnated.>
Did you say the Chancellor? as in the Chancellor of Hell; Mighty Prince of Hell's own mouthpiece? Your kind run in deep, deep and angry waters, I know of him through others; ones that have dealt with him; he will not lie to you, but things are never as they seem.
"Indeed. It was only through the intercession of the Lady Loviatar that I was even willing to talk with him, let alone speak of alliances. Still, his is the cause of Order, just as ours is, and he will make a valuable ally before this ends. Still, any direct meeting between us and his minions or followers should be approached with great caution."
Jewel laughs: Thoron speaking for light; hehe that is a good one, whew; oh my; <deep breath> hehe, just talk to them Namaste; a united front; Thoron can whisper in your ear if you like, but they will need one voice; they will probably just say you go; we go; meet you in the middle; any questions; let just get it done and get going; we age; the undead dont.
<all this conversation takes place before the other guys get up here>
<ok; now; as far as I remember; only Thoronhen was in the fight at the beach; no one else was from that landing force right; then Llvenoc joined; then everyone else met at the Temple of Light at the oracle; just confirming for exps; Thoron; did I give exps for that skirmish? I thought I did; but dont have time to check atm.>
"Very well then, we are all in agreement. Well, can you imagine that."
"I will begin making prepperations for our guest."
Kemnebi looks from one to the other with some concern upon his features as the others toss about names like 'Chancellor of Hell' and "Loviatar, Mistress of Pain'.
While happy and excited about his initial acceptance into this varied group, and willing to take on faith that there are Not-evil undead, and Drow willing to cooperate with surface-dwellers, his furred and furrowed brow reveals his concern that some of his new companions may be just a little TOO accepting of whose company they keep,... however powerful and fortuitous such an alliance may be.
But for now, the cat keeps his own tongue, and listens, and learns,...
"Very well, I will accept the role as speaker."
To the Greek contingent that has arrived to meet us: "I am Namaste, First Daughter of the Merchant House of Lusk in Adar. These are my companions ... "
"You brought up the ghosts and spectres. In the few tales I have heard, they look very much the same, incorporeal and translucent. Are there ways that one might tell the one from the other in time to avoid folly?"
it is rumored to be so on the southern continent as it has been reported that the ghouls there used to fight the snakemen, but stopped; the ghouls there arent moving much; seem to be in one area carving out a kingdom and building something nefarious.
"Very well then, we are all in agreement. Well, can you imagine that."
"I will begin making prepperations for our guest."
Hera-Kyles puffs up his enormous chest and looks down at you:
certainly dear Namaste, if you have the time (he flexes)
A ghost is specific to a locale and a theme; whatever killed 'im and got on his ghost state and cannot act outside of the theme of that death; a specter on the other hand was a mortal person so vile and seeped in evil and necromancy; yet not a mage or priest; that they continued there existance between planes as a spectre; they are evil; hate life; and quick to persue and kill it, but they are not thinkers or plotters or quick of wit not that they talk much; I guess the easiest way to tell them apart quickly hmm; well a ghost can take fleshy form and usually have the scars of their death still oozing the fluid of life; a spectre looks as thier moral guise; but in spirit only. A ghost tends to walk corridors and the like; interact with chairs and things of the living; caught in their story as they are; a spectre serves only to kill and destroy; they ignore non magic walls and barriers. They come right at you; fast, very very fast; use that against them if you can.
Aeneus adds; some priests have been successful using a magic circle to trap them; something you may wish to consider. Anything else?
<if not they will start a send off feast; you can mix for lunch; study and whatnot; they outline a bit of the overall plan of where their forces will be if you come out of the necropolis in another spot; they give you the watchwords for the next seven days; they are given in full sunlight; written down; they tell you to not speak them aloud until you use them. Many of these heroes boast of the great deeds they are going to do to outshine the others, Hera-Kyles most of all; three are thoughtful and dont boast; Anneus; Aggamemnon, and Jason.)
Kemnebi looks from one to the other with some concern upon his features as the others toss about names like 'Chancellor of Hell' and "Loviatar, Mistress of Pain'.
While happy and excited about his initial acceptance into this varied group, and willing to take on faith that there are Not-evil undead, and Drow willing to cooperate with surface-dwellers, his furred and furrowed brow reveals his concern that some of his new companions may be just a little TOO accepting of whose company they keep,... however powerful and fortuitous such an alliance may be.But for now, the cat keeps his own tongue, and listens, and learns,...
Jewel joins you...but is silent; guess she wants to stretch her amazingly sculpted legs also.
Astinos enjoys the cameraderie of the soldiers, smiling at the boasts of his fellows. He prefers to do his speaking on the field.
Val
Kemnebi joins in the feast wholeheartedly. But while he look slike he'd like to join in the boasting, he is obviously either too shy, or too honest, to do so. He settles for listening and observing. And by the end of the evening, he is fairly certain that from his observations and learning, he can tell which of the boasts are just hot air, and which are capable of being fulfilled.
He decides that Herakles, probably the biggest boaster in feats of strength, is also the most likely to succeed at them. He also notes that the least voluminous of the boasters, particularly Agamemnon and Jason, are probably the most dangerous opponents overall.
WHen the dinner has pretty much settled into more drinking than eating, Kemnebi bows his way from the makeshift table and finds a spot where he can be seen and see the rest, but far enough removed to be able to concentrate. He uses the majority of his precious specially prepared ink to scribe several of his scrolls into his spellbook. Figuring that the spells will be of more use to him available to memorize than as a one-shot device.
A the final details are hammered out, The youth's feline features narrow in concentration as he hastily memorizes the phrases before passing the paper on.
As everyone gathers their gear to move out, he arches his back in a particularly feline gesture, and says simply, "I am ready."
Hwe-Ko will remain quite during the feast unless promted to by the others. Afterwards he will do his kata before truning in for the night.
make a charisma roll.
Anyone on the eastern continent is blocked by all the demonic psychic static as they are all over that continent. Devil use a different frequecy so that is how that happened. did I say if anyone went to the Southern continent? I dont remember and dont have much time today; am off to court very soon.
Val
** spoiler omitted **
well; it is not really night; was thinking this is a luncheon that started about 10 ish and will go to the afternoon; if you guys want to say the night; that is fine; just let me know; most undead are always up so they will be ready whenever you are =)
make a charisma roll.
Anyone on the eastern continent is blocked by all the demonic psychic static as they are all over that continent. Devil use a different frequecy so that is how that happened. did I say if anyone went to the Southern continent? I dont remember and dont have much time today; am off to court very soon.
East is on that same continent but goes into the area of the Russ (roos) and some very primative tribes; then water; then you get to the western continent of Greater Britainia
Anyone on the eastern continent is blocked by all the demonic psychic static as they are all over that continent. Devil use a different frequecy so that is how that happened. did I say if anyone went to the Southern continent? I dont remember and dont have much time today; am off to court very soon.** spoiler omitted **
Good enough; she will take your arm; but is silent and distracted.
make a charisma roll.
Ok; everyone take their characters to level 6; I figured exps and most were really close so I just decided to bump everyone; Thoronhen; add an extra 2417 to your character above 6th for the fight with the giant mutated crab and the mutated drowned ones which includes the skill you used and the brainstorming of ideas; the druid should add 2417 in case it matters in the future.
I mingle with the troops and higher ups. While doing so I see about any one willing to part with a masterwork buckler.