|
Fabricator
This day is a freeday for you, you have just spent the past two weeks in the librarium studying arcania trying to pick up some new tricks. You are taking a well deserved break watching the fish swim through the walls of force down steam to the ocean, you have been sitting on top of one of the Walls for 22.373455312 hours now just thinking about whatever it is that your model of warforged dreams about.
Feorina
You have been here for three weeks. You just spent three hours with Resnit as he pointed out a couple of hexes that he and the squad of forged ones he leads have explored. He has pointed out a couple potentual mines, some prime spots for farms and that from the top of one of peaks he has spotted a desert upriver to the south beyond the lake. You have been busy trying to figure out where is a likly place that you will run into another civilization and coming up with a myrid plans based on what race they are and what temperment that the creatures are.
Resnit
Resnit, You have actually been here for six months now. All of the currently explored hexes, beyond the ones that touch Haven, are from the work of you and your explorers. You have just spent three hours with Feorina pointing out landmarks, potential mines, good farmland, strong timberlands, and the desert that one of the Forged ones pointed out to when you were atop that southern mountain peak. You long to be back out in the field, but when you left last time Joel told you to return by this evening for that is when the others should arrive.
Resnit & Feorina
The two of you have just left the tavern and have walked towards the Force River. Seeing Fabricator outside of the library and not surrounded by a stack of books and scrolls as high as he is, you approach to speak with him. The waterclocks you have passed said it was close to 2 in the afternoon.
Fabricator
If you are paying attention to the outside world and not lost in your throughts you can attempt to precieve that they are coming towards you. Otherwise they catch you unawares.
Verio
You are in Sothis still at the Haven Tavern (the one klokk purchased to be able to allow the lizardmen to be housed inside and not in the stables). You have a list names and duties in front of you, all of them have been assigned. Your not too sure how some of the people will work out, but well Klokk said that were all fated to be here at this time. You are trying to figure out just what exactly a warforged is and how you are you going to be able to relate well enough to four hundred some of them to govern them. Your also kinda confused that with everything you know, why that dwarf would ahve picked you of all people to lead this unique collection of ex slaves and OLD folks. As you are rolling up the lists up you gesture to one of the lizardmen to come to you and ask him to tell Usul that it is time. And say the same in common aloud.
Usul
You are on the roof of the haven tavern soaking in the sun when one of your tribsmen come up to you and let you know that Verio has said it is time. Cracking your back and saddened to leave the heat of the noonday sun but knowing that a new dawn for your people begains now. You head down into the Haven Tavern. As you get down there you dont even have to give the marching order, all 50 of your tribemen as are the three more that you have purchased with the gold the dwarf gave you.
Avelloran
You are seated at the table with Verio. You have just put your spellbook away havign preparied your tricks for the day. You are thinking about the potentual that the Creation Forge, not to mention Forged Ones have. You are looking forwards to being able to study in the librarium that klokk has told you about in great detail.
Thutmose
You are kneeling outside the Haven Tavern in Sothis, You let a handful of sand dift through your fingers wondering about what the future holds. Thinking about the people you have agreed to help sift information for, as the sands are sifting through your fingers. You stand up and fall into the line next to Avelloran as the others leave the Tavern. It is somewhat unnerving to be marching in formation behind you within a ring of lizardmen around you.
Ferina, Fabricator, Resnit,
The three of you are free to talk between yourselves. You all know that soon Klokk will be returning with the rest of your companions. The arrival point is ontop of one of the wall of forces over the river infront of you, a joke between klokk and one of his old companions a druid that had a fear of water.
Verio, Usul, Thutmose, Avelloran
The four of you are free to talk between yourselfs as the lizardmen lead you to the building where klokk has dirrected them to guide you too. There is no interfearance from others on the journey, it takes as long as the conversation takes.
|
Verio stood, idly thumbing through the papers he held one last time before sliding them in to the horn tube and returning them to his pack. He busied himself with his preparations, moving the chest and its gold to somewhere it can be easily transported, tightening the straps of his knife bandoleers across his chest and checking the more hidden blades surreptitiously as he made as if he was straightening his clothes. 'A gentleman has to keep some secrets after all...'
He smiled as he tested the string of his crossbow before returning it to his hip. Martin the Blacksmith had delivered his order well on time and Verio was much pleased. He had expected the work to be good but... The craftsmanship of the Kukri in particular was as close to flawless as one could get, without magic. He wore them now as a pair on his right hip, their sheaths lacquered red, a black compass burned in to the lacquer, upon his direction. 'Here is hoping it works to draw me back here some day. Sothis and I have some unfinished business as of yet!' He ran his fingers over the mark on the sheath and swore to return.
"LETS MOVE OUT!" He called to the Lizardmen in their native language, before turning to find their Chief.
"Honorable Usul, walk with me? Let us find our compatriots yes?"
Feorina walks slowly towards the meeting spot. The grass rustles quietly as her long robes brush against their long stalks. She appears lost in thought.
::What do you think, Mother?::
::Soon, dear. I will need to stay here for now, but soon, we'll leave the house and find a home::
::The mountain really is beautiful::
::Yes, dear. Maybe the druid can help us make it nicer. Maybe it won't be so cold on the inside::
"Maybe we should look at this desert more carefully. It should be easy to see if there's a nomadic tribe if we spend some more time looking from the mountain peak."
Resnit straightens up as he considers Feorina's idea. He places his hand on his chin and tries to look thoughtful. An actin doomed to failure as his shadow turns to him and blows an silent raspberry.
I see where that might be the case. As long as we do a good job mapping out the various watering holes we will be able to pick up signs of nomads. Perhaps a bit of studying on desert ecology and the assistance of a warforged or lizard folk will ranger will give us an edge in mapping.
He sighs
The main issue is the sand bogging down the teams and how long it takes the shifting sands to bury signs of people.
he pauses and almost like an afterthought adds
And of course I could be doing this wrong if the people who live there don't drink water.
"Yes. Another important issue, perhaps the most important, is acquisition of resources. Sand does little for us. We need wood, stone, and metal. Ample amounts of all of them. Sand is useful for little more than making glass" Fabricator says, approaching the other two.
Rolling his shoulders slightly, as if loosening a heavy pack or an ill strapped shield, Bastion treads his way slowly towards the meeting point. With such unrest and danger still present in the area around Haven, Bastion goes armed at all times, his Warhammer tapping slightly against his leg as he moved, making a dull ringing noise.
As he walked he kept his eyes fixed dead ahead of himself, but cast his gaze further afield. Everywhere he looked there lay that wild untamed beauty that he had come to expect from his time here. Uncultivated wild flowers mingled with the underbrush, a path leading through thorns and ferns, winding and dancing trails of color. 'This is what this one is fighting for!'
As he walked the sensation of pressure and tension in his shoulders began to ease, his gait became longer and smoother and his muscles relaxed gradually. He stopped for a brief moment, leaning his Tower Shield against a tree and knelt beside the path. Taking a delicate looking shears from a pouch on his hip he began to collect wild flowers slowly, carefully. He drew a small pouch from his belt, one filled with a minor alchemical magic, the ability to preserve the life of flora placed within it and began to fill it with the flowers he cut till it was a veritable bouquet of purples, reds and whites.
When his task is complete and the flowers are stowed safely at his belt (the bag hiding only the roots and leaving the petals bare to the world, appearing very much like a canvas wrapped bouquet), he straightened, brushing the loam from his knees. 'Now this one can start that garden he has been meaning to. This has been a worthwhile trip thus far. This one is pleased!' Head bowed, he carefully brushed his fingers over the flowers at his hip, ruffling the delicate petals but leaving them unharmed.
In a couple of moments he strode in to the meeting place, his Tower Shield back in place and a slight building or pressure in his shoulders. "Greetings. This one is not late I trust Magister?" Bastion inclined his head to Feorina before turning to Reznit.
"Explorer a bright day this is. Good weather and fortune to you!"
His head turned till he found Fabricator to whom he saluted and began to speak to telepathically. "Greetings Brother. How goes your work?"
"As the most hostile of the climates, it becomes even more important for our explorers to understand."
She breathes in deeply. "The places most deprived of life are often the most untapped in magical energy, for life and energy are but two aspects of the universe."
"Greetings big brother. I think it has truly just begun"
"Yes. This is truly the beginning isn't it? A new chance for our family!" Bastion nodded softly, idly caressing the petals of the flowers at his waist. "This one is excited for the trials to come. A chance to prove ourselves out of battle will be pleasant!"
A young man walks out of the North East guard tower. Girianar smiles and takes a deep breath as he finishes his inspection of the last guard tower. He sees Verio and the others start heading to the meeting point followed by a mass of lizardmen. He rushes to catch up to the group and falls in line next to Avelloran. He takes a moment to catch his breath and wait for a pause in their conversation to ask So was anyone told why Klokk wants us meeting up at the force river at two? The question had been bugging him and he thought Verio had the best chance of knowing since he seemed to know the most about Klokk.
|
|
Verio glanced back at young Archer and grinned, shrugging slightly. "If I had to guess I would say we are finally going to be meeting the rest of our group. You are fully packed aren't you lad? We are leaving Golarion for a long time now. We may not be back, some of us, ever again!" He looked at the other men gathered with him, making sure each of them understood the meaning of his words, translating them in to Draconic so as every one of their companions would understand.
"This is not a one way trip but we are traveling to an unknown world. Best make your peace with the gods while they can hear us and get a last smell of that sweet air because where we are going, we are the Outsiders!" He grinned, brushing his palm reassuringly over the hilts of the Kukri.
"This is one hell of an adventure we are to begin!"
Ah, a new world to see and the chance to see a strong stable government work well says while following the others away from the tavern.
"Yes. This is truly the beginning isn't it? A new chance for our family!" Bastion nodded softly, idly caressing the petals of the flowers at his waist. "This one is excited for the trials to come. A chance to prove ourselves out of battle will be pleasant!"
"As far as I am concerned, you have already proven yourself. Casually ending the lives of others and not losing your own humanity, that is impressive."
Bastion straightened before bowing as deeply as he could in his armor. "This one is flattered by your words Diplomat Feorina. We, my brothers and this one, are working hard to make more for ourselves. We wish to be more than weapons. You have shown this one much kindness with your words and this one thanks you!"
"As long as you continue to have the will to live, then I cannot see why you would fail in your goal. That is something to be grateful for." Feorina stumbles slightly and catches herself with her walking staff. "As for me, I have much left to do and so little time."
Bastion studies Feorina with his head tilted to the side for a moment, before moving to stand by her, placing a gentle but steadying hand on her shoulder. "If it comes to it allow this one to fetch a horse from the outpost for you Diplomat Feorina!"
Feorina waves away Bastion's kind offer. "Thank you, but my daughter says that walking will do me some good. I should prepare for the meeting."
Bastion nods and takes a step back, keeping an eye on the woman. "Sometimes this one envies the Breathers but old age always chases that from this ones mind!" He says telepathically to Fabricator.
Feorina opens the pack attached to her mule and lifts out a resplendent white robe, which she drapes over her existing one. To this grand scholar's robe, she adds crystalline trim and necklace. A signet ring completes her formal attire.
"Maybe I should have asked for something a bit lighter from the tailor. When will the heir arrive?"
<<indeed.>> Fabricator responds telepathically if able. Otherwise he just thinks it.
"I must have missed it. Who are we to be meeting?"
"The rest of the Council is arriving today little brother. This one is not sure whether the Leader will be with them or not. This one hopes as this one has reports that need to be cleared. Though this one supposes now that the Heir can sign off on them too. This one is content with just the Heirs signature now!" Bastion nodded and stared off in to the undergrowth.
Resnit smiles and jumps in front of the group. He walks backward making sure everyone's eyes are on him before he opens his mouth.
The ruler said two dear lady and it is almost time. As for you Bastion besides the rest of our merry kingdom leaders, we will be meeting a number of lizardmen that will swell the ranks of our people. I hope that a few join my expedition party. No offense to the Warforged but if there are people who will eat the food I cook I will have an excuse not to do the dishes.
Resnit sighs as he says dishes and his shadow nods in agreement.
Edit:
"Hmm, I also have work to attend to. I must oversee the miners to ensure we keep our supplies up."
While she's waiting for the arrival of the heir, Feorina takes out two books that she borrowed from the library and opens each of them to their bookmarked pages. She places one next to the other and starts reading the first book, while her "daughter" in her headband reads the second.
With breathtaking speed, they begin to digest the massive amount of information.
Hearing the heir words Girianar is shocked, he pales and quickly heads to the side of the road, kneels and begins to pray.
Erastil, I go know to a new world, to work hard and support my family and my new allies. I will work to help all those who need it and make sure that all my responsibilities are fulfilled. Holding on to the important things in life.
As he stands up he notices the stares of some of his companions. He blushes a bit and looks down.
I just wanted a last talk with my god before we left.
He says and stars moving forward.
|
|
Verio drops back and pats Girianar on the shoulder, smiling faintly. "Do not worry, it will not be for the last time. You will see this world again. I know that is not what I just said but..." He shrugs and grins. "Ignore me. I am just as worried as you are. I have not stopped praying since we left the tavern. It will all be fine though, as long as we keep our heads around us!"
The trek was not one his people enjoyed, but it was one they took to survive.
Usul was roused by one of the milkdrinkers. It is time. With nary a complaint, the reptiles followed; enough had been culled in the recent months to stifle any dissent here. Yet it was the gilded Dwarf's interest in them - and him - that surprised Usul and gave him pause. Not the predator's pause in his blood, but the pause prey knowing it is being watched. He'd become familiar with the latter feeling recently.
What do they want with us?
Protection, evidently. At least that was the story filtered to him. The language barrier made life difficult in the city of the softskins, but enough of his people had accrued the tongue over the years to make it bearable. And, crude as the accent might be, this warmblood walking alongside him, summoning him to their journey, was proficient enough. They taint our heritage! It was a bit patronizing for Usul to have numerous people in the city attempting to speak with them in their own language and butchering it. But what could they do?
Speaking little as they walked - mainly because the other people may or may not be able to understand him - Usul did reply to Verio's comments about the departure.
He did not like all this excitement. Unable to understand the fine points, the intonation and body language was clear: too much energy. It kept him on edge. Eyes, ears, and nostrils open, they pressed on.
|
|
The party in Sothis finally arrive at the door to the house that Klokk has given the directions. A portion of the unarmed Lizardmen break off and circle the house as you wait.
They return a few moments a later and report back in draconic that the house appears to be empty, abandoned. There is no way that all of us will fit inside, unless there are many caves beneath the building.
Klokk looks over at the strange assortment of beings he has gathered. >>>If the others of the Wing could see me, I don't know if they are going to laugh at my madness or applaud my genius. I only hope that I will not be called upon to show my true self for that will upset everything.<<<
"There are three things you know to know about what's beyond this Doorway."
"First and most important. There is Truce within the Hallway. No creature will attack another. I have seen mortal enemies stop and talk about fishing for an hour then go on their way. If anyone draws a blade, we will stop until each and every dagger or other weapon is bound with my magic's in peace ties."
"Second and most important, you must never open a doorway unless you are strong enough to close it. Seems simple enough but some doors lead to places best left closed. You can loose your mind or worse by going through the wrong doorway."
"Third and most important. This is not my true form, it is simply a disguise to throw others off my tracks. Do not fear me I am still the same Dwarf I always was, at least in my heart of heart, if not body."
"Fourth and most important. There are always three things that are important and one that is not that people say is important."
Slightly confused, well more then slightly confused Klokk lets you mull that over for a couple moments. Klokk repeats himself in common for those that do not understand
<<<This is it, just walk through the door>>>
CommonWell aint none of you getting any younger so lets go.
Klokk walks up the door, opens it steps through it, even though you see the room within, he disappears as he steps within the Doorway.
_________________
Within the Hallway of Doors
Each of you step through the door of the house, nobody remembers what order they came though in as its all so confusing. As soon as you step through the doorway. You are in a hallway that continues in both directions far far beyond what you can see. Is vary unsettling as the size of the hallway is such that two people, regardless of size can walk abreast of each other.
The journey is long, all in all you are walking for about three hours, every 5' is a ball of iron lit with a continual flame hovering in the air that seems to adjust itself to 5' above whoever walks under its head.
Klokk takes the lead looking alot different though. He is taller being 9' tall and about 450 pounds. He is still wearing the same armor as before only it is no longer gold, it is the color of brightly burnished copper. As is he. He appears as what can only be termed a dragarf or a dwargon half dwarf and half copper dragon. Down to the tail, wings, claws, snout, and beard.
Draconic"I apologize for deceiving you cousins of the Stonescale Tribe, but in your homeworld, I would have drawn far too much attention. Better that they think I was a cheeting, lying dwarf.. For the gold I bought your freedom with was but copper coated in but a thin layer of fools gold, as was I. Worry not for if naught else, you are safe to walk the hallway in my presence. Do NOT open the doors.
Klokk laughs as the jest as only someone with sharp teeth and a forked tongue can. Half of the Tribe joins in the laughter. The other half are slightly offended that they were bought for copper and start to mutter angry hisses can be heard. The Stonescales that got the joke, point out to the others that Klokk, as a Copper was paying them all the upmost respect by paying copper for their freedom, which was never for sale in the first place. Klokk said with "Copper" that everyone was at the least as valuable as himself. And not to judge things by appearances.
Common:"I apologize for deceiving you but showing this form would have caused undo complications within Sothis, as you can probably understand. The Journey will take a few hours so we had best get going so we don't keep those awaiting us in Haven. Don't worry the shock will wear off soon, and by the time we have gotten to the Doorway I will seem normal to you."
As I said, the journey takes about three hours. Along the way you encounter no other creatures beyond yourselves. (50% Chance:Odd) the last Lizardmen in the rear of the party stops at one of the doorways that line the side of the hallway. He opens the door, a loud sucking sound can be heard as you turn to watch the Lizardmen get sucked through into the darkness.
+? Before any of you can react Klokk blinks to the doorway and dives within tossing a rope of woven copper-fiber strands to the next Stonescales in line as he does so. The two looking through the doorway almost drop the rope as they stare inside, their eyes as wide as possible in shock they grasp the rope as though their lives depend upon it, half a dozen more grab onto them and the rope to hold them in place.
A vary tense three minutes go by, not a word is spoken. The rope goes taught, a vary heavy weight is pulling against it. Moments later the Lizardman Ssiasl climbs out of the darkness along the rope. His eyes show no fear. You what looks like a soap bubble around his head, he calmly reaches up with a claw and pops it. The sickly sweet smell of a swamp fills the hallway reminding the Stonescales of a few places they where able to stay for a few weeks on their mournfully journey.
Through the doorway you can see a vary large copper wyrm that approaches the door. All of you save Ssisal are frozen in complete confusion. Ssisal reaches out a hand the Dragon reaches out a claw, Ssisal pulls and Klokk comes within the hallway in his Dwargon form, only hovering over his shoulders are two vary tiny flames, one a pale blue and the other a fiery orange.
<<<Nobody tell the Forged Ones!>>>
Dwarven SSISAL I TOLD EVERYONE NOT TO OPEN THE DOORS. NOBODY WAS TO KNOW THIS.Klokk realizes that he is speaking dwarven and not draconic changes his voice.
Draconic I know you were curious. I would not ask you to remember if it wasn't important. Please open no more doorways.
Common This is another shock. For now, just pretend you imagined it if you wish. I will say this though and then we will continue. Do not tell the Warforged. On their world my kind have a prophecy, it is written upon the vary lands itself, upon the creatures that reside there. Even one of the Forged ones-Fabricator- the first of their kind created within Haven. bears part of the Mark of Making upon himself. The Warforged seek their place in the 'verse. They are "born" or created within a magical Forge, yet have a soul as a real as yours or the one I was born with as a Dwarf. IF they knew they would want to study me, pester me endlessly with questions about the Prophecy. They will assume because I am a Wyrmling that will know. 20 years I have spent in Eberron, I know less then a THEY do themselves, but they will never believe that.
When we arrive and meet in council, Verio will explain everything, I will clarify for him if need be. He is to be my voice in almost all matters. I am called to battle in a year, That is why I have gathered so many of you. I will be occupied most of the time and when not working will be to exhausted to do much more then sleep. The Forge must be kept safe at all costs. Something about the Forged Ones will be the key to one of my riddles.
Encounter chance:43
The last hour is uneventful, you come to a door that is unremarkable. it looks the same as the past thousand or five you have passed. Klokk opens it and steps through follow closely behind by the Stonescales.
(Respond if you wish before going through the doorway into Haven. No other creatures show up in the hallway. I will be continuing in another post from the Haven point of view.)
Girianar is shocked by the appearance of his leader. He expected something amazing of the dwarf who so casually spoke of other worlds and scales on his skin but his shape was astounding, and confusing why did the dwarf body have gold scales while being a copper dragon dwarf. While he is pondering this one of the lizardmen decides to open one of the doors. Girianar didn't realize what was happening until the ruler disappeared from in front of him and saw an open door with a rope leading out. After the lizardman and the ruler returned, in the body of a dragon, of all the amazing things, he began to debate what he should do.
>>>hmm, so as Marshal I need to enforce the laws, what should I do. Should I punish the lizardman who opened the door. Ah well I will ask the ruler if that qualified as defying a decree, and try to get a better list of rules.<<<
|
|
Over the past couple of hours everyone has been gathering along the banks of the Force river. It is now almost half past two. Along both banks of the river can be seen gathering the Warforged that have been assigned as the various harvesters and even the ones that were susposed to be on watch in the towers have gathered to watch.
An audiable Alarm spell begains to ding, than speak in klokk's voice. "Arival Emminent. Wouga Ahwouga Wouga AhWougah. All hands prepare to repel boarders. dive dive dive errrrrrr uuuuuuurrrr Awougah be advised the dang door is opening.. hey. its me you. me. yeah you klokk listen to yourself. Get you beard to the DOORWAY someones bloody coming you stupid son of a brass. put down the book and get there now."
The area at the arrival field lit up by dozens of continual light orbs hovering in the air, however thes are only glowing a visible color if you have dark vision, otherwise they are a flat gray in color.
As one all the warforged all raise long bows you didnt notice they had to the ready. and draw.
Bastion: addressed to the warforged. <<<orders:whatever comes through, fire. It is not Klokk, he would not have set off his own alarm.>>>
Warforged Soldiers: <<Aye>>
Warforged Civilians: >>We Obey<<
A figure appears in the midst of the landing ground. Four-hundred arrows fly towards it. A full half fall short. The other half however turn whatever that creature was, into a pin cushion.
Bastion: <<Threat Neutralized, at ease.>>
[i]As one all warforged, even the civilians, come to parade rest with a sincronized stomp of the right foot. The orbs are nowhere in sight now, you have no clue where they went.
A Golden Light begains to fill are area of the traveling grounds. Another figure appears. This the familiar one of Klokk,in the half dwargon form, followed shortly by a large contingient of Lizardmen, who in turn are followed by another handful of assorted races. From high above in the air a flash of light dives down at klokk. It is an owl that appears to be made of many many small gears and such. Klokk falls on his arse than starts to laugh as he pets the owl as one would a dog or cat companion. <<So much for hours and hours of formalities and ceremonies I had planned to bind these beings together, I need time with you chiree too. ill make this quick.>>
"Friends, Thank you for coming today. I know we all have things to do. I will meet with the council in a couple hours. That should give you all time to settle in, pehaps take a walk or get to know each other. I have a small matter to take care of. Ssisal, we talk when i return in a couple hours.
Klokk tosses the mechanical owl into the air,you can tell that both are vary happy. Reaching up he touches a medalian around his neck. a green glow surrounds him and in his place is a second mechanical owl. the owls both take flight, as you follow them with your eyes you notice they are dancing on the thermals with a pair of hawks. As you watch them convort in the wind the four of them take off north out to sea.
Resnit is a bit confused about what just tried to attack through the doorway but can't do much about it. He starts to rush up toward the new arrivals and trys to welcome there but hearing the lizardmen talk realizes he has no way of communicating with them. He slows down then walks toward the heir.
Well since our leader has turned himself into a metal bird, murmers didn't know you could do that, anyway time for someone capable of talking to both groups to make a speech.
Resnit looks around as if to show that there may be no one else capable of the task.
"I will be able to make a translation for the lizardfolk if someone else is willing to make the speech."
"I'm no public speaker. Where is the general?"
Bastion turns to look at Fabricator before he begins to laugh softly. "Little Brother this one thinks he is not the man for the job. Perhaps it would be best if the Heir took up that particular speech!"
"Do we have an heir? I must confess that I have paid little attention to the recent happenings. Duty calls."
|
|
The passage through the doorway was made all the more chaotic, in Verio's opinion, by the several languages being spoken by their leader, of which Verio could speak all three. As they traveled Verio made sure to keep an eye on his companions, making sure to keep everyone in vies, not wanting to fail on his first task as Heir. The images and scenes that had transpired around them were freshly seared in to his mind as they broke the water once more and took their first breath of their new home.
As he stumbled out on to the beautiful fresh green grass, he took a deep shuddering breath, staring around confused. 'Gorums balls that was unpleasant!' He shuddered slightly and sighed before straightening, casually running a hand over his knives in a nervous manner.'Praise the Gods we are through and praise Pharasma for averting her gaze as we walked!'
He glanced after Klokk as their eccentric leader disappeared out to sea. He sighed softly and smiled. 'Dragon. Owl. Dwarf... Many bodies, one soul. All of the bodies madder than the last though!' Turning with a shake of the head, he took in the group of waiting people near by and moved towards them.
He stopped before the group and bowed slightly before greeting them. "Lady Feorina, Master Fabricator, Master Resnit and Master Bastion. It is a pleasure to meet you at last. I am Verio al'Morin. I am to be Klokk's voice and the figurehead of this here venture, whilst Klokk is not around. I will need to speak to you all, so as to get a better feel for this place but for now... Master Resnit is right. Someone should address the gathered group. Lady Feorina, if you would be so kind as to translate to Draconic as I speak, it will save much time!" He smiled at the group before turning to face the gathering.
Exuding an aura of confidence, Verio clears his throat softly before speaking. "Some of you know me already, most of you do not. My name is Verio al'Morin and I am to be the voice of our leader when he is not present. Though I am, in a strictly technical sense, the second in command of this little venture, I am just like you. I was picked by Klokk for my talents and my personality as were you all. I know I do not look like much, I am but a weak, soft, un-metallic, scaleless human being, but I do have one thing!" He smiled, glancing over his shoulder at the other Council members, including those who travelled there with him.
"I have a group of advisors, strong willed, strong of arm and incredibly intelligent and resourceful. You need not take my word for it, nor theirs. You can take the word of our Dwarven Leader. We would not be standing before you today, if we were not the best people for the jobs we have been assigned to!" He began to pace slightly, right hand resting on a Kukri hilt, the other on his hip.
"We are here to lead you during this new adventure. We are here to help you carve out something beautiful, something wonderful. We are here to make this place what it was meant to be, a haven for all of us. Somewhere where we can be free from persecution," at this, he saluted the Lizardmen before him, "Somewhere where we can be whoever we like, where we are free to choose!" he bowed to the Warforged before continuing.
"We are here to lead you and keep you safe, to the best of our abilities. Sure we can not all turn in to clockwork birds but we do a pretty damn good job otherwise!" He grinned, stopping his pacing and standing to attention before the gathered creatures. "This is the beginning of a brand new journey, the start of something beautiful. And it would not be possible without you all. And for that, I salute you!"[/i] Snapping his heels together, Verio saluted sharply.[b]"Dismissed!"
Waiting till the Warforged and Lizardmen saluted and began to break off, heading to their respective leaders, Verio could not help but feel the stirrings of something new and interesting within him.
Pride felt strange to a soul that had not felt her warm embrace ever before!
Usul and his ilk were not used to so much ... newness. Magic lights, portals, changing-Dwarves ... it was hard for them to accept. Curiosity took one of them though, and though it silenced the murmurs about a dragon-god coming to their rescue, it aroused an implicit fear: What did lurk behind these doors?
Usul was doubly fearful. A protector. For I cannot understand the danger I am in. Though he wasn't the most clever, Usul understood not understanding - especially these past few months. If he had to rely on a few people to understand what was going on, he would be at their whim. His fate rested on their livelihood - and truthfulness. He would have to learn the tongue at some point, but he was never good.
Speaking of tongues, he held his for now. Nervousness of the change had the warrior's heart, and that was a feeling to which he was unaccustomed.
|
|
Meanwhile on the island north of haven.
The two mechanical owls and hawks dive from the sky down to the ground in seconds.. all pulling to a stop inches from the ground. There is a flash of light and standing where the avian's just were stands Klokk in his half dwargon form with chiree perched on his forearm. Standing in front of him is the druidess Samanthia clad in white buckskins with the turquoise fringe. On her left her apprentice the aelfborn (1/2elf) inniate Wolvyn clad in his green dragonhide armor leaning on his longspear.
In a mix of the four primary elemental tongues they speak.
Samanthia "So brotherofthewindthatblowsinspring how many doors did they open, and do anyone of them Know what you Really are?"
Klokk "well sisterofthesunthatnurishesgrowthinsummer amoungst all of them from both worlds, only one had the willpower to override my request to not open the doors."
Wolvyn"Which one was it? Magister, Diplomat, Explorer, Heir?"
Klokk "It was actually one of the Stonescales, a Ssisal of no previous remarkable skills behind aiding others.
Saminthia "Do you think hes the one?"
Klokk "Its still clouded, I cant see. Lets see what your pool shows you.
The three of them turn and walk towards one of the caves in the mountain. As they do so Klokk pulls out a screwdriver from one his pouches touches it to chiree and says " Xurwk Tiamo ". Chiree hoots twice because she enjoys the feeling of being Made Whole.
|
|
On the island
The three of them walk into the darkness of the cave turning down many twists and turns and forks along the way finally coming to a chamber. Samanthia turns to Klokk "If you would open the portals?" Klokk mumbles something a druid can make light just as easy as a dwarf can as he gestures with his hands and the illusion masking the very, very, very tiny portals to the elemental planes of fire and ice appear hovering above his shoulders which to most people appear as balls of continual fire."You know Sammy they have been there for years. thank the gods of all the worlds you taught me the illusions to mask their appearance.. This curse is rather unsettling for most to deal with."
Wolvyn approaches the scrying pool and sets about pouring in various vials and flasks of liquids to ready it for his Druid.
Samanthia"I know its a tough burden to hear the voices all the time. I am glad that you were the one that volunteered to bear that burden. We will not let the darkness swallow the light when you are away."
Seeing that Wolvyn has finished prepairing the pool they approach. She speaks her prayers softly under her breath and in the pool an image begins to form. The three of them look into the pool and see what is going on in Haven in Klokk's "unplanned absence".
Samanthia"So which one is that Ssisal?
Klokk points with the screwdriver he is still holding. "That one there. The one that the Warden and Marshal are both thinking of chewing out for opening the Door."
Samanthia"Do you want me to bring him here on the marrow?"
Wolvyn shakes his head
Wolvyn:Draconic"Not yet, I urge caution for now. Assign me to help integrate the Stonescales into the society here. That way we can see if any of the other signs are upon him."
Klokk thinks for a moment."That is a better idea then either of are. I wondered why one such as you was assigned here. How long are you going to wait to show them? You are small enough that the Enemies will not be able to notice you, as they would me or any the others of the full wings. It matters not.
Wolvyn:"Depends on if they notice or there is a need. This form is useful but the I miss my wings. The Stonescales have been through enough shocks today, ill let them assume this is my true form for now, but they are the most able to handle our forms then the forged ones."
Samanthia: "If you boys are done. Klokk show me the Door that he opened.
Chiree jumps up to his shoulder, rubbing her head against the Fire portal as cat would a tree. Klokk points with the screwdriver at the pool as pulls out one of those remembrance orbs and holds it in his other hands.
Klokk:"This is what I saw."
The image in the pool changes to that of the Hallway of doors and ssisal walking in the rear of the party, tilting his head he stops for a moment. <(I don't think anyone that was in the hallway at the time can precive telepathy. PM me if not the case, for you would hear this too.> He nods and opens the door and steps within. There is a Sound when any doorway is opened nearby, inaudible to most. but the three of them all nod as they hear it. Klokk sighs and touches one of the coins on his armor, activating the blink that he had infused into it earlier he appears at the now open doorway.
Klokk touches his armor again and all the copper coins fade away, as they have been Fabricated copper-wire rope from armor he was wearing. Klokk tosses one end of it at the next two Stonescales in line as he dives into the open door with the other end in his hand.
There is no natural light on the other side of this Doorway. There is no air to breath either, so his first reaction is to assume his draconic form where has no need to do so. As he does <Dawn Greets you All< And his scales shine forth with the brightness of Daylight. At the edge of the Daylight Ssisal is seen grasping his neck trying to draw air into his lungs but finding none to do so with.
Klokk has blinked again to where Ssisal is. He speaks the words of little known arcane spell he picked up while on an elven spelljammer that allows one to create air as a priest can create water. A bubble of air appears around Ssisal's head and he stops choking. Klokk reaches out the a claw grabing ssisal they blink back to the rope.
Klokk:Draconic "Fear not Stonescale. Give this scale to the Warden Usul when you are alone and he begains to dress you down for disobeying. Tell him it is mine."
Klokk reaches out with his free talon and grabs the rope, pulling it taught. Putting Ssisal on the robe Klokk reaches a talon and tears a small scale off one of his legs. and hands it to Ssisal, who wide-eyed, tucks it under the crude slave robes he is still wearing.
Inside of the Hallway the Stonescales that were given the rope have a clear view of Klokk doing this as he is only about 10' away from the doorway. No words come through the doorway.
The vision in Samanthia's Scrying Pool returns to that of what is going on in Haven.
In Haven
Feorina receives the visions and momentarily stumbles on one of the translations, which were being fed to her by her "daughter." The realization dawns on her that she might finally have the solution and soon after Verio completes his speech, she rushes off to the library with renewed vigor.
<<Dearest, you are aware of what this could mean?>>
<<Yes Mother, I can read your mind>>
<<And you are also aware that he will return in only a few hours?>>
<<Yes Mother, I am as excited as you are.>>
She heads into the Library of planes to grab some books, and brings them back with her to the arcana library. She finds her favorite double desk and sets two books in their respective positions, before beginning to read.
Impermanence is the nature of life. Through the laws of the universe, it is well known that all matter and energy must flow from the present to the unpresent. Thus, the positive energy that constitutes life must flow into the universe, where life is devoid, and such is the cause of aging. Seldom is it possible to find a location that is full of such vitality, that a living being can gain life by being the location where positive energy chooses to flow. Ah, but you ask, then what is the nature of undeath? I theorize that death and undeath are merely two sides of the same coin. Utilizing their nature as negative energy (or rather, the absence of positive energy), the undead can use the positive energy that naturally flows to them through these natural processes to sustain their functions. In reality, the undead are in a precarious state, using their own deaths to sustain life.
As such, the key to the existence of the undead is their presence as the lack of positive energy. As a result, positive energy is ultimately harmful to the undead, for if their negative energy hole is filled, then they are no longer able to gather life from their surroundings. Their bodies, lacking of souls, are unable to contain their excess of positive energy and therefore disintegrate.
Two energy planes exist—the Positive Energy Plane (from which the animating spark of life hails) and the Negative Energy Plane (from which the sinister taint of undeath hails). Energy from both planes infuses reality, the ebb and flow of this energy running through all creatures to bear them along the journey from birth to death.
<<It might just work, Mother.>>
<<Yes, it might just work.>>
|
|
As you go to close the book on Planar Geometry a page falls out from the end of the book. Naturally it catches your eyes.
Chapter Appendix XXIII Creation Forge:
It is Known that correct combination of the Schema used within a creation forge is what causes a new soul to be implanted within our children the Forged Ones. What is not known is the How. Does the Creation Forged when powered by one of the Marks of Making open a portal to the Positive Energy plane to allow the soul inside of what would otherwise be just basically a golem? Or is it darker like Model 13 suggested. The Quori have found another way back from Dal Quor. We must find another way to communicate with the Titans. IF only these forges were an invention like most believe of the Gorgens House. No.. They were simply found on Xen'drik and brought to Cyre.. What other lies were told to us..
~E'Lanthi~
Giriandar listens intently to the heirs speech when he finishes he makes a firm decision to find the general of the army to talk to him about how to deal with the lizrdman that opened the door mid-route. Asking around for directions he eventually finds Bastion.
Nervous about his new position he begins blurting out his words barely taking the time to take a breath.
Hello General, my name is Giriander I am the Marshel assigned by the ruler Klukk, I mean Klokk sorry about that. I need some advice and boundaries from you sir. You see I have been thinking while I am in charge of the borders and such you are in charge of the army itself. This leaves a very big grey zone where we could endanger this city by giving conflicting orders. An example is what just happened this morning something tried to break into the city and you ordered the counter attack. If I had been here and ordered something different there would have been some problems and what ever that thing was might have gotten into the city.
At this point Giriander gasps in a breath and pushes on.
So how are we going to split authority while we are both here sir?
Feorina copies down the information from the page that fell out and tucks the original back into the book. She spends the rest of the time before the council meeting doing research and preparing the books that she'll need to have when she talks with Klokk after the meeting.
Usul worked his way through the throng of reptiles, chattering among themselves at the implications of this dwargon and their new home. Usul was concerned their might not be a new home if people like Ssisal kept stepping out of line. He needed to know this..
Finding him at last, he laid a claw on his shoulder and spoke into his ear from behind. Those around would be able to hear, but only nearby - he didn't want this becoming an issue for panic. "You disobeyed the dragon. You put our home in danger, Ssisal! Do it again, and I will have your tail!" The draconic for tail was a rumbling finish, making for a very compelling threat to those unknowing in the language.
I reach under my tattered hide armor and hand something small to Usul, it flashes briefly in the sunlight as Usul cups his hands around it."HE said to give this to you when you asked for my tail.. I don't know why. BUT it wont happen again Ser!Ssisal salutes Usul and holds it until it is returned, be it a minute or day, he knows he deserves worse, what the heck have we gotten ourselves into.
Ssisal hands you a scale about 3"x2" it is a copper dragonscale.