When everyone is assembled for the Ritual of Excursion, Agrippa will speak
We've been to the Dreamlands before. I trust that you all will remember the dangers there.
Agrippa lays down the Ivory Staircase and then faces North
To the North. Great Leng. We shield ourselves from your gaze.
y-hafh'drn lw'nafh 'bthnk lloig
He turns East
To the East. Kuranes, we ask your permission to enter the Realm, O greatest of Dreamers. y-hafh'drn lw'nafh 'bthnk lloig
He turns to the South
To the South. Oriab, place of Lava. Porphyry. y-hafh'drn lw'nafh 'bthnk lloig
He turns to the West
To the West. Dyath Leen. We seek entrance. y-hafh'drn lw'nafh 'bthnk lloig
Agrippa then faces the Ivory Staircase and begins chanting. For 30 minutes.
[/bigger]
y-hafh'drn lw'nafh 'bthnk lloig hai hai hai y-hafh'drn lw'nafh 'bthnk lloig hai hai hai[/bigger]
finishing with a scream of UAAAH
Once again Heinrich passes the miniature staircase around and directs you to feel each of it's seventy steps. With each passing the staircase feels heavier and heavier till you can barely hold it. At the very last moment he drops it on the floor with a heavy thud and it seems to fall through the floor which ripples like a pond. At this moment Zandomir suddenly cries out in pain, and the world goes grey...
<--- Zandomir again!
As requested two professors observed from the back of the room. They where initially skeptical, surely this was a load of old superstitious nonsense. As the eldritch powers built they became increasingly engaged and excited, sitting on the front of their seats. Towards the ritual's culmination they became frightened for it was obvious to all this was no mere trifle!
When everyone who took part abruptly slumped unconscious, Gossa remarked. "Oh my! I'm not sure I like the look of this Professor Malliver. I hope they know what they're doing, the dimension of dreams is not place for the uninitiated."
Looking white as a sheet Malliver replies, "In deed it is not Professor Kelkin, this borders on folly. Still there's nothing to be done about it now other than watch and wait. Better get comfortable this might take some time."
You find yourselves in a long queue outside a marvelous creamy white stoned palace with seven impossibly thin dreamy spires which reach up the skies. You have no recollection of how you came to be in the queue, although the ritual still buzzes in your mind. The queue winds it's way through formal gardens and disappears of into Celephais proper, an enormous city of marble buildings and high columns. The palace and the estates all belong to Viscount Brellin one of the most powerful and influential nobles in all of the Dreamlands. In the distance you can see Celephais' famous marble walls and you fancy you can see a glimmer of the grand brass gates. Beyond the city stands Mount Aran, crowned with snow. The sun hangs just a fraction above the horizon.
Looking around those in the queue make you feel terribly under dressed. All are dressed in exotic and impressive formal ware. Many have masks of all sorts of designs, ranging from simple unadorned alabaster half masks to fanciful confections made of silver and gold designed to imitate monsters, gods and celestial entities.
Curiously though nobody remarks upon your appearance, and several people make polite conversation. One pair of wrinkled green crones enthuse about what an honor it is to have been invited and how their investments in various lower planar ventures are paying dividends. Another strange guest with bandages over his eyes and a tail like a lizard asks if you've ever visited Mechanus or Arcadia, when you admit you have not he sighs, "Ah you haven't lived! There is so much to see." Despite the bandages he glances up towards the spires and allows, "I suppose this isn't a bad place to start... Enjoy the evening!"
Before long you are ushered into the sumptuous grand ballroom. It is several hundred feet wide and lit with the reddish light of sunset through west-facing windows. In front of each of the windows is a quartet of musicians. Their elegant music fills the ballroom. The ballroom is thronged with thousands of attendees in courtly dress. Many are dancing, but a few converse in small groups or enjoy hors d’oeuvres presented by liveried servants. Here and there, a slim, gray cat winds its way through the dancing partygoers. Although most of the partygoers are Celephais’s well to-do and are dressed in fine clothes, other attendees wear clothes that are threadbare or several decades out of fashion.
Thick webbing and areas of darkness obscure the ballroom’s ceiling, 60 feet above the lacquered floor. Sounds of scuttling and clicking echo from this web-shrouded darkness.
Zandomir uses his Fervor on himself as soon as he can after taking the backlash. His injuries are gone almost as quickly as they arrived.
Zandomir notes the guests' disposition towards the oddities above. He's not sure how they can be so easy about such things. Perhaps this isn't their first ball, or maybe they're residents of Celephais. Zan suspects the webbing and whatever creatures are hidden in the darkness have something to do with the odd rituals of Celephais.
Deciding not to appear too eager, Zan looks around, not yet approaching the Viscount. He peruses the food, trying to determine if there's anything odd about it or if it's just like food back on Golarion.
The canapes seem edable if rather heavy on candied eyeballs and other dubious offal based confections. The wine looks and smells ordinary enough however.
Zarine uses her Sleeves of Many Garments to change into a stunning white full-length ball gown with folded wings and a headpiece made to look like angelic. She moves towards the throne, but stops short of it, just listening, and stoops to pet the cat. She'll feed it some rations if it looks hungry.
As she is petting the cat, she tries to overhear what is being discussed near the throne.
Viscount Brellin is an urbane and handsome man with high cheekbones, blond hair, and sympathetic green eyes. The lavishness of his clothing exceeds even
that of even his most finely dressed guests. Although his appearance is healthy, he punctuates conversation with occasional bouts of coughing, hacking up tar-like phlegm that stains his chin and the front of his fine clothing with a crusty smear. The disgusting coughs don’t bother Viscount Brellin; in fact he doesn’t seem to notice them (or his filthy finery) at all! Currently he is talking with a pair of what appear to be night hags about the procurement of particularly exotic hand-picked teas. If anything the Viscount seems a little bored of this conversation.
Zandomir decides to avoid the appetizers, but takes a glass of wine, if only to try blending in better. He observes the Viscount from a distance, growing increasingly concerned about the sanity of this Ball and all the people involved. The fact that Hags were apparently allowed doesn't enhance Zan's opinion of the situation.
When the warpriest catches the partygoer being snatched up, he quickly glances around, looking to see if anyone else noticed and - if they did - if they even cared.
Zan makes his way over to where the snatching took place and looks up, trying to see where the partygoer went and if the person needs assistance. The half-elf suspects it's too late for the partygoer, but he can't help but check.
Zarine is sort of disgusted by the viscount's coughing, but doesn't show it, still petting the cat, and wondering why there is a cat here, and looking around the room to see what else there is to see.
She sees Zandomir staring at the ceiling, and wonders if she should set the webbing on fire.
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Lizzie stays slightly clear of the coughing viscount. Everything coughed generally goes down, according to gravity.
She doesn't quite notice whatever has Zandomir's mind occupied. All those tall people blocking view.
and they dance around the unpleasant pools of gore instinctively avoiding stepping into something nasty.
The count notices Zarine's attention and beckons a functionary over and whispers something into his ear. The elderly servant makes his way over to Zarine and bows deeply, "Bella Donna! His grace is pleased to see visitors to glorious Celephais and wishes to welcome you personally."
With a hand gesture he indicates the man sitting on the throne to the south.
Zarine looks up from the cat as the servant approaches and says
I was so hoping to get to meet him. Thank you so much for your kindness.
She then accompanies the servant and approaches the viscount, bowing to him.
Not sure what to call him, she attempts
You summoned me, your ... worship?
Agrippa begins blending into the crowd, studiously taking mental notes. He makes small talk in an effort to gather more information about their surroundings, the ball, anything that might help them in their task of impressing the Viscount enough for them to get a signet ring.
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Zandomir, in a matter of seconds, becomes completely and thoroughly convinced that there's something very, very wrong with this place. This Ball, this city, the Viscount, all of it. It's all wrong.
As quickly as he can, Zan makes his way to the other members of the group and whispers, "There's something very wrong with this place. Some thing grabbed one of the attendees only a couple minutes ago. The rest of the guests are trying to act like nothing happened. I don't think it's safe to be here and I suspect the Viscount is not the nobleman he claims to be. We need to stay together and we may want to leave and... visit... the Viscount when he's not holding court."
Zan pauses when he goes to give the same message to Zarine, seeing her addressing the Viscount. He doesn't like her talking to the man alone. Not one bit. But if Zan interrupts now, she might lose any chance she has of gaining information from the Viscount, so the half-elf keeps his distance for the moment.
While he waits for Zarine's conversation to unfold, Zandomir studies the Viscount, taking in all his features.
When Zarine approaches the viscount nods to her and addresses her in his mellifluous voice, "Ah mademoiselle! We are most honored to have visitors from afar! Alas beautiful Celephais which was once so cosmopolitan has grown insular. Please if you would, what news from the materiel plane?"
The guy seemed nice and sincere, so Zokama gave him a full-on Bardic tale. She began with some recent history including the events in Thrushmore, and ended with a blow-by-blow tale of her group's most recent battle, giving them all heroic nicknames and casting them as modern-day heroes, but in a jocular manner, not as though they considered themselves above others. She punctuates her story with the occasional subtle casting of prestidigitation
Some of Zandomir's nerves calm as he gets a better read on the Viscount. This place is still wrong and Zan is convinced the entire party is in danger as long as they're here, but perhaps the Viscount isn't responsible for the place's danger, or at least not all of it. In any case, Zandomir stays on guard, lest one of them get snatched up above as that unfortunate party goer did.
Zandomir continues to listen to Zarine and the Viscount's conversation from a distance.
The viscount listens to with rapt attention to Zarine's story and when she finishes he claps as do all those near by, "Mademoiselle! Magnifique, Magnifique! Nous sommes bénis!" After the polite applause finishes the viscount asks, "What draws such a remarkable story teller to Celephais? Of course I know the bards sing of the dreaming spires, but it is a long and arduous journey from your Thrushmore. A journey that has become something of a rarity, more's the pity."
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Lizzie if you're brave or foolish enough to open your senses
Lizzie casually twirls a lock of her hair, looking around.
It is then that her temple starts throbbing and a smell of rotten potatoes reaches her nose.
Ugh! Disgusting!
She finds Agrippa and pokes him in the flank.
Not wanting to risk people hearing anything, she slightly points to the viscount, and flashes a friendly smile.
Then pointing slightly towards the evil ones, she frowns a villainous grin.
Zarine bows to the viscount and says
Well, curiosity is a large part of it, but as it so happens we are also on a quest She lowers her voice and then says (or at least a sort of scavenger hunt). I know it might seem silly, but is there some service that we can do for you in order to perhaps be gifted one of your signet rings?
The Viscount seemed surprised for a moment but the moment passed so quickly Zarine couldn't be sure what she'd seen in his eyes. Smoothly the Viscount replied, "A scavenger hunt you say? Ah Mademoiselle I admire your boldness! Too many in Celephais dance around the point. I'm minded to help but alas another traveler petitioned for one not so long ago. Still I'm sure one can be fetched if you'd agree to perform a diplomatic favor for me."
He beckons you closer and leans in to whisper, "The most prestigious dance at the ball is the Sunset Waltz. As you might understand I would prefer to dance with my beloved but I was not expecting her presence. Oh sweet regret! I have already promised to dance with another as a favor. Ahem. Three others in fact." Looking helpless he turns puppy dog eyes on you and whispers, "The Calamity! My beloved's timing is appalling, yet I wouldn't change it for anything. I would move mountains to dance the Sunset Waltz with my beloved! You understand yes? Please if you would be so kind to act as my agent and deliver the bad news, discreetly and diplomatically, then I would be pleased to grant you the boon you seek." Earnestly he asks, "Can you do this for me?"
He then coughs tar into a handkerchief which is indescribably disgusting up close, although he seems not to notice.
Agrippa keeps his eyes and ears open as he drifts about the Ball.
Zarine bows and says
Honored sir, you are very kind to provide a way to accomplish our task. I will do my utmost to offer your regrets, kindly and quietly, to the three damsels in question. Might I have their names? And may I assure them that you will dance with them at another time, or is this a more permanent refusal?
As it always was the ritual was very disconcerting, being pulled into the dream realm was strange every time, and this time it seemed they were at a party of some kind. Momijii too looked through the food available but quickly realized that she wanted nothing to do with the eyeballs. She passed on the wine as well and instead looked around the room. She spotted a woman who's ethnicity seemed similar to her own and, having not seen another from Tian-Xia in some time, drifted towards the woman who seemed to be alone.
When she reached the woman Momijii said, "Omoshiroi pātīde wanaidesu ka? Watashi wa tonikaku omoidasu koto ga dekiru koto o tashika ni watashi wa sore no yōna mono o mita koto ga nai." She faced the woman and bowed slightly, more of a nod than a true bow for reasons she didn't understand, and continued, "Watashi wa momijidesu."
I'm sure I'll be able to dance with them another time, replied Brellin. He coughed once more into his handkerchief before telling you, "Their names are Lady Urdrenda Splinterbone, a trader named Ardvin Telgriette, and a beautiful but common woman simply named Maudette. They'll be in the party somewhere I'm sure, I suggest you ask around. You could perhaps start with Lady Splinterbone, she is well known and should be easy to find."
with dark hair, red lips, and an elegant, clinging black dress. She is in the middle of a complicated dance with a gaunt, pallid man. She has noted you, but doesn't seem concerned in the slightest. The man doesn't register as evil to your sight.
Zarine quickly memorizes the names, choosing not to ask about the acidic cough or what the Viscount's "beloved" could possibly be, and focuses on accomplishing the task. She bows, smiling, and says
It is an honor to serve you in this matter.
Then she turns around to try to find Zandomir, makes a beeline to him, and tells him everything (including any of the rest of the party there as well), knowing that he will help her find everyone she has to talk to.
One dignified lady in an exotic headdress tells you, "Ardvin is that popular guy over there to the east surrounded by surrounded by a knot of other guests."
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Momijii smiled at the woman and said, "It is a great honor to meet one who saw Lung Wa with her own eyes." Her expression saddened as she continued, "Unfortunately Lung Wa fell over a hundred years ago when Aroden died." She smiled wistfully, "I wish I could have seen it."
Trying to comfort her newest acquaintance Momijii said, "If it helps you aren't the only one without a home anymore. I can't remember where I came from, not much of it, only that I am from Tian Xia, I can't remember my family, my friends, not even their faces." She sighed, "We have both lost much but if you would like to come with us maybe we can both find a new home." She looked for a way to cheer Aiko up a bit but was failing to find one until she hit on an idea. "I don't know what this 'Waltz' is you speak of, a dance I assume?" She smiled at Aiko, "I'm not very good but if you would like I would be delighted to dance with you."
Lizzie peers around, to see if anyone shady is watching her, before approaching the lady in black.
"Good evening. Lady Splinterbone, may i presume?
I regret i must deliver a message to you from the viscount, regarding the waltz."
"His wife has unexpectedly arrived at the party, and he feels embarrassed to have to break his promise of dancing with your ladyship, as he dearly loves his wife and wishes to dance this waltz with her."
"I know not if the orchestra will do another waltz later this evening, but i can ask the viscount if he would request for another, on your behalf, so he might make good on his promise."
Lady Splinterbone seemed to be having a delightful time at the ball and positively revels in the reddening light that currently suffuses the ballroom. Curiously enough, considering what you now know, it has no effect on her.
She stops dancing when you approach and tells her partner, "Hold that thought Diego." She turns to you and listens to you with her haughty visage turning cold, "So he's got a better offer has he? Hmmph! Still at least he sent somebody polite."
She abruptly turns her back on Lizzie and grabs hold of the man, "Come Diego it's too hit in here, I feel the need to go for a walk."
She starts stalking away.
Happy that the vampire seems to have taken the news as well as could be expected, Zarine encourages the party to come with her, and begins the climb the ladder.
"If it helps you aren't the only one without a home anymore. I can't remember where I came from, not much of it, only that I am from Tian Xia, I can't remember my family, my friends, not even their faces."
Aiko gases at Momijii as if seeing her properly for the first time. "Oh you poor thing." she whispers.
"We have both lost much but if you would like to come with us maybe we can both find a new home. I don't know what this 'Waltz' is you speak of, a dance I assume?" She smiled at Aiko, "I'm not very good but if you would like I would be delighted to dance with you."
A little flustered Aiko stammered, "Oh! Uh, well I've ne--." She bites her lip before tentatively taking Momijii's hand and whispering, "Perhaps we should uh practice first?"
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Zandomir stays close to Zarine, climbing up the ladder right after her. He whispers hurriedly, "I highly doubt this woman is still alive from what I saw. If she is, it may be difficult to find her as she is likely entangled in webbing."
The ladder is partially concealed behind a plush tapestry, you assume guests are discouraged from exploring the darkened catwalks above the ballroom.
As you make your way up the 60' tall ladder the other guests quickly look away, so as to not be implicated in the impropriety. The ladder leads through the sheet of thick webbing high above the gala to a catwalk over the upper part of
the ballroom. This area is obscured by supernatural darkness. You hear horrible chittering and clacking as things in the darkness surge towards you!
Things in the Darkness
Filbert Springbit <----- WE ARE HERE
Momijii
Zandomir
Zarine
Lizzie "beads" Tamar'
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Spoiler:Things in the Darkness
Filbert Springbit Derring do
Momijii Derring do
Zandomir Derring do
Zarine Derring do
Lizzie "beads" Tamar' Derring do
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa Derring do, False Life (3000 rounds)
Things in the Darkness Blur (30 rounds)
Filbert Springbit Derring do
Momijii Derring do
Zandomir Derring do
Zarine Derring do
Lizzie "beads" Tamar' Derring do
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa Derring do, False Life (2999 rounds)
(fail)
(fail)
As soon as it gets dark while they are climbing, Zarine activates her ioun torch.
Aiko gases at Momijii as if seeing her properly for the first time. "Oh you poor thing." she whispers.
Smiling sadly Momijii said, "It is getting better, some of what I lost has returned so there is hope that I will one day remember everything." She tried to recall what little she remembered, "I know I had a mentor, a Master, who taught me martial arts. I don't know what happened to him but I hope he's out there somewhere. Most of what I remember revolves around him but I can't remember his face or his name. I know I had a bad memory resurface from when I was a little girl..." she trailed off, shuddering at the remembered horror of it, "but I'd rather not remember that one."
A little flustered Aiko stammered, "Oh! Uh, well I've ne--." She bites her lip before tentatively taking Momijii's hand and whispering, "Perhaps we should uh practice first?"
Momijii raised a hand to cover her mouth and hide her smile of amusement at Aiko's discomfiture, "A Wise Man whose face I can't remember told me once," she tried to lower her voice into amale register, "Joy in life is hard to come by, when you find it, sieze it and hold tight as it may never come again."
Momijii let Aiko take her hand and put her other on hand on Aiko's waist to lead the dance. Momijii listened to the music that was playing to find the beat then led her partner into a simple waltz. It wasn't fancy by any means, and she didn't add any flourished, but she enjoyed herself never-the-less as she guided the woman from Lung Wa through the steps.
As they reached the top of the ladder beyond the tapestry Momijii could hear the sounds of someone struggling up ahead and knew that they needed to see if they were to find out what was going on. "There's someone struggling up ahead, maybe gagged, do we have light to see through this gloom with?" Not liking the way things were she shifted into her combat stance as she felt there was danger ready to pounce on them even if she couldn't see it.
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