Hyram bows low. We are hoping that is where you might come in, your Majesty!
Galifrey's eyes widen at Iona's revelation about Yaniel, "Yaniel, you say!? Can it be? Are you sure it isn't some fiendish trick? " she asks excitedly, completely ignoring her state of dishevelment.
Her eyes narrow on Milamber at his revelation about Mutasafen, stating plainly, "We shall see..."
Any apologies about the Rift's influence on her teleport she waves away, "I blame myself. I felt such haste to come here, I myself did not think of the dangers of attempting to teleport so close to the Rift! 'Tis no matter, a few bruises here and there! "
Then she nods, rubbing her hand, "Come , show me this Fane! I would meet Yaniel and this alchemist you speak of!"
Iona nodded to Galifrey as she walked her back to the room they ler Yaniel rest in. "She had been taken by a demon. The demon wore her face as a disguise however we where able to see through it and even able to find the real Yaniel." She explained.
"Though do remember that her time as the demon's prisoner has taken a toll. She was, in a form of... cocoon. We where lucky to get her out alive."
"I don't think 'lucky' is a strong enough word...I think 'blessed' would be more appropriate." Aladir adds.
"Oh! And one more thing, your Majesty. There are some kind of whispers coming through the rift. Outside the room the rift is in, they can't be heard, but once you're in there, they are immediately noticeable. They're subtle, but at the same time, maddening. I could feel them wearing away at my will the longer I was in their presence. I would suggest that, once we're in there, we'd best not dally in going through and sealing the rift for good."
Galfrey walks briskly into the Midnight Fane, glancing sardonically at the booming proclamation of Deskari's glory, then waits for one of you to show her the way.
She seems very excited to meet Yaniel and nods to Aladir's observation of such a blessing, "It is indeed....an omen even!" she says.
She frowns at Aladir's warning, again nodding her understanding.
Striding into the alchemy lab, she looks about with interest, muttering, "So, this is where they made it...". As she leans over one of the boxes, stuffed to the brim with alchemical equipment, Yaniel appears at the far door, supported by Mutasafen.
Yaniel's tired eyes brighten at the sight of Galfrey, and with Mutasafen's help she approaches and takes a knee, "My Queen, forgive my absence..."
For a moment, Galfrey seems shocked, whether at the sight of the actual Yaniel kneeling before her....or the incongruous sight of a cambion demon assisting the legendary warrior.
The way Mutsafen is helping Yaniel is at odds with what you know of him or demons in general. He actually seems to care that she doesn't fall or over-extert herself.
Hyram is too busy looking at a fly buzzing around.
Iona gave Galfrey a small elbowing as she nodded to Yaniel. "She'd been through a great deal, I'd like to see her returned to a place where she can rest. I believe, Queen Galfrey, and she had done enough. Let her rest for now, with luck this war may be over soon." Iona said, though she was being optimistic.
"I have used up most of my magic, I would like to take an hour to regain my spells. I am going in the shelter to rest and prepare."
Galifrey strides forward and pulls Yaniel up and into her arms, exclaiming, "You have no apologies to offer me, my dear friend. It is by Iomedae's Grace that these brave adventurers found you!"
She pulls back, holding the weak Yaniel by her shoulders, tears glistening in the Queen's eyes as they track sideway to land on Mutasafen, "And you...you seem to care about Yaniel..." she says, almost to herself.
Then, still holding Yaniel up, her gaze upon Mutasafen deepens. Those of you who have been around Paladins before recognize that she was looking at Mutasafen through the lens of her Holy purpose.
The Queen blinks at what she sees, saying to the Cambion, "You are not wholly evil....were you aware of that?"
Mutasafen nods, "Indeed. I had become disillusioned with my place in Deskari's grand plan, but the arrival of these," he says, indicating the group, " and Yaniel's liberation....brought other changes."
It's obvious the way he says Yaniel's name that there are feelings there, and that he's a bit at a loss as to explain the change.
Galfrey smiles ruefully and looks at you, "You heroes have a penchant for the redemption of the damned...."
She then addresses Yaniel, "We must prepare to close the Gate...are you comfortable in staying in his presense?"
Yaniel nods, "Yes....he has been kind..."
Galfrey nods herself, then allows the Cambion to assist Yaniel back into the bedroom.
The Queen nods at Milamber, "Good, make you preparations. In an hour, we close that Rift! " she says, brushing a wayward strand of hair from her face, "I could stand to tidy myself up as well..." she says, smiling.
"If there is something I have learned since joining this group, is that things are always changing." Iona said as she looked to her allies and smiled. "I mean if a succubus can change, then why not a Cambion."
"We'll make good the time. Though I do have a question about the ritual. Is there someone who has to do it or will any of us here be able to read it from our side?" Iona asked.
Initially slightly befuddled by Mustafen's genuine concern for Yaniel, Aladir's thoughts go briefly to the succubus that is both far away and as close as his own mind at the same time. If she could find a way to seek redemption, why not another?
Though he keeps this observation to himself, he is glad of the Queen's observation, and Mustafen's confirmation, of that fact.
Once they are out of the room, Aladir draws in a slow, deep breath. "I have no further preparations I need to make; I'm just going to use Terendelev's scale before we step through; hopefully that will give us an extra bit of oomph against anything that happens to be guarding the other side."
The Queen gathers you all close as she begins to describe the Ritual. Reaching into her satchel and pulls out an aged piece of parchment, covered in arcane and sacred sigils, "This is a page from the Lexicon of Paradox. " she say, her manner deadly serious, "I will hold this page on this side of the rift....one of you will hold it on the opposite side. I've been told that after doing so for about 1 minute, the power of the parchment will begin to act on the Rift. In what manner , my scholars were not sure....but be sure it will be violent. We must be steadfast at that time, for then we must cast a spell to further disrupt the Rift's evil energies. I will cast a powerful spell against evil, my scholars suggested powerful spells that prevent planar travel would also suffice. They tell me that once both spells are finished, the Rift will close."
She stops, "You've done well, my friends. But this task, I feel will test us all. "
Standing resolute, she then says with a faint smile, "But, all of this is premature, if what Arueshalae says is true: that a powerful guardian most assuredly resides within the Rift. Come, you are ready?" she asks, looking to each of you for confirmation.
Nodding as what she sees, "Come let me see this Rift!"
I am sure you will do well. Good luck, my....friend.
The theory of Rift closure that the Queen describes is familiar to you. Any of the following spells would be appropriate : dictum, dimensional anchor, dimensional lock, dispel chaos, dispel evil, dispel magic (against CL 20th), or holy word
"Follow me." Iona said with a nod to the Queen before she lead the way to the room in which they found the Rift.
"The closer we get the louder the voices are, so please take care." Iona explained. "Might I suggest you give the other page to Milamber. The rest of us can support and protect him as he works with you to close the Rift properly."
"I will gladly accept the responsibility of closing the rift from the abyssal side. A powerful guardian, most likely a strong demon. We should prepare for a fight."
I will gladly strike a blow against the demon horde! Let's begin!
Aladir uses the scale from Terendelev to make sure his bow is properly tuned to the forces of Good . "I'm good to go! Let's take the fight to them for once!"
"Ready when you are your majesty. Let's get started. "
As have I, Aladir. It would be quite difficult with this....transition without having a friend like you.
There is then a moment, when you feel Arueshalae's attention is diverted, then it returns to you, Aladir, inform the Queen that Nilus has finally arrived. She will want to know this forthwith!"
.
Aladir blinks in confusion for a moment, then turns his attention to the Queen. "Your Highness, Arueshalae wishes me to inform you that someone named 'Nilus' has arrived."
The Queen stops and looks at Aladir, "Oh, he has ...good! I had hoped he'd have made his appearance sooner. "
She smiles in apology, "When Miss Flamtongue had taken her leave, I had begun a search for a replacement. But you can imagine, the area is rife with Paladins of many faiths, but all with their own quests. But I finally found one! And I bid him to present himself at my castle, but he was obviously detained. I would rather you crossed the Rift bolstered by his presence! I shall teleport back and fetch him!" she says, striding towards the Fane entrance.
Any who accompany her, sees her give a little wave goodbye before she activates her boots and disappears.
When you had arrived at the Queen's castle, her staff had rushed you to her war-room where you were introduced to the redeemed succubus Arueshalae. She'd asked you to wait while she appraised the Queen of your arrival.
Shortly thereafter, the Queen arrived in a pop of displaced air. Striding over to you she exclaimed, "You almost arrived too late, we are ready to attempt the Rift closure. Are you ready? The others will be crossing and then I and the wizard will attempt to close the Rift."
Iona paused and looked at the Queen before she vanished, then over to her allies. "So, we're getting another member it seems." Iona said with a shrug.
Nilus leans against his glaive.
Indeed Lady. I am ready, By the Rose this is exciting isn't it. Taking the fight to the demons, on their own ground.
Nilus says a brief prayer to Shelyn as he prepares for whatever awaits him on the other side.
"So, we're getting another member it seems."
Hyram nods in agreement. Aye! The more the better to smite demons!
"Another sword to protect us is welcome as well. I look forward to meeting this replacement. From what I have heard about Miss Flametongue, she has quite the reputation to live up to. The Queen can be very particular in finding someone capable, so I expect great things from our newest member. All the better, as we are going into the Abyss and we will need all the help we can find."
The Queen nods at Nilus' enthusiasm, "Indeed. I am glad to have found you available. This mission as you know, is of great importance to me and the Crusade. " she says, pacing over to a nearby table and pouring a goblet of wine.
Taking a fortifying drink , she turns to Nilus, "Come, stand near me..."
Then as you move close to her, she grabs you by the elbow and after a moment, you find your self standing on a rocky platform, in what is obviously the Worldwound.
After a few minutes, the Queen re-appears, this time in the company of a warrior, Nilus Romani.
The Queen strides forward and makes quick work of introducing Nilus to each of you, obviously eager to move ahead with the plan.
Hyram bows, Well met Nilus! I have heard of your noble deeds! Glad to have you with us as we vanquish these demons!
Nilus bows to the Inquisitor of Iomedae
Ah, you must be Master Grimstalk. I believe we could swap tales of exploits sometimes. I'm sure you have quite the story. I'd love to hear of your victory at Drezen.
"I wish you luck, tis a tale not even I have heard yet." Iona said as she gave a nod to the newcomer.
"I am Iona Pentaghast, well met."
"It's good to have you along with us, Nilus. Aladir, at your service. I've become quite turning the hordes into pin cushions. Got a pretty good eye, too. Nice to have one of Shelyn's chosen along with us; feels like we're getting a decent number of the servants of the goodly gods on this quest."
Nilus smiles at Aladir Ah. Yes. My Mother, the Rose. She's not the crusading type really, but she approves of what we do here. The Blessed Lady approves of anything that brings more beauty into the world. Ridding the world of the Worldwound is addition by subtraction he finishes with a shrug
Nilus quickly adds The Blessed Rose isn't my real mother, in case you wondered. That was my poetic side getting away from me I guess.
"Welcome Nilus, I am Milamber and I am also new to this crusade. We appreciate your enthusiasm and poetry. Let us start the subtraction of this fiendish blight with the closing of this rift. Are you ready to begin?"
The Queen watches the new mutual admiration society's first meeting with satisfaction, then claps her hands, "Come, let us begin...lead me to the Rift."
It is with no small amount of trepidation that you re-enter the Rift room, knowing only too well the disconcerting effect the Rift's whispers had on you earlier.
However, stepping into the room with the Queen and Nilus, you find the whispers seem to be 'pushed' back, so that they do not seem to be directly in your ear, remaining only a faint susurrus almost beyond your ability to hear.
The Queen takes in the slain form of Ursathella, then that of the two slain giant, then her gaze rest for a moment on the imposing bulk of the Grinder, for the moment blocking her view of the Rift. "What a disgusting machine...were you not able to destroy it?" she asks.
"We tried your majesty, but the thing is heavily enchanted. It keeps restoring itself as fast as we can damage it. We thought that closing the rift might break the enchantment."
Nilus frowns No spell can stop it from restoring itself? I'm no sorceror, but such things are possible yes? Magic that stops other magic from working.
"It may be possible to stop it with a spell, but the magic is extremely strong. The spell to stop it would need to be equally strong. I fear that my strength is not equal to the one who placed this machine here and enchanted it."
Ah. Could we perhaps combine efforts somehow? I can dispel the magic of evil sorcerors and demons.
"I don't believe even with yourself and Milamber it would be enough. This is harnessing the full might of the Abyss I think. I fear we'd need more." Iona stated.
"However, if the Rift to the Abyss is closed, then it is very likely this machine will not be able to function. At least in theory." Iona pointed out.
Nilus nods Alright then. We have a duty to attend to. and he lifts his glaive, a beautiful thing decorated in rosebuds and Shelynite iconography.
"I'm no sorcerer, but my feeling is that Iona is correct; this machine is drawing energy from the Abyss directly out of the rift, I think. Whether it will shut down on its own once the connection is severed or if that will only prevent it from regenerating, I don't know, but either way, it's an improvement."
"I think we are all in agreement your majesty, the best way to destroy this machine is to close the rift first. In that aspect, I think we are all ready to proceed. Is the destruction of this thing required before we can close the rift? or can we begin the ritual?"
Queen Galifrey nods at everyone's observation, "Indeed, let's hope you are right and it will cease to function once the Rift is closed." she says, making her way around the right side of the vile machine, towards the Rift.
Upon seeing it for the first time, she winces at seeing the immense , floor-to-ceiling curtain of churning crimson and black fire and electricity.
"Gah! " she spits, looking upon the raw , turbulent hole in reality.
Composing herself, she takes a deep breath, "Let us prepare. In order to effect the ritual, I will remain on this side, while you all travel through the Rift. I will then touch the Rift with this page of the Lexicon. Milamber, you will take this page through with you and do the same. I've been told we must do so uninterrupted for 1 minute, after that the Rift will turn black. Then we must cast our spells... this will close the Rift." she say, handing Milamber a duplicate of the parchment she showed earlier.
She looks at each of you , "Of course, the guardian of the Rift won't be pleased with us, so be ready."
Milamber takes the page from the Queen and heads to the rift.
Iona nodded "We'll be ready." Iona told her before she followed Milamber towards the rift.
"Fear not, I shall be your shield." The cleric promised to the wizard.
"One of us should be able to see the guardian if it is invisible. Aladir, you can strike at the creature wherever it is located. I think you would be our best choice. What say you? May I enchant your eyes to seek true?"
Nilus says his prayers to Shelyn.
Ready. he says aloud after a few moments.
The elf gives Milamber a nod. "If any of our enemies are invisible, I'll call out where they are for the benefit of the less range-inclined among us. I also have my Fortune's Arrow, so that should come in handy as well, should any of our foes prove less than visible."
For his part, Aladir will simply use his scale from Terendelev to sync his weapon up with the energies of all goodly gods and folk, though he waits until they're on the verge of stepping through before he does so.