Infernalis Bellum(VtM)

Game Master Monkeygod

"Terrific. So Edgar is this the appropriate place?"

"Some new construction since last I was here, yet still very much the same."

"A bit further."

"I don't know who you are, disembodied voice, but don't think I have anything to do with the decision making processes behind this. Don't complain to me about it."

The four of you make your way into the small village, noting that there is plenty of signs of life, yet still nobody is around. Suddenly, you surrounded by a small group of people, appearing apparently out of nowhere.

"Friends of yours Edgar?" Beschi makes himself look as old and nonthreatening as possible.

"I am Edgar I am here to see an old friend."

Edgar looks for familiar faces but sees none at first glance.

"Do any of you know or are related to Aditsan?"

One of the larger men speaks up "We know of him and we know of you Edgar, but who are these others who travel with you?"

"It seems many like myself have contaminated themselves with infernal fire and there is an artifact here that can aid in stopping this destructive event, we have come to borrow it."

"These are others like myself in certain ways and different in others."

I'm just going to keep my mouth shut and look around non-chalantly.

The large man laughs a short laugh "It appears you are still not making any sense when you talk Edgar. Have you brought me back my niece? I would speak with her if you have" Clearly he's talking about Lenore.

It is beyond both you and Lenore's power for her to speak with her uncle fyi.

"Lenore has moved on into the fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call The Twilight Zone. Lenore now resides there, yet she speaks with me through our eternal bonds."

"I know no way for you to speak with her, uncle."

the man cant help but laugh more "Well, that was certainly the most descriptive take on the spirit realm I've ever heard. We know she's died and remains there, we're part of the reason why. I just want to make sure she's still anchored to you"

"I thought Lenore was your contact here Edgar".

I'll bark out a laugh.
"Well, at least we know he isn't nuts if he starts talking to someone we can't see."

"You are correct my wife is Lenore and she is my contact here, though she exists in another dimension. No I do not talk to myself."

"Talking to oneself is fine, receiving answers back makes you touched. I suppose that is not the most important thing at the moment though".

Beschi turns to the large man that spoke to Edgar and addreses him in a polite manner. "Greetings, I am Master Beschi. As Edgar has stated we are here to borrow a relic of power which will aid us against nefarious beings. Can you bring us to see those we seek, or are you he?"

"Master Beschi makes sense and speaks with a wizened tongue, he is a learned scholar of things arcane, and has tread through history."

Beschi, I think Edgar just politely called you an old fuddy-duddy LOL

A man towards the back, whom you all overlooked, steps forward. He is an older man, and has the look of tribal shaman to him. "Ah Edgar so good to see you again. Do not worry, I have ways of conversing with Lenore. As for what you seek, I too have access to it. But first, I must know more of what is happening, both in regards to this task and the world at large. Come to my lodge and speak to this old grandfather of what currently is going on out beyond my humble home" He speaks in a quiet yet sure voice that you can tell commands respect. While he didn't order you to talk to him, looking at the men and women around you, you all realize it would be a grave mistake to not listen to "Grandfather".

Beschi bows to Old Grandfather, "I am sure I speak for my companions when I say we would be honored to speak with one learned in the ways of the spirits. Hopefully what we can tell you will unlock knowledge you possess which could be useful to us".

Yeah he is calling me old, its ok, Beschi IS old :-)

Edgar and Thackery, you two in agreement with Beschi?? Anything else to add or say??

"It would be an honor to enter your lodge."

Yep called him old!

(OOC: I will have some things to say when the time comes but for right now I'm keeping quiet)

"Are the moon beasts still baying?"

"Grandfather" just shakes his head at the question Edgar poses, and beckons the four of you to follow him. You make your way to the largest of the cabins, and step inside. The interior is sparsely decorated but what there has a clear shamanistic tribal feel to it. "Grandfather" asks you all to sit on the mats on the floor. He joins you and those of you with Heightened Senses active are aware that several of the tribesmen are outside.

"So tell me what transpires beyond my home that has brought four of the night children to my door?"

”Among the night childer some practice magics of different kinds, one path the practioners follow is called the path of flames. The flames are now a danger to us all."

"Tribulat is not a child of the night but he does follow me along my shadowed path. Edgar is correct, those who play with fire are getting burned. It would seem that an ancient evil has either been awakened or the time for its awakening is at hand. We have been sent here to retrieve an item which will help us prevent this. At least that is what we have been told".

Beschi reaches into his robe and removes the token that the Prince gave to him holding it up so Grandfather can see it. "This is a token of faith from the Prince of New York. He claims that he has had peaceful relations and wishes them to continue".

Beschi pauses, "I have a request of my own. I would ask for one nights sanctuary in your domain. There is someone I wish to talk to tomorrow whose advice I want to have before I move forward with anything".

The elder shaman listens intently as you both tell of what brought you here. When presented with Moridin's ring, he looks it over, turning it in hand, then mutters a few words which cause the ring to glow icy blue for a moment. Finally he speaks "The ring definitely belongs to Prince Moridin, and speaks the truth of his promise. He knows he never needs to be this diplomatic with us, but we always appreciate the extra effort he puts forth.

On to the crisis at hand, no need to speak to me in clouded terms. You seek my aid, so be open and honest with me. What exactly transpires in the world of Caine that three of his children come to seek the aid of a Uktena shaman??"

Any of you may roll Int+Occult, diff 7 to see if you've heard of the Uktena before

Intelligence + Occult 8d10 ⇒ (6, 3, 8, 9, 2, 9, 9, 8) = 54

So I take it that Beschi now knows that Grandfather is Garou?

Beschi frowns and responds, "Open and honest simply is not in our nature. I will do my best to be clear. The three of us have received warning signs whether through our dreams or the dreams of those around us that Demons are awakening and that they will scour the world with fire. Many of those who share my blood have perished already in flames. I seek a way to stop this before it gets worse. As a man of God in life I would see any Demons returned to the pits of hell which spawned them. My own sire has had experiences with such creatures and it is his aid and counsel I seek. I am concerned that Prince Moridin or those around him may seek to assume control of and not stop these forces of darkness".

Yes, Grandfather is a Uktena Garou. His tribe specializes in dealing with all manner of evil spirits, Banes, etc. Perfect contact in other words, for what your dealing with.

Grandfather chuckles at Beschi's remarks "What you told me is enough. Moridin is many things, some of which are utterly abhorrent to my people, and indeed to many who walk a more decent path. However, he is a fierce champion against the vile forces of the Wyrm which include any manner of Demons you may be dealing with. If Moridin set you on a path to battle them, you can trust he will fight them as well. Most likely that is why he is not here himself."

Intelligence + occult
8d10 ⇒ (9, 8, 9, 4, 9, 3, 9, 1) = 52

"Truely the item we seek is unknown to me, and Master Beschi spoke of an ancient scroll, though I have not seen it. Each of us has bits and peices, and even together we know not the entirity of what is happening."

Beschi gives Grandfather a dubious look. "Trust is an expensive commodity and more rare than holy relics among my kind".

I use Auspex 2 to examine his aura to make sure he is not lying to me.

Aura Perception - 7d10 ⇒ (8, 1, 10, 7, 8, 2, 2) = 38

Reroll 1d10 ⇒ 8

"According to Moridin, your people possess a holy relic which will allow us to pierce an unholy spell which is preventing us from translating a document penned by ancient Vampiric demon worshippers. This document may contain the key to unraveling the demon's plans. It is that relic which we seek, in return I offer the Prince's ring as collateral. Once the crisis is over he or we, depending on his desires, will return the relic to you".

Edgar, you know the info on the Uktena I posted above.

Beschi, Grandfather is being totally honest with you. He is also calm and radiates great spirituality.

Grandfather looks thoughtful as you continue to detail what brought you to him "Yes, I do have a relic that will pierce the magicks clouding the words on this scroll you speak of. It is a mighty Fetish that has belonged to my family for generations, and thus I do not give it to you lightly. You three will be charged with it's safe transport to Prince Moridin. Do not let it out of your sight or let it fall into the hands of the enemy, as the results could be most disastrous indeed." He says a series of strange words that none of you recognize, then thrusts his hand into what appears to be a shimmer in the air in front of him. When he pulls it out, there is a large opal in his hand, with several runes etched into its surface. He hands the gem to Beschi, and you can feel its power as it rests in your hand. "Take care of the Eye of the Lion Beschi. You do not want to know what will happen should you not"

Roll Int+ Occult:6d10 ⇒ (7, 5, 4, 8, 2, 9) = 35

"Pardon my interruption, and it's great that we're all rolling through the formalities and gettin' things done, but Uktena Shaman, what exactly is your relationship with the Prince?"

(OOC: With my roll what I can I glean of the typical Uktena's character?)

"Pretty sure the white man's term is a treaty though I know not the specifics of..."

Thackery, you know that most Uktena are wary of outsiders, and often paranoid to varying degrees

Grandfather looks to you Thackery, and it feels like he's reading your soul. "Prince Moridin, as strange as this may seem considering the general view of my people regarding the children of Caine, is a champion among our kind, at least when it comes to battling the forces of the Wyrm."

"It would seem that no matter how old one grows this world will always bring new surprises. I am not sure what threat a demonic worm could be but I suppose that depends on its size".

Beschi takes the opal and places it within a hidden pocket in his robe next to the artifact that Sturbridge allowed him to borrow.

Beschi stands, "Will you grant us a night of succor here on your lands Grandfather?"

"Well, I have some more questions before we take off."

Waits to hear the questions with baited breath.....

Grandfather smiles warmly "Of course you many spend the night or rather day here. If you don't mind rather sparse bedding of course." He looks to Thackery "Speak your mind young one, though be aware I may not answer you as you wish"

"Well, I want to know more about the prince. What kind of people does he associate with, what are his moral views, and so forth. You obviously know him better than I do."

Grandfather chuckles at Thackery's questions "Honestly I do not know him all that well. Mostly, I know stories. How he's slain more vampires than most, drinking their souls as deeply as one drinks a cup of warm coffee on a cold winter's night. Of his close ties to the Night Clan, including taking one of their number as his lover. That he's gathered and brought together all of the various and disparate gangs and organized crime groups into one cohesive whole.

More importantly, I know for a fact that when a small group of my fellow Garou and their kin were ambushed by a dozen Black Spiral Dancers who are gravest enemies, he happened to be near by on his way to visit a friend of his, and leapt to their defense, helping to slay those wretched foul creatures. Since that time, over three hundred years ago, he has been an ally, if not a friend to many among my kind, and has killed many more Dancers"

Int+Occult rolls diff 8 to see if you know who the Night Clan and Black Spiral Dancers are

Int+Occult Roll:6d10 ⇒ (7, 9, 3, 9, 7, 2) = 37

"And what about his friends. Have you heard of any that enslave other vampires?"

Intelligence + Occult 8d10 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 9, 9, 1, 2, 3) = 33

Thackery, your pretty sure the Night Clan is the Lasombra, no idea who the Dancers are.

Beschi, re-roll that twice please. The first will be for the Night Clan, and should include your Occult Library bonus. The second is for the BSD, and does not have the bonus....sorry!

Night Clan - 10d10 ⇒ (5, 7, 10, 1, 7, 9, 9, 4, 10, 3) = 65
Re-roll 2d10 ⇒ (2, 7) = 9

Black Spiral Dancers - 8d10 ⇒ (1, 6, 4, 7, 4, 2, 6, 9) = 39
Sounds like a new ballet at the Met, Beschi might look for tickets when this all blows over :-)

Intelligence + occult
8d10 ⇒ (3, 6, 6, 2, 10, 4, 5, 7) = 43

re-roll 1d10 ⇒ 5

Intelligence + occult
8d10 ⇒ (2, 5, 5, 2, 2, 2, 3, 8) = 29

"Sorry grandfather I am drawing a blank upon the Black Spiral Dancers, they are?"

Beschi, you too know to whom the Night Clan refers to.

Grandfather pauses a few moments, before answering in a serious tone "Normally we do not talk about them much to outsiders, vampire or otherwise. But if what you say is true there is a good chance you will end up dealing with them fore this is all done.

The Black Spiral Dancers are our greatest shame. They used to be the White Howlers, watched over by the mighty Lion. They were brash and arrogant, and thought they could take the battle to the Wyrm itself. However, they were unable to defeat it, and instead were forced to dance the Black Spiral, becoming corrupted, foul versions of Gaia's defenders. Now all they seek is to bring ruin to the world they once fought for." He sighs deeply and is silent for some time. Clearly even this tale weighs heavily on him.

"What are the properties of these demon worms? I am not familiar with them. Do they fight alongside these corrupted Garou?"

fyi, i am waiting on the responses of Thackery and Edgar Beschi, as I don't want to get too far afield of their questions.

"Grandfather what ward or magics might you strengthen us with, your knowledge of this is great and beyond me, I defer to you in preparing us should we face a dark spiral dancer."