Xanya hopes that one day she can be as mighty sad the warrior who escaped from Hell or as aweSome as the Goatling who managed to ascend. Finding her own prince along the way wouldn't hurt either. She doesn't really care much to reflect or discuss the stories, instead Xanya jumps up to join the battle dance, hoping she is better at following along this time. Again she uses her magic to guide herself through the movements. "Let's dance"
Maks listens to the stories but doesn't speak or ask questions. When the others begin to perform their battle-dances, Maks actually gets out of the way, this time, allowing Tavros to own the dance floor with the lessons he learned from the goatlings earlier. She still seemed oddly expectant, as if waiting for something more.
Xanya thanks Simon for the ring with a smile. If someone starts saying something that isn't translated Xanya will at once drink her extract of comprehend languages to get as much of what is said as possible. Before the 20 minutes duration is up she'll also read the ring.
Lotham moves out of the way for the battle dance, but watches it with some interest.
Lucina wouldn't dance but enjoyed watching it, she stuck to the sidelines most times occasionally pulling people away to talk for a short time if they were free.
A voice echoes in your head "Fear not mortals, I have heard your music and I have come from the waters to give audience." Within moments of that all of the large bonfires are extinguished, and many of the smaller perimeter torches are snuffed out. A few peripheral torches and the cookfires still burn dimly. "Behold the power of water over all! But do not fear, I do not come to harm, to maim, or to fight. I come to see your gathering at my lake." A huge shape takes form, emerging from the fog. A massive scaly turtle slips from the water onto shore. Its shell alone must measure fifteen feet across, and its overall length my be even greater, although much of it is concealed by the cloud of mist around it. In the near darkness, several small fires illuminate the scaly beast ominously. It lets out a long deep gutteral rumble, seems to sniff the air, and its large eyes move about independently taking in the camp and the party. The goatlings have all quieted. The music has stopped and the dancing as stopped. Somewhere, one of the goatlings half whispers
After that the hushed whispers increase among the goatlings and they seem quite excited.
"I am Akluzzar, ancient and wise. If you would come to me for wisdom, bring a sacrifice and receive my blessings!"
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Sly spends the early part of evening catching up on what the other groups had learned from the goatlings. However, the intensity of the battle dance causes him to seek out Aury'tss in case of malicious intent. As the water and fog finally part and she backs away from the shore, he puts himself between her and the 'water dragon'. "Sacrifice?," he mutters skeptically.
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Maks watched the beast for a moment, trying to discern what sort of creature it was, precisely. The concept of 'sacrifice' in her mind, was not something a good creature asked for.
She assumed a guarded stance moving to stand amidst her allies, edging her way forward.
Those within thirty feet of Makoto can feel their entire bodies enter a heightened state of awareness and readiness as she opens their ajna chakra, and their bodies become more innately intuitive.
Simon slowly pets Aster, watching the giant turtle with interest.
He wonders if the goatlings had brought something they had prepared to sacrifice.
He looks the turtle over in interest, trying to remember anything about them.
Know Arcana or Nature on Yertle the Turtle
After being ignored earlier by his brothers and sisters, which Quassine has no problems with because of his escapes into the Archmage Goodwin's labs, he entertains himself by doing many different things from cleaning his clothing, cleaning his group's campsite, meditating, helping the goatlings in an attempts to improve diplomacy, and joins in with the Circle Dance of the Elements by using the Kata of the Four Winds to the rhythm of the music. In addition, he joins in the Battle Dance with rhythmic form of slow martial arts . If the angry goatlings punch him during the dance, he simply ignores it and continues. After all, this is what happens during training to build up endurance and pain tolerance .
When Xanya, brought out the ring to examine it further, Quassine was already fully engaged with the festivities and was basically no longer interested in the ring.
When the water spirit comes out, he turns to look at the water spirit but does nothing aggressive. Just like Sly, he says to himself, "What does this sacrifice involve?"
Simon slowly pets Aster, watching the giant turtle with interest.
He wonders if the goatlings had brought something they had prepared to sacrifice.
He looks the turtle over in interest, trying to remember anything about them.
1d20+10Know Arcana or Nature on Yertle the Turtle
Miyu, the wolf-sized arctic Fox, moves forth to stand several feet from the creature. He takes a seat on his haunches and cants his head to the side as he looks to the turtle and asks the question upon everyone's mind. His voice is deep, but lilting near the end of each word, word cascading into more words, until he finally stops.
"What is it that you would ask of these two peoples, who have already given and sacrificed so much in their lives? As for my pack, they have little to offer, and much to gain from your ancient wisdom... and while I do not presume to speak for those outside of my pack, they have already given much of their lives this day."
After being ignored earlier by his brothers and sisters, which Quassine has no problems with because of his escapes into the Archmage Goodwin's labs, he entertains himself by doing many different things from cleaning his clothing, cleaning his group's campsite, meditating, helping the goatlings in an attempts to improve diplomacy, and joins in with the Circle Dance of the Elements by using the Kata of the Four Winds to the rhythm of the music. In addition, he joins in the Battle Dance with rhythmic form of slow martial arts . If the angry goatlings punch him during the dance, he simply ignores it and continues. After all, this is what happens during training to build up endurance and pain tolerance .
When Xanya, brought out the ring to examine it further, Quassine was already fully engaged with the festivities and was basically no longer interested in the ring.
[dice=Perform]1d20+3
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+8When the water spirit comes out, he turns to look at the water spirit but does nothing aggressive. Just like Sly, he says to himself, "What does this sacrifice involve?"
Quassine the goatlings watch your martial arts moves with interest. As beings who are always trying to perfect their prowess in battle, they take are quite fascinated by your dance and its clear martial origin. You note that some of them attempt to pantomine your moves out of curiousity after the dance has ended. During the battle dance, it is quite frenetic and high intensity but no one gets punched or injured unless they misstep and fall, but the surefooted goatlings seem to rarely stumble.
You do seem to make quite a few friends as you participate. You feel a twinge inside of your former self, the warrior locked within that you once were. Like some of the others around you who have attempted to learn the goatling language, they embrace you as you embrace some of their traditions.
Miyu, the wolf-sized arctic Fox, moves forth to stand several feet from the creature. He takes a seat on his haunches and cants his head to the side as he looks to the turtle and asks the question upon everyone's mind. His voice is deep, but lilting near the end of each word, word cascading into more words, until he finally stops.
"What is it that you would ask of these two peoples, who have already given and sacrificed so much in their lives? As for my pack, they have little to offer, and much to gain from your ancient wisdom... and while I do not presume to speak for those outside of my pack, they have already given much of their lives this day."
The giant turtle leans down and sniffs at Miyu. A voice in his mind articulates. "Eidolon, if you have a question, reach out to me with your mind, do you request anything of Akluzzar?"
Miyu reaches forward with his consciousness, or attempts to. "My question is simply to know that which you desire."
@Miyu:
"The rituals of the goat people have brought me from my aquatic slumber. I am here to answer their call. If we are to speak of desires, well I have many. The seductive kiss of the mermaid, the sunset on a calm sea of glass, the gentle rocking of the ocean as one floats in her gentle arms, the beauty of a perfect pearl in its bed of nacre; Oh these are things which I desire, but I expect little of that from you. Do I smell fish? An old beast such as myself builds up quite the appetite slumbering. It would be rude of a guest such as myself to not partake of the wondrous culinary delights prepared by my hosts.
As Miyu and the creature parlay, Golden Ram steps from his platform seizing the opportunity to welcome the newcomer.
In Goatling, perfect Common and what seems to be the modern version of Draconic he states "Let us welcome the Spirit of the Water for blessing our Ceremony." He motions and some of the Elders call forth goatlings to bring a variety of food to the shoreline. It is murky and difficult to determine what is going on for some far in the back without the bonfires burning. Those with darkvision are able to see somewhat. Those with low light vision strain to make out what is going on with the small light provided by background torches and cookfires.
"We do not wish to offend the Spirit of the Lake, but we wish to behold your magnificence, may we relight our ceremonial fires?"
The giant turtle begins to examine the various food stuffs presented to it. It seems to nod at Golden Ram and flaps one of its claws as if to indicate that relighting the fires is acceptable. Within a short time, more wood is brought forth and the fires are blazing once again.
While many of the groups are still tense, the goatlings are abuzz with reverent awe, and whisper quietly, possibly about what blessings they will receive.
As the goats move forth, Miyu slinks away. They saw no danger in this creature, and it didn't seem to be demanding virgin sacrifices, so it seemed more of a kindred spirit... but he wasn't interested in unusual companionship. Even still he buried away that which the creature desired in the back of his mind.
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"Yes, a hungry water dragon." Sly is attempting to be nonchalant, but the wonder is apparent in his voice.
At the mention that it is a dragon, Aury'tss looks even more alarmed than before. Remembering her time growing up under the tyrannical watch of a dragon that was quite fond of sacrifices himself, she takes several nervous steps away from the shoreline, staying behind Sly.
Leaning towards Akluzzar as if he wants to approach the creature, Sly becomes aware of Aury'tss moving away. Briefly torn, he finally resists his urge and takes a step or two back. Speaking quietly and for Aury'tss' benefit, but by no means being secretive, Sly remarks, "We caught a fair amount of fish today. And he might know where the temple is. What do you think?"
Quassine closes his eyes to focus and then opens them back up looking at Akluzzar to mentally speak to him,
Oh mighty and wise Akluzzar, I hope I am worthy enough to commune with you.
It is nice to see one who prefers the sacrifice of their worshipper's hard labor than their blood. What more can I do for your followers?
In addition, how does one awaken their mind? My mind does not work like others of my more evil kind. Is it because I am too benevolent or is there something that must be done to awaken my mind so I can pass balance on this world and any world I may visit in the future?
Lastly, my brothers, sisters, and I are missing our mentor, our father, and he went missing on this world. Do you know where we might find him or the path we must take?
And in the best interest of balance, is there something I can do for you short of taking my life, that of my brothers and sisters, and my new friends, your followers, the goatlings for I have spilt their blood in misunderstanding?
Xanya mutters a quick incantation to sharpen her mind before she tries to recall what she knows of such creatures.
She lowers her lance as the creature turns out to not be hostile after all. Instead she smiles a huge grin at the creature as she figures one such as this might actually have heard about what was here or near here centuries or even millennia ago.
Leaning towards Akluzzar as if he wants to approach the creature, Sly becomes aware of Aury'tss moving away. Briefly torn, he finally resists his urge and takes a step or two back. Speaking quietly and for Aury'tss' benefit, but by no means being secretive, Sly remarks, "We caught a fair amount of fish today. And he might know where the temple is. What do you think?"
Aury swallows the lump in her throat and responds,
"If you think it would work, but they're all way back on the other side of the lake."
Quassine closes his eyes to focus and then opens them back up looking at Akluzzar to mentally speak to him,
** spoiler omitted **
"Illithid creature, the telepathic powers you seek do not come easy. For most it is inherent, for a few, it comes through some sort of ritual. That is all I can say regarding that. I cannot say why you may be different from others of your kind. But I do wish to know more about your mentor and father. Tell me more and I may advise you. If you wish to seek balance or make amends I will ponder this. There is much to learn here, and I would ask of you a task."
Xanya mutters a quick incantation to sharpen her mind before she tries to recall what she knows of such creatures.
[dice=Knowledge which I assume is arcana, though the modifier is the same for most]1d20+10
She lowers her lance as the creature turns out to not be hostile after all. Instead she smiles a huge grin at the creature as she figures one such as this might actually have heard about what was here or near here centuries or even millennia ago.
Grubgullet just stares, cluelessly, at the massive beast.
"Big turtle..."
Quassine hesitates projecting his thoughts for a moment and then realizes that why should he worry, Akluzzar and the goatlings could have killed all of them by now, he projects his thoughts to continue ...
Great Akluzzar our father and mentor believed that he could "adopt" a small group of monstrous humanoids, some with very bad ill repute, and turn us into decent and heavily educated individuals. And for the most part, I believe he was successful but I must admit some of us are still dealing with our past. In addition, we are from the past, approximately 10,000 years ago.
Regarding this metaphysical ritual, why can you not tell me more? Is it because I am not ready or you simply do not know? If you do not know, who or what shall I seek to enlightened myself?
What task do you ask of me or us?
Xanya again murmurs a small cantrip then speaks out loud happily in Draconic, hoping it'll appease the great turtle "Oh great Akluzzar, magnificent dragon turtle and water spirit to the goatlings, it's truly marvelous to behold one such as you here. We just arrived here yesterday to these lands. I don't want to disturb your feast so please do feel free to eat while you listen. Of course we don't want to disturb what you came here for the goatlings, but we got a story of our own. Before that we've been in hibernation for a very long time. We've all been taught by our great mentor Archmage Goodwin and it's from his demiplane we arrived. We had to leave it as it collapsed after long time without his attendance. It's quite certain his failure to return was not willing. I wouldn't dare hope that you know something of his circumstances, but if you do, that would be great for us to know about. What you might know about though, is one named Kao Lor and his monastery. The monastery was where we were supposed to go, but we failed to reach our destination for reasons unknown. Maybe it no longer exists. Could you share your knowledge on this matter we would be eternally grateful. If you help us I'll certainly try to find these things that you so yearn for."
"It may be that you are not ready yet, there are many complicated issues involved with this. With enough materials I could research what is needed. This would be a worthy task, to bring me resources that we may buy the research materials necessary.
You try to speak in draconic, and the turtle seems slightly puzzled, slightly able to understand. About a sentence of two in, the voice in your head echoes. "Small blue person, your ability to speak in my native tongue is admirable, but the language has changed in the time that you have been away. Although it may not have changed as much as the tongues of the shorter lived races, it is still a very very long time for dragons. I prefer the telepathic communication as it is more efficient." "I believe I am beginning to understand your plight. As several have explained to me now, your group is an orphaned people, looking for a lost master in a world none of you have seen in such a long time, that it may as well be another world. Luckily, I will help you. This will take a massive amount of resources, but I believe I will be able to look into this for you. I have contacts the world over. Through my network I can see what I can learn. I have not heard of this Kao Lor nor a monastery, although there are likely many monasteries the world over. Without a specific picture or more detailed information, I cannot help you. I may have access to some magic to aid, but the material costs are very very expensive. If you were to facilitate in acquiring enough resources, we could reach an agreement."
The turtle is hastily gobbling down food the entire time you are speaking with it. It has eaten some fish, and quite a bit of oat cakes and some fermented oat mash even.
Aury watches the giant turtle eat the foods given to it by the goatlings, and not the goatlings themselves, and after a few minutes of listening to the one sided conversations of Xanya and Miyu, speaks up.
"We found big stone blocks with claw marks on the bottom of the lake while catching fish, and there was water flowing into a crack somewhere beneath them. Is that your home?"
Xanya is interrupted by the message from the creature and she repeats her message telepathically.
After a while she starts almost dancing around ecstatically on Cryxial's back and squeals out in common. "He will help us!" Before she continues the silent conversation.
Shaeyl is content to watch and listen to what is said, not inclined to make his own conversation with the dragon.
Kiki bows to Akluzzar "Thank you great Akluzzar, if you ever require our aid, we would be happy to return the favour."
"We found big stone blocks with claw marks on the bottom of the lake while catching fish, and there was water flowing into a crack somewhere beneath them. Is that your home?"
"The materials I can acquire, I merely need the economic wherewithal to make the purchase, so quite frankly, I will need a lot of wealth, gold, gems, coin, valuables that we can liquidate for the components. Then I believe I can help you."
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"Small scaled one, do you have a question for me? You spoke, and seemed eager, but I was unable to understand your words.
"Does anyone else here have a petition for the Great Akluzzar?"
"Big turtle knows where Masher Good'un is..?"
Grubgullet you are aware of a voice in your mind speaking to you. You talk back to the turtle but it doesn't seem to reply. Eventually it faces you after a bit.
"Great Akluzzar, where shall we start to look for wealth?"
Quassine pauses ...
"As for being human, I only desire this because I am a hybrid of my former self and my parts are made up of both races. The failed process of turning me into an Illithid made me weak for I was once a physically strong warrior. Archmage Goodwin trained me to counter my weaknesses into strengths but part of me still wants to be human to end my frailty, my sensitivity to light, and have more pleasant features. However, I must admit, I do enjoy the qualities that come from the Illithids such as great intellect, seeing in the darkness further than most, and some of the other Illithid strengths. So I guess I do like being a hybrid but what really bothers me the most is my sensitivity to light, my appearance, and maybe my frailty?"
"Indeed. We always want what we don't have, luckily some appreciate what they've got and are successful. Regarding wealth? Well, you will find it in all the typical places, big cities, enterprise, lost dungeons. If it was just laying around, I would have picked it up myself."
The large cloud of fog has melted away. Nothing terribly interesting to note, but just for reference.
Xanya turns away from the turtle, facing the gathered crowd and speaks up in a loud voice. "The great Akluzzar has offered to help us find Goodwin. However in order to do so, he'll need plenty of expensive material component which he doesn't have. As such, we will need to gather a large amount of wealth in order to recive his aid. Our quest is clear. Gather a big enough fortune and we will get to know more about Goodwin. I am sure we can all come up with ways to get wealth. I for one will be looking to do good and noble quests to achieve that goal."
Xanya then turns towards Golden Ram. She speaks to him in a mixture of goatling and common, hoping he'll understand. "Sorry for bringing this up at the night of your cermony. But will you be able to offer us financial recompense in return for us aiding you in your troubles with your neighbors? We are suddenly in need for a wast amount of money. Of course helping you would be good in itself, but if we get paid you can help us in return."
"It may also be useful, in our travels, to learn if such turtles really have that power or if this is just an elaborate con," Teniel adds quietly, hoping the turtle doesn't overhear.
"Just like with creatures of other races I am sure dragon turtles vary greatly in their abilities and magical atunement. Surely not all Wayang's are the same? Xanya whispers back with a smirk.
Golden Ram listens to your words, and responds "Xanya, you and your people have been honored guests here, and we would welcome your role in helping us with those who border us. Your skills in diplomacy and worldliness would go far, but I must confess our people are not wealthy. The few items of value I have, have been passed down from generation to generation. I would dishonor our ancestors to give them up. Were they my own personal items, I would do so immediately if I knew it would help my people, but alas I cannot. I will find some way to aid you in finding your master, whether it is some other form of wealth or divinations in exchange."