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Eþnui shakes her head at all "I appreciate the gesture but considering for what you will be doing it is likely you kept them." She does look at the attire with longing but thinks better of it.
Eþnui then shrugs at Elise "I do not know how long this world has but not long. Tar Baphon's minions have been flooding through to speed up the process now that the process is reaching its peak. Tar Baphon will be using the Eldred for one of two things, either taking their essence to continue feeding the siphons and his own power. Or conversely turning them into undead soldiers. Hence making sure there is both an army and strong figurehead in which to lead them. Time is short, in the grand scale considering how long this has been building for."
Turning to Amelia she continues "Yes, this realm is to draw power from them both. As Tar-Baphon was all but a god, with Aroden's energy he will be one soon." Eþnui then looks down at Tenzukia who Nethan is now tending to. Looking at the two siblings that the group has already met. Eþnui sighs "There are four of them, three of them were trapped here while one was taken by allies to Geb. These Bloodstones are the organs of Arazni, or rather beings made manifest from those organs. Each one was being controlled by Tar-Baphon for a specific purpose. The strange one you met was to make mechanical undead, this one here." She points to Tenzukia "Was a conduit to the siphons. Lastly, Zenikuta, is an Eldred leader meant to coax the nations into one place for them to be destroyed. I believe that part of the plan is still ongoing."
"As of how to put a stop to this place disappearing. Unless you request the help of those of the first plane, like I did with the elven plane, I do not see how. At least with regards to this plane, it was made to be destroyed. It has come to the end of its life. To stop Tar-Baphon, however, is a matter of severing his tie to Aroden before he draws in all his power. If he becomes a god, there is little any of us can do to stop him."
While Nethan tends to Tenzukia, he looks up to Eþnui, "Eþnui, when we cut Tar-Baphon from Aroden's energy, is it possible to resurrect Aroden? And how might we go about it?"
"Tel me of the Eldred. Who created them, and how do they absorb Aroden's power in the first place?" Al requests
Dreyyn stands, listening to the conversation. Not knowing much of the magics in use, he asks a simple question.
"Wouldn't evacuating the plane be a bit easier than trying to keep open something meant to close?"
"And would colour magic work back in our real world?" Elise adds to Amelia's question.
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Eþnui tries to answer each question in turn, starting with Elise and Amelia's questions. "Colour magic is a type of transmutation magic. If you have ever heard of Primal magic it is basically the honing of that magic in a way similar to a painting. It is as wizards cast magic by rote through magic circles. Colour magic over the years is many Eldred coming together and identifying the part of primal magic that they most understand to pass on through to its populace. The first Eldred as you might have guessed by now were Elves from the Whispering way. These first generations, as the Eldred put it, combined the magic from the residual energy of Tar-Baphon's battle with Aroden with this understanding of primal energy to form the houses. They were meant to be unified once but of course even Tar-Baphon's servants are wont to show who is the greatest which caused their divide later." Eþnui meaders a little.
"Back to the point, the magic that was here was created by primal magic yes, specifically the shattering of Aroden's shield. Such an artifact left this world with a lot of residual magic from which to draw from. However with no-one to teach the new generations how this worked it came down how best to use these 'sects' or 'disciplines' of colour magic for each subsequent generation of Eldred." She ponders Elise's question. "Would it work in Golarion? Most likely yes, though it would require a source of primal magic to work. There are certain parts of the world that have that magic and I feel if you found this you likely could use it quite easily. Also if you carried some of the magic within the conduits that the Eldred make you could move away from such a source and still use colour magic"
Turning to Dreyyn she says "That could be possible, yes and far easier, where would you plan to take the many Eldred though?"
She realises that in the waffling from earlier she has answered most of Alþórel's question. "So yes the Eldred were the Whispering Way. However, they were the backup plan. This world was meant to effectively be a large phylactery if it failed at being a trap to Aroden. Either containing Tar-Baphon's soul to eventually come back or Aroden's soul so that he might be absorbed. It just so happened to become both. The original plan was for the Whispering Way elves to use the trap to refocus the energy into resurrection because of Tar-Baphon's defeat. However due to the primal energy left behind by the shield they concocted a new plan. One to capture Aroden who though victorious was left weakened. Few know of this weakening. It started with the loss of his avatar, then the fight with Tar-Baphon, then finally when he decided to shoulder all of humanities problems on his back. All this would take its toll.
Eþnui the narrates the piece missing from the history books. "On his return journey, what would now be called the Eldred, reopened the portal to this world. The Well of Sorrows. The Eldred poured out of there and fought the God for three weeks. Three weeks did Blue Eldred hold a storm to trap him. Three weeks did white Eldred hold Aroden at bay. Three weeks did Green Eldred slowly poison him. Red Eldred entangled him, yellow Eldred encased him, purple Eldred shattered his will. Slowly they battered him down, then the first then threw him into the Well where the trap that was laid by Tar-Baphon, finally sprung." As Eþnui regales the tale she makes sweeping motions with her hands before she clenches them near her face. "From here the rest was simple, utilise the primal magic over and over again until there was none left. Then any magic that was used in this plane would be drawn from Aroden instead as there was no other source. This magic was taken into the Eldred similar to how sorcerors are gifted their magic. Once an Eldred had enough they were drawn to the Siphons, where the magic was thus absorbed and returned to Tar-Baphon."
"Thus to answer your question." She eyes Nethan. "Since colour magic still functions, Aroden is not yet dead. His magic is just trapped here. If you are able to cut off Tar-Baphon from the siphons, you might yet, save a god."
"The world we come from is large. Vast expanses of unclaimed or undefended land. There is a place for those that can live among the established clans and nations."
Nethan nods with each of Eþnui's answers, "What is the best most efficient way of shutting down the siphons or separating Tar-baphon from them? Besides saving Aroden and maybe weakening Tar-Baphon, what other effects will there be after shutting down or destroying the siphons?
As for color magic, is there a faster way of learning it especially those who already have an arcane using background?"
Eþnui begins to think more on the questions as they are now about the challenges ahead, she postulates "You would likely have to try to convince the Eldred that leaving the plan is best for them. The best target would be Zenikuta, you would need to convince her to send a message of this plan or depose her and take partial command of the .. "relief effort" she will be putting in motion."
Eþnui clasps her hands together and rests her chin on them. "Hmm, the best way would be just flat out destroying them one by one. Though that is not the most effecient. You could use this plane to try and find them. Draw them up here and fight them together. You all are strong enough to fight many at the same time. This plane as you saw previously is a place to funnel the siphon's energy. Taking Tenzukia off the focus." She points to the prison Tenzukia was in. "It will slow the siphon's energy a bit but not completely. Think of it as Tar-Baphon now getting a pub meal of energy every so often instead of a high class dinner.
"Colour magic could be learnt faster if you find the right kind of teacher. For those studious of the arcane I would advise learning from an Ustali teacher if you could find one. How they learn magic is the most similar to Golarian magic even if you aren't using black colour magic."
Lastly replying to Amelia "The plane was made to serve two functions one of which was the phylactery yes. Tar-Baphon is reborn but is in a relatively weakened state to when he fought Aroden. In this state he would be no match for taking on nations. However with the siphons he will slowly return to that point and eventually even beyond that with Aroden's power. Where he is at the moment, even I don't know. Though if I would hazard a guess, you could follow the energy the siphons are feeding to this place further down the line and you would likely find him."
"Do you think it is possible to... 'poison' then energy going to Tar Baphon? To channel Positive Energy into his phylactery, for instance?" Al asks.
Nethan shifts his focus between Alþórel and Eþnui, "Hmm, how do we coax the siphons to suck and transfer the poisonous energy like unlife from undead or necromantic magic? Is Tar-baphon cognitive and strong enough to detect the poisoning and stop us? Lastly, is Tenzukia the key to lure the siphons here to either destroy or transfer poisonous energy or both? Lastly, wouldn't it be more efficient to destroy the siphons than poison him since it has taken many Eldred to bring him to his current state. Wouldn't it take equal amount to poison him effectively?"
"Destroying the Siphons make sense. On the other hand Tar Baphon nearly took on Aroden once. If there is a chance to swing that fight in our favour before he realises then I am keen to do so."
"Or redirect the flow, as one would a river. Have the energy go in a loop rather than to him."
Nethan nods then shakes his head, "I think we should significantly reduce the flow but not totally shut it off. It may be just like poisoning him and he wakes up before we are ready for him while a significant reduction may go unnoticed long enough to get ready before he looks into why his siphons are not properly draining and transferring?"
"I would suggest the mechanism can cope with a reduced flow. If we could reverse the flow that might work - perhaps we can turn the Siphons on their master. I was wondering how good the filters on his incoming energy were."
"If Zenikuta is an eldred leader, we might only have to convince her to get most of the eldred to leave. And we might want an extra army to deal with Tar-Baphon's undead spawn." Elise muses, leaving the matter of the siphons to the wizards.
Tar baphon is cognitive enough to notice large scale effects on the siphon but small amounts, relatively, might weaken him. He will take notice eventually but it would give you an edge over him while he is 'poisoned'. Redirecting or stopping the flow all at once might be good to draw him out. Perhaps to a place of your choosing instead of his. Even in his own world I'm sure a sufficient trap would be good to turn the table. Epnui says as she comments about the siphons.
The sisters balk at the talk but Atenzuki says. I know of Arazni, but being her that's impossible.. I'm me... Aren't I? There is no way I'm just a part of someone else.
Epnui shrugs The truth can hurt, but her fragments were split apart and purposefully made to not remember what they are. So they could not return as one so easily. Perhaps with the light of Aroden you might be an avatar once more. Pray he forgives your misdeeds.
I have never...! Atenzuki blurts out.
The sins of the mother are not the sins of the daughter I know. Gods view us differently so who knows. Though the connection you share is the organ you were before you were a person. They all share the same blood and a part of Araznis power.
Finally Epnui nods at Elise. it is one idea, do you think you could convince her as a group?
"Well, even if she won't play along, I think we know some really nice people that look very similar ..." Elise trails off and tries not to stare too much at Atenzuki and her "sisters". It would probably work, but she wasn't sure they wanted to pour more stuff onto them during their little existential crisis. Hmm. But it did make her think of something... "I wouldn't worry about it Atenzuki. The elders of my village used to tell how the first humans were made from ash and elm trees; yet no-one has ever tried to hold me responsible for casting inconvenient shade or tripping someone on my roots. So it doesn't seem the gods care what you were made of! *uh* Right Al?"
"Besides!" she continues with a grin and a friendly pat on Atenzuki's back. "If Aroden turns out to be thick-headed about it I'll just slap him around a bit; can't be too tough seeing as he needs us to rescue him."
"It would be nice if we could reduce the number of Eldred to be slain by asking them to return to their true home worlds but unfortunately we have to leave some behind as sacrificial lambs to be drained by the siphons to keep our shenanigans from going immediately noticed. Unless all Edred can be reached, we will have to go to every demiplane and convince them to leave while we can call all the siphons here at one time to start destroying them. Unfortunately, we don't know if the siphons are remade after we destroy them or if they are permanently destroyed even when we take the siphon stones? If we do too much too soon, we may have to deal with Tar-Baphon before we are ready? The most complicated endeavor is by figuring out how the soul energy flows and then reroute it but that seems to be a waste since each flow is from Eldred who have been siphoned."
"Let's do it this way, see if we convince most of Eldred to leave in either to Galorion or their own worlds? If we realize that is not going to work, then let's summon the siphons into one demi-plane, and destroy as many as we can, maybe around 60 to 75%? Personally, I think we should destroy as many siphons as we can so we don't have to say which Eldred should stay to be sacrificial lambs and which Eldred will leave the Demiplanes of Tar-Baphon."
"Yes, you're right Nethan. We can't deliberately sacrifice lives to Tar Baphon. Our first action must be to start an evacuation, or destroy the siphons." Al nods.
Tenzukia's eyes flare awake from the tending and healing magic. She snaps her head around and sees Eþnui, then the rest of you. She suddenly starts crawling backwards as fast as she can in her tired state until she hits the wall. "More..more of you? You putting me in another jail you.. witch!" She spits at Eþnui.
Tenzukia stares at confusion at the sisters the same way they looked at each other at first. "Doppelgangers... why, have you begun to clone me for some nefarious schemes. Already I am being used by that undead monstrousity.. now my likeness is.. those things." She points.
Despite the sisters knowing the truth of the matter, they seem visibily hurt by the accusations. Eþnui shrugs and turns around, "I'll let you deal with this. I doubt she would listen to someone who kept her locked up for her energy and effectively tortured her. Even if I have turned a new leaf, it will likely take more than words before she accepts an apology from me. I doubt she'd ever forgive me."
Nethan replies to Al before shifting his focus to Tenzukia, "Maybe we can either lure undead to the siphons and some how convince the siphons to suck the negative essence from the undead or perhaps see if Tenzukia can have the siphons convert the energy to negative energy or can do the convincing in sucking negative essence from undead?"
Nethan looks to Tenzukia, "Have no fear Tenzukia, these are two of your identical sisters, Atenzuki and Kizutena. We still need to find and speak with your sister, Zenikuta. They are not Doppelgangers and there is witchery abound but Eþnui is not the main witch. Also, Eþnui has changed for the better and has freed you to us for your safety like your other sisters. Do you require healing or anything?"
"Please be a bit *nice* to your sisters too." Elise grunts at the *uhhh* maybe liver? Things were starting (Hah! 'Starting'!) to get a bit out of hand but there was one thing Elise knew for sure - family mattered. "Things are pretty screwed up for you and there's still a few bumps before things get better. So you'll need eachother."
"I don't think I need a healer right now, most of the damage is to my pride. The wounds have been sealed mostly, no doubt thanks to you." She blinks and stares at the other two sisters like they are some form of apparition "I have never known to have ..sisters.. so forgive me about being skeptical of the whole situation. Also forgive me but that witch likely still has me on a short leash I'm sure. Just because a dog gets to roam around the house doesn't mean their free! She answers, not entirely convinced at the scenario. Though at the offer of healing she seems to believe that she is safe with your group at least. If not a shield from Eþnui and her magic.
Atenzuki frowns folding her arms in front of her "Well, at least we are in no immediate danger. Perhaps Kizutena and I should try to convince you at least a bit more when we are in a safer location." She looks to the group. "Should we head back to the outpost. I suspect Spook might be wandering what's taking us, or why we left him behind."
Eþnui says "I can open a portal back to the Eldred's world when you are ready. Tar-Baphon does not know of your outpost yet, I thought to convince Al before telling him about it because no doubt Tar-Baphon would've wanted it wiped out. It means you have some time before other forces find out about it. I would make haste to shore up the defences however as undead are not in the fashion of needing rest. They will eventually scour everywhere they can."
"Hmm." Elise thought about their next moves. Knowing that the outpost was 'safe' for a little while longer helped a bit. They could use the staging ground - and having some more heads to bounce around ideas with could probably help. So it was a start. With a glance at Al and Nethan she nodded. "Yeah, we'll need a bit of time to prepare. I think" She wasn't sure exactly how either of the mages would accomplish their ideas, but she was sure it would take some thinking and or sitting in corners and humming spells. That's how it usually went anyhow!
Nethan does not refute Tenzukia's comments regarding Eþnui. Sometimes it is just better for a scorned women release her frustrations.
Nethan nods, "Uncle Al, I am ready to head back if you are? We still need to find the last Bloodstone and I feel other changes in the air before we prepare."
The group sets through the portal with the sisters in tow. They find themselves back at the lake with the war owls sitting patiently waiting for them. A couple of them seem to have gone hunting for food in the meantime as you see feathers strewn about the place that are far smaller than the birds own feathers.
Packing up your things you depart once more for the outpost. The flight goes by in relative uneventfulness though the group can see small retinues from armies marching in the distance.
When they arrive they find that the outpost is gearing for something. There are some rudimentary drills in process as many of the Eldred have started to build more fortifications to the outpost. As per the rules still, the Eldred here have the matted grey colours for their armour while within the walls.
"Smells like war." Elise notes as they come closer to the outpost. With a frown she speculates. "That ... good? If they are getting ready for battle they should be ready to march... And that's what we really need. Other then a long bath."
"It depends on if they are doing this because scouts saw Tar's armies on the move or not."
"Little point in fortifications." Al sighs "Alright. I see we can either try to convince them, head immediately for Zenikuta, or try to shut down another Siphon. We're in good shape, we know where they are, and I think Nethan and I can take a shortcut through the realm we were just in - but not take all of us."
"I do think we need to land, and talk long enough to find out what is happening, and grab some food. Perhaps take someone with us if we go to see Zenikuta. We should also collect the reward for destroying the Siphon." He scratches at his beard "I wish we had time for a bath. Let's run through this while we decide what is left to do today."
Nethan shakes his head, "I disagree Uncle Al, we should rest because I feel that "changes are in the wind", find out if or how we can help here because of what you said about fortifications, see if we can find a colour magic mentor which may further assist us in our endeavors, and discuss how we can poison siphons with Tenzukia help? Lastly, we still have 5,500 in remaining gold we can use to purchase supplies."
Nethan nods, "That's what we need to find out and besides what if the aggressor is Zenikuta's tribe? We would have traveled all that way for nothing and may end poorly? Let's regroup and see what is going on before going on to our next task. Perhaps you are correct Uncle Al, we could just leap to Zenikuta's residence but it may also be bad?"
"By all means let's move on and talk to them, and perhaps make our decision then." "Uncle" Alþórel said. "Though If we are going to rest, there is little point in conserving my spells."
As they approached the town the wizard shimmered. He seemed to straighten, standing taller. His clothes deepened in colour, then faded to a light gray. His face became that of an Eldred of middle age, piercing gray eyes matching his raiment. "I think, for now, I will go by Gray." he announced.
.
Amelia moves in to see that Sarangeral is mustering a few of the Eldred and appears to be training them. It looks rather different to what you used to seeing in Eldred. The blind Eldred those that are usually blue are teaching some of the others how to use blunt weaponry.
The others follow in tow with a tall Eldred in the midst of them.
"Yeah, let's take a rest and think about things." Elise agrees. She liked action - but when the world was at stake thinking on ones options might be worth it. "And I don't think we'll convince the eldred simply by snapping our fingers either..." Though she wasn't sure on that last point. They did have some powerful magic on their side after all ...
Once inside Elise diverts from the group for a little moment, looking to see if her friend/brief acquaintance were among the blue training.
As the group enters the town, it appears that each member goes their separate ways or follows Nethan. Nethan nods to Elise, "Rest is definitely needed but before we rest, I have a few important questions for the Sarangeral" Nethan approaches Sarangeral and waits patently for his audience.
When Chief Sarangeral address or meets Nethan's gaze to start a conversation, Nethan gives Chief Sarangeral a courtesy bow from the neck, "Chieftain Sarangeral, what is moving our way to be on battle alert? Is it something we can assist with? Also, by any chance, do you know where you may able to find the Eldred Leader Zenikuta?"
Elise might not recall the girl's name but she does remember that they met at the bathhouse. Making a brief detour she finds the woman still guarding the place diligently, you remember it was something to do with how blue Eldred could control the water.
Sarangeral beams as he sees the party return. "Welcome back Nethan. Yes, you are right pleasantries later. Nothing is approaching us per say but there is a lot of walking dead encroaching on land nearby. We were about to stage some skirmishes to lead them away from this direction. No doubt they would return eventually but at least to buy us some more time to mount a more defensive perimeter." He then pauses at the last question.
"Zenikuta.. few Eldred would not know of her. Why do you ask?" He asks warily, it does not seem he's hiding anything but seems unsteady at the mention of her name.
"Yes Amelia, I too did not think fighting would be needed but despite the different walks of life amongst the Eldred here, I think all of them prefer to be alive. The threat of the dead that walk is common to all Eldred. Nations may not move together as of yet, but small pockets of travellers you see here are likely a bit more open-minded to working together than full crowds.
Al steps forward, and bows. He speaks slowly and clearly, intoning as much as talking. "I was a contemporary of your creator. Call me Gray." he introduces himself. "I am pleased to meet you, though the circumstances could be better. I understand you have started to piece together what is happening. I..." he pauses, and gestures out to the others "We have answers. If we assemble your leaders we can give them to you."
Gray sighs "These walking dead are a precursor. A great evil stirs, and wakes. Your First Generation has betrayed their children. As for why we need to talk to Zenikuta - we need to talk to her to coordinate a response to the approaching apocalypse. First, though" he smiles "I understand you have a bounty on Siphons?"