Alkaid replies
"Occipitis, isn't that plane considered haunted by abyssal standards?"
That's a fair description. It's in a sort of decay.
Concerned, the dwarf asks, "'s 'at better 'r worse 'an bein' 'aunted by ghosts?"
Kythel listens but does not speak, his knowledge of the Planes is limited but he is certainly willing to listen and learn.
"Isn't evr'thn in the planes sum'n tha' use t' be dead'n became sum'n else?" Broccan asks, clearly confused by the subject matter.
True enough, in the abstract, young friend. Occipitus is undergoing some stresses. If I had to guess, I’d say that your recent actions against the forces of evil got you noticed by someone, and that someone sent the babaus out to finish you off. In fact, I suspect the attack may have something to do with the true enemy you face. I want to see a new direction for Occipitus, I have the sense that it has a crucial role to play in the battle between good and evil.
"Yer gonna move Awksipitus somewhere else?"
"That is a difficult process and one that could take years."
There is a way. One may control Occipitus by passing the Test of the Smoking Eye.
"Ye never told 's 'at th' Smokin' Eye 's, lad. N' there be a test?"
""ope th' test dinn'eh require lotsa book learn'n'," Broccan says quietly to himself.
It is a test devised by the former ruler of the plane, who disappeared years ago. Whoever passes the Test of the Smoking Eye becomes the new rightful ruler of Occipitus. I know the test has three parts, each hidden somewhere on Occipitus. Passing the first part of the test reveals the location of the second part, and so on. I stumbled upon the location of the first test, but I’m not powerful enough to pass it. The prophet’s final words give me hope that you all have sufficient power.
It's hard to say how long it would take. There are so many variables.
"You wish for us to leave this Plane now in a moment of crisis and take a test we may or may not pass?
How will it aid us I suppose is the question that comes to my mind?"
"'n 'at 'appens if'n we fail?"
KNowledge Planes
Alkaid spills the beans on what she knows.
"This test won't take years though correct, it is just the first step in the process yes?
Still, if Cauldron is in danger bringing Alek back to seize control of the city from those who are creating chaos is the first step I think".
No, the test will not take years. More like days. If you must go to Cauldron, so be it. I can teleport you close, say, to Redgorge, but I won't go there myself. You must promise to go with me to Occipitus in return, and quickly. We are in a race against time.
The balance is fragile. It cannot be allowed to go entirely to evil. Some demons dream of ruling Occipitus themselves and remaking the place as a plane of pure evil. I know of at least two such groups-one lead by Succubus and another lead by a renegade Rakshasa. They’re close to finding the first part of the test. That is why I'm in a hurry.
"A teleport nearby seems fair yes? Can we all agree? Sir Alek, are you confident that you will be able to calm the city at this uncertain time?"
"If our good name's no' too smear'd, we c'n stand with ye, if ye think it'll 'elp," Broccan offers.
"Just who is this Kaurophon, given his mixed heritage....."
We can all get close. I won't go into the city proper.
"Very well. We gain nothing by staying here..."
Kaurophon pulls out a scroll and gets them close.
Well, I guess that's pretty close... Kaurophon says, a little embarrassed.
The dwarf slaps the new guy on the back, "Beats swimmin', lad. We c'n be marchin' 't 'n a day 'r four, aye?"
You are indeed much closer to home than you were. In fact 108 is much closer than plane shift usually does.......
.....skipping ahead...one message spell later and shortly Sanstree appears....greeting you with a big smile....
"It seems er rescue was usurped but not tah worry, I got yer travel arrangements all sorted out."
He pulls out several small toy horses....
"These will summon mounts tah carry yah home. I ken take one o you tah Cauldron now if yah want."
He also pulls out a small barrel of ale....
I'll be waiting for you here.
Kythel takes a drink of the ale, "Saving the world is thirsty work.
Do we travel with Alek to the city? If we do we lose 8 days that we may well need if our foes seek to control this Occipitus..."
"Sanstree, what be th' state o' th' city? D'ye need th' lot o' 's 'r 's Alek th' only one ye need?"
I will try, yet again. I won't go to Cauldron, but I can get you closer. I cannot risk being seen by the Cagewrights. Once I take you away from this plane, things will be different, and easier. We will do much good.
Kaurophon begins to read and speak the magic on the second scroll, and the party is teleported again.