"I am known as "Taker-of-Life". I am a healer, though not in same ways as the gods. I have an idea on what might have caused this. Our race has been keeping something from beyond the planes away. These things are more alien than any outsider. If one is waking, then It could cause such ripples."
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The patriarch looks at his army commander as number of priests off objections.
"Will it work?"
He asks
The commander just nods and says,
"If done right yes"
The patriarch holds his hand up, the priests fall silent,
"Yes blaspheme it my be, yes the gods may doom us later but right now I need this city in order. This plan from the Temple of the mind will be placed in action. We will use this building as the center. Heric I want your network of spys and informers spreading the word. Council of priests I want the temples open and events underway to call the gods back at the time of the manifestation which will be dusk today. At sunset we place this plan in action, any who object or course father descent will be put to the sword. I want the hole city to see this."
He nods as Taker-of-Life talks of outer gods.
"I want all in the great labiry working on that, Tree of life would you be so kind as to help with the research."
** spoiler omitted **
At the sight of the Symbol, Jamaardi couldn't help but to feel something nagging at the back of his mind. It was enough of a notion that the symbol meant something important that the Xeph found himself paying little mind to the Patriarch's announcement and his companion's subsequent introductions. It was just as the Patriarch made arrangements for cooperation between the party and his court that Jamaardi recalled some tidbit about Eto that he had heard in passing sometime ago.
::"I've just recalled something about this place- all thanks to that Vampire Symbol that got pointed at. Eto had the distinction of being one of the few places in Osirion that was very undead friendly, especially towards Vampires, strange as it may sound. Caused quite a bit of stir among the clergy too, especially to the faithful of Pharasma. I also noticed that there were some undead among the rioting slaves from when we were heading to this place under Nooroleic's guidance.::
The Patriarch looks down the table,
"Now we can talk, your words are wise visitors I am sorry, the loss... the loss of magics and the gods has place my rule under stress. We will have your names and from whence you came. You say you wish to aid us, then tell us, who do you represent and what can you offer in the way of aid, because right now I will take any suggestions."
"I am Aldondrick Volharan, I shall let my comrades speak for themselves. We represent a Temple of Mind Mages in the northlands. We represent only the desire to restore order to the lands. It will be difficult to ascertain the cause of this catastrophe with the citizens running amok.
Therefore, I present the following solution to you. I shall summon a figure to come forth and speak with the mouth of your Gods. That shall show the people that their Gods have not abandoned them completely.
Once order is restored, we can pool our collective wisdom together with neighboring Kingdoms to determine what, if any, information they may have uncovered about this time of troubles. This idea may seem anathema to your wise men but this is an unprecedented event and hoarding knowledge will not aid you.
Even if there is no solution to this dilemma, civilization must not crumble into chaos!" Aldon slams his fist down on the table for emphasis.
The patriarch holds his hand up, the priests fall silent,
"Yes blaspheme it my be, yes the gods may doom us later but right now I need this city in order. This plan from the Temple of the mind will be placed in action. We will use this building as the center. Heric I want your network of spys and informers spreading the word. Council of priests I want the temples open and events underway to call the gods back at the time of the manifestation which will be dusk today. At sunset we place this plan in action, any who object or course father descent will be put to the sword. I want the hole city to see this."
"I am known as "Taker-of-Life". I am a healer, though not in same ways as the gods. I have an idea on what might have caused this. Our race has been keeping something from beyond the planes away. These things are more alien than any outsider. If one is waking, then It could cause such ripples."
He nods as Taker-of-Life talks of outer gods."I want all in the great labiry working on that, Tree of life would you be so kind as to help with the research."
At the sight of the Symbol, Jamaardi couldn't help but to feel something nagging at the back of his mind. It was enough of a notion that the symbol meant something important that the Xeph found himself paying little mind to the Patriarch's announcement and his companion's subsequent introductions. It was just as the Patriarch made arrangements for cooperation between the party and his court that Jamaardi recalled some tidbit about Eto that he had heard in passing sometime ago.
"Pardon my query", Jamaardi addresses to the Patriarch and all the assembled advisors, "earlier from whence, before we even arrived to this temple sanctuary, our group and your guards were beset upon by rioting ex-slaves; I couldn't help but notice that some of the former slaves... among them were those of the, ah, "undead" sort- couldn't really tell what sort they were, other than they definitely were undead. Seeing that the old Vampire representatives seem to be not in attendance this day, would it be remiss of me to ask if the undead have ceased their support of your authority?".
Pausing for a moment, the Xeph adds in with a "And is there anything you could tell us about those who ambushed us before the former slaves? True Believers, I think they were called." as a bit of an afterthought.
|
|
The Comander of the Army talks.
"My scouts have been out, out on the streets none where undead, unwashed yes, hurt yes, some ill even, but the undead, they lie in the streets useless and unmoving, we have sent scouts to the Vampire Temples, we find only living slaves there, all the undead alcoves where empty. All the crafted under licence undead in the city are true dead now. No spirit or ghost talks or acts. The afterlives are uncountable. Every Demon, devil, Angel gone, in fact a have a core of Summoners now usless as mages and clerics. My own magic armor is no so much tin. The Wards of the city gone. MAgic in all its forms has ended but for your own. What I want to know is WHY it ended and HOW come your powers of magic still work. Nothing our scribes and academics can fine can explain this. One put it like this, Its as if a fundamental force in reality had just stopped working, like cold or heat.. Its not just here, we have reports from far and wide its happoned everywhere."
You know this to be wrong there was a few just a few undead in the city. 3 or for, they where disclosed and working to push the trubels. There was also something odd about one that came close. It have off psionic not a magic but a aura.
They all node at this, you can see the worry on their faces, this is doomsday, the end of the world and they are doing there best.
The Pariarh looks at you.
"So a plan to stop the panic, we have an outline. A show that magic is not dead, and the call for carlm. Lets get strated."
its an odd one, they are nor normal Magic Vampires but are linked to mind flyers and the over mind. Life sucking Thrall minds.
The Comander of the Army talks.
"My scouts have been out, out on the streets none where undead, unwashed yes, hurt yes, some ill even, but the undead, they lie in the streets useless and unmoving, we have sent scouts to the Vampire Temples, we find only living slaves there, all the undead alcoves where empty. All the crafted under licence undead in the city are true dead now. No spirit or ghost talks or acts. The afterlives are uncountable. Every Demon, devil, Angel gone, in fact a have a core of Summoners now usless as mages and clerics. My own magic armor is no so much tin. The Wards of the city gone. MAgic in all its forms has ended but for your own. What I want to know is WHY it ended and HOW come your powers of magic still work. Nothing our scribes and academics can fine can explain this. One put it like this, Its as if a fundamental force in reality had just stopped working, like cold or heat.. Its not just here, we have reports from far and wide its happoned everywhere."
They all node at this, you can see the worry on their faces, this is doomsday, the end of the world and they are doing there best.
"That was my understanding as well, that no undead remain upon the face of this world. Hmm...the waste-mutants were reportedly having a field day over at Geb, getting their slaves from the food-slave-pens with little to no opposition; still... I know that I saw among the ex-slave rioters... a clever disguise? That couldn't have been it...", Jamaardi muses, more to himself than to the Commander addressing him.
::"I'm almost positive that there were undead among those rioters that we encountered shortly before coming here; even got a close look at one of them as they were manning that trebuchet- it was strange... almost like it had an aura about it- I can't put my finger on it though, but it definitely wasn't something I've ever seen nor heard of before.":: the Xeph mentions to both Aldon and Taker in the midst of his musings.
Closing his eyes briefly, Jamaardi takes a deep breath before opening them back up and addresses the Commander, along with any other Advisors close by. "At the very least, you won't be having any troubles from the Pharasmites now- the clean-up though on the other hand..."
Glancing to the Patriarch and his advisors, Jamaardi adds thoughtfully, "Why "our" form of magic remains is unknown, even to us; it could be that our gifts might not be so inviolate as everybody here presumes it to be,". The Xeph then looks over at Aldon and Taker before resuming, "Just as hairs and nails could continue to grow upon a corpse, long after life has fled it's corporeal remains, so too it could very well be that our own... psionic may soon fade in turn, as with magics from both the gods and the arcane. Hopefully, not before the announcement tonight though. Would be rather ironic if it did, however...
The Pariarh looks at you.
[b]"So a plan to stop the panic, we have an outline. A show that magic is not dead, and the call for carlm. Lets get strated."
Perhaps if they have someone who can perform Ventriloquism to give the Construct a booming voice, that is what I would have wanted the stage for but I wonder if there is enough time to construct it..."
::"Alas, I fear that my own abilities are limited to concealing my thoughts, blending in as a chameleon would, calling upon any weaponry known, having sight near equal to any Elf that lived, being able to land upon my own two feet, lasting a bit longer in battle... I can distract someone from afar, but only singly.
If worse comes to worse, I suppose that if I could attach myself whilst being unseen to your Astral Constructs...
Perhaps if we were look at where exactly the Patriarch plans to make his big pronouncement? We may be able to have something made- assuming that there are craftsmen still remaining among the Patriarch's men and not the former slaves.
As for something like Ventriloquism? Apart from magic, which no longer exists for now, I've not heard any such equivalent with Mind Magic- perhaps the Grand Mind-Mage Gillwithal would know more, Aldondrick? Come to think of it, would he know of this Mage Zirosna?"::
"Patriarch, can we view the area where the announcements will be made so that we can ascertain the best way to approach the event? Also, have you any men who are skilled with ventriloquism? If no stage ca be created in this short amount of time, we may need one with such skills..."
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Your take up to the top of the high temple, its a massive pyramid with a flat top. From it you can see the whole city. There are fires you can see the streets teaming. As you walk around you can see an area where there must have been sound magic, to proclamations and call to prayer could be made. Then you spot something high up flying very high and fast
Perception -
As the group is being led up to what appears to be the top level of the temple that they were all at moments ago, Jamaardi adds in with a thoughtspeak of ::"How about you, Taker of Life- have you heard of anything similar to Ventriloquism, but not powered by magic or cleverness?"::
Upon reaching the area where the announcement is to be held, the Xeph notices everybody staring up at something flying in the air.
::"Controlling sound would be an option. Some psions can do that. Not my style.":: she responds.
She has long learned that looking up in the sky is foolish, for it induces pain. How these people stand it is beyond her.
::"I wonder what that was? Could either of you identify it?"::
Aldon takes a look around, "This high up a small shelter will be enough to hide my presence when I summon my Constructs. I wonder, is there some non-magical way to boost or amplify my voice from in high?"
::"Controlling sound would be an option. Some psions can do that. Not my style.":: she responds.
::"A pity then."::, Jamaardi replies back via the mindlink network, ::"I'm guessing that the Mind Temple wouldn't be able to send somebody with such a gift to us; at least not right away and not without having to escort them to our location here by nightfall."::
Your take up to the top of the high temple, its a massive pyramid with a flat top. From it you can see the whole city. There are fires you can see the streets teaming. As you walk around you can see an area where there must have been sound magic, to proclamations and call to prayer could be made. Then you spot something high up flying very high and fast
::"I wonder what that was? Could either of you identify it?"::
::"You mean the 'Whatever-It-was' that was flying up so high and swiftly in the sky that it left a line trailing west, suspended in midair? I'm afraid that I wasn't able to get a good look at it."::, the Xeph answers in reply via silent mindspeech. His physical attention, however, is upon that of the Patriarch and his Advisors. Jamaardi then asks them outloud, "I take it that such an occurrence like this has not happened before?"
Aldon takes a look around, "This high up a small shelter will be enough to hide my presence when I summon my Constructs. I wonder, is there some non-magical way to boost or amplify my voice from in high?"
"No says an Advisor ooking in a large book."
"is it a portent? Asks the Patriarch
"There is nothing like it in the Historys Patriarch"
The Patriarch looks at you.
"If you do not know it matters not, we need that show of magic and the time is upon us. Undertake it now if you are able"
They Stand back and wait for you display of power.
"No" says an Advisor ooking in a large book."is it a portent? Asks the Patriarch
"There is nothing like it in the Historys Patriarch"
Grinning widely, Jamaardi cuts in with, "Then this clearly must mean that our arrival here is a good omen and portent- for the books and the sake of this city, if not the entire nation." as he raises his left hand pointing upwards towards the line-cloud in the sky.
The Patriarch looks at you.
"If you do not know it matters not, we need that show of magic and the time is upon us. Undertake it now if you are able"
They Stand back and wait for you display of power.
::"Guess there isn't any time for constructing a stage; mayhaps just showing your construct shall have to suffice, Aldon? If not, are you able to make it big enough to carry me? I suppose I can blend in- trying to make it look as though I'm not really there. You'll have to give me some lines to shout out to the masses as well. Anything you could add into the mix, Taker?"::
::I would prefer to not have the Construct hold you, their length of time here on this plane is limited and dropping you from a high place does not seem like a strategically wise move, we are all each other have after all::
Aldon looks to the Patriarch, "We are as ready as we are going to be".
::"I do appreciate the thought; I should be fine at about a height of 150' to 200' feet though, higher than that, then I'd have to make sure that my flask of Endeca's Gravity Slime is at the ready- if it even still works. Of course it should really be used only as a last resort if the Patriarch really has his heart set on having your construct make with the grand pronouncements."::
The Xeph then has a thought of his own, as he looks downwards to see if there are in fact any people assembled about the temple and if it getting close to nghtfall.
yes there are the troops have been passing on the word that the GODs will show up tonight.
::"Guess they did get the word out on the street, even with all that rioting and sniping; the line in the sky probably helped things along though."::
"So how does these announcements of importance get handled around the temple top, I wonder?", Jamaardi asks to no-one in particular () as he leans over to get a good look at the assembled folks down below.
"We have this"
A large nozzle is pointed to, you can see it leads down to a set of funnels.
"There was magic but now its gone, but it should still project sound"
Says a small dwarf in a sand colored kilt and a belt of tools.
"I'm Kippel by the way, the master of the engineering collage, we'er just making the platform for you all, will be about half and hour."
Aldon nods to Kippel, "Excellent work Master Kippel. The sooner order can be restored the sooner the Patriarch and his people can assist us in researching this calamity. Tell me, have you or yours had any thoughts as to what may have caused the collapse of the integrity of magic?"
He strokes her beard, and thinks for a moment,
"Well that thing that just flow over, that was going some, bout 500 miles an hour my our recanting, ant nothing moves that fact that's natural"
he looks over at two other dwafs, one of them nods the other holds some kind of spy glass and theodolite.
"And it ant no magic in that thing, it was steam powered, thats my feeling. Can tell from the trail it left. That kind of stuff, its real advanced stuff, more than us. who ever they where or where they where going, that I would like to know, cus stopping ALL magic here and as far as we can tell the world over, that takes some real power, a power that can take on the will and power of the gods."
::Jamaardi, Taker, do we know of any Kingdoms that have such advanced knowledge that can create mundane objects that can simulate magic?::
Knowldege Geography
"So how does these announcements of importance get handled around the temple top, I wonder?", Jamaardi asks to no-one in particular as he leans over to get a good look at the assembled folks down below.
"We have this"
A large nozzle is pointed to, you can see it leads down to a set of funnels.
"There was magic but now its gone, but it should still project sound"
Says a small dwarf in a sand colored kilt and a belt of tools.
"I'm Kippel by the way, the master of the engineering collage, we'er just making the platform for you all, will be about half and hour."
Aldon nods to Kippel, "Excellent work Master Kippel. The sooner order can be restored the sooner the Patriarch and his people can assist us in researching this calamity. Tell me, have you or yours had any thoughts as to what may have caused the collapse of the integrity of magic?"
He strokes her beard, and thinks for a moment,
"Well that thing that just flow over, that was going some, bout 500 miles an hour my our recanting, ant nothing moves that fact that's natural"
he looks over at two other dwafs, one of them nods the other holds some kind of spy glass and theodolite.
"And it ant no magic in that thing, it was steam powered, thats my feeling. Can tell from the trail it left. That kind of stuff, its real advanced stuff, more than us. who ever they where or where they where going, that I would like to know, cus stopping ALL magic here and as far as we can tell the world over, that takes some real power, a power that can take on the will and power of the gods."
::Jamaardi, Taker, do we know of any Kingdoms that have such advanced knowledge that can create mundane objects that can simulate magic?::
Glancing over at the newcomer Dwarf named Kippel, Jamaardi nods sagely to him and adds, "Hmm, other than it using steam and moving at an incredible rate of speed, is there anything more you or your fellows can tell us of this object- what it appeared to look like and how large it was?"
::"Something created independently from magic that is actually mundane? Nothing that I've ever heard of on this world and that's even counting the ancient flying cities of the Shory empire of old and the many crafts originating from the Gunworks of the Alkenstar Duchy. Now if we were to consider the other worlds besides this one... Verces or Eox, perhaps? But even then, I believe that magic would almost certainly have been used then, even in their cases."::
::"Something created independently from magic that is actually mundane? Nothing that I've ever heard of on this world and that's even counting the ancient flying cities of the Shory empire of old and the many crafts originating from the Gunworks of the Alkenstar Duchy. Now if we were to consider the other worlds besides this one... Verces or Eox, perhaps? But even then, I believe that magic would almost certainly have been used then, even in their cases."::
. Those directly looking at Jamaardi while he is making that unspoken comment above will certainly be able to notice that the Xeph is actually physically counting out his fingers, one at a time, to the number seven during the Verces and Eox parts without looking down over at them, like he was going over some silent mental list or something similar in a somewhat absent-minded manner, which he was- although the non-psionic of those actually present wouldn't be able to figure out the context or reasoning behind Jamaardi's silent finger count.
::"Some of the dwarves use engines to deal with the lack of magic in their clanholds, but the ones I know rarely see the sky."::
::"Some of the dwarves use engines to deal with the lack of magic in their clanholds, but the ones I know rarely see the sky."::
::"That is interesting to know, Taker; I wouldn't sell your Sky-bound kin so short though; many of their numbers reside in the Alkenstar Duchy and it has been rumored that they played a big part in the creation of those firearms. My Elven contacts suspect that they'd have more to accomplish if it were not for the Orcs seizing hold of a major stronghold of import to them, or so I've been told."::
::"Oh, I never underestimate the insane.":: she says immediately.
As you talk the stage is set, the sun is going down and you bring up your power to craft an image of the City god/Demon/Angel It stands in the twilight and points out over the city. The matriarch then calls out v the sound system.
"See all, the power of the gods is back, fear not, our over sprit will keep us safe. Magic is but lost for to the evil dowers whos sins where to not lisson to the lords of the city. Be ordily, go back to your homes, to night the Guard will be out in full force. Tomorrow is a new day and from that day will shall rebiuld and rediscover what was lost."
Down below you can see the panic slow, there is talking and groups moving back into the city. Other how ever seem to be talking and billing about.
"Well he says that is the best we can do.."
Just then in the west there is a bright flash of light, then a few more, Sounds of explosions come your way rolling over the hills.
Aldon looks over to the area in question to see if he can understand what is happening.
Perception
His eyesight recovering from the afterimages caused by that bright flash, Jamaardi says to the Patriarch and friends, "Would it be a good assumption to make that you aren't responsible for any of that noise-making?" in a loud enough voice as he tries to speak in between the explosions to the best of his ability.
::"Hope the Guards are in full force this night..."::
::"...because I've the feeling that they will certainly have a busy night ahead of them."::
Turning to Kippel, Jamaardi asks the dwarven engineer , "Do you think it's the doings of those True Believer fellows that's causing all of this noise? Or maybe the angrier of the ex-slaves would be the likely culprits?"
The explosions are well outside the city, way out in the desert, there is a flash and the sound rolling your way. It go's on for about 40 mins and then stops. After you see lights blinking in the night sky moving north. They are moving fast the then seem to go strait up.
You can go about the city this night, you all move back into the mean greeting hall. Throw out the night, it seems the city is settled down and the populous seems to be going home and the panic has died off.
The Court reconvenes and the Patriarch sits back, a wight seems to be have lifted off his shoulders.
"Well now the panic is over, we need to investigate just what is going on, as you where not behind the light and sound show out side the city. I feel a tip out there is in order for you. I sent scouts as soon as it started and they report they have found something, A hidden building of some kind. we shall put a party together and go Investigate."
Waves at No13 he comes over.
"I can spare some troops you are to take your men and guard our guests while they investigate, you have 3 days. Then come back and report"
No13 nods and comes over to you
"We have till dawn, what do you wish that we take with us?"
"Yes, we certainly were not responsible for that. I agree, the matter must be investigated. Returning things to order does us all no good if a threat looms over the edge of the horizon.
Horses to ensure a swift get away as we cannot know what we are facing, certainly enough water for the trip and those of your order that are most adept at Stealth".
::My friends, what say you? This is an odd incident indeed and I believe great caution is in order.::
::Brilliant observation.:: she says with a mental eye roll.
Aldondrick chuckles ::Touche'. Still the questions remains, is there anything else you think we may need?::
::"Other than some resting before we leave? Can't think of anything off the top of my head; Nooroleic will need the time to get his men outfitted. Of course, we could head-off under the cover of night if his men have had enough rest to do so but I'd imagine that between getting us here and keeping peace in the city...::
Jamaardi gives the mental equivalent of a shrug at that.
.
There is work on kitting out the expedition throughout the night y about 6am everything is ready.
There is work on kitting out the expedition throughout the night y about 6am everything is ready.
"Patriarch and honorable members of the council, your beneficent generosity is much appreciated and will certainly be of help in our explorations upon you and your town's behalf."
:)
::"Some of this gold could go towards extra water supplies, tents, or changes of clothing. Possibly even some more alchemical items if they have any?"::
If there was no further need of any small details, Jamaardi would eventually retire for the night to get some rest, taking care to feed some pieces of cheese to the Endeca's Gravity Slime larva, as it makes weird cooing noises (not unlike the sound of a happy Tribbles crossed with Furby noises plus a dash of Mogwai-like sounds).
The next day you set off and over 2 days make a long trip to what looks to be a battle site. You come over some small sand hills and fine a blasted set of craters in the desert. There is no dead body's or signs of life at all. As you weave thorw the craters you come to one large one. At lest a KM deep into the rock below, looking down into it you see this structure deep below.
You will have to find down to it, the sides of the hole are steep.
Aldon turns to 13 and his men, "Have you heard or seen anything this before in this place?"
Aldon keeps the surprise from his face, he certainly did not expect to see something like this here.
He looks at you just as shocked
"No I have never seen it like, do you know what it is"
The next day you set off and over 2 days make a long trip to what looks to be a battle site. You come over some small sand hills and fine a blasted set of craters in the desert. There is no dead body's or signs of life at all. As you weave thorw the craters you come to one large one. At lest a KM deep into the rock below, looking down into it you see this structure deep below.
You will have to find down to it, the sides of the hole are steep.
Aldon turns to 13 and his men, "Have you heard or seen anything this before in this place?"
Aldon keeps the surprise from his face, he certainly did not expect to see something like this here.
He looks at you just as shocked
"No I have never seen it like, do you know what it is"
Peering down to gaze at the unearthly shape of the structure below, Jamaardi admits, "I don't think I've ever seen anything remotely the like at all; definitely doesn't look like anything Osirion's ever constructed at least... that I'm aware of, anyhow."
.
.
::"I don't think that we would have enough rope to even scale down these sheer walls, do we? I'd say it's easily over 3,000 feet down there- if not more."::
Also turning to face 13 and his men, Jamaardi says in a suggestive tone, "Since we were given 3 days to explore this... building... and since we've already used up 2 of those allotted days getting here, might it be prudent to send a messenger or two back to the Patriarch and let him and the others know that things might take a bit... longer to explore? I suppose a message bird could work, if your men have any with them."
"Agreed Jamaardi.
Taker, the underground is something you know of more than the rest of us, perhaps these are minions of the dark dwellers you spoke of?"
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A messenger is sent back, the three day limit seems woefully so you stay past the deadline, you spend the next 3 days looking around the site. When a large caravan comes, some 300 troops and crafts men. A large camps is set up for you. Your three days where not wasted, you fund a location where there is 2 selves in the crater wall. You could set up stages sites to lower yourselves down to the crater floor and the strange uncovered monoliths.
In the three days you have seen no life down there, no lights or any movement.
with some work a set of ropes and cables lets a cage be lowered down to the floor of the site. You get in and after dropping down the three cages you are in the bottom. A head of you are the massive monoliths, looming up are the Crater walls. There is some light but a lot of shadow this deep into the earth.
As you look at the floor you see soom sand blown in from way up high. A thin sheen layer of glass like stone over bed rock, you can see this as its broken in places.
What ever did this unleashed a massive amount of energy.