<gm: the Doom is not lifted, Aahz is here to judge if you guys are worthy of having it lifted>
"life is short; later may never come; live in the now; events unfold and a moment passes."
oops; on my earlier post from Aahz; that should have been Axinous not Astinos; sorry
Aahz "yeah, Lorm; that basnageg; he tortured and killed my Aunt; gave her over to them Four Horsemen he did; a real meanie, its what drove my brother of a different mother quite insane; just broke his mind; he was only a little dead guy at the time as far as I know. Was suckled and given love and life from her he did; my poor Auntie Arlene"
<Aahz shakes his drumstick and rants>"As for the Fey Princess; wow; she is totally cool and so beautiful; dreamy like; really nice too. Lorm and some others, kidnapped her back a bit ago; before I met up with them; she was with them at that time; hmm; what was her name...Lily I think; their holding her for ransom; you know; Astinos and those guys; they tried to negotiate with you guys, but that didnt work out of course; these talks are not you guyzes strong point; I can see why my brother wants to wash his hands of you; course my sister just wants to dance with Llvenoc and play house, so they are leaving this Doom decisions to me; aint seen much to make up my mind yet; so am thinking if you guys save the Earth and Sun; well, I will say take of the Doom"
"I think you mean your uncle...um...dont recall his name. Astinos is our young friend here, quiet though he sometimes is I think he does not share the same belief's as the one you call your uncle."
She takes in the greenly dressed little persons change of color and continues.
"Yes the fay princess's are quite a sight to behold, most mortals have difficulty dealing with such beauty...somewhat like young Kemnebi is having over there..." Noticing his rather odd predicament.
"It seems though this imprisonment is not looked kindly on by the other fay, or at least this one. See, he is turning quite red and steam is coming out his ears, quite upset he seems about it."
"On top of that one shouldnt hold a women against her will either, its just not polite or...gentlemenly...a term your uncle likes to use I think. Just think how your sister would feel or react should she suddenly not be allowed to freely move about and meet new people or old friends. Being female myself, I can tell you that we simply do not like such captivity."
Did they not find out the descriptions, skills, vulnerabilities and psychological make up of this party. Mere numbers were only ascertained?
----------
<gm: Kosan's player: FYI, I know what you mean but Thoronhen did not give information packets to the guild the way I asked, like Balfic used to do; so I just made up the most cursory information for the guild; so they definitely have an information breakdown; hope this relieves some player stress if you have any>
kk
The breakfast, though apparently muted; goes on; everyone gets as much as they want to eat or drink though no more is brought; it is just the party in the room.
Valegrim:
in a quiet yet powerful voice the Mistress of the Left Hand says "Magus Slenderfoot, I have in my care a package from you from your family and Imperial Magus Hava."
I read this to mean she had something she was going to give me. If I'm interpreting that correctly (since I don't have it), would it be appropriate to see if Dom can take me to the Mistress to 1) apologize for these people I don't even know yet and 2) see if this package is something I should have prior to the battle ahead?
To the room in general, Fox says, "I am afraid that I have little knowledge of the challenge that this group faces, only some intimation that combat is immintent. I was hoping to receive some details from the Master and Mistress, but it appears that may not occur. Can I ask what you expect in the day or days ahead? In the interest of shared knowledge, my master has taught me a prophesy that could be pertinent in the days ahead. As is always the case with such things, it is difficult to know when the knowledge would be useful. Perhaps it is relevant to the dream from last night - perhaps not. I would share this if the group is interested, but you will have to excuse my delivery - I am no trained bard."
With this last, she nods to those in the party who have shown skill with words, particularly the large raven.
Fox
you could ask Dom but he doesnt look like any of the others you have seen around here; looks like a Celt; so your not certain how much he knows of this area.
As for the package; your unsure; the two masters left in a huff.
They will probably get it to you somehow whether that is before or after you need it; well; anything can happen.
I stare at the dwarf angrily for a moment for his offensive words against my master, but then realize that it is not my place to judge as I don't even know what they've gone through to get to this place. Having calmed down, I say to the group:
"Well, that wasn't the introduction I was hoping for, but I might have something to add once Fox has told her tale, as I have been given some knowledge of prophecy as well."
With that, I sit back, munch on some toast, and prepare to listen to the halfling's tale.
DOM
being concerned by the sudden departure of this areas leader has perhaps left you a little uncomfortable; though you have heard that dwarves are gruff and uncomprimising; seeing it in person is new to you.
As for you knowledge of this area; you know two ways to the surface; the barracks you usually stay in; the central corridor where all the heavy doors and administration is.
Things you have a general idea of; probable direction of the masters chambers; probable direction that the guild planned on the party going; somewhere in the crypts beneath this are; you know that the guild has been digging; hired some workers and is holding the entrance to the crypts in the White section; you would have to penetrate into the blue section and then the bad guys are in the Black section of the crypts; if you remember overhearing some of those in the Left hand; the colors of the markers in the crypts are associated with various Grecko/Roman dieties; but your not sure which ones. You have also heard some vague rumors about some good guy undead; meaning not evil and not associating with evil undead down there somewhere; heard they dress funny too; not in any Greek style.
A mug of fine celtic whiskey floats up to you from the table.
<turns to Astinos>
"I suppose we should eat well, but the looks of things; we will get no more help from these guild masters; they might even be hostile. One day has passed, things in motion will not stop for us, I feel a convergance of forces"
"Indeed."
<turnimg to Cearwyn>
"bE AT EASE MY FRIEND WHILE WE ARE ALL FOCUSED ON THE SAME PRIMARY GOAL, WE WERE CHOSEN FOR OUR SKILLS. uN FORTUNATELY FOR MANY OF OUR NUMBER DIPLOMACY IS NOT ONE OF THEM. bUT WE WELCOME YOU TO THE CAUSE WITH THE OPEN ARMS OF BROTHERHOOD"
"oooh; a breakfast story; please do tell" says Aahz."hmm, wait a moment; something....uh oh"
.....
With this last, she nods to those in the party who have shown skill with words, particularly the large raven.
Kalona listens to Astinos, sure he is being welcoming though not really sure if he had a little bit too much to drink last night...
She then looks at the foxed masked one. A sparkle seems to come to her eyes.
"Your a halfling aren't you." Stating perhaps the obvious. "Oh good, I have met many a halfling and always an enjoyable experience. Just yesterday there was this one named Bob who went off...well apparently by the dream got that seal thing the ghostly dwarf tried to guard. Should have put Kosan here in a good mood, but it seems he has trouble finding the right side of the bed to get out of..." giggles a bit and throws a sideways glance at Kosan. Sighs then continues. "This Bob seemed so full of energy and I am sure many stories. Too bad I had not the time to talk with him."
"Please eat up and listen, your friend there as well, no need to be shy over in the shadows, might not all be friends here but at least we can eat together." She gobbles up a portion of food one of the skeletons in the room placed before her.
"I think, mind you only yesterday did I meet this group of...rather unusual individuals, the goal here is also related to a dream you might have had. The one with the large woman in it. A power...um diety of earth?"
"Hmmm, dont really know how she is identified here, too many human powers to keep up with, though it would seem something went through and messed that up, greatly reduced them. Wonder what could have overcome so many..." The thought trails off
.
"Ah, but to your question. That large female power is being held captive by...what is the word...ummmm...abominations I guess. Doesnt seem to quite represent them, but they are creatures not of nature things that should not exist. Quite frankly they make my feathers bristle, I mean so unnatural are they that you cant help but fill like you fell into one of those pools of black thick water and are struggling to keep a float..." shivers a bit..."Well this group of things are trying to use the powers essence to steal the sun. Yes the real sun the one that floats in the sky and lights everything during the day. Well as one would expect there are powers out there that dont much care for that at all!"
"So they sent out a call for aid, powers you know have difficulty working in the mortal world without mortals, and these folks here are what showed up...me as well though my story is a bit different since a human asked me to come rather than a power, though Raven was pretty much in agreement. Quite the game going on you know."
Hearing Aahz's 'uh-oh' she looks at him and then at the direction she is looking..."That doesnt sound good...Aahz, something going on?"
"uhm....guys...gals..and bird and you there little fella; uhm; thingsl uhm; hmm" says Aahz
uhm I have a really bad feeling; says Aahz; and i dont think its the food; like something big is happening; something important or is gonna happen real soon; something that might change everything; I feel a bit sick; The world would be diffent without a Sun; that would be terrible; but that is only part of it; seems like a lot of things happening at once that mean something bigger; I cant explain it; my sister says something like Conjuntive Alignment and some other stuff I dont understand; she is bit smarter than me.
But I know this; something wicked this way comes.
<stops kissing Kenembi and backs away a bit> "yes, I can feel it to; cant you all? something...wrong; great sense of wrongness..."
<squeezes Astinos hand>
"yes, something below us; something coming from the North coming this way; aboration beyond comprehension; and other things I cannot place. Farth to the north disturbance."
Aahz "if that ugly witch on that huge beast would stop singing that stupid marriage song I could might be able to concentrate; it seems to scatter my thoughts; so much....expression of unfixed ideas; change; warped thought; evil."
<Astinos squuzes back> . "We will triumph"
He stands " Prepare for battle."
<turnimg to Cearwyn>"bE AT EASE MY FRIEND WHILE WE ARE ALL FOCUSED ON THE SAME PRIMARY GOAL, WE WERE CHOSEN FOR OUR SKILLS. uN FORTUNATELY FOR MANY OF OUR NUMBER DIPLOMACY IS NOT ONE OF THEM. bUT WE WELCOME YOU TO THE CAUSE WITH THE OPEN ARMS OF BROTHERHOOD"
I turn to the tall human and say: "Thank you for your welcoming words. I do hope that you are right."
"yes, something below us; something coming from the North coming this way; aboration beyond comprehension; and other things I cannot place. Farth to the north disturbance."
I drink my fine celtic whisky, savoring every last drop. It is better than I've ever had before, and probably the last quality drink I will have for a long time, so I linger for a few seconds, taking in the aroma and taste.
Then I stand up and say to the group: "Is this the signal to continue with the quest? I am new and would not presume to give any orders, but I would advise that we start moving. I know two ways to the surface, although I believe that the guild intended for us to go deeper, into the crypts, and I think I can find my way there as well. Or I could take us back to the masters to try to patch things up, but I'm not sure if that is likely, or if we have the time. In any case, I think now is the time for action."
Aahz; who at at a opposite side of the table from Llvenoc
"hey there Llivie, would you pass them cranberries and toss me a couple sweet rolls and shuffle that gravy down to this end; thanks in advance"<looking at his plate; he alread ate a big plate of potatoes and onions and used nearly the whole boat of gravy and nearly half the butter at this end>
Glad to see you come up for some air Kemnebi. Thought you might suffocate over there.
I thought we were to wait for the Grand Master? Unless you already know how to free the Goddess of her confinement? Or the patrol routes of the sentries? Even how far the Cloud of Corruption has spread?
Some small understanding comes to the fox mage's face, "Ah, those are the kinds of things we do not know about. I was sent here to join your band, but knew little of your goal or how you expected to accomplish it -- this is the first I have heard of these particular challenges or even that the Grand Master might grace us with his presense." She looks troubled as a thought occurs to her, "Will the Grand Master still see us if the Master and Mistress are angry with us? I think she said she had something for me when I first arrived, but she did not say what it was..."
While she thinks (and listens) she begins to tuck in breakfast like only a halfling can for one so small. (Unless they are a certain invisible fey sitting in a certain cushion at a certain table, of course.)
<stops kissing Kenembi and backs away a bit> "yes, I can feel it to; cant you all? something...wrong; great sense of wrongness..."
Kemnebi looks concerned, but doesn't press, waiting to see if June has anything else to add before taking her hand and softly saying,
"It's alright. Just tell me what you can see. You're safe here."
"If that ugly witch on that huge beast would stop singing that stupid marriage song I could might be able to concentrate; it seems to scatter my thoughts; so much....expression of unfixed ideas; change; warped thought; evil."
Kemnebi looks between June, Aahz, and May with a look of confusion on his feline features. he then relaxes, and begins to work the problem logically. He speaks softly, mostly to himself as he works through his thoughts, but seems calm and secure in his element. Though he does keep a hold of June's hand.
"Alright, so it's powerful, and big. Either they aren't afraid and aren't trying to hide, or they are not aware of how sensitive you three are. Since Aahz complained of the singing of one disturbing his concentration, We can presume that they ARE trying to cloak themselves, and are simply unaware of your sensitivity. But we now have notice that they are on the move." He looks to June as a look of worry crosses his features.
"They can't use your sensitivity against you, can they? At least not if they aren't aware of it?" he asks with concern.
"They can only be moving for one of two reasons. One is to try and stop us from rescuing the goddess. The other is to attempt the destruction of the sun. Personally, I would rather them chasing AFTER us than WAITING for us. But at least we know their coming,..." He muses. He perks up a bit as other conversation flows around him.
"Both Llivenoc and our new friend here are both at least partially correct. I doubt that taking time to finish breakfast will harm our quest. But if we have offended our host, we may not have time to patch things up diplomatically, and might have to proceed with the information that we have."
Kemnebi looks at June and asks, "What do you feel? Do we need to leave immediately? I trust your instincts."
I thought we were to wait for the Grand Master? Unless you already know how to free the Goddess of her confinement? Or the patrol routes of the sentries? Even how far the Cloud of Corruption has spread?
I turn to the dark elf and respond: "I am just afraid that after angering the Master and Mistress, the Grand Master might not come. As I mentioned, I also know where they have likely gone, so we could search for them and try to patch things up, after breakfast if you prefer."
<turns to Astinos>
"I suppose we should eat well, but the looks of things; we will get no more help from these guild masters; they might even be hostile. One day has passed, things in motion will not stop for us, I feel a convergance of forces""Indeed."
<turnimg to Cearwyn>
"bE AT EASE MY FRIEND WHILE WE ARE ALL FOCUSED ON THE SAME PRIMARY GOAL, WE WERE CHOSEN FOR OUR SKILLS. uN FORTUNATELY FOR MANY OF OUR NUMBER DIPLOMACY IS NOT ONE OF THEM. bUT WE WELCOME YOU TO THE CAUSE WITH THE OPEN ARMS OF BROTHERHOOD"
I Laugh out loud due to this insinuation from Astinios on my undiplomatic vocal ability. I say out loud between fits of laughter and slight tears leaking from my eyes: I had a good teacher lad, You (I continue drinking and eating).
I turn to the dark elf and respond: "I am just afraid that after angering the Master and Mistress, the Grand Master might not come. As I mentioned, I also know where they have likely gone, so we could search for them and try to patch things up, after breakfast if you prefer."
I thought we were to wait for the Grand Master? Unless you already know how to free the Goddess of her confinement? Or the patrol routes of the sentries? Even how far the Cloud of Corruption has spread?
Out loud: They left not for hurtful words but for truthful words. They are weak links in your masters web and they probably left because if the truth is known that they had not even been able to get information on us then they probably have over looked many other items such as those our party feels now. They fear your masters retribution. Even those at the highest echelons of an organization can be replaced.
I search the room (secret doors, loose stones, hole covers to a nother drop chute...): 16 (1d20) + 9 (Adj) + ? (Dwarven abilities for such things) = 25 + ?.
"I think what comes is not after us, but rather we simply are in a place where it will be. Aahz and ladies, I do not think it is healthy for you try and pay attention to it, rather I think it safer to put your mental defenses up and ignore it less its influence find a way to corrupt your being."
"Mr. Fox, Kemnebi, Nebibit and Erkholt perhaps if you four compared notes you might be able to discern what this conjunction is Aahz's sister speaks of?"
"Um, I am afraid and rather embarrassed I did not catch your name." Kalona says to Caerywn. "However" she continues
"It seems to me that this association here is likely to focus on dealing with the problem first then...picking up lose ends after it is solved. We should get going but not before we have aid in a course of direction. From what I have seen it would be easy to get lost and there are many natural enemies of the various members about even if they do not have anything to do with the quest."
"So please seek out those who would give us information, I am sure while the dwarf or the rest of us are difficult to deal with we are much easier to take than those two trolls I saw earlier or even that sword our host carries. Dont you think?"
Turns to the fey in green.
"I think that now is a good time for us to greet you properly, majestic one of summer. That wickedness that comes prevents us from further tarrying and those of mortal ken have not the power of time as ye have. So please, grace us with your words as you have made merry with us, rested with us and feasted with us." she says quite cordiually if a bit formal.
"Mr. Fox, ....
The halfling stops her eating to stare at Kalona, then laughs and says, "I do not think I caught your name, my new winged friend, but I did not realize you were female until you said so. So I am not be offended to find you have made the same mistake with me. To be clear, I'm a girl-halfling, not a boy."
Her eyes continue to sparkle as she stands so she can see down the table better. "I find your suggestion wise. We do not know how much time we have, and if only I have the prophesy in my head, it is too easily lost. Better that we all have it to mull over and consider. If I may, here is the prophesy as related to me by Master Gooday."
She sings the tale in the style of a ballad. Perform (sing) check:
From on high arose the beast from the sky
Upon any and all came the answer
Holy Kirin arrived with the song of why
And around him spun the Dancer
Music spun to the tempo of fear
Song measured in wonder
Cadence set to our beating hearts
And its Voice a cacophony
Dance what dreadful pounding
Rhythm both wild and complex
Steps that circled arounding
Motion surpasses defying
Sing and dance the Savior
Sing and dance for Favor
Many attending died from fright
Others driven to madness
Some were despondent or lost
Yet most were inspired to war
For the words of the Kirin were troubled
They told of the clamor of war
The Powers that be were shaken
And many had fallen in scores
We were told of horrors returned
Told of their broken sleep
Foretold of their eventual rise
And warned that life would be cheap
Where are the rumors of war
Have you heard the rumors of war
The names of our enemies not given
But besieged would all peoples be
Our own choices could doom us
Or save us or set us free
Know allies not be what is given
But how it is given and why
Know enemies by what is striven
By what they take and decry
For the Masters of Chaos are few
But their offers are power and glory
And turn souls and spirits from true
Only one can withstand them
Is it going to be you
Are you going to be true
The first Master infests your dreams
And promises all can be had
But the more your dreams are realized
The more your self will be had
He lives in the depths of the world
A wet wonderland of chaos and naught
Deep down go his tendrils of evil
And change what the Three had wrought
Fight him with the Truth of Vision
Know your Self and Place or be lost
Hold your dreams to current expectation
And always focus on what's in your box
Self guards the mind, guards the soul
Soul wards the mind, wards the self
---------------------------------------------
of those who are chosen the two
who are apart will be drawn together
in the heart of Tarkan here
the ceremony must be completed
before the door
the userper of life send his
Black Plague onto the land.
Life is lost blood flows free
Worlds shake and tremble,
the war is long and ...
Hold true my children,
Terror by night
the disease is rampade
The healer will battle the Plague
that Evermore is strengthened
though all pychic war continues.
The night is Their'es day wanes
darkwell grows... sorrow and ice
Harvest the crystal of light for it is
the day stars own
Beware the standard off Isledor,
Marker of the point of no return
destroy the darkwell, watch for the
Tempest within lies the guardian
Beware the underway, the boundaries
Of man are lost to them. Mighty in
there Armor of faith the Paladins ride
but they are blinded in theire glory
The king is lost in his closet though his Gifts are many
he is doomed to enigma, alas he sees all-the picture
holds the pattern to life. Death comes for
him-where is he they ask?
The Chosen are mighty
theire gifts
increase the self, the Reaper shudders
as they come, his doom is the restorer of balance
Reclaim the darkwell for life!
day grows, Night wanes
Quest for time, with it
the Reaper will destroy and none can oppose
<gm insert: end prophetic voice; different voice continues>
to stormhelm holds the sky and sea
to thunderfoot the land
the Pick of Ages is the key
Strength dwell within the band
fire and ice Gauntlets be
the horn fits wizards hand
heart of Woe does passion see
Collosus the First command
broken Law restored will be
Sword draws earthblood in the sand
one and all equals be
when joins Mortal to end of She
they who hold those items true
at once the Battle starts anew.
When she stops, she takes a moment to gather herself and look around the room. "It seems obvious that much of the first part, if not all of it, has transpired. I know that Master Gooday travels today to find if part of his interpretation of the prophesy is accurate. But its events are not complete, they are obviously still in motion. Hopefully, it can inform and guide our path. I know a second tale of prediction, but I will let another take the stage for now."
"Mr. Fox, ....The halfling stops her eating to stare at Kalona, then laughs and says, "I do not think I caught your name, my new winged friend, but I did not realize you were female until you said so. So I am not be offended to find you have made the same mistake with me. To be clear, I'm a girl-halfling, not a boy."
"Ack, my most sincere apologies. All these events have me all a flutter. Of course you are female...um, though it appears the mask is male. Ah well, is it Ms. or Mrs. then? Simply using the word fox seems rather odd talking with a halfling, and I couldnt call you Fox, he would be rather miffed about that and I am sure Raven would eventually pass it on...or do you have another preference?" The word Fox and Raven seem to have a different syllabel inflection to it, as if they have more meaning than the simple word, but its very hard to tell.
"I am Kalona and Kalona is who I am." Spoken as if the word gave all the information necessary to know her quite well.
After listening to the tale. "Well, not the normal halfling tale, but quite interesting. I would ask that you repeat it to me a few times that I may recall it properly in the future."
"Ack, my most sincere apologies. All these events have me all a flutter. Of course you are female...um, though it appears the mask is male. Ah well, is it Ms. or Mrs. then? Simply using the word fox seems rather odd talking with a halfling, and I couldnt call you Fox, he would be rather miffed about that and I am sure Raven would eventually pass it on...or do you have another preference?" The word Fox and Raven seem to have a different syllabel inflection to it, as if they have more meaning than the simple word, but its very hard to tell.
"I am Kalona and Kalona is who I am." Spoken as if the word gave all the information necessary to know her quite well.
After listening to the tale. "Well, not the normal halfling tale, but quite interesting. I would ask that you repeat it to me a few times that I may recall it properly in the future."
"Well, Kalona, I am pleased to meet you and no apologies are necessary. As I say, I made the same mistake -- I have never had the pleasure of visiting with one such as yourself.
"Ms. would be appropriate, but Fox is not my name as much as that of my mask. If you prefer, you can use my name from before I gained my mask. I was born to the Slenderfoot clan, so Ms. Slenderfoot would work, or my given name of Ysgardia -- although I do not know the last time someone called me that other than my mother, and I was in trouble for something that time -- my friends generally called me Izzy, which would also be fine. And, of course, you could also call me Silver, as that also is associated with my mask."
She seems to be done and then, "I should like to meet Fox sometime, if that would be possible. I think that would be wonderful."
"I'm sorry, I digress. The tale is not a halfling tale at all. I learned it from a gnome who got it from another wizard, I suppose. Many, many learned people have been considering the tale for many years -- I truly don't know who originally learned it or where they got it from."
In response to Kalona's suggestion at pooling our knowledge I respond, between mouthfulls of ale. "I cannae provide much in the way o' lore me feathered friend. Since me clan has ben involced in a runnnin' war fer most of me days as a priest, I 'aint had much chance ter learn the lores and legends. My trainin' was more of the battle type rather than the bookin' type. However I'll see what I can come up with".
For Val
Knowledge Religion
Knowledge Undead
From what I have seen of your Grand Master when he says he will do something he does it. I have no doubt he will arrive.
Interesting words you speak. Is that all or is there more to this prophecy?
From what I have seen of your Grand Master when he says he will do something he does it. I have no doubt he will arrive.
Interesting words you speak. Is that all or is there more to this prophecy?
"As far as I know, that is the whole prophesy. There has been a lot of interpretation of it over the years, so there is a lot of associated information, but I am afraid it was not my place to study the studies. I was only taught the prophesy itself. Perhaps if I had remained...
"But I do know another prophesy, much more recent, from an associate of Balfic-graa, if the tales can be trusted."
I would like to hear it. Lady Decidio and June serve him, and they have both greatly given aid to us in his name.
I would like to hear it.
A worried glance crosses Kemnebi's features.
"Do you think it's possible Kalona? If they can sense 'it', then 'it' can sense them too?? Your right, better to be safe. After all, we already know they're on the move. Best if they didn't know that WE are on the move as well, and where we are."
He smiles at Kalona's suggestion to compare knowledge and figure out what the 'Conjunction' might be.
"Right! Great idea! Let's see, there's the conjunction of harmony,..." He mumbles off as he rifles through his encyclopedic brain, dredging up information from dozens of musty tomes of things both historic and mystic, as the conversation continues around him. He stops talking aloud as Fox relates the prophecy, listening with his ears pointing straight at Fox, but still making mental notes and ticking things off on his fingers.
"But I do know another prophesy, much more recent, from an associate of Balfic-graa, if the tales can be trusted."
"I think I know the prophecy you are referring to Fox, could it be the same? It is prophecy by Vladimir - High Paladin of Ukko, as written down by Balfic Graa."
Hear, O men lost of Hope and Strength
Listen, O wifes of Despair and Loss
Follow, O children of Abandonment
Hear the word of truth
Listen to it gradually
Follow it out of chaos
Here the Scales are out of Balance
Listing heavily to the price of death
Fallow and Shaded has thy way become.
Hear the Prophet hidden in time.
Listen to the Song of Saviors coming
Follow the True Path to Freedom
Hear the Bjooni Saga with new ears
Listen for the Elf Maidens Tale
Follow the New Born to Deathgates closing.
Here the Drums of Rightousness Stir
Follow the Stag through the bough of leaves.
Hear the new dawn, mark the new tide.
Listen to wind and wave charge on high
Follow the Firm as it shakes, and shudders
Hear word now or lose word forevermore.
Listen to the call of Hearts Pure Counting
Follow Mother to Gods table feast
Hear this prophecy held to now
Listen now for death is silent
Follow and choose or death come on nigh.
New day or old, life bought or sold
Old Gods return, New Gods shudder
Unto whom do we belong?
Demons flexing muscles afar
Devils waiting, plotting, sharpening sword and bone
Water of life to waves of destruction
Blood, blood flows; all notice none really care
Friends not trusted, family broken
Unto whom shall we blame for our misery
Elves stay, Elves go, Elves uncaring stay in hiding
Dwarves broken, enraged with pride and pity
Gobinoid Revels strong seeking to inherit their dark birthright
Snakes and Lizardkin, once masters, shall bid their hand.
Humankind fullous and befriends all; who will rule,
Men have no master yet mastered by all
As children guide; lost, alone without elf or dwarf.
Folly upon folly build on high til he cometh
Who shall he be, how many will choose
Mother Savior, Mother of Pain-Woe be unto ye
Father Despoiler, Father of None-Choose not for me
A Curse unto you Mage of Tarantis, your day is near
A Curse unto you, Son of the Bear Tribe, Yellow stain your line.
A Blessing unto Kojan who kept the faith, yet shadowed by Sebastian
A blessing upon the chosen; who are few fight for many.
A Warning, All would struggle for law and rightousness.
Be not caught up with petty daily concerns-
Hold true to vision of Purity
To those of you who undermine this cause know ye should we prevail,
I shall be thy jailer
In a special place created by Ukko and
The Princes of the Airy Realm.
I dare thee to challenge me now and test my resolve.
"Izzy, hmm, I like it, Izzy it is. I would be happy to introduce you to Fox, but he is quite a handful and somewhat shy. Its also a bit difficult for me to get close...safely at least. But that is part of the fun. Tends to spend time amongst the human tribes to the East . More so than around here I think. But he is quite cunning and enjoys a good game, so you never know."
"Most definately Kemnebi, if the thing cares that is. Its hard to tell but unless the powers are deliberately hiding and sometimes even if they are things like that can find them. I dont however, think it is coming because it senses them rather there is another reason. In the above land there are many beings about that are more likely to attract its attention than us. But we have to be careful not to pay too much attention to it, it warps reality, confuses ones soul or spirit and torments ones mind. A thing of horror is not something a being of the natural world should dwell on, less we accidentally get captured by its essense and warped and twisted into something unnatural" Kalona clearly shivers, her feathers get all ruffled and she begins pacing nervously.
"But on to more pleasent things." Eats some fruits and listens to the new tale or saying as it were.
"Oh please do say again so that I can remember properly. All these new stories are great." Her earlier shivering forgotten, even if the subject of this story or prophesy is dire. It seems it is better than her previous thoughts.
Nebbibit remains somewhat muted during the conversations the somewhat more paranoid part of her mind rearing it's ugly head with thoughts such as were Kosans actions that of a typical gruff no nonsense dwarf or A carefully planned attempt at turning possible aid against them and the mask wearing newcomer was she really here to help or was it more likely she was a spy or assassin sent to delay stop them?
you find no door other than the one you came in and the one they left by; booth stout and well made.
I turn to the dark elf and respond: "I am just afraid that after angering the Master and Mistress, the Grand Master might not come. As I mentioned, I also know where they have likely gone, so we could search for them and try to patch things up, after breakfast if you prefer."
I thought we were to wait for the Grand Master? Unless you already know how to free the Goddess of her confinement? Or the patrol routes of the sentries? Even how far the Cloud of Corruption has spread?Out loud: They left not for hurtful words but for truthful words. They are weak links in your masters web and they probably left because if the truth is known that they had not even been able to get information on us then they probably have over looked many other items such as those our party feels now. They fear your masters retribution. Even those at the highest echelons of an organization can be replaced.
I search the room (secret doors, loose stones, hole covers to a nother drop chute...): 16 (1d20) + 9 (Adj) + ? (Dwarven abilities for such things) = 25 + ?.
fox
you know that the very old elven bard that was with Hava and perhaps Hava himself were present when this prophesy was given straight from a Kirin somewhere in and ancient place of the gods in the Celtic area; a place much like Stonehenge.
"Ack, my most sincere apologies. All these events have me all a flutter. Of course you are female...um, though it appears the mask is male. Ah well, is it Ms. or Mrs. then? Simply using the word fox seems rather odd talking with a halfling, and I couldnt call you Fox, he would be rather miffed about that and I am sure Raven would eventually pass it on...or do you have another preference?" The word Fox and Raven seem to have a different syllabel inflection to it, as if they have more meaning than the simple word, but its very hard to tell.
"I am Kalona and Kalona is who I am." Spoken as if the word gave all the information necessary to know her quite well.
After listening to the tale. "Well, not the normal halfling tale, but quite interesting. I would ask that you repeat it to me a few times that I may recall it properly in the future."
"Well, Kalona, I am pleased to meet you and no apologies are necessary. As I say, I made the same mistake -- I have never had the pleasure of visiting with one such as yourself.
"Ms. would be appropriate, but Fox is not my name as much as that of my mask. If you prefer, you can use my name from before I gained my mask. I was born to the Slenderfoot clan, so Ms. Slenderfoot would work, or my given name of Ysgardia -- although I do not know the last time someone called me that other than my mother, and I was in trouble for something that time -- my friends generally called me Izzy, which would also be fine. And, of course, you could also call me Silver, as that also is associated with my mask."
She seems to be done and then, "I should like to meet Fox sometime, if that would be possible. I think that would be wonderful."
"I'm sorry, I digress. The tale is not a halfling tale at all. I learned it from a gnome who got it from another wizard, I suppose. Many, many learned people have been considering the tale for many years -- I truly don't know who originally learned it or where they got it from."
you may convey the vision if you ask Crow who maintains the mindlink to provide it to her; please give it to her in reply or link or something so she doesnt have to hunt for it; or me either hehe; the colors in this instance is religious in nature if I remember correctly your vision; each color associated with a diety.
In response to Kalona's suggestion at pooling our knowledge I respond, between mouthfulls of ale. "I cannae provide much in the way o' lore me feathered friend. Since me clan has ben involced in a runnnin' war fer most of me days as a priest, I 'aint had much chance ter learn the lores and legends. My trainin' was more of the battle type rather than the bookin' type. However I'll see what I can come up with".
For Val
** spoiler omitted **
Astionos
Blue, bluegreen is the color of Neptune; White for Zues; Black, Blue and White (depends upon moon phase) for Hecate; red (crimson) for Ares; green is Demeter; Ivory is Aphrodite; Gold is Apollo; Gray is Athena; red is Nike; Irredecint blue for Hera;
Knowledge Religion 1d20+5
Knowledge Undead 1d20+7
Good rolls; but your culture is just to far removed; you do seem to remember something vague about some woman coming on a monster of legend; not sure where you heard it referenced; but your sure the three angelic creatures flying in the air up above are staring at its coming. If three are watching it; it must be something big; and heading right here. When it gets here; something definately is gonna happen and you probably dont want to be very close when it does.
1d20+14; 1d20+14; 1d20+10; 1d20+8; 1d20+8
A worried glance crosses Kemnebi's features.
"Do you think it's possible Kalona? If they can sense 'it', then 'it' can sense them too?? Your right, better to be safe. After all, we already know they're on the move. Best if they didn't know that WE are on the move as well, and where we are."
He smiles at Kalona's suggestion to compare knowledge and figure out what the 'Conjunction' might be.
"Right! Great idea! Let's see, there's the conjunction of harmony,..." He mumbles off as he rifles through his encyclopedic brain, dredging up information from dozens of musty tomes of things both historic and mystic, as the conversation continues around him. He stops talking aloud as Fox relates the prophecy, listening with his ears pointing straight at Fox, but still making mental notes and ticking things off on his fingers.
A little green guy with red hair and a classic look complete with black belt and silver buckle appears hangin up about 12 ft in the air and seems to loom over everyone; the cieling darkens and random fluttery lights and shooting rays of rainbows can be seen.
"As you wish Cousing twice removed; the time would be auspicous
ah now; shut yer pieholes; yer all full of blarney yea jabberin jonah's; no finer bunch of misfit house smashers have I seen all gathered ready ta pull the plug on the whole show; well; I be Blarney Joe; conjure with my name at yea peril; for greatest and eldest of Leperchauns I do be; and Laird of the Lande herebouts and none of yea unkind words will I be taken lest I be handed you back a mules face for the trouble."
"now, you hero types been a thorn in the side of things fer a might long spell now, fer I kin remember a lot o chummy groupers lookin and smellin much like yea all do; fer the spaces and places be the same but yea names changed and forget the innocent. Why one of them dastardly dunderheads when and maginified this whole situations toward the BAD when he does went crazy and got all fired up in our local Golemax and went chargin off blasting at the Sleeping Elder Foe With Many Wigglies and darn near started the End Of Everything."
So....I straightned them knuckleheaded house smasher and field dessecraters right out and I intend to do the same toward you all; I gots my eye on you and have since this all started when that Dwarf Hero Balinor gots all of you in a crispies about finding the Dead Green Gods particulars. Well, it just so happens that with my supreme guidance; I managed quite well to have that flatline half fae pighead shut the Darkwell and give these dry creepies a whodoyoulike now bit of sunshine and wipes the place with em; now; we gots some more upstarts trying to steel and destroy Apollo's chariot by torturing his sister and they just about got it set; see; cause the Old Chariot driver can only see upon Mother Earth; not into it; so the Baddy Baddies done cut a wound into Her and intent to peel her open like stripping meat of a bone as it were; and show Old Wreathhead his sister in chains and agony; well now; if that happens; being the hothead he is; I find it very likely he will come down here in a fit and leave the old horses and wagon un attended as it were; thus fit to owned by somebodies elses hands; nice plan I suppose; but of course; I got ear and eyes everywhere and ears on eyes on them ears and eyes and like that so; I collected and sent you all here.
Now; dont be looking fer any help from this Guild o Phuls; fer they is all buggin out; seeing how the Bioccth with the Bone o' Pleanty of Power is one the Beast of Desolation and in her Wedding Gown and headed this way looking for a husband; now aint that a pretty thought; pretty raunchy and pretty disterbing and pretty much the start of the End.
So; now that I got you heroic collection of missfits all here and now in a place where we can more or less speak; here is the deal; go break that dainty little goddess out of them chains and wreck the plan of the baddies to steal the sun; take her and run to the Green Crypts where some of you'll find some allies and a Thing of importance and I will arrange some transport for you once you get back alltogetherlike on the surface. Once you get the Goddess to the Green Crypts; just leave her be and bolt cause them their are hers and she is probably gonna lay some smack down; so bug out yourself.
ok; I aint her to answer a lot of questions; I tells you how it is; your mortal hero; go be heroic and save the world and perhaps you will get some gratuity and maybe even some worthy praise.
so, here is a map I borrowed from the guild before I put some ants in their pants and got them movin.
<throws a satchel down on the table that seem to come from thin air>
<anyone with knowlege Fey may roll to see if they recognise this guy>
I reach forwards and take up the satchel, removing the map from it and clearing a space on the table so we can study it.
Before I unfurl it, I look around at those gathered and reinforce the words of the fey man we have just been viisited by.
"There it is folks. We be set a task and now the time be runnin' out. We have a mad woman ridin' in on a beast o' destruction. There's some as want ter destroy the sun and we here have a chance ter rescue a goddess afore she gets herself sacrificed. All of it on a time limit."
I look Kosan in the eye fr the next part. "For better or fer worse, the folks as were gonna be prividin' us with suport has up and left. From what they fey spoke of, the entire group may have scarpered. I fer one am tired of political games and endless talkin' in cirlces. I were trained in combat in a time when we had ter act fast or lose. Kosan here has been sayin' the same fer a while now, though mayhap a little more blunt than meself."
I smile at the big fighter, and wink at him jovially. "Well Lad, now it seems we have a map ter get to our target. It justmight be ye be gettin' yer fight this day"
With that I spread the map out on the table so everyone can see it.
If the fey is still there I ask "Any advoce as ter the folk that have her trapped? Might be useful knowin' who we're up against afore the blood starts ter flow".
... I look Kosan in the eye fr the next part. "For better or fer worse, the folks as were gonna be prividin' us with suport has up and left. From what they fey spoke of, the entire group may have scarpered. I fer one am tired of political games and endless talkin' in cirlces. I were trained in combat in a time when we had ter act fast or lose. Kosan here has been sayin' the same fer a while now, though mayhap a little more blunt than meself."
I smile at the big fighter, and wink at him jovially. "Well Lad, now it seems we have a map ter get to our target. It justmight be ye be gettin' yer fight this day" ...
Out Loud: Aye well said Erkholt You definitely be a man o'l da faith. Tis a good day to die. Lets be about this fast and on our way.
I start looking over the map trying to find the way to the Goddess and the way from her to the Green Zone.
IQ Check (to find the best paths): 18 (1D20) + 3 (Mod) = 21,
Dungeneering check: 15 (1d20) + 11 (Mod) = 26.
Out Loud to the new Companions: So what say ye Caerwyn, lil Fox and yer quite companion are ye in. Will yer fight be our sides and possibly gain glory, fame and riches but more en likely get killed in the coming battle to save the Goddess, get her to safety. Then ta run, after she is safe, as if the lords of hell themselves were a nippin at yer heels. Or will you stay her and die an unknown blight upon yer own race under the soon to be leveled Nacropolis above us. Say it true, say it quickly, and say it loud "Ye be Friend or Ye be Foe"?