War of the Beasts Part 2 - Howling of the Winds (Inactive)

Game Master Deiros

"Well according to what the legend says and what we know from holy Pharam church and recent events..." as Alaire begin to walk across the room looking at Gillem like some sort of experiment "There was a story long forgotten of 24 creatures created by the gods with godly powers... 2 for every zodiac, light and dark, while one of them would focus on one part of the world the side of light looked after the other, but eventually they became corrupted by their own duties and defied the gods... I do not remember the story completely but it was something like that." as Alaire shrugs his shoulders "There are 12 zodiac stones, that is a known fact, plus a lost one or an extra one, but no one knows if it's true or not. Now Gillem I know for a fact that gem is not a Zodiac stone for it would call the Emel-Tsech or I suppose Zalera his counterpart or whatever the name of it is." as Alaire pauses to see if Vance or the rest concur with his current assessment, or someone wants to add more facts.

"Alaire's right. That's not a true Zodiac stone. It's something else."

"Thank you Vance" as Alaire clears his throat like a teacher explaining something to his students "As I was saying, the creatures we have encountered so far are more like creatures that somehow represent an Aspect of this godlike entieties... which makes them fearsome enough as we can all testify to that, and we still haven't even fought a real one yet, only 1 still weak and just born which killed some of our friends and almost the rest of us and one that was possessing or transforming into one. Or maybe that's how they are "born"?

Lindynt soaks in the discussion with a well pronounced frown on his face. "So what does this mean? These aspects, am I to believe they are working on their own terms or as puppets to the Zodiac signs they take after?"

That is a very good question, but only thing I can think of is they act according to the aspect they reflect, which in turn is guided by the Zodiac creatures. There is only one problem with this conjecture the 2 creatures we have encountered so far were "hiding" with their owners or were forced upon them. In Senyom there was only dying people and from one of them the aspect thing came out, now Ser Gillem on the other hand is completely healthy and well... normal as far as I can see."

"Why would this stone react only to you, Ser Gillem?" he asks his knight curiously. "What is your birth sign?"

"Take a guess..."

"Gemini..." says Gillem not knowing if he is blessed or cursed with his new fate.

Well like Vance said it is kind of an obvious answer, but we sometimes those questions are needed to be answered for the sake of certainty. as Alaire continues to observe Gillem like an experiment.

What will happen to me, I feel no powers or anything different from myself? as Gillem looks at himself.

You will only notice he is in a constant zone of truth state that has a radius of 30ft, you need a very difficult Will save to be able to lie otherwise you choke on them. He represents the truth aspect of that measures peoples worth when they are judged by the Zodiac of light.

"My question is very simple. This is all well and good to know what is happening here immediately, but what precisely does it mean on the larger scale?" Jeger is completely beyond his ability to understand the situation, and is clearly not happy about it.

"It means demons are pushing through into our world. Again. It means they're drawing cults and beastmen tribes and are amassing power and sewing terror. Again."

Vance shook his head.

"Do you know your history? It's like the beginning of the Lion War all over again. The ones we've seen so far wiped out an entire village and nearly killed every living thing in this keep, and that was while it was trying to cross over with the power of an actual god holding it at bay."

"What it means is that we need to get our shit together right now."

"You have to remember that not everyone is highly versed in the details and minutia of the matters this discussion has touched upon. Many of us are focused on the other areas of life that require attention. Now that you have started speaking in something other than virtual gibberish, we can start to work on a solution." Jeger tries to bring his own frustration in check as he turns to Lindynt. "Is there perhaps some place I can rest while you figure out your next move? I am weary from a long day, and it is apparent that I am going to be of little use to anyone here, myself included, until things have settled down a bit. Perhaps when we are all a bit more relaxed, we can attempt to restart this conversation in a more pleasant manner."

"Apparently to some people 'right now' means 'after a nap'." Vance mutters to Alaire.

"Pay no mind to Vance's tone," Lindynt assures the Shiranai emissary. "A lifetime inside his books has rendered him incapable of the social graces befitting a man of his upbringing. Fortunately his brother inherited those talents in his stead."

Turning to a nearby guard, "See to it that our guests find themselves in relatively clean quarters for the night. Surely there are at least two rooms available preserved from the wreckage."

After sending the guard away the Lord of rotted halls and bloodstained fields scratches at his beard contemplatively and heaves a flustered sigh. "Take the gem to the Vault. Perhaps we can make the best of it's knowledge to better understand what we're dealing with."

Would that be allowed? Assuming it falls into the following category:

He is basically like a Bardic Knowledge thing that can tell you about most anything you bring in the vault, but you now the rules.

Yes the Vault may have knowledge of it in it's mind. Basically if you want the fire to speak another language burn a book that teaches it and it will know it, same goes with acquiring knowledge of other things. The vault is a very ancient construct dating the Dwarves (now extinct race) when there was probably air ships traveling and other wonders now lost.

Alaire chuckles but says no words.

Ser Gillem gives you the Gem but you realize it will no part from him as it appears back in his pocket or his closed hand no matter how many times you try to take it away or he gives it to your freely. "M'lord maybe if I go with you into the vault, it can be done like that?"

Alaire nods "I must probably leave this place and go see my family, I will use Nichelle as a messenger or some other means as my family might also be in peril." with a somber look on his face "I will try to do it on our library that is more vast, inside the church of Adest."

Have you completed the NPC or what are players taking as House positions? Do you want me to create them?

I haven't finished. My free time got unexpectedly eated. I should be able to crank them out this week, but if you want to make a few of them, go ahead.

I'd say go ahead and fill the seats with your own NPC's. We can bring in our own sometime later if we feel the need to.

"Travel safely, Alaire. Send us word of any any discoveries you make when you arrive at your library and we return the kindness," lindynt promises the white mage. "For now we must learn all we can about this impending danger."

Lindynt leads the others back to the vault, presenting Reinholdt's sword for entry.

Any who wish to come along have my blessing

The vault demands the blood as usual to open and the token you must leave. Once inside and the lights are lit the fire comes to life awaiting his master's commands.

Jeger thanks Lindynt and follows the guard to a plain, but intact, room. While he suspects it's not the usual room used to house ambassadors, it is more than enough for Jeger, and he wonders once more at just how much damage the place sustained if this qualifies as one of the better rooms. After quickly washing himself off and changing into a different set of clothes, he nibbles on some snacks as he sits and ponders just how he is going to explain this to his chief.

The keeps servants take good care of Jeger as he has began to realize how spartan things are in the Red Keep in regards of commodities.

Well let's have a good night dinner for me, before I leave in the next day. says Alaire.

Pacing smoothly after Lindynt, Akela interjects, If i might hold your attention a moment longer, there is still the matter of the Kobold tribe.

As the kobold leader stands proudly in front of Lindynt "We must speak in great moot about what is to be done now"

After a bit of a break, Jeger will go out and see what he can do to help with the cleanup, both to get to know the people here better, and he's not a man to stand aside and not act.

"I require you to answer any and all questions asked by Lords Vance and Alaire in regards to the false zodiac stone we bring to you. My presence is needed elsewhere so I leave you to your business," Lindynt gives a nod to the Lords and Ser Gillem as he exits the Vault with Akela.

As the kobold leader stands proudly in front of Lindynt "We must speak in great moot about what is to be done now"

"I agree," he replies firmly. "The assistance and cooperation of you and your brethren is deeply appreciated by what remains of the Red Keep. Tell me what you would like to see done between our people and I will do what I can to achieve it."

Before you leave the flames answer "It is not a false zodiac stone... it is a gem, they are different but one in the same"

"Truce!" says the Kobold "Same freedom as other humans packs and same duty"

Before you leave the flames answer "It is not a false zodiac stone... it is a gem, they are different but one in the same"

Lindynt waves a curt, impatient gesture with his hands. "Zodiac Gem or what-have-you. I have not the time for such semantics"

"Truce!" says the Kobold "Same freedom as other humans packs and same duty"

"A truce is to be expected; we owe each other that kindness at the least. As for your second wish, do you mean to settle on my lands and live among my people or are you looking for free passage while traveling through these territories?" he asks, searching the beastman's eyes as Akela translates their conversation.

Flames continue to speak to Vance and Alaire

Zodiac Gems... They work as a Zodiac stone for lesser creatures tied to the Zodiac and servants of the Zodiac creatures. Zodiac stones are tied directly to the Zodiac creatures themselves.

The gem will bestow certain power that belong to the corresponding zodiac, which can be darkness or light. This choice depends on the user's heart and true intentions... Each gem will seek out very different people.

"I seek to live here like other man packs and we fight to protect territory together, but remain free" the kobold scratches his head trying to see how to word it better, but he is satisfied with his answer.

"This gem was used as a conduit to allow a zodiac demon to possess the bearer of the gem and try to cross over. Do they all do that? How can we stop it in the future?"

The flames do continue to speak to you but you notice a very matter of fact kind of snotty attitude towards you and Alaire.

They are not demons, they are mere parts of whole, this are creatures that might escape your comprehension at the time being

The gems mirror a certain part of the Zodiac creature, so while this Gemini stone has resonated with someone it will not resonate with other Gemini because they might not be compatible with the "aspect" of the Zodiac creature it's tied too

Now sounding like a teacher schooling his student, but with the same annoying attitude.

"Now that we have settled that part, they can crossover in more ways, but this is the only way in that they can do it with free will, otherwise they are summoned to do someones bidding. Now let's say that if all gems are put together they make their own zodiac stone... let's put it in simpler terms so you might understand it"

"You have several parts that as a whole when put together they can create something. From all those parts there is 1 that is usually the most important one of the all. In this case there there should be around 6 gem stones per zodiac creature, which in turn there should be a main gem that binds the other 5 as one, thus uniting all aspects into a single entity that can rival God in battle."

"Great." Vance said in a dry tone.

"So there's five more Gemini gems? Or are there more than that, and six is all you need to play god?"

"I seek to live here like other man packs and we fight to protect territory together, but remain free" the kobold scratches his head trying to see how to word it better, but he is satisfied with his answer.

Lindynt considers the kobold's words carefully before responding, "This will be a difficult feat to accomplish right away. While I would accept you and your tribe to join my domain I must first devise a proper territory for you to settle. Your integration with our kind will not be an easy one. While you have proved the worthiness of this particular tribe, the Kingdom of Romanda remains at war with thousands of others. I will do what I can to protect you but you must understand the difficulty of what you propose."

"We already have our cave in the hill nearby close to a pack of humans that work in a cave. I do understand that other kobolds are enemies, but we are allies we will have marks to prove it, then I will present with other man packs so it will be known."

As the kobold begin to suggest his tribe will tattoo themselves in a certain manner that would be understandable that they like the shiranai free but you trade with each other and protect each other.

Vance

There is 12 for every zodiac sign except for Virgo and Serpentis there is only 6. There is light and there is Dark but Virgo is only light and Serpentis is only dark.

Rest
During all your activities in the castle yo see most people treat the kobolds like allies more than enemies, as well as a general acceptance of Lindynt as the true leader.

Those outside the Red Keep get to see a beautiful carriage coming towards the Red Keep, accompanied by 12 Fenrisian Knights as escorts.

"And six of dark or six of light will let you play god? Is that right?"

"Not god, it will unit the 6 pieces to create a Zodiac creature. By themselves they are powerful beings only or they can grant powerful powers to their owners, but each zodiac has it's own agenda."

"Didn't you say something about "rivaling the gods in power?" Or was that some other talking vault?"

Jeger continues to help clean up, focusing on tasks that require moving and/or lifting heavy objects, where his strength is most effective at freeing up other men for other tasks.

[i]"They can rival the gods in power, but they are not gods themselves, as they were creations of the gods. But what you would encounter using the united power of the gems would be a lesser for of the Zodiac creature, yet it would require the power of a kingdom to deal with it, if they actually succeed..."[i/]

"That should do well enough then," Lindynt replies softly. "For now, you and yours may return to your cave. I will send riders and ravens with news of your position and fealty to myself and to the Kingdom. If there should be any problems seen by his Grace or his council, I will vouch for you myself," he promises the kobold.

Everyone (except Vance) hear trumpets play.

One of the guards comes running in to see Lindynt "M'lord! The king's men are coming"

"Fair enough. How about you hang on to it for now. No one takes it out except for myself, Lindynt, or Alaire."

"I can't hold it, that items is bound, even if you would leave it here it will go out to it's current owner again. That can only change if the current owner dies and the gem does not bond with someone else. This is the Gemini Gem of Undeath and Truth."

"Oh that's just f#%%ing wonderful." Vance said, turning on his heel and marching out.

Jeger straightens up his clothes when he hears the royal herald, and starts to move in the direction of the gate, wondering just how much more crazy the day can get.

By the time Vance and Alaire come out of the vault and Ser Gillem already has the gem in his grasp and there is a commotion in the keep.

The knights ride into the Red Keep as a small contingent of soldiers and Ser Jorus come out to greet them, while Lindynt is on his way. A carriage comes in moments later. The knights fall into formation to receive the woman that is coming out of the carriage "Hail! Lady Ionia Olistan"

Knowledge Nobility or History DC 15 to recognize the Olistan name

Knowledge (nobility) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Reiholdt Rammsteiner! The courtesy of your house has fallen I can see as the woman with a blue dress comes out of the carriage with the help of his knights. And you are!? as he points at Ser Jorus

Ser Jorus m'lady, I'm here to receive you while Lord Auroral comes to see you.

"Lord what!? This is the House of Reinholdt Rammsteiner, distant family of mine and I come to see in behalf of my father how fare his lands against this animals. Bring me this Auroral usurper to me now or I will collect your heads."

Vance leans against the ramparts on the wall looking down on the scene below. He rolls his eyes.

"Lady, you need to take things back a few degrees." He says just loud enough to be heard. "We are allies of your distant relation. We literally fought off hell with him. Twice. These animals are the only reason this keep isn't crawling with undead right now, and if you want our heads you're going to have to out do the Lucovi we killed a couple hours ago. We've had a shit day and aren't in any mood to buy what you're selling."

"So how about we both pretend the last thirty seconds never happened, pretend neither of us is being rude just because we can, and maybe treat each other with a drop or two of respect. What do you say?"

Passive Knowledge (nobility) total 18

"There will be no need for blood to boil or spill, m'La - my Lady." Lindynt corrects himself to the proper, lordly, etiquette as he approaches the carriage. "Had you arrived any sooner you would have seen for yourself that what my friend speaks is true."

He searches the faces of his brothers in arms in hopes of finding one he may recognize or would recognize him before continuing. "I am Lindynt Auroral. Previously of the Order of Fenrisian Knights and acting Lord of these lands and titles once belonging to your blood, Reinholdt Rammsteiner."

Who is this insolent cur that does not bow when she speaks to me? as she points at Vance.

Well put a leash on your Dog I will send someone to correct his manners and the rest of those that need it in this House. as she is furious.

Then turning pale when she hears the name of Reinholdt, but now she takes and inquisitorial tone What do you mean... once belonging... by Pharam your answer better be good and your claims true. You were then once of our knights and for that I give you benefit of doubt as she regains some composure I need a room by the way and I need it now, I must refresh my self after all this... as she doesn't wait for much of your approval and begins to walk in accompanied by some of his knights.

The last knight in the formation takes his helmet of and you recognize him as seeing him before but have no real friendship established but you know his name is Ser Rouren

"I can't say I apologize, but Lord Rammsteiner was her... well I have no words to explain it really but they were... pretty close." as he pus his helmet back again Be careful how you handle this problem, or we might find ourselves at sword points next we meet. as he moves on behind the others.

Joining Vance on the wall, Akela leans against the stones with a sigh.

And this is why I lived in the wild all these years. Its far more civilized.

Wondering the time of day, and what kinds of birds are local to the area. K Nature 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15