Sel sighs. These are my finest clothes! You're going to owe me, clockwork!
The faun, ever quick on his hooves, rushes forward in a blur of motion, a jeweled long knife in one hand and a fine elven dagger in the other. The blades swipe at the devil closest to him as he runs past her.
Dramm snatches the blade from the air and gives Urdra a thankful nod.
He carves a powerful rune into the air and waves of red energy wash over the Furies!
Dramm directs a quick blast of energy away from the others.
The furies' presence fill Uruuna with dread, causing the fighter to tremble despite herself.
Dramm's spell impairs the devils, but they resist the destructive resonances. Selgaer dashes in and stabs the wounded fury with his spear, leaving a bleeding wound. Uruuna lashes out with her scimitar, missing her original foe but cutting into the other fury's leg.
No holding back!
Dramm more secure and conflict now inevitable, Joy begins to channel the nature magic suffusing the area to grasp and crush the winged figures!
Whiplike vines leap up and deal 3d6 damage to each target.
Each target must make an Agility challenge roll. On a failure,
the target is moved 6 yards in a direction you choose and
then becomes immobilized for 1 minute. The target can use
an action to make a Strength challenge roll with 1 bane,
removing the affliction on a success.
0/1 Power 4 slot left.
Eldren, knew it was unlikely the build up of energies could be contained.
The furies seem to weather the blasts of Imedren’s missiles without being too badly hurt. Joy conjures vines to lash the devils, one of them getting wrapped up and yanked away from Uruuna. She tries in vain to escape the vine while the other attacks the halfling, scoring a good hit with her flaming sword. Eldren teleports behind the furies as his sorcerous power erupts, injuring both devils.
Dramm looks deflated and a little miffed when the Furies shrug off his spell with such confidence.
"I won't be outdone at my own wedding." He mutters as Imedren unleashes an impressive display. Dramm incants powerful destructive magic and pierces one finger. Withering energy backlashes along Dramm's arm, turning it momentarily gray and ashen as the spell exacts its toll. A single bead of blood rises from Dramm's fingertip, humming with magical power, and rushes toward the fury attacking Uruuna.
The sorcerer vents another blast of magic.
Sorry, Dramm! I'll try to hold back so you won't be outdone again, Sel says with a smile.
He darts back the few yards to face the devil woman head on, slicing away with his two blades. He steps in with the Long knife driving deep, while his other hand dances the shorter dagger across her flesh.
Shaking off the supernatural dread, Uruuna focuses on the fury and tears open a deep gash with her scimitar!
Joy takes aim at the bound fury and sends witch fire at a spot not covered by vines! Her own disappearance is a useful bonus.
But misses entirely, the fury swaying too violently.
Despite the rise in power, Eldren was able to hold back the residual arcane energies from unleashing again.
Though Joy misses, Selgaer and Uruuna both score good hits on the nearby fury. Dramm disintegrates a portion of her body, The devil tries to strike Uruuna again, but she blocks with her shield. Imedren and Eldren unleash a storm of magical devastation, and when the smoke from the twin fireballs clear, both devils lay scorched and dead.
”Thank you,” the clockwork says solemnly.
Now you've seen what we could do to them. Explain yourself before we do the same to you. You've interrupted a very important event.
Joy looks at the broken and burned bodies of the angelic figures, then looks at the clockwork figure. The ball of witch fire still hangs near the fallen.
"Please explain. Why are you here? Who are you?"
"I don't think I've ever heard of a clockwork escaping from hell before."
”My name is Sunionius Roo. A thousand years ago, I was a devoted follower of the Destroyer of Worlds. I stained my hands with the blood of sacrifices, sullied my soul with dark magic, and plunged these lands into darkness. But after many years, I realized the true nature of my master and sought to undo my own dark deeds. For my change of heart, my confederates killed me and my soul tumbled into Hell.
“There I languished for centuries, until I felt a pull from this world. Somebody had found one of my repositories of forbidden magic and used an incantation. The act awoke my perceptions and I found it could sense others attempting to make use of the vile lore that once belonged to me. Most distressingly, I watched with horror as a group of misguided cultists took over an old stronghold of mine and summoned a powerful demon to attempt to bring it under their sway. The demon slaughtered them and is now using a dark relic known as the Sword of Unmaking for a powerful ritual, ripping open a rift to the Void that is slowly devouring the fortress and everything around it. If it is not stopped, all of these lands will be annihilated.
“It is my fault this is happening. I could not sit by and not try to stop it. So I escaped the fires of Hell and used a ritual to place my soul in a clockwork body and transport myself to the location of the one that used my incantation. And that brought me here...”
Joy's eyes widen at the clockwork's tale.
"Where is it!? We need to get there!"
She looks around, a little embarassed.
"After you two finish marrying of course."
”That depends where ‘here’ is. No doubt these lands have changed in the past millenia. I will have to consult some maps.”
Somebody here used one of your forbidden incantations? Sel asks, slightly confused.What forbidden incantation? And Who?
”It was a spell designed to swap a pair of souls into opposite bodies,” Roo says gravely.
You made that spell? I'll have you know, that caused us no end of troubles. Imedren was fortunate to find the incantation so we could reverse the effects!
Imedren's eyes widened at the reveal of the clockworks apparent identity. Though the talk of the conversation caused a grimace from Imedren at the memory. His source of great shame. He walked over to Sunionious Roo.
"That was me who used some of your work. But before you go and make too many judgments, it was to undo the very spell which had been used before to cause mayhem as we tried to save our home from a Hag and her forces intent on destroying Crossings. There was no other way at the time."
”Your intentions may have been noble, but dark magic is still dark magic. Be thankful it only attracted my notice and not that of a more sinister being.”
Imedren gritted his teeth at the memory of being a captive. "Yes, I suppose I merely attracted the attentions of more self righteous beings who agreed with such sentiments. No matter. We will help you get your bearings later so we can deal with this problem."
Dramm grimaces at the aftermath of the battle. The day was unfolding in ways he hadn't imagined. He mends any wounded before gratefully returning Urdra's athame. The Clockwork Roo's warning was a dire one, though Dramm was not sure he believed every line.
"Dire, but not dire enough." He finally says and begins to clear the some of the rubble. "If the world is going to end, then I'd like to be married when it does."
He pauses in thought.
"Technically this means that Imedren crashed our wedding."
"He he ha!" Eldren chuckled at that. "I suppose I did, twice even!"
Imedren grunts in frustration. "Tch, whatever, just hurry up and finish the ceremony so you can be married already!"
Joy looks happier now that the wedding is back on track.
Urdra clears her throat. ”Very well, then. I believe the bride and groom were about to jump over the broomstick...”
The ceremony concludes with the sharing of wine and small cakes among the couple and the guests. Urdra thanks the Lord and the Lady again before reversing the circle spell, officially closing the ceremony and releasing Dramm and Ezekia for the first time as husband and wife.
Afterwards, you adjourn to the other side of the island, where a large feast has been set up. It is time to celebrate while you can before you try to avert the end of the world. Again.
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"Good job that the food wasn't blasted away!", Joy quips.
Selgaer is happy for Dramm and Ezekia. He's happy that his friend is happy, and he's happy that despite everything, they're still able to bring good things into the world.
He hides his time, not letting the unknown clockwork ruin the day, and avoids asking any further questions until the wedding is truly over.
The feast and party are enjoyable, the mood only slightly marred by Roo’s dire warnings. The clockwork stands aloof for the festivities, alone with his own thoughts.
Afterwards, you retire to the manor where Roo requests maps of the region. He studies them for a few moments before pointing a metallic finger at the mountain range north of Foundry. ”Here. This is where my stronghold is located. Halfway up a mountain you now call the Spear. We should depart as soon as possible. The longer we wait, the more damage to the fabric of reality the demon can do.”
On the way back, Sel orders Thomas to prepare the horses and gather his equipment.
Are you seriously saying that Dramm needs to spending his honeymoon hunting down some errant monster? And I am certainly not going in this outfit; this is my finest. I'll have to get my hunting outfit, my armor and my weapons. We'll need to prep the horses and gather supplies.
That there is the Spear. There's danger up that way.
If we're fighting a demon, we'll need holy water. Healing potions. Potion of growth and possibly fire resistance. What else can you tell us if this demon and the cult? We need to be prepared.
Selgaer knows the paths among the Iron Peaks are relatively treacherous, but mostly free of monsters. A small village named Oblivion is situated halfway up the Spear's southern face.
"By all means, enjoy your honeymoon. Take a vacation somewhere. I am sure the world will still exist by the time you return," Roo says sarcastically.
"The demon killed all of the cultists, so they will not trouble you. The demon itself, though, is another story. It is likely to be among the most powerful specimens you have faced, and no doubt has gathered numerous minions under its thrall. I would advise you prepare for all eventualities. This will not be a battle easily won."
Dramm had smiled more during the wedding and reception than the group usually witnessed in a week. The day was like a surreal memory of someone else's life, or maybe a life that another Dramm should have lived. Now he sported his usual stony expression.
"No reason to assume we'd have survived long enough to save the world anyway." Dramm counters with a shrug.
"Demons, they're all different. What do you know about this one in particular? And can you tell us about this Sword of Unmaking?" The question carries a bit of suspicion. Dramm was uneasy thinking of Roo having a demonic collection in his old fortress.
"All I know of this demon is the name it has chosen for itself: Agony of the Rotten Molar. As for the Sword of Unmaking, it is a vile thing. A greatsword with a black blade set with crimson jewels that store the souls of those it devours. Whoever wields it risks having their soul devoured as well. Once it has sated its hunger, the weapon vanishes until inevitably resurfacing somewhere else in the world. Many believe the Demon Lord sent the dreaded Sword as a curse on humanity, for woe and death follow in its wake."
The end of the wedding ceremony resumed and the reception began as Imedren's expression steadily changed from a grimace of Roo's dire proclamation, back to a smile at his friend's found happiness. The setting was marred only slightly more by his future self being around for some minutes before disappearing back to his own time, like an annoying guest who thankfully had to duck out early. Lately things had begun to take on a surreal sensation, like he was floating through time. Although it was a small thing in the cosmic scheme of time that he was now aware of, the happiness and hope Dramm and Ezekia's wedding brought made him feel more grounded.
Once his headache had cleared, he found himself standing next to Uruuna, suddenly reminiscing about their own wedding. "I'm torn, Uruuna. Part of me is a little bit jealous, wishing we had had more of this when we were married; more friends and a larger reception but at the same time, I'm also glad for how simple the stakes had been back then."
...... ...... ...... ......
Imedren watched the clockwork, Sunionious Roo with interest as he delivered his warnings.
"You are remarkably aware of what has been happening in our world for one whose soul had been trapped in Hell for so long. Were the devils talking about what was going on as they tortured you?
Also, how did you get in a clockwork body? I wasn't aware Devils could or would want summon you into one. Normally that would have been someone taking your soul from Hell and putting it into one, wouldn't it?"
Uruuna smiles and takes Imedren's hand. "Maybe after all of this is done, we can have another ceremony and renew our vows. I think we deserve a big celebration after everything we've been through this past year."
***
Roo gazes blankly at Imedren through the eyes of the smiling old man on his faceplate. "As I said, your use of my incantation somehow linked my senses to the remnants I had left behind in this world. Perhaps a side effect of some powerful divination magic at your command?
"Once I became aware of the connection, I was able to draw on it to perform a modified version of the soul swap spell to place my soul in this inert clockwork body somebody else had constructed. Doing so drew upon my own soul's magical essence, though, and I find my spellcasting abilities much diminished from what they were in life. I will do what I can to aid you in the coming battles, but most of the burden of defeating the demon will fall upon you. I hope you are up to the task."
"If we've time, I'm happy to buy holy water!", Joy chimes in.
Of course we have time, Joy. I'm not walking into a demon's home with the intention to kill it without being able to prepare. We're going to go shopping first. We can head out tomorrow morning.
"Good! A good night's sleep and plenty of supplies, *then* we send the world-destroying horror back to the Void!"
Joy is being entirely serious.
"There is one more thing to discuss before we make our preparations." Dramm locks eyes with the clockwork face. "What of you Roo? The Hell bound soul of a demon worshipper. You can understand that setting you free does not appeal to our interests."
It is hard to decipher whether Dramm intends this as a threat, warning, or simply honest question and disclosure. Probably all three.
Roo seems nonplussed by the question. ”I understand your concerns. Let us deal with the task at hand first. If any of us survive, we can have that discussion at that time.”
After stocking up on supplies, you prepare to venture forth. Ezekia kisses Dramm and holds him close, making him promise to come back to his wife in one piece. Rena punches Selgaer in the arm and tells him not to be stupid and get killed.
You set off north from Crossings, heading along the road to Foundry. As usual, Selgaer sets a brisk pace, helping you make good time through the plains and forests of the Northern Reach.
After three days of travel, you notice something unusual. Looking in the distance behind you, you catch a glimpse of a huge black-furred hound. The dog seems to be following you...
"Clockwork!" a distinctive voice calls from ahead of the travelers, from a woman they somehow hadn't seen until now, even though she is less than fifty feet distant. Had she been behind a tree? Lying down in the grass? It seems unlikely, but regardless, she doesn't look hostile as she approaches. Slim, she has messy dark hair, is alone, and walks with an easy confidence through the long grass towards them. Clad in form-fitting leather armor and carrying little, her hands rest on the pommels of her two sheathed longknives, and she quirks an arched eyebrow at Roo, then the approaching hound.
"That there's no mortal pooch, come for licks and tummy rubs. It's a barghest -- a hell hound -- and it's come to grab the brass one here and drag him off to hell. Don't know what you done, sir, but the Devil wants his due. Thing is, the Devil can go f~%% hisself. You lot look capable. I say we send that beast scurrying. Yeah?"
Sel looks to the voice that called out, slightly surprised that he didn't see her before this. He has the keenest eye in the group and usually catches everything and usually before anyone else does.
There's only one other person who's ever been able to keep hidden from him - TaBog.
Still, as she spoke his spear was immediately up and pointed at her, the shaft resting on his left forearm while his right hand gripped the blunt end.
You invite trouble, Clockwork, Sel said out the side of his mouth, annoyance in his voice. Twice over.
You there! the faun called out to the woman, State your name and business. The faun was easily identifiable as the front runner of the group, leading the way. His short thin stature made him almost the smallest member of the group, save for the metal clad halfling. He was dressed in what at first glance seems like simple wilderness hunting clothing, but they had a fine quality about them: superior cloth cut and trim to match the high fashion of Crossings upper class community, and perfectly tailored to his body.
And despite his pock-marked face (or maybe because of it) there was something about him that made him attractive. The shape of his eyes or perhaps the self confidence in his voice or his posture. All in all, he was a fantastically handsome faun, which may explain some of the jealousy other less confident men had around him.
"Name's Seraphina Pisslicker," the human-looking stranger responded, still closing the distance. "An unfortunate name, I know it," she said in her lilt, "but I does what I can to honor me family. Raised by goblins in Azūl, y'see, where I hail from. The city of murder, aye? Nasty place, that. Good riddance I says."
Now only twenty feet from the faun, Sera smiles slightly. "Well you're a pretty face, you with the questions, and the spear. My business is simple. The Devil and his court o'c*nts mean to grab this one, the clock-man here, and return him to hell. His soul's still stained and needs gobs more flaying, they'd tell you."
Coming to stand before Selgaer, her hands still casually sitting on her weapons' handles, she cocks her head as she holds the faun's gaze. "Now I aim to prevent that. Are we of like minds, all us here?"
Sel narrows his eyes at the woman. What was she up to? Scenario's run quickly through his mind. It could all be the truth - everyone here is on the up and up and means to help take down a demon. Unlikely; there's always other motives. She could be telling the truth and she's in league with the clockwork. Then they'd either both be allies or enemies to us, as we still don't trust him. She could be lying to get in close, in which case she'd be a valuable asset when he turns on us later on.
And what of the hound; awfully convenient she shows up at the same moment, hoping to kill it as some sort of offering of alliance. She could have set it loose and come here under false pretenses.
Time would tell.
Still, more scenarios where she's an asset than an enemy.
Sel lowers his spear. We might be, he answers. But where we're going is very dangerous, and I'm not looking for a tag along to watch over.
He puts the spear in the leather strap around his back and takes off his bow. But first, he says, knocking an arrow, I'd like to know how you know so much about this man.
Sel then sidesteps, turns, and fires the bow at the hell hound. In one smooth motion, the arrow is flying and he's several yards away from the newcomer, out of her reach.