The eagles fly off without another word leaving you to your own devices.
“Your master commands you to remain near the tree-city. Very shortly, he shall remove the insect that thwarted your previous efforts and shall recover the bloom himself: For at long last, one of the perpetrators has been located and is now securely held within Tcian Sumere, at the Bottom of the Multiverse. Your master has also bid me to add: ‘None shall rest until my vengeance is complete. All who stand in my way shall face the wrath of that which was wrought in the ancient halls of the realm now known only for dust.’ ”
Jek waits for Glittereye to be hauled away from the precarious branch and then nonchalantly drapes him over his saddle.
"So... I can't work this one out. What was all the squawking about? And Rinika, why did you turn stag on the squirrel?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rinika tries to help position Glittereye comfortably. "Well, the birds weren't happy that we were 'defiling their sacred clubhouse' or whatever. Even though it totally wasn't our fault. So they think we owe them a favor. So, also, those ghosts did something to my head like what they did with Conor I think, and so it totally wasn't my fault but I pounced on Glittereye and he was already hurt but I think he's gonna be okay now. So I hope we're all good there. Also, before all this happened there was a little guy that talked to all the ghosts."
She'll outline the mephit's message above to the rest of the group.
Conor trudges close enough to listen to the group and growls, "We would have taken them fine without the eagles help, I mislike owing them anything. Also, Nik, what the Hell? Why did the tree try to throw me off when you cast ... Whatever that was on me?"
Feeling the pain from his wounds, Conor focuses on his pearl to recharge his magic, and digs out his fresh new wand.
Nik shrugs.
"Maybe the tree thought I was going to throw another fireball? Or 'cause I was flying above the bigger branch? It was something to prevent the brain-drain or whatever those ghosts do."
Nik turns to Rinika "Uh- thanks for not murdering the necromancer, by the way.
Maybe I should make a few extra doodles to keep both of you covered..." he adds, looking back and forth between Conor and Rinika.
Nik then scratches his cheek as he considers a quick detour for picking up some scroll scribing supplies when they get back into town.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rinika runs a paw through her prodigious mane of curls and looks at Nik askance. "Yeah, well, maybe I just don't want to kill any of you."
She glances over at Glittereye's body. "I mean I don't think I wanted to kill him either. Maybe play with 'im. Some light pouncing. I never meant to hurt him."
Nik nods agreement "Well, I think we all kind of want to smack him a little bit after our first trip together. Anyway, hopefully we won't piss off too many people if we nurse him back to health or something. Think he'd be able to help us with our... foul problem? He might know about the eagles, right?" Nik asks, trying to talk himself into healing the overlarge squirrel.
"Awww Rinika. I don't want to kill any of you either." Jek chuckles.
He turns his attention back to his imperturbable passenger.
"So... if I've got this right, the tree likes this squirrel and dislikes you, Nik. So maybe helping him can even things out? I still have that acorn... I wonder if it's still good. The sooner he wakes, the sooner we can ask about the eagles. Anyone got anything for that?"
"Umm...Nik, you had a wand right?"
Nik scratches his cheek.
"Yeah, a couple sparkle sticks in fact. One would be just the thing, but I'll save that for later since I prepared the same thing today..." Nik casts a spell using a drop of blood from a baatezu.
Nik rolls his shoulders.
"That should wake him up within a minute. Anyone else hurt, now that I think about it?"
before this post
Supernatural Abilities
. 8/8 Power Over Undead (30' burst; DC 17 will)
. (1 at a time) Corpse Companion
Spell-like Abilities
. 8/8 Bolster (Undead) (+2 profane on attacks and saves; 1 temp hp/HD; +2 turn resistance; 3 round duration)
. 1/1 Pyrotechnics (DC 14)
Spells Prepared:
. 4th (2+1/day) Vampiric Touch (S), Black Tentacles, Dimension Door
. 3rd (3+1/day) Vampiric Touch (S), Fireball (DC 18), Fly, Haste
. 2nd (4+1/day) Command Undead (DC 17) (S), Flaming Sphere (DC 18; +1 CL), Glitterdust (DC 17), Levitate, Resist Energy (+1 CL)
. 1st (6+1/day) Ray of Enfeeblement (DC 16) (S), Feather Fall, Grease (DC 16), Infernal Healing, Protection from Evil [x2], Warp Sense (+1 CL)
. cantrips (at will) Acid Splash, Detect Magic (+1 CL), Message, Prestidigitation
Glittereye gasps as he returns to consciousness, "Di-did we win?"
The bloody matted fur of the ratatosk cleans up a little bit as he casts another healing spell. He looks around and exclaims excitedly, "You're a-live! Mother. Mother tree feels better too!"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Yeah, we won... well it was mostly Nik, Rinika, and the eagles who tore apart the last few." Jek offers Glittereye the Nik-seeking giant acorn with a Jek-sized bite taken out of it. "Do you guys talk much?"
Rinika leans back against Jek with her arms crossed and looks at Glittereye with some serious side-eye. "You feelin okay?"
"-and do you know about the eagles? Especially why they think we defiled that notch in the tree over there." Nik says, gesturing towards the Salience.
I only burned it a tiny little bit, and it was already in bad shape anyway...
Conor catches up with the group as they revive the squirrel, "Glad to see you are ok. What's with the big birds?"
Glittereye gives Rinika a cheerful, "H-h-hurt but Mother Tree will heal! Birds guardians of Mother Tree like ratatosk. Of course, course should asked them. What is T-t-ci-an Su-me-re?"
"Well, 'bottom of the multiverse'... and 'realm now known only for dust'... sure sounds like the negative energy plane..." Nik replies slowly while trying to remember if he has heard of that place in particular.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rinika throws an arm around Glittereye's shoulder and gives him a nookie.
"Realm of dust does sound pretty Doomy, I could ask around once we get back to Sigil."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Jek stares at his Negative Token.
"A'kin insisted on this ring..."
Hopelessly outclassed solving a riddle, or even fully understanding what the group is talking about, Conor just keeps quiet and an eye out for danger as the group moves along.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The Bottom of the Multiverse is an archaic name for the Negative Energy Plane.
Even though Nik has studied the Negative Energy plane in great detail he has no idea what Tcian Sumere refers to. There are a few places possible for the realm only known for dust: The quasi-elemental plane of dust, between the Negative and Earth, Pelion a layer of Arborea that consists of blowing white sand, the Plains of Gallenshu a layer of the Abyss where the air is choked with dust from ground bones and flesh, to name a few.
After pausing entirely too long to think about it, Nik sighs and starts rambling about the planes again "I can't remember any place called Tcian Sumere. I remember a few dusty places though: a place in Arboea that is basically just sand blowing around (I doubt a thing with wrath worth mentioning was forged there, though); the quasi-elemental plane of dust, it's negative plane adjacent, so that might be it; and there's this place in the Abyss called the Plains of Gallenshu. If it's something horrible, it's probably from one of the evil planes. Especially considering the 'now known for' bit. I doubt the quasi elemental plane of dust was ever anything else. But you never know... hmmm...."
Nik, finally falling silent again, scratches his cheek with his free hand. He also finally remembers his crossbow. Deciding that they're almost at Veridis' place and that they probably won't see more visages for this visit, he shrugs and slings the crossbow over his back.
Three days ago Glimmerhoof could sense something was off about Zebrinth. She didn't remember that time Zebrinth and Gon had accidentally wandered into Jotunheim together, and a number of small things only a loving family member would notice. The same day Zebrinth had to take a sudden trip outside of Crux but assured her Auntie that she could stay in her house for as long as she liked.
Glimmerhoof recently noticed that Zebrinth’s casks of wine have begun to smell like death. Opening one cask Glimmerhoof was greeted with the dismembered corpse of her niece. She is now at the residence of Veridis Mov, Crux’s de facto leader, to report the murder.
Tethys outlines a path to Yggdrasil and then Crux. First Helios takes a portal in the Market Ward of Sigil to a largely unexplored prime world. The portal exits to a dilapidated farmhouse near a perfectly symmetrical silver tree. When Helios climbs onto the tree he finds gravity shifts towards it and he can see Yggdrasil’s portal down the trunk. Walking through it he finds himself on a Tree larger than he could have imagined.
He only once gets lost on the vast Tree, and is righted by a squirrel the size of a large dog who helpfully give him the correct direction after answering a number of riddles. Helios now finds himself at the residence of Veridis Mov.
Everyone conveniently arrives outside of the Veridis’ residence.
A gaunt human looking fellow approaches; he is unnaturally pale, but not albino and he has gray eyes. He is wearing goggles with jewel lenses; beige pants and a brown shirt both with unidentifiable but similar stains on them; and an ample brown cloak. He has a quiver and heavy darkwood crossbow on his back, as well as a pair of moderately sized books hanging from his belt near a sheathed dagger.
A pair of animated corpses follow close behind him, one of bloody bones and the other of rotting flesh. Both have tails; reptilian features; and, very oddly, smell of wildflowers.
He whispers something to his companions for consensus on what to do, elbowing the Bariaur and pointing at Auntie Glimmerhoof.
When the door opens, whoever does can see a tall man with fiery red long hair. His skin looks a bit reddish as well, same as if he had light sunburns. He carries a big longbow made of a horn on his back, but that doesn't make him look menacing at all. "Greetings" he says warmly, wiping some moss from his comfortable leather pants. It's clear to a good observer that he doesn't know what to do with his hands when he talks, putting them behind him or playing with his fingers. "I'm Helios. Is this Veridius Mov's residence?"
Conor swaggers along with the group as it approaches Veridis' place. He's a tall man, well not all that tall next to Jek, clad in well made, but battered full plate. If one squints they can see a long faded symbol of a clenched gauntlet on his scarred breast plate. His greatsword is unsheathed and resting casually across his shoulder as he saunters into town, helmet on but visor up, displaying a handsome, if scarred, face and ready smile.
"Huh, who are these two?" he asks the universe as they approach.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
A tall mithirl-clad bariaur walks alongside the pallid whispering fellow. His muscular build and sharp horns would be imposing if it weren't for his smirk of amusement. A well-made backpack, full-sized barrel, and controversy-provoking saddle are expertly strapped to his backs. A lance with a leather pendant is clasped along his side.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
The Aasimar gestures towards the Bariaur's side, and soon a squiggly thin silver lance with a very thick blue outline is visible. The blue seems to extend well in front of and behind the user-less lance.
A catfolk girl walks with the group of adventurers. She's quite young, scrawny, and dressed in a motley assortment of finery thrown together with no regard for style. A thick, oversized wool peacoat festooned with pockets topped a very fine burgundy silk kimono left untied atop a waistcoat and glimmering green chain shirt. It's all tied together with a large gold pendant in goblin script, a silver pocketwatch slipped into the peacoat, a sword in a lacquered scabbard on her back, a half-dozen different types of scarves, and a red dragonscale hair comb slipped into the enormous mane of dark curls that bounce atop her head. A thin layer of dark fur coats the rest of her and she scans the area with narrowed eyes. As time goes by, a creeping patch of death and decay wanders across her face. Her fur becomes patchy and the skin tightens against bone, opening in places to reveal stringy muscle and discolored bones underneath. Just as quickly as it appears, the dead spot drifts off again under her many layers and again looks like a perfectly healthy catfolk.
"That's pretty rad, guys. They're probably just some more unfortunate townies."
Just as Helios is waiting for the door to open - they're taking their time aren't they - a group of diverse people gather nearby. They seem to direct their steps to him, or maybe to the same house he's in front of, and he thinks some of them match the descriptions Tethys gave him.
He speaks up to them. "G'day! Name's Helios. I think we have a common acquaintance, Tethys, am I right?" He tries to figure out if they also got some of that sticky moss, and if they didn't, how did they manage.
A female Bariaur approaches, in her mid-thirties (or the bariaur equivalent thereof), her graying hair is plaited into twin braids, a hairstyle that would seem more appropriate in a much younger woman. Her mithral armor looks shabby, despite its obvious quality as though it were quite old and passed down. She wears both a backpack, and a set of saddlebags, which has an assortment of bottles, weapons, and other bits attached-- including dried flowers, a tuft of hair, scraps of folded paper.
"My, oh, my. . . who have we hear? Why, this is quiet a gathring of persons, come now, Auntie Glimmerhoof here will soothe your says. I too have come to see this Veridius Mos fallow."
Glittereye departs the party before they enter Crux and wishes them well.
As introductions are made the door to Veridis' home opens. A man with neat golden hair that just barely reaches his shoulder answers. He has a sharp-featured face which is clean shaven and meets your gaze with confident eyes. He wears a snow-white shirt and pants with red vest. Inside the home a one-eyed cat mews.
He motions to Jek and co., "I know why you're here of course. Welcome Ms. Glimmerhoof and Helios, you'll have to forgive me for eavesdropping. We can talk inside if you like."
Veridis' home is a large circular wooden home and well appointed. He pours everyone a glass of red wine, clearly imported.
"You say you know why A'Im come then? So you might tell me what it is that the law here plans to do about my poor girl?"
Veridis gives Glimmerhoof a slight nod, "Apologies, with the exception of Helios I have business with these people. If I had to guess I would say that you've come to report the death of someone, if that is the case you may as well hear what they have to say. Unfortunately the sheriff has recently passed so as much as I hate to say it there is no law in Crux."
Jek walks closer to Helios. "We've done some work for Tethys, yes. Why did she tell you about us? Are you a courier?"
"I'm, erm... I was told you were looking for... replacements... in your group" Helios says, without thinking too much about it. He then realised he could have touched a delicate matter - he doesn't know if there's a member missing... or worse.
"Yeah- Akrynn isn't in good shape..." Nik shrugs.
He then starts explaining to Veridis about more visages, the message from the steam mephit, the definitely only slightly burnt salience, the eagles, and finally he asks "So, anyway, do you know anything about a realm now known only for dust? or 'Tcian Sumere'?"
Oddly forgetting to ask for the rest of their pay.
Veridis listens in and adds in details for the newcomers as needed.
The town of Crux has been beset by some malevolence that Nik has take to calling visages. They are strange undead creatures that seem to have the ability to control the senses of living people. A number of Crux's residences have been killed by the visages and then the creatures take their identities. Veridis learned the dark of the matter by knowing a lot about the people of Crux and sent a message to Nik, Jek, Rinika, and Conor since they were trusted outsiders and had experience dealing with them. Veridis also learned of a meeting of the visages where they received a messenger, a mephit. The message was:
"Your master commands you to remain near the tree-city. Very shortly, he shall remove the insect that thwarted your previous efforts and shall recover the bloom himself: For at long last, one of the perpetrators has been located and is now securely held within Tcian Sumere, at the Bottom of the Multiverse. Your master has also bid me to add: ‘None shall rest until my vengeance is complete. All who stand in my way shall face the wrath of that which was wrought in the ancient halls of the realm now known only for dust.’"
When Nik mentions Tcian Sumere Veridis gets up and pulls out an ancient looking book, "I can help with that." After reading a passage he says, "I thought so. Back on my ancestor's home there is a temple dedicated to... hmm... the name is illegible. No matter, the book describes using a stick of charcoal used to open a path to God's realm, Tcian Sumere. This captured person probably is the key to unfolding the mystery before us."
"Mmmhhh... But do you know who is the one captured by the... visages?". He knows they haven't talked about being accepted or not into the group, but he feels this is something that should be addressed, no matter what.
He's never been the brightest guy around, so it takes him a few seconds to realise. "Oh, you mean, that's what your friend... Eh..."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Hey Conor, did you contact Tethys about needing a healer? I think she may have assumed you'd be dead by now and sent a replacement."
Jek turns back to Helios "Welcome aboard!"
"Oh, AI'm right shocked to hear this all mister Veridous," she turns to the others there, "But tell me, you otters here- what will you do about these critters?"
Conor accepts the newcomers explanation and arrival with the ease and grace of a seasoned mercenary, sheathing his greatsword and smiling a greeting to both of the newcomers, "Well met. I'm Conor."
At Jek's question, Conor barks a laugh. "I didn't contact her, but she could have sent backup, it wouldn't surprise me."
Then he frowns and his face darkens a bit, "It better not cost me anything, I didn't ask for it..." he mutters.
Looking at the group and Veridis, including the newcomers, he does ask, "Thank you Jek for reminding me, anyone here left alive, or one of you two, capable of casting a Restoration on me? Had a tangle with a wraith a bit back and I'm dog tired. I've got the jink, just need a priest."
"A'I can cast a restoration, but not until to-marrow, though I couldna take ahny jink fer such a trifle, though I do need dust of a diamond to use on the castin."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"As far as what we'll do about it, as long as there's some jink in it for us, I expect we're gonna kill 'em all." Rinika scratches at her ear and looks pointedly at Veridis before turning back to the rest of the group and starts firing off a barrage of questions, clearly more suspicious, or at least more inquisitive, than Conor.
"So who are you? Are you from in-town, Miss Glimmerhoof? And you..", she blinks at Helios a few times before looking away. "How long have you known Tethys? You any good with spells? Swords? You got more spells, Miss? Either of you ever fight undead before? Either of you got any frankincense or weasels?"
Conor smiles a thanks at ...Auntie? Glimmer .. something and looks to Veridis, "Maybe there's someone in town who can sell me the dust?" looking back to Auntie Glimmerhoof and adds, "Proper payment for services rendered is required, I'll pay at least the going rate. I appreciate your generosity, but let me pay. You can donate it to this town if ya like, after. he finishes with his persuasive smile.