So, when the party accepts Arjunara's assignment, "Arj" leads the group on a horseback shadow-ride across a variety of dimensions ending in path between some wooded hill. The landscape glows with an unearthly radiance, each shrub is a paragon of shrubbery, each tree a glowing exemplar of tree-ness.
From the saddle, Arj smiles as he gestures at the area generally, "marvelous, yes but avoid getting over-awed, keep your mind on the mission and remember every this can get boring". The half-metal man then dismounts and hands you a scroll with a map on it. "This path leads to the Grove proper. I should warn you the Grove itself can be maudlin or perhaps a bit, uh, sappy. Naturally, entrances are all guarded - the Grove considers itself exclusive. The guard to this entrance is a Mythic Chimera named Xixanixis. They are considerably more powerful than the ordinary sort but well within your powers - you may wish to try you luck talking your way through but keep in mind the thing is reborn the next day when slain. Still, the best outcome is talking your way pass. It has a fondness for archaic timepieces from the many worlds and Zixnon fruit tarts. These cases provide a selection of each but it's best to act as you didn't plan to bribe it. Indeed, use all your guile for something original. Once you pass Xixanixis, you can make your way to the Golden Palm guest house, mingle and try to determine who if anyone might be polluting the streams of creation. Just to be clear, we are nearly certain the streams are being polluted but riddle is where, what stage and so-forth."
Being 12' tall the ride was out, as no mounty could carry her 1650 lb. So she extended her power-wings and flow next to them as the Hell-rode throw the dimations.
On getting to the woods, her feet landing on the moss sinking a little, the coloration of her body changed to that of camo green, as she pulled her massive rail gun off her back, holding it she looks throw its scope, starting to scanning the area. Four small devices dectanched form her shoulder and rises into the air. Aerial scanning drones by the looks of them, going to all points on the campus. .
"The area is clear"
She says, taking point as the others look over the map and talk mission.
The dwarf looks at the map Lyra is holding. "Good. If we can avoid Xixanixis, fine. But I'm not opposed to talking our way out. Or the bribes."
"Let's keep moving and with stealth."
Unless they've constructed this entrance in a pretty foolish manner it's not going to be possible to get in without meeting Xixanixis. Honestly, between Arlo and Lyra we should be able to make a pretty good argument that we belong. That said it's probably better to approach openly, if we seem to be trying to sneak in it's going to be a lot harder to talk our way past.
Over the link Azzim replied, ::I agree, steering closer to the truth seems prudent under the circumstances. I guess Terex and I get to play entourage. Actually maybe we should lean into that, the other powers will likely have servants maybe we can mingle...::
"Agreed lets move out"
She fades from view becoming invisible,
Earlier, as you are leaving...
Snobarny approaches the group to say goodbye. "While we were somewhat thrown together by chance, I appreciated being part of your team, I learned a lot and I enjoyed your spirit. Since I generally work alone, however, I won't be part of your next assignment.... " He bows and gives hugs, handshakes or noserubs as appropriate...
...
Now...
So the party walks nonchalantly down the path towards. The environment continues to be ... divine. As you make a turn, ahead of you, just behind a further turn, you hear a stage whisper in a growling falsetto, "Ah Xinvani, creatures approach openly, I cannot wait to watch them fry. another, deeper voice "Yes Slinoy, like the knight from the week, roasted in his armor" the first voice "Ah, but his brother slew us, damn him" second voice: "Oh but here we are, ha, ha..."
Arlo Brighthammer, not to be undone, remarks just loud enough to be heard by others.
"Oh look, Lady Lyra. It appears the Divine beings are being snobbish. How Original.."
Azzim rolled his eyes and remarked loudly enough to be heard, "Suppose I teleported the Chimera to the bottom of a heavy gravity world's sea trench. Do you think it would resurrect here or would it get stuck in a rebirth - insta death loop over there? Might be an interesting experiment..."
Lyras invisablilty como dissolves away and her Massive gold and white mech comes into resolution, Her halo glowing and a power shimmer of her force field passing over her angelic {also Devine} mech from. Everything about her says, be very careful.
Lyras Looks down at her husband
"Now, now dear, we don't insult the local planel life forms, they can't help it. Remember to them this in the only reality they have ever known."
Terexaltherin rolls his eyes. He broadcasts his telepathic 'voice' so even the chimera can hear it. Great masters, I know you like to flex your power, but you *do* belong here and you *are* trying to be diplomatic with the other nascent divinities, are you not? It would make a bad impression to scare the gate guard to get into a place of peaceful companionship.
She relaxed subtly demonished by Terexaltherin, Slipping her weapon away.
"Alright, Terexaltherin, then have at it, persuade away"
Waits some distance away,
So, the party together turns the corner and sees the creature Xixanixis - it takes one's breath away, a combination of near-god and deformed kitten needing to put out of it's misery.
Head named Slinoy, the goat (or is it chicken) petulantly says (but a hint of nervousness) "Imprison in the sea? Oh, Marchese The Purple did that 8 eons ago, our father Xantha eventually pulled us out... and I recall Xantha was... pissed" and the head Xinvani, the lion [b]"Perhaps the lady could then offer a suitable gift to us if she wishes to avoid unpleasantly, I believe your tiny friend has the right idea "[b] while the unnamed dragon writhes like a mad thing (which is it very likely is)...
Terexaltherin flies up in front of the group, visible to but not within easy reach of the chimera. To Xixanixis, I bid greetings. I am Terexaltherin, currently herald to the godlings Lyra and Arlo, who seek entry to the Grove you guard. They are but recently arrived from fighting against many of the great evils that face the multiverse, and so I am afraid that they, and my fellow-servant, are in a somewhat aggressive mood. I beg your pardon, and, recognizing that such insults cannot easily be set aside, offer a small token of the sincerity of the apology.
He telekinetically removes one of the timepieces and one of the fruit tarts that Arj supplied them with from his pack.
Slinoy, the goat head, clears its throat and says, trying sound magnanimous (but somewhat shrill) "Ah yes, these crude references to destruction are to be expected and forgivable from those coming from battling much greater evils. Some indeed, might falsely mistake our own comments for unneeded bellicosity when we too merely come from battle against such great evils as none may tell, yes. Now, as to entry, your gifts are hardly sufficient... but your kind words are gold of the highest metal and for these we can let you pass... Also, may we recommend Austinia's Guest House, a place where warriors against evil may rest ..." whereupon the creature steps aside with an awkward graciousness and the party proceeds down the path. With each step, the sense of vitality grows 'till the arrival at The Groves Of Ansthenia gives the feeling of trumpets sounding - but silently...
The topography is small rolling hills and valleys with gardens, gates, sculptures and the like spread about in a complex relating the deities of the fifteen-mile-diameter area, magic hangs especially in this area. There are several small guest houses and a town where tradespeople apparently ply their craft but most of godlings and their retainers are in camps with various themes; the fire camp, the camp of the plants, the camp of roses, etc . The themes are different each year it seems and you have arrived two weeks before the festival so the party could create it's own theme as well. And beyond the craftspeople's village is an out-of-sight, away-from-the-magic camp for mortals of various serving the godlings in a mundane fashion (carrying baggage etc).
Lyra sees the crafts-people's village she forgets all about the beast at the door,
and heads off, bonding over to see what they are doing.
She is however careful not to step on anyone.
Looming over the stalls as she inspact the wares. Her white can gold body glinting in the sun.
"I'm going shopping, o and i think we should have our own, camp, we come from the city or Cage of doors, how about a camp for planal travelers. A camp of doors, gates and pathways, I can craft is a polvilan if you need one."
::I think that's a good idea::, Arlo thought over the mindhive. ::Doors and pathways are less likely to draw too much attention, but still fit in with the other themes. I will accompany Lyra. It will give me a chance to scout this divine environment.::
The dwarf keep checking his hands for an odd reason. Arlo looked perplexed.
Terexaltherin suppresses a mental sigh. Did they have to go *loud* instead of blending in? Lyra and Arlo seemed to be in kind of a weird mood this mission... but he got to talk the chimera down, so he won't complain too much this time around. Well, I suppose Azzim and I can go blend in with the mortal servants for a while? he suggests 'aloud'.
As Lyra scans the booths arrange between the villages' buildings (which serve as workshops and living quarters), a dwarf appears who introduces himself as Vilmionous McNeedam. Vilmionous explains that the items set-out are samples and most work is custom prepared for the time of the festival. The samples are superb in beauty, subtly and magical/technological prowess (for just one example, a thin porcelain face that seems to very subtly breath, imparting the sculpture with unique poignancy).
When she compliments the work and asks a couple knowing and sympathetic questions, Vilmionous invites the godling to his workshop for further demonstrations and soon she's answering tough technical questions with close to half the village.
Meanwhile, the Party establishes The Camp Of Doors and attracts some interest. Both craftspeople from the village and the commoners camp behind the hill carefully offer services. Godlings from other camps make visits and on the day, a godling named Mithereena arrives and pettitions to join the camp. She has the form of an astonishing beautiful female aasimar and wears a garment of slowly shifting hues and colors that some always highlight her striking appearance. "Why one of my powers is flitting from plane to plane and another power is building bridges between godlings, so your camp appeals to me so wonderfully much. Where might I pitch pavilion? My retainers will arrive as soon as I give the signal".
About Mithereena:
Indeed a Godling with various plane hopping powers, she's also known as "the gossip of the gods" for sharing everyone's secrets with everyone else - which has earned her enmity among some. She's not malicious or evil but has both friends and enemies among the godlings.
Azzim nodded to Terex and said, "Yes lets..."
Mingling among the various craftspeople, commerors, heralds, syphohants, and so on, Azzim tries to get a feel for what's on everyone's mind.
When Mithereena arrives, Azzim resisted rolling his eyes. Having recently read about her in Boccob's library, he knew knew this was as much an opportunity as a risk.
Over the link he sent ::Mithereena is an inveterate gossip, cultivating her could be very useful if we want to know about somebody, or spread rumors of our own. Still she represents an ongoing security risk, which we need to be wary of::
Replying to Mithereena, Azzim gave a respectful bow and said neutrally, "Lady Lyra will be along presently, hopefully an auspicious place can be selected."
Arlo's interest is peaked when passing armories and weapon sellers. The godling is keen on learning what's popular among the divine set.
Lyra is already making worker botts, to build the pavillion.
Yeah, we'll have to be careful what we say and do around her, but I do think she'll be more of an asset than a problem so long as we're careful, Terexaltherin agrees with Azzim. So as far as I'm concerned we should say yes.
Once things are settled at the camp, Terexaltherin goes exploring, just looking around for anything that catches his interest.
::If you folks say so. Should I lean into my actual identity, or make up another alias?:: The dwarf conferred with the hivemind.
Lyra's futuristic architecture for The Camp Of Doors is shaping up nicely. Mithereena Terex finds the godling a pleasant site where she can be watched in a low-key fashion. In the next days, for only an hour at a time, she hangs around the area, chatting amicably and sharing a variety of mostly harmless but entertaining stories of godlings past and present but she otherwise moves between the different camps.
Two other godlings appear and volunteer for The Camp Of Doors, Rovalto the fair, a planeswalker with the appear of a tall-ish halfling with with fair hair and gold-tinted skin, a patron of travelers. And the Great Maximus, with a aspect of a aged human with a cybernetic right arm. He claims to travel in a time machine that only he can operate. Both have a Stirling reputations as do-gooders... (The Great Maximus has occasionally consulted with The Organization though you've had no contact with him before).
SAINT LYRA {The Divine Mech} was having a blast, And was fascinated, leaning as much as he was giving out. She kept to technical questions about manufacture processes. And kept away form moral or philosophy debates. Picking their brains more than them hers.
---
When the two other godlings came to join them she spent some time talking to them, about their lives and times. She was surprised The Great Maximus know of and had done some work for The Organization, she did not say anything about her work with them. Long talks about time and mechnicas. Rovalto the fair was fascinating with his tales of other planes and his adventures there. She was careful not to say to much about her own times on other realms. She let them know about Arlo Light Bringer, A fighter for justice and peace. And her afinaily for crafting races like his.
They both seem good souls.
----
She spots the female aasimar talking to the others, but keeps away, sticking to her role as SAINT LYRA {The Divine Mech}, always talking tech and working with the other godlings to craft the camp of doors.
---
As the povalan took shape she made rooms for everyone, so they could rest. One this she worked on was Windows that looked out onto other planes. Once could not use them for travel, Yet, But she wanted the whole building to reflect the mirrade planes of existence and means to travel between them. Once the Camp of doors High Rise was done, She powered up the boulding and light flooded the area. She had set her mech Bots to now beings crowd control, checking in and looking after Guests. As well as maintain the building.
Teleport platforms, Maglev craft, Grav-tubes and Lifts took guest from floors to floor, some floors being bigger on the inside than out. The building showed means to planes travel. Some simple like personal spells, others complex long term mass transport gates. Use to link places far apart and planes very close to each other.
On the big day she dose a TED talk like events on the main stage.
Welcoming everyone and starts her talk on the subject of
Transmutation costs and the planes.
"Transmutation is always problematic, it's about the local energy to matter, and matter to energy conversion ramp. As one goes up the periodic table in mass so the cost numbers can get eye watering high. And also the risk! That is why pulling matter form other planes becomes more efficient than Transmutation depending on local material and circumstance. But one needs an active connection between planes to pull matter form them, also A very good relationships with such planes. One best not anger a plane of devils by stealing their brimstone. {she makes a joke here} So let me present to you a means by which to choose the when, where and how of Transmutation over pranspotion in a simple rick to cost metric system....
at the end of her talk she bowed to the audience and joined the Q and A panel of herself and a few of her fellow planes trailer godlings, one of which she hoped would be Mithereena, who she had sent an invite too.
The summer camps come together with astonishing speed, the various godlings exerting their power effectively. The Camp Of Fire brims with raw energy attracting a variety of benevolent fire spirits celebrating in rustic splendor and regularly setting off fireworks and hosting simple bonfire events... The camp of the plants is presided over by celestial treant named Vorandar and has trees and vines rising to the sky. The Camp of Roses is a complex theme of honor, love and melancholy with a variety of powerful Fey spirits engaged in complex ceremonies. And the camps of Crystal and Sky are just starting to be set up.
Meanwhile, Lyra's talk is also attended by a rather austere fairy about three feet, in a black and purple cape with nearly transparent dragonfly wing. After the Q&A he introduces himself with a bow as Monal Dovinare and says "I was fascinated by your discussion and have a question. How does prevent the possibility of injecting flaws or particles of in the process of transmutation" (a small amount of asking or looking shows Monal is with The Camp Of The Rose.
Monal seems to be investigating the same problem as the party, flaws in the process of creation. It could be the Fey court is concerned with the problem as well but you can't be sure about the why here.
"Well that is a good question, depending on your process, its down to process filters and quality control I think, but as I said that all needs to be compatible with your creation process. Do you have a specific creation process in mind?"
Azzim was listening in to Lyra's presentation and after the Q&A he gravitated towards the delegates talking to Lyra. He overheard Monal Dovinare's question and felt intuitively he knew what the Fae was concerned about.
This was a topic he'd considered before but in light of the things he'd read about in Boccob's library he considered it anew. There probably was a class of vulnerability the traders exploited but this likely part of something had other presumably beneficial side effects so preventing the exploit probably wasn't simple, but maybe something was possible...
Monal Dovinare here is probably investigating the same thing we are, Terexaltherin silently tells the rest of the party. No guarantee they're wanting to *stop* it, of course, though it's likely. Maybe try to play along for a bit and see if we can get a read on the exact motivation?
When not helping around the camp, Terexaltherin spends some time getting Mithereena talking about who's arrived so far, listening for anyone that sounds of interest for what they're investigating.
One thing that occurs to Azzim as Lyra and Monal Dovinare talk is that while it's possible to guard against the pollution of creation processes from the outside - especially that devils, demons and liches sneaking into area like this directly would be hard. But pollution of the soul of a creator would most likely be the simplest thing...
Meanwhile, Mithereena still spends only a small amount of time in her pavilion most days but one day returns with a beautiful water spirit named Ologonon who tells Terex (and whoever will listen) of a plan for interplanar knot of deep water flows, a wonderfully fruitful source of water-based planes. "There will be no water camp this year so I hope to bring this to your camp of doors... assume you will a source of many new planar nexuses and I can offer mine... "
The Camp of Crystals goes up the same day, lead by Galbardo and featuring a variety of earth creators, dwarven crafters as well as those noble creatures attracted to the crystalline.
Also, Roger Merdo and Ole Sordo from the Commoners camp appear and inquire about tasks the Camp Of Door might need done.
She looks over the plans to add a sub-section for water planes. This can be done with ease using transparent aluminium tanks {this is the real thing} she went with the ground around the Tower of Doors. Making water spheres in gardens laid out.
Showing doors from water planes.
While at it about the tower she also makes Air spaces for gates into Gass planes.
Below the tower are caves to rock and Hell planes.
The gardens have woodes now for treen planes.
In the center of the areas is the tower of doors.
She set up displays and food vendors supplying food form other planes.
Arlo walks around the massive camp Lyra constructed, and smiles with pride.
Meanwhile, Mithereena still spends only a small amount of time in her pavilion most days but one day returns with a beautiful water spirit named Ologonon who tells Terex (and whoever will listen) of a plan for interplanar knot of deep water flows, a wonderfully fruitful source of water-based planes. "There will be no water camp this year so I hope to bring this to your camp of doors... assume you will a source of many new planar nexuses and I can offer mine... "
Oh, that sounds lovely! I'm certain I can talk Arlo and Lyra into allowing that in the camp, Terexaltherin replies.
The little dragon chats with the representatives from the Commoners camp and identifies some possible tasks, but says he'll have to consult with those in charge first.
Azzim pondered his insight for a while, rolling it around from one side to another. After a bit he told the others over the link, ::I've been thinking about how the process of creation can be subverted, I'm sure there's external ways but it seems to me the most insidious way would be to taint the soul of the creator. This place or it's inhabitants are likely more dangerous to Lyra and Arlo than it may appear, of course this is also an opportunity. I wonder if we can find a way to ask Mithereena without asking, about powers who had a sudden change of heart? Perhaps after a 'chance' encounter...::
Lyra stopped what she was doing.
"Is this want could have happoned to Gift? I agree with you, to place as seed in the creator would be a very effective way to brake the creation much later as that seed grows."
Terex speaks for a while to Roger and Ole and refers them to Lyra who finds some tasks suited to their skills (which are considerable). He gets the impression, however, that despite their excitement are working for near godling, they sometimes wind-up stretched with grueling hours, few resources and little recognition.
Ologonon sets up his water-doors display and it is extremely impressive in a subtle way, the water of different planes flows together, showing small differences in hues, textures and speed...
The Camp Of Crystals is emphasizing natural formations and their magical properties, possibly to provide a contrast with The Camp Of Doors.
The Camp of Plants has grown as a similar rate to The Camp Of Doors and is fantastic to behold, the trunks of vast trees rising to the sky...
Mithereena mentions that in The Camp Of The Rose, there is rivalry between Duke Helio and Duke Marquat, a rivalry resulting in their production of many poignant scenes...
Two more camps, The Camp Of The Chalice and The Camp of the Compass are just starting...
"Camp of the Chalice? There might be drinks..", Arlo pondered.
"I shall go investigate The Camp of the Chalice! Anyone else wanna come along?!"
She then checked on her Mechs, she had only been able to make all this with a near army or robot workers. Once she had made the 1st 3 they had then made others and so on. A mech swarm was not that hard to make. She could control around 350 at a time. And had an AI cohort copy of mind running them at the moment.
As Arlo went to leave for the pub camp, she calls out after him
"DON'T GET TOO DRINK!!"
Then she went back to running the camp, she had had Holo projects put up so they massive images form inside the camp could be seen in the air 1000s of feet up in the air.
Arlo arrives at the entrance to The Camp of The Chalice as it is just being set-up. Much of area has been turned into elegant, minimalist parks with a variety of pale marble statues and simple benches...
A large golden chalice inlaid with gems and carved with various runes sits at the very center of the parks. As soon as Arlo steps within the camp, he can see also figures around the central cup, some coming and going, other simply contemplating. Notable among them is a tall man with antlers and a tall, rotund woman, beautiful and sensuous, others are more shadowy. Also as Arlo steps in, he notice gates around the edges leading to various rugged, picturesque and untamed wilderness... And the figures in the center are preparing ghostly mounts... But while camp evokes powerful mythological elements, Arlo can feel it is strongly for the good. The Wild Hunt but the variation of the Wild Hunt where the hunters serve to keep devils in the underworld...
Also, there is makeshift tavern on one side of the camp, simple stonework and roughly made pine tables but, by the look of things, extraordinary, heavenly ale bubbling in open chalices the size of beer barrels and served by large, heavyset, bearded male figure in an elegant gray fur robe...
Arlo stands near the large golden chalice for several minutes as activities happen around him. The dwarf seems lost in thought. Then Finally.
"BAH! Fine! I'll inquire about the Hunt! I'm too much of dwarf paladin not to!" The godling said to himself.
A dwarf in resplendent dwarven platemail and a masterwork mithril shield walks up to the assembled hunters. "Hail to thee, Noble Warriors. I am Arlo Lightbringer, godling of Moridin. I seek to join your hunt!"
Terex speaks for a while to Roger and Ole and refers them to Lyra who finds some tasks suited to their skills (which are considerable). He gets the impression, however, that despite their excitement are working for near godling, they sometimes wind-up stretched with grueling hours, few resources and little recognition.
Terexaltherin commisserates with the workers, trying to gently suggest some ways and reasons they should advocate for better conditions.
Ologonon sets up his water-doors display and it is extremely impressive in a subtle way, the water of different planes flows together, showing small differences in hues, textures and speed...
Terexaltherin makes apporpriately impressed comments--and he *is* impressed, spending some time enjoying watching it and observing both the magical and fluid-mechanical skill involved in making it.
Terex looks carefully at Ologonon's water gates. They are remarkable, designed with almost pure intuition but stable and tuned to pipe divine blessings to all planes touching
Meanwhile, Roger and Ole are excited by the ideas which Terex puts forward but also somewhat nervous. "Perhaps you could come with us to the Camp Of Crystals, a camp which employs many, to help us articulate these interesting ideas...
Elsewhere... as Arlo approaches the chalice, a soft golden light gradually rises up and illuminates the scene. The tall, wide woman smiles and raises a hand in greeting as several other figures appear, many are paladins, rangers and inquisitors who Arlo knows by reputation if not by acquaintance. Most perhaps more focused on the battle against evil than the process of creation but still of Stirling reputation...
"Arlo Brighthammer! A name that has been repeated with awe to me but your reputation is nothing compared to your shining presence. Welcome. We were but assaying chances of a hunt tonight but your arrival decides it. Let us ride. But what against what? The evil of chaotic desolution in Pandemonium? The pure evil of the Daemons? The insidious realms of the fallen angels? Leave it to you. I am Dev." She pauses and smiles and Arlo recalls a "Dev" who has a reputation for tearing demons apart with her bare hands ... Continuing "And this is Horania, who is tonight our Green Man but always my love. Let us prepare... and she introduces the various warriors arrayed around the Chalice...
Lyra on hearing that Arlo was going on a hunt, sent.
"Your not going with out me, someone has to keep you out of trouble."
"Arlo Brighthammer! A name that has been repeated with awe to me but your reputation is nothing compared to your shining presence. Welcome. We were but assaying chances of a hunt tonight but your arrival decides it. Let us ride. But what against what? The evil of chaotic desolution in Pandemonium? The pure evil of the Daemons? The insidious realms of the fallen angels? Leave it to you. I am Dev." She pauses and smiles and Arlo recalls a "Dev" who has a reputation for tearing demons apart with her bare hands ... Continuing "And this is Horania, who is tonight our Green Man but always my love. Let us prepare... and she introduces the various warriors arrayed around the Chalice...
Arlo was taken aback, either by being confronted by the fact the assembled warriors of good saw through his thinly-veiled alias or that despite his various secret missions for The Organization, his exploits were known.
The dwarf godling humbly bowed his head in self-admonishment. These were his peers. After what seems like a lifetime of assumed identities and secret missions, Arlo felt the welcoming attitudes around him. Sure, Arlo was a big deal within The Organization, but supposedly all his good works did garnish some attention. Maybe even some acclaim.
"Dev. Horania. Thank you for the honor" Arlo smiled at last. "well, the way I see it, daemons never did 'nothing-for-nobody'. Let's hunt those bastards down. And who knows? We might get lucky and take down some devils; since they both reside in Hell!"
Lyra on hearing that Arlo was going on a hunt, sent.
"Your not going with out me, someone has to keep you out of trouble."
The godling taps his ear holding a communication device. "My wife, Saint Lyra, will be joining us shortly."
and not soon after from the sky flies down Lyra, sticking a hero landing close to her husband. Standing back up she nods at the other there.
"Greetings, I am Lyra Brighthammer, also known as
SAINT LYRA - The Divine Mech"
Terex looks carefully at Ologonon's water gates. They are remarkable, designed with almost pure intuition but stable and tuned to pipe divine blessings to all planes touching
Meanwhile, Roger and Ole are excited by the ideas which Terex puts forward but also somewhat nervous. "Perhaps you could come with us to the Camp Of Crystals, a camp which employs many, to help us articulate these interesting ideas...
I could do that. I know it's tempting to overwork yourself for a cause you believe in, but you actually do more and better work if you pace yourself, Terexaltherin says to Roger and Ole.
Just after he messages Azzim. Sounds like you'd better keep a careful eye on our camp. While most of us are gone is exactly when I'd expect someone ill-intentioned to try something.
So Dev, Horania and the assembled warriors quickly organizes the shadowy mounts and the hunt assembles. Each hunter imbibe some of the blood in the chalice and then it's magic sends the group hurtling through the night sky and onto the sky paths leading to Hades... Leaving at approximately 6 pm...
For the evening and into the morning, Terex and Azzim are on high alert. Still, all things in The Camp Of Doors seem to continue as usual. Mithereena returns briefly and gives Terex some divine perfumes and essences she was gifted and which thinks Lyra will enjoy and Ologonon takes time off his construction to watch the camp. Lyra's devices continue their constructions efficiently.
And at dawn, the Hunt return triumphantly with many joyful and enthusiastic shouts. The story is hunt circled several less known skypaths and intercepted several convoys of yugoloths headed to material realms, easily destroying them with Arlo dispatching one of the captain. Dev comments, "With our assembled might, there was little risk of failure. But we still did an important and we will build up to riskier rides as things continue - the pursuit of valor requires it"
Meanwhile, at dawn Escoroth supervises the erection of twelve blue columns for The Camp Of The Sky, the columns are so exactly sky blue that that seem to touch the beautiful dawn sky of the meadow..