The magical energies gathered around him; Rollo concentrates his will on bending the forces to close the Wall. The Sage is thankful for his companions more suited for the tech part!
Thinking about the machines, the scientists, the story of Xonos' birth and how we found this plane, it seems as if some powerful, amoral force operated to bring about this situation. This bears further investigation and probably should be reported to the organization ASAP.
Rollo does so while traveling in style in the library.
We need to discuss what to do about Othalio the Wanderer? Perhaps, the Organization can use his skills.
We need to discuss what to do about Othalio the Wanderer? Perhaps, the Organization can use his skills.
"I don't know", grumbles Arlo. "Seemed a bit too much in his own coin purse to do this type of work."
It does seem rather convenient, now that you mention it, Rollo, Terex says, his telepathic voice somehow managing to suggest he wouldn't have thought of it himself at the same time.
As for Othalio, he's much too talkative and mercenary. We should help him get back to his home as soon as possible before he can observe more of us.
He turns his attention to the Guardians. Thank you, but we're actually not quite done. We've got a temporary fix in place, but the Dark Ones' blood magic is not easily defeated. There's still a few souls trapped down there that we need to release to permanently fix the Seal. We're going to have to hunt down some descendants of those who were sacrificed by the Dark Ones to free their ancestors.
I also think we're going to have to hunt down this 'Prophet' we keep hearing about. Terex's voice darkens with anger. Anyone who sells people who don't agree with him to devils can't be allowed to have power.
::"I need to meet Othalio, again, I will know his mind"::
Gift sends this, but this time there is more control and no feelings leak out.
::"Hex weapons rack"::
The drone opens up to show a number of weapons.
She yanks a large psionic rifle-like weapon off the rack and some clips.
Hex closes up. She checks the weapon, loading it and powering it up
::Get me within a km and I will disintegrate this Prophet.::
”Perhaps we could hire Othalio to guard this place until we finish releasing the souls trapped in it.” Blue puts in.
When Gift pulls the rifle, Blue looks askance at her, eyebrow cocked. ”You sure we shouldn’t try something a bit more peaceful first, Gift?”
So, the party winds up sending a message to Othalio, via drone, that they don't currently have a use for its services - but that may change. Othalio replies, "That is fine, I will begin a ritual to return to my home plane. It could up to a week but hopefully only a few days. Did I mention that guarding The Wall yielded some handsome benefits? Why I demanded a Lethanian hunting party surrender their fur coats as penalty for the trespassing. I won't bore you with the rest but your deal has been quite profitable and I hope to deal with you or your descendants one millennium or another."
Armaund notes: "The creature is jolly enough but I don't believe we need it further. Gift's drones and our friends the Guardians together can guard the hole. If strange forces are about, perhaps something will sneak down but still."
Knowing the nature of the hole in more details, the Guardians actually now intend to guard it perpetually as part of their charge.
Armaund also notes:"I think The Organization mentioned some religious figure was part of the problems of this plane. The "prophet" make well be them. Perhaps we should return to Fendarion village. Surely we can impress them with the gravity of situation somehow..."
The ex-prisoners who have settled on a man named Sim as their spokesperson, give approximate directions to Unit 3 and the party heads that way - it's about a two day walk and, not being in a great hurry, you begin the journey.
So you wander in the general direction, over the green Chaco landscape, where pigs and wild dogs regularly step out of caves and stare at you as you pass. One one small group of nomads also appears with no much news, and then you make camp for the night by a small hill. That night, you receive a collective dream-visit from Bethia, a planar dynamics specialist of The Organization . "I sense the seal on The Wall is restored but temporarily. Now seems the time when I should make contact and get what news you have. Ari and some others are on a mission of their own or one of them would have come..." So each member can get a chance to report
”You sure we shouldn’t try something a bit more peaceful first, Gift?”
"I lived the horror that &^£()@ did to is opposition leaders. Men women and children whose families were rounded up and made to watch as there were experimented on and then feed to Devils. Blowing a fist-size hole throw this Prophet's head would be showing mercy on my part."
There is something you have never heard before in Gifts voice, Gravitas, and real anger.
She worked and adjusted the scope, then aimed at a rock some way away, she did it again.
"My father knows how to hit hard, but my mother, she is an amazing shooter, and she showed me a trick or two."
Rollo smiles at Gift.
She is simply exploring her many options, I am certain.
During his reporting to Bethia, Rollo does mention the Prophet being the possible source of the Dark Trader's foolishness here. He will need everything they have on him/her.
He also mentions the possible value of having Othalio on the books.
He have many tricks that are quite useful. His exploration prowess is even higher than ours.
Blue nods and retreats in the face of Gift’s vehemence. She really has changed. But who wouldn’t, in those circumstances?
In the report phase, Bethia concurs with Gift that the talents of Xonos and the other "scientists" would be best used by The Organization, especially in the Planar Control Room where broad planar changes are monitored - and where they can be watched in turn. Then others file their report and congratulations are made and requests for resources can be made...
Finally, after all the reports are filed during the night, those who sleep of the party rise and begin preparing for the day. At that point, a silver door appears and the scientists are invited in - the control behind the door is quite impressive indeed so not much persuasion is needed.
After that, the party and the ex-prisoners go on toward their destination.
The outskirts of "Unit 3" are signaled by a long, ten foot high earthen berm - clearly intended as a fortress but a variety of ramps and ladders now allow easy passage it. Once past this, you find group of laborers singing and laboring at sowing crops, at a moderate pace. This group stops to inquire about your purpose and destination. With the ex-prisoners saying they are headed home, you continue, noticing that while architecture is austere and military, a variety of quilts and graffiti have been laid out, enlivening the area considerably (and some walls have had holes or door added for simpler movement). Once in the city proper (which you find has been renamed or named back to "Valash"), you find that it is being run by a variety of councils, left-over bureaucrats, small militias and self-appointed individuals. Somehow these group together have managed to organize the sowing of crops and the basic maintenance of the city's waterworks but there isn't any particular unity and debates on how to deal with the periodic incursion of Narsod's followers are ongoing (though a posse can usually be rounded up once there's word of an attack). Also, a fair portion of the city has left to join various nomad groups in the countryside. Still, life seems fairly easy - a fair number of people are drunk at 11 am when you arrive, others are playing at a traditional gambling game while some artisans labor at an easy pace. The ex-prisoners disperse to rejoin family and friends and you inquire concerning the individuals whose blood you need to complete the ritual. The various groups are somewhat suspicious but mentioning either the ex-prisoners or the nomads generally gets their favor. For a short time, a council-member named Raven takes an interest in you and shows you a bit of the city but they soon get called to other tasks.
(The city is a mix of technologies - it has indoor plumbing but not electricity. Light and heat for cooking is provided by the clean-burning oil of the akguila bush, one of the city's crops. Utility magic seems to be practiced regularly, mending spells are common).
Gift really wants to meet them. She will take others if they wish.
When she meets her tattoos are glowing blue
Rollo wonders the city streets, watching its inhabitants. He studies their clothing, movements, voices, accents, and cultural proclivities.
Arlo follows the others, not sure how to best help in this situation. The dwarf gets some strange looks from others.
We should be careful about how we approach this group, Terex says to the others. We don't want to scare them after how they've been treated.
He does his best to assist in intelligence-gathering.
So, carefully inquiring based on the leads got you while restoring the seal, the party discovers that the main group they're seeking is known as the Iapado Family of Tieflings. They are indeed suspicious and afraid of revenge from people in the city as well as worried what the Narsodites may do. Rumor has it they're gathering resources to leave the city. Their matriarchy is known as Musela. She occasionally walks strolls outside the castle to keep a watch on the activities of the neighborhood.
Having learned this, the party approaches her carefully one morning just outside her family's fortress. She is nearly seven feet tall, ram-horned and somewhat hunched and Rollo charming her with some poetry and bonds as one non-human among humans to anonther.
She speaks: "...yes, these humans cannot understand us. The Dark One took from our homes centuries ago and we served for generations - yet always fighting. Now we and the humans are free - for now. We shall see whether it lasts - will they fight when Narsod sends her army here (sighs). As for me and my clan, all of our efforts are going to finding our way back to our homeland. We have found an ancient book that grandfather kept, describing it. We had hoped to visit the great portal and use it to find our place but rumor has it that has closed. Still, we must go somewhere. Tell me of yourselves? Travelers among the humans also I see. How go your travels? Would like to meet the family?"
Seeing no need to rip this Musela's mind open. Gift waits to one side.
::"I vote we send them to Sigil and have the de-briefed let the organization decide after that.::
Musela politely ushers the party into the fortress. The inside of the building is stuffed with a wild array of bric-a-brac that the group apparently salvaged from going plane to plane with the Dark Traders - nothing of great value but many strange and bizarre item. Musela gathers the family together in a large living room and you can her whisper to a young girl with bat wings, "whoever these people are, I believe they have a business proposition for us, which given things, we might well take but we must size them up, look carefully..."
However, it becomes evident in a bit one member is missing... you here whispering that he, Thenoden, left on a scouting expedition to the East.
Arlo politely looks at the various items on display, treating the fortress like a museum.
Casting Comprehend Languages, Rollo (looking quite dapper in his cleaned bronzed colored robes) approaches Musela. The dhampir bows and smiles at her (showing his elongated incisors).
Rollo raises an eyebrow at her mentioning of a book, belonging to her grandfather.
However, it becomes evident in a bit one member is missing... you here whispering that he, Thenoden, left on a scouting expedition to the East.
Upon hearing this, Rollo frowns.
Tell us more about this. When did he depart? Why? And any threats known?
We do have something to discuss with you, Terex 'says' to everyone after Rollo's questions. We actually need your help with something. When the Dark Ones came, they took some of your ancestors and bound their souls to a work of blood magic. We've been trying to break them free, but in order to do that, we need a sample of blood from their descendants.
In return, I do think we can help you out. As you might have guessed, we're not from around here. We should be able to help you get to your ancestral homeland if you wish. On the other hand, if you want to stay, we are working on the Narsod situation.
Blue floats invisibly, out of the way, an ace in the hole if the party needs it. As long as he isn’t noticed. If one of the Tieflings is able to see him, he makes eye contact and waves. Definitely not hiding anything here, no sir. I’m just invisible. It happens, Plane of Air and all that.
The Lapado family is willing to give Rollo a look at the book they mention and conduct him up a spiral staircase to a tiny room in a turret at the very top of the fortress. The ornate, wrought iron turret looks out on the city and lush desert beyond and you can just barely see the now-sealed Wall from it.
Mensula and the grandfather of the family, Ocombo, open a darkwood case and remove a large bound volume. The book at first appears to be a series of children's stories but Ocombo touches Mensula's horns and says a word the large print vanishes and you see a carefully handwritten diary of the history of the Lapados. It goes back ten generations, seven of which the family served the Dark Traders as very low level scribes and bureaucrats. Written in an extremely small, precise letters, the book describes missions, family and impressions of places and events, with Dark Trader and other documents pasted in place. It's an extraordinary find! It does give some idea of how to return to the family's homeland, a chaotic world somewhere near Limbo but certainly it would be a journey.
When Terex makes his proposition. Mensula says, "Blood? Hmm, we are sympathetic but we are poor now and seek to pay our own way. And we have a saying 'blood is a high price'. Still we might perhaps arrange a trade of some sort. At the same time, I am curious, why would you wish to free ancestors of ours? I can only think of those who paid their lives during the culling but many others were taken as well. There seems to be a riddle here."
In regarding to the missing Thenoden, they say "Sometimes he scouts the city's defenses, trying to keep them ready. But we fear he may have gone to infiltrate a camp of Narsod's follower to the East. Hopefully he will be back a day or two."
Also, it seems like one of the younger tiefling kids can see invisible; he covers his eyes, opens them, runs and tags Blue and then runs away. Musela and the other other adults just tell him to stop playing with his imaginary friend...
Gift wanders off and into one of the larger space of nicknacks and other plane things.
She stops and stands still, frozen. Then form her emits a cloud of nanites that form a swarm. Splitting her consciousness into the swarm she then moves around the building inspecting as many objects as she can find. Her body and her nanite swarm. It moves like a murmuration of birds forming patterns in the air. Slipping throw gaps and picking items up before putting them back.
There's nothing of great value as a magical item or the equivalent. The kitchen does a variety of magical utensils, some with ordinary enchantment to speed cooking or enhance but others are specialized for the preparation of a variety of strange and elaborate dishes.
There are variety of little statuettes, three or four seem the type that can magically animate, others are of unusual materials (a type of multicolored horn, darkwood and etc), there are a couple advanced robot toys and a complex technological light bulb (LED) that shines tasteful white moving point of lights across the room without an apparent power source. There's also alchemical light for viewing very simple hidden script and other simple research (it's a fairly standard item worth maybe 1-2K gp, the most obviously valuable that's out and visible).
Of course, most of the things, the utensils, statuettess, lamps, couches, picture-frames, bureaus and so-forth seem to be from a variety of obscure or entirely unknown planes and that might make them valuable for information. Gift's nanites give a decent nano-scale recording of things but for some things, the molecular properties themselves could be the key, depending on how much of a trace the items contain of the original "laws of physics" (aka elemental force alignments) of the plane of origin. But to preserve this, keeping all the items together in the possession of the Lapados would be best.
Note, that the family seems to have two magically sealed darkwood bureaus in the Turret where Rollo is. The seal here are strong, two or more people seem to be needed to open them and it's easy to guess this is where anything truly valuable would be.
She calls her nanite swarm back into herself and goes back to the others doing research.
::"I found some things from places we don't even know. Also wo magically sealed darkwood bureaus in the Turret here with Rollo."::
Well besides simply wanting to undo the moral outrage of enslaving souls, we are enemies of the Dark Ones, Terex explains, anger clear in his telepathic voice, This work they have left behind gives them a way back into this place.
He pauses a moment, but decides honesty is best. The purpose of what they've done is to hold portals open. Likely we'll want to help you return to your ancestral home first, though I think we could get you there regardless.
Once Rollo has examined the family diary and other documents, Mosula says "Before we talk, we must sit" and the family offers a complex but light meal to the party, prepared by Mosula's cousin Talepini, something like an elaborate tea ceremony, with lacy cakes, sweatmeats and other delicious and unusual dishes accompanied by a tea with a mild euphoric effect.
Ocombo begins, "All here served the Dark One" gesturing in all direction around the city. "even those who might rebelled later. It is something we live with. The feeling of this still stays with everyone. It is a deep pain some are only slightly aware of.".
Mensula cuts in, "This Sigil you mention? We have heard of it in our travels about the planes. The Dark Ones cannot go there, no openly. It sounds a place of industry, where our services could be in demand." The family seems to nod as a group. "We had planned to return home but we left long ago. Who knows what awaits us there. Our calling is as scribes, auditors, and similar positions. Anywhere that these skills are valued, we could go."
Ocombo continues, "Things are returning to a free and easy life here. No rulers demanding taxes and so nothing to count. I cannot live this way but I don't begrudge them this. It is for the best, for them. In a generation, the black cloud will be forgotten and perhaps all will be nomads. They may hate us but that is not why we wish to leave.".
Talepini, the cousin sighs "There will be no more of the Harilila sacrifices, which were beautiful if terrifying." The others look at her, slight uncomfortable, and Mensula says "Indeed, we are better off without those."[b] and Ocombo says, [b]"In any case, it sounds as if we could make contract with you - the blood you require, for noble purposes, in exchange for transportation to the city of Sigil."
However, one whose blood you need, Thenoden, is still not present, though the family says a runner has been sent to find him. The group waits, for perhaps two hours, meal being slow pleasant and relaxed.
Finally, just as things are winding down, the runner returns apparently with Thenoden, Ocombo's son, a tall tiefling with thick vestigial bat wings pertruding from his back who says cryptically "Father I have found it" and hold up a strange crystal. . After the run leaves and the party is introduced, Thenoden explains. "This, I believe is the secret Narsod. He creates crystals of this sort and they temporarily lift the shadow from people hearts. We need only create more and head east to unmask the fraud."
Gift dose not eat or drink, but is happy to sit with the others.
Then as Thenoden comes she scans the strange crystal.
She stands and goes over to look at it.
She project to the all of them inc the family.
::"Yes your right, this stone can used to give a temporary feeling of relief from guilt. You can feel good about doing bad"::
She projects her mind into it to activate it.
::"See how do you all feel"::
She sends some of she Nanite swarm to insect it.
::"I believe I can make more"::
Oh, hopefully that will make it a lot easier to deal with the people who've started believing in Narsod. I'd been worried it would be a long, difficult struggle to persuade them Narsod was deceiving them, but with proof like this it should be a lot easier, Terex says when Thenoden arrives.
He turns his attention to the group as a whole. We should be perfectly capable of getting you to Sigil. I for one would agree to this contract.
As the details are being worked out, he privately comments to the party, Does anyone else think it's an odd coincidence that this is the second time we're running into psionics mingled with religion in the troubles of this plane?
::"I'm thinking that mass mind control needs psionics, also the odd religious types in that camp, have a mind their that blocked me out."::
Rollo enjoys the hospitality offered by the family. The dhampir nods in agreement to Terex' assessment of things.
I am not too comfortable with anything mentally altering those it says it will help. Before this crystal is manufactured, Gift, Terex and Shimmer, Blue need to thoroughly inspect it. We should go and scout Narsod's base of operations. Perhaps, sabotage his industry.
::"Of us all I am the only one who fully understands psionic, I stated that I know what it dose and also that I can make it. But I did not say we should make any more. I feel we should not, I feel we can use what has been made to change what it dose. Not control but to free and inform. We can use them as a psionic mind-matrix. I'm sorry, it's impossible for you to understand. There is no way to show you unless you'er a gestalt psionic mind. I could link us if you like, then I could show you"::
::"But if you let me link you, you will never be the same"::
::"Of us all I am the only one who fully understands psionic.."::
Excuse me? Native telepath here? Terex interjects, affronted. I know my psionics aren't as powerful as yours, but I have been around for a bit longer than you, so I think it's a bit insulting that you just casually throw my experience aside like that.
Terex huffs and spreads his wings a bit, then pauses and settles down.
Sorry I snapped at you, Gift. I guess you just hit a sore spot. You know, sometimes it's difficult to feel useful traveling around with all you big people. I work hard to contribute to our team, so it hurts a bit when a place I can contribute gets ignored.
Ummm... anyway... he takes a moment to add their hosts back into his telepathic 'broadcast', I think Rollo has a point about how we should scout out Narsod more thoroughly. Thenoden, how did you find this crystal? Did you see where this fake prophet is making them? How is Narsod hiding what he's doing from his followers? I understand you'll be leaving so it kind of won't be your problem any more, but we are going to want to do something about him.
Blue contemplates silently momentarily, but then glides forward. ::Knowledge is worth the price. Show me.::
Thenoden looks at the party, hearing what they say and what his family related. Then keeping his telepathic communication to the party, "Sirs, if you have closed The Wall, your abilities are quite impressive indeed and you may just who I have hoped for. My family is quite honorable and they naturally think first of their survival and well they might. If they can find their way to Sigil that is fine. For myself, I will stay defend whatever freedom the humans of this plane have. I am known to what passes as the guards of the city and even the Nomads"
"Where did I get the crystal? There is small outpost of Narsod's worshipers just two hours journey from here. It is just a few buildings and I took the crystal from the chapel this morning. Their priests incorporate these things into their ceremonies, saying their god gives the light. I suspected it was more mundane magic - we have seen such things in other planes. I can take you to the outpost if wish. The city guard knows of it. I do not know how they make things but they common. I think all the priests have them. "
It is about 1 pm and the party decides to go take a look at the outpost. After two hours walk East into the desert, you stealthily approach a small outpost, hidden on a mesa, with a group of fifty men quietly training. There are two barracks buildings, a "chapel", some kind of prison, and an office. The troops have swords and muskets.
Blue contemplates silently momentarily, but then glides forward. ::Knowledge is worth the price. Show me.::
::"I will but now is not the time blue, I...I want to try something if I have a day or two free. Terex I did not mean to insult you, and I am sorry if you did. I want to show you want I mean if you will bear with me. I will need to make much bigger changes than I have ever tried before. In the items here I found something of interest. But now is not the time."::
And she says not more on the matter.
Rollo nods in acceptance of Gift's assessments.
We should scout this camp. Perhaps, we will find further clues as to the Dark Traders involvements.
Gift gets ready, and sends to all the group.
::"When I was dealing with the trapped souls. I not only reconfigured myself I also reconfigured Hexqil. In a nutshell he is just a psicystal like the emotion changing one. But far more complicated. It holds within it a Psionic gestalt mind of which I am part. As long as I am close we are linked. I grew that capacity and now, before we do this I offer you the chance to join us."::
She closed her eyes and you feel a tugging on your mind.
If you join you get wild talent as a feat.
Empty as a running power and we roll as a group will saves and take the highest d20 rolled and using that each + our mods for our will save.
Hexqils voice comes to each of you with Gifts echoing.
::"Hello, I am making my collective open to each of you. You can join of your own free will and leave as any time. While in range you will feel each other in a way you may not have before. It will pass and you will get use to it. You can also think to each other messages and with my help even see and hear what they do. Not you must keep in range which is about 800 feet for all of this. Once you have joined I can show you what else is possible."::
If you join you get wild talent as a feat.
Empty as a running power and we roll as a group will saves and take the highest d20 rolled and using that each + our mods for our will save.
::"Its like sharing a single mind, I know some of you may find that hard. For me and Terexaltherin its second nature, as we both have telepathy, but to feel the surface emotions of each other is a little deeper. But it will help us think faster and work as a team, I hope you will agree to join the collective."::
Then she studies the outpost.
::"I suggest Blue and Terexa head in a scout."::
Arlo relaxes his mind and thinks of his daughter, GIFT.
Rollo seems a bit resistant of joining a hive mind. The Sage will decline for now.
He will join the away team to investigate the camp.
He cast Invisibility Extended on himself once ready to actually enter the camp proper.
You know, I'd been thinking of figuring out something like this for myself and Terecho... er, my copy of myself in my library, Terex says. Maybe I could talk with you about how you established this if when we next get some time, Gift?
That said, he joins in the collective, wordlessly commenting on the similarities and differences to his telepathic connection. After a bit getting accustomed to the net, he turns his attention to the task ahead.
::"I suggest Blue and Terexa head in a scout."::
I was planning on it. I'll head for the office first.
The little dragon approaches cautiously, staying out of sight as he looks around for possible traps and the like before finding a way to slip into the office.
Blue agrees to join the gestalt. :::I agree. I will scout. Ready when you are, Terex.:: He then goes invisible.
So, while the others stay behind, Terex, Rollo and make their way stealthily into the camp, avoiding several guards that patrol ground.
Moving carefully through the camp, you notice the individuals seem divided between regular soldiers and what Thenoden calls "priest-officers", the latter have regalia that's combination of army officer and some sort of monotheistic priest.
The encampment is well situated, visible only from a few hundreds yards away but commanding a view of the desert with Valash a small point in the distance. On closer inspection, the buildings themselves are sturdy tents that could have been erected recently or quite a while ago.
The office's rooms are mostly empty. Two soldier guard the door, one priest-officer in the front looking over records, another is updating a map while talking to a scout. But the back, in a room with only a small window for ventilation, you find two priest-officers talking with hushed voices....
O1: "There is one stone less than the count in the book"
O2: "Possibly someone miscounted but we need to look into this"
O1: "Regardless, tell me about this new, larger stone"
O2: "That stone is charged by the energy of the faithful ... and the unfaithful. Once it is fully charged, angels of the lord will be summoned and increase the power of the Prophet ten fold"
O1: "Excellent! Blessed be the highest. How long will it take?"
O2: "I am not sure, still several months. We must place it in the proper place in the chapel. Then during the night, it will be placed in the gaol."
Glance in the window, you see the two priest-officers have several crystal like the one Thenoden had and also a much larger crystal, of a similar texture but a bluer shade.
Once the collective is in place she pings everyone just to check.
::"Sorry your not willing to join Rollo, but you must do as you see fit"::
Then to Terex
::"I would love to help you with that Terex, I think with a twin you could forge a much deeper collective."::
Once with in a few hundreds yards, as the others move out Gift hunkers down scrape and levels her rifle and it's sight over the camp.
::"I have good visuals of the guards from here, sending Intel"::
A stream of blips of intel comes sighting the guards as you move in.