Please dear Alexandra, do no not hesitate to avail thyself of my services should any issue arrise
The alchemist stops what she is doing and tells Dominique and Ginza her findings, "It is a case of too much health. He doesn't have resistance to positive energy like you do Dom. Just give him a few more minutes and he should come around.
---
Bob, Lady Ekaterina and their guest arrive in the evening. Likely the whole of the guild members greet you in the main hall, the greeting hall.
[b]"Please ... take me to my chapel on the roof ... it will help me align and disipate this ... please."
This sucked; he needed to connect with Elysium to fix this.
The alchemist stops what she is doing and tells Dominique and Ginza her findings, "It is a case of too much health. He doesn't have resistance to positive energy like you do Dom. Just give him a few more minutes and he should come around.
---
Bob, Lady Ekaterina and their guest arrive in the evening. Likely the whole of the guild members greet you in the main hall, the greeting hall.
"Please ... take me to my chapel on the roof ... it will help me align and disipate this ... please."
This sucked; he needed to connect with Elysium to fix this.
Ginza on hearing what Jacen needs, wordlessly picks up up the aeromancer.
Bed and all and begins trudging up to the roof.
Once there, he sets the bed down gently.
"Here. I'll leave one of me outside. Let me know if you need anything else." he says as he leaves and one of his skeleton attachments comes running up to take guard outside the door.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----
At the welcoming ceremony held, Ginza steps forward while consciously holding in his aura.
"Greetings, I am Ginza and to welcome you, I have made a few dishes for you to partake from as you get to know us." another skeleton attachment comes forward pushing a cart laden with plates of delicaies.
She has her long braided hair pulled over her face then the braids separate and loop around her head several times. She does not seem to be able to see and yet does. Several marbles are floating nearby her.
She smiles at the touch and clasp from Amadea. Then she pleasantly responds, "As you wish Amadea. You should know that I know by far more about the histories than the current events." She nods at Amadea's suggestion and says thank you.
"As you wish, Domayoku. Lady Rogarvia or Alexandria would be fine. The Sun Scar family was wiped out all but myself and the House of Kravian with it. One fell swoop of a magical mishap and the destruction of a family. No thank you, I am content." Her words get sadder as she says them.
"Thank you Ekaterina," she would say before the next person came to meet her.
"Ginza, the undead, which delicacy should I try first?" She says as she perks up, interested in the meal made in her honor.
Cathy disappears shortly, only to reappaear in a cocktail dress tailored to look incredibly nice on someone with wings and a tail, and does a little musical operation, singing bowdlerized version of "Memories" "My way" "Nothing else matters" and "Katyusha", while trying to read the mood and adjust spell selection with some very unintrusive detect thoughs.
Bob will quickly find Jacen. The idea that he is helped by a whisper from the shadows is completely unproven.
::How are you feeling?:: he says as he shuffles into the room. He'll connect him to the collective to sense what the affliction is.
"I would suggest the eclairs for start. Filled with sweet cream over a chocolate roll and then baked inside a mini bread roll. Then the other pastries with an assortment of fillings such as hazelnut and various fruit jams." Ginza happily points out some of the dishes not picking up on her dislike of him.
Amadea smiles again at the blind woman, making eye contact with the floating eyes. She concentrates for a moment, and then assumes a human shape, identical to her natural form, but with only the typical pair of human arms and normal legs. Her silk wrapped top becomes a formal dress, suitable for court. though far simpler than one might wear to a ball. She takes one of Ginza's treats, and eats a bite.
"Fear not; for all his desiccated charm, Lord Ginza remembers a great deal of how to use foods to please the mortal senses."
Bob will quickly find Jacen. The idea that he is helped by a whisper from the shadows is completely unproven.
::How are you feeling?:: he says as he shuffles into the room. He'll connect him to the collective to sense what the affliction is.
Jacen smiles, summoning every shred of celestial joy he has in him
"I am feeling better for you asking my friend ... much in fact. Have you been to Elysium? You're a ... well, plant ... I think you would love it."
Jacen's posture become both taller and xpansive, like he is embracing Joy itself "Take my hand, I know you will feel this ..."
Back at home, Bob would likely have explained that fungi are actually a separate biological kingdom from plants, but here they don't feel the need to be so pedantic. Instead they lay their tendril in Jacen's open hand. ::I'm excited to see what's in store.::
Taking the first suggested and taking a bite she nods happily. She pleasantly states, "I would agree with you fully on his capabilities, thank you Ginza."
Amadea invites the lady to sit and have tea, and then when she is settled will try to get a basic summary of the world we find ourselves in, if she knows more than we do. What countries and Kingdoms lie nearby, races, religions, common monsters, etc.
All the little creatures and faeries were laughing, it was beautiful. Well, they were laughing at Jacen, but that was beautiful too ...
jajajajajajaja! JACEN! You're friend isn't a plant! Good thing we didn't even believe you lololololol PLANTS make their own food! PLANTS need sun! jajajajajajaja are you just trying to be chaotic and make jokes because you live in that crappy world where no one is funny? I bet your friend is funny. I bet he makes jokes about reproduction too."
Everyone goes to talk to Bob because talking to Jacen is already boring ... and has already done wonders for his demeanor
"Hi I'm Chrys! Hi I'm Gayorg! Hi I'm Kyntarria!! We were all friends of Jacen's before he left us to go get old. You are so cute! Why do you hang out with him? It's because he looks handsome for the people with so little magic and legs, isn't it? Yeah, we were sad when he left. We can't really visit the same way, and he never summons us because I think he is embarrassed that regular people cannot fly which is probably why they are so sad all the time (chrys (i told you, it's the legs, they make them sad I think))
They don't seem to need to breathe in order to keep talking ...
"OMG - Can you make babies by yourself!?!?!?
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To the North and then North West is the Sun Empire, made mostly of humans. There was a budding elven community in the Dark Forest. Next further east would be the desolate mountains which I was found within. The fisherfolk fish the lake attached to my castle. I wonder how far they have moved thier villages. On the North side of the take are monster villages with aquatic affinity. The Dwarven kingdom of Ulfgar the Wise watches over the simple fisherfolk. They control the range of mountains to the North of the lake and have established towns along the Eastern side of the lake. Oh I didn't say the lake's name, The Great Lake or previously The Great Lake of Rogarvia. In my day the lake was fed by other waterfalls and was lower than it is now. The grasslands that we passed to get here were wild and loosely patrolled by centaur tribes. Sure there are many nomadic tribes that make it there home. To the North East past the Dwarven Kingdom is the darklands. A place of magic and darkness. All sorts of monsters live there. Further east over the sea is a large elven kingdom that spreads over the many isles there, Elvainthia.
I kind of wonder where Jacen went
Jacen, you feeling better? Shall I hop over to whereever you are?
All the little creatures and faeries were laughing, it was beautiful. Well, they were laughing at Jacen, but that was beautiful too ...
.....
"Hi I'm Chrys! Hi I'm Gayorg! Hi I'm Kyntarria!! We were all friends of Jacen's before he left us to go get old. You are so cute! Why do you hang out with him? It's because he looks handsome for the people with so little magic and legs, isn't it? Yeah, we were sad when he left. We can't really visit the same way, and he never summons us because I think he is embarrassed that regular people cannot fly which is probably why they are so sad all the time (chrys (i told you, it's the legs, they make them sad I think))
They don't seem to need to breathe in order to keep talking ...
::Wow, you are all soooo adorable! You have wings! I wish I had wings. Maybe if I flapped my tendrils really hard?:: He'll jump up, flapping his tendrils wildly.
He'll get 24 feet into the air, but them, he floats down as soft as a leaf. ::I guess not. But don't feel bad, I have a friend Vayuvata who takes me flying. He flies fast as the wind because he's made out of wind. And I never get lonely when flying. Then again I also have my friend Sprout. He's pretty shy. Come on, these people are friendly!:: Sprout will pop out and wave a frond. ::Now, he is actually a plant. A magical plant who always beats me at freeze tag.::
To the North and then North West is the Sun Empire, made mostly of humans. There was a budding elven community in the Dark Forest. Next further east would be the desolate mountains which I was found within. The fisherfolk fish the lake attached to my castle. I wonder how far they have moved thier villages. On the North side of the take are monster villages with aquatic affinity. The Dwarven kingdom of Ulfgar the Wise watches over the simple fisherfolk. They control the range of mountains to the North of the lake and have established towns along the Eastern side of the lake. Oh I didn't say the lake's name, The Great Lake or previously The Great Lake of Rogarvia. In my day the lake was fed by other waterfalls and was lower than it is now. The grasslands that we passed to get here were wild and loosely patrolled by centaur tribes. Sure there are many nomadic tribes that make it there home. To the North East past the Dwarven Kingdom is the darklands. A place of magic and darkness. All sorts of monsters live there. Further east over the sea is a large elven kingdom that spreads over the many isles there, Elvainthia.
Ginza quietly takes notes of the locations and begins to try matching the locations with their in game locations.
"Lady Alexandria. What year is it now pray tell?"
She offers, "Honestly I don't know. I have been out of it for decades if not centuries."
"I don't suppose any of you thought to ask when you were out?" Ginza asks the rest of his guildmembers.
All the little creatures and faeries were laughing, it was beautiful. Well, they were laughing at Jacen, but that was beautiful too ...
.....
"Hi I'm Chrys! Hi I'm Gayorg! Hi I'm Kyntarria!! We were all friends of Jacen's before he left us to go get old. You are so cute! Why do you hang out with him? It's because he looks handsome for the people with so little magic and legs, isn't it? Yeah, we were sad when he left. We can't really visit the same way, and he never summons us because I think he is embarrassed that regular people cannot fly which is probably why they are so sad all the time (chrys (i told you, it's the legs, they make them sad I think))
They don't seem to need to breathe in order to keep talking ...
::Wow, you are all soooo adorable! You have wings! I wish I had wings. Maybe if I flapped my tendrils really hard?:: He'll jump up, flapping his tendrils wildly.
[dice=acrobatics]1d20+16He'll get 24 feet into the air, but them, he floats down as soft as a leaf. ::I guess not. But don't feel bad, I have a friend Vayuvata who takes me flying. He flies fast as the wind because he's made out of wind. And I never get lonely when flying. Then again I also have my friend Sprout. He's pretty shy. Come on, these people are friendly!:: Sprout will pop out and wave a frond. ::Now, he is actually a plant. A magical plant who always beats me at freeze tag.::
"I really should have known you would be a hit ... we can come visit again. For now, we should rejoin the others and tell them I am okay"
"I really should have known you would be a hit ... we can come visit again. For now, we should rejoin the others and tell them I am okay"
::Oh, certainly.:: They will make their goodbyes and prepare to head back.
"I don't suppose any of you thought to ask when you were out?" Ginza asks the rest of his guildmembers.
"Our excursion was rather brief; merely a short jaunt over land. We encountered nothing living while we were out, and probably never strayed more than 40 miles from the keep. It was an impulsive trip, and not well planned. I suspect that the landscape was not what my partner wished to explore."
"As Jacen and Dominique made contact with a major settlement, and even spoke with some religious and secular authorities, perhaps that is where we should resume our exploration?"
"Jacen, it seems you are doing better now. Do we know what caused your... oversaturation? It would be good to know if you, or any of the rest of us, are at risk of similar episodes."
"I don't suppose any of you thought to ask when you were out?" Ginza asks the rest of his guildmembers."Our excursion was rather brief; merely a short jaunt over land. We encountered nothing living while we were out, and probably never strayed more than 40 miles from the keep. It was an impulsive trip, and not well planned. I suspect that the landscape was not what my partner wished to explore."
"As Jacen and Dominique made contact with a major settlement, and even spoke with some religious and secular authorities, perhaps that is where we should resume our exploration?"
"Jacen, it seems you are doing better now. Do we know what caused your... oversaturation? It would be good to know if you, or any of the rest of us, are at risk of similar episodes."
"We do not know the cause, no, but I have left myself "as is" - we are absolutely at risk, but that is how I would like us. In fact, I would like us profoundly at risk. When we get to Amberville, I would actually like us to be overwhelmed with the ennui of it all ... so that the perp will have a false sense of our idiocy and identify themselves more easily.
The guildmaster wasn't evil ... but he presented that as a balancing act, not a simple choice. This was one of those times.
"My instincts say an opportunist saw a chance to experiment with extra-planar forces, and at our rest in a place which seem safe, they exploited this. Well, I have just restored myself. In Elysium. I should be a beacon of Chaos at this point, and Bob should have a little glow as well. Let's go North. Let's go to Amberville. Let's tell the Bishop I have never been better AND it's a shame he couldn't visit the Planes with us. and then let's have some invisible folks lay in wait for the opportunist "as I gather my strength again"
"Before my meeting with the Count, we will drain 2 pints of blood from the 'seditionist' as a gift: clearly if this individual doesn't respect our guild, they cannot respect the Count, and we will send this important message on both our behalfs ... and I will bring to my meeting a reminder that being a Count isn't all the power in the land these days."
"I don't suppose any of you thought to ask when you were out?" Ginza asks the rest of his guildmembers.
"I did slip out for a bit while Jacen was asleep. This Amberville is not really much of a town, not even a library. The year is 3255 since the Cataclysm. It is April, dates are kept but the common folk don't worry about it. They are about medieval level of technology with some infusions of magic. Did you want to know anything else?" He offers with steady words.
RUSADA a gnomish cleric of Haagenti the Demon Lord of "Self improvement". Hurries up to Lady Ekaterina.
"Well it seems like we have a plan." with everyone present, Ginza speaks this out but for the news he has.
"I seem to have triggered yet another Hidden quest. The rewards are to regain my moderator status. It also requires for sacrifices and the number isn't stated though guesses put it from 100-150 souls. With the new comer in our midst, I can't very well announce it can I?"
"So the year is similar to when we were last logged on. Are the lands and kingdoms the same or has there being some changes from what we last knew. Also are we going to reveal ourselves to the world? If so how many of us and who shall go?"
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After a moment of stunned silence, Bob starts responding as fast as he can think it.
::We can't simply accept things at face value here. What do you know of the entity that offered the quest, Ginza? Do they have the power to do this, or are they just telling you what they want to hear? Do those powers even exist in this world? Most of the entities who deal in souls are consummate liars. It might even be another trapped person like us who is griefing you. Even if it helps you, it might not get the rest of us out of here, so we need to worry about how and who we deal with to get you these souls. For that matter, do you even know how to collect a soul?:::
Ginza is honest about his answer.
"Nope."
"Last time I had this happen was as you all know a complete accident and it didn't tell me anything other then I completed the quest. We don't know what entities exist here nor if they have any power over this world at all. However, a chance of regaining those powers might go a long way and at least tell us that this world still operates based on the game that we know."
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"I have to agree with Bob here. As much as Amadea was built as an "Evil" character, it was just a game then. Is it still? This goes beyond the usual depth of just choosing what colour lightsaber we're using. Everything seems completely different now. I don't think we can act on this until we answer a lot of questions. Is this still a simulation? Are the people real and do they even have souls? Even if they core concept of the offer was true, that you could gain administrative powers by one means, it could mean there might be other ways of achieving the same end. Less unsavory means."
Domayoku nods. "Yes. I made Domayoku to explore the Demon King trope in Anime. Now it looks like we're all experiencing the Isekai trope.
It's all incredibly danger and exciting."
Yes everyone has returned it is the end of the next day.
"So the year is similar to when we were last logged on. Are the lands and kingdoms the same or has there being some changes from what we last knew. Also are we going to reveal ourselves to the world? If so how many of us and who shall go?"
He eloquently states, "The lands and kingdoms are completely new. We are surrounded by sea and grasslands. We traveled North about 100 miles and saw a few villages. Amberville is the closest town being 100 miles away. I am ready to serve as needed!"
"Thank you Dominique. Perhaps we can use your observations to draw some rudimentary maps. Acquiring some well surveyed maps should probably be a priority if we are to know where the keep now stands."
"Lady von Rogarvia, just one more question; based on the description of where we are, do you if we would fall inside the borders of any of these kingdoms"
After listening to the answer, she'll say, "I believe we have had quarters readied for you. I am sure you're exhausted from all these changes. Allow us to make you comfortable. We'll have hot water drawn up for a bath, a meal sent to your rooms, and give you time to settle in. If you require anything, any of the staff will respond to your needs."
After she has left, she'll communicate with the team, defaulting to the telepathic bond that has appeared to replace the in-game voice chat option. "It appears we have a bit more direction now in terms of our needs. Maps, and more information regarding the current political situation. We should try to become aware of existing conflicts, wars, alliances, and tensions that exist between these nations. In addition, we should identify the closest existing settlement, regardless of the size, and have someone establish a presence. If would be good to be aware if anyone has noticed the keep, and if we have relations established there, it would be better to have the closest settlement think well of us and serve as part of our perimeter, as opposed to a potential launch off point for expeditions against us."
"Thank you Dominique. Perhaps we can use your observations to draw some rudimentary maps. Acquiring some well surveyed maps should probably be a priority if we are to know where the keep now stands."
"Lady von Rogarvia, just one more question; based on the description of where we are, do you if we would fall inside the borders of any of these kingdoms"
After listening to the answer, she'll say, "I believe we have had quarters readied for you. I am sure you're exhausted from all these changes. Allow us to make you comfortable. We'll have hot water drawn up for a bath, a meal sent to your rooms, and give you time to settle in. If you require anything, any of the staff will respond to your needs."
After she has left, she'll communicate with the team, defaulting to the telepathic bond that has appeared to replace the in-game voice chat option. "It appears we have a bit more direction now in terms of our needs. Maps, and more information regarding the current political situation. We should try to become aware of existing conflicts, wars, alliances, and tensions that exist between these nations. In addition, we should identify the closest existing settlement, regardless of the size, and have someone establish a presence. If would be good to be aware if anyone has noticed the keep, and if we have relations established there, it would be better to have the closest settlement think well of us and serve as part of our perimeter, as opposed to a potential launch off point for expeditions against us."
"This is perfect: this can be the basis for our return to Amberville and the Bishop. After asking what information exists in the Cathedral of Pelor, we can bring forward to the Count whatever other inquiries we have."
Turning, Jacen smiles and addresses their guest"Lady von Rogarvia, well met! My apologies for having been indisposed when you arrived. When you are refreshed, perhaps we could talk about Amberville, its Count, and other aspects of fealty here which would be useful. I would be most appreciative."
Oh, Amadea, I have a gift for you! Up for a dance?
"Lady von Rogarvia, just one more question; based on the description of where we are, do you if we would fall inside the borders of any of these kingdoms"
She ponders upon it for a while before responding, "Honestly I don't know. I don't think so as there are no villages nearby."
"I'll remain here for a time until I can ascertain if it's alright for me to come out." He mentally sends a call to his four parts and have them wait.
"A hat of Disguise or something similar might help people be more accepting of you, though the Aura will probably tip off anyone with a divine connection that you are not quite typical. Are you able to suppress it?"
He offers as he stands nearly perfectly still, "I believe it would be in our best interest to take stock of what we have in the keep and spend a few more days here so Lady Ekaterina may bestow her gift upon the rest of us. It will make communicating much easier unless we plan to move as a unit rather than parts."
Oh, Amadea, I have a gift for you! Up for a dance?
"Thank you, Ekaterina. Dominique, you are correct. I've already started inventory of some supplies in the vault. There appears to have been some degradation I can only attribute to the transition to this world. I was looking for the Crystal balls so I could scry each of you while you were out of the keep. We used to have several we'd captured over the years, but now for some reason, only one remains functional. The others still register magic, but have the qualities of an object in creation, rather than completed devices, almost like they reverted to an earlier save point. If there are other aspects of the coding of the keep or its holdings that didn't make the transition cleanly, I think we should know about it."
"I suggest those that sleep get some rest, but that those who do not require any, or as much, like myself and Ginza, start surveying the defensesnof the keep. I suggest everyone interact with the servants they coded, and try to figure out if there were any errors in their transition. We are depending on them a lot right now, and if their are any errors or questions of loyalty, we need to be on top of it immediately. Afterwards, Ginza and I, and anyone else that had the time or ability, should walk the entrances to the keep, making sure the Traps and Defenses function as assumed."
You get this on top of he ability increase and the telepathy.
"I have already walked most of the keep while all of you were out." Ginza begins.
His 4 alt accounts come running in and for a brief moment and flair, they recombine again.
"Our defenses and traps are all well and useable except that all our siege weapons are currently offline. The energy used to power them is drained. Our retainers and minions are still around with some surprisingly enough being of several generations." he pauses.
"Our trophies and treasures I am sad to say have deteriorated somewhat. Those perishables not under some form of preservation have being cleared."
Domayoku nods. "Yes. A united front is always best. I shall rest and wait for our full strength to return. See you all tomorrow."
The demon King turns and walks deeper into the guildhall to rest.
A week passes, and a full inventory of the items within the vaults is accounted for. Also in this time Lady Ekaterina bestows her blessings upon the guild members.
Most of the items that were magical can be created again at only a 10% cost as opposed to the normal 50%. 90% of the items are this way. Of the last 10% of magical items unless they were upon the character/player they all are basic magical items of the previous item.
The gardens produce plenty of food for the guild members and staff. Though you might want to extend the garden or find/make another source of food. The wells are full and there is a flow to them. The lava pools keep their heat which means that you have access to a volcanic line or those magical items within the lava are still fully functional.
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