Volcano's Land - Beyond the City of Light

Game Master Miner Cotren

Chapter Four. Rebirth of the Phoenix.

narrative yourselves to sleep. Roll 1 skill useful for keeping watch (or note your character doesn't take a watch)

**

It is Emberday, Snowrites the 29th.

**

also, who is taking the black egg? Benedetto feels a certain trepidation toward it, but also feels a connection.

Zeph, your disciple Anan prepares your food and bedding, talking all the while of the miracles of a holy Prince such as yourself living amongst those of flesh and blood.

"The real miracle is choosing to care for another Anan." You can hear the smile in Zephyr's voice as he speaks, "and I wonder; should one of use offer to help Sir Pheonix with the egg? It seems difficult for him, and you have been quite the bearer for our feather."

"Emir, you are already excellent at addressing others, and I am looking to push myself to become more. I will ask the Knight, and I can also provide introductions."

**

Benedetto, the delicate-featured sylph leaves Zephyr's side and walks over to you, the barest hint of shyness in his step. Though obviously a sylph, his eyes, clothing, and mannerisms are all more undan in nature. He bows deeply to you. "Greetings. My name is Anan, disciple to Zephyr Emir, the embodiment of the Sky Father's love and presence upon this very land. Would you require assistance with the egg of jet? I have experience handling such relics, and our purpose during these dark times must be to help lift each other's burdens."

Still bowing, he steals a look up at you under the curtain of his dark, shining hair.

if Zeph wants to rest and 'Detto is running low of Lay on Hands, I say we rest

River, the tall ifrit with broad shoulders grins and returns your handshake. In a thick Hearth accent, he says, "I'm Gamberino, sì? Or call me Gamb." As Gull scampers over to you, he raises a brow in surprise. "Hey, he likes you! I've never seen him take to someone so quickly!"

Sobering a moment later, he says, "So are you fleeing from all this Moon merda too? Seems like the world is upside-down, eh? I feel like I'll fall into the sky any second."

**

Gamberino thinks for a moment, then continues, "Did you find that crazy sylph that took Gull away? That 'Bye' guy was a bit unhinged, and I was worried that we had lost another of our group." He reaches down and almost touches Gull's bare head, but then seems to think better of it; the boy obviously prefers River's touch above anyone else's.

Benedetto seems somewhat embarrased to have a squire, somehow, though he tries to hide it. He tries to help Droon with the tasks the young elen sets himself and just generally seems a little exasperated by the devotion he's shown.

He considers the odd egg with some concern. "Well... I feel like I should... be responsible for it? But I'd appreciate the help," he replies to Anan. "Any advice? Given the craziness of late, it seems like we'll have to be careful to keep it from breaking."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Benedetto will take whichever watch seems least popular.

Anan considers your question with slow deliberation.

"The spiritual reverence with which you carry such an object is just as important as the physical care it receives. What are your feelings concerning this egg? Is it a gift or a curse in your eyes? Or perhaps simply a burden? You must answer these questions before you can begin to take proper and right actions."

River, the tall ifrit with broad shoulders grins and returns your handshake. In a thick Hearth accent, he says, "I'm Gamberino, sì? Or call me Gamb." As Gull scampers over to you, he raises a brow in surprise. "Hey, he likes you! I've never seen him take to someone so quickly!"

Sobering a moment later, he says, "So are you fleeing from all this Moon merda too? Seems like the world is upside-down, eh? I feel like I'll fall into the sky any second."

"You would fall a long way." River says, clearly not understanding the comment. "I am River. I think. Gull knows. We are friends. From before the Moon. You ran from Light? Is that why the odd elan chased you? He is dead now, so you will be safe."

For narrative convenience, let's say this talk was taking place during breakfast. Watches are over, uneventful (it is now the 29th, as above)

Gamberino gives a slight frown and raises his brow at River's words; not angry, just at a loss on how to respond in kind.

Before the ifrit can think of a reply, the black egg lets out six words, barely above a whisper, more a death rattle than a speech.

'a different flame. it is needed.'

The egg heats up for a moment--highly uncomfortable, but not dangerous--and issues a gout of flame toward a nearby snowbank.

You hear...yelling? Some kind of savage anger bellowing from the very plane of fire it seems...and suddenly a clenched fist emerges from the melting, steaming snow.

Corsa, that's your cue!

can everyone give a brief description and 'feel' of your character as you post? I always like to start new PCs with everyone having a clear visual for everyone to work off of. Thank you!

Anan considers your question with slow deliberation.

"The spiritual reverence with which you carry such an object is just as important as the physical care it receives. What are your feelings concerning this egg? Is it a gift or a curse in your eyes? Or perhaps simply a burden? You must answer these questions before you can begin to take proper and right actions."

Benedetto frowns thoughtfully. "I... don't know. It's an unknown to me. What even is it? How did it come to be from an ifrit's death? What..."

It's at this moment that the egg speaks and shoots fire. He stares blankly at the hand emerging from where it struck, wondering just what new madness is about to come.

Benedetto is an ifrit in somewhat mismatched armor which now has a phoenix symbol on it, with a pair of blades at his belt. He has a wiry strength to him, and he seems to have a spark in his eyes.

Corsa emerges from the snowbank seething with rage. Once she is out, she removes a large iron-bound book from a holster on her back and grips it as though she's prepared to swing at a potential threat while glancing around at the gathered elens.

Corsa is an ifrit with ash-grey skin wearing a mithril breastplate and holding a large iron-bound book with a depiction of Volcano etched carefully into the front cover. Her temper runs high but she is fiercely loyal to those she cares about.

So this is the different flame? Benedetto thinks to himself.

Aloud, he says, "That was a rather unusual way to arrive. I am Benedetto. Might I ask your name?"

Gull hugs River a bit tighter, but seems more interested than afraid of the newcomer.

Anan's blue eyes open wide in worry. He whispers to Zephyr, "Is this another 'Captain Zurlo', Emir? A trick to divide us and sow doubt?"

Anan's blue eyes open wide in worry. He whispers to Zephyr, "Is this another 'Captain Zurlo', Emir? A trick to divide us and sow doubt?"

"I can see the seeming there Anan, surely, but I do not think so. This one strikes me as tricked far more than tricky."

Zephyr stretches his arms as wide as they will go, his arms now outstretched, he turns his palms skyward ...

"One hopes we are well met new stranger, yet this has not been a day briming with our hopes. That said, you seem to arrive in good stead and we would greet you as a comrade, not a foe. I am Zephyr emir, newborn Sun of FatherSky, and this is Anan, Votary of the Father and my protégé."

River watches the new-comer cautiously. After the moon-trick-man it seems sensible to be careful of new people. Gull doesn't seem scared though and River knows that's a good sign.

"You seem very angry." She says. "You should take deep breaths. That is helpful. Or lie in the snow. I find the cold is relaxing."

River is, objectively speaking, gorgeous. Tall and slender like most undines she's got white hair and extremely pale skin. She wears a loose white robe and all her movements are both fluid and extremely precise. There's no sense of wasted effort. She is also clearly 'not all there'. Her eyes wander and she never seems to focus entirely on anything except the child next to her.

Seeing that no one is immediately trying to kill her, Corsa takes the prescribed deep breaths, and stands up straight. She is obviously a seasoned warrior, and danger radiates from even her still form.

"You haven't seen me 'very angry'. That was yelling while trying to survive the coldest shower I've ever taken." When no one responds to this, she tries for a laugh, which turns into a coughing fit. "Volc, I hate the cold."

Straightening up again, she gives the traditional ifrit sign for peace - a triangle made with overlapping thumbs at the base, steepled fingers for the two sides. "I'm Corsa Petaccia. I'm also freezing, confused, and apparently alone."

"Well then you fit right in with us," Benedetto says with a tired smile. "Several of us have been dumped here in the snow without any clue as to how or why. It sounds like it's the same with you?"

Corsa's hands ball up in fists, frustration playing across her features. "Yeah. I tried to save the people around me, but I couldn't get there in time." She lets the statement hang in the air.

Checking over her shoulder at the positioning of Volcano, she says, "So are you headed to Hearth? Are we holding out hope at least one of the cities hasn't fallen yet?"

Gamberino, with the mild arrogance of those born in the great city, says, "If there's one city left standing in all the land, it's Hearth. The seat of Volcano's divine power, and the finest soldiers that nobles can buy? There's no contest. It's like they say, 'When technology fails, faith prevails'."

"Most of us at least need to find somewhere we can stop and gather our thoughts for a bit, and Hearth seems like our best bet," Benedetto states. "What comes next? Well... maybe someone will have news there. Or a plan. Preferably both."

"If we are going we should go." River says, stating the obvious with complete seriousness. "None of you want to stay here." She isn't fussed by the cold - in fact it feels more natural to her than most other temperatures. Still Gull doesn't seem as happy as she is and everyone else talks about being cold - so they should probably go.

"I will lead the way." She offers. "Gambino, Gull will stay with you."

everyone describe approximate marching order (sounds like speedy River is up front), and give me an appropriate skill check (perception, survival, nature, etc) to see how our progress goes

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

River flits ahead, hard to see against the snow white fields and the occasional flurry of snow, which she uses as best she can to camouflage her movements.

Benedetto would probably be second in line, keeping watch for threats and keeping an eye on the environment.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Corsa would probably trail behind, both to protect the newly formed party from the back and because she probably does not yet completely trust her travelling companions yet.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Over the course of a day of travel, you leave the hilly terrain behind you, and the flatter plains directly south of Volcano greet you. The termperature rises slightly and the deep snow recedes, but the angry winds of early spring leave most of you shivering as you march.

Zephyr, Sky Lore: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

After 'Detto makes a casual comment about avoiding a storm coming from the east, Zephyr looks up at the bruised clouds and makes a split-second realization --

Sky's Tears are coming, and the party has been headed in the wrong direction to avoid them. Now is the time to find some kind of shelter before you are bombarded with the chaotic energies of the superstorm.

Corsa, your keen perception leads you a small river off the road. The running water has changed course in some ancient time, leaving a channel of smooth stone behind, and a small network of caves.

River, you stealthily scout the potential cave openings, narrowly avoiding a run-in with a hibernating dire bear. You show your companions a smaller (but safer) option farther down.

please declare any spells, abilities, or other prep you would do. This is a storm that causes elemental damage (fire, cold, lightning, and acid), so the more you do to shelter yourselves, the better. Don't get caught outside or I'll have to roll d20s for damage.

Having led her companions to a small, and therefore safe, cave River finds herself unable to do much to help. She doesn't have any useful gear and her ability to manipulate water is almost comically useless in a cave.

So she wanders around like a ghost (or maybe a lost puppy) until someone else gives her something to do.

She'll happily burn two ki points at a time to give anyone else rerolls on checks they make, but that's the only useful ability that she has!

I'd like to take the opportunity to do what I call "campfire time". Since this storm is going to last the better part of a day, your characters will eventually get bored and talk. It doesn't have to be a continuous conversation -- we're just peeking in on the interesting parts. If you are game, I'd like the topic to be: What PEOPLE do you miss the most right now, and what do you miss about your old HOME?

Benedetto frowns thoughtfully at the cave. "We'll want to seal up the entrance as best we can before the storm hits," he says. "I don't suppose anyone has a shovel? We'll want to try to give any liquids somewhere to flow other than into the cave if we can. If we can't dig we'll have to make do with whatever rocks we have time to grab."

He'll look around for some himself.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

"I have a shovel," Corsa says pulling a small shovel out of her bag and setting to work digging a channel outside the cave entrance.

Strength: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

You successfully dig a channel to direct the coming downfall elsewhere. There are a decent amount of rocks and other detritus around and outside the cave, and you are able to block out most of the rising winds. By some small fortune, you are on the leeward side of the outcropping, so the worst of the gales blow past, rather than into the cave.

Gamberino, with his clever alchemist's hands, gets a smokeless fire going. With a heavy sigh, he says, "Damn, I can't wait to get home. It's been too long since I've seen my family." He does not mention the possibilty of Hearth being under siege, or that his fmily may be dead.

He looks around the chamber, desperate for conversation. "Anyone else have family in Hearth?"

"I don't know." River says with a shrug. "The Moon. It laughed. So loud. I... don't remember before. To much noise. I know Gull. But nothing else. Why was I in Light? Maybe I have family. Maybe in Hearth. Just don't know." She shrugs, an easy rippling motion and then looks around the circle expectantly.

Gull says, "She's my family. When she's in Hearth, I'll have family in Hearth." The boy gives a fleeting smile as he looks up at River, there and gone like a fish leaping from a pond.

Benedetto shakes his head, though he stares out into the storm instead of looking at Gamberino. "Forge for me. I visited Hearth a couple of times, but not enough to really get a feel for the city. What's it like?"

When there's some time, he focuses on his new... squire. "Kroon, why don't you tell me more about yourself? I can't be a stranger to my squire."

Gamberino is happy to talk up all the greatness of Hearth, from the Grand Temple itself, to the luxury of the nobles' mansion and the expansive marketplace. In his opinion, the culture of the city is second to none - the theaters, operas, and other enterainment venues. "Light may be where most bards train, but Hearth is where they compete for the attention of the nobles and the crowds."

When there's some time, he focuses on his new... squire. "Drook, why don't you tell me more about yourself? I can't be a stranger to my squire."

Drook looks into the flickering alchemical flames as they shift from orange to red. "My parents died when I was real young. I...I don't even really remember them, except a few blurry memories. They were working on some new metal or something. Ifrits trying to invent new things in Light. It was stupid." He shrugs, trying to hide all the pain and loneliness behind the words.

"I thought I would just end up another street kid after the orphange turned me out when I was old enough to work. Goodpriest Edmund saved me. It was one of his passions, to find people that no one else cared about."

Rather than calming down, he seems more agitated now. "He taught me about Silver Bringer, which turned out to just be a big lie Moon was telling everyone. And Edmund died helping us get through that Breathless Valley as we were running away from Light."

He looks at Benedetto deep maroon eyes surrounded by the phoenix markings on his skin. "Are you going to die too? And leave me alone again?"

Benedetto reaches out to embrace Drook.

"I'm not planning on dying," he says, his voice rough. "And with us both blessed by the Phoenix we should be much harder to kill."

"I have some family in Hearth, a few aunts, uncles, and cousins," Corsa says staring into the fire. "My father was born there, he moved to Forge when he met my mother. It's been a few years since I've been there." Although she doesn't say it, it's clear from the tone of her voice that the last time she was in Hearth was not a positive experience.

Gamberino picks up on Corsa's tone, but is unable to read between the lines. "Don't worry, I'll show you the best places. Little restaurant with good lighting, ashbread with just the right amount of garlic butter, and a little red bloodwine, and Hearth will be your favorite."

Corsa smiles at that, looking a little less lost in her memories. "Thank you, that sounds lovely."

Anan, the sylph--perhaps in his twenties--who comports himself more like an undine, simple says, "For my part, I was raised in the far south among the patient ways of undine folk, those on my mother's side. The details become less important to me as I walk and grow in the light of Zephyr Emir's teachings." With a self-effacing smile, he goes back to blocking the stormwinds at the entrance with the help of Fury, Zephyr's translucent elemental companion.

Corsa smiles at that, looking a little less lost in her memories. "Thank you, that sounds lovely."

"It does sound rather lovely, doesn't it? It seems like civilization was a long long time ago. All of my past experiences in Hearth were not enjoyable, but I needed to learnthe best ways to present my piousness."

Anan, the sylph--perhaps in his twenties--who comports himself more like an undine, simple says, "For my part, I was raised in the far south among the patient ways of undine folk, those on my mother's side. The details become less important to me as I walk and grow in the light of Zephyr Emir's teachings." With a self-effacing smile, he goes back to blocking the stormwinds at the entrance with the help of Fury, Zephyr's translucent elemental companion.

"and were there restaurants there Anan? Were you able to enjoy yourself, in addition to the studies which brought you to Light? I continue to hope that we will all soon be able to spend some time of peace and joy together. We earned it I think."

Anan smiles at Zephyr's gentle prodding. "Yes, of course, there was a favorite place of mine, just across the road, where the fish was served with peppers and radishes..." He seems lost in the moment. "But those small joys seem like distractions when imps and demons and the very Tears of Sky threaten us at every turn."

As if to prove Anan's point, a deafening crack of thunder sounds from outside. The rain beats down hard, and you swear you even hear the sizzle of acid pelting down from the heavens.

It is Fallenday, Snowrites the 30th.

The storm continues through the night. Everyone catches sleep here and there, so regain HP, spells, etc.

Do you have supplies to last another day if necessary?

Benedetto sighs. "I, at least, will be taking only the minimum of time to rest and resupply when we reach Hearth. I can't stand idly by while the world falls apart like this."

He looks out into the storm. "Assuming there's anything mortals can do about what's going on... but I should at least be able to save elens. At the least I'd hope to find out what happened to those I'd gotten out of Light..."

"I agree," Corsa says looking toward Benedetto. "I may not be a soldier anymore, but I still have a duty to protect those in need of it. This doesn't seem like the sort of thing that will resolve itself if we wait it out."

"I agree," Corsa says looking toward Benedetto. "I may not be a soldier anymore, but I still have a duty to protect those in need of it. This doesn't seem like the sort of thing that will resolve itself if we wait it out."

"Under no circumstances will this resolve itself, whether we are allowed to wait it out or not, 'not' having already manifested as our 'choice' given the myriad divine interactions we have already witnessed."

"We were meant to engage, of that there is no doubt. The coming changes to our cosmology will affect everyone, and I think it will be wise for each of us to decide sooner than later where we will stand."