The strange mind-magicks of Samen the human manifest themselves in odd ways, and the obnoxious screeching sound he emits in no exception. Karoff takes the full force of this awful sound, and reels back onto its hind legs and clutches its ears with its foreclaws.
Aisling, your thirsty dagger is guided true as you hear the words narrated in your own mind, and Aisling hit the dragon with his clever dagger, leaving him open to the other human, Gabriel--. It seems your patron is Declaring your actions now and then, as a unique form of blessing.
Gabriel, Karoff is caught completely offguard, as it is still reeling from the dazing scream, and from Aisling's dagger. You connect with a solid, bone-crunching thud.
Benedetto, your phoenix crest shines once, getting in the raging creature's eyes. You push, and find your strength is enough to bowl it over- you hit in just the right spot, and the surprised, wounded, stunned beast topples backward into the bloody ghost's ragged portal.
The laws of Igniscoeli compel true dragons homeward.
The translucent oread performs a strange upward stroke of her baroque axe. The portal closes neatly; no sign of it remains. Unconsciously, she tries to wipe the blood from her eyes, but it has no effect.
She takes a moment to go over to Qizzlvutz and hug the moldy myco, surrounding them with insubstantial arms. She stands up. To no one in particular, she says, "That's the hell I've been to. I hate Ignoscoeli. Let's keep that one closed. " She disappears from sight.
***
Three Aspects had Volcano: Warrior, Cauldron Lady, and Silver-Bringer.
When the Inquisition of Hearth became corrupt, and the Mithril-Makers went mad, and the Silver Golems turned on their master, the world discovered that Silver-Bringer was another side of the Smiling god known as Moon.
The Cauldron Lady began losing power as the excesses of the inquisition were put to a halt. In a last desperate bid with the sorceror Ibinu, she tried to break competing faiths in the city by brute force. She failed, and the goddess once known as Lady Burning is dying.
The Warrior, just a handsomer name for War. The sibling gods War and Burning both need constant fuel for the powers - sacrifices, suffering, conflict, and blood. The Dark provided an opportunity for endless war.
Sensing his power fading with the rise of the Phoenix, the god War stoked the anger of Karoff, inhabiting his stomach with terrible fires. Instead of victory, the final aspect of Volcano only succeeded in getting banished alongside the dragon.
In the distance, Volcano itself rumbles in discontent.
***
A bit theatrically, as if unwilling to fully fake surprise, Dove says, "And again these stalwart elens and humans defend the city of Hearth so ably!"" The sylph captain purses his lips and looks at the Archpriest. "I wonder, Archpriest, if we might grant them a boon? I would hear what they need most, so we can provide it for them as we prepare to march against Moon."
The priest, dazed by the events, is agreeable to Dove's suggestions. "Err, yes! Tell us, good people, what could the Council provide for you? You may each ask for a boon."
Benedetto sighs, trying to shake out the tension in his shoulders from the sudden danger. He still felt like he was trying to catch up on what's going on and stuff keeps piling on.
Speaking of which... a boon? What could he possibly ask for?
Well... there was one thing which was bothering him.
"Before I respond, may I ask what the current plans are to help the refugees from Light?" he asks.
The archpriest frowns, possibly in surprise. "To tend to them as they arrive. We have sent no expeditionary forces, if that's what you are asking."
As the dragon is swallowed up by the portal, Gabe opines on the situation. "Hmmm, a gasp of another dying god. What will absorb the essence this time I wonder... I suppose you were correct Samen, though I don't think even you could have predicted how we would end him."
Remembering the remainder of the council is still in the room, he considers the question. What boon would we want that they can give? Lets... push a bit. Replying, "Could you grant us the ability to bypass the barrier surrounding Light so we may vanquish yet another god? Can you grant us the powers to engage with such a foe and come out unscathed? No... that is for us to acquire on our own I believe. So what can the gracious council provide? Riches? What good is money against insanity? Though perhaps I could have some time with your artificers and mage smiths. I have some ideas that need some help to come to fruition..."