DM Jan Friday June 15th, 2007 8:59:49 PM
(( OOC - The group are currently at some distant point in the future, investigating what lies beyond the altar in a temple of Gargul on the upper level of Dirt City. They appear to have found an extra-dimensional space, and have ventured forth, leaving behind their accompanying NPCs Tommy, Wentworth and Config.))
There is no echo accompanying the group's footfalls in the cavern as they make their way toward the tombs, perhaps giving cause to wonder if this was indeed a cavern at all. Steps have to be deliberate and careful as they negotiate the cracks in the ground filled with the pale, lilac fluid.
Jus, Nonam and Cori pause for a moment. Was this Woldsblood? It's apparent viscosity would suggest so - a thick liquid, although it lies still, and it's usual clamour is silenced. However, concentration brings forth the suggestion of something. The sound of slow breathing, or maybe a gentle wave moving back and forth against a shoreline. Alongside it is a tiny glimmer, a slight pull from magic items and weaponry, but the sensation is weak. Looking ahead, all these cracks, streams and rivers of lilac appear to run into one another, finally forming a great river that flows into the lake beyond. And beyond that? Darkness, with a hint of hills or mountains. It's difficult to grasp the scale, here, in the dark.
Up at the dais, Ve is the first one to get a closer look at the tombs. There are four, spread out in a semi-circular pattern, facing inward from left to right, and there is a humanoid form laid atop each one. The tomb on the far right lies within eight tall spider legs, and the spider's body and head hover high above, perfectly still.
As Jus shifts away from the spider, he can see it carries a long tail, held aloft behind it like a rather nasty, giant scorpion would. As he approaches to tomb on the far left, he can see that something other than a humanoid rests on top of it. Something like a cat? Or a monkey?
Ve's lantern, left directly below the dais, acts as a beacon for Onrad, Dahlia, Nick, Mordrid and Valdor.
Each tomb bears a symbol.
Far left, tomb #1 - a man lies here, on his back, big, broad-shouldered, in plain, rough clothes. His face is in repose - calm, resigned to sleep. Some kind of strange creature is sat at his feet. It too appears to be asleep. The symbol on the tomb is that of a large eye.
Near left, tomb #2 - a man lies here, narrowly built, resting on his side, relaxed in sleep. This man looks old, and long hair sweeps off his face, finally coming to rest on the surface of the tomb. He is dressed in long, plain robes. The symbol on the tomb is a design of three interlocking circles.
Near right, tomb #3 - a man lies here, on his back, powerfully built, and his muscles look slightly tensed. His face looks troubled, as though sleep was a long time in coming and didn't come easy. He is dressed as a monk. The symbol on the tomb is of two triangles, one inverted, so they form a diamond.
Far right, tomb #4 - a man lies here, on his side, curled fitfully in a half-fetal position. His youthful face is etched with either pain, or fear. He wears the clothes of a minor noble. Rearing directly overhead is the form of a giant spider; a spider that carries the tail of a scorpion. Both these figures appear to be sleeping, just like the others. The symbol on the tomb is of three crescents clustered together, their convex sides facing way from one another.
Valdor Saturday June 16th, 2007 12:29:12 PM
Valdor says, loud enough for all,"Touch nothing yet people. We don't know what we face here yet. We will solve this puzzle soon, but we need to secure the area first and make sure we don't miss anything. Dahlia, can you make sure there are no traps around those coffins, or tables, or whatever there are? Cori, with your vision, can you examine the area around the spiders and make sure there aren't more up higher? The rest of us need to spread out in here and look for any clues as to why they are asleep."
He moves around the perimeter, torch in hand, being very careful not to step in any of the liquid.
Dahlia Sunday June 17th, 2007 8:42:45 PM
(post in progress)
Dahlia d20+30=46 d20+30=45 d20+30=39 d20+30=44 d20+26=52 Monday June 18th, 2007 10:20:35 AM
Nodding a response to Valdor as she moves forward to inspect things she gives them a once over before getting closer in order to think where she might place things were she trying to protect the place.
Spots: 46,45,39,44
She is about to move in closer when she stops again and stares at each coffin again for a moment.
"Valdor, you do recognized those symbols, yes? They are the symbols for Gargul, Alemi, Domi and Marteus. You don't suppose..."
Her voice trails off as the impact of the coffins hits her.
Taking a deep slow breath, Dahlia begins moving slowly forward again and approaches the Domi coffin first and does a thourough search.
Search 52
Valdor Monday June 18th, 2007 10:30:38 AM
Valdor says,"I'm not assuming anything. If they are coffins, then we can figure out how to bring them back. Even if we don't, when we return to our time, we can figure out a way to protect and prevent the Woldsblood from being accessed in the future so none of this will happen. With this knowledge, Nick and Ve could commune with their Gods and warn them of what we've found and maybe they could then prevent it. We have options, but finding this menace and stopping him here would be the best one."
Ve Mundr Monday June 18th, 2007 3:16:26 PM
Ve stands right where he is on the dias at the foot of the apparent grave of Domi. "If these are the actual gods, who put them in repose?" he wonders aloud. Ve leans in as Dahlia goes over the area. They seemed to be the actual bodies, not sculptures. Ve diverts his attention elsewhere for potential threats to his smaller charge as the halfing moves about.
"Knowing the outcome of unknown events will not help prevent those events." he muses in answer to Valdor. "We have to hope the conductor of this catastrophy is still about. If this dimesional gate is still open and elementals and constructs still exist, then some form of magic is as well."
Nick Monday June 18th, 2007 7:28:11 PM
Nick's hands are trembling as he approaches. The implication of what lies here is horrifying.
"That - " he takes a deep breath and glances to the others before continuing. "That writing back there. In the hands of the dead cleric. He mentioned something about slumber and a lack of faith."
He kneels a short distance from what looks like the figure of Alemi, bows his head, and starts to pray...
Onrad d20+26=29 d20+26=42 Tuesday June 19th, 2007 12:49:51 AM
Onrad finally enters the strange area behind the altar.
Looking around, he doesn't understand what's going on yet. So he simply looks and studies.
[Spot of 29---bah!] [Listen of 42]
DM Jan Tuesday June 19th, 2007 1:44:30 AM
The lantern still shines, enabling Onrad to see some of the others gathered in silhouette around the dais up ahead. Dahlia's initial search of the tombs and their symbols confirms her suspicions. Gargul. Alemi. Domi. Marteaus. A closer look at the Domi tomb. Ve is correct. The man laid on top, in troubled sleep, does not look to be carved in stone. He looks... real. The immediate surroundings, on and around the dais, appear to be safe. Or do they? Valdor sees and senses nothing untoward. He sees what he sees. No traps, pits or hidden assailants. The Platinums appear to be the only persons currently alive and kicking in this entire area. No other sound except for the groups own movements, discussions and prayer.
Another spark of light appears from the gloomy hills beyond the lake. As it passes high over everyone's head, it illuminates the scene below for a brief moment.
And the body on top of the tomb decorated with the three connecting circles begins to stir...
Jus Tuesday June 19th, 2007 6:43:37 AM
Jus looks around, his wide eyes filled with shock and wonder as those distant thoughts about Woldsblood are stirred in his memory. There's no manic calling this time, but a deep curiosity seeps into Jus' mind. He begins wondering about the streams of Woldsblood, going so far as to consider emptying a potion and filling it up. Maybe....
Jus looks to see where the others are, then notices the symbols. Like the others, Jus immediately makes the connection. No.... No possible way.... Jus haltingly thinks. All the previous thoughts of the Woldsblood have gone, as Jus approaches the center two tombs.
He's never quite believed in gods. No, that's not right. He's never actually worshiped any of the gods, though he knows for a fact that they exist. If anything, strangely, they've felt like family always watching over his shoulder. Some, like Gargul, have been the black sheep of the family (Although he did give me my life back, once. I give him that.). Then there is Alemi, who's always felt like a father-figure. And Domi, of course, like a close Uncle. Jus smiles, imagining how crazy his thoughts would be to the others. Perhaps even blasphemous, Jus wryly imagines.
But as he thinks about families and the lose of what could be the gods before him, something breaks inside of Jus. His silent laughter begins to fill with tears. Dropping to his knees, he weeps for these two before him that he has silently trusted and believed in. His sorrow swells as the tears release the innermost pain that's he's pushed down. He doesn't care if the others see right now. He's tired, tired of the pain and sadness. Tired of seeing so many die, so many slaughtered, so many things that shouldn't be. Perhaps that's why Alemi's comfort is like a father to Jus. Alemi the comforter.
Wait. Asleep. Valdor said they were asleep. Looking up with confusion stirred slightly with hope, Jus sees one of the bodies stir. His heart feels like it stops as his eyes widen in shock once again.
Valdor Tuesday June 19th, 2007 10:23:05 AM
Seeing Alemi's body respond to Nick's prayer, Valdor, making sure not to kneel in any Wold's Blood, does the same and prays to Domi, who he was once a cleric of. He sees and hears Jus and deeply appreciates the man's sorrow. He motions for Ve to do the same.
"Domi, come back to us. Your sleep looks troubled and we have need of you in this dark hour. Maybe your followers of this time have forgotten you, but we haven't. We hold faith that you will come back. We...have courage, because you told us to and it is right. Now you must be the one to show US that courage."
Dahlia d20+26=42 Tuesday June 19th, 2007 8:40:14 PM
Not really sure what she is seeing, Dahlia continues to do what she does best and moves on to the next coffin and begins to search around it sending out, as she always has a quick thought toward Wardd to wtch over her and guide her hands in their search for a bit of luck.
Search 42
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday June 19th, 2007 10:20:40 PM
Cori feels oddly detached at this time and place. She has always believed in the gods and goddesses but she has never had a particular use for their worship. Still she feels a slight connection to Gargul the most as it is his substance, Woldsblood, that she draws her power from.
Her eyes scan each sleeping person with a feeling of dire loss. She cares too much for the Wold itself, let alone her friends like Ve and Nick who loyally serve and follow these very men.
The movement catches her eye and though she had not even realized it, she has drawn the adamantine rapier that she had gotten before she left. It still felt heavy and clunky to her but it was some comfort. In her heart, she knows that these men are needing in the Wold...not just the one they come from, but this one as well.
Ve Mundr Tuesday June 19th, 2007 10:48:07 PM
Ve continues to watch Dahlia and now more particularly the light that flashed overhead. Behind him, he hears Nick in Prayer and Jus as well. He was a soldier and his very life has always been forged on one concept and that was the teachings of Domi. Have Courage Two simple words but he has found in all his days, they are amongst the hardest words to stand by. Courage required a great many things and ususally the courage of flesh and steel were the least of them.
Ve hears Valdor and catches his movement from the corner of his eyes. His heart tells him otherwise, it would seem to Ve that in the long years of strife that Domi himself had failed to stay upon the demanding path. Domi's courage had left him. In the long years, Ve could not begin to fathom what it must have been like. failure upon failure of the people upon those teachings. Would he have lasted. The cleric would like to hope so, but he was realistic as well. No he would likely have not.
Ve takes two strides and then a knee at the head of the assumed being of Domi. Stealing himself, he places his hand upon the figures forehead.
"Domi, through the long endless years I have come. Your strength, your teachings, your spirit fuel my purpose and my being. You had shown me long ago the true tests of courage, honor and sacrifice. I, we, would now complete the circle for our hearts are undaunted, our courage unmatched. Take heart in our strength and find your will once again."
Nick Wednesday June 20th, 2007 1:30:18 AM
With his head bowed, Nick doesn't see any movement, but he hears the others, and that gives him the conviction to continue. Somewhere, deep in his gut, something built of panic, fear and anger is rolling back and forth. It had merely been words before this, and halflings crazy stories. But now, the profundity of it all was sinking right in. A terrible blow had been delivered.
DM Jan Wednesday June 20th, 2007 2:13:36 AM
Where is Warrd, Dahlia may be thinking as she moves along the tombs, and some of the others for that matter. Only four of them, here, unless the spider suggested another...
Faith. Trust. Belief. Intangibles that suddenly appear to take on power and shape.
Ignited by prayer, something pulls at Father Nick, Valdor, Jus, and Ve Mundr, but it doesn't stop there. It gathers momentum, clawing at everyone - Cori, Mordrid, Nonam, Dahlia and Onrad, drawing energy, roaring through the body with a fear-inducing hunger. For a long moment it leaves everyone breathless, until it finally subsides.
What remains is a slight tingle in the air; recognisible, but the beginnings of a divine power that this future Wold had forgotten.
Alemi rises into a sitting position slowly, as though awakening from an ordinary night's sleep. He blinks, takes in the faces before him, and smiles.
In contrast, Domi suddenly sits bolt upright, that single movement pushing Ve Mundr's hands aside. That troubled expression develops instantly into a loud, angry roar - a bitter war cry that is hard for the ear to bear. Then he too blinks, suddenly aware of his surroundings.
Alemi looks across at his dear friend and breaks into a grin. "I told you someone would come," he says.
Across at Gargul's tomb, the creature sat at one corner of it begins to move slowly.
Valdor Wednesday June 20th, 2007 10:05:08 AM
Valdor comes to his feet with a shocked look on his face. He moves over to Alemi and Domi and goes to a knee. He makes sure he's not stepping or kneeling in Wolds Blood and just stays there. He hasn't found any words to speak as he is completely shocked. The only thing he does is reach to his sword to see if it has any feeling of magic to it.
Ve Mundr Wednesday June 20th, 2007 3:13:54 PM
Ve looks to Alemi and a realization comes to his mind and his stomach turns as it does. Alemi must have conviced Domi to this course of action. Domi's faith, courage, honor and all he stood for was unwavering unfoundering. Very unlike that of his servant now upon his need at the head of the platform. It would never happen again. Ve's mailed hand snaps to his chest, "Lord Domi, I am yours to command as you will." he says in strong and unfettered voice, his head bowed.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday June 20th, 2007 9:48:16 PM
Cori feels the power surge that is flowing into her body. It is intoxicating and in such a fast pace that it feels corrupting. As her very skin tingles she fights to keep a lid on the emotions that are warring inside her.
That little dark seed that had been nurtured by the thing in the pit is stirring as well. It whispers to her and strokes her ego, along with all her other desires that cannot be put aside so easily. She growls lightly as she keeps her eyes closed, not trusting herself to look upon anything right now.
The battle is more exhausting than the actualy influx of power and when she finally opens her eyes, she finds herself swaying on her feet. Laughter erupts from her and she is not sure how long she will be standing.
What a way to die...in another time...in front of four of the gods of the Wold...and most likely in a pool of Woldsblood to boot.
DM Jan Thursday June 21st, 2007 2:04:05 AM
((Guys, I'll post tomorrow morning. I guess I need to rally the troops.))
Jus Thursday June 21st, 2007 2:57:04 AM
Jus is shocked when Domi and Alemi move. Both elated and humbled to be in the presence once again. When he sees movement to the side, he realizes that all the gods could be here, in other forms than those lying on the tombs.
Jus' mind can barely comprehend the idea of all of the gods together, here, so easily accessible. Yet no one came.
No one but the Platinum's, that is, Jus thinks with a wide grin.
Dahlia d20+26=30 Thursday June 21st, 2007 6:55:07 AM
continuing with her work Dahlia moves on to the next coffin. search DC 30
Nick Thursday June 21st, 2007 11:45:51 AM
Nick lifts his head. He dares to look. To be in Alemi's actual, physical presence is overwhelming, familiar though it is. He forces himself to his feet, but keeps his head bowed. "Forgive us our intrusion, my Lord, but we come in times of trouble."
DM Jan Thursday June 21st, 2007 12:40:09 PM
Both Alemi and Domi slide off the tombs and get to their feet. Alemi selfconsciously flicks a piece of imaginary dust from his robe. Divine power is growing by the second, emanating from both Gods. It is a strong, positive force, and in such close proximity it is intoxicating. One could move mountains.... vanquish the worst evil... heal millions...
Alongside it runs an entirely mortal sense of - awkwardness? embarrassment? Cori's laugh gives it more of an edge. Both Gods look at one another, then -
Domi is the first to speak. "Please, rise, raise your heads. Perhaps it is we that should bow. We knew that things would change, for the better, but we did not know from which quarter. To see you all stood here fills me with such - ah, I lack the words. Joy and elation doesn't seem enough. And I recognise you. All of you." At this moment, that troubled look on his face appears to have entirely gone.
Alemi adds "Bless you. Bless you all. It is by your belief that we have been able to rise. How did you find us? Marteaus's plague left everything scattered to the winds."
Throughout the group, divine magical items are awakening, becoming stronger, giving out a sense not unlike pins and needles after bloodflow has been cut off from a limb. As yet, arcane items still appear to be dormant. There is no sensation other than a quiet yearning, so close to the power, yet unable to touch.
While all this is going on, Dahlia continues her search. This tomb is surrounded by tall, thin spider legs. The man here still sleeps, curled up, troubled and fearful. It would be a handsome face, if not for the scarring and the current lines of apprehension traced across it.
At Alemi's mention of Marteaus, the others see Domi's face cloud over once more, and see his eyes shift angrily toward the spider-protected tomb. At that moment, Dahlia sees something else. Her stature has her own face level to that of the sleeping man. And at the mention of his name, his eyes flick open, staring, wild, looking straight at her.
One of the spider's legs shifts slightly.
Mordrid Thursday June 21st, 2007 2:51:06 PM
((OOC: sorry. I was lulled to sleep at the corination. I'm back now.))
Mordrid stands well behind the group in silence, watching his faithful friends.
The ranger feels apprehensive as the gods awake. Usually this is when the wrath of god comes. He hopes that the land and its people will not suffer too badly... this time.
The ranger gets disconnected at times, when he sees the gods as vain and petty.
Dahlia Thursday June 21st, 2007 7:49:28 PM
Swallowing silently as she finds herself the object of inspection by Marteus' eye. She feels a nervous giggle bubbling up inside of her. Waving the fingers of her left hand at the god, she drops a curtesy and whispers. "Good Morning Lord."
Ve Mundr Thursday June 21st, 2007 8:09:40 PM
Ve remains on one knee as Alemi and Domi fully awaken. The power rises witin him, his armor, shield, the brilliant warhammer at his side. the voice of power too, begins to rise, but thier is nothing for Ve to listen to. Recent events have only strengthened him against such desires. Ve will allow Valdor to answer for how they found thier way here, though it does touch in the back of his mind that it seemed terribly easy to do. Perhaps the area around Dirt City is and has been for some time a terribly dangerous place. they had the fortune and foresight to move to Dirt City before travelling forward.
Ve looks up and stands tall as Domi asks them all to not bow. Shoulders back, face set, Ve keeps the full look of a soldier at dress. then the spider shifts. Ve is spinning across the platform Domi was just upon and his hammer is coming to his hand. The Protectors feet hit the floor and he coming around fast to get to Dahlia. The fact that the rogue does not seem to concerned does not seem to register with him as he moves.
Mordrid Friday June 22nd, 2007 12:17:06 AM
Upon seeing the architecture (spider leg) shift, Mordrid crouches and goes for his bow.
However, he relaxes and rises up. Without arcane aid, they were at the whim of the gods. (He can feel their divinity flow thru the room. Yet it was their's alone.)
All there was left to do is accept the situation like a man. These were the very fathers of fate. At times the Platinums have been known to alter fate, but the circumstances were quite different. All the godly gifts they have received over the years were conveniently missing, placing them fully on their knees, which Mordrid somehow forgot to fall upon.
There were characters here who were strong of faith, who could properly see this thru. Mordrid however, only had stroke in the realm of mortal men.
The gods could bend his will at the drop of an eyelash.
Valdor Friday June 22nd, 2007 12:44:48 AM
Valdor follows Domi's gaze and sees the anger there. He whispers,"Were I able to, I would rid the Wold of his presence."
He turns back to Alemi and says,"My Lord, let us just say we have travelled in ways and places never travelled before that we know. But I dare not speak of it now."
He casts a meaningful glance towards the Usurper as he can hear what is being said. He doesn't want Marteaus knowing or he might use it to further his own desires...again. He says,"Where are the other God's? Surely the rest have gone to sleep as well. And I must prepare you...the Wold is not what it was when you went to sleep. There are none loyal to you but us. But maybe it will be enough. We still have a job to do. We were not even aware of your predicament when we set forth upon this road. We are looking for the man who began all of this mess. His name is Crow. And we must find him and bring him down, else all magic and all believers will be gone forever."
Dahlia Friday June 22nd, 2007 3:15:56 PM
After her immortal meeting, face to face with the god of pain and suffering. With every step she backs away from the now awake god, she bows her head, not in submissiveness, but high respect for his power, however much she despises him. She moves to join the others, somewhat stepping behind Valdor or Mordrid, to defelct his burning gaze on her, whichever is closer.
DM Jan Friday June 22nd, 2007 5:29:08 PM
Alemi catches Valdor's glimpse toward the awakening Marteaus, nods in understanding, and he gives a sigh. "The other Gods are sleeping, somewhere. Crow is known to us. He became a factor at some point in the war. An alliance with the necromancers in Mount Bone. The battle for Izen and beyond drew everyone in, from every realm. Mortal, magical. It began against the orcs, then moved into the Emerald Kingdom, Culverwood and beyond. The fight was bitter. Many lives were lost. We, of course, were pledged not to interfere directly. But then - "
Domi, face like thunder, a man of action rather than words and obviously at the end of his patience, finishes off Alemi's sentence. " - but then along came Marteaus -" he growls. The God of Courage turns and steps toward Marteaus's tomb and stabs an angry, accusing finger at the facially scarred man rising to a crouch. " - and killed everybody! On all sides! With the exception of a few - complete and utter genocide!"
Ve Mundr has moved quickly, reaching the other side of Marteaus's tomb just as Dahlia starts to back away. Right beside him, a metamorphosis occurs at terrifying speed. Spider legs and scorpion tail contract, and the form of the body shifts, leaping down to stand directly in front of Marteaus, blocking Domi's advancement. Jancassis is impressive. Seven and a half feet tall, long legs, muscle wrapped in matte black leather; a face like stone, and pale eyes that would freeze the very marrow. Those eyes flick behind her for a moment, taking in the dark-skinned halfling and the Protector.
And here, two things becom apparent -
1) Jancassis is protecting, rather than imprisoning Marteaus.
2) A misread of intention, in the midst of the fog of awakening. The Goddess of Revenge wastes no time. Her eyes snap straight toward Mordrid. She does not say anything. Nevertheless, he hears.Move! Do NOT let them interfere! The ranger's thoughts are directed toward Dahlia and Ve Mundr.
"You wish to continue where we left off?" she asks Domi in a deceptively mild voice. "Call off your pawns."
Marteaus peers out from behind Jancassis's right thigh. " You'd rather they had just chopped and blasted one another to death, instead? They were all going to die anyway! Of their own accord! Like animals! With no higher thoughts than bloodlust and the hacking to pieces of their opponants!" His voice is a near shriek.
Things are heading south. Rapidly.
Over at Gargul's tomb, the small creature called Gimp is jumping up and down on his master's chest, in an effort to awaken him.
(Ve and Dahlia are not trapped. There's room to head around the opposite side of Marteaus's tomb and rejoin the others.)
Valdor Saturday June 23rd, 2007 2:16:59 AM
Valdor watches the Gods' banter and threats and then booms out,"Be silent! Everyone! You sound just like us mortals and all of our problems! You'd still be asleep had we not come, so listen carefully. Whatever happened...happened. It's past and gone. I'm sure the Usurper wiped out thouseands, but that doesn't change the predicament we are in now. And you are right there with us! You have been asleep for several hundred years at our best guess and noone serves you now! NO ONE! Where will your power come from if we don't change what has gone before? For that is why we came.
We must find this Crow, who is in Mount Bone if our guess is correct, capture him, take him back to our time in the past and stop this madness from becoming truth. If we do, then none of this will have happened. No war, no disease, no genocide, no Gods going to sleep because there is noone to worship them...NOTHING!
S, while I both respect and honor you Domi, and have my entire life, I must say let it go! This Crow fellow is the one we must stop, then Marteaus won't have the chance to kill all of those people.
Now, you may want to strike me down, and maybe you can do so. Try if you want to, but we are your salvation, not the other way around in this case. Let's get a plan to find the other Gods, wake them up, find and capture Crow and get back to our time. And if you can't remember us, we are the Platinum Dragons, and I am Valdor, the Dragonstone."
His hand is on his hilt, waiting for one of them, or all of them, to attack. He knows he will possibly die, but he will at least get some shots in before he does. His breath is coming in ragged, raspy sounds. He's scared and nervous at those in front of him, but he's also extremely angry, which is the only way he can stay in front of the Gods.
Ve Mundr Sunday June 24th, 2007 9:19:22 AM
Ve puts Dahlia behind him and squares off his shoulders to make himself as wide as possible. Marteus, of course, was again responsible for the massive devstation. If he killed everyone, well most everyone. It would explain as well how magic and the gods were forgotten. Over hundreds of years of just surviving the few left would be concerned with other things. Ve motions for Dahlia to begin moving around, the Protector stays directly between Jancassis and her.
Just give the word Domi, but as Valdor speaks Ve feels his own anger rise.
"Wake the others? What in the name of Shadows for? We want Crow. We have found Domi and Alemi, the others are not needed, nor missed or desired."
Ve's eyes flick to Gargul, "And Gargul. You hear me Gargul. Your abscense has not stopped death and many are gathered outside of this very place in hope that you will usher them to the lands of rest. Your duty calls you."
Ve then shifts back to Jancassis, "The most unfortunate issue of all is that we will prevent all this and by doing so allow you and the others to continue."
Jus Sunday June 24th, 2007 7:31:58 PM
Jus watches, still amazed at what he sees. He is almost as shocked at Valdor's words as stumbling across the slumbering gods. If it was anyone else, Jus is sure that a pine box would soon be needed.
There is so much going on, yet the Woldsblood has yet to awaken. Perhaps the other gods need to awaken first. Or, perhaps the restless souls from outside must enter.
Ve's words echo Jus' thoughts. If the souls can get into this chamber, Gargul would surely have to awaken.... not that having Gargul around would be a particularly great thing, but he does fulfill an important purpose.
Seeing the small creature bouncing on Gargul, Just waves it over. It is likely sentient, after a fashion, and might be convinced to try to bring the souls inside.
Posting Report for Monday June 25th, 2007 7:10:13 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons For the week of June 18,2007
Adm Ceil - Very good for old timers (I would have made it more colorful, But Jerry would'nt let me>:-)
Onrad Monday June 25th, 2007 12:53:26 PM
Shaking his head out of his stupor, he looks around shocked. Then when Valdor stands up to the gods, he can only smile and grin.
Leaping up on a pedestal, he points at Valdor and proclaims, "And that is what being a DRAGON is all about!"
He finds Ve.
"Ve, it felt weird, all prickly to me when Domi and Alemi awakened. I think the magic has returned. Can someone check? If the rest of the gods can be awakened, it might get stronger."
Onrad looks around for Wardd.
Dahlia (sub) Monday June 25th, 2007 7:58:39 PM
She willingly steps behind the Protector, but she tenses her finely tuned muscles to respond to any type of situation. With legs trembling with the rush of adrenaline, hands on hilts of weapons and in a cat like crouch, she waits for a word from the others to spring to action.
Mordrid Monday June 25th, 2007 8:13:06 PM
The ranger winces as Jancasis pulses into his brain; a command that rattles his core, yet falls on ears that will not yield to such a misplaced request.
Valdor's display of guts invigorates him.
Narrowing his eyes, he mentally pierces back at Jancasis, 'I WILL NOT. I have fed you too many times over the years, without a blessing in return.'
Mordrid motions to Ve and Dahlia with an outstretched hand, to avoid seperation and join the main group. Maybe in an off-handed way he WAS assisting Jancasis in getting his friends out of the way.
He glances at Valdor and nods in support.
Corialote and Amarth Monday June 25th, 2007 9:45:47 PM
Cori shakes her head as she can feel the power that flows but none of it would do her any good. If anyone was to get their powers back from this it was the clerics and she wished to have her birthright back as well. "It would do us all good to bring them all around...I for one can feel the pulse of energy, as you all must." Her next words are an audible growl as she glares down any that would dare to argue with her. "But the arts that I rely upon are still dormant...I will have what is mine as well..." Her eyes flash to the gods as if they can answer her unspoken question and maybe the can. "If it is possible." Despite the feelings to physically lash out at something she keeps her anger in check, but she cannot keep her hands from clenching and unclenching.
If she thought that she could get away with it she is almost on the verge of rushing the slab that Gargul still lays upon. Maybe a more feminine touch would bring him out of his stupor...though what she has in mind is nowhere near feminine.
Nick Monday June 25th, 2007 11:12:20 PM
Nick begins to feel the power returning and he cannot help but smile. Now he was of some worth, of some use, and feeling better at not having to rely on layman's medicine. It would have helped, but for the kind of scrapes they usually got into, he suspected that it would have been woefully inadequate.
Domi and Marteaus, then Valdor's outbursts have him reeling, and present his imagination with all kinds of future scenarios, none of them good.
"Alemi, please give us your guidance," he asks his deity, stood before him. "We came here to undo, all that was done."
DM Jan Tuesday June 26th, 2007 12:11:14 AM
The Dragonstone's words bite deep, and all eyes turn upon him.
"He's right, brother," Alemi says quietly. "I know it still feels like only yesterday, but the Wold outside bleeds like a wounded animal, and we have left it for too long." Domi takes a step back and gives a sigh. "You're right, of course." He nods toward Valdor. "My apologies." There's still a fire in this God's eye, that suggests this argument with Marteaus is NOT over. That he will NOT drop it. But for now it is shelved. For another time.
Emboldened, and draped in some kind of twisted righteousness (enough to give Ve and Dahlia a suitable glare), Marteaus drops to his feet and comes to stand alongside Jancassis, chin out, arms folded across his chest.
Jancassis looks.... slightly disappointed. If she's heard or felt what was said to her by both Mordrid and Ve Mundr, she's not letting on. It's unlike her to miss anything, however.
Jus has managed to catch Gimp's eye, and the creature leaps off Gargul's chest and bounds over toward him. On his way he passes Cori and smiles. "Don't worry," he says to her, "he's awake now, and they're coming. Watch your feet." The creature continues his journey across the stone and leaps up onto Jus's shoulder, reminding the elf of another, familiar burden. "Do you see her?" Gimp whispers into Jus's ear, while pointing at Jancassis. " She hopes for the turmoil to continue. That's what gives her her power. She was able to outlast all of us, when we finally had to lay down and rest, purely on the strength of what Domi and Marteaus had to offer."
And yes, it appears that Gargul is finally awake. The God of Life and Death sits up, blinks, then climbs down from his resting place and, broad-shouldered and solidly built, shakes himself like a bear. Onrad - closest to the tunnel - hears a shriek, possibly from one of the halflings. Moments later, hundreds of tiny black shadows come hurtling through the tunnel opening. Hundreds, hundreds, and hundreds more, like a massive plague of insects. They pour out and immediately sink to the ground.
The ground begins to light up. The purple liquid channeled there starts to glow, becoming red; brighter and brighter, it starts to flow toward the dais and beyond.
Cori and Nonam feel it first - energy. In their rings, their staffs and wands, in their minds. The Woldsblood is screaming, filled to the brim with thousands and thousands of souls, who've had to wait, and wait, and wait, and their impatience and sense of initial outrage is singing out for the spellcasters to hear. Soon, everyone is reeling. By the time things have settled, Gargul has had time to walk to the edge of the dais, look outward toward the Lands of Rest, frown and shake his head, turn, then approach and face the Platinum Dragons. Not one to waste time on social niceties, he simply asks - "So, there is a plan?"
Dead souls continue to pour forth from the tunnel. And there is still no sign of Warrd, Ga'al, or any of the other Gods who appear to be missing.
((OOC - I'd like to give a quick welcome to Buzz, who's running Dahlia while Kent is on holiday.))
Valdor Tuesday June 26th, 2007 12:44:39 AM
Valdor replies to Domi,"There is nothing to apologize for, my Lord. It is I who spoke in anger, but I meant what I said." He chuckles at Gargul's directness and holds his index finger implying to wait for just a second. He turns back to Marteaus and Jancassis and says,"Although you are Gods, you are not perfect as witnessed by your situation here. And while I know your ambition exceeds my understanding, remember what it is like to have no worshippers. You are unnecessary without those who worship you. So, killing all of us mortals isn't very smart. Something to digest for a few years, I hope."
He turns his attention back to Gargul and says,"The plan? Well, I would assume that this 'Crow' will sense magic coming back. What can you all tell us of his powers? We found hints of necromancy and cleric spells as well when we began this mission. We must find him and take him back to a time long before this one if we are to stop this future from happening. I would assume you should find the rest of the Gods, presumably your personal allies, and hope we succeed, or there will still be noone to worship you in this time."
He turns back to the others and asks,"Any other thoughts? And yes, Ve, we should make sure the others are awakened. My daughter's mother is one of them, even if I despise what she has become."
Ve Mundr Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:32:52 AM
Ve slowly pivots as Dahlia moves to keep himself between Jancassis and the rogue. To Marteaus, Ve does not give an acknowledging glance or nod. He has no place for him in his world. As Gargul rises, Ve does nod in his direction, "Welcome back m`lord." He states simply and evenly. The souls rush in and Ve mentally steadies himself, but the cacophony keeps rises, the crescendo seems to be limitless and Ve finds his mind screaming back and soon after the stone floor rushes to meet him. At the last moment he gets a hand out and knee bent to take the brunt of the impact. Seconds after that, he is pulling himself upright and swinging about to see if any others are in need.
Of Course they are not perfect, they are ascended mortals. Ve thinks. What an odd thing to say, though the mighty do need reminding of that on occasion he concedes. Ideas? "Ideas, yes I have one or two. First and foremost, We do not discuss anything in the presence of Marteaus and his servant. Much of what we plan should not be directly known by the enemy, which this one would no doubt send his errand boy in a rush to do so."
In private outside of the temple ...."NO. We do not go looking for and wake the others. They serve no purpose. We don't encourage them getting awoken by anyone else and your daughters mother was precisely one of the ones I was thinking of when I said it. Valdor with all due respect I think you've completely lost your senses in this regard. They relish the environment of the Wold as it stands now. Depression, death, hopelessness, loss, temptation, the need for order, the list of tragedy is nearly endless. Bad enough the god of Revenge and the god of Disease is presently rebuilding their power bases in this mire of a near dead world. We need to get Crow and return. Doing that, takes care of everything else. Or at least that is our assumption."
"Also we move fast. Cori has her connection back as well as myself and Father Nicholas. Crow will likely be feeling it as well. Before he formulates a why and ramifications of his returned magical power, we need to be on him. Barring interference I can locate him within 10 minutes. Failing that we should go immediately to Mount Bone."
Dahlia (sub) Tuesday June 26th, 2007 10:47:20 AM
The rogue relaxes when the tension subsides. Her natural curiosity once again over riding her survival instincts. She wonders if she should attempt to hide in shadows, but with such powerful immortals around, she wonders if she is really that good? Instead she goes back to serching areas she hasn't yet, until she is needed for something else.
ooc: Glad to be here, thank you.
Mordrid Tuesday June 26th, 2007 1:24:24 PM
In response to Gargul, Mordrid says flatly, "Mount Bone."
Onrad Tuesday June 26th, 2007 3:26:55 PM
Onrad uncharacteristically falls clumsily to his seat as he watches the souls flow out in a stampede.
"Woah! Check this out!" he yells.
Valdor Tuesday June 26th, 2007 4:14:21 PM
Valdor turns to Ve and replies,"No disagreement about their intentions. However, if the Jericho thought them worthy, then who are we to go against him? And, when we return to ourtime, they will still be there anyway, is my guess. But, we are not Gods, hence it isn't our place to decide their fates. Otherwise, I would have slain Marteaus and Jancassis while they slept...were I able to anyway. There will always be evil and destruction, regardless of our actions. Better the evil we know, than the one we don't is my philosophy. But, I'm less concerned about that for now than I am in finding Crow. Do your thing and find him. I feel sure he's at Mount Bone, but we need to know, then we can get there quickly and hopefully wrap this up."
Ve Mundr Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:37:30 PM
Ve nods to Valdor, "I went a little left of my point which actually was since we are going to get Crow and stop all this." he gestures vaguely with one hand. "Taking the time to locate the rest seems a bit futile. More than that though, I am concerned that Marteaus and Jancassis might try to work against us as now that they are awake. The Wold outside is ideally suited for them to gain tremendous strength. We simply do not need the added challenge."
Ve adds with a smile then, "We can debate the rest back home over a good dinner and fine port."
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday June 26th, 2007 9:55:11 PM
Cori can feel the sudden pulse, the flood, the overwhelming intake of power that flows into her body. This makes her feel even more drunk than the divine powers of the gods had earlier.
It is further amplified by the sudden awakening of her magical items and the dance of spells in her head. Her eyes flash as she embraces the power that has been denied her for so long here.
Turning to Valdor, she does not pay much attention to anything that is going on around her. "I do believe that we have a quest that needs completing?" It will take her a few more minutes to make sure that all the spells she had tried to learn before the came are still in her mind...but at least some of them are there.
Amarth cocks his head and looks to his Mistress. "Well that was an odd sensation." You are not sure if he means the returns of his Mistress's magic or his loss of powers.
Nick Wednesday June 27th, 2007 12:39:29 AM
Nick has no other thoughts, other than being happy that none of the Gods are going to take Valdor's head off, Nick's attention switches to the area where they came from. Souls.... thousands of them...
He takes a step off the dais. "Onrad? Are you all right?"
DM Jan Wednesday June 27th, 2007 1:44:59 AM
Gargul's brow wrinkles. "Crow's power is... unusual. We sensed that it wasn't particularly attached to him, at all. Which doesn't make sense." He glances around a cavern that is rapidly becoming something greater. "But you can bet all the dice in Warrd's pocket that whatever it is, will have more power now. That reminds me -" Gargul turns to the others of the pantheon, and all discussion of who is awakened and who stays asleep becomes moot. "Marteaus. Find the others, find a way to awaken them. They're out there, somewhere. Jancassis, go with him. We need to re-establish the status quo." Both Gods nod, and fade from existence.
To Domi and Alemi - "See what has become of the Wold. Marteaus didn't kill everybody. Give whoever is left hope. These good people have opened the door, let us tarry no longer." The two Gods look at one another and nod. Domi looks toward Ve Mundr, the Valdor. "Use me," is all he says. Alemi walks over to Father Nicholas and places a hand on the man's shoulder. "Something has crept inside and made you believe it has stolen your life. It is a lie. Have faith, and deny it." Both deities fade, leaving the group alone with Gargul.
The God beckons the group forward to the far edge of the dais. Here is the best view of the massive lake of blood, also known as the River of Souls and the Lands of Rest and Unrest beyond. Distance all around appears to have grown somehow, laterally and vertically, and here stands the Shadowlands in its full glory. Death in the form of tiny souls still continues to flow past Onrad. They do him no harm. They now have a place to go.
Gargul folds his arms and glances sideways at the Platinums. There is a look of dry humour on his face. "I have heard you rail against us, on occasion, on how you are dependent on the mercy of the Gods. Is it irony then, that we, in turn, are dependent on you?" He shrugs, and points outward. "Watch," he asks. After a few moments, a tiny spark of light appears in the far distance. It hurtles toward the group, high in the air, and passes by. "See. A new life," announces Gargul. "A new life, but from the wrong place. Such things are not supposed to come from the Lands of Unrest. The question is - how long has this been the case? Hmm?" He raises a heavy eyebrow. "Those who, by the right of their terrible deeds, should not have been reborn, are out there now, no doubt engaged in the very deeds that sent them to the Lands of Unrest in the first place. This I must put right here, while you face these 'reborn ill' out there in the living Wold. Be wary. The wolves now lie among the sheep."
He turns about. "Your way out is changing, but do not fear. I'll leave the path clear until you are free of this place."
Dahlia (sub) Wednesday June 27th, 2007 12:07:09 PM
Dahlia gives up the search. With all that is happening, she is to caught up in the events. As they all walk to the dias, she looks out over the landscape and shudders.
"Is there a way to tell the wolves from the sheep, besides their behavior, if they are encountered?"
Valdor Wednesday June 27th, 2007 12:10:05 PM
Valdor bows to Domi and Alemi just before they fade and then listens carefully to Gargul. He looks a bit confused by all of the recent talk of unrest and souls coming back and such. He bows to Gargul and says nothing, still surprised to have his head attached. Of course, he was so frustrated at the banter that he didn't care, but now, after reflecting...he lets out a sigh and exits the way Gargul motioned to. He makes sure not to step in any Woldsblood on the way out.
Jus d20=7 Wednesday June 27th, 2007 3:16:35 PM
Jus listens to Gargul, surprised to hear him give directions to the other gods. Someone had to take charge, but Jus expected Alemi or Domi to step in. Still, Gargul seems to have kept his head better than the others -- at least for now.
As the souls continue to flow in, Jus watches the Woldsblood recover. Licking beads of sweat off his lips, Jus does his best to ignore the call. Thoughts flit through his mind again on how to take some Woldsblood with them, and how it could be used to help defeat Crow. Its not an easy task, but Jus manages to listen to Gargul and his story of the Unrested.
"Yes, as Dahlia asks, is there a way to find or identify these wolves?"
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday June 27th, 2007 7:25:47 PM
Cori has been listening as she goes over things in her head as well. Two tasks that she has come to be able to do rather well. "The other question would be...what happens to these people if we succeed in defeating Crow?" She does not believe for a second that everything that Crow has done will be undone...but the asking seems to be needed.
She will wait for somekind of answer and since she cannot think of anything else to ask...will follow along with the others to exit this area. For now the Woldsblood is not the problem but that same little dark voice that has been trying to inch it's way into her mind.
Onrad Thursday June 28th, 2007 12:00:09 AM
Onrad, still seated on his rear, seems eternally stunned. "Gargul is boss?" . . . . . . . . . . . "Wow." he whispers.
Nick Thursday June 28th, 2007 1:29:40 AM
Nick looks with astonishment at his deity. He then stares stupidly down at his wrinkled hands. By the time he looks up, Alemi is gone.
Gargul's explanation of what's happening out by the Lands of Rest sets a frown on his face. "Does this mean that some very bad people are walking about, out there?" he asks, keeping his voice respectful and polite.
Ve Mundr Thursday June 28th, 2007 11:07:43 AM
Ve nods as Gargul speaks, it is obvious Gargul holds a special place with the Protector. His thoughts are disturbed however, his fears that the gods of testing will seek to claim more power in this dire time and directly combat thier efforts weighs heavily on him.
To Domi, Ve drops to a knee and his fist snaps over his chest. Ve rises wordlessly a second later and looks at Valdor, his face all business.
Exiting with the others, Ve thinks to the flashes they saw while in the chamber. In thier breif time they saw two of them. How long had it been going on? There could be thousands of power vile creatures now reborn into the Wold and if history was a lesson, they would be pulled together and the Platinum Dragons were in for a rough time.
Ve, as usual speaks aloud as he works through the recent enlightement from Gargul and ramifications as he sees them.
"Souls from the Land of Unrest returning? Yes I think we should assume the more powerful souls are the ones able to do this and therefore yes. there are some very bad and dangerous creatures out there. Ancient enemies, like Flame, the fallen Dragon group members."
Ve breaks the thought and shifts gears,
"Crow's power not attached to him, I wonder. He was creating a vessel of sorts when we went through his notes and home. Blending divine and arcane in a far differnt way then merely the study of both fields. Perhaps he created a kind of repository a phlactery if you will and it was self sustaining. Pulling magic towards it, feeding off residual affects of the great war that descimated the Wold. A source he could then tap at will. The loss of magic eventually came to pass, but the repository still contained its own power and he could still use it."
"Thus the Constructs, but over the centuries that too slowly started to wane, thus Config and some others coming back into thier own control. Now we have awkened the gods, restored the Wolds Blood and the engine likely has fired up again. An automatic reset if you will."
"First thing first." As the group clears further from Gargul's temple. Ve inhales deeply through his nose and lets out a blast from his mouth. Reaching into his pack he extracts a book that his suspect Crow had written in and concentrates upon the tome. His eyes seem to glaze over and his hand slowly traces circles above the book, murmuring softly, "Domi grant me sight, Domi grant me knowledge, Domi grant me sight..."over and over for 10 minutes the Protector stands chanting.
[Cast Discern Location for Crow, former possessor of the book]
DM Jan Thursday June 28th, 2007 1:57:54 PM
Gargul gives a long sigh as he regards Dahlia, Nick and Jus. "In all honesty, I cannot say. They could resemble old men, milkmaids, monsters or children. Any magical knowledge they had, would have been latent, up until now, and some may have remembered, some may have forgotten. Just be on your guard. Expect the unexpected. Expect madness, due to the awakening. Take no one at face value."
To Cori, he says, "The survivors of this terrible era are in for a tough time. Evil will walk the land, though in what form, I cannot say. But with the help of Alemi and Domi, heroes like yourselves will arise, just as they always have. Maybe your own actions out there will inspire others, also. All lives return here, eventually. I will see that balance is restored." He looks about to continue, but then stops. This we must do. In case you fail. To everyone, he says "It appears a tough challenge awaits us all. A heavy burden lies on your shoulders and nothing I can say will lessen it, other than this. You will be remembered."
Gargul is boss? If Onrad gives pause to consider the rationale behind that question, maybe the answer lies in his immediate surroundings, changing rapidly, growing stronger, and brighter for every second that passes by. The Shadowlands - the transition between life and death, a place where everyone must walk, in some form or another and submit to Gargul's judgement. Perhaps the others have deferred to him because they are on his turf. Maybe if circumstances were different, then one or another would come to the fore. Maybe. The Gods had always danced to their own tune and their own set of rules, so in the end, who knew? Only feet away, the crumbling remains of an undead skeleton struggles to come alive. It, like everything else, has slept long enough.
The tunnel back into the temple is a tunnel no longer, and those who have passed this way before recognise the shifting mists that are the transition from the Shadowlands and the living Wold beyond. The doors to the temple have blown open, and a decidedly more orderly line of souls is now drifting through, their clamour now approaching something like joy, now they have somewhere to go.
Config is stood waiting, and doesn't appear to have moved.
Tommy and Wentworth run over as the group emerge. "What has happened?" they ask with wild eyes, both terrified and curious.
Divine and arcane magical feels as it should, to the entire group. Weapons are signing with renewed power, armour is strong, and shrouds of protection lend an aura of invincibility. Learned spells have not been forgotten, but now comes the assurance that they will work. Those who have detect magic permanently cast, will note a few glowing areas on the dead cleric's body, over by the altar.
And so, then - Ve Mundr gets a certain amount of satisfaction from the meditation of his spell. The result, however -
It is as though he is on the back of a dragon, high in the sky at night. Below him are pin points of light, hundreds of them, all throughout the Elennian Peninsula. All these pin points are Crow. All are Crow? Or pieces of him? It shouldn't be possible. And yet there it is. However, the largest cluster of them is at Mount Bone. To the Southern side of it's slopes.
LOG ON