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00:44, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

The Game: Chapter 13.

Posted by DMFor group archive 0
DM
GM, 2482 posts
Omniscient Narrator
Destroyer of Worlds
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 19:44
  • msg #1

The Game: Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13
Tris, Aestrenia
Early November


The P.A.R.T.Y. (plus Cassie, Rachel, Oliver, Karl, the Marquise, Choso, and Sir Culley) finds itself seated in Tyrant Morachiga Choso's temporary chambers in Tris, with emotions running high and many questions left to be answered.

"And you say that this shadowy... thing... appeared where Saul's corpse was suspended in the sky?" Morachiga says, arching an eyebrow. "I've never heard of such a thing. But whatever it is, we can assume it has a different agenda than Saul once had. My agents have not reported any word from Kazul's cathedral that would indicate that the high priest has returned there -- or, indeed, that there is a high priest at all. Lesser Serpentsworn are converging upon the temple en masse for the traditional selection process."

He sighs.

"I hope to move fast enough to stave off any real contention from that direction. The Church of Kazul has suffered a mighty defeat, and the public will not be anxious to have them in command of the government any time soon."

Baldwin's notes lay scattered upon the table in front of them, and the Tyrant folds his hands on top of the nearest pile.

"Do you remember anything else about that fight, before the explosion? Did Saul say or do anything else that you found curious?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:53, Tue 18 Nov 2014.
Maeve Hassan
player, 1509 posts
Not keen on scarecrows
Death to Shoes Lady
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 19:54
  • msg #2

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

"Well, first things first, we need to return this lot to Krall territory," Maeve says, looking out the window at the menagerie stationed outside.  She is pleased that so many of the beasts survived the conflict.  "Perhaps we could arrange for some of the Sylvan to provide an escort."

Sekhmet spies her rider and chirrup-purrs noisily.  Maeve gives Boreas a look that can best be interpreted as "can I keep it?"

Regarding Saul, Maeve frowns thoughtfully.

"Well yes actually," she says, briefly rehashing Saul's cryptic comments about the "end times" and the Draconic Benediction.  "Though I'm not sure what that could have meant.  Not really my area."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Tue 18 Nov 2014.
Boreas Highwind
player, 1369 posts
Fey Messiah
Bathes Regularly
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 20:33
  • msg #3

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

The comments play into what we already know about OSA and the Vora cult.  Boreas scratches his beard as he thinks for a moment.  We have to find out exactly what's going on there.  You all should see what Baldwin found out with his analyzers.

Boreas hands over the findings.

You all may be able to shed some light on things.
Zuriel Silendril
player, 2064 posts
Lightbringer
House Silendril
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 20:35
  • msg #4

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

"It was ominous, to say the least," Zuriel agrees, letting out a sigh. He rubs his side, still aching from the ordeal on the Awe. He and Finwe were found soon after the explosion, half-drowned and nearly dead. Each was quickly extracted to his respective Order's field hospital, where the best of rejuvantive magics quickly brought them back from the brink. Ma'or's priestesses in particular seemed rather effective at the healing arts, even more so than they were under Tassada.

Still, Zuriel imagined it would be a while before he was feeling fully hale once more. Zuriel had no memory of the explosion. His mind drew a blank, as it had when he thought on that first fight with the Erinyes. Images of fire, water, acid, darkness, and a deep, deep dread appeared whenever he closed his eyes. Shivering, he draws his cloak closer around him and takes a long sip of tea.

"The bigger question is...what now?" he asks. Zuriel nods at Choso. "You certainly have your work cut out for you. The rest of us..."

He looks around at the PARTY. "We still have no idea what is causing the instability. We know the OSA are up to no good, but Mah'mout was dismissive of their ability to actually do anything. Furthermore, without their tower on Fey'driel, they are one plane short of their goal. Two, if Choso can deal with the Aeyris tower once he's regained control."

For the first time in nearly two years, Zuriel lacked a clear, specific goal. The continent was saved. What happened next? After a moment's consideration, he continues, speaking slowly.

"I think that, for now...if the world is threatened by growing darkness, we can help balance that out by nurturing the light. I have a Church to help lead...and now, thanks in large part to you, Lord Tyrant, we now have a home. Ultimately, Ma'or must be reborn, though I do not yet know how. I intend to begin by growing her Church as best as I am able."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Tue 18 Nov 2014.
The Everstaff
NPC, 5 posts
Insatiable Appetite
Just Wants To Help
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 20:40
  • msg #5

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 4):

"Did you not promise to take me to Gaelia after this ordeal was over? There are answers hidden beneath the sands."

The voice seems to be heard only by the immediate P.A.R.T.Y. members, but it is clear nonetheless.
Morachiga Choso
NPC, 27 posts
Tyrant-in-Exile
Lord of Lo'driel
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 20:42
  • msg #6

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

In reply to The Everstaff (msg # 5):

The tyrant glances over the notes, raises an eyebrow, and beckons the Marquise and Sir Culley over.

"These are... complex. It will take some time to study them fully, but it looks like almost every faith is losing strength rather rapidly."

He eyes the serpentine symbol on the table.

"What do you think recent events did to Kazul's numbers?"
Zuriel Silendril
player, 2065 posts
Lightbringer
House Silendril
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 20:49
  • msg #7

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

Zuriel furrows his brow. "Kazul only ever utilized one mirrored spell, as we discussed before. Yet clearly Saul was capable of so much more. I'd imagine that until a new High Priest is chosen, his number would be zero. At least, that would be my guess, based on what we discussed with...Baldwin."

In the frenzy of activity, the death of the bard still hadn't quite sunk in for Zuriel. He lowers his voice, speaking almost as if to himself. "So much knowledge, so much lore...lost. Whatever else Baldwin of Blakehaven was...he was a hero..."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Tue 18 Nov 2014.
Keef
player, 1157 posts
Hero in training
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 20:51
  • msg #8

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

In reply to Morachiga Choso (msg # 6):

Keef nods solemnly.

He... he was the best of us... he whispers in the first words you've heard from the boy in days.

Keef turns Longshank over in gloved hands.

Yes, we DID promise.  So with... he looks off into the distance. With Baldwin... with us... with me... and us not able to keep him safe... I guess that's the most important thing... keeping our word and protecting the family we have left.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Tue 18 Nov 2014.
Maeve Hassan
player, 1510 posts
Not keen on scarecrows
Death to Shoes Lady
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 20:59
  • msg #9

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

"That is true," Maeve says slowly, not entirely keen on aiding the Everstaff, but a promise is a promise.  "I know that you will be very busy establishing the Church of Ma'or, so I won't ask you to accompany me.  But if it's acceptable to everyone, I've been away from home for too long.  I should return to Gaelia, at least for a while."

"Incidentally Keef, did I ever mention that Gaelia is home to prides of wild lions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Tue 18 Nov 2014.
Lyriel Vesper
player, 942 posts
To Heal is Divine
House Vesper
Tue 18 Nov 2014
at 21:06
  • msg #10

Re: The Game: Chapter 13

Lyriel nods. Once you figure out where this temple is, I'm sure we can help. But for the short term at least, I'm needed here.

The priestess exchanges quick looks with Cassie and Rachel. Today, at least, we have plans of the most dire and pressing nature. No merchant shall be safe from us! Lyriel grins, and is rewarded with a small smile from Rachel. The first she'd seen since before the battle.

Poor girl. She's already lost so much, and now Baldwin... Lyriel resolved to do her best to cheer her up. A day out on the town is just what they needed.

And then...the real work begins. Lyriel's face is outwardly a cheerful mask, but inside, her spirit burns. Eldric...you will have your Justice.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Tue 18 Nov 2014.
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