In reply to DM (msg # 408):

"Fair words," the centermost elder continues.  "And there is wisdom in them.  I think perhaps the best thing for us to do would be to separate-"

That's as far as he gets before a fiercely red glow flickers from within Keef's prison.  The light intensifies within the amber, and tiny cracks begin to creep out from the center of the mass.

"You failed to mention that boy has bonded with the staff," the leftmost elder exclaims, raising his staff along with the other Elders and adopting a defensive position.  Before they are able to do much of anything, however, the amber prison ruptures into several fragments of assorted sizes, leaving Keef standing upright upon the dais.

The Everstaff, it seems, has found its way into his hands, and a red glow suffuses his eyes for a moment before fading away entirely[Private to Boreas Highwind: , leaving an unmistakeable aura of necromantic magic].  Chubbs immediately hops over to his master and chirps out a triumphant croak -- taking credit, it would seem, for this latest turn of events.

The Elders look at each other, then at Keef, and appear to decide the boy does not appear to pose an immediate threat to their person.

"Er, separate, I was saying, the boy from the staff.  Hrmph.  Keef, was it?  Tell us, since you're free, how you came upon that staff.  Leave nothing out, for it matters more than you know.  More importantly, what have you fed it, both before and after wearing the crown, and what has it told you?"

The other Elders nod solemnly, and await the boy's response.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:12, Mon 28 Oct 2013.

In reply to DM (msg # 412):

Keef looks totally confused.

I don't... we found it in the tomb and it talked to me.  I'm not sure what it wants... and I'm not sure if it knows what I want but it's trying to help I think.  And Zuriel says that's not enough, that it's evil.  Sir Giles said the opposite but I'm not sure about him... anyway Sir Giles put this crown on my head... the staff said that was good but I took it off anyway and that hurt and I got sick and I couldn't eat... not even cake but it was tasty so I got hungry and I put the crown back on and the staff liked that... then it helped and it says it wants to help but I.... I just don't know if it can... and when I was trapped it helped me get out... I didn't like being trapped...

Chubbs nods approvingly.

In reply to Keef (msg # 413):

The Elders blink wordlessly.  The one in the center clears his throat.

"Calm down, lad.  Care to try that again?  Missing in particular was what you've fed the thing, though it's interesting that you think it wants to help you.  What brings you to that conclusion?"

In reply to DM (msg # 414):

Keef nods and barrels on.

Well it SAID it wanted to help, but I don't know if it knows the right way... maybe it's just confused or evil or lost, maybe.  It likes to eat squirrels and bugs and blood and trees and life force, not cake, and the dying.

In reply to Keef (msg # 415):

"And... have you fed it all of those things?"

The Elders look at each other with concern.

"Which did you feed it before the crown, and which afterward?"

In reply to DM (msg # 416):

Keef furrows his brow, then points at the imprisoned Cassandra.

Well first I hit her... to protect my friends... we ALL hit her some... I saw it coming in the future, now the past, but the future then... up until I hit her, then it was the present.  Anyway we all hit her, then some of us helped her and took her prisoner.  So the staff liked that, blood I guess.  I gave it some of my blood too.  So then Giles put the crown on me, but then I took it off and I got sick and didn't have any cake, then I put it back on... then I gave the staff blood and stuff from dying exterminators... then just now I was trapped so I think it fed off me...

In reply to Keef (msg # 417):

The Elders nod sagely as Keef relates his tale.

"Good enough, lad.  You've been through a lot."

The central speaker address these group as a whole.

"The Everstaff is a powerful magical item -- perhaps even an artifact -- that Veilspire used for years.  No one is sure where he found it, but rumors suggest it hails from somewhere in Drynn."

"The staff is sentient, after a fashion, and came communicate with its wielder so long as it is fed living energy in one form or another.  This is bad enough, but when deprived of sustenance, the Everstaff will lash out at whatever is nearby, consuming it ravenously."

The left-most speaker continues at this point.

"The Crown of Thorns was created by Veilspire, we believe, to control the Everstaff's more violent tendencies.  While he had no problem feeding it lackeys from time to time, the staff's appetite was too much of a bother to keep up with consistently.  The Crown slows the Everstaff's hunger significantly, but the method by which is accomplishes this is brutal: deferment."

"Upon removing the Crown of Thorns, the Everstaff will suddenly become as hungry as it would have been if it had not been fed since the day the Crown was donned.  This typically causes the bearer to meet with a gruesome death rather swiftly.  There are also tales that suggest that the Crown of Thorns was bewitched to make it difficult for all but the darkness souls to remove it early in the process, linking it to the bearer's own metabolism."

The right-most speaker now addresses the group.

"The final piece of the puzzle is the Ironwood Band, which is said to blot out the Crown of Thorns's feedback entirely.  With all three artifacts, the wielder could enjoy the unfettered power of the Everstaff without retribution -- though how much control they would exert over the sentient object's actions is up for debate."

"It is known the Veilspire never found the Ironwood Band, fashioning instead a ring that protected him from negative energy.  This lessened the danger the weapon posed to himself, but did not grant him the full control he craved."

The central speaker perks up once more.

"As long as you haven't fed the Everstaff too often over the few day's you've possessed it, the feedback associated with removing the Crown should be tolerable.  The Crown's curse, however, is a tougher nut to crack -- for that we'd need a hierophant or a powerful cleric, and even then, you run the risk of significant side effects."

The Elders pause as their story sinks in.

"Is there anything else we should know before we send for some help?"

[Private to Keef: The staff's voice chuckles as the Elders spin their story.

"They don't understand, and so they want to destroy me.  I can help you achieve greatness, Master -- so what if my energy source isn't corn on the cob or venison?  Does that make me evil, a thing to be purged?  I could be a tool for you, if you only let me."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:36, Mon 28 Oct 2013.

Zuriel speaks up, taking a tarnished silver ring from his pouch. "Could this be the ring he used to minimize exposure to negative energy? I found it in Veilspire's grave, but it wasn't evil. I assumed it was a minor trinket and haven't gotten around to examining it more depth yet." He steps forward and holds out the ring to the Elders.

A thin, green beam of light springs from Boreas' gem, quickly scanning over the ring.  He can tell if it's magical, but can't discern what kind of magic.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 420):

[Private to Boreas Highwind: The ring is definitely magical, though less so than the crown and the staff by far.]

The Elders look at the ring for moment, and the centermost one squints carefully.

"Could be.  If you found it on his person, untainted by evil energy, I'd say that's quite likely."

A squirrel scampers into the room, fidgeting nervously before standing at attention before the Elders.

"Find a hierophant, Chez," one says.  "Tell them it's urgent, and bring them here."

Chez the squirrel salutes and scampers toward the exit.

"I am Petri," the centermost Elder continues.  "My associates are, left to right, Geminus and Travian."

The others nod in acknowledgement, and Petri continues.

"Meanwhile, tell me about your association with the druidess.  It is not often we have guests from the Cloven Circle."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:57, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Zuriel alternates his gaze between the the Elders, unsure if hierarchy demanded he address one in particular. "As I said before, I think you would get the truest tale from Cassandra herself. She came here of her own free will, to hear the words of Wildheart. One thing I can say on her behalf, is that I have personally borne witness to her restored connection to the powers of the forest, and she no longer exudes an evil aura."

With all due respect Zuriel, but how do we know that Cassandra's intrinsic link with nature has been restored? As you can see, she still wears that accursed piece of jewelry that provides her with access to her former abilities.  In my mind, the test is quite simple: remove the choker, and see if she can use her natural powers.

Maeve shrugs apologetically at the amber-encased Cassie, feeling rather awkward doing so.

No offense Cassie.  Your lack of an evil aura is certainly telling, but I'd be interested to see if you can touch the wild once again.  I imagine you would be too.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 422):

"The Easterner is wise beyond her years.  Yes, this woman remains imprisoned because she still wears one of the Cloven Circle's accursed chokers.  I cannot risk any interaction with her until we have cleansed it."

Seeing your blank expressions, Petri continues.

"The Cloven Circle committed great atrocities against the natural world, and as a price its druids lost their connection with the wilds.  To get around this, Veilspire crafted a series of chokers that could be imbued with the powers of captured druids -- true druids -- the he kept shackled in a hidden dungeon."

He looks at Cassie grimly.

"I had thought we destroyed them all after the war, but we seem to have missed one.  It is vital that we rectify the situation immediately -- another reason to summon a hierophant."

Boreas' gem retains the glow it has held since entering the room.

I don't think that's quite how it works, Maeve.  When a connection, either to nature or a deity, is severed, powerful magic is required to restore it.  If Cassie is truly penitent, she will be eager to restore her true connection and would submit to these spells, provided the Elders here have the means.

I agree, though, that removing the choker is probably wise.  Still, the only way to know for sure is to let her speak for herself.

Elders, I humbly ask that you give Cassandra the opportunity to provide her own testimony.

Zuriel shifts his stance impatiently.

Justice in Hae'driel may not always be equitably applied, but at least the accused can speak in their own defense. What are these Elders so afraid of that even permitting Cassie to speak is deemed too risky?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 425):

Travian shakes his head, responding before Petri can do so.

"Too risky.  We don't understand enough about the chokers to allow her the chance to use a powerword of some sort in an attempt to ensnare Wildheart himself."

***

Chez returns a short time later, a frazzled-looking elf tagging along behind him.  The hierophant pants, her slightly overweight form winded from the journey.

She looks old, though perhaps younger than the Elders, and is dressed in simple robes. Her silver hair has been woven into a single braid that hangs down her back, the tip of which nearly touches the wooden floor.

"Cheila," Petri nods in greeting.  "Our guests have brought us the Everstaff, Crown of Thorns, and a Cloven Choker -- perhaps the last of its kind.  Sadly, these items have not been removed from their hosts.  Would you be so kind as to assist with that?"

Cheila frowns, eyes widening as she processes the Elder's words.

"Which first?" she asks, rolling up her sleeves.

"The twisted one, I should think," Travian replies, nodding at Cassie.  "We may need to invoke Wildheart to deal with the staff, and I'm not comfortable doing that with a Cloven Choker nearby."

Cheila nods, walking over to the amber prison and standing behind it.  She places both hands on the structure and begins a musical chant.

The words ebb and flow, and after a time the amber begins to glow with a soft green light.  Beneath it, the collar around Cassie's neck shimmers with a dark aura.  The ivy etchings erupt in a blaze of harsh yellow light, and Cassie screams -- though no sound can be heard.

The yellow light from the choker flickers slightly, then intensifies, causing Cheila to grunt with exertion.  Beads of sweat dot her brow, and she narrows her eyes in focus.  The pale green light flickers, brightens, then fades entirely as the yellow light envelops the hierphant.

"I... no... I cannot... it's too...such power...aaaarrrrgh!"

Her scream is lost amid a deeply resonant laughter, which echoes throughout the room from a focal point of swirling yellow light hovering above Cassie's prison.

"Quickly, Petri, before she is lost!" Travian yells at the centermost Elder, who nods and extends a hand toward Cheila.  An amber prison shimmers to life around her, sealing her in much the same way that you've witnessed before.

The sickly yellow light does not dissipate, however, and the laughter continues as it coalesces into a spectral form that resembles an elf.  It floats above Cassie for a moment, then lands next to her -- shadowy boots touching the solid wooden floor without making a sound.

A final pulse of light flickers from the choker, then fades to nothing -- though the etched ivy continues to blaze with a fearsome glow.  The spectral figure's eyes snap open, shining the same color as the etchings, and the being turns toward the now cowering elders.

"Did you truly hope to banish the light of Veilspire so easily? The Cloven Circle yet lives, as do I, and upon this day, both shall be reborn!"

Geminus starts running for the door.  "Stall him! I'll summon the -"

His thought is cut off by a bolt of angry yellow lightning, and he falls lifelessly to the ground in a heap halfway between the dais and the P.A.R.T.Y.

Veilspire cackles with glee as Petri and Travian cower in the corner, ignoring the P.A.R.T.Y. entirely.

"Go ahead," he sneers, inhuman eyes dancing with fire.  "Summon your hero, if you dare.  Summon the Wildheart.  We have unfinished business..."

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: He is, of course, evil.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:34, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Zuriel doesn't hesitate. As soon as Veilspire reveals himself, he charges forward, Autumn-blessed longsword glowing with natural and righteous fire.

[Charge, Smite Evil: 21]

[Damage: 14]

Veilspire hisses in surprise and pain as Zuriel's blade bites deeply into his incorporeal form. Where the sword slashes, energy blooms and crackles, and Veilspire shimmers before once again coalescing.

"Perhaps Veilspire is right," Zuriel calls to the terrified Elders. "I should think my Uncle would want to be party to Veilspire's ultimate defeat."

At last, a righteous fight against true evil! Tassada be praised, and may your enemies be torn asunder by my blade!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Boreas' gem blazes with emerald energy.  He turns to the Elders, shouting with righteous indignation,

Cŵn ofnus! Sefyll ac ymladd gyda ni yn erbyn eich gelyn tyngu llw!

[Private to DM: Translation: Frightened dogs!  Stand and fight with us against your sworn enemy!]

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 428):

The Elders glance at each other, and then at Boreas questioningly -- though still quivering with fear.

Veilspire shudders as the enchanted blade slices through his form, looking at the paladin in surprise more than pain.

"Another Siléndril?  You will regret meddling in the affairs of your betters, boy!"

~~ Initiative! ~~

Zuriel 17
Veilspire 12 (Damage: 14)
Maeve 11
Keef 10
Lyriel 8
Boreas 5
Elders 1
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Zuriel takes advantage of Veilspire's surprise to slip another attack under his guard.

[Attack: 24]

[Damage: 6]

Energy crackles as before, though less intensely, absent Tassada's holy fire.

"Do not presume to speak to me of betters, Spirit," Zuriel spits. "Especially when you hide behind your manipulations of women and children to accomplish your own foul ends. Truly, slaying the elderly must be taxing indeed. Do you also prey upon cripples, or is that where you draw the line?"

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 431):

"Such righteous anger! I wonder, does your family produce any other emotion?"

Veilspire floats backward five feet, and opens a palm toward you.

"Fro'then!"

[Casting: Unknown Spell]

An unearthly roar shakes the walls of the structure, and a swirling maelstrom of hail and sleet erupts in a large column, encompassing the entirety of the cabin. Benches creak under the assault, and large hailstones pelt off the statue and the amber prisons -- though to no real effect.

The P.A.R.T.Y. and the Elders alike find themselves pelted by freezing temperatures and chunks of ice, which rip through your defenses without mercy.

[AOE Damage (All): 11]

The ice shards flicker through Veilspire's unstable form, not harming him in the slightest.

Travian falls to the ground, and does not rise again.  Petri staggers under the arctic assault, but remains standing.  His eyes narrow in defiance.

Keef is battered by ice and sleet, sustaining grievous wounds.  The staff in his hands blazes to life just as the boy appears about to fall, and a flickering red shield surrounds him.  Keef's surprised expression suggests this was not his idea.

[Private to Keef: "I shall defend you, Master.  But beware, my power wanes swiftly."]

The storm rages on, reducing further movement through the area by 50%.  You cannot reach Veilspire from the entrance without taking a double move until the storm fades, though you could still hit him with ranged attacks and/or move halfway across the room. Zuriel, Keef, and Petri are both in range of one movement action, as are Cassie and Cheila (technically)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Maeve whips out the glowing bow that she received from the nature spirit and takes aim at Veilspire.

Gods but I hope that this actually works.

She curses as the arrow flies wild of its target.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 433):

Keef staggers to the side, putting all his weight on the Everstaff.  Blood trickles down his forehead where a large shard of ice struck him.

I .... don't.... Keef mumbles.  He waves his hand and two tiny red filaments flick from his fingers to stab at Veilspire.

[Private to GM: Magic Missile, damage 4 and 3]

Boreas, backpedals a few steps, drawing his bow as he moves.  He nocks the glowing, white-fletched arrow, taking careful aim.

[OOC]Ready action: Fire at Veilspire if he attempts to take an action other than moving.[/OOC]

Lyriel advances towards and the center of the room and Keef, and her eyes begin to glow as she gathers healing energy around herself.

[Sacred Boost: All healing spells are maximized until the end of my next turn.]