VICTORY
The leader of the Aboleth is slain.
Praise to Lord Pelor, and to the gods.
The power of the Aboleth is broken, and their armies scattered!
Glory be upon the world!
However, our task is not complete. The Seer still remains, and much evil has been unleashed in the world.
Then again, the Seer is for now inacessible, and I am told it may take as much as 10 years to assemble the power needed to reopen the pocket dimension in which it is sealed.
This means I have some time.
Time to think about those whom I have missed. My family, friends, and... the lady Viriya.
O' Lord Pelor, grant me a respite. I owe her that much.
I know that I shall take up my sword again soon enough.
*A*
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 12c
-day 12-H:
Keniroh has completed reconnaissance of the mirror-like gate, and we have proceeded through it. Area is underwater, but well-lit. We are making our way downwards, towards the likely position of the aboleth.
-day 12-I:
The others have encountered and defeated the dread Kineticist Aboleth and its vile minions.This unit was I was slain during the battle, but fortunately there were preparations in place for such an emergency. Sztuczka has been requesting a dog from Shullat, though I have not seen him own or command any sort of animal. Further briefing on the events occuring during my downtime may be needed.
Keniroh has completed reconnaissance of the mirror-like gate, and we have proceeded through it. Area is underwater, but well-lit. We are making our way downwards, towards the likely position of the aboleth.
-day 12-I:
The others have encountered and defeated the dread Kineticist Aboleth and its vile minions.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Shullat: May the Gods Have Mercy on My Soul
Another aboleth defeated.
It was a costly victory. The construct died, though he has been made well again.
Worse, though, is that the Tiny Dragon has learned that I can take on the form of a dog.
She seems as enthusiastic about the prospect as I had feared she might be.
May the gods save me.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 12b
-day 12-E:
Encountered abandoned goblin nest, two obsidian gates, potential golem forces, and enormous spider creature trapped in a crystal. Disabled one gate, other gate has signs of hostile defenses. No sign of lair. Pulling back.
-day 12-F:
Heavy magical defenses, enemy wizard. Enemy was pursued to lower level and stalled. Earlier, Shullat was infested by a living non-corporeal creature which harms Keniroh, cure is unknown.
-day 12-G:
Encountered and defeated one of the replicas of the Egoist Aboleth. It was initially disguised as a pillar, but Arkadesh must have seen through this Deceit and wisely decided to agitate it, followed by leading us into the next room, which allowed for a proper ambush on the vile creature when it attacked. Explaining this situation beforehand would have surely alerted the Egoist Aboleth, and Arkadesh is to be commended for his cleverness. The room we are now in contains a crystal mirror-like gate, destination unknown.
Encountered abandoned goblin nest, two obsidian gates, potential golem forces, and enormous spider creature trapped in a crystal. Disabled one gate, other gate has signs of hostile defenses. No sign of lair. Pulling back.
-day 12-F:
Heavy magical defenses, enemy wizard. Enemy was pursued to lower level and stalled. Earlier, Shullat was infested by a living non-corporeal creature which harms Keniroh, cure is unknown.
-day 12-G:
Encountered and defeated one of the replicas of the Egoist Aboleth. It was initially disguised as a pillar, but Arkadesh must have seen through this Deceit and wisely decided to agitate it, followed by leading us into the next room, which allowed for a proper ambush on the vile creature when it attacked. Explaining this situation beforehand would have surely alerted the Egoist Aboleth, and Arkadesh is to be commended for his cleverness. The room we are now in contains a crystal mirror-like gate, destination unknown.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
Lord Pelor, I shall be as your hand in this world
May I wield a sword against evil
May I bear a shield for the defenseless
I will not falter
I will not retreat
Whatever the cost to myself
While this evil remains
In life or beyond it, I will see this done.
*A*
May I wield a sword against evil
May I bear a shield for the defenseless
I will not falter
I will not retreat
Whatever the cost to myself
While this evil remains
In life or beyond it, I will see this done.
*A*
Journal of Arcadius
Praise thee Lord Pelor!
Another Aboleth slain!
Another evil banished from the world
Another source of suffering undone
A clone, a dupe, a minion perhaps
But still slain!
Praise the gods
Praise all that is good
May we be a step closer to ridding the world of this evil once and for all
May we protect those millions who, knowing or not, are shielded by our deeds
Now and in the times to come!
Mercy for all who have it, and for these alien things who have none, none!
*A*
Another Aboleth slain!
Another evil banished from the world
Another source of suffering undone
A clone, a dupe, a minion perhaps
But still slain!
Praise the gods
Praise all that is good
May we be a step closer to ridding the world of this evil once and for all
May we protect those millions who, knowing or not, are shielded by our deeds
Now and in the times to come!
Mercy for all who have it, and for these alien things who have none, none!
*A*
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Size of Evil
Even in my time, there were always stories about good sometimes coming in small packages.
The Tiny Dragon is a good example: small of stature, but mighty in valor! Capable of destroying far mightier things than herself with naught by the mighty bellowing breath of her cannon.
All too often, it is left unsaid that evil can use the same trick. The tiniest child is capable of acts of startling evil, and a minor act that goes against righteousness can cause the downfall of a great empire.
And sometimes, the tiny, evil bug which seems to easily crushed is, indeed, one of the mighty enemy you seek to destroy.
Or, as a temple woman I once knew would say, it is, indeed, not the size that counts.
The Tiny Dragon is a good example: small of stature, but mighty in valor! Capable of destroying far mightier things than herself with naught by the mighty bellowing breath of her cannon.
All too often, it is left unsaid that evil can use the same trick. The tiniest child is capable of acts of startling evil, and a minor act that goes against righteousness can cause the downfall of a great empire.
And sometimes, the tiny, evil bug which seems to easily crushed is, indeed, one of the mighty enemy you seek to destroy.
Or, as a temple woman I once knew would say, it is, indeed, not the size that counts.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 11-12a
-day 12-A:
The battle has begun. Infiltration of enemy city successful, perimeter forces engaged: one sea troll squad. No casualties. Seeking passage downwards to likely location of aboleth lair.
-day 12-B:
Located a stone aboleth with defensive wards inside a room with air; demolitionist Sztuczka is unable to destruct. Noting site and moving on.
-day 12-C:
Large water elemental encountered, slain by means of explosions. Our presence and general location are likely known now. Currently investigating a well, full of destructive black bugs. Keniroh has suggestion of creating a new tunnel adjacent to the well. Waiting on ritual completion.
-day 12-D:
New tunnel creation successful. Chamber below had prismatic defenses around a magical trap, which rendered Bael'thas hostile. He was quickly disabled and resecured. Preparing to move out.
The battle has begun. Infiltration of enemy city successful, perimeter forces engaged: one sea troll squad. No casualties. Seeking passage downwards to likely location of aboleth lair.
-day 12-B:
Located a stone aboleth with defensive wards inside a room with air; demolitionist Sztuczka is unable to destruct. Noting site and moving on.
-day 12-C:
Large water elemental encountered, slain by means of explosions. Our presence and general location are likely known now. Currently investigating a well, full of destructive black bugs. Keniroh has suggestion of creating a new tunnel adjacent to the well. Waiting on ritual completion.
-day 12-D:
New tunnel creation successful. Chamber below had prismatic defenses around a magical trap, which rendered Bael'thas hostile. He was quickly disabled and resecured. Preparing to move out.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
The Assault Begins
Even with the special underwater writing implements, it is difficult to keep my journal in the depths, so I shall be brief.
The army of Hrogar was grand as it marched into the sea and it arrayed itself against the hordes of the enemy! May they be victorious, and scatter the minions of our foes as so much chaff.
We defeated, with some difficulty, a party of vile psuedonatural sea trolls. We tried vainly to destroy an ancient basalt statue of an aboleth, one that radiated intense psionic power. We fought and were nearly defeated by the mightiest water elemental I've ever seen, but then Keniroh came through with perhaps the most impressive feat of destructive magic I've ever seen. It was as if the light of the sun shone forth under the sea, and it was glorious!
Finally, we encountered a magical trap of some sort, and Bael'thas, as expected, betrayed us. However, upon discussion, he was almost certainly mind-controlled at the time. Thankfully, he lived through our subdual process.
May the gods grant us strength to put an end to this, and to these aboleth, forever.
*A*
Even with the special underwater writing implements, it is difficult to keep my journal in the depths, so I shall be brief.
The army of Hrogar was grand as it marched into the sea and it arrayed itself against the hordes of the enemy! May they be victorious, and scatter the minions of our foes as so much chaff.
We defeated, with some difficulty, a party of vile psuedonatural sea trolls. We tried vainly to destroy an ancient basalt statue of an aboleth, one that radiated intense psionic power. We fought and were nearly defeated by the mightiest water elemental I've ever seen, but then Keniroh came through with perhaps the most impressive feat of destructive magic I've ever seen. It was as if the light of the sun shone forth under the sea, and it was glorious!
Finally, we encountered a magical trap of some sort, and Bael'thas, as expected, betrayed us. However, upon discussion, he was almost certainly mind-controlled at the time. Thankfully, he lived through our subdual process.
May the gods grant us strength to put an end to this, and to these aboleth, forever.
*A*
Shullat: Underwater
I believe the enemy knows we're here.
It is possible that he learned this when we slaughtered a patrol of sea trolls.
Or perhaps when Tiny Dragon attempted her magic on the statue of the enemy.
Or, for that matter, when I tried to smash that same statue, and it tried to do... whatever it tried to do with psionic energy.
I wonder if the Aboleth was reading my mind, then? I wonder if he saw his own death written there?
I hope so. But if not, I believe that Keniroh showed him the doom that was coming for him.
Because we are coming for him.
And it will be explosive.
It is possible that he learned this when we slaughtered a patrol of sea trolls.
Or perhaps when Tiny Dragon attempted her magic on the statue of the enemy.
Or, for that matter, when I tried to smash that same statue, and it tried to do... whatever it tried to do with psionic energy.
I wonder if the Aboleth was reading my mind, then? I wonder if he saw his own death written there?
I hope so. But if not, I believe that Keniroh showed him the doom that was coming for him.
Because we are coming for him.
And it will be explosive.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Hrefna's Calling: The Wait
Now comes the hardest part for me.
I get to sit, and watch, and wait. My role is done, my powers currently going to confounding the enemies attempt to scry Hrogar's army, but once the battle is joined even that role will be very limited.
This is the hardest part of being a battlefield diviner. I can help up until the moment of the final outcome, but then there is nothing I can do.
Similarly, all I can do is sit and watch while the paladins go forth. Once they are inside the compound I cannot help them, but merely watch helplessly.
It is times like this that I wonder--even for a moment--about my decision to study the art of Divination. Of course that is foolish--my arts have helped us get to this moment--but it is still difficult to sit back and watch, unable to do anything.
Good hunting to them all.
I get to sit, and watch, and wait. My role is done, my powers currently going to confounding the enemies attempt to scry Hrogar's army, but once the battle is joined even that role will be very limited.
This is the hardest part of being a battlefield diviner. I can help up until the moment of the final outcome, but then there is nothing I can do.
Similarly, all I can do is sit and watch while the paladins go forth. Once they are inside the compound I cannot help them, but merely watch helplessly.
It is times like this that I wonder--even for a moment--about my decision to study the art of Divination. Of course that is foolish--my arts have helped us get to this moment--but it is still difficult to sit back and watch, unable to do anything.
Good hunting to them all.
Dyrhildr: The Calm Before the Storm
We sit in the camp, massively arrayed, waiting for the final hour to approach. The humans act like they have been preparing for this moment all of their lives, but I know the elves know better. There is the unmistakeable smell of death here, and I will be surprised if one in ten--from either side--leaves this battle alive.
While the last time this darkness rose is so many generations gone for the humans that it has faded from even myth, heard of only by the most specialized of scholars, the myths remain among our kind. Diluted and told as children's stories, meant to frighten or to teach, but as we have all learned--some to our detriment--these stories were not just true in the abstract, but as real as the ground beneath our feet.
We remember, but that doesn't mean that we are ready for what comes tomorrow morning.
Those stories--once I sit down to analyze them--tell me that the last army that threw themselves against the Aboleth ended up shattered even as the staff was used. That power coaxes power--calls to it--and so nothing as significantly powerful as this thing can exist without having drawn other things along with it. What's more, I know that this Aboleth--despite its apparent weakness compared to the last time they rose--has one key advantage.
It knows everything about the last war, where we are only grasping at fragments and analyzing children's stories. It knows in vivid detail how they were brought down last time, and it has known this for thousands of years.
It will be ready. I can only hope that we are the same.
While the last time this darkness rose is so many generations gone for the humans that it has faded from even myth, heard of only by the most specialized of scholars, the myths remain among our kind. Diluted and told as children's stories, meant to frighten or to teach, but as we have all learned--some to our detriment--these stories were not just true in the abstract, but as real as the ground beneath our feet.
We remember, but that doesn't mean that we are ready for what comes tomorrow morning.
Those stories--once I sit down to analyze them--tell me that the last army that threw themselves against the Aboleth ended up shattered even as the staff was used. That power coaxes power--calls to it--and so nothing as significantly powerful as this thing can exist without having drawn other things along with it. What's more, I know that this Aboleth--despite its apparent weakness compared to the last time they rose--has one key advantage.
It knows everything about the last war, where we are only grasping at fragments and analyzing children's stories. It knows in vivid detail how they were brought down last time, and it has known this for thousands of years.
It will be ready. I can only hope that we are the same.
Journal of Crunch, Day 3-10, Year 2
-day 4:
We have successfully escorted the supply convoy to Point of Origin, and intend to stay in the city for a few days to provide support to its citizens and defenders. Proper repairs to the flagship are already underway. I look forward to exploring the city of which I have heard so much.
Conclusions: Hanging by your feet from a breach in the hull of a naval vessel causes significant drag and unwanted interference with its navigation.
-day 5:
The Temple of Pelor in Point of Origin is very remarkable, it is no wonder that Arkadesh and Azan would travel to train here. The level of polish and care of everything made me aware of the various dents and scratches on my own persons, though in hindsight this is probably intentional. Between Arkadesh and Azan's meetings with Point of Origin's military command, Sztuczka's uncanny ability to find and play at taverns in an evacuated city, and the temple priests' readiness in tending to the injured, and I must profess that I feel fairly useless. Still, it is a fine time to take inventory and clean my armor.
Conclusions: Not every day can be a grand adventure.
-day 7:
We have decided to attack enemy supply convoys traveling the countryside. So far we have taken down three. Sztuczka has proven effective in scaring off many of the soldiers escorting the caravans, removing the need for conflict in many cases. We have opted to destroy the supplies, as transporting them to Point of Origin would take too long. It is strange to be doing this, it is almost like the calm before the fury of a storm. Still, much good has been done, and Point of Origin will find it easier to hold its own against the forces of the vile aboleth.
Conclusions: There is always time for good deeds.
-day 8:
We have been ambushed during a convoy raid by a large black crystalline dragon. While we did not suffer any observable losses or kills, both Shullat and the enemy dragon are missing. In light of these events, Arkadesh has commanded that we return to Phonkeii to resupply, as the enemy forces are aware of our interference. Hopefully Shullat is alive and capable of returning to a safe encampment.
Conclusions: The adaptability of the enemy is not to be underestimated.
-day 9:
Our attempt at recon of the Sunken City did not go well. Bael'thas was captured, and required an extraction. This gave us a chance to see the enemy forces for ourselves; they are numerous and well organized. Fortunately Bael'thas was held outside the city, making it a simple matter for Keniroh to liberate him. Fleeing the city was very tense, though I regret that we were unable to rescue the other prisoners held at the encampment.
We returned to Phonkeii to find that Shullat had returned, and is in good health! The dragon we encountered had shifted to another plane in order to escape, and took Shullat with him. It took some transplanar travel for Shullat to locate Subplane 3 again, and we are glad to have him back.
Conclusions: Never underestimate an Archon when planes are on the line.
-day 10:
Last night, we were assaulted by an elite assassin in an attack that left me temporarily dead. This morning, we have learned that Keniroh's commanding officer was rendered permanently dead. Azan has put up a bounty on the assassin, and Keniroh is arranging the evacuation of his family from Phonkeii. Hopefully the assassin will follow us out of the city.
We have met up with Hrogar's forces in preparation for what may be the final battle. His army is new, but very familiar. It is strange to prepare for war again. Even if we are victorious, many of these people will die, and their bodies will be left to rust on the battlefield. The pre-battle tension is not a feeling that has dimmed in the interval. Hopefully they are here of their own free will, and willing to fight in defense of their plane.
Conclusions: There is always a fight to be fought.
We have successfully escorted the supply convoy to Point of Origin, and intend to stay in the city for a few days to provide support to its citizens and defenders. Proper repairs to the flagship are already underway. I look forward to exploring the city of which I have heard so much.
Conclusions: Hanging by your feet from a breach in the hull of a naval vessel causes significant drag and unwanted interference with its navigation.
-day 5:
The Temple of Pelor in Point of Origin is very remarkable, it is no wonder that Arkadesh and Azan would travel to train here. The level of polish and care of everything made me aware of the various dents and scratches on my own persons, though in hindsight this is probably intentional. Between Arkadesh and Azan's meetings with Point of Origin's military command, Sztuczka's uncanny ability to find and play at taverns in an evacuated city, and the temple priests' readiness in tending to the injured, and I must profess that I feel fairly useless. Still, it is a fine time to take inventory and clean my armor.
Conclusions: Not every day can be a grand adventure.
-day 7:
We have decided to attack enemy supply convoys traveling the countryside. So far we have taken down three. Sztuczka has proven effective in scaring off many of the soldiers escorting the caravans, removing the need for conflict in many cases. We have opted to destroy the supplies, as transporting them to Point of Origin would take too long. It is strange to be doing this, it is almost like the calm before the fury of a storm. Still, much good has been done, and Point of Origin will find it easier to hold its own against the forces of the vile aboleth.
Conclusions: There is always time for good deeds.
-day 8:
We have been ambushed during a convoy raid by a large black crystalline dragon. While we did not suffer any observable losses or kills, both Shullat and the enemy dragon are missing. In light of these events, Arkadesh has commanded that we return to Phonkeii to resupply, as the enemy forces are aware of our interference. Hopefully Shullat is alive and capable of returning to a safe encampment.
Conclusions: The adaptability of the enemy is not to be underestimated.
-day 9:
Our attempt at recon of the Sunken City did not go well. Bael'thas was captured, and required an extraction. This gave us a chance to see the enemy forces for ourselves; they are numerous and well organized. Fortunately Bael'thas was held outside the city, making it a simple matter for Keniroh to liberate him. Fleeing the city was very tense, though I regret that we were unable to rescue the other prisoners held at the encampment.
We returned to Phonkeii to find that Shullat had returned, and is in good health! The dragon we encountered had shifted to another plane in order to escape, and took Shullat with him. It took some transplanar travel for Shullat to locate Subplane 3 again, and we are glad to have him back.
Conclusions: Never underestimate an Archon when planes are on the line.
-day 10:
Last night, we were assaulted by an elite assassin in an attack that left me temporarily dead. This morning, we have learned that Keniroh's commanding officer was rendered permanently dead. Azan has put up a bounty on the assassin, and Keniroh is arranging the evacuation of his family from Phonkeii. Hopefully the assassin will follow us out of the city.
We have met up with Hrogar's forces in preparation for what may be the final battle. His army is new, but very familiar. It is strange to prepare for war again. Even if we are victorious, many of these people will die, and their bodies will be left to rust on the battlefield. The pre-battle tension is not a feeling that has dimmed in the interval. Hopefully they are here of their own free will, and willing to fight in defense of their plane.
Conclusions: There is always a fight to be fought.
Notes In Various Places
[Written in a leatherbound book kept on a desk, in a tower, on the perimeter wall of Point of Origin.]
Year xxxx, Day 12, Hour 6. All is quiet.
Thanks to Mrs. Hudson for the sandwiches. -Spc. K. Bailey
Thanks to Mrs. Hudson for the sandwiches. -Spc. K. Bailey
[Written on ragged linen, and found stuffed in the throat of a dead Izmirian guard.]
THATS WHAT YOU GET FOR NOT SEEING THE KITTYnobody sees the kitty nobody wants to see the kitty only i see the kitty WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THE KITTY it's RIGHT THERE and it's EATING MY BRAIN you laugh and laugh and laugh and OH NO THERE'S NO KITTY until it RIPS OUT YOUR HEART WITH MY BARE HANDS why can't you just see the kitty
please see the kitty next time, thank you
catfuckergod says they're 'ready' to fight the final fish. catfuckergod is WRONG.it's got to be a trap WHY ELSE WOULD THEY GET THAT FAR
they're gonna die. those smugeating shitgoats would never have gotten ANYWHERE without ME
they would be ROTTING CORPSES IN A PIT TRAP and nobody would give a ripe shit about aboleths and they would STILL SHIT ON ME.
oh look you don't shit GODLIGHT guess you're a incompetent oaf herp a doooo
oh look your clothes don't withstand extended wear in DEEP SALTWATER
you must be a LESSER PERSON
i guess when RUNNING ALL DAY i'm not allowed to feel shredded underpants cut into my legs NOPEyou must be a LESSER PERSON
NO DON'T TRY TO FIX YOUR PROBLEMS JUST SUFFER
SUFFER SUFFER SUFFER SUFFER
IT'LL MAKE YOU A REAL MAN because trying to protect a herd of suicidal IDIOTS from THEMSELVES obviously makes me a SISSY BOY can't be that NOPE NOPE NOPE or orit's HELLO KITTY TIME
i'll show them
I'll SHOW THEM WHAT I CAN DO
I'LL SHOW THEM ALL
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
[etc.]
[Found pinned to a tent at Hrogar's army campsite.]
PVT. MITCHELL:YOU STOLE
AND YOU MUST PEEL BEETS BECUZ YOU ARE BAD. AND
YOU CAN NOT EAT DA BEETS THAT YOU PEEL BECUZ NO.
WE ARE GOING TO FIGHT BIG FIGHT SOON AND YOU ARE
STEALING FOOD YOU DO NOT NEED. DAN DOES NOT LIKE
PPL WHO TAKE THINGS THAT ARE NOT THERE THINGS.
YOU WILL BE GOOD AND YOU WILL FIGHT GOOD AND
DAN WILL LIKE YOU OKAY.
THIS IS FROM SGT. GRUNGAR
[Nailed to a post, weather-worn but readable, in a town on another plane.]
LOST: WARFORGED
responds to "Crunch" and "Squeaky Shins"
25 greybears
for
Information
Leading to its Whereabouts
Leading to its Whereabouts
Appearance… like a dang warforged. Big, metal,
oak for a butt. Ghulra in shape of a stick figure.
Small blood stain on right hand. Never hurt no one.
No crimes worth a damn. Don't try to dent it up.
oak for a butt. Ghulra in shape of a stick figure.
Small blood stain on right hand. Never hurt no one.
No crimes worth a damn. Don't try to dent it up.
If found, tell it to contact Edw. Mulligan
in the Trade District
in the Trade District
and that it is missed very much.
needs to return my tools.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Shullat: Still in Hrogar's Camp
I prayed tonight.
I have prayed before, since I have awoken. I have cried to Al'Tyr in the night, trying to figure out where my god has gone, why he has not joined us in the battle.
And always I have heard silence.
When I traveled the plains, when I found myself on the Celestial plane, I asked about him. Asked how many followers he had, where he was worshiped.
And I learned, there, that my greatest fear has been realized.
Al'tyr is gone.
Where, no one knows. If he is still a god, no one knows.
I have not prayed since.
Tonight, on the eve of the battle, it seemed that I ought to pray to someone. Someone who belonged to this fight. Someone whose warriors I have found to be worthy.
I found myself praying to Pelor.
I gave him my doubts. I gave him my confusion over his supposed compassion. I gave him my anger that he allowed the Aboleth to rise again. I gave him my fear, my doubt, and my anger.
And he gave me... peace.
Nothing more. Just peace. A sense that what had happened, happened according to some great reason, and that whatever happens when we attack will happen for the same reason.
For the first time since I have returned, I slept through the night.
I think that I understand, now, how such a god requires such followers as Arcadius and Azan. Perhaps he is more potent than I gave him credit for.
I have prayed before, since I have awoken. I have cried to Al'Tyr in the night, trying to figure out where my god has gone, why he has not joined us in the battle.
And always I have heard silence.
When I traveled the plains, when I found myself on the Celestial plane, I asked about him. Asked how many followers he had, where he was worshiped.
And I learned, there, that my greatest fear has been realized.
Al'tyr is gone.
Where, no one knows. If he is still a god, no one knows.
I have not prayed since.
Tonight, on the eve of the battle, it seemed that I ought to pray to someone. Someone who belonged to this fight. Someone whose warriors I have found to be worthy.
I found myself praying to Pelor.
I gave him my doubts. I gave him my confusion over his supposed compassion. I gave him my anger that he allowed the Aboleth to rise again. I gave him my fear, my doubt, and my anger.
And he gave me... peace.
Nothing more. Just peace. A sense that what had happened, happened according to some great reason, and that whatever happens when we attack will happen for the same reason.
For the first time since I have returned, I slept through the night.
I think that I understand, now, how such a god requires such followers as Arcadius and Azan. Perhaps he is more potent than I gave him credit for.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
The Army of Hrogar
I must admit that Hrogar has at last truly proven his worth, and found his proper place in the world. He has assembled a mighty and well-ordered host lands near and far. There are northerners, Elves, dissident units of the army of Izmir, soldiers from Azan's empire and wizards from Keniroh's land, priests from my homeland, noble warriors from Oda's clan, and many others - some from lands unknown to me. All told, they number more than 80,000. It is truly impressive.
Such numbers will be needed, given what we've seen of the Aboleth's defenses. Our side seems to me to be better ordered, but the enemy is more numerous still.
I pray for victory, and that those who fall will not fall in vain. May the gods guide them and guard them.
And, praise be, Shullat has returned! By a path no doubt dangerous and unpleasant - he has been loath to speak of it in detail - he survived and made his way across the planes back to us.
His blade will be needed.
Let us hope we are strong enough, for the time is upon us.
Lord Pelor, I commend my soul to thee. By the faith in my heart and the sword in my hand, let me be the instrument of thy will. I will not rest, I will not falter, I will not turn aside from this task I have been given. May the evil ones perish and those in their thrall be freed!
For all that is right, for justice, for love, for the innocents whose fates depend on what happens now, for the very world, let victory be ours.
*A*
I must admit that Hrogar has at last truly proven his worth, and found his proper place in the world. He has assembled a mighty and well-ordered host lands near and far. There are northerners, Elves, dissident units of the army of Izmir, soldiers from Azan's empire and wizards from Keniroh's land, priests from my homeland, noble warriors from Oda's clan, and many others - some from lands unknown to me. All told, they number more than 80,000. It is truly impressive.
Such numbers will be needed, given what we've seen of the Aboleth's defenses. Our side seems to me to be better ordered, but the enemy is more numerous still.
I pray for victory, and that those who fall will not fall in vain. May the gods guide them and guard them.
And, praise be, Shullat has returned! By a path no doubt dangerous and unpleasant - he has been loath to speak of it in detail - he survived and made his way across the planes back to us.
His blade will be needed.
Let us hope we are strong enough, for the time is upon us.
Lord Pelor, I commend my soul to thee. By the faith in my heart and the sword in my hand, let me be the instrument of thy will. I will not rest, I will not falter, I will not turn aside from this task I have been given. May the evil ones perish and those in their thrall be freed!
For all that is right, for justice, for love, for the innocents whose fates depend on what happens now, for the very world, let victory be ours.
*A*
Journal of Arcadius
Reconnaissance
After some discussion of plans, we decided to conduct preliminary scouting of the Aboleth city, and attempt to gather what useful intelligence we could about its layout and defenses. Bael'thas agreed to be our advance scout, as his talents, ostensibly, lie in that direction. He was instructed not to advance too close to the city or to engage in combat, and he was to report back by a specified time.
Alas, he did not heed this wisdom.
The time passed, and he did not return. We knew it could it could only be trouble, and immediately set forth to investigate. Keniroh's wizardry again was of great help, and we traveled invisibly, on magical underwater steeds at immense speed. We quickly located our errant scout, trapped in a force cage and surrounded by both guards and a vast army.
The Aboleth had not been idle, and had raised what appeared to be more than a hundred thousand troops to their defense. The bulk were aquatic elves and the foul race of Saguahin, but folk of all kinds were represented along with sea creatures of various sorts. Leaving aside all temptation to deviate from our task, we went straight to where Bael'thas was imprisoned and blasted his cage apart with magic. I seized Bael'thas forcefully - this was no time for debate on his part - and dragged him with us. He was surprised, to say the least. We then sped away again at the same tremendous speed, leaving hordes of pursuing troops behind us.
Once safely away from the city's magical defenses, we teleported back to our base of operations, and then to the camp of Hrogar.
Praise Lord Pelor for the success of our mission, and my comrades for their focus and concentration at a time when delay would have been fatal!
Still, I wonder about Bael'thas and the workings of his mind. He seems... incautious. In a curious way, it reminds me of Dantroe, or before him Fflam. Who could guess that three beings so different in origins and training could have a thread of commonality? Strange are the ways of the world.
*A*
After some discussion of plans, we decided to conduct preliminary scouting of the Aboleth city, and attempt to gather what useful intelligence we could about its layout and defenses. Bael'thas agreed to be our advance scout, as his talents, ostensibly, lie in that direction. He was instructed not to advance too close to the city or to engage in combat, and he was to report back by a specified time.
Alas, he did not heed this wisdom.
The time passed, and he did not return. We knew it could it could only be trouble, and immediately set forth to investigate. Keniroh's wizardry again was of great help, and we traveled invisibly, on magical underwater steeds at immense speed. We quickly located our errant scout, trapped in a force cage and surrounded by both guards and a vast army.
The Aboleth had not been idle, and had raised what appeared to be more than a hundred thousand troops to their defense. The bulk were aquatic elves and the foul race of Saguahin, but folk of all kinds were represented along with sea creatures of various sorts. Leaving aside all temptation to deviate from our task, we went straight to where Bael'thas was imprisoned and blasted his cage apart with magic. I seized Bael'thas forcefully - this was no time for debate on his part - and dragged him with us. He was surprised, to say the least. We then sped away again at the same tremendous speed, leaving hordes of pursuing troops behind us.
Once safely away from the city's magical defenses, we teleported back to our base of operations, and then to the camp of Hrogar.
Praise Lord Pelor for the success of our mission, and my comrades for their focus and concentration at a time when delay would have been fatal!
Still, I wonder about Bael'thas and the workings of his mind. He seems... incautious. In a curious way, it reminds me of Dantroe, or before him Fflam. Who could guess that three beings so different in origins and training could have a thread of commonality? Strange are the ways of the world.
*A*
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Shullat: In Hrogar's Camp
It is odd to think that thousands of years have passed since I was last here.
The faces are different. The men I traveled with are long since dead, and the armies arrayed against the aboleth go by different names.
But as I walk amidst the armies gathered here, as I watch them practice maneuvers and offer words of advice, of encouragement, it feels very much the same. Another great and varied army, hoping to forget themselves into an army before their enemies can split them apart.
I help them where I can, knowing as little as I do. I watch for points where this units cavalry might be best supported by the slingers of that group of halflings.
And all the time I try to ignore the sense that someone is watching me. The sense that, at any moment, I will be ripped away from all this again and find myself trapped in another crystal for another ten thousand years.
I know that I must trust my allies. To give in to distrust, to believe that the aboleth has already taken the minds of my allies, is to be paralyzed.
But then I think: if the aboleth could take the lich, what chance do these paladins have?
I can only thank the gods that the aboleth was defeated in spite of that treachery.
Though if the lich knew the plan, I must wonder: if he knew my death would change nothing, why would the aboleth have caused him to imprison me, rather than one who would matter more in the final battle?
Every answer to that question troubles me.
So I focus on what I know. I tell young men to keep their shields up, and perhaps they listen to me, if only because they don't know what else to make of me.
At least I know that soon, it will all be made simpler in the haze of battle, and the destruction of our enemies.
I only pray that this time I am allowed to make it to the battle.
The faces are different. The men I traveled with are long since dead, and the armies arrayed against the aboleth go by different names.
But as I walk amidst the armies gathered here, as I watch them practice maneuvers and offer words of advice, of encouragement, it feels very much the same. Another great and varied army, hoping to forget themselves into an army before their enemies can split them apart.
I help them where I can, knowing as little as I do. I watch for points where this units cavalry might be best supported by the slingers of that group of halflings.
And all the time I try to ignore the sense that someone is watching me. The sense that, at any moment, I will be ripped away from all this again and find myself trapped in another crystal for another ten thousand years.
I know that I must trust my allies. To give in to distrust, to believe that the aboleth has already taken the minds of my allies, is to be paralyzed.
But then I think: if the aboleth could take the lich, what chance do these paladins have?
I can only thank the gods that the aboleth was defeated in spite of that treachery.
Though if the lich knew the plan, I must wonder: if he knew my death would change nothing, why would the aboleth have caused him to imprison me, rather than one who would matter more in the final battle?
Every answer to that question troubles me.
So I focus on what I know. I tell young men to keep their shields up, and perhaps they listen to me, if only because they don't know what else to make of me.
At least I know that soon, it will all be made simpler in the haze of battle, and the destruction of our enemies.
I only pray that this time I am allowed to make it to the battle.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 2, Year 2
-day 2:
The assault on the enemy flagship was successful, despite the best attempts of her crew, a powerful balor-type demon, and a number of hostile sea entities. Keniroh's magics have made the vessel into an effective fighting force, obliterating 1/3rd of the enemy naval forces and sending the remainder into retreat. After the battle, the military of Point of Origin contacted us and thanked us for our actions. We have agreed to spend a few days escorting a convoy to the city with much-need supplies. Their military requires a surprising number of beets. As I am not as trained in naval operations as Capt. Sztuczka, I have elected to begin repairs on the hull of the flagship, which was breached by the previous crew in an attempt to scuttle it. While this is not strictly necessary for the ship to function, it should simplify repairs made in drydock. At the very least, I can guard the breach from unwanted intrusions.
Conclusions: May the fortresses of Love stand ever ready against the tides of Hate.
The assault on the enemy flagship was successful, despite the best attempts of her crew, a powerful balor-type demon, and a number of hostile sea entities. Keniroh's magics have made the vessel into an effective fighting force, obliterating 1/3rd of the enemy naval forces and sending the remainder into retreat. After the battle, the military of Point of Origin contacted us and thanked us for our actions. We have agreed to spend a few days escorting a convoy to the city with much-need supplies. Their military requires a surprising number of beets. As I am not as trained in naval operations as Capt. Sztuczka, I have elected to begin repairs on the hull of the flagship, which was breached by the previous crew in an attempt to scuttle it. While this is not strictly necessary for the ship to function, it should simplify repairs made in drydock. At the very least, I can guard the breach from unwanted intrusions.
Conclusions: May the fortresses of Love stand ever ready against the tides of Hate.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
Victory, at a Price
Glory be to Pelor and the gods! Our plan was a success. Through Keniroh's magic, we teleported to the enemy flagship. They had magical defenses up and were prepared for us, but we made short work of their guards, and most of the rest of the crew fled. One of them uncorked an iron flask containing a Balor, and the fiend, knowing us for true foes, gleefully attacked! We fought it well and righteously, and soon the evil one was dispatched back to its home plane.
We searched the ship, gathered prisoners, and freed some of our own - Paladins from point of Origin! These set forth in one of the boats back to the city, while Keniroh through a mighty spell converted our ship into an undersea craft, capable of emerging and submerging for battle! Glorious! We then set about raiding the enemy fleet, and soon had sunk, or captured and scuttled, several of their warships.
Then, we discovered that the rumors of sea monsters blockading the city were true.
A Kraken attacked us, a mighty one even larger than that guarding Nathaniel's island. It was in that moment that I saw the true gifts and worth of Shullat, for he used powers of leadership and support to boost our might and coordinate our attack! Never have I seen such destruction wreaked by so few in such a short amount of time. Praise Lord Pelor, the thing was dispatched in moments! I feel truly that we may be ready for the task ahead.
After defeating the Kraken, we resumed our attacks, and by the end of the day, the enemy's morale had broken and their fleet disbursed to the high seas. We then opened communications with Point of Origin, were given the location of a relief supply fleet, and escorted it to the city in triumph. We then spent some short time reporting to the Lords of the City and relating needful information. Keniroh, worthy mage that he is, raised some of the sunken ships for repair and refit as warships of Point of Origin.
Still having time before Hrogar's army was to be ready, we decided to turn the tables and destroy supply caravans of the enemy army. For some days we did this with success, until we encountered a trap and an enemy gem dragon. This beast proved a powerful and dangerous foe, and we fought a difficult running, or rather flying, battle against it. At last, it fled by dimension door. Unfortunately, Shullat was in its grip!
Alas, may this not be the last we see of our new found, but great ally!
There is hope, for Shullat was fighting, and looked anything but subdued, at the time he and the dragon left for planes unknown.
I pray to Pelor and the gods of justice to grant him victory, and return.
*A*
Glory be to Pelor and the gods! Our plan was a success. Through Keniroh's magic, we teleported to the enemy flagship. They had magical defenses up and were prepared for us, but we made short work of their guards, and most of the rest of the crew fled. One of them uncorked an iron flask containing a Balor, and the fiend, knowing us for true foes, gleefully attacked! We fought it well and righteously, and soon the evil one was dispatched back to its home plane.
We searched the ship, gathered prisoners, and freed some of our own - Paladins from point of Origin! These set forth in one of the boats back to the city, while Keniroh through a mighty spell converted our ship into an undersea craft, capable of emerging and submerging for battle! Glorious! We then set about raiding the enemy fleet, and soon had sunk, or captured and scuttled, several of their warships.
Then, we discovered that the rumors of sea monsters blockading the city were true.
A Kraken attacked us, a mighty one even larger than that guarding Nathaniel's island. It was in that moment that I saw the true gifts and worth of Shullat, for he used powers of leadership and support to boost our might and coordinate our attack! Never have I seen such destruction wreaked by so few in such a short amount of time. Praise Lord Pelor, the thing was dispatched in moments! I feel truly that we may be ready for the task ahead.
After defeating the Kraken, we resumed our attacks, and by the end of the day, the enemy's morale had broken and their fleet disbursed to the high seas. We then opened communications with Point of Origin, were given the location of a relief supply fleet, and escorted it to the city in triumph. We then spent some short time reporting to the Lords of the City and relating needful information. Keniroh, worthy mage that he is, raised some of the sunken ships for repair and refit as warships of Point of Origin.
Still having time before Hrogar's army was to be ready, we decided to turn the tables and destroy supply caravans of the enemy army. For some days we did this with success, until we encountered a trap and an enemy gem dragon. This beast proved a powerful and dangerous foe, and we fought a difficult running, or rather flying, battle against it. At last, it fled by dimension door. Unfortunately, Shullat was in its grip!
Alas, may this not be the last we see of our new found, but great ally!
There is hope, for Shullat was fighting, and looked anything but subdued, at the time he and the dragon left for planes unknown.
I pray to Pelor and the gods of justice to grant him victory, and return.
*A*
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Shullat: Brief Notes from the Planes
I fucking hate dragons.
* * *
By the gods, how many fire elementals will I have to fight before one of them believes me that I don't want to be here, either.
By the gods, how many fire elementals will I have to fight before one of them believes me that I don't want to be here, either.
* * *
The answer is "about four."
* * *
Ah. The Abyss. It seems fire elementals have grown a sense of humor in the last 10,000 years or so.
* * *
An Obyrith Demon has agreed to send me somewhere else, provided that I promise never to set foot here ever again. I told him that I could only promise that I wouldn't intentionally set foot here ever again, but I couldn't promise that some bastard wouldn't send me here. Given the circumstances, he's decided that it would be less trouble to take me at my word.
I tried to explain that I told his guards not to touch the sword.
I tried to explain that I told his guards not to touch the sword.
* * *
Ha ha. Pandemonium. Very funny.
* * *
Again, I seem to have secured a portal elsewhere, and have promised never to set foot here again, at least not intentionally.
Why do these idiots keep insisting that I set down my sword? The answer is still no.
Why do these idiots keep insisting that I set down my sword? The answer is still no.
* * *
It is not often I get to see Celestial creatures surprised. First by the portal opening from Pandemonium, then by my coming out of it.
Never have I been more thoroughly checked. It is good to know that their security has not become lax.
Everything else, though, is... different.
I tried to visit my house. It is gone.
So are nearly all the gods I know. No one can even tell me what might have happened to Al'Tyr, only that she hasn't been seen in a long, long time.
I have made a few inquiries about getting more aid with the Aboleth, but everyone here is busy fighting other evils.
Some things never do change.
At least someone is willing to send me on my way. I heard him muttering something about "respect for his elders." I'm not that old, am I?
Never have I been more thoroughly checked. It is good to know that their security has not become lax.
Everything else, though, is... different.
I tried to visit my house. It is gone.
So are nearly all the gods I know. No one can even tell me what might have happened to Al'Tyr, only that she hasn't been seen in a long, long time.
I have made a few inquiries about getting more aid with the Aboleth, but everyone here is busy fighting other evils.
Some things never do change.
At least someone is willing to send me on my way. I heard him muttering something about "respect for his elders." I'm not that old, am I?
* * *
I had the Celestials send me to Sigil. As long as I'm here, I think I'll find our allies, see if any of them would like to join in the final battle. From what I gather, the allies Arcadius has here are powerful wizards, and the gods only know they'd be useful.
And, if they can't help, they can at least send me back to Tyr'Nar'Nia.
I only hope I don't get there too late.
And, if they can't help, they can at least send me back to Tyr'Nar'Nia.
I only hope I don't get there too late.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 344-1
-day 344:
It appears that each of our groups have found something useful. Sztuczka found a candidate on her own who is very promising. Bael'thas found a follower of Eir on the advice of Hrefna, who will arrive at Phonkeii in the next few weeks. Arkadesh and Shulat did not find an adequate battle priest, but have opted to send a number of lesser ones to aid Hrogar's forces. Shullat has met with Sztuczka and conferred upon her the title of Tiny Dragon. I am unfamiliar with the honor, but it appears to be very prestigious.
We have agreed to that the time has come to gather the components of the artifact for study and potential assembly. Given the sensitive nature of this assignment, I will not describe their locations, or our operations to retrieve them. Furthermore, entries will be left blank so that our travel time cannot be used to estimate its location. If you are an agent of the aboleth and are reading this, run. You have failed your vile masters. Your best hope is that we find and destroy you first, barring any existing destruction of us by you or your vile masters at the time of this reading.
Conclusions: Sztuczka's skill at social operations is impressive.
-day 364:
The components of the artifact, the Staff of Alayna, have been gathered. Shullat has contacted Hrefna, who has travelled to Phonkeii to examine them. She has informed us that once assembled, the artifact would tap into the aboleth's crystal communication network and reverse the polarity of the aetheric flow, causing the aboleth to be overcome by the lifeforce energy of its followers (willing or otherwise), as well as that of any neighboring innocents. While this may work against the aboleth as it did during the First Aboleth War, the casualties would be massive. We have elected not to assemble the artifact, and have moved the components to separate hiding places to prevent activation. Before Hrefna departed, she informed us that the remaining aboleth and their forces have retreated to their central base at the Sunken City. This will be useful to know in the weeks ahead.
Conclusions: There are weapons in the cosmoverse that simply should not be deployed.
-day 1:
Deerhilda Eir'Sgoti has arrived. She is very interesting, and she seems very competent and prepared. Now that our unit is complete, it is only 2 weeks until Hrogar's forces are in position for the final operation. We have elected to use that time to break the naval siege on Point of Origin, as there are reports that they are running out of food. It will be an excellent opportunity to test the abilities of Deerhilda, and to work as a team. Keniroh is excited to employ a spell that will safely submerge any vessel; it looks to be very useful combined with our mission to capture the enemy flagship.
Conclusions: There is always time for the pursuit of Justice.
It appears that each of our groups have found something useful. Sztuczka found a candidate on her own who is very promising. Bael'thas found a follower of Eir on the advice of Hrefna, who will arrive at Phonkeii in the next few weeks. Arkadesh and Shulat did not find an adequate battle priest, but have opted to send a number of lesser ones to aid Hrogar's forces. Shullat has met with Sztuczka and conferred upon her the title of Tiny Dragon. I am unfamiliar with the honor, but it appears to be very prestigious.
We have agreed to that the time has come to gather the components of the artifact for study and potential assembly. Given the sensitive nature of this assignment, I will not describe their locations, or our operations to retrieve them. Furthermore, entries will be left blank so that our travel time cannot be used to estimate its location. If you are an agent of the aboleth and are reading this, run. You have failed your vile masters. Your best hope is that we find and destroy you first, barring any existing destruction of us by you or your vile masters at the time of this reading.
Conclusions: Sztuczka's skill at social operations is impressive.
-day 364:
The components of the artifact, the Staff of Alayna, have been gathered. Shullat has contacted Hrefna, who has travelled to Phonkeii to examine them. She has informed us that once assembled, the artifact would tap into the aboleth's crystal communication network and reverse the polarity of the aetheric flow, causing the aboleth to be overcome by the lifeforce energy of its followers (willing or otherwise), as well as that of any neighboring innocents. While this may work against the aboleth as it did during the First Aboleth War, the casualties would be massive. We have elected not to assemble the artifact, and have moved the components to separate hiding places to prevent activation. Before Hrefna departed, she informed us that the remaining aboleth and their forces have retreated to their central base at the Sunken City. This will be useful to know in the weeks ahead.
Conclusions: There are weapons in the cosmoverse that simply should not be deployed.
-day 1:
Deerhilda Eir'Sgoti has arrived. She is very interesting, and she seems very competent and prepared. Now that our unit is complete, it is only 2 weeks until Hrogar's forces are in position for the final operation. We have elected to use that time to break the naval siege on Point of Origin, as there are reports that they are running out of food. It will be an excellent opportunity to test the abilities of Deerhilda, and to work as a team. Keniroh is excited to employ a spell that will safely submerge any vessel; it looks to be very useful combined with our mission to capture the enemy flagship.
Conclusions: There is always time for the pursuit of Justice.
To Point of Origin we go
We decided not to assembly the staff. After some investigation we determined that in fact it would take the deaths of thousands to use it. This is not unacceptable. So we are going to make our way to the abathis main strong hold. We have sent word to Rogar to start moving is army. It should take him some time to get there. In the mean time we will help slow the siege on Point of Origin. We are hoping by stop one front of attack it will prevent the down fall. So tomorrow we go in. There will be a lot of innocent blood spilled, but Point of Origin must not fall. They will be needed once we kill the leader of the abablith. This will be needed because i have a feeling people will not be released after he is killed. This conflict may have just begun. We might have several years of war in front of us. For now i will prepare and pray for tomorrow.
Journal of Arcadius
To The Siege
Praise the gods! We have found a priest of sufficient power, one known to Hrefna, from Jokulmeyr. Now, we have deeds to do in the remaining two weeks before Hrogar's army is ready for the assault. We've received word that the siege of Point of Origin continues, and that the city has now been cut off by sea - by a fleet of ships and perhaps also by monsters of the depths. The city is a place of great power, but even so, there are limits to how long it will be able to hold out.
Our party is well, perhaps uniquely, suited to deal with the enemy at sea.
We have decided to help - to try to break the siege, or at least the sea blockade - so that supplies and reinforcements can reach Point of Origin. Through scyring magic, we've located what is likely the enemy flagship, and are going to teleport there, capture it, magically turn it into an underwater vessel using Keniroh's magic, and from there strike out at the rest of their fleet.
It is a bold plan - the handful of us against a blockading navy. However, it is a duty we must take on. Many depend on us, and Point of Origin must not fall.
To the path of right!
To Victory!
*A*
Praise the gods! We have found a priest of sufficient power, one known to Hrefna, from Jokulmeyr. Now, we have deeds to do in the remaining two weeks before Hrogar's army is ready for the assault. We've received word that the siege of Point of Origin continues, and that the city has now been cut off by sea - by a fleet of ships and perhaps also by monsters of the depths. The city is a place of great power, but even so, there are limits to how long it will be able to hold out.
Our party is well, perhaps uniquely, suited to deal with the enemy at sea.
We have decided to help - to try to break the siege, or at least the sea blockade - so that supplies and reinforcements can reach Point of Origin. Through scyring magic, we've located what is likely the enemy flagship, and are going to teleport there, capture it, magically turn it into an underwater vessel using Keniroh's magic, and from there strike out at the rest of their fleet.
It is a bold plan - the handful of us against a blockading navy. However, it is a duty we must take on. Many depend on us, and Point of Origin must not fall.
To the path of right!
To Victory!
*A*
Journal of Arcadius
Gathering Forces
The time draws near. We must strike them soon. We will need strength.
We fanned out to different parts of the world in search of a priest who stands high in the favor of their deity, one with the power to help keep us alive in the battle to come. There are few in the world.
I took Shullat with me to my homeland, to the capital city of the Five Rivers, and there we found no one of sufficient might. I used my contacts and influence to scour for information. Shullat seemed uninterested in more than the most cursory study of the history between his time and ours, so I arranged for him to train with a unit of the elite Home Guard. He seemed to enjoy the experience well. Then, I heard news of a possible contact among the priesthood of the old gods. Shullat used his powers to teleport there, arranged a meeting, and then we went to one of the old temple complexes in the desert. It was a place worthy of honor and veneration, deep in the history of our land. The clerics did not have one of their number sufficiently powerful for the task before us, but instead they readily agreed to send large number of their order to aid Hrogar's army.
We then duly contacted Hrogar and made the necessary arrangements for them to join forces. Hrogar had not been idle, and he was within perhaps two weeks of readiness.
We also gathered the pieces of the staff, and requested the aid of Hrefna to study it. She determined that it draws its power from life force, initially that of Aboleth-followers wearing psionic crystals, but if sufficient power cannot be found, then through the crystals to others nearby. Thus, the staff destroys both the Aboleth and their followers in one grim stroke. Alas, the price is too high! It is possible that the first use of the staff, ten thousand years ago, drained the lives of millions. Perhaps there may have been followers of the Aboleth in such numbers then, when they had vast armies of cultists in the field, but in the current war they use smaller numbers and more secretive ways. Assuredly the use of the staff this time would slay vast numbers of innocents.
I cannot take part in such an evil deed. We must find another way.
The others have agreed, and have returned two pieces of the staff to their distant locations, while Hrefna has taken the third to hide somewhere new.
Lord Pelor, praise thee, we shall soon be ready!
*A*
The time draws near. We must strike them soon. We will need strength.
We fanned out to different parts of the world in search of a priest who stands high in the favor of their deity, one with the power to help keep us alive in the battle to come. There are few in the world.
I took Shullat with me to my homeland, to the capital city of the Five Rivers, and there we found no one of sufficient might. I used my contacts and influence to scour for information. Shullat seemed uninterested in more than the most cursory study of the history between his time and ours, so I arranged for him to train with a unit of the elite Home Guard. He seemed to enjoy the experience well. Then, I heard news of a possible contact among the priesthood of the old gods. Shullat used his powers to teleport there, arranged a meeting, and then we went to one of the old temple complexes in the desert. It was a place worthy of honor and veneration, deep in the history of our land. The clerics did not have one of their number sufficiently powerful for the task before us, but instead they readily agreed to send large number of their order to aid Hrogar's army.
We then duly contacted Hrogar and made the necessary arrangements for them to join forces. Hrogar had not been idle, and he was within perhaps two weeks of readiness.
We also gathered the pieces of the staff, and requested the aid of Hrefna to study it. She determined that it draws its power from life force, initially that of Aboleth-followers wearing psionic crystals, but if sufficient power cannot be found, then through the crystals to others nearby. Thus, the staff destroys both the Aboleth and their followers in one grim stroke. Alas, the price is too high! It is possible that the first use of the staff, ten thousand years ago, drained the lives of millions. Perhaps there may have been followers of the Aboleth in such numbers then, when they had vast armies of cultists in the field, but in the current war they use smaller numbers and more secretive ways. Assuredly the use of the staff this time would slay vast numbers of innocents.
I cannot take part in such an evil deed. We must find another way.
The others have agreed, and have returned two pieces of the staff to their distant locations, while Hrefna has taken the third to hide somewhere new.
Lord Pelor, praise thee, we shall soon be ready!
*A*
Friday, April 8, 2011
Shullat: The Battle Before the Battle
It is often forgotten, by great warriors and weak alike, that the most crucial parts of every battle are that which are fought before the battle line are drawn and swords are crossed. The gods, at least the gods of my time, would certainly support a righteous cause, but they had little patience for fools. And a poorly equipped force charging head long into a battle with poor equipment and no idea what to accept would be precisely that: a fool.
And so it is that the battle with the Aboleth must be put off for a time while we prepare ourselves to defeat it.
For the most part, this means marshaling our allies. I am pleased that Arcadius and his company have not shirked their duty in this regard. One of their number was sent some time ago to gather an army, and it seems that his army is now almost ready.
The gods have shown their support, too. Gods that I recall from my days have resurfaced, and their priests march to join this Hrogar's army. An elven cleric, ancient by their standards, has joined us as well to face the main Aboleth itself.
The parts of the staff have been assembled as well, and another ally brought in who could explain what it was made into while I slept. It is typical of Elayna's cruel brilliance. It feeds on the energy of the followers to destroy the master. In one move, it destroys the entire foundation of the Aboleth's power and the monster itself, and all those who through their wickedness and weakness allowed themselves to be it's pawns.
To my disappointment, the staff was not assembled, but its pieces scattered again. The gods of this era value mercy over strength, and Arcadius fears that there are not enough willing followers, that innocents would die.
I don't know that there are innocents on this battlefield, and I wonder how many more good men may die for our not using the staff. But it is not my decision, so will try it this way.
And if it fails, I know where the pieces reside, now. I can be the one to do it, if the situation calls for it.
Though I will admit, I hope that it does not.
Tomorrow, we go to break a siege. And once that is done, it will be the Aboleth.
May his death be without honor or meaning.
And so it is that the battle with the Aboleth must be put off for a time while we prepare ourselves to defeat it.
For the most part, this means marshaling our allies. I am pleased that Arcadius and his company have not shirked their duty in this regard. One of their number was sent some time ago to gather an army, and it seems that his army is now almost ready.
The gods have shown their support, too. Gods that I recall from my days have resurfaced, and their priests march to join this Hrogar's army. An elven cleric, ancient by their standards, has joined us as well to face the main Aboleth itself.
The parts of the staff have been assembled as well, and another ally brought in who could explain what it was made into while I slept. It is typical of Elayna's cruel brilliance. It feeds on the energy of the followers to destroy the master. In one move, it destroys the entire foundation of the Aboleth's power and the monster itself, and all those who through their wickedness and weakness allowed themselves to be it's pawns.
To my disappointment, the staff was not assembled, but its pieces scattered again. The gods of this era value mercy over strength, and Arcadius fears that there are not enough willing followers, that innocents would die.
I don't know that there are innocents on this battlefield, and I wonder how many more good men may die for our not using the staff. But it is not my decision, so will try it this way.
And if it fails, I know where the pieces reside, now. I can be the one to do it, if the situation calls for it.
Though I will admit, I hope that it does not.
Tomorrow, we go to break a siege. And once that is done, it will be the Aboleth.
May his death be without honor or meaning.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
The Ancient World
Our latest venture against the Aboleth had made us much wealthier. However, gold by itself is of little use to our cause, and neither were many of the magic items we found. Stonekeep, though a major trade point, was not large enough for the transactions we had in mind. Nor were we inclined to return, yet again, to Sigil and its inflated prices. In the end, Kenrioh suggested his homeland, which is a place of high magic. We readily agreed, and went there through his magic.
Tyr-Narnia is indeed a land rich in both magic and material things. It is a colorful place, with bright clothes and brightly painted houses. I can see now that Kenrioh's flamboyant style of dress has much of its origins in the culture of his homeland. Indeed, and he, Kenrioh, was married - to a woman - and has children and grandchildren! Truly wondrous is the diversity of the world!
Furthermore, though his land seems to be rather loosely governed, even a bit disorganized, Keniroh himself seems to be a person of high rank there, and his family are prominent mages. Through his contacts and influence, we were quickly able to find buyers for our unneeded magic items, and sellers for others that were needful. We also dined with his family and had much interesting discussion. It seems that this land has treaties of peace with its neighbors, and serves them as mercenaries in wars against more distant nations. Azan's empire, with its particular curse against Arcane magic, is an exception, and they seem to be at best in a grudging and recent peace with Tyr-Narnia.
Then, a strange and grand thing happened.
The city guard came to us and told us that a teleportation circle was opening with something powerful on the other side, but that they had held it in place temporarily, pending our help. To this we readily assented! Upon arrival, we found guardsmen arrayed for battle. We took up positions and the gate opened. What stepped through was an extraplanar being, an Archon with the head of a hound and ancient-looking symbols of a sun god that was not Pelor.
I spoke to this being in Celestial, rightly judging that it would understand. It replied that it was looking for us. In conversation, it, he, explained that he was named Shullat, a follower of Al'tyr - who indeed I then recalled as a very old, forgotten god of the sun's harsher, though still life-giving, aspects. He said that he had been imprisoned in a crystal on the island now occupied by Nathaniel the pirate king... and it seems it was we, through our efforts, who had awakened him! More amazing still, he said that he had been there since trapped by the Aboleth at the time of their first great war... ten thousand years ago.
Ten thousand years!
First, an ancient sword of Lord Pelor liberated from a sunken temple fifteen or twenty thousand years old, now... one who walked the earth ten thousand years ago and fought the Aboleth in that time!
Truly, in both friend and foe, the ancient world lives on today.
May we be worthy to meet the challenges it offers.
*A*
Our latest venture against the Aboleth had made us much wealthier. However, gold by itself is of little use to our cause, and neither were many of the magic items we found. Stonekeep, though a major trade point, was not large enough for the transactions we had in mind. Nor were we inclined to return, yet again, to Sigil and its inflated prices. In the end, Kenrioh suggested his homeland, which is a place of high magic. We readily agreed, and went there through his magic.
Tyr-Narnia is indeed a land rich in both magic and material things. It is a colorful place, with bright clothes and brightly painted houses. I can see now that Kenrioh's flamboyant style of dress has much of its origins in the culture of his homeland. Indeed, and he, Kenrioh, was married - to a woman - and has children and grandchildren! Truly wondrous is the diversity of the world!
Furthermore, though his land seems to be rather loosely governed, even a bit disorganized, Keniroh himself seems to be a person of high rank there, and his family are prominent mages. Through his contacts and influence, we were quickly able to find buyers for our unneeded magic items, and sellers for others that were needful. We also dined with his family and had much interesting discussion. It seems that this land has treaties of peace with its neighbors, and serves them as mercenaries in wars against more distant nations. Azan's empire, with its particular curse against Arcane magic, is an exception, and they seem to be at best in a grudging and recent peace with Tyr-Narnia.
Then, a strange and grand thing happened.
The city guard came to us and told us that a teleportation circle was opening with something powerful on the other side, but that they had held it in place temporarily, pending our help. To this we readily assented! Upon arrival, we found guardsmen arrayed for battle. We took up positions and the gate opened. What stepped through was an extraplanar being, an Archon with the head of a hound and ancient-looking symbols of a sun god that was not Pelor.
I spoke to this being in Celestial, rightly judging that it would understand. It replied that it was looking for us. In conversation, it, he, explained that he was named Shullat, a follower of Al'tyr - who indeed I then recalled as a very old, forgotten god of the sun's harsher, though still life-giving, aspects. He said that he had been imprisoned in a crystal on the island now occupied by Nathaniel the pirate king... and it seems it was we, through our efforts, who had awakened him! More amazing still, he said that he had been there since trapped by the Aboleth at the time of their first great war... ten thousand years ago.
Ten thousand years!
First, an ancient sword of Lord Pelor liberated from a sunken temple fifteen or twenty thousand years old, now... one who walked the earth ten thousand years ago and fought the Aboleth in that time!
Truly, in both friend and foe, the ancient world lives on today.
May we be worthy to meet the challenges it offers.
*A*
Sztu's Journal
Gods that was too easy!
Ever since I received that vision from which ever God it was--(darn them not identifying themselves!--I have been no-stop on the go! So, I got a trip back from Sigil, and though I ended up near my home, I didn't have time to waste. That was one heck of a vision! I haven't even had time to document it!
All I knew was: There was some evil pirate dude, who was going to double cross the Paladins. I used what little geographical information I could to enlist a group of gnomes and their submarine! It's amazing what you can do when you're a bard!
We found the ship, eventually... After a few smoking engines and things making noises the Captain claimed was normal...
We worked out a plan. We were just going to kidnap him. I mean, really, I could have used my little magic to try and get him out of the way, but where's the fun in that, I ask you?
So I took my swim gear and made like a fishy from the submarine. The other Gnomes stayed underwater out of site with a new contraption they planned to use for fishing. They were gonna test it out on the Pirate.
I surfaced. I started singing... and I tell ya, it was way too easy. I had no problem convincing him that I was a mermaid and that he should join me for a swim. Seriously?! How much brains does a guy have to NOT HAVE to fall for that? Pah!
Anyways, so once in the water, the gnomes wrapped him in their new shiny net. The air breathing contraption worked great! The net, however, kinda sorta electrocuted him... The Gnomes didn't mind. They took his body to examine and see where the net went wrong.
He's more out of the way than I originally planned... but he won't hurt the Paladins now!
And hopefully they never find out what truly happened, or I may be in big trouble with them too!
Ever since I received that vision from which ever God it was--(darn them not identifying themselves!--I have been no-stop on the go! So, I got a trip back from Sigil, and though I ended up near my home, I didn't have time to waste. That was one heck of a vision! I haven't even had time to document it!
All I knew was: There was some evil pirate dude, who was going to double cross the Paladins. I used what little geographical information I could to enlist a group of gnomes and their submarine! It's amazing what you can do when you're a bard!
We found the ship, eventually... After a few smoking engines and things making noises the Captain claimed was normal...
We worked out a plan. We were just going to kidnap him. I mean, really, I could have used my little magic to try and get him out of the way, but where's the fun in that, I ask you?
So I took my swim gear and made like a fishy from the submarine. The other Gnomes stayed underwater out of site with a new contraption they planned to use for fishing. They were gonna test it out on the Pirate.
I surfaced. I started singing... and I tell ya, it was way too easy. I had no problem convincing him that I was a mermaid and that he should join me for a swim. Seriously?! How much brains does a guy have to NOT HAVE to fall for that? Pah!
Anyways, so once in the water, the gnomes wrapped him in their new shiny net. The air breathing contraption worked great! The net, however, kinda sorta electrocuted him... The Gnomes didn't mind. They took his body to examine and see where the net went wrong.
He's more out of the way than I originally planned... but he won't hurt the Paladins now!
And hopefully they never find out what truly happened, or I may be in big trouble with them too!
Journal of Crunch, Day 329-343
-day329:
We have arrived at the city of Phonkeii, in Tir'Nir'Nea. The city is large, with colorful buildings and neat architecture. Keniroh fits in well here with his attire, and there is much magic about. It is also very cold; fortunately, I still have the thick coat and leggings from Ragnarr's hometown.
We have been very active in the markets; while their selection is sparse compared to Sigil, it is still overwhelming. Keniroh introduced us to his family, they were very happy to see him again. In the evening, a hound archon teleported into our inn searching for us. His name is Shullat. He was imprisoned in a crystal during the First Aboleth War, 10,000 years ago. We encountered him in this prison during our first foray into the Island Keep of the Pirates, wherein Sztuczka shot it with a cannon. He has since been fully liberated and sent by Pelor to aid us, and is welcome on this mission.
It has been very a busy day. Tomorrow will be busier. We have decided to find and enlist the aid of a battle priest. To that end, we will split up and search familiar territories by means of teleportation gems. Arkadesh and Shullat will travel to The Land of 5 Rivers, Azan will return to the Empire, Sztuczka will [derp], Bael'thas will meet with Hrefna and go to Jokelmere, and Keniroh and I will remain in Phonkeii. We will have two weeks to locate and enlist the aid of a suitable person for the role.
Conclusions: The allies of Justice are varied, but ultimately united.
-day330:
The others have left for their respective destinations. Keniroh and I have been summoned by the local authorities to answer for the breach of security by Shullat. We have officially vouched for him, and are responsible for his behavior when he returns to the city.
Given that I now co-represent The Defenders of Subplane 3 in Phonkeii, it is therefore prudent to appear without Deceit, and with respectable clothing. Towards this goal, I have forgone the use of my hat, and have been measured and fitted for new clothes. Keniroh has written up a list of candidates, as well as places to investigate for more.
Conclusions: The people of Phonkeii are diligent against invasion.
-day331:
The first candidate was Rev. Esbjorn Côté, a minister of Boccob. He was very polite, however, he did not wish to involve himself in our operations. It was not that he is opposed to our objectives, but that he is merely waiting for a state of stability before acting. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: Boccob may not be as dire an enemy of Emotion than anticipated.
-day332:
We ate dinner with Rev. Eleonora Chan, of St. Cuthbert. The food here is very tangy, and chunky. Unfortunately, she had personal objections to the presence of a citizen of the Empire in the unit. Keniroh was agitated that I told her this; however, I believe that if anyone is to work with us, they must know who we all are. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: Honesty is the best battle standard. Poutinkött is neat.
-day333:
When visiting the resident of Mr. Halvard White, we learned that he died some time ago due to complications from a fight with a werewolf. We gave our condolences to the widow, and treated her to a late breakfast at the inn. The next candidate, Mr. Jonam Peineu, was very polite but unwilling to join us due to the presence of a citizen of the Empire in the unit. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: The local populace has strong opinions on citizens of the Empire.
-day334:
Mr. Magnild Gagnon is a strange person. He insisted on conducting the interview while traveling onboard a cart driven by a dozen small dragons. His two conditions to membership were that we rename our unit to "Gagnon's Gallopin' Gheroes" and that he be permitted to construct several more of me, in tribute to his god. The fact that my reproduction is prohibited by treaty did not phase him. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: The sound of a swoop of young dragons being whipped is not pleasant.
-day335:
Today has not been fruitful. The first candidate of the day, Mr. Kfister Johnson, moved to Stonekeep a month ago. The second candidate, Ms. Karin McLuskey, is currently MIA, presumed dead. The final candidate, Rev. Vega Harrington, was unavailable today due to the lateness of the hour. When I returned at night to the inn, Magnild Gagnon was waiting outside of my room with flowers and a wrench. He said nothing, but giggled until I closed the door behind me. I believe he is still out there. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: A quality lock on your door is always important.
-day336:
Vega Harrington is unable to join us, due to military commitments. Mrs. Tekla Tremblay is currently pregnant, and wishes us luck on our mission. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow. Keniroh's family has offered me the use of their guest room while I am in town. I have offered to help with home repairs during the night as repayment, which his sister has repeatedly stated is unnecessary. His grandchildren play with toys that move about on their own, though they are not intelligent. It is very neat.
Conclusions: Families are unusual units.
-day337:
Mr. Valbotg Jones has expressed interest in joining our unit, however, he seems unprepared for the duty. He is easily our best candidate so far, and so we have promised to keep in touch. The interviews have not gone well. Many are unwilling to associate with Azan, even without having met him. Some are willing, but incapable of combat or dead. However, many of them have had military experience, which bodes well for eventually finding someone suitable and willing. Starting tomorrow, we will expand our parameters for candidacy. I am certain we will have better luck then.
Conclusions: Duty is not always glorious.
-day338:
We have called upon Mr. Yngve Archambault, only to find he is currently serving time for his assault on Halvard White. While Mr. Archambault appears genuinely penitent for his crime, we were unable to secure his release. Mrs. Agaton Lam is also unable to join us, due to the requirements of her religious duties. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: A moment of uncontrolled Emotion can bring about much suffering and regret.
-day339:
Though outside sources assure us that Mr. Tait Rodgers is of sound mind, we have ultimately been denied the chance to talk to him on the grounds of his claims that we are not protectors of the plane, but leather jacket salesmen. It appears that Mr. Rodgers will engage in silly behavior when he desires to be left alone, or perhaps he has had bad experiences with peddlers. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: The wealthy have unusual viewpoints.
-day340:
Mrs. Quinby Spink is unwilling to assist us, due to the presence of a citizen of the Empire in the unit. She has lost a son to Imperial forces. She did not take well to our association with Azan, and threatened to report it to the local authorities. Keniroh had a personal talk with her, and has assured me that little will come of it. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: War without a greater purpose is the worst of war.
-day341:
As best as we can gather, Mr. Rurik Harlow vanished from existence four months ago at the intersection of two major roads. Current whereabouts unknown. Those that witnessed the event have warned us against investigating further, lest we incur the wrath of the "Eldritch Brothelhood"; that is not a spelling mistake. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: This is a very strange city.
-day 342:
We agreed to take a break from our mission today. I have taken the time to reflect on life. Hatchet once said that the purpose of life is living. I have held that Emotions are what make life possible, what make everything possible. It is very difficult to explain the importance of Emotion to organics, who have known it in full force since their creation.
Emotions are like a rainstorm. Some people walk through it with careful protections and a mindful pace. Some walk through it without coats and seek to jump in the puddles. Some are miserable because of it. And some are sheltered from it, remaining dry and clean. But it cannot be denied that it provides life, and that the walkers in the rain are far more fortunate than anyone else.
Conclusions:
-day 343:
Tomorrow is the scheduled date of return for the others. I have acquired long-range communication tools for use by Shullat and the new battle priest. I regret that we have not located a suitable candidate for our operations, and hope that they have been more successful.
Conclusions: When failure is hard to bear, know that Friendship evens the load.
We have arrived at the city of Phonkeii, in Tir'Nir'Nea. The city is large, with colorful buildings and neat architecture. Keniroh fits in well here with his attire, and there is much magic about. It is also very cold; fortunately, I still have the thick coat and leggings from Ragnarr's hometown.
We have been very active in the markets; while their selection is sparse compared to Sigil, it is still overwhelming. Keniroh introduced us to his family, they were very happy to see him again. In the evening, a hound archon teleported into our inn searching for us. His name is Shullat. He was imprisoned in a crystal during the First Aboleth War, 10,000 years ago. We encountered him in this prison during our first foray into the Island Keep of the Pirates, wherein Sztuczka shot it with a cannon. He has since been fully liberated and sent by Pelor to aid us, and is welcome on this mission.
It has been very a busy day. Tomorrow will be busier. We have decided to find and enlist the aid of a battle priest. To that end, we will split up and search familiar territories by means of teleportation gems. Arkadesh and Shullat will travel to The Land of 5 Rivers, Azan will return to the Empire, Sztuczka will [derp], Bael'thas will meet with Hrefna and go to Jokelmere, and Keniroh and I will remain in Phonkeii. We will have two weeks to locate and enlist the aid of a suitable person for the role.
Conclusions: The allies of Justice are varied, but ultimately united.
-day330:
The others have left for their respective destinations. Keniroh and I have been summoned by the local authorities to answer for the breach of security by Shullat. We have officially vouched for him, and are responsible for his behavior when he returns to the city.
Given that I now co-represent The Defenders of Subplane 3 in Phonkeii, it is therefore prudent to appear without Deceit, and with respectable clothing. Towards this goal, I have forgone the use of my hat, and have been measured and fitted for new clothes. Keniroh has written up a list of candidates, as well as places to investigate for more.
Conclusions: The people of Phonkeii are diligent against invasion.
-day331:
The first candidate was Rev. Esbjorn Côté, a minister of Boccob. He was very polite, however, he did not wish to involve himself in our operations. It was not that he is opposed to our objectives, but that he is merely waiting for a state of stability before acting. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: Boccob may not be as dire an enemy of Emotion than anticipated.
-day332:
We ate dinner with Rev. Eleonora Chan, of St. Cuthbert. The food here is very tangy, and chunky. Unfortunately, she had personal objections to the presence of a citizen of the Empire in the unit. Keniroh was agitated that I told her this; however, I believe that if anyone is to work with us, they must know who we all are. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: Honesty is the best battle standard. Poutinkött is neat.
-day333:
When visiting the resident of Mr. Halvard White, we learned that he died some time ago due to complications from a fight with a werewolf. We gave our condolences to the widow, and treated her to a late breakfast at the inn. The next candidate, Mr. Jonam Peineu, was very polite but unwilling to join us due to the presence of a citizen of the Empire in the unit. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: The local populace has strong opinions on citizens of the Empire.
-day334:
Mr. Magnild Gagnon is a strange person. He insisted on conducting the interview while traveling onboard a cart driven by a dozen small dragons. His two conditions to membership were that we rename our unit to "Gagnon's Gallopin' Gheroes" and that he be permitted to construct several more of me, in tribute to his god. The fact that my reproduction is prohibited by treaty did not phase him. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: The sound of a swoop of young dragons being whipped is not pleasant.
-day335:
Today has not been fruitful. The first candidate of the day, Mr. Kfister Johnson, moved to Stonekeep a month ago. The second candidate, Ms. Karin McLuskey, is currently MIA, presumed dead. The final candidate, Rev. Vega Harrington, was unavailable today due to the lateness of the hour. When I returned at night to the inn, Magnild Gagnon was waiting outside of my room with flowers and a wrench. He said nothing, but giggled until I closed the door behind me. I believe he is still out there. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: A quality lock on your door is always important.
-day336:
Vega Harrington is unable to join us, due to military commitments. Mrs. Tekla Tremblay is currently pregnant, and wishes us luck on our mission. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow. Keniroh's family has offered me the use of their guest room while I am in town. I have offered to help with home repairs during the night as repayment, which his sister has repeatedly stated is unnecessary. His grandchildren play with toys that move about on their own, though they are not intelligent. It is very neat.
Conclusions: Families are unusual units.
-day337:
Mr. Valbotg Jones has expressed interest in joining our unit, however, he seems unprepared for the duty. He is easily our best candidate so far, and so we have promised to keep in touch. The interviews have not gone well. Many are unwilling to associate with Azan, even without having met him. Some are willing, but incapable of combat or dead. However, many of them have had military experience, which bodes well for eventually finding someone suitable and willing. Starting tomorrow, we will expand our parameters for candidacy. I am certain we will have better luck then.
Conclusions: Duty is not always glorious.
-day338:
We have called upon Mr. Yngve Archambault, only to find he is currently serving time for his assault on Halvard White. While Mr. Archambault appears genuinely penitent for his crime, we were unable to secure his release. Mrs. Agaton Lam is also unable to join us, due to the requirements of her religious duties. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: A moment of uncontrolled Emotion can bring about much suffering and regret.
-day339:
Though outside sources assure us that Mr. Tait Rodgers is of sound mind, we have ultimately been denied the chance to talk to him on the grounds of his claims that we are not protectors of the plane, but leather jacket salesmen. It appears that Mr. Rodgers will engage in silly behavior when he desires to be left alone, or perhaps he has had bad experiences with peddlers. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: The wealthy have unusual viewpoints.
-day340:
Mrs. Quinby Spink is unwilling to assist us, due to the presence of a citizen of the Empire in the unit. She has lost a son to Imperial forces. She did not take well to our association with Azan, and threatened to report it to the local authorities. Keniroh had a personal talk with her, and has assured me that little will come of it. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: War without a greater purpose is the worst of war.
-day341:
As best as we can gather, Mr. Rurik Harlow vanished from existence four months ago at the intersection of two major roads. Current whereabouts unknown. Those that witnessed the event have warned us against investigating further, lest we incur the wrath of the "Eldritch Brothelhood"; that is not a spelling mistake. I am certain we will have better luck tomorrow.
Conclusions: This is a very strange city.
-day 342:
We agreed to take a break from our mission today. I have taken the time to reflect on life. Hatchet once said that the purpose of life is living. I have held that Emotions are what make life possible, what make everything possible. It is very difficult to explain the importance of Emotion to organics, who have known it in full force since their creation.
Emotions are like a rainstorm. Some people walk through it with careful protections and a mindful pace. Some walk through it without coats and seek to jump in the puddles. Some are miserable because of it. And some are sheltered from it, remaining dry and clean. But it cannot be denied that it provides life, and that the walkers in the rain are far more fortunate than anyone else.
Conclusions:
-day 343:
Tomorrow is the scheduled date of return for the others. I have acquired long-range communication tools for use by Shullat and the new battle priest. I regret that we have not located a suitable candidate for our operations, and hope that they have been more successful.
Conclusions: When failure is hard to bear, know that Friendship evens the load.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Back Home
Of all the places i have been so far, being in Ken's home village was the most accord. Our nations have been at peace for some time now, but there is still an underline distrust. I can not say I am surprised. There was many wars were our nations were on opposite sides. So i decided i should keep a low profile. For now I am going to just stay in the inn and not cause any issues.
A day has passed and we decided it would make sense to try and track down a cleric to help us out in our battle with the abalith. I have volunteered to go back to my home land and try and find one. I know there are several powerful cleric in the Empire, it is just difficult to track them down at times. I figure I will first communicate with the head of the kensi order. He will be a great resource for helping to track down an individual. I am sure I should be able to track down a willing cleric who will help suppress the abablith. In the mean time I will enjoy my little bit of time back in the empire. It will be refreshing to be back home.
A day has passed and we decided it would make sense to try and track down a cleric to help us out in our battle with the abalith. I have volunteered to go back to my home land and try and find one. I know there are several powerful cleric in the Empire, it is just difficult to track them down at times. I figure I will first communicate with the head of the kensi order. He will be a great resource for helping to track down an individual. I am sure I should be able to track down a willing cleric who will help suppress the abablith. In the mean time I will enjoy my little bit of time back in the empire. It will be refreshing to be back home.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Shullat: The Modern World
I have been asleep for ten thousand years.
I am still trying to comprehend that. Ten thousand years. So long that Al'tyr's name is no longer whispered in fear by the wicked. So long that the barbarians of the Five Rivers have created some manner of civilization, and not a bad one, at that.
But not long enough for the Aboleth to have disappeared. The one that I fought, the one who imprisoned me in my own camp, has had children. And they have remembered.
As before, there are those who fight them. It seems to be a different battle this time, fought by individuals in the shadows, rather than by armies of followers on the battlefield.
At least it is, again, a god of the sun who calls his warriors to fight for him. It was him who called me, it seems, this Pelor. I wonder at some of his faith in forgiveness, but the band that fights the Aboleth are his warriors, and they seem fierce enough, if not as organized as I might like.
Their leader, such as they have one, is a Paladin by the name of Arcadius. I write this from his homeland, where we have gone in search of a sympathetic cleric to assist us in the coming fights. It's a fine land, an orderly place.
And their technology is amazing. Between dull trips to libraries that Arcadius seems to think will impress me, I have managed to watch their army practicing maneuvers. The poorest soldier who fight for them has armor made out of something called steel, a metal as strong as my dragon scale armor. Their weapons are made of the same stuff, strong and light enough to carry through the dessert for days.
The tactics have changed, too, with the changed in armor, though the basics are the same. Get close to the enemy, stick the sharp in end of a weapon in him until he dies. Men still need to be commanded, or they fail. An army without discipline is still an army barely worth mentioning.
I hope to convince Arcadius to allow me to participate in his land's maneuvers. It seems as though it may be the one place that will still feel familiar, the one place where I still belong.
I was made to lead men into battle. No matter how long the world has aged, I do not think it has lost its need for men such as that.
So long as wickedness and chaos exist in the world, I do not believe it ever will.
I am still trying to comprehend that. Ten thousand years. So long that Al'tyr's name is no longer whispered in fear by the wicked. So long that the barbarians of the Five Rivers have created some manner of civilization, and not a bad one, at that.
But not long enough for the Aboleth to have disappeared. The one that I fought, the one who imprisoned me in my own camp, has had children. And they have remembered.
As before, there are those who fight them. It seems to be a different battle this time, fought by individuals in the shadows, rather than by armies of followers on the battlefield.
At least it is, again, a god of the sun who calls his warriors to fight for him. It was him who called me, it seems, this Pelor. I wonder at some of his faith in forgiveness, but the band that fights the Aboleth are his warriors, and they seem fierce enough, if not as organized as I might like.
Their leader, such as they have one, is a Paladin by the name of Arcadius. I write this from his homeland, where we have gone in search of a sympathetic cleric to assist us in the coming fights. It's a fine land, an orderly place.
And their technology is amazing. Between dull trips to libraries that Arcadius seems to think will impress me, I have managed to watch their army practicing maneuvers. The poorest soldier who fight for them has armor made out of something called steel, a metal as strong as my dragon scale armor. Their weapons are made of the same stuff, strong and light enough to carry through the dessert for days.
The tactics have changed, too, with the changed in armor, though the basics are the same. Get close to the enemy, stick the sharp in end of a weapon in him until he dies. Men still need to be commanded, or they fail. An army without discipline is still an army barely worth mentioning.
I hope to convince Arcadius to allow me to participate in his land's maneuvers. It seems as though it may be the one place that will still feel familiar, the one place where I still belong.
I was made to lead men into battle. No matter how long the world has aged, I do not think it has lost its need for men such as that.
So long as wickedness and chaos exist in the world, I do not believe it ever will.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 323b-328
-day324:
Yesterday was very eventful. We engaged an Egoist Aboleth in combat, and have forced it to retreat from its base in the Ruined Island of the Egoist Aboleth. While the exact location of its point of retreat is unknown, it is deep underwater and accessible by means of a dedicated teleport circle within the base. We have also recovered a series of clay tablets with ancient writing on them, as well as tablets in Celestial that are historical records. Arkadesh has recovered a holy relic inside the ruins of a Temple of Pelor. The weapon is suitable for use by Pelor worshippers, and Arkadesh has claimed it for use on the battlefield. Azan and Bael'thas have been exceptional in advance guard. Until recently, I was blinded by the Egoist Aboleth and unable to report. Keniroh and Ramona are dead, due to the Egoist Aboleth's defensive magics. Their structural damage was heavy; they are awaiting reactivation in jars. Sztuczka has returned, and has commandeered our travel contract with Thorson, as well as the vessel involved. Thorson is nowhere to be found. Sztuczka has not told us about what happened, however, entries in Thorson's captain's log indicated an impending betrayal on his part. I suppose she is merely being modest about her act of bravery, though her request of Thorson's fee is contrary to this observation. However, she is providing safe transport to and from our objective destination; honoring what is now her contract should be no problem.
Conclusions: No land is safe from the aboleth. No aboleth is safe from us. Therefore, no land is safe from us. This is a poor conclusion.
-day328:
We have returned to Stonekeep. Attempts to reactivate the dead have met with partial success. Keniroh is back, but Ramona was restored with water in her mouth and without her soul. Keniroh has informed us that Umberlee, the much-revered and feared Goddess of Fucking Whale Piss, has claimed her soul for Her own. I can only hope it was done for the occupation of a positive afterlife. Plans for a resupply in Tir'Nir'Nea are being made.
Conclusions: Final deactivation of others is never easy to accept.
Yesterday was very eventful. We engaged an Egoist Aboleth in combat, and have forced it to retreat from its base in the Ruined Island of the Egoist Aboleth. While the exact location of its point of retreat is unknown, it is deep underwater and accessible by means of a dedicated teleport circle within the base. We have also recovered a series of clay tablets with ancient writing on them, as well as tablets in Celestial that are historical records. Arkadesh has recovered a holy relic inside the ruins of a Temple of Pelor. The weapon is suitable for use by Pelor worshippers, and Arkadesh has claimed it for use on the battlefield. Azan and Bael'thas have been exceptional in advance guard. Until recently, I was blinded by the Egoist Aboleth and unable to report. Keniroh and Ramona are dead, due to the Egoist Aboleth's defensive magics. Their structural damage was heavy; they are awaiting reactivation in jars. Sztuczka has returned, and has commandeered our travel contract with Thorson, as well as the vessel involved. Thorson is nowhere to be found. Sztuczka has not told us about what happened, however, entries in Thorson's captain's log indicated an impending betrayal on his part. I suppose she is merely being modest about her act of bravery, though her request of Thorson's fee is contrary to this observation. However, she is providing safe transport to and from our objective destination; honoring what is now her contract should be no problem.
Conclusions: No land is safe from the aboleth. No aboleth is safe from us. Therefore, no land is safe from us. This is a poor conclusion.
-day328:
We have returned to Stonekeep. Attempts to reactivate the dead have met with partial success. Keniroh is back, but Ramona was restored with water in her mouth and without her soul. Keniroh has informed us that Umberlee, the much-revered and feared Goddess of Fucking Whale Piss, has claimed her soul for Her own. I can only hope it was done for the occupation of a positive afterlife. Plans for a resupply in Tir'Nir'Nea are being made.
Conclusions: Final deactivation of others is never easy to accept.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Bane Ragnar's Family...
Well it appears we are good at killing of Ragnar's family. Let me explain. We Found another abalith. As we were fighting it it used an ability that linked it's heal to others in the parts. At this point Arcadius charged and made a inspiration attack. I think that is the hardest i have seen him hit anything. The problem was as he hit it both our caster brow up. I do not think i have seen a body ever do that. It will hunt my dreams i am sure. In the mean time we tried chasing down the abalith, since it ran. We where not able to find it. Instead Crunch was blinded and we found ourselves in a very old under water city. As far as we have been able to determine it was the first city of the abalith in the previous war. Anyway, we are back in town raising people and there are talks about moving on to buy some more gear. For now I wish Pelor protection for all of Ragnar's family in the after life. They fought well and deserve only the best.
Shullat: Awakening
Al'tyr, why have you forsaken me?
How long have I been here?
So close. I was so close to success, now this.
Men. There are men. Looking. Not looking. Pretending I'm not here. Studying me.
Darkness. How long have I been here?
Light. A reminder of the might of Al'tyr. Men. Staring at me. I want to roar at them, but I can't.
Darkness. Forgotten again.
A booming roar. The voice of a dragon.
Light. The light of Al'tyr. Champions of Al'tyr.
The dragon is tiny. How long have I been here? What has become of them?
Have they come to free me?
The tiny dragon breathes cracks in my prison. Perhaps.
No. They leave. Darkness again. Al'tyr knows no mercy for failure.
Darkness. How long have I been here? I am lost again.
A voice in the darkness. A light, so dim. A light that I know.
Al'tyr has remembered me.
He says that I am... forgiven?
This is not the voice of Al'tyr the merciless, but it is his light.
He says he is Al'tyr. He says he is Pelor. He says I must aid the others.
Which others?
My prison shatters. I am free.
But where am I? How long have I been kept prisoner?
Has the aboleth already won?
I must find my squadron. I pray it's not too late.
How long have I been here?
So close. I was so close to success, now this.
Men. There are men. Looking. Not looking. Pretending I'm not here. Studying me.
Darkness. How long have I been here?
Light. A reminder of the might of Al'tyr. Men. Staring at me. I want to roar at them, but I can't.
Darkness. Forgotten again.
A booming roar. The voice of a dragon.
Light. The light of Al'tyr. Champions of Al'tyr.
The dragon is tiny. How long have I been here? What has become of them?
Have they come to free me?
The tiny dragon breathes cracks in my prison. Perhaps.
No. They leave. Darkness again. Al'tyr knows no mercy for failure.
Darkness. How long have I been here? I am lost again.
A voice in the darkness. A light, so dim. A light that I know.
Al'tyr has remembered me.
He says that I am... forgiven?
This is not the voice of Al'tyr the merciless, but it is his light.
He says he is Al'tyr. He says he is Pelor. He says I must aid the others.
Which others?
My prison shatters. I am free.
But where am I? How long have I been kept prisoner?
Has the aboleth already won?
I must find my squadron. I pray it's not too late.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
The Sunken City
We arrived at the ruined city, which proved to be half above water and half below. After some discussion of the best route, we went underwater and began our search. The place was desolate, empty, and very very old. From the markings and strange tablets we found, we think it may be as much as fifteen to twenty thousand years old. It inspires awe.
Our search went with surprising speed. We found a building with a closed door, and within, an Aboleth! We were immediately suspicious, for it seemed far too easy. We attacked the foul thing, then began to suspect it was merely some kind of clone or double. In any case, it escaped by magic. Pursuing below, we went deep beneath the earth, though still in water. There after much searching, we found a being in the form of a Sea Elf. We suspected who it might truly be. Thinking what was to come, I prayed for divine sacrifice for the coming battle, accepting the harm I would take. Indeed battle soon commenced.
The thing changed shape into a black dragon! Bael'thas shot it to great effect with his arrows, but it then cast some psionic spell or power of no immediate apparent effect. Oh how we were to learn otherwise! I charged the thing, and calling upon Lord Pelor, dealth the Aboleth-Dragon a mighty blow, I felt more power course through me in that strike than perhaps any I have ever dealt! Alas! The thing lived, and as our foes seem always to do, disappeared with magic.
O' Pelor, O' my friends, forgive me for my rashness! The psionic power cast by the evil one was such that the damage of my attack was taken to equal degree by two of my companions! Ramona and Keniroh were instantly slain, turned to bloody fragments in a moment! Aia'a, the cursed irony!
We searched far and wide through the city for the Aboleth, finding an ancient temple of Pelor and a magic circle of teleportation. Passing through that we found what was apparently the one-time city of the Aboleth, not their current stronghold, but one from the time of the first war against them. It was very deep under water, perhaps a thousand feet or more. We searched for a long time, but found no sign of it. It may well have fled by some other means to join its kin, or simply into the open ocean. Either way, it had escaped us!
We returned to the ancient city, and there at the temple of Pelor, I found a sword, untarnished by the long ages under the sea, with holy markings and a powerful aura of magic. It was embedded in the wall, and I prayed to Lord Pelor for guidance. My vision and heart told me that this item was not meant to be a decoration, but to be used in the cause of Lord Pelor once more! I carved the sword from its housing, and brought it forth with prayers of respect. It glows in my hands, and those of my friends who follow Lord Pelor, but not the others.
We also collected great wealth from the lair of the Aboleth. The full accounting of it shall hopefully be told soon.
Upon our return to the surface, and the ship, we found Sztuczka standing on the deck, but no sign of Thorsen! Truly, fate can surprise! Sztuczka explained that Thorsen was going to betray us, and she dealt with him. How good it is to see her again! I look forward to hearing the story of how she came to find us.
On the return trip, I prayed for the souls of those inadvertently slain my my attack, and made atonement.
In Stonekeep, we were able to resurrect Keniroh, but not Ramona. Her soul did not come back, no doubt blocked by her cruel goddess. However, there is hope that she is now free, somewhere among the planes. I pray that it is so.
*A*
We arrived at the ruined city, which proved to be half above water and half below. After some discussion of the best route, we went underwater and began our search. The place was desolate, empty, and very very old. From the markings and strange tablets we found, we think it may be as much as fifteen to twenty thousand years old. It inspires awe.
Our search went with surprising speed. We found a building with a closed door, and within, an Aboleth! We were immediately suspicious, for it seemed far too easy. We attacked the foul thing, then began to suspect it was merely some kind of clone or double. In any case, it escaped by magic. Pursuing below, we went deep beneath the earth, though still in water. There after much searching, we found a being in the form of a Sea Elf. We suspected who it might truly be. Thinking what was to come, I prayed for divine sacrifice for the coming battle, accepting the harm I would take. Indeed battle soon commenced.
The thing changed shape into a black dragon! Bael'thas shot it to great effect with his arrows, but it then cast some psionic spell or power of no immediate apparent effect. Oh how we were to learn otherwise! I charged the thing, and calling upon Lord Pelor, dealth the Aboleth-Dragon a mighty blow, I felt more power course through me in that strike than perhaps any I have ever dealt! Alas! The thing lived, and as our foes seem always to do, disappeared with magic.
O' Pelor, O' my friends, forgive me for my rashness! The psionic power cast by the evil one was such that the damage of my attack was taken to equal degree by two of my companions! Ramona and Keniroh were instantly slain, turned to bloody fragments in a moment! Aia'a, the cursed irony!
We searched far and wide through the city for the Aboleth, finding an ancient temple of Pelor and a magic circle of teleportation. Passing through that we found what was apparently the one-time city of the Aboleth, not their current stronghold, but one from the time of the first war against them. It was very deep under water, perhaps a thousand feet or more. We searched for a long time, but found no sign of it. It may well have fled by some other means to join its kin, or simply into the open ocean. Either way, it had escaped us!
We returned to the ancient city, and there at the temple of Pelor, I found a sword, untarnished by the long ages under the sea, with holy markings and a powerful aura of magic. It was embedded in the wall, and I prayed to Lord Pelor for guidance. My vision and heart told me that this item was not meant to be a decoration, but to be used in the cause of Lord Pelor once more! I carved the sword from its housing, and brought it forth with prayers of respect. It glows in my hands, and those of my friends who follow Lord Pelor, but not the others.
We also collected great wealth from the lair of the Aboleth. The full accounting of it shall hopefully be told soon.
Upon our return to the surface, and the ship, we found Sztuczka standing on the deck, but no sign of Thorsen! Truly, fate can surprise! Sztuczka explained that Thorsen was going to betray us, and she dealt with him. How good it is to see her again! I look forward to hearing the story of how she came to find us.
On the return trip, I prayed for the souls of those inadvertently slain my my attack, and made atonement.
In Stonekeep, we were able to resurrect Keniroh, but not Ramona. Her soul did not come back, no doubt blocked by her cruel goddess. However, there is hope that she is now free, somewhere among the planes. I pray that it is so.
*A*
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 310c-ish - 323a
-day307 + Sigil day14:
It has been a very busy period of indeterminate time. I regret that I have neglected the chronicle of my actions. I have acquired useful long-range communication tools for the unit, for improved field operations and Friendship. Armor has had some weak points reinforced, and the shield has been augmented. I am also in possession of a nice new belt. Rusty has been given a face for public interactions, though regrettably it was put sideways on the hilt. Rusty does not seem to mind, however, and has been smiling and raspberrying at many people. Some manners and etiquette training will be required. We have been discussing our next plan of attack. We will likely need to return to Subplane 3 in order to properly locate the next aboleth facility. There is also the matter of Mangy leader Nathaniel and his delivery of the final component of the artifact.
Conclusions: There is no rest for the wicked. We Are Why.
-day317:
We have returned to Ragnarr's hometown as part of his final business and debt negation. When our mission is complete, I must remember to return here and fund the construction of a statue in Ragnarr's honor. However, it is likely that he would not enjoy such an honor. Perhaps some combination of statue and keg.
Conclusions: The acts of good and noble men are to be remembered.
-day318:
We have successfully traveled to the Island Keep of the Pirates and retrieved the final component of the artifact from Nathaniel. Zero casualties. The component, a crystal, was found here by Nathaniel when he first moved into his facility. The crystal is tainted by Hatred, and we lack the sufficient ability to purge it. Nathaniel has been true to his word, and has not attacked any settlements in the Land of the 5 Rivers. We have agreed to not use the power of the artifact against the pirate forces. As for the aboleth, Nathaniel has also provided us with the location of a guide who can lead us to the next of their fortresses. His name is Thorson, and he is in Stonekeep. We have thusly made an agreement with Thorson to transport us there by boat. While in the city, we consulted with Hrefna on the conditions of the next fortress. It looks to be well fortified against magical intrusions, but receives regular supply shipments from off-island sources. This aboleth is known as the Egoist Aboleth. I am beginning to like Nathaniel. He understands that against a common enemy, all must unite to fight, and perhaps become all the nobler for it. He also has a neat taste in desks.
Conclusions: The defense of planes makes for unusual 'bed' fellows.
-day323-A:
We have arrived at the Ruined Island of the Egoist Aboleth, and are preparing to disembark. Thorson will remain nearby with his boat. If this journal is found among the remains of a number of sentients, BE WARNED. DANGER IS PRESENT HERE.
-day323-B:
We have engaged the aboleth and forced it into retreat. Keniroh has located the Egoist aboleth in two different places. While this may be some form of deception, Keniroh believes the Egoist can manufacture duplicates of itself. Also, Cuttlefish are very Friendly, and sticky.
It has been a very busy period of indeterminate time. I regret that I have neglected the chronicle of my actions. I have acquired useful long-range communication tools for the unit, for improved field operations and Friendship. Armor has had some weak points reinforced, and the shield has been augmented. I am also in possession of a nice new belt. Rusty has been given a face for public interactions, though regrettably it was put sideways on the hilt. Rusty does not seem to mind, however, and has been smiling and raspberrying at many people. Some manners and etiquette training will be required. We have been discussing our next plan of attack. We will likely need to return to Subplane 3 in order to properly locate the next aboleth facility. There is also the matter of Mangy leader Nathaniel and his delivery of the final component of the artifact.
Conclusions: There is no rest for the wicked. We Are Why.
-day317:
We have returned to Ragnarr's hometown as part of his final business and debt negation. When our mission is complete, I must remember to return here and fund the construction of a statue in Ragnarr's honor. However, it is likely that he would not enjoy such an honor. Perhaps some combination of statue and keg.
Conclusions: The acts of good and noble men are to be remembered.
-day318:
We have successfully traveled to the Island Keep of the Pirates and retrieved the final component of the artifact from Nathaniel. Zero casualties. The component, a crystal, was found here by Nathaniel when he first moved into his facility. The crystal is tainted by Hatred, and we lack the sufficient ability to purge it. Nathaniel has been true to his word, and has not attacked any settlements in the Land of the 5 Rivers. We have agreed to not use the power of the artifact against the pirate forces. As for the aboleth, Nathaniel has also provided us with the location of a guide who can lead us to the next of their fortresses. His name is Thorson, and he is in Stonekeep. We have thusly made an agreement with Thorson to transport us there by boat. While in the city, we consulted with Hrefna on the conditions of the next fortress. It looks to be well fortified against magical intrusions, but receives regular supply shipments from off-island sources. This aboleth is known as the Egoist Aboleth. I am beginning to like Nathaniel. He understands that against a common enemy, all must unite to fight, and perhaps become all the nobler for it. He also has a neat taste in desks.
Conclusions: The defense of planes makes for unusual 'bed' fellows.
-day323-A:
We have arrived at the Ruined Island of the Egoist Aboleth, and are preparing to disembark. Thorson will remain nearby with his boat. If this journal is found among the remains of a number of sentients, BE WARNED. DANGER IS PRESENT HERE.
-day323-B:
We have engaged the aboleth and forced it into retreat. Keniroh has located the Egoist aboleth in two different places. While this may be some form of deception, Keniroh believes the Egoist can manufacture duplicates of itself. Also, Cuttlefish are very Friendly, and sticky.
Journal of Arcadius
Enemy of my Enemy?
Why are there so few fighting the Aboleth who are of good clean conscience? Why are there so many who seem to be no better than the lesser evil? We have met so few true friends, and so many questionable allies of convenience. We have made pacts of neutrality with evil beings who would better be destroyed! From Melrik to robed wizards conducting cruel experiments, a Red Dragon, Yuan-ti, an enemy wizard, a lich, and now pirates!
It is as if some distant, inscrutable, malevolent power were toying with us, over and over, as if it were all a game.
Nathaniel, the pirate king, was at least good to his word, and provided us with the remaining piece of the staff. We now have all three in what shall hopefully prove friendly hands, and will assemble them soon. In the meantime, we know the location of the Aboleth Egoist, and are traveling there to make our attack. We are doing so in the company of one who knows those waters and is willing to take the risk, a wicked pirate or mercenary named Thorsen, referred to us by Nathaniel. He asks only for a share of whatever wealth we salvage from the Aboleth's stronghold. But... can he be trusted?
Lord Pelor, guide thy servant! I vow to thee that when this struggle is concluded and the Aboleth slain, I shall deal with other evils of the world.
*A*
Why are there so few fighting the Aboleth who are of good clean conscience? Why are there so many who seem to be no better than the lesser evil? We have met so few true friends, and so many questionable allies of convenience. We have made pacts of neutrality with evil beings who would better be destroyed! From Melrik to robed wizards conducting cruel experiments, a Red Dragon, Yuan-ti, an enemy wizard, a lich, and now pirates!
It is as if some distant, inscrutable, malevolent power were toying with us, over and over, as if it were all a game.
Nathaniel, the pirate king, was at least good to his word, and provided us with the remaining piece of the staff. We now have all three in what shall hopefully prove friendly hands, and will assemble them soon. In the meantime, we know the location of the Aboleth Egoist, and are traveling there to make our attack. We are doing so in the company of one who knows those waters and is willing to take the risk, a wicked pirate or mercenary named Thorsen, referred to us by Nathaniel. He asks only for a share of whatever wealth we salvage from the Aboleth's stronghold. But... can he be trusted?
Lord Pelor, guide thy servant! I vow to thee that when this struggle is concluded and the Aboleth slain, I shall deal with other evils of the world.
*A*
Journal of Arcadius
The War in Bedlam
We journeyed to Bedlam and encountered indeed the madness we'd been led to expect. It seems there is also some sort of struggle going on there, a struggle covert and just under the surface of events. One side was, perhaps, friendly to us, and the other decidedly hostile. We met raving prophets and furtive madmen. We were pursued by a sly cloaked figure, we were given a box with some kind of poisonous magical object in the form of an insect, and we were attacked treacherously by ragged figures in an alley whom we had greeted peaceably.
The figures proved to be hags, summoning demons and fell magic!
We fought them and rid the planes of their foulness, save one that escaped to a house of madness and magic. There we pursued, while capturing items we thought belonged to the hag. However, the place proved to be inhabited by a strange chaotic spirit who claimed to be its owner. He, or it, called us thieves and harassed us with powerless illusions. Taking it at its word, we returned the items, and it, in turn, claimed to call the hag.
We fought her once more, both she and we passing through walls and up and down floors via magic. The battle ran on and the mad powers of this place did not smile on us! At last however, we nearly slew her, but in the end she escaped.
Leaving this place, we met a silent old man who seemed a sort of guide, and this one indeed took us to the place, very near the gate of madness itself, where the stone was kept. This we took, and fleeing by magic, quickly left Bedlam and its vile chaos.
Back in Sigil, we turned the stone over to the psychic surgeon, who thereby considered our debt paid, and even offered us free services for a time. Likely, alas, we shall need them. Our mission was not without profit, for certain items seized from the fallen hags proved to be of great value, and we were able to replenish our depleted funds, re-equip, and pay our debts.
However, now the Lords of Bedlam are our foes.
*A*
We journeyed to Bedlam and encountered indeed the madness we'd been led to expect. It seems there is also some sort of struggle going on there, a struggle covert and just under the surface of events. One side was, perhaps, friendly to us, and the other decidedly hostile. We met raving prophets and furtive madmen. We were pursued by a sly cloaked figure, we were given a box with some kind of poisonous magical object in the form of an insect, and we were attacked treacherously by ragged figures in an alley whom we had greeted peaceably.
The figures proved to be hags, summoning demons and fell magic!
We fought them and rid the planes of their foulness, save one that escaped to a house of madness and magic. There we pursued, while capturing items we thought belonged to the hag. However, the place proved to be inhabited by a strange chaotic spirit who claimed to be its owner. He, or it, called us thieves and harassed us with powerless illusions. Taking it at its word, we returned the items, and it, in turn, claimed to call the hag.
We fought her once more, both she and we passing through walls and up and down floors via magic. The battle ran on and the mad powers of this place did not smile on us! At last however, we nearly slew her, but in the end she escaped.
Leaving this place, we met a silent old man who seemed a sort of guide, and this one indeed took us to the place, very near the gate of madness itself, where the stone was kept. This we took, and fleeing by magic, quickly left Bedlam and its vile chaos.
Back in Sigil, we turned the stone over to the psychic surgeon, who thereby considered our debt paid, and even offered us free services for a time. Likely, alas, we shall need them. Our mission was not without profit, for certain items seized from the fallen hags proved to be of great value, and we were able to replenish our depleted funds, re-equip, and pay our debts.
However, now the Lords of Bedlam are our foes.
*A*
Monday, March 21, 2011
More deals with shady characters
We have a lead to the next abalith. We were talking with leader of the pirates, the one that the group took his desk. After giving us a piece of the staff he told us that he knew of a sailor who knows the location of one of the ababliths. So we are head back to stonekeep. There is a captain with black sails there that we need to talk to. I do not enjoy this tracking down thing. This is war is simpler. Just head to a know location and fight. All this tracking and making deals with shady characters leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Time to leave. Hopefully the boat ride will be a short one from stonekeep.
Time to leave. Hopefully the boat ride will be a short one from stonekeep.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Ramona: Looming Betrayal
We have gotten ourselves a pirate ship.
As these things often do, it comes with its very own untrustworthy pirate captain, a man named Thorson. For the rather exorbitant rate of 30% of our take, he's agreed to take us to the home of the next Aboleth on the Paladins' hit list.
I can only assume that the percentage he asked for was intended to be bargained down, but it was not my voyage, and I don't anticipate our relationship lasting to the point where we have to pay him.
A part of me wonders if his absurd rate is part of his trick. Perhaps he hopes to make his prey think that if he's already receiving such a large percentage, why would he drop them off the side of the ship and take the whole thing?
So far, he's cautious. He doesn't want to do his fighting for himself, and his greed hasn't blinded him to the likely disastrous consequences of trying to kill me on his ship.
But how long will it hold? Even if he intends, now, to honor his deal, will he still plan to when he sees the take he could have all of? And how long will it take before his good sense is overwhelmed by greed, and he makes his move?
I give him a day, if that.
With luck, I'll be able to convince Arcadius of that. If I can, then we can send the earnings back to Stone Keep by teleportation and send some of us back with Thorson. Without the goods staring him in the face, perhaps he will keep his honor.
Or, more likely, he will not. And we shall never have to pay him his ridiculous percentage.
As these things often do, it comes with its very own untrustworthy pirate captain, a man named Thorson. For the rather exorbitant rate of 30% of our take, he's agreed to take us to the home of the next Aboleth on the Paladins' hit list.
I can only assume that the percentage he asked for was intended to be bargained down, but it was not my voyage, and I don't anticipate our relationship lasting to the point where we have to pay him.
A part of me wonders if his absurd rate is part of his trick. Perhaps he hopes to make his prey think that if he's already receiving such a large percentage, why would he drop them off the side of the ship and take the whole thing?
So far, he's cautious. He doesn't want to do his fighting for himself, and his greed hasn't blinded him to the likely disastrous consequences of trying to kill me on his ship.
But how long will it hold? Even if he intends, now, to honor his deal, will he still plan to when he sees the take he could have all of? And how long will it take before his good sense is overwhelmed by greed, and he makes his move?
I give him a day, if that.
With luck, I'll be able to convince Arcadius of that. If I can, then we can send the earnings back to Stone Keep by teleportation and send some of us back with Thorson. Without the goods staring him in the face, perhaps he will keep his honor.
Or, more likely, he will not. And we shall never have to pay him his ridiculous percentage.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 309b (in the right light)
day307 + Sigil day2-B:
We have successfully returned to Sigil with the required crystal. Although thwarting rooms full of spiders, traps, and the undead, we ultimately failed to slay the vile hag that assaulted us, but drove her to a full retreat. The building itself seemed somewhat sensible at times, but ultimately proved to be set against us as well. During this time, Ramona exhibited a desire to engage in theft. No one should rob houses, even mentally unstable ones. I may have to discuss this with her if the behavior continues.
After concluding operations in the house, Ramona was able to divine information as to the general whereabouts of the crystal which led to our encounter with an old organic who led us to the crystal's location. We then gated out of the city, where we encountered a illusion of an enemy combatant. This illusion stated that we stole the gem from the Barons of Bedlam and that we must return it immediately. Given that these barons employ cruel tactics against their enemies, I do not see an issue with the so-called 'theft' of the crystal.
Our funds have been very much improved by the day's activities, and tomorrow we shall begin spending it towards equipment upgrades for our war against the aboleth. Now that I have proven to Rusty that its sentience is not a dire novelty amongst the others, I will seek to refit it with a symbol of Emotion and a proper face with which to address others. I have considered christening Rusty with the title of the Blade of Emotional Conation, though it has expressed interest in something shorter.
We have successfully returned to Sigil with the required crystal. Although thwarting rooms full of spiders, traps, and the undead, we ultimately failed to slay the vile hag that assaulted us, but drove her to a full retreat. The building itself seemed somewhat sensible at times, but ultimately proved to be set against us as well. During this time, Ramona exhibited a desire to engage in theft. No one should rob houses, even mentally unstable ones. I may have to discuss this with her if the behavior continues.
After concluding operations in the house, Ramona was able to divine information as to the general whereabouts of the crystal which led to our encounter with an old organic who led us to the crystal's location. We then gated out of the city, where we encountered a illusion of an enemy combatant. This illusion stated that we stole the gem from the Barons of Bedlam and that we must return it immediately. Given that these barons employ cruel tactics against their enemies, I do not see an issue with the so-called 'theft' of the crystal.
Our funds have been very much improved by the day's activities, and tomorrow we shall begin spending it towards equipment upgrades for our war against the aboleth. Now that I have proven to Rusty that its sentience is not a dire novelty amongst the others, I will seek to refit it with a symbol of Emotion and a proper face with which to address others. I have considered christening Rusty with the title of the Blade of Emotional Conation, though it has expressed interest in something shorter.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tupper's spirt is trapped in a house?
Well I might have found something more annoying then Tupper. I am referring to the living house. Not only did it try and bait us but it would not shut up. It just kept talking and talking. That aside other then playing follow the wizard we were able to chase down and almost kill the wizard. He teleported away, apparently back to upper part of town. We decided at this point that he would not be bothering us for a while so we continued our search.
After sometime of search with an old man following us, someone decided to ask the man following us. Pelor be praised he knew were it was. After finding it we took it and got out of the town. We did receive a warning thou. It appears we have made some new enemies. More importantly we have paid off our debt to the surgeon. Now comes tracking down the next abalith.
After sometime of search with an old man following us, someone decided to ask the man following us. Pelor be praised he knew were it was. After finding it we took it and got out of the town. We did receive a warning thou. It appears we have made some new enemies. More importantly we have paid off our debt to the surgeon. Now comes tracking down the next abalith.
Ramona: Post-Bedlam
I think I'm beginning to see what Ragnarr saw in this bunch. There's something strangely endearing about them.
It's like the puppy my parent's foolishly bought me when I was small.
I think they thought it would protect me from the predators they thought haunted the shoreline. And he might have done a good job of that that. He was a big dog, strong, with a killer grip and sharp teeth.
My father learned this well. We never did see any predators, but Bucky had a great love for my father's boots. And for pissing in my parents bed, and eating anything that was left on a counter, or on a plate, or in a poorly-closed container on the kitchen counter.
It wasn't that he was particularly good at getting into things. He just couldn't seem to figure out that he wasn't supposed to be on the kitchen counter, and he was too clumsy not to knock everything off once he was there.
He never figured out how doors worked, either. If the door was closed, he would just run at it, full speed, over and over, and smash his face into it until either someone let him out or he broke the door again.
By the gods, did he break a lot of doors.
Bucky never did learn his own name, either. Or to come when I called.
If he had, he might not have stayed on that sandbar. If he was smart enough to swim, he might have made it back to shore, even with the tide coming in.
Umberlee has little respect for loyal, strong, and stupid. But she does like sacrifices, and likes flattery and worship from those who would otherwise shun her.
I'm sure my father thought he had hidden his makeshift shrine well. He was never good at keeping things from me.
And now I find myself with an entire group of poorly house-trained Buckies.
I can only hope that Umberlee hasn't noticed them enough to care, and that she doesn't have it out for them.
If she does, they might as well give up now.
It's like the puppy my parent's foolishly bought me when I was small.
I think they thought it would protect me from the predators they thought haunted the shoreline. And he might have done a good job of that that. He was a big dog, strong, with a killer grip and sharp teeth.
My father learned this well. We never did see any predators, but Bucky had a great love for my father's boots. And for pissing in my parents bed, and eating anything that was left on a counter, or on a plate, or in a poorly-closed container on the kitchen counter.
It wasn't that he was particularly good at getting into things. He just couldn't seem to figure out that he wasn't supposed to be on the kitchen counter, and he was too clumsy not to knock everything off once he was there.
He never figured out how doors worked, either. If the door was closed, he would just run at it, full speed, over and over, and smash his face into it until either someone let him out or he broke the door again.
By the gods, did he break a lot of doors.
Bucky never did learn his own name, either. Or to come when I called.
If he had, he might not have stayed on that sandbar. If he was smart enough to swim, he might have made it back to shore, even with the tide coming in.
Umberlee has little respect for loyal, strong, and stupid. But she does like sacrifices, and likes flattery and worship from those who would otherwise shun her.
I'm sure my father thought he had hidden his makeshift shrine well. He was never good at keeping things from me.
And now I find myself with an entire group of poorly house-trained Buckies.
I can only hope that Umberlee hasn't noticed them enough to care, and that she doesn't have it out for them.
If she does, they might as well give up now.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Journal of Crunch, Day 309a (if you squint)
-day307 + Sigil day2-A:
We have arrived at Bedlam. It has been somewhat disconcerting; I have not witnessed a single wholly flat table so far. There are prophets and preachers on many street corners, and a wide variety of unknown objects for sale. The architects of this city require an overhaul. We have encountered enemy forces of unknown origin, with the potential capability of generating hostile but mentally unstable organics for use against us. They attempted to waylay us with an organic insect placed inside a non-local box, with no casualties. When politely confronted, they responded with destructive magic and the summoning of demons. We defeated all but one of them, who retreated after receiving serious injuries. Ramona has located him, and the command staff is working out the proper course of action.
We have arrived at Bedlam. It has been somewhat disconcerting; I have not witnessed a single wholly flat table so far. There are prophets and preachers on many street corners, and a wide variety of unknown objects for sale. The architects of this city require an overhaul. We have encountered enemy forces of unknown origin, with the potential capability of generating hostile but mentally unstable organics for use against us. They attempted to waylay us with an organic insect placed inside a non-local box, with no casualties. When politely confronted, they responded with destructive magic and the summoning of demons. We defeated all but one of them, who retreated after receiving serious injuries. Ramona has located him, and the command staff is working out the proper course of action.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Can't you just say hi anymore...
One day I look forward to being home. All of these crazy places I have been in the last year have made me appreciate home. In the latest location we Crunch tried to talk to a group of people to ask them questions and they tried to kill him with a magical spell. I think it was a disintegrate. I believe that is what the casters referred to it as when it was cast on me before. It is not a good feeling. Feel like it rips you from the inside out. The good thing from our encounter is we got to see some of Ramona ability. She is not a standard healer, well not like Ragnar. I believe we need to be less recklessness. She does not seem to be able to heal as powerfully as Ragnar did. Not that many could. He had a gift and before i die I will find a way to save him. For now i do not have time to reflect longer we are headed to were one of the wizards teleported to during the fight. Pelor protect us, we will need it in the coming minutes.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Ramona: In Bedlam
It seems we're in Bedlam.
I'm not entirely certain it's a good idea. On the one hand, this group of Paladins does seem to be rather under-equipped, if any of the glimpses I've managed to get of their enemies are accurate.
On the other hand, if they've truly demolished the seer, it's possible that the aboleth are shutting the gates, manning the walls, and bracing for a massive assault. The time they spend out here may be all the more time their enemies have to gather their forces, and they may find themselves fighting the three remaining aboleth altogether, rather than the one at a time that has given them so much success.
Which, for me, raises the simple question: how far am I going to take this? For that matter, how far with Umberlee allow me to take this?
She is none too happy about the aboleth, certainly. But if they were to pull in, abandon the vast majority of her seas and stop trying to take away her control, she may very well consider them defeated. In that case, she may not look too keenly on my risking my life (her life, really. It's not mine anymore) for a defeated enemy. I've managed to keep her appeased this long, it would be a shame to die now. And to die because I wanted to get myself killed doesn't make any sense at all.
Though she does like vengeance. So I suppose it depends on her mood at the moment.
A single aboleth, though, she would almost certainly approve. Easy targets are her favorite.
Either way, I suppose it's in her hands. I'll help the paladins as long as I'm able, and when I'm not, well, I hope they'll do well enough on their own.
This is their fight, after all. I'm sure the gods that chose them, strange though their sense of humor may be, chose them for a reason.
I hope that will be enough.
I'm not entirely certain it's a good idea. On the one hand, this group of Paladins does seem to be rather under-equipped, if any of the glimpses I've managed to get of their enemies are accurate.
On the other hand, if they've truly demolished the seer, it's possible that the aboleth are shutting the gates, manning the walls, and bracing for a massive assault. The time they spend out here may be all the more time their enemies have to gather their forces, and they may find themselves fighting the three remaining aboleth altogether, rather than the one at a time that has given them so much success.
Which, for me, raises the simple question: how far am I going to take this? For that matter, how far with Umberlee allow me to take this?
She is none too happy about the aboleth, certainly. But if they were to pull in, abandon the vast majority of her seas and stop trying to take away her control, she may very well consider them defeated. In that case, she may not look too keenly on my risking my life (her life, really. It's not mine anymore) for a defeated enemy. I've managed to keep her appeased this long, it would be a shame to die now. And to die because I wanted to get myself killed doesn't make any sense at all.
Though she does like vengeance. So I suppose it depends on her mood at the moment.
A single aboleth, though, she would almost certainly approve. Easy targets are her favorite.
Either way, I suppose it's in her hands. I'll help the paladins as long as I'm able, and when I'm not, well, I hope they'll do well enough on their own.
This is their fight, after all. I'm sure the gods that chose them, strange though their sense of humor may be, chose them for a reason.
I hope that will be enough.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
Sigil Yet Again
Upon our return from the Aboleth's plane, we'd found ourselves in the hometown of Ragnarr, may peace be upon him, at the temple of Pelor. It was fitting, worthy, and no surprise that he would send us there. We resurrected Crunch, Keniroh, and Bael'thas, and are now still deeper in debt.
Keniroh's curse of brain spiders, or whatever they are, seemed to have followed him even from death, so we decided to return to Sigil to visit the psychic surgeon. However first we had Ragnarr's letters to deliver.
His ex-wife, Ramona, was in Stonekeep. This was a cause for some apprehension, but upon arrival there found it to be no longer under the rule of the Aboleth's minions. It seems that Nigori, whom I'd never met, though heard much of, was in part responsible for this excellent turn of events. Ramona herself was not at all the ogress of Ragnarr's memory, and she, in most noble and worthy manner, gave us a toast to him. Whatever Ragnarr said to her in his letter, she gave little sign. She is a priestess of Umberlee, however, which baffles me, but at least that cruel and chaotic goddess is not in league with the Aboleth!
Ramona agreed to join our cause in Ragnarr's stead. It was well done, and her manner has been grave and praiseworthy throughout all of this.
In sigil, we delivered further letters: to Chris, who was sad at Ragnarr's passing, to a bartender who was pleased that we paid Ragnarr's immense bar tab. This cost most of what remained of our meager funds. The final letter was to the psychic surgeon, Anna, and its contents seemed to make her uncomfortable. I will not speculate further. She was able to cure Keniroh of his malady, but we are now in debt to her as well, at least for now. For, she has a task for us - a potentially moneymaking task.
We are to visit a place in the Outlands sitting astride a gate to the foul chaotic plane of Pandemonium, and there recover a gem.
Lord Pelor, you know my soul, and I swear upon it and my devotion to you that I did not set forth upon the path of a Paladin in search of riches, but assuredly we will need funds to continue our struggle. Please forgive me for the mercenary task I must take on!
*A*
Upon our return from the Aboleth's plane, we'd found ourselves in the hometown of Ragnarr, may peace be upon him, at the temple of Pelor. It was fitting, worthy, and no surprise that he would send us there. We resurrected Crunch, Keniroh, and Bael'thas, and are now still deeper in debt.
Keniroh's curse of brain spiders, or whatever they are, seemed to have followed him even from death, so we decided to return to Sigil to visit the psychic surgeon. However first we had Ragnarr's letters to deliver.
His ex-wife, Ramona, was in Stonekeep. This was a cause for some apprehension, but upon arrival there found it to be no longer under the rule of the Aboleth's minions. It seems that Nigori, whom I'd never met, though heard much of, was in part responsible for this excellent turn of events. Ramona herself was not at all the ogress of Ragnarr's memory, and she, in most noble and worthy manner, gave us a toast to him. Whatever Ragnarr said to her in his letter, she gave little sign. She is a priestess of Umberlee, however, which baffles me, but at least that cruel and chaotic goddess is not in league with the Aboleth!
Ramona agreed to join our cause in Ragnarr's stead. It was well done, and her manner has been grave and praiseworthy throughout all of this.
In sigil, we delivered further letters: to Chris, who was sad at Ragnarr's passing, to a bartender who was pleased that we paid Ragnarr's immense bar tab. This cost most of what remained of our meager funds. The final letter was to the psychic surgeon, Anna, and its contents seemed to make her uncomfortable. I will not speculate further. She was able to cure Keniroh of his malady, but we are now in debt to her as well, at least for now. For, she has a task for us - a potentially moneymaking task.
We are to visit a place in the Outlands sitting astride a gate to the foul chaotic plane of Pandemonium, and there recover a gem.
Lord Pelor, you know my soul, and I swear upon it and my devotion to you that I did not set forth upon the path of a Paladin in search of riches, but assuredly we will need funds to continue our struggle. Please forgive me for the mercenary task I must take on!
*A*
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Ramona: Waiting for the Paladins
Ragnarr's dead.
I'll be meeting his friends, soon. They'll probably think their delivering the news, but the bones have never been clearer.
I do mean never. The sea is rarely this forthcoming, which means I must be dealing with Umberlee. I'm sure she'd be only too happy to give me any gory detail I would like, to rub my face in it and watch me suffer.
I don't think I'll ask her. At least a Paladin might try to soften the blow. Though from what I've seen, subtlety has never been Arcadius's strong suit. It might be better to hear it from the bitch queen.
This is her price, I suppose. Thanks to her, any number of the Aboleth's fleeing minions will never make it to another fight. They thought the sea would protect them, but they didn't get that their masters were too far away to protect them from the wrath of Umberlee.
And she's been denied her wrath for too long. I suppose I should have been more active, but I thought that, sooner or later, Ragnarr was going to ask for my help. He should have known I would be able to, whatever he thought of me.
But, then, he's a stubborn ass. Or was a stubborn ass.
I wish I could blame Umberlee for what happened between us. I know he did. But I don't have that comfort.
What happened to us had begun long ago. The jellyfish only sped things up, and the child put the final nail in that coffin.
But we had drifted apart long before, and I belonged to the sea long before I belonged to Umberlee.
But it was what it was, and it was what it had to be.
And if Umberlee's vengeance can be made in Ragnarr's name, so much the better.
May she have mercy on my allies, and vengeance on my enemies, now and forever.
Journal of Crunch, Day 303d-308ish
-day304:
I remember when I first met Ragnarr. It was in a tavern. I sought him out because the locals told me he was a fine source of a wide variety of culturally-centric emotions, which proved to be true. He was very interesting to observe and proved to be a good friend, even if his Humor was misaligned. He was the first to show me the true depth of the emotion of Cursing.
As of Day 303 local time, Ragnarr is dead. Casing unrecoverable, soul location unknown. This unit was inactive at the time of his last observed act, which was severing the final junction between Subplane 3 and the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. He left a series of letters for us after his death. In the end, he hoped that I could experience drunkenness. I believe that this would be a good forgehumping trait to have at this time.
Conclusions:
-day305:
Construction of new furniture did not go well. Weapon practice gained the ire of local authorities. Gave up and retired to isolated location, only to have a fishing hook snag in an ocular. Have since engaged in general Moping at the inn for the rest of the day.
Conclusions: Do not attempt to build then assault chairs. Do not sulk in rivers. Do not die again.
-day306:
All units are fully rested. It is to be noted that Bael'thas and Keniroh were deactivated at the same time as I, and that they have also been restored to full working order. Adjustments to armor complete. Rusty has expressed concern over my recent actions, but I do not foresee issues.
While the forces of the rogue aboleth still abound in this plane, we have decided to honor Ragnarr and his sacrifice by implementing his final desires. His letters were not only addressed to us, but a variety of individuals. It is only proper to deliver them all.
Conclusions: The work of Justice is never complete.
-day307-A:
We have located Ragnarr's ex-wifeRam-mor Ramona using a lock of hair provided by Ragnarr. She is in Stonekeep, and we have travelled accordingly. The number of crystal-wearing people in the city was lower than expected. Ramona was stationed in the keep, and greeted the bad news with alcohol. According to her, the local aboleth forces were somehow distracted by a sea-based elf female in leather, allowing friendly forces to overtake and control the city. As for her, she has agreed to honor Ragnarr's request and will aid us in our missions against the aboleth.
-day307-B + Sigil day0.5:
We have returned to Sigil for further letter delivery. Ragnarr's bar tab has been paid in full. Chris and Lief are doing fine. The psionicengi ist from before, Anna, was also due a letter, which was fortunate as we also needed to run diagnostics on Keniroh. Keniroh's condition, if left untreated, would have destroyed his brain in less than a standard year. Due to our current financial status, we have opted to run a mission for Anna as payment for his treatment.
Conclusions: Ramona is not infernal as was expected, nor is she particularly dog-like. We may have a new ally in the fight against the aboleth.
-day307 + Sigil day1:
Preparations. Anna has explained her mission in full: she desires a special crystal in the city of Bedlam, on edge of the Plane of Pandemonium. We are to travel there tomorrow and acquire it.
Nathanial, the leader of the Mangy privateer division, has contacted us. He claims that he has the final piece of the artifact. Whether or not he does, and whether or not we are to actually receive it is unknown at this time. The odds of this being a ruse to locate the other pieces is very high.
Conclusions: Pending.
I remember when I first met Ragnarr. It was in a tavern. I sought him out because the locals told me he was a fine source of a wide variety of culturally-centric emotions, which proved to be true. He was very interesting to observe and proved to be a good friend, even if his Humor was misaligned. He was the first to show me the true depth of the emotion of Cursing.
As of Day 303 local time, Ragnarr is dead. Casing unrecoverable, soul location unknown. This unit was inactive at the time of his last observed act, which was severing the final junction between Subplane 3 and the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. He left a series of letters for us after his death. In the end, he hoped that I could experience drunkenness. I believe that this would be a good forgehumping trait to have at this time.
Conclusions:
-day305:
Construction of new furniture did not go well. Weapon practice gained the ire of local authorities. Gave up and retired to isolated location, only to have a fishing hook snag in an ocular. Have since engaged in general Moping at the inn for the rest of the day.
Conclusions: Do not attempt to build then assault chairs. Do not sulk in rivers. Do not die again.
-day306:
All units are fully rested. It is to be noted that Bael'thas and Keniroh were deactivated at the same time as I, and that they have also been restored to full working order. Adjustments to armor complete. Rusty has expressed concern over my recent actions, but I do not foresee issues.
While the forces of the rogue aboleth still abound in this plane, we have decided to honor Ragnarr and his sacrifice by implementing his final desires. His letters were not only addressed to us, but a variety of individuals. It is only proper to deliver them all.
Conclusions: The work of Justice is never complete.
-day307-A:
We have located Ragnarr's ex-wife
-day307-B + Sigil day0.5:
We have returned to Sigil for further letter delivery. Ragnarr's bar tab has been paid in full. Chris and Lief are doing fine. The psionic
Conclusions: Ramona is not infernal as was expected, nor is she particularly dog-like. We may have a new ally in the fight against the aboleth.
-day307 + Sigil day1:
Preparations. Anna has explained her mission in full: she desires a special crystal in the city of Bedlam, on edge of the Plane of Pandemonium. We are to travel there tomorrow and acquire it.
Nathanial, the leader of the Mangy privateer division, has contacted us. He claims that he has the final piece of the artifact. Whether or not he does, and whether or not we are to actually receive it is unknown at this time. The odds of this being a ruse to locate the other pieces is very high.
Conclusions: Pending.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Journal of Arcadius
The Fallen
We fought the guardian of the third gate, a Yuan-Ti, it seemed. The thing used horrible and powerful death magic to strike down Crunch, Keniroh, and Bael'thas in a moment. The gnome vanished somewhwere, without a trace. Ragnarr, Azan, and I found ourselves the last left alive of the party! Dogwater lived too, and decided at last to fight. We charged the Yuan-Ti and with righteous fury dealt it such blows that it fled.
Ragnarr called upon Lord Pelor and destroyed the third gate. We traveled underneath the maze in ethereal form to escape as fast as possible, returning to the first gate, our gate of entrance and of escape. A mighty battle raged between the minions of the Aboleth and the Bebelith invaders. There Ragnarr told us to flee. Alas, he himself did not, and I think could not follow, for the price of his sealing the gates was to be trapped within, on the Aboleth's plane, with swift death a certainty.
Praise be to the fallen, but I think we shall be able to resurrect them. All that is, save Ragnarr, for assuredly his unhoused soul is trapped there, with the Aboleth and its foul friends and foes.
Ragnarr, may we have victory over the Aboleth, and power thereafter to return to this place, destroy the seer, and free your soul!
Ragnarr, you were a true and worthy servant of Lord Pelor, a very hand of the Lord himself!
With courage did you act, nobly and honorably.
I mourn your passing, but know that you did what was right, could have done no other. May you someday find your peace and join Lord Pelor in the radiant light beyond.
Ragnarr, my friend, farewell.
O' Lord Pelor, I praise thee!
O' Lord Pelor, I beg thee to guide and protect your loyal servant Ragnarr, who did what was right.
O' Lord Pelor, I shall do thy will!
*A*
We fought the guardian of the third gate, a Yuan-Ti, it seemed. The thing used horrible and powerful death magic to strike down Crunch, Keniroh, and Bael'thas in a moment. The gnome vanished somewhwere, without a trace. Ragnarr, Azan, and I found ourselves the last left alive of the party! Dogwater lived too, and decided at last to fight. We charged the Yuan-Ti and with righteous fury dealt it such blows that it fled.
Ragnarr called upon Lord Pelor and destroyed the third gate. We traveled underneath the maze in ethereal form to escape as fast as possible, returning to the first gate, our gate of entrance and of escape. A mighty battle raged between the minions of the Aboleth and the Bebelith invaders. There Ragnarr told us to flee. Alas, he himself did not, and I think could not follow, for the price of his sealing the gates was to be trapped within, on the Aboleth's plane, with swift death a certainty.
Praise be to the fallen, but I think we shall be able to resurrect them. All that is, save Ragnarr, for assuredly his unhoused soul is trapped there, with the Aboleth and its foul friends and foes.
Ragnarr, may we have victory over the Aboleth, and power thereafter to return to this place, destroy the seer, and free your soul!
Ragnarr, you were a true and worthy servant of Lord Pelor, a very hand of the Lord himself!
With courage did you act, nobly and honorably.
I mourn your passing, but know that you did what was right, could have done no other. May you someday find your peace and join Lord Pelor in the radiant light beyond.
Ragnarr, my friend, farewell.
O' Lord Pelor, I praise thee!
O' Lord Pelor, I beg thee to guide and protect your loyal servant Ragnarr, who did what was right.
O' Lord Pelor, I shall do thy will!
*A*
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Ragnarr Letters: Psychic Surgeon
(Written in very shaky handwriting)
To: Anna
Dear Lassie,
I'm not really sure if I should be writing this, but I'm going to die, soon. By the time you get this, I'll probably *be* dead. So what the hell.
I think I love you, lass. Or, did love you, I guess, since I'll be dead when you read this. I'm not really sure which is right. I guess I might still love you, wherever I end up.
I know you never really knew me at all. It wasn't like I had much of a chance to take you out for a drink or whatever. But you must have known, being in my head and all, that it was... well, I liked you in my head, I guess. I can't really say why, it just... damn. I liked it. Perhaps a bit more that I should have.
Ah, hell. I've probably said too much about that. Should be writing this anyway.
Anyway, I just... I thought you should know, lass, that if I ever come back, somehow, I'd like to take you out for a drink, take you to my rooms, and let you dig around in my head while I'm in your...
I should stop writing this, shouldn't I?
-Ragnarr
Ragnarr Letters: Tavern Keeper in my Favorite Bar
(Written in somewhat shaky handwriting)
To: The Tavern Keeper of my Favorite Bar in Sigil
If you're getting this, it's because I've died before I could settle up my tab with you. The lad who carries this likely has some money that would have been mine, if I was alive, and he'll be happy to pay my tab for me. Perhaps, if you asked him with a lot of references to honor and my memory, he'd even be willing to pitch in for the purchase of a Ragnarr Memorial Bench, for the spot where I always used to sit.
Cheers,
Ragnarr
Ragnarr Letters: Jacob
Jacob,
If this gets to you, I hope it's without you and Arcadius getting into a fight. I don't think he ever really much liked you, but I trust he's an honorable enough bastard to find you and give this to you without trying to tear your head off.
You're a good lad. You've got a good bit of power, and no matter what anyone says about you, you always tried to do your best with it while I knew you. And don't think that just because I'm dead, I'm not going to expect you to do exactly that, lad: use your power for good.
Because you know it's right. And because I'm a ghost now, and I'll bloody find you while you sleep if you don't.
Do good things, lad,
Ragnarr.
Ragnarr Letters: Chris
Chris,
I'm sorry I won't get to say a proper goodbye to you. I hope you're doing well on the planes, and tell your mother that I kept you alive and well as long as I could. You're getting to be a damn fine wizard, and whatever you do, I hope you use that for good.
Good luck, lad,
Ragnarr.
Ragnarr Letters: Ramona
Ramona,
If this has been delivered, lassie, it's because I'm dead. I expect you'll be pleased about that.
If you expect to see one more cent of what you say I owe you, well, the old dwarven phrase "over my dead body" comes to mind. Not that you'll even find my body.
It was lovely while it lasted, but if there's one peace I find in death it's that I'm far, far away from you.
Ragnarr
Ragnarr Letters: Arcadius
Arcadius,
If you're reading this, then it's probably worked. The seer's cast off, his plane's gone to shit, and you're on your way.
I'll not be seeing you again. Not in this life and not in the next.
We are all of us Pelor's chosen, and he's never asked a man to do more than he can. For some, he asks for only a wee bit of help every now and then. For some, he asks for their sacrifice, perhaps their lives.
But you and I, lad, we're not ordinary people. Pelor isn't some distant bastard we serve. We *are* Pelor, his arms and his mouth. When he wants his will done in the world, *we do do his will*, not the other way around.
It took me too damn long to realize that. I spent a long time in the planes, far from Pelor, I thought.
He was there. Because *I* was there, and where I go, Pelor goes with me.
His will is mine. And for giving him that, he lets me do a damn large bit of good in the world.
There's a trade off. For lads like us, for me and for you, he may ask us to give up even our souls, to walk so much in his light that we'd be willing to never look at it again.
If you're reading this, Pelor's asked that of me. And I'll go, with a smile on my face and peace in my damn head for once. Because I know, clearer than I've ever known, that I'm doing the will of Pelor.
Now I know that you'll be needing to move quickly against the Aboleth, now. But if you could spare a moment and have the wizard teleport you to at least deliver the one to my ex-wife (Ramona. Her name is Ramona), it would be very nice of you. The other letters to lads who aren't here can probably wait until things are done, if they need to.
This is your fight now, lad. Good luck.
Ragnarr
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