-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.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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*
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