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.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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*
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