Habololy Forum
Icefian Campaign => Reluctant Heroes => Topic started by: whitesword on May 26, 2020, 08:50:37 PM
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A long overdue update of what has transpired, and to a lesser extent what you have been up to, since you returned from the Outlands.
After your return Kerkley, Rubius, Thadeus and Benlin return to the Guardian Vale. Ari had expected to oppose one of Nilas’anor’s servants, but much to his joy, has been sent to defeat a pair of would be heirs to Falan’s undead aspect. Parker has been working on his long overdue paper in the recovery of the Throne of Aruvatar (Allanda sends mental pricks every few weeks), doing a little teaching and whatever else Parker does with his time. Sha’ar reports back to the embassy in Portet and then makes the perilous voyage home to Layraedia where she receives a promotion in rank. The government sends her back to Portet by teleportation with the embassy’s new staff. Asinjin, who did not make the journey to the Outlands, has been sculpting at his secret home, but checks in with all of you from time to time. (And assisted with one of Ari’s quests).
In the intervening time much has happened in Icefia. Arion and Lira announced the birth of their first child, Alcios , on the Day of Light 789. Though not public knowledge, Lira is again with child and expected to give birth in late 790.
As the Kingdom’s navy saw little action in the war against the Scaled Elves, Arion has sent two fleets East to patrol the sea lanes between Icefia, Port Springs and Port Talp. Relations with Kathow-Tio-Horari are poor, particularly after the supposedly pacifist nation entered an alliance with Thalmeret. The last fleet remains patrolling the southern coast of Icefia, especially the approaches to Portet.
In the west, a clear division of the lands has emerged. The lands firmly in control of the Kingdom are stable and relatively peaceful. They remain a protectorate of the Kingdom. High General Amana Rosetree succeeded Ari as governor and has managed well. There have been talks of granting the elves their own government but no clear leader has emerged. North of the protectorate there are a few hundred square miles that are unsafe for travelers. Those lands are home to dozens of elven settlements and the remnants of the elven army. The folk of the west have taken to calling them the Strifelands.
At the northern border of those lands lies Greysnows. None venture there and the army is in no shape to invade. A perpetual wall of blizzard intensity snow, along with thunder and lightning, clearly marks the border.
None of Nilas’anor’s servants have been seen since the Severing. The leaders of the Kingdom, the Guardians and their allies are concerned but thus far no plan has taken shape to challenge them.
In one piece of good news, all of you learn at some point that the captives who were taken to the Abyss for use in the ritual that allowed the Tanari to take their places on Habololy have been rescued.
It is now the first month of 790.
On the last day of the first week, Ari, Parker and Sha’ar receive a sending from Maglore Ovet. Greetings, Asinjin will be contacting you with the time and location of a meeting.
Everyone gets 160xp per level.
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Asinjin sends each of you, "We need travel to Shadow plane. Recover sword and find ancient tower. Will teleport get you two days. Will plan then go. Questions?"
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Asinjin sends each of you, "We need travel to Shadow plane. Recover sword and find ancient tower. Will teleport get you two days. Will plan then go. Questions?"
What sword and tower? I'll bring enough peach nectar for all.
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What sword and tower? I'll bring enough peach nectar for all.
I don't have enough sendings to reply again. Unless Whitesword wants me to start answering before the meeting when the characters are together.
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Asinjin sends each of you, "We need travel to Shadow plane. Recover sword and find ancient tower. Will teleport get you two days. Will plan then go. Questions?"
"Oh GODS, Yes. Anything is better than teaching these petulant, condescending, troglodytes. Can you come get me sooner? NO! Briftan! IDIOT! You can NOT just..."
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Before I make a very long post, are there any issues that need to be cleared/wrapped up? Speak now or forever hold your peace
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Before I make a very long post, are there any issues that need to be cleared/wrapped up? Speak now or forever hold your peace
Have our characters been awarded all the XP owed to them for past sessions? Just making sure before start up again on Monday.
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Have our characters been awarded all the XP owed to them for past sessions? Just making sure before start up again on Monday.
Yes, see pages 6 and 7 of the Phobos thread
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I believe you're referring to the 850x per level for all, but was there ever consideration for those of lower level at that time? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that was ever resolved.
Rubius and Kerkly were 18th.
Benlin and Sh'Aar were 15th.
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Extra 3000 for Sha’ar, 1400 for Kerkley and Rubius. I don’t have time to look up the cohort rules for Benlin at the moment.
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Asinjin sends each of you, "We need travel to Shadow plane. Recover sword and find ancient tower. Will teleport get you two days. Will plan then go from College. Questions?"
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Asinjin collects Sha’ar in Portet and then Parker and Ari in Phiam and brings you all to the Bardic College in Messada. Rubius, Benlin and Kerkley, along with several others are brought by Maglore.
Asinjin and company arrive first, but regardless of when you arrive, upon passing the College gate you each feel a sense of calm. Ari, who has not been here since the diplomatic dinner (if I recall correctly), does not recall the sensation from his time as a student and if it was present at the dinner it was cancelled out by that evening’s anxiety.
Asinjin leads you to the library, conspicuously avoiding the Tri-Tower on the way. The library is the 3rd largest building on campus, behind the Great Hall and the Museum. It’s a massive stone building with a seven column entrance at the top of a tall set of stairs. There you find the librarian, Gnathan Darpus, waiting for you. Parker has heard professors, including his parents and several Deans, refer to Gnathan as the smartest mortal alive. Anywhere.
“Greetings. Welcome back to the College Lord Arishimoto and master Al'Davourin El'Toruk, though you just left.†He hands Parker a piece of parchment, where you find every book and scroll you have outstanding.
He leads you down into the depths of the library. Parker has never been here and you find a work room with what is clearly a stone golem beside an open door. Inside you find Dean Thelis Hawklyn and professor Edgar Vello-Shan. Both were Parker’s mentors. Hawklyn is a tall human male in his early fifties. He has a worn leather vest over a light blue shirt and heavy pants and boots. It’s difficult to imagine him in professors robes.
Vello-Shan is a stocky half jungle elf, his green/black hair pulled back and bound. He is dressed in Icefian fashion, and has lost the top of his left ear since you last saw him. He is fit and younger than Hawklyn, but the Dean has a more formidable reputation as an adventurer.
Meanwhile, the party from the Guardian Temple likewise finds its way to the library (taking the shorter route past the Inn and Tri-Tower). Darpus greets Maglore and all of you as a group. The two of them chat quietly as you descend to the work room. Once there the three halflings, Maglore and three of your companions enter.
Darpus says: “You are welcome to remain as long as needed. Per Maglore’s request, I will lock you in, and the Dean can let you out. This room is protected by Melodie’s power and is as safe as any place on Habololy to have a conversation. “
All three of Maglore’s companions appear to be Horarian men. The first is Nisoru Metakae, who greets all of you, leans his katana on the wall behind him and takes a seat next to Ari, giving him a firm clap on the back.
The second man is only taller than the halflings, perhaps the same height as Sha’ar. He is darker skinned than Nisoru and has a mustache and goatee. He is wearing a grey gye that has been altered into a jacket. He has a Kovan fighting knife on each hip and a wakizashi on his back. He looks like he is made of iron wire and is just as tough.
The third man is taller and more powerfully built than anyone else assembled. He has a beard and his head is shaved. He has a haunted look. He is also dressed in Horarian style but upon closer inspection he is not full Horarian. After a moment those of you that were in Portet for the Severing realize that it is Roland, who you rescued and fought with you in the Temple.
Maglore is dressed in an Intorian style robe of pure white with green trim around the cuffs and hem. His cloak is Icefian blue. He leans his bronzewood staff, which seems essential to holding erect his impossibly thin frame, against the wall.
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“Greetings. Welcome back to the College Lord Arishimoto and master Al'Davourin El'Toruk, though you just left.†He hands Parker a piece of parchment, where you find every book and scroll you have outstanding.
Hahahaha...more funny for me than the last time we played these characters.
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Are they waiting for us to introduce ourselves?
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Are they waiting for us to introduce ourselves?
No, just wanted to give everyone a chance to read. Second part coming this morning.
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Once everyone takes a seat Maglore speaks: “Greetings again. It has been too long, in more than one sense. I have asked you to come because we believe there is an opportunity to strike a meaningful blow against the Enemy.
Last year, after we learned that the prisoners in the Abyss had been freed and the last of the Tanari banished, Escalon and I became concerned that we had not seen any sign of Nilas’anor’s servants for some time. Amnelli, one of Kerkley’s companions, reminded me that our enemies are immortal, or nearly so, and if they so desired could simply wait for the great heroes of this age, of which all of you are counted, to pass to their rest. We cannot allow that to happen.
Around that time, Lord Nisoru reported to the Council the results of his conversation with Lord William Summerlight, who sought to ensure the Severing was completed. Based on his report I endeavored to discover what Marius had truly intended. William reported that if the Severing had succeeded the vessel containing Falan’s evil aspects would have been banished to the Outlands. I found this hard to believe.â€
“Asinjin, may I have the sword?â€
Asinjin produces a katana. Maglore takes it and draws it smoothly from its matte black sheath. It looks as if the sword should tip him over, but he calmly holds it outstretched in one hand for a minute and then stands it on its point. It does not wobble. The blade is stone washed, even the killing edge shows no glint. The wrapping on the handle is black and grey and the guard and collar are black as well. After another minute he raps his knuckles on the table and the sword falls back into his hand. He rests it edge up on the table.
“This is Kira-Kage’yaiba, ‘the blade that kills from Shadows’. It was surrendered to us after the battle in the Temple by Roland, it’s rightful owner. From the reports of the events surrounding the Severing I found it interesting that Marius would go to such lengths to retrieve this blade for its use in the ritual. After we determined that it was not evil, despite its ominous name, Lord Nisoru and I set out to learn what we could of it. With Roland’s aid we learned that it is the weapon of his clan, the Kenai, and that it came to Habololy with the Horarians. As Roland was not raised among his people he does not know its full powers. As it was not forged on Habololy my magical investigation yielded little more. Fortunately, we are all acquainted with one of the world’s preeminent diviners, who also happens to be a master artist. As such I asked Asinjin to continue the investigation.
Would you tell our council what you have discovered?â€
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Asinjin coughs to get it out of the way in hopes he makes it through his talk without a fit.
"Thank you for the introduction and kind words."
"My investigation lead me to the upper planes. There, I communed with a deity of the Horarian pantheon of their old world, who still exists in other places. He lead me to knowledge about this sword....cough
It was forged by their last great smith, Ar’Zhen Ishiri, in a place called the Iron Tower. There he was deceived by Amat, as were most of the Horarians. He forged this blade along with a companion blade, which is common among the Horarians and these types of weapons....cough
Ar’Zhen Ishiri took his own life shortly after he learned of Amat's deception. He was last known to have been in the Iron Tower, which disappeared around the time of his death. It was a magical place that moved locations in the world but hopped to the Ethereal plane to do so....cough
I have learned that the companion blade is still in the tower, which is now located on the Plane of Shadow. The other blade likely holds some more information about this blade."
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My friends, forgive me for asking, but do any among us possess the ability to travel safely through the Plane of Shadow? If so, do we have any idea what to expect to encounter once there?
Asinjin, I think I can safely speak for everyone when I say we're all blessed to have your immense power and spell casting abilities on our side. During your commune, were you able to determine the relative power of the sword we're after? Does it have a name? Is it intelligent? If so, I'd prefer not to offend it, although I imagine it would be longing to reunite with it's sibling. Also, would this deity be willing to let us take the sword from the tower back to the Prime Material Plane?
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My friends, forgive me for asking, but do any among us possess the ability to travel safely through the Plane of Shadow? If so, do we have any idea what to expect to encounter once there?
Asinjin, I think I can safely speak for everyone when I say we're all blessed to have your immense power and spell casting abilities on our side. During your commune, were you able to determine the relative power of the sword we're after? Does it have a name? Is it intelligent? If so, I'd prefer not to offend it, although I imagine it would be longing to reunite with it's sibling. Also, would this deity be willing to let us take the sword from the tower back to the Prime Material Plane?
"They are not intelligent. The deity is not in control of the blade, nor is it his, he just had knowledge of it."
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My friends, forgive me for asking, but do any among us possess the ability to travel safely through the Plane of Shadow? If so, do we have any idea what to expect to encounter once there?
"With proper spells, we can manage. But I am not knowledgeable about the plane, so I do not know other than the obvious what to expect."
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“Greetings. Welcome back to the College Lord Arishimoto and master Al'Davourin El'Toruk, though you just left.†He hands Parker a piece of parchment, where you find every book and scroll you have outstanding.
Parker looks over the list. He seems lost in deep thought for a minute, then pulls out a quill and ink well from a pouch. He then proceeds to write the date each item was returned. All of the dates are from a few years in the past.
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Parker looks over the list. He seems lost in deep thought for a minute, then pulls out a quill and ink well from a pouch. He then proceeds to write the date each item was returned. All of the dates are from a few years in the past.
Clever...
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I have a few questions:
1. How does obtaining this weapon strike a blow at Nilas Anor?
2. Our enemy has a strong presence on the Plane of Shadow, correct?
3. When do we leave?
4. OOC - There were a bunch of magic items loot in the Phobos thread that we’re never identified or distributed. Can we address those and use the proceeds to buy stuff in the off season?
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I have a few questions:
3. When do we leave?
There is no rush.
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Asinjin coughs to get it out of the way in hopes he makes it through his talk without a fit.
"Thank you for the introduction and kind words."
"My investigation lead me to the upper planes. There, I communed with a deity of the Horarian pantheon of their old world, who still exists in other places. He lead me to knowledge about this sword....cough
It was forged by their last great smith, Ar’Zhen Ishiri, in a place called the Iron Tower. There he was deceived by Amat, as were most of the Horarians. He forged this blade along with a companion blade, which is common among the Horarians and these types of weapons....cough
Ar’Zhen Ishiri took his own life shortly after he learned of Amat's deception. He was last known to have been in the Iron Tower, which disappeared around the time of his death. It was a magical place that moved locations in the world but hopped to the Ethereal plane to do so....cough
I have learned that the companion blade is still in the tower, which is now located on the Plane of Shadow. The other blade likely holds some more information about this blade."
Nisoru and the other Horarian man react with clear surprise to your report but remain silent for now.
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My friends, forgive me for asking, but do any among us possess the ability to travel safely through the Plane of Shadow? If so, do we have any idea what to expect to encounter once there?
Maglore says: “Travel on the Plane of Shadow is as safe as our own plane, in the sense that it has no negative magical effects on mortals. As for what you may find when you arrive that is another matter. It is the denizens of the plane, almost all evil, that make the journey perilous.â€
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4. OOC - There were a bunch of magic items loot in the Phobos thread that we’re never identified or distributed. Can we address those and use the proceeds to buy stuff in the off season?
For the sake of my sanity let’s say each PC has 75k to spend in buying or having items created. The recovered items were not useful to you. It’s been over a year so anything you commissioned is finished.
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I have a few questions:
1. How does obtaining this weapon strike a blow at Nilas Anor?
2. Our enemy has a strong presence on the Plane of Shadow, correct?
Maglore continues: “The Plane of Shadow is a twisted reflection of our own and by its nature the reflection of each place on the material plane, each world, is separate from others. There is no doubt the Enemy has followers there but as he appears to have had nothing to do with the fall of the Horarian home world it is doubtful that the Tower is of any interest to him.
However, he and his followers have shown an affinity for the power of the plane, and are connected to it, which leads me to your original question.
All of you know, and some of you were present at the time, that years ago Uscis attacked the temple of Stasis in Forestall in an attempt to steal the Gemblade and kill Arion. Arion and Lyra had already eloped when Uscis arrived and he was driven off. The power of the Gemblade over creatures of evil and darkness is known across the planes so this was not surprising, if foolish.
This sword was forged on the Plane of Shadow. Other than the Gemblade, it may be the most powerful weapon from another plane on Habololy. As creatures are more vulnerable to weapons from their own plane, I believe that if we can unlock the power of this blade it can banish Iscen or Marius from Habololy. At least for 100 years if not permanently.
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For the sake of my sanity let’s say each PC has 75k to spend in buying or having items created. The recovered items were not useful to you. It’s been over a year so anything you commissioned is finished.
Which PCs were included: Kerkly, Benlin, Asinjin?
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Which PCs were included: Kerkly, Benlin, Asinjin?
This is from the battle in the Outlands, so everyone but Asinjin.
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"We will need a member of the clan with us, correct? Who are we taking?"
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Which PCs were included: Kerkly, Benlin, Asinjin?
Kerkly gives his money to help halfling war refugees in the Great Forest.
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"We will need a member of the clan with us, correct? Who are we taking?"
Roland is the only member of the clan available to us, or willing to aid us for that matter.