SolidSnake_01
Explorer
Rey's Journal
Icosial's Tomb
I find myself frustrated by the group. Perhaps it is the environment we are in. Although I am adept in the caverns of the world, I much prefer be on the surface. With trees and sunlight and heck, on top of a snowy mountain. At some point, the caves feel like they are collapsing in. I snapped at Jordan today. He was telling us the story of his undoing. He and his love were infected with the green worms. At some point after her death but before his, a devil came to make a deal. Jordan agreed and as a result, destroyed all he held dear. He has not gotten over it and he wishes to use the Rod of Seven Parts to defeat the devil he made the bargain with. Instead of empathy, I snapped at him. He didn’t deserve it and I should apologize. It has been a trying day. Another one. Maybe I should meditate on what has happened so far.
_______________
We entered the black mirror and found Treig resting. Passing through a wind tunnel, we were attacked by mist creatures, at the very least they reminded me of the wind guardians at the top of the Cairn those many days ago. But before I could respond, I saw both Treig and Etona step out of the tunnel and the hostiles blew away. So, not being suicidal at the moment, I did too. They weren’t an illusion because I felt the hit, but perhaps they are a security measure. Treig seemed familiar with this place, immediately looking for traps. Or perhaps the wall of spikes was a giveaway. Still, I am glad that he (thus far) is on our side.
It was then that the devil creature entered. I do not have words to describe him. Fiery chains that erupted from his body swung around him in a mad frenzy. Yet Treig greeted him as a friend. Jordan is his name. He withdrew his chains...into his body. It sounded terrible. My first impression of him was terrifying. I would not call him an ally or a friend. Ever.
There was a meeting with a shadow spider who called itself Fly Catcher. Not particularly creative but there you go. It has Egan, and for some odd reason, chose to show Treig the shadow prison he is currently in. Poor Treig. As a courier, all he wanted to do is deliver the case and move on. Yet a man of honor, because he could have given it to one of us once he saw Egan and he didn’t. Instead he bargained for Egan’s life. I admit I wasn’t paying close attention to the conversation. I thought I might see or not see webs and shadows. I’m pretty sure Etona saw something, but we didn’t have time to talk. I heard the Fly Catcher utter “Icosial” twice. The name feels familiar to me, but I cannot remember why. It then repeated the name a third time and said the name would deactivate the tomb’s defenses.
There was a room we needed to go through made of lightning. I felt drawn to it and knew with certainty that I could handle it. I may have misjudged how much lightning likes me or I like lightning. It still hurt. But we managed to get everyone through the room with no harm to the others. I wonder what’s changed in me. I still feel slightly off balance and am moving at variable speeds. I am much faster getting from here to there than I think I should be. I have this urge, this need for open space to run. To recenter myself and see what I can do. I am changed, I know this, yet I do not know HOW I am changed or what has changed. I am eager to find out. But first, this cave and the whims of delusional spider.
Etona was struggling. I know she does not enjoy being in closed spaces such as this. I thought for a moment that she would faint when we suggested she climb on Obi to traverse a red river. But she is stronger than she thinks and did as asked. Past the raging river, we entered a room with more doors and stone statues. As Treig walked by, a statue grabbed him. He attempted to free his arm but was unsuccessful. For a second I considered attacking it, but the name popped into my head. So as I made a move towards them, I uttered “Icosial.” To my surprise and Treig’s, the statue released him and stepped back. We found a black mirror behind the door it was guarding, similar to the one that brought us here. It is a portal, but to what we do not yet know. Jordan and Treig wanted to check out the rest of the room before we moved on. The rest of the hall outside the door was frigid. I normally would not have done this, but it was so cold I stayed close to Jordan. He may be a kind of devil but he exudes heat and fire, very useful in an ice room. In their efforts to investigate every room, they blew up a door. The explosion pushed us back and the ice floor collapsed under us. Once again, I had that moment when I moved further and faster than I thought I would. We retreated. For a moment, I thought Etona would close the gate and leave Jordan to battle the animated stone soldiers and blobs. I asked her to wait. I am not a fan of him but we do not leave allies behind. Hopefully I made the right decision. Shortly after we encountered the ghoul Fly Catcher warned us about and Treig once again, took charge. He does it naturally and is good at it. He has led men before, it is very obvious. After some bargaining and a good bit of luck, Treig took possession of the Seal. I was surprised Jordan did not volunteer himself for it. It was then that Treig pulled us together and shared a plan to trick Fly Catcher.
Treig and I entered the room, given levitation by the ghoul Moretto. He was surprisingly different from the ghouls I’ve met before. From the White City and very well spoken, he wished to go to the surface world. To explore? Cause chaos? I do not know. He knew of the green worms and spoke of a prophecy. Moretto helped us to help himself. He had not been able to get past Fly Catcher and the cave’s defenses. The levitation allowed us to float above the shadow webs that would grab at us. Fly Catcher demanded Treig place the Seal on the dias, which he refused to do until Egan was back with us. Egan emerged from the floor covered in shadow web, and was released. In the midst of this, Treig stopped and handed Egan the case. His mission, it seemed, was complete. Treig toss the Seal onto the dias and Fly Catcher knew immediately that it was fake. Treig threw his half-smoked cigar at the spider. It exploded and I had my first view of Fly Catcher. If I thought Jordan was odd, Fly Catcher was worse. I have only heard of these creatures, Dark Elf torso and head on a spider’s body. Treig jumped on it and was bitten, and was paralyzed ON the creature’s back. Etona lit up the room and destroyed the webs, allowing us to step on the ground. My attempts to attack it failed but was able to touch Treig and he finished the job. The creature disappeared into dust. I think Etona was sad we had to kill it. She wanted to talk with it. Sometimes, I do not understand my friend.
Then the discussion with what to do with the Seal and the potential Rod of Seven Parts began and here we are. Jordan believes that the Arch-Devil planned this, and infected him in order to set the stage for his dominance. He wishes to use the Rod to destroy the Asmodeus. How much of this is true and how much is Jordan’s fantasy? He has been alive for a thousand years and has had a long time to dwell on the loss of his betrothed. How much of our lives are dictated by forces greater than us? What part do we play in our own destiny? All questions for a different day.
Etona doesn’t trust Jordan with the Rod, and honestly, neither do I. The man has vengeance on his mind and the Rod of Seven Parts is more than that. Egan wants it, but for different reasons. Etona doesn’t seem pleased that Egan is once again beholden but the Wind Dukes are much better than the Asmodi. I’ve been meditating and doing my best to tune out the arguments, especially once I snapped at Jordan. Then I heard Treig say my name. He nominated ME to hold the Rod, claiming I was a neutral party. I disagreed. I too have ulterior motives. I have been charged to find the monster that infected Ithane and bring its end. Etona, of course agreed to it because she did not want Egan or Jordan to have it. I nominated Treig. After all, he is the carrier of the Seal and rescued Egan for us. Yet, they agreed that I am to take possession of it. I feel like a pack mule.
Treig knew exactly where to go. We went even further down the waterfall and Etona grasped my hand so hard I thought she would break my bones. We entered a hall with rainbow lanterns and a sarcophagus in the center. It reminded me very clearly of the Cairn, except the sarcophagus was floating and the walls were well lit with beautiful carvings of the general being lifted into the After, if you believe in that sort of thing. Treig placed the Seal on the sarcophagus and the top slid open. In it was very old clothing, the bones having turned to dust, a set of swords, a ring and what appeared to be a fragment of the Rod of Seven Parts. As Treig reached in, another unworldly creature emerged from the wind clouds and demanded what we had to offer. All hundreds of its eyeballs were trained on Treig. After a moment’s hesitation and an obvious heaviness of heart, Treig placed a red scarf in the sarcophagus and grabbed the Rod. Then the thing looked at me and asked what I had to offer. I froze. I couldn’t think of anything of value, then I did and I knew I couldn’t. The only thing I could think of was Obi and the orb I carried him in. Grief rose within me, threatening to drown me. I haven’t felt like this since..that day. When did I allow myself to get attached to others again? Etona, Egan, Mel, Obi, and of course, Seraph. Seraph was the first and I didn’t even know it. I looked at the ring, but I could not do it. When I looked at Treig, he was looking at me and shook his head. Heeding his silent advice, I backed away. Jordan, on the other hand, looked so hopeful for a second. He asked us to leave the room, which Etona refused. She wanted to see his flaming sword. In the end, the demon did not accept his sword, or the devil attached to it.
As Treig approached me with the Seal, he suddenly asked what else from the Cairn I had in my possession. I showed him the circlet and the stick with the ring on it, which Jordan identified as a Talisman. Treig took the circlet from me and placed it on his head. Unusual, but it had been an unusual day. Then he froze. When he came to, he did not speak to us and we did not disturb his silent thoughts. I know the red scarf was important to him and want to thank him for his sacrifice. I do not know when and how to say it.
Our return to the real world was uneventful until we reached the Cairn. There the birdmen guarding Seraph saw Treig and started whispering. Shortly after, the General arrived. Treig was chosen by the Wind Dukes for his sacrifice. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Icosial's Tomb
I find myself frustrated by the group. Perhaps it is the environment we are in. Although I am adept in the caverns of the world, I much prefer be on the surface. With trees and sunlight and heck, on top of a snowy mountain. At some point, the caves feel like they are collapsing in. I snapped at Jordan today. He was telling us the story of his undoing. He and his love were infected with the green worms. At some point after her death but before his, a devil came to make a deal. Jordan agreed and as a result, destroyed all he held dear. He has not gotten over it and he wishes to use the Rod of Seven Parts to defeat the devil he made the bargain with. Instead of empathy, I snapped at him. He didn’t deserve it and I should apologize. It has been a trying day. Another one. Maybe I should meditate on what has happened so far.
_______________
We entered the black mirror and found Treig resting. Passing through a wind tunnel, we were attacked by mist creatures, at the very least they reminded me of the wind guardians at the top of the Cairn those many days ago. But before I could respond, I saw both Treig and Etona step out of the tunnel and the hostiles blew away. So, not being suicidal at the moment, I did too. They weren’t an illusion because I felt the hit, but perhaps they are a security measure. Treig seemed familiar with this place, immediately looking for traps. Or perhaps the wall of spikes was a giveaway. Still, I am glad that he (thus far) is on our side.
It was then that the devil creature entered. I do not have words to describe him. Fiery chains that erupted from his body swung around him in a mad frenzy. Yet Treig greeted him as a friend. Jordan is his name. He withdrew his chains...into his body. It sounded terrible. My first impression of him was terrifying. I would not call him an ally or a friend. Ever.
There was a meeting with a shadow spider who called itself Fly Catcher. Not particularly creative but there you go. It has Egan, and for some odd reason, chose to show Treig the shadow prison he is currently in. Poor Treig. As a courier, all he wanted to do is deliver the case and move on. Yet a man of honor, because he could have given it to one of us once he saw Egan and he didn’t. Instead he bargained for Egan’s life. I admit I wasn’t paying close attention to the conversation. I thought I might see or not see webs and shadows. I’m pretty sure Etona saw something, but we didn’t have time to talk. I heard the Fly Catcher utter “Icosial” twice. The name feels familiar to me, but I cannot remember why. It then repeated the name a third time and said the name would deactivate the tomb’s defenses.
There was a room we needed to go through made of lightning. I felt drawn to it and knew with certainty that I could handle it. I may have misjudged how much lightning likes me or I like lightning. It still hurt. But we managed to get everyone through the room with no harm to the others. I wonder what’s changed in me. I still feel slightly off balance and am moving at variable speeds. I am much faster getting from here to there than I think I should be. I have this urge, this need for open space to run. To recenter myself and see what I can do. I am changed, I know this, yet I do not know HOW I am changed or what has changed. I am eager to find out. But first, this cave and the whims of delusional spider.
Etona was struggling. I know she does not enjoy being in closed spaces such as this. I thought for a moment that she would faint when we suggested she climb on Obi to traverse a red river. But she is stronger than she thinks and did as asked. Past the raging river, we entered a room with more doors and stone statues. As Treig walked by, a statue grabbed him. He attempted to free his arm but was unsuccessful. For a second I considered attacking it, but the name popped into my head. So as I made a move towards them, I uttered “Icosial.” To my surprise and Treig’s, the statue released him and stepped back. We found a black mirror behind the door it was guarding, similar to the one that brought us here. It is a portal, but to what we do not yet know. Jordan and Treig wanted to check out the rest of the room before we moved on. The rest of the hall outside the door was frigid. I normally would not have done this, but it was so cold I stayed close to Jordan. He may be a kind of devil but he exudes heat and fire, very useful in an ice room. In their efforts to investigate every room, they blew up a door. The explosion pushed us back and the ice floor collapsed under us. Once again, I had that moment when I moved further and faster than I thought I would. We retreated. For a moment, I thought Etona would close the gate and leave Jordan to battle the animated stone soldiers and blobs. I asked her to wait. I am not a fan of him but we do not leave allies behind. Hopefully I made the right decision. Shortly after we encountered the ghoul Fly Catcher warned us about and Treig once again, took charge. He does it naturally and is good at it. He has led men before, it is very obvious. After some bargaining and a good bit of luck, Treig took possession of the Seal. I was surprised Jordan did not volunteer himself for it. It was then that Treig pulled us together and shared a plan to trick Fly Catcher.
Treig and I entered the room, given levitation by the ghoul Moretto. He was surprisingly different from the ghouls I’ve met before. From the White City and very well spoken, he wished to go to the surface world. To explore? Cause chaos? I do not know. He knew of the green worms and spoke of a prophecy. Moretto helped us to help himself. He had not been able to get past Fly Catcher and the cave’s defenses. The levitation allowed us to float above the shadow webs that would grab at us. Fly Catcher demanded Treig place the Seal on the dias, which he refused to do until Egan was back with us. Egan emerged from the floor covered in shadow web, and was released. In the midst of this, Treig stopped and handed Egan the case. His mission, it seemed, was complete. Treig toss the Seal onto the dias and Fly Catcher knew immediately that it was fake. Treig threw his half-smoked cigar at the spider. It exploded and I had my first view of Fly Catcher. If I thought Jordan was odd, Fly Catcher was worse. I have only heard of these creatures, Dark Elf torso and head on a spider’s body. Treig jumped on it and was bitten, and was paralyzed ON the creature’s back. Etona lit up the room and destroyed the webs, allowing us to step on the ground. My attempts to attack it failed but was able to touch Treig and he finished the job. The creature disappeared into dust. I think Etona was sad we had to kill it. She wanted to talk with it. Sometimes, I do not understand my friend.
Then the discussion with what to do with the Seal and the potential Rod of Seven Parts began and here we are. Jordan believes that the Arch-Devil planned this, and infected him in order to set the stage for his dominance. He wishes to use the Rod to destroy the Asmodeus. How much of this is true and how much is Jordan’s fantasy? He has been alive for a thousand years and has had a long time to dwell on the loss of his betrothed. How much of our lives are dictated by forces greater than us? What part do we play in our own destiny? All questions for a different day.
Etona doesn’t trust Jordan with the Rod, and honestly, neither do I. The man has vengeance on his mind and the Rod of Seven Parts is more than that. Egan wants it, but for different reasons. Etona doesn’t seem pleased that Egan is once again beholden but the Wind Dukes are much better than the Asmodi. I’ve been meditating and doing my best to tune out the arguments, especially once I snapped at Jordan. Then I heard Treig say my name. He nominated ME to hold the Rod, claiming I was a neutral party. I disagreed. I too have ulterior motives. I have been charged to find the monster that infected Ithane and bring its end. Etona, of course agreed to it because she did not want Egan or Jordan to have it. I nominated Treig. After all, he is the carrier of the Seal and rescued Egan for us. Yet, they agreed that I am to take possession of it. I feel like a pack mule.
Treig knew exactly where to go. We went even further down the waterfall and Etona grasped my hand so hard I thought she would break my bones. We entered a hall with rainbow lanterns and a sarcophagus in the center. It reminded me very clearly of the Cairn, except the sarcophagus was floating and the walls were well lit with beautiful carvings of the general being lifted into the After, if you believe in that sort of thing. Treig placed the Seal on the sarcophagus and the top slid open. In it was very old clothing, the bones having turned to dust, a set of swords, a ring and what appeared to be a fragment of the Rod of Seven Parts. As Treig reached in, another unworldly creature emerged from the wind clouds and demanded what we had to offer. All hundreds of its eyeballs were trained on Treig. After a moment’s hesitation and an obvious heaviness of heart, Treig placed a red scarf in the sarcophagus and grabbed the Rod. Then the thing looked at me and asked what I had to offer. I froze. I couldn’t think of anything of value, then I did and I knew I couldn’t. The only thing I could think of was Obi and the orb I carried him in. Grief rose within me, threatening to drown me. I haven’t felt like this since..that day. When did I allow myself to get attached to others again? Etona, Egan, Mel, Obi, and of course, Seraph. Seraph was the first and I didn’t even know it. I looked at the ring, but I could not do it. When I looked at Treig, he was looking at me and shook his head. Heeding his silent advice, I backed away. Jordan, on the other hand, looked so hopeful for a second. He asked us to leave the room, which Etona refused. She wanted to see his flaming sword. In the end, the demon did not accept his sword, or the devil attached to it.
As Treig approached me with the Seal, he suddenly asked what else from the Cairn I had in my possession. I showed him the circlet and the stick with the ring on it, which Jordan identified as a Talisman. Treig took the circlet from me and placed it on his head. Unusual, but it had been an unusual day. Then he froze. When he came to, he did not speak to us and we did not disturb his silent thoughts. I know the red scarf was important to him and want to thank him for his sacrifice. I do not know when and how to say it.
Our return to the real world was uneventful until we reached the Cairn. There the birdmen guarding Seraph saw Treig and started whispering. Shortly after, the General arrived. Treig was chosen by the Wind Dukes for his sacrifice. He just doesn’t know it yet.