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Aphonion Tales (New posts 6/13, 6/15, 6/19)
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<blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 4281577" data-attributes="member: 3448"><p>The page of the day informed the Council that the Rev. Monsignor Edward Blondsdale was waiting in the chapel. The Council summoned him. The archdiocese’s exorcist was an older but still able balding man in plain clerical vestments, ornamented only by the symbol of a monsignor pinned to his collar. He gave Alistair a very no-nonsense bow, with none of the genuflecting most people did upon first meeting the Archduke.</p><p></p><p>Alistair launched into the issue without preamble. “As you may know, there is a powerful demon beneath Brightspan City.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, we have sensed it. It has cheek.”</p><p></p><p>“We are trying to figure out how to displace it.”</p><p></p><p>Blondsdale nodded. “Wise, but difficult. You know that it has taken full physical manifestation? That is why I said it has cheek.”</p><p></p><p>“What does that mean?” asked Kit.</p><p></p><p>“If it were defeated and killed, it would be fully destroyed. Full manifestation makes it more powerful but increases its risk. We assumed it had merely manifested an avatar, until it created an incholate—that would not be possible for an avatar.” The exorcist spoke with a calm confidence in his mastery of his subject. “It is not young, either. It knows what it risks, and that humans are more dangerous than it might have thought if it were younger.”</p><p></p><p>“Speaking of the incholate—will it be able to create another, Monsignor?” Dame Brionna inquired.</p><p></p><p>“It will be several weeks before it can create another incholate, but it will regain the power to do so given sufficient time.”</p><p></p><p>Alistair looked up at that. “Is it weakest after creating an incholate?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, your grace, but only immediately after. With the exception of lacking the power to create another for some time, it will regain its full capabilities within a few days.”</p><p></p><p>“Is there anyway to prevent it from making additional incholates?”</p><p></p><p>“We could delay it by preventing its sacrifices, but we have not been able to determine where they are coming from.”</p><p></p><p>“Could they be from the Underdark, Monsignor?”</p><p></p><p>“There is no historical mention of a connection between the Brightspan catacombs and the Underdark, but they could be. One can buy sacrifices from several Underdark races. If we cannot cut off the sacrifices, it will be another two to three weeks before it is ready.” The exorcist pulled out a document that he carefully unfolded. “This is a map of its energy web. As you can see, it goes through the whole of Brightspan City, except for the cathedral, which remains inviolate. The energy web also has another center about a week northeast of Brightspan City, probably where it would create the incholate.”</p><p></p><p>At a gesture from Alistair, Dame Brionna brought over a standard map of the Duchy of Brightspan for crossreference. “The second power center is either at or very near the village of Marrows, in Cornucopia, Your Grace.” </p><p></p><p>Blondsdale nodded again. “A village would be a logical secondary center. The demon almost certainly has followers there. They may not even know what they are serving.”</p><p></p><p>“How many followers are we talking about?”</p><p></p><p>“I would estimate at least three or four that have made some sort of bargain. They may not even have made a deal involving darkness, so their souls may be clean.”</p><p></p><p>Kit looked up. “Could second sight identify its followers?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, or detect thoughts.”</p><p></p><p>“What about its defenses and fortifications?” asked Alistair.</p><p></p><p>“We don’t know much, Your Grace, although it has had months to prepare. He has many powerful undead servitors. Also, the greatest powers of the Church against his kind-- banishing him-- would not work at all. As he is physically manifested, he could not be ejected.”</p><p></p><p>“That may have been part of why the Brightspan diocese’s effort failed.”</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps. I can inform you about some of its more personal defenses. In general, any weapon that is not of great magical power or truesilver will do much less damage against it. Death magic is worthless against it. The demon has considerable resistance against spells in general, although less against holy powers granted by Glor’diadel, or I suppose by other powers.” Blondsdale sounded slightly begrudging in acknowledging that Glor’diadel and his servants were not the only divine powers. “This molydeus in particular has gathered substantial magical power-- equivalent to roughly a low-ranking archmage. He cannot transport himself across dimensions, but can across time and space.”</p><p></p><p>The Council stared at him in horror at the statement that—in addition to its other capabilities—the molydeus had archmage-level magic. After a moment, Kit carefully said, “Across time?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, within about sixty seconds.”</p><p></p><p>“Forward or backwards?” asked Alistair.</p><p></p><p>“Forward only. Backward is impossible.” After a moment, Blondsdale qualified his statement, “At least for a molydeus.</p><p></p><p>“In terms of its other capabilities, it wields substantial unholy power. It can invoke an unholy smite, an unholy word, and perhaps worst of all an unholy wave-- a wave about 60’ wide that dispels good on contact, although not more than once per day.”</p><p></p><p>“I take it that would banish any angels we might summon to aid in the battle?” asked Alistair.</p><p></p><p>The Monsignor nodded.</p><p></p><p>“Could we send a pure lawful servitor of Glor’diadel? Are there any?”</p><p></p><p> He nodded again. “A pure lawful servitor of Glor’diadel, of which there are a few, would not be banished—the unholy effects are targeted at the molydeus’s foes association with the forces of good. On the upside, the molydeus cannot automatically summon more demonic servitors and captains that he could if he were simply an avatar.”</p><p></p><p>“Does its power wax and wane?” asked Dame Brionna. </p><p></p><p>“Indeed. It is weakest at the height of the sun, strongest at the deepest part of the darkness.” </p><p></p><p>“Could we weaken it with spells that bring light, then?”</p><p></p><p>“Daylight spells would reduce its ability to do physical damage, and it would do a little to disrupt its morale, to the extent that is a meaningful concept.”</p><p></p><p>“I have a slightly odd question,” said Alistair. “How would a minor Duke of Hell fare against it?”</p><p></p><p>The exorcist raised an eyebrow, but did not comment on the question directly. “It would distract the molydeus.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s it?” asked Dame Brionna.</p><p></p><p>“Hell is a very regimented place. By comparison, Abyssal titles can indicate less about the true magnitude of a demon’s power. A demonic knight that has survived for centuries will accrue much more direct power than an Earl or minor Duke of Hell that has only been in place for some decades. The Duke of Hell will have much more political power, and might be a powerful warrior, but would not be its rival directly.”</p><p></p><p>Alistair cursed softly. “The Archducal Coven has a Duke of Hell that it can command into service. We had hoped that it might be able to defeat the molydeus. Can you look into the details of whether there are any other fiendish rivalries that we might be able to use to our advantage?”</p><p></p><p>The Monsignor nodded. “I will research that Duke of Hell and compare them in a day or two. I will also research any major rivals or enemies, although it has steered clear of any major demons. There may be a rivalry involving it and the Queen of the Succubi—I don’t know the exact details, but I have seen some hints. I will try to confirm that.” He waited for a moment, then bowed. “If that is all, I should return to my studies. Dame Brionna, would you mind accompanying me for a moment?”</p><p></p><p>Alistair nodded approval, and Dame Brionna followed the Monsignor out into the hall.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cerebral Paladin, post: 4281577, member: 3448"] The page of the day informed the Council that the Rev. Monsignor Edward Blondsdale was waiting in the chapel. The Council summoned him. The archdiocese’s exorcist was an older but still able balding man in plain clerical vestments, ornamented only by the symbol of a monsignor pinned to his collar. He gave Alistair a very no-nonsense bow, with none of the genuflecting most people did upon first meeting the Archduke. Alistair launched into the issue without preamble. “As you may know, there is a powerful demon beneath Brightspan City.” “Yes, we have sensed it. It has cheek.” “We are trying to figure out how to displace it.” Blondsdale nodded. “Wise, but difficult. You know that it has taken full physical manifestation? That is why I said it has cheek.” “What does that mean?” asked Kit. “If it were defeated and killed, it would be fully destroyed. Full manifestation makes it more powerful but increases its risk. We assumed it had merely manifested an avatar, until it created an incholate—that would not be possible for an avatar.” The exorcist spoke with a calm confidence in his mastery of his subject. “It is not young, either. It knows what it risks, and that humans are more dangerous than it might have thought if it were younger.” “Speaking of the incholate—will it be able to create another, Monsignor?” Dame Brionna inquired. “It will be several weeks before it can create another incholate, but it will regain the power to do so given sufficient time.” Alistair looked up at that. “Is it weakest after creating an incholate?” “Yes, your grace, but only immediately after. With the exception of lacking the power to create another for some time, it will regain its full capabilities within a few days.” “Is there anyway to prevent it from making additional incholates?” “We could delay it by preventing its sacrifices, but we have not been able to determine where they are coming from.” “Could they be from the Underdark, Monsignor?” “There is no historical mention of a connection between the Brightspan catacombs and the Underdark, but they could be. One can buy sacrifices from several Underdark races. If we cannot cut off the sacrifices, it will be another two to three weeks before it is ready.” The exorcist pulled out a document that he carefully unfolded. “This is a map of its energy web. As you can see, it goes through the whole of Brightspan City, except for the cathedral, which remains inviolate. The energy web also has another center about a week northeast of Brightspan City, probably where it would create the incholate.” At a gesture from Alistair, Dame Brionna brought over a standard map of the Duchy of Brightspan for crossreference. “The second power center is either at or very near the village of Marrows, in Cornucopia, Your Grace.” Blondsdale nodded again. “A village would be a logical secondary center. The demon almost certainly has followers there. They may not even know what they are serving.” “How many followers are we talking about?” “I would estimate at least three or four that have made some sort of bargain. They may not even have made a deal involving darkness, so their souls may be clean.” Kit looked up. “Could second sight identify its followers?” “Yes, or detect thoughts.” “What about its defenses and fortifications?” asked Alistair. “We don’t know much, Your Grace, although it has had months to prepare. He has many powerful undead servitors. Also, the greatest powers of the Church against his kind-- banishing him-- would not work at all. As he is physically manifested, he could not be ejected.” “That may have been part of why the Brightspan diocese’s effort failed.” “Perhaps. I can inform you about some of its more personal defenses. In general, any weapon that is not of great magical power or truesilver will do much less damage against it. Death magic is worthless against it. The demon has considerable resistance against spells in general, although less against holy powers granted by Glor’diadel, or I suppose by other powers.” Blondsdale sounded slightly begrudging in acknowledging that Glor’diadel and his servants were not the only divine powers. “This molydeus in particular has gathered substantial magical power-- equivalent to roughly a low-ranking archmage. He cannot transport himself across dimensions, but can across time and space.” The Council stared at him in horror at the statement that—in addition to its other capabilities—the molydeus had archmage-level magic. After a moment, Kit carefully said, “Across time?” “Yes, within about sixty seconds.” “Forward or backwards?” asked Alistair. “Forward only. Backward is impossible.” After a moment, Blondsdale qualified his statement, “At least for a molydeus. “In terms of its other capabilities, it wields substantial unholy power. It can invoke an unholy smite, an unholy word, and perhaps worst of all an unholy wave-- a wave about 60’ wide that dispels good on contact, although not more than once per day.” “I take it that would banish any angels we might summon to aid in the battle?” asked Alistair. The Monsignor nodded. “Could we send a pure lawful servitor of Glor’diadel? Are there any?” He nodded again. “A pure lawful servitor of Glor’diadel, of which there are a few, would not be banished—the unholy effects are targeted at the molydeus’s foes association with the forces of good. On the upside, the molydeus cannot automatically summon more demonic servitors and captains that he could if he were simply an avatar.” “Does its power wax and wane?” asked Dame Brionna. “Indeed. It is weakest at the height of the sun, strongest at the deepest part of the darkness.” “Could we weaken it with spells that bring light, then?” “Daylight spells would reduce its ability to do physical damage, and it would do a little to disrupt its morale, to the extent that is a meaningful concept.” “I have a slightly odd question,” said Alistair. “How would a minor Duke of Hell fare against it?” The exorcist raised an eyebrow, but did not comment on the question directly. “It would distract the molydeus.” “That’s it?” asked Dame Brionna. “Hell is a very regimented place. By comparison, Abyssal titles can indicate less about the true magnitude of a demon’s power. A demonic knight that has survived for centuries will accrue much more direct power than an Earl or minor Duke of Hell that has only been in place for some decades. The Duke of Hell will have much more political power, and might be a powerful warrior, but would not be its rival directly.” Alistair cursed softly. “The Archducal Coven has a Duke of Hell that it can command into service. We had hoped that it might be able to defeat the molydeus. Can you look into the details of whether there are any other fiendish rivalries that we might be able to use to our advantage?” The Monsignor nodded. “I will research that Duke of Hell and compare them in a day or two. I will also research any major rivals or enemies, although it has steered clear of any major demons. There may be a rivalry involving it and the Queen of the Succubi—I don’t know the exact details, but I have seen some hints. I will try to confirm that.” He waited for a moment, then bowed. “If that is all, I should return to my studies. Dame Brionna, would you mind accompanying me for a moment?” Alistair nodded approval, and Dame Brionna followed the Monsignor out into the hall. [/QUOTE]
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