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The Rise of Felskein [Completed]
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<blockquote data-quote="Iron Sky" data-source="post: 4654508" data-attributes="member: 60965"><p>Session 17, Part 3</p><p> </p><p>-Notes: This was one of my favorite sessions in the whole campaign. The upcoming revelation of Suniel's past had me practically shaking with excitement before the session and the shocked silence as it unfolded was one of the most gratifying hours of gaming ever.-</p><p></p><p> Suniel stood, head bowed in disbelief. He was vaguely aware of the others staring at him but his focus was on his son, standing high above them.</p><p></p><p> “Surprised father?” Danovin said. “Thought you'd run far enough to be rid of us by now, I imagine.”</p><p></p><p> “It was only because-” Suniel began.</p><p></p><p> “What?” Danovin shouted, limping a few steps closer to the edge of the platform. “It was only so Thessalock wouldn't find us when you left? Well he did father, he did. Mother died because of him, because of you. He didn't believe us when we said we didn't know where you went, that you'd simply abandoned us. He didn't believe you'd just run away and leave us behind at his mercy. So he had to do this to be sure.”</p><p></p><p> Danovin pulled the drape of the robe aside to reveal his legs. Even with pants over them, it was easy to see how his right leg was bent and misshapen.</p><p></p><p> “I thought it would keep you safe, I never meant-” Suniel said.</p><p></p><p> “No, you never meant any of it. No father, of course you didn't,” Danovin said, snarling. “I see your companions are surprised, angry even. I guess you never told them that Thessalock once treated you like a brother, thought of you as a brother. Never told them that it was your research that helped him become what he is today.”</p><p></p><p> Suniel could feel Harold's eyes boring into him, could hear Kezzek's low growl.</p><p></p><p> “No, you obviously didn't tell them. If you did, they'd hate you, hate you like I do. You ran away after Thessalock drained you of all your power, but when he found me, he made sure I could never run. He's the only one I could hate more than you.” There was something wild about Danovin, a madness to the way he moved and stood and spoke, as if even he didn't know what he was about to do or say.</p><p></p><p> Suniel leaned on Keeper, needing some solid weight as it seemed the weight of the world had fallen upon him.</p><p></p><p> “Ahah, but I was smart, father. Cunning, like you. He took me in, at first because it amused him, but then because I made him need me. I took a page from your book and made myself indispensable to him. An Au was his right hand once, and now is again.”</p><p></p><p> “You serve the Ashen Tower?” Harold said, glaring up with hard eyes, hand gripping his bow tightly.</p><p></p><p> “Ha! I serve no one, like my father before me. Like him, I only serve myself,” Danovin said. “I pay lip service to Thessalock, but behind his back I gather power of my own.”</p><p></p><p> “Then what do you do here, what do you hope to accomplish?” Kezzek said. "What power can you gather at this mountain?"</p><p></p><p> A sly smile came across the half-elf's face. “I learned from Thessalock and learned of him. I listened and waited and in the Shadow Council I discovered his many secrets. Now I have found one that will be his undoing. A whisper in the Shadow Tower repeated his words.”</p><p></p><p> “'The Black Orb atop the Landspear, it must be kept safe,' Thessalock said. 'The white beast that flies about the world's top, let us aid it that it might protect my the Orb. It alone protects me from the single real threat to the power of the Ashen Tower.' That is what the whisper told me and so here I stand." </p><p></p><p>"Not three days ago did I delivered Thessalock to the shores of the Landspear Lake. I watched as he destroyed Steamport, smiling in my heart as I grovelled at his feet, for I knew what I now know - how to unleash upon him that which he fears most.”</p><p></p><p> “What is it? What is it that this Orb protects him from?” Kezzek said.</p><p></p><p> “Something terrible indeed, for I have seen the half-substantial things that walk the walls of the Tower. Things terrible and broken and dark, torn from the mad places between worlds or conjured up from the depths of the Void,” Danovin's voice dropped as he spoke, until Suniel could barely hear its chill whisper. “And those things fear him, hide in his shadow and swirl in the eddies of his passing. I tremble with fear even as I rejoice to see what unworldly thing will be unleashed upon him when this task is complete.”</p><p></p><p> “How do you know that it will be some dark thing?” Harold said. “Thessalock is like a beacon of darkness, a foul blot upon the face of the world. Perhaps this Orb protects him from some great beings of light that will descend from the heavens and destroy him.”</p><p></p><p> “Ha! There are no such things!” Danovin said, laughing. “There are only shadows and the powers that cast them. If you don't find a way to cast a shadow of your own your are doomed to hide in the darkness of another.”</p><p></p><p> “That is not true, Danovin,” Suniel said, his voice quiet and more even than he felt. “There is light in this world. It has taken many years, but I have begun to see it. It is there if you will but look to see!”</p><p></p><p> Danovin stared down at him and their eyes met. For a moment the subtle madness that filled Danovin's eyes seemed to clear and a surge of hope grew in Suniel's chest.</p><p></p><p> “Father,” Danovin said, tears coming to his eyes as he extended a hand towards Suniel. “Father, come with me. Let us destroy the white beast, let us dismantle the Black Orb. We can return to the Ashen Tower together and cast Thessalock down.”</p><p></p><p>“And then what?” Suniel said. “After Thessalock is destroyed, what will happen then?”</p><p></p><p> “Then, we can seize the tower!” Danovin said, his voice becoming almost childlike in its excitement. “All the dark things that follow him will be cast out. Your experiments are the basis for what he has created - he would be nothing today without you! You can recreate the ones that you destroyed before you left and we will be even more powerful than he is. What he has created is nothing compared to what we can create, what we will create together!”</p><p></p><p> “No! There is a reason why I fled, why I let him drain me of those terrible powers I should never have possessed,” Suniel said, voice breaking. “I saw it only as research, but I was playing with the boundaries between life and death, channeling forbidden energies that should never be allowed into this world. <em>That </em>is why I left. I only wish I had been more thorough, that Thessalock hadn't been able to recreate so many of my... so much of my... All the terrible...” He broke off, biting back tears.</p><p></p><p> What little light there was in Danovin's face fell away as Suniel spoke, as if some final hope had finally left him. His expression became hard, cold, and cruel, his eyes empty and dark.</p><p></p><p> “I will come with you to help you do this thing,” Harold said, taking a step forward. “We can destroy the beast and Thessalock's Orb together.”</p><p></p><p> Danovin turned towards Harold slowly, as if the energy had all left his body. “Oh? And what would you ask, Harold Trisden, mighty Agent of the Crystal Towers.”</p><p></p><p> “How do you know who I am?”</p><p></p><p> “You think Thessalock doesn't see you all? His spies are everywhere. There is no one you can trust,” Danovin said, his eyes returning to Suniel as he spoke. “Anyone will turn on you in a heartbeat if you do not take suitable precautions.” He gestured towards the three almost-forgotten canvas-covered shapes on the lower platform.</p><p></p><p> Harold's expression darkened. “Well, then perhaps in exchange for my help, you might tell me of the spies within the Crystal Towers. Once you overthrow Thessalock, I'm sure the Crystal Towers can come to some accord with-”</p><p></p><p> Danovin turned away and waved a dismissing hand in Harold's direction. “I have no use for you.”</p><p></p><p> “Then I have no use for you either, pawn of Thessalock” Harold said, gritting his teeth and reaching for an arrow.</p><p></p><p> Danovin made a subtle gesture and suddenly the small platform upon which he stood shot up out of the bubble, riding the metal rail and passing out of sight before any of them could react.</p><p></p><p> There was a moment of silence as the others glanced amongst themselves and cast accusing, suspicious glares at Suniel. He dropped his head, his heart heavy.</p><p></p><p> A shrill whistle sounded from somewhere high above them.</p><p></p><p> The three canvas covered shapes on the large platform exploded, canvas shredding and splinters flying as three monstrous winged shapes burst from them, each creature breaking free to the sound of its own distinct and terrible roar.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Iron Sky, post: 4654508, member: 60965"] Session 17, Part 3 -Notes: This was one of my favorite sessions in the whole campaign. The upcoming revelation of Suniel's past had me practically shaking with excitement before the session and the shocked silence as it unfolded was one of the most gratifying hours of gaming ever.- Suniel stood, head bowed in disbelief. He was vaguely aware of the others staring at him but his focus was on his son, standing high above them. “Surprised father?” Danovin said. “Thought you'd run far enough to be rid of us by now, I imagine.” “It was only because-” Suniel began. “What?” Danovin shouted, limping a few steps closer to the edge of the platform. “It was only so Thessalock wouldn't find us when you left? Well he did father, he did. Mother died because of him, because of you. He didn't believe us when we said we didn't know where you went, that you'd simply abandoned us. He didn't believe you'd just run away and leave us behind at his mercy. So he had to do this to be sure.” Danovin pulled the drape of the robe aside to reveal his legs. Even with pants over them, it was easy to see how his right leg was bent and misshapen. “I thought it would keep you safe, I never meant-” Suniel said. “No, you never meant any of it. No father, of course you didn't,” Danovin said, snarling. “I see your companions are surprised, angry even. I guess you never told them that Thessalock once treated you like a brother, thought of you as a brother. Never told them that it was your research that helped him become what he is today.” Suniel could feel Harold's eyes boring into him, could hear Kezzek's low growl. “No, you obviously didn't tell them. If you did, they'd hate you, hate you like I do. You ran away after Thessalock drained you of all your power, but when he found me, he made sure I could never run. He's the only one I could hate more than you.” There was something wild about Danovin, a madness to the way he moved and stood and spoke, as if even he didn't know what he was about to do or say. Suniel leaned on Keeper, needing some solid weight as it seemed the weight of the world had fallen upon him. “Ahah, but I was smart, father. Cunning, like you. He took me in, at first because it amused him, but then because I made him need me. I took a page from your book and made myself indispensable to him. An Au was his right hand once, and now is again.” “You serve the Ashen Tower?” Harold said, glaring up with hard eyes, hand gripping his bow tightly. “Ha! I serve no one, like my father before me. Like him, I only serve myself,” Danovin said. “I pay lip service to Thessalock, but behind his back I gather power of my own.” “Then what do you do here, what do you hope to accomplish?” Kezzek said. "What power can you gather at this mountain?" A sly smile came across the half-elf's face. “I learned from Thessalock and learned of him. I listened and waited and in the Shadow Council I discovered his many secrets. Now I have found one that will be his undoing. A whisper in the Shadow Tower repeated his words.” “'The Black Orb atop the Landspear, it must be kept safe,' Thessalock said. 'The white beast that flies about the world's top, let us aid it that it might protect my the Orb. It alone protects me from the single real threat to the power of the Ashen Tower.' That is what the whisper told me and so here I stand." "Not three days ago did I delivered Thessalock to the shores of the Landspear Lake. I watched as he destroyed Steamport, smiling in my heart as I grovelled at his feet, for I knew what I now know - how to unleash upon him that which he fears most.” “What is it? What is it that this Orb protects him from?” Kezzek said. “Something terrible indeed, for I have seen the half-substantial things that walk the walls of the Tower. Things terrible and broken and dark, torn from the mad places between worlds or conjured up from the depths of the Void,” Danovin's voice dropped as he spoke, until Suniel could barely hear its chill whisper. “And those things fear him, hide in his shadow and swirl in the eddies of his passing. I tremble with fear even as I rejoice to see what unworldly thing will be unleashed upon him when this task is complete.” “How do you know that it will be some dark thing?” Harold said. “Thessalock is like a beacon of darkness, a foul blot upon the face of the world. Perhaps this Orb protects him from some great beings of light that will descend from the heavens and destroy him.” “Ha! There are no such things!” Danovin said, laughing. “There are only shadows and the powers that cast them. If you don't find a way to cast a shadow of your own your are doomed to hide in the darkness of another.” “That is not true, Danovin,” Suniel said, his voice quiet and more even than he felt. “There is light in this world. It has taken many years, but I have begun to see it. It is there if you will but look to see!” Danovin stared down at him and their eyes met. For a moment the subtle madness that filled Danovin's eyes seemed to clear and a surge of hope grew in Suniel's chest. “Father,” Danovin said, tears coming to his eyes as he extended a hand towards Suniel. “Father, come with me. Let us destroy the white beast, let us dismantle the Black Orb. We can return to the Ashen Tower together and cast Thessalock down.” “And then what?” Suniel said. “After Thessalock is destroyed, what will happen then?” “Then, we can seize the tower!” Danovin said, his voice becoming almost childlike in its excitement. “All the dark things that follow him will be cast out. Your experiments are the basis for what he has created - he would be nothing today without you! You can recreate the ones that you destroyed before you left and we will be even more powerful than he is. What he has created is nothing compared to what we can create, what we will create together!” “No! There is a reason why I fled, why I let him drain me of those terrible powers I should never have possessed,” Suniel said, voice breaking. “I saw it only as research, but I was playing with the boundaries between life and death, channeling forbidden energies that should never be allowed into this world. [I]That [/I]is why I left. I only wish I had been more thorough, that Thessalock hadn't been able to recreate so many of my... so much of my... All the terrible...” He broke off, biting back tears. What little light there was in Danovin's face fell away as Suniel spoke, as if some final hope had finally left him. His expression became hard, cold, and cruel, his eyes empty and dark. “I will come with you to help you do this thing,” Harold said, taking a step forward. “We can destroy the beast and Thessalock's Orb together.” Danovin turned towards Harold slowly, as if the energy had all left his body. “Oh? And what would you ask, Harold Trisden, mighty Agent of the Crystal Towers.” “How do you know who I am?” “You think Thessalock doesn't see you all? His spies are everywhere. There is no one you can trust,” Danovin said, his eyes returning to Suniel as he spoke. “Anyone will turn on you in a heartbeat if you do not take suitable precautions.” He gestured towards the three almost-forgotten canvas-covered shapes on the lower platform. Harold's expression darkened. “Well, then perhaps in exchange for my help, you might tell me of the spies within the Crystal Towers. Once you overthrow Thessalock, I'm sure the Crystal Towers can come to some accord with-” Danovin turned away and waved a dismissing hand in Harold's direction. “I have no use for you.” “Then I have no use for you either, pawn of Thessalock” Harold said, gritting his teeth and reaching for an arrow. Danovin made a subtle gesture and suddenly the small platform upon which he stood shot up out of the bubble, riding the metal rail and passing out of sight before any of them could react. There was a moment of silence as the others glanced amongst themselves and cast accusing, suspicious glares at Suniel. He dropped his head, his heart heavy. A shrill whistle sounded from somewhere high above them. The three canvas covered shapes on the large platform exploded, canvas shredding and splinters flying as three monstrous winged shapes burst from them, each creature breaking free to the sound of its own distinct and terrible roar. [/QUOTE]
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