Undying - Chapter 8
Undying – Chapter 8
OOC Notes:
Exp is 3,100 for 22nd level characters, 2765 for 23rd.
This Week’s Adventure:
We rapidly rose through the water and headed towards Dyvers. On the way, I began sorting through my admittedly limited arcane training trying to think of every transmutation spell I could. We were getting low on transportation magic, but a wind walk spell provided by the binder let us move to Dyvers fast enough to at least have a hope of helping Windsaber repel whatever Gulthias Horror had been sent to distract us.
We covered the distance quickly, and yet agonizingly slowly at the same time. At first it seemed as though there was a fog near town, but then the horrible truth became apparent. It was a swarm of small insects. Thousands of small bugs the size of a finger were consuming flesh and vegetation alike outside the town wall. Windsaber was there doing his best to distract them but there was nothing he could do against such an enemy.
And he wasn’t alone. Aethramyr, Valanthe and I were at a loss for any way to repel this invasion. We stood and watched while Scorch and Bolo took the shape of gold dragons. Dravot joined them with the power of the binder, and the three of them moved towards town releasing cones of fire at the swarming bugs.
The fire outraged the swarm and they began moving towards the dragons. Fortunately they were extremely slow, and the dragons were able to keep ahead of the swarm for the most part and still keep breathing fire. The fire was not having nearly enough effect however and we began searching for more options. Sonic meteors, blade barriers and other spells all bit into the swarm, but again their effect was blunted. The trio even tried some different draconic forms to try other breath weapons. Suddenly a part of the swarm popped out and reappeared around Scorch and began biting at him.
With the swarm among them, Bolo tried a new form and became a noble salamander, but the blazing skin was not a deterrent to the vicious insects. Bolo then…
Well he…
That is to say…
He did something very Bolo-ish.
He summoned a fire elemental. This, in itself, seemed fairly logical – being only energy, the bugs could not harm it. But Bolo soon realized what I knew immediately – fire elementals cannot fly. And hovering some fifty feet up, the fire elemental was placed in a rather untenable position for one of its kind.
Lacking any other options, it did the only thing it could do. It fell.
It fell through the swarm, burning some insects as it went. It hit the lake and there was a vast billowing cloud of steam. I was sure that Bolo had executed another helpless elemental, but I was quite wrong. They were only barely over the water, and the elemental simply waded a few steps to shore and continued to engulf as many insects as it could.
Dravot must have been having a conversation with the binder and with a nod of his draconic head, a spell washed out. The swarm was blasted away from him forty feet in all directions. The creatures were not harmed per se, but they were seriously disrupted and scattered widely. Given the speed at which they moved, it took them some time to re-orient and establish the group, during which time fiery breath washed over them repeatedly. The swarm never quite managed to re-assemble as the breath weapons finally burned them away.
As we rejoined Dravot, Scorch and Bolo I asked Dravot “What was that?”
He just smiled. “Repel Wood.”
I scanned the skies to see if the battle between heavens and hells still raged. I could see several devas and solars in the ethereal observing, but the battle seemed to have degraded to a stand off and there was no open fighting. The Judges were still changing in their new aspect but they were clearly holding the line and seemed to have about the same numbers as the celestial host. With nothing further to worry about there, we returned to the lake shore where we had left Ralishaz.
We could see the waters of the lake growing calmer before we could actually see Ralishaz and his party. Aylwyn and Meltorannan was still there as were his Avatars. Ralishaz did not seem to note our presence but the avatars nodded. Meltorannan was even more changed. His armor was gone, replaced witih a grey toga with a hood down around his neck. His wings were smaller and now completely grey. His face was becoming more expressionless, moving toward being a mask.
Chance said “You’ve done well. I’m pleased to see your success, as is my Lord.” Gamble just quietly watched us while Cheat expressed active disinterest.
Ralishaz turned his head ever so slightly over his shoulder. “You have disconcerted your demonic foe I am certain. I would ask you if things went well but I know that they did. You are I see relatively unharmed. I would suspect that for the most part Orcus should be inconvenienced for some time. As should Fraz, but I am also of the mind that we have not completely untangled everything.”
I shrugged. “If we have prevented all out war, then that is no small victory.”
Ralishaz cocked his head and said to no one in particular. “I shall grant it, for I am intrigued. You have ten minutes.” Then to us “Someone wishes an audience with you. Dravot if you could please hood the lantern.”
We exchanged wary looks among ourselves. “Who?”
“Rhyxali.”
At the name, Aylwyn’s face took on a sour look. Rhyxali is a demon princess. If she wanted to talk to us, I had a hard time believing it would be for any good reason.
Dravot acquiesced, though hesitantly. A shadow appeared on the ground, and it deepened and then rose to take three dimensions. The shadow rose up forming into the shape of a thin winged demon. It looked around, then took its hands and pulled it’s mouth open wide and began vomiting black bile on the ground. It continued disgorging the substance for some time and it slowly took shape growing taller until it was nine feet high. It ultimately shaped itself to a vaguely feminine form, completely black until a pair of white rings formed the outline of eyes.
A bit over-much of an entrance really.
I am known as Rhyxali. It has come to my attention that you are… lost in the darkness. Something of which I have much knowledge.
Dravot was miffed at that. “Excuse me?”
Even you shining one have need of knowledge. I am well versed in providing such things.
Valanthe asked “What knowledge have you come to sell?”
What knowledge would you enjoy? Fraz’ intentions? The true nature of the blood war? Why the dark god went mad? I can share all these things and more.
Valanthe was far from tempted. “And what do you get out of all this?”
I am a broker of information. Interested types, such as Scorch, consult me or my minions on a routine basis.
I was having a hard time figuring out which of our group was more cynical about this offer. I asked “So what is the price?”
Well, souls are the standard commerce in such things, but I understand creatures such as you are squeamish. Nor would I ask for the binder, fear not. But perhaps a mutual problem… I can remove the problem at Ruun’Khazai.
I smiled inwardly for a few moments, but the truth is I no longer cared what happened at Ruun’Khazai. And if the problem was to be removed, I would take care of it myself. But in the conversation that followed, Rhyxali continued to be extremely evasive about the question of price. Repeatedly she was asked, and each time she failed to provide a direct answer.
What if I were to reveal the location of several devils still on the Prime. They are too powerful for the new protector to deal with yet and far beyond his Judges to dismiss. Perhaps I could share this information with you.
Aethramyr was growing tired of the evasion. “What’s this ‘perhaps’ nonsense? What’s. Your. Price.”
It is possible that we could work out an arrangement…
Not the answer Aethramyr wanted. “Dravot, where’s your lantern?”
Dravot started smiling and holding it up and Rhyxali tried to re-assert control of the situation.
There are three powerful devils on the prime. If you were to remove them, it would be a boon for yourselves, for Ralishaz, and yes, also to me. In return for this, I will give you some information that you would find valuable.
We debated a bit about this proposal. The offer was certainly only designed to benefit her – any gain on our part was incidental. There were of course the ethical issues to be considered. But it did have the benefit of being some kind of trouble we could cause for Fraz, and it would be a new source of information for us. Rhyxali was insistent that we accept the contract, and at the same time was equally evasive about what would be required and what the reward would be. She was in a mood to negotiate and to be extremely subtle. We, on the other hand, were in no mood for it at all, and ranged from blunt and direct to downright hostile.
You must accept the terms of the contract. If I divulge more, you will be implicitly accepting the terms.
“In that case I think there’s something else you should consider,” I said to her.
And what would that be?
“Your ten minutes are up.”
We turned to Ralishaz, who was still staring over the water. But he held up one hand and was ticking off fingers. 3… 2… 1….
Rhyxali silently dissolved back into the pool of shadow. If we were to pursue this relationship, it would have to be later and after we knew better as a group where we stood.
No sooner was the audience done than it was apparently time for another one to begin. But this one was not with us, though we were allowed to witness it.
It started when Scorch’s soul was casually torn out of his body and flung into a small rock. I don’t think it was intended to land in the rock as such. Merely that it was thrown aside and the rock just happened to be in the way. There was no physical change, other than his body began glowing with an eldritch power as Boccob settled in to the temporary receptacle while a small rock rolled angrily around his ankles.
Then the shadow demon, still lingering absently after being used for Rhyxali’s arrival, shifted. It reformed itself into a tall willowy woman in black robes, and Wee Jas stepped up to Ralishaz.
Last to arrive was Pelor, who shifted the aspect of Aylwyn becoming and older, kind man with a long beard.
Dravot and Aethramyr offered their respects to Pelor, who put a gentle hand on their shoulder and lifted them up. As he did, they seemed to shine. At Pelor’s touch, their wounds healed, and even their clothes looked clean and new. When Pelor spoke, I heard him in elven but this was surely unique to each listener.
For myself, I was too much in shock to know quite what to do.
We have received your emissaries Ralishaz, and I come to speak for those of my mindset. Those who seek only to improve things.
Wee Jas was cold but not entirely disinterested. We all seek to improve things in our own way. However we have also received said emissaries and I am allowed to speak for quite a few beings, some of whom I find distasteful but as long as I am in this position I shall maintain it.
Boccob on the other hand seemed bored. Yes, yes, terribly tiresome. Can we dispense with this? We have all agreed to the new rules have we not?
Pelor looked very patient. I have been commissioned to speak for others. While we do not prefer the exact nature of the arrangement, we are certainly willing to allow it.
Yes I knew what your answer was. What about you bitch?
Wee Jas showed no sign of offense. You know you’re still as much to blame for it as I am.
Oh haven’t we gotten OVER this yet? It’s been TWO MILLENIA woman!
Nevertheless, I have spoken to the less savory elements. They are more than willing, perhaps too willing to agree to this enforcement measure of yours. Provided that the prime is unsealed, and that equal access is given, your little wildling enforcement is approved of. We will not get in the way.
While it did not sit well with any of us – in fact it pains me – if equal access is given, I suppose greater harm would come if we do not agree. Therefore the deities that see the right of things are willing to capitulate to some degree. Some degree. Eventually we will fill up the world with so much good you will drown in it.
Ok fine. I already said yes. So the consensus is yes? We go ahead with this?
Ralishaz said quietly “Agreement has been reached. I will enforce this through my Judges and myself. I disassociate myself from direct worship and I assume the mantle. I will become the deity of the Prime and I will enforce certain rules to insure this never occurs again. And I will be strict.” At that, he gave a slightly different look to each of the three representatives.
Pelor turned to Dravot and the rest of us. You should avert your eyes.
Needing no further prompting we all did so. I could feel massive waves of pure power flowing from Ralishaz’ direction. There were thousands of sounds, strange feelings from the comfortable to the oppressive. The ground and air itself changed somehow, and my eyes began watering. Finally the sound stopped and the air stilled.
Scorch was back in his own body, his clothes looking somehow more rumpled than before. Wee Jas began melting away, leaving only bones and a slick black goo. Pelor however remained. He asked Ralishaz I have some things to discuss. May I have some free time? Ralishaz gave him a wave and turned back to the water.
Pelor made sure we were all standing and healed. He looked to Dravot. Are you well?
“I am.”
You have done well in Our eyes. You have served us with little information, as it should be. It is your faith that defines you. You must learn this lesson well. You must pass it on to others. You must teach the boy – he is important.
I have a duty for you. It is not pressing but it is important nonetheless. I have petitioned to return Brindinford to its proper place. It will be at some small risk, but that is the way of things. But what is important are its guardians. They do not understand. Even Meltorannan does not understand. When they did what they did… they sought to protect you. They have great love for you, as do I. When they saw Brindinford might become a victim solely to anger you, they lost sight of the greater picture. Understand that those that follow in my faith will come to a good end, even if their body is strewn across a temple. Those that died came to me. Do not despair for the loss of their bodies. What is important is that those that rebelled and hid Brindinford think they cannot come back. They were protecting Brindinford away from the Prime, and so they were not changed like Meltorannan was – they were not here to accept the agreement. They are truly orphans. They feel great shame, and they consider themselves now truly alone and outside. I would take them back. Please ask them to come to me. They respect and love you. They will listen to you.
You have labored long without guidance. I apologize but I cannot directly interfere with some things. Ralishaz is about to impose a balancing effect on the Prime. Some of the very understanding of the rules are changing. It is difficult to explain what will happen. Understand there are no longer the certainties you have come to expect when magic, divine or arcane, is applied. And even at least above ground, about the nature of places. Large urban centers are somewhat protected, but there will be planar shifts where there are not enough people to warrant that protection.
We have agreed to equal representation. Summoning will no longer be a simple matter. You were concerned about the enforcement of the rules. We have made concessions to make it more stringent. In the end we believe that those that seek salvation will find it, but not everyone seeks the light and so we must bring it to them. I would give you more information but I am not sure of the exact nature of things. We have an agreement in principle but the details are still being discussed.
Dravot asked humbly “But my Lord, who watches the watchmen?”
It is a fair question. We have an agreement, but it has been broken once. If it happens again, there will be no third. However the Judges are beyond reproach. They are after all of My host. And they acted in the passion of faith, but in faith nonetheless. None of the Judges were taken from the enemy hosts, therefore they will be truly independent. Should something change that, We would sweep down like a fiery host, and I would be wroth. Pelor eyed Ralishaz, not threatening but sending a clear message.
Ralishaz, if he was even listening, had no reaction or reply.
Remember the most important tenet of my faith: We will drown out evil with our actions. We will make so much light that no shadow can be cast. Keep to that tenet more than any other.
But you must also tend to the boy. You are My chosen avatar on this world. You are My mighty sword. He is… my voice, my shield. He is not indestructible or invulnerable, nor is he meant to be. Remind him of this.
“Recent events have taken my attention from one of my sworn purposes – my grandfather. Can You tell me anything to help me stop him?”
Your grandfather has forged alliances with beings in the underdark where I have little knowledge. There is no light. But even now he makes alliances he does not intend to keep. Your grandfather… it saddens me how he is driven. Though he was turned into that abomination, he still seeks to protect you. In a perverse way he protects your father and he seeks to protect you.
“I sensed this.”
Your grandfather was turned to an animus by Ivid and demonic agents posing as agents of Hextor. They were sent by Our Enemy, but I will speak not his name*. Your father was not allowed to go to Rauxes for fear he might become a tool. Your grandfather paid for that as Ivid began turning his generals, his enemies and his friends into animus. But he suffers what most of that kind do – singular devotion to some particular task or ideal. Many of Ivid’s generals still retained their brilliance in death, but lacked the focus they had in life. This undermined much of their ability. Your grandfather was a rare animus – he gained free will. But he hid it well, and made his plans. He was seeking to create a power base to challenge Rauxes when I directed Bellamy to contain him. I did not expect the binder to be unleashed but there were other things I was concerned with at the time. Your grandfather seeks now to become a demi-god replacing Iuz, not for power but to remove the influence of certain kinds of evil that order may be restored. A twisted order, but order nonetheless. All of this lead to his goal. You have unseated this, so he pursues other ways of stealing his power. He is singularly devoted to destroying Iuz; it is part of themania which guides him. His more immediate motives are unclear – the binders have made him difficult to track. However they damage him even as they empower him. None of the lore tells that the binders are dangerous to the user. He has gained power but at the expense of new vulnerabilities. He also does not realize that your brother also has free will.
Know this Dravot: your father is not lost, nor is your brother. Some part of your grandfather refuses to complete the process. It can be reversed. He convinces himself he does not have the time or the resources, but it is a lie. At his core, he still wants to make things right and this prevents him from completing the work. They may yet be turned back to us.
Then Pelor turned to me, much to my surprise. I had been keeping a discrete distance allowing Dravot to speak to his god in a semblance of privacy, even though His every word was clearly heard. Kayleigh, I said I speak for several like-minded beings. Your Lord is one of them. He apologizes for not being able to speak to you earlier but there are rules. Understand it is no accident that you have become the being you are now, that you have gained the nock, that you have risen to the level of power that few of your race have ever achieved. You are blessed in his eyes, and while I disagree, he believes you do not need the same degree of guidance that I give My flock. Your family and your nation stand protected, though it may not always seem so. But remember that part of that protection is you.
I just nodded and curtsied. There were a million things I could say, a million questions I could ask, but they don’t really matter now. There was one however that was bothering me. “If I may, what of the souls I brought to Arborea? Were they returned to the fold?”
Yes, they were cleansed My child. As for the others, some are lost to us. They were siphoned off to the Far Realms. Those are lost for now, and we are not sure how to get them back. But since Ralishaz has sealed the prime, the loose ones have floated about. Some where misappropriated in Fraz’ failed gambit, sent to evil places such as the Shadow King and his true master.
“I am glad at least a few could be redeemed. My thanks.”
Dravot asked one more question. “My Lord, if I may, I would ask Your blessings for my coming wedding.”
Pelor smiled a wide, beaming, proud smile. Of course My Son. You have them. You shall have joy and happiness together. Oh, and tell Thorkeld that he would have had them too, if he had asked. His smile turned chiding but no less warm.
Pelor withdrew, and Aylwyn returned to his normal form. The sun seemed to shine a little dimmer with his departure but it was a small price to pay for his visit. Then with a start I remembered Lord Gelban. Hoping he was well, I tried to contact him. I was able to reach him and we arranged to meet the next night for dinner to discuss the details.
Feeling completely overwhelmed, we were at a loss as to what to do next. Ralishaz offered a kind suggestion and opened three portals – one to Ruun’Khazai, one to the palace in Celene and one to the Glitterhame. We went through them according to our needs, and each tried to take in the events of the day, and with it the meaning of faith.
* Pelor did not speak the name, but there was no doubt that the enemy was Orcus.
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