Neverwinter Knight
First Post
That is rich...and explains why he knew Joachim. Ironically, it was Joachim who 'ressed' him. Great plot twists as usual, JD. You really connect all the open ends!JollyDoc said:
JollyDoc's Shackled City: FINAL POST [Updated 11/2!!]
Joachim
First Post
monboesen said:
The vow of peace allows you to take aggressive action, you just can't do hit point or ability damage. Period. A Vow of Peace Monk could subdue the crap out of any bad guy he came across. Caine did not order Jules to hurt Grimm, but to take the aggressive action that would remove the Calm Emotions.
Similar to smacking your comrade on the butt to get rid of an invisibility spell.
I originally posted this in Gfunk's Story Hour, but it has taken a long time for Jollydoc's Story Hour to catch up. Hence, I'm re-posting it here for convenience. BTW, any future updates I have re: Entropy/Joachim/Amal will be posted in this thread.
Pez Reborn
Lemaron stepped through the the gate first followed shortly by Vequaniel. It would not do to have their charge threatened in any manner, much less wounded.
The Astral Devas quickly surveyed their surroundings. Their Master’s magic had transported them directly to the heart of Occipitus to the very center of Adimarchus’ former stronghold. Though the floor was constructed of non-descript stone, the ceiling was vast, rounded, and white, bearing twin concavities which were meant to function aesthetically as eye sockets.
From the center of the chamber rose a dazzling pillar of red energy, the apex of which ended in a stream of smoke that spilled out of one of the eye sockets providing the illusion of a smoking eye.
Directly across from their position sat a mammoth creature combining the most repellant features of an ape and boar, its bloated form bleeding from various ulcers which covered its body. Perhaps its most unusual feature was a smoking eye that smelled of brimstone. At least 20 feet tall, the demon was flanked by a pair of reeking fiends who seemed to be chewing on a humanoid form. Judging by its high state of decomposition and the mere rags that it wore, it was clear that this victim was long since dead.
There they stood, Angels and Demons, on opposite ends of the room. The mighty Nalfeshnee roared a challenge to the Devas as it ordered its Hezrou minions into action. Nevertheless, before any blows could land a third figure marched through the gate.
To Lemaron and Vequaniel he was bathed in a holy, resplendent light. However, to Caarcrinolas and his subordinates nothing was visible as the glaring light scorched their eyes, blinding them. Indeed, the blinding glory lanced out in all directions for hundreds, nay, thousands of feet. From the eye sockets of Adimarchus’ palace poured celestial luminosity that struck all the evil denizens of the Abyssal plane within a half-mile sightless.
Thinking discretion was most assuredly the better part of valor, Caarcrinolas teleported away leaving his Hezrou compatriots to an ignoble demise at the hands of the Devas and their Master.
--------------------
The Nalfeshnee had arrived at Occipitus a mere tenday ago and found the place ripe for the picking. All the rumors were indeed true! Adimarchus had fallen before Graz’zt and the Plane remained open to conquest. After learning about the Test of Sacrifice, Caarcrinolas had entered the place, summoned a trio of Hezrou, and laughed with sadistic glee as he threw one of them into the scorching pits of Occipitus.
Considering the myriad corpses that were carelessly strewn around the palace, including that of a Rakshasa, Fire Giant and even a sizable Black Dragon (found decomposing outside), it was easy enough to construct a throne of bones. After his “audience chamber” was complete, the Nalfeshnee simply waited. Occasionally summoning a Glabrezu or pair of Vrocks to do his bidding, Caarcrinolas felt it would only be a matter of time before he had enough power and experience to consciously tap into his morphic potential and exhibit complete control over Occipitus.
Of course, there were other pretenders to his throne – many of whom were messily dispatched by his own hands. In some cases, the Demon thought with an ironic smile, they were subjected to the same fate that they hoped to inflict upon their own allies – death in Adimarchus’ plasma pit.
One day ago, a human, dead no less, had arrived in his throne room complete with a smoking eye mirroring Caarcrinolas’ own. Simply incinerating a dead body was no challenge and far too noble a fate in the Nalfeshnee’s estimation. Instead, the Hezrous had desecrated it in every way possible and would have done so much more if not for the timely intervention of the Devas and something else.
Indeed, as Caarcrinolas frantically teleported away from Adimarchus’ palace, he wondered who or what that “something else” was. He distinctly remembered seeing a humanoid form before he was blinded – but what being possessed such an almighty, monumental aura? Could it have been an avatar, a living manifestation of some deity – Lathander perhaps?
Nevertheless, one thing was clear. The Nalfeshnee was prepared to quit Occipitus for now. He had no desire to return too soon – return and share the fate of his Hezrous.
--------------------
“What are your instructions Master?”
After slaying the toad-like demons, Lemaron and Vequaniel had discarded their corpses into the plasma vent. They now stood, uncomfortable and unnerved, around the violated body that the Hezrous had defiled.
Bearing the herald of Tyr, complete with warhammer and the scales of justice, a human in full plate mail nodded his head, “He too must be sent to the flame.”
“But, Master . . . are you certain?”
“Vequaniel, Tyr has sent you to protect me, not question my authority. This being’s body serves no further purpose to anybody, particularly in this state. We owe him the honor of purging his mortal coil. I am interested in his soul which has been cleansed of imperfections, not his carcass.”
“As you command, my Lord.”
After his companion had incinerated the corpse, Lemaron placed a brilliant diamond on the cold floor of the chamber as his master chanted the words to a true resurrection spell.
“By battling the Eryines to save the life of your fellows you have shown exemplary valor. By giving up your own life to save the city of Cauldron you have exhibited singular moral clarity. And, finally, for attempting to heal your friend even in the face of impending doom you have shown exceptional compassion. Though your powers were diminished on occasion and your material form was variable, your soul always remained pure. By the decree of Lord Tyr, your penance is at an end. Rise and once again re-join the ranks of Celestia.”
A golden silhouette began to dimly appear, gradually growing in strength as the spell was completed. Finally, there stood a bald green-skinned elf with beautiful white wings. With a thought, a trumpet appeared in his hands as he smiled and bowed deeply to his benefactor.
“High Justice Joachim Dethick. Indeed it has been a long time.”
Pez Reborn
Lemaron stepped through the the gate first followed shortly by Vequaniel. It would not do to have their charge threatened in any manner, much less wounded.
The Astral Devas quickly surveyed their surroundings. Their Master’s magic had transported them directly to the heart of Occipitus to the very center of Adimarchus’ former stronghold. Though the floor was constructed of non-descript stone, the ceiling was vast, rounded, and white, bearing twin concavities which were meant to function aesthetically as eye sockets.
From the center of the chamber rose a dazzling pillar of red energy, the apex of which ended in a stream of smoke that spilled out of one of the eye sockets providing the illusion of a smoking eye.
Directly across from their position sat a mammoth creature combining the most repellant features of an ape and boar, its bloated form bleeding from various ulcers which covered its body. Perhaps its most unusual feature was a smoking eye that smelled of brimstone. At least 20 feet tall, the demon was flanked by a pair of reeking fiends who seemed to be chewing on a humanoid form. Judging by its high state of decomposition and the mere rags that it wore, it was clear that this victim was long since dead.
There they stood, Angels and Demons, on opposite ends of the room. The mighty Nalfeshnee roared a challenge to the Devas as it ordered its Hezrou minions into action. Nevertheless, before any blows could land a third figure marched through the gate.
To Lemaron and Vequaniel he was bathed in a holy, resplendent light. However, to Caarcrinolas and his subordinates nothing was visible as the glaring light scorched their eyes, blinding them. Indeed, the blinding glory lanced out in all directions for hundreds, nay, thousands of feet. From the eye sockets of Adimarchus’ palace poured celestial luminosity that struck all the evil denizens of the Abyssal plane within a half-mile sightless.
Thinking discretion was most assuredly the better part of valor, Caarcrinolas teleported away leaving his Hezrou compatriots to an ignoble demise at the hands of the Devas and their Master.
--------------------
The Nalfeshnee had arrived at Occipitus a mere tenday ago and found the place ripe for the picking. All the rumors were indeed true! Adimarchus had fallen before Graz’zt and the Plane remained open to conquest. After learning about the Test of Sacrifice, Caarcrinolas had entered the place, summoned a trio of Hezrou, and laughed with sadistic glee as he threw one of them into the scorching pits of Occipitus.
Considering the myriad corpses that were carelessly strewn around the palace, including that of a Rakshasa, Fire Giant and even a sizable Black Dragon (found decomposing outside), it was easy enough to construct a throne of bones. After his “audience chamber” was complete, the Nalfeshnee simply waited. Occasionally summoning a Glabrezu or pair of Vrocks to do his bidding, Caarcrinolas felt it would only be a matter of time before he had enough power and experience to consciously tap into his morphic potential and exhibit complete control over Occipitus.
Of course, there were other pretenders to his throne – many of whom were messily dispatched by his own hands. In some cases, the Demon thought with an ironic smile, they were subjected to the same fate that they hoped to inflict upon their own allies – death in Adimarchus’ plasma pit.
One day ago, a human, dead no less, had arrived in his throne room complete with a smoking eye mirroring Caarcrinolas’ own. Simply incinerating a dead body was no challenge and far too noble a fate in the Nalfeshnee’s estimation. Instead, the Hezrous had desecrated it in every way possible and would have done so much more if not for the timely intervention of the Devas and something else.
Indeed, as Caarcrinolas frantically teleported away from Adimarchus’ palace, he wondered who or what that “something else” was. He distinctly remembered seeing a humanoid form before he was blinded – but what being possessed such an almighty, monumental aura? Could it have been an avatar, a living manifestation of some deity – Lathander perhaps?
Nevertheless, one thing was clear. The Nalfeshnee was prepared to quit Occipitus for now. He had no desire to return too soon – return and share the fate of his Hezrous.
--------------------
“What are your instructions Master?”
After slaying the toad-like demons, Lemaron and Vequaniel had discarded their corpses into the plasma vent. They now stood, uncomfortable and unnerved, around the violated body that the Hezrous had defiled.
Bearing the herald of Tyr, complete with warhammer and the scales of justice, a human in full plate mail nodded his head, “He too must be sent to the flame.”
“But, Master . . . are you certain?”
“Vequaniel, Tyr has sent you to protect me, not question my authority. This being’s body serves no further purpose to anybody, particularly in this state. We owe him the honor of purging his mortal coil. I am interested in his soul which has been cleansed of imperfections, not his carcass.”
“As you command, my Lord.”
After his companion had incinerated the corpse, Lemaron placed a brilliant diamond on the cold floor of the chamber as his master chanted the words to a true resurrection spell.
“By battling the Eryines to save the life of your fellows you have shown exemplary valor. By giving up your own life to save the city of Cauldron you have exhibited singular moral clarity. And, finally, for attempting to heal your friend even in the face of impending doom you have shown exceptional compassion. Though your powers were diminished on occasion and your material form was variable, your soul always remained pure. By the decree of Lord Tyr, your penance is at an end. Rise and once again re-join the ranks of Celestia.”
A golden silhouette began to dimly appear, gradually growing in strength as the spell was completed. Finally, there stood a bald green-skinned elf with beautiful white wings. With a thought, a trumpet appeared in his hands as he smiled and bowed deeply to his benefactor.
“High Justice Joachim Dethick. Indeed it has been a long time.”
Last edited:
I don't disagree with your general view. But I am more of a game-mechanics person than a "role-player." I could've abused Caine even more by making him a straight-up damage dealing sorcerer with subdual substition. Then, I could blast away with elemental spells that dealt subdual damage.monboesen said:
However, I chose to remain as pacifistic as possible. I limited my spell selection to buffs and healing magic. True, you could easily argue that casting improved invisiblity on a friend or yoke of mercy on an enemy is as good as casting fireball. I wouldn't go too far to argue against you.
In the end, Caine fit in well with the party, made for a good story, went out with a bang, and still served an excellent purpose in the overall structure of our campaign. And he even saved the DM's bacon when he made a "slight" CR error.
If you read my latest update, it should clear things up a bit. We don't want to give everything away quite yet though.LordVyreth said:
BTW, here's a teaser for my next update (Red Dawn):
While the relatively minor frontier city of Cauldron is falling to the machinations of the Cagewrights, larger events are afoot in Cormyr and the Dales. Finally mouting a last ditch effort to eject the forces of the Lich Queen, the War Wizards and Purple Dragon Knights of Queen Alusair launch a final, desparate counter-offensive let by Jochim Dethick himself.
In what is widely expected to be a suicidal attempt, the battle takes an unexpected turn when the Gythyanki's lose their ability to plane shift. And lose their seemingly endless supply of Astral Skiffs when their gates no longer open. And when their Red Dragon cohorts turn on them in a homicidal rage.
Those who had come to ravage the Prime Material Plane find instead their magnificent Astral city of Tun'a'roth in smoking ruins.
And sitting safely in Zhentil Keep, Fzoul Chembryl, the Chosen of Bane, feels that he is safe, surrounded by fanatical Banites, undead Beholders, and a stasis clone of the Archmage Manshoon. However, he is about to get a nasty surprise . . .
How does this fit in with Cauldron?
Stay tuned . . .
Neverwinter Knight
First Post
Looks like Entopy & Co. were really, really successful. And if you're not hinting on Amal taking on his double-crossing boss…
Really, really, really looking forward to it!
![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
Really, really, really looking forward to it!
I think I'll hold up on my update for a little while. I want it to come at a dramatic point in the Cauldron campaign. I certainly don't want a repeat of my last update where people were scratching their heads for weeks before the updates in this SH caught up.
So stay tuned . . .
So stay tuned . . .
Neverwinter Knight
First Post
You're right about that! We'll try to be patient...gfunk said:
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