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Journal of the Souls of Legend (completed)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 7866286" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>The Crossing of Madness - 12/2/2019</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>The multiverse is a wonderous place. You really could say that anything and everything is possible at the proper place and moment. Wonderous things. Glorious things. Unexpected things.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>And some of those things are best left alone, unexplored and forgotten if it can be helped. But if you can’t, you better be prepared to deal with it. Otherwise, the results might be…fatal.</em> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We were moving through the forest, climbing upwards to the plateau above. We wanted to see the outcome of our efforts and know if we made a difference. After some hiking through the brush, my calves were burning. I really wanted to ride the disc that was floating behind Beepu. But the disk was basically ‘full’ of the spiky hobgoblin armor that Daneath had claimed as his prize. But he needed to fix the straps on it before he could use it. So Beepu had conjured up a floating disc, which now had the armor and our packs to make the climb easier. Finally, we reached our goal, and could look down upon the temple.</p><p></p><p>From our vantage point, the entrance to the temple was covered in fallen rock from the quake. The camp itself appeared deserted. The once bright fires were now dark, and the teeming worg pens now stood empty. Most of the tents still stood as they did before, but a few, a bare handful were torn down. But there was no sign of movement at all. As we watched, Beepu sent in Foggle to get a better look from above. So, we waited and watched the glittering golden fleck in the distance, circle and swoop. It wasn’t long before it returned, alighting on Beepu’s arm.</p><p></p><p>“As we suspected, the camp is empty,” Beepu said after silently conferring with Foggle. “The rubble at the temple, appears to be the entire passage, and not just the entrance itself. Otherwise it is as it appears; abandoned.”</p><p></p><p>“Should we search it?” Iesa asked with a smile on his face.</p><p></p><p>“I am not sure it would be worth the time. The weapons left behind do not appear to be quality ones, and I doubt there is anything beyond coppers to be found.”</p><p></p><p>“He’s probably right,” Daneath agreeded. “If they had anything valuable, they were carrying it. The armor the leader wore probably is the most valuable thing they had. Even his axe wasn’t worth keeping.”</p><p></p><p>“Well at least it was a quick burial,” Iesa said moping. “I would have left…it to rot.”</p><p></p><p>“Myr likes nothing better than a proper funeral, right?” Daneath said, nudging me in the ribs.</p><p></p><p>“Hmm?...Yeah,” I said softly.</p><p></p><p>“You alright?” Beepu asked with concern on his voice.</p><p></p><p>“I’m…tired. We should find a safe place to rest,” I said, trying to sound like myself. I clearly wasn’t convincing.</p><p></p><p>“Right…sure. But yeah, a nap would be good.” Iesa said, standing and looking around. “I doubt I can find the glade again, but I bet we can find a safe place tonight.”</p><p></p><p>“True,” Beepu stroked his chin as he voiced his thoughts. “My theory is that the remaining hobgoblins will report back to the ‘Prophesized One’ about the set back. Without more forces, they cannot hold this site. And if the reason for this site was the Font below, it may be even less useful.”</p><p></p><p>“What they had here, was enough to take on Whitepetal,” Daneath replied. “So if they are all buried, that makes things easier. All we need to do now is get back, and see what our next steps are.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, it would be tomorrow at best,” Iesa said. “So, lets find a spot to rest.”</p><p></p><p>Everyone was nodding in agreement, and we started to search for one. Once again, Iesa’s skills in the outdoors was shining through, as he found a bear cave. Well calling it a cave might be generous; it was a hollow in the earth, framed with roots. If a bear or other animal had used it, the occupants were long gone. We lit a small fire, and ate some of the rations we had. It was a quiet meal, with each of us preoccupied with different tasks. Daneath had enlisted Iesa’s help to rework the straps on the armor of the hobgoblin leader. Beepu in the meantime was looking over some notes let by his father and making his own in the margins. We had some time before we needed to start our watches.</p><p></p><p>It’s not like we really needed a watch, with the two familiars present. Neither slept and brought something different to the watch; Foggle was very good at spotting things, but Gossamer was smarter and a better observer. But we all preferred that someone else took turns with them. Generally, I took the last watch, as I enjoyed watching the dawning sun. But tonight, was different.</p><p></p><p>“Beepu?” I said looking at the gnome. “Mind if I take the first watch…I’m not quite ready to fall asleep yet.”</p><p></p><p>“Switch you mean? Not a problem,” he said yawning. “I am ready to turn it in now.” He then looked at me curiously. “Are you certain nothing is wrong?”</p><p></p><p>I touched the symbol that hung from my neck; the skeletal hand and arm, lifting a balance aloft. I was stroking the familiar relief as I answered, “I guess…it’s a matter of faith.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu nodded, “I will leave it to you to sort out then.” And he moved to his bedroll and started to settle down for some rest.</p><p></p><p>I moved towards the entrance of the mud cave and sat down at the entrance, looking out into the forest. I sat there on the earth, still caressing my holy symbol, and stared at nothing in particular. I was still turning over the memories and the emotions I felt in the tunnel. Seeing that moment where I broke the hobgoblins’ fearsome front asunder. Where I had become fear incarnate. </p><p></p><p>No…<em>death incarnate.</em></p><p></p><p>It gave me the chills, remembering what I had done. I didn’t feel sorrow for the hobgoblins; they started a war. I didn’t feel regret for what I had done. I had already killed a number of beings, defending myself, or just accomplishing a goal. The ones I had slain, would be judged by my lord and sent onwards to whatever fate the multiverse had for them. And if I was in the wrong, Kelemvor would tell me now or later. And I would pay the penance, whatever the cost. That was what I believed. But it wasn’t any of those things that bothered me.</p><p></p><p>What did, was how I felt during that battle. A manic ecstasy as I tore away their lives. Each life that I snuffed out with a prayer and a gesture and the pleasure I felt. How simple and effortless it was. How bold I felt. How right it felt. How <strong><em>good</em></strong> it felt. It was that simple truth I couldn’t reconcile.</p><p></p><p>I enjoyed killing them. I enjoyed the screams of pain. I enjoyed the look of fear they had in the darkness. I only stopped because I ran out of hobgoblins. I wasn’t sure if I could have stopped myself if I wanted to. But that was it; I didn’t want to stop.</p><p></p><p><em>That </em>frightened me.</p><p></p><p>I shouldn’t have felt that way. Death was a part of life, and I wanted to help those who needed passing, or ease the suffering of those left behind. To honor the dead and guide the souls to the Fugue. Not revel in the pain and suffering I caused as I sent them to judgement. Why did I feel exhilaration? Shouldn’t I feel sorrow at the waste of life? And even if someone was going to face their end, shouldn’t it be with the same mercy as those who beg for release?</p><p></p><p>This was well beyond the hatred I had felt. What I felt, wasn’t right. I was revolted at my naked lust for pain and spilled blood. Was this how the Celestials felt in discharging their duty? Glory and disgust? Was this contradiction the cause of ones to fall from grace? Because of a lack of strength? Because of a flaw? Did Zariel feel this way on the plains of Avernus?</p><p></p><p>This can’t be right. How could I revel in the death in another, when I am sitting here questioning it, knowing its wrong. Was I really that callous in the moment? I wanted to fix this somehow. Needed to. But I didn’t know what I could do or even a person that I could talk to about this.</p><p></p><p>My hand was still around the symbol I wore when I gripped it tighter as I closed my eyes and prayed.</p><p></p><p><em>Please Lord Kelemvor. Give me a sign or hope that I’m not going barmy. Help me face my problems and give me hope that I am doing the right thing. Purge this…this…this wrongness from me…please. </em></p><p></p><p>I was too tired to shed tears. I just looked up at the stars, hoping for a sign. For guidance somewhere in the firmament. </p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p>I awoke to Iesa gently shaking my shoulder. I nodded and pulled myself out of my bedroll and started to strap on my armor and gear. Looking outside the cave, I could barely see the trees, as a thick fog was in the air, covering the forest in a misty grey blanket. </p><p></p><p>“Is that going to be a problem?” I asked as I tightened the buckles on my bracers and looking at the fog.</p><p></p><p>“With the elven trinket I would hope not,” Iesa said. “But I guess you or Beepu could better answer that.”</p><p></p><p>I made a face, “I doubt it; Beepu is better at things. I’m better at dealing with…”</p><p></p><p>“People?”</p><p></p><p>I grimaced, “Only if their health is of concern. Or a lack of it.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa looked at me for a moment before replying, “Well, I appreciate any effort to keep me breathing. So, anything you do there is fine by me.”</p><p></p><p>“Should I <strong><em>enjoy</em></strong> it?”</p><p></p><p>“Helping your friends, sure? Why not? Let’s get going and talk when we can get some drinks in us.”</p><p></p><p>I nod not willing to reveal more, “A good drink would be…welcome about now.”</p><p></p><p>“Come on, you stupid thing work!” I heard Daneath say outside.</p><p></p><p>“You are not saying the words correctly,” Beepu admonished. “The stress is at the end of the word, not the beginning. If I do not pronounce the words correctly, you do not get this handy disc carrying your precious ugly armor.”</p><p></p><p>“<em>Entu-LA Eska!” </em> Daneath intoned, while knitting his brow. The orb bound in silver wire, lit up with a green light. As we watched, the orb lifted away from Daneath’s hand and started to float towards the northwest. “And its practical! Its better than I have now!”</p><p></p><p>“So why do you not wear it?” Beepu asked with that lecturing tone.</p><p></p><p>“Because the elves might get upset,” Daneath replied exasperated. “I do have some sense.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, you can all talk about that, while I’m going to follow the…bauble thing,” Iesa remarked, and he started following the orb, with the rest of us close behind. It wasn’t following a straight path, but was rather tracking some hidden pathway, that made it for an easy march.</p><p></p><p>But as easy as the march was, the fog didn’t burn off even with a light breeze. Instead it seemed to get darker as we travelled. The sun was completely hidden, and it became impossible to tell what direction we were heading. Considering we could barely see four paces ahead of us, it was a good thing we were following something. I didn’t want to become lost, as we didn’t have a large amount of supplies to start with.</p><p></p><p><em>--Myr, behind us! I smell worgs!</em></p><p></p><p>My heart skipped a beat. I quickly turned around facing the wind and shouted, “Worgs!” I readied my shield and waited. The others didn’t hesitate and also turned, with swords ready while Beepu started to prepare a cast.</p><p></p><p>We couldn’t see far, but when they bounded out of the fog it was enough for me. I started a quick cast, and a miasma surrounded a worg and its rider. As the worg charged at me, I could see the goblin’s face go from bloodthirsty, to empty as it fell from its saddle. The worg was a bit tougher, but as it went by me, Daneath and Iesa both skewered it from opposing sides, while a blast of fire from Beepu was enough to send it tumbling into a heap on the ground. Then Daneath moved in front of me, to shield us all from additional attacks.</p><p></p><p>This was fortunate, as from the fog, another pair of worgs with riders appeared. Both the worgs charged at Daneath, but neither pair of jaws were able to pierce the man’s armor. And as for their riders, it was even worse, as they swung wildly, finding nothing but air. Once again, the brothers sliced into the hide of a worg, and I was able to injure the rider. Beepu quickly poured some water into his hand, and threw out a shard of ice that exploded, killing the first worg, while injuring the other, and killing its rider. The worg snarled and tried to run off, but both of the men were able to land blows, felling it before it could disappear into the fog again.</p><p></p><p>We readied ourselves for more, but it became quickly apparent that none were coming. Beepu launched up Foggle into the air, as we all stood silent and listened.</p><p></p><p><em>Gos? Do you sense any others?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--I was lucky that I smelled them before, but I can’t hear or smell anything now. And, I can’t see much either way.</em></p><p></p><p>Daneath pulled down the bauble from the air, causing it to go dark. Just after this Beepu cursed,</p><p></p><p>“Of course. There is a goblin encampment in our path.” He said distantly, as he received some communication from Foggle.</p><p></p><p>“Well, that’s great. Now what?” Daneath said angrily.</p><p></p><p>“Let’s avoid them, cut to one side and go around,” Iesa said. “We can pick up the path on the other side.”</p><p></p><p>“How far is the camp Beepu?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, not too far thataway,” and he gestured absently toward the direction we were originally heading. “Up above it is easier to see,” and he snorted.</p><p></p><p>“Right,” and I thought quickly, “Send Foggle ahead, and I’ll send Gossamer to flank us to see if they start heading our direction.”</p><p></p><p>“Of course, of course, <snort> that will do.” Beepu said distantly, as he waved his hand. Gossamer took flight above, towards the direction that Beepu indicated, and we all turned to skirt the camp on the right side. I was somewhat nervous though. Foggle was a much better scout than Gossamer; it was quiet and faster. Gossamer was brighter though, but I had this horrible vision of him being pierced by quarrels from a goblin.</p><p></p><p><em>Be careful.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--You think <strong>I </strong>want to get hurt?</em></p><p></p><p>We started on our way, now moving slowly and cautiously, trying not to attract attention. Daneath of course had difficulty in doing this, being in the heavy armor he wore. As we travelled, it was getting darker. While we had an inkling that it should be getting close to peak, the darkness grew, as did a chill in the air. But more problematic was that Beepu was humming to himself like he didn’t care about being found.</p><p></p><p>“Beepu! Pipe down,” Iesa said also frustrated at the gnomes lack of discretion.</p><p></p><p>“Hmm, hmm, what? Why? Nothing is <snort> going to hurt me.”</p><p></p><p>“This is serious,” I said. “It’s hard enough to fight in this fog, so let’s avoid it.”</p><p></p><p><em>--Myr, this doesn’t make sense. Summon me back after you count to twenty.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>What? Sure fine.</em></p><p></p><p>And I started to count in my head…silently unlike Beepu, who seemed to my mind getting louder and louder.</p><p></p><p>“Come on, let’s <chuckle> go!” Beepu said, and he was starting to…skip ahead of Iesa, who was trying to make as little noise as he could.</p><p></p><p>“Beepu!” he hissed. “What in the hells has gotten into you?”</p><p></p><p>“Baator,” I said absently, reaching the count of twelve. Beepu could be a little strange at times, but this was not normal. I decided I would bring it up after I summoned Gossamer back. When I reached twenty, he was now starting to hum louder. I then pulled on the strand that connected us and Gossamer appeared in a quick shower of sparkles and I looked at the tressym expectantly.</p><p></p><p><em>--Myr, something is wrong. There isn’t a goblin camp anywhere!</em></p><p></p><p>I was now really confused. And I turned to look at the skipping gnome. “Are you sure there’s a goblin camp near. Gos cou—”</p><p></p><p>“Of course there <snicker> is. Foggle is never <snort> wrong!”</p><p></p><p>“What does he see now?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“What? Foggle-a-gog? Flowers and sun <snicker> and rainy showers and fun!”</p><p></p><p>“What are you talking about?” Daneath said exasperated. “Showers and fun? This isn’t a game.”</p><p></p><p>“This game is tame!” Beepu replied, “Perhaps something less lame!” and Beepu suddenly bolted ahead. The disc with the goblin armor and our gear following behind him.</p><p></p><p>“What the?---Get back here!” Iesa yelled, and he started after the gnome, with Daneath and I in tow. In a moment, both ran off deeper into the fog, as we gave chase. Not long afterwards, we hear the clatter of metal hitting the ground. After a number of paces we found Iesa, standing looking deeper into the fog, with his fists balled up and at his hips, breathing heavily. The armor and gear now in a cluttered heap on the ground.</p><p></p><p>“Where is—” Daneath started.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t know. He outran me.” Iesa said winded.</p><p></p><p>“What? Beepu?” I said questionly. “Outran you? How?”</p><p></p><p>Iesa threw up his hands. “I haven’t the foggi—oh that’s terrible. I have no idea.”</p><p></p><p>“What do we do? Chase him down?” Daneath asked a bit confused.</p><p></p><p>“How?” I exclaimed. “He seems to be able to outrun us. All he’d have to do is turn and run in a new direction and we couldn’t find him,” I could hear Beepu starting to sing nonsense in the fog, his voice echoing around all of us. We all stood looking around in different directions trying to pin point where he might be. But it was hopeless; his voice seemed everywhere, echoing about.</p><p></p><p>“He’s gone mad,” Iesa said.</p><p></p><p>“Madder,” I retorted between gritted teeth. “We can’t help him if he’s run off. Let’s get ourselves out of the fog.”</p><p></p><p>“Right,” and Daneath pulled out the orb bound in silver. “<em>Entula Eska!” </em> </p><p></p><p>The orb lit up, moved about two paces and dropped to the ground lifeless.</p><p></p><p>“Remember the stress is on the last sy—” Iesa started.</p><p></p><p>“I know that!” Daneath said angrily. “If I don’t it say correctly, <strong><em>nothing</em></strong> happens. That wasn’t nothing.”</p><p></p><p>“Close enough.” I said. “Try again.”</p><p></p><p>He moved to the orb and picked it up. “<em>Entu-LA Eska!”</em> and the orb moved two paces in a different direction and dropped to the ground again.</p><p></p><p>“This isn’t happening,” Daneath said. “And I don’t like it,” he picked up the orb, and put in a pouch. Then he began to strip off his armor.</p><p></p><p>“What are you—” Iesa started.</p><p></p><p>“Help me change armor.” Daneath answered. “If there is something wrong, I want to wear the best I have.”</p><p></p><p>“Alright…” Iesa said and he started to help his brother with the straps.</p><p></p><p>As Daneath was changing, I heard a noise in the fog at first soft, but quickly growing.</p><p></p><p>“…eepuuu...Beepuuuu…Beeepuuu…” Foggle repeated over and over, as it appeared from out of the fog. It then started to circle us repeatedly.”</p><p></p><p>“Foggle?” I said cautiously. “Can you find Beepu?”</p><p></p><p>“…Beepuuu…Beepuuuu…Beeepuuu…” it kept repeating, but as I watched I could see it was shaking its head.</p><p></p><p>“Great,” I said aloud. There was something seriously wrong here.</p><p></p><p><em>Goss keep an eye out.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Yeah…sure…like I can see.</em></p><p></p><p>Ignoring Gossamer, I started to pull on a pair of strands, one light and one dark. I closed my eyes and started to focus on an incantation that Beepu had taught me. Specifically, one to detect magic. The words were based on the gnomish language, so it was a bit muddled, but I got enough of the intonation out that I could feel it take effect. Once I felt that the magic had taken hold, I opened my eyes.</p><p></p><p>The sudden pain was unexpected, like I had decided to stare at the sun at peak. The forest was swirling colors and pulsing with energy like chaos incarnate. I gave out a choking sound as I squinted trying to find my bearings and see again. As I stared, I realized that I was wrong, the forest was fine as I could see the trees and brush. But the Weave was a different story. I had heard tales of what Limbo looks like from other planewalkers, and those descriptions paled in comparison to what I saw, with the cacophony of colors swirling around me.</p><p></p><p>“Myr what the..what happened?” I heard Iesa say.</p><p></p><p>“I’m…alright,” I choked. “Help D. I am looking for…” I gasped, “magic energy.”</p><p></p><p>“And?” Daneath said amid working on buckles.</p><p></p><p>“I can’t see anything..but magic. We’re surrounded by it.” I said, turning in place staring at the colors and swirling. As I turned, something caught my attention; a nearby pine tree. As I looked, it was shimmering and shifting between two different trees. One normal one and another one, flourishing. with more needles and a larger trunk. But both were sharing the same space. I then realized part of what was happening.</p><p></p><p>“Oh no,” I said looking around with dread expecting…something more. </p><p></p><p>“What? What’s going on,” Iesa demanded.</p><p></p><p>“We’re…at a planar border I think.”</p><p></p><p>“Say again?” Daneath said stopping to look at me.</p><p></p><p>Fearfully, I replied “I think we are on a manifest zone of the…Feywild.”</p><p></p><p><strong>Session notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>So, this is a hard lesson. If you can’t attend the gaming session for any reason, bad things might happen.</p><p></p><p>Did happen. We did keep it quiet for about a week though, leaving only cryptic statements in text messages.</p><p></p><p>So, we were all mean, not just the DM.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 7866286, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B]The Crossing of Madness - 12/2/2019[/B] [I]The multiverse is a wonderous place. You really could say that anything and everything is possible at the proper place and moment. Wonderous things. Glorious things. Unexpected things. And some of those things are best left alone, unexplored and forgotten if it can be helped. But if you can’t, you better be prepared to deal with it. Otherwise, the results might be…fatal.[/I] [/CENTER] We were moving through the forest, climbing upwards to the plateau above. We wanted to see the outcome of our efforts and know if we made a difference. After some hiking through the brush, my calves were burning. I really wanted to ride the disc that was floating behind Beepu. But the disk was basically ‘full’ of the spiky hobgoblin armor that Daneath had claimed as his prize. But he needed to fix the straps on it before he could use it. So Beepu had conjured up a floating disc, which now had the armor and our packs to make the climb easier. Finally, we reached our goal, and could look down upon the temple. From our vantage point, the entrance to the temple was covered in fallen rock from the quake. The camp itself appeared deserted. The once bright fires were now dark, and the teeming worg pens now stood empty. Most of the tents still stood as they did before, but a few, a bare handful were torn down. But there was no sign of movement at all. As we watched, Beepu sent in Foggle to get a better look from above. So, we waited and watched the glittering golden fleck in the distance, circle and swoop. It wasn’t long before it returned, alighting on Beepu’s arm. “As we suspected, the camp is empty,” Beepu said after silently conferring with Foggle. “The rubble at the temple, appears to be the entire passage, and not just the entrance itself. Otherwise it is as it appears; abandoned.” “Should we search it?” Iesa asked with a smile on his face. “I am not sure it would be worth the time. The weapons left behind do not appear to be quality ones, and I doubt there is anything beyond coppers to be found.” “He’s probably right,” Daneath agreeded. “If they had anything valuable, they were carrying it. The armor the leader wore probably is the most valuable thing they had. Even his axe wasn’t worth keeping.” “Well at least it was a quick burial,” Iesa said moping. “I would have left…it to rot.” “Myr likes nothing better than a proper funeral, right?” Daneath said, nudging me in the ribs. “Hmm?...Yeah,” I said softly. “You alright?” Beepu asked with concern on his voice. “I’m…tired. We should find a safe place to rest,” I said, trying to sound like myself. I clearly wasn’t convincing. “Right…sure. But yeah, a nap would be good.” Iesa said, standing and looking around. “I doubt I can find the glade again, but I bet we can find a safe place tonight.” “True,” Beepu stroked his chin as he voiced his thoughts. “My theory is that the remaining hobgoblins will report back to the ‘Prophesized One’ about the set back. Without more forces, they cannot hold this site. And if the reason for this site was the Font below, it may be even less useful.” “What they had here, was enough to take on Whitepetal,” Daneath replied. “So if they are all buried, that makes things easier. All we need to do now is get back, and see what our next steps are.” “Well, it would be tomorrow at best,” Iesa said. “So, lets find a spot to rest.” Everyone was nodding in agreement, and we started to search for one. Once again, Iesa’s skills in the outdoors was shining through, as he found a bear cave. Well calling it a cave might be generous; it was a hollow in the earth, framed with roots. If a bear or other animal had used it, the occupants were long gone. We lit a small fire, and ate some of the rations we had. It was a quiet meal, with each of us preoccupied with different tasks. Daneath had enlisted Iesa’s help to rework the straps on the armor of the hobgoblin leader. Beepu in the meantime was looking over some notes let by his father and making his own in the margins. We had some time before we needed to start our watches. It’s not like we really needed a watch, with the two familiars present. Neither slept and brought something different to the watch; Foggle was very good at spotting things, but Gossamer was smarter and a better observer. But we all preferred that someone else took turns with them. Generally, I took the last watch, as I enjoyed watching the dawning sun. But tonight, was different. “Beepu?” I said looking at the gnome. “Mind if I take the first watch…I’m not quite ready to fall asleep yet.” “Switch you mean? Not a problem,” he said yawning. “I am ready to turn it in now.” He then looked at me curiously. “Are you certain nothing is wrong?” I touched the symbol that hung from my neck; the skeletal hand and arm, lifting a balance aloft. I was stroking the familiar relief as I answered, “I guess…it’s a matter of faith.” Beepu nodded, “I will leave it to you to sort out then.” And he moved to his bedroll and started to settle down for some rest. I moved towards the entrance of the mud cave and sat down at the entrance, looking out into the forest. I sat there on the earth, still caressing my holy symbol, and stared at nothing in particular. I was still turning over the memories and the emotions I felt in the tunnel. Seeing that moment where I broke the hobgoblins’ fearsome front asunder. Where I had become fear incarnate. No…[I]death incarnate.[/I] It gave me the chills, remembering what I had done. I didn’t feel sorrow for the hobgoblins; they started a war. I didn’t feel regret for what I had done. I had already killed a number of beings, defending myself, or just accomplishing a goal. The ones I had slain, would be judged by my lord and sent onwards to whatever fate the multiverse had for them. And if I was in the wrong, Kelemvor would tell me now or later. And I would pay the penance, whatever the cost. That was what I believed. But it wasn’t any of those things that bothered me. What did, was how I felt during that battle. A manic ecstasy as I tore away their lives. Each life that I snuffed out with a prayer and a gesture and the pleasure I felt. How simple and effortless it was. How bold I felt. How right it felt. How [B][I]good[/I][/B] it felt. It was that simple truth I couldn’t reconcile. I enjoyed killing them. I enjoyed the screams of pain. I enjoyed the look of fear they had in the darkness. I only stopped because I ran out of hobgoblins. I wasn’t sure if I could have stopped myself if I wanted to. But that was it; I didn’t want to stop. [I]That [/I]frightened me. I shouldn’t have felt that way. Death was a part of life, and I wanted to help those who needed passing, or ease the suffering of those left behind. To honor the dead and guide the souls to the Fugue. Not revel in the pain and suffering I caused as I sent them to judgement. Why did I feel exhilaration? Shouldn’t I feel sorrow at the waste of life? And even if someone was going to face their end, shouldn’t it be with the same mercy as those who beg for release? This was well beyond the hatred I had felt. What I felt, wasn’t right. I was revolted at my naked lust for pain and spilled blood. Was this how the Celestials felt in discharging their duty? Glory and disgust? Was this contradiction the cause of ones to fall from grace? Because of a lack of strength? Because of a flaw? Did Zariel feel this way on the plains of Avernus? This can’t be right. How could I revel in the death in another, when I am sitting here questioning it, knowing its wrong. Was I really that callous in the moment? I wanted to fix this somehow. Needed to. But I didn’t know what I could do or even a person that I could talk to about this. My hand was still around the symbol I wore when I gripped it tighter as I closed my eyes and prayed. [I]Please Lord Kelemvor. Give me a sign or hope that I’m not going barmy. Help me face my problems and give me hope that I am doing the right thing. Purge this…this…this wrongness from me…please. [/I] I was too tired to shed tears. I just looked up at the stars, hoping for a sign. For guidance somewhere in the firmament. [HR][/HR] I awoke to Iesa gently shaking my shoulder. I nodded and pulled myself out of my bedroll and started to strap on my armor and gear. Looking outside the cave, I could barely see the trees, as a thick fog was in the air, covering the forest in a misty grey blanket. “Is that going to be a problem?” I asked as I tightened the buckles on my bracers and looking at the fog. “With the elven trinket I would hope not,” Iesa said. “But I guess you or Beepu could better answer that.” I made a face, “I doubt it; Beepu is better at things. I’m better at dealing with…” “People?” I grimaced, “Only if their health is of concern. Or a lack of it.” Iesa looked at me for a moment before replying, “Well, I appreciate any effort to keep me breathing. So, anything you do there is fine by me.” “Should I [B][I]enjoy[/I][/B] it?” “Helping your friends, sure? Why not? Let’s get going and talk when we can get some drinks in us.” I nod not willing to reveal more, “A good drink would be…welcome about now.” “Come on, you stupid thing work!” I heard Daneath say outside. “You are not saying the words correctly,” Beepu admonished. “The stress is at the end of the word, not the beginning. If I do not pronounce the words correctly, you do not get this handy disc carrying your precious ugly armor.” “[I]Entu-LA Eska!” [/I] Daneath intoned, while knitting his brow. The orb bound in silver wire, lit up with a green light. As we watched, the orb lifted away from Daneath’s hand and started to float towards the northwest. “And its practical! Its better than I have now!” “So why do you not wear it?” Beepu asked with that lecturing tone. “Because the elves might get upset,” Daneath replied exasperated. “I do have some sense.” “Well, you can all talk about that, while I’m going to follow the…bauble thing,” Iesa remarked, and he started following the orb, with the rest of us close behind. It wasn’t following a straight path, but was rather tracking some hidden pathway, that made it for an easy march. But as easy as the march was, the fog didn’t burn off even with a light breeze. Instead it seemed to get darker as we travelled. The sun was completely hidden, and it became impossible to tell what direction we were heading. Considering we could barely see four paces ahead of us, it was a good thing we were following something. I didn’t want to become lost, as we didn’t have a large amount of supplies to start with. [I]--Myr, behind us! I smell worgs![/I] My heart skipped a beat. I quickly turned around facing the wind and shouted, “Worgs!” I readied my shield and waited. The others didn’t hesitate and also turned, with swords ready while Beepu started to prepare a cast. We couldn’t see far, but when they bounded out of the fog it was enough for me. I started a quick cast, and a miasma surrounded a worg and its rider. As the worg charged at me, I could see the goblin’s face go from bloodthirsty, to empty as it fell from its saddle. The worg was a bit tougher, but as it went by me, Daneath and Iesa both skewered it from opposing sides, while a blast of fire from Beepu was enough to send it tumbling into a heap on the ground. Then Daneath moved in front of me, to shield us all from additional attacks. This was fortunate, as from the fog, another pair of worgs with riders appeared. Both the worgs charged at Daneath, but neither pair of jaws were able to pierce the man’s armor. And as for their riders, it was even worse, as they swung wildly, finding nothing but air. Once again, the brothers sliced into the hide of a worg, and I was able to injure the rider. Beepu quickly poured some water into his hand, and threw out a shard of ice that exploded, killing the first worg, while injuring the other, and killing its rider. The worg snarled and tried to run off, but both of the men were able to land blows, felling it before it could disappear into the fog again. We readied ourselves for more, but it became quickly apparent that none were coming. Beepu launched up Foggle into the air, as we all stood silent and listened. [I]Gos? Do you sense any others? --I was lucky that I smelled them before, but I can’t hear or smell anything now. And, I can’t see much either way.[/I] Daneath pulled down the bauble from the air, causing it to go dark. Just after this Beepu cursed, “Of course. There is a goblin encampment in our path.” He said distantly, as he received some communication from Foggle. “Well, that’s great. Now what?” Daneath said angrily. “Let’s avoid them, cut to one side and go around,” Iesa said. “We can pick up the path on the other side.” “How far is the camp Beepu?” I asked. “Oh, not too far thataway,” and he gestured absently toward the direction we were originally heading. “Up above it is easier to see,” and he snorted. “Right,” and I thought quickly, “Send Foggle ahead, and I’ll send Gossamer to flank us to see if they start heading our direction.” “Of course, of course, <snort> that will do.” Beepu said distantly, as he waved his hand. Gossamer took flight above, towards the direction that Beepu indicated, and we all turned to skirt the camp on the right side. I was somewhat nervous though. Foggle was a much better scout than Gossamer; it was quiet and faster. Gossamer was brighter though, but I had this horrible vision of him being pierced by quarrels from a goblin. [I]Be careful. --You think [B]I [/B]want to get hurt?[/I] We started on our way, now moving slowly and cautiously, trying not to attract attention. Daneath of course had difficulty in doing this, being in the heavy armor he wore. As we travelled, it was getting darker. While we had an inkling that it should be getting close to peak, the darkness grew, as did a chill in the air. But more problematic was that Beepu was humming to himself like he didn’t care about being found. “Beepu! Pipe down,” Iesa said also frustrated at the gnomes lack of discretion. “Hmm, hmm, what? Why? Nothing is <snort> going to hurt me.” “This is serious,” I said. “It’s hard enough to fight in this fog, so let’s avoid it.” [I]--Myr, this doesn’t make sense. Summon me back after you count to twenty. What? Sure fine.[/I] And I started to count in my head…silently unlike Beepu, who seemed to my mind getting louder and louder. “Come on, let’s <chuckle> go!” Beepu said, and he was starting to…skip ahead of Iesa, who was trying to make as little noise as he could. “Beepu!” he hissed. “What in the hells has gotten into you?” “Baator,” I said absently, reaching the count of twelve. Beepu could be a little strange at times, but this was not normal. I decided I would bring it up after I summoned Gossamer back. When I reached twenty, he was now starting to hum louder. I then pulled on the strand that connected us and Gossamer appeared in a quick shower of sparkles and I looked at the tressym expectantly. [I]--Myr, something is wrong. There isn’t a goblin camp anywhere![/I] I was now really confused. And I turned to look at the skipping gnome. “Are you sure there’s a goblin camp near. Gos cou—” “Of course there <snicker> is. Foggle is never <snort> wrong!” “What does he see now?” I asked. “What? Foggle-a-gog? Flowers and sun <snicker> and rainy showers and fun!” “What are you talking about?” Daneath said exasperated. “Showers and fun? This isn’t a game.” “This game is tame!” Beepu replied, “Perhaps something less lame!” and Beepu suddenly bolted ahead. The disc with the goblin armor and our gear following behind him. “What the?---Get back here!” Iesa yelled, and he started after the gnome, with Daneath and I in tow. In a moment, both ran off deeper into the fog, as we gave chase. Not long afterwards, we hear the clatter of metal hitting the ground. After a number of paces we found Iesa, standing looking deeper into the fog, with his fists balled up and at his hips, breathing heavily. The armor and gear now in a cluttered heap on the ground. “Where is—” Daneath started. “I don’t know. He outran me.” Iesa said winded. “What? Beepu?” I said questionly. “Outran you? How?” Iesa threw up his hands. “I haven’t the foggi—oh that’s terrible. I have no idea.” “What do we do? Chase him down?” Daneath asked a bit confused. “How?” I exclaimed. “He seems to be able to outrun us. All he’d have to do is turn and run in a new direction and we couldn’t find him,” I could hear Beepu starting to sing nonsense in the fog, his voice echoing around all of us. We all stood looking around in different directions trying to pin point where he might be. But it was hopeless; his voice seemed everywhere, echoing about. “He’s gone mad,” Iesa said. “Madder,” I retorted between gritted teeth. “We can’t help him if he’s run off. Let’s get ourselves out of the fog.” “Right,” and Daneath pulled out the orb bound in silver. “[I]Entula Eska!” [/I] The orb lit up, moved about two paces and dropped to the ground lifeless. “Remember the stress is on the last sy—” Iesa started. “I know that!” Daneath said angrily. “If I don’t it say correctly, [B][I]nothing[/I][/B] happens. That wasn’t nothing.” “Close enough.” I said. “Try again.” He moved to the orb and picked it up. “[I]Entu-LA Eska!”[/I] and the orb moved two paces in a different direction and dropped to the ground again. “This isn’t happening,” Daneath said. “And I don’t like it,” he picked up the orb, and put in a pouch. Then he began to strip off his armor. “What are you—” Iesa started. “Help me change armor.” Daneath answered. “If there is something wrong, I want to wear the best I have.” “Alright…” Iesa said and he started to help his brother with the straps. As Daneath was changing, I heard a noise in the fog at first soft, but quickly growing. “…eepuuu...Beepuuuu…Beeepuuu…” Foggle repeated over and over, as it appeared from out of the fog. It then started to circle us repeatedly.” “Foggle?” I said cautiously. “Can you find Beepu?” “…Beepuuu…Beepuuuu…Beeepuuu…” it kept repeating, but as I watched I could see it was shaking its head. “Great,” I said aloud. There was something seriously wrong here. [I]Goss keep an eye out. --Yeah…sure…like I can see.[/I] Ignoring Gossamer, I started to pull on a pair of strands, one light and one dark. I closed my eyes and started to focus on an incantation that Beepu had taught me. Specifically, one to detect magic. The words were based on the gnomish language, so it was a bit muddled, but I got enough of the intonation out that I could feel it take effect. Once I felt that the magic had taken hold, I opened my eyes. The sudden pain was unexpected, like I had decided to stare at the sun at peak. The forest was swirling colors and pulsing with energy like chaos incarnate. I gave out a choking sound as I squinted trying to find my bearings and see again. As I stared, I realized that I was wrong, the forest was fine as I could see the trees and brush. But the Weave was a different story. I had heard tales of what Limbo looks like from other planewalkers, and those descriptions paled in comparison to what I saw, with the cacophony of colors swirling around me. “Myr what the..what happened?” I heard Iesa say. “I’m…alright,” I choked. “Help D. I am looking for…” I gasped, “magic energy.” “And?” Daneath said amid working on buckles. “I can’t see anything..but magic. We’re surrounded by it.” I said, turning in place staring at the colors and swirling. As I turned, something caught my attention; a nearby pine tree. As I looked, it was shimmering and shifting between two different trees. One normal one and another one, flourishing. with more needles and a larger trunk. But both were sharing the same space. I then realized part of what was happening. “Oh no,” I said looking around with dread expecting…something more. “What? What’s going on,” Iesa demanded. “We’re…at a planar border I think.” “Say again?” Daneath said stopping to look at me. Fearfully, I replied “I think we are on a manifest zone of the…Feywild.” [B]Session notes:[/B] So, this is a hard lesson. If you can’t attend the gaming session for any reason, bad things might happen. Did happen. We did keep it quiet for about a week though, leaving only cryptic statements in text messages. So, we were all mean, not just the DM. [/QUOTE]
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