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Journal of the Souls of Legend (completed)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 8040659" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>A Sea of Change - 7/18/2020</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>and sorry on being late...but real life you know.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>Faith is the crux of the multiverse. Yet some accuse those with faith that it is a crutch. And maybe that is true.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>But everyone needs someone to lean on. So why NOT a power? They at least have the potential for altering things.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>If only that happened. But it is a better chance than literally nothing.</em></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>My jaw was hanging open, as I sat there staring at Fortin. I blinked a few times as I stumbled to try to find the words to express myself. I must have looked like a cagestruck prime to the man, when I finally started to sputter:</p><p></p><p>“No...No…no, no, nonono,” I stood up and started pacing, while staring at Fortin. “That’s ridiculous. I wasn’t summoned here! I wasn’t sent on some power’s errand. No, <strong><em>MY </em></strong>power’s errand. I mean wouldn’t a power <strong><em>tell</em></strong> you something like ‘help these berks, they asked nicely?’ I mean there are planes filled with celestials! Why send a mortal and not give them a bit of chant to explain why you, and why them?”</p><p></p><p>Fortin shrugged, “Eridan was a devout man. I cannot say why he did so.”</p><p></p><p>“Devout…devout to Kelemvor? A doomguide?” I asked still confused on how any prayer would have resulted in my appearance on the prime.</p><p></p><p>“Yes. He wore the scales, just as you do,” Fortin said. “And I for one don’t believe in random chance. But I do not return providences’ favors either. But in the end does it matter? You are here and you are intending to follow Eridan yes?”</p><p></p><p>I frowned a moment, and curtly nodded.</p><p></p><p>“Then I will check on the others,” and Fortin stood and started to the hall that lead deeper within catacombs. “Once my friend arrives, she will be able to send you on your way. You can rest here in the meantime,” and Fortin disappeared down the hall.</p><p></p><p>I stood there, leaning on the table with my hands and watched him depart, while I shook my head. “He’s barmy. That idea’s barmy. There is no—”</p><p></p><p><em>--What’s barmy is that you are talking to no one. I got that right, yes?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Goss, what are you—</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Barmy…means crazy. I mean you are talking to yourself after all.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Huh? Right, yes, that is how you use the word. I am…I am not…you are always listening right?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--You don’t see Beepu talking to Foggle.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Right, and no one can hear ‘this’!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--And yet you talked aloud to…no one.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Not a help.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Of course, not...but how do you know?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>What? That you aren’t a help?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Good one. No, that you weren’t sent?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Now you’re the barmy one. Do I <strong>look</strong> like I’m a member of the celestial host?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Well…you could be dressing down.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Goss…</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--But seriously. Everything you have told me about this group the Kershak, and for that matter things in Sigil is about manipulation. Could you have been maneuvered here?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I dove into a random portal in the ‘Smoldering Corpse’ bar avoiding a fight before I became fiend food. How is that manipulation?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Well…how did you get there?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Huh? I was delivering a message to Barkis, from someone from the Civic Festhall.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--That’s in the Clerks Ward right?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Yeah. So?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--And Barkis is a barkeep in the Lower Ward.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I don’t see the problem--</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Did Barkis have friends from the Society?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Well…no. I don’t recall anyone ever mentioning him.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--And the Society isn’t in the business of running messages around, right?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Well…no. Autochon set up a guild for that…</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--So why were you there?</em></p><p></p><p>I sat down and slumped in a chair confused, thinking about what happened one hundred and forty-four days ago. I had been keeping track in a small book where I wrote down notes from the end of the day to remember, and within it, I counted the days.</p><p></p><p>I counted every day since it was since I saw my room in the Civic Festhall. I counted the tea times I missed with Nastanal. The number of days where I remembered friends that had left their mortal coil behind.</p><p></p><p>But beyond cursing my luck in diving where I did, I never thought much about <em>why</em> I was there. Making some quick jink in dropping of a message. I thought nothing of it at the time. But now as I sat there, I wondered, was there more to it? I mean…Barkis was surprised to have a note dropped off…but did that mean anything?</p><p></p><p>No…no…this was barmy. I wasn’t supposed to be there. It was chance…an accident. Happens to planeswalkers all the time…we have a word for it ‘ hipped.’</p><p></p><p>Yet, the possibility nagged at me. All the clues that my father had a hidden agenda, pushing me in a direction. That there was something planned, that I wasn’t privy to. A debt that I had incurred unknowingly. Could it be possible, that this was…intended?</p><p></p><p>“Sodding—” I hit the table in front of me with my hand. I hated this, no matter what you called it. Owing people. Being indebted. Sworn and beholden. Obligated. All my life I had debts, starting with the Gatehouse. I ended up paying the debts that Markel built, until it almost broke my body and mind. A debt to my father it seemed, just by asking for power in a moment of despair. Dying, and owing the people I considered my friends. Granted while it at one time bothered me the most, was now the least because our friendship.</p><p></p><p>But where did it end? I paid the gatehouse. I paid the fiends for Markel. I felt to be close to paying off my death. But my father? I had no answers. I didn’t even know if my father had anything to do with my faith at all. In the end I just wanted one thing.</p><p></p><p>I cradled my head in my hands, propping it up with my elbows as I closed my eyes and just breathed, trying to calm myself. I was getting worked up for nothing I was sure…almost sure of it. I stayed that was for a moment, when I shifted. I left my head bowed, but my hands no longer supported it, but instead clasped themselves together as I prayed aloud.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll do what I have to. I will do what my power requires of me. I…I just want to know that I am doing it <strong><em>for </em></strong>you. That I am doing it <strong><em>for</em></strong> a reason, and not because it is luck or coincidence. I just want…I want certainty. Certainty that it makes sense. Certainty that it is worthwhile. Certainty that…I’m not going barmy,” I chuckled. “I may not understand it, and I might question it to make sure I get it right. But I’ll do what…whatever it takes. Just…tell me…Please.”</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p>I’m not sure how long I sat there in contemplation. But I was deep in prayer, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned, and looked up at Nelian who said, “The wizard is here. Did you need more time?”</p><p></p><p>I shook my head and pushed my chair back and stood up. Nelian motioned me to follow, and together we walked down the hall.</p><p></p><p>“Nelian…have you seen Beepu?” I asked thinking how the poor gnome looked this evening.</p><p></p><p>“I have,” he said cautiously. “I don’t know the man, but he does not seem himself.”</p><p></p><p>“Did he spend time with—”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, he did. But afterwards, he was looking at some piece of paper.”</p><p></p><p>“One of his many plans I assume,” I said hoping a bit for my friend.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t think he was really reading it though,” Nelian said doubtfully.</p><p></p><p>“Why?”</p><p></p><p>“It was upside down. I…think.”</p><p></p><p>I frowned. Beepu was going to be in a bad spot for a bit. He would need time to process everything. Mourning periods existed in many cultures for a reason; to handle that transition. I just hoped he would let me in and help.</p><p></p><p>Nelian turned and gestured towards an open doorway. It opened into an octagonal room, with teleportation circle set into the floor. On one side of the room, I saw Beepu sitting on a bench with a glum look on his face. Near him, Daneath and Iesa stood, in quiet conversation. They then nodded at me as I approached.</p><p></p><p>“You two ready?” I asked putting on a small smile.</p><p></p><p>“I’ve seen enough of what the Kershak thinks of his foes,” Daneath said. “I’m ready to end this for…for Umbra.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa nodded in agreement. “Yeah. Umbra may have been a manipulative, selfish, jerk. But after tonight,” Iesa shook his head. “I think I can understand what drove him there; right or wrong.”</p><p></p><p>I nodded and walked over to Beepu and sat next to him. “Hey,” I said. “Did you say what you needed?”</p><p></p><p>The gnome shook his head, “I…I tried. There is…too much to say.”</p><p></p><p>I nodded and placed my hand on his. “You have plenty of time to talk with her, and Pachook as well,” I said reassuringly. “But they’ll listen when you need them, no matter where you go.” I paused letting my words sink in before I spoke again. “Beepu, are you ready? I know it isn’t fair, but we do need you now.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu nodded and looked up. Foggle, drifted down and alighted onto his arm. Beepu traced his fingers around Foggle’s head, covered with patterns resembling feathers. “The plans for Foggle…it was something we all worked on together,” the gnome said. “I was field testing it, to see if its design was worth selling to other mages. It’s all I have left of them really.”</p><p></p><p>“No,” I disagreed. “You have your memories…which are far more precious. Foggle is a good example; it triggers those memories. But you don’t need Foggle to remember. Not that I’d trade you away Foggle,” I smiled impishly as Foggle’s head swerved to regard me.</p><p></p><p>“I…suppose. And I suppose I should finish my father’s work,” he said with hard look on his face.</p><p></p><p>“And we’re all going to help,” I said.</p><p></p><p>From the hallway Nelian, Fortin, Kingsley, and a fourth person, a woman, I did not know entered the room.</p><p></p><p>“Well my friends, we are here to see you off,” Fortin started. “Let me introduce you to Valnia,” the woman nodded her head towards us, and I returned the gesture. “She will be handling your teleportation.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, and I understand that you have a location based on some sigils,” She spoke in a no-nonsense tone. “May I see it?”</p><p></p><p>“Uh…sure,” and Iesa took out the map, and laid it flat on the table. He then pointed to Triboar, and the symbols around it.</p><p></p><p>The woman nodded, “That should be simple enough. Whenever you all are ready then, I shall cast the spell.”</p><p></p><p>The four of us stood and lined up, each of us shaking the hands of Nalien, Fortin, and Kingsley. We shook hands with each other, although I hugged Kingsley instead on my turn.</p><p></p><p>“You need to get back to working, or you’re going to need a bigger sword belt,” I joked as I poked Kingsley.</p><p></p><p>“Hurm, well…Truth be told, I am a lousy cook, so I won’t have an excuse to indulge,” he said with a note of sadness. “But I will look after your place until you return, Beepu,” he said turning towards the gnome.</p><p></p><p>“Thank you, Kingsley. I appreciate that, and what you have done for my family. I will not forget that,” the gnome said quietly while nodding.</p><p></p><p>“You all take care of this Kershak then,” Kingsley said. “I shall pray for your victory.”</p><p></p><p>“Thanks, we’ll take all the help we can get,” Daneath replied.</p><p></p><p>I winced inwardly at Kingsley declaration. He meant it honestly, not realizing that there appeared to be machination of the powers already on this little sojourn I found myself on. But I didn’t want to discuss it or even think about it any further.</p><p></p><p>“If you are ready? And here,” Valnia handed the map back to Iesa. He took it and quickly folded it and returned it to his pack. We then stepped into the circle, with Gossamer flitting behind me. I looked around at the floor, and took out my journal, and copied the five sigils there, in case we found another way to teleport home. Once I copied them, I put the journal back into my pouch and nodded to the wizard that I was ready. Iesa and Daneath looked at each other, and each made a fist and they lightly touched them together. They then stepped inside the circle, and I could hear Mo make a small chirping sound from his hiding spot in Iesa’s pack. They then turned and nodded at the wizard. Finally, Beepu, stepped into the circle, with Foggle on his arm. He closed his eyes a second and said nothing. But after a moment, he too nodded his head, ready to get on with the next step.</p><p></p><p>Valnia nodded and closed her eyes. She then said a quick torrent of arcane syllables. As I watched, the world twisted before my eyes, and I felt dizzy as the weave contorted around us. After a moment, everything seemed to unwind and calm themselves. Where once there was grey slate colored stone of the conservatory, I now saw muted browns and tans. I turned to look around and realized we were in a cave somewhere, with stalagmites and stalactites scattered around, with water dripping from the ceiling. On the ground was a circle, with the five sigils we had seen before. But there was no one to be seen, just a passage through to a gallery near where we appeared.</p><p></p><p>“Hey, Myr? Light?” I heard Daneath say.</p><p></p><p>I flexed and felt the warms along my back, as I placed the familiar spell on Daneath’s shield. The men both blinked trying to quickly adjust and they looked around swiftly, taking in the scene I just saw. Beepu looked around silently with a frown and said nothing.</p><p></p><p>As I stood there, I realized there was something different about the place we found ourselves. It was very warm, and so humid that you felt you could drink the water from the air. I was already sweating, and I had only just arrived moments ago. But there was something else in the air that I could taste...it reminded me of somewhere else.</p><p></p><p>“Wow, it is warm here,” Iesa whispered while wiping his forehead.</p><p></p><p>“I wonder why. Is a fire nearby?” Daneath asked.</p><p></p><p>“Well, if there is,” I said wiping my own brow. “I can’t see one ahead of us, and that passage is the only way out.”</p><p></p><p>“Forward we go,” Daneath said facing his shield ahead, and lighting the way for himself and his brother. We walked cautiously, into another gallery, much larger than the one we first appeared in. Here the was a pool of water, and fungi of all sorts around it and along the walls. The air here was fetid damp, and that tang in the air hung there. Several narrow passages led off from here, while the one we followed continued forward. We looked at each other, sighed and Daneath led us down the passage, ignoring the sides branches, in favor of the main one.</p><p></p><p>As we moved through it, I had a strange feeling. It was a pulling or rather a light tugging on my awareness. I focused on it for a moment, and realized it was the strands oscillating like a string on a lute. I gulped, because I suddenly remembered when I last felt this way…under Flint Rock. I tightened my grip on my rod.</p><p></p><p>“We aren’t alone,” I said quietly, turning my head looking for what stalked us.</p><p></p><p>Daneath and Iesa quickly shifted and stood back to back as Daneath turned the shield around to shine the light around the gallery. Beepu stood there focused, and set Foggle aloft, trying to use the owls’ vision to get a better look.</p><p></p><p><em>--Myr, your left in the rear…its running!</em></p><p></p><p>I turned left, just in time to brace myself from the collision. The smell of fungus and rot was overpowering, as something tried to pull down my shield. I twisted and wrested my barrier free and plucked a white strand. A beam of light slammed and illuminated the figure that assailed me.</p><p></p><p>It was human…once. Rags of cloth hung from its desiccated form. Its skin, pulled too taut, was rent on the limbs and chest. From these tears, spilled out slime and mold. The eye sockets of the skull were filled with the forms of mushroom and fungi, and from shriveled lips it hissed from between broken and missing teeth. The light caused it to shirk back a moment, before it lunged at me again. From the corner of my eye, I saw four more had scrambled at were attacking the others; one on Beepu and Daneath, while two attacked Iesa as frenzied mob.</p><p></p><p>Daneath quickly swung and his blade cut the abdomen of one, all the way to the spine, spilling fungi and a musty dust like substance everywhere. Beepu, quickly threw a blast of fire straight into the face of once, as Foggle pulled on the scraps of hair of the thing.</p><p></p><p>But Iesa was harder pressed. He quickly spun and thrust his rapier through the wasted humanoid until the cross guard hit rib. And he tried to withdraw his blade quickly so he could defend himself. But the second one, jumped and clawed at him; dust flying all around. Soon Iesa was wheezing as he swung his blade desperately.</p><p></p><p>Daneath with two quick slashes and brought his blade hard on his foes shoulder, causing the walking corpse to fall to pieces. He turned and tried to force the attention of Iesa’s attackers on himself. Meanwhile Beepu, threw another blast of fire into his opponent, knocking it down flat on the stone floor. But even as we watched, it slowly was starting to pull itself back into a crouch. As for me, I focused my energy on my own attacker, and caused more light to strike it down. The corpse fell again unmoving on the floor and I turned to help Iesa.</p><p></p><p>Despite Daneath’s best attempts, the pair ignored the big warrior and focused their attacks on Iesa. One of them reached and embraced the rogue, while the second clawed at the man. Iesa wrenched an arm free, with a dagger in hand, and brought the blade deep into the back of the corpse clutching at him, causing it to crumple onto the ground.</p><p></p><p>This allowed Daneath to swing and cut the legs out from under Iesa’s other assailant. It swiped at Daneath but was unable to connect with its bony fingers. This left it open to Daneath’s riposte, causing it to fall on the ground lifeless once again.</p><p></p><p>Beepu however, was struggling. His foe rose again, and Beepu’s fire shot wide, striking the back of the cavern. Beepu attempted to back up and was narrowly missed by a wild strike. I then focused and enveloped it in a miasma of darkness, as I rent its animating force from its body. It fell, unmoving on the floor, its limbs separating from the torso in a haphazard heap.</p><p></p><p>I moved to look at Iesa, who was coughing up blood. I didn’t even get to say a word, when from the side corridors, another pack of corpses ran straight us, heedless of any danger or threat.</p><p></p><p>Daneath charged with his shield and blocked one from getting closer, while swinging his blade at two more, giving each a minor wound on dead moldering flesh. Daneath’s action caused the throng to focus on him, but before they could strike, I pulled a pair of light and dark strands taut, stretching them until they snapped. The shattering sound, broke bones and stalagmites alike, causing several to crumple to the ground, with bone fragments piercing through dead flesh. This was followed by an icy shard from Beepu’s hands, striking one of the standing corpses, and exploding into slivers around him, and causing the rest to fall to the ground.</p><p></p><p>I was panting, and was beginning to feel relieved, when I turned to look at Iesa. His face was ashen grey in color, and he had fallen on his knees gasping for breath. As I watched, his rapier and dagger dropped from his hands, as he bent over and coughed up more blood. As I knelt beside him, his breathing was shallow and ragged, and he was shivering.</p><p></p><p>“Iesa!” I exclaimed in alarm. “Talk to me you spiv! What’s wrong?”</p><p></p><p>“H…h..h..hard…to,” and he started to cough again, until he was out of breath, “breathe.”</p><p></p><p>I looked around, “They didn’t come from the passage we were headed.”</p><p></p><p>“I noticed that,” Daneath said. “I’m guessing that’s a path out.”</p><p></p><p>“Beepu lead Daneath, I’m going to help--” as I threw Iesa’s arm over my shoulder, and I strained to lift him up. “—Iesa here. Come on, help out you lazy spiv.”</p><p></p><p>“I’m…not…a…spiv…trying,” Iesa gasped for air as he stood unsteadily.</p><p></p><p>“Only a spiv says that,” I grunted through gritted teeth. “Now get your blades and move!” to which he bent over, grabbed and sheathed his weapons, and together we stumbled behind Daneath and Beepu.</p><p></p><p>The passage led to an intersection, with a passage leading down to the left, and one leading upwards to the right. Daneath immediately turned to the passage leading upwards. I struggled to keep Iesa upright as he continued to cough. Finally, we reached a rough circular chamber at the end of rising hall.</p><p></p><p>What surprised me, was a ladder, made of a strange knotted wood in the middle of the room. Looking up, the ladder was anchored to the side of a hole in the ceiling. But above that was a wooden door.</p><p></p><p>Daneath slung his shield onto his back, and sheathed his sword, and climbed up the ladder and started to push on the door. I stood there, holding up Iesa watching as he strained.</p><p></p><p>“Can…can you?” and Iesa started coughing again, with some blood dripping form the corner of his lips.</p><p></p><p>“I can, Iesa. But I want to get you into fresh air first,” I said soothingly. “You seem to have inhaled something from those…musti—er zombies, corpse things. I want you to have some fresh air, so you don’t relapse. Just hang in there.”</p><p></p><p>“It…wont…MOVE,” Daneath nearly shouted. As he strained and pushed against the door.</p><p></p><p>“Did you unbolt it?” Beepu said, sounding slightly annoyed.</p><p></p><p>“It isn’t bolted,” Daneath said, stepping down. “Something is on top of it. And I can feel the rung on the ladder start to give. They’ll crack before the door moves. I don’t suppose you could finger baste them Beepu?”</p><p></p><p>“Fingerpaint,” I corrected.</p><p></p><p>“What are you...oh that cant thing,” Beepu said, sounding dejected. “I do not have anything that can do that I am afraid.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa coughed, “Why don’t…” he hacked again, “you boost,” and again he broke down coughing again.</p><p></p><p>“That’s an idea,” Daneath said brightening up. “But not you, you can barely stand. Myr,” and Daneath dropped down to one knee. “Get on my shoulders.”</p><p></p><p>“Huh?” I said confused. “I don’t get—”</p><p></p><p>“It’s easy, you sit my shoulders and lock your arms overhead. I then lift with my legs and we push it open together.”</p><p></p><p>I shrugged. “It makes sense I suppose,“ I said as I gently lowered Iesa to the ground, and Beepu came over to steady him.</p><p></p><p><em>Goss, watch the passage, we’re all a bit busy.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Oh, wanted to watch the antics here though.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Pike it!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Spoilsport.</em></p><p></p><p>I lifted a leg over Daneath’s shoulder, and then rest my weight onto his back as I swung my other leg over and sat fully on his shoulders. Once settled he stood in a crouching position. I reached up and placed my hands on the door.</p><p></p><p>“Okay, keep your arms stiff!” Daneath grunted and then started to straighten up.</p><p></p><p>I gasped and locked my arms. My shoulders quickly burned as I tried to keep my back straight. I winced in pain until finally the door started to move, and several things slid off, allowing the door to open, and light to spill in from above. I could then feel even warmer air and that same tang on the air, but stronger.</p><p></p><p>“Beepu…can you climb up and drag whatever is out of the way so the door will open fully.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu nodded and leaned the still coughing Iesa on the floor. He scaled the ladder with some difficulty. I heard a scraping sound, and the door fell open. I grasped the ladder and placed my feet on the rungs as Daneath lowered himself and let me off his shoulders.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll get Iesa up, you help pull him up there, right?”</p><p></p><p>I nodded and scrambled up the ladder. I didn’t pay much attention to anything as turn around and lowered my arms to grasp Iesa as Daneath lifted him up from below. Fortunately, Iesa was able to summon some strength and pulled himself up and collapse on the floor, breathing heavily.</p><p></p><p>I sat down and looked around. We were in a cave, with the entrance partially blocked by tall grass. The interior was not much to talk about, with rough walls and a dirty covered floor. The trapdoor would be seated in an indent in the floor, and next to it were a pile of rocks.</p><p></p><p>“Rocks?” I said. “Someone bothered to put a door here, and then cover it with a pile of rocks?”</p><p></p><p>“Doesn’t make any sense to me either,” Daneath said. “Explains why I couldn’t push through it.” Daneath then looked around. “Where’s Beepu?”</p><p></p><p>Gossamer had just flown up as Daneath said that. Turning round it was apparent the gnome wasn’t in the cave.</p><p></p><p>“He must be outside,” I shrugged as I spoke. “I’ll peek outside and look for him. Rest a sec and get Iesa out in the open air.”</p><p></p><p>“Be right behind you,” I head him say, and I stepped outside into the bright light. After squinting a bit, I realized that the air was balmy and intense. The air was even more humid than before as well. The grasses obscured the cave from the surroundings, and I pushed my way through them. When they did, what I saw took my breath away.</p><p></p><p>Beyond the grasses, and at the bottom of this small hill was white sand. Some were piled into some small dunes clustered around scattered trees that were tall and thin, with a fan of thick green ribbed leaves. On one such dune I saw Beepu had sat himself down and was looking away from the cave. Beyond the Beepu and dunes was a great blue sea, with gentle waves lapping on the shoreline. The sound of the surf pounding the coast was soft and rhythmic, pierced only by the cry of gulls in the sky. It was then I realized that the tang in the air was salt from the sea, just like in Waterdeep. But here the faint breeze had a fresher scent, and it was far warmer.</p><p></p><p>“Sodding Baator,” I whispered to myself. “Where are we?”</p><p></p><p><strong>Session Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>You could say ‘and now for something completely different. And you wouldn’t be wrong. And Iesa’s illness was a real problem as we soon shall see.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 8040659, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B]A Sea of Change - 7/18/2020 and sorry on being late...but real life you know.[/B] [I]Faith is the crux of the multiverse. Yet some accuse those with faith that it is a crutch. And maybe that is true. But everyone needs someone to lean on. So why NOT a power? They at least have the potential for altering things. If only that happened. But it is a better chance than literally nothing.[/I][/CENTER] My jaw was hanging open, as I sat there staring at Fortin. I blinked a few times as I stumbled to try to find the words to express myself. I must have looked like a cagestruck prime to the man, when I finally started to sputter: “No...No…no, no, nonono,” I stood up and started pacing, while staring at Fortin. “That’s ridiculous. I wasn’t summoned here! I wasn’t sent on some power’s errand. No, [B][I]MY [/I][/B]power’s errand. I mean wouldn’t a power [B][I]tell[/I][/B] you something like ‘help these berks, they asked nicely?’ I mean there are planes filled with celestials! Why send a mortal and not give them a bit of chant to explain why you, and why them?” Fortin shrugged, “Eridan was a devout man. I cannot say why he did so.” “Devout…devout to Kelemvor? A doomguide?” I asked still confused on how any prayer would have resulted in my appearance on the prime. “Yes. He wore the scales, just as you do,” Fortin said. “And I for one don’t believe in random chance. But I do not return providences’ favors either. But in the end does it matter? You are here and you are intending to follow Eridan yes?” I frowned a moment, and curtly nodded. “Then I will check on the others,” and Fortin stood and started to the hall that lead deeper within catacombs. “Once my friend arrives, she will be able to send you on your way. You can rest here in the meantime,” and Fortin disappeared down the hall. I stood there, leaning on the table with my hands and watched him depart, while I shook my head. “He’s barmy. That idea’s barmy. There is no—” [I]--What’s barmy is that you are talking to no one. I got that right, yes? Goss, what are you— --Barmy…means crazy. I mean you are talking to yourself after all. Huh? Right, yes, that is how you use the word. I am…I am not…you are always listening right? --You don’t see Beepu talking to Foggle. Right, and no one can hear ‘this’! --And yet you talked aloud to…no one. Not a help. --Of course, not...but how do you know? What? That you aren’t a help? --Good one. No, that you weren’t sent? Now you’re the barmy one. Do I [B]look[/B] like I’m a member of the celestial host? --Well…you could be dressing down. Goss… --But seriously. Everything you have told me about this group the Kershak, and for that matter things in Sigil is about manipulation. Could you have been maneuvered here? I dove into a random portal in the ‘Smoldering Corpse’ bar avoiding a fight before I became fiend food. How is that manipulation? --Well…how did you get there? Huh? I was delivering a message to Barkis, from someone from the Civic Festhall. --That’s in the Clerks Ward right? Yeah. So? --And Barkis is a barkeep in the Lower Ward. I don’t see the problem-- --Did Barkis have friends from the Society? Well…no. I don’t recall anyone ever mentioning him. --And the Society isn’t in the business of running messages around, right? Well…no. Autochon set up a guild for that… --So why were you there?[/I] I sat down and slumped in a chair confused, thinking about what happened one hundred and forty-four days ago. I had been keeping track in a small book where I wrote down notes from the end of the day to remember, and within it, I counted the days. I counted every day since it was since I saw my room in the Civic Festhall. I counted the tea times I missed with Nastanal. The number of days where I remembered friends that had left their mortal coil behind. But beyond cursing my luck in diving where I did, I never thought much about [I]why[/I] I was there. Making some quick jink in dropping of a message. I thought nothing of it at the time. But now as I sat there, I wondered, was there more to it? I mean…Barkis was surprised to have a note dropped off…but did that mean anything? No…no…this was barmy. I wasn’t supposed to be there. It was chance…an accident. Happens to planeswalkers all the time…we have a word for it ‘ hipped.’ Yet, the possibility nagged at me. All the clues that my father had a hidden agenda, pushing me in a direction. That there was something planned, that I wasn’t privy to. A debt that I had incurred unknowingly. Could it be possible, that this was…intended? “Sodding—” I hit the table in front of me with my hand. I hated this, no matter what you called it. Owing people. Being indebted. Sworn and beholden. Obligated. All my life I had debts, starting with the Gatehouse. I ended up paying the debts that Markel built, until it almost broke my body and mind. A debt to my father it seemed, just by asking for power in a moment of despair. Dying, and owing the people I considered my friends. Granted while it at one time bothered me the most, was now the least because our friendship. But where did it end? I paid the gatehouse. I paid the fiends for Markel. I felt to be close to paying off my death. But my father? I had no answers. I didn’t even know if my father had anything to do with my faith at all. In the end I just wanted one thing. I cradled my head in my hands, propping it up with my elbows as I closed my eyes and just breathed, trying to calm myself. I was getting worked up for nothing I was sure…almost sure of it. I stayed that was for a moment, when I shifted. I left my head bowed, but my hands no longer supported it, but instead clasped themselves together as I prayed aloud. “I’ll do what I have to. I will do what my power requires of me. I…I just want to know that I am doing it [B][I]for [/I][/B]you. That I am doing it [B][I]for[/I][/B] a reason, and not because it is luck or coincidence. I just want…I want certainty. Certainty that it makes sense. Certainty that it is worthwhile. Certainty that…I’m not going barmy,” I chuckled. “I may not understand it, and I might question it to make sure I get it right. But I’ll do what…whatever it takes. Just…tell me…Please.” [HR][/HR] I’m not sure how long I sat there in contemplation. But I was deep in prayer, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned, and looked up at Nelian who said, “The wizard is here. Did you need more time?” I shook my head and pushed my chair back and stood up. Nelian motioned me to follow, and together we walked down the hall. “Nelian…have you seen Beepu?” I asked thinking how the poor gnome looked this evening. “I have,” he said cautiously. “I don’t know the man, but he does not seem himself.” “Did he spend time with—” “Yes, he did. But afterwards, he was looking at some piece of paper.” “One of his many plans I assume,” I said hoping a bit for my friend. “I don’t think he was really reading it though,” Nelian said doubtfully. “Why?” “It was upside down. I…think.” I frowned. Beepu was going to be in a bad spot for a bit. He would need time to process everything. Mourning periods existed in many cultures for a reason; to handle that transition. I just hoped he would let me in and help. Nelian turned and gestured towards an open doorway. It opened into an octagonal room, with teleportation circle set into the floor. On one side of the room, I saw Beepu sitting on a bench with a glum look on his face. Near him, Daneath and Iesa stood, in quiet conversation. They then nodded at me as I approached. “You two ready?” I asked putting on a small smile. “I’ve seen enough of what the Kershak thinks of his foes,” Daneath said. “I’m ready to end this for…for Umbra.” Iesa nodded in agreement. “Yeah. Umbra may have been a manipulative, selfish, jerk. But after tonight,” Iesa shook his head. “I think I can understand what drove him there; right or wrong.” I nodded and walked over to Beepu and sat next to him. “Hey,” I said. “Did you say what you needed?” The gnome shook his head, “I…I tried. There is…too much to say.” I nodded and placed my hand on his. “You have plenty of time to talk with her, and Pachook as well,” I said reassuringly. “But they’ll listen when you need them, no matter where you go.” I paused letting my words sink in before I spoke again. “Beepu, are you ready? I know it isn’t fair, but we do need you now.” Beepu nodded and looked up. Foggle, drifted down and alighted onto his arm. Beepu traced his fingers around Foggle’s head, covered with patterns resembling feathers. “The plans for Foggle…it was something we all worked on together,” the gnome said. “I was field testing it, to see if its design was worth selling to other mages. It’s all I have left of them really.” “No,” I disagreed. “You have your memories…which are far more precious. Foggle is a good example; it triggers those memories. But you don’t need Foggle to remember. Not that I’d trade you away Foggle,” I smiled impishly as Foggle’s head swerved to regard me. “I…suppose. And I suppose I should finish my father’s work,” he said with hard look on his face. “And we’re all going to help,” I said. From the hallway Nelian, Fortin, Kingsley, and a fourth person, a woman, I did not know entered the room. “Well my friends, we are here to see you off,” Fortin started. “Let me introduce you to Valnia,” the woman nodded her head towards us, and I returned the gesture. “She will be handling your teleportation.” “Yes, and I understand that you have a location based on some sigils,” She spoke in a no-nonsense tone. “May I see it?” “Uh…sure,” and Iesa took out the map, and laid it flat on the table. He then pointed to Triboar, and the symbols around it. The woman nodded, “That should be simple enough. Whenever you all are ready then, I shall cast the spell.” The four of us stood and lined up, each of us shaking the hands of Nalien, Fortin, and Kingsley. We shook hands with each other, although I hugged Kingsley instead on my turn. “You need to get back to working, or you’re going to need a bigger sword belt,” I joked as I poked Kingsley. “Hurm, well…Truth be told, I am a lousy cook, so I won’t have an excuse to indulge,” he said with a note of sadness. “But I will look after your place until you return, Beepu,” he said turning towards the gnome. “Thank you, Kingsley. I appreciate that, and what you have done for my family. I will not forget that,” the gnome said quietly while nodding. “You all take care of this Kershak then,” Kingsley said. “I shall pray for your victory.” “Thanks, we’ll take all the help we can get,” Daneath replied. I winced inwardly at Kingsley declaration. He meant it honestly, not realizing that there appeared to be machination of the powers already on this little sojourn I found myself on. But I didn’t want to discuss it or even think about it any further. “If you are ready? And here,” Valnia handed the map back to Iesa. He took it and quickly folded it and returned it to his pack. We then stepped into the circle, with Gossamer flitting behind me. I looked around at the floor, and took out my journal, and copied the five sigils there, in case we found another way to teleport home. Once I copied them, I put the journal back into my pouch and nodded to the wizard that I was ready. Iesa and Daneath looked at each other, and each made a fist and they lightly touched them together. They then stepped inside the circle, and I could hear Mo make a small chirping sound from his hiding spot in Iesa’s pack. They then turned and nodded at the wizard. Finally, Beepu, stepped into the circle, with Foggle on his arm. He closed his eyes a second and said nothing. But after a moment, he too nodded his head, ready to get on with the next step. Valnia nodded and closed her eyes. She then said a quick torrent of arcane syllables. As I watched, the world twisted before my eyes, and I felt dizzy as the weave contorted around us. After a moment, everything seemed to unwind and calm themselves. Where once there was grey slate colored stone of the conservatory, I now saw muted browns and tans. I turned to look around and realized we were in a cave somewhere, with stalagmites and stalactites scattered around, with water dripping from the ceiling. On the ground was a circle, with the five sigils we had seen before. But there was no one to be seen, just a passage through to a gallery near where we appeared. “Hey, Myr? Light?” I heard Daneath say. I flexed and felt the warms along my back, as I placed the familiar spell on Daneath’s shield. The men both blinked trying to quickly adjust and they looked around swiftly, taking in the scene I just saw. Beepu looked around silently with a frown and said nothing. As I stood there, I realized there was something different about the place we found ourselves. It was very warm, and so humid that you felt you could drink the water from the air. I was already sweating, and I had only just arrived moments ago. But there was something else in the air that I could taste...it reminded me of somewhere else. “Wow, it is warm here,” Iesa whispered while wiping his forehead. “I wonder why. Is a fire nearby?” Daneath asked. “Well, if there is,” I said wiping my own brow. “I can’t see one ahead of us, and that passage is the only way out.” “Forward we go,” Daneath said facing his shield ahead, and lighting the way for himself and his brother. We walked cautiously, into another gallery, much larger than the one we first appeared in. Here the was a pool of water, and fungi of all sorts around it and along the walls. The air here was fetid damp, and that tang in the air hung there. Several narrow passages led off from here, while the one we followed continued forward. We looked at each other, sighed and Daneath led us down the passage, ignoring the sides branches, in favor of the main one. As we moved through it, I had a strange feeling. It was a pulling or rather a light tugging on my awareness. I focused on it for a moment, and realized it was the strands oscillating like a string on a lute. I gulped, because I suddenly remembered when I last felt this way…under Flint Rock. I tightened my grip on my rod. “We aren’t alone,” I said quietly, turning my head looking for what stalked us. Daneath and Iesa quickly shifted and stood back to back as Daneath turned the shield around to shine the light around the gallery. Beepu stood there focused, and set Foggle aloft, trying to use the owls’ vision to get a better look. [I]--Myr, your left in the rear…its running![/I] I turned left, just in time to brace myself from the collision. The smell of fungus and rot was overpowering, as something tried to pull down my shield. I twisted and wrested my barrier free and plucked a white strand. A beam of light slammed and illuminated the figure that assailed me. It was human…once. Rags of cloth hung from its desiccated form. Its skin, pulled too taut, was rent on the limbs and chest. From these tears, spilled out slime and mold. The eye sockets of the skull were filled with the forms of mushroom and fungi, and from shriveled lips it hissed from between broken and missing teeth. The light caused it to shirk back a moment, before it lunged at me again. From the corner of my eye, I saw four more had scrambled at were attacking the others; one on Beepu and Daneath, while two attacked Iesa as frenzied mob. Daneath quickly swung and his blade cut the abdomen of one, all the way to the spine, spilling fungi and a musty dust like substance everywhere. Beepu, quickly threw a blast of fire straight into the face of once, as Foggle pulled on the scraps of hair of the thing. But Iesa was harder pressed. He quickly spun and thrust his rapier through the wasted humanoid until the cross guard hit rib. And he tried to withdraw his blade quickly so he could defend himself. But the second one, jumped and clawed at him; dust flying all around. Soon Iesa was wheezing as he swung his blade desperately. Daneath with two quick slashes and brought his blade hard on his foes shoulder, causing the walking corpse to fall to pieces. He turned and tried to force the attention of Iesa’s attackers on himself. Meanwhile Beepu, threw another blast of fire into his opponent, knocking it down flat on the stone floor. But even as we watched, it slowly was starting to pull itself back into a crouch. As for me, I focused my energy on my own attacker, and caused more light to strike it down. The corpse fell again unmoving on the floor and I turned to help Iesa. Despite Daneath’s best attempts, the pair ignored the big warrior and focused their attacks on Iesa. One of them reached and embraced the rogue, while the second clawed at the man. Iesa wrenched an arm free, with a dagger in hand, and brought the blade deep into the back of the corpse clutching at him, causing it to crumple onto the ground. This allowed Daneath to swing and cut the legs out from under Iesa’s other assailant. It swiped at Daneath but was unable to connect with its bony fingers. This left it open to Daneath’s riposte, causing it to fall on the ground lifeless once again. Beepu however, was struggling. His foe rose again, and Beepu’s fire shot wide, striking the back of the cavern. Beepu attempted to back up and was narrowly missed by a wild strike. I then focused and enveloped it in a miasma of darkness, as I rent its animating force from its body. It fell, unmoving on the floor, its limbs separating from the torso in a haphazard heap. I moved to look at Iesa, who was coughing up blood. I didn’t even get to say a word, when from the side corridors, another pack of corpses ran straight us, heedless of any danger or threat. Daneath charged with his shield and blocked one from getting closer, while swinging his blade at two more, giving each a minor wound on dead moldering flesh. Daneath’s action caused the throng to focus on him, but before they could strike, I pulled a pair of light and dark strands taut, stretching them until they snapped. The shattering sound, broke bones and stalagmites alike, causing several to crumple to the ground, with bone fragments piercing through dead flesh. This was followed by an icy shard from Beepu’s hands, striking one of the standing corpses, and exploding into slivers around him, and causing the rest to fall to the ground. I was panting, and was beginning to feel relieved, when I turned to look at Iesa. His face was ashen grey in color, and he had fallen on his knees gasping for breath. As I watched, his rapier and dagger dropped from his hands, as he bent over and coughed up more blood. As I knelt beside him, his breathing was shallow and ragged, and he was shivering. “Iesa!” I exclaimed in alarm. “Talk to me you spiv! What’s wrong?” “H…h..h..hard…to,” and he started to cough again, until he was out of breath, “breathe.” I looked around, “They didn’t come from the passage we were headed.” “I noticed that,” Daneath said. “I’m guessing that’s a path out.” “Beepu lead Daneath, I’m going to help--” as I threw Iesa’s arm over my shoulder, and I strained to lift him up. “—Iesa here. Come on, help out you lazy spiv.” “I’m…not…a…spiv…trying,” Iesa gasped for air as he stood unsteadily. “Only a spiv says that,” I grunted through gritted teeth. “Now get your blades and move!” to which he bent over, grabbed and sheathed his weapons, and together we stumbled behind Daneath and Beepu. The passage led to an intersection, with a passage leading down to the left, and one leading upwards to the right. Daneath immediately turned to the passage leading upwards. I struggled to keep Iesa upright as he continued to cough. Finally, we reached a rough circular chamber at the end of rising hall. What surprised me, was a ladder, made of a strange knotted wood in the middle of the room. Looking up, the ladder was anchored to the side of a hole in the ceiling. But above that was a wooden door. Daneath slung his shield onto his back, and sheathed his sword, and climbed up the ladder and started to push on the door. I stood there, holding up Iesa watching as he strained. “Can…can you?” and Iesa started coughing again, with some blood dripping form the corner of his lips. “I can, Iesa. But I want to get you into fresh air first,” I said soothingly. “You seem to have inhaled something from those…musti—er zombies, corpse things. I want you to have some fresh air, so you don’t relapse. Just hang in there.” “It…wont…MOVE,” Daneath nearly shouted. As he strained and pushed against the door. “Did you unbolt it?” Beepu said, sounding slightly annoyed. “It isn’t bolted,” Daneath said, stepping down. “Something is on top of it. And I can feel the rung on the ladder start to give. They’ll crack before the door moves. I don’t suppose you could finger baste them Beepu?” “Fingerpaint,” I corrected. “What are you...oh that cant thing,” Beepu said, sounding dejected. “I do not have anything that can do that I am afraid.” Iesa coughed, “Why don’t…” he hacked again, “you boost,” and again he broke down coughing again. “That’s an idea,” Daneath said brightening up. “But not you, you can barely stand. Myr,” and Daneath dropped down to one knee. “Get on my shoulders.” “Huh?” I said confused. “I don’t get—” “It’s easy, you sit my shoulders and lock your arms overhead. I then lift with my legs and we push it open together.” I shrugged. “It makes sense I suppose,“ I said as I gently lowered Iesa to the ground, and Beepu came over to steady him. [I]Goss, watch the passage, we’re all a bit busy. --Oh, wanted to watch the antics here though. Pike it! --Spoilsport.[/I] I lifted a leg over Daneath’s shoulder, and then rest my weight onto his back as I swung my other leg over and sat fully on his shoulders. Once settled he stood in a crouching position. I reached up and placed my hands on the door. “Okay, keep your arms stiff!” Daneath grunted and then started to straighten up. I gasped and locked my arms. My shoulders quickly burned as I tried to keep my back straight. I winced in pain until finally the door started to move, and several things slid off, allowing the door to open, and light to spill in from above. I could then feel even warmer air and that same tang on the air, but stronger. “Beepu…can you climb up and drag whatever is out of the way so the door will open fully.” Beepu nodded and leaned the still coughing Iesa on the floor. He scaled the ladder with some difficulty. I heard a scraping sound, and the door fell open. I grasped the ladder and placed my feet on the rungs as Daneath lowered himself and let me off his shoulders. “I’ll get Iesa up, you help pull him up there, right?” I nodded and scrambled up the ladder. I didn’t pay much attention to anything as turn around and lowered my arms to grasp Iesa as Daneath lifted him up from below. Fortunately, Iesa was able to summon some strength and pulled himself up and collapse on the floor, breathing heavily. I sat down and looked around. We were in a cave, with the entrance partially blocked by tall grass. The interior was not much to talk about, with rough walls and a dirty covered floor. The trapdoor would be seated in an indent in the floor, and next to it were a pile of rocks. “Rocks?” I said. “Someone bothered to put a door here, and then cover it with a pile of rocks?” “Doesn’t make any sense to me either,” Daneath said. “Explains why I couldn’t push through it.” Daneath then looked around. “Where’s Beepu?” Gossamer had just flown up as Daneath said that. Turning round it was apparent the gnome wasn’t in the cave. “He must be outside,” I shrugged as I spoke. “I’ll peek outside and look for him. Rest a sec and get Iesa out in the open air.” “Be right behind you,” I head him say, and I stepped outside into the bright light. After squinting a bit, I realized that the air was balmy and intense. The air was even more humid than before as well. The grasses obscured the cave from the surroundings, and I pushed my way through them. When they did, what I saw took my breath away. Beyond the grasses, and at the bottom of this small hill was white sand. Some were piled into some small dunes clustered around scattered trees that were tall and thin, with a fan of thick green ribbed leaves. On one such dune I saw Beepu had sat himself down and was looking away from the cave. Beyond the Beepu and dunes was a great blue sea, with gentle waves lapping on the shoreline. The sound of the surf pounding the coast was soft and rhythmic, pierced only by the cry of gulls in the sky. It was then I realized that the tang in the air was salt from the sea, just like in Waterdeep. But here the faint breeze had a fresher scent, and it was far warmer. “Sodding Baator,” I whispered to myself. “Where are we?” [B]Session Notes:[/B] You could say ‘and now for something completely different. And you wouldn’t be wrong. And Iesa’s illness was a real problem as we soon shall see. [/QUOTE]
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