The Creation Schema:THE FINAL BATTLE FOR POSSESSION OF THE SCHEMA

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
03/18/06
SEGMENT 207
“A Rip in Time and Space: Part I”

The Place: Shadow Marches
The Time: Early morning of the 25th of Nymm of year 999
The Setting: A ruined temple within a quiet marsh

The frogs chirped as spring was warming up to become summer. It was a cold winter but it looked like it may be a hot summer. An old ruined temple lay partially submerged within the waters of the swamp with thick vines roped about it.

Several times a year the orc druids of the region would check in this ruin. They felt it was a portal that was still active. They hoped not. Especially if the portal lead to the realm of madness, the realm of Xoriat. This was not their time.

It started with the insects becoming quiet then the frogs. The owl stopped hooting and spun its head 200 degrees to its left to look at the ruin. In the distance a coyote began to howl. It could hear something that most others could not. Then the water churned and rippled. A glowing portal opened at the surface of the water. Something of medium height appeared and fell into the water. The splash seemed to break the power of the portal as it closed up rapidly complete with an audible pop. Then a pause filled with complete silence.

A scaled body rose to the surface and bobbed for a moment before it stirred. A hard shell covered its head and leathery wings rose to get out of the murky water. Blue eyes pierced the dark as it took in the scene. It looked at its clawed hand and discovered it still held a large amulet. It was non-magical but held a great deal of meaning. It turned it in the moonlight to look at the ridges further. It was a tarnished green emblem of a flame with five talon like licks of flame rising from it. The emblem of the Emerald Claw.

Breedaernxen tossed it aside with disgust. He wondered how he got here and where here was. It looked like the marshes of the far West but how? Last he knew, he was battling necromancers and their henchmen in the caves below Eldeen Reaches. An explosion of raw energy had occurred. Something was happening to the block. Something was happening to Drogan’s Trap.

“The Little One” he says with a hoarse voice. The very capable and lucky halfling had succeeded. Was this good? He knew not. His limited understanding of the Draconic Prophesy spoke of “The Creator that Destroyed”. He felt it was the schema. He also knew the only way to destroy it was for it to be found first- all six parts.

The Young Brass Dragon slowly began to flap his wings and took to the air. Much had happened since he fought the Claw. This he knew instinctively. The question remained- How much had?

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
03/18/06
SEGMENT 208
“A Rip in Time and Space: Part II”

The 2nd of Lharvion of the year 999.

Days before a traveler displaced through time and space arrived through a ruin within the swamps of the Shadow Marches. The Orcs came to investigate it and found nothing. They left again to go about their other duties, which included the careful watch of other portals. The sun burned down onto the dark green water. The large Boatman beetles dove up and down within the still water. A large crocodile lay perfectly still then slowly submerged. The water rippled gently then looked depressed as if a ball sat on the surface; an invisible ball.

Energy beams began to emerge from the base of this depression. Two figures emerged from it. A soldier holding a downed friend. Something pushes them free and two more figures come from the light before it suddenly blinks out. A man and a woman. Both are dressed in black and green. One proudly wears an emblem of the Emerald Claw.

The four of them fall into the water and splash about to stay afloat. The one seriously wounded man is let go so as to free the arms of the other man. He apologies to the man as he sinks. Both legs and arm are badly broken. His voice has been taken from him. He drowns quietly. The three remaining people splash and tread water to the ruin. They pull themselves out of the water to look around with the comfort of solid ground below them.

“Where are we?” Demands the large man whom wears the symbol of the Emerald Claw. “This is not the Forest anymore nor the caverns.”

The pale woman looks at her badly burned arm. The acid may have done permanent damage to her. She is uncertain. Either way, she hopes the dragon has died while she has lived. “I suspect we are still on Eberron but where and when is uncertain Keltis.”

“Where or …when?” says the soldier in disbelief.

“Drogan’s Vault is protected by powerful magics. Magics over time and space. For it to be broken means someone has either destroyed it or escaped it. Either way- the energy released tore us from the caverns to …here and now.”

The three rest here and take a few moments to heal wounds from their fight with the dragon before making their way to a plumb of smoke they can see nearby.

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
03/18/06
SEGMENT 209
“A Rip in Time and Space: Part III”

The first of Eyre in the year of 998.

Twilight within a certain swamp on the SW side of Khorvaire. A ruin sits here hidden in the dark waters with a thick coverage of foliage on it. Though it is early spring, the swamp blossoms already have begun to open. Soon the swamp will be filled with the sight, sounds and smell of insects and pollen. Soon but not now.

The reflection of a moon ripples on the otherwise still water. Then the water begins to act as if rain is falling onto it. The water parts as something beyond sight suddenly comes into contact.

Then nothing.

A red glow begins to form within the water. Something has appeared here that was not before. Something made of the purest evil. It slowly rises from the water and the seedy beads of plants sizzle and dry up on contact.

Something infernal has awoken and come to Eberron. Something very hungry for power and revenge.

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
04/01/06
SEGMENT 210
“What Kind of Creature Is That!?!?!”

Several hours after the Dragon flies away the crew spots something flying towards them. “Does everything here have wings?” complains bitterly Cedious.

As it gets closer it looks like a fast moving cloud with swords, blades and daggers within it. Much like a micro tornado.

“Its going to attack!” hollers Pebbles with more joy than concern. It swerves quickly and centers on the confused thri-kreen named ‘Bob’. He takes a lot of minor cuts and nicks as the cloud strikes him. Everyone rushes over to him to help. As they swing into the magical cloud they feel resistance as their weapons strikes weapons within it. Bob takes more damage. It seems to have concentrated on him.

The adventurers continue to attack (doing over 100 points of ‘damage’) the cloud. Thinking maybe this is like a tornado, Cedious does the unthinkable- he leaps into it! He quickly discovers the mistake of this as the whirling blades continue to cut into Bob and now himself. (auto crits on Cedious!) Just as suddenly it had appeared it leaves. Bob and Cedious are less than happy as both have many minor cuts but the cuts are everywhere on their bodies.

“What kind of creature or magical effect was that?!?” complains the stung halfling. The elf mage is uncertain. It wasn’t an ooze so it was not a living spell but it was magical and reminded him spell effects that exist.

“What is that?” calls out a soldier.

In the distance on the horizon is a short and squat tower. Between the adventurers and the tower are signs of a battle taking place. As they fly over it several giants and giant kin are seen below. Archons, humans and gray skinned horned men are fighting them.

“Is that Sanctuary?” asks the captain to Cedious.

“Must be. Lets go.”

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
04/01/06
SEGMENT 211
“Defenseless”

The airship Cedious’ Ride circles the natural tower twice. Capio looks at it and tries to figure out what the tower is. It looks to be made of solid stone. Many ramps and stairways have been carved into the sides leading to small shelters that are either homes or temples. Few people seem to be there. Pebbles looks at the structure. “Cone”.

“What was that?” asks Capio.

“That is the cooled core of a small volcano. Someone took away the earth and loose stone. They then cleaned up the edges and carved in the rooms. Well done in truth but not dwarven in make.”

“Not?” questions Cedious.

“Look at the stairs. These were built for people much larger than dwarves. I doubt the dwarves would have built something like this for a giant. Giants built this.” She says matter-of-factly.

The crew notes two humanoids guarding a large balcony. These humanoids are somewhat fat looking with thick gray hide and bony facial features. Their attire suggests they are not front line fighters but monks. The airship circles around once more then pulls up to this large balcony. Cedious, Fighter, Pebbles and Bob climb down. Cider and Capio remain on the ship as guards and to rain down death and destruction if this goes sour.

DM NOTES: The people playing Cider and Capio could not make it today and the characters were not left behind to be used.

Hidden in the shadows is an elven archer whom has an arrow notched and readied even as Cedious releases the knotted rope used. Cedious tries to talk to these people but their understanding of common is minor to none. The elf steps up as a translator between the natives and the outsiders (The PCs!).

After a quick breakdown of what Cedious wants and is looking for, the elf translates it the Rheks. The two rhino men look at each other and talk about something. The elf listens and waits for an answer. They speak to him and he nods in agreement.

“Welcome to Sanctuary. The people here live in a life of neutrality and peace. This peace has recently been shattered and their leader went to speak to them. She was struck down instead. She is now dying. The weapon that struck her down was designed to kill her kind and it appears there is nothing we can do to stop it. She wants this structure to remain free and will anything to keep it free of war. She may trade information for the protection of the temple until more help comes.”

Cedious thinks about this. Then asks to see her.

The doors behind them are incredibly large but easy to open. They each measure 15x25 feet. The hallway narrows to 25ft wide just inside. There are several closed doors leading down the hallway on the sides. Other doorways are open. All of them are 10-15 feet wide. All are built by giants for giants. After walking several hundred feet they reach a series of steps. Cedious finds it very cumbersome to climb these tall steps. Pebbles, in her full plate, is not much better off. Several more Rheks are here watching and look at the elven archer for answers.

They pass them and cross a very large room. This room may have been a meeting room or throne room. In the back is a secret door. It is designed for smaller people. Pebbles looks at it for a moment and decides it was made AFTER the original construction. A series of tunnels designed for people their size twist and turn and lead to an intersection of similar tunnels. A Rhek is here guarding the tunnel.

Several words are spoken in Celestial as the PCs later learn is being spoken. Cedious only is allowed to proceed since he is the “leader”. With a big smile he leaves the group. Once he lost sight of them his smile disappears. The tunnels twist some more and finally leads to a room. Here a gurney is seen. There is blood on it along with many large blood stained white feathers. Cedious wonders what their leader is- a bird?

He is motioned to wait there as the Rhek moves into the next room. Cedious looks around the room some more. The room is simple and has nothing of great notice. He is about to look closer for secret spaces when the guard returns. “Caame.” It stumbles on saying and again motions.

Cedious walks through the 15-foot hallway to another room. There are two Rhek here. They have blood on their robes and look slightly distraught. Many feathers lay on the floor. Cedious hears someone speak softly in several languages. “Common or halfling will do.” He says.

“Halfling is not my greatest strength. Cough cough. Come forward lost halfling.” Spoken in common.

Cedious steps forward and sees what he has heard referred to as an angel or archon. The woman has beautiful soft features and large white-feathered wings. Her silver- white hair is matted down in sweat and blood. The only injury he sees is located along her ribs on her left side. Many pads and wraps are on it but the blood continues to seep through it.

“Vile … injury. Magical poison. Very .. effective .. if meant for …for the recipient….”

Her entrancing blue eyes calm Cedious without his noticing her charming powers.

“I understand … you are not from here. And you wish to return …home.”

“Yes. We wish to return home. We are on an important mission and have important news that must reach our matrons quickly.”

“Yes… I can see it… within your aura.”

This makes Cedious slightly nervous.

“I know of a place… a person that …can help you.”

Cedious is less nervous and more anxious now to know how to escape this place.

“I am not one …to normally do this …. Cough cough…. But I wish something in …. return.”

“Go on” he says now wondering what kind of angel do-gooder this is.

“We have called for help…. They will not … arrive for several hours …at best. Cough cough. I need someone …to hold the …. Temple … until then.”

“It is only I and about 15 people.”

“and there are … only six here now. Ippikak is good … with his bow ….but not … that good.”

Cedious’ mind races at the possibilities. Uncertain what to do he agrees finally. The worse thing that can happen is he is forced to flee.

“Will you tell me who and where to go?”

“I am sorry chaotic one. I wish to …. hold you … to your word. When the others arrive.”

Cedious watches as four feathers fall free of her wing. Will she even survive that long? “And yourself? How am I certain you will tell me the knowledge I need and more- know you will survive to tell me?”

“I can tell … the archer. He will tell you … if required. Also … my people … know of the way.”

Seeing no other way out, Cedious agrees.

“Good luck against the Fiery One. He has marshaled many … of his …cough cough…kin to aid him.”

“His kin?”

In the distance someone is calling an alarm.

“Yes …his kin. His cousins and ancestors …. The giants.”

A rhek pokes his head in. In celestial he says “GIANTS!”

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
04/01/06
SEGMENT 212
“Giants Storm the Gates”

Cedious rushes to the group and passes them. “Comon!” he yells. They reach the double doors and see 24+ Ogres climbs their ropes to the ship or have already gained access to the ship. Cider and Capio have their hands full. The pilot is pulling the ship away and having the elemental rock the ship to and fro. Several Ogres fall free and crash to the stone ground far below.

Then they see it. Two groups of Ogres rush the balcony. Cedious orders the doors closed and to ready themselves. “What is going on?!?” yells Pebbles looking forward to a fight with Ogres.

“To get the information to leave this plane we must defend this chunk of rock from the Giants.”

“Oh.” A big smile crosses her face. Then the smile leaves as two malformed Fomorian giants climb over the balcony walls.

“What have you gotten ourselves into Cedious?!?” yells the warforged fighter as he draws his blade for the upcoming battle.

“The big honcho of this place is dying. That leaves it defenseless. She says others are coming to back her up and we need to keep the place secure until then. Then we are to be given the information we need to leave this place.”

Hill giants are visible in the near distance.

“Pebbles! This fight will require more than might. What else can you do besides grow and become enraged?” Close to a dozen ogres are climbing the last stairs that lie between them and the outsiders (The PCs)

“Confusion!”

She castes the spell into the middle of the massing group of Ogres and huge ugly giants. Everything suddenly stops. Several begin to strike at their own and others flee. One sits down and babbles to its hand. The end result is …confusion.

Several near the frontline still charge ahead. These battle with Cedious and his crew. The archer concentrates his attacks on the Fomorian trying to come forward while not stepping on the ogres whom now seem to have begun a brawl with themselves.

“Fall!” Pebbles calls out in a mass command. Several drop prone while still being confused. The archer continues to riddle one huge giant with arrows.

Some of the giant-kin rush over their fallen kin while the others continue to press the group. The Rhek are killed leaving it to Cedious, Fighter, Pebbles, Bob and the elf known as Ippikak to defend the main door. Two separate groups of hill giants arrive. One group spots another smaller doorway that is not guarded and goes there. The others rush the doors being guarded by Cedious.

“Fallback!” screams Cedious as he remembers how a hand full of these nearly killed them all at the Darks Hills in Eldeen.

They can not close the doors as several dead ogres are in the way. A confused ogre strikes one Fomorian Giant. He begins to clear a path for himself with his club that is the size of the ogres themselves. As he gets just inside the doorway everyone concentrates fire on him. He drops just inside the doorway. He teeters and stumbles making many run in fear of being crushed under his weight. Instead he crashes against the stone walls and slumps there.

Cedious and the adventurers run back to the throne room. The Rheks there have already begun to open the small secret door. The archer, whom knows the hallways better than Cedious leads a chase through the corridors to an area the giants, will have trouble reaching him but he can fire his bow down the hallway.

Cedious hopes the crew of his ship is having better luck.

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
04/15/06
SEGMENT 213
“The Trouble with Some Giants”

High above the temple known as Sanctuary there are too many Ogres swarming the Cedious’ Ride airship. Several lines are cut causing Ogres to rain to the ground. Others are shot with bows as they try to climb up or their exposed hands are attacked with axes and swords as they try to climb over the railing. The pilot commands the fire elemental to act on their behalf and soon the remaining giant-kin find small fireballs striking them. Soon it is over. Cider and Capio look over the railing for any more and instead see several fire giants far below climbing the ramps and stairs that lead to the temple. “Take us down- NOW!” yells Capio to the pilot.

With new lines, the two swing down and enter the temple courtyard. Improved invisibility and spider climb is caste onto both Cider and Capio. They climb the wall and run along the ceiling. The devastation inside is clear. Bloodied ogres and hill giants liter the hallway along with one huge deformed giant. The huge giant is the only one that hears them overhead. He wonders out loud if the temple is haunted. Unseen by the two invisible but distracted adventurers a large bag tied to the giant’s belt wiggles and has muffled yells.

Cedious and the others are unaware of Capio and Cider’s arrival as they debate what to do. They unlock and open the secret door. They are certain the giants can not reach them inside these tunnels. The archer circles around to them using the narrow tunnels. The ogres and hill giants come closer. When Cedious lets lose the Decanter of Endless water they stop. They are suspicious of the strange attack and step away from the fluid. Some of these less than intelligent giants have seen clear fluid ignite and explode with flame. They will avoid walking into it if possible.

One group of hill giants begins to wander through the hallways looking to go around the fluid. Several times they just avoid the secret traps here. The ogres decide to rush the room and find arrows and darts being fired out to them. Several well-placed shots slow down and greatly injure the creatures. Then Capio, still standing invisible on the ceiling, unleashes a fireball! The ogres never know what hit them and the hill giants are badly hurt also. The Huge giant, just downed by the archer, catches on fire. His bag begins to kick and thrash. Cedious can just hear “Help me! I’m stuck!” The bag then catches on fire! The kicking becomes bouncing.

The warforged known as Fighter goes to the bag and cuts it open. A stocky and muscular figure inside sticks his head out. It takes another round to squirm out of the bag that is on fire. This is when they notice the fire giants standing at the entrance. They see the bodies and fear the ranged weapons are too deadly for them. They charge into the hallway two at a time and leap to cover through the opened doorways. These giants are intelligent fears Cedious.

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
04/15/06
SEGMENT 214
“The Trouble with Fire Giants”

“Where are they?” Asks Fighter.

The last Hill Giant is dispatched. Bob looks very hurt and broken. The leader- an enraged Barbarian slammed him extremely hard with his first strike. It’s a good thing he was not fire proofed.

The green skinned big guy from the Fomorian giant’s pouch looks very sore. His skin is burnt and extremely tender. He seems otherwise fully recovered. He was bound but the fire burned most of his ropes. He seems very cautious of the remaining fires still lit on the giants and their kin.

Ippikak readies his bow. The moment a giant peeks his head out around a corner he is going to lose an eye.

Capio begins to prepare a spell that has been energy substitution. He knows the Fire Giants will give them a great deal of trouble otherwise.

The Fire Giants meet and charge from two directions. A blast of ice sweeps through the Fire Giants causing chaos. Arrows pelt the one that seems to be leading them. He wears the hide of a White Dragon. A few well-timed critical strikes drop two Fire Giants thus leaving only five. Another one drops as a lightning bolt burns through two and the leader.

The leader decides this temple is not worth the trouble and turns. Fire Giants begin to drop left and right (three were caught within the security systems of the hallways unknown to the group… Divine Chain Lightning!)

Only two Fire Giants survive. Each has burn and scorch marks on them. Arrows protrude from their backs also as they begin down the ramps leaving the temple entrance.

The group has survived a war with Giants.

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
04/15/06
SEGMENT 215
“Avatar Falls”

A few hours later the back up arrives. Several Hound Archons and others with a small group of human forces arrive. They go directly to the dying archon leaving the group wandering and picking the bodies.

Ippikak speaks with Capio and Cider. He is intrigued by the idea of a world other than this. He asks to go with them and they agree.

The large ½ blood creature also asks about going them. He is a grendel. He is part man and part troll. Not really caring either way, Cedious says he can.

Shortly they learn the original archon has passed away from her poisonous injury. The new leader of the temple tells them where the nearest exit back to Eberron is. Avatar Falls.

With some quick instructions given, the crew boards the ship and set off for it. A few hours away they see a wall of earth that is miles long. Within this cliff is a huge waterfall. It is known as Avatar Falls. To use it is simple- one must pass through it. It is large enough for the entire ship with its crew to pass but the crew fears the water will harm the elemental that empowers the ship.

Cedious decides to charge full speed into it. The elemental should fare well enough against normal water. As a precaution, Capio calls on winds and magic to thin out or push away water as they reach it.

Though no one realizes it, they all hold their breath as the ship hits the water and close their eyes. They reopen when they feel a different air condition.

The ship is sizzling and slowly rising from a series of waterfalls that are fed by many large waterfalls.

“Where are we?” they all think at the same time.

 

[megamania]

EBERRON: THE CREATION SCHEMA
04/15/06
SEGMENT 216
“Where is my Wife?”

Merrix d’Cannith has been in the lab for two days now. He is tired and finds he is getting no where on his current research. He leans back in his soft magical chair and yawns. He looks at the charts and maps on the wall. Damn those Giants.

How did they do what they did? Even with the dragons training them in magic the warforged creations seem so beyond them. His family, the Canniths, have made many trips into the jungles looking for clues. The giants created these creatures. They faced several within their own labs. Their creations where better. Almost perfect. Each creation was unique but enough similarities exist to guess on the giant creator. One of the more friendly creatures there suggested they thought of themselves as different family members, similar but different.

Merrix gets up and looks closer at the map. In a quiet voice he asks no one within the room- “What would they think of their new cousins?”

Then a thought begins. At first he tries to ignore it but it will not go away. Is it time to go to Xen’drik again? Should he bring his children? Would his new wife go?

Then he remembers. He has not seen her in six days. “Where is she?” he wonders out loud.

=====================================================================

1000’s of miles away, just off the Karrnath coast an elemental sky ship moves north into the cold night. At the bow watching the whales in the cold waters below, Lady Elaydren ir’Vown d’Cannith looks on. The last person she is thinking about now is her husband and head of Cannith South. She only wants the sixth and final piece of the schema to be located.