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The Thorns of Winter -(updated 8/1/2023)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 9019518" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Leverage - 5/11/2023</strong></p><p></p><p>It wasn’t long before we reached the cleft in the hillside, where Twisted Mirth’s cave sat. The greens and purple flames within spilled out from the cave in the hillside, and into shadows that danced on the floor the gorge. Flanking the cave were two bored banderhobbs, both seated with their spindly legs splayed in front of themselves as their beady frog like eyes looked towards us with disinterest. And somehow sitting on the plinth of rock outside, where all the warning signs hung—</p><p></p><p>“—Oh hah hah. Swing a staff and crack a bird’s back in two. That was rude!”</p><p></p><p>Doxx looked at Snave, unimpressed, “So, do it again harder?”</p><p></p><p>Snave hissed, “You have a lot of gelbas to do what you did. Twisted Mirth will show you what happens when—”</p><p></p><p>“—SNAVE! Quit your whining about your poor manners!” we heard the hag growl from inside her lair at a volume that was almost certainly enhanced…I hoped.</p><p></p><p>Snave spun on the rock and looked inside the cave and hopped up and down in agitation, “But they can’t just…just…do that to me! I’m more important than—”</p><p></p><p>“Warple!” we heard an angered hag say, and suddenly from the right banderhobb, a fleshy tongue lashed out and struck the hapless bird. In a blink of an eye, the tongue retracted and pulled the screaming executioner raven back into the banderhobb’s mouth. There was a spray of green and red ichor, as the banderhobb casually, crunched on the screaming raven, who was silenced after a couple of bone snapping crunches.</p><p></p><p>We stood there in shock for a moment, and Twisted Mirth addressed us, “Oh he told me everything. I’m surprised you waited as long as you did. I guess you have a tolerance for annoying…things…heh heh heh,” the ending chuckle was cold and devoid of warmth as it mocked us from deep within her cave.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t feel better about this,” Rosa whispered to me, to which I could only shrug as we stepped inside the cavern once again.</p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>The night hag stood hunched over the cauldron, and she turned and grinned with a cold smile, the sickly colored lights highlighting the ridges in her face, while her dark purple skin absorbed the light. Her small eyes twinkled in the fire light as she stopped stirring her cauldron with a long grime covered rod, and ran her tongue along it, sampling whatever substance was found within in. She then spoke in that gravelly voice again, “So…you have them. And you survived. All that I could…ask for,” ending with a growl like purr. “You are worthy of a bargain now.”</p><p></p><p>“You promised, the greater key, knowledge on how to use the key in exchange for—”</p><p></p><p>“All true. But while I did promise the key…we still need to…fix it,” the hag said with e viscious smile. “A simple matter…but one that require a small bit of preparation and I suppose…a sacrifice.”</p><p></p><p>“What sacrifice?” Rosa exclaimed. “You mentioned nothing about this!”</p><p></p><p>“Did you think recreating durable arcana once done by an Overlord would be a simple matter? Did you think you could just use primitive incantations to achieve such a lofty goal? No, effort must be put into this, and there is always a cost. You should be thankful that most of it was already spent to create the key; the price that needs to be paid is far lower. But it is a sacrifice I suppose.” Twisted Mirth finished and looked at us with a sly grin and waited.</p><p></p><p>“Two gems were all you mentioned we had to get—” Doxx started.</p><p></p><p>“—Very true—”</p><p></p><p>“—So, what else do we need to fetch for you?” Doxx finished.</p><p></p><p>“Nothing more need to be brought here,” the hag said with a sly grin. “As I said, just a sacrifice…” her gaze slid over everyone present. But from what I knew, she was doing it all for show. She knew that only one person could be used. So, it wasn’t really a choice of who assuming just us. “…a soul to bind and hold the pieces together.”</p><p></p><p>The warforged looked at each other, while Doxx crossed her arms, “If you said you needed something like that, we could have brough back a prisoner.”</p><p></p><p>Twisted Mirth grin didn’t falter, “Well, only one of the ones you faced might have worked. But I honestly didn’t expect you to encounter such a being.” As she spoke I realized that she was being honest; she expected the yugoloths, but not the tanar’ri. My mind began to turn on this thought as Rosa’s anger rose and she spoke.</p><p></p><p>“One of us,” Rosa growled between her teeth. “You knew it had to be one of us the whole time.”</p><p></p><p>“No,” I said startling her. “Not just any of us. Only one particular person. Me.” I walked forward towards the hag, her gaze now fixed on me with a bemused look. “Strong planar blood perhaps? A key bloodline? Tell me, why I am so special for this purpose.”</p><p></p><p>“Myrai!—“Adrissa started, but I raised my hand to cut her off, as I looked up at the hag.</p><p></p><p>Twisted Mirth who had at first a bemused look now had almost thoughtful look on her face as she said in a quiet tone, “And how did you conclude it was you that was…special.”</p><p></p><p>“We all have our connections,” I said with a wan smile. “After all, someone made you an offer for me, didn’t they?” The twitch on the hag’s face was brief, and I realized what must have happened. “But you, didn’t take them up on it. You didn’t deliver me because you already had a plan for my soul. And you wouldn’t let anything get in the way of your revenge.”</p><p></p><p>“Good souls are hard to find,” Twisted Mirth said coolly, the wicked grin returning.</p><p></p><p>“True. So…did Teiazaam take refusal well?”</p><p></p><p>Twisted Mirth’s grin changed every so briefly to shock, before settling back into that grin as her eyes narrowed to look at me. “An old friend of yours I take it?”</p><p></p><p>“One that meddled in your affairs I’m afraid. Almost got us killed, and me…your needed component, spirited away.” I said watching the night hag carefully.</p><p></p><p>“Her mistake,” Twisted Mirth growled. “She will pay in due time—”</p><p></p><p>“—why wait?” I cut her off causing the fiend to cock her head with sudden interest. “She shouldn’t be allowed to think she can cheat your sorority, and others shouldn’t look to her for inspiration.”</p><p></p><p>Twisted Mirth chuckled softly, “You show promise, but she is untouchable unless she makes an appearance. Highly unlikely I would say.”</p><p></p><p>“I guess we’ll just make an invitation she can’t refuse, “ I said now mimicking the hag’s grin.</p><p></p><p>“A circle to summon her is easy enough. But to hold her would take something more. More power than you possess.”</p><p></p><p>“Are you sure of that?” I said, taking her aback. “I do have knowledge that can make her dance like a marionette at a festival. I know…her true name.”</p><p></p><p>Twisted Mirth’s smile melted away as she licked her lips. “Perhaps we should make our bargain then. What do you want?”</p><p></p><p>“You forge the key…with Teiazaam’s soul. You, give it to us along with the knowledge needed to thwart the Overlord,” I said.</p><p></p><p>“<strong>One</strong> will get the knowledge,” the hag corrected. “You will give me the gems, that are needed to make the key whole. The key will be yours. But…” the hag licked her lips. “…Your blood, but not your life, will be needed to bind the tanar’ri in a circle here.”</p><p></p><p>“Meaning I don’t have to bleed to death?”</p><p></p><p>The night hag gave me a wide grin, “I promise you it might take a bit, but your death is not required. I think you can find help here surviving.”</p><p></p><p>I turned to look at the rest. No one looked comfortable, but it was The Blade the spoke. “If you think this our best option citizen...”</p><p></p><p>I turned to face the hag and looked her straight into the eye. “Done.”</p><p></p><p>“So be it.” Twisted Mirth said, the smile returning. “It will be a full night ahead of us.”</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Session Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>The next part is a bit ugly. In more ways than one. I'll try to keep it on this side of horrific though.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 9019518, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B]Leverage - 5/11/2023[/B][/CENTER] It wasn’t long before we reached the cleft in the hillside, where Twisted Mirth’s cave sat. The greens and purple flames within spilled out from the cave in the hillside, and into shadows that danced on the floor the gorge. Flanking the cave were two bored banderhobbs, both seated with their spindly legs splayed in front of themselves as their beady frog like eyes looked towards us with disinterest. And somehow sitting on the plinth of rock outside, where all the warning signs hung— “—Oh hah hah. Swing a staff and crack a bird’s back in two. That was rude!” Doxx looked at Snave, unimpressed, “So, do it again harder?” Snave hissed, “You have a lot of gelbas to do what you did. Twisted Mirth will show you what happens when—” “—SNAVE! Quit your whining about your poor manners!” we heard the hag growl from inside her lair at a volume that was almost certainly enhanced…I hoped. Snave spun on the rock and looked inside the cave and hopped up and down in agitation, “But they can’t just…just…do that to me! I’m more important than—” “Warple!” we heard an angered hag say, and suddenly from the right banderhobb, a fleshy tongue lashed out and struck the hapless bird. In a blink of an eye, the tongue retracted and pulled the screaming executioner raven back into the banderhobb’s mouth. There was a spray of green and red ichor, as the banderhobb casually, crunched on the screaming raven, who was silenced after a couple of bone snapping crunches. We stood there in shock for a moment, and Twisted Mirth addressed us, “Oh he told me everything. I’m surprised you waited as long as you did. I guess you have a tolerance for annoying…things…heh heh heh,” the ending chuckle was cold and devoid of warmth as it mocked us from deep within her cave. “I don’t feel better about this,” Rosa whispered to me, to which I could only shrug as we stepped inside the cavern once again. ----- The night hag stood hunched over the cauldron, and she turned and grinned with a cold smile, the sickly colored lights highlighting the ridges in her face, while her dark purple skin absorbed the light. Her small eyes twinkled in the fire light as she stopped stirring her cauldron with a long grime covered rod, and ran her tongue along it, sampling whatever substance was found within in. She then spoke in that gravelly voice again, “So…you have them. And you survived. All that I could…ask for,” ending with a growl like purr. “You are worthy of a bargain now.” “You promised, the greater key, knowledge on how to use the key in exchange for—” “All true. But while I did promise the key…we still need to…fix it,” the hag said with e viscious smile. “A simple matter…but one that require a small bit of preparation and I suppose…a sacrifice.” “What sacrifice?” Rosa exclaimed. “You mentioned nothing about this!” “Did you think recreating durable arcana once done by an Overlord would be a simple matter? Did you think you could just use primitive incantations to achieve such a lofty goal? No, effort must be put into this, and there is always a cost. You should be thankful that most of it was already spent to create the key; the price that needs to be paid is far lower. But it is a sacrifice I suppose.” Twisted Mirth finished and looked at us with a sly grin and waited. “Two gems were all you mentioned we had to get—” Doxx started. “—Very true—” “—So, what else do we need to fetch for you?” Doxx finished. “Nothing more need to be brought here,” the hag said with a sly grin. “As I said, just a sacrifice…” her gaze slid over everyone present. But from what I knew, she was doing it all for show. She knew that only one person could be used. So, it wasn’t really a choice of who assuming just us. “…a soul to bind and hold the pieces together.” The warforged looked at each other, while Doxx crossed her arms, “If you said you needed something like that, we could have brough back a prisoner.” Twisted Mirth grin didn’t falter, “Well, only one of the ones you faced might have worked. But I honestly didn’t expect you to encounter such a being.” As she spoke I realized that she was being honest; she expected the yugoloths, but not the tanar’ri. My mind began to turn on this thought as Rosa’s anger rose and she spoke. “One of us,” Rosa growled between her teeth. “You knew it had to be one of us the whole time.” “No,” I said startling her. “Not just any of us. Only one particular person. Me.” I walked forward towards the hag, her gaze now fixed on me with a bemused look. “Strong planar blood perhaps? A key bloodline? Tell me, why I am so special for this purpose.” “Myrai!—“Adrissa started, but I raised my hand to cut her off, as I looked up at the hag. Twisted Mirth who had at first a bemused look now had almost thoughtful look on her face as she said in a quiet tone, “And how did you conclude it was you that was…special.” “We all have our connections,” I said with a wan smile. “After all, someone made you an offer for me, didn’t they?” The twitch on the hag’s face was brief, and I realized what must have happened. “But you, didn’t take them up on it. You didn’t deliver me because you already had a plan for my soul. And you wouldn’t let anything get in the way of your revenge.” “Good souls are hard to find,” Twisted Mirth said coolly, the wicked grin returning. “True. So…did Teiazaam take refusal well?” Twisted Mirth’s grin changed every so briefly to shock, before settling back into that grin as her eyes narrowed to look at me. “An old friend of yours I take it?” “One that meddled in your affairs I’m afraid. Almost got us killed, and me…your needed component, spirited away.” I said watching the night hag carefully. “Her mistake,” Twisted Mirth growled. “She will pay in due time—” “—why wait?” I cut her off causing the fiend to cock her head with sudden interest. “She shouldn’t be allowed to think she can cheat your sorority, and others shouldn’t look to her for inspiration.” Twisted Mirth chuckled softly, “You show promise, but she is untouchable unless she makes an appearance. Highly unlikely I would say.” “I guess we’ll just make an invitation she can’t refuse, “ I said now mimicking the hag’s grin. “A circle to summon her is easy enough. But to hold her would take something more. More power than you possess.” “Are you sure of that?” I said, taking her aback. “I do have knowledge that can make her dance like a marionette at a festival. I know…her true name.” Twisted Mirth’s smile melted away as she licked her lips. “Perhaps we should make our bargain then. What do you want?” “You forge the key…with Teiazaam’s soul. You, give it to us along with the knowledge needed to thwart the Overlord,” I said. “[B]One[/B] will get the knowledge,” the hag corrected. “You will give me the gems, that are needed to make the key whole. The key will be yours. But…” the hag licked her lips. “…Your blood, but not your life, will be needed to bind the tanar’ri in a circle here.” “Meaning I don’t have to bleed to death?” The night hag gave me a wide grin, “I promise you it might take a bit, but your death is not required. I think you can find help here surviving.” I turned to look at the rest. No one looked comfortable, but it was The Blade the spoke. “If you think this our best option citizen...” I turned to face the hag and looked her straight into the eye. “Done.” “So be it.” Twisted Mirth said, the smile returning. “It will be a full night ahead of us.” [B]Session Notes:[/B] The next part is a bit ugly. In more ways than one. I'll try to keep it on this side of horrific though. [/QUOTE]
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