To War Against Felenga (FINAL UPDATE POSTED!)
- Thread starter the Jester
- Start date
the Jester
Legend
Against the Inevitable
Acheron, plane of endless war for its own sake. The cubes smash and rumble in the distance, the echoes of the sounds of battle ring through this bleak cosmos. There is nothing good here, no love or happiness- just unending bitterness and violence.
And, of course, an inevitable that our heroes must destroy.
Somewhere on Drakos’ Cube, locked inside the Cells of Urthgor, lies their target. First they use magic to retrieve Sybele’s blade; then a little searching around finds the wan soul of a deserter, trying to hide from the ceaseless conflict of the plane. He’s dead now, of course- but his eternal punishment is a futile attempt to escape the warfare that ruled his life. A little persuasion and the simpering petitioner leads them to a series of mines, and at the bottom they find what they seek. Some sort of squat statue of clay bars their way, demanding, “Astos or Crotus?”
Malford, blase as always in these situations, answers, “Why, Astos of course!”
And a secret way opens before our heroes.
They enter it cautiously, and find themselves facing a narrow stairway heading down. They follow it into an antechamber with a huge locked and barred door on what seems to be some sort of thick cube of bindings and chains.
Locked and barred from their side- to keep something in, not to keep anything out.
Huge chains run around a multitude of pillars in the chamber. Thick, adamantine links as big around as Angelfire’s thighs seem held taut against breaking. They feed, ultimately, into the large cell’s door.
Gorlon listens at the massive door. “I can hear creaking and groaning,” he tells his fellow adventurers, “the sound of metal straining...”
Four locks and bars fall quickly to the skills of Malford; by the time he’s done our heroes have drawn weapons and are on the balls of their feet, ready to fight. But the chains still hold the Cell of Urthgor shut. But they start to slowly, one by one, snap- the first as the locks are picked, then another and another. Our heroes are ready, dammit, ready for the inevitable to emerge. It’s bound to happen soon, soon...
Snap! goes another chain, then two more rapidly. Any moment....
The door to the cell bursts open, the inevitable rushing out, free after who knows how long! Its bizarre shape seems to mirror the cosmic rules that spawned it, yet somehow it has gone rogue, being imprisoned here against some eventuality our heroes can only guess at. Its body is shaped something like an oversized top, with blocky pieces of clockwork fitted together. Where our heroes can glance within it, they see gears, pulleys, cables, small spheres resembling entire worlds.
Wasting no time, our heroes show this construct just how powerful they are. Thrush moves in, his blade whipping into his hands almost of its own volition. Gorlon bursts into song as he brings out his weapon and the party feels a burst of confidence. Telemundo casts Marius’ sidestep and makes a short distance hop out of the monster’s immediate reach (or so he hopes) even as Malford tries to hold it with a spell. Angelfire’s cloak of embrace and boots of speed both activate, giving the scarlet-skinned Coilite four arms and amazing speed. He displaces himself.
Then the strange Law-construct creates a forcecage around Thrush and Angelfire, taking the two biggest fighters out of the battle. It’s moving forwards, inevitably (if you’ll pardon the pun) seeking egress from this place.
“Nope!” calls Horbin, and casts lower resistance on the clockwork thing. Gorlon fires a burst of magic missiles at it, and then Telemundo shows his power with a shimmering ray that blasts out and disintegrates the inevitable. And just like that, it’s over. And a gate spell later, our heroes are home in Var, and their other obligations discharged, they’re ready to get on with the real business at hand.
Felenga.
Felenga, who’s plans are even now approaching fruition. Felenga, who’s got the key he needs. Felenga, who will soon be in position to release his master into the accursed Darkhold, the only thing to survive before... the thing that spawned a new universe.
Time runs short.
Next Time: The Hunt for Felenga!
Acheron, plane of endless war for its own sake. The cubes smash and rumble in the distance, the echoes of the sounds of battle ring through this bleak cosmos. There is nothing good here, no love or happiness- just unending bitterness and violence.
And, of course, an inevitable that our heroes must destroy.
Somewhere on Drakos’ Cube, locked inside the Cells of Urthgor, lies their target. First they use magic to retrieve Sybele’s blade; then a little searching around finds the wan soul of a deserter, trying to hide from the ceaseless conflict of the plane. He’s dead now, of course- but his eternal punishment is a futile attempt to escape the warfare that ruled his life. A little persuasion and the simpering petitioner leads them to a series of mines, and at the bottom they find what they seek. Some sort of squat statue of clay bars their way, demanding, “Astos or Crotus?”
Malford, blase as always in these situations, answers, “Why, Astos of course!”
And a secret way opens before our heroes.
They enter it cautiously, and find themselves facing a narrow stairway heading down. They follow it into an antechamber with a huge locked and barred door on what seems to be some sort of thick cube of bindings and chains.
Locked and barred from their side- to keep something in, not to keep anything out.
Huge chains run around a multitude of pillars in the chamber. Thick, adamantine links as big around as Angelfire’s thighs seem held taut against breaking. They feed, ultimately, into the large cell’s door.
Gorlon listens at the massive door. “I can hear creaking and groaning,” he tells his fellow adventurers, “the sound of metal straining...”
Four locks and bars fall quickly to the skills of Malford; by the time he’s done our heroes have drawn weapons and are on the balls of their feet, ready to fight. But the chains still hold the Cell of Urthgor shut. But they start to slowly, one by one, snap- the first as the locks are picked, then another and another. Our heroes are ready, dammit, ready for the inevitable to emerge. It’s bound to happen soon, soon...
Snap! goes another chain, then two more rapidly. Any moment....
The door to the cell bursts open, the inevitable rushing out, free after who knows how long! Its bizarre shape seems to mirror the cosmic rules that spawned it, yet somehow it has gone rogue, being imprisoned here against some eventuality our heroes can only guess at. Its body is shaped something like an oversized top, with blocky pieces of clockwork fitted together. Where our heroes can glance within it, they see gears, pulleys, cables, small spheres resembling entire worlds.
Wasting no time, our heroes show this construct just how powerful they are. Thrush moves in, his blade whipping into his hands almost of its own volition. Gorlon bursts into song as he brings out his weapon and the party feels a burst of confidence. Telemundo casts Marius’ sidestep and makes a short distance hop out of the monster’s immediate reach (or so he hopes) even as Malford tries to hold it with a spell. Angelfire’s cloak of embrace and boots of speed both activate, giving the scarlet-skinned Coilite four arms and amazing speed. He displaces himself.
Then the strange Law-construct creates a forcecage around Thrush and Angelfire, taking the two biggest fighters out of the battle. It’s moving forwards, inevitably (if you’ll pardon the pun) seeking egress from this place.
“Nope!” calls Horbin, and casts lower resistance on the clockwork thing. Gorlon fires a burst of magic missiles at it, and then Telemundo shows his power with a shimmering ray that blasts out and disintegrates the inevitable. And just like that, it’s over. And a gate spell later, our heroes are home in Var, and their other obligations discharged, they’re ready to get on with the real business at hand.
Felenga.
Felenga, who’s plans are even now approaching fruition. Felenga, who’s got the key he needs. Felenga, who will soon be in position to release his master into the accursed Darkhold, the only thing to survive before... the thing that spawned a new universe.
Time runs short.
Next Time: The Hunt for Felenga!
the Jester
Legend
Note: the following update was actually written by Lester! 
The colors of the sun slowly blend themselves from light orange to a deep magenta, as our adventurers relax on God-King Malford's magnificent third-level patio. The breeze slowly blows into their faces and they all stare outwards, not towards the setting sun, but towards the South-East, in the direction of The Temple of Elemental Evil. Inevitably, their meandering thoughts follow.
Angelfire steadily pours down his drinks and numbly enjoys the great variety of liquors available at the castle. He sits, alone, near the edge of the ramparts. Yes, he thinks, Lester's stupid Temple now houses the most powerful being of ultimate evil on all Cydra. I should leave all this behind, strike out for Coila, and myself before Felenga tries to freeze me again! Still, we are so powerful together, and the rewards have always been high for those with the force to do the most daring deed. I must profit myself and Coila if I am to ever inflict her will upon Cydra!
Sybele and Thrush sit away from the rest of the group on an ivory bench, inlayed with a touching picture of Malford, on one knee, proposing to his Queen. Sybele barely fits her large body on the bench and Thursh is forced to sit on her right leg. They cuddle close and
lovingly, but Thrush can't help but feel . . . small. Maybe we could retire after we overthrow the Temple, he thinks wistfully. No, he is reminded, Sybele must still keep her bargain with Marius. Maybe then, he mutters as he squeezes closer to his large and lovely lady. She is so much more to me now, he thinks. I must protect her for the children. I will probably need to guard her mainly from herself . . .
Sybele, like Angelfire, is enjoying the bevy of beverages available at the castle. At least I don't have to drink strong and hearty meads and ales for the sake of my unborn children, she thinks. Now I can have whatever I want! She smiles, hugs Thrush with her large arm, and realizes that she's beginning to feel a little randy. As she starts to put her drink down and haul Thrush off, a violent picture of Felenga
rips into her mind, more terrifying than King Malford's illusions could ever replicate! She sees Felenga melt her armor with his rust monster tentacles, then move in to touch her with a fist glowing in greenish flame. Her whole body shakes with a coldness that comes over her, the coldness of utter nothingness . . . Thankfully, her chaotic mind saves her and the images quickly fades away into her beloved Thrush. He looks at her passionately, she licks her lips, and they both run off laughing, trying to live in the moment as best they can.
King Malford can only laugh as he watches them escape in a most obvious manner. He laughs again, and takes in the view of his growing kingdom from his large platinum-plated reclining beach throne, about 5 feet from the ramparts. He wears a pair of Sunglasses that Lester gave him long ago (to protect you when the Light gets too bright, said Lester) and sips an elegant Thayan brandy. To his left stands High Priest Turdlin the Smirv with a small wash basin and towel. Turdlin gently washes Malford's small, aged left hand and timidly compares it with his own gnomely hand. So close in our gnomish heritage, thinks Turdlin, yet I am touching one that has ascended to Godhood! Could I only help him complete his journey, my own rock would be carved by destiny!
Lester, Orbius, and Horbin are to Malford's right, enjoying a spirited game of Lester-Ball, (a cooperative game that requires 2 or more participant to keep a small, sand filled ball aloft by using any body part except hands and arms). "Played this with Boccob once", quips the L, "he wasn't very good, but at least he's not a total dunce!"
Orbius deftly juggles conversation with his Lester-Ball duties. “Horbin, it is likely that we will need to consecrate the Temple proper. Could you see to this?"
"Most likely, but what are we going to about Felenga? I won't have enough time to cleanse the stink of Tharizdun if I'm trying to dodge his beholder eye." Horbin stretches his foot to the edge of the rampart and barely manages to get his toes on the ball. He gracefully launches it over his head, . . . and into Turdlin's small tub of water.
"Oops!"
"You must learn to work together in a more efficient manner," dictates Turdlin. "The Temple of Elemental Evil would never have been overthrown the first time without God-King Malford's leadership and proper cooperative tactics and you won't do well against Felenga if you can't even complete a full 'Lester' together!' "
"Testify, Malford, about our killing of Zuggtmoy!" shouts Lester. "It was like we were the cat and she was our toy!"
"Testify! Testify!" shouts Turdlin as he quickly dries God-King Malford's hand and picks up paper and quill.
Malford chuckles to himself, clears his throat. Ha, the first defeat of the temple, he thinks. We did indeed conquer it together, and, oh, the loot the scored afterwards! Who did land that final blow upon Zuggtmoy? Who was it???
Yes, I will tell the story, Turdlin," he says. "I will tell it for one final time, then it should forever be contained within the newest edition of King Malford's Revised and Expanded Galadron, with Pictures for All My Little Gnomes!" All listen excitedly, except for Angelfire, who is having trouble sitting. He eventually half-collapses on the floor, and lays there, gazing at the stars and listening intently.
"It is true", begins Malford, “that the Temple of Elemental Evil was only overthrown by teamwork from a group with very diverse skills. These adventures joined myself, Dexter, Lester, and Drelvin as we charged into the eternal dungeon of the Fungus Queen, Zuggtmoy! She should have remained there, had it not been for a certain someone breaking the seal to her chambers!" (All eyes dart towards Lester, who attempts to distract them all with a mesmerizing fire-finger.)
"Yes, we tried to take Zuggtmoy by ourselves, but she was too much! Fortunately, Zuggtmoy could not free herself from the Temple until several more seals were broken. She was forced to roam the halls, freer than before, but still incarcerated with hopes to escape. Well, we couldn't just let her run around like Felenga is now. Having a demonic element on your continent is bad for trade and other diplomatic necessities! So, I cashed in a few favors and assembled one of the greatest adventuring teams ever seen on Dorhaus!"
Who killed Zuggtmoy? thinks Malford. Who was it that landed that fatal blow? It is not like me to forget so easily. Yet, perhaps it was meant to be . . .
"We were joined by Jerakai, Thaumaturge-Assassin," continues Malford. His infernal blood called out to him to destroy Zuggtmoy, plus he owed me a favor for saving him in a battle against his arch-nemesis, The Masked Avenger. The dark necromancer, Nydroth, also joined us and brought with him a hideous Quickling-Troll bodyguard. Thimbleton, our old adventuring pal, came along with his staff of Zelman. Finally, the dwarves, Belmondo and Stone joined us. They came equipped with multiple attachments for his various prosthetics and the powerful skill, Fat-Axe-To-Head! Uh, did I say finally? Wait, revise that Turdlin! Our good friend, King Hobbes of the Tabaxi, could not resist his instinctual desire for the hunt!"
"Well, we didn't have to look around long before we came upon the Demoness of Fungi. There she was, Zuggtmoy, in her full demonic glory, just waiting for us! She towered above us, a gigantic ball of fungus, and flailed at us with pseudopod clubs as big as 6 gnomes!"
"Lester, in a foolish attempt to strike down his sworn foe, rushed and was severely pummeled. He would have died, if not for the power of Earth and his Stoneskins. Hobbes and Stone were not far behind, but even their mighty attacks could not penetrate Zuggtmoy's spongy exterior. Thimbleton and Nydroth hurled their impressive magic at her, but neither illusion nor negative energy did much. Belmondo and Jerakai did their best to sneak around her, but her reach was too long, and her senses too good! Dexter unleashed the power of Galador, as Drelvin released the power of his arrows, and Zuggtmoy trembled, . . .
but did not fall!"
"What was a gnome destined for divinity to do! Well, I couldn't just order a retreat, and let her run about the continent like she was Fuligin! So I mustered up all of my courage and used my powers of trickery to fool her and strike the final blow!" Lester and Drelvin better keep their mouths shut, thinks Malford. They don't call me the God of Revisionism for nothing!
"I decreed to Zuggtmoy, 'You trespass where you are not wanted, evil Demon bitch! Go back to the Abyss before I chop you up and have my halfling chef serve you in my soup!' I charged forward and seemingly stumbled, and dropped Memory, my faithful shortsword.
Well, Zuggtmoy could not withstand a challenge from someone so small and so in need of help. One so boastful and dying to be taught a lesson! She immediately charged, but, because I was not prone on the ground, I survived! It was only an illusion that she could not see through because of her demonic rage! So after going by, I quickly stabbed her in a wound that hadn't had time to heal. I pierced something vital, and Zuggtmoy was stopped in her tracks!"
All stare at Malford breathlessly, except for Lester and Drelvin, who look a bit confused. . .
"Isn't that how you remember it, Drelvin?" asks Malford with a knowing glance.
"Uh, I remember Belmondo was almost killed by a green slime trap while we were looting the crypt! That would have been more ironic than me losing another leg!"
(A few drunken voices try to start Drelvin's song... sort of.)
"Yes, and that, too. I know it sounds like I did it all myself, but let the Revised and Expanded Galadron, with Pictures for All My Little Gnomes, state that I could not have done this alone, . . .as easily! My companions, through their teamwork, laid the groundwork for my killing blow and ultimate downfall of the Temple o' Elemental Evil." Malford end his story with a regal flare of dismissal, signifying the
end of the temple and the tale.
"Well, did you all of that, Turdlin?" questions Malford.
"Oh, yes, God-King Malford, every syllable! Yet, your story leaves me wanting to ask you the question . . .”
"If you were able to call upon friends then," interrupts the Eye, "perhaps you can all upon friends now. We have helped many people, Malford. But where do you turn when your enemy is more powerful than most Gods?"
No one answers quickly.
(Next time: Fun with Summonings . . . or, Don't Let
the Gate Hit You On The Way In!)
A final note: does this 'next time' mean that Lester's writing another? We'll see...!
The colors of the sun slowly blend themselves from light orange to a deep magenta, as our adventurers relax on God-King Malford's magnificent third-level patio. The breeze slowly blows into their faces and they all stare outwards, not towards the setting sun, but towards the South-East, in the direction of The Temple of Elemental Evil. Inevitably, their meandering thoughts follow.
Angelfire steadily pours down his drinks and numbly enjoys the great variety of liquors available at the castle. He sits, alone, near the edge of the ramparts. Yes, he thinks, Lester's stupid Temple now houses the most powerful being of ultimate evil on all Cydra. I should leave all this behind, strike out for Coila, and myself before Felenga tries to freeze me again! Still, we are so powerful together, and the rewards have always been high for those with the force to do the most daring deed. I must profit myself and Coila if I am to ever inflict her will upon Cydra!
Sybele and Thrush sit away from the rest of the group on an ivory bench, inlayed with a touching picture of Malford, on one knee, proposing to his Queen. Sybele barely fits her large body on the bench and Thursh is forced to sit on her right leg. They cuddle close and
lovingly, but Thrush can't help but feel . . . small. Maybe we could retire after we overthrow the Temple, he thinks wistfully. No, he is reminded, Sybele must still keep her bargain with Marius. Maybe then, he mutters as he squeezes closer to his large and lovely lady. She is so much more to me now, he thinks. I must protect her for the children. I will probably need to guard her mainly from herself . . .
Sybele, like Angelfire, is enjoying the bevy of beverages available at the castle. At least I don't have to drink strong and hearty meads and ales for the sake of my unborn children, she thinks. Now I can have whatever I want! She smiles, hugs Thrush with her large arm, and realizes that she's beginning to feel a little randy. As she starts to put her drink down and haul Thrush off, a violent picture of Felenga
rips into her mind, more terrifying than King Malford's illusions could ever replicate! She sees Felenga melt her armor with his rust monster tentacles, then move in to touch her with a fist glowing in greenish flame. Her whole body shakes with a coldness that comes over her, the coldness of utter nothingness . . . Thankfully, her chaotic mind saves her and the images quickly fades away into her beloved Thrush. He looks at her passionately, she licks her lips, and they both run off laughing, trying to live in the moment as best they can.
King Malford can only laugh as he watches them escape in a most obvious manner. He laughs again, and takes in the view of his growing kingdom from his large platinum-plated reclining beach throne, about 5 feet from the ramparts. He wears a pair of Sunglasses that Lester gave him long ago (to protect you when the Light gets too bright, said Lester) and sips an elegant Thayan brandy. To his left stands High Priest Turdlin the Smirv with a small wash basin and towel. Turdlin gently washes Malford's small, aged left hand and timidly compares it with his own gnomely hand. So close in our gnomish heritage, thinks Turdlin, yet I am touching one that has ascended to Godhood! Could I only help him complete his journey, my own rock would be carved by destiny!
Lester, Orbius, and Horbin are to Malford's right, enjoying a spirited game of Lester-Ball, (a cooperative game that requires 2 or more participant to keep a small, sand filled ball aloft by using any body part except hands and arms). "Played this with Boccob once", quips the L, "he wasn't very good, but at least he's not a total dunce!"
Orbius deftly juggles conversation with his Lester-Ball duties. “Horbin, it is likely that we will need to consecrate the Temple proper. Could you see to this?"
"Most likely, but what are we going to about Felenga? I won't have enough time to cleanse the stink of Tharizdun if I'm trying to dodge his beholder eye." Horbin stretches his foot to the edge of the rampart and barely manages to get his toes on the ball. He gracefully launches it over his head, . . . and into Turdlin's small tub of water.
"Oops!"
"You must learn to work together in a more efficient manner," dictates Turdlin. "The Temple of Elemental Evil would never have been overthrown the first time without God-King Malford's leadership and proper cooperative tactics and you won't do well against Felenga if you can't even complete a full 'Lester' together!' "
"Testify, Malford, about our killing of Zuggtmoy!" shouts Lester. "It was like we were the cat and she was our toy!"
"Testify! Testify!" shouts Turdlin as he quickly dries God-King Malford's hand and picks up paper and quill.
Malford chuckles to himself, clears his throat. Ha, the first defeat of the temple, he thinks. We did indeed conquer it together, and, oh, the loot the scored afterwards! Who did land that final blow upon Zuggtmoy? Who was it???
Yes, I will tell the story, Turdlin," he says. "I will tell it for one final time, then it should forever be contained within the newest edition of King Malford's Revised and Expanded Galadron, with Pictures for All My Little Gnomes!" All listen excitedly, except for Angelfire, who is having trouble sitting. He eventually half-collapses on the floor, and lays there, gazing at the stars and listening intently.
"It is true", begins Malford, “that the Temple of Elemental Evil was only overthrown by teamwork from a group with very diverse skills. These adventures joined myself, Dexter, Lester, and Drelvin as we charged into the eternal dungeon of the Fungus Queen, Zuggtmoy! She should have remained there, had it not been for a certain someone breaking the seal to her chambers!" (All eyes dart towards Lester, who attempts to distract them all with a mesmerizing fire-finger.)
"Yes, we tried to take Zuggtmoy by ourselves, but she was too much! Fortunately, Zuggtmoy could not free herself from the Temple until several more seals were broken. She was forced to roam the halls, freer than before, but still incarcerated with hopes to escape. Well, we couldn't just let her run around like Felenga is now. Having a demonic element on your continent is bad for trade and other diplomatic necessities! So, I cashed in a few favors and assembled one of the greatest adventuring teams ever seen on Dorhaus!"
Who killed Zuggtmoy? thinks Malford. Who was it that landed that fatal blow? It is not like me to forget so easily. Yet, perhaps it was meant to be . . .
"We were joined by Jerakai, Thaumaturge-Assassin," continues Malford. His infernal blood called out to him to destroy Zuggtmoy, plus he owed me a favor for saving him in a battle against his arch-nemesis, The Masked Avenger. The dark necromancer, Nydroth, also joined us and brought with him a hideous Quickling-Troll bodyguard. Thimbleton, our old adventuring pal, came along with his staff of Zelman. Finally, the dwarves, Belmondo and Stone joined us. They came equipped with multiple attachments for his various prosthetics and the powerful skill, Fat-Axe-To-Head! Uh, did I say finally? Wait, revise that Turdlin! Our good friend, King Hobbes of the Tabaxi, could not resist his instinctual desire for the hunt!"
"Well, we didn't have to look around long before we came upon the Demoness of Fungi. There she was, Zuggtmoy, in her full demonic glory, just waiting for us! She towered above us, a gigantic ball of fungus, and flailed at us with pseudopod clubs as big as 6 gnomes!"
"Lester, in a foolish attempt to strike down his sworn foe, rushed and was severely pummeled. He would have died, if not for the power of Earth and his Stoneskins. Hobbes and Stone were not far behind, but even their mighty attacks could not penetrate Zuggtmoy's spongy exterior. Thimbleton and Nydroth hurled their impressive magic at her, but neither illusion nor negative energy did much. Belmondo and Jerakai did their best to sneak around her, but her reach was too long, and her senses too good! Dexter unleashed the power of Galador, as Drelvin released the power of his arrows, and Zuggtmoy trembled, . . .
but did not fall!"
"What was a gnome destined for divinity to do! Well, I couldn't just order a retreat, and let her run about the continent like she was Fuligin! So I mustered up all of my courage and used my powers of trickery to fool her and strike the final blow!" Lester and Drelvin better keep their mouths shut, thinks Malford. They don't call me the God of Revisionism for nothing!
"I decreed to Zuggtmoy, 'You trespass where you are not wanted, evil Demon bitch! Go back to the Abyss before I chop you up and have my halfling chef serve you in my soup!' I charged forward and seemingly stumbled, and dropped Memory, my faithful shortsword.
Well, Zuggtmoy could not withstand a challenge from someone so small and so in need of help. One so boastful and dying to be taught a lesson! She immediately charged, but, because I was not prone on the ground, I survived! It was only an illusion that she could not see through because of her demonic rage! So after going by, I quickly stabbed her in a wound that hadn't had time to heal. I pierced something vital, and Zuggtmoy was stopped in her tracks!"
All stare at Malford breathlessly, except for Lester and Drelvin, who look a bit confused. . .
"Isn't that how you remember it, Drelvin?" asks Malford with a knowing glance.
"Uh, I remember Belmondo was almost killed by a green slime trap while we were looting the crypt! That would have been more ironic than me losing another leg!"
(A few drunken voices try to start Drelvin's song... sort of.)
"Yes, and that, too. I know it sounds like I did it all myself, but let the Revised and Expanded Galadron, with Pictures for All My Little Gnomes, state that I could not have done this alone, . . .as easily! My companions, through their teamwork, laid the groundwork for my killing blow and ultimate downfall of the Temple o' Elemental Evil." Malford end his story with a regal flare of dismissal, signifying the
end of the temple and the tale.
"Well, did you all of that, Turdlin?" questions Malford.
"Oh, yes, God-King Malford, every syllable! Yet, your story leaves me wanting to ask you the question . . .”
"If you were able to call upon friends then," interrupts the Eye, "perhaps you can all upon friends now. We have helped many people, Malford. But where do you turn when your enemy is more powerful than most Gods?"
No one answers quickly.
(Next time: Fun with Summonings . . . or, Don't Let
the Gate Hit You On The Way In!)
A final note: does this 'next time' mean that Lester's writing another? We'll see...!
Last edited:
the Jester
Legend
The Hunt is On
Note: This update has some Temple of Elemental Evil/Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil spoilers in it.
Morning. Little do our heroes know how close they are to utter disaster. Unknown to them, Felenga has begun making his move. They are discussing their next course of action. Now that they have the Deleter and are done with the inevitable, it’s time- ridiculous as it seems- to go after Felenga.
“Maybe we should try to destroy the Temple of Elemental Evil,” Lester suggests. “It’s his power base, right? And we know a lot about it- some of us, most of us have been there before.”
They chew the idea over and find it palatable. They know the Temple of Elemental Evil is connected to strange sub-planes called the elemental nodes; previously, destroying the nodes did for the Temple pretty severely. There was also an artifact involved, the Orb of Golden Death (also called Yellowskull). The nodes, the Orb, the Temple- the fate of all were linked.
“Maybe,” the L suggests, “we can lure Felenga into the nodes and then collapse them on him.”
Orbius begins the hunt with a contact other plane, reaching up to perilous heights with his mind.
Who am I talking to? Dexter.
How can I best lure Felenga into the Nodes? Threaten them.
How can I threaten the nodes? Throne.
What area of the Temple of Elemental Evil can we find this throne in? None.
Show me an image of this throne. Impossible.
Will the Bile Lords recast their curse? Not soon.
Are Paytyn’s goal to destroy the Black Academy and our quest to slay Felenga linked? No.
What is the most powerful elemental Lester can summon with a greater planar ally spell? Many.
Malford and Lester say hello and miss you very much, and they wonder- will they ever see you again in this lifetime? Unlikely.
Somewhat pensively, Orbius relates this information, then casts a vision on the ‘throne’ Dexter mentioned. Surprisingly, the spell fails. Malford points out that it could have been a lie- “like when I got the ‘stain’ result,” he grumbles.
Next, the Eye casts a sending to Arion the Archmage. I’m about to talk to Boccob, do you have a question? To his dismay, Arion’s answer is Where’s my simulacrum? He relates this to the group as well, then communes.
Who am I talking to? Boccob.
What’s the best way to threaten the nodes and lure Felenga into them? Orb.
Who currently has this orb? Unknown.
Can we plane shift into and our of the nodes? Yes.
What is the proper note to get to the node of earth? D flat.
What is the proper note to get to the node of fire? B sharp.
What is the proper note to get to the node of air? A.
What is the proper note to get to the node of water? G.
Will Felenga be frozen in time when I cast timestop? Unknown.
Has Felenga had any success in getting into Darkhold? Yes, URGENT!!!
Uh-oh, Orbius thinks, his lips tightening. Grimly, he continues.
Can the Master of Darkhold fend off Felenga? Maybe.
Where’s the best place to start looking for Prayzose*? Heaven.
Where’s the best place to start looking for the orb? Temple.
Where’s the best place to look within the Temple? Unknown.
Boccob, I open my mind to you- show me the Orb! (Nothing happens.)
Who besides Felenga in the Temple knows the location of the Orb? Unknown.
What is the name of the most powerful air creature I can call on? There are many.
Where is Arion’s simulacrum? Blendorag.**
What is the name of the best creature we can summon to champion our cause? Garnet.
“Well, that’s good news, anyhow,” Lester remarks. Garnet’s a goddess, after all. Can’t hurt to have one of those on your side.
Angelfire, meanwhile, surreptitiously sneaks a look into the toilet into which he’d pissed his ooze Chaos baby not so long ago, leaving his manhood a mangled, burned mess. There’s no sign of the ooze, but the wall below the privy has a hole burnt through it. Shrugging, he heads back to the group.
Just in time for Orbius to cast gate, calling to a goddess…
*The Forinthian Emperor, missing for several years, a sometimes ally, sometimes adversary of some of the party; they know he summoned the Formian hive that a somewhat different version of the group dealt with near the beginning of the Agents of Chaos story.
**Blendorag is a nasty island that hosts the Stinking Pit, which is known to be inhabited by a pit fiend.
Next Time: A third of a goddess, an ally from the positive energy plane, and help from Heaven! The pcs pull out all the stops to get all the help they can- and then get ready to get it on with Felenga!!!
Note: This update has some Temple of Elemental Evil/Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil spoilers in it.
Morning. Little do our heroes know how close they are to utter disaster. Unknown to them, Felenga has begun making his move. They are discussing their next course of action. Now that they have the Deleter and are done with the inevitable, it’s time- ridiculous as it seems- to go after Felenga.
“Maybe we should try to destroy the Temple of Elemental Evil,” Lester suggests. “It’s his power base, right? And we know a lot about it- some of us, most of us have been there before.”
They chew the idea over and find it palatable. They know the Temple of Elemental Evil is connected to strange sub-planes called the elemental nodes; previously, destroying the nodes did for the Temple pretty severely. There was also an artifact involved, the Orb of Golden Death (also called Yellowskull). The nodes, the Orb, the Temple- the fate of all were linked.
“Maybe,” the L suggests, “we can lure Felenga into the nodes and then collapse them on him.”
Orbius begins the hunt with a contact other plane, reaching up to perilous heights with his mind.
Who am I talking to? Dexter.
How can I best lure Felenga into the Nodes? Threaten them.
How can I threaten the nodes? Throne.
What area of the Temple of Elemental Evil can we find this throne in? None.
Show me an image of this throne. Impossible.
Will the Bile Lords recast their curse? Not soon.
Are Paytyn’s goal to destroy the Black Academy and our quest to slay Felenga linked? No.
What is the most powerful elemental Lester can summon with a greater planar ally spell? Many.
Malford and Lester say hello and miss you very much, and they wonder- will they ever see you again in this lifetime? Unlikely.
Somewhat pensively, Orbius relates this information, then casts a vision on the ‘throne’ Dexter mentioned. Surprisingly, the spell fails. Malford points out that it could have been a lie- “like when I got the ‘stain’ result,” he grumbles.
Next, the Eye casts a sending to Arion the Archmage. I’m about to talk to Boccob, do you have a question? To his dismay, Arion’s answer is Where’s my simulacrum? He relates this to the group as well, then communes.
Who am I talking to? Boccob.
What’s the best way to threaten the nodes and lure Felenga into them? Orb.
Who currently has this orb? Unknown.
Can we plane shift into and our of the nodes? Yes.
What is the proper note to get to the node of earth? D flat.
What is the proper note to get to the node of fire? B sharp.
What is the proper note to get to the node of air? A.
What is the proper note to get to the node of water? G.
Will Felenga be frozen in time when I cast timestop? Unknown.
Has Felenga had any success in getting into Darkhold? Yes, URGENT!!!
Uh-oh, Orbius thinks, his lips tightening. Grimly, he continues.
Can the Master of Darkhold fend off Felenga? Maybe.
Where’s the best place to start looking for Prayzose*? Heaven.
Where’s the best place to start looking for the orb? Temple.
Where’s the best place to look within the Temple? Unknown.
Boccob, I open my mind to you- show me the Orb! (Nothing happens.)
Who besides Felenga in the Temple knows the location of the Orb? Unknown.
What is the name of the most powerful air creature I can call on? There are many.
Where is Arion’s simulacrum? Blendorag.**
What is the name of the best creature we can summon to champion our cause? Garnet.
“Well, that’s good news, anyhow,” Lester remarks. Garnet’s a goddess, after all. Can’t hurt to have one of those on your side.
Angelfire, meanwhile, surreptitiously sneaks a look into the toilet into which he’d pissed his ooze Chaos baby not so long ago, leaving his manhood a mangled, burned mess. There’s no sign of the ooze, but the wall below the privy has a hole burnt through it. Shrugging, he heads back to the group.
Just in time for Orbius to cast gate, calling to a goddess…
*The Forinthian Emperor, missing for several years, a sometimes ally, sometimes adversary of some of the party; they know he summoned the Formian hive that a somewhat different version of the group dealt with near the beginning of the Agents of Chaos story.
**Blendorag is a nasty island that hosts the Stinking Pit, which is known to be inhabited by a pit fiend.
Next Time: A third of a goddess, an ally from the positive energy plane, and help from Heaven! The pcs pull out all the stops to get all the help they can- and then get ready to get it on with Felenga!!!
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the Jester
Legend
Summonings
Like a breath of fresh air, she steps through the gate. Her eyes are a deep violet color, her hair the silver that only certain breeds of elves develop. She stands as tall as a human woman, a purple cloak clasped at her breast with a silver rose. She smiles and it is as if mother’s praise, understood for the first time, rained down on each of them as they were babies.
“Garnet,” breathes Lester, falling to one knee, and the others follow suit. “I’m glad you’re here, darn it!”
“Greetings, friends,” the goddess intones seriously. “The time is late, but let us hope not too late.”
“What’s going on? Is this the dark before the dawn?” the L cries. “Boccob told the Eye that things are urgent, that Felenga is attacking Darkhold without relent!”
She nods. “He must be stopped.”
“How?” asks Drelvin, and the goddess smiles softly at him.
“You know how,” she answers, and the image of the terrible artifact called the Deleter comes unbidden into the minds of the entire party. The Deleter, recovered for just this reason… a weapon of unknown properties, but surely of great power- perhaps even great enough to defeat Felenga, the Dark One, and his minions of Elemental Evil.
Our heroes discuss matters briefly, but there really isn’t much doubt as to what they must do next. And soon. They must carry the battle to Felenga. They must delete him.
“Who’s going to wear it?” asks Malford. “My divinations said that Sybele was best-qualified…”
She has no interest in it. “You saw the bones of the last guy’s hands!” she exclaims. “I need my hands to fire my bow and fight with!” Nor is anyone else especially looking forward to putting their hands in the weird, organic glove-like things. For a moment they all disavow the device, but someone’s gotta wear it if they’re to have a chance against Felenga.
“Fine,” Drelvin snorts at last. “Give them to me.”
As the archer pulls the moist thing over his hands and shudders as it settles, clamplike, around his wrists, the rest of the party discusses who else they can call upon for aid.
“Heaven,” Orbius suggests.
“The positive energy plane,” Horbin reasons, “since we’re going up against undead.”
“I’ll summon a great elemental power!” Lester enthuses. “Our party is in full flower!” He goes first, attempting initially to summon the elemental prince of good air, but it seems too powerful for him to call. Sweating, he releases the spell and tries again, this time summoning the strongest air elemental he can. After a few moments of bargaining, he agrees to help it free its brethren from some sort of imprisonment in an engine in exchange for its help in fighting and destroying Felenga.
Horbin opens a gate to the positive energy plane, summoning a weird energy being named Glantri, that asks only that Horbin agree to summon it three more times in exchange for its aid. With a smile and a shrug, Horbin the Holy agrees.
Finally, Orbius calls to Heaven with a gate and is awestruck when a solar emerges. It, too, agrees to help- in exchange for Lester’s agreeing to the reinstatement of his geas.
“Well,” the L reasons, “we’re on track anyhow… no reason not to take it back now!”
And then they make ready to move.
“I still think we should assault the Temple first, and save for last the worst,” the L gripes, but Garnet turns her compelling eyes on him and he quickly changes his mind.
“Will you fight beside us?” Malford asks.
Garnet smiles. “I am the Triple Goddess, or that aspect of her called Sabine. My two sisters are within Darkhold even now, aiding the Master of that place in his defense. I remain out here as backup in case they should fail.”
“In other words, no,” Lester whines. “We shouldn’t even go!”
“I must remain without,” she confirms, “but I can still help you greatly. I will aid you in communication, linking you all together telepathically. And I will take you there.
“I will take you to Darkhold.”
*A couple of notes- Lester is now speaking in rhyme (thanks to the touch of Spukoni), and Thrush and Sybele quietly announced their forthcoming wedding. Astute readers may have noticed a mysterious conversation between Thrush and God-King Malford back here; that was when Thrush asked Malford to be his best man…. J
Next Time: Into Darkhold, after Felenga!
Like a breath of fresh air, she steps through the gate. Her eyes are a deep violet color, her hair the silver that only certain breeds of elves develop. She stands as tall as a human woman, a purple cloak clasped at her breast with a silver rose. She smiles and it is as if mother’s praise, understood for the first time, rained down on each of them as they were babies.
“Garnet,” breathes Lester, falling to one knee, and the others follow suit. “I’m glad you’re here, darn it!”
“Greetings, friends,” the goddess intones seriously. “The time is late, but let us hope not too late.”
“What’s going on? Is this the dark before the dawn?” the L cries. “Boccob told the Eye that things are urgent, that Felenga is attacking Darkhold without relent!”
She nods. “He must be stopped.”
“How?” asks Drelvin, and the goddess smiles softly at him.
“You know how,” she answers, and the image of the terrible artifact called the Deleter comes unbidden into the minds of the entire party. The Deleter, recovered for just this reason… a weapon of unknown properties, but surely of great power- perhaps even great enough to defeat Felenga, the Dark One, and his minions of Elemental Evil.
Our heroes discuss matters briefly, but there really isn’t much doubt as to what they must do next. And soon. They must carry the battle to Felenga. They must delete him.
“Who’s going to wear it?” asks Malford. “My divinations said that Sybele was best-qualified…”
She has no interest in it. “You saw the bones of the last guy’s hands!” she exclaims. “I need my hands to fire my bow and fight with!” Nor is anyone else especially looking forward to putting their hands in the weird, organic glove-like things. For a moment they all disavow the device, but someone’s gotta wear it if they’re to have a chance against Felenga.
“Fine,” Drelvin snorts at last. “Give them to me.”
As the archer pulls the moist thing over his hands and shudders as it settles, clamplike, around his wrists, the rest of the party discusses who else they can call upon for aid.
“Heaven,” Orbius suggests.
“The positive energy plane,” Horbin reasons, “since we’re going up against undead.”
“I’ll summon a great elemental power!” Lester enthuses. “Our party is in full flower!” He goes first, attempting initially to summon the elemental prince of good air, but it seems too powerful for him to call. Sweating, he releases the spell and tries again, this time summoning the strongest air elemental he can. After a few moments of bargaining, he agrees to help it free its brethren from some sort of imprisonment in an engine in exchange for its help in fighting and destroying Felenga.
Horbin opens a gate to the positive energy plane, summoning a weird energy being named Glantri, that asks only that Horbin agree to summon it three more times in exchange for its aid. With a smile and a shrug, Horbin the Holy agrees.
Finally, Orbius calls to Heaven with a gate and is awestruck when a solar emerges. It, too, agrees to help- in exchange for Lester’s agreeing to the reinstatement of his geas.
“Well,” the L reasons, “we’re on track anyhow… no reason not to take it back now!”
And then they make ready to move.
“I still think we should assault the Temple first, and save for last the worst,” the L gripes, but Garnet turns her compelling eyes on him and he quickly changes his mind.
“Will you fight beside us?” Malford asks.
Garnet smiles. “I am the Triple Goddess, or that aspect of her called Sabine. My two sisters are within Darkhold even now, aiding the Master of that place in his defense. I remain out here as backup in case they should fail.”
“In other words, no,” Lester whines. “We shouldn’t even go!”
“I must remain without,” she confirms, “but I can still help you greatly. I will aid you in communication, linking you all together telepathically. And I will take you there.
“I will take you to Darkhold.”
*A couple of notes- Lester is now speaking in rhyme (thanks to the touch of Spukoni), and Thrush and Sybele quietly announced their forthcoming wedding. Astute readers may have noticed a mysterious conversation between Thrush and God-King Malford back here; that was when Thrush asked Malford to be his best man…. J
Next Time: Into Darkhold, after Felenga!
the Jester
Legend
Just a teaser...
Felenga, the Dark One, is already within Darkhold.
Darkhold, the one place- the only place- to survive the waking of Felenga's dread master. His dread master, now bound- again- in eternal slumber.
Well, Felenga plans to be the one that wakes him up this time. Before, in the previous world- the real world, of which this "Cydra" is but a pale reflection spat out by Darkhold's Master- Felenga's dread master, Tharizdun, had been bound in the primordeal aeons; and when the villain Fuligin had managed to begin the Waking, all creation quaked with fear. When Tharizdun fully awoke, it devoured Nature itself. All was annihilated; all ended.
Only the Angels of the Apocalypse survived, Tharizdun's creatures, empowered beyond mortal comprehension by their dread lord's merest notice. Including, of course, both Fuligin and Felenga himself.
When Nature was devoured, Darkhold survived. With his vast intellect enhanced by Tharizdun's blazing mind, Felenga knew instantly how: it was not of nature at all, not a piece of any plane; it was a realm unto itself. But a realm now with no connection to anywhere; a realm cut off from the nothing that remained after Tharizdun's ravening power destroyed the multiverse.
It should have ended there; there should have been no contact again, but...
Somehow.
Somehow the cursed adventurers managed to engineer a new birth of nature, a new genesis. Somehow they turned Darkhold's weak simulation of nature into the real thing. They made themselves real. The damned adventurers got the necessary tools from right underneath the noses of the Angels of the Apocalypse and managed to- somehow- birth a new Nature. The Master of Darkhold created some sort of artifact to stabilize the vital force that keeps everything balanced carefully, and their reality hasn't fallen apart or broken down yet, much to Felenga's frustration.
And only at the birth of Nature could the anti-force called Tharizdun be lulled to sleep, bound in a prison plane somewhere outside the known dimensions, left- again- in eternal slumber.
Well, not for long. Felenga grins to himself. His key works. He can get back in and out of Darkhold as needs be. He can even excercise some limited control- enough to replace some of the guardians he's destroyed on his way in.
And the device that balances things so carefully, so precariously?
Not for long, Felenga promises himself, grinning a skeletal grin and settling back on a comfy bed in the middle of Darkhold.
Next Time: We get to the real deal!
Felenga, the Dark One, is already within Darkhold.
Darkhold, the one place- the only place- to survive the waking of Felenga's dread master. His dread master, now bound- again- in eternal slumber.
Well, Felenga plans to be the one that wakes him up this time. Before, in the previous world- the real world, of which this "Cydra" is but a pale reflection spat out by Darkhold's Master- Felenga's dread master, Tharizdun, had been bound in the primordeal aeons; and when the villain Fuligin had managed to begin the Waking, all creation quaked with fear. When Tharizdun fully awoke, it devoured Nature itself. All was annihilated; all ended.
Only the Angels of the Apocalypse survived, Tharizdun's creatures, empowered beyond mortal comprehension by their dread lord's merest notice. Including, of course, both Fuligin and Felenga himself.
When Nature was devoured, Darkhold survived. With his vast intellect enhanced by Tharizdun's blazing mind, Felenga knew instantly how: it was not of nature at all, not a piece of any plane; it was a realm unto itself. But a realm now with no connection to anywhere; a realm cut off from the nothing that remained after Tharizdun's ravening power destroyed the multiverse.
It should have ended there; there should have been no contact again, but...
Somehow.
Somehow the cursed adventurers managed to engineer a new birth of nature, a new genesis. Somehow they turned Darkhold's weak simulation of nature into the real thing. They made themselves real. The damned adventurers got the necessary tools from right underneath the noses of the Angels of the Apocalypse and managed to- somehow- birth a new Nature. The Master of Darkhold created some sort of artifact to stabilize the vital force that keeps everything balanced carefully, and their reality hasn't fallen apart or broken down yet, much to Felenga's frustration.
And only at the birth of Nature could the anti-force called Tharizdun be lulled to sleep, bound in a prison plane somewhere outside the known dimensions, left- again- in eternal slumber.
Well, not for long. Felenga grins to himself. His key works. He can get back in and out of Darkhold as needs be. He can even excercise some limited control- enough to replace some of the guardians he's destroyed on his way in.
And the device that balances things so carefully, so precariously?
Not for long, Felenga promises himself, grinning a skeletal grin and settling back on a comfy bed in the middle of Darkhold.
Next Time: We get to the real deal!
the Jester
Legend
It's a familiar journey into Darkhold, but beneath the surface there's a palpable tension, as if the place itself reflects the struggle taking place within as Felenga strives against the Master of Darkhold. Though our heroes don't know exactly how much influence he can wield over the environment, they do know that Felenga can probably come and go freely.
Across the hedge the party climbs; across the lawn they rush unopposed. Across the moat they fly and into the water they plunge, awaiting the flush... but this time it doesn't come. They have to swim down and up through a U-shaped passage and into a disgusting room full of sewage that they all remember with distaste from their previous visit.
Although they don't know it, the fecal worm guardian of this chamber was destroyed mere hours ago by their adversary. Unfortunately, here Felenga learned enough to regenerate it and set it against his own enemies, so once again our heroes find themselves contesting against it as it rises with a horrendous wailing from the mounds of excrement around them.
It's met by a volley of spells from the casters (including Drelvin's sword) and a general rush from the warriors, who deal telling blows. Glantri, the strange creature that Horbin the Holy summoned, rushes onto the cleric and fuses itself with him! Horbin cries out as positive energy rushes through his body, fuelling him with heroism, and he rushes the monster. Though the worm gulps down Lester and Thrush, it dies in barely over ten seconds and the two heros are easily retrieved (in fact, Thrush crawls from its mouth on his own).
Searching turns up a familiar door, concealed behind mounds of the stinking brown waste in the room. "I hate this room," mutters the L to himself.
With the aid of Malford's decanter of endless water, the party cleans up in the hallway outside. Drelvin flexes his hands clumsily; in the Deleter, he certainly won't be able to fire his bow... It makes him feel extremely self-conscious.
The party is moving with perfect coordination, their minds linked by Garnet. And as they move down the hall and through the next door, they instantly need it, for here Felenga has set another guardian. Even as he throws the door confidently open, Thrush's face is illuminated by the sickly flames dancing around the body of the thing within. There is an instant's pause as the party mentally concludes that none of them have encountered one of these before.
Thrush rushes it.
Next Time: Our heroes battle a hellfire golem- which is the last fight before the main event with Felenga himself!
Across the hedge the party climbs; across the lawn they rush unopposed. Across the moat they fly and into the water they plunge, awaiting the flush... but this time it doesn't come. They have to swim down and up through a U-shaped passage and into a disgusting room full of sewage that they all remember with distaste from their previous visit.
Although they don't know it, the fecal worm guardian of this chamber was destroyed mere hours ago by their adversary. Unfortunately, here Felenga learned enough to regenerate it and set it against his own enemies, so once again our heroes find themselves contesting against it as it rises with a horrendous wailing from the mounds of excrement around them.
It's met by a volley of spells from the casters (including Drelvin's sword) and a general rush from the warriors, who deal telling blows. Glantri, the strange creature that Horbin the Holy summoned, rushes onto the cleric and fuses itself with him! Horbin cries out as positive energy rushes through his body, fuelling him with heroism, and he rushes the monster. Though the worm gulps down Lester and Thrush, it dies in barely over ten seconds and the two heros are easily retrieved (in fact, Thrush crawls from its mouth on his own).
Searching turns up a familiar door, concealed behind mounds of the stinking brown waste in the room. "I hate this room," mutters the L to himself.
With the aid of Malford's decanter of endless water, the party cleans up in the hallway outside. Drelvin flexes his hands clumsily; in the Deleter, he certainly won't be able to fire his bow... It makes him feel extremely self-conscious.
The party is moving with perfect coordination, their minds linked by Garnet. And as they move down the hall and through the next door, they instantly need it, for here Felenga has set another guardian. Even as he throws the door confidently open, Thrush's face is illuminated by the sickly flames dancing around the body of the thing within. There is an instant's pause as the party mentally concludes that none of them have encountered one of these before.
Thrush rushes it.
Next Time: Our heroes battle a hellfire golem- which is the last fight before the main event with Felenga himself!
the Jester
Legend
The Hellfire Golem
As Thrush rushes the blazing thing before them the solar pulls nocks an arrow of devil slaying and draws the string back. He recognizes the fire as infernal in nature. But the first volley of attacks- including Orbius' magic missiles- slide off harmlessly, and the huge figure swings a burning fist at Lester, dealing a teling blow, as he moves in to attack.
Drelvin, hanging back, cries out, "You've been deleted!" And shouting an obscenity, he points at it. There's a convulsion around his hands as the glove-like weapon does... something... and a ray shoots out, striking the thing. There's no visible effect, but Drelvin groans as he feels his life energy depress.* Telemundo is teleporting quickly around via Marius' sidestep, which allows him to try to disintegrate the monster from a safe spot; but it shrugs the beam off harmlessly. Nor does Malford's phantasmal killer so much as slow it even for an instant.
Then Angelfire steps up, swinging his falchion with deadly effect, slicing into the hellfire creature to surprisingly great effect. His grin vanishes into a gape of astonishment when he realizes that the creature's hellfire actually burns him!**
Our heroes pour it on, Orbius grimly noting that it seems immune to all their magic. If I could get a shot for a cone of cold, he thinks grimly, that might have some effect; but everyone's piling on it up there...!
The solar's arrows of slaying prove useless; but Horbin, fused with the weird positive planar creature Glantri, manages to deal the creature a blow with his holy mace. Moreover, Thrush, Lester and Angel, working together, are starting to whittle it down. But it gestures and a blast of white-hot fire fooms down at Horbin, Lester and Thrush. The three cry out in pain, recoiling momentarily, and then Horbin seems to swell for a moment. There seems to be a radiance emanating from beneath his skin, behind his eyes; and then there's a explosion.
Horbin the Holy cries out in a mixture of ecstasy and pain as positive energy floods out of his body, dealing significant damage as it does so. But the thing is still merged with him, pulsing and gleeful. And Horbin can feel the frenetic energy building in him again... He staggers a few paces off, trying to contain it.
Meanwhile, Thrush shakes his head, ignoring the sizzle of his armor, and gets ready to charge it. Before he can, however, Angelfire's falchion finishes the job- a series of heavy chops brings the thing crashing down.
A quick search of the room turns up no sign of Felenga, but then, as they open the door across the hall, our heroes meet the Master of Darkhold. Dressed all in black, with dark brooding eyes, he appears human, but who can say what he is? Darkhold is not what it appears either.
And now the battle with Felenga is just around the corner...
*In other words, he gained a negative level.
**Just as a reminder, Angel has the fire subtype.
Next Time: The party vs. Felenga!!
As Thrush rushes the blazing thing before them the solar pulls nocks an arrow of devil slaying and draws the string back. He recognizes the fire as infernal in nature. But the first volley of attacks- including Orbius' magic missiles- slide off harmlessly, and the huge figure swings a burning fist at Lester, dealing a teling blow, as he moves in to attack.
Drelvin, hanging back, cries out, "You've been deleted!" And shouting an obscenity, he points at it. There's a convulsion around his hands as the glove-like weapon does... something... and a ray shoots out, striking the thing. There's no visible effect, but Drelvin groans as he feels his life energy depress.* Telemundo is teleporting quickly around via Marius' sidestep, which allows him to try to disintegrate the monster from a safe spot; but it shrugs the beam off harmlessly. Nor does Malford's phantasmal killer so much as slow it even for an instant.
Then Angelfire steps up, swinging his falchion with deadly effect, slicing into the hellfire creature to surprisingly great effect. His grin vanishes into a gape of astonishment when he realizes that the creature's hellfire actually burns him!**
Our heroes pour it on, Orbius grimly noting that it seems immune to all their magic. If I could get a shot for a cone of cold, he thinks grimly, that might have some effect; but everyone's piling on it up there...!
The solar's arrows of slaying prove useless; but Horbin, fused with the weird positive planar creature Glantri, manages to deal the creature a blow with his holy mace. Moreover, Thrush, Lester and Angel, working together, are starting to whittle it down. But it gestures and a blast of white-hot fire fooms down at Horbin, Lester and Thrush. The three cry out in pain, recoiling momentarily, and then Horbin seems to swell for a moment. There seems to be a radiance emanating from beneath his skin, behind his eyes; and then there's a explosion.
Horbin the Holy cries out in a mixture of ecstasy and pain as positive energy floods out of his body, dealing significant damage as it does so. But the thing is still merged with him, pulsing and gleeful. And Horbin can feel the frenetic energy building in him again... He staggers a few paces off, trying to contain it.
Meanwhile, Thrush shakes his head, ignoring the sizzle of his armor, and gets ready to charge it. Before he can, however, Angelfire's falchion finishes the job- a series of heavy chops brings the thing crashing down.
A quick search of the room turns up no sign of Felenga, but then, as they open the door across the hall, our heroes meet the Master of Darkhold. Dressed all in black, with dark brooding eyes, he appears human, but who can say what he is? Darkhold is not what it appears either.
And now the battle with Felenga is just around the corner...
*In other words, he gained a negative level.
**Just as a reminder, Angel has the fire subtype.
Next Time: The party vs. Felenga!!
