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Way of the Wicked Playthrough - Updated 2023/03/28
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<blockquote data-quote="rchodges" data-source="post: 8805666" data-attributes="member: 7031385"><p><strong>Part 2:</strong> Call Forth Darkness</p><p><strong>Act 3: </strong>Thirty-one Weeks</p><p><strong>Session 29:</strong> Wrath of the Wraith</p><p></p><p>Week 28:</p><p>“Traya, a moment of your time?” Donovan called out to Traya, who was sitting next to Hassan within the tavern area.</p><p>Traya was not expecting to be hearing from Donovan. As of late, it seemed he had been singularly focused on work throughout the Horn. As the weeks had progressed, it had become more and more apparent to her that Donovan didn’t actually have any need for her or the rest of her group, and was merely pacifying them. Could this be the betrayal that she had been expecting for a while now. “Yes, Donovan, how can I be of assistance to you?”</p><p>Donovan sat down on the other end of the table, facing her and Hassan. “You probably already noticed, but I have been moving people around inside the Horn. I’m attempting to consolidate our assets in order to minimize the risk that we might face going forward.”</p><p>Traya nodded. “That makes sense, of course. You have to take care of the things that matter to you.” Traya realized that she and her team hadn’t been asked to do anything as of late. She looked around the room, wondering if an invisible force was watching her and the others.</p><p>“As such, I’d like to go ahead and complete our business now.” Donovan smiled as he continued. “I know that I had asked you to stay for a few more weeks, but I feel like it would be safer if we parted ways before anyone dangerous arrived.”</p><p>It was not lost on Traya that Donovan didn’t consider her or her group “dangerous”. Had he been placating her all this time. “Are you asking for a discount for our work?” </p><p>Donovan shook his head. “Not at all, Lady Traya. I intend to pay you and all of your members the agreed upon amount. “</p><p>Secretly, Traya breathed a sigh of relief. Not only would she be done with this dangerous group of individuals, she would no longer have to find herself hit upon by Bebop. Still, a part of her could not help but desire more. “And what of the emeralds? Are they still up for negotiation?”</p><p>Donovan chuckled. “You are quite a confident woman, Traya. If somehow the Emeralds survive what is coming up, you and I can talk further about a split of those profits.”</p><p>Pulling out his coin purse, Donovan counted out the agreed upon amount, and set it in four piles in front of Traya.</p><p>Traya took the money, and began the process of rounding up her group to leave. She looked at Donovan momentarily before walking out of the Horn, “You are not at all what we expected to find here.”</p><p>“That’s probably a good thing, Traya.” A smirk crossed Donovan’s face, as the Raiders departed for their return to Farholde.</p><p></p><p>Week 29:</p><p>Bebop spent a good amount of his time in the Maw, working with the Boggards. Since the passing of James O’Toole, Bebop was tasked to continue the training of these creatures, in order to guide them on the path of maintaining a healthy food supply that could be maintained indefinitely. This included raising small animals, and growing crops that would survive in the limited light provided in that area. The work was challenging, not because of the physical labor, but rather because of the stubbornness of the Boggards. The creatures would frequently kill and eat the animals that were intended for breeding, and didn’t allow them an opportunity to grow the herd size. Bebop imagined that this is what it would feel like to raise small children, had his life gone in such a different direction, and he was thankful that he had never settled down into such a lifestyle.</p><p></p><p>Today, however, Bebop’s assignment was different. Donovan had instructed to him that the Boggards needed to leave their homes, as he believed the upcoming challenges would be fatal for them. Bebop looked around the living area, looking for the leader that had been installed. “Juko, there you are!”</p><p>Juko responded to Bebop, “Yes, I am here.”</p><p>Bebop smiled with the awkward grin he often employed when he wanted something from another individual, “I think it’s time that we deal with the remaining tribes that have not yet joined us.”</p><p>Juko tilted his head, “What did you wish for us to do?”</p><p>“Donovan believes you should take the tribe and set out for the encampments of the other Boggards. Between the training and weapons we have provided you, you should be able to defeat them easily.” Bebop sounded confident in his suggestion. </p><p>“You want me to take everyone in the tribe? Who will guard our children?” Juko expressed concern at the suggestion being put forward to him.</p><p>Bebop smiled and puffed up his chest, “I’ll take care of them.”</p><p>Juko was clearly concerned, “You?”</p><p>“Would you rather I tell Donovan you refused?” Bebop implicated a clear threat to the Boggard leader, who was immediately taken aback. </p><p>“No! Of course not! I just wanted to make sure our children would be protected. I’ll gather the members of the tribe.”</p><p>Bebop smirked, “Of course you will.”</p><p>Bebop grabbed one of the chickens that was still alive, and took it with him back into the upper levels of the Horn.</p><p></p><p>Week 31:</p><p>Donovan moved around the levels of the Horn, the silence pushed away by the booming stride of Artephius. Donovan felt a tinge of regret seeing how quiet the place had become, but it wasn’t long before his mind was drawn back into the moment. </p><p>“Donovan! What are you doing?” A hollow and angry voice rang out from behind Donovan. Donovan stopped walking, but didn’t even turn around to address the individual. “Lord Ezra, a delight to hear from you as always. I’m checking all the rooms in order to make sure nothing has gained access into the Horn.”</p><p>Ezra snarled without hesitation, “Don’t be daft, boy! I’m talking about the Boggards and the mercenaries you employed. Where are they?”</p><p>A smile twisted slightly onto Donovan’s face, “I sent them away, Lord Ezra. They were of no use to us, and they would most likely die in the upcoming conflicts.”</p><p>“What of Hexor and Vexor?” Ezra Thrice-Damned moved in front of Donovan, forcing his gaze. “Where are the Cuestodaemons that guarded this place?”</p><p>“Why, I sold them, of course. I could not guarantee what actions they might take, and they have a habit of destroying things at an inconvenient time.” Donovan’s eyes stared directly at Ezra, and Ezra knew that Donovan was making larger plans. </p><p>“They were not yours to sell!” Ezra hissed at Donovan.</p><p>Donovan remained unfazed. “You made it clear to me that all that was in the treasure room was mine to deal with as I chose. The Amulets that bound those two were included in that list. Had you not wished me to do so, you should have told me what I could and could not sell.”</p><p>“You think yourself so clever, Donovan.” Ezra moved closer to Donovan in a menacing fashion. “Perhaps I should kill you and show you how weak you actually are.”</p><p>Donovan scoffed, “We’re far too deep into this ritual for you to make such a bluff, Lord Ezra. You and I both know that you cannot complete the ritual currently, nor can you find replacements for the individuals lost should the ritual need to be started anew.”</p><p>Ezra felt his rage grow against this boy, who had maneuvered to stifle his own betrayal. “For now, Donovan. But this will not always be the case. You should consider carefully what enemies you choose to make.”</p><p>“Sage advice, Lord Ezra. Perhaps you should heed it yourself.” Donovan’s smile was obvious, and Ezra left in rage.</p><p>Once Ezra was out of sight, Donovan allowed himself to catch his breath, shaking at what he had endured. Gritting his teeth, Donovan grabbed a few chemicals from the Lab on the first floor. “I suspect our relationship isn’t going to get better from this point.”</p><p></p><p>Week 31:</p><p>The family moved into the Sanctuary on the top floor of the Horn, with Donovan giving clear instructions that they were not to leave this room. Bebop quickly began to grumble about the situation, as all the pleasantries of the redesigned Horn were not available here in the top floor. Still, from a security standpoint, it was hard to find a more secure location. Not only were the access points limited thanks to the changes that had been made to the walls, the group also had access to the Eyes of Vetra-Kali, which allowed them to scan the entire area of the Horn. </p><p>Unfortunately, boredom soon became a different sort of challenge, as the limited movement area and no access to anything beyond the room meant that the family was going to spend more time in an very enclosed space. </p><p></p><p>What the family did not realize, however, was how busy things were about to become over the next several days.</p><p></p><p>Day 217:</p><p>Donovan completed the Dusk Ritual, the tension on his body continuing to increase. He had spent much of the last few days attempting to consider all the vulnerabilities that the group would be going through, as he constructed plans and countermeasures to deal with those weaknesses. What he could not have foreseen was the entire Horn being struck with an earthquake that shook the structure to its very core.</p><p></p><p>The Horn began to shake violently, even as Donovan cried out to the family to rouse them from whatever activities they were engaging in. The wall that had separated the Sanctum collapsed, with several members of the family narrowing avoiding the worst of it. The shaking and moaning of the structure went on for what seemed like an eternity. When it finally ended, GrumbleJack and Bebop lifted off the collapsed wall from some of the family. All of them had endured some level of injuries, and Lucius and Tamsen worked together to make sure everyone was healed up.</p><p>Meanwhile, Donovan used the Eyes to study the other floors of the Horn. “Damnit, some of the outer walls collapsed. Bebop, we’re going to have to go out there and patch up what we can, to prevent any additional areas from breaking free.” </p><p>Donovan, Bebop, GrumbleJack, and Lucius began working on repairing the different holes that had appeared on the floors. The tavern was simply gone, having broken off and dropped to the bottom of the mountain. Similarly, a section of the wall on the third floor had also collapsed. The group began working as rapidly as they could in order to prevent more damage from taking place. Surveying that area, Donovan realized that the Horn had sustained an enormous amount of damage. It became apparent that the number of repairs that were going to be required would take longer than the group had before the end of the ritual. Moreover, the family knew that there was an inherent risk to performing work in such an unprotected fashion. </p><p>One by one, the members of the family returned to the Sanctuary. But Donovan stayed behind, determined to fix as much as possible. After a while, Tamsen came down to bring Donovan back with the others. </p><p>“Come back upstairs, lover. There’s nothing else you can accomplish tonight.” Tamsen regarded Donovan, and she could tell he was worn out. His hands were bloodied from picking up fragments, and his face was covered in sweat and grime. </p><p>Donovan looked up at Tamsen, the fatigue and frustration showing on his face, “You should take the boys and head back to Farholde.”</p><p>“What are you talking about Donovan?” Tamsen looked at Donovan with confusion on her face. </p><p>“It’s not safe for any of you here. Just go wait in Farholde, and I’ll take care of the rest of this myself.” Donovan sat on the ground, his head facing the floor.</p><p>“Don’t be ridiculous, love. We’re not leaving you up here to deal with this alone. I’m not leaving you, period.” Tamsen sat on the ground next to Donovan, taking his worn and bruised hands, as she activated her healing magics.</p><p>“Do you remember when we were in the garden outside of my parents’ estate? I would put my head in your lap and read you poetry, as you would stroke my hair.” Donovan mused to Tamsen, sadness in his voice.</p><p>Tamsen smiled warmly, “Of course I remember. I loved those moments.” </p><p>Tears welled in Donovan’s eyes. “I should have never suggested this insane plan. We were happy together, and I ruined it with my need to prove I was better than my father.”</p><p>Tamsen’s fingers stroked through Donovan’s hair, “It was for more than that, and you know it. You wanted to help all of us. Me, Bebop, Lucius. You believed we could have a world where we wouldn’t be treated differently for what we were. And we believe in you.”</p><p>Donvan pulled away from Tamsen, “But I can’t be sure you will all be safe now! I’m not willing to risk your lives on my plans. I want you all to go.” Donovan seemed insistent, </p><p>“You’re just tired, my love.” Tamsen attempted to calm Donovan’s frayed nerves. She could see that he was becoming more adamant. “Once you get some sleep, all of this will seem small by comparison.”</p><p>“No.” Donovan insisted. “I want you all gone.” Donovan’s eyes were focused.</p><p>“Please calm down, Donovan.” Tamsen attempted to soothe Donovan with her words. She could see what the fatigue was doing to his state of mind. “If you would just….Sleep… it will all get better.” Tamsen attempted to invoke her magics against Donovan. </p><p>For a moment, Donovan felt a wave of tiredness wash over his body. Then, his blood called out to him, and he realized what had happened. His anger quickly grew, “Despite what you might think of me, Lady Tamsen, I am still my mother’s child.”</p><p>Tamsen realized what had just occurred. Donovan’s Elvish heritage protected him against that type of magic, and he knew she had attempted to invoke it against him. “I’m sorry, love. I just wanted you to get some rest…”</p><p>“Artephius, take Tamsen to the outside of the Horn. She’ll be departing for Farholde.” Donovan stood up, his determination focused.</p><p>Tamsen looked up to see that Artephius was headed towards her. She knew her powers would do nothing against that creature. If there was just some way she could express her feelings to Donovan, some way she could remind him of how much they meant to each other. “Donovan, come home with me.” Tamsen spoke the words, and suddenly the space around where Tamsen and Donovan stood transformed. What was once a cold and barren floor suddenly became a lush garden with warmth and light coming from inside it. </p><p>Donovan looked around at the ground below him, and back to her. “Tamsen, what did you do?”</p><p>“I took us back to the garden, or perhaps I brought a piece of the garden here. Some place where you and I could be together, and remember all of those happy moments.” Tamsen was breathing heavy, her power exerted in creating something she had never made before.</p><p>Donovan looked around the garden, taking in the scents and touch of the flowers. The moments from their past came flooding back to him in waves, and he felt himself relaxing as he continued to stay there. As he looked back at Tamsen, he found himself overwhelmed with her beauty and sexuality. Donovan moved closer to Tamsen, his hands against her shoulders. “I’m sorry I got upset with you, my love. Can you forgive me?”</p><p>A smile returned to Tamsen’s face. “Perhaps, if you show me how sincere your apology is.” Tamsen bit her lip slightly in anticipation. </p><p>Donovan pushed Tamsen against the soft earth of the place she had made for them. “I want inside you, Tamsen.”</p><p>Tamsen nodded approvingly, as the two of them connected in a place both real, and made from their memories.</p><p></p><p>Day 218:</p><p>Donovan awoke to Tamsen’s kiss. “Lover, it’s time for the Dawn Ritual. Let’s get back up there.”</p><p>As the garden began to dissipate, Donovan felt something different about himself. “Last night was amazing, my love. That reminded me of the first time we sealed our Contract together.”</p><p>“You know you are still forever mine, don’t you Donovan?” Tamsen looked at Donovan with happiness in her eyes.</p><p>Donovan nodded, “Of course.”</p><p>“Good.”, Tamsen replied as she touched Donovan’s face. “Because I have invested more of my magics into you. You will come to me every night my love, and renew our vows.” </p><p>Donovan could see that Tamsen had an odd intensity to her look. He also noted that he felt different somehow, in a way he couldn’t put his finger on. Perhaps it was just from getting good rest, or good sex, or both. Whatever it was, Donovan was not going to complain about it, and instead proceeded back upstairs with Tamsen to complete the next ritual.</p><p></p><p>Later that evening, as Tamsen was performing the next ritual, the group would find themselves under assault again. An Avoral, a powerful bird-man like creature, would discover the Horn, and decide that a terrible thing was taking place that had to be stopped. The creature penetrated the barrier that was protecting the Horn from the outside, and then teleported directly into the Sanctum. Unfortunately, as the family was already gathered together in this location, it took very little effort for them to come together and overwhelm the Avoral. Donovan found himself mostly annoyed by the arrogance that the so-called defenders of the area would simply act without asking questions.</p><p></p><p>The bad news would continue to arrive for the family, as Bebop discovered that a Mud Elemental had spawned out of a pit in the Maw, and was attempting to work its way up. While it would not be able to access the Sanctum due to the entrance being walled off, it effectively meant that the family would not be able to leave again until the ritual was complete.</p><p></p><p>Day 219:</p><p>As Tamsen performed the Midnight Ritual, Bebop watched with hungry eyes. Bebop had been craving more of Tamsen’s attention, ever since she had developed her new power. The room was fairly quiet, with little more than Tamsen’s voice speaking the Abyssal words. </p><p>Just as the ritual was completed, there was an unusual shift in the environment. Someone, or rather something, had managed to enter the Sanctum despite the protections of the Silver Seal.</p><p></p><p>A group of monstrous hound like creatures began appearing within the Sanctum. Having roused the individuals that were sleeping, the family began their attack on these unwanted intruders. The creatures bayed and howled in horrific ways, their sounds altering reality. The movement of these creatures appeared to be very similar to teleportation, which further disoriented the party as they faced the beasts. Still, at the end of the fight, the family had their victory, with little more to show for it than a few bites and scratches. Donovan tried not to think about the further damage that the Mud Elemental was continuing to do to the lower levels of the Horn.</p><p></p><p>Day 220:</p><p>For some time now, the family realized that they were being followed by a Silver Dragon. Indeed, Donovan had warned them that the creature had a power breath attack, and had even ensured that the group had magical defenses to resist cold damage. So, when Bebop reported to Donovan that he saw the Dragon entering the third floor via one of the damaged entrances, the group knew what the expectations were. As the Dragon entered humanoid form and began smashing its way through the third floor, the family began to apply various magics to themselves to deal well with the fight.</p><p>By the time that the Dragon made its way through the winding and blocked staircase into the Sanctum, the family had situated themselves around the only entrance, and took advantage of the creature making itself available to strike. The icy breath that the Dragon used had no impact against the magics that were absorbing that element, and the creature was not able to return to its natural attacks until it was already heavily injured by the party. </p><p>Donovan shouted out to the creature, “Yield, dragon. Do not force me to have my family destroy you.” The Dragon, haughty and arrogant, would not hear Donovan’s imploring, and would instead be struck down a few moments later.</p><p></p><p>For all of the creature’s bravado, it was little more than a nuisance to the family. Donovan wondered if the fight had become easier due to Tamsen’s mother, or if the creature had never planned to seize victory in the first place.</p><p></p><p>Day 221:</p><p>Ezra Thrice-Damned could feel it. He sensed the weakness of the barrier. With only one day left to enact his plan, Ezra knew that if there was ever an opportunity to seal the power of the Eyes for himself, it would be on this day. With that in mind, Ezra instructed his spawn, former members of the Fifth Knot, a plan on how to take control of the Sanctum for himself. Donovan also came to the same conclusion as Ezra, and knew that the attack would have to come now. So, when he saw Ezra and his minions first rise up and enter the Sanctum, he had already laid the instructions of what the family should do. Trik loaded up the “special ammunition” that Donovan had prepared over the past couple of weeks, and Bebop had already had his Amulet modified to deal with this eventuality. At first, Ezra’s plan was simple. He was going to kill their strongest warriors and then take the others in later attacks. But then, Ezra watched as Donovan imbued one of the warrior’s weapons with the ability to strike him and his minions. Frustrated, Ezra and his spawn retreated, planning to return and destroy Donovan first. The family was prepared, as they changed their forms to all appear to be Donovan. Trik’s arrows were laced with an alchemical compound that would also harm the Wraiths. Over and over again, Ezra tried different tactics in order to take advantage of some weakness he could exploit in the party’s defenses; and over and over again, Donovan devised new tactics to throw Ezra’s plans awry. Ezra watched as one minion after another was struck down, while all of Donovan’s family persisted. Finally, with only Ezra left, he made a desperate ploy to attack Donovan directly, only too late to realize that he was actually attacking Bebop. Bebop, who already had a way of dealing damage to Ezra, viciously tore apart the incorporeal form of Ezra, until almost nothing was left. As Ezra faded into oblivion, he cursed Donovan. “You think yourself so witty, boy. But Vetra-Kali will see through your pitiful little games, and will punish you for your arrogance!”</p><p></p><p>Donovan stared at the space where Ezra Thrice-Damned’s form once existed, and contemplated the words said to him. Was Ezra right? Would Vetra-Kali anticipate the betrayal he had been planning all along? Whatever the outcome would be, it was far too late to change the plan now.</p><p></p><p>“We will see.” Donovan finally replied to the nothing that was still there. “We will see.”</p><p></p><p>Session 29 Ends.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="rchodges, post: 8805666, member: 7031385"] [B]Part 2:[/B] Call Forth Darkness [B]Act 3: [/B]Thirty-one Weeks [B]Session 29:[/B] Wrath of the Wraith Week 28: “Traya, a moment of your time?” Donovan called out to Traya, who was sitting next to Hassan within the tavern area. Traya was not expecting to be hearing from Donovan. As of late, it seemed he had been singularly focused on work throughout the Horn. As the weeks had progressed, it had become more and more apparent to her that Donovan didn’t actually have any need for her or the rest of her group, and was merely pacifying them. Could this be the betrayal that she had been expecting for a while now. “Yes, Donovan, how can I be of assistance to you?” Donovan sat down on the other end of the table, facing her and Hassan. “You probably already noticed, but I have been moving people around inside the Horn. I’m attempting to consolidate our assets in order to minimize the risk that we might face going forward.” Traya nodded. “That makes sense, of course. You have to take care of the things that matter to you.” Traya realized that she and her team hadn’t been asked to do anything as of late. She looked around the room, wondering if an invisible force was watching her and the others. “As such, I’d like to go ahead and complete our business now.” Donovan smiled as he continued. “I know that I had asked you to stay for a few more weeks, but I feel like it would be safer if we parted ways before anyone dangerous arrived.” It was not lost on Traya that Donovan didn’t consider her or her group “dangerous”. Had he been placating her all this time. “Are you asking for a discount for our work?” Donovan shook his head. “Not at all, Lady Traya. I intend to pay you and all of your members the agreed upon amount. “ Secretly, Traya breathed a sigh of relief. Not only would she be done with this dangerous group of individuals, she would no longer have to find herself hit upon by Bebop. Still, a part of her could not help but desire more. “And what of the emeralds? Are they still up for negotiation?” Donovan chuckled. “You are quite a confident woman, Traya. If somehow the Emeralds survive what is coming up, you and I can talk further about a split of those profits.” Pulling out his coin purse, Donovan counted out the agreed upon amount, and set it in four piles in front of Traya. Traya took the money, and began the process of rounding up her group to leave. She looked at Donovan momentarily before walking out of the Horn, “You are not at all what we expected to find here.” “That’s probably a good thing, Traya.” A smirk crossed Donovan’s face, as the Raiders departed for their return to Farholde. Week 29: Bebop spent a good amount of his time in the Maw, working with the Boggards. Since the passing of James O’Toole, Bebop was tasked to continue the training of these creatures, in order to guide them on the path of maintaining a healthy food supply that could be maintained indefinitely. This included raising small animals, and growing crops that would survive in the limited light provided in that area. The work was challenging, not because of the physical labor, but rather because of the stubbornness of the Boggards. The creatures would frequently kill and eat the animals that were intended for breeding, and didn’t allow them an opportunity to grow the herd size. Bebop imagined that this is what it would feel like to raise small children, had his life gone in such a different direction, and he was thankful that he had never settled down into such a lifestyle. Today, however, Bebop’s assignment was different. Donovan had instructed to him that the Boggards needed to leave their homes, as he believed the upcoming challenges would be fatal for them. Bebop looked around the living area, looking for the leader that had been installed. “Juko, there you are!” Juko responded to Bebop, “Yes, I am here.” Bebop smiled with the awkward grin he often employed when he wanted something from another individual, “I think it’s time that we deal with the remaining tribes that have not yet joined us.” Juko tilted his head, “What did you wish for us to do?” “Donovan believes you should take the tribe and set out for the encampments of the other Boggards. Between the training and weapons we have provided you, you should be able to defeat them easily.” Bebop sounded confident in his suggestion. “You want me to take everyone in the tribe? Who will guard our children?” Juko expressed concern at the suggestion being put forward to him. Bebop smiled and puffed up his chest, “I’ll take care of them.” Juko was clearly concerned, “You?” “Would you rather I tell Donovan you refused?” Bebop implicated a clear threat to the Boggard leader, who was immediately taken aback. “No! Of course not! I just wanted to make sure our children would be protected. I’ll gather the members of the tribe.” Bebop smirked, “Of course you will.” Bebop grabbed one of the chickens that was still alive, and took it with him back into the upper levels of the Horn. Week 31: Donovan moved around the levels of the Horn, the silence pushed away by the booming stride of Artephius. Donovan felt a tinge of regret seeing how quiet the place had become, but it wasn’t long before his mind was drawn back into the moment. “Donovan! What are you doing?” A hollow and angry voice rang out from behind Donovan. Donovan stopped walking, but didn’t even turn around to address the individual. “Lord Ezra, a delight to hear from you as always. I’m checking all the rooms in order to make sure nothing has gained access into the Horn.” Ezra snarled without hesitation, “Don’t be daft, boy! I’m talking about the Boggards and the mercenaries you employed. Where are they?” A smile twisted slightly onto Donovan’s face, “I sent them away, Lord Ezra. They were of no use to us, and they would most likely die in the upcoming conflicts.” “What of Hexor and Vexor?” Ezra Thrice-Damned moved in front of Donovan, forcing his gaze. “Where are the Cuestodaemons that guarded this place?” “Why, I sold them, of course. I could not guarantee what actions they might take, and they have a habit of destroying things at an inconvenient time.” Donovan’s eyes stared directly at Ezra, and Ezra knew that Donovan was making larger plans. “They were not yours to sell!” Ezra hissed at Donovan. Donovan remained unfazed. “You made it clear to me that all that was in the treasure room was mine to deal with as I chose. The Amulets that bound those two were included in that list. Had you not wished me to do so, you should have told me what I could and could not sell.” “You think yourself so clever, Donovan.” Ezra moved closer to Donovan in a menacing fashion. “Perhaps I should kill you and show you how weak you actually are.” Donovan scoffed, “We’re far too deep into this ritual for you to make such a bluff, Lord Ezra. You and I both know that you cannot complete the ritual currently, nor can you find replacements for the individuals lost should the ritual need to be started anew.” Ezra felt his rage grow against this boy, who had maneuvered to stifle his own betrayal. “For now, Donovan. But this will not always be the case. You should consider carefully what enemies you choose to make.” “Sage advice, Lord Ezra. Perhaps you should heed it yourself.” Donovan’s smile was obvious, and Ezra left in rage. Once Ezra was out of sight, Donovan allowed himself to catch his breath, shaking at what he had endured. Gritting his teeth, Donovan grabbed a few chemicals from the Lab on the first floor. “I suspect our relationship isn’t going to get better from this point.” Week 31: The family moved into the Sanctuary on the top floor of the Horn, with Donovan giving clear instructions that they were not to leave this room. Bebop quickly began to grumble about the situation, as all the pleasantries of the redesigned Horn were not available here in the top floor. Still, from a security standpoint, it was hard to find a more secure location. Not only were the access points limited thanks to the changes that had been made to the walls, the group also had access to the Eyes of Vetra-Kali, which allowed them to scan the entire area of the Horn. Unfortunately, boredom soon became a different sort of challenge, as the limited movement area and no access to anything beyond the room meant that the family was going to spend more time in an very enclosed space. What the family did not realize, however, was how busy things were about to become over the next several days. Day 217: Donovan completed the Dusk Ritual, the tension on his body continuing to increase. He had spent much of the last few days attempting to consider all the vulnerabilities that the group would be going through, as he constructed plans and countermeasures to deal with those weaknesses. What he could not have foreseen was the entire Horn being struck with an earthquake that shook the structure to its very core. The Horn began to shake violently, even as Donovan cried out to the family to rouse them from whatever activities they were engaging in. The wall that had separated the Sanctum collapsed, with several members of the family narrowing avoiding the worst of it. The shaking and moaning of the structure went on for what seemed like an eternity. When it finally ended, GrumbleJack and Bebop lifted off the collapsed wall from some of the family. All of them had endured some level of injuries, and Lucius and Tamsen worked together to make sure everyone was healed up. Meanwhile, Donovan used the Eyes to study the other floors of the Horn. “Damnit, some of the outer walls collapsed. Bebop, we’re going to have to go out there and patch up what we can, to prevent any additional areas from breaking free.” Donovan, Bebop, GrumbleJack, and Lucius began working on repairing the different holes that had appeared on the floors. The tavern was simply gone, having broken off and dropped to the bottom of the mountain. Similarly, a section of the wall on the third floor had also collapsed. The group began working as rapidly as they could in order to prevent more damage from taking place. Surveying that area, Donovan realized that the Horn had sustained an enormous amount of damage. It became apparent that the number of repairs that were going to be required would take longer than the group had before the end of the ritual. Moreover, the family knew that there was an inherent risk to performing work in such an unprotected fashion. One by one, the members of the family returned to the Sanctuary. But Donovan stayed behind, determined to fix as much as possible. After a while, Tamsen came down to bring Donovan back with the others. “Come back upstairs, lover. There’s nothing else you can accomplish tonight.” Tamsen regarded Donovan, and she could tell he was worn out. His hands were bloodied from picking up fragments, and his face was covered in sweat and grime. Donovan looked up at Tamsen, the fatigue and frustration showing on his face, “You should take the boys and head back to Farholde.” “What are you talking about Donovan?” Tamsen looked at Donovan with confusion on her face. “It’s not safe for any of you here. Just go wait in Farholde, and I’ll take care of the rest of this myself.” Donovan sat on the ground, his head facing the floor. “Don’t be ridiculous, love. We’re not leaving you up here to deal with this alone. I’m not leaving you, period.” Tamsen sat on the ground next to Donovan, taking his worn and bruised hands, as she activated her healing magics. “Do you remember when we were in the garden outside of my parents’ estate? I would put my head in your lap and read you poetry, as you would stroke my hair.” Donovan mused to Tamsen, sadness in his voice. Tamsen smiled warmly, “Of course I remember. I loved those moments.” Tears welled in Donovan’s eyes. “I should have never suggested this insane plan. We were happy together, and I ruined it with my need to prove I was better than my father.” Tamsen’s fingers stroked through Donovan’s hair, “It was for more than that, and you know it. You wanted to help all of us. Me, Bebop, Lucius. You believed we could have a world where we wouldn’t be treated differently for what we were. And we believe in you.” Donvan pulled away from Tamsen, “But I can’t be sure you will all be safe now! I’m not willing to risk your lives on my plans. I want you all to go.” Donovan seemed insistent, “You’re just tired, my love.” Tamsen attempted to calm Donovan’s frayed nerves. She could see that he was becoming more adamant. “Once you get some sleep, all of this will seem small by comparison.” “No.” Donovan insisted. “I want you all gone.” Donovan’s eyes were focused. “Please calm down, Donovan.” Tamsen attempted to soothe Donovan with her words. She could see what the fatigue was doing to his state of mind. “If you would just….Sleep… it will all get better.” Tamsen attempted to invoke her magics against Donovan. For a moment, Donovan felt a wave of tiredness wash over his body. Then, his blood called out to him, and he realized what had happened. His anger quickly grew, “Despite what you might think of me, Lady Tamsen, I am still my mother’s child.” Tamsen realized what had just occurred. Donovan’s Elvish heritage protected him against that type of magic, and he knew she had attempted to invoke it against him. “I’m sorry, love. I just wanted you to get some rest…” “Artephius, take Tamsen to the outside of the Horn. She’ll be departing for Farholde.” Donovan stood up, his determination focused. Tamsen looked up to see that Artephius was headed towards her. She knew her powers would do nothing against that creature. If there was just some way she could express her feelings to Donovan, some way she could remind him of how much they meant to each other. “Donovan, come home with me.” Tamsen spoke the words, and suddenly the space around where Tamsen and Donovan stood transformed. What was once a cold and barren floor suddenly became a lush garden with warmth and light coming from inside it. Donovan looked around at the ground below him, and back to her. “Tamsen, what did you do?” “I took us back to the garden, or perhaps I brought a piece of the garden here. Some place where you and I could be together, and remember all of those happy moments.” Tamsen was breathing heavy, her power exerted in creating something she had never made before. Donovan looked around the garden, taking in the scents and touch of the flowers. The moments from their past came flooding back to him in waves, and he felt himself relaxing as he continued to stay there. As he looked back at Tamsen, he found himself overwhelmed with her beauty and sexuality. Donovan moved closer to Tamsen, his hands against her shoulders. “I’m sorry I got upset with you, my love. Can you forgive me?” A smile returned to Tamsen’s face. “Perhaps, if you show me how sincere your apology is.” Tamsen bit her lip slightly in anticipation. Donovan pushed Tamsen against the soft earth of the place she had made for them. “I want inside you, Tamsen.” Tamsen nodded approvingly, as the two of them connected in a place both real, and made from their memories. Day 218: Donovan awoke to Tamsen’s kiss. “Lover, it’s time for the Dawn Ritual. Let’s get back up there.” As the garden began to dissipate, Donovan felt something different about himself. “Last night was amazing, my love. That reminded me of the first time we sealed our Contract together.” “You know you are still forever mine, don’t you Donovan?” Tamsen looked at Donovan with happiness in her eyes. Donovan nodded, “Of course.” “Good.”, Tamsen replied as she touched Donovan’s face. “Because I have invested more of my magics into you. You will come to me every night my love, and renew our vows.” Donovan could see that Tamsen had an odd intensity to her look. He also noted that he felt different somehow, in a way he couldn’t put his finger on. Perhaps it was just from getting good rest, or good sex, or both. Whatever it was, Donovan was not going to complain about it, and instead proceeded back upstairs with Tamsen to complete the next ritual. Later that evening, as Tamsen was performing the next ritual, the group would find themselves under assault again. An Avoral, a powerful bird-man like creature, would discover the Horn, and decide that a terrible thing was taking place that had to be stopped. The creature penetrated the barrier that was protecting the Horn from the outside, and then teleported directly into the Sanctum. Unfortunately, as the family was already gathered together in this location, it took very little effort for them to come together and overwhelm the Avoral. Donovan found himself mostly annoyed by the arrogance that the so-called defenders of the area would simply act without asking questions. The bad news would continue to arrive for the family, as Bebop discovered that a Mud Elemental had spawned out of a pit in the Maw, and was attempting to work its way up. While it would not be able to access the Sanctum due to the entrance being walled off, it effectively meant that the family would not be able to leave again until the ritual was complete. Day 219: As Tamsen performed the Midnight Ritual, Bebop watched with hungry eyes. Bebop had been craving more of Tamsen’s attention, ever since she had developed her new power. The room was fairly quiet, with little more than Tamsen’s voice speaking the Abyssal words. Just as the ritual was completed, there was an unusual shift in the environment. Someone, or rather something, had managed to enter the Sanctum despite the protections of the Silver Seal. A group of monstrous hound like creatures began appearing within the Sanctum. Having roused the individuals that were sleeping, the family began their attack on these unwanted intruders. The creatures bayed and howled in horrific ways, their sounds altering reality. The movement of these creatures appeared to be very similar to teleportation, which further disoriented the party as they faced the beasts. Still, at the end of the fight, the family had their victory, with little more to show for it than a few bites and scratches. Donovan tried not to think about the further damage that the Mud Elemental was continuing to do to the lower levels of the Horn. Day 220: For some time now, the family realized that they were being followed by a Silver Dragon. Indeed, Donovan had warned them that the creature had a power breath attack, and had even ensured that the group had magical defenses to resist cold damage. So, when Bebop reported to Donovan that he saw the Dragon entering the third floor via one of the damaged entrances, the group knew what the expectations were. As the Dragon entered humanoid form and began smashing its way through the third floor, the family began to apply various magics to themselves to deal well with the fight. By the time that the Dragon made its way through the winding and blocked staircase into the Sanctum, the family had situated themselves around the only entrance, and took advantage of the creature making itself available to strike. The icy breath that the Dragon used had no impact against the magics that were absorbing that element, and the creature was not able to return to its natural attacks until it was already heavily injured by the party. Donovan shouted out to the creature, “Yield, dragon. Do not force me to have my family destroy you.” The Dragon, haughty and arrogant, would not hear Donovan’s imploring, and would instead be struck down a few moments later. For all of the creature’s bravado, it was little more than a nuisance to the family. Donovan wondered if the fight had become easier due to Tamsen’s mother, or if the creature had never planned to seize victory in the first place. Day 221: Ezra Thrice-Damned could feel it. He sensed the weakness of the barrier. With only one day left to enact his plan, Ezra knew that if there was ever an opportunity to seal the power of the Eyes for himself, it would be on this day. With that in mind, Ezra instructed his spawn, former members of the Fifth Knot, a plan on how to take control of the Sanctum for himself. Donovan also came to the same conclusion as Ezra, and knew that the attack would have to come now. So, when he saw Ezra and his minions first rise up and enter the Sanctum, he had already laid the instructions of what the family should do. Trik loaded up the “special ammunition” that Donovan had prepared over the past couple of weeks, and Bebop had already had his Amulet modified to deal with this eventuality. At first, Ezra’s plan was simple. He was going to kill their strongest warriors and then take the others in later attacks. But then, Ezra watched as Donovan imbued one of the warrior’s weapons with the ability to strike him and his minions. Frustrated, Ezra and his spawn retreated, planning to return and destroy Donovan first. The family was prepared, as they changed their forms to all appear to be Donovan. Trik’s arrows were laced with an alchemical compound that would also harm the Wraiths. Over and over again, Ezra tried different tactics in order to take advantage of some weakness he could exploit in the party’s defenses; and over and over again, Donovan devised new tactics to throw Ezra’s plans awry. Ezra watched as one minion after another was struck down, while all of Donovan’s family persisted. Finally, with only Ezra left, he made a desperate ploy to attack Donovan directly, only too late to realize that he was actually attacking Bebop. Bebop, who already had a way of dealing damage to Ezra, viciously tore apart the incorporeal form of Ezra, until almost nothing was left. As Ezra faded into oblivion, he cursed Donovan. “You think yourself so witty, boy. But Vetra-Kali will see through your pitiful little games, and will punish you for your arrogance!” Donovan stared at the space where Ezra Thrice-Damned’s form once existed, and contemplated the words said to him. Was Ezra right? Would Vetra-Kali anticipate the betrayal he had been planning all along? Whatever the outcome would be, it was far too late to change the plan now. “We will see.” Donovan finally replied to the nothing that was still there. “We will see.” Session 29 Ends. [/QUOTE]
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Way of the Wicked Playthrough - Updated 2023/03/28
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