The Ultimate Conflict (A Solitary Road) IC

[Realms of Chaos]

Core OOC Thread (www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253202)
Group OOC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253601)


You watch the snow fall slowly from her fingers. Even though the snow falls all around you, you try to keep your eyes on the snow that Aya drops. With the actual earth concealed beneath a thick blanket of white, Aya is forced to use the snow itself for her divinations. Leaning back against a large oak, only a couple of miles away from the caravan you’ve been watching, the silence and stillness of the landscape seems to spite you.

Every single winter, the beasts and bandits of the nation seemed to calm down and leave the world in peace. Though you still found ways to aid your people, there was only so much you could do. At the end and start of every day, you were left alone with her. She didn’t talk too much anymore, save to say what needed to be said. Even so, her gaze would occasionally drift up and match your own. Not now, though. Now she was searching the very earth for portents, fulfilling her duty as an oracle. And so, you watched the snowflakes fall from her fingers, trying to trace their paths as they fell to the ground. If only you could see what she was seeing…

Suddenly, you see it, your sight picking out what others would miss within the storm. The snow that falls from Aya’s hand freezes in mid-air, refusing to drop to the ground. The expression in her gaze shifts. Was it confusion that you saw in her eyes? Was it fear?

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

"You know I don't like being this far away from them." Ethaniel says as he shifts his legs, trying to keep them from falling asleep while sitting against the tree. He glances towards Aya but isn't surprised when she doesn't respond. "I know we can be there immediately if there's trouble, but there's no need to risk it." His words sound like an argument, but his speech is of one who knows the discussion is already finished and keeps talking simply to have something to say. "I suppose being that close to them interrupts your divinations but we're going further out each day."

"The other wardens are capable of guarding it while we're away though. Can't hold their hands forever." Glaring at his legs he stands up and stamps his feet on the ground, wrapping his cloak tighter around him. "I think this might be the last caravan of the season. No point in risking anyones life when the deep snows come." He glances up at the grey sky. "Won't be long now either."

Checking his sword in his scabbard he turns around and picks up his shield laying against the tree and slings it on his back, under his cloak. "We should get going, if you're almost-" He stops midsentence as he notices the driting show has stopped falling from her hands. That never stops being strange. Walking over towards her, he stands a few feet away, careful not to disturb the small pile of snow in front of her. "What's wrong? What do you see?"

Is it morning or evening?

[Realms of Chaos]

Sunset


"We have... to go back" Aya says slowly, rising to her feet. "The sky is about to..."

Whatever, Aya had been planning to say, she is interrupted by a trembling earthquake, knocking her back down again and knocking snow free from the nearby trees. Rising back to her feet, she simply adds.

"We have to go back. Now."

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Without asking why Ethaniel puts two fingers in his mouth and whistles three quick notes, each of the same pitch. The blessing of Yondalla carries the notes and amplifies them to sound as loud as a dragon roar, the three notes reaching the caravan miles away.

Aya takes another clump of snow from the ground and tosses it above herself. Instead of freezing in place the snow falls to the ground, but none of the snowflakes touch her; they drift away as if guided by an invisible ward. Drawing his sword Ethaniel places his other hand on her shoulder and Aya looks at him, her eyes calm and showing no hint of the confusion there earlier. "I am warded." She says and he feels her personal abjuration spring into power around them.

Nodding to her he closes his eyes and pictures the caravan in his mind. "Protector guard us." He says a moment before the two of them disappear, leaving only small footprints and a few piles of snow to mark they were there.

Actions in order:
Ethaniel swift action casts (due to Battle Blessing) the spell Horn of Pursuit (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/h/horn-of-pursuit). The three note code is "Immediate Unknown Danger."
Aya will use her Selective Invincibility power to ward herself from the Sky. Interpret that as you wish. :smallwink:
Ethaniel will draw his sword as he moves next to her.
Aya will activate her Permanent Emanation (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/epic/feats.htm#permanentEmanation) (Antilife Shell (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/a/antilife-shell)) as a free action.
Ethaniel will use his Greater Teleport (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/t/teleport) SLA to teleport back to the caravan.

If you want Initiative rolls here they are.
Ethaniel: [roll0]

Aya - Choose best of three:
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Realms of Chaos]

Arriving at the caravan back in the clearing, Ethanial finds that the halflings are circling their wagons as if expecting a raid at any minute. At least five halflings, male and female, are in the midst of personal panic attacks. Around three more have dropped to their knees in the corner of the clearing to pray. A little over half of the caravan has already retreated into the wagon circle but the rest don't seem to be in any real hurry. Instead, a good many people simply stand and stare into the sky. Almost all of the slingmen in the caravan aim their weapons directly upwards. Suddenly, it dons on you. The snow has stopped.

Up in the sky, from what you can see in the clearing, the entire sky seems to be filled with cracks, as if it were in the midst of shattering.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

"Aya, help them!" Ethaniel shouts and points his sword towards the halflings stricken with panic. He rushes towards the praying folk and tries to herd them inside the wagon circle. "Pray while you work and get the wagons formed." Drawing his shield he looks back at the wagons and the people standing around. "People! There's no time to waste! Everyone in the circle!"

Meanwhile Aya walks over to the frightened halflings and her ward drops as she stands next to them. Placing a gloved hand on one shoulder she says, "Remember your joy." She doesn't look at them; instead she's staring up at the sky. "Remember."

Ethaniel will be equipping his shield and then activate his Aura of Divinity as a swift action for the Aura of Resolve, affecting everyone within 100ft. He'll then use a standard action to grant everyone a move action. They also get a +4 morale bonus to attacks, save, and skills.

Aya will move over to the panicked halflings and cast Calm Emotions (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/c/calm-emotions), sustaining it via Extraordinary Concentration. She'll drop her Antilife Shell as a free action before moving up to them. She'll then use the effect of her Persisted Ancestral Memory (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/a/ancestral-memory) to see if she knows anything about the sky cracking (reflavored as searching through time for the answer).

Calm Emotions: Will Save DC 25, though they can voluntarily fail their saving throws. That might be an established SOP for the caravans that her and Ethaniel guard.
Concentration [roll0] (DC 38 for swift action concentration)

Ancestral Memory: [roll1] (Success with 96 or lower)

[Realms of Chaos]

The panicking halflings calm as Aya casts her spells, running into the ring of wagons along with the worshipers you instruct. Everyone is taking cover, not that you could say for certain that it would do any good. Though they had some measure of protection from all around, they were still under the open sky, a sky in which cracks kept crawling further and further.

As Aya tries to search through time to see the source of these cracks in the sky, she finds that no such event had ever occurred for as long as halflings have existed and possibly even further. As far as she can tell, this is a genuinely new event.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Allright...now what? Guiding the last of the halflings into the circle Ethaniel goes back out to stand by Aya. "What's happening?" He shouts, the adrenaline raising his voice. Touching his amulet, a miniature cornucopia made of bronze, he prays to Yondalla. "Protector, guide us and give us wisdom."

Aya continues to stare at the disturbed sky. "I can't see." She says and her eyes begin to sparkle with a blue light.

Ethaniel will cast Favor of the Martyr and Aya will cast True Seeing. I don't really have any other ideas at the moment; gonna wait and see what the sky does.

[Realms of Chaos]

The sky begins to groan up above you as if bearing some incredible weight. Almost all at once, everything seems to snap with a thunderous boom as half of the cracks fly the the sky in one direction and the other fly in the opposite direction. Now flanking the forest you find yourself in, the cracks have widened and you can see distant creatures falling, floating, and slinking out of the rifts in the sky. Thankfully, you don't believe that either set of cracks floats over any halfling caravans or villages. Even so, the new creatures loose in the forest can't possibly spell good news.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

"Maintain the perimeter and send up the signal if you're attacked. We're going to investigate." Ethaniel says to his lieutenants in the circle of wagons. He nods to them and turns to Aya, trying to keep the concern from his face. "Are you ready?"

Aya doesn't turn her head when the cracks fly to watch them. Her blue eyes are fixated on the space where they were and she doesn't respond to Ethaniel.

He swallows and loosens and tightens his grip on his sword. "Aya, we need to go."

Finally blinking, she turns to look at him. "Aren't we already here?"

"Er...not yet. In a moment." He says and glances back towards the caravan. "Keep your eyes open." He says and carefully wraps his sword arm around her shoulders. "We'll be back." A moment later they disappear from the glade.

Greater Teleport to the nearest Sky Crack Creature location he can see.

[Realms of Chaos]

You find yourselves in the middle of the forest, an outer stretch where the caravans rarely travel, an area where the the wilderness still rules all. Looking up at the cracks above, it would seem that the last of the creatures has already fallen. Indeed, you can see the dead forms of dozens of unearthly creatures littering the ground, having died on impact. Even so, there are at least three sets of footprints you can spot in the snow and you know that some creatures flew out of the cracks.

One set of footprints, resembling huge wolf tracks with seven claws per paw, trails off towards the neighboring valley, currently unoccupied but filled with enough crevices and hiding holes to allow a creature to go unnoticed for quite a time.

The second set of footprints, large and circular holes resembling the marks a chair may leave in the snow, travels a meandering path in the general direction of the caravan you just left, though there's quite a distance between this space and the caravan.

The final set of footsteps, resembling humanoid handprints carries on 100 feet to the nearest tree and suddenly stops. Nothing seems to be in lurking in the tall oak tree where it stops but the canopy is awfully thick in certain spots.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

"Behind my shield." Ethaniel whispers to Aya. We'll have to track the wolf later. Glancing up into the canopy he tries to see past the leaves, looking for any shapes or movement. Aya stands close to him and Ethaniel feels her ward spring back into being, causing his skin to itch as he stands close to her. She holds her short staff lightly in one hand, her eyes barely open as if trying to listen to something faint.

Standard Action - Detect Evil
Move Action - Shield Ally. Aya gains improved cover (+8 cover bonus to AC, +4 bonus on Reflex saves, improved evasion).

Ethaniel Perception check [roll0]

Aya will reactive her Antilife Shell and ready an Implosion if anything attacks them, counterspelling any spellcasting as a free action.

[Realms of Chaos]

Up in the trees above, Ethanial can see a single beast crawling its way through the trees in the distance. A rough mix between a human and scorpion, the being possesses a stinger where its head should rightfully be and it seems to walk on a set of eight human arms in place of legs. It weaves it's way between trees a good fifty feet up with the greatest of ease, seeming not to notice either of you two down below.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Without a word he reaches out and touches Aya on the shoulder. A moment later the scorpion hybrid is left to its own devices in the tree as the two halflings reappear in the circle of wagons. "It wasn't vile, just...different." He says to her and gives her shoulder a quick squeeze before turning to address the halflings.

"We're leaving. Whatever came through the sky...they're strange creatures, for sure. But they're not organized, at least around here. We need to leave before that can happen. Everyone's got one minute to pack a bag to take with them; we're leaving the caravans here."

Where were we headed, by the way? The plan is to take people out in groups of 10 via Greater Teleport. Depending on how much the wagons weigh he can take them as well (up to 1,800lbs), but I'm not concerned about them now.

[Realms of Chaos]

Heading to An-Havya, a more permanent halfling settlement filled with temporary homes as caravans move towards, settle in, and move on from the settlement. An-Havya is around twenty miles away and falls within the traditional area your clan occupies.

Being built for small creatures, the largest carriages weigh just over 500 pounds. Carrying them shouldn't be a problem.

As you assemble the caravan at the gates of An-Havya, the other inhabitants quickly rush them inside. Gone are the worries of rituals betrayed, of caravans skipped altogether. Now is a time to band together and behind the tall walls of An-Havya is as good of a place as any other. The halflings are ushered inside as one of the elders walks out to greet you. "Thank you for your help, Ethanial."

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

"You're welcome." Ethaniel says as he scans the sky over the settlement. "Have there been any unnatural disturbances here?" He motions towards his wardens and makes a circle with his finger. "I want a double guard on the perimeter this evening. Have the rest of the wardens help get these inside and then..." He trails off as Aya catches his attention. After arriving the oracle walked a short distance away and picked up a handful of snow, letting it slowly drift through her fingers. A trace of frustration shows on her face. "Not the same snow. Falls wrong."

The wardens are slightly accustomed to her strange behaviors and merely look uncomfortable, but the halflings on the caravan aren't used to being around a prophet and it shows. Ethaniel clears his throat and looks at the wardens, nods his head towards the travellers. "Inside, everybody." He turns back towards the elder. "There's been a strange...event? occurrence? Not sure exactly what, but strange creatures fell from the sky." He doesn't try to lower his voice; most inside the settlement will know within a few hours anyway. "Most died upon impact, but some survived. No idea as to their plan, if they have one, or who's behind it. We'll button down here for the night; can you get a message out by animal?"

I plan on having him use his True Miracle ability to cast two epic protection spells. Not sure exactly what at the moment, still figuring them out, but they'll cover the settlement. A few main questions about the settlement. How big is it, with how many people? Is it walled? Is there a militia? Are there known spellcasters that can send messages, either via sending, animal messenger, or some other magic?

[Realms of Chaos]

The elder nods to you as two other elders from the town's current council rush out to usher you in. "We've seen the cracks in the distance," the first one says, "though we know nothing of the creatures that fell. We know only the animals and brigands who have grown scared or bold." Walking through the sparse town, the elder nods to a healer's tent not too far away from the entrance, in which at least a dozen halflings rest on cots. Just outside, a few bodies are laid out and covered in white cloths, blending almost perfectly into the snow down beneath them.

In the town of An-Havya, a mile wide at its longest, buildings in the more traditional sense are sparse. The council building, a small stone fortress and final hold-out in case of attacks, sits in the center of town. To the north, east, and west lie small shrines to Yondalla (often with hidden shrines to Dallah Thaun nearby), though these shrines aren't formal structures.

Respect is paid to other hafling deities through the use of their holy symbols. The symbol of Arvoreen (deity of protection and vigilance, and war) is incorporated both in the stonework of the town wall and into the armor that the militia members outside wear. The symbol Cyrrollalee (deity of friendship, trust, and the home) has been incorporated into the designs of clothing as well as the tents in which the halflings sleep. Urugalan's symbol, befitting a deity of death, only appears on the few grave markers making up the graveyard behind the healer's tend. The only two deities not obviously represented are Sheela Peryroyl (who, representing nature, love, and performance, only appears on agricultural tools and more personal possessions) and Brandobaris (whose symbols are hidden out of respect for the god of stealth).

Split in half by a frozen river and divided once more by a road through town, four different clans of halflings currently live in town, occupying different sections of their own accord (five including the early arrival of your caravan). Thankfully, there is plenty of room for the extra halflings near the center of town around the council building, over the fields that grow every spring. Though this area normally serves as a site of togetherness and good fun in the winter. This was the meeting ground where everyone would come to drink and talk and relax and listen and trade and play and live every winter. Even so, this is not the first time that tents have occupied the space and the remaining revelers, unusually sober on this evening, move to help the newcomers with their tents.

Apart from these revelers and small collections of playing children and gossiping wives, members of the militia march about the town, making their presence known so others will feel at ease.

Apart from the council building, the only permanent structure in town was the big house, a small home formed of loose stones that housed large-folk who visited town and housed halflings who had lost or neglected to bring their tents along. It was towards this big house that you two were lead at the elder spoke, "We possess a druid or two who could easily pass on a message for you by animal. I'll send him to you as soon as I find him."

I believe that all of your questions are answered in the above. Let me know if I missed something :smallwink:

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Ethaniel stops as they pass by the bodies in the snow. He glances over to Aya and raises an eyebrow. She looks at them briefly and then turns away. "Only past." She says softly.

Ethaniel shakes his head and walks over to them. "Please have him send the messages to any you have in the field, or any who have left recently. Tell them to return." He says to the elder. Ethaniel unslings his shield and lays it on the ground, then kneels down and wipes away the snow from the white blankets with his cloak. Bending close to one, he lifts the cover up and whispers something to the dead halfling. He does this again for the others and then stands in front of them, one hand clutching a sprig of holly, the other laid across his chest. Squeezing the holly tight, blood begins to trickle from his hand and as the first drop hits the ground the halflings under the covers breath again.

Using True Miracle to cast an epic spell using the Life Seed, adding +20 to the DC for two extra targets. I'm not sure how many dead halflings there are though. Ethaniel will take 47 damage.

[Realms of Chaos]

Three of the seven bodies left to rest outside suddenly spring to life, rising up and throwing off the veils from their heads. As they look around and realize where they are and what must've happened to them, they check their bodies for signs of the surely fatal wounds they'd suffered. The bystanders stop in their steps to watch and whisper as the targets, two adults dressed in militia garb and a small boy, slowly raise to their feet, seeing the bleeding Ethanial nearby. They begin moving, first at a trot but speeding into runs, to go meet their families once more.

Many of the other halflings watch the display with awe or suspicion, not knowing quite what to make of such power. As it becomes clear that the people are truly restored rather than being reduced to undead husks, however, most of the whispering comes to a halt as the preparations for the night continue. The elder rushes off to send off the messages, leaving the two of you alone in the midst of An-Havya.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

"Not enough." Ethaniel says under his breath. "It's never enough." Opening his hand to see the blood soaked sprig of holly, he clutches it again and squeezes more drops of blood out, sprinkling it over the next three corpses. He glances down at the last one and shakes his head. "Tomorrow, you will rise."

Standing back he says "Thank you, Protector. Grant me strength so that I may serve." The holly seems to glow for a moment and the deep wounds in his palm are healed. He looks up at Aya, who's been watching the families reunite with their recently departed, recently returned loved ones. "Not long." She says and Ethaniel frowns. He walks over to her and stands next to her, sharing his cloak with her. "They'll have tonight, at least. After that...who knows?"

"We should leave, go to the other villages." He says as he watches the people prepare for the cold night. "Need to make sure they're safe." He steps away and motions towards a nearby warden. "Aya and I are leaving. We might be back this evening, but it'll be the morning at the latest. Keep watch and follow the elders orders." Ethaniel gives him a salute and stands next to Aya. A smile enters the corner of his mouth and he turns to her. "Just had an idea. Wrap up tight, it's going to be cold for a few moments."

True Miracle to resurrect the next three, taking 47 more damage. He'll use two uses of Lay on Hands to heal himself.

Before they Greater Teleport to the next halfling settlement I want them to teleport up into the air...about 5 miles high directly above their position. Hopefully they'll be high enough to spot other sky tears and the approximate location of them, and more importantly how many are near to halfling settlements. I figure after a minute of freefall they'll teleport to the next nearest settlement, or the settlement that is closest to a sky tear.

[Realms of Chaos]

Teleporting up into the air, things aren't nearly as bad as you may have suspected. Certainly, there are more cracks than those you had first seen. The surrounding 10 miles or so possesses at least half a dozen patches of these heavenly scars. Thankfully, however, the horizon seems free from these abominations and it would seem that others are attending to them. You watch as distant angels and celestials congregate around the cracks as if in the midst of casting great spells.

Lower down, just above the canopy, you can see more giant owls in one place than you've ever seen in your life. Dozens of Hin Owlriders make their way from town to town, no doubt carrying important news or surveying the ground for these brigands and wild beasts you've heard of. The sunset bathes the trees in golden light and casts the cracks into deep relief.

The Halfling Villages:

Aral-Cu: Much like An-Havya, Aral-Cu is nothing more than a resting town. The only difference of note is its size, stretching for miles in every direction and capable of holding entire clans during the largest of festivals.
Aph: Built into the eastern slope of Mt. Horgan, Aph is known best as the dying city. Once home to both large numbers of gnomes and halflings, the stone-carved city has lost much of its prior glory as the roads leading up to the town fell into disrepair. Despite its nearness to the shrine of Sheela Peryroyl on top of the mount, only the few remaining gnomish caretakers and the few halflings on religious pilgrimages ever stay in the town.
Serryl Raes & Gorbon Point: Though An-Havya is indeed built by a river, Serryl Raes is the true river town of the Hin, built where the runoff from Mt. Horgan joins with other tributaries to form a usable river (if perhaps one a bit too narrow for the ships of larger folk). Hin canoes ride up and down the river most of the year carrying goods to and from the temporary town of Gorbon Point where halflings trade with other races. During the winter, however, Gorbon Point is nothing but an empty clearing by the river.
Fort Blackwood: Roughly on the opposite end of Mt. Horgan from An-Havya rests an ancient human fort. Though the Hin refuse to properly centralize their defenses or to build forts of their own, they knew better than to let the structure go to waste and it currently serves as the geographically smallest (but most defensible) rest city.
Urnod: A mockery among the Hin and avoided by most pilgrimages, the village of Hin is home to halflings and humans alike. Originally a human settlement visited for trading purposes, those few halflings who sought sedentary lives settled down forever within the town of Urnod. The villagers hunt and skin to sustain themselves and speak an odd creole of halfling and common amongst themselves.
The Great Caravan: As a matter of principle, the leaders of each clan within the Hin refuse to ever rest within the rest cities like others. Instead, they travel continuously in the largest and most guarded of caravans, stopping at each village long enough to resupply and observe the state of the town before moving on once more. Where the caravan may be is almost always impossible to predict until they approach your village.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

As he spots the Owlriders Ethaniel nods to himself. Good. Probably means we're not the only ones who's seen these. "We're going down there, talk to them first!" He shouts, trying to make his voice heard above the rushing wind. Aya merely nods, her eyes shut tight as she holds onto Ethaniel. Looking back at the riders he squints his eyes as he tries to judge the distance and looks for a spot some distance in front of them, as to not surprise them too much.

Greater teleport to the Owlriders.

[Realms of Chaos]

Landing on top of a tree in the path of the nearest owlrider, the keen-eyed rider spots you almost at once. Pulling on the reigns of his steeds, the giant out flutters its wings to slow its flight before landing in an adjacent tree.

"Ho there, stranger," calls the rider from his steed. The rider is a young man Ethanial can't recall ever seeing (though Aya may recall future glances), likely a newcomer to the order. His failure to recognize you, for better or worse, was nothing out of the ordinary. Though your name and accomplishments were known far and wide, the common folk were wont to miss you or misunderstand your powers.

Another two owlriders swoop nearby to see what had occurred before flying on as the new owlrider waves them onwards. "Do you two require any assistance?"

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Ethaniel cluthes at a branch to keep his balance while holding Aya with his other and nods towards the owlrider. "One moment." A moment later both of them are on the ground and Ethaniel raises a hand in peaceful greeting to him. "I am Ethaniel, of the Wardens." He says and waits for Aya to relax and slowly release her grip from him. "This is Aya."

"I've come from An-Havya. The Wardens guard it this night, along with a caravan there. I aim to return before morning. What news do you have of the scars in the sky?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Upon Ethanial's greeting, the owlrider looks quite visibly surprised. Even so, the man stays concise and on topic rather than stumbling through awkward apologies as so many others had done in the past. Perhaps there was a future for this newcomer after all.

"Oh, where to begin," he responds, "Over fifty kinds of creature have emerged from the cracks so far. Over half only exist as corpses. Couple of close calls but none have attacked towns or caravans yet. They seem strong but dull and disorganized. Far more trouble from highwaymen and animals fleeing them."

Pointing to the nearest cracks, he continues, "Celestials have come in to help us close our cracks and they're telling us not to disturb. The Caravan Elders (the leaders who travel in the great caravan) have told us to leave them be,"

"We're out scouting to find where those things are making their homes and to spread the word that we're holding a convocation (an emergency meeting of oracles held to reduce the odds of failure for riskier divinations in time of need) tomorrow morn on top of Mt. Horgan."

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

"Protector be praised." Ethaniel says. "Some good news, at least." He reaches into a pouch and takes out a handful of dried nuts and berries, offering them to the owl.

Aya has let go of Ethaniel and watches the owl, turning her own head left and right as if trying to figure out how the owl does it. She glances up at the rider when he mentions the convocation but the owl seems more interesting.

"I don't want to keep you from your patrols long. If you come across any wardens, please let them know I'll be staying in An-Havya till morning, and then to Mt. Horgan." He steps closer to the halfling and places a hand on his shoulder. "Protecter guide you both. Guard our people well." The simple words hold power and the fatigue and soreness of riding washes away from the halfling. He smiles at the owl and holds out the last of the berries. "You as well, honored friend."

Stepping back towards Aya he places his arm around her and looks to the sky, trying to see the angels. "I hope they know what they're doing." Without waiting for a response, the pair leave the owlrider and travel back to An-Havya.

Lay on Hands for the owlrider and his mount. They're probably not damage, but it also heals the Fatigued and Exhausted conditions.

There's not much else he wants to do this evening, I think.

[Realms of Chaos]

The rider responds as the owl cautiously eats out of the warden's hand, looking into Aya's eyes as if mirroring her interest. Both reinvigorated, Ethanial can see the bird ready its legs and wings to leap back into the air even as he teleports miles away back to town.

From this lower level of elevation, the sun has already set over the distant ridge, leaving only a fading sea of violet up in the sky. Marred though it is by the distant cracks, everything in town seems peaceful and orderly.

A candle has been lit in the big house for you, a bit of light to scare away the darkness and welcome your return. Ethanial can smell the sweetness of fresh travelbread wafting out from inside. Even from where you stand, you can see the heavy quilts and down pillows rested on the bed and the handwoven bedroll resting beside it.

Everything is quiet now, an oasis of peace as the sky fades to black and the cracks in the sky fade out of view.

Night has fallen on An-Havya.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

The fire inside was warm and it was nice to rest under a roof again. Ethaniel shrugged off his pack and laid it against the wall. He leaned his shield next to it and slowly unpeeled himself from his bracers and surcoat, stretching and bending his joints. Aya sat on a chair next to the fire and stared absently into it, her eyes half-closed. Wonder if she's seeing anything at all. He walked over to the sideboard and took a small bowl of fruit, brought it with him to the other chair. "Want some sliced pears?" He mumbled as he munched on one.

Aya shook her head. "No, thank you." She said. Ethaniel raised an eyebrow but she stayed as she was, half-staring into the fire. Or into nothing. Hard to tell. He took the bowl back and rinsed hiw hands with the water carafe. "We should get some sleep, got to be up early to get to the meeting in time." He said while drying his hands.

The fire poppped and Aya sighed. "Ethaniel...I couldn't see them. The cracks." She said softly. He walked back and crouched next to the fire, settling the logs with a poker. "I knew they were there, but they weren't cracks in the sky." Her voice was detached and calm as if describing something that happened to someone else. "When I looked up...there were just holes in the sky. No jagged tears as you said. It was like little parts of reality simply weren't there. No way to look forward. Can't see what something will be when it doesn't exist."

Ethaniel poked the fire again and sat down in his chair. "That's...I dont know what that means. Maybe if you saw them as not existing it means they weren't supposed to exist?"

She shook her head again. "No. No question of ought or should. The sky just had holes, places where it should be, but nothing was there." She leaned back into her chair and closed her eyes completely. "I'm tired." Ethaniel nodded. "It's been a busy day. No one died, Protector be blessed. Let's deal with the morning in the morning."

[Realms of Chaos]

With the coming morning, life slowly leaks back into the hamlet of An-Havya. By the time you are both up in the morning, children are already playing amongst the tents and small bonfires are cooking breakfasts. In the distance, smoke can be seen rising from the mountain summit, a sign of the large bonfire kept burning during the convocation.

The cracks are still up in the sky; still surrounded with large crowds of celestials in the midst of some great spell.

A letter has been placed on the exterior of your door, nailed in place to prevent it from falling to the damp snow below.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Stepping into the early morning chill Ethaniel watches his breath frost in the air. He glances at the letter with a frown then takes it off and hands it to Aya. "Here, see what it is. I'm going back to the last fallen and then we'll head to Mount Meru."

Leaving his weapons in the hut Ethaniel walks over to where the last body lay, the snow pilling up around it. He bends down to wipe the snow from it and takes a handful of grains and seeds from within one of his pouches. Walking in a slow circle around the dead halfling three times, he scatters the seeds around the body and then stops at the foot of the corpse. Closing his eyes he bows his head and prays to Yondalla. "Great Provider, please accept the sacrifice of wheat and life, to give life back to one who served you."

Aya reads the letter, Ethaniel uses True Miracle to raise the last dead halfling. He takes some damage, which is healed by himself using Lay on Hands.

[Realms of Chaos]

Reading the letter, Aya can see that it was sent by Hersin Brothier, the current leader of Fort Blackwood. He has been one of the few halflings with any real sense of ambition that Ethanial has met so far, both for himself and his race as a whole. Even though Aya can't quite see his future, however, she knows it to be quite inauspicious. Almost pitiably so. In the letter, Hersin wishes to meet with Ethanial after the convocation to speak of "great news".

For Ethanial, meanwhile, the spell works perfectly well. You watch as the frost leaks out of the poor halfling and color return to its face. With a sudden gasp for breath, its eyes flicker open and it begins to shiver in the cold. Sitting up, the halfling catches sight of you and, guessing what had just occurred, bows his head down before rising up out of the snow and retreating to rejoin his family.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Smiling to the halfling boy Ethaniel turns and walks back towards Aya. She holds out the letter with a slight frown but says nothing as he reads it. "Interesting. I haven't spoken with Hersin for...seems like a month of tendays. Seems odd to want to speak after the convocation though."

With only a shrug in reply Aya bends downs and picks up some snow and opens her fingers, trying to read it as it drifts slowly down. The snow is stubborn though and sticks in wet clumps in her palm. After shaking it a few times she wipes her hand on her heavy cloak and glares at Ethaniel. "It's not my fault." He says with his arms spread.

Aya narrows her eyes at him. "That's what you think. Let's go."

Ethaniel shakes his head and rolls his shoulders, checking the weight of his pack and shield on his back. He holds out his right hand and opens his palm towards Aya. Reluctantly she takes hold and their fingers intertwine. For the briefest of moments something approaching a smile glimmers in her eyes but she blinks and merely waits, looking up at the snow still falling. Ethaniel sighs and unconsciously checks that his sword is loose in his scabbard before the two of them disappear in a whirl of snowflakes.

Greater teleport to Mount Meru.

[Realms of Chaos]

On the summit of Mount Meru, a large bonfire is burning, taking up much of the central area and fighting away the cold. At least two dozen other oracles wearing varied manner of dress stand around the bonfire. A few are younger and have yet to feel the weight of aeons, maintaining a full and bright personality as they speak with their own protectors. Others suffer differing levels of detachment as they gaze into the fire. Ambrin, resting at the far end of bonfire, has been lost entirely, sustained by the magic items she wears, guided in even basic motions by her poor guardian, and speaking nothing but the premonitions she receives. Most of the other oracles ignore her, acting as if she didn't exist.

Though a couple of oracles speak to one another and catch up with events, most of them refrain from speaking with others, preferring to deal with their protectors and using them as intermediaries. In fact, the only people who are interacting with everyone are the small group of halflings who live here year round in the nearly abandoned town below, sacrificing the right of pilgrimage to prepare for these sorts of events when they come about. The only one of the missing would seem to be...

"Just on time, Ethanial," calls out Sara, patting you on the back as she walks by. How the fiery red-headed lass ended up here in the first place, let alone in charge of the other workers, has always been a bit of a mystery. Though she knew how to get to business, she seemed infatuated with the world beyond and would talk the head off of anyone she could keep still. "I was about to get things started. Aya is to the Northeast, as always. Talk to you when this thing is over."

[Realms of Chaos]

The Convocation

Sara backs off as you take Aya to her position around the bonfire. With everyone in place, the ritual finally begins. The first step is a low-level divination, an Augury to ensure that the ritual itself will not be interrupted. The bonfire, burning ancient and rare herbs found only in the furthest reaches of the region, acts as the focus for all of their spells.

In the fire, Aya can see one of the burning herbs within the fire. Even as she watches, the herb appears to take root within the flame and grow before her eyes. It would seem that others have seen this as well. "Weal," calls out one.

"Weal." "Weal." "Neither." "Weal."

Soon, everyone has made their predictions. Though a few of the oracles have seen nothing meaningful, the vast majority have found that the conclave will end peacefully. Even so, the assistants at the sight circle around the edge of the mesa with weapons at their side. Few are the foes who can escape divination but it is foolish to assume none exist.

The rest of the ritual, as Ethanial knows, is a bit more involved. While the oracles rest for a moment, food is carried up the mountain trail, brought to each guardian so they may use it as a burnt offering so that their oracles can call upon a full divination spell. Those who lack the ability to cast such a spell are instead provided with an appropriate scroll as well.

The heat of the fire washes over all of you near the bonfire, driving away the cold winter that has conquered so much of the wilderness this time of year. As incense is tossed into the fire to help fuel the next spells as well, a calming scent wafts out from the great flame.

[Chambers]

Ethaniel

Ethaniel nodded to Sara and stood behind Aya, silently waiting for the ceremony to begin. Each year he stared into the bonfire with the oracles tryin to see what they saw and each year was a disappointment. Burning leaves. This year was no different.

Aya stood still and squeezed his hand once. "Weal." He said, answering for her without pause. Aya shifted a bit and Ethaniel turned his gaze from the fire, looking beyond it for any threats though not expecting any. His eyes went to the sky, scanning the horizon for the cracks. Maybe one of them will see an answer.

[Realms of Chaos]

As the offerings are added to the fire, all of oracles slowly recite the verbal components to their next spell. Slowly, rhythmically, each one falls into a far deeper trance staring out into the fire.

Peering into the fire, Aya can see cracks deep within the flame, slowly sealing themselves shut over the course of ritual. As the cracks vanish, however, a new flame seems to burn from down below, slowly raising their way up into the sky.

As the spell comes to a close, each oracle begins relating their experiences to their guardians, portents to be assembled and appraised at a later date. The assistants pass around paper, ink, and quills for any who trust not their memory to hold the records. Along with these supplies, small goblets of holy water are brought to the Oracles, allowing them to stay hydrated even in raging heat of the bonfire. Some guardians request wafers for their oracles if they are looking weak or have had no time to feed, though this is left purely to their discretion.

More holy water and herbs are poured into the flame and the mist that bellows out signals the approach of the penultimate event of the convocation: a commune spell. While the weaker and less-prepared oracles are provided with scrolls, many guardians use the brief pause to speak with their oracles. Though the oracles are free to ask whatever questions they feel relevant, those more lost in time are often judged to need a bit of guidance to make sure they don't check on matters years in the past.

[Chambers]

Aya

Burning fires within burning cracks. Unsealed just to close again. He'll never understand. Aya squeezes Ethaniels hand and shakes her head at paper and quill he offers her. It would just confuse you more, love.

She sighs and leans against him and closes her eyes and see sparks explode and white lines race across her eyelids like root systems reaching down to the center of the world. Will all those gathered here be alive by tomorrows sunset? Will those who die pass on to your realm? Do the tears come from a godly realm? Do the tears come from beyond the planes? Is there an active intelligence beyond the tears? Can there be anything done to seal the tears? Can we travel through the tears?

Aya rubs her eyes and opens them to watch the other seers and their guardians. A fierce fire of jealousy rises up as she watches the youngest ones still talk and offer small touches to each other, not yet touched by the weight of eternity. Will she die alone? Will her guardian forsake her for a younger girl? Will he learn to hate her?

She jerks her head away from them and stares into the fire again. Ethaniel frowns and opens his mouth to say something but pauses, and then simply nods and squeezes her hand once. Damn you, Yondalla. Give this to someone else. Do you know what it's like to live like this? Have you ever been this close to what you want and been unable to have it? Were you responsible for the deaths of those you loved? You care about what we give your people, but what of your love for us?

Aya sways a bit and is caught by Ethaniel. "Here, sit down. Is the fire too hot?" Not hot enough. Not nearly by half. Burn this whole mountain to the roots. If I could, that is. You know that, don't you? Is that why you grant us power to see but not to harm? To heal, only once the damage is done? Aya waves away a pitcher of water brought by someone she half-recognizes. You'll be gone too, memory. Nothing left but a vessel for your power, led around until the body can't hold it anymore. She glances over at Ambrin, ignore by the younger oracles. Is that my fate? Aya turns and looks towards Ethaniel and then motions her head towards Ambrin and starts walking towards her, half-dragging the confused Ethaniel behind her.

Damn the custom, damn the rituals. If this is what we end as, is there a point? She stops before Ambrin and places a hand on her shoulder, ignoring the stares of the other guardians as she interrupts the procedure of the ritual. They'll get they're answers regardless of me. Isn't that right? Aya bends down to look into Ambrins eyes and searches them for any sign of life or personality. Is she still in there, trapped somehow? Is there a way to bring her back? Would you tell me if there was?

[Realms of Chaos]

As the fire burns before Aya, she becomes aware of a familiar presence in the distance. The presence is a rare and distant constant, there as far back as she can see and who is destined to be as far as she can see. The spell is a means of distancing the caster further from the world, of revealing to them this constant voice so that they can learn from it.

Will all those gathered here be alive by tomorrows sunset?

The voice of your lord comes wafting from all around you, as if carried on the passing morning breeze. Serene and enchanting as ever, the voice is laden with hints of honey and sunshine as it replies with ease.

"The sunset is yours for all of you to see unless you choose not to see it"

Will those who die pass on to your realm?

"My children will find their way home."

Do the tears come from a godly realm?

"No realm of gods or mortals could hold the beasts to flee the tears"

Do the tears come from beyond the planes?

"Beyond the Planes. Beyond imagination. Beyond madness."

Is there an active intelligence beyond the tears?

"None we have found."

"Can there be anything done to seal the tears?

"We will do all that we can."

Can we travel through the tears?

"The trip would cost you dearly."

Will she die alone?

At this unusual change in topic, Aya can feel a surge of anticipation in the air, of renewed interest and curiosity.

"No. Another will be by her side."

Will her guardian forsake her for a younger girl?

"He loves her not even now. The bond of guardian and oracle is of duty."

Will he learn to hate her?

"He will die with fondness in his heart"

Do you know what it's like to live like this?

"I doubt that I-"

Have you ever been this close to what you want and been unable to have it?

"There have been-"

Were you responsible for the deaths of those you loved?

"I love each-"

You care about what we give your people, but what of your love for us?

"I love all of my children. There are no exceptions."

In spite of Aya's verbal assaults and the finality of the response, the voice never wavers or leaves its soft, lackadaisical tone.

You know that, don't you?

"I do"

Is that why you grant us power to see but not to harm?

"..."

To heal, only once the damage is done?

"That is not my reasoning. Among those who speak to me, but few know your self-inflicted torment."

Is that my fate?

"Every oracle has her own fate."

If this is what we end as, is there a point?

"Yes."

They'll get they're answers regardless of me. Isn't that right?

"Different oracles. Different questions. Different answers."

Is she still in there, trapped somehow?

"She is everywhen."

Is there a way to bring her back?

"Not among the living."

Would you tell me if there was?

"I would tell you anything you asked of me."

As the spell ends and Aya returns a bit closer to the world around her, things have changed. Most oracles are already resting after the third spell as the attendants prepare for the final ritual of the convocation, the calling of a fire weird to occupy the bonfire and provide further divinations if required. Holy water is spilled in large concentric circles around the bonfire as two of those rare gold-cloaked halflings, the Arkhanaems, weave a bit of arcane magic into the fire, preparing the means by which the weird will be held in place. The bulk of the ritual still falls upon the oracles however, required as they are to call through the elemental. A few attendants grab their swords, ready to fight and sacrifice their lives if something should go wrong.

Make a spellcraft check

1/25/13: CONTINUATION

Supplying the necessary magic to the bonfire, the flames surge upwards, flying freely in every direction as the guards draw their weapons, hoping beyond hope that they would not be forced to use them. Slowly, gently, the magic of the oracles contains the wild flame... redirecting it... shaping it. Soon, it is held in a roughly humanoid form... where it is held in place.

After what seems like forever (perhaps a few minutes at most), the effigy of flame finally collapses upon itself with a great puff of smoke that rises up into the air, a sign to all in the surrounding area that the convocation is done. Standing at the center of the charred embers is a female humanoid twice the size of a human, composed of skin that seems made of magma.

The Weird has been called. The ceremony is over.