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  1. - Top - End - #31
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    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Adventures in New Ganthar IV

    Spoiler: Theo - before Gunn arrives
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    "My purpose is to slay immortals, not to prevent their creation,"Melchizar scowls. "All things must die; but what is it to me how many are born?

    "You are not the first to think in such terms, nor the loftiest. So reasoned Torae and Kirest, when They betrayed my purpose to create these gods. Better the known few than the unknown multitude.
    It is an odious argument. Is it just to set a few above the law, in order that the majority might toe the line? This is rank consequentialism. Would you turn a blind eye to a criminal kingpin, because he keeps the lesser thugs in line?"


    He looks to the door a moment before the knock sounds, chuckling quietly. "A foolish question.
    Clearly you would, and do."

  2. - Top - End - #32
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Default Re: Adventures in New Ganthar IV

    "... Thank you," Yara says after a while. "You've given me much to think about. But it is getting late, I'd better be going. I appreciate your time. Oh, will you be able to recover from what happened?"
    Spoiler: OOC
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    Better get to the next day. I think Lothrain has the redemption mission in the morning?

  3. - Top - End - #33
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    As Sister Rosalind sits waiting she notices Lora storm in and watches the change that comes over her. "Long night? Sorry about that." Sister Rosalind offers in apology thinking the woman had been working most of the night trying to get her item.
    "As for what I am trying to achieve here well that's a very open question. For instance.."
    she says gesturing with her hands to the room she was in as a whole, "I am here because the Gleaming Rose has been destroyed and no other accommodations were made. Add in the fact Mr. Gunn said he was sending for the item in question and would have it here as soon as possible I am waiting for it. That is why I am here instead of at the temple of Charis where we are all supposed to meet come dawn." She then gestures to the window and points outside.

    "I am here in New Ganther because it is a still new and budding Kingdom and will no doubt face many challenges as you have seen yourself. Pacem wanted to give them the best chance at standing on their own two feet and so sent a representative to aid in what ways they could. Had I been able to stay out of the spotlight a bit more it would have been ideal, however we must all play with the hands we are dealt." she says acknowledging that she did wish she could have done some things differently however dwelling on the past wouldn't change it.

    "If your however talking about my recent death and return without someone casting a spell to bring me back, I gave up my chance at seeing the Lover's to make sure everyone would be able to get the afterlife they believe they deserve. Because at the moment those who do not worship any deity are trapped with nowhere to go and their souls are being attacked by creatures that fed on souls. If I fail at my task then everyone who doesn't accept some god as their deity and have that gods protection are attacked when they reach the other side on their way to the Hall of Judgement as well as after."

  4. - Top - End - #34
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    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Adventures in New Ganthar IV

    Spoiler: Yara
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    Katraya grimaces briefly. "I will in time. Dying and returning to life is traumatic, but time is a great healer. And spending time in this Temple I am sworn to defend will restore my powers. Eventually.

    "Now, have you somewhere to sleep this night? I'm sure a bed could be found for you."


    Spoiler: The following morning
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    Day 13 - 2 days remaining


    You are woken before dawn by an unfamiliar, elderly priest, his features pinched in disapproval.

    "The Archon of Relath is here for you,"
    he says stiffly. "Shall I send him away?"


    Spoiler: Rosalind
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    Lora listens with growing bemusement, then shakes her head. "That's a… rather more thorough answer than I expected! I just meant that I didn't know why you were camped here. I don't see how it gets you anywhere.

    "My rough night was nothing to do with you. Just…"
    She pauses, looking pained; then, sitting near you, she starts speaking in a hushed, confidential tone. "You ever had a man who wants to rush into things, Sister? Alan… well, I spent a few nights in a row with him, and now he thinks we live together. I'm starting to feel stifled. Like, the next thing I know, he's going to expect me to keep house for him, cooking and cleaning and the gods only know what. And that's just not me."

  5. - Top - End - #35
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    "Well when you have no home to go to and the one who holds all of your money doesn't put you up somewhere for the night you have few options. Add in that I was expecting the package sometime last night to come with a runner and it seemed obvious. However as it is now dawn and still I have neither seen this runner or Mr. Gunn I'm starting to suspect he didn't even send for it which is a rather big problem." Sister Rosalind admits to Lora, after all it wasn't Lora's fault she hadn't received the artifact yet. However she had no doubt if she didn't succeed and get it soon Lora's soul would be one of many thousands lost to the wraiths on the other side.

    "Normally when you let someone try the milk before they buy the cow dear they tend to see you as theirs." Sister Rosalind says with a chuckle. "And while my gods may have no problem with a love life, sadly I have never found the time, and given my life could end at anytime I hardly see it as more pressing then making sure everyone who dies without a god is protected in the afterlife. However back to topic, how long have you known Alan?" she asks, keeping her voice as quietly as Lora's. "If you know Alan as well as you think you do and he knows and respects you he no doubt already knows you are not the type of person to stay home and play house and won't expect you to. Perhaps a gentle reminder that you are not together, he seems a loyal man, and if you put it to him in a way he will understand I suspect he will respect your wishes and give you your space." Sister Rosalind says before adding with a chuckle. "Then again your asking a dead woman who has never been in a real relationship about advice."

  6. - Top - End - #36
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    "Thank you, Katraya," Yara says. Here was a good a place to sleep as any.

    (The Morning)
    "No, I'll come out to meet him."

  7. - Top - End - #37
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    PaladinGuy

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    Spoiler: Rosalind
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    Lora smiles at your words, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I don't mind the thought of being together," she says quietly.
    "But I'm just not ready to be sold and owned, if you're determined to use the cow metaphor.

    "I don't know. Maybe you're right, and I should trust Alan to understand. I'm just not used to confiding in anyone. Easier to talk to you than to him - but, then, you have this aura about you... I don't know. Just feels easier to think these things through with you around.

    "You've helped me out, Sister, so let me help you in turn. Don't wait around here for something that isn't coming. And... maybe remember, next time you're dealing with Mr Gunn, that you need to appeal to his interests if you're going to persuade him. With perhaps a handful of exceptions, he's not into the greater good. He's into one, very specific good: his own."

  8. - Top - End - #38
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    "Even in a relationship as I am with one's gods you are never owned by anyone Lora. You should be partners, no one person more important then the other, working towards a goal. Any relationship that makes you feel as if you have no control in it and are owned by another is one best avoided or walked away from. However if your afraid of the commitment part, everyone has doubts about such things. To give another person such trust is a gift, it is why we often wear so many different faces, depending on who we are with. For example I would not act the same way with someone mourning a loss as I am now, nor would I act the same treating someone wounded compared to trying to stop someone from hurting another. Your partner however should be someone you are comfortable with seeing the true you that is hidden behind the masks we wear each day. Even Gunn wears more masks then he can see, and if he doesn't realize what some of these masks can do to him he may see doors close that would have stayed open." Sister Rosalind says kindly to Lora, believing the well educated woman would understand at least part of what she was saying if not all of it.

    "A quiet place in a sea of chaos is what most priests of the Lover's strive to be so thank you for the compliment Lora. And anytime you just need someone to talk to I will always try to find time to listen, after all if one doesn't listen to another how can they come to understand them?" she says with an amused look on her face. "The choice will always be yours to make Lora, however know that all paths lead in different directions. Sometimes two paths may intersect once again, sometimes they will never meet again. So think about your choice carefully and don't push him to far away if you are simply trying to make a choice." Sister Rosalind advises.

    "So he lied to me, and is keeping a relic of my faith from me. Thank you Lora I will remember what you have said this day. Sadly I do not forsee the future I once saw for our friend. He has chosen a path that I fear even his other friends will eventually be strained to follow him on. He is isolating himself to much with his selfishness and greed and it will lead to his undoing. If he is lucky the Lady of Sin or the Lord of Lies may offer him a deal to protect his soul when he dies, if not I fear when he sits in judgement as we all must he will not like where he ends up." Sister Rosalind tells Lora, letting her know that her employer and friend was on a self destructive path. With luck Lora could reach him where she could not, and with that the priestess leaves for the temple of Charis, honoring her promise to meet with Theo before Dawn.
    Last edited by dantiesilva; 2020-06-01 at 08:29 PM.

  9. - Top - End - #39
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    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Adventures in New Ganthar IV

    Spoiler: Yara
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    Dressing quickly and gathering your belongings, you follow your churlish escort through the dilapidated temple to the main entrance, where Lothrain stands waiting in gleaming full plate under a spotless white and gold standard. If he had set out to present a contrast between the meticulously presented Crusaders and the relaxed, underfunded clergy of Maya, he could hardly have done a better job of it.

    The Arbiter gives a delighted grin on seeing you, clapping you on the shoulder with bruising exuberance.

    "Yara!"
    he booms. "Good woman! Everything is ready - we just need the guest of honour.

    "Any questions before we set off?"

  10. - Top - End - #40
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Upon admittance into Theo's chambers, Gunn takes a seat in the nearest chair that looks decently comfortable, and says, "Well, Theo, this is a strange thing for me. I've never been especially religious, but I suppose now's as good a time as any to start. I'm here looking for guidance. There's a handful of competing schemes at work, and I can't sit on the sidelines anymore. Kill all the gods? Kill any of the gods? Kill none of the gods? I don't know what path to choose."
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  11. - Top - End - #41
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    Were only Father Michel here, Theo said to Gunn, he'd have a sermon for just the occasion. Sit, enjoy a refreshment, Theo gestured to the water pitcher on his desk.

    You know my goals, to defeat Maltur and restore Charis to Her rightful place. But it isn't so easy as to snap my fingers and will it up be done. There's a dozen problems that we can identify and several we can not. It is a tender balance we seek, that will further protect our world from that of demons. And I don't know how to do it without the power of the gods, who can oppose the god-like Maltur. And I cannot get my goddess back without your help; you're picture was hung in the same hall as mine.

    I don't know if my guidance is worth much, as I'm pleading for your help as much as I am trying to show you my perspective. You will no doubt take my biases into account. But let me ask you this; are we not better off with, at Least, gods dedicated to our protection? I know you have distaste that gods have the power to change everything in our lives on a whim, and we have no choice but to suffer the consequences. But with the hell's threatening our world, can you at least agree that if we empower the right people, the right gods, that we are forging a stronger bulwark against those that actively seek our suffering?


    Theo let that sit in the air, and paused, letting his thoughts gather. I am not doing my part to offer guidance. I am instead using my time to ask for your help, and making my case. I guess I need your guidance too; what can I do to give you the confidence that Charis will lead us to victory over Maltur? He comes for me soon, he wants my head as a trophy. If Maltur wins, our world is doomed, and the only path I see to victory is through Charis.
    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  12. - Top - End - #42
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Gunn sighs, but seeing Theo's visible wound gives him pause. He considers Theo's words, and ultimately makes a decision. Reaching into his briefcase, he removes the bones of St. Rosalind, and sets them on Theo's desk. "How you choose to use these is up to you. Rosalind will be looking for them." He shrugs. "I don't know what the right course is, but you've helped me achieve my goals. It seems only suitable I help you achieve yours."
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  13. - Top - End - #43
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    "Well, you look prepared," Yara says, looking at the gleaming arbiter. "So, what task am I being set?"

  14. - Top - End - #44
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    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Adventures in New Ganthar IV

    Spoiler: Yara
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    The Arbiter starts walking, gesturing for you to accompany him.

    "We are readying to commune with a solar," he tells you seriously, "an ancient and powerful being of Law and Good. He will assign you a quest. A quest that will culminate in the redemption of your soul - and, if all goes well, the restoration of the Chalice.

    "It is a perilous thing we attempt, Yara. The forces of Evil are a real and present danger. They will not lightly allow a soul such as yours to win free of their corruption; still less will they tolerate our manoeuvring to restore Charis to the Heavens. We must expect opposition.

    "And even if we prevail against our foes… redemption is a rare and precious thing, Yara. Men spend their lives seeking after it. They give all they have in the vain hope they might possess it. And to gain it, they must often surrender the things they treasure most."


    He draws to a stop within sight of the fortress-temple of Relath. Turning to regard you with an uncharacteristically somber expression, he squeezes your shoulder and lowers his voice from its usual boisterous exuberance to a passable attempt at gentleness.

    "My faith is not yours, Yara. You need not give everything you are for a cause not your own. Whatever it means to me and mine, you should only do this if you truly want to redeem your soul more than anything in the world - if you are willing to pay any price, however high, to gain the favour of the Heavens.

    "You need to decide now, Yara. Once we summon the Solar, there is no turning back.

    "What are you willing to sacrifice to save your soul - and with it, perhaps the soul of the Fallen Goddess?"


    Spoiler: Rosalind
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    Taking your leave of Lora, you make your way through the gathering dawn to the Temple of Charis. The streets are beginning to wake, although they remain quiet; it is too early yet for merchants to ply their wares, but you see men and women poor quality garments whose build suggests they labour for a living. Guardsmen are patrolling as well, and here in the Temple District there is no shortage of clerics greeting the sunrise out of doors.

    At the entrance to the Temple you are met by Ember, who smiles with genuine warmth on seeing you.

    "Sister Rosalind!" she exclaims. "Here to coach me on my unarmed combat again, are you?"

  15. - Top - End - #45
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Yara is silent for most of the trip. What was she risking herself for this time? The chance to become or create a god? The concept became so much more daunting the closer she got. Not that she could show those doubts to Lothrain. He was one she needed to keep a strong front towards, keep his confidence.
    "I've already come this far. I don't know what the Solar will require of me, but I'll be ready for it."
    The favour of the heavens... was that the only path to redemption? Why should she care for what the gods decided was right? They were just mortals turned into, in her opinion, semi-mindless beings tied to their alignments. What she had seen of gods and their outsider servants was how limited they were compared to humanity. If she was to become a god, it would have to be a new kind. If only she had the time to research.

  16. - Top - End - #46
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    There were few things as enjoyable as simply enjoying the peace of the early light when the only people out and about were those with a purpose who worked not for gold but to provide for their families. As she passed these people she would greet them as she passed, stopping to help and hold a conversation if anyone seemed they needed the help or simply wished to talk. She had missed this, the past few weeks had been rather good for her ability to be able to help the poor with funds, however as a result she herself had spent a lot less time being a public figure which was something she was missing. Seeing the people she was helping each day, learning about them had always been a rather enjoyable part of her days. However as things had become more and more chaotic she had not had a moment like this to simply breath in the fresh air and remind herself why she had become a priestess of the Lover's and wanted to help those who needed it.

    As she arrived at the temple of Charis Sister Rosalind smiled as Ember greeted her at the door. " I didn't realize you were so adamant on learning Ember. How Theo acts and the rest of the templars I sometimes forget your swords are not glued to your hands." she says with a joking expression. "If you really wish to have another lesson however I have a few minutes I am sure before Theo will notice I am late." she says to Ember, letting the young templar know that if she did want a lesson Rosalind would take the time to teach her another one, though a lot quicker then the first they had as time was pressed, one still had to find time for their friends or else they would begin to feel like they had to do everything on their own.

  17. - Top - End - #47
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    Spoiler: Yara
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    Lothrain regards you intently. "And still you persist. Still, you blindly push ahead, determined to hurl yourself into danger for no better reason than that others want you to.

    "Well then, never let it be said I didn't try to spare you."


    Reaching to his belt, he takes a flask and passes it to you.

    "You will need to drink this, child. It will make you ready for the process ahead of us.

    "When you have imbibed the potion, you must continue alone while I remain behind. Make your way to the altar of Relath. All will be made clear soon."


    Spoiler: Rosalind
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    Ember smiles wryly. "Considering Theo went to the trouble of buying a locked gauntlet just to make sure he didn't keep dropping his sword," she notes drily, "I can understand why you might think that.

    "Well, duty first, I guess. The Father is in his study, meeting with Gunn and… ah… our other guest. I'm sure you know the way?"

  18. - Top - End - #48
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    The first goal is to defeat Maltur. Theo said curtly. We have defeated him at every turn, maybe we will beat him again. He'll be after my head for a trophy, but I'm sure Perseus would rather take the demon king's great axe. Melchizar was just telling me that were we to win the day, and slay a demi god, that his essence will scatter and our world would be safe from a similar threat for generations of our people. My second goal is to restore Charis and to see to it that what gods we can convince to help protect our world from the next threat. I'm glad to have your help, Gunn, you are a man that I can count on, and whose advice I will need to help navigate what comes next.

    And I thank you for the artifacts. They are necessary for the restoration to be complete.


    Theo then heard a knock on the door. Unaware of who could be on the other side, Theo put away the Bones and called to the other side of the door - Announce yourself.

    (Assuming rosalind is next to arrive)
    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  19. - Top - End - #49
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    "I am hoping soon duty will be done. This has been a rather lot compared to the simple, peaceful life I had been looking for. Something Pacem will not doubt take note of. However given some cold hard truths I have learned recently perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad thing if some of my brothers and sisters came here. We could rebuild, and fix what has been broken for far to long. Pran is an excellent student, however we are only two people and cannot do as much good as we both wish." She explains, though in truth after learning the leaders of Pacem had lied for all this time and not actively been trying to do the task she was now in charge of to save peoples souls she wondered if it wasn't a time for change. The Mother and Father had trusted her and her pupil many times this past month and shown her things no one else to her knowledge had ever acted on.

    "Gunn you say? I was waiting outside his office all last night waiting for him to bring me something of my faith and this morning as well and he is here instead of doing what he said he was last night. And he wonders why I have begun to lose faith in who's side he is really on." Sister Rosalind confides in Ember, "Thank you. To many things that belong to my faith are in the hands of others who care not for my beliefs. It's time this changes." and with that she makes her way to Theo's office and knocks on the door.

    "Announce myself you told us all to meet here before dawn Theo. It's me Sister Rosalind." The woman says trying to keep her calm composure after all she had learned. When allowed entrance she looks to those gathered bowing slightly to Melchizar in his cage and saying good morning before turning back to the others. "Do either of you know anything about what happens when a person dies?" she asks, holding her hand up for Melchizar and the Deva to not answer the topic just yet.

  20. - Top - End - #50
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Oh good, Gunn thinks to himself, Another lecture. Despite is internal frustrations, his face and body betray no hint of emotion, or even recognition, at Rosalind's appearance.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  21. - Top - End - #51
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    The door opened to Rosalind - I ask to announce yourself because my deva ally, here, is charged to oppose people who enter unless certain requirements are met. Given my current situation with factions of my temple, and the nature of our discussions, I do not care to just swing the door wide for any who come calling. Please, take a seat. Theo says gently, gesturing to the many chairs Rosalind could choose from.

    As for Rosalind's question, Theo cut to what was on his mind. Well, if I die in service to Charis and in Her Grace, then I join Her side in the afterlife. Though, in the night, Maltur has claimed me as his next foe which I had just described to the others in this room who preceded your arrival. Theo points to the unholy wound, ever slight, on his forehead. This cut came from his unholy war axe, and I must presume that if he claims my life, then my soul is his to torture for eternity. Though, hey, that's just my suspicion. Please, tell us what you came prepared to say, for we need to discuss how we can oppose Maltur's next move.
    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

    Avatar by Szilard

  22. - Top - End - #52
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    Sister Rosalind listens to Theo's reasoning for not having an open door policy and when she hears his reasoning she can't blame him. "Sorry Theo, I was up all night waiting for a "messenger" to go and retrieve what seems to be placed before you." she explains as she accepts the chair offered to her and takes a seat.

    As Theo begins explaining what he thought of the afterlife she nodded along as if agreeing with him, however looks concerned when he reveals the scar from the deity marking Theo's soul. "When we are done with the matters at hand Theo I will try to research a way to remove such an infliction. Sadly I came prepared for the task of helping both of our faiths. Though had I had these last night it may have been a lot easier." she explains to Theo before explaining to all. "Back when my namesake was still alive she was known for powers beyond most mortals, even clerics. It is said she could remove the essence of undeath itself from a being and return them fully to life, which I'm sure you can see would be beneficial in this situation. She is not only undead Theo, but tainted by the betrayer, though I suspect our friend there already knows that."" she explains looking over to the cage that holds Melchivar to see if he would confirm or deny this.

    "When I died I cam to the bridge of souls, a place where all the dead must cross to get to the halls of judgement to be judged, and if found worthy sent to their respective planes of existence. Those of faith have a protective aura around them which marks them as belonging to a certain religion, or at the very least believing in one of them. These souls are relatively safe when they die, well except in your special circumstance you would sit by Charis's side when you died. However not everyone worships a belief or deity, like Mr. Gunn for instance will be a perfect example. A typical person who goes about their life and pays no real attention to the deities as in the end they don't feed his belly or pay for what he needs. When people like this die they have no such protection when they arrive in the afterlife. And their are wraithlike beings there that feed and harvest these souls. Back before our friend behind you broke one of the paths Granig's followers protected the way from such creatures and probally only a few souls were lost every now and again." she explains waiting to make sure everyone was following along.

    "Well Charis seeking to punish the Mother for not stopping her children before they killed a god and did whatever it is they did. I am sure Melchizar's story is much different from the one I am told, and to be honest after seeing what I have I am more inclined to believe him over my own people. The point is to this day the path is still closed as the Black Flame to this day has not been returned to the Mother meaning all the souls that are unclaimed by any deity or worship the Lovers are sitting in a barren wasteland near a chasm being constantly attacked by these wraiths. Granig's forces are spread to thin and if two many of the wraiths get in who knows what will happen. When the Betrayer tainted the Daughter he put more of himself into her then he thought. She holds within her the Black Flame, or at least a part of it with these bones I think I may be able to recover it, and in so doing restore her to her normal state." she explains looking to Melchizar as she says this next part directly. " I also swore an oath in the afterlife before the gods of law, I would not rest nor walk into the halls of the Mother until the day the black flame is returned to where it belongs. If I die I suspect my soul will go to the highest bidder, at a guess I would say between the lady of Sin and the Lord of Lies at the moment, however it could also simply be destroyed. So I am asking you all to please help me while I help you. Can we please come together for the betterment of all humanity?" she asks all those gathered.

    "Theo it sounds like you need someone by your side who has had untold time killing beings of unknowable power, and with him unwilling to learn anything but war I see few options given the circumstances. Before we leave this room can we come to an accord of some kind?" she asks hoping to free Melchizar for they would need all the allies they could get.

  23. - Top - End - #53
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Default Re: Adventures in New Ganthar IV

    Yara nods and looks at the potion. Well, if this is the way it had to be. She quickly downs it and hands the flask back.
    "Thank you. I do not know what will happen but if I do not see you again, I should tell you Krom is dead."
    She doesn't stay for an response.

  24. - Top - End - #54
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Spoiler: Yara
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    Your words seem to make little impact on Lothrain as you walk away; certainly there is no sign of the emotional response you might expect from a man who learns his daughter's killer has been slain. But whatever is going on with him, your business lies in front of you.

    The Crusaders at the door give you a warmer welcome than you are used to - which means only that they don't glare at you or try to turn you away. In short order you are shown to a broad hall with a high, vaulted ceiling, the room dominated by a statue of Relath and a polished marble altar. Before the altar is a silver summoning circle, and the being standing in that circle is unmistakably angelic - an androgynous figure, its body seemingly formed from living gold, its wings formed of pure light. There is a palpable presence radiating from this being, a tension at the edge of your senses; and merely being close to it soothes some of the tension from your shoulders.

    Unfortunately, the next sight to catch your attention ruins any calming effect the celestial had caused. For among the five Crusaders in attendance, you see Arbiter Lothrain, in a ceremonial robe of white and gold completely different to the clothing he wore moments ago, raising his hands in joyful greeting.

    "Yara! Thank Relath you are here. It saves me having to send for you. As you can see, we have… What's wrong?"


    Something is indeed wrong, a twisting, painful sensation in your gut.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Roll a fortitude save please.

  25. - Top - End - #55
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    ****… what an idiot I am... Yara thinks. Too focused on hiding doubt to question things... If I live I can never trust anyone's identity again...

    "Poisoned by imposter," she tries to say.
    Spoiler: OOC
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    Fortitude: (1d20+11)[13] … hmm

    If possible, will attempt a Null Psionics Field to test if magical:
    Concentration: (1d20+22)[42]


    Spoiler: Unrelated OOC
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    I should note that Yara's daily preparation is Inertial Armour, Mind Blank and Conceal Thoughts as they last all day. Nothing that has any effect now. I really should add Empathy to the list, may have uncovered the imposter .
    Last edited by Timble; 2020-06-21 at 03:40 AM.

  26. - Top - End - #56
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    PaladinGuy

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    Spoiler: Yara
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    Spoiler: OOC
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    Yara takes 4 points of constitution damage and is sickened.


    Lothrain rushes to your side. "Medic!" he barks at one of the other Crusaders, who hastens out of the room - presumably looking for a cleric with a more helpful spell list.

    The solar regards you with alien eyes, deeming to see beyond the flesh. When it speaks, its voice is a deep bass rumble, stirring something deep within you even as your insides threaten revolt.

    "The substance you have imbibed is not of this plane," it pronounces. "Mortal magic will be of no avail. It appears the enemy wants very much to prevent your undertaking this quest.

    "I surmise that our foe has chosen devilsbile because it has few known cures - and those few involve acts of unspeakable depravity, such as consuming the flesh of a celestial. The perpetrator seeks to thwart your redemption by driving you deeper into sin.

    "You have a few hours, I would judge, depending on your fortitude.

    "But if your time is short, what you do with the time left to you is all the more important. If you go this day to face Granig's judgment, I counsel you to cleanse your soul first.

    "This is the quest I would set you, child of Feron, if you are earnest in seeking redemption. Travel to the land now known as Old Ganthar. There, you will find the mountain where the covenant between Ganthar and the gods of Law and Good was forged. In that sacred place, you will petition Relath by earnest prayer until He answers you, for however long that takes.

    "If Relath is willing, He will open the Way to Bastion, heavenly citadel of the Archons. At the heart of Bastion, you will enter the Wellspring of Light from which all archons are born. Its transforming power will destroy you - and, Relath willing, remake you in its own image.

    "Bear the Chalice of Relath with you, and its fate will be bound to yours. Succeed and it will be purified, even as you are made pure. Fail, and it will be lost to us.

    "You need not go alone. Others can help you reach the place of vigil, and support you in your trial. But it is you alone who will determine the success or failure of the quest."


    Spoiler: Theo, Gunn, Rosalind
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    Melchizar makes no reply to Rosalind, but the deva Hadurel speaks into the lengthening silence.

    "What Rosalind reports is true. The unclaimed dead cannot reach the afterlife until the Way reaching it is reopened. The Sentinel will not do so until Torae has brought Her wayward servant Vlarath to justice."

    "But,"
    Melchizar adds softly, "if control of the Ways no longer lay with the Sentinel, perhaps another might prove more forgiving."

    Hadurel gives the barest of nods. "Regardless, it is a moot point. Rosalind seeks to cleanse the Daughter. So too does Theodore. Thomas Gunn has already offered his support to Theo in this matter, as I understand it. Or at least relinquished his claim on these." He points to the bones of Saint Rosalind.

  27. - Top - End - #57
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Yara staggers as the full effect strikes her. She quickly covers her mouth with her hands and lurches forward as she fights off the urge to throw up. But the wave of nausea fades to a dull, constant ache.

    She listens to the outsider but remains bent over, her options flashing before her. Time was very short, it may mean her end. Internally she wondered how much celestial flesh was required. Surely with healing magic to dull the pain and regrow the loss, celestial flesh could be eaten without damnation as a good deed on the celestial side. On the other hand, it probably required something lethal like the heart. That and the followers of Relath probably didn't have the moral flexibility to even consider the first possibility. Her only option was Relath.

    "Lothrain," she says in a strained whisper, trying to keep focused through the pain, "I'm going to need all the fortifying magic your healers can give me, at least that lasting long enough to fight off the next few waves. I'm going to need some form of teleportation to get me there. Send messengers to the wizards and other temples if you can't source that here."

    She grabs hold of Lothrain to straighten herself up then breathes deeply to center herself through the sickness.
    "Thank you, solar, for this chance," she says with the very shallow bow. "I will go to Old Ganthar and I will bring back the purified Chalice. Is there anything you can do to aid me on my quest?"

  28. - Top - End - #58
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    dantiesilva's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by ilinares View Post
    Spoiler: Theo, Gunn, Rosalind
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    Melchizar makes no reply to Rosalind, but the deva Hadurel speaks into the lengthening silence.

    "What Rosalind reports is true. The unclaimed dead cannot reach the afterlife until the Way reaching it is reopened. The Sentinel will not do so until Torae has brought Her wayward servant Vlarath to justice."

    "But,"
    Melchizar adds softly, "if control of the Ways no longer lay with the Sentinel, perhaps another might prove more forgiving."

    Hadurel gives the barest of nods. "Regardless, it is a moot point. Rosalind seeks to cleanse the Daughter. So too does Theodore. Thomas Gunn has already offered his support to Theo in this matter, as I understand it. Or at least relinquished his claim on these." He points to the bones of Saint Rosalind.
    As Melchizar states that if another controlled the Ways things could be different Sister Rosalind nods her head in agreement. "I believe we both agree that the Daughter should retake her place as the rightful guardian of the Ways instead of the Sentinel."Choosing her words carefully due to the deva in service to Charis before them Sister Rosalind says referring to herself and Melchizar as she turns to see if he had the same idea.

    However when the Deva speaks about the bones of Saint Rosalind she lifts her hand up. "Thomas Gunn had NO claim on these!" Sister Rosalind says to the deva though looking directly at the man who had been the holder of her trust since she arrived on New Ganther this latest insult was one to many to overlook. "Hadurel I assume you know what these are? Well then let me add Thomas was supposed to hold onto them for me until those of my kin were able to come and retrieve it and as none of my kin have claimed it they should have been returned to me last night when I asked for them and he said he was having them brought to me. So not only are these artifacts in no shape form or way his to give, he stole them from my faith and tried to give them to another, just as Melchizar was kept from me on a quest I asked my FRIENDS to help me with to free the soul of Brother Obren and countless others that were to be used in a ritual to bind the Daughter to the will of humanities enemies." Sister Rosalind says now turning to Theo for he was the one keeping the figure of her faith locked away from her after all the times she had helped him, including saving him from being killed by Naill when it came to reclaiming the sword at his side.

    "You wish for my help Theo to reclaim the Daughter or even stop her then I will be having back what belongs to my people. And Thomas, if our friendship ever meant anything to you find someone new to hold the trust. It is clear you no longer care for what we were trying to build together and I will not have a thief holding onto the money that could help the people of this city." Sister Rosalind says, drawing the line in the sand. To many times she had helped these people even when it didn't sit well with her, to many times did they ignore her requests not to kill everyone they saw and offer a chance for surrender, and with this last betrayal she would no longer aid these barbaric people without first making sure it did not hurt her own faith. Melchizar would be free this day to return to his duties and find peace before he returned to the Mother or her aid would not come to the Daughter.

  29. - Top - End - #59
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Gunn ignores the insults hurled by Rosalind, resisting the urge to lay all of her slights against him on the table. Instead, he says simply: "You asked me to help you improve the lives of the people on this island. Yet, now you seem entirely concerned by your beliefs about what lay beyond this life. Indeed, you have lost even your own humanity. It is you who has abandoned our common purpose." Confident she will repeat her lecture about the importance of the afterlife, he waves his hand dismissively at the notion. "It is out of my hands, now. Your trust will be put toward good use, to the purpose you contracted me: improving the lives--the lives--of the citizens of New Ganthar. If you wish to find someone else to oversee it, you may do so. My time is valuable to me, I will not work for you for free."
    Last edited by esorscher; 2020-06-24 at 08:51 PM.
    "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence"

    "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

  30. - Top - End - #60
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    ENOUGH. Theo says sternly. He paces the room to grab a glass of water, and looks outside the window so as to not stare daggers at his allies. Everything I have done, I have done in pursuit of two things; he growls, loud enough to be heard in the room but soft enough to not carry outside the door. To defeat Maltur, and to restore Charis. If anything I have accomplished, anything I have done, has been to the disadvantage of any in this room, so be it. I am sorry. He turned back around to face the group.

    We are running out of time. Theo urged them. Maltur will come in few enough hours. We cannot spend another hour arguing. Thomas Gunn, we have worked hard to save lives together. If Maltur succeeds, all our efforts had been for naught - it will be hellfire for every soul we saved. Rosalind, your concern extends to what lay beyond - I know that we desire the same end, that Charis be restored as the Shield, to return Her to the side of the Righteous. If we do not defeat Maltur, restoring Her will only cause Her to once again choose to Fall from Grace. Anything venom we have for each other MUST be put on hold until after Maltur is defeated.

    And for that we need a plan. We need to discover where Maltur intends to strike Theo continued. I know not what kind of trap we can lay, but we need more than our strength alone to emerge victorious. Melchizar has offered his assistance to that end, and until Yara arrives and the remaining artifacts to restore Charis are gathered together, I find his offer favorable. What do the rest of you say?
    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3SecondCultist View Post
    ...

    You're just going to start randomly setting things on fire, aren't you?
    Quote Originally Posted by TechnoScrabble View Post
    ...

    This entire campaign's going to become nothing but partying in a long forgotten world, isn't it?
    In the past, I played Sir Theo Roost.
    I am soon to begin playing his heir, Dora the Destroya

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