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Part 47: Dark
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Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
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The stairs, with their strange octopoidal carvings, alien faces on
every step, descend steeply into the stygian dephs of the abyss.
A little way down, the niche carved in the wall, barely visible from
above, laying as it does on the very limit of the light from the fire,
is reached, and its contents are revealed.
Torches, perhaps a couple of hundred, all unused, are stacked
within. It seems that those descending these ancient stairs were
not expected to stumble about blindly.
Torches are lit from the fire, the ancient, pitch-coated cloth burning fitfully and with a strange, greenish light.
The stone underfoot is worn, and the carvings are almost obliterated,
in places, by passing feet and accumulated centuries of dust.
Deeper and deeper the stairs descend, hundreds of them, thousands
perhaps, finally reaching a level section of passage with a ceiling so
low that the taller members of the group are forced to stoop. The
passage is short, but bends twice, sharply, then opens out into a vast,
echoing vault.
The walls here are covered with hundreds of the niches, and every one of them contains a human skeleton.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
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In a flash, the little faeire bursts up the stairs, hovering before
Devlin and Meredith. It stays close, an expression of fear on its
tiny face.
Below lie the graves, Devlin. I am not
certain their purpose, why they were chosen to be here...but I suspect
there is significance to what we do. I hope.
The little dragon sits upon Dorian's shoulder. Many things to consider. Many questions to be answered. I
had not thought Dorian would strike from so far out, myself. Do
not blame yourself, Dorian. It was...nearly impossible to stop
him once he left Samhain, if he ever came here. Luke's attempt
was a fool's errand, nothing more. A hope of winning the
lottary. But we had to try. He wraps his tail
around Dorian's neck for a moment - far from being cold and scaly, it
is warm and feels almost of velvet. I
grieve for Dorian, for what he could have been...and for the pain in
his heart that drives him to this. I grieve for both of you.
And in his madness, he is as cunning as ever. A cold plan, his
distraction, and one that would have worked. He is lost in an
abyss as great as that between universes. I only hope we can pull
him from it.
I will ask Luke to search for survivors. I hope that, at this
time, neither he nor Dorian encounter each other. As you say,
Dorian will react poorly...but the outcome of such a meeting is not
certain. The Prince, despite his wounds, is unveiled in his
wrath, which I have not seen in...a very, very long time. Dorian
might well find himself pushed to his limits and beyond.
And I will not have Dorian dying in an orgy of self-destruction.
He can be saved. And he must be stopped, before more worlds die.
Slowly the glittering eyes turn toward Chance. We
are what we hold within us, Chance. We rely upon ourselves.
But those of us here who command mighty powers, we are often balked
from their use. At that point, we grow confused, uncertain.
An important part of us has been rendered useless.
You, on the other hand...you have your spirit. You will never
stop. You will always continue. And sometimes a large
dollop of common sense, a way of seeing the world that does not rely on
mastery over it, is far, far more important than the ability to control.
Your spirit is our equal, and your perspective is critical. I do
not ask you to stand against Dorian, nor even an Archon. I need
your wisdom. Your sense of self. Your sense of what is
right and wrong, and your knowledge of people. Many of us here
have forgotten what it is to understand those who walk the Worlds
around us. We grow distant, removed from them by our differences,
and never see until we are too late.
Think, Chance. You know people. Dorian may be blinded by
proximity, but you...were you Dorian, caught up in madness and grief,
what would you do next?
With what you do, you have seen this played out many times, I suspect. It is only the scale that is different.
And now Aaron...where could we strike? We still know
nothing. We have no information, and indeed, one of our strongest
leads has been obliterated. *frustration* I share your
exhaustion with this... I do not know if the Archons would attack
the britizzi...their forces are vast, and more easily bypassed than
destroyed. And now, at this moment, the Archons will be buzzing
like bees whose hive has been damaged. If we thrust our hands
into that swarm...
You are the leader, but I advocate that, for the instant, we follow
Devlin. Determine what lies at the base of this stair.
Unravel that mystery. It may be the only hope we have for a path
to follow.
OOC - I put this here because this is the new
thread. I assume we're heading down the stairs...but since Berd
is, effectively, in two places at once, it doesn't matter.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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OOC: I'm assuming that Devlin and Meredith are ahead of the group with tortches, still in the dark for the moment.
Meredith reaches out after Sir Devlin speaks, finding for and taking his hand with her right one, glove in place. "As you wish Sir Devlin"
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
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Aaron sighed, nodding to Berd.
"I agree, but..." and then he stopped, his eyes widening.
"Who? Hold on a moment."
He stared off into space, and seemed to be simultaneously concentrating and focusing at the same time.
"Who are you?" he asked, clearly confused.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
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Chance stands at the top of the stairs, gazing downward as he listens to Berd speak. "I
suppose you're right, little one. I guess I'm just a little taken back
by the sheer magnitude of what this Dorian fellow has done, you know?
Anyway, you make me out to be some kind of sage, here. I'm just ol'
Chauncey-- not all that special. But if my perspective can help..." he sighs. "Let's
see.... I'm dark and scarey to begin with, but-- from what you all have
said-- coming out of my shell. I have feelings for a girl-- that part I
can identify with..." he smiles a big smile. "And she gets murdered by the enemy...." Now he scowls. "Yes.
Kill them all. I can get that. They have to pay. But what next? This
guy used to rule worlds, right? He ain't no fool. Like you said, Berd,
he's a fox. He'll want more, but he'll stop and think a bit. He'll be
exploring his options a tad. But he'll still want to kill more-- he
isn't coming home. Let's see... No, he isn't afraid to die, but he'll
avoid it if he can. He won't think for too long, so what are his
options? What are his resources? Where will he look to find more
targets?"
He looks down at his guitar. Was that his role in all of this; the
psychologist? It was a serious affair they were engaged in, and he was
solemn in his desire to do what he could. If playing armchair
psychoanalyst was the best he could be, then so be it.
He slowly begins to experiment with notes, slowly at first, then with
more confidence. It's the song of Dorian. It's slow and heavy, but with
light notes finding their way into the blank spaces.
"You're right, though. Knowing people is my job. I do it through
their songs. I'll work on his, though it may open me up to him if I'm
not careful."
He glances at Aaron, frowning. Now they were talking to themselves? No,
he knew something of such communication. Someone had contacted the man,
it would seem.
As he descends the stairs after the others, he whispers, "O
dark dark dark. They all go into the dark, the vacant interstellar
spaces, the vacant into the vacant, the captains, merchant bankers,
eminent men of letters, the generous patrons of art, the statesmen and
the rulers, distinguished civil servants, chairmen of many committees,
industrial lords and petty contractors, all go into the dark...."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
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Dorian stops midway through Chance's dialogue, thinking, pondering. He
frowns. Could it be? Finally, as he descends, he looks over to Berd on
his shoulder. He whispers a single word. "Gazarniel?"
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
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Devlin had taken torches an lit one. Easier for Meredith to see this
way instead of leading her around. When they arrive at the place with
all the skeletons, each in its own nitch he says, "A crypt. All the
dead placed here. Could be anything. A common burrial place, the
believers in some specific god."
Devin presses on, not waiting for the others, if they are not already there, looking for the end of this, whatever it is.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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Meredith follows Devlin deeper into the crypt. This was a treasure
trove of stories and histories and, once again, she finds herself
wishing that they had more time. More time to explore, more time to let
each of these fallen people share a piece of themself one final time.
"Thank you Sir Devlin" Meredith says quietly when he lights the tortch.
She follows two paces behind him studying the walls and skeletons as they walk deeper into the tomb "If you wish to know more of any, please let me know" she offers softly, a thrill of fear hitting her. Would they be as cold as the engraving?
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
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James follows the others down the steps if that is the general
consensus, making sure to collect and light a torch before he does so.
He understands Chance's feelings about the power possessed by some
members of the group and considers the question put to Chance by Berd.
"Dorian's sorcery is limited, he won't have too many
spells of that magnitude prepared, although I credit the retaliatory
strike at whoever kills him. But I've misread him once already, I
wouldn't want to guess at what he's capable of right now."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
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Aaron's face went from mute appraisal to surprise and then outright
shock. The shock was swiftly replaced by anger, his knuckles white as
he gripped Ilsefranvir.
"Our enemies mass in force and already send a weapon to strike at us,
Lenoardo having already fallen?!" he hissed, gritting his teeth. "So
Harbonah has sent that thing to kill us all and strike at those we care
for most."
Or not at all... in the case of Leonardo and Kaelyn... yet they
fought with us, beside us, and still they are targeted. Chrissie...
Jack...
Aaron raised his head, appraising the darkness and the voice within his mind.
"You give me this brutal information, saying that you fight for our
same cause, with neither a face nor a name to go by. Surely one such as
you can understand my obvious apprehension and the severe lack of
trust? Yet... you have my trump, physical evidence of your case,
something that only two others had." Aaron's shoulders lowered. "You
can pull me through, no doubt, and I sense that we have very little
time to act."
He held the contact, looking to Berd, to Dorian... his comrades all.
"We have no time left, such is true, and you say you would give us
protection, and that you hold an army." Aaron shook his head. "I... am
somehow loathe to refuse this offer. But I am not the only one who
would decide."
Aaron raised his voice then, and spoke to all present.
"My friends, we have a mysterious benefactor on the line. Our enemies
have sent a beast to kill us off one by one as a result of Dorian's
actions; Leonardo is dead." he said, his voice flat. "Others will
follow in his wake if we do not do something. I'm already in contact,
all I need is to say the word. Do we take this being's offer of
asylum... or continue on through the worlds?"
Aaron frowned. "I'm not quick to trust, but... Berd, he says Harbonah
knows of Jack, Jen and my granddaughter, and more than likely many
others we have traveled and fought with. Harbonah, the 'Angel of Fury',
has sent some thing after all of us." He looked to everyone else. "I need an answer now. Stay or go?"
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
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Aaron suddenly sagged, leaning heavilly upon Ilsefranvir, his eyes closed.
"He is gone."
Looking to Berd, Aaron turned tired eyes upon the drake.
"I saw armor of jet and gold. The face of a demon was emblazoned upon
the chest, its hair a nest of serpents. He... said he knew Ares, once,
that they belonged to the same Order."
He turned his head, staring at the cavern wall.
"We have things to do here," he said. "The Warrior will contact me
again when the time is right, but his offer is something we must
consider. The Thing that stalks us is said to be patient... but Time is
still our master."
Aaron moved away from the wall and sheathed Ilsefranvir, not allowing himself to jump at every shadow.
"We must go." he said, and began moving into the dark.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
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Little one? It has been a long time since I have been so named.
Berd doesn't seem at all offended, though. He stares down below,
to where two other lights bob - Meredith and Devlin, with his
faerie. Old Chauncey might just live up to his name, Chance.
He lets the man ponder, turning a worried look at Aaron, who seems to
be receiving some kind of contact from someone, somewhere.
No...Dorian is no fool. His resources are vast, and he plays them well, like an expert puppeteer. While he seems to want to agree with James, Berd looks worried. Nothing
prevents him from moving swiftly to a World where time flows more
quickly. With the Broken Pattern, he can easily create any number
of potent spells, and the move to commit more mayham. But if
Chance and James are both correct, he will be thinking in the short
term. Limited power, and limited time.
We must find him after this. Swiftly.
I think you have a better imagination than that, James. I suspect you can guess.
Then Berd's eyes snap toward Aaron, as the man explains the
situation. Berd struggles, long and hard with this
revelation. Another one? Come to join us, or assist? We cannot simply trust them, Aaron.
And yet, Leonardo. Jen.
We should see this through, Aaron. We leave too many mysteries in
our wake! See this through, this crypt, then consider this
person's words. We should take the time for a good decision, in
any case.
The crypt beckons. What shall we tell Aaron's visitor? I vote to wait, until this mystery, at least, is solved.
But then Aaron speaks again, and Berd leans forward. The
head of a demon, Aaron, or one of the gorgon sisters? For we
buried Ares in armor just as you describe! Do you not
recall? I remember when he first brought it from Olympu, where he
lived...though you were not with us at that point. Only myself
and Cyan of the people-
The drake cuts off for a moment, his eyes dimming as he recalls that,
of all the Questors, now only he remains of the first. Then they
brighten.
But that is armor identical to that Ares wore -
black and gold, with a gorgon's head in relief upon the
breastplate. I remember that sigil well.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
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"Yes," he said, pausing. "That's the armor, exactly, Berd. And I agree with you. There are things on this world we must pursue."
He paused, sighing.
"This is ridiculous. Just... one thing piling on top of another."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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Meredith stops following Sir Devlin and stands in place "Sir Devlin, please, the others are coming and Master Aaron... he is speaking to nothing?" her confusion seeps through to her tone.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
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"So... does that mean we trust this guy? Because he has the same
armor and claims to be of the same order? I mean, I'm all for asylum,
but it could be a trap, too. And if we accept asylum, how long are we
staying there? Will the archons give up their hunt in our lifetimes? Or
was there some other part of that offer that I missed?"
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
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"Yes," Dorian smirks. "Dorian was not born yesterday-- unlike
myself. As for this offer, I have no memory of this Ares. I trust
Berd's judgement, though. If Berd trusts him, I do."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
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"I hear him. Somethone has contacted him through,
what was Cyan called them? Palanquet? From what I have seen they are
pictures of people that let you speek with them wherever they might be.
Even travel to them."
Devlin looks back for a moment. "I will go
slowly, give them a chance to catch up. But I will not stop. I would
not go to anyone that will not reveal who they are, or how they have
come by Aarons likeness."
As he says, Devlin slows but keeps moving forward. He still listens at the far reaches of his senses. "What do you mean, if I want to know more? What else do you know of where we are going?"
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
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Devlin is correct - continue. The little faerie flits about the two of them, looking concerned. As to how he can contact Aaron, I assume by Aaron's words it is via palanquet. He spoke of Leonardo. Leonardo was an artist of 'Trump' - essentially the same thing.
But I will not trust, yet.
Back with the group, Berd lowers his head, considering. We
should stay focused, and you are right to be suspicious. I am not
advocating welcoming him with open arms, whatever our policy has been
in the past. Would that Aaron could give us the entire
conversation....
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
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Aaron sighed, closing his eyes. He was silent for a long moment, and when he spoke, it was from memory.
"Dorian's actions have turned the monsters who 'plague the Shadows'
towards a vicious rage. They have names, Jack, Jen, Chrissie, Kaelyn,
Cargach, and more than likely others as well. Leonardo is dead, the
Warrior has my trump from him. The creature that killed him is coming
after us and those we know."
"Harbonah has sent it."
He took a breath and continued.
"He offers asylum and an army. He understood our lack of trust, but
showed me only the armor that he and Ares shared, for he was helmed as
well. I do, however, also recall a pair of silvered rings that adorned
the arms. They seemed... out of place."
Aaron opened his eyes, gazing back down the tunnel.
"He knows we have no time, but he also knows that we have things to take care of here."
Aaron shook his head. "I don't trust the guy either... but he has my
trump, and the only other person who had that aside from Leo was..."
He didn't need to say it, and he knew he wouldn't. Not many people in
the myriad knew him well enough to forge a Trump out of him, that was
sure.
"That's it, period." he said, and continued on.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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While Sir Devlin slows, Meredith stays in place, and the farther he
moves away the more she is encased in the darkness. This does not
bother her for she knows that soon the second group will find her.
Still since his hearing is sharp, she answers him aloud, without
raising her voice.
"Thank you sir Devlin. If you wish to know more
about one of the bodies or tombs I will touch it to gather that
information for you" she looks at one of the aged skeletons to her side curiously.
What did they must have in common? To all be buried in this site, to be
visited so often by so many people, to share completeness and require
prayers? Her hand itches to touch the smooth bone, to seek answers, but
she holds back. A control that was not present before inhibiting her
actions. Not until she was told.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
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Berd muses for a long moment, and when he finally speaks again his voice is low and thoughtful.
We have never given the Archons enough
respect. We see them as a force of nature, a foolish, sadistic
group of children who have managed through raw force to come as far as
they have.
We are wrong.
They have the resources to conquer and enslave a thousand worlds, more, without alerting any of Chaos or Amber.
They seek a few fragments of the Broken God through all of the infinite worlds...and find them.
They placed a virus in the 'Trumps' of Amber, sealing away that power from the Lords of Order.
They fashioned the Orbs, which resisted all of our efforts to understand. They fashioned the Cubes.
They have a plan, an enormous plan of great imagination and
possibility. Grandiose, one might say. And yet, they are
very, very close to its completion.
We have been blind. We have been blind, when we held all of the
evidence in our hands. We even knew they had the capability to
find us, to find those connected with us.
Aaron, do you recall the Unknown? Who came to us in the form of Jen, a very short time after we left her? They found her. And through her, us. And we do not even know how, to this day.
Is it such a stretch they have found others? Connected them to us? We have left our marks everywhere. We have, as Luke warned us, 'burned brightly'.
And in our hubris, our own arrogance, we considered them more powerful
than ourselves, but not more subtle. Not more perceptive.
Not more cunning.
Until now, they have ignored us. We have stung one faction or
another. We have only truly caused them fear once, liberating
Prime's world, but it is possible they did not connect that with us.
Until now, their greatest enemies were each other.
They have always shown themselves capable of discovering information
about us - we merely conveniently ignored that fact. But why hunt
down a gnat, annoying your rival?
Now, though...we have struck at the heart of their race. They unite against us because we have become a threat to all of them. Now we have become worthy of notice.
All of those resources, minds, and powers capable of carrying out what I have described will be turned in our direction. It is hardly surprising they may have pieced together
a scattered set of puzzle pieces, and made of it a picture.
And still, we burn brightly. And I ask myself, what else do they know?
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
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Serena followed the others down the stairs as she quietly walked behind
Devlin and Meredith. As she walked she was able to study the
things in the tombs as they passed. The place was disquieting as was
the information from Aaron. At the moment Serena was trying to
compute all of the different information and to try and make sense of
it.
As it grew darker Serena hurried ahead to catch up to Devlin and the
light. Laying a hand on Devlin's shoulder getnly so as not to startle
him she turned to Merdith and said Meredith
if you can glean information simply by touching the relics I think it
is a good idea. The more information we have at this point would be for
the better in my opinion.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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Meredith nods to Mistress Serena. She has not travelled with the group
for long and does not know much of who they speak of. She pays
attention to Master Berd's words, but has nothing to comment on, to
contribute. Instead she removes the glove from her right hand gingerly,
takes a moment to gather her focus, and then touches the smooth bone of
the skeleton closest to her.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
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James agrees with pretty much everything Berd has just said. They
had survived so far, even succeeded to a point, because they were
beneath the Archons' notice. Dorian had changed all that.
But now was not the time to belabour the point.
"The trump isn't very persuasive, Aaron. He
may have Leonardo's trump for you because he took it after killing
him. That warrior might be the creature sent to kill
us. If they know all that other stuff, they may be using your
links to this Ares to lure us into a trap."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
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"And, Berd? James? What now? What do we do? Run?" Aaron was clearly angry, one hand flashing out to wave the notion away.
"Yes, perhaps I have known, subconsciously, that our enemies had the skill to kill everything I know. I expect anything now, and I have for a long, long time. It is a rare thing to find me surprsied.... despite the fact that it still happens. Even though I anticipate our enemies, even though I know that
anything could happen, still I continue on with optimism in the face of
utter adversity." Aaron sighed, crouching, exhausted.
"I don't have any links to Ares, save for a minor memory,
and the remembrance of his death." Aaron shook his head. "I'm so damn
tired of this. Cyan is dead, Leonardo may be as well. Who is next?
Jack? Meredith? You, Berd? My grandaughter, in the heart of Amber?"
Aaron spat. "Fools indeed. When one of us finally levels a world, so aggravated by this grievance, then they take notice of us."
Rocking back onto his heels, Aaron sat hard on the cavern floor, placing his head in his hands.
"I am so very... tired." he said, quiet and despairing. "Leave me."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
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Berd glances at Dorian, then flits to land on a nearby torch sconce, looking down at Aaron.
No. His voice is sad, but firm.
Rise up, Aaron. You are no longer our
leader, by your own admission, but you lead. You lead by
example. We take heart from your stubborness, if nothing else.
And yet, even stubborness might fail, given enough battering. Now it is time for you to lean upon us.
Rise up. Take a hand, and stand. We will carry you, for a time, as you have carried us in the past. The little drake smiles, the look in his glittering eyes faraway for a moment.
We will rest, after this. You are
physically weary. I know, though, I can do nothing for your
spiritual exhaustion. I can only offer my own back, on which you
might perch for a time. Should the Archons strike at those we
love...the universe endures. We endure. We must trust that
things will turn out for the best, if we set our minds and our backs to
the wheel.
We must trust ourselves. Something we have not done, not all of us.
And we must give ourselves the leeway to make errors. If the fate
of the universe hangs on one, single moment...then it is already
doomed, for errors creep into every design. The drake's voice grows rueful, then.
So stand, Aaron. Your faith is
tired. Your spirit is weak. Your body is exhausted.
Stand, and let us carry you for a time until you might again walk
alongside us.
But I pray you...do not leave us.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
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Noting that one of their members was seated, Chance took the
opportunity to sit himself. He didn't choose a seat too near Aaron,
though. He knew he was still a bit of a stranger here, and didn't want
to seem too chummy.
"I understand your fatigue, Aaron. Hell, I just got here and I
already feel beat up. I can't even imagine how you feel. I don't have
loved ones to worry about in the back of my mind while I try to save
the universe.
But the way I see it, this Dorian fellow's actions-- as foolish as they
were-- I don't think they've changed much. If we are to defeat the
Archons we would have pissed them off sooner or later. I could be
wrong, but at some point it had to come to this. Now, I'm not saying
his actions were called for-- I've seen teenagers with better emotional
restraint-- but I say we've got to take what we're given and do our
best with it. That doesn't mean we can't take a rest when needed."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
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He still felt guilty, as if he himself had unleashed the spell on the
Archon's world. He wanted to apologize to Aaron, but at the same time,
he was angry enough to go and do more of the same. It wasn't fair-- not
that he ever expected fairness. The Archon's came here and attacked
their universe, then got angry when the humans fought back. It said
something of their arogance.
"Perhaps there is an alternative plan to consider. If the Archons
are going to pull out the big guns, perhaps we should seek
reinforcements, as well. After all, it isn't reasonable that anyone
should ask us to face their billions with just these seven.
I think my counterpart's actions have done two things, in contrast.
They've shown we aren't weak, to be trifled with, but also just how
futile our position really is.
If they attack us directly, they will attack in large number. In that
case, we will need some numbers near us, as well. We could borrow a
small number of Brintizzi warriors-- if they yet live. Then, perhaps,
it would be a good time to contact Amber-- warn them at the very least.
What I'm saying is, perhaps it is time to admit we can't do this alone. They have found unity. Let us do the same."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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Meredith takes a deep breath and opens her eyes, pulling back from the
skeleton. She smiles wryly as she replaces her glove, still careful of
the tender skin and muscles. She had been expecting something more
complicated, but on another hand it was nice for something to be true
to its face value, for once. She sees that Master Aaron and Sir Chance
have stopped to rest and she retreats back, joining that group. She
stands on the outskirts of their gathering, not quite joining, but not
completely apart either.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
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"Learn anything juicy, Lady Meredith?" Chance asks with a smile
as he leans back. His foot taps, as if listening to some internal
melody. He was trying to act casual, but he knew what he has said, and
was curious to see her reaction.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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Meredith's attention goes to Sir Chance as he speaks, but she watches
him indirectly through the fall of her hair and lowered eyes. His
words, his title, brings of blush of shame to her cheeks. She feels
that he is testing her, maybe looking for some amusement? It does not
matter. He has begun the game of formality, and that is a game that she
knows very, very well.
Meredith approaches Sir Chance and stops about five feet in front of
him. She sweeps into a formal curtsy, as if addressing a king despite
her clothing. After the curtsy she sinks into a kneeling position. Her
head is still bowed and her hands rest on the tops of her legs. Because
of her petite stature she is now below him, even though he is seated as
well. She keeps her eyes trained on the floor, her head lowered, and
addresses him softly, her accent bringing formal undertones to her
words. Master
Chance you honor me with your attention. The man was a simple farmer,
the indigenous peoples of this world have always buried their dead here she bows to him again from her kneeling position, touching her forehead to her knee tops in a display of flexibility.
She stays kneeling before him, waiting on his whim.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James arrives at the bottom of the steps. The light from the
torches is not strong, but enough for him to see the others of the
group scattered around the crypt. He is pleased to see that there
have been no unpleasant complications for Meredith this time, although
he doesn't know what to make of her return to strictly formal behaviour.
"Chance, it had always been my hope that we would
only draw the Archons' full attention after the final move, hopefully
the winning move. To act against them in such a way that made
this kind of retaliation impossible or at least inconsequential beyond
our immediate well-being. Perhaps that was always a little
optimistic, but it would at least have been better to show our hand
when we chose."
"But now is not the time to despair, Aaron. All is not
lost. Dorian is right. If the Seraphim have united against
us, then we must take our opposition up a notch as well. We may
not have found the vital weak point but we know a lot more about the
Archons now. Armed with that knowledge, Amber and the Brintizzi
can stand against them. We could send an messenger to the Courts
of Chaos; even Samhain could muster considerable opposition I'd wager,
if we can make them appreciate the extent of the threat."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Indeed, the power that control Samhain, presumably Dorian's former
wife, could pose quite a threat to them if she could reach beyond that
world. Dorian planned to enable her to do such a thing, but,
apparently, aborted the plan. I think it is good he did so, for she
would likely become quite a threat herself, once the Archons were dealt
with"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sighing, Aaron nodded. Slowly, silently, he rose again. He said
nothing, but his face, the way he held himself, told the group enough
that their words had hit him where they needed to go.
"My true home of Ald Thiriel too is a powerful world, with
natural defenses that grow from the very world and an ancient force
that lives deep within itself. I believe it was there that one of
Dorian's first encounters with the Underflow occurred."
He nodded after a while, considering.
"The beasts that control my world are stubborn, not cowing to others
easilly, especially me." He chuckled. "You learn to approach them with
reverence when you know they can rip your throat out at a moment's
notice." Aaron shook his head. "No wonder my ancestors worshiped them."
"I too may be able to muster some sort of defense from them if they
know the danger is great enough. Though I... am hesitant to converse
with the Great Tree again. I do not think it would enjoy my presence."
His eyes took on a far off look as he remembered that distant place...
and the things he'd seen since then. "Yes, the Great Tree is tied into
the Underflow very, very deeply. It most certainly already knows of the
things that have recently occurred, it may even be massing defenses to
protect itself."
Looking to Dorian and James, he nodded.
"Yes, Amber and the Brintizzi also have excellent potential for
defense. As for Dorian's wife... well, I suppose we'll have to find
her, yes?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Indeed. It is high time we gathered
allies to stall the Archons advance. Defeating them will not come
from force of arms, but it may give us time and space to discover the
way to unravel their plans.
It is good that you rise, Aaron...tell me, did you ever solve the
riddle of the Tree? It might be important. It might be very important.
The little dragon glanced at Dorian at the mention of 'his' wife.
I can find Dorian's wife rather easily,
Aaron. She is the one who holds this reality in an iron
grip. I would...caution against opening a dialogue with her.
So. We follow this to the end, this path, then do as all of you
suggest. James has included the Courts of Chaos, and we are near
to them, now.
The little dragon pauses, studying the tableau formed by Chance and Meredith with one raised eyeridge.
Devlin, Serena...have you found anything ahead?
With them, the little faerie keeps close.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beneath the heart of the mountains, the chambers, vast and dark, run
deeper into the earth. Each crypt containing many, many
skeletons. Thousands of them, laid to rest long ago...
Chamber after chamber, and all the bones yellowed by age, and some of
the niches holding little more then dust and fragments.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I agree with Berd's plan," Dorian says. "Let us gather ourselves and continue, then. And hope that we are not here merely by coincidence after all."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena studies the trap door and the handle itself before replying back to Berd.
Berd, we have finally reached the end and there is
a trap doorof some sort in the middle of the floor. I don't recommend
opening it until I have had a chance to check it for spells, traps and
the like. I also think that if we are to open it and continue on we
should do so with all members of the group present."
After a moment Serena added,>As faras
martialling additional forces from Amber I will gladly contact my
mother and see what she can do to assist us in this fight. It is
possible she has resources in other places than Amber as well that I am
simply unaware of."
Then turning to Devlin Serena asks with all seriousness,
<Green>What do you think about following this path. Do you think
we should go ahead and see what is down there or give up and turn
back?</Green
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I plan to press forward to see what is at the end of this." Devlin relies to Serena's question, and then adds, "Whether or not the others join us. If you can check this for traps then you should do so."
Devlin then starts to inspeck the stone slab himself, moving slowly
around it looking at the place where the stone of the trap door meets
the stone of the floor. "If I need to I may be able to enter without opening the door."
The man continues his inspection, "I
was not as upset about the bird as I was that fool Dorian acting
without considering anyone or anything. He has likely made it more
dificult for us and many more that would not have died now will. The
man is a jackass and I hope that the Archon's find him quickly and deal
with him. No matter what Berd says, I have no use for anyone that acts
without considering how his actions will effect others. If he returns
then..." He trails off shaking his head. Speaking of it is only making him angry again.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena nodded understanding Devlin's anger at Dorian. "It
is true Devlin that Dorian's actions have definitely been detrimental
to our cause and although he was hurting and angry this is a form of
betrayal to me and in my opinion to the group as a whole. If he
returns..well then we will have to see won't we." Serena was
obviously tying them together as a unit on the actions if dorian
returns as Berd's words that the two of them would have to show the
others the way returned back to her.
Devlin, just wait a moment if you would before
going in even if you think you can. I'll sweep for traps to the best of
my ability and warn the others to hurry up." Serena requested politely before using the bridge to pass along to Berd,"Berd,
I am going to try to sweep for traps now. Devlin is quite ready to
enter so if the rest of the group could be moved forward fairly quickly
perhaps we can go through as a whole unit which would be my preference.
Then Serena began studying the trapdoor for traps or other nasty surprises.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
The little Faerie nods her head. I will relay, Serena...remember, you may access the bridging at any time, to allow communication between you and the others. I am with you, here, and with them simultaneously.
But...you do not automatically speak to them, nor do they hear when you speak aloud. This said with a nod to Devlin, as well.
Everyone...Serena and Devlin have found a
trap-door. Serena is searching it for traps. Perhaps there
we will find what we seek...whatever that may be.
We should hurry to catch up with them.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
At Master Berd's words, Meredith looks up a Sir Chance, a ghost of a
smile on her lips, a bit of mischeviousness sparkling in her
eyes. She then rises soundlessly, a slight frown on her lips. She
rolls her shoulders tentatively and her fears are confirmed. The frown
slides away, replaced by a more neutral expression. She would talk to
Mistress Serena about it later, luckily it was not serious.
Meredith steps to the side of the cave's tunnel to allow the others to proceed her after Sir Devlin and Mistress Serena.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron walked along with the group, thinking.
He nodded absently to himself and spoke, thinking aloud.
"There must be some way we can strike at the Archons, crush them,
without destroying ourselves or anyone else as well." Aaron sighed,
remembering the words of Yggdrasil. "There is an infinitude of
possiblities out in Reality. There must be something we can level against their entire race."
What he was saying was apocalyptic, he knew, the probablity of destroying an entire race was absurd to a rational mind. Rationality, however, had taken a vacation once Dorian had swatted a world aside.
Aaron was simultaneously nauseated and intrigued at the fact that he
was considering killing off a race of ancient beings. And yet... in the
face of the necessity of survival, it didn't really seem so bad.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin and Serena study their discovery, and soon the others arrive to see what they have found.
Their voices echo from the walls of the crypt, this one seeming to be
natural stone, just barely shaped by the people who used this
place. Stalactites have been removed, niches hollowed out, and
uneven floors have been levelled, but beyond that, the chamber still
resembles the cave it once was.
The niches contain nothing but ancient dust and chips of bone, their occupants long crumbled away.
In the final chamber sits the trapdoor. A slab of stone eight
feet square, and two feet thick, at least the part projecting above the
floor, sitting in the middle of this, the deepest, most natural-seeming
of all the chambers. In the centre of the slab is an iron ring,
about ten inches across and an inch or more thick.
There are no visible hinges, but it does look like a trapdoor, though the creature who could lift it would have to be quite large.
Dust lays thickly around the slab, drifting to a depth of a couple of
inches. Devlin and Serana have swept the dust away in places, and
found that the slab sits in a depression in the floor. Around the
edges of the slab, that depression has been filled with lead, probably
poured in when molten, to form a seal.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena stood up after studying the trap door and turned to the others and said,"To
the best of my knowledge there are no traps or spells on the door. The
downside is that I cannot see what is beneath the trap door at all. It
is somehow blocked from my ability to see. I guess we will just have to
chance it I supppose."
Serena then moved her bag to the position that it would be over her
shoulders and out of the way leaving her hands free. After which she
slipped her hand over her sword hung at her side and waited to see if
one of the ohters would try something or if they wuld just go down and
see what was there.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, no cracks to slip in through." Devlin says as the others arrive.
The man then looks up at the ceiling of the cave looking for any hint
of the apparatus that was used to lower the huge stone into place. "The way that ring is set in the center of the stone suggests that some type of pully system was used." he comments, mostly to himself.
"Meredith, can you tell us anything about that stone, or what lies below it?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Still at the back edges of the group, Meredith makes her way to the
trap door, careful to avoid bumping into anyone else when Sir Devlin
asks for her assistance. She looks at it while she removes the glove
from her left hand and tucks it into her belt. She studies her hand for
a moment to see if its condition is still slowly improving before
stepping right in front of the slab.
"We shall see Sir Devlin" she answers him
before reigning the scattered thoughts and pieces of her mind into a
single, united purpose. That focus in place, she lies her hand flat
against the trap door.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fortunately we have our own pulley system, Berd notes quietly, glancing at James, before lapsing into deeper thought, much of his attention dropping away.
(Heavyhand/scarspirit) {lift/raise} (stone/portalbar) when (others/questors) {wish/desire}.
He absently studies Meredith as she moves to touch the cold stone, more
out of concern than any attempt to figure out her trick. Berd has
given that up - it is something peculiar to her, or her training, and
beyond him.
Under the surface of the bridging, his mind continues to work, furiously.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"This is interesting," Dorian says. "I have indeed heard of
crypts in the mountains all over Samhain, which date back thousands of
years... but I have heard of nothing like this. This is something
different. And remember, Dorian reigned here. There is little I do not
know of this place."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith's eyes snap open and she steps back from the stone slab, her
first move to return the glove to her hand, a small frown on her face.
This had happened only once before and that was a riddle she had yet to
figure out. Glove in place, she smoothes the frown from her face,
bothered that it even surfaced in the first place.
She takes a few steps back, suddenly wishing that she could teleport to
the rear of the group and make them forget about this cave. No matter
what she told Sir Devlin he would push on. This she was sure of. But
she no longer wished to know what was stowed away so long ago, sealed
by something before life truly thrived on this world. This thing's wishes were for safety and she knew that they were about to stomp all over those wishes, and it bothered her.
Another step back, and she sighs, her voice sad "Sir Devlin is there anything I could say that would keep you from openning this door?" she does not look at him, but rather the door and a secret that was better kept safe.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James walks with the others to the trapdoor.
"I sincerely hope there is a better way,
Aaron. I believe that if we can find a way to deny the objective
the Archons seek, the Seraphim will revert to feuding amongst
themselves. This need not end with annihalation."
Walking the perimeter of the trapdoor, James surveys it sceptically, estimating its weight. "I'm
strong, Berd, but not that strong. I'd need something to melt the
lead seal, a braided steel cable and a pulley block strong enough to
take the strain."
He steps back when Meredith airs her reservations. "What's up, Meredith? Why should we leave the trapdoor closed?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith takes a breath, organizing things in her head before tapping
into Master Berd's bridge. She uses it to show them an image.
There is man, well not a man precisely, but something else.
Primitive, almost bestial, clad in furs and working at the stone of the
stair with tools of other, harder stone. His face is close to
human, though the brow is heavy and the jaw misproportioned. As
he works, he mutters in a language which seems to be made up mainly of
grunts, and then he pauses to sweep away the stone chippings with a
ragged piece of animal pelt. In this moment his work is revealed, a
partial engraving of an octopedial animal
Meredith's voice carries through the bridge as the image fades This not quite man engraved the stairs we descended into this chamber.
The being that laid this seal is older than those stairs, most likely
from another world. This being laid the seal for safety... be it the
safety of whatever is behind the seal, the safety of this world, or
something else I do not know. she looks from Sir Devlin to James, speaking aloud "We
should leave the trapdoor closed because we have enough serious issues
to handle at the moment besides violating this being's wishes" her eyes settle on the floor and she sighs softly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"We still know very little. What was a safety issue millenia ago may
be dust today. It could just as easily be that something bad locked
something good away for safety-- and being where we are, that isn't
improbable. Good does not have a history of triumph on Samhain. As Berd
says, we were brought here for a reason. If others agree, I am willing
to proceed. Understand that my past is tied to the past of this place,
so it is of great interest to me. The seal is not a problem to remove."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chance arrived, glancing down at the trapdoor. It looked heavy. He
tried to imagine some way to move it, but failed. James was right, with
a good pulley and some cable, maybe they could all lift it. It seemed
like a lot of effort to do something so risky. These people seemed to
think risk was worth it only if it took great effort and promised
little reward. It was the opposite of most average people he met. "This
sounds like the kind of thing that stays dangerous. No expiration date,
you know? I guess knowing saftey had something to do with it doesn't
tell us much, but it seems like quite a risk.
Can I just suggest that if we do lift that stone, we rig it so it can be resealed quickly if needed?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron was quiet, apparenlty mulling over James' words in his mind. He raised his eyes to the slab and whistled.
"You know, if I put something that heavy in the way, I really wouldn't want it moved unless it's absolutely necessarry."
Chuckling, Aaron nodded to Chance.
"Yeah. We should probably open it, but I agree. We should also make sure that somebody stays on this side with a Trump, in case anyone else tries to shut it on us."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd is obviously contrite. My apologies, James. I shall keep to a more realistic estimate of your strength in the future.
The drake considers the seal, and listens to Meredith's words. He
narrows his eyes and glances around, clearly worried, examining the
walls, the floors, and the seal itself. Hopping from Dorian's
shoulder, he lands in front of the seal and examines it.
Finally, the little dragon speaks through the bridging. I
am...reluctant to open this door. As Serena informs us, it was
sealed for a reason. We cannot penetrate it with our
senses. We cannot know what lies behind it. Perhaps it is a
harmless creature who wished to sleep, for eternity. Perhaps it
is a being from Outside, who will make the Archons seem like children
by comparison. Perhaps it is a piece of the Broken God.
We cannot know.
As for resealing, it is possible magic went into the creation of the
seal...in which case, a mere physical barrier will be all-but-useless.
I am in agreement with Meredith. The trapdoor is another issue we
cannot afford, and a chance we cannot take. Not to mention the
fact that we may be violating the wishes of a creature that only wanted
to be left alone.
One of my enemies once made a colossal mistake, leading to the
destruction of several worlds and the deaths of his wife, his brother,
and billions of sentients. That mistake was prodding a sleeping
creature until it awakened.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin looks from Berd to the imitation Dorian. It does not please him
at all that he actually agrees with the latter, but there it is.
"I would still like to proceed, but without help, it seems that I
cannot. But I agree with Berds first assumtion, that we landed here for
a reason. If we now ignore it competely we will never know what that
reason is."
"We have nothing, we do not know what to do. Isn't it a bit foolish to
pass up somehthing that may help? Or do we just run an hide from
everything until there is no longer anywhere to hide and the end comes?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd considers this quietly. Then, The
vote stands at two for and two against, with Chance abstaining but
advising caution. Where do Serena and James come down upon this
issue?
For a vote seems the only way to settle this. We cannot simply
abstain from doing that for which we do not have a unanimous
decision. If we do that we will stagnate into inaction, as Devlin
right points out.
And thus I call for Serena and James to make their choice.
Whatever the final decision, I will support the group in this. I
will take the risk, if the group believes it worthwhile.
My ideas are not the only ones with validity...nor are they infallible, as has been demonstrated so recently.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It's too bad we don't have a way- or the time- to learn more. Berd
is right, I'll advice caution, but withold a vote unless it is needed.
I believe in fate well and good, but the tricky thing is telling the
real fate from the fake. It's when you start using fate as a motivation
to do things that things go wrong, in my experience."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian turns to James and Serena.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith listens to the others, and agrees with Master Berd's call for
a vote. At least it was an attempt to be somewhat fair. She wanted to
reply to Sir Devlin, but stays her voice, using the vote as an excuse
to not speak up. She did not want to unduly influence James and
Mistress Serena and hopes she has not done so already. She expects
Mistress Serena to side with Sir Devlin, but James... he truly was a
wild card.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena linked her arm with Devlin and said,"I
am in agreement for taking our chances and going down. If we don't we
may, as Devlin pointed out, miss something that could be of assistance.
"There is always a chance this could be a
terrible mistake with terrible resuls. However, I still think that the
best idea is to go on. If you wish I will go down first . I have some
spells that would be able to protect me and I also have this. Serena said as she flipped her ring into sword form.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It's a fifty-fifty call. Help or
hindrance. Fortunate circumstance of the Underflow or Archon
trap. But I've never been much of a gambler. If it's
trouble then we've got more than enough as it is. If it's help,
then there are more reliable sources we can go to without taking the
risk. I say leave it."
James seems fairly relaxed about the situation. He may have voted
for the status quo but there is little chance he'd kick up a fuss if
over-ruled.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin shakes his head and laughs, "More reliable sources? More reliable sources!?"
He feels comfort in the arm that is wrapped around his own. The man looks around at the others. "I
would really like to know what these sources are. The only source of
information I have seen thus far has been destroyed by the enemy.
Another has been left behind. Even if Luke does retrieve it, using it
is sure to alert our enemies of our exact location."
Devlin looks around again, still shaking his head, his voice rises as
he continues, the anger started by Dorian's act purculates to a full
boil. "When
we do finally find a posible source of information one of this group
decides to go and destoy it because he was hurt by the loss of Cyan; a
hurt that cannot even be compared to the hurt that the enemy will cause
when they succeed."
The man pauses for just a moment, taking a deep breath. "I
have been following as this group runs from one thing to another simply
reacting, no plan, no real idea of what to do next, guessing at what to
do, working against each other half the time, each too concerned about
their own thoughts and not really listening to each others. Somebody
please tell me of these reliable sources of informtion. If they exist
then let us seek them out and gain that information."
Devlin closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, "You
can all leave if you wish, but unless I am given a damn good reason to
do something else I plan to stay here and find a way to move that
stone. At least I will be doing something. I have no idea if it will
help or not, but I will never know if I simply leave."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith backs away even farther from Sir Devlin as he starts to laugh.
It is not a good laugh, like the being that held this world, there was
little humor to be found. When her back hits the cave wall she starts
to move towards the rear of the group, her body moving to put as much
distance between herself and the source of anger as possible. But she
stops. There was some sort of enchantment on the door, but did it
extend to the rock of the cave? While Sir Devlin continues his tirade,
Meredith quietly slips the glove off of her left hand and presses it
against the rock.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin...may have a point. Berd seems to be struggling with a natural sense of caution, and a certain amount of inertia.
If it is a trap, I do not believe it to be one
of the Archons' creation, James. I am sure enough of my own
abilities to say so - they could not have rerouted us. And
besides, everything we know of the Archons contradicts that possibility
- they are direct. If they could direct us, they would place us
where we would face a dozen of their bladed warriors, and chop us to
pieces.
No, if it is a trap, it is an old one...set to catch the unwary, not ourselves in particular.
We have little sources of information.
We have little time.
We have been remarkably unfocused.
He thinks furiously for a long moment, fighting against his own inclinations.
I advised Cyan for a long time...yes,
advised. Now I will take advice from her. She told us we
were far behind the Archons in planning. She told us that only
desperate movements would allow us to cut the corners, to catch
up. The risks would be great, she said, but at the same time they
were our only option. Staying safe would only see us maintain our
distance behind the Archons, or slowly, far, far too slowly, gain
ground.
The drake's head comes up, and his eyes kindle in the dim light.
And now I will listen to my daughter. I
change my vote, and stand with Aaron, Dorian, Serena, and Devlin, who I
believe is correct.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Devlin, please calm down." James spoke
levelly, calmly. He could understand Devlin's frustration but
getting carried away helped nothing. Neither, for that matter did
talk of reactionary tactics and lack of information, problems that had
continually plagued the group since James had become involved.
"Perhaps we do not always listen to each other as we
should and our plans border on the incoherent at times. It has
been this way since I joined, a classic case of too many chiefs, not
enough Indians; although I would go as far as to say that the situation
is better now than it has been. But bear in mind that at each
turn we are going up against a vastly more powerful enemy that has had
time on its side from the very beginning. The lack of
information, as frustrating as it is, goes to the very core of our
problems. We react, at times, because we must. There always
seems to be one more emergency."
"What you propose, though, is just as reactionary. Maybe bold
tactics are called for, but I still say some broader planning is
needed. The best available information we have from Meredith who
urges caution. Why not go back to Amber, they may not have more
reliable information but they have resources far beyond our own?
This is just another stab in the dark."
James shrugs, taking his time about it and flexing his shoulders. "But the majority has spoken, so if somebody will take care of the preliminaries I'll see about moving that slab." A pause as James re-assesses. "We're going to need a ratchet mechanism as well, I'll need something to take the weight each time I shift grips."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
And so, Fate holds its breath as a decision is reached...
And suddenly Meredith, standing near the wall, collapses...
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin does calm down, but not through anything that James says, simply
becasue he know that being as upset as he is will do him no good.
Calmly he says, "Yes, let us return to Amber." he says, but not in a way that seems serious. "Let
us go to a place where we believe the enemy has an agent so that they
will know where we are and lets also tell them exactly what we are
doing while we're at it. Or was that just more smoke when someone said
that one of Amber works with the enemy?"
"I for one do not plan on going anywhere where anyone can find me for...."
Devlin sees Meredith colapse near the back of the group. "She's gonna kill herself yet." he says, though he does not run to her, Devlin knows that others will do that and he doubted he could help her anyway.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena unlinks her arm from Devlin only saying,"I believe you are right." and makes quick haste to Meredith's side where she places her hands on
her head and begins to try to find out what has happened to her this
time.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Looking up at the others Serena stated,"There
is nothing seriously wrong with Meredith that rest and food would not
help. We are looking at a simple case of exhaustion or strain. We can
either awaken her now or wait. Either way I advise we keep her from
using her abilities as much as possible. Only in a dire threat would it
be a good idea until she has had a chance for rest and food."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd watches closely as Serena tends to Meredith, and then nods slowly at her appraisal. Good. Thank you, Serena, for the quick reactions. Meredith will require cautioning when she awakens. Then he returns his attention to the stone.
It would seem that going to Amber is not the
solution. Going to Chaos would be a poor choice - we would spend
the first month merely attempting to get in the front door and speak to
someone of significance, most likely. If we are not imprisoned
upon the spot as spies.
Berd considers, tapping his teeth with the tip of his tail. There
comes a time when a soldier in the field must make decisions on his
own, knowing that any commanders to the rear are likely in possession
of even less information. Amber is notorious for being concerned
with Amber, and we are near the Chaos side of things. Dorian
himself knows nothing of this tomb. I would hazard that we have
found a Mystery - the Myriad Worlds, by dint of their infinite nature,
are full of them.
I believe our best bet is to solve it ourselves. If that means taking a chance...so be it.
Frankly, I am at a loss at how to OPEN this thing, though. I
cannot summon the necessary equipment without risking Her
attention. Dorian? Serena? Do you have magics capable
of opening this gate, or assisting James with his attempt to raise
it? We need only open it a little ways, and Devlin can
enter...then we will work from both bottom and top,
simultaneously. Aaron? Have you any new tricks that might
suffice to aid?
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith stirs, her brow creased in a painful frown as she moves her
right hand to her head. She struggles to sit up, still woozy, her
thoughts disjointed. It only takes a few moments for everything to come
rushing back.
"The seal! Do not open it!!!! she exclaims,
speaking out in the loudest voice the group has ever heard. She tries
to rise quickly, to move towards the seal, to see if it is too late,
but her body is not complying.
Instead she falls back to the floor, creating a tangle of cloaks. Her
eyes, wide and full of urgency fasten onto Mistress Serena "Please tell me it is not too late" her voice is quieter now, as if that single outburst sucked all of her
energy. Her eyes dim with exhaustion, but the urgency, almost a panic,
are still there. Meredith sighs, looking used up and tired, her eyelids
drooping heavily "Please, do not let It out" she echoes the plea, as if saying it more will make it come to pass.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Meredith,
noone has opened the door yet so please calm down. You are
overextending yourself. I do not want you to extend yourself any
further. I do not wish to hurt your feelings,however, if you continue
to overextend yourself you willb ecome a large burden to the group and
not an asset." Serena spoke calmly but with great emphasis as
she crossed back to Devlin and stuck her arm through his needing
stability and comfort."Please if you can remain calm tell us what it is you saw and why you are so terrified."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
As Serena moves away from Meredith, James steps closer. He picks
up her glove from the stone floor and, moving slightly behind Meredith,
helps her to sit up. Once she has settled a little, he hands her
the glove. He doesn't say anything, waiting for her to explain
her latest vision.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, that settles it. We've got to open it, now."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron laughed at Chance, shaking his head.
"That was great. Yeah. Let's open it." he said, and approached the enormous blockage.
He glanced behind him at Meredith. "Well? What the hell is in there, girl?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith flinches at Mistress Serena's words. She is so tired, she
wants to sleep. Deep down she is irritated. She has risked everything
to bring forth the proof Sir Devlin required and was being threatened
to be removed from this, because she took the very risk Sir Devlin was
advocating? Normally this irritation would be held in check, kept from
ever surfacing. But she is so tired, exhausted mentally and physically
and it just is not happening.
She opens her eyes more when James helps her sit up. Her smile is lazy Thank you... for everything. Sorry I got scared she says quietly while pulling on the glove. Her attention shifts to
Mistress Serena and Sir Devlin, then Sir Chance and Master Aaron and
his demand. The anger overtakes her so suddenly that the change in her
demeanor is startling.
Her smile is gone, her eyes stony. "What is
in there Master Aaron? Does it really matter? Do you really care? No,
you will still insist on openning it anyways. I pushed myself to find
Sir Devlin's "damn good reason" and when I find it, I become a liablity
and am threatened with being removed from the group!? Fuck that" her anger is burning in her eyes, setting a healthy, oddly appealing
flush to her skin. Her voice is quiet, but hardened by her anger. For
the first time she does not back down "I see now how you truly treat your own, and you deserve the fate that awaits beyond that seal" she looks away, disgusted, the exhaustion still dragging her down,
undermining the potency of her anger. Yet for once she is out of her
shell, truly speaking from her soul and it radiates through the
tiredness, through her features, highlighting the hidden beauty of her
features.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin crouches in front of Meredith and speaks quietly, "I
do not think Serena meant to make you leave us but to prevent you from
using... this gift of yours to discover anything new until you have had
a change to rest and regain your strength." he says to the girl.
"If you can give me a good reason not to proceed,
please, do so. What is it that you have seen, and why do you think it
should remain where it is?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith does not look at Devlin when he crouches in front of her and
speaks, but neither does she shrink away. Silently she is digging for
the engergy to calm down. This anger, there was strength and power it
in, but it is a strength and power she does not want. Finally she looks
around at the group and lets out her breath in a sigh. There is no
strength to sustain the anger even if she wanted to. It drained her
more, causing her to sag closer to the ground. Her eyes are still
stony and unhappy, but the flare of true anger has burned out.
"That last statement, it was unfair" Meredith admits, looking to everyone in the cave save James. It was as
close as she was getting to an apology. Her eyes settle on Devlin "When
we first met Serena was concerned I would be too much of a burden to
the group. How can you think she meant to prevent me from touching
something when she named me more burden than asset?" Not an
angry demand, but not a humble request either, an honest question asked
by an exhausted, exasperated young woman falls somewhere in between.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I cannot answer that. To be honest, I do not recall that particular comment." Devlin replies in answer to Meredith's question, "But
I do not consider you a burden. You have put yourself at great risk,
greater risk that most of us have done, to bring us information and
information is what we most need."
Devlin shakes his head, "I think others were
worried as well, but I think it was more that they were worried about
your safety if you joined us than any work it would cause them." The man looks around at the others for confirmation of this, then looks back at the girl. "Do you feel strong enough to tell us what you have seen? Or should we let you rest? perhaps some food?" He looks around again, "Does anyone have anything that Meredith could put in her stomach that might help her to regain her strength?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Because we know Serena, that's how." Dorian's voice is flat, somewhere between diplomacy and patronage. "That
is a unfathomable difference between you and her. More to the point, if
Serena said we she had discovered something and we shouldn't open it,
we would trust that, too. You, I can't help but notice, keep avoding
the question of what exactly is down there and expect us to take your
word for it. We want to know more of what you already know. Why don't
you use this opportunity to fill us in with some actual information." He liked the fire he saw in her, though. He could have been nicer, but he didn't want to let it die so easily.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd watches Meredith shoot upward with some surprise, and her words
immediately put him on his guard. He casts a single,
narrowed-eyed glance at the slab, and waits for her to explain.
Perhaps they won't be opening it, after all...
But surprise and wariness turns to shock, which turns to dismay as
Meredith crudely castigates the group, condemning them viciously.
He recoils, and glances toward James before returning his
attention to the furious girl as Devlin attempts to turn things toward
a softer tone...and succeeds, more due to the Meredith's weariness than
anything else. And the Dragon wonders, is this Meredith's true
spirit? Dormant for so long, beneath layers of surrender to
circumstance and her curse?
He doesn't bother joining in - right now the girl certainly doesn't
need a stream of people telling her about them, and besides, she
doesn't like him. Anything from Berd would be more hindrance than help.
Instead, he merely listens, shooting a look to Dorian, now, as the man
speaks.
I can provide food, the little dragon replies, quietly, and his faerie disappears, off on an errand to a nearby world.
He can't help but wonder how the others have seen this, what they might be thinking.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena listened as Meredith took everything she said in the worst
possible light. Her arm tightened on Devlin's at the girls lashing out
at her and the others.
After berd speaks of food Serena pulls a flask from her bag and said,"Meredith
this is an herbal energy drink that I made up myself . It increases
your energy and your mental sharpness. I would greatly appreciate it if
you would drink it. I would also like a chance to clarify what I said." holding out the flask serena waited to see if she would take it.
"I never said in any way that you would be
kicked out from the group. What I said is that if you keep
overextending yourself you will have a reaction which may cause you to
literally have your body shut down on you and then we would have to
carry you. Which we would do. I simply meant that I think you should
avoid using your abilities for awhile. I for one appreciate allyou have
done and do not want you to collapse from the effort. I hope you
understand now and we can go back to our budding friendship." Serena finished with a tentative smile truly hoping she had not
alienated Meredith. She did want to be friends with her anmd eventually
heal her mind for her.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chance stood nearby, feeling somewhat helpless. There were things he
could say, of course, but too many were already trying to talk to
Meredith. He doubted his words would mean anything more, especially to
her. He simply waited, not wanting to look at anyone too much or too
little. He especially didn't like Dorian's tone, which seemed rather
biting. At that moment, there seemed to be more of the real thing in
him than before.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith closes her eyes and lies still while they speak... Devlin,
Dorian, Berd, Serena. She opens her eyes slowly when Serena offers the
flask. Her eyes and face are expressionless as she accepts the flask
and cradles it in her lap as she works the stopper free and drinks it
while Serena finishes speaking, explaining. She closes her eyes again,
thinking about she has some explaining of her own to do. When it was
all said and done it was a single word that triggered the anger, a
deep, repressed anger Meredith did not previously know about. Now that
she knew of it she could fight it, but still, what if she succumbed
again? Serena's words had struck closer to home than she probably
realized. She had uncovered another way that Yoli still controlled her,
and she feels defeated. This defeat only strengthens her resolve to
seek the other woman's help, to forever remove his hold over her, to
move from burden to more neutral ground.
By now the drink's properties were taking affect and Meredith sits up
completely, openning her eyes again. She still looks tired, but there
is more life in her eyes as she looks at everyone. What I said... it was honest, how I said it was not appropriate, and for that I apologize to each of you she pauses to let her words settle and to gather strength I understod the risk I was taking she says to Serena what
I did not consider was the impact it would have on the group, and that
will not happen again. Thank you for your understanding she smiles at Serena, but it becomes sadder as she looks to Dorian It seems you inheirited more of your namesake then you let on is her only comment. Now her attention settles on Devlin. She falls
silent, feeling the false strength from the herbal drink coursing
through her veins, lending her the ability to share what she had seen.
Finally she takes a deep breath and begins to speak, slowly and
deilberately.
There was a time when Samhain was forested and
life thrived here in harmony. It was this world that became the
battlefield of a horrible war. Archons, wheels of fire and lighning,
and Others. The Others, they had thousands of shapes... they flew,
walked, burrowed, they hunted. The Archons were terrible in their fury,
but the Others... they were worse. They fought their war, and this
world was destroyed, reshaped, devastated in the process. Although they
were bitter enemies, the Others and the Archons shared a goal, to
conquer the worlds. Then the war just... ended. The Archons and Others
left, leaving remnants of themselves, and the war behind. The people of
Samhain sealed them away and then their civilization fell, giving way
to Dorian's ancestors to rise. By then the war was forgotten and these
places where things were sealed were remembered only as what surrounds
us. Crypts for the dead. It is a remnant of this war that lies sealed.
Be it an Other, a weapon, an Archon, I do not know. For what it is
worth, I think we should open the seal, but not before we have a plan
in case it is an Other or an Archon we need to detain it, so that we do
not unleash an evil worse than what we already fight again she looks to everyone, only this time her eyes settle on Aaron, tired and sad. Aaron, I know you know my name... please use it she requests quietly before falling completely silent.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"A Remnent?" Devlin says, "As in a piece... part..."
The man turns to look at Berd, "Is anyone else thinking what I'm thinking? Which could explain the strength of the magic on this world."
He pauses for just a moment and then says, "The
question is, do we destroy a piece of the archons' broken god, or is
there some way we can use it to help us? We certainly can't leave it
where it is."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
The faerie reappears at some point in the midst of Meredith's tale,
along with a small plate of what appears to be grapes and honey-oat
cakes. This materializes beside Meredith, and the faerie flits
off to continue to orbit Devlin and Serena.
Berd, for his part, remains silent still. His lambent eyes shift
from Serena, to Meredith, then search the rest of the group as the girl
speaks. He studies Chance intently for a long moment, then
returns his attention to Meredith as the girl finishes speaking.
Devlin has questions. Berd ponders them for a long moment.
When he finally speaks, it is slowly, with heavy consideration.
Meredith's story has touched something old and deep within the drake.
Chance. I would hear from you. You,
like Cyan, are a wanderer who collects stories. Think. We
need your experience, now. Have ever heard aught of any such
battles in myths or legends? Likely yes, and too many, but can
you separate the wheat from the chaff?
I...have heard of similar battles, myself. In fact...this legend
almost mirrors something from my past, something I know is
unconnected. I hope.
For an instant, there comes an image of a thousand flaming swords held high in pale, shining hands.
Could this be a piece of the Broken God? It is possible...Devlin, I was there when the Broken God was torn asunder. Could that have been
here? Metatron theorizes, possibly incorrectly, that I was the
being responsible for that shattering. He may be correct, he may
not. There is a...section of my memories which lies as ravaged as
the body of the Broken God. I recall many things before, and some
after, leading up until now, but of that encounter...nothing.
Berd closes his eyes for a long moment, searching.
It could be...it could be. And it could
be something different. We cannot know without opening the
door. But if it could be a piece of the Broken God, we must take the chance. Perhaps this one we could take with us to study.
But what worries me is Meredith's choice of words. Sealed them away, used unconciously. Could there be multiple pieces of the
Broken God on this world? Doubtful...but not impossible.
Weapons. Weapons against the enemy. Was the Gatherer one of those weapons?
Another image, this time another's memories, thankfully dulled.
The storm rises in intensity, black sand burning against her skin, a
larger piece of gravel hits her and she can feel wetness on her
cheek... blood.
Through watering eyes she sees members of the nutritional caste running
past her in a panic, and under her feet the ground trembles beneath
massive footfalls. Something dark and incomprehensibly large
looms out of the storm, and somehow she knows that, even though it
fills half the sky, it is still miles away.
The wind howls, and the chattering of teeth almost drives her mind over
the edge into madness. In that moment she realises that the vast
shape, dimly glimpsed through the storm, is a single individual.
Cyan's memory of the Gatherer. Aaron remembers...he arrived with us, just then. A creature used by the Archons.
And if it is one of these...Others...the enemy of my enemy is not always my friend.
Enough. I fall back into familiar patterns of self-debate.
I know not if this creature might be a piece of the Broken God.
The chance is there - slim, but it is. And anything we might
discover that could assist us in our struggle is welcome.
I still vote to open the seal, taking Meredith's warnings very seriously.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chance things, looking upward at the blank ceiling in the flickering torchlight. The smoke of the torches stings his nostrils. "There's so many stories... I never really paid attention to them, before. I mena, not seriously. I'll give it some thought."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes, thank you," Dorian says to Meredith's comment, with a smirk. "There
is something important here. I've known that there was a past with the
Broken God and Metatron, but this seems like the Archons tried this
plot before in the distant past. It means that, and it means they
failed. I'd like to find out why the war suddenly stopped. How did it
end. Why did the Archons leave?
And that such a thing exists here on Samhain, I never considered fate's
hand to be so strong. I know Dorian was not from Samhain. He was left
here by someone with his compass that can carry him through world,
though he no longer needs it to travel. So there are two coincidences.
The first that someone chose this world for his home, which may not be
so coincidental. The other that he showed up at the right place and
time, out of all he infinite worlds, to join in this campaign. He was
the one man to join who could have shown us the way to this spot. And a
third-- the underflow took us here...."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron chuckled, glancing at Meredith "You are a girl, yes, Meredith? Stop being so sensitive." Sighing, Aaron shook his head. "Sorry. Long, long, long day. My day has lasted a hundred years or more. It... weighs, sometimes unconsciously."
"Stop using your age as a crutch. I'm older than you are, and at least you have a physical body." Arianne said from his back.
Aaron's eyes widened at that blow, sighing. He didn't counter the comment, but he didn't disagree either.
Turning to look at the door, Aaron crossed his arms before his chest and stared at it in memory.
"The Gatherer... yes." Aaron said quietly. "A weapon... or a
byproduct?" He shook his head again. "Whatever. The Gatherer is just
another piece of history, dead like the world it fed upon. Though I
will admit that during that time was the first interaction we had with
the Orbs."
It was the history of Samhain that set him on edge, however. Meredith's
description of the world before its semi-death reminded him of a shadow
of a shadow of Ald Thiriel, his naturalist homeworld. That hit too
close.
"So, we're advising caution. Are we going to stand here and debate, or actually make an attempt to open the damn thing?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Do
not worry Meredeith. We all have our quirks. We have all said or done
things we wish we could take back so do not let the matter worry you
anymore." Serena said with a smile as she reached for the flask once Meredith was done drinking.
Serena listened to berd thoughtfully and then to Aaron who in her
opinion was becomeing edgier and edgier which concerned her but decided
to keep that fact to herself for the time being. Glancing at Devlin and
squeezing his arm lightly she replied to Aaron's final statement saying,I
believe I could open the door using sorcery unless Devlin thinks he has
a better idea or any of the rest of you for that matter. If not, I will
try to open the door in due haste."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd nods his head toward Chance. Take
your time, Chance. Like all searches for information, this one
begins with the idea it may come to naught...and if you find something,
it will take time.
Dorian, fate exists. We are not bound to it, nor are we its
slaves. But we are touched by it, again and again. Your
questions are good ones. Why did the war come here? Why did
it leave? How did the Archons defeat the other side? Where
did they go? Questions, questions, and more questions.
But before we continue along those lines, we should solve this mystery. The slab.
Berd shoots a quick look at Aaron when the man complains about being
old and tired - regardless how he, himself, feels, Aaron is as
exhausted as he claims, and feeling the weight of his years.
We should open the slab...but I think,
Meredith, it would be best if you showed us what you saw. Through
the bridging, you can create images. I realize it is not likely
the same, but it is something we should all see...perhaps a clue might
jump out, something inconsequential to one person, but critical to
another.
In the meantime, I will consider a means to open this slab. James
would require block and tackle, which I do not seem to have...but might
be able to 'order', from elsewhere.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Leave the seal to me, Berd. I can manage it, i think..." Dorian removes his plain silver ring from his finger and begins to pace the seal.
OOC: No time to post. More later.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Too bad there isn't a way to get in without
actually breaking the seal. Then one of us could enter and see what was
there before letting whatever it is out." Devlin muses quietly as the discussion returns once more to how the thing will be opened.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Indeed, Devlin. Sadly, that which blocks us from looking beyond the
slab would probably block any form of travel to that point. And, of
course, any use of powers other than sorcery will set of alarms we
don't want to set off. I share your wish, though.
"The first concern is the magic barrier within the seal and slab. The
slab itself isn't a problem at all. Though lifting it would be a chore,
if that were the solution. However, I'll first focus on the seal and
see if Devlin can make his way through." Dorian continues to pace around the slab looking at the seal.
"Berd, if you could keep an eye on her while I work, and warn me if I set off any alarms or danger signs, please..."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James is disappointed not to get the opportunity to test himself
against the slab. From time to time he feels pretty useless in
the present company. This is one of those times. It
passes. Idiot. Be grateful you haven't been fully tested yet.
"Actually, Devlin. The presence of fragments
of the Broken God, tended to supress our powers, although I'm not sure
whether the effect on magic was the same."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
While the group lapses into discussion Meredith eats one of the
grape-esque fruit before slowly nibbling on one of the honey oat cakes.
The food, coupled with Serena's drink help to bolster her failing
strength. Her eyes no longer feel like granite slabs, but she is still
far from energetic.
She smiles at Aaron full of understanding. Had she not just blurted out harsh words thoughtlessly? "I understand Aaron"
She finishes the honey oat cake as the conversation flows, revolving around breaking the seal and the quickest way to do it. "Keep
in mind there are other caches on Samhain. If what is sealed away here
is not... satisfactory, we have the option of pursuing and openning
another" she comments to no one in particular before eating
another grape-like fruit. She stops then, figuring she had eaten enough
to be respectful of Berd's efforts.
"Of course I will share the mountain's story" Meredith replies to Berd, happiness in her voice. It honored the
mountain, to share a piece of its history. Feeling better, but still
muddled, Meredith takes a deep breath, focusing intently before tapping
into the bridge.
Scraping, there is scraping... ice rolling
across the stone, splintering stone and scraping away the soil over,
and over, and over. A cycle that repeats itself many a time as the
years pass, molding the world into a harsh and bleak landscape,
especially in the high places.
Far back, though only yesterday to the mountain's roots, is the war.
Archons of flame and metal and lightning spin through the air,
destroying all in their path, while the most ancient ancesters of
humanity, themselves still barely capable of walking upright cower in
terror.
But though the screaming, howling wheels were terrible, the things that
fought them were even more fearsome. In a thousand forms they
strode the world, and flew and crawled and slithered. They did
not fight because they wanted to protect worlds, but because the ememy
wanted to conquer what they too sought dominion over.
They wanted all worlds for themselves, and they fought a great war
which threatened all. Both sides used weapons which were so
powerful that missing the intended target would sink entire continents
and build new mountain ranges. Samhain was once green and
forested, but that war changed all that, for ever.
Now the war has ended, or moved on, or simply paused... The
wheels are gone, and so are the Others. Samhain knows a lasting
peace. But there are places in the world where things lay
buried. Seeds of a new war. The humans of Samhain finally
emerge from hiding, and guided by tales as old as history itself, and
by visitors from far-off worlds, they seal the remnants away, powerless
to escape.
The world changes again, and the humans fall, but rise once more,
forgetting their past, and burying their dead in the places where the
Others are sealed. The only thing they remember is that those
places are places to bury the dead.
Reel forward a million years, and only the mountains remember the true history.
Meredith disengages from the bridging roughly. Sending the vision,
reliving the experience saps her newfound strength and everything spins
out of control. She steadies herself against the ground and breathes
slowly, deeply. The world before her begins to come back into focus
again. Dorian... will breaking this seal alert... the queen?
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian walks around the slab, crouching occasionally to examinr the
lead which seals the edge. There are no gaps in the seal, at
least that he can see. Occasionally he touches the metal,
carefully, then moves along a little way...
The torch flickers and flares as the dark cloaked man works, and the
shadows on the walls seem to leap and cavort in some bizarre
ritualistic dance.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The queen?" Dorian asks. "It's hardly an appropriate title,
though I'll refrain from what I'd like to call her. No, this is common
magic. It should not be out of place, here. And if it did, no bother,
she holds no real power here. She is but a child with a toy." He didn't mean it; it was a test. If she were listening, such an insult was designed to pull her our of hiding.
After pausing a moment, as if waiting for something to happen, he steps back towards the corner. "Okay,
I think we're ready. This will take a little time, since I have to
improvise. I'll need someone else to carry it to the seal."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
There is a long pause as Berd digests Meredith's vision. Then he slowly bobs his head in acknowledgement. Thank you, Meredith. Familiar indeed, though only by extension.
If you know of the other...caches, I hope you can also locate
them. It will not be easy, sealed away as they are. I felt
no trace of this one from above.
And James is correct. If this is a piece of the Broken God, it
may suppress our abilities. Devlin, be wary. If you enter
into an area where such abilities are interdicted, you will remain in
whatever shape in which you entered.
And sorcery...is most definitely affected.
Dorian, Her attention is elsewhere at the moment. She is focused,
but...not at us. This concerns me, but we must proceed with this
task, first.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith yawns while pulling her knees up to her chest. She hugs them
and rests her head on her knees, watching Dorian pace the seal with
heavily lidded eyes.
"You are welcome Berd... and thank you for the food" Meredith answers the dragon lethargically "If we find nothing of consquence here I will consult with the mountain... search for other caches" she commits herself, thinking about how touching something will most
likely result in her passing out, which will most likely result in her
throwing up what little food she has eaten. It is enough to keep her
from indulging in another grape like fruit.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian works, quietly and carefully, and with the minimum possible disturbance to the fabric of this world. Sometimes things seem to shimmer at the edge of the senses - nameless colours, sounds
that can't be heard, and odours which can be felt crawling across the
skin.
It takes a while, but eventually he holds a stoppered glass flask,
containing perhaps a half pint of a viscous, clouded yellow
fluid. The space above this fluid is filled with a dense, roiling
vapour.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian lifts the flask before him and inspects it, weighing its hue and
viscosity. It seemed perfect. He noded absently. Satisfied, he stood
and walked to the edge of seal.
He considered the seal for a moment. So much could hang on a simple
thing, such as this. They struggled against an immeasurable enemy who
threatened their entire universe, and yet they might be unleashing a
more terrible Apocalypse with this simple act. On the other hand, they
might be finding a key to winning this war.
"Well," he says stiffly. "Let's see what happens, shall we."
He stoops and begins to pour the fluid over the lead seal carefully. It
hisses and smokes angrily once released from its base prison.
"Please do not inhale the fumes. They are most toxic."
He covers one section, hopefully just enough to allow Devlin to pass through should he wish and steps back to assess his work.
He turns to Devlin. "We must give it a few moments to
neutralize, so it won't burn you. I would prefer to have a larger hole
open so that anyone could pass through. If you can get in, we won't be
able to get to you quickly if there is trouble." He would let the shifter make his own decision. He speech was merely intended to clarify the situation.
He steps away from the seal and gives Devlin room. He returns the
stopper to the flask, saving hopefully enough to cover the rest of the
seal. "I
will need another substance to eat through the stone slab itself. But
don't worry, I believe I can conjure another slab if we need to reseal
it. It will be tricky since powers don't work near the hole. For that,
we may need some brute strength.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena watched with trepidation as Dorian went about opening the slab.
She was unsure why noone took her up on her offer to open it. Perhaps
they assumed she couldn't succeed. Either way it didnot matter so long
as it was safely opened.
Serena watched devlin especially closely as it was coming time to do
his part. No matter how she tried she couldnto help but be concerned
for his well being withthe way she felt for him and she knew he felt
for her. So, the wisest course serena could take was silence and
preparation for any accident or injury to any of the group but
especially Dorian and Devlin.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin watches as the liquid produced by Dorian burns away part of the
seal creating a small crack between the stone slab and the cave floor. "Well,
Perhaps breaking any part of the seal will allow whatever is in there
to get out. We should know by the time it is safe for me to touch the
serface where that stuff ate through it."
Devlin quietly waits to see what happens and for the fluid to loose its power so that he will not be burned by it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The liquid bubbles and burns, and eats its way through the lead seal,
devouring parts of the stone flooring too, leaving it pitted,
pock-marked and scarred. The metal though, simply boils into
acrid yellow smoke.
The fluid continues to burn, deeper and deeper into the seel, and the
smoke thickens, rolling across the floor around the hole and burning
away the dust, erasing details.
Finally the smoke slows, slows... and stops.
The resulting hole is maybe fist-sized, and now the smell that rises from it is of something long dead.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd grins at Dorian when he produces the liquid. Science and magic often meet in the middle. One becomes indistinguishable from the other.
He watches as Dorian applies the potent liquid to the seal, making
certain to keep sensitive nostrils from the fumes. Meredith...I
would not require you to search for others. What I meant was we
could continue the search if your previous information gathering
included knowledge of other caches.
I would not ask you to continue at this moment, not until you have more rest.
The dragon flits back from Dorian's shoulder to land on a nearby
ledge. It might be safer this way, separated. His faerie
orbits Devlin and Serena slowly, eyeing the opening. Well.
Shall I send in my scout, or does anyone have an alternative? She
is a little...bright. Noticeable. And may cease to exist
when she nears the hole.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James wrinkles his nose and breathes shallowly through his mouth as traces of the fumes waft through the crypt. "Devlin could create another of his birds, maybe? His life-force might sustain it against any wards it encounters."
James looks to Devlin, he understands there is a cost involved in
creating the blood-creatures and he doesn't want to cause offence.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
The chemistry lesson was entertaining, but Chance would have preferred
to see the contest of strength, them against the slab. It wasn't just a
preference of entertainment, he'd noticed a trend in Luke's story of
these questors. They solve things with power, a snap of the fingers.
Even minor problems of the people they encounter along the way are
magicked out of existance in some way or another. What had happened to
good old diplomacy, cunning and hard work? Was this to be a battle of
power versus power? Or would other, more old fashioned, principles win
the day?
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith's eyes rest on Berd and she finds herself fighting another yawn. I
passed out before I could find out about other caches in this mountain,
but I could check for more if necessary. I know my limits... it was one of the few things she could thank Yoli for I have a few more touches in me before things get really bad.
Meredith turns her head away from the slab as Dorian pours the liquid
and it burns its way through the lead seal. She coughs and brings the
cloak to cover her nose and mouth to keep herself from inhaling more of
the fumes. Soon they've past and are replaced with another odor. She
turns and regards the seal with a look of disgust. It stank terribly,
but it helped her feel better, less tense. Whatever was in there was
dead, and that made it less of a threat.
She stands up, takes a moment to catch her balance against the cave
wall. Thus steadied, she walks over to James. She looks up at him while
taking one of his hands into her gloved ones and squeezes it gently
before releasing it and turning to regard the seal again.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
While Devlin had been standing there, watching the seal boil away, he
had also been concentrating on changing himself, a different way to see
araound corners than he had tried before. Reshaping Aaron's eye had
given him the idea.
When the smoking is finished Devlin steps forward and kneels beside the
fist size hole and puts his fist into it. He then proceeds to move his
hand around, apparently feeling for something.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chance waited for Devline to pull back the proverbial bloody stump.
This wasn't what he had expected, either. He had expected some display
of shapeshifting, from what Luke had told him. Rather, the man resorted
to simple feeling around in dark scarey holes. Unless, of couse,
Devline was doing more than it seemed. This was an occaision where
powers might be called for, though, given the potential threat they
faced.
"Unless the Archons are willing to sit down for a game of card to
settle the conflict, I can't think of much in the way of myths and
legends that might help us. Most end in the destruction of the world,
of course. There are a few where the epic war comes to a halt. Those,
usually, involve the threat of superior firepower. Most tales, as a
general rule, caution against opening mysterious vaults buried deep in
mountains."
At the very least, he had earned I-Told-You-So rights for later.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"We have a history of opening ancient vaults and doorways, in equally
aged catacombs and temples." Aaron said, his arms crossed over his
chest. "We've had... varied results."
One of which was him meeting Metatron... Aaron sighed at that, hoping his theory about the death of Tamiel was incorrect.
"It's not like you can't regenerate another hand, Devlin, but please be
careful." Aaron knew he didn't need to tell the man that, but Devlin
had been... a bit unpredictable lately, and sticking your fist in a
steaming hole that smelled like death seemed to be a bit on the
"impulsive" side of things.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin pushes his hand int the hole, further and further, managing to
get his arm, past the bicep, into a hole that should be too small for
the musculature of the upper arm...
And a voice, quieter than a whisper, and yet seeming louder than the
sound of Heaven falling, utters a single word, as black smoke starts to
pour from the hole around Devlin's arm.
[VHUUL]
Around the group, the mountain starts to quiver, and from the chambers
already passed through rises a bone-chilling wail, like a million souls
in torment...
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chance stands as the mountain quivers around him, fearing the whole
place would come down around them. It was hard to remember if he'd been
for or against this idea, but he was sure he had been against it, now. "Varied results, eh?"
He suddenly didn't like it in here. Without a word to his fellows, he
turns and heads back the way they came seeking open air and the source
of the sound at the same time.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian remains seated, but looks around the cavern. He finds it odd
that he lacks a sense of fear, but then realizes his programming. He is
a clone, a replacement. His purpose in life is to eventuall die. He was
created with acceptance of that built into his personality. Apparently,
he was okay with death. It was the death of the others that prompted
him.
"Berd?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
I am here.
Berd slowly rises up on the ledge, small wings fanning out.
Abruptly his shadow surges up on the wall behind himself, and it is not
that of a drake.
I AM ALWAYS HERE.
His mind reaches out, fracturing into the Hydra, studying, searching, preparing. His mental shields encompass the bridging, cloaked within his shadow, layered by mirrored walls. Prepare
yourselves to flee, if necessary, and those of you with potent minds,
join with me. We may require the strength of all.
Those of you who stand more strongly in the physical world, ready arms
instead. Steel edges may be the answer to the threat, rather than
spiritual spears.
My Brightest Son, I need you now.
Now Berd searches for a middle point between himself and the creature,
hunting for a means to communicate...all the while keeping his other
minds, and the bridging, separate from the one thought-thread
attempting to cross the gulf between himself and this entity.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
At your side, old friend, Dorian thinks, as he enters the briding. While
here, I have tried to keep myself as inconspicuous as possible, so as
to not draw her attention. It is prudent I maintain that profile, for
as long as possible-- so as to not draw her attention. Images flit through the bridging of what was once a woman wired into a
towering primitive machine of both mechanics and sorcery. She sits on a
throne in a cavernous dark place, surrounded by softly dripping water,
seemingly asleep.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron unsheathed his blade and linked with Berd out of old habit. He
stretched for a bit and then faced the great slab with Ilse before him.
Why am I not surprised? I certainly hope this is a physical enemy rather than a spiritual one.
He prepared himself mentally and physically, for what was to come, bolstering their possible mental defense.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena visibly cringed at the sounds emanating as she watched Chyance
run for the opposite direction. As her concentration was almost totally
focused on Devlin watching for signs that he may need aid she heard
Berd call.
Without hesitating Serena joined the bridging sending,I am here and will do what must be done." primarily to Berd but to any of the others as well. Serena then began
thinking of the spells she may need to drop if this turned as bad as
she had begun to think it would be and began to mentally prepare
herself as well as drawing her sword for any physical confrontation.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
As Devlin reaches into the hole he lets the others know what he finds...
"The lead is about a foot thick" he says and then stops, pulling his arm back a bit and then pushing it back, "Past the lead I cannot shift"
He continues to work, slowly pulling his ham back and then pushing it forward, slowly getting deeper, "The hole ends about eight feet down, I think. It's dark..." Devlin closes his eyes thinking it will help him see better, "The bottom of the slab has something carved into it... A pentagram with a star at each point."
A moment passes as Devlin moves the far end of his arm to get a look in the other direction. "That stuff of Dorian's burned something, maybe ten feet below the slab, wait a minute..........."
Devlin does not have time to pull his arm out before the sound, he was sure that he was about to loose his hand and then...
The man shakes his head and starts pulls his arm out of the hole,
standing and trying desprately to drag his arm free by backing up away
from the hole.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena drops next to Devlin and says,"Devlin,
have you tried shapeshifting your arm until it is pure cartilage and
that way it will be able to flatten and pull out perhaps? Or does it
feel caught on something inside?
Serena feels she is asking the obvious figuring he had already thought
of that. If he had then she was going to be a great deal more
challenged to think of which spell might be the most useful in
extracting Devlin's arm as soon as possible.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You know what they say about me, Berd."
His voice hard and cold, Luke stepped forward from the shadows at the
side of the chamber, the room suddenly brighter with his
presence. "And thus, I come." He
was grim, his face gaunt and weary, his hair lank and lifeless, his
skin stretched tightly over his bones. And from the careful way
with which he held himself, those bones were as brittle as a sparrow’s.
"So. Once again, we thrust our hands into the Things Men Were Not Meant To Know...only this time literally." His eyes fell on Devlin, and he looked immediately to James. "Can you pull him free without tearing him asunder, James?" the dark man asked, clenching his hands into fists; a moment later he
hissed in angry pain, shaking out the fingers. Despite that, his
concern for Devlin was obvious.
And I am here as well, he spoke into
the bridging, spiritual voice sharp as a blade and hot as the summer
sun. It vibrated with pure, furious light. What do you wish of me?
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena gave a rather withering look at Luke and said, "Did
you not hear what I just asked Devlin? If pure strength will work
I will let James tug away, however, it might be wise to get a bit of
information from Devlin himself before anyone does anything."
Serena bit her lower lip realizing she had rather snapped at Luke, who
didn't look all that good himself, and that she needed to get her
emotions under control in order to be as effective as possible. Taking
a deep brathe and clearing her mind Serena felt better and waited
calmly for Devlin to answer her questions.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Actually, I just got here," Luke returned to Serena. "My apologies - I'm a little under the weather from being flashfried along with half a planet." But his tone was more ironic than scathing, and he bowed his head to Serena in an obvious attempt at molification.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena then felt a bit badly for her reaction and she turned and inclined her head in an apologetic manner and said,I did not realize you had just popped in. Sometimes Luke it is difficult to tell."
Serena then narrowed her eyes as she looked Luke up and down and said,"I'll take care of your injuries if possible after this."Then she turned back to Devlin and awaited his answer.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Only half?" Dorian muses. "Disappointing."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin's arm begins to slide out of the hole as he steps back, long and thin.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
As smoke pours from the breached seal and the mountain trembles, James
reacts to Berd's instructions much as Aaron did, by drawing Fangmir and
joining his limited mental strength to the bridging.
Seeing Chance moving towards the exit, James uses his spare hand to nudge Meredith in that direction.
"Serena, anything I could do to speed the process would just take Devlin's hand off."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
The reverberating sound that emanates through the seal and rumbles the
very rock of the mountain scares Meredith and she lets out a frightened
squeak, moving to place herself behind James without thinking while
pulling the cloaks tighter around her slight frame. After James nudges
her in the direction of Chance, she falls into a bow, responding to his
authority before she even realizes what she is doing.
Meredith then retreats a few feet towards the exit, but then holds her
ground. She braces herself against the wall with her left hand and then
joins the bridging. Adrenaline is working its magic and while her body
is weak, her mind is not. She lends this strength to the bridge, her
voice whisper soft What strength I possess is at your disposal she sends through to Berd, and the others.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The smoke twists and swirls, black and cold and cloying as it gathers
and coalesces and becomes a shape, vast and... disturbing. Dark
it is, seeming to draw heat and light from the torch, and fill the cave
with chill gloom.
Mostly it is a mass of writhing tentacles, supporting and surrounding a
hideous parody of a face. Two burning red eyes gaze at the
humans, and Berd, all of them tiny by comparison, there is a nose, of
sorts, or at least, a nostril, looking like a rip in the centre of the
face, ragged-edged and and oozing ichor as it pulses open and closed in
time with the creature's breathing.
And beneath that single nostril is a mass of insectoid mandibles,
uncountabl in their multitude, clicking and chittering and snapping.
And then the voice is there again, [YOU HAVE
RELEASED VHUUL] <HAS THE OLD ENEMY RETURNED> [VHUUL
WARNED THEM THAT THE WHEELS WOULD BREAK THE TRUST]
There is a booming sound, and a dozen batlike wings unfurl behind the
creature, and the eyes survey the beings that have awakened it, looking
down from the heights of the chamber roof, while far below, tentacles
coil and flex upon the floor.
[TELL VHUUL IMMEDIATELY OF THE DANGER]
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes Vhuul" Devlin says as soon as he realizes what the creature is talking about, "The
wheels have broken the trust and they once again seek dominion over
all. We seek to prevent this and humbly request your assistance."
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd is thoughtful, though those in the bridging feel wariness, even
fear behind his complacent mask. This creature is more than he
expected. Not its physical form, though that is horrific
enough. No, it is the mind that he senses, that he touches, ever so briefly, that makes him falter.
This creature is far more potent than we
expected...more potent, and more alien to us than the Archons
themselves, I suspect. And yet, it is not threatening. I do
not sense any desire to harm us. Rather, it seeks
comprehension. It...
*surprised amusement/fading fear*
...has attempted to put on a more 'pleasant' face for us.
Something that will reassure. Apparantly it understands our
mentality as well as we might understand its, and yet it is the thought
that counts, is it not?
Dorian. She has awakened, and is studying this. I am
currently struggling with Her for supremacy over this area. I
believe...I may be able to succeed.
Now Berd opens communications - not the bridging - with Vhuul itself.
He is correct, Vhuul. The Archons have
returned, and seek to alter the Myriad Worlds themselves.
However...the Worlds have changed. Things are no longer the
same. All-out war with the Archons on an infinite number of
worlds will cause immeasurable harm.
We, too, seek comprehension. Allies. But not at the price of the stability of the Myriad Worlds.
I am Berd, he finishes, returning name for name.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena turned to James and said,Well, then that would be a very bad idea. I am glad you know your own strength so well." As Devlin's arm began to slip free Serena stood and waited until it was free before laying her hand on his shoulder.
As Serena listened to the creature and then to Berd. she was astonished
to find that he was right. It did indeed seem as though the creature
wanted to appear as though it is not a threat to them. Hopefully,
Serena thought, it can become a good ally.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin is glad that some are thinking the way he is. This creature had
some kind of a deal with the Archons, what did Meredith call them? The
others... The Others were honoring the deal.
Devlin has no idea if this creature can hear his thoughts, if they are
anything like the Archons, he's sure they can, but still he sends over
the link, "If Vhuul and his kind are only interested in restoring the order, if they have honored this agreement, perhaps..."
He stops thinking and says, "Vhuul, can you explain more about this trust? What, exactly was the aggreement?"
As he stands there waiting to hear what Vhuul will say Devlin's arm is
almost back to normal and he puts the other one around Serena's waist.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke acknowledged Serena's comment with a nod and Dorian's with a thin
smile. There wasn't really any time for anything else. He
stood prepared, his own strength added to the bridging, eyes narrowed in concentration. I should be able to assist you with this World's Queen, Berd.
He drew deeply on his store of husbanded strength, much reduced by his
recent 'encounter' with the echoes of Dorian's spell. His
physical form grew even more pale as he exerted effort.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Chance
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chance stops cold, horrified by what he sees. He'd seen many things in
his life, but he had never seen anything like this. Shaken, he turns to
head back towards teh rest of the group, feeling its better to be with
them. Besides, the mountain seemed to have settled down.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian nods. He had known it would come to this sooner or later. He
studies the aberration before them, but he doesn't add his voice to the
chorus of questions and comments. His concern is more for the Queen. Is
she aware of my presense, Berd? I could try to talk to her. It's been
so long, I don't know what to expect from such an action, but it might
help.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
[VHUUL WARNED THEM] [VHUUL TOLD THEM THAT
THE WHEELS COVETED WHAT WE POSSESSED] [VHUUL WILL RELEASE KIN AND
NOW THEY WILL LISTEN TO VHUUL] [VHUUL HAS A WAY TO DRIVE THE
WHEELS BACK TO THEIR OWM NODE FOR EVER] [THEY WILL COME HERE NO
MORE] [THIS NODE WILL BELONG TO US THEN]
Vhuul's form seems to pulse, and flame dances across its face. Anger?
[THE WHEELS HAVE BROKEN THE TRUST THAT WAS PLACED
IN THEM] [THEY WERE TO KEEP THEIR NODE] [WE WERE TO KEEP
THIS ONE] [THEY WERE TO LEAVE THIS NODE FOR EVER] [BUT LESS
THAN THREE MILLION CYCLES LATER THEY HAVE BETRAYED THE TRUST AND
INVADED THIS NODE WHILE WE SLEPT]
[WEARY WE WERE AFTER THE WAR] [WE BELIEVED THE CURSED WHEELS WHEN
THEY PROPOSED THE TRUST] [THEY NAMED IT A MEASURE TO PRESERVE
WORLDS WITHIN THE NODES] [AN AGREEMENT THAT ALL WOULD SLEEP AND
STAY WITHIN THEIR OWN NODE] [AND NOW THEY BREAK THE TRUST]
[THE TRUST IS VOID] [NOW WE WILL USE THE METHOD PROPOSED BY
VHUUL] [THE WAR WILL END AND THE WHEELS SHALL NOT PREVAIL]
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Somewhere a battle is being fought. A spiritual one, between a
column of brilliant smoke, a shining form, and an undead, technomantic
being on a throne.
Berd's tone displays none of this conflict. Vhuul,
what is this method you propose to use? How will you push the
Wheels back? Speak to us, before summoning your brethren - we
have information, and we are willing to share.
The Wheels have not yet invaded this World. There is time.
He yearns to ask of the Broken God. But that...that is a
relatively recent event by Archon standards. Vhuul may know
nothing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron kept his voice, and his thoughts, to himself for the moment. He
decided to listen and let Berd speak for them, rather than add his own
ideas or questions. Berd was pretty much asking what he was thinking
anyway.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd waits....
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena slips her arm around Devlin's waist as she listens to the cold
angry words of the creature that they had unearthed. The whole thing
gave her the chills even if the thing eas on their side. Or at least
appeared to be. Serena wasn't sure exactly how loyal these creatures
are. They did however, seem quite angry that their pact had been
broken. In that, it showed they had some belief in loyalty and honor.
Serena listened as Berd talked with Vhul and although she had some
questions she felt it was best at this time to let Berd be the one who
does the speaking. To many voices at once could have a negative effect
on the situation Serena thought.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
[THE WHEELS HAVE NOT INVADED THIS WORLD BUT WORLDS
ARE IRRELEVANT] [THEY HAVE INVADED THIS NODE AGAIN IN SPITE OF
THE TRUST] [ONLY THEIR INVASION OF THIS NODE HAS RELEVANCE]
[WE WILL REMOVE THE THING THEY SEEK AND REMOVE THEIR NEED TO ENTER THIS
NODE]
The hideous abomination, enemy of the Archons, seems distracted, as if
concentrating on something far beyond the mountain's heart.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Over the bridging.... Prepare
yourselves. Allow me to take the brunt of any psychic conflict -
I will act as a...circuit breaker. My destruction will sever the bridging, leaving you unharmed.
'Aloud'...Vhuul...I ask that you
hold. A moment, no more. It was we who released you -
surely we deserve an explanation of your plans?
Tiny, cloaked, part of the Hydra-mind cuts away, sweeping after Vhuul's attention, searching for its goal.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena's arm grew tight around Devlin's waist as she she sent out loud and clear through the bridging,"There
is great danger suddenly. I am not sure what will happen but I am
getting the information that it is of a very serious nature. Prepare
yourselves mentally and physically as much as you can against what may
be about to happen.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
The thing, Vhuul is absolutely hideous. Meredith is rooted to the spot
where she stands, fixed there by a mixture of awe and horror. One of
the Others, standing before them, trying to be pleasant? Humorous, but
not funny. She simply watches and listens as the group interacts with
Vhuul and first Berd, then Serena warn of danger. then takes part of
Berd's words to heart. Though her own internal alarm bells do not warn
of personal danger to her, it is enough that others in the group feel
it. She takes part of Berd's words to heart and braces herself for the
possible conflict.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
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Dorian takes a deep breath and nods towards Berd. He had dreaded this,
though he knew it was one possible path. How to approach her? Should he
tell her he was not Dorian up front, or pretend to be Dorian. So many
things could go wrong.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
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Berd suddenly cries out across the bridging, No, wait! I can't...
He is gone, as is the miniscule sprite which had accompanied him.
And the bridge. Minds are suddenly isolated, alone...
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
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Devlin backs away, drawing Serena with him. He's only guessing as he speaks his thoughts aloud. "This
node is this universe, everything from the void to the end of reality,
every world. What did the Archons seek? The pieces of their broken god?
Vhuul has removed it." He looks at where Berd was, "I had suspected...."
Devlin turns back to Vhuul, "Now what will you do, Vhuul?"
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dorian
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Dorian curses in a foreign tongue. "I can't restore the bridging. I've initiated contact with the Queen. The risk is too great. Luke?"
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Luke
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"I hear, Dorian," Luke responded, his voice
tight, his face almost ghostly. But his dark eyes narrowed...and
the bridging reassembled. This was different, though, more
sharpedged, less smooth. And tenuous - Luke was obviously
exhausted, and furthermore lacked whatever skill that allowed Berd to
concentrate on many things at once.
I do not know if Devlin is correct.
'Berd'...is no fragment of this Broken God, as far as I know. But
I have been gone a long, long time, and things may have changed.
Devlin, everyone, continue speaking with Vhuul! Dorian is dealing
with the Queen, I must hold the bridging in place and focus on our
defenses. Should they become necessary.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
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Meredith barely has time to register Berd's sudden departure before
Luke has restored the bridging, in a way. She wants to go after Vhuul,
to search them out, but remembers how she was ensnared the last time
that happened. Instead, she joins with Luke's harsher bridge Pull from me instead of yourself, to bolster the bridge and the defense she sends to him and then opens herself completely so that he can pull from her strength instead of just his own.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Dworkin (GM)
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Vhuul returns its attention to the crypt, <WHY HAS THAT ENTITY LEFT> The thing seems to hunch in on itself a little, [THE
OTHERS ARE SEALED AWAY AS VHUUL WAS] [VHUUL MUST RELEASE
THEM] [THEN ALL WILL ASSIST IN REMOVING THAT WHICH THE ARCHONS
HAVE INTEREST IN] [WORLDS ARE IRRELEVANT] [ALL WORLDS WILL
BE DESTROYED - THE NODE WILL BE PURIFIED]
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Berd
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Then the bridging stabilizes, smooths. Berd's voice is distant and shaky, but it holds. ...thing cannot be allowed...contacted Metatron, and it snatched me away to discuss...I will hold the bridging, release Luke...
Do what you must! It cannot contact others of its ilk!
Obviously Metatron has given Berd some information regarding
Vhuul. Abandoning any attempt at further discussion, Berd sinks
into the bridging, holding it steady that the Questors may attack and defend on their own.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
With Vhuuls question about where Berd went and then Berd's contact,
Devlin is forced to reassess his ideas concerning the drake. He had
thought he'd figured something out, but... well it won't be the first
time he'd ever be wrong.
Through the bridging that has now returned Devlin sends his thoughts on the matter, "Berd,
You tell Metatron that unless there is some understanding reached,
unless the Archon's withdraw, that we will release Vhuul and others of
his kind."
He isn't sure where he's going with this, and has no idea if he would
even actually do it, but he wants the Archons to believe that he will
do it.
"Better to let them free, have everything gone, than to allow Metatron's kind to corrupt it into what they want."
.... A people destroying themselves rather than be ruled, he'd
rather see the universe destroyed than see it ruled by the Archons....
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Luke
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Upon his release from the bridging, Luke had straightened, his face
gaining colour. Now, at the knowledge before them, his face again
paled. I accept, Meredith, he responded, taking in her surprising strength. And with the
freely-given spiritual might, his defenses rose around the Questors
like mirror-bright walls.
Then Berd returned, in a matter of speaking, and took charge of the bridging. Freed, Luke savagely seized control of the world around the Questors, and the light in the chamber grew. I hear you, father. By my oath, I will make the attempt.
He stared up at the monstrous creature before him, and his spirit
dipped deeply into the Underflow itself, drawing in power to compliment
that of Meredith. I am prepared.
This creature...well, perhaps a two-pronged assault. Physical and
spiritual - to each, their own choice. Bitter amusement flowed through the bridging. After all, who truly wishes to live forever?
Then Devlin's words came and Luke froze, caught between two
choices. An instant, and the group could split down the middle,
fracturing. Had he judged Devlin so wrongly? Was it
possible?
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena looked up at Devlin with a look of surprise and shock. Serena
had been debating which type of assault would be the best whether to
fight it by sword or by sorcery...or both. Serena enter the bridging
but rather than communicating anything through the bridging looked
intently up at Devlin.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin just looks back at Serena, but he does not answer her privately, instead he allows everyone to hear his thoughts. "These
Others do not plan on running amuck, their plans are not the same as
those of the Archons. The Archons wish to change it, to use it for
their own purposes. The Others wish to erase it completely. It is a
threat that will get the Archon's attention. It is something to make
them stop. Would we really want to destroy everything rather than let
them do as they please with it? We know how this can be done now. They
need to believe that we are capable of the act. I for one would rather
see everything gone than to see the Archons have dominion."
There is a sense that Devlin means what he is saying, but he needs
anything that might be listening in to believe that he is capable of
destroying everything. Berd, Please deliver the message. Let us see how
the Archons respond.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
It is Meredith's turn to pale and sag as Luke's takes the power she has
offered. She leans against the cave wall, supported by the strength of
the rock, and closes her eyes, simply listening, spiritually and
physically, to everything that is transpiring around her.
She doubts Vhuul will just stand there and wait patiently with them
while Berd communicates with Metatron. Right now it was only one Other
against a host of Archons. There may be a way, but they must act
quickly. She speaks into the bridge whisper soft. Vhuul
will not wait for the Archons to make up their minds... Archons are
probably on their way here to destory him now, before he wakes his
brethren. I say we fight and re-seal Vhuul now, before he awakens them.
Then threaten the Archons with re-awakening Vhuul and releasing him to
his mission. This exercise is but proof we are not bluffing. Eiter way
we must act quickly, before Vhuul does
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron considered Berd's disappearance, and then chuckled audibly when he learned it was his Teacher's doing. "How typical." he thought, still somewhat amused. Then his attention was turned to Luke and then to Devlin, and Aaron firmly disagreed.
"Are you off your nut? You're asking that we choose destruction over
slavery." Aaron shook his head... and added his mental strength to Luke
and the group, keeping Ilse handy as a secondary measure.
"Well you can shove that idea into your shapeshifting cranny, Devlin. I sure as hell won't let you or Vhuul get your way if it means wide-spread annihalation. Hell, I'm not
going to let the Archons get their way, either, not after I've come
this far and lost this much. They're going to pay..."
His eyes hardened, Aaron finalizing his choices and decisions within.
He added even more mental strength to the group as his knuckles
whitened, clenched tightly around Ilsefranvir's hilt.
"...and more than likely, you too will pay Devlin, if you stay such a
course as that which you're considering. I certainly hope you're reconsidering as we speak."
Aaron said all of that aloud, knowing Vhuul would hear, which was fine
with him. He would not let Cyan die in vain... nor would he let his
future rest in the hands of beings whose morality was as distant as
Amber was from Chaos.
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Metatron...you seem to have superceded your function." Luke's lips quirked in an ironic smile, and he continued through Berd's bridging. I
stand with Meredith on this. Strike now, hard, and consider
threats later. Every second increases the risk of Archon
discovery. Every second increases the odds of Vhuul's people
escaping their slumber.
The threat will still exist - Metatron is now aware of it, through
Berd. We can debate Devlin's plan AFTER we put this being back to
sleep. Assuming, of course, any of us are alive to do so.
And we can wait no longer.
And Luke's eyes began to burn. His lips parted, and he spoke in a whisper.
"...Fiat Lux."
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron's eyes sharpened as he stared at Vhuul, and a slow grin spread across his face.
"At your leisure, Luke. Just say the word." he said, and gripped
Ilsefravir in both hands, placing a leading foot before him as he
prepared to strike... though whether he'd succeed or die in the
attempt, he didn't really know yet.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena just sighed and though she understood to a degree what Devlin
was going for she could not stand by and allow the creatures to be
released upon the world.
Serena looked to Luke ,Dorian, Aaron,James, Chance and Meredith and said,"I stand with you. Whenever you are ready Luke I will fight with whatever I have to fight with." Then she drew her sword and pulled her free arm from Devlin's waist in
order to use it for any sorcery attacks she may need to inact.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"For now." is all Devlin says and backs away
from Vhuul and the group. At that moment he really doesn't know what
else there is for him to do.
===========================================================
Re: Part 47 - Dark by Serena
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PM
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Re: Part 47 - Dark by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James was content to stand aside quietly. Actually, that wasn't
quite true: 'Gobsmacked into stunned silence' was probably closer to
the mark, horrified by the monstrosity they had unleashed. A
thought occurs to James, it may be a hive entity, a collective mind
controlling the multitude as one body, a multitude present at the
particle size if the smoke was anything to go by. It would
explain the shapeshifting and its extraordinary resilience, a Blade
Archon could sweep straight through it and achieve nothing.
And then things start getting bad: Berd disappears, Dorian is
occupied with the Queen, Luke is propping up the bridging but the
tiredness emanating from him is almost tangible, oh, and Vhuul
threatening to destroy the universe, with Devlin's aquiescence. Please God, let him be bluffing.
James drew Fangmir. Some kind of containment was required, but how?
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