Session 26: The Smiting of Tiamut

[Johnny Champion]

Torphin: "I know not your power my lords. Clearly Vecna was well aware. He has a hidden purpose and my knowledge of such things is now at an end. Questions I may answer but I am no sage or oracle. I will stay in Kenewald and then return to my Order. Goodnight my friends"

[Agnati]

After this meeting, Rickul will head back to Kenewald's respected Firescale.
"Master Alaran. In response to your exceptional service and workmanship, I have somewhat of a personal favor to ask of you. I have a companion who is in need of magical bolts. I know time is short, but do you have any in stock already, or could I pay you double for expedited making of whatever you can do?"

[Rhourk]

Kaleb woke several hours before dawn and marched from his tent. He found a quiet piece of ground and set his prayer mat facing the east. He settled into his meditations, first reciting the litany of the Oberdon de Pontus Ferren.

“I am the hand of Malazar
The spear of the morning
The light in the darkness
I give my life to defend the realms of man
I give no quarter to the Dark Powers that despoil the Realms of Man
The price of my failure is the end of Man
Vigilance unto my death
This is my vow”

The cold twisted up his back, sending shivers through his body. His joints began to throb. He ignored the discomfort, it washed against a wall of devotion, and he entered a trance. He began his prayers of devotion, ignoring the hunger from his fast. Words issued from his lips, and hung in the stillness of the pre-dawn air.

He prayed to Malazar for strength and gave thanks for the gifts he had received. The responsibility to deliver Justice, the power to fight the Darkness, and the wisdom to know the difference. For there was no justice for the dark fiends that hunted the realms of man, only a reckoning.

When the first rays of the sun broke the horizon and settled warmly across his brow, only then did he stop and open his eyes.

“Thank you my lord. I am yours. I am vigilant.”

He walked back to town and headed for his room. He heard sounds of others beginning to stir, his companions among them. He thanked Malazar for the company that he found in his friends. They could not be more diverse, but they could not be more noble.

“Lord make me worthy of their trust today.”

In his room he prepared his battle armor and weapons. He examined every strap and rivet. He checked every blade, handle and flange. He oiled his hair and beard and dressed himself. Then headed headed downstairs to break his fast.
His companions were assembled.

Lumiere was radiant in her priestly robes. He remembered the first time he laid eyes on her. He was a simple farmboy, and he was sure he had fallen madly in love at first glance. He later realized that it wasn’t love he felt, though he loved all of his companions dearly. It was awe. Every moment of his life was a struggle to be worthy of the mantle of Malazar, but Lumiere didn’t wear the mantle, she exuded it. Truly she was created in his grace, his vessel in the Realm of Man, while Kaleb was simply his servant. Their bond had grown through their adventures. She was now his sister as truly as if they shared the same womb.

Tungsten looked grim. The morning never agreed with him.

“I don’t like it, the two of you going alone, with our enemies all around.”

“There will be no enemies where we go. There can be no enemies where we go”

Faelwyn, mistress of the arcane, now unmatched in the realms, rose and turned toward the door.

“I am prepared, I see no reason to wait”, she had a way of cutting right to it

They walked outside and headed into the fields, not far from where Kaleb had started his day. They wanted to be away from prying eyes. There was no use in causing alarm to the common folk.

Faelwyn stepped a few paces ahead. Arcane words came from her. The others felt the magic swell around her. There were less than a dozen mages in the world capable of wielding the powers she called upon. Raw magic infused her being, a lesser mortal would have been washed away in the flow and simply ceased to be. She held it surely, and bent the power to her will.

The air crackled and a portal, taller than a man and twice as wide sprang from nothing in front of her. A great gust of wind howled forth and beat down the grass and sent her robes billowing behind her.

“There, I don’t know where it will take you, but from there he will be able to hear you. Good fortune my friends, return to us safe and whole.”

Kaleb extended his arm, and Lumiere placed hers inside of it. Together they entered the portal, and just as quickly it snapped shut behind them.

Faelwyn almost stumbled forward as the wind abruptly stopped.

“They will do what they must. Now we have our own business to be about, and time grows short.”

Kaleb and Lumiere felt the wind swirl all around them. They looked out on a vast plain, extending in every direction as far as they could see. The air was crisp and clear. Clouds raced across a sunless purple sky at incredible speed.
Lumiere knelt and prayed, while Kaleb strode forward. He drew forth the fist of Malazar and raised it in salute. Then he bellowed into the wind.

“Bahamut, Lord of North Wind, Angel of the Seven Heavens, Wyrmking!
I am Kaleb of the Oberdon de Pontus Ferrn, Spear of the Morning, Defender of the Realms of Men.
With me is Lumiere, High Patroness of Malazar and true vessel of his light.
I stand before you with the blood of your ancient enemy still staining my arms.
We have laid low the Dragon Queen in our realm and banished her to the nether realms to lie alone with her pain and to wallow in shame for years.
We have humbled her and smashed her designs on the mortal Realms.

Now an ancient enemy of man, the fallen Angel of Malazar, Vecna, risen again in the vileness of Nerull, seeks to supplant her and claim her dominion in the Nine Hells and from there launch an assault on the Realms of Man and we believe eventually the Gods themselves.
We go forth to battle Vecna, and we will cast him down, or perish eternally in our attempt.
For the humiliation and pain that we visited upon the Dragon Queen, we humbly ask this boon from you.
Give us your blessing Great Bahamut, lend us your strength in this battle, for we have done great service to you, and though are now and always true servants to Malazar the Lord of Light, we know he is a friend to you and your kind. And your causes are the same.
Hear me Bahamut the Mighty, grant us your boon”

Kaleb waits for a response.

***************************************************************************************************
Out of Character notes:
Faelwyn has used a wish spell to open a gate to place\place where Bahamut can hear them. If they get no response after a day, Lumiere can bring them home via planar travel.
Kaleb will wait one minute for a response, if one isn’t forthcoming, he will begin again and again until he falls over from exhaustion.

[Tungsten]

After a deep rest/trance, Faelwen casts a Sending Spell to the Angel of Malazar, Galaeron. Tungsten has volunteered to stand guard over Faelwen while she communicates with his favorite Angel. This amuses Faelwen. For such a fierce warrior (who drinks and whores with the best of them), Tungsten turns into an absolute schoolboy at the very mention of her name: Galaeron.

Faelwen kneels upon a massive and beautiful white silk mat which bears Malazar's Holy Symbol (in red, of course). Moments before they were both within their humble hotel room in Kenewald. Now they are both safely within Faelwen's most Magnificent Mansion. In the center of a 500ft circular room Tungsten stands silently beside Faelwen. They are surrounded by 100 near-transparent servants kneeling in prayer. These other-wordly servants are dressed in simple white silk cloaks also bearing Malazar's Holy Symbol. Off to one side sits a sumptuous 9 course meal sprawls across a massive wooden table-- untouched.

Faelwen sends her urgent message to Galaeron:

"Vecna threatens our world. Must wield Obsidian to defeat him. Who can teach us the best way to use Obsidian to defeat Vecna?
PLEASE HELP!!!"

Beside Faelwen, Tungsten clutches his Star of Malazar pendant in both hands and silently pleads for divine guidance. He wonders how Lumiere is faring. She wears the gem-encrusted twin of his pendant. A small token he designed and had crafted for her to show all the world the immeasurable thanks they give to Malazar. He wonders what Kaleb and Lumiere are saying to Bahamut. Perhaps they are standing before the great Dragon God upon the hallowed Mount Celestia right now. His comrades ask Bahamut to help fight to save the world of men, while he stands hoping Malazar will hear him. He admits to himself that the only metal that feels right in his hands is a sword. He holds the pendant over his heart nonetheless and waits for what seems an eternity...

[Agnati]

Rickul heads to the tavern.
"I'd like a pint and meat, please."
(j/k)

Nihil, "I suppose I feel better knowing we were the weapon rather than the mark. But not much."

"I would rather had been the target. Vecna's schemes would be made clear. Who knows, after us having defeated a foe as great as Tiamet, perhaps Vecna would have come crawling back to us for forgiveness, distraught that he'd failed in destroying us. That image is pleasant to my mind's eye."



"Sir Torphin, we are grateful for your time in making the journey to come here and give us this information personally. If the Order of Neparius Captuu or yourself are ever in need of assistance from the Helious Verum, you need but ask. By chance, and belonging to that order, do you know how Vecana summoned Tiamet, exactly, and do you know anything of the temple where the battle was fought? Is there any advantage to using that same ground to spill the blood of a fallen angel?"

"And if I may address the Kenewald leadership. Mayer, Magistrate, and members of nobility, is there any aid that Kenewald can provide us in times such as these? Your citizens have already been very gracious and kind, but in an hour such as this, if you know of anything or anyone that could help us, we would be fools to overlook it."

"And lastly, Sir Torphin, you and your compatriots are mighty and highly respected throughout the lands. Are you strong enough to seek vengence against Vecna and join us in a battle where the world, itself, hangs in the balance?"

[Rhourk]

LOL we should have started a new thread called "Calling in markers".

[Tungsten]

Not that she needs to say anything because they are mentally linked, but Faelwen lets the Elven King of the North know that his aid is greatly needed. Any army we can get to help out, right? (Calling in markers, indeed! Who else owes us? I think the Dwarves should help us out.)

[Johnny Champion]

You begin to hear footsteps approach you. The Enormous Peak of Mt. Celestia looms skyward in the distance, snow packed peaks with a summit unfathomably high. A awe inspiring sight that few mortals will ever see.

An old robed man with a grey beard, bald head approaches Kaleb and Lumiere. You both feel a calming presence, as if all questions of life were suddenly answered and the truth was before you.

He speaks: "I have heard your call noble servants of good. My eternal enemy and sibling has caused trouble for affairs of man. To push for honor, truth and good, I have a small but powerful array of servants in Azür to advance my cause. Few though are as mighty as the host of Helios Verum.

I know of Vecna and his attempt to enter the Rite of Deification. My Sister is extremely weak after the battle in Azür, her projection to the material plane is impossible for another cycle. Even her power within Shadowfell has been weakened considerably. Your destruction of her projection on the Prime Material was absolute.

For many centuries, Tiamat has been banished from Avernus, the first of the Nine Hells. To her fell a minor dominion in the Shadowfell, a strange distortion of the world of Azür, ever present, ever dark, always close, always apart. As my sister knows me, I know her. She has been restrained within Vecna's towering mountain fortress called Baruun Cuhracus. This ominous cathedral to death and dying is built into Mount Dier. This mountain is devoid of life, trees, water or even snow or ice. It is a bare protruding bizarre mountain of sheer cliffs and granite sides and obtuse angles. However, in what would otherwise be a seeming insurmountable mountain, an immense stairway leads from the valley floor to the Citadel of Baruun Cuhracus above. The Scalam Pavor it is called, the infinite stairway, ascends to the citadel through 200’ wide stairs of carved granite and is broken into 4 thresholds. These square thresholds overlook the valley below before the stairs continue upwards. Clouds and mist seem to obscure vision other than the feint outline of this majestic stairway.

Mt. Dier and Baruun Cuhracus

Baruun.jpg (6.13 KiB) Viewed 1409 times

Mt. Dier and the Citadel fortress that is called Baruun Cuhracus is the nexus between Azür, the Shadowfell and the Abyss. Eternal battles between the Demons of the Abyss and the Devils of the Nine Hells are sometimes fought upon the Valley floor below as they vie for control of region of the Shadowfell. However, for those who care, the nexus is most likely to be the 250th layer of the Abyss, the layer of Impenetrable Shadows. The Keeper of the Citadel can bring forth creatures of the Abyss , but the opening to the prime material opens in strange cycles, one of which is the maximum of Malazar, your patron. However, artifacts are known to maintain this portal. Vecna has been granted the keeper of the Citadel from Nerull himself. For the time being, the Legions of the Abyss have been controlled, but Vecna's mind is now closed to me. If Vecna has grand plans to raid the land of Azür, I know not. Most likely he will blackmail and hold ransom this power. But clearly, his elevation bodes poorly for the World of Azür.

Vecna awaits his final trial of might. He has worshippers among various cults throughout Azür. He assumes that Gaeleron will attempt to strike at his fortress on behalf of Malazar and awaits her there. Malazar is foolhardy and thinks too highly of Gaeleron and too poorly of Vecna. She will venture there and be defeated. Her pride and Malazar's disdain for Vecna are limitless. It will be a sad end for a beautiful creature such as her.

The thresholds of Scalam Pavor are separated by thousands of stairs; Ancient magic protects the stairway so that even the most powerful beings must pass each one. Thus magic is required to transition between, dimension door or teleport allows movement to each threshold.

I grant you the person you call Torphin to be my bannerman. He can all upon me and I will see all through him."

Pulling from his pocket, he provides Kaleb a ring: "Kaleb, the Mizaret Stone you posess will allow passage from the Nexus in Azur and allow you arrive at the Scalam Pavor. The return to Azur through the same means. Seek council of Cellenrith, the King of Lladithiel. He is a noble king of old and knows of the Nexus. Use the weapons of lore in your possession. Call upon me when the hour is bleak. I will do my best to assist."

Then in a mighty transformation...the venerable old man begins to blur and morph...soon the Mightiest of Dragons stand before you.

Bahamut: "I, the mighty Bahamut, god of the insatiable good, grant you my Divine Favor! However, you must not harm my Sister at this point, she has suffered enough. Return her Gems and for these deeds you may heal the land of Azur."

Kaleb is provided a special cup, topped with a divine seal. Once opened, each may drink one's fill.

He tells you it can only be used once and you must chose its effect from what he mentions:
1. Heals all bodily injury, restores max HPs, restores all spells. Does not restore life.
2. Increases Strength and Constitution by +1 point to all who drink. This is permanent and can increase beyond the limit of 20.
3. Restores life (Resurrection) to 2 PCs. Kaleb or Lumiere have become knowledgeable about the Rite necessary to use this liquid.



Bahamut

Bahamut

Bahamut02.jpg (80.85 KiB) Viewed 1409 times

[Johnny Champion]

Not that she needs to say anything because they are mentally linked, but Faelwen lets the Elven King of the North know that his aid is greatly needed. Any army we can get to help out, right? (Calling in markers, indeed! Who else owes us? I think the Dwarves should help us out.)

Cellenrith: "Faelwen, you are in the midst of the eternal conflict. Vecna seeks godhood and your defeat of Tiamat has aided his quest. But Bahamut, the Dragon of Might, has instructed me to give you the Quardrels of the Shadowfell Nexus. It is there that you will face the guardian. Dispatch this monstrosity and enter the Shadowfell. Lumiere and Kaleb have been instructed by Bahamut himself on what to do.

[Johnny Champion]

Rickul heads to the tavern.
"I'd like a pint and meat, please."
(j/k)

Nihil, "I suppose I feel better knowing we were the weapon rather than the mark. But not much."

"I would rather had been the target. Vecna's schemes would be made clear. Who knows, after us having defeated a foe as great as Tiamet, perhaps Vecna would have come crawling back to us for forgiveness, distraught that he'd failed in destroying us. That image is pleasant to my mind's eye."



"Sir Torphin, we are grateful for your time in making the journey to come here and give us this information personally. If the Order of Neparius Captuu or yourself are ever in need of assistance from the Helious Verum, you need but ask. By chance, and belonging to that order, do you know how Vecana summoned Tiamet, exactly, and do you know anything of the temple where the battle was fought? Is there any advantage to using that same ground to spill the blood of a fallen angel?"

"And if I may address the Kenewald leadership. Mayer, Magistrate, and members of nobility, is there any aid that Kenewald can provide us in times such as these? Your citizens have already been very gracious and kind, but in an hour such as this, if you know of anything or anyone that could help us, we would be fools to overlook it."

Torbu: "We have gathered all that we can within the city. Take these potions (14 Rejuvenation, 3 Potions of Flying, 2 Drinks of the Umber, 2 Forde de Ignis, 1 Vitre ex Magica, 1 Gaze of the Medusa)

"And lastly, Sir Torphin, you and your compatriots are mighty and highly respected throughout the lands. Are you strong enough to seek vengence against Vecna and join us in a battle where the world, itself, hangs in the balance?"

Torphin ponders this last question, as he walks around the long wooden table of the Mayor's residence upper room: "I shall seek my Order Master. It would be an honor to strike at the heart of this Vecna. Though I serve not the He of the Second Sun, I would gladly strike at this Fallen Archeon. He was given much, power, beauty and eternal life, and only hungers now in selfish pride the status of god! Blasphemy! Even the destruction of Tiamat herself does not warrant this outcome! I will return with an answer." He then walks out of the chamber with a renewed purpose.

[Johnny Champion]

After a deep rest/trance, Faelwen casts a Sending Spell to the Angel of Malazar, Galaeron. Tungsten has volunteered to stand guard over Faelwen while she communicates with his favorite Angel. This amuses Faelwen. For such a fierce warrior (who drinks and whores with the best of them), Tungsten turns into an absolute schoolboy at the very mention of her name: Galaeron.

Faelwen kneels upon a massive and beautiful white silk mat which bears Malazar's Holy Symbol (in red, of course). Moments before they were both within their humble hotel room in Kenewald. Now they are both safely within Faelwen's most Magnificent Mansion. In the center of a 500ft circular room Tungsten stands silently beside Faelwen. They are surrounded by 100 near-transparent servants kneeling in prayer. These other-wordly servants are dressed in simple white silk cloaks also bearing Malazar's Holy Symbol. Off to one side sits a sumptuous 9 course meal sprawls across a massive wooden table-- untouched.

Faelwen sends her urgent message to Galaeron:

"Vecna threatens our world. Must wield Obsidian to defeat him. Who can teach us the best way to use Obsidian to defeat Vecna?
PLEASE HELP!!!"

Beside Faelwen, Tungsten clutches his Star of Malazar pendant in both hands and silently pleads for divine guidance. He wonders how Lumiere is faring. She wears the gem-encrusted twin of his pendant. A small token he designed and had crafted for her to show all the world the immeasurable thanks they give to Malazar. He wonders what Kaleb and Lumiere are saying to Bahamut. Perhaps they are standing before the great Dragon God upon the hallowed Mount Celestia right now. His comrades ask Bahamut to help fight to save the world of men, while he stands hoping Malazar will hear him. He admits to himself that the only metal that feels right in his hands is a sword. He holds the pendant over his heart nonetheless and waits for what seems an eternity...

Gaeleron: "Faelwen, my favorite enchantress! Vecna has stirred and struck without warning and surprised even my Lord, Malazar. He has instructed me attack his Citadel. I am now to receive His blessing and will triumph against my enemy. All praise Malazar!"

[Johnny Champion]

Lady Mirrador is sad to inform you she does not have the quantity of Potions that you have requested.

See the UNDERLINED for the amount she has available: (She is sorry for the late notice)

1 Potion of Gianticus Duratus (Frost Giant Control) (Same CHA challenge for 1d4 rounds of control like the water ele control?)
1 Elixir of Path Discovery (description?)
5 Dispel Magic
1 Disguise Self (duration?)
2 Gaze of Fear (description?)
2 Identify Item
2 Invulnerability to Cold (description/duration?)
1 Invulnerability to Magic (description/duration?)
1 Mind Control (description?)
2 Stone to Flesh


She only has

What QTY on Potion of Aphrodite (Beauty)? DM: 1
And do you mean that the ones that are not underlined, she has more stock of or what? DM: Only the underlined ones had quantity restrictions. She had enough of the others.

[Johnny Champion]

In case there is a question of the amount of time since last session (Smiting of Tiamat) to current game play:

1052t (Sept): Tungsten Responds to Caravan Guard in Caperton
1053t (Jan): Ex Pelio Chromacus
1053t (Dec): Crakendel Cleared
1054t (Feb): Haliford Claimed
1054t (April): Troglodytes and Tiberian
1054t (Sept): Sidon
1054t (Dec): Brentwell Keep and Sholoth
1055t (Feb): Navarron and Vecna
1055t (Apr): Angor
1055t (Nov): Monsmoor
1056t (Jan): Tower of Vandor
1056t (Apr): Return to Caldaera (Grand Duke)
1056t (Jun): Lacedon
1056t (Jul): Kenewald and Colos Anguis
1056t (Jul 15): Death of Tiamat
1056t (Jul 23): Meeting with Torphin
1056t (Jul 25): Lumiere and Kaleb to Mt. Celestia and Faelwen engaging Cellenrith and Gaeleron
1056t (Jul 26): Preparing Bolts, potions and supplies. Resting

Game Play: Morning July 27, 1056t

[Agnati]

Returning to Alaran's Flame that same morning, Rickul seeks out it's proprietor
"Master Alaran (Firescale). In response to your exceptional service and workmanship, I have somewhat of a personal favor to ask of you. I have a companion who is in need of magical bolts. I know time is short, but would you be able to use my one remaining gallon of ankeg acid to create some acidic bolts as you have my arrows? It would also be of great service if you're able to craft the Flash bolts (the +1 with 50% for double-damage)as you did my arrows, but if time is too short, standard magical bolts would still be of great use and would be much appreciated. As before, I can pay you well and have all the materials & gems you would require.
And just as a note... you should know that your legacy and business will be known throughout the realms. That Alaran's Flame was the place the Helios Verum purchased the highest quality ammunition that helped defeat the fallen angel of Malazar, Vecna Torin-Faine, and saved the peoples of Azur...
No pressure, though..."

[Rhourk]

The final prayer: This happens on the morning before the party leaves for battle or however the timing will be the most cool.

Kaleb rises from his prayer mat, his morning ritual almost complete. He glances into the sunrise, marveling at every shade and hue as light spreads across the sky, pushing back the darkness, and banishing the night. He finds his voice once more,

"Glorious Father, before I knew you I squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. I pray thee Lord of the Morning, for forgiveness. For all I ought have thought but have not thought,... for all I ought have said but have not said,... for all I ought have done but have not done. For what has gone before I ask your pardon.

And if my strength fails, if my light isn't enough, if today is my last day,... I ask only... to live it well."

[Johnny Champion]

You begin to hear footsteps approach you. The Enormous Peak of Mt. Celestia looms skyward in the distance, snow packed peaks with a summit unfathomably high. A awe inspiring sight that few mortals will ever see.

An old robed man with a grey beard, bald head approaches Kaleb and Lumiere. You both feel a calming presence, as if all questions of life were suddenly answered and the truth was before you.

He speaks: "I have heard your call noble servants of good. My eternal enemy and sibling has caused trouble for affairs of man. To push for honor, truth and good, I have a small but powerful array of servants in Azür to advance my cause. Few though are as mighty as the host of Helios Verum.

I know of Vecna and his attempt to enter the Rite of Deification. My Sister is extremely weak after the battle in Azür, her projection to the material plane is impossible for another cycle. Even her power within Shadowfell has been weakened considerably. Your destruction of her projection on the Prime Material was absolute.

For many centuries, Tiamat has been banished from Avernus, the first of the Nine Hells. To her fell a minor dominion in the Shadowfell, a strange distortion of the world of Azür, ever present, ever dark, always close, always apart. As my sister knows me, I know her. She has been restrained within Vecna's towering mountain fortress called Baruun Cuhracus. This ominous cathedral to death and dying is built into Mount Dier. This mountain is devoid of life, trees, water or even snow or ice. It is a bare protruding bizarre mountain of sheer cliffs and granite sides and obtuse angles. However, in what would otherwise be a seeming insurmountable mountain, an immense stairway leads from the valley floor to the Citadel of Baruun Cuhracus above. The Scalam Pavor it is called, the infinite stairway, ascends to the citadel through 200’ wide stairs of carved granite and is broken into 4 thresholds. These square thresholds overlook the valley below before the stairs continue upwards. Clouds and mist seem to obscure vision other than the feint outline of this majestic stairway.

Mt. Dier and Baruun Cuhracus

Baruun.jpg

Mt. Dier and the Citadel fortress that is called Baruun Cuhracus is the nexus between Azür, the Shadowfell and the Abyss. Eternal battles between the Demons of the Abyss and the Devils of the Nine Hells are sometimes fought upon the Valley floor below as they vie for control of region of the Shadowfell. However, for those who care, the nexus is most likely to be the 250th layer of the Abyss, the layer of Impenetrable Shadows. The Keeper of the Citadel can bring forth creatures of the Abyss , but the opening to the prime material opens in strange cycles, one of which is the maximum of Malazar, your patron. However, artifacts are known to maintain this portal. Vecna has been granted the keeper of the Citadel from Nerull himself. For the time being, the Legions of the Abyss have been controlled, but Vecna's mind is now closed to me. If Vecna has grand plans to raid the land of Azür, I know not. Most likely he will blackmail and hold ransom this power. But clearly, his elevation bodes poorly for the World of Azür.

Vecna awaits his final trial of might. He has worshippers among various cults throughout Azür. He assumes that Gaeleron will attempt to strike at his fortress on behalf of Malazar and awaits her there. Malazar is foolhardy and thinks too highly of Gaeleron and too poorly of Vecna. She will venture there and be defeated. Her pride and Malazar's disdain for Vecna are limitless. It will be a sad end for a beautiful creature such as her.

The thresholds of Scalam Pavor are separated by thousands of stairs; Ancient magic protects the stairway so that even the most powerful beings must pass each one. Thus magic is required to transition between, dimension door or teleport allows movement to each threshold.

I grant you the person you call Torphin to be my bannerman. He can all upon me and I will see all through him."

Pulling from his pocket, he provides Kaleb a ring: "Kaleb, the Mizaret Stone you posess will allow passage from the Nexus in Azur and allow you arrive at the Scalam Pavor. The return to Azur through the same means. Seek council of Cellenrith, the King of Lladithiel. He is a noble king of old and knows of the Nexus. Use the weapons of lore in your possession. Call upon me when the hour is bleak. I will do my best to assist."

Then in a mighty transformation...the venerable old man begins to blur and morph...soon the Mightiest of Dragons stand before you.

Bahamut: "I, the mighty Bahamut, god of the insatiable good, grant you my Divine Favor! However, you must not harm my Sister at this point, she has suffered enough. Return her Gems and for these deeds you may heal the land of Azur."

Kaleb is provided a special cup, topped with a divine seal. Once opened, each may drink one's fill.

He tells you it can only be used once and you must chose its effect from what he mentions:
1. Heals all bodily injury, restores max HPs, restores all spells. Does not restore life.
2. Increases Strength and Constitution by +1 point to all who drink. This is permanent and can increase beyond the limit of 20.
3. Restores life (Resurrection) to 2 PCs. Kaleb or Lumiere have become knowledgeable about the Rite necessary to use this liquid.



Bahamut

Bahamut02.jpg

"Thank you Wyrmking, as agreed your Sister's Gems shall be returned and she will not be harmed by us, unless she somehow finds her way back into our lands to cause harm again. We are humbled by your presence and offer our sincere gratitude for your blessing and your aid. May the light shine on your eternal glory and warm your scales against the darkness".

For the first time in the conversation, Kaleb raises his gaze and stares directly into the eyes of the Dragon God,

"I imagine that we will not meet again, and it has been my honor to speak with you and be in your most august presence. Listen to your winds for the sounds of our battle will soon ring across the realms, and along with Malazar, Lord of the Second Sun, I shall intone your name with honor in our time of need and in glory to send the fear of righteousness through the spine of Vecna the Fallen."

With that, Kaleb raises his arm in salute and lowers his eyes in reverence and turns to leave.

Bahamut bows, turns to depart and as you look into the distance you see him once again a kindly old man.

[Agnati]

The final prayer: This happens on the morning before the party leaves for battle or however the timing will be the most cool.

Kaleb rises from his prayer mat, his morning ritual almost complete. He glances into the sunrise, marveling at every shade and hue as light spreads across the sky, pushing back the darkness, and banishing the night. He finds his voice once more,

"Glorious Father, before I knew you I squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. I pray thee Lord of the Morning, for forgiveness. For all I ought have thought but have not thought,... for all I ought have said but have not said,... for all I ought have done but have not done. For what has gone before I ask your pardon.

And if my strength fails, if my light isn't enough, if today is my last day,... I ask only... to live it well."

Knowing the stakes at hand, and if it's no imposition, Rickul would like to join you for this morning's meditation.

[Rhourk]

The final prayer: This happens on the morning before the party leaves for battle or however the timing will be the most cool.

Kaleb rises from his prayer mat, his morning ritual almost complete. He glances into the sunrise, marveling at every shade and hue as light spreads across the sky, pushing back the darkness, and banishing the night. He finds his voice once more,

"Glorious Father, before I knew you I squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. I pray thee Lord of the Morning, for forgiveness. For all I ought have thought but have not thought,... for all I ought have said but have not said,... for all I ought have done but have not done. For what has gone before I ask your pardon.

And if my strength fails, if my light isn't enough, if today is my last day,... I ask only... to live it well."

Knowing the stakes at hand, and if it's no imposition, Rickul would like to join you for this morning's meditation.

Kaleb would never turn someone away from the chance to offer homage to Malazar.

[Rhourk]

OOC: This is a repost from last September when we went into Vecna's crypt. I don't think Bridgett was playing then so she may have missed it, and besides that it's cool to look back on. I think it's my favorite post that I have written in this chronicle. It perfectly captured what I was going for when I conceived Lumiere. The last line is almost tearful. Anyway, to help set the mood, here it is....


Kaleb steps forward wearing a mask of righteous anger, but as he opens his mouth he is silenced by Lumiere's gentle hand on his shoulder. With a glance she calms his rage, and he allows her to step forward.

"Mighty Vecna, my companion Rickul has the right of it, he speaks from our hearts, with one voice forged in the crucible that we have weathered as one, and I cannot say anything truer than what he has said. I can only add this.

You also have the right of me. I am your daughter, conceived in the light of our father but born in the trials that you laid upon this land, and brought screaming into the chaos that you spread through the Holy Continence of our faith.

Know that I appreciate the offer that you have made me, know that I feel our kindred spirit, and that I look on you not with hatred, disgust or fear, but with love and sorrow.

There is no one that has walked in the light that has not feared the dark. I know that fear drove you to embrace a false master and be corrupted by his false comforts and lies. You are not some base demon or fiend that deserves this fate, you are part of the light, and though fallen, you still shine.

I take no joy in what will happen here, Noble Vecna. But I am glad to have met you, for the light still shines in you, and that is a blessed thing, always.

I have only two things left to say. Thank you Proud Vecna, for untold eons of service to the light and for the shining example that you were, the shining example that forged the very order of The Oberdon Pontus Ferran, the shield of men against the dark that Brother Kaleb belongs to. And for the noble service you provided that leads me to form in this moment The Mission of the Dawn, that I Luminere Lightbringer now pronounce as an order of our clergy dedicated to brining the light of Malazar to the dark places of the world. Thank you for that.

And finally Vecna.....I forgive you."

[Tungsten]

Faelwen tells Galaeron that:

A) an attack on Vecna's citadel without a plan and major forces (such as Helios Verum)is SUICIDE!!!
She should join us in our attack against Vecna.

And

B) she did not answer her question regarding the use of Obsidian against Vecna!!!!