Beyond the Sky - Session 36

-10th of Winter's First-
The party begin their journey back to Verseris with two new allies in tow, as the snow starts to fade, and is replaced by cloudy, overcast weather.
After an uneventful two days, on the afternoon of the third, the city of Verseris comes into view in the distance.
The party pass the wagon through a small wood, along the path towards the capital. The woods seem quite quiet, but the path seems to cut short as the party have to navigate the horses through the trees.
[Valaire : Perception: 7
Kylisae : Perception: 20
Night Eyes : Perception: 34
Adrian : Perception: 12
Ginei : Perception: 14
Invesse : Perception: 29
Narik Albion : Perception: 21]
Invesse: "(Movement in the bushes. Armour, too.)"
Adrian: "(An ambush, then.)"
Valaire clicks her tongue in annoyance.
Valaire: "(Time to... smoke them out?)"
As the party continues, you hear glass shattering against the wagon, and it quickly begins to catch fire. The horses begin to panic, pulling the wagon harshly, as it topples over and the horses run somewhere else into the woods.
[Invesse : Reflex Save: 14
Valaire : Reflex Save: 30
Adrian : Reflex Save: 12
Kylisae : Reflex Save: 18
Ginei : Reflex Save: 23
Narik Albion : Reflex Save: 7]
Ginei yelps, tumbling out of the wagon, but managing to find her feet.
Ginei: "W-what's happening?"
Valaire: "We're under attack."
Several rough and dangerous looking men emerge from the brush, axes and swords drawn.
[Valaire : Initiative: 8.04
Invesse : Initiative: 15.06
Adrian : Initiative: 18.01
Narik Albion : Initiative: 10.02
Kylisae : Initiative: 12.07
Ginei : Initiative: 15.01
Raid Leader : Initiative: 10
Raider Reaver : Initiative: 12.01
Mercenary Soldier : Initiative: 10.01
Raider Pirate : Initiative: 9.01
Rugged Raider : Initiative: 12.01]

Adrian climbs upright, glaring at the closest of the raiders, a purple aura flaring around both of them.
[Hypnotic Stare, Instigate Psychic Duel, DC 17]
[Mercenary Soldier : Will Save: 12]

Invesse pushes herself up to her feet, igniting her blade with a crackling energy and conjuring her usual illusion. [Arcane Pool, Mirror Image: 3]

Ginei whimpers, huddling next to Valaire.

Kylisae flutters over, trying to flee the fire and comfort Ginei.

Two of the Raiders advance, wielding large axes.

Narik Albion scrambles to his feet, gesturing and creating a downpour of water over the flames. [Create Water]

[Mercenary Soldier: Psychic Duel, 1MP Offensive Manifestation - Attack: 17, Damage: 3]

Raid Leader throws another glass bottle into the party from his bush, over the wagon.
[Raid Leader : Alchemist's Fire
Attack: 26 Touch, Damage: 1, 1 Splash Damage]
The vial of burning liquid strikes Ginei, who yelps, her cloak catching fire.

The raiders start closing in, grinning, weapons drawn.

Valaire casually climbs out of the wagon, motioning her hand towards the grouping of soldiers and snapping her fingers.
[Fireball, Damage: 23 Fire, DC 18]
[Rugged Raider : Reflex Save: 21
Raider Pirate : Reflex Save: 18
Raider Reaver : Reflex Save: 17
Mercenary Soldier : Reflex Save: 4]
A fiery explosion engulfs the raiders, as they take heavy damage, some of the trees igniting.
Invesse shields her face with her cloak, the blast stopping short of her.
Invesse: "You always give ten times what you take, don't you?"
Valaire: "No less for harming me or my kin."

Adrian remains unresponsive, appearing heedless of the flames.
[Adrian: Psychic Duel, 2MP Offensive Manifestation - Damage: 3, Will DC 17]
[Mercenary Soldier : Will Save: 14]

Invesse amplifies the magic circling her blade, lunging at him. [Studied Combat, Arcane Strike]
[Invesse : Rapier, Frost (Arcane Strike)
Attack: 25, Damage: 15 + 1 Frost]
The blade strikes the man in the chest, causing a significant wound as he staggers back.

Ginei panickedly rolls on the ground, trying to extinguish the fire
[Ginei : Reflex Save: 20]
She thankfully extinguishes the flames before they can burn her, panting on the ground.

Kylisae seems relieved at Ginei's safety, fluttering over closer to the combat to encourage Invesse with the magic of her wand. [Kylisae : Use Magic Device: 16]

Two of the raiders close in on Invesse, double teaming her with their axes.
[Raider Reaver : Greataxe
Attack: 22, Damage: 9
Mirror Image: Miss]
[Rugged Raider : Waraxe
Attack: 18, Damage: 7]
[Invesse : Parry! -Attack: 24]
[Invesse : Rapier, Frost (Arcane Strike)
Attack: 25, Damage: 14 + 5 Frost]
One of the attacks hits a doppelganger, while the other's is parried, receiving a stab in the gut for his troubles.

Narik Albion crouches and places a hand on Ginei's shoulder, shadows cloaking the girl to hide her, before running to catch up with the others. [Enshrouding Darkness]

One of the soldiers simply stands still, in a trance.
[Mercenary Soldier: Psychic Duel, 1MP Offensive Manifestation - Attack: 17, Damage: 4]

Raid Leader continues to throw alchemical supplies over the wagon at the weakest link.
[Raid Leader : Acid
Attack: 21 Touch, Damage: 2, 1 Splash Damage
Concealment: Hit]
Ginei whimpers and yelps, getting further burned by the acid.

Raider Pirate moves over to the new challenger, swinging his axe.
[Raider Pirate : Battleaxe
Attack: 27, Damage: 12]
Valaire looks at the encroaching enemies with disdain, deciding it's more ideal to back up and protect her charge.
Valaire rests a hand on some of Ginei's chemical burns, her runed arm pulsing with a black light. [Infernal Healing, expending daemon blood]
Ginei sniffles, her burns healing.
Valaire: "(Mum's here, don't you worry.)"

Adrian remains in a trance, continuing to mentally assault one of the raiders.
[Adrian: Psychic Duel, 1MP Offensive Manifestation - Attack: 7, Damage: 6]

Invesse switches her focus to the marauding orc, attacking him and hopping back to protect Adrian. [Studied Combat]
[Invesse : Rapier, Frost
Attack: 30, Damage: 15 + 1 Frost]
The orc is stabbed in the heart, collapsing in a heap.

Ginei steps up, hiding behind Valaire.

Kylisae follows Invesse, trying the wand again to impart a blessing. [Use Magic Device: 16]
Kylisae: "(How is this even supposed to work...)"

A raider steps forwards, trying to be rid of the annoying swashbuckler.
[Raider Reaver : Greataxe
Attack: 17, Damage: 12]

Narik hacks at one of the raiders, following up with a shield bash.
[Narik : Longsword/Spiked Shield
Attack: 17, Damage: 10
Attack: 11, Damage: 2]
The raider takes a blow from the sword, but managing to parry the shield.

[1 Fire]
The other soldier, however, remains in a trance, as the fires begin to start engulfing him.
[Mercenary Soldier: Psychic Duel, 1MP Offensive Manifestation - Attack: 20, Damage: 4]

Raid Leader moves to throw another item, what seems like a small, burning ball, that rests near Invesse.

Raider Pirate attacks Narik again with his axe, before running away.
[Raider Pirate : Battleaxe
Attack: 17, Damage: 6]
[Narik : Longsword
Attack: 19, Damage: 7]

Valaire turns her ire to the man flinging objects at her daughter, her runes flaring as she fires a bolt of inky blackness at his eyes. [Blindness, DC 17]
[Raid Leader : Fortitude Save: 10]
Raid Leader curses, stumbling around in his new dark world.

[Adrian: Psychic Duel, 3MP Offensive Manifestation - Damage: 8, Will DC 18]
[Mercenary Soldier : Will Save: 15]
The soldier suddenly falls over, unconscious.
Adrian shakes free of his trance, looking around at the flames.

Invesse steps round to flank the remaining brigand in the melee, delivering an augmented blow.
[Invesse : Rapier, Frost (Arcane Strike)
Attack: 28, Damage: 13 + 6 Frost]
Raider Reaver falls, swearing incoherently at Invesse.
Valaire: "Such language. There are children present, you know."

Ginei looks at the raiders, frowning, but staying close to Valaire.

Kylisae continues to stay near Invesse, wondering if she can get the wand working. [Use Magic Device: 15]

Narik runs after the fleeing brigand in pursuit, tossing down his sword to fling a bolt of light at the man. [Spear of Purity, Damage: 8, DC 14]
[Raider Pirate : Will Save: 12]
The Raider falls, the spear of indigo light sticking out of him.

Raid Leader curses and stumbles about, trying to find his bearings.
Valaire: "I'm going to give you an ultimatum. Kneel down, surrender, and tell us all you know, and you may yet be allowed to see the world again."
Raid Leader grumbles, sitting down.
Invesse moves closer to the man, holding her blade close enough to disturb the air, but does not attack.
Narik waves his hand, putting out the burning trees to stop the wood burning.
Adrian: "I suggest you cooperate. Do you expect us to consider this a random attack?"
Ginei: "(It's over, right?)"
Valaire: "(Nobody is going to harm you and get away with it.)"
Ginei: "(That was... really scary.)"
Valaire: "(Adrian is going to talk to the man who dared to hurt you.)"
Adrian: "Albion, go fetch the horses, please."
Valaire: "(I... apologize for the spell. My resources for protection are... limited.)"
Raid Leader: "...we thought you was easy pickings. We was tipped off that a 'foppish Lord' was coming through here today."
Valaire: "By whom?"
Narik runs off in the direction of the horses.
Ginei: "(It feels... weird, but look! No more burns!. What was it?)"
Adrian: "Who told you this? Name, description, where you spoke to them."
Valaire: "(My blood. It is the only gift I can give at the moment.)"
Raid Leader grimaces.
Raid Leader: "Special message t'my mind, or somethin'. Dunno who he was, but he must've known me."
Ginei: "(You can heal people with your blood? Cool!)"
Adrian: "What did the message say? Repeat it, verbatim. Now."
Adrian scowls down at the man, glancing at Invesse.
Invesse tilts her head at Adrian, then looks upwards in thought.
Raid Leader: "'There's a foppish Lord comin' through the woods to Verseris. You've got an easy target. From a friend.' I've been gettin' a lot of these and it 'asn't been wrong yet."
Adrian: "You've been getting a lot, you say? What were the others?"
Invesse: "Easy target. Someone wanted you dead."
Adrian: "Someone who knew our whereabouts."
Raid Leader: "Others were more tipoffs 'fer easy pickin's."
Invesse: "Was the voice Eriban?"
Valaire: "So this person either grossly misjudged us or was trying to lead you into a trap."
"Do you always listen to voices in your head?"
Raid Leader: "...voices 'aven't been wrong yet."
"I dunno, sounded southern."
Valaire: "You are not effectively vouching for your own sanity."
Adrian grabs the brigand by the hair, a black energy forming around his hand. [Interrogation, DC 16 - repeating casting]
[Raid Leader : Fortitude Save: 20, 22, 11]
Adrian: "What was the last target you were given before us?"
Raid Leader: "Merchant guy, carryin' silks."
Adrian: "Where was this merchant from? Direction he was traveling, and apparent ethnicity."
Valaire kneels down, examining Ginei for marks of damage and magically tending to damaged clothes.
Raid Leader: "'ee was comin from Jer'rell. Looked like one of us, probably 'eadin' to the capital."
Invesse: "I consider that enough reason to believe it's an Eriban official. If they were capable of long-range telepathy, then scrying seems possible."
Valaire: "Why, of all the targets in this battle, did you decide attacking an unarmed child to be your best option?"
Adrian: "Agreed. There's nobody who would have known the time and place otherwise, unless one of my own people sold us out. I suppose on the bright side, they haven't seen fit to come after us personally."
Valaire: "And I will warn you that your answer to this one is very important to whether you are walking away unharmed or not."
Raid Leader thinks for a moment.
Raid Leader: "...was just throwin' at whatever was over the wagon, picked the easiest target."
Valaire: "You picked the wrong target."
"If you attacked any of us that were showing an actual threat, then yes, we could brush your actions away under the rug of simply doing your job."
"But you chose, willingly, to target an innocent. A civilian."
Adrian: "It's not as if the girl was even a threat to you. 'Easy target' only matters if you benefit from eliminating that target."
Raid Leader: "Yeah, but..."
Valaire: "Is there even anything you can say in your defense to attacking a child even after you saw what destructive potential each of the rest of us were capable of?"
Raid Leader: "...nah."
Adrian: "So. Your mysterious benefactor, has he in the past expressed a preference for you finishing off your victims? I doubt he simply wants to help you fill your pockets."
Ginei: "(...you should teach him a lesson and punch him, or... something.)"
"(Magic punches?)"
Valaire: "(I'll let you in on a little secret, Ginei. The man is blind by my magic. It is not going to wear off.)"
Ginei: "(So he can't see to hurt anyone anymore?)"
Valaire: "(Exactly so, little Ginei.)"
"(His world is black, so he can do nothing but reflect on his sins.)"
Raid Leader: "...yeah, 'ee said to kill everyone."
Adrian: "This specific time? Or as a rule?"
Valaire: "No witnesses. Pragmatic, surely, even if the order you selected was symptomatic of a mental illness."
Raid Leader: "This 'time."
Adrian steps back, shaking his head and sighing, looking down at his left hand.
Adrian: "(...Lost my temper. He's just a pawn.)"
Invesse: "(You didn't overdo it, at least.)"
Ginei: "(So now he's gonna have to be blind and think about the bad stuff he's done forever?)"
Valaire: "(Well, unless he can find someone who can help him. Difficult indeed in his state...)"
Adrian: "I think I have a choice for you to make. I'm considering letting you live, if you can play along with these voices in your head."
Raid Leader: "...listenin'."
Adrian: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and you could do a lot to inform me of who some of these friends are."
Raid Leader: "So... tell you everythin' the voices say?"
Adrian: "Exactly. So next time you get a target, you say you'll kill them, and then tell me who and where they are instead, hmm?"
Valaire finishes her tending to Ginei's cloak, turning her sitting stance to face the man more directly.
Raid Leader: "I'cn do that."
Adrian: "Good. We're on our way to Verseris, as you've been informed. You're to stay out of range of sight from us except to report, or it'll blow your cover. Stay wherever you'd like in Verseris; there's a bar in the lower city known as the King's Pint. Make a habit of spending your evenings there, and I'll make a habit of buying a round or two when I have the chance, so you can let me know about any new information."
Raid Leader: "...right!"
Valaire: "As you can see, my lord is VERY merciful. He has very graciously offered you a solution that allows you not only to live, but even comes with benefits."
"But I shall inform you that he does not offer third chances."
Invesse sheathes her blade.
Raid Leader: "...right."
Invesse: "I welcome this resolution."
Adrian: "(I don't suppose you would mind enabling him to get there a bit more reliably?)"
Ginei: "Hey! Don't hurt me anymore, or mum will teach you a lesson!"
Valaire reaches a clawed hand towards the man and snaps her fingers, the black shroud retreating from the man's eyes and returning to the runic tattoos on her arms.
Raid Leader looks fearfully at the small girl, and nods, before getting up and scampering away as fast as he can go.
Adrian: "...Well. I meant to ask for a name, but I suppose he seems sufficiently cowed. Thank you, Valaire."
Ginei stands up, looking quite proud of herself.
Valaire: "...It is an important lesson for me, too."
Ginei: "What did you learn?"
Valaire closes her eyes, putting a clawed finger to her chin.
Valaire: "To temper myself."
Adrian: "...yes."
Invesse: "Yes. Thank you, Valaire."
Valaire: "A season ago, I would have thought nothing of leaving the man to wander the wilderness, denied his sight and speech."
"But now... I must be more than the avenger. I must be a mother."
Ginei hugs Valaire, smiling.
Ginei: "You're getting better for me?"
Valaire: "Everything for you, little Ginei."
"Now, let's get the wagon headed back home, shall we?"
Ginei: "Yeah, I can help move it!"

Narik returns with the horses and manages to rein them back up to the now righted wagon, and the group resumes traveling, eventually reaching the capital.
The party, after a short journey, now arrive at the palace, letting Narik look after Ginei, whilst they head to the east wing, to a medical ward, to see the recent admittants.
In the ward, there are multiple nurses and surgeons walking around, heading into other rooms, and on one side, the party sees Azzanadra, and his associate Runa.
Invesse: "Greymage!"
Kylisae gasps, fluttering over in concern.
Kylisae: "Azzy!"
Adrian runs over to Azzanadra, grimacing in concern.
Invesse runs to the Deepborn's side, along with the sprite.
Azzanadra opens his eyes, wearily smiling.
Azzanadra: "Ah, there you all are. I was wondering when you would reappear."
Invesse: "We were waylaid. But that can topic can wait."
It seems that Azzanadra has got multiple burn marks across his stony grey skin, wearing a simple white medical gown. Runa, however, seems much worse for wear, being unconscious, with her skin seeming cracked, small glowing blue fissures running along it.
Valaire: "These are quite the injuries you two have..."
Adrian: "What happened to you two? What are you doing in Verseris?!"
Invesse: "The blue marks. I think I can hazard a guess."
Kylisae: "Azzy! Azzy, please tell me you're okay!"
Azzanadra: "I'll live, for now. I suppose this is what happens when you happen to stick your nose in the wrong business."
Azzanadra tries chuckling, coughing raggedly, however.
Valaire: "This shade of blue... tsk."
"(Damn good thing she isn't here to see this. She's been coming along well but she's not ready for this.)"
Adrian: "Not more of the things..."
Kylisae: "Wait, you mean those freaky scary things?"
"Azzy, did the freaky scary things do this to you?"
Adrian: "I take it your investigations did not go well?"
Azzanadra: "More of what? I don't know what these 'freaky scary things' are."
Invesse: "Undead child soldiers."
Azzanadra: "Ah, I presume you refer to what has been dubbed 'The Reaper Project'."
Valaire: "So they call it. All, presumably, in the name of Silske."
Adrian: "Precisely. So you did know of them? Or learn, at least?"
Azzanadra: "And that is who precisely was quite upset at my findings."
Invesse: "That is deeply problematic."
Azzanadra: "There are few I could not best in combat. Unfortunately, well..."
Kylisae: "Wait, did Silske do this? The guy trying to hurt the Earth Mother?"
Invesse: "That's right, Kylisae."
Azzanadra pulls his blanket off him, and pulls his shirt up, revealing what looks like a small hole, completely black and scorches around the edges, before quickly pulling his shirt down again.
Kylisae: "He hurt Grampa Azzy, he wants to hurt the Earth Mother, and he wants these creepy scary things to happen to children? How can one person be so... evil?"
Adrian: "...Will either of you recover?"
Azzanadra: "It will take time, but we will. Unfortunately, my poor Runa was with me, and was cursed before I could evacuate us both."
Valaire observes the blackened hole during its brief appearance, idly glancing at Adrian's shoulder.
Azzanadra: "He decided to... torment me by inflicting great amounts of pain on her. Overloading her body with arcane magic to the point, well..."
Kylisae: "That's... so horrible!"
Invesse: "Is she family?"
Adrian scowls darkly, clenching a fist.
Azzanadra: "...indeed she is. She is my progeny."
Valaire: "That's not what you said last time."
Azzanadra: "There are certain things I try to keep secret when I meet with people for the first time."
Adrian: "Harming the innocent in place of another... that is a line that should never be crossed."
Valaire clicks her tongue, remembering events prior in the day.
Adrian: "You do not wish to draw the wrong attention to her, I would suppose?"
Azzanadra: "Indeed. Nor do I wish to give the wrong impression of myself."
Kylisae: "So you pretend she's unrelated, separate, so people don't think to hurt you through her."
"But... Silske... I guess he knew better?"
Azzanadra: "Silske knows everything."
Invesse looks over the woman, examining the resonating magic.
Kylisae: "Does he know we're going to hurt him? Because that's definitely going to be a thing."
Adrian chuckles nervously, glancing over at the tiefling girl.
Adrian: "Hardly a deception I can fault you for."
Valaire: "Temper, little sprite."
Kylisae: "You have no room to lecture me on temper! He hurt Azzy!"
Invesse: "Temper and patience are required to dethrone a demigod."
Azzanadra: "And I was known as one of the most powerful mages in the country, Kylisae. I dare say that in your current capacity, you do not stand much of a chance."
Adrian: "I have reason to believe someone within Eribe had us attacked, as well."
Kylisae: "I... but I want... I want to stop him."
"How do I stop him? I'm just a sprite..."
Adrian: "As do we all, Kylisae. That is the right question to ask, at least."
Invesse: "I am sure we can all play our parts."
Kylisae: "It's no fair... no fair at all. He's doing all this hurting people. He's tormenting children; first the 'reapers' and now Auntie Runa."
Valaire sighs, clearly sharing both the sprite's emotions and empathy.
Azzanadra: "The only place I could think of that is out of his current reach was here."
Invesse: "At least we are on the same page, now."
Valaire: "There are limitations, of course. For someone who knows all, it requires magic on par with the mask."
Azzanadra looks at Invesse, raising an eyebrow.
Azzanadra: "You finally got the mask off, Invesse?"
Valaire: "You know of her?"
Adrian: "You knew who she was?"
Invesse chuckles quietly."
Invesse: "I asked his help with removing the mask. I did not give him my identity, but the circumstances were specific enough."
Azzanadra: "I didn't know... but I suspected."
"One of our agents had gone missing, completely. I couldn't even send messages or scry to her."
Invesse waves her hand, a translucent owl manifesting on her shoulder.
Valaire: "It is a fascinating magic, to somehow... not exist."
Adrian: "...yes, I see. I suppose that would narrow it down quite a bit."
Valaire: "...Hmhm~"
Invesse: "At the least, I knew that the Greymage had an air of integrity that few did."
Azzanadra: "I try to keep it like that."
Valaire: "But it appears that the ability to disappear off of the world is a magic that trumps even Silske's omniscience. Which is why I am even more glad to have the trump card that I do."
Adrian: "...Is there something you're not telling me, Valaire?"
Invesse: "You found a way?"
Valaire: "My understanding of it is... well, there is only so much one can perform by examining from a distance."
"But with my ability to examine magical auras, I have been studying a way of imitating the mask."
"Localized to an area, not a person, of course. Somewhere we can come and go as we please."
Invesse: "So it has its own freedoms and limitations."
Adrian: "Convenient. I've already been planning to set aside some of our funds for someplace proper to stay, especially with the youngster to care for."
Valaire: "Ah, then our plans coincide."
"Allow me to aid you, my lord, and protect the place with my magic."
Invesse: "Perhaps we can safely keep these two there, if we have the resources to tend to them."
Valaire: "To ensure the place is safe from indiscretion... well, to trump Silske himself may yet be out of my reach, but certainly his lackeys."
Azzanadra: "Silske himself is not particularly adept at divinations."
Kylisae: "That seems a glaring weakness for someone who 'knows all'. Does he only know everything because people tell him?"
Azzanadra: "He always favoured conjuration and illusion."
"Ah, that is his strength. His words themselves are enchanted, so that anyone who hears him is charmed."
Adrian: "Having people tell you everything is a skill in and of itself, little sprite."
Valaire: "So his specialty is networking."
Azzanadra: "It is how he has established such an extensive spying network."
Invesse: "You saw how Adrian handled that doll earlier today."
Valaire: "Hmhm. Indeed, Lord Adrian's way with words is beyond amazing."
"But when it comes to thwarting divination from his lackeys, please leave it to your faithful retainer."
Adrian: "Thank you, Valaire. And the timing couldn't be better, too."
Valaire: "Make no mistake, my lord. I always have tricks up my sleeve waiting for just the right moment."
Azzanadra: "Now... I imagine you have come for some more information, have you not?"
Kylisae: "I just wanted to be sure you were okay! I heard you were hurt, and I..."
Adrian: "...If you can offer it. I know that you may still have some loyalties you do not wish to betray. I was primarily concerned for your safety."
Kylisae perches down, trying to find a location on the bed near Azzanadra to sit on.
Azzanadra: "It's okay, little Kylisae. I know."
Invesse nods, looking at the damage with concern in her eyes.
Adrian: "Greymage. Is there any help we can offer you? It certainly sounds as though you cannot return home, and I feel that I am in your debt."
Valaire: "Though if you still bear even a remote semblance of loyalty to Silske after what he did to her..."
Azzanadra laughs a little, trying to not cough.
Azzanadra: "It seems you've caught me in the predicament of wanting to turn against the Emperor, but not wishing to turn against my country."
Valaire: "Your loyalty is to Eribe, not Silske."
Adrian: "An understandable conflict."
Invesse: "I have my doubts about The Emperor's concern for his land."
Azzanadra: "The unfortunate aspect of that, Invesse, is that he has his sights set on your land."
Valaire: "Merely 'doubts'? Need I remind you, every single 'reaper' was of Eriban descent. They were his own people."
Invesse: "My point is that at some point his own quest will take him far out from his homeland."
"But the war is another matter, yes..."
Azzanadra: "...though I do not know when, or how, he will decide to attack this country, I know he will likely not wait too long, with my recent actions."
Adrian: "Yes... I am still uncertain of how to best prepare."
Valaire: "It is a worrying conundrum. We lack the magical strength to challenge Silske, and yet the time is a pressing concern."
Azzanadra: "I suppose all we can do is wait and prepare. I am not of much combative use to anyone, at the moment, however..."
Adrian: "You are still invaluable as an ally, nonetheless."
Valaire: "You have information, which is something one can never have too much of."
Kylisae: "You should come with us. If Silske doesn't care about you, if he hurt you... then you should come with us. Valaire.. she's going to help make a place you can be safe from Silske."
Invesse covers her chin and her mouth, looking upwards reflectively. [Invesse : Knowledge (Planes): 40]
Azzanadra: "Heh, that would be nice. Perhaps when I can walk, and Runa is... conscious again, then we shall see."
Invesse: "If it is power we need, and time, exploring a plane could help at least a little."
"But the inherent dangers, and need to find a rift make that difficult."
Valaire: "I feel little desire to go spelunking on other worlds when Silske fully intends to declare war."
"Zeltria needs us."
Azzanadra: "Ah, Invesse. You speak of the Abyss, do you not?"
Adrian: "That is an interesting theory. A training ground with an advantage of time. And possibly resources we cannot otherwise obtain."
Invesse: "Yes. A week here is ten days in the Abyss. Not that I would ever advise spending nearly that much time in such a place."
"It is the kind of place one might find the edge needed in a war, however."
Azzanadra: "Ah, the land wracked by war and madness... may actually be an ideal place to hone your skills."
Valaire: "Spending two thirds of the time, but at the price of being worlds apart from Ginei... I don't like it."
"A brief excursion, perhaps, if we can find an incursion point. But certainly not a long-term solution."
Azzanadra: "The chasm, I know, is an ideal place to enter from. Just... exiting the Abyss is difficult without the appropriate tools."
Adrian: "Even a day's venturing could be meaningful."
Invesse: "I'm interested in seeking out exotic relics more than anything."
"A few of us training hard is not going to do nearly enough."
Valaire: "Ah, that is true... armaments to give us the edge. Bridge the gap more than anything."
Invesse: "I don't like the idea of planar travel, at all."
"But needs must, is how I see it."
Valaire: "The matter still exists on the proper exit tool."
Azzanadra: "I have heard of dragons, and a shackled God, in the Abyss."
Adrian: "Hallowvale. We've heard the same."
Azzanadra: "I imagine the plane of magic is the most ideal place to find relics, and artefacts. It is where my brother found his own."
Valaire: "Greymage Azzanadra. Your power in arcane arts, as one of the greatest of the Greymages, is not a token amount."
"When you recover, will you be able to create the exit tool we need? A spell, perhaps."
Azzanadra: "It is not a spell that is required. A specific item of my own making is needed."
"A knife, attuned magically so that it may cut through from that which bridges the gaps of the planes, back to the mortal one."
Kylisae: "We'll do anything. I don't know about helping Eribe specifically, but we do know that Silske needs to be stopped. He's hurting so many innocents..."
"Please... I'm just a sprite, but I want to help too. I need to get stronger. I want to help."
Azzanadra: "The knife can be attuned to this world, so that you may return without need of... well, the random nature of the realm."
Invesse: "I know, Kylisae... I know."
Azzanadra extends his hand for Kylisae.
Kylisae climbs onto the offered hand, sitting delicately.
Adrian: "And will you allow us the use of this knife?"
Azzanadra: "If I can craft it, that is."
Valaire: "Which, of course, requires not being bedridden."
Azzanadra: "It must be made from runite, too, which is quite rare, especially here..."
Valaire: "I'm sure we have a surplus at this point."
Invesse: "One fruit from finding that accursed project."
Adrian: "More than we know what to do with already."
Azzanadra: "Perhaps at some time, when I have rested, one of you would be willing to pool information regarding that."
Valaire: "As I said. Information is never something one can have too much of."
Adrian: "Gladly. I'd welcome the chance to speak with you."
Invesse: "Yes..."
Kylisae: "Azzy, will Auntie Runa be okay?"
Invesse: "It's... she might recover from the damage, but..."
"Barring some severe measures, the woman might be entirely severed from her magic."
Kylisae: "...Wait, she can't use magic again?"
Azzanadra: "...oh. I had hoped it would not be so severe..."
Adrian: "Do you know what could be done to restore it?"
Invesse: "In theory, traditional dispelling might do it. ...but this is Silske's level of power."
Valaire: "Far beyond my talents of unweaving magic, I'm ashamed to admit."
Azzanadra: "This is the power of one who aspires to be a god."
Kylisae: "It's so cruel..."
Adrian leans forward, resting his chin on his hand in thought.
Invesse: "She's alive. The physical damage will heal."
Kylisae: "But... it just seems... spiteful. She can't return to her old life, even if we do everything in our power..."
Azzanadra: "She was not very skilled in magic... I believe that is the only reason she still breathes."
"I am vaguely familiar with the spell. It is the Emperor's favourite method of execution, when he has a mage to do so."
Valaire bites her lip, looking at Runa.
Adrian: "...I see."
Valaire: "An execution designed to harm mages..."
Adrian: "Turning one's own power against them..."
Kylisae: "Why is he so cruel? Why? What possible reason could he have?"
Invesse: "With the degree of power that he has, it would make sense for him to become... detached."
Azzanadra: "Sadism, madness, a god complex? By this stage, few could know..."
Adrian: "Hm. I remember when we spoke of this before... this is more than detachment, though."
Invesse: "Indeed."
Valaire: "With this power, he could easily see Zeltria crushed under his heel. He could bend Esbern itself to either obey him, or be turned into mindless reapers to enforce his will."
Invesse frowns.
Adrian: "What I do may be without empathy. This is deliberate cruelty."
Valaire: "A world where nobody is safe. People like Ginei or Genevieve kidnapped to become child soldiers, one way or another."
Azzanadra: "It is a miracle that his hands are quite too full to lay waste to all of us."
Valaire: "...I do not believe I need to tell you my preference on this topic."
Adrian: "So it's true. He is too busy to come for us himself?"
Invesse: "Chasing the Earthmother, right?"
Azzanadra: "Not just that."
"Due to the... er, weakened state of Arcana, and the fragility of the Abyss, my brother has been attempting to combat the... er, competition, so to speak."
Invesse: "So, in a twist of fate, he is also on our side. But the enemy of our enemy is still not our friend."
Azzanadra: "I would not say that he is on anyone's side but his own."
Adrian: "So he aims to conquer all of the planes, not just this one. Lofty goals, but at least it keeps him distracted. Maybe for long enough."
Azzanadra: "He attempts to be... er... 'top dog', so to speak."
Adrian: "(Hm. I have to wonder, if she could learn to redirect her talents, would that be enough...)"
Valaire: "Megalomania at its finest."
Azzanadra: "Indeed."
Kylisae: "That kind of power... it's not supposed to be the hands of people like that. It's supposed to be the Earth Mother's, and the other... well, admittedly, I only know about the Earth Mother."
Azzanadra: "There were, originally, only meant to be five gods."
"The Earth Mother, herself, and the four Elder Wyrms of balance."
Valaire: "(How excited Mulvery would be to hear that dragons form the underpinning of reality...)"
Invesse: "(So they came before...)"
"(I suppose it makes sense.)"
Azzanadra: "The four Elder Wyrms, created to uphold balance, and preserve the worlds.
"Arkay Vanescula, a paragon of good ideals and community, Ysmir Drakan, known as the black hearted destroyer. Lopcortyl, the World Wyrm, who kept her good and evil brothers in check. And of course, Arcana Hallowvale, who gave the gift of magic to mortals, and is the root of mortal magic."
Valaire: "Hallowvale... the one Garadin is fucking with."
Adrian: "I had only heard of three..."
Azzanadra: "Much of the Wyrms information is lost to history."
"However, I have been around since the beginning of this world's mortal history."
Kylisae: "But you don't ever forget things. Well, almost don't ever forget."
Azzanadra: "I remember the important things. I do not remember what I ate for lunch three thousand years ago."
Kylisae: "Did lunch even exist three thousand years ago?"
Invesse smirks.
Adrian: "Had something happened to Lopcortyl, or was her role simply never recorded?"
Azzanadra: "Lopcortyl was... slain."
Valaire: "One of the native gods... destroyed?"
Invesse: "That's possible?"
Adrian: "By who, or what?"
Kylisae: "Isn't that what Silske is trying to do to the Earth Mother, though?"
Azzanadra: "Many thousands of years ago... when the gods warred, Lopcortyl was one of the very few creatures that could stand up to them."
"Unfortunately... a temporary alliance between Garadin, Zemoregal and Korredas, led to her death."
"I believe her body became what is now known as Lunar Isle, over the many years. Those who are very very old, or know a great deal about the isle, or magic, may know this."
Kylisae: "She became an island?"
Invesse: "That's a frightening prospect, gods uniting to bring down another."
Adrian: "(So that's why he calls it the Sleeping Dragon...)"
Kylisae: "They're not gods, though!"
"Only the Earth Mother and the Wyrms are gods."
Adrian: "Korredas?"
"Hmm, then what would you call them, Kylisae?"
Invesse: "Given the scale of things, the others are still gods to us."
Azzanadra: "Korredas is... a clearly minor god. He did not fare well in the god wars, and thus, few mortals know his name."
Valaire: "So, a god so inconsequential he's not even known as a demigod."
Azzanadra: "It does not mean he is not powerful. Merely... not as such as other gods."
Adrian: "To keep in mind the scale we speak of..."
Invesse: "There becomes a certain point on the scale where the differences become difficult to imagine."
Adrian: "Does it not make even you feel insignificant?"
Kylisae: "I don't! Because I'm the Earth Mother's daughter!"
Azzanadra: "Heh, and I am her disowned son."
Valaire: "Such optimism..."
Adrian smiles wryly, shrugging.
Valaire: "These... old gods, though..."
Invesse: "Who called the island a sleeping dragon?"
Adrian: "General Raikov. He's odd at times, but I have a suspicion it is well-placed oddness."
Azzanadra: "Ah, Raikov Verdyl, the Silver Flash."
Valaire: "It was when he was addressing Mulvery."
Adrian: "Is he Deepborn?"
Azzanadra: "...not as such."
Invesse: "Oh, that man. I recall, now."
Valaire: "Half?"
Azzanadra: "He has a very small amount of our blood, yes. But he is more outsider than anything else."
Adrian: "...Hm. I see."
Azzanadra: "His body has aspects of the plane of law, as well as human, and the vaguest touch of deepborn. He is old, and his mixed blood makes him... strange."
"Nowhere near as old as me, but he must be in triple digits by now..."
Valaire: "Something not unlike a mongrel. A circumstance I am far too familiar with."
Azzanadra: "I was a friend of his mother's. A very beautiful half-blood."
Valaire: "I can imagine trips down memory lane can wait until you are not in such dire need for bedrest."
Adrian: "I would imagine nearly all of your people know each other, even now..."
Azzanadra: "Indeed there are only... less than a hundred pure bloods remaining by now."
Adrian glances at Invesse, looking thoughtful, and shakes his head.
Adrian: "Valaire is right. With any luck, we will have time to speak later."
Invesse: "The world must feel much smaller for it, Azzanadra."
Azzanadra: "...ah right, I wouldn't want to keep you, of course."
Invesse looks to Adrian, wearing her own expression of concern.
Kylisae: "Get better, okay, Azzy?"
Azzanadra: "I shall."
"It will take more than being skewered by a godly thunderbolt to kill me."
Kylisae: "And help Auntie Runa get better too."
Invesse: "It's all we can ask of you."
Adrian: "I'm glad to hear that. I think we need your help, and I consider you a friend. I rather like both of you being alive."
Azzanadra: "I'm not so sure about her being your aunt."
Kylisae: "But you said she was your progeny! If you're her dad, and you're my grampa, she's auntie."
Adrian: "...Hm. Does she herself not know? Kylisae can be discreet, if needed, and I expect she can describe the nickname more innocuously, if nothing else."
Azzanadra: "Runa herself knows."
Kylisae: "It'd be nice to meet her. She didn't say much when we first met."
Azzanadra: "She is quite shy, I apologise in her place."
Kylisae: "But I can definitely be discreet! I mean, I haven't told anybody about that time when Adrian was seducing a bugbear."
Azzanadra: "...he what?"
Valaire sighs, placing a hand against her forehead.
Adrian: "I think I may need to remind you she is still a fey, if a well-mannered one."
Invesse gasps, before thinking a moment and pressing a hand to her face.
Azzanadra: "...Kelton, I had not thought that was your type."
Adrian sighs, turning to glare daggers at the sprite.
Adrian: "Go on, rectify your mistake."
Kylisae: "Um... I'm sorry, Grampa Azzy. That was a prank."
"I was just trying to tease you."
Azzanadra: "Ah, I see. I am not so quick witted in my current state."
Kylisae turns to Adrian with a sympathetic look.
Adrian: "Very understandable."
Adrian shrugs, lightening his expression toward Kylisae.
Invesse pouts, returning her attention to Azzanadra and Runa.
Valaire: "Fey antics aside, we should leave you be to recover."
Invesse: "Agreed. It is good to be able to look upon you as a student again, however, Greymage."
Adrian: "Greymage... thank you again for your help, now and in Kyaro. Again, I am in your debt."
Azzanadra: "Think nothing of it. The best you can do is trying your best to achieve."
Kylisae: "I'm still really sorry for pranking you, and I really do hope you and Auntie will get better."
"We won't let Silske go unpunished for this. Just as soon as I get a little stronger, I'm going to go show him what's what."
Azzanadra: "Good luck with that."
Adrian: "Zulio's philosophy. I have been hearing quite a bit of it from a new assistant of mine, recently. I don't disagree with that part."
The party leave the old deepborn in the medical ward to recover, while their go about their business for the day.