Ch 3: Part 7: In Armageddon's Shadow: Session 49

[14:32] <Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[14:33] <Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 3: The Armageddon Echo~~~
[14:33] <Kilarra> -Session 49-
[14:35] <Kilarra> The party was successfully able to breach the Academy of Arts, although it seems they were the only ones able to do so. Both Kaerishiel and Shalelu's groups were either killed or captured before they could meet up with the party. Since then, they have had to, on their own, confront a flesh golem, a Vrock, a host of zombies, a pair of water elementals, and even an Aboleth
[14:36] <Kilarra> Said aboleth managed to escape when mortally wounded, but not before putting a domination spell on Kjell, forcing him to prevent the others from leaving the room. Now they have to take the whammy off or otherwise subdue their faithful meat shield in order to continue
[14:40] * Kilarra looks around the room, then to Aluthyra, "Fantastic." She sighs, "I've only got one shot at removing this jinx, so if either of you have anything to boost my magic, or perhaps give me a bit of extra luck, then now's the time."
[14:40] <@Aluthyra>  Tognik shakes his head. "Nothing here..."
[14:41] * Aluthyra likewise has no way to assist.
[14:42] * Kilarra sighs, "Alright then, it's on me." She places a hand upon her breast while raising her other one towards Kjell, "Calistria, I could really use some luck right now, if you have any in reserve for me."
[14:42] * Kilarra casts her dispelling magic.
[14:46] <Kilarra> Despite Kilarra's best efforts, the spell remains in place. Kjell's shield spell is removed though.
[14:48] * Kilarra throws her hands up in frustration, "Stupid aboleth!"
[14:49] * Kilarra looks to Tognik, "You're the fast-talker, any way you can convince him it's in our best interest to get out of this room?"
[14:49] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods. "I will try."
[14:50] <@Aluthyra> Tognik points to Kjell, casting a spell of charm person-- just to help with his convincing.
[14:51] * Kilarra just stands over by Aluthyra. She groans, feeling rather useless
[14:52] <@Aluthyra> Tognik approaches Kjell, nudging the man's side. "Kjell.. We /need/ to get through here. If we don't, the elves will die. And the drow will win this fight, because /you/ helped them."
[14:56] <@Aluthyra> Tognik continues, "We need to get through here, Kjell."
[14:56] <Kilarra> Kjell looks like his brain is being taxed by the combination of enchantments. "I want to protect my friends... but the greater good must be seen to."
[14:57] <Kilarra> Kjell steps away from the door, looking like he was trying to focus through the mental mess
[14:59] <Kilarra> Kjell shakes his head, still looking a little off.
[14:59] * Kilarra smirks at Tognik, "We got him away from the door, that's good enough for now."
[15:00] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, gesturing for his other companions to continue before him.
[15:00] * Aluthyra moves through the doorway.
[15:01] <Kilarra> Opposite the doors of this massive room stands a towering archway made of shimmering black stone. The archway’s keystone seems strangely out of place—unlike the surrounding black stone, the keystone is a pale gray and bears fragments of a spiky set of Thassilonian runes. Inside the archway is a world of shadows in which a strangely beautiful elven city can be seen.
[15:02] <Kilarra> Smears of blood along the floor seem to lead up to and through the archway into the flickering world beyond. Standing between the party and the portal is a single drow. Once he catches sight of them, he steps forward and speaks.
[15:03] <Kilarra> “Master Nolveniss bade me give you his apologies,” he says in almost a whisper, “that he will not be present to see you die.” Upon uttering this mocking message, he immediately attacks, pulling out a greatsword that crackled with electricity.
[15:05] <Kilarra> Aluthyra manages to nimbly dodge the sudden blow.
[15:09] <Kilarra> The barbaric drow doesn't let up however, leveling a pair of powerful swings at Aluthyra.
[15:10] <Kilarra> Aluthyra takes two nasty hits.
[15:11] * Aluthyra cries out in pain. She glares at the drow, ready to unleash her arrows at the man.
[15:12] <Kilarra> Kjell steps in, the drow having closed the distance quite effectively. He places both hands on Tyrant's bane and takes a pair of swings.
[15:14] <Kilarra> Kjell's blows both land on the raging drow barbarian, his defenses hindered by his brutal offensive.
[15:14] * Aluthyra repays the drow with a flurry of five arrows.
[15:17] <Kilarra> Aluthyra once again makes a pincushion out of the drow before he can do any more damage. His raging ends abruptly as he collapses to the floor.
[15:18] * Kilarra hurries in to heal Aluthyra
[15:18] * Aluthyra groans, clutching at her wounds.
[15:21] * Aluthyra smiles, most of her wounds healed. For the rest, she concentrates, channeling her ki. Within moments, the rest of her wounds close.
[15:23] * Kilarra watches Aluthyra as she does that, "What... what did you just do?"
[15:24] * Aluthyra smiles. "I have learned to control my body through ki energy. I simply channeled it into my wounds."
[15:25] <Kilarra> Kjell sheathes his sword, "Well, if that elf woman was telling the truth," he sets his sights on the portal that took up the far side of the room, "then our compatriots have been taken through there."
[15:25] * Kilarra looks impressed, "Is that an aasimar thing too?"
[15:26] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "No, just something more adept monks learn."
[15:26] <@Aluthyra> Tognik pokes his head through the door. "We should keep going."
[15:27] * Kilarra blinks, "You're a monk? I thought they did martial arts and stuff."
[15:27] * Kilarra points to Aluthyra's bow.
[15:27] <Kilarra> Kjell looks to Tognik, gesturing to the shadowy gateway. "It would seem that is our only way forward at this point."
[15:28] * Aluthyra nods. "Indeed. I am not as conventional. I have learned how to improvise the monk's flurry of fists to my bow."
[15:28] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, approaching slowly. He looks around for any traps, just in case.
[15:29] * Kilarra nods, "I see. Not sure I get how that works, but I'm not complaining about its usefulness." She brings up her whip, looking at her off-hand, "my old trip and touch tactic doesn't really work against these dark elves. Stupid magic resistance."
[15:30] <Kilarra> Tognik finds no traps, however, as he inspects the portal, it begins to flicker.
[15:31] * Aluthyra nods. "I see, well, we should continue before the elves are no more." She approaches the portal, looking back. "Ready?"
[15:32] <@Aluthyra> Tognik quirks his head. Flickering?
[15:32] <Kilarra> KJell watches the flickering portal, "I think it's either losing power or set to close shortly. I'd say we only have a few minutes at best if we want to make any preparations before stepping through."
[15:33] <Kilarra> Kjell takes a moment to recast his shield spell.
[15:35] * Aluthyra nods, channeling her ki into a spell of barkskin, then drinks a potion of mage armor.
[15:36] * Kilarra doesn't have too much left to buff herself with that isn't situational, and just steps up to the portal. "Alright then, here goes nothing." She steps through
[15:36] <Kilarra> Kjell steps through as well.
[15:36] * Aluthyra notes, "I think I should be the first through, if there are guards on the other side."
[15:37] <@Aluthyra> Tognik for his part, goes over to both Aluthyra and Kjell, casting Heroism upon them.
[15:38] <Kilarra> \Part 7: In Armageddon's Shadow/
[15:38] <Kilarra> Stepping through the portal is a dizzying experience, and it takes a few moments for the world to right itself. After a time, the surrounding elven city becomes clear, its tall, graceful spires rising up among manicured boughs of a well tended forest. Some of these buildings seem familiar, resembling those of ruined Celwynvian, but strangely restored and made whole.
[15:39] <Kilarra> Although this glimpse through time is convincing, something is off. Colors seem dim, sounds are muted, and the shadows appear strangely long and dark. Yet most disconcerting of all is the sky above—for it is nothing more than a vortex of gray clouds, spiraling around a dark blot in the sky.
[15:39] * Aluthyra frowns, looking about for any blood trail that may guide them to the elves.
[15:40] <Kilarra> Kjell keeps his sword raised as he steps out into the shadowy elven city.
[15:41] <Kilarra> The portal has deposited the party on top of a staircase that seems to just exist solely as a dismount for the portal.
[15:41] <Kilarra> Looked at from the outside, it may have once led to a tower or other structure, but now simply comes to an abrupt end at the edge of the city
[15:43] * Kilarra looks around, "This is... eerie."
[15:45] * Kilarra looks up at the sky, "Just like Riddleport before devil's elbow was hit. Except... worse."
[15:47] <@Aluthyra> Tognik frowns. "I can still cast a sphere of invisibility. Might need it."
[15:47] <Kilarra> The captured elves are nowhere to be seen or found in the proximity of the portal.
[15:48] <Kilarra> Kjell frowns a bit, "I would prefer not to have to search the entire city for them." He glances around, looking for someone, or something, that might be indicative of something other than nothing.
[15:49] <@Aluthyra> Tognik looks around for a sign of the elves as well.
[15:51] <Kilarra> There is indeed something. Near the bottom of the abrupt staircase is an elf clad in resplendent robes, though their green and silver are muted like all the colors here. He does not appear to notice the party as he is staring up at the sky.
[15:52] <@Aluthyra> Tognik points to the elf, drawing the rest of his companions' attention.
[15:54] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and lowers his sword, stepping down to address the elf, "Pardon me sir," he says simply.
[15:54] * Aluthyra approaches with Kjell.
[15:54] <Kilarra> The elf looks to Kjell, then nods, "Fascinating, isn't it? A rather unique celestial event," he gestures to the blot in the sky and vortex of clouds surrounding it.
[15:57] <@Aluthyra> Tognik quirks his head at the elf. "A celestial event?" He shakes his head. No time for this. "You haven't seen a host of drow or surface elves pass by here, have you? The elves may be injured."
[16:00] <Kilarra> The elf shakes his head, "This place is mostly evacuated by now. Not really all that appreciative of it personally, fewer people around to discuss the event with. Plenty of doomsayers think its the end of the world, but I think it will pass. Perhaps in a few days, perhaps in a few years." He ponders the question, "Drow... do you mean those dark-skinned foreigners?"
[16:01] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods. "Yes, you've seen them?"
[16:02] <Kilarra> The elf gives a bit of a shrug, "They're been around for the past few days. I'm not entirely sure what to make of them. Some people think they're phantoms or spirits, but some of them are actually quite talkative."
[16:03] <@Aluthyra> Tognik raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'some people'?" He looks around. "You're the only one here."
[16:04] <@Aluthyra> Tognik adds, "That we see, at least."
[16:08] <Kilarra> The elf shakes his head, "No, there are others who believe as I do that this is merely a passing event. If you wish to learn more about it, I suggest you go to the library of Reenai and consult with Eloquan. He is an excellent source of information."
[16:10] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shakes his head. "Where are the drow?"
[16:10] <Kilarra> The elf shrugs, "I can't be bothered to keep track of a few wayward foreigners."
[16:12] <@Aluthyra> Tognik sighs. "Anywhere? Even a simple direction would do."
[16:13] <Kilarra> Kjell places a hand on Tognik's shoulder, wispering, "Remember that this place is simply a complex recreation of past events. I imagine the knowledge of those inside is limited."
[16:16] <@Aluthyra> Tognik sighs, whispering back. "If he doesn't know anything about the drow, then we should get moving."
[16:18] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Agreed. I'm sure you're curious about these events as well, and I'm glad to see you prioritizing our allies." He chuckles, "Not that I would expect you to devalue them mind, but this whole thing is a rather intriguing feat of magic."
[16:21] * Kilarra rolls her eyes, "Guess we know what that chunk of the Cyphergate ended up being used for at least. Let's go. I'm just about out of my more powerful magic, and I would prefer not to have to sleep here when we don't know what's going on."
[16:21] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods. "Agreed. If we have time, maybe... we can talk to him, but for now, let's move."
[16:24] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and looks around, "The city is much the same as it was when we were in its present. It shouldn't be too difficult to navigate, but the question is where to?"
[16:25] <@Aluthyra> Tognik looks around for any tracks.
[16:32] <Kilarra> There is no trace to be found
[16:34] <@Aluthyra> Tognik frowns.
[16:36] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs. "The biggest building, maybe? A grand tower? I figure the drow have a large ego, rather than small, perhaps they'd like the larger structures more."
[16:48] * Kilarra looks at the two of them, "Why wouldn't they just use the same building we just came from? They probably know its layout better."
[16:49] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs. "Let's check it out. Just a thought."
[16:56] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, then looks around, "Are we all fit to start travelling? This place is undoubtedly going to be more hostile than its completeness would suggest."
[16:57] * Aluthyra nods. "Yes. We should make haste."
[16:57] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods.
[17:02] <Kilarra> The party manages to move fairly swiftly through the city, their path no longer hindered by rubble or overgrowth. If in fact the drow were aware of their presence here, they were, at least for now, keeping to themselves.
[17:05] * Aluthyra continues, keeping her bow drawn and ready.
[17:07] <Kilarra> The Academy of Arts is a remarkable sight. Even though it was one of the most well preserved structures in the city at the present, at this echo of 10,000 years past, it seems all the more impressive. The domes seem to glow faintly with light during the night, lanterns hung about.
[17:07] <Kilarra> A few more of the echo elves can be seen milling about the structure.
[17:09] * Aluthyra continues forward, ignoring the fairer-skinned elves, intent on reaching the drow and saving the other two parties.
[17:09] * Aluthyra follows from a distance. Sneaky sneak.
[17:10] <Kilarra> The inside of the academy of the arts does not seem to hold any drow, simply more echo elves, most of whom look like wizards or some manner or another, milling about.
[17:13] <@Aluthyra> Tognik continues to look for any trace of the drow while they move.
[17:15] <Kilarra> Kjell holds the group up at the Academy. "Perhaps instead of searching blindly, we should try asking again. Just because that one echo was oblivious doesn't mean they all are." He notes, "Regardless of how memory of events plays into it, that elf did notice the foreign presence of the drow."
[17:17] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, and turning to one of the elves, nudges him or her, trying to get their attention.
[17:19] <Kilarra> As soon as Tognik comes into contact with the echo elf, it vanishes
[17:21] <Kilarra> Kjell blinks in surprise, "Um... perhaps we should simply speak to those inside."
[17:22] * Kilarra frowns, "This whole place is messed up."
[17:27] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shakes his head. "I think it's because I touch the elf and disrupted the illusion." He tries to get the attention of another, calling to one. "Mind answering a question?"
[17:27] <Kilarra> The elf hurries inside. He seems to notice Tognik, but ignores him for the moment, heading inside, presumably to deal with something else.
[17:29] <@Aluthyra> Tognik follows, still calling, "Hello? Excuse me, if you could just help for a moment."
[17:29] <Kilarra> The elf stops a moment and groans, "Please, go seek shelter someplace else. We are trying to finish an evacuation here."
[17:30] <Kilarra> The elf then heads inside. With the doors open, Tognik can spot him heading towards the room where the large gate had been, along with the Aboleth, in the 'present' Celwynvian.
[17:30] <Kilarra> -End Session-
[17:31] <Kilarra> Rewards: 1 CR 9, 1600 experience each