tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87846340597977300132024-03-13T20:55:21.643-04:00Czar Ziggy's OutpostA hobby blog from a painter of miniatures. Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-53755326116935139892024-02-13T10:10:00.004-05:002024-02-25T19:58:13.108-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 16)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cH_4RATZxuvdJzeW9k6QDzq4pwkQkdWCi5rRrUM9pgkvNvQdlc4ruLy97ChEI2MKs1ImCefWmEK7OCSAlVFQdKhGSMO_94jIpxVQZ4-npsIceEVlNkKlubiyR2cwflFYzIn8ifR1AelEKWBCsG1lDlvsGnTo3QncH3aJT-Vbo5gCqVB3yKQbuVC4amVg/s540/Jabril%20Mask%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cH_4RATZxuvdJzeW9k6QDzq4pwkQkdWCi5rRrUM9pgkvNvQdlc4ruLy97ChEI2MKs1ImCefWmEK7OCSAlVFQdKhGSMO_94jIpxVQZ4-npsIceEVlNkKlubiyR2cwflFYzIn8ifR1AelEKWBCsG1lDlvsGnTo3QncH3aJT-Vbo5gCqVB3yKQbuVC4amVg/w382-h254/Jabril%20Mask%202.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The air was electric between the levitating dancing, the plethora of lively conversations from the guests and the bustle of the waiting staff tending to everyone's needs. The masquerade was in full swing as the grinning face of Levistus gazed out over the ballroom like a silent observer, trapped in a cage of ice. The warm air of Malbolge swirled around the statue causing beads of water like sweat to drip from the sculpture's surface, softening it's details as it pooled around it's base.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Rachel rejoined her companions, who had taken up positions near the courtyard's entrance to the ballroom. Tidal, Dido and Caravaggio were busy studying the two creatures that were loitering around a metallic fountain of blood at the courtyard's center. One of the creatures was a tall satyr with large red leathery wings jutting out from the shoulder. The other a giant black winged creature, stout in stature and its face pale and heavy with make up, showing blood red lips in a rictus grin.</p><p>"I think it's time for us to make our way to the 4th floor to meet our contact." Rachel spoke as she closed the distance between her and the group.</p><p>"Agreed" replied Dido dryly as she nodded towards the base of the grand staircase.</p><p>"I spoke with the head attendant, Gordok, who said guests have free reign so long as they don't pass roped off areas." explained Rachel.</p><p>The group nodded in understanding and began to follow Dido as she made her way to the staircase at the far end of the ballroom. It was easy to follow her as her gleaming armor reflected all the lights and made her stick out from the other guests who chose to wear less extravagant cloth costumes. </p><p>The staircase leading up to the second floor was large and ostentatious. Its rails formed broad sweeping curves up to the second floor and a dark red velvet carpet covered the steps. At equidistant intervals, crystal orbs dotted the railing. The group began their accent to the next level.</p><p>Upon reaching the second floor, they began to move clockwise, making their way to the next set of staircases which lead to the third floor. They passed several archways along the hall which they peered into as they wondered by. The first one they passed leaded to a game parlor. There was a royal purple theme to the walls, accented with a golden trim. It reminded the group of how Duke Zapar had decorated his gambler's tent at the Carnival Eternal. There were several tables with comfortable looking fabric chairs placed around them. Many guests were seated at the tables playing mainly games of chance. One such table at the room's center that contained a roulette wheel had drawn a crowd. Half a dozen devils were seated around the table, in an apparent trance. Their bodies were slumped back in their chairs while kobold attendants tend to their bodies.</p><p>Tidal stopped and took a step into the room to get a better look, as a large toothy grin began spreading across his scaly face.</p><p>"Now this is my kind of party!" Tidal bellowed, attracting the attention a the few guests not engaged in the gambling and the games.</p><p>A firm hand landed on Tidal's shoulder. He spun to see who would have the gumption of touching him. As he turned, he locks eyes with Dido, greeting him with a stern look on her face.</p><p>"We do not have time for games." Dido says calmly, a note of irritation lacing her words.</p><p>"You must be a lot of fun at parties" Tidal remarked sarcastically.</p><p>Another voice, warm and welcoming, spoke up.</p><p>"Are you interested in trying out some of the games?"</p><p>Dido and Tidal look over to see a kobold attendant stationed by the arch way. Tidal chuckled.</p><p>"Yes! What can you tell me about these games?" inquired Tidal.</p><p>The kobold's face lite up and he gestured to the game of roulette at the rooms center.</p><p>"This game is Psychic Roulette." the attendant started. "Players make wages and then enter a trance like state to complete the game on the Astral plane. If you win, you bring your earnings back with you."</p><p>Tidal nodded enthusiastically.</p><p>"However, if you loose..." the kobold started as the body of one of the players sitting at the table suddenly flashed a bright blood red. As the flash receded, the body had become the familiar form of a soul coin. Another of the kobold attendants then collected the coin and brought it over to a nearby chest.</p><p>Tidal and Dido both looked back at the kobold who was explaining the game.</p><p>"... if you loose you are turned into a soul coin." the kobold concluded.</p><p>Dido shook her head at Tidal. The kobold attendant pointed to one of the large devils slouched at the table.</p><p>"Lord Bel of the First has been performing quite well at the game during his time at the masquerade." the kobold continued gesturing to the large leathery winged red devil as Tidal and Dido looked on. Two large obsidian black horns twisted out of his head and several large jagged teeth protruded from his lower jaw. Many kobold attendants were working on filling his talons and scrubbing his scaly skin.</p><p>A new devil soon wandered up and took the newly vacated seat from the recently converted player. The new devil looked like a large bullfrog. A set of powerful looking digitigrade hind legs came to rest on an offered foot stool as the creature sat down then reclined on the recently vacated chair. An attendant brought over a tray of hors d'oeuvres which the frog devil grabbed and slid every morsel into it's large gapping mouth all at once. After licking it's lips with a saliva drenched tongue, the devil sat back and closed its eyes. It started to enter the same trance as the other players.</p><p>"Ah, Chogrun is back for more! He's been on quite a hot streak recently." the kobold attendant informed the pair. "It's really quite impressive for a slaad."</p><p>Dido began to lead Tidal away by the arm when the kobold offered another game.</p><p>"Perhaps you'd be more interested in Liar's Dice!" offered the attendant gesturing to a side table off to the right side of the room.</p><p>Tidal looked over at the dice table. There were some smaller devils seated around the table, each rolling a cup and some dice. After releasing their dice from the cups to the table the game master declarer a winner and the other devils promptly flashed into new soul coins. Some kobold attendants quickly cleared them away to make room for more players.</p><p>"Eh. I think I'll pass." Tidal grumped in his gravelly tone.</p><p>The pair moved back to join the group where they were greeted by the sight of Rachel tending to Flewid and Car who were leaning against the wall. Rachel explained that both had been injured by psychic power from a room of sculptures and mirrors located just a little further down the hall. </p><p>A moment passed as the two caught their breath and the party journeyed upwards to the third floor. Unlike the previous ascent, there were two staircases to the third floor, one to either side opposite the grand staircase from the first floor. These staircases were narrower than the previous, but still left a fair amount of space for creatures to ascend and descend at the same time. They were similarly decorated as the last staircase.</p><p>Moving along the third floor, one of the first rooms the group passed by was a study. It's walls were covered in bookcases. All manner of books, transcripts, scrolls and manuals could be seen on their shelves. Most shelves were bursting with texts, with some even littered on the floor at the bookcases base. There was also a lone creature within, fliting from shelf to shelf. This caught Rachel's attention and she paused to take a closer look. The creature seemed to be a golden metallic sphere. A small set a mechanical wings attached at the top of the sphere and a set of mechanical arms and legs dangled from the sphere. Rachel recognized the creature as a modron. She took a step into the study, and offered a greeting to the creature.</p><p>"Hail! My name is Rachel. What's yours?" </p><p>The modron turned to look at her, several books tucked in it's arms.</p><p>"<i>Greetings. You may call me Sixes.</i>" came the reply in a warm crackle. It's voice was synthesized and eerily artificial. Sixes held up a leather bound book with a large set of teeth on it that were currently snarling and gnashing at the modron. "<i>I must say, this collection is truly impressive.</i>"</p><p>An idea suddenly struck Rachel as she ventured further into the library.</p><p>"Then I must be in luck. I've been trying to find a tome about the relations between the heavens and the hells. Would you happen to know which section of this study might have something on that topic?"</p><p>The lone artificial blue eye in the middle of Sixes body studied Rachel for a moment before glancing off to the right.</p><p>"<i>You may have some luck over in that section my dear.</i>" came the crackly modulated reply from Sixes as it pointed to a section near the back of the study.</p><p>Rachel nodded. She gave a quick hand motion to Dido to hold the group near the entrance for a moment as she moved to the back of the study. She set about rifling through the collection of books and scrolls but it became quickly apparent that nothing in this section was remotely close to the topic she inquired about. As she turned back to speak with Sixes, she was struck by a book which bounced harmlessly off her chest armor and fell to the ground.</p><p>"<i>Why would you look for such a deplorable text?</i>" screeched Sixes, its lone eye now a light scarlet color.</p><p>"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend!" replied Rachel, a little confused.</p><p>Sixes locked his eye on Rachel and gave her a withering stare.</p><p>"<i>Remove yourself from this study at once!</i>" screeched Sixes in an agitated tone.</p><p>Rachel put her hands up and began to move towards the entrance. Once she was about half way, Sixes tossed another book at her.</p><p>"<i>OUT! OUT! OUT!</i>" Sixes shrieked, its wings beating faster and a moderate vibration began to shake it's body. Rachel broke out into a sprint and made it for the door, dodging another book from Sixes in the process. As Rachel passed the entrance, Sixes' eye returned to it's blue color and it resumed it's fliting about the shelves as if nothing had happened.</p><p>"We should probably stay on task." Dido remarked as Rachel took a moment to catch her breath.</p><p>"Aye." Rachel replied with a huff.</p><p>The group continued to venture down the hall, passing by a set of swinging metallic doors with a circular port hole to look through. Caravaggio took a peak and could make out an operating room. In the middle was a lone operating table, a random elf male strapped to its metallic surface. Another figure, a devil wearing a white long coat, was in the process of dissecting the elf's brain while providing a lecture upwards to the seating theater. Car noted that the elf did not seem sedated as he moved back to join his companions.</p><p>The group continued along until they reached the next staircase. This one was similar to the main floor, being one grand staircase heading up to the fourth floor. The group ascended, eager to meet with their mysterious contact.</p><p>The fourth floor was so far the smallest floor they had been on. Each floor had gotten progressively smaller, but this floor was the most notable. To their left was a buffet room. From their vantage point at the top of the stairs, they could see several tables each topped with a broad array of foods from the mundane to the exotic. At the end of the table nearest them sat a pair of devils, a succubus and an incubus. They were feeding each other and having a very merry time. The group could also make out four Nupperibos gathered around the tables. The strings which normally sewed their mouths shut were cut open as they feed upon the offerings of the buffet. It was a truly grewsome sight to behold as they shoveled a copious amount of food into their mouths.</p><p>To the group's right, was an open archway to a second kitchen. Kobold servers scurried back and forth between the kitchen and the buffet to make sure the tables were full at all times. Unlike all the other architecture in Ossiea, this kitchen was the only room to have tiles. The walls, the floor and even the ceiling were all ivory tile that glistened. </p><p>Rachel spotted a door just inside the kitchen and pointed it out to the group. They all nodded guessing this was the butler's pantry they were looking for. Dido offered to stay watch near the stairs while the rest of the party stood near the entrance to the pantry, allowing Flewid and Rachel to enter.</p><p>"You look high, I'll look low" Rachel said to Flewid as they entered the chamber. Like the kitchen behind them, the pantry was all tile. At the opposite end was the elevator that likely connected down to the ballroom kitchen. Rachel started to look along the floor while Flewid started examining the ceiling. All the tiles were similar in color which made finding anything notable challenging. After a few moments however, Rachel found a tile that was a little more worn than those surrounding it. She pressed it with her hand and the elevator started to rumble. A moment later, a clicking noise started. The sound swelled until the tiles surrounding the elevator began to shift. They started to fold in on themselves as they peeled back from the elevator door. The elevator door itself began to sink into the floor in front of them finally revealing the barroom beyond. Flewid waved the others in and Car and Tidal each squeezed through the door. </p><p>Dido turned around just in time to see Tidal's tail disappear as the elevator door rose and she began to dash towards the group. The wall had already begun to return as Dido raced to get to it. She was able to stop just short of crashing into the door as the last of the tiles returned. Releasing an audible sigh of annoyance, Dido took a deep breath as she refocused herself and began to look for the trigger.</p><p>On the other side of the wall, the party stood just there, taking in the view before them. It was an exquisite drinking lounge, with dark velvety red hues on the walls. The space was lit by magical green flames places a regular intervals along the wall. They way the room was lit, but a dark shadow hung along the ceiling making it hard to see it. Well polished tables and chairs were available for guests and at the back of the room was a large bar made of brass. A long wall of exotic beverages lined its shelves. It manned by a kobold barkeep who was in the process of wiping a wine glass clean.</p><p>Behind the group, the wall slid open to reveal Dido, her composure cold as steel as she locked eyes with Tidal and gave him a withering glare. The bright light from the kitchen behind made her armor glint and radiated around her like an angelic glow. Groans and moans came from some of the patrons as they covered their eyes, waiting for Dido to leave the threshold and let the wall close, returning the ambient light back down to it's proper sullen level.</p><p>Dido moved to rejoin the group and spoke in a muted tone as the wall closed up behind her.</p><p>"What is our course of action now?" Inquired Dido.</p><p>"Well, our contact is likely a druid, so maybe we need to speak something in druidic?" offered Rachel.</p><p>Looking around the lounge, Rachel decided to head over to the bar. As she took a seat, the kobold looked up at her expectantly.</p><p>In her best druidic, Rachel asked for a glass of root beer. The kobold seemed unfazed by the use of druidic and set about to get a glass of root beer. While Rachel was speaking, Tidal was scanning the faces of those in the lounge looking for a hint of reaction. There were only about a dozen individuals, most sitting alone. One patron in the back corner looked up at hearing Rachel placed her order. Tidal figured this must be their contact. He began to stomp towards the figure, closing the distance to the back table with no attempt at subtlety.</p><p>Tidal came to a stop at the edge of the table. Straightening himself to be tall and imposing, he addressed the table's lone occupant.</p><p>"Are you the contact?" Tidal growled in his gravely voice with his arms folded across his chest.</p><p>"Aye. So ye found me." came the smirking reply in an equally gravely voice as the lone patron kicked out a chair and beckoned Tidal and the others to have a seat. </p><p>"The name's Kindra Tillintos. I was Jahrl's partner." she continued.</p><p>Kindra was a short stout dwarf. She wore a dark colored duster with weathered leather pants and scuffed boots. She drew back her hood to show her face as the group settled in around the table. Long white hair framed a pale face with weathered features. Wrinkles and sun spots were all over her skin. She looked each member of the group up and down, sizing them up one by one.</p><p>"So what brings such a 'diverse' group to Baator? Ta whom do ye swear yer allegiance?" inquired Kindra.</p><p>Rachel took the lead to respond for the group as Tidal was opening his mouth to say something, cutting him off in the process.</p><p>"We've been tasked by an entity known as 'The Choir' to bring an end to Fraz-Urb'luu. We're seeking aid to this endeavor." </p><p>Kindra's eyes narrowed. She studied the group again for a moment before she continued her questioning.</p><p>"An' how did ye get a hold of Jahrl's sendin' stone?"</p><p>"As we entered this layer, we witnessed Jahrl being tossed off the cliff by a devil. He landed in the Styx ahead of our boat. His satchel, however, was caught on a tree branch as he fell and we retrieved it, finding the stone and a note which lead us to you." Rachel responded.</p><p>Kindra continued to examine the group a bit longer before seemingly accepting what she heard. She let out a small sigh making a religious gesture with her hands before finishing off her drink in a single gulp.</p><p>"Well, if ye be true in yer word, then I think we canna work somethin' out." Kindra started. "The reason we both be comin' here is ta help free a frie-"</p><p>"Jabril" interjected Dido, not wanting to beat around the bush.</p><p>"Aye." acknowledged Kindra before she continued. "We had tracked 'em down ta this layer of Baator. Turns out Glasya had captured 'em and wants t-ask 'em some questions'."</p><p>"So what do you need from us?" Nodded Tidal.</p><p>"Well, here be the 'lay o' the land'." Kindra leaned forward. "Glasya and Levistus hate each other. Many years ago, the two were an item an' tried ta topple another lord, Asmodeus, Glasya's father. Their scheme failed an' Levistus took the fall. Asmodeus imprisoned 'em in a block o' ice in his home layer of Stygia so that he could serve as an example ta his subjects. This whole masquerade is a ploy to prove that Levistus be a traitor ta Baator by colluding with a holy entity. Truth is, that be partially true." Kindra paused for a moment to let the group digest before she continued. </p><p>"Jahrl, Jabril, and I had tried ta court Levistus intah givin' us some intel about Baator. As we arrived for our meetin', we was ambush'd by Glasya's forces and Jabril was captured in the process. Glasya has turned Jabril intah her mask for the masquerade an' she's locked 'em up in'er private chambers one floor up. It's a restricted area and I'm sure the little devil has placed some magical traps ta keep unwanted guests out. The meltin' of the statue just be a count down. Once the statue of Levistus be a puddle, Glasya will begin her interrogation of Jabril."</p><p>The group nodded in understanding.</p><p>"A further complication be that a holy entity such as Jabril be a highly sought after prize here in Baator." Kindra explained.</p><p>"What exactly is Jabril?" Rachel inquired.</p><p>"He be a planetar. An angelic warrior of the Gods." answered Kindra matter of factly as she locked eyes with Rachel.</p><p>The group was momentarily shocked as they absorbed this information.</p><p>"If the group of ye be able to free Jabril before the statue melts, I will do everything in me power ta get Deeproot ta support ye in yer fight against Fraz." proposed Kindra as she placed her hands on the table, leaning in towards the group. "But ye need ta act fast. That statue be almost gone."</p><p>Kindra pointed over to a framed mirror hanging on the wall behind them. The mirror was large and ornate with a golden frame. It's reflection was not of the room they were in however, but rather it was of the ballroom on the first floor. Showing a vantage point from above, and perfectly framed, was the image of the ice sculpture of Levistus. There was little definition left to the statue now. Everything above the waist had melted away leaving a little rounded stump. The pool of water at it's base now flowed into the grates around it.</p><p>"Then we will act now." stated Tidal as he got up form his seat. </p><p>He strode to the wall where the hidden door was as the rest of the group abruptly stood up to follow. The door automatically opened up at the groups approach and they continued through the threshold and back out to the landing where the stairs to the fifth floor were located.</p><p>Rachel walked up to the railing and gazed up at the ascending stairs. She placed a hand over her eyes for a moment, casting a spell over them. Her eyes turned the color of pale moonlight as she blinked a few times before looking around. From her perspective, there was a moon lite glow coming off all the surfaces around her. Looking along the path of the staircase and up to the door of Glasya's chamber, nothing stood out or glowed to indicate it was unseen by the naked eye.</p><p>"There's nothing invisible on the stairs that I can see" Rachel said to the group. "But there's still a chance that there's powerful magic I can't detect which could trigger an alarm."</p><p>"It is a very strong possibility that there are wards on the stairs and Glasya's door." Dido cautioned. "We will need those removed if we are to gain access to her chambers."</p><p>Rachel nodded to Dido. "I can take care of that."</p><p>"How are we going to get up there?" Flewid asked, trying to act casual with his back to the railing while looking at the art work hung on the walls, hoping not to draw any attention to the group. So far, none of the guests or staff were paying them any attention.</p><p>"I can use my step of the night magic to walk up to the balcony." offered Rachel.</p><p>"I'll take the rope and use my boots to climb the wall." Tidal added, a smile creeping in at the corner of his mouth.</p><p>"Once I get up there," Rachel continued in a hushed tone, "I'll disable any spells on the door. Then we'll break in, grab the mask and make our way out."</p><p>Rachel pulled out a small pouch and started to bounce it up and down in her hand.</p><p>"And we'll use this to help!" she continued, gesturing to the pouch. "It's our last pouch of invisibility dust. We'll make a clean escape!"</p><p>"The rest of us will stay hear and guard the rear." Dido said. "We will make sure no guards make their way to you."</p><p>Everyone nodded at each other and split into their separate ways.</p><p>Tidal began to walk up the side of the wall at a brisk pace while Rachel got up on the railing and stepped out onto a moon lite disc that appeared under her feet. She then bounded her way across the gap that went all the way down to the first floor. A couple of guests started to notice the two individuals making their way to the fifth floor and would point upwards to some of the other near by guests.</p><p>Rachel arrived first on the fifth floor and immediately set about dispelling any wards on the large golden doors. Her hands glowed a soft light as she spoke her incantations. Tidal finished his walk up and began to tie the rope around the railing. Satisfied the hold was secure, he tossed the other end back down to Car who was waiting on the floor below. Before he could begin to climb up to Tidal, Dido called over to him.</p><p>"The guards have noticed our attempt to breach Glasya's chamber. We must defend the approach!" </p><p>Car nodded and drew his rapier as he moved closer to the staircase that ascended from the third floor. He could see the guards beginning to climb the stairs towards them.</p><p>Rachel breathed a sigh of relief as her dispelling magic completed it's task. She reach for the handle to open the door, but it was locked. Quickly rummaging through her satchel, she produced a smaller satchel tucked within. Unwrapping it, she revealed a set of lock picking tools. Rachel began to apply her tools to the lock, jostling the internal mechanism. </p><p>"Come on you stubborn..." she said under her breath.</p><p>Rachel could hear the commotion below as a group of guards was shouting as they ascended the flights of stairs to reach her companions. She squinted her face and strained her ears as she rushed to pick the lock. After a few more moments, an audible click came from the door and Rachel pulled the knob and began to push the door.</p><p>No sooner than the door began to budge, Tidal came charging by smashing his lowered head into the door. The force of the hit swung the door wide open and it smashed with a clatter against the wall beside it. Tidal paused for a moment as the splendor of the room was now in full view. Glasya's private chamber was truly exquisite. While all of Ossiea was lavish and ordinate, this chamber was every measure beyond that. Most of the surfaces were gold, or had some precious metal of stone infused within them. Satin and silk sheets were hung all around the room while priceless artifacts and heirlooms were on full display. A king might blush at such opulence.</p><p>Zeroing in on his target, Tidal spied a pedestal near the center of the room. The pedestal's column was a blend or marble and azure, with red gemstones lined along the edge near its top. A plush purple cushion sat on the top, shielded by a domed glass cover. Resting on the cushion was the masquerade mask. The mask was a mix of light and dark blue hues, dotted with gem stones that seemed to radiate glittering light. A set of feathers created the illusion of wings on either side of the mask.</p><p>Tidal bellowed and charged towards it, raising his axe as he moved closer. Once in range, he brought the axe swinging down onto the glass cover. As its glowing red blade made contact, a darker red shield of energy flickered across the glasses surface. Tidal paused a moment as he pondered how to overcome such magic. Rachel quickly darted out form behind him, having caught up after he smashed his way past her. Having witnessed Tidal's attempt to break the glass dome, she began to caste her dispel magic to remove the obstacle. </p><p>A few heart beats later, Rachel nodded towards Tidal and he lifted his axe again and brought it down on the dome. This time the blade smashed through the glass barrier and continued on to the mask bellow. As the mask was sundered, a bright flash of blue light engulfed the room.</p><p>Tidal and Rachel blinked furiously to clear their vision. While the flash had receded, there was still a bright glow of radiant blue light coming from right in front of them. As their vision adjusted to the light, their mouths gasped. Before them hovered a large individual easily head and shoulders taller than Tidal, who was a 7ft tall minotaur. The individual seemed puzzled as they gazed around the chamber, though they had no pupils to tell where exactly they were looking. Eventually, their gaze seemed to fall upon the two adventures.</p><p>"Jabril?" prompted Rachel.</p><p>Jabril nodded.</p><p>Rachel continued in a hurried tone as she angled herself towards the chamber's entrance. "I know this may be confusing, but Kindra has sent us to free you and we need to leave this place now. We can explain more later."</p><p>Jabril's brow furrowed a little at the mention of Kindra as if recognizing the name.</p><p>They made their way out of the chamber to be greeted by the rest of the party who had retreated to the 5th floor.</p><p>"Time to go!" Flewid called out.</p><p>"I can provide transport." Jabril said as his wings flared out causing a strong gust of air to blow past the assembled group. He knelt down allowing the party to climb onto his back.</p><p>"Aye, go with Jabril. I'll cover yer escape an' find ye later." Kindra ordered.</p><p>Everyone nodded and began to mount on Jabril's back.</p><p>"It is nice to see you again old friend." Jabril said to Kindra.</p><p>Kindra allowed her weathered face to flash a smirk before she refocused on the situation at hand. As the party settled on Jabril's back, Rachel pulled out her pouch of invisibility dust and sprinkled it over everyone. In moments they were all invisible to the naked eye.</p><p>"Hold on." Jabril ordered as he took off. </p><p>Kindra could feel the air being displaced by the wing beats. Pushing her concerns to the back of her mind, she turned around to see the guards now reaching the 5th floor after breaking through their makeshift barricade. Letting loose a battle cry, she raised her axe and charged towards the on coming guards.</p><p>Dido was a little off put by the sensation of riding on the back of an invisible creature. She could tell they were moving fast as Jabril had leapt off the 5th floor and begun a dive straight down towards the ballroom below. Just before reaching the floor, Jabril pulled up and begun heading towards Osseia's entrance.</p><p>While all the guests and guards had not been able to track their movements, Dido could tell the pair of Nupperibos at the entrance could see them as the two creatures positioned themselves to bar their exit.</p><p>"Take out the Nupperibos!" Dido yelled as she instinctively drew an arrow and let is loose. </p><p>From the on looking guest's perspective, one of the Nupperibos seemed to violently shudder before falling back on the ground. As it came to rest, a javelin and an arrow protruded from it's corpse as they flickered into existence from seemingly no where. A loud buzzing noise came from the second Nupperibo as many puncture wounds started to form over it's torso. As it too feel to the ground, an enormous bee flickered into view just as it began to fly away from it's victim. </p><p>A group of Erinys guards moved to the edge of their patrol path on the outer wall at the sound of the commotion. As they peered down to the entrance the form of a large blue Planar with an assorted group of individuals riding on it's back flickered into view as they came flying out at a break neck pace from the main entrance. No sooner had they appeared, when a javelin thrown by the Bugbear struck on of the guards, knocking them off their feel to the ground.</p><p>"Pursue!" ordered the lead guard as their comrades took to the sky. "They must not escape."</p><p><br /></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-45043208647971162282023-11-04T17:49:00.006-04:002023-11-04T17:49:34.733-04:00From the Work Bench: November 4, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnU724A6OhUA429WHFbggqxTuIk3U4k17_AJrHwUkvfo6lQKZGK_DJrV7Jfb5fNaPuFApUb0WlL5vOr-NrwOO65fm2BSi9utIWFbxEDr5v49Y7nipV0QkKJXRAZjTaQ-goccjFwfo-Sid_vdfaBcSbdX6a-66JBd9M8gJFQlXyOdJeGeDbPDrNreR0CkoS/s4032/PXL_20231104_211059138.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnU724A6OhUA429WHFbggqxTuIk3U4k17_AJrHwUkvfo6lQKZGK_DJrV7Jfb5fNaPuFApUb0WlL5vOr-NrwOO65fm2BSi9utIWFbxEDr5v49Y7nipV0QkKJXRAZjTaQ-goccjFwfo-Sid_vdfaBcSbdX6a-66JBd9M8gJFQlXyOdJeGeDbPDrNreR0CkoS/s320/PXL_20231104_211059138.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Hey Everyone! Thought I would put a little update out there as there haven't been any painting updates in a while! I'm also still working on the next Styx & Stones story post, but it has been a busy period at work and home, so I haven't had much time to do any blog writing. I have found some time today to get more gallery pages setup and posted, so you will find three new factions now link in the <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/galleries.html">Galleries</a> page.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>So to start with some painting updates, I have been working on the 10th edition release set. I have completed completed a few units from the box. I've mainly focused on the Tyranid units I needed to run the combat patrol from the box, as well as some of the characters.</p><p>First up is my new Terminator Captain for my Emperor's Dragoons. It did a little head swap to make this my updated version of my old Captain from the black reach box set how's been acting as my 1st Company Captain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6ZEzYaI5Ubr7z3XwSiCezKQ1Rk3SfJ_7X6R1R0fzSfk1rHM81KtscFtNBOM4PCl2VFBx2ggbDlybGmbdz5ttFaUoeKEL5FQ83-P1Pv31FoMKZsbJkc1s-zoZOvrhLYTVGiKOpnd2neG7Zax8PkBTQWcaZZ2Ne6T5tNAl1u9_7deIA8Xwmuvm2yaiYWLV/s4032/PXL_20231104_210303851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6ZEzYaI5Ubr7z3XwSiCezKQ1Rk3SfJ_7X6R1R0fzSfk1rHM81KtscFtNBOM4PCl2VFBx2ggbDlybGmbdz5ttFaUoeKEL5FQ83-P1Pv31FoMKZsbJkc1s-zoZOvrhLYTVGiKOpnd2neG7Zax8PkBTQWcaZZ2Ne6T5tNAl1u9_7deIA8Xwmuvm2yaiYWLV/s320/PXL_20231104_210303851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Next, I've finished painting the new Tyranid units I need to complete the Combat Patrol. This includes the new Winged Tyranid Prime, Von Ryan's Leapers, Barbgaunts, and the Psychophage. And as a bonus, I've finished the Screamer Killer and one of the new Lictors.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHujqTuTwOuyrxgIbR6Nh6ivUg9vObq6XE2KZVpPstt7b1fGm1Bf2cMM3pVHbP1nVa7mOaVBeo9QaAYnS4WXhmaqL8XDb5gaZN_9zuZB71QXCOyetkKSV2t322kHJ5pa1kEzZdRXlaa2iflOGtaDMcrslraLbmMj8wOMX0aa6_I4D87h0TfaDd5T-LkHtZ/s4032/PXL_20231104_210421121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHujqTuTwOuyrxgIbR6Nh6ivUg9vObq6XE2KZVpPstt7b1fGm1Bf2cMM3pVHbP1nVa7mOaVBeo9QaAYnS4WXhmaqL8XDb5gaZN_9zuZB71QXCOyetkKSV2t322kHJ5pa1kEzZdRXlaa2iflOGtaDMcrslraLbmMj8wOMX0aa6_I4D87h0TfaDd5T-LkHtZ/s320/PXL_20231104_210421121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-_NvTBDabUHJkERgeVDPVIR1hH6tY_GLgO_TadVC4fh2xN9qo8HFh96p9rRyjh5dP_7_MlVtVSoVD6h6ZM8faw0T1qHnxEbFhmRfnDU89DqeecBY4KNeVDZMEkY2OtHhro2Lxe7tAa5REmwTw9ngC2PTEX8C7CiN2-zAZIHDMcjWWBFDtvGKqWt-9_Y1/s4032/PXL_20231104_210707639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-_NvTBDabUHJkERgeVDPVIR1hH6tY_GLgO_TadVC4fh2xN9qo8HFh96p9rRyjh5dP_7_MlVtVSoVD6h6ZM8faw0T1qHnxEbFhmRfnDU89DqeecBY4KNeVDZMEkY2OtHhro2Lxe7tAa5REmwTw9ngC2PTEX8C7CiN2-zAZIHDMcjWWBFDtvGKqWt-9_Y1/s320/PXL_20231104_210707639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohuRJaKwP32Jv6VeG0hm6eLA0Z5ZcV0llEyEVB35_lnWbubCnxRybZdAnnGOuW7V-AzJNvycw3IyvH6w1oe4L6MotegpDvzbXFQbnLYY6pyaV3kze1kFJpu57XhVrM927YqQxJK314dWBCWF_Njpozqvg-2BvZOxte1AFqaUYpA5NHGtRYXFZor92tz89/s4032/PXL_20231104_210540272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohuRJaKwP32Jv6VeG0hm6eLA0Z5ZcV0llEyEVB35_lnWbubCnxRybZdAnnGOuW7V-AzJNvycw3IyvH6w1oe4L6MotegpDvzbXFQbnLYY6pyaV3kze1kFJpu57XhVrM927YqQxJK314dWBCWF_Njpozqvg-2BvZOxte1AFqaUYpA5NHGtRYXFZor92tz89/s320/PXL_20231104_210540272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnWsQnhyhtkIexZsKrckyuQaPNDeEM8ZnlM5V_Bjn_4D0FC9SG2xc2PV3QnzEazMEuqy_ALelxRYU3H2MNi5vpkNvEuBl_XzUnFrwImZwVzP2_Ea7FhtDOwCSey86sr08syRqFxzkYaD6neFeal2ymZB__4rY_wEjTMZHENyksJ6zYCSzCWMv9Hno1Rvn/s4032/PXL_20231104_210748193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnWsQnhyhtkIexZsKrckyuQaPNDeEM8ZnlM5V_Bjn_4D0FC9SG2xc2PV3QnzEazMEuqy_ALelxRYU3H2MNi5vpkNvEuBl_XzUnFrwImZwVzP2_Ea7FhtDOwCSey86sr08syRqFxzkYaD6neFeal2ymZB__4rY_wEjTMZHENyksJ6zYCSzCWMv9Hno1Rvn/s320/PXL_20231104_210748193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD4HmIpxmVqcEU1ku6Qz0STjLreHkCQeqE4wMSAyYhoFYYwk6YBwjPbwBuuncZLrVhWPbwQn0FCaQDyicoD82OBGs4mSNuA_MMh8R9N6ajB27a2OrVICfhqy-7BehhImY8orj1Yi97HlRUlt7Cq8nRZoxj6t9iR-vQa2WxHr7tGvFI7JAngTeMec-ZE61/s4032/PXL_20231104_210808513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD4HmIpxmVqcEU1ku6Qz0STjLreHkCQeqE4wMSAyYhoFYYwk6YBwjPbwBuuncZLrVhWPbwQn0FCaQDyicoD82OBGs4mSNuA_MMh8R9N6ajB27a2OrVICfhqy-7BehhImY8orj1Yi97HlRUlt7Cq8nRZoxj6t9iR-vQa2WxHr7tGvFI7JAngTeMec-ZE61/s320/PXL_20231104_210808513.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtrPihLdJ126nJUtWjjt3wxgXAhdQXSDBpZfGgsTwq013BBEDHxRpWsJqceaY_wYWvRFV6n-P-8nGFWotAu4I3ZsqVW7YOTgoWfDq__Ch-hSW4Ijo8EBXG2AEulH_d4-h_dadkIs-nh93lpUAq0_-tCgEIjFHpleaVTDfydS1VJd-WjxfYFnkR_6U3Qfy/s4032/PXL_20231104_211216491.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtrPihLdJ126nJUtWjjt3wxgXAhdQXSDBpZfGgsTwq013BBEDHxRpWsJqceaY_wYWvRFV6n-P-8nGFWotAu4I3ZsqVW7YOTgoWfDq__Ch-hSW4Ijo8EBXG2AEulH_d4-h_dadkIs-nh93lpUAq0_-tCgEIjFHpleaVTDfydS1VJd-WjxfYFnkR_6U3Qfy/s320/PXL_20231104_211216491.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As for WIP projects, I've got a few different one's on the go. I've still have more Tyranids and Space Marines from the Leviathan set, plus a few Votann that I've picked up.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB9Bseohl-0OjiMlCXQV40EW24hjf62sPt_5uXlZdL_sgD2xD3DnYGzppogMfYMFHJw5G3Dg_2wXNWELgR3f2QaoG1-A239hlky4KciBgAUzjuSTywQEoeZZwkx8SJfrc-YaZCTMFwCtkcXAdkWZJLg6jO6fVXTarJKQZcyCJjgyenZaodAMoRPpvMAvn/s4032/PXL_20231030_213249898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB9Bseohl-0OjiMlCXQV40EW24hjf62sPt_5uXlZdL_sgD2xD3DnYGzppogMfYMFHJw5G3Dg_2wXNWELgR3f2QaoG1-A239hlky4KciBgAUzjuSTywQEoeZZwkx8SJfrc-YaZCTMFwCtkcXAdkWZJLg6jO6fVXTarJKQZcyCJjgyenZaodAMoRPpvMAvn/s320/PXL_20231030_213249898.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7y5_kr0gqLKj8Mo9rMazhyg4zWZ7Q-QqC_Rxar4V0FrXqwPBH6ajpTdI-E2m_PBsfMG9hnOO1euvR2g-EKcPLwwd2HtI8iVIEMP0YLfLMDGreTSYDZiBnZnZgIghyphenhyphencgr1xuC2b3F4WflZ-zqxSmvfukgqMjAqay6_0Tcyk8KEkRuqA4LGTj19E_Q9fPv/s4032/PXL_20231030_213244317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7y5_kr0gqLKj8Mo9rMazhyg4zWZ7Q-QqC_Rxar4V0FrXqwPBH6ajpTdI-E2m_PBsfMG9hnOO1euvR2g-EKcPLwwd2HtI8iVIEMP0YLfLMDGreTSYDZiBnZnZgIghyphenhyphencgr1xuC2b3F4WflZ-zqxSmvfukgqMjAqay6_0Tcyk8KEkRuqA4LGTj19E_Q9fPv/s320/PXL_20231030_213244317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qZTKOC-eF-kkhhw-iy8yVFpOIhqw5wQxPJ58BwwUL6xdhGfB1Koi8d1GorLUXmPvp6omWwWhXjjPapXAEJVbO13c6PD2_vXPVcX8n1vehGEnJSxOZVzPC3T-ZdjZXY80AAGsShbZPUJzgaB_IOQfK6AOo-4xIxs4zedoC96a9ZCrEhQ65wYf7L_4AxM2/s4032/PXL_20231030_213241041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qZTKOC-eF-kkhhw-iy8yVFpOIhqw5wQxPJ58BwwUL6xdhGfB1Koi8d1GorLUXmPvp6omWwWhXjjPapXAEJVbO13c6PD2_vXPVcX8n1vehGEnJSxOZVzPC3T-ZdjZXY80AAGsShbZPUJzgaB_IOQfK6AOo-4xIxs4zedoC96a9ZCrEhQ65wYf7L_4AxM2/s320/PXL_20231030_213241041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIxX7BjR5BsrnXqiv1-sfaT7Xai3zh63MU5n_SBq0KhfI5KXoIDht9iRPG1t7p5Aipl94JdnzepuQ1W4pi5YyfTsJjjI7M_MBCLcRFKheHUyQI4IgQmDXfqgpzRzjgupikaHpIKP7A6ymYbdQUvJrj4ixeQJHvD-3RY23MLIAXVUQJFrhc9uc1hj_9U_0/s4032/PXL_20231030_213246680.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIxX7BjR5BsrnXqiv1-sfaT7Xai3zh63MU5n_SBq0KhfI5KXoIDht9iRPG1t7p5Aipl94JdnzepuQ1W4pi5YyfTsJjjI7M_MBCLcRFKheHUyQI4IgQmDXfqgpzRzjgupikaHpIKP7A6ymYbdQUvJrj4ixeQJHvD-3RY23MLIAXVUQJFrhc9uc1hj_9U_0/s320/PXL_20231030_213246680.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0B149-QB6ctx3ohOng-C-6z3p2I8HCuZwePHbmxornJoRKOCJJiIFIQcoiQXlRSTxLV9RwhgPFR1zAwuIkWbW3fZS20oUnOVFJOUEFTzW0IG3e2u_BRNaubq-CMS7TvRz8fJTolrLVf-WFHDFBbyhqHaPimfVjngd6_J4HJVMCsGblLUTg4kQXjkmqcm/s4032/PXL_20231030_213233542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0B149-QB6ctx3ohOng-C-6z3p2I8HCuZwePHbmxornJoRKOCJJiIFIQcoiQXlRSTxLV9RwhgPFR1zAwuIkWbW3fZS20oUnOVFJOUEFTzW0IG3e2u_BRNaubq-CMS7TvRz8fJTolrLVf-WFHDFBbyhqHaPimfVjngd6_J4HJVMCsGblLUTg4kQXjkmqcm/s320/PXL_20231030_213233542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>That's all the painting updates for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/galleries.html">Galleries</a> update, there are now a few new albums available. I've now added <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/gallery-drukari.html">Drukari</a>, <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/gallery-genestealer-cults.html">Genestealer Cults</a>, <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/gallery-leagues-of-votann.html">Votann</a>, and the <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/dungeons-dragons-gallery.html">D&D characters</a> albums. I've also added the <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/gallery-alpha-legion.html">Alpha Legion</a> album since my last galleries update. The remaining forces from 40k all amongst some of my largest collections, so will take some dedicated time to catalog and get up.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for updates on my D&D stories, We concluded our Styx & Stones campaign back in May. It was 23 session altogether so I've got some ways to go to finish the story (the next post is the last half of session 8). We've now started our 4th campaign set in the same world of Astoria and recently completed our second session. I'm hoping to do a write up of this one as well, but I'm going to have to start motoring through Styx & Stones to catch up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time!</div><div><p><br /></p><p></p></div>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-70961320973044424882023-08-24T12:53:00.003-04:002024-02-13T10:11:12.616-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 15)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW32lZDDtoNDq095HcpEHpeKkpsnYXh9umDWl6Q4JskHGxWF2SCk8eiU0j__o4TFceigofd7IdJ6KvCIQqeWOZzgptxfN9iF9-dRVAoDcoPeB5fzVZjvMJhDlhVPy_F5t546iHScTTMrPMQ-v9pEmEx4IU0FfDARnBj4rpwP9E09g1-DmbivKbLf4jA/s450/Glasya.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="450" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW32lZDDtoNDq095HcpEHpeKkpsnYXh9umDWl6Q4JskHGxWF2SCk8eiU0j__o4TFceigofd7IdJ6KvCIQqeWOZzgptxfN9iF9-dRVAoDcoPeB5fzVZjvMJhDlhVPy_F5t546iHScTTMrPMQ-v9pEmEx4IU0FfDARnBj4rpwP9E09g1-DmbivKbLf4jA/w361-h289/Glasya.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The party trudged out of the hair forest and into the clearing. Before them, in it's magnificence, was Ossiea, the skull fortress of Glasya, Lord of the sixth. They could hear a hauntingly sweet, and melancholy melody originating from inside the fort. This was occasionally punctuated by the tortured screams from individuals in iron cages that dangled from platforms all around the compound. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Taking in their new surroundings, the group spied a pair of Nupperibos guarding the entrance, their bloated forms taking up much of the threshold. They were flanked on either side by winged humanoids in gleaming plate armor. These individuals were lithe in form, each carrying a pike as they stood at attention. Leading back from the entrance was a line of devils containing every shape and variety one could imagine. The line snaked it's way back to the far side of the clearing where more devils were phasing into reality and joining the end of the queue.</p><p>Ossiea itself was a large building, clearly the skull of an immensely sized creature that had been vanquished. Where the eye sockets were, each was covered in red stained glass windows. From the foramen magnum jutted a balcony. The mouth was the main entrance. Dotted around the compound were various miniature forms of the hoodoos, each a boney crest curve with an iron cage dangling from a mount near the top.</p><p>Taking a short reprieve from their journey, the party took a moment to catch their breath and collect themselves, while taking in the sight before them. Flewid and Rachel moved to sit on the ground as they proceeded to thumb through Hupperdink's journal for any more insights. Dido, Caravaggio, and Tidal surveyed the compound from their vantage point at the edge of the forest. They identified more of the lithe guards, and noted their strategical placement. Dido brought their attention to the pair of Nupperibos noting that they seemed to be taking soul coin payments in order for the devils to enter. Then the guests were being sorted out into two groups, one which went straight into the fort, the other being lead off to a side path.</p><p>Tidal pulled out the smooth stone that he had pocketed earlier from the satchel and began to mindlessly turn it over in his meaty hand. As he was doing this, Rachel looked up from her examination of the journal and noticed it for the first time. It seemed familiar to her.</p><p>"Hey Tidal," Rachel started, "what's that in your hand?"</p><p>Tidal looked down at the stone then over to Rachel.</p><p>"Just a pretty stone that I found." Tidal responded in his gravelly voice.</p><p>"Can I take a look at it for a moment?" inquired Rachel.</p><p>Tidal shrugged his shoulders dismissively and placed it in Rachel's offered hand. Rachel looked it over. It's surface was a smooth glossy black, like obsidian. Etched into it's one side was a dark blue rune in the shape of a spiral.</p><p>"Do you only have the one?" Rachel asked Tidal.</p><p>"Yea." replied Tidal nonchalantly. "I found it in the satchel I retrieved when we first entered this layer."</p><p>Rachel's brow furrowed in frustration that Tidal would do such a thing as keep something like this to himself. The moment quickly passed though and she returned her focused to the task at hand.</p><p>"This is part of a set of sending stones." Rachel stated with a hint of annoyance in her voice, holding up the stone for everyone to see. "The other half is likely with the Deeproot agent working with Jahrl."</p><p>"So let's use it to contact whoever is inside." Tidal offered.</p><p>"We need to be cautious." Caravaggio interjected, skulking back into the tree line. "We don't know for sure if the person on the other side will be an ally, or an enemy."</p><p>Dido nodded in agreement locking eyes with Rachel.</p><p>"It is a calculated risk." Dido added in a stern voice. "However, we are in need of some intelligence about this lair and contacting the other stone holder is likely our best option."</p><p>"Worst case, the other side belongs to an enemy and they're alerted to our presence, we can retreat back into the woods." offered Flewid.</p><p>"Ok, so we contact whoever, try to get some intel, maybe make an ally, and go from there." Tidal summarized. "Seems simple enough."</p><p>Dido nodded to Rachel to start using the stone. Rachel gripped the stone in her hand and began to recite a spell. She began to speak in druidic which the rest of the group, save for Flewid, couldn't understand. Rachel was familiar with sending stones, having used them back when she was alive. As she concluded her incantation, the familiar and deafeningly quiet mentalscape began to take form in her mind. A solid indication that the stone was now active.</p><p>Rachel's companions could see the dark blue rune begin to glow a bright azure as she continued to clutch it in her hand.</p><p><i>Hello?</i> Rachel spoke in her mind keeping to druidic hoping the other end was still in possession of a member of Deeproot. There was a pause for a moment before there was a response. The other voice was gravelly like Tidal's, but more feminine and more stern.</p><p><i>Who is this? </i>came the reply.</p><p><i>I am Rachel Fenway, cleric of Selune and agent of The Choir. I am sorry to have to notify you that Jahrl has died. We witnessed him being tossed from a cliff as we entered the realm of Malbolge.</i></p><p>The was a pause as the other voice digested the new information. Then it replied.</p><p><i>That is unfortunate. I knew Jahrl quite well. He will be missed. Why do you contact me?</i></p><p>Rachel paused before replying.</p><p><i>My companions and I have been tasked by The Choir to stop </i><i>Fraz-Urb'luu, the Gargoyle Prince, and restore the celestial order. Our quest has brought us to Ossiea in the search of allies to further accomplish this. We humbly seek an audience with you as a member of Deeproot to discuss a possible alliance.</i></p><p>There was another pause before Rachel heard the reply in her mind.</p><p><i>Aye. You may have your audience. Find me on the fourth floor in the butler's pantry. Figure it out and come to see me.</i></p><p>As soon as the last word was said in her mind, her mentalscape returned to normal indicating that the sending stone was now off. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she looked up at the rest of the group.</p><p>"We might have an ally in there. They want to talk." Rachel said, a little excitement in her tone.</p><p>"What did they say?" inquired Dido.</p><p>"We need to meet them on the fourth floor in the butler's pantry. The voice said to figure it out and come see them." </p><p>At that moment, Car reemerged from the tree line.</p><p>"I went for a closer look at the entrance." Car reported. "It seems the guests who've arrived in costumes are being let straight in, while the others are being lead somewhere else."</p><p>"Makes sense if they're coming for a masquerade." replied Flewid.</p><p>"Then I guess we will need some costumes of our own." said Rachel as she stood up from the ground.</p><p>Rachel walked over to the closest tree stalk and placed an open palm on it's surface. Speaking a quick incantation, the palm of her hand glowed an emerald green. A moment later, green vines began to emerge from the light and snake along the stalk. As the expanded and quested further away, multiple flowers bloomed on the vines. There were a multitude of colors, with whites, yellows, reds, violets, and blue pedals.</p><p>Once the spell was complete, Rachel grabbed several of the flowers and held them in her hand, reciting another incantation. The flowers would then weave themselves into masks. She made a mask for each member of the group. With the remaining vines, Rachel had them transformed into cloaks that each party member could drape over their shoulders.</p><p>Their costumes adorned, the party made their way to the queue. The line of waiting guests moved quicker than the party expected. As they drew closer to the entrance of Ossiea, the group could better make out what was in the cages dangling from the mini hoodoos. Each cage held a prisoner, mainly of typical races from the living world. There were elves, gnomes, humans, tabaxi and some lizard folk. Each of them was being pecked, ripped at, and shredded by a wake of vultures which were perched on each of the cages. When a prisoner was on the threshold of death, their wounds would begin to magically heal and the torture would continue anew.</p><p>As the party stepped up to the pair of Nupperibos guarding the entrance, they each paid a soul coin and were permitted entry. The brief hall from the entrance to the first room was exquisitely lavish. The walls were adorned with an ivory lattice with intricate patterns that rested on the wall's surface. The walls themselves were a blend of scarlet hues with violet veins stitched into them. Glowing red crystals lined the upper parts of the walls to illuminate the path. The end of the hall opened up into an enormous ballroom.</p><p>The party set foot into the ballroom and were immediately thrust into the hustle and bustle of the masquerade. The ballroom was packed with guests leaving very little space to navigate through it. Opposite their entrance, the group could see a grand ivory stair case, with golden spheres periodically placed along it's rails. A small doorway to their right saw small lizard folk, kobolds, hustling in and out with trays of bizarre hors d'oeuvres. A glimpse into the kitchen area, one could see all manner of tortured creatures awaiting to be harvested of their body parts to make the food. On the opposite side from the kitchen was an opening to a courtyard. From where the group stood, they could make out topiaries in lewd and erotic positions.</p><p>A band was setup on a stage on the far side of the room and was the source of the music they could hear from outside. Above them, a large uvula-like appendage glistened in the light and reflected it down upon the guests. In the air, a dozen winged Erinyes, each with a partner drawn from the group of guests below, were twirling and dancing to the rhythm of the music. The party was entranced as they watched the ballet in the air. Soon the music hit a crescendo and the Erinyes tossed their dance partners into the air above them. In a fluid motion, each drew their swords and caught their partners on the tips, plunging their blades deep into the other's chest. Then the Erinyes would descend to the ballroom floor and lower their blades, allowing the dance partner to slide off and land on the floor.</p><p>At the heart of this room rested a massive statue. It was grand in stature, standing around 9ft tall. It was made of a deep blue ice and portrayed a humanoid male individual. The individual had roguish good looks and was adorned with plated armor. As the party looked closer at the sculpture, they could see that it was melting. Drops of water ran down along it's surface and a small pool was beginning to form at the statue's base. </p><p>The group was about to discuss their next steps when the music suddenly came to a halt as a loud commanding voice echoed from everywhere.</p><p>"Esteemed guests! Welcome to my home, Ossiea!"</p><p>Appearing on every reflective surface was the enchanting face of Glasya. From every glass, to the spheres on the stair case. The main draw from the guests however, was to the ice sculpture in the middle of the grand hall and their host's face superimposed over the statue's icy face. Glasya herself though was no where to be found. She continued with her warm greeting.</p><p>"Let me take this opportunity to thank you all for attending my Meltdown Masquerade!" </p><p>A roar of cheers and applause filled the hall.</p><p>"Tonight we celebrate the last night of Levistus' wretched existence! Once this traitor's statue has completely melted, all of his foul deeds will be exposed and he will be destroyed!" sneered Glasya with a malicious tone.</p><p>The crowd cheered once again, lifting their glasses in the air. Returning to a more pleasing voice, Glasya concluded.</p><p>"Please enjoy yourselves and take advantage of the comforts of Ossiea."</p><p>As quickly as her reflections had appeared, they were gone once again. The music started up once more and the guest returned to their idle chatter.</p><p>The group looked at each other absorbing this new information.</p><p>"We need to make it up to the forth floor." Dido said.</p><p>Rachel started looking around again to get her bearings. As her attention drifted to the side door where the lizard folk were coming and going with their trays of grotesque foods, she noticed on of them standing near the door, seeming directing the others as they came out.</p><p>"Give me a moment" Rachel said to the group as she started to make her way over to the individual.</p><p>Snaking her way through the guests, Rachel arrived at the door where the head waiter of sorts was standing.</p><p>"Excuse me." Rachel politely started. " My name is Rachel Fenway and I have some questions."</p><p>"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Rachel Fenway. You may call me Gordok. How may I be of assistance?" Replied the lizard folk.</p><p>Gordok was a little taller than Rachel with vibrant orange and black scales that were visible outside of his cloth suit that her was wearing. He had a towel draped over one arm and seemed eager to please. While they were conversing, Gordok was still silently directing his staff as the exited from the kitchen area.</p><p>"Thank you Gordok. This is my first event and I would hate to make any faux-pas." Rachel began. "Would you mind telling me the rules for this event?"</p><p>"There are few rules to observe." Gordok stated. "You may freely explore Ossiea, however you may not enter any roped off areas. Be sure to enjoy yourself and do not start any fights with any of the other guests, guards, or staff."</p><p>Rachel nodded in understanding.</p><p>"Thank you Gordok, you have been most helpful." Rachel replied with a smile.</p><p>"You are most welcome." Gordok said as he then directed his most recently arrived waiter to offer some hors d'oeuvres to Rachel. The waiter offered the tray towards her and Rachel had to hold back a gag. On the tray were squirming eye balls, each looking up at her. They rested on top of a little pâté spread over a wheat looking wafer. Not wishing to be impolite, Rachel took one of the crackers and smiled back. Both the waiter and Gordok waited with anticipation for her to try the delicacy.</p><p>Rachel took a breath and steeled herself as she popped the whole thing in her mouth and started to chew. The eye burst in her mouth like a little cherry tomato. She considered herself lucky that her vassal form in Baator only let her taste ash as she consumed food. After a moment, Rachel swallowed and smiled as she nodded to Gordok.</p><p>"They are delicious aren't they! Only the best ingredients are used!" Gordok beamed with pride. "Why, it takes a lot of work to keep the elven eyes fresh! They are only good for about ten minuets once you remove them from the body."</p><p>"They are fresh indeed!" Rachel said as she feigned contentment, while inside she was nauseated. "If you will excuse me, I must return to my companions."</p><p>With that, Rachel gave a quick curtsy, turned on her heel, then made her way back to the others. It was time to make their way to their contact.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2024/02/styx-stones-part-16.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-16936135624545841652023-06-03T20:59:00.003-04:002023-08-24T12:55:40.391-04:00Styx & Stones (Part 14)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjSxx2vl1TJX8-4yfGZNbm-ECuGmG3X8lB3tY_aCzlITNyOq_QHCxImW-ctj2dcT3iEYnSR61TG-Bgh7v6EEAI8mxfsaRwzBWCh5kFfqbuuomaBtQX0CZ493E81dm14Nf3YqHJRlqY0NQqzz-77ERHCET96vxYOINSiZJk1DjKQqj75VXl1l_XnIoRA/s256/Malbulge%20Forest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjSxx2vl1TJX8-4yfGZNbm-ECuGmG3X8lB3tY_aCzlITNyOq_QHCxImW-ctj2dcT3iEYnSR61TG-Bgh7v6EEAI8mxfsaRwzBWCh5kFfqbuuomaBtQX0CZ493E81dm14Nf3YqHJRlqY0NQqzz-77ERHCET96vxYOINSiZJk1DjKQqj75VXl1l_XnIoRA/w318-h278/Malbulge%20Forest.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br /> Caravaggio intensely stared down the creature that had bound him. It's dark beady eyes stared back at him with silent menace. He found himself restrained in what, to his best guess, was a thick strand of the devil's hair made into a lasso. A second devil stepped forward from behind a nearby stalk just past the first devil. It grinned displaying it's sharpened teeth. The air was electric as the silence from the stand off began to stretch on.<p></p><span><a name="more"></a></span><div>"You made the wrong choice." uttered Car under his breath in a sharp menacing tone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Caravaggio then flexed his biceps to try and break the rope, releasing a guttural battle cry. The rest of the group jumped into action at this cue. </div><div><br /></div><div>Flewid clapped his hands together and his form instantly started to bulge. The muscles beneath his skin rippled from head to toe as they grew. His tiny form swelled as his proportions shifted with his arms elongating and his legs staying relatively small while still enlarging. Flewid's soft and smooth greenish blue skin started sprouting brown hairs which rapidly grew into a full coat of fur covering almost his entire body. His face became leathery as it morphed into that of an ape's. The transformation was completed in a matter of moments. Flewid was now in the form of a roughly 15ft tall ape. Standing up on his haunches, Flewid pounded on his chest and let out a bellowing roar.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flewid's ape roar quickly drew the attention of the devils. There was a momentary look of concern that flashed across their faces. As they looked over at the now towering ape in their presence, Caravaggio tried to reach his rapier. He struggled against the hair cord that kept his hands bound tightly to his sides. Unable to grab it's hilt, he let out his own below of rage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Darting into action, Rachel did a quick tuck and roll, taking cover behind one of the stalks bursting from the ground. Focusing on her censer, she incanted a quick prayer to Selune. Upon the prayer's conclusion, a vapor began to release from somewhere inside the censer's sphere. The vapor poured out of the holes, covering and enveloping the area around her. As it reached it's maximum dispersion, the vapor coalesced into a dimly lit bubble. It resembled a late evening sky, with hues of violet and dark blue. Scattered throughout the cloud, sparkling points flickered and winked in and out. They resembled twinkling stars in the night sky. The censer itself began to glow like the moon, completing the night sky effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first devil, still gripping the lasso that ensnared Car, reached up to the neckless around it's neck with it's free hand. While holding the neckless, it pointed a finger towards Flewid. Muttering something infernal, which Car was able to make out the word <i>dance</i>, it locked it's gaze on the giant ape. Flewid's ape eyes met with the small creature's and they began a staring contest. After a moment, it became apparent that what ever spell the devil was trying to cast had not had any effect. Flewid let out a snort as it turned to stare down the other devil. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the first one had attempted, the second one also grabbed at it's neckless and began to mutter a spell. This time however, there was a change. Flewid started to hauler and hop around on his feet. It was a strange dance, but Flewid seemed to be putting a lot of energy into it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The commotion drew the attention of the party, but Rachel caught a flicker of movement in the corner of her eye. Raising her shield just in time, she was able to rebuke the tossed lasso of the second devil as it attempted to ensnare her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Letting out his own battle cry, Tidal stomped his right foot before launching into a full speed dash. Keeping his head low, he leveled his two horns towards the nearest devil, which held Car in it's hair lasso. The creature, alerted to the charge by Tidal's battle cry, leapt out of his path dodging the horns. Tidal, with surprising speed, halted his dash and spun on his heel. Using the momentum of his spin, he brought his warhammer around into a downward swooping arc. The weapon connected with the devils shoulder, staggering him a few paces back. Tidal then brought his hammer up in a counter swing connecting under the devils jaw, slightly dazing him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taking the opportunity caused by Tidal's distraction, Dido let loose with two quick shots from her bow. The two arrows landed cleanly in the second devil's chest, causing it to leer and hiss back at Dido. As she slipped back into cover behind a stalk to reload, Dido noticed the twinkling stars from Rachel's night bubble sparkled a little brighter around her form. A calming wave of energy washed over her. She felt herself becoming more invigorated while remaining near the stars. Her attention to the fight was snapped to Flewid as he bellowed again and began to clamber towards the two devils.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flewid stormed up on the two devils, swinging his fists down towards them as he drew closer. The two devils easily leapt out of the way, each hissing back at him in protest. Caravaggio continued to wiggle in his confinement, but he could feel the rope loosening as he continued to squirm. His rapier's hilt was still out of reach. Car was too intently focusing on getting his rapier to notice the bright bolt of light that sailed past him. The rest of the party watched as the bolt almost clipped the devil restraining Car.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suddenly, Rachel felt constrained. Looking down, she saw that a tight cord had wrapped around her torso. The second devil had taken advantage of the group's attention on it's comrade to flank to the side and make a second attempt to restrain her. She looked up to see the devil hiss as it took a swing at Tidal, causing the minotaur to dodge out of the way to avoid the blow. Tidal swung back, but the devil parried both of his strikes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rachel's attention was then drawn to a muffled flash of light out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head to get a look, she noticed Dido was no longer taking cover behind the tree stalk. She had vanished. A moment later, she heard the yelp from the devil that was restraining her and turned to see Dido standing behind it with her sword cleaved into it's shoulder. Dark ichor splashed back spraying everything around it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first creature still had it's lasso on Car as it swung it's club twice at Flewid, trying to fend him off. Landing two hits across his leathery ape face, this prompted Flewid to bellowed back in rage. Flewid in turn, brought his two large hairy fists up and then sent them plummeting down to the ground on the devil. The creature could not move in time and was struck by the fists, dazing it for a moment. Seizing upon the opportunity, Car finally wrestle free of his binds and gripped his rapper. With a quick upward swing, he severed the cord. Before the first devil had a chance to react, Car had begun to sprint towards the second devil near Tidal and Dido. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was a wet gurgling noise coming from the devil as Car's blade sliced it's throat. More black ichor poured out and began to run down it's neck from the cut to the ground. Carrying through with his momentum, Car rounded the pair of his comrades and began to make his way back to the devil that had be binding him. The creature's eyes widened in fear as Car came charging towards it. Car could see the fear and hoped it could see the seething rage in his. No creature should dare bind him!</div><div><br /></div><div>A bright streak of light suddenly shot out from the newly freed Rachel and struck the last remaining devil in the shoulder. The force of the hit knocked it off it's feet and sent it spiraling to the ground. It also knocked it out of Car's charging path and gave it the few precious moments it needed to begin it's retreat.</div><div><br /></div><div>The small devil's form rippled as a dark shadowy ichor seeped out from it's own shadow and enveloped it. The creature began to sink into the ground which elicited a bellow from Tidal as he began to change towards it, hoping to stop it from melting into the ground. Tidal's charge was a little to late as the creature sank beneath the surface just as Tidal's horns would have struck it. Tidal took his hammer and struck the ground repeatedly, trying to knock chunks of it away in a vain attempt to reach his quarry. After a moment, he calmed down and realized the creature had made good on it's escape.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taking stock of their surroundings, the group was confident they were alone once again. Tidal stomped over to the remaining devil's corps and bent down to examine the remains. Spotting the necklace that he had seen them use earlier to make Flewid dance, Tidal griped it with his gauntleted hand and ripped it off from around it's neck and tucked it in his war-gear. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having regained some composure, Caravaggio strode over to the corpse as well. There was a scowl on his face. He then grabbed the corpse and dragged it over to the nearest tree. Pinning it to the tree with his sword, he produced a smaller dagger from his belt and began his gruesome practice of mutilating the corpse and turning it into one of his "work of art". After a moment, he stepped back from his new painting, sheathing his weapons and set about preparing to head out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dido walked up to the base of the tree where Car had made his display and knelt down to place a small piece of parchment. She pulled an arrow out of her quiver and snapped it's shaft off. Using the arrow head, she pinned it to the ground at the base of the tree. In a very stylized elven cursive, the note read <i>Dread has arrived</i>. Satisfied that her warning would carry the appropriate weight, she rejoined her companions as they began to resume their previous path through the woods.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A little under an hour or so of silent and uneventful travel, the party started to hear a low hum. The hum was soft and seemed as though it was coming from a short distance ahead of them. The undergrowth was too dense to make out what the source was from where the were, so they decided to proceed cautiously. As they drew closer, the humming grew louder and louder. Soon it became almost deafening. Dido halted the group and waved Caravaggio up to the front. She indicated with some hand movements and gestures to scout ahead and find out the source of the noise.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio carefully pushed past some of the stalks as he made his way as the source of the hum. Carefully parting some of the stalks, he revealed the source of the noise. Before him was a large clearing in the forest. About 100ft in front of him rested a large golden egg. As Car examined it closer, it wasn't an egg, but rather some sort of bug hive. The few beams of light coming in from above the canopy of the clearing glistened of the hive's surface. There was also movement on it's exterior. Four giant wasp like creatures were scurrying across it's golden surface. Each insect was massive in size. They were almost the same size as Flewid's giant ape form, which conveniently he was still in. And they looked metallic. It was as if someone had made a giant suit of armor for a wasp, then animated the suit itself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Car gestured to the group to show them the hive and it's guards. Tidal grinned and gripped the hilt of his hammer tighter. The rest of the group silently looked at him and shook their heads. Car indicated a path to the right that would run along the perimeter of the clearing. The path would let them give the hive a wide berth, though it would take some time to traverse. Begrudgingly, Tidal nodded in understanding and the party began to circumnavigate around the hive, putting as much distance as possible to avoid a confrontation. As they began to head out, Flewid revert back to his natural form, which made it easier to stealth their way from the hive.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It took some time to travel the winding path that skirted around the hive. Soon the humming of the wasp-like creatures began to fade into the distance, before fading altogether. The party resumed travelling towards the far side of the forest, trying to make their way to the skull fortress where they hoped to make some allies. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their trek came to a halt after a few more hours of travel. Dido raised a hand to halt them. She was focused one something that lay in their path. The group watched her gazing at the ground in front of them, then up towards the tops of the trees. Rachel moved forward and taped her shoulder pauldron.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"What is it?" Rachel inquired in a hushed tone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Hm. There is a weird shadow being cast on the ground." replied Dido as she looked up again to the tree tops. "I think there is something up there."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tidal strode up to Dido from further back in the marching order.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Let me take a look." grumbled Tidal, not being terribly stealthy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The large minotaur turned and strutted over to the nearest upwards tree stalk and began to walk along it's side using his magical slippers. The stalk was pretty wide. It was almost double the size of the other nearby stalks in this area. After a short jaunt, Tidal arrived at the top of the tree.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Standing on top of the tall tree, Tidal had an impressive view of the forest and surrounding area. They were much closer to the domed structure and had passed several hoodoos. Resting on the top of the tree with him was a large iron chest. It was easily the size of a coffin. Much like the weapons he and some other party members carried, there were what looked like mini lava flows coursing across the chest's surface. The chest itself seemed to be secured to the tree by some iron chains that were bolted into the tree top. </div><div><br /></div><div>"I've got something here!" Tidal called down to the group excitedly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taking out his own hellfire greataxe, Tidal brought the weapon above his head, then swung down onto the chest. The clang of the two hellfire metals colliding send flaming sparks out in all directions. Tidal performed a few more swings before the chest cracked open. Kicking the top back with his foot, it's treasures were laid bare. The bulk of the chest was filled with coins and gems, which all glittered from the light in the sky. They only formed a sort of cushion for the large pieces in the chest. Rested along the top of them was a suit of armor. Tidal's many years of battle experience recognized it straight away as a set of plate armor. The arms of the armor had been folded across it's chest plate. Around the neck of the armor, an emerald pendant was gently placed. Tidal quickly took the pendant from the armor and pocketed it with his gear.</div><div><br /></div><div>"What did you find?" Dido called up, somewhat impatiently.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Treasure!" Tidal replied with a boisterous and gravely tone. "Sending it your way!" he continued giddily. </div><div><br /></div><div>He could hear some of the party members below yelling "No" repeatedly as he then moved to flip the chest over. In doing so, he sent the suit of armor tumbling to the ground and landing unceremoniously with a thud. Following that, the coins and gems then spilled out and rained down towards the ground. The party began to scatter, diving for cover as the suit hit the ground and a hail of gems and coins rained down on them from above.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a moment, all the contents of the chest had been emptied and Tidal began to walk down from the tree top. The other party members emerged from their cover and while grumbling about and cursing Tidal's rash actions, began to take stalk of the treasure scattered around the forest floor. The various parts of the suit had landed pretty close together. The gems and coins on the other hand had landed over a much larger area.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Tidal reached the ground, he noticed that Caravaggio had gathered up the different parts of the suit of armor. The rest of the group had made various piles of the different types of coins and gems. There were piles of gold and silver, some copper and platinum. Rachel had gathered many of the gems, which included quantities of jade, jet, tourmaline, spinel, and pearls.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the next hour, the party sorted and gathered the treasure. Flewid noticed Tidal's new pendant hanging form his gear and recognized it. Sprinting over to him, he informed Tidal that it was pendant that protected against poison. Tidal grinned at hearing the news. Clamping his big red gauntleted hand on it, he untucked it and placed it around his neck, content to have some more defence against the unknown of Baator.</div><div><br /></div><div>A moment later, Car parted from a conversation he was having with Dido, and informed the group that they'd break up the suit of armor and that everyone would carry a part. None of them needed plate armor, but it could come in handy later if they needed to barter or sell it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rachel then enlisted Flewid's help breaking up the coins into even portions for the group. They ignored the copper, as it would be too weighty to carry around. After Flewid gave each member their allotted amount, he then went back and filled a small leather pouch with some of the copper.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Why are you packing up the copper? It's just dead weight compared to the rest of the haul." huffed Tidal.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm going to use them as trackers and leave a trail. It might come in handy if we get lost of have to retrace our steps." replied Flewid as he finished shoving the coins into the small pouch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tidal grunted in understanding and continued to stow his portion of the treasure. Once they had all secured their gear, Dido marshalled them and began to lead the marching order as they progressed deeper into the woods. This time, Flewid began to drop a copper coin every couple of paces. </div><div><br /></div><div>Noticing what Flewid was doing, Rachel decided to leave markers to help as well. Reciting an incantation, a green glow began to emanate from her right hand. Reaching out to the stalks as she walked by, she touched them and where she made contact, small white and yellow flowers would spring up. The two of them continued doing this for a few more hours. Over time, their marching pace began to slow and each step began to feel heavy. Dido brought the group to a halt. She turned to address the group. </div><div><br /></div><div>"We may need to consider setting up camp." Dido stated with an even tone. "By my account, we've been traveling for almost a full day's time."</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm not the most keen to setup a camp in a forest that rearranges itself every day." Caravaggio muttered.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Are we getting any closer to the fort?" inquired Flewid as he took a seat on the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We should be, but there might still be some distance to go." offered Dido.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Then let's find out." Caravaggio said as he took the rope of climbing out from his gear and walked over to a nearby tree stalk. </div><div><br /></div><div>Activating the rope, Car looked at Tidal and nodded upwards. Tidal grunted in agreement and walked the rope up to the top of the tree stalk. After a moment, their accent was complete and Car could look out over the forest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tidal could tell they were much closer to the Ossiea than the last time he looked out over the forest. The top of it's domed roof was much larger now. He could make out the upper half of the red stained glass windows that covered up the eye sockets of the skull that made up the outside of the building.</div><div><br /></div><div>Caravaggio squinted as he oriented himself. Doing some mental estimation, he figured they were at most a two hour trek to the edge of the clearing. Satisfied with his calculations, he turned and grunted at Tidal to begin their decent.</div><div><br /></div><div>The moment Car's feet touched the ground, he deactivated the rope and secured it to his gear. He then strode over to the rest of the group and informed them of his estimations.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We should be able to close the distance to Ossiea in two hours." Caravaggio stated, pointing in the direction they would march. "And I'd rather be there before this forest rearranges itself."</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone looked at each other to see if any amongst them would offer an alternative. After trading glances, it was apparent to each that this was the best course of action. They each nodded in agreement and began their final trek towards Ossiea.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/08/styx-stones-part-15.html">Next Part</a></div>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-44294251461234061442023-05-10T15:24:00.002-04:002023-06-05T09:00:59.642-04:00Styx & Stones (Part 13)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ9LY8PiulJm2oY5O57VPl8mPg0UF3RubTlWvWNO_9g_g6KoGHYNhbYdqu1d8mGhKdeVMMfqhbRKNWhy-sSWTqdfGafpfc1KKeQZrBjoYvV-N3VbpdrodUE4uiQB_H6APpmknUySvwR8KAO1C-H2g5X7TPpMs0onbeqC_njjNbhJh0QuXe_B4zRy1wg/s486/Hair%20Forest.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="486" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ9LY8PiulJm2oY5O57VPl8mPg0UF3RubTlWvWNO_9g_g6KoGHYNhbYdqu1d8mGhKdeVMMfqhbRKNWhy-sSWTqdfGafpfc1KKeQZrBjoYvV-N3VbpdrodUE4uiQB_H6APpmknUySvwR8KAO1C-H2g5X7TPpMs0onbeqC_njjNbhJh0QuXe_B4zRy1wg/s320/Hair%20Forest.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The party sat in Syllucraff's boat as they weighed their options. Would they carry on to Minauros to seek out information on the infernal machines, or remain in Malbolge to pursue their newly discovered lead in the hopes of finding allies? Both choices held the promise of great reward and perilous adventure.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>"We are going to need allies if we are going to take down Fraz." Dido started as she regarded the group from her seat near the front of the craft.</p><p>"I second that." added Tidal grunting his approval.</p><p>Car was staring off down the river Styx lost in thought. The angular features of his face made him look like the tip of a ballista prepared to launch at any moment at an oncoming foe. He was not forthcoming with an opinion as he mulled over their choices.</p><p>Rachel also continued to ponder, holding onto the stack of papers they had recently recovered. She tightly held onto the stack in case the breeze might carry a sheet away. Oddly, they had not experienced any wind during their time on the boat. There had been none while they sailed, and none while they drifted. </p><p>As the group waited to form a consensus, a bright flash of golden light came from an empty bench near the back of the boat. The group had to blink several times to clear their vision. As their vision returned, the party was greeted by the form of Flewid sitting amongst them.</p><p>"Welcome back!" Rachel greeted her travelling companion with a cheery tone and a big smile.</p><p>Flewid looked around, taking in his new surroundings. He seemed a little shocked and disoriented, but quickly adjusted as this was not the first time he had blinked in and out of reality.</p><p>"Thanks." He started, still a little off put that they were no longer in Maladomini. As Flewid continued to acclimatized to being on a boat, he continued. "On to our next stop, eh?"</p><p>"Yes." Dido replied in her usual even tone. "We are in the process of deciding our next course of action."</p><p>Flewid glanced around at his compatriots, noticing their new equipment and a new satchel laying beside Rachel.</p><p>"What have I missed?" inquired Flewid.</p><p>Tidal brandished his large Greataxe as he pulled it out of it's holding strap on his back. It was almost as long as Flewid was tall and the blade glowed a deep red from what looked like veins of lave crisscrossing it's surface.</p><p>"We played some games and won some prizes!" Tidal said, beaming at his new weapon.</p><p>"And we cured my affliction." Dido added.</p><p>"Good, good." replied Flewid, nodding his head slowly. "So what are we planning on doing next?"</p><p>"We're debating between travelling to the third layer of Baator to seek out information, and possible acquisition, of an infernal machine or stay here and investigate this note we just found from some druidic spy ring." explained Caravaggio in a somewhat dismissive tone. Car kept his gaze ahead of them, not even turning to face Flewid.</p><p>"They're not a spy ring!" Rachel interjected. "They're more like a group of advisers and informants."</p><p>Car waved a hand dismissively as he continued to stare out from his seat.</p><p>"Ok." Flewid said as he nodded. "I think we should look into this druidic thing. We're here now. Might as well see where this leads."</p><p>"Then it is settled by majority vote." Dido said, as she made a subtle nod towards Syllucraff. "Can you find us a spot where we can disembark?"</p><p>Syllucraff nodded in return and with a slight twist of the forcola, the gondola began to glide along the Styx for several minuets. Slowly, the craft came up beside a small patch of pale sand at the base of the cliffs. The beach, which was a charitable description, was just large enough to hold the full party. On either side of the Styx, the basalt cliffs jutted up for several hundred meters.</p><p>"I'm guessing this is the best that can be done for a beachhead?" ruminated Car, scrutinizing the small patch of land."</p><p>"I'm afraid it is." Syllucraff replied. "There are few places to land in Malbolge."</p><p>Car nodded slightly in understanding and gathered his gear with the rest of the group. </p><p>The party made their way onto the small patch of pale sand. Rachel was the last to disembark. She paused as she was about to leave the craft and handed Syllucraff a sheet of folded parchment along with a sac of coins.</p><p>"This contains a list of the items we would like to purchase if you get the chance." Rachel said as she then proceeded to disembark from the boat.</p><p>"As a reminder," Syllucraff started, "it will take me a five day to collect all your items. In that time, I will be unavailable." His eyes glowed in a brighter yellow orange as he faced the group. "That means if you get into a kerfuffle and need to leg it, you'll be on your own."</p><p>Everyone nodded back. Satisfied that they understood his warning, Syllucraff dipped his forcola back in the Styx and his gondola began to depart. Silently and swiftly, he drifted away on the Styx until he disappeared beyond the horizon. The party turned to regard the cliff that was now in front of them.</p><p>The cliff facing before the group was a pale ivory color, like dried bones. It stretched far up from the little patch of shore and it's top was barley visible to the party. Dido quickly retrieved the rope of climbing from her gear and activate it with it's command word. The rope straightened out and each of the party members, save Tidal, secured themselves to the rope. Once they were ready, Tidal took the front of the rope and guided it up as he used his magical slippers of spider climb to walk up the side of the cliff as he'd done before. The odd sensation of walking vertical quickly passed for Tidal as he began his trek up the cliff face.</p><p>The climb itself was rather uneventful. It took a little more than 20 minutes to fully make the accent. Once the party reached the top, they all disconnected themselves from the rope and took in their new landscape. They were greeted by the view of a vast and ghastly wasteland. There was little in the way of topographical features. The ground was cracked and scarred. It had a dusty pale beige ting to it. In the distance they could see a tall and jagged mountain range. The range extended from either end to close off the wasteland like a natural boarder.</p><p>Between them and the mountain range was a set of hoodoos. There were twelve in total, in roughly two rows of six each. Each was a similar pale color as the cliffs along the Styx. The hoodoos were also fairly smooth looking with slight curves to their form and thinning out as you went from their base to their top. They each curved towards the middle between the two rows like a large beasts teeth.</p><p>Just past the hoodoos was a hill, or maybe a dome of some sort. The hill was roughly centered between the two rows of hoodoos but just past where they ended. It looked to be made of the same material as the two rows of hoodoos. </p><p>Erupting between the bases of the hoodoos was some sort of forest. The trees all looked like long dark vines striking out in many different directions. A sense of wild and untamed wilderness exuded from vegetation. If one was to squint hard enough, it might have appeared like the forest was a patch of hair or fur.</p><p>If was even possible, the air here in Malbolge was even hotter than the air in Maladomini. A fact that became evident to the group after standing at the top of the cliff having left the relatively cooler air flowing along the Styx. Unlike Maladomini, there was no cloud cover above them here. The sky was clear with it's bright blood red hues. Similarly to Maladomini however, there was no distinct source of light in the sky. The brightness of the sky was evenly dispersed across it's surface.</p><p>"Well, I guess we should head towards the forest?" grunted Tidal as he shrugged his shoulders.</p><p>Flewid took the opportunity to head over to Dido as the group readied to start moving out.</p><p>"May I see the journal please?" Flewid asked as he extended his green hand towards her.</p><p>Dido rummaged in her gear for a moment before handing over the leather bound journal to Flewid. Flewid thumbed through the pages looking for Hupperdink's entry on Malbolge. Once he found it, Flewid did a quick speed read of the entries.</p><p>"Anything of use?" inquired Dido, a little impatiently. The heat was beginning to bother her.</p><p>"There are a couple of useful points here." Flewid stated. "First, the lord of this layer is named Glasya. She apparently resembles a succubus. She's also the daughter of Asmodeus and is rather conniving." </p><p>Looking up from the journal and pointing towards the hoodoos, the forest, and the hill, Flewid continued.</p><p>"If I had to guess, that mound past the hoodoos is Ossiea. That is Glasya's fortress and the social hub of this layer. Apparently, she killed the previous lord, a devil named Malgarde, and made their skull into Ossiea."</p><p>"Anything about the forest?" grunted Tidal, also growing impatient. Not due to the heat, but because things were too calm for him.</p><p>Flewid thumbed over to another page before answering Tidal's question.</p><p>"It's called The Hair Forest. Apparently it's the remains of Malgarde's hair. It's likely a place where Glasya would hide any of her treasures and it's crawling with devils. It also rearranges itself roughly once a day."</p><p>"So Ossiea is where we need to head if we are to find this Jahrl." Dido stated.</p><p>The group nodded in agreement. </p><p>"Then let's get a move on." Tidal gleefully said as he turned and started making his way to the forest.</p><p>Flewid handed the journal back to Dido and they began to head out towards Ossiea. The group prepared to steel themselves for what would await them in the forest on their way to Ossiea. </p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">The trek to the edge of the forest had been grueling. The heat was oppressive and unrelenting. The march had been akin to crossing a sun soaked desert. There had been no respite from the featureless glow of the sky. The group had remained ever vigilant as they travelled, but hadn't spied a single creature, alive or otherwise. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The Hair Forest offered the allure of a possible reprieve from the heat. It's tall stalks were the only change in scenery as they traveled over the wasteland. As they approached the border of the forest, the bramble nature became more apparent. Stalks breached the ground at many different angles. Some rose straight upwards, while others lazily snaked along the ground. Many of the stalks were tangled together with one another. </p><p style="text-align: left;">There was very little difference between the composition of the stalks. Each was several feet wide and black like polished obsidian. Most of the stalks were several meters long. For the ones that reached towards the sky, they were taller than any of the members of the party. The ones that lay along the ground easily disappeared into the thick of the bush. Despite the lack of wind, or even a subtle breeze, the stalks seemed to gently sway.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Are they alive?" Tidal inquired in his gruff tone, nodding towards the nearest stalk.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I guess all plants are alive." replied Flewid. "Many druids are know to commune with nature."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal grunted, unsatisfied with the answer and stomped over to a near by stalk that was laying across the ground. Unsheathing his hellfire axe from his back, Tidal gripped it's hilt and swung it's blade. Bringing it's red glowing blade down over the stalk, he split it like it was a hair. The severed stalk wreathed on the ground at Tidal's feet.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal barely had time to look down at the severed wiggling stalk as a separate stalk jutted out from the brambles of the forest and struck him in the shoulder. Digging his axe into the ground, Tidal prevented himself from being sent spiraling to the ground. The force of the hit also made him take a knee. Recovering quickly, he brought his axe up into a defensive position. Tracking the aggressive stalk's movements, Tidal was ready for the second strike. As the plant made it's next strike, Tidal brought his axe into it's path, splitting the vine in half. With a quick spin to reposition, he chopped off the split end form the stalk and it too feel to the ground wiggling violently.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal paused for a moment to see if the forest would continue with it's retaliation. After a moment however, no further stalks snap out at him. Satisfied that there was no longer any immediate danger, Tidal bent down to examine the two wiggling vines. He moved them around with the side of his axe. To Tidal, they just looked like large strands of dark hair.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rachel strode up beside him and began to cast a spell. Her hands began to glow a soft pale moonlit color. Muttering something that Tidal couldn't understand, Rachel finished her spell by pushing a small ball of light outwards at the two small stalks. As the light enveloped them, little blue and red flowers quickly grew and blossomed along their surface. The wiggling slowed a little, but did not stop.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"It would seem," Rachel started, getting back to her feet, "that the forest is only hostile if one is hostile towards it."</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Or I just asserted my dominance over these weeds and it now recognizes my superiority!" rebutted Tidal, chuckling to himself.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The rest of the group drew in closer and they began to fall into their marching order. Dido took the lead, leveraging her survival skills. Rachel, Flewid, then Tidal went next. Taking up the rear guard was Caravaggio.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Car kept a close eye on their surroundings, which was made all the more difficult by how dense the bush was. It was challenging to make out anything beyond a handful of feet. The distant forest just blurred together making an impenetrable wall of vines and stalks. The forest also offered no respite from the heat. Some of the party members wondered if it was in fact hotter under the canopy of the brush than out in the wasteland.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As an hour of traversing the woods past, other subtleties became more apparent. One was the lack of any noise. The was no wind rustling the stalks, no birds or creatures chirping or chittering. Even their own ambient noise from their movement felt dulled. The ground had grown quite flaky as they traveled deeper into the woods. The pale beige of the wastelands began to be replaced with even paler shades as they progressed deeper. The ground almost felt like a ghostly white, like that of a dead corpse.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio's furry pointed ears suddenly perked up. He heard the faintest of noises from somewhere behind him. Keeping himself from looking in the direction of the noise, Car focused intently on the noise. It was very soft, like footsteps made on pillows. He could also tell that it was drawing closer to them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio made a light tap and Tidal's shoulder and whispered quietly.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"We are being followed. Let it draw closer before we strike."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal nodded, the hint of a smile creeping onto his face before he passed the message along to the rest of the group. </p><p style="text-align: left;">After a few more paces forwards, Car could now tell the noise was extremely close. A shadow darted quickly along his left flank, of which he caught a glimpse. Then along the right flank, Car looked over just in time to make out a figure passing between the stalks. It was a short devil. It looked similar to a satyr, but with more devilish features. Long braided cords of hair ran down along it's back. Some of the cords were coiled in it's hands like rope, ready to lasso a target.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Car stopped the group. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"Let me see if I can reason with them first." Car said softly.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Almost everyone's hands in the group began to shift towards their weapons, but they didn't draw any of them. Car took a few steps to the side to move out of the line formation they had been traveling in. Turning his head to where he believed one of the devils to be, he began to speak in a strange language the group had not yet heard from him before.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Wy wyy haf. Szizy hafr ulzylz." grunted Caravaggio in a deep guttural tone. The words felt so alien to the rest of the group.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Silence hung in the air as he awaited a response. Car could sense that what ever was out there had taken notice.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal chuckled under his breath before whispering to the group.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I hope you didn't insult their mother!" jested Tidal.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Car's head snapped towards Tidal, as his eyes narrowed.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I told them we could see them and asked them to state their inten-" started Car in a hushed tone just before he was interrupted. He found himself bound in a dark cord that wrapped around him from head to toe. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio's eyes followed the cord that lead away from him and into the brush. At the other end, holding the cord in both hands was a small satyr looking devil. It's hooved feet were dug into the ground and a hint of a smile curled up from the corner of it's mouth. The fight was on.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/06/styx-stones-part-14.html">Next Part</a></p><p></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-29834343304816872982023-03-15T23:32:00.002-04:002023-05-10T15:25:52.939-04:00Styx & Stones (Part 12)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlhWANNbdgTB0iaMggmmF9iWx1HEEqEd30ikl_5dDpDveXo3TJIhtY1-qGLM6UAbV-GNsSyl_0t2LmaQZK4mXeyZ5JQ0O3tf7Rpy8hlDnZitGR4lLLu_MCgTH64DsTElSyGnXi8SCac3ZGoaJDTvS06_bsfGncwitPvix85GknHj8Y_q2ZNXFUBqo0w/s998/To%20Malbulge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlhWANNbdgTB0iaMggmmF9iWx1HEEqEd30ikl_5dDpDveXo3TJIhtY1-qGLM6UAbV-GNsSyl_0t2LmaQZK4mXeyZ5JQ0O3tf7Rpy8hlDnZitGR4lLLu_MCgTH64DsTElSyGnXi8SCac3ZGoaJDTvS06_bsfGncwitPvix85GknHj8Y_q2ZNXFUBqo0w/w320-h320/To%20Malbulge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Having concluded their business with Duke Zapar, the party began to make their way back to the carnival's entrance. They had all certainly had their fill at the Carnival Eternal and the only thing left to do on their way out was to exchange their tickets. They had been rather successful at the games, racking up a large bundle of tickets. Now it was time to cash in.<span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div>The party added glowing red hellfire weapons and more durable armor and shields. They even gained some gold with the few remaining tickets. Some member chose to acquire some random potions from the potion fountain which sat on the Ticket Master's front yard.<p></p><span></span><p>After exchanging their remaining tickets, the group made their way out the front gate of the carnival and Caravaggio summoned the path once again. A now familiar scene greeted them. The bricks breaching the ground like sharks cresting the waves, drawing closer together to form a straight brick path that lead off into the distance. Once the path was formed, the party began to walk along it, returning to the banks of the Styx and Syllucraff, who awaited their return.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">After the usual hour of travel, which always felt like a blur of time, the group came to the end of the path as it stopped a few feet away from a familiar sight. The wide expanse of the river Styx lay before them, it's waters dark and foreboding. Spectral forms crested its surface like drowning swimmers, only without the vigor of the living. Despite the ghostly activity, the surface remained calm and unbroken.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Along the shore in front of them, the long sleek gondola of Syllucraff rested. It's dark surface covered in different bones, form all manner of creatures. Standing near the rear, was the slender robed figure of Syllucraff. His glowing eyes already tracking the approaching group as the neared the vessel. Unlike previous visits, Syllucraff was holding his forcola with it's tip submerged beneath the Styx. The forcola looked like one long spine, though was likely made up of several to create the proper length. The bleached color of the bones made it contrast against Syllucraff's dark robes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well Blimey! Back already!" chuckled Syllucraff as the group staggered towards his boat. "You lot look a bit knackered, especially that one." he continued, nodding towards Tidal.</p><p>Tidal came to a stop by a large protruding stone near the shore. He leaned against it to rest as the rest of the group similarly took up positions around the bank of the Styx to rest.</p><p>"It's those accursed soul coins!" Tidal grumped as he tossed the sac holding the coins to the ground. It landed with a muted thud on the dark red dirt of the shore. "We can't keep carrying these!" Tidal continued, pointing at the sac.</p><p>Rachel nodded back from where she was slumped to the ground a few paces away.</p><p>"They sap the energy right out of you." Rachel added, brushing some stray strands of her auburn hair out of her face.</p><p>"How do you propose we remedy the situation?" inquired Dido, who was not as exhausted as the rest of the group. </p><p>Dido walked over to another stone that was resting on the ground. This one was more oval in shape, and made an excellent bench. Unstrapping her cloak, Dido laid it over the stones surface and began to take off parts of her equipment, preparing to clean and polish them.</p><p>"I've got a right proper good idea! Yea?" interjected Syllucraff with a cheerful tone. "You lot could leave your quid on me boat here." he gestured with open arms at his gondola. "I'm immune to the coins drainin' effects."</p></div><div><p>Despite the lack of a visible face, Syllucraff's beaming eyes gave off the impression of having a large grin. The party looked at each other for a moment, nodding in turn as they silently agreed with the logic in their steersman's suggestion.</p><p>"I guess the next thing we need to discuss is where to next?" Rachel asked.</p><p>Everyone pondered the question. This had been the first moment in their journey where they hadn't been left with a clue or a trail to follow. The path before them was bountiful with options.</p><p>After a moment, Caravaggio offered an option to the group.</p><p>"We have that wish Rachel won at the Carnival. Why not wish Fraz to be destroyed?" he offered.</p><p>Everyone's eyes fell to Rachel, who looked back at them in turn.</p><p>"Well..." Rachel started, not sure how to phrase what she wanted to say next. She looked down at her feet and stared at them for a moment. Then she looked back at Caravaggio. "I had hoped to use the wish for a different purpose." she started, speaking softly. Everyone listened a little more closely. "I was going to use the wish to restore the pantheon. Or at least my mistress of the moon, Selune."</p><p>Dido was sitting on the stone that she was using as a makeshift workbench as she clean her armor. Her blonde hair tied up in a loose bun behind her to keep it out of her way while she worked. Her pointed elf ears stuck out to the sides a little without her helm to keep them pressed against her head. Maintaining her focus on her task, she addressed the group.</p><p>"It would also do us well to keep that wish for now." She looked up at the group, but rested her gaze on Car. "I am confident we can handle Fraz by our own means." Dido's tone was as firm as the armored plate she was polishing.</p><p>"Plus, I don't like taking the easy path." Tidal spat. "I want to kill Fraz myself."</p><p>The group chuckled and scoffed at Tidal for the last remark.</p><p>"Fine. We will hold onto the wish for now." Caravaggio said in a quiet but firm tone. "Then maybe we could learn more about these soul coins?" he continued. "How are they made? How do we get more?"</p><p>"Do we even want to get more?" Tidal added. "I'm not really a fan of the toll they take."</p><p>"Well chaps," Syllucraff started, rubbing his hands together. "Those coins are made from an infernal device. Back when I was a butter boy, I used to do a few roaders out to Minauros to move them about."</p><p>"A butter boy?" Tidal asked in his gruff tone as he raised an eye brow.</p><p>"Yea, back when I was fresh faced in this gig. I had just passed the Knowledge and had to do some odd jobs to start." Syllucraff turned his hooded head to focus on Tidal. "You don't just start with an innate knowledge of Baator when you arrive here."</p><p>"So can we get one of these machines?" Asked Car.</p><p>"Not the regular kind, no." Syllucraff shook his head. "They're ten times the size of my sherbet here." He gently patted the side of his craft. "You might be able to nick one of the travel sized ones." he offered.</p><p>"And where's Minauros?" asked Caravaggio.</p><p>"That's the third layer of Baator. It would be a fairly long trek from here." replied Syllucraff as he gestured off into the distance.</p><p> "We should also be thinking about raising an army." Dido added from her makeshift workbench. "It is very likely someone like Fraz would have an army of his own followers to enact his will."</p><p>Tidal snorted in agreement.</p><p>"Allies would be useful if we want to take down Fraz." Rachel added as she leaned back to lie on the ground.</p><p>"Well, I vote we sleep on it." Tidal offered, having now slumped down the stone he was perched against. "I think it might be time to try out this 'gift's of the choir' mumbo jumbo and see if it can restore our strength like they said."</p><p>Rachel nodded in agreement and waved at the others to gather round. She then began to enact her ritual to create the protective dome that would serve as their shelter for a rest. After several minuets had passed, the energy of the dome sprang up from the ground and shielded the party. </p><p>Syllucraff was left standing in his boat as he watched the barrier raise from the ground. It's opaque nature hid the party from his view. A moment after it had coalesced into a dark reddish dome, he could hear Dido call out from inside.</p><p>"We will discuss our party's course of action after we have rested." Dido said, just before she appeared from within the dome. Her body passed through it's wall as if she was a ghost. Dido was carrying the sac of soul coins. She strode over to his boat and placed them inside of it.</p><p>"And then we will also discuss with you about some acquisitions." Dido said with a glint in her eye and a hint of a smile tugging at the side of her lips.</p><p>Dido then turned on her heel and marched back into the wall of the hut. Syllucraff remained motionless as he looked towards the shelter's wall.</p><p>Once back inside, Dido took a spot on the ground near the rest of the group. From inside the hut, they could all see outside with no hinderance. Only the vague hue of dark red gave a hint as to the hut's perimeter. The atmosphere inside was also refreshing. Gone was the oppressive heat of Maladomini, replaced with the more temperate air of the hut.</p><p>The party sat in a loose circle, each member facing towards it's center. In front of each of them was a soul coin. The iron casing looked like it was made from the links of a chain, bound around a metal disk. The coin itself was about an inch or two thick, and around half a foot in diameter. At the center of each one, was a small red glow emanating from a tiny gem.</p><p>Each party member kept a healthy distance from touching the coin in front of them. They had each experienced the final moments of the coin's occupant as they had placed them on the ground. Those memories still lingered in their minds as they waited for Dido to get settled.</p><p>"So how do we do this?" asked Tidal.</p><p>"I will show you what I saw Duke Zapar do when he removed my ailment." replied Dido.</p><p>Dido produced a dark leather holder from amongst her gear. Flipping the top open, she slid out a dagger. The hilt was black and glossy, like polished obsidian. The blade was tucked inside a similarly designed scabbard. As Dido grabbed the handle and unsheathed it, a red glow flowed from the blade's surface. What looked like veins of lava crisscrossed along the blade.</p><p>Dido then quickly spun the handle of the dagger in her palm in one fluid motion so that the blade faced away from her. Wrapping her other hand around it's pommel, she drove the blade downwards into the coin. The blade passed into the coin's casing like a hot knife melting butter. As the cracks grew on the coin's out shell, a loud wail could be heard. The sound pierced the relative silence of the hut. As the howl faded, so to did the red glow of the gem at the coin's center. A faint blue Will-o'-wisp left the coin. </p><p>The wisp floated for a moment, seemingly dangling in mid air in front of Dido. It was as if it was studying her. Then, it quickly darted towards her face before entering her body through her nose and mouth. Dido's entire form glowed for a moment, as if bathed in a heavenly light. Then the light faded.</p><p>The group watched as she slowly opened her eyes. She released a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She then turned to her right and offered the dagger's hilt to Caravaggio, who accepted it. He then performed the same actions before passing it along to the next party member and so on. Each member of the group performed the same actions until they had all opened the coins in front of them. After that, they each settled down for a rest.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">The party awoke to the familiar sounds of the wails and screams of the Styx. Peering out through the walls of their magical hut, they could see Syllucraff still standing in his boat, as if he hadn't moved an inch since they had started their repose. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Rachel dispelled the hut as the group gathered their gear and made for the vessel. As they each took a seat on the gondola, they placed their gear at their feet and began to survey the surface of the Styx. It looked like black water. There was little in the way of waves on it's surface. An ethereal mist floated along the top of the water while the occasional spirit rose and fell, making it's presence known with a shriek or a wail.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Once the group was settled, Syllucraff addressed them in his usual chipper tone.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"All right you lot. A roader to Minauros is it?"</p><p>"Yes." replied Dido.</p><p>"Bloody Brilliant!" exclaimed Syllucraff as he took his forcola and dipped it in the Styx.</p><p>The gondola silently drifted away form the shore. With a very slight twist of his wrist, Syllucraff made his vessel move forwards. It crawled along slowly at first, but soon began to pick up speed.</p><p>"So how long until we get to Minauros?" inquired Rachel.</p><p>"Well, the amount of time may vary." replied Syllucraff. "It will be quicker though if the Styx doesn't throw a wobbly and send us a stray."</p><p>"And what should we do in the meantime?" asked Caravaggio, somewhat unsettled by being on the Styx. He was gripping the side of the craft fairly tightly.</p><p>"You could enjoy the onboard luxuries." offered Syllucraff. "Would you lot fancy a cuppa?"</p><p>Caravaggio nodded slowly. "Sure." he replied in a steady, but unsure tone.</p><p>Syllucraff made a gentle sweeping motion with his hand and the bones along the side of the gondola began to move and rearrange themselves. In front of each passenger, the bones formed little trays which jutted out from the side of the boat. Little skulls, about the size of various woodland creatures such as racoons and foxes rolled onto the trays, coming to a rest upside down, forming a cup of sorts. Then, an artery like cord slithered out to the cup, disgorging a hot milky looking liquid into each upturned skull before retracting back to where it had come from.</p><p>There were a lot a grossed out looks from the party, except Tidal. He reached down and clasped the skull in front of him with his gauntleted hand and lifted the drink to his mouth. Downing the contents, he wiped his mouth clean with the backside of his hand and smacked the skull back down on the tray.</p><p>After letting out a belch, he looked back at the group, who stared at him in a mix of shock and amazement.</p><p>"What?" Tidal growled back to the party. "It's no ale, but it doesn't taste bad either."</p><p>Caravaggio quietly studied his cup before venturing a small sip of it's contents. Satisfied that it didn't taste poorly, he began to sip it some more.</p><p>Rachel and Dido each took a sip of their respective cups. Rachel had to push past the fact that she was drinking out of a skull, but was able to continue until she had finished it's contents. Placing her cup back down on it's tray gently, she thanked Syllucraff for his hospitality. Syllucraff nodded in return.</p><p>As the party finished their drinks, Caravaggio began to ask Syllucraff about what items they could ask him to acquire.</p><p>"It's a pretty expansive list of things I can get for you lot. However," Syllucraff paused. "It takes me a five day to make acquisitions. In that time, you will be with out a chauffer."</p><p>Car nodded back in understanding. </p><p>"Then I have a few things in mind that I would like to purchase." Caravaggio said.</p><p>"Myself as well." added Dido.</p><p>The group began to write up a list of the items that they wished to acquire, with Syllucraff denoting how much each item would cost, a mix of soul coins and regular gold. Caravaggio also asked Syllucraff if there was a way of learning infernal, the language of the devils in Baator. Syllucraff nodded and provided him with a dark tomb from within a pocket in his robes. Caravaggio took the offered book and began to study it's pages as they travelled.</p><p>As the time passed, the landscape around them was subtly changing. The craggy and broken wasteland of Maladomini began to give way to the basalt cliffs of Malbolge. The cliff facings were still a reddish brown like the dirt in Maladomini, but a paler color, like withered flesh. The party hadn't even noticed the change in scenery until they were interrupted by a new piercing shriek.</p><p>As they turned their heads to locate the source of the noise, the party watched as a humanoid form fell from the top of the basalt cliffs. The individual had not slipped by accident to begin their fall. Standing at the top of the cliff was another form. A large bellied and sinister looking individual surrounded by dark smoke. It was very likely that it had thrown the other of the top of the cliff. </p><p>They watched silently and helplessly as the falling individual splashed into the Styx. There was a long pause as the party watched, waiting to see if the individual would surface, but he never did. Looking back up at the individual standing at the top of the cliff, it meet their gaze. After a brief pause, the creature stalked away.</p><p>Car was the first to spot a satchel hanging from an out stretched branch on the cliff's wall. Pointing it out to the group, Tidal offered to go and get it. Syllucraff nodded at the groups request to retrieve the bag and brought the boat close to the cliff's wall. Activating his slippers of spider climb, Tidal began to walk up the side of the cliff. He was a little disorienting at first, but he soon adjusted to it. The climb began to feel more like a stroll to Tidal. The branch with the bag was a fair ways up the cliff face, but Tidal just casually walked the whole stretch.</p><p>Once Tidal reached the satchel, he flipped it open to get a look at what was inside. He quickly rifled through it's contents, noting a smooth dark blue stone, a small stack of papers and some gold coins. Tidal quickly pocketed the stone, sensing there was some value to it. He then folded the bag closed and began to make his trek back down to the party.</p><p>Once back on Syllucraff's gondola, Tidal tossed the bag over to Caravaggio.</p><p>"Some gold and papers in there." Tidal informed the group.</p><p>Caravaggio opened the satchel and took the papers out. Dido and Rachel both moved over to his side to get a look at what was on the papers. the papers contained a note:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Jahrl.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Lost contact with Jabril in Stygia.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Expect likely exchange. Layer unknown.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Timing of masquerade curious.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Infiltrate and report back.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Do not engage.</i></p><p>The note was ended with the symbol of a tree with it's roots showing. Rachel pointed to the tree.</p><p>"That's the symbol for Deeproot. They're a druidic group that specialize in information gathering and providing counsel." informed Rachel.</p><p>Caravaggio flipped the note over to look at the other documents, but didn't recognize the language. </p><p>"I don't recognize this script." Car said.</p><p>"That's because it's in druidic." interjected Rachel, reaching a hand out to take the papers. Car let her take the few pages.</p><p>With the pages in hand, Rachel quickly flipped through them and noted that they detail a list of places and people, most of which have been crossed off. There are only two names left on the list: Glasya and Ossiea.</p><p>"Looks like they were checking out people and places." Rachel started then pointed to the last two entries. "There are only two left on the list: Glasya and Ossiea."</p><p>"Well you are in luck!" Syllucraff exclaimed. "Glasya is the lord of this layer of Baator. Ossiea is where her palace is located. It's about a days trek that way." he remarked, pointing in roughly the direction the creature from earlier had stalked off towards.</p><p>"Then I guess we have a choice." Caravaggio stated. "Stop here to chase this lead, or continue on to Minauros."</p><p>The group began to weight the options.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/05/styx-stones-part-13.html">Next Part</a></p><p></p></div></div>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-48453526307877603432023-03-10T17:02:00.004-05:002023-03-20T09:12:11.176-04:00Styx & Stones (Part 11)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXKd7hDDgO3JWM79R9Jy9Tpq3Ti_bOJxNlxIHZYSHa-Fubba3yIIk55fIGqvb3zCFExvcxVVDn4YspLte7c-j8w65bZmz9FdGGFQaFh_94r84na2lQWhZfG9LrsndBcHzOnWfzOF4MB1DubKc9R8zy3_xy2LX9dKvtrRbCpRg90Qyo-nrQIyY06zclg/s1000/Specter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXKd7hDDgO3JWM79R9Jy9Tpq3Ti_bOJxNlxIHZYSHa-Fubba3yIIk55fIGqvb3zCFExvcxVVDn4YspLte7c-j8w65bZmz9FdGGFQaFh_94r84na2lQWhZfG9LrsndBcHzOnWfzOF4MB1DubKc9R8zy3_xy2LX9dKvtrRbCpRg90Qyo-nrQIyY06zclg/s320/Specter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The space inside Duke Zapar's tent had fallen silent and still. Even the cacophony of noises from the carnival beyond the tent's canvas walls could not be heard. The ghostly figure with dark robes pointed a boney finger at Tidal and everyone present could hear the grim specter's firm monotone voice in their heads. <i>You are challenged to one on one combat. None may interfere.</i></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>A brief moment later, the specter began to move. It's speed was incredible. Even though it closed the distance with it's target swiftly, the robes never moved or flapped once. They remained unmoved as if the specter wasn't even in motion. The only movement they revealed was as the Specter brought it's weapon up for a strike. </p><p>Tidal barely had enough time to raise his shield in defence before the spectral figure swung it's scythe down towards him. To Tidal's amazement, the shield offered no protection. The curve bladed weapon passed through as if it was a ghost. It proceeded along it's trajectory and cut through Tidal's chest. Tidal felt the pain through his entire body, as if every nerve had been set a blaze. Before Tidal could bring his weapon to bear however, his vision blurred. In a blink, Tidal found himself in a memory. It was the memory he had seen in the hall of mirrors earlier that day.</p><p><i>Tidal was standing at attention. Pacing back and forth in front of him was his herd leader. The Alpha. His leader was an imposing beast of an individual. As tall as Tidal and equally, if not more, muscular. Two twisted horns protruded from his head, the inspiration behind the herd's crest. The Alpha was a warrior king. Normally clade in golden armor plates, he was currently only wearing his maroon training robes which seemed to blur against his brownish fur. The robes were flapping haphazardly as he paced since the Alpha had not tied them closed.</i></p><p><i>Tidal could feel the tension growing in the small room. The Alpha had brought him to this chamber to be away from prying eyes. A smart move as their exchange was going to be heated. Tidal was loyal to a fault, but that did not stop him form expressing his view to his leader.</i></p><p><i>"Your reckless actions allowed the troupe to escape!" The Alpha started. "And with MY SON!"</i></p><p><i>The Alpha snorted towards Tidal.</i></p><p><i>"You can not expect me to be clairvoyant like a mage!" Tidal retorted. "The scouts did not report back about a magic user in their midst!"</i></p><p><i>"And yet, this little band of mercenaries was able to slip past our defenses and abduct my son!" The Alpha's voice grew louder, as the clang of his hooves against the stone floor began echoing stronger.</i></p><p><i>"Their leader's head now rests on a pike at your gates, and the rest would join him if you'd let me pursue instead of wasting my time with your mewling like a calf!" countered Tidal, his tone agitated.</i></p><p><i>The Alpha stopped his pacing and strode over to Tidal, stopping inches from his snout. They both snorted at each other.</i></p><p><i>"And how am I to trust you won't loose sight of your goal because someone gives you 'a worthy fight' eh?" Spat the Alpha at Tidal, throwing his words from an earlier exchange back at him. </i></p><p><i>Tidal grew more irritated, as it had been the mercenary leader that had requested a one on one combat to keep him and the guards occupied while the rest had slipped in and out of the fort.</i></p><p><i>"Do you doubt my conviction?" Tidal inquired.</i></p><p><i>"No." replied the Alpha. "It's your focus I doubt."</i></p><p><i>"The longer you waste our time with this exchange, the farther they get!" Tidal roared before being cut off, which only made his frustrations grow.</i></p><p><i>"No! I shall let Galloway track this group." The Alpha interjected. "You will remain here to prepare for the coming of Xonoldos's forces. Word of this abduction will likely embolden him."</i></p><p><i>"Galloway!" Tidal sneered. "That calf couldn't track his way to the top of a manure heap if he was gently placed on it."</i></p><p><i>"You have your assignment!" The Alpha snapped back.</i></p><p><i>"No! You need you're best on this! I'm going!" Tidal shouted. He could feel his frustrations growing to a fever pitch.</i></p><p><i>"You are out of line!" The Alpha shouted as he slammed his fists on a near by workbench. "Get to the barracks or I'll drag you there myself!"</i></p><p><i>Tidal snapped. He bellowed as he charged his leader. They both locked horns and grappled each other. Tidal had some momentum behind him as they collided and was able to carry forwards and slam the Alpha into the wall. The effort made Tidal's vision blink for a moment...</i></p><p>As Tidal's vision came back, he wasn't with his leader anymore. The familiar, and oppressively, hot air around him reminded him instantly where he was. He was in Baator. More specifically, he was in Duke Zapar's tent facing off against a Grim Reaper.</p><p>As Tidal regained his faculties, he looked down in front of him to see Dido laying on the floor. Her lithe form was sprawled out and she looked back at him with an icy stair from her deep blue eyes.</p><p>"Care to fight your actual opponent?" she shot at him in a cold tone.</p><p>Tidal just blinked and shook his head. Taking a few steps back he quickly surveilled the room. He noticed that Caravaggio was also laying on the ground, except he wasn't close enough for Tidal to have shoved him. Pushing the thoughts about the matter from his mind, Tidal turned around to face his foe.</p><p>The Reaper floated above the ground silently. Unlike Syllucraff, Tidal could see the head under the hood. A bare skull grinned back at him. There was no light in it's eyes, only the darkness of the abyss.</p><p>Tidal gripped his great ax and then charged forwards. Putting all the focus and energy he could, he swung the weapon at the Reaper. His first blow harmlessly passed through his target. The second one found purchase against the bones that formed it's right hand. This gave Tidal an idea, which he capitalized on immediately. </p><p>Swinging his ax up, Tidal connected it's blade with the Reaper's lower jaw, knocking it clean off. The jaw bone skidded across the ground before coming to a rest near the feet of the onlooking party. The bone then evaporated out of existence leaving a trail of dark smoke. Tidal then spun around and struck the Reaper's other hand. The specter recoiled calmly from the attacks. Putting some distance between itself and it's foe, it began to sink into the ground. Tidal went to take another swing, but it had slipped below the ground before he could connect with his ax. The weapon just clanged of the ground.</p><p>Tidal took this moment to center himself as he knew it would come at him from another angle. He pushed past the weary state he found himself in. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Dido and Car having gotten back to their feet. He continued to scan the room spotting Zapar clapping like a seal in delight. The devil was clearly enjoying the combat display before him.</p><p>Suddenly, Tidal felt a sharp pang of coldness in his back before every nerve in his body screamed. Spinning on his heel, he faced the Reaper which had risen from the ground behind him and attacked. Before Tidal could swing his ax to bear, the specter was gone once again below the ground.</p><p>Furious and in a lot of pain, Tidal began to switch his focus. He needed some healing. But he didn't have any potions on him and he didn't know any healing spells. Spotting all the bottles surrounding him in the room, he was struck with an idea. Surely something in one of these bottle must be able to heal him.</p><p>"Hey guys! I'm not doing so hot!" Tidal shouted as he staggered over towards the nearest table with bottles on it. "I need some healing!"</p><p>As he approached the nearest table, Tidal grabbed the first bottle in reach. As he did so, the other devils spectating with Zapar all started to cheer and yell things in a tongue that Tidal couldn't understand. The bottle he had grabbed was a pear shaped container with an emerald color and had a small cork at it's top. Popping the cork off with his thumb, Tidal lifted it up and began to down it's contents.</p><p><i>If nothing else</i>, thought Tidal,<i> at least it will make me less thirsty.</i></p><p>The contents of the bottle tasted sour and bitter. Suddenly, Tidal felt very light headed. Then, he began to shake uncontrollably. As he began to convulse, Tidal tumbled onto the table that he'd grabbed the drink from. Bottles went careening away and the glass of the table shattered under his bulk.</p><p>"Looks like your friend can't hold his poison!" mocked Zapar to the rest of the party as they looked on in horror.</p><p>Tidal's vision was blurry as he tried to stop the convulsions. Then there was another cold sharp pain as the specter once again had emerged from the ground to strike. The pain this time was so intense that Tidal swore he was being burned alive in the middle of the sun. It was all he could do to focus on staying tethered to his form. </p><p>As his vision began to fade, Tidal felt a familiar feeling. Old memories passed through his thoughts. The familiar feeling of being lighter than he should be. But this time, there was a bright flash. </p><p>Suddenly, before him, were floating rings. Three sets inside each other spinning in different directions, with a bright glow coming from it's center. It was the Choir.</p><p><i>You have fallen</i>, came the voice in Tidal's head. It sounded as though many were speaking at once. A mix of sadness and disappointment making up the various tones of voices.</p><p>Tidal looked down to find himself floating above the shell that was his body.</p><p>"I am not done!" shouted Tidal in his newly found spectral state.</p><p>The spinning rings seem to study him for a moment. The glow at it's center pulsed. It started slow and steady, but grew rapidly before returning to it's previous rate.</p><p><i>There is still potential. Do not waste it so brazenly.</i></p><p>The words this time had a more distinct voice. A familiar one. It sounded like the Alpha. Before Tidal could contemplate it more, his astral form was sucked back into his body. </p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p>The party watched as Tidal lay motionless on the floor. The reaper had popped up and slashed him again before ducking back down into the ground. Rachel's fists were balled up and Caravaggio gripped tightly on the chair in front of him.</p><p>Dido stared out at the scene. The fight was not over yet. Tidal just needed some help. Thinking quickly, Dido removed a healing potion from her satchel. Very carefully, she knelt down to the ground and placed the bottle on the ground. She gave it a light kick which sent it rolling towards Tidal's collapsed form.</p><p>The bottle kept rolling along the carpeted ground before coming to a rest against Tidal's hand. No sooner had the bottle stopped moving then Tidal gasped for air. Dido, Car, and Rachel all started to cheer Tidal to stand up and fight.</p><p>Tidal's senses were all on fire. Everything burned. Sitting up, he looked over to see his companions cheering him on. Tidal saw Dido pointing to the bottle that was now inches from his hand.</p><p>"Drink it!" She commanded.</p><p>Tidal put all his strength into grabbing the bottle and downing it's contents. He soon felt a cold numbing sensation that stopped the burning he had been experiencing. It felt like a wave of relief. Getting back onto his feet, Tidal nodded to Dido in thanks.</p><p>Putting his focus back into the fight, Tidal held his great ax with both hands. He kept moving this time, making sure to turn at irregular intervals to try and catch the reaper. His strategy paid off as he caught the coalescing from of the specter rising from the ground. As it rose up to deliver another blow, Tidal swung down with his ax and connected with the reaper's skull. He struck it with so much force that the skull was cleaved in two. The reaper split in half as it phased up past Tidal's blade. As it split, it's two halves wisped away like smoke in a breeze. </p><p>After a moment, the regular sounds of the Carnival drifted in once again. The screams and moans that made up it's ambient noise permeating the confines of the Duke's tented chamber. Suddenly there was a single loud clap. Everyone's attention was drawn to it.</p><p>"Well aah must say! That has been the most fun aah've had in ages! You do not disappoint!" came the cheerful drawl of Duke Zapar.</p><p>The party moved to gather around the Duke as he waved them closer. There was a glint in his eye and a mischievous grin on his face.</p><p>"Now," The Duke started, still grinning, "who would like to draw some more cards?"</p><p>Dido and Caravaggio politely put their hands up to decline. Tidal thought about it for a moment despite his freshly ended fight. Rachel also pondered the idea.</p><p>"Do any of your friends draw from your deck?" inquired Rachel.</p><p>"Well now," The Duke chuckled, " it has been a while since any of them have."</p><p>Zapar glanced around the room, eyeing his devil cohorts as they all averted their gazes.</p><p>"But aah've seen them draw several times now over the millennia." continued the Duke, brushing the idea away. His gaze then fell on the party of adventurers before him as his grin widened. "Aah'm more in the mood for fresh entertainment."</p><p>Silence grew as none of the party members made any movements to draw any cards from the Duke's deck.</p><p>"How about another deal?" Zapar said, breaking the silence and sensing the hesitation. "How 'bout you, me, and the big fella each draw a card?" The duke nodded towards Tidal. "Aah'll even give each of you two soul coins a piece!"</p><p>Rachel scratched her chin in thought, but ultimately decided to pass. She shook her head and took a step back and moved to join Dido and Car as they made their way to the exit pole.</p><p>Tidal took a step forwards and offered a counter proposal.</p><p>"How about this," Tidal began. "I'll draw four cards if you fully heal me first."</p><p>The Duke's face fell a little with disappointment. He folded the deck back up and put it away.</p><p>"Mah good sir, I can not provide you any healing services. You and your party are on their own for that." Zapar said, a mix of disappointment and ennui in his tone. "Aah can only offer you soul coins."</p><p>"Then thank you for your hospitality." interjected Dido as she beckoned Tidal to join them near the exit pole. Tidal looked a Zapar one last time, then nodded and moved to rejoin the group. They each took it in turn to leave via the pole, sliding back down to the bustle of the carnival below.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/03/styx-stones-part-12.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-658037222561491412023-03-03T12:11:00.003-05:002023-03-03T12:11:43.950-05:00Sisters Of Battle Gallery is Up!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5ELpYDGs0ySGLlYEJLe86ESRFKaSpUp5MxoEs7rm5aM_MAPV5W7h0dptZzIlIDlJ6VLT5_Aj0PYErEYnQy8sV0fbq4hdOaQYmQPO_0XDrW_pj33JMeB_WTf7SCQnSx9TZu7IEz42-m3yFxCKFpl95DlVsKMC8BoLO8w1ve0afoMyB9wGK1_Nx6B_Zg/s4032/PXL_20230303_163613610.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5ELpYDGs0ySGLlYEJLe86ESRFKaSpUp5MxoEs7rm5aM_MAPV5W7h0dptZzIlIDlJ6VLT5_Aj0PYErEYnQy8sV0fbq4hdOaQYmQPO_0XDrW_pj33JMeB_WTf7SCQnSx9TZu7IEz42-m3yFxCKFpl95DlVsKMC8BoLO8w1ve0afoMyB9wGK1_Nx6B_Zg/s320/PXL_20230303_163613610.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hey Everyone!</p><p>I've now added the gallery <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/gallery-sisters-of-battle.html">page</a> for my Sister's of Battle. You can now peruse through my completed Sisters units! This is one of my smaller factions still, but is always growing!</p><p>Until next time!</p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-3396338213493436962023-02-24T16:33:00.003-05:002023-03-10T17:02:58.128-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 10)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPbKgLVpJc-VokSoZ3wmFvvcSI8jlr_B9ApN5EoJS1RLhtMUY1eISVQVVQUUAbc5axN3OadVuAZwoVbQ3ZXJdg5WVglpxJX_LLee1sxR6hvefxKfIf_ytU0yFskMB3u4ZneTYkIDw5rVOLVf8UwNJSJ_OViuAf_O3Jns0OSTKMjB7VYNHmHFOZOeHYQ/s865/Duke%20Zapar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPbKgLVpJc-VokSoZ3wmFvvcSI8jlr_B9ApN5EoJS1RLhtMUY1eISVQVVQUUAbc5axN3OadVuAZwoVbQ3ZXJdg5WVglpxJX_LLee1sxR6hvefxKfIf_ytU0yFskMB3u4ZneTYkIDw5rVOLVf8UwNJSJ_OViuAf_O3Jns0OSTKMjB7VYNHmHFOZOeHYQ/w267-h320/Duke%20Zapar.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and torment. The heat was oppressive, despite there being no visible sun in the blood red glow of the sky. A multitude of smells were wafted through like a thick haze. Sweet smells of food and ecstasy, mixed with bitter smells of blood, sweat, and other bodily fluids. All of these things hit Dido's senses as she made her way down one of the carnival's main paths heading back towards the entrance.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>As the entrance came into view, Dido noticed a smaller tent than the others on the carnival's grounds. It looked a little like a miniature house, with a small iron picket fence around it. In the front yard was a fountain that was filled with some kind of red liquid that reminded Dido of wine, or maybe a potion. At the entrance of the picket fence, an Imp leaned against the fence watching her. Like many of the other Imps she'd encountered on her journey, this one was small in stature, and dark skinned. Small wings were folded in behind it's back. What made it stand out though was the jester hat on it's head, matching the same color motif of the carnival in it's reds and blues, and a small sash that it wore with something written across in a script Dido couldn't read.</p><p>Dido decided to walk over to the Imp who suddenly stood straight and smiled, revealing it's little fanged teeth.</p><p>"Hail!" came the high toned voice of the Imp. "Have you come to exchange your tickets?" it inquired.</p><p>"What do you mean exchange my tickets?" Dido countered, raising an eye brow.</p><p>"This is the gift shop!" the Imp replied gesturing to the house behind him. "I am the ticket master!"</p><p>The Imp brimmed with satisfaction thinking about his appointment. Dido examined the yard and the home again, but didn't see much in the way of prizes.</p><p>"What kind of prizes do you offer?" Dido asked.</p><p>"Oh! Many things! Potions, equipment, gold!" exclaimed the Ticket Master. "For example, you can get a Hellfire weapon in exchange for 20 tickets. If you need more tickets though, feel free to play more games!"</p><p>Dido considered this new information. Thinking about their journey so far, she realized they could use an equipment upgrade. Baator was likely only going to get more dangerous as they proceeded and it would not bode well if they were unprepared. Plus, Dido rationalized, she had almost a full day's worth of time before she had to leave. How dangerous could these games be?</p><p>Nodding slowly, she looked to the Imp. </p><p>"Can you tell me about the games?" inquired Dido,</p><p>"Yes! Yes!" replied the Imp, rubbing his hands together. "First, you have the Troller Coaster!"</p><p>The Ticket Master pointed with a tiny clawed finger over Dido's shoulder towards a large mountain. It had a set of iron tracks that started up at the top of the mountain and went fairly straight down to the mountain's base. There was one cart, which resembled an oversized miner's cart. The cart seemed to modified though, with something mounted on the front. Several metallic beams which ended in pointed tips jutted out, all in haphazard angles. In the cart there were four large Trolls. Each of them brandished a club which they swung around.</p><p>Dido watched as the cart was pulled up to the top of the mountain and then released. The Trolls hooted and hollered as the cart was released to followed the iron rails. It wasn't long before the tracks took a steep plunge down the side of the mountain and an audible wet sploosh could be heard. The cart began to be raised again with it's Troll occupants looking none the worse.</p><p>"All you have to do is survive the cart!" exclaimed the Ticket Master. He then continued, "If you do, you win the ticket jackpot."</p><p>"How big is the jackpot?" inquired Dido.</p><p>"Well, nobody has won it in..." the Imp pondered it for a moment tapping his chin with one of his talons, "it's been a long time. A couple hundred years I think."</p><p>The Ticket master then pointed further down the path on Dido's right. "Then there is the Hall of Mirrors!"</p><p>Dido shifted her gaze to follow where the Imp was pointing. There was a structure, or maybe it was a taxidermized creature that was once a giant worm. It's outside looked like a flabby fleshy skin which was pale in complexion. A yawning maw with razor sharp looking teeth formed the entrance.</p><p>"For each mirror you look into, you win 5 tickets!" explained the Imp, "but you have to survive what you see!"</p><p>Dido nodded. She then followed the Ticket Master's pointing to the next attraction. It was a large tent at the end of the path.</p><p>"There you will find the Whack-a-soul! You can earn tickets based on how quickly you can dispatch lemures."</p><p>Finally, the Ticket Master pointed back up to the Duke's tent at the top of the iron Ferris Wheel.</p><p>"One of the most popular games, though without any tickets, is the Duke's. You pull from his deck and take the chance to win riches beyond your wildest dreams, or torments unfathomable!"</p><p>Dido let a little smirk creep onto her face.</p><p>"I have tried that. I got what I needed."</p><p>She then nodded to the Imp and thanked it for the information. Dido decided that the Hall of Mirrors was the least dangerous of the attractions and began to set out towards it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal, Car, and Rachel headed for the front gate of the Carnival Eternal. They had divided their soul coin bounty between them and left a bunch in one sac to share with Dido and Flewid once they reconnected with them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Arriving at the gate, the three are met with the expectant hand of the Nupperibo waiting for it's payment. Each member pays a soul coin and is handed ten tickets in exchange. The group heads into the carnival and takes in the sights and smells for the first time. Demons and Devils of all types are walking around, lined up for various attractions and seem to be having a great time.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio was the first to spot Dido heading down a path on their left away from the entrance. Dido's gleaming armor and bright red cloak contrasting sharply against the dull hues of the carnival's red and blue fabrics and the darker tones of it's common patrons. With a quick tap on Tidal and Rachel's shoulders, Car began to lead them towards Dido.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As they begin to take their first steps, Rachel suddenly stops. She begins feeling a sense of crushing despair sweep over her. Her feet feel rooted on the spot and her mind begins to spiral. Their mission would fail she thought. They had already committed so many acts of wrongdoing, killing the various creatures of Baator and engaging in petty crimes such as theft. How could the hope to defeat Fraz if she couldn't even complete her own investigation when she was alive?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Rachel's mind flashes back to her final days of life. Selune had not answered her prayers in many season now. She had been on travelling on her quest to commune with her deity and find out what had happened. Her latest lead had lead her to a small town near Halas. She had received a tip that a local group of cultists had something to do with a bunch of the Gods falling silent.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Tracking them down to the fringes of the town, she had infiltrated the building they were using as a gathering point. An old run down warehouse. Strange marking where made on the walls. Looking at one close to her, she could tell it had been made with blood. It reminded her of a symbol she had seen in a book about ancient dynasties of Brisirith.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Before she could get much further into the warehouse, she lost consciousness. When she awoke, her head throbbed. She went to rub it but found her hands tied. It was then that she realized that she was tied down. But she wasn't on her back, she was up right. She was tied to a poll. There was chanting coming from all around her. Blinking to clear her vision, she could make out several robbed figures forming a circle around her. As the chanting reached a crescendo, the circle parted to admit a new figure. This figure had similar robes, but also wore a mask. It resembled that of a gargoyle. They were also holding something. It was a lit torch. Rachel quickly looked down and noticed at the base of the poll she was tied to, lay a bunch of kindling and stacks of wood.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>The masked figure drew in closer. As the chanting stopped, the figure began to say a prayer as they placed the touch at her feet. Rachel couldn't make out the exact words, as it was in a language she didn't understand. But something felt different this time. She recognized some of the words in the figures dark prayers. She caught what she thought was a name - </i>Fraz-Urb'luu. <i>Then the fire consumed her.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rachel was snapped out of her entrancement by a firm hand on her shoulder. She looked to see the red armored gauntlet of Tidal resting on her shoulder.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Are you ok?" inquired Tidal in his usual deep gravely voice.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rachel tried to reply, but found herself feeling suddenly very exhausted. Summoning her strength she managed a weak "yea". Tidal offered to carry her gear and then picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. Rachel had a much clearer view of the carnival now, as from her vantage point on Tidal's shoulders, she could see over most of the other Demons and Devils walking about. Suddenly she was moving as Tidal began to break into a light jog to catch up with Caravaggio.</p><p>Dido approached the entrance to the Hall of Mirrors. There was a small set of wooden stairs placed at the entrance for patrons to step up and into the gapping maw that was the entrance. A wooden sign hanged from the top by some rope tied around one of the fangs. Something was written on it, but Dido couldn't make out what it was.</p><p>She took the steps up and stood in the hall. The inside of the worm was not what she expected. It was a tunnel, made from old timbers which reminded her of the lofts of homes. Strewn haphazardly all along this tunnel were mirrors and other reflective surfaces. Some of the mirrors were very ornate in appearance, while other were very plain. Other objects such as spoons, pots, and even a bucket of what looked to be water lay along the tunnel. Some mirrors were hanging from walls, some left leaning against the wall, and others still placed on the ground facing up towards the ceiling. The ceiling had mirrors on it as well. </p><p>Dido spotted a night stand with a small oval shaped mirror on it. She walked over to it and peered into it. Instead of seeing her reflection, she sees a reddish devil. It seems to be dressed as a jester. It springs to life upon seeing Dido. It starts to dance, the bells on it's hat and feet jingling. In it's hand, it's holding a small ball of fire, which it begins to juggle. After a few moments, it stops juggling the fire ball and hurls it towards Dido. She reflexively dodges out of the way as the fire ball leaps from the mirror and zips past her head. A moment later, five tickets materialize on the night stand before her. Dido grabs them and puts them with her other tickets. </p><p>She then spots a small pocket mirror on a chair a few more paces into the hall. Walking over to it, Dido peers into it. This time, it's a Gelugon inside the mirror. It's insect like features come to life as it notices her. It chatters at her with clicks and whistles before leveling it's staff at her. A blast of cold air bursts from the staffs tip and Dido dodges away again. As before, five tickets materialize before her.</p><p>Dido began to feel confident that these mirrors wouldn't be so difficult to face to earn tickets. She now held 19 tickets and was only one away from being able to get a hellfire weapon. A weapon they would need to open the soul coins and benefit from the Choir's gifts through their soul trinkets. Deciding to go for one last mirror, Dido spotted a baroque looking mirror. Striding over, she peered inside. Unlike the previous two, this one didn't contain a creature of Baator. It was showing her a scene. A memory from her own past. And not one she was fond of.</p><p>She saw her younger self. Still in training to be a soldier for her town. It was a simple scouting exercise. They had to traverse a lake, then climb up to the check point on the mountain beyond. It had been her duty to check their boat's hull integrity before her platoon cast off from the shore, but she had chosen to brush off her responsibilities. Half way across the lake, they sprung a leak and the boat quickly sank. Her platoon was left to swim to one of the near by islands where they had to send a signal to be rescued. It was one of the most embarrassing moments of her career as the platoon was left helpless on the island. </p><p>As those emotions hit her, she felt weakened. Her knees began to buckle for a moment. Taking a moment to shake off the embarrassment and hopelessness, five tickets appeared before her. Dido grabbed them and decided to exit the hall.</p><p>As she stepped down from the stairs, she was greeted with a friendly sight. Caravaggio, Tidal, and Rachel came walking up to her.</p><p>"How did you gain entry to the carnival?" Dido asked, still trying to shake off her recent mirror experience.</p><p>"We liberated a Devil of his soul coins." Car replied, nodding towards the bulging burlap sac that was now tied to Tidal's belt. </p><p>Dido nodded in understanding.</p><p>"And it looks like you've been cured!" came the muted but excited voice of Rachel.</p><p>"Yes. The Duke was able to help me. But I'm not sure what the true cost will be yet." replied Dido, sounding a little ominous. </p><p>"What do you mean?" inquired Car.</p><p>"He had me draw from some deck of cards. I pulled out a card, but nothing happened. While the Duke seemed disappointed in that, he did look like he was expecting something." explained Dido.</p><p>She then went on to explain about the tickets and the gift shop. Dido highlighted the same rides the Ticket Master had to her. The group decided it was a good time to play some of the games and gear up before proceeding on their journey. Car and Tidal decide to give the mirrors a look. Each of them wandering in to earn some tickets. Dido and Rachel wait out front. After a few moments, the two emerge from the hall, looking a little worse for wear, but with some tickets between them.</p><p>They decide to head over to the Whack-a-soul next. A devil running the games explains that they must kill as many lemures as possible in a set amount of time. If they can beat the current score for the game, they win tickets. Rachel takes the first run by herself in the solo competition. As the round starts, Rachel is transported into a small purgatory plain of existence. Surrounding her is a numberless horde of lemures. The small devils were shapeless pale repugnant blobs. Rachel wastes no time. Quickly casting her spirit guardians, four ghostly pixies appear around her. With a thought, she commands them to spin around her. </p><p>Rachel then began to sprint as fast as she could. She picked a direction and ran. As she moved, her pixie guardians orbited around her, providing deadly kisses of death. Rachel had casted the spell to a high enough state that the guardians kisses would be fatal to the lowly lemures. Their bodies popping with each kiss.</p><p>After running for a full minuet, Rachel was then transported back to the tent where her companions waited. Her final score was 558 lemures killed. The previous record had only been 60. After being presented with 30 tickets, the rest of the group joined her for a group session. Much like Rachels solo session , the group blazed through the lemures and broke another record. They were rewarded 261 tickets for their new high score.</p><p>With a pile of tickets, the group then began to make their way towards the Troller Coaster. Arriving at the seating area for the spectators, they watched as the ride went though a full cycle. The cart was drawn to the top of the mountain, then released. It dived into an enclosed area at the base of the mountain. The enclosed area was just large enough for the cart to enter, but left no room for anything to avoid being struck by the cart as it entered. Many lemures were squished as the cart entered, their ichor splashing into the cheering crowd.</p><p>Rachel pondered about trying her hand at the ride. A near by Devil explained that one only had to survive to win the jackpot, but had to touch the cart in the process. After another few cycles of the ride going its course, each time more lemures being herded into the enclosure, Rachel finally settled on a plan of action.</p><p>She laid out to the group how she was going to enter the ride and survive. Since all she had to do was touch the cart and survive, she explained how she would use her Steps of the Night to jump out of the enclosed area, then touch the cart as it passed by. The group was a little nervous about her plan, but agreed to let her proceed. As a precaution, Rachel left all her gear with Tidal, incase the worst came to pass.</p><p>Heading down to the gate for the enclosed area, the crowd began to cheer in an uproar. It had been a long time since someone had been foolish enough to attempt the Troller Coaster. Rachel stepped into the enclosed area, surrounded by more lemures. The lemures just wandered about aimlessly as Rachel watched the cart being drawn back to the top of the ride. The crowd continued to roar it's cheers as the ride began.</p><p>Working quickly, Rachel cast her spell and began to jump up, landing on little starry platforms as her feet came down. As the cart drew near, Rachel performed a flip. Her plan was to let her hair touch the cart, so as to satisfy that requirement of the ride. However, her plan hit a snag as she let it dangle in front of the cart. One of the protruding iron beams at the front of the cart ended up tangled in her hair. Rachel had misjudged the angles in her exhaustion. As a result, Rachel got whiplashed as the cart then began to drag her along with it. As the cart slammed into the enclosed area, Rachel's body was sent careening into the side of the enclosed area. </p><p>There was a momentary hush over the crowd as they waited to learn her fate. The cart began to retract revealing the space in the enclosed area. The little halfling body of Rachel lay motionless on the ground. Dirt and dust covered her as a gentle gust blew through. The crowd erupted in cheers, as Dido and Car ran down to the enclosed area to retrieve her body.</p><p>Dido rolled her over, checking for a pulse. There was only the faintest hint of a pulse. Quickly unlatching a vial from her belt, Dido began to pour it's red contents into Rachel's mouth. There was a tense moment as the group waited to see if the potion had any effect. The seconds dragged on. Finally, with a cough, Rachel gasped as she pulled in air to her lungs.</p><p>The crowds cheers soon turned to jeers as they booed and hurled insults at the group. Dido and Car helped Rachel to her feet. With their continued help, Rachel was able to put her hands on herself and recite her cure wounds spell. Her feelings of pain began to subside as the spell took effect. She still felt stiff as they lead her from the enclosure and back out to the path. Tidal caught up to them as they stopped on the path.</p><p>"I don't think you want to try that again." Tidal jested as he followed up with a deep chuckle.</p><p>"Did I at least earn the tickets?" Rachel rasped between breaths.</p><p>"Sadly no." replied Tidal. "Apparently our healing intervention was against the rules."</p><p>Rachel winced in pain, but then nodded and let out a sigh.</p><p>"It's this exhaustion!" Rachel burst in an irritated tone. "Something happened when we entered the carnival."</p><p>"I think I know what it is." Tidal offered. "Ever since I took the bag of soul coins from you, I've been fighting off this feeling of exhaustion."</p><p>Tidal closed his eyes as he pushed past another wave of exhaustion. After taking a deep breath and letting it out, he continued. "I bet it was also why those Imps looked tired when they passed."</p><p>"Is there anything we can do about it?" inquired Rachel.</p><p>"Maybe the Duke's deck of cards has a solution?" offered Tidal.</p><p>Dido narrowed her eyes at Tidal as he made that remark.</p><p>"It is not the course of action I would advise." Dido quipped.</p><p>"I don't think there is much other choice." replied Rachel.</p><p>Tidal picked her up again and placed her on his shoulders. The group then made their way to the Duke's tent.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">Once again, Dido found herself at the entrance to Duke Zapar's party chamber. Unlike her previous visit, this time all the Devils were awake. Most of them were seated together sharing the mouthpiece of a hookah as they passed it to the next Devil beside them. They only slightly paused to look at the party as they entered the tent before loosing interest and going back to their activity.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Duke was still sitting on his plush pink settee. He lifted his head to watch the group enter, a glint in his eye. His smile grew and went ear to ear as he watched the group approach. As the party was about half way across the room to the Duke, he stood up and clapped his hands together as he greeted them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well now, Aah do declare! It is marvelous to see you so soon after our recent rendezvous." greeted the Duke with his drawled speech. "And to what do Aah owe the pleasure?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I was hoping you might have something to help me with my exhaustion." Rachel asked in a soft tone as she stepped out to the front of the group.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well you look plain worn slap out!" The Duke replied, looking Rachel up and down. "But as Aah did for this li'l darlin' here," he gestured to Dido, "lemme offer you the same hospitality."</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Duke sat back down on his settee and pulled his deck of cards from it's drawer and placed them on the table before him.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Aah'm fixin' for a li'l entertainment, and Aah'm reckon you're fixin' on rasin' Cain out there after this." The Duke said with a grin as he gestured with a waved towards the group. "So how's about you come draw a card?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">"What's the catch?" inquired Rachel as she slowly stepped towards the other side of the table.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"No catch." replied the Duke. "I'll give you one soul coin if you draw one card. The cure you're lookin' for might just be in this deck."</p><p>Rachel thought about it for a moment, then committed. Duke Zapar held the deck out before her and she picked one of the cards. Placing it on the table, the Duke gave a pitied look to her.</p><p>"That there is Euryale." The Duke said in his drawled tone. "Not what you're lookin' for."</p><p>Just then, Rachel felt a whole new level of exhaustion, as if it went right to her bones. She slumped forwards toward the table, struggling to keep herself up.</p><p>"You might have better luck now, if you draw some more cards." offered the Duke, with a sinister grin. "Aah can offer you three soul coins, if you draw two more cards."</p><p>Rachel didn't hesitate as she reached for the deck one more time. She put all her strength into pulling two more cards and flipping them up on the table. The Duke continued to grin as he explained the cards to her.</p><p>"Well now, the comet an' the moon cards." he said a little amused. "You're a lucky lady indeed! You've been granted a wish and a possible boon."</p><p>Rachel smiled. Maybe Selune was watching over her. The moon was her holy symbol and the comet was another related symbol for her. Rachel's lifted spirt gave her some strength, but she noted that nothing else seemed to be different. She still felt exhausted to her bones.</p><p>"I've heard of the power of a wish." Rachel said. "But what of the boon?"</p><p>The Duke clapped his hands together and leaned in to Rachel, his lips curled in a sinister smile.</p><p>"If you can defeat the next creature you encounter on your own, you'll be rewarded." he said in a hushed drawl. He then leaned back and spoke at his regular volume. "Now then, can Aah interest you in drawin' some more cards?"</p><p>Rachel shook her head and Dido came to her side to help her up. As the two moved away from the table, Tidal stepped up.</p><p>"I'll play your game." Tidal said as he grinned towards the Duke.</p><p>Duke Zapar motioned for Tidal to take the seat opposite him and and presented the deck.</p><p>"Now, if you draw three cards, Aah'll give you four soul coins." The duke offered.</p><p>Tidal nodded and picked three cards. He laid each card down on the table. Zapar's face lit up upon seeing the cards arrayed before him. He told Tidal what each one meant.</p><p>"The first card here," The Duke said as he pointed to it, "is the star card. You'll feel a li'l more dexterous now."</p><p>As the Duke said that, Tidal could feel his body becoming more limber. He could sense his reaction time being stronger.</p><p>"Now this one," Zapar continued pointing to the middle card, "is the ruin card. You now ain't worth a lick son. Any lands you owned are no longer yours. All you monetary wealth will evaporate."</p><p>Tidal could feel his belt feel lighter. He reached down to his coin purse only to feel and empty sac tied to his belt. Tidal's eyes narrowed as he snorted towards Zapar. The Duke just raised his hand to stop Tidal.</p><p>"Now now! Don't pitch a fit! Aah'm just the holder of the deck. It's your fate what cards you're dealt."</p><p>Tidal forced himself to calm down a little. Duke Zapar then pointed to the last card. He seemed to be equally excited and concerned at the same time.</p><p>"Now..." Zapar trailed off for a moment. "Aah haven't seen this card in a while now."</p><p>The last card on the table had only one thing on it. A skull. Otherwise, it was just a blank black card.</p><p>"This here is the Skull card." Zapar continued. "You better prepare to defend yourself now, ya hear."</p><p>As the Duke finished his last word, Tidal heard gasps from the other Devils in the room. He stood up and turned around in time to see a figure appear behind him. Floating mere paces form Tidal was a robed figure. At first glance, it reminded Tidal of Syllucraff. But this figure was larger. There was also no glowing eyes under the hood. Just darkness. And this creature carried something. A large scythe rested in it's hands. This was a specter of death.</p><p>The specter raised it's hand and pointed at Tidal. Everyone present heard it's voice. Though it was in their heads and not spoken out loud.</p><p>"You are challenged to one on one combat. No one may interfere."</p><p>And with that, the specter brought the scythe up above it's head before swinging it towards Tidal.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/03/styx-stones-part-11.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-54138367466412443612023-02-21T12:35:00.000-05:002023-02-21T12:35:04.045-05:00From the Work Bench: February 21, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C6oSqfChpUdYz2s888QvSHg7BPNmEcu_sXH641Xs92RI15wxUhqtvMm49UgPwwQco2Z44qV9P87WxlaWE5zev-jz5dhKfM8MFrWl4_t4ntzd5RcW1sejsSEFrXLW8QFO5ui-muSsHKQdo1aJqIZDkgCZRDiOxmQItTzl-u3HfUF0gCd9HvFAvXblrg/s4032/PXL_20230219_210116669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C6oSqfChpUdYz2s888QvSHg7BPNmEcu_sXH641Xs92RI15wxUhqtvMm49UgPwwQco2Z44qV9P87WxlaWE5zev-jz5dhKfM8MFrWl4_t4ntzd5RcW1sejsSEFrXLW8QFO5ui-muSsHKQdo1aJqIZDkgCZRDiOxmQItTzl-u3HfUF0gCd9HvFAvXblrg/s320/PXL_20230219_210116669.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hey Everyone!</p><p>So I was on vacation last week and finally got a chance to play some 40k after a long break. My last games that I played were last March (2022). I was able to get a small game in with a good friend of mine where I was able to pit my new Dark Eldar (Drukari) against his Guard. I also got another two games this past weekend with my brother to play my new Eldar vs Necrons. It was nice to finally play some of the newer armies in my collection and it certainly inspired me to get more painting done.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGBUYHuDfJvYJwGTN4IMmc_EE8Q-LRfrgQMaXtJ0USFYfzAof8ImSDYE96nfJEyZ33imIJCqnttvvSlZf5kQvbrKOdVAgqWA8MYkE1QC-BKi9Ys4W3ChGBNg0fDwVjwtsJVofg5waUwG0G-_rqNAb3zbhFHoJ9SGil6U6TUqGZNsQqn4NqLmbltpyiA/s4032/PXL_20230220_011935943.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGBUYHuDfJvYJwGTN4IMmc_EE8Q-LRfrgQMaXtJ0USFYfzAof8ImSDYE96nfJEyZ33imIJCqnttvvSlZf5kQvbrKOdVAgqWA8MYkE1QC-BKi9Ys4W3ChGBNg0fDwVjwtsJVofg5waUwG0G-_rqNAb3zbhFHoJ9SGil6U6TUqGZNsQqn4NqLmbltpyiA/s320/PXL_20230220_011935943.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R1oMDMNi5csYi1x7XGfz3CcK37mWg-yfn8uqU_ZhdQITdY09EB-jAGe4l6TURvgtcI3YzlcAbG0jClZJm2-Pou6a1DRqETZurEQSD4onPvtHerkjoBJHbL1BxiPMxCbqHuuCPeVy7mq-TIlT3jEqP_R7_oJs9VB-QD77x-MNrIQDS5Sasj30UG7tiA/s4032/PXL_20230220_011924637.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R1oMDMNi5csYi1x7XGfz3CcK37mWg-yfn8uqU_ZhdQITdY09EB-jAGe4l6TURvgtcI3YzlcAbG0jClZJm2-Pou6a1DRqETZurEQSD4onPvtHerkjoBJHbL1BxiPMxCbqHuuCPeVy7mq-TIlT3jEqP_R7_oJs9VB-QD77x-MNrIQDS5Sasj30UG7tiA/s320/PXL_20230220_011924637.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pR-IqB4LTfgHhNCXP3qSoWbnsBtVNA6cjxSiHUUTHrj4mGT92Da8Bvm6F-38wBVQp49CxCZEGqE706S78-Su6PgUuwRk6CjURU0JUSxy8Onx2vIlzpig5emObCZH0TtTOd7o590NdzuFa0kRmvjGUVLtZw6ph2p0gEvr-9PmzhA1yPEtlsXEai5LXQ/s4032/PXL_20230220_011945025.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pR-IqB4LTfgHhNCXP3qSoWbnsBtVNA6cjxSiHUUTHrj4mGT92Da8Bvm6F-38wBVQp49CxCZEGqE706S78-Su6PgUuwRk6CjURU0JUSxy8Onx2vIlzpig5emObCZH0TtTOd7o590NdzuFa0kRmvjGUVLtZw6ph2p0gEvr-9PmzhA1yPEtlsXEai5LXQ/s320/PXL_20230220_011945025.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I've made some progress since my last post. Two of my Hearthkyn warriors are now done. The Theyn has a power fist and plasma pistol, while the other one is one of the special scanner models. (The name escapes me at the moment.) The next two are about half way done, which includes another scanner unit and a regular ion rifle toting one. I'm still working on the rest of the squad.</p><p>I'm also making some good progress on my Sister's of Battle Exorcist. I've been working on the inner section and the stone parts around the tank's hull. My repainted Pathfinders are almost done as well. Just need to complete their bases and some small detail work.</p><p>Having played with my Eldar now, I'm now inclined to repaint my first jet bikes to match the armies color scheme. I will be adding them once the Pathfinders are done.</p><p>And, here are some shots from my second game with my brother. This was a 1,000 pts game with basic Eternal War game mode. We only got to turn 2 before we had to stop, but it was fun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSzRp9z1YQ6Ye7jx7y1tww85K23AZqO2iTAObL1ClmyfEs85eoXlV7YbIjBSF9YC1TC0540zm9efr2lSV1qrAQ8kNHmfXkdcRIPge6z2ALoSXSlpJu_udaBB8l5EsPO9ZvK56dWhp-u5qtwbeI9SgFYZqoi43s8QQo_12mvK6TaSE2nRr_oxCxBGnSg/s4032/PXL_20230219_210121244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSzRp9z1YQ6Ye7jx7y1tww85K23AZqO2iTAObL1ClmyfEs85eoXlV7YbIjBSF9YC1TC0540zm9efr2lSV1qrAQ8kNHmfXkdcRIPge6z2ALoSXSlpJu_udaBB8l5EsPO9ZvK56dWhp-u5qtwbeI9SgFYZqoi43s8QQo_12mvK6TaSE2nRr_oxCxBGnSg/s320/PXL_20230219_210121244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqZECPpia3Eb6tCOROfmKXxar_OvAAb1pntCub9AVxryVMHGljds7awhRVvPmIDtzoEaBfzSOdKsnzkT57DhnDEYoyZ85eGfmoAm6UzSgmYq5hIIkdshjcG29a_xnxHO2mpAuFmgKfyTSgCcyMWdR9jop0hcKqbDbmhbQlh_XlCUljHCztScIftv1tw/s4032/PXL_20230219_210126320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqZECPpia3Eb6tCOROfmKXxar_OvAAb1pntCub9AVxryVMHGljds7awhRVvPmIDtzoEaBfzSOdKsnzkT57DhnDEYoyZ85eGfmoAm6UzSgmYq5hIIkdshjcG29a_xnxHO2mpAuFmgKfyTSgCcyMWdR9jop0hcKqbDbmhbQlh_XlCUljHCztScIftv1tw/s320/PXL_20230219_210126320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh473doL3uwcMpJpbS9Mn_oTz8chotAQeJSbFd-PO0RTGH1chgGq7BIZnTyhw7ctj9mTmJU6IHD0HyzkCjlQTgGVs-0M7RbGaVz8RnMf5AZ3jE34RA20RdTiugCL8uxSTkU0PP8KYpWgskD_PWl2bmRB4K2eRZWOIelYy_OAy_tCjLnhAcG5jzigFC8hg/s4032/PXL_20230219_210129364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh473doL3uwcMpJpbS9Mn_oTz8chotAQeJSbFd-PO0RTGH1chgGq7BIZnTyhw7ctj9mTmJU6IHD0HyzkCjlQTgGVs-0M7RbGaVz8RnMf5AZ3jE34RA20RdTiugCL8uxSTkU0PP8KYpWgskD_PWl2bmRB4K2eRZWOIelYy_OAy_tCjLnhAcG5jzigFC8hg/s320/PXL_20230219_210129364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri7_vewFzGCQV066W7WIA-YtaeWErDGkov8nJKc_vCV6HYn_WK1JG6pF1olngg3iubLb-v2zjyHdxkPlCwwcPEQS6MVjsQhaKomJ3KtSLxCz5RCPC_ibvv9AHmTPy3pg7Eg0CC1K5-Td28SutqlVz3JcfpZ8MyAm6qDIc1F9P6yPGdRq0Vd-CNtPKiQ/s4032/PXL_20230219_214154853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri7_vewFzGCQV066W7WIA-YtaeWErDGkov8nJKc_vCV6HYn_WK1JG6pF1olngg3iubLb-v2zjyHdxkPlCwwcPEQS6MVjsQhaKomJ3KtSLxCz5RCPC_ibvv9AHmTPy3pg7Eg0CC1K5-Td28SutqlVz3JcfpZ8MyAm6qDIc1F9P6yPGdRq0Vd-CNtPKiQ/s320/PXL_20230219_214154853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVne_fa-15oV0Im3J8tyHJR0_oWoqjZRFxUVF72NSkspw6ohx95Hz3Jd6kb__o-2XVXaOwx3cuNIhi3qDPRP0X4zlD4eRhf-fU67DMUt5e8zDxlXtPr4pVo5gBHeG_9DyL-Dhky-a3RjEbZlMu_4dsNPucqDZ-JjWlntzQdGcoVTj88o8JROxYphjhIA/s4032/PXL_20230219_214159602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVne_fa-15oV0Im3J8tyHJR0_oWoqjZRFxUVF72NSkspw6ohx95Hz3Jd6kb__o-2XVXaOwx3cuNIhi3qDPRP0X4zlD4eRhf-fU67DMUt5e8zDxlXtPr4pVo5gBHeG_9DyL-Dhky-a3RjEbZlMu_4dsNPucqDZ-JjWlntzQdGcoVTj88o8JROxYphjhIA/s320/PXL_20230219_214159602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb50Z_ALKMkEqmVVx5gLCeFoBxdbcI2smkrM-o3S7LuTLVlAvZwFNavKS6uhqVMyZij8kbixmAGm9RhVqOGT7DwVstZHnI-_FxOT6Y_LlyeT5_Lo1jz0rR6KOo70PkNf3m2GIcwf_5cSGbcqayhkNE1tATi5Fjg3hVlOU1odIJ3QkuMA6rj1E9tXfzFg/s4032/PXL_20230219_214203515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb50Z_ALKMkEqmVVx5gLCeFoBxdbcI2smkrM-o3S7LuTLVlAvZwFNavKS6uhqVMyZij8kbixmAGm9RhVqOGT7DwVstZHnI-_FxOT6Y_LlyeT5_Lo1jz0rR6KOo70PkNf3m2GIcwf_5cSGbcqayhkNE1tATi5Fjg3hVlOU1odIJ3QkuMA6rj1E9tXfzFg/s320/PXL_20230219_214203515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHBAGg8-851FY5-UF_UBad99SyU5Sgr0QWtZ9Ca97fN1lnuCNq2os3HB4yQ-TbNhlrblkp2wLn5FmCUUmkVPZGqrp6NdwNSF9cumsry-yTSdFB2bFDulDNdpyf3ogPIXNUTU-9-2IXwwmxa_QNO5w9vLTbxQrup49uyw3BHRTspl-uzrXo8KNXxp4YQ/s4032/PXL_20230219_214211977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHBAGg8-851FY5-UF_UBad99SyU5Sgr0QWtZ9Ca97fN1lnuCNq2os3HB4yQ-TbNhlrblkp2wLn5FmCUUmkVPZGqrp6NdwNSF9cumsry-yTSdFB2bFDulDNdpyf3ogPIXNUTU-9-2IXwwmxa_QNO5w9vLTbxQrup49uyw3BHRTspl-uzrXo8KNXxp4YQ/s320/PXL_20230219_214211977.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Until next time!</p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-30725442907739426192023-02-03T22:20:00.002-05:002023-03-06T23:06:37.895-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 9)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46gvNz0tBeRJdqpwxZAnnKmPjwm3AUb3hCPQDLy0gA8wgFhadS0xXW7WIAUY0fjcLbCmG_MblPlVk3pCs2210vY5dt5u50piHiqorMUezQCYozJlDStRZ-zBatF1Q65BT7KpxFtBBD-vjyOGJpBovqdkjaLSN9emNPcjqlQt6gRwGO3gCUkbShDlwVA/s1000/Dragon%20Devil.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1000" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46gvNz0tBeRJdqpwxZAnnKmPjwm3AUb3hCPQDLy0gA8wgFhadS0xXW7WIAUY0fjcLbCmG_MblPlVk3pCs2210vY5dt5u50piHiqorMUezQCYozJlDStRZ-zBatF1Q65BT7KpxFtBBD-vjyOGJpBovqdkjaLSN9emNPcjqlQt6gRwGO3gCUkbShDlwVA/w377-h292/Dragon%20Devil.webp" width="377" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Tidal was growing impatient. He paced up and down behind the dirt mound where he, Caravaggio, and Rachel had decided to set up their ambush point. Caravaggio had swiftly determined that this area saw the least amount of traffic, though still frequent enough, to find a mark in a reliable timeframe. </p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Tidal glanced towards Caravaggio, who was silently watching the dirt road with his usual cold steely gaze. The road lead in from the badlands and into the flatlands of the carnival. Car, as Caravaggio had nicknamed himself, was leaning against one of the dead trees while Rachel was standing beside him. She was trying to look tough in case any devils passing by might mistake them for an easy mark. However, she didn't have the face for it thought Tidal. She lacked the creases on her face that would result from a life hard lived. Car on the other hand, was a different story. Tidal could tell from the look in his eyes, he had lived through something that had only made him stronger. </p><p><i>What doesn't kill you...</i> thought Tidal.</p><p>Tidal's musings were cut short as he caught the subtle movement of Caravaggio slightly lifting his chin, indicating towards the dirt road as his posture grew more alert. Tidal turned his head to get a look. Down the road strutted a devil. It clearly stood head and shoulders above Tidal, and he was the tallest member of the group at almost 7ft tall. </p><p>The devil was humanoid in appearance. It's head resembled that of a dragon, with a long sinister snout. Jagged teeth protruded haphazardly from it's mouth. From the back of it's head, long black spines flowed down the creature's back. They resembled dreadlocks to Tidal. The devil also had a pair of leathery wings which were currently folded up behind it. It's pale white skin looked to be a mix of leathery hide and scales.</p><p>Tidal noted that this devil was similarly equipped as himself. A set of black metal pauldrons, and an armored skirt around the waist. There was a very large battle sword strapped to it's back.</p><p>As the devil drew closer down the road, Tidal could also make out a pair of flying imps, one on each of the dragon devil's flanks. Each imp was carrying a large burlap bag, which seemed to be slowing them down. They looked completely exhausted trying to keep up with the devil. </p><p>The three party members only had a few moments before the devil would be in ear shot of them.</p><p>"So what's the plan?" Tidal asked in a hush.</p><p>"Some cunning." Rachel replied flipping open her carry pouch. She pulled out three small envelopes. They were the ones they had found in the palace.</p><p>"Each of these contains a use of Dust of Disappearance." Rachel continued. "We'll use one on ourselves, sneak up behind them, grab the sacs before retreating back here. They won't even know what hit them."</p><p>Tidal let out a small chuckle. It was a crafty plan. As much as he'd like to fight the devil himself, he knew it would be a challenge for the other two, as they were currently down two party members. Plus, he was still nursing some of his own wounds from the fights at the palace.</p><p>Nodding to Rachel and Car, they began to set their plan in motion. The devil and his entourage passed by without so much as glance to the three of them. The devil was in a very cheery mood as he continued to strut towards the carnivals entrance, a slight spring in it's step. The two imps were too exhausted to care. Shortly after they passed, Rachel took one quick look to make sure no other devils were around or watching. Then she opened one of the envelopes and sprinkled the dust over the group. All three began to fade out of view, and in a matter of moments, were invisible.</p><p>It was a little unnerving for Tidal. He could feel his own presence, but when he looked to where his arm should be, or any part of his body for that matter, he saw nothing. The three of them set out form their ambush spot and began to creep after their mark. Within a few steps as they began to move forward, Caravaggio quietly called out to his companions.</p><p>"Tidal! You're too loud. They'll hear us coming. Head to the rendezvous position and we'll meet you there. You can provide support if things go south."</p><p>Tidal grunted in acknowledgement and turned to head back. His armor was not designed for stealth. It was meant for combat. The clanging sound of his armor faded into the distance as he made his way back to their meeting place. The other two quietly closed with their quarry.</p><p>As Tidal got back to his waiting spot, he turned to observe the heist. The devil and his escort were still moving towards the carnival's entrance. Tidal thought he heard an owlish 'hoo-hoo', but that didn't make sense as there were no owls in Baator. At least none that he'd seen. Then, almost a breath later, all three creatures disappeared. Tidal blinked, and tried to spot them, but they had simply vanished. There was a very loud howl from where the devil and his imps had just been. Tidal kept very still, listening as hard as he could for any movement or any indication that his companions were back at their meeting spot.</p><p>After a tense few moments, Tidal heard some soft foot falls. Instinctively, he put his hand on the hilt of his axe. Tidal cautiously called out in a hush; "Is that you guys?"</p><p>"Hell yea it is!" came the muted, but excited reply from Rachel's voice.</p><p>Tidal quickly and quietly marked an 'X' in the dirt near him so the others knew where he was standing. A moment later, and he could feel something brushing into him. Then he heard Rachel's faint voice reciting a spell. It was one Tidal recognized, as it was the spell for the hut.</p><p>Time felt like it was crawling as Tidal waited for the spell to be ready. Tense moments continued to pass as the group could still hear the devil roaring in the flatlands. The imps were also making some kind of shrieking noise as they moved about. It was hard to tell if they were getting closer or moving away. Tidal kept flexing his grip on the hilt of his weapon, ready to act at a moments notice. </p><p>Finally the walls of the hut appeared. The three party members sat down, though they were still invisible. Rachel explained that the dust would last for about an hour, so they'd just have to sit tight until it ended.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal was the first to reappear inside the hut. A short time later, Car and Rachel reappeared. The three of them continued to cautiously listen to their surroundings. The howls of the dragon devil had faded into the distance, but they wanted to be sure no one was sneaking around their magical hut before they spoke. Rachel and Car had big smiles on their faces. Each was holding onto one of the burlap bags. They carefully opened up their newly acquired bounty and their smiles only grew bigger.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Jackpot!" whispered Rachel, still barely able to contain her excitement. "Soul coins!"</p><p style="text-align: left;">"And quite a haul!" Added Caravaggio.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The two did a quick count and found between them that they had acquired 17 coins from the dragon devil.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"So what do we do with them now?" asked Tidal.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"The Choir said we could use these to heal ourselves quicker." offered Rachel.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"They also act as currency here in Baator." added Caravaggio.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well, let's figure out what to do with these things. We need to get in to the carnival and find Dido." Tidal said, a little impatient to get moving and a little excited to finally have a means to do something in Baator. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"I don't like the idea of a lone member of our team having all the fun!" Tidal added with a grin.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido found herself at the entrance of the tent at the top of the black iron Ferris wheel. It was a short distance to go after stepping of the platform that brought her there. Taking a better look, now that she stood at the threshold of the tent, Dido made a quick note of every possible exit, possible insurance should something go awry with her plan.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The scene inside the tent was appeared to be the aftermath of a lavish party. Devils were laying all about the room, collapsed wherever they had passed out. There where all sorts of bottles from drinks and all manner of clothing left haphazardly on the floor. Seated on the largest settee, directly opposite from the entrance, was the most prestigious of devils. With a dark read suit, bright red vest, the individual was strewn across it's lavish pink cushions. A rimmed black hat sat over his eyes while a cigar dangled between two talons on his hand. The cigar had long gone out, but the air in the tent was saturated in it's smell.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido scanned the room once again to identify any potential threats, or weapons. Of the half dozen devils present, the only one with a visible weapon was the Duke. Hooked to his belt, the dagger looked to be made of iron. There were runes inscribed along the dagger's blade that Dido couldn't make out, but they each glowed a vibrant hellish red.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido took a few steps into the tent and paused. No one reacted to her entry. She cleared her throat, but still no response. Dido cleared her throat again, but this time even louder and more exaggerated. Her second attempt did the trick. Duke Zapar took one of his talons and pushed the rim of his hat up. Peering from beneath, the Duke was trying to adjust his vision to make out the individual who had just woken him up. After a couple of blinks to clear his soft black eyes, a devilish smile crept across the Duke's face.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well now." came the smooth drawl of the Duke's voice. "Y'are a new face."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Duke Zapar slowly sat up on his settee. The chair was a covered in a bright pink velour. There were studded golden nubs along it's top and sides. The Duke picked his hat up off his head and ran his talons through his hair to straighten it out. Then, he looked around the tent and took stock of his surroundings. Content that things were as they should be, he tugged on his suit at the waist to straighten it out and waved Dido to come closer.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido took a few steps towards the Duke, but stopped just outside of arm's reach.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Ah, Come own now." The Duke waved more exaggeratedly for Dido to come closer. "Aah ain't gonna bite ya darlin'!"</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido gave him a stern look and the Duke put up his hands. "Fine!" he said in resignation.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"So, for what now do aah owe the pleasure darlin'?" inquired the Duke. He reclined back into his settee. Pulling the cigar up to his mouth, he snapped his fingers to produce a flame on the tip of his thumb. Relighting his cigar, he took a few puffs of it and put his arm out along the top of his chair. He fixed Dido in his gaze which felt like a mix of amusement and predatory hunger at the same time.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"My name is Dido Sarash. I have been told that you can cure me of my affliction." Dido said in a strict business tone. She gestured towards her exposed skin.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Duke Zapar looked her up and down, taking his time more to soak in the sight of her than to discern anything about her condition. His smile grew even bigger as his lips parted to reveal his sharp, dagger like teeth. The Duke leaned forward in his chair.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well now," he paused, still grinning, "that's the pits ain't it."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido kept her expression neutral, though she felt her fist tightened slightly as she moved to hid it behind her back. She wanted to punch the Duke right in the face, but that wouldn't get her what she needed.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"However, aah do have two options for ya." The Duke continued as he pulled the cigar up too his mouth.</p><p style="text-align: left;">He took a long drag from his cigar and blew a darkly colored smoke ring onto a small end table in front of him. The ring lingered while he spoke.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"The first, and least interestin'," he started, indicating the smoke ring with a wave of his hand, "is you pay me a soul coin, and aah will cure you're ailin' affliction."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Duke Zapar then stabbed the smoke ring away using a thrust from his cigar. He then opened a drawer on the side of his little end table. He moved some objects around inside the drawer before pulling out a small carved wooden box. The box had some intricate groves on it, but otherwise didn't seem out of the ordinary.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"The second, and more interestin' choice, is to draw a card." continued the Duke as he opened the box to reveal the top of a deck of cards with a velvety and ornate backing. "If you draw a card, aah will give you a soul coin, and cure you're ailin' affliction."</p><p style="text-align: left;">"And what is the deal with the cards?" Inquired Dido.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Ah! Well, each card has it's own outcome. Some of these cards will grant you treasure's beyond you're wildest dreams." The Duke grinned at Dido, as he clearly enjoyed talking about this deck. "Other's however," he paused a moment as he waved his hand dismissively in the air, "can result in fates worse than death."</p><p>Dido paused to think over her options. She knew soul coins had been hard to come by so far during their adventure, and this was an opportunity to gain one. However, the unknown nature of this deck of cards meant that something unimaginable could happen and stop her from pursuing her quest. Dido was never one to let fear hold her back. She had been through enough trials in her life that she felt she could handle any curve ball thrown at her. With a nod, she made up her mind.</p><p>"I already died once." Dido said as she shrugged her shoulders. "I'll draw a card."</p><p>Duke Zapar's grin stretched across his face from ear to ear. He took the deck out of the box, then shuffled it up and then held it out in his hand for Dido to draw. Dido reached forwards and pulled the top card off the deck. She looked at it's picture. It depicted a hooded figure in some kind of underbrush. A small set of text was written along the bottom, but Dido couldn't read it. Likely the text was in infernal like everything else in Baator. She turned the card around to show the Duke.</p><p>"Well now, The Rogue." The Duke said slightly amused with a smile. He put the cigar in the corner of his mouth and waited for a moment, scanning the tent. After a moment, the smile left his face. A look of disappointment taking over. Dido also looked around, but saw nothing and turned to look back at the Duke. The card vanished from her hand.</p><p>"Dagnabit!" said the Duke, a little flustered. Then he let out a sigh. "That's disappointin'." A sheepish look crept onto his face. "Aah couldn't interest you in drawin' two more cards for three soul coins now could aah?"</p><p>The Duke grinned towards Dido. Dido slowly shook her head no.</p><p>"No thank you." she replied. "But I would like to have my situation resolved now." she continued.</p><p>The Duke sighed again then composed himself.</p><p>"Ah yes. A deal's is a deal." he said.</p><p>Duke Zapar put the deck back in it's box and closed the lid. Then he opened the drawer and placed it back inside. He seemed to move some more thing around in the drawer until he pulled out a soul coin. Placing the coin on the table, he then pulled the dagger from his belt.</p><p>"Darlin', if ya don't mind." The Duke said as he motioned towards the coin. "Aah need you to hold that." </p><p>Dido reached out to pick it up, but hesitated for a moment, knowing she was about to experience another soul's death. She pushed past her pause and grabbed the coin. Instantly, as her hands touched the coin, the new final memory of the soul entered her mind.</p><p><i>The soul was from an loxodon. A humanoid with the features of an elephant. This individual had been a healer, a practitioner of medicine. There was an operation happening. A rumble from the ground. An earthquake? Suddenly, a sharp pain. In the momentary loss of focus during the rumble, their hand had been cut. The wound was deep. The patient had an infection. Their blood was mixing...</i></p><p>Dido was suddenly brought out of the memory. She looked at the Duke, then down at the coin she was holding. Duke Zapar had driven his dagger through the coin.<i> </i>Suddenly, there was a flash and Dido was back in the memory.</p><p><i>The memory felt different now. It felt more intense than before. Some time had passed since the accident. The wound had become infected. Their hand hurt incredibly. They had a high fever. An orderly, their apprentice, was tending to them. They changed the wet cloth on their head. The village was too remote to get another healer fast enough to help. As their vision started to fade, in the individuals final moments, they felt regret. Regret for loosing focus during an important operation and having their own wound cause sepsis. Regret for not being able to save the patient either. Then, there was an intense feeling of fear. What happens next? Then everything went dark.</i></p><p>Dido's vision slowly came back to her. She was sweating. She reached for her hand, but there was no cut. The pain had felt so real. As the moments crawled forward, the memory slowly began to fade like a dream. Dido felt sick to her stomach. She felt uneasy from the experience, feeling another's final moments so intensely. </p><p>Dido then felt something on her arm. She pulled her sleeve back. The glowing fractures on her arm were receding. After a moment, the feeling was gone. The Duke held up a hand mirror.</p><p>"Aah reckon that did the trick." came the smooth drawl from the Duke as he offered Dido the mirror. </p><p>Dido took the offered mirror and checked out her skin. All the cracks were gone. There no sign she'd ever had them. Satisfied, she handed the mirror back to the Duke.</p><p>"Thank you for your assistance." Dido said as she nodded. The Duke nodded back.</p><p>"If you ever feel like gamblin' darlin', you know where to find me." Zapar said with a sinister grin and a wink. He then clapped his hands and one of the party goers who'd been passed out on the floor started to rouse. </p><p>"Za'gh-brule, would you kindly show our guest the exit?" requested the Duke.</p><p>The other half naked devil staggered to it's feet and shambled over to a rope that was dangling at the back of the tent. It fell, more than gracefully grabbed, onto the rope and pulled. As the devil fell to the ground, the pulled rope drew back a set of the tent's curtains to reveal a poll. Duke Zapar gestured to the poll behind him and smiled again at Dido.</p><p>"You have a grand time at the carnival now, ya hear." and beckoned her to the poll.</p><p>Dido nodded once again and strode over to the newly revealed exit. She looked down the hole in the tent's floor that the poll ran through. It ended somewhere near the path that would lead her back to the carnival's entrance. Dido reached out and grabbed the poll. Then she swung one leg around it and then the other. She began to slide down the poll. Slowly at first, but she began to pick up speed as she grew more comfortable. </p><p>In a matter of moments, Dido's feet were back on solid ground. She felt a sense of relief as if a burden had been lifted from her. She looked down the path that lead to the exit. It passed many different booths and huts. Perhaps there was some time to explore and enjoy the carnival while she was here. After all, Dido reasoned, she had nine tickets left, and maybe there was something of value she could pick up while she was in the carnival.</p><p>Dido started to walk down the path, feeling reinvigorated. It was time for fun.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/02/styx-stones-part-10.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-79612134594311027552023-02-01T13:05:00.004-05:002023-02-01T13:05:43.187-05:00Galleries Project<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8EvsI2CWf_bCjM9t3M0DPFgGSc22MxabCUymDscrB3sIH58hV6LXth7GBAtHeFP7aL7K_c9gu3gMCxet9iBhIoAhaVeQ7zW_TQP5Xj-28e7Pnht9rt0QuMLWBannz_HyxQiuJ0CmpBcWCnzDmT2BPl0VtLzkgHvNEN4xNY7svwO6J_mwZbeZMt1Iew/s4032/PXL_20220724_025502877.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8EvsI2CWf_bCjM9t3M0DPFgGSc22MxabCUymDscrB3sIH58hV6LXth7GBAtHeFP7aL7K_c9gu3gMCxet9iBhIoAhaVeQ7zW_TQP5Xj-28e7Pnht9rt0QuMLWBannz_HyxQiuJ0CmpBcWCnzDmT2BPl0VtLzkgHvNEN4xNY7svwO6J_mwZbeZMt1Iew/s320/PXL_20220724_025502877.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hey everyone! So I just want to highlight my little project I'm working on for the blog. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I'm in the process of cataloging all my different units and armies and working to put together a curated gallery of everything. As you can imagine, over 20 years of collecting, I have a lot of models. However, as this year is my 20th anniversary of being into the table top hobby, I wanted to get the ball rolling on having a spot to show off every project I've done over the years. I also intend to add little fluff descriptions, both of the factions and individual units. Some of the newer factions my not have much at the moment, mostly owing to the fact I have not played with them enough to get some good stories.</p><p>Currently I'm working on getting my newer armies up into my <a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/p/galleries.html" target="_blank">Galleries</a> page as there are less units to put in the light box for pictures. As I get armies completed, I will link their pages to the galleries page. Then, hopefully going forward, as I complete projects, I will get their pictures added to the relevant gallery.</p><p>Until next time!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6-dWOPIEjZedDHP8Td7Hez9V2yJ2SXk2O2thWP4Rz7CWfIFGQlaSDcnmHEQZgte-9JWTn1rxJmkhEp02khz3p6-DeoajgNHKsYWSqZfzaymCwXoCAUobBCClc8WEZhWzQgxwirwTd_uFA7g9_CU97jFyqLt1UYeomocaLfn7EbcaF3hvUfPI8YvbWg/s4032/PXL_20220727_011507611.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6-dWOPIEjZedDHP8Td7Hez9V2yJ2SXk2O2thWP4Rz7CWfIFGQlaSDcnmHEQZgte-9JWTn1rxJmkhEp02khz3p6-DeoajgNHKsYWSqZfzaymCwXoCAUobBCClc8WEZhWzQgxwirwTd_uFA7g9_CU97jFyqLt1UYeomocaLfn7EbcaF3hvUfPI8YvbWg/s320/PXL_20220727_011507611.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the very first model I got back in 2003.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-43628878788288729292023-01-31T10:27:00.000-05:002023-01-31T10:27:03.642-05:00From the Work Bench: January 31, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii927zHO6o0V-_ZGFwD1NaWQHsdQrNpM5KBa7pYFL0jq1QQ5LQbykKK22TDn1-VserTc1vGizSJFQ5CQEG2dXu7lYm9EgCErW2kEJK7aFTblRPHJrnF_OKbfnlPzuxX06vG3ysQpLmsTo1Pn2_ePJ1f_1fX9uu2eNnNlVw3GkQiLZ7j87mQv1hsy5icA/s4032/PXL_20230131_003343510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii927zHO6o0V-_ZGFwD1NaWQHsdQrNpM5KBa7pYFL0jq1QQ5LQbykKK22TDn1-VserTc1vGizSJFQ5CQEG2dXu7lYm9EgCErW2kEJK7aFTblRPHJrnF_OKbfnlPzuxX06vG3ysQpLmsTo1Pn2_ePJ1f_1fX9uu2eNnNlVw3GkQiLZ7j87mQv1hsy5icA/s320/PXL_20230131_003343510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Happy New Year! Thought I would do a quick little post about how my painting is going. I've begun to feel more energized for painting over the past month which is nice as I felt I was starting to suffer hobby burnout. As of today, I have now caught up on my backlog and have added something new to it! This is also a special year for me as it marks 20 years since I started my hobby journey. I think I'm going to do a set of posts which highlight the past 20 years and show off some of the projects I'm most proud of as well as explain some of the stories behind how I came to start collecting the various factions and how I arrived at their color schemes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ-zRNDh1h250noQ5lb8Tnfgy5Oh5xiKp_Fl_sKuBp2ZiBbuPddFGQ4VFmM_PgbCVB05iNZ-W220V_nrT-V-Mie70pHGRjVJ68fHaGvphLfqvnyc8je-jMZQLW3ysbINeYYw40KgEysFR7ve0WSBFJqgAAzNL6wliVlqSpXbl3iNYtW9t2uLHP31p7w/s4032/PXL_20221229_174408099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ-zRNDh1h250noQ5lb8Tnfgy5Oh5xiKp_Fl_sKuBp2ZiBbuPddFGQ4VFmM_PgbCVB05iNZ-W220V_nrT-V-Mie70pHGRjVJ68fHaGvphLfqvnyc8je-jMZQLW3ysbINeYYw40KgEysFR7ve0WSBFJqgAAzNL6wliVlqSpXbl3iNYtW9t2uLHP31p7w/s320/PXL_20221229_174408099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5stA_tamd15bSCzSz-LrEpVZgB9sn3U0ilLjMUXQrFnFfZTh795B7V-dZeM0q8y4BbFrJn7qM9Vma4xh1JbfbCEZKOCEK3xNWlXCt7P72HiakKNU7FagqjLsEpO0-7OvxhpZ8z-bgaSMLJgzQFKA3C-5wwXS3LF5UpqjdnsYL4o1DItwg1vhAYJCOQ/s4032/PXL_20221229_174423848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5stA_tamd15bSCzSz-LrEpVZgB9sn3U0ilLjMUXQrFnFfZTh795B7V-dZeM0q8y4BbFrJn7qM9Vma4xh1JbfbCEZKOCEK3xNWlXCt7P72HiakKNU7FagqjLsEpO0-7OvxhpZ8z-bgaSMLJgzQFKA3C-5wwXS3LF5UpqjdnsYL4o1DItwg1vhAYJCOQ/s320/PXL_20221229_174423848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_2LeDMrVFHT2JIVBb8f_qp_usYL9bkTScEu-LNzodLfIVc9aKBHTDx25JJ-GBijokY-BcCIBu5ShLl10x-0vEsBwR3q_aVVOtPVC0MY81iqc_y00ZrxV1KERtbXE1wJf7pbn5PlDQWEZ2m2wBcLO_hK11hqvPeG87EWSrVTL4wj1VU5jbZyoJtS_iw/s4032/PXL_20221229_174441976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_2LeDMrVFHT2JIVBb8f_qp_usYL9bkTScEu-LNzodLfIVc9aKBHTDx25JJ-GBijokY-BcCIBu5ShLl10x-0vEsBwR3q_aVVOtPVC0MY81iqc_y00ZrxV1KERtbXE1wJf7pbn5PlDQWEZ2m2wBcLO_hK11hqvPeG87EWSrVTL4wj1VU5jbZyoJtS_iw/s320/PXL_20221229_174441976.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>First up, here is a look back at all the models I painted over 2022. It was a lighter year as I only completed 148 projects. (91 new models, 46 rebased models, 11 repainted models). Compared to the past 2 years (316 projects in 2021 and 236 projects in 2020) it's been my lowest to date. As of today, I've completed 38 projects for 2023 so we're off to a good start.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqbIPPFUVCJkeKd_ySbXNb8gQ8q2TiG8rO7sV-VDo9QS4VroQ4y6lHuEFX3gSsGGoyCJOYVoDHQtU0YPR-9MVJQ5JbFBGl5tWG1x3s_yBsff9dgwXYIuMgLAlwnsYlqXm9hjfPtgmlHOKA1E_MHP2_xJpOCeGtLH3eO8_Ilv_npkxPRndFB2iwiI99A/s4032/PXL_20221229_041342825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqbIPPFUVCJkeKd_ySbXNb8gQ8q2TiG8rO7sV-VDo9QS4VroQ4y6lHuEFX3gSsGGoyCJOYVoDHQtU0YPR-9MVJQ5JbFBGl5tWG1x3s_yBsff9dgwXYIuMgLAlwnsYlqXm9hjfPtgmlHOKA1E_MHP2_xJpOCeGtLH3eO8_Ilv_npkxPRndFB2iwiI99A/s320/PXL_20221229_041342825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I finished up my Shroud Runners just before the end of the year. I'm very happy with how they turned out. That also marks the end of my current Eldar projects.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21p9af8jTrXK0cOmnIfnPkrmNhYDCM4vIDQGobDl1Ty3kE4Xim6JJr7m8jP3p5fm1P2yPYwj4ueEzfY8awCPuP37q9WP9GTKE8FsaLDg-hwx3Av2KEq8LO1N6sVqJ2knwOkjYk6XuCNdjRCv_cZffsG5R9367REfdUh6vBY47zw1l8vacVZId0Q6VFQ/s4032/PXL_20230123_132024043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21p9af8jTrXK0cOmnIfnPkrmNhYDCM4vIDQGobDl1Ty3kE4Xim6JJr7m8jP3p5fm1P2yPYwj4ueEzfY8awCPuP37q9WP9GTKE8FsaLDg-hwx3Av2KEq8LO1N6sVqJ2knwOkjYk6XuCNdjRCv_cZffsG5R9367REfdUh6vBY47zw1l8vacVZId0Q6VFQ/s320/PXL_20230123_132024043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvHeH3dEIq55Pl2UNtb56WlBt29hm61HAlrOmPkyC3SRjM9Z0-lwvtHpshjYxkRQbkDXO0ZAXxqOoOzF2aIbpmjVQv0W1eTzd_9AVYnYZmEmE5UaRpJW2dd9gkYQQUwOdSlI7zx8ePuDWUBoJ5SuG2JZapwM2AraLD1n7-XLVLHhgMGB-GxEHQkLcuA/s4032/PXL_20230118_222139825.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvHeH3dEIq55Pl2UNtb56WlBt29hm61HAlrOmPkyC3SRjM9Z0-lwvtHpshjYxkRQbkDXO0ZAXxqOoOzF2aIbpmjVQv0W1eTzd_9AVYnYZmEmE5UaRpJW2dd9gkYQQUwOdSlI7zx8ePuDWUBoJ5SuG2JZapwM2AraLD1n7-XLVLHhgMGB-GxEHQkLcuA/s320/PXL_20230118_222139825.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I recently completed two of my other projects. The first was my new heavy weapons team for my Guard forces. The other being the character model for Rachel in our Styx & Stones DND campaign. I'm missing the final picture for Rachel, but more details were added. The only Character model left to paint is Caravaggio which I will likely be starting next week after I pick him up from our DM.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8rXQlsbawrdZouVn5SgSOB0VwdsNNKxmKYFMs7lD1sA_tqBtL4eM6SNAcl1oZ31vu_ttDWAvwfvKtxR7VQXXzLqZ5nU9GOo_4rPZc5uyTzi6tkLtO9SMkIQhZZU4m6BFT5aS1FECE0h0hZ0xyKKleUhtpjeMkbvtLce1JLGQuTWpShG_L3YK0NSLBg/s4032/PXL_20230128_193224488.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8rXQlsbawrdZouVn5SgSOB0VwdsNNKxmKYFMs7lD1sA_tqBtL4eM6SNAcl1oZ31vu_ttDWAvwfvKtxR7VQXXzLqZ5nU9GOo_4rPZc5uyTzi6tkLtO9SMkIQhZZU4m6BFT5aS1FECE0h0hZ0xyKKleUhtpjeMkbvtLce1JLGQuTWpShG_L3YK0NSLBg/s320/PXL_20230128_193224488.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSbWmtY9pLLp694g1zSkTSOzVg5gwCAZs6mIhJz3BWhNkNHT7dfp3CO-SUNJHvNRFibsqSxcfEfKAI2W5ODda3Voy_fCjui8rGfwMWqarDhl4NPkr3ksI7YQb-riAWm_LJ5OKtrAnmep1dZmQRb4wJqJhkAiIfgHg3eJSJWn3l4KccR0i3jt3mJzExQ/s4032/PXL_20230131_003343510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSbWmtY9pLLp694g1zSkTSOzVg5gwCAZs6mIhJz3BWhNkNHT7dfp3CO-SUNJHvNRFibsqSxcfEfKAI2W5ODda3Voy_fCjui8rGfwMWqarDhl4NPkr3ksI7YQb-riAWm_LJ5OKtrAnmep1dZmQRb4wJqJhkAiIfgHg3eJSJWn3l4KccR0i3jt3mJzExQ/s320/PXL_20230131_003343510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>And now for my new project. With some extra funds from the holidays, I picked myself up a little birthday present. I'm now starting my 16th army, the Leagues of Votann. I picked up the codex a while back as I figured I'd start this army at some point. I also had a color scheme in mind right away. While doing some google image searches, I came across a picture where someone had done these models up in the old Lego Ice Planet color scheme. It was love at first sight and I was settled on this color scheme. This marks the first time I've base coated an army white as well. Normally I go with grey, sometimes black. I'm really loving this new army and finished my first model, the Kâhl, in only two days! Now I have the rest of the Combat Patrol box to work on which gives me 4 new units to paint.</p><p>And that's where I'm at currently!</p><p>Until next time!</p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-11536220633497086992023-01-27T00:08:00.008-05:002023-02-07T09:24:46.845-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 8)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi72RIO3aJC-iS_dWD14EP7zXAw534egVBJPmPmAzHl05gNQaknmlwxa1BcqE8bMpwkXUFYH1tpoSr6OjEdM7T5eSD4ZtUUca600HgPMKLhqHlysiMoQveM1MG4OVdK3HK6ol65VoZ1bf5WnkulZFWfWzeIZDFyFTiNcUT8WX9WNdgE5TMF_WO_leVA/s1332/Carnival%20Eternal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1332" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi72RIO3aJC-iS_dWD14EP7zXAw534egVBJPmPmAzHl05gNQaknmlwxa1BcqE8bMpwkXUFYH1tpoSr6OjEdM7T5eSD4ZtUUca600HgPMKLhqHlysiMoQveM1MG4OVdK3HK6ol65VoZ1bf5WnkulZFWfWzeIZDFyFTiNcUT8WX9WNdgE5TMF_WO_leVA/w484-h230/Carnival%20Eternal.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The group found themselves once again approaching the shores of the river Styx. The travel along the path had lasted about an hour as each use before had. During that time, the party had determined, by various means, what some of the objects were that they had found in the Palace of Filth. The black slippers with web like designs on them that Tidal had were slippers of spider climb. The golden rod Dido kept was a Wand of Wonder. The two scrolls that Rachel held onto were for the spells "Erupting Earth" and "Conjure Volley".</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>"Back from your personal roader I see." came the upbeat voice of Syllucraff as the party came to a stop by the banks of the Styx.</p><p>The ferrymen stood in his boat, just as he had the last time they spoke. His eyes examined the group as they found resting spots near the boat. They glowed a bright amber color from under his hood. His black robes flowed down into the boat where it was difficult to tell where the robes ended and where the boat began. With a short wave of his hand, he continued,</p><p>"I'm pretty chuffed to see you lot return! I was a little concerned that some Chavs might have gotten to you at Malagard."</p><p>Syllucraff made a small mock gesture pinching his nose as if he was smelling the stench coming off the group.</p><p>"Seems you lot had a little kerfuffle, eh?"</p><p>The party still couldn't tell Syllucraff's facial expression as, aside from his glowing eyes. The rest of his features were still hidden beneath the shadow of his hood. He could be smiling or scowling for all they knew. They weren't even sure if his face was still covered in flesh, or skeletal for that matter.</p><p>"We fought all manner of creatures!" Tidal exclaimed in his deep gravely voice. "Though that last one didn't put up much of a fight. Some big flabby thing with a stitched face."</p><p>"Ah! Nupperibo!" replied Syllucraff. "Common sight in these parts."</p><p>"We also happened to be successful in our venture." chimed in Dido, tapping on a pouch tied to her belt.</p><p>"Well now that's just bloody brilliant!" exclaimed Syllucraff.</p><p>"So what do we need to do to remove this affliction from me?" Dido inquired, gesturing towards her glowing skin.</p><p>"Well..." Syllucraff began, mock stroking a non-existent beard in contemplation before continuing, "First thing you'll need to do is open the coin to release it's soul."</p><p>Caravaggio spoke up from near the back of the group, arms folded while he leaned against a fairly large boulder near the bank of the Styx. </p><p>"And how do we do that?" He inquired in a slightly irritated tone</p><p>"Have you lot got any hellfire weapons on you?" Syllucraff replied as his robed head turned to look towards Caravaggio.</p><p>The group traded looks with each other, many shrugging their shoulders.</p><p>"Well I guess you haven't nicked any since arriving at Baator." </p><p>Syllucraff paused a moment before clapping his hands together and carrying on. </p><p>"No matter then! You're in luck as someone who can preform the task is on this layer."</p><p>Syllucraff gestured towards the direction he had originally when he had spoken last time about the Carnival Eternal.</p><p>"Make your way to the Carnival and visit the Duke." he stated.</p><p>"Who's the Duke?" chimed in Rachel.</p><p>"Duke Zapar!" Syllucraff gestured with raised hands like he was singing the duke's praise. </p><p>"He's taken up a bit of a permanent residence at the Carnival. Has a tent at the top of the Ferris wheel there. He's also a bit of a dodgy bloke if you know what I mean." There was a slight flicker in one of Syllucraff's glowing eyes, almost like he was winking. "But then most residence of Baator are. He's a bit of a gambler and thrill seeker."</p><p>Syllucraff paused a moment before he continued, "But the Duke will likely be able to help you, for a price."</p><p>"Are there any other options?" asked Dido.</p><p>"Well, there's Baalzebub. But I think his cost will be a little beyond your grasp at the present." replied Syllucraff dismissively. </p><p>"Could we make more soul coins? It seems like they're just iron disks that hold souls." interjected Rachel.</p><p>"That my dear," Syllucraff turned to face Rachel and gazed down on her diminutive form, his tone softening akin to a parent explaining the ways of the world to a child, " that would require the acquisition of an infernal machine. One may only purchase such an item up in Minauros, the third layer of Baator. But they are exceedingly expensive and are rather large devices. It wouldn't fit into my lovely sherbet here." He gestured towards his feet and the motionless skeletal boat which he stood in. "In any case, you're best bet will be the Duke."</p><p>The party shared some glances as they mulled over the advice. Most reasoned it might be a bit challenging trekking out to the Carnival while still being wounded form their previous encounters from the palace.</p><p>"We're not exactly in peak condition right now." voiced Flewid, putting his hand over the side of his abdomen where he'd taken a solid hit from the fecal octopi. "We're probably going to need to take a rest somewhere."</p><p>"Any chance we could rest on the boat, out in the Styx until we're good to go?" inquired Tidal as he nodded towards the craft that Syllucraff stood in, or was a part of. Tidal was unsure.</p><p>A boisterous laugh came from Syllucraff.</p><p>"My sherbet's a little small for you all to get a leather arse in my friends." Syllucraff replied, still chuckling at the thought.</p><p>"Then maybe there's an Inn somewhere we could rest at?" continued Tidal.</p><p>"My boy! This is Maladomini! This is no place for an Inn." Syllucraff gestured at their surroundings with a tone of mock grandiose. "The only refuge you're likely to get is hiding amongst the ruins scattered throughout this realm or the sweet embrace of the Styx."</p><p>"Then we will have to take our chances at the Carnival." Dido stated with conviction in her voice and a look of determination on her face. She made eye contact with each member of the party in turn, her fierce green eyes confirming with them the willingness to make the journey from under her filth encrusted silver plated armor. Each other member of the team nodded in agreement when it was their turn to lock eyes.</p><p>"Excellent!" Syllucraff said with excitement as he rubbed his skeletal hands together. "Then off on you're next little roader. I'll be waiting for your return so that we can finally get crackin' on our actual voyage."</p><p>The group gathered their things and faced towards the direction Syllucraff had indicated for the Carnival. As before, Caravaggio drew some blood, this time from Flewid, and made a little painting on the boulder he had been leaning against. As he completed this, the bricks that formed the path once again emerged from the ground like sharks cresting the surface of the waves. The bricks began to form up and create the path that the group was growing accustomed to seeing. They began to make their way for the Carnival Eternal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">Roughly another hour had passed as the group came to the end of the path. As with each journey, it had been hard to focus on their surroundings as they traveled. It wasn't as if everything they passed was blurred, but more akin to their short term memories becoming hazy and seeming more like a dream evaporating when one woke up. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The scene before them, however, broke them out of their introspection. Before them was indeed a carnival. The Carnival Eternal was an expansive fair ground. There were many tents, both big and small. Their weathered white and blue canvases a stark contrast to the reds and blacks of the Maladomini hellscape. The perimeter looked to be marked with a tall iron fence, though the iron seemed more reflective, like obsidian. There was a cacophony of sounds coming from the carnival. Laughter and whoops of delight intermixed with the moans and screams of torment. There was music coming from somewhere within the park. It was both upbeat, but melancholy at the same time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the largest visible attractions from the group's position was a giant black iron Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel had eschewed carts with chairs however, for large metal platforms with no guard rails. Near it's top, at about a forty five degree angle, was a large tent. The platforms seemed to stop in front of it allowing it's riders to access the tent. The other large attraction was a roller coaster that seemed built on to the side of a mountain. Some kind of large creatures were riding in it, but it was hard to tell from this distance what they were. Trolls maybe, or giants?</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group began to slowly move towards what seemed to be the entrance. They could see all manner of demons and devils heading towards the main gate. Each was usually part of a small group, with some of the members looking exhausted and weary. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The main gate consisted of a tented booth. In front of the booth stood a Nupperibo. It was completely motionless as the other one they had seen back at Malagard. It was hard to see form where they were, but as groups arrived, they would pause in front of the Nupperibo, exchange something and then proceed into the carnival.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido stopped the group about two dozen meters from the gate. She stopped them to better inspect their surroundings. Looking closer at the entrance, they could see that flanking the Nupperibo were two very large posters. However, they seemed to be written in infernal, as none of the text made any sense to them. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The other thing they noticed was another little red imp who seemed to be hanging out half way between them and the entrance. Much like the imp they first encountered when they arrived in Maladomini, and which had caused Dido's current affliction trapping her to this layer, this little imp was scrawny with only a small amount of cloth covering it's body. It's red skin looked leathery and it had a few strands of black hair upon it's head. The imp took notice of the group but didn't move from it's spot. It seemed to be waiting, possibly for someone, or maybe something.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"So what's our plan?" asked Caravaggio.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well, we have to figure out how to get inside. Then we need to find the Duke and get him to lift this affliction from me." replied Dido.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well how about we talk to that imp?" Flewid suggested, pointing over his shoulder towards the creature.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"That might be our best option at the moment." Dido said, pausing for a moment to think.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"We should also consider somewhere to set up a base camp if we need to rest." offered Caravaggio, scanning their surroundings for a suitable spot.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The rest of the group looked around them. The Carnival seemed to be in the middle of a very flat area of Maladomini. There was little in any kind of features breaking up the barren hellscape. The vast empty and flat land seemed to extend for a hundred meters in any given direction. It was also oddly square shaped, with the carnival being roughly at it's center. On the perimeter of this barren hellscape, were mounds of dirt that rose about waist high for someone of Tidal's large size with what could only be charitably described as vegetation extending from that point onwards. Dead trees and tumble weeds made a sort of thicket where the mounds started.</p><p>"Not much to work with if we want to ambush anybody for their soul coins." Tidal remarked in a hushed tone.</p><p>"We'd have to work near the perimeter." Caravaggio added, pointing to the edge of the flat hellscape.</p><p>"Well, let's get some information from the imp and we'll see where we go from there." Flewid said.</p><p>The group began to make their way towards the imp. The imp took note of this right away and turned to face them, watching with it's beady little eyes as the party closed the distance. It licked it's hands and slicked it's few black strands of hair back, while muttering something, likely in infernal, that the group couldn't make out. The group came to a stop in front of the imp and it sniffed at each party member in turn. Then it spoke first.</p><p>"I-I-I know why-y-y you're here!" the imp taunted with a squeaky cackle while rubbing it's hand together. "You s-e-e-e-k to enter the carnival!" It smiled showing some fanged teeth.</p><p>"Very astute." replied Dido with a deadpan expression.</p><p>"I-I-I can help you get in. Yes, yes." the imp carried on. "Pipyap can give each of you a ticket to enter!" </p><p>The imp revealed to the group a mundane paper ticket. It was a faded blue with a few creases along it's surface. The group looked at each other contemplating what Pipyap was telling them.</p><p>"But!" the imp continued holding out it's other hand, "Pipyap will need you to give it ten tickets each in return when you leave!"</p><p>"How does one get tickets?" Rachel asked with an inquisitive tone, tilting her head slightly to the side and squinting as if to examine the ticket the imp held.</p><p>"You play games! Or ride rides!" the imp cackled with barely contained energy.</p><p>"Or we could just ignore you and enter the carnival." Dido said in opposition.</p><p>"Bwah!" Pipyap cried and waved it's hands dismissively at the group. "It would cost you a soul coin each to enter!" The imp's eyes narrowed and it sneered, pointing at the group. "And Pipyap can smell that you don't have enough!" </p><p>"How do we even know that a ticket will get us in?" Caravaggio interjected, glaring at the imp.</p><p>"You watch! You see!" Pipyap replied as it scampered over to the entrance. The Nupperibo placed out a hand expectantly. The imp placed the ticket in the offered hand. As the ticket was placed in the Nupperibo's hand, which was palm up, the hand began to shift. It inverted itself into a palm down position holding the ticket. The fleshy golem then proceeded to place the ticket in one of the folds of skin on it's torso. The imp the proceeded into the carnival and stopped about ten paces in. It then turned around and waved back at the group.</p><p>"I don't trust it." Tidal growled.</p><p>"It appears to work." Rachel offered.</p><p>After a moment of contemplation, Dido turned to Rachel.</p><p>"I agree with Tidal. I do not trust this Pipyap." Dido started. "I think we should find an area to make camp for now to tend to rest up and then finalize our plans."</p><p>Rachel nodded in agreement. Caravaggio stepped closer to the group. Pointing back towards the nearest edge of the flattened hellscape. </p><p>"That's where we should make camp." Caravaggio stated. </p><p>Everyone nodded in agreement and began to walk towards the intended camp's position. Rachel glanced back over her should to see Pipyap come strutting back to it's original spot. It seemed to be grumbling but made no gestures towards the group.</p><p>The group soon neared the edge of the flat land. Where this terrain ended and the wilderness beyond took over, there was a dividing mound of dirt the ran between the two like a natural wall. The mount was about 4ft high with a smooth curve. It almost seemed intentional, as if someone had wanted the land surrounding the carnival to be one big barren flat surface. There was some meager shade from the dead trees which did nothing to abate the heat.</p><p>Rachel started her incantations as the group began to set down their equipment and setup their resting spots. Once the ritual was complete, the familiar walls of the hut materialized and a more comfortable atmosphere filled the interior. It was a welcome reprieve from the environment of Maladomini's constantly arid air. </p><p>Each member of the group tended to their wounds, helping each other if asked. Tidal went about checking his weapons as did Caravaggio. Dido and Rachel began different forms of mediation and introspection. Flewid stretched out and began to thumb the pages of Hupperdink's journal hoping to find some nugget of information that might help in their cause.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p>The group rested for about 8 hours. Each member taking a turn on watch incase any devils drew too close to the hut for their own good. As the end of the eighth hour elapsed, the walls of the hut vanished. As they did, so too did Flewid. The group watched as it happened again. Flewid's form glowed with a vibrant light before collapsing in on itself back into the pipe. Dido picked up the pipe and secured it with her belongings as she had done before.</p><p>"Alright comrades," Dido addressed the remaining members of the group. Her armor was once again gleaming a bright silver as she had taken her time on watch to cleaned and polished it. "We will try to make a deal with the imp. If we cannot, then I will go in alone and the rest of you will try to find an easy mark and secure some more soul coins."</p><p>Tidal smashed his fists together in front of him in excitement.</p><p>"I hope your negotiations fail then! I'm itching for a fight!" Tidal responded with excitement.</p><p>"I would prefer they succeed." Dido countered before she cautioned. "We are better off together as a group than divided."</p><p>Tidal dismissively snorted, waving her off before he turned and began to head for Pipyap. The rest of the group followed. Dido remarked that Tidal had not taken the opportunity to clean his armor, such as it was. The red metal that made up his pauldrons and around his waist were caked in filth and it was hard to tell if any of his hide had been cleaner as well. Flecks detritus clung to every part of his body. Quickly checking the rest of the group, Dido noted the everyone else had, at least to some degree, cleaned up their armor. The only thing that looked clean on Tidal were the axe and hammer strapped to his back.</p><p>As the group came to a stop once again in front of the imp, it smiled back at them.</p><p>"Returned you have?" Pipyap inquired rubbing it's little hands together.</p><p>"We have considered your offer and wish to make a counter offer." Dido replied with a firm tone.</p><p>"Well you are in luck!" the imp cackled back. "Pipyap's offer today is for each ticket Pipyap gives you, 15 you give back." The imp sniffed the air in front of the group. "And you smell as desperate now as you did before."</p><p>Dido stared Pipyap directly in the eyes.</p><p>"I counter that we will give you 5 tickets for each one you give us, and that is our final offer."</p><p>The imp barely considered the offer before countering. "Pipyap's offer is now 25!" and it started to cackle some more.</p><p>Dido could see Caravaggio and Tidal tense up, ready to draw their weapons. Dido's patience was also being stretched and she could tell they would not have any leverage short of threatening the imp's life.</p><p>"Then I say good day to you." Dido spat. "We will enter without your help."</p><p>And with that she turned on her heel and started walking towards the main gate. The group followed her. Pipyap just kept laughing and shouted "You'll be back!" </p><p>Dido stopped about half way to the gate. The group came to a stop around Dido. Dido then turned to Rachel and Caravaggio.</p><p>"I will take the coins and proceed solo." Dido said matter of factly. "The rest of you will try and find an easy mark. If I complete this procedure before you find the means in, I will rendezvous with you back at our camp site."</p><p>"No argument here!" Tidal said clenching his fists and cracking his neck. "This was the outcome I had hoped for."</p><p>Caravaggio and Rachel handed over the soul coins they were holding. The final memories of the souls contained within once again injected themselves into Dido's consciousness. It was as unnerving as before. She quickly secured them and began to make for the gate. The rest of the group began to make their way in the opposite direction to begin to survey the crowds of devils and demons.</p><p>As Dido reached the gate, the Nupperibo at the booth placed out it's fleshy hand expectantly. Dido placed one soul coin in it's palm. Just as it had done with the ticket previously, it's hand morphed from palm up to palm down and moved the coin into one of it's skin folds. Then the other hand removed a string of tickets from another fold of skin and offered them to Dido. She took the ticket and headed into the carnival.</p><p>As Dido entered the initial square of the Carnival Eternal, which was just steps past the entrance, she began to take in the sights of the fair around her. There were several tents lining the various paths that branched out from the square. Creatures of every type were wandering around and seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves.</p><p>Dido said a quick prayer to Severash under her breath as she tried to orient herself. There was a fairly large path making it's way to the Ferris wheel. She headed for it and began to walk at a quickened pace. The smells of brimstone and the cacophony of sounds grew stronger as she travelled along the path. As she drew closer to her destination, Dido began to realize that the carnival was structured like a large pentagram, and the Ferris wheel being at it's center.</p><p>Reaching another fence that blocked off the perimeter of the ride, Dido could see another Nupperibo manning the gate to access the platform. It seemed to be taking patron's tickets and permitting them entrance. Dido figured she might be able to save the tickets for other uses. </p><p>Scanning her surroundings quickly, she found a narrow alley between two tents out of the way from prying eyes. At a hurried pace, Dido nipped into the alley and pulled out the scrolls she had with her. Thumbing through them, she finally found what she was looking for. Pulling out the scroll of invisibility, she quickly recited it's incantation. Within moments, she had disappeared. It was a rather disorienting experience as she couldn't see her own body anymore. </p><p>Adjusting fairly quickly, she made her way over to the fence near the ride. Hoping to hop over it and scale the wheel up to her destination, Dido reached out and grabbed the fence. Her plan was immediately interrupted however as she began to pull herself up over the fence. With a flicker, the Nupperibo manning the gate had appeared behind her. It's one hand out waiting for it's ticket., the other resting firmly on her shoulder, holding her in place. Resigning herself that her plan was not going to work, Dido fished one of the tickets out of her pocket and handed it to the Nupperibo. The golem put the ticket in it's skin fold and flickered back to it's post. Dido walked over to the gate and passed through without being obstructed.</p><p>As she found a relatively safe spot to stand on the platform, the ride began to move. The platform rose through the air towards the tented structure near it's top. It was quite the view as the platform raised. Dido could see for some distance beyond the park. The pentagram layout was also very evident from this vantage point. As the platform neared it's destination, Dido's senses became overwhelmed with the heavy scent of incense, devilry and liquor. She closed her eyes and focused. As she opened them, the platform was beginning to slow as it arrived at it's destination. The entry flaps to the tent were pulled back and tied off permitting Dido with an unobstructed view of inside. There were empty bottles and hookahs scattered all around. Several individuals, mostly devils, were passed out seemingly where ever they had been when they had collapsed. Some were on the floors, while others were sprayed out over settees around the room.</p><p>The place looked like the aftermath of a giant party. Not a single creature stirred as Dido made her way off the platform and towards the tent's entrance. There was a noticeably larger settee on the far side of the room opposite the entrance. Slumped upon it was a devil with the most regal of attire compared to the rest of the individuals passed out in the room. It looked as if the devil was wearing a three piece suit. Dark hues of red made up the outer jacket, while the vest underneath was the color of glowing fire in the night. Long wild locks of dark hair flowed from beneath a rimmed hat. The hat was slumped over his face, covering the eyes as he presumably slept on his settee. His skin was a dark red tanned color, with black talons at the ends of his fingers and horns on either side of his brow.</p><p>Dido believed that this individual must be Duke Zapar.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/02/styx-stones-part-9.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-64721779998378786362023-01-11T22:24:00.002-05:002023-02-07T09:24:19.932-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 7)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM1TSbhz1KjfBM3yBnMyjqI8ybNGwOWXaPpKtSyf4lyOnN_Gu68Q_ZUrMvtgPKOmEUhNiw2BYCoGH7-YQ2p8R3_YUdbcT61MxrqeQpYGHwZX0zvlM5NTAA2zyn-UowrwWZBVE2WrWhvhz70EiX6p8tfEHQ1var1RRjyp8BoAefGK-qnemDDkV1ewwIA/s1920/Palace%20of%20Filth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM1TSbhz1KjfBM3yBnMyjqI8ybNGwOWXaPpKtSyf4lyOnN_Gu68Q_ZUrMvtgPKOmEUhNiw2BYCoGH7-YQ2p8R3_YUdbcT61MxrqeQpYGHwZX0zvlM5NTAA2zyn-UowrwWZBVE2WrWhvhz70EiX6p8tfEHQ1var1RRjyp8BoAefGK-qnemDDkV1ewwIA/w376-h180/Palace%20of%20Filth.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Having tended to their wounds, the group decided it was best to keep pushing forward. Maintaining a watchful eye on the ceiling while keeping the other to the ground, they followed Caravaggio back to the room he had found the satchel in. There were several crates and barrels that were clustered together in this once majestic chamber. On what they guessed was the southern wall, were a large set of lavish looking doors. Even though they were fully encrusted with the fecal substance that covered everything here, the doors still held a regal charm.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>The party fanned out and began to rummage through the storage containers to see if there was anything else of value. Many of the containers lay smashed on the ground, cracked open or otherwise damaged in some fashion. With each crate and barrel they searched, there was nothing to be found, except more filth coating everything. Satisfied that they had done their due diligence, they met back at the entry to the room.</p><p>"Looks like everything here's been picked clean, in a manner of speaking" Tidal said in a gravelly voice, chuckling slightly at his own joke.</p><p>Most of the group rolled their eyes and didn't reply. Rachel gestured over towards the large regal doors.</p><p>"Any chance we can get those open?" Rachel inquired.</p><p>"Not if we want to be quiet about it" replied Caravaggio with a resigned tone. "They're encrusted in a very thick coat of what ever this stuff is." gesturing to the filth that clung to everything around them.</p><p>"Well, there is still another path at the other end of the hall we entered. Let us double back and check it out" Dido offered.</p><p>Nodding in agreement, the group began to retrace their steps back to were they had first entered the hall. Everyone in the group was now covered in some fashion with the caked on remains of the fecal octopi they had encountered earlier. As they neared the other end of the hall, Caravaggio stopped the group with a silently raised fist.</p><p>"I'll proceed to scout ahead from here." he said in a hushed tone, before skulking away into the next room.</p><p>The opening to this room appeared to be the result of something having burrowed through the wall. It was similar to how the tunnel they took to get here had opened up into the hall. As Caravaggio examined the room, he noted that it must be some sort of offering room. By the southern wall there was an alter, broken and caked in filth. There were spots around the room that would have served as places for offerings to be placed but they had long since been looted. The other notable feature of this room were the bulges that lined it's perimeter near the walls. It appeared as if the floor was heaving up from the ground, and there were several in view from Caravaggio's position. Moving very cautiously, he began to enter deeper into the room. On the opposite wall from him was, the was an opening into the next room. The door long gone from it's frame, Caravaggio could see into the next chamber. From this distance, he could make out an old bed frame and what may have been at one time a dresser. Taking the extra precaution of passing near one of the floor bulges, to test if it would react to his presence, there was no reaction. Caravaggio concluded they could move safely through this room and went back to rendezvous with the rest of the group. </p><p>Coming back into the hall, Caravaggio saw the rest of the group waiting for him. The shades of grey he saw when in the dark began to be replaced with color as the light from Dido's sword illuminated his travelling companions. He could make out the glinting silver of Rachel and Dido's armor and the red of Tidal's pauldrons. They were all covered at least partially by the brown and yellowish hues of the filth that was caked on to every surface here. It was in Rachel's auburn hair, smeared across Dido's gold trimmed breastplate and covered most of Tidal's beige colored hide from horn to hoof.</p><p>Rejoining his companions, Caravaggio relayed what he had seen. </p><p>"It should be safe to proceed." Caravaggio concluded.</p><p>"Shouldn't we try and hit one of those bulges to make sure it's not a potential ambush?" Tidal inquired.</p><p>"Why must you suggest we hit everything where ever we go?" Dido retorted.</p><p>"Last thing you want is to be surrounded by a ton of little things nipping at your legs." Tidal growled back.</p><p>"Or we could leave well enough alone and not disturb them." Dido shot back, trying to hold back the irritation she felt towards Tidal for always being so brutish. "It might not even be a hostile creature." she continued, "Given the terrain, it's more likely to be some kind of gas bubble trapped under this filth that could release toxic fumes!"</p><p>"Then let's put it to a vote!" Tidal said, snorting and shaking his head.</p><p>"Sure!" replied Dido. "All in favor of not hitting the bulges raise your hand."</p><p>Looking around at the group, Caravaggio, Rachel and Dido all lifted their hands. Tidal snorted again dismissively.</p><p>"Fine." Tidal said in a gruff, "We'll do it your way. But don't come crying to me when a swarm comes gnawing at your ankles."</p><p>Their debate concluded, Caravaggio lead the party back through the opening into the offering room. He charted a path to the other side, careful to avoid the bulges. As they passed through the threshold into the next chamber, they could see that the outer wall had caved in. However, the filth that encrusted everything in this place seemed to tapper off halfway across the room. This left the other side relatively bare and exposed. There was a bed frame near the far wall, though it had long ago been stripped of everything save the frame itself and buried under some of the caved in rubble. A quick scan also indicated there was nothing of value here, so Caravaggio lead everyone towards an opening in the north wall that lead to a slope heading downwards.</p><p>As the group descended the ramp into this new area, they were greeted by the sight of a private garden. It likely had been more regal in it's day. Now there were only worn stone planters and soil in elaborate arrangements around the sides of the chamber. The chamber's focal point seemed to be where a dry old fountain rested, surrounded by three emerald colored pillars that likely had served as benches. The fountain was now cracked in two and parts of it were scattered around it's base. The emerald pillars had a very distinct flattened pill shape to them and each was several feet in length. There was a crack along the eastern wall, though it showed evidence of being patched up at some point. The most notable feature of the room however, was the lack of the dung or filth covering any surface in the room.</p><p>The group spread out and examined various parts of the room. Dido took a moment to try and sense any creatures using her divine senses. Clutching an emblem in her hand while looking around the room, her green eyes a glowed in a ghostly ambience. Rachel marked a few small symbols on the ground and began to perform her ritual of Detect Magic. Tidal took the opportunity to test the material of the emerald benches with a quick swing of his hammer. As the hammer's face connected with the bench, a metallic echo reverberated in the chamber causing everyone to look over at him. Shortly after, Rachel and Dido completed their investigations and shared their negative results with the group. They decided to press on as there was nothing of evident value here.</p><p>Moving towards the north end of the room, the party entered a grand chamber. It was clearly a throne room, with a large bronze throne placed in the center atop a dais. A long path lead to a lavish set of doors at the north end of the chamber. Some worn out banners still hung from the walls, though many were gone now. Those that remained where so worn out that what they displayed was no longer visible. The south wall behind the throne had a line of winged statues, each worn and smoothed and impossible to tell what they had been carved to venerate. The filth and fecal matter were also creeping back into this chamber. It was all around the lavish doors and along the western and southern walls. Caravaggio recognized the doors right away as the doors from the room with all the crates from the other end of the hall they had explored earlier. </p><p>"So this is the throne room?" Tidal said, gesturing to the whole chamber. "Any chance there's actually anything of value here? This whole venture seems to have been a bust so far."</p><p>"Well, we have come full circle now." Caravaggio replied, pointing to the lavish doors. "We're on the other side of where we started."</p><p>Dido took a few steps forward and cast the pale blue light of her sword to the far side of the throne. As the light illuminated the far side, two parallel groves could be seen running form the dais towards the western wall.</p><p>"I've got something over here." Dido alerted the group. Waving them over, she showed them the tracks. "It seems logical that something heavy moves along these groves."</p><p>"Let me check it for booby traps first." Rachel replied, moving up to the throne and beginning to examine it. Caravaggio joined in, inspecting the dais.</p><p>Upon conclusion of their check Rachel gave the all clear and Dido gave her glowing sword to Rachel to hold and she pointed to Tidal and Caravaggio and then motioned at the dais.</p><p>"Let us see what secrets this throne hides." Dido said as she moved to push the dais. Caravaggio and Tidal both joined in and at first, nothing happened. All three grunted and exerted themselves to budge the dais.</p><p>"You'd think there was lever or something?" Tidal grunted.</p><p>Their efforts soon paid off. The rumble reverberates off the walls, and the sound of stone grinding against stone began to echo in the room as the dais started to inch it's way down the grooved tracks. The movement was slow at first, but then it began to pick up pace. The three party members found they had almost begun to sprint as the dais moved along the track. As they moved however, a pit that was previously hidden began to become exposed. Tidal being in the center position of the three, was practically moving right into the pit as it was revealed. He quickly let go and stopped right on the pit's edge. He teetered for a moment before catching his balance.</p><p>The dais kept moving quickly with Caravaggio and Dido in tow until it came to a stop near the far wall. The two sprinted back to see what they had uncovered. As Dido collected her sword from Rachel, she noticed the rumble could still be heard and it was growing louder. Looking back at Rachel, she inquired with a puzzled look "Did you not say there were no traps on the throne?"</p><p>Rachel only managed to shrug back before a display case fell on it's side, splintering into several pieces. The ground heaved near the dais before it violently exploded upwards. A hail of stone and debris went flying across the room and the group braced themselves against it. Small bits of masonry and chucks of stone floor peppered the group. As the debris began to settle, the group looked towards the source of commotion. They found themselves in the presence of a new beast. It's features were very smooth, but seemed to be made of stone. One could be somewhat mistaken for thinking it was a shark, given it's greyish color, large mouth and sloped dorsal like fin. However, it's mouth did not contain any visible teeth, and it rested on four muscular legs. Rachel recognized it right away, a bulette.</p><p>"Aim for it's belly!" Rachel yelled as she rolled towards some cover.</p><p>Caravaggio unsheathed his rapier and dashed towards the bulette. Dropping down to a knee, he slashed at the creatures underside leaving a deep cut. Before the beast could snap back at him, Caravaggio had sprinted back to where he had started.</p><p>Rachel brought her hands up, forming a triangle with her thumbs and index fingers to launch a sacred flame, but lost her focus as the ground rumbled from the bulette taking a step. Grabbing her holy symbol of Saloon, Rachel summoned her spiritual weapon. A floating crescent shaped blade materialized in front of the creature's snout. With a thought, Rachel sent it darting towards the beast and it sliced at it's underside. The blade was silent as it moved, and glowed a pale moon light.</p><p>Dido flanked the creature and landed two quick blows from her sword. The bulette turned to snap at her, but when it closed it's jaw, it bit only wisps of smoke. Dido had vanished for a second, only to have reappeared on the other side of the room near the entrance they had used to access the chamber. She lost track of the bulette however until a moment later when it burst out of the ground between Caravaggio and Tidal. The explosive entry sent Tidal leaping into the air. Not having made the correct judgment on where he was leaping, he plunged into the hole they had revealed beneath the throne. Caravaggio had not reacted quick enough and was sent flying backwards towards the entrance. He landed with a heavy thump on the ground, his fur and armor torn up by the debris that had propelled him into the air.</p><p>Tidal found himself at the bottom of the pit they had found. There was no light where he was and the glow from Dido's blade was not strong enough to pierce the dark he found himself in. He stumbled around trying to feel out his surroundings. Closing his eyes, Tidal tried to use his magical awareness to feel out anything that might aid him. Tidal's senses became flooded with the presence of magical items that he felt blinded by their presence. His fingers passed over something firm and he instinctively grabbed it and hurled it up at where he though the bulette was. What he had grabbed was not very large, and in fact felt about as big as a small branch or stick. But he flung it with all his might and the object went up and then landed on the floor beside the pit.</p><p>The room was spinning for Caravaggio. The clattering of something on the floor brought his sense back and as his eyes focused, he found himself staring down the snout of the bulette. Acting on reflex, he swung his rapier towards the beast's undersides while moving into a roll past the creature. After completing his roll, Caravaggio sprinted to the other side of the room to find some cover. The bulette had only just begun to turn around to chase Caravaggio when the pale glowing crescent blade swooped in and sliced through one side of it's flank then out the other side. It's belly ruptured and it's entrails plopped to the ground with a wet flop. The beast let out a brief cry, then slumped to the ground.</p><p>The group remained still for a moment just listening. There was still a rumbling sound present. After another moment, it slowly began to disappear. It faded as if what ever was causing it was moving away from the group. Satisfied that there was no immediate threat, each party member began to move back towards the pit.</p><p>From down in the pit, Tidal could see the light from Dido's sword begin to cast it's glow down to where he stood. Dido squatted down and retrieved the object that Tidal had tossed during the fight. It was a golden rod of sorts. At one end there were two orbs attached. She stored it with her gear deciding that there would be time later to thoroughly examine it. Moving to the edge of the pit, She cast the full effect of her swords glow down to Tidal.</p><p>"Anything else of note down there?" Dido inquired.</p><p>"Well..." Tidal's gravely voice trails off.</p><p>Tidal began to take stock of what was now visible to him. A couple of scrolls and a pair of black slippers. There were also two chests. There was a moderately sized one made of wood and brass, and another which was much smaller and made of iron.</p><p>"... there's a couple of scrolls and some chests." Tidal offered.</p><p>"Anything you can pass up here?" Dido replied.</p><p>"Gimme a moment" huffed Tidal.</p><p>He grabbed the small chest and the scrolls and tossed them up. The small case landed with a clang and the scrolls softly hit the ground and rolled towards Dido. As she bent over to pick them up, Tidal put the slippers in his satchel. Then he turned his attention to the wooden chest. It was locked and too heavy to toss up. Impatiently, Tidal grabbed his hammer and swung down to try and crack the lock off the front of the chest. However, he missed his mark and crashed the hammer right on top of the chest, splitting it open and scattering it's contents within. Looking at what was now pouring out of the chest, Tidal could tell that the chest must have been fully packed with coins. There must have been thousands of them. Mostly gold coins, but some silver coins mixed in.</p><p>"Looks like we found some treasure." Tidal mused aloud.</p><p>Dido looked down and saw Tidal standing in front of the broken chest with the coins spilling out and laying around his scaly feet. She balled her free fist tightly, and held back an irritated groan. But there was still a twitch from her left eye.</p><p>"How are we suppose to carry any of that if you smashed the chest?" Dido called out with a sharp tone of frustration.</p><p>"Calm down elf." Tidal retorted with a tone he would use with a petulant child. "We'll just bag it up with some of those banners that are lining the walls."</p><p>Rachel walked over to Caravaggio who was walking with a slight hobble. She put out a hand and placed it on his stomach. Focusing the energy inside of her, Rachel released it into Caravaggio and it washed over him like rays of moon light. He could feel his wounds closing and strength coming back to him. His hobble was gone as he took a few steps towards where Dido was. She was know kneeling down at the edge of the pit, handing the remains of the banners to Tidal. He kept walking past her to the carcass of the bulette. Grabbing it, he dragged it over to the throne. With a grunt and a heave, he rested it upon the throne and set to work. Cutting up the carcass and using it's draining fluids, Caravaggio made the bulette to appear as if it was an open book. He pinned it's flesh back and sliced it's meat to be it's pages. Using the organs, he made it look as if they were nuggets of information falling from it's pages, trailing off from the throne towards the large regals doors. Upon the beast brow, Caravaggio used it's blood to paint a crude rapier and the letter P.</p><p>While somewhat put off by Caravaggio's practice, Rachel thought he might be honoring a deity. In an attempt to be polite, Rachel took a few scraps for the creatures entrails and shaped them into crescent moons as a tribute to Saloon, her God. As the two wrapped up their work, they wandered back over to Dido and Tidal, who had now finished making sacs with the old banners and filling them with the coins they had found. There were five sacs altogether, each filled with roughly 600 coins. Dido passed one each to Rachel and Caravaggio. Caravaggio then took out some rope and dropped it down for Tidal to climb out of the pit.</p><p>Dido knelt down beside the small iron chest and began to pick it's lock. She unwrapped some small tools from her gear as she set to work. The rest of the group sat around her taking stalk of what they had found and waiting for Dido to complete her work. After a while, there was a soft click and Dido was able to lift the lid. Resting at the bottom of the chest where three disc like objects. Each was made of iron, with glowing red runes of infernal design on them. These were soul coins. Dido went to pick up the top coin to hand over to Caravaggio. As she touched it, she was struck with a memory. </p><p><i>It was a new memory, but it felt like one she had always had. But, it wasn't her memory. It belonged to someone else. It was from a goblin. One that worked in a fiery pit. The heat was extreme and oppressive. She could remember sweat pouring from the brow. A sound of a whip cracked. There was a sharp pain on her back. Then, she stumbled. She was holding something heavy and it through her off balance. She was too tired to correct herself. There was no ground to land on. She had fallen over the edge and was now in free fall. The heat grew more intense as she fell. Then there was searing pain as she hit the lava below.</i></p><p>The memory faded as Caravaggio took the offered coin from Dido's hand. She couldn't tell if he was living the memory from the coin as he held it, but she figured he must be. Dido went and grabbed the next coin to hand to Rachel. Again, she was struck by another new, but old memory.</p><p><i>There was a soft warm breeze coming through the open window. White silk curtains moved with the breeze. She was sitting at a table. She was an elven maiden. Across from her was her lover. He offered her a drink. She sipped from the cup. Then her mouth felt dry. She tried to swallow but couldn't. Her throat became tight. She couldn't breath. Panic set in. She reached out to her lover but he just sneered. Why? Then, another elf joined him. It was her chamber maid. She put a hand along his back and bent over and kissed him. Then everything went dark.</i></p><p>Dido shook her head as Rachel took the coin. The memory had been so intense. But as the coin left her possession, the memory began to fade. She could see a tear roll down Rachel's face as she put the coin away. These coins seemed to hold the final moments of the souls trapped within Dido thought to herself. She decided to tip the last coin out of the chest and into her coin pouch without touching it. She had experienced enough memories for now.</p><p>After each member of the party stored their gear, they set out back to the surface. The walk back out was uneventful but long. They made their way back up the tunnel and up to the surface where they were greeted by the fowl air that blew around the palace of filth. As they regained their barring's and started to make for the edge of town, Caravaggio stopped the group. He pointed up to the top of a ledge slightly ahead of their position.</p><p>Up on the ledge was a creature. It was bloated and tall. There were several flabby layers of sickly yellowish skin that folded over itself. It's eyes and mouth seemed to be stitched shut, but the group felt that it could perceive them all the same. The creature stood motionless, facing them from it's place on the ledge. A swarm of flies floated around it.</p><p>"Hail!" shouted Caravaggio at the creature, waving a hand. But there was no response.</p><p>Not waiting for the group to spend to much time figuring out how to communicate with this new entity, Tidal grabbed a Javelin from his back pouch and tossed it in one fluid motion. The tip lodged itself in the creature's skin folds and seemed to knock it back on it's heels. After teetering for a moment, the creature then fell on it's back and burst into black ichor. </p><p>"There, problem solved. Let's move." Tidal grumbled as he began to move down the path. </p><p>The group just stared at him silently for a moment before deciding that it wasn't worth arguing and started to follow. They began to work their way back to the edge of the town, where Caravaggio would summon the path to take them back to Syllucraff with their new bounty.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/01/styx-stones-part-8.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-11376223176688622802022-11-04T22:04:00.001-04:002022-11-07T15:21:05.687-05:00Eko's Landing and Surrounding Area<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqhkZP3_V-xx1my4neUTD8SkeyQf41SAPaHXcUEOG81SkdlfWfUOYVSYnDsAlzzwoY5HTqXze6L81bjbDgG50Git_gHttUk_OS_txdPXevu41-m80NF0bqrPoyT1Xd3fnReyt8--6VSAhUkynaSXb3T4lQQ_QhwTg9Z31qQ0VJmEmlu0WPOhYxMOovA/s1920/Eko's%20Landing.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqhkZP3_V-xx1my4neUTD8SkeyQf41SAPaHXcUEOG81SkdlfWfUOYVSYnDsAlzzwoY5HTqXze6L81bjbDgG50Git_gHttUk_OS_txdPXevu41-m80NF0bqrPoyT1Xd3fnReyt8--6VSAhUkynaSXb3T4lQQ_QhwTg9Z31qQ0VJmEmlu0WPOhYxMOovA/w500-h281/Eko's%20Landing.png" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Village of Eko's Landing</h2><div>Eko's Landing is a small port village located on the northern continent of Fairwynys along it's west coast. Their main industry is mining silver from the Asha's Sorrow mine located just north of the village. Serving as a fairly regular trading port, they are able to accommodate several cargo and transport vessels at any given time. The main population is a mixed blend of humanoids, consisting primarily of humans, elves, and halflings with several others present as well. The approximate population is less than 500 individuals.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">History</h3><div>The town was originally settled by the survivors of the decimation on the Capital City of Moundstrap. The act was perpetrated by the forces of the Githyanki under the generalship of Erzherra. The region was originally under the control of some local Orc tribes and Goblin encampments. The settlers found themselves at odds with the Orcs and Goblins which resulted in the initial settlement being raided repeatedly after it's initial founding. These conflicts continued until the arrival of an Elf named Eksome "Eko" Olsford. Eko was a member of the Order's Arcane, which is based in the city of Gnomandy. At the time of his arrival, he was on a quest in pursuit of the Wind-Riders Gauntlet, which had been involved during the attack at Moundstrap. Coming upon the plight of the towns folk, he was able to marshal the locals and with the aid of Fira Mistsplitter, a powerful mage living in the region, was able to drive back the forces of Orcs and Goblins. Eko was instrumental in drafting and executing a signed treaty between the townsfolk and the tribes. In recognition of his involvement in safe guarding the village, it was named after him as Eko's Landing. Eko then established a residence in the village and used it as his base of operations for his relic hunting in Fairwynys.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Organization</h3><div>The town is currently headed by an elected mayor, a halfling female named Heswise. She oversees the day to day operations of the town, as well as the near by Asha's Sorrow Silver Mine through a loosely organized town's council consisting of; Zyaz - Port Master, Hanfo - head of mining operations at Asha's Sorrow, and Adolous Drake - head of security operations. Heswise will also listen to the counsel of various towns members before arriving at any decision.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Landmarks</h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>The Phishwyfe</b> - local restaurant and Inn originally owned by Maggie. Served as a sort of communal eating area for the towns folk and as the only Inn for travelers passing through. Was later sold when Maggie had been able to forward all her expense to Mr. K's Magnificent Menagerie in Emyf Serine courtesy of the group of adventure's that became known as Gunnie's Guardians.</li><li><b>The Goblin Sac</b> - local general store owned and operated by a pair of Goblin siblings named Greeks and Theresa. Greeks handled the sale of mundane items while Theresa handled the sale of magical items and scrolls. They closed their business after their entire store inventory was purchased by the village on behalf of the group of adventures that would become Gunnie's Guardians.</li><li><b>Temple of Selune</b> - local temple dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Selune. Lead by Threenarve as the head cleric of the temple.</li><li><b>Asha's Sorrow</b> - Silver mine to the north of Eko's landing. It was originally run by the local Goblin tribes, but feel under the control of the town after the signing of the treaty. Overseen by Hanfo, the mine is the primary source of income for the town. It's high quality silver, is smelted on site, and stamped with the town's seal. It's primary use after export is to be reformed into the silver coins used as currency in both Fairwynys and Brisirith. The mine was the location of a planer tear connected to the plain of lava resulting in the arrival and attack of a young red Dragon named Xorivan. It was also the site of an explosion due to the arrival of a time travelling Warforged named Gunnie, who suffered amnesia and went by the name Runes.</li><li><b>Whispering Duck Wood</b> - Forest on the east side of the village. It is in these woods that Fira Mistsplitter has her home.</li><li><b>Blood Wood </b>- Forest to the west side of the village.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">Notable Player Campaign Appearances</h3></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Wind Rider's Gauntlet</b> - This town served as the first meeting place for the group that much later become Gunnie's Guardians. Operating out of Eko's Landing, the Guardians uncovered the quest to find the gauntlet by helping the town deal with a planar rift that had been opened in Asha's Sorrow, and the creatures that had arrived through it's portal. The group later returned towards the end of the campaign to see the results of their earlier interactions and the subsequent fallout.</li></ul></div>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-8197910573381045472022-10-27T00:04:00.007-04:002023-02-07T09:23:55.478-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 6)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItyBM4izGVrVElnGzBxYrcbg_pHmkjuXczJ2PBBfpWYvM9ScsaX6hGPRVP0pVFpl0Uop9fFz2Z98am88R4C_qZUX-pW21vyfTl7_NC9r6NUH8t0Sf-al9xc887C9Dxe_Mvksul1DPPj1j-yVxMfXfw5PoAcqfykRmmd9POY198vYeDVoVJJJOV0jkLg/s1400/Malagard%20-%20The%20Palace%20of%20Filth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1400" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItyBM4izGVrVElnGzBxYrcbg_pHmkjuXczJ2PBBfpWYvM9ScsaX6hGPRVP0pVFpl0Uop9fFz2Z98am88R4C_qZUX-pW21vyfTl7_NC9r6NUH8t0Sf-al9xc887C9Dxe_Mvksul1DPPj1j-yVxMfXfw5PoAcqfykRmmd9POY198vYeDVoVJJJOV0jkLg/w431-h159/Malagard%20-%20The%20Palace%20of%20Filth.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><p>Just as before, it only took the party about an hour to travel to Malagaard along the brick path. The familiar haze of their surroundings prevented them from knowing just how far or how fast they had traveled. Once the path ended, the group found themselves amongst the ruins of a large city. From where the stood, they could see the top of the palace ahead of them. At least, they assumed it to be the palace as most of it lay buried beneath a mount of dirt. Only, it wasn't dirt. It was the putrefied remains of dung.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>The palace of filth lived up to it's reputation. The stench that permeated their surroundings was oppressive. It was as if they were standing in the worlds largest latrine. While they stood on what might have once been a boulevard heading to the palace gate's, there was little more than a walking trail that ebbed it's way around mounds of excrement. As with the other places they had seen in Maladomini, the buildings here lay in ruins. Crumbling stone masonry lay scattered and mixed with the mounds that rose up from the ground.</p><p>The group tried to cover their noses as they began to follow the path leading towards the palace. The stench was almost too much to bear. Rachel vomited a little at the back of her mouth as they progressed. Caravaggio ran a finger along one of the mounds as they walked, and then wiped it off on the red armor plates of Tidal to clean off his hand, who was oblivious to the action.</p><p>The winding path eventually ended at a clearing which overlooked what could have conceivably been a moat surrounding Malagaard. It was a deep trench which seemed to partially encircle the palace. The clearing was surrounded on it's edges by the mounds of detritus. Flewid opened the journal again, thumbing his green fingers to the page he had previously read about the palace and it's entrance. He started to hum to himself as he looked around, comparing what they say to what was on the page. The rest of the group fanned out and began examining to see if there was a secure way to cross the trench, though none of them was keen to have to touch the excrement if they didn't have to.</p><p>After a good 30 minuets of wandering and examining, Flewid finally called out to the group.</p><p>"Aha!" he exclaimed as he shut the journal, which Dido then took back and stowed in her satchel hanging from her glinting armor.</p><p>"This is the entrance to the palace here!" Flewid gestured to a filth encrusted path leading down under two collapsed stone pillars leaning against one another. The mound of excrement had flown onto the pillars, but had not covered the entrance. The group began to make their decent until Tidal stopped them and drew one of his javelins, pointing slightly ahead of them. Standing perfectly still against the wall was another imp. Similar to Des'e'geth, the imp they had met at the shire camp. The markings on this one were different. While it still had an overall red sheen to it's skin, there were white markings across it's face and arms in a different pattern from Des'e'geth's.</p><p>"You! Over there! Come here!" growled Tidal as he waved his spear in the direction of the imp. The creature just stood there, motionless. Caravaggio shuffled to the front and called out; "Do as you're instructed, or we shall treat you as a threat!" Still, the imp remained perfectly still. Before any other members of the group were able to attempt their own actions to assist, Tidal launched his javelin and hit the imp square in the chest. The creature continued to remained motionless even as it began to dissolve into the ground, never once wincing at being struck or calling out in pain. </p><p>"Guess he was a stiff eh?" Chirped Flewid.</p><p>"Maybe some kind of living statue?" Rachel added.</p><p>Tidal walked over and collected his weapon, shaking off the ichor, and affixed it to the back of his armor where he had unhooked it before.</p><p>"Well, it bled." Tidal added. The group then proceeded down the stairs.</p><p>As they descended, the light from outside began to diminish. This became a problem for Tidal, who couldn't see very well in the dark. As he slowed down, the group came to a halt.</p><p>"What's the matter?" inquired Dido.</p><p>"I can't see in the dark. I have no idea where I'm stepping." Tidal grumbled back to her.</p><p>Tidal heard the sound of a sword leaving it's scabbard and the glint of a blade before suddenly Dido's sword glowed a bright blue. The cool shades of color reflected off her silver and gold armor, and glinted off his. He could also now see her piecing green eyes from her equally sharp facial features opposite the blade.</p><p>"Will this suffice?" Dido asked in a neutral tone.</p><p>"Yes. We may proceed." Grunted Tidal.</p><p>The slopped path soon leveled out. The entire structure had looked as if some kind of large creature had burrowed through the excrement to fashion this tunnel. The walls, as lit by Dido's blade, still retained the earthy color as the mounts of filth on the surface had. However, there was a faint glint on the walls as they travelled deeper into the tunnel. </p><p>Examining a few clumps that had fallen to the ground, the group could tell that it was a sort of mucus that covered the surface of the walls. The stench had not abated either. If anything, it had become even more pervasive the deeper they went.</p><p>As they carried on, Flewid struck up a conversation with the group.</p><p>"You know, I remember hearing - back when I was alive - the legend of Beelzebub betraying Asmodeus and being turned into a slug. Do you think such a thing happened?" Flewid postulated to the group as he moved a strand of his dark hair out of his face.</p><p>"It's hard to tell with legends and myths." Rachel replied while cautiously stepping around a large boulder of dung that had fallen on the path.</p><p>"This tunnel certainly has the hallmarks of a worm or slug. Albeit a giant one. This passage looks to have about a 10ft diameter." Caravaggio added, while keeping a look out for any signs of movement.</p><p>"If we come across such a beast, we will defeat it." Tidal chipped in with a gruff tone.</p><p>"I would suggest you keep the chatter down." Dido cautioned in a hushed tone. "We have no idea if there is anything hostile in this cavern."</p><p>The party fell silent and carried on.</p><p>After what seemed like an eternity as they moved through the fecal tunnel, the path soon came to an end. At it's end, was an opening that lead to a space beyond. The threshold where the two met was a mixture of traditional stone architecture of a building, and the dung crusted walls of the tunnel. As the group drew closer, it looked as if something had breached the wall from the outside, as bits of stone work lay strewn across the floor.</p><p>Poking his head through the opening and looking around, Caravaggio could make out that this new area had been some kind of sleeping quarters. There was not much left however, the scattered and broken remains of some bed frames and foot lockers. What did draw hit attention however, were the varied amounts of scattered bones laying across the floor. Everything in this area was also covered in the excrement and mucus like the tunnel. Caravaggio pulled his head back and looked to the group.</p><p>"It will likely be safer if I scout ahead solo." Caravaggio stated. "There are signs of death ahead and it would be prudent to have a better idea of where we need to go before we advance."</p><p>Everyone else nodded. After another quick glance, Caravaggio kept low and started to skulk out into the hall. Tidal lost sight of Caravaggio's hunched and imposing frame as he vanished into the dark. </p><p>Rachel walked over to the wall near the entrance, put her gear on the ground, and drew her crescent blade. She stepped up onto her gear and used it as a stool. Taking the time while Caravaggio was scouting ahead, she etched some markings into the wall. She made sure that the marking were high enough off the ground that the rest of the Party would see them, as she only came up to the waist line of most of the other members of the group. After a moment, she turned around and faced the group, gesturing to the markings she'd made.</p><p>"Just a quick note of where the exit is, in case we get lost or separated." Rachel said in a hushed tone.</p><p>As Caravaggio cautiously moved along the edge of the hall, keeping close to the wall, he noted more of the bones scattering the floor. Their were vine like tendrils of excrement all over the hall, going from the ceiling to the floor and zigzagging across the ground. Even in this darkness he could still make see all this, though it was more in shades of grey than in color as he would in daylight. He could tell he was moving down a sort of corridor, which rounded a corner several feet ahead of him. There were various bulges of filth on the walls, the floors and the ceiling. For a moment, he thought he saw on move on the ceiling, but taking a second look, nothing was moving. The stench of excrement was very potent as he moved down the hall, seeming to peak where he was, which was only about half way down the hall. It soon began to abate slightly as he neared the corner. </p><p>Rounding the corner, Caravaggio could make out an entrance to another room. Where there should have been two massive doors blocking his path, the doors now laid strewn across the entrance and into the other room. Creeping to the threshold a quietly as possible, always keeping an ear out for trouble, he peered into the new room. The room was large, and with stacks of crates and barrels every where. He spied another set of door on the wall perpendicular to where he was now. The doors were very regal, even if they were encrusted with more of the detritus that covered everything in this fallen palace. They also seemed to still be intact, and barring his way into the following chamber. Taking one last glance, everything seemed to be safe for the group to proceed.</p><p>Caravaggio made his way backdown the hall about half way, when he could see Dido's head poking around the corner. He waved her over and indicated that there was something to see beyond him. </p><p>Dido, from her position, could see the familiar bugbear reappear down the hall from her lookout location. Giving her the wave and pointing off past him, she knew he'd found something. Turning back to the group, she locked eyes with them and nodded towards Caravaggio's position that they here moving out.</p><p>Carefully moving down the hall, the group tried to avoid the bones and vines scattered about the floor. The only source of light was the sword in Dido's hand, casting shadows off everything it illuminated. The stench began to get worse as the group made their way to about half way down the hall.</p><p>Suddenly, Dido could feel something slimy wrap around her waist. She let out a warning as two more of the vines began to wrap around her.</p><p>The group froze on the spot, looking around to identify a target. They quickly notice that the vines were actually part of a creature. One of the large mounds of filth clinging to the ceiling was in face some kind of creature. Like an octopus made of hardened excrement, the tendrils now moving about with sinister purpose.</p><p>Flewid jumped into action first, shape shifting into the form of a large dire wolf as he leapt forwards. In mid stride he completed his transformation and bound down the hall closing the gap between him and Dido. With his mouth open wide and fangs bared, he clamped down on the tendril that was wrapped around her waist, vigorously shaking it in his grip. His efforts seemed to be in vain as there was no discernable impact.</p><p>Caravaggio quickly joined Flewid in focusing on the tendril latched onto Dido. With a downward thrust from his rapier, he could tell it was having some effect as the tendril's grip loosened, freeing Dido from it's grasp. There was a quick flash of light as bright flames lapped across the ceiling. Glancing back, Caravaggio could see the source was Rachel, near the back of the group.</p><p>Freed from the creature's embrace, Dido scanned the scene around her. Two more tendrils were now making their way towards her and she shifted her weight to one side, leaning out of the path of one as it darted past her. Dido then dropped into a roll as she narrowly missed the second tendril coming from the other side of the hall. There was a loud grunt from Tidal behind her and she spun around to look for him. As she casted the light from her sword in the direction of the grunt, she saw that a tendril had wrapped itself around him and lifted him into the air. Then she spied Caravaggio being wrapped up by some other tendrils and lifting him up towards the ceiling. But instead of being drawn to the first lump on the ceiling, he was being pulled towards a second lump, which had now revealed itself and was gnashing is rock like fangs. She had no time to react before it sunk it's rock fangs into Caravaggio's shoulder.</p><p>Caravaggio could feel the glaring pain as the rock fangs sank into his shoulder. The pain was almost unimaginable. The creature was biting the shoulder of the hand holding his rapier. Bringing himself to focus, pushing past the pain, he acted as quickly as he could. Dropping the rapier from his one hand, he grabbed it with the other and thrust it upwards into the creatures maw. He was able to find purchase in the attack, as the creature bellowed in what he hopped was pain as it released him and he tumbled back to the ground.</p><p>Landing in a hard thud, Caravaggio recovered and rolled, coming up to one knee.</p><p>"Withdraw!" Caravaggio shouted getting back onto his feet and making for the entrance they had come through.</p><p>Rachel quickly joined him and took cover just past the threshold of the entryway. She began to create a glow in her hands as she prepared a spell.</p><p>Dido moved towards Tidal's last position. He was now dangling half way up to the ceiling. Despite his large size, the tentacle was not struggling to lift him up. Seeing some old pieces of furniture that had been piled in a corner, she began to run towards them. The hall was narrow enough that she was able to find some purchase on the stack of furniture and press off leaping to a spot on the near by wall where a clump of filth jutted out, and then followed through with a swing from her blade at the creatures tentacle. While the strike seemed to land true, it did not have any impact. Tidal was still secure in it's grip. Noticing the lack of success, Dido decided it was more prudent to move out of the creatures reach, and when she landed on the ground, she quickly rolled away, dodging another tentacle and proceeded to make her way to the other end of the hall where the corner was leading to the hall. The sound of a loud crunch and a howl of pain from Tidal broke her attention just long enough for another strafing tentacle to trip her causing her to stumble to the ground. Before she could scramble to her feet, two tentacles gripped her, one around her left ankle, the other around her waist. She was lifted into the air as she tried to dig her sword into the ground.</p><p>Flewid had been dodging the tentacle strikes as he made his way back to the entrance when he was struck from his right flank by one he couldn't dodge fast enough. It sent him careening into the wall which he hit with a loud thud. His dark grey fur became covered in the filth that encrusted the walls as he slid to the ground. He was a little disoriented as he was struck again. After taking a few hits, a tendril wrapped itself around him and lifted him up into the air. He struggled to break free but the tentacle gripping him just constricted him tighter and tighter. </p><p>As Flewid was being lifted, he saw a glowing light from the entrance. Looking closer, he could see Rachel's smaller form walking out from behind the entry way. She was cast in a glow that looked like moon light. She made some motions with her hands that he struggled to follow as he was still disoriented. When she was done however, the light seemed to condense itself into a ball and then launch from her and streak towards the creature behind him. As it struck the beast, the light began to coat the creature. It started at the point of impact and then flowed over it's form until ever inch of it was covered in a moon lit glow. Once the light stopped expanding, Flewid could see it writhing violently before the light seemed to soften it's rock like exterior. The creature just melted off the ceiling, with Dido and Tidal falling to the ground. Dido fell with grace, landing on her feet and dodging the precipitating goo from the creatures remains. Tidal on the other hand, hit the ground hard, and then was covered in the remains. Flewid then felt himself be lifted higher to the ceiling.</p><p>Dido could feel herself dropping after the light that had enveloped the tentacle holding her turned it to goo. She was able to control her fall and land on her feet. She watched Tidal tumble and hit the ground, still likely in a lot of pain form being bit. Taking in the rest of the fight, she could see the second creature still had Flewid and Caravaggio in it's grip. She began to make a run for Caravaggio who was still on the ground, but the goo that now covered the floor from the first creature's demise was making it difficult to run without slipping and falling onto the ground. </p><p>As Dido neared the tentacle, she took two big swings with her sword, but missed both times as she failed to find solid footing or track the tentacle while it moved about. A large hammer hit the ground near her shortly after. She looked over to see Tidal, who had gotten to his feet, holding his side where the first creature had bitten him. There was a grimace on his face, which was a weird thing to see as his visage closely resembled that of a bull. Her attention was then drawn to the ceiling as Dido heard a yelp from Flewid. Looking up, she could see him revert back to his normal green genasi form. He then slipped out of the creatures grasp and fell to the ground. Before she could do anything to try and help him, the familiar feel of the tentacles was constricting around her again, and both her and Tidal were plucked from the ground and lifted into the air.</p><p>The creature now held three of the five party members in it's grasp. Rachel and Flewid were now the only ones left not entangled in it's embrace. Thinking fast, she incanted a prayer to Selune, then folded her hands, placing her thumbs together and index fingers together to form a triangle. Aiming the center of the triangle at the creature, she exhaled into it. Flames came rushing out the other side of the triangle and lanced out to the maw of the beast. The fire scorched it and she could tell it hurt when the creature let out a beastial howl. But it wasn't enough to make it release it's grasp of her party members. Caravaggio, Dido and Tidal were still struggling to break free. Flewid looked barely conscious lying on the floor. Rachel breathed again into her hands and sent more flames towards the creature. </p><p>Dido could feel herself being pulled towards the creature's maw. The stench of it's hot breath, magnified by the two sacred flame attacks form Rachel, made her feel like she was going to pass out from the smell. Then she felt something different, something fury brushed up against her from behind. Trying to glance behind her, Dido could make out the form of something large. <i>Is that an Ape?</i> she thought to herself. Dido thought she must be hallucinating from the stench, but the giant Ape reached out and grabbed a handful of the tentacles and pulled. This provided the opening to Caravaggio to swing his rapier and free Tidal, who was able to pull on the tentacle holding her to free up her arm to swing her blade. </p><p>As the creature pulled Dido in to sink it's rock fangs into her, Dido thrust her sword upwards, into it's maw. It howled and she pulled the blade back and then thrust it again. This time, the howl was short lived, and the tentacles started to go limp. She grabbed a hold of the one that was around her and used it to slide down to the ground, landing gracefully. They had survived, but they were all worn out after that fight. </p><p>Rachel helped Flewid sit down as he reverted from his ape form. Dido tended to Tidal's wounds. Caravaggio quietly stalked down the hall and around the corner. A few moments later he returned, carrying a worn old satchel. It looked very well used, but still held together. Showing the contents to the group, they could see that there were three envelopes and a scroll nestled inside the pouch. Flewid was about to reach for the scroll when the mark on his face began to glow. In a flash, he vanished. In his place was the familiar cherry wood pipe. Dido scooped it up and secured it in her gear again, just as she had done before. The remaining four decided to tend to their wounds before pressing deeper into the palace of filth.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2023/01/styx-stones-part-7.html">Next Part</a></p><p></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-78270500745885810632022-10-19T19:52:00.002-04:002023-02-07T09:23:20.894-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 5)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN-P1sho0cOE3hurSZMJP4HA91dhjLDCI0FUVGA0crG-zLZXBXDFTwlDquPcQzzRIY-au8nkRPKkx4vGMCefpNjJI4e61riRucyA7hOzAw-Zs3kZAlvhzqZo9FPHJGkOvbFO39KO9iIso1F9t2bMKWlnBlTZpVAcmNPnG5xnLVa4U5lpbZegESrmXKw/s2048/Sylicraff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN-P1sho0cOE3hurSZMJP4HA91dhjLDCI0FUVGA0crG-zLZXBXDFTwlDquPcQzzRIY-au8nkRPKkx4vGMCefpNjJI4e61riRucyA7hOzAw-Zs3kZAlvhzqZo9FPHJGkOvbFO39KO9iIso1F9t2bMKWlnBlTZpVAcmNPnG5xnLVa4U5lpbZegESrmXKw/w437-h240/Sylicraff.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><p></p><p>After a moment, the blinding flash of white light dissipated. Everyone one the group began to blink repeatedly until their sight came back. Slowly, as their vison returned, the remaining light began to seep into Dido. There was no sign of Des'e'geth anywhere. Just a charred path of dirt at Tidal's hooves. Looking around, Rachel was the first to notice the light on Dido. She pointed to her, as a faint glow now emanated from her body. It looked as if her skin had cracks of light coming from within her. They glowed in a steady throb like the beat of a heart.</p><span><a name="more"></a></span><p>Dido quickly went to examine herself. The cracks were superficial, her skin was not even broken. They were more like tattoos on her form rather then actually breaks in her flesh. Testing to see what impact this new affliction might have on her, she knelt down to the ground and began to invoke a Devine sense. Calming her mind, she could sense the lingering essence of Des'e'geth leaving the plain.</p><p>As Dido stood back up, she could feel something vibrate in her satchel. Flipping it open to investigate, she saw the Cherrywood pipe of Flewid shacking and glowing. She pulled it out to examine it, but as she did it shook right out of her hand and floated a short distance from her. The glow grew and in the blink of an eye, Flewid was standing before her.</p><p>Flewid seemed a little dazed. The group looked at him in bewilderment. Across his face as a faint line of light, similar to the crack that was on his pipe. A faint ethereal glow came from it, similar to what had happened to Dido, but less bright. It resembled more closely a starry night.</p><p>"Wha...what happened? Where did all the ice and snow go?" Flewid asked puzzled.</p><p>"You disappeared after our bout with the ice beasts back in Cania." Tidal offered.</p><p>"All that remained was your pipe." Dido added. "I've been carrying it around with us."</p><p>Flewid blinked his eyes and looked around at where they were. Then he noticed Dido's glowing skin.</p><p>"What happened to you?" He asked gesturing towards Dido's arm and face.</p><p>"I'm not sure." Dido replied while examining her skin some more. "We were just questioning this Imp that Tidal had captured for information on how to find the Styx. Then Tidal killed it and I got these marks on me."</p><p>Caravaggio walked over to Flewid, towering over him. He bent down and examined the scar of light on his face, then he walked over to Dido and looked at hers. He pondered for a moment and then addresses the group;</p><p>"I don't think these scars are due to the same effect."</p><p>Caravaggio walked back over to Flewid and looked at the pipe that he had been holding in his hand since he reappeared. He pointed to the pipe and then Flewids face.</p><p>"The mark on the pipe seems to match the mark on your face." Caravaggio mused.</p><p>He then walked back over to Dido.</p><p>"Your marks don't match anything else on your person. Didn't that Imp say you made a deal?"</p><p>Dido thought about that.</p><p>"I did feel weird just before he died. He must have used some kind of dark magic that I'm not familiar with."</p><p>Rachel stepped towards them also trying to get a better look at Dido's new marks of light.</p><p>"I have heard about demon deals in passing during my time alive." Rachel said before continuing.</p><p>"I don't know much about them. But I didn't see him cast anything while we were talking."</p><p>"Well let us have a proper rest, and then we will try to find the Styx." Dido said.</p><p>The group reentered the hut and each of them sat on the ground. The air inside felt more relaxing and inviting than the much hotter and oppressive air that was outside. They sat equidistant from each other and began to tend to their own gear.</p><p>Flewid began to cast a spell. He spoke a few words as he pulled something from a satchel on his side. As he finished speaking, what looked like a piece of mistletoe in the palm of his hand vanished and was replaced with some small berries. He looked up at the group and offered them saying;</p><p>"Have a berry. They should help sustain us for lack of any other food."</p><p>Each party member took one of the offered berries and eat them. They all made a little grimace as they at it. Even Flewid was surprised at the taste. Normally his Good Berries tasted really sweet, like ripe berries from the vine. These however, tasted like soot and ash. He could feel the usual effects as his hunger was gone, but the experience was not pleasant.</p><p>After each member of the party was done with their minor tasks, They took the time to catch Flewid up on al he had missed. The fight with the Gelugons, the tunnel to Maladomini, and the Path that was present that required a promise to take people where they wanted to go. Then they organized the watch shifts for the rest period. Then the others went to sleep. It was difficult for everyone to get a proper sleep. The ever present light in the sky and the eerie noises and somewhat constant screams that filled the air were no good substitute for a night sky and peaceful tranquility that came with a normal night in the living world.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">As their period of rest came to an end, the magical walls of the hut dissipated. The group, now left exposed to the environment of Maladomini once again. While sleeping in Baator was unsettling, the party members felt refreshed from their rest.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Flewid grabbed up his gear and began to walk to the edge of the shire. Caravaggio joined him and the two stood at it's edge and looked out into the wasteland of Maladomini. They could see more blasted out ruins dotting the landscape, broken up by patches of nothingness between them. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Flewid closed his eyes and though about the brick path. As he opened his eyes again, a sole brick rose out of the ground like flotsam out of the water. It was blank. He bent down to examine it. The brick was smooth and a slightly different color of red than the ground around it. Despite it seeming to come from under the ground, none of the dirt around it had been disturbed. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The rest of the group now gathered with Flewid and Caravaggio as they had packed up their gear and were ready to press forward.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"So, we just have to make it a promise?" Flewid inquired.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I would be careful with what deal you make with this road." Dido cautioned with the cracks of light still on her skin.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Flewid took out a small blade from his belt and began to carve a message into the brick. In the primordial language he wrote:<i> The toll has been paid. Lead us to the Styx</i>. The writing stayed on the brick for a moment. Then a red glow filed the carving and it vanished leaving the brick blank once again.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well, it would seem that saying our toll has been paid was not enough to summon the path." Flewid said to the group.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio knelt down to the ground and another blank brick rose to the surface. Taking out his own dagger, he carved a message onto the bricks surface. This message glowed orange almost immediately. Then, in very quick succession, the other bricks of the path started to surface from under the ground and join together to form a long brick path. The path stretched beyond where Caravaggio stood and went in a westerly direction, assuming they had been travelling "north" the previous day. Caravaggio stood up and holstered his dagger.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"The path leads before us. Let us move." Caravaggio said in a neutral tone.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group began to walk along the path. At first, nothing seemed remarkable about the path or their journey upon it. However, as they journeyed, it became more difficult to tell how quickly they were moving. Land marks they passed seem to come and go in a blur. After what seemed like only an hours travel, they found the end of the path leading to a large dark river. On the river's bank, a boat rested there with a robbed figure standing with in it. The boat looked like a gondola. It was long and slender. It was hard to tell until the group drew closer, but it looked like the gondola was made out of various bones. And these bones were somehow animated. Various skeletal arms and hands were constantly reaching out in different directions. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As the group came to a stop a few paces from the boat, they now noticed that the dark colored river was in fact filled with blood and not water. The river did not seem to flow like one would expect a river to do. The surface was calm from bank to bank, only disturbed by the souls how appeared now and then across it's surface. Ghostly colored figures could be seen periodically surfacing in the river, letting out chilling moans and screams before submerging once again. The skeletal hands on the boat now actively tried to reach for the group.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido addressed the lone figure standing abort the gondola;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Are you Syllucraff?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">The robe figure remains motionless for a moment. The figure was gaunt though still had flesh upon it's form. Slowly, with exaggerated movements, it reached within it's robe and produced a dagger. The dagger was of exquisite craftsmanship. The blade reflected Caravaggio's face because it was so well polished. An intricated design of gold ran down it's hilt. The figure offered the dagger to Caravaggio and he took it. It's balance was perfect in his hand.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Syllucraff then produced an ornament bowl from another pocket in his robe and held it out towards the group.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I think he's looking for an offering." Flewid said, breaking the relative silence.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio turned and handed Flewid the dagger. Flewid took it and walked up to the figure and slowly cut a straight line down his palm. He then closed his fist and squeezed out a few drops of blood. They fell into the bowl. The bowl glowed for a moment and then stopped. Nothing seemed to happen. Flewid then offered the knife back to Caravaggio. Each member of the group took it in turn to add a few drops of blood into the bowl. Once the last drops of blood fell into the bowl, the gaunt figure lifted it up to it's mouth and drank the blood. The offering satisfied, Syllucraff took back the dagger and placed both it and the bowl back in it's robe.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Then, in a far more animated way than anyone in the group expected, Syllucraff addressed them;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Right! Sorry about all that Chaps!" Syllucraff started. "Rituals and Process are very important in Baator after all!" he said in a tone mocking of how one might address royal codes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group was stunned. Not moments before, Syllucraff had been a slow moving husk of a figure. A Grim reaper of sorts. Now he seemed more alive than ever. Syllucraff eyed each member of the group through his glowing amber colored eyes. The rest of his face was obscured by the shadow cast from his robe's hood. He pulled a scroll out from another unseen pocket on his robe and unfurled it. Seemingly reading it over, he continued;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Jolly! Looks here like all your fees have all been paid for this roader." Syllucraff paused, seeming bemused by what he was reading. "And by quite a well to do benefactor I must say! Good to have a power like that in your corner eh!" Syllucraff then leaned towards the group and in a mock whisper, like he was telling them a secret, he said; "We're not a fan a bilkers if you catch my meaning!"</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group looked at each other a little puzzled. Syllucraff continued in a chipper demeanor that seemed uncharacteristic to the group based on what they'd experienced so far by the inhabitants in these parts to date. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"Right! I have been hired to be your ferryman on your journey though the realms of Baator on the river Styx!" He then rolled up the scroll he had been reading and exchanged it for another one from under his robe.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"So there are a few guidelines before you embark upon my lovely sherbet here." Syllucraff said in a mock professional tone as he unfurled the new scroll before continuing. "The first, and most important rule - Do not touch the Styx!" He paused a moment to regard the party over the top of the scroll before continuing with a slightly more serious tone. "If you touch it, your soul becomes trapped in it and I can't do anything for you!" </p><p style="text-align: left;">Syllucraff's tone went back to being more chipper as he resumed reading the scroll;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Second, it goes without saying that I'll need you to keep you arms and legs inside the vessel at all time while we travel the Styx. Thirdly, there will be no muckin' about while we journey from port to port. And finally, I will be your pusser on this voyage. Should you need anything, I will make the journey to acquire it. It will take me an average of half a tenday to complete this task."</p><p style="text-align: left;">With his rules read, Syllucraff rolled the scroll back up and, in one fluid motion, placed it back in his robe.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Now then," he addressed the group, "are there any questions?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group stood there for a moment absorbing the information they had just been told. Then Dido spoke up.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Do you have any leads on how we should handle our mission?" inquired Dido.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Syllucraff's gaze turned directly towards her.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well my dear," Syllucraff started with his hands folded together as if in prayer, "I don't know if I have much about your task regarding Fraz-Urb'luu, but you will have to take care of your situation before we as a group can proceed from this layer of Baator." Syllucraff replied gesturing to the glowing cracks on her skin before continuing. "You must have been a bit daft to break a promise in these lands."</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well how do we go about fixing it?" Dido asked, a hint of irritation creeping into her voice. She did not like the lack of a straight answer or being talked down to.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well, the thing is, you'll need to find someone to take your place. A soul. Have you lot got any soul coins on you?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">The party looked back and forth at each other with questioning looks. Syllucraff sighed and carried on.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"So you lot are skint eh? No matter. You can remedy that situation." Syllucraff paused for a moment, as if to look up and down the river bank before gesturing towards the brick path that was still behind them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"You can take that lovely path there to a couple of spots. The first," He pointed to the north, "and a fairly dangerous option is Malagaard. I'm sure there's a chance you might find something long forgotten there. The second, " and he pointed back in roughly the direction the party had travelled, "and possibly the more dangerous option, is to head to the carnival eternal. But you'll need to find a way in without a soul coin. There are also magical defenses to prevent cheeky gits from getting in."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Flewid nudged Dido and asked for the journal of Hupperdink. He started thumbing the pages looking for something. The rest of the group continued their discussion with the ferrymen.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"So, what are these soul coins?" Rachel inquired.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well..." Syllucraff held his hands out to show a circle that was about a foot in diameter. "...they're these metal discs, yea? And they're usually kept in locked containers. Which is kinda funny when you think about it because the coins themselves are locked containers holding a soul."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Before anyone else was able to ask another question, a shout came from Flewid as he had found what he was looking for in the journal. Holding the page out to the group, he tapped his finger on the part of the entry he wanted to share.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"The journal says that Hupperdink found a passage into the palace. It also has a map!"</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Well then I guess that settles it." said Dido. "We'll do a little treasure hunt at the palace. Get your selves ready and we'll head out."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio walked over to Tidal and stood in front of him. After sizing him up, he put out a hand towards the minotaur. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"I offer a truce. It will do us no good to head into further peril if we are expecting a hit in the back from each other."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal chuckled in a deep tone before responding and shaking Caravaggio's offered hand;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"You are a worthy foe. One day after we are done this, I shall defeat you in combat. I will look you in the eye when that moment comes. You need not fear a strike from behind."</p><p style="text-align: left;">After a firm hand shake, Caravaggio asked for one of Tidal's daggers. Confused, Tidal hesitantly offered one to him. Caravaggio looked up to Tidal and said;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I must fulfill my promise. My I have some of your blood?"</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal looked puzzled at him, but offered his hand.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"What was your promise anyways?" inquired Rachel.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Caravaggio ran the blade along Tidal's palm as he replied.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I promised to paint. It was my signature when I was alive. I would use parts of my slain enemies to paint a portrait of their demise."</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Caravaggio drew some blood from Tidal's hand. He then turned and walked over to the gondola looking up at Syllucraff.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"May I?" he asked, gesturing to the boat's hull. Syllucraff simply nodded and Caravaggio knelt down beside it and using the blood on the dagger, wrote a word - <i>VENGENCE</i>. In response to this, the skeletal arms on the hull of the boat started to reach out for him, but Caravaggio stepped back out of their reach. The blood slowly faded into the hull. With a look of satisfaction, Caravaggio walked back over to Tidal and handed him back his dagger. Once Tidal took back possession of his dagger, Caravaggio went back over to Syllucraff.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"What do devils fear the most?" Caravaggio inquired in a neutral tone.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"What a question!" Syllucraff replied before mulling the question over. After a moment he replied;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I guess they would fear loosing their souls the most. That and Asmodeus. Watch out when he throws a wobbly!" </p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio seemed satisfied with the answer and walked back over to rejoin the group. He then summoned the path and the party prepared to walk along it to their destination - Malagaard.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Better get a crack on then eh?" Syllucraff said as he waved to the group. "I'll be here when you're ready to set sail!"</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2022/10/styx-stones-part-6.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-55263920890588282572022-10-19T09:04:00.001-04:002022-10-19T09:04:09.797-04:00From the Work Bench: Oct 19, 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwzmJ1Akl5i-Amgr45aYhvhRhmRbVHzNUitOI3s9WOiqu1Xr0oK9KptNs6fLNIQMrdynHVVPOEdzFEyXXRxHmQXL6LmCwCbal4KZEVOZF-SYwLjpbaCN3jds-bu5P9MF1En8HfGYRt9ks6O7Ozju1yTZ4uAX_Zj3pBKmVGRjGNlYBu9CDpWbNdwuAcw/s4032/PXL_20220724_024423474.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwzmJ1Akl5i-Amgr45aYhvhRhmRbVHzNUitOI3s9WOiqu1Xr0oK9KptNs6fLNIQMrdynHVVPOEdzFEyXXRxHmQXL6LmCwCbal4KZEVOZF-SYwLjpbaCN3jds-bu5P9MF1En8HfGYRt9ks6O7Ozju1yTZ4uAX_Zj3pBKmVGRjGNlYBu9CDpWbNdwuAcw/s320/PXL_20220724_024423474.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Hey everyone! Time for a little update on the hobby side of things. Since my last hobby update, a few projects have been finished and a few more have been started. I'm not painting as fast as I used too, bit of a mix between busy life and less motivation. As you can see in the title picture, I've finished my Warboss. So without further ado, let me share what else's changed!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxCQ5Wtvv8m-jUMXsv4VnlMEScZBBBSJ1UKeBqNBnyGl1ojhhO1Gx7uJCPqKP8EBeSjwyViTLpHrayCg3PWChUM-0xUY4A9Wj4WBiZJ2YCg30X6iBwkOJwnxQ-ZZ3DaYQaoF3s1xK0jZPp3Sohb8cfyy5IvR_7l--SKeQJPdBEntp8ylVSGMUR0YovQ/s4032/PXL_20220920_014636921.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxCQ5Wtvv8m-jUMXsv4VnlMEScZBBBSJ1UKeBqNBnyGl1ojhhO1Gx7uJCPqKP8EBeSjwyViTLpHrayCg3PWChUM-0xUY4A9Wj4WBiZJ2YCg30X6iBwkOJwnxQ-ZZ3DaYQaoF3s1xK0jZPp3Sohb8cfyy5IvR_7l--SKeQJPdBEntp8ylVSGMUR0YovQ/s320/PXL_20220920_014636921.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I've gotten more done with my Eldar scout bikes. The gold armor is done and now I'm working on the cloaks. Once that's done, it'll be onto the blues and the engines.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrDTQLWDVjd2z5NIULgvKaefOMxKpMz-roMpNrEwq76dTphC8vNMpAueIqpKX9hiEcpF_2lZSHAi1ILZdG5OFliLZOKDsvCZZMnqSAs71-PjlVaXZitthzckEnySmnmHb1Mpt0z5GbrW-5AeXk4xA85q1dcIo9sUDw5CX8A31fY2P2tkkedVRQwxzdQ/s4032/PXL_20220903_161423086.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrDTQLWDVjd2z5NIULgvKaefOMxKpMz-roMpNrEwq76dTphC8vNMpAueIqpKX9hiEcpF_2lZSHAi1ILZdG5OFliLZOKDsvCZZMnqSAs71-PjlVaXZitthzckEnySmnmHb1Mpt0z5GbrW-5AeXk4xA85q1dcIo9sUDw5CX8A31fY2P2tkkedVRQwxzdQ/s320/PXL_20220903_161423086.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I have also finished a squad of Chosen for my Alpha Legion. I've really enjoyed painting up these guys. I'll have to figure something out about my heavy weapon squad member as the new rule book has removed his ability to carry his weapon, so I'll have to swap him around for someone else later when I do another squad.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwi8W_GPKL5XHQLMqAJClD1WNRFwW0DVMlBZCQVyyBtliFWxPdTyQQZbGIpij1Ao4lIc47BD5I1YUyZe1tevQvFplyh2cnGxrx3tb6Jp_xo_-R7p8aLnbiB3u4ncqsBF8gkAeXIpAxHd3cdCGmIYZWzexPfz278iQnUBeU1LMG92ObGP9M2f8A5r1dRg/s4032/PXL_20220927_164433427.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwi8W_GPKL5XHQLMqAJClD1WNRFwW0DVMlBZCQVyyBtliFWxPdTyQQZbGIpij1Ao4lIc47BD5I1YUyZe1tevQvFplyh2cnGxrx3tb6Jp_xo_-R7p8aLnbiB3u4ncqsBF8gkAeXIpAxHd3cdCGmIYZWzexPfz278iQnUBeU1LMG92ObGP9M2f8A5r1dRg/s320/PXL_20220927_164433427.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I also finished my Jackal Alpha for my cults. My first biker unit for the cult. I now have my color template for the rest of the Jackals for one day when I get some. Hopefully sooner than later though, as I really had to look at my older paint jobs to try and remember how to paint this army.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhXcYRiK0844Kz64o_sBNyP7BitlEYT3mvKq2IlNGfIm9-dEuqnUi7fg5OqWs1PzDzHo6puB1z3g_sclVUt8LDBgCerFoC8Qij6-3Q9s-9Ee9T_yEPhNZSfyXIzp2z0AMy12pCeKpfnGilo-w86uqOTJxX5MEAjjlJUuL1aEOYWMIVBi2r4BtqKPUhA/s4032/PXL_20220920_014621081.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhXcYRiK0844Kz64o_sBNyP7BitlEYT3mvKq2IlNGfIm9-dEuqnUi7fg5OqWs1PzDzHo6puB1z3g_sclVUt8LDBgCerFoC8Qij6-3Q9s-9Ee9T_yEPhNZSfyXIzp2z0AMy12pCeKpfnGilo-w86uqOTJxX5MEAjjlJUuL1aEOYWMIVBi2r4BtqKPUhA/s320/PXL_20220920_014621081.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I started working on the special release Inquisitor. I'm going to be taking my time with this guy to do as much detail work as I can. It's also not that often that I don't glue the whole model together first so I can get to those hard to reach areas to do the best detail work I can.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sGe2HcSCfgDvYeDIelBhTzR7d06JYqoCQYdic8Gw3bpfncJf8CgjHBHSf-2mt5x6ZdSa0CNTi6bmn3wdzYbo629n8PzcxtbNjtwtaV-s7GjwjgXhf3kz0Sm5u0iypikGAKrvNDC10kB4-EvB1H-5_tKLl4XNhj-j6sbXwAcvXix8CZN86cFysEqR0w/s4032/PXL_20220920_014627661.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sGe2HcSCfgDvYeDIelBhTzR7d06JYqoCQYdic8Gw3bpfncJf8CgjHBHSf-2mt5x6ZdSa0CNTi6bmn3wdzYbo629n8PzcxtbNjtwtaV-s7GjwjgXhf3kz0Sm5u0iypikGAKrvNDC10kB4-EvB1H-5_tKLl4XNhj-j6sbXwAcvXix8CZN86cFysEqR0w/s320/PXL_20220920_014627661.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm also working on my first Exorcist Artillery tank for my Sister's of Battle. I'm also going to be taking my time on this one as there is a lot of detail work to be done.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPgwK-1EmCSO51MS1pYjgdKQ2WYienlG2Bi__R2PzPzO89M6evnORs_FFANzKqutclV0l33bAKukDvJB_PZ9A-gP8k2Jk_uFDFYO-bypjaauft4BUODY-T9jgR56cLLE4n1VZtJKFUgRQCj4R5MjYsBjMfBLSW8162buUmp5BYLg88j-qDDUCSWz5cw/s4032/PXL_20220920_014512443.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPgwK-1EmCSO51MS1pYjgdKQ2WYienlG2Bi__R2PzPzO89M6evnORs_FFANzKqutclV0l33bAKukDvJB_PZ9A-gP8k2Jk_uFDFYO-bypjaauft4BUODY-T9jgR56cLLE4n1VZtJKFUgRQCj4R5MjYsBjMfBLSW8162buUmp5BYLg88j-qDDUCSWz5cw/s320/PXL_20220920_014512443.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I've also started working on some Dropzone Shaltari forces. I picked up a starter set for them, as well as the Post Human Republic (PHR) and the Resistance. With these guys, I'm trying my best to replicate their box art. I think the first batch turned out well. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDOWQKBTYluOzBa7B2CBmQw9YXWnfkGUvUunEN-GUw1qSp3x6VhPP8KJBz0D0G15JPQn-rCrZuctUyPXvoqmV-709cLG0-I8wvTdOr0wBy_KPbbY28fdgBQ1oGLfWdlhxZM3qK5dYMJ0L5LDzoHPdjHjCbyr9c-ZZVaFvGeGRCCbrZ5T51R3QegJjFw/s4032/PXL_20221002_143108850.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDOWQKBTYluOzBa7B2CBmQw9YXWnfkGUvUunEN-GUw1qSp3x6VhPP8KJBz0D0G15JPQn-rCrZuctUyPXvoqmV-709cLG0-I8wvTdOr0wBy_KPbbY28fdgBQ1oGLfWdlhxZM3qK5dYMJ0L5LDzoHPdjHjCbyr9c-ZZVaFvGeGRCCbrZ5T51R3QegJjFw/s320/PXL_20221002_143108850.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And last but not least, Dido from our Styx & Stones adventures. I've offered to paint the other players character models and since I've completed my character (Tidal), and the other party member Flewid, I'm on to Dido now. Once I'm done painting her, I will start Rachel next.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's what's on the table and some things that have left it recently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time!</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-15729795705945005522022-10-18T16:08:00.001-04:002023-02-07T09:22:50.136-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 4)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_d1vRzKnzNt3L44X2TZN-qx4nxzlUZro1JL4GFExvfQduPR_JQh-eCI4o0xS4khFq_Uy2kq-Uln2YcALhq0nIjnoylYNDFgtltPyojkc6hMH7RdpcqFBx-Ir6MPpYTQYtG1mWO1HOnX6sLjwpfR4mH3ZW3MhPUUcbW9gvtwq8uJ2VUAylEMVJBQcSg/s1920/Red%20Waste.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_d1vRzKnzNt3L44X2TZN-qx4nxzlUZro1JL4GFExvfQduPR_JQh-eCI4o0xS4khFq_Uy2kq-Uln2YcALhq0nIjnoylYNDFgtltPyojkc6hMH7RdpcqFBx-Ir6MPpYTQYtG1mWO1HOnX6sLjwpfR4mH3ZW3MhPUUcbW9gvtwq8uJ2VUAylEMVJBQcSg/w398-h180/Red%20Waste.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The party emerged from the tunnel they had been travelling through to be greeted by the warm breeze of their new environment. Unlike the tunnel's entrance in Cania, which had been in the side of a mountain stretching up into the sky, the entrance here was in what could only be charitably described as a mound of dirt. Before them lay a vast wasteland of emptiness. The land and the sky were hues of oxidized reds, and the landscape was void of pretty much everything save for the odd tree and pool of lava that dotted the land here and there.</p><span><a name="more"></a></span><p>Along the horizon, there were a few clusters of ruins. From the group's current position, it was hard to judge how far away these ruins were. They could be only a few hours of travel, or they could be days. The ruins looked like the burnt remains of villages, but with different architectural styles mingled together in some of the clusters. The smallest one looked like it could have been a shire for halflings at one time. All that was visible now however were the charred frames of the homes, with what would have been the earth and greenery stripped away. Part of another clusters, a slightly larger grouping, would have easily passed for a port town along a coast line or in the Vern Archipelago in the living world. But where the docks would have met the sea, they were greeted by barren and dried dirt. The other part looked to belong to what at one time might have been the market section of a goblin village.</p><p>Taking stock of their new environment, Dido flipped open the journal of Hupperdink to see if it contained any information about where they were. Thumbing the pages, she came to rest on a page and read it over quickly. Nodding that this was what she was looking for, she shared the passage with the group;</p><p> <i> </i><i>It took me too long to realize that I had left </i>Malbolge<i> and arrived in </i>Maladomini<i>, such are their similarities. I’m still unsure if I did so with intent. What finally alerted me to the change was the corrupted gardens—beautiful gardens being purposefully withered under the blood-red skies. Hopping across the craggy landscape—broken only infrequently by erupting lava pools—you’d never know that this is where devils came for amusement.</i></p><p><i><span> </span>As the pleasure-centre of </i>Baator<i>, </i>Maladomini<i> pulls fiends from every caste to its craggy shores. The danger here is surprisingly lessened, though, as they have little interest in new capturing souls and more interest in exchanging the ones they have already acquired. From what I have deduced, </i>Baalzebub<i> is not the only player in this realm. Rumors tell of </i>Lilith<i>, </i>Baalzebub’s<i> former consort, making a push for dominance. I have yet to verify this with fact.</i></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Baalzebub’s<i> punishment has been well recorded within other annals, and I won’t go into it too much here, other than to validate it with my own experiences. The Great Slug has indeed completed his punishment and now works to rebuild that which he for so long destroyed. I am uncertain if the end of his punishment also marks the end of animosity between he and </i>Asmodeus<i>, or maybe of something more nefarious.</i></p><p><i>Notable Locations:</i></p><p><i><span> </span>The Palace of Filth lies at the centre of </i>Malagard<i>, the largest city on this plane. There,</i> Baalzebub’s<i> former seat of Power lies collapsed and abandoned. It is my next destination. Under those condemned halls of dung and filth lie every bit of treasure that the Great Worm once claimed as his own. </i></p><p><i><span> </span>I have not yet been within the </i>Carnival Eternal<i>—that place where so many devils work for so many years to finally find some amusement. But I have attempted it. There are barriers there that even my prowess cannot overcome. Navigating the area seems easier than expected. I have found a most helpful Road through Hell that seems to facilitate my travel. I have not yet divined the arcana behind it.</i></p><p>Rachel removes a curved bladed dagger from her belt and begins to carve a crescent moon on the side of the tunnel entrance. Satisfied with her work, she turned and addressed the group;</p><p>"There. Something to let us know that we've been here. Incase we get turned around."</p><p>Dido nodded and looked back out to the barren landscape.</p><p>"We'll need to find somewhere to take a reprieve before we resume our search for the Styx." Dido offered to the group. Pointing out to the ruins of the shire, she continued;</p><p>"That should serve us well. It's small and out of the way."</p><p>Rachel walked over beside her and nodded as she squinted to try and get a better look.</p><p>Tidal seemed visibly agitated.</p><p>"Why are you suggesting we waste time cowering like wet calves. We have taken Baator's measure and not been found wanting. We should begin looking for the Styx now!" Tidal boasted.</p><p>"In case you haven't noticed, we're not in peak shape to take on any other combats currently!" Dido retorted, indicating with a wave of her hand at the whole group. "We need to take time to regroup and plan out our strategy. We just cannot blindly wander off into the wilderness and fight every random beast and creature until one of them bleeds the information we need!"</p><p>Tidal snorted.</p><p>"I do not fear our on coming battles!" raged Tidal as he beat his chest, "I have lived my life battle to battle, hoping that when my time comes at the hand of a superior foe, that my reward would be endless battle to prepare for a rematch against the foe that took my life when they inevitably would join me in the afterlife!"</p><p>Dido walked right up to Tidal, her chest puffed out and stood toe to hoof in front of him, hand on her hilt, locking eyes with him.</p><p>"Do not mistake my tactical assessment as fear of combat." Dido said in a low menacing voice. "But we must be more selective about when we choose to engage in battle for we are without a source of supplies and deep within enemy territory. Blindly walking into engagements would threaten our chances of success on our quest for the Choir."</p><p>Tidal continued to stand his ground while growling in a low tone.</p><p>"We want to make sure we have every advantage against Fraz-Urb'luu when the time comes." chimed in Rachel. "If these vassals the Choir provided use somehow fail us or are damaged irrevocably in battle, we may fail in this quest." Rachel paused looking back out toward the ruined shire before continuing, "That's why I agree we should take a small repose. Those ruins might also be along the path to the Styx."</p><p>Tidal snorted again, but relented after a moment and begrudgingly agreed.</p><p>"What do we know anyways about this demon prince Fraz-Urb'luu any ways?" inquired Dido. "I'm not familiar with the name."</p><p>[Background and time difference discussion]</p><p>It was around this time that Rachel noticed a path had formed at her feet. The path was made up of interlocking bricks and stretched off into the distance towards the horizon. She noticed that almost all the bricks had some kind of writing on them. The language was not the same on each one, but she could pick out the ones written in common, halfling, and druidic scripts. Each one contained a different, but similar message. She read a few of them;</p><p><i>I meant it for the best. For our children. It will only be this one time.</i></p><p>They all seemed to be promises, each made by someone different. There were four blank bricks that were located at the edge of the path closest to them. They were the only blanks that Rachel could see. Waving the rest of the group over, they gathered around and began to examine the path. The path lead away from the ruins and past to somewhere beyond their view. Tidal took a moment to try and sense if the road was magical, closing his eyes and reaching out his hand. He could only sense the items on him and his companions. He shook his head back to the group and informed them of his lack of discovery.</p><p>There was a sense of dread about what this brick path could mean for the group. Did they have to some how commit themselves to the road to make it do something. And was that the only cost?</p><p>Deciding that there was nothing more to be learned from the brick road, the party began to walk towards the ruined shire. As they started walking, they noticed something strange. The brick road began to shift in the dirt. It rearranged itself to be heading towards the shire they were now walking towards. The bricks making up the path almost seem to flow through the ground as if it was made of water rather than dirt. Out of an abundance of caution, the group kept to the dirt and refrained from walking on the brick path. </p><p>As they continued to walk along side it, the four blank bricks broke from the path and began to move in the path of the party. Each empty brick stayed a few paces in front of each party member. The party did their best to ignore these bricks. After a while longer, seeming to sense the disinterest, the blank bricks descended into the ground like a sinking stone in a pond. The brick path did the same.</p><p>The group carried on towards the husk of the shire, trekking across the cracked and blasted landscape. At about a point which seemed half way to their destination, Caravaggio caught sight of some movement on the horizon. A group of four individuals were carrying something off roughly in the direction of the north west from the party. Signaling the group, they all stopped to look. Dido squinted and tried to make out the forms. There were two small green simian creatures, each covered in what looked like jagged barbs. There was a taller individual, clad in gold armor and donning a red cape. One the front of it's armored helmet, instead of a visor, was a mask. The mask appeared as the face of an impassive porcelain doll. The armored figure carried a halberd as equally exquisite as it's armor. The final figure was a small red imp creature laying across the top of what seemed like a chest, or possibly an ark. </p><p>Tidal grew excited as the group watched the other party of four carry their cargo.</p><p>"He is our chance! We can engage these creatures in glorious battle!" Tidal growled in a low tone.</p><p>Dido held up a hand at Tidal.</p><p>"We do not have the strength at present to go picking a fight with some random passerby's." Dido scalded back in a hushed voice. "We should let them pass and carry on to our rest site."</p><p>Tidal grew agitated, raising his voice.</p><p>"It will be all the more glorious when we crush them and see what treasures them posses!"</p><p>Dido grew more irritated with Tidal's bravado. She was not used to working with others whos very motivations were opposed to hers. She also raised her voice in frustration to argue back at Tidal.</p><p>"Our primary goal at present is to find the river Styx! Attacking anything that moves doe not bring us closer to our goal!" </p><p>Rachel chimed in which a calming voice to try and settle her party members.</p><p>"We need to keep our focus on Fraz-Urb'luu. These minor demons and imps are not our concern and we are not at odds with them at present. We are still not at full strength after our last two bouts in Cania. And we presently don't know if the Choir can do anything for us if these forms take too much damage."</p><p>Tidal snorted and shook his head, clearly still irritated but beginning to sense continued protest would not lead to his desired outcome. Looking back towards the group of four, he could see that they had been spotted and were making more effort to put distance between the groups.</p><p>"Well, I guess this group will get away. They're already beating a retreat from us." Tidal said disappointedly.</p><p>The rest of the group looked back and noticed what Tidal saw. The creatures were moving faster now with the gold armored individual seeming to be both prodding it's companions with it's halberd to make them move faster while keeping an eye on the party.</p><p>With one last sigh of disgusted, Tidal began to walk onwards to the ruined shire, leading the group back along their original path.</p><p>The rest of their journey remained uneventful. The ominous clouds in the sky swirled about, but never really moved anywhere. There was no discernable source of light either. Just a constant bright red glow in the sky, that neither dimmed nor brightened. Time felt like it was at a stand still as the party walked towards their destination. They finally arrived at the edge of the shire.</p><p>Before the group was a street. Though in practice it was little more than a slightly different colored dirt road, barely differentiating itself from the surrounding landscape. It lead down past the burnt husks of several homes before ending a sort of cull-de-sac. There were perhaps 10 definable dwellings lining the sides of the street. Each was similar in composition. The hills that they would have been built into were stripped away, as if some powerful blast had removed the grass and soil. Only a portion remained around each dwellings base. Then there were the charred wooden frames of each house. Some were completely disheveled shapes. Rachel took point and quickly identified one of the closer homes as their staging site.</p><p>As the group made their way behind Rachel to the building, Tidal drew his spear. He decided he was going to make sure nothing else was taking up residence where the party planned to rest. Taking a few paces down the street, he looked towards the cull-de-sac and bellowed;</p><p>"WE ARE HERE! FACE US IF YOU DARE!"</p><p>The rest of the group looked back at him with a mix or annoyance and irritation. But his plan had worked. Attempting to fly away like a spooked pigeon, was a little red imp. It took to the sky from some where down in the cull-de-sac. </p><p>Quickly drawing and then launching his spear, Tidal aimed for the diminutive target. His reflex aim had been true as the imp was struck clean by the spear's tip. Infuriatingly for Tidal however, the target vanished once his spear made contact. He watched as the spear fell back to the ground at the end of the street. In a bit of a huff, he started walking down to collect his weapon, muttering all the while about how cowardly his quarry had been.</p><p>When Tidal reached the resting place of the spear, he bent over to collect it. Grabbing the hilt and lifting it up, he immediately noticed that the weight was off. Listening closely, he could hear a faint whine coming from near the spear's tip. He quickly flipped the spear over, smacking the tip against the ground. As soon as the blade hit the ground, the previously invisible imp reappeared. Tidal plucked the spear out of the unconscious creature's chest, as a black oozing ichor dripped off of it. Securing his spear, Tidal then reached down at grabbed the imp by the scruff of it's neck. He could see through the hole in it's chest, but it was already beginning to seal itself up at a very slow rate. Giving the creature a shake, Tidal addressed it;</p><p>"Wake up imp. I have questions."</p><p>The imp let out a weak moan but barely moved. Tidal began to walk back to the camp with the small devil in his grip. The group looked up from what they were doing as he approached the camp with his captive. Dido stood up and walked over, barring Tidal's path form getting too much closer.</p><p>"Don't bring that thing in here." Dido sneered. "Rachel is almost done casting our hut. We do not want it to have permission to come and go from it."</p><p>Shrugging his shoulders, Tidal motioned for a coil of rope sitting on the ground not to far away with a lift of his chin.</p><p>"Then let's tie it up and then we can ask it questions after the ritual is done." Tidal replied in his gravelly voice.</p><p>Dido agreed and fetched the rope. The two tied up the imp and placed him on the ground near the edge of the home they were planning on using as their camp. They made sure to tie a loose end of the rope down forming a kind of leash to make sure that if the imp was able to get up that he wouldn't make it far. </p><p>Gathering back around Rachel, the ritual was completed and a moderate sized cube of magical energy expanded from the center of the spell's casting location. To an observer on the outside, it would look like an opaque maroon shaded cube. On the inside, it had a similar shade to the walls, but those who took shelter from inside could see outward.</p><p>The hut erected, the group took the opportunity to finally take a rest. They each took turns watching their imp captive, making sure it wouldn't escape. Once they felt rested up, they decided it was time to speak with their captive.</p><p>Walking through the hut's wall as if it wasn't there, Tidal went over to the imp's resting place and picked him up by the back of the neck. The imp was much more animated now.</p><p>"What do you think you're doing you big cow?" came the shrieking voice of the imp.</p><p>Tidal walked it over to the hut and pinned the imp against it. Rachel and Dido stood closer to the inner wall of the hut, examining the creature, but didn't leave the huts confines. With a quiet word of intonement, Dido tried to cast a small blast of radiant energy onto the imp, but nothing happened. Rachel looked it over, noting it's characteristics. Dido was the first to ask it a question.</p><p>"We are looking for the river Styx. Do you know how to find it?" she asked with a menacing voice.</p><p>The imp grunted while squirming in it's rope binds.</p><p>"The Styx? Eh, it finds you when you're ready." the imp replied in it's tiny voice.</p><p>"Can you take us to it?" Dido continued.</p><p>"Why don't you just take the path?" the imp quipped back in a squeaky retort.</p><p>"What do you mean, the path?" Rachel inquired with a more soothing, motherly tone.</p><p>"You know, the path! You just have to make it a promise and it'll take you where ever you want! Quick too!" the imp said in a irritated tone like it was explaining how to breath.</p><p>The group absorbed this information. The imp was clearly talking about the brick path they had encountered earlier.</p><p>"Look! I've told you what you want. Can I go now?" The imp pleaded.</p><p>"We will let you go once we've finished asking you our questions!" Dido replied coldly.</p><p>"Deal!" replied the imp as it's eyes glowed red for a moment.</p><p>The group seemed puzzled by the imp's sudden change of heart. </p><p>"Tell me, what is your name?" asked Rachel.</p><p>"The name's Des'e'geth!" replied the imp. "And I was enjoying a nice snack of fingers before you're hulking brute of a cow came in here with his attitude!"</p><p>Tidal pushed him a little harder against the hut's wall.</p><p>"Well Des'e'geth," Rachel interjected, "can you tell us more about this path and how it works?"</p><p>"Well, you think of where you want to go see?" Des'e'geth replied, "And the path shows up! You make it a promise and BOOM! The path takes you there. It's pretty straight forward." quipped Des'e'geth. "But don't break that promise! Hoho!" Des'e'geth chuckled. "It would be bad news for you!" </p><p>"So, how about we get you to make the path a promise and take us to the Styx?" Dido said still using her menacing tone.</p><p>"Because you can't make me?" Des'e'geth retorted, a smirk on his face.</p><p>Dido went to smack the hilt of her sword against the imp's face but found she couldn't make her body carry out the action.</p><p>"What trickery is this?" Dido called out.</p><p>"You made a deal with me. I answer your questions, you let me go. Pretty simple." Des'e'geth said matter of factly, the smirk still on it's face.</p><p>"Can you enchant any of our weapons to better fight in Baator?" inquired Tidal.</p><p>"Do I look like a spell caster to you Cow? No, I can't do those kinda things." Des'e'geth squeaked back at Tidal.</p><p>"Then I guess you have no purpose left for us then." Tidal said as he tightened his grip on Des'e'geth's neck and then with his other hand grabbed his feet. He then began to pull Des'e'geth from both ends to rip him in half.</p><p>"No! We made a promise!" Screamed Des'e'geth.</p><p>"No, the elf made one with you!" Tidal said with a smirk on his face.</p><p>"Stop this!" Des'e'geth yelled.</p><p>Dido felt compelled by Des'e'geth's words to act. Without thinking or seeming controlled of her actions, she drew her sword and swung it at Tidal, attempting to break his grip of the now stretching in half imp. Her attack merely clanged off Tidal's armor as he finished ripping the creature in half. Ichor sprayed everywhere and a flash of bright blinding white light exploded from within the imp, blinding everyone at the camp.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2022/10/styx-stones-part-5.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-23321107841718028182022-09-28T15:54:00.007-04:002023-02-07T09:22:25.112-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 3)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQyCz9jfxH_KRFdz5YFkVK7P41iOL-gV2PhH1j6Hzw0_Wy8u3TMlHAwPB7yt4zRQaIWkO5hPkgBHRfWmiNd0IHJLoSWZdMsPlCmTQHFQgo-TL3Cr5y_3VntqW3SUiQRngId0WY8jm8ayKUHb3HjL0O6NUYvCAJuLYESqnK_XV9HkKdNe-fY5jlci7jg/s590/Rock%20Tunnel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="590" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQyCz9jfxH_KRFdz5YFkVK7P41iOL-gV2PhH1j6Hzw0_Wy8u3TMlHAwPB7yt4zRQaIWkO5hPkgBHRfWmiNd0IHJLoSWZdMsPlCmTQHFQgo-TL3Cr5y_3VntqW3SUiQRngId0WY8jm8ayKUHb3HjL0O6NUYvCAJuLYESqnK_XV9HkKdNe-fY5jlci7jg/w401-h226/Rock%20Tunnel.jpg" width="401" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The remaining journey to Gelunith was uneventful, as far as encounters with other creatures of Baator was concerned. The different sheets of ice that made up the ground of Cania shifted and crashed into each other, making progress slow. All the while, the constant screams of the wind were ever present as an ever constant snow fall filled the air.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p> The tide of these icebergs culminated at the base of the mountain. Stretching well up into the skies above, lost behind the clouds that made up the constant overcast of Cania, Gelunith was like a pillar in a frozen ocean. It's based stretch for miles in either direction. There was little in the way of rock on the mountain's surface. The tides of ice crashed against the side of the mountain, hiding and revealing different parts along it's base with each impact.</p><p>The chill of Cania was seeping into the party but the group steeled itself against the cold. The group began to look around to see if there were any entrances into Gelunith. A cave perhaps, or some other form of entrance. Anything that might offer reprieve from Cania's environment.</p><p>After suggesting they start to walk counter clockwise around Gelunith's base, Dido took the lead scouting for any indication they were heading in the right path. The party began to fan out into a loose line as they followed Dido's lead. Tidal brought up the rear, while Caravaggio stayed only a few paces behind Dido. Rachel was in the middle.</p><p>It was hard to tell how long they had been circumnavigating the base of the mountain. The sun, or what ever the source of light was that lay hidden behind the clouds, never seemed to move or change intensity. Finally however, Dido spotted something different along their path. About 100ft ahead, the ice sheet crashing into Gelunith's base was moving more vertical than the others. All the sheets they'd see so far had a fairly horizontal movement to them, like waves crashing against a rocky cliff. This sheet however, bobbed more than how the others collided. Dido, feeling hope swell inside of her, began to move forwards with a little more haste. Rachel and Caravaggio began to keep pace seeing her pick up speed. </p><p>Tidal, seeing the group move faster started to pick up his pace. However, just as he started to move faster, a low rumble began under his feet. That was followed by a wall of ice jutting up form the ground with a large crackling noise. The rest of the group, several paces ahead, stopped and looked when they heard the sound. The new wall of ice cut of Tidal form the rest of the group. But the wall was not natural. At least, not compared to how the ice sheets had been moving during their voyage. There was an intelligence behind this new wall.</p><p>Quickly looking around, Caravaggio spotted what he had suspected. Two Gelugons where now descending the side of Gelunith like spiders on a wall. Each held a spear that was trained on the main group.</p><p>"Two enemies up high!" was all Caravaggio said as he pulled out his weapon and turned to face their new foes.</p><p>Rachel spun around to face the new threat. Taking quick aim with an open palm, a soft glowing light balled up at the center of her hand. With a quick spoken word, the ball launched from her hand and streaked like an arrow to one of the Gelugons. Finding it's target, the guiding bolt hit the Gelugon in the chest and left it with a visible glow as the energy began to seep across it's body.</p><p>As the bolt was speeding along it's trajectory, Rachel noticed something beyond her line of fire. Her eye caught a glimpse of what could be a cave. Right at the base of the mountain, almost directly in the path of the descending Gelugons, was an opening into the wall of ice. It was only visible for a moment as the bobbing sheet of ice soon covered it up again. After her bolt landed, she began to race over to where the opening had been.</p><p>Caravaggio noticed that Rachel was moving towards the mountain's base and started to follow. Up above her, a Gelugon was glowing and was about 10ft away from Rachel. It swung with it's spear but Rachel was a small target and the Gelugon had a hard time aiming for her. Caravaggio began to move to provide some cover for her. He only made it a few steps before he was struck by something hard and cold. He looked up to see the other Gelugon that had not been hit by Rachel's bolt. Before he could react, the Gelugon's tail struck him across the face.</p><p>Meanwhile, Tidal was cutoff from the rest of the party. He could hear the sound of combat coming from past the wall. He felt enraged that a foe had been so cowardly as to not engage them as a full group. Tidal began to feel a warmth swell-up inside of him and his body began to glow. The glow quickly grew like a flash and as it reached it's brightest point, and Tidal let out a loud war cry. As the flash dissipated from his body, he found himself surrounded by lichen at his feet. It was springing up from under the ice all around him. The growth was as frenzied as the rage he felt inside of him. Taking his hammer, he swung with all the might he could put behind it at the ice wall in front of him. The crash of his hammer against the ice was deafening, but it only produced some minor cracks along it's surface.</p><p>Rachel dodge to her left as the glowing Gelugon repeatedly stabbed at her from it's position up on the ice wall of the mountain. She rolled to the right as another lung came towards her from the spear's pointed tip. Ducking to the ground, Rachel made some motions with her hands as she called forth her holy energy. Casting a starry veil around her, she began to heal her wounds caused by the creature. The reprieve didn't last long however, as she rolled again out of the way of the Gelugon's questing spear.</p><p>Caravaggio was now enraged at being struck by the Gelugon. With a battle cry of his own, Caravaggio swung his rapier upwards at his foe. With two quick blows, he connected with his target. The Gelugon's attention was now fully aimed at the raging hobgoblin before it. With a shattering noise, the ice wall separating Tidal form the group came crashing down. The focus keeping it up was no longer there.</p><p>Dido took the opportunity to capitalized on this shift in focus from their assailant by coming in with a swing of her longsword in a sweeping arc, connecting with the armor of the Gelugon fighting Caravaggio. The creature turned it's bug like face towards Dido and it's mandibles moved rapidly, while something that sounded like a shriek came from what was presumably it's mouth. </p><p>Before it could raise it's spear towards Dido, Tidal came charging in and struck it with his hammer in an upwards motion. A crunching noise could be heard as the hammer hit the Gelugon's carapace. The distraction gave Caravaggio enough time to swing his rapier with surgical precision, landing a blow against one of the Gelugon's legs. Dido then followed it up with two more swings, each connecting with their mark.</p><p>The trio were beginning to overwhelm their adversary with their flurry of blows. Just as Tidal began to take another swing, the ice sheet underneath them heaved. A larger sheet of ice had crashed into the one they were standing on and it was beginning to sink. Quickly reacting, Dido and Tidal jumped to their right, as Caravaggio rolled to his left and landed hard on the next ice sheet. Dido slipped as she landed, falling on her back and spinning across the ice towards Rachel.</p><p>The Gelugon took the moment of confusion from the ice flow and retreated back up the wall of Gelunith. It's one leg staggered as it moved. Tidal quickly recovered and began to prepare a swing of his hammer. As he approached his target, he could hear it speak in a foul sounding language. He chuckled inwardly thinking that it must be cursing him for how the fight was going now that he had joined the fray. However, Tidal soon realized that the creature had been in fact casting a spell, as a new wall of ice came jutting out from the side of the mountain. His amusement quickly turned to anger as he hollered at the beast. Lowering his head, Tidal made a charge at the base of the mountain. Perhaps he'd be able to knock the foe from it's perch and finish it off.</p><p>Running at full speed, Tidal crashed into the side of the mountain with his horns. There was a little shake, some snow falling off the side of the ice wall, but there was not enough force in the impact to knock the Gelugon off the side of the mountain. </p><p>Rachel was continuing to dodge blows from her attacker. While preparing to weave past another thrust, she heard some clicking noises from higher up the mountain. The next thrust she was expecting never came. Rachel watched as the Gelugon in front of her started to head back up the side of the mountain to rendezvous with it's companion.</p><p>Having recovered from his fall, Caravaggio pulled out his longbow and trained a shot towards the retreating foes. In quick succession, he let two arrows fly, each hitting their mark. They were little more than irritating to the Gelugons as they retreated. The Gelugon that had been fighting Caravaggio, Dido, and Tidal had stopped a moment as if it was going to reengage the group, but a short clicking noise from his companion seemed to dissuade him from pursuing that course of action.</p><p>As the pair of foes retreated further up the hill and out of range, Rachel rejoined the group and used some of her healing energy on Caravaggio and the others.</p><p>Taking this moment's reprieve, Dido motioned the group over to the entrance they had found. The entrance seemed rather small. For Tidal and Caravaggio's hulking forms, they might have trouble moving into and through this passage.</p><p>"Stand aside. I'll proceed and you all can follow" Tidal said in a gruff tone as he bent down and started to force his way into the opening.</p><p>The group watched in amazement as the entrance to the cave seemed to adjust in size to accommodate Tidal's large physique. It was still a tight fit, like pushing a rock through a sock, but the tunnel made space for him to pass. Rachel followed next, with Dido after her and Caravaggio bringing up the rear.</p><p>The walls of the tunnel looked like pure ice. The surface was not one smooth piece however, it was made up of different sized pieces all pushing into each other. Caravaggio noticed that the path behind him did not keep his size, but contracted back to it's original size as he passes by. This space was very claustrophobic as the party pressed forwards.</p><p>As the group continued to move onwards, the tunnel also seems to be pushing them forward as they moved. It felt as though they were being swallowed by the mountain. It was hard for the party to keep track of how long they had been moving through this claustrophobic space. Had it been half an hour? Maybe longer? And there was a foreboding feeling that seemed to weight on the group. At times, each of the party members felt as though their deepest fears were at risk of breaking to the surface and leaving them in a state of panic. Then they would just shake the feeling off and keep pressing forwards.</p><p>This went on for some time before one of these moments broke Rachel. She felt the feeling again, just as the other times before. But this time it was different. She had a flash back to a time from her youth, when she had stayed out beyond her parents curfew. She could vividly recall the smell of the city streets, the brisk dusk air across her face. The setting of the autumn sun. </p><p>She also remembered how quickly night set in. The darkness that surrounded her. The way the shadows bounced off everything. The scream.</p><p>Rachel remembered the sight of the lifeless corps in the alley way, and the villainous scoundrel standing above it. The knife he was holding and the blood dropping off it onto the cold stone pathway.</p><p>She remembered running as fast as she could, trying to out run what she had seen. But this time, it was different to how she remembered it. She remembered not being seen and getting back to her house and hiding. But this time, it felt as though the killer had seen her. That he had caught up to her. That he was swinging his blade towards her.</p><p>Rachel reacted and swung her morning star back at her assailant, but it doesn't seem to be blocking the blade. She then channeled her holy energy and summoned her spiritual weapon. A floating blade in the shape of a crescent moon formed in the air. With a thought, she willed it to intercede and bloke the blade then strike her foe.</p><p>From out of nowhere, Tidal was struck in the back. He turned around and saw Rachel, her eyes distant and lost. It was a look he'd seen before in some of his fellow comrades from when he lead armies. The look of a mind trapped in old thoughts. Still irritated by having been struck, Tidal grabbed Rachel by her breastplate and lifted her up. He then pinned her to the wall of the cave and barked "HOLD!"</p><p>Dido, roused from her thoughts by the commotion looked ahead to see the pair grappled together.</p><p>""Please! Stop fighting each other! Save your strength for our travel through Cania!" Dido chided, not seeing from her position Rachels glossy eyes.</p><p>Rachel was struggling against he assailant. She was pinned down and couldn't break free. But then she heard a voice that didn't belong. It was coming from her attacker. Her assailant sounded like Tidal. But that didn't make sense. She had only just met him recently. And not in her home town. Then she heard another voice. It was Dido. As her memory started to piece together her recent travels, the illusion of her attack started to melt away. Soon, she found herself looking eye to eye with Tidal. And she wasn't pinned to the ground, but rather, she was being held up against the wall of the cave.</p><p>Tidal could see the distant look disappear in Rachel's eyes, replaced with more situational awareness. She shook her head and locked eyes with him.</p><p>"I'm so sorry! I don't know what came over me." Rachel said. "One moment I was walking in this cave, then next, I... I was... in a memory from my past." </p><p>Rachel looked up and saw her spiritual weapon floating in the air near Tidal's head. With a tilt of her head to the side, she made it vanish. She looked back at Tidal.</p><p>"I'm fine. I'm in control again." Rachel said reassuringly.</p><p>"See that it stays that way little one." snorted Tidal as he dropped her back onto her feet and continued to proceed forward.</p><p>Everyone began to move forward again. After awhile longer, the walls started to look different. The blue and white hues of the ice were replaced by the red and earthy tones of rock. No one noticed when it had happened, or if there had been a distinct point where the change occurred. It had just happened. The group also struggled to orient themselves. Had they been moving along a level straight line into the mountain, or had they been moving up or down a slope?</p><p>As the group continued to pressed forwards, a glint of something caught Rachel's eye. It started as a pin prick of red light in the distance, but soon became larger and larger as the moved forwards. It was the other end of the tunnel. </p><p>"Hey! The end is in sight!" Rachel announced to the party.</p><p>The group stopped for a moment at Dido's request.</p><p>"We don't know what's beyond that entrance. It might be guarded. Someone should scout ahead." Dido told the group.</p><p>"I'll scout ahead." Rachel offered.</p><p>The group nodded and Rachel shimmied her way under Tidal and out in front of the group. Slowly, she crept up to the entrance. Not leaving the cave, Rachel peered out beyond to survey what lay before them. She was greeted by a vast red wasteland. The skies were still overcast, but the grey hues of Cania's overcast were replaced with the red hues of this place. There was no rain or snow which was a welcome change from Cania's constant snow fall. There was also no vegetation to speak of. At least nothing alive. There were the odd dead tree that dotted the landscape. Their dried bark and gnarled branches made them look like lost travelers in the desert praying to the sky for rain.</p><p>There was no sign of movement beyond the entrance. There was no sign of life at all. Rachel made her way back to the group to relay her findings. Satisfied that the area was clear, the group made the rest of the trek to the end of the Tunnel and out into the next layer of Baator.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2022/10/styx-stones-part-4.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-77749659867094643012022-09-21T22:05:00.004-04:002023-02-07T09:21:53.825-05:00Styx & Stones (Part 2)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_Sazzvtln815zLjNx8z04LBRJR9YSxRkq2YBmr_-5rbCRbkeArVLz_sUZOSTvoVHODV9fqaPnu-aUC_PNfVf4H5-Bxjhl5MKA8scEhbbVOz3aQiv0JgrrbhT0ZTiAvrhp-kHD9a51b_yn2E8D0CDlpuL9gpVBkuCCMXNSRiLDqmOtEwEWxT8Jh70ng/s1263/Ice%20wastes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1263" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_Sazzvtln815zLjNx8z04LBRJR9YSxRkq2YBmr_-5rbCRbkeArVLz_sUZOSTvoVHODV9fqaPnu-aUC_PNfVf4H5-Bxjhl5MKA8scEhbbVOz3aQiv0JgrrbhT0ZTiAvrhp-kHD9a51b_yn2E8D0CDlpuL9gpVBkuCCMXNSRiLDqmOtEwEWxT8Jh70ng/w465-h221/Ice%20wastes.jpg" width="465" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The chill was beginning to set in again. With the celestial being now gone, the group was left in a cold and dark cavern. The only source of light was coming from the entrance only a few feet away. The room was deadly silent, save for the wails from the wind beyond the cavern. Most of the group were still digesting the new information they had just been given. That is until the silence was broken once more.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Taking his moment of opportunity, Caravaggio landed a well placed blow to the back of Tidal's head leaving him a little stunned. Swiftly maneuvering himself towards the entrance, he placed himself between the cave entrance and the group. Taking a few more steps to the entrance, Caravaggio was met with the deepest of freezes. The air beyond the cavern was so cold his breath was freezing almost on contact and frozen droplets feel from the air. Looking around, he could see now that the cave entrance was merely an opening roughly some 200ft down from the surface. There were no ledges or trails from where he stood and it was a straight drop down. Caravaggio couldn't see the bottom of the chasm. The cliff face opposite was to far to reach.</p><p>Flewid turned towards Dido and Rachel.</p><p>"So what do we do now?" Inquired Flewid.</p><p>"Well, I guess we need to find a way out of this place and find this Syllucraff individual so we can start making our way to the abyss." Dido replied.</p><p>Tidal shook his head and snorted. He was not pleased about the sucker punch he had just gotten. Letting out a loud cry, he began to charge at Caravaggio. </p><p>"STAND DOWN!" yelled Rachel as Tidal took the first few steps of his charge but did not slow.</p><p>Acting quickly, Flewid casts an entangle spell. With lightning fast speed, various vines burst from the ground and ensnared Tidal, immediately stopping his advance.</p><p>Rachel walked over to where Tidal was now trapped and put herself between him and Caravaggio. Looking at both of them she made a stern face and held up her hands to each and spoke to them;</p><p>"We have more important things to do than for you two to keep sparring with each other. Now I demand that you cease this none sense and begin to work with us to achieve The Choirs' goal."</p><p>Caravaggio turned around and took in the sight of what was unfolding behind him. He slowly walked over to Rachel and stopped. A tense moment passed as he stared Tidal in the eye. Then, in a swift motion, Caravaggio swung out and striked Tidal again. Tidal's rage grew and he was furiously trying to escape the vines that continued to bound him to his spot.</p><p>Dido exhaled a sigh and walked over to stand by Rachel. She addressed both combatants as she drew her sword partially out of it scabbard;</p><p>"You will both stand down now, or we will strike you both down and carry out our mission without either of you. As the halfling said, we don't have time for your tomfoolery."</p><p>Caravaggio narrowed his eyes, first keeping his stare locked with Tidal, then moving his gaze to the others in the room. He finally rested his gaze on Dido and the half drawn sword. With a half nod, Caravaggio walked away from the others to go back and stand by the entrance of the cavern. Dido turned her gaze to Tidal.</p><p>"And you?" She inquired with a stern tone.</p><p>Tidal began to slowly stop struggling against the vines. Once he stopped, and with a snort and a slow nod, he indicated he would stop.</p><p>"Good. I think both of you will have the chance to prove your battle prowess out there - " Dido gestured past the cave opening. " - but for now, we must work together to get out from here and make our way to the base of Gelunith."</p><p>She nodded over to Flewid who released the spell. The vines retracted into the ground and Tidal was left to stand on his own where he had been stopped.</p><p>"You are worthy foe!" Tidal spoke in a loud voice towards Caravaggio. "When our task is complete, I shall battle and defeat you then!"</p><p>Caravaggio snorted and spoke back over his shoulder in a sinister tone;</p><p>"Heh, I doubt very much your odds of victory in that confrontation."</p><p>Feeling the matter resolved for now. Dido began to speak to the group;</p><p>"We should see what resources we can gather from here and then devise our escape."</p><p>As they all glanced around, there was little to be seen in this sparse cave. It was set up as a simple laboratory. There were a few work benches around the walls and not much else. There was little in the way of equipment as well. Some empty wooden stands for repositories were about all that could be seen. If this place had been well stocked at one point, anything of value had certainly been taken by now.</p><p>One oddity did stand out to the group however. Tucked in a corner at the back of the room was the curled up little body Caravaggio had checked out when they woke up. Rachel, Dido, Caravaggio and Flewid made their way over to examine it. As they drew closer, they could tell that it was the body of a gnome. Frost lined it's fur coat and it looked like a partially mummified corpse. There was also the small satchel containing a few items.</p><p>Caravaggio pulled the satchel back off the body and quickly rifled through it again. The same few scrolls and jar are still inside. He tries to read the scrolls, but they don't make any sense to him. With a dismissive snort, he slammed the satchel against Flewid's chest and walked away. Flewid tried to catch his breath as it had been knocked out of him by the force of Caravaggio "handing" him the bag.</p><p>Dido pulled the journal out from the satchel and began to take a moment to skim it's pages. Rachel performed a little prayer for the Gnome and Flewid then tried to see if the fur coat might have some use. Seeing that it was too small, he gave it to Rachel which was just long enough to be a cap for here.</p><p>Shortly after Rachel completed her prayer for the departed, she tied the fur coat to her armor and turned to asked Dido if the journal contained anything of value.</p><p>"Yes. It seems that this journal belongs to our gnomish friend here. A McClintock Hupperdink, a former scribe for a group called the Orders Arcane." replied Dido.</p><p>"Oh, I've heard of them!" chimed in Flewid. "Some group of magic scholars based in Gnomandy."</p><p>"Well, it looks like Mr. Hupperdink here was not impressed that they denied his quest to come to Baator to study it. Let me read you this:</p><p><i>I write today's entry as a free gnome. I am no longer bound by the limited cognitive abilities of the Orders Arcane.</i></p><p><i>Today marks the beginning of my my journey. I, McClintock </i><i>Hupperdink, FORMER High Scribe of the Orders Arcane, </i><i>begin a new journey: I will map out and explore each of the </i><i>Nine Hells of Baator.</i></p><p><i>My goal: ABSORB! There is so much untapped knowledge </i><i>and potential and ARCANE POWER down there. </i><i>These short-sighted old fools in their ironed vestments can't </i><i>fathom the power we can learn. Think of the experiments of </i><i>Mephistopheles! The mints of Minauros!</i></p><p><i>My journey will last exactly one year. RESEARCH </i><i>EVERYTHING. WRITE IT ALL.</i></p><p><i>On my return. Publication! DISCOURSE!</i></p><p><i>Now. To find a portal...</i></p><p><i>M. "</i></p><p>Dido flipped a few more pages in the journal and read another entry.</p><p>"<i>Cania - The Eighth Layer</i></p><p><i>After an hour in Cania, I have utterly forgotten what
it was like to be warm.
This is an icy hellscape, whose ice storms I have seen
tear flesh from bone.
The icy wastes and the constant grey skies are
occasionally cut by flashes of bright light and intense
flames. I have learned that the majority of these stem
from Mephistopheles’ experimentation. </i></p><p><i>Mephistopheles’ fiendish claws, bright crimson red
skin, large bat-like wings and impressive, curling ram
horns all put his hellish heritage on proud display.
He is a being of razor-sharp instinct, careful suspicion
and prodigious brilliance, and a cunning genius with
an unparalleled understanding of Hell’s political
dangers.
The Lord of the Eighth seems keen on expanding the
boundaries of arcane possibility.
Even I’m not sure what that means. </i></p><p><i>Within the warmth of the Citadel, I have
encountered Pit Fiends and Cornugon, although by far
the most numerous are the Gelugon. In my limited time in the frozen wastes, I saw only
Gelugon, searching for any remnants of
Mephistopheles’ experimentation that might provide
them the power or knowledge they need to be
promoted.
I fear the screaming howls of the snowstorms in this
Hell also hide something much more sinister.</i></p><p><i>The Citadel of Mephistar. The Citadel is the main city
in Cania and rests atop Nargus, the largest glacier in
this Hell.
I didn’t intend to visit the Citadel. I don’t know if my
body was pulled by the warmth emanating from it, of
if there something more nefarious called me here.
The Citadel is home to The Court of Mephistopheles.
It, too, is carved from Nargus, deep under the ice like
the grandest cities of the dwarves.
Nargus also houses the School of Hellfire, the
academy where Mephistopheles trains his wizards to
create the powerful Hellfire Engines that roam
Avernus.
Some of the mountains here are curious as well.
Gelunith and Foristhimith, for example, have
etymological roots in Celestial. Curious."</i></p><p>The cold of Cania was starting to set in on the group and they all were beginning to freeze and shiver. Rachel was struck by an idea and motioned everyone to gather around her.</p><p>"I'm going to cast a magical hut. It should give us a chance to warm up while we plan our next steps."</p><p>Rachel began to recite the incantation and enact the ritual while the others stood near by. Only Caravaggio was not standing with the group, choosing instead to stand by the entrance of the cave once more looking out at the sheer wall of ice that was opposite them. The others gave him his space as they did not want to provoke any more fighting. None of them really had any kind of bond with each other having only been brought into this half life about only an hour ago.</p><p>As Rachel's ritual came to an end, a magical force expanded from the center point of her motions and enveloped the group. It formed a cube like shape and the environment inside felt comfortable. Everyone took a seat on the ground and began to warm up a little. </p><p>Tidal pulled a potion from a pouch tied to his belt and popped the cork. He then began to guzzle it's contents as the red liquid sloshed around the vial and down into his mouth. Flewid flipped open the satchel that Caravaggio had slammed against him and pulled out the scrolls. Thumbing through them, he quickly identified them as; a Scroll of Disguise, Invisibility, and Warding Bond.</p><p>Rachel looked over at Dido.</p><p>"So how do you think we'll get out of here?" Rachel asked.</p><p>"We'll likely have to climb the the ice wall outside this cave. It could take awhile." replied Dido.</p><p>Flewid held up the scrolls to the group in the hut.</p><p>"None of these will be of use climbing." He said waving them towards Dido. "A scroll of Disguise, Invisibility and Warding Bond. They might have more use once we get to this Gelunith mountain."</p><p>"Maybe there are some magical items around that we can't see?" mused Tidal.</p><p>"Yea? And how are we going to know if that's true?" Dido said narrowing here eyes as she stared back at him.</p><p>"I have an ability to sense near by magical things. I'll check for you."</p><p>Tidal closed his eyes and began to hum, mostly to himself. Inside his mind, he saw a colorless version of their current environment. As he moved is minds eye around, he could see the glowing forms of magical items and spells. The hut they were in glowed a bright golden color. Each member of the group had magical items on their person and the scrolls in Flewid's hand glowed. Opening his eyes, he looked back over to Dido and speaks; </p><p>"I don't see anything that's not already with someone. But I bet that magical rope the Bugbear is holding might be useful."</p><p>Hearing Tidal speak from within the hut, Caravaggio looked down at the rope he had tied to himself. He begins to look it over to see if he can somehow learn what makes it magical and what it does.</p><p>"It occurs to me," said Flewid speaking up," That we have not introduced ourselves to each other. If we are going to work together to complete this quest, we should at least know each other's names. I'll start with myself. You can call me Flewid. I'm, well I was, an adventurer seeking a lost Oasis. Not sure exactly how I died. Last thing a remember was a whoosh of water."</p><p>"You can call me Tidal." Tidal says with a snort. "I am the champion of the Clan Ni'ol'redne't. Second to Clan chief Staazer Kefalotyri. I feel in glorious battle defending our realm."</p><p>"Well I'm Rachel, cleric of Selune." Rachel continued raising her hand, "I was captured and burned at the stake by a group of cultists while investigating the disappearance of Selune."</p><p>Dido looked at the others then joined in. "You may call me Dido. I am the Avatar of Vengeance for Shevarash and I feel in battle."</p><p>"Then it was a good death!" interjected Tidal. "there is no better way to die than with a weapon in your hand and you're feet on the ground."</p><p>The others did not share Tidal's enthusiasm.</p><p>"What about you Bugbear? Did you die in honorable combat?" Tidal continued.</p><p>Caravaggio sneered. "The combatants were not honorable. But they got what they deserved."</p><p>After a pause, he added; "You may simply call me Car."</p><p>"Well, this is all nice, but we are going to have a climb ahead of us." Dido replied. "And then we're going to have to make our way to Gelunith as quickly as possible so we don't freeze to death while likely fending off heaven's know what kind of demonic ilk. Did you all see how our breath was freezing by the entrance earlier? I imagine it's worse up above."</p><p>"Um, I might have something to help with the climb." Rachel said, demonstrating her power with hand motions. "I have an ability call Steps of Night. I can use it to create little platforms that I can step onto and walk my way up the cliff. I could take the rope with me and tie it off up near the top, then the rest of you could climb up without having to stop and secure it every so often."</p><p>"That's and excellent idea. And I can tie all the ropes together so we have a long enough rope to make one big climb." Dido added.</p><p>The group proceeded to finalize their plan over the next hour while they warmed up in the hut.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">The walls of the hut began to dissolve from the top down as Rachel released the spell from active use. The four party members inside were greeted to the sight of Caravaggio sitting cross legged on the ground half way between where the hut had been moments before and the entrance to the cave. He seemed to be affixing a small skull to his shield.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido walked over to Caravaggio. She stops in front of him and looks expectantly with a hand out reached. After a moment, he looks up at her having finished attaching the skull to his shield and then grabs one end of the rope he has laying beside him. Dido takes the offered end and walks over to Rachel. Rachel had the rest of the rope bundled neatly around her body so she could still move while carrying it. Dido grabs one of the ends and ties the new length of rope to it. </p><p style="text-align: left;">After completing an expertly ties knot, Dido begins to wrap the new length of rope around Rachel. Once she had completed this task, Caravaggio got up form his spot on the ground and walked over to Rachel. Bending over so that he could speak directly in Rachel's ear, Caravaggio whispered the command word into her ear. Rachel nodded that she understood and then made her way to the cave entrance. Taking a deep breath, she hopped off the ledge at the entrance and landed on a previously non-existent platform. It looked like a flatten crystal with colors pulled form a night sky. Deep blues, purples and other dark shades made up this crystal platform which stood oddly in contrast to the bright blues and whites of the ice that made up their surroundings. Confident that the spell was working, Rachel began to hop her way up, like a child climbing a set of stairs that were too big for them to make in normal steps. It wasn't too long before she disappeared above the line of sight from back in the cave.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group waited patiently near the entrance for a sign that Rachel had completed her accent. After a good 20 minuets or so, a rope fell back into view of the entrance. Tidal stepped out to the edge and grabbed the rope. He gave it a strong tug and the rope stayed in place. Feeling that it was secure, Tidal left the ledge and began to climb up the rope. Soon after, Flewid joined him and began the climb, followed by Caravaggio then Dido. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The climb took longer for the rest of the group than compared to Rachel. After a good hour, the group made it's way to the top of the rope and onto the ice sheet. Rachel had been waiting just below the surface, waiting for the group to catch up. The wind up on the surface was bitter cold. There was no where to hide or find respite from the biting cold. Dido surveyed their surroundings and tried to get a barring on where their destination might be. There was only one mountain in view from their location and it stretched well above the clouds that obfuscated the sky. Sensing that this must be the way to proceed, Dido waved the group forwards and they started their trudge towards what they hoped was Gelunith and their entrance to Maladomini.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group had been hiking for some time towards the mountain. The cold was beyond bearable. All the while, the sky was a constant overcast, seeming like a storm and not a storm. The clouds would roil and move, the wind ever constant. Visibility was maybe only good for maybe 100 feet. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As the group approached what Dido guessed might be the half way point, something was different. The storm had changed. Or had it? While the wind seemed to be coming from the direction of the mountain, a part of the storm behind them seemed to be getting closer. Caravaggio stopped to try and get a better look. Squinting his eyes, and covering his face from the wind, he stared at the storm. Sure enough, a part of the storm was moving against the wind towards them. It moved as though it was like a predator, almost bounding towards them. He turned back towards the group and managed a quick "Defend yourselves" before the storm was on them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tidal and Caravaggio had their weapons drawn and took up defensive postures around the group. Visibility was even lower now. The group could see each other, and maybe 10ft around them. Beyond that, it was just a swirl of clouds, dust, and ice. There were a few large rocks jutting out of the ground like the claws of a fiend. The formation was near where the group was positioned and they tried to take cover by them. As they began to move however, three forms materialized from the storm. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The dust and ice swirled together to form large cat like creatures. These Hellcats resembled large saber-toothed tigers. But along their backs was a series of spines made of ice. Their large front teeth also looked like giant icicles. Their fur was a mix of brown, gray and blue hues. Each had glowing blue eyes that moved like will-o-wisps in the storm and their tails swung back and forth with sharp motions. While they each made stalking movements towards the group, no sound could be heard from their paws as they took each step.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As the group took up their positions near the rock formation, the winds in this storm blew even greater. Rachel could feel this cold slowing her down and freezing parts of her skin. From her position, she couldn't make out any of the Hellcats. Taking a moment to look out from the rock she was pressed against, she caught sight of the blue will-o-wisps moving just out beyond her visible range, obscured by the storm raging around them. Taking a few paces out and away from the rock, she made out the outline of a Hellcat. Without hesitation, Rachel flung a hand out in front of her and incited an incantation. From beneath the creature, a swirl of magical flames arose and struck the beast, clearly causing some harm. The Hellcat let out a yelp of pain as the flames seared part of it's fur. Hearing this, Tidal was able to pinpoint it's location and bellowed in rage as he stormed over. Getting just within visual range of the beast, Tidal let fly a javelin he had been holding. The javelin landed true to it's mark and pierced the creatures fur. Letting out another howl, the Hellcat charged towards Tidal with it's large ice fangs bared. The beast swung with it's front claws, but Tidal bobbed and weaved around them. In frustration at missing it's target, the Hellcat snapped it's jaws at Tidal, but this action was also futile as the minotaur was just to quick and leaned out of it's path.</p><p style="text-align: left;">About 20ft away Dido and Flewid were pressed against another rock in the formation. Dido was the first to catch a glimpse of another of the Hellcats. Drawing her sword, she quickly darted out from the rock and made two quick slashes against the beast's flank. Then she came back to take shelter under the rock once more. Flewid, feeling emboldened by Dido's skill, decided to perform an attack of his own. Moving his head from side to side and cracking a few neck bones, Flewid then shook his head as fur started to sprout form his smooth skin. But it wasn't just his skin. All his clothing started to blur together with the rest of his form as he transformed into a large dire wolf. Now twice the size he had been before, his new wolf form strode out to the Hellcat that Dido had only moments before struck. With a quick growl, he leapt at the creature and sunk his claws and teeth into its side. The momentum of his charge had knocked the Hellcat down to the ground, leaving it prone as he viscously attacked the creature.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Flewid's hold of the creature didn't last long. The third Hellcat soon leapt from the storm and pounced on him. The third Hellcat was more viscous than Flewid and striked him over and over again with it's claws and fangs. With a final swing of it's front claws, the beast sent Flewid's dire wolf form sliding across the ice as he reverted back to his genasi form.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was then that Caravaggio came darting in from the side of the last Hellcat. With the precision of a surgeon, Caravaggio sliced into the side of the creature. Before the Hellcat could track it's quarry however, Caravaggio had darted back into the storm he had come out of only moments before.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rachel and Tidal were now working in tandem against their Hellcat. Rachel swung her flail and striked the beast with Tidal then following up with a swing from his war hammer. However, the hammer's blow didn't seem to have as much of an impact, which Tidal noticed as he swung it into the creature side. The cold was starting to get to him as well as parts of his skin began to freeze in the storms fast moving wind. The Hellcat tried to swing back but both combatants were able to dodge it's swings.</p><p style="text-align: left;">On the ground, Flewid started to push himself back on to his feet. Seeing one of the Hellcats barring down on him, he started thinking fast. Quickly, he performed a spell. Suddenly, there were four Flewids standing around were there previously had only been one. The Hellcat pounced on the first, but it just shattered like glass and dissipated. Then it struck at another and it too broke and disappeared. With only two left, the beast snapped it's jaws on the next closest, but it too was a decoy.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Before the creature could act on the last remaining Flewid, which was the real one, Dido and Caravaggio both struck at either side of the beast. With a howl, the Hellcat vanished with the wind. It was like it had never been there. The Hellcat near Rachel and Tidal does the same thing. The only one left is the prone Hellcat near Caravaggio that Flewid had knocked prone. The whole group lets out a battle cry as they begin to charge over to the last target. Flewid retook the form of the dire wolf as he charged over. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Caravaggio was the closest and brought his sword up to bring a sharp blow down. Just as his blade was about to hit the creature's hide however, it vanished into the winds as well. The wind then began to pick up. It almost sounded like the wind was howling with disappointment. Then, as quickly as it had arrived, the storm moved off back in the direction it had come from.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group took a moment to take stock of how each other are doing. They were all still standing, but had taken some hits during the fight. Rachel called everyone over to her, as she began to perform an incantation. A mist began to sweep out form her flail and rejuvenated the party as they stood around her.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dido stood over Flewid checking him over for any wounds he might have sustained in the fight. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"I'm fine. I'm fine." Flewid protested as Dido examined him.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"You took a couple of direct hits in that fight. I just want to make sure you won't slow us down as we continue to the mountain." Dido retorted.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"I won't slow us - " Flewid stopped mid speech. His body began to glow a bright light. A familiar light, yet new to the group. Then, with a flash, Flewid was gone. In his place, a small wooden pipe with a splintered chamber. Dido bent down and picked it up. She examined it. Turning to the group, she looked at them for any ideas. Blank faces just stared back at her. No one had any idea what had happened or how to fix it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Placing the pipe carefully in her pocket, Dido secured her gear and motioned towards the mountain while addressing the group;</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Let's move out folks. We still have to find our path out of this frozen hell hole."</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group began moving forwards again. The form of Gelunith towering before them.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2022/09/styx-stones-part-3.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-13231248302228662202022-09-15T16:43:00.005-04:002023-06-04T00:04:33.851-04:00Styx & Stones (Part 1)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaKyHAQdW58pBt46PJghfWwh4j018tmMiJGNbt0H4P68plPyFqz6UZjBiTOrgcrgG3yYSmPvQQLlxwCYUBowm0pExSz_avzJVF0YMvhKX_doU9ix6WA6o4jblu3SJ5SO8bT9ca8ckz4l_bTL29wFlmcutmb1qoCxFn9YUi8Fz3r-MJvl98x-J7r4vJg/s225/Frozen%20Hell.jfif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaKyHAQdW58pBt46PJghfWwh4j018tmMiJGNbt0H4P68plPyFqz6UZjBiTOrgcrgG3yYSmPvQQLlxwCYUBowm0pExSz_avzJVF0YMvhKX_doU9ix6WA6o4jblu3SJ5SO8bT9ca8ckz4l_bTL29wFlmcutmb1qoCxFn9YUi8Fz3r-MJvl98x-J7r4vJg/w518-h225/Frozen%20Hell.jfif" width="518" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The winds don't howl here. Instead, they scream. </p><p>These are not screams of pain. They are the screams of languish and torment. They are the screams of loss and agony and dread and fear. They are the screams of millennia of suffering. Of hate and misery and avarice.</p><p>They are the screams of hell. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>More accurately, they are the screams of Cania, the eighth layer in the nine hells of Baator. Cania is the hell of endless, living cold. A swirling, moving, torment of shifting glaciers forever heaving and crashing into one another. Avalanches of snow and ice tumble from the highest frozen peaks, shedding down continents of frozen death, violently hurtling massive glaciers that crash into shards. </p><p>All the while, winds screaming. </p><p>Cania, a place inhospitable to all but the most resilient.</p><p>But those that do brave the frozen chaos can, through extraordinary chance, come across one of the long-lost laboratories of the archdevil Mephistopheles – places where the greatest wizard that ever lived –and the current ruler of this Hell – once tried to expand the boundaries of arcane possibility.</p><p>If you look closely now, you'll see a creature down there, struggling amidst the ice and sleet, to move forward. It's a Gelugon, of course – a blue and white bipedal mantis-like creature that roams Cania in search of any bits of power or might that the glaciers have set free. It's rare to see them alone out here, there are probably others just out of sight, but for the moment lets focus on this one. </p><p>Like most devils, this Gelugon has been embroiled in a dance for power for millennia, always looking for the scheme or fortune that would let it ascend up the echelons of Baator, but more frequently stumbling further down. </p><p>Not that long ago--some hundred years--this Gelugon existed as an Erinyes, a beautiful and disciplined winged warrior, a swift killer skilled in combat and corruption. Such was its life, and it continued doing so for generations, until it had collected enough Soul Coins to exchange for a reward. </p><p>That reward: a thousand days of excruciating agony that let it be reborn in this stronger form. A Gelugon. Now this creature looks to ascend again, although it has seemingly given up the search for Soul Coins in favor of searching for trinkets and treasure. </p><p>If it succeeds, it will be reborn once more, this time as a Pit Fiend. If it dies, it will stumble down the ranks and live once more as an Erinyes, or something even less powerful. </p><p>So let's take a minute and watch what it does, this Gelugon – this solitary explorer split from its party. It moves, scurrying on its insectoid legs across the glacier, back and forth for hours and days, until finally... Ah! It found something!</p><p>The Gelugon looks down into the ice and grabs its massive 18' spear and jams it into the ice below, looking to pry open a crack. And a crack does indeed open, but perhaps not in a way the devil expected. </p><p>With a crunching scream, a crevasse forms, a massive wedge-shaped opening in the glacier's surface. The Gelugon looks down, sees that the crevasse is growing, tearing apart the ice sheet, and it begins to run away. Instead the plateau suddenly drops down into the abyss below, and it and the Gelugon is swallowed by ice and nothingness. </p><p>The Gelugon will not find his promotion today. But it had, indeed, found something. And it did reveal an entrance when he cracked the ice. </p><p>Buried here, for who knows how many days or centuries, is a small cave, originally formed through the grace of chaos, but, at one point, turned into a refuge from this Hell. A laboratory. Perhaps of Mephistopheles. Perhaps of someone lost to the ages. </p><p>The cave -- which now opens 200' down on the side of an icy cliff -- provides a respite from the frigidity of Cania. And let us watch now as a figure of light apparates in this cave, this laboratory with long-frozen tables and desks and books and jars. This figure knows that this cave won't be accessible for always. They just need it to last long enough. </p><p>As the figure moves in the lab, it is orbited by a series of wisps, roiling and moving and swirling, but never too far away from its shimmering body. </p><p>The figure glides through the cave, placing a series of objects down. Carefully. Meticulously. </p><p>From outside, from above, the screams of the wind continue.</p><p>The first object it puts down is a pewter badge, an eight-pointed star with the top left and bottom-right most points extending beyond the rest. </p><p>As the figure places the badge on the ground, one of the wisps leaves its body and flows towards the pewter star. Swirling above it. Remembering. </p><p><i>The wisp recalls rage. It is that of a Minotaur. Big and strong with many scars all over it's body. It was a champion. A champion of it's tribe, of it's people. This Minotaur had a name. It's birth name was Angus Holstein. But it had another name. Those who knew it called it Tidal. A nickname. His last moments were violent. A duel. A fight. Circling his opponent until the final blow. A feeling of content knowing that he had found a worthy foe and died by their hand.</i></p><p>The wisp stops its swirling and flows into the badge. </p><p>The wind continues to scream. </p><p>The figure lays down a second item: another badge, this one from a cap, with an inscription that reads "For those that follow". </p><p>Like before, as the cap badge is placed down, a wisp leaves the figure's form and swirls above the object. Remembering. </p><p><i>The wisp recalls duty. The life of Dido Sarath. An elven women. A proud and formidable Warrior. But there was another path. An Avatar of the one known as Shevarash. A living weapon of vengeance and justice. Before the final stroke could be made towards the one that caused the second path, Dido had been struck down first in an ambush.</i></p><p>The wisp stops its swirling and flows into the item. </p><p>The figure takes out another object. This time a heavy knife, 8 inches long with a broad, rigid blade that curves slightly at the tip. The knife is placed on the ground and a wisp follows it. </p><p><i>The wisp recalls vengeance. A peerless Bugbear warrior who mastered the art of telling other's gruesome fate. Caravaggio, or simply known as "The Painter". His clan massacred by neighboring Hobgoblins tribes. An opus built on revenge was planned, but as a true tragic play, hubris barred it's way.</i></p><p>The wisp flows down into the knife, becoming one. </p><p>The figure takes out another item. A handmade pipe made of cherry wood. They place it on the ground with the others. Like before, a wisp follows it. Remembering. </p><p><i>The wisp recalls adventure. A Genasi. Flewid. A quest for a forgotten oasis lost under the sea. A map lighted the way, but a shadow marked it's end. The final moments were a rush of water before all went dark.</i></p><p>As the wisp moves down, the ground shakes. Ice falls from the ceiling and lands on the pipe, splintering its chamber. The wisp enters the object nevertheless. </p><p>The figure pauses for a moment and wonders if it will work the same now. But it doesn't have alternatives, so it carries on.</p><p>The figure takes out its final object. A gothic iron key, with a spiraled shaft and a little sawed-off bit at the tip. The figure places this last item on the ground and a wisp follows it. </p><p><i>The wisp recalls devotion. Rachel, a cleric that shown the light into the dark. A halfling that never shied away from a mystery. The final mystery. Where had her light gone? The dark ritual in which she was sacrificed by an insidious cult. No salvation as she burned so bright.</i></p><p>The wisp flows down into the key, becoming one with it. </p><p>The figure's job here is done, for now. So it disappears from this place, back to wherever it came from, and waits. </p><p>While it waits, a transformation begins with each of the items. A soft glow of light emanates from each item and envelopes it. Slowly, over the course of hours, maybe weeks, the light begins to take form. Around each item, the light takes the form of the individual whos item it was when they were living. The items come to rest in the center of the form of the individual that coalesced from the light. The individuals begin to awaken. Each naked and cold.</p><p>They begin to blink and look around. They are greeted with the view of the frozen lab. Ice covers most of the surfaces, and where it doesn't frost does. It is dark except for a faint trail of light coming in from the opening to the lab leading out to the cliff face.</p><p>Caravaggio is the first to begin moving. He makes his way over to the table opposite where the group stands and begins searching for any sign of his armor and gear. The table is empty and there are no other cupboards or nooks to be seen. He does spy one thing that seems out of place. Slumped against the floor are the frozen remains of a Gnome. The Gnome is clothed in furs for winter weather, though they don't seem to have helped him in the end. There is also a satchel with the Gnome. Caravaggio picks up the satchel and quickly rifles through its contents. Amongst them are a leather bound journal, some scrolls, a jar with some assorted items, and a rope. The rope feels warm to the touch, so Caravaggio takes a moment to wrap it around him.</p><p>That moment is quickly interrupted when, as Caravaggio turns back around to face the group, he is suddenly pinned to the wall behind him. With an arm pressed against him and a snout in his face, he found himself face to face with the Minotaur. </p><p>Grunting and snorting hot air in the face of the Bugbear, Tidal sized up his opponent. He didn't get long before a fist connected with his jaw. The Bugbear had taken a swing at him. Tidal grinned. <i>This is the afterlife!</i> he thought as he started to rage. </p><p>The remaining three individuals, Dido, Rachel, and Flewid, began to look at each other. Rachel took a few steps back from where Tidal and Caravaggio were grappling each other.</p><p>"Do....do you know why we're here" Rachel inquired softly, addressing Dido and Flewid.</p><p>The two just shrugged in response but kept their eyes on the scuffling barbarians.</p><p>"It would be easier to figure that out if this fracas would STOP!" interjected Dido as she glared towards Tidal and Caravaggio. They just ignored her as they continued to grapple each other. Dido continued to glare at them for a moment more before turning back to address Rachel and Flewid;</p><p>"I could try using my Divine Senses to see if I can detect anything." Dido offered.</p><p>Rachel nodded and Dido began to close her eyes and focus on the spell. Her mind drifted for a moment but she did not sense anything. Before she had a chance to inform the others, a loud crash filled the air. It was proceeded by a bright light that forced the others to shield their eyes.</p><p>Once the light had subsided, hovering before the group, between them and the only exit, was an entity. At it's core, was a glowing orb of light, bright as the sun. Not much else could be discerned as the orb was too bright to stair at for long. Surrounding it were 4 rings that each resembled the wheels of a chariot, each larger than the last, but none of them connected to anything. Each ring was lined with eyes, all of them constantly staring at the group, but none of them ever blinking. Each wheel orbited the glowing sphere at the core, each with it's own trajectory, always avoiding each other. </p><p>Each individual present in the cavern heard a monotone voice in their head at the same time.</p><p><i>Be not afraid.</i></p><p>There was a pause.</p><p><i>We are part of The Choir. We have diverted your souls to assemble you here to undertake a quest to restore the celestial order and prevent any further damage to our pantheon. To that end, we have fashioned you vassals to carry out this task. </i></p><p>The group now looked at each other. Dido was the first to speak;</p><p>"What is this about restoring the celestial order? And what do you mean you have fashioned us vassals?"</p><p><i>What you consider to be your bodies at present, are merely artificial facsimiles of your bodies from your previous lives given shape by your soul which now inhabits it. This process is costly and time consuming. You would do well to treat them as if they were flesh and blood. To that end, they do require some maintenance. You will still need to eat and drink, though only a fraction of what you would have if you were alive.</i></p><p>There was a pause before the being continued.</p><p><i>We will also imbue you with a small portion of The Choir's power.</i></p><p>A wave of warm light emanated from the core of the being and washed over each member of the group. Where they had been stark naked only moments before, clothes now formed. Then armor and weapons and various pieces of equipment.</p><p><i>You will now find yourselves equipped exactly as you had been at the time of your death. However, you will not have any currency that you may have had.</i></p><p>The party each checked themselves over. As they had been told, their clothes and armor and gear were all present.</p><p>"Why us?" asks Flewid scratching his head.</p><p><i>Your souls are the ones we were able to intercept and bring to Baator.</i></p><p>Dido looked back at the entity.</p><p>"And what of this celestial order?" quipped Dido.</p><p><i>As you should be aware, many gods in the pantheon of gods have been killed in what your mortal selves might have known as The Shattering. This series of events were devised and implemented 10 years ago by Fraz-Urb'luu and his agents of darkness. Amongst them his Avatar known as Taz'rash and another known only as The Harbinger. Before this event, the presence of the gods and their powers was the stabilizing element to all plains of existence. Now, with most of their number vanquished and several others unaccounted for, there is a power vacuum that sees the likes of demon kind vying to fill it. Your task shall be to travel through the realms of Baator to the Abyss where Fraz-Urb'luu is planning to carry out his final act, discover what that act is and prevent it from coming to pass. As compensation for undertaking this perilous quest, each of you will be resurrected to your mortal forms.</i></p><p>"Will you or this 'Choir' offer us any aid in such an important quest?" inquired Flewid.</p><p><i>We have acquired an asset for your quest at great cost. You will travel from Cania - this layer of Baator we are present in - to the next layer known as Maladomini. There you will seek out the river Styx and find a Merrenoloth named Syllucraff. It's services have been paid in full and it will sail you along the river to your destination.</i></p><p><i>We have also another gift to aid you on this quest.</i></p><p>Another wave of light emanates from the being, this time a warmly blue color which washes over each person present. From inside each of them, their trinket which the wisps had entered seems to float out of them and comes to a rest in their hands. Imbedded on each trinket, a gem takes form.</p><p><i>We have blessed you with a soul charm. This will grant you a small measure of our power to help you on your quest.</i></p><p>Each party member examines their trinket, remembering it's importance to their previous lives.</p><p><i>From here, you must depart. Since all of Cania is buried beneath ice, you will need to find one of the cracks between this layer and the next. The Styx is frozen here and inaccessible. Make your way to the base of Gelunith, the great mountain to the north. You should find a crack at it's base. But be warned, the mountain is home to a settlement of demons and is likely to be patrolled. </i></p><p>There is a momentary pause.</p><p><i>Time is of the essence. As each day passes, chaos spreads across Astoria. You must complete this task as quickly as possible.</i></p><p>Dido wonders to herself about the fate of her god Shevarash. She then hears the being in her thoughts.</p><p><i>Missions begun in life can be continued again.</i></p><p>Dido's jaw clenches as she feels a renewed determination within her.</p><p>At the same time, Rachel finds herself reflecting on her quest to find out about Saloon. She then hears the voice in her head.</p><p><i>Searches cut short can be continued.</i></p><p>A moment after that, the being disappears in a flash of blinding light and the lab grows dark and cold once more. The winds beyond can be heard with the sounds of anguish.</p><p><a href="https://czoutpost.blogspot.com/2022/09/styx-stones-part-2.html">Next Part</a></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-28653493074047665302022-08-23T14:10:00.000-04:002022-08-23T14:10:23.373-04:00Outpost Update: August 23, 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmDWVRlRKCuII1syxeuksM2Put8oM1mLcbCwobWGF-kPv4M_McMu_UQ_l7zhyfiGoyw2BsNM3LjLwBbpocTAYS4N7aIQ3Q6Gd_LbvhHNcxYcJ6F3Mc7tImg_YCtkwEoUXsM2U-Xl2aNmMR40VcGujsKHYLLX6bYEYM_cAyHGx5uczNfPQAuwgdjElAw/s4032/PXL_20220806_140425762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmDWVRlRKCuII1syxeuksM2Put8oM1mLcbCwobWGF-kPv4M_McMu_UQ_l7zhyfiGoyw2BsNM3LjLwBbpocTAYS4N7aIQ3Q6Gd_LbvhHNcxYcJ6F3Mc7tImg_YCtkwEoUXsM2U-Xl2aNmMR40VcGujsKHYLLX6bYEYM_cAyHGx5uczNfPQAuwgdjElAw/s320/PXL_20220806_140425762.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hey everyone!</p><p>It's been a little busy for me over the past month. I haven't gotten to many things painted since my last workbench update, but I did complete a few things so I will post an update once I can gather my pictures. </p><p>I'm also beginning to catalogue my hobby collection for a coming gallery section to the blog. The gallery will have each unit and a brief description of their background and lore.</p><p>As for my D&D shorts, I've now completed the whole run for our one-shot Tammeraut's Fate story. This was my first attempt to write a narrative based on my D&D groups adventures. It was a lot of fun and I will be starting the next installment with Styx & Stones.</p><p>Styx & Stones will follow our new characters as we venture the rings of hell in search of a way to stop the evil Fraz-Urb'luu from achieving his nefarious schemes. We've already begun to play our sessions, so I have some catching up to do!</p><p>Until next time!</p><p><br /></p>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8784634059797730013.post-36085325792027108752022-08-23T13:47:00.001-04:002022-08-23T14:12:32.471-04:00Tammeraut's Fate (Part 6)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd0AL4iuewTV6geyCvnUAxHxZMZ2GMnNyk3JNUTw4mrRNSdZ_PS8S1e6RhJe2IkpUjSOat9c1KAZ8LkySiTt6bj1tdGoBDiqqjkQChK3xegzZaXtPGkfn9jx8lODpl2v8PVlpsRtvemRQTOCFnNWt3yt6iUxTrPdSTnpfbyryH9uPl5O7qhVgqC5a_A/s1920/Night%20village.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1920" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd0AL4iuewTV6geyCvnUAxHxZMZ2GMnNyk3JNUTw4mrRNSdZ_PS8S1e6RhJe2IkpUjSOat9c1KAZ8LkySiTt6bj1tdGoBDiqqjkQChK3xegzZaXtPGkfn9jx8lODpl2v8PVlpsRtvemRQTOCFnNWt3yt6iUxTrPdSTnpfbyryH9uPl5O7qhVgqC5a_A/w455-h191/Night%20village.jpg" width="455" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>The golden hues of the sun cast a beautiful array of yellows, oranges, and reds across the evening sky. It was getting on the dinner hour when the magical ship of the Gunnards arrived at the port of Uskarn. The voyage back from Fire Watch Island had been a rather silent and slightly somber one. Erme had taken the time to do an inventory of the magical items and other trinkets the group had recovered from the hermitage. Finn had helmed the boat and kept her course true to the port. Everyone had tried to keep their distance from Plague, less they became coated in the flies that surrounded him. As the ship made port, a crowd began to gather at their approach.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>All those on the boat, save Gealyn himself who was still masquerading as Morley, had wondered about Gealyn's fate on the island. Erme secured the ship to the dock and a few of the dock hands lowered a gang plank to the ship's deck. The crew began to file off the ship. The onlooking crowd began to mingle with the Gunnards and the survivors, inquiring about what was happening on the island. Gealyn, still disguised as Morley, was approached by one of the villages who looked very surprised to see Morley.</div><div><br /></div><div>"You've got some serious stones coming back to town!" the villager said. "Marius'll have your hide for the debt you owe him!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Hearing this, Gealyn decided it was time to stop his charade. He shifted back into his normal form right in the middle of the crowd. There were a few gasps and murmurs from those surrounding him in the crowd, but it was Jenore's reaction that was the most notable. She began to sob as she realized what had transpired.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the Gunnards gathered around Gealyn to welcome him back, relived to know he was still with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>"You really had us there!" Finn said with a hint of relief in his voice.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Don't you ever do that again!" Erme said, scolding Gealyn. "Look what you've done to Jenore!"</div><div><br /></div><div>"She'll get over it." Gealyn said dryly. "We didn't have time to waste looking for the fool, and by the sounds of it, I did him a favor."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yes..." Finn started but was interrupted by the hushing of the crowd as a new figure approached the group.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd parted as this new individual approached. This new individual did not slow down and the crowd did not hesitate to get out of his way. He came to a stop right in front of the Gunnards. He wore a well polished set of armor and had a stern look to his face. The group could tell he was sizing them up. Finally, after a moment he addressed the party;</div><div><br /></div><div>"You lot will come with me." he said in a serious tone. He then turned on his heel and began walking away. Left a little bewildered, Finn, Erme, Gealyn, and Plague stood there. One of the villagers leaned into the group and spoke in a hushed voice;</div><div><br /></div><div>"That's Feldrin Kane. He's the bailiff. And he doesn't tolerate disobedience. I'd get a move on if I was you."</div><div><br /></div><div>Gealyn shrugged his shoulders then said; "Alright, I guess we'll follow."</div><div><br /></div><div>The group started walking and left the crowd that was gathered around the docks. Erme waved Jenore and Barret to follow and the two made their best pace forward to keep up.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a brief walk from the docks, and through a courtyard, they made their way over to one of the larger buildings. The building was likely originally intended to be some kind of watch fort for the navy, now repurposed for what ever the towns folk needed. Feldrin lead them inside and up to a meeting room on the second floor. As the group filed in, he motioned for them to take a seat around the meeting table.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I have heard tale of a group of Gunnards coming through my town." Feldrin said in a stern tone. "I trust that now that you have returned from Fire Watch Island that your business is concluded?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Unfortunately not." replied Erme. "As we speak, the undead crew of the Tammeraut are likely making their way here to raid your city."</div><div><br /></div><div>Feldrin folded his hands in front of his face, taking in this new information. Erme removed Arachais' journal from her carry bag and slid it across the table to Feldrin, who in turn picked it up and read the entries.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We have returned to help defend your city." Gealyn added. "We have seen the carnage they have wrought at the hermitage."</div><div><br /></div><div>"We should begin to prepare your defenses and move the women and children to a safe location." Erme said with an insistent tone. "We have little time to prepare."</div><div><br /></div><div>Feldrin snapped his fingers at a sentry standing by the door to summon him over. The guard came hurriedly over to Feldrin's side. He stood up and addressed his guard;</div><div><br /></div><div>"Gather the guard. I want someone to remove our non-combatants to the safe house. Open the armory and arm the guard." Feldrin then looked over at Erme. "You and your team will work with out town guards to bolster our defenses. Provide any necessary advice to shore up the city."</div><div><br /></div><div>Feldrin then looked back at his guard and nodded. The guard took off to carry out his orders and the rest of the party started to get up.</div><div><br /></div><div>"You may want to go with out non-combatants." Feldrin said to Jenore and Barrett.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jenore was shaking at the thought of having to be near another attack from these creatures, but she nodded in understanding and started to help Barrett out of his chair and towards the hall.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sun had now sunken below the horizon. The last of the suns light was dimming as the moon was now high in the night sky. The moons light was rather bright and allowed for a slightly better view that had the sky been darkened by clouds. If the Gods of old had been still around, one might have believed this was a good omen from Saloon, Goddess of the moon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last moments of planning were now wrapping up for the citizens of Uskarn. The southern walls had been reinforced with make shift spikes to keep anything form climbing them into the city. Most of the villagers had taken their positions. Members of the guard stalked through the core of the town, with runners to carry messages. Those who were not going to be fighting had been moved to a farming house which lay a fair ways beyond the city walls. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gealyn had taken up a defensive position around the court yard in front of the old watch fort that now served as the town hall. He was leaning against the fountain at it's center, playing with his psionic dagger by tossing it up, then catching it's hilt. Erme had setup on a perch on top of one of the old loading cranes at the docks. The position afforded her a great view of the city, the docks and the beach to the south. Plague had wandered over to the east side of the city hall, between the building, the docks and the beach. He was currently engaged in wrapping himself in any seaweed he could grab at the shore, hoping that it would serve as good camouflage. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finn found himself down at the <i>Fog and Frog</i> tavern. There, he was surrounded by a group of locals who didn't belong to the town guard, but wanted to fight and defend their city. Behind the bar counter, the establishment's owner, Skeldruff Plenk, busied himself handing out a round of drinks at Finn's request. Skeldruff had just handed out the last Plenk's Plonk when Finn cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. He scanned the room, looking eyes with each member of the group there, and then he began to speak;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"These creatures..." he paused a moment shaking his head somberly, "what they did to that poor man Philibert, they'll do it to you. If we don't rend their bones, they'll come for us here - in your homes!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finn began to move amongst the assembled group, his tone growing more sinister. One of the patrons who'd assembled there, Orville Beechgrove, began to strum his lute that he had brought with him while Finn spoke.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"They'll come...stalking you in the night. Ready to sacrifice your children for their monstrous appetite!</div><div>They’ll wreak havoc on your village if we let them..." He paused a moment before continuing with a more noble voice growing louder which each word, "It’s time to take action! It’s time to kill 'em!"</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd cheered raising their drinks. Finn carried on, now with a lyrical intensity to his voice and Orville continuing strumming his lute.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>"Through the mist, and on the beach. Through the darkness and in the shadows deep. It’s a nightmare, but it’s one exciting ride! Say a prayer, for tonight they die!"</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd cheered louder this time.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Then we’re there, at the edge of the surf, but it won't be us that'll be the serf! They’re monsters with razor sharp teeth! And if we're not careful, their smells will send you underneath!"</div><div><br /></div><div>The music swelled louder and louder to match Finn's voice.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Hear them roar - by the shore! We won’t rest 'til they’re no more! Good and dead! From our stead!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Finn and Orville crescendo together.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Let us feast! For tonight, we'll kill those beasts!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Finn then looks everyone square in the eye as he unsheathes and raises his sword.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Whose with me??"</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The group was fanatical as they all cheered together. Each member had grabbed something to use as a make shift weapon. From table legs, to Orville holding his lute, each member of the mob had something to wield. Finn gave them the command to move out and then lead them out of the tavern. Once outside, Finn summons his horse with a short whistle. A moment later, his noble steed rounds a corner and stopped before him at which point he mounted onto it. Addressing the mob and pointing with his sword along the board walk towards the northern wall, Finn commanded them to patrol against anything that might emerge from the waters. Then with a short command and a kick, he lead his horse away to the southern beach to take up his position.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The moon sat high in the sky and there were very few clouds to obstruct it's light. Everyone in Uskarn were goring weary. There had been no sign of an attack, no battle cries. The only noise was the waves crashing onto the shore.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From her perch up on the loading crane, Erme kept a vigilant eye out, looking for any movement. She could see Gealyn down in the town square, leaning against the water fountain at it's center playing with his psionic daggers. Down below her along the stretch of shore that ran along the east side of the town hall was Plague, covered in seaweed trying to lay motionless on the beach, half submerged in the water. Finally out on the southern shore past the town hall, Erme could see Finn atop his steed pacing circles on the sand. Even from this distance, she could see the gleam from his armor as the moon light shone off it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Erme cast her eyes down to the water below her flowing by the docks. The surface was calm but the water seemed a little murky for being so calm. She squinted her eyes and something sparkled for a second. Then she caught a few more glints and sparkles. It was the pirates! They were moving along the bottom of the water along the docks. In a fluid motion, Erme brought her bow up to a firing position and let an arrow loose towards the group of pirates moving under water. Her first shot landed clean, even with having to go through the water to hit it's target. She then raised the alarm to the others in town;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Look sharp! Targets in bound moving through the water!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The alarm bells began to ring across the town. The rest of the party began to scan the water looking for attackers. Gealyn came over to the docks near where Erme's crane was. He could also now see the distorted shapes of the pirates moving along the waters bottom. Summoning his daggers, he began to throw them in the direction of the group. The first dagger missed, but Gealyn was able to readjust his throws and the second dagger hit its mark.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over on the south shore, Finn stared out towards the water. He heard the alarm klaxons from town which had begun to ring after Erme's warning. It wasn't long after that the water's surface began to move as the first group of attackers came out of the water. At first, three figures emerged as they lumbered onto the shore. They were humanoid in shape, but they were disjointed in places. On one of them, where a hand should be was what looked like a lobster claw. On another, they're whole arm from the shoulder down was a tentacle, like an octopus. All of them seemed covered in seaweed and barnacles. The group of three began to make their way to the city wall behind Finn. Raising his sword, Finn let out a cry and charged into the group.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finn managed one strike with Veronica before the creature he hit looked up and locked eyes with him for the first time. The dark orbs that were where it's eyes should be looked like a window to the abyss. Finn suddenly found himself frozen in place. He couldn't bring his hand to strike the pirate, nor could he move closer. He realized quickly it had put some kind of charm on him and turned to strike another nearby creature. Meanwhile, Plague began to make his way towards Finn to help. Muttering a spell to himself, he began to glow as the seaweed he'd covered himself with was infused with magical energy.</div><div>He only managed a few more paces before another group of three pirates emerged from water right in front of him. Letting out his own battle cry, Plague raised his stick to attack the closest target. However, it managed to dodge the swing and then processed to swat him away with the back of it's hand, knocking Plague to the ground and making the glowing seaweed stop glowing as Plague lost concentration on his spell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back on the dock crane, Erme had felled several more targets with Gealyn's help and had contained most of the pirates they could see. She glanced over to the south shore and saw that Finn and Plague were struggling to deal with their groups. She wasn't sure, but unless the water had been playing tricks on her, the six pirates on the south shore looked bigger than the ones she and Gealyn had been making short work off. Calling back to Gealyn, Erme told hm to wrap up this group and that she would be making her way over to help Finn and Plague. Putting her bow over a rope she had secured from the top of the crane over to the roof of the town hall, she ziplined from her first perch on the crane and with a controlled drop and tumble, came to rest on one knee on the top of town hall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plague was seeing stars as another back hand from the pirate brute in front of him sent him flying back and landing hard on the sand of the beach. He could just make out that Finn had slain one of the three he was dealing with while grappled with another as the third one began to climb the city wall. Suddenly, Plague felt a <i>thump</i> as one of the three brutes ganging up on him fell to the ground with several arrows sticking out of his body. Looking up, he could see Erme on the top of the wall giving him a reassuring wave as she began to train her bow on her next target.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finn was locked in a grapple with the first creature that had charmed him. The charm had worn off and he meant to settle the score. He had made shorter work of the last pirate, but this one was tenacious. He tried to not stare into it's eyes as they fought and had caught out of the corner of his vision that the third creature was now climbing the city wall. Then he heard a wail from behind him. Taking the chance to glance back, he saw Plague being ganged up on by three of the creatures and not fairing well. Grunting as he grappled his target, Finn realized he had to go and help his comrade. Breaking off from their stale mate, Finn began to make his way over to Plague. As he drew closer, he saw Erme pop up on the wall behind the town hall and let loose several arrows that all hit their mark and dropped one of the creatures to the ground. Building up his momentum, Finn came in behind with a decapitating strike on another pirate. As the second creatures head went spinning through the air, Plague got his second wind and took his stick and jabbed it into the last creatures groin. Having been caught off guard by it's two companions swift demise, the last pirate didn't see the strike coming and was holding itself in pain as a few arrows and another strike from a broad sword ended it's existence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finn then looked back over his shoulder. The two pirates he'd been dealing with were nowhere to be seen. Fearing what might happen if they made it into town and managed to attack anyone, Finn put his steed into a gallop and sped off. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plague caught his breath and then began to make his way towards the docks to rejoin Gealyn as there were no other targets on the beach.</div><div><br /></div><div>Erme dropped off from the wall she had been on and landed on the back patio of the town hall. She then dashed over to the building and began to climb up onto it's roof. She sneaked her way over to the front of the hall and took up a defensive position behind the rampart that ran along the building front wall. She caught a glance of Gealyn finishing up with the last of the group they had been fighting. Looking further down the docks, towards the board walk near the <i>Fog and Frog</i>, Erme could see a group of six towns folk with improvised weapons beating down a group of pirates. She raised an eyebrow and nodded in approval of how well they were handling themselves. The townsmen at the front seemed to be using a lute to bash in the head of the closest pirate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suddenly, an arrow whizzed passed Erme's head. Looking back at the direction it came from, she could see that there were two pirates now slightly across the courtyard from her. While the town hall was to the south of the courtyard, one of these pirates was on the roof of the building to the west of the courtyard, while the other was on the ground in front of the building. She shouted a warning to Gealyn just in time for him to dodge and arrow from the pirate on the ground. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gealyn heard the shout from Erme and on instinct rolled to his left, feeling something whiz by where he had only been standing a moment ago. Coming around quickly, he spotted his attack on the opposite side of the courtyard form him. With little to no cover between him and the pirate, Gealyn scrambled for the fountain at the center of the square. He managed to jump and roll in behind it as the second shot went whizzing by him. Upon catching his breath, he noticed that another group of pirates was now emerging on the docks near where the crane was that Erme had been doing her watch from. He pointed over in the direction and shouted back to Erme;</div><div><br /></div><div>"Six! South-east docks!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Erme glanced over and saw the new group emerging from the water and climbing onto the docks. She turned back to Gealyn and yelled;</div><div><br /></div><div>"Keep them distracted! I've got the new group!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Another arrow landed by Gealyn's boot, this time from a higher angle. Peaking around Gealyn could see the shooter from the roof of the building. Sighing, he shook his head and then let loose a psionic dagger towards the pirate on the roof.</div><div><br /></div><div>Erme lit an arrow and trained her shot towards the new group of six pirates. Then, as she was taking aim, she moved her shot towards a stack of barrels pilled up near the edge of the docks. Squinting and sticking her tongue out slightly on the right side of her mouth, she waited another moment before the pirates on the docks had moved closer to the stack. Then once they were closer, she let her arrow fly.</div><div><br /></div><div>The arrow sailed through the air and penetrated the middle barrel of the stack. With a blinding flash of light, the barrels erupted and vaporized. In their place, a glowing magical fire now engulfed the docks, blocking the entry into the town square. One of the pirates was badly burned by the explosion and fire. However, their lifeless eyes just looked at the fire, then forwards to the edge of the dock. They began to move again, walking right off the dock and into the water below. Erme realized she had only bought them a few moments before this group made their way out of the water to join the fray. Turing back to the fight in the courtyard, she could see Gealyn had landed a few hits on the two pirates, but both were still fighting. She knocked another arrow and let it loose on the pirate on the roof.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gealyn saw the pirate on the roof get struck by an arrow and knew Erme was back in the fight. Taking this opportunity, he got up form behind the fountain and dashed over to the pirate on the ground to engage in close quarters combat. As he was dashing up, he could see Plague round the corner from behind the town hall and make his was to the fountain for cover. As Gealyn closed the distance, he noticed that this pirate had a lobster claw instead of a hand on it's one side, the normal hand holding the crossbow. As Gealyn drew close enough, the pirate swung out with it's claw. Gealyn dodged it by dropping to the ground and sliding underneath it, coming up with a dagger to lunge at the creatures chest. The pirate blocked it however with it's crossbow, splintering the weapon in it's hand. Gealyn then got into a grapple with the beast as he blocked it's pincer from trying to take off his head. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gealyn and the pirate struggled for a moment before a loud and wet <i>thump</i> landed behind them. Erme had won her duel against the pirate on the roof. Before, however, Gealyn was able to try and capitalize on this, he then heard the galloping of a horse rounding the corner of the street behind the pirate to the north. Looking over the creatures shoulder, Gealyn saw Finn standing on the back of his horse, sword at the ready. As the quickly closed the distance, Finn jumped off and did a summersault, bringing Veronica up in a thrust through the pirates back. As the creature slumped and then fell to the ground, Finn flicked his hair back and said to Gealyn;</div><div><br /></div><div>"That's twice now in a day. Aren't you glad to have me here?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Gealyn rolled his eyes and pointed to a group of six pirates coming up the street from the north through the town's arched gate.</div><div><br /></div><div>"You might want to deal with those first boss before you congratulate yourself."</div><div><br /></div><div>Finn looked back over his shoulder and spied the on coming group. He looked back at Gealyn with a glint in his eye.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Watch this. It's going to be a spectacle! " Finn said with a smirk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finn whistle for his horse and got back in the saddle and rode off. Gealyn watched as Finn sped down the street going faster and faster. As Finn drew closer, he got up on his feet in the saddle, bending at the knees and using his sword for balance as he held it out behind him. Then, just as he got in range, Finn's horse stopped and Finn leapt off it's back. Tucking into a roll, Finn landed on the ground then spun around using his momentum. He carried that motion through as he beheaded all six of the pirates in one fluid swing. Gealyn was flabbergasted. He had never seen such a display in all his time fighting. The action had been more like watching a dance than a sword fight. His captivation with what he'd just witnessed was broken when there was a sound of stone shattering behind him. Gealyn spun around to see the fountain had taken a hit as Plague was now hiding behind it, placing the fountain between him and the docks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Erme had also witnessed Finn's incredible 6 head lopping out of the corner of her eye as she kept slinging arrows at the now reemerging pirates from below the docks. She hollered down to Gealyn;</div><div><br /></div><div>"If you're done being charmed by Finn, would you care to reengage the fight?"</div><div><br /></div><div>She saw Gealyn nod and move to engage the first of the pirates climbing onto the docks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plague was not having a good time. His body hurt all over and he had just scrapped his knee on the stone as he'd taken cover behind this fountain, which was now splashing him with water. He watched as Erme and Gealyn engaged the new group of pirates and he also saw Finn sweep six heads off of a group of pirates near the main entrance of town. Taking a moment to catch his breath, Plague then poked his head out around the corner of the fountain, only to see the hulking form of one of the pirates closing in on him. Wanting to make his own mark on the fight, he gripped his staff and charged out from behind the fountain, eyes closed and yelling as he closed the distance. Just as he was about to get with in striking distance, a stray dagger form Gealyn hit the pirates knee forcing it to bow in front of Plague. Taking his staff, he ran it through the pirates head and dropped it to the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Gealyn finished with his current target, he looked around for another. He didn't readily see any until he heard one grunt from behind him. Just as the pirate was about to swing it's clawed hands down on him, it's chest exploded as once again, Veronica came popping out from inside. </div><div><br /></div><div>"And that's how you end a fight!" Finn cheered as he removed the blade from it's victim.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gealyn shook his head.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Always have to be the finisher eh?" Gealyn jested.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Always!" Finn said, smirking back and patting Gealyn's shoulder.</div><div><br /></div><div>Erme joined them, carrying Plague in her arms who was pretending to faint with a hand over his forehead.</div><div><br /></div><div>"So that's it? We've secured the town?" Erme inquired.</div><div><br /></div><div>"As far as I can tell." Finn said looking around for any other signs of a fight.</div><div><br /></div><div>The group then made their way towards the <i>Fog and Frog</i> for a drink.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div>In Uskarn, the night gives way to morning as Gneegan’s Guards begin to assess the damage caused by the zombie pirate incursion. The battle for Uskarn has been a success! The village has been saved.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only a single citizen was killed, a young human named Orville Beechgrove. He was killed by zombies in a heroic defense of the boardwalk, a soon-to-be legendary show of defiance by the townsfolk buoyed by the courageous and stirring words of Finn. After having slain two foul zombies, poor Orville succumbed to their onslaught. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Treasure Takers attended to their wounds and began to sweep through the town to be sure the invasion had been fully repulsed. By midday, the all-clear was sounded and the townspeople returned from their shelter in the old farmhouse. Had it not been for the Guards, the people of Uskarn would have been slaughtered and Syrgaul’s undead army would have grown larger, posing a greater threat to the other settlements along the coast. A significant victory was had.</div><div><br /></div><div>Through the afternoon, using sending spells, the team is contacted by Gneegan’s Gnome Security HQ and reports are filed. Gneegan was pleased. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the morning, the Treasure Takers are directed to re-supply and proceed back to sea to locate and investigate the Pit of Hatred to confirm presence of the Tammeraut. Once confirmed, the team is directed to secure the site for resource extraction. GGSHQ will dispatch a ship to the environs of Uskarn to assist in recovery and transport any discoveries back to Thafe Tirion. </div><div><br /></div><div>The business of a Treasure Taker continues…</div></div>Czar Ziggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262656290527556264noreply@blogger.com0