[align=center]Kythorn 12, 1374 DR[/align]
ZilvaiÂ’s prime is gone. I just learned about it this morning when I was looking for her. Granted, she did tell me about destroying the Faex, but we she had assumed it had been rebuilt. It wasnÂ’t. Her world slowly began to crumble until nothing was left. The Vorare we encountered was just one of an unknown count that remains. This explains a number of things, such as why the Vorare we encountered was so big and why Cerul's essences were freed upon its destruction. But this also poses a new question: why? Zilvai guessed they now feed for themselves to gain power, though why they would want power makes little sense. The way Zilvai described them, the Vorare were simply tools of the Fallen and were devoid of such ambitions. The gods of Zilvai's home, both good and evil, were bonded to the planet itself and, with it gone, so should they. If the Fallen are no more, then what drives the Vorare?
I feel great sympathy for Zilvai. When she thought her world still existed, I just know she wanted to return and see her parents once more. She wonders if her mother escaped and I told her no to give up hope. There's always a chance. I also reminded her that my offer still stands and she'll always be family to me. Though I never knew my mother or father, I think I can imagine it well enough. Even though I know they're just on vacation, I miss Kalina and Dom dearly. I am starting to wonder if they'll ever come back...
Well, Gwynnithe is still with me and now there's Zilvai. And I still have hope for Rozalin and me. I have to keep moving on.
Animus Sensbane
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 13, 1374 DR[/align]
It's interesting how one's past can completely alter your perception of things. I saw an example of this as I spoke to Kari once again. She told me of how her parents tried to run her life and dictate exactly how she was to live. I partially understood her annoyance, yet I found myself strangely envious. Not of being controlled, mind you, but the simple fact Kari had two people that cared enough to try. When I was growing up as a bastard in that village, no one ever really cared what happened to me. No one set any goals for me. No one had any hopes for me. I was just... there. I honestly don't know why they took care of me.
I had no guidance at all, so I grew into whatever made it easier to survive. And, for me, that lead down the path of evil. I wonder how much differently I would have turned out had there been a guiding hand to lead me. True, must people look at me now and say I turned out "noble" in the end, but does that erase the mistakes I have made? No, I am not holding on to my past. As I promised Aska, the real Aska, my Aska, before she died, I have forgiven myself. But that doesn't change the pain I've caused. How different things could have been...
All I can do is use the remainder of my years to try and make up for those mistakes; however, that's a great number to handle and I've barely scratched the surface.
It's interesting how one's past can completely alter your perception of things. I saw an example of this as I spoke to Kari once again. She told me of how her parents tried to run her life and dictate exactly how she was to live. I partially understood her annoyance, yet I found myself strangely envious. Not of being controlled, mind you, but the simple fact Kari had two people that cared enough to try. When I was growing up as a bastard in that village, no one ever really cared what happened to me. No one set any goals for me. No one had any hopes for me. I was just... there. I honestly don't know why they took care of me.
I had no guidance at all, so I grew into whatever made it easier to survive. And, for me, that lead down the path of evil. I wonder how much differently I would have turned out had there been a guiding hand to lead me. True, must people look at me now and say I turned out "noble" in the end, but does that erase the mistakes I have made? No, I am not holding on to my past. As I promised Aska, the real Aska, my Aska, before she died, I have forgiven myself. But that doesn't change the pain I've caused. How different things could have been...
All I can do is use the remainder of my years to try and make up for those mistakes; however, that's a great number to handle and I've barely scratched the surface.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 14, 1374 DR[/align]
Roland has joined us in our battle against the Vorare. I believe that makes thirteen of us now. He's a noble and dedicated man that we can count on. However, it seems Zilvai is becoming tired of being the leader. She would like someone else to step up while she merely supervises from the background. Though I think she has many admirable qualities as a leader, perhaps something can be worked out. Unfortunately, Zilvai may find out that many leaders are chosen, not given a choice.
The battle against the Vorare aside, I've been making much progress in reorganizing house Sensbane. I've sent letters to Artemis and Vupuu informing them that I'd like to arrange a meeting. I need a full list of all the employees that worked for my father within and without Sigil so that I may contact them. I need to try and re-establish a connection with all of father's past business associates as well... though a part of me dreads the types I may encounter. Before disappearing, I recall Neli mentioning to Kalina she handled "certain aspects" of father's business. After seeing what Neli's capable of and her efficiency in doing so... I have my worries.
I am also worrying more and more for Sunshine, and not just because of our separation. The time of her birthday is drawing nearer and nearer. Camo will be making his move soon. I will use whatever resources are at my disposal to keep her safe.
Roland has joined us in our battle against the Vorare. I believe that makes thirteen of us now. He's a noble and dedicated man that we can count on. However, it seems Zilvai is becoming tired of being the leader. She would like someone else to step up while she merely supervises from the background. Though I think she has many admirable qualities as a leader, perhaps something can be worked out. Unfortunately, Zilvai may find out that many leaders are chosen, not given a choice.
The battle against the Vorare aside, I've been making much progress in reorganizing house Sensbane. I've sent letters to Artemis and Vupuu informing them that I'd like to arrange a meeting. I need a full list of all the employees that worked for my father within and without Sigil so that I may contact them. I need to try and re-establish a connection with all of father's past business associates as well... though a part of me dreads the types I may encounter. Before disappearing, I recall Neli mentioning to Kalina she handled "certain aspects" of father's business. After seeing what Neli's capable of and her efficiency in doing so... I have my worries.
I am also worrying more and more for Sunshine, and not just because of our separation. The time of her birthday is drawing nearer and nearer. Camo will be making his move soon. I will use whatever resources are at my disposal to keep her safe.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 15, 1374 DR[/align]
It seems Zilvai had an accident while experimenting with the powers of her newly acquired sword. She accidentally turned its powers on herself and drained her own arcana, so now she has to retrain herself in the ways of magic to regain her lost power. In one way, it's actually been a benefit. She's taking the opportunity to learn how to dual wield weapons and now fights magnificently with two long swords. She may be young and doubtful, but there's no denying her vitality and strength of spirit. I will be there to help her every step of the way.
About mid day, while I was studying, Fargul and Hildmor decided to test themselves against an Abyssal drink the demons favor. The result was entertaining to watch, to say the least. After they regained enough of their wits, they both used their own remedies to recover from the effects. Hildmor used potions and Fargul... used devil's blood mixed with whiskey. Drinking the brew seemed to have the desired effect, though it might have just been Fargul throwing up the Abyssal drink with the blood whiskey.
Hildmor has changed greatly since I first met him. He's become fairly open and friendly towards others. I can't say I'm that surprised. Love has that effect on people.
It seems Zilvai had an accident while experimenting with the powers of her newly acquired sword. She accidentally turned its powers on herself and drained her own arcana, so now she has to retrain herself in the ways of magic to regain her lost power. In one way, it's actually been a benefit. She's taking the opportunity to learn how to dual wield weapons and now fights magnificently with two long swords. She may be young and doubtful, but there's no denying her vitality and strength of spirit. I will be there to help her every step of the way.
About mid day, while I was studying, Fargul and Hildmor decided to test themselves against an Abyssal drink the demons favor. The result was entertaining to watch, to say the least. After they regained enough of their wits, they both used their own remedies to recover from the effects. Hildmor used potions and Fargul... used devil's blood mixed with whiskey. Drinking the brew seemed to have the desired effect, though it might have just been Fargul throwing up the Abyssal drink with the blood whiskey.
Hildmor has changed greatly since I first met him. He's become fairly open and friendly towards others. I can't say I'm that surprised. Love has that effect on people.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 16, 1374 DR[/align]
I had heard about the things Necroth had been doing and was surprised when I saw him walking along the street as if nothing was wrong. I guess the warrant for his arrest wasn't issued yet as the Harmonium guards let him pass without trouble. He greeted me, but all I could do was to just stare at him. I had talked to him several times in the past and even trusted him to an extent, yet it seems he's followed the path of evil in the end.
Eventually, I just shook my head, said goodbye to Hildmor, and went for a walk. I later met up with Zilvai and we journeyed once more to the Abyss together. As I struck down fiends, I found myself contemplative over the lure of evil. It hurts my demonic heart to see others fall to it so readily.
I had heard about the things Necroth had been doing and was surprised when I saw him walking along the street as if nothing was wrong. I guess the warrant for his arrest wasn't issued yet as the Harmonium guards let him pass without trouble. He greeted me, but all I could do was to just stare at him. I had talked to him several times in the past and even trusted him to an extent, yet it seems he's followed the path of evil in the end.
Eventually, I just shook my head, said goodbye to Hildmor, and went for a walk. I later met up with Zilvai and we journeyed once more to the Abyss together. As I struck down fiends, I found myself contemplative over the lure of evil. It hurts my demonic heart to see others fall to it so readily.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 17, 1374 DR[/align]
The hours I've been staying up to study are starting to have an effect on me. I slept in well past noon. While my studies are important, I can't forget my duties either. Complexities of work aside, I had the strangest feeling when I woke up. I felt an... emptiness in my heart and an unexplainable sensation of sorrow. I felt myself drawn from my room and to the balcony of the inn. As I leaned on the railing over looking the bazaar... that feeling of emptiness just kept growing. I suddenly began crying, though I had no idea at first. Then, it just came to me intuitively. I was crying because someone had died. I instinctively reached for my scrying device, but realized no energy pulsed from it.
Who had died and why do I know it?
The hours I've been staying up to study are starting to have an effect on me. I slept in well past noon. While my studies are important, I can't forget my duties either. Complexities of work aside, I had the strangest feeling when I woke up. I felt an... emptiness in my heart and an unexplainable sensation of sorrow. I felt myself drawn from my room and to the balcony of the inn. As I leaned on the railing over looking the bazaar... that feeling of emptiness just kept growing. I suddenly began crying, though I had no idea at first. Then, it just came to me intuitively. I was crying because someone had died. I instinctively reached for my scrying device, but realized no energy pulsed from it.
Who had died and why do I know it?
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 18, 1374 DR[/align]
Today I spent most of the day in the Lady's Ward overseeing the construction of the Villa. I had to put aside that awkward feeling I got the day before. Going over the blue prints with the foreman was monotonous. He spent the entire time trying to convince me to allow certain changes to the original plans, all meant to allow him to turn a higher profit by using sub-standard materials and a number of other careless short cuts. I am now thankful for the long hours of study I went through. Had I spoken to the foreman earlier, I would have been easily taken by his "suggestions."
About the only thing he argued against that made sense was the "cave" my sister included in the blue prints. The foreman was perplexed why Kalina would want such a thing built beneath the villa and I could only laugh. I had thought her talk in room ten had been just a joke, but if that's what she wanted, I would see it built. I told the foreman to continue following the blue prints and to begin digging. All the necessary permits had already been acquired.
Once the last details had been gone over, I decided to take a walk to the construction site and see how things were going. On the surface, things looked well but I became disappointed after speaking with some of the workers. The foreman has been pushing them too hard. I noted a number of injuries that had not been properly taken care of and even found a man suffering from a minor case of dehydration. It wasn't a serious case but that wasn't the point. There was no reason for it to happen in the first place!
I sought out the foreman and exchanged several heated words. He eventually broke down and gave in to my demands to proceed with more caution and to take better care of his workers. He pointed out this would delay construction and increase cost but I didn't care. Once that was settled, I had everyone take the rest of the day off, though the mysterious earth elemental seemed hesitant to stop. No one has yet to figure out where it came from or why it's helping with the construction. After tending to the injured, I made my way back to the inn to rest. It had been a very tiring day.
Today I spent most of the day in the Lady's Ward overseeing the construction of the Villa. I had to put aside that awkward feeling I got the day before. Going over the blue prints with the foreman was monotonous. He spent the entire time trying to convince me to allow certain changes to the original plans, all meant to allow him to turn a higher profit by using sub-standard materials and a number of other careless short cuts. I am now thankful for the long hours of study I went through. Had I spoken to the foreman earlier, I would have been easily taken by his "suggestions."
About the only thing he argued against that made sense was the "cave" my sister included in the blue prints. The foreman was perplexed why Kalina would want such a thing built beneath the villa and I could only laugh. I had thought her talk in room ten had been just a joke, but if that's what she wanted, I would see it built. I told the foreman to continue following the blue prints and to begin digging. All the necessary permits had already been acquired.
Once the last details had been gone over, I decided to take a walk to the construction site and see how things were going. On the surface, things looked well but I became disappointed after speaking with some of the workers. The foreman has been pushing them too hard. I noted a number of injuries that had not been properly taken care of and even found a man suffering from a minor case of dehydration. It wasn't a serious case but that wasn't the point. There was no reason for it to happen in the first place!
I sought out the foreman and exchanged several heated words. He eventually broke down and gave in to my demands to proceed with more caution and to take better care of his workers. He pointed out this would delay construction and increase cost but I didn't care. Once that was settled, I had everyone take the rest of the day off, though the mysterious earth elemental seemed hesitant to stop. No one has yet to figure out where it came from or why it's helping with the construction. After tending to the injured, I made my way back to the inn to rest. It had been a very tiring day.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 19, 1374 DR[/align]
Plots, pandemonium, and perversion... the life blood of the demonic. How thickly it runs in Sigil at times.
Earlier today I met with Zilvai in the Lady's Ward on my way to the Abyss. Just as I began to greet her, she suddenly ran over and hugged me, her face buried into my chest. She said she was sorry and I asked why. She told me that Aska would trouble me no more. I didn't know how to react, though my eyes began to water on their own. I stood there and watched as she withdrew a lock of fiery red hair from her pouch and handed it to me, tears streaming down her cheeks. I took the hairs into my hand, feeling the texture and taking in the color with my eyes. By all my memories of her, it certainly seemed to be Aska's hair. I worked my lips, trying to say something, but nothing came. All I could do was sigh and lament my confusion. My Aska was dead, may she rest in peace. And I wish the same for this imposter, despite the pain she has caused me.
I thanked Zilvai for helping me in this and part of me wanted to ask how she found out. Part of me dared to wonder if Zilvai had been the cause of the imposter's death. However, we were interrupted as Conrad jogged up and shouted the good new he could divinely enchant weapons now. The situation became awkward as both Zilvai and I wiped away our tears. It didn't take long for Conrad to realize he stumbled in at a bad time. He bid us farewell and continued on our way. Zilvai and I both agreed we needed a drink. I offered my hand, which she took, and, brother and sister, side by side, made our way back to the bazaar.
After reaching Khazeet's, Zilvai sat down at a table as I ordered water for Zilvai and wine for myself. Just as we sat down, a man approached the bar and slumped down in a chair not far from us. He kept muttering and staring at Zilvai after hearing her speak. He then looked away and muttered Zilvai's name. I glanced to Zilvai and asked if he was a friend of hers and she could only shrug as she stared at the man. This allowed him to get a good look at her and he seemed to recognize Zilvai, but Zilvai did not recognize him. Finally, he spoke his name, "Melrith".
Zilvai suddenly collapsed at that and started laughing, saying something about someone playing games with her. Melrith and I kneeled down to look over to her as a crowd started to gather. Melrith helped her into a sitting position, and she responded by slapping him. It seems Melrith was an old friend from Zilvai's world but she hadn't seen him for a very long time. Melrith said something about living with Gitani, whatever they are, and that each of them had their own lives. Zilvai growled and said she visited an oasis every week, I guess looking for Melrith. Zilvai's anger mixed with joy made her look a wreck. The two spoke for a bit, but it became too much for her and she said she had to take a walk. Melrith and I remained seated as Zilvai vanished from sight.
We sat there for a while, neither of us speaking as others at the bar went on with their discussions. Melrith then silently wandered off and I was approached by Hildmor. He said he needed to speak with me about something. After following him away from the bazaar and next to a collapsed building, he cast a spell that made both of us invisible and warned me of Necroth's plans to bring chaos to my family and also plans to somehow instigate the arrest of the brigade. He apparently believes we are allied to one of his greater enemies.
Hildmor handed me two bottles and explained they were a very powerful love potion. He was supposed to trick me into drinking them, not that it would have mattered. As a Sunite, I am very knowledgeable when it comes to "Love" potions. It wouldn't have taken me long to realize what had happened and I could easily counter its effects. Hildmor would still like me to pretend to be effected so that he could retain Necroth's trust for now. In return, he asked for another bottle of the wine I shared with him several weeks back. I was glad to oblige and handed over a bottle to him once we reached my room.
After he departed, I realized it was almost time for the scheduled training and made my way to the Gymnasium. I got there in time to watch Zilvai and Fargul sparring. Things went well until Zilvai attempted a parry that sent Fargul falling down on top of her. He managed to stop himself using his free arm, though it left the two in an embarrassing position. Zilvai spotted me and quickly rose to her feet, trying to act as if nothing had happened. I tried to tease Zilvai about it, but she missed it and I just let it drop. After realizing no one from the brigade was going to show up, we decided to cancel the training and try again another time.
The day had been very tiring on my mind, so I bid Zilvai and Fargul goodbye and returns to my room. After undressing, I fell into my bed and started to drift into slumber. I began to recall the moment two days back when I suddenly sensed that someone had died. It suddenly occurred to me that the person I felt... could have been the imposter. My mind started to reel at the possible implications of that, but I pushed the thoughts out of my head. However, I couldn't stop the tears that streamed down my face as I went to sleep.
Plots, pandemonium, and perversion... the life blood of the demonic. How thickly it runs in Sigil at times.
Earlier today I met with Zilvai in the Lady's Ward on my way to the Abyss. Just as I began to greet her, she suddenly ran over and hugged me, her face buried into my chest. She said she was sorry and I asked why. She told me that Aska would trouble me no more. I didn't know how to react, though my eyes began to water on their own. I stood there and watched as she withdrew a lock of fiery red hair from her pouch and handed it to me, tears streaming down her cheeks. I took the hairs into my hand, feeling the texture and taking in the color with my eyes. By all my memories of her, it certainly seemed to be Aska's hair. I worked my lips, trying to say something, but nothing came. All I could do was sigh and lament my confusion. My Aska was dead, may she rest in peace. And I wish the same for this imposter, despite the pain she has caused me.
I thanked Zilvai for helping me in this and part of me wanted to ask how she found out. Part of me dared to wonder if Zilvai had been the cause of the imposter's death. However, we were interrupted as Conrad jogged up and shouted the good new he could divinely enchant weapons now. The situation became awkward as both Zilvai and I wiped away our tears. It didn't take long for Conrad to realize he stumbled in at a bad time. He bid us farewell and continued on our way. Zilvai and I both agreed we needed a drink. I offered my hand, which she took, and, brother and sister, side by side, made our way back to the bazaar.
After reaching Khazeet's, Zilvai sat down at a table as I ordered water for Zilvai and wine for myself. Just as we sat down, a man approached the bar and slumped down in a chair not far from us. He kept muttering and staring at Zilvai after hearing her speak. He then looked away and muttered Zilvai's name. I glanced to Zilvai and asked if he was a friend of hers and she could only shrug as she stared at the man. This allowed him to get a good look at her and he seemed to recognize Zilvai, but Zilvai did not recognize him. Finally, he spoke his name, "Melrith".
Zilvai suddenly collapsed at that and started laughing, saying something about someone playing games with her. Melrith and I kneeled down to look over to her as a crowd started to gather. Melrith helped her into a sitting position, and she responded by slapping him. It seems Melrith was an old friend from Zilvai's world but she hadn't seen him for a very long time. Melrith said something about living with Gitani, whatever they are, and that each of them had their own lives. Zilvai growled and said she visited an oasis every week, I guess looking for Melrith. Zilvai's anger mixed with joy made her look a wreck. The two spoke for a bit, but it became too much for her and she said she had to take a walk. Melrith and I remained seated as Zilvai vanished from sight.
We sat there for a while, neither of us speaking as others at the bar went on with their discussions. Melrith then silently wandered off and I was approached by Hildmor. He said he needed to speak with me about something. After following him away from the bazaar and next to a collapsed building, he cast a spell that made both of us invisible and warned me of Necroth's plans to bring chaos to my family and also plans to somehow instigate the arrest of the brigade. He apparently believes we are allied to one of his greater enemies.
Hildmor handed me two bottles and explained they were a very powerful love potion. He was supposed to trick me into drinking them, not that it would have mattered. As a Sunite, I am very knowledgeable when it comes to "Love" potions. It wouldn't have taken me long to realize what had happened and I could easily counter its effects. Hildmor would still like me to pretend to be effected so that he could retain Necroth's trust for now. In return, he asked for another bottle of the wine I shared with him several weeks back. I was glad to oblige and handed over a bottle to him once we reached my room.
After he departed, I realized it was almost time for the scheduled training and made my way to the Gymnasium. I got there in time to watch Zilvai and Fargul sparring. Things went well until Zilvai attempted a parry that sent Fargul falling down on top of her. He managed to stop himself using his free arm, though it left the two in an embarrassing position. Zilvai spotted me and quickly rose to her feet, trying to act as if nothing had happened. I tried to tease Zilvai about it, but she missed it and I just let it drop. After realizing no one from the brigade was going to show up, we decided to cancel the training and try again another time.
The day had been very tiring on my mind, so I bid Zilvai and Fargul goodbye and returns to my room. After undressing, I fell into my bed and started to drift into slumber. I began to recall the moment two days back when I suddenly sensed that someone had died. It suddenly occurred to me that the person I felt... could have been the imposter. My mind started to reel at the possible implications of that, but I pushed the thoughts out of my head. However, I couldn't stop the tears that streamed down my face as I went to sleep.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 20-22, 1374 DR[/align]
By the gods, why didn't it occur to me to check up on Gwynn sooner? I guess I've gotten so used to my family disappearing. After having not seen her for over a week, I took my scry device and focused my thoughts on my sister, Gwynnithe. The device, like a dousing rod, began to tug me towards the direction to the Lady's War. But just as I reached the boundary of the bazaar, Gwynnithe and Tomas came in site. I greeted Gwynn but she walked right by me as if I wasn't even there.
Tomas then blurted out that he found her in the Abyss and she was trying to go into the lava! Gwynn told him she was looking for Neli and, in order to stop her, Tomas and told her a lie and said she could find Neli in Sigil. Gwynn over heard this, realized Tomas was lying, and immediately tried to leave again. I tried talking to Gwynn again, but she wouldn't listen to me. I had no choice but to do as Tomas suggested and restrain her by force.
Thankfully, Dom entered the bazaar from the Lady's Ward as well. Grateful to see him but too occupied to ask the immediate questions that assailed my mind, I quickly told him that something was wrong with Gwynn and she tried to commit suicide. Though shocked, he thankfully followed along as I continued to carry Gwynn to the inn. Gwynnithe drew her sword and tried to attack me, but I managed to wrestle it away from her before Tomas tried to hit her in the head with his staff. After getting her to my room, I tied her down to the bed and Tomas left almost immediately, leaving Dom and I to figure out what had happened to Gwynn on our own.
Thanks to Dom's knowledge of magic, we were eventually able to deduce it was some form of divine enchantment, probably of fey source since Gwynnithe worships Venestra. I also sacrificed some of my life force and gave it to Gwynnithe to make things easier for her. Whatever was happening to her also had the effect of giving her body flu like symptoms. Dom and I were able to convince Gwynn that the Seelie court may be able to locate Neli. I then set her free and the three of us journey into the beast lands.
Thanks to Gwynn, we easily able to locate one of the Seelie villages. There the elders looked over Gwynn's condition and were able to determine her symptoms were due to an alteration of her fey pact with Neli. Apparently, Neli was somehow freed of her need to fulfill her side of the bargain, which in turn forced Gwynnithe to constantly fulfill hers. We were left with one of two choices: either find Neli or have Gwynn sever her pact.
Finding Neli would be next to impossible as we have no idea where in the multiverse she ran to. As for severing the pact... it would greatly change who she is. The elders explained while Gwynn would remain fey, she would loose her feyish nature. Even if that were an option I would allow, we had no idea how to sever the pact in the first place. The elders explained Gwynnithe would have to pray to Venestra to release her from the pact, but that would require an amount of focus she isn't capable of because of the altered pact. It was hard enough getting her to come to the Seelies.
Disheartened, we returned to Sigil and Dom wished us farewell. He had to return to Kalina in Waterdeep. I stayed by Gwynnithe's side, following her wherever she went in her mad search for Neli, offering my life force to sustain her when needed. We wandered through many planes until at last Gwynn's body reached full exhaustion. She collapsed to the ground and fell asleep. I tried to stay awake, but my body had reached its limit too, and I feel unconscious.
I then had a dream. Within it, a little girl was pushing a cart full of toys. A sign on the cart read, "From Gwynnie to the Gate House." She then spoke to me and said she knew something that I didn't know. She then appeared over Gwynnithe's sleeping form and started to tug on something... like invisible strings. To my surprised, Gwynnithe began to move like a puppet on strings. The girl told me if I helped her she would help me.
As I spoke with the girl, I learned her name was Maggie and came to realize this girl must be Gwynn's spirit guide. We spoke with each other and the guide was able to help me better understand the feyish pact Gwynn had formed with Neli. She said she could take control of Gwynn and allow her to pray to Venestra to sever the pact. A way to save Gwynn was found, but the cost...
I asked Maggie if there was anyone that could take Neli's place in the pact. To my relief, she said yes and spoke with my father's, Jach's voice! I asked if it was possible for Jach's spirit to share Gwynn's dream, then Maggie suddenly said she had an idea. She said everyone would be happy if father would be willing to become Gwynn's spirit guide in Maggie's place. But first, I must commune with Jach's spirit and ask if he'd be willing to do so. I need to find someone in touch with the spirit world to use the stone Zadara gave to Gwynnithe.
However, it might be some time before I can find such a person. I asked Maggie if there was anything she could do to stop the craving. She pulled another invisible string above Gwynn, making her move and said she could keep Gwynnithe safe. I thanked her and then... I woke up. I found the stone connected to Jach's spirit in my hand as Gwynn still lay upon the ground. I managed to get to my feet and, to my surprise, Gwynnithe was standing as well. She looked at me and said, "I will keep her safe." It was Gwynn's face and voice, but I knew it was Maggie speaking, not Gwynn.
The two of us returned to Sigil and made our way back to the inn. Maggie wished me goodbye as she entered to the inn, and I could not help but worry. Like it or not, I must trust her to take care of my sister. I made my way to my room and collapsed onto the bed, and feel into a deep sleep. I did not wake up until an hour ago. Now I must find a spirit shaman to aid me. Gods grant me good fortune.
By the gods, why didn't it occur to me to check up on Gwynn sooner? I guess I've gotten so used to my family disappearing. After having not seen her for over a week, I took my scry device and focused my thoughts on my sister, Gwynnithe. The device, like a dousing rod, began to tug me towards the direction to the Lady's War. But just as I reached the boundary of the bazaar, Gwynnithe and Tomas came in site. I greeted Gwynn but she walked right by me as if I wasn't even there.
Tomas then blurted out that he found her in the Abyss and she was trying to go into the lava! Gwynn told him she was looking for Neli and, in order to stop her, Tomas and told her a lie and said she could find Neli in Sigil. Gwynn over heard this, realized Tomas was lying, and immediately tried to leave again. I tried talking to Gwynn again, but she wouldn't listen to me. I had no choice but to do as Tomas suggested and restrain her by force.
Thankfully, Dom entered the bazaar from the Lady's Ward as well. Grateful to see him but too occupied to ask the immediate questions that assailed my mind, I quickly told him that something was wrong with Gwynn and she tried to commit suicide. Though shocked, he thankfully followed along as I continued to carry Gwynn to the inn. Gwynnithe drew her sword and tried to attack me, but I managed to wrestle it away from her before Tomas tried to hit her in the head with his staff. After getting her to my room, I tied her down to the bed and Tomas left almost immediately, leaving Dom and I to figure out what had happened to Gwynn on our own.
Thanks to Dom's knowledge of magic, we were eventually able to deduce it was some form of divine enchantment, probably of fey source since Gwynnithe worships Venestra. I also sacrificed some of my life force and gave it to Gwynnithe to make things easier for her. Whatever was happening to her also had the effect of giving her body flu like symptoms. Dom and I were able to convince Gwynn that the Seelie court may be able to locate Neli. I then set her free and the three of us journey into the beast lands.
Thanks to Gwynn, we easily able to locate one of the Seelie villages. There the elders looked over Gwynn's condition and were able to determine her symptoms were due to an alteration of her fey pact with Neli. Apparently, Neli was somehow freed of her need to fulfill her side of the bargain, which in turn forced Gwynnithe to constantly fulfill hers. We were left with one of two choices: either find Neli or have Gwynn sever her pact.
Finding Neli would be next to impossible as we have no idea where in the multiverse she ran to. As for severing the pact... it would greatly change who she is. The elders explained while Gwynn would remain fey, she would loose her feyish nature. Even if that were an option I would allow, we had no idea how to sever the pact in the first place. The elders explained Gwynnithe would have to pray to Venestra to release her from the pact, but that would require an amount of focus she isn't capable of because of the altered pact. It was hard enough getting her to come to the Seelies.
Disheartened, we returned to Sigil and Dom wished us farewell. He had to return to Kalina in Waterdeep. I stayed by Gwynnithe's side, following her wherever she went in her mad search for Neli, offering my life force to sustain her when needed. We wandered through many planes until at last Gwynn's body reached full exhaustion. She collapsed to the ground and fell asleep. I tried to stay awake, but my body had reached its limit too, and I feel unconscious.
I then had a dream. Within it, a little girl was pushing a cart full of toys. A sign on the cart read, "From Gwynnie to the Gate House." She then spoke to me and said she knew something that I didn't know. She then appeared over Gwynnithe's sleeping form and started to tug on something... like invisible strings. To my surprised, Gwynnithe began to move like a puppet on strings. The girl told me if I helped her she would help me.
As I spoke with the girl, I learned her name was Maggie and came to realize this girl must be Gwynn's spirit guide. We spoke with each other and the guide was able to help me better understand the feyish pact Gwynn had formed with Neli. She said she could take control of Gwynn and allow her to pray to Venestra to sever the pact. A way to save Gwynn was found, but the cost...
I asked Maggie if there was anyone that could take Neli's place in the pact. To my relief, she said yes and spoke with my father's, Jach's voice! I asked if it was possible for Jach's spirit to share Gwynn's dream, then Maggie suddenly said she had an idea. She said everyone would be happy if father would be willing to become Gwynn's spirit guide in Maggie's place. But first, I must commune with Jach's spirit and ask if he'd be willing to do so. I need to find someone in touch with the spirit world to use the stone Zadara gave to Gwynnithe.
However, it might be some time before I can find such a person. I asked Maggie if there was anything she could do to stop the craving. She pulled another invisible string above Gwynn, making her move and said she could keep Gwynnithe safe. I thanked her and then... I woke up. I found the stone connected to Jach's spirit in my hand as Gwynn still lay upon the ground. I managed to get to my feet and, to my surprise, Gwynnithe was standing as well. She looked at me and said, "I will keep her safe." It was Gwynn's face and voice, but I knew it was Maggie speaking, not Gwynn.
The two of us returned to Sigil and made our way back to the inn. Maggie wished me goodbye as she entered to the inn, and I could not help but worry. Like it or not, I must trust her to take care of my sister. I made my way to my room and collapsed onto the bed, and feel into a deep sleep. I did not wake up until an hour ago. Now I must find a spirit shaman to aid me. Gods grant me good fortune.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Kythorn 23, 1374 DR[/align]
The vision of Asmodeus echoes in my thoughts as I find myself struggling in Sigil without the power I once had. Still, neither might nor power has been the foundation of my faith or the directive to my actions. My heart is my foundation and my guide, and I will ever rely on it. Let my body be broken, let my soul be imprisoned, but, as long as I stay true to my heart, my soul will never be broken.
Today I instructed several of my employees to hang up posters around the bazaar notifying my need for a spirit shaman. I've already been informed that Cratten Erroc had offered his assistance. I had hoped I could get Zadara to do it as she was the one that provided the gem to Gwynn originally, but I haven't had the fortune of running into her nor has she sought me out. I can only assume Raelin hasn't seen her either.
Once that was settled, I went to the foundry to see what this prototype business was about. It turns out that my father was working on an "Arcane Arbalest." Apparently, it is supposed to be capable of siphoning arcana from the wielder and use it to fire raw arcane energy at an opponent. However, Jach became frustrated at some point and set it aside to focus on other matters. He never got the chance to get back to work on it. His associates at the foundry came across the device and decided to turn it over to me.
Though I'm still a novice when it comes to sorcery, even I could appreciate the intricate rune laid upon the weapon. I was also able to tell the runes were clearly incomplete. I asked if they knew what it was that had been frustrating my father, but they could only shrug. Jach had kept all of his notes at the villa. If he had made any recordings of his work on the arbalest, they were consumed in the fire like the rest.
I decided to take the weapon on a test run through Under Sigil. I happened upon a rather large band of adventurers and joined them, though our group soon dwindled to only four counting myself. They had been arguing over something but I had been too intent on studying and adjusting the arbalest to take note of what. I couldn't find a way to make the blasted thing siphon my arcana to fire the magic bolts. Granted, it was able to summon an unlimited supply of regular bolts to fire, but that was it. I kept fiddling with it as we continued deeper into the sewers, though I often found myself putting it aside and relying on my sword to vanquish the enemies. Oh well. Perhaps I'll have better luck once my knowledge of the arcane improves.
On the plus side, I met a number of new faces, the one standing out the most being Aki. She seems to be new to Sigil and has a very strong accent. At times she has difficulty getting across what she means, but compared to Shiv, she isn't that hard to understand at all.
I saw Zilvai a couple of times throughout the day, but she was always preoccupied and I didn't wish to intrude. Hopefully I'll be able to speak with her tomorrow.
The vision of Asmodeus echoes in my thoughts as I find myself struggling in Sigil without the power I once had. Still, neither might nor power has been the foundation of my faith or the directive to my actions. My heart is my foundation and my guide, and I will ever rely on it. Let my body be broken, let my soul be imprisoned, but, as long as I stay true to my heart, my soul will never be broken.
Today I instructed several of my employees to hang up posters around the bazaar notifying my need for a spirit shaman. I've already been informed that Cratten Erroc had offered his assistance. I had hoped I could get Zadara to do it as she was the one that provided the gem to Gwynn originally, but I haven't had the fortune of running into her nor has she sought me out. I can only assume Raelin hasn't seen her either.
Once that was settled, I went to the foundry to see what this prototype business was about. It turns out that my father was working on an "Arcane Arbalest." Apparently, it is supposed to be capable of siphoning arcana from the wielder and use it to fire raw arcane energy at an opponent. However, Jach became frustrated at some point and set it aside to focus on other matters. He never got the chance to get back to work on it. His associates at the foundry came across the device and decided to turn it over to me.
Though I'm still a novice when it comes to sorcery, even I could appreciate the intricate rune laid upon the weapon. I was also able to tell the runes were clearly incomplete. I asked if they knew what it was that had been frustrating my father, but they could only shrug. Jach had kept all of his notes at the villa. If he had made any recordings of his work on the arbalest, they were consumed in the fire like the rest.
I decided to take the weapon on a test run through Under Sigil. I happened upon a rather large band of adventurers and joined them, though our group soon dwindled to only four counting myself. They had been arguing over something but I had been too intent on studying and adjusting the arbalest to take note of what. I couldn't find a way to make the blasted thing siphon my arcana to fire the magic bolts. Granted, it was able to summon an unlimited supply of regular bolts to fire, but that was it. I kept fiddling with it as we continued deeper into the sewers, though I often found myself putting it aside and relying on my sword to vanquish the enemies. Oh well. Perhaps I'll have better luck once my knowledge of the arcane improves.
On the plus side, I met a number of new faces, the one standing out the most being Aki. She seems to be new to Sigil and has a very strong accent. At times she has difficulty getting across what she means, but compared to Shiv, she isn't that hard to understand at all.
I saw Zilvai a couple of times throughout the day, but she was always preoccupied and I didn't wish to intrude. Hopefully I'll be able to speak with her tomorrow.