[align=center]Flamerule 5, 1374 DR[/align]
I spent almost the entire day in the Abyss. Zilvai and I fought well together against the devils as they tried to take advantage of the opportunity the disease had presented. Zilvai's skill with her swords continues to increase and my protective wards aided us greatly. They were no match for us... or so I thought.
We made our way to the dreaded fortress now held by the devils. Here the demons desperately tried to reclaim the fortress, recklessly attacking the pit fiend warlord and his soldiers. Zilvai and I got caught up in the fray and were separated. I desperately fought my way though, trying to find her again. I cried out in anguish as I saw her battered body lying motionless on the battlefield. I charged forward, scooped her up in my arms, and fled the fortress.
I made my way back to the safety of the cave most plane walkers use and set to work on Zilvai with my magic. She began coughing and gasping for air and I wrapped my arms around her tightly as she weakly hugged back. For a long time we sat there holding each other as the reminder of death weighed heavily on us. Zilvai began to doubt herself and part of me wanted to agree with her. The big brother in me wanted her to never return to this place and stay forever safe, but I knew that wasn't right.
I told Zilvai she was wrong and pointed out how strong she was becoming. It didn't take long to bolster her spirit once again, and soon she was smiling and as confident as ever. After holding each other a little longer, we separated and I went about building a fire as she watched the entrance for danger. We shared a brief meal, put out the fire, and decided to head back to Sigil for now. I wanted to craft some wands for Zilvai.
After making our way around the lave lake and returning to the cavern with the portal, we came upon the body of a man. After inspecting him, I was shocked to discover it was my old friend Bergimon and he was still alive! I quickly tended to him with magic and restored his wounds, but I couldn't do anything about his lost limb. I told Zilvai who it was, but she didn't seem too happy to see him. After helping him back to Sigil and getting a room for him at the inn, he asked us to join him at a table. Zilvai made an excuse and said she had to leave. She whispered to me she knew about Bergimon killing a group of people in Sigil.
I knew of the incident Zilvai spoke of, but what she didn't know is that same group had ambushed Bergimon. They had waited outside one of the portals leading from Sigil, attacked and murdered two of his friends, then fled back into Sigil. Bergimon had been avenging the deaths of his friends by his own hands since the murderers hadn't broken any laws. Their crime had been committed outside of Sigil.
But there was no time to tell Zilvai this and she left. I went ahead and joined Bergimon at the table. He told me how he had been living in Hopelorn and had been sent as an emissary to the King of Ghouls. The King of Ghouls... it wasn't hard for me to figure out how that had fared. Bergimon had to fight the King of Ghouls and lost. It was fortunate he managed to escape and make it as far as he did. I wanted to ask my friend if there was anything I could do to help him, but he suddenly felt ill and needed to rest. I helped him to his room and bid him a good rest.
Feeling helpless, I decided to return to the Abyss and continue my battle against the devils. Hours passed as I continued attacking group after group, picking them off from vast distances with the aid of my arcane arbalest. I've yet to understand what went wrong in my attempt to enhance it, but the weapon continues to serve me well. However, fortune eventually turned against me.
I was working my way along the crevices of the mountain near the dreaded fortress claimed by the devils, using the cover to my advantage. Something suddenly crashed into my back and sent me sprawling down the mountain side. My dragon scaled hide managed to save me as I buffeted against the rocks, but I was still left in a daze as I hit bottom with a crash. My vision blurred as I stared up into the dark sky. A massive figure stood over me, and in the fell light I recognized the hideous face of an elite horned devil. Taunting me in his tongue, he raised the mace in his hand above his head to deliver the final blow.
But I am a sorcerer. Unlike wizards who have to study and prepare carefully to use magic, my powers come as I grow stronger and flow naturally to me. Suddenly, my hand shot upwards and plunged deep into the devil's chest, shadowy claws tearing through and out his back. I stared in shock at my now shadow like arm as the devil swooned in its death. I ripped it back out of his chest and the fiend fell into a pool of its own blood. I got to my feet, realizing how much taller I was. It didn't take long for me to figure out what had happened. I had transformed into a beast of the shadows, a Nightwalker.
Animus Sensbane
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 6, 1374 DR[/align]
I was a little worried about the consequences of turning into a Nightwalker. After all, I am a Paladin and a Nightwalker is a creature of shadow and un-death. However, Sune still favors me with her blessing and I was even able to help a wizard out using my powers. Her name was Samarra, an elf I met a couple days back in Sigil. I ran into her in the Abyss and we quickly formed an alliance as we fought our way through the battle field.
While resting in the cave, she suddenly transformed into a Nightwalker as well. She said that, thanks to transformation, she was able to study the dweomers and gained enough knowledge to mimic the spell herself. This lead to a fascinating discussion on magic with a focus on polymorphing. As we continued, I transformed into a number of different forms and Samarra was able to mimic all of them perfectly. Despite the location, I had a lot of fun.
Eventually, I needed to rest and bid Samarra farewell. I returned to Sigil for a normal night of rest at the inn, though nightmares of my past continued to plague me. In the morning, I made my way back to the Abyss and found Zilvai again on the other side of the portal. I greeted her and, naturally, we decided to adventure together. Hesitantly, I transformed once again into a Nightwalker after warning Zilvai not to be alarmed. To my joy, she wasn't alarmed and didn't seem to mind at all. She just pointed out how funny I sounded as I spoke and that was it. We fought together as if nothing had changed.
I shouldn't be surprised. We both live in Sigil, after all.
I was a little worried about the consequences of turning into a Nightwalker. After all, I am a Paladin and a Nightwalker is a creature of shadow and un-death. However, Sune still favors me with her blessing and I was even able to help a wizard out using my powers. Her name was Samarra, an elf I met a couple days back in Sigil. I ran into her in the Abyss and we quickly formed an alliance as we fought our way through the battle field.
While resting in the cave, she suddenly transformed into a Nightwalker as well. She said that, thanks to transformation, she was able to study the dweomers and gained enough knowledge to mimic the spell herself. This lead to a fascinating discussion on magic with a focus on polymorphing. As we continued, I transformed into a number of different forms and Samarra was able to mimic all of them perfectly. Despite the location, I had a lot of fun.
Eventually, I needed to rest and bid Samarra farewell. I returned to Sigil for a normal night of rest at the inn, though nightmares of my past continued to plague me. In the morning, I made my way back to the Abyss and found Zilvai again on the other side of the portal. I greeted her and, naturally, we decided to adventure together. Hesitantly, I transformed once again into a Nightwalker after warning Zilvai not to be alarmed. To my joy, she wasn't alarmed and didn't seem to mind at all. She just pointed out how funny I sounded as I spoke and that was it. We fought together as if nothing had changed.
I shouldn't be surprised. We both live in Sigil, after all.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 7, 1374 DR[/align]
I've never met a more stubborn person than Vara the enchantress. The woman seems to lack all common sense. She's angry with Zilvai because Zilvai used magic to purge a pain inducing drug from Vara thinking she was, surprise, surprise, in pain. Vara became angry and demanded 200 jink for the cost of the drug. Ordinarily, I'd agree but Vara went further and threatened to harm Zilvai.
Zilvai did try to pay her back by giving the gold to someone else and telling them to hand it to Vara, but I found out from Vara herself that she refused because she stubbornly wanted the gold to come directly from Zilvai's hand. I tried to explain to Vara that Zilvai has no desire to meet with her directly after being threatened, and Vara couldn't understand why.
If that weren't enough, our discussion turned into a heated argument and Vara suddenly drew her sword. Thinking she was going to attack me, I drew my arbalest and fired it point blank into her skull, instantly killing her. After the adrenaline left me, I pulled out a scroll and brought her back to life with magic. She, of course, was angry with me and I apologized. I told her she shouldn't have drawn her weapon in the middle of a heated argument, but she couldn't even understand that logic. The woman has no common sense.
I left Vara with a warning that if she doesn't gain some wisdom, she's only going to get into more trouble in the future, most of which her own doing.
I've never met a more stubborn person than Vara the enchantress. The woman seems to lack all common sense. She's angry with Zilvai because Zilvai used magic to purge a pain inducing drug from Vara thinking she was, surprise, surprise, in pain. Vara became angry and demanded 200 jink for the cost of the drug. Ordinarily, I'd agree but Vara went further and threatened to harm Zilvai.
Zilvai did try to pay her back by giving the gold to someone else and telling them to hand it to Vara, but I found out from Vara herself that she refused because she stubbornly wanted the gold to come directly from Zilvai's hand. I tried to explain to Vara that Zilvai has no desire to meet with her directly after being threatened, and Vara couldn't understand why.
If that weren't enough, our discussion turned into a heated argument and Vara suddenly drew her sword. Thinking she was going to attack me, I drew my arbalest and fired it point blank into her skull, instantly killing her. After the adrenaline left me, I pulled out a scroll and brought her back to life with magic. She, of course, was angry with me and I apologized. I told her she shouldn't have drawn her weapon in the middle of a heated argument, but she couldn't even understand that logic. The woman has no common sense.
I left Vara with a warning that if she doesn't gain some wisdom, she's only going to get into more trouble in the future, most of which her own doing.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 8, 1374 DR[/align]
I was talking with Zilvai, Hildmor, and Mir in the common room of the inn and Zilvai suggested the idea of plane walking for some fresh air. I suggested Elysium and soon a beach picnic was planned. Mir went ahead to fix a basket and the four of us made our way upstairs to the portal. Both Mir and Zilvai were hoping it would be night time since Mir has sensitive eyes and Zilvai is sensitive about her skin. Though it turned out to be day time, I constructed some parasols for the two.
We made out way down to the beach and soon had a blanket set up. Hildmor had to leave to finish some business though, but said he'd try to make it back later. Mir, Zilvai, and I made ourselves sandwiches, though I was tempted to take all the meats for myself. This bothersome hunger is getting annoying, but it should fade in just one more week. Anyway, we then all stretched out on the sands, enjoying the fresh air and the tranquility.
It was very hot though and Mir wanted to go swimming. Zilvai liked the idea too, but she was afraid to change into a swim suit because she was still ashamed of her body because of her loss of color. I didn't want to force her, but I did tell her one more time she had a beautiful body and nothing to be ashamed of. She finally agreed, though it took some time to find a suitable swim wear, though it did have an odd number of buckles.
The three of us went into the water, and it soon became apparent Zilvai didn't know how to swim. I offered to teach her and she took my hand, then Camthalion appeared and greeted us. Suddenly Zilvai looked very uncomfortable and ran off into deeper waters. Confused, I followed and found her covering herself as best as she could in the water. I asked in a whisper what was wrong and Zilvai said she didn't want to be seen like this by Camthalion or didn't really want Mir to see either. I asked if it was her colors again, but, to my surprise, she said it wasn't. I asked Zilvai why then and she hinted that something had happened to her in the past, but it was clear she didn't want to talk about it.
Zilvai's answer got me to guessing... and I didn't like my guesses at all. The fear on her face... could Zilvai have been...? I didn't ask anymore questions, though, and just got her to shore while using my body to shield the sight of her from Camthalion and Mir. As she changed back into her dress, Camthalion left for some reason and Mir returned to the shore. We sat down together on the blanket again, I sitting next to my sister. I held her hand for a bit, which then moved to a hug. My guesses had me worried and I wanted Zilvai to know she was safe.
The rest of the time was spent enjoying the peace once more and even a few coconuts. I had to leave eventually, and wished Zilvai and Mir well. As I walked away, the questions that first entered my mind continued to swirl. Do I dare stir deeper into these painful memories? No, just leave them be. If Zilvai wishes to tell me, she'll tell me in her own time. For now, I will do as I have always done. Stay close to her side and give her the love and support she needs. And I need to remember to keep my promise to teach her how to swim.
I was talking with Zilvai, Hildmor, and Mir in the common room of the inn and Zilvai suggested the idea of plane walking for some fresh air. I suggested Elysium and soon a beach picnic was planned. Mir went ahead to fix a basket and the four of us made our way upstairs to the portal. Both Mir and Zilvai were hoping it would be night time since Mir has sensitive eyes and Zilvai is sensitive about her skin. Though it turned out to be day time, I constructed some parasols for the two.
We made out way down to the beach and soon had a blanket set up. Hildmor had to leave to finish some business though, but said he'd try to make it back later. Mir, Zilvai, and I made ourselves sandwiches, though I was tempted to take all the meats for myself. This bothersome hunger is getting annoying, but it should fade in just one more week. Anyway, we then all stretched out on the sands, enjoying the fresh air and the tranquility.
It was very hot though and Mir wanted to go swimming. Zilvai liked the idea too, but she was afraid to change into a swim suit because she was still ashamed of her body because of her loss of color. I didn't want to force her, but I did tell her one more time she had a beautiful body and nothing to be ashamed of. She finally agreed, though it took some time to find a suitable swim wear, though it did have an odd number of buckles.
The three of us went into the water, and it soon became apparent Zilvai didn't know how to swim. I offered to teach her and she took my hand, then Camthalion appeared and greeted us. Suddenly Zilvai looked very uncomfortable and ran off into deeper waters. Confused, I followed and found her covering herself as best as she could in the water. I asked in a whisper what was wrong and Zilvai said she didn't want to be seen like this by Camthalion or didn't really want Mir to see either. I asked if it was her colors again, but, to my surprise, she said it wasn't. I asked Zilvai why then and she hinted that something had happened to her in the past, but it was clear she didn't want to talk about it.
Zilvai's answer got me to guessing... and I didn't like my guesses at all. The fear on her face... could Zilvai have been...? I didn't ask anymore questions, though, and just got her to shore while using my body to shield the sight of her from Camthalion and Mir. As she changed back into her dress, Camthalion left for some reason and Mir returned to the shore. We sat down together on the blanket again, I sitting next to my sister. I held her hand for a bit, which then moved to a hug. My guesses had me worried and I wanted Zilvai to know she was safe.
The rest of the time was spent enjoying the peace once more and even a few coconuts. I had to leave eventually, and wished Zilvai and Mir well. As I walked away, the questions that first entered my mind continued to swirl. Do I dare stir deeper into these painful memories? No, just leave them be. If Zilvai wishes to tell me, she'll tell me in her own time. For now, I will do as I have always done. Stay close to her side and give her the love and support she needs. And I need to remember to keep my promise to teach her how to swim.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 9, 1374 DR[/align]
Happy Birthday to me, though I use the term "birthday" very loosely. I don't even know the day I was born. This is just the day Aska chose to celebrate it all those years ago. I probably should have told my friends and family about it, but I didn't feel like celebrating. Things have been too busy for something so trivial. I have my faith, my family, and my friends. That's more than enough. I no longer have my love, but I'm learning to cope with the lonliness again. And I still haven't given up on Sunshine. Even if she never speaks with me, I always make the treck up the mount to see her in the temple. Watching her in the gardens from a distance will never be enough, but it soothes me to see her safe.
I may as well get dressed and ready for the day. Oridinarily I either crusade in the Abyss or continue my arcane studies, but it's been a while since I've done charity work for the city. I'll spend the day in the Lower Ward collecting alms for the poor and repairing the damages the Dabus always seem to miss.
Happy Birthday to me, though I use the term "birthday" very loosely. I don't even know the day I was born. This is just the day Aska chose to celebrate it all those years ago. I probably should have told my friends and family about it, but I didn't feel like celebrating. Things have been too busy for something so trivial. I have my faith, my family, and my friends. That's more than enough. I no longer have my love, but I'm learning to cope with the lonliness again. And I still haven't given up on Sunshine. Even if she never speaks with me, I always make the treck up the mount to see her in the temple. Watching her in the gardens from a distance will never be enough, but it soothes me to see her safe.
I may as well get dressed and ready for the day. Oridinarily I either crusade in the Abyss or continue my arcane studies, but it's been a while since I've done charity work for the city. I'll spend the day in the Lower Ward collecting alms for the poor and repairing the damages the Dabus always seem to miss.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 10, 1374 DR[/align]
A crazed dragon loose in the city... To see the destruction caused by such a creature in person is awesome and terrifying. If that isn't enough, this red was barely an adult from the sounds of it. There are many legends of the chaos and destruction brought by Ancient Reds to the civilizations of Toril throughout the ages. May Sigil never have to deal with such a nightmare again.
Feared more than demons and devils, the sight of a red in the sky quails even the stoutest of hearts. And when the wise old hermit is revealed in his full glory as a benevolent gold, it's as if a heavenly messenger of the goodly gods has come before you. How many ballads have been written on these terrifying and magnificent beasts? Too numerous to count for certain.
Yet as I walk among the ruins of the rampage and think of the lore, this ancient ballad comes to my mind. Where and when it was written, no one knows, but the lyrics imply a time and place where the magical beasts were naught but legends. A strange thought after today's events...
[align=center]Flight of Dragons
Flight of dragons soar in the purple light.
In the sky or in my mind?
Flight of dragons sail past reality.
Leave illusion behind.
Is it the past I see
When I look up to the heavens?
Believing in the magic
That I know could never be.
I want to go where they are going.
Into the world they've been.
Can I open up my mind enough to see?
Flight of dragons, heavenly argosies,
Catch the wind, rise out of sight,
Flight of dragons, pilots of fantasy
In the sky or in my mind?
Flight of dragons,
Flight of dragons.[/align]
A crazed dragon loose in the city... To see the destruction caused by such a creature in person is awesome and terrifying. If that isn't enough, this red was barely an adult from the sounds of it. There are many legends of the chaos and destruction brought by Ancient Reds to the civilizations of Toril throughout the ages. May Sigil never have to deal with such a nightmare again.
Feared more than demons and devils, the sight of a red in the sky quails even the stoutest of hearts. And when the wise old hermit is revealed in his full glory as a benevolent gold, it's as if a heavenly messenger of the goodly gods has come before you. How many ballads have been written on these terrifying and magnificent beasts? Too numerous to count for certain.
Yet as I walk among the ruins of the rampage and think of the lore, this ancient ballad comes to my mind. Where and when it was written, no one knows, but the lyrics imply a time and place where the magical beasts were naught but legends. A strange thought after today's events...
[align=center]Flight of Dragons
Flight of dragons soar in the purple light.
In the sky or in my mind?
Flight of dragons sail past reality.
Leave illusion behind.
Is it the past I see
When I look up to the heavens?
Believing in the magic
That I know could never be.
I want to go where they are going.
Into the world they've been.
Can I open up my mind enough to see?
Flight of dragons, heavenly argosies,
Catch the wind, rise out of sight,
Flight of dragons, pilots of fantasy
In the sky or in my mind?
Flight of dragons,
Flight of dragons.[/align]
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 11, 1374 DR[/align]
I just realized something today I find a little unnerving. I'm starting to loose the sensation of touch. Granted, it's not as if I've completely lost the sense. I can still feel things with my finger tips, but the feeling of the wind and sun on my skin is gradually growing duller. I should have seen this coming. My scales are growing more plentiful on my body, which is good as far as battle is concerned. I don't wear armor anymore because it's no longer necessary. Intimacy way eventually be affected, but I'm not in the mood for romance after what happened with Sunshine. And I still hope for her return. There are good and bad sides to this, but the good does outweigh the bad. It's a small price to pay for the power to protect my family and friends.[/align]
I just realized something today I find a little unnerving. I'm starting to loose the sensation of touch. Granted, it's not as if I've completely lost the sense. I can still feel things with my finger tips, but the feeling of the wind and sun on my skin is gradually growing duller. I should have seen this coming. My scales are growing more plentiful on my body, which is good as far as battle is concerned. I don't wear armor anymore because it's no longer necessary. Intimacy way eventually be affected, but I'm not in the mood for romance after what happened with Sunshine. And I still hope for her return. There are good and bad sides to this, but the good does outweigh the bad. It's a small price to pay for the power to protect my family and friends.[/align]
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 12, 1374 DR[/align]
For a city that has such a large conglomeration of races, the citizens of Sigil can be surprisingly biased at times. Valaria who refuses to see any possible good of necromancy... Lalette completely convinced certain races are evil by blood and can't change at all... Sigil presents such an opportunity for usual enemies to have a meeting of the minds, yet this opportunity is spoiled by ignorance and narrow perspectives. I'm glad I met Marie. While she seemed to be of a similar closed mind, she told me about how her teacher wanted her to do battle with fiends with her words and not a sword.
Perhaps, some day, Sigil may change for the better as I hope.
For a city that has such a large conglomeration of races, the citizens of Sigil can be surprisingly biased at times. Valaria who refuses to see any possible good of necromancy... Lalette completely convinced certain races are evil by blood and can't change at all... Sigil presents such an opportunity for usual enemies to have a meeting of the minds, yet this opportunity is spoiled by ignorance and narrow perspectives. I'm glad I met Marie. While she seemed to be of a similar closed mind, she told me about how her teacher wanted her to do battle with fiends with her words and not a sword.
Perhaps, some day, Sigil may change for the better as I hope.
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*Animus
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
[align=center]Flamerule 14, 1374 DR[/align]
It's done. Jach Sensbane lives once more. Vania found Dom, Kalina, and I in the bazaar when the time had come. Zaara, father's fiancé before his death, joined us as well. I wanted Gwynnithe to be with us, but we were unable to locate her. We followed Vania into Under Sigil and made our way to a portal she had set up. Once passing through, we found ourselves in a great cavern with holes in the ceiling that allowed enough light to filter through. Many runes decorated the floor, showing Vania had already prepared for the True Resurrection.
After giving Vania the sack of diamonds I had gathered, the rest of us eagerly waited to the side as Vania began to perform the ritual... Zaara a bit too eagerly. She seemed to be very impatient as she stood far away from the rest of us. Kalina noticed how stand-offish she was being, and Dom said it had something to do with what he and Zaara discussed together earlier. Kalina and I were both curious, but he said it could wait until later.
We all turned our attention back to Vania as she continued the ritual. Soon she finished her chanting with the last command. A portal in the center of the room opened and I could feel some of my arcana being drained into the swirling vortex. The portal flashed, closed, and then... nothing. Father was nowhere to be seen. Vania cried out that something was. She said Jach could not be resurrected because part of his soul still lived somehow. It was a poorly kept secret that father was a necromancer and, whenever a necromancer creates an undead creature, part of their souls transfer into the undead to animate it. Vania theorized that at least one of father's undead creations still existed and, before he could be resurrected, that creation would have to be destroyed.
Vania began to scry using a ring Kalina had received from father a long time ago. With it, she was able to locate the undead that contained the piece of Jach's soul. She cast a spell and opened a portal that lead to the Gray Wastes of Hades. Upon stepping through, we found ourselves standing before a cave as the plane began to take a hold on our minds. I began to feel depressed and irritated, and I could see the effect on the others as well.
We made our way into the cave and were greeted by an unusual tiefling. Unlike everything else in the wastes, his appearance was all in shades of gray except his eyes. They illuminated a green light despite the plane. Stranger yet was that his manner of dress and even the way he cut his facial hair was just like Dom's. He greeted us and was very cocky. I couldn't tell if that's the way he was or just the plane affecting him too. Then Zaara suddenly disappeared for whatever reason, leaving Dom, Kalina, and I alone with the tiefling.
We began to talk with the tiefling and found out he was Sphinx Sensbane, a young protégé of Jach that he adopted into his family much like Kalina. But it looks like he incurred the wrath of father's alter ego, the Artificer, and was punished in a manner similar to Ceszar. He was cursed with the disease of Vampirism and bore the piece of father's soul that had to be set free. In order to resurrect father, we would have to destroy father's first son.
At first, I thought we might be able to cure the Vampirism, but I knew of no cure. I then had the idea of laying hands on Sphinx and taking the disease on myself. Theoretically, I would be turning myself into an undead, thus freeing the part of Jach's soul within Sphinx. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to try. The effect of the plane was getting to everyone and Dom suddenly attacked Sphinx and Kalina soon joined in. I shouted for them to stop, but it was too late. Sphinx went on the defensive and I joined in the fray to protect my still living sister and future brother-in-law.
The battle was strange one indeed. Dom struck Sphinx with a healing staff that sent positive energy into the vampire, ravaging his undead body. He suddenly vanished into a mist and I cast Blind sight on myself. My eyes now saw a swirling mist filling the entire cavern and I shouted that information to Dom and Kalina. Dom and I cast spells that seemed to be absorbed by the mist, but then Kalina began to sing a magical tune and we could hear Sphinx's voice crying out in anger. I noticed the mist starting to dissipate and urged Kalina to keep singing.
Suddenly, Sphinx's body formed from the mist as he fell to the ground in pain. Dom shouted for me to find the coffin as he stood over the wounded Sphinx. I did as commanded and started to search the cave with no luck. Suddenly, I heard the sound of metal shattering and turned in time to see Sphinx breaking his sword in his hand. Dark energy flowed out from the sword and a mass of tentacles attacked Dom and Kalina. Sphinx then cast another spell, covering the three of them in darkness. In the darkness, I could see the red silhouette of Dom raising something into the air in the darkness. Then a pulse of positive energy shot outward in a radius and the darkness began to dissipate.
Sphinx took the opportunity to shift to his mist form once again, but I could see the red mist heading for the cave's exit. I shouted this to the others as I ran for the exit and cast a Storm of Vengeance, covering the exit. At the same time, Kalina shook free of the mist and sang once more. The mist stopped short of the exit and moved away from the ranging storm, only to be caught by my sister's mystic melody. Sphinx's voice cried out in anguish once more.
I was preparing to a cast another spell, but a rock fell from the ceiling and smacked right into my head! The storm had damaged the cave itself and the ceiling was starting to give away. I fell to the floor in a daze as I heard Kalina shout something about the cave and a coffin. Someone then said I needed to cast my spell again to destroy the cave, but we had to get out before it collapsed on us. I opened my eye and I could barely make out two forms running out of the cave. I got to my feet and managed to follow them outside.
As soon as I was outside, I heard the voice of Dom (Or maybe it was Kalina?) shouting for me to cast my spell one the cave. My ears were ringing constantly and my head pounded, but I managed to cast another Storm of Vengeance over the cave. Lightning arched down from the gray skies, ripping into the roof of the cave. The cave crumbled before us as Sphinx's voice echoed from the cave in a final wail. Then it was done and there was naught but rubble and dissipating darkness. I found out later that Kalina figured out the cave itself was Sphinx's coffin, and its destruction was his doom.
The three of us returned through the portal and met up with Vania. Her screaming irritated my head ache further, but we managed to tell her the undead was gone. As she continued with her ritual, I tended to myself with my magic and my headache started to fade. Vania suddenly uttered the last incantation once more and this time father stood before us, naked but very much alive. Unfortunately, father had been dead for some time and he suddenly started casting magic in an insane frenzy. I turned myself into an Iron Golem to restrain him, but, to my surprise, he reached out towards me and called me Gwynnie! Confused for a moment, I just went with it and very gently hugged him back... just as Dom's Bigsby spell knocked Jach flat.
Kalina rushed over to hug him as I reverted back to my humanoid form. I retrieved a robe from my pack and covered father with it. I then paid Vania for her services, picked up my father, and we made out way back through the portal to Under Sigil and up to the Lady's Ward. Hours later, father woke up in his bed as Kalina waited by his side, the madness now gone. The reunion was joyful and many tears were shed. Well except Dom, but even he seemed a little happy at my father's return. Many promises were made as Jach found a new life before him.
Eventually, father wanted to journey to the bazaar and we went there together as a family. I moved off to the side and watched Jach, Dom, ...and Kalina from a distance. In the Gray Wastes, Kalina had asked a question intentionally meant to hurt me... about Rozalin. Even though I knew she couldn't help it, it still brought heartache to me. Kalina read the expression on my face and offered an apology and I told her it was nothing. Still, I wanted to be alone for a while.
I looked to my gathered family one more, told them I would return to the villa later, and started to walk away. After a few steps, Kalina said, "If it makes you feel any better... I think it is better to know that you cannot hold something... than to think you can hold it." I glanced back to Kalina as I pondered her words, then turned and continued on my way. Was she trying to tell me I should be happy to know Rozalin wants nothing to do with me? Her words echoed in my mind as I made my way through the streets of Sigil.
An hour passed until I entered the villa. Alexia, the succubus attendant that had returned when she learned of the villa's construction, greeted me at the door. She started up with her usual flirting, but one look at my face silenced her. It was easy to tell I wasn't in the mood for her games. I silently walked past her and made my way down the halls to my room. Large enough to house two people, I stared blankly at the queen sized bed for a moment. My family is all together again, yet I still feel so alone.
It's done. Jach Sensbane lives once more. Vania found Dom, Kalina, and I in the bazaar when the time had come. Zaara, father's fiancé before his death, joined us as well. I wanted Gwynnithe to be with us, but we were unable to locate her. We followed Vania into Under Sigil and made our way to a portal she had set up. Once passing through, we found ourselves in a great cavern with holes in the ceiling that allowed enough light to filter through. Many runes decorated the floor, showing Vania had already prepared for the True Resurrection.
After giving Vania the sack of diamonds I had gathered, the rest of us eagerly waited to the side as Vania began to perform the ritual... Zaara a bit too eagerly. She seemed to be very impatient as she stood far away from the rest of us. Kalina noticed how stand-offish she was being, and Dom said it had something to do with what he and Zaara discussed together earlier. Kalina and I were both curious, but he said it could wait until later.
We all turned our attention back to Vania as she continued the ritual. Soon she finished her chanting with the last command. A portal in the center of the room opened and I could feel some of my arcana being drained into the swirling vortex. The portal flashed, closed, and then... nothing. Father was nowhere to be seen. Vania cried out that something was. She said Jach could not be resurrected because part of his soul still lived somehow. It was a poorly kept secret that father was a necromancer and, whenever a necromancer creates an undead creature, part of their souls transfer into the undead to animate it. Vania theorized that at least one of father's undead creations still existed and, before he could be resurrected, that creation would have to be destroyed.
Vania began to scry using a ring Kalina had received from father a long time ago. With it, she was able to locate the undead that contained the piece of Jach's soul. She cast a spell and opened a portal that lead to the Gray Wastes of Hades. Upon stepping through, we found ourselves standing before a cave as the plane began to take a hold on our minds. I began to feel depressed and irritated, and I could see the effect on the others as well.
We made our way into the cave and were greeted by an unusual tiefling. Unlike everything else in the wastes, his appearance was all in shades of gray except his eyes. They illuminated a green light despite the plane. Stranger yet was that his manner of dress and even the way he cut his facial hair was just like Dom's. He greeted us and was very cocky. I couldn't tell if that's the way he was or just the plane affecting him too. Then Zaara suddenly disappeared for whatever reason, leaving Dom, Kalina, and I alone with the tiefling.
We began to talk with the tiefling and found out he was Sphinx Sensbane, a young protégé of Jach that he adopted into his family much like Kalina. But it looks like he incurred the wrath of father's alter ego, the Artificer, and was punished in a manner similar to Ceszar. He was cursed with the disease of Vampirism and bore the piece of father's soul that had to be set free. In order to resurrect father, we would have to destroy father's first son.
At first, I thought we might be able to cure the Vampirism, but I knew of no cure. I then had the idea of laying hands on Sphinx and taking the disease on myself. Theoretically, I would be turning myself into an undead, thus freeing the part of Jach's soul within Sphinx. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to try. The effect of the plane was getting to everyone and Dom suddenly attacked Sphinx and Kalina soon joined in. I shouted for them to stop, but it was too late. Sphinx went on the defensive and I joined in the fray to protect my still living sister and future brother-in-law.
The battle was strange one indeed. Dom struck Sphinx with a healing staff that sent positive energy into the vampire, ravaging his undead body. He suddenly vanished into a mist and I cast Blind sight on myself. My eyes now saw a swirling mist filling the entire cavern and I shouted that information to Dom and Kalina. Dom and I cast spells that seemed to be absorbed by the mist, but then Kalina began to sing a magical tune and we could hear Sphinx's voice crying out in anger. I noticed the mist starting to dissipate and urged Kalina to keep singing.
Suddenly, Sphinx's body formed from the mist as he fell to the ground in pain. Dom shouted for me to find the coffin as he stood over the wounded Sphinx. I did as commanded and started to search the cave with no luck. Suddenly, I heard the sound of metal shattering and turned in time to see Sphinx breaking his sword in his hand. Dark energy flowed out from the sword and a mass of tentacles attacked Dom and Kalina. Sphinx then cast another spell, covering the three of them in darkness. In the darkness, I could see the red silhouette of Dom raising something into the air in the darkness. Then a pulse of positive energy shot outward in a radius and the darkness began to dissipate.
Sphinx took the opportunity to shift to his mist form once again, but I could see the red mist heading for the cave's exit. I shouted this to the others as I ran for the exit and cast a Storm of Vengeance, covering the exit. At the same time, Kalina shook free of the mist and sang once more. The mist stopped short of the exit and moved away from the ranging storm, only to be caught by my sister's mystic melody. Sphinx's voice cried out in anguish once more.
I was preparing to a cast another spell, but a rock fell from the ceiling and smacked right into my head! The storm had damaged the cave itself and the ceiling was starting to give away. I fell to the floor in a daze as I heard Kalina shout something about the cave and a coffin. Someone then said I needed to cast my spell again to destroy the cave, but we had to get out before it collapsed on us. I opened my eye and I could barely make out two forms running out of the cave. I got to my feet and managed to follow them outside.
As soon as I was outside, I heard the voice of Dom (Or maybe it was Kalina?) shouting for me to cast my spell one the cave. My ears were ringing constantly and my head pounded, but I managed to cast another Storm of Vengeance over the cave. Lightning arched down from the gray skies, ripping into the roof of the cave. The cave crumbled before us as Sphinx's voice echoed from the cave in a final wail. Then it was done and there was naught but rubble and dissipating darkness. I found out later that Kalina figured out the cave itself was Sphinx's coffin, and its destruction was his doom.
The three of us returned through the portal and met up with Vania. Her screaming irritated my head ache further, but we managed to tell her the undead was gone. As she continued with her ritual, I tended to myself with my magic and my headache started to fade. Vania suddenly uttered the last incantation once more and this time father stood before us, naked but very much alive. Unfortunately, father had been dead for some time and he suddenly started casting magic in an insane frenzy. I turned myself into an Iron Golem to restrain him, but, to my surprise, he reached out towards me and called me Gwynnie! Confused for a moment, I just went with it and very gently hugged him back... just as Dom's Bigsby spell knocked Jach flat.
Kalina rushed over to hug him as I reverted back to my humanoid form. I retrieved a robe from my pack and covered father with it. I then paid Vania for her services, picked up my father, and we made out way back through the portal to Under Sigil and up to the Lady's Ward. Hours later, father woke up in his bed as Kalina waited by his side, the madness now gone. The reunion was joyful and many tears were shed. Well except Dom, but even he seemed a little happy at my father's return. Many promises were made as Jach found a new life before him.
Eventually, father wanted to journey to the bazaar and we went there together as a family. I moved off to the side and watched Jach, Dom, ...and Kalina from a distance. In the Gray Wastes, Kalina had asked a question intentionally meant to hurt me... about Rozalin. Even though I knew she couldn't help it, it still brought heartache to me. Kalina read the expression on my face and offered an apology and I told her it was nothing. Still, I wanted to be alone for a while.
I looked to my gathered family one more, told them I would return to the villa later, and started to walk away. After a few steps, Kalina said, "If it makes you feel any better... I think it is better to know that you cannot hold something... than to think you can hold it." I glanced back to Kalina as I pondered her words, then turned and continued on my way. Was she trying to tell me I should be happy to know Rozalin wants nothing to do with me? Her words echoed in my mind as I made my way through the streets of Sigil.
An hour passed until I entered the villa. Alexia, the succubus attendant that had returned when she learned of the villa's construction, greeted me at the door. She started up with her usual flirting, but one look at my face silenced her. It was easy to tell I wasn't in the mood for her games. I silently walked past her and made my way down the halls to my room. Large enough to house two people, I stared blankly at the queen sized bed for a moment. My family is all together again, yet I still feel so alone.