The Invasion of Toril

[Tharione]

"Hmm? What do you mean I'm missing important details?" He looks to the skull in his hand. "If you insist."
Noru walks leisurely over to the rest of the group.

[mucco]

Bleerie turns to the window, apparently disregarding Alexander. She wants to see with her eyes where she is. However, she keeps paying close attention to the conversation. Calm down, B. I don't know anything yet. Reason, reason, reason. This might or might not be all an illusion. Alexander might be an ally, a foe, a foe posing as an ally, or an illusion of something. This place is strange too, and how did I get there? I won't believe anything he says unless it makes sense. Uh, for example, he told my correct deity. This means the other deities are correct as well - unless the other people are illusions too, crafted to make the scene more believable. Oh, I would so cast True Seeing but I don't want to give away my suspicions, and I don't want Alexander to know I can use it.

Boccob is good, Mystra is good... the Bahamut and Lathander guys won't be too happy to work with the orc, I bet. Should be fun to watch. Or they are all illusions, which I have to discover now.

Casually, while walking up to the window, Bleerie tries to make physical contact with a couple of the other adventurers, in case she might spot an illusion. They look real to me... maybe they're really strong illusions though. After all, if someone is strong enough to jail me, he might be strong enough to make me believe in an illusion too I bet. Maximum alertness on this one.

She arrives to the window and looks out, trying to find details, clues, natural landmarks, planar features, anything. Let's see, let's see, where are we...

[Medic!]

Krgg

The orc follows the man's finger and looks at the others around him as they are pointed out, noticing most of them for the first time and registering their names. This Alexander seems to have a fair measure of power, and stands without fear in the presence of so many...he must be no threat. The orc sheathes his black blade and squats down on his haunches, a habit he formed during strategy meetings in the group he used to adventure with, and switches back to the Common tongue. It seems we all have a few things in common...our purposes before ending up here, our questions for Alexander...our curiousity at this Mark he's bestowed upon us. There are some holes to be filled in here, sirrah. As he speaks the last part, he also cautiously places his right hand over his chest as the one called Gale is doing to explore this sudden change to himself.

[Allyzedl]

“It seems that you have lost a bit of your memory. That’s to be expected. Did you die? Well….you all were pretty much dead. Gone to your loved ones, to your enemies, and allies. The Gods brought you back after the Second Wave. I do not know the reason why you were specifically picked, but you must have done something that caught their interests."

As Gale puts her right hand over her heart a brilliant light shines beneath it, the light penetrates through her cloths. Moving her hand away the light begins to take shape, however it is not in the shape of a Phoenix but rather that of a hand, which has a hole in the middle of it, in the shape of a seven pointed star.

When Krgg puts his hand over his heart a shining light emits through his breastplate, as it begins to take shape you notice that it looks similar to the hand mark from Gale, however the hole in the middle of the hand is that of an eye.

Gale then begins making hand signs and saying unrecognizable words as she begins to cast a spell, right as she is about to cast the spell Alexander looks at her and says, “Brace yourself.” She is then thrown back against the wall slamming into it by an invisible force.

@Bleerie

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Looking out of the window you see creatures, of which you have never seen before, fighting each other. Fire, lightning, arrows, and swords fill your eyes as a large battle ensues. Creatures, large and small at each other’s throats. Some red, some blue, others white. Winged, tailed, horned, and spiked. You cannot hear anything through the window even though a battle is happening on the other side of it.

@Gale

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From your extensive knowledge of the planes you can determine that Alexander was born on the same plane as you. Upon trying to sense his motive you find the he is telling you what he believes to be true. You begin making hand signs and saying unrecognizable words as you begin to cast Detect Magic, right as you are about to cast the spell Alexander looks at you and says, “Brace yourself.” You then see everything around you burst with brilliant lights as the force of the auras throws you back, slamming into a wall.

[mucco]

Good lord, this is not the Material Plane. We are far from home. Stuff is happening to the girl there, too. Doesn't seem to be an illusion, definitely. Let's play along anyway. If what he says is true, Oghma might have granted me a true second possibility.

Bleerie's frown is still there as she suddenly turns to Alexander. She quickly walks up to him, looking at him straight in the eyes. No sign of fear, or reverence for the display of power is in her green wild eyes. "That's all nice and convenient, but what's in to you? Who are you, what do you want from us, what reward are we expected to get, if any? I certainly do not like staying here. Even if the show out of the window is interesting."

[Archmage1]

Urgh. Well, that stung a bit.
Gale floats upright, and looks at the others
"Well, it would seem that these brands are the marks of our associated gods. At least, I recognize the sigils. Mystra, the seven pointed star, and Gruumsh, the eye. And from what you are saying, the second wave is another wave of outsiders.
So, what do the gods plan on us doing, and what are you? You have some serious magic."

[Medic!]

Krgg

When the orc sees the symbol projecting from his chest, he reaches out as if to touch it with a look on his face showing an open mix of reverance and pure joy. With a feral grin he begins laughing loudly, a thunder of mirth escaping from his very soul.

Of course! OF COURSE! It's obvious what has happened here. The fight can't be over, or I'd be under the Judging Eye at this very moment...Gruumsh has been pleased by my strength and devotion! I don't see any of my mewling previous allies here.

He turns to face the others in the room with a gleam in his eye, his lower jaw proudly jutted out to display his tusks, as is proper for an orc inspiring his underlings before a great battle.

You all must have distinguished yourselves against the planar horde...you MUST see it, if a one-eyed orc can see it: We are champions called together to smite the invaders! Gruumsh has given me worthy allies, mighty companions! We are united under a common banner, the Hand of the Gods themselves!

The orc's head swivels back to Alexander, looking him straight in the eye. Point the way, Alexander. There are foes to cull.

[Tharione]

"I wonder if this renders my contract paid in full...."

he stands in silence.

"You are correct Vincent, at the very least I have purpose to follow."

Pauses once more.

"Yes, i noticed the irony."

[Allyzedl]

Alexander looks at Bleerie, addressing him, “You have been brought back, consider that a reward by the gods. As for material rewards, I do not know what you will find or receive as your path has not yet been forged. I don’t expect anything from you, I believe that in your own way you lot will do what needs to be done."

Looking over at the Gale, “You are quite the clever one. Yes, common knowledge says that The Second Wave was another wave of invaders, but it was much more than that, as I believe you will soon find out. The gods expect much of you, however they believe that you will come to it of your own accord and will leave you to do so. And about me, I am just a messenger.”

“Noru, your contract has been completed and Vincent is correct, you now have a new purpose in your life.”

“Krgg you put it very well. If you are ready, I suggest using that door.” Alexander then points over at the door behind you (not the one with the window next to it).

[Dramiscius]

Pondering to himself for a moment, the kobold steps forth and chimes in

Well then, so we've been conscripted for some sort of special task? Although one might also wonder what kind of task brings together such... varied allies *as he eyes the orc*.

[Archmage1]

Thinking about that Alexander has said, Gale has a few more questions, and although they are simple, she suspects that there will not be an answer forthcoming for all of them

"Where does that door come out? And how did this invasion begin? My understanding was that it was quite difficult for either side to get large numbers to come through."

[Tharione]

"Well then, I've no more reason to waste time here."

Noru casually walks to the indicated door and endeavors to open it.

[Medic!]

Krgg the Annointed

Krgg chuffs and sheathes his falchion and heads to the door Alexander pointed out. He offers a distracted farewell wave to the Messenger. You heard the man, Hands, let's get back to work.

He waits while Noru opens the door, standing a few paces behind him, eager to see his foe beyond the portal. Off-handedly he glances back at the kobold who was eye-balling him earlier and smirks, You can come along too, Pinky Finger! HA! Krgg is obviously VERY pleased with his rapier-like wit.

[mucco]

Bleerie quickly runs just behind Krgg, without saying a word but paying close attention to what's on the other side. She mutters a few words and waves her hand briefly, attempting to use magic.

OoC

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Trying to cast Sign. Let's hope the backfire Gale suffered was just Alex defending himself.

[Dramiscius]

Shrugging as he watches his newfound compatriots heading towards certain doom, the kobold decides to follow suit.

Well, if we're already dead I guess there isn't much more to worry about, let's go smite these foes with the full force of Bahamut!

[Ildu]

Serdra

She couldn't believe what she'd just heard. Dead? But how? She rubbed at the burning spot on her chest and followed the group in silence for the most part, before staring at the door. She takes one last look at Alexander as she follows the rest of the group through the door, kukris drawn and at the ready.

[Allyzedl]

“I believe that your questions will be answered in your journeys, it is time to get going.” Alexander directs everyone to the door.
As you walk through the door you find yourselves on a road between several surrounding wooden buildings. You seem to be in a small village. All of a sudden Krgg and Zipxap collapse to the ground. Before your eyes are even able to clearly focus on the world around you, you find daggers and swords at your throats.

You then hear a voice come from an approaching figure, “Who are you? How did you get here? Who sent you? Answer me!” The approaching figure now stands in front of you. It is a dwarf man clad in full plate armor, wielding a greatsword pointed at the party.

[Archmage1]

Looking around at her captors, Gale sighs, as this is clearly not her day.

First, I apparently died and was resurrected, and now I am being threatened. Let us see if this is simply caution, or if it is another attack.

"We were sent by one who called himself Alexander, who claimed we were tools of the gods. Whether or not that is true however, is unknown to me. Why the hostility?"

[Tharione]

Noru raises his hands to indicate surrender.
"It was, indeed, our only practical option. The portal that led here was the only exit we were aware of."

[Medic!]

Krgg

The orc raises his eyebrow at the dwarf. He rises slowly to his feet, not out of caution, but out of pride and dignity. Krgg straightens his back and stands at his full height, chest out proudly, tusks on display as he responds to the hair-ball's challenge.

They both speak true, we are the Hand of the Gods, fallen in defense of the realm from invasion, and returned to the realm by our patron deities to continue the fight. You don't look like planar invaders to me, and I know we don't look like planar invaders to you...so how 'bouts you put that blade away before someone gets hurt too badly to do their duty, warrior?

[Allyzedl]

The man is shaken as you mention the name Alexander, “Alexander you say?” The dwarf sheathes his sword, and then the others around you remove their weapons from your necks. “Well if Alexander sent you, then I guess I can give you the benefit of the doubt, but no funny business! “I see you’re coming to, well come with us, The Will must have some questions about your story.”

Pointing at one of the men with swords, the dwarf yells, “You! Carry the gnome; she must not have been able to withstand whatever means of transportation that got them here. She will probably wake up soon.”

The party is escorted through the quaint village, upon walking through it seems less and less like a normal village, there are many different races occupying the village and most of them seem stronger than the average person. Everyone you pass is giving you terrified stares as you just appeared in the middle of the village.

You are walked through what seems like the entirety of the village until you come upon a large stone building, clearly over 50 ft. tall, towering over the rest of the buildings in the village. The architecture of this building looks nothing like the others around it. It is a majestic thing, with statues and symbols of all the deities that are known. Walking up the stairs at the entrance, the stone double doors begin to open inwards. Then shut behind you as those escorting you leave you in the building, the sound from the stone doors shutting wakes up those in the party that were unconscious.

In front of you torches light up, filling the entire room with light. Revealing a large semi-circular stone table, at which 6 figures sit around. Which is odd as there are 7 chairs, the center chair being unoccupied. A deep voice from the right side of the table addresses the party, a Goliath with grey skin light and dark spots mottled about his skin says, “You lot just appear in the middle of town, out of nowhere and claim that Alexander sent you? I do not believe you, we should just kill you as you are clearly lying and are here to sabotage The Ash.”

Another voice roars out, as you glance over at the source of the roar you see a gold half-dragon sitting near the middle of the table. She begins to speak with a voice that echoes throughout the room, “I apologize for his outburst, Vim Ru,” the Half-Dragon glances at the Goliath, “is quite hostile towards those who wish ill against The Ash. But I get the sense that you are not our enemies.” The Half-Dragon then puts her hand over his chest, revealing a bright red phoenix protruding through his robes. “Do you have marks as well? For your sakes I hope so.”

[Archmage1]

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Knowlesge: The Planes: What does the mark of the phoenix mean?(1d20+14)[24]

Gale is clearly starting to get angry about all that is going on, and her tone is not very friendly.

"Well then. We awake inside boxes, break out, go into another room, meet someone who called himself Alexander, who says that we died, and were brought back, although we have no memories of this. Alexander directs us towards a door, we go through it, and are immediately threatened by your people, and you expect us to explain ourselves as well. What is Going ON! What is this Ash that is so vulnerable? Who are you?"

As she is saying this, however, she reveals the mark of Mystra that she was branded with.

"I would hope that that is proof enough. If not, then we will leave."

[Tharione]

"Last i recall Hello or Good Day was the popular greeting in common tongue, how long have i been gone that those have been replaced with death threats?"

Noru attempts to activate his brand in the manner that he has seen it activated.

"Then again... my memory is notoriously fallible." he adds, mostly to himself.

[Allyzedl]

The Half-Dragon then glances at the others sitting around the table. She then stands up and walks towards the adventurers addressing them,

"I'm sorry for the hostility, we just didn't believe you. We are the Will of The Ash, the phoenix symbolizes the members of The Will. I am Vorel Zara. After seeing you mark I am truly astonished. Alexander mentioned that The Hand of The Ash existed, but none of us have ever seen one before. That is what your marks signify, that you are members of The Hand of The Ash."

We were hesitant when you mentioned that Alexander sent you, as he has been missing for years and we believed him dead. You all seem to have missed quite a lot. I will fill you in on everything that has happened and what The Ash is.

The Ash was founded by Alexander after The Second Wave. The Second Wave was much more than just another wave of invaders. It was the day that the Hexen arrived. They wiped out nearly 60% of Toril's population in just a few weeks. They came from both planes nearly at the same time, they demolished villages and towns and absorbed the inhabitants, and gained strength in doing so.

But the worst part of the Second Wave was that it sealed this plane from the gods of Toril. The gods could no longer interact with this world to the extent that they used to. Since then, many inhabitants of Toril have lost hope as their gods no longer respond to their prayers or calls.

The Ash is Toril's response to the Second Wave and the planar invasion. We exist in secret in Toril, and in the rumors among those in Toril. We give hope, help, and fight against the planars to reclaim our world. Alexander created The Ash nearly 10 years ago, after receiving messages from the Gods of Toril. He doesn't know why he was chosen, but he seemed to be the only connection that our world still had to the gods.

The only reason that we were hostile to you is because you are currently in The Heart of The Ash, it is our secret base in Toril. There is a barrier hiding it from any who may be looking for it, then you all just appeared in the middle of it. We were afraid that we had been invaded by several planar sympathizers. We mean you no harm, as you have been chosen to be The Hand of The Ash, the fury and might of the gods who will rise again from the ashes."

[Archmage1]

"Interesting. I wonder how the planars managed to sever the gods link? Also, who controls the celestials? I also wonder if the gods still have their awareness of their followers. Still, did you ever learn how the planars managed this invasion? And, finally, what do you expect us to do? We were not given any information at all, and have apparently few to no memories of the recent past."

[Medic!]

Krgg the Annointed

It should be plenty obvious what our part is in this...we fight the invaders! Asking pointless questions will get us nowhere. I, for one, don't care one whit how or why the invasion began. I care about how it ENDS! Ending the invasion depends on our strengths, logistics, and battle-plans and how we best apply them against the invaders' strengths, logistics, and battle-plans.

The orc paces the room, obviously anxious to take some concrete action. He addresses himself to the seated Ash, I am Krgg, Annointed of Gruumsh. I've trained as a warrior all my life and the battlefield is my home. Make good use of me, Will of the Ash, preferably sooner than later.

[Dramiscius]

Smiling a wide toothy grin, the Kobold turns towards Krgg and speaks

Patience Krgg, I get the feeling there will be plenty of battle to be had, perhaps we should get better informed on our enemy by our gracious hosts instead of rushing headlong into battle blindly.

You speak of battle plans, and given our ignorance this should be the first step in drawing up ours.

Zipxap says as he leans against one of the chairs with crossed arms.

[mucco]

Bleerie is quite a bit annoyed, like the rest of her group. She speaks, for the first time. "Riiight, we are the fury and might of the gods who will rise and so on and so on. We get it. But we are new here, and we don't know anything - anything relevant, I should add. I trust you have ideas on how to defeat the Hexen, and I'm sure you know how we fit in. So tell us already, because this whole thing is really starting to get on my nerves."

[Tharione]

"Any intelligence you could provide would be of great use in forming a plan of action. Any plans of action you have would undoubtedly also expedite the process."

[Allyzedl]

A female figure gets up from the right side of the table and walks towards the party. As she gets closer her cat-like features become revealed. She has think black fur covering her body, cat ears, whiskers, a pink nose, as well as glowing yellow eyes.

“I am Nera, we currently do not know how the planars managed to seal Toril away from the gods or who controls them. We do not know how aware the gods are of everything that is going on. There is still a lot that we do not know about the planars, like why and how they came here.

We do not have a plan that will ensure the destruction of the planars yet. However, now that The Hand has started to assemble we can increase our presence in the world and finally step out of the shadows.

The Ash has an extensive information network in Toril thanks to The Mouth,” Nera then turns around and nods at one of the figures still sitting at the table, then turns back at the party.

It seems that the Hexen are each quite different in their abilities, the only thing that they share is their ability to absorb and grow in strength. So far we have some information on 2 different.

The first is an upper planar, it seems to have an affinity for the element of earth and has been seen raising roots from the ground. We believe that it is currently somewhere near The High Forest. But I wouldn’t suggest going there first as the High Forest is a large place and it may be difficult to find the Hexen.

We believe that it may be a good idea to investigate the ruins of Waterdeep, it seems that some planars have set up a small base around the once great city.”

A Human wearing leather gets up from the table and hops over it, approaching the adventurers. He has long flowing blonde hair, a beautiful face, and red eyes, however there is a large scar on his face that seems to be from a clawed animal. He then addresses the party,

“The other Hexen that we know of is held up in a fortress near the Great Glacier, we only have a few reports from brave individuals that were able to get close enough to the fortress to spy on the lower planar fortress. But we do not know anything else on that specific Hexen.”

Then a slender figure from the table jumps up into the air and sprouts out wings as it descends in front of you. The man is tall and skinny, with wings that span out well over 10 ft. and has talons for feet.

He then begins to speak towards the party, “Currently you are in The Heart of The Ash, our main base in Toril. It resides within The Moonshae Isles on the western hemisphere of Toril. The way that most members of The Ash come to The Heart is by ship, entering into the barrier and landing at our harbor. It is also the safest way to leave The Heart.

The Wings of The Ash can safely transport you to Waterdeep by ship. Or we can transport you to somewhere near The Great Glacier in the northern hemisphere of Toril. However, we would have to use teleportation to send you near the Great Glacier and we have not yet perfected our ability to teleport others such long distances. We can promise that you will all land in the same spot, but we are not 100% confident in where exactly it will be, most likely some region near the Great Glacier.”

Vorel then tosses each of you a red crystal, “Here these are the crystals to my Farspeaking Amulet. When I activate my amulet we can communicate freely for a few minutes at a time, as long as we are on the same plane.

It is now up to you on what you want to do next, we have presented two suggestions, but will not force you to follow them. If instead you desire to go to the city of Baldur’s Gate we can also provide transport by ship for you to get there. Baldur’s Gate is currently the largest of the 7 cities in Toril. He also hands you an old map of Toril, we do not have a current map of the world from after the Second Wave as parts of the world haven’t been explored since then, or at least nobody has survived exploring them.

Just let us know what you would like to do from here or if you have any more questions.”


Map:

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Link to the map that Vorel gave you and the one we will be using for the campaign.