Shadows of the Past 2 (IC)

[AlanBruce]

@Xander: Arrallae places her finger on the dent made on the iron chair and takes a seat. She puts her bow across her lap and fastens her left hand with the manacles. The legth of chain, however, is not long enough for her to reach her right hand.

"Would you mind, Xander? Once I am fastened to the chair, I shall provoke a trance upon myself. I do not know how long it will be until I attain the trance, but you will know. Write everything I mention, no matter how cryptic it may sound. You are a kind man, Xander Corillian, but if you won't use Feravel, who will?"

[NathanB1486]

Xander crosses over to the chair and helps secure Arrallae, checking to make sure all the restraints are in set properly and appear in working order.
Rest assured nothing that happens here will go unrecorded. Let us hope you have enough control of yourself it does not become a issue, However dare I suggest the grim task go to Jacob?

These restraints... I realize the potential danger, however they could have been design with slightly more comfort in mind.

[AlanBruce]

@Xander: Arrallae turns to look at Jacob, who stands behind the bars. He looks down to the floor in shame.

"I would not want him to go through this again, unless you want to, Jacob."

Jacob has watery eyes as she looks at her.

"You can't ask me to do this again, my lady. Please! I have lived with this pain for long enough. Is there no other way?"

"I wish there were, old friend. How I wish it so."

You sit down opposite her and look at the manacles. They are shut tight. You also notice the iron arm rests where her hands are have claw marks. Deep dents within the iron chair. Whatever came out of her years ago, must've been particularly strong. Arrallae looks at Dantie.

"Will you be Feravel's wielder, Dantie?"

[Archmage1]

Tarith, who has been standing near the entrance to the Star Chamber, speaks up.

"Arrallae, I will use the sword. I suspect that of the three of us, I can use it the most effectively. If it comes to that, it will be quick, and clean. However, if Nerine is here as I suspect, we might want to wait until after they attack here."

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Is it sad that my thought after writing this was
"I will take it. I will take the ring to Mordor?"

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: Arrallae gives you a gentle smile.

"Then, Tarith Spellbane, I give unto you Feravel. That it may be wielded by you in this room against me.."

You stand next to Xander and hold the weapon. It is light, yet tremendous power flows through it. It would seem of elven craft, but very ancient at that.

"So now, the Seer, the Scribe, and the Executioner are chosen. The rest, please wait behind the bars. I will now begin my trance."

@The Party: Arrallae closes her eyes for a few minutes and the torches in the tunnel begin to wave back and forth. The sigils and runes scribed upon the walls give off a white glow. Arralae's solar crown begins to grow in intensity, then lowers, only to rise again. She abruptly opens her eyes and these are completely blank. She turns her head upwards, towards the ceiling, then around her. You aren't sure if she is actually looking at you.

"Six fallen.... during the great conjunction"

"The Elusive Zephyr"

"The Mountain Lord"

"The Shark of the Depths"

"The Charred Zealot"

"The Rotten Child"

"The Brittle Star"

Arrallae grips her chair as her golden hair covers her face, while she waves her head about, as if avoiding an unseen attacker.

"Unghh... Hammerbruk.... One is in Hammerbruk... The despoiler of life. Carrier of disease and death."

She thrashes her body as in heavy convulsions, but the manacles hold on tight. She stares at the ceiling.

"Halmathan...The Four Sages... The Temple.... Unghhhh"

"A ritual to...join...them is to...AGHHHHH!"

A cold wind blows through the tunnel and circles Star Room. The domed room grows dark as the sigils and runes turn on a blood red color, giving of a crimson hue around the room. The torches in the hallway have turned a ghostly blue in color. Arrallae slumps down on her chair. Her face covered by her golden hair.

Hehehheheee....

Arrallae raises her face to look at you and her expression looks very different. Her eyes evoke a starless night. Her solar crown has shifted to a blue flame. Her hair dances wildly above her as energy crackles through her body.

The entire room is flooded with a tremendous blast of energy. Never have you seen her display this amount of power before. It is violent, malicious.

"Why am I not COMPLETE!"

[Archmage1]

Well, this is rather informative. The organization the lich works for is seeking these 6 beings. I believe the Brittle Star is Arrallae, and the Elusive Zephyr is Brandobras. They were once all a part of the same thing, and can be re-joined.

When Arrallae Changes... and asks why she is not complete
Not good. I figured this was a bad idea, but I was not expecting it to be this bad.

Tarith uses the sword, ending the ritual, and Arrallae's life, running her through.

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So, she is helpless, I believe, so I can coup de grace
assuming a longsword, so
damage(2d8-2)[6]+(6d6+26)[45] + whatever additional damage the sword deals.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You ready Feravel to run the possessed goddess through. Arrallae directs her gaze to you. Her voice is now a fearful mix between her sweet voice and something...hellish, for lack of a better word.

"Tarith Spellbane... son to that failure Carl Lasker... I will break this mundane bonds and be freed again!"

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Will Save DC 31 or be paralyzed in fear

Arrallae attempts to break off her manacles.

[Archmage1]

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Here is for hoping
courtesy of craven, I need a 20 to save, so... (1d20)[8]

"No... NO... I left...All alone..."
Tarith starts shuddering in fear, unable to move

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: Her vicious words ring true in your ears and mind. You drop Feravel and take a few steps back, not from your own movements, but because of the tremendous force being expelled by Arrallae, which pushes you back with unrelenting force.

@Xander: You can barely believe what is traspiring in front of you. The notes fly around the room, as well as the ink vial and the quill. You notice Feravel at your feet. Arrallae is already breaking one of the manacles from her right hand.

"You're PATHETIC! You Seek Knowledge? Hehehehe... Ultimately, Pain and Suffering is all Oerth will ever know!"

"Xander! Use it! Strike her now before she releases her bonds!" Jacob is barely able to hold on to the bars.

[NathanB1486]

Xander looks between Arrallae, Tarith, and the sword.
There must be another way.

Xander casts Telekinesis and tries to force Arrallae back into the chair. (300 pounds of force)

I would prefer not to have to slay you, please Arrallae, give us another choice.

[AlanBruce]

@Xander: You realize the attack was directed at Tarith, not you. You focus your arcane powers and manage the insurmountable: Arrallae is held in place and sits down on the iron chair.

"Xander! Listen well! She cannot revert unless she is slain. Just do it!!!!!"

"Oh, little scout. Always looking to be her favorite, didn't you? No surprise there, with the heifer you mount every night!"

Jacob's body begins to dematerialize, in a fashion similar to Balion at the Seal.

@Tarith: You feel her grip on you weakening. You might be able to do it, but it must be done now.

[Archmage1]

"I...AM...NOT...MY...FATHER!!!"

Tarith dives down, grabbing the sword, and running it through her neck in one smooth motion

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again, assuming a nonmagical longsword for damage purposes. Going for Coup de Grace(Technically, takes 2 rounds to do, as Tarith needs to pick up the sword again)
(2d8-2)[1]+(6d6+26)[47]

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You feel her terrible mental grip release and mastering your inner will, you slice her head with Feravel. The entire room is filled with radiant flash. When this one subsides, you find yourself empty handed. Arrallae stands, chains broken. Her neck spilling gouts of divine blood on her white robes. The room has returned to its normal condition. Arrallae's solar crown flares lightly as she holds Fenvarel in her right hand. She turns towards you.

Thank you, Tarith....

Arrallae slimps on the iron chair and manages to cough some blood as she looks at Jacob.

"My dear friend. I am so sorry. All of you, please forgive me. You are now in charge. They are coming...."

Arrallae's entire body and her equipment glows with a warm white light and begins to reduce in size. With a final blast of radiance you see, on the iron chair, a beautifully crafted white gauntlet of exquisite design, fit for a right hand. The gauntlet is fashioned of a metal the likes you have never seen. Engraved on it is a bas relief of Arrallae's face. The gauntlet swirls with white waves of power.

********

Meanwhile, in the Ward...

The old man sleeps in his bed filled with tubes and flasks. He suddenly opens his eyes and manages to speak, attempting to muster his strength to get off the bed. The elf in noble attire rushes to his side.

"What is it, Master Kalinas?"

"It's...time...", the old man drools as he mentions this.

Far off in the Fey Woods...

Luther stops his casual stroll through the ranks and places his forefingers on his brow. His face goes grim, then smiles. He walks up to Nerine.

"Get ready, nymph."

[Archmage1]

I was right! She was an item... or the item was her... whatever.

"Well... that kind of sucks. Jacob, if attack is imminent, we need to get moving. I am sorry."

Tarith picks up the gauntlet and pockets it.
(he is wearing gloves.)

[NathanB1486]

A gauntlet? Jacob, you said she would revert if slain, is this what you meant? What just happened...and what was that speaking through her...she is not dead...is she...

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: "What do you think you're doing, Tarith? If anyone will take care of...her, it will be me. I have been her Guardian for centuries."

@Xander: "It's...complicated. She manifested this episode before and, when I had to do what Tarith did, she turned into this form. It took awhile for her to become Arrallae again, but she did, eventually. I do not know if she will return again this time, however."

[Archmage1]

"I think I am ensuring that the enemy that she warned about does not get her. If it comes to that, I am the most likely to not get killed, or captured. You need to get the militia ready for the attack that she is warned about. If this village falls, this will all have been for nothing! You need to lead them. Don't worry, I am not going to steal it."

Tarith transfers the gauntlet into his pack, in one of the side pockets.

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(1d20+22)[34] bluff(not stealing it)(although it is possible that he won't. will need to ID it first.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: "I can assure you that it should be you that should fear these enemies. Thye have most likely followed you, Xander, and Dantie all the way here. What if you were to fall? Arrallae falls in their hands and you end up dead. Swan's Rest gets butchered. I know this place, I know where she can be kept safe."

[Archmage1]

"Jacob, they planned this from the beginning. This attack will be to get Arrallae the gauntlet. Who do you think they will think has it? You won't be able to hide it, as they will be able to track it. I can hide, I can be invisible, I have extra-dimensional storage so no spell cast can detect it, I can fly, and I can move very fast if needed."

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: Jacob listens to your points, then walks upstairs.

"You think Steiner didn't have those as well? If Swan's Rest falls because you got so prideful and decided you were Arrallae's Keeper, so help me, boy..."

Jacob runs up the stairs, hopeful to prepare the village.

[Archmage1]

Tarith pulls out his monocle, and casts detect magic, using it to try and identify the gauntlet.

(yep. Id the loot gets a higher priority than saving random villagers...)

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You hold the gauntlet that used to be Arrallae in your hand and place the monocle in your left eye, while casting the common divination used in instances such as this.

The monocle begins to rattle within its metal ring, as if about to crack. The tremendous surge of power from the gauntlet does not allow the monocle to a certain what it can. At the same time, the divination cast on the gauntlet causes your entire body to shudder.

A presence...

Overwhelming....

This is no common magic item, no. You have heard tales about these things. But they are attributed to just that, tales.

This is an artifact.

[Archmage1]

I figured as much, but best to be sure

Tarith puts away his monocle, and Arrallae, and heads up the stairs, trying to figure out where everyone else went. He will move carefully, keeping out of sight where he can

start stealth, taking 10 for a 33

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: You leave the vault and find that children and women unfit for battle are being escorted inside the temple. The thatch shields have been put up and you notice maybe a a few dozen men and youths with arrows behind them. Jacob directs the crowds.

"Come on! Everyone in the temple! Everyone who can fight stay out here!"

Just then, a rain of black petals falls on Swan's Rest. As a familiar tune and voice is heard.

Oh, Jacob... why so serious?

[Archmage1]

Wonderful. Back to fighting.

Tarith drains both charges from his armor, using them to cast shield, glibness, alter self(tren), and freedom of movement on himself. He then loads his crossbow, and activates his ring.

hide(1d20+23)[34]
move silently(1d20+23)[25]

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: The petals keep on raining down over the entire village as Jacob looks up, bow in hand.

"Show yourself, Nerine!"

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Hide: (1d20+48)[68]

Spot: (1d20+29)[41]

Although her voice can be heard, it is hard to point out her location amidst the hills of Swan's Rest.

"Now where would the fun be in that, Jacob? Besides, I've been waiting a long, long time to get in here. I know she's around. I also know you have three guests. One of which I can see scurrying around. But worry not, Spellbane. I'm not your killer today. I have bigger fish to fry."

[Archmage1]

Tarith tries to localize her position based on the voice.
(1d20+17)[26]

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You try to assess where the voice is coming from, but for all purposes, she could be anywhere.

"Jacob, you really thought you could hide the whore in here and protect her? You are so sad. And now, you will die, along with all your happy farmer friends. And you have Dantie, Xander, and Tarith to thank for."

[Archmage1]

"Nerine, Nerine, Nerine, I thought you wanted to be able to do as you pleased. Isn't that more or less why you left this forest in the first place? Because you could not act as you pleased. Instead, you found another master, Varian, followed by yet another master, The Lord of Fire. Do you really think he will allow you to accomplish your goals, your desires? When he is done with you, you will be discarded, like Varian was, like a dirty rag. Is that what you are, Nymph? Not even able to take an action without her master's ok."

Tarith's voice ring clearly throughout the valley, taunting her.

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Trying to taunt her into revealing herself
(1d20+52)[60] bluff

[NathanB1486]

Xander casts Telepathic Bond on himself, Tarith, and Dantie as Tarith Inspects the Gauntlet. Afterward Xander heads toward the exit.
Seeing as there is combat, we might as well prepare, exit slowly allow me a moment. Tarith learn anything interesting? Would you mind taking those blades you got from spider out for a moment?

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Xander is going to begin buffing on the way out. beginning with Chain greater magic weapon, targeting every target Xander can see(up to 12)(3 on Tarith, 2 daggers and bastard sword, my staff, both ends if possible, and Dantie's mace, and 7 of the swords. (+3, 12 hours)
Then chain Keen edge targeting all piercing and slashing weapons. (120 min)
Then Mage Armor, fly, shield, Nightshield, invisibility, and Alter self(Tfen), just before they leave the tunnel, he casts Haste. and chain nerveskitter when it calls for initiative.