Act 5: Revenge of the Rebellion
Darius enters the battle at last and the group bring their strongest powers to bear. Curses fly, blade barriers are conjured, walls of fire burst to life and flesh melting flames erupt. Morn and Azhanti are banished to a nightmare realm and only escape with the aid of Hu’Maa. Artemis is nearly slain but Morn manages to rescue him in time. Assamber flits around the battlefield shielded from view but harassed while Darius hurls his enemies into their own spells.
The battle is desperate. The group call upon all the aid they have bargained for and it is still nearly not enough. They are battered, scorched, poisoned, blasted and subjected to all the power at Darius' command and more.
Still he cannot overcome them. They draw deep from reserves they barely knew they had and it is enough, just. With a final gasp the last leader of the Cabal falls to his death and the Spire is finally free of their corruption.
The ancient crystal walls of that place resonate with power as its defence systems activate. The Spire is the entrance to the Labyrinth and interference by immortals is not tolerated. Beams of light lance down and obliterate the Dragons attacking the Spire but not before they incinerate Jocasta, High Priestess of the Cult of the Eternal.
Epilogue
The City lies in wrack and ruin. Flames spread in a dozen different places and what power groups existed are mostly broken. The Tiefling nobility has no leader, the Cult of the Eternal is nearly extinct and many of the Rebellion warriors are dead. Antonius died fighting demons but Marat Kesh has escaped.
In the harbour the residual necromancy of the Ship of Death poisons the waters along with the corpse of a Dragon. Many of the rogues and thieves have survived and may yet flourish in this lawless place but our heroes are unlikely to be around to see it.
They gather in the silent Chamber of the Spire. The Key of Time has been handed over to Vintu and the place has been looted by Xaltotun. The group keeps their various bargains. Catalia Anatarion, mother to Artemis has called them there. “There is something which you need to see”, she places her staff into the stone floor beneath the now floating and free Stone. A shaft of light penetrates the room and around it emerges a map of the world. “The Labyrinth imprisons Sopias still but we have no Centurion King to restore its power. It will fail and he will be released. I don’t know when but it will be soon. If someone can confront him inside the prison then he may yet be stopped. To do so you will need the keys, the Hearts of the Primordials, this map shows their locations.” As she speaks five lights begin to glow softly at different points. “Will you do this?”
Three agree quickly, Assamber, Artemis and Azhanti. Morn turns to her, “I have had enough of Gods and Demons, I came here to do a job and I have done it” and he turns and leaves.
*cut scene*
Several weeks later.
Drums roll and banners are unfurled as the might of the Kireshi nation enters what remains of the City of Kings. Catalia Antarion meets them as they enter. “We come to fulfil our ancient agreement, your City is free and we recover the remains of our Lord Ashura” Casting her eyes around the devastation Catalia nods slowly in agreement. “So be it”
The Children of Ashura enter his Temple to find it has been defiled. The bones are scattered on the floor, the skull missing, the Heart and the Bow gone. There is much wailing and cries for vengeance. They confront Catalia, “Who has done this” Stern faced she is compelled by ancient oaths sworn before she was ever born to answer. “Morn, Azhanti, Assamber and Artemis”
“They shall die a thousand deaths for their crimes”
And this brings the Heroic Tier of our adventures to a final conclusion. The City is in ruins, no one is really in charge but the Cabal has been destroyed, albeit at great cost. The group have a bunch of possible Paragon Tier quests to kick them off along with an overarching goal for the next 10 levels.
One final point on the bargains they made. This was one long extended sequence. There was never going to be a chance to take an extended rest but I didn't want it to be limited to what a party can survive in a single day. I decided that they needed to have some sort of method to recharge their powers. I toyed with the idea of recharging everything when they closed the Spire gates but that would be too simple. Instead each of the bargains allowed them to refresh a small number of abilities giving them a tactical edge.
Of course the group decided to hoard them all until the very final confrontation.
C'est la vie.
We play again in mid January giving me time to recharge the batteries and allowing us to have a Christmas break. Next year we get a 5th player as well as an old member of the group returns. How will they react to a Feypact Warlock of Sopias!
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 4
Act 4: Light at the End of the Tunnel
With the Ritual shattered darkness is lifted from the City and the flames of chaos fade from the Spire. Sunlight fills the Spire with a single brilliant shaft striking Artemis.
*cut scene*
Everything else fades away and Artemis finds himself looking up into the Sun itself. A young boy, no more than sixteen, naked, beautiful and glowing with the light of the Sun descends on a beam of light. “I am the Blazing Dun, child of Ashura and I come to right a great wrong which you have caused human. You disturbed my father’s resting place and now his soul cries out in agony. Unless something is done he will fall into undeath. Take your place as his Champion, ground his soul and I will aid you against the Wizard Darius.”
Artemis considers for a moment, the Kireshi are fucked no matter what he does. “No, the time of Gods and Primordials is done, it’s about time we started making our own decisions.” The beautiful youth sighs, “So be it, I cannot force you. I offer you a blessing though if you agree to find a way to prevent my father’s fall to shadow”
Agreeing quickly Artemis finds himself back in the Chamber as Darius arrives on a high balcony flanked by two glowing multi winged, multi coloured angels. “Enough of this, let us put an end to this once and for all. Slay them my Angels of the Apocalypse!”
On buzzing insectoid wings the Angels rise up and descend on our heroes. They crash through the group, a mass of crawling chaotic energy and reform around Assamber. “Bring me my staff, kill the Wizard” calls Darius which they come close to doing. Staggering under their assault the group strike back.
A Blade Barrier neatly dissects them both and Assamber freezes them in place. They scatter to avoid area effects and Darius lashes them with lightning drawn from the Stone. Artemis tries to distract Darius only to find he is surrounded by an impenetrable shield powered by the stone. They must disable the stone or perish.
The Stone is the centre of the Temple. It is corrupted by Chaos. Hu’Maa advised they destroy it but they choose not to heed his advice. The stone can be cleansed with a sacrifice of power or converted, Hallowed to a new God making this place the most powerful Temple on Earth. The thought does not ever cross our heroes mind and they quickly cleanse the stone of its taint forcing Darius into the fray personally. He descends amongst the spitting curses and corrupting flames in all directions.
*cut scene*
Outside Jocasta, High Priestess of the Eternal makes her way to the Spire accompanied by most of the remaining servants of the Cult. The enter the forbidden grounds of the Spire and she raises her staff casting a circle of holy power around her. The demons roar in recognition of a new threat and charge to the attack. As they do warriors of Clan Antarion lead by their new Chief leap in the way defending the last stand of the Priestess of the light. Striking her staff into the ground she lets out a mighty cry, “Now, the sleepers will awaken.”
In the days before the Cabal those who were in great pain came to the Cult for aid. They were given release in the gardens of the Spire where they would be laid to rest in eternal blissful dreams. When the Cabal arrived they twisted those dreams into nightmares and used them to fashion Demons. Now Jocasta breaks the most Holy tenet of her faith and disturbs their sleep. As one they awake into screaming horror as they relive every demonic indignity heaped upon them. With their waking however the demons which were drawn from their nightmares vanish into thin air.
As Jocasta slumps to the ground the Dragons attack crashing against the Spire and the remaining Cult members.
With the Ritual shattered darkness is lifted from the City and the flames of chaos fade from the Spire. Sunlight fills the Spire with a single brilliant shaft striking Artemis.
*cut scene*
Everything else fades away and Artemis finds himself looking up into the Sun itself. A young boy, no more than sixteen, naked, beautiful and glowing with the light of the Sun descends on a beam of light. “I am the Blazing Dun, child of Ashura and I come to right a great wrong which you have caused human. You disturbed my father’s resting place and now his soul cries out in agony. Unless something is done he will fall into undeath. Take your place as his Champion, ground his soul and I will aid you against the Wizard Darius.”
Artemis considers for a moment, the Kireshi are fucked no matter what he does. “No, the time of Gods and Primordials is done, it’s about time we started making our own decisions.” The beautiful youth sighs, “So be it, I cannot force you. I offer you a blessing though if you agree to find a way to prevent my father’s fall to shadow”
Agreeing quickly Artemis finds himself back in the Chamber as Darius arrives on a high balcony flanked by two glowing multi winged, multi coloured angels. “Enough of this, let us put an end to this once and for all. Slay them my Angels of the Apocalypse!”
On buzzing insectoid wings the Angels rise up and descend on our heroes. They crash through the group, a mass of crawling chaotic energy and reform around Assamber. “Bring me my staff, kill the Wizard” calls Darius which they come close to doing. Staggering under their assault the group strike back.
A Blade Barrier neatly dissects them both and Assamber freezes them in place. They scatter to avoid area effects and Darius lashes them with lightning drawn from the Stone. Artemis tries to distract Darius only to find he is surrounded by an impenetrable shield powered by the stone. They must disable the stone or perish.
The Stone is the centre of the Temple. It is corrupted by Chaos. Hu’Maa advised they destroy it but they choose not to heed his advice. The stone can be cleansed with a sacrifice of power or converted, Hallowed to a new God making this place the most powerful Temple on Earth. The thought does not ever cross our heroes mind and they quickly cleanse the stone of its taint forcing Darius into the fray personally. He descends amongst the spitting curses and corrupting flames in all directions.
*cut scene*
Outside Jocasta, High Priestess of the Eternal makes her way to the Spire accompanied by most of the remaining servants of the Cult. The enter the forbidden grounds of the Spire and she raises her staff casting a circle of holy power around her. The demons roar in recognition of a new threat and charge to the attack. As they do warriors of Clan Antarion lead by their new Chief leap in the way defending the last stand of the Priestess of the light. Striking her staff into the ground she lets out a mighty cry, “Now, the sleepers will awaken.”
In the days before the Cabal those who were in great pain came to the Cult for aid. They were given release in the gardens of the Spire where they would be laid to rest in eternal blissful dreams. When the Cabal arrived they twisted those dreams into nightmares and used them to fashion Demons. Now Jocasta breaks the most Holy tenet of her faith and disturbs their sleep. As one they awake into screaming horror as they relive every demonic indignity heaped upon them. With their waking however the demons which were drawn from their nightmares vanish into thin air.
As Jocasta slumps to the ground the Dragons attack crashing against the Spire and the remaining Cult members.
Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 3
Act 3: The End of Time
The last traces of sorcery fade from our heroes and they find themselves in the huge vaulted chamber of the Temple of the Eternal. To either side two massive portals of black and silver metal vomit forth a riot of chaotic colours and energy each focused on a stone floating high above them. It is of dull grey rock bound by green metal and riddled with veins of corruption.
Another problem presents itself as more urgent. Stood just outside the door is the Iron Lord, a monstrously huge Golem with massive rending claws and enormous mandibles. Alarm bells are ringing and it turns to regard the group. Fortunately for them it is very slow and Artemis races for the door slamming the Key of Time into the lock.
The doors begin to close but the creature is so massive it might yet wrench them open. The group go into overdrive. Artemis smashes the creature away from the door and Assamber promptly freezes it solid. Fundamental Ice empowers his sorcery and he drinks deep of the Black Lotus Juice. The doors slam shut with a sound of inevitability.
*cut scene*
As the doors close Azhanti finds himself stood before the gates of Vulcan’s most ancient temple. The fires burn but he can feel the warmth of the Primoridal within. He enters into the presence of Vulcan for the first time in his life. “KNEEL BEFORE YOUR GOD!”
“How, you are dead, this cannot be happening.” “You stand outside of time child, here past, present and future meet. I speak to you from the past. Submit yourself to me, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR GOD!” Slowly, reluctantly Azhanti prostrates himself. “The World turns Azhanti, this Age is ending. Soon will come a new Age and I find myself in need of a Champion. Serve me and know my blessings, give up these foolish ideas of supplanting me. Accept your destiny.”
He pauses, to give up what he has worked for, the offer is tempting but ultimately he cannot do it. He rejects the offer. “So be it, you are still my child, let us see what fate brings. I make you another offer. Children of Mael have stolen a Dragons Egg, find it and I will fill you with my power in your fight against Darius.”He agrees and quickly finds himself back in the Chamber.
The Ritual Darius has enacted to conjure his Demon Lord requires great power and it is slowly building, the Gates feeding from the stone. The group spread out and prepare to counter it. Unfortunately a miss step results in a surge from the Gates and demons spew forth. Battle is joined while Assamber maintains the Ritual. Morn wades through his enemies hammer swinging and each time it strikes the Spire rings like an enormous bell. On the third blow he finds himself spinning away, dropping through the Earth into the embrace of Maran Gor, the Primoridal of Earth.
*cut scene*
“You have awoken me child, why?” Morn looks puzzled, “Bwu?” “You use my Hammer, forged by my hands in the Temple of my Body. You have awoken me and it is good to stir once more. The end is coming, now is the time for action. I require a Champion Human, the Hammer has chosen you and I offer you that position.” There are questions, Morn now doubts all Gods and is reluctant to be bound to another so soon.
“I decline” “ So be it, I offer you a boon, my Temple has been overrun by a Child of Vulcan, a Dragon named Infernus, free it and I will bless your efforts.”
Accepting readily Morn finds himself back in the Chamber surrounded by Demons as Assamber completes the Ritual. The Gates reverse, chaos which was pouring into the City is now sucked back. Nearly half of the Cabals demons disintegrate and outside there is much cheering until the Ship of Death is torn apart and crashes into the harbour. All three Dragons turn their attention to the battle.
The Pashtun witches are blasted from the sky and flames are alight all over. Meanwhile outside the Spire the mass of Demons which remain turn their attention to the City. They cannot enter the Spire, its walls are impervious to all mortal sorcery. They prepare to descend on the rebellion Warriors when they are brought short. Yusmida the Betrayer has brought his ghostly warriors as required by their compact and spectral warriors clash with soul rending demons.
__________________
The last traces of sorcery fade from our heroes and they find themselves in the huge vaulted chamber of the Temple of the Eternal. To either side two massive portals of black and silver metal vomit forth a riot of chaotic colours and energy each focused on a stone floating high above them. It is of dull grey rock bound by green metal and riddled with veins of corruption.
Another problem presents itself as more urgent. Stood just outside the door is the Iron Lord, a monstrously huge Golem with massive rending claws and enormous mandibles. Alarm bells are ringing and it turns to regard the group. Fortunately for them it is very slow and Artemis races for the door slamming the Key of Time into the lock.
The doors begin to close but the creature is so massive it might yet wrench them open. The group go into overdrive. Artemis smashes the creature away from the door and Assamber promptly freezes it solid. Fundamental Ice empowers his sorcery and he drinks deep of the Black Lotus Juice. The doors slam shut with a sound of inevitability.
*cut scene*
As the doors close Azhanti finds himself stood before the gates of Vulcan’s most ancient temple. The fires burn but he can feel the warmth of the Primoridal within. He enters into the presence of Vulcan for the first time in his life. “KNEEL BEFORE YOUR GOD!”
“How, you are dead, this cannot be happening.” “You stand outside of time child, here past, present and future meet. I speak to you from the past. Submit yourself to me, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR GOD!” Slowly, reluctantly Azhanti prostrates himself. “The World turns Azhanti, this Age is ending. Soon will come a new Age and I find myself in need of a Champion. Serve me and know my blessings, give up these foolish ideas of supplanting me. Accept your destiny.”
He pauses, to give up what he has worked for, the offer is tempting but ultimately he cannot do it. He rejects the offer. “So be it, you are still my child, let us see what fate brings. I make you another offer. Children of Mael have stolen a Dragons Egg, find it and I will fill you with my power in your fight against Darius.”He agrees and quickly finds himself back in the Chamber.
The Ritual Darius has enacted to conjure his Demon Lord requires great power and it is slowly building, the Gates feeding from the stone. The group spread out and prepare to counter it. Unfortunately a miss step results in a surge from the Gates and demons spew forth. Battle is joined while Assamber maintains the Ritual. Morn wades through his enemies hammer swinging and each time it strikes the Spire rings like an enormous bell. On the third blow he finds himself spinning away, dropping through the Earth into the embrace of Maran Gor, the Primoridal of Earth.
*cut scene*
“You have awoken me child, why?” Morn looks puzzled, “Bwu?” “You use my Hammer, forged by my hands in the Temple of my Body. You have awoken me and it is good to stir once more. The end is coming, now is the time for action. I require a Champion Human, the Hammer has chosen you and I offer you that position.” There are questions, Morn now doubts all Gods and is reluctant to be bound to another so soon.
“I decline” “ So be it, I offer you a boon, my Temple has been overrun by a Child of Vulcan, a Dragon named Infernus, free it and I will bless your efforts.”
Accepting readily Morn finds himself back in the Chamber surrounded by Demons as Assamber completes the Ritual. The Gates reverse, chaos which was pouring into the City is now sucked back. Nearly half of the Cabals demons disintegrate and outside there is much cheering until the Ship of Death is torn apart and crashes into the harbour. All three Dragons turn their attention to the battle.
The Pashtun witches are blasted from the sky and flames are alight all over. Meanwhile outside the Spire the mass of Demons which remain turn their attention to the City. They cannot enter the Spire, its walls are impervious to all mortal sorcery. They prepare to descend on the rebellion Warriors when they are brought short. Yusmida the Betrayer has brought his ghostly warriors as required by their compact and spectral warriors clash with soul rending demons.
__________________
Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 2
Act 2: The Rebellion Strikes Back
In the confusion of battle our heroes steal across the Plaza to the iron bound door of the Armoury. Using the Key which Alias gave them they burst in on the guardians. Brutish Cabal warriors, armour plates bolted to their skin and madness in their eyes crash against them while a Cabal wizard, set to guard the entrance utterly fails to confound them with his sorcery. From a murder hole a Cabal archer sends vials of sizzling acid crashing in to the room but he is quickly countered by Assamber who has finally thrown off the stifling shackles of Lokarnos sorcery. No longer does he limit himself to the powers of storm and thunder, now all the elements are at his command and he sends fiery death through the murder hole. The guards are quickly dispatched and the group consider their next course of action.
Two routes present themselves to Belmondo the Artificer’s workshop, a Hallway known to be trapped and a Trophy Room. They choose the latter and find the living statues of Belmondo’s victims, trapped in stone and deadly to boot. What’s worse is that the room features an elaborate mural showing the Cabals victory in taking the City which routinely steals the senses of those present letting the statues throttle their victims to death. Morn invokes the Hammer of Maran Gor and smashes much of the ensorcelled wall while Assamber rakes it with thunder and lightning. The statues are then soon dispatched.
The party debates. Do they push on for the Artificer or take a diversion and raid the Cabals store of weapons. They choose the latter and quickly disarm the magical glyphs protecting the door. Once inside they are confronted by a Cabal Golem which proceeds to kick them around the room. As they crash about vials of acid and clay jars of explosive flame explode and burn. The Golem has massive resistance to damage and the explosions are taking their toll on our heroes but finally it falls apart. They loot the room quickly uncovering many treasures. Vials of acid and jars of fiery death are the least of their hoard. Morn recovers a set of enchanted Dwarven Plate while Assamber recovers fundamental ice, drawn from the depths of the northern ocean and vials of Black Lotus Extract, the possession of which brings a sentence of death from the Cabal. The Lotus greatly expands the mind of any sorcerer inhaling it but at the risk of addiction, madness and death.
Pressing on they find the main hall deserted. The Cabal wizards are on the roof contending with Dwarven Astrologers while their Golems are being dismantled. The group pass below into the Workshop, a vast open space filled with bellows, forges, stone tables and a pair of Iron Golems. Belmondo is there as well, together with two Cabal wizards. He appears to be packing as the Golems load strange and sundry materials into two huge iron bound chests.
“Ahh, welcome, you must be the people who have caused Darius so much trouble. I assume you are here to kill me but I have a counter offer.” At that moment the Golems strike, crushing the two Cabal Wizards beneath metal fists. “Now that Darius’s spies are out of the way we can talk. Let me go and I will give you the passwords to enter the Spire.” There is more discussion. Belmondo has not crossed their path before so the only black mark is that he is a member of the Cabal. He also has two Golems and one of the caused them a lot of problems. They agree and he quickly steps into a ready teleportation circle vanishing. No doubt he will appear again in the future.
The group head below into the Armoury’s teleportation chamber. Five arcane circles are present and they quickly disable the four which lead to the Cabal Towers. Preparing themselves Assamber invokes the Linked Portal Ritual and they vanish. They do not appear where they expected and instead find themselves sat around a campfire, a small wizened and tattooed man sits across from them. He introduces himself, he is Utu Kamla the Elder, the first Wizard and he has an offer for them. He exists outside of reality, a part of the stream of magic itself and only when they used the Ritual could he contact them. He offers to aid them against Darius if they agree to save the Library of the Ancients. It is besieged by Chaos and he fears that his legacy to future generations will be lost. They agree and they find themselves stood in the Chamber of the Spire.
*cut scene*
The wizard Darius enters the hold of the ship of Death. As he goes he negates the wards which hold the creature inside the ship. Reaching the hold he shatters the final binding on the ancient stone coffin and flees. In the distance the Dragon Riders of Arkhosia bear down on the City.
In the West the Witches of the Kireshi perform their magic. Between them stream the murderous rogues hired by Nabonidus. Adventurers, killers and thieves, they are rotten to the core but have been drawn here by promise of limitless gold. The Kireshi place seeds from the heart of the Shrouded Oasis between the stones of the Plaza and whisper long lost sorceries to them. They quickly grow and spread and poisonous vines slither through the corrupted woods and around the Tower of Sorcery. Demons wake from their sleep to find themselves being choked to death but the Cabal is alerted. Necromancers hurl soul eating flames into the woods and men begin to die.
As the Dragons approach the Harbour the Ship of Death swings away from the dock breaking its moorings. The lid of the stone coffin is pushes aside and the mummified corpse of Darius the First emerges into the open air for the first time in two centuries. He activates the ships defences and several masses of bone and metal clamber onto the deck on spiky legs. The ship heads toward the approaching dragons and then into the air. Seeing the threat two of the Dragons move to intercept and battle is joined, incinerating flame against age old necromancy.
The third Dragon passes by and as it does so another ship takes to the air. The Windrunner, the ship of Alias, agent of the Order of Transcendental Inquiry. On one hand stands Kallista Antarion, on the other the Artificer Belomondo. The Dragon banks past them and descends on the City flames belching from its throat.
In the confusion of battle our heroes steal across the Plaza to the iron bound door of the Armoury. Using the Key which Alias gave them they burst in on the guardians. Brutish Cabal warriors, armour plates bolted to their skin and madness in their eyes crash against them while a Cabal wizard, set to guard the entrance utterly fails to confound them with his sorcery. From a murder hole a Cabal archer sends vials of sizzling acid crashing in to the room but he is quickly countered by Assamber who has finally thrown off the stifling shackles of Lokarnos sorcery. No longer does he limit himself to the powers of storm and thunder, now all the elements are at his command and he sends fiery death through the murder hole. The guards are quickly dispatched and the group consider their next course of action.
Two routes present themselves to Belmondo the Artificer’s workshop, a Hallway known to be trapped and a Trophy Room. They choose the latter and find the living statues of Belmondo’s victims, trapped in stone and deadly to boot. What’s worse is that the room features an elaborate mural showing the Cabals victory in taking the City which routinely steals the senses of those present letting the statues throttle their victims to death. Morn invokes the Hammer of Maran Gor and smashes much of the ensorcelled wall while Assamber rakes it with thunder and lightning. The statues are then soon dispatched.
The party debates. Do they push on for the Artificer or take a diversion and raid the Cabals store of weapons. They choose the latter and quickly disarm the magical glyphs protecting the door. Once inside they are confronted by a Cabal Golem which proceeds to kick them around the room. As they crash about vials of acid and clay jars of explosive flame explode and burn. The Golem has massive resistance to damage and the explosions are taking their toll on our heroes but finally it falls apart. They loot the room quickly uncovering many treasures. Vials of acid and jars of fiery death are the least of their hoard. Morn recovers a set of enchanted Dwarven Plate while Assamber recovers fundamental ice, drawn from the depths of the northern ocean and vials of Black Lotus Extract, the possession of which brings a sentence of death from the Cabal. The Lotus greatly expands the mind of any sorcerer inhaling it but at the risk of addiction, madness and death.
Pressing on they find the main hall deserted. The Cabal wizards are on the roof contending with Dwarven Astrologers while their Golems are being dismantled. The group pass below into the Workshop, a vast open space filled with bellows, forges, stone tables and a pair of Iron Golems. Belmondo is there as well, together with two Cabal wizards. He appears to be packing as the Golems load strange and sundry materials into two huge iron bound chests.
“Ahh, welcome, you must be the people who have caused Darius so much trouble. I assume you are here to kill me but I have a counter offer.” At that moment the Golems strike, crushing the two Cabal Wizards beneath metal fists. “Now that Darius’s spies are out of the way we can talk. Let me go and I will give you the passwords to enter the Spire.” There is more discussion. Belmondo has not crossed their path before so the only black mark is that he is a member of the Cabal. He also has two Golems and one of the caused them a lot of problems. They agree and he quickly steps into a ready teleportation circle vanishing. No doubt he will appear again in the future.
The group head below into the Armoury’s teleportation chamber. Five arcane circles are present and they quickly disable the four which lead to the Cabal Towers. Preparing themselves Assamber invokes the Linked Portal Ritual and they vanish. They do not appear where they expected and instead find themselves sat around a campfire, a small wizened and tattooed man sits across from them. He introduces himself, he is Utu Kamla the Elder, the first Wizard and he has an offer for them. He exists outside of reality, a part of the stream of magic itself and only when they used the Ritual could he contact them. He offers to aid them against Darius if they agree to save the Library of the Ancients. It is besieged by Chaos and he fears that his legacy to future generations will be lost. They agree and they find themselves stood in the Chamber of the Spire.
*cut scene*
The wizard Darius enters the hold of the ship of Death. As he goes he negates the wards which hold the creature inside the ship. Reaching the hold he shatters the final binding on the ancient stone coffin and flees. In the distance the Dragon Riders of Arkhosia bear down on the City.
In the West the Witches of the Kireshi perform their magic. Between them stream the murderous rogues hired by Nabonidus. Adventurers, killers and thieves, they are rotten to the core but have been drawn here by promise of limitless gold. The Kireshi place seeds from the heart of the Shrouded Oasis between the stones of the Plaza and whisper long lost sorceries to them. They quickly grow and spread and poisonous vines slither through the corrupted woods and around the Tower of Sorcery. Demons wake from their sleep to find themselves being choked to death but the Cabal is alerted. Necromancers hurl soul eating flames into the woods and men begin to die.
As the Dragons approach the Harbour the Ship of Death swings away from the dock breaking its moorings. The lid of the stone coffin is pushes aside and the mummified corpse of Darius the First emerges into the open air for the first time in two centuries. He activates the ships defences and several masses of bone and metal clamber onto the deck on spiky legs. The ship heads toward the approaching dragons and then into the air. Seeing the threat two of the Dragons move to intercept and battle is joined, incinerating flame against age old necromancy.
The third Dragon passes by and as it does so another ship takes to the air. The Windrunner, the ship of Alias, agent of the Order of Transcendental Inquiry. On one hand stands Kallista Antarion, on the other the Artificer Belomondo. The Dragon banks past them and descends on the City flames belching from its throat.
Session 11: Death is only the Beginning, Part 1
We played the final session at the Heroic Tier tonight and I have to say it was awesome. We budgeted for a double session length to make sure we finished and still just managed to finish everything on time.
Tonight marked the final confrontation between the Cabal and the Rebellion/Players, a fight they have been building towards for the entire game. Who rules in the City of Kings will be decided today. Before that one or two final loose ends need to be tied up.
Act 1: Old Friends and Troubled Times
Morn makes a trip to the Temple of the Unfettered God and the Priestess M’Kemba. He wants answers, his God has broken their bargain and he wants to know why. He starts off all coy but M’Kemba seems to be on to him. She can sense his doubts. He calls in a favour he was promised for allying with the Cult of the Eternal, he asks M’Kemba to commune with his God to find out why he was abandoned. She agrees, reluctantly and begins her ritual dance. As it reaches feverpitch the spirit of the God infuses his priestess. Morn confronts him, the Spirit rebukes him. Morn rejected him, not the other way around. He spurned his power for the false power of Maran Gor and rejected the protection of his God due to his lust for Kyia.
There is a tussle, M’Kemba is thrown down, with a cry she draws a rune etched blade from the Altar, “If he had rejected you would he have had me create this!” Runes for freedom are etched on the blade and its power is apparent. Struggling with indecision Morn makes up his mind. He strikes at the Altar with the Hammer of Maran Gor. M’Kemba tries to intervene and the blade is shattered, the Priestess stunned on the ground. Morn, with his normal implacability, executes her for her false promises.
Night cloaks the Tower of Mael, Temple of the Sea God. Artemis is sleeping soundly when he is roughly awoken. Kallista, his half sister, stands over him. “I have come to tell you I am leaving, I owe you that much but no more. I have joined the Order, we should not meet again.” As she leaves she turns, “There is one thing you should now. I know where the Heart of Ashura is. Althea took me to the House of Blood, the home of the Hu’Maa the Vampire Lord. He has it. I would have told you but I didn’t want you to do something stupid and get yourself killed. Now it would be better if you did. If we cross paths again I will kill you.”
The next morning the Sun fails to rise. Darkness flows from the Spire which is cloaked in purple flames. The City falls to panic and chaos. People try to flee but a sandstorm blows from the desert to the south and the Harbour is choked with boats. The Temple of Mael is in uproar as rebellion warriors gather and receive their orders. In the false murk of night they steal through the City to their appointed positions. When the sandstorm hits the City then the attack will begin.
As they turn to leave our heroes are greeted by a visitor. The doors of the Temple creak open and a monster stands there. Eight feet tall, gangly green skin with protruding ivory tusks and dressed for winter the creature introduces itself as Vintu. The name is known to Assamber as one of the first children of Mael, possibly the last of his race. To Azhanti his name is a nightmare to scare children. He destroyed the first Dragonborn Empire and send the Dragon Gods to sleep with a magical Ice Age. He has an offer, he will aid them in the fight against the Cabal in exchange for the Key of Time. He explains that he cannot enter the Spire, it is the entrance to the Labyrinth and it is hungry for more immortal prisoners. Much hurried discussion ensues but ultimately they agree.
He withdraws and they head out to the Armoury and the Blood Market in which it is located. As they approach the Market Assamber notices two tall pale figures lurking in the doorway of a brothel. They are children of Hu’Maa, the Vampire Lord and they beckon them across. In a fit of possibly unwise trustworthiness they head in to the building. The ancient withered Tiefling Vampire sits on luxurious cushions surrounded by the bodies of staff and visitors to the brothel, their neck wounds very obvious. He has an offer for them, something which will be common to this day. He will aid them in their battle against the Cabal if they agree not to interfere with his operations in the City. More hurried discussion ensues and finally they say yes. He also advises them that Darius has unearthed a splinter of the Membin Stone, the Spike of Law which holds the Universe together and he is using it to fuel his ritual. He advises destroying it.Finally the group reach the edge of Blood Market and prepare themselves for their assault.
*cut scene*
In the skies above the City Pashtun witches ride flying carpets. Around them dance howling Djinn and terrible Efreeti. They have raised the powers of the desert to wipe the corruption of the City from the face of the earth. The Storm hits the City, gale force winds send blasting sand whipping through the streets and all is confusion and chaos. At the Blood Market a building falls into the earth opening a gaping hole and a phalanx of Stone Dwarves emerge to clash with the Golems. Hard faced killers slip through tormented alien woods and in the distance three winged figures grow ever closer.
Tonight marked the final confrontation between the Cabal and the Rebellion/Players, a fight they have been building towards for the entire game. Who rules in the City of Kings will be decided today. Before that one or two final loose ends need to be tied up.
Act 1: Old Friends and Troubled Times
Morn makes a trip to the Temple of the Unfettered God and the Priestess M’Kemba. He wants answers, his God has broken their bargain and he wants to know why. He starts off all coy but M’Kemba seems to be on to him. She can sense his doubts. He calls in a favour he was promised for allying with the Cult of the Eternal, he asks M’Kemba to commune with his God to find out why he was abandoned. She agrees, reluctantly and begins her ritual dance. As it reaches feverpitch the spirit of the God infuses his priestess. Morn confronts him, the Spirit rebukes him. Morn rejected him, not the other way around. He spurned his power for the false power of Maran Gor and rejected the protection of his God due to his lust for Kyia.
There is a tussle, M’Kemba is thrown down, with a cry she draws a rune etched blade from the Altar, “If he had rejected you would he have had me create this!” Runes for freedom are etched on the blade and its power is apparent. Struggling with indecision Morn makes up his mind. He strikes at the Altar with the Hammer of Maran Gor. M’Kemba tries to intervene and the blade is shattered, the Priestess stunned on the ground. Morn, with his normal implacability, executes her for her false promises.
Night cloaks the Tower of Mael, Temple of the Sea God. Artemis is sleeping soundly when he is roughly awoken. Kallista, his half sister, stands over him. “I have come to tell you I am leaving, I owe you that much but no more. I have joined the Order, we should not meet again.” As she leaves she turns, “There is one thing you should now. I know where the Heart of Ashura is. Althea took me to the House of Blood, the home of the Hu’Maa the Vampire Lord. He has it. I would have told you but I didn’t want you to do something stupid and get yourself killed. Now it would be better if you did. If we cross paths again I will kill you.”
The next morning the Sun fails to rise. Darkness flows from the Spire which is cloaked in purple flames. The City falls to panic and chaos. People try to flee but a sandstorm blows from the desert to the south and the Harbour is choked with boats. The Temple of Mael is in uproar as rebellion warriors gather and receive their orders. In the false murk of night they steal through the City to their appointed positions. When the sandstorm hits the City then the attack will begin.
As they turn to leave our heroes are greeted by a visitor. The doors of the Temple creak open and a monster stands there. Eight feet tall, gangly green skin with protruding ivory tusks and dressed for winter the creature introduces itself as Vintu. The name is known to Assamber as one of the first children of Mael, possibly the last of his race. To Azhanti his name is a nightmare to scare children. He destroyed the first Dragonborn Empire and send the Dragon Gods to sleep with a magical Ice Age. He has an offer, he will aid them in the fight against the Cabal in exchange for the Key of Time. He explains that he cannot enter the Spire, it is the entrance to the Labyrinth and it is hungry for more immortal prisoners. Much hurried discussion ensues but ultimately they agree.
He withdraws and they head out to the Armoury and the Blood Market in which it is located. As they approach the Market Assamber notices two tall pale figures lurking in the doorway of a brothel. They are children of Hu’Maa, the Vampire Lord and they beckon them across. In a fit of possibly unwise trustworthiness they head in to the building. The ancient withered Tiefling Vampire sits on luxurious cushions surrounded by the bodies of staff and visitors to the brothel, their neck wounds very obvious. He has an offer for them, something which will be common to this day. He will aid them in their battle against the Cabal if they agree not to interfere with his operations in the City. More hurried discussion ensues and finally they say yes. He also advises them that Darius has unearthed a splinter of the Membin Stone, the Spike of Law which holds the Universe together and he is using it to fuel his ritual. He advises destroying it.Finally the group reach the edge of Blood Market and prepare themselves for their assault.
*cut scene*
In the skies above the City Pashtun witches ride flying carpets. Around them dance howling Djinn and terrible Efreeti. They have raised the powers of the desert to wipe the corruption of the City from the face of the earth. The Storm hits the City, gale force winds send blasting sand whipping through the streets and all is confusion and chaos. At the Blood Market a building falls into the earth opening a gaping hole and a phalanx of Stone Dwarves emerge to clash with the Golems. Hard faced killers slip through tormented alien woods and in the distance three winged figures grow ever closer.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Session 11: Death is only the beginning
Change is coming to the City of Kings, as inevitable as the turning of the tide or the rising of the sun. At least it would be if the sun had risen this morning.Panic has gripped the City and its people huddle in their homes or flee to the port desperate to seek escape from the darkness. Rumours are rife, some say that Darius is preparing to unleash a demonic plague on the City, others that Hu'Maa, the Vampire Lord plans to consume the population and turn everyone into his everliving thralls. Prophets of many Gods proclaim that the end of the world is nigh with each promising the path to salvation.
The forces of the Rebellion are finally gathered. Now is the day to finally destroy the Cabal which has shattered so many lives. In the Spire Darius, Master Demonologist, prepares to bind a Demon Lord to destroy the Rebellion once and for all.
But not all is necessarily as it seems. Other, older, forces begin to stir. A Conjunction is coming, an alignment of powers which draws many to the City hungry for the opportunities such an event brings.
In the dark hold of the Ship of Death an ancient evil begins to stir, roused to wakefullness by its children.
In the Shrouded Oasis the remnants of a long dead Primoridal screams in pain as its children seek revenge on those who slew him.
In the distance Dragon Riders of Arkhosia bear down on the City, eager for blood and death.
In the Temple of Mael a Pact is struck between two old adversaries.
From the far south Dwarven Astrologers come, reading signs in the stars.
Finally in the depths of the Labyrinthe a mad God dances eager for his release.
Into this Chaos come our heroes, a most unlikely bunch, whose decisions will ultimately shape the future.
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