Apotheosis 19/04/22 Elan - Arriving at Zenith
Apr 23, 2022 12:34:38 GMT
Celina Zabinski, Velania Kalugina, and 3 more like this
Post by spamduck8486 on Apr 23, 2022 12:34:38 GMT
A note, hung up on the first notice board Elan would find in Dawning Heights. It’s shockingly badly spelled, but it details the ascent up Zenith.
Arriving at Zenith
A NOTE OF INTEREST REGARDING A NEW INTERESTING JOURNEY TO UNDERTAKE
Within a confusing, awkward atmosphere, we’m’ve discovered moderate chaos in Fort Ettin. Normally this establishment is run by a human man called Coal, who has currently been taken out of commission. I do not know why a human man is a ship in commission in the navy but earnestly hope they’re well in drydock. In his place is a very confused woman with bright red hair. Wings burst out of her back when she gets annoyed about things. She’s trying to deal with the fact that the fort is maintained by invisible servants with a red tabard draped over them. This indeed seems hard to manage. She’s doing her best.
Through the non-gated entrance of the gate, whot is therefore just an ‘ole in the wall in my book, came a pale skinned lady into this confusion.
Following brief introductions, lady Wendy for that is her name went off and spoke about needing to head up Zenith. Delivers the post around these parts, but that’s only because she’s on holiday. I don’t get it either, no. She’s been somewhat of a messenger for a long time and it has given her purpose. She needs to recharge and undertake an epic journey. Needs to arrive somewhere. Decided that a big tall mountain is the right goal.
We headed off. Most of everyone as we forayed out considered Wendy with somewhat of a prospectin’ look, but having, as me mum once said, the deductive capacity of a watering can, I was unsuspectin’ as to what they were seeking out or concluded.
Wendy then started speaking to us about the dawnlands, what are mostly small farmsteads what have been steadily growing. Interesting locations like Coldshaw valley. And seems to know most everyone and be well known. Her stories dwell a bit on interesting murders and deaths. Is most interested in getting out of the dawnlands. In dawning heights there’s a casino hotel called the gilded mirror with a backdoor to the feywild. There’s a temple of Selune dedicated to the moon. There’s a patisserie and a graveyard. There’s a cafe called cannonfodder cafe with a first floor terrace looking over the graveyard.
We also learned that on the matter of culinarity she recommends the four fair winds, and paradise frost, and we also learned our travel companion Lucky seeks to write poetry what combines draconic and common, at what point Ana spoke up and proposed to post ourselves to destination, but Wendy spoke of leaving if ever found her powers abused. Said that here few people know what she’s capable of, and as a result they’re rather more friendly. The purpose of this here trip is to journey, so journey we should. Ana talked a little bit about her life. Wants to earn a living and learn how other adventurers live. I figures most adventurers make it up as they goes along, so she’s well placed to learn.
At camp we learned that no particular route of ascent had been picked. This made me nervous, for mountains are notorious for enabling the rapid descent of those whose feet have not been placed upon the surfaces whot will properly bear them.
The next day, we proceeded across hilltops to the south west, towards the foothills of the mountain range. We crossed through these vast peaks. To the north, more arid mountains. But to the south, more green and snowy.
Twas thence in the evening we encountered an overcooked blue elf, what scrambled down a cliff to meet us with a spear. Asked whether we were Dawnlander. Knew not what to respond, but mentioned we was heading up the mountain. The elf said it was called the frost giant. His name’s Borth, from a local village called Galavere. Counseled us to approach it from the north, for the south is mostly sheer.
In the evening I suggested we build an ‘arness for everyone at basecamp, and we agreed that this was an good idea. Saw Wendy moving a small piece of the local geology to make camp while we were at it, got feeling she was quite the strong type.
Woke up to the fog. Following the tie-up and preparation, set up a slope of great boulders of vast size. Had a nasty moment where most of us all fell. Rope came in quite handy at that point. Was hauled up onto ye corniche by those who clung on and spent a quick breather ascertaining that all limbs were present and accounted for. Given the aches and Exhaustion, weren’t sure if it were a good thing or a bad thing that they all were.
Whereupon we then came to a great cliff for a change, and began deploying skills, or lack thereof to ascend up it. Your ‘umble servant began using darts and coordinating with Ossa to provide hand and foot holds. Thence came Lucky trying to inspired us and give us direction. Most unfortunately, given the usefulness of what did come through, wind tore horribly at them words and conspired to make them unheard. Advice from Ossa similarly most difficult to hear. Attempted to continue upwards, but couldn’t find purchase. Was thereby roughly ‘andled by Lucky, but once more he went unheard courtesy of yon wind. Everyone’s efforts displayed in vain. After a desperate climb where we all did pretty miserably, found ourselves upon the top of the cliff. Morale fell greatly then, as did quite a bit of the cliff, for in addition to the exeunt stage left of the local geology, we heard not only that something were hunting us with a great howl, we also discovered that Wendy had disappeared.
Made then a pause, for we’d seen a cave where we could shelter, and also found tracks up which Wendy had continued. Following brief discussion, we figured that it was wiser to rest and wait to regain what might pass for strength.
In the morning, spent some time with Ossa preparing the path ahead and readying our ascent for the day. Established that there’d be a number of paths and tunnels to go along, and a vast glacier traversable with some effort. Thence traveled across some paths, came to a ledge that had been on a bit of a diet. Managed to get through though almost suffered the ablation of Ossa from ye party and ye realm of the living if not for her wings. Then suffered the replacement of the great sunlight what had shone all day with a dark fog choking out our vision of our goal: the peak itself, what had motivated us so far. We found ourselves right in front of a cavern entrance. Thence searched for tracks for any animal that lived within, found no tracks but did find: tiger, large, of the prowling persuasion, quite close to us, which was a nasty shock.
Whereupon Ana spoke to said tiger through means arcane, and it informed us about the fact that the frost was coming down from them thar cavern, what Boded mightily in my opinion. Tiger also informed us that Wendy had climbed right up yon glacier, and called her the scary one, what also Bodes, but less severely.
Whereupon Ossa also recalled facts regarding white dragons, namely the elf Borth informing us about the fact that another mountain had been created by white dragons. She recalled that dragons tend to make the land around them alike themselves, and thereby white dragons make the land more white and snowy. Also ascertained that the tiger would be well aware that yonder lies a dragon, if a dragon thus yonder lied, and given tiger knew not that yonder lay a dragon, a dragon yonder lay not.
Wandered stealthily into the cave with Ossa, whereupon the temperature proceeded at speed in a depressing vertical direction. Things falling, as I predicted earlier, are a theme of mountain climbing. Through the cave, happened on a large chamber, rounded in shapeness, and saw an hole in the ceiling, admitting vast quantities of light. Observed that there were ice upon yon wall, and Ossa determined that the ice started here in this room. In the reflections in the wall, she saw shifts and movements in the ice that weren’t natural. Sent forth our friend of an avian persuasion once we’d regrouped, and she attached a rope up top. Went up first after her, saw Lucky come along. Rope froze behind, as the walls themselves seemed to decant ice elementals in great force upon Ana, who’d never bargained for this much excitement. Fortunately, various body parts constituting an entire Ana made it up, closely chased by rising wall of solid ice. Ana thereupon tried to strike up a chat with the ice elementals, and was thus promptly hoisted by the congregation out of harm’s way, but instead engaged discussion with Wendy, whot appeared out of thin air to greet us.
Were led by Wendy onwards to the next ledge, whot I’ll call cloudtop ledge, cos its an ledge on top of the clouds. From then saw glorious sunshine, vast plains of white, ate setera. Also saw the final summit, and between us and that, the slickest icy slope ever seen, curving into elegant jump pointed straight at the summit.
Were then engaged in the Kantas continental games of ski jumping at Wendy’s urging. Ossa was thrown first by Wendy, acquired significant amounts of air, planted upon the snow. Lucky thence clapped by Wendy, accelerated along the slope, and attempted three point landing, achieving a serviceable one. Ana thrown as much as possible. Rather interestingly decided she were a bird halfway up and span rather beautifully. I was also sent, relieved to find non-harmful ground at the end of the jump.
We were thence at the very highest point in the spine. We could see the edges of the desert to the west. We could see perhaps almost to Daring Heights, were it not for obstacles. We could see the forest to the east. Words lacking to describe the beauty of it.
Then I took a little rock from the top of the mountain, and left my spear there, firmly planted on the rock with Wendy’s help. I marked it with five notches, for the five travelers who arrived there. I hope that in future times, other travelers will be able to mark it similarly with further notches to signify their arrival. I’m’ve also crafted small bracelets made of the rock there, and have some rock still with me to make more. Suggest it be adopted as a badge of achievement, for having ascended that mountain.
Suggest also that in future some force be engaged to deal with the elementals, or at the very least discover their reason for being there. Try not to skin the tiger. It likes dried meats This is the end you can stop reading now.
Arriving at Zenith
A NOTE OF INTEREST REGARDING A NEW INTERESTING JOURNEY TO UNDERTAKE
Within a confusing, awkward atmosphere, we’m’ve discovered moderate chaos in Fort Ettin. Normally this establishment is run by a human man called Coal, who has currently been taken out of commission. I do not know why a human man is a ship in commission in the navy but earnestly hope they’re well in drydock. In his place is a very confused woman with bright red hair. Wings burst out of her back when she gets annoyed about things. She’s trying to deal with the fact that the fort is maintained by invisible servants with a red tabard draped over them. This indeed seems hard to manage. She’s doing her best.
Through the non-gated entrance of the gate, whot is therefore just an ‘ole in the wall in my book, came a pale skinned lady into this confusion.
Following brief introductions, lady Wendy for that is her name went off and spoke about needing to head up Zenith. Delivers the post around these parts, but that’s only because she’s on holiday. I don’t get it either, no. She’s been somewhat of a messenger for a long time and it has given her purpose. She needs to recharge and undertake an epic journey. Needs to arrive somewhere. Decided that a big tall mountain is the right goal.
We headed off. Most of everyone as we forayed out considered Wendy with somewhat of a prospectin’ look, but having, as me mum once said, the deductive capacity of a watering can, I was unsuspectin’ as to what they were seeking out or concluded.
Wendy then started speaking to us about the dawnlands, what are mostly small farmsteads what have been steadily growing. Interesting locations like Coldshaw valley. And seems to know most everyone and be well known. Her stories dwell a bit on interesting murders and deaths. Is most interested in getting out of the dawnlands. In dawning heights there’s a casino hotel called the gilded mirror with a backdoor to the feywild. There’s a temple of Selune dedicated to the moon. There’s a patisserie and a graveyard. There’s a cafe called cannonfodder cafe with a first floor terrace looking over the graveyard.
We also learned that on the matter of culinarity she recommends the four fair winds, and paradise frost, and we also learned our travel companion Lucky seeks to write poetry what combines draconic and common, at what point Ana spoke up and proposed to post ourselves to destination, but Wendy spoke of leaving if ever found her powers abused. Said that here few people know what she’s capable of, and as a result they’re rather more friendly. The purpose of this here trip is to journey, so journey we should. Ana talked a little bit about her life. Wants to earn a living and learn how other adventurers live. I figures most adventurers make it up as they goes along, so she’s well placed to learn.
At camp we learned that no particular route of ascent had been picked. This made me nervous, for mountains are notorious for enabling the rapid descent of those whose feet have not been placed upon the surfaces whot will properly bear them.
The next day, we proceeded across hilltops to the south west, towards the foothills of the mountain range. We crossed through these vast peaks. To the north, more arid mountains. But to the south, more green and snowy.
Twas thence in the evening we encountered an overcooked blue elf, what scrambled down a cliff to meet us with a spear. Asked whether we were Dawnlander. Knew not what to respond, but mentioned we was heading up the mountain. The elf said it was called the frost giant. His name’s Borth, from a local village called Galavere. Counseled us to approach it from the north, for the south is mostly sheer.
In the evening I suggested we build an ‘arness for everyone at basecamp, and we agreed that this was an good idea. Saw Wendy moving a small piece of the local geology to make camp while we were at it, got feeling she was quite the strong type.
Woke up to the fog. Following the tie-up and preparation, set up a slope of great boulders of vast size. Had a nasty moment where most of us all fell. Rope came in quite handy at that point. Was hauled up onto ye corniche by those who clung on and spent a quick breather ascertaining that all limbs were present and accounted for. Given the aches and Exhaustion, weren’t sure if it were a good thing or a bad thing that they all were.
Whereupon we then came to a great cliff for a change, and began deploying skills, or lack thereof to ascend up it. Your ‘umble servant began using darts and coordinating with Ossa to provide hand and foot holds. Thence came Lucky trying to inspired us and give us direction. Most unfortunately, given the usefulness of what did come through, wind tore horribly at them words and conspired to make them unheard. Advice from Ossa similarly most difficult to hear. Attempted to continue upwards, but couldn’t find purchase. Was thereby roughly ‘andled by Lucky, but once more he went unheard courtesy of yon wind. Everyone’s efforts displayed in vain. After a desperate climb where we all did pretty miserably, found ourselves upon the top of the cliff. Morale fell greatly then, as did quite a bit of the cliff, for in addition to the exeunt stage left of the local geology, we heard not only that something were hunting us with a great howl, we also discovered that Wendy had disappeared.
Made then a pause, for we’d seen a cave where we could shelter, and also found tracks up which Wendy had continued. Following brief discussion, we figured that it was wiser to rest and wait to regain what might pass for strength.
In the morning, spent some time with Ossa preparing the path ahead and readying our ascent for the day. Established that there’d be a number of paths and tunnels to go along, and a vast glacier traversable with some effort. Thence traveled across some paths, came to a ledge that had been on a bit of a diet. Managed to get through though almost suffered the ablation of Ossa from ye party and ye realm of the living if not for her wings. Then suffered the replacement of the great sunlight what had shone all day with a dark fog choking out our vision of our goal: the peak itself, what had motivated us so far. We found ourselves right in front of a cavern entrance. Thence searched for tracks for any animal that lived within, found no tracks but did find: tiger, large, of the prowling persuasion, quite close to us, which was a nasty shock.
Whereupon Ana spoke to said tiger through means arcane, and it informed us about the fact that the frost was coming down from them thar cavern, what Boded mightily in my opinion. Tiger also informed us that Wendy had climbed right up yon glacier, and called her the scary one, what also Bodes, but less severely.
Whereupon Ossa also recalled facts regarding white dragons, namely the elf Borth informing us about the fact that another mountain had been created by white dragons. She recalled that dragons tend to make the land around them alike themselves, and thereby white dragons make the land more white and snowy. Also ascertained that the tiger would be well aware that yonder lies a dragon, if a dragon thus yonder lied, and given tiger knew not that yonder lay a dragon, a dragon yonder lay not.
Wandered stealthily into the cave with Ossa, whereupon the temperature proceeded at speed in a depressing vertical direction. Things falling, as I predicted earlier, are a theme of mountain climbing. Through the cave, happened on a large chamber, rounded in shapeness, and saw an hole in the ceiling, admitting vast quantities of light. Observed that there were ice upon yon wall, and Ossa determined that the ice started here in this room. In the reflections in the wall, she saw shifts and movements in the ice that weren’t natural. Sent forth our friend of an avian persuasion once we’d regrouped, and she attached a rope up top. Went up first after her, saw Lucky come along. Rope froze behind, as the walls themselves seemed to decant ice elementals in great force upon Ana, who’d never bargained for this much excitement. Fortunately, various body parts constituting an entire Ana made it up, closely chased by rising wall of solid ice. Ana thereupon tried to strike up a chat with the ice elementals, and was thus promptly hoisted by the congregation out of harm’s way, but instead engaged discussion with Wendy, whot appeared out of thin air to greet us.
Were led by Wendy onwards to the next ledge, whot I’ll call cloudtop ledge, cos its an ledge on top of the clouds. From then saw glorious sunshine, vast plains of white, ate setera. Also saw the final summit, and between us and that, the slickest icy slope ever seen, curving into elegant jump pointed straight at the summit.
Were then engaged in the Kantas continental games of ski jumping at Wendy’s urging. Ossa was thrown first by Wendy, acquired significant amounts of air, planted upon the snow. Lucky thence clapped by Wendy, accelerated along the slope, and attempted three point landing, achieving a serviceable one. Ana thrown as much as possible. Rather interestingly decided she were a bird halfway up and span rather beautifully. I was also sent, relieved to find non-harmful ground at the end of the jump.
We were thence at the very highest point in the spine. We could see the edges of the desert to the west. We could see perhaps almost to Daring Heights, were it not for obstacles. We could see the forest to the east. Words lacking to describe the beauty of it.
Then I took a little rock from the top of the mountain, and left my spear there, firmly planted on the rock with Wendy’s help. I marked it with five notches, for the five travelers who arrived there. I hope that in future times, other travelers will be able to mark it similarly with further notches to signify their arrival. I’m’ve also crafted small bracelets made of the rock there, and have some rock still with me to make more. Suggest it be adopted as a badge of achievement, for having ascended that mountain.
Suggest also that in future some force be engaged to deal with the elementals, or at the very least discover their reason for being there. Try not to skin the tiger. It likes dried meats This is the end you can stop reading now.