The Dying of the Light - 07/05/2024 - Archie’s Extracts
May 11, 2024 16:38:04 GMT
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Post by Andy D on May 11, 2024 16:38:04 GMT
Something Eldritch In Our Seas
With the recent attacks on temples around the Dawnlands from a person known as Cassandra who claims to be the avatar or Something Eldritch; the clergy were advised to take precautions for their annual multi-faith retreat. So, two dozen clergy members decided to take a couple of ships out to sea, hoping the isolation would provide protection. It had been days since anyone had heard from the crew or clergy.
Lady Saria Underwood sent a group of adventurers to retrieve the missing clergy, crew and ships, and, if we were to discover that Cassandra was behind all this; deal with Cassandra. I was part of the group of adventurers sent to retrieve the clergy. We were fortunate to find and bring back home all the clergy and crew, and put an end to Cassandra and her criminal activities.
However, our successes in retrieving the clergy and apprehending Cassandra were not achieved in the absence of failure. The crew of both ships have experienced a frightful ordeal under Cassandra’s capture. The clergy more so. This was very similar to the times Cassandra was involved in the attack on the Temple of Waukeen and the Order of the Crimson First of which I was present for both. It seems that in all of Cassandra’s attacks that people of strong faith experience an overwhelming fear-based effect from Cassandra’s eldritch abilities greater than anyone less faithful to a particular deity.
The eldritch, weave-defying magic of Cassandra appears to target one's fears for a kind of sustenance. In particular, the eldritch fear-amplifying magic strongly attacks a person’s faith that their god(s) can protect them. The logic appears to be that by weakening a person’s faith in their god(s); you can better weaken them towards any of their fears. The added benefit for Something Eldritch, one supposes, is the targeting of divine magic-users handicaps the magically divine among us, who should be quite capable of dealing with individuals like Cassandra, perhaps better than non-divinely blessed adventurers. Paladins amongst the clergy and adventurers should be immune to fear based magic, but again; paradoxically Something Eldritch seems to break this divine based protection that the gods provide their chosen few.
Despite Cassandra’s demise and the safe return of her hostages, we failed to prevent Cassandra from achieving her goal; Cassandra managed to open a portal for Something Eldritch to arrive in the Material Plane. Cassandra was attempting to sacrifice the faithful of the two captive ships. In the end, as she was being beaten by adventurers; she sacrificed herself to achieve her goal.
When Something Eldritch arrived, its weave-defying magic affected my mind terribly. I am unable to describe in a precise way Something Eldrtich’s appearance. Others in the party were more resistant to the eldritch effects though, and could give better descriptions. Whilst unsure of Something Eldritch’s form, we did witness the being dive into the sea. This was the last we saw of Something Eldritch before returning to Port Ffirst.
Sea Steady Adventurers
Archie (Myself) - Whilst tied up by the ropes of an eldritch possessed ship, the versatility of my awakened spellbook’s manifested mind, and my casting of Bigby’s Hand both enabled me to remain an active combatant against Cassandra. My spellbook’s mind from its position on the field of battle, enabled me to see Cassandra, despite my actual location, and target her with Lighting converted Scorching Rays. Bigby’s Hand helped guard several clergy from harm, who were restrained as I was.
Keros - as promised to a mutual friend, Calla, Keros protected Mittens (and all in the party) with his statue, might and martial prowess. The Opal of the Ild Rune that Lady Saria Underwood rewarded us with would do well in Keros’ possession, aiding him in shielding teammates all the better.
Perhaps though, a little more care could be given to the individuals we are protecting. Hurling the clergy to safety after breaking them free of their bindings, could have been disastrous, especially for the individual that was unconscious at the time. Fortunately said clergy survived the encounter, as did the others.
Leonida - I have seen the form of Astaroth before, and whilst Keros’ hulking form is very intimidating, Astaroth in its sudden appearance replacing Leonida is quite a bit more scary. Keros’ strength is plain to see. Leonida’s Astaroth ambushes you, and is strikingly fast and agile.
Mittens - I am pleased to see more improvements in Mr. McKittens’ arcane aptitude, his observations of Something Eldritch, I proudly say, were more insightful than my own. His illusion magic is always impressive and I’m glad to see him summon Levkoi, his fey summon quickly in battle - the presence of an additional ally for young Mittens in the field is always appreciated, and a good use of the young man’s initiative. I will continue to offer Mittens my guidance in his spell studies.
Vox - Born to the sea, it seems. Whilst Leonida’s Astaroth form achieved ship to ship combat steadiness through their martial prowess, Vox seemingly achieved a similar steadiness with their ship’s expertise. Vox’s eldritch familiarity was a great asset to the party with their summoning of a counter (and more impressive) eldritch tentacle to attack Cassandra with, which vexed our foe considerably.
The Reverse Gravity Spell
Cassandra casted the Reverse Gravity spell during our fight, which if not for Astaroth’s great reflexes, could have removed Astorath from effectively fighting. Cassandra was already having much success with neutralising our party with her summoned eldritch tentacles and also her eldritch control of the ships rigging.
The Reverse Gravity spell is a spell I wish to learn. It is akin to the Telekinesis spell but for targeting multiple assailants within an area. However, this spell will not take priority over my current studies of the Clone spell, and the Demiplane spell. Reverse Gravity will not also supplant the Wish spell from its place in my longer term spell studies either - if I master the Wish spell, it could be argued, I master every spell.