Children of the Kraken: Part III
Mar 21, 2019 13:20:59 GMT
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Dorian, Varis/G'Lorth/Sundilar, and 3 more like this
Post by Kaliel on Mar 21, 2019 13:20:59 GMT
Extract from the Liber Mortuorum
“....wheel turns in odd ways and the twists in the skeins of fate are Hers alone to see. But this truly is a goddess-forsaken place.
The barrier between life and death is porous at best in these troubled times; but in Kantas, the sacred line is almost rubbed out - foul creatures seemingly mocking the holy domain of the Mistress. I am clear and purposeful on why I have been sent here but I confess in this pages my trepidation at the struggle ahead.
I fear I will not find many allies in the eternal fight; already I have met a collection of people of some puissance (but no piety) and their attitude confounds me. They seem more concerned with “having fun” and enjoying themselves than applying their abilities to rooting out evil.
I followed a lead concerning a ghostly ship with cultish connections and found myself joining a bizarre group. A laidback Tabaxi, a capricious Gnome, a taciturn Dragonborn, a distracted Aarakocra, and an emotive Elf. And a most vexing frog in a bath. Truly this task has been sent to test my devotion. I will not waver.
Somehow, and certainly not with planning a forethought, this group had discovered a secret cavern with a map that can be operated by inserting eight golden coins all inscribed with the motif of a Kraken. Who knows to what dark, dangerous design this device will lead?
So far, the group had found two of these coins and I joined them as they travelled back to the cavern to install the latest find and discover the location of the next. After much time wasted, we decided to pursue what the map suggested was the site of a coin far out to sea. We chartered a ship and headed out.
During the first night, sorely tested by the approach of those I now found myself with, I walked out across the waves away from the ship and prayed for guidance from the Mistress. She assured me this work was vital and to remain with the group. During this reflection, I spotted a large fin breaking through the waves some distance off - but by morning it had disappeared.
We traveled on. Eventually, the weather began to change and we were soon unable to see. The Aarakocra informed us it was unnatural. We came alongside a seemingly deserted ship. And then the group broke apart even further.
The frog, who up to now had been content to sit in its bath and repeat everyone else’s contributions louder and claim them as his own, lept from his watery repose and started to climb the ship. Others followed randomly. Where was the planning?! The coordination?! The sanity?! I and the Gnome had no choice but to follow.
The deck appeared deserted but I could taste the foul stench of undeath on the air. Then the Dragonborn alerted us to the fact that the side of the ship was swarming with zombies. I had a moment to call down the blessing of the Raven Queen on those closest to the frontline before battle was joined.
And what a glorious, righteous battle it was! I felt Her presence with me as I rent the decrepit semblance of life from their abominable bodies. I could not contain the radiant power flowing through me by Her grace and my true form emerged. I soared above the battle on wings of pure faith.
The others finally threw aside their childish demeanours and fell to the devout task of cleansing this stain from the face of the world. Though beset by numerous foes, the Tabaxi and the frog displayed great agility and martial prowess; their fists and feet breaking apart the bodies of the enemy. The Aarakocra summoned bestial allies that swooped and dove, plucking the eyes from those already blind to Her truth. The Dragonborn waded into the fray and held many at bay. The Gnome and the Elf kept their distance, picking off targets from range.
Though every kill was a joyous feeling, I could not help but think: where was the controlling force? Where was the entity behind this mindless mob?
And lo! An aberration arose through the deck. A Banshee! I had no time to call out a warning before the creature threw back her head and screamed her dreadful wail. Somehow, most of my impious companions shrugged off the effects - but the Dragonborn fell unconscious to the floor. Luckily, an ally (I did not see exactly whom in the confusion) was on-hand to administer a restorative draft so I could funnel my powers into destructive justice. I rained down holy fire on the Banshee, combining my attacks with those of the others but she slipped away through the deck into the bowels of the ship.
We turned to give chase and saw the irritating but valiant frog and the gnome fighting two spectral creatures blocking the way below decks. Our combined might crushed them and we swept down into the lower decks intent on rooting out the Banshee.
We entered what appeared to be a meeting room and were subjected to a vision: a group of pirates arguing about what to do and who was behind their troubles. I confess I did not pay attention to the details as I was consumed with finding and finishing the Banshee. I will do penance for my inattentiveness after prayers this evening.
We moved on and found the weakened Banshee. I took no joy in joining the others to end its pitiful existence. It was an unworthy kill, but a necessary one nonetheless.
We found two more of the coins as the ship started to sink - as well as some meaningless trinkets. I hope the coins can lead us to the next nest of fetid undead spawn so I can continue Her glorious work. In the meantime, I may head inland to Daring, the focal city of this expanding realm, and see what horrors can be uncovered there...”
“....wheel turns in odd ways and the twists in the skeins of fate are Hers alone to see. But this truly is a goddess-forsaken place.
The barrier between life and death is porous at best in these troubled times; but in Kantas, the sacred line is almost rubbed out - foul creatures seemingly mocking the holy domain of the Mistress. I am clear and purposeful on why I have been sent here but I confess in this pages my trepidation at the struggle ahead.
I fear I will not find many allies in the eternal fight; already I have met a collection of people of some puissance (but no piety) and their attitude confounds me. They seem more concerned with “having fun” and enjoying themselves than applying their abilities to rooting out evil.
I followed a lead concerning a ghostly ship with cultish connections and found myself joining a bizarre group. A laidback Tabaxi, a capricious Gnome, a taciturn Dragonborn, a distracted Aarakocra, and an emotive Elf. And a most vexing frog in a bath. Truly this task has been sent to test my devotion. I will not waver.
Somehow, and certainly not with planning a forethought, this group had discovered a secret cavern with a map that can be operated by inserting eight golden coins all inscribed with the motif of a Kraken. Who knows to what dark, dangerous design this device will lead?
So far, the group had found two of these coins and I joined them as they travelled back to the cavern to install the latest find and discover the location of the next. After much time wasted, we decided to pursue what the map suggested was the site of a coin far out to sea. We chartered a ship and headed out.
During the first night, sorely tested by the approach of those I now found myself with, I walked out across the waves away from the ship and prayed for guidance from the Mistress. She assured me this work was vital and to remain with the group. During this reflection, I spotted a large fin breaking through the waves some distance off - but by morning it had disappeared.
We traveled on. Eventually, the weather began to change and we were soon unable to see. The Aarakocra informed us it was unnatural. We came alongside a seemingly deserted ship. And then the group broke apart even further.
The frog, who up to now had been content to sit in its bath and repeat everyone else’s contributions louder and claim them as his own, lept from his watery repose and started to climb the ship. Others followed randomly. Where was the planning?! The coordination?! The sanity?! I and the Gnome had no choice but to follow.
The deck appeared deserted but I could taste the foul stench of undeath on the air. Then the Dragonborn alerted us to the fact that the side of the ship was swarming with zombies. I had a moment to call down the blessing of the Raven Queen on those closest to the frontline before battle was joined.
And what a glorious, righteous battle it was! I felt Her presence with me as I rent the decrepit semblance of life from their abominable bodies. I could not contain the radiant power flowing through me by Her grace and my true form emerged. I soared above the battle on wings of pure faith.
The others finally threw aside their childish demeanours and fell to the devout task of cleansing this stain from the face of the world. Though beset by numerous foes, the Tabaxi and the frog displayed great agility and martial prowess; their fists and feet breaking apart the bodies of the enemy. The Aarakocra summoned bestial allies that swooped and dove, plucking the eyes from those already blind to Her truth. The Dragonborn waded into the fray and held many at bay. The Gnome and the Elf kept their distance, picking off targets from range.
Though every kill was a joyous feeling, I could not help but think: where was the controlling force? Where was the entity behind this mindless mob?
And lo! An aberration arose through the deck. A Banshee! I had no time to call out a warning before the creature threw back her head and screamed her dreadful wail. Somehow, most of my impious companions shrugged off the effects - but the Dragonborn fell unconscious to the floor. Luckily, an ally (I did not see exactly whom in the confusion) was on-hand to administer a restorative draft so I could funnel my powers into destructive justice. I rained down holy fire on the Banshee, combining my attacks with those of the others but she slipped away through the deck into the bowels of the ship.
We turned to give chase and saw the irritating but valiant frog and the gnome fighting two spectral creatures blocking the way below decks. Our combined might crushed them and we swept down into the lower decks intent on rooting out the Banshee.
We entered what appeared to be a meeting room and were subjected to a vision: a group of pirates arguing about what to do and who was behind their troubles. I confess I did not pay attention to the details as I was consumed with finding and finishing the Banshee. I will do penance for my inattentiveness after prayers this evening.
We moved on and found the weakened Banshee. I took no joy in joining the others to end its pitiful existence. It was an unworthy kill, but a necessary one nonetheless.
We found two more of the coins as the ship started to sink - as well as some meaningless trinkets. I hope the coins can lead us to the next nest of fetid undead spawn so I can continue Her glorious work. In the meantime, I may head inland to Daring, the focal city of this expanding realm, and see what horrors can be uncovered there...”
