Journal - The Lands of the (Other) Gods
A Frosty Reception[edit]
We had resolved to seek the gem that we had seen in our visions, which we suspected to be on Olympus. Needless to say I was not too keen to visit the lands of some other Gods, especially as they keep expecting us to do things for them. The temptation of great dweomer, no matter how dangerous, was a powerful draw though. Having seen the vision of Rathon playing to open the glade pool as some kind of natural gate to the outer planes, I had to sit with Rhion and work out the right tune. Once that was done, Baldir was to sing the words. Rhion would then change the key until the nymph of the glade reacted, at which point we would know that the conditions were right to use the pool. This took some time, but we got there in the end.
Averting our eyes, so as not to be stunned by the nymph, we held onto each other so as to be ready to jump into the pool at the right moment. Once Rhion had the right key the nymph did emerge to start dancing, but Takeda and I could not hold our eyes down and caught a glimpse of her beauty. We were suddenly filled with an irrational fear, and immediately turned and ran! Baldir managed to catch hold of me and prevent my escape, but Takeda was soon out of sight. Rhion had stopped playing, and the nymph was gone, so we had to wait until Takeda returned some time later, guided in part by our Elven allies. We tried again, this time Takeda and I closed our eyes tightly and listened for Baldir's signal to jump.
The moment came and we all jumped forward into the pool. There was no splash or watery sensation, and instead we found ourselves falling until we suddenly appeared, the falling sensation simply ending, on a beach with the sea to our front. A bright, sparkling shape could just be seen out in the water, but otherwise the sea (and the beach) extended for miles to either side without feature. Looking around we could see slopes rising to mountainous terrain in the distance, although how far we could see was hard to judge in this stunningly clear air. There was another bright, sparkling light up on the slopes, as if reflecting the sunlight.
We debated whether to move, but did not want to go far as the gem was dropped into this place and should be nearby, even if taken by local denizens. Baldir suggested that it might be better to wait to be "received" by the local powers, as we were uninvited visitors here. While we waited, Rhion started to scout around our position in case of any threat, whilst I stripped off and tried a dip in the sea. Disappointingly, the sea was only about three feet deep as far as I cared to go out, so I had to settle for a bit of a splash.
After about an hour we saw something approaching across the sea, and eventually we made out that it was a boat. As it came closer we could see half a dozen elves on board, dressed in the Grecian style of the Gods of Olympus, but mixed with sea elf symbology. They did not wear armour, but carried spears and shields. They hailed us in High Elf, although only a few of our party spoke that language. Rhion had returned at the sight of their approach, and he exchanged some words with them. I asked if they might speak Common, which caused them to look down their nose and be even haughtier than they already were; stuck up twats. They knew of the item of power we sought, and apparently the Lady Hanali, a Goddess, had the stone in her realm. They were wary of us, assuring us that the stone was safe and that we need not worry about it. They knew of Rathon, saying that he had been here, but generally were not very helpful. Baldir did cause one to perk up when he mentioned the plight of the Sea Elves on the Prime, but it seemed to have gone unnoticed by his companions and he did not speak out.
They departed in haste as a shadow flickered over us. There were three pegasi circling with human riders, again dressed in Grecian style but this time armoured and armed. I shouted up a greeting and one broke away to land nearby, followed by the others slightly further back. They were far more friendly than the Elves, although still wary. They asked if we would subject to a test, which we did gladly, and their leader held up an amulet with a large gem at the centre. He looked at each of us through the gem and, seemingly satisfied, renewed his greeting but sought to know why we were here. We spoke again of our purpose, and he agreed to carry a message to Athena but that we would have to wait here. He also warned that there were cyclops in the area so to take shelter. We would only have to wait one night, but it would be best if we avoided the cyclops - I don't think we really needed convincing of that!
Rhion suggested moving slightly inland where there were some trees to provide proper shelter for a camp. As we left the beach and started towards the ridge he had suggested we heard noises from our right, quite loud but some way away. We broke into a jog in an attempt to reach cover, with me ahead of the others. There was some dead ground ahead, which meant the trees were further than we had thought, and I stopped and awaited the others, laying down to avoid being seen on the lip. A boulder thudded into the ground in the ground ahead of me, and I signaled to the others to get low. We found some shrub to lay in, not daring to move until we knew it was clear. We lay there as the sun began to set and then, in the darkening twilight, we heard panting and a large wolf padded towards us out of the dead ground.
Boldly, Rhion stood and approached the wolf, making soothing noises and speaking Elvish in an attempt to calm it. It stopped, wary, but did not appear immediately hostile as we had come to expect. Rhion warned us to stay still and not provoke it. After a few more moments it lifted its leg and did an enormous piss. Apparently satisfied it padded around us and off into the darkening night. Takeda and Rhion then started to debate whether we should move straight away or wait for dark, but by the time they had finished it was already dark!
We moved across the open ground towards cover, with Rhion guiding Takeda as we did not want to create any light. We just reached the edge of the trees when we came practically face-to-face with a black, huge bull with glowing red eyes that snorted and began pawing at the ground, looking pretty unfriendly. It charged suddenly, hitting Rhion and letting out a green gas that enveloped us all. Baldir was turned to stone as he inhaled the gas, not realising the danger! Rhion struck back with his swords, cutting gashes in it with a screech that sounded like tearing metal. Takeda punched an arrow into it and I conjured some light so that he could continue to fight effectively. His aim now assured, he put another arrow into it and it buckled and crashed to the ground. Thankfully when it died Baldir recovered apparently unharmed by the experience.
After all this trouble, the rest of the night passed uneventfully and we were able to get a decent night's sleep. In the morning we started early and made our way back to the beach, where we were met by Athen'a envoys. Once again they were quite friendly, but the message they bore was not particularly encouraging; there was to be no audience with or help from Athena. I commented that we had, in fact, saved Persephone from being taken out of season to Hades, and that we might be treated a little better, but all they could promise was to carry this news to Athena and we did not really feel that we could spend another day doing nothing. Fortunately, a short time after they had left, we sighted another boat approaching over the sea.
Rathon's Betrayal[edit]
This boat carried Sea Elves again, but they were much more co-operative than the previous crew. Rathon and an elf that had carried a warning to be wary of him had both disappeared and they were concerned. They could not carry us all to their realm, but offered to take one so that they could hear more of our concerns. Rhion was the obvious choice, and he alighted to travel with them. The Pegasi had returned to watch this encounter, obviously wary of any incursions into their lady's realm.
The elves explained to Rhion that they were Elves of Poseidon, and cautioned that the Lady Hanali, queen of the island and the seas, was a High Elf Goddess. There were also hidden dangers in the sea, despite its shallow nature, with deep crevasses hidden beneath the sea's glare and even creatures living in the deep. As Rhion approached he could see that the bright gleam was being created by reflections of the sun's light on a great crystal palace. Different hues and colours shimmered as they got closer, created by light refracting through the clear walls. It was very confusing to an outsider and his vision was distorted as he tried to peer through to those inside. There were lots of elves living and working here, some armed but many not, apparently living in peace.
After they had docked, Rhion followed one of the elves to a great, crystal tower, climbing up to meet with the castellan of this palace. The views were incredible when looking out, but even taking in the sights Rhion could tell that the elves were agitated, the garrison's mood did not match the peace he had seen in those outside. The castellan wore a gold chain of office around his neck, and had a beautiful complexion, but was otherwise simply dressed. Rhion bowed and introduced himself, and the Castellan identified himself as Firson, and he would hear of any possible threat to their community. Rhion began to explain our reasons for doubting Rathon when there was a crump of an explosion from somewhere outside, followed quickly by a second, with smoke rising from below.
Rhion followed the Castellan as he made for another chamber in the tower. He pointed at a boat being pulled at speed by two hippocamps towards the beach. The Castellan listened to reports and confirmed what Rhion suspected, that Rathon was onboard and had stolen a fast boat to escape. The explosions were just a diversion to allow him to get away. Another report was brought; the missing elf had been found dead, slain by Rathon.
Back on the beach, we heard the blasts and could just about make out that there was smoke on the horizon. The Pegasi riders, who had been returning inland, wheeled around and started back in our direction. We saw boats on the water, but didn't know what had happened. We were concerned for Rhion, though, so we wrote in the sand to get the riders' attention. First "help" just to get them to notice, and then "we need to defend the astral portal" as we suspected that Rathon had a hand in the troubles and he would want to get out as quickly as possible. The sea looked like it was churning, so we certainly were not about to run into the water. A bright light had risen from the island, straight into the sky, much like a beacon.
One of the riders landed, and we expressed our concerns. He said that the beacon meant that they were able to enter Osser (the watery realm) but that we would have to stay here, and quickly took off to head for the island. A little later a boat approached us, and we were glad to see that Rhion was aboard looking well. He explained what little he knew, and that we were now invited to visit to discuss what had happened. The boat took us quickly to the island without question or ceremony, although we were offered food when we met the Castellan. From him we learned of a great stroke of luck; the unfortunate elf that had given his life had managed to take hold of the gem and had denied it to Rathon even as he perished. The Castellan gave it to us, glad to be rid of it as it had brought death to their people. We in turn decided that Baldir was the best amongst us to hold onto it, principally as he was least likely to use it. My suggestion that we give it a little try just to see what happened did not go down well, sadly.
Rathon had, as we thought, fled through the nearest Astral gate, eluding the elves by speed and a good head-start. We prepared to pursue him through the gate, although we were a little cautious as it was underwater in the middle of a whirlpool! Thankfully the elves had potions of water breathing that we were able to take with us and use before descending into the depths. We waterproofed our equipment as best we could in the boat on the way to the gate's location. I was particularly concerned with my spell book, so it was wrapped and wrapped again before using skins and oils to seal it.
The time came that we would have to commit to going through, and we drank the potions and jumped from the boat. Again I found that I was taking the lead - what was wrong with me?! We immediately started sinking, which was the plan, and then started to feel the tug of the current as the whirlpool got hold of us. We span faster and faster until we plopped out into the Astral feeling quite queasy. A beautifully clear starscape surrounded us as we hung weightless in the void. As usual we had no idea where we were going or how to get there! Fortunately I had the Keys of Kagrash with me, and we had learned that they worked across the planes, so they would naturally point to an exit from the Astral onto the Prime.
Now that we were out of the water, those with armour took it out of their packs and donned it. This made sense, as there was no weight in this place, but was also quite amusing to watch as the pieces floated around them and they spun gently as they tried to fasten it. Speed of movement was related to quickness of mind, so for everyone to stay together we had to move at the rate of the slowest (or thickest); Baldir took the lead, and I was at the back, finding it easy to quickly move past my colleagues with little effort.
After a quarter hour or so (time was difficult to keep track of here), we saw in the distance something approaching. That something became three figures, and as they drew closer we made out vaguely humanoid forms about ten feet high that were a cross between a human and a vulture. They were coming from below and behind, but were closing on us. Razor discs flew past us, conjured somehow by the things, although we were not hurt. As we could not outrun them, and they had an advantage over us with range, we instead turned and approached them to engage in combat.
Takeda and I were in front, keeping apart in case of area effect attacks, with the other following as best they could. The one on the right disappeared, and another launched magic missiles at Takeda, striking true. More large shuriken discs were conjured, but again missed us. Takeda loosed arrows, but missed high - he was used to adjusting for the fall of shot when he aimed, but in this place the arrows never fell, going in a straight line. The one that had disappeared reappeared again, beside Rhion, striking at him with beak and talons; he was able to twist away from the worst of the blows, but was raked all the same. Another disappeared, only to reappear by Baldir. He was raked as well, although his armour saved him from serious damage. I launched magic missiles at the closest, but they had no effect on these demonic things. Rhion and Takeda both found their aim, but their arrows did no damage - how could we hurt them?
Baldir called on Odin to protect him from evil, and the creature attacking him disappeared again. Rhion took another hit, and then I was raked by the last of them. I retaliated with my rod, finding that my swing was enhanced by the power of my mind. The rod connected with a satisfying crunch, causing serious damage. In this place I was as strong as the best of the warriors back home! Takeda moved below the creature, changing arrows, and this time landing a good hit. Rhion had switched to swords, finding that they were able to damage the beasts. We were all being raked and bitten (all but Baldir, now protected), though, unable to counter all of their attacks, and Takeda had been engaged by the reappearing creature that had left Baldir. I landed another strong blow, which turned out to be the killing blow as the thing simply evaporated in front of me.
Takeda put more arrows into the foe that had attacked him, but received a nasty bite wound in return, and Rhion was raked again. I charged to Takeda's assistance, using my superhuman strength in this place to land another mighty blow. As the beast turned to engage me, Takeda finished it off with another arrow, and again it evaporated before us. Baldir had just managed to reach Rhion, calling on Odin's protection from evil for him. This meant that the last one turned to attack me! Takeda put an arrow into it, but missed his other shots. Baldir charged as fast as he could to aid us, but by the time he reached us I had already slain it.
Baldir healed the many wounds we had received. We decided that we shold try to move faster to avoid more encounters, so I carried Baldir on my shoulders (hardly feeling the extra weight), and it wasn't too long travelling before we reached a shimmering, silver pool - a gateway to the Prime. Putting Baldir down, I moved forward and concentrated on the glade in the Efferendil; this caused the pool to clear and reveal the glade from a point above it. I willed the viewpoint down towards the ground, seeing the Sylvan elves patrolling the area, and eventually got to ground level. We stepped through, being hit with the sounds and smells of the familiar place as we did so.
The appearance of a party in the midst of the defenders caused some consternation, but they recognised Rhion and calmed down. I did highlight the need for careful guarding, though, as there were other ways to reach the glade other than walking or through Wallorin's house. Malenwe welcomed us back, glad to hear that our mission was successful, and we had a chance to rest properly. We also contacted the White Council, again calling on them to use their dweomer to shield our conversation. They had moved their forces to Caladhon due to the threat of Inwe's forces from the north, but were in a dungeon somewhere trying to rescue Hintzu. It was clear that they had seen combat, but were not currently engaged. We passed over the shard, which pleased them greatly, and they bestowed some gifts in return. Lanzi gave me a number of scrolls of varying power from an eye-opening number that he somehow carried on his person. I also received a ring that would allow me to batter away a foe that got too close to me, for which I was very grateful. We bid them farewell as it was clear they could not tarry too long to talk.
We then discussed our next steps. It was clear that Yarlug was a threat that would have to be dealt with if the Efferendil was to be secured, and from our visions we knew that there was a prisoner held there of some importance. We did not relish the idea of approaching on foot, with no known way of entering other than through the front door that was likely to be well defended. The alternative was to jump straight to the interior through Wallorin's house, but we did not know how to use the pentagram to do so. The other way of getting there was to allow the enemy to connect to Wallorin's house, as they had before, and counterattack before they had a chance to seize the initiative. Baldir used his mirror to scry the room we had seen them gathering in before, finding that there were only two bored-looking gith that would occasionally try to reconnect the portal, currently denied by Malenwe's elves that were keeping the ethereal link open.
So our plan became to insanely attack an enemy stronghold of unknown strength from within, whilst ordering the only known means of escape to be sealed behind us. With no means of escape and no knowledge of where we were going if we survived the initial assault, what could possibly go wrong?!