AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic - "What're you aboot, Quarut?" (Player Thread)

Last night saw a strange visitor indeed, travelling across much of the Amian isle.

*-*-*-*-*

It had started in the Triumvir, where the various travelers, sages and even one particular barkeep noted the arrival and wanderings of a large, cowled figure wreathed in wisps of shadow. By all accounts the creature arrived via a Gate, seemed to wander about the entirety of the Triumvir. It stopped only to talk with two elven women and then later a darkly clad man, followed by a gnome whom many there know as Tuomas, before it opened another Gate and stepped through.

*-*-*-*-*

Shortly thereafter the strange creature, standing approximately 12ft tall with girth to match appeared next to the ley node in Castle Tarkuul, beginning its wanderings anew. It was quickly approached by two of its living residents who were seen speaking to it for a time before brining it back within the castle.

*-*-*-*-*

Many minutes passed before the entity made its next appearance, this time (much to the dismay of the city watch) right next to the ley node in Sourthern Cordor. The alarm was sounded as guards and meddlesome adventurers alike surrounded the strange visitor. Accusations and whispers of a necromantic entity, some sort of construct, a God incarnate or just a wizard under a botched Enlarge spell all clamored through the streets.

After many tense minutes of “negotiation” with the massive cowled figure, it was eventually lead from the city by its Western gate by the Captain of the Adventurer Division and a host of others. Some seemed to ply the creature for information, others seemed to huddle out of its way, while others outright defended it. None seemed brave (or foolish) enough to outwardly attack the intimidating figure, especially given its apparent lack of hostile action.

*-*-*-*-*

The group of adventurers was spotted moving up the Western Coast, through Wharftown (causing a great stir, both of apprehension and of curiosity) and later up to Uhm. The gates of Uhm remained closed to them, their militia watching the group (and the imposing cowled figure in particular) very carefully as they moved along the perimeter of the town’s walls.

*-*-*-*-*

After a long treck through the lizardman-filled swamp, the group finally arrived just shy of the outer gates of Southwest Kohlingen. The city guard was contacted and a few minutes later, a gnome familiar to many was walked out to join in the investigation. Words were exchanged, spells were cast by the few wizards in attendance and speculations flew. At the end of the night however, well past the witching hour, the entity opened another Gate and stepped through, vanishing.

It has yet to be seen since.

//Please feel free to post IC quarries, reactions, research, whatever below, just keep it all IC. You can also PM me if you prefer some privacy in your investigations.\\

After asking about and getting the low down on where the strange figure has been Jess puts up posters in the islands major population centres

WHERE WILL THE HOODED HORROR APPEAR NEXT!?!

WILL IT BY YOUR TOWN?
YOUR HOME?
YOUR... BEDROOM?

PLACE YOUR BETS HERE! ALL PAY OUT AT ODDS OF 3 TO 1!

All bets to be paid in full upon next appearence of the Hoodd Horror
Bet's taken on behalf of Golden Phoenix Entertainment and the Federation of Legal Amian Gambling
usual terms and conditions apply

A Wild-Elf heard the news of what happened in south Cordor and her mind started to think back to meeting the thing at the Triumvir, then to the idiot adventurer who gave the thing access to the Prime.

"We should have stayed and waited for the thing to reappear then destroyed it, not run to get the mystrians involved, because of that it got access to the Prime. I do wonder though, Id like to get a look at that adventurers portal wand..."

With that the Wild-Elf would return to her duties around Wiltun not giving it much of a second thought.

Seeing Jess's notice, Tuomas palms his face and ponders a moment, seeming to consider a way to reply to the outright foolishness of BETTING on it's next appearance.

In Wiltun, the response is fairly straightforward. The notices are taken down and thrown away by a man in the colors of the Jarldom.

In Cordor, the response is similar. The expression of the redheaded Guard Captain is a complete lack of surprise.

After hearing of it, Kurchin inquires with the other Triumvirrim about the strange visitor in between his shifts in renovating the place. He'd remain friendly, cordial, seeming to treat it like the usual gossip and rumor milling that goes around the place.

In Wiltun Foresong would leave a note both for Master Parraco and Sir Avadon, though the one for Avadon would be left in his office marked "private". In a rare move she would be seen in south Cordor with a note that says the exact same thing, she would hand it to the guard in-front of the Adventure Guard barracks, since she has been there before, the note would be marked with the names of Nevaeh and Beledad.

"Not a ten day ago I spent time at the Triumvir in the League of Travels tavern with a friend. We went there for a private moment knowing we wouldn't be likely disturbed when we heard heavy footsteps and saw a tall cloaked figure move down the hall to the portal. Our curious nature got the best so we went to investigate. After some time it was obvious what this being wanted, it wanted access to the Prime, with interest in my portal wand.

I toyed with it a bit trying to get more information, but after a while we realized he was just mimicking us mostly. I finally told him he wasn't getting to the Prime, not through me anyway and he vanished into the shadows. My friend spoke her concern of this and rushed out, I followed her to realize she was going to speak to the Mystrians. We found Tuomas in Kholingen and after telling him of the situation he came with us back to the Triumvir. By the time we returned it was too late, the cloaked figure had found another adventurer who gave into the beings wishes, though I think his intention was to send it to the Shadowplane, not the Prime.

This man should be of great interest because I think a link can be found between his portal wand and where this being might show up next. He is of average height and build though he seemed quite quick of feet, his agility apparent. He also seemed to have some knowledge of the shadows leading me to believe he was a dancer. I know this isn't much to go on but his armor at the time was colored in gray, black and twilight. The style rather archaic. Find this man, inspect his wand and look to where its bound to the ley, and we may be able to predict his next move. We know for sure he showed up in Tarkuul and in Cordor.

Forestong."

A moment ago, across the island, anyone sufficiently attuned to the Weave ((primarily Wizard or Sorcerer levels, roll higher than 50 on Spellcraft)) would feel a "shudder" travel faintly through the local area of the Weave.

It would not feel natural.

A frail elven woman appears through a portal in the Castle Tarkuul. Her raven-black long hair are bit wet, and so is her long, loose black gown. She makes for a quick rush to the stairs that leads to the undercroft, more precisely, into the library.

She carried around a small jar, filled with some kind of metal remains, which have been destroyed to be of no use but to fill that container.

For hours, she would go about researching for "Constructs with minds", "Gate", "Plane of Shadow", "Weave, movements, passing through", "Dark, shadowy metal" and the such after her encounter with a tall, hooded figure.

Within his private study in Kohlingen keep, one mustached magician pours over a few tomes with a troubled expression. The study is dark, save for the seven candles that are arrayed around the circular surface. An hourglass sets next to his tomes, sand falling steadily within. The magician's hand sets on a blue crystal orb. Yet, it seems the magician's eyes dart to the hourglass every so often, as if confirming a fact. Or assuaging a fear...

It is long past the Witching Hour when Ulrik finally retires to his chambers, still unable to shake an ill feeling.

"Something just is not right..."

*betting posters are removed from Bendir Dale quietly and without comment*

A red skinned half-devil frowned in the Cordor Merchant Hall at the odd unnatural feeling. Deep in thought she turns to head home and consult some of her books.

Somewhere in Tarkuul, a shadovar sits in a darkened room, reading without any apparently difficulty in the low-light. He dwells on a familiar feeling, searching through his own memoirs and the library's tomes on his old home for anything that might jar a memory...

Tuomas called for help amongst the nearest castle staff, needing help to bring Ulrik to his quarters and family, explaining he'd fallen unconscious after the casting of a number of strenous divinations in apparent succession.

Once that was squared away, Tuomas sighed to himself and pondered the few words he'd heard Ulrik say in duress, when he used his smelling salts on the senior magician.

Sir Justin gives thanks in the temple for the safety of Kohlingen and his safe return after the odd encounter with the construct that had created such a stir in Kohlingen.

For a certain mustached mage, fitful unconsciousness gave way to restful sleep in the late night hours following his being carried to his chambers. Ulrik seems to sleep much longer than usual, not waking at the dawning of Lathander's light, nor stirring at the tolling of the seventh hour, when the magician always begins his morning study within his private study before his wizard's altar.

He does not awake until the early afternoon, well after the noon hour. And even then, he does not leave his bed chambers. It seems the wizard is now taking his time in recuperating from the strain of the previous night over a few cups of tea, quiet conversations and time spent with his wife and children, and perusing few select tomes that are retrieved from the former Headmaster's collection.

Message would find its way to Tuomas, via the perky and chattery Anla'braxas, that Ulrik was awake and 'sends his thanks' for the help he gave the previous night. Tuomas is further informed that a few divinations had ''revealed some interesting information,'' and that Ulrik would likely meet with the gnome for morning tea on the following day.

Anla'braxas then continues to accompany the gnome everywhere he goes about the city. Chatting about random mundane things. "Its a nice day." "Look at that knight's armor!" "Do you have milk? I'm thirsty." Unless forcefully told to leave by the gnome, or Tuomas leaving the city limits, he finds Anla'braxas a constant companion. If asked why, the pseudodragon would only grin at the gnome before going on about why ''leaves flutter in the wind'' or any other sort of whimsical topic to try and entertain the gnomish wizard.

In all, a restful time and day for Ulrik follows...

Early yesterday evening saw a brief commotion in the City Hall of Kohlingen, as the various clerks in the offices there streamed out of the building, calling for the guards.

With the skilled effort of the city guard and Triadic Knights alike, panic of the general populace was quickly averted, though the City Hall was kept under tight guard for nearly a half-hour.

Rumors of a tall cloaked figure simply "appearing" in the portal room could be heard in whisper from a few of the clerks after the incident, describing the towering "man" as being wreathed in writhing shadowstuff.

*-*-*-*-*

Much later that evening, the same creature paid a return visit to the Living City, and could be seen speaking with several members of the Living Guard there. A few minutes later, the departed by portal wand.

*-*-*-*-*

Soon after, anyone in the Underdark near L'Obsul, sufficiently attuned to the Weave ((primarily Wizard or Sorcerer levels, roll higher than 50 on Spellcraft)) would have felt a "shudder" travel faintly through the local area of the Weave.

The late night finds a small elven mage in the library of Kohlingen, deep in texts about Inevitables as she desperately tries to keep pace with her elder magi.

Tuomas would be amenible to the company as long as Anlabraxas , conversation aside wasn't too disruptive.

He would definitely be agreeable to meeting for tea at the next availible oppritunity.

Piles of books surround a young mage, as she delves deeper into what she's heard. Not just what the Quarut is, but what could disrupt it, as it had claimed it was. Unable to do much else, for now she resigns herself to reading, though the time to speak is coming up, and fast.

This day saw two similar "ripples" through the Weave (anyone with primarily Wiz or Sorc levels rolling a Spellcraft 50 or higher could feel).

The first took place in the early morning, a faint ripple that seemed to originate from the Amia Forest region.

Much more powerful, the second too place only a few moments ago and was centered about a league northeast of Cordor's outer limits.

While waking up, Sanna experiences the first, morning ripple (and actually mistakes it for being woken up by it). After some contemplation and book browsing, she eventually heads to Kohlingen, where she - as hoped - meets Tuomas, together with Kurchin (and Idris idling nearby). Sanna has a quiet conversation with the first two, which explains a lot (though hardly everything), and as a result of it, sets off to find Ulrik. From that moment on, she also has her ears (and eyes, naturally) open in regard to any conversation, notice or drawing involving Quarut.

While preparing to take a walk about, the Lady Ravanna was troubled by the feeling of something to the north of Cordor that morning; she was uncustomarily distracted and twitchy, a frown perched between those perfect golden brows, her elegant and graceful fingers tapping in agitation on her upper thigh. A couple of her male elven associates quickly asked if she was alright, and if something else had gone wrong. After a few minutes to re-assure them and their concerned questions, the beautiful Ar-Tel'Quessir turned north, and essentially followed her nose, and the men followed her.

It took a little time to suss out where she had felt the ripple in the Weave, but on the road into Bendir she saw what was likely the cause, a towering dark figure, of no mortal heritage. He had a train of affluent mages following him, and they seemed to be in a hurry to find something or other. She never did find out exactly the reasons why, nor what, was sought; she had been told :

"There isnt any time to explain."

So, oddly, curiosity won out for the woman, who usually did the proper thing and minded her own business. She and the other Tel'Quessir followed at the rear of this procession, though orc lands and into kobold territory. Nothing seemed to phase her, save she shied away from a red-skinned woman with devilish wings and tail, and seemed uncomfortable under the shrouded reature's stare when it did notice her.

Into the caves they went, and what transpired there, was sudden and confusing in all sorts of ways. The creature dispersed, to where she did not know, the mages they portalled out to Warftown. She remained, staring at a hole in the ground where shadowy tendrils had escaped into, and for a time she stood there looking at it and pondering, listening to the idle chatter of the two elven men.

Eventually she took out a small empty vial and scraped residue of some kind off the ground near the hole, and capped it. For a brief flash there was a look of worry on her perfect elven features, then they stilled and she smiled to the two men, gracious and in the moment. Ready to go out on that outing after all.

"Elsewhen. The limitations of my divinations can be concerning, at times. Perhaps I can transcend them, in time."

Within the wizard's tower of Kohlingen Keep, one mustached magician politely dismissed Tuomas and Kurchin following the casting of a powerful divination. An hour or thereabouts is spent in quiet study, the wizard making a few notations in his personal research notebooks. He does not seem troubled or even curious as he closed his books and retired to his private chambers for dinner.

It was, if anything, just another day.

//

I just wanted to thank everyone who has been involved in this plot thusfar for your patience. It's very irregular for me to have had such a gap between events.

I’ve been cooking up something extra special behind the scenes for this event (and hopefully something for Amia in general) and it’s taken some time to get working correctly. With some tremendous help from the Testing Team, there are only one or two small bugs still to work out, but it shouldn’t be more than a few more days to get it implemented. Working on it has kept me out of the DM client for the most part, but now that it’s near completion I’ll be refocusing on this plotline.

Stay tuned folks and again, thank you for your patience. It’ll be worth the wait

//

// Wooo

//Stay tuned Mon/Tues/Wed.

This night saw another "ripple" effect emanate through the Weave, stronger than the others so far, felt even by those less sensitive to such events (anyone with primarily Wiz or Sorc levels rolling a Spellcraft 30 or higher could have felt).

The effect would have been concentrated around the Western outskirts of Kohlingen, and anyone investigating over the next day or two would see a small impact crater in one of the fields. It wouldn't take the farmers long to repair the field however.

Rumor would abound in Kohlingen of a group of adventurers having lead a rather large and shadowy figure, being supported by two large golems, into Jorian's smithy. Only the adventurers came out, with no sign of the cloaked figure remaining.

In the wee hours of the morning- or whatever passed for it in the Triumvir- a pile of books lay scattered on a lonely table in the archives. A few moments of observation would be needed before the young woman behind them could be identified, so tall were the piles in front of her. Her toes wriggled on the wooden floor, long worn smooth by the padding feet of other scholars. Quietly, almost silently, the sound of long-worn and ancient paper was barely a whisper above the occasional creak of wood and drip drip drip of candle wax onto the floor. A page turned. And on the right, another. Then to the left. A book was flipped through, a page corner creased gently to mark a spot.

Silently, diligently, Corinn Aldaine read through the archives, paging rapidly through three books at a time, all bearing titles in languages not of this world. In front of her rested a stack of what had once been clean parchment, but now was a jumble of inked notes, cross-outs, and underlines. She scribbled something else down and flipped a page.

The hours passed, and the work continued. Writing, writing, flipping, flipping. Now and then another book would be hauled from the shelves and splayed out onto the table, its contents raked over by a mind sharper than the quill divining its secrets.

The doors opened. Eyes red and bleary, Corinn looked up to see daylight pouring in from outside as one of the archivists showed up for the day. He shot her a dirty look at seeing the potential avalanche of tomes, but otherwise seemed content to begin refiling whatever was on other tables. Finally, after what seemed like forever, she leaned back in her chair and sighed. Frowned briefly. She packed up her notes, closed the books, and left a large golden coin on the table.

Things were a lot worse than she'd thought.

While one wizardess searches through a veritable wall of tomes, and many others sleep the night away peacefully... somewhere in the realm, a Beacon alights with a faint, golden, slowly throbbing glow.

//Finally, with some much appreciated help from Disco...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPmVhyHBRAM

A missive arrives in Winya Ravana, addressed to the Council, brought to the elven settlement by a courier out of Kohlingen. It is written in a rather old style of the elven language, though still readable by today's dialect.

Brothers & Sisters of Corellon,

It is with great shame that I write to you, to inform you of a most insidious enemy that I have failed in my duty to the Lord of the Continuum, to see it destroyed.

Long ago, my brothers-in-arms set out to remove a taint which had been foretold to me by Labelas Enoreth, one which could threaten time itself if left unchecked. Though we were girded with the strength of the Lifegiver, our finest warriors proved unprepared for the power of the beast; my brothers fell until only I remained. This abomination of the dark Gods, known only in our oldest stories as a Phane, trapped me within time itself that it could sustain itself.

I stand now only as a shadow of my former self, a failure to my Lord and my People and humbly request that you do not allow the sacrifice of those brave brothers who I failed, to be in vain. Though little time remains for me, I would share what knowledge I have with you in the hopes that you will take up the duty which was set before me and see this abomination destroyed and our brothers spirits allowed to rest.

I stay now in the human settlement of Kohlingen, where my last ally in this fight succumbed to the Phane's taint, but not before entrusting the local magi with the key that will lead us to the beast. If you find it within you to aid me in this, I beseech you to bring seven of your warriors, your arcanists, your priests, seven of our kin to succeed alongside these chosen of Kohlingen, where I have failed.

In place of a signature, a faintly glowing divine seal is left on the bottom of the page, a sigil of Labelas Enoreth of a style that has not been seen since before the fall of Cormanthyr.

*-*-*-*-*

A second letter, written in Common, is left at the Seven Stars Academy.

Chosen of the Quarut,

I have written a letter to the People of Winya Ravana to request their aid in completing the task that I could not myself see to, a task which was in turn entrusted to you by the Quarut, my ally. Though I have never had much fondness for humankind, an age has passed since I last walked the realms and I trust the wisdom of Labelas Enoreth servant implicitly.

In my letter to the People I expressed a joint effort to rid time of the Phane's taint, and I would request the same of you. Seven of your city's knights, clergy and wizards to fight alongside the seven representatives of Winya Ravana; let us see this threat extinguished.

In place of a signature, a faintly glowing divine seal is left on the bottom of the page, a sigil of Labelas Enoreth of a style that has not been seen since before the fall of Cormanthyr.

*-*-*-*-*

OOC Stuff: This will be a "lead in" to the final event, a meet'n'greet and catchup for everyone to get back into the plot (or be introduced to it) give the unfortunately lengthy amount of time it's sat while I struggled with the mechanics of the final fight.

There will be space in this event for 10 level 30 characters, and 4 level 15-20 characters in total. This means Winya and Kohl can bring 5 level 30 PCs and 2 level 15-20 PCs each. I'm sorry for placing restrictions on the numbers, but I've very carefully balanced the encounter (and the surprise I have for the mid-level PCs) to these numbers.

I'll be hopefully looking to do the meeting on Monday night around 5pm PST (GMT -8) and then plan the final event from there. Any questions or concerns about this can be directed to me via PM

On receipt of the letter, a brief but intense rush of missives is sent forth from the Temple of Corellon.

The response from Kohlingen is much more subdued. A copy of the letter left is sent to the Shrine, addressed to 'Jacqueline Kenlyl.' In addition, the original notice is posted in the Keep, for the perusal of the Knights.

Jackie sends a simple reply back to Ulrik that she will of course be present to assist in any way she can.

//Meeting portion is in about 4 hours from now.

//Five minutes.

"What're you aboot, Quarut?" (Player Thread)

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