Althum & Richard

Summary:

Sounding the alarm; the End is Nigh...

Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 21 Feb 2019 17:45

Scaling the thousand steps of the mountain within which the Great Library resides is a lonely endeavor. Your only company consists of the omnipresent goats tended by the city's shepherds, & the occasional Sentry Crow, no doubt reporting to it's Rookery Master high above after examining you for potential treats.

The switchback stairs are on the eastern side, & provide a commanding view of the lost cities of Lokil & Velanon, places you only recently passed through. At your current pace, you will reach the entrance in an hour, & you will be expected.

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 21 Feb 2019 18:22

Richard clops along beside Althum, and seems about to speak several times before he finally does.

“Kellenor contacted me a short while ago… He was spoken to by a god… Likely about the same time everything happened with the Sutak.”

He moistens his lips.

“He said he was told that ‘The Shards must be found’… But it wasn’t Madriel who was commanding him… He didn’t know who it was.”

He sighs.

“So the Sister’s must be onto something…

… But if we raise a god…

… Is a new gods-war a better future than what we face?”

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 21 Feb 2019 20:37

Althum remains quiet, and for several minutes the only noise is the crunch of gravel under the horses hooves. Then, matter-of-fact as discussing a meal, "I believe the gods' war to be inevitable. What concerns me is the fallout. When a god dies, does its killer collect the souls it hoarded in the afterlife? Do the souls break free, like so many fish for competing divine nets? Or will they return to the flesh of the titans, restoring the crippled engines of existence."

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 21 Feb 2019 21:55

Richard shrugs, shaking his head.

“I don’t know… I know a living soul can shift its divine allegiance over the course of its life… And I know that souls can be dedicated to a specific god even after their death… A feat, I hope you’ll forgive me, I nearly tried to attempt on you after your death.”

He sighs.

“As for the Titans, I don’t believe that they depend on souls in the same manner as they gods… They first created souls, and existed before them, but if the free power could be absorbed by them in their dormancy? I don’t know.

Further, I don’t know what happens to souls dedicated to a dead god that is restored. If they were collected by another god, would they be wrenched back? Would a restored god lack all the power of dedicated souls, and arise crippled?”

He shrugs.

“There are some schools of thought, often considered blasphemous, that since the Titans first created souls, and that the gods were born sometime after, that it was, of fact, the circulation of those very souls that gave birth to the gods.”

He chews his lip.

“I don’t know if the idea gives hope or destroyes it, but nearly all the divine races lived before the gods were born… If those races had a hand in creating the gods, it implies that they, we, are potentially more powerful… And capable of raising or slaying those same gods ourselves.”

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 01:28

"It seems we cannot help but veer close to blasphemy of late."

Althum turns to favor Richard with a genuine grin.

"Perhaps we should edge towards safer topics. What do you expect to achieve petitioning your uncle? In a practical sense, I mean. Assuming you succeed, as you oft do, what resource would be gained?"

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 22 Feb 2019 01:41

“Honestly, very little directly.

Mythril will be able to do nearly nothing to aid our cause, but at least if I go they will have forewarning…

On a personal note, It has been a long time since I’ve been home… I could wish for far worse than to see my family one more time, and perhaps glean some advice.”

He smiles weakly at the thought.

“Lastly, this is quite a long shot; My Uncle quested a great deal in his youth, and his fame is grounded on the merits of his achievements. If the gods are good, it’s possible that he knows something of the Shards the sisters and now Kellenor seek.

And those clues, however small, could be of enormous help to us.”

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 02:08

Althum nods amiably. "I understand the desire to see home. And seek information."

He looks up at the looming library.

"Your presence will be keenly missed. And I am not only speaking of your might. How long to you expect to be gone, accounting for mystic travel both there and back?"

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 22 Feb 2019 02:14

He heaves a deep breath.

“It’s possible I’ll be back before you depart. I hope to engage the wizard for both directions of the journey… If what I have to trade and offer shall allow. So I expect to be gone only for the time it takes for me to conduct my report, and whatever time the Wizard requires to prepare for the return trip.”

He allows himself a smile.

“After that, I shall be gone only until such a time as you have need of me, and see fit to call me back.”

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 02:27

Althum nods and falls into silence. The horses plod up the steep, winding incline, until the final turn reveals the library before them.

"Would this be a bad time to inform you how much I hate the Sutak? Because I really hate the Sutak."

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 22 Feb 2019 02:36

Richard laughs…

Not the dour gawf of a broken man, but full and mirthful.

He looks at in increadulously at you, near unbelieving your statement, and continuing to chuckle.

He claps you on the shoulder.

“Yeah, I’ll bet you do. I’ll bet you do.”

His chuckles eventually die down, but he looks like a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders.

Smiling he says,

“Do me a favor? Try to keep living till I get back. I wouldn’t want the world to get too cheerful.”

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 02:31

With that, you find yourselves before the entrance to the Great Library. It's a small thing, of Ancient Elzan design, baroque, yet hardly large enough to admit a cart. The scholar-monks of the Order of the Closed Book greet you as friends. With your great contributions to the Library, you barely have time to enjoy a repast of cold water, goat cheese & dried dates before you are called to meet with High Lore Master Alliki Nebega; an ancient man who is said to have held his position since the Divine War.

Certainly he looks it, with spotted hands & bald pate, as his rheumy eyes observe you. A slender young man in the white robes of an apprentice Loremaster directs you to sit.

For Richard, who has never been permitted in the Library, much less the highest office; it is a humble abode. A few hand drawn illustrations of star charts & continental maps adorn the walls, & a small selection of folio tomes sits near a common scribes desk, lit by an enchanted crystal. You feel that "court" is rarely held in Lokil, as the room is cramped with just the four of you in it, & you are only given a bench to sit on, one you must share with Althum. Nonetheless, you do gain counsel with the High Lore Master.

"Ah, the Adventurers return. Yes. With tales & treasures, yes? Did you come to organize an expedition to Non? Hmmm? Or would you seek out those Keltai Wizards, looking for lost artifacts?"

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 22 Feb 2019 02:49

Richard speaks.

“Sadly, no. We bring news.

I have prepared a spell that will ensure to you the truth of the words we speak to you today. With your permission, I would like to cast it, so that you may be certain of our sincerity on the following topic.”

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 02:53

"Eh?"

He affixes a bronze, horn-like device to one ear.

"Truth? Spells can attempt to fix truth, but it is fluid, quicksilver thing; many ways for it to escape! Still, work your magics if you would."

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 22 Feb 2019 03:13

Richard nods, and bows his head a moment in prayer.

A silver-blue light glows softly in the air before him for a moment before dropping to the floor, and swirling about it, trailing out the sigil of the four swords of the Avenger, and filling the room with a soft silvery-blue light.

When it is complete, he turns and indicates Althum.

Last edited on 22 Feb 2019 03:19 by X-marks-the-spot Show more

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 04:17

"Loremaster," Althum says loudly and clearly, "scholars of Lokil, we bear grave news. The Tyrant has chosen this moment to consolidate power and move against the nations of the world. The Sutak held a great moot in the Ukrudan. Dunahnae representatives were there, ostensibly to provide siege engines to be used against my city."

He pauses to meet every eye. "However, their true purpose was to conceal the casting of a True Ritual. It succeeded. All of the Sutak, all of them, were converted to Chardune worship. We only had moments, but the priests performing the ritual were both of Dunuhnae and Calastia. The Tyrant now holds an unbroken chain of armies across the continent.

"Tasaan the Black was in their employ, hired, he said, to insure the success of the ritual. He specifically mention that this library would soon be destroyed. You are all in dire danger. The knowledge of this place is as well."

Last edited on 22 Feb 2019 04:22 by Mr Sleep Show more

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 04:58

There is a silence as the Journeyman Necromancer delivers his dire words, long thought out over the arduous climb.

Under Corean's Seal, his words bear the Ring of Truth.

It is a long moment before the Lore Master responds, likewise, speaking Truth;

"This…this is wonderful news."

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 05:15

Althum's mouth pulls into a tight, scar-twisted smile. "Please, Loremaster, explain to us the blessing we overlooked."

His voice is the epitome of calm. His posture could not be more casual. Only Richard knows him well enough to see he is on the brink of violence.

Last edited on 22 Feb 2019 05:25 by Mr Sleep Show more

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 05:27

"Young Altrus; fetch me the Annals of the Divine: Chapter XII"

The old man claps his hands in glee.

"Yes, yes, one would expect threats from a hired thug; violence is all his kind know! Yet imagine; the Sutak, a Titan Spawned plague on the region, have turned to the Gods! Do you know what this could mean?

The Apprentice proffers the requested tome, which he peruses for but a moment, clearly aware of it's contents.

"The Ritual you witnessed has never been wielded so effectively! All of them, you say? Imagine! Imagine if a similar ploy worked as the Minotaur assaulted the walls of the Bridged City? Or even, a covert team of united Priests luring out the Assathi! Denied the machinations of their servitors, the Titans might lie forever dead!"

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 05:58

"I understand your excitement," Althum says through clenched teeth. "Sir Richard has taken a hobby of converting slytherin. However, I would like to emphasize the stated goal of The Tyrant burning all of Lokil's books and murdering and enslaving all its inhabitants."

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 22 Feb 2019 06:06

Richard, no where near as keen at consealing his thoughts as Althum, gapes openly in stunned confusion at the Loremaster’s first statement, and can only manage a questioning glance towards Althum as the exchange proceeds.

He nearly speaks, but decides that it’s probably better to let Althum see this through for the moment.

Last edited on 22 Feb 2019 06:06 by X-marks-the-spot Show more

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 06:06

"Ah, ahah! That would indeed be his plan, during the Divine War, however, even Gods can learn. Take the ancient histories of The Land of Chains compared to the rise of Chardun Worship in Calastia! The Overlord has learned much, & now rules with a more even hand. That is, if Calastia is to be the "New Model Army" as we suspect. These Sutak will take time to bring into the fold, but the spell utilized has limited effect. In a few generations, you will find Sutak everywhere, as common as Dwarves I should think; & with a variety of Gods they give praise to."

He winks at Richard.

"Why I dare say, you may have Sutak in your own Order, my good Caliban friend. In many respects, you are proof of a glorious future!"

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 06:16

"Perhaps, though Hebdemen's Laws of Power outline what happens when one power reaches pinnacle imbalance in a finite system. Either the power consumes all resources, then itself starves, or the system reaches cascade: chaos churns to an extinction event. Either way, the system, and all inhabitants of it, are destroyed. Chardune has reached such a tipping point."

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 06:46

"Hebdemen's Law! That was written ages past! Very astute, young Journeyman; the Headmasters of your Guild have taught you well. Yet, what you fail to see, is that Chardun's power is borne of men's ambition. No different than Corean," with a gesture towards Richard, "Can the Overlord universally dictate power. If he did so, no mortal dominance would stand in the way of the other Gods aroused for war. Hebdemen's Law was coined for the Titans, who truly held almost all power in one hand. In the Land of Chains, & it's pale reflection Dunuhane, we also see that model. The old model, of a young, tormented God seeking absolute obedience. Yet in the last century, we have seen the rise of Calastia as the chosen of Chardun. Where Dunuhane dominates, Calastia assimilates. All the Gods find worship in Calastia. Likewise, client states are expected to sign the Calastian Charter & submit to the Hegemony, but are largely left to go about their business. As a scholar, I would find the yoke of Vesh or Hedrad as onerous as Calastia."

"You see, the threat to Lokil, & possibly even Hollowfaust, are lessened by this act. Lokil already trades with Calastia & Dunuhane freely. The Sutak have been a threat, yet they have chosen to harass your people instead, for reasons both practical & madness born. Yet now, the Sutak follow the Overlord, meaning the scales of Madness have fallen from their eyes; by that fact alone, they are less of a threat than they once were. As for an unbroken chain, I am not yet certain of that either. The writings of Chardun's Strategicon & his own Black Bible stress obedience to Him & the order he imposes, as well as those with Lawful Authority over you."

His rheumy eyes twinkle at that last part.

"Just because they are converted doesn't mean the Sutak have a place in the Calastian & Dunuhan religious hierarchy, much less the Military one. It may be that a Warlord rises among them, filled with Chardun's glory, & demands equal representation at any strategic table with Virduk & Arithriatrix…one can only imagine the trouble that would cause…"

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 22 Feb 2019 08:43

Richard listens to the two scholars intently, finding his footing in the discussion.

He leans in close to Althum, whispering,

“Calastians aren’t known for their broad and welcoming views on those different from themselves… If the Sutak will not be willing slaves, it could drive a wedge into their efforts.

Can such a wedge be aided?”

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 17:15

Althum gives a slight nod, acknowledging the suggestion and filing it away for later examination. When he speaks, it is still loud enough for the loremaster's ears.

"You are likely correct in assuming there will be a time of friction, however, I request you consider two aspects:

"First, the Dunahnae hired Tasaan the Black to assure the ritual's success. For the same price or less, they could have used his services to annihilate the Sutak. With minimal effort, the rest of the species could then be purged from the Ukrudan, never to plague the godly races again. Instead, the two nations, under Chardun, conspired to force-convert them. The Tyrant is neither stupid nor wasteful. He has a plan for that warrior army.

"Consider the hypothetical of some form of alliance, even if imperfect. What force on Ghelspad, alone or allied, could hold such a power in check? Even Telidartes, Hebdemen's greatest critic, would concede that is an imbalance brinking upon calamity.

"Second, and much more practical, I would urge you to apply Diln's Inversion. The greater the value, the less wise the risk. You seem convinced the threat to yourself, your scholars, and your library is moderate to small. However, I suspect you value the lives of yourself and your scholars, as well as the precious and irreplaceable knowledge within these walls, rather highly. A moderate threat to an invaluable resource would require median to high precautions to counter, yes?"

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 17:48

"Do you think so? The Ledean Empire held sway over all of Ghelspad for more than a thousand years, save Albadia & the Ganjus. Even the Elzan, with their mighty Djinn, acknowledged Ledean supremacy over war. So it was, in the philosophical era of the Pan'Aerith Dynasty, that these same theorems you speak of were made. What could hold it in check? Well, historically the Ganjus & Albadia stood against far greater forces. If we are to stoop to including the Titanspawn, the Assathi have resisted even Gods in the field, & in my own lifetime the Gorgons of Khet have successfully waged war against the combined might of the Vera-Tre accord."

"While not strictly a military historian, I would say such an event has indeed been done. If such an alliance comes to pass, then my only great concern would be who ultimately is in power? Virduk, while a known Regicide, is more interested in wealth than glory. If Dunuhane rules this alliance, then matters might be grim…yes. They might be. However, recent writings from the Iron Church of Chardun indicate that the Dwarven model for conquest is less favorable. Truly, only time will tell."

"As for the safety of this storehouse of knowledge & it's dedicated lore keepers, I remind you we already have amiable relations with Calastia & Dunhane. Whether similar relations can be formed with the Sutak will be a great challenge, but not an impossible one. Further, much as Mithral is warded by Corean's Great Golem; recall that the Libray was protected by the blessing of Miridun, & withstood the direct onslaught of Thulkas unscathed. I believe your concern for Lokil is misplaces, & it is your own people who may be in greatest danger. I hardly believe Hollowfaust would sign the Calastian charter even if imminent, total destruction was the only other option."

"Yet, I ramble on! We must take detailed accounts of what you have witnessed! A deposition is in order, while it is still clear in your minds!"

Last edited on 22 Feb 2019 18:00 by Bratovitch Show more

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 22 Feb 2019 18:04

Althum smiles a grim and twisted smile.

"In a moment. First, I have a diversion that may interest you. There was recently an assault against The Jewel of the Serpent Mother. I was witness to the event, the city's defenses, and the monstrosity which assailed the serpent people. I have written a full account of what transpired, including descriptions of the mystic techniques used by assathi wizards.

"I, of course, am willing to trade such knowledge."

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 22 Feb 2019 18:40

The Old man's toothless smile is beatific.

"Young Althum," he wags a finger at you, "I knew, I simply knew you would accomplish great things. The library has benefited greatly from your actions, & it is no surprise that such a keen mind bears even greater fruit. May you live to be a thousand years old. It goes without saying that the Library is interested in this information, & will take into account your other contributions to see that the reward is most generous."

Re: Althum & Richard

X-marks-the-spot 23 Feb 2019 01:35

Richard is more than happy to undergo depositions and interviews on the topics at hand, being a first hand account as well, and is even willing to undergo direct memory extraction, if the wizards here are capable of such a thing, as the dream-magi of Darakeene were.

In return, he hopes to arrange transport to Mithral and back, and if possible to trade one ioun stone (+2 dex) for one of equal but different power (+2 Wis or Cha).

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 23 Feb 2019 02:14

Your account is the best you remember, but pales in comparison to the young Wizard, who recites exact data & sequence of events like a born Lore Master himself.

You are able to fill in the inconvenient period when he was dead, though.

The Scholars graciously allow you to return a stone for one of equal value. Fortunately, they have relatively recently transported someone to Mithral, & that will make for an almost guaranteed jump. However, the cost is still high, equating to the combines value of both your accounts of the Conversion of the Sutak.

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 24 Feb 2019 02:57

After accounts are spoken and transcribed, deals haggled and finalized, after transportation is arranged and Richard bids farewell, then Althum addresses the ancient librarian once again. " Your pardon, Loremaster, would you permit me to address the scholars gathered here?"

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 24 Feb 2019 04:06

"Scholars? If you mean to discount the shepherds & miners, that might still account for 3/4 of the population! It might be possible gather up a number during meal time, yes, yes…yet only a small number. Below the mountain our toil is ruled by neither sun or moon. What ever would you wish to say that might require the assembled population?"

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 24 Feb 2019 04:36

Althum regards the old man's quizzical expression, smiles sadly, and says, "Perhaps you are correct, Loremaster. Perhaps my concerns are overwrought. I rescind my request. You are likely correct that the conversion of the titanspawn to god-worship is a boon.

"Would it be untoward of me to post a letter, simply referring interested parties to the account the library now holds? I would gladly submit such a writing for review, so you are assured youthful passions have not clouded my mind."

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 24 Feb 2019 04:41

"Ah, yes, yes of course. Though I do not doubt Scholars will descend on this bounty like Miser Jackals, hee-hee! Yet feel free to make any personal notations that are not part of the historical narrative. Important to separate them you know!"

Re: Althum & Richard

Mr Sleep 24 Feb 2019 05:09

"Of course, Loremaster. I believe that exhausts the goals I have set for this visit. I thank you for both your hospitality and your wisdom. I will be awaiting Sir Richard's return. If my idle hands can be put to any use, I am, of course, willing."

Re: Althum & Richard

Bratovitch 24 Feb 2019 05:15

"Well spoken, well spoken. You will have guest quarters while you wait, yes…join us for the evening repast. Perhaps try your skilled hands at illuminating a volume or two, eh?"

With that, you are dismissed to a small quarters not so dissimilar to your room in the Underfaust. An apprentice will fetch you for supper, & another will attend your needs should you pull the bell.