The Bleak Tome - Book Report

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Thu May 07, 2020 12:58 pm

The decision made on the fate of the dragon, more or less, Clotho grins and teleports, taking the dragon's bulk with him. Dom takes the opportunity to frisk Nixie. There are no other hidden objects, arcane or otherwise, that reveal themselves. The members of the 12th, Nixie and several bound skull-cultists in tow, begin trekking back to the inn. You are greeted with quite the sight upon exiting back to the street. The MercTown guard that had escorted you to the church is in full display, weapons bristling. Scattered in front of them are at least fifty more silver skull-wearing cultists, each in various states of surrender and restraint. Scattered about them are a frightening assortment of weaponry that would have made your battle much more difficult. It's the type of weaponry that gets you pinched by MercTown guards. The lead borg muses as you exit. "Saved your lives, looks like. These punks were headed in with you. We got some notable perps here. City leadership types. Guessin' you won, counting your bodies and the noise we heard." You deposit your own complement of cultists with the guards and make the trip back to the inn.Upon arriving, six variously-arrayed individuals, each wearing the insignia of the guild, salute you. "Master Clotho has arranged quarters for each of you. We took the liberty of collecting your things from your rooms. Please, come with us." Assuming no protest, you are led straight to the Collegiate Arcane and Magic Guild main hall. The acolytes show you individually to your rooms which are grouped together in the "permanent quarters" wing. These are not typically available for rent, instead held for dignitaries and guild leadership. They are well appointed and spacious. You are given time enough to place your things in the room before being beckoned back to the main hall. "Masters Clotho and Eloros wish to speak with you immediately." No questions are brooked, and you are rushed to a large lecture hall. Nixie is led off to other quarters under guard, still unconscious from Dom's sorcerous blade.
As you enter, you recognize Menelaus Clotho. Next to him is a rugged looking individual. He smiles and nods in your direction, with an extra flourish towards @Pahi Oki. Glowing light blue at the end of the conference table is an open rift, and the face of Setnaja looking on from within. Clotho speaks. "I took the liberty of contacting him in anticipation. I'm glad you didn't wait too long. Time ticks....or does it? HAHAHhahhhah...." Setnaja clears his throat, and Clotho shakes his head. "Yes, my friend. You're right. To business. Here!" He uncovers a bundle in front of him, revealing a crude black book. "The object of Cynara's desire, and a worthless rag in comparison. Still, if you seek to unmake the Bleak Tome, which IS WISDOM..." Clotho emphasizes this vigorously. Setnaja shakes his head, but offers no input. "...then this book gives you the recipe." He slides the book to @Gaspard Gillead. "@Dominic Skodati is carrying enough book for one man, no?"
The other man nods at you. "I am Eloros the Scribe. I sit on the Guild council. Menelaus has asked me to aid you in sorting out what can be done. Tell me. What are your intentions with the Tome you carry?"
Setnaja cuts in. "I respect the Legion's desire to dispose of this book. I could not convince the Legion's leadership to allow me to pore over it before its destruction. Vielar wouldn't hear of it either. It is, however, in your hands. Allow me a short time with the book. Once I have finished my study, I will return it to you and help you destroy it properly. This is not a command, but a request. Will you lend me the Tome?"

Instructions

Heather Todd · Post by **Heather Todd** » Fri May 08, 2020 4:23 am

Merctown/Temple of Harmony
Evening
Round 0

Heather felt exhausted. Her power restored only slowly, and it was late, and they’d just had a hard fight. Her brain was trying to punish her by forcing an iron spike through it. She looked with relief at the book Clotho handed over.

“Can you confirm it is the real thing?” she asked Gaspard. “Can we do it?”

“We were told the book was very dangerous,” Heather reminded Setnaja. “In no uncertain terms. Don’t look at it. I hate to destroy knowledge,” she admitted, “but we just do not know what it might do to anyone who might look at it. I’m afraid that is not a risk we can take to one as powerful as yourself, Setnaja. And, to be honest, we’ve known you for all of a week. I’m afraid it takes longer to develop trust like that.” She glanced at Dominic. “We need to destroy the book as expeditiously as possible.”

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Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Fri May 08, 2020 4:43 am

Destroy the tome. Give it to the boss.

Neither were good options from my perspective. My suspicions about Setnaja were beginning to grow: the bleak tome, the skull of Mondain, pretty dark stuff for one of the supposed good guys.

Thing is, I'm not odne learning from this thing either and the skull belongs to someone else.

Sighing heavily Dom is about to make a wise-ass comment that casts doubt on Setnaja's intentions but then Heather speaks up. Something in the salty smuggler softens for a moment and he lets it go. Instead he tries to make a deal.

"I don't like destroying things that we can get paid big time for, but I've seen enough to know none of you should have it. One of you goes rouge and we're all dead." Grinning he looks through the portal at Setnaja, "You wanna study this book while we cook up what we need to destroy it? Cool. I'll just need a little collateral. Trade me the skull - surely one person shouldn't have both. Too much temptation."

Maybe I can neuter that thing before giving it over to the Hand. Get them off my back for good.

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Fri May 08, 2020 10:20 am

Setnaja smiles at @Heather Todd. "Young one, I am beyond the concerns of losing myself to such base magic as is in that Tome. A being of stronger will, you'll likely never encounter on this plane." You detect the slightest hint of arrogance in his voice. "Still, you make a reasoned point. Command structures aside, my request is not a light matter. You have been ordered to destroy it by the Legion. Loaning it to me could be seen as putting the Tome at risk, though it is safer with me than anyone or anywhere else."
Turning his attention to @Dominic Skodati, he shrugs. "The skull, as you recall, is with Statheros, unless some other fate has befallen it. I have a myriad of objects you might find useful, but I daresay the time I need is longer than the time the Legion wishes that book to remain in existence." Setnaja stops speaking, but Dominic's mind hears him clearly. "Wealth I have. Beyond the reckoning of mortals. I have seen to the supplying of material wealth to the Legion in exchange for credits. What good is a diamond when the merchant requires electronic transfer? Tell me the cost of giving me one week with the book. Be mindful that this will not sit well with your superiors, but it is your comrades that would have to be convinced."

Pahi Oki · Post by **Pahi Oki** » Fri May 08, 2020 10:35 am

Exalted Detect Aracana, 10

Pahi Oki seems to be in conversation with himself, unless anyone else can see and speak to the elements.

"Old writings."

"Once truths."

"Purge the untruths."

Pahi Oki looks towards the rough looking figure, uncertain of who or what he is, but he knows there are other ways of dealing with the books in question.

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Fri May 08, 2020 11:57 am

Dom senses Setnaja's arrogance and plays to it as best he can.

"Hey I'd love to take your money, how about some of what you learn and the skull of Mondain - or a convincing facsimile - delivered to some of my associates? I'll also need something to bribe the goody-two-shoes crowd here. Something "heroic" that they can't say no too. Those three things and I'll slide this bad boy across the table right now."

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Fri May 08, 2020 1:19 pm

Using the Tomb as a good reason to keep the more murderous members of the 12th occupied Alex pulled @Kidemonas @Everett Jackson and @Adriana aside well well well out of ear shot of the rest of the group. He would have included @Gaspard Gillead who is not on the burn list, but some one had to keep @Heather Todd and @Dominic Skodati under control. He just gave the shifter a knowing nod as he pulled his “team” aside.

The boy kid stepped out of his power armor and looked at all three. His doe like blue eyes sparkled with courage. He had a good feeling about Kid, Everrett deserved a second chance, and Adriana needed a first. “OK... I need your help to get Nixie out of where she is being held. She will not last more than a night under whatever spell Dom put her under, and honestly it is not safe for her to be in this town anymore. I need your help to bust her out, and get her out of town before someone unsavory kills her. Plus we need to do it without anyone realizing what we are doing. If we can get her to explain what was going on in that church while we do this that is ok too.” He paused unsure of what to say next and stepped back behind his Power Armor slightly embarrassed. The truth was he was smitten with Nixie and he had to see her one last time (and save her life). “Are you in?”

Stealth1d4!-4
Wild 1d6!-4
Elan: 1d4!-2
Wild with elan1d6!-2

Everett Jackson · Post by **Everett Jackson** » Sun May 10, 2020 10:08 pm

Everett yawns as he listens to the assembled group yammering about the tome and what to do with it. This is way above his head. Everett had already tried smashing it with all of his might back at the castle, and Balitrox couldn't even scratch it.

@Alex pulls Everett to the side, and the hulking juicer gives him a smile as the plan unfolds, "Sure, kid. Just promise me something to eat when we're done and I'll do what I can. This is meeting is all greek to me, anyhow. Uh, gibberish that is. I, uh, won't exactly be sneaking out, though. I barely fit through the door in the first place."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Tue May 12, 2020 10:42 pm

Kidemonas nods in confirmation to Alex. He had never turned down a mortal in distress and would not start now. "I will aid you in your moment of need. What is required?"

Kidemonas was not worried about the book, the senior members of the team where on it, and his mission was simply to make sure they lived. Then something occurred to him. "So, who is the boss of this SET? Do we need to run battle plans by someone?"

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Thu May 14, 2020 9:08 am

She listened to the others babble about the book. She'd love a chance to look at it herself. But she knew that was risky and unlikely to happen. Then Alex pulled her aside with the others. She tilts her head slightly to one side.
"She trick you, yes? You still trust she not danger?"
She hadn't said she wouldn't help. She is just making sure he understands the risks they would be taking.

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Thu May 14, 2020 9:36 pm

Gaspard accepts the 'recipe' book when it is offered to him, agreeing silently that @Dominic Skodati should not be 'burdened' with both books. He nods in response to Heather's query. "It appears genuine, and I will be sure of it fairly quickly, once I've had a chance to study it in more detail."

When the discussion of intent arises, he lets the others speak, first, before finally putting in his opinion. "I concur completely with Miss Todd. The nature of the Tome is undeniably evil and corrupting to any who would seek to delve its mysteries; and our duty to the Legion is first and foremost to destroy it as soon as possible."

And when Kidemonas inquires about their command structure, he chuffs a bit. "We've got no chain of command. The group takes a more collaborative approach to decision making. That said, of us all, I, @Dominic Skodati and @Everett Jackson aren't to be trusted with leadership, @Alex has the right spirit but is too young to handle tough decisions easily, and you, @Pahi Oki and @Adriana are both too new to the group to be in that role. So, in cases where we cannot come to an agreement among the group as a whole, you should defer to Miss Todd."

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Fri May 15, 2020 7:57 pm

Eloros the Scribe nods at @Pahi Oki. "In this case, brother warlock, the truths are the untruths, and the untruths are true. It seems the team is set on the Tome's destruction. Having not seen it, and curious myself, I would almost be willing to spend time with Setnaja in perusing. However, it is not mine to dispense with in such a way." He pulls his chair near @Gaspard Gillead and opens the book Clotho had stolen. He points out a few pertinent passages, then comes to the section on the Bleak Tome. "Ah. Here we are. The ritual of unmaking. This is...oh...oh my..." The Scribe blanches as he reads. He looks at @Dominic Skodati. "You are carrying the flesh and bones of an Avatar of Death herself. Unmaking the Tome involves causing the creature to reconstitute and return to the land of the living. All of the magic in the City of Brass and Stormspire, coupled with all the might of all the Coalition States...even if the whole world united against it, we could not hope to defeat such a being." He sighs heavily. "Surely, destroying the book would destroy the world." His head falls into his hands, burdened with the knowledge that world-ending destruction is riding in the pack of the rift runner. Clotho, normally an excitable fellow, sits back in his chair, dejected. His eyes scan the room, looking for an answer that isn't there. Setnaja shakes his head. The silence lasts a few moments until Setnaja speaks again. "I suspected as much, though had no way to confirm without examining it for myself. If destruction is off the table, then let us secure the Tome where it cannot be reached. I can place it in my vault, where none can find it."
Clotho's eyes find the members of the 12th again. "Have we no other choice? Incarnate Death in a readily transportable package is a terrible responsibility, even for Setnaja."

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Fri May 15, 2020 8:03 pm

"Go through rift to bad place then destroy there?" If they were able to seal the rift to keep death from crossing back anyway. Otherwise it would be pointless. She frowns in thought. She isn't sure if they have that capability.

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Sat May 16, 2020 1:43 am

Gaspard Gillead wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2020 9:36 pm And when Kidemonas inquires about their command structure, he chuffs a bit. "We've got no chain of command. The group takes a more collaborative approach to decision making. That said, of us all, I, @Dominic Skodati and @Everett Jackson aren't to be trusted with leadership, @Alex has the right spirit but is too young to handle tough decisions easily, and you, @Pahi Oki and @Adriana are both too new to the group to be in that role. So, in cases where we cannot come to an agreement among the group as a whole, you should defer to Miss Todd."

Kidemonas thinks this is not a good way to run a group, but as he is new maybe it works for them. Though the more he thinks on it the more he realizes when he was in the 3rd SET that very rarely did the person in charge give orders. She would just tell the villagers what to do. "Okay, well um. Thanks. I think I am going to go help Alex then."

Is Kidemonas able to participate here?

Snake Eyes wrote: ↑Fri May 15, 2020 7:57 pm Eloros the Scribe nods at @Pahi Oki. "In this case, brother warlock, the truths are the untruths, and the untruths are true. It seems the team is set on the Tome's destruction. Having not seen it, and curious myself, I would almost be willing to spend time with Setnaja in perusing. However, it is not mine to dispense with in such a way." He pulls his chair near @Gaspard Gillead and opens the book Clotho had stolen. He points out a few pertinent passages, then comes to the section on the Bleak Tome. "Ah. Here we are. The ritual of unmaking. This is...oh...oh my..." The Scribe blanches as he reads. He looks at @Dominic Skodati. "You are carrying the flesh and bones of an Avatar of Death herself. Unmaking the Tome involves causing the creature to reconstitute and return to the land of the living. All of the magic in the City of Brass and Stormspire, coupled with all the might of all the Coalition States...even if the whole world united against it, we could not hope to defeat such a being." He sighs heavily. "Surely, destroying the book would destroy the world." His head falls into his hands, burdened with the knowledge that world-ending destruction is riding in the pack of the rift runner. Clotho, normally an excitable fellow, sits back in his chair, dejected. His eyes scan the room, looking for an answer that isn't there. Setnaja shakes his head. The silence lasts a few moments until Setnaja speaks again. "I suspected as much, though had no way to confirm without examining it for myself. If destruction is off the table, then let us secure the Tome where it cannot be reached. I can place it in my vault, where none can find it."
Clotho's eyes find the members of the 12th again. "Have we no other choice? Incarnate Death in a readily transportable package is a terrible responsibility, even for Setnaja."

That was a whole lot of speech Kidemonas was confused. "So, can't the shifter just like open a rift and toss it in space throwing it to the sun or something?"

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Sat May 16, 2020 7:24 am

Gaspard frowns as the scribe lays out the situation, and thus fails to catch Kidemonas' departing line. "I definitely do not want this Tome to remain in existence. Locking it up would eventually fail, especially since it literally has the ability to corrupt its guardian." He doesn't directly state that he doubts Setnaja's claims to immunity on such matters, but it's not difficult to read between the lines, there, either. Then he turns to @Adriana. "Now, that is some outside the box thinking. I like it. I would not suggest taking the Tome to someplace like Hades or Dyvall, of course--as much as those realms might deserve such a fate, the odds that we would be swarmed before we could complete the Tome's destruction, and thus end up leaving it in the possession of one of the lords of those realms. But there are dead worlds out there--places where there is no life at all, barren and hostile. Some were that way from the moment of their creation; others became bleak wastelands after some magical or technological catastrophe. Either way, such a world would be a suitable home for an Avatar of Death."

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Mon May 18, 2020 12:58 pm

"Well damn." Dom says at the news he was carrying around flesh and bones. "Just my luck, I finally get some skin and it turns about to be another psycho."

Not having heard from Setnaja on his deal Dom presses onward, "The devil man ain't wrong. But I wouldn't just dump a powerful supernatural force on an empty world, we need to lock it up too. Dimensions with only one way in and out and throw away the key. Then again, it just makes a the same problem in a different way. Someone finds the combination and death is unleashed anyway."

Watching the kid sneak out of the meeting Dom nods, Smart little bugger...

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Tue May 19, 2020 11:29 am

She smiles at Gaspard. "Am not just muscle. Would like to study book too but know danger..." She waves her hands as of searching for the word. "Mm bigger? Than want to know." She hopes she conveyed that correctly.

Everett Jackson · Post by **Everett Jackson** » Sat May 23, 2020 8:22 am

"Roger, @Alex" Everett whispers over their personal comm channel.

"Unfit to be leader?" he growls as he steps forward from the doorway, "I was conducting clandestine military ops before most of you were born! I personally underwent the highest quality military training this world has ever offered. Who are you to decide who is worthy, @Gaspard Gillead?

Everett sighs and continues, "I don't care who leads. But lets get our heads out of our asses. Destroy the book. Thats the mission. Standing around talking about it won't get anything done. How about we just agree to do what needs to be done, and get to doing it?"

Pahi Oki · Post by **Pahi Oki** » Sun May 24, 2020 7:53 am

Realizing a fellow warlock or at least someone familiar with warlocks, Pahi Oki uses the language of the elements to speak to Eloros. "The powers of the multi-verse were designed to keep each other in check. Studying the material would give us a means to understanding its weaknesses, making it easier to destroy."

"An empty planet where combined elemental forces could be brought to bear on the Book and its contents sounds ideal."

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Mon May 25, 2020 1:13 pm

Everett Jackson wrote: ↑Sat May 23, 2020 8:22 am "Roger, Alex" Everett whispers over their personal comm channel.

"Unfit to be leader?" he growls as he steps forward from the doorway, "I was conducting clandestine military ops before most of you were born! I personally underwent the highest quality military training this world has ever offered. Who are you to decide who is worthy, Gaspard Gillead?

Everett sighs and continues, "I don't care who leads. But lets get our heads out of our asses. Destroy the book. Thats the mission. Standing around talking about it won't get anything done. How about we just agree to do what needs to be done, and get to doing it?"

Gaspard raises a brow at @Everett Jackson's outburst. "You are not unfit because of lack of skill. You are unfit to lead because at any given moment, particularly in the heat of battle, you could be suborned by a weapon that has stated a desire to butcher most of the group. And you'll note that I also put myself in the same category of being ill-suited to leadership, so do try not to take offense at plainly stated facts. And we are, in fact, talking about how to destroy the book, without destroying the planet, or at least a good portion of this continent. So yes, a little bit of talking is in order before we just leap into action."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Mon May 25, 2020 1:27 pm

Gaspard Gillead wrote: ↑Mon May 25, 2020 1:13 pm Gaspard raises a brow at Everett Jackson's outburst. "You are not unfit because of lack of skill. You are unfit to lead because at any given moment, particularly in the heat of battle, you could be suborned by a weapon that has stated a desire to butcher most of the group. And you'll note that I also put myself in the same category of being ill-suited to leadership, so do try not to take offense at plainly stated facts. And we are, in fact, talking about how to destroy the book, without destroying the planet, or at least a good portion of this continent. So yes, a little bit of talking is in order before we just leap into action."

"So, I am not the expert when it come to magic as such things come to me more by nature than by effort. But I do not understand why you cannot just send it into the sun through a rift. I mean my friend once told me that the sun is so big and hot that even dragons would burn in them and be unable to escape from the gravity. So..." With a shrug Kidemonas leaves the question hanging as he looks at the shifter. He was not really worried about the book, he was more curious about it and would rather being allowed to read it first. But he knew how irrational this team was about trusting new people with valuable information like that.

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Tue May 26, 2020 8:54 pm

Clotho perks up as @Adriana seems to discover a solution he hadn't thought of. "Yes...YES! That could work...couldn't it?" He peers back and forth between Eloros and Setnaja. Eloros' countenance brightens. Setnaja's face remains grim, lost in thought. Clotho continues. "Dangerous...yes. But no more dangerous than leaving an extinction-level event jostling in the rift wallet of a runner."
Setnaja nods as @Dominic Skodati suggests sealing the dimension behind them. "One hopes that the entity cannot itself travel between realities. If it cannot, then I believe I have a ritual that will close that dimension permanently. Please, finalize your plans, but contact me before you depart so I may instruct you."

Dom

With that, the rift to Setnaja closes.
Eloros nods at @Pahi Oki. "This is true, brother. However, as your friend has mentioned, there seems to be little that could stand against this entity's corruption. I am loath to study it deeper for fear of losing myself in the darkness." He smiles at @Kidemonas. "While this would be a reasonable plan under most circumstances, there is no indication that even the hottest sun could unmake such an artifact. If it survives, we have now launched this curse into a star where certain already-powerful entities may be able to reach it." He shakes his head. "All my research suggests that the only way to be rid of it is to release the avatar."
Clotho nods vigorously in agreement. Eloros sits back in his chair, addressing what is left of the group. "The library of the College is at your disposal. Take some time. Let us, together, find a suitable place to leave such a hideous entity. Make yourselves comfortable here. You have been given faculty privileges during your stay. The password for the guild network is 'abracadabra-alakazam'."
Clotho speaks up. "What of the cultist girl you brought? Shall we turn her over to the authorities? Leave her here as a target for arcane experimentation by the students?" He laughs madly. Eloros shoots him a look of disdain. Clotho collects himself. "Oh, pshaw. It was a jape. She is harmless, and we haven't experimented on vagabonds in years!" The scribe just shakes his head as Clotho snickers and snorts.

Instructions

Heather Todd · Post by **Heather Todd** » Thu May 28, 2020 4:43 am

Occult 7

Merctown/Temple of Harmony
Evening
Round 0

[Bugger all. I got unsubscribed again!]

Heather wasn’t too convinced by Setnaja’s words. “Pride before the fall and all that, sir,” she told Setnaja. “Such was the conviction of Saruman and Denethor as well, thinking they could best the will of Sauron, the Dark Lord.”

Focused on Setnaja, Heather didn’t notice Alex beginning to plot with the others. She was a bit surprised when Gaspard called her leader, as they hadn’t really assigned one on the team, but then her sister always said it was her nature to butt forward and start telling others what to do. Heather blushed a bit at that.

Then the verdict is delivered, and it wasn’t pretty. “We can’t destroy the book. We can’t leave it lying around. We can’t be sure it will be safe anywhere.” She rubbed her forehead, pushing back against the migraine that was forming. “How convenient for you, Setnaja” Heather said wryly, looking at their patron.

But Gilead comes up with another option that Clotho likes. Heather isn’t quite sure about it, but it seems to wrap up the conversation to everyone’s satisfaction.

“I will start on some research then,” Heather said.

Before settling in the library, Heather grabbed her field computer and a thermos of coffee.

Heather hunkered down in the library for hours. She tried not to lose herself in all the knowledge here, but she managed to find a place called Amity, formerly the home of the Shlaes, a powerful race of crystalmancers. A rift had developed in the civilization, however, and those that used magic warred with those that used the power of the mind. Both factions eventually developed an “ultimate weapon” that eradicated all life. But all that magic and psionic energy had infused the crystalline planet with power that could be tapped by a competent user.

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Pahi Oki · Post by **Pahi Oki** » Thu May 28, 2020 5:42 am

Pahi Oki taps Eloros the Scribe on the shoulder, "I know not about a library. Maybe the brethrenat the Temple of the Four Elements could help in my search?"

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Fri May 29, 2020 7:24 pm

Eloros nods and smiles at @Pahi Oki. "Yes...I do believe I can arrange something. There is a hot spring outside of the town to the east. It runs beneath the ley line. At sunset, let us convene there with some of our brethren. We shall see what the universe might tell us."

Pahi

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Fri Jun 05, 2020 5:10 pm

Dom appears to nod in agreement at the course of action, but it is also to Setnaja.

"Well, I am not fan of prison. That's why I'm the only one in this gang who hasn't killed anyone or summoned a demon lately." He lets that hang in the air for a second before continuing, "But seems like the best way to handle destroying the book is to lock down ol' death junior. This isn't something we're going to do in the next couple of hours. Preparation for a ritual of this magnitude might take some time" Dom eyes Clotho, "You got any idea how long it'll take to set something like this up? This book is a hot ticket but I don't want to screw up and meet its occupant either."

After the meeting Dom takes full advantage of the Collegiate's vast occult resources, most of it for their project but some of it to skim potential new targets or forbidden knowledge he can use or sell.

As he digs into the research Dom fixates on a unique opportunity. A dimension with magical properties like this one has to get its power from somewhere, and the answer is gantrium. Not really familiar with the ore the rift runner looks it up and his eyes go wide. A mystical metal that can harness, channel, and amplify arcane power. He salivates while reading about the Rings of the Elder used during the Tolkeen war, apparently they were made of this same metal. Visions of credits dance in his head as he contemplates selling such a valuable magical property to the highest bidder. This do-gooder job was looking up. Get the fake skull, get the gantrium, get the credits. Everybody wins and nobody dies.

Well unless they unleash the avatar of death on the Megaverse.

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Wed Jun 10, 2020 4:16 am

Adriana smiled at Clotho. "I study magic, too. Is good to have ideas from many place."

She helped the discussion along and did some research but as soon as attention wasn't really on Hera d she wouldn't be noticed for being absent she slipped out after Alex. He needed help with the girl and she didn't think the girl was evil, just misguided. With Clotho joking about human experimenting on humans, she didn't think it was wise to take a chance of leaving Nixie to anyone who might really still think that was a good idea.

OOC Comments

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Thu Jun 25, 2020 8:10 pm

OOC Comments

It takes Gaspard much longer than Heather and Dominic to bring back information, but once he does, it's clear he's in his element, here.

First, he discloses that he found a journal by another Shifter, Alexii Pirrault, who happened to stumble upon Amity after its indigenous population managed to annihilate themselves. According to Pirrault, the planet continues to suffer aftershocks from the doomsday weapons. "Pirrault said that the planet's supply of gantrium ore keeps re-triggering the initial devastation. Magic and psychic energies alike rush across the landscape at random intervals wreaking havoc, and sometimes crashing into each other in massive conflagration he called Nihil Storms. According to Pirrault, even short trips to the plane are extremely risky because of these energies, and long-term expeditions are a suicidal endeavor--resettlement would be completely out of the question. One key aspect he notes is that any Rift caught in a Nihil Storm is not only closed, but seemingly utterly destroyed--his few return visits always required him to forge a fresh Rift, and he would flee at the first sign of either an arcane or psychic wave. Anything over half a day is basically inviting destruction--as a result, those who now know of the realm will regard it as not worth the bother--ideal for our purposes."

Then he holds up a second volume, this one much thicker. "This is part of a long memoir of an elven researcher named Corelias, from about four hundred years ago. Only one little bit is significant to us, here. He encountered one of the Shlaes who had fled the dimension before its destruction; the two became associates for a time. He describes one particular feature--apparently, it had become commonplace for the Shlaes to embed an empowered gem in their bodies. The location depended on which faction they were a part of--psychics would embed it in their forehead, while their magic-using counterparts would place it in the sternum, over their hearts. For each, the process gave considerable power--they would gain several abilities, and be able to tap into a nearly bottom wellspring of PPE or ISP, as fit their inclination. When Corelias' companion died, however, the elf discovered that the skull--the unnamed companion was a psychic--retained an echo of that power. According to Corelias, the skull had a modest store of ISP, that could be tapped by the bearer, or be used to activate a singular ability--it could inflict terror on a target, or even a group of enemies. As this was a power that his friend often used, he hypothesized that other remnants might retain the mark of their bearers in a similar fashion. If we are lucky, we might find some useful artifacts as a result of our trip."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Tue Jul 07, 2020 2:07 pm

Kidemonas thought a simple distraction would be easy. After all, how often do you see three lords of battle rumbling in an alleyway. But unfortunately it was too good of a distraction. Within 15 minutes there was an assortment of vehicle weapons and small little men pointing weapons at him and everyone looked as nervous as could be. Explaining his way out of the situation took him half an hour and every bit of honesty he could muster.

But all said and done that left Kidemonas with a ton of down time to roam around before joining up with the others. Splitting up with the others Kid decided to look around the town a bit and see what all he could learn. From endless drinking with some color fellows to just roaming around. Eventually though Kidemonas was forced to return to the others when he could feel his mind growing tired and his ability to maintain a human form failing.

Upon returning Kidemonas sees the whole team pouring through books like a bunch of dessert riders drinking from a well. “Wow, what are you all reading about that is so interesting?” He asks, but on hearing the answer he realizes this is one area where being the most powerful dragon would not be helpful. However he did know some magic and could help a little. So sitting down he started looking himself and seeing what he could find, or perhaps help with.

Occult success

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 9:31 am

After all the time spent in the city and working with various frustrating people, Adriana needed to get away. She slipped out of the city and into the surrounding woods before shifting to her panther form and going for a run and some hunting. She didn't need to find food that way with the city so close but it felt great and it was just what she needed to feel herself again.

She picked up the trail of a small coyote and gave chase. It took a while as the creature decidedly did NOT want to be eaten but she succeeded anyway.

She settled down to eat her catch and was mostly done when she realized there was a backpack just sitting on the ground nearby unattended. She cleaned her chops and groomed herself a bit before shifting back to human form.

"Ola?" She called. But there was no response. She waited a while and still no one came. Eventually she shrugged and indulged her curiosity by opening the pack and searching inside. She pulled out the usual sorts of items for a traveller. Clothes, likely for a man based on the size. Some rations. Items to set up a camp. But it was the book inside that truly intrigued her.

She sat down with the book in her lap and began reading. It was written in American so she was a bit slow in reading it but she muddled through. Apparently the person who lost the book was a magic user. It was his journal that included his research as well as random thoughts.

After some hours, it began to get dark so she started a fire to keep herself warm and to be able to continue reading. The owner did not return and she finally settled in to sleep for the night.

When she woke in the morning, she found herself still alone and decided to try tracking the person. Magic users tended not to be subtle moving through the woods so the trail was fairly easy to follow. She packed everything up and took the pack and book with her.

It looked like he was running from something though she wasn't sure what. After a bit she found signs of a fight with some scorch marks on the ground. It looked like neither of the combatants actually won but both survived. There were some blood droplets and she followed them to find the man. He had obviously tried to circle back to his pack but hadn't made it there.

She found him unconscious a ways away and looked over his wounds. She cleaned the wounds then healed him and waited for him to awaken.

He had been on his way to the city when the attack happened. He thanked her profusely for saving his life. She returned his things and lead him to the city while they discussed his research on magic. It was an animated conversation for all her American was halting.

They made it back to the city and separated as she needed to find her group and he needed to meet with the collegium.

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