This temple opened with the same key and we found an encampmen the Order of the Radiant Heart had been here a long time. We had found footholds throughout the many temples but this was where they had made their base. They were focused on an Archway. A darkened gateway with a powerful guardian who destroyed any that opposed him. He was not unable to be reasoned with though. The trials he demanded of those seeking to pass through the true archway.
Inigo and I made our camp on there outskirts of the Temple, away from a massive battle that was taking place to the south. The Order would even join the knights who guarded the temple from time to time, but their goal and ours was to find the true archway of the City of Shade. We had all come so far but with each passing day we grew weary. There were a few oddities and more markings in the temple. The most disturbing of all in this place was the shattered Spirit of Karsus, the undoer of the weave, the one whose folly forced Lord Shadow to conceal the floating city Shade of the Netheril in the Shadow Realms.
This the scrolls could tell us but we would be given help another way. After losing track of how long we were within the shadow temple Masks message came to us. It was at this time we had to make ourselves known to each other and it seemed the Order had known much. There was enough time to ask only three questions.
He had brought us back to the weeping child again but we soon traversed into the Temple, further than ever. The most important revelation was that of where the true Archway lay hidden. It was where the ritual must be performed. And where a strange circle and a man who would only tell us he was the lost apprentice stood.
The Order marched back to their base encampment, the leaders conversing in hushed tones and wild gesticulations. Inigo and I stared at each other and we studied the area. Trying to figure out how a whole Archway could be concealed here.
The Lost Pages and the Weeping Child
The New City was no challenge to her. The sorrow of this city was ancient. Those who could have remembered were almost all gone and those that did took solace in the New City they had built by the sea. Thoughts of where to travel next consumed her. She could feel the pain in the world but it seemed hidden from her. As if it had been sealed away from the world. A shadow of what it once was.
The veil was broken for me. The book fell from the heavens and glowed with an eerie light. The very air around it crackled with magic. Not something to be seen but felt. It contained the 12 scrolls. The writings of the only one to have traversed the shadow temple and seen the spirit of Karsus and seen the ritual performed by the Knights of Shade and the Nexus Monk. An inscription in the book was as if it were written in shadows and disappeared completely in the light:
"Find the child, you and others have been shown the way to undo the sorrow."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was months before I met Inigo in the clouds, lost within them. The bear at his side looked as frustrated as he did with the place. I let them see me and he was glad for the company as we found our way out. It was then we met the child, sobbing continually. I did all I could to comfort him but the few things that brought him any solace only bring more tears to his eyes.
We spent all out days searching the ruins of the temples. The child's cries echoing throughout the area a constant reminder to us that we were in the right place. The scrolls held the answer, and we came to see that they always would. The large pillars had to be shifted, which proved dangerous in the crumbling temple. But we remained loyal to our task. At the right moment we closed our eyes and awoke in the temple.
It was not the same temple. It was restored. Monks meditated, praying for the wisdom and patience to become more than apprentices and find courage to battle the horrors that awaited outside. After we spent months presenting ourselves to the head monk and playing the games the other monks would play with the spirits in the temple we were found worthy and given a key to the temple gates and were told to defend the gates with all our might.
As we opened the gates we saw an incredible battle taking place. Monks and hero's of the realms battled horrifying worm like creatures that the Apprentices inside had warned us about. Every so often a terrifying creature would spring to life out of the acidic blood of the creatures we killed. And after a few days of this, we found we were not the first to find our way to this plane of existence. And after many more days of studying the pillars and the movements of the loyal monks and the markings on the walls, it was then that we found a way to traverse into the next realm.
The veil was broken for me. The book fell from the heavens and glowed with an eerie light. The very air around it crackled with magic. Not something to be seen but felt. It contained the 12 scrolls. The writings of the only one to have traversed the shadow temple and seen the spirit of Karsus and seen the ritual performed by the Knights of Shade and the Nexus Monk. An inscription in the book was as if it were written in shadows and disappeared completely in the light:
"Find the child, you and others have been shown the way to undo the sorrow."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was months before I met Inigo in the clouds, lost within them. The bear at his side looked as frustrated as he did with the place. I let them see me and he was glad for the company as we found our way out. It was then we met the child, sobbing continually. I did all I could to comfort him but the few things that brought him any solace only bring more tears to his eyes.
We spent all out days searching the ruins of the temples. The child's cries echoing throughout the area a constant reminder to us that we were in the right place. The scrolls held the answer, and we came to see that they always would. The large pillars had to be shifted, which proved dangerous in the crumbling temple. But we remained loyal to our task. At the right moment we closed our eyes and awoke in the temple.
It was not the same temple. It was restored. Monks meditated, praying for the wisdom and patience to become more than apprentices and find courage to battle the horrors that awaited outside. After we spent months presenting ourselves to the head monk and playing the games the other monks would play with the spirits in the temple we were found worthy and given a key to the temple gates and were told to defend the gates with all our might.
As we opened the gates we saw an incredible battle taking place. Monks and hero's of the realms battled horrifying worm like creatures that the Apprentices inside had warned us about. Every so often a terrifying creature would spring to life out of the acidic blood of the creatures we killed. And after a few days of this, we found we were not the first to find our way to this plane of existence. And after many more days of studying the pillars and the movements of the loyal monks and the markings on the walls, it was then that we found a way to traverse into the next realm.
the true archway
Again Mask disappeared from the group's vision.
Only this time the group found themselves being folding into the fabrics of time and space. Within moments the entire group that was gathered within the temple found themselves on another plane of existence.
Mask himself had become a bit more tangible. We must be close to his actual resting place.
'I am not sure if this will suffice your question, but '
'When you have the required components to preform the ritual come here.'
'This is where the true archway lies.'
'It doesn't look like much but if you preform the ritual correctly here you will find your path to the Nexus Library.'
The information Mask had given them had been invaluable. The entire group sat in silence as their final question had been answered. They all stared at mask in anticipation of what would happen next.
'It has been a great effort to sustain myself away from my body.'
'I must leave again but you gathered hear today are our best hope.'
'Stay vigilant and I wish to see you all again soon.'
His time on the plane had expired and Mask's form began to deteriorate into shadows on the ground. As he faded, the group discussed what they had learned.
It would give them a new foothold and reenergize their efforts.
Psycho and his Knights returned to camp, to write down all they had seen.
Only this time the group found themselves being folding into the fabrics of time and space. Within moments the entire group that was gathered within the temple found themselves on another plane of existence.
Mask himself had become a bit more tangible. We must be close to his actual resting place.
'I am not sure if this will suffice your question, but '
'When you have the required components to preform the ritual come here.'
'This is where the true archway lies.'
'It doesn't look like much but if you preform the ritual correctly here you will find your path to the Nexus Library.'
The information Mask had given them had been invaluable. The entire group sat in silence as their final question had been answered. They all stared at mask in anticipation of what would happen next.
'It has been a great effort to sustain myself away from my body.'
'I must leave again but you gathered hear today are our best hope.'
'Stay vigilant and I wish to see you all again soon.'
His time on the plane had expired and Mask's form began to deteriorate into shadows on the ground. As he faded, the group discussed what they had learned.
It would give them a new foothold and reenergize their efforts.
Psycho and his Knights returned to camp, to write down all they had seen.
Behold the virtues
Mask responded to the amazement 'I can sense you don't believe me, I will be at the High Monk.'
With that Mask vanished from the clouds.
The group ran to the monk, killing several Legandary Vesserab along the way. When the arrived they saw him. Mask stood at the High Monk still holding the four virtues.
When the group reassembled Mask knelt before The High Monk.
The monk acknowledged Mask's virtues and handed him a shiny black key.
The group had only once more question remaining, and it had better be a good one. The concern of how to reach the Nexus Library was at the tip of their tongue, but it was important to ask the question the proper way.
The group had some more discussion before they were ready to ask their final question.
The decided the best way to the shadow realm and the nexus library was through the unbinding ritual.
Psycho asked their final question. 'Can you show us the unbinding ritual?'
Mask again chuckled at this response. 'I can not show you the ritual directly, because it is a very delicate process.' 'I can however show you where the true archway is '
With that Mask vanished from the clouds.
The group ran to the monk, killing several Legandary Vesserab along the way. When the arrived they saw him. Mask stood at the High Monk still holding the four virtues.
When the group reassembled Mask knelt before The High Monk.
The monk acknowledged Mask's virtues and handed him a shiny black key.
The group had only once more question remaining, and it had better be a good one. The concern of how to reach the Nexus Library was at the tip of their tongue, but it was important to ask the question the proper way.
The group had some more discussion before they were ready to ask their final question.
The decided the best way to the shadow realm and the nexus library was through the unbinding ritual.
Psycho asked their final question. 'Can you show us the unbinding ritual?'
Mask again chuckled at this response. 'I can not show you the ritual directly, because it is a very delicate process.' 'I can however show you where the true archway is '
second question
The answer had been simple and to the point. The translator was beyond our current ability. He would be located within the shadow realms itself.
While the book would contain valuable information it was still out of reach.
The group again huddles up and discussed the answer to their question in an attempt to focus the coming questions. It would be pertinent to not waste the remaining questions on information we could not use yet.
After discussion had slowed again it was Psycho who spoke the groups question. 'We have been able to locate two of the four virtues; Temperance and Fortitude.' 'How can we demonstrate the remaining virtues to the Head Monk.'
A quite murmur spread over the group in anticipation.
'So you want to know how you can demonstrate Wisdom and Justice to the High Monk?'
It was not only Psycho that replied to this 'Yes' 'Yep'
'Yes' and 'Indeed' could all be heard in response to the God's question.
Mask produced two items.
Psycho was amazed at his own shortsightedness.
'I think these might work ' The group had tried similar items but stood amazed.
While the book would contain valuable information it was still out of reach.
The group again huddles up and discussed the answer to their question in an attempt to focus the coming questions. It would be pertinent to not waste the remaining questions on information we could not use yet.
After discussion had slowed again it was Psycho who spoke the groups question. 'We have been able to locate two of the four virtues; Temperance and Fortitude.' 'How can we demonstrate the remaining virtues to the Head Monk.'
A quite murmur spread over the group in anticipation.
'So you want to know how you can demonstrate Wisdom and Justice to the High Monk?'
It was not only Psycho that replied to this 'Yes' 'Yep'
'Yes' and 'Indeed' could all be heard in response to the God's question.
Mask produced two items.
Psycho was amazed at his own shortsightedness.
'I think these might work ' The group had tried similar items but stood amazed.
first question
As the group gathered closer to Mask he spoke
'I do not have much time on this plane of existence'
'I will be able answer only three questions about the temple.'
The group that had gathered around, namely Belldandy, Inigo, Psycho and Order Knights Xzar and Raistlin. The group quickly decided that they would devise the questions together and attempt to answer some of their most difficult questions. Of all the questions that they could ask it would be difficult to boil it down to only three, but the group was quick to decide on a few.
When the group had decided the first question it was Psycho who spoke for the group.
'Okay I believe we have come to some consensus'
'Before I ask the questions I want to say Thank you for hearing our prayers.'
'The time is nearing and you are all growing wearing of the circles. I hope to bring back the hope.'
'We appreciate the help and are dedicated to freeing you from your prison and breaking the spell plague.'
'Our first question is regarding the Book of Shade Magic.'
'How do we reach the person that can translate the book?'
Mask chuckled at the question before he spoke again
'A great question, but I'm sure the answer is not what you want.'
'I do not have much time on this plane of existence'
'I will be able answer only three questions about the temple.'
The group that had gathered around, namely Belldandy, Inigo, Psycho and Order Knights Xzar and Raistlin. The group quickly decided that they would devise the questions together and attempt to answer some of their most difficult questions. Of all the questions that they could ask it would be difficult to boil it down to only three, but the group was quick to decide on a few.
When the group had decided the first question it was Psycho who spoke for the group.
'Okay I believe we have come to some consensus'
'Before I ask the questions I want to say Thank you for hearing our prayers.'
'The time is nearing and you are all growing wearing of the circles. I hope to bring back the hope.'
'We appreciate the help and are dedicated to freeing you from your prison and breaking the spell plague.'
'Our first question is regarding the Book of Shade Magic.'
'How do we reach the person that can translate the book?'
Mask chuckled at the question before he spoke again
'A great question, but I'm sure the answer is not what you want.'
mask appears
No sooner than Psycho had situated Hannibal's shackles he got an urgent message from his team stationed at The Shadow Temple. Raistlin contacted Psycho clearly and with a twang of surprise in his connection.
'My Lord, please come quick there is something important happening at the temple. A Ghost of Mask has appeared before the camp and is asking for those leading the effort to rescue him.'
'You have done well brother! I will be there ASAP.'
'I have already prepared transport for you.'
Within moments Psycho was transported to the base of The Shadow Temple. There indeed was Mask standing within the clouds, near the weeping child.
Mask was not nearly as clear as the signal Psycho had recked from Raistlin. The God was a fragment of his truepower, still locked away within The Shadow Realm. Even in his weakened state he was a sight for sore eyes.
That meant not only was it not too late to save the gods, but also that they wanted to return.
As Psycho drew close he saw the Knights of the Order were not the only group to notice Mask's presence.
'My Lord, please come quick there is something important happening at the temple. A Ghost of Mask has appeared before the camp and is asking for those leading the effort to rescue him.'
'You have done well brother! I will be there ASAP.'
'I have already prepared transport for you.'
Within moments Psycho was transported to the base of The Shadow Temple. There indeed was Mask standing within the clouds, near the weeping child.
Mask was not nearly as clear as the signal Psycho had recked from Raistlin. The God was a fragment of his truepower, still locked away within The Shadow Realm. Even in his weakened state he was a sight for sore eyes.
That meant not only was it not too late to save the gods, but also that they wanted to return.
As Psycho drew close he saw the Knights of the Order were not the only group to notice Mask's presence.
An impromptu Open Forum
The voices in my head grow and grow. Many challenges found in the temples have been overcome, but there is still the summit to be reached. The voices grow louder as more and more heroes step up to attempt the discovery of the portals and Mask's chamber.
"Perhaps it's time" Mask thought to himself, "to give them that push they need."
With a burst Mask travelled to the Weeping child located at the entrance to the Shadow Temples. Then placing his voice on the wind he muttered to the Realms of an open forum.
"In half days time I shall answer three questions total to any and all participants related to the secrets of the Shadow Temples. The information you see to overcome the challenges could be found if you ask the right questions."
OOC - In about 30 minutes, I'll answer 3 questions about anything you'd like related to the shadow temples. All are welcome to listen and join in on the RP. This is a one time happening so call your friends. I'll post an RP note follow up after the forum.
"Perhaps it's time" Mask thought to himself, "to give them that push they need."
With a burst Mask travelled to the Weeping child located at the entrance to the Shadow Temples. Then placing his voice on the wind he muttered to the Realms of an open forum.
"In half days time I shall answer three questions total to any and all participants related to the secrets of the Shadow Temples. The information you see to overcome the challenges could be found if you ask the right questions."
OOC - In about 30 minutes, I'll answer 3 questions about anything you'd like related to the shadow temples. All are welcome to listen and join in on the RP. This is a one time happening so call your friends. I'll post an RP note follow up after the forum.
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