*Snow-white, Ferin wings his way to you. He perches, his head cocked, and looks at Kineada with a question in his eyes. He seems to understand something, and once the missive has been read, takes the scroll in his beak and arrives at Orn's side. He drops the beak-creased scroll into his lap and gives a screech. He vanishes just as fast to deliver his remaining missive to Vorcet.*
Kineada and Vorcet,
I write this because I have been quite involved in my newest family and growing settled in here has been... new and a slight bit difficult. Change ever is.
At any rate - I met with Ror some time ago and he showed interest in bringing culture and education to Westbridge. As I have a past with him, I was hoping that one of you might arrange to speak with him and consider what he has to say. I'm not opposed to seeing a library and school in Westbridge for the newly liberated.
We can offer at least something - be it teachers or scribes perhaps to aid in getting the endeavor on its feet - if we choose to involve ourselves.
Should you have need of me, I can be found in the cottage in the eastern section of the Druid's Grove. I will likely be here for a bit longer, attempting to settle Matinus into some semblance of a family life that he's been missing for so long. He reminds me so much of Orn - a strong boy with a good heart and capable mind.
Wishing you well,
Sanria
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query label:RPnote label:Vorcet. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query label:RPnote label:Vorcet. Sort by date Show all posts
The Floating Island
Vorcet walked in silence next to the large golden man, taking in the sights of the opulent castle it seemed he may be shortly moving into. "For someone who had questions, you are relatively silent wizard." Garlech said without looking at him.
"I've a multitude of question I would love to ask but it's very difficult finding a place to start after learning so many things you diddnt know could exist." Vorcet explained. "I have studdied the ruins of Myth Drannor for longer than the average mortal lifespan. I gave up my mortality to be able to continue to do so as I knew there was a lesson in there somewhere. I've fought the Lich thats entrenched in the temple there. However, in all of this time, not once have i ever heard of the Rilmani." Vorcet eyed the gold skinned giant as they continued their walk.
"We have had countless millenia to perfect watching without being seen Vorcet." Garlech said with a hint of amusement in his voice. "The demons themselves coming through their gates is actually what allows us to pass into and out of the prime material plane. Also, I believe that what I am about to show you will explain things a bit better."
Garlech lead Vorcet through an archway and onto a balcony overlooking the island below,and the edge pf the island where it dropped away completely hundreds of feet straight down. "This island floats?" Vorcet asked with more than a bit of confusion. "Indeed" responded Garlech. "But... That means... There is a Mythallar here. But all of those were lost when Karsus tried to steal the power of a god."
"All but one of the Netheril cities was lost. And we Rilmani have agents on all planes of existance." Garlech responded as he looked out over the island. "Have you given thought to our proposal?"
"I had already made up my mind about that before we left the meeting room Garlech. However, this conversation has just cemented that that for me. It apears as though I have more to learn than I had even considdered." Vorcet responded
"Real wisdom is knowing that there is always more to learn." The golden man said around the smirk on his face. "Let me show you the rest of the castle and your quarters."
"I've a multitude of question I would love to ask but it's very difficult finding a place to start after learning so many things you diddnt know could exist." Vorcet explained. "I have studdied the ruins of Myth Drannor for longer than the average mortal lifespan. I gave up my mortality to be able to continue to do so as I knew there was a lesson in there somewhere. I've fought the Lich thats entrenched in the temple there. However, in all of this time, not once have i ever heard of the Rilmani." Vorcet eyed the gold skinned giant as they continued their walk.
"We have had countless millenia to perfect watching without being seen Vorcet." Garlech said with a hint of amusement in his voice. "The demons themselves coming through their gates is actually what allows us to pass into and out of the prime material plane. Also, I believe that what I am about to show you will explain things a bit better."
Garlech lead Vorcet through an archway and onto a balcony overlooking the island below,and the edge pf the island where it dropped away completely hundreds of feet straight down. "This island floats?" Vorcet asked with more than a bit of confusion. "Indeed" responded Garlech. "But... That means... There is a Mythallar here. But all of those were lost when Karsus tried to steal the power of a god."
"All but one of the Netheril cities was lost. And we Rilmani have agents on all planes of existance." Garlech responded as he looked out over the island. "Have you given thought to our proposal?"
"I had already made up my mind about that before we left the meeting room Garlech. However, this conversation has just cemented that that for me. It apears as though I have more to learn than I had even considdered." Vorcet responded
"Real wisdom is knowing that there is always more to learn." The golden man said around the smirk on his face. "Let me show you the rest of the castle and your quarters."
Plans and Revelations
Sanria sat at her desk surrounded by a mound of parchment and books. In the passing of days, she had found herself looking deeper into the one thing the Rilmani wouldn't share with her, the thing that took Colin so far away that he couldn't be found. Planar travel. She shared this with no one, and as Vorcet knocked and entered her office, she took care to hide the parchments and close the books. The obsession was slowly growing, and she had considered, briefly, finding the necklaces that were hidden away - even if they were dangerous.
They were quick to reach the matter at hand: the occupation of Westbridge and the idea that perhaps the time was now to end it. The keepers would not bring about that battle. "The Rilmani have made it clear they will not aid us in this endeavor," said Sanria.
"I can certainly understand their point of view in this. The way things are headed this ends with the city in the control of the TriPower or one of the other forces involved. Which is just as imbalanced as it is now."
"That would be something we would have to discuss with the other sides, a neutral ground. No one wants to see Westbridge back in the hands of an occupying force."
"A Council of the various groups that use Westbridge as a hub would not be a bad idea."
"Indeed. If it were a place for all governments, then it would be unlikely that it would fall again. The people could live in some sort of peace for a change."
But how likely the other forces at work would be willing to see it was beyond Sanria. She had never done anything remotely like involving herself in politics. Not in a fashion where she would reach out to make an offer without having anything to bring in return. The Keepers did not have an army, they did not even have the backing of the Rilmani. They were more of a citizen group, and to top it off, she was moving ahead without waiting for a reply from Kineada.
When Vorcet pulled the Vectorian armors from his pack, they knew then the angle they would have. "Perhaps it is time I put this garment to use," Vorcet said. "I leave my phylactery secured in a place nobody but me can access."
"We might be able to use it if you are willing to gather intelligence. If we can promise Hoard and Radiant that we will aid them without their incurring damage, they may be willing to play by our rules."
"If I am able to successfully infiltrate those guarding the town I may be able to find a weakness in the defenses."
"I don't want you to put yourself in a situation if you aren't absolutely certain," Sanria said, realizing how motherly it sounded. "Danger is the least of the worries. Vector... well... they're..."
"I know well the evils that lie within Vector's borders and what they are capable of."
"Alright. I'll work up a proposal. With luck, they'll accept. If we could get Westbridge balanced... just think of it."
After Vorcet left the office, Sanria glanced over at the stack of planar parchments. With a steeling inhale, she left them at the side and pulled a blank piece from her desk. She then drew up an entreaty to the heads of Hoard and Radiant Heart. She felt a warmth thinking that perhaps Throm would have been proud.
They were quick to reach the matter at hand: the occupation of Westbridge and the idea that perhaps the time was now to end it. The keepers would not bring about that battle. "The Rilmani have made it clear they will not aid us in this endeavor," said Sanria.
"I can certainly understand their point of view in this. The way things are headed this ends with the city in the control of the TriPower or one of the other forces involved. Which is just as imbalanced as it is now."
"That would be something we would have to discuss with the other sides, a neutral ground. No one wants to see Westbridge back in the hands of an occupying force."
"A Council of the various groups that use Westbridge as a hub would not be a bad idea."
"Indeed. If it were a place for all governments, then it would be unlikely that it would fall again. The people could live in some sort of peace for a change."
But how likely the other forces at work would be willing to see it was beyond Sanria. She had never done anything remotely like involving herself in politics. Not in a fashion where she would reach out to make an offer without having anything to bring in return. The Keepers did not have an army, they did not even have the backing of the Rilmani. They were more of a citizen group, and to top it off, she was moving ahead without waiting for a reply from Kineada.
When Vorcet pulled the Vectorian armors from his pack, they knew then the angle they would have. "Perhaps it is time I put this garment to use," Vorcet said. "I leave my phylactery secured in a place nobody but me can access."
"We might be able to use it if you are willing to gather intelligence. If we can promise Hoard and Radiant that we will aid them without their incurring damage, they may be willing to play by our rules."
"If I am able to successfully infiltrate those guarding the town I may be able to find a weakness in the defenses."
"I don't want you to put yourself in a situation if you aren't absolutely certain," Sanria said, realizing how motherly it sounded. "Danger is the least of the worries. Vector... well... they're..."
"I know well the evils that lie within Vector's borders and what they are capable of."
"Alright. I'll work up a proposal. With luck, they'll accept. If we could get Westbridge balanced... just think of it."
After Vorcet left the office, Sanria glanced over at the stack of planar parchments. With a steeling inhale, she left them at the side and pulled a blank piece from her desk. She then drew up an entreaty to the heads of Hoard and Radiant Heart. She felt a warmth thinking that perhaps Throm would have been proud.
New Directions (1-2)
Sanria sent the missive to Kineada and Vorcet, then sat back in her chair. Nioma cooed contentedly on the floor, a rather quiet child by all measures. She closed her eyes. She had to talk to someone, and Enmach was far from helpful in matters where emotions were at stake. The silvery woman was so stoic as to be nearly useless when discussing matters close to the heart. Sanria did the best she could on her own, but nothing was working. Things at her home were falling apart, and if things fell apart there, they'd soon follow her to the castle. A situation she couldn't afford. "Fenlauch," she called in her mind, "Might I see you?"
The tall Rilmani entered her office with a friendly smile, his bright eyes shining from within as he looked at her. "I was very close, in case you were wondering."
Sanria managed a smile. She talked to Fenlauch at length about Colin and the black makou within him. "We've not found a way to clear it from his blood without killing him, and the one hope I thought we might have had has..." Sanria glanced at Nioma and back to Fenlauch. "Well, he's been absent for a long time now. I'm suffocating beneath Colin's fears and his insecurities to the point I'm lying to him to get away. I can't deal with it anymore."
"It makes sense, but the lies?"
"I really don't want to go into detail, but they're horrible."
"I see."
"Please tell me there's something you or your people can do. Anything."
She held her breath as Fenlauch put a hand to his chin. He looked at Sanria for a long time, as though sizing her up from the inside. She couldn't help but feel that he was measuring her worth, making some type of calculation as to how much he could truly trust her. At long last he spoke. "I can escort him to our home plane. We have brilliant minds that could look at him and perhaps determine a solution."
"Your... home plane? You mean he'd have to leave here?"
"It would appear that given your story, it's the only hope he has."
"Yes, but I don't know that he'll do it. He's..." Sanria sighed deeply.
"I believe if he is told what is at stake, he will go willingly. It sounds as though he cares deeply for his family."
"Obsessively so."
"Then he will have no other option but to see his last resort."
Sanria appeared in the large cavern opening to her home with Fenlauch at her side. The Rilmani took a moment to look around, nodding to himself.
"Pretty."
"I think so," she replied, opening the front door to bring them both inside. She gave a small smile as Fenlauch attempted to duck and squeeze through the doorways. While he could stand perfectly well within the home, doorways were far from nine-foot tall entrances. "If you don't mind waiting until I call for you, I think it would go over better," Sanria said, leading Fenlauch to the library. "Of course."
Sanria walked into the bedroom where Colin lay on the bed, sweating and turning in his sleep. He jerked awake as Sanria shook him lightly. He seemed utterly exhausted - she knew he would be. He always was when the darkness used him. She felt horrible. This particular episode was her fault entirely, but she couldn't carry the guilt. She had reached her breaking point as well. She could no longer live with Colin as he was. Something had to give, and it did.
At her call, Fenlauch walked in and Sanria watched the light scowl form on Colin's face. The black makou was already driving him once more to anger -Colin blamed Fenlauch for her desire to heal Westbridge. And once more, tiringly so, she had to beg him to stop. Miraculously, Colin did quiet his anger.
Fenlauch hadn't been told anything about her plans for Westbridge, but he refrained from saying anything more. He told Colin that they might be able to help him, and at Sanria's urgings, Colin finally chose to go. It took only moments for Fenlauch to cast an unintelligible spell and vanish through the fabric of reality with Colin behind him.
Sanria sat for a long moment on the bed where Colin had just lain. She knew she might never see him again. Though she had tired completely of the smothering black makou, all the anger, the outbursts, the distrust of everyone, she still loved Colin. If he could come back to her, without the other piece that she had grown to loathe, there would be hope for them. Still, if he never came back, she would be alone. She looked to her lap and finally let herself cry.
The tall Rilmani entered her office with a friendly smile, his bright eyes shining from within as he looked at her. "I was very close, in case you were wondering."
Sanria managed a smile. She talked to Fenlauch at length about Colin and the black makou within him. "We've not found a way to clear it from his blood without killing him, and the one hope I thought we might have had has..." Sanria glanced at Nioma and back to Fenlauch. "Well, he's been absent for a long time now. I'm suffocating beneath Colin's fears and his insecurities to the point I'm lying to him to get away. I can't deal with it anymore."
"It makes sense, but the lies?"
"I really don't want to go into detail, but they're horrible."
"I see."
"Please tell me there's something you or your people can do. Anything."
She held her breath as Fenlauch put a hand to his chin. He looked at Sanria for a long time, as though sizing her up from the inside. She couldn't help but feel that he was measuring her worth, making some type of calculation as to how much he could truly trust her. At long last he spoke. "I can escort him to our home plane. We have brilliant minds that could look at him and perhaps determine a solution."
"Your... home plane? You mean he'd have to leave here?"
"It would appear that given your story, it's the only hope he has."
"Yes, but I don't know that he'll do it. He's..." Sanria sighed deeply.
"I believe if he is told what is at stake, he will go willingly. It sounds as though he cares deeply for his family."
"Obsessively so."
"Then he will have no other option but to see his last resort."
Sanria appeared in the large cavern opening to her home with Fenlauch at her side. The Rilmani took a moment to look around, nodding to himself.
"Pretty."
"I think so," she replied, opening the front door to bring them both inside. She gave a small smile as Fenlauch attempted to duck and squeeze through the doorways. While he could stand perfectly well within the home, doorways were far from nine-foot tall entrances. "If you don't mind waiting until I call for you, I think it would go over better," Sanria said, leading Fenlauch to the library. "Of course."
Sanria walked into the bedroom where Colin lay on the bed, sweating and turning in his sleep. He jerked awake as Sanria shook him lightly. He seemed utterly exhausted - she knew he would be. He always was when the darkness used him. She felt horrible. This particular episode was her fault entirely, but she couldn't carry the guilt. She had reached her breaking point as well. She could no longer live with Colin as he was. Something had to give, and it did.
At her call, Fenlauch walked in and Sanria watched the light scowl form on Colin's face. The black makou was already driving him once more to anger -Colin blamed Fenlauch for her desire to heal Westbridge. And once more, tiringly so, she had to beg him to stop. Miraculously, Colin did quiet his anger.
Fenlauch hadn't been told anything about her plans for Westbridge, but he refrained from saying anything more. He told Colin that they might be able to help him, and at Sanria's urgings, Colin finally chose to go. It took only moments for Fenlauch to cast an unintelligible spell and vanish through the fabric of reality with Colin behind him.
Sanria sat for a long moment on the bed where Colin had just lain. She knew she might never see him again. Though she had tired completely of the smothering black makou, all the anger, the outbursts, the distrust of everyone, she still loved Colin. If he could come back to her, without the other piece that she had grown to loathe, there would be hope for them. Still, if he never came back, she would be alone. She looked to her lap and finally let herself cry.
Excerpts
Excerpts from Vorcet's notes regarding the Shadow Temples
the 20th of Kythorn 1280
I have spent several days inspecting the ruins of the temple on the floating island along with a few other people. We have determined that the pillars move and this is the key to something within the temple Everything points to this. A single spirit flits around the ruins, taunting us with his constant movement. The small child at the entrance tells us very little, but am convinced that they know far more than they have let on.
the 29th of Kythorn 1280
We were correct about the pillars. The new version of the temple we were transported to is bustling with activity. A sect of monks inhabits the grounds. The monks act as protectors, guarding the temple from the creatures that live in the surrounding area. We have taken up training with the monk in an attempt to learn more about these temples.
the 3rd of Flamerule 1280
The training has been rigorous and incredibly physical. The spirits in the temple act as a test for the endurance of the soon to be monk. We have not managed to catch one yet, but believe we are close.
the 10th of Flamerule 1280Through careful questioning of the other monks we have figured out what is required to take our next step in unraveling the puzzle that is the temples. We now know that the temples act as a gateway to all manner of realms, but most importantly the Shadow Realms. The place that Lord Shadow brought his floating city during Karsus' Folly.
the 21st of Flamerule 1280
I have returned home to the castle to contemplate all I have learned of the temples. In order to progress we need to find the head Nexus Monk to learn the secrets of transversal to the shadow realms. The third version of the temple grounds houses the shackled spirit of Karsus himself. Forever imprisoned for his folly. I wonder what we could learn from him if he were not completely mad.
the 20th of Kythorn 1280
I have spent several days inspecting the ruins of the temple on the floating island along with a few other people. We have determined that the pillars move and this is the key to something within the temple Everything points to this. A single spirit flits around the ruins, taunting us with his constant movement. The small child at the entrance tells us very little, but am convinced that they know far more than they have let on.
the 29th of Kythorn 1280
We were correct about the pillars. The new version of the temple we were transported to is bustling with activity. A sect of monks inhabits the grounds. The monks act as protectors, guarding the temple from the creatures that live in the surrounding area. We have taken up training with the monk in an attempt to learn more about these temples.
the 3rd of Flamerule 1280
The training has been rigorous and incredibly physical. The spirits in the temple act as a test for the endurance of the soon to be monk. We have not managed to catch one yet, but believe we are close.
the 10th of Flamerule 1280Through careful questioning of the other monks we have figured out what is required to take our next step in unraveling the puzzle that is the temples. We now know that the temples act as a gateway to all manner of realms, but most importantly the Shadow Realms. The place that Lord Shadow brought his floating city during Karsus' Folly.
the 21st of Flamerule 1280
I have returned home to the castle to contemplate all I have learned of the temples. In order to progress we need to find the head Nexus Monk to learn the secrets of transversal to the shadow realms. The third version of the temple grounds houses the shackled spirit of Karsus himself. Forever imprisoned for his folly. I wonder what we could learn from him if he were not completely mad.
Aftermath (Part 3)
The general celebratory mood of the insurgents had faded over the course of the past 2 hours since Vorcet had excused himself to fix his body and return to his normal state of dress. THoughts had turned to the general destruction surrounding where the main portion of the fighting had happened in the center of the city. Fires still raged and people mourned over the deaths of loved ones lost in the fighting. The eyes of the residesnt of the city remained downcast, expecting yet another oppressor. It had been too long since true order had ruled in what was arguably the trade hub of the entire continent.
Vorcet waded through the masses of people and reached the central fountain in the middle of town. He hopped up on the edge and turned to face that poprtion of the crowd. He could see symbols from most of the organizations of the realms. Even the Black Church it seemed had had enough of the vectorian rule of this important trade hub of the realms. Vorcet took a breath and uttered a small spell to project his voice about him for all to hear.
"Citizens of Westbridge!" He called through the square as conversations fell to nothing and eyes turned to him on the fountain. Nervousness crept up Vorcet's spine as he continued. "It has been far too long since you have had your taste of freedom. Freedom to conduct business, freedom to leave the confines of your own city." Vorcet paused for a moment for dramatic effect. "Your own efforts in the conflict here today have helped tip the scales in your own favor and help to restore a bit of balance to the area. It may take time to realize it in full. I realize that it has been far too long under the thumb of the vectorian oppression to fully trust. But what is needed now is leadership. Leadership to help rebuild this once great city. Leadership to help enforce law." Vorcet stopped for a moment to let what he had said sink in. "I propose a council. A council of the liberators. To protect the interests of all within the borders of this great town. A council to prevent any one group from attempting to subjugate the masses and steal their livelyhoods. A balance to all of the forces that would lay claim to your home. This is mutually beneficial to all. It allows trade to flow freely through the town. Allows for the creation of jobs and the return of a standard of living to which you were once accustomed. To the Leaders of the clans of the realms, I call you forward, to discuss a joint control of westbridge. I am Vorcet of the Keepers of Balance, and I shall await word from all of you to discuss terms to make this happen. For the people! For Westbridge!"
Vorcet hopped down from the edge of the fountain and With hands in sleeves of robes walked south to check on the Bar south of the square and drown his nerves in a glass of whiskey or ten.
Vorcet waded through the masses of people and reached the central fountain in the middle of town. He hopped up on the edge and turned to face that poprtion of the crowd. He could see symbols from most of the organizations of the realms. Even the Black Church it seemed had had enough of the vectorian rule of this important trade hub of the realms. Vorcet took a breath and uttered a small spell to project his voice about him for all to hear.
"Citizens of Westbridge!" He called through the square as conversations fell to nothing and eyes turned to him on the fountain. Nervousness crept up Vorcet's spine as he continued. "It has been far too long since you have had your taste of freedom. Freedom to conduct business, freedom to leave the confines of your own city." Vorcet paused for a moment for dramatic effect. "Your own efforts in the conflict here today have helped tip the scales in your own favor and help to restore a bit of balance to the area. It may take time to realize it in full. I realize that it has been far too long under the thumb of the vectorian oppression to fully trust. But what is needed now is leadership. Leadership to help rebuild this once great city. Leadership to help enforce law." Vorcet stopped for a moment to let what he had said sink in. "I propose a council. A council of the liberators. To protect the interests of all within the borders of this great town. A council to prevent any one group from attempting to subjugate the masses and steal their livelyhoods. A balance to all of the forces that would lay claim to your home. This is mutually beneficial to all. It allows trade to flow freely through the town. Allows for the creation of jobs and the return of a standard of living to which you were once accustomed. To the Leaders of the clans of the realms, I call you forward, to discuss a joint control of westbridge. I am Vorcet of the Keepers of Balance, and I shall await word from all of you to discuss terms to make this happen. For the people! For Westbridge!"
Vorcet hopped down from the edge of the fountain and With hands in sleeves of robes walked south to check on the Bar south of the square and drown his nerves in a glass of whiskey or ten.
Aftermath
Vorcet Looked around at the carnage. The death and destruction that visited the city. It was worth it. He leaned down and closed the eyes of a defender and placed platinum coins over its eyes. Hopefully platinum would buy a better way accross the river than gold. Kefka had put up a fight, almost godlike in his power. Vorcet doubted that it would be the last anyone had seen of the lord of the vectorian lands. He may have been insane but he was far from stupid.
The ruins of the west gate of westbridge lay in the distance, a testament to Vorcets work there. There were several boddies on the wall with holes in their sides along that wall, along with the smoking ruin that was the gate mechanism. Liberators flooded the city, rounding up all of the remaining vectorian troops and killing them or restraining them.
Vorcet made his way to the western gate tower. No defenders were present due to his work. Vorcet sat in the middle of the floor and began to chant. He focussed on his likeness before the invasion and set the image in his mind. it was a clear picture due to his two centuries of life. When Vorcet let loose the power of his spell it slammed into his body beginning to return it to his origional shape.
Vorcet whimpered in pain as his bones snapped and re-shaped themselves as the spell ripped its way through his body. Blessed blackness closed over him as he slipped into unconciousness, still thrashing with the changes. The last thougt he had was for Talos to give him the strength he needed before he succumbed to the darkness and the dreams.
The ruins of the west gate of westbridge lay in the distance, a testament to Vorcets work there. There were several boddies on the wall with holes in their sides along that wall, along with the smoking ruin that was the gate mechanism. Liberators flooded the city, rounding up all of the remaining vectorian troops and killing them or restraining them.
Vorcet made his way to the western gate tower. No defenders were present due to his work. Vorcet sat in the middle of the floor and began to chant. He focussed on his likeness before the invasion and set the image in his mind. it was a clear picture due to his two centuries of life. When Vorcet let loose the power of his spell it slammed into his body beginning to return it to his origional shape.
Vorcet whimpered in pain as his bones snapped and re-shaped themselves as the spell ripped its way through his body. Blessed blackness closed over him as he slipped into unconciousness, still thrashing with the changes. The last thougt he had was for Talos to give him the strength he needed before he succumbed to the darkness and the dreams.
Delivered Parchments
*A rolled parchment appears in the air before you and settles into your hand. It unseals itself and opens to the words within.*
Kineada and Vorcet,
There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for preliminaries. As you are both aware, Westbridge has been under Vectorian occupation for some time. Though TriPower had once geared up for an assault on the backward government, with Throm's demise and the seeming retreat of their armies, it has once again been left to the citizenry to fight for themselves. It is no surprise that the oppressed have grown accustomed to their treatment, too afraid to make a bid for their freedom, as Vector's punishments are brutal and swift.
I feel it is left to those of us who aid in keeping balance to restore Westbridge back to what it should be - an open hub for all, a diverse city where many races can freely travel, and many governments and clans as well.
It falls to us, then, to begin a crusade to squash the occupation, but I must have the agreement of both of you before we begin seeking out others who will readily aid us. This in itself will be difficult, as where I see numbers, other clans see affiliations and may not readily work side by side to garner support and free Westbridge. However, this is a secondary issue to the primary. Do we feel the obligation strongly enough to embroil our clan with the political mixings of Vector?
My vote, of course, is an unequivocal yes. It is important, people need help... I feel it is time to bring about balance for Westbridge once more.
Sanria
Kineada and Vorcet,
There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for preliminaries. As you are both aware, Westbridge has been under Vectorian occupation for some time. Though TriPower had once geared up for an assault on the backward government, with Throm's demise and the seeming retreat of their armies, it has once again been left to the citizenry to fight for themselves. It is no surprise that the oppressed have grown accustomed to their treatment, too afraid to make a bid for their freedom, as Vector's punishments are brutal and swift.
I feel it is left to those of us who aid in keeping balance to restore Westbridge back to what it should be - an open hub for all, a diverse city where many races can freely travel, and many governments and clans as well.
It falls to us, then, to begin a crusade to squash the occupation, but I must have the agreement of both of you before we begin seeking out others who will readily aid us. This in itself will be difficult, as where I see numbers, other clans see affiliations and may not readily work side by side to garner support and free Westbridge. However, this is a secondary issue to the primary. Do we feel the obligation strongly enough to embroil our clan with the political mixings of Vector?
My vote, of course, is an unequivocal yes. It is important, people need help... I feel it is time to bring about balance for Westbridge once more.
Sanria
Journey to The Island
*feeling vibration on the floor*
*feeling vibration on the floor*
Demosthenes realized that something is not right, he started to get up from his evening nap to check what he felt something since he has his disadvantage of not being able to hear. He has raised his awareness what was surround him.
He noticed something moving outside of window by mantle. Begans to walk over to investigate something that he had a glimpse what he saw through the window. Indeed, it was Vorcet, I invited him in and wondering why he showed up unexpected but brushed it off as Demosthenes was glad to see him since it has been a while and, also in hoping that Vorcet would explain what he is doing here.
"Sorry for showing up unannounced", said Vorcet. "No, no need to apologize, it is always good to see you, my old friend...what brings you in the town?"
"I have a news to tell you about our discovery, this woman, name Sanria who discovered something and we happened saw each other and she shared this to me and this person name Kineada" said Vorcet.
Demosthenes seems a bit dazed, "What is it? What are you talking about?"
"It is about balance that we both have looked for so long time", Vorcet took his time to breath, "I know its such a short notice, but if you please come with me to Hoan Dor forest and I will explain more on the way." Vorcet smiled, "You will be in for surprised. this is what we both have always hoped for."
Demosthenes paused, "Now, this is very short notice but I am willing to go with you." Demosthenes got everything packed up while wondering what he is in for. Both were ready to leave out the door and start the journey to our hope begins.
After a long journey, both has arrived at Hoan Dor Forest but Demosthenes noticed something that the light is a little off. Vorcet nudged Demosthenes and pointed upward, and Demosthenes looked up and his eyes widen and was in astonishment. Demosthenes said, "Is that a land mass floating up in the sky?"
"Indeed", nodded Vorcet, "We are here now, we have to go up there". Vorcet utters the words, 'yrl' as he casted on Demosthenes and his feet has begin to rise.
"Now, lets fly toward the 'floating island' as they called it for now", Vorcet grinned, "you'll meet two people that we were in this together"
Both flew off the ground toward to the island and landed on the island, and it opened Demosthenes's eyes and realized how beautiful the view was at the edge of the island. They begin to walk through the island.
Their journey has come to the end soon. Demosthenes cant help but wonder what he is in for as Vorcet mentioned that there are hopes for us.
"Look Demosthenes, they need you, and I think you would be a great fit for Keepers of Balance that I have been telling you about" said Vorcet. "You need to meet Sanria and Kineada and when you see them, tell them that I sent for you, and remember what I said all the details about the Keepers of Balance. It is a perfect opportunity for you that we both had hoped for" as Vorcet tried to encourage Demosthenes. Vorcet pointed at the path toward to the Castle, "this is where you will find your opportunity to be one of us."
Demosthenes nodded in agreement, "I will meet them and I hope this will be a good future for us" Demosthenes walked toward the path that points to the Castle.....
*feeling vibration on the floor*
Demosthenes realized that something is not right, he started to get up from his evening nap to check what he felt something since he has his disadvantage of not being able to hear. He has raised his awareness what was surround him.
He noticed something moving outside of window by mantle. Begans to walk over to investigate something that he had a glimpse what he saw through the window. Indeed, it was Vorcet, I invited him in and wondering why he showed up unexpected but brushed it off as Demosthenes was glad to see him since it has been a while and, also in hoping that Vorcet would explain what he is doing here.
"Sorry for showing up unannounced", said Vorcet. "No, no need to apologize, it is always good to see you, my old friend...what brings you in the town?"
"I have a news to tell you about our discovery, this woman, name Sanria who discovered something and we happened saw each other and she shared this to me and this person name Kineada" said Vorcet.
Demosthenes seems a bit dazed, "What is it? What are you talking about?"
"It is about balance that we both have looked for so long time", Vorcet took his time to breath, "I know its such a short notice, but if you please come with me to Hoan Dor forest and I will explain more on the way." Vorcet smiled, "You will be in for surprised. this is what we both have always hoped for."
Demosthenes paused, "Now, this is very short notice but I am willing to go with you." Demosthenes got everything packed up while wondering what he is in for. Both were ready to leave out the door and start the journey to our hope begins.
After a long journey, both has arrived at Hoan Dor Forest but Demosthenes noticed something that the light is a little off. Vorcet nudged Demosthenes and pointed upward, and Demosthenes looked up and his eyes widen and was in astonishment. Demosthenes said, "Is that a land mass floating up in the sky?"
"Indeed", nodded Vorcet, "We are here now, we have to go up there". Vorcet utters the words, 'yrl' as he casted on Demosthenes and his feet has begin to rise.
"Now, lets fly toward the 'floating island' as they called it for now", Vorcet grinned, "you'll meet two people that we were in this together"
Both flew off the ground toward to the island and landed on the island, and it opened Demosthenes's eyes and realized how beautiful the view was at the edge of the island. They begin to walk through the island.
Their journey has come to the end soon. Demosthenes cant help but wonder what he is in for as Vorcet mentioned that there are hopes for us.
"Look Demosthenes, they need you, and I think you would be a great fit for Keepers of Balance that I have been telling you about" said Vorcet. "You need to meet Sanria and Kineada and when you see them, tell them that I sent for you, and remember what I said all the details about the Keepers of Balance. It is a perfect opportunity for you that we both had hoped for" as Vorcet tried to encourage Demosthenes. Vorcet pointed at the path toward to the Castle, "this is where you will find your opportunity to be one of us."
Demosthenes nodded in agreement, "I will meet them and I hope this will be a good future for us" Demosthenes walked toward the path that points to the Castle.....
Future Operations
It is good to see a break in the silence about these actions. It has been a long time since anything has been done. However, I would have you know that the Hoard has not ceased operating within the walls of Westbridge, as per our contract.
Since you appear to be attempting to replace Throm and the TriPower in regards to these operations, I will inform you of the role of myself and my brothers. We have a contract with the TriPower that we will honor, despite their disappearance, as they have already paid.
Our role is to provide information gathering and supply lines for the invading force. My understanding is that the invading force provided would be the Radiant Heart.
Thus, it is our purpose to provide supplies, and secure supply lines, along with lending assistance via intelligence gathering and assistance in gaining entrance to the city. Our network of operatives are already in place throughout Westbridge, merely awaiting orders. And we have been providing provisions to the citizens, bypassing the blockade and Vectorian patrols. Additionally, we have a cache of arms and equipment, along with provisions, for the invading force to help prevent them from being cut off by potential Vectorian reenforcements.
We are more than willing to utilize Vorcet and his skills to benefit the operation. We are ready and waiting for word that the operation has begun. So once the Radiant Heart are prepared to mobilize, we will fulfill our contract.
Dryden Rainweaver
Vox of the Hoard
Since you appear to be attempting to replace Throm and the TriPower in regards to these operations, I will inform you of the role of myself and my brothers. We have a contract with the TriPower that we will honor, despite their disappearance, as they have already paid.
Our role is to provide information gathering and supply lines for the invading force. My understanding is that the invading force provided would be the Radiant Heart.
Thus, it is our purpose to provide supplies, and secure supply lines, along with lending assistance via intelligence gathering and assistance in gaining entrance to the city. Our network of operatives are already in place throughout Westbridge, merely awaiting orders. And we have been providing provisions to the citizens, bypassing the blockade and Vectorian patrols. Additionally, we have a cache of arms and equipment, along with provisions, for the invading force to help prevent them from being cut off by potential Vectorian reenforcements.
We are more than willing to utilize Vorcet and his skills to benefit the operation. We are ready and waiting for word that the operation has begun. So once the Radiant Heart are prepared to mobilize, we will fulfill our contract.
Dryden Rainweaver
Vox of the Hoard
Planning and Preparation (part 2)
It had been several days since the imp had started the search on Vorcet's behalf. Vorcet had not been idle, he had done is own searching in tandem for more people that understood his view on things. Demosthenes had always been a loyal friend and trusted person within both Kossuth's church, and the Crimson Guardians. He was whole heartedly dedicated to whatever purpose life had for him at any given time. A perfect person to help Vorcet with finding others.
The Imp's reports had brought in several promising bits of information. Vorcet intended to seek those people out and chat with them as well. In the end There needed to be enough people to be able to watch the goings on of the world from all angles, to gather information, and to interpret it appropriately.
The followers of the elemental gods and goddesses made perfect candidates. All of them have a distinct interest in maintaining the balance. Without it even their element would become a victim of the impending disasters as had already happened. Mystra's followers were also prime targets. One of the earliest teachings a wizard recieves was of the balance involved in the weave and magic itself.
One by one he would gather people and create the network of people needed to keep eyes on things accross the globe. It would take time, but time was something Vorcet had in excess. However his first priority was to find Demosthenes.
The Imp's reports had brought in several promising bits of information. Vorcet intended to seek those people out and chat with them as well. In the end There needed to be enough people to be able to watch the goings on of the world from all angles, to gather information, and to interpret it appropriately.
The followers of the elemental gods and goddesses made perfect candidates. All of them have a distinct interest in maintaining the balance. Without it even their element would become a victim of the impending disasters as had already happened. Mystra's followers were also prime targets. One of the earliest teachings a wizard recieves was of the balance involved in the weave and magic itself.
One by one he would gather people and create the network of people needed to keep eyes on things accross the globe. It would take time, but time was something Vorcet had in excess. However his first priority was to find Demosthenes.
Thunder Crash
Sanria tried to focus on the letter on her desk. She clenched the pen in her hand and pressed hard, her hair continually needing to be pushed back as she wrote. She had gone home and talked to Colin about what her plans were only to be met with a desperate plea for her to stay out of political affairs. "Send someone else! There has to be someone else!" Colin had growled. He was angry at the Keepers, as though they somehow had put her up to the plot. He was just angry. Sanria knew that the black makou in him was at fault, but it had gotten increasingly difficult to do the job she had signed up to do while Colin wanted her closer and closer to him. It was stifling. When she told Colin she had terminated her most recent... mistake... she watched him do everything short of tear down the cavern. Nioma now sat in Sanria's office, laying on her back, playing in quiet contentment with her magical toys. Safe from the rampage back home.
The truth was, Sanria hadn't done anything yet. She hadn't done anything but try to push Colin away, push him to the brink, make him want to leave her side. She'd acted on nothing. She shook her head. It was no one's business what was going on with her body. No one needed to know, not yet. There were reasons, she knew, for Colin's desperation. A singular one, more than the others, that lay cooing to herself on the floor. A child that he didn't make yet was raising. Sanria shook her head again and pulled in her focus.
"Kineada and Vorcet, There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for the preliminaries."
Sanria paused again. Her throat closed up, her eyes burned. The last thing she needed was anyone doubting her capacity to lead and make decisions. She clenched her teeth, forcing every emotion that roiled within her to the back of her mind.There was business to take care of now that would get her every attention.
The truth was, Sanria hadn't done anything yet. She hadn't done anything but try to push Colin away, push him to the brink, make him want to leave her side. She'd acted on nothing. She shook her head. It was no one's business what was going on with her body. No one needed to know, not yet. There were reasons, she knew, for Colin's desperation. A singular one, more than the others, that lay cooing to herself on the floor. A child that he didn't make yet was raising. Sanria shook her head again and pulled in her focus.
"Kineada and Vorcet, There are a few issues I need to discuss with both of you and given our schedules, I feel a missive will be best for the preliminaries."
Sanria paused again. Her throat closed up, her eyes burned. The last thing she needed was anyone doubting her capacity to lead and make decisions. She clenched her teeth, forcing every emotion that roiled within her to the back of her mind.There was business to take care of now that would get her every attention.
Crawling out of Books
Another book down and no closer to answers. It was almost as if the knowledge of true planar travel had been purposefully wiped out. There was one more place he could check for information but he was loathe to enter another Lich's lair. When dealing with undead that were thousands of years old whos entire purpose was to collect knowledge and magic it was best to err on the side of caution.
Eyes hurting from staring at texts for untold hours, Vorcet walked down to the garden behind his house. He took a seat at the bar that he kept running in the small airship port occupying this part of the garden and ordered a glass of whiskey from the bartender. He could no longer really taste the spirits nor could he get drunk, but there was something soothing about familiar habits from before he had willingly put his lifeforce into a gem to give himself the years necessary to continue a persuit of knowledge.
"I had an interesting visitor this evening" Ildren said casually from accross the bar. "This airship port gets many interesting visitors Ildren, some I dont even recognize and I own the place." Vorcet responded with a bit of humor in his voice. "I bet you dont get the sort with wings bearing sealed messages often." Ildren said with a smirk on his face as he slid the rolled parchment accross the bar in front of Vorcet.
Vorcet recognized the seal as Sanria's and uttered the words to a small warming spell, channeling just enough magic to melt the wax. He unfurled the message and began reading. Ildren focussed his attention on polishing the glasses behind the counter.
"There is always something to take me away from my research." Vorcet muttered more to himself than anything. "Well. Is this new something more important than what you were doing?" Ildren asked acting the part of the barkeep. "This would have a more immediate impact on the people here and now." Vorcet responded not realizing he was talking to a bartender about his problems. "I believe you have your answer then." Ildren stated matter of factly as he turned his attention back to the never ending task of keeping the bar clean. "Thanks Ildren." Vorcet said as he got up and headed to the area of the garden he used for transportation spells.
"Perhaps Ive been away from the castle a bit too long." Vorcet mumbled to himself as he uttered the words to take him back to the magnificent castle on the floating island. As he sat behind his desk to wait for this "Ror" to show up at the castle again.
Eyes hurting from staring at texts for untold hours, Vorcet walked down to the garden behind his house. He took a seat at the bar that he kept running in the small airship port occupying this part of the garden and ordered a glass of whiskey from the bartender. He could no longer really taste the spirits nor could he get drunk, but there was something soothing about familiar habits from before he had willingly put his lifeforce into a gem to give himself the years necessary to continue a persuit of knowledge.
"I had an interesting visitor this evening" Ildren said casually from accross the bar. "This airship port gets many interesting visitors Ildren, some I dont even recognize and I own the place." Vorcet responded with a bit of humor in his voice. "I bet you dont get the sort with wings bearing sealed messages often." Ildren said with a smirk on his face as he slid the rolled parchment accross the bar in front of Vorcet.
Vorcet recognized the seal as Sanria's and uttered the words to a small warming spell, channeling just enough magic to melt the wax. He unfurled the message and began reading. Ildren focussed his attention on polishing the glasses behind the counter.
"There is always something to take me away from my research." Vorcet muttered more to himself than anything. "Well. Is this new something more important than what you were doing?" Ildren asked acting the part of the barkeep. "This would have a more immediate impact on the people here and now." Vorcet responded not realizing he was talking to a bartender about his problems. "I believe you have your answer then." Ildren stated matter of factly as he turned his attention back to the never ending task of keeping the bar clean. "Thanks Ildren." Vorcet said as he got up and headed to the area of the garden he used for transportation spells.
"Perhaps Ive been away from the castle a bit too long." Vorcet mumbled to himself as he uttered the words to take him back to the magnificent castle on the floating island. As he sat behind his desk to wait for this "Ror" to show up at the castle again.
Coming Clean
*A missive appears in your hands by magic, the handwriting is that of Sanria, and is an open letter to all of the Keepers.*
Keepers,
Greetings. This missive is will be short, but its purpose is to keep you all abreast of developments that I and Vorcet have acted upon and will offer to you to discuss.
We have recently reached out to the Hoard and Radiant Heart in an effort to aid in the overturning of Vector's forces in Westbridge. This was not done in an attempt to bring our clan into war, in fact, we have done this merely as a helping hand as our current place is not on the field of battle... our family is much too small to truly be effective in that regard.
Dryden, a leader of the Hoard, has made it clear that they are waiting on Radiant Heart to make their invasion, but have accepted Vorcet's offer to aid in recognizance. Vorcet has taken on this responsibility of his own choosing and with his own methods, for which I am grateful and respect his choice.
We still wait to hear from Radiant Heart, which seems to be where the Hoard also stands, as there has been inaction for quite some time. I ask that if you wish to be involved or offer your assistance, that you speak with myself, Vorcet, or Kineada that we may reach out to Radiant Heart or the Hoard and make the offer.
As of this time, however, we wait patiently and hope that soon the pain being felt by Westbridgians is not too great. With luck, we will be able to bring about balance and hopefully garner some support for our clan as well as new faces by having our name on a grand plan. With this, we hope to push for the truth in balance so that Westbridge never has to face such an occupation again.
Please be in touch if you wish,
Sanria
Keepers,
Greetings. This missive is will be short, but its purpose is to keep you all abreast of developments that I and Vorcet have acted upon and will offer to you to discuss.
We have recently reached out to the Hoard and Radiant Heart in an effort to aid in the overturning of Vector's forces in Westbridge. This was not done in an attempt to bring our clan into war, in fact, we have done this merely as a helping hand as our current place is not on the field of battle... our family is much too small to truly be effective in that regard.
Dryden, a leader of the Hoard, has made it clear that they are waiting on Radiant Heart to make their invasion, but have accepted Vorcet's offer to aid in recognizance. Vorcet has taken on this responsibility of his own choosing and with his own methods, for which I am grateful and respect his choice.
We still wait to hear from Radiant Heart, which seems to be where the Hoard also stands, as there has been inaction for quite some time. I ask that if you wish to be involved or offer your assistance, that you speak with myself, Vorcet, or Kineada that we may reach out to Radiant Heart or the Hoard and make the offer.
As of this time, however, we wait patiently and hope that soon the pain being felt by Westbridgians is not too great. With luck, we will be able to bring about balance and hopefully garner some support for our clan as well as new faces by having our name on a grand plan. With this, we hope to push for the truth in balance so that Westbridge never has to face such an occupation again.
Please be in touch if you wish,
Sanria
Magical Disturbance
A disturbance in the weave snapped Vorcet back to reality, with a dizzying rush the world came back into focus. How long had he been out this time? Vorcet lookad at his hands which had been frozen in a pose of meditation for gods knew how long. Dust covered the backs of his hands and a spider web hung from the sleeve of his robe. Vorcet stretched his arms and legs out gingerly, getting the long dead muscles back into working order. Finally he stood and slipped into trance to search for the disturbance that had brought him out of his restorative meditation.
To the west of his house in torregiano something was different. Vorcet knew what it was. Izuna had been found and neutralized, the book of evil that had corrupted his psyche taken from him. The curse on that forsaken island had fed from that book and had protected it from Vorcet's attempts to retrieve it. Vorcet could feel the book leaving the island. Vorcet slipped out of trance for a moment and openned a scrying window to the location of the book. The window openned to the Market Square pub in westbridge and a few adventurers gathered around a table sharing drinks.
Vorcet focused in on the one the book in question now sat in front of. He was a tall human wearing the robes common among those that trained in the newly established Monk guilds in New Thalos. Well worn sandals peek out from beneath the hem of his robes. The man's focus apears to only be partly on the celebratory mood of his companions as it continually slips back to the book now in his posession.
Sentient objects rarely make good companions as they tend to have goals of their own in mind for their owners, Vorcet needed to warn that monk about what he now found himself the owner of.
Vorcet shook teh dust from his robe which was wrinkled from being in the same position for so long. He sighed and walked through the house to his personal suite of rooms and pulled a new robe from the wardrobe in the corner. He shrugged out of the old one and slipped the new one on and fastened his belt about his waist. Whips in place, and spell components stored about his person he felt almost human again. He called in the doorway to his magically created pocket of reality where he stored his important objects. He stepped into the small work room and pulled a key off the chain around his neck. He unlocked a cabinet and pulled the small gem out and inspected it closely. The dull glow of the facets was enough to tell him that he had stored enough energy to remain concious for a good amount of time. Vorcet carefully placed the phylactery back on the shelf and closed the cabinet doors. After locking the cabinet and replacing the key around his neck, Vorcet exited his room and made the door dissapear once more.
Vorcet stepepd out into the garden behind the house and to the circle of runes and chanted the words that would take him to a secluded location jsut outside the town of westbridge. After the lurch of shifting location was over, Vorcet pulled his hood up over his head and set about hunting down the new owner of that cursed spellbook.
To the west of his house in torregiano something was different. Vorcet knew what it was. Izuna had been found and neutralized, the book of evil that had corrupted his psyche taken from him. The curse on that forsaken island had fed from that book and had protected it from Vorcet's attempts to retrieve it. Vorcet could feel the book leaving the island. Vorcet slipped out of trance for a moment and openned a scrying window to the location of the book. The window openned to the Market Square pub in westbridge and a few adventurers gathered around a table sharing drinks.
Vorcet focused in on the one the book in question now sat in front of. He was a tall human wearing the robes common among those that trained in the newly established Monk guilds in New Thalos. Well worn sandals peek out from beneath the hem of his robes. The man's focus apears to only be partly on the celebratory mood of his companions as it continually slips back to the book now in his posession.
Sentient objects rarely make good companions as they tend to have goals of their own in mind for their owners, Vorcet needed to warn that monk about what he now found himself the owner of.
Vorcet shook teh dust from his robe which was wrinkled from being in the same position for so long. He sighed and walked through the house to his personal suite of rooms and pulled a new robe from the wardrobe in the corner. He shrugged out of the old one and slipped the new one on and fastened his belt about his waist. Whips in place, and spell components stored about his person he felt almost human again. He called in the doorway to his magically created pocket of reality where he stored his important objects. He stepped into the small work room and pulled a key off the chain around his neck. He unlocked a cabinet and pulled the small gem out and inspected it closely. The dull glow of the facets was enough to tell him that he had stored enough energy to remain concious for a good amount of time. Vorcet carefully placed the phylactery back on the shelf and closed the cabinet doors. After locking the cabinet and replacing the key around his neck, Vorcet exited his room and made the door dissapear once more.
Vorcet stepepd out into the garden behind the house and to the circle of runes and chanted the words that would take him to a secluded location jsut outside the town of westbridge. After the lurch of shifting location was over, Vorcet pulled his hood up over his head and set about hunting down the new owner of that cursed spellbook.
Aftermath (Part 2)
Vorcet gasped in a breath as he sat bolt upright off the floor. The vision already starting to fade. It wasnt a dream, the dead dont dream. Just enough remained to remind Vorcet of what he had been doing prior to the invasion.
Vorcet slowly stood up and walked to the window in the tower. The sun had travelled two hours in the sky since entering the tower after Kefka had breathed his last. The gates remained unmanned as the insurgents evaluated the damage to the city and began organizing themselves.
So much work was yet to be done with the city before Vorcet could return to his investigations. So many arrangements to be made. Vorcet openned a gate into the basement of Elbryan's house. He made his way upstairs to his room and his wardrobe. He pulled the bloodstained vectorian armor off and tossed it in the corner.
Vorcet had gotten a few strange looks at first as he waded into the combat directing his spells at vectorians but most simply seemed to understand. Vorcet had allowed himself to get too close to the front lines and his spells had attracted Kefkas personal attention. Only the prayers and spells of the priests had kept Vorcet standing through Kefka's onslaught. Every so often Vorcet would feel the rush of his magical powers returning only to catch a glimpse of a familiar halfling chanting arcane phrases in the crowd. Spells flew and weapons had flashed for what seemed an eternity. But in the end, the combined forces of the realm had ended the vectorian occupation.
Vorcet pulled a clean set clothes out of his wardrobe. Thankful for Elbryan's staff's diligence. He dressed slowly working out the stiff muscles and freshly healed wounds. It had been weeks since Vorcet had seen his own clothing, much less his own face. He stopped for a moment to inspect his appearance. Minus the blood and terribly uncomfortable vectorian armor, Vorcet felt almost human again, almost.
Taking a last glance in the mirror and muttering a quick prayer to Talos for letting him see another day, Vorcet opened another gate back to westbridge. The guard tower was still empty as he worked his way to the streets below. Vorcet wound his way through the crowd, taking in the damage that had been wrought by both sides of the conflict. Yes, it was indeed time to begin the healing of the town.
Vorcet slowly stood up and walked to the window in the tower. The sun had travelled two hours in the sky since entering the tower after Kefka had breathed his last. The gates remained unmanned as the insurgents evaluated the damage to the city and began organizing themselves.
So much work was yet to be done with the city before Vorcet could return to his investigations. So many arrangements to be made. Vorcet openned a gate into the basement of Elbryan's house. He made his way upstairs to his room and his wardrobe. He pulled the bloodstained vectorian armor off and tossed it in the corner.
Vorcet had gotten a few strange looks at first as he waded into the combat directing his spells at vectorians but most simply seemed to understand. Vorcet had allowed himself to get too close to the front lines and his spells had attracted Kefkas personal attention. Only the prayers and spells of the priests had kept Vorcet standing through Kefka's onslaught. Every so often Vorcet would feel the rush of his magical powers returning only to catch a glimpse of a familiar halfling chanting arcane phrases in the crowd. Spells flew and weapons had flashed for what seemed an eternity. But in the end, the combined forces of the realm had ended the vectorian occupation.
Vorcet pulled a clean set clothes out of his wardrobe. Thankful for Elbryan's staff's diligence. He dressed slowly working out the stiff muscles and freshly healed wounds. It had been weeks since Vorcet had seen his own clothing, much less his own face. He stopped for a moment to inspect his appearance. Minus the blood and terribly uncomfortable vectorian armor, Vorcet felt almost human again, almost.
Taking a last glance in the mirror and muttering a quick prayer to Talos for letting him see another day, Vorcet opened another gate back to westbridge. The guard tower was still empty as he worked his way to the streets below. Vorcet wound his way through the crowd, taking in the damage that had been wrought by both sides of the conflict. Yes, it was indeed time to begin the healing of the town.
Answers, and more Questions
"I thought I might find you here Garlech." Vorcet said as he strode up beside the tall golden Rilmani at the edge of the balcony overlooking the island.
"I spend much of my time observing, it is our purpose." responded Garlech as he turned toward Vorcet. "What can I do for you?"
"A series of nagging questions regarding what the Black Church did to silence the gods here." Vorcet began carefully. "As I am sure you know all forms of contact with the gods has been cut. No answered prayers, no manifestations. Rumors fly as to what this means. Are the gods dead? or are they simply unable to interact with the prime material plane?"
"I believe this is the most I have heard you speak since you took up residence here Vorcet." Garlech responded with a ghost of a smirk on his face.
"I've lived a long life by human standards, I have learned the value of a carefully guarded tongue when it becomes necessary." Vorcet responded with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "Still, when there is something that is uncertain, such as the fate of our gods.... Im unable to help myself."
The slight smile slipped from Garlechs face as it fell back to the practiced expression of neutrality that was his norm. A few moments passed before he responded. "We know not the fate of the gods. However, were I an experienced wielder of magic, I might bend my time toward learning extra-planar travel."
Vorcet pondered that for a moment as he looked out over the lands beyond the island. "Planeswalking magics have been lost to us for hundreds of years." Vorcet mused more to himself than anything. "There has been the rare exceptions, but their secrets have always died with them."
"Are you so sure of that Vorcet?" Garlech responded carefuly. "The Netherese were planeswalkers. How much of their knowledge has been preserved?"
Silence fell on the balcony as the wheels started turning in Vorcet's head. "I believe my work here is done, and I can say no more." Garlech said as he slipped through the doorway with his unnatural grace.
"I spend much of my time observing, it is our purpose." responded Garlech as he turned toward Vorcet. "What can I do for you?"
"A series of nagging questions regarding what the Black Church did to silence the gods here." Vorcet began carefully. "As I am sure you know all forms of contact with the gods has been cut. No answered prayers, no manifestations. Rumors fly as to what this means. Are the gods dead? or are they simply unable to interact with the prime material plane?"
"I believe this is the most I have heard you speak since you took up residence here Vorcet." Garlech responded with a ghost of a smirk on his face.
"I've lived a long life by human standards, I have learned the value of a carefully guarded tongue when it becomes necessary." Vorcet responded with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "Still, when there is something that is uncertain, such as the fate of our gods.... Im unable to help myself."
The slight smile slipped from Garlechs face as it fell back to the practiced expression of neutrality that was his norm. A few moments passed before he responded. "We know not the fate of the gods. However, were I an experienced wielder of magic, I might bend my time toward learning extra-planar travel."
Vorcet pondered that for a moment as he looked out over the lands beyond the island. "Planeswalking magics have been lost to us for hundreds of years." Vorcet mused more to himself than anything. "There has been the rare exceptions, but their secrets have always died with them."
"Are you so sure of that Vorcet?" Garlech responded carefuly. "The Netherese were planeswalkers. How much of their knowledge has been preserved?"
Silence fell on the balcony as the wheels started turning in Vorcet's head. "I believe my work here is done, and I can say no more." Garlech said as he slipped through the doorway with his unnatural grace.
Discussions and Decisions
Fenlauch seated himself at the head of the table, Garlech at his side. "You have done well, Sanria," he began in a rich baritone. "Now, I suppose for the sake of your assembled company, I should begin by telling you who we are?"
Sanria looked across the table at Kineada, who seeming busy contemplating Fenlauch. Vorcet, by contrast, seemed to patiently wait for the introductory speech. She looked back and nodded. "Please."
"We are Rilmani, from the outer planes. We've been in this place, your material plane, for a very long time. Ever since the fall of Myth Drannor and the rapid appearance of demonic forces there."
"You mentioned that before," Sanria said. "Why?"
Fenlauch looked at her with a patient smile. "Balance. With an influx of evil, we had to come in order to keep watch and ensure that their forces could not gain a foothold and tip things out of order. We've noticed, however, other troubles since the Gods have gone missing, and it is this new threat that causes us to counsel with you."
"You've been here a long while," Kineada said. "You've never sought anyone out in all that time?"
"No," Garlech said. His voice matched Fenlauch's, but his demeanor was much more businesslike. "We had no reason to interfere as there was not enough of an imbalance to reveal ourselves."
"I've been concerned with the void left by the Gods as well," Vorcet said.
"Indeed," Fenlauch continued, "there are troubles that concern us. Extremes, if you will, that aren't exact opposites, but are not in balance and harmony. We prefer not to make appearances if we can help it, but I'm afraid our time for anonymity is at an end. Unless you are willing to help our cause?"
Kineada sat back and Sanria frowned. It was a pitch. "What cause?" Vorcet asked.
"You are all here because you seek balance, correct?"
"Yes," Sanria answered.
"We will teach you how to gain that balance, provided you take that knowledge to others in the realms in the hopes of evening out the growing polarities. We will aid you by lending you our castle, our advisors, and even our libraries." Both Sanria and Vorcet seemed to perk at the mention of books. "We do not wish to be the driving force to the point we reveal ourselves fully. But if lead by their own kind, I cannot fail to see how the material plane and its citizenry would respond."
Sanria looked across the table. To learn to balance her own life, to spread that ideal to everyone, what an incredible world it could be. Something she'd chased, being right here, offered to her, it was too much to pass up. "It would require each of you to make a commitment," Fenlauch replied.
"Certainly," Sanria chimed without hesitation. Her heard fluttering with excitement.
"I'd like to ask my own questions, if you don't mind," Kineada said.
"Yes... I also have a few of my own," Vorcet said.
Fenlauch smiled and nodded. "I assumed you might. Why not ask as you take in the castle. Garlech, could you take our guest, Vorcet and walk with him? You," Fenlauch said, looking at Kineada apprasingly, "Seem to respond best to those of the fairer persuasion. Do you not?"
Kineada's face relaxed a bit as he gave a chuckle. "You see through me."
"Enmach," Fenlauch called, and in an instant, the beautiful silver-skinned woman was at the side of the golden man. "Take Sir..."
"Kineada," the WuJen replied, a smile on his features.
"Kineada on a tour of the castle. Answer any questions he might have."
"As you wish," she said with a bow of her head.
"And Lady Sanria, you will come with me and tell me of your meditations."
Sanria looked across the table at Kineada, who seeming busy contemplating Fenlauch. Vorcet, by contrast, seemed to patiently wait for the introductory speech. She looked back and nodded. "Please."
"We are Rilmani, from the outer planes. We've been in this place, your material plane, for a very long time. Ever since the fall of Myth Drannor and the rapid appearance of demonic forces there."
"You mentioned that before," Sanria said. "Why?"
Fenlauch looked at her with a patient smile. "Balance. With an influx of evil, we had to come in order to keep watch and ensure that their forces could not gain a foothold and tip things out of order. We've noticed, however, other troubles since the Gods have gone missing, and it is this new threat that causes us to counsel with you."
"You've been here a long while," Kineada said. "You've never sought anyone out in all that time?"
"No," Garlech said. His voice matched Fenlauch's, but his demeanor was much more businesslike. "We had no reason to interfere as there was not enough of an imbalance to reveal ourselves."
"I've been concerned with the void left by the Gods as well," Vorcet said.
"Indeed," Fenlauch continued, "there are troubles that concern us. Extremes, if you will, that aren't exact opposites, but are not in balance and harmony. We prefer not to make appearances if we can help it, but I'm afraid our time for anonymity is at an end. Unless you are willing to help our cause?"
Kineada sat back and Sanria frowned. It was a pitch. "What cause?" Vorcet asked.
"You are all here because you seek balance, correct?"
"Yes," Sanria answered.
"We will teach you how to gain that balance, provided you take that knowledge to others in the realms in the hopes of evening out the growing polarities. We will aid you by lending you our castle, our advisors, and even our libraries." Both Sanria and Vorcet seemed to perk at the mention of books. "We do not wish to be the driving force to the point we reveal ourselves fully. But if lead by their own kind, I cannot fail to see how the material plane and its citizenry would respond."
Sanria looked across the table. To learn to balance her own life, to spread that ideal to everyone, what an incredible world it could be. Something she'd chased, being right here, offered to her, it was too much to pass up. "It would require each of you to make a commitment," Fenlauch replied.
"Certainly," Sanria chimed without hesitation. Her heard fluttering with excitement.
"I'd like to ask my own questions, if you don't mind," Kineada said.
"Yes... I also have a few of my own," Vorcet said.
Fenlauch smiled and nodded. "I assumed you might. Why not ask as you take in the castle. Garlech, could you take our guest, Vorcet and walk with him? You," Fenlauch said, looking at Kineada apprasingly, "Seem to respond best to those of the fairer persuasion. Do you not?"
Kineada's face relaxed a bit as he gave a chuckle. "You see through me."
"Enmach," Fenlauch called, and in an instant, the beautiful silver-skinned woman was at the side of the golden man. "Take Sir..."
"Kineada," the WuJen replied, a smile on his features.
"Kineada on a tour of the castle. Answer any questions he might have."
"As you wish," she said with a bow of her head.
"And Lady Sanria, you will come with me and tell me of your meditations."
Family Life
Sanria had a moment to herself. Gilean was still at the temple, as he had been for many late nights. He would come back to the cottage worn out, the people of Westbridge still needing healing and help long after the battle with Kefka had passed. She had put Nioma to bed, tucked Matinus in after reading to him (a pasttime the boy seemed unable to get enough of), and settled herself in the library with her pack.
She found her unfinished note to the Keepers and cursed herself. In all her time with Gilean and settling in to a new life she had completely forgotten Ror's request. It was simple enough to finish the missive to her fellow leaders and send it off. After the last time in the cafe with Ror, she felt it best she remain as much out of his life as possible. Being strictly business with a past flame was never one of Sanria's strong suits.
Finished with the missive, Sanria opened her window and called to Ferin. Though it was dark, the falcon appeared on wings nearly as silent as an owl. "Take this to Vorcet and Kineada my friend." She sent a mental image to the bird and watched as he vanished into the trees.
As Sanria stared out into the star-studded night sky, a movement caught her gaze. She looked down into the trees and caught the small motion of a tiny red light move in a small arc. In the darkness it brightened, then dimmed as it went back down again. The motion repeated once again before it vanished. It was unsettling, not knowing what it was before her, and Sanria closed the window and drew the drapes. Something wasn't right.
She found her unfinished note to the Keepers and cursed herself. In all her time with Gilean and settling in to a new life she had completely forgotten Ror's request. It was simple enough to finish the missive to her fellow leaders and send it off. After the last time in the cafe with Ror, she felt it best she remain as much out of his life as possible. Being strictly business with a past flame was never one of Sanria's strong suits.
Finished with the missive, Sanria opened her window and called to Ferin. Though it was dark, the falcon appeared on wings nearly as silent as an owl. "Take this to Vorcet and Kineada my friend." She sent a mental image to the bird and watched as he vanished into the trees.
As Sanria stared out into the star-studded night sky, a movement caught her gaze. She looked down into the trees and caught the small motion of a tiny red light move in a small arc. In the darkness it brightened, then dimmed as it went back down again. The motion repeated once again before it vanished. It was unsettling, not knowing what it was before her, and Sanria closed the window and drew the drapes. Something wasn't right.
Secret Missives
Vorcet blinked his eyes a few times to clear them up. Even being dead reading through ancient tomes for days on end with no break wore on his vision. He let out a sigh and picked up his notes again. They were not much to go on, but at least he had found a few new places to look for further information regarding the planeswalkers of Netheril.
Vorcet closed the book in front of him and carried it back to its place in Elbryan's library. How Elbryan had managed to collect such a varied pile of books Vorcet would never know, and Elbryan was typically secretive about such things. There was one more library to check before trying out some of the leads he currently had and that was the Keepers Library itself.
Vorcet wandered up to the observatory accross from the office he had claimed as his in the upstairs of the Mansion to rest and gather his thoughts for a bit before heading back to the island. He pulled the lever that activated the machinery that pulled back the ceiling panels that afforded a view of the sky. Vorcet sat in the coushioned chair and put his feet up on the small table and closed his eyes.
Vorcet felt the slight tingling in his skin that warned of magic being used in close proximity and he opened his eyes to find a rolled piece of parchment floating in the air in front of his face. After a quick magical probe of the scroll and the magic holding it there, he grabbed the scroll and inspected the seal holding it closed. At his touch the wax melted and the scroll unfurled in his hand. The name at the bottom marked it as written by Sanria.
Vorcet read through the scroll and a smile spread slowly accross his face. When he was finished a quick incantation burned the scroll to cinders. Vorcet pulled his bag of holding from his belt and pulled a folded piece of cloth and helmet from it. Something he had acquired some time ago for just such an occasion.
Vorcet stuffed the clothing back into the bag and began preparing the incantation that would bring him back to his office on the island. The last attempts had petered out and failed. Perhaps this would be the time that the local balance would actually be restored.
Vorcet closed the book in front of him and carried it back to its place in Elbryan's library. How Elbryan had managed to collect such a varied pile of books Vorcet would never know, and Elbryan was typically secretive about such things. There was one more library to check before trying out some of the leads he currently had and that was the Keepers Library itself.
Vorcet wandered up to the observatory accross from the office he had claimed as his in the upstairs of the Mansion to rest and gather his thoughts for a bit before heading back to the island. He pulled the lever that activated the machinery that pulled back the ceiling panels that afforded a view of the sky. Vorcet sat in the coushioned chair and put his feet up on the small table and closed his eyes.
Vorcet felt the slight tingling in his skin that warned of magic being used in close proximity and he opened his eyes to find a rolled piece of parchment floating in the air in front of his face. After a quick magical probe of the scroll and the magic holding it there, he grabbed the scroll and inspected the seal holding it closed. At his touch the wax melted and the scroll unfurled in his hand. The name at the bottom marked it as written by Sanria.
Vorcet read through the scroll and a smile spread slowly accross his face. When he was finished a quick incantation burned the scroll to cinders. Vorcet pulled his bag of holding from his belt and pulled a folded piece of cloth and helmet from it. Something he had acquired some time ago for just such an occasion.
Vorcet stuffed the clothing back into the bag and began preparing the incantation that would bring him back to his office on the island. The last attempts had petered out and failed. Perhaps this would be the time that the local balance would actually be restored.
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