[Game Thread] On the Trail of a God

[Ziether]

”The Hill, City of Twenty-Five Fountains” The Councillors all stood to escort the champions to the exit. Passing under an ornate tapestry of an enormous, six-winged owl, with a pattern of stars on its wings, perched on a tree branch, wings outstretched, eyes oriented such that they appeared to stare deep into the soul of each of the room’s occupants as the passed beneath his watchful gaze and out into the bright sunlight of the equatorial island city. Standing on the top of the Hill, a panoramic vista unfolded before the adventurers, cityscape flowing for more than a dozen miles in all directions, interspersed with towering aqueducts, soaring towers, and hundreds of thousands of humble homes. The City of Twenty-Five Fountains stood as one of the last true testaments to the Age of Peace, people of all races living and working in one city, without any significant racial strife. As in any large city, crime was an element of life, but only the common sort. Stretching down the sides of the Hill in each cardinal direction, polished marble staircases led to the base of the hill and the encircling Lake of Unity. The Hill’s position in the center of the lake afforded it one last line of defense should some unfathomably powerful force make its way through the city this far. At the base of each staircase sat a large guardhouse and a stable. Making their way straight ahead to the south-facing stairs, the Councillors bid the Herald and his reluctant companions adieu, staying atop the Hill while the adventurers began to descend the fourteen hundred steps to the stable. Glancing up, the Herald caught a glimpse of five shapes drifting through the air, angling toward the base of the stairs. Four of the airships were of a dark blue, and the last was of a bright crimson. Elongated bladders of gas about three hundred feet long, each with a slightly modified sea galley chained beneath its massive profile, they made their way down to a broad grassy area already set up with ramps, wagons, livestock and other supplies, along with anchor points ready to secure the vessels. "Our chariots approach" the Herald announced calmly, picking his way down the stairs carefully. "By the time we arrive, there should be little to do besides load any personal belongings onto the vessels. You may travel aboard the Last Stand, Divine Downfall, Sky Servant or the Touch the Heavens. I will be aboard the crimson ship, the Defiance." Moments later, the airships touched down and countless small forms darted out from various points to secure them, and began loading all of the supplies onto the galleys. By the time the adventurers finally reached the base of the stairs, legs exhausted from the exertion of descending so many stairs, the ships were loaded. A pair of stableboys rushed forward to greet the heroes, promising to bring their animals to the armory where their gear was being stored. "Your mounts and companions will be waiting for you at the armory entrance when you have recovered your belongings. Good fortune on your mission, whatever it may be. Five airships is a mighty fleet. You must be incredibly important people." The stableboys bowed low, then retreated to perform their duties.

[Winter Wight]

Vatarin Vatarin looks up at the airships slowly, attempting to squelch the squeamish feeling in his stomach. "What kind of communication do these airships have? We need a way to speak to each other in case of emergency. Also, Herald, I would like to overlook your armaments before we take off. Nothing invasive, I'm curious about a few things." Vatarin is curious about a great deal more than the human's armor and greatsword but he would keep those questions to himself for the moment. Sometimes it is better not to ask when you could find out the truth for yourself. Farash, at least, seemed to understand that. It would have been difficult for anyone not to notice the Tengu casting a spell in the middle of the council. Vatarin imagined the paranoia of those who could not identify the spell with the same ease he had. Yes, the other champions were at least showing restraint for now even if most of them kept twitching for weapons they had not brought into the Grand Council Hall.

[Majestic Pyre]

Kerz The walk was long and tedious, although the panoramic view helped ease their perilous trek. Kerz didn't have to worry about fatigue, but even he wouldn't benefit by tumbling down the hundred feet of stairs. Keeping a wary eye on the horizon, Kerzumal was witness to the arrival of the airships. Framed by fog, they cut a majestic figure as the swept into their landing birth. Brimming with life, each colossal vehicle was a village unto itself. He'd traveled by ship before, the kind that cut waves instead of clouds. He'd always immensely enjoyed the experience. Silver Rings were considered excellent pirate protection on the high seas, and often were invited to travel in exchange for the defense they provided. He'd make himself at home, climbing the rigging, and staying visible. Inevitably there were the few sailors who were off put by his presence, but he had always managed to avoid fights that weren't absolutely necessary. Even when he'd been forced to fight, Kerz never killed unless it was in literal defense of his existence. Although in his line of work, such lethal defense seemed necessary depressingly often. Seeing the airshipmen buzzing about gave him hope that this journey might not be entirely unpleasant. Still, his arm wouldn't feel complete until it held his nunchuku again. He approach the armory eagerly, taking his weapon when it was proffered to him. He stuffed it quickly into its pocket on his bandolier. He'd be able to draw it swiftly, should he need to defend himself. Snatching up the rest of his equipment, for a moment he must have seemed a ridiculous figure. He grinned just imagining it: his two foot tall frame stuffing about his person a whole host of equipment. A bow and arrows, two tanglefoot bags as big as his head and a net he folded neatly before stowing; each item got stuffed away into his easy-access equipment bandolier. The rest of his equipment was stored in his backpack, which he slung over his shoulders. Finally, he clipped his quiver to his belt. He was fully equipped. Stepping out, into the open air, Kerz sought out the Herald near the Defiance's berth. He saw him, engaged in conversation with the Kobold champion, and Kerz managed to catch the end of it. I agree with Vatarin, Hal. How will we know if one of the airships is under attack? I'm equipped to mount an inter-ship defense. Kerz tapped his Winged Boots, allow five minutes of flight on command, three times per dayboots. But I can't help you if I don't know that you're in trouble. Why are none of these champions traveling with you?

[kedcoleman]

Leaving the council chambers, Ira reclaimed his unusual weapon - a highly-polished revolver, heavy and with a large-bored barrel, along which were etched many intricate patterns. The grip was pale wood, also polished. He quickly flips the cylinder out, checking it's load and clicks it back into place before holstering it. He pulls his poncho back into place, the hem hanging low to conceal the pistol, and tips his hat lower to block the sunlight as he looks out at the airships.

He'd never so much as seen a proper ocean ship, his home was many long days ride from the coast, let alone ridden one. But flying ships? Ira never conceived that he'd be riding one of those ever. Of course, he never thought he'd be in the City of Twenty-Five Fountains, talking to the Council, either, nor face-to-face with an actual Human. It was an exciting day. He dug a toothpick out of his pocket and started chewing on it casually.

The others had already voiced his concerns about communicating between the ships, so he simply hooked his thunmbs in his belt again, and eyed the kobold - Vatarin - askance as he asked to inspect the Herald's equipment. He hoped he didn't plan on doing that for all those on this trip.

[Drakeblade]

Climbing atop Vel’kor, Durzo felt at home. Then looking around that feeling suddenly crumbled away. The city ruined everything, no long corridors, no tunnels to get lost in, nor dark alcoves to hide in and everything was just too clean. The jungles and plains that he had traversed in his adventures even felt more homely than this city.

Following the others to the armory, his first though was to find Cora and giving commands to find Vel’kor outside and follow him. Going through the armory once again he reclaimed his two weapons Alcor and his Nodachi. Alcor an adamantium lance, it’s long spear point showed no sign of wear and it’s midsection was made to mimic that of overlapping dragon scales that stretch back to the handle. The Nodachi, though simple, is a beautiful weapon made to kill. It transitions from a dark blue to black as it reaches toward the hilt, with a silver edge that flows like a wave and keen enough to draw blood if not handled with extreme care. He carried both outside and strapped the lance to Vel'kor and sheathed the Nodachi to his back.

Riding Vel’kor with Cora following, Durzo's thoughts drifted. This Human could well be a spy, or even the embodiment of God himself. Placing his safety in the center of the all the nation’s strongest champions while leading them to be killed by his strongest champions. That would also leave him surrounded by what is potentially also his greatest threat.

However paranoid, Durzo thought the last was probably not the case. He had to remind himself, this Human could be our best informant they have to find God and if not... Well that could be dealt with later.

Getting closer to the group, he heard discussion of communication and worries over an assault. “I would imagine airships would use a set of flags to communicate much like seafaring ships do. If not more efficiently by magical means. With the Heralds ship most likely to get attacked, it may be wise to have anyone without the ability to fly to be aboard his vessel. ” Glancing around at each of his companions, trying to gain some insight on their thoughts. “My preference would be to be grouped up both for defensive reasons and planning. Preferably all aboard Defiance with the Herald if room permits. I can teleport up to 4 of us including myself, to another ship if need be. Another option would be to board separate ships to provide maximum coverage of the fleet in whole. In case we are attacked from multiple sides.”

[Panthas]

Farash was already heading down the steps when they came out. He didn’t look back when he heard all the footsteps. His path was aiming straight for where his weapons were stored. He moved quickly, his claws grasping each step. This mission was messy. Oh the end goal was admirable, even essential, but to get there was going to be quite a journey. It would take awhile, all while a god gained more and more power. It was very worrying, but he was just a champion, one whose only source of information on this god could very well be a spy. He hadn’t seen any enchantments so at least on the surface things appeared to be good, but that didn’t alleviate all of his concerns. For now though he was going to just go with it, if the river was going to push his boat along, there wasn’t too much point in trying to paddle back upstream.

He sighed though as he got to armory and reclaimed his weapons, strapping his pack on as well as his quiver to his hip and his bow being slipped across his back. He sighed a bit, strapping on the rest and then heading out as the other’s got there. He heard the words of the others before he disappeared around a corner to retrieve Iolda. He came back in time to hear the stableboys talking to the group and he strode up with Iolda walking slowly along behind him. His eyes moved to the airships and he smiled and looked back at Iolda. "Looks like someone is going to be getting a long rest." Saying it in tengu and stroking the neck of the roc as he thought about the choice of ship. "I think Sky Servant would suit me best, though Touch the Heavens isn’t bad, the others sound like they are begging to have a target painted on their ballons." He head the words of the kobold and looked at the reptile without batting an eye. That was an odd request, but you never knew with kobold.

"Are there warriors among the crew? If we are to be hunted by the minions of a deity, it might be best if we did not, as they say, put all of the babies in one basket…..splitting up might be best, with those that have not the means to fly being paired up with those that do." He looked around the group and frowned. A rather odd setup, outside of magic items he wondered if any had the ability or means to fly. He had Iolda as well as his magic, and what sort of tengu would he be to not have a fly spell.

[Schniderman]

Into the Skies The long set of steps was an impressive piece of architecture looking out over an impressive civilization. Haruka paused in her stride, granting herself only a moment to overlook the scene from the top of the steps before continuing on her way to their base of the stairs, the armory, and the airships that awaited them. It was both gratifying and comforting to slip the black lacquered scabbard of her blade 'Tamakakyou' through the narrow sash at her waist, settling it once more in it's proper place. It felt like a wrong had been righted and a void had been filled in; a sort of completeness she couldn't find without it. She collected her bow and arrows too, but they did not hold the same sense of gravity as the katana did. Once again prepared for what might come, she went out to the airship docks to wait with her companions for direction. Among the group there seemed to be many opinions on how they should travel, whether it be all together, all apart, or some compromise between the two. From her position, the right decision was apparent before the discussion had even begun. "It would be best to travel together. If we travel separated we could be attacked individually, foes that might otherwise prove trivial could instead be overwhelming. We may be able to communicate or move between the ships as you've said, but I see no gain worth the difficulties staying apart entails."

[Ziether]

”Airship Mooring, City of Twenty-Five Fountains” As the heroes assembled and peppered him with questions, the Herald sighed inwardly Curse you, God, for creating me thus, that I might have to endure these creatures to put a stop to your machinations! "I assumed that some of you might feel uncomfortable flying with me due to my nature. If you wish to travel aboard the Defiance, so be it. Your Tengu comrade can fly between ships, and having a steady head aboard the Sky Servant would be a good idea. The rest of the ships are our cover. They contain trade supplies to mask our true mission. This flight of airships normally performs worldwide trade missions on behalf of the City of Twenty-Five Fountains. There are illusions cast on the ships, rendering their ballistae invisible, as well as masking the racial composition of the crew. It will seem to outsiders that the crew is entirely gnomish and tiefling. Only the gnome and tiefling crewmembers leave the ships at port, covering for the illusion." Hal explained. "Intership communication is simple. There are redundant systems, a series of colored flags, indicating danger levels, as well as a magical apparatus at the helm which transmits voice communications to the helms of the other airships. There should not be much worry." he turned away from the group and began walking toward the red balloon of the Defiance. "As to my equipment, it is my own business, is it not? If you wish to “inspect” it, attempt to do so inconspicuously. Your companion was able to get a good reading of it back in the Council Chamber. It may have been rude, but much more effective than asking permission. I think we all have things that we wish not to share with each other. Include me in that. I will not hold back any information I think relevant to the mission at hand, but I am not your servant. I am not beholden to you." Reaching the ramp to board the airship, the Herald turned back one last time "Yes, each ship has a compliment of defenders. Should the ships be boarded, they will at least possess enough defensive capability to last until we can come to their aid. Hopefully this will not be necessary, as traversing the air between ships is always wrought with peril. Dispelled flying equipment leads to plummeting heroes." Staring up into the sky, with a vacant expression on his face, Harold murmured "I would board if I were you. We can discuss things further once we set off. The winds are in our favor. Time is of the essence. You'll find spare cabins belowdecks, take whichever you like."

[kedcoleman]

Ira takes a deep breath and rocks back on the heels of his riding boots. "Well," he says, finally, around the toothpick clenched in his teeth, "figure I'd rather someone ask me to my face than go *****-footin' around sneaking looks at my kit. Only proper. Still...ain't my concern. Whatever herds your cattle, as my Pa used to say."

The Felinus Marshall glanced over at Haruka when he spoke, still chewing idly on the toothpick. "If all us 'Champions' are on one boat and it goes down, though, then we're all done for. Feels a bit like puttin' all our eggs in one basket, hangin' from a flimsy bag of gas, a couple hundred feet up in the air. Unless you like scrambled eggs, that is." He tips his hat back a touch, then starts walking down the steps, whether or not the rest of the group follows. "Myself, I like em' over easy. Maybe with some fried potatoes. Best way to start a day, in my opinion. Watchin' the sun come up over the eastern ridges, nothin' but me, the range, and a good breakfast on the fire. I'll be ridin' on the Last Stand if anyone needs me."

[Winter Wight]

"I asked as a courtesy. The others are considerably less likely to spontaneously spout the God's heresy if you understand me." The tone in Vatarin's voice could corrode non-magical metals as he continued, "Inconspicuously was not going to happen as as you just revealed, you noticed him do so earlier. I am not one for vain or unnecessary attempts for being 'inconspicuous.' It would only foster more distrust than we already must overcome. My examination would require no more than his did, in fact I would be using the same process. Now I suppose whether you like it or not I'll continue."

Vatarin clasped his hand together and passed his forefingers over his eyes as he chanted the words to his basic detection spell and focused upon the much larger figure of the Herald as he analyzed the magical properties about his figure.

"And by the way, I'll be boarding the Sky Servant, for any of you who wish to know."

As he finished observing what auras he could note about the armored man, Vatarin snorted and flicked his hand in a dismissive gesture. The spell dissipated even as the green kobold adjusted his booted steps causing his footfalls to grow eerily silent as he padded towards his preferred transport. He muttered a few draconian curses under his breath and glued his eyes upon Sky Servant ahead even as his mind reviewed the number of places one could hide a body in a city as large as Twenty-Five Fountains.

[Panthas]

Farash tipped his wide brimmed hat with a beakish smile and a wink at the Herald’s references to his flying and his casting. He gave a slightly mocking bow. "I make no apologies for my actions and ask for none, I simply acted on a desire to know and I would rather not get killed because I followed common courtesy." He went silent again and listened, thinking that they would be alright with the illusions, except for the ship the herald was on. He was known by their enemies, and that made him easier to find. He would be on a different ship than the herald, that was for sure. If a catapult round was heading for the tree you were standing next to, it was probably best to move away from the tree, even if it could possible turn around and smack you.

He heard the words of the herald at the foot of his airship while Farash was heading for the Sky Servant, with Ialdo moving along beside him. At least the crew wasn’t helpless, but with whatever was going to be sent their way, it was going to be interesting. If luck held, they would have an easy flight, put their feet back on land and then the battles would begin, but that remained to be seen. As the feline drifted off into some weird accented ramblings he shook his head and stepped onto Sky Servant’s ramp with Ialdo. He patted the roc on the neck and smiled as he walked up, looking around the ship and sighing. "If only these things came in smaller sizes, I might give thought to buying one." He has seen the kobold casting his spell and would have a talk with him once they were both aboard. For the moment he moved to the side of the ship and looked out at the others, waiting to see what their choice was. A soft breeze blew past him, making his feathers flutter softly and Ialdo let out a soft cry, as impatient as he was. The roc had never gotten used to cities and Farash usually let him wander the areas around them instead, but this time, this time he had wanted him close, and luckily the inner part of the city had been mostly open space with the stairs and such. He let out a sigh and looked up at the bag of gas that would be holding them in the air. He had better prepare for the worst.

[Schniderman]

Into the Skies The mongrel woman frowned deeply at the felinus' words, her lips pulling back tightly and her brows knitting together. "It is true that if we gather on a single ship and that ship is attacked, we may all be overcome by a greater enemy and die. We could instead spread ourselves between the ships, but to what end? If a single ship is attacked and we go to its aid, we might all still be overcome by a greater enemy and die. Unless you mean to abandon each ship to its own fate, it does not matter which is attacked; if the enemy comes, we go to defeat them." Durzo had been right that the Defiance seemed the most likely to be attacked, both at a glance and in a deeper sense. With its red canvas balloon, it was visually distinct from the others; and it carried the Herald, so whatever mystical means of detection God had would be directed at it. That was exactly why it needed the most defense. They had been told to escort the Herald, it was cowardly to hide away in different ships in hopes that they'd be safer. She was glad that at least the Darkling shared her sentiment of wanting to stay together, but half of the group already seemed to be dispersing to the various ships. It seemed like such an obviously poor decision, and that vexxed her. "Do as you will, I will board the Defiance." Haruka growled in a low tone, her ears flattening against her head. Taking quick, long strides, she moved towards the single red airship.

[Majestic Pyre]

Kerz The chuckle coming from beside the Herald could easily have been mistaken for a cough or wheeze. Dead throats produce only dry noise. As the Herald looked over, Kerz grinned again, as he had in the grand council room. He winked at Hal. Thingsss got a mite heavy... wouldn't you sssay. It seems we might end up fighting amongst ourselves if we're not wary. Kerz shook his head, his smile turning wry. Introductions are always difficult between the elite. I will be watching your back as well, Hal. I'll be aboard the Defiance, and be bunking as close to you as you're comfortable with. Maybe we can even play a few hands of cards. Either way, if you're amiable, I'll try to stick close. When I'm tasked with protecting someone, then by Sanguine Sleep here; Kerz patted the top pocket of his bandolier, that person is safe. The Gripplis voiced the word 'safe' like a prayer. Trotting up the gangplank, he turned to give the Herald one last quip. He looked the Human up and down. If we do end up going down, jump free of the ship. It'll be easssier for me to catch you that way! This time the Wight's laugh was absolutely unmistakable.

[Drakeblade]

All over Vel’kor’s body eyes flickered back and forth watching, studying. Suddenly 3 tendrals shot out, pointing at Ira, Vatarin, and Farash as each walked away. In a deep unnatural voice Vel’kor spoke. Each word resonating, lingering almost stretching into the next. “Yyooouuur frieeeeennndss...... hhhhaveeee... aaabbandonedd you.”

Vel’kor, had a very distinct way of putting a morose light on most subjects. “Not the way I would of prefered starting this journey. However they have reasons for their actions. Some people’s distrust is comforted by distance, others by clasping it in hand.” Looking up at the Herald, “You’re sure couldn’t of made this easy and have been made a dwarf or the such. At this moment you are the best asset we have for hunting this god. So until that changes I see you as a companion, and I plan on keeping you safe.” Reaching back and tapping his Nodachi. “If that ever changes...” Vel’kor shuddered a bit, as if in agitation at thought of being betrayed. Vel'kor in a very threatening voice boomed “Yyyyour hhhearrrrrrrt.... wiiiillllll...... exxxplode.”

The point had been made painfully clear.

Durzo tapped his leg to Vel’kor's back signaling it was time to go. They wandered up the makeshift bridge toward Defiance. Durzo chose to point his mind toward the next most pressing issue. Looking for an adequate spot for Cora to stay on the long voyage.

[Ziether]

GM Post

”Aboard the Airships” Once all had been stowed, and the crew was aboard, the ships untied their tethers and slowly pulled for the skies over Twenty-Five Fountains. Angling almost due south, the vista of the Island of Orculo spread out around them in all directions, mountains looming in the distance, rivers and lakes dotting the land outside the enormous city. As the ships reached the lowest level of clouds, the view was interrupted by a blanket of moisture for several minutes until the decks of the galleys pierced the upper boundary of the cloud and maintain 10,000 ft elevation. You can breathe just fineburst into the sunlight. As the small fleet leveled off, a message came over the helm speaker. Captains, please close the formation. Penrouse here is going to open up private communications between the passengers, and we need to be pretty close to do that. Thank you. The Herald requested. The ships began to close distance, Divine Downfall and Touch the Heavens drifting further apart, while Defiance, Last Stand, and Sky Servant moved to within a few hundred feet of each other. Each passenger felt a small prickle on their consciousness. Nothing invaded their minds, no pressure, no feelings of foreboding. Hello, I assume you all can hear me. I felt it best to allow you to maintain communications with me and each other for a while, and the Defiance’s communications officer is capable of Extend Spell/Messagefacilitating that. She has my confidence, and will likely join us in the second stage of our journey, as will several other members of the Defiance’s crew. They do not come to assist in our endeavors, so much as to facilitate the transport of our possessions, the preparation of our meals, and other mundane tasks. If all goes according to plan, we have about nineteen days of transit time to Itsiju Kiko, once we arrive there, the ships will offload trade goods as our cover. The Divine Downfall, Touch the Heavens, and Last Stand will continue on with their trade mission, heading off to the Gnomish land of Regarton and Perentail. The Sky Servant and Defiance will remain behind in case we have need of them. Our wagons will be unloaded, we will spend a day in Itsiju Kiko restocking, and then we will proceed south along the trade route to Terek’Tule, where we will confront this first lieutenant of God’s. His name is Abalshesh Combunar, a notorious alchemical tinkerer and unholy necromancer. He has incredible control over the undead. Most of our enemies will not be truly evil, but Abalshesh is as wicked as they come. His dealings and experiments with the dead know no bounds. We must be very cautious when dealing with him. The Herald went quiet for a moment before concluding. Any time you have need to speak with each other, or myself, have your ship’s captain contact Penrouse, and she will allow us to speak. I want you to know that I am available any time. Please allow me my rest, but do not hesitate to bring any questions or concerns to me.

OOGM The interval after this post can be as long or as short as you wish. I'd like at least one more in-transit post, but I will be content if you wish to arrive in Itsiju Kiko more swiftly. The airships move 240 miles each day, and the journey is 4500 miles. Assume that you are able to communicate via Message whenever you wish, for simplicity's sake. I will be posting a list of available communal items in the next few days (probably Monday). You have free roam of your respective airships, private quarters, and room to perform any crafting you wish. I will be rolling some random encounter dice at some point to determine how far into the voyage any interruptions occur at, and whether or not they are worth actually running. Any questions, simply ask OOC.