[Game Thread] Oren's Tale - Part 2

[Admin Bhelogan]

Temple Reading through the thread again, here is the map I came up with. The main entrance and worship hall are at the bottom. The stairs there go down to that dark tunnel with the chest in it. If I am missing anything, let me know.   1 square = 5'

Having slain the dragon, and taken what look looked worthwhile, Oren and Daybreak made their way out of the cave. The Kobolds may have left some traps, but if they did, they were neither found or triggered on the exit to the forest. Oren was not sure how long they had been inside the cave, but the sun was starting to set outside.

"The nights get cold here, more and more every day," Daybreak informed Oren as the pair worked the path back towards the temple. More and more, Oren noticed that although she was doing her best to hide it, her leg was bothering her. The mark left by his patron was causing pain, manifested in a limp.

As the trail continued, the sun went further and further down. Darkness was starting to set in. One not familiar with the first could have easily lost their way, and on a few occasions, Daybreak reluctantly corrected Oren's path. She would have preferred to not return to the temple, and didn't miss an opportunity to make that known. Still, she had agreed to return, and was true to her word.

The Temple stood against the darkness of the night, except now it was lit from within. The windows that had let light in during the day were now shedding a faint red light out of them. The sight might have been something to enjoy, but now Oren had another problem. A large tree stood in front of the doors to the cathedral. This was no ordinary tree, however. It had legs and arms, which it was using to beat at the strong stone wall of the temple. The door had already been kicked in, but did not provide a large enough of an entrance for the living tree to get in. The creature was too preoccupied with trying to beat a hole into the wall to notice Oren and Daybreak approaching from behind.

[mountainbound]

She's limping. Whatever it did to her, Oren reflects with a surge of anger toward his ambiguous patron, it hasn't left her in a good state. They march through the snow, shivering in the early spring moonlight as they make their way back to the forest temple. To take her mind from the pain in her leg, Oren tries to keep Daybreak talking. "Yes, the nights are cold. But you're a dryad. You live in the forest year round. Do you... do you long for warmth like a human?"

Perhaps it's male bravado, perhaps fatigue, or the mind-clouding irritability from numb muscles, but whatever the case, Oren makes several rash decisions trying to lead them back to the temple. He had only been through the forest just yesterday, and despite what he thought of himself, he was no great woodsman. Clearly the warlock was lost, and says nothing when Daybreak offers a gentle suggestion.

Repositioning the heavy heart he carries, now crusted with bloody icicles, Oren silently follows the dryad through the white lanes between the trees. Watching her slender form slip through the shadows, it's as though a path is set before him by her, one he would gladly follow to his very undoing. They plod on and on, snow crunching in the darkness. It's only when Daybreak stops ahead that Oren realizes where they are.

The stained glass windows of the temple glow faintly, and for the first time the beauty of the place hits home. There are arching columns, windows set with color, an architecture conceived by minds connected with a profound, otherworldly knowledge. Were these his people? Priests of the Great Old One who made this ground sacred and constructed a forest cathedral in honor of the mysterious, nameless power that spoke to him through the fire? The thought was actually comforting. Perhaps he was not alone after all.

He stops, taking in the sight of the temple for a moment before a thud shakes him from his reverie. There's a tree, moving and occasionally knocking against the walls right in front of the main doors. Whispering to Daybreak he says, "Someone you know? Why is it trying to break into the temple?"

[Admin Bhelogan]

Daybreak was happy to talk about life amount the trees. The Fey were not so fragile as humans, and fared the seasons more or less in the same fashion as plants would. The weather usually didn't bother Daybreak much, she could find cover when things froze over. Only the most bitter of winters had the potential to freeze a Dryad to death. Magical cold, however, caused by careless wizards was another story.

Daybreak was clearly confused and concerned at the sight of the living tree. "Yes, but no. The tree itself grew not far from here. Although not the largest in the grove, it was one of the oldest. Someone has breathed life into it. I think the Archfey was not so quick to give up his hold on this temple. It must be desired by many, for some reason."

Another thunderous bang from the large tree's limb crashed into the side of the Temple. The blow caused some small pieces of stone lodge lose from the wall, and fall to the ground with a small cloud of dust. The blow did not leave the tree unharmed either. Some chunks of bark and wood splintered and fell, adding to the debris below. Which would give first, stone or wood? It was still too early to tell.

[mountainbound]

The incessant banging made Oren worry for the integrity of the temple, and Daybreak's words about multiple powerful forces vying for it causes yet another new fear. All this time he felt secure that the temple belonged to the Great Old One, and the other powers were usurpers trying to steal it away. But now... a doubt appeared in him. What if the temple was key to the Great Old One's foothold on this realm?

It would mean his patron wasn't as powerful as he thought -- and that it needed Oren more than ever.

Taking a deep breath, the warlock hefts the bag containing the heart once again. "I need to get in there and seal the rift," he whispers. "You stay here. Hide, stay out of sight."

He had said similar words this afternoon when he went to battle the dragon, and that encounter was heading toward a very grim conclusion -- except that Daybreak had saved him. "Well, at least, let me see if I can work this out... before you decide to save me." He manages a smile and takes a last look at the dryad. He has a strange feeling that his world was about to get turned upside down, and can only hope she's safe from the maddening forces at play here.

As the giant tree continues to smash itself to splinters against the outside of the temple, Oren breaks into a jog, then a run, directly at it. Or rather, directly at the open doorway behind it. If he can just get close enough, he knows his patron will see to it to help him through...

OOC Action: Run Bonus: Misty Step into the temple once in range. If all goes well, he seeks to avoid being seen. Stealth   Dice Roll: 1d20+5 (8)+5 Total = 13   Oren Kyre AC 15; HP 17/21 Conditions: none Slots available: 2, cast at 2nd lev

[Admin Bhelogan]

Daybreak took a defiant deep breath and gave Oren a nod. He knew her well enough to know, by the look on her face, she was planning something. There was not time for debate now, though. Oren rushed towards the temple. he just needed to get close enough to the temple to see inside through one of the windows or the splintered doorway. Then, through the use of his magic, he could get inside. He timed his sprint for when a blow hit the side of the temple, then dashed as fast as he could.

Oren was light enough on his feet that he was virtually silent, compared to the calamity the tree was making. Time seemed to slow down as he got closer and closer to the awakened Tree. He couldn't afford to get into a fistfight with something that large. Luckily, he didn't have to. Just when he was sure the Tree had heard him, he vanished into thin air.


Inside the temples meeting hall, all of the candles had been lit. They hadn't left the temple this way earlier. Before Oren could wonder much at how this had happened, he realized he was not alone. Standing a fair distance away from the door, a figure covered in a dark cloak stood, waiting. Perhaps waiting for the tree outside to break in. The figure looked massive, nearly seven feet tall, with crossed arms. He was chanting something in a language Oren did not understand. For the moment, Oren's presence was ignored.

[mountainbound]

OOC Very interesting dilemma. I'm wondering where the figure is on the map you created above. Can you let me know his placement? Also, the door leading into the temple seems oddly placed now that I look at it again (main entry leads between two pews). Suggest maybe moving it to a diagonal position on Q4 instead? Also would like to get a sense for whether the figure has seen me, and what it might be saying before posting.   Perception Dice Roll: 1d20+4 (10)+4 Total = 14 Arcana Dice Roll: 1d20+2 (8)+2 Total = 10

[Admin Bhelogan]

OODM   Ok, updated map here. Looking at it closely, some of the things got moved around a bit during editing that I hadn't noticed. Put the door in the rear. The hooded figure is at O5, Oren would be in the pews at P7. It is unclear if he noticed Oren, as his focus is completely on the door. Oren does recognize the language as Infernal. The chant sounds like it might be some kind of prayer.

[mountainbound]

Running full tilt toward the opening, Oren closes his eyes and puts his faith in his patron. Opening them, he's past the living tree and running at the doorway. He slows, knowing the inside of the building is cramped.

Once through, Oren breathes a sigh of relief, pausing to consider where to go next when he notices the robed figure. It's chanting in a language he can't understand, but he knows instinctively that it's from some hellish plane -- or perhaps it's the knowledge of the Great Old One seeping into his being that tells him this.

Finding himself standing between pews behind the chanting figure, Oren sinks down into a crouch, hoping he hasn't been spotted. It was just a tiny bit of luck. Throughout his time adventuring, he's learned a few things. The first is that, despite his military training, he was never the strongest or bravest sword in the group. Head to head in a fight with a man the size of the chanting figure, he'd lose. And as servant to an unknown magical entity, he's acquired a small number of magical powers of his own. But he knows he's no wizard, and head to head with someone who could find his way around a spellbook, he'd also lose.

All that's ever on my side is dumb luck and half baked plans. And he hoped against hope they were on his side now.

Taking a deep breath, he calls upon his connection with the Great Old One, manipulating light and shadow in the direction of where the robed figure was looking. A swirl, a flicker like flame, a flash. That was enough to start.

Then, he opens himself, sending out his mind and changing the tenor of his thoughts. Focus... focus...

Adopting a mental voice that he hopes is both dark and powerful, Oren telepathically speaks to the figure. I am the guardian of this sacred place... Who are you who would presume to enter?

A pause as he lets the other respond. In the meantime he shifts the illusion slightly to make a face appear from the flickering smoke before the other figure. Sinister, with features barely hinted at. From the time he'd spent in the temple, with it's traps, tricks, groping darkness and exacting demand for sacrifice, it wasn't hard to conjure a face to match the character of the place.

Why do you just stand there when another would break down my walls? GO! Defeat this threat! Then may you be worthy to speak to me.

OOC Oren Kyre AC 15; HP 17/21 Conditions: none Slots available: 1, cast at 2nd lev Using awakened mind to communicate, along with the eldritch invocation of Silent Image for the illusion. Deception Dice Roll: 1d20+3 (3)+3 Total = 6

[Admin Bhelogan]

The figure didn't turn to look at Oren, or even flinch as another boom echoed through the chapel. A few bricks started to come loose above the doorway. Then, an answer came to Oren. It spoke in his head, not using the channel of telepathy Oren had opened, but rather the creatures own innate ability. Its tone was harsh and low, just like the chanting he heard. "Know your place Oren. Do not presume you can give orders to your superiors. My assignment is simple. Kill anything besides you that enters this place, until you seal the rift. Nothing more nothing less."

Again the wall shook, and several bricks fell inside the chapel as a branched arm was now visible poking through the newly created hole in the wall. It would still take a few more minutes for the living tree outside to break a pathway into the temple, but time was starting to run short. It was at this moment that the robed figure sprung to life. Like long siders legs, several chains which hooks and barbs attached to their ends shot out from the figure's robes and began to dance, animated, around in a defensive pattern. The clanking of iron chains banging together now filled the hall with an almost rhythmic music to accompany the demonic chanting. Oddly, the chains looked familiar to Oren. They matched those from which Oren had saved Daybreak when they first met. "Hurry Oren, cleanse this temple. Only then can the training of the new High Priestess begin."

[mountainbound]

Slowly Oren rises from where he had been hiding between the pews. To be exposed and made into a fool by this unknown figure smarted his ego. The young warlock didn't like the sound of the creature's telepathic voice, he didn't like being told what to do, and he didn't like surprises. He also didn't like the look of those chains -- too close to the chains that almost robbed him of Daybreak.

"What do you mean, 'superior'? I serve my patron, and I know nothing of you. Who are you who presume to give orders to me? If you care so much about this temple, then prove it. Defeat the tree so we may talk in peace!"

OOC Oren Kyre AC 15; HP 17/21 Conditions: none Slots available: 1, cast at 2nd lev Definitely not liking this guy.   Insight roll to discern if he's lying or get other info. Dice Roll: 1d20+2 (3)+2 Total = 5

[Admin Bhelogan]

"Yes, there are many things you do not know, Oren. I don't know why our Mistress suffers ignorant mortals such as yourself to be in her service. I'd just assume peel the flesh from your face as talk to you another moment." A limb broke through a two-foot hole in the wall, which was immediately met by the blade at the end of a chain which danced around the hooded figure. As blade struck wood, the wood split, severing the part of the branch that had entered the temple from the rest of the tree outside. Another flick of the chain sent the chunk of the living tree flying into the fireplace, where it began to sizzle, as freshly cut wood will do as the moisture escapes from inside.

[mountainbound]

Glaring at the chain-flinging figure, Oren jumps in surprise as yet another mighty boom shakes the foundation of the temple from outside. He wishes he had some cunning insight to put the newcomer in his place, but he's shaken by the fiend's message. "Our?... Mistress?" Each word was a puzzle unto itself, and left Oren feeling more and more confused.

It was too much. Whatever small plan might have been brewing in his mind suddenly died, and he was left momentarily dumbfounded. "I..." At that moment the creature slices an intruding branch and tosses it in the fire, snapping Oren back to reality. That display made clear to him that the chainsman would overpower him if it came to battle. His only hope was to believe, for now, that this creature meant what it said in that they both served the same master. Or was that mistress?

"Fine, I'll seal it. What happens to me after that?" Anger comes back to him, and resentment for being kept in the dark. Would this always be the way of things for him in the service of an unknown entity?

OOC Nice twist. BTW, I think Oren will want to keep the dagger and go the TWF route. On the lookout for a rapier.

[Admin Bhelogan]

Oren's state of dumbfoundedness seemed to please the chain wielder. "Luckily for you, your fate is not my decision." Oren knew what he had to do next. Down the hallway past the demonic tormentor was a door, through which the Archfey was forcing its presence into this temple. He knew the Dragon Heart was the tool needed to make this happen. How to use that tool, however, was another puzzle he would have to figure out.

OODM Ok, that will be fine. I was thinking your Patron will demand the other items be returned to the chest after the rift is sealed.

[mountainbound]

Taking one long look at the demonic figure, Oren lets out a snarl of frustration. He couldn't see the point in arguing or offering any further resistance.

The young warlock kneels by his pack, gathering his dropped things. Quickly he slides the evil book he found in the temple into the bag with the dragon's heart. Let them all be damned, he thinks, remembering the competing patrons.

He hefts the bloody bag and hastens past the chain-flinger, down the hall to the rift room. The temple is well known to him. His guard barracks were nearly an exact replica of the place, and he lived in them for almost a year before his master -- or perhaps budding insanity -- drove him to accept the quest that led him to the predicament he's now in.

As he limps along, he reflects on his last visit to the room. A lord of the fey had appeared through the rift and tried to trick him, impersonating his commander. When Oren hadn't fallen for the enchantment, the entity moved on to less subtle means. One thing that stuck out in Oren's memory was the Fey telling him to throw the demon book through the rift. Perhaps if I threw the book and the dragon's head through, it would get rid this demon too. He says we serve the same mistress, but something tells me I'm a fool to believe it.

"The rift is through this door at the end of the hall," he says, assuming the chain-creature was following. "How do we seal it for good?" he mutters, wracking his mind for anything else that might help.

ooc Arcana Dice Roll: 1d20+2 (17)+2 Total = 19

[Admin Bhelogan]

Oren spoke, then realized he was not being followed. The words echoed in his head that the chain-wielding servant had spoken to him.

"My assignment is simple. Kill anything besides you that enters this place, until you seal the rift. Nothing more nothing less."

He must have meant that very literally. It may have been a small comfort to know, at least, that the fiendish figure would not overstep his bounds, and attack Oren. At least, not without being ordered to do so. And as fate would have it, it seemed as though they might be working for the same entity. Still, this left him with the dilemma of figuring out how to seal the rift on his own. He knew the Dragon Heart as the required tool, but had no instruction on how to use it. Just like a hammer could be a wonderful tool, if attempted to be used to cut wood, dig holes, or roll dough flat, it would be rather useless.

Oren racked his brain, thinking of anything he knew about how magic worked that could be useful. Wizards made the intellectual study of magic, and knew how different components would react with each other. This wasn't quite how Oren had managed to wield arcane power, but he still could figure a thing or two about it. Indeed, the heart would need to be thrown through the rift. But it wasn't quite that simple. It may require some kind of incantation, or be cut in just the right manner. Before he could consider this too much longer, Oren felt as if a heavy weight had just been placed on his shoulders. It was as if something was trying to drag him down to the ground and keep him pinned there. This invisible force was trying to keep Oren from getting any closer to the door, and thus the rift, which he knew he had to seal.

OODM Ok, I want to run this like a skills challenge, mixed with a saving throw. We already have a pretty good arcana check. I am going to ask for a Wisdom save, to fight against the gravity trying to pull Oren down. Then, I would like two other skill checks of your choice (but nor repeating skills), to try and figure out how, or through force of whit and will, to use the Dragon heart to close the rift. I don't have anything specific in mind for how it will happen, so feel free to take some liberties there. Success will depend on the result of the next three rolls, and the narrative of how they are used (e.g. I'll give an easier DC for success to something that is used creatively).