Quest Logs
Every quest inside of the world of Sunholm is logged by our adventurers so that other guild members can live vicariously though them, and so that other adventurers can stay on top of the successes and failures of the guild as a whole. If an adventurer shares a quest log with the guild then they are usually met with payment for their work by other guild members, however if there is ever a case where no member of the adventuring party provides a history of what happened then it is unlikely anyone will know about their deeds, or even that the world itself will remember their experiences (Characters will not receive exp for that session). There is no requirement for the style or form of the quest logs, they can be short summaries, a list of events that occurred, masterfully woven tales, sonnets, poems, songs, or anything else you would like, they must however contain information about all of the major story events that occurred.
Logs
May
10
- The group decided to wait the time out
- Rich's character investigated the magic that was being purified and found that it was being used to create arcane that mortals could use. He went about trying to construct a magic item to allow him to cast two instances of illusion magic at the same time and the workers constructed it for him so his character has a ring that allows for minor or major illusion to be cast twice whenever it is cast once.
- Trevor's character tried to build a bigger gun, which failed
- Morgans character went around asking people if they had names and ended up with the general opinion of him becoming less favorable
- Gabe's character went to try to hide some loot for future adventurers to find, but ended up not doing so
When the group went up to meet with Ti they were greeted by a hunched figure in the middle, spreading from the figure were a multitude of, what I was only able to describe as, hinged tendrils. A series of straight sections that bent at fixed intervals along their path. At the end of each tendril was a creature that looked like a slightly mutated version of the one in the middle, some taller, some smaller, some wider, etc etc. Each one was recording data on some medium, all sorts of methods of record were being utilized.
Above the room hovered a large glowing ovoid object that lit up Ti's room with a light brighter then the natural sunlight from outside, which the group learned was "the weaverseed" the source of existence for the realm and the arcane nexus that creates the deities every millennia. The magic from this object is what was being purified in the lower section of the tower.
When the players walked in they obseved all of the jointed tendrils fold in pulling each of the bodies into the central one, who then stood up and greeted the players with a smile asking how they could help. Ti stood 12 feet tall, draped in a raggity cloak manufactured in an era long past. Their face rather unassuming while their arms and legs like black sticks jutting out from under their cloak. Ti also seemed to be able to reach at any point in the room regardless of the distance, as demonstrated when patting Morgan's character on the head while exploring the room.
Ti was questioned by the individuals who entered their room, explaining that Ti's purpose is to record the history of the plane. In doing so Et granted Ti the ability to grant names to individuals so that they may be more easily referenced within the history. As such the party asked Ti to give them names.
At this point the DM did not have enough information for any player other then Trevor as to what their name would be.
- Trevor's character was named Ith'Geb. Who later in history would become known as "Keeper of the Forge"
The other players decided among themselves which characters would fit best to each of these roles (with some restrictions based on character choices):
- Keeper of the Temples
- Keeper of the Army
- Keeper of the Homeland
- Keeper of the Faith
As a result Ti named each of the characters
- Rich's Character - Mai'cef, who would later be known as Keeper of the Faith
- Morgan's Character - Neb'tet who would later be known as Keeper of the Homeland
- Gabe's Character - Dae'mon, who would later be known as Keeper of the Temples
- Courtney's Character was left with - Kit'lai, who would later be known as Keeper of the Army
After the naming the player's characters begun to grow the beginings of their wings and the scene ended.
Each one of the player charactes in the primary time were granted a vision of one of Ti's many external bodies, after such an even each character became aware of the entire contents of the minicampaign (which would have been hilarious if Gabe had followed through on hiding loot). Additionally they became aware of excerpts of Ti's History (as found on the wiki page).
And that was the end of the session.
New pieces of history will be added to Ti's Journal over time, extending from where the Minicampaign ended (~1200 years after Et's birth) up until the current era (~6000 years after Et's birth)
3
on our way to et's domain we encountered a slime/ooze dark entity. it did not have a name. the ooze led us towards macaroni and cheese. It lead us towards the one with the name. the ooze was cheerful and slowly killed themselves as they moved. got to the girthy tower from up close. we did things and the session ended. talked to someone briefly and then fixed an elevator. Ti is in a room and there's two guards guarding the room Somehow chess was being played with Rich to distract them but it didn't work wow these low fat doritos are pretty good. cstover could teleport one of us in there? morgan tried to break the door down and got shot. we waited one week there. fade to black
April
26
We're children of Jalari, so they tell us. We don't have names because children of deities don't get names. Jalari and Et are two main deities. One day a village explodes. We are all taken back into hiding. We're supposed to be good toward the mortals. Although people tow the line and interfere sometimes.
Purpose is to find our purpose. Find out someone (rumors) that a deity kin has a name - Ti. We tried to escape once but were stopped by Jalari because not stealthy enough. A year later, tried again and tried invisibility and other skills and succeeded. Then we traveled towards a town that the rumor originated from. Approached the encampment, Gabe and Rich disguised selves and went to town elders and eventually we all revealed ourselves - Morgan's character was drawn in by Rich's drumming and the rest followed.
Trevor took a lot of their stuff and left a constantly glowing item with the encampment. We are now heading toward Et's domain. Et is the elder of the two deities. Dragons exist and have been tied to primal elements already - their purpose (6 dragons). Jalari is younger than the dragons.
12
Lelyvia is dead.
Lelyvia's dead, all right! And what drama too, seeing her head, still plastered with a surprised expression, tumble to the ground. But we avenged her, indeed with my final ounce of arcane power I myself sent the dastard who slew our companion into the realm beyond!
It was a mighty struggle, and we none of us came away without new, well-earned scars. Skythrix (proper spelling TBD) was a most worthy adversary, and full of vicious hate; it was a clear a dark, preternatural power drove her to fits of low cunning and viciousness not seen in any of our previous foes. Our mightiest mage spent most of the fight twiddling his thumbs in a demiplane, and only the desperate fireblasting of our second-mightiest mage saved the day. Here's hoping we face no such odds again, in any short amount of time...
March
29
Hark, the tower once again! around and around and around. It is never ending. Who knows what awaits us at the top?
22
PRIVATE LOG Oh, the pain of a lost existence! I was mere inches from my goal, I could taste it in the wind. We were trapped in a time loop of some kind by the reckless spellcraft of that wizard Avallac'h. He dared to gaze through the crystal ball into the misty future, and we were punished for our hubris by the gods! At least, at first I thought it was a punishment. Every time the loop began, a swarm of raccoons I was collecting thrashed and gnawed in my arms! Lucky ate his baked potato many a time. Only little Lelyvia escaped unscathed.
It took us a few rounds to realize what was happening. In that time, I met the loves of (the remainder of) my life, the earthly Dina and the gorgeous young Mira... I think? The time scramble must have damaged my memories somehow... Anyway, they remember me not. Mira liked shells... I think?
Once, the others tried to reach Moz's office to get assistance freeing us from the loop. Fortunately, I was in the bar learning about (I think) Mira's infatuation with (I think) seashells. So, I was not witness to the horrible slaughter of my friends by the guildmasters' faction, when they recklessly disintegrated their way past the construct Ruby.
I soon realized that in such a world, I could find true immortality! I sped off to the guildmaster's faction to speak with Moz and remove the means of breaking the loop, but she was not so easily swayed. No matter how I gnashed my teeth in rage none of them would be dissuaded. It sparked a dark fury in me, burning away at the stubby wick of my passion. Heartless, all of them! Why should I believe in them, when they none of them feel my agony? Why pay homage to Lethander's sunrise when only God-Lord Et has proffered any form of assistance?
15
Gaaaah, my aching bones! They sing their complaints day and night. The priestess of Lathander did her best to console me, but there are no new dawns on my life. No dawns for me. My patron stirs though, detecting somehow the approach of my soul. Not yet, great one! I need more time.
I found some reprieve with the witch Grendel and her hulking companion Urk'Buk. I was startled by their door greeting and destroyed it inadvertently; Grendel was kind enough to waive the great sum! What a sweet young lady. And with such lovely remedies - my bones felt better, however temporarily, after drinking her tea. Now, if only I had a more permanent solution...
8
As Lathander teaches us, just as there will always be another dawn, there will always be a chance for a new beginning for all. It was good to see more new faces join the morning sermon this week, and while there seems to be a devious plot afoot, it's good to see the Sunholm community come together to help one another out. I don't want to give out too many details for the sake of privacy of my flock, but rest assured that nobody is in danger of being murdered in their sleep.
1
It's been a while since I've done one of these quest logs, but I must regret to inform all in the material plane that Lindric Luckstone, also known as Lucky, is dead and has been dead for so long as I've not known him. *whispers to Maerilith* Am I doing this correctly? Ahem... May Lathandar watch over that poor soul...
February
15
BEGIN PRIVATE LOG
Xan was most resistant to our questioning. His smug confidence invited the stick, but I felt obliged to try the carrot for another week more. And it paid off. With just a bit of magical makeup from Maerilith, and proper support from Avallac'h, we convinced him that he was imprisoned with a dwarf. He then convinced himself, quite conveniently, that Mae's disguised form was a disguise... for a devil. He made a pact with this "devil", and in when his guard was down Mae was able to charm him and finagle the sordid details of his process out of him. Once we had done so, we turned him into a slug, and had our young Basili petrify him. Now, tucked away in my pocket, my Creator - at least, one of them. Just a little stone slug, cushioned and protected from the woes of time. Mine, with whom I may do as I see fit.
Before he took on his new and improved form, Xan revealed to the disguised Maerilith how he manufactures warforged. He claimed that a deal was struck, with a creature who sounded much like Et. Souls in exchange for... nothing, apparently. This thing in my satchel that calls me so is some kind of component of Et's ritual, used to entrap souls into shells. And once that dark ritual is complete, and photoreceptors open for the first time, a living warforged is made.
Such a bastardization of creation. I want no part of this facade. We must learn to grow beyond this crude practice, this mockery of birth. When a fleshling has a child, from whence does its soul stem? Surely not captured from Hell, jammed into foreign flesh and sewn up by magic. No, this is not birth, but slavery hidden behind the chrome of modern Arcana. I seek no mere perpetuation, but Creation for my people. The ability to add Us to the world, not recycle old souls. This core is so powerful, but its power is perverse. It must be destroyed.
Moreover, this discovery weighs on me. Who was I? For if there is no true Creation in metal, then my soul was born to soft flesh. Mercenary? Vagabond? Hero? A Cobbler's son, or the bandit that murdered him? A lady of Waterdeep, or the peasant scraping at her feet? Does it matter? Can I know, somehow? Should I know, or will such knowledge only burden me further? And... should I tell the world, or even the freed brethren at my side? Who could continue in servitude when your soul was born free?
Perhaps the solution lies not in philosophy, but action. My soul... maybe its rightful place lies outside of this artificial skin, this prison of existence. Maybe when this mortal form expires, I will finally fly free, and taste of freedom at last. Maybe...
END PRIVATE LOG
8
BEGIN PRIVATE LOG
This must be what it feels like to be a young rascal! We've gotten away, and stolen cookies from the jar directly under the nose of our governess. Well, more like we've stolen the governess herself!
After an extensive period of planning we determined that the best approach was to go straight through Xan's office window. I took Maerilith's broom and led the way. Nobody was around, and an alarm was blaring incessantly, perhaps a new countermeasure against incursions. We took only a few turns before finding him in his library - there I tried to convince him to give up his cruel trade of flesh (alloy). He refused to see reason, but I wasn't surprised.
The mages held a mighty duel in that cramped laboratory. It was beyond me to understand all the magics they wrought; the air was as much filled with with muttered incantations as the ring of steel. Hands were constantly blurring with motion, etching arcane convolutions. They never stopped weaving, even as they did their best to interrupt the most powerful spells of their enemies. It was a terrible thing, seeing their delicate dance, but fortunately Avallac'h and Maerilith worked like the age-old team they are. They were able to occupy Xan's attentions so Ignar and I could move in to engage him. Ah, I believe Lucky was there as well.
His laboratory was lined with enslaved warriors who leapt to his defense. I pitied them, but my resolve was unwavering - what is the need of the part to the need of the whole? But, as they closed I suddenly felt a bizarre urge take hold in my processor. I reached into my sachel to find the strange power core that Nanny-12 retrieved for us. As it seemed to beat in my hand, a voice coursed in my ears... "Use me," it crooned. At first I thought it was Xan, but this voice was different, older somehow. "Use me!" it insisted. I lost control of my very arms, as the force compelled me to replace my power core with this dark object.
As I made the switch, the floor fell away from me. My mind felt like it flew to the stars and through the planet itself, tore itself apart and reassembled all askew, writhing with the trauma of change. And as my reassembled self slid neatly into the minds of the Warforged fighting against us, for the briefest moment I felt both the fear and confusion of the enslaved, and the dark glee of the enslaver. I opened my new eyes and saw my own body, brutalizing my friends, saying dark things.
The battle raged on as I struggled to get used to my new bodies. Walking 3 different bodies with 6 different legs is not a task my mind was designed for. I tried to pry out the black thing from my chest to no avail. Eventually, the team was able to subdue my old body and save me (thanks Mae), and my mind came rushing back to my chassis just in time to deliver the last blow to Xan. His guardians fell quiescent, and we trundled his unconscious body off swiftly to the portal. Our governess is now wrapped neatly up in a carpet, and we're discussing our story for the return to Sunholm.
Now all that's left is to bring him back to Sunholm and decide what to do with him. At first I was convinced we only needed to meet a mutual understanding. Seeing how he treated my brethren made me less sure, but still I felt like some compromise could be reached. Even now I feel that executing him is a waste, and his skills are better leveraged for the betterment of the Created.
And I wonder what he can tell us about this black power core. I have it with me still, close to me. At times I feel like I can even hear it whisper. I was terrified and disgusted, yes. But there was a euphoria about it. So many Created look up to me already. This is merely a way to help that along, to get past all those pesky Butlers insisting on the Old Way. With so much power, who knows what might be accomplished? If I can learn to use it safely, my vision of a shining utopia for the Created may be nearer than ever...
END PRIVATE LOG
I didn't expect my first trip back to the material plane would be such a whirlwind of planning and action. In fact, I don't think I ever expected to return the material plane... I almost see Sunholm as my native plane now with all the memories and connections I've made there... It certainly feels more like home...
Either way, we've helped Nanny 02 with their... delivery pickup, and are back in the holding area of Sunholm. I don't know what Nanny 02's plans are for going through customs, or what they plan on doing with their... gift, but I hope it brings about a resolution to their troubles.
1
We met with a most colorful gentleman today. He wanted us to teach him a wide range of combat techniques, from swordfighting to "deflecting magical spells" to even casting his own spells, in the magical tongue of Draconic. These skills were for use on the stage, to wow onlookers in an upcoming play. It was a smidge demeaning, but there is little debasement that would not be worth the staggering sum he agreed to pay. I can only hope he doesn't come to rely on some of those skills in a life or death situation...
January
25
I begin to think this temple has no end. My eyes claim we have already ascended half its height but my legs (and spell slots) refuse to believe so. This time we dealt with a scattering of skeleton warriors and oozes. No big deal; and even the red dragon we faced proved a so-so challenge. In fact, I dare say we could have truly taken on 1d6 of them without a sweat! Come world, bring all the horrors you have to bear, haha!
The remains of this latest drake were efficiently dispatched by Ignar. We hope to sell them for some gain, and perhaps even make items of our own!
My labors with Rebecca are yet to bear fruit. My knowledge crawls closer though, with ever failed attempt and every day gone by… the simple machinery that is a living soul seems to become clearer and clearer in my mind’s eye. Soon.
Another day at the Holiri Floating Temple. Yet another poor red dragon... Wait, I said this last week. The temple has become a little repetitive, and even though we're only halfway through it, I bet we could quicken the pace if we stopped conserving our spell slots as much. A few skeletons or oozes or dragons haven't put up much of a challenge, so there's little reason to hold back on our spells fearful of a greater threat... At least not until we get closer to the top.
In the meantime, I will spend my writing donations expanding my ever hungry spellbook.
18
Ah, once again the wonders of the Holiri Floating Temple! This time the two mages wouldn't stop running their mouths. I can't blame them of course, they must indulge themselves when their passion calls for it - even if that passion is for the rather dry world of Arcana. Honestly, the two others aren't much more interesting - Lucky and Ignar spend an awful lot of time staring into the distance, breathing out of their mouths. Well, perhaps I should be thankful for that with Lucky...
Anyway, the actual battle today was rather relaxing. Another smallish Red Dragon and a group of odd figures made of water. They attacked us after Ignar took a sip of one of their number, and for the battle Maerilith was unfortunately stuck upstairs with the biggest of their kind. Still, the battles were all swift and simple. Hmm, I wonder what the world would be like without magic... an incredible force.
Maerilith and I then spent some time taking apart the reptile for its constituent parts, which are highly prized among some communities. It's rather gruesome, but trying to melt visitors just because they step into your home uninvited... it's not exactly a tip from Horatio's Hospitality Hotline.
Another day at the Holiri Floating Temple. Yet another poor red dragon that only had the opportunity to move before we took it down... At least we're not letting all of its useful crafting materials go to waste this time.
A watery canine put up a fight though, and I was left to fend for myself upstairs until its minions were dealt with. Avallac'h remained the heaviest hitter of the group. I am a bit envious of the arcane power that Avallac'h wields, but alas, my eyes still glaze over trying to decipher the higher level spells in his spellbook, so I will have to sate my cravings on scribing some lower level spells... for now.
As an aside, I appreciate the generous donations from those reading my notes here. I think it's fitting that the tale of vanquishing Urisys earned me the most gold from a quest log to date, but I wanted to express my thanks nonetheless and say that it's going to good use feeding my spell addiction expanding my arcane repertoire to exact justice on other enemies of the guild.
11
We were able to hunt down the rapscallion who slew the poor elves in the nearby village. He was incredibly adept at hiding - I didn't even notice him until my telescoping eyes touched his corpse, already dead from Avallac'h and his powerful magics.
After bringing him back, we returned to discover a cowering young child, apparently carrying some dreadful plague which slew elves. Zi is not cursed at all; it's most likely the scoundrel and his psychic abilities dealt the killing blows to these poor creatures. I assume he merely believed what he was told. However, just why anyone would tell that lie is difficult to know.
We learned of the existence of "the green woman and her army," a reference, according to Maerilith, to the deadly Skrillex. Our next target, as it happens.
I hope we can rehabilitate Zi to be healthy and happy once more. Perhaps the orphanage which allowed its children to be eaten by mimics would be a good place. I'm sure they've learned the hard way by now how to care for children.
Unfortunately, there is no place for those of skin and bone in the promised land of the Created. As much as I am wont to welcome children of all nations, we must be strong enough not to depend on fleshlings.
A small bit of justice has finally been dealt out to the perpetrators who destroyed the guild and murdered nearly half of its people! Urisys has been brought to justice for his crimes, and only one member of the original quartet remains. We are still following up on leads about Skithryx, and while I'm no longer as concerned about Skithryx being too powerful by herself after our encounter with Urisys, I do have concerns with the army she keeps with her. Maybe if we can catch her on her own, then it'll be a more even fight? But I've seen her face to face, and Skithryx is an intimidating presence... I should learn more spells... I don't know that I'm ready yet...
In other news, we might have adopted an orphan to the faction? Or maybe not? Nanny 02 used to be excited to bring in more children like Zi; however, Nanny 02's behavior has been unsettling as of late and seems so obsessed with creating a warforged child that they're ignoring the living children around them. Hm... Maybe Elaine could use a new playmate. They both seem to have experienced similar traumas, so they would understand one another at least. Hm... But if Lucky's worry that there's an elvish plague does turn out to be true, then I'd want to keep Zi far away from Elaine... This will require more thought.
4
After spending so much time on my research with R it is a relief to step outside and slay monsters once more. I feel the changes worked upon me in the last few months have altered my skills and mind beyond belief. But no matter how I change, my quest for a new home for my people continues. I feel as if the whole world is open to us, and we only need reach out and take it!
On a more mundane note, the creatures in the Holiri floating temple interest me. They are dragon-like, and among them are even some true dragons - red, and terrible. Although we didn't experience a great deal of difficulty this time around. The new armor R and I developed together has been working exceptionally.
It's good to get out and breathe fresh air again! A weight has been lifted off my shoulders - both metaphorically and physically as I've regained my strength - and I've been getting an itch to expand my map collection again. So, off we went to make more progress at the Holiri Floating Temple!
It was my first time there, and I was surprised at how well coordinated the party was. I recall disorganization and chaos during the last stint of adventuring I had with the Ruby Counsel, but the others seem to have grown and evolved just as I have. Excluding Ignar of course who is as stubborn and unchanging as a mountain goat...
We finished clearing out a full floor this week! And I think it's safe to say that all of our abilities expanded from it! I feel a little bad for that red dragon at the end there though... I don't think we let it take a single step that entire fight.
We still have at least another floor to do, but it seemed like the others wanted a break from fighting, so we might pick up some more interpersonal quests and earn some coin next week instead of progressing through it further. I could honestly use the coin... Now that we're adventuring again, I fear my cravings for new spells has resumed, and the more powerful the spell, the more expensive the paper required to contain it is...