Chapter 12: Shadows in the Dark

[Jeff]

As Shorak, unseen and even unheard, moves away (the rest of you assume), Kal eyes the vicinity but sees nothing close to hide behind...except the sharp rocks and shipwreck detritus gathered at the water's edge some fifty feet away. But that approach, hugging the waterline, is Shorak's best approach, and moving to it visible would be conspicuous. You're already out in the open.

Histra keeps staring at the distant, winged figure. "Whatever it is, I cannot imagine that does not already see us. What matters is that if it does, it has chosen not to advance. Perhaps it is best to keep its focus on what it can see."

---

I'll post again when I can for Shorak's errand. Busy weekend it's been.

[Jeff]

As Shorak moves invisibly closer to the figure, which stands about two hundred feet from the group, he has two choices: hug the shoreline or remain out in the open in “plain sight” (though of course he is at present invisible). Along the shoreline there are rocks and other things he could conceivably hide behind. The way is slower but if he is detected, he needn’t be so exposed. If he stays out in the open he can move swifter but he’d be counting on invisibility alone to conceal him.

[Dave B.]

Although Shorak is invisible, he instinctively still looks for places that offer some cover, so he moves closer to the shoreline, using the rocks there to offer that additional cover. When he is forced to either move closer to the water's edge or move out into the open for a few moments, he chooses the latter. He keeps his eyes and ears open for any other danger, besides the potential winged one Shorak is quickly nearing.

[Jeff]

Shorak works his way onward, favoring the broken and irregularly-shaped water’s edge though he is careful to avoid nearing the water itself. When he halves the distance, he can see that the figure is indeed the green-hued fiend from earlier. Even as he crawls closer, he sees that the yugoloth strides closer to the shoreline himself; he is focused on something at the pebbly beach he is standing with and it’s still unclear if the fiend is even aware of Shorak’s companions. If he looked up, surely he could see them. Shorak certainly can.

And as he works he way even closer, Shorak sees a new option. There is one more quay beyond the yugoloth that he would need to reach to spy the light in the sky. He would have to circumvent the fiend to reach it. Alternatively, the wreck of a ship is densely packed against the rocks closer to the fiend (about thirty feet from the yugoloth), and a single mast juts diagonally up in the air about forty feet. If he climbed the wreck and that mast, he thinks he could spy the source.

So far, Shorak is hardly making a sound and he is confident the yugoloth has not heard him.

---

Monster’s Perception check (1d20+4=19)

[Darren]

Oct 4, 2015 9:46:09 GMT -4 Jeff said:

As Shorak, unseen and even unheard, moves away (the rest of you assume), Kal eyes the vicinity but sees nothing close to hide behind...except the sharp rocks and shipwreck detritus gathered at the water's edge some fifty feet away. But that approach, hugging the waterline, is Shorak's best approach, and moving to it visible would be conspicuous. You're already out in the open.

Histra keeps staring at the distant, winged figure. "Whatever it is, I cannot imagine that does not already see us. What matters is that if it does, it has chosen not to advance. Perhaps it is best to keep its focus on what it can see."

---

I'll post again when I can for Shorak's errand. Busy weekend it's been.

"Indeed," Kal says with a nod. "We can't hide, but we can try to find somewhere a bit more defensible."

________________________
Kal is looking for anything they can shelter near that would keep them from getting surrounded, and/or some kind of high ground.

[Brian]

"I would also suggest," Condign adds softly, "that we keep close together, make it difficult to count how many of us there are. No sense making it easier for the creature to notice that we are shy one half-drow."

[Jeff]

Without actually leaving the area and going back the way you came, Kal sees no such formations, natural or otherwise, that grant cover or limit the approach of enemies. Only the irregular structures along the waterline offer concealment, but they are harder to navigate for anyone.

[Dave W.]

"I don't see any suitable improved terrain. I would suggest we find a formation that works. Condign, my friend, do you feel up to standing in the front with me?" Adamant takes down his shield. "Perhaps the transformed Belarin next to be easily seen?"

[Brian]

Oct 5, 2015 14:41:47 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

"I don't see any suitable improved terrain. I would suggest we find a formation that works. Condign, my friend, do you feel up to standing in the front with me?" Adamant takes down his shield. "Perhaps the transformed Belarin next to be easily seen?"

Condign nods at Adamant's words and moves to stand next to the warforged. Meanwhile, he keeps a sharp eye on the creature, in case it makes a move suggesting it has seen Shorak.

[Ken]

"The 'transformed,' superior Belarin will stand in front, Adamant, because that is what I wish!" Belarin says angrily. "If that winged creature truly is the idiot, I certainly won't hide. He'll regret not leaving this plane when he had the chance. We should not hesitate to kill him."

[Brian]

Oct 5, 2015 21:56:39 GMT -4 Ken said:

"The 'transformed,' superior Belarin will stand in front, Adamant, because that is what I wish!" Belarin says angrily. "If that winged creature truly is the idiot, I certainly won't hide. He'll regret not leaving this plane when he had the chance. We should not hesitate to kill him."

Condign's gold eyes narrow as he peers at his companion. "If that was your attempt at humor, it was poorly derived. If not...well, I suggest you remember who your are, who you truly are, and not impose your dark grandeur on those who have all, at one time or another, risked their lives to save yours." He hesitates a moment before turning away. Of all his new friends, he feels closest to the fickle warlock, and seeing him behave this way hurts deeply. "It ill-becomes you, Belarin."

[Darren]

Kal holds up a hand to halt his friends, then leaves it there as he stifles another round of coughing. When he can finally draw in air again, Kal says, "If we were looking to draw the yugoloth into a fight, we would simply run up and attack him. If he hasn't noticed us, yet, there's no reason to encourage him to come here. Just hold your ground, dammit, and don't look like you're trying to attract attention."

[Dave W.]

Oct 5, 2015 21:56:39 GMT -4 Ken said:

"The 'transformed,' superior Belarin will stand in front, Adamant, because that is what I wish!" Belarin says angrily. "If that winged creature truly is the idiot, I certainly won't hide. He'll regret not leaving this plane when he had the chance. We should not hesitate to kill him."

Adamant involuntarily releases a grinding noise. Those near him can see his right hand (his left is now behind his shield) clench and unclench.

[Ken]

Belarin stares back at Condign, and the tiefling can see the cartilage in Belarin's desiccated jaw tighten. Condign's final words, though, seem to hit the lich-warlock like a punch. Belarin staggers back a step, and he reaches for his dagger.

For a half-second, you're unsure whether he means to strike with it.

But he simply holds it, exposed on his skeletal hand, palm up, and examines it. "Too many promises... too many failures... " he mutters.

He looks at Histra, and a melancholy hiss emanates from somewhere, like the rush of air in a newly unsealed tomb. He slowly sheathes the pact dagger.

"Condign," he says slowly, and the following words seem to come out with enormous effort, as though Belarin were climbing a mountain: "You are... a noble man. Belarin knows... ...no, I know... that. If you believe... that I have..." - a longer pause - "...erred... that matters."

He turns his head away from the group, choosing to stare in the direction of the nycaloth.

[Brian]

The flesh on Condign's bones begins to crawl.

Belarin knows...no, I know...

He recalls Histra's warning: spend too much time on this plane and you risk forgetting. And Belarin is wearing the bracers, is molded into the shape of an undead evil. Condign recalls the time he arrived in Aundair, aboard Lord Dassak's airship, and how he and Belarin had stood on the deck, the warlock laughing riotously at one of Streko's jokes. That was the Belarin he wanted to remember. That was the Belarin who would return to Ebberon.

Condign slowly unties the braid of hair at his waist and cradles in his hand and the memories come rushing back. A time when he was younger, less jaded. He feel his eyes grow moist. But now is not the time for sentiment.

"Her name was Jyoti," the tiefling says, drawing Belarin's attention. "She was the first of my kind to show an interest in me after my parents were murdered. We quickly became friends and soon were inseparable. Those years were the happiest of my life. Then, the day before we were to be wed, she was killed, run through by a barbarian during a raid. This braid is all I have left of her. I have never been without it." He holds the braid out to his friend. "Belarin Malizia, I charge you with holding this until we return to Ebberon. We are adrift in this accursed place. Let this be the anchor that keeps you aware of who you are."

He stands there, hand held up to Belarin, and waits for his response.

[Joe]

Streko listens to Condign's story and nods. "Yes, yes. We must all remember from where we came and who we are."

He scratches Tangat's head. You love small treats and you mean more to Kalarian than most people on this plane, if not all. You are more than a friend, Tangat, you are a brother. He hopes the Halfling words strike a note in Tangat. It also reminds him of the many times his sister would sing to him as a child. Pinch his cheeks and make faces. Streko giggles. "I shall see you again, my dear Varna."

He looks up at Kal and takes his hand in both his. Again, in the Halfling tongue, he speaks, this time with a strength he has not felt in what seems like quite a while. "And so shall you, my friend. Keep your faith and your passion close to your heart. Let it burn the fog of this dark place away."

Finally, he glances over at the Teifling. "Thank you, Condign, for reminding me of my self. All of us must strive to do as you have lead us to remember. Know yourselves and recall those memories that make your heart beat faster with love and well-being." and to the warlock, he nods and bows. "Especially you, Belarin, for your journey is darker than most, and fraught with many more dangers. Your strength to maintain YOUR self inspires me, my friend.

Quietly, he returns to stroking Tangat's fur and recalling Varna and his family, face by face, smell by smell, touch by touch. He often chuckles softly to himself.

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks at the high mast before him and then looks back at the yugoloth. The fiend can fly. If it can perceive Shorak's invisible form somehow, Shorak could find himself in a precarious position. Trying to work around the beast to get to the next quay seems just as risky. The view from the mast would probably give him a better idea of the light's position in the real Stormreach, though. He only spends seconds debating the decision. The half-Drow moves for the wrecked ship, carefully climbing to its deck and then shimmying up the mast. It seems his time on the Merrow Down has proven again to be worthwhile. He cringes inside from the thought of the ship possibly being attacked at this very moment. He calms himself. Now is not the time to lose focus. He glances toward the Nycaloth and then turns to look out at the light, trying to pinpoint its location in relation to Stormreach.

[Jeff]

Oct 6, 2015 18:13:45 GMT -4 Brian said:

"Belarin Malizia, I charge you with holding this until we return to Eberron. We are adrift in this accursed place. Let this be the anchor that keeps you aware of who you are."

Whatever the impact this does or does not have on Belarin, Condign gains inspiration for this act.

If you have inspiration, you can expend it when you make an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check. Spending your inspiration gives you advantage on that roll.

Additionally, if you have inspiration, you can reward another player for good roleplaying, clever thinking, or simply doing something exciting in the game. When another player character does something that really contributes to the story in a fun and interesting way, you can give up your inspiration to give that character inspiration.

I've added this to the quick notes of Condign's sheet.

[Jeff]

As subtle and quick as an insect, Shorak begins to climb through the closest shipwreck—which he is satisfied to find densely crushed into the rocks and not loose and perilous. Though, it is moist and slick in parts. His skills as a pathfinder and guide, coupled with his years in the Xen’drik jungle, make the feat a fairy easy one. He makes almost no sound as he works his way upward, eyeing the yugoloth but not more than his purchase.

When he reaches the base of the mast, he finds that it is somewhat slick. On Eberron there might even have been moss growing, but so far the plantlife he’s seen on this plane is either nonexistent, or special in its own right. In any case, Shorak only has one final climb to go.

---

Dave, the Second-Story Work feature of your Roguish Archtypes allows you to climb at full speed, so he doesn’t even need to be especially slow to be careful. Which is cool. Anyway, go ahead and give me one more Stealth check, and now also give me a Strength (Athletics) check. This is not an especially hard climb, but a very low roll might result in falling, while a moderately low roll might simply mean some difficulty and slowness.

[Jeff]

Histra looks to Belarin's face when Condign presents the braid. She seems genuinely eager to gauge his reaction as well.

[Ken]

"...Jyoti..." repeats Belarin in a distant voice.

Abruptly, he takes the offered braid and - gently - puts it away. "I promise to keep it, my memory... and our friendship... intact, Condign of the ill-named Demon Wastes. ... Thank you."

He turns slowly to face Histra. "He's wise, that Condign," he says to her. "I feel that, in turn, I should help secure my identity by giving something valuable to you, Histra -- but you already possess it. You hold my heart."

Still transformed by the necromantic magic, Belarin's face is unreadable, but his voice is a combination of deep affection and sadness.

[Jeff]

Histra stares, transfixed, at Belarin's face only for a moment, then she looks away. "It does not please me to see you like this." Even softer, she adds, "Though your friends may not believe it. I wish you had given the bracers to someone else."

[Ken]

"I... I've danced in darkness," says Belarin. "Teased it, in fact. But now... I wanted to taste it. The darkness has power -- I know that now, even more so since I held the Candle!" The earlier, melancholy tone is gone, replaced by an excited form of desperation.

"I had to FEEL that power. Moreover, I needed to do this! I nearly got you and Adamant killed! I probably DID get Syrdan killed!" The green lights in his eye sockets flare to brilliance. "I had to do better. I needed the power to fend off the demon. And I swear by the Host and the Shadow that I will kill him! And anyone.... "

He stops, as though suddenly aware of how dangerous he must look right now.

He seems to fight an inner battle for long second. He then addresses everyone, "The truth is... I am an overly curious warlock ... who makes many bad decisions. I apologize."

[Darren]

Kal places a hand on Streko's cheek and smiles, then quickly withdraws it to cover his mouth as another fit of coughing overtakes him. His body slides down against a large boulder nearby and once on the ground, he remains there. He looks up at Belarin and grins. "Glad to see some sense filtering into that dead skull of yours. Now, move over this way, near the rocks. Let us hope Shorak returns soon."

[Dave B.]

Still undetected, Shorak begins to climb the mast, starting slow as it is a bit slick.

Stealth Check (1d20+10=18)

Athletics check (1d20+2=11)

[Jeff]

Dave: See Shorak's private thread for what he sees as he proceeds his climb.

[Dave W.]

Adamant places his hand on Condign's shoulder, nodding in approval at the tiefling's gesture... and then Lich-Belarin speaks.

Oct 7, 2015 14:46:05 GMT -4 Ken said:

"I... I've danced in darkness," says Belarin. "Teased it, in fact. But now... I wanted to taste it. The darkness has power -- I know that now, even more so since I held the Candle!" The earlier, melancholy tone is gone, replaced by an excited form of desperation.
"I had to FEEL that power. Moreover, I needed to do this! I nearly got you and Adamant killed! I probably DID get Syrdan killed!" The green lights in his eye sockets flare to brilliance. "I had to do better. I needed the power to fend off the demon. And I swear by the Host and the Shadow that I will kill him! And anyone.... "
He stops, as though suddenly aware of how dangerous he must look right now.
He seems to fight an inner battle for long second. He then addresses everyone, "The truth is... I am an overly curious warlock ... who makes many bad decisions. I apologize."

"ERRGARHHHH" frustrations rips from Adamant's throat. "The arrogance!" He sputters to a stop and then starts again, fists clenched.

"Do you hear your own words? Are you trying so hard to remember yourself that you forget us? We are not minor characters in your Chronicle, Belarin Malizia."

"I desire power... I got you killed... I got Syrdan killed... I will kill the demon... Do you think we are truly in thrall, lich? Did you command us to take this quest? Did you compell Syrdan to leave? Was it your hand that burried a sword in my throat?"

"No. We choose this quest... We choose to rescue Tagant... We set out to rescue Histra... And we will kill the demon. I told you precisely that just hours ago.. Remember that."

Adamant's voice becomes calmer, "And Syrdan chose his own path... you may not pronounce his fate."

"Do not be so romanced by Darkness. Remember the power of your friends as a united company. What Darkness has ever stood against that? This aspect you wear has made me uneasy from the start; I think it may be better for you to fall here as Belarin and win as ... this."

[Ken]

Belarin looks impassively at Adamant. As the warforged's tirade continues, the lich-warlock's posture - which had been slumped and conciliatory just moments earlier - regains the confidence and superior manner he possessed before they entered the city. He shakes his head, seemingly amused.

"I place a slightly higher value on continued existence, Adamant," he says. "I intend to live forever ... So far, so good." His face is a rictus grin. He turns away, facing the direction in which Shorak went. "Now calm yourself. I will refrain from maudlin introspection."

[Darren]

Kal chuckles from his seated position. He looks much older than his years. "Stop trying to reason with him," he says with a half-smile. "It doesn't matter right now. Those things are obviously affecting more than his appearance. He'll take them off and go back to being the madman we love." Kal waves his hand dismissively. "Let it go." He catches Belarin's undead eye and winks at him.

[Dave W.]

​
"It's becoming difficult to ignore Kal."

Adamant stands tall and moves intimately close to Belarin. His massive form casts a shadow over the human/lich.

"We are in a dark place indeed. You talk of the power of Darkness to a slave of the Light and say you intend to live forever? You should not worry that I remain calm;" Adamant searches for something in the eye flames of the skeletal Belarin, your concern is that I continue to believe that my friend is in there somewhere and can be retrieved."

"But fine, let us put this... energy ... to good use. You say you will slay this demon... There he stands, let us see you do it."

"Come, you and I, we released it, let us march over there and end this. Now. Within this heartbeat... We will not find rest in this place, why delay?"