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Completed Chapter IV: Forgotten Sands

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"They are all around you." Ghosty replied. "In shadowy corners of the world, focused in the crystals you see here, and now even coursing through yourself. They are the Taint. The dark side of Nature, you might call them. Nature's corrupted counterpart. But they're not really 'them'. It's simply 'it'. A force, a power, like any other." He looked genuinely worried and saddened. "I'm sorry this happened to you, Dina. But don't worry. You'll be alright. When you cut yourself on the crystal, it was either live or die. You survived, so the worst is over. Well, sort of. It would be too much for me to explain on the spot, but the main thing is you'll be alright. Meanwhile, your friends need you. This test chamber is broken, Dina. It cannot be completed in the originally intended way. But you can complete it by embracing the Taint - though I really shouldn't recommend that, but what other choice is there? You survived because you were Nature's chosen. You already had one side's power coursing through you. Now you have another one's. You can tap into it in similar ways. Using it a few times won't make much difference, though I would be wary. Watch your hand, girl."


The ghost disappeared having said that.


"If you say so." said Violet. She looked as worried as Ghosty had, but managed an encouraging smile.


"Hm." Henvei cleared his throat as he approached. "May I?" he asked, implying her injury, but proceeded to crouch and inspect it without waiting for approval. "This... Isn't normal. You may feel fine for now, child, but you should seek specialized help as soon as possible. Something may yet come out of this."
 
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Dina Ailsa​




http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/Lost Child of Asgard

http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/







"Yes, it is not normal. This is the counterpart of my power. It seams to be entrapped in those crystals. It may be the reason for this broken test. I survived the cut because of my power, so if anyone is power hungry enough to deliberately cut themselves in order to attain it... Good luck. " Dina moved away from Henvei and shot Xenthriss a side ways look. The last sentence was mainly meant for him. She paced the plateau for a while. She couldn't reach for Nature from here, not enough to make something of it. Ghosty said that she could complete the test by using this new power. Dina had no reason to doubt Ghosty's words but the plants warning concerned her "a shadow clouds your thoughts". Dina was scared to try to use this Taint. She didn't even know how but guessed she would try the same way she did with Nature. "I might be able to find a way for us to get across if I try and use this new power, the corrupted counterpart of my own. I'm hesitant to use it but I will if you think we won't find another way" she sought out the opinions of her teammates looking at each of them in turn.
 
"Counterpart...?" asked Meric as he finally joined in. "We don't know anything about your powers, let alone their possible counterparts. Henvei?"


The scholar paused and tilted his head in thought before delivering a reply. "Afraid not. It is not part of any school of magic to manipulate Nature. Earth magic comes close, but falls sadly short. If I were you, I'd ask the ones who bestowed it upon you." He clearly implied the Spectral Council. "However, what I'd like to know is from where you are getting your information. On what you've just said, specifically." Henvei eyed Dina with an inquisitive look.


"If you are willing to try," said Xenthriss, "Then by all means do. You should always have a clear grasp of what you can and cannot do. I think the worst is over; one attempt to bond with your... new gift isn't likely to cause anything that hasn't already happened." The drakkar actually dispensed advice. And at Dina, whereas all he did before was point her out as dead weight. Now, he seemed to have taken a slight interest in her.
 

Vittorio Valtieri

The Gentleman Necromancer

​



Vittorio comes to listen, disappointed his gamble didn't work, and listens intently. He watches Xenthriss carefully, and seems to be listening for something else entirely. He keeps his counsel.


I do not like you, drakkar. Not one bit. Whoever let you into this fellowship was either a seer or a madman, or both.
 

Tharos Silverlane

The Sword of Ages

​



Tharos notices the sight of the necromancer and then turns back to Dina. "Child, while I might not be a magician of sorts, like most trades, master your basic abilities before meddling with those of higher complexity such as this darker counterpart of your powers. Plus, this is not an ideal place to be attempting said abilities."


A'kal hoped dearly that his own abilities wouldn't be brought up from the display from the previous challenge. I must tell them eventually before the truth is revealed to them by an outside force...





Tharos looked over at the statue and put his hand on it to feel it. They were right, no ordinary blade could cut this. The knight's eyes closed gently as he began to tap into his past-sight to try to find what really happened.
 
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Dina Ailsa​




http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/Lost Child of Asgard

http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/







"Partially from the plant life that I can sense in this place and partially from the ghost that has been following me since we first entered. He said that we will not be able to solve the test like it was originally meant to be completed. " Dina answered Henveis question. She thought about the Spectrals, she nearly forgot about them. With everything happening at the moment it was not surprising. Dina's gaze then stuck to Xenthriss who, maybe for the first time, sent her way something that was not an insult or a tease. What he said went perfectly with his power-hungry persona. And you, who might be the one with the blood of the angel, have given me my mirrored opinion. "I will try to get a short feel for it. To see whether I can handle a contact at all." she decided shortly after. They were losing precious time. "If I pass out, slap consciousness into me." Dina whispered to Violet just before closing her eyes. She imagined crystals with dancing purple light in her mind same as she saw in the room, called for that feeling of a dark and cold contact. Dina tried to make herself blank for the contact to fill her.
 
Once again, A'kal delves into times past. The Sight takes him back, way back, through blurry glimpses of faces standing before the statue just like he did now, bathing in the golden light of the angel surging forth time after time. Until the cycle was broken. It happened suddenly. A shadow fell over the temple, doubt filled the air, and A'kal could feel it all boil down to a single word.


Betrayer!


The cry echoed through the cavern, and a swift blow sheared the angel's statue in half. The act radiated with such shock that it violently dispelled the vision and Silverlane found himself back in present time. The first thing on his mind was a tingling sensation that something was stirring in the deep dark, but it could have just as easily been a remnant from the vision, if anything at all.


Meanwhile, Dina is occupied with her own thoughts while everyone else readily waits around.


Closing her eyes meant seeing nothing but darkness. But reaching out with her power for darkness, that was to truly feel nothing but darkness. At least at first. When it came, the contact came readily. She was expected. Through a haze of cold shadow, she felt an even darker presence gently slither towards her. It did not take full advantage of her fully open mind. "At last you come to us, Songstress." If a snake could talk, that was what you'd expect it to sound, minus the constant hissing. "Newborn. Chosen. The one who commands the Voice." it titled her. "You whisper to us in darkness, so close, oh so close. It has been too long since we could delight in singing with one such as yourself." The presence did its best to radiate calmness, but Dina could feel suppressed anxiety beyond. She could also feel it slithering closer to her, around her, as if examining her. She sensed a measure of pleasure, too.
 


Dina Ailsa​




http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/Lost Child of Asgard

http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/







Dina felt a measure of discomfort as this new, unknown dark side of Nature surrounded her. She expected this force to be seductive as it was and it made her wary. "Why do you call me Songstress and do you have a name for me to use when addressing you? " Dina spoke to it. A picture of two wolves circling each other before attacking filled her thoughts for a flick of a moment. "What brings you to this place where you are so focused? I could feel you even before I reached." She added two more questions for it. A vein of excitement hung to her mind as she flirted with the Taint.
 
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"We were brought here by the one they sung Betrayer, long ago. From the Deep we rose, higher and higher. We are high now, close to you." The presence slithered even closer, brushing against Dina's thoughts. It was like a touch of cold metal. "You are the Songstress," it addressed the first question, "Because you will sing many songs for us." Suddenly it enveloped the girl's mind, attempting to take control. "There is no escape." it whispered, tightening the grip. Reflexively, Dina sought to break away, to escape, to push the Taint away and expel it from her mind. The purple haze intensified for a moment, then weakened, and finally dispersed as the contact violently ended. The last sensations Dina received were those of surprise and doubt.


In reality, the girl's mental struggle had visible effects. At the moment of breaking the contact, several of the nearest crystal clusters exploded upwards - well, more precisely impaled upwards, extending by nearly twice their original length.


Feyn and Laurolf were forced to quickly sidestep to avoid near death, after which the dwarf cursed: "Damnit girl! I don't find myself thinkin' that I'd fare as lucky as you if I were to meet that edge!"


Meric and Violet huddled around Dina, asking if she's ok. Somewhere in the half dark nearby, Xenthriss chuckled and commented - more for himself than anyone else, though it was no whisper - "Now that's interesting."
 


Dina Ailsa​




http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/Lost Child of Asgard

http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/







"I'll live. " Dina smiled gently at Violet and Meric. She was hiding the fact that the Taint's attack on her mind shook her up. "This is what I found out. The one who brought this... Taint here is being referred to as Betrayer. Taint is hostile and seeks to control me for whatever it is it wants. The crystals are the focus points of power." She listed and presented her finds. "I really hope there is a way for us to solve this without it. I'm reluctant to attempt a contact anytime soon." Dina added. She was truly scared. What would become of her if the Taint took over? Dina regarded the crystals in an attempt to distract herself from following the curent train of thoughts. If she were to gain control over this power she would be able to form a bridge for sure.
 
"I think that something very bad has happened in this temple." said Meric. "Some sort of... treason, perhaps? Since Dina heard the mention of someone dubbed Betrayer. If that's true, then what we are seeing here - this ruined challenge - must be one of the consequences. One thing is clear, though. Everyone should stay away from those crystal clusters. Whatever they are, some malevolent corrupted power flows through them."


"Except Dina." said Henvei, immediately sinking into thoughts having said that. It took him several long moments to speak again. "Am I the only one who noticed the effect she had on the crystal spikes around? And that was accidental, unfocused. The girl is already tainted. She could manipulate the dark crystals into forming a bridge for us to cross."


"Don't talk about her as if she isn't here!" Violet scorned him. "And what do you mean by 'already tainted'? What, is she a lost cause now?!"


Henvei looked stunned. "Ach, accept my most sincere apologies. I forgot my manners in my curiosity. What I meant was for her - for you, Dina," he corrected himself and looked at the girl this time, "To have a try from a different perspective. I'm no expert in the matter at hand, but from my experience I believe you could manipulate elements of this Taint without directly communicating with it. Or more simply put, you needn't ask for permission."


"What are you suggesting?" asked Meric.


"I'm suggesting that our young heir to the throne here goes to the edge of the plateau and attempts to will this crystal matter into shaping a bridge - without entering a contest of wills with the Taint. Simply bypass it. Use it as if it was yours to use, like you use your standard abilities. It might be harder, there will probably be some resistance, but you've got all of us to watch over you." the scholar explained with a reassuring smile. "Without opening your mind to a direct contact, it is significantly more difficult for any entity to fight back. Your advantage lies in the fact that you already have the Taint's power within you," he pointed at her arm, "Whereas the Taint has no practical hold over you, unless it builds one over time or you allow it to, of course. That's what and why it tried just moments ago. It wants to control you before you realize you can control it."


"A dangerous theory." said Meric. Then he sighed and nodded, looking defeated. "But sadly one that I would support. We're out of options here and time is running out. Dina, are you willing to try this?"
 
"Don't worry, Dina. We'll be right here in case something happens." said Meric.


Henvei said: "Which well could. If this Taint of yours is as hostile as you say, it's not likely to stand by and suffer your incursion." He opened his mouth as if to continue but thought the best of it and decided to shut up.


The fellowship moves over near the edge of the plateau. Meric, Violet and Laurolf escort Dina all the way to the very edge, stopping just a few feet before the precipice. "Alright." says Meric. "You may begin channeling when ready, Dina. Violet and Laurolf, you two remain close to her at all times. The rest of us will keep an eye out for danger on the outside." He gave them all a meaningful look and then moved away to join the other group.


They were ready.
 

Vittorio Valtieri

The Gentleman Necromancer

​



Valtieri endeavours to stand where spires of violet Taint-stone cannot impale him, and watches Dina with interest. He's less concerned about any external attack - it seems so unlikely, in this dead place.
 


Dina Ailsa​




http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/Lost Child of Asgard

http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/http://www.rpdom.com/threads/dina-ailsa.53054/







"Thank you, Henvei." Dina said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She gathered her courage, nodded at Violete and Laurolf, and closed her eyes. She imagined those purple crystals again, but this time not reaching for contact. Dina concentrated only on the visualisation of growing crystals. Growing and forming the bridge. Half consciously she moved her hands so one palm was facing each of the two nearest crystals. Grow and blossom how I will you to. She formed a mental comand. The command held all her willpower, she closed her mind on everything else that was not crystals forming the way she wanted.
 

Tharos Silverlane

The Sword of Ages

​



Either the thing the statue represented was the betrayer, or someone else near it was. It didn't make sense. But the one thing here that could turn someone to be a betrayer would seem to be... the Taint... Tharos walked over to Vittorio while the rest of the fellowship remained with Dina.


"I don't like this. This dark side of nature doesn't seem to be anything good," he said, worry ever so present in his voice. He watched Dina to see what would happen but he wasn't going to be caught by surprise if this "Taint" turned on them some how.
 
As Dina sinks into a trance, behind her closed eyelids she feels the room around her. The purple crystals beat a song only she can understand. Reaching into them feels like extending an arm through the surface of water, but from below. The other side is cold, but she can feel some of that cold within herself as well. A shiver passes across her skin, and then her whole body tingles in a single unspoken word. Acceptance. Suddenly, inexplicably, it feels as if the power coursing through the crystals courses for her. For Dina. For the Songstress. Her thoughts sing a song that echoes within the purple walls that imprison the flow, making it obey. Something very primal stirs, and she knows that the two crystal clusters on the edge of the precipice have slightly grown. The girl feels a sensation not unlike being drunk. But her further detachment from her body is stopped by a sudden development.


A new presence steps forth. Cold tendrils of vengeful thoughts surge from it, seeking to envelop the girl's mind like before. "Dark Songstress." says the Taint. But suddenly the crystals Dina controls flash brighter, and the tendrils weaken, backing away. She can feel the frustration emanating from the Taint as it roars in pain. Her power overwhelms the Taint's. She is at an advantage, but the Taint gradually increases its efforts. She will have to match it at least until the bridge is complete.


Meanwhile, in reality, the others cannot see what Dina sees. They noticed that both crystal clusters next to Dina have grown about two feet or so, their tips pointed diagonally; at each other and the far side of the gap. And they noticed something else, as well. The darkness filling the abyss began glowing a dark purple. The ground shook slightly, just enough to register.


"On your guard." said Meric, drawing his sword.


The silence is broken by a new crystal formation rupturing to the right of the gate that led to the previous challenge. There is a hissing sound, and suddenly strange creatures pour from a hole between the purple blades. They appear as unfinished dogs of rock, with a stream of blue power flowing in a way that connects the floating parts. Small, dark purple crystal clusters line their backs and claws, glowing eerily in the darkness as they run straight for the fellowship. There are currently three of them, but more keep coming.


"Protect Dina at all costs!" Meric shouts the order as everyone prepares to repel the uncanny attackers.

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Special Event Triggered

The Channeling

(read OOC instructions before further posts)

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The Channeling

Round 1 - Stage 1

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Three crystal hounds that emerged from the crack in the newly formed crystal cluster are quickly making their way toward the fellowship. There is little doubt that they have been sent by the Taint to stop Dina from completing the bridge. The hounds are not yet within melee range, but will be soon.

OOC: Enemy 1, Enemy 2, and Enemy 3 have spawned some distance from the fellowship.
​
 
"Violet!" Meric calls upon his fellow shadow elf. "Help me take them down!" Not wasting a moment, he takes aim and swiftly loosens an arrow at one of the beasts.


Unfortunately, the arrow misses and hits the spot where the hound once was. Archery in the poorly lit underground was just not the same as under the Sun.


A moment later a fireball flies above Silverlane's head, passing closer to it than to its real mark. Henvei grins, showing his pointed teeth as his only excuse.


[dice]4201[/dice]
 
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Vittorio Valtieri

The Gentleman Necromancer

​



Reaching into a pouch at his side, Valtieri extracts a collection knucklebones thrumming with Necromantic power, and hurls a few in the path of the monsters - but they skip and roll on the uneven ground, detonating without affecting the creatures.


[dice]4206[/dice]
 
Violet fares way better. Her shot hits the mark and causes one of the beasts to burst. Pebbles and crystal dust are all that remain of the Azshari.


[dice]4212[/dice]


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The Channeling

Round 1 - Stage 2

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The remaining two beasts reach the fellowship but ignore everyone in a clear attempt to attack Dina.


OOC: Enemy 2 and Enemy 3 attack with rolls 1 and 2, and will harm Dina at the end of the turn unless they are intercepted.


[dice]4213[/dice]
 
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The dwarf takes a stand between Dina and the four-legged deaths. He greets the first hound with a swing that cleaves it in half, spraying rocks across the ground.


One crystal hound remains.


[dice]4214[/dice]
 

Tharos Silverlane

The Sword of Ages

​



Tharos dodged the fireball and glared behind him at the scholar. He turned, blades drawn. As one of the creatures charged him, he held one of his swords outward, tip aimed to run right through the creature's chest. As the creature came up, he braced himself, plunging the sword through the body of the hound and slashing it at it's throat with his other blade to also knock it aside.


[dice]4215[/dice]
 
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