Child of Gods Tasks: Masquerade's First Task: The Lost Temple
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Now that the God Masquerade is known among the people they don't find it's godly aura unfamiliar. It is almost more comforting than Mataya or Attia's Masquerade, after all, is one of the Gods who truly cares for the mortals not by extension or because of what it can get them to do. So, when the voice of Masquerade interrupts the thoughts of multiple mortals, asking them to travel to the mountains and find a holy place, it is only as unsettling as one would get from suddenly hearing a voice in their head that is not theirs. Outside the Children, all of them, there is no specific people Masquerade chose to whisper too. It just picked various mortals at random to help the Children. Some of the Children could make it, some could not. The Gods might be the priority but Masquerade was specific when it said only those who could should go. <redo to put in log>
Although not a Child, a private of the Divinus Guard was 'fortunate' enough to receive the call, disturbing a drill and letting Jesse's sword swing cut air instead of a straw dummy and their cheeks to flush red at the shameful display. This would cause their superiors to widen their eyes in slight disbelief, then snicker amongst themselves at the private's plight. But after thoroughly explaining their own experience so close to the mysticism of the Gods, Jesse convinced the Guardsmen of this need to break from training and their leave was granted, with concerned bids to take care in such a journey. Jesse may have previously had an interaction with Masquerade, but not known to them, for they only knew a seemingly mortal person that was either a vessel for their power or a physical manifestation at that point.
On their way towards the gate, Jesse spotted a familiar red-robed figure and extended a warm smile along with an offer to serve as a bodyguard to Drew on the path forward. "I hope you know more about this than I do.. I am not too sharp when it comes to these places.." they would admit in embarrassment before finally making their way through the winding paths and into the mountains proper, with or without their charge.
Kelvin is generally available to go when called, mostly because of the ease of his travel and is ability to do the same for others. He had started to believe that he was being called by the Gods because of his useful talent, opening portals so the Children of the Gods could get about and achieve the tasks they were being given. When he receives another divine voice, he quickly places a few final bets in the gambling house, collects his winnings and steps outside, headed towards the alley behind the Lady luck.
He sharply orders a portal home, stepping into his armory as the dank smell of the alley behind him fades away, collecting his weapons and securing them on himself. Another portal takes him to Divinus, his cloak immediately buffeted by the high winds. He pulls his hood down tightly and trudges ahead, looking for a place to set up a camp and wait for others that were called.
Drew has packed themselves a bag of supplies, not so much adventuring as healing supplies. Drew smiles softly, "Know more about it? I don't know that there's more to know about it. But I'm sure there's a reason and we simply must do what we can to put things on the right path." They assure the guard warmly, Drew's eyes are moving around curious to see what might be trouble or those in need of help or aid. The healer smiling as they see some of the others arriving with warmth.
Liam finds himself being called on again, he is still in a bit of a grumpy mood form the last adventure he went off on. The dark haired prince gathers what he needs to and sets out on this new Adventure. The man grumbles to himself every once in a while as he makes his way searching for the others that have been called as well. "I swear." he says to himself with a sighs as he runs his fingers through his hair.
Along with the others Ren arrives, his little imp at his side. Clearly he is one of the people who heard the call of Masquerade. He pats the head of his little imp affectionately. He offers a smile to everyone who was able to free themselves from their duties, "Good day for an adventure, no?" asks the newly minted Choisian Prince.
The mountain base is uncommonly quiet. No wild creatures are heard, even the wind seems to have disappeared. IT is almost like something is trying to stop the group from completing their task. That is not uncommon when it comes to the tasks. Something always seems to interfere. This does make it clear, though, that the request from Masquerade is considered an 'official' Child of Gods task.
Jesse would turn their attention to Ren and offers a slight giggling. "Oh, yes sir. I, um.. I'm here to help!" they blurt out with a sense of unease, perhaps at the gravity of the situation being far above their normal task work, yet the eagerness of the Guard prevails. This greeting would eventually be turned upon Liam, with a more shy and unfamiliar waves, and they would offer, "I'm Jesse, everyone who did not know.. um.. I do not know what is going on, but I will help protect your smart heads!" To Liam specifically, Jesse offers, "It will be.. fun, I am sure! We will make it so, if not!"
Despite these words, Jesse does take a deep, uneasy breath before focusing upon the path up to the mountain. "Right, the.. holy place. There's not many holes around though, just mounds.." they would off-handedly jest. "I guess we can just go up?"
Drew gives a wry look at the word 'adventure'. There's a slight harrumph from the healer but they seem content to stay near Jesse. Drew nods to Ren quietly though there's a smile for the imp of all things. Then Drew gives a cough and eyes Jesse and snorts shaking their head. "Terrible. We can't take you anywhere."
<FS3> Jesse rolls Perception: Good Success. (8 4 4 4 4 8 6 2 6 2)
<FS3> Ren rolls Perception: Great Success. (1 8 3 4 8 1 3 2 5 8 8)
Kelvin stands as others approach, giving a muted wave and gathering up his belongings. "Greetings. Called to service, I assume?" He recognizes some of the faces so it isn't much of a leap of logic to assume that they are there for the same reason he is. He looks towards Ren and recognizes the little imp instantly. "Well met," he offers quickly with a nod to Ren. He gives a variation on a standard bow that seems to be something only he does and turns towards the mountains and its eerie quiet. He like the quiet normally. But this signaled danger and he didn't like being in danger for any longer than he had to be.
"Anyone have anything specific we should be looking for today?" He wasn't sure what information everyone had. The message Kelvin received was vague, but someone might be guided in the right direction. Or have some clue as to where they would find what they are looking for. He uses his spear as a walking stick and starts forward.
<FS3> Kelvin rolls Perception: Amazing Success. (4 1 5 1 7 7 8 4 8 7 6 5 8)
<FS3> Drew rolls Survival: Failure. (1 1 4 2)
<FS3> Liam rolls Survival: Good Success. (5 1 7 3 2 7 5)
Essa has arrived.
Liam looks to those gathered as he makes his way to them, he nods his head. " Seems so." he says to Kelivn. He looks back the way he came letting out a sigh, his eyes look to Jesse nodding his head in a greeting then his eyes fall on Drew for a long moment. Then realizing Ren was there he looks over giving a nod of greeting.
The little, well little compared to the group around him, Chosian winks at Drew at their herumph and comments, "Everything is an adventure, Acolyte." He's good at being friendly. "Hey." says Ren to Kelvin. The little imp makes a sound that almost sounds like a human whimper at Drew's smile. IT seems to be a positive response despite how sad it sounds. When Ren looks around he might have noticed something but he doesn't give any indication to if he did or not until someone else speaks up first. One would think he is trying to distract with how his imp suddenly starts running around like a mad man. Though, imps aren't exactly the most reasonable of beings. So, it could be just how Ignis is.
The silence is pretty encompassing and the group is all pushed to figure out if they can get passed it or not. For the moment the situation seems quite safe. It is a good bet they need to figure out where to go for no one was given much information on how to find the 'holy grounds'.
Essa, arrives a fair bit of time after the rest of the party. No doubt for her to arrive she was sent a summons by one of Liam's guards on the trek to join up with everyone. It is not likely she defied Liam since unless it is for his own good she does what he says. The timid girl moves to Liam's side, bowing to him first. Then Ren, then Drew, and finally Jesse and Kelvin. Clearly it is done in what she considers the chain of command. Her prince > other royalty > clergy > everyone else. At least of the current group.
Drew smiles back at Liam warmly as they move. Drew themselves seems distracted looking up at the top of the mountain offering, "I suppose up as up." They say with their own walking stick moving carefully not at all seeming concerned about potential dangers. Drew considers Ren's commentary and opines, "That seems a pretty cavalier way to look at it. Certainly explains how so many people end up needing care." Drew does smile gain watching the antics of the imp.
Jesse bobs their head in Kelvin's direction. "I am glad to have you here.. last time you saved me.." One of the Guard's boots digs into the ground awkwardly, but then they offer up, "Just a place of some sort of divinity, right? I guess there's a path we can just walk up.. and if it's the wrong way, then you can all blame me." More tittering laughter comes out from behind a hand.
To Drew, Jesse gives a too-innocent smile and holds back more laughter, "Am I that bad?" A pause comes in the Guard's speech before they approach Liam and Essa and point out something on the ground, "Oh, what's that, is that the start of a path?" A bright smile is shone towards Essa after announcing this to recognize her arrival.
Kelvin lifts his spear and points towards it up the mountain aways. "Well, if I had to guess. The creepy silence is centered around that area. What little life is around here all seem to be staying away from there." He lowers the spear again and continues, "And I'm guessing that place nothing else wants to go to is where we should probably go." The hunter turns back to look at everyone else. "But that part is just a guess based on previous experience."
When Jesse points out the path on the ground which heads in that direction, Kelvin nods towards him looking annoyed, but not surprised. "Yep. Looks like that's where we're to go..." Checking with others, unless warned off - or unless someone else wants to go first - he starts off that way, trying to find the easiest path to get everyone to the center of the sphere of creepy quiet.
<FS3> Ren rolls Survival: Good Success. (4 7 4 5 7 2 3 1)
<FS3> Essa rolls Survival: Success. (3 6 3 1 1 8 6)
<FS3> Jesse rolls Survival: Good Success. (2 3 1 7 3 8 4 3)
Liam looks to Essa he nods his head to her, "I know I said I wanted you to sit out, but I may need you." he says softly to the girl." he looks up the mountain, "I think I know what way we needs to go." his eyes scan the ground as he tilts his head.
<FS3> Liam rolls Survival: Success. (5 1 3 8 4 6 4)
<FS3> Drew rolls Survival: Success. (2 1 6 7)
<FS3> Kelvin rolls Survival: Great Success. (6 7 4 7 5 6 7 3 8 2 7 1)
"Whatever you desire of me, your highness." says Essa with a smile. She still has scraps and bruises from her adventure for Liam's magical item but they have mostly healed. Just the worst of them still linger. She seems a little confused to what is going on but she does just follow everyone.
When people start pointing out the path Ren have a flash of annoyance but unless for the very observant and paying attention to him the look is gone to quickly. Instead he chimes in his own two cents about the path, "Seems a dangerous one. We would move carefully. I'd hate to see any of you hurt." Since it is clear everyone intends to go along the path he does too.
As everyone starts travelling the path they find it to be levels of difficult. For Liam, Essa, and Drew it is the most difficult, though, not impossible. As they go further up the mountains they almost fall on loose rocks or veer off the hard to see path. It might be well used but it has been years since it was properly used. Ren has mild difficulties but mostly minor. Kelvin has the slightest of difficulties, mostly because he is in the lead. He expertly picks where to go and clears the path just by being first. It doesn't stop everyone from messing up but it does make it a little easier for everyone behind him. The silence continues but occasionally they hear the chirp of a bird of feel the brush of the wind. They must be getting close to the end of the silence.
Drew nods quickly to Jesse, "Terrible." The healer says fondly smiling and then blinks down, "Oh? A path. How...convenient." They comment mildly but then fall in witht he rest of the group seeming to trust any physical security and safety to the others. Drew while not unused to long days is certainly not what one would call an experienced hiker and frequently has to pause.
Kelvin starts up the path. It isn't nearly as much of a path as he would have expected. He glances back to those that aren't as used to pathfinding as him and clears loose rocks along the way as he goes, offering the back end of his spear for anyone that needs a better hold to get over a ridge. "Yeah, I wouldn't really call this a path. More like a vague suggestion..." He points out some of the easier handholds and the parts less likely to be reliable to make the way an easier trek for the rest of the group. "This is definitely not one of the more foot friendly destinations I've been sent to by the Gods. I'm not sure I want to see what is at the destination if all of this has kept other people away for so long." He considers just having people wait behind then opening a portal back to them once they're reached their destination, but everyone seems to be making it along well enough. "Hopefully this path is all that's guarding whatever we're headed towards."
Liam makes his way up slowly, but even slowly is hard it seems for him this time around. He continues to stop to make sure Essa and Drew are keeping up and not slidding back down even though the prince almost does it himself and he takes a deep breath and continues on.
Jesse may be a strong-looking, if compact, Guard, but mountain climbing and navigating environments aren't this person's expertise, having been clearly used to flattened cobblestones as their patrol area. Despite their fortunate ability to.. watch Kelvin and basically try and mimic his example navigation, Jesse does end up stumbling here and there, letting out embarrassed little yelps every so often and in one case, clinging to a rock formation for dear life when they were in no real danger of slipping at all, a comical misalignment of their situation.
The difficulty of the task seems to ensure that Jesse doesn't notice those traces of annoyance, and proceeds some more, though they do break their own silence to ask at times of Kelvin, calling out to the pathfinder, "You seem really good at this, sir.. it is much easier when following you.." while grabbing onto the offered spear one time. "I think we both know, though, if our previous.. adventure.. was one to speak, we can expect even more. But with so many, I am sure it will be nary an issue we cannot overcome!"
At the top of the mountain, when the curved peak and building come into view a figure steps before them. The face of the person is hidden beneath the hood of the robes they were. Emblazoned on the robes are symbols that look like the crest of the clergy but it is different. there are clear similarities and the design looks very old, no doubt from times long before the kingdoms were established.. Back when there was only one Empire. The figure lifts a hand and from the ground skeletal figures arise and they are dressed in shadow armor. Tattoo to the backs of the hands, which can be seen, of the figure are what looks to be symbols related to Larthin. It is a good bet this person considers themselves related to Larthin in someway but it is not certain to whether Larthin supports them or not. As the figure is interfering with the tasks of the Children. The robed person says nothing but flicks their wrist and the army of skeletons start to march forward. With the size of the army it is clear the figure had to pay a heavy price to bring them up. That price becomes clear after a few moments. The person falls to the ground in such a way that it is obvious that they were dead before they even started to fall. The death of their summoner does not stop the army. They were given their command before the death so they know what to do.
Drew stares at the turn of events dumbfounded, "What? WHAT!?" Drew lets out a cry of... outrage. Fear's probably there powering it but also anger at what is being done. The healer's eyes narrow watching the seeming undead clergy. "How dare you." It's whispered now though the typically softspoken healer seeming to all but quiver with anger at this. Their hand's draw together though beginning to murmur to themselves an invoking though it seems to go less like a prepared prayer and more a quiet conversation a murmur as their eyes flash staying behind the others as they speak.
<FS3> Drew rolls Magic: Success. (3 4 6 3 1 4 8 2 4 3 6)
Jesse can't help but yelp in surprise as the ground is disturbed by skeletal creations rising from it, but in that moment of necessity to enact their duty, the Guard reaches for their scabbard on the left of the uniform and with a sibilant sound, cold metal is drawn to the exposed air and Jesse's sword comes out to greet the damned foes. "Oh, oh no.. I'll.. haah.. try to hold the right side of the path!" calls out the Divinus private as they scoot to the aforementioned portion, possibly around Kelvin, before holding their weapon in a defensive stance and giving a measured horizontal lash out against the foes to test their defenses, mostly as a way to keep control of the area in front. It seems that Jesse's trying to dictate the footing of the fight and control ground, to prevent the enemy from advancing, a typical taught tactic to those newer to the Guard. "Goodness.. I'll help hold them, if you folks have any.. ideas! I trust you!"
Kelvin gives a grumble at Jesse's response, knowing him to be right. "I know... You're probably right. But it makes me feel better to hope otherwise. An indulgence." He continues helping people up, but if Jesse was right, which he probably was, this trek would be a walk in the park compared to what they would have to do later. "At least it distracts from the eerie silence..." It did do that. Nothing about their trek was likely to be quiet and helping everyone else through was a service he would be happy to provide considering what might be ahead. He was no Child of a God and it may very well be him who needs divine help at the end of their climb. And either his help will have built a fair bit of goodwill or he will have outlived his usefulness. He wasn't really sure which way that pendulum would swing.
As it turns out, he would be finding out sooner rather than later. As they come upon the person the symbols of Larthin give Kelvin hope that maybe there would be a friendly reception. Then there's the skeletal hand. "Ooh..." That wasn't a good sign. Then there's skeletons climbing out of the ground. "So much for hope..." He lays down his spear and takes up the throwing hammer on his belt just in time to see the figure fall. "Did he just straight up kill himself to summon these!?" He knew that was bad news. Sacrificial magic was some of the strongest that he was aware of. He raises the throwing hammer and his other hand anchors on a throwing axe.
<FS3> Jesse rolls Swords: Great Success. (4 6 4 8 3 1 3 2 6 8 1 6 4 7 7)
<FS3> Essa rolls Magic: Good Success. (1 2 6 7 2 6 2 5 8 6)
<FS3> Liam rolls Magic: Success. (1 8 2)
<FS3> Kelvin rolls Throwing: Great Success. (4 7 2 4 4 3 1 8 2 3 4 7 5 8 4 7)
<FS3> Ren rolls Ranged: Good Success. (8 2 5 7 7 2 3)
"Unless it is divine, al magic has a price." reminds Ren, "Seems like that person's goal was worth their life." He watches the skeletal arm rise and the body fall almost impassively but it is hidden quickly again as he pulls out a bow to start picking off some skeletons. A semi-decent amount. He has a worried tone as he says, "I can't seem to use my magic." He keeps attempting to shoot with his bow as he says this. Briefly his eyes fall on Liam and Kelvin before he looks away.
Essa glances to the army then to Liam. Without hesitation she uses her magic and summons multiple animals. Far more than she would normally do considering what happens to her. "Protect them." She tells the animals, "Especially Prince Liam." With that she lets out a sound that is similar to a howl and takes off running. Her expression is much like a wild animal caught in a situation they fight or flee. Clearly she chose flee. Off to the forest she goes. Her movements vary similar to that of a big lumbering bear.
As Kelvin and JEsse take up their spots to fight, being strong fighters, they both take out a good chunk of the army. It is uncertain to whether they will stay down or not. Drew's murmurs and actions cause 5 of the army skeletons to falter and retreat. If they had faces that could change they would definitely be showing confusion.
Drew watches as same small number of the skeletons begin to waver, though the others have a more telling effect. Drew pauses to take a breath long enough to snorts at Ren's comment, and in an almost petty comment, "Some of us don't find leaning on divine magic so problematic." Despite Drew having not said much to Ren it has the tone of an old argument. Drew takes a deep breath again and then begins intoning again, that do not quite seem to be what anyone is familiar in a prayer to Mataya. Instead it's almost like Drew is speaking to the skeletons in the way some might speak to an animal they are trying to coax out, or to take another path.
<FS3> Drew rolls Magic: Success. (4 1 6 5 2 6 5 5 1 4 8)
Liam nods his head to Essa as she summons the animals and run off, he will find her later he always does. He breaths deeply as he looks to the animals that were summoned he is not happy. This person with the markings of his father summoning skeletons and giving their life for it. He calls on the animals that were summoned to attack the skeletons and to protect.
Jesse would huff out a heavy breath as their swing completes, though a doubtful glance is cast upon the so easily scattered bones of the foes. Soon enough, the Guard finds themselves surrounded by beasts as well as allies, and emboldened, wades forward to try and take an offensive stance.
A fiery yell sounds out from the muscular Guard as their weapon is once again brandished, though the approach becomes a little too close for their comfort. So instead, Jesse tries to shove back one of the skeletal creatures, then bring forward their sword in a cleaving arc into the damned host. They have to stop the swing short to avoid cutting into one of the summoned creatures, timidly pulling the weapon away and returning to a wrathful guard, high and imposing, even for the shorter person!
<FS3> Jesse rolls Swords: Good Success. (2 5 6 8 5 3 1 4 4 7 2 1 3 8 5)
<FS3> Ren rolls Ranged: Great Success. (7 6 8 6 7 7 8)
Kelvin sees so many of the targets that choosing one isn't that much of a problem. Instead, it becomes about how many he can hit and how fast can he hit them. He does a large overhand wind up to build speed and chucks his throwing hammer as hard as he can underhand. He releases it so that it has an upward arc, tearing through bones as its path peeks up and then a few more as it dips towards the ground again. He draws the throwing axe and he gets a tingle in his body that reaches into his soul. "I can't use my magic either!"
That's all he screams. There's too much going on trying to kill skeletons and stay alive to really articulate what that means for him or for the rest of them. He flings his throwing axe with a spinning sidearm throw and it lops off several heads from thin rickety necks. He fights even harder now, knowing that he's lost the ability to provide an emergency exit. No going back now. He grabs for a rock. The ground seemed to be cluttered with ammunition for him. The thing that made the climb so difficult might just keep him alive at the destination.
<FS3> Kelvin rolls Throwing: Great Success. (6 5 6 5 3 8 1 5 6 6 7 1 7 5 3 7)
Liam blinks as he looks to Kelvin, "Nor can I!" he calls out as he watches the animals and he gets a worried look across his face, he frowns and he starts to pray to his father (Larthin) trying to help get these dan skeletons to go away, this is the second time he has felt this way and he does not like it!
The Choisi Princes is flinging arrows like nobody's business. He must be annoyed by something because his expression shows it. He is LArthin's Child too, after al. So something done he doesn't like never results in happy things. His arrows take out quite a few of the skeletons. The skeletal army is dwindling very quickly between Drew's causing handfuls to visibly retreat and his prayers that send the fallen skeletons and the retreating ones back to rest. As each one is sent off they bury into the ground once more. When Drew Prays to Mataya her presence can be briefly felt around Drew then around the fallen skeletons. Shimmering crystals help them bury into the ground once more. She doesn't touch the still fighting ones, though. Likely the First God or the Seventh God told her not too. After all, this group is on a Child of Gods task and making it to easy for them would not do well. Between Kelvin and JEsse's attacks and Drew's actions they arm is quickly dropping in numbers. It seems like their efforts have brought the army to pretty close to half. When Liam throws his hat into helping Drew while the summoned and turned aggressive animals attack the skeletons, bringing it to half or less, LArthin's presence can also be felt around Liam and some of the fallen skeletons. Larthin may do a lot of things but disrespecting the other Gods is not typically one of them. So, his not touching the still fighting skeletons make it clear Masquerade is the one who asked not to touch the still fighting skeletons. The prayers are being answered.
Essa has left.
Drew breathes heavier with clear strain coming on the Healer as they continue to try and pray watching the interaction between crystals sealing those skeletons that lay back to their rest. The healer's brows furrowing watching though mroe still coming on though obvious relief as the warriors on their own side seem to remain uninjured and more creatures weigh in on the side of the 'adventurers'. Drew's breath growing more and more ragged as they continue.
<FS3> Ren rolls Ranged: Good Success. (8 2 2 8 5 1 1)
The Guard withdraws their sword from the last strike, making a quick back-step to try and avoid counters from the shambling army. Although Jesse's actions could not fully lay to rest these creatures, they seem to trust in the magics that do, and support the rest as best they can by continuing to physically fend off the bags of bones. Mostly unaware of the divine forces at play so directly, Jesse's focus is tangled in the fight.
Holding position at the cut down corpses to avoid walking over them, Jesse notices an advance on the left side. They lunge over, weakening the defensive hold over the pass, but shoring up a potential for more skeletons to cross over and endanger the allies at range. The private's left hand reaches to grasp a diminutive bony wrist and hold it at bay, while the other hand starts from the ivory abdomen and starts a pummeling swing with the blade towards it and several others on that side to clean up the breach of the perimeter.
<FS3> Jesse rolls Swords: Success. (5 5 6 3 5 2 1 8 2 3 4 3 5 2 6) <FS3> Jesse rolls Swords: Great Success. (1 7 6 3 2 1 5 7 7 4 3 5 3 7 6) <FS3> Jesse rolls Swords: Success. (7 1 4 3 1 1 5 3 4 1 5 5 6 3 6) <FS3> Jesse rolls Swords: Great Success. (1 3 8 7 3 1 1 5 7 1 2 2 4 7 6) <FS3> Drew rolls Magic: Good Success. (6 2 7 4 4 6 2 7 8 5 2) <FS3> Drew rolls Magic: Failure. (4 4 2 6 4 5 5 5 5 2 6) <FS3> Drew rolls Magic: Good Success. (5 1 3 8 8 6 3 4 4 3 1) <FS3> Drew rolls Magic: Success. (4 5 4 3 1 6 6 3 3 5 8) <FS3> Ren rolls Ranged: Great Success. (3 2 8 7 5 7 8) <FS3> Ren rolls Ranged: Good Success. (6 8 7 5 4 4 6) <FS3> Ren rolls Ranged: Failure. (2 5 3 2 2 5 6) <FS3> Kelvin rolls Throwing: Good Success. (6 3 1 1 5 5 3 8 1 2 3 1 7 7 6 1) <FS3> Kelvin rolls Throwing: Amazing Success. (6 8 8 3 8 5 6 7 3 3 1 8 4 5 8 8) <FS3> Kelvin rolls Throwing: Good Success. (4 3 8 7 3 2 7 1 1 3 5 1 6 2 5 4) <FS3> Kelvin rolls Throwing: Amazing Success. (5 8 2 1 8 3 3 2 7 8 7 3 4 7 8 3) <FS3> Kelvin rolls Magic: Good Success. (4 4 7 3 7 4)
Kelvin's arms start to burn as he switches back and forth, hurling alternately with his left, then right arms. He keeps his feet moving to drag battle lines and keep the numbers from overwhelming him or his allies, darting from one end of the opening to the other and back. Crouched low he barely rises to throw, grabbing large rocks and hurling them with smooth motions. He switches then to the knives he has on his bandolier, pulling and flinging with much more precision. Each one flies into the skin necks of skeletons, tearing into one and ruining it for carrying a skull. The heads fall off one at a time as the daggers make precision strikes on shambling monsters.
When he feels his magic return he gets a rush of elation and immediately his hands turn to circle up a portal behind them. Simultaneously on the other end of the area where the skeletons started, where the dead ones now lie an identical portal opens - though he's the only one that can see it. "Magic is back! Follow me through to the other side if they start to get too close!" And with that, he darts through the portal behind them, stepping out onto the far side of the field in front of them. Not coincidentally, this is where most of his thrown weapons now lie and he crouches down to reuse them, now throwing at the backs of skeleton skulls - but all the more effective since they don't see it coming.
There is a cry that comes from the direction of where Liam was standing or is standing? Its not Liam anymore, did something come in and eat him? A very large griffin races up on its hind legs and charges in and starts to maul the skeletons they are attacking.
Ren just keeps shooting his arrows. If he noticed the time was up for his item he doesn't re-start it. He's too bust shooting arrows. He does move to protect Drew as he shoots arrows, noticing the Acolyte seemed to be running out of gumption. The prince doesn't say anything but his arrows do go wild as he moves to protect Drew. Not too many of his arrows miss their mark, though.
The group makes pretty short order of the remaining skeletons. The animals Essa summoned and Liam turned aggressive to protect him take a good chunk of the skeletons down. However, the star of the battle is Kelvin and his fighting prowess. Though, Jesse isn't far behind him and neither is Liam. It would probably would have been far harder if it wasn't for the fact Drew has been sending off the skeletons as they fall and with their causing some to retreat. Once the last skeleton has fallen all that is left is to send them off to assure they don't stand once more. Drew is doing a good job of it but they could use a bit of help. The whole group fought extremely hard, after all. The presence of Mataya can still be felt as the sending offs are done. Once the final send off is done the presence of Mataya grows and each person can feel her crystally, rainbow warmth around them. Each person can feel their fatigue from the fight leaving them and any wounds they got healing. One concerning note is though she can be felt, Mataya's presence is not as strong as it should be. It is like she is weakening.
Drew continues to do their best moving forward a little with the group as they settle the skeletons back to their rest. Drew seems more and more tired and saddened as the skeleton army is slowly lowered. Drew stays near the portal and when there's the cry of a strange creature. At the appearance of the new creature Drew ducks into the portal and away. Drew has no idea what the creature is and doesn't seem to want to make it's close acquaintance. As things settle down they begin to shift gear giving passing rites rather than trying to convince them down relief at the violence being over seeming to give palpable life back to the healer.
Jesse surges forward and stands in front of the portal for a good moment, blocking the way between it and the army and whittling some down. When the escape is properly covered, the Guard hops on in, allowing the others to make clean work of the rest while the host is more confused than normal about the use of this unique magic! When Jesse emerges from the other side, they comically tense up their arms and wave their sword around as if waiting for another attack, but there's nothing, and the Guard blushes some before lowering their stance and sheathing the weapon. "Whew.. that was a little.. intense.." they say, though they seem quite surprised as the fatigue quickly drains and they are able to start to carefully approach the structure built into the mountain..
Kelvin leans on his knees, doubled over and winded as the last skeleton falls. He heaves breaths, trying to recover. The feeling of Mataya that brings his strength back is radiant but also unsettling as the burn fades away more quickly than possible. He looks at his arms and hands a bit in disbelief as he checks on everyone else. "Everyone here? Everyone good? Injuries?" Not that he could do much about them, but he could try to portal someone to a healer. When everyone is good and they move on, Kelvin lingers back collecting a few of his heavier weapons. He had no idea if the fighting was done but did not want to be caught unarmed just in case it was not. You never knew with the Gods what would be thrown your way. He makes his way to the temple and stops just inside the doorway, stuck by the scale of it. It awes him and it is obvious. The commoner knows this is something he shouldn't even really be seeing except that he was chosen by the Gods to accompany their Children.
Drew eyes Jesse, "I think you enjoyed yourself." Drew says with wry admonition though looking drained if not in the same way as those who fought more physically. Drew just looks tired but moves, "Let me check each of you for injuries." They say in the authoritative tone of all experienced healers as they begin looking them over for wounds or strains. This is Drew's first priority even as they begin to make themselves further into the mountain with it's secrets being exposed telling of a tantalizing or troubling story.
The large creature comes into the temple, his large eyes looking around. Its talons tapping on the stone floor as he moves slowly, its tail swings back and forth in announce. It makes something like a coo/purr growl noise as it moves along, its large golden eyes taking things it.
When everyone is healed and Rready to enter the temple the silence disappears. Maybe it was tied to the skeleton summoner and his passing took away the silence, maybe whatever was doing it left. what is important is the 'silence ' they now hear is the familiar one getting when away from a busy city. The cries of animals, a gentle wind. It is all back to normal. Without a doubt the crumbling is where Masquerade wad wanting the group to go. Once everyone has decided to enter the old temple they will see all the shrines. Through all the shrines are old the ones for Soleil, Hilal, and Masquerade are newer. There is an Eighth shrine. Nothing about it is familiar but there is no doubting it was for a God. It looks the newest of them all. Why is it there? Before they can decide to investigate or not Masquerade makes its appearance in the shadowy form. "This was more difficult for you all than I planned." says the Seventh God. "Especially when I had not planned for the skeletal army to happen." Clearly they were suppose to face something but Masquerade doesn't say what. "Have you questions?"
Jesse cautiously shuffles closer, their shoulders buckling in at the shadowy form. The Guard collects their hands at their waist and gives a delicate curtsey to the form with wrists bent, trembling a little on the way up but yet in a rather practiced form. However, a realization about the skeletal intervention dawns on the private and Jesse's face pales for a good moment, a few bright shades.
"If that was not planned, then.. what danger does that pose to us?" Jesse jumped to the more obvious and present danger, at least to the attention of the less knowledgable and faithly one. "I.. I am worried. Did we do something wrong?" A set of wide eyes now lock upon the shadowy figure, in both an amount of reverence, but yet yearning for a hopefully comforting answer to these questions that seem to move the Guard so.
Drew seems to let out a breath they didn't realize they were holding as the silence breaks. Drew moves towards the shrines pausing a little and studying more the 7th shrine though seeing the others go towards the eight. Drew glances to Masquerade, "That....that doesn't seem right. Even if people make wrong choices... to take that away in the end to bind them after death." Drew shakes their head and looks down at their hands seeming grappling with something. "Why would someone give their life to bind more lives?"
The Griffon growls as its tail flips looking at Masquerade, its wings ruffle and press to its side. Hits beak held into the air as if trying to smell the air, its large gold eyes look to Drew and bows his head at his words looking back at the shrines.
"That is not a question I can answer. " Says Masquerade "But there are those who want the Children of Gods for their own purposes. They are on the path they are meant to be so I do not interfere with them. However, they are the reasons the Children use to be hidden. These people want to control. I have some memories of them from when I was mortal." An assuring smile is given too Jesse, "You have done nothing wrong. Not all are on the righteous path." Comforting? Maybe. "Sometimes, my Child, people believe their actions and the results are the correct one. We Gods can change anything, as you all know, but we don't. Even Larthin believes in you deciding for yourself." The shadowy hand moves to touch the head of the griffin,"Esssa is not far from here. You know how she gets when she uses her magic." Towards the shrines Masquerade looks and comments, "Back when the mortals were young, they believed the Gods should be worshipped at the highest point of the world. This mountain is considered the tallest." Masqerade does not confirm whether it was or is. Nor does Masquerade comment on the Eighth Shrine.
There's a bit of a pause as Jesse considers the replies. It gives the Guard enough head space to move up to the side of Drew, their gaze filled with worry at the mention of having the Children of the Gods used for nefarious ends. It's almost a protective stance that Jesse adopts, though not against anything in particular.
Jesse isn't too encouraged by the replies it would seem, for they shudder a bit. Only after some time does the Guard work up their response: "Who is trying to subvert the Children? We should seek to meet them before they continue. I would not want anything to happen to any of them.." Once again a protective look is shared to Drew and the others.
Drew frowns, "For their own purposes? Who -What Jesse said." They ask blinking then as the large creature. "Euagh....uhm. Hi." They say to the large Griffon seeming unsure what to make of it and looking to the others to see if they react to it. Drew looks back to Masquerade, "Can...can we convince them to change their path? Maybe if they're seeking the Children the same as we are perhaps we can convince them to take a different path. I'm sure there's a compromise we can find." Drew looks back out towards the battlefield, "This can't be the only answer."
The Griffon almost leans up into the touch to its head as if a cat would, it bows its head to the word about Essa. For the moment he lets Jesse and Drew as the questions. When drew says hi, the Griffin turns and stalks over to the healer looking to him with those intense gold eyes. His tail flicks him slightly as he walks past to then look at Jesse. Then he moves to sit on its hind legs listening.
Briefly Masquerade glances at Ren then back to Drew and Jesse, "Some can be because that is not the path they are wanting but follow because they believe they have too. Some are on the path right for them." Masquerade looks to the griffin, "I am going to return you to normal. Your companions are concerned. I would itherwise not interfere." Another touch of the hand is given to the griffin, causing him to shift into Liam once more. After looking up a moment Masquerade says, "You have likely heard of them. They were once on a similar path to all of you but at some point changed."
The Griffon's approach does have Jesse wide-eyed for a good moment, though they can't help but giggle when the tail flicks over Drew. "I think they like you" the Guard would tease the healer for a moment, before watching as Liam was changed back. Realization dawns on Jesse's face; it looks like in the din of battle, Jesse must have mistaken the Griffon to be one of the summoned beasts from before. "Oh.. oh, hello again!" they chime cheerfully.
Back to the God, Jesse lets out a saddened sigh. "Then I suppose I can only do what I can to accompany the Children and keep them safe, and keep the Seat secure." They look to Liam and Drew and twist their mouth into a little playful smile, "Even if they take risky moves, I suppose."
Drew looks to Jesse and sticks their tongue out, "Everyone likes me." The healer points out watching the Griffon and then blinks as they return to form, "Ah...well that's certainly. Interesting." Drew seems uncsure what to make of it but smiling faintly. Drew glances back to Masquerade, "Then we need to learn more to make sure what changed doesn't happen again and they can perhaps choose to go back to a different path." Drew frowns, "Or not if this is their path." Drew considers for a moment and then shakes their head. Drew looks at Masquerade, "There has to be a line, when you stop someone else's choice it's no longer your choice." IT's a statement, a question, a plea. Perhaps all of the above.
Liam hmphs as he is shifted back, "Oh come on!" he sighs looking over to Jesse a smile and then to Drew with a grin to the healer. He sighs looking to Masquerade, "So they were once on the same path as us? So what made them change it? something had to have made them change it." he looks over to Drew again watching him, tilting his head to the side listening to his words.
"You only need to help a person find what they feel is right for them. It is not always going to be a walk you approve of you feel is right. The important thing is /they/ feel it is where they belong. You are not to make the choice for them. Show them the possibilities and they decide." The shadowy figure moves to Jesse and lightly touches their head and when the hand falls away a helmet is now on Jesse's head, "All the Children appreciate the care you show, I'm sure. The more you put yourself out there to protect others, Jesse, the stronger this helmet will offer you protection. It reacts to you wanting to help others. I am a little bias and it becomes even stronger when you protect my Children. Not a huge amount strong but strong enough to know that the person is my Child." A slightly amused look is given to Liam at his herumph before the expression of Masquerade becomes serious once more to answer the question, "It is not my story to tell what changed their paths, Liam. It is theirs." Masquerade stares at Liam a long moment then says, "My father, the First God, just asked me to tell you that you might have special interest in a branch of this particular group after your sacred item gaming happened."
gaming=gaining
Kelvin has mostly been lost in the wonder of the temple, letting the others talk with the God that had tasked them with this journey. Eventually he pulls himself away only vaguely following the conversation. But he walks over and turns back to the eighth shrine. He points at it and asks, "What's that about?" He looks back to the shadowy figure and continues, "There's another God? I thought there were seven? Are there eight? Are there more than eight?" He pauses and asks again, "Has that always been here? And does that have anything to do with this group that's... interceding?" He stops then, realizing that he's interrupting and not in the most polite way. He tries to think of something that he might add on to soften the tone of it all, but can't find anything that might be passable and just gives up, accepting his misstep for what it is. "Sorry. This is all just... a lot for me."
Drew listens to Masquerade and then nods their head slowly. Drew doesn't seem entirely satisfied but also seems has pushed as far as they are comfortable. Though the healer smiles softly looking to Jesse as the helm appears, "Oh shiny." They offer to the guard fondly and then look to Liam and the conversation biting their lipa s they listen. Drew takes a breath as if they might ask more and then quiets again to think on it seems. Kelvin gets a symphatetic look, "It does tend to be a lot."
Liam looks to Kelvin then look to Masquerade "Are you telling me, that they are why that went sideways and I almost lost Essa?!" he stands now, he was sitting. There is a very serious look on his face. He frowns now, "Oh I am interesting and we will be having words about it."
The Seventh God is silent a long moment, "There is only Eight. Except for me no Child has ascended, so far. Some by choice, some where never awoken, some failed. There were many reasons they did not become Gods. Everyone came decide if they want to or not." When Kelvin draws attention to the Eighth Shrine, "It has and it hasn't." it says to Kelvin, "Another thing that is not my story to tell. Though, you should take special interest in events involving that God, Kelvin." MAsquerade doesn't say why. To Drew Masquerade looks when they seem about to speak but they don't. Instead Masquerade just smiles and waits for Drew to be ready to question again. "It did not go as it was suppose to either. Larthin would not risk what his family cares about unless it is the only way to reach a person. That was not the case with you. Someone interfered. All I was told was to tell you that you might have special interest in a branch of that group."
Kelvin looks to the eighth shrine and back to Masquerade, not understanding the statement, but not bothering to probe it further. It was not their story to tell. He clenches a jaw a bit at that and tries to focus on the story that is being presented. He looks towards Masquerade and asks, "Do these other people have a name? Are they working as one or separately? And is there any other way to find them? Is there place in the world taller than this one?" He looks towards the door and back and apologizes again. "Sorry for all the questions. But it was obviously important to bring us here to give us that information so I'm trying to make sure we have everything we need to move forward. If there's another group trying to turn the kids to their side, it sounds like someone we need to find sooner rather than later."
For a while, Jesse just marvels at the helmet they're suddenly wearing, a hand lifting up to grasp at its top. The Guard's eyes water a bit in teary gratefulness for Masquerade's boon, and their pledge for it is a soft, "I'll try my best to serve them as best I can." A nod is shared to both Drew and Liam, though Jesse aims a slight blush at the mention of its shininess and Liam gets another curtsey from Jesse too. Towards Liam, they speak, "You, sir, I suppose that means we might travel in the future? I.. I look forward to it, if you would have me of course." They grin to Drew, "You know already I will fend off most things for you."
Back to Masquerade, the Guard huffs a bit and concludes, "I will try to respect what others do, but I cannot allow my friends to come to harm.. so as Drew said, these malicious ones' paths will be disturbed as soon as it finds the Children's." There's a sense of stoicism in that determination, steeled in Jesse's eyes.
Drew :smiles as Jesse holds the helmet and beams at the guard, "I know. But I'm glad others are recognizing your willingness to put yourself in the way of danger for everyone, and that you're being rewarded for it." The healer says warmly.Drew looks back to Masquerade and just bows their head slightly, "I...I need to think on it. It's... I suppose it was true when I was told it wasn't an easy path but few paths worth taking are. Being a guide requires judgment, not knowing...seeing how you can push someone or what will guide someone down a path. It's...you just don't know."
Liam nods his head, his arms crossing his chest, "Thank you sister." he says to Masquerade, his eyes look to Jesse nodding his head, "So it seems." his eyes look to Drew watching him for a long moment then he falls silent looking between the others.
"IT doesn't require judgement, my Child. IT would more require empathy and understanding. Your path might be the one of a Priest of MAtaya but another could be a far darker and crueler path than yours. It is not your job to turn them away from it but to accept them for who they are and let them know they can walk the path then need too, even when it goes against who you are and your beliefs." Masquerade smiles to Jesse, "You do not have to agree or change your plans unless you think you need too. You are on your path, even if it conflicts with anothers path. Where a person walks ends when they they can not go further. As everyone's does." Liam gets a smile, "I only gave you answers I could, Liam. No need to thank me." Now Kelvin gets the focus of Masquerade, "I believe if you think on it, you'll know the group (AKA, the Council of the Devoted. You guys can totally know it is them.)." Masquerade muses a moment, "I suppose they do and don't work together. They are all around you. Sometimes even in a place you least expect it." again Masquerade glances to Ren, who has been quiet this whole time. Maybe Masquerade is waiting for his questions. Ren probably doesn't have any that are different than what is being asked. "You'll only know if there is by exploration. That is what the world is for."
Jesse would once again cast another amused look upon Drew and add, "Though I would say that I am rewarded merely being in your presence, I will take all the gratitude I can get, so don't stop any time soon." Their shoulders shake with mirth. In Liam's gaze, the Guard would try a nervous smile and hastily suggest, "Not that you cannot take care of yourself, good sir, it is just an added sword. I will endeavor to make any ventures we take fulfilling. Drew can speak to my usefulness at length, I am sure!" And to Kelvin, Jesse even relates, "And of course since we are not directly being targeted, we can move where they cannot. So I will let you know if I hear of anything, and we can work together, yes, sir?"
When Jesse addresses Masquerade, it is now with a soft nod. "Thank you.. I will talk to my superiors and ensure they are aware of this threat that could come from within."
With that, Jesse takes on a more passive posture, stepping slightly away from the group but keeping a watchful eye.
Kelvin furrows a brow at Masquerade and opens his mouth to ask more questions, then closes it and he nods a moment. "Okay. Thank you then." He stares at the figure a bit more, not saying anything else with a very purposeful effort. He looks then to the others and says, "Well, I'm good for now. If you want, I can open a portal back to town... well, whatever town you're looking to go to. Just let me know where..." He looks to Ren and asks, "Any place in particular you want to go?"
Drew purses their lips as they listen to Masquerade and they nod their head slowly. "Even as a healer we don't know what a person was doing or meant to do. We can only help the person in front of us." Drew sighs, "But there's...." Drew just nods and looks quiet introspective and distracted now.
Liam breaths deeply looking to Drew, "Come on, its a lot to think about my friend." he moves over to the healers direction looking to them. "Come join me for a drink back at the palace? We can talk." he looks to Kelvin.
"I always hear prayers should you have more questions you want answers too. It might not necessarily be me that responds, though. The Gods answer what they want." Masquerade saw Kelvin's start to ask more questions then stop. Drew gets a gentle smile from the Seventh God, "You have much to think about, my Child." The God glances to the group and since they all seem to be done with their questions for now Masquerade turns to walk off, slowly fading as they talk towards the temple entrance. Back they murmur, "This temple is holy grounds. Sometimes actions taken here will be stronger. Especially when it involves praying to the Gods or using divine magic." With that the God fully disappears. Ren waves a dismissive hand, "I'm going to walk back. I've a lot to think about."
Kelvin looks at the departing God before his attention is pulled away to Liam. "Yeah... Sounds good..." He turns his attention more fully between those still there, looking at Liam and Drew. "We can really get to know each other." He calls out to Ren. "You sure? Really would love to know more about you." He spins a hand, adding his other to it as he opens a portal to just outside of Liam's palace. He makes it quite large, enough for all of them to pass through comfortably. "No time like the present."
"Yes." confirms Ren with a smile, "I an always available for a chat if you ever decide too." With that the Choisian Prince wanders on out the door, leaving the rest to depart together.