Chapter 1
//Game Master
The remainder of the journey was a gentle reprieve. The air grew heavy with the scent of sun-warmed resin as the group wound along the road to Summer, flanked by seas of undulating golden grass and forests so lush they seemed to breathe.
By dusk, the horizon was dominated by the colossal silhouettes of ancient, giant trees and the shimmering white palisades that guard the city. Unlike the rustic, village-like charm of Spring and Autumn, or the crystalline, silent majesty of Winter’s frozen spires, Summer revealed itself as a metropolitan masterpiece. It was a symphony of monolithic natural structures—living cathedrals of wood and flower—interwoven with weathered limestone architecture that felt as old as the world itself.
The city hummed with a vibrant, rhythmic pulse: a chaotic yet melodic blend of stringed instruments, the distant cries of market hawkers, and the tireless chorus of cicadas and birds.
The caravan began the steady ascent up the mountain slopes toward The Great Repository. From this vantage, the group could see the primary fortress of the capital—lofty towers of white and gold that pierced the clouds, housing the high seats of government and the glimmering estates of the elven royalty.
As they reached the first concentric fortifications of the Repository, the party paused to look back. Below them, the city was undergoing a celestial transformation. The white-and-gold brilliance of daylight bled into a nocturnal palette of midnight blues and deep purples. As if the city were a mirror to the cosmos, millions of golden pinpricks—like a sea of captive fireflies—began to wink into existence along the snaking streets and within the boughs of the great trees.
Their reverie was broken by the rhythmic clack of spears against stone. Approaching the heavy, iron-bound gates of the first ring, a firm voice echoed from the battlements above:
"Greetings, travelers. You have reached the First Ring of the Great Repository. State your names and your purpose f
//Game Master
or seeking entry."
//Bjorn
*Bjorn stands by to let the others answer*
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed steps forward, her petal-like wings shimmering with a soft, ethereal light that seems to defy the encroaching dusk. She doesn't just speak; she performs. Her voice carries the melodic clarity of her panpipes, projecting with a confidence that commands the attention of every guard on the battlements.
Drawing herself up to her full, one-foot height, she bows with the practiced grace of a courtly dancer before looking up at the gatehouse.*
"Greetings, Captain! I am Poppyseed of the City of Spring, and I come bearing news that would make the very stones of this mountain tremble,"
*She begins, her tone a perfect blend of urgency and diplomatic poise.*
"We bring a caravan laden with the finest cedar and oak from the Spring forests, along with a bounty of rare, enchanted produce from Natasha’s Nursery—a gift of growth for the Gilded City."
*She reaches into her satchel and produces a scroll sealed with shimmering wax, holding it aloft so the torchlight catches the sigil.*
"But more vital than timber or grain is this missive for the High Archivists. It contains my firsthand account of the darkness rising beyond your borders: the escape of the Demi-Lich, Balthazar Shade, and our harrowing battle within the Canyon of the Singing Hoodoos against the Void Maestro, Xylos. We have faced the Silence Eaters and survived to tell the tale. This letter details the breach in our reality—a matter of grave importance for the safety of all Four Seasons."
*She pauses, her silver-white hair catching the light as she offers a charming, disarming smile that softens the weight of her words.*
"We seek entry to deliver these goods to your markets and this warning to your scholars. Surely, the Great Repository would not wish such vital intelligence to linger outside its gates?"
//Game Master
The guards exchange looks, clearly moved by the tiny fairy's magnetism and the undeniable weight of her claims.
The gates begin to open.
//Poppyseed
"Looks like we're in business."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"It was a very eloquent speech."
//Jack Frost
"perhaps a little too dramatic there little one"
//Bjorn
"If I die you're writing my eulogy Poppyseed"
//Bjorn
Bjorn shakes his head as if he were lost in thought and just remembered how to speak "agreed" he says
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed giggles*
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
//Game Master
As the heavy gates of the first ring groan open, the group is beckoned inside. The transition is immediate; guards in white-and-gold surcoats take the reins of the wagons, leading the caravan of Spring lumber and enchanted produce toward a side courtyard for inspection and storage.
However, as the party advances through the initial courtyard toward the next towering wall, a chilling realization settles over them. The fortifications are not designed to keep an enemy out—they are built to keep something in. The primary battlements, arrow slits, and reinforced parapets face inward, focused entirely on the heart of The Great Repository.
The defenses are as beautiful as they are terrifying. Between the standard stone crenellations sits an array of specialized siege engines:
* Reciprocating Ballistae: Massive, multi-limbed bolt-throwers that hiss with pneumatic pressure.
* Alchemical Flame Turrets: Polished brass nozzles connected to glowing reservoirs of volatile fuel.
* Spectral Prisms: Geometric crystals of varying hues mounted on rotating pedestals, centered around jagged, oversized shards of deep purple crystal that pulse with a rhythmic, unsettling thrum.
The atmosphere here is a far cry from the quiet, dusty halls of a library or the peaceful contemplation of a research facility. Instead, the area hums with the disciplined, frantic energy of a front-line army encampment. The air is thick with the scent of ozone and machine oil, and the constant clatter of armored boots on limestone serves as a grim reminder: whatever knowledge is kept within these walls, it is being guarded—or perhaps imprisoned—with the full might of Summer’s military.
As you cross the inner threshold, an official wearing robes of deep indigo and gold—the mark of a Senior Scribe—approaches the group with a clipboard of shimmering parchment.
"A letter regarding a Void Maestro and a Demi-Lich?" he asks, his voice dry and clinical despite the chaos around him. "Extraordinary timing. We’ve been h
//Game Master
earing... echoes... from the lower vaults."
//Bjorn
Continues to watch in silence, amazed by the extent of Summers might.
//Game Master
The group follows the Senior Scribe deeper into the heart of the fortress, crossing the thresholds of the second and third concentric walls. As they progress, the atmosphere shifts with the changing colors of the guard.
The outer ring was held by the leaf-green surcoats of the city militia, but the second ring belongs to the deep azure of the high-tier infantry. By the time they reach the internal circle surrounding the primary structure, the soldiers stand like marble statues in brilliant, pristine white.
Emerging into the central courtyard, the true scale of The Great Repository is revealed. Looming above the white stone walls are massive golden domes, bristling with strange brass instrumentation: sweeping telescopes, polished metallic dishes that track the sun, and humming crystal arrays.
A circular pattern of glowing azure runes is etched into the very stones of the courtyard, forming a perimeter around the building. As the group crosses this boundary, the air thickens into a shimmering veil. Stepping through feels like pushing through a wall of cold, highly-charged water that crackles against their skin. On the other side, Poppyseed’s silver-white hair has succumbed to the static, standing up in a frizzy, electrified halo. She flitters along indignantly, frantically patting her head to restore her usual neat bun.
They approach the main entrance—a pair of iron-forged doors so massive they appear to be the only way in or out. A full squad of the white-clad Inner Circle guards steps forward, working in practiced unison to heave back three foot-thick iron bolts.
As the doors grind shut and the bolts are slammed back into place, the frantic energy of the military encampment vanishes. It is replaced by a deathly, solemn silence that feels heavy with the weight of centuries.
The interior is a triumph of spatial magic; the soaring halls of brass-bound bookshelves and spiraling towers of scrolls make the building feel infinitely larger than it appeared from the
//Game Master
courtyard. Scribes hurry past in hushed rows, their movements governed by a visible, rigid hierarchy. Every gesture is precise; every rustle of parchment is a calculated act of diligence.
The Senior Scribe leads them past a labyrinth of closed offices and hushed study rooms before arriving at a grand, vaulted chamber. The group is directed into a low-seated witness booth. Above them, a high, daunting bench looms, occupied by a presiding Judiciary and a second Senior Scribe. Their guide ascends to join them, looking down from his elevated position with a gaze that is both clinical and severe.
Poppyseed’s letter and the accompanying documents are laid out across the bench. The rustle of the parchment is the only sound in the room as the officials begin their silent, piercing review of the horrors at the Singing Hoodoos.
The Judiciary looks up, his eyes reflecting the golden light of the dome above. "A Void Maestro," he says, his voice echoing in the stillness. "Tell us, travelers—did the silence follow you here?"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I don't think we were followed?"
//Poppyseed
"Nope.... Pretty sure everything was sent back to wherever it came from... probably."
//Game Master
The Judiciary’s fingers steepled as he leaned forward, his shadow stretching long across the marble floor.
"We are aware of the shifting tides," he began, his voice dropping into a resonant, somber register.
"Intelligence from the Void Crater confirms our worst fears: the third rising of Alis’Zar Kisparta has begun. Even now, based on intelligence reports from within the Void Crater a group is already hunting for the lost relics rumoured to have been instrumental in the Litch Queens defeat years ago, and during the second rising.."
He looked at Poppyseed, his gaze piercing. "With the Queen of Stillness ascending and the drums of war echoing across the Great Continent, Summer cannot hold a line against the Abyss and the Hordes of Death simultaneously. We must know Balthazar’s destination."
He gestured to a Senior Scribe standing by a silver basin. "You will undergo Memory Regression. We must see what you saw when Balthazar opened the portal in the Autumn Graveyard. Every spark, every constellation on the other side... we need it all."
"As the winds of fate are already in motion against Alis'Zar Kisparta, once the location has been identified you must descend to the Records of Seals and Bonds to deliver your account of the Void Maestro to the Records Senior Scribe."
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed gulps loudly at the mention of Memory Regression.*
//Game Master
Poppyseed's memories are projected through the rippling waters within the silver basin as she reclines in a chair laying her head in the waters.
The group witness the moment in the graveyard when Balthazar Shade was transferred into the body of Goodfellow and opened the portal to the desert temple.
The Judiciary and Senior Scribes look on, taking notes, sometimes fast forwarding the events, sometimes slowing, and sometimes pausing the memories all together.
//Bjorn
Places his hand on poppyseed's shoulder and looks to see if she is okay
//Game Master
Poppyseed seems fine, and it looks as if she may have fallen asleep, while resting her head in the warm waters of the silver basin.
//Bjorn
Satisfied his companion is safe Bjorn slips to the back of the group and watches on.
//Game Master
Once the regression was complete and the data of the incident recorded, the Judiciary issued a new mandate.
"The threads of fate are already woven against Alis’Zar we will do what we can to guide those tasked with the knowledge you have provided us this day. Now take your account of the Void Maestro to the Records of Seals and Bonds. The Senior Scribe there must tether your testimony to the ancient archives."
The group descended into the bowels of the Repository lead by the Senior Scribe through twisting passageways and floating platforms which took them deeper down into the Repository, here the air grew cold and smelled of parchment, smoldering wax, and ancient ink. This was the vault of reality itself, where the foundational laws of the Four Seasons were inscribed and protected.
They had just reached the central desk when the silence was shattered.
A sound like tearing paper erupted from the center of the room. A jagged, violet fissure—an Abyssal Breach—screamed open directly above the Primary Seal.
From the swirling darkness, spindly, multi-limbed demonic hosts began to pour out, their claws scraping against the sacred limestone. They weren't here to kill; they were here to shatter the Seal of the First Meridian.
"Defend the Seal!" the Records Scribe shrieked, ducking behind a pillar of scrolls.
//Bjorn
Turns to Daisy in an unnaturally calm manor, as if it were the calm before the storm. "You said summer was going to be nice with warm baths"
//Bjorn
will then rage and charge the demonic form
//Poppyseed
"If it makes you feel any better, I got a nice head spa before everything went insane....... again..."
//Bjorn
As the adrenaline begins to take over his system Bjorn looks back and yells "Must be nice!" Then turns his full attention to the demonic shape with a loud roar "RAAAAHHH"
//Jack Frost
"why do we keep finding ourselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, this was just supposed to be a delivery gig" Jack lets out a sigh as he unethusiastically grips his candy cane rod and prepares to fight
//Jack Frost
"why are there so many of them?!" Jack targets dretch d highlighting him in a purple hue as he feels his strength drain(elf's curse, disadvantage in strength checks" before launching shining balls of Santa's holiday cheer at him
//Game Master
The two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer strike the reeking and pustulant Dretch, the creature starts to shriek before it is cut short abruptly as it explodes in a fetid burst of oily slime which slops to the floor.
//Jack Frost
"yeah... I am not cleaning that up"
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed sees a large horse sized winged demon resembling a mosquito perched on the banister overlooking the floor area.
She makes a window with her little hands lining up the demon in her sites attempting to penetrate its mind, she is able to connect but the demon resists its innate magical resistance shielding it from the little fairy's attack.
She then pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind and with an aerial twirl she performs to inspire her comrades.*
//Bjorn
Runs up to dretch B and slashes at it with his short sword. (Attack w/reckless & sneak)
//Game Master
Bjorn delivers a vicious stab wound to the pustulant Dretch, which shrieks as its stinking body instinctively recoils from the Aasimars blade.
//Game Master
The Dretch close in around Bjorn surrounding the barbarian as they lash out with their claws.
The Dretchs body that Bjorn struck is spewing forth foul gases, escaping from its open wound and filling the air around it.
//Game Master
The Dretch slash at the Aarsimar with their claws trying to drag the powerful barbarian to the ground, but the damage seems superficial against the raging barbarian.
//Bjorn
“I’ve got these fiends. Focus on the big guy!”
//Game Master
The festering cloud chokes the barbarians lunges leaving him gasping for breath and sickened.
//Game Master
The sound of droning can be heard getting closer as the Chasme makes its move flying towards Bjorn, as the sound of the approaching demon reaches Bjorn’s ears his head begins to throb and his vision blurs.
//Game Master
Bjorn steadies himself and brases against the brain crushing droning of the Chasme.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy’s prayers echo through the chamber as she asks for the Earth Mothers blessings in defeating the Abyssal swarm.*
//Game Master
The foul and loathsome Manes shamble across the room parasitized skin hanging loosely over their retched frail bodies.
//Jack Frost
seeing Bjorn jump in and get himself surrounded again Jack utilises his bonus action to jump the Pale purple elf’s curse over to dretch a before launching more Santa’s holiday cheer
//Game Master
The two glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer strike the Dretch, the demon convulses before exploding sending Fetid Sludge Splashing across the floor.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, sending golden notes of radiant energy slamming into the grotesque Chasme as it flies towards the group.*
//Bjorn
Bjorn stabs at the grotesque Dretch. (Action: Attack. I have adv from vex so that should cancel out my disadvantage)
//Game Master
Bjorn stabs the Dretch, it shivers before liquefying into a puddle of fetid waste on the floor.
//Game Master
The last remaining Dretch strikes out at Bjorn with its claws, but misses the raging barbarian, it then releases a foul gas around the area.
//Game Master
The Chasme drones into the air coming down behind Bjorn.
The droning sound reaches the others in the group as their ears and heads begin to throb.
//Game Master
The group is able to overcome the droning of the Chasme, as it thrusts its proboscis towards Bjorn.
//Game Master
Just missing the raging barbarian.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy the Hedgehog stops chanting her blessings of the Earth Mother, and summons up a giant spiritual spatula, and goes to swat the Chasme.*
“Won’t be flipping any pancakes with this when I’m done WACK!”
//Game Master
But the blow is deflected by the Chasmes thick exoskeleton.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*She then moves up striking the approaching Manes on the right flank.*
//Game Master
But misses with her soup ladle.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
“Fiddle Sticks!”
//Game Master
The Manes on the right flank attack Daisy the Hedgehog, but their claws scrape uselessly against the Hedgehogs heavy armour made of pots and pans.
//Game Master
The left flanking Manes reach Bjorn and lunge at him with their claws.
//Game Master
But they are unable to land a blow against the raging barbarian.
//Bjorn
Bjorn stabs at the last remaining Dretch (attack w/reckless to cancel disadvantage)
//Game Master
Bjorn strikes the Dretch, causing considerable damage, but the Dretch is still in the fight, gnashing its teeth, and swinging its claws.
//Poppyseed
*poppyseed produces a deck of cards from her tutu and with a twirl sprays them towards the Chasme in a kaleidoscope of colours.*
//Game Master
But the Chasme is too quick, as it flies about dodging the oncoming attack, receiving only minor injury.
//Jack Frost
Bjorns defiance in calling Jack away from direct aid and instead targeting the big guy pushes him on, as a bonis action he relocates his elf’s curse illuminating the figure of the chasme with that strange purple glow, who feels his strength drain from him. He then fires off of his holiday cheer bolts at the creature
//Game Master
Two glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer slam into the back of the Chasme, causing massive damage to the demon.
//Game Master
The Dretch lashes out at Bjorn, getting a lucky hit, but the raging barbarian doesn’t feel anything in his current state.
//Game Master
The Chasme lines up Bjorn with its proboscis. Poppyseed sees it and tries to distract it with a quick pip on her Panpipes and Silvery Barbs, but the Chasme is already too far ahead, striking Bjorn with its proboscis.
Bjorn is able to reduce a lot of the damage thanks to his rage, but the Chasme draws out Bjorn’s blood through its proboscis causing serious and lingering necrotic damage to the barbarian.
//Game Master
Poppyseed passes on any advantage she can to Daisy as the little Hedgehog strikes with the Spiritual Spatula, but the Chasme avoids the attack.
//Game Master
Daisy the Hedgehog then attacks one of the Manes with her soup ladle, but misses.
//Game Master
The Manes flanking on the right attack Daisy the Hedgehog.
//Game Master
But are unable to get past her substantial defenses.
//dvx
The Manes flanking left attack Bjorn, but their flailing limbs can’t land a blow on the Aasimar barbarian.
//Game Master
Meanwhile the Manes coming up the center of the room have almost made it to the group.
//Jack Frost
seeing the probiscus pierce Bjorn Jack quickly ramps up his attacks firing more holiday cheers at the chasme
//Game Master
Two more glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer strike the Chasme, it shrieks briefly before liquefying and sloshing to the ground in a large puddle.
//Bjorn
Bjorn laughs wildly seeing the Chasme liquify. “That’s how ya’ do it!”
//Bjorn
Invigorated by the sight of melting demons Bjorn swings his shortsword at the dretch
//Game Master
Bjorn stabs at the Dretch once more cutting it deep, it recoils from the blade and shrieks at Bjorn hysterically.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, sending glowing notes flying at the Dretch, but misses her attack.
//Game Master
The Dretch swings at Bjorn but Poppyseed is able to distract it long enough for its claws to miss the barbarian, thanks to Silvery Barbs.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy the Hedgehog moves her Spiritual Spatula swinging it at the oncoming Manes, the giant spatula hits with such force it sends the Manes flying through the air, it squeals before hitting the ground and exploding in a shower of oozing liquid.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*She then swings her soup ladle at a Manes in front of her, clobbering the Manes on the head.*
//Game Master
The mains close in around Bjorn attacking with their claws, dealing the barbarian minor scratches, while two disengages heading for Jack Frost.
Three mains attack Daisy the Hedgehog, but only end up scratching against her heavy wine barrel lid shield.
//Bjorn
Stabs at dretch
//Game Master
Bjorn stabs the Dretch, it gives one final screech before liquefying to the floor.
With the Dretch now destroyed, the foul gas cloud around the area dissipates.
//Bjorn
As the Dretch liquefies at his feet Bjron, coughing from the foul cloud of putrid fumes, yells “You should really lay off the beans!”
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, sending glowing notes flying towards the Manes surrounding Daisy. The glowing notes strike a Manes liquefying it instantly.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy the Hedgehog moves her Spiritual Spatula along towards the central Manes surrounding Bjorn, the Spatula swings obliterating the Manes before it, she then swings her soup ladle clobbering the Manes in front of her, the already injured Manes liquefies into a puddle on the ground.*
//Bjorn
“YEAH DAISY!”
//Game Master
Jack Frost flings two glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer at the on coming Manes.
The first Manes is liquefied instantly, yet the second keeps coming.
//Game Master
The two Manes in the center attack Bjorn with their claws, but only cause minor scratches to the raging barbarian.
The left flanking Manes reaches Jack Frost, and lashes out with its claws, but misses the elf.
The last remaining right flanking Manes attacks Daisy the Hedgehog, but its claws just scrape uselessly against her heavy wine barrel lid shield.
//Bjorn
Bjorn fills his lungs with the first breath of fresh air he has had since the start of the battle and lets out a barbaric roar that reverberates throughout the building, “RAAAAH!” His body begins to glow with a heavenly golden aura & he holds his blade above his head yelling “I have the power!” (BA: Inner Radiance). As his sword is held above his head the glowing aura flows from his body up the blade, he then locks eyes with the hideos Manes H in front of him and brings his sword to bare on the demonic form. (Action: reckless attack w/sneak attack on Manes H)
//Jack Frost
“Can’t touch this” you all swear you hear a catchy little tune as jack says these words before using his elf’s hop as a bonus to land ft south of bjorn. He then fires orbs of Santa’s holiday cheer at the Manes he just left (b)
//Game Master
Bjorn strikes down one of the Manes in front of him, it liquefies to the floor, as the brilliant light shines out badly damaging the second Manes.
//Game Master
Jack Frost reappears behind Bjorn and hurling two glowing orbs of Santa’s Holiday Cheer back towards the Manes, it explodes in a puddle of slime.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy the Hedgehog sends her Spiritual Spatula swinging towards the Manes attacking Bjorn, the Spatula comes down hard squishing the Manes into a puddle of goop on the floor.
She then swings her soup ladle knocking the Manes in front of her on the head.*
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind sending glowing notes flying towards the last Manes, splattering it into goop on the floor.
She then begins to play a melodious tune sending waves of energy out from her Panpipes, as the waves of sound strike the main rift in the center of the room, the rift begins to disintegrate, slowly at first, then and a swirl of particles the rift is gone.*
//Game Master
With the main rift closed, the smaller breaches fade out of existence.
//Bjorn
The adrenaline fades from Bjorn’s body and the searing light fades. With the rush of battle gone the pain of his many wounds came flooding in all at once. Bjorn clutches his bloody side where the Chasme pierced him. He has seen better days, but is glad to see his companions are unharmed.
//Bjorn
“Any idea what all that was about? Demon portals are usually bad in my book.”
//Game Master
As the demons liquefied remains steam and begin to evaporate the group can hear more commotion coming from outside the room.
The Senior Scribe crawls out from a hidden room on his hands and knees.
“Oh me oh my, it seems the Repository is under siege!” He scrambles around picking up his journal and spectacles off the floor. “There are reports of breaches throughout the Repository!”
//Bjorn
Casts Healing hands on himself
//Game Master
As the group catches their breath, and considers their next cause of action, the main doors burst open, there standing in the doorway a human, which in itself is quite extraordinary.
//Sir Wickford
*standing before you all is a human man in his mid twenties. They wear pristine armor that is a combination of moss green and bark brown the armor itself looks like nature made it.
There is a holy symbol in the center of the armor maybe you the deity that is behind it he has tanned skin and dark brown hair. Sliver eyes and they are standing very militaristic and stoic.
He scanning you like he his gauging what your skills are and what your are currently wearing.*
//Poppyseed
"Oh my goodness a human! This day keeps getting more and more unusual."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Touches her amulet*
"Thank the Earth Mother, reinforcements."
//Bjorn
Glad to see a capable looking warrior Bjorn greets him "You are a welcome sight warrior!"
//Sir Wickford
*he gives you a nod*
“Aye I’m here to help you all my name is sir wickford but you can call me wickford.”
//Poppyseed
"Hello Wickford, my name's Poppyseed."
*Waves*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy clanks her heavy soup ladle on her barrel lid shield out of respect.*
"It's wonderful to meet you, my name's Daisy."
//Bjorn
Bjorn slams his bloody fist onto his chest "They call me Bjorn"
//Sir Wickford
“nice to meet you all.”
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe is reading a scroll, then looks up at the group with a look of worry on his face. "Everyone has been called to the Continuum Gate, it seems a large amount of rifts have opened up and the demons are trying to breach the gates to enter the Manifestation below the Great Repository."
//Jack Frost
"Wickford hmm? The name doesnt sound familiar so you cant of been on the naughty list before. Pleasure to meet ya" Jack says this at first looking deep in thought then following up with a cheesy grin as he dusts off hos clothes and makes sure he didn't get any liquefied demon on him
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe quickly puts the scroll away. "Thank you for your help here, it seems to be under control now, please follow me to the Continuum Gate, others are on their way here and will ensure the continued defense of the First Meridian Seal."
//Bjorn
Bjorn spits blood into the pile of goo that used to be a Manes. "Let's get on then"
//Bjorn
Bjorn looks around to see if there is a proper shield anywhere; perhaps on one of the walls as decoration or dropped by a guard
//Jack Frost
Before we move Jack refreshes his Santa's favour with a click of his fingers and a jingle of bells a warm glow surrounds him
//Game Master
Following the Senior Scribe the group head deeper down into the Great Repository, down every corridor, behind every door, sounds of battle can be heard, the corridors littered with the aftermath of fights won, and lost.
Eventually they reach a set of double doors, which the Senior Scribe unlocks with a crystal palm sized card, he stands back to let you enter, "I need to lock this door behind you, we can't let anything else get in there..... Good luck...".
Moving into the room the group finds themselves on a walkway looking down onto a spacious open floor, ahead, and dominating the room a giant set of gold double doors. They appear to be extremely thick and made of led, which is visible in places that have received damage, and the gold plating has been shredded away.
In front of the Continuum Gate barricades made of void stone have been erected to try and keep the demons back, but with mixed success.
The floors and raised walkways are crawling with demons, notably a Chasme drones to the far right as it enters through a rift, to the far left a hulking reptilian demon, a Hezrou, paces in front of the void stone barricades looking for an opportunity to pass.
//Bjorn
Bjorn looks at Wickford. "Look out for the Dretches, they emit a poisonous gas cloud. Best to take them out at range. The Chasmes like to drain your blood like a massive mosquito; they don't mess around."
//Bjorn
Bjorn let's out a battle cry that reverberates off the walls. He then rushes towards the Dretch at the bottom of the stairs slashing wildly with his sword. (BA: Rage [using wolf this time]) (A: Reckless Attack w/ sneak attack)
//Game Master
Bjorn rushes in delivering a devastating blow to the Dretch at the bottom of the stairs, liquefying it instantly.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy the Hedgehog grips her amulet of the Earth Mother, whispering her prayers a whirlwind whips up around her, within Spiritual Guardians of the Earth dance and frolic.*
"Everyone go help Bjorn, get to the Void Stone barricades, I'll hold the rear."
//Sir Wickford
*he moves up the nearest one of the demons and ) Ba Shield of faith on himself ) Attack longsword and smite.*
//Game Master
Sir Wickford strikes the Dretch before him swinging his longsword two handed, liquefying the demon where it stands.
//Game Master
The Flanking Manes and Dretch rush in to attack but are caught in Daisy's Guardian Spirit circle and are instantly shedded, spraying liquefied remains across the room.
//Game Master
The Dretch and Manes at the bottom of the stairs close in, attacking Sir Wickford, but the Paladin easily defends against the demons claws.
//Game Master
To the far left of the room the Dretch and Manes begin to advance towards the Void Stone Barricades circling around as they try to keep their distance from the toxic crystals.
//Game Master
The Hezrou begins to move across the room crashing through a desk as it charges towards the stairs and the group.
//Jack Frost
"I dont like the look of that big guy, Bjorn, Wickford, you guys can stand up to him right?" Jack shoots Santa's holiday cheer at manes E, if he goes down ill route the second shot.toqards d "Let's thin out up here, then we can attack from above"
//Bjorn
"Agreed. We need to fight our way to the crystals. They seem to have some effect on the creatures"
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, sending glowing notes flying towards the Manes flanking on the right, liquefying the demon as it squeals.
She then starts flittering down the stairs towards Bjorn and Sir Wickford.*
//Game Master
The low drone of the Chasme echoes through the room as it flies towards the group, hovering just behind the right flanking Manes.
//Bjorn
With the taste of the vile poison still on his tongue. Bjorn continues his onslaught on the Dretch. (A: Attack w/ vex adv)
//Bjorn
Bjorn then looks back and shouts to Jack "Nice shot!" (BA: Give Jack adv)
//Bjorn
[w/ Master of Tactics]
//Game Master
The Dretch falls under Bjorn's blade, liquefying on the floor.
//Bjorn
Bjorn will move up where the fallen Dretch was
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy the Hedgehog moves up behind Bjorn, her swirling Guardian Spirits whistling past her companions and crashing into the Manes at the bottom of the stairs.
The Manes receive considerable damage, but not enough to destroy them.*
//Bjorn
The wild warrior smiles as the spirits rush past him. He thinks to himself "I'm glad the hedgehogs with us"
//Game Master
Sir Wickford strikes out against the Manes in front of him with his long sword.
Cutting down the already injured Manes, as it liquefies to the floor.
//Game Master
The Manes flanking from the right charge at Jack Frost, running straight into the whirlwind of Daisy's Guardian Spirits liquefying instantly.
//Game Master
The Manes at the bottom of the stairs, attack Sir Wickford, their claws scraping against his sturdy armour before they are whipped up in the Guardian Whirlpool and liquefied.
//Game Master
The Hezrou roars as it charges Sir Wickford slashing at him with its putrid razor claws, the cuts are deep and the poison flows through the paladins body causing massive toxic damage as the human drops to the floor dead.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Don't worry I can bring him back with a blessing from the Earth Mother."
//Game Master
The Hezrou continues its assault on the body ripping deep gashes through the armour of the Paladin, before tearing the human in half scattering his body parts and broken armour across the floor.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Oh yuck no, I can't fix that."
//Game Master
As the Hezrou feasts it is buffeted by Daisy's Guardian Spirit Whirlwind, but the demon is not detoured.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed produces a set of cards from her tutu, and in a kaleidoscope of colours sends them towards the Hezrou.
The Hezrou sees the cards coming, but with a quick distraction from Poppyseed misses its chance to dodge receiving the full force of the cards and is blinded momentarily.*
//Jack Frost
"Bjorn, hes where you want him now keep him distracted for a bit looks like hes finished with that chew toy" Jack points at the bog old lizard creature and activates his elf's curse "I curse your intelligence you already dumb beastie" then he fires off Santa's holiday cheer
//Game Master
Two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer strike the blinded Hezrou, but the demons leathery armour like skin deflects one of the blasts, receiving only minor damage.
//Game Master
The Chasme flies along the upper walkway coming to rest in front of Jack Frost.
//Bjorn
Bjorn grins. "I can do that!"
//Game Master
The Chasme stabs at Jack Frost with its proboscis.
//Jack Frost
jack takes the stab from the probiscis of the chasme and hurts badly, however he focuses long enough to telport the other side ft away from the chasme activating hos dreadful step
//Game Master
The Chasmes attack is vicious leaving Jack Frost drained of a considerable amount of blood, the necrotic enzymes preventing his body from healing naturally, or by magical means.
//Game Master
But Jacks parting gift leaves the Chasme with psychic backlash, as the elf escapes down the stairs teleporting to a safe distance.
//Bjorn
"NO!" screams the warrior as he sees Poppyseed fall and Jack take a grievous wound almost simultaneously. "Get to the crystals!"
//Bjorn
fueled with furry at the sight of his companions being battered Bjorn steps over a limb of Sir Wickford re-positioning himself to allow his companions room to move. Then unleashes another vicious attack on the vile Herzou (A: Reckless Attack w/sneak attack)
//Bjorn
"Hang in there Jack! Give 'em a taste of that Christmas spirit!" (BA: Give Jack adv w/Master of Tactics)
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy becomes mist swirling into the air and reappearing next to Poppyseed, she shakes the little fairy*
"Wake up little one, we need you."
*Waking Poppyseed from the effects of the Chasmes droning.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy then moves forward to confront the Chasme.*
//Bjorn
With his blade still embedded in the beast Bjorn's jaw drops at the sight of the heavily armored hedgehog teleporting
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy then belts the Chasme with her Soup Ladle.*
"I'll teach you to pick on a little fairy!"
//Game Master
The Dretch and Manes attempt to breach the barricades but are held back by the Void Stone.
//Game Master
The blind Hezrou lashes out wildly at Bjorn.
//Game Master
But the creature cannot hit that which it cannot see flailing wildly in the air instead. As Daisy's Guardian Spirit Whirlwind whips around it.
//Poppyseed
*Having recovered from the Chasmes droning, Poppyseed once more sends a stream of cards and a Kelaidescope of colours towards the Hezrou.*
//Game Master
The Hezrou is caught once more in the little fairy's colourful force blast, blinding it momentarily, and causing considerable damage.
//Jack Frost
jack continues his assault on the giant lizard currently hexed and then teleports further away from the chasme and lizard towards the barriers
//Game Master
The Chasme strikes out at Daisy the Hedgehog, as she stands between it and her companions.
//Game Master
But the Chasme is unable to penetrate the little Hedgehogs formidable defense, instead receiving serious damage from the whirlwind of Daisy's Guardian Spirits.
//Bjorn
continues his onslaught on the demon and shouts more encouragement to Jack (A: attack w/ vex adv) (BA: Master of Tactics adv to Jack)
//Game Master
Bjorn lands another blow against the hulking reptilian demon.
It begins to exude a foul odor as sweat, and ichor seep from its battered form.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy swings her soup ladle at the Chasme once more.*
//Game Master
Daisy deals another powerful hit to the Chasme with her soup ladle.
//Game Master
A Dretch and two Manes are able to overcome the barricades void stone protection slipping past and surrounding Jack Frost.
Claws slash out at the elf, a Manes landing a terrible strike ripping flesh from the already seriously injured Warlock.
//Game Master
The blinded Hezrou lashes out at Bjorn once more but misses, as the Daisy's Guardian Spirits continue to batter its body.
//Jack Frost
Jack acts fast as the creatures surrpund him and claw at him, Reaction misty step, dreadful step, all enemies within ft of me before moving have to make dcwis saves or take dpsychic damage. He reappears keeping a line of sight of the hezrou. Swinging back round to his turn he launches holiday cheer at the big blind lizard
//Game Master
As Jack Frost teleports away the Manes and Dretch receive psychic backlash, throwing two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer, Jack lands a hit against the Hezrou causing serious damage.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed sends another wave of dazzling colours towards the Hezrou, causing massive damage and blinding the reptilian demon once more, as its legs begin to buckle under its massive body.*
//Game Master
The foul Chasme strikes at Daisy the Hedgehog once more swooping in with its proboscis.
But Daisy easily deflects the attack as the Chasme is buffeted by Daisy's Guardian Spirits.
//Bjorn
Seeing the demons get through the magical barrier, Bjorn makes a final attack on the Herzou before turning his attention to the hoard of smaller demons.
//Game Master
Bjorn attacks, but misses the Hezrou.
As Bjorn turns the Hezrou takes a swipe at the repositioning barbarian, but misses.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy swings her soup ladle at the Chasme, missing the foul demon before in a puff of mist teleports away to the Hezrou to ensure the reptilian demon can't chase after Bjorn.*
//Bjorn
As Bjorn leaps onto the crystal he plants his foot and bounces off, landing facing the fiends. "You'll breach this gate over my dead body!"
//Game Master
The Manes and Dretch press in circling around Bjorn, more join the fight as they overcome the toxic barrier of Void Stone.
Lashing out with foul claws, a Dretch is able to land a lucky blow against the barbarian, causing minor damage.
//Game Master
The blinded Hezrou lashes out at Daisy as she tries to prevent it from leaving, dealing a vicious poisoned slash across her armour before succumbing to the whirlwind of Daisy's Guardian Spirits as the Hezrou is torn to pieces in an eruption of foul liquid.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed flits over to Daisy and with cards in hand sends a stream of vibrant colours towards the Chasme the force liquefying the foul demon on the walkway.*
//Jack Frost
jack moves ft north skirting around Manes L and ending between it and Dretch G, "you know christmas is about more than just the presents, there is a heavenly host that bring joy and tidings to all creatures and they shall call out to you in this dark moment!" Activating my voice of the angels, all enemies here the voice burn with a radiant fury inside their heads, a chorus of heavenly angels unrelenting(dccon save for the enemies around me or they take dradiant damage). In a flurry of snow he then activates his elf's hop falling back behind daisy clutching his wounds and turning invisible for a moment(disappearing step )
//Game Master
On hearing the elf the Manes is instantly liquefied, while the Dretch receive serious injury as Jack Frost teleports away.
//Bjorn
seeing the Dretch tale damage, Bjorn follows up with an attack of his own.
//Bjorn
Bjorn then circles around the Manes
//Bjorn
(BA: Disengage)
//Game Master
Bjorn's blade finds its mark, delivering a deadly strike, liquefying the Dretch, before repositioning.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy grips her symbol of the Earth Mother and teleports to the Void Stone Barricades, her whirlwind of Guardian Spirits tearing through the remaining demons, as she brings her heavy soup ladle down on a stubborn Dretch.*
//Game Master
Daisy's Guardian Spirits fade away the roar of the whirlwind around her dying down, as the last of the demons liquefies to the floor, and the large chamber falls into silence.
The sounds of battle around the Great Repository seem to have quieted and a deathly silence now hangs in the air.
//Bjorn
Bjorn would like to loot Sir Wickford
//Bjorn
Specifically looking for anything that could be used as half plate armor
//Game Master
Unfortunately the Paladins body and armour are damaged beyond repair, the pieces that Bjorn could find scattered about the chamber were unrecognizable.
//Bjorn
holding a piece of shredded armor Bjorn says "What a shame" before throwing it back into the pile of demon and human shreds
//Bjorn
"Through the gate?"
//Bjorn
"How's everyone holding up?"
//Game Master
As Bjorn looks around, he sees his teammates look exhausted, Daisy looks tired, and has a nasty looking puncture wound from the Chasme, Jack looks thin, Shakey, and covered in his own blood, even Poppyseed's hair is a little out of place, as she sighs deeply while patting down her tutu.
Then as Bjorn stands there knee deep in demon bile and unrecognizable parts of Sir Wickford, he realizes that the group could use a rest.
As he looks around a Senior Scribe enters followed by a platoon of White Guard, including a medical team, and mage support.
The Senior Scribe looks around "Oh good, you're still alive.".
//Jack Frost
covered in his syrup like blood and rather shaky on his feet Jack turns to the senior scribe with a smile "Did you expect anything different? Those monsters didnt stand a chance"
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe raises an eyebrow, "I guess you're tuffer than you look..... impressive.... But right now you need to get patched up, please follow me to the medical wing.".
//Jack Frost
"Jolly good, I dont suppose you have any hot cocoa?"
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe nods, "Yes, of course."
//Bjorn
Bjorn wades through the bile towards the Senior Scribe. "Better late than never I guess." Bjorn then takes a seat on the stairs. "Was that the last of them? How much of the city was affected?"
//Bjorn
"If we're ordering drinks do you have something stronger than cocoa?"
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe begins to lead the group to the infirmary "The attack was localized here within the Great Repository, there have been no reports of any demonic activity within the City of Summer.
We seem to have closed all the breaches for now, but until we find the source of how they are getting in, the Repository is on high alert.".
//Bjorn
"This is good news; any idea what provoked the attack?"
//Bjorn
(insight check to see if he is being fully honest about the city not being attacked)
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe looks at Bjorn, "Not provoked, an opportunity presented itself, demons need no provoking to see death and destruction, perhaps an item has found its way into the Repository, something that is allowing the demons to open these gates.".
Bjorn can tell the Senior Scribe is being honest, the attacks have been extremely localized to within the Repository.
//Bjorn
gulps thincking of the items they looted from the demons*
//sad_boot
thinking*
//Bjorn
"Goodness! That is terrible. I hope no one would be so reckless as to bring demonic items into the Repository"
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe looks at Bjorn and raises an eyebrow, "Something you want to get off your chest son?".
//Jack Frost
"Absoloutely not sir, Santa would be most displeased if we ever touched anything demonic, that sort of thing puts you on the naughty list for life."
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe continues towards the infirmary, "Of course if anything comes to mind do let us know, we can probably break the trace on the items.".
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy shifts uncomfortably, not being one to keep secrets or lie.*
//Poppyseed
*Scratches her head not sure why Bjorn and Jack are hiding the truth.*
//Bjorn
"Well Mr. Senior Scribe Sir, perhaps you could point us to a local inn? It has been quite a day; my companions and I could use warm meal and soft bed."
//Poppyseed
"Nope Nope Nope not good!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Yes not good, we can't just run off and take this problem with us, Senior Scribe, we took items from the The Void Maestro when we defeated it."
//Game Master
Standing outside the infirmary the Senior Scribe looks at the group his face unchanging "I thought as much, you'll need to hand them over for cleansing and study. Please get yourselves patched up and rest, then we'll talk some more.".
//Bjorn
Looks at Jack Frost and shakes his head. "I was on the same page as you Jack. Guess that's whatchya get when ya travle with a good fairy and a earth mother cleric. Rec'n the infirmory has some decent food?"
//Game Master
Reaching into their packs to retrieve the artifacts, the first thing Bjorn and Jack pull out is coal......... The second thing they pull out is the item they were looking for.
The group hand over the demonic artifacts to the Senior Scribe, " don't worry you'll get them back very soon, but it is imperative that they are removed of any unwanted tampering that may be allowing the demon to use the items as a focus for a gateway. Be assured, our smiths and scribes are of the finest quality and the items will not be damaged.".
{Reactions}
😆
//Bjorn
Bjorn wakes up and looks for a balcony to watch the sunrise
//Game Master
The group felt much better after a long rest and an extensive treatment within the infirmary, they received a large healthy meal and felt relieved after a herbal bath and steam room massage.
Bjorn watches the sunrise with his companions from a Glass Dome attached to the room, its purpose is obviously star gazing as there are telescopes set up amongst ferns and green house plants, but from high up in the Repository the room also provides breathtaking views of Summer and the East Coast of the Continent, and the group sit in silence as the sun rises from the ocean in the distance as the morning mists begins to reseed around the city.
As they begin to think about what to do next the door opens and the Senior Scribe enters with a trolley containing their Artifact.
//Bjorn
Bjorn approaches the Senior Scribe. "My apologies for our deception. I am not from around here and assumed you'd have our heads. Thank you for your kindness. I will not be deceitful to you again..... You have my word, and my sword!" Bjorn kneels before the Senior Scribe with his head bowed and his sword presented, handle first, towards the Senior Scribe.
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe touches Bjorn's shoulder, "Don't torture yourself young man, we are set upon regularly by outside and internal forces, it is the nature of the responsibility we have excepted in protecting and securing this location.".
//Bjorn
The somber warrior rises and regains his composure
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe motions to the cart, "Here are your items returned to you, as we suspected, The Void Maestro was using them as a focus to gain access to key areas, but they have been cleansed. While the Council is deliberating on the current situation, you might like to spend some time in Summer seeing the sights, but don't leave, we have already contacted your employer and notified them that your presence is required here a little longer, be sure to visit the hot springs and markets while you are here, we have arranged rooms for you at Branch and Stone Inn, which I think you'll find most comfortable, enjoy your stay here in Summer.".
//Bjorn
"Thank you Senior Scribe. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed." Bjorn then turns to Poppyseed. "Speaking of employers, when do we usually receive payment?"
//Poppyseed
"You know I can't say I've ever received a wage... They usually say something along the lines of Inn stays, food, and bar tab, or something like that."
//Bjorn
The x-mercenary raises an eyebrow at the idea of not getting paid "uhhh hu.... I see"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Oh and property damage, don't forget that."
//Poppyseed
"Yes yes property damage."
//Game Master
The Senior Scribe raises an eyebrow "That doesn't sound legal.....".
//Bjorn
"Perhaps there's a coal shortage.... We seem to have plenty of that"
//Game Master
The group retrieve their items from the trolley and follow the Senior Scribe back through the Great Repository and through the concentric fortifications.
Everywhere the group goes they see the signs of battle, but the rigid military doctrine of the organization ensures that there is no laps or respite from its duty, as patrols move through the corridors and fortifications bolstered.
Eventually the group reaches the gates of the outside fortifications, the Senior Scribe bows, "We will contact you at the Branch and Stone Inn once the Scriptorium Council has deliberated, remember you'll need to stay here in Summer for a while, but do enjoy all the city has to offer.".
//Bjorn
The large warrior to the group "I will see what the markets have to offer, then make my way to the inn. Does anyone care to join me?"
//Poppyseed
"I don't have any money........ But I would like to see the markets, and other parts of the city, we can always go to the Inn later in the day."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Yes the markets sound interesting, although I've heard about the Branch and Stone Inn, supposedly it's run by a Tree, isn't that amazing!....... But yes, we can always go later when it's time to rest.”
