Zepher

"We're looking to unlock some mysteries in the world..." he seems a little disconcerted. "The orc is not wrong. Terrible things are afoot. This is old hat to you heroes, I'm sure. But there is, coming soon, a great opportunity for either growth, or destruction." "Much older," he grunts, and then shakes his head as the magician steps back into the front seat. "Wren was nothing. A fool among fools, a scrambled brain. Whatever this is, it is not seeking glory of its own. It is a consumer... it is a swallower. It is not looking to ascend." Zane casually flips off Guts. "You can keep pretending you're the victim all you want, but keep it in your head. Stop spewing crap lies while the adults are talking." Matthias grabs holds of Dyric and, defying all odds, begins to drag him across the sand, running away from the pool. Zane watches dispassionately, but Solimon takes to the skies and hovers over the pair. "If he grows violent as Zane did, only reach up your hands and I will yank you free!" calls the mutant to Dyric.

Barty shimmers out of existence, and Boomingham gives him a little mock salute, though he had, in fairness, been a help. "Better when he's not talking." Boomingham repeats his attacks, and Rex focuses on the Preacher, all still up front. Heckz repeats as well.

Back in business, baby! Updates incoming!

Happy holidays y'all! I'll probably remain pretty busy until tomorrow but I hope everyone is equally busy with equally good company!

U'Or, Elba, and Lady Felix all call out their desire to visit the City Center as well, and all six members of the party are whisked away. "City Center!" cries out Melquiades as they whisk through the void. Various demons stare at the heroes, but before they can even register what is happening, they have arrived somewhere new... "It's very rare to meet another Selkreeth. Where was it that you said you-" "Ah, heroes! Welcome to Etheria! It is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have a little something that I would absolutely love to-" "Bombast, don't you have somewhere to be?" "Well, that's later-" "You're later-" The heroes arrive in the city center. There is a electrical elemental in the corner standing in front of a golden chest, an Orc talking with a wingless were-bat, and Melquiades speaking with Lady Felix. Captain Elba and U'Or hold conference in a corner. Beyond all the denizens gathered are three windows with shimmering bright light. "I would advise, and this is simply easiest, that you treat anything that you cannot touch as a ghost." Piglina snorts. "It's best that way." Guffington pulls aside Hybros. "We will gift the artifacts once they are all here. Chauncey was rather specific about that. I say that we just explore the island for the time being. You know what we are about to attempt, but I am not sure who on Etheria is aware of our exact purpose. Chauncey has made it clear that we have a number of allies on the island, but also... not enemies, but those who would stand in our way." He winks. "Such is the way with progress, always. If you want to know more, I cannot imagine that Chauncey would act against his own master, Amarcolm. So we have to assume that he is on our team."

Daneeka holds his silence for a short while, his face impossible to read. "I've done some research." He pauses a short while more. "I can assure you that Gerald has never had anything but good intentions. Guts will be able to back me up. But I do not recognize what this man speaks of. If Matthias truly also had visions... we will have to be careful with these artifacts." "As much as that Anvil is," grunts Zane. He walks up beside Matthias, rather paternally. "Drink up. I don't think baldy is going to let me make sure that you all remain safe. It'd be best if someone knew what the Hel was going on." He leans in close, smiling coldly, confidently. "And besides, who doesn't want to live forever?" Zane turns to Dyric. "I'm assuming you won't let me travel with you to ensure that this makes it where it needs to be, and that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Fine. Be ruled by stupidity. Like I said, it's no skin off my back. I hope you're happy following your boss man into oblivion by pride. I'll see you in Eubric, if you live. I made a promise to these three that they'd see it. I hope it's still standing by the time we get there." He stares hard at the assassin. "This is nothing like Wren. I don't know when it's coming. But be prepared. And maybe don't piss off the rest of your potential allies." OoC: It's up to Matthias at this point (as well as the entire party if they want Zane's protection), then we'll move on!

Boomingham and Rex both repeat.

Hey guys! Been traveling for the holidays all day, and have to edit some pictures for Etheria, so I'm working on it - hopefully an update tonight, but if not then I'll get to it tomorrow. Hope everyone is getting to be around family/friends!

"Are you? I don't deal with idiots." Zane continues looking at Matthias, waiting for a response.

"Etheria is a true democracy. It is governed, truly, by all the people. Anyone can join the council, and anyone can be removed if the people wish it. But most of the time there is little conflict. Our numbers are flexible. In theory, if it was desired, every single denizen of Etheria could serve on the Council at once, but that wouldn't be practical and not everyone has the desire to govern. Which is, of course, just fine." "The Council spends most of its time settling small disputes within Etheria, as well, as I said, keeping an eye on magic users everywhere. But we are also responsible for the growth of magic everywhere. If, for example, Salamanda requires a weather mage, we are responsible for selecting that ambassador, if there is more than one applicant. And, in the rare cases that Etheria does need to get involved with external affairs, it is our choice. Finally, it is our duty to decide which magic goes too far. There are some schools that are not well researched enough to be messed with. Some pretend that magic is chaos, but it is truly a science just like anything else." "The rest of the council are all powerful mages such as myself. Bombast is a Weather Mage, and concerns himself mostly with that school and it's disciples. Amarcolm is a chaomancer... and as with all chaomancers, I have found him unhinged. He is a representative from Uland, which we have not had for many years, and because of Eubric's growing prominently as a magical city, he serves as a important member of the council, regardless of my personal opinion. Captain Iceborn has served on the Council for over a century. He is a necromancer, and focuses most of his energies and studies on a group called the Cold Circles. And the Mother has been the Council's advisor since it's inception. You will surely have time to meet all of them." "There are always threats to the world. But as I said, we only intervene when it becomes apparent that the threat is magical, and will go unhampered if we do not step in. Often times it is best to let nations conduct their own internal affairs. Even if it means the end of a nation... we do not regret that the island of Moone sunk, only that the Mindflayer escaped destruction. But even then, we are hardly moved to act." "And I am well aware of your purpose here, yes. To return the four artifacts that were once lost by our great ancestors, the first ether users." Guffington nods curtly and winks to Purpearl as subtly as can be. "We thank you for returning them. Having them in the wrong hands could prove disastrous - they are all powerful in their own right. As for the Old Gods..." Piglina smiles the best she can. "We have trusted one for years. But I will allow you to draw your own conclusions about her." "Now, enough talking on a dock. Shall we see the city? May I advise we start at the city center, if there are no more questions." OoC: You're free to roam! You just need to call out a destination, and the Void Master will take you, or tell you that you cannot go. Locations include: Amarcolm's Office, Piglina's Office, Iceborn's Office, Bombast's Office, Etheria City Center. There are things to explore!

"You've seen it too. Haven't you?" Zane continues to rail on Matthias. "You know where these things came from. What have you seen?" Zane turns to Dyric. "You want to know? Use your anvil. Drink the water. Then perhaps consider what you're bringing together. Who hired you? What is their intention?" He calms himself with some deep breaths. "I am not sure what I saw. Something out of the past. A great darkness descending on a race... and no survivors. Nearly none, at least. And the fountain was there, and I was with it until I tumbled over the side of the island to land here..." He stares distastefully at the water. "You know, Dyric, that visions are not always so concrete. But whatever the evil was, it wanted the fountain, and the idiots... they prioritized other things. Getting rid of an anvil first... fools." He gestures to Daneeka. "The vial will do no damage. Whatever was after these things already got to the fountain, but not the others." Zane shakes his head. "Bah! Who gives a shit. I'll survive either way. Going out of my mind. I don't owe the world anything."

Zane's eyes roll back into position and his lips stop foaming. He wipes them clean and staggers to his feet. Parvati and Solimon help him, but he has eyes only for the heroes and the Doctor. His voice is measured, that of the magician's once more. "We need to talk," he says. "Where are you taking these artifacts? Are there others? What do you know if the intentions of those you are bringing them to? You heroes work for gold, right? Who is paying you?" He stares hard at Matthias. "Where did you find the Anvil? What do you know of it? Did you... I am attuned to prophetic visions, but that was not a vision like any other. Did receive a similar sight? Do you know of the danger?"

"You're a bore," growls Zane. He rounds on his own party. "Solimon? Parvati?" Both stare down the madman, bewildered. "I cannot." Solimon shakes his head. "Truly? Neither of you wishes to join me forever?" asks Zane, sounding shockingly wounded. "Parvati? Are you sure?" "I'm sorry. It is too long a time." Zane shrugs, sighs, and wanders towards the water. Daneeka follows him. "You first," he says to the Doc, who dips the vial into the water and takes it back out. He carefully caps it and sloshes it around to prove it is full. Then it is Zane's turn. He stares into the water for a brief moment before cupping his hands, plunging them in, and raising them to his lips. He swallows in one gulp. Standing up, he looks at Guts triumphantly. Then his eyes rolls back in his head. He wobbles, foams at the mouth, and falls backwards into the water with a great splash, sinking below the surface, spasming. "Solimon! Save him!" Solimon takes to the air for a second to gain momentum and then plunges into the water after Zane. Parvati leaves her sister behind and rushes to the edge. The winged mutant bursts back out, holding Zane's body. It continues to spasm violently as his followers lean him against a tree. "What is happening? Is this normal? Is this right?" Solimon asks Daneeka, who watches with interest. "I cannot say," says Daneeka. "It does not seem like the transformation one would under go to become immortal, though." Zane shoots a enormous blast of lightning out of his hand, and rends the tree in half. Solimon flaps backwards. "Stand back!" he cries to the heroes. "What darkness is this?" howls Zane ferociously, in who's voice one cannot say. "This is madness. Do not let it near the fountain! Do not!!"

"Althior was someone who I put great faith in. He came to Etheria to finish his training, as many mags opt to do, and I believed he would serve the Council well as an agent in Eubric. The Eldritch family has always had our respect, as have the Zeigfrieds, but there is so much to monitor, so many unofficial magical circles that need to be looked after, we thought a fresh eye may be able to offer a new analysis. But it is Etheria's policy to not get involved in politics, particularly those of other nations, unless they are particularly magical in nature. Althior proved unable to abide by those rules." "As for Bombast, he is another member of the Council here in Etheria. There are five of us in total. Myself, Bombast, Captain Iceborn, Amarcolm, and the Mother."

"No, no, of course not you." Zane smiles wickedly at Guts. "It's you I'm curious about. How much power is too much power? And how much are you willing to achieve to keep on par with others? If I grow monstrous years from now, who will be there to keep me in check if not you? And you haven't even complimented me on my little trick to get here! For shame!"

"Sure is." Zane turns to look at the party. "You're getting let off easy because Medusa is alive. Unconscious, but alive. We figured it was best to leave her that way until we were all done here. Seems she bears some animosity towards you. Can't imagine why." Solimon comes to land besides Zane, and the heroes can see Parvati watching over her sister in the near distance. "You were right, Zane. The wyrms won't come near the water." "Magical wards." He shrugs. "So now, the moment of truth. Your Doc is taking a little vial of the water... but does anyone else want to live forever? Is it too dangerous for me to have the fountain, or too dangerous for anyone?" He looks over at Parvati and Solimon. "It's your moment of truth too. Who will drink with me? Or is it too great a burden to bear?" Solimon and Parvati both fidget nervously, looking at the water.

The heroes adopt a strategy that Guts attempted alone with little to no success. Though they are careful, and follow Guts' plan exactly, the wyrms are desert hunters. Soon it grow apparent that the heroes have got a tail. It's a slow moving one, an uncertain one, with the soft padded footsteps, but it appears to be growing in size as well as in speed. "We will have to run," says Daneeka as professional as can be. "On my mark... go." The heroes race forward as the wyrms increase their pace. It seems almost impossible that they will not have to fight when suddenly the heroes are buffeted by yet another sandstorm. Joining hands they are able to continue forward, and the wyrms soon appear to lose their trail. After a few short minutes the sandstorm dies down, and the heroes see trees in the distance. Marching forward, they are greeted to two sights... one good, one... middling, though at least not a threat at the moment. "What took you so long?" asks Zane without turning.

"Purpearl Berthadhiell. Its a pleasure. I hope it will not offend you that we of Etheria are already well aware of who you are. We are, after all, the stewards of ether across the globe. It is our duty to keep some sort of eye on as many mages as we can. And though Eubric has no official Circle of Mages - thank the heavens - we do have our agents. The Zeigfried family cannot ignore us, and Lord Chauncey helps to police much the rest of the island. And of course Captain Iceborn has his connections with the Cold Circles..." she sighs. "A long way of saying that you may dispense of the formalities, and welcome home. Etheria is home to all mages." "Piglina, you've forgotten to introduce yourself," says Chauncey a little cheekily. "I was just getting to that, Lord Chauncey. I am Piglina, Archmage First Order. I am a member of the ruling council of Etheria." She bows stiffly. "Humph. A retired weather mage. You've come to Etheria a few months later than you should have. We could have trained you... better than your previous master, at least. Do not think that your affiliation with one of my own wayward protégées goes unnoticed, Arthur. I know full well that you trained under Althior... and such wasted potential, coming from the family you do. Pick the flower if you want, they mean nothing here." Arthur picks the flower and is treated to a more than concrete vision. "You're late. The rest of your party arrived a day ago," growls Bombast. "At least there's some magic users between you." "Oh, do be careful of Bombast," says Piglina in the past...present...future? The now, at least. "He'll try to convince you to return to your Weather Mage ways. He's a whole lot of hot air." "Oh, stuff it, Piglina." Bombast turns his attention on Arthur. "I'm looking forward to meeting you. Let's see if I can't get you to ditch that dragon of your's!" Arthur drops the flower and is returned to his party. "Recently?" Piglina snorts in laughter. "I find that you'll see that words like recently don't mean much on Etheria." "Enough snobbery, Piglina. Explain the island to them. I have a meeting with Amarcolm I'd like to attend, but I don't want to leave them perfectly alone. Is this their Void Master?" "Yes. I know that Lord Guffington is a very prestigious guest, so I've taken it upon myself to supply your friends with the very best of the best. This is Void Master Melquiades. He was a Selkreeth... once. When he came to us first, at least. But you know how this island is." She gestures to herself as way of explanation. "I'm still a Selkreeth in the ways that count," he says cheekily, eying Lady Felix. She smiles dangerously. "Control yourself. I just introduced you as one of our best." "I am one of your best." Piglina sighs and shakes her head. "The island is a fortress. There are no doors or windows, except looking in on the Font. This is not due to fear of attack - who would be foolish enough? - but rather a question of practicality. The island is temporally and specially unhinged, and re-arranges its rooms by the minute. There'd be no point in building any hallways because they'd lead to nowhere before we were done building them. We're not even entirely sure that the whole island is actually on the island. As for the time hiccups... you'll have to learn about those yourself. Arthur's already experienced one. Simply never assume you're in the present - you may be before or after you arrived on the island. Things generally flow pretty alright, but you never know. I once made a dear friend and then found out they'd been dead for nearly one hundred years." "Piglina..." "Right, right. I was just getting to the important part. Because the island is impossible to navigate, we have raised a crop of Void Masters. You need only call out for Melquiades and also your destination, and he'll get you to where you need to be." "Let me give you an example," says Chauncey as he steps up next to the Void Master. "Piglina has agreed to accompany you until you have a footing on the island. I will see you shortly, heroes... or maybe I have already." He winks. "Melquiades! Amarcolm's study!" The Void Master and Chauncey disappear.

The heroes have a few minutes to kill as the map finishes rebuilding itself. Walking carefully, gingerly, as the wyrms mill all around them, Guts and Daneeka combine their two halves of the map. It sews itself shut, and then with a brilliant flash light pours out of it, a path to be followed, leading south and south west. "That's that," says Daneeka. "We have a location. So now there is only one problem to solve." He glances out at the sand. "How to leave here without an entourage of wyrms." He glances over his shoulder. "And how to do it swiftly enough so that any unpleasant acquaintances don't meander back towards us."

Boomingham repeats his two attacks from the front row as Rex turns his attention on the Zealot, also from the front row.

Matthias' compass spins wildly, unable to detect the map. Daneeka's face creases into a frown, but just as he is about the speak up the needle starts to point this way, and then that way, following the meager wind that blows. Charred bits of paper, at first too small to be discerned by the heroes' eyes, slowly begin to clump and grow from black, to gray, to tanned with age. The map slowly, bit by bit, starts to rebuild itself. Daneeka snatches the largest collection of bits as it floats by him, and the other shreds gravitate towards it. "A magical safeguard," says Daneeka. "It looks as if Captain Iceborn was a powerful enough mage in his day." He looks at Guts. "Shall we put our bits together, and see where we're headed?"

The needle swings and points towards the direction that Zane and his groupies fled in. "Let us not boldly go after the man before we know if we still has the map. Matthias, kindly search for the map. We must take this one step at a time. It may be boring and scientific, but that's my way." OoC: Sorry, know I'm being a bit specific about this, I think it's a result of both of us trying to compromise. Just search for the map and then you'll be fine! I'm home from school now too, so can update more frequently. I'll get you to Etheria in 2-3 days.

The heroes travel peacefully for a couple of days, relaxing and rejuvenating themselves as the dragons frolic in the open sky. Eventually Elba brings the ship down from the clouds and in the middle of the sea, at first just a white dot but then growing... is a beautiful white city on a small patch of sand in the middle of the ocean. At the center of the island a great shimmering light, every color at once, shoots up into the heavens. Elba lands the ship on the water and sails towards what looks like a small dock jutting out over the sand. Two denizens of the great white city stand waiting for them. "Welcome to Etheria, travelers."

OoC: I need another day to get Etheria up, sorry for the delay! I guess I shouldn't have stopped the conversation.

OoC: Either group failing the quest will result in a full failure, yes. Chauncey chuckles softly. "Arthur makes a good point. There are many who view your own abilities as unnatural, yet you cling happily to them for power. What does Heroica afford you that any other position as mercenary does not? Only your miraculous ability to survive. And there are those who fear it, who hate it. Aventine's friends in the Cold Circles are surely in that group. I have it on good authority that they recently attempted to target your organization for just that cause. So perhaps our debate over what is natural and what is not should be shelved. It is simply a question of good and bad, and that too is subjective, so then let us focus our energies of personal goods and bads." "As for your concerns that we may be prevented - Etheria is the home of some of the most powerful mages in the world, and the studying grounds for many others. They are likewise a neutral nation. Attacking their island would prove fatal for nearly anyone without an invitation. And it is easy to become lost there. I think you will realize that we will face no threats from outside Etheria once we have arrived." "And you once berated me for my deals with demons," says Chauncey with a shy smile. "You have indeed grown, Purpearl. And you remind me more every day of the woman who's staff you inherited." "As I told Hoke, if you find his resurrection unnatural, I invite you to strike him down once he has inhabited his new body." "It'll be strange, but a neat trick, you have to admit," says Guffington with a wink. "Everyone in Eubric imagines I must be on the way out. How shocked they'll be when I seem to live a thousand more years!" He laughs. "And besides, I'm not gone yet. Remember, my friend, we have another adventure or two ahead of us. Etheria... and then perhaps, if you're interested in taking a peak ahead... beyond!" "Whenever you're all done bickering about who and what are good and bad and natural and unnatural, you may want to grab some sleep," calls Elba as he stands at the helm. "We've got a decent journey ahead of us, and I don't want you all dead tired and boring the whole way."