CHARACTERS IN THIS EPISODE:
Avangard-Miraille, Disembodied Fighter (Soldier)
Frida Auquene, Halfling Cleric of Eldath (Acolyte)
Zakariah Faunill, High Half-Elf Bard (Performer)
Nereus Colton, Human Warlock (Haunted One)
Mahiro Oyama, Demigod Druid (Sage)
Rudmia Phlox, Demigod Wizard (Urchin)
Tiān Fēng, Human Ranger (Outlander)
Parvum Nebulonis, Half-Elf Rogue (Outlander)
Akrin Cuy, Dragonborn Barbarian (Outlander)
Roan, Changeling Rogue (Sailor)
Roey, Human Paladin (Acolyte)
Nia Iris, Astral Elf Wizard (Guild Artisan)
NPCS:
Seraphine.
Chief Zaya Elestree, Human Rogue (Noble) [Mentioned]
Penillea Ditterea, Drow Cleric of Selûne (Acolyte) [Mentioned]
Umberlee, Goddess of the Sea
CHAPTER: MÁGIQUE NE MOURIN
(2752 words)
The atmosphere shifts drastically. A low rumble reverberates through the stone, and the serene ambiance suddenly darkens. Before anyone could react, tendrils of water rise from the ground like shimmering ropes, wrapping around Rudmia's wrists and ankles with a force that belies their fluid nature.
The water tendrils pull her toward the center of the chamber, where an opening appears, revealing a swirling, dark void that seems bottomless. A voice, undoubtedly Umberlee's, fills the air, a chilling amusement laced into her rhyme:
"The deep does not forgive the fool,
You'll join my depths, that's the rule.
You sought the answer, took your chance,
Now to the dark depths, you shall dance."
With a last look of alarm, Rudmia is drawn down into the whirlpool, vanishing from sight as the waters close over her. The opening in the floor seals, leaving nothing but the faintest ripple and a heavy silence, save for Umberlee's fading laughter.
"Any dramatic, final words? " A voice from above echoed.
Rudmia looks to the travelers with regret, looked down in guilt, and up towards the ceiling to give that voice her answer. The group looks to her expectantly, waiting to hear her voice one last time. Rudmia closes her eyes, and thought of her father's face, the smell of space, and the knowledge she gained from travelling various worlds. She's a demi-god, she needn't feel fear, yet she does so anyway as she felt her body go cold. It was a sacrifice for the greater good, she'll come back.. right? Finally, she opens her mouth to draw her final breath, before muttering her final sentence.
RUDMIA: "...You guys should really invest in bitcoin."
AKRIN: "What the hell..." Akrin exclaimed.
ROEY: "Smite them." Ordered Roey.
NIA: "I should've punched her." Nia groaned.
FRIDA: "This girl clearly possess knowledge that surpasses this world.." Said Frida.
MIRAILLE: "This will be the first and last time I ever thank Umberlee." Miraille stated as she places a singular coin into the palms of Umberlee's statue.
AKRIN: "Is that the 'bitcoin' you're putting there, Avangard?" asked Akrin.
MIRAILLE: "Would you like a blade to your neck?"
AKRIN: "Do it and see if I like it. ;)"
Nevertheless, the party is left in shock as they realize that the consequences of failure in Umberlee's trials are not only real, but severe. They know that to see her again, they'll have to continue through the trials, hoping to find her imprisoned somewhere deeper in the temple- or worse, in one of Umberlee's more sinister realms within the depths of the sea.
NIA: "Frida, I couldn't punch her before she was gone.." Sighed Nia, looking at Frida with sad eyes as she proceeds to punch a hole in the stone wall instead.
FRIDA: "Not every lesson need be acted. Words can also be the blades of the wind." Frida responded while looking both concerned and impressed at Nia's strength, despite the fact that she's not a barbarian.
NIA: "Didn't you tell me to punch her?"
FRIDA: "I would say no such thing."
NIA: "But-"
Suddenly, a Tidal Shard appears in the hands of Avangard-Miraille. Its a jagged, translucent crystal about the size of a fist, encased in a net of black coral and encrusted with iridescent pearls that catch and refract the light in eerie shades of blue and green.
It feels cold to the touch, almost as though it's drawing warmth from the hand that holds it. Considering the fact that Miraille is disembodied and therefore has no warmth left to give, she decides to be the one who keeps it for now.
One shall assume there is a shard for each trial.
They managed to complete the first one, but one wrong answer is enough to cause the loss of a companion. Miraille hums and uses the pearl necklace to commune with her comrades telepathically. One completely forgot they had that ability.
(MIRAILLE: We must be careful, lest we lose another one before our battle with Umberlee.) Miraille's voice seemed to echo in their minds, catching the group by surprise at such sudden voice.
(FRIDA: I'd prefer we not battle. Perhaps all she needs are some chats of the past?) Responded Frida, speaking without letting a sound come out.
(AKRIN: Good idea, let's bake some cookies and bring her a tall glass of milk while we're at it.) Akrin silently replied.
(FRIDA: Are you.. being sarcastic, dear..?)
Miraille turns her head to face Frida in ridicule of her suggestion. Can a cleric really be this naive for peace?
(MIRAILLE: Are you not a worshipper of Eldath? I would've thought an acolyte such as you would know the depths of Umberlee's evil.)
Frida glares back at Miraille.
(FRIDA: Eldath teaches us all to be merciful. I believe everyone deserves another chance.)
(AKIRN: You say that only cuz you weren't her prisoner for a few um... What's more than a week? Actually no, can we just get on with it! I'm getting hungry for some action already.) Akrin interrupts, still silent.
(FRIDA: Dear, let us not call upon a storm when the clouds ahead of us have already cleared.)
(AKRIN: You pacifists are no fun..)
Miraille, Frida, and Akrin stops their telepathic conversation as they see two temples ahead of them. One had the name of, The Tempest's Grip, while the other was called, The Call of Sacrifice. With the shard to progress the trials in hands, the travelers go to The Tempest's Grip.
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ACT 1: Apistefuan Sirenix
FantasyA few chosen travelers have come together to stop a prophecy that will end the world as they know it, and the first step to this journey is by entering the Human Realm hidden in the waters. Some may prevail, while others shall falter, but will they...
