Chapter 5b: Unexpected allies, and a way out?

[tooleychris]

Flynn nods in silent contemplation and slowly walks over toward captain Hal, trying to keep the sorcerer and Rand between himself and Deceidon. "So..." he starts, "Your intention is to convince us that Fenrin, the kings own brother sent us not for the good of the kingdom but toward his own ends...." Flynn looks at the wizard, looking for signs of doubt or lie.
" Is it not possible that he held back the how and why of our mission just as a ships captain might tell his sailors to steer into a storm? A good captain knows how a ship might ride the waves during a tumult, but those he commands need no explanation. They trust in their captain. The kingdom is Fenrins ship and you, sir, are the storm. Should we not do as commanded for the sake of the ship? Why would the captain steer toward ruin?"

[onlyme]

Whitsell casually puts away his disc.

Flynn, I totally understand your concern, as I have it myself. But, I do not feel this man would purposefully lie to us. Sometimes captains withhold information to remove fear, but sometimes because they know they are wrong to ask the task.
He looks around the room.
So, let us assume that we need to correct the ills that have been begun. How do we get about doing so?

[Grognardsw]

"Do you have proof mage of Fenrin's evil, more than just words?" asks Deceidon.

[Rukellian]

"Do you have proof mage of Fenrin's evil, more than just words?" asks Deceidon.

Matkinsai walks towards the table where the orb is placed. Sitting beside it is a black book with etched symbols on its cover. He places a hand on it and speaks to Deceidon, but loud enough for all to hear. "Rand, during your group's foray into the mountain, came across this journal. It belonged to a Necromancer of the Darkened Isles, the Ritual Master whom you encountered deep within the mountain. It's pages spoke in detail of the necromancer's arrival to Kinra, and more importantly, his dealings with Fenrin. Rand kept this from you all for fear that it would be burned as an item of dark magic, instead of being safeguarded as evidence."

He opens the journal and lays it out before everyone. "If you cannot trust in my words, then look upon these, scripted by another hand, read them if you can, and know for yourself that the king's advisor was plotting something long before the recent events in which you all became entwined."

The journal entries that Matkinsai spoke of:

The pages inside are tattered and worn, but still in relatively good condition considering its almost ancient look. The first twenty or so entries appear to be part of the previous owner’s personal journal, a recounting of his activities before reaching the mainland known as Kinra.

The first few entries in the Kinra section of the book are marked by the cold months. The previous owner had just arrived at one of the icy ports to the north and was making his way to the capital city of New Dathan by hired wagon.

I’ve finally arrived at the port of Ocubus. The people have maintained their distance from me and for good reason too. I had the air of a foreigner about me, that and I was draped in dark robes, a fairly damning practice I would soon find out. I had no idea that their fear of magic had run so far deep…. Bah! The ignorance of the sheep bothers not the herder. They were all mine to soon manipulate anyways, and my secrets were still my own.

I had heard from half way across the world that this was one of the few places that abhorred magic and all of its practices, an evil that was to be shunned. Most of my brethren feared too much for their own safety to practice in such a land, but I… I saw this area low in competition, an opportunity. I would keep my magics hidden, let it seep into the hearts and minds of those around me, poisoning them to any which way I saw fit, and there wouldn’t be any guilds or rivals of such sorts to stop me!

I had to change my appearance to fit in with the locals. My robes drew too much ire from the guards I would pass through towns and cities. Tis’ fortunate that my tongue moves quickly and smoothly, for it has saved me through many a sticky situation. Coin speaks loudly for many though, as I suspected, and it was easy to buy off a few guards, hire some muscle for my travels ahead. ‘A weak and fragile merchant needing help deliver his goods’, ‘a nobleman who has been invited to a party some miles away in another city’. As my alibis grew, so did my collection of masks. I thought myself well hidden, my footwork grounded in these lands, but HE knew!

The man, if you can call him that, was both a blessing and a curse. He knew of my true nature, my plans in these lands, and he also had the power to do what he wanted, when he wanted, however he wanted it done, to whomever, wherever. His status was frightening and his abilities beyond the political were even more so. I grew to respect him, even if it was a forced relationship derived out of fear aggression. He went by the name of Fenrin, and he was the current advisor to the good king.

Upon reaching the shining jewel of the human empire here, New Dathan city, my correspondences with him were regular and always in secret. He had great plans in store for this country, this continent, this world, far greater than anything my limited knowledge could come up with. The dark lords themselves! He made a deal with the dark lords of the abyss, and who knows what else. The resurrection of magic, the true magic, that’s what he told me. Such a feat would require a sacrifice unparallel to anything the world has seen so far, and this city, this continent, will be just the beginning. He spoke of a great dark war that would envelope the world, giving rise to a new world order; and under his control, he further explained, he would have in possession an artifact that could mold new planes of existence, and that everyone who had served him faithfully would become rulers of their own dimensions!

Such promised grandeur, the opportunity to do so much, to not be restricted in my arts, and knowing that I may one day rule a realm of my own. The opportunity was too good to pass up. I had my suspicions and doubts, naturally, but when he sent me to the dark cathedral, buried deep inside the mountain of a realm he already fashioned, I knew…. I KNEW that our grand plan was destined, fated in the channels of history itself.

Just as he promised, the steady flow of sacrificial materials came in. Bandits…criminals…. Adventurers…. Fools and nobles, everyone who have been wronged, even priests of holy goodness! He sent many in preparation for the grand summoning that was to be taken place here. Our numbers swelled, as did our halls full of undead sentinels and guardians. Someone even set up a lair of particularly aggressive spiders to prevent any unwanted guests, or stop any escapees….

Soon, very soon, our plans will come to fruition. All of those days laboring in the darkness of this cathedral, it finally comes to an end. On the morrow, the ritual will begin. May the dark lords look down upon us with favor today, and may Fenrin secure his rightful place as ruler of the new world to come!

The rest of the book afterwards is filled with jotted notes, diagrams and runic symbols drawn with pain staking detail, and what appears to be a short list of dark demonic magics, written in such a way so that even a lowly madgician could learn them.

[tooleychris]

Flynn scratches his chin in deep thought...
"If such is to be believed.. it may take more than the writings of a criminal to convince the king of beloved treachery...lest he has suspicion of his own..."
The sailor looks to his companions then to the rogue wizard
"And your part in this, sorcerer...if more than to stop this evil, what be your designs?"

[MonkeyWrench]

Rand speaks up, "Hopefully by defeating whatever evil is corrupting the land and kingdom, magic may be legalized again. While probably forcibly restricted, it's better than being hunted like an animal for no better reason than people are scared because they're told it's scary." He looks to Matkinsai though for confirmation or his own views.

[Zhym]

Elethil stands by and silently listens to the exchange.

[onlyme]

Whitsell replies to the open request for magic's acceptance.

I think legalizing such hocusy pocusy things might be a bit out of our control. Magic, like many things, are misunderstood, sure. Take my sword for instance. Many people would think that it is magic that I can have turned iron into such a piece of art.

Regardless, we need to put an end to any evil, whether it is real or magic.

[Rukellian]

"To teach a new generation and guide them towards a bright future, with magic, that is my lifelong goal, my design in all of this. Once upon a time, I used to follow Fenrin's ideals, when they were still noble. But somewhere along the way in his life, he became twisted, corrupted, a shell of the man I once knew. He wants to plunge the world into a new age of magic, but at the expense of almost the entire human population, perhaps the world. I too want to see the rebirth of magic in our world, but not in such a way! He seeks to use it for evil, channeling its source from the abyssal plane itself and the demons who inhabit it. Yes, I intend to stop it. But in order to do that, I need people to understand what it is they are truly fighting, and to have them on my side."

Matkinsai nods towards Whitsell and Rand as they speak their minds on the matter. "One fears what one does not understand, and magic is one such thing. I wouldn't go so far as to legalize it though, forcing it onto a society that does not want it. For a young man of your, talents, you seem to have a very open mind on such things. Don't get too carried away with those ideals of yours. Things must come to fruition in their own time, and the acceptance of such a big thing is going to take a while, it cannot be forced, nor should it."

The old man sits down and breaths in deeply before exhaling, mulling over what seems to be a large idea. He then looks up stares intensely at everyone as he begins to speak in a controlled voice. "Alright, I believe its time to properly introduce myself and be a bit blunt with my objective here. You all seem to be open to at least thinking about the things I have proposed, now to take the next step and test your ability to swallow something else. My name is Matkinsai Berathon and I am the Guild Master of the last known guild of magics in Kinra, the Brothers of Prometheus. My mission is two-fold, to educate people on the use of good magics and to destroy all forms of evil magic and those who would use it. My current aim at the moment is quite simple. Destroy the Fabricator of Planes and stop Fenrin from using it." He points to the orb on the table.

Hal chokes on his words in excitement, more surprised than anything else, not quite believing what was just said: "W-what was that? You serious?! No... but how? You don't just go and drop something like that, on anyone! I-I don't know whether to cut you down or..."

"Captain, orders?" Sunshine says sharply as he rapidly notches an arrow and aims it at Matkinsai. His eyes are dead focused on his target, his gaze so sharp, it's as if it is piercing right through and hitting Deceidon who is sitting right behind the mage.

[MonkeyWrench]

Rand, seeing only that Sunshine has an arrow knocked and pointed at Matkinsai, steps in front and in the line of fire. His dagger and out and his hand outstretched towards Sunshine, his fingers in a complex shape. He stares directly at Sunshine, "Try me, assassin..." He jaw is clenched and he looks ready to cast something towards the elven assassin.

[onlyme]

Whitsell calls to both of them.
Let's stand down, folks. There is no need for a battle here.

[tooleychris]

"I'm not so sure that's the case, Whitsell. " says Flynn, rapier still pointing to the ground but gripped tightly. "I think your view of people's prejudice being caused by fear is sighted rather narrowly." he addresses the rogue wizard.
"People like me don't take kind to others controlling something inherently evil against them. Something they cannot control themselves. " he swushes his rapier through the air in display of competence. "Steel is a powerful tool that can be worked by any man with patience and practice. Ears may be bent to honey tongued politicians who know their trade. Sorcery is a mystery and allows control where no resistance or defense can be met. People may fear what they don't know...but fear of what they cannot control is greater still!"
He points his thin blade at the wizard. "You would us to believe that one type of control is more fair than another. I say we destroy the thing and damn you all! What say you, Deicedon? "

[Grognardsw]

With Rand's back now facing him as he turned to Sunshine, Deceidon back stabs Rand.

Just kidding.

"Changing a society's view on magic and a cultural prejudice will take generations," says Deceidon, still suspicious. "This book and its allegations against Fenrin are disturbing, but I was hoping for proof beyond writing that could have been fabricated by you. You've had the orb now for several hours, why have you not already destroyed it?"

[Zhym]

Elethil puts his hand on his sword and steps up to stand right behind Sunshine. "A battle here will not end well for you, assassin. Lower your weapon."

"Please, let us hear Matkinsai out," he asks the others. "I have not heard him suggest doing anything you did not want to do anyway. If this orb is a powerful artifact of dark magic and he wants to destroy it, why are we arguing?"

[Rukellian]

Matkinsai turns to speak to Deceidon directly, but fans out his attention to encompass everyone as he speaks."No one should have such power at their disposal, the ability to create new worlds like a god. To destroy it would thwart many evil ambitions and persons seeking to use it, not to mention its destruction would be the fastest way out of this realm for everyone inside. The reason why I have not destroyed it yet, is because I cannot. To destroy such an artifact would require an ancient technique, a technique that is used by a group of... 'shadowy warriors'. These warriors have a history of destroying magics and those who use it, but none of you who are learned have probably heard of them, given their secrecy. Being the Guild Master of my own group of magic-users, I cannot simply just walk up to one of them and ask to destroy something for me, even under clever guise or contract. They'd have a moral obligation to kill me, and given their beliefs and how they have been brought up, I cannot fully blame them. So, my hands have been tied for the longest time. Traveling to this prison world of my own volition, I was hoping to secure the orb and come across one of these shadowy warriors and hire his/her services."

The old man's expression has not changed from its serious countenance, though he is not smiling in confidence either in light of certain violent reactions. Rand ever on guard, looks to the old man for reassurance, but finds none upon his face. Almost as if in response to an unspoken though, Matkinsai gives Rand his reassurance, even if it sound a bit incredulous. "I told you that you would be safe in here young man, this goes for all of you. Though you may raise your weapons, I can promise that no harm shall befall anyone in this room. I gathered you all here to talk and to understand what is going on." Matkinsai's eyes fall upon each person in the room as he says this, nodding his head towards Elithil.

"Flynn, magic is inherently dangerous, you are right in saying this. Though like any other tool a man may wield or use, it is not inherently evil, but tainted evil by the person's intentions and usage of such. A sword cannot commit evils and crime, but a man wielding it can. The same can be said of magic. Dangerous to control perhaps, but a tool nevertheless. This is why I am teaching people how to use it properly, and correctly, lest it be perverted and used for evil. If my teachings prove to be unwelcomed in the years to come, I will take my teachings and leave then; there really is no need for violence if we all remain civil about it."

Matkinsai sighs heavily and leans back in his chair to close his eyes and think. With his eyes still closed, he speaks after some time in a tired voice. "The fact still remains though, Fenrin plans to wage war with demons and dark magics, with or without the orb. Destroying it will buy us some time, but in the end, we will need quite the army to push them back to the abyss. My order has knowledge of magics that can aid in this, but as it stands right now, our help is far from wanted." Matkinsai opens his eyes and looks at everyone again. "I can help you all escape this place, but what happens afterwards is up to you all. I will not force anything on to you, but I will also not hand over my order's lives for some grand execution either."

[onlyme]

Whitsell focuses on the last few words...
This place? What is it, then, that allows some to send others to such a prison existence? Shouldn't we have everyone in the village leave with us, then, back to our normal existence? Why should they be sentenced to more time in this nightless hell?

[Rukellian]

Whitsell focuses on the last few words...
This place? What is it, then, that allows some to send others to such a prison existence? Shouldn't we have everyone in the village leave with us, then, back to our normal existence? Why should they be sentenced to more time in this nightless hell?

The old man's eyes widen again, a sure sign that he enjoys talking. "Put simply, this is a magically created world, a high level of magic at work. For the user of an orb, it's a two-way street, but when someone is pulled in, who does not have access to an orb, it's one-way. Fenrin has been using this Fabricator of Planes to capture people, sacrifices for his dark summoning rituals, and keep them here forever. In theory, if we were to destroy the orb right here, everyone inside will be ejected out, back to their home realm, rendering the other orb inert, useless."

[tooleychris]

The swashbuckler sighs and lowers steel.
"I would be rid of this place. More so if I can take... others with. But know this, wizard. I tire of being manipulated to others nefarious ends. If I do this, and my cohorts agree as well, and we are played the fool...it'll take more than your assassin to stay my wrath."

[onlyme]

Whitsell nods...
I agree. We need to shut this place down. And I suspect many would help us in any battles we may face. So, what is the plan to destroy this thing?

[Zhym]

At Matkinsai's promise that no one harm could come to anyone in the room, Elethil relaxes his grip on his sword.

"You say that you came here to hire these 'shadowy warriors' if you could. But how can you do that if, as you say, they would have a moral obligation to kill you?"