Chapter #1167
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+ THE ADVENTURERS +
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+ Epic VI +
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+ Many of the locations, non-player characters, spells, and other +
+ terms used in these stories are the property of Wizards of the Coast +
+ which has in no way endorsed or authorized their use. Any such +
+ property contained within these stories are not representative of +
+ Wizards of the Coast in any fashion. +
+ The player characters depicted in these stories are copyright +
+ 1991-2024 by Thomas A. Miller. Any resemblance to any persons +
+ or characters either real or fictional is utterly coincidental. +
+ Copying and/or distribution of these stories is permissible under +
+ the sole condition that no money is made in the process. In that +
+ case, I hope you enjoy them! +
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+ Alindyar 18th level dark elven wizard +
+ Lyra 14th level female drow wizard +
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+ Adolphus 8th level half-ogre warrior +
+ Damien small, renegade imp +
+ Peyton 9th level gnome thief +
+ Rogar 8th level human priest of Olidammara +
+ Sylus 7th/7th level dark elf warrior/thief +
+ Wembly 7th level human wizard +
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+ Date: Richfest day 3, after 6/28/586 C.Y. (Common Year) +
+ Time: late morning +
+ Place: the northwest reaches of the Abbor-Alz hills +
+ Climate: warm and dry +
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+ "It is no more than a slight complication." +
+ "Then I will un-complicate it for you." +
+ - from _Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D._ episode _All the Madame's Men_ +
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MCLXVII. Getting an Eyeful
After venturing to the mines amidst the Abbor-Alz hills, north of the
Bright Desert, the party has been greeted by an emissary for the huge and
fearsome monster that controls the mines...
He Chak: Well-met, wizards of the Bright Desert. (he stops walking once
he's about ten feet away, and bows slightly) I am He Chak, advisor to
his Acute Ocularity, the great and powerful Father Eye.
Alindyar: 'Tis a pleasure. I am Alindyar, and this is Lyra.
Lyra: (ESPing to Alindyar) Is he - are we - being watched by magic?
Alindyar: (ESPing to Lyra) Not that I can discern. The beholder either
trusts this wizard, or else knows that he will remain loyal due to his
companion being held in the dungeons below.
Lyra: (ESPing to Alindyar) I'd guess the latter.
Alindyar: (regarding He Chak, he measures his power level even as he
continues to converse with the man) I believe you are familiar with
Peyton already.
He Chak: Indeed.
Peyton: (nods) And let me thank you again for securing my release, and
that of Adolphus, during our last visit here. (he vaguely nods in the
direction of the towering half-ogre)
Adolphus: (stationed in the distance, as is everyone else, he cheerfully
enjoys the warmth of the morning sun, wondering whether they have come
back to this place to fight some more, and whether he'll get turned to
stone again)
Sylus: (about twenty feet away from Adolphus, he wonders if the two dark
elves from the group of wizards actually have the power to impress the
beholder and avoid being eaten, and also what will happen to the rest
of them if the beholder does become aggressive and then triumphs)
Rogar: (about twenty feet on the opposite side of Adolphus, he realizes
that he's not only somewhat hung over but also hungry because he didn't
eat enough for breakfast earlier)
Damien: (hovering in the air about twenty feet above Adolphus, his tiny
wings flapping steadily, he still marvels at the way the two strange
drow magically transported the entire group and their horses here from
far away) Hmph. (he then begins wondering whether he'll win the bet
he made with Rogar yesterday, concerning the success of diplomacy in
this new mission)
Alindyar: (to He Chak) We represent the group of magi who have joined
as the Bright Alliance, with intent to rule this realm in place of the
now-departed Rary.
He Chak: Understood. (he frowns) Just to be clear...by "departed" you
mean slain?
Alindyar: Verily.
Lyra: We are building on his initial work and ideas, but taking somewhat
different steps to ensure a far better outcome than he'd apparently had
planned.
He Chak: (shrugs) What's done is done. I must now concern myself with
the plans of Father Eye. (he regards the morning sun above) As well
as his eccentricities.
Alindyar: Shall we have an audience with him, then?
He Chak: Of course. I am sure you traveled a long way to come here, and
he does desire to speak with an actual member of this alliance that's
been formed. If you are ready, we can proceed into the complex?
Lyra: Of course.
He Chak: (looks around at the others)
Alindyar: They will be accompanying us.
It wasn't a question, but rather a statement. The dark elf projected
strength and confidence, which was his intention; he certainly had the
power to back it up. He was also paying close attention to He Chak, in
case that one suddenly began using a spell or magical item without any
given reason beforehand - such a move would suggest betrayal and attack,
and would be dealt with immediately and severely. Both drow stayed on
high alert, communicating constantly via ESP as they observed the various
aspects of the complex...first the charred, blasted outer portion of the
mines...and then the intact but empty areas and the deep chasm...the
larger central mineshaft and its side shafts...the series of barracks
past the mines, which were still dark with char and thick with the smell
of burned flesh.
Alindyar: (ESPing to Lyra) This was the work of one like Skektek, who
favors fire, lightning, and such.
Lyra: (ESPing to Alindyar) By all accounts, it was the work of that
meek, skinny wizard there.
Wembly: (looking around with amazement at the results of his earlier
spellcasting) Wow.
Peyton: I know.
Wembly: It's hard to believe that I did all this...
Damien: Strong work, pal.
Peyton's team was flanking the pair of dark elf wizards, and despite
any apparent flippancy or nonchalance they were also being cautious and
observant. No one thought that He Chak or his beholder master would try
any tricks, but it paid to stay cautious and assume the worst. Walking
through and past the remains of the duergar troops' quarters, the group
then moved into the series of elaborately-fashioned and -decorated halls
and side chambers. They observed the desert trolls and fire giants, and
the twin iron golems that flanked the final, gigantic door of fine black
wood at the far end of the main hall.
That impressive door swung open, revealing the massive domed chamber
beyond, with its floor of greenish-blue marble inlaid with streaks of
black and white stone and its walls lined with thick, polished columns
of ivory. The visitors regarded the high ceiling with its detailed and
highly-realistic depictions of the stars and moons of the night sky...
designs which provided the only light in the rather dim room.
Alindyar: (notes the plethora of tomes and scrolls, and other assorted
unusual objects, scattered across the chamber's many bookshelves and
tables) What a fascinating place.
Lyra: (ESPing to Lyra) The beholder is here-
Alindyar: (ESPing to Lyra) I know. Left side, perhaps fifty feet.
Father Eye: (floats out of the dim shadows into the chamber's center,
an area only slightly less dim) GREETINGS, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LANDS WITHOUT. I AM FATHER EYE, RULER OF THIS PLACE.
Lyra: (ESPing to Lyra) Wow, he's a sizable one.
Alindyar: (ESPing to Lyra) Aye.
The drow had encountered beholders before; and one of them - a member
of the arch-lich Xusia's consortium of powerful evil beings who had been
constructing a massive fortress in the Griff Mountains - had been a king
among its kind. Father Eye wasn't quite that massive, but he was no runt
either; at eight or nine feet across, with his central eye and all the
smaller ones complementing his huge fanged maw, he was a fearsome sight
from anyone's perspective.
Alindyar: (addresses the eye tyrant) We are pleased to make your
acquaintance. I am Alindyar, and this is Lyra. We were formerly of
the Underdark but now-
Father Eye: INDEED, INDEED. FROM WHAT SUBTERRANEAN CITY DO YOU HAIL?
Alindyar: (decides to misinform the monster, as no good can come of one
such as that knowing about his true origins) Erelhei-Cinlu.
Father Eye: (his eye widens) OHHHH. I HAVE HEARD OF THE FATE OF THAT
PLACE. YOU HAVE MY CONDOLENCES.
Lyra: (ESPing to Lyra) Well, if nothing else he's certainly current on
his knowledge of the Underdark.
Alindyar: As I was saying, we represent the Bright Alliance, a unified
group of archmagi who have succeeded Rary and his position within the
desert. We have been led to believe that you were in the process of
diplomacy with that one, and are here to establish a similar process.
Father Eye: I SEE.
Lyra: (ESPing to Alindyar) I'll bet he does.
Alindyar: (ESPing to Lyra) Really?
Lyra: (ESPing to Lyra) I couldn't resist.
He Chak: So now we must parley-
Father Eye: (glares at the western wizard, silently conveying the fact
that the beholder will speak for himself now while his minion is to
be silent) YES. (to Alindyar and Lyra) WE MUST PARLEY. YOUR FIRST
EMISSARY- (he looks right at Peyton, who cringes) -WAS RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ALMOST ALL OF THE DUERGAR WHOM I PAINSTAKINGLY
ASSEMBLED HERE, BOTH TO BREED AND TO SERVE AS MINERS AND FOOT SOLDIERS.
SO I HAVE TWO PROBLEMS FOR YOU TO SOLVE. FIRSTLY, SOMEONE MUST TOIL
IN THE MINES AND CONTINUE THE EXCAVATION OF SILVER AND GOLD. SECONDLY,
GUARDS AND DEFENSES WILL BE NEEDED TO PROTECT THIS PLACE FROM THOSE
BELOW.
Alindyar: The Underdark?
Father Eye: PRECISELY. IN RECENT MONTHS, THE MINERS HAVE BEEN PLAGUED
BY OCCASIONAL ATTACKS FROM THE NUMEROUS UNEXPLORED PASSAGES. WHILE
THESE INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN ISOLATED, THEY SOMETIMES RESULT IN MINERS
VANISHING - TAKEN, I SUSPECT, TO THE DEEPER REACHES BENEATH THIS PLACE.
Lyra: Who is doing the attacking you speak of?
Father Eye: (makes a loud grunting sound, then frowns, a fearsome sight
thanks to his wide mouth and large, sharp teeth) THAT IS MY BUSINESS.
Alindyar: Wrong. (he folds his arms) If you seek our aid, we must know
the full extent of the problem and the foes.
Father Eye: DARK ELF...YOU HAVE GREAT COURAGE, TO SPEAK TO ME THUS. I
HAVE DEVOURED PEOPLE FOR DOING FAR LESS.
Lyra: (mentally preparing herself for a battle, she assumes that Peyton
and the others understand what is happening and are similarly ready in
case things go sour here)
Alindyar: (frowns) I speak the truth, and you know it. Any assistance
we can offer will be far more effective if we know how to best apply
it. (annoyed, he clenches one fist, out of sight inside his robe)
Father Eye: I DO NOT FULLY AGREE...BUT I WILL HUMOR YOU IN THIS, SINCE
WE NEED EACH OTHER'S HELP. THE FOES ARE DERRO, SKULKING ABOUT AT THE
DIRECTION OF ILLITHIDS. (he pauses, looking around with his massive
central eye) AND THOSE, I SUSPECT, ARE IN TURN OPERATING UNDER THE
GUIDANCE OF ONE OF MORE OF MY KIND.
Alindyar: Enemies of yours?
Father Eye: NOT ENEMIES. RIVALS, PERHAPS. WHEN I INITIALLY FOUND THIS
PLACE AND SAW ITS POTENTIAL AS A SOURCE OF ORE AND A PATHWAY INTO THE
WORLD ABOVE, I DID ALL OF THE WORK...TOOK ALL OF THE RISKS. IT WAS
INEVITABLE THAT OTHERS WOULD LEARN OF MY SUCCESS HERE AND ATTEMPT TO
WREST FROM ME WHAT IS MINE.
Alindyar: I see. So you desire some sort of force to venture down into
those depths and deal with these foes.
Father Eye: AYE.
Alindyar: I...do not understand. From what I have seen here, you have
substantial might of your own. In addition to your own fearsome power,
you possess a pair of iron golems, four fire giants, and almost a dozen
trolls. Are those not enough to go forth and conquer your foes?
Father Eye: (his central eye remains unblinking) YOU WOULD HAVE ME USE
MY PERSONAL GUARD FOR SUCH EFFORTS? (he makes a sound that might well
be a laugh, or at least what passes for one among beholders) PERISH
THE THOUGHT.
Lyra: (ESPing to Lyra) So he won't put himself at risk, nor will be
lend his own forces to the task, but he'd have us or our allies risk
our lives and limbs to solve his problems.
Alindyar: (ESPing to Lyra) Aye. Not to mention his view that we owe
him troops and guards due to the bulk of his being slain by Peyton's
team in the initial incursion. I like this not.
Father Eye: SO THIS IS MY OFFER...THE SAME OFFER, INCIDENTALLY, THAT
WAS ABOUT TO BE EXTENDED TO RARY BEFORE HE PERISHED. YOUR ALLIANCE
WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FORCES - MILITARY OR MAGIC OR BOTH, I CARE
NOT - NECESSARY TO VANQUISH THE FOES BENEATH THIS PALACE. IN RETURN,
I WILL PAY YOU SUBSTANTIAL SUMS OF PRECIOUS METALS FROM THESE MINES,
AND CEASE ALL ACTIVITIES IN THE WORLD ABOVE, OUTSIDE ITS ENTRANCES.
Lyra: Good, so you already know about the need for the hillfolk in this
area to be safe and undisturbed.
Father Eye: THEY SERVED AS SLAVES OR FOOD, BUT WE CAN FIND SUCH FROM
BELOW AS WELL AS ABOVE.
Alindyar: We have another item that must be included as part of any
pact. We were told that you possess some amount of knowledge regarding
the desert and its mysteries.
Father Eye: OF COURSE. AND I WILL SHARE IT, OR BITS OF IT...AFTER THE
MENACE FROM BELOW HAS CEASED TO BE A PROBLEM. NOT BEFORE.
Lyra: (ESPing to Lyra) He is making this difficult.
Father Eye: (turns slightly in the direction of his shelves and such,
the beholder equivalent of a nod) THE LORE YOU SPEAK OF IS CONTAINED
IN THIS VERY CHAMBER...BUT YOU SHALL NOT HAVE IT UNTIL YOU HAVE PROVEN
YOUR INTENTIONS. (he regards both dark elves) I SUSPECT THAT SUCH
KNOWLEDGE IS ACTUALLY MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN THE GOLD AND SILVER.
Alindyar: (ESPing to Lyra) Damn. Any information he has will not come
to us anytime soon. (speaking to the beholder) This is a hard bargain
indeed, though a fair one. We must confer with the others.
Father Eye: OF COURSE.
Lyra: Oh, and there is one more thing we desire as part of this bargain.
The wizard He Chak can be of great use to us, with regard to unraveling
certain mysteries that the wizard Rary left behind. These are urgent
and need to be dealt with soon, thus we ask that you allow him and his
companion to accompany us back to the Brass Hills.
He Chak: (taken completely by surprise, his eyes widen)
next: the exact terms of the deal are hashed out
map: http://www.peldor.com/world/atlas/bright_desert_1156.jpg
www: http://www.peldor.com/download.html
homepage: http://www.peldor.com/
email: tmiller@peldor.com
released: 9/13/2024
notes: As I finished this one, I realized that it, and the ones
immediately before and after, could have been a single jumbo-sized
episode. But here's why I sometimes don't do that. My goal for a
while now hasn't been to give the world big episodes every time; it's
instead been to give the world an episode (of whatever size) every
Friday. But they can't all be larger, or self-contained story arcs,
or whatever...because, even retired, I don't have infinite time for
this writing. So I feel that it's most important that readers know
that a new episode will be published every single week, on a certain
day, following a known and set schedule, without fail.
It does help when I have a large cushion of written episodes ready
to launch (like I do right now...you're seeing this in mid-September
but I originally wrote it in late June and now have a 12-episode lead
relative to the publishing schedule.)
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