Warning!
You have entered a negative energy plane. All regeneration is halved.
Yeah, I can see how the devs would want this to be a negative plane. The sky was a burnt orange, from the reddish looking sun. A fine coppery dust coated the jagged rocks, and the only vegetation I could see was sickly and covered with thorns that were weeping something. I went to swipe a bit of the fluid and ended up getting a thorn in the side of my hand. My poison resistance kicked into overdrive, and I have never been more grateful that I had gone through that ritual. I got the feeling that poison was on par with Death’s Knell, and I cleared out a few potions from my inventory to use the vials to scoop up some of the poison. Perhaps I could use it to leverage the guild into letting me use them as a transport hub.
Poison acquired, I saw something that I hoped was seed pods, and grabbed several of them. There seemed to be a well traveled path leading away from the portal, and as I followed it with my eyes it led to a massive black spire. Unlike buildings in the normal game world, this spire was bent like a scorpion’s tail. Shrugging my shoulders, I headed in that general direction. I kept my guard up, hoping to find the faceless men before they could sense me. In this bleak land, I decided to keep [Mystic vision] activated, as I had no idea what could be dangerous.
That turned out to be a good move. As I topped a small ridge, I saw the remains of a battle. At least three of the faceless men had been dismembered, but one was victorious over the bloody remains of some type of hound. I watched as it ripped off the limbs of the carcass, and started eating. Then it got weird, as a lower mouth opened across the torso, and started chewing on the corpse of the dog. I shuddered at the double crunching and slurping sounds, something about it just grating on my nerves. The head kept eating at a sedate pace, but the body seemed to be scarfing as much food down as it could. It almost looked like a small child stealing a treat, that could get caught at any time. Wait, is the body? Yes, the body was swelling as it ate. I felt as though I could see a puzzle with all the edge pieces in place, but the middle was still a mystery.
Either way, my next move was clear. I blasted the creature in the back of the head with a bolt, killing it. I moved towards the remains, but the only one salvageable was the one I had just killed. I put it into my body bag, afraid to waste the body. I was still kicking myself for getting greedy with that first set of bodies. Assuming they were far more human like than what they were, I figured that a quick look over would let them fall under my autopsy skill and I could gain a boost to damage against them before clearing out a den of the creatures.
Looting the bodies that remained, I came away with what I hoped were either alchemy or enchanting ingredients. With a few more kills, I could have a goodly supply of vials of extra planar ichor. I was getting closer to the obelisk I had seen earlier, though it was bigger than I anticipated. It seems what I had seen was merely the portion above the plane, as the base was in a crater. This was the first place where the trail I was following deviated, as it switched back and forth to make the climb up and down the slopes much easier. I tried to keep as low of a profile as possible as I made my way down, as the exposure on the trail was making me very nervous. Just because the faceless men didn’t have eyes, didn’t mean that other things inhabiting this plane didn’t.
Twenty nervous minutes later, I was at the bottom, walking towards the base of the obelisk. There were two faceless men standing guard by an entrance, and a fat one sitting on some sort of throne inside. I got close enough for identify to be of use, but still remain out of their detection range.
Faceless Glutton
Lvl 57 elite
Faceless gluttons are the progenitor enslavers of the faceless men. They can control up to fifteen servants with a mental bond indicated by the red diamonds arranged in a crown across their forehead. They send out their minions to claim food for themselves, transporting it back along some magical connection. When a faceless glutton is killed the bond is severed, freeing the servants. Their only other means of escaping enslavement is to sneak enough food to become strong enough to break the connection on their own, becoming a new faceless glutton.
All of a sudden those missing pieces clicked into place. Those weird structures in the head must be the organic equivalent of the teleportation arrays. One must be a back linkage to allow for the mental enslavement, and the lower mouths are how the faceless men must feed if they wish to break their bonds. I took a look at the glutton with [mystic vision], and saw why it was sitting in the obelisk. Two rust colored lines extended to the faceless men standing guard, while several others were boosted by the obelisk and went off in several different directions. Aside from that, there was really no difference between the creatures. I took aim at the glutton, not sure if they could force a recall of any slaves should they be in danger. Unsure of the strength of the excess tissue, I chose a piercing bolt and took aim. “Thanatos, this kill is for you.” I said, and fired straight into the swirl in its stomach.
Several things happened at once. First, and most reassuring to me, those rust colored lines snapped. The two guards stiffened as their threads were cut, then they both turned and made a mad dash to consume their former master. When they realized their food was threatened, they started viciously laying into each other. I simply sat back and reloaded, content to let them duke it out and kill the winner. Once that was taken care of, I looted their bodies and took a look at the popup I had gotten.
Thanatos finds your offering acceptable.
For slaying an acceptable offering, you gain 20 favor.
For slaying an offering at full health, you gain 20 favor.
For slaying an elite monster, you gain 20 favor.
For slaying an extraplanar entity, you gain 50 favor.
Total favor: 849/5000
Champions killed: 0/10
Elites killed: 1/1
Weekly kills: 11/25
I walked away from the battle with two more bottles of ichor, slightly depressed that the amount of enemies was lacking. Though if the poison or the ichor were valuable, it would become a very important resource for the city. I double timed it on the way back, hopefully I would be able to fill Khaliss in on the details so that he could make preparations to start farming things.
The trip back was uneventful, but coming through the portal I was surprised at how late it was at night. I didn’t feel like there was any time dilation, and as far as I knew there wasn’t any in the game, but who knows what secrets were still undiscovered.
Achievement unlocked: Astral traveler I
You have successfully explored a portion of a separate plane and returned to tell the tale.
Gain +1% more experience
Explore 5 more planes to unlock Astral traveler II
Well, that was interesting. I got astral traveler instead of explorer, so I wasn’t the first to have ever visited that plane, but a bonus to experience is always nice, no matter how small. The forest at night was a lot different than during the day, though in my state I didn’t pay it any attention. The only things I cared about were getting back as fast as possible and making sure that I wasn’t followed. I nodded to the guards at the gate as I slipped past them, heading for the inn. The clock said it was nearing 2 in the morning. Would they be up? I hadn’t stayed up this late in a while, and never in game so I didn’t really know when Alnoss closed the inn.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
There was no light coming from under the door, and the place seemed silent, so I used stone shaping as Alnoss had asked to just open the door and silently shut it behind me as fast as I could. I froze as I saw what was going on in the room.
“The lord of light has demanded your deaths, abominations. As we are his hand, so shall rivers of blood flow this night.” One of the humans whispered harshly in Alnoss’ ear, as two dagger tips were barely visible piercing through her chest. With a savage twist, he ripped them out sideways, leaving gaping wounds. My eyes locked with hers as she desperately tried to breathe, before silently crumpling to the ground. I noticed the two other humans that had been holding her arms, and saw red as they started chuckling while looking down on her corpse.
“[Binding shadow chains][Cold hand of death][Death’s gaze][Reaper’s edge].” I snarled, snaring the two who had held her with the shadow chains while the one who slew her got the full force of my rage. “Thanatos will be too kind to you murderers. Lolth take your souls! [Dancing shadow steps].” In a flash I was across the room, pouring everything I had into my weapon. I saw the blade extend in silvery white light. “HHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!” Everything I had, I unleashed with one massive slash that took all three heads.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
I woke up in the temple of Thanatos, with Khaliss and the Cardinal there.
“I’m so sorry Khaliss.” I immediately blurted. “I had just walked in when they stabbed her, I couldn’t do anything.”
“He knows, brother.” The Cardinal said. “It was soon enough that I could give him a few minutes with her spirit before our Lord took her to the other side. Let him grieve for now.” I looked over to Khaliss, but he was simply staring ahead with a slightly vacant look. His body, though, was vibrating with rage.
“Now, what happened after her death?”
I shuddered as I recalled that pleading look in her eyes, and desperately fought tears as I recounted the events. “The assassins were sent by the god of Light, and were going to go on a rampage through the city. I saw her die, and I lost it. I chained two of them, and activated every part of the Death’s Raiments that I could. I shadow stepped to them, and then.” Stopping, I had to think of how to describe it. “I poured everything I could into the weapon. It, grew, and glowed silver. It was big enough to decapitate all three.”
“And did you sacrifice them to someone?”
“Yessss!” I hissed, eyes widening with the memory. “Those bastards have gone to Lolth, may she give them their just rewards.”
“Well, that explains things.”
“Am I not allowed to sacrifice to other dieties?”
“No, that’s fine. I happen to agree wholeheartedly with your choice, as Alnoss was a kind soul. No, when you poured your essence into the weapon, you inadvertently drew upon Thanatos’ power in a way you weren’t supposed to be able to yet. You performed the last of the Raiments, [Soul cleaver]. The force of it knocked you out.”
“Ah, shit. That probably explains the 12 hour debuffs I’m looking at?”
“Yes, basically all your church skills will be sealed for half a day, and you won’t have any regeneration for the same amount of time. I suggest you go sleep it off.”
“Kill them all.” We both heard Khaliss mutter.
“Huh?” The Cardinal tilted his head.
“I’ll kill them all. Every last one that is in the city.”
“Hold on there Khaliss.” He turned to stare at me, and I flinched from the intensity of his eyes. “Look, not everyone is to blame for her death. As much as it pains me to bring this up to you right now, but would she approve of you going on a murderous rage on those who don’t deserve it?”
“All deserve to die.”
“Even Master Faraldo? Or Grimlet? The two dwarves here to help lay the bones of their ancestor to rest? They didn’t kill her.”
“Then what shall we do, Angus?”
“Gain strength. Make a plan. Hurt them so badly they can’t do this to anyone again.” I snarled. “I need to be at maximum level, if we are to have our vengeance on the Lord of Light. I have a few favors I could pull so we can truly cripple them.”
“So long as you swear that I will be included in these plans, I can stay my vengeance. No longer than a month though.”
“I do so swear.”
At my proclamation, he nodded and turned to go. Turning back, he spoke, “I will stay my hand for now, but all non drakelings will be exiled from the city for now. As those who slew her were adventurers, I have ordered Grimlet taken into custody. We shall see what he knows of this.”
After he had gone, I turned to the Cardinal. “So, brother, what happened with her body?”
“It has been cremated. Sorry that you couldn’t say goodbye, but we weren’t aware how long you would be out for.”
“It’s ok.” I said, blinking away tears. “Does she know how sorry I am? That I couldn’t be there in time?”
“She knew, brother. You couldn’t hear her, but she was trying to warn you to run, there at the end. She wanted you and Khaliss to live.”
I could only nod at that, eyes burning as I fought tears. To distract myself, I pulled up a notification I had been ignoring for some time.
Divine attention garnered!
Nothing like sacrificing souls pledged to her sworn enemies to gain the full attention of Lolth! She is incredibly pleased with her new toys, and invites you to come to Menzoberrazan and meet with her priestess there. She personally guarantees your safety both to and from the city. Simply speak, “Lolth, take me to your city.” For a personal portal.
Well, I would need to put that off for at least a day, but when the Goddess of the drow summons you, you go and see what she wants. At least she seemed happy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
BCorgan’s POV
What the hell? I got a death notification after that drakeling used a crazy skill, but why am I not respawning in the guild hall? Goliath gave us specific orders to never change our bind location, and as far as we all knew there was no way to force a change on someone else.
“Corgan, Mikey, you guys there?” I heard Adam ask.
“Here, but I can’t see a thing.” I answered.
“Same.” Mikey responded. Well, whatever happened, we were together.
“At least it is all the same for us. I’m not showing any debuffs either, so we haven’t been blinded.”
“Oh? My new toys are awake? How wonderful!” A decidedly feminine voice spoke from the darkness.
“Who are you?” Adam demanded, and Mikey and I were content to let him have the lead. He usually took charge of field operations anyway.
“Why, I am Lolth my pet. Did you not hear who you were sacrificed to?”
“Pelor favors us, so you had best not delay our return!” Great, way to jump right to threats Adam.
“Oh my, how terrifying!” She mocked with a tinkling laugh. Several violet flames lit up the chamber we were in at the snap of her fingers, and that’s where my rational thoughts stopped. Good god, she was gorgeous. Raven hair in a ponytail to her waist. She had the elfin grace, but the dusky grey tone of her skin somehow seemed more appealing than the golden hues of the light elves. Her features hinted at a possible Asian ancestry in the face, and she was clad in strategically placed spiderwebs. Was that a bit of nip? A dark areola? Or just black spiderwebbing? I didn’t know and didn’t care, as they jiggled with her laugh and I couldn’t look away. Her tone stomach hinted that she was incredibly flexible, and I could only imagine the trouble we could get into. And those legs, they went on for days. Until tonight, right now, I had no idea that fishnets could be so amazing. My eyes traveled back up her magnificence, and I saw a twinkle in her eye. She knew, and didn’t care if I knew she knew. I was well and truly her toy.
“Now, unfortunately I have been limited in what I am allowed to inflict upon adventurers that find themselves before me. I saw your recent memories, and I would dearly love to inflict torments that would break your psyches and shatter your souls. Alas, the only thing I can do is drain you.”
“We don’t fear death at your hands, wench.” Goddamnit Alan, stop antagonizing perfection! Though to hear her voice some more, I would willingly stick around.
Play along with them my toy, and I shall give you some personal attention
Wait, did I just hear her in my head as she was trading barbs with Alan? I caught a subtle nod, a flicker of upturned lips. Closing my eyes, I acted as if I didn’t care about anything she said.
“Well, it seems that you are determined to follow your pathetic Pelos. No matter, not even he can return what my pets will drain from you.” As she spoke, a spider crawled up each of our backs, and bit into our necks. “For twenty four hours, you will feel the strength flee from your bodies. At each hour, you will lose an attribute point to my pets here. Fear not, none will drop below the minimum of ten.”
“Whatever woman. Mike, Corgan, let’s go. Logout.” Mike’s and Adam’s avatars heads dropped down as they greyed out, indicating they had logged off.
“Corgan, do you like what you see?” My goddess asked, cocking out a hip and smiling at me.
“I’m sure you can sense just how you are driving my body wild, M’lady.” I answered with a smile. “I don’t care that you are supposed to be a trickster. I am yours.”
“Oh? Ready to forsake your friends? Your guild? Your god? I haven’t even drained anything from you.”
“I would give it willingly.” I honestly replied. “Though I do believe you have already tricked my former friends there.”
“Ah, though smitten you do see through my ruse already? Yes. The timer of their punishment only turns when they are in the game, though the draining will continue.” She smiled. “I will savor their anguish upon their return. But enough of that, how far are you willing to go in your betrayal of all you used to hold dear?” She asked, running her finger along my jaw.
“Ask, and the knowledge shall be yours.” What else could I answer?
“Why did you kill the innkeeper?”
“She was to be the first death of many this night. Goliath, our guild leader, ranks fairly highly with the church of Pelos. They give us unique quests, as most of our members are also part of the church.”
“And what is the name of your former guild?”
“Breaking Dawn.”
“Simple slaughter seems a bit much for such a risky situation. What else were you supposed to do this night?”
“The bones of the dwarf. Supposedly they have rare and powerful runes written on them. We were supposed to head to the temple of Thanatos, kill the priests, and retrieve the bones.”
"Better. Do you have plans for the main church of Pelos?”
“I do. I can draw them from you, or I can offer you to peer into my mind.”
“Excellent. Drawing will be fine. I will also request your guild headquarters, and any stash or vault locations you have.”
“I don’t have any access to the treasuries, though I know where some of the more hidden ones are.” I replied.
“That is fine. Here.” She snapped her fingers, and my arms were suddenly free. I crawled to the papers that had appeared by her feet, and started drawing everything I could remember. Vaults to hidden hallways, passwords, patrols, I held nothing back.