Who: Gale & various. Status: Closed Where: Eltrut and beyond. What: Catch-all for MANTA quests and closed threads! Warnings: CW for discussion of terminal condition, otherwise general adventuring shenanigans.
[Denial was a tricky, tricky thing sometimes. For a good while, Gale had been able to pretend well enough that being here and his distance from Mystra would have no effect on the orb still roiling within his chest. Undoubtedly, it remained dangerous, but the charm that his goddess had granted him through Elminster had been enough to keep things stable— for a time.
That time had now clearly run out. It was his encounter with Garuda that had set things in motion; he does not fully remember how he had taken in her aether, but the orb had devoured it without his permission all the same, and since then, each day was a little worse than the last.
For years now, he had become used to pain, to the difficulty breathing, to the insistent ringing in his ears that occasionally bordered on maddening, but there was nothing here of the Weave to consume to quiet it— and even if there were, that trick had ceased to work some time ago back in Faerun. Amelia had been kind enough to use her own magic to offer him a numbing charm that granted the orb further stability and eased his symptoms so that he might continue his research and find a way to aid himself, but she was gone, like so many friends before her, and in her absence, her magic waned despite his efforts to replicate it.
It was getting more and more difficult to hide his condition, and he'd had some especially close calls with those closest to him. There were good days and bad, and with no solution in sight, all he could do was take things one day at a time.
He had, notably, begun staying closer to home more often. This afternoon found him in the kitchen of the large house he had inherited and chosen to share with friends, rather than the wizard's study he had made for himself upstairs. Cooking had always been a way to get his mind off his troubles— it was methodical and infinitely rewarding, especially when he was able to share the results with others, and he had chosen to spend this afternoon preparing something he had purchased from the morning's catch at the market.
Unfortunately, what should have been a simple and benign task was proving to be otherwise.]
Nine hells!
[There's a loud clatter that sounds from the kitchen as an empty pan hits the floor and skids, Gale wincing and clutching at his chest as he goes down on one knee, feeling himself suddenly winded as a fresh wave of pain works its way through him, dizzying.]
( it didn't take a particularly keen eye to notice that gale has been unwell. in all honesty, it would have been more difficult for karlach to somehow not notice the kind of the pain that gale has been trying to power through.
the thing is, gale hadn't really talked to her about it. not really. he has been trying put on a brave face.
or maybe he already knew there isn't much karlach could do for him? she isn't a wizard or a cleric or anything but a fiery fist. the kind that's a little too hot to do anything but hurt others. not that it actually made any difference to her; karlach had been staying close to home anyway all the same.
whatever happens, she didn't want him to go through it alone. he's her friend, her wizard, and that meant something to karlach.
he didn't have to talk about it yet. they could just be for now.
karlach is walking through the halls when she hears gale's distressed voice crying out and the clatter of a pan against the floor. immediately, she turns on her heel to rush into the kitchen, all but skidding on her way there.
at first, she glances around for the sight of someone else—an attacker, a thief, anyone. there's only gale and a slightly messy kitchen. )
[He's winded even as he tries to respond to her, his brow furrowed as he looks up at the tiefling beside him, apologetic. Of course Karlach had come running— there was nothing she wouldn't do for a friend in need, he'd learned very soon after meeting her, and it didn't take much for her to consider you a friend. It's a sort of generosity and loyalty that he deeply respects, appreciates, but it's also something he worries about— he has no wish to burden her with his troubles, not when she already has so many of her own.
He exhales steadily, taking a moment to catch his breath before shaking his head.]
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. It— caught me by surprise.
[The faint pulse of violet along the darkened veins that run from his left eye downwards is likely enough to tell her what 'it' is.]
( it's the first thing out of karlach's mouth. she means that too, just as she tends to mean everything that she says. carefully, she reaches out with a gloved hand to press it against gale's shoulder in an effort to help steady him. her touch is uncomfortably warm, but otherwise safe with the fabric barrier.
gale doesn't look good. and neither had he answered whether he was okay.
but did he really need to? )
Is it getting worse?
( she asks even though she knows the answer. karlach can't keep the concern out of her expression, worry pinching at the edges of her face. she's all but desperate to take immediately action; to do something, anything, to help ease this burden from gale. )
[He trails off, his brow furrowed. It's not often that Gale of Waterdeep finds himself at a loss for words, but there's something about these most recent developments that's difficult to articulate. It's different than it had been back in Faerun, somehow.
Uncomfortably warm though her touch may be, he doesn't pull or shy away from it, only looks up to offer her a faint smile of appreciation from beneath the distress of his brow.]
I'm afraid so, yes. I suppose it was only a matter of time, being away from Faerun so long. Even Mystra's power has its limits, and I am well beyond her reach here.
Gale exhales as he focuses on remaining steady, helped along greatly by Karlach's support. Taking another moment to collect himself, he reaches up with one hand to grab hold of the counter, slowly starting to return to his feet.]
There was an acquaintance who was able to put a charm in place to help dampen the symptoms, offer some stability, but she's gone, I'm afraid.
[His brow furrows; it stood to reason that with Mystra at such a distance and now Amelia having departed, he would no longer benefit from their mitigations.]
I don't know that any power here would be enough, given the strength of the orb, but there's—
[He pauses to clear his throat, turning to give his friend an apologetic look.]
There have been other developments I haven't shared, I'm afraid.
( karlach reassures him, quick to try to make it clear that she hadn't taken offence. she keeps her grasp on him, making sure that he won't suddenly collapse again. )
[That, at least, is some relief— he does not relish in keeping secrets, particularly from his friends, but some things were simply difficult to drop into everyday conversation. There was also the hope that perhaps if he didn't acknowledge what happened, it wouldn't be a problem in the long run.
Unfortunately, things rarely ever worked in such a way.]
Some months ago, Eltrut was attacked by a creature called Garuda that caused a terrible, tremendously destructive storm. I played a small part in bringing that crisis to an end, but while in conflict with Garuda, the orb...
[He frowns further, making a vague gesture with his hand.]
It consumed some of her power. Quite without my say-so, I might add. I wasn't even conscious at the time.
[Fortunately, even as Gale has made a point of staying a bit closer to home in order to quietly manage his 'health troubles,' there are still a number of ways he can do his part to serve the community— when the jellyfish population surges and begins to take over the beaches and rivers, he's keen to help with cleanup, especially as it seems that with their venom and the chance to cause paralysis, magic is going to be invaluable.
He sees a number of friendly faces out doing their part, as well, and its on one of the leviathan's many beaches that he crosses paths with Aerith. They had met and enjoyed eating their way through a festival's worth of food some time ago, and seen one another in passing several times since, but they've not had the opportunity to work together just yet. Today, it seems, it's time to remedy that.
He lets out a huff of breath as he puts his hands on his hips and surveys the scene before them, trying to gain a better idea of just how many of these things they're dealing with.]
These numbers are astronomical— subduing them shouldn't be a problem, but where will they all go once we've done that? I suppose there's always incineration...
[A few well-aimed Fireballs could help with that.]
[She's got sand in her boots and bangs in her eyes. So, she's a little frustrated once Gale comes across her on the beach.
Aerith's happy to see him, though, if only because misery loves company! She's just thankful the jellyfish can't fly after her like the moogles. It got a little horror show there for a bit.
She also has her hands planted on her hips in solidarity, eyeing the water and jellyfish with trepidation.]
Maybe we can think of a less burn-y way to do it.
[They're an annoyance, but she feels guilty suggesting they just set them all on fire. They can't help they like algae?]
I have some water magic, and I've been working on it. Maybe I can create some kind of wave or whirlpool to push them out further to sea?
[She sounds a little unsure about her water bending water magic skills. Hey, it's different than using materia, but it's been working okay so far.]
I would prefer to keep the more violent option as a last resort, yes— I can't say I relish the idea, but should all else fail, we do have that to fall back on.
[To his credit, he doesn't sound terribly excited about the prospect of doing away with the jellyfish wholesale, and he's even less excited about the havoc the sand and the sea breeze are wreaking on his hair, but he's quite happy to hear out Aerith's alternative.]
Being able to force them elsewhere through manipulating the water is a splendid idea! Much of my water-oriented magic has to do with ice— it's really more druidic territory— but if you'd like to take the lead, I think I could lend you a bit of my own power to amplify it.
[Surely, that would work and no jellyfish would be harmed in the process!]
[Though he and his companion had found themselves aligned with different armadas upon their staggered arrivals, Gale has never considered that to be any reason to keep them from working together as they always have— and when this particular task piques his curiosity, there's not a moment's hesitation regarding who to ask for aid.
It is, admittedly, perhaps a bit ambitious considering his current state, but ambition has ever been his driving force, and he reasons that investigation and reconnaissance should be will within his ability. Should anything happen, he'll simply push through it as he has these last two years— simple as that.
If he continues insisting, certainly it will become so.
The manor is large enough that three new recruits to the housekeeping staff doesn't seem to make anyone bat an eye, at least to start, and in full butler regalia, Gale ushers Karlah into what appears to be a drawing room before quietly closing the door behind them, waiting to hear the soft click of the latch before he ventures to say anything.]
Well, then— getting in was easy enough. This is quite an interesting look for you, by the by.
[Karlach stands out a little, but when does she not? There's enough variety among riftfarers that he hopes no one will think much of it, but there's always magic if she needs further disguise.]
I prepared a set of sending stones for us so that we can contact one another discreetly should we get separated. Even if we don't need them, better to be prepared, and they'll likely come in handy in the future, don't you think?
[He still doesn't entirely trust shellphones, though he does appreciate that people are able to use them to send pictures of cats.]
( as far as karlach concerns herself, her loyalty belongs to gale first and foremost. the difference in their armadas is only a trivial thing, almost unimportant. it doesn't make any difference to her, she would raise her fists to anyone who threatened her companion. she's pretty sure she wouldn't hesitate either—no matter who it is.
some ties run deeper, forged in blood and battle. like this one.
when gale asks her to accompany him, she's quick to agree. probably a little too quick. she might have given it a little more thought if she knew the kind of trouble she was going to have to go through. not only did she put on what felt like more fabric than her entire life in this maid attire, but she also had to get gale's help to glamour her to hide the obvious fire that flicks off her.
hopefully she won't need any further glamouring.
...and hopefully she doesn't trip either. )
Sending stones! Man, how I've missed using these.
( karlach remarks, eyes lighting up. )
Great idea. I don't think these guys really recognise 'em either.
( her tail swishes in approval under her skirts, the fabric rustling from the rapid motion. )
I gotta say though, I think I like this outfit on you.
( a little laugh. she's not the only one dressed up to the nines here. )
[The wizard smiles warmly as he hands Karlach her sending stone, holding his own up between his thumb and index finger once he's done so.]
I've rather missed them, myself— but you're exactly right. They'll allow us to communicate without drawing any undue attention, should we get separated. I don't believe anyone here will give them a second glance. There's something to be said for their simplicity, I feel.
[He does appreciate the shellphones' ability to capture and catalogue images, but sometimes, the simplest option is best for a given situation.
He chuckles in response to her compliment, smoothing out one of his lapels.]
While it's been some time since I've had occasion to dress so formally, apart from that wedding decoy nonsense, I do still clean up rather nicely, I think. Not bad for a half-washed-up wizard seeking redemption.
[Karlach, if only you had seen him at full charm in his hey-dey.]
( and maybe too bad that gale had missed out on seeing her. karlach had thought her outfit as fake wedding guest to have been both flashy and elegant. it had been a good look on her, she felt. enough that she kept the dress and shoved it into her closet for another occasion to break it out. )
Did you go with a tux or robes?
( she asks curiously as she tucks her sending stone away. )
Depending on your answer, we might have to go have a fancy meal somewhere just to get dressed up.
Tuxedo, in fact, though I'm hardly opposed to formal robes. I thought it would be best to keep with the local custom.
[Three guesses what color that tuxedo was, and the first two don't count.]
We're bound to have some occasion to dress up again before long— there's always something on the horizon, but I think I like your idea far better than simply waiting for the opportunity.
[As someone who enjoys eating well as often as he can, the notion of getting dressed up to enjoy fine dining in such good company is quite a pleasant one.]
There's a number of fine establishments in Eltrut alone that I've not yet had the chance to introduce you to.
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karlach 🔥 tick tick boom
That time had now clearly run out. It was his encounter with Garuda that had set things in motion; he does not fully remember how he had taken in her aether, but the orb had devoured it without his permission all the same, and since then, each day was a little worse than the last.
For years now, he had become used to pain, to the difficulty breathing, to the insistent ringing in his ears that occasionally bordered on maddening, but there was nothing here of the Weave to consume to quiet it— and even if there were, that trick had ceased to work some time ago back in Faerun. Amelia had been kind enough to use her own magic to offer him a numbing charm that granted the orb further stability and eased his symptoms so that he might continue his research and find a way to aid himself, but she was gone, like so many friends before her, and in her absence, her magic waned despite his efforts to replicate it.
It was getting more and more difficult to hide his condition, and he'd had some especially close calls with those closest to him. There were good days and bad, and with no solution in sight, all he could do was take things one day at a time.
He had, notably, begun staying closer to home more often. This afternoon found him in the kitchen of the large house he had inherited and chosen to share with friends, rather than the wizard's study he had made for himself upstairs. Cooking had always been a way to get his mind off his troubles— it was methodical and infinitely rewarding, especially when he was able to share the results with others, and he had chosen to spend this afternoon preparing something he had purchased from the morning's catch at the market.
Unfortunately, what should have been a simple and benign task was proving to be otherwise.]
Nine hells!
[There's a loud clatter that sounds from the kitchen as an empty pan hits the floor and skids, Gale wincing and clutching at his chest as he goes down on one knee, feeling himself suddenly winded as a fresh wave of pain works its way through him, dizzying.]
Sweet Mystra, not this again—
no subject
the thing is, gale hadn't really talked to her about it. not really. he has been trying put on a brave face.
or maybe he already knew there isn't much karlach could do for him? she isn't a wizard or a cleric or anything but a fiery fist. the kind that's a little too hot to do anything but hurt others. not that it actually made any difference to her; karlach had been staying close to home anyway all the same.
whatever happens, she didn't want him to go through it alone. he's her friend, her wizard, and that meant something to karlach.
he didn't have to talk about it yet. they could just be for now.
karlach is walking through the halls when she hears gale's distressed voice crying out and the clatter of a pan against the floor. immediately, she turns on her heel to rush into the kitchen, all but skidding on her way there.
at first, she glances around for the sight of someone else—an attacker, a thief, anyone. there's only gale and a slightly messy kitchen. )
Gale!
( quickly, she rushes to kneel down beside him. )
Are you alright?
no subject
[He's winded even as he tries to respond to her, his brow furrowed as he looks up at the tiefling beside him, apologetic. Of course Karlach had come running— there was nothing she wouldn't do for a friend in need, he'd learned very soon after meeting her, and it didn't take much for her to consider you a friend. It's a sort of generosity and loyalty that he deeply respects, appreciates, but it's also something he worries about— he has no wish to burden her with his troubles, not when she already has so many of her own.
He exhales steadily, taking a moment to catch his breath before shaking his head.]
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. It— caught me by surprise.
[The faint pulse of violet along the darkened veins that run from his left eye downwards is likely enough to tell her what 'it' is.]
no subject
( it's the first thing out of karlach's mouth. she means that too, just as she tends to mean everything that she says. carefully, she reaches out with a gloved hand to press it against gale's shoulder in an effort to help steady him. her touch is uncomfortably warm, but otherwise safe with the fabric barrier.
gale doesn't look good. and neither had he answered whether he was okay.
but did he really need to? )
Is it getting worse?
( she asks even though she knows the answer. karlach can't keep the concern out of her expression, worry pinching at the edges of her face. she's all but desperate to take immediately action; to do something, anything, to help ease this burden from gale. )
no subject
[He trails off, his brow furrowed. It's not often that Gale of Waterdeep finds himself at a loss for words, but there's something about these most recent developments that's difficult to articulate. It's different than it had been back in Faerun, somehow.
Uncomfortably warm though her touch may be, he doesn't pull or shy away from it, only looks up to offer her a faint smile of appreciation from beneath the distress of his brow.]
I'm afraid so, yes. I suppose it was only a matter of time, being away from Faerun so long. Even Mystra's power has its limits, and I am well beyond her reach here.
no subject
to be disconnected from mystra and all of the other dominating forces back home. what good have the gods ever really done for anyone anyway?
particularly mystra who was pretty keen on sacrificing one of her most loyal devotees.
fuck mystra. )
What about the powers here? Is there anyone I can call?
( another mage? a self-proclaimed god or demon lord? some new kind of person she's never even heard of before? )
How can I help?
no subject
Gale exhales as he focuses on remaining steady, helped along greatly by Karlach's support. Taking another moment to collect himself, he reaches up with one hand to grab hold of the counter, slowly starting to return to his feet.]
There was an acquaintance who was able to put a charm in place to help dampen the symptoms, offer some stability, but she's gone, I'm afraid.
[His brow furrows; it stood to reason that with Mystra at such a distance and now Amelia having departed, he would no longer benefit from their mitigations.]
I don't know that any power here would be enough, given the strength of the orb, but there's—
[He pauses to clear his throat, turning to give his friend an apologetic look.]
There have been other developments I haven't shared, I'm afraid.
no subject
( karlach reassures him, quick to try to make it clear that she hadn't taken offence. she keeps her grasp on him, making sure that he won't suddenly collapse again. )
I'm here now and I'm listening.
no subject
Unfortunately, things rarely ever worked in such a way.]
Some months ago, Eltrut was attacked by a creature called Garuda that caused a terrible, tremendously destructive storm. I played a small part in bringing that crisis to an end, but while in conflict with Garuda, the orb...
[He frowns further, making a vague gesture with his hand.]
It consumed some of her power. Quite without my say-so, I might add. I wasn't even conscious at the time.
aerith 🌷 jumping jellyfish
He sees a number of friendly faces out doing their part, as well, and its on one of the leviathan's many beaches that he crosses paths with Aerith. They had met and enjoyed eating their way through a festival's worth of food some time ago, and seen one another in passing several times since, but they've not had the opportunity to work together just yet. Today, it seems, it's time to remedy that.
He lets out a huff of breath as he puts his hands on his hips and surveys the scene before them, trying to gain a better idea of just how many of these things they're dealing with.]
These numbers are astronomical— subduing them shouldn't be a problem, but where will they all go once we've done that? I suppose there's always incineration...
[A few well-aimed Fireballs could help with that.]
no subject
Aerith's happy to see him, though, if only because misery loves company! She's just thankful the jellyfish can't fly after her like the moogles. It got a little horror show there for a bit.
She also has her hands planted on her hips in solidarity, eyeing the water and jellyfish with trepidation.]
Maybe we can think of a less burn-y way to do it.
[They're an annoyance, but she feels guilty suggesting they just set them all on fire. They can't help they like algae?]
I have some water magic, and I've been working on it. Maybe I can create some kind of wave or whirlpool to push them out further to sea?
[She sounds a little unsure about her
water bendingwater magic skills. Hey, it's different than using materia, but it's been working okay so far.]no subject
[To his credit, he doesn't sound terribly excited about the prospect of doing away with the jellyfish wholesale, and he's even less excited about the havoc the sand and the sea breeze are wreaking on his hair, but he's quite happy to hear out Aerith's alternative.]
Being able to force them elsewhere through manipulating the water is a splendid idea! Much of my water-oriented magic has to do with ice— it's really more druidic territory— but if you'd like to take the lead, I think I could lend you a bit of my own power to amplify it.
[Surely, that would work and no jellyfish would be harmed in the process!]
karlach 🔥❤️🔥 disguise and deliverance
It is, admittedly, perhaps a bit ambitious considering his current state, but ambition has ever been his driving force, and he reasons that investigation and reconnaissance should be will within his ability. Should anything happen, he'll simply push through it as he has these last two years— simple as that.
If he continues insisting, certainly it will become so.
The manor is large enough that three new recruits to the housekeeping staff doesn't seem to make anyone bat an eye, at least to start, and in full butler regalia, Gale ushers Karlah into what appears to be a drawing room before quietly closing the door behind them, waiting to hear the soft click of the latch before he ventures to say anything.]
Well, then— getting in was easy enough. This is quite an interesting look for you, by the by.
[Karlach stands out a little, but when does she not? There's enough variety among riftfarers that he hopes no one will think much of it, but there's always magic if she needs further disguise.]
I prepared a set of sending stones for us so that we can contact one another discreetly should we get separated. Even if we don't need them, better to be prepared, and they'll likely come in handy in the future, don't you think?
[He still doesn't entirely trust shellphones, though he does appreciate that people are able to use them to send pictures of cats.]
denial isn't just a river in eygpt, gale...
some ties run deeper, forged in blood and battle. like this one.
when gale asks her to accompany him, she's quick to agree. probably a little too quick. she might have given it a little more thought if she knew the kind of trouble she was going to have to go through. not only did she put on what felt like more fabric than her entire life in this maid attire, but she also had to get gale's help to glamour her to hide the obvious fire that flicks off her.
hopefully she won't need any further glamouring.
...and hopefully she doesn't trip either. )
Sending stones! Man, how I've missed using these.
( karlach remarks, eyes lighting up. )
Great idea. I don't think these guys really recognise 'em either.
( her tail swishes in approval under her skirts, the fabric rustling from the rapid motion. )
I gotta say though, I think I like this outfit on you.
( a little laugh. she's not the only one dressed up to the nines here. )
but what if it was
I've rather missed them, myself— but you're exactly right. They'll allow us to communicate without drawing any undue attention, should we get separated. I don't believe anyone here will give them a second glance. There's something to be said for their simplicity, I feel.
[He does appreciate the shellphones' ability to capture and catalogue images, but sometimes, the simplest option is best for a given situation.
He chuckles in response to her compliment, smoothing out one of his lapels.]
While it's been some time since I've had occasion to dress so formally, apart from that wedding decoy nonsense, I do still clean up rather nicely, I think. Not bad for a half-washed-up wizard seeking redemption.
[Karlach, if only you had seen him at full charm in his hey-dey.]
no subject
Damn, too bad I missed out on seeing it.
( and maybe too bad that gale had missed out on seeing her. karlach had thought her outfit as fake wedding guest to have been both flashy and elegant. it had been a good look on her, she felt. enough that she kept the dress and shoved it into her closet for another occasion to break it out. )
Did you go with a tux or robes?
( she asks curiously as she tucks her sending stone away. )
Depending on your answer, we might have to go have a fancy meal somewhere just to get dressed up.
no subject
[Three guesses what color that tuxedo was, and the first two don't count.]
We're bound to have some occasion to dress up again before long— there's always something on the horizon, but I think I like your idea far better than simply waiting for the opportunity.
[As someone who enjoys eating well as often as he can, the notion of getting dressed up to enjoy fine dining in such good company is quite a pleasant one.]
There's a number of fine establishments in Eltrut alone that I've not yet had the chance to introduce you to.