Ottokath's Journal #27

General Summary

We each decided to take some time for leisure today. Mavis and I went to try and claim a sword we spotted along the path the day before. I am unclear what the others were up to, but I couldn't help but notice Tanz and Art flocking together. This seems highly uncharacteristic for Art.
The night before I had a look at Tanz' staff. Some odd change had overtaken it and I finally felt of mind to have a better look. As such, I extended my mind past the outer shell of it. The world around it was oddly unstable and I could feel a will actively struggle against my attempts. I peered deeper and felt it try and attack my mind. I am rather capably willed and resisted the attempt. There I found the source of malice within. I knew immediately that his was beyond me to dispel and irrepairably woven within the enchantments. More notably, I noticed the similarity between its magics and Arts. They are rather unique. I wondered if this explained her intrest in Tanz, as I had told her of the effects. I do regret not keeping a better eye on her, but she is her own person, free to make her own mistakes.
Mavis and I found the stone with the sword thrust deep within it. I placed my hand on the rock and asked the gaia to grant us access. They complied, to my surprise, allowing the sword to be pulled free. Mavis partook in that honour. It didn't take me long to realise it was conversing with her, but I am capable enough to fill in the gaps from what she was saying. It was a rather interesting conversation with a restless spirit. It had apparantly been slighted by some demon. We could aid it in such problems. As we got back to town I asked Mavis to close my eyes. I finally felt ready to try something now. Mavis being Maivs, she complied.
I willed my form to shift, taking in the sharp features of a giant eagle and grab her by the shoulders, hoisting her up into the air. Flying is hard, but I am getting used to it. And Mavis quite light. The eyes of an eagle are sharp and I spotted Tanz and Art in the north of the town. I landed us near them. Mavis, dramatic as always, opted to hurl their breakfast all over the pavings. We all agreed on a course of action.
We were to bury Mutt in the land he was from, as his current resting place was rather unacceptable. Before donig so, we would appease the spirit within Mavis' new sword.
Before we left, I convinced a set of birds to fly north in an attempt to find Hogar. If they could, he would expediate our journey west significantly.
The place of interest wasn't far south. We followed the sea, past a border checkpoint until we came upon the ruins of a tower. There, within its basement we found our quarry. Before we entered, we rested at the entrance. This is when I noticed I still had my sword by my side. Yet I do seem to recall giving it to Art to reinforce my promise. As such, I promptly returned it to her. Shortly after, we headed down below. A shadow demon, two lesser forms flanking it, engaged us. It was no match for Tanz' now immense army. With the spirit appeased, we check the contents of the room within. Tanz came across a sword he couldn't possibly use and proceeded to passively threaten our group with his skeletons. Hamood took this poorly, exerting his divine power to project his will. Most of the skeletons broke formation. This set Tanz off, but before he could act, I had the sylphs around him restrict his movements. Three skeletons fell before Art broke up the fight. Tanz was done. I could see it too. He was too misaligned to be protected by me. And to self centered to see the harm he was willing to enact on others. What I didn't expect was what Art did next. She told us of her plan to leave. I could see why.
I impressed on her my displeasure at her leaving. This seemed to surprise her. I don't remember having a reason for me to be hostile towards her. Nor can I therefore recall the reason she might dislike me, lest she still worries for me charming her back in the citadel. I impressed on her the importance of looking after herself. To do what she felt was right. I feel that message failed to land. I may have to find a way to check on her later on.
With that, Tanz and Art placed their hands on the staff and were taken away by the most ominous and powerful creatures I have yet to have had the displeasure of running in to. Liches of Tellurea. I do hope Art will be alright. But I also honestly doubt such sentiment. Why did I check that staff? How have I caused yet another companion away through circumstance? Am I the problem?
What does it mean to do right? Have I failed?
I miss you dad... I'd like to be back home. But that won't happen any time soon I suppose. Guess I'm off to bury a friend. And pray for another...

Report Date

11 Jun 2021

Primary Location

Hasilla