“What do you mean?” Lyssa sounds terrified. “If this isn’t Abaddon, then where are we?”
Before answering her, Dargothoth studies his surroundings in silence. A pale mist blocks his vision only partially, so he can still see the contours of the buildings on the floating rocks. All but one don’t seem that monumental. The pyramid-like tower in the central rock towers above all others. It is made of the whitest stone and a golden cube floats above its flattened top.
(Intelligence 19)
“I thinks this is a pocket plane”, Dargothoth says slowly. His voice betrays that he’s worried. He can read the confusion of the siren’s face.
“A pocket plane is a small dimension created by very powerful magic wielders. While the bigger dimensions, like our own world, are created by the gods and have very strict rules on how everything works, it’s completely different within a pocket plane. Here it just depends how mad its creator is and, guessing on how it all looks around here, I would guess the designer is quite mad.”
(Arcana 16)
“I know my former master tried to create one in his closet”, Mero says. “He was very upset when he failed. I think he tried many times and he didn’t succeed on any of his attempts. I always thought he was powerful and I think he thought that about himself as well.”
To stop the elaborate discussion from continuing, Bruq takes a step forward and points towards to pyramid.
“So there’s a wizard in that building over there…”
“Or sorcerer”, Mero interrupts him.
“Yes”, Bruq affirms. He tries to hide how annoyed he is, but his curtly tone betrays him. “There is a wizard or sorcerer in that building that created this whole plane and you are arguing how mad he is. Maybe it’s a better idea to get away from this place or at least make sure that he or she doesn’t find us.”
Oslando nods.
“Bruq is right. Everything so far has been hostile territory in one way or another. Until we have a reason to believe otherwise, I suggest we move on.”
There aren’t many paths connected to the small platform they’re standing on. The only noteworthy thing on this rock is the portal they just stepped through. It’s made of chunks of black stone and its oval form is maintained by some kind of levitation spell.
In front of them are two paths. One is made of yellow pebbles. They assume the same spell keeps them from falling down into the seemingly endless orange abyss. The path connects to the central rock and is relatively short. It would take only a couple of minutes to cross it, even if they are extra careful to not fall down.
(Perception 17)
The other path is different. It’s like it’s almost made out of light. Light blue and golden beams stretch out into the unknown. They can’t see where it stops and connects to a piece of land. The fog prevents it.
Bruq would question if it’s even something you could walk on if he didn’t spot something troubling.
“Someone is coming our way.”
They all gaze across the radiant pathway and conclude Bruq is right. Although the mist hides the stranger’s details, they can distinguish the contours of a woman coming their way.
“I told you we weren’t safe”, the satyr reminds them and readies his bow. His companions follow his example, but no one chooses to initiate the first attack. Not for now, that is.
(Intimidate 6)
“Make yourself known.” Dargothoth’s voice is deep and animal-like, but the slight trembling reveals a lot: he fears the unknown of this place.
The nearing woman remains silent as she gets closer. She becomes less hidden with every step she takes, until she is completely revealed.
(Intelligence 8)
Her skin is pale with a little hint of red. Her long red hair falls down to her hips, but it can’t hide her pointy ears. More noteworthy than her elf-like ears are the thick pale horns sprouting from her head. A tail sways from behind her almost fully naked body and four wings stick out her back. The two upper wings, also the bigger pair of wings, are stretched out behind her and cast a shadow over her. The smaller pair are folded downwards, around her hips, hiding her most intimate parts.
“A demon”, Oslando states with his hand on the hilt of his sword. “State your business or begone.”
She nods and a cheeky smile reveals her teeth. She licks her voluptuous upper lip sensually.
“And not just any demon”, she adds to the half-elf’s statement. “I am royalty. I am princess Cyrzana, daughter of the Succubus Queen Agraxia and heir to the Black Throne.”
She whips her hair back elegantly and reveals the decoration on her chest. Several necklaces with precious jewels end somewhere between her breasts. Most of the details remain hidden beneath carefully placed rubies, but they draw attention nonetheless.
“I didn’t expect you to bow, but at least some form of greeting should be in place.” Her voice is warm and sounds playful and innocent at the same time.
They know about the legends of succubi, how they lure men into carnal pleasures. They are magically irresistible.
The puppet makes a deep bow.
“My name is Merodius Darvantigo, Your Highness.” When he comes back up again, she has moved closer to them. Now he can see she’s of royal blood. Between her horns rests a small golden crown.
After they all introduce themselves, they are happy their first encounter in this realm, with a demon nonetheless, hasn’t been hostile. Although she seems friendly so far, they still don’t fully trust the situation.
“Why have you come to this realm? You are obviously out of place here.” Her voice echoes in their heads, even Lyssa’s.
(Performance 7)
“My apologies for intruding your realm”, Oslando says. He tries to figure out how to act towards someone of demon blood and royal blood, but he feels like he’s failing miserably.
She crooks her head and smiles.
“No apologies needed, young half-elf.” She winks. “I can’t take any credit for everything you see here. I am not the ruler of this dimension.”
Bruq bows his head again before speaking. “If it’s not you who rules then who is?” His inner restlessness shows in his fingers. He keeps pulling the cord of his bow nervously.
“The ruler of this dimension, of the Eyes Between Worlds, is a man who calls himself the Beholder.”
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