Arcanus Liberus: Sir Ions Dilemma

[Shadoweaver]

WARNING

The following thread is a meeting of the Arcanus Liberus arcane organization. In order to attend you must be able to cast 2 cantrips and during the meeting divination magic will be used to insure privacy. If you wish to spy on the meeting, talk to a DM for guidance, otherwise do not read this thread as it will be metagaming.


Z'huul stands before the assembled membership with a Dwarf unknown to the newcomers. "My guildmates, I have called you here to perform an important function. A function for which Arcanus Liberus was created. The function of protecting and aiding our fellow guildmembers and arcanists when they face distress. One of our members faces such distress now."

With a stiff sweep of his hand the pallid warrior mage indicates the robed dwarf standing next to him. "This dwarf who stands before you, is actually the human mage Sir Ion. He has been transformed into a dwarf by magic that Sir Cadmus and I can not discern the exact nature of alone. Polymorphing magic has proved insufficient to return him to his natural state. Myself, Sir Cadmus, and Sir Ion formally request the wisdom and expertise of all members of Arcanus Liberus to be turned to solving this dilemma."

In his hollow voice Z'huul continues. "I think we should begin by having Sir Ion recount the circumstances around his transformation if none object" With this, Z'huul turns to Sir Ion and waits...


(((OOC Ion was transformed into a dwarf accidentally by a DM and a quirk of the engine wouldn't let him be transformed back. Being both a great RPer and a good sport, he has 'gone with it' and let it effect his character. This thread is for those in Arcanus Liberus to offer ideas about how to transform him back. Eventually the results will be adjudicated by a DM. We don't know if he will change back or not, please have fun RPing this meeting.))

Shad

[ThePaganKing]

I witnessed his transformation. It took place while trying to seal a portal that a powerful Balor was trying to use to come to our plane of existence.

I believe the magic he used to close the portal binded with the portal and rebounded, changing his form. Therefore, I would consult with the Thayan Enclave, who may know more about this type of problem, and also the Triumverate. Their priestly magic may aid Ion more than any arcane.

These are my thoughts on the matter.

[GRCrush]

From the mouth of a Dwarf

Ion steps up to the podium looking every bit a disheveled dwarf

Hmmhmfft hmmm (clears his throat))

Greetings fellow Mages,

I be first off wishin to thank Zhuul for bring this matter before you, and to ye mister Gallows for savin me da troubles of havin to explain dis story from de very beginins.

For those of you not be knowin who I am. I am Ion Semhadai mage scholar of Gebsport in Mulhorand, and would like to add in dat bein a human mage and all.

Nows to bring ye all up to date, two days back we had a bit of an encounter in dem crossroads area with some sort of planar circle which form what I can best tell be used for summonins one of them Balor Demons. How I came upon the Knowledge to close somethin well beyond me self I have no idea. Needless to say the effort be quite taxin on de body and mind. I have suspicion dat in my weakend state I was very succeptable to any backlash dat occured. Next thing I be known is Nulinus of Gorm be helpin me to my feet and an elven lassy callin me master dwarf.

I am not one do be a ramblin on and such. So to make short of dis matter As you can see before ye the trasformation is near complete. It be startin in the first few hours with what I would be describin as simply a metaphysical resizin of me human form. As the day be progressin though slight abnormalities be startin to show up in the way de words be rollin of me tongue. by next days mornin and a night of tossin and turnin in a bad way i found myself a wee bit shorter then the day before and nearly chokin my self with me new hair extensions on my chin. now if that dont top it all I find myself cursin over the whole fuss in none other then full dwarven tongue. which by da way I aint never learned a lick of.

Well dat der pretty much be summin up my state of affairs of late. Grant ye there had been one benefit to it all which I be writin about in the future. Dat bein with my new found dwarven constitution I have managed to find my way into managin a few spells me body couldnt take before and holdin their duration a bit longer. Though that be somethin to analyze a bit later I am thinkin.

So as a fellow mage I be askin you all for any assistance you can give to revese what be done.


Ooh and two things dat may be of improtance in dis is a Symbol of Bane that was found at the site and dis here obsidian stone of da likes I have never seen before ((holds up the stone))

again thank you


***Ion takes a few steps back from the podium and waits for the input from his fellow mages***

[ThePaganKing]

*Elric Stands*

Aye, I remember the Bane symbol and on further examination, I would say that Ion should hasten to the Temple of Helm, where they may be able to help our friend and compatriot. Especially since Helm is a bitter enemy of Bane and if this transformation is linked to Bane, they may be able to find this out and find a way to reverse it.

*Elric smiles and then sits back down*

[Kangleton]

Apocryphus raises his hand, still standing in the back.

"Is there something tragically wrong with being a dwarf?"

As his hand lowers, a smirk creeps upon his face, as though he finds his question impossibly humorous.

[GRCrush]

Hmm...

Ion steps back to the podium,

Well I be glad to see such an overflow of insight. Perhaps these Thay mages you shun would have better insight into a solution.

An as for bein a dwarf, I am sure there be nothin wrong with it, if you were naturally born such but that be a matter you should perhaps ask Cadmus opinion on.

Ion stomps back to his seat rather upset with his perdicament and the lack of assistance or concern form his fellow mages.

[Shadoweaver]

Z'huul steps forward. "I wish to apologize to Sir Ion. I have let myself become distracted by the membership debate and have not given enough attention to this matter. As a member of the guild he is entitled to our dedicated effort. To review what I know, we have taught sir Ion the polymorph spell, but still it will not return him to his natural form. We can not detect the continuing enchantment that causes this transformation, and lastly, it appears that the transformation is more complete than a traditional polymorph spell, as Sir Ion is becoming more dwarven in his behavior, and indeed has learned the dwarven tongue overnight. Has any other member anything to add which might assist us?"

[Aries1918]

*Rigrin stands up and casts an enlargement spell on himself so everyone can see him* Oh you youngins all try to do things the quick and simple way. Back in my days, people knew how to take our time and study situations. As a scholar of divination.... well, not a very good one yet... *clears his throat* I suggest using that school to identify his case. One of you youngins should know what I am talking about, eh? *cancels the enlargement spell and sits back down with a groan in his little chair*

[Kangleton]

Apocryphus stands taller, still silent, at the mention of divination. After a few long moments seemingly spent in thought, he begins to speak:

"You play a dangerous game if you intend to attempt methods of divination upon one who has been touched by something of the other planes - the rules are different in such places. Reach your awareness too far, and you'll find that it won't come back in the way that you had sent it of as. Bravery, or foolishness, is the attribute that you would have to posess to do such things."

[Cadmus Runesmith]

*Cadmus rises from his seat, addressing the members of the order.*

"Master Ion's situation should be a cause of great concern amongst our order, for if such a fate can befall him, then what is to prevent the same malignancy from infecting us as well?"

"I will not pretend to understand the deeper ramifications of such an affliction upon ones psyche, but as it stands Master Ion slips deeper and deeper into his Dwarven persona, and in affect looses the fundamental idea of his own identity."

"I cannot say what the ultimate outcome of such a change will bring, but I do know that it falls squarely upon our shoulders to find a solution to this problem."

"I understand that the last several weeks have been trying on us all, but now we stand together as a newly formed order, and I suggest that we apply all our efforts teo resolving Master Ions affliction with due haste."

"I propse that the members of this order divide themselves into their specific schools of speciality and research the problem from the beginning in the attempt to divulge the source of this magical transformation."

"You have one week to conduct your testing." "At the end of this time we shall reconvene and discuss what we have learned."

*Cadmus then sits down and prepares to start his own research involving Master Ion*

((We will consider any further posts to be after the one week time, so as to simplify any time-line constraints.))

[Cadmus Runesmith]

*Cadmus returns to the meeting after attempting to research the strange stone that Master Ion keeps in his grasp*

"I believe this obsidian stone in some way acts as a phylactery of sorts, perhaps holding master Ions true form within thereby preventing us from dispelling the magics that have taken hold of him."

"I am not certain of this idea, but perhaps further research into the stone's origins can glean additional information."

"The stone itself is almost assuredly of Planar origin, and from what I have been told Master Ion has kept it in his possession since the time of the transformation."

"If divination magics do not revela the source, we may be forced to commune with planar beings to discern the origins of the stone."

"I would ask one of you skilled in the arts of Divination to stand forth and attempt to divulge the stones origins and powers."

*Saying this Cadmus again returns to his seat.*

[Kangleton]

Apocryphus walks towards Cadmus in silence, and simply nods his head as to signify that he answers the call for Divination.

((School: Divination, Spell Focus and Greater Spell Focus: Divination))

[Cadmus Runesmith]

Cadmus nods to the mage as he presents himself before the council

"Your skill shall prove most useful in determining the nature of Master Ion's stone." "I would ask that you make arrangements with Master Ion in regards to your divinations and report your finding before the council as soon as possible."

"May Helm guide your hand my friend."

[Shadoweaver]

The emotionless warrior mage speaks "Gentlemen I have an idea, While I am not a specialist in divination, I have a spell which may reveal secrets, let me attempt it." Z'huul removes his armor and shield and casts Legend Lore on the Stone. ((OOC for DM's with buffs, items and legend Lore my Lore bonus goes up to +48)) Z'huul opens his eyes, prepared to relate what he has learned to his guildmates.

Shad

[Kangleton]

Apocryphus hesitates for only a moment before taking the Obsidian stone into his posession. Holding it in his hand before those present, he closes his eyes, and begins to whisper - it becomes clear though, that the whispers resonate from a function of the arcane. The words, though hushed, travel farther than even a shout could carry them, and resonate with almost an echo as they escape the meditative seer.

"Do not whisper to the wind,
For those who listen will hear;
The winds will carry monologues
To meet the careful ear,
And as the listener rises,
The truth falls under light,
And all that must be known,
Is brought within our sight."

As the final words are spoken, and all that can be heard is the gentle whistle of the wind, the wizard tilts his head ever so slightly upwards towards the skies. The look of focus upon his face remained even while the words linger in the air. As the others remain in silence, Apocryphus continues to concentrate.

After nearly five minutes, the motionless human figure opens his eyes rather slowly. The concentration evident upon his face has remained unaltered, though he speaks regardless, in much the same fashion as before.


"To a place where the planes may meet
Is where this stone must go.
Brought between two portals,
The truth, the wind shall blow."


As the final line is spoken, Apocryphus wearily drops the stone into the hands of Cadmus, proceeding to collapse with his back against the nearest vertical surface. Clearly exhausted, the human wizard establishes eyecontact with the nearest few people, before falling into a trance-like slumber.