Racknar and his party allowed themselves some rest before returning to Londinium and visiting the guildhall to get new quests. There was one posted that was a request from Midterranus, to deal with a migration of cyclopes that was causing trouble. Getting to the location would mean gate jumping across the Empire once again but out of all the quests it seemed the most difficult among the ones the party felt they could handle. Even if Racknar grumbled about taking the job because of how inconsistent the lore for the monster was in Creatures and Catacombs meaning he didn't know what to expect.
However, because they functioned similarly mechanically across different versions this meant fighting them would likely not offer any surprises. The main issue was whether or not diplomacy was on the table or if the party would have to wipe out the giant humanoids. With their gear in tow and a quick goodbye the party headed out. Ariagoria talking casually as they move. “So Davy, have you settled on who you'll pick to go steady with as your girlfriend? Or are you still avoiding picking?”
Davy grumbled and mumbled. “My dating life is hardly your business.” Racknar let out a small growl. “It is our business when it affects the group and our ability to fight. Honestly, I'd avoid dating within the party because the breakups are extra messy. You still have to try and work with that person. It's like dating a coworker at the office. But love knows no boundaries or whatever so I'm not going to stop you.” Marionette shifts a bit. “I don't stand a chance, do I?” She was startled when she said that outloud.
Racknar took a hand of the reins of the cart and pat Marionette’s head. “It's not like I didn't care about you, I just have issues. You're my friend, that'll have to be enough for now.” Marionette smiled as she leaned into the headpats, nuzzling the hand. Eventually, Racknar had to pull it away to focus on driving. Davy grumbled about not deciding yet and the rest of the journey was relatively silent.
The party pulled into the city that originally posted the job looking for more information, finding the quest was issued by the local guildhall. “Yeah, basically we've been getting reports of a massive number of cyclopes migrating and trashing everything in their wake. One set of reports have them heading west in the direction of Ackeron. The other has them heading that direction from the west. So we either have two different groups converging about to land in the city state with the biggest military or something strange is going on.”
Racknar nods. “So scout it out, and avoid damage, and kill if needed?” The person nodded. “Yeah, I don't know much about them but most kinds of giants can talk so there's a chance for a peaceful resolution. I'm just hoping this isn't some cyclops tribal war. Last time we had giants fight a tribal war the collateral damage to other people was devastating.” Racknar nodded but was clearly upset he learned nothing about Cyclops culture.
After walking out, Ariagoria tried to get Racknar's focus on creating plans. “Okay, so there's more than one culture in the books you know. How about you go through them and we can figure out plans for each kind. Cover our bases.” Racknar let out a soft growl, then made a clicking noise. “Right. I'll try to keep it short.” The party loaded back into the cart to make their way to where the cyclopes coming from the east of Ackeron will be reaching.
“As I've explained slightly before, depending on the version of the Cyclops, they are either servants of the gods or actively antagonistic. Sometimes they are blacksmiths but not always. Usually stupid, they are big bruisers that can hit hard and take a punch. Individually they aren't that much of a threat at our level but a group could be a problem. Even with disadvantage for ranged attacks farther than thirty feet a lot of attacks make taking a hit a guarantee. Also a rewrite of the newest edition that was out when I was alive gave them a common ability among giants that they previously didn't have. Melee hits have a chance to knock you back a bit and make you prone.”
Davy did a wave. “By prone he means it'll knock you on your back and leave you open to future attacks. It's a bit of a pain but not the worst thing to deal with. Especially compared to other status effects that monsters can impose. Gazer Beasts, Medusas, Basilisks, Cockatrice… all things that can turn you to stone just by looking at you. If you take a hit while petrified, that's it, game over. Unless you have the higher end revival and even then the spell requires a diamond worth a thousand silver. Literally dropping a grand to bring a person back from the dead isn't cheap.”
Racknar nods. “There are recovery spells that can remove petrification, as well as potions. I'd rather not fight anything with problematic abilities at this time. Unlike in the games we can't exactly roll a new character if we die.” This somber note was followed by a long silence before Racknar stopped the cart. “I see lots of dust being kicked up in the distance. Davy, use prestidigitation to give me a megaphone effect.” Davy nods and casts the spell without questioning it.
Racknar shouts, his voice being enhanced by the spell. “Hello group of cyclopes, I humbly ask you to stop your progression so that we may talk. You've been creating a mess but I'd rather avoid combat unless necessary.” The group continues for a bit but eventually stops several feet away from the party. There are a number of traditional cyclopes holding clubs likely made from branch stripped trees dressed in loincloths. However, there were a number of them in various types of armor and a few were more slender and wearing robes.
Davy points out a robed cyclops. “If I didn't know better I'd say that looks like a caster.” Racknar nodded. “That's definitely not something in the books.” One of the robed ones stepped forward with its hands up is some sort of pose. Magic walked in its hands in front of its eye as it observed the group. The monocular mage that stepped forward then did a bow with an arm flourish aimed at Racknar. “Star touched child, we mean you no harm. I offer apologies if we have rendered harm to the smaller humanoids. Most of my cohorts are not as learned as us Oracles.”
Racknar tilted his head. “A cyclops oracle? I've never heard of such a thing.” The Cyclops Oracle stayed bowed as he spoke. “Yes, those of my job loyal to Olympus have been given a measure of foresight that escapes the grasp of our more savage kin that either follow the Titans despite their fall or simply hate the gods outright. We travel to force back our more savage brothers who seek to harm the gods by harming those that follow them. I.e., the humans of this land.”
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One of the more brutish ones spoke. “We crush traitors, smash them good so no hurt umans.” Racknar sighed. “Okay, well consider us on the same side if what you say is true.” The Monster Mashers went on ahead to explain things to the people of Ackeron. Once they heard of an incoming fight the city’s military was geared up and ready to go. This would make the fight a lot easier but also meant the party wouldn't gain much experience from it.
The party couldn't afford to be reckless just for the sake of some game mechanic that might not even work the same as in the books. Considering the fact the book only has experience numbers listed for killing monsters and none listed for diplomatic solutions or role play sessions. Racknar’s calculations may not have been perfect but he was sure they were higher level then they would be from just kill counts.
When the two armies arrived Racknar let out a sigh of relief as the other army was wearing different colors. The followers of Olympus wore blue while the other side wore red. “Attack only the cyclopes dressed in red.” Racknar ordered as the area became a chaotic battlefield. The first thing Racknar noticed was the fact the enemy seemed to be dodging attacks really well somehow and as they threw rocks most of their attacks would have hit if not for dodging on the other side.
Krys'tal pointed out these other cyclopes had glowing eyes and must be using a future sight similar to the followers of Olympus. The rest of the party groaned at the fact this fight would likely drag out a bit. “Switch to AOE.” Racknar ordered as Krys'tal and Davy nodded. Krys'tal launched an ice knife arrow as Davy used Shatter to blast the ears of the enemy. Marionette then threw knives at the ones hit by the spells finishing them off. Ariagoria took out her two revolvers and made for attacks with them landing right in the eyes and killing four Oracles.
Racknar ran in and savagely attacked a cyclops clubber, making six attacks and cutting it to bits. A second cyclops hit him with a club pushing him back but he managed to stay on his feet. “It must be a Constitution save, how unfortunate for you.” Racknar taunted as attacks from both sides left many injured or dead. The enemy were easily outnumbered and losing people faster than the allies. This fight wouldn't last much longer.
With Krys'tal, Davy, and Marionette teaming up to kill groups using ice knives, shatter, and throwing knives while Ariagoria was doing significant damage with her guns alongside the two allied armies the party continued to whittle down the enemy army. Racknar activated his rage, greenish flames licking from his body as he increased his damage output and started using the elemental enhancement so he could kill two targets in a single flurry of six attacks.
Seeing no hope of victory, the enemy started to run, fleeing the battle and taking attacks as they fled. Most of those who tried to run died with only a few making it out alive. The allied cyclopes thanked the party and the army for their help before giving chase to make sure none of their enemies survived. Racknar started looking over the cyclops corpses only to find they had nothing of value on them. The Ackeron military took care of their own dead as a few fell in the chaos.
The soldiers that survived were hyped up after the battle seeing as they had not had a chance to fight in a proper military battle in some time and thanked the party for including them. Racknar explained that they were just trying to make the fight easier and reduce deaths. The party then went to the Ackeron guildhall for their payment with the quest now complete.
Racknar did some stretches, now that the battle was over. “I think we overdid it a bit. No one in the party took any damage other than me. Even then it was just the one attack.” Davy shook his head. “Better safe than sorry. We don't exactly have the spendable income to revive someone if they die.” Ariagoria nods. “I'm also not skilled enough to cast the higher level resurrection myself yet. Revivify is the best I can do. It costs extra to have resurrection done by the church. And there's also the possibility they'd refuse service to a non-human.”
Racknar grumbled. “Well I think it's about time to go back home again. Or we can take another quest, hopefully nearby so we don't have to gate hop.” Ariagoria looked at the questboard. “This one looks interesting. Strange angel statue appeared out of nowhere. Looking for someone to investigate. Requirements, knowledge of the Celestial language.” Racknar put his hand on his chin. “Well that doesn't sound too bad. Sure, let's take this one.” Ariagoria grabbed the quest and brought it to the counter to register their party was taking it.
Once the paperwork was finished the party started heading out once more. Loading up the cart for yet another mission in the hopes of gaining experience and getting strong enough to fight Lolith. She had the last two artifacts of Arachne that the party needed to restore the spider goddess. The closest thing the party had to a main quest besides the planned future rebellion against the Empire.
The party has no idea what they were getting into by taking this quest to investigate the statue. They had no idea what awaited them and how difficult the path ahead was going to become. Each member of the party was going to be personally tested, the statue just one test among many they would have to endure. But for now however, due to a lack of available gates closer to their destination, the party had to go the long way giving them plenty of time to talk.
Ariagoria shifted in the cart. “So Davy, you chose who you're going to go steady with? Ivory or Krys'tal.” Davy lets out a long exasperated groan. “They are both wonderful individuals that want different things in a relationship. Krys'tal would give me a more in depth romance but minimal to no sexual interaction. They also want to have an exclusive relationship and be fully monogamous. Ivory on the other hand would be almost the complete opposite. Little to no actual romantic attachment but plenty of sex and is fine with me doing stuff outside the relationship. I don't want to pick just out of what best for me because that would be selfish.”
Racknar looked over at Krys'tal. “You know since you can't exactly accommodate him sexually the least you could do is let him go to someone whenever he's in the mood.” Krys'tal crossed their arms. “I could accommodate him, somewhat. There would be zero chance of children but I can alter my shape in minor ways.” Racknar nodded. “Ivory on the other hand could give you children.” Davy shifted around uncomfortablely. “I have mixed feelings about that. I mean… we're Illithids. Creatures from the far realms. We don't exactly belong here.”
Marionette chuckled. “At least you are trying to pick someone. More then I can say for our leader over here.” Racknar growled. “I'll do things in my own time, I will not be rushed.” Marionette crossed her arms. “Twas only teasing. What about you Charity? Any romance in your life?” Ariagoria shook her head. “I'm a nun, Mari. We don't exactly do romantic relationships or sex. Our life is devoted to the mission.” Marionette scoffed. “Sounds like Racknar, only a different kind of mission.”
Racknar grumbled some more but focused on driving. “As much as I normally dislike in party relationships, if you want my advice I'd choose Krys'tal if I were you Davy. I get you don't want to be tied down to one person but I feel Ivory would get you into trouble eventually. Mostly because you'd be allowed to play around. You're like our horny bard in that aspect and that rarely ends well.” Davy shifts around and then lays down. “Well I've got plenty of time to think about it before we get home.” The cart fell silent for the rest of the trip. After a while they pulled up to the angel statue.
The party walked around and observed the simplified version of an angel carved into what looked like marble. A golden plaque with words in Celestial at the base. Ariagoria translates the text. “In order to know one's inner angel, they must first face their inner demon.” Racknar rolled his eyes. “How cliche.” He then playfully slapped the statue and vanished in a flash of light. The rest of the party tried touching it to no effect. “Looks like we just wait here.”
