"A blissful reprieve of the many event's that once happened upon this place."
A singular dusty skull is picked up and held over the head of the speaker.
"To think, I let all of my work come to this. . ."
"Back to it's beginnings."
The dusty skull would begin to float above the hand of the speaker. The darkness within it's eye sockets taking on a new hue of crimson red. Bone and marrow soon take shape as the animated limbs crawl and scrape their way towards the floating speaker and the skull. The energy upon the Temple flows back as the once silent necropolis echos with renewed groans and moans of the animated dead. Bone, Marrow and Flesh is all that is required, as the floating skull finds it's pieces and takes it's very first steps upon sacred temple grounds with a new purpose.
Batibat look's to her creation with a pleased smile as she turns behind her to witness the small horde of undead that have already beckoned from her presence. She takes a step forward past them and into the courtyard to witness the rest of the horde before addressing them with a booming voice.
______________
"It saddens me that upon my departure THIS is what has come from the roots that I have sowed and seeded here."
"The goals and revelations I set upon those who sought a similar pasture of this great city, to be left YET AGAIN vacant and forgotten."
"It is saddening, but I have no one to blame but myself for setting my city upon a half finished path, with half hearted leadership."
"No longer..."
"I did not return here to bask the the nostalgia of my past success."
"I returned..."
Batibat turns and leaves the crowed of undead as she ventures towards the temple, two strong bone golems pulling on the rusted door-frame to unviel the scared halls within as Batibat takes a slow stride towards that one relieving comfort she missed so much. With the held of an undead servent lifting her and placing her upon the throne she addresses the Undercity.
"I returned, to finish what I started."
_____________________________
The chime of the temple bell rings once again upon the Temple of All-Seeing Eyes. It's sound echoing throughout the entirety of the Undercity allowing any and all of those who still reside there to hear it's call...
The eerie chime of the Temple bell rings across the Undercity marking another gathering within the of the Temple of All-Seeing Eyes. The undead slowly wander towards the halls to find their place along the corner stones and walls to take in the sight of the new event that is to take place. Within the gathering many of the clergy would stand-tall and look upon a new face yet to be seen within the city. Without many words it is only the chiming of the bell and the pitter patter of gathering undead footstep that echo in the Temple.
As the last of the remaining undead finally find their place the teleportation glyph at the end of the room shine brightly and out from the blinding light a small halfling would step out from it's glooming energy. As the hin enters the Temple halls and looks upon the many gathered would they and the stranger in the center bend the knee and kneel upon her entry. With the High Exarch looming nearby and the clergy of Balkoth, Grimwald and a skeletal sergeant present keeping a keen eye to assure the masses are showing respect... the ceremony would begin.
Batibat would slowly take her stride over to her throne and look upon the masses first before addressing the man in the center...
"You have my attention. Speak your word to the All-Seeing Eyes and showcase your devotion. What brought you upon the sight of the High Priestess of the Dead Three this day?"
"We share the same masters. I serve my master of bones, Lord Myrkul. I came here to hear what's the temple of All-Seeing Eyes seeking with this. Lord Myrkul has no issues at all to use the dead to their armies, but always under control. Order must prevail."
"Here upon the Great Necropolis of the Undercity there is no primary devotion. Our devotion is to all Gods of Death and Undeath in unification as they are the ones that grant us their vision to set the stones of this city back into place for all who to bare witness to the Undercities rightful reconstruction. It was the path the lord of bones has set for you. For he too knows your rightful place in what is the be his holy sanctum soon enough. The question is... Will you bend the knee u in servitude to his All-Seeing Eye who looks upon your submission here and now?"
"I will bend my knee so they can rise..."
"So shall it be. Upon my sight as the High Priestess of the Dead Three and All-Seeing Eye of the Great Necropolis. Rise and stand upon the vision of the lord of bones. Nathaniel, The Hands of Myrkul."
Within the veil of the undercity a few skeletal laborers would be put to work placing and moving stone and brick stabs between damaged and vacant housing. There would seem to be no directive towards the process at the moment aside from stacking what ever slabs and bricks they could on areas of the streets marked teleportation circles outside of the housing they would be stationed to work on.
The dark and eerie chime of the Temple of All-Seeing Eyes would loom and echo once again within the Undercity marking the returned arrival of the clergy and magistri. As the bells toll many would begin to gather nearby and within the temple with great anticipation for what was to be a leaping milestone yet to be witnessed. A small band of clergy and magistri would be seen entering the temple from the teleportation circle nearby. The sign of struggle and battle would weigh on their step and the smoldering charred smoke emitting from some of their clothing both indicate that the journey and the resolution was nay a straightforward and easy venture. As the final members of the All-Seeing Eyes would take step from the teleportation circle many of the dead would fall to a knee and a bow of their heads while the other mortal minds would be inclined to do the same as the High Priestess Batibat and the High Necromancer L'Beldroin are the final two to enter the temple to witness those gathered.
The silence in the Temple would be deafing at first, as likely many would wait in anticipation for what they could assume would be a good omen. Never the less they waited as Batibat and L'Beldroin stepped forward to address the people and the dead a-like.
"Citizens of the Undercity, My All-Seeing Eyes, and the great lords above who witness my call."
"I, along with my followers and the High Necromancer of the School of Sshamath, have come before all of you with great news. A testament to our continued efforts here in the Undercity and a symbol of the new heights we have reached as a collective for the greater future for the forsaken arts, rites, and religions."
"What we have achieved today will be remembered for years to come! When this great city that was once seen as ruination is foreseen and redeemed by many as a bastion of hope for those who have been shunned, oppressed and cast-out for choices and paths some have not chosen themselves. We are a dieing breed... who even now still hold-fast onto our rites and religions. But even now, I look and witness what is before my All-Seeing Eye, some of us Necromancers, others of Eldritch descent, Practitioners of the Blood, Shades and Shadow-masters, and even fiendish heritage who have no where else to go..."
Batibat would pause and look upon the hall for some time before reaching into her pocket and carefully drawing the glittering gem-mass that all have likely been waiting to see. She holds the gem high above her with her mortal hand for all to witness.
"With this relic, I Batibat Kok-Lir Kasdeya, High Priestess of the Temple of All-Seeing Eyes! Founder of the Great Undercity! Master of the weave-link to the art of Necromancy! I, mark this day the 4th of Eleint upon the year of the Prince (1357 DR)..."
"The first day..."
"Of our dominion!"
Batibat would channel her magic into the gem held in her hand allowing her magic to course through it for the first time for all of the Undercity to witness.
//Special thanks to DM GrinningDeath for the event.//
The eerier chime of the temple bells upon the Undercity would cascade off the cavern and ruined city walls once again to mark the presence of a new occurrence. The doors to the Temple of All-Seeing Eyes would begin to slowly open giving off the screech of jagged stone as the doors scrape along the floor in motion. A Gorgonian Chant would begin to echo from the voices of acolytes as the High Priestess Batibat and her clergy take stride outside of the temple and into the high arched courtyard overlooking the Western District. With a halted stride, deep hymn, and lowered heads, an outstretched mortal arm of the High Priestess would lift skyward with a magical gem-cluster in hand as she speaks and channels her prayer in spell of her words.
"My, All Seeing Eyes."
"Come forth and hear my call."
"Break free from your mindless wander, Break free of your abandonment, Break free - and see my vision."
"It is time to rebuild and repurpose this place, what was once your home. It is upon this hour that we make admen's and come together as one. Drop your weapons and take a-hold of the artificers hammer!"
"Let us take the time to clear the streets of their rubble and open up the pathways yet to be discovered! Lay the stones and bricks of the foundations to our new homes, and light the furnaces that shall bring the warmth of creation to our city!"
"Let the cogs to the wheel of reconstruction run their course and allow both mortal and gods to marvel at what will become a Bastion of Bone!"
One of the frequent visitors to the Ilmatari temple dining hall has seemingly lost her mind. She tried to abduct one of the patients, hissing and speaking in weird way. Khalso has driven the horned creature off, she jumped out of the window and scurried off into the sewers.
The creature was found in the city beneath the city. A yapping being happily barked orders at the skeleton workers in the mine, even though skeletons hardly heard it. This sight was truly surreal, the creature was loudly proclaiming herself a citizen of the city below and following its Queen.
IshiIshi, the friendly neighborhood possessed fiendspawn.
One of the frequent visitors to the Ilmatari temple dining hall has seemingly lost her mind. She tried to abduct one of the patients, hissing and speaking in weird way. Khalso has driven the horned creature off, she jumped out of the window and scurried off into the sewers.
The creature was found in the city beneath the city. A yapping being happily barked orders at the skeleton workers in the mine, even though skeletons hardly heard it. This sight was truly surreal, the creature was loudly proclaiming herself a citizen of the city below and following its Queen.
The High Priestess would pleasantly oversee and supervise the proceedings over-watching the horned creature as she lead her laborers along the workers path and into the quarry to which they would work tireless to gather the materials required for the great walls.
Batibat would nod seeming pleased after the fact and happily wandered back to her temple to conduct other orders.
With a light tug of the ropes atop the Temple of All-Seeing Eyes the beckoning bells would chime and call towards the ears of the people and the dead alike. A gathering within would take place and the temple guardians would slowly move towards the halls to take their place awaiting what was to come. As more and more begin to crowd the temple under the echo of the chiming bells the the teleportation circle within the hall begins to pulse and flash as a portal opens within, and the light step of a small band of skeletal legionnaires and Myrkul banner-holders take stride from the other side. When the final skeletal knight emerges from the portal so do five humanoid individuals cloaked in black and crimson coloring. One of which was of course the High Priestess Batibat Kasdeya holding not one but two very powerful relics pulsing with dark energy. As Batibat would take stride towards her throne she would not sit but instead stand and look upon the dead and the people a-like before allowing her voice to boom across the halls and onward for all to hear.
"My All-Seeing Eyes and citizens of the Undercity. It is upon this time that we rejoice once more in the success of our pursuit towards the reconstruction and re-evaluation of our great halls. I and those who follow me have continued to progress our effort tirelessly to achieve the goals appointed and deserved for you and I. For it is in these moments that another chapter in that progress has been achieved. It is only a matter of time now before the great dominion is set upon these ruined halls and the ascension of the All-Seeing Eyes and the Undercity is made bare for all to marvel!
For those who still lack faith in me, for those of you who still have yet to TRUELY and WHOLE-HEARTED believe in my vision. It is not to late to give me your faith. The Undercity WILL rise, the Undercity WILL prosper, and with YOU the people both living and unliving... The Undercity will flourish and triumph over all who have stood against it.
Mark my words now and hold them to the truth of our future. With my All-Seeing Eyes I have gazed and glimpsed into the path laid out before us, and in that premonition of the future... Our banners have never been held higher."
As Batibat finishes her speech she would hold up two large gemstone relics and chant a spell allowing the relics power to cascade over the Undercity in a marvelous display of Necromancy. As the power of the relics and her magic in unison flow and bask over as many undead it could extend to, a proud smile would grow on her face as she speaks her final words to the dead under her grasp.
"Stand-fast and witness my vision, My All-Seeing Eyes."
The temple bells ring once again marking the anticipated arrival of the clergy. As the bells toll across the undercity necropolis the signs of a gathering slowly develop a deathly march towards the temple grounds. Life and death compile and commune once again upon the the outer walls and of the Temple of All-Seeing Eyes as all heads would raise their sight upward to the temple bell tower to catch sight of the High Clergy now present among the masses. A crimson red hue of magic would envelop the clock tower in it's entirety. The dark magical essence would swirl and twist around the clock-tower as if it were alive occasionally crackling and whipping like chaotic thunder-bolts. Eventually the source of the magic would be made clear as the High Priestess of the Temple would make her presence known emerging in plain view in the high tower to showcase an artifact held gently above her open palms ahead of her. To those with the ability to witness the artifact they would glimpse at it's true nature. The treasured fruits of the Undercity... Three large gem clusters radiating with dark energy socketed in a crown of pure obsidian.
"My All-Seeing Eyes, and citizens of the Undercity."
"Bare witness to the fruits of our labor and the results of your loyalty and conviction to the All-Seeing Eye."
"A great milestone has been achieved this day and with it, our dominion here shall begin. For with this great artifact... *Batibat would lift the gem socketed crown above her head showcasing it* we need not rebel and fight amongst our once civil conflict between life and death! Let this crown be a symbol of the peace and harmony that conjoins our lives together now. Life and death held under one banner, one path and one city... The Undercity."
*Batibat would slowly lower the crown towards her head the crown's crimson dark magical swirling violently before halting as Batibat holds the crown only a fingers tip away from resting on her head.*
"But there is still much work to do and our presence here is still met with many dangers and enemies that may and will disturb our peace."
*Batibat would pull the crown away and hold it in-front of her once again as she speaks.*
"Let us take the time to reinforce our foundations and remedy our current obstacles together by flesh and bone. These hours of peace and prosperity will not hold forever, and so we must make the best of our time. Together with our allies from above and below it is time to shrug away our distractions and rebuild our home. Now is the time, take a-hold of the artificers hammer and showcase your loyalty to the Undercity. If you still have yet to truly believe in our path or walk the path towards the faithless wall then believe in me and grant me your prayers. Commune together as one my All-Seeing Eyes."
"The Undercity fights under one banner now..."
"So let us raise them high!"
// Thank you DM GrinningDeath for the plethora of events leading up to this! //
Within the temple bell's chime in the undercity a new occurrence is at hand as undead laborers adorned with leather bound satchels disperse within the undercity to hand out rolled parchments to any inhabitance within the city grounds. As they move and spread the word through sealed letter, few other bone-bound loyalist are put to work placing poster parchment papers on sturdy walls and foundations.
Let it be known! Upon the night-crossed candlemark, two days before of the Day of the Dead. All those faithful to the path of Myrkul are invited to a grand gathering under the sight of our Lord. Festivities abound for the glory of the heir to the throne. For those who are willing and able, you are invited to bare witness to the crowning of the first Under-Queen of the Undercity. It is with grace and approval of the Lord of Bones that the first crowning shall be placed upon the head of the forthcoming Under-Queen, Deathbringer, High Priestess of Art of Necromancy, The-All Seeing Eye - Batibat Kok-Lir Kasdeya. Long may she reign!
Let it be known! Upon the night-crossed candlemark, two days before of the Day of the Dead. All those faithful to the path of Myrkul are invited to a grand gathering under the sight of our Lord. Festivities abound for the glory of the heir to the throne. For those who are willing and able, you are invited to bare witness to the crowning of the first Under-Queen of the Undercity. It is with grace and approval of the Lord of Bones that the first crowning shall be placed upon the head of the forthcoming Under-Queen, Deathbringer, High Priestess of Art of Necromancy, The-All Seeing Eye - Batibat Kok-Lir Kasdeya. Long may she reign!
//This event was coordinated and approved to be a conjoined event with The Gathering of the Grey Ones. Staged and planned by enginseer-42. A specific time-slot for each event is not set yet and will be revealed within the next few days. However the agreed day will be Saturday November 27th.//
Rain wrote: ↑Sun Nov 21, 2021 11:03 pm
Within the temple bell's chime in the undercity a new occurrence is at hand as undead laborers adorned with leather bound satchels disperse within the undercity to hand out rolled parchments to any inhabitance within the city grounds. As they move and spread the word through sealed letter, few other bone-bound loyalist are put to work placing poster parchment papers on sturdy walls and foundations.
Let it be known! Upon the night-crossed candlemark, two days before of the Day of the Dead. All those faithful to the path of Myrkul are invited to a grand gathering under the sight of our Lord. Festivities abound for the glory of the heir to the throne. For those who are willing and able, you are invited to bare witness to the crowning of the first Under-Queen of the Undercity. It is with grace and approval of the Lord of Bones that the first crowning shall be placed upon the head of the forthcoming Under-Queen, Deathbringer, High Priestess of Art of Necromancy, The-All Seeing Eye - Batibat Kok-Lir Kasdeya. Long may she reign!
Let it be known! Upon the night-crossed candlemark, two days before of the Day of the Dead. All those faithful to the path of Myrkul are invited to a grand gathering under the sight of our Lord. Festivities abound for the glory of the heir to the throne. For those who are willing and able, you are invited to bare witness to the crowning of the first Under-Queen of the Undercity. It is with grace and approval of the Lord of Bones that the first crowning shall be placed upon the head of the forthcoming Under-Queen, Deathbringer, High Priestess of Art of Necromancy, The-All Seeing Eye - Batibat Kok-Lir Kasdeya. Long may she reign!
//This event was coordinated and approved to be a conjoined event with The Gathering of the Grey Ones. Staged and planned by enginseer-42. A specific time-slot for each event is not set yet and will be revealed within the next few days. However the agreed day will be Saturday November 27th.//
/// Apologies in advance for this update coming in late. The Undercity coronation event is to be postponed and rescheduled to Saturday, December 4th at 1PM EST. The new date is to accommodate for the large majority who were interested in attendance for the coronation and to align availability with interested outside parties and DM's. Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused to some who were interested in attending this evening. ///
Another cycle goes by within hidden veil of the Undercity. The ancient necropolis would be booming with activity and life as undead are spread about the city in droves conducting mundane task and labor-bound activities. Cloaked and shadowed necromancers and task masters would overwatch the dead as they work, sending them off to finish additional task after their previous one was complete. Banners of Myrkul would align the walls of the undercity along each street and lantern poles that adorn the streets corners would glow of a magical red hue cascading light off the cavern walls around the city itself. To those who frequent the Undercity it would make sense to why so much activity was blossoming upon the halls. Preparation for the upcoming first official "Under-Queen coronation" was to take place soon and what timing for such a grand occasion, within tendays span of the Lord of Bones festive Day of the Dead.
Things only seem to get more interesting in the Undercity these days it seems...
"And each who fell... may they Rest in Mercy's arms… "
Under the hushed cloak of the Feast of the Moon, two silhouettes wandered in the cold Temple. One stronger, and one weaked, united in strange harmony. Strong arms carried her, and prevented the falls threatening each and every of her steps. Not a soul to be seen, and the veil of peace seemed to shroud them to leave the blooming of acitvity of the Undercity undisturbed. No fight, no confrontation seemed actively sought, endeavors unspotted. Whatever words were spoken to the cold stones of Murder did not reach beyond the heavy doors. Hushed, almost as a whisper, prayers faded to silence, respect for those whose essence still not departed.
Along the task, none wavered before the frozen stares of Murder. The attention, in hushed bond, did not seem to be for Him. And while memories were cherished, another armored figure casted a protective anchor by his sole presence, leaving only piles of scattered bones behind. Darkness remained withdrawn, as a fragment of life was left, burried among the stones : hushed whispers to echoe care and warmth for the day Holy. As the trio united, a flash of light embraced them, leaving nothing behind but the promise of care engraved upon pieces of wood, bound with a piece of ageless cord : a childish depiction of family, each member drawn with colored chalk, holding hands. Upon the dais, pasts of reduced angelicas marked the endeavor with three runes : male, female, and peace.
Rain wrote: ↑Sun Nov 21, 2021 11:03 pm
Within the temple bell's chime in the undercity a new occurrence is at hand as undead laborers adorned with leather bound satchels disperse within the undercity to hand out rolled parchments to any inhabitance within the city grounds. As they move and spread the word through sealed letter, few other bone-bound loyalist are put to work placing poster parchment papers on sturdy walls and foundations.
Let it be known! Upon the night-crossed candlemark, two days before of the Day of the Dead. All those faithful to the path of Myrkul are invited to a grand gathering under the sight of our Lord. Festivities abound for the glory of the heir to the throne. For those who are willing and able, you are invited to bare witness to the crowning of the first Under-Queen of the Undercity. It is with grace and approval of the Lord of Bones that the first crowning shall be placed upon the head of the forthcoming Under-Queen, Deathbringer, High Priestess of Art of Necromancy, The-All Seeing Eye - Batibat Kok-Lir Kasdeya. Long may she reign!
Let it be known! Upon the night-crossed candlemark, two days before of the Day of the Dead. All those faithful to the path of Myrkul are invited to a grand gathering under the sight of our Lord. Festivities abound for the glory of the heir to the throne. For those who are willing and able, you are invited to bare witness to the crowning of the first Under-Queen of the Undercity. It is with grace and approval of the Lord of Bones that the first crowning shall be placed upon the head of the forthcoming Under-Queen, Deathbringer, High Priestess of Art of Necromancy, The-All Seeing Eye - Batibat Kok-Lir Kasdeya. Long may she reign!
//This event was coordinated and approved to be a conjoined event with The Gathering of the Grey Ones. Staged and planned by enginseer-42. A specific time-slot for each event is not set yet and will be revealed within the next few days. However the agreed day will be Saturday November 27th.//
/// Apologies in advance for this update coming in late. The Undercity coronation event is to be postponed and rescheduled to Saturday, December 4th at 1PM EST. The new date is to accommodate for the large majority who were interested in attendance for the coronation and to align availability with interested outside parties and DM's. Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused to some who were interested in attending this evening. ///
//As a reminder: This event will start tomorrow at 1 PM EST for those interested in attending.
Festive rattles and chills to the bone would echo of the lively events starting to unviel within the Undercity. Festivities abound on this special day when the crown shall be placed upon the head within the tenday's Day of the Dead. Skeletal legionaries march in formation in the streets in a display of restless grace. As appitiser for the festivities forth-coming to the city itself.
