Around the world of Exandria, on the Material Plane, are a number of other dimensions.
Some, like the Feywild or the Shadowfell, are all encompassing but some are just pocket dimensions.
In one such pocket dimension, a casual observer would find what appeared to be a dark room. There were a number of walls but the exact number almost seemed to alter from normally mortal eyes to be anywhere from four or so to maybe twenty.
Only a single humanoid was currently visible, a long dark coloured cloak hanging from their shoulders and a hood obscuring their face. They were standing over a stone pedestal in the centre of the room, large enough for a half dozen humanoid creatures to circle. The entity looking in as a bluish glow lit them from below, the glow coming from what lie within the pedestal
A number of polyhedral shapes slowly orbited the figure who would occasionally take hold of one or more and roll them across a nearby table, making notes in patchment and returning to looking into the glow.
A couple of the walls had shelves and cupboards. Noticeably some of the cupboards had glass doors and visible within were models, though it was too shadowy to see the particulars of the models. The other walls were lined with swaged curtains with dark portals set into the walls.
To one side was a desk with a full set of what appeared to be jewellers tools, nearby a table held a selection of inks and paints and beyond was a shelving unit filled with wrapped scrolls and parchments
Behind the figure, a dot of light appeared in one of the portals. It seemed to be impossibly far away and anyone watching it would have an impression of something bright and far away approaching at a great speed.
The figure didn't react to the show behind them
The dot of light steadily widened in the portal and suddenly, rapidly, became a ring of energy. It expanded to fill that wall and several more glows of light became visible in the crackling light. There was another switch of perspective within the ring and figures began to emerge
The first was a muscular man with a long beard, wearing furs and with metal bracers. His eyes were glowing the colour of lightning and he looked around the room before striding forward a couple of paces. Behind him, other figures coalesced into the reality of this space. One was wearing a full suit of golden armour with a white cloak. Their features were almost entirely hidden in the sharp glow of a head sized star which shone actinic light around the space, and which contrasted to the soft glow emanating from the woman in her white and gold gown, and with white blonde hair cascading down her back, standing alongside him.
Of the other two women in the group, one was dressed in natural seeming fabrics and with a cloak of feathers. She held a staff in one hand, shaped almost like a shephards crook made from heartwood but with a glowing green crystal hanging from the hook, seemingly unattached and slowly rotating.
The other was an older woman, with purple eyes and white wavy hair. Her robe was white and blue and appeared to have parchments tendrils gently flexing in the air. A slight flicker around her form suggested some form of disconnect.
She passed the men, calling out as she did so.
"Dungeon Master."
The figure at the pedestial had still not turned around.
"Dungeon Master!" The call this time had an air of impatience, as if the speaker was not used to being ignored.
The robed figure straightened but still did not turn
"For someone called the Knowing Mistress, you should know better than to disturb me within my realm." The robed figure, the Dungeon Master, did not turn but collected a metallic figure from within the pedestals glow and moved over to one of the model cabinets.
The Stormlord stepped up to the side of the Knowing Mistress. "Thou art a little impertinent, Dungeon Master. This lack of respect for deities is unbecoming."
"Spare me please," replied the Dungeon Master as he opened the cabinet and placed the figure inside. "Should I visit your plane, then I would approach with decorum. You all have obviously come to me for a reason and I will be more likely to aid the six of you if you would show me the courtesy that I would accord you."
Ioun, The Knowing Mistress, frowned.
"There are but five of us,Dungeon Master, on this occasion"
The Dungeon Master turned, his face visible. At least some of it as his eyes were obscured by a cloth wrapped around his head, shoulder length brown hair framing his face. He didn't say anything but merely gestured to another of the portals.
The gods turned to see a woman all in black, with a white porcelin mask. The Everlight smiled in recognition but the remainder of the deities were impassive as the sixth presence joined them.
"Dungeon Master, we request a boon from you" came her whispering voice
"Decided to join us then," muttered the Wild Mother as the Dungeon Master turned to look at the Raven Queen, his face turning to those who were speaking despite the cloth binding his eyes. "The Matron of Ravens," he responded, bowing his head a fraction before continuing, "how may I be of assistance to you all?"
Ioun stared impessively at the Raven Queen for a moment before returning her attention to the Dungeon Master. Her strides up to him seemed a little strained and all noticed that she held the black gash across her torso a moment.
"We foresee a new force arising upon Exandria that could have grave consequences if not checked. The Whispered One gains in followers and power and this will have dire consequences."
The Dungeon Master had turned his face to her but made no other move
"Well?" The Goddess of Knowledge demanded. "Followers of the Whispered One even now desecrate ancient ziggurats once dedicated to me to return the Whispered One to the unlife he clings to. Should he ascend, all life on the Material Plane will be endangered."
"We can not allow this to come to pass," The Dawn Father stepped up, the movement causing the shadows to shift.
The Dungeon Master reached up and untied the binding around his face. Underneath his pupils growed orange and a fine filigree of lines made a pattern of power. A wry smile creased his face.
"We?" He asked, sardonically.
The Storm Lord growled. "You would do to remember who we are, mortal," his voice booming as he too strode up, fists clenched as if to strike
With a flash, two weapons appeared flanking the Dungeon Master. One was a great axe, poised to swing. The other appeared to be a metallic pipe with a crude handstock at one end.
"And you would do well to remember where you are, Kord" was the snapped response, distain colouring the name of the god. "We are beyond the Divine Gate here."
The Everlight laid her hand on the Storm Lords arm and spoke soothingly.
"And this we know, Dungeon Master," her gentle lilt seeking to defuse the tension. "It is why we have come to seek you and why you know that we find this situation serious with all of us in attendence.
"We can not directly intercede with events on Exandria but the Whispered One has not yet ascended. His elevation would be bad for all life on that plane."
The Raven Queen interrupted "And that would also impact your precious stories ..."
That wry smile returned to the Dungeon Master's face. "O Queen of Ravens, you seem to be taking this a little calmly, seeing as we are talking about undead forces."
"Don't think that you are the only thing we are seeking to accomplish." She snapped back "But we do believe you can be of great assistance in this matter."
The Dungeon Master viewed her impassive mask then nodded. He turned to Ioun, "I would need to know the location of all your ziggurats and what you can currently tell me about those within the area." He moved over to the pedestal and made a motion over the glow.
As the gods turned their attention to the pedestal, within the glow a map view of Exandria was visible, the continents of Tal'Dorei, Wildemount, Marquet and Issylra outlined. Kord remained by the two spiritual weapons still floating in the air.
"I do not recognise this weapon, Dungeon Master," said the god, gesturing to the metal pipe that remained pointing at him.
"It is a new invention, thought up by one of those who are my charges," replied the Dungeon Master, his attention on the map. "It's called a gun and it will change the world."
Kord grunted, seemingly unconvinved.
Ioun looked at the map then raised her hand and a number of locations began to glow.
"The one in Vasselheim is secure but this one under Whitestone is currently being corrupted." She briefly explained what ritual the Whispered One was seeking to achieve.
The Dungeon Master stared down at the map.
"Just to be sure, you must all know that I remain as Neutral in this as I do in all things." He raised a hand as he saw the reactions forming on those with him and continued, "I agree that the rise of Vecna," he didn't pause as he saw the Queen of Ravens flinch and Ioun scowl at the name of the Whispered One, "presents a problem that should be addressed.
"But I would deal with this in my own way. I do not wish for or expect any of you to be watching over me, and I do not expect for you to try to guide me in how you believe this should be approached. Whatever is attempted shall be under my guidance but ultimately it will be for Fate to decide." Here he looked up at the Raven Queen. "I'm sure you can appreciate that ..."
The Raven Queen slowly reached up a hand and removed the porcelin mask. Her pale, beautifal face now revealed was as impassive as the mask she now held.
"Of course," she quietly replied. "But that six gods have visited you as we believe that the influence of Vecna may be influencing the skein of Fate."
The Dungeon Master nodded, though it was unclear if he was agreeing with the Matron of Ravens or merely sorting through in his own mind what was going to be required.
After a pause, he met the glances of the gods. "I presume there is something you wish of me?
Pelor, the Dawnfather, responded. "We would wish to see which of your charges you will be bringing to this endeavour."
The Dungeon Master inclined his head. "Of course." He moved over to one of the cabinets and paused, looking over the models inside. "and if you have a chance to increase your followers by even one, that's always a bonus."
Most of the gods bristled but all noted that none expressly denied the comment.
Kord, still eyeing the gun, was the first to respond. "Thou art a little brash with thy words, Dungeon Master. Not many mortals would be as brazen with divine visitors."
"I'm not as many mortals - that's why you've come to me, Storm Lord. However, that gives me an idea for a band who may be able to carry out this task you all call for."
Opening a cabinet, the Dungeon Master pulled out a dark wood case, with an simple crest on the top, which he carried over to the table near the pedestal. Opening the case, there were a number of model figurines inside which he began to place on the pedestal.
"My gods, allow me to introduce Vox Machina. One of you already knows one of them very well." At this, he pulled out a shorter figurine, worked to be working plate armour and handed it with a nod and a smile to the Everlight.
She took the figure and smiled as she looked upon the female gnomish cleric.
As the Dungeon Master reached out another figure, he offered it to Kord. "And this one should appeal to you, Storm Lord."
Kord paced over and took the proffered figurine. Unlike the one held by Sarenae, the EverLight, this one was larger, a goliath barbarian captured in the act of shouting in rage.
Sarenae, without looking, smiled more. "Indeed Kord, that one would appeal to you. A good heart and a love of the fight."
Kord grunted as he took the figure.
The Dungeon Master next pulled out a half elf, dressed in natural clothing. "This druid may not be one to become a worshipper but it may be that her aims co-incide with yours, Wildmother." He left the figure on the side of the pedestial and Melora peered closely.
"She is definitely not a believer."
The Dungeon Master replied, "But her potential is great, and you would have time to work upon her." He turned back and continued to bring out the other figurines - two more half elves, worked to have near identical features but one painted in black rogue robes poised with twin daggers ready to strike whilst the other held a bow ready to pull and had a minature feather painted in blue molded to her head. A bear in war armour followed, his colouring matching that of the ranger. Then another gnome, carrying a sharm and poised as if in the middle of a dance.
As the Dungeon Master pulled out the next figure, he noted the Raven Queen, Pelor and Ioun all eyeing the figurines already placed.
"There are a couple more within this party - it's larger than you may expect." All of them turned to look as he placed a human figurine down. Carved to be dressed to suggest a noble upbringing, the figure carried a version of the gun still floating to one side, strapped to his back and carried a smaller looking version in one hand.
"That one is demon touched," noted the Raven Queen.
"So was it the human or the demon that came up with the design for the new weapon?" Wondered Ioun.
"It is of no import," declared Kord as he set the goliath figure down roughly. "We have imparted what we can here to do, despite the impoliteness of our host." He glared at the Dungeon Master, who looked back unmovingly.
"We thank you in advance for your assistance, Dungeon Master," said Sarenae as she delicately placed the figurine of her gnomish cleric down next to the goliath. She nodded then gestured and the ring of energy flared up on the portal, then offered her arm to Ioun. The Mistress of Knowledge grunted and took the proffered arm, then looked at the Dungeon Master.
"I will concede that the use of my own temples and my personal history with Vecna give me a little more of a vested interest in this than most, but this is a personal affront to me, and a danger to the world of Exandria."
The Dungeon Master bowed his head to her. "Of this I am aware. I agree that Vecna ascending to godhood would be a bad thing for Exandria and that would not be of assistance to myself. I must have some impartiality in all this however. So this will proceed with this group needing to better themselves rather than as a divine mission. That said, I expect at some point, they are likely to have to contact you all so ..." He left the thought unfinished.
Ioun stared at him a moment longer, glanced down at the box to see the final figure, returned her stare to the Dungeon Master then gestured to Serenae and the two goddesses made their way to the portal. Pelor nodded, the bright starlight obscuring his features throwing dancing shadows in the space and followed them out.
Melora glanced again at the half elf druid she had picked up, before placing her next to the rogue, nodding her thanks at the Dungeon Master and then departing. Kord remained glaring at the Dungeon Master and the human noble, looked over at the still face of the Raven Queen then finally turned and left, leaving the Matron and the Master alone.
"Was there something more, O Queen?"
"Dungeon Master, I am pleased that you believe the skeins of fate should play out, but don't for one moment believe that I will be allowing any undead influence to unravel the threads." She calmly replaced the mask and took the human figure for a moment.
Even the Dungeon Master had no idea of the thoughts she held holding the figure, before placing it down, next to the ranger.
"There is a myriad of races within this group, this Vox Machina, you suggest for us. Their fates all suggest greatness in some form or another," she continued as she pulled out the last figurine in the box, a Dragonborn in sorcerer robes, " if they can live long enough to achieve that greatness. That they hold potentially the fate of the world in their hands - well, that would be a story for the ages."
The Dungeon Master regarded her. "I think I caught which member of Vox Machina each of you selected as the most likely to become a champion - except you, O Queen."
The porcelin mask gave nothing away as the Raven Queen glided to the portal and vanished into a receding dot behind her fellow divine beings. The ring shimmered and faded leaving the Dungeon Master alone again.
"And whatever I do," he spoke to himself, "I suspect at least one of the gods will not be happy with the course of events."
He looked over the figurines then made a motion over the still present map. The continent of Tal'Dorei began to grow as the other continents of Exandria faded from view. Placing the figurines of Vox Machina onto the map, he paused and looked over at the other shelves, making a note that he would need to look over others of his charges, some of which certainly would not be the choice of the gods who had just departed.
Finishing placing the figurines, the map continued to alter, showing now the landscape around the dilapidated town of Stilben.
"So, how do I want to do this?"