The Battle of Suldinessalar
We made the trek back to the Elven General, who was most pleased as I gave him the Rhynn Lanthorn. As I had surmised, he let us know that few other than Elves have seen the City. As we teleported under the direction of the General, I thought of Irenicus. Despite his power, I truly wondered how Irenicus found the City; and, of course, the why of the matter. A short speech sent both the Elven battle forces and us to deal with the minions of Irenicus scattered throughout the City. It actually went fairly well. We were able to save many of the Elven citizens from death; something an immortal being should never be subjected to. Which, as it turns out, was the why of the matter of the attack by Irenicus. But, I am getting ahead of myself in documenting the events of our battles in Suldinessalar. The first battle we fought turned out to be with a huge golem construct. From what the General revealed of the nature of the magical forces unleashed by Irenicus, I originally thought to use my truesight spell to dispel this illusionary magic, but it was either resistant to the spell or does not even touch the magic. My feeling is the latter, but I am not really sure which it is. I fell back to using my staff of the magi to defeat it. This was not the first time I was thankful that I found the hideout of the evil Twisted Rune; the staff has saved my life quite a few times and, in this instant, allowed me an easy victory without doing any residual damage to the Elves or their City. We then got to an area with hostage Elves guarded by smaller golems. I hand signaled for Imoen and Aerie to remain non-hostile. As the constructs tried unsuccessfully to beat us into a pulp, I used my invisibility spell on Imoen and Aerie which hid them from the blows of the Golem constructs, then started to decimate the constructs one by one by using my staff to go invisible then attacking the constructs and repeating this process until the constructs had been destroyed. When the battle was over, I suggested that the Elves meet their General at the City entrance.
Back near the General, I went on alone and invisible to scout out what would be next. A few more constructs were dangerously out in the open. I therefore took them out myself. Continuing on unseen by the minions, I spied a few trolls, moved back a bit out of their sight, and used my farsight spell to see that there was a Demon and a few more Golem constructs a ways beyond the Trolls . Back to Imoen and Aerie, I explained what was ahead of us. Suitably prepared, we then went to battle with the Trolls. A few Elven warriors came to aid us. When the trolls were finished off, we then went and destroyed the Demon and the other golems. In this area was a raised platform. There were a couple of Elven children wanting to know where their parents were. I tried to explain that I did not know, but for them to come with me to the City entrance. When I mentioned their Elven General, they settled down and I escorted them to the City entrance. The General would see that they were moved to a safer place.
There seemed to be more than one direction to go from here. Going a ways down each path, I figured to start with the left most path and start from there. We dealt with a Drow mage that sounded like he wanted to cast time stop; he didn't get the chance. Within the structure he was evidentially guarding, three Maharajas were battling with an Elven Cleric. This was the Cleric mentioned by the General who might and did explain quite a bit about what Irenicus was up to. Dealing with the Maharajas, we then spoke at length with her, fascinated with her revealing words about Irenicus.
Irenicus is or rather was an Elf! You will recall my writing a statement that no Elf, who are immortal beings, should be exposed to death. It turns out that that is exactly what happened to both Irenicus and Bodhi his sister. They were banished; they actually lost their immortal Elven nature to become mortal. Bodhi originally sought to reverse this curse by becoming an undead Vampire. The Gods cannot be so easily circumvented; it did not work and she then, with the help of her brother Irenicus, gained the Bhaal essence soul of Imoen. Irenicus still has most of my soul. It must have been the crime of the ages to have cost them their immortality. The problem is, Irenicus has defeated his curse or seeks to do so with the power of my essence! The cleric has told us how to invoke the Avatar of Rilthane that should help us to destroy the rest of the minions of Irenicus. We spotted a bridge to a meadow in which farsight revealed a Dragon to be resting within. I gave it a send off like Firkraag. When I was done, one of the three items we needed to invoke the avatar was ours. Finding the other two items were less of a challenge and suffice it to say, we made our way to the Temple. Within, a few more quite diverse minions sought to deflect us from our path. I simply placed the required items on the Altar. The summoned Avatar cleansed its own Temple leaving us remaining to speak with him.
Irenicus seeks to become a GOD! He is stealing the life from all Elves at the tree of life within the Elven Palace. I imagined quite a bit of evil skullduggery - but this? I had no idea of the depths to which Irenicus could go. As we left the Temple, the spirits unleashed by the Avatar of Rilthane were destroying the last minions of Irenicus. At the palace itself, we all hesitated. I needed no words; we camped there reviewing our magic to take on Irenicus. After mundane considerations we rested.
It was the worst of nights; it was also the best of nights. You shake, willing yourself to once again contain the fear. Then there are moments of pure bliss: watching a butterfly wend its erratic course through the air; the seemingly supernatural amount of light coming from the moon; the crisp air you breath in and you wonder if upon exhalation you produce anything of value back to that air. Then, once again, the mind goes back to the task at hand. An attempt by a couple of humans and an Averial Elf to thwart a being attempting to become a God and in the process destroy the entire Elven Nation. I imagine I might as well grab hold of the planet and try cracking it in half for my next feat. Then I am reminded that a bit of a God's essence still resides in me. I can feel it flex its fingers; which, frankly, scares me even more. I can feel it tense in me; then relax. I have confessed to both Imoen and Aerie that I could become 'The Slayer' - The Avatar of the dead God Bhaal at will. I also made notice to them and now in my Journal here that I will never call upon it. I do not seek its power as Irenicus does. That does not mean that I will allow Irenicus to continue with the essence that is my burden. My death is the only way he will succeed; and that death is the path that will not be mine. I feel tired and a bit drained as if I were a puddle being reduced slowly but surely from the heat of the sun. I am not as sure of myself as I have recently noted in my Journal. Aerie: I love you. Imoen: Thank you. If you survive and I do not, seek out Bernard of the Copper Coronet. He will have the location and a list of items I give to you. The items of greater power I have already given to you. No matter what you have with you, always remember that greatest power - that which is inside each of you.
Journal entry 41
That Greatest Power Found Within
We did not get far within the palace. Once again, the statues were the key to further progress. We searched the now empty City and found the missing pieces of the statues in the Palace. As we returned them to their respective statue, the waterfall pool drained and a way was shown further in - to where Irenicus was; I could feel it. I told Imoen and Aerie that Irenicus was in the next area. Imoen remained steadfast. Aerie - she boldly told me she loves me! Tears of joy at first did not make it to my face; they were shunted aside as my rage, which was no longer capped by reason against Irenicus, started white hot. Amazingly, it grew from there. I don't know if there would have been a ceiling to that rage since my eyes performed their function and I saw the face of Aerie once again. My tears did start, then. This. This is what I want. Not some cold power without feeling or thought. This love. This mutual love we do share. Aerie does love me, and I do love her. I could not continue. After a bit of time, they both led - almost carried me - out of the Palace. I will rest again shortly. I must not let myself be overcome by my feelings. Not now. I hope there is a time left to me now. I truly do. One more reason to succeed against Irenicus. From time to time, I have been able to add a spell to those I already know. Now was such a time. In thanksgiving to the Infinite I reach out in assurance of my hope of a reciprocal loving guidance in the selection of that spell for both my soul and the sake of the Elven Nation.
Journal entry 42
Irenicus: The "Shattered One"
Taking stairs down, we came to the level that Irenicus was on, but not within sight of him. The Queen of the Elves, Ellesime, projected her spirit to us and had quite a bit to say. She was being held in a magical cage in approximately the center of this level of the palace by Jonaleth Irenicus - Jonaleth his Elven name; Irenicus, his name of late, which means "shattered one" in Elvish.
There are three parasites draining the power of the Tree of Life sending that power to Irenicus. There was no way to get to him. Ellesime told us of the Acorns of the tree at the Palace entrance and how they would create branches for us to get to both the parasites and Irenicus. We returned to the tree; looking at it and its high branches, I wondered out loud how we were to obtain the nuts. Aerie suggested shaking the tree. That we did; it worked. We gathered the nuts. There seemed to be two types: one with a hard shell that I could not remove, and others open which looked edible. Taking them all back to where we met the projected form of Ellesime, we started out walking until we could go no further.
I placed one of the hard-shelled nuts upon the tree where upon a branch grew before our eyes much, much faster than normal. Almost instantaneously. Successfully grabbing hold of the other two as they went to walk upon it, I asked them to stop for a moment. I then examined the new branch as much as possible, while keeping off of it. Casting my truesight spell, I watched for the branch to disappear, but it remained and was evidentially real. Once they saw what I had done, they realized I might have saved us all from falling to our death should this all be a trick of Irenicus. I wiped the cold sweat from my brow; can you imagine how I would have felt seeing them both fall before my eyes - then myself falling after them? Consulting my companions, I suggested that I first locate Irenicus with my farsight spell. This will help verify the story of Ellesime. Should I see her next to Irenicus in a cage, that might give us a better indication of the truth of the matter. Ellesime may be dead for all we truly knew. That was my next stated point. Aerie shot me a look with what I guess was admiration. I grinned and nodded my head, hoping to show her the same; if it was, I wanted her to know that it was mutual.
Taking further time that I decided was precious but unavoidable, I did locate Irenicus with what seemed to be Ellesime in a cage. I checked for and located the three parasites, which seemed to be immobile and without guard - that I could see. Appearances are sometimes deceptive; I told Imoen and Aerie what I saw and cautioned them to beware of hidden enemies. As we approached the first parasite nothing revealed itself to us, though we were prepared for an attack. When I went to strike the parasite a killing blow, two gigantic earth elementals were gated to the area. Here, then, was the looked for resistance. Their resistance proved futile. Nothing came after, so I struck the parasite and its life was over with one blow. Under my breath, I told Yoshimo that one was for him: a blow towards the evil whose name is Irenicus. I smiled then, thinking that Yoshimo must be seeing what has transpired so far and would witness the coming drama, as well.
As we continued on, we reversed our direction - away from the position of Irenicus. I spoke of Yoshimo, relating his tragic tale. Seeing the end of the branch with another gap to the next parasite, I abruptly stopped walking and talking, causing a sudden stop for Aerie and Imoen I am told, as well. Did you ever get a vision or a dream while awake? I believe I had a vision: I am old. Far older than I can imagine as a human. I know that blindness shall strike me before I die. There is offspring! I am a Father, though I know not if Grandfather. It left me, then. Yes, my life is but a dream to most if not all of you. How can anyone not involved as a direct witness consider my Journal anything but a figment of imagination? There is one other - Irenicus - for which I vow my life shall be as a nightmare to his spirit down through the endless ages of eternity. Though I do not seek to become a God, my will is stronger than his. I see his evil life as mine, now. I am free to dispose of it, as I should. I shall. Imoen never spoke to me of it, but Aerie said in shock: "Gracious me; for a moment, you shone like the sun!" I was not aware of exactly what happened. The only thing I can report directly was that both Imoen and Aerie had tears in their eyes. I signaled a break to the relief of us all.
Journal entry 43
The "Fatal Five"
At the Second parasite, the protection from fire came in handy as two quite large fire elementals were gated to the area. They were, as a lot of things seem lately, but small delay. These elementals disposed of, I asked Imoen to do the honor of destroying this parasite in the name of the people of Amn who have suffered under Bodhi's reign of terror and that her soul suffered Bodhi's touch. She positively beamed at me and, cavorting around a bit, she used one of her magic missile spells to "spell" the end of the second parasite, which drains the Tree of Life no more.
I wanted to see if there would be any reaction from Irenicus if one of us passed by him close like. As all agreed, I asked to be the bait. I would go past him and continue on my way. Should he follow me, I would signal that with one whistle. That would mean that Aerie and Imoen would advance and attack Irenicus getting his attention. If his attention changes to Imoen and Aerie, they will withdraw back the way they came giving me one whistle. I would then know to reverse course and initiate my own attack upon Irenicus. Two whistles would be the no reaction signal. Should the two-whistle signal or the single-whistle signal not be called, I am incapacitated or dead by Irenicus. Imoen and Aerie would then use their judgement to attack or withdraw from the battle.
This was rather brilliant if I have to say so myself although it ended up that Irenicus did not notice any of us so intent he seems of draining the power from the Tree of Life. I name the previously mentioned tactic "Bait, Hit, and Fade" (in short, BHF). It may be useful for the actual battle against Irenicus.
We continued now north of the position of Irenicus, examining the third parasite. I realized that it was not pulsating as frequently; Irenicus must be nearing his goal! We decimated the two Air elementals that gated to this area, and, keeping my voice even, I addressed Aerie. "My love, I save the last parasite for you. Stopping the pain and death of the Elves is very important to me; they are your cousins. For the death that should never touch the Elven Nation, I ask for your decisive blow against this, the last parasite that should ruin the evil plan of Irenicus to become a God. however, I ask that you delay your telling blow. I have a few surprises for Irenicus I must prepare first before your righteous blow on this evil being done to the Elves." Hearing me come to the end of my words, she searched my face so lovingly that my heart skipped a beat. She simply said "As you wish; you make sure you return to me!" I outlined my plan which, in part, modified my Fell Five into the "Fatal Five" and the protection that might destroy Irenicus. They both greatly appreciated my foresight. Imoen, smiling, gave me the thumbs up sign; Aerie just shook her head no while making the statement "Irenicus is doomed."
Journal entry 44
The battle of the Tree of Life
Returning from my preparations near Irenicus, I came back to Aerie and Imoen. I asked if everyone was ready; they were. Aerie then blasted the last parasite out of existence; I admired her symbolism; the baffled look on the face of Irenicus was truly priceless. The battle of the Tree of Life began, although it was over before I could have ever expected. The sight would have rocked the Elves to a new appreciation of us "short-lived vermin" as Irenicus would describe Imoen and I; regarding Aerie? I surmise that the Averial (winged Elves), whose numbers have dwindled per Aerie, would do well with just a few more like Aerie. All of us have survived conflict to come out of it stronger, more able to defeat larger obstacles. Being pushed to the limit, the limit expands. 1,2,3 then becomes 6,12,24 and then even greater exponential acceleration. Nonstop conflict then - even that which is forced upon us - has increased our capacity to heights rarely seen.
I, Raistlin Majere: Bhaalspawn Sorcerer who, eight months ago merely a dabbler in magic, now pretty much able to take on anything below, on, or above the world of Faerun. Has the power of ultimate evil and will not call upon it. Thank your Deity you are not evil.
The Dual-Class Imoen: childhood friend of Raistlin Majere and fellow Bhaalspawn; Archmage and being of Stealth. Has all the tricks of Raistlin along with her own including some unavailable to him. Come up against her, and you will have successfully tempted fate to remove you from the current ledger of life.
The Multi-Class Aerie: has such a dark past, yet remains a shining beacon of light; both Archmage and high Cleric. 5 times the power of any 100 of the Averial 20 times or more her age who acts so in concert with the other two of the trio, it should have been scary to Irenicus. If you meet her with evil in your heart, your demise will most certainly be near as quick as falling on your own sword, so pick one. No third option.
Then there is our opposition.
Irenicus: who used to be an Elf. Not just Elf, but Deity blessed the most powerful of Immortal Elven Archmages. A crime that may be unmatched in the history of Faerun cursed him to lose his immortal Elven spirit. Become mortal, Irenicus now strives for revenge; in doing so he attempts to become a God and in that process, destroy the Elven nation.
Irenicus helped create the trio above by 'encouraging' the need to succeed in me; he actually participated in his own downfall.
A few of our spells started it off after Ellesime teleported out of the area. Irenicus sought to use a death spell to dismiss my Fatal Five. Imagine his surprise when his spell failed to banish my summoned help. As they began testing the defenses of Irenicus and draining his magic as well, I signaled retreat - Aerie north, Imoen south, and I to the west - all away from Irenicus. I had seen that the first part of my plan was successful. Listening intently to what spell casting Irenicus was attempting, I saw both Imoen and Aerie moving away and then losing sight of both of them and Irenicus, too. At this point, I stopped and continued to listen, as I knew Imoen and Aerie were doing, as well. I invoked a farsight spell centered on where we left Irenicus. Should he move, I would signal the others in which direction he was moving. Irenicus was hard pressed from the start and his magic was not working due to my actions preceding the battle. The Skeletal Warriors would not be dismissed and the fourth and fifth summoned creatures eat magic and were doing a fine job. It seemed like Irenicus died where he stood a short while ago, draining the Tree of Life with visions of Godhood in his head.