Week one

[letsplayamod]

You've all met Athena, and she's made her point quite clear. She's fully committed to making this world better, and you're the ones who agreed to lend a hand. Something she's obviously quite thankful for.

It's really not so bad around here. Despite the sky, and the state of the land, things are fairly calm. You've got plenty of time to get used to it, and each other. Maybe this'll be easier than it seems.

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[pariunt]

[As much of a dick as Astarion can be, it's clear that isn't something that would even occur to him to say. Even as an insult.]

You're being chased by Death itself. I think caution is warranted.

[rockymountaindie]

They'd think the same 'bout that.

I can count on one hand the number of people who believed me. Kinda...weird, that all of you do.

[pariunt]

Alex, about a year before coming here, I suddenly found myself able to stand in the sun despite being a vampire.

To say I've seen my fair share of extraordinary things is an understatement.

[rockymountaindie]

[ His shoulders slump, slightly. ]

Yeah. Seems like that's the case for a lot of you. [ Yet it doesn't make him any less surprised each and every time. ]

...How... D'you mind if I ask, how's somethin' like that happen? We don't have vampires where I'm from.

[pariunt]

I was kidnapped by ilithids when I was out, working for my former master.

[He gestures to his face.]

One of them implanted a tadpole behind my eye.

[This is clearly one of those things that is so self-explanatory in his world, he doesn't need to say more. But he goes on after a moment, because he does need to explain.]

In normal circumstances, that is an absolute death sentence. I should have become an ilithid myself within a matter of days. A mindless creature that exists to create more ilithids, all in service of an elder brain. The reasons why I and my companions weren't all turned is complex, but it comes down to interference from gods known as the Dead Three, who cooked up some scheme to control the mortal world.

We also had with us an object known as the Astral Prism, that managed to protect us from the Absolute, a "god" the Dead Three's chosen created.

[rockymountaindie]

[ This is a lot for Alex's little brain, but he's keeping up as best he can. Particularly when— ]

...Those..."gods" you were talking about. The ones that sounded like...like Death.

Did...did you stop them?

[pariunt]

We did. We killed their chosen, and the Absolute. But they won't stop. Bhaal in particular has been relentless for over a century. He was responsible for events 130 years ago, though the other two weren't involved, then.

...That's what happens when gods decide to give their portfolios to mortals.

[rockymountaindie]

...You can't really beat something like that. It'll just keep going. No matter what you do...it's all just borrowed time.

[pariunt]

The only true way to put a stop to it would be for Jergal to return and reclaim his portfolios. But he's been almost entirely forgotten; a god's power is related to how many worship them.

I doubt the three of them will be able to do anything for quite some time.

I'm certain the other gods will be watching them carefully from now on, but I'll be honest... part of the reason I agreed to this was the notion that I can protect the vampire spawn, and Tav, from now on. Truly protect them.

[rockymountaindie]

[ ...Death can't be a god, then. That's what Alex thinks quietly. Not in that way. ]

...You don't trust anyone else to be on top of it...so you want the power to fight on their level. For the people who're depending on you.

[pariunt]

Exactly.

Not to mention, where we live isn't safe. It's the only place for us; there is no other option. And I want to make sure hunters cannot harm the spawn in my care.

[rockymountaindie]

[ He breathes out. ]

Yeah, I get it. [ A beat. ] Not the- spawn part, entirely, but I can- like- I get the sentiment.

[pariunt]

Now, though... I'm not certain it was worth it. There's too many moving pieces. I didn't get a chance to explain myself to Tav.

[She's going to be pissed.]

[rockymountaindie]

Tav's your...partner?

[pariunt]

Yes. She means everything to me.

[No flippancy there. He loves her, it's that simple.]

She isn't a vampire, but it was her idea for us to find the spawn and create a home for them.

[rockymountaindie]

...Yeah. [ He echoes: ] I get it.

You'd do anything for her. She...understands you.

[pariunt]

Yes. Precisely.

She... she was never afraid of me. When she first learned of my nature.

[rockymountaindie]

No wonder you want the power to protect her.

[pariunt]

[A nod.]

It's a way to protect everyone. From everything and anyone who could come after them.

[rockymountaindie]

I think...that's a good goal.