Realms S2E13 Shadows of the Past

With Keywynn found, there is little time to rejoice as the party now faces the most dangerous threat any of them have ever seen!

### Player Characters Present

Eclipse, Naphako, Keywynn, Kyrealle, Kerrick

### Synopsis

The group entered the Artificer’s tower looking for Keywynn. They found dozens of creatures in cages. Eclipse and Kyrealle attempted to open one of the cages with no luck. A strong arcane lock prevented them from opening. The group arrived in the main room where they saw several tables with wires and two large coils powered by lightning magic. Bolts of lighting sparked off the large machines. While in the room they saw their friend Keywynn and what looked to be her brother. Then they heard a booming voice that revealed itself to be the Artificer. He was happy that they had come to his tower and was excited to share one of his experiments with them. A large puff of blue and purple smoke erupted from the ground revealing a floating figure. He had black hair with a silk shirt and black cloak. He also had two sharp fangs coming down from his upper jaw. He was also excited to see his next meal. The fight ensued.

The group rallied together to fight this creature as Eclipse attempted to open the cell holding Keywynn. He was not successful and was sent back several feet taking quite a bit of damage. The rest of the group attacked the floating creature who then cast a spell on Kyrealle banishing her to her home plane of existence. The group continued to fight the creature when Naphako had a spark from her memories. Her eyes changed color, her voice aged and she had memories of this creature. This was Viktor Keiran, the evil from the past who was thought to be slain. A pit of rage filled up Naphako as she charged Viktor. The group was doing well against Viktors powerful blows. Keywynn and Rolan were able to leave the cell to help their friends. Viktor lost concentration on the banishment spell and Kyrealle returned to the battlefield. Viktor cast another powerful spell that froze some of the party members. While some stood paralyzed others were able to break the effects of the spell and continue their attacks. The group saw that Viktor was trying to do something but the energy source in the room was affecting him in some way. Eclipse tossed a grappling hook into VIktor's side and with the help of Naphako was able to bring him close to the ground. Just then Kyrealle threw meteors towards the energy coils damaging them greatly. One of the coils exploded and several of the cages in the room opened as if the magic or power keeping them at bay was weakened. Viktor looked down to Kyrealle, smiled and thanked her. In an instant Viktor was gone.

With Viktor gone the group didn’t have much time to recover as several constructs emerged from the open cages. They were able to destroy them all fairly quickly but not before Kerrick fell unconscious. Just then the Artificer spoke and gave Eclipse and Kyrealle an opportunity to save their friends. Several tiny machine-like spiders had attached themselves to their other friends causing them a tremendous amount of pain. Either enter the cages or their friends will die. After some moments passed and Keywynn too fell they gave in and entered the cages. The rest joined them and left the cages. Everyone awake now and imprisoned except Rolan who stood still outside. Keywynn went to the bars and yelled out to her brother with no response. The Artificer spoke again instructing Rolan to forget his past and kill anyone who attempts to leave the cages. He agreed and stood watch. Keywynn continued to plead with her brother. While Naphako began to process the recent events.

Just then it looked as if Keywynn’s pleas were working. Her brother snapped out of it and began to speak with Keywynn. She told him to turn her into a rabbit again so she can help her friends. He agreed and did so, however, the Artificer noticed and cast a terrible spell on him causing him pain and bringing him back to the operation table. Keywynn came to her brother's aid and she yelled out to the Artificer who eventually showed up laughing. Stalking her once more explaining to Keywynn it wasn’t fate that brought her here. Walking to the cages it wasn’t fate that allowed Kerrick to free Eclipse or Kyrealle to leave the grasp of her mothers. Kneeling down to Eclipse and saying it wasn’t fate that allowed him to flee his captors. Finally reaching Naphako as two other arms emerged from his robes revealing the Artificer has four arms and speaking to Naphako as her eyes grew large. It was beyond fate that brought my daughter back to me.