Some Random THoughts

Hey, Im new here, but like what Im seeing so far.

Some random thoughts:

Mind Flayers of Thoon

Over the last 200 years, and with the advent of new and improved technologys, the Mind Flayers of Thoon have been able to make contact with the Far Realm via "Gates". As one would expect, the result of being exposed to the emissions of such a gate are devastatingly bizzare- twisting mutations are not uncommon, and madness is almost always a side effect.

However, ther knowledge they have managed to shamble together is powerful at the very least. Any number of horrors have been sent forth from their hovels; powerful constructs foremost among them.

It is, infact, using these technological beings that the Thoonians have attempted to explore the dark void of the Far Realm. Using a combination of current technology and exploratory techniques, combined with magical and bio-technological additions, the Thoonians have found a way to create non-living 'shells' to explore the maddening darkness beyond, without themselves having to spend large periods of time in the bleak beyond. The creatures, items, substances and even ideas/thoughts/theories that they have managed to cull have revolutionized quite abit in a number of fields; from medicinal, to industrial, to military.

(Consider this a throw back to our current attempts at exploring the vast deep sea oceans.)

Because of this, these bizzare and truly terrible creatures have earned some level of acceptance in the overall scheme- its very hard to hate someone thats saved your back berk, even if the slimy bastard is willing to suck your brains out.

The Fel Crawlers that are known to prowl the Plain of Infinite Portals on the Abyss are just one of the horrors that the Thoonians have poured out of their horrid laboritories and research facilitys- still in the developemental stages, the Fel Crawlers have been released in small groups for testing; which thus far has lead to the belief among the Thoonians that profits will be high indeed.

They have also learned new techniques to heavily modify Stormclouds of Thoon with bio-technology and even more powerful magics from the Far Realm and the Multiverse at large. These beings, outfitted with high power communcations systems, are sent forth into the Far Realm on far-ranging missions of exploration, recovery and destruction.

Another (rather foul) established custom is espionage. The Thoonians have become well-known for their possession of Infiltrators. Since their inception (the original nautiloid crew that crossed into the Far Realm) most of the Infiltrators have died off (either killed by adventurers or had their parasites removed surgically), but there are STILL a few of the original crew said to walk in the company of the eldest of Thoonian Illithids- at fist, the actual life expectancy of Thoon Infiltrators was unknown, but it has now come to be understood that Far-Realm Parasites extend the host's life expectancy to far beyond that of the average Mind Flayer. Infact, there is even a rather large cult following of humanoids and others of the like that actually WANT to be overtaken by the parasites; believing it a way to TRULY connect to Thoon. (A large number of Sigil's Madhouse-inhabitants, a few notable Bleakers amongst them, have sought out and undertaken the life of an Infiltrator) These ageless and undying horrors make wonderful spies and assassins, especially if used to systematically replace a target's loved ones/underlings (see below).

The main focus of the Thoon's resources and effort in the last 2 centuries has been the acquisition and hoarding of quintessence. Some claim to have seen vast fields where illithid-esque horrors are not made, but grown; using quinetessence itself as the substrate. However, most of these witnesses are insane beyond description, so their jibbering and howling responses can hardly be taken as fact.

All the same, strange inklings have poured out that a certain recent event (well, recent in the big picture of things) was at least in part to do with the Thoonians, and tales of those fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to survive the Research Centers claim to have seen terrors beyond reason, glittering black metal nightmares from the Far Realm, dragging the mortal mind down into unending insanity...

The Capture/Corruption of Bahamut

Little more than 10 years ago, a great and horrible tragedy befelled the good dragons of the Multiverse.

In an act most perverse and obscene, an unknown and untrace-able force (satelite imaging over Celestia short circuited miraculously, and no divination magic seems to be of aid) managed to make its way into the first and lowest layer of Celestia, Lunia, and crossed the shallow Silver Sea. Here, they somehow managed to overtake the aged wizard Mahlevik and from this location staged a truly epic undertaking- the capture and kidnapping of the Platinum Dragon himself, Bahamut.

The act was violent to say the least, sending Bahamut's Palace, in all its shining glory, crashing down into the sea. The resulting crash (and the numerous magics that were unleashed in its occurence) are said to have blown a "hole" in Celestia itself- evil has begun to funnel its way into the Plane of Good, using the torment and pain of the captured dragon-god, his disciples and the miriade of thieves who had died attempting to steal the Platinum Lord's wealth, to solidify its footing in this now-acursed place. The entire area was immediately quarantined by the Celestial Government, and immediately surrounded by (unusually) hostile guards. Whether these guards are meant to keep outsiders from going in, or somethin else from coming out, is still the dark of the day in many circles.

Beyond the destroyed Palace, there were few signs that something had even occured (at least, beyond the thousands of good-aligned dragons from across the Multiverse that made their way shortly after to hold a vigil in hopes of their 'God's' return. Little hope was had, especially after the divine powers of those who worshipped the Platinum Dragon seemed to dull, and finally disappear, never to return.)

Supposedly, a massive oil slick lead from the site of the battle to a portal whose destination was at first unknown. Following further investigation of the magical energys left in the area, Celestian officials claim the portal (no longer functioning) lead directly to Uranos, on the Radioactive Wastelands of Hades. A track (appearing as one would expect the imprint of tank treads to leave and generally the size of the oil slick in the Silver Sea) was found leading off into the wastes, but none could be found fool hardy enough to brave the boiling seas and acidic rain that plague this horrid landscape.

Representatives from the Khin-Oin Biological Facility were nearly unresponsive to Celestian inquiries (beyond the occasional claw shown in one derrogatory gesture or another).

For 6 months, the great dragon was missing. The good dragons of the Multiverse, in a feat of cooperation seldom seen from their kind, put aside all else and set out to find their Platinum 'God'. Still, no sign was found; not even a meager clue.

Then, in an event of complete surprise to almost every denizen of the Planes, the Platinum Lord reappeared- on Avernus. And he was no longer Platinum- the once silvery scales of the 'Good' dragon God had been faded and corrupted, turning a deep purplish color. His eyes though, have taken on a fiery silver sheen, with no pupil to be seen. The Platinum Lord was changed in other ways as well- he now bears 7 claws (6 on each side and a single massive claw coming from the chest), 2 pairs of wings, a massive third eye (located between its normal 2, and even deeper purple in color than the scales) and the spittle from his maw was found to cause horrible mutations in creatures of draconic heritage; twisting their bodies and minds to the limit, then simply breaking them and creating a mad, mishappen terror the likes of which few had ever encountered before.

These creatures have come to be known as Muto-Dragoons and they are fierce and terrible in and of themselves- completely immune to one sort of magic (either divine or arcane) each creature eventually resembles a great wyrm dragon, usually purplish in color, and almost always bearing some mutation or another- massive tentacles, bizarre eye stalks, more limbs than normal, or protrusion of bone/organs through the skin).

This was the fate of Tiamat's court (see below), and with the aid of these horrendous beasts, Biahmat (as the creature called itself) completely destroyed Tiamats former realm and carved out a massive citadel around the gateway to Dis, known as The Damning Grounds (see below) ; enstating a heavy taxation on the surrounding realms and an even heavier taxation on travel through the citadel in one way or another (basically, cutting off the entrance from Avernus to Dis; unless one has the proper funds).

Little else is known of this poor, begotten horror; beyond the fact that all who stand before his countenance dies in absolute horror, their bodies sent back to their home realms in shining platinum coffins and are incapable of being returned to the world of the living. Biahmat remains inside its citadel, never leaving since its arrival not long ago. Biahmat has since taken over leadership of Avernus, at least in the realms his abishai and draconic armies (which have been growing steadily larger in number as time passes) can reach easily.

A least 5 times since its construction, the Damning Grounds have been the target of nuclear assault. No one is truly certain that the Purple-Wyrm even still lives; but the taxation and domination of its forces continues. Few that have entered the sanctum have returned alive, even fewer have returned sane- even the few chromatic dragons brave enough to enter after hearing of the Muto-Dragoons have failed to return, most likely becoming Dragoons themselves.

The Damning Grounds:

"That place.... Ive seen it with my own eyes, I can tell you that much- but nothing more.... From the land to the sky, its the biggest thing I think Ive ever seen- truly a statement to the power of my kind.... But it wasnt the sight of it that bothered me; though the reeking, burned out remains of an entire gold dragon battalion was among the dead before me, and THAT says something.... It was the SOUNDS I could hear.... Terrible sounds- have you ever HEARD a dragon thats lost its mind? Truly, insanity is something even we fear, and in that place its in no short supple...."-Vasthharn'dar, Mature Male Black Dragon, Doomguard Entropy Master

Located on the former site of Tiamat's realm and serving as the Gateway from the 1st to the 2nd level of Baator (Avernus and Dis, respectively), The Daming Grounds serve as the resting place of the creature known as Biahmat (aka, The Great Purple Wyrm, The Bruise, The Battered One, He of the Far Place, Ux-Iegir Thurgix Darastrix [Crippled Platinum-Blooded Dragon]) and also houses its massive armies, siege machines and other nightmarish creations.

From far off, the Damning Grounds appear much like a massive cement bunker. This is a new feature, covering the layers beneath it. At start, the structure was a shambling mound of rubble, metal and rock; scavenged from the remains of Tiamat's realm and the surrounding locales. As time went on (and attempts to destroy the Purple Wyrm increased), the building was built up and strengthened- first with an IMMENSE, cube-shaped iron shell(basically just a massive square) covered in spikes and blades of all sorts. The cube extended more than a mile into the sky, and was said to be nearly 2 miles across [though it may even have been larger, by some accounts]; from atop which 5 blades extended into the sky- 3 of which were short and stubbed, the other 2 jutting into the sky farther than most can see. It is said that a foul undead creature, draconic in nature (some have said it is the mutated remains of Sigil's own Cage Wyrm) wings blindly about the uppermost blades, striking out at any that come in range of its senses.

Next came a layer of, what appeared to be, draconic flesh and hide- where these were culled from is still unclear and it is not confirmed that it even WAS dragon flesh. However, those few that saw it in the short period of its viewability (less than a week's time; amazing speed for such a large structure to be covered) claimed to have seen the material bleeding heavily as it was slapped with force onto the iron spiked shell, usually by some manner of Dragoon. All the same, this was not visible for long.

Next came a thick layer of a cement-abyssal blood iron mixture; which at first made little sense, given the nature of said metal. This layer (over 30 ft. thick) was incredibly dense yet, somehow, it is said that the remains of the dead dragons beneath can act at will- striking out with stony claws and teeth at those attempting to enter the stronghold without allowance; the damage being especially terrible due to the thin veins of bloodiron throughout. The walls seems to bleed from these veins, resulting in a puddle of moist, red dirt surrounding the citadel.

Inside, it is said that the place is merely a massive hollow containing a large mountain; atop which sits the Palacial Quarters of Biahmat itself. From this vantage point, the beast can look down upon its armies, forges, and other mishappen experiments and endeavors; including the small, tightly guarded corridor leading visitors quickly (and with great hostility) towards the Gateway to Dis.

Then again, this is all really speculation, as its very unlikely that anyone/thing that made it through that place would converse with the sort of gossip hawks that bring in this kind of information.

The Capture/Santification of Tiamat

Two days following the events on Celestia involving Bahamat's Palace, the Chromatic Queen too, was assaulted.

None truly know what occurred on this day- for some reason Tiamat herself sent her compatriots, mates, slaves and underlings away. The reasoning behind this was unknown and is still not understood in any real way- speculation abounds, but no real answers are expected to surface ("She certainly isnt talking; I know that from experience."-Editor)

Whatever the case, Tiamat stood before her attacker alone on that day and, miraculously, disappeared shortly after the last of her minions had left her realm. The event was signified by a horrific roar from the Chromatic Queen, followed by (the official report states) 'heavy electromagnetic activity of an unknown nature'.

Unlike her platinum counterpart, the disappearance of the 5-headed queen of evil dragons bore no vigils, no memorials- for all intensive purposes, her 'worshippers' saw her absence as little more than an inconvenience; as the divine power she imparted upon them dulled and dimmed, just as did Bahamut's. Nobody missed the evil dragon mistress, least of all her fellow dragons on Avernus; which began to squabble and bicker over power and ownership of their missing master's possessions (making them all the easier to take whem Biahmat arrived on the scene).

Surprisingly enough, Tiamat too reappeared. As one would expect, she too was changed drastically- her size was drastically reduced (giving her a shrunken, emaciated look), her skin had taken on a light gray coloration, and her eyes had gone completely black ("Believe me, staring into those black orbs is intimidating to say the least."-Editor). Her wings appeared to have been surgically removed, and her black and red heads were also mysteriously missing; her tail having sprouted off 2 additional stingers, giving it a trident-like appearance.

Perhaps most amazing of all was the almost 360 degree shift in mindset that the former demon-dragon showed- no longer was she a hateful, power-hungry monster; but an almost gentle, friendly beast. While this sounds outright hilarious to most, whatever happened to the former chromatic queen severely changed her- both in mind and body. The creature also took to calling itself Tihamut, emphasizing the changes as liberally as possible. This was almost the entirety of Tihamut's spoken words since though, for she seems to have no desire for speech any longer- it is the norm for her to answer long, drawn out questions with nothing more than a 'yes', 'no' or 'perhaps'.

Despite her new outlook however, the Multiverse had no intentions of going easy on the formerly-evil draconic mastermind. Her return, sadly enough, was staged (whether by her own choosing or by that of some unknown force) in Sigil, the City of Doors. The fact that the Lady of Pain allowed her entrance says something in and of itself (though WHAT it says is highly debated).

What IS known though, is that Tihamut immediately 'turned herself in', calling sanctuary upon the doorstep of the City Guard. She was, in turn, sanctioned for quarantine and punishment within the Gatehouse (seems that giant gate finally got a use afterall). Within the week, the trial began.

Drawing the attention of the entire Multiverse, a former evil was set to paid for its crimes. Creatures of almost every race tuned in to Inter-planar holographic projections of the trial, some hoping for the guilty verdict, some (more and more as the trial went on) praying against chance that the jury (an assembly of dragons and draconic creatures; the accused peers afterall) would hold some level of mercy for the former monster.

As one would expect though, Tihamut/Tiamat was found "quilty of uncounted acts of evil throughout the Multiverse at large", which she accepted without a word. Surprisingly though (as most criminals found guilty of such crimes are routinely executed in one fashion or another), the former evil-power was simply banished. Tihamut was sentenced to live out the rest of her miserable existence (however long THAT will be) and, what is more, she is NOT permitted to build any sort of structure; nor does she actually gain ownership of the surrounding lands- this too she accepted without a word (infact, giving a small smile with her white head [the only one she still uses] at the banishment decision).

For any lesser being, this would be a death sentence- but Tihamut is no ordinary being. She still retains mass amounts of power in her new form (including some new, truly epic powers; the likes of which few have borne witness) and this, combined with an apperantly unending will, have kept her alive.

To this day, Tihamut is located in a quarantined, heavily guarded location on Stiflheim, in the Radiated Wastelands of Hades, known as The Iron Grasp (see below). Within this containment area, the (still) huge form of Tihamut wanders meagerly through the misty, poisonous gases, gathering the noxious wood of the dead trees for use in a generator; which in turn powers the containment field that keeps her 'guards' alive in their insulated bunkers.

Tihamut (aka The Grey Queen, 3-Fold-Tragedy, The Despair Wyrm) is (rarely) allowed 'guests'. These range from someone brave (or crazy) enough to brave the wastes in hopes of gaining knowledge from the supposedly mute Grey Queen to the sadistic 'pranks' of the somewhat insane guards who, from time to time, release any number of horrors into the prison of the draconic diety in hopes of ending their long running guardianship, to a VERY few male chromatics who have come on 'congical visits' of sorts (NOTE: Since her return, Tihamut has produced no eggs).

The Iron Grasp

This facility, used to 'house' the banished former-diety Tihamut, is a masterwork of craftsmanship.

Built in the hostile, poisonous realm of Stiflheim (within 100 miles of Ft. Innocence Lost), The Iron Grasp is a rectangular area, approximately 10 miles x 15 miles in dimension. The area is boxed in my 10 ft. thick walls of iron reaching 600 ft. into the air and constantly electrified by a number of harnessed elder lightning elementals housed in a deep, underground bunker. The entire facility is under the influence of an Antimagic Field that cannot be overcome by any means (it is said that the field is actually located in a former Maze created by Sigil's Lady of Pain that connects to Hades and was offered forth for use in this project).

Just outside the facility (and the Antimagic Field) lies the guard's quarters. The guards (most of whom are Sigilian's who have commited some crime, many of which have been tasked with missions such as 'Guard this area for the next 60 years, or until you die.'; and whom themselves rarely recieve visitors- aside from the occasional [every 20 years] tiefling prostitute sent to assuade their urges [and who, once inside the guard's sheltered bunker sanctuaries, is rarely ever heard from again; aside from a scream of horror perhaps]) are just on the clear side of sane, many of them having that faint shimmer of madness just underneath the surface, and readily visible to an outsider making the long, hard trek to The Grasp. It isnt much of a surprise, considering their far removed abode; and the foul nature of the land in which it is located.

To go above ground, the guards are required to put on protective radiation suits (completely black and marked with a grey, 3-toed claw) in order to survive more than a few moments- especially on the nastier days.

To live here safely, even in their underground lead-plated bunkers, a protective magical field is required. This field is powered by an aged generator (long overdue for repairs) that runs, ironically enough, on the noxious wood collected by the Grasps singular inhabitant- Tihamut.

She faithfully returns each day from her roaming within the Grasp to give her (mostly hateful, sadistic and taunting) guards the fuel they require to power the generator. As she no longer requires food or even air it seems to survive, she could easily not come back someday with the horrid wood (likely killing each and every guard currently on duty in the bunkers and above).

The head guard, a half red dragon kobold named Garrix, has had the job since the structures creation and, as all accounts go, is quite possibly the only friendly face the ancient Grey Queen sees on even a remotely regular basis. Garrix has, against the rules of Tihamut's imprisonment, built a small stone shelter in which the ancient power sleeps and takes shelter during the most heinous of weather on the radiated plane.

Barris:

Barris is a small conclave of bunkers dug deep into the the Stiflheim plains. Approximately 2 miles from The Iron Grasp, Barris is home to the largest population of good-aligned chromatic dragons in the Multiverse. They have come here to serve penance in the spirit of Tihamuts utter transformation and, from there ranks, a new PrC has emerged: The Unrivaled Patient of Tihamut

Feel free to comment and what not- these were just kinda random thoughts, figured Id try offering something to the project.