After six days of research, Gar has found the recipe. He is lucky to be able to purchase the components in Sandas, then waits for an appropriately windy day to mix the ink. That happens on March 3rd, and he successfully concocts enough ink for two spells. He then retreats to Occa's old chambers to prepare to write the scrolls.
You see little of him for the next two days.
Then, on March 10th you all get a surprise. A familiar man walks up out of the cellar and into the breakfast room, where all but Gar are breaking their fast.
He looks like Occa...except that he has Occa's own head, not Al's, like Gar does.
Occa stretches and yawns. "Ok. So what happened? If I am here, then I have been killed for a long time. Why the hell didn't you guys bring me back? What has been going on over the last 8 months?"
He orders some coffee. "Where is Jeeves?"
"Jeeves is dead, Master!" wheezes Igor, and then he shuffles off for fresh coffee.
"I wish Jeeves were alive." He says simply.
Suddenly Jeeves is standing there before Occa, in his black tux and holding the same tray of drinks that he had when Ryshara torched him.
"Would you like a cocktail, sir?" he asks in his calm voice, as if nothing has happened.
Jesse frowns.
"What do you mean?" she asks Occa.
"I mean that I am a clone. My old body is dead or else I would have stopped me from growing old enough that I became aware. I, or rather, the other Occa created me 8 months ago in the event he was slain. Obviously, I wasn't able to come back and reset the clone and I am not aware of the other Occa, so he is dead. So, what has happened in the last 8 months?"
Robert takes a deep breath and tells all.
"It still grieves me to think of Occa's soul imprisoned in hell and all that," he says in conclusion.
Occa says, "Well, we can't allow it to stay there. He has access to my innermost secrets, truename and so forth. My soul can be used against me, so we must go do something about it. We also have to save Zanax. We must go to hell."
Robert jumps up, draws his sword, and starts waving it around.
"Ready when you are!"
Then he stops, blushes, and puts it back in his pants.
"Errr, sorry about that."
[At this point a number of posts have been lost. It appears that a discussion starts about bringing Kadlian's party (PBEM) into the adventure to help to rescue Occa's and Zanax's souls.]
Occa chuckles and says, "Yes, that is probably the case."
Jesse laughs, "Doers are good, and we have lots of those. Going to hell with an unknown quantity is scary. Any way to change Gar via a wish?"
"No, that would not be wise. Otherwise, Raz would have done that to Orlon and company long ago. If we had a helm of change ethics or something. I wonder if he is really wants to change or not. Who is his patron?"
"Same as ours, Occa. Strange thing is that Gar claimed that Hecate stripped his powers from him at some point and then claimed that she gave them back to him. He never did explain that to my satisfaction."
Occa gives a slight grimace. "She seems to have the market on mages."
"It is something she could do easily enough. Not sure why she would give them back, though. Maybe he made a deal with her or she with him? A commune would be useful, but it sounds like we best not do that for a while."
He takes a sip of his drink and says, "Ok. Any prep that we should do before we head off to hell? Should we take Gar or not? Should we go after this Ryshara if she has Zanax's body? Should be interesting to see what we can do about the body situation for the old Occa and me."
"Gar was busy making teleport without error scrolls. And I had proposed we get Kadlian's group to come with us as added support and firepower. Another 6 good fighters and a couple of mages would be a bonus. If that Rage can keep focused and not get angry, she can cast a couple of higher level spells," Jesse replies. "Other than that type of prep, just getting spells and equipment ready."
"Wait, didn't Robert say they had moved on to the East or something? If they could help, that would be good. However, aren't they a lowly group? They used to be but that was several months ago."
"Didn't they have a couple ranger-lords, that dwarf and two reasonably powered mages, who could cast at the 5th order, since I know they do a bunch of teleporting around," Jesse replies. "For some of the normal critters, they would be good to use. Gar says there is a bunch of giants and the like in Vrith's place."
"Yes, they were willing to help. The dwarf's name is Hlarn and he's a fighter and a priest. Rage and a guy named Agulhas could both teleport. And Kailar is a thief and an illusionist. I don't know about any of the others, though."
"Giants? Then the Ranger Lords would be even better!"
"Agreed. And there was a dwarf fighter, who could do some damage on a giant."
Occa says, "I will teleport there a bit later and find them."
"How will you find them?"
"Don't know. Any suggestions? We really should set up a system for leaving each other messages. Same with this group going north."
Darian shakes his head. "I don't know how to contact them. Unless you can get a crystal ball, we don't really have a way. I don't even know if Kadlian said where they were staying in Strabath..."
"I can try magic pool," Occa says.
Occa will try that later to see if he can scry Kadlian.
"'Sides, did they get taken to all the magical places we know about?" Jesse says, "That would let them get additional power as well, if they were interested."
Occa says, "Really? If that is the case, I could take them on a trip to all of them."
"Like I said, we tried once, when we met them first, but not sure how far we got with them."
"I believe most of them visited those places. Stiff took them along when he took some of us."
"Kadlian and Sian are ranger lords. As a group, they are not as powerful as us, but they are not wimps anymore. However, they do have a bunch of new members who definitely are."
"A few Ranger Lords would be a huge help. We should find them. Maybe the others would be willing to stay here and train or something." He shrugs. "I guess I wouldn't be happy about such a thing, but we could probably figure out some way to occupy them."
"They wanted to come to Hell, I believe. Kadlian's group had relocated to Strabath, but then came back when it looked like we were all going to Hell. Then, Jesse changed her mind and they all left again. If they haven't gone further East for the artifact, that's where we'll find them."
"Let's send someone now."
Salaam has a cross look on his face.
"Seems my time in Hell has affected my magic," he says with a clearly unhappy scowl. As he looks up, he sees Occa and smiles. "Welcome back, I thought you were stuck in Hell also?" Salaam asks Occa. "Since you are back and one of the most talented mages I know, could you identify my newly acquired items as it seems my time in Hell has dulled my spell casting abilities or Thoth might still be pissed that I fell for one of the oldest tricks in the book."
"You bet. I will do so."
"Thanks, friend!" he says with a smile and when Occa is ready, he hands over the three items for identifying.
"My pleasure!" Occa says. "Actually, if Cannon Fodder is around, he could do it now."
"That would be wonderful," Salaam replies, "where would he be?"
"Probably chasing one of the maids or something." Occa says.
Gilstrock raises his hand.
"OK, I'm confused. Now, I know I'm usually the one who's s'posed to go and do things after all of you guys have planned and everything, but I kinda wanna go back to some of the deep philosophical stuff.
"So, here's my problem. We had one Occa we thought was Occa, and then turned out to be Gar, who was a bad guy using Occa's body, or at least one that looked like it. Meanwhile, the real Occa was imprisoned in Hell. Now, we've got this new Occa, who's a clone of Occa, whatever in blazes that is supposed to mean, and who acts like the real Occa and we're all talking to like the real Occa, but somehow the real Occa's soul is still imprisoned in Hell, and if we rescue him that one or this clone one will go mad... so is this guy an imposter too? And what're we supposed to do if we get the other soul back and the two go mad?"
"Not necessarily, Gil, all that's a possibility. A clone is a copy of a body. It's a fairly high level mage spell, way beyond me. But, I don't think there's anything to say that the soul can't go back into the clone's body, since if it wasn't trapped, it would have gone there anyway. That'd allow Gar to keep the body that he's currently got. Then, there shouldn't be any madness or anything like that."
"But this Occa here said that he was using his own soul, and that still there's another Occa soul trapped in Hell," Gilstrock says, still sounding confused over the matter. "So won't there be a problem there? Or are we just gonna try to kill the other Occa soul so that it can't give anything away?"
Darian shakes his head. "He did? I guess I missed that. Okay, forget everything I said. I'm wrong."
Occa says, "Please, let me explain. A clone is a duplicate of someone or something. Actually, anything that a mage could get some tissue from. It grows and becomes a mirror image or duplicate of the original person or creature. In every way. This includes the soul. Because of that, the clone and the original creature are aware of each other as soon as the clone becomes 'alive' for lack of a better word. That is, of course, if they are both alive at the same time. If they are, then they could go insane or they will try to kill each other. Apparently, the idea of the two same beings being alive at the same time isn't tolerable to them. Generally, it is the clone that suffers an ill fate as it has less experience than the original. As for what we will do when we get Occa's soul...I don't know. Honestly, I don't like the idea of death. On the other hand, I know that the other Occa has seen and done much more than I have. Even so, I am fully alive..."
He pauses.
Gilstrock says, "So, are you aware of this other Occa soul? Or does the original Occa count as dead, so you're not aware of him? What happens when you both die? If you both go the same outer plane, are the two souls then aware of each other, and will they hate each other?"
"No, I am not aware of his soul, because it isn't active. Good question on when we both die...I don't know.
"Does that help? I can tell you this, we won't be killing the other soul. What we do about getting it back into a body has to be determined. When I first decided to do this cloning, I did so because I figured we would all be dead and I could wish everyone back. This is much different...and death is much different from soul imprisonment."
Occa chuckles. "Really, this could make for a great epic tragedy...if we survive, of course. The idea of what might have to be done! The horrible sacrifice. The loss! No matter what I will lose some life in one way or another." He shakes his head at the thought of it.
He turns to Jesse, "Makes for a good song, I would think."
He gives a slight smile.
"I'm already working on it," the bard replies. "And I suspect there are some answers out there, the Wizards, for example, probably have a good idea of what to do."
"What wizards?"
"The Wizards. You know, those mysterious beings that seem to know lots of things, but have removed themselves from the day to day happenings of mere mortals."
"Oh, those wizards. Gotcha."
"Geez, the Canon Fodders never confused me this much."
"Really? They always mystified me. Sort of like Occa, but not really."
"If this Occa is has the real soul of Occa, then why do we need to go get the other Occa?" Emm inquires.
Occa says, "Principle of the thing. Plus, from the story I have heard, Vrith has one of the three artifacts. We are supposed to save this planet from the likes of him. Good versus evil and all that jazz! It is more than Occa, but I also don't like the idea of a copy of my soul being out there. We need to roll on this!"
"OK," Gilstrock says, satisfied that even if he doesn't really understand what's going on, they still are doing the right thing. "Let's go!"
"We must get Kadlian's group and then go. Probably tomorrow we will leave."
"What have we decided to do about Gar? He's off writing scrolls for the next week or so, I believe."
"We take him. We don't need the scrolls...I can do the teleporting now. Hmm, although I don't have an image. I can try to scry that as well."
"Truth be told, we can use him, but don't need him. If Occa and at least one Cannon Fodder take us to Hell, I can resurrect Occa if need be to get us out. Occa is right, the quicker we go, the better off we would be," Salaam says, ready to go once someone id's his stuff.
"Exactly!" says Occa. "This will be a trial...maybe he can be trusted."
"Occa, give me a few hours to prepare holy water, and then I will be ready to go. Also, if you have any bracers or robes of protection, I would prefer that to armor as I would have more flexibility and able to cast mage spells," Salaam says as he prepares to go to the kitchen and start blessing pots of water to make them holy.
"Actually, I have no magic...Gar has all my magic. I will get it back from him later."
"How did you wish Jeeves back then?" Salaam asks, even his superior intellect beginning to get confused.
"Occa meant that he doesn't have any magical items, Salaam."
"Oh, heh, heh," Salaam replies.
"Right...my magic items. I have some scrolls and spell books that Occa Prime tucked away for my awakening, but that is it."
"Occa, you're welcome to make copies of my spell books."
"That might be good. We can compare and maybe come up with a master list for the entire group."
Darian smiles. "Sure. I got most of what you, Lord Valdar and Stiff had available."
"Well, it has been a while. Maybe you have something new? Maybe not."
Darian shrugs. "Well, here's my list..."
Darian recites his list.
Occa says, "Not bad. I have higher level ones of course which you are welcome to copy when you can use them. My list is:
Occa recites his list.
He pauses and says, "Of course, I can't use all of them, but a large chunk can be used."
Gonzo wakes enough to ask, "Anyding ta smash yet? Youse jez lets me know and I'll gets ta werk."
Darian will assist with the identification of magical items and can make scrolls up to 5th order (he's a 9th level mage).
"Occa, I hate to bring this up, but before we headed out to fight pirates and then Raz and then going after Salaam, you were trying to raise my strength and intelligence so that I could continue to progress as a fighter and a mage. You were using wishes granted by Hecate to do this and it seemed to be aging you immensely. I'd like to see if we could find another way to
accomplish the same goal without you bearing the brunt of the aging. After all, as an elf, my natural life span is much longer..."
"Hmm, if we decided that I would die so that the other would live, it wouldn't make any difference. However, we aren't sure of that. What is your strength and intelligence now? Have you tried the pools that raise intelligence and the one that raises strength?"
"I've used the pools. My strength is not sufficient to allow me to progress as a fighter. My intelligence will let me progress a bit further, but not much."
"Hmm, I wonder if I could wish for knowledge of other magic pools. A bit ambiguous, I guess. Let me think on this."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. Especially because if we find any, everyone who wishes can benefit from them."
"Exactly!" Occa says. "However, considering our current quest, I wonder if we will be able to do such a thing. It is probably worth a try. What is more important to you? Learning to clank your sword about better or becoming an awesome mage?"
"I've tried to keep both of these in balance. Truth be told, I enjoy both of aspects. The intelligence has been helping my psionic powers, though..."
Occa says to Salaam, "I would like to make a suggestion...why don't you use your time to make some scrolls with some high level healing on them? We can't buy that but we can buy holy water. What do you think?"
"Sure, I will scribe what I can!" Salaam says.
Emm took leather armor that protects as well as chain, a shield (protects like leather) and a short sword that allows quick attacks and increases chance of striking. He also took two potions of pure, sweet water.
"I assume these are holy water?" Emm inquires.
Occa says, "Actually, probably sweet water. Emm, are you a fighter or a thief or both? It will help to know when we start prepping for battle."
"Thief is such a harsh term. I like to think of myself as one skilled in the art of Ownership Transfer," Emm replies.
Occa shrugs. "I have a good friend who is the guildmaster of the thieves guild in Cafan on Delith. There is no dishonor there. Such a skill set is very valuable. It also helps us plan. In fact, we should make sure you are well armed and well hidden. You have the potential to aid greatly
in battle."
Occa scribbles down some notes. "We should come up with a battle plan. Salaam, when we are in hell, you will only want to use your fairly new mage abilities, correct?"
"Divine abilities are fine, but will be tough to contact Thoth for my higher ranking spells," Salaam says, "so a combination of divine and magical might would be to our advantage."
Occa shakes his head. "Except that the experience would do you little good in your magical apprenticeship if you don't focus on your magecraft. I would recommend against using your priestly powers unless we are absolutely desperate. You will learn more that way and will become more proficient in your new calling."
"My thanks, Occa," he says with a chuckle, "but a prerequisite to becoming a priest of Thoth is to spend a few years as a mage, to get the full appreciation of the Weave and the magic that surrounds us. I was then ordained as a true priest of Thoth and have been so for many years. I would be equivalent to what you Westerners call a high priest. So, I am no longer able to increase my skills as a mage, only as one who is devoted to Thoth."
Occa says, "Oh, I see. I must have reversed it in my mind. That is good."
Occa then turns back to Darian.
"Have you ever considered changing your race? Maybe to a full elf? They are less restricted than half-elves. I have helped a friend of mine named Teke Perianth on Delith with this same problem. I know it isn't the best idea, but it would work. We could give you your current appearance, but you would be a different race. Something to think on."
Darian chuckles. "I am a full elf. I'm a wood elf. Problem is, that I'm maxed out on my fighter skills because I'm not strong enough. And I will hit my limit as a mage fairly soon. I think I can only advance one more order of spells without additional intervention."
"Well, have you considered one of the other elven races? There are some that can become very, very good fighters and mages. The Drow and Grey elves are good examples." He shrugs.
Darian raises an eyebrow. "Drow? That might not be wise considering the feelings some others have for them. I'm happy to be an elf, but I don't know any other wood elves so I've no objection to trying to become a grey elf. I'd want to sit down privately with Jesse and talk about this before I do it, though. What's involved in doing this?"
"A simple wish. I could use polymorph, but a wish would be a bit more long lasting. It also probably wouldn't shock your system as much. It is always bad when a polymorphed person dies because of the sudden change is too much for them. I was a drow for a while if you remember. It wasn't too bad if you don't mind being alienated by the rabble. However, within this group I was welcome and that is all that matters. Even so, it would be a shock for people." He shrugs. "Your call."
Darian shakes his head. "I don't ever remember you being a drow. Was that before I joined the group?"
"Uh, I think it must have been."
"Let me talk it over with Jesse. I'll get back to you with my decision."
"Ok."
"Thanks, Occa."
You set to work. Cannon Fodder is summoned from the maids quarters and told to start identifying items. Note that you have already ID'd many magic items in the 'chest.
You head off to research the ink recipes.
Gonzo heads off on his own errand.