Random DM nagging.

[Corwin]

[22:25] <Yuthirin> roll 1d2
[22:25] <Serith> Yuthirin roll for Serith < 1 > [d2=1]
[22:25] <Yuthirin> Yay bot works
[22:26] <Yuthirin> roll 1d20+21
[22:26] <Serith> Yuthirin roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=16]
[22:26] <Yuthirin> Can someone post that in Nagging for me?
[22:27] <Yuthirin> <3

[Ebiris]

Operation Silver Shield

Aurora will gate into the vicinity of Hopelorn and the Gehenna/Limbo rift on the astral equidistant from both points and divinations will be performed to locate the absolute centre of the rift. From there our forces will be split into three groups. The first group (Smith) will represent the majority of Aurora's elite spellcasters, with the officers moving to the centre of the rift while the remainder will spread out around it to cover its area as best they can. Using a prearranged signal visible to all (a sunburst spell or similar is recommended), the officers will employ Wish grade magic to seal the rift while the remainder make use of dimensional anchor or dimensional lock spells to weaken the rift in support of the main thrust.

Due to the widespread formation and magical drain after casting wish spells, team Smith will be particularly vulnerable to attack from other groups likely to be present in the area, so a second force composed of mobile and hard-hitting units (Hammer) will also sortie from Aurora to stand guard over Team Smith for the duration of the exercise. The remainder of our forces (Anvil) will remain on station to guard Aurora and, as suggested by the naming scheme, act as a bulwark for Hammer forces to drive the enemy into.

Once the rift has been sealed and local superiority attained, all forces will regroup in Aurora to be redeployed for the cleansing of the Hopelorn ruins under prospective Operation Charcoal Chimmney.

Force Composition

Spoiler: ShowHide

Smith
Command: Tepen (or Jaela if she returns in time)
Officers: Vul'lath, Tryll, Kascha, Surraruthru (bodyguard for Kascha), Balyss, Cresiel, Simmer, (Canderella and Hanna assuming they return in time)
Forces:
77 firre warrior/clerics. They range from 8 to 12 hd, having levels in cleric, paladin of freedom, barbarian and champion of Gwynharwyf. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 88/100 (Fanatic)
80 healers of medium size. They range from 4 to 10 hd, having levels in healer and cleric. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale 80/100 (Good)
20 elite healers of medium size. They range from 11 to 12 hd, having levels in healer and cleric. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 80/100 (Good)
100 triune movanic devas. They range from 6 to 9 hd, having levels in cleric, fighter and bard. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 87/100 (Fanatic)
200 hound archons. They range from 6 to 8 hd, having levels in paladin, fighter, ranger, cleric and favored soul. Alignment: Lawful Good. Morale: 60/100 (Fair)
200 justice archons. They range from 6 to 8 hd, having levels in paladin, cleric and fist of raziel. Alignment: Lawful Good. Morale: 60/100 (Fair)
12 githyanki acolytes of medium size. They range from 2 to 10 hd, having levels in sorcerer, wizard and savant. Alignment: Neutral, Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Evil. Morale: 67/100 (Good)

Hammer
Command: Afina
Officers: Baleruk, Moore, Crystal, Misalea, Arrel, Stille, (Adrian and Mirima assuming they return in time)
Forces:
1 Battle Horror
98 Ysgardian warriors. They range from 2 to 5 hd, having levels in fighter and barbarian. Several have lycanthropy, blessed by Selune to be able to control it. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 100/100 (Devoted)
131 female students of the Graceful Blow. They range from 4 to 10 hd, having levels in sorcerer, fighter and swashbuckler. Alignment: Chaotic Good, Neutral Good, Neutral and Chaotic Neutral. Morale: 100/100 (Devoted)
40 pixies from Lifasa. They range from 3 to 6 hd, having levels in rogue, sorcerer, ranger and scout. Alignment: Neutral Good. Morale: 70/100 (Good)
205 air elementals of small, medium and large size. They range from 3 to 10 hd, having levels in fighter and aerial avenger. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 82/100 (Fanatic)
500 Ysgardian Regulars of medium size. They range from 3 to 12 hd, having levels in fighter, paladin of freedom, ranger and barbarian. Alignment: Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral. Morale: 95/100 (Fanatic)
50 Sylican regulars of medium size. They range from 3 to 12 hd, having levels in many different classes. Alignment: Lawful Good, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good. Morale: 70/100 (Fair)
20 knights of the wise convent. They range from 6 to 12 hd, having levels in fighter, rogue and knight of the wise convent. Alignment: Lawful Good, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good. Morale: 77/100 (Good).
28 air elementals of shinear. They range from 3 to 10 hd, having levels in dragon shaman. Alignment: Neutral, Neutral Good. Morale: 80/100 (Good)
50 elven detachment of the confederation of liberators. They range from 5 to 12 hd, having levels in many different classes. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 77/100 (Good)
100 triune courre. They range from 3 to 5 hd, having levels in cleric, healer and favored soul.  Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 87/100 (Fanatic)
84 pixies of the purple pixie brigade. They range from 5 to 10 hd, having levels in rogue, fighter and scout Alignment: Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral, Neutral. Morale: 70/100 (Good)
50 freed eidolons of rimefire. They range from 12 to 13 hd, having levels in sorcerer and frost mage. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 60/100 (Fair)
30 ladies of the butterfly kinship. They range from 7 to 10 hd, having levels in druid. Alignment: Neutral Good, Neutral, Chaotic Neutral. Morale: 74/100 (Good)
100 lantern archons. They range from 3 to 4 hd, having levels in scout. Alignment: Lawful Good. Morale: 60/100 (Fair)
210 lillend. They range from 8 to 14 hd and have levels in bard. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 70/100 (Fair)

Anvil
Command: Ithea
Officers: Sylvie, Dana, Ebony, Ellese, Morniel, Tannin, Master, (Vivantha, Meillarberyl, Moonlight, and Mirajane assuming they return in time)
Forces:
1 Ironwyrm Dragon
3 Slaughtestone Behemoths
1 Shredstorm
55 cloud giant warriors from Elysium. They range from 17 to 17 hd, having levels in fighter. Alignment: Neutral Good and Chaotic Good. Morale: 100/100 (Devoted)
66 dire wolves. They range from 6 to 8 hit dice, having levels in fighter, spell-less ranger and scout. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 95/100 (Fanatic)
231 elven warriors. They range from 4 to 8 hd, having levels in various classes. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 83/100 (Fanatic)
50 earth elementals of medium size. They range from 6 to 7 hd, having levels in fighter and ranger. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 84/100 (Fanatic)
50 fire elementals of medium size. They range from 6 to 7 hd, having levels in fighter, scout and hexblade. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 89/100 (Fanatic)
50 water elementals of medium size. They range from 6 to 7 hd, having levels in fighter, rogue and monk. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 89/100 (Fanatic)
50 air elementals of medium size. They range from 6 to 7 hd, having levels in fighter, rogue and ninja. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 84/100 (Fanatic)
12 earth elementals of large size. They range from 8 to 10 hd, having levels in fighter and dwarven defender. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 84/100 (Fanatic)
163 catfolk warriors of medium size. They range from 3 to 8 hd, having levels in many various classes. Alignment: Neutral, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral. Morale: 98/100 (Fanatic)
25 conflagration oozes of large size. They range from 7 to 7 hd, having levels in fighter. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 69/100 (Good)
143 tortles of medium size. They range from 3 to 7 hd, having levels in many various classes. Alignment: Neutral, Neutral Good. Morale: 90/100 (Fanatic)
992 refugees from the burning aeropolis. They range from 4 to 12 hd, having levels in monk, fighter, swashbuckler and various monk PrCs. Alignment: Neutral, Neutral Good, Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Good. Morale: 87/100 (Fanatic)
100 satyrs of the sunrise. They range from 5 to 8 hd, having levels in bard, jester and battle dancer. Alignment: Chaotic Good. Morale: 72/100 (Good)
120 fey-blooded centaurs of halas. They range from 4 to 9 hd, having levels in fighter and deepwoods sniper. Alignment: Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral. Morale: 68/100 (Good)
50 dire lions. They range from 8 to 12 hd and do not gestalt. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 50/100 (Fair)
50 griffons. They range from 7 to 12 hd and do not gestalt. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 50/100 (Fair)
46 mineral quasi-elementals. They range from 3 to 10 hd, having levels in fighter. Alignment: Neutral. Morale: 60/100 (Fair)

Projected Forces Present

Spoiler: ShowHide

As this situation represents a potential flashpoint in interplanar dynamics, a large number of agencies are expected to take an interest and either be on-site or appear during our operation. The line between friend and foe could blur and allegiances could shift, so here is a list of expected forces that could be encountered and how they are to be dealt with.

Forces of Law

Devils under Bel: As Aurora has to appear to fix this situation and the astral isn't particularly friendly to us, this represents a prime opportunity for Bel's forces to attack. However the situation is muddied by the following...
Devils under Lixer: While Lixer would wish to attack to save face and could present a threat, the situation is as much his making as ours and so he may instead be forced to put aside his emnity and focus on repairing the rift.
Other Devils: The astral plane becoming akin to the abyss would be a disaster for devil-kind and so forces under the other 8 Lords could be present solely to repair the rift without giving any consideration to our Crusade.

The situation thus is rife for inter-devil strife, and while it is tempting to try and play on that two things must be considered. Firstly forces under Bel and forces under Mephistopheles are functionally identical to the eye, thus lowering our guard for one could allow a sneak attack by the other. Secondly, and most importantly, devils have abused the expectations of truce and parlay in the past to pursue a temporary tactical advantage. Therefore under no circumstances are Aurora's forces to accept negotiation with devil forces nor work alongside them. While we could allow their presence without starting a fight, they must be kept under strict observation and separation so as to deny any chance to mingle with our forces.

Mechanus: A planar rift of this nature represents a break from the norm that is likely to be challenged by Inevitables. Despite past friction with their kind they could be considered helpful in this situation. Keeping them apart from Baleruk is still wise.

Celestia: Thanks to friendly relations with Celestia and a large contingent from there amongst our forces, any detachment from the Holy Mountain is to be welcomed with open arms and incorporated into our command structure where possible.
Celestia (Bahamut): Unlikely to be present so no special measures are required. If any do appear then courtesy should be observed but a watchful stance prepared.

Forces of Chaos

The Abyss: The prospect of the astral plane becoming like their plane will no doubt be irresistible to creatures from the Abyss, although the freshness of the situation may be enough to prevent a large force being mustered. Any demons on site are to be treated as hostile and engaged early, however given the near certainty of Hell's presence it would be prudent to divert them towards Baatezu forces where possible so as to solve both problems.

Limbo: Slaad are far more likely to be present as one end of the rift opens out into their home plane. The novelty of the situation suggests they are likely to work to maintain or expand the rift, however attempts at persuading them to depart before force is required.

Arborea: The evil nature of the rift as well as our good relations with the Court of Stars and Arvandor mean that any coming from this quarter can reliably be considered our allies and so they should be welcomed and made use of wherever possible.

Other

Locals: Due to how time functions on the astral, no natives could have had time to appear, or else sufficient time has passed for the githyanki to muster an armada. In either case astral natives are unlikely to view the rift positively and so diplomatic efforts should be taken to gain their aid and shift blame onto the devils.

Yugoloths: While the Limbo portion of the rift means it isn't ideal, yugoloths can be expected to use the rift for their advantage. It is considered that they are more likely to use the threat of their interference to wring concessions rather than risk actual battle. Judgement will have to be exercised as to what price we are willing to pay and how far we can press their bluff dependant on how crowded the situation is getting.

Hopelorn: While those of great power resident in Hopelorn have likely already fled for more stable environs, a great mass of undead too weak or incapable of departing are likely present (note due to the astral's properties, mindless undead are of no threat) along with those of middling power hoping to scavenge what they can from those who've fled. They are unlikely to prove a meaningful factor in this operation but should be exterminated with prejudice if they make any motion towards interference.

I've only used officers that are in the new topic. Dudes we have in the old topic that haven't been upgraded can be assumed to be in reserve or something?

[Anastasia]

If you need someone in the old topic, say so and I'll bring them over.

More on this when I'm not so sick and congested.

[Anastasia]

Iddy's PrC is up over in homebrew on the R&S board.

[Iron Dragoon]

Iddy's PrC is up over in homebrew on the R&S board.

Yay, thanks!

As an aside, I asked in chat and you said you'd have to read deeper: Could I send scroll/wand spells through the tapestry? Also Tactical Teleportation thing.

[Nephrite]

Moore's fine going wherever, as a note.

[Iron Dragoon]

Operation Silver Shield

I'm mostly alright with where I got put, but I'm going to keep that tentative depending on how my rebuild turns out. I may be more effective elsewhere. That being said: Kascha.

[Yuthirin]

Operation Silver Shield

This works for me.

[Anastasia]

Iddy's PrC is up over in homebrew on the R&S board.

Yay, thanks!

As an aside, I asked in chat and you said you'd have to read deeper: Could I send scroll/wand spells through the tapestry? Also Tactical Teleportation thing.

1. No, it's your spells, not things cast from scrolls or items.

2. Yes, because tactical teleportation requires willing targets. There's two ways a spell can qualify for eldritch tapestry. One is to be a saving throw with the (harmless) notation, the second is a spell that explicitly requires willing targets.

[Iron Dragoon]

Iddy's PrC is up over in homebrew on the R&S board.

Yay, thanks!

As an aside, I asked in chat and you said you'd have to read deeper: Could I send scroll/wand spells through the tapestry? Also Tactical Teleportation thing.

1. No, it's your spells, not things cast from scrolls or items.

2. Yes, because tactical teleportation requires willing targets. There's two ways a spell can qualify for eldritch tapestry. One is to be a saving throw with the (harmless) notation, the second is a spell that explicitly requires willing targets.

So how's that going to work with the Abjuration Specialist level 10 ability that makes Abjuration spells with a range of Personal extend to Touch? Is it assumed that they will be (harmless) or willing targets?

[Corwin]

I want to ask if Jaela's recent situation works for either of the following:

http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101729.msg1037052.html#msg1037052
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101729.msg1036528.html#msg1036528

[Anastasia]

I want to ask if Jaela's recent situation works for either of the following:

http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101729.msg1037052.html#msg1037052
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101729.msg1036528.html#msg1036528

Doesn't look like it offhand.

[Anastasia]

Iddy's PrC is up over in homebrew on the R&S board.

Yay, thanks!

As an aside, I asked in chat and you said you'd have to read deeper: Could I send scroll/wand spells through the tapestry? Also Tactical Teleportation thing.

1. No, it's your spells, not things cast from scrolls or items.

2. Yes, because tactical teleportation requires willing targets. There's two ways a spell can qualify for eldritch tapestry. One is to be a saving throw with the (harmless) notation, the second is a spell that explicitly requires willing targets.

So how's that going to work with the Abjuration Specialist level 10 ability that makes Abjuration spells with a range of Personal extend to Touch? Is it assumed that they will be (harmless) or willing targets?

Probably, yes. RAW it's not really clear but I'd assume so, since any spell you cast on yourself would have to be on a willing target by definition.

[Iron Dragoon]

New char sheet is up.

[Anastasia]

Okay. Post a copy of your old sheet to the cemetery for posterity and reference.