Down stairs you go. As you walk down them, miles in a second and surely more, "An entire new transitive plane. You should get to know her, it would fit your portfolio," Emily says.
Alyssa nods, "I'm excited to know what properties it has. It'll be fun to explore."
A smile from Emily, "So get to know her. She could be a great ally, Alyssa."
Alyssa nods, "It'll be a good venture. But, first thing first."
Down you go. Down and down and down.
Roots. You stand amid vast tree roots, far larger than you and spreading all about the rich, fertile land here. Above you are seemingly endless stairways and platforms, tree branches woven between them.
As you stand here and take it in, "Miss Emily and Miss Alyssa?" A cross between an ant and a dwarf is here, humanoid and dwarf sized, but with antennae and a few other ant features. He wears solid ceremonial armor and says, "Queen commands that you be allowed into the Root."
Any knowledges here? And anything on the armor since I have smithing stuffs?
Alyssa smiles at the ant, "Thank you. Please, lead us."
Make a craft armorsmithing check for the armor, sure.
Nothing else here for knowledge since as mentioned before, it's brand new to the planes. Information just hasn't spread yet.
"Thanks," Emily agrees.
The ant-dwarf leads you on up the nearest root. As he does, "I am Castel," he says, "One of the many servants of Queen. The Roots are not hostile, but they are not safe. Whatever you do, you must not enter any of the flows of glowing water within them."
Take 10 for 77 on Armorsmithing.
It looks ceremonial, but you can tell it's functional armor and likely highly enchanted.
"That's exquisite armor you have. I'm a blacksmith myself, could I ask you some questions about it, and your people."
Up and up the root you go as he says, "You are a guest of Queen. I will strive to make your desires reality."
Alyssa takes out her small journal to take notes, "Do you use a typical forge to create the armor? What's the purpose of the armor? It's ceremonial, but are there different designs based on position? How do those positions get decided?"
"It was made by Bayellen," Is the answers, "I don't know how he made it, but the armor does what armor does."
"Might I spend some time with him after this?"
"As Queen wills. She is our mother and we serve her," Is the answer as he pauses halfway up the root. "Here, unless you have more questions first?" he defers.
"I... have... a vast amount of questions. I want to learn everything I can about you and your people, but... perhaps things in order. Thank you for your guidance."
Castel taps the ground here ten times. At the tenth, the root slowly opens, a path within seen. "Here," he says, going in. "I will explain what you can do within the Roots, but it will be up to you to find what you need."
Alyssa nods, "Please, lead on."
As you step in things expand. Around you is a great visage, a vast root hollowed out. On the ground and in the air streams of colored, glowing water. They wind and twist in the air. The ground is fairly smooth otherwise as here Castel stops.
"Think of what you seek and look into one of the streams. It will guide you along. But you must never touch the streams or you will be lost," Castel says, "There is no return from that."
"What are they?"
Alyssa dips into her new senses and tries to see if one of the streams will offer a clearer path to her objective than the others.
K:P check as well real quick.
Take 10 for 77 K:P
It is the Roots. It is the plane itself, currents of memories and knowledge. To go into one would to become one with the plane's memories and knowledge. No mortal creature would survive such a contact unharmed (and almost certainly be rendered mad or destroyed, or both). For you, you believe it would just be highly harmful but you honestly aren't sure yet. You're still learning all of this.
"It is the Blood of the Roots," Is the answer you get, "Think of what you wish to learn and watch your reflection in the waters, it will guide you."
Alyssa focuses on the seed in the astral, looking for a path to it, focusing on the feeling of it and her instinct to find paths to her objectives.
You see nothing in your reflection.
Meanwhile Emily looks to hers, eyes narrowed carefully, "Oh, I think I see it," she says.
I see a way to the Ordial Gate, or at least it's reacting to it. Do you see it?
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "No..."
She frowns and tries again, focusing on the Gate.
This time you see a flicker of images - you walk ahea dand then turn left, right, right, right left, left, left, right and go straight ahead.
Alyssa blinks.
"I... Got a set of turn directions?"
Alyssa tries to focus on getting a clearer answer.
"I got the same," Emily confesses, "Um, left, right three times, left three times, right and then straight ahead."
Meanwhile you see the same thing as before.
"Yes, the same..."
Alyssa steps back and looks around, thinking...
"I wonder if... it's one of those pattern things.. focus one the destination, close your eyes and use your intent. The turns end up being more of a password..."
I'm just spitballing here. Is there any way to use my portfolio and the minotaur sense to figure out something here?
You could try alter reality for something to point you along, sure. As for the rest, refresh me on your portfolio?
Portfolio: Knowledge, Exploration, Potential
Domains: Magic, Knowledge, Travel, Forge
Since I've never tried anything like this before, any guidance/hints/rules?
I usually adjudicate it through alter reality and factor it in DM side. Doing something that fits in with your portfolio tends to work better - I may tweak a DC down a bit or allow something that's not normally possible. Alicia's gotten some miles out of adding purification to her portfolio and as a domain, for example. Rather than doing it case by case and setting out a rocky situation where I encourage PCs to mine that, I prefer to encourage it with suitable actions doing better and leave any messiness of adjudication behind the DM screen.
To go ahead and use a recent example, Moore's attempt to talk the mad balor down tonight had a better chance (but still admittedly small) because it played into parts of his portfolio. Just wasn't his fault that the demon's been tormented by a Guardian for who knows how long, and that Guardians explicitly operate outside of the normal rules.
You can feel a path ahead - you're being directed, a path given to be followed.
Alyssa focuses on what and who she is, the wanderlust, the horizon, and the path. She tries to frame the path into the exploration of the new place with the directions backed up by her Minotaur sense and uses her magic to bridge them together and to open the path for her.
Alter Reality, as discussed. Throw me any sort of fixing in that, that I might need to do, in case it doesn't make sense or something.
You can feel the path ahead, drawing you on. The directions are yours, all you have to do is go forward and follow them.
Alyssa closes her eyes and follows the feelings and directions.
Sure, gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 40, total 40[/blockquote]
You travel amid the glowing rivers of water. On and on and on. The path is ahead and you follow it - but amid the left hand turns in this place, you come to a thick knot of glowing water. It blocks your way ahead - there's little gaps you could get through with deft moves, perhaps.
Alyssa attempts to use her abilities to open the path more!
Give me a rank check here.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 12 + 1, total 13[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=16]
Normally a plane wouldn't interact this way, but Queen's relationship with this realm is unusual due to what the Guardian put her through. She really wasn't ever meant to be saved, but here we are.
Nothing happens - you feel a will oppose your own.
'Don't do that,' Queen declares in your mind. 'Work around them if you must!'
Alyssa nods to herself and begins working her way through it.
Give me a Ref save.
Ref/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+59 : 12 + 59, total 71[/blockquote]
You smoothly make it through, untouched by them.
"Right with you," Emily agrees, moving to join you.
> roll 1d20+45
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=8]
She gets through just as skillfully, untouched by the end of it.
Remember to include evasion with your ref saves, Iddy.
Whoops, sorry.
Alyssa nods to Emily, keeping quite to maintain her focus on her feelings and innate directional sense to keep to the course.
On and on and on. The path leads you to a pool of glowing water at the end, one about the size of a pond or so.
Alyssa pauses, taking in the sight, and then looking into the pool, repeating the process of trying to find the knowledge of where the seed is and how to get to it.
To that nothing happens.
Emily joins you and adds, "Let me try?"
Alyssa nods.
Emily focuses - and hms. "I see an unfinished door," She says at last. "No stairways connect to it. It's empty there, it's nothing but the door and a platform."
Alyssa considers... "I wonder if... I can find a way to connect it..."
She looks into the pool and focuses on getting as clear of a picture of the platform and door as she can.
That's easy. You see it - a windswept, forgotten platform. A single, unfinished door is there, half carved and left behind. No stairways connect to it, no branches are near it.
"I see it... I have an idea, but it might be... slightly unsafe. What do you think of trying to use my connection to my portfolio, alter reality, and the Words of Creation to forge a path to it?"
"Well, this is Queen's domain," Emily says at last, "We should really ask her before trying that, shouldn't we?"
"Well, I didn't necessarily mean connect it to here, but yes. Let's go ask her."
Okay cool, how are you going to ask her?
Was going to go back to her and discuss it in person.
"Go back? Wasn't she going off somewhere with Alicia?" Emily points out.
"I believe so, but I'm not sure what they're doing, or if we should interrupt. Perhaps waiting? Or I can speak to her with my divine voice."
"Best to ask her directly," Emily says, smiling a little. "Mom tells me deities do this a lot."
Directly? As in with divine voice or in person?
Ask her if you aren't clear, it was an IC comment.
I thought I might have just been missing something.
"Directly as in with the voice?"
"Oh yes, the voice," Emily says immediately, "You do realize it's this?"
Like this.
Yes, Shaundakul explained it to me.
Alyssa refocuses her attention to Queen, Queen, would you have a moment to speak?
'A moment,' Queen agrees, 'Speak swiftly.'
I wanted to try an experiment to connect the gate so it's accessible. Would you allow this in your realm, or would you prefer I do it elsewhere?
'Explain further,' A short, terse answer.
I'm not sure I can... I'd be using my influence over my portfolio along with the Words of Creation to forge a path.
'This gate, can you reach it any other way?'
I have no idea, I've never tried to connect to an isolated plane before. What I can do is try to anchor it in another realm. I won't lie, I think it could be dangerous if things go wrong. If you prefer, I can to try to do it in my own home plane. I'm simply offering because, if it does work, you'll have access to the new plane first hand as thanks for your help. Though, until I try, I don't know if it can be connected anywhere but here.
'You tread in dangerous waters.' Is the answer at last. 'It must wait until my return then.'
As you wish. Might I bother your people to learn about them and educate myself on your culture? I'm interested in meeting your blacksmith.
'You may,' Is the answer, 'It is done. Return from the Roots.'
"She wants us to wait until she returns, but we're free to learn about her people. So, let's head back from the roots and start recording!"
"Oh! Yes, let's," Emily agrees as you go back.
In the meantime?
You've made Jarem grow up, Alyssa.
Alyssa blinks, Red Knight? I thank you for the compliment, but I didn't do much, to be perfectly honest. Except put him in poor situations. I think it might be more the scope of our conflict and him finding it in himself to simply.. Step up, so to speak.
Hardly. You don't find it within yourself to step up to divinity.
Well, perhaps. I'm newly risen and can't speak for him. I desired it, once I realized it was an option, but in practicality, it's to have a better chance of winning. A short term view of things, perhaps, but mortality was staring me in the face while Shar had a knife to my back. Perhaps the weight of it had a similar impact on Jarem?
Jarem has always had Tymora's own blessings when he needs them.
I suggested to him that he establish himself by the defeat of a Demon Lord.
That suits both of you. If he requests my help, I will without hesitation, but it's up to him if he wants to do it for himself. That said, I was planning to come meet you and make our alliance a bit more formal when I'm done with my current... adventure.
Hah, come then and we'll discuss it.
After I complete my task, I'll let you know. It's been an honor having your support. Shall I bring the others, if they're so inclined, or would you prefer it be just us?
Bring them.
I'm looking forward to it.
Alyssa turns to Emily, "We'll be having a meeting with The Red Knight after we finish here."
"Oh!" Emily smiles a little bit at that, "What did Jarem do?"
"Ascended. She suggested to him to announce himself by killing a Demon Lord. So I suppose we have coming up."
A light laugh, "I once read that's what the Red Knight did when she ascended long ago."
"Well, there is a bit of a direct connection there."
Alyssa keeps heading out of the Root!
You return back - but again the same tangle is in your way, the same tangle of glowing water.
Alyssa attempts to teleport past it.
Normally I'd call for K:P but between your portfolio and a high score there's no point.
You recall that teleporting on a transitive plane usually fails, possibly in a dangerous way.
If this was your divine realm it wouldn't be a concern even then, but it isn't your divine realm.
Damn was hoping portfolio would help with that in some way.
Alyssa works her way through the tangle again!
Ref save then, same as last time.
Ref/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+59 : 11 + 59, total 70[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+45
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+45 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{57}
Thus both you and Emily smoothly slip by and return. Castel awaits you, "I have been informed you wish to learn of the Queendom."
"Yes! Queen is off and wants to be present for my experiment, so until then, I'd like to learn about your culture and skills. Should we start with the blacksmiths?"
"As you like," Is the answer, "Are you a smith yourself?"
"Yes! My papa was a smith. I wasn't very strong as a child, but I loved watching him work, and I read books in the light of the forge. When I grew up and moved away, I came into my adult strength and was able to begin working the craft. I was very good at knowing the particulars from watching, but needed practice. I advanced quickly."
"Our smiths are the one the Queen decreed, the ones with the talent to smith," Is Castel's answer as you walk down the root. "As in al things, Queen bestows on us her wisdom, and we grow stronger for it."
Alyssa nods, "If... That's the way your kind is, then so be it. I like having the ability to learn whatever I'm interested in. My papa was a smith, so I wanted to learn it. My mother was a tailor, too, and I learned that as well."
"We are newborns, we need our Queen's guidance," Is Castel's answer, "The Queen guides us all. Do you not have your own Queen?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "... In a way, yes. When most mortals gather to form a society, they tend to elect leaders. When there's a lot of people, they tend to follow Kings or Queens. In normal daily life, this doesn't really mean much. The vast majority of people in a society don't ever interact with their rulers. As for myself, personally... I have chosen my own path and become a leader and Queen myself."
"Your society must be terrible. Terrible!" As you walk down Castel goes on, "Queen speaks to each of us. She guides us."
"Well, it has its ups and downs for sure, but it works, and I went from being a mortal to a goddess. That's not really normal, but it shows that we can, for the most part, do what we want. The key, for me, is the choice. If you like the way your society works, then good for you. As long as it's by choice, enjoy it."
"Why would you? Queen guides us with her infinite wisdom,"T he ant-dwarf declares as you reach the bottom of the root. Here are so many more, spreading out amid the ground.
They sound almost like children who idolize their mother.
Aren't they, though?
Oh, they are!
Then what I said is even more true.
Still a bit heavy handed for my tastes, but... If they're happy and at least have the choice... Then it is what it is.
Aren't ant colonies guided by queens too? The appropriateness seems self evident.
Yes... But they're a bit more intelligent than an ant colony. Still, it works for them and they seem happy, so... It is what it is.
You travel down the root and to stairs that lead to a deep nook between two larger roots. Here a building of stone is nestled. There are chimneys where faint tendrils of smoke rise. Good, solid stonework, the type that may last for centuries.
Alyssa looks around at the architecture, making notes and trying to identify any styles or influences or innovations that she might use herself.
Got any relevant skills? If so make a check on them.
K: Architecture/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+77 : 4 + 77, total 81[/blockquote]
It's good work but not really revolutionary. If anything it's traditional and careful.
"Your stonework is very solid. Very precise."
Alyssa heads into the forge.
Within are forges, the heat of this place heavy. Dozens of dwarf-ants work here, all at the art of forging weapons, armor and tools. They work in smooth tandem, coordinated and precise. Not a step is misused, they go from task to task, often aiding one another without needing to be asked.
"... They are born for this, I can tell..."
Alyssa wanders the forges, inspecting tools and projects while keeping out of the way and watching to see who the forge master is.
Smooth as the ripples in water, the dwarf-ants work around you. You look around a bit and the answer is not obvious - no one commands, they all simply work in harmony together.
Alyssa wonders to herself if there's some sort of low level telepathic bond in play here while she looks for any new techniques they're using while she returns to their escort.
"Very impressive. Which one is the Smith you mentioned before?"
"He is not here," Is the answer, Castel stepping forward to answer. "He should be here soon. If he is not here, he is seeing to his mate."
There's noting truly new you're seeing. It's simply an unnatural level of skill, precision and cooperation. It's doing things very well rather than doing it in a new way. When they help one another, the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. Weapons end up stronger, sharper - sometimes even gaining or losing mass with no reasoning that you can tell, and once you catch silver inlays turn to platinum on a sword.
"Is anyone in charge?"
Castel shakes his head, "They work in harmony," Is his answer.
Emily watches this before, "They work so well together. That's the real prize rather than the techniques."
Alyssa nods, "It is. How do they manage it? Identical thought process? Telepathy?"
"It is natural," Castel gestures with one strong hand, out at the workers. "Many are stronger than one."
"Yes, but their knowing of each other's movement is unusually exact. I'm interested in how they do it. Are they reading physical cues? Do they simply do the processes exactly the same, every time, without deviation?"
"Watch and find out, as Queen commanded me to let you," Is what Castel stays, stepping back.
Alyssa nods and watches while waiting for the armorsmith to show up.
Give me a check with a relevant skill as well as Perception.
Craft: Blacksmithing/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 12 + 67, total 79[/blockquote]
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 4 + 58, total 62[/blockquote]
I just noticed. Am I going crazy, or doesn't Bibliotheca Arcana only apply to knowledge skills?
You're right, it does. So -15 from that. 64.
It isn't natural. You're fairly certain it's telepathy or some sort of innate skill. You couldn't teach this sort of thing normally. You're leaning towards telepathy or some sort of racial communication, but you'd need to test further with magic.
Is this something I can use Alter Reality to figure out via Knowledge part of portfolio?
What spell do you want to mimic with it?
Arcane Sight would be the best option, I guess. I'd say Greater Arcane Sight, but that's one spell too high. Unless Detect Magic is more in line with what I want? Not entirely sure which would be best.
Give me spellcraft.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 8 + 58, total 66[/blockquote]
It's not a spell or spell-like ability - but it is magical. Strong magic as they work together, linked and naturally cooperating. It's not quite telepathy after all, but more of subtle, subconscious coordination.
"Interesting..."
Alyssa keeps watching.
It's not long until another enters. This one is unremarkable, save for strongly muscled arms. He looks about a few moments before his gaze falls on you.
"As the Queen commands, I obey," he comes forth and bows to you. "Lady Alyssa, Lady Emily. I am Bayellen."
Alyssa bows in return, "It's a pleasure to meet you Bayellen. I've figured out how you all work in sync so well, but I'd like to watch a project start to finish, and perhaps help a bit."
"It is Queen's will," Bayellen merely nods, "Are your males here to watch?"
"Oh no, don't worry about that," Emily shakes her head, "We can repeat it for anyone who cares to see it with magic."
"I'm rather unconcerned with them at the moment. I'm far more interested in your process here. What project were you working on?"
"This," Bayellen says, going to a quiet forge in the back. "I am to make a superior set of armor as a gift."
Alyssa nods, "Then let's start!"
You thus watch as he works. He works with minimal aid and you can see why. He weaves magic into it from the beginning - rather than enchanting it once it's finished, he's working it into the armor from the start.
Alyssa takes note and tries to learn the technique herself!
Give me an Intelligence check here, +2 bonus.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+19 : 4 + 19, total 23[/blockquote]
You study it and gather notes. It's enough to have an idea of how to pursue it in the future, you think.
"If I wanted to learn that technique, formally, what would be required? Queen's approval?"
"The Queen," Is Bayellen's agreement as he works, amid the harmony of pounding hammers and quenching hot steel.
Alyssa nods slowly, "Well, I'll be meeting with her later. I'll ask then. In the mean time, would you be interested in collaborating on this project? Or another?"
The dwarf-ant turns to you and away from his work one moment as it heats over the flames. "You are Queen's friend. I will work with you on a project."
"Well, I don't want to stop you from completing this if you need to have it finished first. If you do, then we can simply work on something later."
"It shall wait." Bayellen says without the slightest hesitation, "Queen's will is our will."
Emily hms, "You're so loyal to her. But why?"
Castel clears his throat, stepping forward. "Without Queen, we would never have had a chance to exist. Without Queen, we would be forgotten for all times. Without Queen, we are nothing. The ones that she calls friends, the Reynes, are ones we will defend to the death. The ones that she also calls friends, the two of you, we shall afford every honor and answer every request that we can."
To Emily, Alyssa sends, There's a bit of telepathy at work here. They're all connected, so it's a sort of hive mind, albeit at what looks to be a subconscious level. They're loyal to her because their minds are, to a degree, part of hers.
Oh! That's fascinating. Well, in a sense that's the relationship between any deity and worshiper, but it seems much more direct in this situation.
Indeed, but it fits with their theme.
Queen's lucky to have people who love her so. The same way people love my Moms.
We'll get there one day.
As you talk, Castel politely steps back, as he is not addressed further.
Alyssa settles in to watch and learn while they wait.
Just going to try and learn?
Yep.
You settle in to learn more. After a little bit you're pretty sure you need instructions or magic to progress, as you've gotten all you can with your eyes alone. You need to see the process closer.
What type of magic we talkin' about? Detect Magic?
Your expertise suggests that or arcane sight, as well as possibly divinations to fill in the blanks.
Alter Reality again for Arcane Sight?
You could do that. Do you?
Yep!
One more Spellcraftin' then.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+54 : 10 + 54, total 64[/blockquote]
It's definitely different.
It's much more complex and difficult than normal item forging, but also faster and fortifies the item.
You don't get this feat or anything, but pasting it here for mechanical reasons so that what it does is understood. The difficulty is simulated by the requirement of a feat spent on it.
Queen's Forges [General]
Prerequisite: Any item creation feat
Benefit: You decrease the time needed to forge magical items by 25%. The hardness of any item you create rises by 2 and the hit points of it by 4.
"Fascinating technique. I'm extremely impressed."
Once he puts the armor down to cool, "We found it is our nature to learn it," Bayellen explains, wiping his brow clean, then his antennae clean as well. "Queen's sisters do not grasp it as we do. Are you the same way?"
"I think I could learn it, but it would take time."
"That is curious," Emily says, "Queen's like any lillend, but her subjects are much more lawful." She taps her fingers against her side as she goes on, "Isn't that unusual, Alyssa?"
Is it? Knowledge check something?
Sure, K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+77 : 12 + 77, total 89[/blockquote]
Fat fingered that.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 16 + 67, total 83[/blockquote]
79 total. Doesn't matter hugely here.
Yes, it's normal for a deity and her people to have roughly the same alignment. A law/chaos divide is unusual.
"It is, yes... perhaps that's why she has a hard time understanding the process? I have an advantage because I'm a smith."
"It might be," Emily says, "Another thing I wish to speak to Queen about. Then again, it's also a new realm."
"Yes... lots of interesting things. Shall we find out more about tgem?"
Did a word get eaten there?
them. As in other parts of their society aside from the forge.
"Oh, we should," Emily agrees, "How about their mages next?"
"Sounds excellent."
Thus you are lead out, "This way, we have a place where the mages nearby gather," Castel answers, as you leave the forges behind. "Though few of us have any talent for Queen's beautiful song magic."
"That's something I haven't studied yet, but it's a very unique magic. I doubt I'll be able to learn it, but I can hope!"
"Bardic magic's unique, but it's..." A pause here, "I never had any talent for it when Aunt Sanzha tried to teach me," Emily admits. "It took me a week to learn the basic, foundational cantrip structure, when I was already on fourth circle sorceress spells. What was the point?"
Alyssa looks blankly at Emily, "... Well, to know, obviously. It's a branch of magic that's entirely unique. Why wouldn't you want to learn it? That reminds me, I asked Donald to ask around if Seira knew any bards that might be open to helping us. I should follow up with that."
"There's a difference between knowing and doing," Emily says with a shake of her head. "Oh yes, there's even a message about it at home. We should do that after this."
Alyssa nods, "Excellent! Let's continue on."
The gathering of mages is beneath several smaller trees that grow from the roots. Within you can see a large number of the dwarf-ants, as Castel says, "Here," he says, "Go in and ask them of what you will."
Alyssa nods and hurries in!
Emily follows as you head in. Here mages are in various discussions, while others work amid heaping piles of magical components and materials, as well as tables full of potions. Others yet sit and meditate - and many turn to you as you hurry on in.
Alyssa smiles and waves, "Hello! We're visiting and have come to learn about your kind and culture! We're both mages ourselves and would like to compare notes."
One approaches - a dwarf-ant in simple clothes, tunic and pants. Nothing remarkable, save for a limp as she walks. "You're welcome here, as Queen commands. Ask and we will answer."
"We'd like to see some of the spells you cast, to see if there's any technique differences, and then perhaps look at some lore. Emily, anything else?"
"No, that should cover everything," Emily says after a moment's thought, "Unless things are more divergent than I imagine."
Alyssa nods, and smiles at the ant-dwarf, "Might we know your name?"
"Alethara," Is the answer, a bow to you.
"I'm Alyssa and this is Emily. A pleasure. Where should we begin?"
"Well..."
Okay, give me K:A for reference here real quick and spellcraft too.
K:A/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+77 : 19 + 77, total 96[/blockquote]
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+54 : 17 + 54, total 71[/blockquote]
There's a few variances, but fundamentally this is something you know well already. It is your specialty, after all.
Alyssa nods, "Nothing too out of the ordinary, Alethara. Do you cast spells together like the smiths forge in sync together?"
"You mean harmoniously?" Is the question right back to you.
"Perhaps. Could you demonstrate?"
Thus three come together. As one they cast - it's something...different? Not stronger, but it's like the cost of the spell is diffused amid them.
Alyssa becomes interested, "Can you do that again? I want to see how the flows are split..."
Alyssa uses Detect Magic to watch it!
It's like the spell is broken into pieces and put together as they cast it. It's unified in a smooth, simple way.
"... I'd like to learn that. Is it something you're willing to teach me?"
"It is as Queen wills," Is the answer, "I will teach you."
Alyssa sets in for a lesson!
Spellcraft.
Spellcraft/Cunning Knowledge:
Take 10 for 94.
It seems to come down to something remarkable - these creatures are so closely together at times that they memorize spells together. A pair - almost always a male and a female, though sometimes more or same sex pairs form - memorize magic together. It's no stronger and with no greater number than the sum of the parts, but they seem to naturally mix and combine it in a fascinating way.
The dwarf-ants seem made to do this. It's entirely a natural, internal, instinctual process for them.
"Amazing. The way you interact with each other's magic is astounding. I've never seen anything like it. It's something to be proud of."
"Thank you, ma'am," The dwarf-ant bows to you, "It is how we do this. Is it that amazing?"
"It is. The closest I've seen is what my old Arcane Order used to do. They would each cast the spell and then funnel the power together. But your way splits the cost of the spell up. An entirely different thing. It's fascinating."
"Thank you," A faint smile, "How else can we accomplish Queen's will in serving you?"
"We just want learn about you."
As Emily watches, "Why don't you tell us about yourself?"
At that a mere bow of her head, "There's little to tell. It is not even a year since Queen awoke us all. Our history is new and our Queen's guidance is firm and wise. She carries us through storm and trial, for she is the font of life that we have all drank from."
Alyssa nods, "Less than a year... you've advanced magic and smithing this far in just a year?"
"Advanced? This comes naturally to us," Is the answer, "Queen has guided us, but it is our own talents. She has told us that."
"Hmm..." Emily's quiet at that before you hear her anew.
She's right. Unless Queen has great insight to magic and crafting, as well as vast ability as a teacher, it's too soon to be anything but innate ability. All of this feels how a hive of ants might make magic and magical items.
Yes. More akin to outsiders, perhaps. Still, the speed of advancement is odd.
"I foresee great things for your people once you go out into the planes. When you do, I'll extend an offer to Queen for my realm to be one of the first."
I'm not sure they aren't spirits already.
"Thank you, you honor us and you rightfully honor Queen," The dwarf-ant bows her head again.
Perhaps. Certainly something to look into.
"Well, she's not the only Queen around here."
"Excuse me," Another dwarf ant approaches. This one wears a blindfold over his eyes but walks forward firmly, "By Queen's command, I am here to retrieve you, Lady Alyssa and Lady Emily."
Alyssa inclines her head, "Let's go. It was a pleasure."
Once out the dwarf ant says, "I am Queen's Seer. I understand what it is you wish to do by Queen's will."
"And, what was her decision?"
"I will guide you," Is the seer's answer, a small smile on his lips. "Queen has granted me vision on this matter."
"Yes, very enigmatic. You've kept the character of your position well."
"That's how seers are. Better to live up to it," Emily agrees.
You are lead outside of the roofs, "There's a door you want to reach?" A question once you're a bit away.
"In a way. I have to build a bridge to another plane. I can do it here, in her realm since they're both transitive planes, or try it elsewhere. The former provides a better chance of success, I think, but it's more dangerous to Queen's realm."
"Then do so. I will watch," Queen's Seer steps back, seemingly unconcerned.
Alyssa begins working!
Okay! So, no real idea how to do this other than somehow use Alter Reality in conjunction with portfolio and the Minotaur's Sense thing to find the route to it.
Okay.
This is an odd situation that requires some adjudication, but most of the hurdles are out of the way. Just give me a raw Charisma check real quick for one part of it.
Cha/Brains over everything:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+22 : 4 + 22, total 26[/blockquote]
Funny story. In prep I figured this was one of the hardest seeds since you needed an access point (this was one possible one), a deity with the travel domain and knowledge that it even exists.
The difficulty sure worked out anyway.
It's natural. You feel reality shift to you, as you can see it and feel it. A path ahead, shining bright and leading you into the unknown, beyond even the branches, stairs and platforms of this alternate Infinite Stair. It feels right, in a direct and evident way to you.
Alyssa tries to use her will to solidify the path and steps forward, leading Emily along the way.
A path forms, a stairway that rises up in a corkscrew pattern.
"There," Emily says as she follows, "Thank you, seer."
Queen's Seer merely steps back, "May your journey be a safe one, for it goes where I cannot see."
"You can come with us, if you want to explore. I don't know what waits on the far side, but that's all the fun of it!"
"My role is finished," The Seer shakes his head, "We may yet meet again."
Alyssa heads on!
You walk for a time. A goodly and long time, until at last you come to the platform. Hours pass in your trip yet on you go, until at last you are there.
The door awaits you just as you saw.
Alyssa inspects it, remembering that the door was incomplete as well.
It is indeed. It is a door but it is unfinished. It is as if parts of it were never made, leaving it undone.
Emily joins you, "Do you think it'll open?" she asks at last.
"Not as it is, but... Let me see what I can do..."
Okay, so, no idea what I'm doing pt 2. Anything here like last time? Travel/Portfolio/Alter Reality? I doubt it matters much, but I do also have all knowledges.
Feel free to try them and various powers you have, I'd suggest checking the divine rules and trying things.
This is a good chance to feel things out for yourself.
Alyssa tries to weave her magic and abilities into the door, using her knowledge of architecture, portals, and travel to try and make it whole and functional.
Okay, to be clear, what ability are you using?
Alter Reality, but not entirely sure what spell would be best. One of the Gate type spells, I suppose.
There is a sudden snap, as if something settles into place. The door is whole now, a moment's shift to go from unfinished to complete.
"I think that did it. Let's give it a try."
Alyssa opens the door and heads through!
You step into ... ...
What is this? It's nothing. Not the nothing of Beyond, but a simple, dull gray expanse form horizon to horizon.
The door is gone, as if you never stepped through it.
"What is this place?" Emily whispers, and her whisper echos about, forever and ever and ever. You hear it less and less, not of the sound growing softer, but of it moving away, a journey away from you and into whatever lies within this realm.
"The plane is unused, Undeveloped. A blank slate perhaps?"
Alyssa focuses and tries to impose her will on the plane to form a field of grass and wheat.
There's a feeling of movement, rapid and dizzying. In one blurry moment you stand in a field of wheat and grass, every bit of it the exact same shade of gray.
Emily kneels and runs her hand over the grass. It dissolves to her touch and in an instant returns back to the featureless gray. "Are we in the unfinished Ordial Plane?" To her touch more and more of the field returns to gray, ripples of this change spreading about. In moments it is nothing but featureless gray once more.
That is correct, Emily-of-the-Dragon. Welcome, Alyssa-of-the-Dragonpaths.
The path that ties you together is the patronage of dragons.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "That might have been the stepping stone for us, but I think we've both grown beyond that single bond."
Everything is tied together. Ideas chain with ideas to form meaning. Together those weave together everything. Without those connections, Creation would be meaningless.
Yet the mind is blind to those connections.
Emily looks up swiftly, yet sees nothing. "We need connections," Emily agrees, "But there's more than one as Alyssa said."
"We have bonds, and a path, but it is up to us how those bonds develop, strengthen, and grow. Our path has become stronger with each other, and our other friends."
You come to the Ordial. I did not think a mortal or immortal would ever manage this feat.
The only places with connections that remain are all lost, and yet you now come from one of those places.
What an amusing creature you are. State what you desire.
"There is a seed here. That's our primary goal. Secondary... I think I would like to try to merge this place with my own realm."
This realm cannot be merged, not as it is.
"What needs to be done in order to do so?"
Ideas connect here, but not reality.
It is unconnected and cannot be connected, save for a moment.
It can only be heard.
"I'm not sure I understand. I connected a path to here. And what can be heard?"
Any K's here to get a clue?
No, this is something beyond normal knowledge - an unknown left behind by the Incarnations.
It is not finished. It is dead. A phantasm of forgotten will and purpose. Ideas gather here but reality cannot.
Do you understand?
"Not quite, but I get the theory. Has it been unfinished for too long, or can another finish it? Would it take an incarnation to complete it?"
I could finish it, but I am forbidden. Only the Incarnations have the power and freedom to finish this.
It comes. Feel the wind.
Emily turns, facing the opposite direction, "Look out!" she cries.
Alyssa looks while preparing to dodge.
A great, howling wind. A wind of pure bright light - a light that makes you shiver and recoil. You know should that light consume you all will come to an end., that not even you can endure it.
Yet the light parts away, the winds carrying it in a different direction at the last moment.
The absolute light of 21. The winds scream of its return. An echo, an idea. An echoing idea.
It was drawn to you. The light of 21 has touched you before.
It does not matter. 21 does not matter, it will not consume you.
You come here with a purpose. We shall fulfill this purpose, as it is also my purpose.
"21? The echo of it... Interesting... But yes, our immediate purpose. The seed."
The first trial is to reach the Ordial. You have done so before we began.
"And the next? How many trials in total?"
One more.
Prove to me that you deserve the divine seed.
"Then begin your test."
Begin. Prove to me that you deserve the divine seed.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "That's... a difficult thing to approach. It's rooted in your value system and how I can convince you to empathize and value my goals, or to serve in the interest of your goals. Both of which are unknown to me. But... Let me say this: I do not gather power for myself; I gather it to defend freedom. I do not hoard it for myself, I use it to help others ascend. I've helped three others ascend, and I passed my first chance onto Emily here. I've begun learning and using the Words of Creation. I've been chosen to by the Lord of all dragons and entrusted with a portion of his power.
I work to explore, learn, and expand life and freedom for all. I work to entwine magic with every day life, and to venerate skill, knowledge, and teaching. If there was nothing in who and what I am that was worthy, I would not have gathered the daughter of gods with me. I would not have earned the trust of the Red Knight and helped raise one of her own to divinity. I would not have helped raise another of Shaundakul's followers. I would not have the trust and hospitality of Selune. If I were unworthy, the last Guardian of a seed I found would not have been happy to turn it over."
Just for my own reference, give me Diplomacy as well after that.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+92 : 9 + 92, total 101[/blockquote]
It is yours. Prepare to receive the seed.
"Just like that?" Emily asks, a hand to her mouth.
To reach this point is trial enough.
"Thank you. You've been very reasonable so far. It's a nice change."
Before you it appears - the divine seed. It is alive with power and awaits your touch, awaits your comment.
Alyssa takes it and stores it away, to be used with the others.
"Thank you. What will you do now?"
The moment you take it, it does not matter. You find yourself back home, cast back to whence you came - your office atop the tower.
Alyssa blinks.
"Well, that was rather abrupt..."
She then turns her attention to her friends.
I've returned successful. Let's all meet in my office, under protection.
It's not hard for everyone to gather rocket fast, protections assembled immediately.
"You got one?" Jarem asks, right to the point. "Good work. Which one is this?"
Alyssa activates the protection for her study.
"The Astral one. Found a lost transitive plane, built a pathway to it, and convinced the Guardian to give it up."
Alyssa holds it out for inspection.
Bastian comes forth, "How many charges?" he asks, curiously.
Emily takes in a breath, "Enough, I think."
"I'm not sure how many... And what do you have in mind Emily?"
Emily goes to the seed and checks right away.
"Four," Emily whispers, "Four charges."
Alyssa nods, "One for each was your plan? A fine plan, unless..."
Alyssa turns to Dolmaya, "You have changed your mind?"
"I haven't," Dolmaya shakes her head, "So you have an extra charge to use as you will."
"It's one per, then. Emily, Jarem, Bastian, and myself. Unless one of you wants to pass? Or... We put more of our eggs in one basket, so to speak. Even out the power, or have a bigger stick?"
"We're committed," Bastian speaks up, a shake of his head. "Let's do this and finish it." He goes to the see, as do Jarem and Emily.
"Let's do it together, Alyssa," Emily smiles, putting her hand on the seed.
Alyssa nods and uses the Seed to give everyone a single charge!
It's like becoming alive another time. You become more in a heartbeat, a moment of reality growing smaller as you grow larger.
"Oh." Jarem's voice is odd, much too quiet. "I was such a fool to think I understood."
As the seed crumbles away, its charged spent, it is Bastian who withdraws his hand and says, "We must seem so small to them."
"This is how my mothers feel all the time?" Emily asks aloud, slowly, voice filled with awe.
Alyssa signs at the feeling, "I... Think it's a bit different for each one. Tied to what you govern. I'll let you all take some time to get sorted before we set out again. I have things to do here, and I'm sure you all want to get things straight."
Dolmaya watches it all as meanwhile Emily says, "There's so much to do," she agrees, before she hurries away.
Jarem smiles before he says, "Yeah. How can you not have so much to do now?"
Alyssa smiles wryly at them, then focuses on Dolmaya, "You and I are my first order of business. Do you still want to be my Proxy?"
Jarem steps back as Bastian blurs back - incredibly fast - and leans against the wall. He holds up his fist, lost in a study of it as little ripples swirl around it.
Dolmaya steps forward, "It only makes sense now," she says at last, "How does it feel?"
Alyssa smiles brightly, "No idea! I've never been one, nor have ever made one. Emily? I imagine Seira has a proxy? Do you think we could arrange a talk for Dolmaya with one about it?"
Emily looks up and with a soft smile, "I will and am now. Uncle Donald's telling me to tell Dolmaya to just do it."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Well, I must admit, that's a fantastically convincing argument. Tell him a something a little more in depth would appropriate. We can get to him, or him here, easily enough."
Emily smiles even more, "Just..." she waves and then laughs. It's a glorious sound, carefree and wonderful. "He's right. Just do it, Dolmaya. We've grown and reached a new plateau. You can't even begin to grasp how much higher it is until you stand atop it."
Dolmaya gives Emily a look, one of quiet exasperation. "I meant divinity, because I understand that it is not all that dissimilar from it."
"It's indescribable, honestly. Everything you think it is, is only a shadow of the truth."
"Then do it already," Dolmaya demands, "Rather than us sitting around like schoolgirls."
Okay, so. I dunno what RP stuff goes into this, or what SDA Dolmaya would like the most, but I suspect it's Automatic Metamagic: Quicken Spell?
It's up to you, but if you're asking her opinion, what SDAs do you have?
Stride: The deity's movement is doubled on the local or overland scales.
Divine Factotum: The deity gains Aura of Inspiration, Improved Cunning Insight, Improved Cunning Knowledge and Source of Inspiration as bonus feats. She gains extra inspiration points per encounter equal to her divine rank.
Automatic Metamagic (Quicken Spell): As a free action, she can apply the selected feat to the spells from any one spellcasting class she has or to her spell-like abilities. A spell altered by the use of this ability does not use up a higher-level slot.
Automatic Metamagic (Maximize Spell): As a free action, she can apply the selected feat to the spells from any one spellcasting class she has or to her spell-like abilities. A spell altered by the use of this ability does not use up a higher-level slot.
Extra Domain (Forge): The deity chooses one domain to add to her list of domains.
Divine Celerity: The deity always acts as if hasted, gaining all of the normal bonuses granted by the haste spell.
Quicken would make sense, yeah. Either of the automatics is good.
I'll just go with quicken.
Alyssa focuses on her divine power and runs a thread of it into Dolmaya.
It's easy, natural. You feel it fill Dolmaya, bolster her, thread into her. Just like that it's done, as easy as breathing to you.
Dolmaya's still after until she at last says, "That was simple."
"Benefits of power. You now speak with my authority and have some of my power. I won't drill you on being responsible. You're an Empress, you know all about responsibility. Just don't mistake our goals."
"We have one big one and that's enough," Is Dolmaya's answer to that.
Alyssa nods, "Now, to the other things. Building an army of our own. Developing the realm. The crowning. And... I wanted to reestablish contact with the Arcane Order and open the option of having any volunteers join us. Anyone else want to toss anything into the mix?"
"We have enough," Bastian agrees at last, "There's much to do and..."
There really is. First of all, are you done with hunting divine seeds now?
I guess? I know they need to be done, but pretty much nothing has been done realm wise, so I want to get at least some of that in before we head out again.
Okay.
First move then?
Check up on realm development. I haven't had any sort of update on that in a long time.
Okay.
It's not hard to get a familiar face in here - Delaize comes in and bows. "It's true?" he asks the moment he enters.
"You'll have to be a bit more specific."
Delaize is silent several seconds, "There's nothing else that's being talked about below." he offers to you. "The signs of apotheosis."
"Of myself? Yes. Of the others, also yes. Dolmaya has been reluctant to step into it, so I've made her my proxy. What's on your mind about it?"
Delaize sits, "Everything," he admits at last. "I'd heard the stories of Saint Alicia and the Mistress of the Cauldron, but..." Here he stops, "Yet you seem as you always are."
"Well... I wouldn't say that. I can feel the difference, but I think because of my nature I stayed closer to what I was than some of the others. I'm also reigning in my presence. I can let you feel the difference if you want, but I don't think you'll be able to maintain the same view on me if I do."
Delaize is silent a long moment before, "I'd like to see it," he says, "I have to know what has happened."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and then releases her full divinity, constraining it not all, bringing out all the weight of her power and influence and the parts of reality she has influence over.
Know this, Delaize: despite what I have become, I strive for the same things. I value the same things as ever; my goals are the same, my desires the same. You will forever be a mentor and ally to me, a person whose wisdom, judgement, and experience is to be exalted and relied upon. What I am does nothing to diminish who you are or what you have accomplished. In fact, your mentorship and support can be directly linked to my ascension.
Had you not opposed and challenged me in the Order, I would not have grown. Without that growth, I might have been too weak to come into what I am. Had you not followed me and become my primary administrator and council, I might have not had the focus to pass my trials. Take pride in who you are, what you are, and what you have accomplished. And what you will accomplish, hand in hand with me.
Are you using any particular facet of your divine aura here?
Nah.
Delaize stares, stone silent.
The only tell is his hands, which shake visibly as you speak into his mind. "I..." Delaize begins, a pause, "It's all true."
Alyssa reigns her abilities in and smiles kindly at him, "I suppose so. I don't know what 'all' is, but you've seen for yourself. Take a few minutes to organize yourself, and I'll be happy to answer anything else."
Delaize takes several long breaths, eyes closed. He then rests his head in his hand, silent for a good few minutes. When at last he rallies, he simply nods to you, perhaps not trusting his voice.
"So! What else is on your mind? Let's get those questions out of the way and then get to how our realm is doing."
"What does it change?" Delaize says, "How are you different?" He speaks softly, but his attention focuses on you, sharp.
"Everything that were my goals and passions are... more of a part of me. They're less goals and more... the driving core of who I am now. Like... Curiosity. It's easy to be curious about things, and wanting to know more. Now, instead of simply wanting to know, I have to know. It's become a core part of why I exist."
"You have to know?" Delaize asks, "How?" He considers a moment, head forward as he considers it.
Alyssa shrugs, "Hard to describe. It's like... thirst or hunger, in a way. It's always there, lurking in the back of your mind. Go a few days without it, and it becomes a need that you can't ignore. That's not exactly it, but it's as close as I can think of."
"A compulsion," Delaize speculates. "So Selune couldn't stop being the moon?"
Half a statement, half a question, really, Delaize's voice introspective.
Alyssa chuckles, "Absolutely not. It'd like me telling you to simply choose to stop being human or mortal. To just change your mind on it."
"You are what you are. A statement of philosophical certainty." Delaize murmurs softly, "Your own nature is your own justification. The story of the Glasae Queen. It is said that she was born because she desired to exist, and thus came to be."
I don't recall anything about that story.
Feel free to make an K:N check or simply ask Delaize.
K:N/Bibliotheca:
Take 10 for 81.
It is said the Glasae Queen is the Empress of the Fey Marches, banished there by Queen Titania. Legends whisper she was born of her own will to exist and came into the world as she is now.
"In a way, I suppose. Though how you have will before existence, I'm not sure. But the fey are always strange. What else do you want to know?"
"What is it like to do the matters of the Gods?" Delaize inquires.
Alyssa snorts, "I've only be raised recently. I haven't had any 'matters of the Gods' to deal with that I wasn't already involved in. Clergy hasn't started forming yet, and my divine influence over things are less actively recognizable on the planes than most. I govern knowledge, exploration, and potential. None of those are easily measurable. From the contact I've had of other Gods dealing with things it's either world ending or seemingly oddly petty, to my view."
"Petty?" Delaize murmurs. Then, carefully, "What matters like that are petty?"
Alyssa shrugs, "If, for example, the best solution to a problem includes something that goes against any part of their nature, they'll refuse it outright. Let's say... you have an enemy a task that you can't complete, and there's another out there who could help you. If you represent good and the other is evil, even if there is no negative impact to working together to solve the problem, you'll refuse to do so, flat out.
In context for me, if saving the world required locking knowledge away so that no one could ever know or learn it, I'd be in the same situation. I don't think I could deal with it. Not very well, at least. But, that's the nature of things like this, I suppose."
Delaize is quiet longer before, "I see," he says at long last. Thoughtful perhaps, or maybe overwhelmed by it all.
"Well, enough of that. You can mull over it all and make a list of questions for later. It's a lot to process, so, let's move on for now to something that's more straight forward. How's our realm doing?"
"Well. Selunites have come to visit and a few have stayed," Is the report right off, "It's a steady stream, and many have brought gifts as homage. Most of them have been directly useful such as supplies, or things worth money, which is spent directly on the realm. We're building as fast as we can with both mundane and magical means, and it's all working out well there. Somehow the tide is never enough to overwhelm us." A quiet pause, a consideration before, "That may be the nature of an outer plane."
Alyssa nods, "Are we utilizing summons to help with construction? What are we lacking?"
"Many summons are too short term," Delaize shakes his head, "We've had more success with earth moving, metal and stone manipulation, wood shaping. That's what's worked best for us so far."
Alyssa nods, "Alright. Where are we lacking?"
"Right now? Time." Delaize says simply, "But time passing will fix that. We need more of everything but we have the supplies, we just need the time to build."
Alyssa nods... "Well, there's not much I can do about that. That said, maybe I can do something about helping the people we have reach their full potential..."
What do you think on using Alter Reality to make like... A fountain or something that everyone can use that will give X hour(s) bonus to stats and/or skills? Something to help people fully maximize their efforts?
Could you make a magic item that does that within the cost range of the deific crate items functions?
I have no idea, but I doubt it. I think it's 4500gp for my level? Any other ideas for something similar? I'm not sure how I can use deific abilities to make something like this work? Can I, I dunno, alter the plane to have it as an effect or something?
Something that grants a +2 competence bonus (ala minor skill boosters) to a few skills might be viable.
You can change planar traits, but not in a way to call up bonuses like that on demand when needed. Those are more permanent things usually.
Well, I wanted it to be permanent. I suppose I'm not really sure what the limits are, but what about something like a permanent Unseen Crafter spell to aid people? It's only a level 2, which Alter Reality should be easy to cover. Can I do something like a shrine or the like that people can pray at and, while only in the plane, they get the spell granted to them?
Well,to make a magical item that constantly uses a level 2 spell costs 12k at a minimum if I do the math.
A level 1 spell is 1k, albeit any application of that has an asterisk since some break due to the low level math. You would whip up something simple using a first level booster spell that's workable.
Hmm... Can I do anything to help make more possible with Words of Creation?
Edit: So, in looking through 1st level spells, there's precedent for something like this. Ancient Knowledge - Level 1 spell that gives +5 insight, 1 hour/level and Bigby's Helpful Hand - Level 1, holds items for you, helps you complete long, involved tasks, and otherwise aids you, grants +2 competence bonus on Craft and other things, 1 hour/level. I think it's fairly reasonable that we can make something work for what I'm aiming for: something to help proficiency and/or save time.
Do you have anything concrete in mind or are you fishing?
A little bit of fishing. Like, I made the hammer that granted skill bonuses, and that didn't cost me anything to actually make. Is there a reason why I can't use it in conjunction with Alter Reality and Potential to make something that gives skill bonuses or reduces time to complete a task?
Something, sure. We can assume 'something' that can give people boosts on drinks ala the victory arch in B3 and not worry if it's a +1 bonus, +2 or whatever since it's an aid thing for NPCs.
Not permanent ones, but long term enough that it's usable in day to day projects at least.
Yeah, that's fine. I'm mainly trying to give them something that'll help boost and maybe help with speed.
Sure, just tell me what you want the physical form of it to be. Is a fountain good?
Fountain is fine, as long as it makes clean water. It can also serve as a central social plaza.
Okay, keep that in mind for when we do more realm stuff soon. Anything else to cover with Delaize here?
If everything is progressing fine otherwise and he doesn't have anything to bring up, then no.
Okay then, next move?
Meet with The Red Knight, I suppose.
You're able to set that up with Jarem.
"About that," Jarem says, "She told me she was going to come visit shortly," he explains, "She's not going to sit back and wait for you to come to her."
"Ah, well. In that case, let's prepare for her arrival. What would she enjoy?"
"A good drink, a good hunt, a good story. She likes to laugh," Jarem says, "Were she a man, you'd think her a normal, boasting knight with a taste for physical activity. She is no pretty violet like Sune or Sharess."
"Well, we can take her into the Beastlands for hunt... For a drink, I'm not sure... Maybe we can find something in Brightwater? For a story, well... Turn your report of the guardian fights into a story."
"I have the drink covered," Jarem says, "Fine, I'll do that. A feast wouldn't hurt, or at least a hearty meal for all of us. We'll need to be prepared for when she does come."
"That won't be hard. I know a spell for a feast. With some time to get it ready, it should be fine. It's a Cleric's spell. Heroes Feast? You've likely run into it before."
"Do better than that," Jarem scowls, "Alyssa, she could make that spell with a bare bit of effort. We have to do better than a spell she probably grants more times a day than I can count."
"I thought she was on her way? How much time do we have?"
"A day or two," Jarem says, "I don't know exactly when," Now he blows out a breath, "Look, I'll take care of the food, too. Just focus on the rest of it."
"Well, to be honest, I've never formally hosted a deity. I'm open to suggestions, and I'll pull Dolmaya in, too."
"Do that," Jarem agrees quickly, "Get Emily involved, too."
Alyssa nods, "Let's get started then. Also, you and others need to decide what you want to do about shrines and temples here, at some point. I'm not opposed to a communal temple, but... It's up to everyone."
"One step at a time," Jarem agrees, "One step at a time."
Alyssa nods and calls for Emily and Dolmaya.
Got any particular plan here for this?
Not really, but Dolmaya's been preparing for the coronation, so I figure she'll be the most ready to pivot whatever we need into a welcome feast, and Emily's probably been to these sort of formal things before.
Sure. OOC a sec, Dolmaya would suggest simply optioning the entire thing into one ceremony. Red Knight's visit, celebrations, a coronation. The whole nine yards.
That's fine with me, but that's also a lot more resources. We've, in general, been pretty vague on what exactly we have access to here. We're also, as a whole, sorta short on cash, I think. We've been doing seeds, not treasure:
Alyssa: 8,986.66 gp
Jarem: 149547 gold.
Emily: 244297 gold.
Bastian: 39682 gold.
But I can't speak to how much others want to give. Alyssa, personally, is pretty f'n broke.
Right, okay. I'll sort that with you over the weekend sometime.
You're about done here unless there's something you really need to knock out before break? I'm planning to hit end of arc this weekend by giving Cor some extra time to finish that quest of Seira's.
Well, I wanted to do some work on the Words of Creation, start putting real effort into that hidden room in creation, reestablish connection with the Arcane Order, and start nailing down the real defining point of the demi-plane. Like, everyone's realm has a defined thing, but mine is still sorta vague, mostly because it's brand new.
Want to slot any of that into here first?
Well, the last we'll be covering first thing in the new arc. Basically exactly how you want to shape your plane, the traits of it and so on and so forth. What do you imagine for it?
Well, was thinking modelling it more off of a campus at the center, then spreading out into more of a village style construction instead of a large city. Plains and mountains around, with a few large lakes.
That's a pretty good idea, hold it in mind since we'll be talking about this early on and shaping your realm hands on.
What about the rest? The Order?
Will be touched on a bit in diplomacy. A few posts before the weekend isn't really the time to handle that, admittedly.
Then I suppose this is done, beyond planning for looting adventures.
Cool, okay. Level up time will be announced once I finish up things, either over the weekend or Monday. Feel free to go ahead and start, but I won't be doing level ups for NPCs until I'm past the pause point for everyone.