Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

Okay, so you wanted to upgrade your allies, Iddy?

I did! Do the same gear cycle on them the next day. I haven't done the math yet, so I'll start on that.

Okay, post when you have it done.

On a pure RP note if you want to do it, Alyssa would want to work on this with Walt.
Max check bonus (3/day ea): 125 (take 10). 5 pieces of armor = 2 days work. 4 weapons = 2 days work.

Alyssa:
Dromen's Bucklers: These floating bucklers function as an animated heavy steel shield+5. (+5 AC)
+5 Improved Armor Bonus. DC = 120

Jarem:
Dellos: Adamantine long sword+7, keen and sweeping. Can be used to make a trip attack and does not allow the target to trip you back if you fail. (+3 to hit, +4 damage dice step)
+3 Improved Masterwork Weapon, +4 Improved Design. DC = 125

Red Breastplate: Breastplate+7, called, max dex equal's the wearer's dexterity bonus, no armor check penalty. For every 2 points the wearer's Int is above 10, gain a +1 insight bonus to armor class and saving throws. (+5 AC)
+5 Improved Armor Bonus. DC = 120

Root Wood Shield: Root Wood Heavy Shield+8, bashing. Also a Root Wood Heavy Shield+8, impact and mighty smiting. (+5 AC)
+5 Improved Armor Bonus. DC = 120

Emily:
Fireclaw: Shortsword+3, elemental harmony, sacred, evil outsider bane, undead bane and flaming. All elemental damage this weapon deals becomes the most beneficial type for the wielder. Curves around resistances and immunities as much as possible because of that. Typically +5 due to greater magic weapon.(+3 to hit, +4 damage dice step)
+3 Improved Masterwork Weapon, +4 Improved Design. DC = 125

Blaze: Breastplate+8, max dex of 14, no arcane spell failure and -1 ACP.
+1 Improved Armor Check Penalty, +4 Improved Armor Bonus. DC = 110

Dolmaya:
Mayados: Longbow+8. When wielded by royalty, this bow grants the wielder damage reduction 25/adamantine and epic, resistance to energy (all five elements) 50 and the spellcasting of a 13th level fatemaker. (+2 to hit, +5 damage dice step)
+2 Improved Masterwork Weapon, +5 Improved Design. DC = 125

Honeydip:
Fairywind: Small shortsword+7, anarchic and holy. On a hit, wind hurls target 1d6*10ft in direction of choice and confuses for 1d6 rounds. DC 36 will negates confusion and DC 36 fort negates being moved.(+3 to hit, +4 damage dice step)
+3 Improved Masterwork Weapon, +4 Improved Design. DC = 125

Nav's Breastplate: Small breastplate+7, +6 enhancement bonus to dex and cha. No ACP, 5% ASF, unlimited dex bonus. Only functions for eladrin or knights of the stars.
+1 Improved Arcane Spell Failure, +4 Improved Armor Bonus. DC = 110

That all looks solid. No words on this batch?

Man, I can't use it for shit. Almost every time I've tried it on equipment, I roll a 1, and I'm worried about it destroying something. It almost exploded Jarem's sword once already.

Okay, I'll do these after session, remind me. In the meantime, what's your next move?

I may touch on working on these, but I want to do my planning all at once.

Back to looking for the seed. As a recap:
The first is a report of two cubes being destroyed by an unknown force. Details are scant but survivors are many. No one really knows what happened, but it was bad.

The second is a report of spontaneous resurrection on several battlefields. The details of it are hazy, but multiple powerful champions rose from defeat to fight again.

The third and last she has is of spontaneous, unknown portals that stole an entire cube.

I think the only one left was the resurrection one. So let's start there. Did Emily dig up any more info on it? And I think you said Jarem had something. Also, I'd set Bastian on trying to retrace Galgathorn's path to the guardian.

Gathgorian, Iddy.

"So, you want me to try and copy this devil's path without knowing his path?" Bastian says, "That's going to be a trick."

"Well, we know his end point already. We just need to figure out how he got there. Him passing through Acheron shouldn't have gone unnoticed completely. There's got to be a hint somewhere. The Guardian is apparently interested in me, so there might be more of a trail than we think. Just need to find the first step... What do we know of Gathgorian and his methods?"

Bastian crosses his arms, "Not a lot, but I've heard some things. He had something to do with Lifasa and Aurora, but came out from it in one piece. Better than a lot of devils can say. An Archduke of Hell and now said to be a deity. His power is the wind and his size. I've heard it described like facing a mountain."

"Well, something like that definitely can't go around unnoticed. Still, let me do a bit of research and see if I can't figure out how he goes about things. If I can get a hint of that, I might be able to narrow down where he could have started."

Planning to research then? Make a check if so with your library bonus.

You didn't say what K it was, but I have them all at the same rank, so... K/Cunning Knowledge/Library:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+100 : 12 + 100, total 112[/blockquote]

Gathgorian is a former warrior in the Blood War. He served for ages and rose to the rank of Sergeant Major, the top non-commissioned officer in Hell. His role in the Lifasa affair is somewhat foggy, but do to arcane diabolical plots and politics, he was made a Duke of Hell. This would be a stunning rise for anyone, and surely put even a powerful devil on the back foot for thousands of yeas as they adjusted. Gathgorian took to it with a single minded purpose.

It's known Gathgorian had indecisive battles with the Aurora in this time and survived the liberation of Lifasa. For reasons never announced as far as you know, since then he was promoted to the position of Archduke - an unheard of rise from Duke of Hell - and banished from Baator. The banishment is not unheard of, several Archdukes are banished along with the title due to infernal politics, but the speed of it is stunning.

Now Gathgorian has risen, if the stories are true. He has reached apotheosis and now stands as a single minded force in Creation to the destruction of Chaos in all forms. He is said to be a tremendous warrior and prosecutor against Chaos, and will not rest until every speck of it is scourged from Creation.

Which fits what you know, as you consider what Zaphkiel told you in Chronias. The chosen of Asmodeus, one of his two gambits to defeat Shar and lead the ultimate defeat of the Incarnation of Chaos, Ao.

"Hmm.. From what I can tell, he'll have been single minded about it. It means the path would have been as straight on as possible, and likely brutal... Bastian, see if there have been any reports of entire groups disappearing or dying wholesale. He'll have brutalized anyone who might have seen him, I think, and the wreckage of it might be telling."

"Sounds like his speed," Bastian agrees, "Though. He's a deity and that means he's smart. I'll look for feints in case he anticipated someone doing that."

"Yes, but he's also been rebuffed, in our favor. I suspect he'll be watching us to either approach and negotiate or to try usurp it at the last moment. He'll be obscure.. But not too obscure. He wants it, too, after all."

"I'll look," Bastian agrees, getting up.

Give me a d100.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 62, total 62[/blockquote]

Soon enough?

'It's harder than it looks. Gathgorian's not the only one who may have wreaked havoc. It's not like the lower planes are peaceful and pleasant.' Bastian sends back to you.

Alyssa sends back, 'If you feel you're getting nowhere, then come back. I'm still looking into those resurrections.'

'I didn't say I was getting nowhere,' Bastian retorts in your mind.

'I have full faith.'

Alyssa turns back to looking into the resurrections.

After a few moments, 'You act like I'm not about to say that I have it.'

'Just letting you get whatever suspense build up you want. I'll gasp in astonishment when appropriate. Just let me know.'

'Fine. I found it.'

Alyssa sends a mental gasp of joy and astonishment, 'You're fantastic! I'm so glad Shaundakul sent you to me. You're one of the greatest friends I have.'

'Get everyone ready so we can do this,' Bastian sends back instead. 'Once your girlish happiness contains itself.'

'I can gush all at once if you want. You'll have to be the sole recipient, though.'

Alyssa sends a message to the others to get ready and gather.

Since it might be relevant or minor boosts, did I accomplish any node goals?

Yes, you're due a check on those.

AS you prepare, Dolmaya comes up to you, "Alyssa."

Alyssa smiles and motions for her to get comfortable, "Yes?"

"That shield of Dana's is a remarkable bit of spell work," she begins, "Strong too, those shields are rare."

"Yes. I don't think I could have gotten the efficiency of energy infusion without your help. Emily's a powerful spell caster, but she's a battlemage. It's nice to have someone else to work on these sorts of things with. Thank you for your help."

Dolmaya smiles, "I still have a few things to teach you, oh fanciful goddess." She has a hand on her hip, gaze all on you.

"For a long time to come, I hope! And let's not forget my sister."

A connection at that. To Dolmaya, strong and growing stronger.

Node update.

Alyssa smiles at it.

"Well, that's encouraging."

"Forward," Dolmaya agrees as...

Any prep for this trip?

Uh, depends. Does Bastian anticipate full god vs god combat?

It's a Guardian, so his exact opinion is he doesn't know but can't rule out anything.

Well, I think we'll be fine.

No prep spells then?

Just normal buffs.

Long Duration:

Self:

Create Magic Tattoo, CL 37, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 spellcaster level

Create Magic Tattoo, CL 37, Duration: 24 Hours
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls

Create Magic Tattoo, CL 37, Duration: 24 Hours
+2 competence bonus on attack rolls.

Mind Blank, CL 37, Duration: 24 Hours
Protection from all devices and spells that detect, influence, or read emotions or thoughts.

Energy Immunity x2 (Electricity/Sonic), CL 37, Duration: 24 Hours
Immune to Electicity/Sonic

Epic Mage Armor, CL 37, Duration: 24 Hours
+20 armor bonus to AC.

Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 37, Duration: 24 Hours
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained.

Prying Eyes, CL 37, Duration: 37 Hours
1d4+36 eyes, 120 ft normal vision in all directions, 25 word instructions:
"Orbit me in ringed layers leaving no gaps and report any useful resources or dangers."

Elemental Body (Fire), CL 37, Duration: 37 Hours
Attune Form spell, Immune to Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Fire Sub-type, Darkvision 60ft.

Agility of the Dragon Princess, CL 37, Duration: 37 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Dex

Beauty of the Dragon Princess, CL 37, Duration: 37 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Cha

Mind of the Dragon Princess, CL 37, Duration: 37 Hours
+4 insight bonus to Int

Many Moments of Prescience, CL 37, Duration: 37 Hours
4 uses, +30 Insight bonus to any single attack roll, opposed ability or skill check, saving throw, or AC vs. a single attack.

Everyone:

Mass Energy Immunity (Acid), CL 37, Duration: 37 Hours

Pre-combat, medium duration:

Greater Spell Immunity (Crown of the Ten Stars), CL 30, Duration: 300 minutes
1st: Disintegrate
2nd: Dimensional Lock
3rd: Binding
4th: Ability Rip
5th: Antimagic Ray
6th: Banishment
7th: Enervation

Spell Turning (SLA), CL 36, Duration: 360 minutes
1d4+6 spell levels turned


Alyssa
HP: 703/703
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
AC: 110
SR: 52
Bonuses: Attack+66/61/56/51, Damage+33, AC+20, Saves+2, Skills+0
Resources: 29 Inspiration, 14 Opportunistic Piety
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Darkvision 60ft, DR 20/adamantine and epic, Resistance 20 Acid/Electricity/Fire 20, Immunity Electric/Sonic/Acid/Cold/Fire/Poison/Sleep/Paralysis/Stunning/Flanking/Critical Hits, Never Flat-footed, Attune Form, Fire Sub-type, +4 Insight Bonus Dex/Int/Cha, +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge Checks

Everyone's ready now. How are you getting over there?

"I'll Plane Shift us over. Get ready."

The group, all prepared, appear inside of a house. Not a good one - stone but run down, beaten. Bastian waits here, standing in front of a window and gazing out of it.

"About time."

"It is the duty of a man to wait on a woman, after all. What did you find?"

"A path," Bastian says simply, "It's...well, the Guardian's clearly noticed us."

Alyssa nods, "Afina said as much. Odd, none of the other Guardians took direct notice of anyone, as far as I know."

Afina?

Alicia, sorry. Too many A names.

"A path?" Emily asks back. "Really?"

A shake of his head, "You'll know when you see it. Come on."

Alyssa follows!

For my reference for the coming part, give me Perception? +3 bonus.

Perception:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+68 : 9 + 68, total 77[/blockquote]

Thus you head out, onto the ice at the bottom of Ocanthus. A tunnel into the ice is here now, stairs going down. Your holy symbol adorns this path, on a sign above it.

"I told you you'd see," Bastian adds as you go.

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Well, that's certainly... Novel. I don't recall having followers here..."

Alyssa focuses her divine abilities to get a sense of who and what is going on around her symbol here.

Nothing. It's like the symbol before you doesn't exist to your senses.

"That's... Hm. Odd. The symbol isn't connected to me. What does that mean..."

Alyssa runs through the library of information in her memory to try and figure out what's going on.

By any rules you know this isn't normal.

"Guardian," Emily says softly, "Nothing else could ignore the rules of Creation like that."

Alyssa nods faintly.

"Well, it certainly isn't something that we'll ignore. I'll take this as an invitation, so let's go meet our host."

Marching order here? It may matter.

Eh, let's go with Jarem, me, Bastian, Dolmaya, Honeydip, Emily.

You begin to walk down. It's cold but not truly cold. Warmer than it was before as you head down the icy passage.

You're feeling tired. A sharp, deep and mortal sensation.

Alyssa frowns, and tries to examine the sensation and determine what's causing it, while mentioning to the others, "Something is... Draining me. I feel tired, like a mortal. I have a suspicion.."

Alyssa sends a mental message to the others, 'Has anyone ever heard of a deities' power being sealed? Like, perhaps... In a holy symbol that's been tampered with?'

Jarem yawns instead of answering.

'It's...not...' Emily begins. 'Has to be...Guardian.'

Bastian slows as well, "I'm...tired?" he manages a loud, voice sleepy and confused.

Alyssa becomes alarmed and starts dragging the others back, 'Out! Now!'

The others begin to move, but - you see the way behind you is gone now, a smooth wall of ice in its place.

Alyssa sends out her eyes to scout ahead and turns to Dolmaya and Honeydip, 'Are you alright? Is it only affecting the divine?'

Will saves all.

Will/Cunning Insight/Aura of Inspiration:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+55 : 4 + 55, total 59[/blockquote]

Everyone gets +18 to their save via Aura of Inspiration.

> roll 1d20+63 Jarem
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+63 Jarem --> [ 1d20=17 ]{80}
> roll 1d20+66 Emily
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+66 Emily --> [ 1d20=19 ]{85}
> roll 1d20+49 Bastian
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+49 Bastian --> [ 1d20=2 ]{51}
> roll 1d20+57 Dolmaya
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+57 Dolmaya --> [ 1d20=19 ]{76}
> roll 1d20+51 Honeydip
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+51 Honeydip --> [ 1d20=10 ]{61}

You can't manage it. You slump over instead, words lost as your eyes slide shut. You struggle, instinct against this unnatural happening, but sleep claims you.

When you become aware again, you're warm somewhere. Warm and under a blanket, cozy. Comfortable.

Did anyone succeed?

Alyssa opens her eyes slowly, taking stock of where she is.

Hard tot ell when you fell so hard, but it wasn't looking so good.

You're in your room at home, back before your apotheosis. The sea breeze wafts in, a sweet smell of fruit with it.

Am I recognizing this as a dream?

It doesn't feel like a dream, for whatever that's worth.

Alyssa stands and narrows her eyes, taking stock of herself and her magic.

Everything seems normal there. You don't seem to be changed at all.

Alyssa tries to impose her will on the place, to see if her power holds dominion here.

Nothing happens. It simply refuses you altogether.

Alyssa tries to send a message to the others, 'Anyone able to respond?'

Nothing.

Alyssa taps her foot, then heads out to the balcony to see how far this goes.

You go to the balcony. It goes out as far as you can see - by all senses, you're back where this all began.

Alyssa furrows her brow and, using her newly acquired knowledge of Chronomancy, focuses her senses to try and detect whether or not any was used.

You do not sense any magic like that with your various abilities, let alone any sign of Chronomancy.

Alyssa sighs, running through her memory for anything that might match up, while trying to sense if her divine realm exists here or not.

Nothing. Just the dawn sky outside, the gentle movements of the waves. It's a peaceful scene for certain, at least on those days when trouble stayed away from this place.

Alyssa sighs and speaks out, An impressive trick, Guardian. One I would be interested in learning. I assume a test of sorts, or simple observation and judgement of personality. An introduction, at the very least, is appropriate, I think.

She speaks!

I had thought you had been struck mute and dumb. I feared that your mind had snapped and all that was left is a body that would be little more than a glorified paperweight.

Come now, there's no reason to be insulting. I figured you were watching, so I decided to test the limits this place, and you, imposed upon me before anything else.

One's response is greatly influenced by one's environments and limits, after all. Figuring out what tool best suits the job requires an evaluation of the job.

You were the only one who didn't speak right away.

The pixie's talkative if combative.

Alyssa smiles, Yes, she's got fire in her. They all do. It serves them well, and it's helped us forge strong bonds. Though, Lady Honeydip is still making her own space with us.

Speaking of space, I'd be very interested in learning how you did this. It's quite the feat. Making a God's holy symbol without it being connected to them, removing their access to their divine realm, and isolating them? This is a very, very good little time-out room.

Inquisitive as I assumed you would be.

Alyssa shrugs, Well, knowledge domain and travel, after all. So, you brought us here for a reason. And denied Gathgorian apparently with my name in mind. Whether as a chosen recipient or something else I hope to find out.

Let's see, you brought me here, to the Arcane Order either because it features so heavily in my development, or to discuss what I was compared to what I am in an effort to evaluate me and remind me of something?

Hardly. Beaches are preferable.

Gathgorian is a worthy specimen. But will you outperform his potential?

Alyssa shrugs, Only one way to find out. I don't suppose this is something we can find out while laying in the sun on the beach with alcohol and fruit juice?

Worthiness for the seed is many things. The Incarnation of Balance gave me the duty to guard this seed.

Is that how you'll prove your worthiness to me?

Isn't it your responsibility to establish a framework? Worthiness for a carpenter means nothing for a tailor or blacksmith. Every Guardian's test is different.

Balance, though... Balance is something I support. In my life, I've seen enough examples of the extremes to be able to extrapolate what would happen if one side dominated the other.

Chaos? Nothing would ever be developed. It births ideas and inspiration and adventure! But it's attention is fleeting. It's enduring and yet momentary. Law? It imposes order and domination, but also provides a framework of what's acceptable. Boundaries. It teaches focus and discipline. Things people need in order to develop. Where chaos might give birth to an idea, Law will define and develop it.

The same goes for Good and Evil. Good encourages us to help each other. To help those with less than us. It helps make interactions and society healthy. It's what nurtures. Evil encourages selfishness. It helps breed survival. Keep what's yours. Protect it. Take from others so that you might be better. It imposes violence and power on those below you. And power dynamics are formed from it, and from those, often time stability. They define each other.

But, you're not the Incarnation of Balance. So, while my philosophical musings might open dialogue with the Incarnation, you have your own ideas of what's needed. Your own concept of this evaluation. So, what test do you propose?

Everything in Creation has a purpose. What is yours?

Alyssa shrugs with a grin, No idea! Before, it was to learn and research and explore. Then it was to lead. Then it became to save myself and my Order. Then it became to fight Shar. Then it became divinity. That's the fun part of Chaos: the growth, the development, the change, the evolution. What I am tomorrow will be different than what I am today. But perhaps that's the purpose: to see what you become.

But for now, my purpose is to pass this test. And to learn the trick of making a place like this.

The Enaction of Will is beyond you.

Any K check for WTF that is?

No.

You might be surprised. I've begun learning the Words. I might yet find the path.

Really? Show me.

Maaaannn, I gotta roll for this.

Alyssa considers and focuses everything she's ever studied on them, and then speaks their name with will and authority, imposing their creation on the world.

"Butterflies."

Charisma. Good luck.

Cha/Brains Over Everything:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 17 + 28, total 45[/blockquote]

Go ahead and describe your butterflies.

I didn't put that much thought into it, honestly, but I guess they'd be Monarch Butterfiles in my colors: Red, Purple, Gold.

I mean IC. It's your thing so by all means feel free to in this case.

Alyssa focuses and brings her image of the Purple, Red, and Gold butterflies into reality, with a hand sized wingspan.

Basically replace the orange with gold, black with purple, and the yellow/white spots with red on a Monarch, I guess.

The butterflies spring into being and fly about, fluttering in the air.

Mildly impressive. At least for one such as you. You can only expect so much from limited beings.

The Enaction of Will is still infinitely beyond you.

Uh, am I supposed to recognize those colors, or is that just the Guardian showing off?

Alyssa smirks, A greater being such as yourself could get off your laurels and help me grow, couldn't you? I have, if nothing else, potential, drive, and time. Even if this is just one grain of knowledge on a beach, by your own admission, I've accomplished something impressive. As limited as I am, my growth shows there's a chance.

Guardian showing off. It matches the butterfly colors if that wasn't obvious.

I could also go have you slay a dragon, but that's also waste of everyone's time. Even the dragon's.

You're also here for something else than that and we both know it.

The seed, yes. But more as a function than anything else. I assume you're aware of the why. It's part of why I'm so interested in how you created my symbol and this place. A.. side-step? to creation? It would be useful.

It's beyond your concern. Focus on the test for the seed instead, rather than things you can never have.

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, I've been told that many times. But, for now, alright. What's the test you want to impose?

Create something worthwhile then.

Such as? I would consider any life created out of nothing to be significant.
What'syour preference? Life? Items? Weapons? Something unique?

Unique. Impress me.

Alyssa considers, then lights on an idea, focusing on her newly made butterflies.

She thinks about everything she knows about magic, how it works, and the weave, and focuses, on how the weave is damaged when a spell is cast, and how it's repaired and speaks to the butterflies, trying to give them new purpose, "Heal the Weave."

So what you want is Weave healing butterflies? Okay. Charisma again.

Cha/Brains Over Everything:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 12 + 28, total 40[/blockquote]

The butterflies shift, but it isn't quite right. Not right at all. Nothing you can see, but you can feel it just isn't there.

Are you saying that Mystra's so slovenly and old that she needs you to patch the holes in her dress? Or perhaps you aim to take her position?

Unlike the other comments, this one sounds almost amused. A distinct flavor of mirth, playfulness.

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, Your jab, in this case, is quite tasteless. There are many Gods of magic, but I ask this: How many work to help Mystra with her burden? She may have ultimate domain, but that doesn't mean I can try to help her with it, even if in a small, localized way.

Alyssa studies the feel of what went wrong, trying to figure out a way to correct it and get the effect she wants.

Quick  Int check.

Int:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+18 : 14 + 18, total 32[/blockquote]

You just don't know quite enough with the Words to say. Feeling it, you feel like that perhaps you don't know enough about them? Or you made some mistake.

Oh, Mystra is old. Old and I and if she ever thought about it, tired. Perhaps what comes is a mercy to her.

Rude to comment on it. I doubt she want to cease, regardless, I will continue to work on this. I think it's a worthwhile contribution.

Is anything you do worthwhile?

Your struggles mean nothing. The Beyond is cold, empty and cares nothing for you. All of your trickery here is party favors of no meaning. Why endure when all you have and all you can be is worthless?

Shar has said the same. It has even less impact coming from someone who's been nowhere and done nothing for how long now?

Little creature, you presume I've done nothing?

With this ability to create this... sub-world? You could lock Shar away. Granted, that's not your task, but it is why I'm here.

My powers are great, but the Incarnation did not leave me unrestricted.

Emily defends you with every word. Loyal, brave, forthright. Stupid, but I expected no less from her type, and with a trace of draconic arrogance that befits her.

Jarem amuses me. He at least can carry a conversation well, and his self resolve and vainglory is remarkable for a lesser creature.

The pixie has the touch of one who plays at many things she should not on her. A trifle of no importance.

The orc kin hates me with the simple passion of his people, but he hones it as a weapon. Respectable. He is intelligent, a rare amusement for one of his kind.

Jarem bores me. Beneath it is the same self resolve as the devil who sought me. Not as honed by the ages of Creation yet, but as solid if given time to grow. If I wanted that, I would have invited the devil in.

No. Perhaps that will be more interesting instead. He may liven this up.

Alyssa nods, Fair. And Dolmaya and myself?

I see why you have Dolmaya. She's what you so desperately wish you could be.

Alyssa chuckles, She's impressive indeed. She certainly has the experience I want. And, what's your opinion on us as a group?

Utterly lackluster.

Yet far more interesting than the devil.

The beach. You're on the beach, the waves lapping as the sun rises. Yet you stand in shadow. For a mountain given flesh looms behind you. A cornugon so vast as to dominate all the sky, clad in armor and with a great sword in one hand. Ready at a moment's notice, as it rumbles in a dreadful voice deep from Hell itself, "You call me again, Guardian?"

Yes. At least this woman and her group is more interesting than you. Learn from her.

Yikes. A bit rude, but I think what he means is thirst for power isn't a substitute for personality.

So now I assume we have a contest for your favor?

"There is no thirst, Alyssa. Only inevitability." Gathgorian replies, sword lowered.

A contest, a collaboration, I care little. Impress me.

Alyssa nods slowly, "Well, which path do you want to take? Truthfully, any conflict between us only gets in the way of our ultimate goal. Still, impress, hm?"

Alyssa grins slyly and tries to send Gathgorian a private message, 'What was it the Guardian asked of you? I think it might be trying to play both sides against the middle for amusement.'

Perception here, +2 bonus.

Perception/Cunning Knowledge:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+99 : 7 + 99, total 106[/blockquote]

Subtle, but you notice Gathgorian's gaze momentarily drift towards the Guardian. Caution? It feels like that to you. At last he says, "I rule the winds and power,' he decides, "You claim dominion over magic?"

'Among knowledge and travel. What was it he asked you to do?'

'He asked me nothing,' Is Gathgorian's answer, short. 'He is more interested in you.'

'Interesting. He asked me to create something "impressive" but would not give any parameters as to what would qualify. But he's mentioned collaboration twice now... So, work together to create something?'

'He favors order, as he should,' Gathgorian answers, gaze now all on you, 'He seeks to impose it on a creature of Chaos: You.'

Alyssa mentally shrugs, 'Everything tries to impose on everything, and both are needed. Absolute victory of either side results in stagnation of everything. Regardless of the philosophical debate, I believe a joint effort is our best option in this case.'

'That is what is desired,' Gathgorian agrees, 'We have little choice otherwise.'

'So, something that combines every thing... Hmm... A spell or something more exotic... A creature that combines travel, wind, power, knowledge, and magic... What do you think of something like an awakened bird of prey that doesn't need to land? Can generate its own magic to stay aloft for its entire life?'

'An adequate start,' Gathgorian agrees, 'A majestic hunter.'

'If it's a start, where else do you want to do with it? I'd prefer it end up as more neutral than either lawful or chaotic, good or evil. I say we let it be what it is: a pure hunter, out to do what it's meant to, free of bindings like the wind itself.'

"The wind and strength," Gathgorian replies right away, "A hunter blessed to do what comes to it, as it should."

'Alright, but he wants something unique and impressive. Raw power isn't unique.'

'Purpose with it. Man, angel or devil is nothing without purpose.' Gathgorian responds, 'A purpose so complete and terrible that the planes will tremble with it.'

Alyssa looks at him exasperated, 'Oh come on, this is supposed to be a collaboration. Nothing in nature is purely about destruction. We want to impress him, so both of us have to give way on this. I'm letting you put power and wind and hunting in. We need something as a balance. I came up with the idea of the bird of prey, which is a bit against my nature. Your turn, think outside of destruction.'

'You do not understand,' Is the answer instead, Gathgorian turning to look out over the sea. 'Mortal creatures tremble, scatter and die. Immortals cling to power yet so few see past their own natures.' Slowly Gathgorian holds a fist up, regarding it. 'So few grasp a meaningful purpose. A purpose so pure that reality yields before them, a purpose so deadly that it drives them forever. A purpose that forces Creation to change as it eternally strides towards its Answer. That is what I am, Alyssa Songsteel - purpose. A purpose so great that Creation shakes under it. That is what I will bestow it. Not destruction, but a meaning far above lesser creatures.'

'Not without telling me what that purpose is. Collaboration, remember. That includes compromise. That purpose needs a balance in the results.'

'Victory.' Is the answer, 'Victory above all else. Victory no matter what opposes it.'

Alyssa sighs, 'Gathgorian, friend. Remember what you said about not being able see past their own natures? All you've done is repeat yourself: power, purpose, victory. I'm not arguing about those things. I'm saying those things need have a result that helps nature beyond simply those things.

Listen. Think about fire. It destroys absolutely, right? But it also brings ash into the soil and creates fertile ground and new growth and new life. For this to be a truly balanced collaboration and to make something truly unique, we need something like that. If we want this thing to be an absolute force, then it can't simply be a one-sided creature. It needs to be a fully rounded one.'

'You do not understand,' Is Gathgorian's answer, as he looks down on you from above. 'Power and victory lead to all else. It is the sword which cuts through Creation around it and allows it to go further.'

On one side, law. On the other, chaos. I've seen yapping dogs that get along like this.

"Oh shut up. You've been about as useful as a yapping dog."

Alyssa turns back, "Alright how about this. Have the victories of this inspire all who see them to greatness. To be better than they are."

"So be it," Gathgorian agrees aloud.

Alyssa nods, "Okay. How about something... Prismatic? Perhaps crystal feathers? Birds of prey also tend to be more streamlined, so something smaller and fast, but with a large wingspan... Perhaps folding the wings back half way when it wants more speed and maneuverability? Retractable claws and serrated beak for piercing and tearing...

For abilities... How about... something based off of the Mighty Wallop spell? Always stronger than its size? Perhaps a bit of gravity control and spatial compression?"

"Crystalline, small, deadly," Gathgorian rumbles back. "Make it so."

Alyssa rolls her eyes, but begins working.

Charisma check.

Cha/Brains Over Everything:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 5 + 28, total 33[/blockquote]

You begin to work. It's hard, harder than before even as you draw on your divine nature.

I see your intent.

Tell me why you chose a bird, Alyssa.

"If you look at the domains involved, Wind is the closest to freedom between us. It pairs well with my Travel, going across worlds and planes utterly unrestricted, able to get into the smallest spaces. Birds ride these winds, going as far afield as they wish, with nothing to tether their travel and exploration.

Gathgorian values power and status and domination. A bird flies above everything, the world below it for it's observation, and to pick its prey at will. In my view, the ability travel that far, see that much, with that clarity, and to observe nearly unrestricted means that it will learn more and more. It can fly beyond the horizon, see further and further than anything else."

This Acheron is a place of war. Forces fight here with little reason and less hope. Yet here, a creature of law and chaos have cooperated.

How desperate.

"Or, as the result of this bird's victory will be.. Inspiring! You've been all doom and gloom and depressing. You need to spend some time with Moore."

There is silence. The beach is gone now and you stand in nothing. Only a faint light in the distance can be seen.

Approach me.

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, but heads towards it.

Gathgorian goes as well, striding ahead.

A pointless approach, like yourselves. Meaningless.

"You keep saying that. I get it: it's all pointless. The struggle is pointless. The fight is unwinnable. The goal unreachable. Yes, yes. You sound exactly like Shar. Same thing over and over. Regardless, I'm still going to do what I can.

Either be helpful and provide a framework for your little game, or be done with it."

"I will endure," Gathgorian agrees, "Even if you are right and Creation is meaningless, than I will force meaning onto it. Be silent and perform your duties, Guardian."

Then it is before you. A twisted mass of vein-like lines around the divine seed, a tiny mote deep within a castle sized mass of those lines.

The duty the Incarnation of Balance gave me is meaningless as the wars on this accursed plane. As meaningless as your momentary lives. I welcome what comes to this Creation. Let rubbish be tossed into a bonfire and burnt away.

Alyssa inspects it to try and figure out what's wrong with it.

"Letting your personal frustrations affect your duties? Poor form. What did you do to it?"

The divine seeds allow apotheosis, without the risk of becoming something broken.

But what if you try and break such a thing?

Any K check for this?

"Wait, let me get this straight. You got upset at your duty and the... world... and so you broke it because of it?"

Nothing meaningful, no.

"It lies. The work of an Incarnation will not be undone so trivially," Gathgorian declares, a gesture, a sweep of his sword out. "No, you lie and seek us to think that our entire ordeal is meaningless."

"He's had enough time to study it... It's very possible he was able to do... something to it. I think we should have some of the higher authorities look it over before we try anything with it."

If you desire it, come and take it.

Gathgorian glances at you but a moment, "We will speak of it later," he decides, no hesitation as he heads towards the mass of vein-like lines.

"Don't forget the agreement. We're allies in this. But be careful, it might be sabotaged, whatever he did to it."

Going forward as well?

Yeah.

You advance. The veins do not move - you'll have to go around or through them somehow.

What do you mean? Are they actively blocking the way, like moving? Otherwise, just.. fly.

They surround it, including from above.

No path through at all?

None, you'll have to get in somehow.

Alyssa sends out a bit of magic to test how it reacts.

Plain old Magic Missile, Alter Reality.

The missiles strike it and do no good - nor does Gathgorian's blade, unable to even budge the lines.

Alyssa considers for a moment, then approaches it, makes a small cut on her forearm, and drips some blood onto the veins.

Go ahead and choose how much by taking a willing amount of HP damage. Tell me how much.

Uh, I have.. 703, let's go with... 100?

You spill your blood on the veins. Slowly they begin to part, the way to the seed revealed.

Alyssa raises an eyebrow and reaches to claim it.

You'll need to walk in a ways to do that. Nothing's stopping you now, though.

Alyssa walks forward to grab it.

The two of you head within. As you do the seed grows no closer. Each step takes you forward and yet the seed is still ever so far away.

Alyssa sighs and closes her eyes, "Really, Guardian? More of the your efforts are futile doctrine?"

Alyssa focuses for a moment, calling on her wanderlust, travel domain, and her senses to find the path to the seed.

At the same time Gathgorian grunts and brings his blade down. Tornado winds howl out, space torn and shifted. Yet nothing happens at all.

Gathgorian lowers his blade, striding forward nonetheless. "If it takes an eternity to endure and succeed, that is what I will do."

"I doubt Shar will wait that long. Let me see if I can figure it out..."

Anything on my efforts? Can I study what's going on to figure it out?

As far as you can tell, space simply isn't moving forward. By all rights impossible, but something's changed the rules directly. It should yield to your power, but it seems the Guardian has changed it otherwise.

Alyssa furrows her brow and casts a spell.

Space Compression.

Reach through and grab it.

It draws closer with that - there! You think you can grab it now.

Alyssa does so!

You grasp the divine seed - only for it to fade away at the last moment.

Pathetic.

You strive for a goal I will never let you realize. I-

"Shut up," Gathgorian declares, voice dreadful. "I see a pathetic, sniveling worm who has far more power than sense or honor. Be silent, you crying child begging for attention, and stand aside as we fulfill our destiny."

Alyssa tilts her head, "I agree. I've seen many like you come through the halls of my Order. They whine and bemoan everything, putting those they think below them down as a twisted way of justifying their existence. So utterly trapped by their own awkwardness and arrogance, yet entirely unable to exert even an iota of control over their own lives.

They usually don't amount to much. You asked me before if I had thought you had done nothing, put no effort forth. I don't think you have."

A laugh from Gathgorian. "Those who are like that in Hell are broken out of it and remade into productive members of the army. Tell me, little Guardian, are you mewling to be remade in your vast weakness?" His laugh is a horrid thing, "Alyssa," he declares, "You are correct. A spoiled child afraid. All the power in Creation and too weak to resist the fear of failure."

ENOUGH!

Both of you are pushed back dozens of feet before you can react.

You insult me, you wretched little beings?

"Only if the truth is an insult," Gathgorian says, "The truth is that you are a sniveling, worthless maggot."

"I agree with the sentiment, if not the exact wording. Since becoming a deity, I've realized something. For all the power higher beings have, Gods, Guardians, Incarnations, the more constrained they are, compared to a mortal. A mortal changes many times in their lives. The focus of their life can be whatever they want.

You're trapped, here, in this place, with this duty. And the only thing you've done to change is to bemoan it and become... Petty. You think to exert your power by sabotaging our efforts. You seek to reign over us by tricking us and to set up impossible tests.

Yet here we are. Passed your test. Twice. Defeated the lock on the seed. Found a path through your spatial block. We've done it all.

What have you done, Guardian?"

It's like a ball being throw. The seed is hurtled at the two of you before you find yourselves on the ice sheet of Ocanthus. The divine seed hovers before you as Gathgorian moves, "Swiftly," he commands, "Before others sense this and interfere."

Alyssa nods and inspects it, to find out how many charges are in it.

4. There's also a strange energy left behind. You'd need to spend some time studying it.

"There's strange energy on it still... I can't tell what it is, but it could be another trap from him. I can take it back and study it to make sure it's safe and contact you once I've figured it out."

"No. With me," Gathgorian declares, taking you by the shoulder. Will you resist?

"Not without knowing. No offense, but your kind aren't exactly known for being hospitable, kind, or ensuring safe return."

"There is no time." His answer is gruff, "I give you my word."

"Then you'll also welcome my allies when they meet us there."

"Now," Gathgorian says shortly, "Or are you so fool as to court a battle with every hopeful here for the very seed we fought for?"

"The alliance holds, as does the agreement between your lord and my sponsor. I'll go, but you *will* give me your word, in your Lord's name, that I will be dealt with fairly and you will allow myself and my allies access and leave, freely."

A gruff grunt and you are taken.

It is a plateau. A plateau beneath a dark sky, where winds howl like forgotten banshees. Before you is a city of steel and adamantine, the first stages of construction begun. You can see devils toil away at it, "Now," Gathgorian says shortly, "We are safe."

His gaze turns to you, "Know this, Alyssa Songsteel. I will not betray you as long as our great task remains unfinished. This is no trifling matter and I am no demon," The word is spat out, "Who would betray agreements in such a grave situation."

Alyssa sends a message to the others, letting them know where she is.

"You know, if you weren't always so sword and blood and war and relaxed a little, you and I could be... Well, maybe not friends, but at least friendly. Anyway, let's get to work."

Alyssa sets to studying the seed!

K:A real quick before anything else.

K:A/Cunning Knowledge:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+90 : 9 + 90, total 99[/blockquote]

You can say one thing - it's not like anything you've seen before. You're lost - whatever it is, it has to be the work of the Guardian.

Alyssa huffs.

"I've never seen anything like it before. As I said, I think we need to take this to be looked over by those with more experience. I know someone who's spent a great deal of time studying divinity and the Far Realms. I'd like to take it to them to see what they have to say.

I will swear to you that I won't use it or do anything with it beyond that without speaking to you first."

"Who?" A simple, direct question form Gathgorian. "We have privacy, speak truly."

"I can't. I'm under contract and oath to keep their identity a secret. I apologize for not being able to, but I believe you can understand the weight of that oath."

So that I know for a DM check, who are you talking about?

Io.

A long look before, "I will ask my master, who knows them as well." Gathgorian declares.

Alyssa nods, "Then let's go our separate ways for now. I'll let you know what I find out."

"Or come with me. The Father of Hell will welcome your presence in this affair," Gathgorian declares slowly, "And the seed will be safe in Nessus."

"But it's faster if we go separately. There's likely to be some testing that needs to be done. Check with your Lord and look through your lore, let me know what you find and I'll work it from my end. Like you said, it attracts attention the way it is. The faster we figure this out, the better."

Give me a Diplo check her.e

Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+105 : 15 + 105, total 120[/blockquote]

A look. A long look before Gathgorian states, "Do not misuse this, for all our sake's."

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "One does not rise from mortality by being a fool. I'll contact you."

With that, Alyssa aways to meet with Io, sending her people a message to meet her there.

Thus reunited, your party heads up to meet Io. He awaits all of you once more, "You return, Alyssa," Io states at last. "Welcome." The great dragon looms over all of you, yet distant and far away at once. A paradox before you that defies answer and awaits your words instead.

"Hello! It's good to see you Io. I've returned with something of a conundrum. I met a Guardian and obtained a seed from him. He was tasked by the Incarnation of Balance, yet he tampered with the seed he was given. He covered it in some... network of veins that required my blood to open, and then, a strange energy on the seed. Like nothing I've ever come across before. Not even in lore."

Alyssa produces the seed for inspection.

Io inspects the seed, looming in closer and closer to it.

"Curious," he finally says, after a good minute of inspection. "Curious and more curious."

"I was concerned about sabotage. He mentioned breaking it, and all of the tests he set up were to emphasize the pointless nature of our struggle. And he said he was looking forward to what was going to happen to Creation. Any idea what he's done?"

"No," Io finally says, "Lord Zaphkiel, do you?"

Yes.

The energy will seem to lead to a breakthrough, to power - but it is a dead end, a mistake. The seed itself is not harmed, but it is nothing more than bait. Ignore the energy. Do not study it in depth. Do not experiment with it. Use the seed and forsake the energy. My counterpart and I agree on this.

Alyssa nods.

"I wanted to be sure that the seed was safe to use. Thank you for your help."

"Continue to grow, Alyssa," Io instructs, "Use the seed wisely."

As you all depart, "How are we going to use it?" Emily asks, "How many charges are there?"

Honeydip eyes the seed, quiet and thoughtful.

Dolmaya merely adds instead, "It's a gift of incredible power. One of last ones, so best used wisely."

"Four. But there's a catch. The Guardian required me to work with Galgathorn. Well, maybe not required, but the options were work together or fight. So by rights, he's owed at least one charge."

"He'd be a fool to settle for less than two," Jarem remarks, "So we have two charges. You're the one who did it, Alyssa, so you're due at least one for yourself if you want it."

Bastian crosses his arms, "What say you on that, Alyssa?"

"He might want two, but I'll argue it. All he did was stand around and talk about victory and power. He barely contributed. In any case, yes, at least one for me. If I can't get away with another, what do you all think? If we're looking to improve raw combat power, that narrows it down to Jarem, Emily, and Bastian."

Jarem consider this silently, but Emily speaks up instead. "I think we all want a charge, but I think it all depends if you think you can get Gathgorian to settle for one."

Alyssa shrugs, "Jarem's right, he'll demand two. I'm pretty good at arguing, but let's be safe and assume two."

"One charge for Alyssa and..." Jarem muses, "Rather than argue it, how about we draw lots?"

"Do you think it will be that acrimonious?" Emily frowns at that, shaking her head, "We can argue it like adults."

"We can," Jarem agrees, "But do either of you intend to relinquish your claim?" After two headshakes, one from each, "All of us have a strong argument for the last charge. An argument about it does us no good and friendships have broken over far less. Either decide it in a way outside of our hands to manipulate, or we give Alyssa both charges and remove the temptation."

Bastian scowls, "You're being as asshole about it, but you're right. The thought of how to trick you into giving me the charge crossed my mind." He takes a breath, "Give it to Alyssa."

"Really?" Emily says, "Why, Bastian?" She looks to him, a hand to her chest.

"She won the damn thing by herself or close enough to it." Bastian answers, "It's her prize."

"Is divinity worth it?" Honeydip speaks up as you all talk, eyes turning to her.

"Yeah. It is," Jarem replies immediately, "It's a hell of a gift and a hell of a burden, but I'd do it again without a second thought. Being a proxy gets a taste of it, but only a taste."

Alyssa rolls her eyes to look at the sky consideringly, "... it might not be. I've been thinking on this, and it came up briefly with the Guardian and Galgathorn. Power comes with divinity, and a way of understanding things that's beyond mortals, but... It comes with its own chains, so to speak. What you have authority over becomes what you are in a way that's difficult to describe.

Think of it this way: who you are now is a different person than who you were as a teenager, and they were different than you as a child, right? Sure, the core drives might be the same... or they might not be. And who you are ten, twenty, or further in the future will be different than who you are now.

It's... Different for the divine. They are define the aspects of Creation they have influence on, and are in turn defined and constrained by them. It seems to me that the divine don't... grow. Or develop beyond what they already are. You know of, at least, a few Gods now. How many of them ever turn from their path in a meaningful way?

Take Galgathorn. No matter what he experiences in the next thousand years, his driving force will never be anything more than power and victory. Jarem will never stop being a General, a soldier. Emily will never be driven by anything but righteousness and liberation. Bastian will never be able to turn away from the need for traveling and developing strength.

But you? A mortal? Song and battle is your focus now, but how many dedicated fighters have you known, or know about, that have turned away from that life entirely for something else? A family? A solider becoming a farmer or merchant? It seems to me that the divine are incapable of that."

Alyssa turns her eyes to Dolmaya, "And I suspect a few of the longer lived and wiser mortals have seen this trap in divinity. And it might truly be a trap. There's no better way to ensure victory over all than by making them utterly predictable down to the core of their existence; no better way of ensuring those who might one day develop the power to stand against you are forced by their very natures to be divided against each other to prevent them from banding together against you."

Gathgorian. Your typos of his name continue to amaze me.

Emily misstates certain motivations here, her understanding of the people involved isn't as complete as she images.

"I'm not greatly drawn to it," Honeydip states at last, "I've heard the same as you say said about spirits and outsiders, and how rarely they change paths. Fallen angels are the exceptions to the rules, not the rule. I've become more a spirit and it does change you. What is good and what is free comes so much more easily to me now."

"On the other hand," Emily's thoughtfully quiet, "Eblis was banished from Hell, as was Gathgorian. Both are possessed of one identical factor: A tremendous will driven by one absolute desire. The destruction of the Heavens, the total defeat of Chaos. Both managed to become One without the aid we enjoyed. The only one I know who also did that is Antenora, who is likewise driven by redemption. Maybe that's not all it is, Alyssa, but instead its those with those sort of indomitable wills are the ones who can become divine by themselves?"

"I'll make you my proxy if you want it," Bastian offers, "Taste it. We're close to compatible in the ways that matter."

Lady Honeydip flutters there before, "I will accept your offer, but I concede my interest in this seed. Alyssa and Emily's words provoke a great deal of questions in me, ones I will have to consider."

"Which works, exactly? And it sounds like Emily is the only one who hasn't decided yet."

Words, not works. Bad typo for me.

"Well..." Emily says, "Rather than lots that may still imbue bad feeling - I think giving it to Alyssa may be right here. We're all divine now who want to be, which means we can Compete and improve ourselves."

Alyssa nods, "If that's your decision, then it's the plan. Alright, now to deal with Gathgorian."

Alyssa sends a message to him, My sources have come to a consensus on the energy in the seed. Are you ready to meet and discuss the charges?

Yes. Return to my realm.

Alyssa huffs, "He wants me to come to his realm. Show of power, I'm sure. Who wants to go visit with me?"

"I will," Jarem says immediately.

"As will I," Dolmaya seconds, "Three should make the statement loud and clear."

Alyssa nods, "Then Bastian, Dolmaya, and Honeydip can stand by for emergencies. I don't expect there to be any issues beyond the argument. I got an oath out of him for my safety and for my allies. An oath on his Lord's name."

Dolmaya said she'd go but you want her to stand by, just to be clear?

No, sorry. For some reason my brain transposed Emily/Dolmaya. Dolmaya is fine to come.

Thus the two of you come. Gathgorian is there and awaits you, awaiting your words.

"My contacts said that the energy was a trap; a dead end and to ignore it. It'll present power at first, but wind up at a dead end."

"As did mine," Gathgorian agrees, "So to the business of the seed."

Alyssa nods, "I assume you have strong opinions about how to split it?"

"The two of us triumphed. There are four charges, it is only logical to split them evenly," Gathgorian declares. "Nor are we enemies in this to manipulate one another over the seeds."

"We did cooperate and I don't want this to turn ugly, but our contributions weren't equal. You loomed and pushed power. I had the idea for the bird, planned how to integrate our abilities, cleared the veins, spotted the power, and researched it, and countered and argued with the Guardian.

Three-one split. Or offer something that reflects my efforts."

"Meaningless posturing." Gathgorian steps forward, a mass of devil that dwarves the three of you.

Jarem matches him, a step forward without a word.

"Without my purpose, power or vision, you would have failed completely. Do not take me as a fool, Alyssa." Gathgorian declares, "I did exactly what was necessary to cover your weaknesses."

"And yet you failed on your own. It wasn't until I led you that your power, purpose, or vision came to anything.

It could have been that I might have failed on my own, but we don't know that. What we know is that you did fail. You want a second charge?

Offer me something else of sufficient value."

"I did not fail," Gathgorian declares firmly, "The Guardian was not inclined to test me by itself. Enough prevarications and worthless posturing. Tell me what you desire from me then, Alyssa."

Alyssa considers, "Two things. A copy of all lore you have access to. All lore. And the release of all of your mortal slaves. All."

A wide, toothy smile. Too many teeth, far too many. "So be it." he says, immediately.

Jarem holds his position. I feel like we just guessed wrong with that reaction.

He undervalues them. In the Contest, who do you think these slaves will turn to?

"I expect you to not feign ignorance of my intent and sabotage the slaves. And the third charge will be held securely until the lore and people are delivered. And you will swear in front of your Lord, in person, to the deal. Every page, every person. Delivered and survives. All harm and work ends this moment."

"I have no slaves now," Gathgorian confirms, "I will personally escort you to my lore." His smile is sharp, "I will gladly share it with any who seek what it specializes in - the destruction of demons. Any who seek to battle the Abyss can find my approval."

"So be it. Let us begin."

How do you want to begin this, Alyssa?

By hand waiving the logistics? >.>

Fair enough.

Lore is obtained - a copy of it, many books of demon slaying. With that done two charges are taken - and it leaves you with a divine seed with two charges within it.

Alyssa returns home to meet with everyone.

That's easy enough. You all meet in your office and...

Go ahead. Let me know when you use the seed and do so IC.

"So, I went in knowing he wouldn't relent. But I tried to open him up for opportunities. I've gored out his work-force. Any construction or new bases of power he was trying to establish will be halted utterly and instantly. He will either have to go begging to his fellow Lords for slaves, seek to purchase them, or turn his attention from any serious campaigning into raiding for new slaves.

Emily, work with Bastian. He'll be trying to get new slaves en masse. We can track where they're going and map out all of his holdings and expansion efforts. If we can do that, we'll know exactly what his battle lines are. Any raids you can't stymie yourself, I want the information of them wide-spread. Make him look as incompetent as you can.

Bastian and Honeydip, quietly put word out that his work-force foundation was pulled out from under him. Honeydip, you'll help him figure out the best way to word these rumors and spread them. We won't be able to stop his recovery, but we can exaggerate his need into desperation. If it circulates back to the slave traders, we might be able to engineer the replacements of his slaves to be cripplingly costly for him. Let's try to get him mired down with negotiations. Do what you can to track those negotiations; if you can back-trace them, we'll be able to locate the slave traders and their camps and arrange for strikes against them.

Jarem, all of his supply lines have just been eviscerated. His fortresses have no labor. Track them, use them. Go to war. I want his hamstrings for garters, Jarem. Our forces aren't entirely insignificant, but they're not sufficient for this, I don't expect. We've been building defensive forces and traditional armies to secure our foundation. I don't believe we have much in the way of guerilla forces and shadow war power, so let's go to a friend who does: The Red Knight. She's got the forces, the specialization, and the thirst.

Dolmaya, we've got lore to go through. We also need to sort out the rescued slaves. Get my sister involved; she needs to start learning organizational skills. Involve her in the recuperation and placement portion; I don't doubt for a second that all of them will need mental attention and it'll push our healers to their limit. Emily, I want your people there, too. This is the sort of thing you specialize in, and they should have the experience in dealing with newly freed slaves.

We need to inventory what his research focused on as fast as possible, Dolmaya. Have the librarians evaluate the tomes for what's the newest information. Let's find out who he was targeting and use it. I want every demon that was on his list to know they were on that list, and to know that his war machine just lost a few wheels. I want them to bleed him as much as we can arrange for. If Emily and Bastian can track his battle lines and fortresses, then we can sell the information to the demons and, hopefully, convince them to step up any embers of conflict into a conflagration.

Bastian, we'll need some of your people that can spot spies. There's zero chance that he didn't slip a few in with the slaves. Thread them in, do evaluations, find them. And then use them however you see fit.

In his arrogance and thirst for personal power, I don't think he sees exactly how deeply this just cut him. Let's capitalize on it. Can anyone think of anything I missed?"

Jarem raises his hand, "One question: How many slaves does he have?" A plain question, to the point. "Or did as the case may be. I can't help but think to how quickly he agreed. When a devil acts like that, they have some reason, some technicality. But let's put that aside, because even if we did hurt him with that, it's not the most important point here." He sits back, "I don't have any love for Gathgorian," Jarem goes on, "But we're on the same side in our task. Why exactly are we going at someone we have an understanding with because there's a far, far, far greater threat to Creation?"

"He-" Emily begins, but Jarem holds up a hand.

"Emily," Jarem says, "I know, but no. Not this time. None of us savor working with a devil, but he's still one of our allies against Shar and worse." A pause to rest, to massage his forehead, "He also has the ear and the support of the Lord of the Ninth, Alyssa. Even if we did hurt his operations that bad, it's in Asmodeus' direct interests to fix that problem. Do you think a single devil slaver will care in the slightest what we do if orders from the Serpent Throne come to support Gathgorian?"

A look to Emily, "If that bothers you, go paladin at the countless other monsters that aren't in on our task that literally all of Creation rests on. But damn it, you don't attack your own allies in war, even if you can't stand them. You swallow your bile, you act like a professional and you win the war in front of you."

"You're mostly right, Jarem, but that's all short-term. I'm operating on the assumption that we win.

And you're right, it is in Asmodeus' direct interests to interfere. I suspect this fight will be weighted far more in personal power instead of armies; for Shar, the Asmodeus, Zaphkiel, and those like them, armies mean nothing. They'll wipe out whatever army is on the field as a side-effect. It'll be Gathgorian's personal power that comes into play, not his armies. And any army he could possibly field can be more than covered by Asmodeus' reserves, much less main forces. Nothing we do will cripple or kill Gathgorian or Asmodeus in the short term.

But assume we win, because planning on a loss in this fight is pointless. What happens? Everyone involved will be weakened. We, ourselves, will be exhausted and torn apart. The armies that, in the normal course of the Contest, clash against each other will be exhausted, sundered, and stripped down.

Jarem, we, all of us, are all new Gods. We will be on the field shoulder to shoulder with the Lord of the Ninth and his allies. Look me in the eye and tell me that you think if we win they won't immediately turn on us, knowing that we're new Gods. Knowing that we're exhausted, because they just watched us do it. They'll know exactly what state our armies are in. If we let their reserves remain in reserve, then the second Shar falls, those reserves will become their new main force against us. Even if not personally, then they'll easily be able to push any borders we have.

Further, if Asmodeus has to directly involve himself in Gathgorian's forces and power base, I have zero doubt that Asmodeus will carve a portion of it out for himself. If not out of personal greed for power, then as an abject lesson at the very least. That's not counting his fellows, all of whom are jockeying for power and position.

And lastly, the agreement between Asmodeus and Zaphkiel explicitly stated that any conflict outside of dealing with Shar will be treated normally, within the bounds of the Contest, if I understood it correctly.

If you truly believe this will cripple our chances, then convince me, but gather the information. Regardless of any strikes we may or may not engage in, have no doubt that Gathgorian's drive will bring him to our doorstep. If you're dead set against an active campaign, I'll listen. But at the very least, we can use this to prepare for one."

"If we win," Jarem reckons aloud, "I suspect our patrons will call a temporary truce because no one will be in a condition to make moves against each other. I doubt they haven't considered this. The point is this: We have other and better things to worry about that can help us before this battle rather than after it. We need to improve now, not after a hypothetical victory."

Dolmaya listens to the back and forth, quiet.

Emily's flushed red and has a scowl on her face, "So we shouldn't have saved the people we just saved?"

"Don't put words in my mouth," Jarem fires back, "You know damn well I'm right, Emily. If Zaphkiel and Asmodeus can hold their noses in the face of this, we can hold our noses over Gathgorian. Let's focus on something that may not hurt ourselves in the future. If you want to go after Gathgorian later, after this is all done, then do it then. Not now."

Bastian blows out a breath, "You're an ice cold bastard."

"A strategist has to be," Jarem's answer comes without hesitation, "A general that can't spend lives is like a beggar in a bazaar - worthless."

"Emily, he's both got a point and is mostly right. But it's unfair of you to take out your frustration on him and to twist his words. He's our strategist, it's his job to weigh things and present the information, and information without bias is the most accurate and best to base a decision on. He's been nothing but stalwart and supportive, trying to twist that back on him to question his morality is uncalled for."

Turning back to Jarem, "Fair and good points. That is the job and you're excellent at it. But it's my job to look further out, too. And what I see is a question: what happens next?

But you are my strategist and I would be a fool to not heed your advice. Do the recon, but hold back any action. But I want you to have this in mind: if Shar is defeated, and the other Incarnations do something about Ao, or he chooses to allow our victory to stand and simply moves on, the next fight will be for Ao's throne. If that happens, who becomes the next Lord of the Ninth? As bad as all of them are, a Lord of the Ninth with dominion over power, victory, and purpose will be something we need to be concerned about."

"I have plans for after this," Jarem agrees, "But for now?" He glances over, "Let's all take a break and let tempers cool."

Emily looks none to happy, but after a breath, "Yes, that would be best for everyone."

"Emily, we still need to sort out the newly freed. Work on that, please."

With that they all head out. Jarem lingers. "Did Gathgorian offend you?" he asks mildly, no heat in his voice. "You seem keen to oppose him after a brief meeting."

"Somewhat. He flatly stated that he was the cause of victory. It's more what I said before: a Lord of the Ninth who holds sway over power, victory, and purpose. Asmodeus is smart and cunning. But Gathgorian attains that seat, it will be an inexorable war. By his very nature, he can allow nothing else."

"He wouldn't stop until dead or until Chaos is gone," Jarem agrees. "Everything I've studied about him and everything I've heard paints him as a fanatic." He sits back, a mug of ale in hand from nowhere. He has a long drink before, "I'd bet on the Lord of the Seventh or Eighth to get it before him, but anything's possible."

Another drink.

"But my understanding of it leads me to think the broken Incarnation of Law has no chance in any of its forms to take what Ao leaves behind. If they could get along well enough to do that, they'd likely be able to reform and none of this would be needed. I think that if we end up with anyone in Ao's place, it'll be the Incarnation of Balance. I'd bet Zaphkiel and Asmodeus both end up back in their home planes after this, exhausted. Or maybe Balance can fix everything and we finally meet the Incarnation of Law directly. In that case, it's all out the window anyway."

Another long drink.

"Want one?" Jarem asks, "I've been experimenting with tastes beyond the normal."

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "... Not without a description. But, as to what you said, you can't honestly believe that Asmodeus and Zaphkiel aren't, at the very least, looking for a way to claim it themselves. Asmodeus wants it for obvious reasons. I doubt Zaphkiel wants it out of pure greed, but I can't imagine he'll tolerate even the possibility of Asmodeus even trying for it.

And neither is short-sighted enough to not realize it. Even if there's not a plan for him to try for it, the simple fear of it will push the boundaries far too close. And yes, I recognize the irony in my expectations. But looking at the history... I can't say the possibility is less likely than not.

As for the Incarnation of Balance... I'm not sure. The Guardian implied there was at least some interest in me on that front. Do we try to get in contact?"

"Considering the circumstances, no," Jarem says, "Not worth the risk. We shouldn't forget our main enemy, Alyssa." Another drink as Jarem regards you - and you feel it. Your bond to Jarem, strong and vigorous.

Node update, go read.

"Must be a good drink. That's a pleasant surprise. Alright, well, I asked for options to strike against Shar. Anything new on that front?"

Jarem eyes his mug, stares down at the remainder. "Good enough," he agrees, "As for that..."

Shar doings are entirely relevant, but I'm going to punt any report on them until after levels up, so it's fresh and ready then. More.

A little later you go to walk. You find Emily in a cleared out instruction room as you go, a peek in. She practices against a dummy made of radiant force, a simple projection that she savagely slashes and shield bashes, attacking it with a steady, furious flurry of attacks.

Alyssa conjures up another opponent for her as she enters, having it come at her from a blind angle.

A vicious stab through the head. Emily's expression is stormy as she regards you, not a word said.

"Get it out or it'll fester. Say your piece."

"I'm not angry at Jarem or you," Emily says as her divine will spreads for privacy, "The injustice of what we must do burns. I know enough to be worried about Gathgorian, he's constantly kept going and going forward for a long time. Time and time again he escapes justice, and grows stronger each time now.  Will he reach a point he's too strong to challenge?"

Alyssa nods, "That's part of why I want to feel out his operations and strike now, but... Jarem's also right. Gathgorian is a powerful enemy, but in our current context... He's a powerful ally. The thought of him as Lord of Ninth is staggering.

In the end it comes to a choice: tolerate him now and stew on the injustice, or potentially have none of it matter when every living thing dies. Can't save anyone if there's no one to save, after all. Jarem and I came to an understanding, though. He's going to recon out Gathgorian's operations and contacts as much as he can. We'll have the information in hand, ready to use."

Alyssa tilts her head and continues, "It's winning a battle only to lose a war. Talk to Jarem and see if you can help map out the slave trade. As he finds Gathgorian's outposts and fortresses, begin studying them. And take solace in the number of people we freed today."

"I already have," Emily says, lowering her blade and starting to unstrap her shield from her arm once she sheathes her sword. "Gathgorian's new, but all accounts he hasn't done much in the slave trade. His workers are more military, I wouldn't be surprised if Asmodeus transferred some of his old servants and battle mates to serve under him."

Emily snarls, and in a face of boiling rage, throws her shield hard against the wall. The wall cracks heavily from it, stone yielding to a moment of anger. After Emily deflates she magics a chair over and sits. "It hit me, Alyssa. We cost him nothing. He doesn't use slaves - he uses soldiers. He agreed right away because in his mind, he doesn't have many if any slaves."

The rage is gone from her now, a momentary phantasm of fire burnt out. "It's a pedantic, meaningless difference to anyone with eyes, but that's where devils excel. He wouldn't have them as slaves, he'd have engineer battalions from the Blood War seeing to his fortifications and city. He has a work force that doesn't need to eat, sleep or rest like mortals. They're used to going all out for years at a time to hold back the demonic hordes. Hard labor in this is part of a Baatorian soldier's life."

After a long moment, "Though, I did briefly check the lore. It's good, he held nothing back. It's almost all about demon fighting tactics and strategies, but it's the best I've seen this side of some of Honeydip's lessons from Androlynne. When we face demons again, it'll be good practice to study it all. It has some useful information I've never seen anywhere else, Gathgorian looks to collect and make his own observations about them. He's spent more years than I can care to count in the Blood War, too, he's one of the experts."

Alyssa smiles, but it's a nasty smile, "Ah, but dear Emily, even in that he's given up more than he thinks. A proper strategist can study the formations he's created to fight the demons and reverse engineer them. We can learn how he thinks, how he plans, how he likes to fight. With a proper application of psychology, we can, to a degree, figure out his thought process and priority.

And then study ourselves from that point of view. Figure out how he would attack, the weaknesses he sees, and then use it to our advantage. Knowledge, Emily. Knowledge is the ultimate weapon and the ultimate tool. It might take significant effort to make use of it, but that's just part and parcel of it."

"Yes and...at least this time, we did it," Emily meets your gaze, "We didn't leave them behind."

Alyssa smiles, "Yes, I thought you'd like that. Consider it a sort of apology for it."

AT those words you feel it, a resonation with Emily. It's strong and solid, felt throughout yourself.

Node update.

"Making strides today. Happened with Jarem earlier, too."

"Then I'll keep making them," Emily promises you, as...

Congratulations, you've made it to level up time!

Yaaaay.

Congratulations! I'm locking thread now.