Okay Moore, we'll start this one OOC. Next move after Alyssa?
Return to Lifasa and Tepen to resume work on Sylvie's research that eventually let to Bibliotheca Arcana.
Sure. Had you made any checks on it yet?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104358.msg1161187.html#msg1161187
Knowledge and Spellcraft, it looks like.
Gimme a round 2 to represent how well you deal with the interruption, I suppose. This is more supplementary.
112 and 107, plus...
[21:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+102
[21:41] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d20=7]
You work on it. Days pass as you lose yourself, but one thing is clear - you think you understand the concept. In theory, you could tap in.
The problem? Without a powerful spell carefully guiding and limiting it, it's like dropping an ocean to put out a campfire - overkill, destructive and ultimately nothing but a terrible mistake.
That shouldn't be terribly difficult -- he has a spell that works as a framework, he just has to change it a little bit.
Moore's idea here would be to almost turn it into a "Commune with Knowledge" spell, where the caster is effectively under the same stipulations as Commune (i.e. they can't take other actions other than focus on the spell) and it's time limited in some nature, but they can basically ask any questions they want and receive information based on those questions from... well, knowledge and information, if that makes sense.
Sure, try writing up the bones of it.
The barest of bones:
Commune with Knowledge
Divination
This spell puts you in contact with the source of knowledge in Creation. You may ask any question you wish and receive an answer.
The answers given are correct within the limits of known knowledge. You may ask one question per five caster levels.
The answers may be of any length and come in any form, not necessarily just words.
This spell cannot provide you information on knowledge that has been made anathemic.
If you lag, discuss the answers, or go off to do anything else, the spell ends.
Okay.
As you sketch out an idea, Tepen looks over your work. "Fascinating, fascinating...but will it be safe?"
"I think, I understand how a spell like Commune was created to begin with." Moore says as he taps a piece of paper. "It focuses the spell onto one thing and limits the answers you get so that even at that level, it's able to be understood."
A nod after that. "With this, you're still focusing -- instead of tapping into a deity, you tap into knowledge... and you still have to ask questions and receive answers. I think doing it that way effectively limits the harm that it could do. I suppose, ultimately, I could just go to Dweomerheart and ask to be seen by Lady Mystra herself, if we end up with something that may still be dangerous."
"If it works," Tepen says, "You speak of such things with a lightness I can hardly believe, even after all of this."
Moore smiles. "I have a great deal of hope in the things I create nowadays." He gestures around at Tepen's home. "Call it Lifasan intuition. Or something like that, anyway. I'm not just going to test it out and see if my brain explodes, you know."
Tepen gives you a looooong look at that. "Moore, the fact that you have to say you weren't going to test it says something."
"I'm making sure you don't have to worry about me." Is the response, with a beaming smile. "I think it's a solid foundation for an idea, regardless. I think, considering the forces we're dealing with, I need to get it vetted by powers beyond mortal means."
"If only we all were so gifted and lucky," Tepen says before he shakes his head, "Do you take for granted how miraculous what you desire is?"
"Not at all." Moore says. "At the same time, I've been set on a path I intend to see to the end. There is a fine line between consideration and hesitation; the former is wisdom, the latter is fear."
A smile after that. "I don't rush foolishly into things, I look at the opportunities afforded to me and want to set them through. I have to - there are things alone I can do. I can't end up dead before I accomplish them, after all."
"Then I wish you well with it," Tepen says, "As a wiser man than I once said: Don't die."
"I'll do what I can." Moore says.
Let's go back to Hopes Landing and see if anything happened!
Sure, d100 real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 80, total 80[/blockquote]
You return and find Hope's Landing quiet. Nothing horrific has happened in the meantime, looks like.
Perhaps being under the light of Chronias is good for peace and security?
Let's arrange a message through the Celestian embassy to speak to Mystra. It'd be polite to explain why, so we will say for a new and ambitious spell as well as on the subject of the Deep Stacks.
Okay, going to just wait for that or do anything as the gears turn?
For right now he will mill about and just review Calleys notes so far.
Oh, he would also pass on to Seira that he thinks they're about 2/3 of the way done with the project, as well as all the notes he's compiled so far (520 out of 777 for reference) as well as inform her of his discovery about where it seems to open a portal to (something between Creation and The Beyond)
Sure, how are you going to do that, sending or a message?
An actual message, with a note she's welcome to come discuss the findings if she'd like or he can come in person.
The delivery person can be Cresiel since he wants to ensure it's not intercepted.
Sure, I'll work it into her thread.
In the meantime, gimme a round of checks if you're reviewing the Calley stuff?
Take 10 for 108 on Knowledges and 103 on Spellcraft
You work a time on it, a study session of a few days. At the end you feel you're a bit closer, putting together a few bits that you should have before, but missed.
3 points. Total now?
523.
"Every little bit." Moore says to himself.
Still, it's been days now... should he have gone to Dweomerheart himself?
A fair question, but no one magically appears to answer your question.
Feel free to wait or do something.
He will give it one more day before he goes to the embassy himself. Today can just be a day of meditation and peace otherwise.
"Moore," Grias call as you meditate and rest, "You have a message from the Cauldron and some research."
Moore will go to look it over!
Same checks as before, 108 on Knowledges and 103 on Spellcraft!
You throw yourself into it. It's progress without a doubt, but at the same time - you're starting to see a lot of lore repeat itself.
20 pieces. Total?
543.
Is there anything in particular that Moore can rule out as being duplicated at this point? He obviously can't know what he's missing, but if there's anything in particular he could cross off the list as being redundant, that would still help!
Yeah, I'd assume that's wrapped into going for lore and sorting it out on the Knowledge/Spellcraft check end.
Okay. Just making sure
Moore nods, satisfied with this. What he's not satisfied with is this waiting... but patience is a virtue, nonetheless.
Since he's still waiting, he may as well go visit these naga and see what they have to offer.
Xandra can be his retinue on this one. If they want a fight they get to get blown up!
Not trying to cut you off, this was mostly an order of operations thing due to things happening.
As you send for Xandra, she walks in, "Ah, Moore," she says, "Word has come from Dweomerheart."
It is fine, Things Happen.
Moore looks to Xandra and then just starts laughing for a moment. "Timing is with me, apparently. What say they?"
"They'll see you is what it comes down to," Xandra says, "Mystra has been occupied and busy."
Moore nods. "Then let us be off."
Any prep for this one then?
Hit the Blessing Stone in case of shenanigans and then go with Xandra.
Dweomerheart is dark this evening. Yet the skies are alight with a great aurora of magic and colors, ever changing as you walk. Great bands of magic become color, an endless performance in the skies far above all of you.
Is this pleasing to you?
It is hard for me to tell the difference, so I want to make sure -- that's Mystra and not Shar, right?
Yes.
Moore blinks, then smiles. "It's quite fascinating to watch. It's its own language -- something I wish I could sit and study for a great time."
A bench. You pass a park and your eyes are drawn to a bench.
Come and study. Even now I look above and watch them.
Moore will go over and sit, as asked!
"I had the fortune to visit Lord Crystalle of Mineral some weeks ago and saw something relatively similar to this. Stones that danced with all the colors one could imagine -- it took some time and study, but I eventually figured out that the colors were their own language. Just because something may not represent itself in words doesn't mean it isn't its own source of understanding." He says as he watches the skies above.
Xandra sits as well. She looks up without a comment, her gaze on the sky above.
Well spoken. Watch and learn.
Moore will sit and watch, curious if there is, actually, a language being 'spoken' here.
Int check as well as Spellcraft, I suppose.
[22:42] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+25
[22:42] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=8]
Take 10 for 103 on Spellcraft.
These are all magically augmented, as I'm sure you know OOC but I feel like it's important to mention considering current company.
You don't discern a pattern. It's somehow magic, something about it hauntingly familiar in spite of everything. It's familiar in some ephemeral way that you can't pin down.
"It's... like the feeling of a dream you can't quite remember." Moore says, after a while.
"A dream, you say?" Xandra murmurs, "Like rainbows and raindrops mixed together, something you remember in a moment of remembrance."
"Yes, exactly." Moore says with a nod. "Maybe... it's like when I first learned a spell, or something like that."
"Do you remember what your first spell was?" Xandra asks, as she looks up. "That brings back memories for me."
"Hm..." He contemplates for a moment.
"I think it was Prestidigitation." Moore says after a few moments. "I don't... really recall any time before I woke in Venya, but I... feel like that's what it was."
"...that does feel like it's right for you," Xandra says after some time.
Moore smiles a bit at that. "I'm absolutely sure I was a very traditional scamp in my younger days." He says as he shakes his head quickly. "Still, though... the language of magic is certainly a sight to behold."
"A deadly sight," Xandra says, "For me, magic is a tool of justice when death must be dealt. I do not cast magic, save in the art of taking lives. I do not doubt were we to fly up, we would be in great danger from that very magic."
"It's possible. I suppose any magic can be deadly, depending on how it's used." Moore says. "Well... I suppose there are exceptions, like some abjurations, but still."
He was still instructed to sit and study by their host, so he will continue to do so, even if no particular insights come to him from doing so.
"Yet those abjurations so often aid us in reaving away life," Xandra murmurs, very quietly. "I do not regret it, I do what must be done. But...I envy those who can look on magic with unbridled wonder as what it is above, rather than a bloodstained sword in a sheathe."
"I don't think it would be impossible for you to create and cast magic that did more than just attack something. That's not to say I think the way you use your magic is wrong - there have been several times where your particular gift was invaluable. But if you're looking for suggestions on options I can help!" Moore says.
"More than that though, I don't think that there's many that are completely satisfied with the types of magic they have when they know there's so much out there." He adds with a smile.
"Who can be?" Xandra muses as she looks up, "When it feels like you can see all the Weave in the sky above?"
"I imagine anyone who lives here has to have a certain passion." Moore agrees.
A passion all can share, if they seek it.
Moore smiles. "It is rather non-discriminatory." Moore agrees.
Would you consult those very ideas and powers, Moore? Consult what lies at the elemental basics?
"That is the idea." Moore says. "I don't expect or want to have mastery over something so primal as that. To ignore the potential and possibility, though, is something that I think does no one benefit."
Then come and fly up.
Moore will do as asked, with hope in his heart!
Xandra rises with you. As you do the colors come closer, coming at you.
Chance to do anything or just keep flying.
Moore continues to fly! He has no reason to fear this!
Gimme a Fort save and a Will save.
[14:22] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+58 fort
[14:22] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=11]
[14:22] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+63 will
[14:22] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=2]
You are buffeted by the lights yet keep going. You feel faint and odd, your body too heavy and too big and too small and flipping and falling and flying. Yet on you go, vision wobbling a dozen different ways. You're flying up and keeping at it in the colors, which cascade all around you.
To say he's been through worse would be an understatement, but perhaps he's not experienced something as strange as this...
Still, he presses on! Hope prevails!
You're within the lights, within it all - for now nothing happens to you and yet...what do you do here?
Maybe this is his opportunity to visualize the spell that he's here to ask about?
It certainly isn't finished yet, but this is a good opportunity to perhaps understand the fundamental form of it to see if it really could work.
He thinks on this new spell he's attempting to create, to try and visualize it at its completion. To see himself actually casting this spell that links him to the essence of knowledge.
Hm. Give me a raw Intelligence check there, I suppose.
[14:54] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+26
[14:54] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=15]
You study, twisting your mind towards it. It's so much and yet so much more, yet you see the colors. The colors mean something, you realize. Seven colors. Prismatics? It all runs together in your head, but you remember prismatic magic for some reason.
He doesn't even know any prismatic spells... does he?
Maybe he did at some point...?
He takes a breath -- was this the truth that THE GREATEST OF ALL DRAGONS saw at some point?
Is there such a thing a prismatic song?
THE GREATEST OF ALL DRAGONS would probably say so.
Either way, Moore simply watches the colors, watches them run together into one rainbow of prismatic magic. There is a language here, just like he thought -- if he just takes the time to understand it...
Do you begin to see something, Moore?
"I do... well, I see something, but I'm not sure what to make of it." He says. "I can tell the colors all have meaning -- but I can't put my finger on what that 'meaning' is."
What is the meaning of all magic, Moore?
"Potential." Moore says without a moment of hesitation.
Tell me why you think that, Moore.
"It can be anything that you can envision." Moore says, gesturing around at the colors. "Anything you can dream of to create, to do, to be - is ultimately, at its root, the potential of your own spirit and effort. In that same vein, magic is the application of that exact same willpower, that same potential, given a tangible form. I think anyone who believes that there are limitations to what magic can do simply don't think enough about applying their own potential to it."
Come. I await you below.
Moore will start to head down!
You fly down with Xandra to the towers below. Atop one of them you see her - Mystra sits on thin air, as if she awaits you to join her. Your gaze is drawn to her, inevitable.
Moore will continue to fly down, though his approach will slow slightly out of respect as he gets close!
Mystra sits on thin air, as if that is entirely normal. "Moore, approach," she calls. "You as well, Xandra."
"I'd kneel, but I admit that's more of a challenge than I'd care to try." He says, though he does offer a deep bow before he flies closer. "Thank you for making the time to see me."
"Thank you, Lady Mystra," Xandra bows as well, once she stands on the roof.
"You have sought an audience with me. What council do you seek?" Mystra asks.
"I have two questions, though they both lead to a similar place." Moore explains. "I have devised a spell that I wished to ensure was safe to use, as it is... a bit unorthodox, even for me." A small smile breaks out after that. "...Ah, excuse me."
He clears his throat. "It is a spell, similar to that of Commune, but it combines facets of Bibliotheca Arcana. The premise is that it puts you into contact with the source of knowledge in Creation, much like Commune puts you in contact with your deity, or Bibliotheca Arcana connects you to the idea of a library. I don't know if you've already seen the notes I have penned on it, but if you have not..." He takes out some parchment. "I... well, I do not wish to bore you with the details of why, but if you wish to know why I'm even pursuing this, I'm happy to share it."
A mere glance and Mystra says, "I have read them," she agrees. "Very well, tell me why you seek such a path."
A deep breath here.
"I have to save Sylvie. She should never have been bound to the same fate as 21, for good or for ill." He says. "Her son, as you probably know, was given some power by her through 21 before she vanished. From her son, some research has been produced, that I have been working on in tandem with Lady Seira to complete. I know that it creates a portal to somewhere that's between Creation and the Beyond -- and I'm positive that's where she is. Why she's there... how she got there... I know it's because of 21, and I know that if we can get there, we can rescue her and 21 as well. I have sought libraries across every bit of Creation, even going so far as to consult with people who have long since been dead, and I continue to strive to complete this research."
Here he pauses for a moment, a sad smile on his face that slowly grows into a full and complete one after a moment. "This recent sojourn is another step, into both this spell's potential as well as the potential to help others in ways only imagined of."
"The spell you seek is possible, as your notes say. However, bear in mind a spell such Contact Other Plane. Commune is safeguarded, with an entity who has an interest in shielding the mind of the spellcaster." Here Mystra gestures at the sky, "To touch such raw magic unfettered is not a safe thing. In the form of a spell it can be shaped, but to touch it directly for knowledge will be hazardous. You understand this already."
Moore nods. "Yes, I imagined that at its most fundamental level, putting intentional limitations on how the spell can be used would be a good way to keep the risks as low as possible, but I understand that as many limitations as put on it, it is still peering into a vast horizon of endless knowledge and ideas, and one must protect themselves properly before trying to use it."
"Exactly. It is also unreliable - imagine a billion page codex with no index." Mystra notes, "Magic can help forge it and grant you many things with it, but it may take multiple questions to hone and narrow down. But yes, it can be done and it can be useful."
A smile at that and a nod. "I understand. I can refine it from there, thank you very much."
A bow follows that. "My... other question is about the Deep Stacks." His smile falters somewhat at the mention of that place. "Are you able to tell me anything more about it? I understand the basic concept, but... it feels like there's more there that may be afoot, especially with Creation's new... guest, from there."
"That was...an anomaly," Mystra finally says, "The Deep Stacks have a purpose, but that creature was not a normal outcome. I believe 21 is to blame, indirectly."
Moore rubs his chin. "So even there, Sylvie is still the bearer of 21?" A nod after that. "I suppose that doesn't come as a surprise, since 21 isn't a tool that's bound by Creation in any particular way. If... I am being honest, I would like to go back there at some point, to both meet the 'Moore who is not Moore' as well as see if there's anything else there that can provide us aid. You said that the Deep Stacks have a purpose... is it intended for that place to be... I'm not sure what the right word is, 'a look into other possibilities,'?"
"In essence," Mystra agrees, then on consideration, "Mostly foolishness and meaningless phantasms, but on occasion a source of wisdom unobtainable anywhere else in Creation."
Moore nods. "Hm... perhaps if I end up needing just one more piece of information to complete the research, I can go there."
A smile and another bow after that. "Thank you. This will be of a great help. I don't know that any of yours will ever need it, but should any of them ever be in need of hope or in need of aid, please feel free to send them to Hope's Landing, I'll do everything I can for them."
"Be well, Moore. The paths ahead of you will not be free of danger." Mystra notes.
Here Xandra smiles, "We know all to well, Lady Mystra. We will not let him wander them alone."
"I don't think I ever would've returned to this world if I was going to have an easy time of it." Moore says with a smile and nod. "Thank you again for your time, Lady Mystra."
While he could certainly just ask her to send him back, that would be rather rude of their host, so Moore will get the two of them back to Hope's Landing himself with a Greater Plane Shift!
Done.
Once back, "Illuminating," Xandra says at last, "Shall you continue with this spell?"
"Yes, I think I have the tools to finish it." Moore says. "Now that I understand what to expect."
Okay, going to work on that spell now?
Commune with Knowledge
Divination
Level: Brd 10, Clr 11, Sor/Wiz 11
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 round/5 levels
This spell puts you in contact with the source of knowledge in Creation. You may ask any question you wish and receive an answer. You may ask one question per five caster levels.
The answers given are correct within the limits of known knowledge, though you have no control over where this knowledge comes from.
The answers may be of any length and come in any form, not necessarily just words.
This spell cannot provide you information on knowledge that has been made anathemic.
If you lag, discuss the answers, or go off to do anything else, the spell ends.
Casting this spell is dangerous, and can have a variety of consequences for trying to tap into such a primal source of information.
This is tentatively what I have. You may want to bump it up a level or two if you need to for thematic purpose and/or clean up the wording, but I tried to stay true to what was discussed IC about its limitations.
Going to do the spell now after I give everyone else a starting post, morning didn't work out since mornings are mornings. Gimme a reply here so I know you saw this?
Donezo.
How's this look? Slightly different structure but same idea. Thoughts?
Commune with Knowledge
Divination
Level: Brd 10, Clr 12, Sor/Wiz 12
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Concentration
This spell contacts the platonic ideal of knowledge itself to obtain answers. This spell functions as contact other plane, except that the chance of a true answer is 1-96, the chance of a random answer is 97-100 and the Intelligence DC to avoid Intelligence and Charisma loss is 20, it lasts 8 weeks and a natural roll of 1 always results in a failure, no matter the total*. Certain questions, such as those that seek the secrets of deities, anathemic knowledge or knowledge protected by epic abjurations cause this spell to return a result of unknown instead of an answer. Unlike with contact other plane, the answers may be as long as needed and not only one word.
* Bards and clerics use Charisma and Wisdom in place of an Intelligence check, and lose their bard or cleric spellcasting in place of arcane spellcasting.
That is fine from a functional standpoint though the eight weeks seems pretty punishing, but if you think that's fair then I won't object. I suppose failure should come with a cost.
That's also pattered on contact other plane. Could bump it up a level to provide relief from that, I suppose.
So 11/13 but without the failure?
Without at least the time, I'd have to fiddle a bit but something like that, yeah.
That is fine with me, take your time .
How's this look?
Commune with Knowledge
Divination
Level: Brd 11, Clr 13, Sor/Wiz 13
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Concentration
This spell contacts the platonic ideal of knowledge itself to obtain answers. This spell functions as contact other plane, except that the chance of a true answer is 1-96, the chance of a random answer is 97-100 and the Intelligence DC to avoid Intelligence and Charisma loss is 18, it lasts 1 day and a natural roll of 1 always results in a failure, no matter the total*. Certain questions, such as those that seek the secrets of deities, anathemic knowledge or knowledge protected by epic abjurations cause this spell to return a result of unknown instead of an answer. Unlike with contact other plane, the answers may be as long as needed and not only one word.
* Bards and clerics use Charisma and Wisdom in place of an Intelligence check, and lose their bard or cleric spellcasting in place of arcane spellcasting.
I am good with that.
Okay, so going to cast that then, right off?
Yes.
Charisma roll here.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+30 : 12 + 30, total 42[/blockquote]
Okay, give me your first question.
'With all the knowledge I've collected so far on this research, where is one place I can go to fill in the most gaps?'
The Terminal Archive.
Today in confirmation of what you probably didn't want to hear...
'Who can I speak to there who I can trust to be fair and not betray any agreements?'
None, it is a demonic place. Workable agreements are possible, however, with sufficient force, guile and negotiation.
'Who in Celestia can I speak to with the most experience in the matter of the Terminal Archives?'
Behind you.
Well, that's ominous.
'Besides the Terminal Archives, where else can I go that will help further this research the most?'
Lathyris, though you would need to obtain one of the Lathyris Keystones.
'Can one of those keystones be obtained in Celestia?'
No.
'Who would have information on how to obtain one?'
The best for you to seek would be Hanna, for you know her already.
Easy enough...
'I know a piece of Temman's Wheel is on Fire and I know to Fear The War. Where on Fire can I go that is close to it?'
Reach the Shatterpoint, but beware of what lurks at it.
'What is the closest place I can go on Water to find the piece there?'
For both of our references, paste what you know about the Water one and the hint you got there?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104247.msg1137180.html#msg1137180
Seek the Crystal Reef Sea, then the Home of Frozen Teardrops.
'The lion-headed throne in Air is constantly moving. Is there any way to get to it reliably?'
For reference: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104247.msg1137191.html#msg1137191
Seek what was lost from Valgadda, which is no more.
Ugh...
'I seek to expand my bardic music. Who can I learn from?'
Behind you.
Still ominous...
'I am seeking more of Syllen's gear. How many pieces are there in total?'
Five.
So he has two, so...
'Where can I find the third?'
Hopefully he doesn't need to specify here.
Ysgard.
'Where in Ysgard?'
Matomen.
'Is it being worn by someone?'
Yes.
'Who?'
CRIMSON.
'Who wears the fourth?'
No one.
How many questions left?
1 question per 2 levels?
Yes.
Then I have asked 16 so far, and I believe... hold on... yep, that's it, because his caster level is 33, so he gets 16.
That works out nicely.
Thus the spell ends, the last question you have asked.
Time to turn around, he supposes.
So he does so!
Erathoal is there, a book in his lap as he sits and read. He turns the page before, "I wished to observe your spell directly," he says, calm.
"I think it skewed the results somewhat." Moore says with a grin. "There were really only a select few who could both have been here and been valid answers for the questions I was asking."
He then bows low. "I hope I didn't overstep any boundaries."
"You did not," Erathaol agrees quietly. "Your spell is a success."
Moore can't help but beam with a bit of pride.
"I learned a great deal as well, as you most likely surmised." He says with a smile. "It looks like the spell pointed me to you for a few questions -- do you mind if I ask you of them since you're here?"
"You may," Erathaol grants.
"The spell seemed to indicate I could expand my bardic songs by learning from you." A larger smile breaks out onto his face. "I admit, that does come as a bit of a surprise. Is that true?"
Erathaol merely nods, "I know many things, Moore, even things that I do not personally practice."
A small laugh at that. "Yes, I suppose that's true."
He moves to stand, only to bow down deeply. "Then please consider this an official request to seek your wisdom as it pertains to bardic music."
From nowhere a leather bound tome appears before you. "That is a beginning primer," Erathaol says, "Read that in depths - with your eyes, not with magic - and I will instruct you when you are ready."
"Understood." Moore says. "My... well, the spell seemed to indicate there really wasn't going to be any way around the demonic nature of the Terminal Archives, but that is likely going to be the next place we go in pursuit of research. Do you have any suggestions as to how to best approach it? I don't know if showcasing our allegiance to Celestia would be to our weal or woe there, for example, or if it even really matters."
"A disguise is simplest," Erathaol notes, "As well as a guide who has been there before. Members of Aurora went there, seek their aid and advice."
Moore nods. "Thank you for your wisdom." he says. "If there are any that you believe should have the wisdom of this new spell, please feel free to spread it to them."
"It will be done," Erathaol says, and then is gone.
Well, he has quite a bit of work to do.
First and foremost, let's send a letter to Aurora to ask for anyone with experience with the Terminal Archives to come visit. If that person also happens to be Hanna, all the better.
Assuming it is not, let's send a separate letter to Hanna to ask her to come and talk about Lathyris and the Lathyris Keystone.
Along with that, can I get a K check on Matomen on Ysgard and CRIMSON?
I am guessing K:L is appropriate, which is 89. If it's a less specialized Knowledge like Planes, then 108. :)
CRIMSON just isn't enough to go on. You need more info, it's hardly an unique name.
Matomen is an old, forgotten fortress. However, sometimes it's used by armies on the go as a temporary strong point, and during those times the fortress comes alive. It's situated in an unimportant mountain pass, high up.
Moore will see that the letters are sent off, but will make a preparation to visit Matomen fortress!
Whoever wants to go to Ysgard can come with. We'll hit up the Blessing Stone before we go.
When you go to the courtyard, you find all four awaiting you.
"Ysgard?" Cresiel begins, looking to Xandra.
"My first guess would be a horde of angry planetars and solars, seeking to right some wrong against Moore, all mistakenly," Xandra says, "Kaja?"
The half dragon smiles rather sharply, "My guess is a reprisal talon from Tiamat. Enough dragons, dragon shamans, wizards, devils and other trash to drown an army in."
To this Jetina smiles, "Moore, Ysgard is guaranteed to have a battle or ten. We're not letting you go unprotected there. Death may not be final is, but it's not hard to take a body off plane. Also, I'd guess on a stampede of angry undead ice kraken from the fjords, all due to Orcus."
"...You know, I managed to go to Ysgard just fine the last time and didn't run into anything like that." Moore says with some amount of defiance.
"...It's definitely just going to be some Hellish assassins, by the way." He says with a smile. "I really don't expect anything serious, though."
Assuming everyone wants to go, he will Plane Shift them directly to the fortress.
Ting!
You reappear on Celestia. The result is obvious - right now, something is shielding Matomen.
Moore blinks as they reappear.
"I wasn't quite expecting that, I admit. Very well, we'll just have to go somewhere nearby and go up." He says.
He will try and aim for whatever the unimportant mountain pass' actual mountain is named.
It's Jaggard Peaks, if you were curious.
You appear high up, on a high mountain cliffside, a small cave behind the five of you. It's sharply cold here, the air immediately thin - if not for your necklace you're sure you'd have a bad time. All about you is snow and ice, the sky a brilliant blue and all around and below you are vast mountainscapes.
"So whatever's going on is enough to block teleportation. Some sort of battle, I wonder?" Moore asks. "Do any of you need planar protections while we're up here?"
"We're fine," Jetina says, "Kaja?"
"I'll say something if I get lightheaded," he replies, "I can manage this."
"The good news is we can just fly the rest of the way. Maybe we'll be able to see what's going on." He says.
Moore proceeds towards Matomen through the air!
You even get a pre-emptive d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 53, total 53[/blockquote]
Gimme a Spot check? Matters.
Take 10 for 92.
As you fly down you can see the pass far below. A castle-fortress blocks the way, made of the same stone as the mountain. It's roughly worked stone, no great thing but powerful simply due to being a giant mass of rock. A great many parts of it are ablaze with flames, burning the stone, melting it into little dribbles of lava. Yet no smoke comes from it, the skies clear of any sign of the inferno beneath you.
"What in the world...?" Moore blinks. "I've never seen anything like that before. Come, we need to get closer to investigate that."
Xandra peers down as Kaja bares his teeth, "Oh look, they started without us, Moore. We need to scold them for bad manners."
Cresiel merely descends, armaments at the ready.
"I admit curiosity as to whether this is some sort of mock battle or if it's just training... or if this place is for some reason being attacked." He says as he continues down.
Intent will be to spellcraft the magic once he's close enough to actually do so.
What's your range there?
60 feet!
As you descend down, you get within 60ft. Most of the castle is ablaze and...
Spellcraft.
Take 10 for 102. He'd like to know what this is!
He will also ID the caster, and then to a K check for 108 on whatever name comes up.
They're something specialized - a mix of earth and fire elemental magic to melt stone without burning anything else or releasing smoke. The spellcaster is Magamia.
Does Magamia ring any bells? 108 on K:P, or 86 on K:L if needed.
It does not. Whomever it is, they're obscure, use a false name for matters or simply new.
"Well, from the sounds of the name of 'Magamia,' it sounds like someone from Magma, but what in the world are they doing here? It looks like it's a spell that specifically melts stone without harming anything else. But... why?"
He shakes his head. "Either way, they also have the area blocked off for teleportation, so whatever's going on in serious. Let's look around for them, or find a way in... I don't know if we should even try and stop this at this point."
"If there's anything still alive in there," Xandra points out, "I see fire, but I see no living souls."
"Yes, agreed." Moore says. With that, he flies around to look for a place to get inside -- assuming it's safe, and isn't just melting all over the place.
It's melting fairly good - but you do spy a tower window not consumed in flames, if you wish to chance that. Alternately you could find a gap in the wall or a surviving door, if you want to search lower.
Moore will head for the tower window! If they get stuck, he has plenty of magic to get them out of a bad spot, after all.
But still, where is the this Magamia...?
An empty tower room, an open door. Down stairs, past burning stone and little puddles of lava.
"It won't be stable forever," Cresiel says, "Haste is wisdom."
"So is being burn proof," Kaja banters back, "Though no gases or smoke make this a tolerable fire."
As you all hurry down the stairs, you see them. Broken, bloodied equipment - weapons, armor, backpacks. All lie there, yet no bodies are about.
He doesn't have a lot of time, but...
Casting Hindsight to see what happened here. Especially since the fire spell seems to only work on stone.
If he has time, he will Quick Gather everything nearby into his bag.
You mean using it or actually casting it?
Assuming you mean Quick Gather, that will be cast specifically, yes.
I meant Hindsight.
Sorry -- no, he isn't casting Hindsight, he's just using his permanent emanation version. I don't know if that's technically 'casting' it or not for the purposes of effects, though.
Okay, just needed to know.
The fires appear from below, spreading and leaping. They make patches of flame, burning away. Warriors are here as well - they're pushed back, fighting something...that you can't see? Nothing's there but they they fight, until they fall one by one, torn open by blades. When they fall the bodies vanish.
My (admittedly rudimentary) understanding of Ysgard is that this is a normal behavior for bodies here, or is it something unusual?
They don't vanish unless they would already. They resurrect at dawn.
"...I don't like this. The bodies fall to the ground and then just vanish." Moore says as the items fly into his bag. "I think we did chance upon something more ugly than we originally anticipated. Come, let's keep going, if we need to get out of here we can do so easily."
As you walk, you hear a groan of stone, a shudder from the entire tower.
"Fine, then." Moore says.
So as to not create a problem, he's going to use Greater Stone Shape to try and tear a hole in the wall so they can get out. If it's already kind-of-melting then that shouldn't be too difficult!
What's the casting time on that?
Standard Action
A hole is opened in the wall, as the rumbling gets louder. "GO!" Cresiel cries, shield held up above.
Chance to react, be it fleeing or something more exotic.
Moore will fly through the hole!
Dex checks, all.
Everyone gets +15
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+26 : 16 + 26, total 42[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 8 + 21, total 29[/blockquote] Xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+20 : 18 + 20, total 38[/blockquote] Jetina.
If anyone looks like they won't make it please let me know.
> roll 1d20+26 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+27 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=20]
With great haste, the party flees the tower. Just as well, for just as you do? The tower collapses in a rush of half melted stone and crumbling rock, flames erupting from the remnants of it.
Moore will wait and see if anything else happens. "This doesn't sit right with me, for a variety of reasons..."
"Only a variety?" Kaja challenges back after the din of the collapse goes silent.
Meanwhile, you can see the fortress collapse, one section at a time.
"It won't be long until this is nothing but rubble," Xandra remarks, "Be vigilant, in case we see an escapee we can aid - or stop, as the case may be."
Moore nods and waits.
"Whoever it is was warded against divination. Mind Blank, i would assume. Someone attacked the soldiers inside and i couldn't see them." He says.
"This is no trifling matter," Cresiel notes, when...
"Look down," Xandra says swiftly, blade in hand in an instant.
Moore does so!
Take 10 for 92 on Perception
Below you the ground is bubbling and boiling, mountain rock given to lava. Two red, burning eyes can be seen there, looking right up at the party.
"Magamia, I presume." Moore says. "My name is Moore, of Celestia. I would ask you what you're doing here."
The answer is a ripple of stone as the castle burns, "DESTRUCTION," is the answer, cold and harsh.
Moore switches to a mix of Ignan and Terran. "Whose authority?"
Take 10 for 108 on KP... is this normal? Do elementals just come and fuck up Ysgard sometimes?
Now granted it's Ysgard, so things happen. But no, this isn't normal. It's not as unusual on Ysgard as it would be on say Celestia, but it's not normal.
Cresiel positions to shield you while Jetina looks down, at the ready.
"MINE." Is the answer.
"What did you do to the people who were in there? I saw their bodies disappear." Moore says. His tone is neutral, but it isn't asking for answers — he expects answers.
Give me Diplo then, dread pixie.
Take 10 for 126.
"SLAIN."
That's all the answer you get, to the point.
'Xandra, does your insight tell you if they're actually going to be reborn here?' Moore sends to her as he stares down Magamia.
'I do not believe so,' Xandra replies quickly.
"You will release them so they can be reborn on Ysgard." Moore says.
"NO."
Well, that's a direct and to the point answer.
"We are friends of the World Serpent." Moore says. "This is your final warning, Magamia."
Your answer is a jet of magma that erupts from the surface, a great blast of it coming the party's way. You have a problem!
Init.
[21:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore
[21:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=6]
[21:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[21:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=10]
[21:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[21:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=9]
Everyone gets +15 to Init, as a reminder.
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+12 Magamia
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=19]
Init is Moore (47) > Kaja = Cresiel (34) > Xandra = Magamia (31) > Jetina (29)
Open.
With a gesture -- time itself stops!
[21:39] <Nephrite> roll 1d4+1
[21:39] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d4=3]
So, before anything else, is Magamia in Time Stop with everyone else?
Yes.
Okay. Unfortunate, but so it goes.
"Stay away from it for now." Moore says. "Give me a moment! Cresiel, give us Valiant Fury!"
He doesn't have anything else he can really do on his turn, but he'll move away from the others for any group-targeted magic effects.
"Of course," Cresiel says, and as he does, "How will we fight it?"
"Freeze it," Kaja says, "Xandra can manage it."
"That's part of the idea." Moore says.
They're holding for Xandra?
Sure. Remember timestop so obviously that needs to be remembered for affecting Magamia.
Oh. OH I AM SORRY.
I was asking if Magamia was affected by the Time Stop, i.e they have Spell Stoaway. It sounds like Magamia is Time Stopped, is that correct?
Correct. She is time stopped.
Okay, then that changes things. Let me reline, starting with Time Stop.
"Cresiel, use Mass Valiant Fury!" Moore says. "Let's position nearer to this thing."
"Of course," Cresiel says, and as he does, "How will we fight it?"
"Freeze it," Kaja says, "Xandra can manage it."
Go ahead and lay out what you want done with the entire time stop in one go, unless round by round stuff matters for your execution here.
Okay.
Round 1, Moore has used Time Stop.
Round 1 of Time Stop: Harmonization, Inspire Courage. | Cresiel Valiant Fury | Jetina Mass Energy Immunity (Fire)
Round 2 of Time Stop: Inspire Heroics, Inspire Greatness | Cresiel, (something?) | Jetina, Celestial Valor
Round 3 of Time Stop: Inspire Excellence (strength), Inspire Excellence (Constitution) | Cresiel (something?) Jetina (something?)
Round 4 of Time Stop: Destined Strike, Refreshment to get rid of all the nonlethal damage | Cresiel (something), Jetina (something)
I will tally all the bonuses in a moment, but if you have anything for either of them to do on those other turns please let me know.
Cresiel will use Hanna's charge in the last round if anyone's going to charge. Depends on positioning.
He'll add recitations otherwise as needed before that.
[22:46] <Nephrite> roll 8d10 temp HP
[22:46] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d10=1,6,3,9,8,7,1,7]
In total (songs):
Attack: +34
Weapon damage: +25, +15 to Threat Confirmation Rolls
AC: +16 (4 sacred, 12 dodge)
Saving throws: +16 (4 sacred, 12 morale)
Temp HP for everyone:
Cresiel: 130
Xandra 114
Kaja: 108
Jetina: 98
Don't forget everyone also has epic mage armor from the Blessing Stone.
Everyone gets +8 competence bonus to Strength and to Constitution, which should work with Valiant Fury since I think that's morale?
I think Kaja can charge it if he wants. Xandra's planning on a Rain of Desolation all over it, so charging right after that would probably be a good idea.
Let's have Jetina throw in a Mass Death Ward on one of her free turns in Time Stop, also.
Spoiler Block
Active Spells: Superior Resistance (CL 31), True Seeing (CL10), Bibliotecha Arcana (CL31), Mind Blank (CL15), Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27), Valiant Fury (CL34) Energy Immunity (Fire) (CL33), Death Ward (CL33), Celestial Valor (CL33)
HP: 516+20 (652)+102
AC: 64 (79)(94), 48 touch (64), 54 flatfooted 20% miss chance, SR 48, 30 resist all to elements
32/39 Bardic music uses 3/3 Refrain
Inspire Courage/Greatness/Destined Strike buffed attack, with dex bonus and BAB +66
Damage bonus: 25
Bardic Music Effects: Courage, Greatness, Heroics, Excellence (Strength, Constitution), Destined Strike
Spells:
Bard
0th - 4/4 (DC 22)
1st - 7/8
2nd - 7/7
3rd - 6/7
4th - 7/7
5th - 7/7
6th - 6/6
7th - 6/6
8th - 6/6
9th - 5/5
10th - 4/4
11th 0/1
Favored Soul:
0th - 5/5
1st - 9/9
2nd - 9/9
3rd - 9/9
4th - 9/9
5th - 8/8
6th - 8/8
7th - 8/8
8th - 8/8
9th - 7/8
10th - 3/3
No, that's good. Just one followup: Do you do anything with the rest of your turn after timestop?
In an instant all of you are low and ready, in position to strike to, charge in - and out of the path of the lava gush.
I moved myself and will switch my aura to The SR piercing one.
Assuming people are holding for Xandras first turn, she will use Rain of Desolation. She's going to expend a smite too.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 7 + 58, total 65[/blockquote] This is the SR check for it, if needed.
which it isn't because the spell doesn't have SR. Oh well.
Init is Moore (47) > Kaja = Cresiel (34) > Xandra = Magamia (31) > Jetina (29)
They'll hold for Xandra. Give me 12 dispel checks.
[blockquote]Rolled 12d20+30 : 5, 14, 19, 3, 9, 6, 1, 13, 8, 18, 11, 16 + 30, total 153[/blockquote]
Will post again if this doesn't roll right
Right, it doesn't add them properly...
35 44 49 33 39 36 31 43 48 41 46
7 dispelled, damage.
[blockquote]Rolled 19d6 : 1, 1, 1, 4, 2, 1, 3, 1, 5, 6, 5, 2, 3, 6, 1, 2, 3, 5, 5, total 57[/blockquote]
Fort is 44 to halve and also to not be blinded. It is cold damage, and add 18 to the total. If they're not blinded then they're dazzled instead.
> roll 1d20+23 poor save boosters go bye bye
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=8]
There is a roar as the lava is hit by freezing rain. The entire thing recoils back into the ground, a crust of ice over the burning lava. Bursting bits of magic erupt out from it, spells collapsed under Xandra's magic. The entire thing begins to cool, stone replacing lava, though heat glistens from within.
That it for Xandra this turn?
Si.
With the elemental flash frozen, Cresiel plunges down, hammer following in a tremendous blow.
> roll 1d20+70 (-34 PA, +16 furious strike)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=17]
> roll 4d6+162+2d6+8d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 211 > [d6=2,2,3,1,2,2,6,6,4,2,6,2,6,5]
Direct hit! Cresiel's hammer slams through the flash frozen, brittle stone and slams deep. The flames scorch his hammer but do not melt it, as holy power strikes. Magamia screams in pain as Kaja is right behind him, blades coming down in a cleaving one-two.
> roll 1d20+76 (-34 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=11]
> roll 3d6+315+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 337 > [d6=6,6,5,2,3]
Lava is cut in twain, burning rock no match for Kaja's blades. He plunges deep in, slicing and severing away, coring out the center and within, great globs of magma and lava sent splattering about. Yet when it's done there's no resistance, no voice. Only stone that cools in a moment, the flames of the castle ebbing out as well.
Free act, that was a trouble maker who ran into much bigger troublemakers.
Moore lets out a breath. "Now, what happens to everyone that this thing killed? Any ideas?" Moore asks as he turns to the others. "I wonder if we can put the fortress back together somehow..."
"Did it consume them?" Cresiel asks, "Burn them to nothing?"
"Better yet," Kaja cries, "Can you move the stones down here, Moore?"
"I should be able to." Moore says as he flies down to see what Kaja is talking about.
There's lots of suddenly cooled rock all about, "Over here, I saw something," Kaja says, pointing at the stone.
Greater Stone shape should let me move all of it out if the way as needed!
Wiggling, working. A glass sphere is withdrawn, about the size of a fist. "This," Kaja says, "It had to move it out of the way as I came down." It's perfectly clear and transparent, not melted or scorched in the slightest.
take 10 for 103 on Spellcraft and 108 on k:a!
Immediate Fortitude save.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 9 + 67, total 76[/blockquote] mettle
Ah! You shake off a feeling of weakness as you gaze at the sphere - something just struck at you, though an instinctive stoppage of your attempt prevented anything worse from happening.
Moore frowns. "I'm not sure what this is, but it's dangerous. We should get it back to Celestia to figure it out." He looks at the mass of stone in front of him. "Let's see if this will work..."
Would a Wish, or multiple wishes/miracles be sufficient to restore Matomen? I'm not sure if miracle works since this falls under Ysgard's rules.
Enough could in some form, sure, or miracle(s). It may not restore certain supernatural properties if those were present, though.
Well, that's up to the deities here who we can inform.
Let's have Moore, Cresiel and Jetina all use a miracle and see where we get. The idea is to restore Matomen to how it was before Magamia attacked.
Okay. Go ahead and say your phrasing aloud, it will matter.
"Let the light pierce darkness and restore this fortress to its glory, restore Matomen to what it was before this attack!" Moore calls out.
Before your eyes, the fortress is rebuild. It's a little at first, just a few bricks, but calling on all of your powers is enough to begin the rebuilding process. Another and another as it is restored before your eyes, rebuilt to the last. There is no visible force, it simply happens at your request. As it does you feel a gentle presence, a sense of wisdom, a scent of old books.
"The divine favors us," Xandra declares, "For they have granted us this miracle."
"We have their trust," Cresiel agrees.
This is in the hazy range of what a miracle spell can do, but you're in a position to get latitude by the granting deities as well as direct intervention. Three of them also help, admittedly, I don't think I'd let one succeed on this as easily.
Moore says a silent prayer to Erathaol and the others who intervened here.
"I have a feeling I know what this orb is, but let's take a look around and see if there's anyone inside here." Moore says as he goes to do just that.
"Do you? What is the orb?" Kaja asks as you go along.
"I think our magma friend is in it, probably along with the other Ysgardians." Moore says. "When I tried to figure out what it was... I felt some sort of... instinct, I guess, to not pry too deeply into it, or else risk something attack me."
Kaja regards it rather coldly, "So it escaped into it?"
"Or this is its form." Moore says. "It's entirely possible that it might be the core of something... like, imagine a construct, but that has this inside of it to move. I'm not... really sure that's it, but it did seem to have taken over this fortress, right?"
"Then what in the Seven Heavens is Magamia?" Jetina speaks up, "Elementals don't work like that."
"I don't have an answer for that yet." Moore says. "I'm hoping we may find it inside here. If not, then back in Celestia."
Okay, for general searching purposes here, give me Perception and note any special means of sensing things along with your plan here.
Take 10 for 92, blindsense, true seeing. Looking for anyone not dead.
...and I guess if we find treasure that's fine too.
There is not a single body here.
Some equipment survives in various states of damage (and more is smashed or ruined), but not a single body is found. There's some intact supplies, both food and mundane weapons as well as armor.
It's just that you don't find a single corpse or living person.
Is any of it Syllen's or magical in nature enough to care?
And by that I mean 'better than +2 mace'
You notice that none of it magic - it's like all the good pieces are just not there. How strange.
"Okay, so let's walk this backwards." Moore says. "Some weird creature attacks this fortress and tries to melt it and take it over. While doing so, people inside are attacked and their bodies vanish. In addition to that, all of their gear and everything valuable from this place is also gone."
Moore tries Hindsight out in an area with some items in it, a sure sign of something happening -- even if he can't see what attacked them, perhaps he can see where the items go?
"There's a piece we don't know," Jetina says. "Xandra?"
"It was personal in some manner, there was motivation," Xandra says, "I can see this wasn't some random act."
Trying Hindsight out! Does anything happen besides the items just 'vanishing' ?
The items just...vanish. Well made swords and armor, wands, scrolls, anything like that.
"Everything just... vanishes." Moore says.
Is there any lingering magic in the area, by any chance?
None.
"No magic, either..." Moore huffs as he looks at the orb. "Let's go back to Hope's Landing and see what we can do with this. It may provide us more clues."
Assuming the teleportation blocker is gone?
"What a curious thing," Xandra agrees, as you go back - indeed, the teleport block is gone. Now what?
"So, here's a question." Moore says as he looks at the orb. "How can you figure out what something does if there's an angry spirit, or whatever is inside this, stuck in it? I don't think a spell like Identify would work, but... I suppose it's worth a shot?"
He holds the orb up to the Light rather experimentally, but doesn't do anything else with it.
The orb is held to the light - and yo ucan see the reflection of something shiny within it.
"It's a good starting ground, if you're protected properly," Jetina says, as she watches, "Nothing too risky."
Moore nods. He's in the Light of Celestia, after all.
Let's try Identify and see what happens.
Give me the same save as before.
[13:14] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+67 mettle
[13:14] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=13]
Again you look away, tearing your gaze from it in some instinct.
Moore lets out a breath. "I'm reminded of the time Asmodeus tried to kill me with a magical letter." He says.
"That didn't work either." He turns to Xandra and Cresiel. "Do either of you know anyone offhand that specializes in magical items? Maybe someone proficient in cursed items or something like that? I think we need an expert."
"Afina?" Jetina asks, "But I don't think she's available, is she?"
Cresiel shakes his head, "Sylvie would be good at it, were she here. My father's staff has specialists in those matters as a matter of course. It would be no difficulty to request they look at it, if all of our agencies are stymied. However, I don't feel all of our agencies are stymied."
"Do you have a suggestion?" Moore asks. "Actually... I suppose I can try my new spell out on it. Maybe that will give me some insights. But other than that, what else would you want to try?"
"Spells such as greater analyze dweomer," Cresiel points out, "Even if wishes or miracles must be employed. Divinations to guide our path. We have options yet."
Moore nods. "I know analyze dweomer. Actually..." he sets the orb down and moves 100 feet away from it, then casts it!
My understanding is it has a range, so he's trying to use it... well, at range!
Same save, +3 bonus.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+70 : 5 + 70, total 75[/blockquote] Mettle
This time you can see a little - magic around it, magic of holding and keeping. Rather like a bag of holding, at least from what you can see before your tear your gaze away.
Moore clicks his tongue. "So it looks like it's a container... which I kind of guessed." He taps his chin a few times. "I think we do need something a bit more substantial. I can't cast my knowledge spell again today, but I can try a wish spell."
He ponders again. "Though I'm not sure what to try with it... oh! Of course." He nods and steps further back to 120 feet.
Wish for Greater Arcane sight. If with the +1 spell level I could maybe increase the range of it from 120 feet to 200, Moore would get that far away.
You could, but note that greater arcane sight by itself doesn't let you ID items like analyze dweomer can.
Thats fine. Let's see if it has magic on it at all. That may get me around what's inside of it anyway.
Save again, +3 again.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+70 : 1 + 70, total 71[/blockquote] mettle
You look it at it and agony follows. A pain that only stops by Jetina being there in an instant, a flare of light that ends the suffering before it truly begins.
You don't even have time to collapse or scream. "This time the orb glowed red," she says, "Knowing how these things go, I moved before I realized it."
"Wise," Kaja admits, giving you a look over as Cresiel does the same. "It was more visible this time, there's a lot of things inside of it. Treasure."
Moore blinks, then blinks again. "That was the most surreal sense of whiplash I've ever had." He nods to Jetina. "Thank you for being so quick. Yes, I think we know what happened to everyone in that fortress as well as their items. Still, though..."
He takes a breath in and out. "Obviously I want to just break it, but we need to know what exactly it is." A click of his tongue. "Let me try my new spell out tomorrow with it and see if I can get some answers."
"I'll e there," Jetina promises, as...
Anything else to do? There's a small interrupt coming before tomorrow if you aren't.
Nothing planned for today.
You're eating dinner - a plain affair of fruits mostly - and looking over reports from Hope's Landing. It's nothing dreadfully interesting, merely needed clerical work.
It's then that your door opens, Xandra leading a familiar face in. Donald is there, stacks of papers and scrolls carried. "Got more from Seira," he announces, "Should fill your time up."
"Oh, thanks!" Moore says as he greets him. "Would you please let her know my next stops will be the Terminal Archives and Labyrs? That way we don't duplicate any efforts or anything. Oh, and I have The Book back if she needs to have anyone read it. She'll know what I mean."
"I'll pass it on," Donald says, as Xandra closes the door. He puts it all down in front of you, "She said all of you are getting close?"
"Yep. I'd say we're likely to be about 80 percent done with what you've brought me. If you want to stick around I can give you an exact number."
At that Donald lingers and...
Give me the checks, plus also note how far along you are as of now.
Take 10 for 108 on knowledges and 103 on Spellcraft.
522
It's so much more. You're so close now, more and more pieces slotting in. So close. It's all coming together at last, the ritual almost complete. Yet seven pieces are missing, a crucial bit that defines it all. A portal to between and Beyond and more, a portal that is impossible yet you need just one more small set of pieces to solve.
248 points.
Moore looks at his notes... then back again.
"I was wrong." He ultimately says. "What you brought all but solves it. We have but seven pieces of it left, here."
He uses magic to make a copy of what he has so far. "Fascinating..."
It's nice that all the work y'all have put in is finally paying off.
"What's left, then?" Donald says, taking the notes. "Looks mostly done to me. A portal, right?"
"That's the problem." Moore says. "Without these last pieces, this should still be literally impossible to achieve."
Donald rubs at his chin as he says, "Well, go find those last pieces?" he suggests.
"Seira must keep you around for your infinite wisdom." Moore says with a grin. "I have a few ideas on where to look. I will keep you all in the loop."
Donald nods and goes off, which leaves you with a question: Now what?
He can't invoke his new spell until the next day anyway... so for now it's time to sleep.
Then a moment later Donald comes back in. "Oh, sorry, I forgot," he says, "Seira wanted to invite you to come over to the Cauldron."
Whoops, forgot to include that. My mistake.
"Like... now?" Moore asks. "Or in general?"
"Whenever you can," Donald says, "I think her exact words were earliest convenience."
"Then please let her know I will come tomorrow. I will see if I can shed light on the current matter." Moore says. "Thanks for playing messenger."
Okay then, quick check. Which of the two tasks are you doing first tomorrow? Need to know so I can set up and organize.
He will use his knowledge spell for answers on the lore first. Assuming he has questions left he will try and suss out the orb.
Okay sure, give me your roll there and assuming no disaster, get to the questions.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+46 : 15 + 46, total 61[/blockquote]
Well then, get to questions.
'Can I find the last seven pieces of information I seek for this research in the Terminal Archives?'
Yes.
Well, that was... a little too easy, actually...
'Can I obtain multiple pieces from the same source there?'
No.
So seven different sources...
'Can one person there lead me to all seven sources?'
No, they cannot.
'What is the name of one source I can use to solve one of the seven pieces missing?'
4/16
Darvul.
He will ask the same question, but the second through seventh pieces.
That would be questions 5-11, unless something obvious stymies him from those questions, or if he gets the same answer on the second question.
5. Danmoth
6. Baynes
7. Unknown.
8. 27.
9. Third Revenant.
10. Galya Forteau
He has all he can for now, then.
'What is the crystal orb I found after Magamia's defeat?'
12/16
A bag of holding, if excessively fancy and enhanced.
'How can I safely use it?'
13
Break it against the stones of the mountains outside of Hope's Landing.
'How can I find out what Magamia attacked Matomen?'
14
The question isn't clear, did you miss a word or use the wrong word?
Wow... let me try this again, lol...
'How can I find out why Magamia attacked Matomen?'
Speak to Nasir Farhad Madani.
Of course it'd be him...
This is going back a ways to the last questions he asked the previous day.
'Where is the fourth piece of Syllen's equipment?'
As a note, the third was supposedly with CRIMSON, for your reference.
Link me to that post real quick so I can check something?
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104359.150.html it starts at the top here.
Minauros.
'And the fifth?'
Last question.
Where the fifth is, to be clear?
Yes -- sorry, I should make these more clear.
'Where can I find the fifth piece of Syllen's gear?'
Boiler Peak, within the highest caverns where steel protects steel.
That is the last question.
Moore will take down the information from the spell to bring to Seira. In preparation for Monday, can I get a rundown of whatever a Knowledge check of 108 would give me on the following?
Darvul.
Danmoth
Baynes
Third Revenant.
Galya Forteau
Minauros
Boiler Peak
Assuming that the names that are a little more generic (Third Revenant) wouldn't bring up anything normally, I'd like to try and think of ones specific to The Terminal Archives.
Also, for the one that came back 'Unknown,' was the answer literally 'unknown and we don't know' or 'Unknown' as if it was a name of something? If it's the latter, then a knowledge check on that too please. :)
Sorry about the delay, computer napped hard last night. Muscle relaxers, y'know?
Darvul is said to be a nasty, possibly gargoyle like creature that resides in the Terminal Archive. He's not that notable, nasty but not highly notable. However, as someone who resides within the Archive, he has access to a great deal of lore.
Danmoth is an ancient aasimar paladin and cleric of ...you aren't sure. Odd, he has the powers but never speaks of his patron, according to legend. It's said he vanished into retirement ages ago.
Baynes is an old blink dog said to be a sage. He's said to have a den on some Prime world or another, but it's old information and he may well have passed long ago. You'd have to investigate more - he's noted that his pack took down fiends before and were relentless hunters, but time catches everyone.
Third Revenant isn't clear enough, if it's a title it's not one that comes to mind. More investigation is needed.
Galya Forteau is a follower of Empress Sulia. She's Mother Regent of House Forteau and Princess Regent of the Sandstretches, as well as an accomplished archmage. She hasn't made a huge splash, she serves Sulia but mostly does what the Empress commands.
Minauros is the third layer of Baator. It's ruled by Mammon, Lord of Greed. It's said chain devils also come and reside from here, as well as fiends of all kinds that value greed and gold.
Boiler Peak is a named used in multiple places and Primes. You'll need more info.
Okay, and "Unknown" is just regular unknown and not some sort of secret DM tool for a character named Unknown, right?
A regular unknown.
Okay! Then I'm good to go for the meeting.
Okay, moving you over shortly. Locking this thread.