There's a lot to do, and Sylvie's most obvious todo will be first for reasons you'll see momentarily.
In the meantime, go ahead and give me a todo list for Moore, so I can start planning.
Moore would heavily request that Sylvie go spend time with her son before she gets embroiled in things and won't have time to do so. I realize that will likely happen after all of this, or, at least, Moore hopes so. If she's going to argue with him about it then he can do so IC with her.
Other than that:
1) Use his new Knowledge spell to track down CRIMSON, who definitely didn't die under Magamia's hands since we never saw that item get recovered.
2) Find the other Syllen pieces. I'll go back and find out what we learned before when we get there.
3) Continue with Words of Creation (Lifasa may need to be involved here)
Home.
Is the light brighter, or are your eyes more tuned to it? You couldn't say, but you're home.
"We have a lot to talk about," Sylvie begins, barely a pause to take in Hope's Landing, the bustling little fortress and trading beyond it growing, a few new buildings around it and more in construction. Yet after that she pauses, for Grias floats up.
"Moore...oh! Oh!" The lantern archon regards Sylvie a moment before, "Is that your friend? Regardless, Calley's here, I gave him a meal and some milk, he's waiting for you."
Here Sylvie closes her eyes a moment and quietly exhales, before murmuring, "You aren't even going to pretend to be subtle, are you?" After that she looks up and says, "He's here to meet me, not Moore. Trust me."
"W-well!" Grias puffs up before going on, "Is she another seer?"
"No," Xandra speaks up, "This is Sylvie, Calley's mother."
"Oh!" Grias gasps, "You did it!"
Moore's grin can't be hidden, even with his superb acting skills.
"I know what we have to talk about is important, but so is your son. You have a lot to talk about with him, too." A smile and a hand on her shoulder. "Go, take all the time you need. Be honest -- with yourself."
Sylvie blows out a long breath, "I'll let you know," she agrees, and goes off to do just that.
Once done, "A brief rest and we can meet up to discuss this, and let Sylvie catch up?" Kaja suggests, "30 minutes, for those of us who still need to eat."
"We've earned a rest after everything." Moore says with a nod.
Let's wait. 30 minutes doesn't seem like a lot, so he'll just chill until Sylvie comes back.
A half hour passes.
Everyone but Sylvie is there. Cresiel stands with arms crossed, Xandra works on a wooden flute, carving delicate details on it with a small knife. Kaja sits and finishes off some roast chicken and vegetables, while Jetina has her head down in simple rest, eyes closed.
"She's late," Kaja speaks up, "It has been a half hour, hasn't it?"
"It took you a while to get back to your old self after you recovered." Moore says with a smile. "She's and her son never had... a normal relationship, and they certainly won't anymore -- but every journey starts with one step, you know? Have patience, there's a reason it's a virtue."
Another smile after that. "Actually, I suppose I can ask this since you're all here, did anything happen at all outside the Gates while we were inside?"
"Nothing," Cresiel states plainly, "Xerona did not wish to speak, she merely counseled us towards patience."
"So how bad is it?" Kaja follows up, "Apocalyptic?"
"No, nothing like that." Moore says with a grin. "We just understand more about how to proceed forward. You remember that we had spoken some time ago of a ritual to ascend outside of Creation? It may be nearing the time where all of us need to consider whether that ritual is something they wish to undertake, or if we wish to employ a different means to ascend -- and if you wish to do so at all."
"What are you going to do?" Kaja turns it right back on you. "Well?"
"I once heard someone say that you can prepare all you want to do something, but you will never be ready." Moore says. "I don't know that I agree, but... I intend to pursue One, with Sylvie's aid. I think the time draws close where I can feel confident that it is something within my ability. Once that happens, I intend to utilize the power of the divine seed we have secluded with Io in order to give us a good starting point. For any who would consider to use one of those as well, know that they are available, though extremely limited."
"Yeah," Sylvie walks in now, "We got one use available - one use is earmarked for Elle Stronger, another use for Emily, Seira's daughter. The last is open. I won't need if I choose to go that way. It's up to you all if you want it."
Cresiel glances at Sylvie but stays silent.
Xandra murmurs, "Why is such a thing given to us so freely?"
"Which doesn't answer the question," Kaja notes, but doesn't push it. Instead, "Bahamut's hoard, I don't know. If put to me and I had to choose, I don't know at all."
Jetina's quiet all the while as well.
"It's put to you. Zaphkiel himself gives permission and encouragement. The normal taboos against celestials who seek worship and divinity are waived in your cases, if you want to use the seed or become One," Sylvie goes right on, taking a seat. "It's our choice because Creation is in tremendous peril and we're one of the few who can do anything but wait until the end. You can take the power and not seek worship, if you'd prefer that, but you'll only ever get stronger by more divine seeds You won't be in the Competition, in the same way Eblis generally wasn't, and the same way that he rejected worshipers."
"There are other seeds scattered across various places that we can pursue. Whether they have multiple 'charges' or not isn't clear in the case of some of them." Moore explains. "It's a big undertaking and not one that any of us need to decide right now. It's easier for Lady Alicia and Seira, because they've already had time in their seats, as it is, so those around them are a bit more used to this."
A shake of his head. "At any rate, there's no need to worry about it in this particular moment, but I do want everyone to at least think about it. There's no shame in saying no, there are other ways to achieve similar results without it -- proxies are just an example."
At this, he turns to Sylvie. "I have many questions, of course, but you have that look about you that says you have a lot to answer before I even ask, so the floor is yours." He gestures to the others first. "I know you already know who everyone here is, but everyone, this is Sylvie."
"It's good to meet you," Jetina agrees, while Cresiel nods to her.
Amid all of those greetings and more, "Thanks." Sylvie says, "You'll be seeing more of Calley. He...didn't quite lose what I gave him, so he's capable of defending himself. It's my responsibility to ensure he learns to use his powers wisely."
"What do you mean, he didn't quite lose what you gave him?" Kaja scowls, "Are you-"
"I am saying that," Sylvie replies evenly, "Look up if you want someone to blame, it wasn't my choice. Call it settling accounts, though I'm sure he'd call it a moral lesson. Maybe insurance if you're more cynical than Celestia deserves, because I won't leave Calley to bumble about with those now that I'm here. Regardless of that," Sylvie says, "I'd suggest strongly considering the seed or One, because despite the drawbacks..."
Here Sylvie begins to discuss what Zaphkiel explained before. "...and so, not only do we have to become stronger, not only do we need to ensure the broken Incarnation can successfully quasi-reunite under the most optimal conditions if we're called onto to help, not only do we have to gather divine seeds, not only do we have to storm Shadow and slay Shar herself, not only do we have to venture into the Beyond and Ao's personal abode, but we have to challenge and serve as a distraction against the Incarnation of Chaos himself."
"Fuck." It's Jetina who breathes that out, a single word unsuited to the realm she stands in.
"That reframes everything," Cresiel agrees, "Can we decline a divine seed and call ourselves loyal and righteous under such a threat?" He bows his head in silent prayer after.
"That's worse than I thought," Kaja admits, "Far worse. Far, far, far worse."
"I think the best path for most of us is One, then something else, but if the ritual of One doesn't seem like something you want to pursue, we have other avenues." Moore says. He turns to Sylvie. "Out of curiosity, since it will affect how much exposition I drop on you, how much of what we've all been doing since... well, since your disappearance, have you been aware of? It wasn't clear if you simply knew about us because of the Lord of the Hebdomad or something else."
"I'm caught up," Sylvie waves it off, "Go on."
"Well, the reason I bring it up is we ran into something in our travels, pieces of equipment from someone named Syllen." Moore says. "He was a fey-blooded mage from a long time ago. Anyway, his equipment is potent and gets stronger if you have all the pieces. During all of that, Shar was courteous enough to inform us that she was holding Syllen's soul in one of her awful holdings, so I had been considering going there at some point to get it back, despite the obvious... problems."
He shakes his head. "Anyway, I developed a spell that will help us in finding the other ones, so I'll likely be focusing on doing that soon, but I'd like to finalize the matters with One before I really put much effort into anything else."
"We'll have a chance to do that one day, but let's not challenge Shar until we're ready," Sylvie says, "Keep it in mind for the big battle. I've had a bit of contact with Antenora, we're going to get together shortly to work out how we can aid everyone to the utmost."
"Let us know," Jetina says, "That'll influence us as well."
Moore nods. "All right. Is there anything else you feel you want to impart to us for now, Sylvie? If not, I have a few questions."
"Go on," Sylvie invites.
"I had a chance to meet Medi. It seemed he went through some sort of... apotheosis himself, do you know what happened with him?" Moore asks.
"He died and came back under protest," Sylvie says honestly, "Not everyone wants to come back for a second chance. He made his peace with it."
"Well, I ask because he seems to have transcended some of his... I guess, limitations?" Moore says. "Was that part of it, if you know? To give you an example, he seems to be able to come and go in people's dreams freely, and no longer has any issues with things he had during his life -- like anathemic knowledge."
"Medi's always had a gift for overcoming the impossible," Sylvie explains, "With all that time to rest and what he learned there, do you think he sat idle on it?"
"In other words, he's making the best of his time?" Cresiel asks.
"I suppose a grumpy curmudgeon like him wouldn't be satisfied with 'just' paradise after he died." Moore says with a nod. "All right. Oh, just so it doesn't take you by surprise, I had the fortune to help 'upgrade' Elena, so if you go back and visit -- which I think you should, a lot of people would be happy to see you -- know that if you had any conversations with Elena she didn't seem to remember, she will now."
A smile and a nod. "For now, nothing else I have is extremely important, so please go have your talk with Antenora."
Sylvie turns and leaves. Once she's gone, "We have a lot to decide on," Cresiel says, "But I have made a decision of my own. I will use the seed."
Jetina turns to him with a sharpness, "Truly?"
"Truly," Cresiel says, "Take this burden from me, but if you will not, then I shall bear it with all the grace and pride of the Heavens." His expression is steady and unflinching, "If I must, I shall."
"I have no intention of stopping anyone who wishes to make use of them." Moore says with a smile. "For myself, I knew the path forward would be the one that brought the most hope to all of us, so it is what I intend -- but the rest of you should decide of your own volition. I don't know if the future holds a pantheon of deific power for us or what, but it does seem to have worked out relatively well for Sylica and the Cauldron, so I see no reason it wouldn't work here."
"Celestia guide you," Xandra states in reply, "Be strong, Cresiel."
"I shall," Cresiel turns to you, "The seed is with Io?"
"Yes, he has two of them -- one that is full and one that one charge left." Moore says. "Use the one that is full if possible -- it makes no sense, but I feel like the other one is..." A gesture with his hand. "It's like something that's my responsibility, if that makes sense."
"Come with me for this, Moore," Cresiel asks, "I would not face it alone."
"Of course." Moore says with a smile and a gesture, before they're off to see a dragon!
Well, a godlike dragon, but a dragon nonetheless.
Thus you head to Io's lair.
You walk up with Cresiel, the solar silent and yet hurrying. He does not slow in the slightest, his steps fast.
As you approach, Io looms before you and merely calls, "Moore, you return again."
"Lord Io." Moore bows. "I did not expect to come here before I had finished my own matters, but matters are such that they require. Is the power from seed from Celestia still possible to be utilized?"
"Yes," Io says, "Seira just took her charge, but two remain."
Moore nods. "Then Cresiel is here to claim the second." A pat on his shoulder at that.
"I always expected I'd be the one to go first and tell everyone else what to expect, but it would seem that duty falls at your feet." He says with a gesture for Cresiel to go forth.
"I will claim our part of the seed," Cresiel announces, simple and to the point.
Io merely studies Cresiel a time, "Are you certain?"
"My duty, my need and my soul all agree on this." Cresiel does not flinch from that gaze, but after a moment he lowers his gaze away from Io's. "For Creation's sake."
"Spoken like a self sacrificing archon," Io concurs, as the divine seed appears.
> roll 1d20+31
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=11]
Nothing.
A moment where Cresiel does not move, does not act.
"Some find the path to Chronias rockier than others," Cresiel says at last, "Others are called to a path as long as the horizon and thrice as distant." His hand reaches out, ever so slowly going for the seed. "I know if I accept this, that I will not pass there, not until the last day." He hesitates before it, "I am not as Latha was, who craves it with every moment, Moore. But nor do I wish never to go, to endure these endless eternities where we know now the Answer is the final prize. When I saw the light of Chronias before me, I knew that I wished to go there when my service is complete, both in this and in what lies ahead of me."
"With this, I know that my service will never end until the end." Yet Cresiel lays his hand on the seed. "Lord Zaphkiel help me," he murmurs as he makes contact.
Reality. Potential. Becoming. All of it flows through Cresiel at that contact, as you feel his nature rise and expand, as Cresiel himself feels like more.
Cresiel gains divine rank 0.
Moore gives him a quiet clap. "It doesn't feel like I'm congratulating you enough for accepting a burden such as this, but I hope that my meaning and intention are understood." He says. "Congratulations. I know that as long as we are together, we will continue to strive to make Creation better than it was yesterday."
"It will be done," Cresiel agrees. Even his voice sounds like more now, something about it resonant and overwhelming in a way it never was before.
It will be done.
"Ah, got the hang of that already? I've been thinking about my own, since my preferred 'color' is already taken..." A smile and a shrug at that. "So what's the first thing on your list to accomplish?"
"To go forward," Cresiel says simply, "To go to our friends and return home."
"Then home it shall be. You're going to have to come up with a good title for yourself, by the way. Something like 'Cresiel, the Bulwark of Hope.'"
Another bow to Io and he gestures to return them home!
You return home. Cresiel immediately strides forward without comment, your friends waiting.
"Oh..." Jetina murmurs, "That's another and I...is that what I should do?"
Kaja meets him and nods, a hand offered. A handshake, strong.
Xandra merely watches as Sylvie approaches and says, "Is it worth it for you?"
"It will be." Cresiel says, simply.
Moore raises a hand up. "There isn't any 'should' or 'shouldn't'. There are multiple paths forward. Jetina, I know you've been thinking about what you should do a lot, and we haven't really had time to get much of an answer. Why don't we do that while Sylvie works on what she wants to talk to Antenora about?"
"I came up with my own answer," Jetina smiles, "I've been thinking and I have it now."
In that instant you feel it, a connection to Jetina growing strong.
Node upate.
Moore smiles and claps his hands together. "A day of blessings and boons for us all. Wonderful!"
I did indeed see what she got.
"As have I," Xandra speaks up, "I've found I'm ready to face the light. I believe we all are now."
In that moment you feel it, a connection to Xandra that blossoms bright.
Node update, go read.
So noted.
"It would seem we are at a time of great triumphs indeed." Moore says with a smile.
I don't have a lot on my list until Sylvie does her stuff since it seems like the next segments are going to quickly be leading to trying this out For Reals.
Soon enough Sylvie returns to you again.
"It's done," she announces, "Antenora and I have made all the insights we can."
"All right, let's hear them." Moore says, sitting down to listen.
Thus Sylvie begins. It's a lot to hear for sure, time slipping by as...
See nagging for the total bonuses there.
Moore nods. "Ah, I see how to apply all of that. Something else I had been wondering... do you think it's possible to harness the power we've been granted through our bonds for the purposes of this?"
And to be clear, does that mean with the book, Sylvie and Antenora, it's +15 total, or +10?
+15.
"No, that's something else. It's about doing it alone, even with all the knowledge you've been given," Sylvie says, "We're stretching it to the limit, but there's still some things you have to do yourself."
Moore nods.
"Very well." A smile after that. "Then I have one final thing I'd like to do before I think I'm truly ready for this. Would you mind accompanying me to Lifasa?"
Plan will be to take Sylvie and Xandra to Tepen's backyard with the spiritual wounds circle to do a little bit more soul-manipulation Words of Creation work.
"As long as you ward it," Sylvie says, "For both Xandra and I."
"Oh, that's right, you don't know about it." Moore says with a proud smile. "I haven't been sitting idle either, you know."
Moore will Plane Shift himself over to check on the circle he made with Tepen's help to make sure it's still functioning, then will bring both of them afterwards.
It's simple enough to set that up and...
Go ahead.
"Considering I'm going to have to do this soon on my own without the power of magic, I am going to start over with the basics to see if I can manage this without any of that..."
He settles down and takes a breath.
He's going to see if he can manage to get the +2 charisma going like he had previously, but without magic or his gear to bolster him.
He still has the Lifasa boosts, but that's fine.
[13:03] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+10+8 charisma
[13:03] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=18]
You feel it flair up - easier now, or perhaps simply practiced unlike last time.
I don't have notes handy, did you take damage from this one?
No, he only took damage once he tried to go past +4 before. I'll find the link after this.
"I was hoping this might help me during the trials. What do you think?" Moore asks.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104331.msg1155406.html#msg1155406 Here's the link to last time when he got to +4.
"Risky," Sylvie muses, "Show it to me again?"
Moore nods and takes a breath, setting everything back before he attempts to manifest it again!
[13:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+10+8
[13:43] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=14]
Going for +4 this time, just to be clear?
No, just the +2 again, then he'll go to +4 after this.
Easy enough. Lifasa feels like it helps a lot, or perhaps you're simply getting better at it.
Then he will try and make it stronger!
Going for +4 now.
[14:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+10+8
[14:04] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=5]
That should have the +1 from his +2, so 24.
Agony rips through you - like something inside of you tore. A pain like nothing else, and yet Lifasa's support eases you, mends you from the folly. You reel, vision lost for moments as everything swims in pain.
Well chosen, Lifasa saves your bacon. 400 damage.
He expected this might be possible, but still, it hurts like nothing else.
Thankfully, a Heal spell will resolve this particular issue... for now.
He takes a moment, breathing slowly as he lets the pain fade away.
"Ugh... The problem, as I see it, is when I'm there, I don't know that I can afford to push myself very far... so this may be too risky to even try there." He says quietly.
"Too risky," Sylvie agrees, "Ending up dead doesn't help you become One."
"Still, it seems like I can manage the very basic one without any real struggle, so it gives me a small advantage." Moore says with a smile. "Is there anything else you can think of? I know I had read that it was possible to bring something with me, but I can't really think of anything I made that would be of any benefit... unless I created something here to help bolster my force of will, but I don't know if that would work at all."
"You don't have the right talents for it or the time to do it longform," Sylvie admits, "I'd do it for myself if I go that way and I needed it."
Xandra glances sidelong at Sylvie. "How capable are you of that change?"
"I cheated," Sylvie admits honestly, "I had 21 help me just in case it ever came to this, and I decided to make the plunge. I don't want to be a full deity though, at least not to others." Here Sylvie doesn't hide her look of disdain, "I respect Oghma greatly and there's others who have treated us well, but...you don't live for yourself any more once you ascend and take worshipers. It's like parenthood but a hundred thousand times more."
Moore can't help but laugh. "Well, I think in this case, then... I'll simply have to make do with what I have and trust in my own hope and the hope of everyone else that this can succeed. Besides, we have someone looking out for us, so I think we'll be all right."
I'm good to head back and to make preparations to go give this a shot.
Well, before that, Moore will make himself a nice Blue oversized shirt for him to wear in the Beyond since he can't wear anything else.
Sure. One question: If you succeed, will anyone else try while you're there?
That's up to the others, I think. I'd lean towards no, in case there's anything from my own success that can be used to help them and they want some time to practice or anything.
If there's anyone who really wants to, though, then I won't object.
Okay, any other prep for anyone then?
I suppose we'll hit up the Blessing Stone (Moore won't, but everyone else can) and I can't think of much else. Everyone knows how to handle monsters from Beyond now, so we can just go with that.
As you prepare to go?
"Moore," Xandra speaks as you two head out to meet the others, "In case the worst happens, have you left anything for Ilsenine?"
Moore smiles at Xandra.
"It wouldn't do to even let something like that enter my mind." He says. "I'm protected by my own hopes for the future, as well as hers -- yours, Zaphkiel's, everyone's. I appreciate your concern of this, but I'm simply not the type to believe in anything else but hope and succeed in this."
Your answer is a small smile back. Thus you all gather and...
Are you ready, Moore?
'No, but I will never truly feel ready for this. I've done all the preparation I can and now believe in my own hope, as well as the hope of everyone around me to see this through.'
"We'll do the best we can," Sylvie agrees.
"Let's go," Cresiel agrees.
"It's time," Xandra concurs, as a blank white portal appears before you, inviting you into what lies in the Beyond.
"The best is what I know all of you to be capable of." Moore says as he proceeds through. "We do this for everyone."
It is empty.
It is nothing.
White emptiness spreads all around you. It is silent and still. It is not void, it is simply nothing at all. Unreality that stretches far as you can see and more aside. Like a blank canvas, unpainted and undetailed.
"We're at risk as we stay here," Sylvie warns as she appears, the others with her, "The horrors of the Beyond chance on us every moment we stay. There's no reason to dally. Gather around Moore and protect him."
"I won't be able to help any of you like normal, but I have every confidence that you will all be fine. Remember what we've all learned together."
He smiles to his friends, all of them, as he takes a breath.
Focus on himself.
Focus on surpassing himself.
Focus on One.
He will succeed.
He can succeed.
Everything has led up to this moment, this crystallization of everything that he is.
Thus we begin. Good luck. Give me a Charisma check.
[14:13] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+26
[14:13] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=13]
The light.
That's what it's always come down to for you.
The light of the oceans that are not oceans.
The light of the Moore that is not Moore.
The clash of blade, bow and sword, all underlaid with your music.
How many have died to you?
How many have you saved?
How many drown in the light even now?
Was she worth it?
Were they all worth it?
Was Aurora worth it as you recall the sounds of battle, the cries of your friends, the shouts of victory.
You remember it all in one sharp moment, sharp as crystal shards that shred your body.
Or will you betray them again? Have you changed in the light?
Have you changed enough?
He knew it, even without knowing it -- what he was and who he was before he awoke in the Lost Realm.
Now, he can face himself -- the person he was before -- with his hope for the future.
Has the life he's been given, the second chance, to be a Moore who is not Moore, been worth it?
Yes.
The hope he now carries for Creation, the hope his allies believe in, the hope that moves him forward.
It is all worth it.
Whoever the old Moore was died and was changed in the light, and now even that Moore will become One.
> roll 1d100 meanwhile oh boy
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d100=65]
> roll 1d20+20 Cresiel init
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+6 Xandra
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+15 Kaja
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+5 Jetina
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+31 Sylvie
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d26
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d26=14]
N, so...
Init is Horror (N) > Cresiel (38) > Sylvie (32) > Kaja (16) > Xandra = Jetina (13)
> roll 1d26
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d26=2]
B, so...
Init is Horror (N) > Cresiel (38) > Sylvie (32) > Kaja (16) > Xandra = Jetina (13) > Tomorrow (B)
> roll 1d26
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d26=26]
Z, so a rush and...
Init is Fin (Z; rush 4) > Horror (N) > Cresiel (38) > Sylvie (32) > Kaja (16) > Xandra = Jetina (13) > Tomorrow (B)
> roll 1d100 vs 69 Kaja AC
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d100=28]
> roll 1d100 vs 69 Kaja AC rush point 2
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d100=9]
> roll 1d100 vs 69 Kaja AC rush point 3
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d100=85]
> roll 1d100 vs 61 Jetina AC rush point 4
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d100=99]
> roll 1d4 which limb
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d4=2]
> roll 1d20+49 Fort Xandra
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=9]
Below 10 so safe.
> roll 1d20+74 (+2 charge, +16 furious strike)
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d8+21+3d6
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d8=2][d6=6,6,4]
> roll 1d100 vs 39
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d100=75]
> roll 1d20+66 (+17 inspiration)
> roll 1d20+66 (+17 inspiration)
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=14]
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+61 (+17 inspiration)
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+56 (+17 inspiration)
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+51 (+17 inspiration)
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=18]
> roll 5d10+41
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d10=8,3,8,10,9]
> roll 1d100 vs 79
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d100=83]
> roll 5d10+41
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d10=4,4,8,10,4]
> roll 1d100 vs 71
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d100=98]
Give me a second Charisma check. Good luck.
[14:52] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+26
[14:52] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=1]
sigh...
> roll 1d100 the table shall speak
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 94 > [d100=94]
Give me a Fortitude save and a Will save.
[14:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+33 fort
[14:58] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=1]
[14:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+38 will
[14:58] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=9]
I give up.
You push and it's wrong.
OH NO!
You feel the tearing, the same tearing as you felt before. It's like you're tearing apart from the inside out, wrong and tearing and twisting - !!!
"MOORE!" Sylvie's voice, a high pitched scream that shatters your solitude. "NO!"
You're twisting and eyes. So many eyes and noses and faces and sight and sight and sight and sight and sight and sight and it's so bright.
"MOORE!" Xandra is there, eyes wide with panic and fear. "Don't let it!"
What is she crying about? Why is she crying? You can see so much. There's so much light to be seen.
You have so many eyes to see with. They seem so small compared to you now. Just...tiny things of no importance. What strange sounds they make. Alien to you, wrong. What are those things they have? Why does moisture come from them? Why are they do dim compared to the light?
What are they? They're wrong. You twist as you see them, it's wrong like everything here. You need to make them bright, you need to make them see.
It's so easy to make them see, because -
!
One part of you remembers.
You had hope, didn't you?
These tiny things, you had some shard of hope.
You remember.
Moore screams from a hundred mouths, a moment of overwhelming terror hitting you as you see so much and yet not enough.
You scream from a hundred mouths. Your mouths.
You have to remember. You have to keep remembering yourself. You have to keep remembering Moore. If you forget, there's no going back, you know that now.
Cresiel watches. Xandra watches. Kaja watches, one leg gone, twisted away. Jetina watches, an arm boiling magma, twitching and extending out in impossible fractals of flame. Sylvie watches. All of them so tiny and dim compared to you.
Myriad watches from afar. He watches with a cool, disinterested gaze, the dead, fleshless visage of death itself. He regards you, as if studying you. He is not tiny at all - he is not big or small, he simply is, a hundred thousand millions billion trillion times over and over and over.
No, not when he's come this far.
Not when so much is riding on this.
He died once, he was reborn, he's who he is now.
He's Moore, who woke up in Venya -- confused, alone, but alive.
He's Moore, who found his way through the light of Celestia, to the bottom of the ocean.
He's Moore, who sat with Erathaol and learned of the destiny that Aurora fought against, against the likes of The Duke of Destiny and Hell.
He's Moore, who made so many friends within Aurora, even though he had forgotten who he was.
He's Moore, who watched as Aurora suffered from the losses of Muirfinn and Leif. He could never do that to his friends -- to make them sad like that, to lose him.
He's Moore, who tried to continue on Muirfinn's legacy with The Father.
He's Moore, who got to know Sylvie, the one who holds 21. Even now, he's so happy she returned -- he can't fail her, not after everything she put herself through.
He's Moore.
He's Moore.
He's Moore.
Because.
There.
Is.
Always.
Hope.
Moore.
Moore.
You cling to that one, desperate fact. You cling to your memories. You cling to yourself.
They're speaking.
You can't understand it. It's wrong to your senses.
But your friends are speaking to you.
He's Moore.
He's Moore, who was poisoned by the machinations of Hell.
He's Moore, who went on a journey through time to find the heart of the world tree and save it. To save Lifasa, to save everyone.
He's Moore, who found his friend from the Light, who found Jetina in Celestia.
He's Moore, who went on to try and uncover the mysteries of Benfal.
He's Moore, who forgot, but wouldn't forget. No, he wouldn't forget what he learned about Cantasa Alexandria.
He's Moore, who never forgot about Elena.
He's Moore, is Baleruk's prized student of anarchism.
He's Moore. His friends are speaking to him.
He's Moore. He has to pull himself together.
He's Moore. He will not fail them!
He's Moore. He will NOT fail himself!
He's Moore.
Because.
There.
Is.
Always.
Hope.
You remember as Jetina floats to you, hugs one tiny part of you. So dim. So worthle-
No, you remember her.
You hold on desperately, hold on to what you have.
More meaningless words that twist sound, more things that are wrong and wrong to your very core.
You survived, tenuously.
You have become an abomination, a cursed thing that sought divinity and failed. Your mind splinters away from Creation.
If your friends bring you the divine seed you yet hold through Io, it would set you right. Yet your mind may break before then, and your use of it would create a greater horror.
Should you try again, you may yet succeed, for you cling to your mind even now. But if you fail, I fear you will tear yourself into oblivion once more.
The choice is yours.
There are risks either way.
He has to try.
If using that seed doomed Creation because of his folly, he could never bear it.
He has to try here, and succeed.
He will succeed.
Because there is always hope.
Then you have made your choice.
I pray that you succeed, Moore, and I will inform the others.
If this is the end...I'm sorry. I will never forget your memory or sacrifice should that happen.
It all comes down to Hope.
He has to succeed.
Even if all he can manage is to make himself right, even if he can't become One...
He will succeed.
Everyone believes in him.
He will succeed.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+26 : 6 + 26, total 32[/blockquote]
I seem to be having some ISP trouble.
Okay, when you can get back on and your ISP is good we'll continue. Just poke me on IRC.
You hold on. Everything around you is different. They watch you. So many watch you and yet you remember. You refuse to let go and hold on, everything laid out now, everything...
Charisma check.
[16:15] <Nephrite> roll 1d20
[16:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=13]
Total with modifier?
Sorry. 39.
You're twitching, spasming inside. You try and remember and remember and remember and remember. You cling desperately even as you begin to feel the tear, feel it spread as you hold on, grasping in one desperate, last lunge from oblivion, from Shar's embrace.
> roll 1d100 meanwhile
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d100=98]
Go ahead and give me the last check to see if I need to work out this encounter for them.
[16:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+26
[16:18] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=7]
And a Constitution check.
SYLVIE NEVER FIXED MY FLARKING CONSTITUTION!!!!
THANKS SYLVIE!!!!!!
[16:21] <Nephrite> Roll 1d20+3 dangit sylvie you were supposed to fix this
[16:21] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d20=6]
That could've been a 10!!!!! a 10!!!!!!!!!!!
The last thing Moore remembers is the pain of tearing.
It hurts.
Who...are you?
What...are you?
Why is it so bright?
Didn't... something like this happen before?
Yes, when you woke up in Venya.
Why is it so bright?
Open your eyes.
He has to get used to the light, so he can see.
Be not blinded by the light of hope.
He...?
Yes. You're Moore. Don't forget again!
Where is he...?
Because. There. Is. Always. Hope.
In one moment it snaps back to you - everything. You're in your bed and you shudder in relief, even as a feeling of completion fills you. A sense of rightness, a sense of totality. You're you, not...your mind blanches away from what you were, the horror of it incomprehensible, leaving sheer terror to fill you.
He...
Did he...?
No absolutely no in particular, a quiet prayer.
'Thank you for believing in hope. Is everyone else all right?'
"Moore," Your answer is aloud. Xandra is there, a hand on your own, far bigger than it. Her face is strained and tired, old tears uncleaned on it. "Are you still there?"
"...I really messed up, didn't I?" He says, quietly. "Are you... is everyone all right?"
The answer is that you're swept into a hug, picked up like a doll and clutched to Xandra.
"Wo...woah!" A sudden cry. "I.... I'm sorry, for worrying you." He says quietly, the hug returned. "For worrying everyone."
You're hugged even harder before you're put down. "Do you feel it now?"
"...Feel what?" Moore asks. "I don't feel an--..."
...Oh!
Oh!!
Right, the whole... reason...
He takes in a breath.
Cresiel seemed to just 'be' more when he used that seed, so...
"You're to use the divine seed immediately," Xandra says, "To further enhance your stability."
> roll 1d4-3 invalid roll
<Penuche> Sunshine_Ko invokes Penuche's magic: < -1 > [d4=2]
Moore gains divine rank 0. Normally you get that roll with a minimum result of 0. If you get a 4 you start with DvR1 instead. However, due to the situation and its complications, you lost that chance and just get DvR0.
I suggest being very, very, very grateful you're here at all, rather than focus on the lost chance. Any result of odds was instant oblivion, no coming back from that, and an even below 70 was an instant bad end via becoming a horror as well. Any failure on that second batch (except the Con roll, which while related wasn't tied to those) was instant oblivion, no table needed.
"Come, I'll not risk this chance that hope has given me." Moore says.
You know my feeling on this exactly, I hope.
Anyway, yes, they will go get Io's seed.
"Good." Xandra rises and goes to your desk, opens it and takes out the seed.
"It's been here, carefully hidden because this may not wait if things went worse," Xandra gently carries to the seed to you, "Use it."
"...How long was I out for?" Moore asks as he holds his hand out to the seed.
The hope of so many, the hope of Creation.
It's on his shoulders now.
"A day," Xandra answers, as the seed awaits you.
Moore reaches out to touch it!
You feel it flow into you - and a good part of it deeper into you. Part of it diverted, filling you deeply. A feeling of flowing to within you, as if stabilizing something and yourself.
Before you the seed is gone, used up to the last.
You gain divine rank 1. However, your ordeal is not without consequences. You needed further energy from the seed, and in turn your own apotheosis was weakened as energies were diverted to fill the damage you did to yourself. Instead of the normal 3 domains plus any relevant alignment domains, you begin with one domain and any relevant alignment domains.
So you'll get the Good domain for free since you're NG, and you have one other domain to choose.
We'll go ahead and focus OOC on the mechanical side of this for now, I'll talk to you in PM to guide you through the process since there's a lot of mechanical stuff.
So noted.
Okay Moore, hows the mechanics of this coming along for you?
You still need to adjudicate a few things for feats and SDAs, but for the most part the mechanics and the sheet are done.
Post anything I need to adjudicate in nagging.
So, just as a thing, I can't seem to actually post my update in my topic, I get a database error every time I try. I am good to go either way.
Actually, it seems to be a new limitation on the forum or something, I can't paste my block anywhere since it seems to be limiting the amount of text I can post, or something like that.
Could you send me a screenshot of the error real quick?
Done.
Okay, we'll put the last bits of mechanics on pause for forum stability reasons. In the meantime, anything else or are we good to continue?
We're good to go.
You feel so much more.
You feel alive, right, whole.
You feel overwhelmed and yet awake for the first time in your life.
Go ahead and react.
"I..."
He takes a breath in.
He takes another, then another, as if experiencing breathing for the first time.
"It's like the exact opposite of... what happened out there. It's as if I can see everything for the first time, like I'd been living in a play until this moment." He murmurs. "It's like everything's become so real."
"Then...what sort of deity will you be?" Xandra asks softly, the seed gone into nothingness.
"I can't be one who simply sits in my fortress and hides away, can I?" Moore says with a smile. "I'm a bit late to the party, but I think I'll be best served following in the steps of Lady Seira and Alicia in order to bring hope to Creation."
"Then we have much to do," Xandra agrees, "May I aid you forward, Moore?"
"Xandra, I should be asking you that." Moore says with a bright smile. "I should be asking everyone if they're willing to. And..."
He looks up. "I suppose I should ask If I'm still welcome here in general or not, or what the plan is for Hope's Landing."
You are welcome here.
This place shall be yours, if you wish to keep it.
"I admit, I had considered finding a way to create something on Lifasa, but... considering how much Celestia has guided me, I feel like that would be a slap in the face. Besides, Lifasa has other people interested in it." Moore says with a smile.
"I would be proud to keep this place and turn it into something even more than what it is now." Moore says.
Oh, there is one other thing, he supposes... He will have to find his 'voice,' in some capacity.
Then use it wisely, Moore.
I have quite a bit to do, then, it would seem.
He turns to Xandra. "I suppose we should speak to the others and see what they plan to do, if anything."
If you think that's too close to Cresiel (it's navy as opposed to 'dark blue') I can come up with something else.
"Then...what first?" Xandra asks.
At the moment the ball is 100% in your hands for how you advance with this and what you do.
Your color is your choice, but they are a little close, yeah.
"Let's talk to the others first." Moore says. "I don't want anyone feeling forced into following my path if they want to do something else, and we should figure out how to best proceed with... well, everything, really."
I'll come up with something.
It's so much easier. Everything is. You approach Sylvie's room and can hear within, your senses razor sharp and readied.
"...fine," Calley's voice. "What spell's next."
"How about we review Dimension Door?" Sylvie asks, "That's a good spell to know."
"A great spell if you want to run away, Mom." Calley retorts, "Teaching what you know?"
He'll have to find a way to not accidentally eavesdrop on everyone... A light knock on the door.
"Sylvie? Sorry to interrupt, can I have a few minutes of your time please? Calley is welcome to stay for it." Moore announces.
"Come in," Sylvie calls, "Good to hear you're up again."
Moore decides to start small and just uses his newfound divine will to open her door.
"Yes, and not with ten thousand arms or eyes this time." Moore says with a smile.
A nod to Calley after that. "I'm glad to see you again, young man."
He turns back to Sylvie. "You probably won't be surprised to hear this, but I've decided to accept the burden of divinity and all that it entails. I intend to keep Hope's Landing on Celestia and hopefully grow it over time, and I wanted to ask you if you'd be willing to stay with me. I realize you're already devoted to Oghma, but I'm hopeful that it won't cause any issues for you to work with us here. Of course, Calley is welcome as well, for whatever that's worth."
It feels right - reality bends to your will, the door opened just like that. Like a limb you never knew you had, but is gloriously alive and awake for you now.
"He ascended, Mom?" Calley asks, sitting in Sylvie's claimed room. It's fairly plain right now, save for a toy chest of brightly painted wood against one wall. No toys are out, however. The two share a table, a sliced cake between them. Both have a half eaten slice at the moment. He looks to you with a gaze that isn't normal for any child, insightful, bright. Far too much so.
"Very good," Sylvie praises, "You felt his presence?"
A little nod, "He's not hiding it yet? That's what they do when they don't want to be noticed?"
"That's right." A small smile on Sylvie's face. "Now then..." Clearing her throat before, "Calley," Sylvie goes on with a smile. "You've learned what tact is. Even if you don't follow it."
A sidelong look from Sylvie to her son, which he returns with an openly unimpressed look. "You're going to ignore tact right now and you want me to not pay attention to that. Go ahead, it's not like you haven't let me down over and over again already." Instead Calley hops up, "I'm going to go play tag with Grias again." Calley exits without comment.
Once Calley is gone and a few seconds after, "Ahem. Of course I'm staying. It's not like I had Zaphkiel himself tell me to stay. It's not like you didn't turn over heaven and earth to save me. It's not like you aren't fighting to help save all of Creation." Sylvie reaches out and taps Moore's forehead, "Did he scramble his brains there, Xandra?"
Xandra clears her throat gently before, "Ahem. No, I believe that particular facility is intact."
"No, thankfully I seem to have all my mental faculties in order." Moore says with a smile.
He reaches up to take Sylvie's hand and then grasps it with both of his. "I want you to do what you want to do, not what you feel you have to do." He takes a breath. "You're one of the few people in Creation who know all there is to know about me, and I'd like to think I understand you better than you think I do. So it's important to me for you to feel like you're doing something because you want to do it, not because you feel you have to do it."
"I want a Creation here for Calley when he's grown up," Sylvie points out, "So I want to be here."
Moore nods. "Then thank you for your support. All of it. Do you have any suggestions about what I ought to do from here? I ... guess I didn't think about this all the way."
"Figure out your faith, your church and make alliances to have support," Sylvie says, "You have to think about more than just yourself and those close to you." She sits back in her chair, "Every single person who decides you're worth a prayer or who is worth it to follow is someone you should worry and care about like a beloved child. These children will grow and make Creation better in your name."
Moore nods. "Yes, I suppose that makes the most sense. Thank you. If you need me, I'll be... working on all of that." He says with a lopsided grin.
"I suggest with another deity. Someone who can mentor you." Sylvie leans in just a bit, "I know what it's about, but I don't have hands on experience, just what I learned through 21. Be it Erathaol, Zaphkiel or one of your allies in this. Drag Cresiel along too, even if he chooses not to seek worship he should know all of this."
Moore nods. "Yes, I had planned on speaking to Lord Erathaol first and foremost. Let me know if you need anything." He says.
Next, he will try and find Jetina!
You find Jetina in the courtyard. She has a practice blade in hand, lowered. Amid the bustle and noise of everything and the glory of the light above, you see Grias flying about fast, Calley chasing him. Both of them fly, swooping about as Jetina watches.
Moore flies up next to her. "You should join them."
Jetina glances over before, "No, let them have their fun," she says, "So..." she trails off, "Now what, Moore?"
"It's no different from before, but now I focus on things outside of here." Moore explains. "We continue to bring hope to those without it and fight evil. I suppose the question I'm asking you is if I can ask for your continued aid."
Jetina stares a moment, "Do you mean you want me to worship you?"
"..." Moore reaches up to rub his face. "Sorry, I didn't phrase that right. No, I just want you to keep helping me like you have, just... you'll be helping Moore the deity instead of Moore the pixie."
"Oh." A blink, "You have to ask?" Jetina says.
"We're in a weird set of circumstances." Moore says with a smile. "I don't want to be stepping on toes when I'm just learning to dance, you know?"
"If you can't count on all of us, who can you count on?" Jetina fires back, "We're in this until the end." She smiles and reaches out, pats your head. "Besides, you're still small enough for someone to do this, even if you have ascended."
"I think I can technically take any form I want to... maybe." Moore throws his hands up. "This is all pretty new, I don't think there's a guidebook on it. Well, maybe there is..."
A shake of his head. "Yes, your point is well taken. I appreciate it." Moore says.
Let's go find Cresiel, because Moore realizes no one's going to bail on him now.
You find Cresiel kneeling in his room. The windows are open, light pouring down onto him. He is locked in prayer, not even looking up as you enter.
Hi Cresiel.
Again, if you feel this is a little too close to his, I can change it. I just liked the color.
Moore.
That's fine.
^I will have to get used to that.^ He admits. ^I was going to seek out Lord Erathaol to gain wisdom on how to best proceed with this... situation we have found ourselves in. There is a lot to do and I am not sure how best to start. Would you join me?^
DM note for later reference: Moore's having technical issues with quotation marks right now. Hence using ^ instead of them.
"Yes," Cresiel stands in an instant, "I will come."
i should be able to fix it later
Moore nods. Then he attempts to communicate with Erathaol!
Lord Erathaol. May Cresiel and I visit to seek your wisdom?
The answer is not in words, but instead that a white portal appears before the two of you.
Moore gestures for his friend to go first before he follows!
A moment of white.
Water?
No.
You stand in a room with walls of glass, or perhaps some kind of crystal or glassteel. Regardless, you can see light-lit waters all around you. In this room sits Erathaol on a throne, his gaze out at the waters beyond. An array of colorful fish swim by just outside as he takes it all in, silent until the portal closes. "It seems that you have come far, Moore, Cresiel. The purposes of Chronias lie heavy on you now."
Moore nods.
We have all been shown things I never expected. I admit a great deal of anxiety as to how to best proceed... or even where to start.
"As have I," Cresiel agrees.
"Come and join me," Erathaol invites, "Create a seat and rest. Do so for Cresiel as well, Moore."
I assume Erathaol did not, in fact, just turn into Barachiel
Moore takes a breath. It should just be like using the Words, right? He attempts to create two seats with a small cushion using his divine will!
Assuming that works he will then sit!
Sorry, been one of those days.
It works. It's flexing that new limb again, seats there with there mere exertion of will.
Once you've sat, "You have questions," Erathaol says, not phrasing it as a question at all.
Moore nods.
Yes. I imagine for most this is a bit more... gradual. I feel as if we are thrust onto a stage with no script, so any specific steps would be appreciated. I do not wish to make my opening act one filled with gaffes.
I suppose my first question is... how do we even start this?
"I don't know where to begin," Cresiel agrees, "There are things I know of, but do not fully understand, such as the Competition."
"There is much to talk about, but one question at a time," Erathaol concurs calmly, "Tell me Moore, what drives a mortal to worship a greater being?"
Moore considers for a moment. "Faith, but the faith comes from them wanting a prayer answered, which rises from mortals having a need."
"A need," Erathaol goes from that, "We fulfill them and show them something profound, something more than them. Something worth fighting for and dying for. Thus, you have inspire others to follow you. For that you will need dogma, holy books, lessons, teachings and an entire church to encapsulate it all."
Moore nods. "I have an easy place to start in Lifasa with that, but..." Here he hesitates. "I don't wish to steal followers from anyone else I consider allies. I suppose I'm not sure where else to go, or if I simply have to let it spread from there."
"Then ask your allies for help," Erathaol says, "Divine politics thrive on favors and understandings. A certain amount of debt there when you begin is unavoidable." Here he goes on, "It is merely another way we vie for our strengths to prove strong and triumph in the Competition."
Moore nods. "All right. Should I make a pilgrimage to friendly deities?"
"It is a fine idea to begin with," Erathaol agrees, "A surplus of advice reaps a large harvest of wisdom."
Moore nods. "All right. I'll speak to the various allies of Lifasa then as a starting point."
He turns to Cresiel. "You are obviously welcome to come."
Silent until now, Cresiel states, "I will come," he agrees, "There's much to be learned by listening."
"Sealtiel would approve," Erathaol agrees, a ghost of a smile on his face. "One could say he even listens too much."
Moore nods. "I suppose another facet is to prepare Hope's Landing for pilgrims and others who may wish to come and visit." A breath in and out at that. "We can work on that. Are there things we're no longer allowed to do? I mean, I understand things like spiritual wounds, obviously, but I don't wish to harm Celestia in some way by doing something I've so often done, but now is... problematic. I imagine eventually that is what mortal heroes are for, but... well, I don't think I can simply sit on my laurels, either way."
"It's a long adjustment," Erathaol confirms, "For now understand that you must strengthen and prepare yourself, so that you cna do far more than any one being, man or divine."
Moore nods. "I will continue to read your book, then. Do you have any suggestions as to how else we go about this? It seems we have a few things to work on, but the first step is to simply begin to spread the word of us, which I'm sure will invite further discussions."
"That is the essence of it. Word and story spread of their own accord once inspired," Erathaol concurs, "A few sparks that will set the tinder ablaze."
Moore nods. "I understand. So, with that in mind... what changes if I wish to visit another divine realm? Before, I would simply go there and find my way through whatever paths or embassies we may have. I... witnessed Renbuu once entering Lathander's realm, although it wasn't... exactly just him showing up -- either way, is there a protocol I should follow now?"
"Yes," Erathaol agrees, "Go to just outside of one and project your divine will forward. You will receive a reply. A message can accompany this if you like. It's no different than knocking before you enter someone's room."
Moore nods. "Does this extend to places like Brightwater?"
"Yes, but not planes themselves, such as Arborea or Celestia," Erathaol explains simply, answering the question.
Cresiel, mostly silent until now, speaks up. "Why are mortals not made to do such things, through a ritual or some other manner?"
"There are many reasons," Erathaol agrees, a hint of a smile on his face again. "Most mortals or even immortals are of no danger or true threat to the divine. The rare few that are a danger are always watched. The Auroras of the planes, to put it simply. There is little need for such measures unless a realm desires great control over whom enters and exits. Further, the effort involved in a system is not trivial, for mortals lack our capabilities. As deities, we have our own customs among ourselves, many of which prevent unneeded and frivolous enmities."
"I suppose it's the same idea as skipping a line to go directly in, but in order to do so you have to announce yourself at the secret entrance." Moore says with a nod. "Very well, then it sounds like I have some places to visit and favors to ask for."
"There's much more to discuss, but it can wait," Erathaol agrees, "Your learning need not only be with me, not when you have allies."
Moore nods. He turns to Cresiel. "I know we both still have questions, but I think they're ones that we will learn as we go. Do you have anything else for now?"
"Merely one," Cresiel says, "Whom do we visit next?"
"There are a rather lot of people to see, aren't there?" Moore says with a smile. "Considering their impact on Lifasa, I would say Alicia and Seira, if just to make things official with them and express our plans. After that, hmm... It will likely be Brightwater, as I'd like to think we've had good relationships with them and it would be a good branching off point."
"Then lead on," Cresiel agrees.
Moore nods and bows his head to Erathaol.
"Regardless of what role I have, I will forever be someone who supports you, Lord Erathaol." A smile, and Moore will return Cresiel and himself back to Hope's Landing!
Once they arrive, he rubs his chin.
"I was thinking that maybe I should touch up Hope's Landing itself before we go out onto the stage to introduce ourselves... what do you think?" He asks.
"As you desire," Cresiel agrees, "It is our home now, and at least your realm." He looks on and over at the light as he muses softly, "Soon."
Moore nods.
"Soon, indeed." He affirms.
I don't know mechanically if something has to happen to 'transfer' Hope's Landing to him as a divine realm, or if that already happened, but either way, assuming he has the authority / ability to make the changes, he will make it look like the following (I understand it takes time, so if he needs to spend the rest of the day doing this he can, I'm not clear on what effort building a ... well, building takes):
A winding, white-marble path travels parallel to the shores of Lunia, leading up to a large archway made of white and polished silver and walls of equally white stone that travel in a large ring out and around the area. Upon the archway the name 'Hope's Landing' is spelled out on a banner.
Moore will move the trading area to right inside the archway / front entrance and expand it as much as the merchants there request. The 250,000 gold in funding can go towards this if necessary.
Beyond this, he will create some simple buildings with rooms for 'regular' guests, and make sure that the fortress that they've been working out of so far is directly in the center of all of this.
Effectively, Hope's Landing is just expanding the walls to encompass all of what's inside, and there will be an official pathway to it so people know when they're in the right place.
Sure.
It's...easy. It's just a part of you now, like brushing your own hair almost. You expend your will and it happens, things moving and things changing to your command. It all happens as you desire and...
Go ahead and describe, it's your divine realm.
Nestled near the base of Mount Celestia and the shores of Lunia, Hope's Landing is a bright spot to wanderers who come near it.
A winding, white-marble path travels parallel to the shores of Lunia, leading up to a large archway made of white and polished silver and walls of equally white stone that travel in a large ring out and around the area. Upon the archway the name 'Hope's Landing' is spelled out on a banner. The realm has its back to the Mountain itself and, in fact, has a small exit in its walls near there for people who wish to climb further up the mountain after stopping. There is another path that leads out of it and down to the shores.
Directly inside is a marketplace of traders from all across Creation, with pathways further in that lead to the heart of Hope's Landing and Moore's residence. The small fortress he resides it has a small circular wall outside of it and a building with several windows all over it that seem to sparkle in the light above.
Besides the main attractions, Hope's Landing has several small gardens with flowers and comfortable benches where people can relax to enjoy themselves.
For now, that will do.
It doesn't even take long. The shift is easy and full, reality like soft clay to your mind's hands. Everything changes in those moments as you will it to be so. It feels natural and right to do so, no resistance at all.
"It is as you desired?" Cresiel asks, as he watches the changes one and all.
Moore nods. "For now. We'll make it bigger as we need to." He says.
He takes a breath. "Ready for a visit to... hm, let's start with Sylica?"
Cool. Any prep?
None needed. Moore will simply 'knock' on Sylica's door and see what happens!
OOC I am aware Eb is in the middle of stuff so whatever is the most convenient.
A few moments later there is a direct answer.
Oh! Moore, is that you?
Hello! I hope now isn't a bad time, as you can probably guess, I had a few things to discuss.
Come in. I'm about to leave, but Latha's here, Marie too. The others are out on a task.
Moore will go with Cresiel to wherever it is they're directed!
Ah, he'll have to remember this when people come visit him, too, to have a reception area...
A small garden in Liberton, centered around a single sitting table and chairs. Jessica's there as she polishes her rapier, "Moore," she looks up, "Cresiel too?" she peers at him a moment, "You succeeded in the Beyond?"
Moore nods. "Yes, that's correct." He says with a smile. "Well, in my case, I did that and used a seed, I... had some issues, but they're resolved now."
Jessica rises and comes over, shaking Cresiel's hand. "Congratulations," she offers, "It's all so new and it's so much. I'm still adjusting to some of the changes, and you're farther along than I am, aren't you?"
Moore nods. "Yes, but I guess I cheated." He says with a grin. "I wanted to come and speak to you all about my advocating for things on Lifasa."
"We have to begin and we aren't quite sure where beyond Lifasa, but that raises other questions." Cresiel admits that as he chooses to stay standing, at least for now.
"That is hard, I've just begun my own, and I've mostly used existing structures to help me along," Jessica says, "Some of our more stealthy and sneaky followers weren't far from me as it is, and transferred well." She returns to where she sits, "Even then we're keeping low a little while longer."
Moore smiles. "Yes, I imagine what we're going through isn't that unusual for what you and the others went through over the past few years, so any suggestions you have about how Alicia may have approached the subject of worship would be appreciated."
"You'd be best to ask her herself," Latha says, as she's simply there in between the blinks of an eye. She sits and nods, "Congratulations, Moore."
Moore nods his head. "I can certainly do so. Congratulations yourself, both of you." A smile after that. "I realize we're just taking our first steps as well, but if there's anything we can do to be of some assistance to you or Sylica in general, please let me know."
"There will be," Latha agrees, "But we're all preparing right now."
Moore nods. "I understand. Well, since it seems Alicia is busy, would you please pass on to her that I'd like to get her blessings when she's available?"
"I will," Latha promises. "Hopefully within a day's time."
"Thank you. Please feel free to stop by Hope's Landing if we can do anything for you." Moore says.
They will go back and he will likewise knock on The Cauldron's door. Obviously again there's some shenanigans here, so I can do it later if you'd like.
Yeah, the timing just isn't there.
When you do so, you get a quick reply.
Hello, Moore. I see you succeeded. You are not the only one.
we're going to have to have a talk about the legibility of that color.
Lady Sanzha! Congratulations! I'm so happy to hear of your success!
that is entirely a guess on my part but I don't see who else it could be. seeing is relative in this case, of course...
Ahem, better.
As of your own. It's been too long for me.
and i used the wrong blue anyway, whoops
I can imagine. Is Seira in?
There's a reason I keep a topic full of these. Speaking of I need to add some of the new ones soon.
She is not. Nor are Amaryl, Elle and Donald, but the rest of us are. Elle has taken well to the divine seed she used, while Emily just stopped by to discuss using it herself.
Please let her know when she returns I'd like to speak to her about starting out my faith in Lifasa.
I will. Oh yes, your first time starting one is a magical time. Also full of more mistakes than a paladin who visits a tribe of necromancers.
I am certain I will have a great deal of learning to do. Please feel free to come visit anytime you wish, that invitation extends to the others as well.
Assuming nothing else here, he will knock on Brightwater's "door," with the intention of speaking to Lliira.
Another new one? Moore of Aurora? No, two new ones - Villisa's child!
Waukeen, I greet you anew. We seek Lliira.
That just won't do at all. Come in, we absolutely must talk right away.
Moore isn't one to turn down Waukeen, so he enters along with Cresiel!
It's raining?
It's raining gold. Literal gold coins rain all around you and never touch you. All about you are pure white clouds, you stand atop one. From them coins rain down, each one a gleaming speck glimpsed. Here, on a padded throne sits Waukeen, watching the steady rain of wealth. She rises just as you appear, walking atop the cloud as of it was solid - and it is solid for your feet as you stand here.
"You skipped a step," Waukeen notes, "Cresiel did not, but you did. How interesting."
Moore offers a bright smile. "The wisdom of Celestia extends to many unseen paths, one just has to be persistent enough to find them. I believe this is the first time we've spoken directly, Lady Waukeen; it's a pleasure and an honor to be in your presence." Moore says, offering her a polite bow of introduction. "Brightwater was always an ally to Aurora and has continued to be one during my time with Celestia."
"Why thank you," Waukeen smiles, "Now I had my suspicions that they had plans for you, but you, Cresiel? I don't think your mother even suspected!"
Cresiel merely inclines his head deeply before, "The mysteries of Celestia are deep. This was not an honor I sought, but one that was an unexpected turn in the path." A moment's pause, "Is she home? It would not do for her to hear about this from another."
"It so happens she is. Go." Then Cresiel is gone with Waukeen's words, leaving you alone with the Goddess of Trade and Wealth.
"I can't say honestly I ever expected what's become of me." Moore says. "But sometimes, the best way to learn something is to be thrust into it directly. Still, there's a great deal of things for me to learn and mistakes for me to make."
Another bright smile after that. "I am hopeful, nonetheless, that Brightwater can aid me in some of that."
"There you go, already making alliances," Waukeen flashes you a smile, "You are a child of Aurora."
"I understand the realities of give and take." Moore says. "Even in Celestia, which provides everything we need, I understand that generosity is something one must be willing to undertake. There is really nothing 'free,' at least as it pertains to this sort of thing." Moore says.
"With that in mind, I would formally like to request that I be allowed to spread word of my doctrine and worship within your borders, Lady Waukeen." Another smile follows his words.
"A reasonable request, considering the cosmopolitan nature of Brightwater," Is the answer, "Though there's relatively little open preaching of other faiths, though many others are tolerated and even have churches here."
Moore smiles. "I would appreciate the opportunity to at have a church here. Perhaps the most obvious way for me to do this would be if I were to simply tell a story somewhere and let those then spread word of it? Of course, that story would include how indebted I am to Brightwater." Moore beams at that. "I remember I gave a bit of a rousing performance some time ago about Benfal, I don't think I ever did the same after Lifasa."
"Of course," Waukeen smiles right back, "Well, once you have those matters moving, but once they get moving they usually take a life of their own."
"Oh yes, of that I have no doubt." Moore says. "I'm not sure what the expectation on my end is, but I have no doubt that we can reach a suitable agreement, even if it's something as nebulous as a favor owed. I am certain Sisatar would vouch for me." Another smile after that. "I certainly have my own hopes to continue, as well as improve, our relations with Brightwater."
"I'm sure we can do that," Waukeen says, "I also believe you have someone else to meet here?"
"I'm certain I have a few people to talk to." Moore says honestly. "But my next intended counsel is Lady Lliira."
"That way," Waukeen says, pointing ahead, "You'll find the path to her."
Moore goes again before he flies in that direction!
Quick Perception.
Take 10 for 95.
A shift, a shimmer. You see it and fly into it - you now stand in an open field full of clover, sunny and bright.
Moore will continue forward, though at a slower pace.
You walk and you hear laughter ahead - you see a dance, hundreds dancing in the fields to music. Cheers of joy and frolicking are all about, not a hint of worries at all.
In the center of this dances a young woman in a yellow dress with long black hair. She moves with unearthly grace and beauty, spellbinding to watch. Lliira has everyone following her lead, celebrating with her.
Moore smiles and will watch the performance, more for aesthetics than enthrallment.
The dance goes on and on - a beautiful one until they all fall into a celebration. Then, ever so gracefully Lliira leaps over to you, landing in a pirouette. "Ta da!" She giggles lightly, "Look at you, Moore! I already heard about Villisa's son, too. What happened?"
"There are many secrets hidden inside Celestia, for those who are willing to look." Moore says. It's an honest response, at least. "I wanted to come see you personally to give you my thanks for what you and yours had done to help us in the past. I wouldn't be who I am today with your inspiration, and I hope that as I continue, I will do you justice in return."
Aah! You're swept into a hug and spun around, "Oh, that's so kind of you," Lliira laughs, "We should celebrate! Oh, I'll have all of Brightwater join in, we haven't had a good reason to celebrate like this since our last party!"
"I would be honored to be able to share my story." Moore says as he's swung around, the smile never leaving his face. "Maybe enough to impress even you!"
You're put down after that, "Oh! Tell me," she bubbles, "You really just have to tell me all about it! You're so good at stories."
Moore smiles. "Well, a lot of this started after Benfal, honestly... you probably were aware of some of it, but something happened to raise it up into Elysium. It turns out that a lot of what I did there led me down this path... I didn't realize it at the time, but anathemic knowledge was something I was going to need to overcome."
He clears his throat, in order to give her a proper retelling of his trials and tribulations that eventually led to the rescue and saving of Lifasa, his journey to work with Celestia and his continued strive for Hope and how he overcame mortal limitations she found secrets nestled in the light of Mount Celestia.
He's not actually going to explain the divine seeds or Beyond, obviously, or any real secrets, but he will be honest about striving for hope and how it uplifted him and everyone around him and how never giving up on himself led to him being able to find his ability to remember Cantasa Alexandria.
Are you lying it all or only omitting sensitive parts?
Only omitting sensitive parts. He'll even admit to the parts that he can't tell, with a statement like 'There are some secrets people have to find for themselves.'
For my own reference, give me a Bluff check. Not that you're lying or anything, it's just germane to something on my side of it.
Also give me the relevant Perform check.
Take 10 on Bluff for 116, and Take 10 on Perform for 141.
The story is told and listened to, and at the end, "That's such a good story," Lliira claps her hands together, "What a happy ending, too!"
Moore smiles. "You can see why it's important to me to make sure I spread hope across Creation -- not unlike Lady Seira, really... but you really can't have enough of it, if you ask me."
"And to inspire that, we need a celebration," Lliira agrees, "Oh, you have some friends to bring over for it? I know you do - you and yours have been around Brightwater before. Get them all and more! Oh, there's others too, I heard Seira's had success, I should invite her and hers too, but that might take the focus off you, and that means we could do two separate celebrations on different days instead."
Moore laughs a little at that. "Yes, I'd be happy to invite my friends over. I'll also be happy to help add to Seira's celebration, if you'd like, but I'll follow your lead on this."
"This will be wonderful!" Lliira laughs, carefree and bright.
How do matters progress, Moore? I may some time.
I assume he means 'may be some time?'
They progress well. Let me know when you are done, as there will be a bit of... festivities.
Moore smiles. "Do you mind if I go and speak to a few other people before this? There are many people within Brightwater I consider my friends and allies, and I would like to honor all of them for their support with a personal visit."
I expected we would not escape without a celebration.
"Go, go, bring all sorts of people!" Lliira gestures, "The more the better!"
"You know where to find me." Moore says, a flourish and a bow before he teleports himself outside -- before just knocking on Sharess' domain!
"Meow."
The moment you do, you notice that a cute black and white cat is at your feet, meowing away and rubbing against your ankles.
Moore leans down to scoop it up and give it the attention that it needs. "Hello." Moore says with a smile.
The cat is warm in your arms and purrs away. It doesn't respond, but it - he you think - seems very happy there.
Moore's used to this with Wood, after all, so he will simply stay there with the cat for now.
The cat is warm in your arms and purrs away. He's a feline ball of contentment in your arms until he says, "You have nice hands."
"Thank you." Moore says. "What's your name?"
He scratches the cat behind its ears.
"Meow," The cat replies, "I like that name." Then with a whirl he hops out of your arms and trots ahead, "Come on, let's go play over here!" He heads right into Rapture, across the bridge and over.
Moore dutifully keeps up with Meow!
Meow leads you to a shadowed alley and in a back door. Here a large, warm tavern is full of cats. Cats by the fireplace and hearth, cats on the tables, cats on sunbeams from the windows. Hundreds of cats are here, at play and at rest. Mostly rest, the majority napping.
One feline in particular overlooks them all. A black panther larger than a warhorse sits near the heart, green eyed gaze always over the other cats. Meow hops onto a table and curls up immediately in a sunbeam, while the panther's gaze is fully on you.
The last time Moore met with a panther it wasn't Sharess but I think an agent of hers. Am I able to tell if this is her?
It doesn't feel like a deity, but it's certainly possible she's suppressing.
It is a form she'd possibly take.
Moore bows his head respectfully. "Thank you for seeing me."
"What did you do this time?" The feline asks, smoothly rising to her feet and pacing towards you. "This has become altogether too common lately."
Moore smiles. "Aurora set me on the right path. I'm simply here to thank you and yours for your support to them. I wouldn't be who I am now without them, and your hand in constantly aiding us."
The black panther rises, all sinuous motion and grace. The panther yawns before stretching and then, "Mrrrr. Perhaps my own kitty-cat from Aurora needs to pay attention to this, if Ao accepted you."
"I owe a great deal of my diplomatic skills for slaad to her." Moore says, with a smile. "As well as a few other anarch tricks. Please consider this an open invitation for you and yours to visit Hope's Landing if you ever wish to, as well as for anyone in need of my assistance. I owe you a great debt from my history with Aurora that I don't think can be repaid by actions or time, so know that if you have any need, I will be there to aid you."
"There is one thing you can do now," Sharess agrees. She comes forward and butts her head against you lightly, purring.
"I wouldn't ever be able to live it down if I refused." Moore says as he gives a proper amount of attention to the Lady of Cats and some good pets and headscratching.
You get purrs and rubs for perhaps a minute, before the panther looks up, "Bored now," she declares, licking her chops. "Create me something nice to eat, too."
Moore rubs his chin. Well, there's no reason that he couldn't...
He takes in a breath and gives this a shot!
He's going to use what he had already learned about creating things with the Words of Creation to to create a nice bowl and then some cooked boneless beef. This is both a test of whether this is just a lot easier for him to do now with this method or not.
[12:37] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=13]
Charisma check if needed.
It happens. It happens easier now, the draw of it simpler to you. You feel fine after it, a bowl of beef created as desired.
He will have to experiment if there's any fundamental difference between the Words and his newfound divine will at some point.
Moore doesn't need to prod her to eat, she can surely do that herself!
Indeed, the food is soon gone. Sharess licks her chops before, "Better," she agrees, "I will keep your offer of aid in mind, Moore."
Moore nods his head in thanks, and, assuming there's nothing else to do here, will leave!
Cresiel, I am going to Lifasa for a brief time. If we end up having a celebration and I forget to invite a few certain individuals, I think I'd never live down the embarassment.
With that in mind, he will leave Brightwater and head to the outside of the forest where the Lifasan court is!
He is presuming, hopefully correctly, that his bond with Lifasa which prevents spiritual wounds to it extends to his new-found divinity. Of course, if he's preempted before he leaves Brightwater than that's OK too.
Is that safe, Moore?
It should be, yes. When we liberated Lifasa, I was given a special gift by the plane itself. I have a place I can go that I can be sure is safe to test it, regardless.
He'll transport himself to the circle in Tepen's back yard that has the circle against spiritual wounds and see if it reacts at all to his presence. If it doesn't (i.e. he isn't harming anything) then he will go with his original plan.
And just for your reference:
Lifasa's Gratitude (Su)
As the saviors of an entire world, the land itself will always protect you. Whenever you are on Lifasa, you gain the following benefits:
- An enhancement bonus to all ability scores equal to 1/2 of your hit dice.
- Fast healing 20, does not stack with other sources of fast healing.
- Temporary hit points equal to your maximum hit points. You cannot gain more temporary hit points than these while on Lifasa, so you are at no risk of death. These hit points vanish if you leave Lifasa. If part or all are lost, they regenerate after one minute.
- You are treated as natives of Lifasa and never cause spiritual wounds on Lifasa, in the event you are a creature that can cause them.
Give me a Charisma check.
[14:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+50
[14:30] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=11]
The moment you appear, the spiritual circle begins to dissolve, crumbling apart as the ground shakes. You feel a pressure around you, a pressure that tries to keep you in.
Does this seem like a spiritual wound to him, or is it something else?
K:A for 120, Spellcraft for 115.
K:P is also 120 if it matters.
It's trying to make one - the connection is trying to compensate but your own power is far greater than before.
Do I think there's anything I can do to prevent this from happening? I mean, besides... you know, leaving.
Not offhand - if the spiritual circle isn't going to hold, the entire thing probably is a one way ticket a wound otherwise.
Then there's nothing to it for now, but he won't give up on trying to find a solution to this - again.
He will return to Hope's Landing and put on his ring from Illsenine!
'Illsenine -- I apologize, I hope I'm not interrupting you. I need you to come to Hope's Landing as soon as you can.'
'It is no trouble,' Ilsenine says, 'Are you well, Moore? Are you hurt?'
'I am not in any danger at all.' Moore replies. 'You will understand when you arrive, I promise.'
'I will be there as soon as able,' Ilsenine sends back.
Moore will simply wait, then! He's in no particular hurry.
As you wait, Sylvie approaches. "Moore," she says as you wait in the courtyard. "It's nothing critical, but I've reviewed the information you have on that wheel."
"Got some ideas on where we need to go to find them?" Moore asks as he turns to her.
"A few," she says, "It can wait, we have bigger problems, but I have ideas."
Moore nods. "Please keep me updated, then. Actually... I have something I'd like your help with. You may know this, but when we saved Lifasa, those of us involved in the ritual were... connected to that place. It seems that my divine nature overcomes that connection. I'd like if possible to... still be able to walk that place, and I had had some success with a spiritual wounds circle using my blood. If you have any ideas, I'm all ears."
This gets Sylvie to look ahead a time, lost in her own thoughts.
"Do you know why the Prime gets spiritual wounds?" She asks at last.
"Not from a fundamental level." Moore answers. "I understand the basic concepts, but not the advanced ones."
"The Prime and mortals are meant to be transitory. Temporary. You could call it a gaming board constantly washed anew, if you're uncharitable," Sylvie goes on, "By its nature, the Prime is temporary and the Outer Planes are eternal. Both planes are build to hold and maintain what they're meant to, and the simple truth is that souls and spirits in the Prime are usually caged and rarely of great power."
"I think Lifasa is a bit of a special case, then." Moore says with a smile.
"You don't normally have a world shouldering some of that burden," Moore says, "Worlds are powerful things, planes mighty as can be." Here Sylvie hms, "This doesn't go past us since I'm really not supposed to know it, but Morwel's as much an avatar of Arborea as a deity. Look at what she can do."
"I'd always wondered about that, but that makes sense. Well, I can't really fuse myself with Lifasa, although maybe I could..." A small laugh. "I'm sure we can find a way to strengthen my connection to Lifasa, perhaps?"
"It worked for the Gnomish God-King, and look at all the grief that caused," Sylvie points out, "It's possible, maybe?" A consideration, "For now you can get an avatar to go there."
"I'd like to think the connection I have already would help make it less of a problem." Moore says, then he nods. "Well, my rudimentary understanding is that creating an avatar will take a while... I suppose I ought to get the ball rolling on that."
"Go find a place, there should be a surprise for you," Sylvie says, "I need to make a choice of my own on that," she admits, "Events move a little faster than I'd hoped."
"You don't need to be so cryptic anymore, you know." Moore says with a smile. "Oh, this is an odd question, but... can you lie now?"
"I could," Sylvie says, "I don't have any reason or desire to." Here she just smiles, "I told you - I took measures so I can ascend if I choose to. Becoming One's simple for me thanks to that, I have to decide if I want that power."
"You have my full support in whatever it is you choose to do." Moore says.
He supposes he may have time before Illsenine gets here, so he will fly off to his room to start this process. He really should create a few new rooms for meeting people that aren't his bedroom...
You reach your room. Just going to do it in the middle of it or something?
He will add a small room off to the side for the purposes of this and then start it there.
You enter this room and find it is not empty. A golden statue of an angel is there. It kneels in supplication with their hands opened up, as if giving an offering to the heavens. A crystal sits in the angel's hands.
Well that's... odd.
He looks upward. "I thank you for the gift, although I admit curiosity as to its function." Moore says quietly, as there's really only one or two people who would be able to do this!
This crystal shall allow you to grow your avatar in moments. Be known that this is a gift we are able to provide, but rarely do so, as if used unwisely it will be noticed and raise many questions for you.
Well, he supposes that as long as it stays here there shouldn't be any real issues, right?
"Could you give me an example as to what 'unwise' is? I'd think if it just stayed within these walls until an appropriate time that it wouldn't cause any issues. Is it a situation that, as long as I don't need to send it out to do anything that it would go unnoticed?" Moore asks.
That would be wise. Those here can be trusted. It is those outside of this place who may see it and wonder that could cause you troubles.
Moore nods. "Thank you for the gift."
He goes over to touch the crystal, assuming that's how it works!
You take the crystal.
Hold it over the avatar and bend it to you rwill.
Moore will take a breath to start the process, before he follows the instructions he's been given.
Before your eyes the avatar grows. It's you, down to your gear. It grows in a minute or two and when it completes?
It's like your mind splits apart, yet nothing is lost. You are here, eyes on your avatar.
You are there, eyes on your true body.
You see both at the same time, feel both at the same time. It is no strain, it is entirely natural, as if you've done this for centuries.
"...Somehow this is normal, and yet..." he takes in a breath.
The avatar nods. "It gives a new definition to 'the Moore who is not Moore'."
A laugh from both of them before Moore goes back to to wait by the gates.
On one hand, a DM nightmare scenario now exists. On the other, Moore can get a lot more reading done.
You wait.
Soon enough the gates open. Soon enough Ilsenine comes - with an escort. Elder Magi Tepen walks besides her as she flutters on, "Moore," Ilsenine calls once she sees you.
"Your Majesty." Moore says with a smile. He greets her with a hug, assuming she won't stop him from doing so!
"I think I know why you're here too, Elder Magi. Please, come this way." Moore says as he gestures to them. He will take them past the Market and to his fortress to a meeting room, furnished with chairs and a table, with a window that lets them view outside, but passers-by won't be able to see in!
Are you concealing your new nature at all?
No, but he's putting his Divine Aura at 0 feet so it won't affect them.
"I would like an explanation," Tepen agrees, as Ilsenine hugs you.
Once inside, "What is so urgent, Moore?" Ilsenine asks, to the point.
Moore smiles and sits down. "I suppose a demonstration is in order."
For a moment, he flexes his divine will in the immediate area.
"I have managed to find some secrets within Creation and have ascended." Moore says, simple and to the point. "It was important for me to tell you in person."
Ilsenine is still and silent after that, "Oh Moore," she murmurs, stricken.
For his part, Elder Magi Tepen says, "I thought if another rose, it may be one from our numbers," he confesses.
Moore smiles. "I think there are those in Aurora who have the ability to do so. I wanted to invite you both, as well as any who can attend, to a celebration in Brightwater. Beyond that, I'm working on a solution to the spiritual wounds issue — apparently even with the bond we created with Lifasa, dinivity still has that limitation. But that's not extremely important in the end, though I would like to be able to walk the fields without causing strife there."
Had family drop in, apologies for the delay. I got tied up with it.
"It is...an honor," Tepen says at last, "Of course I will."
Ilsenine looks on at you, still visibly stricken, a hand to her mouth.
"I've been a bit busy." Moore says, an apology all but said in his tone of voice. "I didn't wish to burden you more than you've already been with all that goes on, but I know that's not a good excuse. I hope you can forgive me for that. I knew the right time would come eventually."
A smile as he continues on, "I don't expect that anyone is just going to start to worship me, but I would be very honored if anyone from the Lifasan court or from Aurora would like to attend, if just so they can hear about it and spread word."
"I...don't know what to say," Ilsenine finally says at last. "No, I do. Why did you make this choice and go through with it, Moore?"
"That is a complicated question." Moore says, his eyes closed for a moment.
He opens them a few seconds later. "When we saved Lifasa, I learned about the power of Hope. It was a... seed that grew within me. I decided to pursue the lessons and secrets of Celestia in order to embody that Hope, so I can see Creation grow and prosper and save people who are suffering."
Ilsenine sits down heavy. "So thus you go," she says, finally.
Moore has little to offer except a smile. "If I can do something to prevent another Lifasa from falling, then I will do so. I can't blame you at all if this is something you are against, and I realize it's... a lot. I will find a way to make things work if you wish it; I needn't know right now."
He takes in a breath. "I've long wondered how everyone else manages... Seira and Amaryl, Titania and Oberon..."
"How is it?" Tepen asks as Ilsenine is silent, "How difficult is it for you?"
"Honestly?" Moore begins, "It's like I can do all sorts of things I never knew I could. It comes incredibly naturally. I don't know if that's simply the secrets of Celestia at work or if all divinities go through this same sort of thing."
"Tell me more," Tepen says, "Like it comes with its own instincts, akin to how a newly risen vampire knows to suck blood, or a newly changed half fire elemental seeks out flame?"
Moore nods. "Hm... no, I don't think I've found anything instinctual, at least not yet. It's simply... anything that I try and do with my newfound divine will, it's as easy as if I'd always been able to do it, and just never knew I could. When I first... awoke, as it were, it was like everything around me was more ... alive than it had been ever before. As if my previous experience was seen through a haze, and everything was just that much clearer and more... there. Even though I can perfectly remember everything from before and know that isn't... -really- the case, you know?"
"Yet it feels like it is? As if you've been changed retroactively?" Tepen suggests.
Moore hums once as he thinks back -- something like the battle for Lifasa itself, for example, can he remember more details about all of that then he could've before?
Your memory is clearer - you remember more, or simply are now not subject to time's gentle erosion of memories, perhaps.
Moore nods. "Yes, it's like everything is retroactively just clearer. I wonder if..."
He takes a breath and tries to remember the conversation he once had with Sylvie and Baleruk...
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103953.msg1090733.html#msg1090733 This conversation, for reference. He's basically wondering if now he can 'hear' what Baleruk / Sylvie said from back then.
Didn't you already recall this, or am I getting another bit mixed up?
The only thing he ever actually 'remembered' from before was the conversation with Elena about Cantasa Alexandria. He never thought about trying to remember this.
You recall it now - it is about Cantasa Alexandria, as you can imagine from the discussion after. Just a simple verification if you can recall it or not, and you could not at the time.
Moore nods. "I seem to... hm. I am trying to figure out if I can simply... recall anathemic knowledge now, or if it's a reflection of my newfound memory."
"Or if it's both," Elder Magi Tepen states, "Or if because it isn't anathemic to you now?" He considers this, "I have to sit you down and have a long talk now, Moore."
Moore laughs. "I've asked so much of you over the time I've known you, it would be the fairest way to repay my debts to you."
"I'll prepare an array of questions," Tepen promises, "There's so many."
"Of course." Moore says. He turns back to Illsenine and reaches out to take her hand.
"You're welcome to stay here for a while if you'd like, or... well, whatever you wish to do, I will accept." Moore says.
"I...would like to return, for now," Ilsenine offers at last.
Moore nods. "Of course. You know how to reach me." He says with a smile. "You and anyone from the Court is welcome at the celebration."
He can keep talking to Tepen if he wants to stay, of course.
Once Ilsenine is gone, Tepen turns to you. "Can you tell me more of what happened?" he asks, "The few reports of apotheosis are that of madmen or known as unreliable."
"That part has to remain with me, I'm afraid." Moore says. "It's... a bit of an unspoken rule as to the particulars staying a secret. Suffice to say, I followed my own path and was supported by Celestia's light in doing so."
"Very well," Tepen agrees, "But what of Celestia's light? Does it have a counterpoint in other planes that does the same?
Moore considers this for a moment. "I can't tell you definitely if it does or not, every other plane has its own... places like that -- Yggdrasil would be one example, I think, but it isn't quite the same, you know?"
A breath in and out. "If you're asking 'can other people do what I did by following a path in a different place,' I would answer that enough force of will can overcome any challenge." Moore says.
Tepen nods thoughtfully before, "Then is will the main catalyst?"
"That's my opinion, anyway." Moore says. "You have to have a strong will to overcome everything in front of you."
"Hm. What of intellect and a strong body, what of an able constitution or a well learned mind?" Tepen asks after.
"I think those are all important." Moore says. "But a force of personality is moreso than the rest. It requires that personality to be able to apply the rest - at least, that's how I see it."
"To be, I am, because I am and will be?" Tepen muses.
"That isn't a bad way to look at it." Moore says with a smile. "If you don't mind me turning this around for a moment, how's your most recent guest doing? The, ah... amalgam. Has it taken a name of any sort yet?"
"Not yet," Tepen responds, "It's, ah..." He hesitates here a moment, "One part impossibly insightful and the other part impossibly naive."
Moore chuckles at that. "I understand. I'll have to come by and visit it... at... some point, when my presence won't cause further issues. I doubt walking Lifasa will be as simple as making up a new spell now, unfortunately. I had hoped that my bond with Lifasa could overcome it, but... well, maybe it's possible in time, but I wouldn't want to cause the land any problems."
"Do you think you'll manage it soon?" Tepen asks back.
"I don't know." Moore admits. "I was thinking of trying something with blood again, but... well, I understand that that's something that... was a bit of a catalyst for Seira and Alicia's own adventures, and I'd not wish to inadvertently cause a catastrophe over something I'll one day be able to deal with through something like an avatar. Still... maybe I can figure something out someday."
"Ah, you don't have an avatar yet?" Tepen asks, "Is it difficult to make one?"
"It takes time." Moore agrees. "Honestly, for all that I'm feeling like this is a 'natural' thing, there's an awful lot one has to be taught."
"We do have to learn how to walk and talk," Tepen muses, "Both of those are natural things that we do." A longer consideration, "As are so many things inherent to us."
Moore nods. "Yes, I think it's something similar. Honestly, I wonder if there's anything that deities can do that they've never considered... one never knows that something is possible from the impossible until it suddenly is, you know?"
"Or they die trying," Tepen quips with a little smile, "Example one though is true: Aurora."
Moore nods. "Yes, agreed. I never expected my time there would have become so much more, but I hope I can continue to be an ally to you and to them."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Tepen muses, "I'll have to come back with a list of questions - I have so many but I need time to organize them."
"You and yours are always welcome here." Moore says. "I owe my life to you all, after all."
With that Tepen goes off and with all of that on your mind, you...
Next move?
He'll head back to Brightwater. He wasn't exactly sure on the timetable that Lliira wanted, so if she wants to do her celebration sooner rather than later he will simply invite people to go and if they go they go, and if not they don't!
Sure. That include your node?
Si.
It's easy enough to get most everyone ready. You find Sylvie's a little busy, however. She and Calley zip about the skies above, kicking and punching glowing orbs of light back and forth. It's fluid and wild, both of them moving with preternatural grace. As Sylvie bats a orb back at Calley, "Intercept or dodge," she cries, as her son chooses the latter, diving low and out of the way. Xandra hovers a little outside of all of this, watching and occasionally calling, "Point,' for a particular good dodge or return, or when one is hit.
...and right into you, coming to a stop a few inches before you. With a kick and pivot he turns and flies back up, calling, "Mom, Moore wants you for something!"
Moore simply smiles and waves. "I wanted to invite you to a celebration in Brightwater over my ascension." He nods to both Xandra and Sylvie. "Of course, Calley is invited too, if you'd like him to come."
"I'll be there," Xandra agrees immediately.
Sylvie counters a few more shots before landing, while Calley bats a few balls around. "What sort of celebration," A glance over at Calley, "Something suitable for him? Most Brightwater celebrations like that get rowdy."
"It isn't being hosted by Sharess." Moore answers with a smile. "I do expect it'll be full of energy, but I don't think it'll be inappropriate for him to see."
"We'll pass," Sylvie says, "He has lessons and I should at least try to be responsible. Besides, I have something to do once he goes to bed."
Moore nods, the unspoken being left there, as he already has a feeling he knows. "Do you intend to let anyone in Aurora know you've come back? I mean, I'm sure Balyss knows anyway... Tepen will probably come by a few times, so I didn't want to share if you didn't want it shared."
"I sent Balyss a message," Sylvie says, "Quietly. I asked her to keep it to herself for now. Simmer knows too, I'll contact the others in time. One issue at a time."
Moore nods. "You know where to find me if you need anything." He says.
He will go find the other two to let them know as well.
In the meantime, his avatar will continue to coordinate the trading side of things.
Cool. One question that matters: How are you going to arrive there?
I don't understand your question. Do you mean to Brightwater?
If so, then he will knock for Lliira and tell her he's bringing his friends for the celebration and let her decide where they end up.
If you mean 'in what style' then he's just going to wear what he always does. No real reason to be super formal.
Was the first, but okay.
The moment you all arrive you feel her in your mind, 'Just follow this,' She says, a sense of being pulled.
Moore nods and will go along!
Lights! Noise! Brightwater is aglow in the evening, thousands adn thousands of multicolored lanterns about. People dance and party in the streets, great tables of food out in the open. Festivities are everywhere, song and dance. You're surrounded by it completely, appearing right in the middle of the street.
Kaja smiles, "It's been awhile," he says, going right to it, going to mingle. Jetina follows as Xandra lingers, while Cresiel looks on. Quietly to you, "This way," he murmurs to you.
Moore nods and will go with him!
Celebrations. A dancing human woman almost knocks you over as she parties, while a passing elf man shoves a tankard of ale in your hand, "Celebrate," he chides, only a glance of him before the celebration pulls him away. Yet Cresiel is a rock that parts it all, leading on - and then up, marching in the air as if it were solid.
!
Cresiel is suddenly hugged tight, his mother there. "Don't think I don't know who this is for," she chides right away. "I still don't believe it. Sune's locks, I don't believe it!"
"Mother," Cresiel says plainly after a long moment. "We have somewhere to be."
"Lady Villisa." Moore greets her with a smile. "It's good to see you again."
After a moment she looks to you, "Moore! He told me but...to see it is another thing!"
A nod and a smile. "It was a miracle. For both of us." A nod after that as he avoids some errant wine. "I am hopeful that this celebration kindles a fire many people have needed as of late."
"A miracle is right! How much did you risk for this? Have you ever seen a hunefer?!" Villisa goes right on.
"We were aware of what was at stake." Moore says. "I hope you'll stay to enjoy the festivities and spread the word for us." A large smile follows that.
"You were aware?" Villisa declares, "And you still did it?! What if you had failed?!"
"You know that's not how hope works." Moore says with a beaming smile. "If you never take risks, it's impossible to inspire other people to the same."
"You..." Villisa takes a breath, "You idiot. You risked my son's eternal soul over this!"
"Mother," Cresiel steps forward, "I chose this of my own will. Your anger is at me-"
"Hang your logic," Villisa whirls, "What would I have done if you were accursed to an eternity like that?!" She jabs her finger in Cresiel's chest. "I could never rest with a son condemned to that!"
"I am not. That is enough," Cresiel says, with a firmness that brooks no question.
Moore smiles still. "I hope you can forgive me in time." Moore says. "Cresiel, let's go, Lady Villisa knows where to find us if she has further wrath to mete." A turn as Moore will start to continue on.
Villisa is put aside, watching with a look of anger and worry together as you continue on.
Ahead you see it. A covered pavilion, open air but with a roof. Here a more select elite mingles, perhaps a hundred or so beneath it, talking away.
Moore doesn't need to breathe anymore, but he still steels himself for this as he continues on.
Just be yourself.
Cresiel nods without comment as...
"Moore, there you are!" Waukeen comes to you as you step on, a smile on her face and a glass of wine in hand. She's clad in a dress of brown and gold, smiling widely. "Cresiel too!"
"Lady Waukeen." Moore says, offering her a bow. "Thank you for attending."
"We haven't had one like this since...well, there was the one for Sulia centuries ago and then the one for Seira not too long ago," Then she waves a hand, "But a pox on that," she moves it aside. "Let's focus on today's celebration rather than past pleasures."
"We should," Cresiel says, the slightest glance back the way you came.
Moore smiles at Cresiel.
"Yes, today is about the future anyway, and the hope that tomorrow will bring." Moore says.
"To today and tomorrow!" Waukeen toasts, "Now go, that's an order, go mingle there since you're the guests of honor."
Moore merely nods and smiles, as he goes to do just that very thing.
Before you can get anywhere, "Moore." Sisatar approaches in humanoid form, Ruby on his arm. He has a drink his free hand as he nods slightly, "I have to say that I never saw this coming."
Ruby smiles and holds onto that arm rather tightly, "Cresiel I could imagine, he has that sense of purpose so many of the recently risen have. Or is it simple determination?"
Moore nods slightly with a smile. "I was thinking of visiting you myself before all of this, but I imagined you'd find out and show up." He nods to Ruby as well.
"If it makes you feel any better, it... took me a bit by surprise too." He says. "But sometimes, when you just keep digging and never give up on something, you can do the most incredible things." Another broad smile follows that. "I think with Cresiel it's a bit of both. I like to think he champions the same causes that I do in his own way."
"Persistence serves along with wisdom and will," Cresiel says at this, as a pretty waitress comes by. All smiles, a rather gorgeous firre eladrin with eyes that sparkle like newborn flames. She offers up drinks, to which Cresiel shakes his head slightly.
"Two at once is even more remarkable," Sisatar continues, "There's a lot of gold to be made for the information of how you two managed it like that."
Moore will take a drink as is the polite thing to do.
"I know it's not a popular deflection, but the secrets of Celestia are there for anyone willing to look for them." Moore says with another smile. "Know that I still consider myself an ally of the Consortium, and will be more than happy to continue to work with you all. Now, especially, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to have your consultation in how I'm trying to grow our trade with other realms. Ah... excuse me, we probably shouldn't discuss work here!" A small laugh after that follows.
A laugh shared by the others, "Really though, we'll have to talk soon," Ruby smiles, "If there was any doubt you've become a high value client, it's dispelled now."
Moore nods. "Yes, I look forward to it." He says. "I imagine your own Benediction will be soon, as well?"
"Soon," Ruby says, "You're still invited, of course."
"I wouldn't dream of missing it." Moore says with a nod. "Please, whenever you feel like it, visit us in Hope's Landing."
A nod at that, "Go enjoy the party - we shouldn't monopolize your time," Ruby agrees at that.
Moore nods to them both and will continue on to mingle!
Looking for anyone or any particular type in particular?
Nope, he will just wheel and deal with whomever! He's an approachable guy!
d100.
[22:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[22:43] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d100=65]
You mingle a bit and soon enough, "You there,"
Her long, straight black hair is reminiscent of Alicia's, but her red armor stands out from the guests wearing finery. She advances with a sure stride towards you, "Moore and Cresiel."
Trailing behind her is a man, a mercane. Tall, thin, dressed in elegant black and gold. It's an interesting look with his blue skin, more colored added by copious jewelry. He doesn't say anything, but simply follows instead.
I'm OOC just guessing this is the Red Knight, but I would assume a K:P from Moore is warranted. Take 10 for 117 in that case. If it's K:R for some reason it's 120.
It is indeed the Red Knight, or at least an avatar.
Moore smiles and offers a polite bow. "Lady of Strategy, I do not believe I've ever officially had the pleasure."
He extends a hand out to her as she approaches!
Your hand is taken - her grip is strong, firm. "We've never had the chance, but I have kept an eye on Aurora."
"I was fortunate to be sent there." Moore says. "I don't think I'd be here today if it wasn't for everything I learned there." A smile after that. "I've had the pleasure of meeting one of your more talented followers... Jarem, I believe? He has a good head on his shoulders -- ah, but I suppose one must if they're in your court."
A warm, rich laugh before, "Jarem's a promising one," she agrees. "The slow and dumb do not last long," she concurs, as the mercane stays back and simply listens. "What of your own court, Moore?"
"I've been blessed with a good number of people who've followed me." Moore says. "Cresiel and I met in Aurora and continued to work together after that... I rely on their strength a great deal, and, in turn hopefully provide them all a mission worth fighting for."
"Not a bad start," The Red Knight agrees, "But how many others will there be?"
Another smile. "I certainly hope in time it will be a number of people I can come to rely on and offer faith to. I still have a long way to go before then, so I will just have to keep spreading my message and allow time for those others to join me."
"And that message is the crux of it," The Red Knight agrees, "Will yours be worthwhile in the crucible of Creation's conflicts?"
"I think you can tie hope into a lot of things. Hope that a battle plan succeeds, for example. You can trust your plan as much as you want, but there's still an element of hope there." A smile and a breath after that. "Though I think mine is a more... concrete feeling. A feeling to counter the loss and hopelessness that's sown in Creation by evil."
"The same feeling that a good steel blade puts in the hand of a warrior," The Red Knight challenges back, "Or when good orders and commands guide them?"
Meanwhile, you notice the Mercane and Cresiel share a look, stone silent and yet acknowledging one another.
"Yes, exactly. Hope is a tangible thing, just like tactics." Moore says. "The difference between a battle won and a battle lost usually comes down to those very things in the end."
"It is also the cause of death of many warriors who know not how to separate hope from reality," The Red Knight counters, "The final, lethal intoxication in a soldier's life."
Moore nods. "Yes. Like all things hope must be tempered with wisdom. Still, sometimes all someone can have is hope." A smile after that again. "It's better to face death with hope in your heart than despair, if you must. But your words are not lost on me -- it's crucial that hope be bolstered by actions, or it's an empty promise."
"There is," The Red Knight smiles and laughs again. "Not even fair and gentle Eldath pretends conflict does not exist - even if they are non violent, they participate in conflict nonetheless. Conflict requires power, be it the heft of a mace in your hand, the weight of a spell in your mind, or the sharpness of cutting words on your lips."
"Hope is not unlike faith -- something has to support it somewhere." Moore says. "But that is what I hope to accomplish, to give that power to people who need it."
"I'll watch to see how well your words meet reality," The Red Knight nods to you and turns to leave, the Mercane with him. "If you're anything like the other recent promotions, you won't be boring."
The Mercane was more than he appeared, Moore.
Considering his company, I would have imagined as such. Any idea who it was?
Moore will look around or wait to be approached by someone else!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 78, total 78[/blockquote]
He didn't mention his name - we had a brief telepathic conversation, but he mentioned he was the Red Knight's guest.
Do you think he was really a mercane? I wonder if Lady Sanzha or the Padisha might know who they were.
Sanzha might know. Her roots go back, and I had an impression he was old, even as the planes reckon them.
Moore nods.
We can ask after this.
Meanwhile you begin to mingle - and barely get a chance. "Moooooore!"
A cheerful call as Balyss emerges from the crowd, a glass of wine in hand. "Moorey Moore Moooore!" She's all smiles as she comes over, "You know what the best part of of filling in for Selune when she's busy?" she asks without preamble, taking a drink, "The drink is incredible at these parties."
Following behind Balyss at a steady pace is Stille. He merely nods as he gently removes the wine glass from Balyss's hand. "Please excuse dear Balyss," he says right away, "She's in recovery from a ghastly incident in a recent battle. Her stamina is not what it should be. My congratulations to you both."
Cresiel nods slightly and taps Balyss's fore head with a finger. In an instant she stops, "...did you just sober me up with magic?" she asks, a faintly accusatory tone in her voice. "I'm suddenly far less merry."
"Divine prerogative," Cresiel declares, "Do not question it."
Moore's about to do something similar, before he covers his mouth and snorts quietly.
"Balyss, Stille, it's so good to see both of you." Moore says with a smile. "I'm glad to see 27 hasn't managed to convince anyone to kill you. The Moonmaiden's been keeping you both busy, i take it?"
Balyss crosses her arms and glowers at Cresiel, who does not even blink from that.
Meanwhile Stille nods slightly, "Yes. As dear Balyss mentioned, that includes representing her at certain diplomatic and social events in Brightwater when she is occupied in other affairs. Well, more Balyss but she's still in need of watch."
"You get used to his sense of humor after a while." Moore says. "Well, I'm honored she'd even be interested in something like this at all. I didn't expect such a turnout."
"It's a chance for everyone to celebrate, and the elite to meet, greet and get to know each other. The lifeblood of diplomacy," Stille notes, "I'm surprised there aren't more, but the night is young."
Moore nods. "Yes, I'm going to have to do a bit more diplomatic endeavors to make any inroads anywhere, I think. What has Aurora been up to lately, anyway?"
"Forget that a moment," Balyss lowers her voice. "You know who I got a message from?"
Moore beams for a moment and lowers his own voice. "Was it someone who we both know who owns a book?"
"Of course," Balyss says, as if it's obvious.
"It's not my story to tell, but I'll just say this -- I never gave up hope for her." Moore says.
You get a long look at that, "Uh HUH," Balyss says at last.
"You'll have to ask her yourself whenever you see her." Moore says with a smile.
"I see how it is," Balyss says, waggling a finger at Moore, "You ascended and you're now the deity of no fun."
A beaming smile follows that. "You know better than most what kind of burden she bore. It's out of respect for that that I say what I do, and because I know she'll tell you the full story when you have some... Hmm, I'm going to guess hot chocolate and cookies, that seems like the appropriate side dish to the conversation." A knowing nod follows that.
A less than amused look follows, "I'm thinking more applejack and maybe some of Josa's candy."
"Ah, I really thought I'd pegged it." Moore says, somewhat dejectedly. "Well, please don't hesitate to come visit Hope's Landing if you ever want to. You are always welcome."
Alas, poor pixie.
"Sure," Balyss says as she takes it for what it is, "Enjoy your big day!"
"You too, both of you." Moore says as he goes on to his next minor diplomatic crisis.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 98, total 98[/blockquote]
"Moore!" A familiar voice. Moonlight approaches quickly, "Come on, Estan!" she calls, "There he is! Moore, stay right there, I have to introduce you to someone."
Moore dutifully stays where he is!
May as well do a K:P check for 118 on Estan while he waits. :)
That rings a bell. He's one of Lathander's servants - usually he serves as a liaison between Lathander and Eldath's courts. A quiet movanic deva in appearance, you also recall that's merely a form he prefers now. In life he was a scorpionfolk, a half human, half scorpion hybrid akin to a centaur. He rejected the violent ways of his people and swore fealty to Lathander. An act that cost him is life, as his people saw this as heresy and executed him for it. It's said he can still take that form.
The deva that advances is clad in a simple garment of white and gold, unremarkable features as he smiles. "Sir Moore," he begins, "I am Estan, and the Morninglord wishes to know if I am suitable to be a liaison between your new court and his court."
"Great, good to see you," Moonlight withdraws at that, going off and leaving you with him.
Moore looks amused at the speed that Moonlight comes and goes, barely having a chance to raise a hand in greeting before she goes.
"Sir Estan, it's an honor to meet someone with history already playing this role between Lathander and Eldath." A smile and a nod of respect to him after that. "I would be more than happy to accept your offer between us. Tell me, what does your role generally entail?"
As this happens, Cresiel murmurs, "Excuse me," and steps aside, going over to another conversation.
Meanwhile, Estan goes on, "Well, whenever information or consultations between the courts or groups need to happen, I handle it. Such as if someone needs to visit the House of Nature or other things, or ask about something. It's a lot of little things. It's somewhat like a diplomat."
"The life of those with silver tongues and a mind for tact." Moore says with a bright smile. "I'm sure I could use your expertise and advice on some topics too. After this, please feel free to visit me and I can make time so we can discuss any relevant matters."
"I'll come to Hope's Landing within a week," Estan promises, offering you his hand, "My staff is about a dozen, will that be any problem?"
Moore reaches out to give him a firm handshake! "Not a problem at all. If they have any special requirements, please let me know so I can accommodate them."
"Just good rooms," Is all he asks, "That's all."
"Easily done." Moore promises him. "I look forward to it."
From here you mingle more and...
Anyone you want to catch in particular?
Nope! He's happy to just mingle.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 87, total 87[/blockquote]
Hours of celebrations pass as you mingle about. Celebrations all around you, faces and smiles and good times. As you listen to a particular Brightwater merchant go on and sip your drink, you glance out. Soaring nearby is a great bronze dragon. Atop its back stands Kaja and several others, laughing and drinking, whooping with joy.
Moore smiles at that, glad that Kaja is having a good time!
A message as you do.
'About done, Moore?' Sylvie sends to you, a simple spell.
'Yes, I think I made the splash I needed to.'
'I'll see you when you get back.' Is the answer.
Moore will make one more round around the party if there's anything or anyone who might've missed him that wants to talk to him. Assuming there's not any, he will thank his hosts and return home!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 67, total 67[/blockquote]
In case it's needed.
Nothing remarkable happens and there's but one question: Will you return alone or will you gather everyone up?
They can enjoy themselves! If it becomes a matter that they're required, he can reach them.
Thus you return home and...
Next move?
She said she'd see me, so let's find Sylvie.
You find Sylvie sitting on the cliffs above Hope's Landing. Her hair is loose, blowing in the breeze. She looks out at nothing at all, seemingly lost in her own thoughts.
Moore will fly over and fly next to her!
"Moore," Sylvie doesn't look at you, but a word says it all. "Humor me: For what reasons would you say someone shouldn't pursue divinity?"
"That it ties them to certain responsibilities they can never be free from." Moore says. "It's a burden for some."
"For some?" Sylvie retorts.
Moore smiles. "I think some don't see it as a burden, and instead see it as a calling, or something benevolent they're doing."
"Yeah." Sylvie says, "That's not be. It's never going to be me." She picks up a pebble and tosses it down, "It's a shitty person who seeks divinity for power, if they really understand what being a god is." Then with a little bit of a smile, "Never said I wasn't one."
Moore lets out a small laugh at that. "So do you intend to follow in Eblis' footsteps, sans the... you know, falling to Hell part?"
"Besides that," Sylvie agrees, "Needs must and our needs demand it." She hops to her feet in one leap, "Come with me? It should be easy and I doubt they'll bother us with how I'll do this. But," A pause there," Who can say what they do and why?"
"Of course." Moore says. "I owe you after you saved me, anyway."
"You should be able to take us there now," Sylvie agrees, "I'm ready."
Moore nods and attempts to will a portal to Beyond to open!
With a whirl a portal appears, white and empty.
"...I'll have to get used to that." Moore says. He heads through!
It is silent here, an emptiness of nothing at all. A stark emptiness, stretching as far as you can see and farther yet.
Moore takes in a deep breath.
"It's still unsettling to be here, even with everything I know." Moore says.
"It's inhuman," Sylvie says aloud. "We weren't made to be here, even if perhaps our souls were. Now watch my back as I work, I won't be long."
"You got it." Moore says with a nod.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 68, total 68[/blockquote]
It is quiet. For the brief few moments it takes as Sylvie exhales. A flare of light, the light of 21 in echo, in memory. You flinch from it as it brings a sense of sheer terror, an echo of absolute fear. It fades in moments as Sylvie says, "I know what I am. The arrow need not be nocked, because I fired it before I even came here. The absolute light lit the way to the inescapable truth of myself, beyond any words and any means."
> roll 1d4-3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d4=4]
Sylvie's always been dice blessed, this does not surprise me at all.
"Let's go. That light should've scared off anything long enough to do this, but I can't repeat the trick." Sylvie says, her voice more, as is all of her, a sense of her growing before your eyes.
"It wouldn't do if you couldn't do something perfectly." Moore says as he will open a portal back to Hope's Landing!
"Congratulations."
You feel that sense of Sylvie spreading - and then it draws in, pulled into herself. "Thanks. I'm not going to tell others of this except when I must. I have no desire to join the Competition."
Moore nods. "I won't mention it, then." He promises. "Now what?"
"I'm going to sort myself out more," Sylvie explains, "I won't be long."
Moore nods and lets her go do that!
I've got nothing pressing for the rest of today. If we're moving on to tomorrow I'd set up a meeting with Silverbrow to discuss them helping with the trade stuff.
Sure. Any prep and where is that meeting meant to be?
None needed, Moore will meet them and take whoever the representative is to a cozy room for a meeting with snacks and tea if they want any.
Okay, but what I'm getting at is WHERE that cozy room is. Hope's Landing? Brightwater?
I would invite them to come to Hopes Landing.
A female elf is the one who comes - with sapphire blue hair, rather similar in facial structure to Ruby on a glance. She wears a simple dress that matches her hair's shade of deep blue.
"My name is Sapphire. I understand the situation," she says once you are both settled in. "But tell me what you want out of this, precisely."
"Miss Sapphire." Moore says with a nod. "I've been trying for some months to create a bit of a trading post here in Hope's Landing. The idea was to use the strategic location of it to open up new opportunities with other planes that normally hadn't been explored due to the... I suppose isolated nature of it." He explains.
"I suppose precisely what I would like from your consult is ways to improve what we have established. I'm not concerned about personally turning a profit for myself- the investments I make in the infrastructure are to keep trade open and healthy, which in turn leads to more diplomatic opportunities as well as the spread of my message of hope."
"How very Celestia," Is the answer you get, "I can assist you with that. Are there any other services you require?"
"I would be more than happy to hear opinions on other matters outside of trade, such as other diplomatic endeavors I could pursue." Moore says.
"Then tell me about your diplomatic situation," Is the followup to that.
Moore nods. "I'm just taking the first steps into the world as a divinity. Prior to that, I had good relationships with Aurora, as well as Mineral, the Padisha of the Marid, as well as most of the layers of Celestia, as I'm sure you'd imagine. I've stepped onto the stage and further solidified my diplomacy with Brightwater so far."
"So it's a matter of establishment, both of old bonds and new ones?" Sapphire asks, "Then your work is half done."
"Yes, you have the right of it." Moore says.
"I can help you there as well," Sapphire agrees, "Anything else?"
"Nothing that I'm aware of, but I'm obviously still interested in being of assistance to the Consietium as circumstances allow." A broad smile after that. "I'm sure I'll never be able to keep my nose out of good adventures."
Consietium is one of the weirder auto corrects.
"Then I'll get started," Sapphire says, "I'll need free access to as much of Hope's Landing as is acceptable, as well as a pair of scribes."
I don't even know, man...
Moore nods. "If you run into any snags, let me know and I will address them." Moore says.
I'm sure I can requisition the scribes. We have NPCS Raldare but they're listed as a librarian, but if they'd be interested they can be assigned this. I don't have anything to hide from Sapphire so she can have free reign of the place. She won't find out anything super secret since we all keep those meetings private anyway.
Sure, she'll need some time to do her homework and draw up a list of what needs to be done. So assume that she's busy at work for you for now.
Okay. I don't really have anything else on the plate. Sylvie had mentioned some thoughts on The Wheel from before we can pursue, assuming there's no interrupts.
Total honesty I need to update Sylvie's sheet for today before we touch on that, so let me pause you until evening session then.
Actually no, refresh me on all you know about the Wheel's location.
We know the one on Earth is held by... I forget the exact spelling, Danaxmos or something like that. The rest are here:
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104359.msg1161800.html#msg1161800
It isn't hard to get with Sylvie, who just says, "You want to look into the Wheel now?"
"I was thinking now is as good a time as any." Moore says. "If we have it, then I'd like to pursue something I've been putting off for a while, which is to rescue a soul from Shar."
"Well, which piece do you want to go after?" Sylvie asks, "Each one is enough work that it's best to do them one at a time."
"We had started with the one on Fire, so I say let's finish that one up." Moore says.
"Last I recall, you stumbled around and hoped to chance on it in a place that's continent sized?" Sylvie says, leaning back against the wall of the room you're in. A simple room in Hope's Landing, just a small viewing room of the beaches outside. It gets the view in spite of the outer walls, reality but putty. With her arms crossed under her bosom, "Though you did find enough obsidian weapons to fill a ship up."
"You were watching that, huh?" Moore says. "Yes, but now I know where it is, at least, according to the divinations I did. We need to go to Shatterpoint, but beware of whatever lurks there."
Speaking of, let's do a K:P for 118 on Shatterpoint!
"I checked in on it," Sylvie says, "Faith is well and good, but a smart plan makes it easy for faith to come true. What's the saying? Something about those who help themselves?"
Shatterpoint is an obscure thing. Little is known about it, only that you know how it gets its name. For whatever reason, rock and volcanic glass are said to explode here. The lethality this suggests may well be why it's not well known.
Moore nods. "Yes, I understand. Either way, we know where to go and what to do, so it's really just a matter of handling the things that happen from there."
Sylvie stands straight and cracks her knuckles. "It sounds like a chance for all of us to go out and get used to being a team. Give me a half hour, I need to make sure Calley's ready for bed and not going to go wander off to another plane if he can't sleep."
Moore nods, and will go gather the others so they know what the plan is!
This is easy enough.
"So this shatter point," Kaja begins once everyone's gathered. Besides being deadly, what exactly is it? I've seen that new spell of Xandra's, it's deadly enough."
"I don't know. It's likely a very violent part of the plane where rock and volcanic glass are constantly erupting." Moore says.
"In other words, it's a chance to be torn apart," Cresiel intones heavily. "We must move with strength and caution. We will not fall to merely one, but I doubt there will only be one."
"Those of us with evasive training and skill will do best," Sylvie says now, "Or who are good enough with a shield to block it all. That covers Moore, myself, Cresiel and Jetina."
"Which means we'll be in need of your services, Jetina," Xandra admits frankly. "I see pain in my future."
Kaja sighs, "Chromatic blasted and thrice damned shards."
"I'll do what I can to ward us against damage, but yes, I'd be prepared for some cuts and scrapes." Moore says.
With a scowl, "Do we know anything else, such as opposition? Anything there will be strong enough to shrug it off, won't they?"
"I don't know anything specifically, no." Moore says. "You're right, whatever is there is likely to be fearsome... but I'd be really surprised if we couldn't handle it."
"Well yeah," Sylvie says, "Look at us."
"We won't be stopped," Cresiel agrees, "But we may bleed, too."
"I suppose I could just go and scout it first." Moore suggests.
"Not alone." Cresiel's voice is like iron.
"Not alone," Sylvie says, "I'll go too, since I'm new to the Moore watch rotation. See how close we can get, take a quick peek."
Moore nods. "Then all of you, hold on just a moment."
I don't think he can use his divine will to go there yet since it's Limited Wish, but I assume a Greater Plane Shift will work just fine if he's aiming for Shatterpoint.
Yes.
The spell fails.
It's not hard to tell why with your knowledge of arcana. It's not that there was anything blocking it, there just wasn't any surface capable of supporting the three of you at the time, which causes various conjuration spells to fail when that happens.
"Well, it looks like it's the more manual way. One moment, you may want to step back." Moore says as he gestures to open a Gate spell to Shatterpoint instead!
Where are you opening the gate relative to everyone else?
At least 20 feet away from himself, with everyone else assumedly behind him./i]
Thus you open the portal - and immediately a spray of jagged shards of stone and volcanic glass spews out, over all of you. "DODGE!" Kaja manages to get out before anything else, as...
Ref all.
[12:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45 Moore, evasion
[12:34] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=11]
[12:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46 Xandra
[12:34] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=1]
[12:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Jetina, evasion
[12:34] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=7]
This is not going to be Xandra's adventure.
> roll 1d20+60 Cresiel evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+29 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+74 Sylvie evasion (+27 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+60 Cresiel evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+29 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+74 Sylvie evasion (+27 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=18]
> roll 20d10 DR applies, Moore, Jetina, Cresiel and Sylvie none, Xandra full, Kaja half
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d10=4,2,10,6,5,5,4,2,6,10,4,3,9,7,5,3,3,1,5,2]
Out of pure reflexes and insight Moore dives aside, the spray errant. Cresiel and Jetina fall behind their shields while Sylvie just isn't there, a blur away as Kaja shields himself with his blades. Xandra brings her wings around but is peppered with shards before the gate collapses.
Once it's done Sylvie blurts back in and dusts herself off, "It's like the plane of Please Die, We Hate All Life."
Cresiel lowers his shield once it's past, "We may wish to appear somewhat adjacent to the Shatterpoint, rather than directly within it."
"We'll have to deal with this if we go in regardless. Give me a moment and I will protect us." Moore says. "I'm open to suggestions on how to proceed, but we'll have to deal with explosions no matter what, I think."
Since he isn't concentrating on it the Gate will close.
Moore will give everyone Inspire Greatness and Inspire Heroics. If we run into an actual fight he can use the offensive ones.
This will give everyone the following:
[12:51] <Nephrite> roll 10d10 temp HP
[12:51] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d10=5,5,3,9,10,3,8,9,2,7]
61+whatever their con mod is x 10 in temp HP. I need to update my quick reference guide, but for everyone that is the following:
Moore: 90
Cresiel: 160
Xandra: 90
Kaja: 80
Jetina: 70
Sylvie: 90
So everyone gets 61+that in temp HP.
+10 to Attack rolls, +4 competence to fort saves.
In addition, everyone gets +14 morale bonus to saves and +14 dodge to AC.
Because of Song of Hope, everyone also gains the following:
fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Once all of that is sorted, Moore will just open another Gate, because from his perspective there's no way to really avoid this exploding nonsense unless someone wants to offer a different suggestion.
Okay, is that it for boosts?
Also the gate collapsed regardless, so bear that in mind.
Oh, I missed that. Yes. Then I suppose we should go somewhere close to Shatterpoint, or as close as we can get with another Gate.
And yes, that's all of the buffs for now.
Sure, just need a call on where exactly you're aiming for now.
Let's call it 2000 feet from the edge of Shatterpoint? It doesn't necessarily matter which "edge" we're talking, if that makes sense.
Your gate opens.
"Let's go," Sylvie says, once she's done healing Xandra and Kaja.
Moore will fly through as well!
You stand in a tight cavern, a single passage ahead. The sound of explosions echos all about, like a constant din.
[spoiler]
Add celestial valor later.
Fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Cresiel
HP: 963+221/963 (regeneration 20, fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+10 (+10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Mass Energy Immunity(Fire)(CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 584+151/584 (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 10/10 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 648+141/648 (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 600+131/600 (fast healing 11)(5 if it wears off)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 776+151/776 (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 26/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35)
Notes:
Moore gestures to shield himself as he proceeds forward!
He's using Divine Shield, to be clear.
Cresiel and Jetina take point, shields out. Xandra stays behind you while Sylvie takes the rear and Kaja is right behind Cresiel.
"Loud," Jetina shouts over the din of explosions, before she grimaces. "Too loud!"
Xandra nods slightly, "Our hearing may be in danger, and we may even suffer sonic attacks!"
Moore just smiles, and decides to put his divine will to the test.
Alter reality for an effect like Silence, except as an area around Moore that lets them still talk, but silences the sound outside of it. I mean, obviously it doesn't really silence anything, but it should at least help with the noise and any potential sonic attacks.
So basically a really sculpted silence spell?
Yes, I guess think of it like a sphere around Moore, except imagine that the inside is cored out so it ends up being a hollow sphere, if that makes sense.
It's done, the noise stopped.
"It'll make it easier for us to be ambushed, but so worth it," Cresiel agrees.
"Far more agreeable," Sylvie seconds, "Keep your eyes open and moving, since we won't have audible cues if something's happening."
Speaking of, I'm not clear on what divine senses Moore has now as it pertains to sight. If he's using Afina's Perfect Sight, for example, does that give him 360 vision for a mile, or just the radius of the spell?
EDIT: And, apologies, everyone would've used the Blessing Stone before they left. It's not a big deal because they can just go back and get it if they need to, but here's what's added:
I don't know if you keep the spoiler blocks handy for them, but these would pretty much always be there because there's no reason they wouldn't use it.
Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Mind Blank (CL17) and Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27).
For a mile. Do be aware it doesn't grant you X-ray vision though, so it's only so useful in, say, a cavern or a hallway. It's excellent anywhere with freer vision, though.
Got it. We may proceed.
Perception check then.
Take 10 for 95.
Thus you all begin to go down the path. It's narrow but after a turn you see it opens up - but you stop before it, as shards of sharp rock and volcanic glass pepper that turn constantly, the wall chipped and eroded.
Moore decides to experiment with something!
He's going to cast his at-will Blade Barrier along one of the sides to see if it can lessen the impact of the explosions, even if only for a few moments or not.
The barrier springs to life and largely stops the barrage - a few gets through, but it's greatly lessened.
Moore will gesture to create a few more blocks for them and then will proceed forward!
A few more blocks? Like blade barrier in a cubic form?
No, sorry, I meant 'will make more blade barriers to block'.
A few more blade barriers block the debris, now none gets through.
"Just one question," Xandra says, "How ever are we going to get past those ourselves?"
I guess I completely misunderstood what we're seeing. I thought the debris was blocking our way forward and I was blocking it from... blocking us?
"The way we always get past hazards like this." Moore says with a smile.
Alter Reality for Dimension Door to take everyone past it! Hoo hah!
Well yeah, but once you're past the walls, what's going to stop the debris from hitting all of you?
It's a turn and from around the turn the debris come. Logically if you go past the barriers you're right in the path of it again.
https://i.imgur.com/6us7h54.png
Oh, it's a turn and... okay, I got you now. So let's go back to before we teleport.
"Good question. I can create these ahead of us and we can just keep moving slowly forward?" Moore suggests.
"That'll work as long as it stays a hall," Kaja says thoughtfully, "We may need a better solution or to simply endure."
"It'll do for now," Sylvie agrees.
Moore nods and will will a wall about 25 feet forward into existence, then dismiss all the others so they can move forward!
He will do this in 10 feet chunks afterwards.
Thus you slowly advance. This passage goes a bit before beginning to widen - and beyond it you see it. A vast open space full of bursting stone and glass, shards constantly flying in. It's a tempest and a maelstrom within, a storm of destruction ahead of you.
"I have a feeling we're not going to be able to stop that." Moore says. "Anyone have any ideas?"
"Not immediately," Cresiel says, "Does anyone?"
Headshakes all around, "It's like we need a mobile wall of force, but like a sphere of force around us," Kaja says.
"Well, I don't think I can quite manage that just yet..." Moore admits. "I think we may just have to go through it as quickly as we can... or I can try and teleport us through."
"We need a solid ground, remember," Sylvie points out, "Or we'd have plane shifted right to this. So that may only be so useful."
"Hm. Unless we can conjure a blizzard to stop all of this for a time, I think we just have to deal with the explosions and what it entails." Moore says.
"Can we survive that long?" Jetina asks, "If things go wrong we may be in serious trouble."
"How about something to lessen momentum?" Sylvie suggests aloud, "If we put both of our divine wills together, it should be at least possible."
"Wait, what? Both of your divine wills?" Jetina whirls on Sylvie.
"Really, you can do that?" Moore asks.
He turns back to Jetina and smiles. "Yes, she had a few tricks up her sleeve, did it better than I managed."
"I'm not going to make a big deal of it, nor am I interested in spreading it," Sylvie shakes her head, "Just think of me as a spirit with extra."
Cresiel nods, "We'll see," he says, "But the task ahead is still the task ahead."
"So how do we do this? Do we just think about slowing it down?" Moore asks. "Or just create walls to block it?"
"Try a wall of wind?" Sylvie begins, "A wind wall, do you know the spell? It stops projectiles. Let's try that first and see how it fires here."
No time like the present!
Alter reality for a Wind Wall. I don't see any mention of specific wind strength unless that was added in SC. Since he's using alter reality he can bump the spell level up twice I think, since it's Clr 2 or Drd 3?
He will just put it out ahead of the current blade barrier to see what happens.
The wind seems sufficient to block the projectiles, at least on a glance.
Moore nods. "Okay. I can just keep doing that as we progress. It won't help with the force from explosions or the explosions themselves, but let's go and keep an eye out."
He will just keep dropping wind walls near them as they go forward!
"Now can you make the walls like a sphere?" Sylvie asks once you have that, "Something to shield us from all directions, and I'll work on buffering to lessen the strain on them."
"I don't see why not, let's see..."
The spell itself says you can make cylindrical ones, so I don't see any reason a sphere isn't possible!
Sure, it's within the wiggle room.
A sphere of winds is created to your will, as desired.
"All right, lets proceed." Moore says.
Gogogogogo
Take 10 on perception for 95. Assuming he can see a decent amount now that it's opened up, he will be on the lookout for the, quote, "lost house."
You fly out into it. An endless explosion as you go, Sylvie and your efforts providing a bubble of safety. You can see so much of it - and in the center, amid all the explosions, sits but a single cottage. Well made of wood and stone, enough for a family. It is unhidden, save by the endless explosions - that don't do so much as scratch it.
"I have so many questions." Moore says. "We may end up taking that with us, because I'm VERY curious what it's made of."
He will proceed towards it!
"Be aware, I'm sure we have something to fight here."
"Wishes and magic," Kaja banters back as you go onward.
"Probably so," Xandra agrees, "My sight grows dim, something powerful lies here that defies it. Beware."
"Good, I wanted the experience of fighting together," Sylvie cracks her knuckles, "I wonder what's so stupid as to try us?"
"I imagine it's whatever brought the Wheel piece here." Moore says. "If we're likely to fight something, then one moment."
Moore is going to hand out some bardic music here. It'll take him... Courage, Destined Strike, then Inspire Excellence... three rounds to do it, if they're going to be interrupted by anything.
Assuming no interruptions, bonuses those provide?
Total bonuses:
+21 to attack and weapon damage
+12 competence bonus to Strength, Constitution and Charisma
+23 to crit confirm rolls and Improved Critical feat.
Due to the competence bonuses the attack and weapon damages likely rise by 6 as well.
Sorry about the delay, Seira's last post raised an interesting interp issue I had to research.
Does that bonus to attack stack with the previous bonuses you granted?
[spoiler]
+21 to attack and weapon damage
+12 competence bonus to Strength, Constitution and Charisma
+23 to crit confirm rolls and Improved Critical feat.
Add celestial valor later.
Fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Cresiel
HP: 963+221/963 (regeneration 20, fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+10 (+10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Mass Energy Immunity(Fire)(CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 584+151/584 (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 10/10 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 648+141/648 (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 600+131/600 (fast healing 11)(5 if it wears off)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 776+151/776 (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 26/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35)
Notes:
Yes.
You are not interrupted, bonuses are handed out without incident.
Moore will continue on to the cottage!
Thus you all approach - and when you get 200ft away. Abruptly ti all stops. Silence as debris plummet straight down, nothing but utter silence - you presume anyway, since silence effect and all.
Detect magic, Spellcraft for 107 and K:A for 112. He would also, if there is magic, like to identify the caster if possible. If there is one, then K:P for 112 on who it is please.
You don't detect magic in range - but detect magic's range is limited.
No choice but to get closer, then!
"Careful now," Sylvie warns - and barely has time to get that out.
"BELOW US!" Xandra shouts, "MOVE!"
Moore will dive forward!
Ref all.
I'm taking a short break but will continue past normal time.
Everyone has a 14 bonus as a reminder.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+65 : 10 + 65, total 75[/blockquote] Moore, evasion
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+63 : 6 + 63, total 69[/blockquote] Xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 17 + 58, total 75[/blockquote] Jetina, evasion
> roll 1d20+74 evasion Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 91 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+43 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+87 evasion Sylvie (+27 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=6]
Everyone passed, so none for most and half for Kaja and Xandra.
> roll 30d10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 141 > [d10=4,2,5,10,4,2,5,1,4,10,2,7,2,8,5,7,2,2,1,5,10,6,4,8,3,3,10,2,2,5]
DR applies.
Under this burst your wind walls give way, gusts flying everywhere as they're swept away. A barrage of shards peppers all of you as you whirl around. An enormous titan of shards rises, in a roughly human form and absolutely looming. Hundreds of feet tall, chest rising up from the depths, massive arms as well. It's 100ft ahead of the party, blocking the way to the house.
[spoiler]
+21 to attack and weapon damage
+12 competence bonus to Strength, Constitution and Charisma
+23 to crit confirm rolls and Improved Critical feat.
Add celestial valor later.
Fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Cresiel
HP: 1173(963)+221/1173(963) (regeneration 20, fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+10 (+10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Mass Energy Immunity(Fire)(CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 794(584)+81/794(584) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 10/10 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 858(648)+71/858(648) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 810(600)+131/810(600) (fast healing 11)(5 if it wears off)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 986(776)+151/986(776) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 26/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35)
Notes:
Moore will recreate the wind so they're not in any immediate danger, although they certainly might be soon.
I am Moore, I've come in search of something. I would ask you please not impede us.
The only answer is for one fist, large enough to crush all of you like bugs, to come your way.
As they say, it's init time. Not your fault, some things just aren't able or willing to listen.
Everyone gets +19 to init.[/]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+49 : 10 + 49, total 59[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+25 : 3 + 25, total 28[/blockquote] Xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+24 : 19 + 24, total 43[/blockquote] Jetina
> roll 1d20+39 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+34 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+55 Sylvie
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+10 shard golem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=15]
Init is Sylvie (62) > Moore (59) > Cresiel (49) > Kaja (44) > Jetina (43) > Xandra (29) > Shard Golem (25)
Open, Sylvie will hold a sec in case you toss out more boosts. She knows how you run this rodeo.
"Very well." Moore says.
A gesture towards the creature, it's chest in particular!
Divine Blast, let's make it look like a musical note for flair!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+79 : 19 + 79, total 98[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 20d12 : 9, 8, 4, 9, 9, 6, 7, 11, 12, 1, 11, 12, 3, 8, 10, 7, 12, 6, 4, 12, total 161[/blockquote]
I am guessing weapon damage doesn't apply here.
That should've been 21 not 20 but the board isn't having it.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d12 : 8, total 8[/blockquote]
169 total.
Wham! The divine blast hits the shards, blowing part of them away with an quaver. Parts of it are gone as...
Anything else this turn?
Nah, he will conserve his music for now in case there's something worse waiting.
Init is Moore (59) > Sylvie (58) > Cresiel (49) > Kaja (44) > Jetina (43) > Xandra (29) > Shard Golem (25)
"Xandra?" Sylvie asks.
"I know. Sound, between small shards and volcanic glass." Xandra replies, "I'll see what I can do."
With that Sylvie holds a moment, "Let it come through or lower the barrier, Moore. It's strong enough not to be stopped by it, but it's hobbling us now." A moment later magic wraps around her, sure and strong. "Easy as the ocean moves," she murmurs to herself.
Divine power SLA. Cresiel will hold, as will Kaja. Jetina and then Xandra.
[spoiler]
+21 to attack and weapon damage
+12 competence bonus to Strength, Constitution and Charisma
+23 to crit confirm rolls and Improved Critical feat.
Add celestial valor later.
Fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Cresiel
HP: 1173(963)+221/1173(963) (regeneration 20, fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+10 (+10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Mass Energy Immunity(Fire)(CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 794(584)+81/794(584) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 10/10 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 858(648)+71/858(648) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 810(600)+131/810(600) (fast healing 11)(5 if it wears off)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 986(776)+151/986(776) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+18 (+8 BAB, +10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 26/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35), Divine Power (CL35)
Notes:
Jetina doesn't have a lot to do here since we're all still fine, so she'll hold until the golem does something in case it hurts them.
[21:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 Xandra ranged touch
[21:21] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=12]
[21:21] <Nephrite> 1d20+35 SR
[21:22] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35 SR
[21:22] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=2]
I am going to guess that doesn't beat its SR if it has any, but just in case it does not:
[21:22] <Nephrite> roll 35d8
[21:22] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 181 > [d8=8,5,7,6,3,5,5,2,8,5,7,7,5,8,5,2,6,5,8,5,7,5,2,8,3,2,5,4,5,3,8,1,6,5,5]
I am also assuming that its touch AC is lower than... whatever her touch-to-hit would be right now, I can math it out if necessary, but it should be in the 80s.
Just one question. What precisely is Xandra doing?
Oh my goodness. Sorry.
Greater Polar Ray.
The ray hits but nothing happens - the spell is resisted.
Anything else for those two or is that it?
That will do it.
Init is Moore (59) > Sylvie (58) > Cresiel (49) > Kaja (44) > Jetina (43) > Xandra (29) > Shard Golem (25)
The golem's hand swipes out through your wind wall and...
> roll 1d20+31 dispel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=5]
Yet nothing happens. More shards fly up as...
Go.
"I'm taking the wall down in front of us!" Moore calls out.
He will do just that so they can get through. So basically there's a big hole in it in front of them and the rest of it still exists.
Anything else for your turn?
No.
"Let's get it," Sylvie calls, rushing in fearlessly. As she does a blast of shards comes from her, trying to shred her into bloody paste.
> roll 1d20+87 evasion Sylvie (+27 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=6]
Sylvie blurs as it passes, too fast to be seen, and hurtles towards it after. She's not even touched by the barrage as she comes in with a kick, as at the same time her hand releases a pale white ray.
Spending 4 inspiration for a quickened polar ray along with the charge.
> roll 1d20+75 touch AC sylvie
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+35 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=18]
<Seira> roll 1d20+81+10
<Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=4]
> roll 25d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d6=2,1,1,5,1,1,3,6,3,1,1,2,4,4,6,4,4,6,5,1,6,3,3,3,6]
<Seira> roll 6d10+97+10
<Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 137 > [d10=3,8,5,9,4,1]
> roll 1d20+98 (+2 charge, +8 divine power, +10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred, someone may shift PA into her floating feat if she gets these bonuses regularly)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 118 > [d20=20]
> roll 5d10+76
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d10=6,2,2,5,4]
A hunk of the golem's arm is frozen solid, shards held. Sylvie lands a flying kick on it a moment later, shattering the ice and frozen shards. It leaves a gap that more shards begin to fill. "Try it like that if all else fails," Sylvie calls back, "Or sonic!"
Okay, Cresiel in the next post.
[spoiler]
+21 to attack and weapon damage
+12 competence bonus to Strength, Constitution and Charisma
+23 to crit confirm rolls and Improved Critical feat.
Add celestial valor later.
Fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Cresiel
HP: 1173(963)+221/1173(963) (regeneration 20, fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+10 (+10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Mass Energy Immunity(Fire)(CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 794(584)+81/794(584) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 10/10 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 858(648)+71/858(648) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 810(600)+131/810(600) (fast healing 11)(5 if it wears off)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 986(776)+151/986(776) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+18 (+8 BAB, +10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 20/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used: AD: Polar Ray
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35), Divine Power (CL35)
Notes:
"It probably has some form of regeneration that we'll have to overcome." Moore calls out. "Don't relent!"
> roll 1d20+74 evasion Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=11]
Cresiel follows in his own charge, shield stopping a blast of shards cold. The solar is untouched when he reaches the same injured arm, slicing down deep into it.
> roll 1d20+58 (+2 charge, +10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred, -35 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d8+75+3d6 not rolling the healing since not needed
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 90 > [d8=4][d6=4,6,1]
A chop cuts away more of the arm, frozen shards broken in the aftermath of the swing. "More pressure," Cresiel calls, as...
Jetina and Xandra.
Xandra gestures and sends another Greater Polar Ray at the creature, aiming specifically at the area where the arm connects to the rest of the body!
[12:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+44 SR check
[12:43] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=12]
[12:43] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 ranged touch
[12:43] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 > [d20=7]
[12:45] <Nephrite> roll 35d8+28
[12:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 187 > [d8=2,7,3,7,1,6,3,6,8,5,2,7,2,3,8,6,7,5,8,6,4,5,1,4,5,2,1,1,5,2,5,8,5,5,4]
Jetina's holding again in case it does anything dangerous.
The ray hits directly, another hunk of it frozen. As shards fly in around it, covering the frozen part. A great storm of shards erupts, flying out over all of you.
Ref.
[13:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+65 Moore, evasion
[13:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=9]
[13:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+63 Xandra
[13:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=11]
[13:00] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+58 Jetina, Evasion
[13:00] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+74 evasion Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+87 evasion Sylvie (+27 inspiration)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+43 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=17]
Everyone made the save, so it's just Kaja and Xandra taking half.
> roll 40d10 DR applies
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 218 > [40d10=218]
So 109 to those two before DR.
The blast of shards hits home as the creature's other arm comes around, a massive, swinging blow at the party. The shards stick in only Xandra and Kaja, as Moore simply shields himself with raw will, enough to pause the assault on him.
> roll 1d20+65 AC all?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=5]
ACs?
[spoiler]
+21 to attack and weapon damage
+12 competence bonus to Strength, Constitution and Charisma
+23 to crit confirm rolls and Improved Critical feat.
Add celestial valor later.
Fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Cresiel
HP: 1173(963)+221/1173(963) (regeneration 20, fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+10 (+10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Mass Energy Immunity(Fire)(CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 786(584)/794(584) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 10/10 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 820(648)/858(648) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 810(600)+131/810(600) (fast healing 11)(5 if it wears off)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 986(776)+151/986(776) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+18 (+8 BAB, +10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 19/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used: AD: Polar Ray
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35), Divine Power (CL35)
Notes:
Moore's is in the 110s due to buffs, Xandra's should be... 88, and Jetina's is 81.
I was going to have Jetina heal but I'm not sure that actually broke through everyone's temp HP.
Xandra took like 20 damage. No big deal.
Misses everyone.
Yet the party dodges out of the way, while Cresiel blocks and Jetina falls back. Not a one is hit as the assault is stopped and...
Go.
Moore gestures again, this time at the upper body and face of the creature and another blast of divine power strikes out!
[13:40] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 touch attack, Moore
[13:40] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=17]
[13:40] <Nephrite> roll 20d12
[13:40] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 131 > [d12=10,2,6,6,7,1,9,4,4,11,12,2,10,4,1,1,12,9,11,9]
The blast hits home fast and hard, a large chunk of it scoured away by this. As it reels from another heavy blow...
That it for your turn?
Ah... thank you for asking!
He's going to switch his aura to the SR piercing one, everyone gets +19 on SR checks.
"Got him!" Sylvie cries as she lets loose a barrage of blows, letting loose.
> roll 1d20+94 (+8 divine power, +10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred)
> roll 1d20+94 (+8 divine power, +10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred)
> roll 1d20+94 (+8 divine power, +10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=14]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d20=13]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=12]
> OOC: -5 to the third.
> roll 1d20+84 (+8 divine power, +10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 101 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+79 (+8 divine power, +10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=3]
> roll 5d10+97 (spending 5 inspiration for +21 to each of these)
> roll 5d10+97 (spending 5 inspiration for +21 to each of these)
> roll 5d10+97 (spending 5 inspiration for +21 to each of these)
> roll 5d10+97 (spending 5 inspiration for +21 to each of these)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 136 > [d10=9,5,9,7,9]
> roll 5d10+97 (spending 5 inspiration for +21 to each of these)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d10=3,1,1,2,5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 121 > [d10=3,6,8,5,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 125 > [d10=2,6,10,9,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d10=2,3,9,1,3]
5 ref saves omitted because Sylvie can't fail them and that's apparent now.
Sylvie's blows rip into the regenerating arm, shards exploding whereever her punches and kicks land. With a cry, a diving kick cleaves through the arm, the mass of stone shards plummeting down and away.
Chance to react before Cresiel's turn.
[spoiler]
+21 to attack and weapon damage
+12 competence bonus to Strength, Constitution and Charisma
+23 to crit confirm rolls and Improved Critical feat.
Add celestial valor later.
Fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-. These effects last for as long as the creatures are affected by Moore's bardic music.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, as well as Mass Energy Immunity to Fire to just cover our bases.
Cresiel
HP: 1173(963)+221/1173(963) (regeneration 20, fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+10 (+10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35), Celestial Valor (CL35), Mass Energy Immunity(Fire)(CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 786(584)/794(584) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 10/10 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 820(648)/858(648) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 810(600)+131/810(600) (fast healing 11)(5 if it wears off)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 986(776)+151/986(776) (fast healing 11)
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+18 (+8 BAB, +10 moore), Damage+0 AC+14 (+14 dodge), Saves+14 (+18 fort)(+14 morale), Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 14/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used: AD: Polar Ray
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35), Divine Power (CL35)
Notes:
"It can't heal forever!" Moore shouts. "We're driving it back!"
With grim determination Cresiel strikes, silent as shards fly all around him.
> roll 1d20+66 (+10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred, -25 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+61 (+10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred, -25 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+56 (+10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred, -25 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+51 (+10 Moore, +21 Moore, +4 sacred, -25 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d8+65+3d6
> roll 1d8+65+3d6
> roll 1d8+65+3d6
> roll 1d8+65+3d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d8=2][d6=1,4,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d8=2][d6=1,1,2]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d8=6][d6=6,3,3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d8=4][d6=1,6,4]
Cresiel's assault tears through the golem, into its chest. The frozen slashes freeze and shatter chunks of it as it reels back, "Xandra, go," Cresiel calls as he does.
Go, Jetina'n'Xandra.
Xandra sends another Greater Polar Ray towards it!
[15:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d20=2]
[15:07] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+44+19 SR check
[15:07] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=1]
[15:07] <Nephrite> roll 35d8+28
[15:07] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 198 > [d8=1,7,3,6,2,3,6,8,8,7,5,8,8,8,4,1,3,5,1,3,8,2,4,2,7,7,6,4,7,3,7,6,3,5,2]
Jetina holding again until after it goes in case it does anything dangerous.
Another polar ray hits it - and the center mass of it crumbles apart, the ice weighing it down. The entire golem stumbles and tumbles down, a rain of shards to the chasm below.
"Whew," Sylvie wipes he brow off.
Cresiel lowers his blade as he watches, "A worthy foe for most."
"We aren't most," Sylvie agrees, "Someone really wants this Wheel to stay a legend."
"Yes, we might have more... tricks to deal with." Moore says.
He will move forward, keeping the rest of the wind wall up for them as they go to land in front of the cottage.
"I'm curious if it was split by one person or if this was a group of people."
Assuming he can get closer, he'd like to try detect magic again to see what's going on here.
Spellcraft real quick.
Take 10 for 118 on K:A and 113 on Spellcraft. I'd like to also use the epic skill check to identify the caster, then do a K:P or whatever check is appropriate for 118 to get more information on them.
The caster is Anthraxus.
Anthraxus is a former Oinoloth who is said to still exist, a powerful fiend cloaked in the mysteries of the 'loths. He's a force for malice and suffering whenever he touches anything in Creation, like a plague that routinely recurs. His opinion of the newest Oinoloth isn't known, but not a lot about him is known, as it usually is for the daemons. You've heard he still has great powerful too, and that he's no mere fiend, whatever he's moved onto.
Moore immediately frowns, but proceeds on towards the cottage.
"The person who put this magic in place is Anthraxus, who is a former Oinoloth." Moore says.
He will do the same trick on the cottage itself in case there's magic on it that's different.
It's the same.
"Wait, Anthraxus?" Cresiel stops cold, "Did you say that name?"
Xandra immediately frowns, "What is that old fiend doing with this? Have you heard hints of the daemons in this before?"
"I hadn't." Moore says. "But this cottage is protected by his magic as well. But I'm curious if he hid the piece here for safekeeping or if the Wheel simply got away from him some other way."
"Either way, let's be careful," Sylvie says, "We may not be homefree yet, after all."
Cresiel goes to your side, shield at the ready, without a word.
Kaja brandishes his blades, "Still," he says, "At least this one won't be a whirling cloud of flensing death."
Moore will proceed inside!
Take 10 for 95 on Perception.
Inside the cottage is everything you'd expect. Everything's neat and well made, not to mention clean.
Sitting by one of the beds within is a simple chest, barred tight with iron bands and with a lock on it.
Spellcraft for 113 and K:A for 118 on what I assume is magic on the chest. Same check to identify the caster and spells, if it's different from Anthraxas I'll do another K:P check.
CL on DM.
[16:50] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35
[16:50] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=3]
If that doesn't work he will try again.
[16:50] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35
[16:50] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=10]
You don't detect any magic either time.
"I'm not picking up any magic, but I don't believe that at all." Moore says.
So he tries again! And again and again!
[16:58] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=6]
[16:58] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35
[16:58] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=20]
Still nothing at all.
"If a daemon did this - if that daemon did this, it may be beyond even us to analyze the magic of this chest." Sylvie admits, "But the good thing now is that it isn't begging for aid. It's asking a fellow deity for a small favor to be paid back later."
"In other words, could we take this and bring it to Lord Erathaol?" Cresiel asks.
"Yeah, if we can," Sylvie says, "Fairly big, conditional if there." She smiles faintly as she eyes the chest.
Moore nods. "That makes sense. I can open a gate, can we use magic to just propel it through there?" He asks.
"Worth a try," Jetina says at last, "I wish Alyssa were here, I've heard she's really good with her telekinesis. She could probably rip the entire floor up and hover it through."
"We could do that if we had to," Sylvie points out.
"Let's try something simple first." Moore says; as he simply tries to evoke his divine will to move the chest first!
I'm honestly having trouble thinking of an applicable spell that just moves things via force... There is a level 1 power called Control Object, can I try and emulate that?
How about telekinesis? It's 5th level and you can emulate 5th level spells with limited wish.
Sure, let's just try and nudge it 5 feet with that.
I don't normally mention things like that, but as I mentioned in chat, they just literally mentioned Alyssa and her tricks to do that.
You push the chest but it does not move in the slightest.
"Hm. Let's try this." Moore says as he gestures to form a gate directly under the chest to Hopes Landing!
The hope here is the chest will just fall in.
The chest rests on the ground. You'd have to get space between the chest and the floor to interpose a gate between them.
Oh. Well that's unfortunate.
"It doesn't seem to want to move. We can try and lift it? Sylvie, Cresiel and I should be immune to any tricks placed on it."
"Sylvie and I will lift it," Cresiel says immediately. "There's no reason to risk yourself if the two of us can lift it."
"I appreciate the thought." Moore says. "I will open a gate back home, you both lift and get through so we can limit our exposure to it."
He casts a quick spell before he attempts to open a Gate!
Sonorous Hum so he doesn't have to concentrate on keeping the Gate open in case there are shenanigans afoot.
You do so as...
Do any of your musics active boost strength checks?
Yes, everyone should have a competence bonus of 12, for an extra 6 on the check. Saves bonuses ought to still be lingering too.
> roll 1d20+20 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+35 Sylvie
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=8]
Both of them try and lift the chest, but it does not budge in the slightest. As it does, there's a pale green glow around the chest for a few seconds. The door into the cabin shuts and suddenly gravity and pressure slams against all of you.
Str checks, all. Note if you have freedom of movement up or something similar in lieu of a roll.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 10 + 12, total 22[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+14 : 11 + 14, total 25[/blockquote] Xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 5 + 12, total 17[/blockquote] Jetina
Assuming she can after this, Jetina can just cast Mass Freedom of Movement
> roll 1d20+20 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+35 Sylvie
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+19 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=12]
It's too much. You're slammed to the ground, unable to move a muscle. The only one able to do it is Sylvie - ever so slowly she gets to her knees, constantly chanting words of magic. Then with a flare of will she manages to stand, then goes around and touches people, which lessens the gravity. "Freedom of movement," she says. "It's enough."
"This is ridiculous." Moore says as he moves to fly back up. "Fine, then, how about this, you ridiculous stupid box?"
A gesture and a point at the chest, as a green ray flies out to it!
Antimagic Ray. Let's see if we can lift it after that. I am assuming I don't need a ranged touch roll for this?
"If this doesn't work, perhaps we ask for some help, as this has already been enough of an annoyance." Moore says with a harrumph.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 20 + 35, total 55[/blockquote] CL check if it's needed.
"Did Anthraxus do this when he was a power, or is he still a power?" Sylvie muses as you hit the box. "That'll be the question."
Kaja goes right to it and gives the box a swift kick. It's enough to move it, push it aside. "That works," he says, reaching down and with a grunt ripping the box up and away.
> roll 1d20+19 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=20]
With a tear of old metal, the chest is torn from the floor.
"Right, let's get this back. We can have someone else retrieve this house, I'm sure it will be useful."
Moore will give Erathaol a divine ... poke? I guess? And ask him to come to Hope's Landing.
He will divert them to a meeting room when they go through the gate so they can speak privately!
It's generally proper form to simply send him colored text directly, so go ahead.
It's your first time or two doing this, so setting up how it works is worth the extra posts.
Lord Erathaol, we have retrieved an item that is protected by Athraxas. I would appreciate your insight into it, as well as what to do with a location that he seems to be protected by his magic.
Anthraxus.
'Very well, Moore,' Is the answer. 'I will be in Hope's Landing presently.'
I blame autocorrect.
Moore and the others will appear! He closes the gate after they're through.
Dastardly thing.
Done and done. You're back home, safe and sound. "Well, part one down," Jetina announces. "Now we just have t open it."
"I imagine it's trapped or something. Hopefully we can find out." Moore says. "Still, I wonder if that cottage could be used somehow? Something that could withstand that much damage would make some interesting equipment. Assuming it can be moved, I suppose."
A shrug after that. "Let's see what Lord Erathaol thinks."
Who is going to be there with you, if anyone?
Theres no reason everyone can't be there.
This is easily enough done. Erathaol is already there, awaiting you as he reads a book.
Moore bows. "Lord Erathaol." He says. "Would you like an explanation, or do you...?"
"I'm already aware," Erathaol explains simply, "You believe this to be the work of Anthraxus?"
"Yes." Moore says. "The magic that was protecting the chest, as well as the cottage we found it in, was cast by him."
"Curious," Erathaol says softly as he goes to the chest, quietly inspecting it.
"It doesn't make sense," Sylvie comments, "Unless there's a part of this were aren't clear on, or a hidden factor."
"There's many reasons a daemon could interfere, and if anyone could fool magic, it would be a daemon." Erathaol says as he studies it.
Moore nods. "I'm curious if he's the one who hid the pieces, and potentially why he would've."
"Yugoloth motivations are some of the murkiest to guess at," Erathaol murmurs, distractedly as he studies away.
> roll 1d20+127
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 137 > [d20=10]
"Truth will suffice," Erathaol declares, "We are in a place of great truth. Take it to the light outside and open it."
Moore nods and will do just that!
Or ask Kaja to do so.
Kaja lifts the chest and takes it over to the light, and then opens it. He peers in, "Good news," he calls, "Come on over, Moore."
Weren't there chains on it?
"It's not another awful bag of holding that steals souls, is it?"
Moore will go over to take a look!
Kaja is strong.
Inside is what looks to be part of a stone disk, inlaid with golden writing in places. About a quarter of one.
"Well, it's exactly what it appears to be." Moore says. "Lord Erathaol, would you like anything done with the house it was in?"
"Use your judgment," Erathaol says, and then, "You will be doing that more and more in the coming times."
"I don't know that it's within my current power to bring it here, but I think it might be valuable to us as a resource." Moore says. He turns to Sylvie. "Any ideas on how we could move the whole thing here?"
"If it's not stuck there, I can think of a few ideas, but the hard part is a big enough portal," Sylvie remarks, "Or some other way to transfer it - or shrink it down."
"Well, an antimagic ray worked on the chest. Maybe something like that would work on the rest of it?" Moore says.
"You'd need a strong spell to cover all of it," Sylvie remarks, "A spell beyond the nine circles."
"Unless we wanted to dismantle it piece by piece, which seems like a waste of time." Moore says. "I suppose if we piece this wheel back together we may just be able to teleport it."
Moore does look at the one piece they have!
Take 10 for 113 on Spellcraft and 118 for K:A and detect magic. Does it radiate any or do anything in its current state?
The wheel fragment radiates overwhelming magic. It's part of a greater whole, something to do with teleportation. By this alone you can't tell from one piece.
"Well, it's definitely a piece of it." Moore says. "So good job, everyone."
"One down," Kaja says, dusting his hands off. "What about the other pieces?"
"It took long enough. The level of protection on these is paranoid," Jetina notes.
"Well, we know where they all are." Moore says. "We have the time how to pursue this, so I say let's keep at it. We can rest up and go to Water tomorrow?"
"Then what do we know about Water?" Jetina asks, right to the point.
'Also,' Sylvie's voice is heard in your mind, 'We have the divine seeds to worry about. The Wheel can wait compared to those.'
"We need to travel to the Home of Frozen Teardrops." Moore says, then he briefly glances over at Sylvie before he nods.
"However, before that, we do have something else to pursue. I think it's something only Sylvie,Cresiel and I can do, though. We need to go to the Empyrean Gate."
I am aware some people may not be able to hear him due to anathemic knowledge.
Kaja and Jetina watch on emptily, while Xandra seems perhaps a little more composed.
"Easier said than done, even if we know how to get there. I doubt the Arch-Angels will let us do it unchallenged, and to tell them the truth is to invite complications, great complications." Sylvie remarks. "So how do we do this?"
"We tell them honestly what we're there for. They can't be ignorant of it, being so close to the Gate. We don't have to tell them the entire truth, just enough so that that understand why we need to go there." Moore says.
"I hope so - but they may disagree with us and take the seed. Not out of malice or evil, but goodly people can disagree and without either of them being wrong," Sylvie points out, "And there's one big, powerful thing to disagree about who should obtain it."
"If that's the case they would've used it by now." Moore says. "At least, that's what I think. If we have to fight them over it then... well, I think we're up for it. Xandra, do you think you can go? I know a trick that would probably work to get you in if you want."
"Do you want to risk a conflict with someone like Cantasa Alexandria if it comes to worst?" Sylvie challenges back.
Cresiel is silent as Xandra nods slightly, barely any other reaction.
"No, but there is no way that we can get to the Empyrean Gate without her knowing it. Do you think she'd let us near it if we just said 'we're on a mission from Celestia?'" Moore asks.
Meanwhile, he goes over to Xandra and blinks. "I think I can do this..." He murmurs as he tries to pull on his divine will!
He is attempting to make Xandra a proxy of his.
It's like flexing a new muscle. The blessing is pushed into Xandra, filling her with a little bit of your own power.
"...oh." Xandra murmurs, "Like dawn after a cold night."
"I wouldn't bet on it," Sylvie says, "She has her own missions and purposes, and they may be at cross purposes with us in this." She blows out a breath, "Look, the good guys try and get along but good people don't always agree. It's the same point that was raised up there."
"It's better us trying to parley with her than Bel and Gathgorian." Moore says. "Does Cantasa Alexandria have to answer to anyone at all anyway?"
He turns to Xandra and smiles. "I thought that might do it. I can only do one person at a time, but thought it would be appropriate for you to join us in this."
"Thank you," Xandra agrees, "What of Kaja and Jetina? Could you not do the same for one of them, Sylvie?"
"I could," Sylvie doesn't argue it, "But I won't."
"I don't expect to have to fight for it." Moore says. "But if we do, we will be enough. I know they won't be happy about staying here, but soon they shouldn't have to worry about it anymore anyway."
"If we get the seed," Cresiel speaks, "That is the question. What will we do with it?"
Meanwhile...
Events continue to move, Moore, and again you are part of them.
Moore holds up a hand to Cresiel to pause him a moment.
I seem to have found myself at the center of a great many unexpected blessings indeed.
How will you rule then, Moore, for you find the cup of rulership put into your hand.
I am hopeful that my answer to your question will be one seen in my actions and deeds. Hope spreads like a fire when there is kindling aplenty.
Then I will watch and see the answer you give Creation.
Moore smiles and turns back to Cresiel. "We can decide that once we obtain it."
Cresiel hold his hand up back, "A moment."
Moore laughs quietly. "She's quite the neighbor."
Sylvie smirks ever so slightly.
After perhaps a few minutes Cresiel declares, "As you were saying?:
"We can decide what to do once we actually obtain it." Moore says.
"Then let's prepare," Xandra agrees.
Okay, what sort of prep for this?
So, would a K:P of 118 tell me if Cantasa Alexandria has a 'boss'? Or is she basically her own entity?
It would not - her anathemic nature just makes it a non starter for knowledge about her to spread.
It's probably not worth it to go over her head anyway.
"Do you think our divine natures will prevent the pull of Elysium from getting to us?" Moore asks. "If not, we may need to prepare against that first."
"It should stop normal Elysium," Sylvie says, "The Gate is another matter. Give me one moment, I want to ask Alicia something," Sylvie says.
Moore nods. "Of course."
"Yes, she felt it," Sylvie asks, "She said it wasn't her time to rest, but if she'd been without a blindfold, I doubt she'd have resisted the glories there."
"Well, we don't need to step into the Empyrean Gate, do we?" Moore says. "I think it'd be a different matter if the seed was inside it, my understanding is it is in front. I mean, that may not ultimately matter, but I certainly feel a draw when I'm standing in front of the Bridge of al-Sihal that was different from what I felt when we were inside."
"Still, we should take precautions," Sylvie says, "Let's not be foolish."
"I agree," Cresiel seconds, "We gain nothing from unneeded risk."
"Well, what do you suggest?" Moore asks. "I wasn't exactly planning on just showing up at the Gate or anything."
"I'm wondering if we can get something like those blindfolds," Sylvie says, "And if so, if they'd help. That seems like the best place to start."
Moore looks up.
"I suppose the best way would be to simply ask. Would you all like to go visit Jovar?" He says.
"It is only wise," Xandra says, "Let us go, Moore."
"Jetina, Kaja." Moore calls. "We have some business to take care of. Don't worry -- everything is fine, but it's the sort of stuff that you're not properly protected against. My avatar can take care of anything while we're gone, so just let me know."
They will rise up to Jovar first, and then Moore will send a divine message to Xerona.
Lady Xerona, may we wise and speak with you?
With that done you go on up. Up and up and up and up and up.
In due time this takes you to the Bridge of Al-Sihal, where Xerona awaits you, her gaze like a beam of the purest sunlight.
Moore bows his head respectfully.
"We wish to travel to Elysium." Moore says, straight and to the point. "I was hoping that you may know of something we may be able to wear, or carry with us, to prevent us from being pulled to feel a need to stay there permanently."
"You should need no such thing for mere Elysium as you are now," Xerona declares, "Do you draw close to the Gate?"
"Yes." Moore says. "I believe we will need to to accomplish our mission there."
Again they appear - blindfolds. "These will serve you for a time, but not forever. Use them when you must, and know the limitations that bound sight will place you under."
Moore will take them and offer another nod and half bow.
"We will go forward with wisdom." Moore says.
Plan will be to return, hit up the Blessing Stone and then head to Elysium proper. We're going to have to deal with the archangels at some point, there's no way around that one, I think.
If anyone has any suggestions as to how to approach this Moore is happy to hear them before they go, though.
You'll still be resting a day, right?
Yes, let's make sure we're fully refreshed before going anywhere.
That evening you do so much. Both of you do, together and in tandem. As you deal with a familiar Lathanderite diplomat, another of you comes across two of your friends in Jetina's room. Jetina and Sylvie chat away, rather quietly, but it's as easy to hear as anything now, even with the door closed as you pass by.
"...and anyway, he's fast asleep. I can tell from here." Sylvie remarks.
"Still though," Jetina says, "Don't you think he'd sleep better with-"
Sylvie looks on, unimpressed. "He's past that age." Here she sighs, "Oh, stop giving me that look. He can literally do whatever he wants when he grows up, and the day after tomorrow he has an invitation to play with the daughter of Gond. That reminds me. Moore," she says aloud, "Keep that in mind for tomorrow, I'll need to go myself and at least explain it to Gond the right way, then Oghma. One because I have to for Calley, the other because he deserves to hear it from me."
"Sure, take your time." Moore answers. "We can wait for you. You know, Gond once fixed up my rapier and gave it a bunch of really unnecessary buttons. I never did bother to go through what all of them did."
"You could come in," Jetina chides a moment later, "Moore, just come in already."
You described things as if he could see them, I got confused!
Moore will indeed do that very thing.
Whoops.
Once inside Jetina smiles, "We were just talking about our first successful mission together before we got talking about Calley."
"I'm going to have to do something about privacy." Moore says. He looks around at the room. "I suppose I can just do that myself... I hate to feel like I'm eavesdropping."
Jetina shakes her head, "It'll be fine."
Sylvie chuckles before, "Regardless," she says, "How do you think it went, Moore?"
"I think we al worked very well together." Moore says. "I didn't realize the magnitude that my ascension had brought to my songs, but I could tell they were significantly more powerful than before."
"We did," Jetina agrees, "I'm glad my healing wasn't truly needed."
Moore smiles. "I always hope that, honestly. I'm always thankful when we do need it that you're there, though."
"Can't survive without a good healer," Sylvie smiles at that, "You being there is enough - and helps us work better together, which we did well."
It's at that moment that you feel it, a connection to Sylvie. "About time," Sylvie murmurs, as...
Node update.
Moore smiles brightly and lets out a laugh. "You can't force these things, you know. Even if you're as stubborn as you are."
"It helps to have an idea. Usually it comes after a great deed or some measure of self reflection," Sylvie remarks, "I think his biases are showing."
Jetina merely smiles, "We do need more of those," she agrees, "But I doubt we can cheat them in any way."
With a half smile of her own, "It's not cheating to know how things work, or otherwise we'd all be evil for knowing how to make a fire or weave a shirt."
"That's quite true." Moore says. "I've been trying to find a good way to harness that power we've been granted, but haven't really come up with any good idea. I'm open to suggestions on that, on that note."
"Grow and learn," Sylvie says, "The rest essentially follows that as you achieve your goals." She glances sidelong at you, "Each one isn't any great gain, but they add up and strengthen us even further."
"Fine, fine." Moore says. "Anyway, I interrupted, so please, I'll leave you to your talk. I'm glad Calley gets to spend some time with Gond's daughter, though, I've heard she's a handful."
"I'll see you then," Jetina promises, turning back to Sylvie.
It's when the two start talking again that you feel it, a connection to Jetina strong and bright.
Node update.
Moore smiles as he heads back to take care of some other business.
Huh, he probably doesn't need to sleep anymore, does he? But he still should rest.
You do not, but there is wisdom in rest.
Moore smiles again. There's always value in a restful period of time, even if it's just meditation.
Perhaps he should do that.
He will spend some time reading the book Erathaol gave him on bardic music, sans magic as instructed, but will 'rest' afterwards.
Okay, refresh me on prep boosts while I work up Xandra? I'm a little behind, rough morning plus dog stuff. It doesn't take too long to apply the template, though.
Just the Cubic buffs:
Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Mind Blank (CL17) and Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27).
One question, I need something for this proxy ability.
Salient Divine Ability (Su)
The base creature's patron may choose to give them access to any one salient divine ability they have. The base creature must meet any requirements except for the divine rank requirement. In addition, salient divine abilities with a divine rank requirement of 6 or higher cannot be selected.
she can have Divine Blast
Done.
Thus everyone gets together the next morning, save for Jetina and Kaja.
Sylvie sits nearby in the courtyard, awaiting silently.
Cresiel stands guard by the gate, as if anticipating an attack.
Xandra merely walks with you, silent.
"I'm not exactly sure where we're going to end up, but... well, before we go anywhere, I'm going to send a message and see what we're told." Moore says.
Cantasa Alexandria. I do not think you know me, but I learned a great deal about you after Benfal. My comrades and I have business that I believe will require your permission. May we come to Elysium to speak with you?
As I recall, didn't you contact and talk to her before, or am I going crazy?
I have not interacted with her before. Seira did, though.
Thank you, I was afraid I had a mental mixup.
The voice is heard within your mind, silent and yet strong. 'I know you, Moore. I know all that have passed beneath me and that look to righteousness.'
Thank you. Will it be all right if we speak in person? I'm still not quite used to this method of communication.
'Come, but beware that you do not approach too closely. Should you come too far, not even you will return.'
Moore nods. "We have our invitation." He says. He hands a blindfold each to them. "I don't think we need them yet, but keep them handy."
With that, he will plane shift the four of them to Elysium!
Assuming Cantasa Alexandria will give us a 'Landing Point' for us to use, it some other place to be directed to. If not, he will just aim for Elysium in general since he has no idea relative to where they'd be going.
You appear.
You appear amid the endless fields and green plains. Yet as you walk, you notice it's getting brighter. Brighter, brighter and brighter yet, brighter than the sun in the sky above. As if all was birthed and radiant in light.
"I certainly can see the similarities." Moore says as they travel along. "Please say something if you start to notice a pull or sensation to stay here."
A slight nod from Sylvie as you go, the party walking ahead.
Light. The light is growing brighter.
Incandescence.
So much radiance.
No further.
You come to a stop at words that are not words. A figure on the horizon, a figure of many wings, of many that gaze on at you. A woman seen in the glimpse of the light, "Stop. Do not come a step closer."
Is this Cantasa Alexandria or can I not tell?
It is her voice.
Moore will stop.
"You're a difficult person to learn about." Moore says with a smile. "I never gave up on learning about you. I think it's what gave me the dogged determination to find myself here in your presence today."
Moore takes a breath in. "I will not waste time with idle words: We are here for what is buried before the Empyrean Gate."
Sorry for delays, canine happens.
"You may seek it and reach it, but you will not return even if you obtain it," Cantasa Alexandria states, plainly. "Nor is she welcome here."
Sylvie merely looks on at that visage of light and wings and eyes. "It's necessary that some of us come here and I am one of them," Sylvie states. "We have been given blindfolds by Xerona that will aid us in this venture, so that we may obtain it and return."
"You know what it is, so you know that us knowing that it is there means we have been given someone's blessing." Moore says. "I would ask for that consideration while we go to retrieve it, and that the understanding be we all come under that same blessing." Moore says.
"You know I speak only the truth, as lies could not withstand even this distance from such a place." Moore adds.
Diplomacy, pixie. You said something right.
Take 10 for 120.
"You three may come. She may not," Cantasa Alexandria states, with finality. "Go further at your own risk."
Moore turns to Sylvie. "I don't expect we're going to run into much trouble, but what would you like to do?"
Sylvie finally shakes her head, "There's no prize for pressing that fight," She says at last. "I'll go back. I don't like it, but I have no illusions about what happens if she rouses herself to battle."
"I'm sure you can keep an eye on us anyway." Moore says. "Do we need to find our own way forward?" He asks.
if it wasn't clear that was directed at Cantasa Alexandria
"Go forward at your own risk," Cantasa Alexandria commands, and then is gone.
"Good luck," Sylvie says, "Just put on the blindfolds before you go further."
"The blindsense should help us avoid any real trouble." Moore says.
With that, he does put the blindfold on to see what he can actually perceive like this.
All you can see is indistinct light all around you, nothing else.
"We'll have to make do," Cresiel declares, "A test of faith."
"That's gotten us this far," Xandra agrees. "Forward."
"Yes, let's go." Moore says. He will start flying forward!
I have no idea how the 'all around vision' and blindsight from Afina's Perfect Vision will interact with this, but so it goes!
You find all is light to all of your senses. Blindsight, all around vision, everything. All is simply light here.
In case that changes your action.
It does not.
"I think we'll know when we're there regardless." Moore says as he continues forward. "The rest of the arch angels know why we're here, at least. If we have to fight anything, we will just have to do the best we can. A test of faith indeed."
"Then let's," Cresiel agrees.
Give me Perception for hearing.
Take 10 for 97.
The footsteps of Cresiel and Xandra are heard ahead.
You go along into the light, unable to see anything but it through your blindfold.
Footsteps. Footsteps from the side, someone approaching you. Someone with heavy footsteps, something big perhaps.
"Hold on." Moore says as he turns in the direction of the sound.
He will let whoever it is introduce themselves... or he hopes they will, anyway.
I am guessing that even if he could use Remote Sensing here (which I doubt works anyway) it'd run into the same problem of witnessing the glory of Elysium sans a blindfold?
It's entirely possible, yes.
"Who are you?" Cresiel asks.
The footsteps stop.
Silence.
The silence stretches a time until at last, "You may be blind to the glories beyond the Empyrean Gate, one of the three Holy of Holies, but do not think you travel without risk. Yet you stand to gain everything if you remove your blindfolds - all to never pass out from the Gate again, at least not until The End."
"Our reasons for being here are enough that Cantasa Alexandria allowed for us to pass." Moore says simply in response.
"We cannot rest. Not yet," Cresiel agrees. "Will you bar our way?"
"We cannot," Xandra echos Cresiel, "Please, stand aside."
The voice - a man's voice, on the strong side. A warrior's voice, grizzled and hard. "Go. The other Arch Angels will not be as lax as I."
"Should you ever wish to see our mettle, you can find us in Hope's Landing." Moore says as he continues on!
Give me a quick 1d100+77.
[12:59] <Nephrite> roll 1d100+77
[12:59] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 164 > [d100=87]
So close!
You wander in this light for a time. It's hard to say how long passes in the light, how long you strive to continue ahead.
You hear something ahead. The sound of an ax chopping wood, perhaps? A sharp sound and several moments later it repeats.
He didn't really expect there to be trees here, but he supposes anything is possible.
He continues on, although if the sound of the wood-chopping stops then he'll announce himself.
"Careful," Xandra warns, though does not elaborate.
A few more chops, closer and closer. "She hasn't obliterated you," The voice, a woman's. Delicate, feminine, soft. "Then the Maiden of the Gate blesses you enough to continue your reckless advance."
"We have come with a reason and with purpose." Moore affirms, as he slows and stops. "We wish no quarrel with the Arch-angels here, though we understand that as guests going so close to the Empyrean Gate, we should do so with respect to whatever you deem fit."
"Our purpose is just and necessary," Cresiel declares, "Nothing less and nothing more."
"Had you spoken a single lie, your life would end here," The woman declares, "You speak with truth. For falsehoods and lies lead to the path of death, while the truth leads to life and eternity. No soul can reach the Gate that speaks lies. No soul can..." A stop.
"You have been to Chronias!" The woman's voice rises higher by several levels, "Yet you are not Seraphim."
"Thus, you understand the importance of our mission here." Moore says, to the point. "As well as those who bless us with their trust."
"Then I must test you, for I will not banish you away nor shall I slay you." The woman declares, "I believe you worthy, but any who reach the Tree of Eternity must be challenged - even the divine. Perhaps them most of all, for I have seen the mistakes of divinity. Thus I charge you to rectify one of those mistakes: You must find and defeat the Hecatoncheires. Learn of this mistake and end his suffering. Succeed and you may continue your path forward."
"Then you know that defeating it is a task that cannot be left to a single person." Moore says. "In fact, I think it fair to say that if someone were to be able to defeat that being, they would not be stopped by many within Creation."
A pause, here.
"Though, if someone could somehow get through to it and let it see the light of hope again..." A breath in and out. "It would fall to me to try. Yes, I will endeavor to do as you wish, but in order to have any chance of saving it, or ending it, then I must continue here and find what we seek."
"Oh?" An open question, as if an invitation to respond, or to dig yourself deeper.
"You may already know what it is that lies here." Moore says. "I cannot speak of it, but I hope that it is sufficient to say that it is our reason for being here at all."
A flare of light and - !
Will saves, all.
14:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+51 Moore
[14:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=4]
[14:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+58, Xandra
[14:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+51 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=9]
A sense of stumbling but you hold your ground, if barely. Your senses reel as you wobble about in the air.
He didn't lie or speak any falsehoods, so what was that...?
"Does that mean my answer is insufficient?" Moore asks.
"You must leave until your task is done," The woman insists, voice no longer soft. It is strong, powerful. "Come back once you have accomplished your task, however you see fit."
We know it is safe here, and where it is. That is perhaps enough for now. I do not wish to rouse the ire of the Arch Angels if we can help it, but if we wish to press the matter we can. Moore says to the others in privacy.
I agree, however, we may yet be able to leverage and advantage. I would not use it trivially, but if Lord Zaphkiel would speak on our behalf, perhaps she would relent. Our need is just and our cause is pure.
Lord Zaphkiel, I apologize for the bother and direct nature, but we find ourselves at an impasse of an Arch Angel. You may already know, but we wish to continue on to our destination. Do you think she would be swayed by your words?
I understand. You will complete whatever quest she lays on you. Give this to her.
A diamond big enough to match your fist is now in hand. It stands out amid the light, yet is radiant all on its own.
Moore simply flies closer to where he heard the sound before and holds the diamond out.
He doesn't need to know what it is or what it does, though he is extremely curious!
He can always just ask later, anyway.
Also, sorry I keep forgetting to put in the right color. I'll remember eventually, I promise.
You approach out with the diamond.
Silence.
A long period of silence.
"Who gave this to you?" The woman finally asks, voice neutral, no intonation to it at all.
"The Master of the Illuminated Heavens." Moore says. "I have been instructed that I will complete whatever you request of me, which I believe you already have."
There is a long pause before, "I accept this," she says at last, "My debt to you is repaid, Lord of Chronias. Oh High One, shall you intervene?"
Long moments of silence in the light.
"Then you may go on, if my Master does not wish to intervene." The woman commands.
Moore bows his head in respect. "You will not see me again until I bring you word of the task you have placed on me." He says.
He continues on, curiosity creeping up inside of him, only to be quashed under the reason for their visit.
d100+77 again.
[15:54] <Nephrite> roll 1d100+77
[15:54] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 134 > [d100=57]
I swear, now it's just toying with me.
Perception for hearing.
Take 10 for 97
You hear the flapping of wings coming in your direction from dead ahead.
Moore will stop again!
"Please halt," It is a familiar voice - the voice of Grandfather Time.
"Grandfather Time." Moore says. "It's been a while. I did not realize this was... ah, well, I suppose your business is mostly that which I wouldn't know about."
A smile after that, as well as a bow in deference.
"One of us will be seeing you soon," Grandfather Time says, "You have responsibilities, one of them is to learn the basics of chronomancy, so that you can counter it should you come on it. However, that is not why I am here."
"Of course." Moore says, as if he's ready to accept whatever challenge that's to be laid out.
"I didn't think you'd get past her," Grandfather Time remarks, "At least not yet. She gave you a quest?"
"Yes. I had some help." Moore says. "It isn't one that I can complete today, but it is one that I intend to see through."
"I suggest you go to try," Grandfather Time's voice is kindly, but holds a note of steel. "I know not why she yielded to you, but it will not do to advance forward without that done."
"We have reas-" Xandra begins.
"You do. You have time as well. Time is time is time, and there is time yet," Grandfather Time interrupts.
Moore takes in a breath. "I understand your intent, Grandfather." Moore says. "We press on because the need for what is here is not one that we can be idle about. I imagine that you know exactly why it is that we are here, as I imagine you may have been here when it was placed. So with that in mind, I would ask that you allow us to continue, for the good and for the hope of Creation itself."
"No." Grandfather Time's voice is gentle but firm as the mountains and just as unyielding. "Go and see to your task."
"Do I have your word that, when the task is completed, we will have no one else stop us for any reason for what we seek here?" Moore asks.
"As far as I am able," Grandfather Time agrees.
"Very well. May we return here when that is completed?" Moore asks again.
"You may," Is the answer, simple and to the point.
"Very well." Moore says.
I don't think it's worth it to press this any further. We know what we must do and we can likely call in the aid of the others for it.
It seems there are a difference of opinions about this amid the Arch Angels.
But I agree, we cannot face them in battle and hope to succeed on our quest, as well as avoid the possible intervention of higher powers.
"We will return when the time is right, Grandfather." Moore says.
He will return them all to Hope's Landing after that, and let out a breath.
"Honestly... I didn't expect to meet as much resistance with all of them." He says. "I wonder if the High One is who called Grandfather Time?"
Once there Xandra takes off her blindfold and blinks a few times. "I fear there were politics involved there we weren't aware of, as well as honest differences of opinion."
"Then we have a new task," Cresiel says, "We investigate this monster and deal with it. What do you know of it, Moore?"
"Yes, I think you're correct." Moore says to Xandra. He turns to Cresiel. "I'd read about it in Aurora, as well as... well, it was something I was reminded of after that mistake I made on Smoke."
He clears his throat. "I think we may want to see if we can pursue another seed before we decide to do anything, as that creature is still alive for a variety of reasons. I think if we were to fight it, I'd want to ask Alicia and Seira."
The slightest nod from Cresiel, "Do we know who is going after what seed?"
As you talk, "Moore, Moore," Grias flies up, "There's an urgent message for you!"
"I imagine Alicia is pursuing the one on Ysgard," Moore begins before he turns to Grias. "All right, lets hear it. Or see it, if it's a letter."
A letter is produced by Grias.
Moore will indeed read this letter!!!!!!
It reads as follows.
Hi Moore, it's Emily.
Moore, I have obtained divinity from the divine seed. But sadder news has to be told first. Alyssa and Ianvasah went on a raid against Sharrans, one that went disastrously wrong. It came to such an extreme juncture that Alyssa was slain by Ianvasah, so that her soul could escape Shar's grasp. Ianvasah did not escape and was lost to Shar's oblivion.
Alyssa has become a spirit as I am. She will continue on, but Ianvasah is lost beyond recovery. My heart aches and my tears fall.
We all knew the dangers, yet these bring them to stark relief.
Please don't forget her, Moore. I miss her so much already.
Moore takes in a breath as he folds the letter.
"No, there is always hope." He says as he holds the letter out to Cresiel to read.
What would Seira do at a time like this? Is it even his place to say anything?
Hi Emily. I am sorry to hear about what happened. I do not think you should lose hope for her just yet. We once rescued someone from Asmodeus himself. I will be happy to do whatever I can to help, if that is something you and Alyssa wish. Above all, I will respect your wishes in this. Please come by if you'd like to talk.
Oh! Is that you, Moore?
Took a few to decide on her color.
It is indeed.
Did you get my letter?
Why does she think he responded to her...?
Yes, that is what I was sending you a message about.
I blame that one on our unseasonably early allergy system.
Oh. Oooh. Yes. Sorry.
You have no need to apologize. I hope I can help you and Alyssa with this.
Thank you. Alyssa's in a trial now, but I'll let her know as soon as she's back.
"I don't know if we can really do anything, but I hope we can." Moore says. "At any rate, I don't think we can do anything about the seed in Elysium right this second, so I suggest we focus on another. I was considering the one in Arcadia, as we do have some expertise in breaking the bounds of things."
"That's possible," Cresiel says, "While the rest of us looking into this new task and what that creature is."
Xandra nods, "After ensuring the others aren't already on it."
"There's some knowledge about it in Aurora, but I imagine you can find what you need here." Moore says.
I assume we can hand wave the second part since I don't think anyone stated any interest in the Arcadia one?
Either way, Moore would do research on Arcadia anyway to figure out what the "limits of Arcadia" means. Literal? Figurative?
Assuming this requires a Knowledge check, 118 on K:P or 98 on K:L (Arcadia)
Where are you going to research?
He will just be using his own skill for this to see what he uncovers. If he needs to do more he can use his Knowledge spell.
Also Moore needs to talk to Melia whenever if she's around.
Paste me the info from the book of Aurora you're talking about, would you?
That was actually just a fluff thing from after this:
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104018.msg1100443.html#msg1100443
But I imagine there probably IS a book there... I mean Tannin made a report on it, so. :)
There was a book that mentioned it, but on reflection I think it was before your time.
The Hecatoncheires is said to be an abomination, a horrible, one hundred armed behemoth that rages against the divine. You've heard that it's destroyed entire armies and was once some manner of divine champion, but the details are hazy and not spoken of. You'd have to investigate.
I wasn't doing research that, though. I was doing research on Arcadia. Cresiel said he was going to research it.
Strike that then, it was mostly a hook to research anyway.
You think a bit and whatever it means, you know right away you'll need more specialized knowledge than that.
118 on K:P, does Celestia have anyone known for knowledge about Arcadia? What even IS Arcadia, anyway?
Arcadia is an upper plane and is LG, but closer to LN than Celestia. It's about evenly split between influence of Celestia (inclusive of the House of the Triad as well, who have a lot of swing here) and Mechanus.
There's lots known for knowledge of Arcadia, as it is a close realm that Celestia keeps an interest in.
Okay. Perfect.
Hello Mei, this is Moore. Do you have a minute to talk? You know, I admit some curiosity if using this method of communication would have technically broken your old vows.
'Ah! Moore? What? How? Why do I hear colors in my mind?'
It's a bit of a long story. If you have the time, could you please come to Hope's Landing? While I can do this now, it feels really impersonal.
'Celestia? Well, ah, I'll find a way to get over there.' Mei sends back.
Thank you.,
He will then will wait, or deal with whatever else happens between waiting for her!
Going to do anything or just wait for her?
It's not long for Mei to approach - how she gets here so fast is anyone's guess, but she hurries along and in. Grias brings her in, "Your guest is here," he announces, door flying open of its own accord.
"Mei, hello." Moore greets her. "Would you like any refreshments?" He asks as he sits down on a couch across from her with a table in between them.
"Water," Mei says and sits as well, "How are you, Moore?"
Moore will make a tray with a nice decanter of ice-cold water with some glasses.
"I've been doing well." He says. "It's... a long story to tell, but if you want to hear it, I'll tell you." A smile after that. "I owe you after helping us with Evergreen."
Mei's eyes widen a bit but she helps herself to the water. After that, "Tell me, please."
Moore nods.
"Well, after Lifasa..." He begins...
She's going to get a brief summary of walking the path of Celestia and being granted sight into the Glories of the Holy Mountain. Basically the same summary that Lliira got, except maybe a little more cagey. No lies, though.
Gimme Diplo here.
Take 10 for 120
Mei takes it all in - more and more of it until she does but one thing. She closes her eyes and faints back, silent.
After a long beat, "...what do I say to that?" she asks aloud.
"There's a great irony in you being speechless. Now imagine how long it would've taken to pantomime it."
A quiet laugh after that. "It is a lot to take in, but it's why I brought you here. I'm seeking something in Arcadia and it's my understanding the The Triune have a good deal of influence there, so I thought you might know about it."
"Ar...cadia?" Mei frowns, "Why would Angharradh have influence there, Moore?"
Sorry, did I get something confused here? Is the Triad not the Triune? Now I'm a bit lost.
Correct. The House of the Triad is the divine realm of Helm, Tyr and Ilmater. It's closely connected to Celestia. The Triune or the Triune deity is Angharradh, the one Mei and Jaela serve.
It's a case of similar names. I just figured you had some idea for inviting Mei I didn't immediately grasp.
Nope, just a case of me being confused. I'll roll with it.
Moore lets out a laugh. "You know, apparently I need to get my names right." A sigh after that as he goes for a glass of water. "I mixed up Triad and Triune. Well, it's fine anyway since I wanted to talk to you about something else, so this is a good opportunity."
He leans forward and sets the glass down. "Do you work as an envoy for Angharradh? I assume you must have some sort of special role to play for her."
"I accomplish tasks," Mei says after a moment, "Do you have one for me?"
"Sort of." Moore says. "I'd like to expand my own diplomatic endeavors, especially to the Triune. ...just don't tell them my first act was to confuse them with others."
A light laugh, "I'll petition for you there and pass on your message."
"Thank you." Moore says. "Let them know that I heard the Irrigo are doing quite well."
Mei nods at that and...
Anything else to do here?
There is not.
Next move then?
Lets have Moore use his Commune with Knowledge spell. I've got some other things to ask anyway.
It took me a minute to find the text: 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.
Do I autopass the check now since I can't fail on 1s?
It's written fairly precisely - deities don't fail an attack roll or saving throw on a natural one. This is normally a case where the specific text would take priority.
However, I would rule a deity wouldn't be subject to the ability score loss from contact other plane as it is, so I'd rule you'd be exempt in this case. A deity simply isn't going to be stricken dumb by this.
Okay.
In that case then, I think I get 17 questions? CL /2?
I can't not pass the Charisma check.
Then get to your questionings.
"What are the limits of Arcadia that I must break out from to obtain my goal?"
We will start here see what happens.
"Unknown."
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.
Was probably a bit optimistic to hope that whatever a Guardian did to hide a seed wouldn't fall under that.
Well, yes, but worth a shot!
"Who knows the most about Arcadia?"
"Amolen." Is the answer, simple and to the point.
"Where can I find Amolen?"
3/17
"Rivensdale Farm, usually outside."
"Where can I find CRIMSON, the holder of one of Syllen's pieces of gear?"
"Limbo." Is the answer, plain and to the point.
"How many pieces of Syllen's gear are there?"
"Where in Minauros can I find the fourth piece of Syllen's gear?"
4/17
You cannot, it is not there anymore.
"Where is the fourth piece of Syllen's gear?"
Dis.
"Does someone specific hold it?"
Yes.
"Who holds the fourth piece?"
7
Baazel.
"is CRIMSON a slaad?"
No.
Moore dismisses his spell, happy with the information he has!
Does a K:P of 118 tell me anything useful about Baazel?
Yes, a pit fiend in service to Dis. He's a minor military figure and functionary noted for ties to the banking industry of Dis.
Well, if he's part of the banking industry then it shouldn't be difficult to make him an offer for the piece. He just has to do it with subtlety.
Same check, on Rivensdale Farm?
Rivensdale Farm is a farm of note in Arcadia. It's noted for chocolate production.
So, I know deity-to-deity communication is possible, I assume deity to normal person communication is possible? I was intending to contact CRIMSON.
Sure, go ahead, you're able to contact someone. Others have done it before.
Well, I can actually just use Sending then, or rather my stone.
'Hello, CRIMSON. My name is Moore. Do you have a moment to talk?'
A lake where the center boils.
The highest point of the sky before you fall back down.
A broken, echoing cistern.
Consequences that defy consequences until it is too late.
Consecutive murders.
Concepts slam into your mind, an assault of madness. Where you less than you are now, you fear your mind would shatter. Yet you withstand this unbowed and undisturbed.
Well, that's not good.
Was this a result of what happened in Ysgard...? It makes sense that he's in Limbo now, but...
Sylvie, I'm going to need your assistance with something, please.
In a moment Sylvie is there, munching on an apple. "What is it?" she asks, right to the point.
"I've been looking for some pieces of armor from a person named Syllen. By the way, we need to go save his soul at some point." Moore says. "One of them is being held by someone named CRIMSON -- yes, just like that -- who was on Ysgard previously. They're in Limbo now, and it seems they've gone quite mad. I was hoping you might help me see if we can help them in some way, be it therapeutically or otherwise."
"Are you sure it isn't something already insane?" Sylvie finishes her apple off, gone in an instant. "It's a dragon and the egg argument: Is he insane because he went to Limbo, or did he go insane because he went to Limbo?"
"Well, he was on Ysgard before going to Limbo." Moore says. "But, it doesn't really matter. If we can't help them we can't help them, but I'd at least like to see them in person to see what we can gather. I don't want to just beat someone up and take something from them if I can help it... but if this person, or whatever it is, has fallen to evil and insanity and I can help them, then I'd like to try. If they're just a demon or something then we'll deal with it."
"Alright," Sylvie agrees, "You got a plan to do this?"
"I admit, I was just going to bring us directly to them and go from there." Moore says. "Subdue them if needed, or try something else if the opportunity presents itself."
A pause.
"Although I don't know exactly where he is on Limbo, though that shouldn't be hard to figure out."
"Direct is best," With a thin smile, "We're the sort when we show up now, we're the terror. It's only good sense to take advantage of that."
I am assuming I do, in fact, need some sort of location with which to appear for the sake of this? I can't just 'Open a Gate to CRIMSON'?
Also, does Limbo require me to knock and let Renbuu know I'm coming?
Yes and no, respectively. Outer planes are tied to deities and powers, but aren't divine realms in that sense. It's like being in the neighborhood versus being in someone's home.
Then lets alter reality for a really petty reason!
'Where on Limbo is CRIMSON'?
For my own understanding, what ability/spell do you have in mind here?
Divination.
Where art is kept.
Moore pinches the brow of his nose. "So apparently CRIMSON is in Limbo where, quote, art is kept. I can think of a few places, but I have a rather terrible feeling I know where he is. Any ideas on how to narrow that down?"
"One of Renbuu's galleries," Sylvie agrees, "Yeah, let's break out the stronger divinations." Here Sylvie clicks her tongue, "It's like having a thousand knights and rooks in your hand, but sometimes you need a queen rather than finding the right combination of other things. You have that fancy commune with knowledge spell."
"In hindsight, I should've asked where he was exactly when I used it the first time." Moore says with a huff. "I need to remember to do that in the future. Well, unfortunately it'll have to wait until tomorrow if we do that, since I already used it for today. I suppose I can just use Wish."
He decides to try that, using Wish to emulate a stronger Divination spell!
'Which of Renbuu's galleries is CRIMSON in?'
The Devilrand's Fancy.
"Aha, got it." Moore says. "Devilrand's Fancy."
Take 10 for 118 on K:P, anything noteworthy about it?
It's said to be one of Renbuu's galleries. In particular it's noted for being patronized by 'slaad-devils', whatever those are. Reports suggest they're just normal slaads, but who can say?
Moore shakes his head. "Whatever a slaad devil is, I hope we get to find out. I think we should be sufficient for this trip." He says. "What do you think?"
"Let's bring Jetina in case we're wrong," Sylvie says, "I'd like to spend more time with her anyway."
Moore will send a message to Jetina to have her join them!
"I'll give us a basic round of bardic music too, just in case." Moore says.
Let's have Jetina give us Celestial Valor, then Moore will give Inspire Courage, Heroics, and Greatness:
In total:
Attack: +35
Weapon damage: +24
AC: +18 (4 sacred, 14 dodge)
Saving throws: +18 (4 sacred, 14 morale)
[13:15] <Nephrite> roll 10d10
[13:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d10=10,1,4,3,5,8,5,7,1,4]
Moore: 138 Temp HP
Jetina: 118 Temp HP
Sylvie: 138 Temp HP
Also they all get fast healing 11 and DR 11/- for the next 10 minutes.
Once all of this is said and done, Moore will Greater Plane Shift them to Devilrand's Fancy!
Quick check, does this include the stone for more spells?
Yes, thank you for asking. I need to write it somewhere so I remind myself it's 'always on.'
Gimme a complied list o' boosts then.
In total:
Attack: +35
Weapon damage: +24
AC: +18 (4 sacred, 14 dodge)
Saving throws: +18 (4 sacred, 14 morale)
[13:15] <Nephrite> roll 10d10
[13:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d10=10,1,4,3,5,8,5,7,1,4]
Moore: 138 Temp HP
Jetina: 118 Temp HP
Sylvie: 138 Temp HP
Also they all get fast healing 11 and DR 11/- for the next 10 minutes.
+Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Mind Blank (CL17) and Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27).
Where there are you exactly aiming, Moore?
[spoiler]
In total:
Attack: +35
Weapon damage: +24
AC: +18 (4 sacred, 14 dodge)
Saving throws: +18 (4 sacred, 14 morale)
[13:15] <Nephrite> roll 10d10
[13:15] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d10=10,1,4,3,5,8,5,7,1,4]
Moore: 138 Temp HP
Jetina: 118 Temp HP
Sylvie: 138 Temp HP
Also they all get fast healing 11 and DR 11/- for the next 10 minutes.
+Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Mind Blank (CL17) and Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27).
Jetina
HP: 600/600 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Sylvie
HP: 776/776
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Inspiration 26/26 (enc) Opportunistic Piety 17/17 Mimic Class Feature 8/8
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Bibliotheca Arcana (CL35), Lore of the Gods (CL35), Superior Mighty Wallop (CL35), Sylvie's Mental Peak (CL35)
Notes:
I guess whatever the entrance is, we can work from there.
Huh.
You're in a giant glass jar. The three of you are, everything outside of it pitch black. It's big enough for all three of you with a bit of space to space.
"A teleportation redirection," Sylvie slowly cracks her knuckles.
Moore lets out a breath.
"I wonder if we're part of the exhibit." He says.
Take 10 on Spellcraft for 113, using Detect Magic. Anything spooky going on here, or are we just in a giant glass jar?
Or are we actually tiny in a tiny glass jar?
The jar is enchanted to be hard to break - adamantine hard. It's also far tougher than ordinary glass and will require much more force, as well as being immune to sonic and acid.
"Ladies and gentlemen," A cultured voice declares from outside, one you know. Renbuu's voice, "Now THIS IS ART! Behold my latest creation, intruders under glass!"
This is no way to treat the students of THE GREATEST OF ALL PRISMATIC DRAGONS, BALERUK, Renbuu. I really don't want to break your jar.
Is that to Renbuu alone?
No, apologies, it was intended for everyone in the immediate vicinity.
Gasps and croaks are heard from the darkness - curtains you see, as the rustle.
We really don't want to.
"The ART IS ALIVE!" Renbuu declares, as...
Give me Diplor or Intimidate, your choice of which. With slaad it's relative anyway.
Take 10 for 134 on Diplomacy.
The curtain does not open as the glass jar smoothly rises up, freeing the three of you.
Jetina sighs in soft relief while Sylvie merely looks about.
We've come in search of someone named CRIMSON who we believe is in this gallery. He may be a literal part of the gallery at this point. Do you know of them?
Moore will try and move the curtain out of the way so they can get a better view of what's going on with his divine will!
If it feels like it's something that Renbuu is going to oppose Moore isn't going to try and anger him, so if the curtain doesn't move he will stop trying.
The curtain does not move and Moore doesn't push it. Instead Renbuu is heard, "Now...Food is ART!" he declares, as you hear the sounds of devouring, of eating, of consuming.
Before you a door appears from nothing, as if inviting you.
"It's rude to not accept the hospitality of your hosts, I suppose." Moore says.
Moore will open the door and go through.
Thus all of you go out. Ahead is another glass jar in a large viewing room. Fields of semi visible force surround it, like layered walls of force. Within the jar is roiling, boiling red light, a deep shade of crimson.
"Well, that's interesting." Moore says. "Are you CRIMSON? Can you understand me?"
He knows he probably won't get much of a response, but...
118 for K:P or any other relevant knowledge checks here... what in the world is this, some sort of spirit?
> roll 1d20+127 Sylvie K check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 146 > [d20=19]
It seems to be raw energies that stay together instead of dissolve apart. Energies of battle, energies of war - inherently chaotic energies, you believe. There's some others in there you'd suspect, but you'd need to study it a bit more - but you suspect one of them is a magical item, all told.
It speaks in madness and yet you can understand.
"Hungry eat CRIMSON?"
"A mass of energies that defy the normal tendencies for energies to fade and break apart, especially energies that have no reason to be combined," Sylvie remarks. "Pretty sure our gear's energy is mixed up in it, somewhere."
"Which means we probably kill it if we remove them." Moore says. "I think I know what caused this -- there was an elemental that the efreet unleashed on Ysgard -- had some sort of... I don't know what it was, it was a crystal ball that basically was a bag of holding, except... not quite. Anyway... it might be that this is something similar, or... somehow related." Moore says. "It's... speaking, but I don't know how."
He takes a step forward. "No eat. Help. Hope."
Jetina looks on, utterly lost. "Can...can I heal it?"
Sylvie nods along, "Probably unrelated would be my guess, but maybe some of the same ideas. Coincidences happen." She's quiet a few more moments, "You're right, let's see if Renbuu can be persuaded to let it go."
The CRIMSON is silent before...
Diplo, -40 circumstance.
Take 10 for 94.
"CRIMSON hungry trust." Is the answer, after a pause.
"Might be a slaad the way it talks," Sylvie says thoughtfully, "Tell us, what do you want to eat?"
"...It talks?" Jetina asks faintly.
"It seems like we can only understand it because of our nature." Moore says to Jetina. "It seems to speak in some sort of madness, but It isn't a slaad, my spell confirmed that when I asked about it." He adds.
Renbuu, what can we offer for this piece of art?
d100.
[17:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[17:21] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 > [d100=7]
How fitting.
A note drifts down from above onto your head.
Sylvie snatches it and reads, "Good calligraphy," Sylvie notes, "Really good. I should do calligraphy again sometime. Anyway, it says, ahem, 'You may take him, jar and all, for the entertainment provided has been a smashing success.'"
"Thank you for the hospitality, Lord of Colors. I hope we can meet again." Moore says.
With that in mind, Moore will take the jar return back to Hope's Landing to get this mystery figured out!
Assuming he has infinite time to do this, he will continue to do Spellcraft and K:A checks (113 and 118 respectively) to see if he can figure out what magic items are all tangled up in this mess. If he needs something stronger than detect magic he can use alter reality for Arcane Sight or something.
Where in Hope's Landing do you plan to put CRIMSON?
We will return to some sort of nondescript empty room with windows that's in the main building.
As you get CRIMSON settled in, Sylvie looks up, "I figured out what it wants to eat - magic items. I suspect it wants more magical energy within it."
"Do you think if we just give it magic that might suffice?" Moore asks. "It also sounds like that complicates the matter of us retrieving what I'm looking for."
"A lot," Sylvie says, "No, it needs magic items." At this Sylvie stretches, "I can feel the inspiration for them bubbling up deep inside of me. I'm going to go try my hand at forging a few."
"Well, maybe if we help... uh... finish it it can give what we're looking for back?" Moore reasons. "If not, then we'll just figure something else out. Still, though... I wonder, is this like a living spell, just... more? Let me know if I can help at all."
"You should be able to do the same, you're divine now," Sylvie points out, "Come and try it yourself."
"This feels like cheating." Moore says, but he flies over and decides to see what he can manage!
I think an evil outsider bane dagger should fall within the parameters that he can create?
This requires a bit of talk with you about a few things, we'll cover it tonight OOC. I'll pause you here pending that since it will influence things.
Roger that, just posting so there's a reply here.
What would the price on such a dagger be, Moore?
If I'm doing my mental math correctly, that's +1, so I think 2000 plus the cost of the dagger which 300? So I think 2300?
That's easy enough for Moore to make, as Sylvie returns with an armload of books. "Here," she says, "Very minor, but anything about knowledge and learning's easy for me to make now."
"That makes sense." Moore says. "Do you think we need to let it out of the jar first? I'm guessing yes."
Actually no, my brain isn't awake yet. You have to make a weapon +1 before you can add special properties, so you'd be looking at a minimum of 8k.
Oh, I see. Sorry. In that case he will just make a wand of Cure Light Wounds. Pretty sure that's just 375? Wand x level of spell x caster? He can go bigger if needed.
"Maybe, but how about we teleport one into the jar and see first?" Sylvie says, "At least until we know what happens or we know it won't attack us."
"Sure." Moore says. He does that with the wand!
The wand is put in the cage. When CRIMSON touches it - and it does fast - the wand dissolves into energy which joins CRIMSON.
Moore hmmms.
"So the magic energy is still there. It's almost like it's been turned into a living spell. I wonder if what energies are put in influence it at all? Like if I made a wand of Calm Emotions, for example... I doubt it, but this is... a very unique situation." Moore says.
Sylvie teleports a book in and then another, both of which do the same thing as your wand.
"Let's try talking to it now?" she suggests, "If we're feeding it, it may be more friendly."
"CRIMSON, can you tell us where you came from?" Moore asks.
"CRIMSON cold place." Is the answer. "Heart frozen."
"Auril, I wonder...?" Moore says. "Sounds like Fury's heart to me."
He nods. "Do you know how you got to Ysgard? Fight place?"
"Or the 5th or 8th layers of Hell," Sylvie says, "Or Cryonax on Ice."
"CRIMSON fight long."
Moore taps his chin.
"CRIMSON magic items eat. CRIMSON magic exist. CRIMSON give magic?" Moore asks. Hopefully it makes sense. "We feed CRIMSON more magic, help CRIMSON."
"CRIMSON agree. More magic," No argument, simple agreement.
Moore shrugs at Sylvie and will create some more wands to feed it!
I think he can get away with 2nd level Cleric spell wands, which are 2250 a pop instead. He's going to aim for "good aligned" spells specifically... so, Aid, but it isn't good specifically. But making a 3rd level wand is too much, so he will just go with things like Aid and Cure Moderate to keep the "positive energy" theme.
You feed CRIMSON several more as Sylvie watches.
"That's enough of those. It now needs more powerful magic items than that," Sylvie says, "It's like trying to get by through eating only lettuce."
"Hmm. I'm limited in the strength of things I can create. Ideas?" Moore asks.
"I'd suggest something big - big as we can reasonably afford or give away. Got anything lying around you can part with?" Sylvie considers, then with a wince, "This'll be expensive, but I don't see any other way.
Moore fishes a small cube out of his pocket.
"This should work. We don't need it anymore since we have our Blessing Stone." Moore says.
It's his 1/day Mind Blank item.
Writeup and value of it?
Moore's Mindblank Marvelcube - 1/day casts Mind Blank, CL15
24000
"It's a step up," Sylvie agrees, "Go ahead."
Moore sends it on in!
The cube dissolves into CRIMSON, as expected.
Sylvie examines it, "Something bigger. Much bigger," she says at last.
"How much bigger?" Moore asks as he produces his Sending Stone. "This one is weaker magic but can be used an unlimited amount of times." Moore says.
I'll find the write up but it's 60000 gold, unlimited uses of Sending with no word limit. He's just trying to figure out if it needs to be way better than that.
"Bigger," Sylvie says, "Keep going."
"What, are we talking like something priceless?" Moore asks. "An artifact?"
He digs around and produces a white ioun stone.
White Sphere Ioun Stone: 144000 gold.
1/day Mass Heal, CL 20.
"That's better," Sylvie says, "Not priceless, just strong."
"Hm..." Moore rubs his chin for a moment. "Hey, what about that sword...? Hm, no, I think that's a gift from you, so I wouldn't want to use that. Well, I don't need this, and it's going to a good cause, so..."
He offers over the ioun stone!
The ioun stone dissolves and flows in. CRIMSON rattles about, like chains jangling together.
"CRIMSON full happy." Is the answer you get.
"Wonderful!" Moore says as he digs out something out of his pocket -- Syllen's ring. "CRIMSON know this magic? Can give back magic item?"
He might as well find out if it even works like that...
Give me Diplo, +13 bonus.
Take 10 for 147.
A gurgle. A blurble.
"Let CRIMSON out."
"Oh! I'm sorry, I honestly forgot..." Moore says as he goes to see if there's a way to just open the jar or not.
You could lift it up with a bit of your will, you believe, or get more exotic.
Moore will do just that!
Lift it up!
CRIMSON flees the jar and floats around. He doesn't touch either of you and instead surrounds you, spinning again and again. Ack! A trail of green energy surrounds you, twisting around you again and again and again.
Moore doesn't do anything, but will analyze whatever is going on!
113 on Spellcraft, 118 on K:A
Ah! It's what you wanted in pure, magical energy form. All it needs is aa nudge to shape it and stabilize it.
Meanwhile, Sylvie eyes it, "Shape it, Moore and...I think I want to get to know you, CRIMSON," she smiles, "Did you just manage to keep its magic intact while allowing its form to be easily remade with will? Oh, someone was up to something when they made you."
Hm, what was Syllen's gear originally? He actually has no idea... but... if he can make it anything, then...
He focuses his will to turn it into a shield!
"CRIMSON, if you want to stay here, you are welcome. CRIMSON friend, CRIMSON home." He says.
With a clunk a shield appears before you, hewn of solid steel. It looks heavy.
Diplo.
Syllen's Shield
This shield is a heavy steel shield+5. When worn with Syllen's Bracers and Ring, the enchantment bonus of the shield rises by 1 and Syllen's Switch may be used twice per day. Additionally, the wearer gains resistance 20 to all five elements.
Take 10 for 134.
Moore will lean down to pick up the shield. He'll have to animate it like the other one he has, but that's easily enough done.
Hopefully one of the other pieces isn't already a shield, but... well, he'll cross that bridge when he gets there.
"Feed CRIMSON," is the answer.
"We will make sure you're fed." Moore promises.
Okay then, where and what exactly are you going to do with him?
Sylvie seems to have some plans, so Moore will defer to her, but the hope will be to let it meet other people and maybe start giving it regular things to eat, maybe we can find a way to just feed it magic instead of items.
As for what to do with it specifically? Let's see if we can learn if someone tried to create a living spell and failed. Or succeeded? We'll have to see.
Sylvie will take care of CRIMSON for the moment. In the meantime as she hashes that out, what's your next move?
I assume we can offscreen do this, but Moore would like to set up the following:
Work with the Silverbrow Consortium to get a message to Baazel that a party is interested in trading for his piece of Syllen's gear. Assuming they are willing to help with that - if they don't want to deal with devils then he can approach someone else.
Moore would like Melia to see what she can do to spy on Nasir or get information about his operations. This may or may not lead to him capturing Nasir at some point, we shall see.
After those things are tackled, Moore is going to take a trip to Arcadia to visit Rivensdale Farm.
So you want to use Silverbrow as a discreet intermediary? Do you want your name attached to this at all?
Yes, that is exactly correct. To your second question, no, and Moore will do whatever he can to shield the pieces he has from divination if at all possible, presuming that someone hasn't already divined that some of them are with him.
Okay, go ahead and lay out your anti scrying measures.
Assumedly I can divine will some sort of nondetection (per the spell) on them. Could I use Anathemic Knowledge (again, the spell) on their location?
Paste the text of the spell for me?
This spell wraps an idea in the anathema of knowledge, which makes it impossible for creatures to remember or knowledge of it to be recorded. Any creature who sees, learns of or otherwise comes in contact with the idea loses all memory of it in one week's time. Attempts to record this knowledge likewise fail. The written word will erase itself, magical recordings will vanish as if they never were and so forth. In essence, the idea naturally returns to a state of being unknown.
There are several rules that govern anathemic knowledge. First and foremost, any creature aware of anathemic knowledge before it becomes anathemic knowledge does not forget it. They are immune to this instance of anathemic knowledge, but not other instances. Any idea known by more than 100 creatures cannot be affected by this spell. Any sort of idea that could be considered primal to Creation - such as air, the sun or death - cannot be made anathemic knowledge. Deities are immune to this spell's effects. The caster is immune to their casting of anathemic knowledge.
No mortal means can counter or stop anathemic knowledge, not even a wish or a miracle. Anathemic knowledge cannot be dispelled by dispel magic or similar spells. Dead magic areas and areas affected by antimagic field prevent anathemic knowledge from being forgotten or erased as long as it stays within it, but the knowledge is forgotten or erased once it leaves such areas. There are epic spells that can counter and undo this spell.
This is not an exhaustive listing of all quantities and types of anathemic knowledge. Further spells exist as well as other methods, as well as ways to overcome anathemic knowledge.
While this spell is not anathemic knowledge itself, it is rarely known and rarely spread.
I suppose it wouldn't do anything to prevent people who already know Moore is the one who has the pieces from knowing, so maybe he should see if he can find out if anyone DOES know he has them, if he wants to keep it secret.
Yeah, sure.
Let's Wish a stronger Divination (the spell) then:
'Does Baazel know I hold most of Syllen's pieces?'
If that doesn't come back with anything useful then he can wait until tomorrow to use his stronger stuff if needed.
CL check.
[11:57] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+35+1
[11:57] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=11]
Oh good, you remembered to add your divine rank to the CL check.
"Yes."
Well, there goes the idea of subtlety, then. He may as well approach the matter honestly.
Change of plans, instead of Silverbrow let's get some intermediary from Celestia to do it. They're probably more experts in this sort of thing anyway.
There are contacts between Celestia and Baator at least. That'll take a bit of time to work through the limited system they have for the times they need to have official communications, so ask for this after the next adventure. In the meantime, next move? For organization purposes I'll note you mentioned bringing things up to Alicia and Seira, if you want to coordinate that.
Sure, let's get that done first. I can just send them both a message.
Sure, go ahead and drop them sendings in their topics.
I'm definitely down for it. When and where?
Moore nods. With all of that done, it's time to head to Arcadia to find this farm and see what he can learn!
Got it, keep in touch!
Okay, who is going with you and any prep?
Sylvie can stay with CRIMSON, let's bring Kaja and Jetina since they got left out last time. Just hit up the Blessing Stone and then we're off to Rivensdale Farm.
As you go to the stone, "I still can't believe it," Kaja says quietly, "Cresiel and now Sylvie? It's like a social disease going around!"
Jetina actually smiles at that, "All the more reason to be careful. There's more reason now than ever for people to be after us, and the desperate often ignore wisdom."
"Sylvie's a bit of a special case." Moore says. "But I do want you both to consider your own natures as we go forward. It is very likely we'll use the next seed we find to empower both of you."
As the stone is touched, Kaja doesn't reply while Jetina says, "I still have little draw to do so, but...things are as they are," she says vaguely, carefully. "Never mind. Let's go, we have a farm to visit. What's this about exactly?"
"There's time enough to give it consideration." Moore says with a smile to both of them. "If you need guidance, I'm here -- as well as the rest of the Mountain."
As he's about to take them there, "We're going to meet someone who knows the most about Arcadia. I'd like to see if he has any idea about what we seek and where it might be hidden."
Thus you go.
It is a farm.
A farm of many and vast fields, from corn to berry bushes to orchards to wheat to carrots. So much is here, men and women working in good order. It looks like harvest time, but the air is still warm and fair. It stretches out in all directions, but in the center is a massive collection of barns, all that connect to a huge, four story farmhouse. Many of the workers here sing together, festive harvest songs. You can hear them all as you are now - sung in a dozen languages and more, many people together. It is not only humans, but many demihumans and others yet. Even a few goblins and orcs are here, joining in.
When great wheelbarrows are full of harvest they are taken to the barns and the house, often towards what looks to be a kitchen - for a dozen chimneys letting out trails of smoke from them come from above it.
There are also great fields of various animals - cows and sheep, goats, pigs and chickens and other animals you don't know offhand - some similar, such as what you believe are yaks to stranger ones yet alien to you. You can see dozens of milkmaids at work amid the cows and goats, and in one open barn nearby you can see great wheels of cheese that hang from ropes from the ceiling.
It also smells like a farm, very strongly so. Whew! It's bright and sunny here, warm and entirely pleasant, like a perfect day in summer when it's warm but not unpleasantly hot.
Moore will start forward to see what he can do to find Amolen!
Take 10 on Diplomacy for GI for 130 to do some askin' aroun.
You hardly have to try. You go towards one before it appears nearby. An unremarkable half elf, perhaps in the first touches of middle age. He wears a plain set of peasant clothes, if well made. His brown hair shows hints of thinning and gray, starting to retreat to age's advance. "Ahem." he says, "Why don't I take you inside, guests?" he offers. "I reckon all you all have business with me and the farm."
"I'm sorry for the intrusion." Moore says. "Please, lead on."
The half elf whistles off tune as he leads you in a side door. It opens to a small storage room. It's not much, but amid it are a few chairs. "It's not much for someone of your stature," he offers, "But you didn't come down in light'n'glory, so I figure all of you all are keeping it quiet-like." He takes a chair and sits, "I reckon I'm the one you're looking for, the way I hear it. So what is it you need to know about Arcadia, divinity? There ain't much call for a newly risen sort - and haven't never seen or heard of you or yours, so you're as new as a snowflake in Avernus."
Jetina takes an offered seat. "Thank you, sir." She sits, "It's apparent you see more than you would let on."
"Shucks, you spend enough time listening and being around them, you know how to pick up the feeling of the divine," The half elf says, "Had a long time to get it right, though." He smiles just a little bit, "Heard of you, Kaja. Mighty fine that you beat whatever knocked you out of action for so long. That's no small time for a mortal, half dragon or not. Reminds me of Barrym Drakescale - real inventive naming I reckon, but I think I heard his entire world was like that with half dragons. Anyway, you'd have gotten along great with him, and he got put on ice for a long time, literally. Bad fight with some of Mephisto's stoics, took a bit of a spell for him to get freed."
Moore smiles and nods along with the story as he takes a seat himself.
"I do admit some surprise that no one here's at least heard of Hope's Landing, I had hoped that news of it would've spread at some point... ah well." A laugh and a shrug as he continues on,"It's a bit complicated, but it's my understanding you know the most about Arcadia, so I am hopeful that you can help with something we need to do." Moore explains. "We need to find something that's outside of Arcadia's limits... but is still here, if that makes sense? It's a bit of a riddle - we've been told that we need to break out of the limits of Arcadia to find what we're looking for."
"No wonder you had to find me," The half elf agrees, "That's a tangled web of a question!"
Kaja listens along to it and doesn't interrupt, but Jetina adds, "You know enough to help us?"
"I do, and it's mighty foolish to ignore a deity who shows up to ask." He agrees, "How'd you even find me?"
Moore laughs quietly at that. "You're being so honest with us, it's only right I return the hospitality. I have a rather unique and powerful divination I use when I need to ask questions - I simply asked 'who knows the most about Arcadia' and it said you."
"It might just be right," The half elf agrees, drumming his fingers on his knee. Thump, thump, thump, thump. "Been here a long time you understand. You pick up little things, and not so little things when you put enough little things together. Put enough not so little things together and you might just journey upwards to the truth. I do declare that I did, eventually."
"Then why are you a farmer?" Kaja speaks up, plainly.
"Hard work's a good thing, so it's a good reward at the end of your day's labors," Is the answer, "Don't got no patience to sit around being happy all the time, but also don't got the fierce fightin' bug a lot of celestials get. Got the finest farm in Arcadia if you ask me, with food from everything from jungles to snowlands. Prefer cocoa and chocolate myself. A fine bean it is, a fine bean. Fine as can be. Now you ever raised sugar cane? Easy crop as long as you stay on it, but cross breed it with cocoa and it's a whole new thing. Secret is that you have to mix in sugar and other things when you make chocolate along with the bean, though some types have it as is - bitter. I reckon you can do that, but most types like sweet over bitter. So you cross breed them with a bit of magic and work out the flaws in the new crop. Takes you about a generation or so as humans count 'em, but you get a real fine bean that way. You have to add less and the sugar's purer, better. See, like that it's a little thing that you combine with another little thing, and it gives us a not so little thing: Some of the best results you can imagine."
"There's a sweet shop in Balmuria that probably uses a lot of the techniques you developed here." Moore says with a smile. "I may have to see what I can do to adopt some of your more adventurous ideas for Hope's Landing, I think. I can see why you stay here -- your passion and drive, which most have for things like fighting and glory, is focused here in farming. Chauntea must absolutely adore you."
Chauntea. No U at the end.
"Well, I know the people here like me. It's always a fine meal," The half elf chuckles. "Now the thing is, Arcadia's a lot testier than even the stubbornest crop - fey blood fruit, by the way, wretched thing to get to grow even with fey helping. Should by all rights be extinct but my pride as a farmer refuses to let it go. Makes the best preserves you'll find this side of magic, though, if you can get the crop to grow right. Flat impossible to cross breed or change too, the entire thing falls apart if you change it. Came from just one little Prime world is how I hear it, got my hands on some seeds and gave it a go. Takes ten years to grow a crop and even a single day that goes wrong ruins the entire yield. Who makes a fruit like that? Fools, that's who, fool of a fey or whomever made it. Taxes the soul fierce too, have to let a field lie fallow 'bout a mile around it and got to drown it in fertilizer just so. Can you believe that?"
"I..." Kaja says slowly. "I'd believe it. I've heard of golden apples that restore youth."
"Oh, that one. That's something special. Love to get my hands on it, but I hear a certain cat is possessive about that tree, 'specially after the last guardian made good."
I admit, I don't know where that one came from...
"Huh, I've never heard about that sort of fruit before. I'll have to come back to hear more about it." Moore chuckles. "As for the apples, I'm sure she'd let you have one if you were just honest with her about it. She seems like that type."
He gestures around at the room they're in. "Do you mean to say that Arcadia itself seems to have... a will, something like that?"
A nod, a slight one. "Alive as you or I am. Doesn't think the same, doesn't feel the same. Not really." A click of a tongue, "Isn't really any good way to describe it. Different is honest without helping. Can't really talk to them unless they want to talk to you. Pretty sure at least all the Outer Planes are like that. Maybe all of them."
"That makes sense. They're closely tied to divine realms, but aren't exactly the same." Moore says. "So, then, with that in mind... are you saying that Arcadia itself has to allow someone to go outside of its limits?"
"Yeah," Is the answer, "Getting there, but yeah."
Moore nods. "That makes sense. Please, continue, this is really quite fascinating to hear."
"It's..." A pause, "Unless you manage to wound the plane itself somehow, I think it'll only talk to someone who matches it exceedingly well. Has to mean something to it, I think. Reckon not anyone can do it, and not even one a billion of the souls who live here for eternity would have a shot. Takes something reaaaal special to get through that. Might be easier for you since you're all divine, not entirely sure how that'll help. Bet it'll at least notice you more."
"I actually have some experience in the matter." Moore says with a bright smile. "I have a bit of a special... relationship, I suppose, with a place called Lifasa. So I may actually be equipped to do this better than some people. Is there any particular place that you think you've 'felt' it more than any other?"
"One place is as good as another," Is the answer, "Choose where ever you like."
Moore nods. "Easy enough, then. I thank you very much for your hospitality. If you're ever in need of anything, please feel free to stop by Hope's Landing. If I come across any exceedingly exotic seeds in my travels, I'll bring them here."
"Now wait just a minute!" The half elf declares, "You all stay right, please and thank you. I'll be right back." The half elf takes the door deeper in, closing it behind him.
"No one would ever find someone like that, who would search a random farm?" Jetina marvels, "No, magic or being told is surely the only way."
Moore smiles and nods as Amolen leaves, before he turns to Jetina. "You're right. You pretty much have to know he knows already. But such is the nature of the sort of business we have -- that magic and divine will can help us find what we seek."
He comes back - with a large wicker basket, full of cloth wrapped packages, at least a few dozen stuffed in. "Now all of you all are going to eat good," he says, passing Kaja the basket. "You hear me? Good, hard work went into all of this."
"It wouldn't do to turn down your hospitality." Moore says with a smile. "I hope that we can be good neighbors in the future."
"You come back around, you hear?" Is the answer as you all go.
AS you walk out, Jetina snatches a package and opens it. "Sausages, cured meats." She picks up a bit of what looks like aged ham and has a bite. "..." Another bite before, "He's right, he does do good work." She munches away happily as Kaja adds, "Back home now, or do you think you can do this?"
"I think, considering the gift we have right now, it should actually make it easier." Moore says. "Let's see..."
He's going to teleport them in some random direction where there's not people all around. If he needs to do it multiple times he can do that.
It's not too hard to find some tiny woods barren of other souls, at least anywhere nearby.
Moore clears his throat. Would the Words be better here, or...?
Well, he'll try it himself, first. He ensures that only his friends here as well as the realm itself can hear him.
Arcadia, hello. I speak directly to you, knowing that you can hear me. I have come to seek something that was hidden here, perhaps when you were still young. I seek what was hidden beyond your limits.
There is no reply.
He doesn't really expect to hear one anyway, but he keeps talking, regardless.
Actually, he never heard Lifasa except for when it was in rather dire peril, after that it was simply a feeling... so he'll probably know when it's responding.
I need to go beyond your limits to find what the Incarnation of Balance hid here. Will you let me do so?
Still no sign of a response.
Maybe it does require someone like Cresiel to do it...?
Well, it's worth a shot to try something...
"Arcadia. I ask that you allow us to pass."
To be clear, he's effectively just trying to use the Words of Creation to try and communicate directly with Arcadia through force of will.
Charisma, that's a thing.
[21:13] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+52 Charisma
[21:13] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=5]
Again, no sign of a reply.
Maybe even Arcadia doesn't know how to do it...? No, even if an Incarnation hid something there, there's no way...
He could certainly just open a portal to Beyond here, but is that "beyond the limits" of Arcadia?
Cresiel, are you busy? I have something that I think you may better apt to do than myself.
I will come as called. Where are you?
We're on Arcadia. I'll open a Gate for you.
Moore does that very thing!
As Jetina and Kaja snack, watching this, Cresiel steps through. "Yes?" he asks once he's through. "What matters are at stake here?"
"I'm trying to find the solution to breaking out of the 'limits of Arcadia.' I have it on good authority that it's something Arcadia itself has knowledge of." Moore says. He gestures around. "I've been trying to communicate with it, but so far, nothing. I think it's listening, though. I was thinking, as you're a bit more aligned with the plane than I am, you may have more luck."
"Very well," Cresiel agrees. "What is it that you want me to say?"
"I think it most prudent to be honest." Moore says. "Perhaps just say we seek to go beyond its limits? You can also say we're here for what the Incarnation of Balance left? It may not be able to respond on that subject, but it has to know what we're looking for."
A nod before Cresiel declares, "Arcadia, we seek to go beyond your limits and find what was hidden there. Please aid us."
There's a long pause before, "I think Moore was using his divine speak for it," Jetina suggests, staying back.
"Very well," Cresiel agrees.
Arcadia, we seek to go beyond your limits and find what was hidden there. Please aid us.
"I tried the Words as well, and didn't see any obvious signs it was listening." Moore says. "But, when it came to Lifasa, I always... mm, it never communicated directly, but I always had a sense it could hear me, if that makes sense."
"Well, start there," Jetina suggests as she munches away. "What did you do to make Lifasa support and listen to you?"
"Well, I saved it..." Moore says. "So I don't think that's quite going to work here."
"Not something we can reproduce," Jetina considers, "So we can't do that."
Moore nods. "I wonder if we need a native...? Honestly, I think it can hear us. I think we just need to convince it somehow that we're worthy."
"That's the question: Now what, then? Perhaps consult with one of the House of the Triad?" Cresiel suggests. "They have great influence in Arcadia - of course you'd have to be properly circumspect."
"Much like the Arch Angels of Elysium, I have my doubts that something like that was hidden here without them knowing..." Moore says. "But, I think if we simply say we're on a..."
He turns and looks randomly out into the forest.
Moore kneels down and touches the ground.
"Peace, Arcadia. We are here at the behest of the light of Chronias. We seek what is hidden beyond your borders to help save not only you, but all of Creation. Please, I know we aren't natives, but I implore you, open the way."
He's trying to evoke some of what Zaphkiel does here,
[22:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+52 Charisma
[22:48] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=13]
Perception check.
Take 10 for 96.
You...
It's not a connection, not like Lifasa. But you have a faint sensation of feeling...something? Maybe?
At least he has its attention... or whatever it's called.
"We seek what lies beyond your limits. We seek the Guardian. I know how to go beyond the limits of Creation, but that isn't where we need to go. I need your help to go there, so I ask humbly that you give us your aid."
The Words are easier for him now, and good thing, too, considering what he's probably invoking.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 6 + 52, total 58[/blockquote] Charisma
There's no reply, at least as you can sense it.
"I am going to open the way to a place I know that I think is close. I ask that you help put it where it needs to be."
He takes a breath in and out and tries to Will a portal, but not necessarily open it. He is simply trying to pull a bit on Arcadia for strength in order to open a portal, much like he would if he were creating one to the place between Creation and Beyond.
Doing two checks, in case it requires a second for the portal.
Charisma
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 19 + 52, total 71[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 18 + 52, total 70[/blockquote]
If it isn't clear what he's trying, he's basically trying to Will a portal into existence with Arcadia's help to where they need to go.
Con check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 1 + 28, total 29[/blockquote]
On the upside, it's not really pain nor does he pass out. Moore is more than he was before, and knows every moment from where he's staggered back. It's still highly unpleasant, like trying to swallow a lightning bolt.
Moore takes in a breath and tries again.
"Show me the way, Arcadia. Please."
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 4 + 52, total 56[/blockquote] Cha
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+28 : 18 + 28, total 46[/blockquote] Con
Hm?
There's two words on the ground beneath you, as if carved in by a large finger.
'Labalyn's Memorial.'
Moore sends his thanks with a pulse of his divine will to the plane itself.
Take 10 on KP for 118 or K:L Arcadia for 100 if that's better. Do I have any idea what Labalyn's Memorial is? I assume it's in Arcadia...
You recall a faint, obscure bit of lore. On the first portals to Buxenus, the second layer of Arcadia, it's said that the portals are inscribed with certain names. Labalyn may be one of those, you recall.
Assuming nothing is going to stop them from going there, Moore will teleport them there.
"Wait," Jetina speaks up, "What happened?"
Kaja looks over, "Did you succeed?"
"Of course!" Moore says. "We're going somewhere I think has the answer. Hang on!"
To one of those portals?
Wherever these portals inscribed with names are.
Where ever they are, something's interfering. Then, ancient first portals are usually powerful stuff.
If this was Celestia or Hope's Landing you'd go right through anything like that, but Arcadia is a separate plane.
Moore nods. He figured as much. In that case, he'll have to get some divine assistance, since he probably can't get there without their help.
Is there any deity that oversees Arcadia any more than anyone in particular?
House of the Triad has the most influence here: Helm, Tyr and Ilmater.
Okay.
Ilmater, hello. This is Moore of Celestia. May I please come and speak with you?
There is no verbal reply, but a simple sense of acceptance and welcoming instead.
Moore will take them to wherever it is that Ilmater deems is appropriate to send them!
It is a dusty road, windswept and empty. Yet on Ilmater walks, stumbling along. His hands are gnarled, his back broken as he stumbles along. He walks hunched over, arms dangling. He is bald and wears naught but a simple loincloth, he on he walks. As he does burns blister his left leg while his arm snaps audibly.
"Moore," Ilmater greets, "Welcome."
"Lord Illmater." Moore greets him as he walks along. "Thank you again for all you did for me when I was cursed. I hope I can repay you for that at some point."
"Then help and aid those who are ill, Moore," Ilmater says, voice broken as his scalp is bashed open, his blood flowing down his face, even as his previous injuries heal before your eyes. "There is so much misery and suffering in Creation."
"I intend to bring hope to all who are in need." Moore says. "In order to do so... I need to go to Labalyn's Memorial."
A soft gasp from Ilmater as his chest is torn open, ribs shattered. Yet his head is healed as he walks on, before, "With Torm's fall, few have access to it," Ilmater agrees.
Yes, you skipped a possible information point or two.
"I can explain why I need to go there." Moore says with a smile. "But I trust the fact that I know of it may say all that needs said."
Ilmater nods his head, "There is another who can grant you access. Seek the old Hermit of the Crown Crypts," he says. "Find him and he will help you."
Moore nods. "It shall be done. Please, send any of yours in need of hope to me, I will see them returned to you."
Assuming nothing will stop him from going to the Crown Crypts, he will also do a K:P of 118 on them as he takes everyone there!
The Crown Crypts lie on the second layer of Arcadia. It's said that ancient kings settled on Arcadia and made crypts there. In reality that's a distorted old legend - they're named for a mortal king interred in a vast tomb, honored because he repelled a demon prince's plans. Through means that aren't clear, the tomb ended up on Arcadia.
Probably similar to what happened with Benfal.
Huh, he wonders how the people of Benfal are doing nowadays, anyway.
Either way, he intends to appear in front of the Crown Crypts with his entourage!
The Crown Crypts is but a single building. It sits in a perfect field, sunny, bright and pleasant. It's a simple square of bright white, painted and polished. A single door leads within, as if to invite you ahead.
Huh, well, if there's a hermit, then he'll probably be around here somewhere.
Moore goes to open the door!
The door does not open - locked. As if that's going to stop you. It's more of a question of how you open it.
Moore will just try knocking! If there's a hermit here, surely, he'd hear him?
You knock thrice.
The door slowly opens, revealing a path within.
Huh, yeah, three does make sense here, doesn't it?
Moore will proceed forward!
Marching order?
Moore, Kaja, Jetina, Cresiel.
You even get a Perception for 96!
Within lies a simple tomb, one room. Set into the wall are coffins, recessed spaces where they rest, along with weapons and armor besides them. All are intact and in fine condition, no sign of rust or wear. In the center of the room sits a great pile of gold and treasure - and atop that pile sits a coffin of solid platinum. Atop that coffin sits a crown, resplendent with blue gemstones.
"I admit, I was expecting the hermit to be here." Moore says. "...Or maybe he is...?"
He clears his throat. "Hello, we're here to speak to the Hermit of these crypts."
In your mind is heard, 'And who is calling?'
"My name is Moore." He says.
I am from Celestia, but have business here. I was advised you might be able to assist me in reaching Labalyn's Memorial.
'OH! A thousand apologies!'
"You have no need to apologize, peace." Moore says, holding a hand up as if he's speaking to someone who's right in front of him with a smile. "I'm the one intruding on you, after all. Actually, I am curious, do you know the truth about how this place came to be here?"
'I do! I thought you treasure seeking mortals or curious immortals,' Is the answer. 'I should have known a solar would not be prone to flights of fancy, even with a pixie.'
Moore can't help but laugh at that. "I do get that a lot, actually." He turns back to Cresiel and laughs again. "We make an odd pair, but it works out."
He turns back. "Could treasure seeking mortals even find this place?" He asks aloud. "Maybe I'm applying too many of Celestia's rules. Do you mind if I have a look at what's here, just to sate my own curiosity while you explain things?"
'There's an entire trial that leads to treasure. You're welcome to explore it, but it is dangerous,' The voice warns.
"Oh, that makes sense." Moore says. "Well, for right now, we're here for something else, so maybe another time." Moore says with a smile. "So, to make a long story slightly shorter, are you able to help us to get to Labalyn's Memorial?"
"I can give a trial for that," It is said, "Unless you wish to skip it, divine one?"
"It wouldn't do if we skipped everything." Moore says with a smile. "I've heard that loud and clear from some others, so please feel free to test us as you see fit."
A door appears on the back wall. "Then come through here," Is heard aloud.
"Eh?" Kaja looks about rapidly.
"Who was that?" Jetina seconds.
"I didn't catch their name, but they take care of this place." Moore says as he proceeds to the door to open it. "We're going to be tested to go where we need to go. It will be good practice for us, I think."
"Are we ready for battles?" Jetina asks, "The four of us should be more than enough, though."
"We're ready," Kaja agrees.
"It's not really a test if we just prepare before we go in." Moore says. "We can cast what we need to if we get into a fight."
A smile after that. "It makes things more interesting, either way."
"Or deadlier," Cresiel says, "But I fear little ahead."
Meanwhile, the door leads to stairs going straight down.
Moore chuckles and will proceed down!
You wind down the steps and reach the bottom. Here is a door leading further on, plain and sealed shut.
Moore will open this one as well!
Perhaps to your shock, it does not open.
Cresiel looks on questioningly, an unspoken query.
"I'd ask if they ever learn, but it is a suitable test for a treasure hoard, real or not," Jetina admits.
Moore chuckles. "Let me try something."
Alter reality for a super version of Knock.
The door pops right open.
Moore will proceed on!
Ahead is a hallway. 15ft head is a rotating wall of blades - rather like a blade barrier, except solid instead of magical. There's something beyond it - you can see it well with your deific vision. A hallway that ends in a door leading deeper in.
Is there a way through it, i.e. if we were dexterous enough?
Also, take 10 on Spellcraft for 113, what magic is all about this place?
Possibly with great, great skill in escape artist.
There's anti teleportation magic here - a teleportation beacon that'll siphon you somewhere if you teleport. Also it should block things like going ethereal.
"Hm." Moore says. "Well, we can just... destroy it...? Or stop time? We can't teleport through it. Any suggestions?"
"It's a typical rogue's trap," Jetina says at last, "Are any of us skilled enough to disarm it or go up and disarm it?"
Cresiel peers ahead, "Direct force should break the blades, no matter what they're made of, if we apply enough of it."
"Let me see." Moore says as he goes forward to see if he can figure it out!
Take 10 for 72 for Disable Device.
You're flying or walking?
Flying.
You fly over and...
Spells active?
Active Spells: Superior Resistance (CL 35), True Seeing (CL10), Bibliotecha Arcana (CL35), Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Mind Blank (CL17) and Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27).
You reach the trap and begin to work on it.
Give me a Dex check.
[22:30] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+46
[22:30] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+46 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{61}
You find that the trap has a section of wall that you remove, the inner workings of it there. Yet as you do, your nimble fingers are able to note that both sides of it are carefully crafted buttons - press them and something will happen. Fortunately, you avoid doing that and can continue to disarm it as you please.
Moore will keep at it!
Another take 10 for 72 on Disable Device. If he's not able to because of the time constraints, that's ok.
With a great deal of work, the whirling blades retract to the sides, into the walls. Unless something else turns them back on, it's safe to pass now.
"I haven't had to do that in a while." Moore says with a smile as he turns to proceed ahead. "That was fun."
Refresh me on what the marching order is, and are you waiting on them to catch up to go towards the door ahead?
Moore, Kaja, Jetina, Cresiel, and yes he will wait for them to cross safely.
Kaja walks ahead. When he comes within about 10ft of where the blades where? Suddenly the floor springs up and towards where the blades were, catapulting Kaja towards the now empty passage.
Unfortunately for him, the moment the floor springs up, the blades instantly spring back out, spinning away. "Fu-" is all Kaja gets out as...
> roll 1d20+29
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{41}
> roll 1d20+29
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{41}
> roll 20d10 sliced dragon
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 20d10 sliced dragon --> [ 20d10=110 ]{110}
Kaja is sent through it, scaled body sliced into like meat at the butcher. He lands in a bloodied, face down heap just behind Moore, groaning softly.
"Don't worry, I'm here," Jetina calls, "Once we stop the blades again."
"Well, now I'm a little angry." Moore says. He goes to see if he can turn off the device from this side!
"I'm a little bleeding," Kaja retorts with a grimace, "Nothing deadly, though, everything's still attached. Glad my skin's my armor."
Sure enough, you find another panel on this side, too.
Moore will see if there's any way to permanently disable it on this side!
Take 10 for 72 again.
You are able to disable it again, though you note it can still be triggered.
Is it triggered by stepping on the floor?
You don't see any sign of that on this side. On the other side...well, the answer's obvious and demonstrated.
"Okay, just fly over here. There must be a panel on the floor that turns it back on." He says as he watches the device itself in case it flips back on.
Done. The party flies over and Jetina promptly heals up Kaja. Cresiel glances back, "Devious and persistent," Cresiel says at last. "We had best be on our utmost guard."
"It would certainly have been a problem for lesser creatures." Moore says and proceeds on, while doing something to protect himself anyway.
Divine Shield on himself for 170 HP.
Unsurprisingly, this door is locked as well.
Another Knock will do it!
Alter reality for knock again.
"This seems designed for your typical rogue-ish type." Moore says as he goes to open the door now.
"The classic treasure seeker," Jetina agrees, "Which we are not."
The door pops open. A hallway that goes 20ft until six steps go up, a raised hall for about 15ft then you can see steps going down and a door beyond them.
Moore will proceed to check for magic and traps as he goes forward!
Take 10 on Spellcraft for 113 and Perception for 96.
Hm?
5ft from the stairs you notice something. The tiniest seam running along the floor, from wall to wall. As if this section of floor can move.
Moore rubs his forehead.
"I think we need to fly over this one too." He says as he points towards the floor. "I think this will flatten or collapse."
"Are you sure this isn't in Hell?" Kaja asks slowly.
Cresiel merely peers ahead. "I will go first, to ensure there are no aerial traps."
Moore gestures his agreement!
"I don't think our host has given a lot of trials for people at our skill level." Moore says with a chuckle.
A nod as Cresiel flies over and through. He doesn't touch the ground but calls, "It's safe to fly over."
Moore will follow suit!
"Remember your cloaks let you fly." He says as he goes to unlock the next door and proceed on!
Everyone flies safely over. The door's locked, but an inspection shows no keyhole. It looks to be tied to some mechanism that extends into the walls.
Wouldnt Knock still open that? The description seems to indicate it still opens doors like that.
A base knock would not. A more powerful one may be able to force it. It'll also depend on how big, precise, heavy and powerful this entire mechanism is.
Well Alter Reality lets me get up to 5, so let's try another stronger Knock.
No good. There's just not enough power behind it.
Moore will go to see where the panel is for this, then!
Perception for 96 and Disable Device for 72 once he finds it.
You search all around the door, but not to the stairs or the raised platform. No sign of any panels or ways to access through the walls, at least without magic.
"Ah, this one is tricky. Stay here, please." Moore says as he goes to walk back up the stairs to see if it triggers the trap in the floor.
"Moore, let me," Cresiel steps forward, "My purpose is to do such things so you don't."
"I think the panel for the trap is probably in the floor that I assume is going to open when we step on it." He explains. "Feel free to look for it, but I think you're worrying too much about me!"
Cresiel's brow furrows as he firmly says, "I will be the judge of that."
"I can fix almost anything," Jetina says, "I'm here if it goes wrong no matter which of you tries it."
Kaja just stays well back, giving glances to the door one moment and the raised hall the next.
"Well, by all means. I think the trigger is in the first steps where we came in." Moore says.
Cresiel nods and walks forward.
Once he reaches the raised hallway, a shift. The entire raised section rotates 90 degrees, floor now a wall blocking your return. You hear a loud but oddly soft thumping noise from within, as the door that would not open pops open.
Sand. Also razor crabs that can't hurt me.
A shudder from within.
The sand is being flash cooked into glass, which explodes. Also not enough to hurt me, at least not yet. I will escape presently. The crabs do not cease despite the hostile conditions.
Huh.
The door opened when the floor moved. So I guess it just needed to be triggered? My guess is there's a way out of there if you choose to look for it rather than make a hole in the wall... oh, something may change when we open this door, one moment.
Moore will open the door either way.
When you open it fully, the floor resumes it's normal position. Sand spills everywhere as glass shards litter about. Cresiel emerges from the piles of sand, crabs with razor sharp claws slicing at his legs in vain.
"Oh! Are you alright?" Jetina's there, words of magic ready, but Cresiel waves her aside.
"I'm adequate," he says, "The way ahead is open."
"I don't quite follow the theme." Moore says as they proceed!
"Oh, that's easy. The theme is death," Kaja snarks right back.
"You're starting to develop Cresiel's sense of humor." Moore says with a smile.
Cresiel merely follows along.
The next room is not a room, but a hall. It looks utterly normal for 30ft, then there's a 10ft chasm filled with a dull, clear, sizzling liquid. On the far side of it looks to be the passage - but is instead blocked by an invisible wall, seen by Moore's magic.
Moore gestures towards the wall to see if it can withstand a divine blast or not!
I am assuming it can't, but hey, let's see!
Damage.
[21:21] <Nephrite> roll 18d12
[21:21] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 18d12 --> [ 18d12=132 ]{132}
One shot cores right through the wall. It offers zero resistance - if anything it flickers like an illusion (but is not one to your eyes) as the beam drills a hole straight through. Beyond it is the other side of the hallway, another door beyond this.
"Interesting." Moore says as he proceeds forward. "Just keep going forward, there's a hole through the invisible wall now."
take 10 for 96 on Perception for any potential traps on the way!
As you reach the chasm, you glance up. You can see tiny seams, right above both edges of the chasm. From the looks of it, the ceiling's slotted to move.
"Oh, I see, this probably comes down to smash you into what's below." Moore says. "How traditional. Hm... aha."
Moore will gesture up at the ceiling!
Alter reality for three or four walls of force all covering where the ceiling is, as well as one or two over the chasm for safety.
Once done, he will fly over the chasm to see what happens!
Thus the party crosses. Oh, the ceiling slams down in vain. The boiling liquid below surges up as well.
You cross over all of it easily enough and reach the far door without incident. Kaja continues to look about, the grip on his scimitars tight.
"I think this one is just traps, unfortunately." Moore says with some apology. "But perhaps our host would be willing to accommodate us with a good fight before we're done?" Moore asks aloud at no one in particular. He tries to Knock the door open again to see if that works.
So it does. The door opens to another stairway going down.
Moore proceeds onward!
Spellcraft for 113 and Perception for 93 as he goes in case there's tom-foolery about!
Amazingly, it's a normal set of stairs. AS you walk down?
'I'd compliment you on surviving that if you were normal treasure seekers or even mere mortals.' The voice returns.
"I do apologize, I'm probably not being as sporting about this as I should be." Moore says as they go.
'Perish the thought, I'm not providing enough for you. The next floor will have what you desire.' Is the answer back.
"You're a very gracious host, thank you." Moore says.
A turn back to glance at Kaja, "Maybe this will be more up your alley? I guess we'll see."
"Good," Kaja says shortly as you step forward.
At the bottom of the stairs is a door, inviting you further in.
Moore guesses that it isn't locked and will go to open it!
If it is, well... Knock, then.
It's not locked. It opens up into a larger, vaulted room. Roughly circular, there's plenty of space here as you wander in. It's plain otherwise, no signs of coffins.
"At least there's space here," Jetina muses aloud as you step ahead. "Now what, Moore?"
Moore will fly in and look around. "I have a feeling it's going to start soon."
'Yes.'
From the ground pieces of armor emerge. They come together to form full plate armor. Within it is a semi visible image of a man, indistinct. It is about 40ft away from the party, coming together before your eyes.
"Is this something you'd like all of us to participate in?" Moore asks. "I want to be sure I'm playing the part of a good guest."
'Come at him, all of you,' The voice invites, as four more rise up, five of them forming in a loose bunching.
"I believe that's our invitation to begin, then." Moore says with a smile.
I assume it's Init time. Everyone gets +17.
[11:36] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45 Moore
[11:36] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+45 Moore --> [ 1d20=8 ]{53}
[11:37] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5+17 Jetina
[11:37] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5+17 Jetina --> [ 1d20=15 ]{37}
> roll 1d20+37 Cresiel
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+37 Cresiel --> [ 1d20=8 ]{45}
> roll 1d20+32 Kaja
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+32 Kaja --> [ 1d20=4 ]{36}
> roll 1d20+18
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{28}
Init is Moore (53) > Cresiel (45) Jetina (37) > Kaja (36) > Armored Spirits (28)
Shocker, Moore opens. Go.
"Go, everyone!" Moore calls out.
Casting Harmonize for himself, CL35, this lets him use a move action to start a bardic music.
Using a Swift to cast Inspirational Boost for +2 to Inspire Courage,
He's using his move action to Inspire Courage.
Courage +20 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +20 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
He is also going to switch his aura from Dexterity to SR piercing, any SR check gets +17 to the roll.
Moore's music spreads across the party as Cresiel rushes in, a blur as his blade slashes out.
> roll 1d20+58 (+20 Moore, +2 charge, -20 PA testing the waters)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+58 (+20 Moore, +2 charge, -20 PA testing the waters) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{69}
> roll 1d8+61+3d6 (healing omitted)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+61+3d6 (healing omitted) --> [ 1d8=5 3d6=7 ]{73}
Cresiel barrels into the first one, a sword slash cutting deep into the armored spirit. It doesn't put it down however as Cresiel brings Frozen Oath around for a second swing, while...
Jetina.
[spoiler]
He's using his move action to Inspire Courage.
Courage +20 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +20 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Cresiel
HP: 963/963 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 648/648
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 600/600 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Jetina calls to Raziel for aid as she bolsters the party with Celestial Valor!
Celestial Valor, CL35,
+8 sacred vs fear and emotion effects that would sap the will to fight, +4 sacred to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws, weapons count as holy
That is it for her turn.
> roll 1d20+52 (+4 celestial valor, +20 moore, +2 charge, -35 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+52 (+4 celestial valor, +20 moore, +2 charge, -35 PA) --> [ 1d20=8 ]{60}
Kaja joins Cresiel, swinging away - yet he misses narrowly, as the figures swarm, surrounding the two as they hack away in turn. It's a blur-fast battle, a song of blocks and parries, of blood and...
Vs Cresiel
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{65}
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???) --> [ 1d20=19 ]{79}
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{72}
Vs Kaja
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{71}
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{78}
> roll 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???) crit check vs Kaja
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+60 (+3 ???, +2 ???, +5 ???) crit check vs Kaja --> [ 1d20=5 ]{65}
Kaja is hit once.
> roll 3d8+23+5d8
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+23+5d8 --> [ 3d8=21 5d8=20 ]{64}
Kaja gets a bloody gash against his scaled shoulder, dodging away otherwise as...
Go.
[spoiler]
He's using his move action to Inspire Courage.
Courage +20 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +20 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Celestial Valor is in play.
Cresiel
HP: 963/963 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 584/648
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 600/600 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"Don't give up!" Moore calls out, bolstering his allies to withstand these blows!
Inspire Heroics, +14 morale bonus to saves and +14 dodge to AC for everyone.
Oh, I forgot, but everyone also gains the following benefits for future rounds: they gain fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-
While he bolsters his allies and himself, Moore gestures at the armors to send a blast of divine power in the shape of a spear hurtling towards them!
[13:02] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 ranged touch
[13:02] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
[13:03] <Nephrite> roll 18d12
[13:03] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 18d12 --> [ 18d12=101 ]{101}
That's it for his round.
Cresiel will hold in case Jetina brings more boosts, then will lower the boom with Kaja. Go Jetina.
[spoiler]
Inspire Heroics, +14 morale bonus to saves and +14 dodge to AC for everyone.
Oh, I forgot, but everyone also gains the following benefits for future rounds: they gain fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-
He's using his move action to Inspire Courage.
Courage +20 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +20 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Celestial Valor is in play.
Cresiel
HP: 963/963 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 584/648
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 600/600 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
She surprisingly enough doesn't have a lot of other boosts. That's something I ought to look into some custom stuff for -- she'll hold until after the armors go in case she needs to patch anything up.
> roll 1d20+71 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+71 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{89}
> roll 1d20+71 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+71 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) --> [ 1d20=19 ]{90}
> roll 1d20+66 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+66 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{86}
> roll 1d20+61 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+61 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{77}
> roll 1d20+56 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+56 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{58}
> roll 1d20+71 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) crit check
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+71 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) crit check --> [ 1d20=18 ]{89}
> roll 1d20+66 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) crit check
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+66 Cresiel (+1 blinding speed, +4 celestial valor, +20 Moore, -10 PA) crit check --> [ 1d20=19 ]{85}
> roll 1d8+51+3d6
> roll 1d8+51+3d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+51+3d6 --> [ 1d8=2 3d6=11 ]{64}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+51+3d6 --> [ 1d8=7 3d6=15 ]{73}
> roll 2d8+102+3d6
> roll 2d8+102+3d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d8+102+3d6 --> [ 2d8=10 3d6=10 ]{122}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d8+102+3d6 --> [ 2d8=3 3d6=12 ]{117}
> roll 1d20+83 Gem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+83 Gem --> [ 1d20=13 ]{96}
> roll 1d20+78 Gem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+78 Gem --> [ 1d20=13 ]{91}
> roll 1d20+73 Gem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+73 Gem --> [ 1d20=20 ]{93}
> roll 1d20+68 Gem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+68 Gem --> [ 1d20=5 ]{73}
> roll 1d20+83 Gold
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+83 Gold --> [ 1d20=4 ]{87}
> roll 1d20+78 Gold
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+78 Gold --> [ 1d20=7 ]{85}
> roll 1d20+73 Gold
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+73 Gold --> [ 1d20=6 ]{79}
> roll 1d20+68 Gold
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+68 Gold --> [ 1d20=2 ]{70}
> roll 1d20+73 Gem crit check
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+73 Gem crit check --> [ 1d20=19 ]{92}
> roll 7#1d6+64
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 7#1d6+64 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{69}, [ 1d6=4 ]{68}, [ 1d6=3 ]{67}, [ 1d6=4 ]{68}, [ 1d6=6 ]{70}, [ 1d6=1 ]{65}, [ 1d6=1 ]{65}
> roll 4d6+292
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6+292 --> [ 4d6=14 ]{306}
> roll 1d6+64 two weapon rend
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+64 two weapon rend --> [ 1d6=3 ]{67}
It is a massacre. Sword and scimitar come together, sundering the armors here, causing them to fall apart. In moments all of the foes are beaten, the battlefield cleared.
'It seems we're still not enough for one of your standing,' Moore hears.
Free act.
[spoiler]
Inspire Heroics, +14 morale bonus to saves and +14 dodge to AC for everyone.
Oh, I forgot, but everyone also gains the following benefits for future rounds: they gain fast healing 11, and gain damage reduction 11/-
He's using his move action to Inspire Courage.
Courage +20 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +20 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Celestial Valor is in play.
Cresiel
HP: 963/963 (regeneration 20)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/39 (enc) Channel Energy 18/18 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 24/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL35), Detect Snares and Pits (CL35), Discern Lies (CL35), True Seeing (CL35)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Kaja
HP: 595/648
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 13/13 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 600/600 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 5/5 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"This is the sort of thing we manage to excel at, I think." Moore says with some pride. "You're welcome to try and send us something stronger, if you'd like."
'No, there's no point,' Is the voice, as another door opens. 'Come forward and fulfill your purpose here.'
Meanwhile Kaja picks up one of the blades, a scimitar. He takes it without comment, "A trophy earned in fair combat," he says to Cresiel after Cresiel gives him a look.
Moore just chuckles at that and proceeds onward!
As you do?
Moore, we made it back from the Far Realm. Alyssa became One!
Oh, that's wonderful to hear! Please pass on my congratulations. Our gates are always open for all of you if you need anything.
I will, but we need to rest for now. Thank you, Moore.
Alyssa has become One. Moore sends simply to all of his node members as he proceeds forward!
He's curious if they'll just come out where this portal is, or what.
Nods all around as Kaja smiles, while Jetina nods along.
Cresiel withholds comment.
You come out to another room. A room with a single chair, a dead end otherwise. Here sits...an old, rather heavily bearded and unremarkable gnome, wearing simple, sturdy clothes of little interest - pants, a tunic and boots.
"Been a long time," he greets, "Sorry for all of that, divine ones, I didn't expect to hold this against anything greater than greedy mortals or misguided celestials, or perhaps an enterprising fiend."
"You have no reason to apologize to us." Moore says with a smile. "It was us who intruded on you and asked a favor, so I appreciate you humoring us."
"A gnome?" Cresiel murmurs, "How long have you been here?"
"I stopped counting a long time ago, divine one," The gnome rises and bows. "What can I do for you and how can I serve you?"
"You have no need to serve us, friend." Moore says with a smile as he flies over to offer his hand. "I said before my name was Moore, but I'd like to hear yours. As for what it is we want, it's to get to Labalyn's Memorial. It's my understanding that wherever the first portals to Buxenus are, there are names inscribed upon them, which I believe Labalyn is one. Anything you can tell us about that would be helpful."
"I am Rosenose, though most call me a Hermit if they get here." He answers, reaching up to rub a rather large, red nose. From his pocket he produces it, a simple talisman on a chain, of an image of an finger pointing forward, encrusted with gold. "Take this. You'll find your way to a portal - but as you are, I suspect with that you could just teleport to one of the portals, divine one."
"That would make it easier," Kaja says. "Then?"
"Then hold that and go through the portal," Is the answer, "You'll find your way to Labalyn's Memorial."
"We did try and go there, but found ourselves diverting." Moore says with a smile as he takes the talisman. "I sincerely thank you for your hospitality. I hope that at some point, you'll come visit us in Hope's Landing. I'd be happy to return your hospitality."
"I don't go out much. I hear something terrible happened with the gnomes..." The gnome murmurs, "But it didn't reach me here."
"I imagine you're protected here." Moore says. "Still, you're welcome to visit if you'd like. Or maybe I can come back here? I always like to make new friends."
"You're welcome to come back, but I should stay here," The gnome says, "It's safe here, I don't know about other places now.
"Then I will find out for you, so the next time I come I can tell you about it." Moore says with a smile.
"Thank you, divine one," He says, "Ah, half dragon, you're more than welcome to the scimitar you took. You won it fairly."
Kaja inclines his head to him, "Another for my collection."
"Please, just Moore is fine, Rosenose." Moore says. "It's been a pleasure to meet you."
With that out of the way, Moore will see if he can teleport them all to these portals now!
Done and done. There's no resistance now - it's easy. Far easier. In a quiet, secluded little meander away from the main roads sits a portal, made of stones and with carvings into them. It flickers every few seconds, silently.
Moore will read the carvings to ensure he has the right one!
Sure enough, you find one for Labalyn.
"So I'm not... really sure what we're going to find beyond this, but be ready for anything." Moore says as he goes to step through!
"Be care-" Kaja says, as suddenly you step through and all is white light.
More, but this is a good time for a new thread.