With your business finished, Moore returns to the riddle. Wood naps in his room while Grias floats around and dusts, a little feather duster hovering along with him.
"Oh, are you still fussing over that riddle?" Grias asks, "Or have you solved it?"
"Nope, still working on it." Moore admits. "I always thought I was good with riddles, but apparently I'm not!"
Grias bobs up and down, "Well, the riddle of a woman's heart is different from a riddle of the mind," he says, "Can I see it?"
"Help me out with one that I'm stuck on." Moore says as he reads the riddle out. "So, I have to take certain letters from each riddle and use them." He explains.
"The first two letters are the end of celestials. I'm sure a wise man can understand what end I refer to and puzzle it out." Moore says.
He takes a breath of air in through his nose.
"That second line is a hint, isn't it? I was overlooking it before, but... I originally thought 'Chronias' as the end of celestials, but Xandra pointed out that eladrin wouldn't necessarily agree with that. The problem is... 'end' is so nebulous... Is it when they pass on to something beyond Creation? Hmm..."
He sighs. "See, I'm overthinking it again. I keep doing this."
For both of our references, could you repaste the riddle here?
I copied it exactly as it is written.
Here's the whole thing if you need it.
There will be another letter with this. To read the works there, you will need to utter a password.
The first two letters are the end of celestials. I'm sure a wise man can understand what end I refer to and puzzle it out.
The third and fourth letters are two letters in reverse order. The first of that letter is the first letter of the newly risen mountain, one that mimics your own Mountain. The second of that letter is a letter that none of the Hebdomad share.
The last four are what is common for the powerful and rare for the least. It is the path and the road that winks and vanishes on a whim, yet always there for the mighty.
Those letters form the word that is the password. Good luck.
"Oh, I get it," Grias bobs in the air, "But do any words start with tt?" he asks aloud, "Or ss? Maybe ar?"
"Haha, I guess I really am overthinking it, if it comes to you that easily." A small sigh as he jots some letters down. "I want to ask how you came up with those but feel like it might ruin the surprise."
"The end of celestials. Like the...butt?" Grias offers hesitantly. "The rear? The...you know."
Moore blinks. "I don't... ..." He glances back at the riddle.
The 'end?'
He furrows his brow as he jots the letters down anyway. But even with that... which two letters are you supposed to use?
So it's an eight letter word, that much is clear. The first two letters are 'the end of celestials,' so...
r e _ _ _ _ _ _ ? Hmm... Is someone's bottom really ... ...bottom? No, there's no way, right?
He takes a breath.
"I think that's the trouble I'm having. I don't know which letters to actually use for any of these. That just makes it more confusing." He sighs again. "If I knew which letters to use... well, I guess that'd just make it too easy. Either way, I think you've given me an idea."
So here's what I'm thinking:
'Wealth' is actual last word, because not everyone uses 'gold' as a currency or thinks of it like that.
_ _ _ _ weal
_ _ _ _ alth
Problem is, of course, there are no words that end like that. So it feels like it has to be something else. Unless it's eala or something??
Honestly, I just really don't get this -- I'm sorry. I'm usually pretty decent at these but I'm just kind of out of my depth here since I feel like I'm missing key pieces to wrap my head around this. I don't really think I can make any reasonable progress on this unless certain things are a little more clear or I just roll well enough to get closer and am able to put pieces together.
"Well, riddles are usually figurative, right?" Grias says, "So it's something like that, a little riddle of its own. Like the rear of a celestial, or the last two letters, -el, since many have names like that. Like Cresiel or Barachiel. It's all about figuring out how the author wants you to think, right?"
No problem, Grias is happy to brainstorm and see if he can come up with anything to help.
Moore turns to look at Grias, then back at the riddle. "...The end of celestials."
He nods. "That's it -- you're right. It's 'El.' The riddle itself hints at it being related to Celestia rather than Arborea by using the word 'wise.' That's got to be it."
He jots it down for now, amidst all the other writing he has, that probably looks terribly unorganized at this point.
"So, let me run this one by you, then." Moore clears his throat to read. "The last four are what is common for the powerful and rare for the least. It is the path and the road that winks and vanishes on a whim, yet always there for the mighty."
"I was originally thinking 'gold,' but I realized, someone like the denizens of Mineral don't consider gold to be anything more than useless. So, with that in mind, maybe 'wealth?' But then... I don't know, I have to wonder if it's supposed to only be four letters."
"I'm right? Oh joyous day!" Grias bobs happily in the air, "Well, then it's a road or a path that vanishes a lot, right? What sort of thing does that? Something always there for the mighty."
"...A path to victory." Moore says, simply.
"Well, what leads powerful heroes to victories?" Grias bobs even more in the air, "Hum, roads, paths...something like that or more metaphorical?"
"Hm..." Moore turns and looks out his window. "What leads powerful people to victory... Luck? It's certainly something that could be said that luck vanishes on a whim."
"Well... El _ _ luck. I can't think of any words that make that, can you?" Grias slumps a bit in the air, "Magic? No, five letters. Passage? No. Walk...no, I don't think that would work, either."
"I wonder if it -has- to be four letters." Moore says. "But... it's probably harder to imagine it if it isn't, so... four letter words... hmmm... Hope? But... does hope really wink and vanish...?"
"Of course not," Grias says firmly, "Not real hope, not the hope that saves people!" He floats down to your bed and hovers just above it, "Wish? That's a pretty powerful spell that heroes use. Does that fit?"
"Wish..." Moore turns back to the notes. "...'Common for the powerful,' because they can just cast wish, and rare for the least... because their wishes aren't being granted." He hrms and writes it down on another piece of paper.
"I don't know that I know any words that start with 'El' and end with 'wish,' though... the only eight letter word I know that ends with 'wish' is... 'shrewish.'"
"Do r and e fit the clue we don't know?" Grias says, "If they don't, that logically can't be it."
Moore shakes his head. "Let me read you the other two clues. 'The third and fourth letters are two letters in reverse order. The first of that letter is the first letter of the newly risen mountain, one that mimics your own Mountain. The second of that letter is a letter that none of the Hebdomad share.'"
Moore blinks for a moment. "...Hm. Well, 'A letter the Hebdomad do not share.' In that regard, those letters are 'f g j n q u v w x y,' unless I misunderstand the clue again. I think that one is at least simple enough? Though it does change if we also include their titles... If you include their titles as well, then that leaves 'j q v x.'"
"With that in mind, it definitely can't be 'Shrewish.'" Moore says.
"So wish isn't right," Grias hums, "What's some other four letter words that could fit? Maybe we can choose a good one and that'll make sense?"
"Hmmm." Moore takes a breath in and considers.
"What is common for the powerful... the path and the road that winks and vanishes on a whim." He repeats as he looks out the window. "Winks and vanishes... on a whim... time?" He hums. "What is common for all powerful people? Hmm... What leads powerful people to victory? Drive? A reason to fight? Hmm..."
"None of those fit, I think," Grias bobs up slowly, gliding throughout. He levitates up a quill and taps it against your table, "Maybe we're being too metaphorical here? What's lead you to victory in the past, Moore? Anything related to that, related to paths or anything close to it? Maybe it's closer than we think? It seems a long way away, but I bet it's right in front of us!"
"Hmm." Moore nods. "What's led me to victory... ...fate? But that's basically luck again. So it's not that. Something more... tangible? Paths... What's led me to victory in the past, my... music, my leadership, friends... Our... bonds?" He furrows his brow as he looks out the window. "No. It has to be something else... augh."
The light of Chronias shines down brightly on you, soothing your mind and adding clarity.
Grias continues to bob, "But it has to be a path only the mighty can use reliably. Something tied to power. Maybe it really is a spell, Moore?"
He takes a breath.
...
"GATE!" He suddenly blurts out.
"AAAAH!" Grias startles at that, wobbling in the air. "AAH! AAAH! You have it?! Gate?!" he asks, fluttering up to you as Wood raises his head up, yawning. El__gate?"
Moore blinks.
"...El... gate? ... Elongate?" Moore says, blinking, as if he's not entirely sure.
"That is a word and it might fit," Grias says, "So is that the solution? Can we test it in any way?"
Moore blinks, then turns back to his letters.
"Uh... it should've just worked, actually..." He goes back through the previous letters he'd received (more notably the original letter that was received with this one) to see if any of them look any different.
"Or maybe I have to be holding it? I don't know how this stuff works." He admits. "I've never been much for mysteries in my writing."
The letter with the invisible ink is now visible, even without the light of Chronias on it.
"...Haha. She was right after all." Moore says with a smile. "Oh well, it was still fun." He tidies up all of his notes to put them away.
"I really thought it was from that one... that seemed more up his alley..." A shake of his head. "Oh well. Thank you, Grias. That's a load off my mind, either way. Does anything need doing right now?"
"Well, since I'm apparently good at these," Grias puffs up a bit, "Maybe I can tell you some more riddles?"
Moore laughs. "I'm a bit riddled out for right now. However, I promise that you're welcome to try them any time you think I look like I need one. Hm... maybe it's time I finally try and suss out that last way to use the Words of Creation that Xandra was talking about. Since I've overcome all sorts of other trouble today, that one should be easy."
"Good luck!" Grias bids as...
How are you gonna try this?
Let's try some good old fashioned meditation / staring at Chronias. Maybe he'll get some inspiration.
By the way he's absolutely using Great Improvisation. And also Surge of Hope. And Righteous Halo. Yes. He's quite serious about this.
I see. Go ahead and describe where and how you're meditating and I'll roll off of that.
Let's just go on top of our fortress for now.
He knows the following:
Words of Creation can be used as an antithesis to Shar and Sharrans (and maybe against demonic forces similar? Unsure on that.)
They can also be used to literally create life.
There is a third, unknown way to utilize them that isn't just enhancing magic, music or other things.
Maybe it's to bless things? Is there anything he knows about Dark Speech that might give him some sort of idea?
That would probably be the first focus of his thoughts -- what's the opposite of what the Dark Speech does?
Gimme a quick K:R check.
Take 10 for 112.
In ways it is the exact opposite of the Words of Creation. It can inspire dread in goodly creatures, impress and dominate evil ones, increase the raw power of evil spells, weaken objects and create hive minds in vermin.
Well, we know it can be used to bolster music, but maybe it can also be used against evil creatures in some way? Maybe to help them ascend or otherwise break the chains of Hell?
Other than that I'm pretty stumped on what the other use might be, unless it's to somehow channel divine power since the Words themselves are sort of similar. The only other thing I can could think of is they're somehow tied to people like Cantasa Alexandria?
Okay, go ahead and give me a Wisdom check for the meditation.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+25 : 11 + 25, total 36[/blockquote] +4 from surge of hope, +15 from greater improvisation
As you meditate...
What is Creation but the establishment of life, and thus the perseverance and restoration of life?
Protection --... healing!
Of course! He's already started to learn how to use them to slowly heal things, but why couldn't you just use them more directly to heal wounds or... anything?
He takes a breath in -- may as well give this a shot.
With that in mind, he'll try and just see if he can murmur some of the Words to himself to create some sort of healing effect on himself.
Give me a Charisma check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+34 : 18 + 34, total 52[/blockquote] +15 greater improv, +4 surge of hope
You feel something, but...you're not wounded. You feel as if you have water but no fire to dump it on.
Moore takes a breath.
He withdraws Refrain and goes to cut himself on his own weapon. Then he'll just try again!
Cha check again.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+34 : 13 + 34, total 47[/blockquote]
The wound heals before your eyes, slowly regenerating. It worked!
Paste me links to the other two uses of WoC and I'll gather them all up officially for you.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104159.msg1114867.html#msg1114867
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104159.msg1114837.html#msg1114837
Epic Words of Creation [Epic, Exalted]
Prerequisite: Words of Creation, Int 25, Cha 25
You gain the following new uses of the Words of Creation. These are all a standard action to use.
Creation: You can use the Words of Creation to create new objects from your very essence. This is identical to a True Creation spell, except that you take hit point damage depending on what it is you create. This can create virtually anything, even living objects, but is incredibly draining. As this draws on yourself and not the Weave, this ability functions even in an antimagic field or similar effects. Known costs: 300 HP for a blade of grass (living).
Chastise Oblivion: You can use the Words of Creation to repel and drive back Sharrans and the essence of entropy, which opposes creation. You can use this to chastise such a creature, stunning them for 1d4 rounds. The creature must be within 30ft of you. This ignores immunity to stunning (except divine immunities) and allows a Fortitude save (10 + 1/2 your hit dice + your Charisma modifier) to negate. Stunning a creature in this way deals 77d4 points of nonlethal damage to you. Failing to stun a creature only deals 7d4 points of nonlethal damage to you.
Healing: You heal your wounds of the wounds of another. This heals hit points equal to your Intelligence score and Charisma score added together. A creature can only benefit from this use of Words of Creation once per day. Using the Words of Creation like this deals 24d4 points of nonlethal damage to you. You do not suffer this damage if you use it to heal yourself.
Small typo, what does not stunning a creature do? 7d4 I assume?
Moore takes a breath in and out.
He did it!
He pulls himself to his feet and goes to find Xandra!
7d4, fixed.
You find Xandra standing behind you as you turn, waiting with a patient smile.
"I heard," she says simply, "Congratulations."
"You really take the fun out of things sometimes." Moore says with a huff. "That riddle taught me I miss the forest for the trees sometimes."
"It is not an uncommon failing. The forest and the trees most both be understood," Xandra remarks, "For both the individual and the greater whole matter."
Moore laughs quietly at that. "You didn't deny my first statement. Either way... I believe you said you could tutor me somewhat once I figured everything out. Is that still the case?"
"Yes," Xandra says, "Learning how to create with the Words of Creation takes a great deal of practice, lest it be forever impractical and likely one day fatal. Mortals and even spirits were never meant to use the words like that, we simply can't withstand them. But we can grow more adept at using them."
Moore nods. "That's sensible. I've always wanted to see if there was a way that I could use them even more than I do for my music. It seems like I could apply them to almost anything, if I set my mind to it."
"Great masters of the words can do unimaginable things with them," she says, "Those of the divine can speak them fully, when the time is right." Xandra offers you a hand, "Shall we begin, Moore?"
Moore smiles and takes the offered hand.
"Yes, let's begin."
How long do you want to train this and how regularly?
If he doesn't have anything pressing to do in downtime, he can fill the gaps with the training. "have anything pressing" generally speaking is his other duties to take care of / see to.
So basically any time there's not someone with a quest "!" around.
Gimme a Cha check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+49 : 13 + 49, total 62[/blockquote] Greater Improv, Surge of Hope, Marshal Aura (I forgot I had this, teehee). GI is +15, Surge of hope is +4 if you need to remove them for time constraint reasons. In that case the roll would just be at +30
You begin to work and feel like you grasp the basics. It'll take time and lots of practice, but you feel you've made a step forward, however small.
After an hour or two of this, you see her fly up. Pure magical flight, no wings at all as Melia ascends. "There you are," she says, "I have my office set up now. Come by anytime if you want anything in particular investigated."
Moore gives her a wave. "For now, just focus on efreet holdings. If they have any notable PoWs or something like that, that'd be ideal." Moore says. "Or any particular lucrative holdings."
"I'll see to it," Melia says, "Also, keep Grias away. I don't think he'll like my office much, and I'd hate to have to fix it."
"I'll let him know." Moore says. "I'll come visit you shortly."
"The sooner the better," Melia says, going and flying back on down.
"It sounds like my attention is needed elsewhere." Moore says with a smile. "Perhaps that's a sign that that's enough for today?"
"Yes. All things in moderation," Xandra agrees, "Sound advice."
Moore nods. "Thank you for taking the time." He says as he goes down to follow after Melia!
Melia's office...is a complete mess. Books are stacked up around the room, two bookcases full with a sword, a small set of golden balls, several scrolls, a rat's stuffed head, a clay vase an da dozen other odd things. The walls are covered with maps and diagrams, often notes written directly onto them. Her desk is a hodge-podge of papers and various writing implements, as well as a few clear quartz crystals.
"Here we are,' Melia says, "I work best in organized chaos."
Moore blinks, then just starts laughing.
"I'll have to make sure to tell 27 he has a friend here." Moore says after he manages to slow his own laughter. "I can understand this. I'm not a terribly neat and tidy person myself -- I blame my heritage. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you need any supplies or funding." He glances around a few times.
"I have a feeling you've got everything you need here, though." He says with a smile.
"So I do," Melia says, "Good, you get it. Some people never do." Hopping over her desk and into a comfy, stuffed chair and promptly putting her feet up, "Make yourself comfortable."
Moore goes over to take a seat, as best as he can manage, anyway.
"I have a friend who's, uh..." Moore gestures around his head and wiggles his fingers. "What's the right term? Mental magic?"
Sitting back now, "Mind magic? Psi-something? Psionics," Snapping her fingers, "Like magic, only with more ectoplasm."
"Does it run in your family?" Moore asks. "The skill, obviously, not...the spying, I mean."
"A lot of things run in my family," Melia remarks, "Why do you ask?"
"I'm just curious." Moore says with a smile. "You're not obligated to share."
A nod to that. "My Momma was a priestess of Savras and a pretty fair hand with a blade herself," Melia says. "Da was a fighting wizard, cast on horse back and on full plate, then bashed your heads in with a warhammer. Adventure runs in the family. Got all sorts of tricks and powers."
Moore nods. "I understand. Do you have any more questions for me now that you've settled in?"
"Yeah," Melia says, "Where's the food come from here, first of all? I don't see any local farming in the immediate area."
"There are farms on Venya. That's where it comes from." Moore explains.
"Mn." A noise of acknowledgement, "Thought it was something like that, but it's easier to ask you. You'd be surprised how many questions can be solved by asking the right person." Melia draws a dagger, idly spinning it by the hilt before flipping and catching it. "What's got the natives all worked up? I've heard things but not gotten around to chasing it down."
"That's a bit complicated." Moore says. "The light of Chronias -- the final place most people from Celestia end up. So the light emanating from it -- the top of the mountain -- seems brighter. No one knows why exactly."
"Yeah? That does sound big," Melia concedes, "Want me to try looking into it?"
"I think you'd come up with nothing." Moore says with a smile. "It's one of those... well, you know how you couldn't find any information on me? Sort of like that. If I find out, I'll tell you, though."
"Eh, everyone needs a dragon to chase, something big and probably impossible to catch." Melia says, "I think that's the important parts."
Moore chuckles. "Very well. Let me know if you need anything else."
He can go check on the refugees/slaves now, if there's nothing else.
Sure, gimme a quick d100.
[23:05] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[23:05] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d100=97]
Altogether, they're doing fairly well. Jetina and Cresiel are seeing to them, along with a gaggle of lantern and hound archons.
Softly, in the quietest parts of Moore's mind as he overlooks the saved? Do you think this changes anything, Moore? You have severed but one head of an infinite hydra and far more heads now gaze in your direction.
Moore blinks. Can he just... respond to whoever that is? Hmm...
'It changes the lives of those who are saved. That's enough for me. Anything is possible with enough hope and determination.' Is what he responds with, if they can even hear it.
Having a look at the divine text emporium makes me think he would know who this is since they did meet before, but I'm not sure if the intent is for him to not know, so I'm making this kind of vague.
That's fine.
What does hope lead you to, Moore? No matter how you try, you won't stop anything meaningful. Fate cannot be challenged and judgment cannot be appealed. Put aside your meaningless quest and enjoy what time you have left.
Moore simply shakes his head. How sad that someone can't understand something as simple as this?
'Hope leads me to a better future for everyone. Are you trying to tell me the fate of Lifasa wasn't meaningful to everyone who calls it home now? You obviously didn't pay much attention to Taelfagn if you think fate cannot be challenged.
I'm already enjoying my time, bringing hope to the hopeless and the possibilities of a better future to those who've lost their way. I'm not going to stop until hopelessness is a word that no longer exists.'
Then let me show you how little you can do to protect your love. Let me show you how meaningless your struggles are.
'She's strong enough to stand on her own feet, without me needing to protect her.'
Still, though, a prayer to Titania to keep watch over Ilsenine is quietly uttered.
No further response to that.
Going to do anything or merely continue on?
He'll toss out a sending to Ilsenine.
'I think Shar or her agents are going to target you or the court. Send for me if you need it.'
Gimme a d100, there's a failure chance here.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 54, total 54[/blockquote]
'Thank you. We will be prepared and you will be summoned as needed.'
Moore nods.
Still, to so openly attack Lifasa? That's...
He shakes his head and goes to find Cresiel! They may have to mobilize and that may be difficult.
Cresiel is seeing to several older men and women, stepping aside on request. "Moore?" he asks, once you're out of earshot and down the beach a bit.
"I received a... message, let's say. I think it was from Shar." Moore says. "She more or less openly threatened Ilsenine -- I don't think we need to do anything right now, but I wanted to make you aware. I'm also thinking that it may be time to... well, I was going to talk to Erathaol about it as well."
Cresiel's expression is instantly serious. "Send Kaja there if you are not going, just in case. Or have her take refuge in Aurora, if she is willing. Shar cannot be taken lightly."
Moore shakes his head. "I know what you mean, but if we just rush into this, then it's playing the enemy's game for them. Ilsenine has been through more than many could've withstood -- I have complete faith in her. I already sent her a message to inform her. If we need to go we will all go, regardless of the spiritual wounds -- we can resolve those later."
A breath in and then out. "At the same time, this is now much more personal than it was before. I think we're within our rights to ask for our own aid."
"I record my objections for the record," Cresiel says, "But as you command."
Moore nods. "Still, though."
A gesture and a spell to send another message -- this one to... Elena.
Limited Wish to use Sending but instant. I don't think this should be an issue?
'Elena, this is Moore. I have reason to believe Shar may attack the Lifasan Court. Can you please keep an eye on it for me?'
That is 25 words exactly.
Another d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 69, total 69[/blockquote]
"Really?! We'll take care of it, Moore, count on it!'
Moore nods. "Let's prepare ourselves, in case we need to go."
Moore will round up the others, if this involves bringing Villisa into the discussion because she wants to be, that's fine.
The moment Villisa hears about it, "Your love is in danger. I'll be glad to help," she says immediately.
Meanwhile Jetina is prepared as you explain and...
Go ahead and tell people what you're going to tell them here and all of that.
"I don't intend to leave here until we get a status from either Ilsenine or from Elena or someone else within Aurora." Moore explains. "If we rush, we risk making mistakes. I'll deal with the consequences if that is ultimately the wrong move, but I trust Ilsenine and Aurora to handle something like this."
He takes a breath.
"I have no idea why Shar would be foolish enough to send her minions to somewhere like Lifasa, considering the sheer amount of opposition that exists there. This all feels like it's just to try and goad me to go there. Do we have any way to find out if plane shifting to Lifasa is being redirected or anything of that nature?"
"No, but doing such a thing would surely be noticed by higher powers," Villisa says, "One simply doesn't do such things." Her expression is thoughtful, arms crossed and chin resting in her hand. "This may well be goading you into making a misstep or simply a psychological attack, or setup to make you react in a certain away for a later attack. It would not be the first promised attack in Creation that was nothing but a ruse. Far from the first."
Jetina nods, "I hope that's all it is. A distraction attack, some sort of gambit."
"Mother is correct, the straightforward reaction is not the only one. It may even not be to do with us," Cresiel declares, "But to move Aurora, as you did by telling them. We don't know enough, so vigilance shall be the order of the day."
Moore nods. "Yes, you're right. It may have been about Aurora, but ultimately, we'll keep an eye on it. They're a smart group, they don't need our help."
A frown. "Either way, I'm surprised she reached out to me personally. I wonder what her ultimate plan was with all of this... but I don't intend to take the bait. If she decides to send her minions to Lifasa herself, then we'll have a reason to intervene."
"I hope she tries. My blades ache to feel Sharran blood on them," Kaja says, Villisa flashing him a smile.
Xandra stands nearby, silent as she looks up above. "I do not believe us to be the primary target," she finally says, "Or this not a direct assault on us personally."
Moore nods to Xandra. "I feel like Erathaol would have given his guidance if we were the targets. At the same time... to hear her awful voice..." Moore shakes his head.
"All the more reason we need to collectively get stronger." Moore says.
Nods all around at that.
Okay, plan is to basically be on readiness in case anything happens?
Yep. We'll wait a few hours and see if anything happens.
One more d100 real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 99, total 99[/blockquote]
Oh boy.
I'll tackle that tonight since I need time to parse together what that provokes. What a roll.
Post in reply to this so I know I need to reply when I get home.
How exciting!
Make a Will save. If you're protected against divinations, add a +5 circumstance bonus to the Will save. There is also a -10 penalty to it regardless of that.
[21:47] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+51 will, mettle
[21:47] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+51 will, mettle --> [ 1d20=4 ]{55}
Perception.
Take 10 for 71
Naturally, the six of you kill time.
"...and so I said, only Cresiel plays chess!" Villisa concludes, her son's face stony, calm.
Kaja laughs, Jetina grins and Xandra smiles at the story.
As it is, you happen to glance up. In the light of Chronias you see it - the faintest distortion in the about 10ft or so above you.
"How brave of you!" Moore shouts, all of a sudden.
Invisibility Purge!
"What?" Jetina asks as you cast. Before it is revealed - a blood red eye, looming down on you.]
"Scrying," Cresiel declares, "The enemy grows bold."
Since this is a spell, am I able to use epic spellcraft to identify the caster of this?
Sure, if you can make the DC and don't mind taking a minute to study it as it notes in the epic skill description.
"Jetina, please cast Celestial Valor. I have a feeling we're going to need to fight, soon." Moore says, simply.
I can. Take 10 for 89 (Greater Improv, Surge of Hope) and hey, if they want to make my job easier, then let's do it.
As Jetina begins to chant Villisa rises, red strings gathering in her hands.
As Kaja readies his blade? The eye shimmers and vanishes, gone.
Is there residual magic he might be able to study? If so, he'll continue to do so.
There is.
Cresiel stands besides you, shield and hammer at the ready. Villisa stays in the air while Kaja is beneath her, blades out. Jetina hangs back while Xandra casts her gaze about and...
Perception again.
Take 10 for 71!
You study the fading magic and...
Make your Spellcraft.
Take 10 for 89.
You get a name: Kaledemus.
K:P on that fucker?
Sure.
Take 10 for 110 (+greater improv, surge of hope)
Kaledemus is an ancient name, lore of him whispered in the oldest tomes. A devil of great power, type unknown, said to have served Asmodeus before he came Lord of the Ninth. He hasn't been seen since that time, thought dead, deep in Nessus or having taken on a new identity.
"We're being spied on by someone named Kaledemus. He's an extraordinarily powerful devil from a time before Asmodeus was the Lord of the Ninth." Moore explains to the others.
He takes in a deep breath. "I think this is beginning to escalate to a point I didn't realize was possible."
"Troubling," Cresiel murmurs, "Such things only surface when it is to great tragedy and lamentations."
Xandra frowns, "Kaledemus? That was his name?"
Moore nods to Xandra. "Yes. That spell was cast by him."
"I must meditate on this," Xandra says, "There are certain names that bring fear, that I must consult above with."
"I was going to ask Erathaol for his advice as well." Moore says. "So please go ahead."
Xandra nods and flies off.
Once gone Villisa murmurs, "An ancient name indeed, then. Few even remember Asmodeus was once not the King of Hell."
"What would such a devil want with us?" Jetina speaks up, "He's working for Asmodeus or Lixer then, right?"
Slowly Cresiel shakes his head, "Likely but we don't know."
"This is an age where ancient pacts are being called on to fulfill." Moore says.
He turns and looks up to the light of Chronias.
'Erathaol, I am certain you have foreseen this. I would appreciate your direction on this matter, as I do not know that we are in any position to face someone as ancient as this. You know the ends I have been going to to strengthen our group, but it seems like Shar and those around her are raising the stakes. But... is this an act of Shar, or of another? It feels like there is more collusion than I thought possible.'
He takes a breath in and just waits.
More collusion than you thought possible, huh? Welcome to the planes.
Gimme a Wis check, +7 bonus.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 20 + 32, total 52[/blockquote] +GI and surge
You hear it.
Peace. Understand that all strive against all. Asmodeus does not wish for Shar to triumph, but nor will he renounce his own plans and schemes for conquest. We are all bound by the search for an Answer, save for Shar, who wishes for there to be only oblivion as the Answer.
There are many pieces in the game and just as many sides an factions.
That was really non-committal!
He takes in a breath again and lets it out.
'I understand. I will continue to strive to be stronger for the greater good against these threats.'
A pause.
He takes another breath.
'I know it is not something you will just grant because I ask; I would ask you to consider to make me your proxy if things continue on this path.'
Be well and understand that there are many players in the game, and not all actions are Shar's.
Know that you will not be my proxy, because I have another path for you. Fulfill the threefold goals: Finding her is one. Finding Io is a second. Continue to grow stronger and wiser is the third. Great revelations shall come to all on the day those are achieved.
Another breath in -- and he lets it out.
Well, one leads to the other, which leads to the other.
He turns his attention back to his comrades. "For now, we shall wait and see what else transpires in the immediate future. Consider ourselves on alert to go wherever needs going at any moment." Moore says. "Hopefully, they'll have finished the items I requisitioned for us soon."
Okay, just going to wait and see if anything happens now?
Pretty much. Don't need no ten billion year old ancient devil surprising us.
One more d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 35, total 35[/blockquote]
Hours pass but nothing until...
'Moore,' Vul'lath's voice, dry. 'Ilsenine continues to safe and there is no sign of danger.'
'Thank you. Be aware that we were scryed on by a devil named Kaledemus. Not sure who the real target is. Will keep you posted.' He sends back.
Okay, next move then?
i thought I posted ... Just study WoC and wait. I don't intend to go anywhere until our gear is done.
Okay, refresh me on what you had in queue? Having a notes failure.
Five Rings of Spell Stoaway for Time Stop, and the equivalent of a Mission Readiness Arch for Mind Blank, Epic Mage Armor, and Dis/Afina's Perfect Vision
The next morning you're awoken by Grias.
"Moore, wake up, wake up," The lantern archon bobs above your head, shining light on you and stirring you from your rest. "There's something from above for you, freshly delivered."
Moore blinks several times, then blearily gets up.
"I'm awake, I'm awake." He mumbles.
A quick change of clothes and freshening up (with magic) and he goes to investigate!
Yawning more yet, you head to the courtyard. Here Cresiel stands watch over a simple package, tied with plain brown paper and string.
"Moore," Cresiel greets, "Succor and mercy has descended from above to us."
Moore blinks, then just laughs quietly. "I don't know what I expected."
He goes to open it!
"All that glitters is not gold," Cresiel says, rather softly, "Much of it is what lies within, not the wrapper around it."
As you approach the package unties itself and opens. A set of rings is there, plain and embedded with tiny green gemstones.
"I wouldn't want it any other way." Moore says.
im sure we know what they are but let's officially ID them! Spell craft 74
They're exactly what you think they are, yes.
Moore nods. "Perfect. Grias, can you see that Xandra, Jetina and Kaja all get one of these?"
He turns to Cresiel. "These rings all have Time Stop stowed in them. We can use these to surprise our opponents now."
"Let us grow stronger from our enemies both in strength and tactics," he agrees, taking the ring and putting it on.
"With these, I think we could make another operation against the efreet. I'll wait for Melia to come up with something of a target for us." Moore says.
Cresiel nods, "I'll see that the rings reach where they must go. In the meantime," he says, "Shall we continue preparing?"
Moore nods. "Yes. Do you have any specific ideas?"
Perception.
Take 10 for 71
Perhaps it is your imagination, but the light of Chronias shines all the brighter.
Moore turns to peer up towards the light -- maybe a little higher than normal.
Huh.
It is like this that...
Going back to WoC training?
let's.
d100 real quick. Real talk, we're mostly doing odds and ends before vacation, with more plot hitting when we resume.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 92, total 92[/blockquote]
You went sub table. Gimme a second d100.
I swear.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 95, total 95[/blockquote]
Scary!
You settle back in atop for perhaps 20 minutes before, "Hello, Moore," Villisa calls, flying up from behind you.
Great, it's Dragon Aunt after all.
"Lady Villisa." Moore says as he turns his attention to her. "How can I help you?"
"Oh please, Villisa is fine." Villisa flies over and sits next to you, all warm smiles, "Romance is my domain, so I wanted to ask you how things are going with your sweet Ilsenine."
"We both have our duties, but we find time for each other." Moore says with a smile. "I was actually going to invest in making a mirror in my room I could use to talk to her more directly."
"Oh! How lovely," Villisa sighs, "I made one for Cresiel, but it was unfortunately broken." Then she perks right back up, "Tell me, is money a concern for it?"
"I've found that the higher and higher I climb, money becomes less of a concern for me." Moore says with a simple smile. "I could invest in it."
"Lovely, but if you do need aid with that, I'll be glad to help you." Villisa promises, "Lovers should be close and united, don't you agree?"
Moore laughs quietly. "You sound like what I imagine the first few lines of sermons of a Sharessian to be."
A smile as he turns to look out over the fields around his fortress. "You're right, though. I hope she's able to visit at some point, if just to take a break from her own duties. No rest for the wicked, as they say, though."
"A Sharessian's sermon would begin with more of an emphasis on pleasure," Villisa retorts, "How true, tasks drive us all. Then we'll need to make sure she can have a vacation, don't you think?"
Moore nods. "Perhaps when the immediate threats are dealt with... but I could make that excuse forever, couldn't I?" Moore says, laughing quietly. "I'll have to plan to do something soon."
"Seize the day!" Villisa agrees, "Go for it and take your chance, Moore!"
Moore lets out another laugh. "I appreciate the enthusiasm. I'll do it soon, but not today."
He expression turns more grim and serious. "We have too many enemies for me to be taking a vacation. Especially one bold enough to show up on our very doorstep."
"All the more reason to make the time. If you live in dangerous times, live!" Villisa chides, "For tomorrow you may die."
"Do you inspire Cresiel with this same sort of hope?" Moore asks. He's smiling, nonetheless.
"I will. But right now... I need to focus on inner, rather than outer." Moore says.
"Ah. I try, I try," Villisa looks ahead, out to the ocean beyond. "Cresiel and I...well, he's a good son but he doesn't understand many of the lessons I'm trying to teach him. He has too much of his father's side and not enough of mine in him." She's smiling nonetheless, "If he's just listen honestly and accept, but his gaze and heart are already elsewhere. I really must avoid dating archons or angels tied to Celestia. They're always looking upward instead of at the world around them."
"If it makes you feel any better, I'm chipping away at that stodgy persona of his." Moore says. "Not to say that it isn't always appreciated, and most of the time warranted. I've learned..." He takes a breath. "I think what's beyond the gates above us is something that even an Eladrin would find joy in. I... think there's more than one answer." He says, quietly. "I think everyone can be happy in the end, and I want to see that happiness through."
"Well if you truly feel that way, I can put in a good word with one of the 77+7 archangels," Villisa says, "Also, chip away, but it's like working a mountain with a toothpick." Here she sighs slightly, "And he backslides once he's away crusading for a few lifetimes."
Moore smiles. "I don't know what my fate has in store for me, but I'm glad to have Cresiel's support, as well as yours. Romiel didn't seem that serious when I met him, though."
"Romiel has..." A pause, "Softness is the wrong word, but understanding. He knows how to hold himself back. Cresiel's never had that gift. He's too focused, too intent. He's a being of action. Give him a goal and he does it. He lives in a world where good deeds and righteous victories are the only currency and need he desires."
Moore smiles. "Then I'll give him a goal to be less serious."
A laugh, bright and warm, "I had Romiel try that once for me. It doesn't work, but it's a lovely idea." You get a gentle pat on your shoulder, "Celestials like him only have some of them here, while the rest is already gone to what lies beyond for them."
Moore nods. "I'll take good care of him, but I think you know that." A smile after that. "I need to reach out to more realms. People like Cresiel can't always see the good in other creatures if they don't meet certain criteria. I want to be a bridge -- not to an end, but to a better future for people. That's something I learned in Aurora that I want to foster here."
"Ah, Aurora!" Villisa perks up, "Tell me about it! Cresiel's his normal talkative self and I've heard such rumors about it. Tell me all about Aurora!"
"I've never met a more accepting bunch." Moore says. "They didn't even ask me what a pixie was doing wrapped up in Celestia. The most important thing I learned there was never to give up on anything -- no matter what. Medi himself gave up, but in the end it was his legacy that saw to the saviors of an entire world."
A nostalgic smile as he looks up at Chronias. "They have the most wonderful food there, too. You wouldn't think that a military would, but it's true. Hmm... If you ever have a chance, you should see their library. I don't think it rivals Xiranthador, but it comes close."
"Oh, of course, of course, but details! What about the people and heroes there?" Villisa asks, "That's the real important part."
Moore considers for a moment.
"Jaela and Afina I'm sure you already know or have heard of." Moore says. "So let me tell you some stories about the lesser-known heroes, like Filbrez, Vul'lath and Ebony."
I don't remember a lot of specifics about them, but you damn well better believe he's going to tell her about how Filbrez can get any item, Vul'lath is everyone's tired uncle, and Ebony likes phase spiders.
Sure. I understand - you missed a lot of B3 on top of being in a weird position in it. I'm more than happy to do a bit of handwaving for the exposition.
A little time passes as you tell stories of Aurora, Villisa listening to them all. "...phase spiders?" she finally says, "Those big, ghostly spiders?"
"I never did ask her why, come to think of it." Moore says. "Maybe I should go visit her."
"Not quite the vacation I thought of, but why not invite her here instead?" Villisa says, "I think she's one of Alicia Reynes's top servants, and she should be more than capable." Gesturing out at the oceans, "You have a respectable home here. Use it."
Moore taps his chin. "Maybe I could make this into a bit of a trading hub in and of itself..."
oh, wow, I just realized I forgot about that goblin who's outside the fort. WHOOPS!!!!!
"Oh yes, I know people who can help with that. I'm sure Kaja would like the gold, too." Villisa says, smiling, filling you with a natural warmth and love. "Plus a mercane contact would help there."
"Tell me," He turns to Villisa at that. "Do you know much about Sisatar?"
"Oh, I know him. I dated him. Lovely fellow, but it wasn't meant to be," Villisa says, then sighs, "Dragons. Lovely when they take humanoid form and yet...still dragonish and standoffish."
"I'm trying to understand what his... goal is. He seems even more secretive than most dragons I've met." Moore says. "I suppose I could always just ask him." A shrug after that. "Yes, that's a good idea." A breath in. "If you'd be willing to put me in contact with people interested in trade, I think that would benefit us a great deal to be a hub for that sort of thing, as well as fostering better relations with other planes."
"I shouldn't say anything about that, lover's should keep secrets," Villisa says kindly, "But I can do that for you and for Cresiel. Mmm. It's been a lovely few days with Kaja, but it's best to move on, he isn't keeping my heart and it's best to move on. I'd normally make a relationship for him, even, but no one here is right."
Moore laughs again. "I'll try and find someone suitable for him, then. I know you don't need my invitation, but you are welcome anytime you wish to return."
"I'll be back soon," Villisa stands, "But I have duties to attend to, and I think poor Cresiel may grind his practice hammer to dust if I linger much longer. That child, always needing better stress relief."
"I'll take care of it." Moore promises. "Be well, Villisa."
Thus Villisa flies off and you return to your practice.
Briefly.
Within ten minutes Kaja flies up, landing. He looks to you and heaves a long sigh, "She's gone?"
"For now." Moore says. "She'll be back, but I don't think you should pine for her."
Another sigh at that, "Like a whirlwind passing through our lives, blades and wind on our hearts."
"Some people are just like that." Moore says with a chuckle. "Did you get your ring?"
"I did," Cresiel sighs and looks skyward, "I miss her, but I must move on. I must be strong."
Moore smiles. "Don't worry about it. We'll find someone perfect for you who loves crushing evil just as much as you do. Say, I don't remember -- when you got your wound, was whoever gave it to you dealt with, or are they still out there?"
"Dealt with," Kaja says, looking down and back at you. "Long since dealt with." A rather sharp, toothy smile at that.
Moore nods. "Got anyone else on your agenda? We seem to be perfectly primed to be able to deal with rather difficult-to-deal-with sorts."
"At the moment? No." Kaja says, "Give me some time to correct this shortcoming."
Moore grins a bit. "Once we've made some more enemies within the Efreet, I'm sure we'll hear about good targets. Feel free to utilize Melia for that."
He takes in a breath. "And don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything I can do for you, okay? You're not just another member of another crusade, you're my friend -- or at least I hope you see it that way -- so if there's something I can do, tell me."
"I'll prove myself to you," Kaja agrees, "To show you what you've earned from me. That's what I need to do right now, rather than ask you for more aid."
Moore smiles. "You've proven yourself admirably already to me, but I know better than to argue with a dragon's ego. Just don't be reckless."
Next move then? Mostly a chance to do any little fragments or the like, since I don't want the plot coming your way after vacation to be barely begun and stale by starting today.
lets go see that goblin! That shouldn't suddenly lead to anything extremely pressing
Sure enough, the goblin is still there, in his tent as...
Describe how you're approaching him and all that.
Moore will stay at the entrance of the tent and clear his throat politely!
Unless the goblin is still asleep -- but if he's still asleep, that's a totally different scenario!
The goblin is indeed asleep, snoozing away.
"Excuse me!" Moore raises his voice.
If even that doesn't work...
If he's still asleep, Take 10 on Spellcraft for 74.
The goblin stirs and blinks, yawning. "Huh?" he says in a drifty, sleepy voice.
"Hello." Moore says, slightly more quietly. "My name is Moore, you're... uh, outside my fortress. What can I help you with?"
The goblin yawns and then straightens, "Moore?! Finally! Yes, yes, I'm Hamperie, at your service!"
Moore smiles gently. "Okay, nice to meet you, Hamperie. What can I do for you -- or perhaps I should just ask what brought you here?"
"I want to help you and learn from you," Hampiere says, a hand to his heart. "Can I serve you, Moore?"
Moore blinks. "I mean... Sure, but that doesn't answer the question." He smiles again. "How'd you even hear about me or find your way here?"
"You saved a friend of mine," he says, "That was enough."
Moore scratches his head. "All right, we'll leave it at that. What are your talents, Hamperie?"
"I'm a traveling merchant," Hampiere says, "I know how to buy and sell things, and make a sustainable profit even when many won't trade with you."
The irony of your desire about the trading hub is not lost on me, no.
Moore claps his hands together.
"Perfect." Moore says. "I'm just starting out, but I'd like to make this a good hub for trading. I want us to be able to ease the tensions between similarly-aligned places that have normally been a bit too... cold-shouldered, if that makes sense." He explains.
"Do you think you can help with that? If nothing else, I'm fine putting you in charge of handling the trade agreements for us."
"I'll do my best, I promise," Hampiere says, "The goods and the metals, the shops and the alchemical bombs, all of it! I'll work all of it out for you!"
Moore smiles. "Why don't you come inside the fortress and I'll introduce you? You don't have to sleep out in your tent all the time."
I know we were headed that way anyway, but this is a fine segue point into your vacation.
Sounds like a plan.
Okay, new topic time. Neph, make sure to update your list of NPCs for me, would you?