The sunshine is so bright.
Alyssa peers out the window as she listens to her friends, the view of her realm blessed by a sunny, clear day that lets her see almost forever. A sweet breeze blows in from it, the scent of flowers, of grass, of trees and all the warm things that pleasant winds carry. It lacks the beach smells of her past home, but is nonetheless a vital scent that brings a story of life.
Behind you Dolmaya sits, reclining back in a far too stuffed and comfortable chair. A few spellbooks hover around her, moved out of her sight with a wave of her hand. She instead grabs an iced glass of juice and spirits, a slow sip from it before it is placed back down. "But does it really matter so long as it works? Oh, I know well mystique and mysticism. I've traded on them plenty of times in the past. But beyond trickery and diplomacy, do they have any place in the battlefield? A resource you know is far more manageable for a general. So long as it's reliable, does the spellcraft behind it matter?"
Lady Honeydip sits opposite Dolmaya, a little bowl with several grapes nearby, as well as a honeyed thimbleful of ale. She has a small drink herself before, "Everything matters." Her answer is almost bland before she goes on, more passion in her voice, "Everything reacts to everything else. Chaos is often seen as mindless, but that's not true. No. It's more than every hero, every person and every soul is a force that influences the world around them. Romantic sorrow has no place in war, but what if heartbreak dulls the mind of a powerful strategist the day of a great battle?
"Fine, the little things," Dolmaya's retorts lacks heat, but she sits up to peer at Honeydip's thimble, "Such as a pixie who drinks ale."
"Honeyed ale," Honeydip says, in a tone that suggests that says everything that is needed. "But since you asked?" A sip, "Back on Androlynne, one of the volunteers had a sideline of brewing. He insisted on something palatable for pixies besides sweet wines, and I grew a taste for this thanks to him. In reasonable doses. Drinking a mug sized for a human warrior is a mistake I will only make once."
The laughter from Dolmaya is warm as the sunshine that you feel as you listen in. "Even for you that's not even a shot glass. Can you not hold your alcohol?"
"I prefer not to let my alcohol hold me," Honeydip has one more sip, "Wine gladdens the heart, but the cost is always too high. It's better to make your heart happier instead."
A pause before, "You must have been a boring drunk," Dolmaya decides, "Boring as stone and sand. You missed your calling to be a paladin with upright attitudes like that."
"Did I? I wasn't aware paladins had any prohibition against alcohol," Honeydip immediately retorts, "Emily enjoys an occasional drink herself." A pause, "For what little it matters for the divine. Still." A sip again, "At least I know now how to grasp that impossible power you've all found. Even the fragment Bastian gifted me is incredible."
Idly, Alyssa interjects, "You're both right. Moderation is wise for general preparation and life. But there's a time a place for revelry.
We could be called to the field at any time, so being too far in our cups is, in general, a poor decision. But if safety and security are ensured? I see no problem with it. Though, that doesn't address the issue of being called suddenly...
Perhaps a spell that removes drunkenness and invigorates for sudden call-ups? Hmm... Or... Have the spell brewed into the alcohol itself? As long as you continue to drink within a few minutes, you maintain the feeling, but it wears off within a few minutes if you don't?
Could have real value as a morale booster for our deployed soldiers."
"It wouldn't be difficult," Dolmaya says, "A project for a lazy afternoon. Hardly any serious effort, but an amusing spell to create."
"Useful, but the idea is to have soldiers drink when off duty and with sufficient time to sober up," Honeydip disagrees, "Useful on occasion, but soldiers need rest."
Alyssa nods, "If we can put the spell into the brew itself... It would make an excellent trading product. Should we look for a brewmaster?"
"I'll see to it," Dolmaya says, "But you were saying about Bastian, Honeydip?"
Lady Honeydip shakes her head, "It will hold a moment. Finish your conversation about that ale first."
Dolmaya smiles thinly, "Oh no, do go on. It's an idea, nothing more, and easily executed."
"Well then," Honeydip sits up straight, "It's this divine power within me now. Only a loaned fragment, but I understand it so far better now. It's as if I was asleep all my life and only now woke up. As if I only saw in black and white, and now see in full color."
"Hmph." Dolmaya cracks a smile, "Nonetheless, from what I've learned talking to others, it may well be we are coddled by Creation. That our true state is more like this, but also hobbled and twisted by the Beyond. The implications in metaphysics are astounding."
"I-" That's all Honeydip gets out before she pauses. You feel the connection to her, still new but growing stronger.
Node update, go read.
Read.
Alyssa grins slightly, "Ah, there it is. That's something else for you to explore and get used to."
"Another gift?" Honeydip muses aloud, "Thank you."
"Myself," Dolmaya agrees, "I'm content that we found another seed and managed it, even if we didn't get all of it. How many remain, Alyssa?"
Is the Divine Seed progress list up to date?
"Two, I believe... Gehenna and Mechanus, if I recall correctly."
"Mechanus is out of reach, too, so that leaves only one option," Honeydip notes.
"It rather does," Dolmaya concedes, "What do we know about that seed?"
For refresher, this is what we had:
"As for Acheron and Gehenna, there are seeds but we have not found them yet," Zaphkiel continues, "Precious little is known of them. For Baator, you have already seen that divine seed," A look to Alicia. "Asmodeus also extends an invitation to any of you who are willing - to come before the Serpent's Throne within nine days and he will discuss sharing this seed with you as well as with his chosen."
Was anything else discovered by another node or something?
I do not believe so, no.
"That they exist. That's it. We can start researching, but that's a slow progress project, so lets get some more irons in the fire. Does anyone have projects they want to work on?"
Give me a quick Perception check.
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+103 : 19 + 103, total 122[/blockquote]
"A few," Dolmaya admits, "But how about-" A moment's pause.
"Damn," she says, "I almost forgot. I wanted to ask you something about the seed we found."
"Hm? What about it?"
"All things considered," Dolmaya asks, "Was it worth it?"
"In what way? Making a deal with Galgathorn?"
Gathgorian.
"Yes, but all of it," Dolmaya agrees, "Was that power worth it?"
Lady Honeydip leans forward, "I confess I'm curious to that answer as well."
Alyssa shrugs, "For me, personally? Not exceedingly so. In the framework of our fight? It will be."
Dolmaya's answer is lost as you feel a strong connection to Dolmaya - growing stronger by the moment, as power comes flowing.
Node update, go read.
You have a choice. +1 strength for you or for Dolmaya.
Neither one of us reallyhave it as a primary stat, but at least I get int to mine. Give it to her.
Alyssa blinks and shakes her head, "Busy day for that. What did you say? I lost it in that."
Done.
"Ah. I said I think you're right," Dolmaya says, "But with that done, now what?"
This is a chance to check in your todos real quick, more than anything else. Got any?
These are my minor todos:
-More Lizard stuff.
-Refugees: look for anyone of note/talent, put Emily on reuniting families, ect.
-Have the others take a corner/valley/whatever to establish their own strongholds/temples/whatevers.
-Try to contact Mystra to see if she wants some of her peeps in my area for cooperative research/education/ect.
Major ones are to check in with my followers. I had that big thing for Lasri.
Cool. Which one first?
I don't really have a preference? I guess I can roll for it.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d5 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
Mystra it is. How are you going to contact her?
How do gods normally contact each other? Just like, send out a message to her?
Colored divine text, generally.
Mystra, would you have some time to talk?
Yes. Speak, Alyssa.
I feel my Academy is fairly well established, though still new. I would like to discuss an exchange of education, research, and personnel. I intend to use this as a first step in bringing us into an alliance, if you'd be interested.
Continue.
I was thinking we could start with an exchange of students and possibly one or two teachers, as a first step. My Academy focuses on research and practical application for common life. After the first groups finish their exchange, I think it best we revist the program and see what each gained from it and build a more well-rounded plan.
Eventually, I'd like to build a free exchange program between our people.
It is only right and proper for magic to spread. That is the natural way of Creation.
Alyssa nods to herself, Agreed. My Academy accepts anyone who wishes to learn, with no restrictions for any sort of social or monetary class. As did my Arcane Order before it. For those who come to us without magical potential, we provide education on any skillset we can. Trade skills, home skills, survival, the entire gambit, and then help organize for settlement and exploration.
How would you want to start this? How many students and educators?
Half a dozen to begin. More in time.
Agreed. I'll make my arrangements and selections. Where would you want me to send them?
Dweomerheart. They'll be guided from there.
Thank you for the chance to begin building an alliance and exchange.
Anything else to add there?
Not really.
Next move then to knock out?
These are my minor todos:
-More Lizard stuff.
-Refugees: look for anyone of note/talent, put Emily on reuniting families, ect.
-Have the others take a corner/valley/whatever to establish their own strongholds/temples/whatevers.
-Try to contact Mystra to see if she wants some of her peeps in my area for cooperative research/education/ect.
Major ones are to check in with my followers. I had that big thing for Lasri.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
Sure, go for followers then. How are you going to do it?
Start with Lasri. I'll just call her into the office since she's currently residing in my realm.
Lasri enters and bows deeply, kneeling without a word, merely awaiting your attention.
Alyssa motions her to take a seat, "Lasri! How have you been? It's been an odd transition for you, I know."
Lasri sits, "I'm learning so much," She answers, "Magic and stonework, geography, history, the natural world, arcana. There's so many books and lessons here. It's everything I could ever imagine."
Alyssa smiles, "I'm glad to hear it. Your growth and expansion makes me happy. I do have something more for you, however. Something to bring you some focus and a mission.
The library you were building was inspiring, Lasri. I want you to continue it, but on a grander scale."
This gets Lasri to focus on you, "How and where, ma'am?" she asks openly.
"Both are entirely up to you. That's part of your mission. If you want to build something, you have to learn to be an architect first.
Here's the problem I want you to solve: your people, the Dwarven people, for all that their clans are their families and they track their bloodlines back generations, are solitary. Each clan stands apart, singularly. This means that when one clan falls, nearly everything they've learned, all their skills, works, and history, are lost.
I want you to establish a great Dwarven library. A center locus to record history, techniques, and serve as a central meeting place.
I imagine you can already see a few difficulties with this, no?"
In the interests of being both open and honest here, that's not necessarily universal across Primes. In case you want to hedge your response a bit or adjust it.
What's the general rule of thumb for this, then?
I'd suggest being a little more open with the premise than pinning it to a particular variable.
"Both are entirely up to you. That's part of your mission. If you want to build something, you have to learn to be an architect first.
Here's the problem I want you to solve: your people, the Dwarven people, for all that their clans are their families and they track their bloodlines back generations, are often times insular. Many times, clans get few visitors over the years, or they have fewer trade partners than I'd like. This means that if they were to fall, there's a chance that a large portion of their history, knowledge, skills, and great works might be lost.
I want you to establish a great Dwarven library. A center locus to record history, techniques, and serve as a central meeting place.
I imagine you can already see a few difficulties with this, no?"
"It would be the work of lifetimes," Lasri confesses, "To begin it and gather all the knowledge, and set it up to gain more. Moradin could do such a feat, but me? Alone?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and grins, "You are the single island in this desolate ocean of mine, are you? Alone, and bereft of resources and fellows in faith, belief, and ambition? Not a single soul in the whole of my realm with a spirit for exploration and creation? No single refugee, wanderer, or settler looking for a mission to span generations tread this wasteland of mine? No source of goods and materials in the entire span of my dominion?
There is more to this than the mission. This is about teaching you to grow and become a leader. Organization, recruitment, logistics. There more to learn than knowledge from books."
A duck of her head, Lasri taking the rebuke for what it is. "So to go do on a grand scale, you mean? Will supplies be provided for it?"
"To a point, but not everything. I'll give you a basic amount of supplies that will get to you to where you're going. You're going to have to plan out what you need to begin establishing yourself. Make a list, and we'll discuss it at that point.
The less I have to give you beyond that, the more favorably I'll look on the expedition. This is a delicate balancing act, Lasri. It's deep waters. You can find investors, be they merchants, miners, other settlers that want to get in on various things such as land, farming, or trade rights. But be warned, every bit of coin you take for such things means you're selling a bit of control. You know I prize freedom exceedingly highly, but when it comes to establishing something like this, there's value in being able to be the final decision maker.
You'll have to consider location carefully: mineral deposits, location, ability to feed itself, defenses, and many other things. And don't think yourself limited to just our people. There followers of the others are here, too. I think there might some value in military logistics. Or a certain Goddess of Law and Liberation might have a suitable Guard Captain or two floating around. Another might have some excellent scouts.
You'll have to decide if you want to launch a military expedition first, to scout and secure the land, or if you want to take laborers and settlers with you to build an outpost from the get go. And with each comes its own separate requirements. A military expedition comes with discipline and rules baked-in. Bringing civilians means establishing a rule of law. A system for it, and then getting people to buy into it and follow it.
Travelers, settlers, and skilled laborers abound here, Lasri. There's a few newly established settlements in the realm, in the mountains, that you can visit and try to pull advice from. This is a large project. One of lifetimes, as you said, and I don't expect you to set out next week. Even if your decedents finish it, if you are wise and educated and prepared, you will be the one who lays the cornerstone.
Legends are built from such things, Lasri. Bloodlines have been founded on less."
Give me a Charisma check here, +5 bonus. Just need to gauge something.
Cha/Brains Over Everything/+5:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 10 + 35, total 45[/blockquote]
"A great task," Lasri agrees, "It's so very much to do and think about. Then...with all of that, by your leave may I go and begin to plan?"
"No. First... I want you to take a rest. This task will exceed your limits. Best to be rested for the journey.
And Lasri, don't try to shoulder it all yourself. A single laborer can't build a city."
"I will," Lasri promises and obeys, the great task laid ahead. With that done, now what?
I really need to come up with ideas for the others, but Croneasco is with those refugees on that plane that was the titan's skeleton, so let's count that as his mission to help build a settlement. Let's check in on him.
Sure, give me a d100 on that real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 80, total 80[/blockquote]
You glance in. Croneasco works away with them, in what looks to be a cavern converted into a living space for many. It's been cleaned up and organized, tents pitched and areas sectioned off. It's clean enough, with water kept unpolluted and filth to a minimum.
Alyssa inspects the area, judging their supplies, security, and what they're lacking.
They're good on water and fire wood, a bit iffy on food and further construction supplies on a glance. Security's decent.
Alyssa calls for Dolmaya and her sister.
Easy enough. They come forth and...
Go ahead, you clearly have an idea in mind.
"Dolmaya, you've had Alihana under your wing for some time now. Do you think she's ready for a solo project? Administrative and logistical?"
"Yes," Dolmaya cuts off Alihana with a raised hand, "As it happens when you teach a child to swim, the solution is simple: Sink or swim. Do or do not. Success is the ultimate proof of learning."
Alyssa taps on her desk, "Croneasco, one of my followers, is helping a group of refugees on another plane. They are short of food and construction materials. I want to arrange some support, and I want Alihana to lead it as a way of building confidence and begin to build her own reputation."
Alyssa turns to Alihana, "The survival of this settlement may hinge on this. I personally believe you can do it. Will you take this on?"
"Of course I will," Alihana declares, "I'll succeed, too!"
Dolmaya nods ever so slightly to those words, as if affirming then. "Confidence will take you far, so long as you pair it with a modicum of talent and effort."
Alyssa nods, "Lasri is beginning to dive in to a logistical mission of her own. It might be wise to work with her and learn from each other."
"Then I will. I'll show you," Alihana declares with a hmph before, "What else do I need to know about this?"
Dolmaya seems content to watch and let Alihana work, as it may be.
Alyssa grins slightly and gives her the details of the number settlers.
"You'll have to figure out the rest. Number of homes and trade buildings to sustain them."
Alihana takes that and goes off, step confidence. Once she's out Dolmaya merely notes, "I have my opinion, but do you think she'll succeed?"
Alyssa leans back, "I think she will... but not smoothly, and not on her first pass. Or second."
"She'll learn then," Dolmaya agrees, "If she has half as much endurance as confidence."
"Likely not yet, but she'll grow. That's what this place is for, so all can reach their full potential."
Okay, another thing put into play. What's next on your list?
Araseis.
Refresh me there then?
Araseis - Library exploration follow up. https://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104413.msg1177628.html#msg1177628
Okay, how are you following up precisely?
Was going to look in on her and see how she's doing, and I dunno how the divine thing works, but see if she discovered anything? And if so, maybe reward her or direct her somewhere.
You look in. At the moment Araseis is resting in bed, sipping from a tall ale mug filled with stew. It's an inn room looks like, a few books before her as she reads from one of them. A window lets you see that snow falls, thick and heavy, and fire crackles in the fireplace, even as she's wrapped in blankets.
Alyssa glances through the books, to see if any of them are recovered knowledge, or if they're just general studies.
It's an assortment of spell lore, geography and religious texts.
Anything I can do to see how her last exploration went?
You could probably whip up a divination on that.
Let's do so!
Well, she survived and got away with some treasure. That's the upside of it after that mess. You can see she made her way here to rest, recover and work through what she got.
Alyssa inspects what she got away with!
A heap of gold, some high quality stone figurines, a few potions, an enchanted helmet, a lot of books. Not a terrible haul.
Alyssa looks for something in the books she can use to inspire Araseis to improvement with.
Could you define what you'd see as inspiration?
Something like a unique spell or a trick or technique that's been lost.
There is one bit in the books that fits, that, sure, a recording of an old spell.
Alyssa examines it while calling Araseis' attention to it.
Okay, and how are you calling her attention to it?
Something simple, a small flash of dim light.
Araseis works - and on looking, that flash of like gets attention. "Hm?" The new book is taken and opened, interest on it now.
Can I get an overview of the spell so I can plan?
Sure. It's a simple variant of levitation, better at moving objects and suited for it.
Can I assume it's possible for her to develop a whole line of spells based on it?
It's a levitation spell. She probably could I suppose?
Alyssa sends a whisper of an idea to her, an image of the spell branching out towards the horizon, leading to new variations and new spells.
Araseis is quiet until she at last breathes out, then writes intently even as she studies the spell.
Alyssa sits back lets her work.
With that set up you...
Next thing to do?
These are my minor todos:
-More Lizard stuff.
-Refugees: look for anyone of note/talent, put Emily on reuniting families, ect.
-Have the others take a corner/valley/whatever to establish their own strongholds/temples/whatevers.
-Try to contact Mystra to see if she wants some of her peeps in my area for cooperative research/education/ect.
Major ones are to check in with my followers. I had that big thing for Lasri.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
Okay, so what's your plan for people taking their own part of the realm precisely, just so we're on the same page?
That's sorta up to them. They can just like, set up wherever they want, really, outside of just declaring "all habitable space is mine." I was figuring they could have like their own primary outpost/town/whatever somewhere in the realm and then like a joint temple inside the main city or something. If they want to set up in the main city and just have like their own district or whatever, that's fine too.
Cozy.
You have to admit it's not the word you might expect to describe Jarem's new home. A large valley mostly filled in by a series of sturdy stone buildings and fortresses, interconnected into tunnels and natural caves built into the mountains around them. Yet inside is just that - cozy. Warm, well kept, comfortable. A fortress but not one without comforts as Jarem leads you along.
"Palaces are outgrowths of castles that value wealth and opulence more than defense," Jarem begins, "They're the mark of empires and large kingdoms that no longer need a central holdfast like that." As you walk down torch lit halls he goes on, "You can live here in comfort even in a siege, and learn so much about dungeon and underground warfare." A glance, "I'm going to build towers and sky mounts for more open spaces above this, but one step at a time. It can be a palace without sacrificing its defenses. To teach those who study here that there's more to defense than just stone and strength."
Alyssa nods, "I like it. I have some knowledge on underground architecture if you want your people to consult with me. I do like the general idea of the construction and the view on palaces... I wonder if we can use that, though... Any interest in looking over the academy and pointing out the flaws? If we could redesign it to be a fortress with the facade of a palace, it might serve us better.
Convince any attackers to commit fewer forces, and turn it into a meat grinder until they realize. And by that time, they'll have possibly lost enough that they don't have what it takes to truly break it."
"If anyone makes it this far," Jarem says, "They'll know it's no palace anyway." He waves it off, "But I'll be fine to do that with your academy if you want."
Alyssa nods, "You're the Strategist here. Your recommendations are what I look to."
"I heard Emily's setting up her own place as well," Jarem goes on at that, "An island in a huge lake."
Alyssa nods, "I haven't made it there yet. I'm thinking of asking her to take charge of all the refugees and rescued slaves from now on. Sorting them, getting them organized, fed, and treated. Making logs of who comes through. Names and families, and effort into reuniting them. A sort of recovery house type of mission.
I think it'll be a good focus for her passion. Strengthen her resolve while also teaching her the follow-through of her crusade.
Once she gets them ready for resettlement, they can come to the academy for education and training, and if they want to strike out on their own, organization and preparation for a settlement expedition. Opinion?"
"Good idea, it builds people around her," Jarem agrees, "It'll keep her busy, too, and it's best to keep her sort busy."
"Well, that wasn't my primary concern, but yes. I'm not sure she has an organizational or logistical expert among her own. I'd assign my sister to help her, but she's already involved in an assignment. Would you happen to have someone to train one of her people, if she needs it?"
"Yeah, I can spare someone," Jarem agrees, "If she hasn't already gotten someone decent."
Alyssa nods, "Thanks. Any other plans you want help with?"
"Yeah, one," Jarem decides, "Going back to visit the Red Knight soon and meet with Tempus. Keep an eye on this place while I'm gone? It shouldn't be more than a day or two."
Alyssa nods, "Who will be in command here for me to deal with?"
"Well..." From there you chat with Jarem a little while longer.
Do you want to check on the others for this?
Yep.
In contrast, Bastian's is an inn. An inn that stretches farther than you can see and yet seems small, as if space here isn't quite right. An inn here travelers eat and drink, where rest is had and stories are shared. Bastian sits amid it all, feet up on a table. "The perfect moment for any traveler," he explains.
Alyssa nods, "A pleasant place to call home. I like it."
"Played with the space here, it'll always be big enough while feeling comfortable." Bastian says as he watches, gesturing for you to take a seat. "The final inn where you can rest from your long journey."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "The final inn? A tad morbid. Sounds rather final."
Bastian shakes his head, "You never got old or had to die," Bastian points out, "You never felt that bone deep weariness when your time comes close and you know it. You've never felt that anxiety that makes you question where you'll go after it's all done. It's not morbid, it's a promise."
"I meant more for any living visitor. Unless it's reserved only for the fallen?"
"No more than going to Elysium or Baator early," Bastian disagrees, "Elysium's pleasant, but don't forget that's where some souls go after they die." He looks over, "I'm still getting used to what all of this means," he taps his fist against his chest, "But I've been a spirit for a long time. I'm used to that assumption."
Alyssa nods, "Well, name aside, it's fantastic. All the best things of all the inns and taverns I've been to, I can see here. I might have to reserve a room in perpetuity... And I think the idea of taverns and inns having a small shrine dedicated to you is fantastic.
If you're interested, you can embed your people into the settler groups leaving from the Academy as tavern masters."
"Not the worst idea," Bastian agrees, as...
Anything else to do here, dread one?
Not really unless he has any sort of project/goals he wants to talk about and coordinate for.
Okay, what other todos do you have then?
Still need to check in with Emily first, so I can talk to her about taking charge of the slaves and refugees and stuff.
You find Emily's diversified. It's an island sure enough, but large. Full, a city there. A rather elven city amid the trees, yet she flies above it, observing distantly.
Alyssa teleports next to her, "Hello! I came to see your corner of the world here. I quite like the architecture."
"Alyssa." Emily smiles back to you, "It's not bad for an island, but of course I want more. It's a good beginning."
"Oh? How much more? Planning to move out on your own eventually?"
"No," Emily says, "But we have as much space as we want, so why stay small?"
Alyssa nods a bit, "True. It'd be nice to space things out and have nature flowing through the area. And while I did want to see your space here, I had another reason for coming.
I've got an idea for something for you to focus on. Something I think you'll both enjoy and be driven by. Interested?"
"Of course I am," Emily turns, "What is it, Alyssa?"
"The slaves and refugees. I want you to take lead on stabilizing them. They'll have incredible trauma, separated families, and likely next to no skills or education for the most part. I want you to prepare them for reintegration into a normal life. Lay the ground work, and once they're stable, we can get them into the Academy and find out what their talents and desires are. Get them skill sets and educations, and then see about including them in settlement efforts."
"I'll do it," Emily agrees instantly, "Of course they need that!"
Alyssa nods, "I think it'll help build your faithful, too. But what I want you get from it is the follow-through. Doing raids and saving people is a fine thing, but... It's the easiest part of it. The resources you're going to need for the rest of it will be far greater.
But I think it couples well with what you've already started, and I believe you'll excel at it."
"Of course it is," Emily agrees right away, "And I'll do it!"
Alyssa smiles, "There will be plenty of things you won't be prepared for, or won't know. If you need any help, let me know. You'll probably want to try and work with Bastian and his scout network to try and find family members to reunite.
But that's all up to you, now. I hope for great things."
"So do I," Emily smiles widely, "So let's get it done!"
Alyssa smiles, "Any other projects you're planning?"
"Well," Emily begins, as...
Okay, anything else to do here?
Not really.
Right, remaining todos?
These are my minor todos:
-More Lizard stuff.
-Refugees: look for anyone of note/talent, put Emily on reuniting families, ect.
-Have the others take a corner/valley/whatever to establish their own strongholds/temples/whatevers.
-Try to contact Mystra to see if she wants some of her peeps in my area for cooperative research/education/ect.
Major ones are to check in with my followers. I had that big thing for Lasri.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d2 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]
Okay cool, how are you going to look for talent?
A mix of wandering and asking the people who are organizing the new influx of people.
Sure. Gimme a Diplomacy check while I reference that.
Diplo/Cunning Knowlege:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+107 : 18 + 107, total 125[/blockquote]
It's not too hard to locate a decent amount of talent, at least. Most everyone has some skill, even if it's only farming. Any in particular you're looking for?
Alyssa searches for anyone who might fill a leadership role.
Basically anyone who can be a node leader.
...as in your node?
Yeah. Like how Denise, Walt, and Rickar.
Okay, so we're on the same page since I think there's some miscommunication here on some level, what's your aim here?
Looking for people who can help and give bonuses to tasks and stuff for developing the realm.
Okay then.
You can find a few who show potential for leadership, sure. Any other prerequisites?
Uh, I dunno? We never really established anything like a framework for it.
Okay then. How in depth do you want to get here?
Eh, up to you. This is just clearing the list stuff, so its not a huge deal.
We can mostly backburner this for now to keep you moving. What was the last thing on your list?
Organizating lizards for deployment and stuff, and just sorta checking up with them.
Okay, how do you want to go about that?
Just drop in on the guy we found to breed them, and I believe I awakened a few of the lizards as leaders.
You find that by and large, they've settled into a cave complex. When you enter you see lizards cling to the walls, on the ceiling and on the ground. As one they turn to stare at Alyssa, silent and still, but every eye is on her.
Alyssa smiles and waves at them, giving the ones near a bit of a pat, "How are you all doing?"
The lizards slowly approach you. One is heard in your mind, 'We hear and obey. We grow. We all grow.'
"Excellent! Do you have everything you need?"
Alyssa begins walking through the cave, inspecting things.
"Are there any issues with your abilities?"
More and more are ahead, all eyes on you. 'We grow. Earth, lightning, fire and more. It all grows within us.'
"Good! Are you all happy?"
'Content.' A simple answer in your mind. 'We await battle.'
"Hopefully that will come soon. Until then, I'm looking for a group to help work with you. I was thinking possibly pixies, but I wanted to ask if you had any other creatures you liked being around; that would work well with you."
They skitter about, eyeing you as you can feel the pulses of communication between them. Sparks fly in the air, the ground shakes, hot and cold war around them.
'Pixies?' A question back, 'What are they?'
Since I have a high linguistics skill, is there any chance I can figure out their communication system?
Alyssa uses a bit of magic to create an image of a pixie, "This. They're small, so your inclination might be to view them as prey, but unless they are hostile, they are not prey."
You're a deity, you understand all languages anyway. It's simple telepathy.
The lizards watch that, curious.
Ah, I thought they were doing something with elemental fields there.
"Have you encountered them yet?"
'No.' A simple answer for a simple question. 'They do look like food.'
Alyssa nods, "Alright, then I'll need a couple of you to come with me. There might be some Pixies or Druids in the Grove and we can figure out who, or what, you all can get along with."
So going to introduce the lizards to pixies and hope they hit it off, basically?
Well, I figure the grove is a locus for all sorts of fae and nature types, right? Might be someone/thing there that can get along with them.
Indeed there are. Satyrs prance her, the sound of pipes being played echoing throughout. Several nymphs sit and talk here, while pixies fly through the air and red cap mushrooms rise and chat amid themselves.
Go ahead with how you're doing this.
Alyssa strides into the grove, smiling and waving, "I'd like to introduce a few of my allies and see if anyone would be interested in working with them."
Eyes turn to the lizards - and moments of shock appear on all of their faces as...
These things do have a reputation. Diplo check.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+111 : 5 + 111, total 116[/blockquote]
You're getting wary looks, but no one's bolting, at least.
"Not to worry, I've awakened them. Come meet tgem!"
Slowly they approach - the lizards come closea nd the fey approach.
"I've heard of these." One says.
"Aren't the menaces?" A nymph asks carefully.
"All the elements, too?"
Alyssa frowns at the nymph, "They are not! They're adorable. And yes, they're all elementally aligned."
Slowly the two groups mingle under your watchful eye, lizards and fey. Eventually a pixie flies up and perches on one, one that rumbles and shakes the ground. "Oh, it's like a shaky thingy!"
"Earth aligned, yes. Enough of them together can cause an earthquake. Part of what I'm looking to do is pair them with a group that can move with them and cover their flanks, a flying group would be best I think, while they infiltrate a stronghold and then quake it into rubble!"
Alyssa smiles brightly at everyone.
"Earthquakes? Shaky boom boom earthquakes?" Is the question you get back.
Alyssa nods, "Yes, those earthquakes."
"Okay! Let's go make earthquakes!" Is the cry, as it's nudged along and flown atop, a rider obtained.
Alyssa smiles and nods, "Just, only at our enemies, and not in our towns, hm?"
The pixie listen and agree as...
Okay, was that the last of your immediate todos?
Pretty much.
It's not long after when a voice comes to you.
So you claim forges as your own?
Alyssa tilts her head, considering... I do, as there are others who do as well. Might I ask who you are?
I am Moradin.
Ah! Excellent! It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Lord Moradin. My Hall welcomes you and wishes your Hall and Hearth to be forever lit by forges and feasts.
What I want to know is what you have forged with your own hands.
Alyssa nods, I've forged five pieces of significance to me. Three smithing hammers. The first was forged while I was on my path to Divinity. Sadly, I lost it in a fight with Shar, where I also lost a dear friend. Alyssa sends him an image of the hammer, her first true masterpiece.
The second was a smithing hammer for my father, to honor him and his teachings. We forged it together, pouring our sweat, dedication, and power into it. Alyssa sends him an image of her father's hammer.
The third was shortly after I attained my Divinity. I went through a trial that tested my ability to survive. I was in the wilderness with nothing, and forged a hammer of bone and ore and stone. Alyssa sends him an image of the hammer, her third masterpiece, primitive though it was.
The fourth, I made recently. Forged shortly before being crowned, and used to make my fifth master work: my crown. Alyssa sends him images of both.
I have not had as many masterworks as a Master of your caliber, yet. But I am young, and I am dedicated, Soul Forger.
You wish to improve.
Always. There'salways more to learn and see over the next horizon.
Wise of you. I'll watch your creations.
Thank you. I actually have something else to speak to you about.
No answer directly, but a sense of listening and waiting.
I've tasked one of my faithful with a mission. One of lifetimes. I've asked her to establish a new Dwarven hold. A Great Dwarven Library. Meant to gather the history, records, bloodlines, and techniques of Dwarven bloodlines.
This was something she attempted on her own on a smaller scale. However, some in her original hold disapproved. To the point of burning the texts and attempting to murder her.
I would ask you not to order your faithful, as that goes against their freedoms, but perhaps look favorably on her mission."
Who attempts this?
Her name is Lasri. One of my Paladins.
I don't think I ever gave her a last name.
Noted.
When she comes forth to the world, I will look on her.
Thank you. I intend her to hold to be a place to ensure the fall of a hold does not equate to the loss of the clans' knowledge and traditions.
Knowledge must endure as long as the stones themselves.
... Lord Moradin, I think you and I are going to get along famously.
The answer is silence - but companionable somehow, not oppressive at all.
Alyssa grins and returns to work.
It's not too long before you are interrupted again. It's Emily and she comes right in, "So Alyssa," She begins with once in, "Who is it you want to Compete against now?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "... No one, really. I haven't really considered it since we still have to deal with Shar."
"Well, we do need to get stronger in the interim," Emily comes over and sits opposite you, sitting back. She relaxes a moment, "Though I hardly object to dealing with Sharrans, we do risk Shar's personal attention doing so. A variation in targets may be wise."
"I assume you have a preference?"
This gets Emily to brighten considerably. "As a matter of fact, I do!"
Alyssa gasps, "What a surprise! So, whose teeth do you intend to kick in?"
"I was talking to Mom Amaryl and she mentioned there's certain targets we may be able to find from all sorts of enemies," Emily goes on, "So I had plenty of options," Emily kicks her feet lightly, "But I narrowed it down."
Alyssa nods, "Go on."
"I was thinking Malar," Emily goes on, "Mom had a bit of a tiff with him and he really is against most of what you stand for. You represent knowledge and civilization, he represents the wild anger of animals and nature."
"Mmm... The natural world has its place. Has he done anything specific this time, or is this a generalized conflict of ideologies?"
"He's evil, Alyssa," Emily says slowly, "He's always 'done something'. Ask anyone who has died at the hands of one of his priests."
"So general conflict. Have you done any intelligence gathering on him yet? Identified any targets?"
With a heavy huff of air, "Of course I have," Emily says, "I knew you'd ask that."
"Learning! Give me the details then."
"Well, the faith has cults we could strike," Emily begins, but smiles, "But I was thinking about something bigger. Something worth our time. In Pandemonium there's a wild place where Malar's followers endlessly rage and howl amid the windstorms. It's said to be well hidden but an important part in the faith."
"And your plan for this attack?"
"A few of us go in, try and provoke a response and shove over whatever Malar sends," Emily says, "That for all his rage he's still an animal that needs to be put down for everyone's safety."
Alyssa leans and taps her chin, "Perhaps, but I think we might need a secondary plan. Defeating him and destroying him are two different things. If the plan is to weaken him, then the best way to do so... might be to get him to turn on his own. His rage might make it easier to do it, too. While the core zealots won't leave him, it's possible it could distance him from at least a portion of his followers.
Let's get some information on his deepest grudges. See if we can't pin down things that send him into the most uncontrollable rages."
"Oh, that's what Mom did against Imix recently," Emily points out, "But everyone's talking about that, so it may be harder to use that trick right now."
Alyssa drums her fingers against the desk, "Well, great minds, I suppose. What about ceremonies? Does he have any coming up?"
"Not that I know of, it's not a faith heavy on them," Emily explains, "It's more about the hunt."
Alyssa chuckles, "How about something mean? A curse on the hunting grounds so that any followers of Malar constantly alert everything they're hunting."
"That could work," Emily says, "But we'd have to worry about it being undone, so we need to hit hard, too."
"Mmm... I'll think on it. I might pull Dolmaya or a Druid in on it, if I can find one."
"Well, get a group together and we can go do it," Emily says, "The sooner the better! We should go do something, Alyssa!"
"Emily, passion and desire are great motivators, and they serve you well. But battles are won primarily by planning. That said, I want you to use your passion, so let's do this: while I speak with Dolmaya and a Druid, you work up a battle plan. You've seen enough of Jarem's work by now to get the majority of it done.
Once I've finished, we'll call a strategy meeting and go over your plan."
"Fine, I will," Emily declares and turns to go, "Then you be ready and get this done. We shouldn't just sit here and do nothing!"
"Nothing, hm? Lasri, one of my paladins is preparing for a mission to start the establishment of a Great Dwarven Library. A locus to hold bloodline records, history, skills, and techniques as a sort of inheritance vault if one of the Dwarven holds falls. To prevent the loss of everything they are and know.
Croneasco is helping to build a settlement on a different plane. I've tasked Alihana with putting together a supply train and skilled laborers to help them build and survive. This is a step on her path that will help her grow into a leader.
Araseis discovered a lost levitation spell and I've inspired her to build from it. I'm hoping she'll work out a line of spells that will revolutionize how levitation is use.
I've spoken with Lord Moradin and established favorable, if not friendly, relations with him. To the point that once Lasri sets out on her mission, he'll look in on her and judge whether to have his faithful give her open arms or perhaps direct support.
I've found a group of Pixies willing to work with my Elemental Lizards so that a proper military unit... Well, perhaps not proper, but at least of sorts, can be formed and begin training for deployment.
Our newly rescued slaves and refugees are being organized and I have people looking for leaders among them.
The three of you have now established your own strongholds and first real temples of your own worship, which will only strengthen all of you.
I've opened relations with Mystra and have arranged for an exchange of personnel: students and teachers. This is a first step with establishing a strong alliance with her, yet another major deity.
While none of this might change the landscape in terms of Competing, it's not trivial. Going from one battle to another too quickly is equally as dangerous as never engaging. Castle walls stand because of foundations, Emily.
Your target is a good choice, and the timing is fair, but wisdom wins the day just as much as valor and morale."
With hands on her hips, "I know, but we can do more, especially if we go out there. That's what I'm saying."
"Soon er you work out the details..."
Alyssa trails off.
With that Emily goes and...
You said you wanted to talk to Dolmaya about this?
Yep.
Dolmaya comes to you on request and...
Go ahead.
"We'll be moving against Malar soon. Emily's identified a holy land of his. A hunting ground. I've an idea to modify something in the forest so that any of his faithful that go there to hunt will be easily detectable and thus ruin the hunt and the holy rite. Opinion?"
"Can you make it stick?" Dolmaya asks, "If I were Malar, the first thing I'd do is undo the curse."
"That's part of why you're here with me. I was thinking of pulling a Druid in on this with us and finding a way to help it propagate. Perhaps something like... pollen, or a moss. Something that will be exceedingly difficult to eradicate."
"Some sort of cursed pollen?" Dolmaya thinks aloud, "You're right, that's outside of my expertise. You'd need a specialist if it can even be done and done in any sort of reasonable time."
Alyssa nods, "I was thinking of using the same theory as my Tenacious Dispel. Every time it fails to dispel, it gathers strength. If we can work it into a defense mechanism, and combine it with something like... Glitterdust, and then imbue it into a pollen or moss? Something terribly abundant and that the entire forest will collapse without, then I think it might be successful."
"Then burn or destroy the pollen or moss," Dolmaya speaks up, "No, you'll need to do something to prevent that, too."
"Hmm... Ideas? Fire is a natural part of the cycle, and new growth tends to result from it."
"Nothing I can think of," Dolmaya says, "But I'm not a specialist in that." She paces slowly back and forth before, "Fireproof or what have you isn't going to cut it. If Malar's irritated enough to intervene, he'll have something that can do it even if fire can't."
"True, but just forcing him to take action to save his own realm will hurt his reputation. Regardless, lets find a specialist. They will likely have an idea."
Okay, going fishing or got someone in mind?
Fishing.
d100 real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 32, total 32[/blockquote]
The best you can find is an slender, elf like man. Youthful despite pure white hair and a tunic and pants of leaves. Impossibly so, seeming young and vital even with heavy blue eyes that speak of the ages.
He bows deeply, "I am Suriya."
Alyssa returns the bow, "Thank you for coming, please take a seat. We've got a little project we're working on and would like a bit of input on the structure of the spells involved and how they might interact with plant life and resiliency."
"I listen," Suriya murmurs once he sits down. "Please tell me more."
Dolmaya gives him but a glance, then focuses back on you.
Alyssa lays out the plan about the spell array, Glitterdust, a tenacious spell, pollen, and the concern about fire.
"How would it affect the plants, and would they be able to tolerate that sort of magic?"
"There is little plant life in Pandemonium," The druid begins, "Which would inhibit your plan, since what does grow is exceptionally hardy. Yet enough fire would suffice and I'm not sure I see a way to fix that problem."
Alyssa leans back, "Hmm... What else might be abundant enough to spread this well? Insects? But then those are easily eliminated and replaced... Weather?"
"There's a lot of wind in Pandemonium," Dolmaya points out, "That would be the best vector, but also predictable and controllable."
"... How about the soil itself? They might get around it by jumping through trees, but that has it's own issues for hunting. The wind carries dust everywhere on it's own, and rain forms around dust. It's carried in any stream or rivers as well. If we make it a propagating spell that slowly absorbs magic from the earth itself, we could place it with a lower magical signature and let it build on its own. If so, it's likely to go unnoticed until it's spread far enough that doing anything about it will require significant effort and resources."
"It's caverns," Dolmaya says, "Part of why there's so little vegetation. You do remember there, don't you?"
Is it? I thought it was like wild untamed jungle? Or am I getting my planes mixed up?
I think you're getting your planes mixed up. Not sure from where, the word jungle hasn't been used in this thread until now.
Sorry, my brain connected hunting to jungle. Maybe I'm thinking of the beastlands or something. Let me roll back and redo my statement:
"... How about the soil itself? Even rocks have some layer of dirt on them. Unless they simply fly, they'll always be in contact with it to some degree. If we make it a propagating spell that slowly absorbs magic from the earth itself, we could place it with a lower magical signature and let it build on its own. If so, it's likely to go unnoticed until it's spread far enough that doing anything about it will require significant effort and resources."
"Soil?" This is considered for some time, Suriya's head bowed, "What little soil there is would be disturbed by the wind as well, if there is any at all, unless it's uncharacteristic of Pandemonium. Which make have it work better if it gets that far, but less stealth and the possibility that it burns itself out."
Any sort of a K:N check for inspiration?
You could try, sure. Add an K:P check too.
K:N/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+95 : 1 + 95, total 96[/blockquote]
K:P/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+95 : 20 + 95, total 115[/blockquote]
It's rocky, windy caverns in Pandemonium. You suspect that at the root of it, it's the wind or bust. There's very little to work with otherwise unfortunately, it is a Lower Plane after all.
"I think the wind is going to be what to focus on."
"Then the wind it is," Dolmaya doesn't argue it, "What do you want to do with the find then, Alyssa?"
"Well, if we use the wind, then we'd need to alter the spell structure. How to make it perpetuate.."
Okay at this point what are you looking at for a spell here, Iddy?
A way to get the glitterdust to merge into the wind, perpetuate and be tenacious, and target the cultists.
Okay, in that case your goal this weekend is to write up a spell along those lines.
Okay, spell is done. You ready to continue with this now?
Sure.
Thus with some work you hammer out a new spell. "That's finished," Dolmaya says, "The only question is, now how do we go there and do this?"
"Cleverly? A smaller team who's good at stealth. Go in, draw the spell out, hide it, and back out. We could use a distraction, though. Emily, did you find out anything about soon to be rituals or prime targets?"
"Nothing decisive," Emily frowns, "Unfortunately. At least in the immediate timeframe."
"Hmm... What about any sort of outposts he has there? A temple or shrine?"
"He does, yes. It is his grounds," Emily agrees, "There's plenty of those to choose from."
"We could strike one or more of those as a distraction. I... also might have a backup idea."
Eyes turn to you, "A back up plan?" Dolmaya ventures, "Do go on."
Alyssa shifts a bit and clears her throat, "... I could release some of my Elemental Lizards there with orders to feed and propagate."
That gets Dolmaya to throw her head back and laugh as Emily shivers.
After some amusement, Dolmaya continues. "An excellent plan. Ultimately they'll be wiped out of course, but it'll be an additional problem for them. What type of them, Alyssa?"
Alyssa cocks her head, "Why... All of them? Some of each element. And why would they all be wiped out?"
"The winds are hazardous and creatures in Pandemonium are not weak. Sooner or later..." Dolmaya trails off, "But maybe I'm wrong."
Alyssa taps her chin, "Surely there's a way to help them... Adapt."
"Not in a short time frame,' Dolmaya points out, "Unless we want to move this back."
"Well, we could release a second group and hope they inter-breed and pass it on."
"Worth a shot," Dolmaya finally says, "I suppose it depends if they can thrive there, and how much attention they get."
Alyssa nods, "I may awaken all of the ones I send there. Having intellect will help their odds."
"Then I think we have a plan," Emily says eagerly. "The only question is when do we do this?"
"You and Jarem should decide that. He's our strategist and this is your mission. Work up a timeline and let me know."
Emily nods and marches right out.
Once done Dolmaya glances sidelong at her, "Ah, experience in the art of delegation will take you far."
"Mmm... Less that and more her being in charge. She came to me to blaze her own trail. To get out of the shadow of her mother and her friends.
This move was her idea and her desire. If I were to take charge, it would do a disservice to both her and the reason she came to me in the first place, as well as delaying her growth as a leader."
A nod from Dolmaya as...
Any prep for this?
Yeah, I'll have to look into Malar and try to guess how his followers will load abilities, so I'll have to redo spells.
Okay, let's do the looking into Malar part first. How are you going to do that?
Bastian should have been gathering some level of info since I asked Emily to prep intel, so start there and then just sorta general gathering of info/scrying/legend lore. I'm not looking for like a full run down, but some generalities with maybe a couple specifics.
Bastian sits down, "First of all, Malar is the deity of the hunt. Of wild animals, of bloodlust and stalking." He relaxes a moment before, "Works with Auril and Umberlee more after Talos went rogue on them. Nasty, ugly and everything that's bloody and brutal in nature."
Alyssa nods, "And animals can be surprisingly cunning. Do we know anything about how his people operate?"
"Yes. They operate in bands called Hunts. Occasionally the name varies but the purpose is the same. One part unholy group, one part murderous band. They do have some rules. The young are left be, as are pregnant women." Bastian continues, "Usually the strongest and most charismatic leads them and only answers to Malar or his servants."
"Rough idea of how many in a Hunt?"
"It varies. Usually at least 4 at a minimum, but dozens easily. Bigger groups can crack a hundred, but usually no more than that. They're not that unified," Bastian explains, "The bigger a Hunt is, the more capable the leader is."
"Mmm... So, any suggestions?"
"Well, we'll run into those there if we go," Bastian says, "They're the enemy and we know what we do to the enemy."
Alyssa turns to Emily, "And what are your goals for this? What's the specific target?"
"Well, like I said, to Compete against him and progress," Emily says, "To face him and his and win. To overcome what he represents by what we represent."
"And you think he'll just come out to face us if we show up? What's the plan to get him on the field?"
"For the moment, I mean more indirectly," A shake of Emily's head, "More of a plan to get out if he takes the field and it goes wrong."
"Alright, then have you picked outposts to hit?"
"Yes, as I told you, I already have a location," Emily declares.
"... And details of this place?"
"As I said the idea is to go to his wild places on Pandemonium and wreck havoc. I have a few solid locations there as well," Emily explains. "The Stalk Tower is the primary one I like."
Alyssa nods, "Tell me about it."
"Big tower, wind proofed, serves as a mustering place and respite for Malar's followers," Emily explains, "Take that down and it's a direct strike against them there. Downside is that'll be protected."
Alyssa leans back, "Might be a good test for the Earth lizards. See if we can't get them under the base of the tower and simply shake it apart."
"Yes. Can you have them ready?" Emily asks back, "Some fire ones as well to make magma pockets below to further cause trouble."
Alyssa chuckles, "My dear, I was planning to have a group of each kind released into the plane to infest it and cause Malar trouble."
"Great! How big is each group? Can we make them bigger?" Emily asks quickly, "The more the merrier."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Weren't you horrified when I first brought them in?"
A pause from Emily, "...I suppose I was," she says, pensively. "But if anyone deserves them, it's someone like Malar."
"Uh huh. I remember having a talk with you about the objective morality of summoning demons to fight other demons. I remember someone getting huffy about it.
In any case, how many are you thinking? They're not simple resources, but living beings. Dolmaya has concerns about their survivability there, and I'm working on a plan to release a second batch to help strengthen whatever population we leave there."
"Dozens at least," Emily says, "More if we can manage it."
No idea what the breeding numbers are? Do we have that many?
Should, sure.
"We should be able to deploy that many. I plan to awaken most, if not all, of them as well. It will give them a better chance at survival."
"Great!" Emily smiles, "What about you, are you prepared?"
"Not entirely. Have you done any scrying on the tower?"
"Blocked," Emily says, "At least to mundane scrying. I'm going to try advanced methods when you're ready."
"Good. I'd like an illusion of it to study. The lizard won't be able to find structural weak points alone, so I'll need to study it."
"I'll prepare one," Emily says, as...
Do you still need to prep your spells?
Yeah, I mean, I asked what sort of tactics and stuff they use. I guess I wasn'tclear with what I was asking. I wanted some info on what the of magic and abilities they have so I could do some planning.
Little bit. More.
"Well," Emily goes on at your request. "There's a lot of berserkers, a lot of hunters and a lot of stalkers. Stealth is common. Lots of ambushes or long hunts. The leaders are usually clerics and can call down Malar's magic as well. Most can fight without a weapon."
Alyssa hums, "I can makes some plans with that."
Let me revise tonight.
Sure, go for it.
pLet me know when your spell prep is done.
It's good.
Okay who do you want to take on this mission?
Emily, Alyssa, Bastian, and... Honeydip. Jarem and Dolmaya on reserve SHTF evac duty.
Sounds like a plan. Any prep for it? We probably won't start this until next week the way I'm feeling today so this is mostly getting all the ducks in a row.
Let's call it paused then, and I'll think on it over the weekend. The only thing off the top of my head is getting the lizards together and awakening them, and seeing if any of the pixies want to go with them.
Sure thing Iddy.
Are you ready to go, Iddy?
Sure.
Normal array of spells active on everyone?
You get your group together: Yourself, Emily, Bastian and Honeydip. All of you are prepared and ready to go. So how are you going to approach this?
Yep, normal stuff.
"We'll enter a bit away to minimize the chances of detection, then Bastian will lead us in a stealthy approach. Once we're in place, I'll send our lizard friends in and do my best to direct them to the weak points of the tower and see if they can't shake it apart.
If they can't, it'll still cause chaos and confusion, which we can take advantage of to start our own attack. If it does work, I'll have the lizards disperse and we can leave. Any input or suggestions?"
"Only that we best be ready," Bastian says, "Hunters tend to know how to spot. If we're all good we shouldn't be caught, but it is an outer plane. Don't rule out running into someone nasty enough to see us."
"An excuse to destroy fiends?" Emily asks, "That's hardly a downside. Mom would say that's just more targets."
"We still don't don't want them to know we're coming. When we begin using armies, every second of surprise and advantage we can get will equate to less of our own people falling on the battlefield. It's best to build the habit now, with us, so that it becomes second nature in the future.
Bastian, we can cast something like Xorn Movement on the lizards to help them approach?"
"I don't see why not," Bastian agrees, "If someone has the time and power to do that."
Alyssa shrugs, "It's a fairly low level spell, and I can get many with a single spell. It shouldn't be too big of a deal."
"Then do it," Bastian invites, as...
Do you mean to do it before or after you get there?
Since it's a fairly short duration spell, either we handwave recasting it, or just wait until we get there.
Okay then, good to portal over?
Yep.
Wind.
The first thing you feel is the wind. It rages and howls in this dark cavern, like a whipping force that lashes into you. Screams and whispers can be heard on it, a constant noise that teases your ears and tears at your mind. Words that are just beyond comprehension, babbling meaning and broken words.
It's a large cavern, the walls rocky, pitted and sharp. The ground is uneven and broken, with many shallow, rocky clefts within to tumble into.
Alyssa uses a bit of magic to cast Telepathic Bond on everyone.
'Everyone alright? We ready to move?'
'Ready,' Honeydip sends back, as the lizards come through as well. 'Everyone's warded and protected from the worst of what Pandemonium can do.'
'Forward,' Emily agrees, 'Carefully.'
Alyssa nods and begins heading out, sticking to stealth and shadows.
Stealth checks all then.
Stealth/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+109 : 7 + 109, total 116[/blockquote]
Emily (no stealth ranks?):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]
Bastian:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+49 : 6 + 49, total 55[/blockquote]
Honeydip (no ranks?):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+13 : 8 + 13, total 21[/blockquote]
Yes, neither of them have ranks. If you have some way of giving them bonuses, feel free.
Uh, the only spells I know that really do anything for it are cheese stuff like Gaseous Form.
It's up to you if you wanna use things like that or not then.
I'm good with them just sort of sticking back a bit so that Bastian and I can screen and direct them.
Thus you begin to advance, the winds held at bay with your magic. You creep ahead in advance of them. A wise choice, for down a narrow passage and into another cavern, you see that here a corpses lie. Well over a dozen, torn apart and eaten as you speak by a pack of wolves. It's hard to tell what race they were, but a taller one at least. The winds distort sound and don't seem to carry it, but you can see the flesh eaten and blood spilled.
Alyssa uses a bit of magic to hide their passage and continue on.
Permanent Image to hide everyone who isn't stealthy until they get past the area.
Could you elaborate a little on how you're using it to hide them?
Just to put an image between us and them so we can move around them. It's supposed to hide scent and stuff too, I believe.
This works - you slip by well enough, the wolves not stopping their grim feast to interrupt you at all.
Alyssa continues on with her merry band of gods and lizards.
It's not hard to slip past and on. Down another winding tunnel, and down a passage with howling winds. Lesser being might be checked, but all of you can simply redirect the winds. Around a corner where a passage to a larger space is. But here a man in ragged furs stand, unweathered by the wind. Perhaps 50, human and tan, elven features and deep purple eyes. He holds a massive stone greataxe in both hands.
Has he spotted us?
No, you're just peeking ahead on front and he's shown no signs of it yet.
Can I get a K check to recognize him? And can I spot any way around him?
K:P.
K:P/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+97 : 5 + 97, total 102[/blockquote]
You recall a dim legend from Malar's followers, guardians that take the form of humans. Rare but used in certain places, fearsome warriors without compare and savage berserkers. They crush all that's before them and only die when their rage is quenched.
Hmm... Anything about their abilities? Specifically, can they see through illusions?
Not that it mentions, no.
Alyssa sends to the others, 'I think that's one of Malar's Guardians ahead. I'd prefer to avoid him; engaging him now will likely set all of his people on high alert.'
'Sensible,' Honeydip sends back, 'How do we get around him?'
'Screen above him, a few inches off the ceiling, and then I'll Shrink Person on us and we simply fly over him.'
'Then let's do it,' Bastian agrees with that.
Alyssa nods and casts the spells!
Screen again and Shrink Person via Alter Reality.
Done and done.
Go ahead and describe how you're gonna do this and I'll adjudicate.
Alyssa motions them against the ceiling, 'Alright, I'll lead the path, do your best to not scrape against the stone. The spell will dampen sound, but won't stop anything from falling through it.'
With that, she leads the shrunken band above the Screen and through the tunnel.
Give me CL for screen.
CL:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 8 + 40, total 48[/blockquote]
You fly right over. If the guard notices any sign of you, it sure doesn't show any sign of it.
Alyssa continues to lead them on until they're at a safe distance before canceling the spells and continuing on towards the tower!
Easily enough done.
'We're in,' Emily says, 'Now we just follow the caverns.'
Alyssa nods and continues on, sticking to stealth until they get to a good place to send out the lizards.
So that I can adjudicate this, what do you consider a good spot?
Somewhere that provides hiding for the non-stealthy people, but as close as I can get to help minimize the distance the lizards have to go.
On you go. Ahead is a larger chamber - filled with old bones and remnants. The winds blow softer here, yet have the occasional gust.
Alyssa can feel it immediately. Souls hover in the air, just past common visibility.
So I haven't messed with souls much. What's going on here? What can I roll or do to figure it out?
K:R.
K:R/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+97 : 3 + 97, total 100[/blockquote]
This is highly unusual. Normally souls become larvae or other such things in a Lower Plane. They don't just hover here under normal circumstances. Something's trapped them here, stopped any sort of final judgment or rest for them.
Alyssa relays it to the others and then turns to work at figuring out what's going on.
'My money,' Bastian begins, 'Is that they're hunt victims unable to move on.'
'It probably is,' Emily agrees, 'But I just checked and not all of them are evil. Some are but some aren't. There's innocents mixed up in there.'
Lady Honeydip's mental voice is composed, 'Then we free them, one way or another.'
'Let's just make sure this isn't a trap. Eyes open for anything. '
'Which means we free them when it's time,' Bastian points out, 'And not before.'
'I know,' Emily's voice is a little sour, 'But soon.'
Alyssa nods, 'Tower first then?'
'Tower first,' Emily agrees, 'We'll free them on the way out.'
'Remember this location just incase we have to come back for them another day. Battle is always unpredictable. '
Okay, as you go on, give me a Perception check.
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+103 : 20 + 103, total 123[/blockquote]
You go on. Another cavern like this after a passage, but a peek shows it's inhabited. A few dozen are here, burning dead animals over open flames. They're inhuman - tall and too thin, ribs showing and wearing only ragged fur loincloths. They seem male or at least masculine. None carries a weapon.
Can I identify any?
K:R, sure.
K:R:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+62 : 3 + 62, total 65[/blockquote]
These are Monks of the Long Tooth, an order of chaos monks that serve Malar. They hunt and kill their food, despite being promoted to outsiders that don't need to eat. They exist only to hunt. They aren't normally here. For whatever reason they are, but they usually tend to things on other planes and sometimes clash with the githzerai in Limbo.
Alyssa relays this to the others.
Since they're outsiders, what do I know about their abilities? They likely to see through illusions? Tremorsense?
They're deadly unarmed fighters, have senses and are great hunters. They don't have tremorsense, but they do have blindsight.
Alyssa passes the info to the others, "Considering their senses, I think we should use Shrink Person and Xorn Movement. With the smaller size and the fact that I don't believe they have tremorsense, I think we'll make it past without too much trouble.'
'Sensible,' Bastian agrees, 'We can get them on the way out, anyway, too.'
'On the way out,' Emily agrees, 'On the way out.'
Alyssa nods to herself and casts a brace of spells.
Alter Reality: Xorn Movement, Shrink Person, Tremorsense.
Done and done. You begin to sneak ahead and under. AS you do...
Do you have tremor sense?
Yeah, I cast it on everyone in the previous post.
Oooooh.
Go go go go DM reading skills.
As you go, you begin to feel vibrations below you, but coming up in your general direction.
Alyssa alerts the others!
Can I tell anything about them?
No, just vibrations.
'Move,' Honeydip suggests, 'Get out of the way, forward or back.'
'Forward. Let's see if we can't also drag whatever it is into fighting the monks.'
You go forward - and whatever it is doesn't adjust, no sign of it pursuing you.
Alyssa continues on, sending to the others, 'Let's be mindful of things in the ground around here.'
Staying in the ground past this or going back up to the surface?
In until I'm reasonably sure we're safe from being spotted by the monks.
You go and do so. Coming up in a smaller connecting passage beyond it, you see you're well out of sight. Peeking up, no one immediately around, either.
Alyssa emerges fully, calling the others up with her as she goes, and then once everyone is gathered, continues on towards the tower!
A few narrow, tight passages and a twisting mini cavern. Out and ahead - and as you go, you begin to hear the sounds of drums and chants.
Alyssa calls it to the others attention and continues forward cautiously.
You get terse nods as you go on. Peeking around - a wide open space. Here Malar's faithful, clad in animal skins, bang drums and chant. A few hundreds over captured kills, all laid out - a bevy of animals and mortals, each gutted.
Is this the entrance to the tower or just a random mass gathering?
You don't see the tower ahead - looks like a mass gathering for whatever reason.
Alyssa sends to the others, 'Looks to be a large gathering. We can possibly set up some traps since it's confined space. Once the attack on the tower starts, we know where they're going to go. It chances being set off early and possibly revealing ourselves, however.'
'We'll have to deal with them on the way out,' Bastian agrees, 'What sort of traps, Alyssa?'
'Explosive Runes, primarily. It would be easy to collapse this whole section when placed correctly.'
'Do it,' Honeydip agrees quickly, 'Just be fast about it.'
Alyssa nods and uses Xorn Movement and Tremorsense to dive back into the stone, moving around the cavern and lacing it with runes in specific places.
BTW, these go off when read. What counts as "read?" Can I, for example, use Prying Eyes to set them off remotely? Or Scrying?
Getting close and reading them. That being said, you have alter reality and spell levels to play with, so something a little looser is entirely possible. I assume you're using some of that to get around the 10 pound weight limit for things inscribed with them.
Yeah. The goal would be to have something I can remotely trigger. Maybe some sort of telepathic trigger?
That's a bit of a stretch but you have the spell levels to play with, so sure.
Alrighty, I'll do that then. If you like, we can swap it being scryed. That's more in line with reading it.
Works for me. Anything else to add to them?
Nope.
To set up for tomorrow, give me Perception?
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+103 : 3 + 103, total 106[/blockquote]
Onward. You go forward. After some tight and twisting tunnels where the winds howl without pause, you come a vast open space, with a ceiling dozens of stories high. The sound of chanting comes from within it, and what's more, you can see a tower in the distance of it.
Alyssa points it out, 'We're close. Let's get this done.'
Alyssa looks for a place close to the tower with cover to deploy the lizards from.
Nothing like that - unfortunately there's mostly open space around the tower.
Bit of a technical question: would Xorn movement cover the current distance? And if pushed as much power as I could into tremorsense, how far would it go?
Do you mean it covers the distance in one move? It's a few thousand feet away so no. As for tremorsense I'd have to look up the source and the distance it gives. Generally you can't push it - it is what ti is for the range of it.
Alright, then what about using Xorn Movement to get close and then Screen in like a dome?
You could try, sure.
Alyssa relays her plan to the others and begins to move closer!
I don't actually have any idea what 'close enough' is in this context.
To do what exactly? What is you want to do that requires you to get closer?
You said Xorn can't cover the movement space in one casting, so I need to get close enough that it will, so I can send the lizards to the structural weak points of the tower in groups large enough that they're able to shake it apart.
I said in one move, not one casting. You should be able to reach there in one casting with your high CL.
Oh! I meant casting, my bad. Will it last long enough to get there, shake it apart, and get back?
It would depend on your movement speeds, but on a glance, the lizards would need a second casting. You might be able to get away without on personally, though.
Alright, then let's get close enough so that the lizards can do it one casting.
Okay, describe IC what you're doing.
Alyssa casts Xorn Movement, Tremorsense, and Shrink Person on the group, then leads them to a spot close enough and uses Stone Shape to open a small space for everyone to fit in.
Once there, she'll refresh the Xorn Movement and Tremorsense on the Lizards and then direct them into position to shake the tower.
Maybe I'm missing something, but Stone Shape to fit into what?
Decided to make a small cavern underground instead of using Screen. Meant to mention it but it slipped my mind. If this is a big temple, then Malar will likely be watching the immediate area to some degree and an illusion is easy to see through.
Okay, since you changed the plan and didn't post about it, just lay the entire thing out again so we're both on the same page.
Xorn Movement to in range for the Lizards to get there, shake it down, and get back. Once there, create a small cavern (everyone will be Shrink Person'd to keep it small as possible). Deploy lizards, shake it down, call them back, extract.
Only thing that changed is replacing Screen with a small cavern.
Okay, stealth check real quick then.
Stealth/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+109 : 5 + 109, total 114[/blockquote]
Slowly and carefully you sneak over, coming towards the tower without any obvious incident.
Alyssa gives the lizards their instructions, and provide a mental image of each groups target location, casts telepathic bond on them, and then lets them go!
I have no idea how to really "describe" what locations since we never went over the architecture, but I did previously mention to Emily I wanted some sort of intel on it and she said she'd get it.
Okay, I assume they're competent enough to give it done anyway with prep.
As you prepare them?
'Ready?' Emily sends back to you.
'As much as we can be.'
'Then let's do this, Alyssa.' Emily sends back.
Alyssa nods and sends the lizards out!
Thus the lizards go and begin, burrowing and preparing on your command.
'Good,' Honeydip calls, 'The first part is begun.'
Alyssa maintains her telepathic link to the lizards, waiting for them to get into position.
That all goes well enough, lizards getting into position.
Alyssa sends to everyone, 'They're in position. We all ready?'
'Ready,' Honeydip calls.
'I'm set,' Bastian sends.
'Let's do it,' Emily thirds.
Alyssa sends the lizards the command to shake the tower down!
How close to the tower are you going to be?
Staying in the hole we staged from if it's safe.
It begins all at once. The tower begins to shake, shuddering as vibrations rise up and spread. The stones and wind become to shriek, loud and discordant, as if stabbed and howling it's pain all about.
'There it goes!' Emily sends.
'It's falling? Or just shaking?'
Alyssa tries to gather information from her lizards.
How are you gathering information from them? Just need a method.
Telepathic Bond.
You get the impression it should be falling momentarily.
Alyssa lets the others know to be ready.
Cries from within, the tower suddenly alert. But it's too late. The rumbles intensify as cracks appear over the tower, before one chunk at a time, ti begins to fall apart. The crashes of stone falling sounds, heavy echos in the wind-howling caverns. More and more of it crashes down, crumbling apart under your lizard's assault.
'It works! Aw, my adorable lizards are doing great!'
'They still aren't adorable,' Emily says without hesitation.
'Keep it up and I'll tell them you're going to welcome them into your temples.'
'My mothers would disown me for that,' Emily says, perhaps only semi joking. Perhaps.
'They're adorable and effective. Let's clean up and get out of here.'
How are you going to do that then?
I dunno, this is Emily's deal. I figured we'd backtrack to the groups we passed that she wanted to kill on the way out and once we're a decent bit off Plane Shift out or something.
Before that, though, would it be reasonable that we'd all know of Moore's Quick Gather spell?
You could have something like that, yes.
'Let's all refresh our movement spells and use Moore's Gathering spell and make a pass through the rubble. There's bound to be some valuables in there. It'll give the lizards time to regroup and spread out to begin establishing themselves, and hopefully get the groups we tagged earlier a chance to start moving this way.
Hopefully we can catch them in some of the more narrow tunnels on our way out.'
'Quickly,' Emily says, 'The enemy will come and come fast, we'll soon be in battle.'
'Emily's right,' Honeydip seconds, 'Be swift.'
Alyssa nods and does so!
I dunno if it matters, but Alyssa speed is 200/480 fly, so she can definitely cover some ground here. But not spending a ton of time on it.
Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 37, total 37[/blockquote]
You quickly gather up things - a great big, confusing heap of things. How are you dealing with it all?
Alyssa shoves it all into her bag of holding and haversack to be sorted through later and heads out with the others to escape!
What sort of movement order do you want here?
Well, they all suck at stealth, so I guess me in front, then Emily, Honeydip, and Bastian covering rear and clearing away tracks/traces as we go.
Stealth then, go ahead and roll away.
Stealth/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+105 : 17 + 105, total 122[/blockquote]
You begin to hurry out. Immediately you see the hunters from earlier hurrying in your direction, towards the tower.
Alyssa angles the group into a path that will allow them to ambush the hunters, relaying what's going on to the others.
'Quick and effective,' Honeydip agrees.
You all hide and prepare. It's perhaps 50 of them, no real order, just hurrying along towards the tower.
'Emily, this is your mission, give us the signal.'
They begin to pass by the side. 'On three. One...two..." Emily whispers. "THREE!" Emily steps forward, "Justice comes in golden flames!"
Honeydip moves, "Go! GO GO GO!"
Bastian cracks his knuckles before he springs into action, a blur.
Init.
Init:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 18 + 31, total 49[/blockquote]
Did you include Honeydip's init bonus? Regardless, go ahead and roll the other three's init for me.
I... Did not! Honeydip's bonus brings Alyssa up to... 66.
Emily/Init Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 1 + 33, total 34[/blockquote]
Honeydip/Init Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+38 : 19 + 38, total 57[/blockquote]
Bastian/Init Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+26 : 1 + 26, total 27[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+15 hunk o' monks
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+15 hunk o' monks --> [ 1d20=18 ]{33}
Init is Alyssa (66) > Honeydip (57) > Emily (34) > Hunters (33) > Bastian (27)
Go.
How many monks are there?
50 or so.
Alyssa takes aim and begins casting a brace of spells!
Okay, I have Multiaction, so I have two moves and a standard:
Move 1: Ray of Stupidity (Maximized, Quickened, Chain Spell), No Save, SR allowed (Cunning Breah: 2 Insp)
21 targets, 5 int penalty
Move 2: Ray of Stupidity (Maximized, Quickened, Chain Spell), No Save, SR allowed (Cunning Breah: 2 Insp)
21 targets, 5 int penalty
Standard" Ray of Stupidity (Maximized, Chain Spell), No Save, SR allowed (Cunning Breah: 2 Insp)
21 targets, 5 int penalty
Goal is to hit everyone at least once. It's 63 targets total, so 13 of them will get a double dose.
<Iddy>roll 63#1d20+67
<Rei-chan> Iddy rolled : 63#1d20+67 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{83}, [ 1d20=11 ]{78}, [ 1d20=19 ]{86}, [ 1d20=6 ]{73}, [ 1d20=12 ]{79}, [ 1d20=12 ]{79}, [ 1d20=4 ]{71}, [ 1d20=12 ]{79}, [ 1d20=11 ]{78}, [ 1d20=16 ]{83}, [ 1d20=1 ]{68}, [ 1d20=20 ]{87}, [ 1d20=19 ]{86}, [ 1d20=4 ]{71}, [ 1d20=14 ]{81}, [ 1d20=16 ]{83}, [ 1d20=12 ]{79}, [ 1d20=8 ]{75}, [ 1d20=9 ]{76}, [ 1d20=11 ]{78}, [ 1d20=3 ]{70}, [ 1d20=9 ]{76}, [ 1d20=2 ]{69}, [ 1d20=7 ]{74}, [ 1d20=1 ]{68}, [ 1d20=10 ]{77}, [ 1d20=20 ]{87}, [ 1d20=20 ]{87}, [ 1d20=15 ]{82}, [ 1d20=12]{79}, [ 1d20=16 ]{83}, [ 1d20=13 ]{80}, [ 1d20=17 ]{84}, [ 1d20=6 ]{73}, [ 1d20=11 ]{78},
<Iddy>roll 28#1d20+67
<Rei-chan> Iddy rolled : 28#1d20+67 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{73}, [ 1d20=14 ]{81}, [ 1d20=12 ]{79}, [ 1d20=9 ]{76}, [ 1d20=9 ]{76}, [ 1d20=2 ]{69}, [ 1d20=9 ]{76}, [ 1d20=13 ]{80}, [ 1d20=13 ]{80}, [ 1d20=2 ]{69}, [ 1d20=1 ]{68}, [ 1d20=16 ]{83}, [ 1d20=4 ]{71}, [ 1d20=6 ]{73}, [1d20=3 ]{70}, [ 1d20=17 ]{84}, [ 1d20=19 ]{86}, [ 1d20=20 ]{87}, [ 1d20=13 ]{80}, [ 1d20=19 ]{86}, [ 1d20=15 ]{82}, [ 1d20=19 ]{86}, [ 1d20=15 ]{82}, [ 1d20=20 ]{87}, [ 1d20=13 ]{80}, [ 1d20=16 ]{83}, [ 1d20=9 ]{76}, [ 1d20=17 ]{84}
Quick clarification. Multiaction gives you two swift actions. So you used your two swift actions and your standard. You still have a move action if you want to take it.
Nah, there's nothing I really can do with a move at the moment. Isolating myself from backup won't help anything.
The beams strike and your foes slow. Not out of swiftness, but confusion. They look about, slower. Perhaps addled as meanwhile...
Honeydip but she'll hold, since the wizard is about to wizard and she wins nothing by getting in the way of that. Emily.
Emily points with a look of quiet concentration and suddenly the world around them explodes. A meteor comes from nowhere, the stone floor now boiling lava as a massive blast of fire engulfs them all, shaking the walls.
Emily's Meteor Smite. 312 damage since auto quickened and maximized.
> roll 1d20+23 evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+23 evasion --> [ 1d20=10 ]{33}
In an instant all 50, already dumbed down and surprised, are simply vaporized in fire. Magma is the only thing left around them, Emily's hand slowly lowered. A vast lava field now pops away as she says, "And that is how you cast the unrighteous into eternal damnation."
Alyssa snorts and grins, "Let's continue on before one of his Champions or Avatars shows. I won't shy away from them, but that's not our goal."
At a quick glance, any loot?
It has a bad case of being crushed and on fire, so no, no really.
"Swiftly but effectively," Emily declares as you all hurry along.
"More like gross overkill," Bastian chuckles, "Nice spell, Emily."
Give me a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 89, total 89[/blockquote]
You hurry along. The ground's starting to shake and the winds scream at you - faster and faster, harder and harder. They begin to push at you, trying to check your progress as...
Got anything active that would help against that, first o fall?
Umm... I could use Alter Reality to swap spells and do Weather Control, or simply do the Shrink+Xorn Movement+Tremorsense again. The latter would probably be the fastest/safest.
I meant in the moment and active, like an ongoing spell.
Oh. Uh, don't think so. I can react with like a Quickened Planar Bubble if need be.
The winds pick up - they're checking you fast and hard, starting to push you back as...
Go ahead.
'Get close!'
Alyssa snaps off a Quickened Planar Bubble to cover everyone.
'I say we get back underground. It's worked so far.'
Your reality takes over and things calm, at least for the moment.
Emily starts to talk but BAstian shakes his head, "Before an avatar or worse shows." he says.
"...fine." Emily says, "We made our point here."
Alyssa nods, "In that case, shall we simply Plane Shift away?"
"Once we get out of here and we can. Hurry," Bastian urges, "We're on a time limit, so move!"
Alyssa nods and casts the spells for their underground movement and starts leading them away!
Stealth, Alyssa.
Last buffed Stealth/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+105 : 1 + 105, total 106[/blockquote]
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=43 ]{43}
> roll 1d100
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=99 ]{99}
You're hurrying in the ground when abruptly everything lurches. A hard lurch, a shudder passing through everything. The winds outside scream even louder as you hurry out.
I hunt, wretched worms.
Alyssa grins to herself, she's been hunted before.
'Let's start a merry chase.'
Alyssa summons a group of Earth Elementals and tells them to go off and create false paths.
CL check.
CL:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 19 + 40, total 59[/blockquote]
There's resistance to it - your magic comes through but barely, the elementals appearing as you desired.
'He's fighting my magic, and he's good at it. I've sent some elementals to make false trails, but let's move and get out of here.'
'It might be Malar himself. Hurry,' Bastian says.
'Unless we crush him here...' Emily considers, 'But if it's Malar's true form and no an avatar, it would be a dreadful battle...'
'Best to fight that battle when we can pick the field, not him. Keep moving, let's get some range so we can get out of here.'
In that case, what's your movement speed?
200 and 480 fly.
Your party races - but you know travel, as does Bastian. Your trip is lightning quick and you reach where you began, out of it. Something's coming behind you fast, every hair on your body standing up. "We're clear!" Bastian cries, "NOW!"
Alyssa snaps out her Quickened Greater Plane Shift spell.
In an instant you all flee - just in time. There's a rush of something but then you're back, back home and safe.
"Close," Bastian grins, "I glanced back and it looked like Malar took the form of a twenty headed hound."
"He'll be rather unhappy we got away. It's likely he identified us, so take precautions and watch your people. He might strike at out followers and outposts to make up for the bloody lip we left him with."
"We still got a win out of that, though," Bastian says, as Lady Honeydip dusts herself off. "It'll be what happens after this that gets interesting."
Alyssa nods, "It will be. Let's get with Jarem and Dolmaya and go over what happened and what we brought back. See what there is to learn in hindsight."
It's not hard to get them and...
Got any direction you want to lead this in?
Not really. Just let people give their opinions on what went right/wrong.
"It went great in my books," BAstian sits at the window, gaze out at all below.
"I wish we'd done more damage, but we did our goals," Emily says, head resting on her hand as she leans on your desk.
"A mission where you achieve your goals is good enough," Honeydip points out, "Take your triumph as it is."
Alyssa, "My only comments are about the preparation. We had no solid plan on what to do if Malar or an avatar showed up. We had no information on what his preferred forms or servants were, and nothing on any of his champions."
A long pause before, "Well, we did the right idea," Honeydip says, "We achieved our mission and escaped."
"More for next time," Jarem speaks up.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Yes, we did, but those flaws could have easily been fatal. Let's celebrate what we accomplished, but learn for the next time. Shar's not an opponent we can make those kinds of mistakes with.
Jarem, for the next little while, I want the guards that travel with our caravans to be alerted about possible attacks from Malar's followers. Dolmaya, lets you and I keep an eye out for any sort of scrying or probing. Malar's likely not a tactical genius, but predators and hunters have cunning all their own.
But next, let's see what I managed to pull out of that rubble we left him with."
Your words are listened to as you go do to that and...
This is one of those times where pure luck is involved since you crushed a tower and tried to salvage what you could. Give me 3d100, rolled separately, and I'll sort out your loot after that.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 97, total 97[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 88, total 88[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 22, total 22[/blockquote]
Okay, I'll work up your loot post in time for tonight. We're about to take a week off so lemme ask you, any odds or ends to do real quick?
Uhhh... Only checking in on the named followers and general looking over things. Beyond that... Mmm... maybe hit up the deities I'm friendly with and see if they have anything to cooperate on.
Your loot post is up.
Loot is split. Ready to move on.
Cool, gimme a quick d100 as I sort things on my end.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 97, total 97[/blockquote]
It is not terribly long after you sort through the treasure that, as you head out to see to some new established valleys that you get a message.
Alyssa Songsteel, I am Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon. I would like a moment of your time.
Certainly, Lord Bahamut. What can I help you with?
I am interested in the exchange of draconic magic for your own magics. Equitable trades.
An interesting idea. What, specifically, are you interested in?
Any unique spells you've created, primarily. Though I have an interest in any powerful magic you've obtained.
I'm interested, certainly. I always advocate the spread of knowledge, skill, and ability. But that also makes me responsible, so I must ask: to what end, and to what level of magic?
Basically, asking what spell level range we're talking here.
Anything beyond the 9th circle.
Alyssa considers, I am interested. However, let me confer with the others. They might also be interested in participating as well.
Contact me when you've decided.
Alyssa sends a message to the others to gather when they can.
You get everyone together.
"Bahamut?" Jarem asks, "For magic, no less? My first thought is that he probably wants to talk to you about more than just magic."
"He's also direct, usually," Emily points out, "Ah, from what I understand. But he could be building a working relationship with that an an easy way to start."
Alyssa nods to Emily, "I agree. I think he's feeling me out, so to speak. I was thinking of offering him the option of coming here to explore the Academy and the realm. If it goes well, I could offer to let some of his more... temperate followers in for exchanges between them, the teachers, and the students.
The biggest question I have, though... Is should I mention Lord Io?"
"Why not just ask Io?" Bastian asks back, a glance away from the window he's at. "It's his secret, not yours, let him have the choice."
"I'm inclined to agree," Jarem says, "He's a powerful lead deity, one whom respect is best paid to. Unless he's told you otherwise, pay him the respect and ask."
Alyssa nods, "I suspect he'll ask me to keep quiet, but yes, I'll ask. Aside from that, it seems like everyone is in favor of trading spells with Bahamut. I'll visit Io and let you all know."
Alyssa heads out to do so!
Bastian blinks over to you, space parted before him in an instant. "I'll go with you," he invites himself. "Seems better to take a journey than to stay here."
Alyssa nods and they head out to visit Io!
You soon arrive and go up. Io awaits you, massive and looming above the two of you.
'Welcome, Alyssa,' The great wyrm whispers in your mind.
Alyssa bows, but responds cheerfully, "Hello! How have you been, Lord Io?"
'I endure eternity as I always do and I prepare,' Io responds, 'For the great reckoning that draws ever closer.'
"Well, anything I can do to help you, please let me know. But, on to business. I've been contacted by Bahamut. He wants to trade spells with me, and I hope to establish an alliance with him.
My question is, do you wish your presence to remain secret from him? I know knowledge of your presence is best kept secret so as to not tip Ao off, but considering who and what Bahamut is, I thought the opportunity to bring him into the fight might be worth considering."
'Do not speak of me to him, but I will handle that as it needs to be handled in time.' Io sends back to you. 'I have already begun that.'
Alyssa nods, "Very well. You know him better than I; what could entice him into a full alliance?"
With an open hint of amusement, 'Bahamut is still a dragon. Think like a normal dragon, but on a far grander scale.'
"So a treasure more radiant than any other, and power to stand above all others. Hmm... Treasure I'm short on, and I'm hardly the most powerful... But perhaps a promise of something regal... Maybe... A shot at one of Shar's holdings as a lair?"
Bastian chuckles, "The right idea. Dragons are rather like cats, s-"
Bastian is cut off. One of Io's claws moves, enough to make the air split and scream.
Bastian looks up and up and up, "Don't like that comparison?" he asks mildly, "The point is you're on the right track. Dragons want tribute, they want power, they want treasure. Bahamut's great by dragon standards and does great things, but he's still a dragon."
"Mmmm... Perhaps... Does he have the affinity to learn the Words of Creation?"
'I would be stunned if he does not know as much as great celestials of it,' Io states, 'But many speak the Words of Creation in Celestia without approaching anything close to the true power of them.'
"My mastery of them is tenuous at best. I was hoping to offer to help him start with them, but if it's likely he already knows them... Perhaps I can offer a unique way to use them. I use them in my smithing... I wonder what the result would be if I used them along with magic and a dragon's power to create something for him... It would be something unique, at the very least."
'That it would.' Io agrees, 'That it may be.'
"So, what sort of item would appeal... A draconic... Crown? Or jewelry? I would say armor, but that might imply that I think his scales are insufficient."
'Wealthy and beautiful will do,' Io suggests, 'Something that shines in firelight.'
Alyssa taps her chin, "I can work with that. Thank you for your time, Lord Io."
'Be strong and continue to grow,' Io commands you. 'Be safe.'
Alyssa bows and heads back!
Once you're away from Io, "So dragon flattery and bribery it is?" Bastian asks.
Alyssa shrugs, "Rulers are rulers. It's the same for all of them, isn't it? The only thing that changes is the scale."
That gets Bastian to laugh, "Even dragon scales?"
Alyssa chuckles, "Even those."
With that you...
Okay, how are you going to approach this one?
Well, the magic part isn't such a problem. There's a few spells I want to keep private, but that's really it.
The rest... Hmm... I'd do some research on what kind of creatures Bahamut hates, or his worst enemies, and see if there's some sort of material/trophy I could use as a base material for crafting something. Then, invite him to the Academy, do the spell trade, a tour if he wants, and then propose an alliance, with the idea of the item as a way to seal the alliance.
Could be workable, sure. Go ahead and figure out an exact plan and we'll start working it out.
Okay, so first thing is researching creatures he hates or enemies. That should be fairly easy to do with the library, legend lore, and possible contacts in Brightwater for info. So that first.
Check's easy to pass. Bahamut's main enemies are Tiamat and chromatic dragons. That one's stone obvious. He has his quarrels with evil in general of course, but inter dragon matters are his big thing.
Alyssa calls Emily in.
Emily comes right in, "Alyssa?" she asks you as...
Go for it, whatever your plan is here.
"I have an idea for dealing with Bahamut. I was planning on presenting him with a trophy, something I make with the Words and perhaps some draconic power so it would be unique. I know the typical things he's in conflict with, but I don't exactly have a dragon on hand to ask for advice. Except you, daughter of a dragon.
Any ideas as to what type of enemy I should make a trophy of, and what?"
"Hmmm."
A long thought before, "You may think that an evil dragon would make a good idea. But the truth is that no, it's not the best. Remember, even the most vile chromatic dragon is still an intelligent being. Would you like it if the skull of your enemy was given to you as a gift, or its flesh made into armor? A better trophy is a valiant deed. He is a paladin, what better would he respect?"
"You're a Paladin. You tell me. My first thought is some sort of... Purified artifact or the like."
"I...just did." Emily says slowly, "Weren't you listening?"
"A valiant deed, yes, but that's not something specific. I need something I can build a target list from, and then gather information on."
"Something heroic. Smite some evil. Save the day. Help people," Emily says, "Things that matter, Alyssa."
"Hmm... Do we know if any of his enemies are slavers? If we could take over and secure one and then turn control of it over to him to serve as an outpost or temple, that might do the trick."
"Some are," Emily says, "Evil tends to be evil." With a small, sad smile, "You see it repeat again and again, so I think you're on the right track now."
"Alright, let's gather some info on potentials. You're a Paladin, have a hate for slavers, and grew up around dragons, so you'll be the best judge of which target is the best option. I'll let you know when I have a few options."
"Alright, say the word when," Emily says agreeably, "It's always worth my time to stop them."
Alyssa nods and begins her search!
Where, who and what are you looking into precisely? I'll call for a check depending on details.
Where, I dunno. But who and what: cross referencing who I know to be his enemies with any information I can dig up on which of them are known for being involved with slavery. Then legend lore, scrying, and possible Bastian/Brightwater for details.
Gimme K:R so I can start working on it all, Iddy.
K:R/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+80 : 6 + 80, total 86[/blockquote]
Devils related to Tiamat are the simplest answer there. The problem is that Tiamat is mostly associated with Avernus and that just had a recent, huge turnover in rulership. You could try that path if you want or try another one, as all the changes from a new Lord of the First Hell caused a great many shakeups.
Can I get like 2 more options to pick through.
Sure thing.
Bahamut's had some problems with Imix and the efreet lately, mostly as collateral to the recent war that the efreet lost. The efreet are slavers, but for now are out of the game thanks to Seira. Imix still is however, but word is that Seira recently delivered him a serious setback.
Bahamut and Auril don't get along, as both deities represent cold. While a minor aspect for Bahamut, nonetheless the two clash over it quite a bit.
Alyssa calls Jarem and Emily.
Both report as requested. "So what's on your mind, Alyssa?" Jarem asks.
"These are the targets I've found. I wanted some input as to which is the most attractive both from a gift to Bahamut standpoint, and a tactical evaluation."
Alyssa lists out the three options.
"Imix has potential," Jarem says, "But he's gone on the defensive and I'm hearing rumblings in Fire. It may be a poor time to stick our nose in there. Auril's the simplest of them all but the most able to respond."
Alyssa taps her desk, "Who are Auril's enemies? Anyone we know? A joint operation on two fronts to split her attention and response?"
"She usually clashes with most of the Heavens,' Jarem says, "I know she doesn't get along with Kossuth for obvious reasons nor Chauntea. Chauntea would make the most sense, as Kossuth is busy with what's happening on Fire."
"Well, we have at least some good will with Chauntea, from the investigation into Shadin Fescion."
"That will help. I'll call it in," Jarem agrees, "It makes the most sense so unless you have an objection?"
"I don't," Emily says, and Jarem smiles.
"Wasn't asking you," Jarem banters, "I was asking Alyssa, but your lack of objection is noted for the record."
Emily blushes a bit before, "Well, I'm glad it is!"
"No. Do what you do. Let's find us a specific target and do some information gathering on it."
"Enjoy that, Emily. I'll go do the diplomatic end of this while you find a good target. Chauntea's a practical sort, she'll understand where I'm going with this even if I don't have a target right away." Jarem turns to go, "My avatar will be in shortly to take my place."
"You know, she never replied when I sent her a prayer about finding the traitor in her court. Try to find out what happened with that, I'm interested what came of it."
"I'll bring it up," Jarem agrees, going off and gone. Emily relaxes a moment and waits for his avatar. As she does, "Oh, how are Sulia and Queen doing? We've been busy enough that I haven't heard more there."
"I haven't checked in on them either. Want to visit before we get into the target search?"
Emily rolls her neck, "We needn't forget that, so let's."
Alyssa nods and heads out with Emily to visit.
Okay, two different people and two different divine realms. Who are you going to visit?
Eh, Emily has a closer relationship with Sulia, right? Her first, then.
Brightwater is beautiful.
No matter what quarter of it you visit, this is true. Sulia's is broad streets and manors, everything a fairy tale dream. Rich, elegant and utterly beautiful to match the people who come and go in this place. Emily walks slowly as you go, "Sulia said she wanted to meet us in the Garden of Tears - don't worry, it's lovely, no matter what the name sounds like."
Alyssa nods, walking along with Emily, "Quite the nice place. I might have to enlist her help with decorating the palace. We still need to convert that into a true fortress."
On you go. The Garden of Tears is a water garden - from above, from nowhere comes cascades of water that fill ponds, come down great stone carvings and patters to form little waterfalls. Greater pools large enough for many are here as well, people enjoy a good swim amid the beauty. The murmur of water is everywhere.
Here, at a table to the side covered with an umbrella, Empress Sulia sits. She watches, herself clad in a light dress as she sips an iced drink. "Emily, Alyssa," She rises fondly, "Come over here," she invites.
Alyssa inclines her head a bit with a smile, "Thank you. How have you been?"
"Busy as always. We so seldom get to rest." Empress Sulia admits, as in a shimmer of magic, iced juice appears before the two of you. Emily takes her and drinks right up.
Alyssa takes it and sips, "I suppose so. I've been a bit insulated from that, I think, by having compatriots like Emily who help divvy things up."
"Oh, Sune helped me greatly at first, but in time I've stood on my own," Sulia explains, "And the things to manage as you get older and wider spread are larger by the century. Wait until you're a few hundred years old."
Alyssa nods, "By then I'll be a practiced hand at it. Now, how did things go with Queen?"
"We've been working and gathering information," Sulia declares, "What do you wish to know?"
To be honest I don't fully remember what I was doing with them...
"Just a general idea of how things are going, unless there's specifics you think I should know about."
https://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104428.msg1184045.html#msg1184045
You may want to review this and the posts around it to refresh yourself.
Now I remember. Okay, I still need to do some research and testing for hellfire defenses. My initial response still stands: she was going to gather info on how he fights, but said it was going to be hard, so unless she's gotten some sort of specifics yet, just a general update is fine.
"In general, not enough," Sulia says, "I believe I already gave you a broad outline, I haven't found out much more besides a little more information on his dragon companion. His invocations are remarkably deadly, he is a warlock of great power. All I've heard suggests Rathguul will be a deadly opponent."
"Hmm... Perhaps we should consider isolating them from each other. A forced plane shift, or if we can force one through a gate... Perhaps just a sort of layered prismatic dome to separate one from the other. Even if it's not something that would endure the entirety of the fight, a few minutes might be enough to throw their tactics and teamwork out of sync."
"I've thought the same," Sulia says as Emily drinks up, "Some sort of lovely distraction to divide and conquer. It will have to be strong, they are no weaklings."
"I wonder... Emily, do you think we could... Invite our new potential ally to help with that? I can't imagine Rathguul would have any other reaction except to fly into a rage if he, or one of his champions, show on the field. That could easily bait him away."
Emily slowly smiles, "It would be bait, wouldn't it? Cart before the horse, but I think that's a fine idea and one I doubt Bahamut would object to."
"I think taking one of Tiamat's sons would be something he'd be greatly interested in as well. I'll look into a way to move Gargauth forcefully. If we can't move him to a different plane, perhaps something as simple as a massive sinkhole to drop him into an underground cavern would work.
I'll also have to think on the Hellfire."
"Bahamut's aid would be exceptional," Sulia agrees, "Still, it's a start. Is there anything on your side that you've found?"
"Not yet. I'll be getting as deep as I can i to it when I return."
"Then in the meantime," Sulia sips her drink, "We go forward."
Alyssa nods. "I'm also going to visit with Queen, if you'd like to come with us."
"What a marvelous idea. She's been quiet, she's likely focused on her realm," Sulia rises, "Let's go see how she's doing."
"Oh, now I'm curious too," Emily hops up and balances her drink perfectly, finishing it off before placing it down.
Alyssa finishes her drink and heads out!
Obligatory question of any prep.
Uh, no? I mean, she's our ally, so I wouldn't expect anything out of the normal. Normal buffs apply, but that's it.
When you contact Queen to enter her realm?
'No,' Queen says, 'I will come to you instead. Name a place.'
"She wants to come to us. Here, Sulia, or do you want to go to my Academy?"
"Here's acceptable," Sulia says, "There's no sense in moving when we're already here."
Alyssa sends the invitation on to Queen.
Queen shortly arrives, as you saw her last time. She slithers on towards the table as Sulia smiles.
"Queen, join us," She invites, "It's been too long."
"Queen," Emily seconds, "How are you?"
The liliend inclines her head towards all of you, "I continue to go onward for my people. The Queendom will prosper."
Alyssa raises her glass, "To all of our prosperity. How goes the investigation?"
Queen takes her own glass, which appears before her and joins all of you. "Slowly but steadily. In truth my Queendom's focus is still largely internal and with my sisters."
Alyssa nods, "I can understand that. Though I have others to share the effort with, it's largely the same for me. Is there anything specific that's causing you issues?"
Queen leans forward, the tip of her tail lashing back and forth behind her. "My sisters are warriors, performers, artists. My people are of a different stripe. They are artisans, they are are community. The process of one understanding the other is long."
"Ants and snakes," Emily reflects, getting her drink refilled by a wave of Sulia's hand. "A strange combination, no matter how you put them together."
"Oh, but I've seen the jewelry you sent me to judge," Sulia goes on, "It really is beautiful, as is the woodworkings. It'll absolutely be good to spread to the others, and she'll like it as a gift. An obvious connection."
"Our weapons are good as is our craft," Queen drinks, eyes half closed. "Yes. My sisters appreciate that."
"And yet, with the capabilities of your sisters, I get the impression that there are stumbling blocks for you. I'm offering to help you overcome those."
"If you can help two races come together all the stronger and faster," Queen invites, "You have my blessing."
"What's causing the most issue between them, specifically? Comprehension of concepts, or differences in communication abilities?"
"Different cultures and instincts," Queen says succinctly, then after more juice, "They are similar but different."
Alyssa leans back, "Hmm... And what do you already have in place for integration?"
"Letting them get to know each other and learn from each other," Queen declares back.
"So nothing structured? Hmm... Consider an apprenticeship structure. Have a craftsman of one race study alongside one of the other for a set time, and then invert it. Do the same with education and a host family system.
Keep the time limited in the beginning; constant misunderstandings will strain nerves, but incremental increases in duration will come more easily as information and stories of experience spread between each populous.
I wouldn't necessarily force it on people, but incentivise it. Add in some sort of reward for participating and people will come to it gradually, but far more willingly and openly to it. I would consider, however, requiring a periodic report from each side for those who do participate. Have them list out what the frustrations and misunderstandings were, then build informational fliers and books from there to help spread the information to those not participating."
"I'll think that over," Queen says at last, once you finish. "What of your realm, Alyssa? How does it grow?"
"It grows ever onward, pushing beyond the horizon as it should. Emily and the others have established their own districts, and travelers, explorers, students, and settlers of all kinds pass through to complete their caravans and skills before pushing on to find their own places in the planes.
I would invite you to have some of your people visit my Academy to trade knowledge and skills, but it sounds like you have enough cultural upheaval to deal with as is. Despite that, the doors of my Academy are ever open for you and yours. The same applies to you, Sulia. I invite both of you to send your craftsmen and scholars to study with us, and to serve as both teachers and students."
"One day," Queen agrees as meanwhile Sulia smiles, "Oh yes, I have ideas there. It does go both ways, and support in these early days can mean so much."
Alyssa nods, "Let me know when you want to work the details out."
From there, as all of you chat away...
Anything else to add here?
Not really. Research time.
What are going to research now?
Some kind of defense against Hellfire first, then a way to separate the two.
K:A check first.
K:A/Cunning Knowledge/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 19 + 110, total 129[/blockquote]
There's not much of a way known to deal with hellfire. If there is, it's almost certainly in the hands of the greatest devils. It's nasty, it's rare and it's dreadful.
Emily helps you and as the two of you have privacy in the library? Her will flexes out before, "We could ask the Lord of the Ninth," she finally says, "I doubt Gathgorian knows, but he might have an idea and we recently cooperated with him. We could even ask Bel. But I still dislike dealing with them, even if we have to for now."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "I'm surprised to hear you suggest that. There will be a price for it. Are you prepared for that?"
"I hate it," Emily says with open sourness, "I advise against it. But," She holds a finger up, "If the thought crosses your mind, you may do it without me being around. At least I can moderate you."
Alyssa raises her eyebrow, "That doesn't address the cost, little Ms. Idea."
"Why do you think I advise against it?" Emily answers right back, "Asmodeus is most likely to be effective, but he'll get his price and I have no confidence he won't get what he wants out of the exchange. I've seen a few examples of his work now and I won't pretend I can keep up." This gets Emily to slowly shaker her head before, "Perhaps Gathgorian and Bel can be mitigated better."
"Let's see what research turns up. Surely there's someone who's beaten it before."
"If you want to give it another try," Emily agrees, "Shall we?"
Alyssa nods.
What's your plan for this then? You can't just retry Knowledge checks unless something changes.
Look for someone who's fought him multiple times.
Give me K:A, I suppose.
Just to be clear you mean Rathguul, right?
Yeah.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 1 + 110, total 111[/blockquote]
No one's ever faced him multiple times and survived that you can find. A few made it a rematch but the second time didn't go well for them at all.
Part of this is the fact that Gargauth is a bit obscure, so that's not helping at all, either.
"Of course," Emily goes on thoughtfully, "It's not like death stops our magic from contacting spirits."
Alyssa nods, "That's sort of the line I was thinking. If we could find one of these spirits that fought them and use my memory spell on them, then we could watch the fight as many times as we need to in order to examine the magic and abilities."
"We should be able to find someone," Emily says, "Though his skills may have improved since then or they didn't see all of his tricks. I wouldn't put it past him to save some for serious opponents - best that we find strong ones."
Alyssa nods, "We all have trump cards and hidden tricks. But if we show up prepared for his normal tactics and can pressure him from the start, it may put him off balance."
"Then let's get on it," Emily decides, "We'll find a few who we can reach. I fear some may be in diabolical hands and beyond our reach, but surely not all."
Alyssa contacts Bastian to put feelers out as well, and sets in to do some searching!
Okay, how are you gonna do this then?
Well, Bastian will do his thing, and then I'll do some research into notable battles they've had. Try to figure out who they've fought with and cross reference that with any of the gods I'm friendly with, and then see if I can speak to them about it.
Jarem being a war god might have an idea or two, also.
Sure, gimme K:P and K:R first of all.
Is it a new day? Has Factotum stuff refreshed?
Sure.
K:P/Cunning Knowledge/Library (assuming on that, if not -15):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 12 + 110, total 122[/blockquote]
K:R/Cunning Knowledge/Library (assuming on that, if not -15):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 8 + 110, total 118[/blockquote]
You have the most likely candidate you can dig up: Sir Elthor. A warrior who opposed Rathguul twice even if he didn't live to tell, but there's no signs his soul was captured in the pitched battle that saw him lay down his life.
Alyssa dives in to research about Sir Elthor to try and figure out which god he served.
That's not hard to dig up. He served Tempus.
Alyssa calls Emily and Jarem in!
It's not hard to get them in and...
Okay, you're going somewhere with this so go ahead.
In the future, unless if they're tied up or there's questions, you can just launch into whatever you want to ask them, save us a post back and forth.
"So, I found a lead with potential. Sir Elthor, in service to Tempus, fought them twice, and I can't find any indications that they did anything to his soul. If that's accurate, then he should have returned to Tempus."
"Then we go at that angle," Jarem says, "I can run that down, I know people over there. The name doesn't ring a bell, but he might've taken a new one, a new identity or who knows what." Getting right back up, "Give me a few hours."
Alyssa nods, "Thank you. If you can get his cooperation, I want to use my memory spell to view both fights. Once we have access to that, we can study it as much as we want to figure out as many counters as we can.
Tell me, has The Red Knight ever had run-ins with either of them?"
"Not that I know of," Jarem answers directly, "But I'll ask while I'm over there. She may not have, but it's possible one of hers has."
Alyssa nods, "I was hoping to ask her to review the memories with us. Her mastery of tactics and strategies outstrips ours."
"I'll see if she's willing," Is Jarem's answer, "Knowing the devils, there may be pacts or agreements involved."
Alyssa nods.
With that Jarem turns and goes.
Emily looks to you after, "And what about me, Alyssa?"
"Since you're a paladin, I was wondering if you thought about working with your smiting and making it... specialized. Like combining it with a type of Bane."
"How so?" Emily asks, a curious look, "Like a bane weapon?"
Alyssa nods, "Smite is pure holy energy that attacks the nature of evil. I was wondering if it could be added to to strike at a specific creature type as well."
"I've never heard of anyone who did that directly," Emily says in some thought, fingers to her chin. "Usually an enchanted weapon provides that, not the smite itself."
"Do you think it could work? Could it rebound off of each other and push each one higher?"
"I...hm." Emily says, "Maybe. I'd want to talk to...hm." A soft murmur, "Let me talk to my Mom as well as a few others. Antenora might know, or perhaps Syala or Jetina."
"It could be a solid trump card if it works."
"If," Emily says, "At the least it would help."
So when I poke at this mechanically, is this what it appears to me or did you have anything else in mind?
I didn't have anything super specific in mind, but if you have both smite and bane on a weapon, you do extra damage. So the idea I had was to make a Smite version of Hellfire, basically.
Walk me through that again?
You want a paladin to use hellfire on a smite?
No, I want a paladin to use Bane on smite to make the holy counter to Hellfire.
Okay.
As Emily tinkers with that idea, Jarem returns. "Good news or bad news," he says after several hours away.
"Both, likely."
"Both," Jarem agrees, "Bad news is that he wasn't available. Good news is that I found a few others who faced Rathguul before."
"Excellent, more data sources make the assessment that much better."
"Yeah. The hellfire's a big problem. It hits incredibly hard and it doesn't hit just one. It hits everyone in a large area. Oh, and it withers the willpower of those it hits. Steals it right away." Jarem smiles tightly, "It gets worse. Not only can the bastard teleport at will, but when it teleports it leaves behind a fireball that burns anyone that was around it."
Alyssa nods, "The teleporting tactic is something I've seen in my studies before. Have any of the others you found agreed to the memory spell?"
"Yes, I talked them into it," Jarem says, "You can inspect the memories of the battle yourself."
So, something to clarify about the memory spell; the spell description states:
When you cast this spell, you are able to relive your past or the past of a touched creature. An unwilling creature requires a successful melee touch attack and is allowed a Will save to negate.
This spell allows you to relive up to one hour per caster level of the target's life. This may be any time you see fit, but must be one unbroken block of time. You may also share this spell with up to one creature per four caster levels, all creatures affected must within 30ft of you. Those who relive the past do so instantly, experiencing everything the target did in all of the target's senses (including senses those who relive the past do not normally possess). For all purposes, it is as if the creatures lived the experiences themselves.
While the memories are completely lifelike, those who relive the past do not suffer any ill effects from it (except for any trauma the memories would cause naturally, such as viewing the memories of a creature being tortured).
Now, does this mean that I can go to them, view the memories I want, and then project/show them to the others, or do we all have to be there when I cast it? Or can I replay the memories for the others using an illusion spell?
Either way. You can paper the holes over with uses of alter reality anyway so it's not terribly important.
Gotcha. Let's continue on then, I just wanted to be clear.
Alyssa nods to Jarem, "Excellent. We can go whenever you feel appropriate, then. How many did you find?"
"Three," Jarem confirms, "Whenever you're ready to."
"Better sooner than later. Let's go."
Three warriors, all men and old. They each wear simple clothes as they wait - one bearded, one clean shaven and a third a luminous creature with no neck. They await you in a quiet classroom not currently in use.
"Here," Jarem glances over at you, "All three of them."
Alyssa smiles at them, "Gentlemen, thank you for your willingness to pass on your knowledge and experience. I thank you greatly, and prize knowledge very highly. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alyssa Songsteel. I look forward to being your student, even if only for a short time."
The three bow, "You have been spoken for. We will lend you our memories."
Alyssa nods, "Thank you. Who will be going first?"
The bearded ones comes forth, "I will," he volunteers.
Alyssa nods and casts the spell!
Memories.
It's a cavern, where Rathguul awaits. A massive wyrm in an open air cavern, the roof worn away by the ages and the night sky visible. You (the warrior) braces and charges. Blade against scales, a familiar battle for any warrior. Yet it is too strong and one claw comes forth. A point and you scream in agony as unholy flames burn you. A split second later a gale of lightning follows, which causes sheer white pain and then the memory ends.
"I found and challenged the dragon, and the dragon was far more than a dragon," The old warrior states, with pained wisdom. "A dragonslaying blade was nothing to it."
Alyssa shakes her head then smiles, "And yet you faced the dragon without fear or falter. Worthy of song and story. If we succeed, you will be part of the story."
"Thank you, goddess," The man bows his head deeply to you.
Alyssa nods, "Who's next?"
The clean shaved one, "I lasted a little longer," he says, coming forward.
Alyssa smiles and casts her spell!
This time you see a fireswept hellscape. Cracked ground and flames everywhere as the warrior, barrel chested and wearing battered armor, stands atop a cliff amid this. Beaten devils of all kinds lie about - a few turn to black glass or melt into black ooze, or becomes incantations of Infernal. Others still survive, beaten but not slain. From little lemures to even a pit fiend, this warrior stands triumphant.
Until he emerges.
Rathguul emerges from the flames, massive and looming high.
"You shall disobey no more!" The wyrm roars as the warrior braces. He begins to lean back for a slash, but the wyrm is quicker. A beam, a shot of pure hellfire that immolates you - the warrior - and burns. Your greataxe is clutched all the tighter as you scream, yet you hold on. You keep your wits to fall back and avoid the lightning breath that comes moments later.
You slash. The distance matters not, yet the blow does not penetrate Rathguul's scales.
A mere moment later one of the downed devils, a hamatula, leaps up and bear hugs you from behind. Pain as barbs snare you, leaving you flatfooted for one horrible moment. It's all Rathguul needs to swoop in, hellfire consuming you to nothing.
Darkness and flame. You plummet.
"Don't worry," An old man's voice, as in this darkness your axe is seen. "Go. Hell won't have you, and this old champion won't see you become a devil's prize, there's still enough power in this axe for that. Let them chew on this old soul."
A sense of relief and sorrow at once, as you ascend away, another soul plummeting in your place.
The memory ends. With a solemn expression, "Rathguul's strong. My axe cut through a pit fiend like a goblin, but it couldn't crack his scales. Looking back, I believe he telepathically commanded or controlled that hamatula to act, all while in the middle of battle. A formidable dragon."
Alyssa nods and turns to the next.
He simply says, "Whenever you're ready."
Alyssa casts!
The battlefield is quiet.
The screams of the dying have become the eternal regrets of the dead. You strive forward amid this. There's no time to waste now. The broken hills cannot slow you, you race towards the abode. There's still time to stop the summoning. To call on the image of an Archduke of Hell can bring centuries of calamity to a world. This fragment will not succeed.
Not after you fought so hard for peace.
Your soldiers stay back as you alone go. Were Trist here or Meladole, or even brave Yurik....but you are alone. There was no time and you did not have the resources to reach them.
The hut ahead is plain, a freestanding place amid these hilly land - !
Fire. Fire consumes the hut in a moment. From the burning shell it emerges, tearing it apart. A great blue dragon, aloft on flames as if a cloak to be worn. You know it - it is not the Archduke you feared, for you know if such an event came to pass and he stepped onto this world, all would be torn apart. Yet you know this foe the dragon Rathguul. His personal companion. To be sent indicates a matter of great importance to Gargauth.
The dragon does not introduce itself. It does not care to, or perhaps it is beneath it to speak to a mere mortal. Let him break his pride against the strength of Tempus Foehammer!
The battle is joined without a word. Fire comes, hellfire that threatens to immolate all. Your blood sings with the power of the quicksilver and you blur ahead. A gambit that works, the scorching ray of hellfire missing you by inches. You leap and fly through the air. A lash of its tail, but your shield holds.
You do not allow it to fling death at you unopposed. Claw and scale meet blade and shield. Inconclusive. Once the Wind Wyrm resisted Jetta, once the Northern Emperor's shield checked it. You are far stronger now and Jetta is as well. This will be no easy battle.
Another exchange in the air, two dancers, one of steel and one of scale. Despite being a dragon, it is as nimble as any air elemental. Inconclusive. Another strike, you rear back and charge, a flawless sidestep of the claw that threatens to disembowel you for the attempt.
Then, before you strike, the entire wyrm erupts in hellfire. You reel back, pained. Again. You tumble from the air.
You can't take a third.
You only have one chance now, you know. With a prayer to the Foehammer you rally yourself and charge dead on. The hellfire comes as you know it would - but at the last moment you hurl Jetta, your blade arcing through the air. Your prayer is answered, for it slips in between two scales. As you burn and fall, your vision dims as the blade's magic activates. A powerful banishment that will send him back whence he came. A temporary victory as your vision fades and...
The spell ends.
Alyssa takes a deep breath, "Very impressive, all of you. I will learn much from you. I invite you to take respite here in my Academy. I will work to learn the lessons you have presented me with. Once I have done my work, I intend to share it with you. Your experience may glean things in my strategies I miss.
As I said, I intend your names to be part of the songs of Rathguul's defeat."
The first bows his head and declares, "Avenge me."
The second bows his head and intones, "Avenge my grandfather, who even now suffers in Baator."
The third says, "Avenge my defeat." He does not look down, but simply regards you instead.
"I will what I can."
Alyssa turns to go to her rooms to study the memories in detail.
Going to do anything with them?
With the soldiers?
The memories.
Yes, I'll project them using whatever illusion I need to and study them, looking for weaknesses, examining the spells and abilities he uses, and tactics, in order to formulate either counter spells or figure out how the abilities work.
Like, will Ability Hamstring work on him.
Okay, well lemme ask you something. Do you have any leads on that from what you saw earlier? If you do I can use that to direct your work.
I do:
1) I can examine the first one for anything that's a tip off that he's going to use the hellfire with his claws. I can also examine the memory to figure out how he's doing it; I.E. via something like a Hexblade ability, altar reality, or a different spell or ability.
2) I can try to identify what the gale of lightning was similarly; if it's a spell, I can figure out what the counter spell is.
3) If the sword the warrior used was a Dragonslaying blade (assuming that means Bane), I can watch the moment of contact and how the spell on the sword reacts to try and figure out what the defense was to block the Bane effect.
4) I can examine how the Hellfire is killing each warrior to figure out what the actual energy interaction is and maybe figure out a defense of some sort. The second and third warriors survived more than one hit of it, which means there *should* be a way to, at the very least, reduce the damage from it.
5) I can examine the second memory to see if Rathguul really did use a telepathic ability to command the devil. If so, I should be able to identify what that is and figure out a way to block or counter it.
6) The hellfire that the third warrior dodged gives me a framework of what the attack speed is. If I can figure out the limits of its speed, I can investigate a way to push my own speed (or that of others) fast enough to give some sort of possible dodge? bonus against it.
7) I can watch all of its physical attacks and learn the body language and tells for them, which will help me predict what attacks might be coming.
8) I can look into this Jetta weapon, examine the enchantments on it and figure out what about it allowed it to wound Rathguul. Then I can work to either find it and strengthen it, or recreate it in either smithing a new version of it or a spell that mimics it, and possibly strengthen it with the Words of Creation.
Gimme 3 K:A checks.
Man, there go my Cunning Knowledges for the day. Also, I don't know if this skill trick applies, but maybe. If so, add it to the totals:
Tale Keeper:
You receive a +5 competence bonus to trained Knowledge checks to identify monsters and their powers.
K:A/Cunning Knowledge/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 14 + 110, total 124[/blockquote]
K:A/Cunning Knowledge/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 10 + 110, total 120[/blockquote]
K:A/Cunning Knowledge/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 2 + 110, total 112[/blockquote]
1. You're about 100% sure it's the eldritch blast of a warlock augmented with the power of a hellfire warlock and more. There's not enough to root out a tip off - and from the last battle, it looks like any inch of his body can emit the eldritch blast.
2. The lightning looks to be the dragon's breath weapon.
3. The simple truth is, on examination, is that the dragon's defenses were too strong. You're pretty sure it wasn't a fault in the blade or a defense. Simply put, Rathguul's protections are far stronger than that of a typical dragon. After all, a bane or even dread weapon doesn't guarantee a hit.
4. The hellfire burns them to death - you remember the pain of that all too well. Research suggests that the latter two were simply stronger, in the same way a seasoned warrior can survive a 200ft fall in decent condition while a commoner will die instantly. The same problem comes - it's ultimately fire and evil bound together, something horrid that you lack any sort of key insight. At least from this data, but perhaps if you got more?
5. There's simply no way to tell from the image, but it's the most likely reasoning. A telepathic command isn't that hard to manage if you have innate telepathy, it's as much effort as speaking. You'd assume so though you can't rule out a plan or simply a devil making a play and getting lucky. If it is telepathy, anything that blocks telepathy should suffice.
6. It is quite fast and Rathguul's aim is impeccable. Armor is pointless against it so it's hard to defend against, too. Something like blur, displacement or concealment would be best. That's close to what the third warrior did.
7. That's doable - he's extremely good but direct, and a dragon's body is big enough to have tells. The problem is that he's a giant dragon of massive power, really.
8. There's not much known about Jetta - it's an old weapon - but you do confirm it's able to banish creatures from planes that aren't their own. As far as you can tell? A prayer and a lucky shot worked out. He was good enough to have a chance and managed to succeed when he needed to.
1) Okay, if that's the case, I'll read up on defenses against Warlocks. Maybe one is floating around that I can call in to help test counterspells and defenses against?
2) Alright, that should be easy enough to work with. I recall there being some breath defense spells already, so I'll look those up.
3) Is there anyway I can judge what the level of defense is? Epic skill usage to try and figure out AC? I also have Spot the Weakness skill trick, could that be used?
4) Alright, how do I go about finding more data points?
5) Alright. I'll look into a general telepathic block style thing, just to cover bases.
6) Cool. I'll look into bumping up Blur or the like with Words of Creation.
7) Great, let's do that.
8) Alright, if he's vulnerable to banish, I'll have one of those in pocket as a backup.
1. You could look into that, sure. Are you familiar with the warlock class at all first of all?
3. It's a fairly high AC. I'd allow it on those memories, sure. REfresh me on what it does.
4. See more hellfire in use.
1 Not really but I can read up.
3
As a standard action, you can attempt a Spot check to find a weakness in your opponent's defenses. The DC of this check equals the opponent's AC. If the check succeeds, your next attack against that opponent (which must be made no later than your next turn) is treated as a touch attack.
If you use a ranged weapon to deliver the attack, your opponent must be within 30 feet of you in order
4 Similar power or just any hellfire?
It's pretty high. You'd guess around competitive with your AC.
Hellfire would be best. It's possible searing fire, goldenfire or similar things might help or they might not.
I meant Hellfire of a similar power level.
Oh. In that case yes.
Uh, guess I have to look into warlock of similar power that aren't instantly hostile.
Well, he's a hellfire warlock remember. As in bound to Baator. You're welcome to make an K:P and K:A check here but keep that in mind.
Yeah, but there might be a mercenary type I can hire and then keep under wraps until the end of the fight to keep the info from leaking out about what I'm researching.
K:P/Cunning Knowledge/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 6 + 110, total 116[/blockquote]
K:A/Library (unless this is a new day and my Cunning Knowledge refreshed, then add +33):
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+77 : 19 + 77, total 96[/blockquote]
Gimme an K:N too with those results, since you rolled high enough.
K:N/Cunning Knowledge/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 15 + 110, total 125[/blockquote]
There's scant few of a sufficient power - almost all end up dying, dragged down to Baator or willingly taken to Baator when they become strong enough. Hellfire warlock's usually a fast path to Hell, one way or another.
However, there are a few goodly and redeemed warlocks out there. Most notably is Mei of Aurora, and offhand she's the best lead you have on this.
Alyssa calls over Honeydip and Emily.
"In order to figure out a defense against Hellfire, we need to work with a Hellfire Warlock. In my research, I've found a likely candidate: Mei of Aurora. Any chance the two of you can arrange a meeting?"
"She's not one," Emily points out right away, "But she is a rare holy warlock. In case you weren't clear on that, she serves the Seldarine."
Honeydip merely says, "Still, she may have useful insight or know people who have that insight."
Alyssa nods, "The only other resort to her I can think of is raiding Baator to find one, or to keep looking for a mercenary one. If nothing else, she can help solidify and confirm theory."
"I know the people there, I'll bring her over," Emily gets up, "I'll be back."
Alyssa nods.
"I look forward to the meeting."
Mei soon returns, guided by Emily. She bows to Alyssa, "Lady Divinity," she greets in a warm voice.
Do you remember Mei from B3 at all?
I don't.
Alyssa smiles and bows in return.
"Welcome! And don't be so formal. Divinity is a new mantle for me. Please, come, sit and be comfortable."
Mei sits as requested. "I understand you need my advice?"
"Yes, well... We're soon to go against a rather powerful Hellfire Warlock. I'm seeking some understanding of it so I might explore some sort of defense against it."
"I'd be happy to tell you what I know," Mei continues, "Do you understand what hellfire is?"
I imagine Alyssa has a good grasp from her research. I personally don't though.
Hellfire is infernal fire powered by Baator's energies. It ignores fire immunity and resistance. Nasty stuff and the domain of powerful devils and diabolical servants.
"I have the basics of it."
"Then you know why there's few practitioners of it that are anything beyond the blackest fiends," Mei says, "It's terrible. I've seen goldenfire and it's not the same thing in reverse, but the effect is similar."
Alyssa taps her desk.
"What would you think the inverse of it is?"
"The holy power of Celestia,' Mei says in thought, "Or maybe Arborea."
"Could you describe how the fire is altered? We need to determine how to intertwine the energy together."
"You call on energy," Mei says, "You don't really do it yourself. You call it, you summon it. It's not your own power that does it." A pause, a thought, hand on her chin, "You're the conduit for it, not the creator."
"Hmm... Spellwork won't help with it, then. Emily, any ideas?"
"It sounds like you need the approval of beings above." Emily says.
Perhaps we consult one of our celestial allies in this.
Alyssa nods, Interested in taking that on?
Yes, I can take care of it.
Alyssa nods, "Well, Mei, you've been helpful. I'd like you to go with Emily. If she can work out how to make this happen, your insights may well help her refine it."
With that Emily and Mei go - doing anything or just going to wait for them to hopefully get results?
Start research into the other one. They fight together, so gotta be prepped against both.
Okay, declare exactly what you're researching then.
Same stuff for Gargauth. Known abilities and tactics, and then see if I can't find anyone who has survived battles with him. Or dead people. Once I've got something to build from, I can work on specific counters.
You mean Rathguul, the dragon you've been investigating the past few pages?
No, I'm waiting for Emily on Rathguul stuff. In the meantime, I want to look into Gargauth, since they typically fight as a pair.
Forgive me if I'm being empty headed and mixed up, but did you do that recently?
Nope, not yet. Search function returns 4 posts, none are research posts.
Okay, let's absolutely get this moving then. K:P.
K:P/Cunning Knowledge/Library:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+110 : 2 + 110, total 112[/blockquote]
Gargauth usually fights with magic and his dagger. A dagger that he can throw and have return to him. However, he mostly fights with and behind allies. Rathguul often fills that role, or perhaps those in thrall to him or his servants. If pressed he uses spell-like abilities and other tricks, or simply escapes the battle.
So I need to research something to lock him down. Can I find anyone who survived a battle with him whose memory I can examine to figure out what spell/ability he's using to GTFO?
Not even hard to figure out. Greater teleport/plane shift. Deities have things like that innately, remember, and if blocked getting out of range of the block.
That's what I mean, I want to figure out how to keep him from bouncing out.
Standard means to stop teleportation should apply, unless he's in his home plane.
Okay. Anything on this dagger?
A powerful throwing, returning dagger of both axiomatic and unholy power. A fearsome weapon in Gargauth's hands to say the least.
Alright. Anything on his typical spells/abilities he commonly relies on?
Summoning if needed, evil magic such as holy blight, charm spells. He has variety and can mix it up quite a bit, however.
Hmm... Okay, let me stew on this for a while.
Okay, tell me when you're good and I'll move you along with Emily.
Okay, so... If this dagger is a throwing dagger, does that mean arrow defenses work on it?
Generally would unless they specify arrows in particular.
It's possible as a divine weapon it may have powers that allow it to overcome some things that might stop it, such as a wind wall.
By the way this thing italics interlude has gone way long, so let's wrap it up and move things along to Emily, so if you have any more burning questions, get 'em out now.
I'm good.
Emily returns in good time, "Alyssa," she offers, "I come bearing news."
"Good or bad?"
"Mixed," Emily says, "First of all there's goldenfire, I talked to one of my Moms about it. Seira had to do a lot to get it, Lathader primarily deals with it from my understanding. Just mentioning that since it's relevant. As for the rest? There's energy from Celestia but only the holiest could use it that way."
"And who would the holiest be?"
"Saints, deities, the Hebdomad." Emily lists off, "People like that."
"Not a deific paladin?"
Emily looks at you slowly, "Didn't I just say deities?"
"You never said you actually learned how to do it. Have you put together an actual technique for it yet?"
"I know the theory now but there's a lot of practice involved," Emily says at length.
"How long?"
"Not right away," Emily says, "I have to figure it all out, and knowing versus doing with metamagic isn't easy, if I can even do it. There's something called goldenfire spell."
Does Alyssa recognize that?
Considering Emily just talked about goldenfire a few pages ago, yes.
I meant any actual details other than the name, but okay.
"Goldenfire is an option, yes. Who all do we know that uses it?"
Oh. Yeah, you'd know the basics. It's an epic metamagic, very rare.
"My Mom and Lathander," Emily says, "That's it."
Alyssa considers, "I think having either involved from the start is more attention than we want. Think you can convince Seira to be emergency back up with your efforts as primary?"
Okay, this is where I need to break character a moment. Cor's been out of B6 a few weeks due to RL stuff and may be coming back this coming week but it isn't 100%. As of now I can't reasonably guarantee he'd be around to do that due to that.
Alright. Does Emily have any sort of relationship Lathander where she can ask him to be backup in Seria's place?
On asking her, Emily considers, "He may. We've met," Emily explains, "So I can ask him."
Alyssa nods, "Please do. He's a rather higher profile entity than I really wanted involved, but... We may need it. Alternatively, you can ask if he's willing to tutor one of us in the ability. If he wants to stay hands off in this, that might be an acceptable compromise."
"I'll go see," Emily says, "Anything else to do there?"
"Not on my part. You have your own preparations to make, so keep those in mind as well."
Notes for the DM.
Alyssa's working up preparation for Gargauth. Can go right into that most likely and move it along at this point, we'll both need quick refreshers most likely by then.
Sheets are good.
Node goals are good. Perhaps revise Honeydip's.
When we do resume, it'll be with new topics as I recenter and focus, so I'm going to lock this one.