We're going to start this one OOC because I want to touch base with you.
Go ahead and paste the info you've written about your parents first of all so we're both clear on them, as well as who you're taking with you for this trip.
When dealing with backstory I find it helpful for both of us to refresh when we begin so it's ready and clear in our minds.
Phone, so this might not paste right.
Alyssa grew up as the daughter of servants of a noble. Her father, Walt Songsteel, was the Lord's blacksmith; though more a farrier than anything else. Her mother, Alilynn, was a housemaid and seamstress. Like many poor and servant families, they rarely had enough money to pay for proper care, though proximity and goodwill from the Lord they were serving allowed her parents to have three children, Alyssa, and older twins Thoben and Alihana. Alyssa was the youngest and born with complications that left both herself and her mother weak. Though weakened, due to her work as an in-house seamstress, Alilynn was able to continue to serve the Lord.
When she was eight, the lord had a visitor. This visitor brought with him slaves in place of servants and was known to have a wicked temper and disposition. While visiting, her older brother was helping to care for the visiting lord's horses, and reshoeing one. The lord came to inspect the work and was dissatisfied. When Thoben questioned what he was dissatisfied with, the lord flew into a rage at being questioned by what he viewed as a slave, using a quick spell to fling him across the stables, killing him.
The two lords nearly went to war over the death, but in the end, it was settled as most things are: with money. In an unusual turn, their lord offered her family the lion's share of the money and freedom from serfdom. They accepted. Though grieving decided to stay in the Lord's service as hired hands in place of servants, albeit after they moved into a fair sized home, purchased with the money.
Sounds good. Okay, you and Jarem for the trip, I believe?
Eh, that's fine.
Jarem is ready, in armor and with his gear. "So what's the name of the castle and lord?" he asks as he gets ready, "Anything else I need to know?"
Um, I did not specify a name? Just pick one?
Sure. Lord Melweather. Go ahead and reply to Jarem IC and I'll get yo ugoing.
"Lord Melweather. Just the typical nobility ceremony, though he's more relaxed about it than others from what I remember."
The wind is chill. That's what you notice first. The sky is gray and leaden, thick with clouds as a wind blows. Lord Melweather's castle stands with a village around it, the two of you appearing on the outskirts of the village. Jarem looks about at the simple homes lingering at the edge of the village. These are buildings of wood and with thatched roofs, windows covered against the chill with wooden slats. The people who go back and forth are well enough fed if wearing plain peasant clothes, giving the two of you surprised looks.
"Easy to forget how the normal people have it, hm?" Jarem remarks, smiling. "Greetings, blessings of the Lady of Strategy on you." He raises his voice, "We come in peace and friendship."
Alyssa smiles at them and nods, shifting her clothes to something more suitable for the weather with a simple command word.
"It is. It's nice to come home."
The people watch as Jarem smiles even more, taking out a bag of coins. "100 gold coins," he announces, "Free for any resident who can defeat me at chess or another game of strategy that I know. I'll return later today." Holding the bag up and high in one hand before putting it back away, Jarem falls in step with you. "Let them understand that the Red Knight rewards those who use their mind bravely and intelligently."
Alyssa snorts. "I doubt you'll find many converts here. These people live fairly well for their positions. This way."
She heads off towards the Lord's castle, getting more eager to see her family the closer she gets.
Jarem chuckles, "What farmer idles about and expects crops to grow for him? Listen, Alyssa." Jarem follows, as the people murmur of it, word surely spreading amid them of Jarem's offer. Once you are out of earshot of them he continues in a quieter voice. "I never said I would play with all my skill. Only skill enough to defeat any but the wise and smart, and allow that one to overcome me. In that a seed is laid. A wise and smart man can well turn that sort of money into the beginnings of a better life."
Taking a breath out, misting in front of his face, "That man will know who he owes his rise to. He will remember. Perhaps he will never do anything to thank the Red Knight directly, but a daughter will hear of the story one day. A daughter of good breeding, fine upbringing and sound mind. One who will seek the Red Knight who so helped her beloved father. Or maybe the winner will understand more directly and contribute heavily to the churches of the Red Knight in this land, or help establish one. Perhaps even that he will come to swear fealty to her and bring others to the faith, all because he understood the true thrust of the lesson and what it offers."
With an upturned smile, "I plant seeds that may take a generation or more to bloom. Seeds that I may never see blossom, seeds that may die in the cold ground and never bloom. But what farmer can know good seeds from bad without trying?"
Alyssa rolls her eyes. "I think this is why I never got far enough in my religious studies to specialize in it. I hope it works out for them, but often enough, I see people like this come into money and lose it even faster. There's not enough education to expect more. You want to help and plant a seed that lasts for generations? Start a school."
To this Jarem laughs, "You're not wrong! Unfortunately I don't have the time to do that here." Reaching out and slapping your back, "Don't think that the patron of strategy neglects the value of schooling."
Alyssa snorts. "A simple solution: Set up a rotation for the lower ranked... officers? of your command. They do a rotation as a teacher. They learn the value of keeping the little people in their minds, their value, and how to be patient and teach. In return, education spreads. It's something I've been toying with for a bit myself, but I'm unsure how the kingdoms would react."
"That's another reason," Jarem agrees, "I don't know enough about the local politics and customs to go about splashing. Not without risking things going wrong because of what I don't know. I think I will send some word up the chain, get some focus here if we have any faithful in the area."
"Hmm... Let me know. I'd like to send some of those we've ear-marked for mentorship as well. Perhaps when coupled with a religious order, they'll view it less as a foreign power trying to subvert children and more of a missionary effort. It'll help prepare my people to teach more advanced subjects."
"I will."
As you approach the castle, a runner approaches you. A simple page, a child of 10 or 11 perhaps. "Milady! Milady Songsteel!" he calls, running up, red faced. A thin young man, hands on his knees as he catches his breath.
"Hello. It's a bit of a surprise to be greeted this way. I'm also not quite a lady."
"Ah...ah...Lord Melweather requests your presence," he says once he has some of his wind back.
"I was going to say hello on my way to see my father. Please lead the way. Though, how did he know I was here already?"
Jarem adds in at that, "I was just thinking the same thing. We've been here minutes at most."
"Um, did someone tell him?" The page frowns, "He told me to come get you and hurry."
Alyssa frowns a bit but motions the page to lead on.
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=10]
You notice an odd, occasional rippling in the sky above. Like something invisible occasionally making things known - or several such things, perhaps.
Alyssa nudges Jarem and silently points the effect out to him with a suspicious look.
Before I try to cast anything here, I have True Seeing as a constant effect via item. Does it reveal anything?
Ah, you can see them now. Scrying sensors - forming in the air and fizzling after several moments. Dozens of them, just drifting about and seeing before fading.
Alyssa takes hold of Shifting Steel with her Telekinesis, but simply holds it in place. Just in case she needs the extra second.
Jarem takes 10 on Perception.
A slight nod from Jarem, following your lead for now.
Just following then?
Yeah.
Thus you are taken in. The drawbridge, the courtyard. Memories of life past, of days long gone for you. Jarem follows as people clear the way for you, familiar faces mixed with strangers.
Coming out from the main keep and into the courtyard is Lord Melweather. He's in his late middle ages, a strong stride as he wears light armor, a brown cloak and carries a sword at his side. He is clean shaven, a scar running down his left cheek, deep into it. His brown hair is more gray than brown now, kept cut short. He's a bigger man, half bulk and half muscle. "Alyssa Songsteel," he greets, "Well met."
Alyssa gives him a warm smile.
"Hello again, Lord Melweather. I'm happy to see the people are doing well and are well fed. It makes me happy to remember your efforts."
"Welcome back," Lord Melweather smiles, "You've grown into quite the sorceress. Who is your friend with you?"
"Wizard, not sorceress. Wizardess? In any case, sorcerers cast magic differently altogether. This is Jarem. In service to the Red Knight."
Jarem inclines his head deeply, more than a nod and less than a bow. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the forms here," he says, "How are you addressed?"
"Ah, a religious sort," he says, "Well, glory to all the divine. Sir is fine, I'm also a knight," he says, turning and leading you within.
Alyssa follows in.
"So, how have things been? Has my family been well?"
"Your father is well, but your mother's health is slowly failing," Lord Melweather says once inside, down a hall and up into a study. Here you are offered chairs, Jarem taking his as Lord Melweather sits behind his desk.
"But I'm glad you came for another reason altogether."
"I'm hoping to be able to solve my mother's health problems. I assume your issue has something to do with the scrying?"
"You're sharp," Lord Melweather says, "In the past fortnight, I've begin to have visions constantly. Visions of things nearby and faraway, but more nearby than far."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "The scrying is yours and spontaneous? How... Interesting."
Alyssa casts Detect Magic and starts to study him.
Jarem hums at that, "This isn't something you control? Do you have any magical talent at all?"
Lord Melweather shakes his head, "It's uncontrolled. I had a phase where I was able to learn a few cantrips as a youth, but I never pursued arcane magic in depth. I doubt I could even come close to managing those spells now."
Give me a Spellcraft check and an K:A check.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 3 + 45, total 48[/blockquote]
K:A/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 13 + 58, total 71[/blockquote]
There's an odd magic pattern around Lord Melweather, deep within him. You can't discern its deeper functions yourself, but you're pretty sure it's causing the scryings.
As to what's causing it? You can think of a few culprits. If Lord Melweather has remarkable blood in his family tree, especially blood related to a deity of knowledge or sight, it could theoretically cause this. Certain astral or astrological conjunctions could theoretically cause this as well, but not this long without outside interference. It could be the work of a powerful wizard - or odder things yet. You need to know more about the magic to pare and hone your efforts here.
"Hmm... Interesting. It may be tied to your bloodline, but there are other things that could be the cause. It'd take some deeper research. I could work it with a bit of time."
"Do so, please," Lord Melweather says, a long exhale after, "It's the strangest thing. I can see so much and it doesn't disorient or overwhelm me at all."
Jarem listens to all of that before waving his hand, "Not at all? I've heard of those who tried to make a scrying appear in their mind's eye and it caused issues with disorientation. Especially when they could still see clearly. It's too much for the mind."
"Nothing like that," Lord Melweather shakes his head.
"To be fully honest, I can't assure a time frame. But I'm very interested in this. If I could reproduce it with the ability to control it, the applications would be enough to write a thesis on."
Alyssa continues to study the magic in him.
No good. You feel stymied right now, for lack of a better word.
Lord Melweather nods and waits, letting you work.
"Hm. There's some books I need to reference before getting much further. The options each have their own traits, but off the top of my head, I don't know a list. I'll make some notes while I'm here and return. Or you could go with me, but I'm not sure that'd be wise... Too much going on at the Order for you, I think. Yes, I'll get some reference materials together, some equipment, and return as I can."
A nod to that, "Your help will be appreciated and remembered," Lord Melweather says.
"Repayment for taking care of my family for so long. Let's visit them, shall we?"
Alyssa considers for a moment... Would it be possible to suppress the effect for a time?
From your recollection, an antimagic field might do it.
"Hm. If push comes to shove, we can suppress it, but it would suppress all magic near you. A last option."
A nod to that and...
Anything else to do here?
Nope. Just the fam.
Thus you are taken.
It's your mother that you find first. You find her sitting on a small bench by a window of the castle, head bowed as she rests. Her hair, formerly dark and pretty, is mostly gray now. Her eyes are closed and she is breathing slowly, almost as if asleep.
Alyssa slides onto the bench, leaning against her.
"Hi mom."
"Ah!" Your mother startles and looks up, staring a moment. "ALYSSA!" she cries, hugging you tight.
Jarem stands back and watches, smiling.
Alyssa hugs her back.
"It's good to see you."
The hug is tight, almost frantic. "You've grown so much," she gasps, "Look at you!"
"Yes. I've been very busy. Things were concerning for the last few years. Nothing life threatening, but life changing. I've come for a visit and a talk. How have you been? Dad and Alihana?"
"They've been well, mostly. Your father's chest bothers him these days - a passing healer said his heart is old," she sighs a bit, "He did magic to help, but wasn't strong enough to solve it entirely."
Jarem clears his throat, "I'm not versed in the finer parts of healing, but I'm an extremely capable priest. I can help with it unless it's beyond all but the divine to fix."
"Oh!" Your mother looks at Jarem, then at you and smiles. "Oh!"
"Bodyguard. Sort of. The Order came under threat and we had a small attack. Jarem here is part of a deal with The Red Knight. Training and security, with a small Outpost and a bodyguard. Advisor. Both."
"It's an honor," Jarem comes forward and kneels to be at eye level with her. "For your daughter's sake, let me heal you and fix your maladies."
"Oh.." A trail off at that, giving you another look, this one more searching. "Just a bodyguard?"
"Oh, more than that, but Queen and I aren't, ahem, working together in a family way." Jarem takes her hand, "May I?"
"Please let him. I have something to discuss about your health with father as well. After you're both healthier."
Jarem's hand is taken as your mother sighs slightly. "Alyssa, I was hoping that...you'd have some one and be happy. A nice, strong man to take good care of - oh!"
"Red Knight, mother of victory and guardian of wisdom, bring down your healing. For in recovery comes the next victory!" Golden warmth spreads amid your mother. Her face seems more, fuller. Her posture straightens, her eyes brightening.
"There," Jarem declares, letting go of her hand, "You're still old, but a heal spell clears away virtually any non magical health problem, save certain inborn conditions, the loss of body parts or a few rare types of mental damage. You're as healthy as you can be for your age."
"Thank you Jarem. And I know Mom. Let's talk about that sort of thing with father, too. Where's he at?"
"At the forge," Your mother stands, moving better, smoother than you've seen her in ages. She takes a few steps forward and smiles broadly, "Oh thank you, both of you. My eyes are clear, my hearing is sharp, my mouth isn't dry and my teeth don't ache!"
Alyssa laughs.
"Magical healthcare. Something to invest in."
She heads to the forge!
Roll 1d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 68, total 68[/blockquote]
The forges are busy and loud. Here a handful of burly men work - including your father. A giant of a man in your memory and still quite large now, he wipes his sweaty brow clean with a dirty cloth. He's well over six feet tall, black hair matted with sweat and shot with gray. He's all muscle, albeit with hints of a layer of fat developing over him. He grunts and calls, "Alright, it can sit now," he says, "Take ten, go get a water bucket so we can have a drink."
Alyssa sneaks up behind him, using the sounds of the forge to cover her approach before hugging him from behind!
Just for giggles, gimme Stealth.
> roll 1d20+67 Stealth
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+67 Stealth --> [ 1d20=19 ]{86}
"Ah!" Your father startles, "Dear, what?" He's smiling as he turns and freezes a moment before laughing, "ALYSSA?!"
"Hi papa!"
She hugs him tighter.
The hug is returned, a few laughs and looks from the men there.
"You've grown so much!" he laughs, "Look at you! I've heard you've done well for yourself, but look at you!"
"Things have worked out well, yes. I've come to talk to you and mom about a few things. Jarem's helped mom's health. Cleric of The Red Knight, bodyguard and advisor. We had a few security issues at the Order."
"More advisor than bodyguard," Jarem offers his hand out, a handshake between him and your father. With a straight face, "Alyssa does tend to get into a lot of trouble."
"She's always been spirited," Your father agrees, the two meeting eyes. Very slightly, only notable due to your skill in perception and keen eyes, you see Jarem ever so slightly shake his head.
Alyssa rolls her eyes at the men, but ignores their little competition.
"Yes, yes, I got into so much trouble in Lord Melweather's library I was positively a terror. Let's get to the house so we can talk."
Alyssa chants a spell quickly and uses Prestidigitation to clean her father up.
"She was," Jarem says, "Queen over there just about brought down the entire kingdom, single handedly fought off a Sharran and then challenged Lliira to a dance off." His expression is utterly serious, even if his voice betrays his amusement.
"Hah, that's my girl," Your father says, "Let's go, Alyssa!"
Alyssa snorts and heads out.
Home. A simple cottage from your youth, albeit in fine repair. Memories tickle at you as you walk back, taking it in.
Jarem walks with your father, the two engaged in casual conversation. "Yeah, and then would you believe he said he could run the entire army with only 10 blacksmiths?" Jarem rolls his eyes, "Amateurs! He thought logistics was a boring four letter word!"
"Enough of that, now. Mom, papa, I want to offer you something. But first, Jarem, would you mind healing him like you did mom?"
"Gladly," Jarem says, as your father just nods. ""Red Knight, once again bring victory over our chosen enemy!" The same golden light and warmth goes through your father. He seems more now, more upright, more alert, body less aged and weathered, almost.
"There. Now. I want to offer you two things. First, I'd like you to move to the Order with me. It'll be nice to have you near, though I don't expect either of you will settle for simple retirement. This will shock you some, but in the last few years I've become the head of the Order. There's a council, but I lead. I plan to expand the Order and trade, and that will include magical items and tools. Papa, how'd you like to become our Grandmaster Smith?"
Before either can react, she turns to her mother and continues, "Mom, similarly, you're an excellent seamstress. I'd like you to be involved with the clothing of our Order. Most of our people are researchers and don't pay much attention to either fashion or any real function. I honestly belive half of the order would walk around in bed sheets if they could. The regular workers tend to their clothes themselves, but I'd like to start something of a small industry. Fashionable, functional clothes for adventurers, with a slant towards a uniform."
"The head?!" Mother gasps, "Oh Alyssa!"
Father rubs his chin, "A grandmaster...that's a dream, but what about Lord Melweather?"
"He's got a magical issue he just asked for help with. I'm sure considering how long you've been with him that, between that and maybe a payment of release, we'll be able to work something out."
"To move this late..." Your mother murmurs, looking to her husband.
"It's for a better life and a better life for our family," Your father says, "It'll be hard leaving all of this."
"It will be," Jarem agrees, "But it's for the best. Opportunities like this are rare."
"Even more rare when you hear the second part. You've both lived full lives. I've learned a spell that's used by powerful wizards. It can extend your life, in your current state, by, oh, about one hundred years. I can use it on both of you fairly simply, if you want."
That gets open stares, your Father's jaw working but no words coming. Your mother gasps again, a hand to her mouth.
"You need to understand something," Jarem says, "When bards sing of legendary heroes and powerful wizards, they sing about Alyssa. All of Creation is her oyster - she can travel to the afterlife and come back with ease. She can alter reality with a single spell. She is that damn good."
"Jarem, easy. One bit of adjustment at a time. I think fantastic health and long life are enough for one day. Apprentices aren't shown how to stop time after their first cantrip for more than one reason."
"That...that rather is much," Father finally manages. "That is quite a lot."
"I know, and it's nothing you have to decide on now. I can cast it whenever you'd like. All I really need an answer on is if you'd like to move with me. How's Alihana doing? She's got an open invitation as well."
"She's doing well," Mother finally says, "We'd like to dear, it's just so sudden. What's it like there?"
"Busy. Things are always happening. You can visit first if you'd like. As long as you want."
"I think it's best if we see it first," Father agrees. "As well as talk to Lord Melweather."
Alyssa nods. "I expected that you needed time to make the decision. I'd have liked to begin arranging things, but life is what it is. In the meantime, let's find Alihana. I've got a long-term investment of sorts for her. Has she found a husband yet?"
"Not yet," Mother says, "She's been looking. Ah. Jarem, would you like to meet her?"
Jarem clears his throat, "I think that should be Alyssa's choice."
Alyssa looks at Jarem out of the corner of her eye, slightly narrowed. "I think he understands the position he'll be putting himself in if he makes... unwise... life decisions around me. But then, I suppose you've never seen me go full out in combat yet... Still, I think you're wise enough to grasp not diving in when you don't know how deep it is. I doubt you're looking for that sort of thing so soon after Lorathana."
She turns to look at her mother and father, "A recent break-up, you see."
"Ah." Your mother accepts that with a slight smile, while your father merely nods.
"Meanwhile, I'll go get Alihana," Father says, while Jarem comes up. Once he's gone he smiles a bit, "You see why I call her Queen now, hm?"
Your mother chuckle and admits, "Well yes, Alyssa is naturally imperious. Her father said she had a noblewoman's spirit from a young age."
Alyssa rolls her eyes.
"Yes, yes. I've picked up on it. You want me to turn the Order into a nation. Seira said much the same, but advocated more use of force."
"Alyssa," Jarem shakes his head, "I was implying nothing of the sort. I was implying you're a Queen at heart. You are, you're meant to do this. Perhaps that's why Io favored you so - you have the royal heart of a dragon."
Alyssa twists her mouth a bit.
"I'm not sure I like that last part. Dragons are too quick to force in my opinion. They think they are owed allegiance and tribute. I've yet to come across any ruler with those traits that has left their people off well."
"Oh, I've met a few dragons that are better," Jarem remarks as your mother watches, going back and forth as the two of you speak. "It's a compliment, anyway. Qu-Alyssa." Jarem reaches out, a hand on your shoulder. "You're home. Relax. I'm not needling you. Alihana's your sister? Get your mind off of this and go see her."
"Mmm. Let's get some food."
You go in and-
"Alyssa!" The hug is out of nowhere, strong and fierce. Alihana hugs you tightly, plowing right into you and sending you back into Jarem, who holds his ground.
Alyssa laughs.
"Hi Alihanna. How're you doing?"
Alihana is much like you but older, hugging you tight. "I'm alright," she says, "You finally came home!"
Alihana is older.
"Yes. I finally got things worked out at the Order. Had a few trying times. But with it cleared up, here I am. Trying to get Mom and Papa to come to the Order with me. You too if you want."
Whoops, rough nights at work get us all. Fixed.
"Really? Why?" Alihana asks.
"Well, I'm head of the Order now. I can't lead from afar and I want to see you all more. And honestly, I doubt Lord Melweather or the nation, in general, wants the head of an Arcane Order independently residing within their borders, so the other option is to bring you all there. There's also an issue of security. With my position and power, people will always look to exploit ways to get to me. This solves all of that nicely. It'll also afford everyone opportunities you wouldn't get here."
"That sounds great. Does he come with it?" Looking up at Jarem she bats her eyelashes, "Hi," she says in a kittenish voice.
"Hi," Jarem says, entirely politely. Clearing his throat, "Alyssa, why don't we head inside?"
"He just recently broke up. But yes, he will be around. There are many manly men around. Soldiers, guards, regular workers. Mom and Papa plan to visit to see everything first, you can come with them. But food now. I want some of mom's biscuits and honey."
From there it's food. Food and family, Father eating heartily as Alihana listens to your stories. Mom is in and out, doing the cooking while Jarem mostly kicks back and sits on the other side of the fable than Alihana.
In between one pass Mother comes back and puts biscuits on your plate, "Alyssa, you really must show us some of your magic? Has it gotten so mighty?"
Alyssa considers for a moment...
"How about a spell I created? We'll have to go outside though. Also, Papa, I want to introduce you to my blade."
With that, Alyssa uses her TK to float Shifting Steel above the table, rotating it slowly for Walt to inspect.
Your father leans in to study the blade, a low whistle as he does.
"What?" Alihana asks, turning her gaze to it, "What's so impressive about it?"
"It's a masterwork, the masterwork of a masterwork. This is a blade of legend!" Your father replies, your mother gasping softly.
"Please introduce yourself, Shifting."
"Greetings." The blade's word hangs in the air.
Mother stares, "The sword talks!"
"The sword talks!" Father grins.
"The sword talks?" Alihana reaches out, as if to poke it.
Alyssa grins.
"The sword does indeed talk. It does far more than that. It's a fully sentient being I created."
"Incredible. Did you forge it yourself?" Father asks.
Meanwhile Alihana eyes it carefully, "Is it safe to touch?"
"It's a sword. Hilt only, but ask Shifting first. And no, I didn't forge it. I don't have that skill... So far."
"Well, can I?" Alihana asks, a hand on her hip.
"...Very well," Your sword replies. As Alihana grasps its hilt?
Father says, "Still though...what wonders. That alone? Alright. Let's go, Alyssa. Let's see this guild of yours."
Alyssa laughs. "The health doesn't convince you, the long life doesn't convince you, but the talking sword does."
"It's a talking sword!" Father protests, waving at it with a hand, "It's the legend of legends!"
"Speaking of, let's go outside so I can show you this spell."
Thus you all go and...
Go ahead, Alyssa.
Alyssa leads everyone outside.
"Alright, this is a spell I created. It's a combat spell, so don't get too close."
Alyssa brings Shifting Steel in front of her and begins chanting.
Alyssa's Aerial Assembly, CL 32, Duration: 32 rounds.
Creates 1 copy per 4 CL of a target weapon with all effects of the original. All versions gain the effects of a Dancing Blade spell and the benefits of feats and abilities.
Total Copies: 8 + the original.
A flurry of swords appears, everyone staring.
Mother merely watches all nine of them, while Father whistles and looks closely, "I can't even tell a difference between them. Nine copies, are they permanent?"
"No, only long enough to fight. But there are spells that can create things permanently. One day, perhaps, I'll be able to spontaneously create things."
"Sorcery or not it's impressive," Father agrees.
Jarem clears his throat, "With this done, we should start preparing for the move. When do you want to go, Alyssa?"
Alyssa dismisses the blades and turns to them. "It depends on how long you all want to visit and how long it takes you to pack up what you need."
Okay, Jarem has a bit of business but that's purely off screen stuff for him unless you wanna watch him work.
Depends on if it'll actually do anything or if it's purely mechanical stuff. That said, I'd probably stay and help pack.
Nothing concrete, just character building for Jarem.
Either way then. Whatever is easiest for you.
Let's move on. Assuming no interruptions, what's your next move once you have them back?
Getting them set up, a tour, introductions to the assistants, talking more about the long life, a gift of gold, and research on the new land thing and the scrying thing from lord melweather.
We'll cover the research first. What's your play here?
Not sure here. I know there's that raise island spell, I think Jarem mentioned it might be in the Red Knight's library? If not, then I guess hunt that down.
"Oh, Raise Island?" Emily perks up, "I can help with that, too!"
"Ahem," Jarem clears his throat, "How fast do you need it, Queen?"
"Well, the sooner the better, but there are additional issues that go with it to deal with, so a small delay wouldn't be horrible."
"Then spend some money if you need it fastest," Jarem says, "It'll take a little time for me to get it."
"It's less spending money. While I didn't approve of the way Seira advocated it, your mother is right, Emily. At some point, the Order is going to have to decide between being what we are or something more. I don't intend to flat out use my power to make either happen, or to simply suppress the issues that come with either, but the decision needs to be made. Which means... politics and the council."
"Politics and the council," Jarem agrees, "What's your play going to be?"
"Well, most of the nations have ignored us because we're inconsequential in many ways. Land mass, residents, resources, and being isolated. Creating new land for expansion is going to change all of that. It'll automatically increase our potential threat proportionally, but it's required if we're going to ever be more than we are. Our primary concern for threat is the Mageocracy, for who the isolation issue is negligible with a spell. Building more defenses against them will naturally increase our magical power, which the other nations translate to military power thanks to how the Mageocracy uses magic. Once we have sufficient land mass, population will naturally increase. Following that, the increase in manpower will result in an increase in production and resources. This'll lead to an increase in wealth, which then increases monetary power and influence. At which point, we'll be threatening the other nations on three fronts: wealth, military power, and immigration from their own populaces, since new lands and resources equate to new opportunities and wealth."
Alyssa leans back. "So, no matter what we do, any expansion will lead to the worldview shifting from considering us as a reclusive research cooperative to a growing national power. The only way I can see to avoid significant conflicts resulting from this is to be inclusive. So, how do we include other nations in our development, have both sides benefit from it, and what can we offer."
Alyssa looks at Jarem, "That leads me back to the fastest and simplest idea from the visit to Lord Melweather: schools. We hold a vast store of knowledge from the mundane to the magical. We've researched the usages of spells from every school of magic. We've successfully integrated mages and non-mages into a single functioning entity, though on a micro scale. We build a system of education that expands that and includes others. We set up schools to educate all, which includes talent development and discovery. Linked with this, we'll offer private tutoring for the nobility and their children. New mages will be discovered, and people who are best suited for things like blacksmithing or calculation will be found instead of locked into a life as a farmer. The farmers will learn about new agricultural techniques, and people with magical talent that would have been deemed too low to rise to prominence in the Mageocracy will find a place using functional magic. Even low-level mages can, in very significant ways, relieve the burdens of drought, sickness, and dangers the common people encounter. Teach everyone how to use what magic they know to benefit others and send them out in a missionary fashion. Send them to teach in schools to connect them to the people and places, and to have them learn how to communicate and lead."
She stops to take a drink, "And all the while, we use this to connect with the local lords and nobility. If we can tutor the nobility, we'll connect directly. There'll be resistance and suspicion, of course, but when their farmers start learning how to produce better, and how to save money and improve themselves, they'll also begin to be able to afford more goods. More trade equals more taxes, equals richer everyone. We'll help them refine their systems of Government and edicts. Through this, lands that have laid fallow because there are not enough farmers will get used since poor harvests and sickness will take fewer lives, leading to more workforce, which needs more land. The more land worked, the more money.
The schools won't be entirely free, of course. We'll work some form of compensation out for the service and the teachings, but those will lead to support. The more we help, the less direct threat we become. We learn from them, improve ourselves and expand out populace and land mass. It'll take time, but eventually, we'll have enough strength to stand directly against them if need be, but also be so entwined with their own economies, leadership, and culture that to consider us a threat would be a hard sell. Make the blade cut both ways, so to speak. And we'll do it to show how counter to the Mageocracy we are. Instead of a looming fist, we'll be the helping hand. Well, on one hand. The other will be pocketing money, resources, and knowledge."
Alyssa smirks. "This will all take a bit of tipping our hand, of course. We'll have to show them that this sort of thing is valuable and in their interests. Explain how high our crop yields are. How much faster we can produce items. Increased speed of trade. How the common folk having money doesn't necessarily equate to them instantly leaving. Things that highlight the elevation of themselves and their culture instead of threatening it. Better ways to defend from the Mageocracy. All of this will make us targets for the Mageocracy as it goes counter to what they want, but if we're clever and do the necessary work beforehand to have things ready to just go and be done, we'll have those allies faster than they expect and be able to leverage them into pausing long enough to consider the cost of a fight with more than just us, which will buy us the time to make our position even more unassailable. That said, my presence is a good deterrent on its own."
Another sip here, and then a calculating look at Jarem, "And, with the logistical know how that comes with running an army helping make things happen quickly and efficiently, that would lead to less manpower required to make those things happen, leaving more bodies free to do missionary work on their own. Recruiting, healing, preaching, that sort of thing."
"Going for it?" Jarem says as he listens, pausing to get himself a glass of watered ale before commenting. "I see one giant flaw in your plan - the same flaw on any sort of plan like this. It ultimately requires people not to be cocks." Drinking a good gulp of ale before going on, "Unless the ground turns to gold and angels start flying overhead, we're not a Heaven, so that's not going to happen. People will want to twist your goals and your motives here for their own self gain. I'm not saying it's a bad plan, and frankly I think peace would be better and war shorter if people could manage these sort of things in peacetime, but nature is nature."
"Kingdoms might resist and rebel against your influence and form a bloc against you," Jarem goes on, "Or politics mire and creep into your schools, no matter what your efforts are, turning things into a battle ground of the nobles. Others will resist it simply because it's not how their fathers and grandfathers did it." Drinking more, "And some will fight it because fuck you and fuck what you're doing, no other reason needed. Got a way to manage these problems?"
"All true, and all applicable issues no matter what route we take. Regardless, the Council has to agree first. But if they do, I have some ideas on how to make things happen and keep people in check. Geas is a very good option, for example. There will be plenty of opposition and roadblocks, but dealing with them from a vase of peace and strength will result in far less fighting than almost any other route. But yes, we'll need to take precautions and prepare. Find amicable nobility and those desperate for help and build from there. Establish working proof and expand to key areas and people."
"Right," Jarem agrees, "Now how do you think you can handle the council?"
Emily listens to all that, "You remind me of Mom when you talk like that, Alyssa. She loves to make a difference, too."
"Mmm... Emily, I don't want to hurt you, but I think you might be making a small mistake with the difference between you mother and myself. While I truly do want to improve things across the board, I'm choosing this route more for practicality than good will. We're small and resource starved. We have the ability to strike hard and fast and win most fights, but we can't sustain a protracted campaign. Far wiser to take time to lay a foundation like this and build, when the Mageocracy can fight us the same way we fight.
That's part of why I was so resistant to Seira's suggestion and implication of force. That and it had almost no allowance for free choice. This way, people will choose to welcome us, and that will be far better for everyone."
Turning to Jarem, "Much the same. Get the research done, write a presentation, and present it. They'll waffle back and forth, but I feel it's something they've been considering for a bit."
Emily hms at that and finally replies, "Is it a bad thing if good results have bad motives? That's an old philosophical argument."
"Then hit them hard and win," Jarem says, "Push them over the edge, but not so hard that they'll try to be contrary."
Alyssa nods to both.
"Yes, that's the plan and why I'm so keen on proper preparation. Pre-empt as many arguments as I can."
"Right," Jarem agrees, "Then let's get to it."
Alyssa nods. "Jarem, can you have your logistics people write up a proposal for how much land we could reasonably colonize with the people we already have? That'll give us a baseline for how much land to create. Probably a good thirty percent beyond that to attract immigrants. Though we'll have to weigh it against food production... Have your logistics person talk with our farmers for that. Let's see... I'll have to find an archive of treaties and national edicts to work from to draw up a proposal."
"That can all be done," Jarem agrees, "It'll give them something to do besides preaching the word. Not that this is unworthy, but they should stay sharp in their actual skillset."
Alyssa nods.
"Since they're going to be out and about, I'm considering trying to set up a network of portals for faster travel and trade. Have them put forward recommendations if they come up with any. We'll have to look into security for it. Maybe some sort of keying function built in."
'Right, so..." Jarem begins.
Okay, your first step on this, then?
Well, I guess general research on treaties and edicts to narrow down what was successful and what wasn't, then some sort of divination to figure out what complaints I need to pre-empt. And also the family stuff.
Go ahead and describe where you've put up your family and we'll roll from there.
Was going ask if there's like a cottage or something or just like dorm rooms? I dunno what the lay out/availability is.
There's cottages, sure. Feel free for something like that.
Alyssa leads her family to a small two bedroom cottage for their use.
"This is temporary for you, two bedrooms, full kitchen. It's not the best here, but we'll worry about that if you decide to stay. What do you think so far?"
Mother hurries within along with your sister, while Father lingers outside. He takes some time inspecting it, "Good work," he says, tapping the outside, "How's the local wood?"
"Sturdy and flexible, but small. And a bit limited. This is an island after all. We're working on a way to expand, but it'll take some time and research. If we do, we'll likely dedicate space to different wood types."
"Right, right," Walt says, then turns to you. "You've really gone up in the world, Alyssa. You've grown past anything I could have imagined for you when you were a child."
"You and mom set the foundation for all of it. Be proud of yourselves. Speaking of... Alihana, mom, come to the main room, please."
"Oh, I like the kitchen," Mom says as she returns, "Yes, dear?"
"I have something for all of you, if ALIHANA will grace us with her presence."
"Hold your magic horses," Alihana shouts back, "I'm busy!"
"If you don't want your share, then I can just keep it!"
"Share of what?" Alihana clals back.
"Just get out here," Mother calls, "Honestly, just get out here!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming," Alihana strides in, "Yes?"
Alyssa digs around in her pack for a second and then drops three large money pouches on the table.
"Even if you decide not to stay with me, I want to help improve your lives. Set you for comfort. One pouch for each of you. Two thousand gold pieces. Enough to buy a home and live well."
Stares.
Mom twitches, "T...two..."
Alihana takes one look and slumps to her knees, eyes wide.
Walt takes a long breath and then another, "This isn't anything for you, is it? This..I see why he calls your Queen now."
"Oh, I understand the value of it, and it's not just nothing. There's a lot I can do with that. But I think investing it in you all will give me far better returns than nearly anything else."
Mother opens a bag, stares within and start sto cry. Softly, weeping freely. Father goes to her, an arm around her, "Our little girl really is a legend," he says, "This sort of money, this sort of magic...I never though we had that potential in our blood."
Alihana's just staring all the while, mouth moving but no sounds coming out.
"Wellll, who knows. If you stay here, and take the longer life, who knows what untapped potential you might have yourself. Magical blacksmith and magical seamstress? Who can say?"
"Who can say?" Father says, "Who can say indeed, little Alyssa?"
Alyssa nudges him with an elbow and a smirk before using her ability to fly to start floating a little higher than his height.
"Not so little anymore, Papa."
"Not so little," he agrees with a warm laugh, "Not so little at all!"
Next move here?
Either continue the tour and introduce them to Lorithana or start work on the proposal.
"Greetings," Lorathana declares as you step in, bowing to your family. The tour continues apace as you enter your personal quarters.
"Family, this is Lorithana, my assistant. She's the real reason I'm in the position I am. Lorithana, these are my parents and sister."
"Charmed," Lorathana says completely blandly.
Alihana nods, "So you're Alyssa's lady in waiting?"
"It's a pleasure, miss," Father seconds.
"...I prefer the term assistant," Your assistant says coolly.
Alyssa chuckles.
"I'm not royalty, sister. First among equals. Lorithana doesn't serve me quite the way a lady in waiting does. It's mainly administrative."
"For now," Your assistant notes dryly, "Ahem. Is there anything I can help you with, Alyssa?"
"AS long as you're taking good care of Alyssa, I have no complaints," Mother declares, "Are you? Are you eating enough, too?"
"More than enough," Lorathana says coolly.
"It's true. I eat regularly even though I have a magical item that makes it so I only have to eat every few days."
Alyssa trails off... "I wonder.. could a version of that, lesser maybe, be made cheaply and put into the foundation of a home... Reduce starvation ro a point... Or... I need a druid. If we could do something similar for crops, then drought seasons and bad soil might be mitigated..."
"Hire a druid, ma'am," Lorathana pipes up, "Shall I put that on your agenda?"
"Yes, though see if we have anyone who's dabbled first. It might not be that complex to make work."
"What are you thinking about, sister?" Alihana asks, frowning, "What's that about druids?"
Turning to Alihanna, Alyssa says, "Well, without going into a deep lecture, there's different types of magic. Arcane and Divine are the broadest divisions. Some magic gets along okay across the two types, some don't. Wizards, like me, use Arcane magic, and Druids use Divine If I can develop a version of the magic that lets me go without as much food, but for plants, and we can find a way to apply it, like say... Into a series of cornerstones around a field, that will reduce the amount of nutrients that crops need by enough to be worth doing, then it'll help crops grow in areas they'd normally have a hard time growing."
Alyssa taps her chin and looks up at nothing, "Like if we can... Oh, let's say reduce the amount of water needed for a field by a third, then that would be a massive benefit for anywhere that has a water shortage. Or if we can reduce the amount of good soil needed, then it'd be easier to grow crops in mountains or places with poor soil. And if we can put it into a house, then the people living in the house would need to eat less food, so a bad harvest wouldn't necessarily mean people would starve. It has military and trade applications, too. If we can make it work in a ship, for example, and they need a third less food an water, that's a more trade goods they can carry, or farther they can sail. Same for soldiers."
"Oh."
Alihana sits down at that, just wide eyed all over again. Lorathana merely clears her throat, "I can escort all of you for a lunch by the sea, if you'd like."
"That sounds lovely. Some roast lamb and fruits sounds excellent."
Next move then?
Research on the policy and stuff.
Okay, elaborate your goals here so we're on the same page.
So I know they're likely to resist this idea, so I want to get my ducks in a line. Which nation is likely to Ally with us, what logistics need to be prepared, policy for immigration, setting up law, things like that. Most of it is probably hand waivable, but I'm wanting to try and plan out what they'll try to argue over.
Okay, got any ranks in relevant K:Ls or anything else useful before we get into the meaty research?
History or diplomacy maybe? Not much else. it to
Most of it is handwaivable. So let me ask you instead: What parts do you want to focus on?
System of government is probably good to go over. Justice and stuff. Food, resources, production I guess.
Thus you sit before Lorathana, who simply asks, "I see. Then before anything else, we need to decide on what sort of government we would have."
We'll chat this over IC and use that to develop it, so feel free to get expositiony.
"Mmm... I think the council should continue to exist. Perhaps some sort of constitutional government with things sectioned off, but with some sort of provision for unilateral leadership decision. Maybe that's a bit too much like what we already have. Maybe shifting them into a more advisory and administrative function."
"If I may?" Lorathana speaks up, clearing her throat.
"Please. It's what I like about having you around."
"Before that, we must answer one question," Lorathana says, "What relevance will magic have to this government?"
"Used to defend and improve the life of the citizens, but not to rule over them, exactly. I don't want another mageocracy. Just because someone doesn't know magic doesn't mean they can't be a logistical genius, or wise in the application of law, or knowledgeable in city planning. I want the best person for the job. I want to continue the Order in the same vein; and Academy and research focus. But if we can clean water for people through magic, and it's the most cost-effective way to do so, then that's what we do."
"Very well. Then what of the nobility?" Lorathana asks, "Who will be noble and what role will they play?"
"Well, we don't have much land to gift with noble titles. I'd like it to be merit and contribution based, open to most anyone. Certain restrictions will be needed, simply to insulate the danger of plants from elsewhere attaining high-level access... I'd like them to do things like... Supervise the distribution of funds and efforts under their control. Like choosing which projects to take a personal interest in and support. Land management and the typical things. I'd like to consider allowing them to elevate candidates in an annual event, but that opens the door to corruption... Unless we can place it in a framework of interviewing and testing under something like the zone of truth spell, and the acceptance of a Geas to hold true to their oaths and responsibilities. That would help give the commoners..."
Alyssa trails off of at that word, her mouth twisting distastefully, "... I don't like that word... Citizens. It would help give the Citizens more confidence that the nobility will be true stewards to their responsibilities and trust put in them."
"Indeed."
Lorathana pauses but a moment before she adds, "Your heritage is showing, ma'am."
Alyssa shrugs. "And? Nations have done things the same way over and over. Some last, the majority do not. The ones that do, from what I recall of my historical studies, are the ones that value the prosperity of the regular people, even if only as a function to further elevate the nobility. There's obviously something there, why not explore it further? Most of the people here are refugees, mainly those from regular families. They fled mages and nobles alike once because of that sort of treatment. Why would they not do so again? Unless we give them a reason not to and confidence that oaths and promises can be relied on. We're mages with access to great magic. Why not use it to do those things?"
"As you wish, ma'am," Lorathana does not argue it, instead adding, "Then what of justice and crime?"
"Mmm... Guards have a reputation for being at least a bit corruptable, but we also can't just going around and placing everyone under Geas. Maybe some sort of scrying function on an icon of station or office, that can be reviewed if needed. We'll have to do research into effective structures of law and justice, but I think for the interim we can do with a panel of magistrates and guards. Typical illegal things. No murder, assault, slavery. We can expand as needed."
"Of course, but the core of the law is elaboration and written law, not assumptions, " Lorathana says, "Perhaps a priest of Tyr or Helm could be of aid, or...Jarem." Her expression doesn't change in the slightest.
Alyssa chuckles. "I'm not sure I want to bring religion into it. Zealotry lies that way. But perhaps they can help provide a core structure... I'll talk to him about it. I'm worried about the result being too militaristic, but it's a thought."
"Mm." A noise by Lorathana before she replies, "You've already chosen the Red Knight's help. Have you seen the common soldiers, spreading word and teachings to the researches and common mages, as well as refugees?"
"I have. I'm not entirely happy with it, but we've never restricted religion before. It's more about it being built into the foundation of the nation. Once it's there, it won't go away. That gives a single religion almost a stranglehold on our Justice system. I don't want that, and I don't want them isolated and internal."
"Mmm-hmm," Lorathana agrees, "There is also another problem with that - those of serious demeanor and wise judgment tend towards deities like Tyr, Helm, the Red Knight and other deities tied to the laws. I have made a study of this, many serious judges go in that direction if they are not overly benevolent or malevolent."
Alyssa nods. "Perhaps, then, in an advisory role? A... review panel of sorts?"
"That might work," Lorathana says, "The point I'm making is that you can't exclude them because good judges tend to be drawn in that direction anyway."
"I'm not opposed to them having a religion. I'm opposed to a single religion holding power, or our laws being based on religion. We're a group mages, and some of the magic we research will naturally tend towards more... unpleasant things, to most people. Necromancy is the easiest to point to. I can't imagine a judge of Tyr not being harsher towards that."
A slight nod by your assistant, who then adds, "On another note, druids are now a priority. Ma'am, I highly suggest you personally find a capable one or a set of capable ones. That will allow the maximization of our nascent farming efforts."
Alyssa nods.
"I'll to put some thought into it. I have difficulty imaging we'll find one willing to work with us that's anywhere close to my power, but the more powerful we can manage, the better. I'll talk to Madala. More of her people go out and travel and adventure. One of them may already have a contact. If nothing else, I can try some divination on it. I think one powerful one to help spearhead the research will be the most immediately useful. A few less powerful ones might be enough to implement things after the research is done. They may be of use in designing an extra-dimensional greenhouse spell as well."
A nod from Lorathana, "Yes, ma'am. What of mineral production, mining, fishing, forestry and other means of resource extraction?"
"All of those are tricky. We don't have much in the way of those things as an island. Whatever we do, we need to be careful to keep it sustainable. Fishing has always been good to us, we need to make sure we can keep it going indefinitely. Mineral, mining, and forestry... We'll have to trade or find another solution for, likely. We'll be able to do some forestry, depending on how much land we end up with. We'll have to consider looking to the oceans around us for valuable materials to trade for. I know some places like coral for jewelry and sculpture and inlays... It's something to consider tapping our future druids for. If we strip everything, then we'll be left with nothing in the long run. We might consider putting teams together to range into other planes. Earth, a nature plane, Mineral. All of that will require steps to ensure we don't anger the locals, though."
"Yes, ma'am." Lorathana pauses, "It seems we need a druid more than ever."
"Honestly, we should have had one long ago. Clerics too. Entire branches of magic left completely stagnant and we claim to be a magical research entity. Even if we focus on the Arcane, knowledge is knowledge. We could likely figure out a way to replicate some of the divine spells through arcane power if we had access to that sort of knowledge."
"Of course, ma'am," Lorathana says, "Shall I clear your schedule for this goal?"
"Maybe not clear, but certainly make space. I'm sure once we get the documents and proposal written up, the council members will positively flood my schedule with questions and meetings to clarify some inane detail or for position. Politics. If only I could magic that away entirely."
"If only," Lorathana agrees, as...
Next move?
If you think that's enough feeling out hand-wave the documents for the proposal, then I guess either work on finding druids or trying to find work/place for the family. Maybe a thing with them doing some basic testing to see if they have any unknown talents for stuff. Waiting for the proposal until Jarem gets back with the raise island spell.
Quick hit then: How are you planning on trying to find a druid?
Some divination or just straight up hitting Brightwater for a job posting/recruitment.
Okay, cool. Which one do you want to try first?
Divination.
Okay, what spell are you using?
Well, I don't actually have one in my spell book, so Wish it is, I guess!
Fantastic. What are you trying to do then?
"A sufficiently powerful Druid willing and able to fight and work with me."
So you're using the wish to ask that as a question ala divination?
Well,wish just mimics a spell, right? So the question has to be asked?
Well, that begs the question of what spell you're mimicking.
Vision. If I take 10 on the CL check vs. the 30 DC for vague info, then I've got 10+32=42.
Okay, but you still need that vague info about some druid to aim it at.
The powerful enough to work with and fight with me isn't enough?
Go ahead and narrow it down to some traits about the druid, give me a little more to work with?
A druid who's powerful enough to fight with me, willing to use magic to help people, and is interested in helping in fighting Shar?
Thus you see a vision. An image of an elf, long hair and willowy, slender. She(?) kneels before a sapling, murmuring words of magic. An image of a great tiger in battle a moment later, tearing through its foes like lightning.
Raven black hair, simple and torn clothes, sharp eyes the color of grass that glow, radiant with green light.
A name is whispered into your mind: Ianvasah.
Alyssa notes down the name.
"Well... Now to find and make contact..."
Casting is unstable, so either have the diviners work for more info or do minor things until I can do more.
It's only an hour, so we can assume that passes and you make your next move.
Well, my current spell list only has one casting of wish. I haven't updated it in forever though, so if you want to hand waive that I'll do it again. Alternately, is there some sort of Sending spell that will work off of what I've got?
That's fine so go ahead.
Where can I meet Ianvasah or contact her to meet me?
Using wish as another divination, in that case?
Yeah.
You can meat Ianvasah near where the sorcerer-king laments his foolish daughter. Seek the unspoiled grove.
I have no idea what that means, so I guess research time? Couldn't I just get grid coordinates? :P
Hah. Got any relevant K:L ranks or lore/bardic knowledge?
I have Lore (Ex) via Paragnostic Apostle, which is exactly like Bardic Knowledge.
> roll 1d20+2+9 Lore check
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+2+9 Lore check --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
You recall a bit of lore. The King of Langersun and his daughter do not get along, she's gone off and done heroics in something called Aurora. Notably, the King of Langersun is a noted sorcerer of considerable skill.
"Hmm... An unspoiled grove near Langersun..."
Alyssa decides to leave tracking that down to the diviners of the Order. They should be able to get it down with this much information.
Easily enough done. Diviner Alethas is a bald woman, old and wrinkly. Nonetheless she vows, "The grove you are looking for is His Majesty's Preserve. A grove there is untouched, as it is royal land for the King's hunting only. It is a crime to go there without permission - if you are caught, of course."
Is Lord Melweather's land part of Langersun? IE- Can I leverage the solution to his problem into a favor of access to the grove?
It is not.
Boo. Okay.
"Alethas, would be a dear and do me another favor? Try to find out how one gets access to the Preserve? I could try to sneak in, but I don't want to risk relations between the Order and Langersun if possible."
The old woman smiles, rather smoothly, "Guildmaster, I've already taken the liberty of doing that. Only by the King's pleasure may one lawfully enter the Preserves."
"Bah. Alright. I'll get a delegation to arrive ahead of me. I doubt he'd like a Guildmaster of any sort to arrive with no notice. Thank you Alethas, you've been a great help."
Okay, so, send people to inform him I'd like to discuss gaining access to the Preserve. In the meantime, research on the Melweather thing.
A deep bow to you and Alethas exits out.
As you settle in to research, "Queen," Jarem strides in, "It's done."
"The spell? Excellent Jarem. I owe you for this. Let's see it, I must study it!"
Jarem passes it over. The moment you touch it, "A song of steel, a song of knowledge. Sing it well or meet a blockage." The scroll intones.
"Well," Clearing his throat, "You did make an impression on a certain person last time, and she threw some weight around. I'm sure you can answer the questions it poses. Try to open it to begin."
Alyssa gives him a flat look and tries to open it.
A spectral chess set appears before you. "The first game is begun, play well or you're done."
Black chess pieces are before you, white before the scroll.
Uh, I hope you don't expect me to actually play?
Of course not, but Alyssa will need skill checks for it.
As you stare at the board, "I'd suggest magic to bolster the mind and skill," Jarem says cheerfully, "A match can easily take hours, so only the strongest magic there will do. Good luck and prove her wrong!"
I don't know any non-enhancement bonus buffs yet, so I guess Burst of Inspiration is it, even though it's only round/level.
Alyssa chants a spell, enhancing her mind!
Alyssa's Burst of Inspiration, CL 32, Duration: 32 rounds.
+18 enhancement bonus to intelligence, wisdom, and charisma. You also gain a +10 enhancement bonus to your saving throws.
Give me an Int check, unless you have a skill relevant to this? Only spells that boost you for at least a few hours can apply here.
> roll 1d20+9 Int
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9 Int --> [ 1d20=1 ]{10}
You put up an effort - but you just aren't that familiar with chess, and soon enough your king falls. The board vanishes, "Thus you are flat on your back, a shame that your skills lack."
Glancing over at you from his seat, drinking some ale, "As a matter of fact, she enchanted the scroll. Fortunately, you're free to try again. Learning and perseverance are important, after all."
Yeah, sure.
Alyssa sits down in her study, getting comfortable for the next try.
> roll 1d20+9 Int
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9 Int --> [ 1d20=15 ]{24}
Jarem's through his ale and munching on chicken by the time you finish this game - by knocking the enemy's king over. You won!
The scroll wobbles, "One for one, well done! Now can you go two for two, or is that too much for you?" Another chess board appears, this one mid game. Your side is at a mild disadvantage, you believe.
Alyssa sighs, but sets to work.
> roll 1d20+9 Int
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9 Int --> [ 1d20=7 ]{16}
This time it's just too much, sending you to a prompt defeat. "Oh boo hoo, a disgrace is you!"
Finishing his food off, Jarem adds, "Not bad, most need more than two tries to get past the first game. Take a break, have a snack and we can talk some strategy before you try again."
"A disgrace is a complete novice losing to an experienced player, hm? I think someone is forgetting the point of tests like these in favor of petty spite."
Turning to Jarem, "Sure. A break is fine."
Jarem calls, "Some of that chicken for Alyssa, and bring some uludar," he calls, "Fried." Turning to you and drinking more ale, "You're not wrong. You will learn from it, though, and grow stronger for the petty indignity of it. I could have stopped this if I threw enough of a stink, called in a few favors to shift people above her head. But you'll be fine with it, and hone your mind all the sharper from it."
"This is a minor annoyance, over-all, from a fairly minor irritant in my life. No point in gnawing on it."
"Exactly. Now what you'll want to do is..." From here, a pleasant snack and strategy session passes. Soon enough you're back at it and...
Int check, +2 bonus.
> roll 1d20+9+2 Int
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9+2 Int --> [ 1d20=8 ]{19}
The first game is easily one, the second one appearing after. Jarem nods slightly as you face it and...
Int check again, +2.
> roll 1d20+9+2 Int
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9+2 Int --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
And again, you get beaten hard on game two. "Focus on your remaining pawns," Jarem calls, "That's fairly critical."
> roll 1d20+9+2 Int
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9+2 Int --> [ 1d20=1 ]{12}
I didn't actually call for a roll, but we'll go with that.
Jarem winces at next game, which sees you flame out hard on game one. "Okay, Queen, take a breath. Take five and get back at it, okay?"
Go ahead and reply, then make two Int checks with the +2 bonus. No need to roll games out one at a time.
Alyssa does so and comes back to the game.
> roll 1d20+9+2 Int
> roll 1d20+9+2 Int
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9+2 Int --> [ 1d20=12 ]{23}
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+9+2 Int --> [ 1d20=20 ]{31}
This time you crush both games, game two in particular. Finally got it.
"Shock and stun, for you have won!" The scroll narrates, before flying into your hands.
Alyssa gets a grin of victory, rolling open the scroll and committing it to her jeweled spellbook!
Raise Island
Conjuration (Creation)
Level: Sor/Wiz 10
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 week
Range: 0ft
Area: 100ft hemispherical island
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
This spell creates a new, rocky and sandy island in the ocean approximately 200ft in diameter. Islands created by this spell can be enlarged by repeated castings of this spell, creating bigger islands with mountainous terrain in the interior.
Material Component
A ball of pure gold and diamonds with a core of liquid lava, costing no less than 50,000 gold.
Alyssa sits back and enjoys the feeling of learning new magic before setting herself to figure out Lord Melweather's problem.
Okay, refresh me on where you were at on that?
Hadn't really started. I passed a check did some generic background on likely reasons, I think you said something about bloodlines, and made some general handwaved notes.
Give me K:A real quick to begin with, +5 bonus.
> roll 1d20+43+15+5 K:A/Bibliotheca/Dune bonus
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43+15+5 K:A/Bibliotheca/Dune bonus --> [ 1d20=5 ]{68}
You do some research - and night falls. You're making headway, but fatigue is calling you to bed. The night is clear this evening, the moon's glow casting pale illumination in through the windows. You suppose you could keep going and sacrifice sleep, if you really cared to.
Alyssa decides to retire for the night. The temperature is cool enough with the breeze coming off the ocean, so she decides to doze out on the open air balcony in one of the large padded hammocks.
Thus you curl up, facing the moon and the cool breeze. As your eyes drift shut...
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43+21 Perception/Cunning Knowledge
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43+21 Perception/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=17 ]{81}
As you close your eyes, you notice the moon seems lined with purple, turning back as it gazes down on you, like an unrelenting eye.
Alyssa cracks one eye open to stare back, slightly disgruntled, as she tries to identify the spell... Didn't they set up anti-scrying measures? Who or what is this?
Make a Will save.
> roll 1d20+18 Will
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+18 Will --> [ 1d20=16 ]{34}
You shake. An unreasoning fear grips you, like the embrace of death around your heart. You can't breathe. You're plunging into darkness, you can't breathe, you can't do anything but plummet. You're alone in the dark and empty chill, the voices of your family and friends fading away into silence.
Your stomach churns, tensing and twisting, bile tasted in the back of your throat. Clammy sweat beads up all over your body as you try to move, try to do anything, but your body refuses to obey your commands.
Alyssa tries to focus through the shivering fear and gasping breath to crawl inside to get away from the sight of the moon, hoping she can get enough control to use one of her spells.
Will save again.
Will save/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+27 : 9 + 27, total 36[/blockquote]
Your body refuses to obey. Panic. Bile is starting to flood your throat, cutting off your air. The Eye of Shar looms in place of the moon, gazing down at you like a malevolent tumor burst through the skin of the night sky. You can't even see the balcony around you, all you can feel is your own sweat, pouring faster and faster off of you. Your heart is pounding, your eyes leaking tears and burning.
Don't resist. I'll carry you away from the pain and suffering, the fear and misery, the insecurities and the struggles. Shh, rest in my embrace Stop struggling and I'll take you away from all of this, now and forever.
The voice is horrible and yet wonderful, the most alluring thing you have ever heard. The sounds of a siren, of a call to rest, to put aside your burdens.
1 point of Constitution damage. Additionally, you're having trouble breathing, slowly choking.
Alyssa tries to flee even more, her fears confirmed as memory of the murdered skitter across the fear, making her claw for anything in herself to escape or fight... There was a way to flee, made into her own power, if she can find it...
Will again.
> roll 1d20+18+9 Will/Cunning Insight
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+18+9 Will/Cunning Insight --> [ 1d20=6 ]{33}
No good. You just can't seem to move. You're choking, dying. You can't breathe, you need air. Your heart is hammering, cheeks burning, body demanding air, demanding freedom.
Shh. Listen to my song, chosen of Io. Sleep. Listen and sleep forever.
1 more point of Constitution damage.
Try again I f'n guess.
Alyssa gasps, trying to get the air to scream.
Go ahead and try the save again.
> roll 1d20+18+9 Will/Cunning Insight 2/12 Insp.
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+18+9 Will/Cunning Insight 2/12 Insp. --> [ 1d20=12 ]{39}
1 more Constitution damage. Current Constitution score?
You can't breathe. Your lungs burn for air. You can barely think straight, head pounding and chest hurting. Yet you can't quite move, can't quite manage it. As you struggle, you get a whiff of something. The dust of the road, the faintest blowing of a summer breeze. It stands out all the more amid the nothingness that cloaks you otherwise.
Listen...
A song is heard, alluring and beautiful and yet...
Fort save and go ahead and react.
> roll 1d20+16+9 Fort/Cunning Insight 3/12 Insp.
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+16+9 Fort/Cunning Insight 3/12 Insp. --> [ 1d20=5 ]{30}
> roll 1d8
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{8}
8 Charisma damage unless you're immune to disease.
Go ahead and react, Alyssa, that'll affect what happens next.
Immune via Horizon Walker.
Alyssa gasps, trying to pull in enough breath for a scream as she tries to crawl off the balcony, out of the eye's view.
That was drain and not damage, just FYI, but disease immune anyway. Since you're immune you can have the Inspiration point back you spent, since you never needed to make the save.
You manage to endure, gasping for air more and more as you try to escape, try to do anything, struggling as you smell the dust of the road, the scent of sweat, leathers and boots.
Will.
> roll 1d20+18+9 Will/Cunning Insight 3/12 Insp.
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+18+9 Will/Cunning Insight 3/12 Insp. --> [ 1d20=6 ]{33}
1 more Constitution damage.
Your body just refuses to obey. Pain. You're fading, listening to that horribly beautiful song.
Your journey shouldn't end here, Alyssa. I can't stop Shar directly, none of us can. But you don't travel alone.
Alyssa tries to cling to that voice, use it to move, to get her next to her allies.
Will save, +2 bonus.
> roll 1d20+18+9+2 Will/Cunning Insight 4/12 Insp.
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+18+9+2 Will/Cunning Insight 4/12 Insp. --> [ 1d20=17 ]{46}
> roll 1d20+28
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+28 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{39}
> roll 1d20+8
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{21}
Leave, Shaundakul. This one is mine.
You will not attack one of my own so brazenly!
Amid this, amid the scent of the road and those horribly beautiful words? For a moment, you feel as if you can move, you can do something. You have a chance.
Just a move action, or a normal action?
A normal round's actions. Use them wisely.
That's easy enough.
Alyssa focuses on her innate abilities and uses them to travel!
Dimsenion Door.
Target: Jarem's room. (Hopefully he's there and can sound an alarm/heal)
GUH!
You're on the ground. You manage to roll over and throw up, the taste horrid as your vision flashes and swims. Yet you endure and start to gulp down air, dazed. "Alyssa!" Emily's at your side, as you feel something tear away from you.
"Protect her, we got a problem!" Jarem's voice, "Let's go!"
Do you have any protection against sickened/nauseated?
Init here.
Nope.
> roll 1d20+7 Init
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+7 Init --> [ 1d20=3 ]{10}
You're sickened then. Make sure to apply the modifiers for it.
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 Jarem --> [ 1d20=10 ]{15}
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+9 Emily --> [ 1d20=15 ]{24}
> roll 1d20+12 ???
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 ??? --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
Init is Emily (24) > Jarem (15) > ??? (13) > Alyssa (10)
Emily opens.
"Pull it together," Emily whispers to you, as soothing warmth heals you.
Quickened heal on you, +150 healing and cures sickened as well as ability damage.
Emily rises and calls, "Be strong, everyone!"
Celestial valor. Jarem is up next, need a sec for spoilers and a chance for you to react.
Alyssa gasps, eyes snapping fully open, taking her first breath of sweet, fresh air.
Then the absolute rage, born of helpless fear, hurt dignity, and raw, feral hate blooms, before her intellect bears down on it, turning it to icy fury.
She looks around to take stock, death and fury in her eyes.
You're lying on the ground of your balcony. A purple shadow taller than Hanna looms over all of you, just past the balcony and floating in midair. It's a shadow of flame, Jarem at the edge of the balcony and facing it down.
"Got you!" he calls, blade spinning before he focuses, striking hard.
> roll 1d20+55 (+4 sacred, +4 morale, +5 smite)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+55 (+4 sacred, +4 morale, +5 smite) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{58}
> OOC: +4 more since his bonus vs favored foe sis +8. Whoops.
> roll 1d20+54 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+54 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite) --> [ 1d20=10 ]{64}
> roll 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{52}
> roll 1d20+44 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+44 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{56}
> roll 1d20+54 (+4 sacred, +8 morale)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+54 (+4 sacred, +8 morale) --> [ 1d20=17 ]{71}
> roll 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{60}
> roll 1d100 vs 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 1 --> [ 1d100=40 ]{40}
> roll 1d100 vs 2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 2 --> [ 1d100=55 ]{55}
> roll 1d100 vs 5
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 5 --> [ 1d100=68 ]{68}
> roll 1d100 vs 6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 6 --> [ 1d100=82 ]{82}
> roll 1d8+68+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+68+2d6 --> [ 1d8=6 2d6=8 ]{82}
> roll 2d6+34+2d6
> roll 2d6+34+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+34+2d6 --> [ 2d6=9 2d6=4 ]{47}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+34+2d6 --> [ 2d6=6 2d6=7 ]{47}
Jarem is a blur, leaping off the balcony and fighting it in the air. Flames and skill match each other, the shadow slashed several times. Divine power makes it ripple and twist before Jarem fades back and points, "Get it with force or life energy, Alyssa!
But before you can react, the ghost lets out a dreadful wail.
Fortitude all. This is level drain so no save if you're immune.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0 weapon counts as holy
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 2/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL27)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: FS: 1 6th, 1 10th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Does this count?
-Planar Mastery (Negative): You gain immunity to negative levels.
It does, so you're immune.
> roll 1d20+37 Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+37 Jarem --> [ 1d20=9 ]{46}
> roll 1d20+44 Emily
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+44 Emily --> [ 1d20=13 ]{57}
Yet both endure the ghastly wail before the spirit whirls around, a blur as it strikes all of you with its unearthly touch, passing through all.
> roll 1d20+38 touch AC
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+38 touch AC --> [ 1d20=8 ]{46}
Touch AC, Alyssa?
27. Standard daily casting include Epic Mage Armor, though.
Doesn't apply anyway. Jarem is hit but has miss chance that fails and Emily is hit and will use spell shield if it's damage.
> roll 1d100 vs 25 Jarem
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 25 Jarem --> [ 1d100=76 ]{76}
> roll 25d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 25d6 --> [ 25d6=89 ]{89}
89 damage to all.
Emily uses an 11th level spell to reduce the damage by 55.
The attack sets you ablaze with fire that does not burn, that chills you to the core and makes you feel sick, weak, exhausted. Yet you endure this unholy touch and...
Go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 384/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0 weapon counts as holy
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 2/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL27)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 376/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: FS: 1 6th, 1 10th Sorc: 1 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Alyssa begins chanting, focusing on her blade, Shifting Steel!
Alyssa's Aerial Assembly, CL 32, Duration: 32 rounds.
Generates 1 copy of target weapon per 4 CL, copies gain Dancing Blade.
8 Copies total.
Blades appear as commanded, conjured and created around you. An absolute assembly of them, all around you and ready to strike.
Anything else this round?
They should attack this round, yeah?
Well, you cast it as a standard action or did you quicken it somehow or another?
It's a regular casting, but Dancing makes them automatic. Well, directing them to attack is a free action, and they attack once per round.
Go for it, make your attacks then.
> roll 8#1d20+42+1 ATK
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 8#1d20+42+1 ATK --> [ 1d20=17 ]{60}, [ 1d20=1 ]{44}, [ 1d20=4 ]{47}, [ 1d20=17 ]{60}, [ 1d20=5 ]{48}, [ 1d20=1 ]{44}, [ 1d20=7 ]{50}, [ 1d20=8 ]{51}
Forgot to add Celestial Valor, so that bumps by +4. Bane: Undead also applies= 66, 50, 53, 66, 55, 50, 56, 57.
> roll 8#1d6+3+2d6+2d6
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 8#1d6+3+2d6+2d6 -->
[ 1d6=5 2d6=10 2d6=9 ]{27},
[ 1d6=5 2d6=2 2d6=10 ]{20},
[ 1d6=1 2d6=11 2d6=6 ]{21},
[ 1d6=3 2d6=6 2d6=5 ]{17},
[ 1d6=6 2d6=11 2d6=7 ]{27},
[ 1d6=3 2d6=3 2d6=8 ]{17},
[ 1d6=3 2d6=7 2d6=9 ]{22},
[ 1d6=5 2d6=7 2d6=7 ]{22}
Total: 173
Miss chance on each of those since incorporeal, so gimme a d100 for each one unless you have ghost touch or something similar.
Shifting Steel is ghost touch, so all the copies are too.
Your blows land - some miss and some hit, but you land slices that make it howl in further pain. As it recoils, cut up even more by your bevy of swords...
Anything else this round or are you good, Alyssa?
Done.
"Healing!" Emily cries a single word, your wounds instantly mending.
Mass Heal, quickened.
A moment later sunlight is in her hand, a spear of it gathered, "Go!" she adds, hurling it right at the shadow.
> roll 1d20 1 check mostly since rnaged touch
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 1 check mostly since rnaged touch --> [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
Actually need to do the math. Okay, 41 total which actually misses. Wow.
Yet the spear of sunshine is deflected away, bursting as it reaches the horizon, momentarily banishing the night with day.
Jarem's next, chance to react while I go around and get posts done.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0 weapon counts as holy
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 2/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL27)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: FS: 1 6th, 1 9th, 1 10th Sorc: 1 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Alyssa gasps as the wonderful feeling of healing, but doesn't let it distract her from the threat.
Jarem chases, determined as his blade gleams with divine power, shield first as...
> roll 1d20+59 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+59 (+4 sacred, +8 morale, +5 smite) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{64}
> roll 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{50}
> roll 1d20+44 (+4 sacred, +8 morale)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+44 (+4 sacred, +8 morale) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{62}
> roll 1d20+39 (+4 sacred, +8 morale)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+39 (+4 sacred, +8 morale) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{45}
> roll 1d20+54 (+4 sacred, +8 morale)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+54 (+4 sacred, +8 morale) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{61}
> roll 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+49 (+4 sacred, +8 morale) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{58}
> roll 1d100 vs 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 1 --> [ 1d100=51 ]{51}
> roll 1d100 vs 3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 3 --> [ 1d100=65 ]{65}
> roll 1d100 vs 5
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 5 --> [ 1d100=88 ]{88}
> roll 1d8+68+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+68+2d6 --> [ 1d8=8 2d6=7 ]{83}
> roll 1d8+37+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+37+2d6 --> [ 1d8=5 2d6=9 ]{51}
> roll 2d6+34+2d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+34+2d6 --> [ 2d6=10 2d6=5 ]{49}
With holy power around his blade, Jarem strikes again. Lightning strikes from the blue, red lightning that rips the shadow apart. "Victory!" Jarem cries as the shadow breaks apart, dissolving in the pale light of the full moon. You've won!
Free act.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+4 (+4 sacred), Damage+4 (+4 sacred) AC+4 (+4 sacred), Saves+4 (+4 sacred), Skills+0, Checks+0 weapon counts as holy
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 1/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Celestial Valor (CL27)
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: FS: 1 6th, 1 9th, 1 10th Sorc: 1 11th
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Alyssa shakes off the ebbing shock of the attack and the curse.
"Jarem, find out if this was part of a larger attack. Emily, go check on the council. I want a report of damages and casualties. We need to find out how Shar got this thing in here and plug that hole."
Alyssa looks around, checking over everything before grabbing Emily by the arm before she leaves. "I'm going to check on my family."
With that last bit, Alyssa uses her Dimension Door ability to start heading for her family's new cottage.
Jarem nods and hurries away without a word, flying straight down.
Emily frowns, "Are you alright?" she asks, lingering just a moment. "Do you need any more healing or magic?"
"Later. My family, then the council."
Alyssa starts flying off as well.
You rush to your family's cottage. It is silent here, dark. No lights are on inside.
Alyssa enters stealthily, in case of ambush or trap.
Stealth check in that case.
Stealth:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 14 + 67, total 81[/blockquote]
You slip in soundlessly, finding nothing awry in the front of the cabin - but no one's here either, presumably sleeping in the back.
Alyssa takes a moment to cast detect magic just to be safe, and moves towards the bedrooms, wary of traps.
Your parents are fast asleep in bed, as is Alihana. Yet you can detect magic around Alihana.
Alyssa inspects the spell, trying to identify what it is and how strong.
It's faint magic. A simple cantrip - ah, an item. In her pocket you find it, a simple, color changing square of wood. The simplest trinket to make, what the most basic wizards make to practice the arts of magical creation.
Alyssa lets it be for now, going back out of the house as quietly as she came in. Once outside, she lets loose a sigh of relief and heads back to the Order proper to find out the aftermath and see if there was anything left behind by the shade that attacked her.
You find people are here. A trio of wizards, lead by Delaize. With him are two of Jarem's aides, inspecting the room along with them, chanting magic.
Alyssa looks around, striding up to Delaize.
"What's going on? How's the council? Shar attacked me directly. Used the Moon as a foci for a curse."
"Blasphemous," Delaize murmurs laconically. "Jarem roused us to investigate." He looks up at the light of the moon, "I believe Shar and Selune are enemies. What a curious thing. But regardless, we have not found anything save for fading signs of an incorporeal entity."
Alyssa looks for herself, while asking, "Was anyone else attacked? Any injuries or casualties?"
Perception.
"Not that we've discerned yet," Delaize says quietly, pulling you slightly away from the others, waving them off with a hand. "Right now, I amy theorizing this was meant to be a precision strike to assassinate you."
> roll 1d20+43+21 Perception/Cunning Knowledge
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43+21 Perception/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=19 ]{83}
"It was a closer thing than I'd like to admit. I'm not sure if it was because I was already dozing, but I couldn't shake the spell off until right at the end."
You don't notice anything awry.
"Then you're lucky to be alive," Delaize says bluntly.
"Yes, I think so as well. I was able to break free enough at the end to get to Jarem and the others, so there's that, but it was too close for comfort. After I deal with finding this Druid and Lord Melweather, I think I'll have to contact some of Selune's people to see if I can't solicit some sort of tailored defensive spells. They'll know far more of Shar's magic than most anyone else, I think."
A slight nod to that as a page runs in. "Ma'am," he bows, "Sir Jarem would requests your presence."
Alyssa nods. "Clean up here. Watch for anything left over. I'll be.. trying.. to go back to sleep after I speak to Jarem and Emily."
Meeting up with them is easy enough, the three of you meeting in a quiet hallway as the guild bustles beyond it.
"You alright? Your family alright?" Jarem asks, plainly and right off.
"Yes. Emily's healing did the trick. Thank you. Shar's spell used the moon as a foci. I'm thinking that was a powerful enough focus to simply blow through all of our defenses."
Jarem takes 10 on K:R
"No, impossible," Jarem says, "Selune would rather die than let Shar use the moon like that. But back up, walk us through what happened to you. All I know is that a man's voice woke up and told us to rush to your side."
"Same here," Emily says, "I was meditating and that voice insisted - a divine voice, I think it was."
"Shaundakul. I felt him stand by me against Shar. I was dozing on my balcony and I woke up to an odd feeling. Looked up and the Moon was surrounded by a purple glow. Then Shar's voice hit me. Some sort of lullaby curse. It was choking me and draining my life directly. Shanudakul arrived after a few moments to ward off Shar, though she didn't back down. I was able to break free right at the end."
Jarem nods slightly, "Walk me through it, Alyssa. Tell me what you saw happened, any detail could be useful."
"That does sound like a divine confrontation. I've had Waukeen and Mom talk to me like that before, there's a certain...shade? A certain presence to it. You know it when you hear it." Emily adds in, "I also know that deities don't usually work like that, that they don't personally try to assassinate someone like that. That's really unusual, that's what servants and worshipers are for. At worst an avatar paying you a personal visit, but even that is remarkably rare." Her expression is firm, a fist held up to her chest, "That's just not done!"
"Yeah?" Jarem asks, a sidelong look over at Emily, "Say you're right, that means Shar's willing to go in hard to kill Alyssa."
"Exactly as I said. I was dozing, felt the presence. Looked up for it, and the Moon was ringed in purple. Shar started talking about giving up and taking me away. It was pure terror and sickness. I tried to crawl away, but couldn't even move. She started a song, the Shaundakul showed up, and said my journey shouldn't end. That others stood with me. I regained enough control of myself to try and teleport to you, and you were there for the rest."
"Then I'm glad we were - and we got to smite an evil, too, on top of everything else," Emily smiles - and you feel it. A connection with her, a sensation. A sense of growing, a sense of empowerment.
Jarem's immediately murmuring words of magic, studying intensely.
Node update for Emily, go check it out and then reply.
I SEEN'T IT!
"Another thing I have to research. I wonder if I could use Hindsight to study it..."
She makes note of the relative time for later.
"For now, I want sleep."
"Oh!" Emily smiles ear to ear, "Again! It happened again!"
At the same time Jarem's eyes blaze red, intensely studying. "The hell...what the hell?" he mutters, before you feel it. A connection to Jarem, growing stronger between the two of you. You feel your mind grow lighter, swifter.
Node update, go check it. Notably it has a +1 Wis bonus for Alyssa in it.
Woo. I'll update sheet when I can.
Alyssa blinks. "Well, two at once. Definitely have to try hindsight. Maybe a variation that will let me move the moment back and forth at will to study it longer. But for the day. Sleep now."
"...sleep," Jarem finally agrees, "We'll talk about this in the morning. Emily," he says, "Sleep with Alyssa."
Blushing, "Jarem!" Emily protests, "Don't say it like that!"
"I know," Jarem sighs, a hand going to his face. "It's the middle of the night, let it go. Seriously, for her protection. It may not stop Shar if she personally tries again, but it'll provide added protection against almost anything else."
Alyssa grunts. "We'll get some cushions piled up for you. My bed isn't much different than that."
Done and done. Emily sits next to you and adds, "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you. Sleep peacefully."
Alyssa props Shifting Steel against the wall next to her.
"I've got two guards now."
And with that, she attempts to sleep.
It takes time. Surprising time. Shakes, worries, anxiety. But in the end you don't remember falling asleep, waking up to bright sunshine and the smell of eggs. ""Hey Queen," Jarem calls, "Hungry?"
"Not really, but some comfort food sounds like an excellent idea. I won't eat much, my family will be eating too."
"Eat," Jarem brings a plate with eggs, toast with jam and bacon on it. "It's all fresh and treated so it should be as good as it can be. Emily's off taking care of some of her business."
"Mmm. Thank you."
Alyssa sits down to eat.
As you eat, the food magnificent, Jarem sits opposite you.
"I didn't find out anything concrete about what's happening to us," he says, "Completely beyond my ability to understand. So the question is: How do we take advantage of it? How do we maximize this asset and minimize any risk from it?" Nearby is a platter with more food, he pauses to take a slice of orange from it and eat it, a lull in the conversation. After that, "I'm not going to turn down free assets if they help us, especially with our Shar problems."
"Well, the most immediate way is to get a better understanding of what triggers it. After that, finding a way to extend it to others, maybe. Or if we can direct what boon it grants. We may not be able to, however. Though, if I can understand it enough, I may be able to replicate it in a spell. Something for a large-scale unit boost would be useful. Maybe some sort of large-scale rune array? Attune members of the Order to it, and while on Order land, they get the benefits..."
"Then we need to find out more," Jarem remarks, grabbing more orange. "Queen, I don't suppose Io's taking appointments, is he?"
"You figure out who his secretary is and I'll make the appointment. Otherwise, likely not. I should probably consult with Shaundakul about Shar's attack. I need to finish research on Lord Melweather's issue. Present the expansion proposal to the council. Find that Druid. And I've come up with a list of simple implementation of magic to help the Citizens. That last one has some work for Clerics on it, too. Druids also, but I need Druids first."
"All good work, but before all that - do you have any idea what's prompting these to happen?" Jarem finishes his orange and wipes his hand on a napkin.
"Not really. I think it's personal to the individual. Some... Realization, perhaps. Or rather, acknowledgment of something. It triggered for Emily when she mentioned smiting evil; she seemed pretty happy about that, as an aside. It happened for you when you tried to look into it. Both of those were things that interested each of you."
"Action oriented," Jarem nods a bit to himself, grabbing a bit of bacon and gnawing on it before saying, "Action oriented. Personalized. Let's test this. Right now I want to figure out how to maximize this. If I figure out ways to do so and do so, does it mean it happens again?"
"It's possible and worth a try. So, how to maximize it... Being forthright with your personal goals and interests could reveal it, so helping you accomplish those might trigger it. Following through on those things will make you better... But how to solve the conundrum of the power... It triggered when you looked at it happening to Emily, so... Hindsight is a personal spell, so I can't give it to you... Miracle isn't strong enough to duplicate it, I don't think... So... Perhaps an illusion to replicate the vision for you? Or a new spell that will let you see what I do while in Hindsight so you can inspect it happening. That would let you inspect it as it happened to both Emily and yourself, giving you the ability to see it as it happened while also knowing what it felt like."
Allysa absently pulls out her journal and begins scribbling down notes, runes, spell circles, and magic formulas.
"I can manage something like it, anyway," Jarem muses, "Still though...how else can we maximize it?"
"As I said, if we can understand how that bond is formed, then we might be able to base spells off of it, or extend the effects to others. Or share them between ourselves."
"Yeah, if, but...." Jarem says, "Damn, I need more, but I'm on the right track. Still though, do you think we can reproduce permanent gains in a spell?"
"I don't think a permanent effect is reasonable... Well, maybe if we can somehow connect it to a true name... Or those one-off War Weavers... It's something that seems to be from Io's power, so it's likely driven by something mortal's can't touch. A god might be able to if they understood it enough... A temporary effect is likely far more achievable. That should be our first goal. If we can make a temporary spell, then we can work on a permanent one, though with far more difficulty, I think."
"Mmm." Jarem murmurs, lost in thought. "Still though, that's far away. As for -"
"Alyssa," Emily strides back in, "You're finally up. How are you?"
"Better. Annoyed. Enraged. Vengeful. But alive, thanks to you two. And whole thanks to your healing. We were discussing that power that seems to be triggering for you two."
"I was wondering about that even more," Emily admits, "I want to talk to my Mom about it a lot, but we're still not on the best terms," Blushing and looking away, "So um, any progress?"
"Well, I think it has something to do with your two's personal goals and interests. It triggered for you when you mentioned smiting evil, and I know that's something you've felt a lack of considering I tend to get out of direct fights, and it triggered for Jarem when he took a look at it triggering for you, and he was interested in figuring it out. Jarem's looking for ideas on how to maximize it right now. Have any?"
"Not immediately," Emily says, "But if it's based on our desires, then the first step is figuring out what we want to do."
Jarem hums at that, "About what I thought. Right now I sincerely want to figure this out, but what if it's also desires you don't consciously realize?"
"If it is things you want, then it's likely that unconscious wants play a role too. Tough to test either way, though."
"Plus, whomever is causing this has an agenda," Jarem continues, "So I'd bet you good money that certain desires and interests are promoted over others, on that suits their agenda. I'm tentatively thinking Io, but we could be wrong. From what I remember of my studies, Io isn't too involved that manner of thing."
"Well...no one likes Shar, so that's a place to start?" Emily suggests, "But that's a point. We're not just being given power for no reason, are we?"
"Well, your mother said she experienced it as well, correct? For it to be given to the Divine and the mortal... Odd."
"Mom makes sense, she's a dragon," Emily retorts, "That explains it."
Jarem hmms lowly, "You aren't suddenly feeling scale-ish and wanting to sleep on gold, are you, Queen?"
Alyssa snorts.
"No. The only thing I want to sleep on is soft cushions, and the only want for gold I have is to fund projects for the country, if the Council agrees."
"So let's stick with this," Jarem finally says, "I think it comes down to understanding ourselves and doing what we desire and need and working from there. That should work, right?" He looks about, "Based on what we know."
Quick OOC question. Cor says he's been trying to keep this information on the down/low from Seira and you shouldn't know it. I'm trying to remember when you were told (it was probably Emily unless Seira said something in your meeting that's been forgotten by Seira) and I figured I'd ask you rather than going on a full on, long and time consuming log dive.
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on October 08, 2018, 01:38:35 PM
"Well, your mother said she experienced it as well, correct? For it to be given to the Divine and the mortal... Odd."
The quote in question that caused the discussion on IRC.
<Seira> I'm fairly sure I never told people outside my node about this stuff?
<Seira> (finally caught fully with Iddy's thread)
<Seira> I know I stopped Amaryl from talking about it with others
> I think Emily's mentioned it.
> Since it was relevant.
<Seira> Mentioned what, though? It's not clear.
<Seira> If you mean the node connection thing, she doesn't know about it
> I'd have to look. It's not setting off my BS detectors that he mentioned it, so I'd have to go back and do some log diving to get to the right of it.
> I'll take a stab at that tonight - it's not something search friendly so it'll probably take some time to chase down all the conversations where she could've mentioned it and cross check yours just in case.
> I'll mention this in nagging in the meanwhile to see if Iddy knows offhand.
<Seira> I only told people listed as major allies in my node that we have a link and that others have it
<Seira> Then I asked you here whether that's what Emily meant
> Okay, cool.
<Seira> I'm fairly sure I didn't for reasons
> It's possible Emily mentioned it or it came out somehow, lemme ask him if he knows. Thanks.
I'm pretty sure it was mentioned during the dinner. Maybe it was just Alyssa mentioning it though.
Okay, for the moment go ahead and reply normally. I'll check that tonight. Just sidestep the issue, it was mentioned in passing and can be excised from the conversation without needing to redo it if needed.
I found it: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104193.msg1123602.html#msg1123602
It was Emily saying it to Seira while they were in a separate room. I knew they talked about it, but forgot that they had gone elsewhere. I'll renege on my post, but hold off on figuring out how you want to catch it up. I can easily make a simple change to something like, 'Didn't you ask your mother about this? Did you ever get an answer?' or the like.
Exactly, and I didn't tell her I knew something about it or act like I knew what was going on in any way. She really has no way of knowing something similar is happening with my friends since she's not in the loop there.
Anyway that's sorted, so go ahead and make your IC reply, Iddy.
Good catch, Cor.
Iddy: These things happen, I understand completely. Just make a note of that for future reference so the mistake isn't made in the future.
Going back and replying to this post: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104207.msg1127365.html#msg1127365
"Well, you can try to ask your mothers for advice on it, I suppose. Divinity might grant some insight to it that we're missing. I wonder if there's a clear line of progression to it? Something that links it to the previous time in some logical way."
"Mom makes sense, she's a dragon," Emily retorts, "That explains it."
Jarem hmms lowly, "You aren't suddenly feeling scale-ish and wanting to sleep on gold, are you, Queen? Still though, we are missing a piece like you said. We just don't know what piece."
"No, I don't think it's turning me into a dragon... There are far easier ways to do it than being empowered by Io. But dragons do have a connection to magic that's unusual. She may have some scrap of lore we can work from. Maybe Bahamut does, but that's not a thread I particularly want to tug on."
"Something, anything," Jarem murmurs, "In the shorter term, how can we maximize this?"
Emily nods, "Yes, well..." she trails off a moment.
Retreading a bit here due to the nature of what happened yesterday.
Yeah.
"I'll think on it, Jarem. I have a few other projects that I need to wrap up. Lird Melweather, the proposal, my family, and a series of magic implimentation to make lives easier. I'll think on it, though."
A nod and from there...
Next move?
One of those three. Melweather I guess.
Okay, where were you on it last time?
K check revealed it's most likely a bloodline thing. I can find the exact post when I get home.
Sure, that works.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104207.msg1125526.html#msg1125526Quote from: Anastasia on September 18, 2018, 10:56:07 PM
There's an odd magic pattern around Lord Melweather, deep within him. You can't discern its deeper functions yourself, but you're pretty sure it's causing the scryings.
As to what's causing it? You can think of a few culprits. If Lord Melweather has remarkable blood in his family tree, especially blood related to a deity of knowledge or sight, it could theoretically cause this. Certain astral or astrological conjunctions could theoretically cause this as well, but not this long without outside interference. It could be the work of a powerful wizard - or odder things yet. You need to know more about the magic to pare and hone your efforts here.
Start with an K:A check, +5 bonus.
Just for the sake of doing it, buffs. Roll will follow in next post just for cleanliness:
Everyone:
Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Spellcaster Level, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.
Magic Vestment +5 (Shield), CL 23, Duration 23 Hours.
+5 armor bonus to armor/shield. (+2 via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +7)
Create Magic Tattoo: Spell Resistance 28, CL 31, Duration: 24 Hours.
Spell resistance equal to 10 + 1 per three caster levels.
Create Magic Tattoo: +1 Luck to Attack, CL 24, Duration: 24 Hours.
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls.
Greater Magic Weapon: Shifting Steel +5, CL 32, Duration: 32 Hours.
enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +5
Heart of Air, CL 32, Duration: 32 Hours.
+10 enhancement bonus on Jump checks, and if you have a fly speed, that speed gains a +10-foot enhancement bonus.
Mind Blank, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.
This spell protects against all mind-affecting spells and effects as well as information gathering by divination spells or effects. Mind blank even foils limited wish, miracle, and wish spells when they are used in such a way as to affect the subject's mind or to gain information about it. In the case of scrying that scans an area the creature is in, such as arcane eye, the spell works but the creature simply isn't detected. Scrying attempts that are targeted specifically at the subject do not work at all.
Self Only:
Elemental Body (Fire), CL 32, Duration: 32 Hours.
You have the benefits of the attune form spell (page 17) with respect to the appropriate element.
You are immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, and stunning, and are not subject to extra damage from critical hits or flanking. You gain darkvision out to 60 feet.
Fire: Fire immunity, burn (those you hit in melee and those who attack you with natural weapons must make a Reflex save or catch fire, with a save DC equal to that of a fire elemental of the same size).
Bibliotheca Arcana, CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.
+15 insight bonus to all knowledge checks and may make knowledge checks untrained. Perfect recall of memory and anything heard/read. Speak all languages.
Energy Immunity (Cold), CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.
Energy Immunity (Electricity), CL 28, Duration: 24 Hours.
Energy Immunity (Acid), CL 32, Duration: 24 Hours.
Energy Immunity (Sonic), CL 28, Duration: 24 Hours.
Many Moments of Prescience (3 uses), CL 32, Duration: 32 Hours.
This spell is identical to moment of prescience, 3 uses. The insight bonus equals your caster level (maximum +30).
Epic Mage Armor, CL 32, Duration: 32 Hours.
This spell is identical to mage armor, except that it grants a +20 armor bonus to armor class. (+2 bonus via Mind over Matter: Total bonus +22)
Alyssa Songsteel
HP: 294/294
AC: 57.
Spells Active: Magic Vestment (CL21), Heart of Air (CL30), Create Magic Tattoo (SR/Spellcaster Level/Attack) (CL29/25/21), Elemental Body: Fire (CL30), Mind Blank (CL30), Bibliotheca Arcana (CL30), Energy Immunity: Cold/Acid (CL30), Energy Immunity: Electricity/Sonic (CL26), Many Moments of Prescience (CL30), Epic Mage Armor (CL30)
Bonuses: +10 Fly Speed (HoA), SR 19 (CMT), +1 Caster Level (CMT), +1 Luck Attack (CMT), +15 Insight Bonus to Knowledge checks (BA), +22 Armor Bonus (EMA), +7 Armor Bonus/Shield (MV), +1 Caster Level (Ioun Stone)
Negative Conditions:
> roll 1d20+43+15+5 K:A/Bibliotheca
<Rei-chan> Iddy rolled : 1d20+43+15+5 K:A/Bibliotheca --> [ 1d20=3 ]{66}
It's no good. You use your enhanced reading abilities and lore to study, but the answers just aren't here. You're going to need a bigger library.
Alyssa considers... Where would a significantly larger library be...
Are you aiming in this world, in the planes, somewhere else? Go ahead and narrow a bit.
Um, somewhere fairly accessible. I don't mind doing planes.
Sure. Aiming for any particular type of planes or just going all over?
Somewhere non-evil and in the balmy 70s. Light cloud cover, at least one sun, and... Let's say a 10 mph wind from the NW. WNW is acceptable, as well.
Cool, gimme K:P.
> roll 1d20+43+15+21 K:P/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43+15+21 K:P/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=10 ]{89}
The first that come to mind is the library you visited with Jarem.
Beyond that, most outer planar libraries require two things: Getting to them and getting access. Many heavenly libraries are open to the faithful or those with good cause. Erathaol's fortress in Celestia comes to mind as one such, as do various libraries dotted across Elysium. There's the House of Knowledge if you wish that, or it is said that Queen Morwel has a vast library somewhere in her court.
Of course, one could go to Dweomerheart directly if you want magical lore.
So I honestly don't know much/anything about any of those places, so if you want to suggest one, I'm open for it. I kinda don't want to deal with the Jarem one because I straight up don't have the skill to make the checks reliably.
I'd suggest choosing one and investigating it then.
Who's Queen Morwel?
Queen Morwel is the Queen of Stars, the undisputed Queen of the Eladrin and Arborea. According to your planar lore, she is both powerful and ancient.
> roll 3#1d5
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 3#1d5 --> [ 1d5=3 ]{3}, [ 1d5=3 ]{3}, [ 1d5=5 ]{5}
Guess it's Morwel, then.
Okay, cool. Going to try heading on over there? If so, going alone or with anyone?
Mmm... Let's see if Jarem or Emily want to go. I imagine Jarem wants to research the bond thingy, but I'll ask to be polite.
"Queen Morwel?!" Emily perks up and then sighs happily, "Of course I'd like to go! The Court of Stars is splendid." She holds her hands to her chest and sighs again, "And Queen Morwel!"
Jarem glances sidelong at Emily, "I've heard stories. I don't have a lot of patience for eladrin, but I'll go."
"Really? I figured you'd want to stay here and research the... whatever is happening."
"I have a feeling I shouldn't let you out of my sight," Jarem admits, "I don't put anything past Shar now. I don't like leaving here either, but I trust my subordinates."
Alyssa nods.
"That's fine then. Get yourselves ready, we'll head out as soon as I can track down a treatise on the proper etiquette for the Court of Stars and a location to go to."
I'll do that research.
Normally I'd have you roll, but you have someone who has been there.
"So you need to know about the Court?" Emily asks, "I can answer your questions."
"Tell me about their etiquette, expectations, and the like. I need to make a good impression, so I can ask for access to their library. Maybe try to set up a tentative friendship."
"Oh. That's easy. Be polite first of all. The eladrin aren't too hung up on court forms, especially since sometimes they make up titles on the spot. They can stick if everyone likes them," Emily observes, "If you make a mistake and they correct you, follow the correction. I can help with that since I've visited with Mom. Queen Morwel..."
Emily closes her eyes and sighs. It is a longing sigh, "You'll fall in love with her if you meet her, Alyssa. There's no helping it, it's what she is."
Alyssa considers how to protect against that... Mindblank for sure, but that should be standard... Something stronger? Perhaps to dampen emotion?
"Any expectations? Is there a gift required or something when asking for a favor like getting access to the library?"
"Asking her and being nice enough and in her favor to do it?" Emily says, "A gift might help or simply talking to her - oh, I can get you that much at least. I just know she'll want to see me." Emily smiles, a hand to her chest.
"Alright. I need your opinion on something else. Should I try to get this Druid on board with us first, or visit with Morwel?"
A slow headtilt, "Why not try both at once. There's druids at the Court of Stars. The fey and eladrin have always gotten along well."
"Hm. Not a bad idea, but my divination pointed me at a specific one. Maybe try to recruit that one first and bring them with us? Would it help to have a druid with us?"
"It depends on the druid," Emily replies right back, "Who do they serve?" A final sigh and she perks up, brushing aside a bit of her hair, "If she serves someone like Queen Titania or King Oberon, that would help because they get along with the court."
"I have no idea. What do you think?"
"Uh."
Emily blinks and then blinks again. "Maybe then? I'd have to meet them to have an idea. Do you know anything about them?"
"Only that they can be met in the King of Langersun's personal grove, and they meet the criteria of being powerful enough to fight with us and should be willing to help."
"Which doesn't tell me enough. Can we go meet them?" Emily asks, "We can teleport right over."
"If we want to anger the sorcerer-king, sure. It's his private grove. I imagine that there's at least some protections. But a quick trip to meet and ask for a tour might not be too difficult."
"Well yes, you can't disobey the king unless he's a wicked tyrant," Emily admits, then with a hopeful look, "Is he?"
I have no idea?
Make your bardic lore or whatever it is as a check.
Lore:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 14 + 11, total 25[/blockquote]
As an aside, I don't recall if I've asked, but can Cunning Knowledge be used with Lore?
Good question. Paste that to nagging, I'll look it up and answer it later this evening. I have a job interview after session, but I should have time before evening session.
Meanwhile you recall that the King of Langersun isn't particularly exalted or diabolical. He's a decent king by all stories you've heard.
"Neither. He's decent from what I recall, but neither particularly good or bad."
"Oh." Emily snaps her fingers, "Well, that's a good thing, but it means we can't just ignore him lightly. "
"Yes. It might be good to try to make contact after the proposal is made. That way we can try some initial national diplomacy as well."
"When will we go, then?" Emily asks.
Okay, so are you waiting on word about diplomatic contact to get back?
Yeah, I figure it'll be easier in the long run to package it all together. Since I am, I might as well make the proposal.
Response is speedy, but surely teleportation magic helps. Diviner Alethas bows slowly before you as you sit in your study, "Ma'am," she says, "We have word from Langersun."
Alyssa waives a hand and uses her telekinesis to float a drink and a bowl of fruit over to Alethas.
"And, what was the response?"
The scroll is presented to you and then she sits at your nearby table, "Thank you," she says, "I have not taken the liberty of reading it, as it is addressed to you."
Alyssa nods and inspects it with a quick detect magic. No sense in not being careful.
No magic on it, just a firm wax seal.
Alyssa pops it open and starts to read.
Alyssa, you have my permission to do this under one condition: You must ensure that Ianvasah does not remain in Langersun when you leave, by whatever measures you deem fit and that do not impose on the Crown nor damage the Crown's interests.
Burning down the Preserves is acceptable as long as the damages are kept within reasonable bounds.
Signed, the King of Langersun.
"Well, there's some bad blood there, I think. An interesting idea comes of it. I'm going to bet that this Druid wants to protect the grove and the King wants to do something else with the land... I wonder if I could just move the entire grove, if that's the case..."
Alyssa thinks on what spells could do that...
You'd need some sort of epic spell to do it or a deity granting a miracle.
Is there anything like that, or would Wish cover it?
You'd need an epic spell, not just wish. It's a bit much for how we run wish.
Hm. But Miracle would do it? I guess I could ask Jarem to, if needed, but I don't have any idea what sort of epic spell to work up for it.
If the deity asked granted the request, which as always is a bit of an if.
Hm. What sort of spell would need to be worked up? Like level 12 or something? Like... I dunno, transport space, move 100sq.ft of space in all directions per CL? I'm not sure how to parse out something like this for practical use.
It's pretty specialized. Something like that? It's a neat spell but it's pretty specialized. Certainly something that could exist, though.
Hm. I think I'll work that out while in down-time during the proposal. I can see multiple uses for it. A prison that's super trapped? Just move the whole f'n thing. That sort of stuff.
Cool. In the meantime, next move?
I guess do the proposal to the council.
Okay, go ahead and set yourself up here, your entrance, your proposal and all that. However you want to do it, you're the leader so the initiative is on you.
Just as a heads up, I'm going to assume that some of the handwaved included making the proposal legal by Order by-laws and all that super technical legal crap.
Alyssa enters the council hall with a stack of paperwork bundles and approaches her seat, waiting for all the other members to get comfortable and settled.
Sure. Quick question related that we should settle: How far do you want to get into details?
Semi? I mean, I want to talk it out because I know it'll make it go smoother, but I don't want to like, get bogged down in it. I do want do some advancement here.
The hit me real quick, get it all out in one post and we'll roll from that.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I've come to you today with a proposal. One that's likely the most significant since our founding and will, if passed, alter everything we are; hopefully for the better. Since my empowerment, events and the interests of those larger and more powerful than our Order have outpaced us rather significantly.
We've been behind in everything. Manpower, defenses, offenses, resources, and dozens of small things across the board. I've done research into ways to solve some of these, and in every category I've mentioned, it's required significant and bold moves. The next thing I'm going to propose will be no different. I would like to mention before I make this proposal that the timing is no accident. I waited until I was able to hand power back over to the council. I've waited until everyone could breathe a little easier after bolstering defenses and the treasury.
I would like to preface this with a bit of information as to how I came to this idea. I've been considering how to make my mark on the history of our Order. My empowerment is significant on its own, but it's only connected to the Order by my presence. I've considered how my presence makes our worldly neighbors view us. After some thought and a conversation with the Goddess Seira Aryn, the mother of our guest Emily, I've realized that our current structure is beginning to stifle and strangle us. We're not big enough and can't expand the way we need to, to face what's coming. I want to note that while Seira made me realize this, it was through a disagreement with her on how and why I should do this. She advocated the rightness of it because of my power. But she's both a dragon and a God, so I believe her view on it is different than my own.
I propose this: We transform our Order into a nation. I recognize that with this will come many difficulties, fears, and possible conflicts. Let me address some of those in order, and then I will open the council chamber for questions and discussions.
The first point is that I've made sure that my proposal falls in line with all Order by-laws. I'm not using loopholes or my position to force the issue."
At this point, Alyssa uses her TK to pass out the paperwork bundles to each member.
"I've written the proposal, legal-wise, in these bundles. Please read them at your leisure, as I don't expect a hard answer at the end of this meeting. Let me know that while the infrastructure of the proposed nation will build off of the current Order's structure and resources, I've ensured that the Order itself will continue to exist as an academic entity, with all the same current goals. I refuse to compromise the purpose of what we are.
However, we will have to lean on our structure until we get all of the national systems in place. Which means double duty for many of us, and new assistants specifically for those functions. More work is always miserable, but usually worth it.
The next point is fear. Many of us and many of our workers have come here to us thanks to the Mageocracy. I've included in the proposals I've given you provisions to help allay this. Ideas on how to use magics like Zone of Truth, Peacebond, Lesser and Greater Geass for oaths of office and contracts and the like to help impose fairness and combat corruption. There's still much work to be done here, and I welcome input.
The possible conflicts are, obviously, almost everyone on our world. We've got good relations with a few countries, but they're used to us being small, and this will alter those relationships. The Mageocracy will not like this for certain, but I think our alliance with the Red Knight and my presence will make the pause long enough for us to make diplomatic alliances with enough of our neighbors to make them pause more permanently.
Now, let me address why I think this is necessary. I believe we've reached the upper limit of what our current size and space can provide us, especially when you weigh in what we've been facing. We need more people. We need more space. We need more everything. With Jarem's assistance, I've gotten a spell that will let me raise new land. New islands. Our primary defense so far has been our small size, power, and resources. When we begin to raise land and expand, that will all change. We'll become more and more plentiful and powerful, and our threat level will increase equally. We'll be viewed as a threat with the same lens as they use for other nations. In order to deal with that, we'll need to work that way. In order to deal with the new immigrants that our expansion will draw, we'll need to function that way. With more people, more space, we'll need more effective and efficient ways of managing things. All those lead to us building systems that are equivalent to a government. If we're viewed as one, if we function as one, we might as well be one.
I now open the floor. Please take a few moments to look over the documents."
There's barely a moment for Madala stands, "Oh, you ballsy bitch," she declares, everyone turning to her as she takes the initiative. She slams her hands down on the table at that, "You ballsy, power grabbing bitch. I thought that little nickname for you was just a pet name."
Delaize speaks up now, barely carrying but carrying nonetheless. "The Mageocracy aside, that brings into focus the matters of leadership, royalty and nobility. I move we hear your solution to that before anything else."
Alyssa snorts at Madala, "Oh calm down. Everyone here knew, at least vaguely, that at some point the Order would expand beyond a simple research cooperative. No one expected it to be this soon, or in this way, but I also never expected to meet an aspect of Io. And, to your point of power grabbing, with my magic at the level I currently am, I don't need to grab power. I have it. I could walk away from here and be none the lessened. That would leave the Order in a lurch, and you'd have to deal with some very intense interest from the Mageocracy who would assume my empowerment is a result of our research. I'm not claiming I made this proposal solely out of good nature and concern for the Order, but it was the largest part. Don't worry, I plan to put you in a place to keep a check on things."
Turning to Delaize, "Leadership will be dealt with based on a competence review board followed by endorsements and voting by the ruling council. The system we have worked, and I don't see a reason to change it only to break it. It'll need to be expanded and flex, but it'll work. Royalty, much as Madala suspects, will start with myself. I don't plan to make it solely bloodline related, however. The ruling councils should have provisions to alter the royalty if enough of a vote of no-confidence can be made. That said, those votes and provisions should be done under heavy Geas and Truth spells to prevent corruption and petty political games. I do believe anyone raised to the royal council and family will be granted a noble title. Nobility is a thing of contention for me, however. The institute of nobility is a sticking point for me. I don't like it in the function of granting permanent governing power or imposing status on non-nobility. That's something that will require quite a bit more discussion than what we'll get through in one sitting, I imagine.
For our citizens, I'm working on a set of simple spells and enchantments we can provide that will make life, and homesteading, much easier."
Gimme Diplo there, something you said warranted it.
> roll 1d20+36+21 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+36+21 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=20 ]{77}
Murmurs amid that, heavy and strong murmurs. Madala listens, expression turning composed and neutral swiftly. She sits, allowing that to be taken in.
Regent Ule watches, "Troubling. Let's read first," he says, raising his voice to carry. "There's much to argue about later rather than quarrel about now."
Madala's glare turns to Ule, but she keeps her mouth to herself.
"I concur," Delaize cuts in forcefully, "I propose a recess while we all read this and discuss it privately, rather than making this a bloody spectacle."
Meanwhile Yorel's expression is contemplative, slowly reading his set of papers. "Have the diviners augured if these actions are to our weal or woe?"
Alyssa shakes her head. "Not yet. I thought it best to get the idea, and paperwork, in your hands for consideration first. As I said, even if we vote against it now, it'll have to be done at some point."
"Then I second the recess. Alyssa, get your shit together and divine," Yorel retorts, looking up over his reading, "No half measures on this."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at Yroel. "If I had done it before, someone would have complained that I was putting the cart before the horse. In an effort to not half-ass this, how about we compile a list of questions a little more defined than weal or woe after the recess, and get it done in a single go? I'm sure there will be concerns brought up whose answers will need to be divined after everyone reads through the proposal."
"Alright," Yorel says evenly, and from there...
Anything to add before a recess?
Nope
Thus you get out of the initial meeting and..
Ball is in your court.
Alyssa heads out to find her family. Let's spend some time together.
Gimme the dread d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 74, total 74[/blockquote]
It's your father you stumble on first.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Your father is already at work in a new forge, hammering away at an iron shovel. He pounds away at it, the heat of the forge radiating out. It's otherwise oddly quiet here save for the ring of his hammer, the local blacksmith watching, perhaps appraising.
Alyssa approaches the local Smith queitly.
"What do you think?"
Eyes widen at your appearance, but the tall, bearded man reaches up to rub his bald head and says, "He's skilled, ma'am."
"How would you rate him compared to other smiths here?"
"He's better than most of us, ma'am," The blacksmith says quickly, "His technique is sound and he's still hale and hearty in his older age."
"I was considering offering him a job. Maybe head blacksmith, but I wanted another opinion. Would you work under him?"
Keeping his voice down as the other smiths visibly split their attention between the two of you and your father, "I would, ma'am," he says immediately.
Alyssa nods. "You think the others would?"
"I'm sure they would, ma'am," The smith says quickly, getting more than a few long looks. "He's skilled enough and a strong man."
Alyssa nods. "Thank you. Do you know who he is?"
Give me a Sense Motive check.
> roll 1d20+11+21 Sense Motive/Cunning Knowledge
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+11+21 Sense Motive/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=10 ]{42}
The man's eyes widen, his cheeks coloring red. "Oh, just a new smith," he says, voice forced.
"Ma'am," Another one says, a dwarf with a sour look and black beard singed in places, "He's full of land shark shit. Walt introduced himself when he came here."
"I figured he would. He's worked as a lord's personal smith for my entire life, so he's got good manners."
She turns towards the dwarf, "Since I can't trust his opinion, what do you think? Would you work for him? Does he have the skill to justify that?"
"But my lady!" The bearded man says, almost a wail, as the dwarf ignores him. Snickers go up around as the dwarf strokes his beard. "I can't rightly answer it. Barely seen him work at all. He's no dwarf, but he's not a fumbling idiot, either."
Alyssa nods. "I want an evaluation as soon as you can. In the meant time..."
She takes to the air and floats behind Walt. "Hi Papa! How do you like our forges?"
Father has finished his pounding, handing it off to an assistant.
"Alyssa, I've told you not to come into the forges when the men are working," he says with a fond smile. "Though you aren't at risk of getting hurt, are you? Not anymore."
"I'm not a child anymore. Also, I have a surprise for you."
I know I just shuffled skillpoints around, but I'm going to abuse artistic license here.
Alyssa browses through the tools in the forge and finds a suitable hammer and a small length of metal, and heads over to the anvil. Using a combination of some simple spells and the fire abilities her Elemental Body spell grants her, she heats the metal and begins working it, aiming to make a simple, but elegant matching set of bracelets. One sized for a man, one for a woman.
Gimme a check then.
Craft: Blacksmithing:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+42 : 18 + 42, total 60[/blockquote]
The bracelets you make are sublime, expertly crafted and magic cleaving away any compromises due to time constraints. Soon enough you have the bracelets, done except as you want.
Father watches, soon staring slack jawed, the other smiths much the same.
Alyssa puts the more feminine one on and hands the other to her father.
"There, Papa. All those times you told me to be careful around the forge just encouraged me. I dabbled at it when I came to the Order, but when I had the thought of moving you all here, I put my full effort into it."
The bracelet is taken slowly, "Not a single flaw I can see," he murmurs, "Incredible."
Alyssa smiles at him, pleased by the praise.
"You were good inspiration."
Guh!
You'll pulled into a hug tight enough to make your ribs creak, Father saying not a word.
Alyssa hugs back, enjoying the family time.
Like this time with your family passes. As you go back, a page comes up, "Ma'am," he bows as you walk through the halls, "Sir Jarem wishes to see you."
Alyssa nods and motions him to lead.
Jarem's quarters have something new - a dire tiger, sitting besides Jarem at his desk. "Queen," Jarem calls. "They did a superb job on the training."
Alyssa raises an eye at it.
"Well... done, I suppose? You seem pleased, at least."
"It follows basic commands in Common," Jarem goes on, handing you a list. "Be careful about saying these around it."
The list reads: Sit, lie down, attack, stalk, take down, heel.
"Jarem, you seemed extremely pleased about this idea. Far more than I am. How about you keep it? I'm a bit more interested in a different type of animal."
"Oh," Jarem asks, "What animal interests you then, Queen?"
"Shocker lizards."
"Really?" Jarem says, expression turning dubious. "Not something more majestic, like a dragon or a titan? How about a squad of wyverns?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow.
"Small, stealthy, pack-oriented. Infiltrate, surround, assault, and they amplify their damage nearly exponentially. A collar of some sort with a basic camouflage spell and the ability to do long-range commands."
Alyssa waits for Jarem to process that tactically.
"Foul tempered, fast breeding, unpleasant vermin," Jarem counters back. "Careful there. You think you can train them?"
"I think I can find someone to if need be. A druid, perhaps. Ranger. There's certainly someone who can. I have some other ideas for them, also. Perhaps some sort of alteration to their energy type? Imagine if I could get force or sonic to work. Have them infiltrate a fortress over time, and then remotely command a sonic attack. Cripple all spellcasting, commands, and coordination. Or force to simply level it."
"Do you have an idea of how you'd do it?" Jarem asks, sitting back as you go on. "You seem set on this."
Which part is he referring to? The energy changes or capturing them or training them?
Ask him, he was a little unclear on purpose.
"Which part do you mean?"
"The energy changes," Jarem says, tapping his fingers on the seat of his chair. "Do you think you can do that?"
"I'll have to do some research and mild experimentation, but I think so. If various things can become dragons, or half-elementals and the like, I don't see why not. It's just a matter of finding the right things to make it work. Imagine Scorcher Lizards."
Somewhere a pyro-dryad just squealed like a little girl.
"Well, if you can keep them controlled and not breeding up a storm," Jarem remarks. "I've heard of a city on one prime that has them bad. So bad that stampedes of them come down, needing to be defended against and culled regularly." Pausing to get up and roll his neck, a soft CRINK as he does so. "That and they seem to scare prey by staring at them. I've seen it myself, it's unsettling. I've also met a few wizards who have one as a familiar."
"Well, as dreadful as it might be, culling them would be easy enough. I'm sure they have their uses. But yes, there are issues. It's not like I'm planning to have a swarm of dozens with me."
"Meanwhile," Jarem says, "Now what? Do you think they'll fall in line after the recess?"
"Probably not. They're going to want to argue about it as much as they can, and do divination after divination on it. It'll keep them busy while I go find this druid and meet with Queen Mowel."
In that case, next move?
Um, try to contact the druid or the king in langersun to find out what the issue is, so I have time to design a spell for it if need be?
Okay, great. How are you doing it?
Eh, either a sending/telepathic thing if that'll work or just a visit for more info and introductions.
Sure, which one are you sending? Once said, go ahead and post your message to them.
Telepathy would be best. I don't recall the druid's name, and on phone.
Her name is Ianvasah. Go ahead and make your sending/telepathy/whatever. I assume that sort of long range telepathy would be using a wish to loosen up sending.
That's fine.
'Pardon then intrusion Ianvasah. I'm contacting you because your name was revealed to me by divination as someone likely to be open to me.'
'Explain yourself.'
Two words, simple and curt.
'I'm looking for allies. I'm the leader of the Arcane Order on this prime. I'm working to make my order large in both landmass and schools of Magic. We lack a druid to help us keep our expansion nature friendly.'
'What do you have to offer me?'
Another simple answer, to the point.
'Resources. Help. I have significant personal power. A place in helping shape how magic is used to help everyone and everything. Assistance with the King of Langersun. I understand you currently reside in or around his personal grove. I contacted him for permission to visit you in person and he seemed rather intent on you leaving. By any means necessary, not that I don't think there's an equitable way to resolve whatever issue you two have.'
'We will meet. Come.'
Alyssa nods to herself. "Well, one less issue. Now I have to wait for my magic to stabilize..."
With that, she heads off to check in on her mom and sister, if she's around.
So killing an hour then going to meet her? If so, are you going alone or taking anyone?
I figure Emily would be interested. I dunno if anyone else would be.
It's up to you who you bring and ask to go, Iddy. If you aren't sure about someone and want their opinion, ask.
Well, I mean I actually wanted to do the mom/sister RP thing first, then go find Emily to ask.
Okay.
You find your mother and sister at home, sharing a quiet lunch and...
Go ahead.
"Hey you two. Oh, just in time for lunch... What're we eating?"
Alyssa slides into a chair easily and starts picking about the food.
It's a simple soup with bread and vegetables. Nothing too frich or fancy.
"There you are, dear," Mother smiles and gives you a hug, "Back home from making magic this morning?"
"Maaaayyybe I made something else."
Alyssa grins mischievously.
"I visited papa in the forge."
Your sister gives you a flat look, "Aren't you supposed to not do that?"
"Well..." Mother hums, "I hear you can be come fireproof with a few words and gestures, Alyssa."
"I can, sort of. It's more complex than that and deals with different types of energy, but the end result is that yes, I can become fireproof."
Alyssa takes off the bracelet she made and puts it on the table.
"As for not being supposed to do it, well... I'm a blacksmith, you know. I made one for papa and myself. I studied it in secret after I left. It made me a bit homesick not hearing the forge or watching papa, so I did it myself."
Alyssa covers the next part by glancing away and taking a drink.
"... And a little tailoring too..."
Alihana's next comment is lost, staring at the bracelet instead. "Oh!"
"You...you made that?" Mother asks, a gasp. "You and sew, too?"
"I can't sew as well as I can blacksmith, but yes. I'm waiting for my magic to stabilize from a spell I cast earlier so I thought... The three of us could go shopping for some cloth and we can make the two of you a new outfit each."
"Oh, that's a lovely idea,' Mother says, "Alihana, come along."
Alihana is lost studying the bracelet, startling and looking up. "Oh! We're going out?"
Alyssa nods.
"Come with me for a minute while mom gets ready."
Alyssa leads Alihana out front.
Alihana follows, and once outside she looks on coolly, "Yes?"
"I know I've been dazzling mom and dad since we came here, but I really want to convince them to stay here with me."
She takes her sisters hands, "You too. I think all of us have more potential than we ever thought, and I want to help us all get there. I want you to really think on what you want to do and learn, and I'll help you get there in any way I can. I can set up times for you to talk with and learn from any of our craftsmen, or anyone else, just let me know what you're interested in."
Gimme a Diplo check here since you did the right move, albeit with a -20 circumstance penalty.
> roll 1d20+37-20+21 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+37-20+21 Diplo/Cunning Knowledge --> [ 1d20=20 ]{58}
SLAP!
The pain in your cheek is only matched by the look of fury on Alihana's face, sheer poison. A moment of it, a long moment as she glares and words tumble out of her mouth. "Of course they'll stay with you, Queen," she snaps, the word dripping with venom. "You dash right in like a fey story, full of magic and mystery, good at everything! You throw around a king's ransom like it's nothing!"
Alyssa gives her a sad smile and pulls her into a hug.
"Yes, I know. But that doesn't mean I don't want the same for you, or they for you, either. You all took such good care of me when I was a sickly little girl, I just think this is everything due to you for it. I owe all of this to you, too. You helped me so much and played with me enough to keep me away from the impact of Thoben, I owe you so much. I'm not trying to take anything away from, especially not mom and dad. I want us together, but I have to be here, so I just want it to be the best option for everyone."
She lets go of the hug and wipes a bit of tears away. "I'll say this though, with that sort of slap, maybe you should go into battlemage training."
Alihana - freezes. She stares at you as you hug her, mouth slightly agape as you talk.
"I..." Her word sounds feeble, breathless. Then a scowl, "You...why aren't you angry!? I slapped you!"
"Well, I honestly sort of expected it. I've had to deal with a number of runaways that show up here, and some of them are from similar situations. The youngest in the family, but talented. People resent them, but they sort of deserved it, too. Most of the time. They tend to not consider those around them and how they make them feel. I started falling into that myself, so I think that slap is something I earned, not something to resent. A wake-up call, so to speak. Besides, we're family. A fight passes, but that remains. I figured you might have been feeling like you were starting to lose your place in the family, which is why I wanted to have this talk."
Alyssa slides up closer to Alihana and whispers, "Besides, I think you might be the only person to have ever hit me here in the Order. When that gets out, you'll get a reputation yourself."
"You...you impossible bitch!" Alihana finally says, a hmph as she blushes. "Stupid...stupid...stupid Alyssa! For that, you're buying me two dresses!"
Alyssa laughs. "Madala says the same thing about me quite often. Speaking of buying things, I wanted to talk to you about Thoben's share of the money. I've set aside the same amount for him as I did for all of you. What do you think we should do with it? Establish an estate for the family, or something else? An orphanage or school?"
"Well..." Alihana begins.
Family is precious, Alyssa. Hold them close. Shar will not hesitate to hurt them to hurt you, given the chance.
Alyssa narrows her eyes and tries responding.
'That is sound advice... Might I be introduced to the one who gives it?'
"What?" Alihana stares at you, a confused frown on her face. "Alyssa?"
"Hold on for a second..."
Alyssa looks around for a moment, casting a Detect Magic spell on herself, for all the good that it'll do.
Anything I can do here to identify who/what that was?
You detect no magic here besides your own.
Not unless you can pull something out of your ass here.
Hmm... Some sort of lore or K:religion? I've also got Tale Keeper skill trick.
Sure, go for it.
You didn't say which, so both!
Lore:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 3 + 11, total 14[/blockquote]
K:R/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+57 : 7 + 57, total 64[/blockquote]
You still have no idea what that was.
"I heard a voice telling me to keep you all close and out of danger..."
"Was it one of your wizard friends," Alihana challenges back, "They can talk across entire cities, can't they?"
"Something more, I suspect. A God, I think... But which one..."
Alihana promptly shuts up with that, a little woosh of air.
Alyssa blinks in confusion for a second.
"Ah. Yes. I've spoken to Gods before. I've met four in person now. Had meals with three of them. Made an alliance with one. The Red Knight."
"Oh." Alihana says, "Really." Deadpan, perhaps stunned.
"Indeed. This seems to be someone new. The Queen of Succubi wants to meet me too, but I'm far less enthusiastic about that."
"...your life is a bard's tale," Alihana shakes her head, "Make that three dresses. Every time you say something impossible, you owe me a dress."
"I mean, if I've done it, then it means it's not impossible since I did it, right?"
"Fine, what a normal person considers impossible!" Alihana retorts.
Alyssa chuckles.
"We'll have to make one of those dresses green."
Alyssa sticks her tongue out at Alihana.
You get a glare, but laughter rules the day as...
Ready to hit the druid quest?
Sure.
Going to go ask Emily, then?
Sounds good.
You find Emily studying in the library, turning and listening to you once you speak.
"Eh? You're ready to go track down that druid? Of course I'm ready," she says, closing the book and standing up. "Maybe there will be some demons or evil to smite, too!"
"Considering it's on the king's land, I doubt that. But her refusal to leave might mean something's being contained, so I guess it's possible. Either way, let's go find out."
With that, Alyssa ensure her daily spells are set and heads to the gate specialists!
I dunno if we have mages that do that, but I figured it'd be worth a shot?
You could get teleported over there, yeah. Where precisely are you aiming for?
Close to the castle, but not enough to raise an alarm. I figure I should stop in and talk to him to get some information first, then talk to the druid to see what she says.
Here the snows of winter lie beneath gray clouds. It is cold here, the air filled with the mist from your breath. The crunch of snow beneath your feet joins in as you see the castle. People come and go, undeterred by several inches of snow on the ground.
Emily immediately shivers, "Cold!" she says, "Snow!"
The castle itself is what you'd expect - a typical castle, well kept and and in fine shape. There are visible guards about, ones in shape and with sharp eyes, smiling while they take everything in.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at Emily. "You're more than capable of providing yourself protection from the cold. Let's go announce ourselves."
"I'm not bothered," Emily retorts, "The snow's pretty."
"Yes, it is. I don't see much of it on the islands."
Alyssa begins heading to the castle.
You reach the gates, the sky above leaden and darkening by the minute. The guard give you a cautious look over, "Name and purpose in the castle?"
"Alyssa Songsteel, head of the Arcane Order. This is Emily, a friend of mine. I'm here to speak with the King about the issue I sent an envoy about."
Emily smiles.
"Come with me," The guard says immediately, whistling long and loud. A soldier comes from within to replace him as he leads you inside.
Alyssa follows sedately, inspecting the surroundings as they go.
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43 Perception --> [ 1d20=12 ]{55}
You are escorted to the king without delay.
It's a big, white floored and walled place, well lit and with huge windows to show the beginnings of snowfall outside. Motes of light dance in the upper reaches of the high ceiling, shedding light equal to noon's daylight. Here petitioners and the court all are, before a throne where a man sits.
He is perhaps 50 years of age and yet has an odd look to him - eyes sharp and young, wrinkles that don't really quite go as far as they should. He's tall, muscular and well built, short blonde hair and wearing robes and a golden grown decorated with sunstones.
The King is currently listening to an armored warrior reply, "...and Sabeth is secured, though we are still searching for - !"
"Your Majesty," The guard bows, "Pardon the interruption. I bring Guild Master Alyssa Songsteel, who requests an audience."
Alyssa inspects him, idly trying to pin down why he looks odd and young...
K:P.
K:P/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 7 + 58, total 65[/blockquote]
The King of Langersun is not fully human. You'd guess celestial blood based on his general appearance and your passing knowledge of Langersun history.
Honestly straight forgot the King's name.
"Your Excellency, I am Alyssa Songsteel. It's quite a pleasure to meet you, and I thank you for both your time and the courtesy you showed my envoy."
"I did not expect to see you here," The King of Langersun declares, "Is the druid dealt with?"
"That's where I'm currently headed. I wanted to stop in and find out more about the problem between you before I inadvertently did something to escalate it beyond what anyone wants. Why exactly is the druid in your Grove and what's the conflict here?"
"She's doing her own business, and frankly, I don't want her here," The King replies, "Langersun has had enough problems lately without her bringing more."
"What problems has she been starting?"
"None yet," The King replies, "But it is only a matter of time. People like her, people like you. People like myself, those in power and with power? They inevitably bring trouble. It's the nature of the world."
Alyssa humms at that. "Well, then I'll speak to her about it as best I can. Thank you for your time."
Emily bows as well, the king waving a hand. "Dismissed."
Heading back out?
Yeah, but since he's being a punk, with a bit of flair.
Alyssa gives him a nod befitting an equal, then lays a hand on Emily's shoulder and uses her Dimension Door ability to take them out of the castle.
Once back outside Emily hms, "You really didn't like him, Alyssa?"
"He's part celestial. The worst, most pompous part, I think. I just wanted to make a statement about his attitude. In any case, let's go find this druid."
"Okay!" Emily says, "More teleportation?"
Alyssa nods. "I didn't prepare any long-range teleports. Did you? I could just Dimension Door us there."
"Where do you want to go, exactly?" Emily asks.
She's going to double gate the two of you, she can afford the spell slots with ease.
"Let's go near the grove. Make this fast."
Alyssa gives directions to the grove.
Done and done. You are in the forest, buzzing with the noise of insects and animals. There's no path ahead, just sheer nature. But in the distance you can see a thickening of tree and light beyond - a natural clearing, a grove surely.
Alyssa motions to it to Emily and begins heading towards it at a casual stroll.
The grove is quiet, peaceful. There is a small pond there, still and serene. Fruit bearing trees are here, a coating of snow over everything blanketing that away for the season. You don't see any sign of anyone here right away.
Alyssa inspects the grove, talking to Emily.
"I don't doubt she knows we're here, so I suppose we might as well enjoy the peace and quiet while we have the chance."
Emily looks about, a snowy grove forgotten by time and full of nature's sleeping beauty. With a word of magic Emily clears away the snow from a log and sits there. "Mom Amaryl grew up in Pallanth, an elven kingdom of the forest. The realm of Chillander to the far east is a realm of eternal winter, where snow is year round and the tallest mountains you can imagine loom in the farthest east."
Emily's gaze is at the cloudy sky, snow falling down slowly for now. "Mom Seira had the mountains renamed the Amaryl Ranges for her. Oh, they went there and fought a dragon, scaled the mountain and so much more. I loved those stories so as a child, of a realm of always winter. Where there's always a warm hearth to come home to, strong and warmed drinks to chase away the chill. It sounded so unique compared to the Cauldron, which is warm and steamy in its base nature."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "Well, we can find some mountain range that's ruled by a frost giant or the like, if you want. Maybe the Cold Plane? I'm sure there's interesting things there."
"Oh, not just a frost giant. It needs to be something more impressive," Emily says quickly, breath misting around her. "It needs to be amazing - oh, I never thought I'd get to visit the Primes this long, get to see things like this. It's different than the planes beyond and at the same time it's so familiar," She holds her hand out, palm up for snowflakes to land on. She smiles and blows the melting flakes away.
Then she laughs, a light and pretty sound. "Oh, uncle Donald would be saying something terrible right now about me wanting bigger ranges than my Moms. Then Mom Amaryl would get upset and they'd argue while aunt Elle and Mom Seira look exasperated and fed up. Xera would laugh at it and then we'd be laughing at it while they argued and Mom Amaryl got more and more annoyed."
"You should work on getting back to that. How's the research for that artifact going?"
"Oh...er...which one?" Emily deflates, shoulders slumping. "Well, that is..."
"Not to ruin your mood, but you need to put some real effort into it. You need to get a handle on it. Seira's biggest issue with you right now seems to be responsibility. That's what she expects to see from you, and that's how you show it to her."
"It's harder to find that sort of artifact than I'd like," Emily admits with a sigh. "They're really rare and treasured. Um, you can't make them any more so the few that are left are usually in the hands of powerful creatures." Kicking a bit of snow about as she blows out another breath, "All the means that are left are temporary and can't be made permanent. So it's trying to find something all the powers of the planes would want if they heard of it or take one from someone deadly powerful."
"Well, first step first. Compile a list, and we'll give each one consideration and discussion. I doubt Waukeen would have given this to you if she already knew it was impossible. There's an option out that that'll have close to equivalent cost, I think. You just have to find it."
"At least I'm not on a hard time limit, but it really isn't fair," Emily admits, "It was an act from above!"
"You're telling me. I'm dealing with it too. The fairness of it won't change, though, so you might as well just get it over with."
"Yeah..." Amaryl trails off, a final sigh. "So how's your family?"
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+43 Perception --> [ 1d20=16 ]{59}
"Overwhelmed for the most part. They remember me when I left, and I've become far more than they thought possible. Had a minor conflict with Alihana, but it was solved fairly easily."
You notice a slight stirring in the pond, the waters moving.
"They're mortal," Emily admits, "I had heard about mortals, met some, but I still find it hard to grasp seeing them struggle with such simple things. They seem so much less than us sometimes, Alyssa. But then I feel guilty because mortals are supposed to be guided and taught, not pitied and looked down on."
Alyssa watches the ripples, focusing her attention on them and nudging Emily a bit so she sees them.
"Well, I'm still a mortal, so that's kind of a biting remark, but I suppose I understand what you mean. I think us mortals are simply potential incarnate. Gods and outsiders can grow in power, but rarely do they change. They're not very transmutable. But mortals can become nearly anything. Look at Seira, for example. Half-elf mortal. Dragon. God."
Emily nods slightly as her eyes focus on the ripples.
"Poor little mortals, you mean," A woman's voice drawls. She emerges from the pond, water parting from her and not a drop on her. She's bone dry, emerging up to her upper chest. A strangely featureless woman, utterly generic, an appearance almost like clay.
"I don't consider myself that way. Or most of the people I know. Our lives might be short, but they're very full, usually. Would you happen to be the druid I spoke to?"
"Ah! That isn't-!" Emily begins, but settles for giving the possible druid a piqued look.
"I am Ianvasah," The druid agrees, "You have my attention for now."
"Well, as I said in our previous talk, I'm interested in your assistance. Divinations revealed to me that we'd be able to help each other. I talked to the King of Langersun and he was rather insistent on my trying to convince you to vacate the area as well."
"Hmph, and he wonders why his daughter ran off to Aurora," The druid remarks, "Powerful, wise and a good ruler that one, but prickly. He doesn't like people not falling in line who should and he really hates anyone with power lingering in Langersun. But enough of that petty ruler of men. Why should I help you?""
"For help in trade? We're a fairly powerful group, though I'm the most powerful, and our arcane and magical knowledge are sure to be able to assist you with your own goals. I'm working to establish a nation centered around my Order. As of now, we only have an arcane branch, but I'd like to expand that. I know rangers and druids tend to dislike towns, cities, and nations, and in order to attract more of them, it's an issue I have to deal with. We're on an island, so I'd like to have someone who I can turn to in order to help work with, and around, nature to expand instead of cutting through it."
"And?" Ianvasah asks, arms crossed, hidden beneath the waters.
"And what? That's a rather open-ended question. If you're asking for reasons why you should help me, I can't give you anything specific if you don't give me any information to work with. You obviously have goals and issues of your own, and I've offered help with them, but without any further input from you, I can't really expand on reasonings."
"Hmph. If you need me so much and you're so important, give me a reason. A real reason. Something that drives you, something that means something beyond chasing power." Ianvasah challenges right back.
Alyssa nods, "That I can work with. I'm working to expand my own knowledge, primarily. I'm a follower of Shaundakul, I want to explore new things and find the lost. Discovery of... everything. Magic, knowledge, skill. I'm working to make my Order into a place of lasting discovery and freedom, the counter to the Mageocracy. I want magic to be used to enhance life for everyone and everything instead of just for the elite. I've made alliances in the planes towards that, and also enemies. I'm looking for allies not only for the sake of power but for mutual defense. My honest driving force is exploration and research, however. Finding someone like yourself, who represents a source of knowledge and magic new to me is every bit as exciting as the horizon. I have so many ideas I want to try to work out with you. From better farming to animal care, to cleaning the effects of civilization."
Show me some Diplo here, you said something important.
> roll 1d20+37 Diplo
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+37 Diplo --> [ 1d20=5 ]{42}
Ianvasah listens and slowly turns her gaze to Emily. "What about you, young lady?"
"Me?" Emily blinks, "Oh! Well, I want to smite evil and crush Sharrans, just like my Moms do! I'm here to help Alyssa with that and some other things - hey! If you were eavesdropping, you already have an idea!"
The druid inclines her head slightly, "So I did. You are not remotely mortal."
"Um, no, not really? I'm not ever going to get older. I'll mature a little more but I'm all done with aging." Emily admits, "I'm not divine like my parents, but I'm still a spirit."
"I've gained significant power, but I still remain mortal. As far as I can tell, at least. Power does things, after all."
"What place do you have in the natural world, a world of the mundane grass, the blooming trees and the roving animals?" Ianvasah asks, "What purpose can you serve here that does not yoke nature to your own whims of power?"
"None, unless I choose to. That I've come to you for help working with nature and around it instead of going through it shows that I have. My goal is to create something sustainable and enduring. I'm not fool enough to ignore how quickly nature reclaims everything when a kingdom ceases.
As to how I fit into the world, personally... Well, I'm still discovering that. I think it's a safe assumption on my part that you can recognize the power I hold, and want that could mean for this world. This is a chance for you to, at the very least, temper how it might impact this place. I seek to learn and discover; you could help guide and help with that."
"Show me some of your magical skill," Ianvasah decides suddenly, "If it is so mighty, then show me a sign of your strength."
Alyssa pulls Shifting Steel into the air before her and begins chanting a spell, using it as a focus.
Aireal Assembly. CL 32.
8 copies.
The spell is cast, Ianvasah watching them all. She is silent a few moments after, "...Impossible," she breathes out, "What are you doing?!"
Alyssa grins mischievously and wiggles her fingers.
"Magic!"
"Don't be smart," Ianvasah retorts, "Explain this!"
Alyssa chuckles.
"The concept is similar to the basic spell Create Food and Drink. It's far more complex, of course. I use a weapon, any weapon, as the base template for the spell and then adds the effect of the Dancing Blade spell to it. Since the weapon already has enchantments, the spell simply arranges to mimic it."
I straight up don't know enough about magic spell details, so I just sorta threw something out.
The druid rises, body clay and unclad, but no details. Rather like a doll, an unfinished thing. In moments her form shifts, becoming that of a rather pretty half elf, perhaps in her 20s by human years. Strawberry blonde hair and a gimlet gaze, marching over and wearing plain, unremarkable tunic and skirt. "I did not know such was possible," she says, "What have you done?"
"In what way? I thought I explained the spell?"
"There's no such things like magic you're casting, yet you cast it!" she explodes, "How?"
Alyssa looks confused.
"I created the spell? Unless... Do you mean where I got the power from?"
"No!" Coming right up to you, staring into your eyes, "That is a spell beyond the 9th circle! That's what!"
"Oh!" Emily puts a hand to her mouth. "Oh!"
"Oh. Yes. It's 12th circle, at the base. There's a lot of magic beyond 9th circle, but you have to be unusually powerful. Emily here is capable of magic beyond the 9th circle as well."
"Oh. Oh. Well, I can show you the rites and methods to go beyond the ninth circle. Not everyone discovers them or chooses to pursue them," Emily smiles at that, "Would you like me to teach you? My Mom taught me and she had a great way of teaching the lessons."
Ianvasah gapes again, "Mercy," she finally slumps. A long, ragged breath, "If you would teach me such rare things, then I would learn them."
"Well... I'm not trying to dangle a carrot in front of you, but I think a little prudence is called for. We've only just met you, so the content of your character isn't entirely clear yet. I think a bit of time spent together before we go teaching you how to break through the 9th circle is called for. That's not the sort of thing we can just go around granting people, you know. I certainly won't stop it from happening, but I think a little get-to-know-you first is best."
"That is wise," Ianvasah agrees, "Let's go somewhere and talk."
Alyssa nods.
"By the by, what was your issue with the King? All he would say is he wanted you gone. It seemed like he simply didn't want someone of your power around, but these things usually have other motivations behind them."
"It's exactly as I said," the druid shakes her head, "There's no deeper history there."
"Hm. Well, simply solved, then. At least for once. Emily, if you wouldn't mind taking us back to the Order?"
Give me a d100 and a Perception check.
Dune % roll:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 76, total 76[/blockquote]
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+64 : 20 + 64, total 84[/blockquote]
Your trip back is without incident. Your new friend takes it all in coolly, calmly as you head back and...
You avoided something, let's put it that way. Go ahead, ball is in your court.
Awww, what was it?
"Ianvasah, let's get you settled and give you the tour. Would you mind giving us a run-down of what your abilities are while we're at it?"
"I am a skilled divine spellcaster and a shapeshifter," Ianvasah replies as she looks around, Emily following.
"9th circle, I assume? Do you have any specific requests for housing or needs?"
"I will find my own," Ianvasah declares, "For I can find it any place that the sun can be seen in the open sky."
Alyssa looks at her flatly. "Ianvasah, you're allowed to have a few luxuries. Especially here. If you can think of anything that would make you more comfortable, just ask."
"If I require any, I will let you know," Ianvasah declares, "I am one with nature; nature provides all I need."
"... We're going to have to get you to enjoy civilization at some level. But yes, let's get you settled and show you anything you're interested in."
Okay, go ahead and set that up. This is your show, so feel free to show her around, put her somewhere or take some liberties in setting up the conversation.
Alyssa begins giving her the tour of the facilities; housing, then library, then research rooms and labs, then the various tradesmen, then the council rooms.
Starting at housing, "This is where most of our people live. Some have their own extra-dimensional spaces, a few live on ships, and a number just never leave their labs. The Order controls this entire island chain, and we've designated some of the more isolated islands as experimentation sites for each school of magic. The Order has a leader from each school assigned to watch over these sites at all times, and each school has at least one member on the council. Divine magic is split into the same schools as Arcane, so you'll have access to most of the facilities. There's going to be some restrictions as you're more of a guest than you are member, but if you do decide to join, we'll work something out with the council for admissions.
To be more on point to housing, however, just about everyone can get a home of their own. We've got dorms for the newer students, but that's primarily to maintain safety and control. Most young mages tend to get excited at new spells and try them out unsupervised, which... Leads to issues, as you can imagine. We do have to be very careful with planning out housing, though, since this is an island. Space is limited, but I'm working on a solution for that. A few, actually."
By and large, Ianvasah listens rather than speaks. She takes it all in with patience, nodding at times or keeping to simple replies. When you at last broach the subject of housing and space, "How? Raising more islands?" With a sidelong look, "I've never heard of such a thing except in bard's babblings, but today is a day for being proven wrong."
"Yes. A fellow of mine, Jarem, was able to help me aquire a spell to raise islands. Which is part of why I wanted to have a druid join us. What impact do you think it would have? I don't want to flood some poor fishing village somewhere."
As you linger outside some of the cottages here, private enough for conversation under palm trees, Ianvasah shakes her head. "If done nature's way, destructive. Islands come about in one of several ways. Volcanic activity can cause them, as can rifts to the Elemental Plane of Fire or Magma. Earth elemental activities beneath the ocean floor can cause new mountains to form, with the peaks becoming islands. It's said that sometimes when a meteor laden with meteoric iron plunges into the ocean, the impact on the ocean floor causes a new island to grow, like a tree growing in the forest. All of these cause local disruptions and tidal waves. The faster the island is formed, the more severe the tidal waves are."
Alyssa nods.
"Would water elementals be able to negate the tidals waves?"
"If anything can," Ianvasah considers as Emily listens.
"Oh, they can," Emily pipes up, "Mom's tested it!"
At Emily's cheerful smile the druid looks sidelong at her, "It seems this is a world of the impossible, a guild where the absurd lives and breathes."
"Feel free to join in."
Alyssa grins at her.
"Well, we'll have to summon some. Or just try to make some alliances."
"Yes, go have tea with Istishia and have her loan you all the elementals you'll need," Ianvasah retorts, "Chauntea's pregnant womb, what is this day?" Exhaling, "You've shown me enough. I'll work with you - if for no other reason than I'd be damned foolish to let this pass me by. Not once have you shown the slightest sign of lying, and the Weave tells you true regardless.""
"Let's continue then! The library next."
"Very well," Ianvasah agrees, "Is this library frequented by Silvanus and Oghma, where they share tea and tell you secrets of the universe?"
At that Emily shakes her head, "Don't be silly." Then after just a moment's beat, "Oghma prefers wine."
"I mean, I suppose we can invite them over."
As Ianvasah buries her face in her hands and stops, Emily's smile fades. "It was a joke! I haven't met him, Waukeen mentioned that to me once!"
"The Mother of Coins? Hardly better!" Ianvasah says, "You speak of her with familiarity!"
"Well..." Emily admits, "I usually call her Aunt Waukeen?" She shuffles a bit, "It's not that unusual!"
"I don't have any God's with quite as close of a relationship as Emily."
Ianvasah laughs, laughs and laughs, muffled by her hands.
"Well...Alyssa, how about we take a break and I give Ianvasah a few magic lessons?" Emily offers, "It sounds like she could use some time."
"I think so too. I'll go check in with the Council."
Time for a decision. As of now, do you want to include Ianvasah into your node, Alyssa?
Yeah. Druid is a solid option.
The Council is, rather predictably, quietly arguing in recess, spread here and there and bickering over your proposal. At least that's the impression you get with a cursory check.
Alyssa takes her seat and waits, sure someone will begin soon.
As you sit Delaize comes up, "It may be some time," he warns, as you see quiet,. private discussions all over, little knots of twos and threes spread about.
Alyssa nods.
"I've brought the druid and offered her a place. My next task is to meet with Queen Morwel."
A nod to that. "Is there anything I can do, Alyssa?"
Alyssa shakes her head. "You do enough. I don't want you to compromise your position."
"Then do you want them called to order or give them more time to argue and settle things between themselves?" Delaize asks softly.
"No. But I will make an announcement about leaving."
A slight nod to that and...
Go ahead, then.
Alyssa stands and holds up a hand, waiting for their attention.
With a few more tries and some calls, you get their attention.
"I'm sure there's much more discussion to be had, but in light of the seriousness of this issue, I wanted to let you all know I'm going to be gone on an errand. I'll be going to meet Queen Morwel, hoping to get a deal to expand our library."
Murmurs at that, rapid ones.
"The Queen of the eladrin?" Madala speaks up, "That Queen Morwel?"
Fucking nightmare day at work.
"Yes, that one. I'm hoping to arrange a trade of knowledge. I'd like to get into their library."
"How?" She challenges right back, "That's not lightly done!"
Alyssa, being quite blase about it, replies, "Emily's been there before and is, at least, on friendly terms with them."
That draws relative silence at least, until one speaks up. A tall man, pierced and old. The soft jangle of metal is heard as Regent Delan adds, "Of course, Emily." His voice is slightly sardonic, "Soon to be Princess Emily, I presume?"
Madala snorts at that, "Jarem's sarcasm shouldn't be taken as truth there. Be serious, Delan."
"She's the daughter of two deities. I think she's significantly above being a princess. Rather, she already is one, I suppose. Kingdom of the Gods? Deific Princess?"
"The point is that she has no reason to grasp for power here," Madala adds to that, "Please, at least have your complaints be intelligent, would you?" Looking away, "Do try harder."
Ule quietly speaks up here and adds, "Agreed. Greed is always a concern, though. Otherwise, less fallen paladins."
"You're welcome to address your concerns to Emily at any time."
As Delan glares death at Madala, Delaize clears his throat, "I think that's enough. Have we not had enough strife for the day? I move we adjourn for the day and come back tomorrow, refreshed and thoughtful."
Alyssa nods.
"That's fine with me. I was expecting at least a few questions or complaints, though."
"I have questions," Delan says, voice calming. "What do we do if other nations object for whatever reason?"
"Do what we can. We make alliances, we move fast, and use our magic to pre-empt everything we can. If you're looking for a solid catch-all answer, I don't have one. No one does."
A pause - a knocking on the door. A page comes in moments later, "A t-thousand apologies, Regents," A young teenager says, scrawny and gawky, her voice awkward, "But Miss Emily needs your presence immediately. She insists."
Alyssa nods.
"Delan, would you like to join me and address your concerns with her?"
"Ah. That won't be needed," Delan says quickly, "But thank you."
"Well, I can mention it to her so she can set aside some time for you."
Alyssa grins.
More laughter as Delan reddens but (perhaps wisely) keeps his mouth firmly shut.
"Alright, all poking fun aside, I'm actually fairly serious. If Emily, or anyone or anything, is a true concern, I want to address it. Not doing so will just cause it to fester."
"I...do not object to her," Yorel finally says, "But I think I speak for many that we are wary of her and her power. She wields magic without appreciating it. Power is her nature, while we struggle and strain for it. She's called a princess because that's exactly what she is. She has it because of her parents at the top, not because she's struggled for it like us."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow.
"Much like a Lord's son doesn't work for his money? I understand your point, but consider this: a sorcerer casts differently than a wizard who casts the same spell differently than a druid. What could her nature and her relationship to magic teach us? If she doesn't understand the impact of what she can do... Teach her. We all have had students. Not one of us has learned a secret technique that teaches them understanding without interaction."
"I have," Delan interjects, "It's called finding better apprentices."
That draws a chuckle or two, "Still," Ule speaks up, closing his eyes, "It can be overwhelming."
Alyssa slams a hand down on the table in front of her.
"Overwhelming? Overwhelming?! You are Regents of the Arcane Order of Arythma! You are here to unravel the secrets of magic! To discover and research and create wonders to delight Mystra! And you waver over speaking to a woman! You dream of secrets whispered to you by Mystra in reward, and you make excuses about talking to an Outsider. A Spirit! Some of you make deals with outsiders! Summon them! You are among the most powerful and experienced and knowledgeable mages of this world. Act it!"
That gets silence and some stiffening of the ol' spines, a chorus of agreement at that outburst.
"This is a monumental chance for us. For our Order. Do not let it slip away because of your indecisiveness. If you can't help but waver and moan, then stand aside. You have a chance to teach a being who might one day become a God. With two parents that are Gods, I can't imagine the possibility of it hasn't occurred to Emily yet. Don't pander to her, but if you can't bring yourself to befriend and educate her, then at the very least, stand aside for those who can and will."
At that there is no further discussion and...
Anything to add to that?
Not really. I think I did well enough there.
Great. Off to see Emily, then?
Yeah. Time to arrange a meeting with Morwel and do the research on Melwether's thing.
You find Emily outside with Ianvasah. Emily stands nearby, a hand to her mouth as Ianvasah floats there, flickering and shifting. Tears gently trickle down her cheeks, "It's so beautiful," she murmurs. "It all makes sense now!"
"Discussing secrets of the universe without me?"
Ianvasah laughs, a warm and merry sound.
"N-no! It's just...She's learned multiple circles in an hour, Alyssa! It's completely impossible!" Emily blurts out.
"She said that about us, but that's... very interesting... Similar to what happened to me, maybe... Something to investigate."
"It has to be," Emily gushes, "It was completely impossible!" Emily repeats, "You don't just learn like that, no one can do that! No one!"
"You two certainly get along. You sound like each other now. It's something to mention to Jarem, since he's investigating this whole thing. Emily, do you think you could set up a meeting with Queen Morwel?"
Blushing, "Y-yes, but that's not the important thing. Alyssa! This is completely impossible," She repeats, "People do not master entire circles of magic in the time it takes to eat a leisurely lunch!" Waving her arms up and down, "It's only 'interesting'?!"
Meanwhile Ianvasah adds, "I was so blind before. Such power was waiting and I didn't realize how simple it was."
Alyssa stares at Emily flatly and begins holding up fingers for each point as she speaks, "Encountered an aspect of Io. Granted power by Io. Grew into 12th circle magic. Met and had lunch with the Red Knight. Met and walked with Shaundakul. Met and had lunch with Seira and Amyrl."
"Argh!" Emily cries out, throwing up her hands. "This is more interesting than any of those!"
"I'm refuting that's it's beyond exceptional, it's just that I try not to be surprised anymore."
Ianvasah laughs, "That is not all, I learned so much more beyond magic. Perhaps I will show you."
"That's part of why I wanted you to join us. There's so much we can learn from each other and do with each other's magic."
Ianvasah shimmers and with a glow, becomes more. Mossy green scales of copper. A body that looms over all like a mountain looming over pebbles. Ianvasah is now above all of you, a vast copper-colored dragon.
"W-what?! You copied my Mom! How? How?!" Amaryl points, "You went dragon!"
"I thought the stories of your mother's dragon form did sound appealing," Ianvasah says, voice much more powerful but otherwise the same. "And then, I realized the same feat was within me, in the same way as I can change to other forms."
"Interesting... I wonder... Can you go back and forth a few times?"
Alyssa casts a quick detect magic on herself and watches the flow of the spell, trying to pick it apart for her own use.
Ianvasah laughs and does so.
K:A and K:N, Alyssa.
K:N/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 4 + 58, total 62[/blockquote]
K:A/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+58 : 7 + 58, total 65[/blockquote]
It's a druid's talent at shapeshifting taken to a new level. You could do something similar with a polymorph subschool spell.
There's a spell that does it, Tepen has it as a 9th level spell. It's called dragonshape and it's in the PHB2.
I don't suppose Alyssa is good enough to spontaneously generate the same spell structure based off of what she's seen?
You could probably work out a spell like it, though not spontaneously. Making up spells on the spot is deific level shenanigans.
"Hm... I see how it's done... I think I could I could make a spell for the same... I'll poke at it when I have free time. Ianvasah, would you be interested in meeting Queen Morwel?"
"The mother of the eladrin?" Ianvasah resumes half elven form, "Why not? What other secrets will I find there?" she smile ear to ear, "Are there more?"
"That's why I follow Shaundakul. There's always more to discover."
"Will Jarem come as well?" Emily finally asks, sighing after, "What's he going to call you, Baroness?"
"Isn't that a down-grade from Queen?"
"Well, he calls you Queen. Oh! Maybe he'll call her Empress," Emily ventures.
"Empress Ianvasah. It does sound rather pleasant," Ianvasah adds, "Who is Jarem?"
"Cleric of the Red Knight."
"Pah, a warmonger," Ianvasah says darkly, "Leading armies of steel ripped from the earth, laying waste toe farm and field."
Alyssa chuckles. "Oh, this'll be fun. He's a bit of a womanizer too."
Alyssa grins at Emily.
"At least he does something right," Ianvasah retorts, "It's a man's natural role to chase women, so long as he remembers to provide for them after."
Emily starts to smile back and stop, "T-that's not the answer I was looking for."
Alyssa laughs. "Oh yes, this'll be fun. Let's find Jarem first."
Jarem's busy overseeing to the true role of any commander: logistics. He's ordering a few dozen men around, carrying this and that. "That's for the long term supplies," he orders half a dozen men, "Don't do more than triple stack those for now, we'll go higher if space is needed."
Alyssa waits with a slightly manic grin.
After a few more orders Jarem turns, "Queen," he greets, then glances at Ianvasah. "Hi there," he says, coming over, "Jarem Aruwood of the Red Knight."
Ianvasah gives him a look, obvious look over. "Ianvasah. You taking good care of Alyssa and Emily?"
As Emily calls, "HEY!", Jarem smiles. "I am. They are my duty."
"He does. I'll give him that. He's an excellent commander as well."
Jarem smiles a bit at that, "They do keep me busy."
"Good. Take care of your children with them as well," Ianvasah says, "On that we at least will have no quarrel."
Emily reddens and shakes her head, "It's not like-"
"It's not like that," Jarem says, holding a hand up, "I'm more of a teacher for Alyssa, as well as a minder."
"Oh, and what have you taught me?"
"Isn't that obvious?" Jarem asks right back.
"I'm not the one under examination. After all, you have to prove you can provide, not me."
Alyssa gives him a teasingly vicious grin.
"Hmph," Ianvasah says, giving Jarem a long look.
"Training, advice, help with planar matters, support for your academy - I've taught you many things and shown you more," Jarem retorts.
"Yes, exactly that, Jarem. So you see Ianvasah, while he's very, very thorough in his duties to me, that's all he's here for. He does his job excellently, but his personal matters don't concern me. Unless he makes poor choices I have to deal with."
With a hint of a smile, "I'm a servant of the Red Knight. We're trained not to make poor choices." Jarem sallies right back.
Ianvasah snorts softly, the gentle rustling of air, "I see." She looks less than amused, but doesn't press it.
Alyssa sing-songs, "Lorathana."
The turns a bit serious, "We're planning a trip to meet Queen Mowrel. Emily has been to her court before, and Ianvasah is interested in going. Are you?"
"I had better," Jarem agrees, "When do we leave?"
"We've got time. I want to finish the research on Lord Melweather's problem and Emily needs to send messages."
Okay, in that case, next move?
Research on Melweather's thing.
Paste me where you were at on that last?
There's an odd magic pattern around Lord Melweather, deep within him. You can't discern its deeper functions yourself, but you're pretty sure it's causing the scryings.
As to what's causing it? You can think of a few culprits. If Lord Melweather has remarkable blood in his family tree, especially blood related to a deity of knowledge or sight, it could theoretically cause this. Certain astral or astrological conjunctions could theoretically cause this as well, but not this long without outside interference. It could be the work of a powerful wizard - or odder things yet. You need to know more about the magic to pare and hone your efforts here.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104207.msg1127590.html#msg1127590
Review your main reason for wanting to get access to Morwel's library, Iddy.
Whoop, yeah, totally forgot that. Okay, I guess... I dunno, family time or meeting with Regents to answer questions until Emily has things set up.
Emily doesn't need long, she has magic and knows powerful people.
It's not long at all for Emily to meet with you, "We're ready - we can go to Arborea and hunt down a door to the Court of Stars whenever you're ready, Alyssa."
"Well, let's get ready then. We'll go find the others."
Any prep before your trip?
I did the prep spells before, so unless Emily has suggestions, not really.
"Emily, is there anything you'd suggest we prepare for?"
"Just be ready," Emily says, "The court is peaceful, but it's not tame," Emily suggests. "Eladrin are much more wild than archons."
Alyssa nods. "I'll go with the spells I have prepared then. I'm set to go if everyone else is."
Thus one gate spell later?
Endless forest stretches around you. Arborea is untamed and untouched by mortal hands, growing wild and eternal. Trackless lands, only the barest paths to pass through at best.
Ianvasah immediately begins to go forward, a rapturous smile blooming on her face.
Alyssa steps up and nudges her.
"Let's not lose our way. Which way, Emily?"
"Whichever way you like," Emily explains, "The way to the Court of Stars will come before you when the time is right. Sometimes its fast and sometimes you have to wander."
"So we're waiting on luck or someone deciding we've spent enough time looking," Jarem says, "Wonderful."
Alyssa laughs.
"Well, that's pleasant. I'll trust in Shaundakul for this."
With that, Alyssa lets the horizon take her and starts to wander.
d100, Iddy.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 42, total 42[/blockquote]
You wander for a time, perhaps an hour. You soon come on a clearing, a clearing which a single moss-covered tombstone sits. The area around it is undisturbed. Before the tombstone lies a sheathed sword, untouched by the elements.
Alyssa holds a hand up and casts a quick Detect Magic and inspects the area.
"A solemn place."
CL on DM.
CL check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 6 + 32, total 38[/blockquote]
You detect no magic.
"A grave," Jarem says, "The grave of a warrior, if that sword means anything. Let it rest, the dead have served long enough."
Ianvasah sniffs the air, "There is no rot in the air nor the smell over upturned soil. It was not a recent burial."
Alyssa nods.
"I won't disturb it, but I'd like to see if there's a name. Record it and the location so it won't be lost forever."
"I suggest flying," Emily says, leaning forward and peering ahead at the tombstone. "The grove doesn't look like it's been disturbed in a long time."
Alyssa does so, approaching with her journal out.
What languages do you know/read?
Languages: Common, Draconic, Celestial, Abyssal, Elven, Sylvan, Halfling, Infernal, Dwarven, Aquan, Auran, Ignan, Terran
The following is written in Sylvan: He who rests shall rest well, for those beneath the earth are free. Rest well, my hero.
Alyssa records it with a sketch and heads back, showing it to the others.
"I'm curious as to who it was and who made the inscription..."
"It sounds like a maiden," Jarem says, "Someone recording a lost love that saved them." He reads it slowly, "A nymph would be my guess."
"Really?" Emily frowns and taps the paper with her finger, "I got the impression it was a memorial for a great hero without any of that. Why do you think that, Jarem?"
"I'll have to see if anyone in the Court of Stars knows the story. Let's keep going."
d100 again.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 7, total 7[/blockquote]
You wander a time. An hour, perhaps two. It is then that you see it - a doorway standing in the forest. Beyond it is a field of stars, as if the night sky is given to you to see up close and personal.
"There! That was quick," Emily calls, "That should take us right on in, and it looks like we're taking the aerial route."
"Lead the way. You've been here before."
Thus you all pass through.
In an instant you are amid the knight sky, countless twinkling stars glittering here. Each of you radiates a gentle white glow, like the faraway light of the stars. "Oh!" Emily says, "Just relax and let yourself go down, like a falling star," Emily says.
Alyssa does so, enjoying it.
"Down," Jarem murmurs as you all begin to descend. White light and warmth surrounds you, a tail of radiance left in your wakes.
Ianvasah throws her head back and laughs, "We are the comets in the skies!"
"I know! Enjoy it!" Emily calls over the wooshing of the winds, as you fall faster and faster, plummeting down in the darkness, towards far below ground.
"Was it worth joining us, Ianvasah?"
Ianvasah's answer is a deep, wild laugh. A laugh of joy, as she descends from the sky with the rest of the party.
Alyssa relaxes and floats.
Down and down you go, faster and faster! Jarem lets out a woop of sheer joy as you race down. Emily laughs, "Faster! Faster!" she cries, flames erupting around you - and yet you land perfectly, not the slightest jarring. You appear in a courtyard of a seemingly endless palace. Roses grow all about, vibrant red all about the party.
"Well, that was certainly an excellent entrance to a beautiful place. I've never had such an experience."
Emily dusts her shoulders off and says, "It's amazing. That's one of my favorites."
Jarem's smiling at that, "Yeah, that was special. I've been on dragonback when one swooped down and it's like that. It takes your breath away, or if you've ever fallen off a high cliff or a mountain."
Ianvasah keeps on laughing, smiling widely as she looks around at the overgrowth of roses.
"Well, Ianvasah here can turn into a dragon. Maybe she'll let you have a ride."
Alyssa grins toothily at Jarem, but looks around the area to see where to go next.
Ianvasah's gaze cools down at that, while Jarem just returns that smile.
There's a rose covered archway leading to a door to your right. Roses do not cover the door, thankfully.
There's a winding path leading deeper into the courtyard and into the roses.
Emily clears her throat, "The Court can be maze like at times - it's as big as Queen Morwel wills it to be so. There's a large core that stays the same once you reach it, but many of the connecting areas and outlying parts can change from visit to visit."
Alyssa nods. "I'll leave this to wandering, as usual. Shaundakul will walk with us."
It does mean choosing a path though, Iddy.
I figured you'd call for a coin flip or something.
Alyssa chooses.... The courtyard!
d100, then.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 22, total 22[/blockquote]
A narrow path of roses and thorns, winding about and around. Turn after turn, surely going farther than the courtyard should have space to accept, but on you go. In time you come to a four way intersection. In the center sits a bench where an elven man rests. His eyes are closed as he lightly strums a harp, his features as elegant and beautiful as his music is. He wears simple clothes otherwise, linens.
Alyssa greets him in Sylvan, "Hello. This is a beautiful place."
"Very whimsical," Emily agrees, smiling. "I think....Skygrass, was it?"
"Ah, Skaegras! No, that's my brother," The elf declares, "I an Vasni," the elf introduces himself, "We get mistaken for each other, we're twins."
Ianvasah gives him a long look at that as Emily goes on, "Oh yes, I think he mentioned that now. Something about you having to miss the dance because of a prior engagement? It was too bad, it was a great evening."
"I was off plane," Skaegras sighs, overblown and dramatic, smiling all the while. "Her Majesty showed me the way to accomplish her will."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Would you be willing to take us to the Queen?"
"Ah, The Queen." Skaegras murmurs, "I'm afraid not, for she goes where she wishes, and I know not where she is."
Alyssa nods.
"Would you happen to know anyone who's a collector of stories? We came across a grave and I'd like to know the story behind it."
"Ask around, for are we all nothing but collections of stories?" Skaegras replies, fingers dancing along his harp.
"No, but that sounds mock insightful," Jarem retorts right back. "You also didn't say yes or no to the question."
With a suffering sigh, "Ah, human temper. I know several here and in other places. I may even know it myself. What do you know of the grave?"
Alyssa brings out her journal and shows him the rough sketch she made and the inscription on the gravestone.
"No idea, I'm sad to say," The elf replies, But it is merely a question of finding the right story."
Alyssa sighs.
"Thank you, in any case. We must be on our way, I suppose, to find the Queen."
"Fare you well," The elf bids as you all begin to go and...
Which direction?
1- north, 2 -east, 3- west
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
Thus you travel west, into more rose-choked paths and...
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 72, total 72[/blockquote]
You wander down another path. Here the roses relent, until you to a wall. A door is here, leading into the palace proper. The sound of music can be faintly heard from within.
Alyssa goes forth and opens the door!
The door opens. Ahead is a ball room where beautiful eladrin lords and ladies dance. Chandaliers of crystal and light hang and illuminate everything, vast windows showing the night sky full of stars. The music is lively and pretty, ladies in beautiful gowns and lords in elegant formal wear.
"A dance," Emily says, "We can go join in if you want to dance, Alyssa." She smiles, "They're fun, but you can lose track of time."
"I... Never learned. At least it's in the palace. Can we go through without causing problems?"
A laugh. A warm laugh, a beautiful eladrin coming forth. He is tall and well muscled, hair like all the flames of the world. He wears tunic, cape and pants, all colored black and decorated with silver. He takes your hand and kisses it, "My lady Songsteel," he greets you, "May I have the honor of teaching you how to dance?"
Emily smiles openly, shaking her head in open amusement.
Jarem nudges you, "I think you're supposed to accept, Queen."
Ianvasah merely watches this, watching the eladrin, gaze not going from him.
"Would a rain check be rude, sir...?"
"It would wound me," The eladrin smiles, "But I would understand. You have the face of someone who wears a heavy burden."
"Hmm... How about after I conclude my business?"
"I would be honored," The eladrin says, "Until we meet again." He steps back and before your eyes the doorway vanishes, stone replacing it - and a path to your left, leading deeper into the rose bushes.
"Where one path vanishes, another appears. The eladrin say it is a mimicry of every day life." Emily begins to walk that way, "What do you think?"
"Very philosophical, but that doesn't make it less... Time consuming."
Alyssa heads left.
"Oh Alyssa, we aren't in that great a rush. Live a little!" Emily declares, hands on her hips as she turns to you. "The Court is lovely, but not if you ignore all of its charms because you're in a hurry!"
"Alyssa's right," Jarem says, "Accomplish first and celebrate second." He takes a breath out, "I doubt Shar sits idle."
"I also have an entire council of Regents to convince to let me build a nation. I also need to establish a magic item workshop, and I also need to find a way to fund low-level magic to make our citizen's lives easier, and not strip the islands of their resources or destroy nature. I've also got to investigate Hades, the plane of Vacuum, meet the new Archomental in Ash, deal with Malcanthet, raise and raise islands. I also still want a ship like the Gith's. If anyone wants to take over anything so I have more free time to frolick, please do."
Emily wilts at each thing you list off and by the end murmurs, "You sound like Mom so much right now."
Jarem nods, "We can celebrate here later. Eyes on the prize."
Ianvasah chuckles, but adds, "Courting is natural, Alyssa. Don't neglect it forever."
Alyssa chuckles. "I don't plan to, and Emily, I might take it as a compliment if you tell me I sound like a Goddess."
Alyssa continues down the path.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 13, total 13[/blockquote]
Perception in that case.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 7 + 43, total 50[/blockquote]
The path leads around to a covered deck, cool and shadowed. You can distantly hear two people whispering nearby, but it's just out of earshot.
Alyssa tries to locate them...
You think they're coming from the other side of the deck.
Alyssa heads that way to find them!
Jarem follows, silent without a word, Ianvasah is the same, while Emily frowns but follows suit.
Trying to be quiet?
Nah. No point in being rude.
"AH!" A pair of brightly colored fairies emerge from behind it. One is colored red with orange clothes and the other is blue haired with green clothes. They emerge out, "You jerks, we told you...that you aren't them," The blue haired one goes from anger to embarrassment in a second, blushing brightly. "Hi?"
"Hello, my name is Alyssa Songsteel. Who might you be?"
The two exchange a look, giggle and begin to fly off, fast as they can.
Ianvasah watches, "Childish," she notes, "But what can you expect but that?"
Alyssa shrugs. "I expected the fey around here to be... Difficult. Let's continue."
d100 real quick.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 73, total 73[/blockquote]
You follow past the deck, a path taking you into the nearby forest. Emily perks up, "Oh, is this...?" she hurries ahead, and around a bend. A moment later she cries, "Oh! It is! Alyssa and everyone, come quick!
Alyssa follows, enjoying the walk.
Ahead is a circle of trees, ten in total. Each one has crystalline growths of a different color emerging from it - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, black, white and pink.
Emily's smiling, "Go on, tap one of the trees!"
Alyssa taps on the violet one... The color of royalty, naturally.
An array of purple lights fill the grove, a beauty of colors that enthralls you. At the same time a deep, reflective melody of flutes and violins is heard, coming from the trees themselves.
"Music and a color show? Impressive magic," Jarem opines.
"I may have to ask for some cuttings..."
"What sorcery is this?" Ianvasah frowns, murmuring a few words of magic. She studies the trees, "W-what? Impossible!"
Jarem glances over, "Possible. I'm sure Morwel or whomever made this knows more than you do."
"You did just discover magic beyond the ninth, so..."
Alyssa shrugs.
Emily laughs, "Try another one! Jarem, try one!"
Jarem smiles indulgently, "Sure, Princess," he says, rapping his knuckle against the orange tree. A lively, horn based melody is played as orange lights spread amid the circle of trees.
Alyssa taps the red one.
Beautiful organ music fills the air as red lights sweep over everything.
"The music changes if you concentrate on something," Emily says, "You can make virtually any music here you can dream of."
"Oh.. Hmm.."
Alyssa touches the red, then purple trees, focusing on a symphony and the laughter and joy of the fey.
A chorus of happy, laughing voices follows as multicolored lights fill the grove. Emily claps along while Jarem murmurs, "Catchy."
"Yes... I may very well have to ask for cuttings or find a way to reproduce this..."
"It's also a bit of a sidetrip," Jarem says, "It's incredible, but if we linger we'll be here all week."
"I think that's the intent, yes. Let's keep moving."
d100+10.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100+10 : 37 + 10, total 47[/blockquote]
You walk along a forest path as Emily suddenly stops cold. "Er..." she says aloud, blushing. "Well, that is...stop teasing me!" she blurts out.
Jarem stops at that, "Well, talking to yourself is fine if you're that good a conversationalist, Princess," he remarks. "Someone contacting your mind?"
Ianvasah frowns, "Who is it or have you slipped back into childhood?"
"I'm sure it's some fey trying to play a trick. Share if you want, but let's continue on our way."
"Ah no, it's Lady Gwynharwyf," Emily says, "She heard about what I did from Waukeen, or well form Lliira, who heard it from Waukeen."
Ianvasah slows at that, "You speak of them like common gossips!"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow at Ianvasah, "They compete against each other using mortals and proxies for achievements, do they not? Sounds like gossiping to me. And don't forget, she's the daughter of Seira, so to her, they're guests at dinner."
"She's inviting us to a forest-library ahead, but..." Emily trails off, "It's dangerous and we'll have to fight. Anything slain here is in no danger so we need not worry about harming others, but we will have to fight."
"Are we in danger if we're slain?"
"Well yes," Emily admits, "Lady Gwynharwyf represents war and battle, amid other things."
"So anything we kill get a free pass, but we don't? Doesn't seem very balanced."
"We are asking for the favor," Emily remarks, "It's only polite."
Jarem clears his throat, "It is also a lead on a library. I'm not big on the unbalanced risk either, but you can't succeed without risking things."
"Hmm.. I suppose it is what it is, then. Please lead the way."
"Alright, let me explain a few things. While there are books, many living trees are also repositories of great knowledge. Please don't hurt any, so be careful if you sling magic like fireballs around." Emily explains, "In fact, avoiding fire would be best here."
"It's a forest, and one in full bloom. A fire is always a risk," Ianvasah says. "You would be wise to listen to her, Alyssa."
"I always thought forest fires were more common in the winter," Jarem remarks, checking his blade and shield in the meantime.
"They're the worst in the later winter or early spring, whenever the thaw and dry out happens, depending on the local climate." Ianvasah says, "All the fallen branches, leaves and the like makes natural kindling. A fire can happen in any season, and dryness or wetness too. A dry forest is a forest ready to burn. A wet forest is resistant."
"Well, we can avoid such a thing, I think."
"Good," Jarem says, "I'm ready."
"So am I," Emily says, "We just go on ahead and it'll take us right to the library."
Alyssa heads that way.
Gimme a Perception for the times ahead real quick.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 10 + 43, total 53[/blockquote]
Okay, new topic time for a new dungeon. Good luck!