Okay, now that you're done with your visit, now what, Iddy?
Ummm... I guess look for another target/treasure. Maybe send a message to the other nodes and see if anyone needs help.
On the developmental side, until I get a decent chunk of soldiers, that Calvary, and the deployment portals done, I can't really hit big targets, so I need to push those three things.
Well, Ianvasah has her shit together so how about we open with that?
Sounds good.
You are in your office as you slowly eat dinner and watch the sun set. It is disturbed by Ianvasah's emergence, "Alyssa, I've made my choice," she announces.
"Well sit down and tell me."
"I'd like you to go with me," Ianvasah says at last, "You may not be the strongest for this or the best choice, but there's more to it than that."
Alyssa nods, "Whatever you need. If you'd like to explain, please do."
"Well, to refresh. Ahem." Ianvasah clears her throat. "We must each take one of Dead Moons and find a Lunatic that will help us reach the moon. Once there we must find sacred oils and anoint the chakrams with them, then let them rest on the moon for one week. Each of us must wield one of the two chakrams and seek a Sharran of vast power on Ash, then we must vanquish him. "
"So," Ianvasah says after a moment, "We each take one of Dead Moons and go to find a Lunatic."
"... I meant your decision to pick me, but clearing up the goal is good."
"Oh."
There's that awkward moment where Ianvasah clears her throat again before, "I chose you because I believe in you."
Alyssa chuckles, "Well, I believe in you too. But, let's look at preparation. These chakrams. Are we allowed to... Tinker with them?"
"No, the point is to purify them," Ianvasah explains, "That's the mission of the quest."
"Hmm... Then we'll have to work on our gear before we start. Let's see... Maybe an alteration to gloves or bracers to grant temporary skill with it... Something that will layer some sort of additional damage or impose some sort of weakness... Something for defenses..."
"We'll need to be prepared," Ianvasah agrees, "That's only wise."
"Think on it. You have different spells than I do and layering them on our gear might make up the difference. We'll pull in the others too, they might know something obscure that will cover something we don't see."
Could you check downtime real quick, Iddy?
"It's only wise to prepare," Ianvasah agrees.
What sort of prep here?
Honestly, I'm looking at the aptitude enchantment and trying to get it to work on the chakrams somehow. We'll also be losing energy immunities and epic mage armor, so we'll need to find a way to cover that. Also something to do a planar bubble or the like, and something to get the weapons or summon daylight.
That's off the top of my head.
Sure, figure it out and let me know.
Issue is, I don't really have any books right now. So if you wanna put it on the back burner until I get back and just move forward with some smaller stuff, that'll at least keep things moving.
Sure. You have a few days until you get back. What do you want to knock out real quick in the interim?
Lizards or coronation stuff
Sure, refresh me on the goal there since your guys gathered a bunch of them?
Make them into a combat unit. Maybe some as pixie Calvert, maybe some as infiltration/ambush support for scouts and stuff.
Sure, got any means to train them?
Well, I made a realm post about either having an alpha and training them like regular animals or what it would take to get the awakening spell from Surraruthru.
Well, it takes epic Handle Animal to train magical beasts. If only you knew someone with 24 or more ranks in Handle Animal. Like an epic level druid.
For real, Ianvasah could train them if you want.
it's more a question of which way would make them a more effective unit. Simple animal training or make them intelligent?
Ianvasah's opinion:
"Intelligence if possible would make them far more than they are now, but also with more complexity. Intelligent creatures have more ways to fail or object that unintelligent creatures do not. It's almost certainly less expensive since awakening of any kind is not a free spell."
Epic Ignore Material Components. But yeah. What does she think of awakening a few to act like intelligent pack alphas?
"Worth a try. It depends on how they awaken and the personalities they have."
Alright, should we isolate the proposed alphas in case they're psycho?
"It's a good precaution."
Let's get set up for that, then. But I think I still need a visit to get the spell?
Or create something similar. How would Alyssa research this possibility in the first place?
Well, she'll know about the awaken animal spell, same as Surraruthru did. It's also reasonable that once Alyssa mentions the idea Emily would have heard about Surraruthru doing it to the hydras and mention it.
Gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 37, total 37[/blockquote]
That evening, over dinner with everyone?
"Eh? Actually, I can do better than that," Emily says, "I've heard of a few people who have made such a spell."
"Oh? Any you think would be willing to share and maybe advise?"
Jarem looks up from his ham and adds, "Useful spell, if you got the swing for it."
Ianvasah frowns faintly while Emily says, "Someone on Aurora, I'd have to ask," Emily says, "I think the faerie dragon, or maybe the tortle?"
"I am interested in both. A faerie dragon? I don't think I've ever heard of one of them achieving any significant power."
"I'll ask," Emily says, getting up...
Then Emily sits back down, going back to her meal. "After dinner."
Bastian smiles, "Now that is wisdom. Eat now, the next meal may be moldy bread eaten on the go." As he eats, "Though it's not as if most of us need to eat."
"I like ham," Emily blushes at that, focusing on her food.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "You are the daughter of a god and you don't have a storage pack that won't spoil food? Don't you know magic? Heroes Feast is a common spell."
Bastian's laughter is loud as Emily blushes, "...I just want to finish dinner," she says, petulance in every word.
"A wise woman," Dolmaya says, "We're in no great rush."
"Let's enjoy it then."
Amid gentle laughter the meal passes and Emily goes off. She isn't long to return, "I have a few sources," she announces.
"Go on."
"Well, the first a dragon from Aurora - Surraruthru. He developed a spell that works, he used it on hydras," Emily explains.
"Hydras? He certainly threw caution to the wind. Then again, I guess it wouldn't be hard to establish dominance with that level of magic. Still... An interesting idea... Regenerating heavy hitters."
"Actually," Emily claps her hands together, "Did you know that hydras aren't true regenerators, not like a troll? Rather, they heal fast like Ianvasah can, and have additional, special properties to grow more heads."
It can be assumed that even with a roll of 1, Alyssa has enough ranks in the appropriate Knowledge skill to know this. That being said:
"Quite so, but for the sake of normal conversation, the concept is the same. Excellent way to be technically correct, though. It's the best kind of correct."
Sure, that's fine.
Emily smiles momentarily before, "I asked Auntie Elle about it, she said she could create such a spell if she needed to - and pointed out I could, too. With a few notes and pointers it wouldn't even be that hard."
"Hmm... I'd still like to collaborate with someone who's used such a spell. There's likely to be things in the after, dealing with and guiding, the newly awakened that I might not think of."
"Yes. It's still a risk," Emily says, "Shocker lizards have a poor reputation, Alyssa."
Alyssa waives her hand, "Yes, yes, everyone keeps telling me how horrifying they are. I'm just going to have them horrify our enemies for us. Can you arrange a meeting with Surraruthru?"
"Alright," Emily says, "Kascha knows him, I asked her and she'll set it up."
Alyssa nods, "Thank you. Now, for the other big thing. Ianvasah's asked me to go on a mission with her. We'll have to rely on Chakrams and I won't be able to use spells. Which means... I want suggestions on how to improve our gear to cover this gap. Jarem, Bastian, you're both probably the most experienced we have in regards to those sort of things. Emily, I'm sure you've seen things in your mother's court. Let's get ourselves the best chance we can."
A moment, "You can't use your spells at all?" Emily frowns, "Really?"
Alyssa looks to Ianvasah for the answer.
Ianvasah shakes her head.
"Truly? I'll ask Mom while I'm there, in case there was a mistake," Emily says, "That seems hard, even for one of these quests."
"It depends on how it technically works. Contingency, for example. But if we can use items, wands and rods would likely be a very wise investment."
"I'll let you know as soon as I ask," Emily rises, going off.
"Does anyone else have anything to bring up?"
"Just that I wish you luck on this," Jarem says, "That's going to be an ugly one."
"Well, I'll keep busy while you're running around with chakrams," Bastian says, "Dolmaya?"
"Yes," Dolmaya agrees, "We'll keep things going."
"How are the preparations with my sister going, Dolmaya?"
"She's learning, eventually," Dolmaya replies, "But she is learning."
Alyssa nods, "Anything you need to help?"
"We have everything, but thank you," Dolmaya answers.
"Alright, if nothing else, then it's time for me to pay a visit to my family and get some sleep."
So basically ready to skip along then?
Yup
Your post is coming, I left a message in Cor's IRC PMs for whenever he gets to it. Just post back so I know you saw this?
I SEEN'T IT!
"There's good news," You meet with Emily the next morning, "It's not as limited as you thought it was, there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding somewhere along the line."
"Oh? What's the word then?"
"Until you pick up the chakrams after they are anointed on the Moon, you can use whatever magic you like. Once you do, you can use magic to support yourself or that is not offensive, but you have to fight using only the chakrams. But spells that enhance fighting are fine, like divine power or bull's strength." Emily reports.
"What about spells that augment the Chakrams? Additional damage or telekinesis?"
"That's fine," Emily agrees.
,"Well, not so bad then. I mean, it's still a weapon I have no experience with, but more easily dealt with."
"So good luck!" Emily bids you warmly, "Will you begin the quest soon?"
"Probably. A few things to pin down first. I don't want to randomly wander Ash. Need to find a Shar champion."
"Good hunting," Emily bids you as...
Next move?
Use the bowl to find some Sharrans to smack
Sure, what's the DC on the bowl and how are you scrying for people? Anyone in mind?
DC 25. Figured I'd start with 'powerful follower of Shar on Ash' and work from there. Also might send Bastian and that firmly no hand dwarf to Ash to ask around.
Paste me the bowl's writeup?
Bowl of Many Eyes
-This bowl allows you to scry on a single person as if by a scrying spell (caster level 15th; DC 25). Unlike normal scrying devices, you can scry on up to five different targets at the same time. The bowl's magic allows you to track and manage all five without any difficulty.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/scrying.htm
Check the spell. You have to have some sort of connection to a creature you don't know to scry them.
We're connected by mutual hate and violence.
What about the two we ran from earlier? They might still be floating around Ash.
You could try them if you wanted, sure.
Yup, let's try. Defenses and stuff in place and Emily on standby to help if there's another curse or the like.
> roll 1d20+28
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+23
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=5]
No dice on it, they resisted.
No good - the will of the targets is too strong, at least today. Tomorrow may be better.
"Hm... Let's try a few more times, but let's also send Bastian and our new dwarf friend to Ash to do some searching."
Going to try on a few days straight then?
yeah.
Give me a number of days you'll try until stopping so I can batch roll the saves.
Let's try 5.
> roll 1d20+28 day 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+23 day 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+28 day 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+25 day 2 (+2 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+28 day 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+23 day 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+28 day 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+23 day 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+28 day 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+23 day 5
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=17]
No luck. You either need more powerful magic, something to form a connection or they're simply dreadfully willful.
"Well, I think Shar is protecting them. I suppose we're stuck with whatever Bastian comes up with."
> roll 1d20+43 Bastian (+2 being aided)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=2]
Bastian returns in the fullness of time. "Good news or bad news?" he asks, going to take a seat in your office.
"Bad. Strong protection against from divination."
"I mean what I got," Bastian says, "But hardly surprising. No one wants to be scried and wake up with a sword on their throat."
"Bad. Let's get it over with."
"The Sharrans are either thinner there than we thought, or are being extra careful," Bastian says, "The good news is that I found a few leads anyway."
"Let's find Ianvasah and go over them, then. Excellently done, Bastian."
So what's your plan here, get people together and see what moves you have to make?
This is Ianvasah's thing, so I want her to be part of the decision making, at the very least. So get her pissed n here to hear about the leads, pick one, and then do final prep.
Pissed in here?
Once the three of you are together Bastian sits back, "First lead's allegedly in the ashen wastelands. I have a fairly precise location but I haven't investigated. The source is reliable, but it's second hand information."
In here.
"What sort of details have you heard? Anything on numbers?"
"Small but unknown, assuming it's actually Sharrans and real," Bastian says, "But nothing stone solid yet."
"Hmm. Well, we're looking for a specific level of Sharrans."
"A specific sort of power or quality, or talent?" Bastian asks back.
"Ianvasah? Emily might know, too."
"Strong," Ianvasah says, "No weaklings." With a scowl, "Someone worthy of fighting, a truly worthy opponent."
"Probably not, but you could try," Bastian suggests, "I can't make powerful Sharrans appear on demand."
"Hm. Well, if we make a nuisance of ourselves, a few are bound to show up."
"Or it could turn dick shaped like last time and bend us over," Bastian says, "Like what elves do to horses."
"...Elves do NOT do that!" Ianvasah blushes, "Where did you even GET that crude, disgraceful idea?"
Smiling just a bit too much, Bastian sits back, "A childhood friend said that about elves. Though perhaps it would explain centaurs."
"It surely will turn on us, and hold on a moment..."
Alyssa writes up a note and hands it to Bastian.
"That'll have the librarians bring you everything we have on the origins of Centaurs. Perhaps you could spearhead the recruitment of some for our Calvary?"
Bastian's smile doesn't break at that, though Ianvasah gets a nice, new one.
"That's a wonderful idea," Ianvasah seconds.
"So, Sharrans. How do you want to do this, Ianvasah? This is your quest, after all."
"Well, we have to find a Luantic first," Ianvasah reasons, "Everything else flows from that."
"Well... Find one."
"I will," Ianvasah says, "You don't know any, do you?"
I don't recall? I think I ran into one wandering?
Casual search and notes don't reveal anything offhand.
"Not personally. Emily might."
Ianvasah rises and...
Going to direct aid Ianvasah as she searches for a lead here?
Sure
In that case, first of all, give me a Diplo check for GI as an aid.
Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+67 : 9 + 67, total 76[/blockquote]
+3 if terrain mastery applies.
"You two are looking for Lunatics?" Jarem says when Ianvasah asks. He sits outside, practice just done. He drinks deep from a mug of chilled water before, "Brightwater's not bad, the realms are close enough that there's usually a few around. Or..." He draws this out slowly, "Go outside since it's the Gates of the fucking Moon?"
Ianvasah stiffens, "I'm not looking for any -" A breath. A glare. "Your point is taken, I overthought it."
"There you go," Jarem says, "That's the winning strategy. Go meet and greet the various neighbors. Work up the chain. You'll find someone worthwhile out there."
A pause as Ianvasah turns to go, but hesitates. "Do you ever get used to being in the afterlives like this, Jarem?"
To this Jarem smiles, "I did. Think of it like this: You were going to end up in one sooner or later anyway."
"Well, let's go! Lead the way, Ianvasah."
Thus the two of you head out into the flowers beyond your realm, into the great Gates of the Moon beyond. Ianvasah takes it all in, a pause before she begins to walk, an old dirt road leading onward.
"You follow Shaundakul?" Ianvasah asks as you walk, "Do you have any knowledge on traveling well in this realm?"
"I trust in the path. I follow where my wanderlust leads. Your path may be different."
"When in another person's home, follow their rules," Ianvasah puts one foot forward and then another, a steady pace as she walks onward.
Give me a 1d100 for general reference as well as a Spot check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 63, total 63[/blockquote]
Perception/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+70 : 11 + 70, total 81[/blockquote]
+3 if Terrain Mastery applies.
You wander a time on a path that heads upwards and in a general, northerly direction. After a few hours of this, you see something ahead. A small roadside inn, a sign reading 'White Flower Rest' along with a simple picture of beds as well as grapes. There's a small barn on the side, though you don't see anyone about and around.
Alyssa smiles, "Welcome to your first divine guidance of Shaundakul. Every step an experience, every meeting a page, every place a story. Ours is a story written into the paths we walk, our steps echoing into the world. Our lives, books of exploration, meetings, people, and secrets and knowledge shared with the world.
Go find out what the story here is, and write yourself into it."
"I was going to ask if you'd been here before," Ianvasah says, but strides forward. She knocks on the door, and you can hear, "Come in! Oh, a guest, come in!"
"No, I haven't. It's a first for me too."
Inside is a nice, well tended and warm inn. The front room is small, a crackling fire place, a small table and a single chair. Here sits an old woman, wrapped warmly and with her hair in a bun. "Travelers," she says, "Oh, it's a good day if we have travelers. Do you need a room?"
"No, but a good meal, drink, and conversation wouldn't be amiss."
"All of them," Ianvasah agrees, putting a few gold coins down.
"Stay right there...oh, there's some chairs over here," she says, ducking into a little closet and bringing out two more. "Get comfortable, I'll have something in a minute."
Alyssa pulls them with her TK and settles in.
Once seated the woman hurries back. It's bread and a simple bit of meats and cheeses, nothing fancy. Simple, mild and salty fair by and large. It's joined by wine.
"Here you are," The old woman says, sitting down afterwards. "So tell me, you're traveling in the Gates of the Moon?"
Alyssa inclines her head towards Ianvasah and begins to snack.
"We're searching for Lunatics," Ianvansah says, "In particular powerful, resourceful and skillful ones."
"Ah, Selune's stock," The old woman agrees, "That's a good quest. They're usually found following her will rather than resting here, but you could find a few. Hm, hm, I think it is...oh yes, keep going north, that'll lead you to the Fortress of Eclipse."
"Thank you very much. How can we repay you?"
"That's easy - tell me about yourselves," The old woman says, "This isn't the most well traveled inn."
Alyssa motions for Ianvash to go first.
Ianvasah says, "I'm..." A moment's pause. "My name's Ianvasah, a traveler who fell in with Alyssa here," A look to you. "We're on a quest that requires a Lunatic's aid."
Alyssa rolls her eyes, "She's a Druid. Fondness for dragons, and she's on a mission. I'm Alyssa, formerly High Regent of the Arcane Order of Arythma. I'm quite an accomplished mage, and I'm working on establishing my own kingdom.. Queensland, rather?"
"Ah, a Queen?" A gasp from your hostess, "You honor my humble inn!"
Alyssa waives it off, "Daughter of a Blacksmith and a Tailor, and not a Queen yet. I'm a bit of a Blacksmith myself."
"Really? You're so dainty," The old woman gasps again, "Dear, I can't imagine you keeping up with a big, burly blacksmith!"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and begins lifting all the furniture in the room with her TK.
"To blacksmith?" The woman says, "Your magic is mighty!"
"Magic is flexible. It can be applied to anything. But yes, I use magic in my forging. A Magical Blacksmith Queen. Quite the oddity."
"I've never heard of such a thing," The woman says, "Magical Blacksmith Queen...what a title!"
"Still, Ianvasah has quite the story. If she can keep from being shy."
Ianvasah clears her throat, "Hardly! I did not want to steal your thunder, Alyssa."
"Please do. This is your quest, after all."
A moment before, "I chanced on Alyssa, or more truthfully, she chanced on me," Ianvasah begins. "Once our paths crossed, we found ourselves tangled together as surely as assassin vines strike. It's all gone from that first meeting onward, and we find ourselves here now. An unexpected path, but one that continues on far and long."
Alyssa stage whispers to the older woman, "She's very mysterious until you get under her bark like skin."
The old woman laughs lightly, "One of those strong, silent women?"
Ianvasah merely says, "A little mystery never serves one poorly."
"Indeed. How about yourself? How did you come to run an inn here?"
"Oh, my grandmother left it to me, and her grandmother left it to her," Is the answer, "It's a nice place to be, and who can argue with a place to call your own?"
"I've found that's what most good people want. I'm building my realm on it, in fact. Shaundakul has sent me some of his wanders to start. If you happen to have visitors who are looking to make something their own, please send them our way.
I'm building up an Academy to help train our people, as well."
"I could do that, dear," IS the answer, "Which way is it?"
"Oh, you know how these places work. If they want to find it, they'll be led to it, eventually. It's the knowing and wanting that's key."
"So that's what you want, more people to your academy?" Is the answer, "What lessons do you teach there?"
"Magic mainly. I'm expanding it to include as many skills as I can, however. We're going to try to make magic available for as many as we can, and use it to improve lives.
There's magic, for example, that can help crops grow. Keep homes warm. Make travel less taxing. Translation magic for trade. Magic that will help goods and food from spoiling."
"Magic? I'll tell anyone who looks like they could use it," The old woman says, "It'll make for more interesting conversations, dear."
"Anyone. Farmers, the lost, anyone. We want to use magic for the community."
"The more the better," Ianvasah says, "We need manpower."
"Then anyone," The old woman agrees.
"What about you? Do you need anything?"
"Oh yes. There's some trees out back - could you go out there and cut wood?" she asks, "I'm getting too old to do it easily."
"Easily. Come, Ianvasah."
Outside there's several trees in the back, along with plenty of loose wood and branches. Ianvasah gestures, "An elemental could do it easily enough," she suggests.
Alyssa nods and pulls at one of the trees with her TK.
Easy enough - the trees are heavy but not that heavy.
Alyssa considers, then flips the tree upside down and attempts to strip the leaves and branches off.
Again, easily enough done, if roughly so.
Alyssa then tries to split it into firewood.
This takes some time, but you get a rain of hunks of wood, firewood made. Ianvasah watches as you work, telekinesis on full display.
"You can do almost anything with that," she marvels.
"I can't beat anyone in raw strength, so I had to find a way to make what I was strong in cover that weakness. Once I found a way to leverage my mental strength as physical strength, in a way, it was a matter of focus and practice until it became more.
It's been incredibly useful. I mean, can you imagine how long it would take to swing an axe that much? And the calluses, my god. No, I rather prefer no one suspecting I can slam around the largest warriors or use a weapon like Life-Drinker."
"Deception can win battles," Ianvasah agrees, "It's still uncanny to see."
"Well, we're both excellent at what we do."
A smile, momentary, "Well, that's her wood. This was pleasant but we need to keep going."
Alyssa nods. "Lead the way, oh great and mighty druid."
Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 70, total 70[/blockquote]
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 1 + 47, total 48[/blockquote]
As you walk on, you notice a shadow in the skies above - a hint of something above you?
Alyssa glances up, expecting a dragon.
Why a dragon?
Far above in the sky, your keen eyes can spot a single, large humanoid figure. It casts a faint shadow, but casts one nonetheless. It's straight above you.
Just because. Large shadows = large creatures.
'Ianvasah, someone is flying above us.'
Ianvasah looks up, "An angel of some kind?" she suggests, "Or other aerial traveler?"
"Want to go up and find out?"
What's the distance to it, roughly?
A couple hundred feet up.
Alright. Does Dimension Door work here? Also need a response from Ianvasah.
"Yes," Ianvasah says.
No reason to think dimension door wouldn't work.
Alyssa puts a hand and Ianvasah's shoulder and uses her Dimension Door ability to teleport them 20 feet above the person!
It is a celestial, wings of white and gaze of moonlight. A great figure of silver moonlight, similar to a planetar. It flies on, gaze below. It doesn't seem to have immediately noticed you. It wears plate armor and has a greatsword at the ready. Silvery hair is long, a feminine form hinted at beneath the war gear.
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and waits to see if it reacts to her and Ianvasah disappearing. Perhaps it was a coincidence.
She sends to Ianvasah, 'Let's see if she reacts. Could have been coincidence.'
'Yes.'
A moment later the celestial looks up, "You have me at a disadvantage," she admits openly.
"To be entirely fair, you had us at a disadvantage until a moment ago. However, since you didn't take advantage of it, neither did we. I'll be polite for now and ask who you are and why you're stalking us like an eagle following a mouse."
"I dislike being a mouse," Ianvasah adds, a hint of testiness in her voice.
"Mere curiosity," The celestial says, "Nothing more sinister than that. I chanced on you and was curious."
"Please introduce yourself. We might make something out of this."
"I am Adresa, Shard of Selune," Is the introduction.
"I am Alyssa. Faithful of Shaundakul. This Ianvasah. What curiosity did you have about us?"
"Merely about you, about your path and why you were here," Is your answer, "You fit far better as one of Shaundakul's children than one of Selune's."
"Shaundakul is hosting us in one of his realms. Shar has taken an unusual interest in killing everyone around me, and so I was offered a place here to help with resisting her. I'm currently helping Ianvasah here with a mission of her own."
"Ah, then my curiosity is sated," The Shard says, "But Shar is a serious enemy. You must know well how treacherous her minions are."
"Our caution with you does not show this?"
A mere nod to that, "Your wisdom is apparent."
"Since you're here... Could you happen to point us to one of your higher ranking Lunatics?"
"Very well, I can do you one better and escort you to a nearby fortress," The celestial says, "Follow me."
"Thank you."
As you begin to fly onward, "Tell me, why do you need a Lunatic?"
"Ianvasah does for her mission."
"We need one, as I am on a holy mission, "Ianvasah says, "It is part of our ordeal."
"A holy mission? A worthy task," Adresa declares, flying on at that.
Going to just follow?
Yeah, and watch for shenanigans.
Sure, gimme Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 3 + 47, total 50[/blockquote]
+3 if Terrain Mastery applies.
As you fly, you notice that the moon is getting fuller and brighter.
"Getting closer to Selune's power?" Alyssa idly wonders, watching the moon.
"The moon waxes in such places," Your guide calls back, "A wise man knows to look to the sky!"
"Indeed. Your guidance makes this much faster, thank you."
"It is no burden: You will learn much here. Listen, watch and learn!" The Shard of Selune calls back.
Alyssa does so!
Give me one more Perception check.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 18 + 47, total 65[/blockquote]
You begin to notice something as you go. The moonlight moves in certain ways, illuminates some things and not others. You don't detect a pattern, yet it seems to be...not normal? Not like normal moonlight, it seems to guide the eye just so, from one landmark to the next.
Alyssa studies the phenomenon, "Hm. The moonlight here is odd. Active expression of Selune's power?"
"The moonlight guides you," Your guide answers, "It is showing you the way to what you want. Follow it."
"It seems to be inconsistent... Simply head to any one of those points?"
"Follow them," Is the answer, "They are stepping stones."
Alyssa raises an eye brow but turns to Ianvasah, "Shall we, then? Or do you want to head to the fortress to meet this Lunatic while I follow the light?"
"Go ahead," Ianvasah says, "This is your lead, I'll check the fortress."
Alyssa nods and heads towards the nearest one!
It looks to be a tree, sheathed in moonlight. It flickers in it as ahead you see another tree illuminated, then another and another.
Alyssa inspects the tree, trying to pick out what might make it chosen to be illuminated.
It looks like a silver maple tree. It's unremarkable to look at on a glance, a simple tree with nothing unusual about it.
Alyssa follows the path of illuminated trees.
The trees lead away from the path. It leads into a small forest of silver maple trees, a faint scent of sweetness and syrup in the air. Ahead, the moonlight shows a small house, and then another and another - a bit of a village perhaps.
Alyssa approaches the village in the open, not hiding herself. Don't want to appear suspicious, after all.
Do you have a weapon readied?
Not technically, but Life-Drinker is in my Cloak and part of its abilities is retrieval as a swift.
Thus you pass into the village. It's perhaps a dozen houses of red brick frosted white, sturdy houses with two stories and tall red chimneys. It blends into the forest unnaturally well, the eye seems to slip past it in a way that suggests magic to your trained mind.
As you walk in, a simple fox comes from the bushes, watching you.
Alyssa looks at it and cocks her eyebrow, "Well hello. Who might you be? And where might I find the rest of those who live here, I wonder..."
The fox takes one look at you and wags its tail, before running ahead and into the village.
"Well, at least it didn't snarl, I suppose."
Alyssa leisurely strolls into the village, heading to the nearest building to knock on the door.
You head into the village. You the fox goes up to a house, where on the doorsteps a man sits. He's snoozing, a rather short and wiry man in simple clothes. His head is bowed as he naps away, the fox sitting next to him.
Alyssa bends down to eye level with him.
"Excuse me, hello. Your little friend here led me to you."
A startle, "Ah!" The man says, black hair kept short. You see it close up as he leaps to his feet, "What friend who how?"
Alyssa points to the fox.
A quick look to the fox, "Oh, it's his fault," The man grumbles, "Should have known."
"Well, partially. I followed the moonlight here. I would have had to find someone eventually. He just sped things up. What is this place?"
"It's a small village, a retreat," The man rubs the back of his neck, "And who exactly are you?"
"Alyssa Songsteel, faithful of Shaundakul. And yourself?"
"Maccan Starlin," The man introduces himself, "We don't see many wanderers here, but if you're looking for a night's rest, we have somewhere you can sleep."
"Perhaps at some point. I have a friend who's searching for someone. I'm simply following a path while she does so. It seems the moonlight wanted me here."
"Well...here you are?" A slow reply, spreading his arms out. "If you wanted forestry or maple syrup, you've come to the right place."
"Both, perhaps. I'll eager you have some unique wood products and tasty syrup."
The man gets up, "Then why not?" He says, heading inside.
Alyssa follows!
Inside is a nice enough house. Rustic really, wooden furniture and decorations. Is that a bearskin rug? As you eye that you're lead into a simple kitchen, where a pan is taken. "Flat cakes go good with it," he says, "They don't take long to make, either."
Alyssa nods, "It sounds fantastic. I'm not much of a cook; not where my talents lay. Tell me about the wood you harvest here."
A pause as he mixes up a batter before, "It's...wood. It's not magic wood if that's what you think. It does well enough for fire, and hardwoods like that are used in furniture. If you traveled all the way to the Gates of the Moon just to find the wood here, you've gone to a lot of trouble."
Alyssa chuckles, "No, I'm being hosted in a demi-plane here. I'm out and about helping my friend. I'm sure wood soaked in moonlight is unique, even if only as a curiosity. I'd like to examine a few pieces, perhaps one would be suitable for use for carving or as part of one of my metal works."
"Help yourself to the fallen branches then, or a few downed logs," your host calls back, as the smell of fresh, buttery pancakes fills the air. "Go to the table, check the decanter there. It's shaped like a tree."
Alyssa goes for a snack before looking over the wood!
The syrup and pancakes are excellent - sweet and fresh and hot. As you eat your host sits opposite you, "The moonlight took you here, yet all you want are branches and lunch." Resting his head in a hand, "You're a curious woman."
"Lunch and branches are what you offered. This isn't my land, and you're not my people. Who am I to demand more? I'm no bully or tyrant to force anything from you. I asked what this place was, and you told me. If you're lying or hiding something, that's your business. As long as whatever it is doesn't pose a threat to others.
But, even with that, consider the context. This place is in the Gates of the Moon. The realm of Selune and seat of her power. Selune, and her followers, are known to be fair and generally kind. The animals here approached you with no fear, meaning either they're abnormally intelligent or feel no danger. Or both. You felt safe and secure enough to sleep in the open, then invited a stranger in for lunch.
I'll trust that Selune has no tolerance for those treading on her hospitality or reputation. And so, whatever this place might, or might not be isn't something I'm going to push unless you desire to share."
As you eat your host listens, "Alright then, how about you share? What are you really looking for? You were guided here, so it's not something small. Selune works in ways we don't always understand, but usually not as opaque as this."
"My friend is on a mission. This portion of it requires us to meet a high ranking Lunatic. We'll eventually have to track down a powerful champion of Shar and fight it."
"What role does the Lunatic play in that?" Is the question you get.
Alyssa shrugs. "It's not my quest. I'm just fire support."
"Yet here you are. I am a Lunatic, or perhaps was," The man admits with a lopsided little smile, "I'm not sure if Lunatics get to retire."
"I'm a follower of Shaundakul. I travel the path, and paths always lead somewhere. My friend is going to the near by fortress. Should I call her here to meet you?"
"Aye, I think so," The man says at last.
'Ianvasah, I've met a Lunatic. He's willing to meet you. He has flatcakes and syrup, too.'
'Really? Well, it's not been long, I can come back this way.'
'Please do. The fox can lead you here.'
"She's on her way. Let's go look at some of that wood."
How much wood do you want?
I dunno, honestly. A few good size logs and maybe a large-ish stump?
This takes a bit of time, but you gather such easily enough.
Go ahead and add it to your sheet.
Done.
Once that's done, "Is that enough wood for you," Your host asks as you go.
"Yes. I plan to use the stump as a stand for one of my anvils. The logs will be used for a few projects I have in mind."
Words are cut off - as you hear a vast roar above.
Maccan looks around sharply, a holy symbol of Selune in his hand from seeming nowhere.
Alyssa rolls her eyes.
"It might be her. She tends to the scaly side. Let's go see."
You don't even have to go - a look up shows a familiar dragon in the skies above.
Alyssa waves, "Get down here and introduce yourself!"
Ianvasah descends slowly, a transformation back to her half elf form as she lands, falling the last 10ft or so. She lands with a thump and on her feet, dusting herself off, "Ianvasah," she offers with a polite look, "You are...?"
"Maccan," Is the answer after a few moments, "It's rare to see your particular breed here."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Perceptive. Which means you likely knew who and what I was when we met. Questioning to test my honesty or simply going through the motions of conversation?"
"I am a Lunatic," Maccan explains, "I see things and receive visions, it's what our purpose is."
Ianvasah merely sniffs and then, "Then can you fulfill our need?"
Alyssa pat's him on the arm, "Forgive her. She actually did grow up in the woods with wild animals."
"Woof," Ianvasah says flatly to you, then growls like a wolf.
Maccan watches this, "Your need is...?"" he asks, hands open.
"We have to reach the Moon itself," Ianvasah says, "Can you help?"
"I can point you in the right direction," he says, "I've never been, but if you fly up and your cause is just and pleasing, the moon will light the way. If it's not, the moonlight may chastise you."
"Well, I can't say I really expect any problems... Is there anything formal we should do?"
"A ritual cleansing would help," Maccan says, "It involves bathing, you'll need to wait for a female Lunatic to come and help with that. I'll send a call out for one."
"Very well. It'll give Ianvasah a chance to try your flatcakes and syrup and fall in love with you."
Just going to wait, then?
Yup.
Cool, gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 65, total 65[/blockquote]
The flatcakes are quite good, even a second time. Soon enough another person joins you - a tall, lizardy man. A lizardfolk, clad in heavy armor save for a helmet - he wears a delicate silver diadem instead. Shimmering blue fields of force ripple around his noggin, phasing in and out of view. Seven ioun stones whirl around his head as well, each one a pale white-gray - a sphere, a triangle, a cube, a rhomboid, a prism, a spindle and an ellipsoid. He has a heavy mace on his belt, ready to be taken. Over one eye is a long, deep scar, though the eye itself is intact.
With green scales and a decidedly reptilian face and gaze, he looks both of you over before, "Forget introductions," he begins, "Tell me why you need to go to the moon and why this is important."
"Wait," Ianvasah says, "I thought we were getting a female lunatic, you mentioned baths."
"It doesn't matter to me - I have no interest in humans or humanoids. We aren't compatible, you don't lay eggs." The lizardfolk says, "You may as well be dolls for as much interest as I have in that."
Alyssa off handedly comments while eating flatcakes, "She can. Dragon-shifter. I think I can make a spell for it, too. If someone hasn't already.
Who are you?"
Ianvasah gives you a rather curt look before you get your answer.
"Gu'lag'umah. Gul will do," The lizard responds. "My native language is unpleasantly guttural for most humanoids."
Alyssa shifts her next sentence through all the gutteral languages she knows from her studies and Bibliotheca Arcana, "I have a nack for languages. Comes from studying lore. It's amazing what the different perspectives on an arcane formula solution leads to "
"Better than most humanoids," is the agreement, "If you're done eating, we'll get this purification ritual done. I hope you don't mind cold water."
Alyssa finishes up and stands, mentally sending to Ianvasah, 'Might be a good idea to give him some details. Could speed things along.'
'I will as we go,' Ianvasah says.
"Have you been informed of our situation?" Ianvasah asks as you do.
"Enough of it. To the Moon for a ritual?" Is Gul's answer back. "Both of you."
Alyssa nods. "Yes, both."
"Then I'll be fine for it, come with me," he says, heading right outside.
Alyssa follows!
You are lead deeper away, to where there is a river and a small lake. The lizardfolk begins to remove his armor, "Strip," he says, "You can use magic if you can't tolerate the water, because it is very cold."
"We're both already protected."
Alyssa begins to take her equipment off
Ianvasah does the same - though you note her form becomes a little more gray, indistinct and undefined, like a doll.
Gul removes his armor and plunges into the waters, no reactions to the - GAH COLD! It's indeed icy cold water, but your protections and magic ward you. "Are either of you under a curse or geas?" he asks, getting right to it.
"Not that I'm aware of. Shar is targeting us, so maybe she snuck something in without our noticing."
"I'll include a decursing,' Gul says shortly, "Now kneel up to your chins in the water and do as I say," he instructs briskly.
Alyssa does so!
Ianvasah does as well. As you soak in the cold waters, the moon shines above, light all around you.
"Selune, I ask that you bathe them in the light of the moon," he begins, "Moonmaiden, make your will for this clear." He paces, chanting those words again and again, around you in a circle. He ignores the waters as he does, around and around. "Moonmaiden, make your will for this clear."
Again and again and again. Then Gul stops and declares, "Rise! Dance! Celebrate in the light of the moon! Show Selune joy!"
Alyssa chuckles and attempts to do so without having any skill in dancing.
Gimme a cha check then for perform.
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16[/blockquote]
You dance as Ianvasah dances. It's a wild thing - energy comes to you, splashes of water and celebrations. As you do, Gul chants, "Selune, guide them! Selune, cure them! Selune, purify them!"
You feel lighter as you dance, free and clear and ever so happy. A bubbling joy blossoms within you, a laugh to your lips.
Alyssa goes with it for now, enjoying not having to worry about Shar right now.
It's a short period of bliss, of happiness. Ianvasah laughs with you as you dance and splash about, freed of worried or fears for a little while.
As it goes on you feel lighter. You feel young in a sense, innocent. As if all your burdens and worries are simply gone, even as you at last slow and finally cease your celebrations.
"Well that was a far better cleansing ritual than most I've researched. I certainly feel better."
"Much better," Ianvasah agrees, as Gul goes out and dresses again.
"You should," Gul says, "Selune believes the heart and soul both need to be lightened."
"Wise lady. What's next?"
Gul looks up, "We fly up. If your cause is just and pure, we'll reach the Moon in time."
Alyssa dresses as well, "Well, the path calls. Let's not dally."
Any prep before going up?
Not really? Standard daily spells.
Thus you begin to fly up. Ianvasah follows with a few muttered words of magic as you fly as well. "Don't worry about speed too much, that isn't the point," Gul calls, "Go forward fearlessly."
"Still, how long will it take?" Ianvasah calls back, "We still have needs and mortal bodies."
"Hours, it won't be quick. Keep your eyes open," Gul warns, "You could be tested."
Alyssa nods and considers...
"I wonder... Ianvasah, follow me. I want to try something..."
Alyssa focuses on her faith in Shaundakul and her wanderlust, imagining the path to the moon and hoping to find a feeling of rightness and being on the correct path.
Gimme a Charisma check, say.
I really need to do that damn Factotum ability rebuild.
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6[/blockquote]
You don't feel anything, at least.
Alyssa shakes her head in frustration, but continues on, less actively searching for the feeling, but still keeping an awareness for it in mind.
Cool. d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 49, total 49[/blockquote]
You fly up.
The moon becomes larger and larger as you do. The stars larger as well, brighter as you ascend into the sky. After a time of rising you are amid the night sky, the ground beneath gone into the darkness. It is bright here, bright with starlight that is so close that you feel you can touch it.
What's your alignment, Alyssa?
Probably not one she likes. Chaotic neutral.
You fly up ahead - and in the distance, you see the stars begin to move. As if a dozen or so are falling, coming in your direction.
"Heads up. Incoming stars?"
"Stars?" Ianvasah stares, "Impossible, stars don't do that."
"You may yet be challenged," Gul warns, "Be wise."
Alyssa looks flatly at Ianvasah, "What have I told you about the impossible?"
Ianvasah returns that look with a sour grimace, "You do keep saying that."
"And I'm right every time."
"You are not," Ianvasah retorts, "Only a disturbingly large amount of the time."
"Name it. Name the time I was wrong about 'the Impossible.'"
Ianvasah's look as as chilly as the waters you were purified in.
Alyssa smiles smugly.
"Let's see what's coming for us, shall we?"
Thus the three of you fly up, and you see they are not stars at all. They are radiant celestials, eladrins cloaked in starlight whom fly towards you. Figures of white and silver, clad in armor and with wings of moonlight.
"Halt!" Is the call as you come closer.
Alyssa does so with a cheery wave, grin, and a, "Hello! Thank you for coming to meet us!"
Gul comes forward, "These two seek the Moon," is all he says, standing aside.
"Good Lunatic," The angels are identical as you see - male and well made, aglow with so much light. "Thank you. A follower of Chauntea and a follower of Shaundakul. Explain."
"WE are tasked by Seira Aryn on a holy mission to purify Sharran weapons," Ianvasah replies, "They must rest on the moon above as part of it."
"I'm here to help and record the journey. Advice, lore, and general magical things that will help us kill Sharrans. She's been targeting us for some time, assassins and cults. We've recently wiped a cult out on Ash, and will be returning to do so again."
Do you have anything blocking divinations or the like up?
Mindblank, Ianvasah has it via me too.
"You speak with truth, yet your natures are hidden," The celestial says, "Why do you protect yourselves like that?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Shar is hunting us. Paranoia has kept me alive this long with her after me. The spells that are on us have become standard for us whenever we leave our realm. After we complete this part of the quest, we need to go kill some of Shar's champions, hence the protections."
Celestial takes 10 on Sense Motive.
"You speak of truth," He says, "You have been purified as well." You are regarded long, "Your quest is true." At this the celestials scatter, flying up and away, no longer opposing your passage.
"They could have kept us company, but at least we got approval. Gul, Ianvasah? Ready to continue?"
"Yes," Ianvasah agrees.
Gul laughs, a rough sound. "You didn't get blasted or smited back down," Gul says, "A good sign! Not every guest I've taken this way has been so blessed."
"Well, we're here by the behest of two deities friendly with Selune, she's hosting my realm in the Gates of the Moon, we're fighting Shar, and we were honest. There's a lot of pluses in our favor."
"It kept you alive," Gul agrees as you fly up and...
Give me one more d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
You fly on. As you do...
Will save.
Will/Cunning Insight:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+37 : 1 + 37, total 38[/blockquote]
Perception then.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 14 + 47, total 61[/blockquote]
As you fly, you notice a flicker out of the corner of your eye.
Alyssa glances over, mentally calling it out to Ianvasah.
You turn in time to see one of the star-celestials charging you. He is about 200ft away and closing blazing fast. A greatsword is in hand, brandished and ready.
'What?' Ianvasah asks as she turns, seeing it as...
Could've been worse. One chance to react, use it as you please.
Can I try to lock him in place with TK?
You could try.
Sure, let's go with that.
Alyssa focuses her mental abilities and tries to catch the incoming Celestial with her TK, planning to hold him in place!
In that case this provokes init. Go ahead and roll it.
Alyssa chants a quick spell to speed up herself and Ianvasah!
Nerveskitter, CL 34, Duration: 1 round
+5 bonus on init
Init:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+23 : 4 + 23, total 27[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+17 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+11 Gul
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+15 Star-Celestial
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=18]
Init is Star-Celestia (33) > Ianvasah (28) > Alyssa (27) > Gul (21)
"HALT!" The celestial shouts, barreling in right towards you, a hair faster than you. "RAISE YOUR HANDS!"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow and does so, not really needing her hands for TK.
The star-celestial is before you, sword against your throat. His features are beautiful but cold as he gazes into your eyes. "I know you," he murmurs.
"You do? Possible, I suppose. I can't imagine it's common for Selune to do a favor for another deity and welcome one of their followers to a demi-plane in the Gates of the Moon."
The celestial eyes you before in a quiet voice, "Tell me your name again, mortal."
Gul watches this exchange, not the slightest hint of tension.
Ianvasah turns, hints of scales growing, as if she's a moment from a change.
"Alyssa Songsteel, faithful of Shaundrakul."
Celestial takes 10 on sense motive.
A long gaze, an unflinching gaze. At last the sword is lowered. "You...resemble someone I once crossed blades with," he says. "Dangerously so."
"Oh? Quite interesting, I'd be interested in seeing that. After we finish our quest, I have a spell that will let me see it, if you're willing."
"Not a moment of fear. Are you a holy warrior, a paladin?" The celestial challenges back, isntead.
"Wizard! Researcher, primarily. Dungeon explorer, sometimes. Amongst other things."
You get a long look, "Wizard, of course. It's always wizards," the celestial says, a shake of his head.
Alyssa narrows her eyes.
"What's wrong with wizards?"
"Too many are tempted to evil," Is the answer, "With power they do not have the wisdom to use."
"True. But that's their choice and their failing. I haven't, yet! So, might we be on our way?"
A slow nod as the celestial stays where he is, but makes no move to stop you.
Alyssa continues towards the moon!
Gimme one more d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 84, total 84[/blockquote]
Soon enough you come closer and closer - the Moon is ahead. It is so large here, dominating everything ahead of it, a vast gray land of craters. Like a thousand scars that mar its surface.
"It's said that the moon's craters came from the Moonmaiden's battles with Shar," Gul points out, "That she wears them as a warrior wears their scars proudly, for they came in noble battle."
LIES! METEORS!
"I wonder if she can recount them all... A history of pain and annoyance to go with the glory."
Scary.
Gul smiles at that, "Ask any warrior about a scar and you'll get a story. It's no different."
Ianvasah smiles thinly, "So many scars, and yet..."
"And yet what?"
"Yet she still shines in the sky," Ianvasah finishes. "She still shines no matter how deep the dark around her is."
"So do you. Even if you needed a kick in the butt. Look at you now, this quest. Same thing, different scale."
"Then let's go," Ianvasah says, flying on. "There's still more to go."
Alyssa follows.
You fly, closer and closer. The moon is silent as you approach, down towards one crater. A crater that as you get closer, you see that has silver trees. A forest of silver is within this crater, one that blends into the surface. No buildings that you can see, but the trees are certainly tall enough to hide something.
Alyssa angles towards the small forest!
Gul leads the way as your party lands. It is a forest of silver pines and silver maples, the air cold. Your breath mists in the air as you land on the pine needle and shed leave covered ground. "Well, you haven't erupted in moonfire," Gul says, "Come with me."
Alyssa pulls out her journal and starts making notes about the trees as they go.
Got any training in a relevant skill?
What would be a relevant skill? Calligraphy?
I meant for the botany.
Oh, K:N or K:P, sure. Whatever you think applies, I've got all the Ks, I think.
K:N, gimme a check.
K:N/Bibliotheca:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+62 : 14 + 62, total 76[/blockquote]
The trees are odd, you notice right away. They're entirely silver, bark, leaves, needles and all. Like they're frosted in pure silver rather than merely having a silver coloration.
Alyssa wanders over to one to get a closer look, making notes of it in the journal.
It's a tree of silver. IT has a metallic glint as you get closer - rather like shiny silver, and it even seems to have its own radiance.
"Don't touch," Gul warns, "Look, study but do not touch. The moonlight mithral here is not for your hands."
Alyssa looks at him and blinks.
"But... I'm a blacksmith. All metal is for my hands."
"Not this, not here," Gul warns, "Let it grow in peace."
"...grow?" Ianvasah frowns, "What nonsense is that?"
"It's not nonsense, woman. It grows here on these trees - one place and way of many. The Lady Phoebe watches over the Moon. Those who cannot mind their manners nor master their greed will find these grounds an eternal resting place."
"I mean, I wasn't going to take any, but I want to know it's properties. How does it grow? Does it come from the bark turning into it from a reaction to the moonlight?"
"I don't know. I'm a lizard, not a mage," Gul says shortly.
"You'll have to introduce me to Lady Phoebe, then."
"More like she'll introduce herself if she wants to meet you," Gul says, "She travels at her own pace with those sisters of hers."
Alyssa produces her smithing hammer from her pack and waves it threateningly at the tree while grinning.
"Fine then, let's keep going. I'll have to find a way to research this later."
Do you make contact with the tree?
Nah. Just messing around.
"Idiot sow," Gul mutters in a variant of goblin before, "Do as you will, it's your funeral." he finally says, moving on faster now.
"But I wonder how it would reflect on the one who guided us here and failed to stop it?" Alyssa sing-songs as she follows along.
"Be silent," Gul says shortly again, "Do not disrespect Selune on the moon! Show the proper respect!"
"It's not disrespect, it's fun. And hopefully research at some point."
That provokes a cold silence from Gul, leading you on without a word.
"Stop it, both of you," Ianvasah says, "We're on something more important than that."
"Excellent! About time you take charge of your own quest. Lead the way."
You walk on. In due time you come to a great house, a mansion built amid the trees. It has no yard or fence, it simply begins with a door engraved with sigils of the moon. It's otherwise made of wood and with silvery metal supporting ends and corners, a single story but large, rambling.
"Very nice. I might have to improve my tower when I become Queen. Well, there's the floating bank. Hmm... A bank as a castle.."
"Too mercenary," Ianvasah says, "There's nothing beautiful about a bank."
"Yes... It's a fantastic trophy though. I'll have to think on it."
As you talk, "Come in here, this is a temple," Gul announces shortly, "You'll find what you need in here."
Alyssa follows Ianvasah in!
Thus the party heads in. Inside the building is well kept, a simple room for coats and shoes. Gul takes his off, "Bare feet ahead, don't scuff and dirty the floor."
Ianvasah complies and adds, "Shoes are annoying, anyway."
Alyssa does so, floating them into her pack!
Thus you head inside. Within you find the roof is transparent, moonlight filtering in. An alter is here, the room otherwise shadowy save for moonlight. Unlit candles are about, as well as several little shrines full of Selunite iconography.
"The oils you need are within those shrines," Is what Gul says. "Lay them in the moonlight."
Alyssa motions Ianvasah forward.
Ianvasah takes out the two chakrams. Dark things, gloomy and shadowed. "Here," Ianvasah passes one to you, "Get oils, lay them down and anoint them."
Alyssa lifts it, not wanting to touch it, and sets them down, then floating the oils over for application.
The oils shine against the darkness and in the moonlight, and as you an Ianvasah work, "Selune, bless this offering," Gul declares.
The light of the moon shines as Ianvasah rises, "Now we wait," she announces.
Alyssa settles in.
You have to let them rest here for a week. You're not bound to stay here, you're welcome to go do other things with your week if you want. Do you?
Oh. Yes, absolutely.
Cool, next move then?
Try to find a way to make cash or work on finding the hidden room in creation.
Okay, how are you going to do those things? Need more details.
Well, cash is going to be either divinations to find an evil lair of treasure, or see if Bastian/Jarem have any leads. Hidden room in creation is going to be tougher. We know it's in the 10th layer of the abyss, so divinations, lore, and whatever else we can find. We'll have to find some sort of guide, honestly, so I guess either finding a good or neutral aligned abyss hunter, or trying to track down some evil creature we might be able to bribe/press into service?
Sure. In that case...
As you settle back in at home, going over possibilities there?
"Alyssa," Emily calls, peeking in, "We have visitors!"
"Oh? Who?"
"Kascha and some others," Emily answers, "They bring news."
Alyssa gets up and follows Kascha.
Give me a Perception check.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+47 : 10 + 47, total 57[/blockquote]
As you walk Emily goes, "Uncle Donald and Aunt Elle are already here helping," Emily explains, "Now Oraga and Aunt Kascha are over and they need to talk. We also need somewhere of the highest privacy to talk about something important."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Helping? And I suppose we can use the bank for meetings."
"As long as it's secure," Emily says, "In all ways."
"Should we visit our patron just to be sure?"
"Mmm...it's not the worst idea, even if we don't go all the way to meet him. Just inside would be enough," Emily says. "Yes, let's do that."
Alyssa nods and follows along.
It's not hard to get the four of you there. Once you're inside - but before going up to see Io - Kascha breaks the silence. "You're aware we were looking for Sylvie and parts of lore, Alyssa?" she asks, right to it, as Oraga stands guard.
"I've heard some mention, and her child stopped by once. I've not had much contact with anyone outside of my people and Moore, though, so I have no details on it."
"In short, she has 21, a powerful artifact of the Incarnations. More, there's a trial for you in her territory, one for all of our groups," Kascha explains.
"Ianvasah is on a quest right now, too. From Seira. What sort of trial are we looking at, and... Why should I be interested?"
"It's part of our tasks, that's what," Kascha explains, "Besides that, it's a chance to learn and a chance to help the person within."
"And what is my part of these trials? Do they run as a group, or as individuals? Has anyone completed one yet? What's the end point of them?"
"As a group and yes, Seira, myself and some others completed the Cauldron's trial," Kascha explains, "The end point is a battle against a phantasm of light, at leas tit was for ours."
"No, I meant more, once everyone completes the trial.. If everyone does, what's the pay out? We get 21 and Sylvie back? And what's the time frame for this trial?"
"Soon," Kascha explains, "The reward is the knowledge Sylvie has - it may well help with becoming One."
Alyssa nods slowly, "Well... I figured out how to do that already, but any additional knowledge is sure to make it easier. How soon? Ianvasah's quest is going to begin here in a week or so."
"Before that, preferably," Here Kascha shakes her head slightly, "We aren't on a clock for this, but some haste is advised."
Alyssa nods, "Well, we can head out soon as we get everyone prepared and organized. I'd like to hear about everyone's encounters."
Quick question so I can tell how much expo I need to do IC: Have you read their adventure in there, Iddy?
Not yet, but I'll do so tonight.
We're close to session end, so go ahead and do that tonight before session and we'll recap starting then.
"...and then we came back," Kascha concludes, "Did you have any questions, Alyssa or Emily?"
"Hmm... This gives me a few ideas on the nature of the Words of Creation... I should run them by Moore before I go. Also... After hearing what you went through, I can't honestly say I think I'm ready for it. I believe I'll have to reforge myself to a degree before I have a real chance at success. It seems I have a number of things to do before I go."
A slight nod at that from Kascha as Emily turns, "Alyssa?" Emily asks, "What do you mean, you don't think you're ready?"
"Well, mentally, perhaps. But it seems to me that it takes a certain... focus of will. A certain view, or interpretation of concepts to assimilate the concepts that are presented in this barrier realm where the Beyond and Creation mix. I'm still new to this whole part of reality, so I need some time to prepare myself for it.
For example, I think my mind is too... rigidly organized to deal with a horror like the one you faced. I think I just need some time to process the concepts of it. It's like... Hmm... Trying to read the end of a book by reading other books, which may help define the concept of the end? I'm not sure. That's part of why I think I need to delve a little more into this before I attempt it.
After all, all of you have had brushes with Chaos and the Beyond before to help prepare you. I haven't. Not really, not face to face, yet."
Emily turns, "Then I'll be there to help you, Alyssa," she vows, "I promise."
Kascha lightly clears her throat before, "It does take some adjustment, I don't entirely understand it yet myself."
"I think I can adjust to it well enough, but yes, there's a gap there that I'll need to bridge. The study of how it mixes will be fascinating. I had inklings about the Words of Creation being able to generate things solely on their own, without needing to tap into the Weave for it, but the part about it weakening Moore makes sense... Anyway, yes, work to be done.
Was there anything else before I head back and begin work on this?"
"That should be all," Kascha watches a moment, "Emily'll help you. Contact us when you're ready."
Alyssa nods and turns to go!
Okay then, next move?
Back to the tower. I want to set up some time with Moore to go over some WoC ideas, do some research on Alyssa's True Name, and work towards that ability swap we talked about. I think those will need to happen before I have any real chance at this trial. I assume I can do some forging in the free time in there, too. Might as well get as much done as possible.
Sure. Which one first?
Depends, is Moore in the middle of something? If so, then which can be completed fastest: True name or ability stuff? I'm not sure how you want to handle the ability thing since we haven't really talked about it much except in conjunction with the template thing.
Moore's tied up, so go ahead and try one of the others. In that case, true name. Run me through your goals there.
PM'd it to you here on the board.
Okay, go ahead and give me an Intelligence check. The research checks for this aren't that hard for you and don't need to be rolled unless I say so, since you can't fail most of the Knowledge checks.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+13 : 8 + 13, total 21[/blockquote]
You work and research - it doesn't look impossible, but you'll either need to find someone with more knowledge, or spend a bit of money on an expensive focus to work out the ritual.
How much money we talkin' here? And do I already know someone who fits that bill?
About 5 grand and no, you'd have to research it and take time. Your call.
I'm good with 5k
Okay, go post the expense in loot, then give me another Intelligence check.
Int:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+13 : 17 + 13, total 30[/blockquote]
It takes work and study, narrowing down and focusing it - but in time you have it. Your true name is...
Go ahead. This is hard but not impossible - certainly not the biggest deal for an epic level character. Kascha has hers, Antenora had her old one as an erinyes, so on and so forth.
Amphelisia. It rings something deep in her, crystallizing her drive and need for freedom and adventure, helping define herself and solidify the concept of who she is.
Thus you hold your true name in your mind, clear and clarion as can be. The question is: What do you do with it?
Alyssa focuses on her true name and tries to use the concept of it to define her own will and power, then tries to apply her will to the Word of Creation to Create her concept of a perfect smith's hammer for her.
Using the words for that, I presume, and trying to get it to work out?
Yup.
Like at once, in some ritual, building one or...?
Well, I've never really used WoC before, so I dunno what's the best option here. I'd like to be able to just create it like the chains were, but I doubt I'm at that level yet. So... I guess forge one up and use the WoC during creation?
Sure. Give me a crafting check first of all.
Craft: Blacksmithing/Cunning Insight:
Take 10 for 68.
Gimme a Charisma check next.
Cha:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 10 + 4, total 14[/blockquote]
Con check.
Con:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 16 + 5, total 21[/blockquote]
It's hard, it's a struggle - and in the end you have a hammer. The hammer seems right in your hand and strong, and yet...it needs more. It needs something to finish it, a spark of enchantment.
I don't have any enchantment feats. We got someone in the tower that does? NPC or something?
Could be done, sure.
Let's do that, unless it just needs raw magic from me. I dunno how to test if that's the case.
Sure. What exactly sort of enchantments do you want on it, a skill bonus or...?
I utterly and completely lack skill bonus items, so yes. That. Maybe some sort of daylight or moonlight enchantment if I use the silver maple as the handle? I dunno how'd you work any of that.
Okay, I assume up to the non epic limit then of +15 competence, unless you had something else in mind?
Well, we haven't really defined any uses for epic blacksmithing yet. Is that what you want to cap it at for now, do you want to come up with other properties via DC?
I'll throw in a few things. Base cost of the enchantments is 22500 for +15, that okay with you.
Sure, I suppose. Ignore Material Components doesn't impact that does it?
It doesn't impact item creation, no. Go post the expense in loot.
Done
Loot.
Nice.
Alyssa finishes up and goes to find her father, to show him the hammer.
Father's found at work, tearing himself away to say, "You made that? It's a fine hammer."
"It's special. It significantly improves my work. I was thinking of trying to make one for you."
"MAgic?" Father surmises, "I've heard of them here. They're extremely useful."
"I think it will be. In any case, I wanted to let you know that I'm probably going to be very busy for a while, so don't worry if I don't come by."
"Then good look and be safe," Walt says, as...
Okay then, next move?
Ability change thingy? Unless Moore finished.
You mean rebuilding or something else?
Swapping out for Alternate Class Feature: Brains Over Everything.
That the only bit of retraining? That can happen easily enough.
That's the big one, yeah. Once I get the template, there'll be a bunch of levels to do, but that's for whenever that happens.
Okay, go ahead and make that change. With that small bit of retraining down, next move?
Moore, then the trial.
Moore's busy at the sec - will be for a few days most likely. Anything you'd like to do in the interim, any small todos?
Making money, making crafting tools, or Ianvasah's quest.
Probably don't have time for Ianvasah. Okay then, How do you want to try and make money or make tools?
Money loops back to trying to find something via Divination, Jarem, Dolmaya, or Bastian leads. I mean, I suppose Emily might have something too, but those are the most likely. Making tools will be similar to how I made my hammer, but less specific user. Blacksmith, carpenter, mason, and farmer tools.
Let's do tools here. Go ahead and tell me your plans.
Well, how many 'master' level craftsmen do we have (rough number), and major farms? I'd like to do like a set of tools per master and then basic farming tools for our biggest producers. We can do more later, but I'd like to get our top end covered.
Okay, and how fast could you make such things? I assume it would be an ongoing downtime thing, just curious.
I have no idea how long it would take to craft things? I mean, a knife or a hammer sized project takes, I dunno, about six hours? For a master smith, which Alyssa actually is, less. I'd say... Maybe four-ish hours for a hammer? I haven't watched many master smiths make stuff.
Sure, this is mostly offscreen stuff so give me a crafting check for it.
Craft: Blacksmithing/Cunning Knowledge:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+83 : 16 + 83, total 99[/blockquote]
Okay cool, all of that stuff is easily done offscreen and to good results. Anything else to add there?
Not really. As long as production and trade are moving along, and realm goals are moving, it's fine with me.
Okay, you have a bit of downtime. Anyone you want to talk to in particular?
No one specific, no.
"Alyssa."
Jarem comes up one evening as you rest, gaze out from your high office window. He's in his armor, well kept and clean. "You busy?"
"Not really. What do you need?"
"Nothing urgent," Jarem comes in and has a seat, resting back. "Just a few questions."
"Sure. Go ahead."
"Emily looks up to you," he says without preamble, "Are you mentoring her well enough?"
"Yes and no. I've noticed she tends to do one of two things when confronted: dig in or become completely subservient. Neither is good for actual learning. Or teaching. I think it comes from her views on right and wrong. She's very linear. Until she gets over that, I think the best way is to expose her to situations and hard decisions made by others so she can observe, then explain.
In that, I believe I'm being successful. I believe where I'm failing is in forcing her into practical situations where she has to work out similar decisions on her own. Part of that is because... Simply... I've been distracted and not able to find or engineer situations like that for her.
What is your opinion on the matter?"
"You're right about her," Jarem begins, a small breath blown out. "She's either stubborn about something or she doesn't fight at all. For all she's trained for it and has the magnetism for it, she's not a leader. She probably won't ever be. See, you can have the talent, but the wrong personality is still the wrong personality. A leader needs to be strong and inspire, as well as with a will of iron."
Jarem smiles just a bit at that, "She's strong and she can inspire, but she lacks the will. I think that if she'd been born a normal woman, she'd be quiet, retiring and focused on hearth and home. The sort of wife that gives her husband a bleeding stomach if they don't get along on the things she get stubborn about."
"Oh, I don't know about that. I think she'd be the quiet one until she wasn't. And then she'd likely never be quiet again. Remember the forces that surrounded her while she grew up.
As for leadership... Hmm... I think you may be half-right. I think she has the expectation to lead armies off the bat and so she over-reaches and fails. I don't think, as she is now, she's suited for leadership.
I think she's built not to lead, but to be the one leading the charge. A spear-tip. The problem is, like a spear, she only goes in one direction. Though... Hmm... I wonder...
What do you think of throwing her in as the commander of a small unit? With a suitably wise and tested advisor? Say.. around 15 soldiers?"
A small shrug, "I've heard worse ideas." Jarem says, "As long as they're good enough to support her while she feels she's in charge."
"Well, you'd know for sure, wouldn't you?"
Alyssa stares at him with a small grin.
"I preferred to put those who didn't want to lead in other roles, unless I had a choice," Jarem admits, smiling back. "But I had no shortage of leaders and a position to minimize political intrusions into that. There's a lot of smoke and shit said about the best leaders being those who don't seek it, and that's true as far as pure motives go. It's also completely wrong as far as competence goes. A leader who doesn't want to lead usually fails."
"I don't think she's had any exposure to it, yet. She dreams of it, but... That's why I want it as a small group with someone who's experienced and knowledgeable enough to see it for what it is. A test. Trying the waters out, so to speak. And someone not stupid enough to undermine it."
"Then I'll take care of it," Jarem says, "What about Ianvasah, is she doing better?"
"She is. We talked some and she got a better handle on why I did it. She didn't like it, but didn't disagree either.
Jarem, whoever you set Emily up with for this, let's make sure they get recognition for it. And speaking of, I want a list of your people who should get recognized. You and yours have been with us through a few skirmishes now. It's time they get the application they deserve.
Especially your engineers. They're helping design this place. It's not their usual tear down work, and that's exactly why they deserve it. I'm sure they enjoy building for once."
"I'll see to it. Some sort of medal would do," Jarem says, "Give it a proper name and make it sound worthwhile."
Alyssa back and gets a contemplative look.
"What if I want to make it more?"
"That would depend on what more is," Jarem asks right back. "Got a plan going in there, Alyssa?"
"... Maybe. I'm building a community here. I want people invested. We have Shaundakul's faithful, but the Red Knights people... Well, they're a loaner group. I'd like to change that. Without stepping on the Red Knight's toes.
Their after life is hers, without a doubt. But what about your people's retirement? What do you think of a buy-in and award system? A plot of land, big enough for a house and small scale farming or workshop. They buy-in or get awarded it. They get the deed, but the kingdom holds it in trust. Until they're ready to settle in, the kingdom uses it as farm land. Whenever they return they're obligated to complete whatever harvest is on the land, then it's theirs outright.
As far as I'm concerned, they can even rent it out to a neighbor and split profits while they're still serving the Red Knight."
A consideration before, "A good plan, but not for mine. I don't want anything that complicates their fealty and loyalty to the Red Knight, no matter how well meaning."
Alyssa nods. "Fair enough. Medals, celebration, and maybe a small purse if we can find the funds, then. I have an idea for something else, but I'll have to clear it with our hosts first."
"Let me know the details." Jarem scratches at his throat before, "Was that book helpful for you? You spend awhile deep in it."
"I'm considering allotting a plot for a temple to the Red Knight. But considering this place is a gift from Shaundakul and hosted in the Gates of the Moon... Need to clear it first.
As for the book... Yes. I figured out the process. I'm working on improving my chances, but it's looking very good."
"It's a big step: Are you ready for it?" Jarem asks, "It's the biggest step there is, and if you miss it I'm not sure you ever stop falling."
"Sure I'll stop. Right when Shar destroys everything. So either I go for it or I wait and die anyway. Unless you've got some hidden middle ground somewhere?"
"Not a one," Jarem retorts, "But do it when you're ready so you don't fail."
"That's the plan. I need a few more cards in my hand, but I'm close."
"Soon," Jarem murmurs to himself, "Soon enough?"
Alyssa shrugs, "We'll find out. Going early and failing is just as bad as being late."
"A gamble for everything," Jarem muses aloud.
"It's a good thing I alter things in my favor, then.
On another tangent, you've been plenty of places in the planes. What's my little budding realm missing?"
A beat and then another, "Entertainment. That takes time to grow as people gather."
Alyssa nods slowly, "Hmm... Where would we be able to pull some in from..."
"Hire a bard?" Jarem says, "A few really."
"From where, though? Brightwater?"
"As good any, if you can hire locally," Jarem says with an idle wave of his hand.
"Hm.. I'll keep an eye out."
Anything else to cover here, then?
Not really.
Okay, next move then, or next person to talk to?
No one specific? Maybe Delaize - it's been a while since I did any checking in or updates on the status of the realm. Hell, I don't even know how big or how many people we got.
Sure.
Delaize isn't hard to get - you simply call him up. He comes in and asks quietly, "Yes, Alyssa?"
"I wanted to check-in on the state of things. Our size, population, general things, and see how you're doing."
"As you like," Delaize says, "What exactly do you want to know first?"
I dunno how in depth you wanna go with this, so if you don't want to give solid answers to some of this, I'm cool with it as long as you say so.
"How's our population and industry growth? What are we lacking, what are we looking to have as primary trade industries?"
I'll stay fairly vague, yeah.
"Increasing," Delaize says, "I can give you a census in a week.Right now we've developing everything so that's not the problem - we'll know more of what we need in time."
Alyssa nods.
"I suspected that. Let's keep an eye on families. Shaundakul brought us a lot of people, but we need families and children to really sustain ourselves. How's the testing and schooling getting set up? How short are we on teachers?"
"Not as short as I feared," Delaize says, "We have enough to get by now, with more in time."
"That's incredibly good. We need to consider what organizations to Foster. Trade guilds, adventuring guilds, and the like."
"Well, some of all," Delaize says, "Which do you prefer?"
"Well, as far as craftsmen go, let's consolidate for now. Once we see what industries we'll have, we can allow them to expand on their own. We'll need something to pull in healers, alchemists, and druids, outside of the adventuring guid. Let's keep an eye out for money lenders and hope we can limit less than honest ones.
Which brings us to the always present and undesirable thieves guilds and assassin's guilds. What in roads have they made?"
"Not much, yet," Delaize says, "We're doing our best to discourage those things."
"Mm... As much effort as we put in, they will too. If they do get a foot hold, we'll have to deal with it. Either with eradication or by coming to an agreement. As much as I don't want to do that, I'm not sure I want to fight them and Shar."
"They might serve Shar," Delaize points out, "No sense in giving them an inroad."
"Yes, but if we can't stop them anyway... Better the devil you know. We'll have to find a few counter operatives to help keep them out."
"I'll see to it," Delaize promises. "What else?"
"Anything from your end?"
"I'm busy enough," Delaize says, "Though no more trouble for you, not for now."
"What about finding your successor for infastructure? Narrowed it down any more?"
"Yes," Delaize says, simply. "She'll do well at it."
"We'll have to set up a welcome dinner or the like. She'll need to meet everyone since everyone will have some sort of special requests."
"I'll see to it," Delaize says, "Is there anything else, Alyssa?"
"Yes. After you hand things over, what position do you want here? I know I brought you as an advisor, but... I feel like you should get what you want out of this. You're as much of a founding member as anyone. More so, I think. You're the the one placing the bolts of this place down."
"My opinion before stands," Delaize says, "I'm content with that."
Alyssa huffs, "You should be greedy once in a while. Fine. Did you happen to hear about the offer I tried to make to Karen's people?"
Karen's people?
Fukken autocorrect. Jarem's. It tries to change it to Karen almost every time.
Autocorrect has ideas about Jarem, I see. Scary!
"Jarem told me," Delaize agrees.
"What do you think of offering it to build an internal guard? Or just for public service work in general?"
"Make sure to honor the trustworthy," Delaize says, "Build carefully and wisely, because a strong foundation supports all efforts."
"... That doesn't really say if you agree with the idea, or how much service should be required, or the size of the land parcel."
A little nod to that, "I have no problem with it," Delaize says softly, "As to the time of service I know not, and the size depends on our own lands."
"Well, as a demi-plane, this place will continuously expand. As long as we don't outgrow that pace, I'd like to give each person enough land for a home, a cash crop field, and a bit extra for personal farming.
Service... I'd say at least a minimum of three to four years. Maybe less depending on more dangerous work."
"Alright," Delaize says, "What will we call it?"
"Haven't thought that far... The Community Service Program?"
"Something more heroic," Delaize says, "Something heroes can aspire to."
"Hmm... I'll think on it. Send any suggestions you may have."
"Then, if that's it?" Delaize asks, half rising.
"Unless you have something else, or want to have a meal or something."
"No, thank you," Delaize answers, "Another night."
"Have a good night then."
Gimme a d100, Iddy.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 7, total 7[/blockquote]
"Alyssa," Jarem strides up the next morning, "Ianvasah's finally acting together again."
"Excellent. Hopefully it sticks."
"It should and-"
A moment, a connection with Jarem. You feel it connect the two of you, strong.
Node update, go read.
Alyssa smiles at Jarem, "Well, well, well. It seems a certain someone was more worried about it than they let on."
Jarem smiles back, "I'll take the win for what it is," he says, "I can sense a new spell now."
Alyssa furrows her brow in a bit of jealousy, "What? You just get given a spell? Ridiculous and unfair. I have to to learn spell matrixes and circles from studying and you just get a new one?"
"Service to the Red Knight comes with benefits," Jarem says, his smile staying in place. "She treats us well."
Alyssa chuckles, "You don't really want to compare parents, do you? Mine gave me a demi-plane that teleports me where I want to go with a step."
Parents?
Euphemism for our respective gods. I.e. - They're our parents.
Okay, thought it was a crazy auto correct thing.
"I could get one, I just don't want one," Jarem waves it off.
"You should, so I can pronounce you King in the Red Knight's name and declare you our first ally. You could make Dolmaya a queen again!"
Alyssa grins at him, knowing he'll hate the idea of being king.
"I'm fine," Jarem waves it off, "FInd yourself your own king."
"Ugh. That's part of why I'm pushing Alihana to learn. She wants to be married. I'm not really actively looking, and I can't imagine marrying a king."
"What sort of man do you want to marry?" Jarem asks at that, "Do you even want to get married at all?"
"A scholarly adventurer. Someone who does magic differently than I do, so we can collaborate. Craftsman, also. Someone from a simple life, who only wants to enjoy life.
Funny and witty, also. At least wittier than you so he can at least have a chance of keeping up."
A crack of a smile, "I'm surprised you didn't mention handsome."
"Gotta leave some leeway for the universe to work with."
A dry chuckle at that, "Confident, aren't you? That'll get you far in romance."
"How many women have I seen you with so far?"
Alyssa smirks, "anyway, you were talking about Ianvasah?"
"Well, she's better now," Jarem says, "We're all ready for a good fight, too."
"This trial will be one, I suspect. I'll have to carefully consider my spells."
"We'll all need to be ready," Jarem says, "Who is going?"
"Everyone."
"Even better," Jarem smiles, "We'll get in some real practice for the times ahead."
Alyssa nods.
"Put some thought into improvements for everyone and tactics. Let's get what we can done before we leave."
"I will," Jarem says, a consideration, "We've had some experience together now, especially you, myself, Emily and Ianvasah. Bastian fits in smoothly, too."
"Bastian. I think we need to get him something to maximize his strikes. There was that spell... Greater Mighty Wallop. He'll hit like a mountain with it."
"That's a mage's spell," Jarem says, "Can you manage it?"
I don't have any create magic item feats, so I dunno? I think not.
He was thinking an actual casting of it, not an item.
Oh! Yes.
"Easily enough, it's a fairly low level spell, actually. I think someone in Aurora made a superior version, I should look into it."
"That'll help," Jarem says in consideration, "What's it called?"
"Alyssa?" Emily's voice, calling from below.
"I'm not sure, I have to look into it."
Turning to Emily's voice, "Yes, Emily?"
Emily flies up to your window. "A visitor was found with an unholy symbol of Shar in his possessions."
Alyssa sighs, "Where is he and what was he doing?"
"He was selling common goods," Emily says, "He knocked over his pack and the contents spilled out in front of a pair of guards. One of them did well to recognize it and detain him."
Alyssa grunts, "Well, that's plebeian enough. I can't exactly abide going too far just for that, but... Do we have any strong clerics or paladins? Zone of truth would be useful. Also, I'm going to try to get a message to one of Selune's people. The only entrance other than Shaundakul's guidance is through the Gates of the Moon. I doubt she'll be too thrilled at the implication."
"We have some of Jarem's people on it," Emily says, then glances at Jarem.
"Good," Jarem says firmly, standing. "I'm going to go get a report."
Alyssa nods, "I'll offer a prayer to both Shaundakul and Selune about it and join you."
Plan here then, Alyssa?
Couple quick prayers, then pull in Bastian for an interrogation. I can't honestly say I'm too keen on a full-on torture deal, unless something gets revealed that he did something or set something up, and if anyone from Selune turns up, I'll turn him over to them. If nothing happens either way, Emily can take him to Seira as a Shar prisoner, I suppose.
If it turns out that it's some wonky thing where the guy's innocent, we'll just put him under guard until he finishes his business and then out he goes.
By the time you get to Bastian, he gives you a look. "Better yet, see if the clerics have gotten to the bottom of it first," he says. "If they have, the rest of it doesn't matter."
"Indeed, but you're also supposed to be our de-factor shadow hunter. If there's one here, there's more."
"If. Could be a fool," Bastian says, "I hope it's a fool. A fool we can thump and kick out."
Alyssa nods, "I want you there. Clerics can do most of it, but there's also questions they won't think to ask that you will. Even if you aren't in the room, we can use telepathy to keep your involvement hidden."
With that and agreement, you go down. Jarem's outside, "He's in there. His story is that he plundered the unholy symbol on another plane and meant to sell it somewhere else. It's made of silver with black gemstones, so it's probably worth something." His expression is sour, "He's in there if you want to talk to him personally."
"And this was under Zone of Truth?"
"Yes," Jarem agrees, "I had someone else probe his thoughts and it lines up. If he's lying, he's an extremely good liar."
"Hmm... Did anyone check him for spells and inspect the symbol? With the way she works, he could be under a subtle compulsion from the symbol."
"Yes and yes, it's not magical and he's clean," Jarem says, "We put him in a magic circle against evil, just in case."
Alyssa nods, "Bastian, anything you want to add or testing to subject him to?"
"No, just give me a chance, but it sounds like you know what's going on," he says, "He sounds like a greedy fool."
"A chance for what?"
"A chance to see him," Bastian says. "Let me see if he speaks the truth."
Alyssa nods and lets him past.
Bastian goes in and...
> roll 1d20+44
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=4]
Bastian emerges about 5 minutes later. He's scowling in utter contempt, "You have a fool in that room, one I'm surprised still breathes. You don't have a Sharran."
Alyssa nods, "Get him an escort so he can finish his business, then let's get him out of here. Let's melt down the symbol for what we can use from it and be done with this debacle."
"I'll see to it," Jarem says, "Fools will fool."
"Well, let's just be happy it wasn't a serious incident. Though it does present a hole in our security. Items like that can be enchanted for purpose and Shar's power flows through them. If we go after them too hard, however, a black market for them will invariably grow. Hmm... What do you think of a sort of bounty system? I don't want encourage items being made to generate income, but if we can convince people to turn such things in, it would be best."
"It could work," Bastian says, "With enough money."
"That's the problem... We need to get income from trade and soon. Let's shelve the idea for now. Once our income stabilizes, we'll revisit it. For now, let's get this guy on his way."
Going to deal with him directly at all or let others toss him out on his rear end?
Don't see the need to, personally.
Give me a quick d100 then.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 21, total 21[/blockquote]
You return to your office. You pick up a quill to resume work.
Alyssa.
Alyssa pauses, raising an eyebrow marginally before responding mentally, 'Hello Lord Zaphkiel. What can I help you with today?'
Be ready with the Words soon, for you may yet need them soon.
'How strong do I need to be? I've only had a handful of lessons with Moore, though I was successful in creating a smithing hammer with them.'
Hold tight to that and learn them well for the coming trial.
Alyssa nods to herself, 'I'll take that to mean you believe my skill with them to be reasonably sufficient for the task. Was there anything you wanted me to do to further prepare or help others?'
Prepare and continue, Alyssa.
There is no more after that, leaving you with that message.
Alyssa leans back for a few, contemplating before sending a mental message to the others, 'Lord Zaphkiel just contacted me and informed me to prepare and that I would need the Words of Creation soon. I think we're getting pushed into this sooner than later, so if anyone needs any equipment or specific spells... Let's get it out on the table and done.'
'That's a good idea,' Emily sends, 'Do you need anything, Alyssa?'
'We can start there,' Bastian agrees.
'A million gold for my crown. More seriously, no. I've improved my equipment recently and I think I'm pretty well covered, unless someone has noticed something I've overlooked.'
I'm going to also ask this OOC before we go on, since it's both an IC and OOC question. Are there any things you feel people need here?
Well, we sorta went over this last time. Most everyone has slots open. Emily needs boots, wrists, and necklace. Ianvasah needs boots and a second ring. Bastian needs necklace, second ring, and boots. Dolmaya needs a necklace.
I don't know if you want to address all that right now or wait. Most everyone has 100-200k gold according to their sheets, so we actually have the funds to make a go of it, but it'll be something of a time sink to hunt through books and stuff to find suitable thingies.
Indeed. It'll probably be custom items too, which I need to sit down and work on. It's not really a session thing. More of just asking if you had something particular in mind, like a bonus type or a spell or a protection.
Well, mechanically you know how they stack up and their weaknesses better than I do. I don't mind spending some time going through books and stuff to find standard items as base things to get those slots covered and we can work on adding to and customizing them later, if you want.
For specific bonuses, hmm... I'd say things that'll help fight Shar and grant holy or daylight style damage bonus would help, and any sort of non-enhancement stat boos is always helpful, for our casters CL bonus (ioun stone, ect) is always helpful. I've never played a druid, paladin, or monk, really, so I'd have to look through some things for anything better than that. I'm also not sure how monsters from the outer realms are classified beyond Outsiders (abominations, ect), so anything that will help inflict hurt on both them and Shar's champs is a gold star to me.
Okay, we'll chat this over after session, let me pause you for now since big things are coming in the others and that can well lead you to hitting your trials soon.
Okay Iddy, did some loot posting and that's wiped out. As I run combats for two other nodes, is there any other upkeep things like loot that should be done? Any spell adjustments you'd like?
I need to do spell list stuff, but I won't be able to today since I have blacksmithing tonight.
That's fine. Let me know if you have any suggestions for other NPCs to adjust their spells. This is big going in, so suggestions are good.
'Hi Alyssa.' Moore's voice, out of nowhere. 'I just got back from my adventure. I heard that you might have some reservations about going, do you want to discuss them?'
'Hello Moore! It's less reservation and a matter of adequate preparation. Lord Zaphkiel contacted me and told me the Words would be critical. We've only had a few lessons and was concerned I might not be strong enough in the Words.'
'I can understand the trepidation. I will say that I think just going first may help. There is a... the location is conducive to learning. I'd be happy to accompany you to show you, and your friends are all of course welcome.'
'That sounds perfect. When would be good?"
'Any time is fine. I can come by and show you how to get there so you can come and go as you wish.'
'That would be best. I need to see if anyone else has any affinity with the words, too.'
'I will be over shortly.'
Moore will come over and any of his NPCs that want to join in.
Xandra will go as one part Moore watching duty and one part because it's relevant.
Thus do Moore and Xandra come up to meet Alyssa in her tower.
"Your realm is growing," Xandra says as she enters, "It looks well."
Go ahead, y'all.
"How are things with you and yours?" Moore asks.
"Yes, things are moving along very well. We're near to setting up industry for trade. I'm going to have to find trade partners soon."
"Well, look no further! I have a modest trading camp set up right next to Hopes Landing. I'll show you next time you're there. Who will be joining us on today's sojourn?"
"We're happy to take anyone trustworthy," Xandra adds, "Even if you are the only one to learn."
Alyssa sends out a mental call to the others to see who's interested!
'I'll come,' Emily sends, 'I can help, I'm sure I can.'
'I'll come as well,' Bastian ends, shortly.
'Dolmaya? I think you might find this interesting. '
'Then I'll trust your advice on this and come. When do we leave?'
'As soon as everyone is ready. '
Okay then, any prep real quick or are we good to roll?
We are good.
Should be fine.
Soon enough you all are on a cliff above Hope's Landing.
Xandra sits and merely gestures to her, "Join me, Moore and Alyssa."
Bastian stays close, arms crossed.
Emily follows and adds, "If I see anything that can help, I'll let you know."
Dolmaya follows, "I'm listening," she says, "Go on."
Moore dutifully follows and sits!
Alyssa sits!
"Are you prepared to continue?" Xandra asks, "Do you know how you wish to continue from last time?"
"I had success with Creation. I made this..."
Alyssa produces the smithing hammer.
"But from your story, it sounds like you can actually manifest concepts as physical objects with the words as if they were the true names of the concepts, anchoring ideas and things to them, using raw Creation as a sort of medium?"
"Yes," Xandra says, "Moore, could you show her, if you are able?"
He takes in a breath and attempts to create a blue shield, the same as he did before!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+48 : 9 + 48, total 57[/blockquote]
Rolling Con too if it's needed.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+23 : 3 + 23, total 26[/blockquote]
A blue shield forms, a stagger from you here but it works. A shield of blue material, real and yet something about it faintly unreal.
100 damage, Moore.
Moore winces, but he waves a hand to make himself feel better.
He will top himself off with a Heal.
Alyssa eyes it inquisitively, "And what concept is that supposed to be? What effect and properties did you call into it, and how did you encapsulate it into a single concept out of nothing?"
"The best way I can put it is it embodies Creation itself. Uh... Capital C Creation." Moore says as he offers the shield over to Alyssa. "If you investigate it with magic, that may answer the basics."
Dolmaya murmurs words of magic, studying away.
"What is that?" Bastian asks, "Besides a magic shield?"
"As far as I can tell, it's the physical construct of the very idea of shield. As in, the reality of a shield. But I'm not understanding the connection to color and form. Did you set those, or were they imposed on the concept?"
"That will be answered when you go." Moore says. "But the way we interpret it, and by we I mean creatures of Creation... again, capital C, is that white represents Beyond, The Far Realm, and blue represents Creation. Realistically, I think if you focused on creating... I don't know, let's say a quill that represents Creation and has all of what you know in it, it would be blue."
Alyssa considers and then tries something, using her knowledge of forging and the framework of Creation to pull her concept of a perfect anvil into being.
Trying to use the Words here?
Moore is using his Charisma aura here for reference, so +16!
Yup. Similar to what Moore did with the shield, but permanent. I dunno the shield is or not.
Gimme Charisma then.
Cha/Moore bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 10 + 31, total 41[/blockquote]
You feel something - but you need more. To see it again, perhaps? It's not quite right, but maybe if you could study it and hear the Words?
"Moore, can you show me again? I'm... Right on the edge of it, I think... A little off. Let me hear it."
"Of course." Moore says.
This time, he tries again, focusing on saying them clearly and slowly for Alyssa's benefit, but he focuses on creating a shield that has the same properties as the last one, but doesn't focus on the color at all.
[20:46] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+48 charisma
[20:46] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=4]
[20:46] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+23 Con
[20:46] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=5]
It is done, another shield and another flare of pain through Moore as the blue shield is again made.
100 HP damage.
He winces again. "I didn't think about the color that time and it still came out the same way." He says.
It is at this time that I realize Moore only has Heal and Cure Light Wounds as healing spells. Oh well. He'll Heal himself again.
It's not that unusual, most don't need every level of healing magic.
Xandra merely nods, "It may be intrinsic or due to the way we learned it," she suggests, "Does that help, Alyssa?"
Alyssa mumbles the process to herself to cement it in her mind before trying again, "Create: Perfect Anvil."
Assuming the incoming Cha check, and since Moore's rolling a Con check with it, I'll do that too:
Cha/Moore Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 1 + 31, total 32[/blockquote]
Con/Moore Bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+32 : 14 + 32, total 46[/blockquote]
A jolt of pain, a moment of dazedness as you utter the words, but nothing else.
20 damage, could've been much worse without Moore boosting the total.
"Hm... would you try again? Here, let me try something." Moore says as he casts a quick spell!
Surge of Hope for Alyssa (and I guess him too), +4 on any further skill or ability checks for the next 30 minutes.
Alyssa shakes her head and tries to refocus with a stubborn look.
"Annoying. Thank you Moore. I will get this."
Alyssa takes a deep breath, runs through some quick meditation exercises to clear her mind and focus, "Create: Perfect Anvil!"
Cha/Moore:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 12 + 35, total 47[/blockquote]
Con/Moore:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+36 : 14 + 36, total 50[/blockquote]
You feel a stagger from yourself inside, a feeling of weakness. You withstand it however as an anvil of blue appears, solid and heavy looking.
180 damage.
Alyssa coughs a bit.
"That does take a bit out of you. Still, I managed it. Is it permanent?"
"I have, admittedly, not tested that theory much. I'm not even sure if one can say what they're really made of, you know?" Moore says with a smile as he gestures again to heal her.
Blah blah, Heal.
"I doubt the shields are strong enough to hold up against extreme conditions... well, except very specific extreme conditions." He says.
Alyssa stretches a bit at the refreshing feeling of the healing and takes her smithing hammer, tapping and inspecting the anvil to gauge it's sturdiness.
It seems sturdy enough on a tap.
Emily hms, "Of course, conjured materials seem sturdy until the duration runs out," she points out.
"But what is the duration? Or is this something that can be maintained?"
Alyssa taps her chin with the hammer...
"Would you happen to have any materials on hand or near-by? I can try forging something and see what happens."
"Oh, sure. We've got a bunch of those weird obsidian things all over the place, hold on."
Moore will go to fetch one of the flawed obsidian weapons to bring back!
How fast could you do that, you think?
Can I point out that I can teleport, if need be?
I dunno, probably 2 minutes or less I would think? We've got to have plenty of that stuff still left over.
A minute or two passes before Moore comes back with one. The anvil is still there.
He puts one of the flawed obsidian sabers on top of the anvil. "Here you go."
He backs away after that. "Actually, wouldn't you be able to just... tell if these will go away by trying to dispel them?"
Alyssa considers, "It depends if they fall under the same rules as normal magic. I don't think they do, but it's possible. Let's see how durable it is first, before we try that. Someone cast some fire for me to act as a forge."
Moore backs up another step to let either Xandra or Emily take care of that.
"Fine, I'll do it," Dolmaya says, as a space for a small fire is made. A few words of magic create it, a flame ready for you.
Alyssa sets to work, focusing on using the Words of Creation to imbue her creations with power.
Okay, not really sure what to try and make here, but I was thinking of something for everyone. Most peeps in my group have at least a ring or necklace slot that's open, so that for them. Moore seems geared up, so if he wants something it'll either have to be a slotless/carry around trinket, and Xandra has a necklace slot open.
My plan was to try and make something un-enchanted like the smith's hammer currently is, but while using the Words to focus on them and make it specifically for each person. I'm not sure what would really fit/benefit everyone, but it seems like everyone across the board is lacking skill check boosters, so I suppose let's start there?
Okay, so you want break down the scimitar and use it to try and build stat boosters?
Yeah. Rings/amulets as fits those who came with me, including Moore if he wants one. For Moore and I, it'll probably be a slotless item? Though I suppose I could make a ring to replace the evil one I have since Emily throws a hissy fit over it.
Gimme a Cha check and a Con check, I suppose.
Cha/Moore:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 1 + 35, total 36[/blockquote]
Con/Moore:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+36 : 10 + 36, total 46[/blockquote]
You feel as if your intent is right, but still...to create and create such things, you feel like you need more words yet. Something more, perhaps. You're come farther already this session, but there's more to go.
"I... think I need another Word... maybe... something that creates a connection? Or understanding? Any ideas, Moore?"
Moore considers for a moment. "An understanding... yes, I think I can help with this." He says as he starts saying a few Words quietly.
Technically speaking this won't have any impact on the rolls, but he'll use Words of Creation along with Inspire Competence. So she will get +8 to skill checks! But it won't help with the raw rolls themselves. Still, it's the most thematic application for this I can think of.
Okay.
As Moore works Dolmaya considers it, "Rather than trying to create magic items from nothing - a vanishingly hard task - why not start with a magic item? A field already seeded with gold is easier to find gold in than merely a random field."
"Hmm... not a bad idea, but I don't have any magic item to... split? Deconstruct? In order to combine with this obsidian to make the rings and necklaces... Unless... the Black Signet ring. I know Emily won't mind that getting deconstructed, but the magic is evil. I'm not sure I can purify it in the process."
"We're in a pretty good place for that sort of thing." Moore says. "I can probably handle the purification with some magic while you focus on the forging."
"Few places would be better than the light of Chronias," Xandra agrees. She looks up at the endless light from above, Emily doing the same.
Bastian glances before going back down. 'Like they bow before a mage child's mage-light that keeps away the night,' he sends to Alyssa.
'Their belief gives them strength. Of a sort. And a blind spot that we watch for.'
"Let's try it, then."
Moore gestures to Alyssa. "By all means."
Moore will bust out a Wish/Miracle during this to try and make this Black Signet Ring not an awful horrible evil thing while Alyssa forges.
Sure, gimme Con and Cha again.
Cha/Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 8 + 35, total 43[/blockquote]
Con/Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+36 : 13 + 36, total 49[/blockquote]
Go ahead and note which spell you use and how you phrase it, Moore.
We will go with Miracle.
'Please remove the evil in this ring so it can be forged anew.'
Gimme a Cha check as well, pixie terror.
[13:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+48
[13:21] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=12]
This is playing loose with the item purification rules. However, 'reforge in the light of Celestia while under the guidance of one of the Hebdomad' is certainly a worthy purification quest.
As Alyssa begins to hammer?
Continue, Alyssa. Moore, speak the Words anew.
Moore will do so, changing them slightly to fit this!
He's not high enough level to know Song of Rebirth from Singer of the Celestial Choir, but he will instead thematically sing the Song of Purification. Again, no actual impact here, it's just entirely thematic.
Paste me that ability real quick?
Song of Purification
A singer of the celestial choir of 3rd level or higher and with 26 or more ranks in perform (song) can sing of the celestial promise to take away pain, misery and despair. All allies (including himself) that can hear the Singer sing are cured of the following conditions: confused, dazed, dazzled, exhausted, fatigued, frightened, nauseated, panicked, shaken, sickened and stunned. In addition, effects that specifically cause pain, such as symbol of pain, are negated. Further, effects that cause despair, such as crushing despair, are countered. Song of Purification is considered a limited wish with a caster level equal to the singer's hit dice for the sake of what effects it may relieve. This does not allow Song of Purification to relieve conditions that fall outside of the scope of those already listed. This song lasts for 1 round. When you start the Song of Purification, you take 26d4 points of non-lethal damage. Using the Song of Purification counts as one of your uses of bardic music for the day.
As Moore sings, Alyssa feels the words anew. They feel like they're bubbling up into her, ready to use.
Alyssa calls out the words as she begins working!
Give me one more Charisma check, +2 bonus.
Cha/Moore/bonus:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+37 : 19 + 37, total 56[/blockquote]
Awesome. Paste your ring real quick and remind me what you wanted to make here?
Black Signet Ring: This gold and onyx ring is invisible when worn (as if by a superior invisibility spell). It grants a +20 competence bonus to Stealth checks and the ability to detect good at will (caster level 25th) as a free action. It grants a +5 profane bonus to saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities with the good descriptor, as well as supernatural and extraordinary abilities of celestials.
Wanted to create rings or amulets to fill slots for everyone here that needs them that are suitable for them. Since there are so many NPCs here I didn't dig through to figure what that might be , though.
You're the one making them, I do need some sort of guidance on what you're making, unless you want to trust the will of Celestia here.
For the combined reasons of expediency and the fact that Zahpy literally just had direct influence, I'll let it ride with Celestia. It'll make Emily happy too.
You work, work and work. You forge, amulets made. You work away and forge them as all becomes a blur to you, a few words slipping from your mouth as the light grows so bright.
> roll 100d4+100d4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 510 > [100d4=252,258]
Nonlethal damage in this case, thankfully. Using a premade item was indeed a wise choice.
Alyssa sees her hands work as all goes dark, the last touch on the last amulet done in a haze of effort. The others see Alyssa work and work...until at the end she collapses in a heap.
Moore lets out a noise of surprise as he goes to down to put a hand on her.
Two Heals to both get rid of the nonlethal damage and help out with anything else.
"You're too earnest for your own good." Moore says quietly.
Emily is there, the same spells cast on Alyssa.
Dolmaya hurries over while Xandra watches the amulets.
Alyssa stirs in a haze. She feels drained to the core, utterly exhausted beyond measure.
Alyssa shift to be more comfortable.
"Urg. That's... draining. I think I need a week of sleep. No morning sparring, Dolmaya."
"Yeah, that gets a little bit easier every time." Moore says as he helps her up. "Still, though, I think you made something amazing."
"Well done," Xandra agrees as you rise, "Look," She gestures at the amulets - amulets of obsidian and blue gemstones, the ring you used gone.
"I'm going to just lay here for a bit. How did they all turn out?"
Moore pats Alyssa on the shoulder and goes to check for himself!
Spellcraft, Doom Pixie.
Take 10 for 103 on Spellcraft and 108 on K:A
There are three amulets.
Amulets of Blessings
Each of these amulets grant you a +3 scared bonus to saving throws, as well as the ability to cast invisibility purge once per day, caster level 21st.
Moore wrinkles his nose as he looks up towards the sky.
Three, huh...
"Ah! These are quite interesting. You made three amulets. Each one protects you against things that attack your fortitude, agility and mental stats slightly, and also let you cast that spell that purges invisibility once a day." Moore relays to Alyssa.
"That's handy. Glad it came out alright."
"Those do sound fine," Bastian declares, "Pretty good work, besides passing out."
"You did well," Xandra says, "What you did was also dangerous, but using another item took much of the burden off."
"Do you feel like you have a better understanding of the basics?" Moore asks.
"I don't want to find out what it takes without an item. Oof."
Alyssa gets up to her feet.
"A little, yes. It's clearer for sure.
"Do you feel ready for your trial?" Xandra asks next.
"More confident for sure."
"I think we should at least go once you've recovered." Moore says. "You don't have to challenge your trial immediately, you can still practice there outside of it if you so choose."
"Agreed."
"Then let's return and rest," Xanra invites, "Shall we?"
"Good idea."
Okay then, any prep for this, y'all?
Also, who all is coming?
Gotta do spells still.
Moore will have them all hit up the Cubic Monument they have before they go.
Jetina would probably be wise to bring, along with Xandra.
Cubic Monument
This cube is about the size of Hanna or so, hewn of solid stone from Jovar. It seems to be as much radiance as it is stone, filled with blessings for those that touch it. Those that touch it gain the following spells: Epic Mage Armor (CL24), Mind Blank (CL17) and Afina's Perfect Sight (CL27).
Okay, go do spells, Iddy. Let us know when they're done.
Good to go.
As you return to the Cauldron go in, "Your timing is good," Sanzha approaches as you walk towards the portal, "Alicia and Seira just went in as well."
"Well, seems everyone is eager."
Moore nods. "Thank you, Lady Sanzha. Hopefully we come back with Sylvie one way or another."
He will head through unless there's more to be said!
Alyssa follows the experienced one!
Y'all have been moved to the 21 thread, go check that out.