Thus Alicia and Antenora return to Sylica, heavy with what they have learned and choices. Needs loom before them - the only question is, which do they favor first?
You said Marie and Latha, so go ahead and decide which you want to deal with first. Or both at once for all I know.
While Marie continues her vigil in the desert, Alicia gathers Syala, Jessica, and Latha in one of Liberton's meeting rooms, warding it from eavesdroppers while relying on their usual precautions against divinations to prevent them or notice them if any get past nondetection or mind blank.
"We met Io and learned much, and there is a great deal to go over," she begins, sitting at the head of the table. "But a more urgent matter first. Marie has discovered a Sharran base in the southeast of the Desert Fiefdoms. She managed to survey their activities and scout out some of the interior, before she encountered a cultist muttering of 'missiles and force'. Divining his thoughts showed Shar or something very close to her was passing on divine messages relating to force spells. Considering Marie's speciality it seemed worryingly specific so she's backed off for now, but we're both concerned Shar knows of her activities and this was some sort of taunt."
"Then the answer is simple," Syala smiles in a not kind way at all. "Hellman and the Crimson Guard do adore crushing Sharrans. He could use the diversion."
"Unless we wish to root them out ourselves," Latha retorts, "But that is not the primary matter. It may well be that Marie has been identified somehow. Nonetheless, she has succeeded and found a Sharran base."
"Do you think this could be a trap, Alicia?" Antenora ventures, "Some measure of lure for us?"
"If it was a trap why warn her at all?" Alicia asks Antenora. "It would make more sense to have an avatar drop on her head and kill her by surprise. It definitely has the feel of a taunt from a position of unassailable superiority. As if she's saying 'look around all you want, but I know you're here and can remove you whenever I please'."
She nods to Syala next. "That was my thinking, delegate to the Crimson Guard with Marie available to support if something they can't handle shows up. But Shar calling her out like that throws everything in doubt. It's possible her divine portfolio of secrets is enough see through the entire Honey Belle spying exercise, the way I can sense the war between Cauldron and the Efreet just on a vastly more sensitive scale. I hadn't considered it before but it makes any sort of stealthy manoeuvring against Shar problematic if that's the case. Marie's stealth is too good for me to think she's been found out conventionally."
"There's another possibility, as adorable as all of you going full Antenora is," Jessica points out, a smile growing on her face.
Antenora turns to her, "Pardon?" she asks, not unkindly, but with a distinct hint of amused pique.
"What I'm thinking is that maybe it wasn't Marie in particular, but babbling about her power? Less identifying her and more simply realizing something vastly powerful was brushing by?" Jessica offers. "I think you may all be overthinking it."
"That's very optimistic, sister," she says, nonetheless hoping she's correct. "I suppose in the end we can't let it paralyze us - we must do something. I'll have Marie contact the Crimson Guard so they can get the practice and she can observe unless needed. Might bait Dragodan out."
Marie is given her marching orders and thus teleports off to do that, getting dressed on the way!
"Now then, Io," she takes a breath. "While the circumstances of the dungeon itself would surely enthrall Syala, I'll be merciful and get to the relevant points instead," she gives her wife an amused look before turning serious. "He has returned in full to Creation, but is keeping his presence circumspect for now. But he is aware of what the Arbiter charged me with twenty years ago, which I can now share with all of you because the same protection Syala and I had is now extended to all of us and Marie. Our true enemy is Ao - Shar is merely his chosen tool to end Creation, but he has committed to doing just that. Were you to speak of this to others not under the Arbiter's protection, Ao would notice, and may well choose not to wait on Shar. Do not speak of this elsewhere," her voice thrums with command, countenance stern. "I cannot overstate the importance of secrecy here, everything depends on it."
Syala smiles, but it fades as she listens. "Ao?" she asks, voice painfully soft.
"Ao," Antenora echos, "The reason why Shar is so strong, the reason why the Prophecy is so and the reason why without us, she WILL win."
Latha takes that with a steely gaze, "Then how do we make this right, Alicia? How do we win against an Incarnation? It's an impossible battle. Even hurting one is laughable - they created beings like Io and Lathander."
"We need the Incarnation of Law," she answers. "The Arbiter charged me with this task twenty years ago, to Find the Third. The phrase Three into Two and One into Three was used, which I believe means the three incarnations became two when one of them sundered itself into three parts, and that's why the Incarnation of Law has been absent so long. Somewhere, in some form, Ao's equal and opposite needs to be found and put back together again."
A long pause.
"I think, anyway. It's supposition. If the Incarnation of Law has left Creation to go elsewhere... well, I don't even know how to begin finding it. This explanation at least makes sense and offers hope."
"Daunting," Latha murmurs, "But at least that gives us something."
Jessica exhales slowly, "Why us? Why put not just divinity, but the fate of all Creation on our shoulders? Sister, twenty years ago you were still but mortal."
"I believe," Syala finally says, "That we go forward assuming Alicia's correct, because the opposite is essentially conceding defeat. So. How do we go forward from here? What do we do?"
"It was my own fault," Alicia smiles wryly. "It was actually just after I ascended, when the Arbiter's herald came to explain how I could no longer take part in Daa-vid's judgement. I effectively trapped him into admitting how nonsensical it was, how the judgement was flawed... and then he agreed and explained the whole thing was a distraction on Ao's part, as many things are, and that I had seen the truth of Creation."
"As for what to do? We keep looking for clues, and keep pushing Shar back. Shar is the weapon used to end Creation, so pushing her back buys us more time. I don't know what would happen if she were destroyed. Nor if the Answer was found - it's possible an Answer would satisfy Ao. Or it might leave Creation completed and thus no longer required, but Ao has already grown tired of Creation and decided on its destruction so I don't think it would make things worse.
"I think Chronias has something to do with it. Io said Zaphkiel won't speak to us until we're ready though, so... I'm sorry, even knowing what I know and having so long to look? Progress just hasn't come. I'm guilty of letting myself be distracted at times as well, but if the Competition lets me get stronger and I can use that strength in finding the Incarnation of Law, is it useful? Or is strength irrelevant and I just need to find the right clues and put them together?"
Antenora adds after that, sitting back in her chair, "We have to get better," she says, "I believe we'll fight Shar before this is all over, and we're not nearly where we need to be for that. That is the crux of what we have been told again and again."
"More reason to find 21 as well," Latha says, "21 could destroy even Shar."
"21 is the battle for a soul," Antenora says softly. "The only question is which soul. The soul of 21? Creation's soul? The soul of the Incarnation of Law? The Answer itself? 21 promises to do the impossible and plays a role in this. Or is the woman's soul who bears it even now, who Moore seeks to save? Yet no matter, it would be pursued regardless, because of how valuable and how mighty it would make us. No matter how loathsome a thing it is."
"What other ways can we strengthen ourselves, sister?" Jessica speaks up now, "Even if we do not win by force of arms, it can only help us, and we need strength to stop and set back Shar's machinations."
"As always the best way to grow stronger is by doing. Testing yourself and practising... but there is one other thing. The divine seed Asmodeus offered me before? Io was able to create one of his own in his long time away from Creation, which he has gifted to us. With three charges split between us, Seira's group, and Moore's group. One more deity could rise in Sylica's pantheon," Alicia answers, looking over the group.
That gets Syala to smile, "Well, more company and more help? We'd be starting to rival Brightwater in numbers."
Jessica is quiet at that, "Such an honor," she says, "Such possibility, to become such a thing."
Latha meets Alicia's gaze, "Then you need another to stand besides the three of you."
She'd been thinking Latha, but Jessica's reaction makes her reconsider. It is something she's been thinking seriously about and asking questions...
"Such a responsibility as well. A Goddess of Light or a Goddess of Shadow would join Syala, Antenora, and I. It would have to be one of you two, there are no other candidates."
Latha considers a moment, Jessica the same. As they do?
"This is not a light honor, but a great mantle," Syala says, "The power is wonderful, but I'm involved in so much now. This?" She gestures at herself, "Is only a small part of me. I'm providing blessings, seeing to my faithful, mourning my dead, welcoming souls, watching weddings, ensuring safe childbirth, waging war and so much more, again and again and again, forever." With a heavy look, "Forever I am a part of my faithful, tending to them and preparing them places here for eternity. It is the busiest, most consuming and most incredible task one could ever have."
"Consider it carefully, both of you," Alicia looks over Jessica and Latha. "If neither or both of you desire it, we will have to think about what to do, but if only one of you wishes it that simplifies things. Sleep on it, talk to others. This subject you can talk about with those you trust, though I'd still prefer it not spread wide."
Latha rises. "Thank you," she says, voice rich. "I will do that."
Once Latha is gone, Jessica rises as well. "I need to talk about this part with Roald. It IS safe to talk about, right?"
"Nothing about Ao, but you can talk about ascending," Alicia nods. "Io would prefer his name not spread, and similarly I don't want our access to that divine seed known so be circumspect please."
Thus, it is the three of you. A silence of consideration before Syala speaks up.
"Well, marrying you has never been boring, is it?" It's said with a smile, "It's sobering. To face a battle lest we be cast aside as a child casts aside a toy he has grown tired of. What sort of creatures are these Incarnations to act with such casual monstrosity? Do we not have a right to exist?"
"We never did," she shakes her head. "I've seen interactions in Mystra and Io's memories of their encounters with them. They're utterly indifferent to us. Tools is all we are, and if we don't perform our task they have no use for us. Perhaps Ao is simply impatient for an Answer and has decided there's no point in Creation with none forthcoming? The one hope I cling to is that the Arbiter is invested in our survival, and if he is not an Incarnation he's at least something very close."
"In that light, the only sane option is to become One or whole, and secure your right to exist," Antenora remarks quietly, "Yet the life of a creature wandering the Far Realm strikes me as madness and sorrow. Our Creation seems the anomaly, the exception, the merciful place."
"Then the Incarnations are wrong, and we'll fix that, one way or another," Syala says, "We have a right to exist, no matter what they think. If they care not for us, they can leave and let us be." Her tone is sour, expresssion growing thunderous, "Or let the Abyss have them."
"The problem is that it appears the Abyss may well have Ao," Antenora reaches out, taking Syala's hand. "Or at least his mindset is close enough to a demon to doom Creation, lest we save it."
"On the subject of the Abyss, apparently Pale Night is a creature of Beyond that the Incarnations trapped here," Alicia says. "I'm not really certain if that means her demonic nature is something forced on her by the role she was forced into or if it's her true self. It explains Sylian's interest in her, anyway."
"It also helps explain Sylian - or Myriad, as another named him," Antenora says, "I noticed something, Alicia. It was mentioned that the Incarnations take different names and guises. So does Sylian. It may be nothing, but he also whole, as the dragon put it. We don't know what Pale Night is or how strong it is, but she may be quite powerful. Powerful enough to help Sylian reach far higher than he should be able to."
"She's powerful as demon lords go, but it's possible she would be far more without the restrictions placed on her by the Incarnations," Alicia agrees. "She may be bound, but was it by their combined effort? Would she be a more even match for but one of them - and would we be risking a greater calamity by allowing it? Creatures of Beyond unravel Creation by their presence, if she were that strong she could bring the end as surely as Shar. So as far as I'm concerned, trying to free her is an act of absolute last resort when all other hope has been lost."
Arms crossed and with a thoughtful expression, "If nothing else, this answers some questions we had. But why is it answers always lead to more questions? No wonder they haven't found their damn Answer yet, they even hit good and evil as a complication."
Antenora cracks a smile at that, squeezing Syala's hand and letting go as she crosses her arms.
"Things did go off track right from the start, didn't they?" Alicia agrees, sighing. "Anyway, that's where we're at. Moore's hopeful 21 will prove important if it's found... if nothing else it would certainly be effective against Shar. There's also some sort of ritual Calley provided the basis for but it's like assembling a jigsaw puzzle without the guide picture, we don't even know what it'll do once complete, or if our pieces match the intention."
"In the meantime, there's still that war with the efreet," Antenora says, "Are we going to hold the course there and see how it develops?"
"Yes, Seira hasn't asked for aid and I'm hopeful we can keep more off her back by staying poised than if we're already committed," Alicia confirms. "We have to prepare our expedition to Daun anyway, and I'll monitor the Crimson Guard's move on that Sharran hideout through Marie."
"Soon on that," Antenora says, rather thoughtful. "But after that, a moment's respite may be nice. Perhaps go play with Martin?" Antenora suggests. "I'm going to go get some of Roald's bread and snacks and spend some time pondering everything."
At the same time, you sense it. The man before it is a slightly plump merchant, wearing fine if worn clothes. A familiar figure, for his unholy symbol of Shar hangs from his neck openly. You recall his desecration of one of your roadside shrines and your own curse of truthfulness on him. A cruel smile is on his face, both hands forcing a dagger down. A whispered prayer to you in the defender's heart as he lays on his inn bed, desperately holding the knife back.
The man who whispered the prayer is not one of yours - his name is Hammon. You know not why in that moment he appealed to you, but in that blurry moment where all is action and life hangs in the balance, he reached out to you.
"I'll occupy myself," Alicia reassures Antenora as she examines the source of this prayer, looking for anyone nearby in that inn who might be in a position to help if prodded.
There are people in the nearby rooms, but they're generally asleep.
A single serving maid is heading down the hall, a mop and bucket carried.
No, if she gave the maid an inclination to visit that room it would be sending her to her death. If the man screams and that alerts the maid and rouses others fine, but Alicia won't intervene in that fashion.
For the Hammon she does him the favour of pushing back his tiredness, aiding the adrenaline boost he has so he can have a better chance of pushing back the dagger. If that's not enough, Helm will keep his soul safe.
> roll 1d20+4 str check merchant
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+5 str check Hammon (+3 adrenaline thanks to Alicia)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d20=3]
It is a struggle, a struggle for a life in a single moment. A struggle that in the end, superior weight sees to. The dagger sinks down and plunges in, a pained gasp as it comes up after that, no more resistance as it plunges in again and again, the merchant's face splitting with a grin, blood splattering over his tunic and face.
In that last moment you catch something out of the corner of your eye. The image of an armored guard, watching, waiting and standing vigil. Shadows in the room coil, twist, writhing on the opposite side.
Alicia has intervened as much as she's willing to for Hammon's life, it has to come down to him in the end lest all mortals be reduced to nothing more than divine pawns. It's unfortunate that he met his end at the hands of such a grotesque murderer, although many of her faithful in the region know to beware and watch for that face from dreams she's given them so hopefully he'll be brought to account soon.
She merely trusts Helm to take his soul now and deliver it to where he ought to go.
The shadows and guard stand opposite each other - but in the end Hammon's soul flies free and true to the Well of Souls. Slowly the shadows retreat, Helm staying a time yet.
Things aren't quite as they should be - Hammon shouldn't be dead after all. But they're as good as they can get for now, so Alicia's observation of the area relents as well and she goes to spend some time dealing with Sylican matters and bonding with her cat.
It is a few peaceful hours to see to things and rest. Human things - petting your kitten and watching him play, his mind sharp and active, a palpable if clumsy force. Martin declares war on an old sock, clawing and rolling with it, occasionally lifting them both into the air with a flare of mental power.
You watch this, a moment from filling out decrees and signing things that must be signed, as part of you sees towards your faithful - Daluth in single combat with a goblin champion, Anisa guarding travelers, Zane teaching a promising child how to conjure simple spheres of colored light.
A knock on your door, three raps on it. "Sister?" Jessica calls.
"Come in Jessica," Alicia calls, standing up from her seat where she'd been watching the kitten play and sifting through prayers.
Jessica enters, pausing halfway to watch Martin. He's airborne again, floating along as he claws away. "What a curious cat," she murmurs. Then she comes to you and gives you a brief hug, before going to sit next to you, pulling a chair up.
"He amuses me," Alicia agrees with an amused look as she returns that hug against her currently unarmoured body, sitting down after. "What's on your mind, sister?"
"I would like your honest, heartfelt opinion, that's what," Jessica says, taking your hands. "Between Latha and I, who do you favor taking the offer of ascension?"
"I'm not normally one to shy away from decisions like that, but in this case I actually am torn," she shakes her head. "Latha was my first though, I'll admit. Her experience on the bridge of Al-Sihal has prepared her for the sort of duties and judgement being a deity entails, and her role in Sylica is far more visible than yours which would make it easier for her to gain a following and build her church.
"But, you have been talking about expanding your influence, making more of a difference. You deserve the opportunity to pursue that... and there is one other factor. Io provided us with research materials on becoming One - Antenora's feat may be replicated more easily with it. Seira is currently making use of that work, but if we were to try again I think Latha would suit that method better, therefore it would make more sense for you to take advantage of this opportunity while it beckons. So... I wait to see first if you two will simplify the decision. If neither of you wish it, Antenora will be empowered. If both of you do, I'll judge yours and Latha's words and come to a decision, and hope neither of you will begrudge me for it."
"Then I wish to ascend," Jessica says, "I wish to have the chance to become more. Creation needs help, Alicia. Creation needs us," Jessica meets your gaze, "I can't sit at home and ignore need when I've been given so much. Not this time. Not again."
She smiles warmly and reaches over to pat Jessica's hand. "Thank you for saying so. I'll make my decision once Latha gets back to me as well, neither of you will be kept waiting long."
"Thank you, sister. I...have to do something, be it this or something else. It's time to." At this, you feel it. The connection with Jessica, bright and strong, resonating.
Node update, go read.
Alicia glances up briefly. "Zaphkiel approves. You're important to our efforts and to me, regardless of what I decide in this."
"...ah." Jessica breathes out, "Thank you," she looks up as well, "Then I'll leave you so Latha can come to you when she will."
"Thank you Jessica, I'm sure she won't take too long herself," Alicia nods.
It doesn't. Another hour and change before Latha comes in. By this point Martin is asleep on your lap, purring in contentment. Once Latha comes in she smiles, "Ah. Building relations with Brightwater?"
"It was a favour to Sharess," she agrees, running her fingers over Martin's black fur in regular strokes. "Though he has potential. I might even take him for a familiar one day. Come, sit and tell me your thoughts, Latha," she invites.
"That's the one Marie swore was Cantenora?" Latha smiles faintly at this as she sits. "I want this," she begins, "Because you need me, Alicia. In many ways you've outgrown me as a mentor, but I am still your friend and ally."
"Martin," she insists with a note of finality in her voice. It fades as she smiles and nods after, "You are, and always will be. You should know that Io has become One as Antenora did, and has provided us with his research on the matter. Seira is employing it now but I'll have my turn soon. We have many routes open to us as we continue to grow, regardless of who benefits from the seed."
"Really?" Latha says, "How effective is this research?"
"I haven't read it myself, but I trust Io's work - he was able to replicate the work of the Incarnations in creating the divine seed. We'll know more once Seira's finished studying it," Alicia answers.
"Then we have even more chances," Latha considers, silent a time after that. "I believe the conclusion you mean for me to reach is that I would achieve that easier than Jessica would?"
"You're ahead of me," Alicia smiles a little. "I was going to call Jessica over and give my decision to you both, but yes I think your temperament and clarity of self predispose you better to do as Antenora did. Worthy as you both are, the calculus favours giving this opportunity to Jessica for our long term growth."
Latha's expression is still, a frown. This frown lingers until she shake her head, "You're right, Alicia. I don't like it, I feel it a setback that gnaws on the darkest parts of me - but then more reason to face them in the light." Taking a breath and smiling, "Do was you see fit. I trust you."
"I understand. To see this opportunity so close and then seemingly snatched away? It's not a nice feeling," Alicia commiserates. "Don't be disheartened though, whether it's supporting you to become One or finding other opportunities like this, we'll find a way forward for you as well. You deserve it."
At this Latha rises and comes forth, "Then take Jessica and give her what you will. I believe you've made up your mind already," Latha's voice is gentler now. "I understand."
Lifting Martin off her lap and placing the cat back down on the chair after she rises, Alicia steps forward to give Latha a hug. "Yes, I've decided. Please support Jessica as you've supported me."
"I will. ...You are not the only sister Jessica has here," Latha adds after, "I will watch over her as you have watched over us all."
"Thank you, Latha," she parts from the deva. "I'll go and take Jessica to Io now. Before the hour is out Sylica will have four deities to watch over it."
Thus she teleports off to find her sister.
Jessica sits on a bench in one of Liberton's gardens, alone. Her hair is unbound and loose, a warm breeze blowing it out. She is in her combat gear and ready to go. Her face, never truly beautiful, is at least at peace as she basks in the sunshine. Her Sashes of Shadow seem pitch black against the sunlight right now, flowing in steady, constant spirals.
"Sometimes I remember," Jessica says, "Do you remember when you returned from an adventure, and I told you of my first change by informing you that I could see in the dark?"
"Yes, who knew that celestials were so infectious?" Alicia says dryly. "Of course we'd do far more and far quicker if we went to the prime without any protections now."
Of course this also means Jessica and Antenora are off limits for visiting the prime themselves since they can't be made proxies and it'll be some time before they'll have avatars ready.
"I spoke to Latha and I've made my decision. Are you ready?" she holds out a hand towards Jessica, armed and armoured herself now just to exercise due caution for any trip away from home.
Jessica's answer is to take your hand and squeeze it tightly.
Squeezing it back, she opens a portal to Io's realm. "Prepare yourself, Jessica. This will entail far more than improved night vision."
And thus you again stand before Io. He looms over all and declares, "Have you made your choice?"
"Yes," Alicia nods. "Although... before that. Before you're changed, tell me what kind of goddess you will be, Jessica?" she asks, looking at her sister, wanting to hear her say it in her own words.
"A protector in the shadows," Jessica looks up to Io, "The blade of the innocent, that sees those cast into night's darkness through to the dawn. I will walk the night so others may live to see the next day."
Alicia nods after that. "And who can deny that Creation is in need of just that? She's ready, Io," she turns to look up at the progenitor of dragonkind.
"Then rise," Io says, as the divine seed appears again. It is less luminous than before, "Kascha has already risen. One more remains after this."
Jessica steps forward, hands just outside of the seed, as if cupping and supporting it. "It's so beautiful, sister. I can see everything. The stars, the sun, the planes, everything. I..." A flash of light, for a moment all overwhelming, all overpowering.
Jessica has gained divine rank 0.
Alicia closes her eyes at that flash, only opening them as it dims and looking on Jessica. "Then take your place as eternal caretaker of Creation, Blade of the Innocent," she intones.
And as she did when Antenora ascended, Alicia celebrates this with her faithful, sending visions to mark on Jessica's ascension, letting them all know that a new goddess has joined Sylica to serve as a protector in the shadows. And for a few more days she'll answer prayers in more dramatic fashion too.
As you send your will forth, Jessica comes over...and hugs you tight. No words, just your sister holding you.
She hugs Jessica back, even armoured as they both are. Holding it for a moment she slackens her grip and then parts. "Lets go home, Jessica. Sylica waits for your presence."
"I'm finally awake," Jessica says, "I feel like I've awoken from a dream since before birth."
Jessica doesn't even remember being born!
Well, no one does. But Jessica also doesn't remember her childhood!
"It'll take some getting used to - moreso when you begin to hear prayers and learn to affect reality. But you'll have Syala and I to help you, and Antenora to share your education with," she says, before looking up at Io and bowing her head. "Thank you, Io. The work you have put into crafting that seed, we'll ensure it's used to safeguard Creation."
"Then go and grow mightier," Io declares. "Go forth."
"Farewell then," she says to Io, leading Jessica back out and gating them back to Sylica.
It is done. When you appear back where you left, Antenora and Syala are there.
"Well, well, we keep growing up," Syala laughs, before pulling Jessica into a hug. Antenora goes to you with a fond look, "Another day Shar will one day have the greatest reason to lament."
"I heard from Io that Kascha has also ascended," Alicia says, adding to the good news.
"Kascha?" Syala looks up as Jessica laughs back, the two embracing, "That's an interesting choice."
"One who wouldn't be well suited to becoming One, I believe," Antenora says, "Seira is putting her faith in that - as are we and others."
"It opens more choices, but I think Kascha will make for an interesting goddess," Alicia nods. "Scholarly, gentle, and kind. It's just up to us and Seira to help nurture all these neophyte divinities to reach their full potential!" she says to Syala.
"So much to do - let's get going," Syala says firmly, "AFTER one more thing. Dear, you mentioned Io's dungeon?"
"Ahh yes. Come on Antenora, lets tell Syala about all the traps and challenges we had to overcome," Alicia nods indulgently. "Actually though it was rather scant on traps, it was in fact tremendously straightforward."
Okay, that aside, do you have a next move or is it more let events more a bit?
Nothing immediate.
Gimme a d100.
[20:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[20:14] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d100=36]
A knock on your study a few hours later, the day wearing on. "Alicia," Naeys calls. "There's an intelligence report here, from our services as well as messages from allies."
"Oh, come in Naeys," Alicia looks up towards the door, sitting on a comfortable chair with her focus diffused through prayer and the celebrations of her faithful. "What do you have for me?"
Celebrations day and night - brighter in the places where night is currently fallen. Naeys enters, a tray levitating behind him. "Roald insisted I bring some of this to you," he says, taking the tray and placing it before you. "He made it in celebration. Your parents even adored it."
"He is good at what he does," Alicia says, happy to sample any baked goods delivered her way.
It's a slice of rich cake, tall and with five cakes and four layers between them. The cakes are sweet vanilla, with each layer having a filling in between them. One layer of chocolate, another of a rich red jam, a third of buttercream and the last of a white cream blended with what looks like shards of cookies.
The cake casts shadows in the light. In those shadows the cake expands, forming new and different veins - a cake of chocolate with a blue icing in between the layers, or in another shadow a rich red cake with sliced strawberries between them.
"The shadows are just as edible as the cake, and change and replenish if you adjust it in the light," Naeys remarks, "A cunning bit of magic, Roald channels is with a savant's natural talent."
"He's really outdone himself, hasn't he?" Alicia murmurs, a silver fork appearing in her hand as she carves off a section from the pointed tip of the cake and has a bite.
It's a lot of tastes for sure, but it somehow works. All kinds of richness, sweetness and flavors. Rich without a doubt, devastatingly so, and just as good. You'd think it would be too many flavors, overwhelming and mixing. But it's not, you somehow taste all of them, rather than a blur.
"It's something to sweeten your day as the war continues," Naeys seconds. "There's conflicting reports that Hell has joined the war officially. Some say they have, others deny it. Right now no clarity exists."
That sours the taste of her cake alright. "If they have then we need to act. I'd hoped we'd be a deterrent for longer, and if we did have to attack it would be with a softer target, but we can't do nothing. If Hell has joined the fight then so will we. Where are these conflicting reports coming from?"
"Celestia believes they have joined the war, though I am not aware of the provenance of their information. Friends in Brightwater disagree, again with an unknown source. Two of our own sources also disagree, one agreeing and one disagreeing. I hope clarity will come, but I would recommend we act as if they are without committing, so we are ready to commit instantly if they are proven to have joined the war. Most thinkings are that even if they still have not, it is only a matter of time."
"Our initial reaction force is ready to go at a moment's notice - the intent being to pounce on any new arrivals to the war with a strong show of force. We'll have to draw on more forces to continue fighting from there, but we have the slack for it," Alicia says as her avatar makes sure things are ready to go on that front.
"What other news do you have?"
"We're receiving the first few congratulations from afar," Naeys says, "The Red Knight sends her regards and a formal letter of congratulations. Informally, the various consulates and embassies in Sylica send congratulations, though official comments have not yet arrived."
As do I. Well done, Alicia.
The congratulations belong to Jessica, and her hard work begins now.
"A letter, do you have it?" she asks. Getting a letter from someone these days feels oddly old fashioned. "I'm sure more hostile reactions will come too. Malcanthet was very sore over Antenora's ascension."
Guide her well and wisely, for I do not believe it her nature as well suited to this as yours. She has much work ahead of her, far more than only running a bakery.
"I can bear that thought with a great deal of endurance," Naeys says with a chuckle, handing over the letter as requested - with the Red Knight's holy symbol as a wax seal. The paper is of superb quality, unblemished and even, surely created with magic or divine will.
She takes the letter. "One moment, I'll call Jessica over."
Jessica can you come here, please? Red Knight has sent a letter congratulating you.
I'm on my way, sister.
Alicia waits for Jessica to show up before breaking that seal.
Jessica arrives quickly, carrying a tankard in hand, putting it aside, "Everyone's offering me a drink," she says, a wry smile, "I've never been so popular." Coming to sit and glancing at the cake, "How is it?"
"It shouldn't work, but it does. It's delicious," Alicia says, smiling at the cake before she holds up Red Knight's letter. "Lets see what someone outside of Sylica thinks of your ascension then, shall we?" she breaks the wax seal and unfurls it, holding the parchment so they can both see.
It reads as follows.
Congratulations.
A hunter in the shadows is still a hunter, and I know hunting. I extend an invitation for you, Alicia and any others you wish to come to my realm for an enjoyable hunt and celebration. Tempus himself may choose to attend.
The Red Knight.
"An invitation to a hunt, hmm?" Alicia makes a thoughtful noise. "Though the invitation gives may name, you're the lady of the hour Jessica. Interested?"
Jessica starts to say something but stops. "...Yes, I believe I am," she finally says. "It's an invitation, a chance for a friendship."
That earns an approving nod. "She's reaching out to us," she agrees. "Ordinarily I talk with other deities just by flexing divine will to ensure my words reach them, or send my avatar if a personal touch is required. But since Red Knight chose to impart her message to text we should reciprocate. You, me, and Syala should be a good party - Antenora can be in charge while we're gone."
A consideration at that. "Can I reply to her like that? I was able to do it to you when you contacted me."
"You should be able to," Alicia nods. "Organise your thoughts clearly so you have the right words in mind, then think of Red Knight and how you want her to hear those words from you to her. You're a goddess now, sister, making your desires reality like this is one of the simplest things a deity can do."
Jessica focuses and smiles after perhaps ten seconds.
I heard her message, Alicia.
I hope she was polite. We'd be happy to attend your hunt, whenever it may be.
Splendid. The day after tomorrow it is.
In that case we will arrive with the dawn on Ysgard.
Aloud she speaks now, "So we have that to look forward to. Your first chance to present yourself as a goddess outside the friendly environment of Sylica. Nervous?" she asks Jessica, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Terrified," Jessica admits, "But also excited." She takes a breath, "Keep swimming until you either figure out how to swim or you drown. I don't aim to drown."
"Just remember your own deeds are worthy of legend too," she pats Jessica's hand. "You stole Zariel out from under Lixer's nose right alongside Seira. Don't be intimidated even if others have been at this longer than you."
"Alicia speaks the truth," Naeys says, "If you doubt, visit others who follow your path, such as Domiel."
A breath out, "I understand...and are you going to finish that cake, Alicia? I'll take it if you aren't." Jessica adds. "It really is his best work."
"That's good advice, Naeys," Alicia says approvingly, cutting the cake in half and creating another fork so she can share with Jessica. "What other news do you have?" she asks, treating herself to another bite.
It's just as amazing as before. As you savor that bite, Jessica tucking in?
"After a large assault on Celestia's beaches, both sides are settling in to bolster their defenses and focus on attacking off plane interests," Naeys continues, "As well as courting fringe and smaller groups into the war, while diplomacy goes to draw in bigger sides and forces. I've heard Zaaman Rul is fortifying his borders massively, expecting a strike from Imix."
"And we're almost certainly going to be one of those groups soon the way it's going," Alicia frowns a bit even with the deliciousness she's getting to enjoy. "If Tempus appears at this hunt he might have insights of his own as to the state of the war that would be worth finding out."
"Speaking of," Naeys says, "Officially, Warrior's Rest has no position in this war, as is true of most wars they participate in. Faithful will be participating on both sides, which is normal. I believe the Red Knight will honor treaties and send equivalent forces to both sides, but not seriously intervene, as she has ties to all aspects of law."
"We can ask her about that as well then," Alicia says. "Though if she's doing that I don't imagine we'll learn anything useful, and we should be careful what we tell her in turn."
She doesn't understand why Red Knight would have her own forces fight on opposing sides. While Alicia would have no concerns if a worshipper in one country had to fight a worshipper from another country if those two nations went to war, that's different from her sending her personal armies from Sylica and then having them battle each other.
"That's the thrust of everything, anyway," Naeys says, "Everything's curving towards the war, which shows every sign of spreading further. Though as you've heard I believe, Water is officially neutral. So there will at least be a few sides not involved."
"Unless they see an advantage I'm sure," she sighs. "Our hopes of acting as a deterrent were in vain it seems. Any news not related to the war?"
"I believe there's too many forces pulling others in," Naeys shakes his head, "Before that, you are aware of Seira's raids and efforts? I presume you're aware of that."
"She never went into specifics when I last saw her," Alicia shakes her head. "Though the Cauldron seemed well secured."
"Yes. General Valar saw to raids on efreet slaving interests. From all reports they went well, though doubtless they've corrected any weaknesses in their own defenses," Naeys says. "Reports vary somewhat, but most reliable and unbiased ones suggest it was some measure of a success."
"Good," Alicia helps herself to some more cake. "They'll need a lot more to win the war, but if they can build momentum off that it's a good start."
"As for news not related to the war..."
Okay, anything else on your immediate todos before this Red Knight trip?
Marie will monitor the Crimson Guard's attack on that Sharran dungeon as soon as they can get over there.
I also need to find out of Hell has joined the war. Or anyone else for that matter. Can my War domain help with that before I just go around asking people?
Yes. Go ahead and set up trying to focus on it and we'll roll from there.
After finishing the cake and seeing to Naeys and Jessica's departure, Alicia takes some quiet to lose herself not in prayer but in the currents of war which she embodies as part of her divinity, looking at all the participants in the Abolition War. Liberation War? Someone better come up with a snappy name for it soon. Anything that involves a large number of people she should be able to focus on in some level of detail, and this is no small conflict.
It's like losing yourself in a current of thoughts not your own.
War.
Battle.
Blood.
You feel the ache of war in your bones, demanding to be fed. Efreet, the Cauldron, dao, Celestia. More and more tip in, towards the proving grounds of war. You can feel Hell, you can feel its intent, ready and willing to strike, uncoiling and more and more are drawn into the conflict.
It's not a question of if, it's a matter of when. And odds are, when isn't long. Not long at all. Visions of great armies of fiends preparing, surging forward to Fire, surging forward to renew an ancient battle and new rivalry both.
You can feel the bloodshed, the courage of the defenders to protect what is right. The fury of the efreet, being treated as subservient to the whims of others, echos in your blood. The righteous fury of the archons, the crusading hope of the Cauldron, the sheer, stubborn hate of the dao. The looming shadows of the Pit, threatening to snake all of you in.
A war is coming. No small war, no little war. A grand war. A war that will rock many a plane by the time it is done.
Not yet, but soon. She'll keep an eye on things and keep her forces poised, she wants to pounce on the first move any new arrival makes into the war and make a violent statement as to what anyone else can expect.
Okay, just to be clear on Marie: She's going to monitor and intervene if needed, in essence?
Yes, stealthed up, will only interfere if the Crimson Guard is obviously outmatched.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d100=50]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d100=53]
Marie finds it is Oberuth personally leaning the effort, along with Eudard and several lesser members.
Oberuth's expression is stormily anticipatory, "We go in and shatter them hard," he says, "Mages, you focus on countering and stopping magic as we need it. The rest of us are the mailed fist that breaks them all. Quarter is given if an opponent surrenders or begs for mercy. If they do, use the knockout poison you've been given to knock them out. The disposition of any surrenders will be settled after the battle."
Oberuth stands at the head of the table, leaning forward on it. At this Eudard rises and adds, "By Helm's vigilance we will triumph today," he says, as all of you are safely ensconced deep in the Crimson Guard's garrison. "Leave any greater fiends to me, as well as any greater undead. We don't know exactly what to expect, it's possible this will be gross over kill for a Sharran nest. However, we have hopes of catching a provocateur named Dragodan. If you encounter him, retreat as needed, he's likely too much for any of you."
Chance to set yourself or possibly add anything if you want, or just be invisible Marie.
Marie was expecting the B team, so with Oberuth on hand that means firstly that the rank and file Sharrans are going to get obliterated but it also means there's an increased chance of heavy reinforcements coming to try and take him down, which she'll need to be alert for.
Appearing in her natural form and wearing a short-skirted plum-hued dress that goes with her shimmering purple hair, Marie stands off to the side of the meeting, not quite part of the Crimson Guard - even if she definitely counted as a member back when Alicia was active here! "I won't be taking part in the initial fighting but if Dragodan appears or something else on the level of a proxy or avatar, I'll reveal myself. The defenders I saw when scouting the place out initially didn't look a match for the Crimson Guard otherwise," she speaks up so they know what to expect from her. "I can cast spells to aid you all before going in though - my mage armour is proof against any kinds of shadows!"
Is this the same day she scouted it or later on?
Later on. A day to get set up and recovered if nothing else.
That's fine, just so I know what she has available.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
"That'll be helpful," Oberuth speaks up, "If you come on something that strong, draw back, retreat. Questions?"
Chance to ask any yourself or we'll move along.
No questions. How many people want epic mage armour for +22 armour AC that applies vs incorporeal?
7. Can you provide that many?
Easily done. CL 32 for reference.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/7/0/5/4
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
And thus portals and opened and space twists, the party going in and...
It is bloodshed. The Sharrans rise to the attack. Yet Oberuth is there, smashing through the on. He does not move. Rather, he simply is there, blade cleaving through Sharrans and shadows, horrors and mortals alike. You watch them smash through the opening, silencing the song within.
As this happens? Amid Alicia's preparations...
Shall we compete, Alicia?
What do you want?
To see if you are as brave as you claim to be. Can your familiar withstand the slightest bit of my attention and resist the void of oblivion?
So she and Marie were right to be paranoid. Sorry Jessica.
Please spare me the petty manipulations, we both know you place no love on bravery, or anything else. I have no familiar right now anyway, but the one who formerly served has faced your attention before and I have faith in her.
Then so be it. Here you shall feel the sorrow of eternal loss, Alicia.
You have nothing to teach me.
There's no reply to that, the agreement made.
Meanwhile back in that dungeon Marie pops into visibility at her full size and introduces herself with a righteous smite on some cultists.
"Don't think we're going to see Dragodan but probably something worse, Shar's got her eye on us now," she says to Oberuth after receiving warning from Alicia, considering it better now to work together rather than staying hidden. Something stealthy might catch her by surprise and take her out from her own stealth without anyone even noticing after all, but she can count on Oberuth for support if she acts openly!
"Hold," Oberuth commands, turning ot you, "Then we strike harder. Can you crush this place in heaving earth and breaking stone, Marielle?"
She shakes her head. "I can't do spells like that, but also I heard the sound of captives further below when I first scouted the place," she answers. "I can block teleportation to stall any Sharran reinforcements but it'll also affect us and prevent using summons, in case any of you favour fighting with those."
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/7/0/5/4
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
"Do it," Oberuth says after a moment's consideration.
A brief chant and it's done.
Jaela's Teleport Block, 1600ft radius emanation."We're secure now, it'll buy us time so lets work fast and make use of it!"
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/4
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
"With me," Oberuth commands briskly, "If she's going for us, she'll come at one of us most likely."
Marie nods, sticking close to Oberuth and bringing her wrathful magic down on all who get in their way!
Gimme a general Perception check now before we get into this.
Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight
[19:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 attentive eladrin
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=5]
With the two of you leading the way, you leap down the passage and to the bottom, like before. Here the way ahead is blocked. Sharrans fill and line the room, robed and somber, gazes hidden.
Oberuth draws his blade slowly, "You have one chance to surrender. Use it."
"Turn back from pointless nihilism, you know well that Shar offers nothing," Marie speaks up to support Oberuth's point.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/4
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
In the shadows you hear the whispers, louder.
Destroyer.
Blank.
Force.
Knight.
Bright.
Yet the Sharrans are silent, the whispers seemingly ever present as..as one chakrams are drawn, coming at the party from all directions.
Init.
[16:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+11+5 nerveskitter
[16:54] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=15]
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/4
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+22 OBeruth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+8 SHarrans
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=17]
Init is Oberuth (33) > Marie (31) > Sharrans (25)
Oberuth will hold momentarily in case you're going to do something radius or splashy that he doesn't want to be hit by. Go.
Marie starts to hum a pleasant ditty as she raises her own hands, shards of force crystallising...
Inspire heroics as swift, +4 morale saves/+4 dodge AC for Marie/Oberuth, and 4 other crimson guard members.Before those shards form into countless tiny purple orbs of glowing light that spiral around Marie in a double helix before zipping off to splash over every Sharran present!
Twinned amazing barrage.
[17:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d3+31+1d3+31 twinned amazing barrage
[17:19] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d3=3,1]
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/3
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
There are many Sharrans here, yet clearly no champions. As other members of the Guard land, Sharras fall one and all, blasted by double barrages. Oberuth doesn't lose a step, striding forward and ahead. "Fan out," Oberuth commands, shortly.
One way to smash the opening act.
"That way was unhallowed, I never investigated it before," Marie points off in the direction she avoided last time in the mistaken belief it would keep her from being noticed by Shar.
Oberuth nods shortly, "Eudard," he says, said paladin nodding and taking men with him, going towards it. Oberuth strides ahead in the meantime.
Marie sticks with Oberuth. He's a warrior, she's a mage, together they form an unbeatable solid unit!
It's like having one Alicia pretty much, isn't it?
Going out, the hall here is as you remember, but now silent. Empty.
"...help..." Cries from below, cries from the direction you heard them last time.
"Heard screams down there last time. Could be a trick, but I've seen Sharran dungeons before, they like keeping captives around to prolong their suffering," Marie says grimly, pointing the way down for them to go investigate.
A grunt at that, "I know," Oberuth says, going in that direction. "They also make good bait."
That they do, but even so it must be investigated!
A door is kicked down, Oberuth leading the way to stairs. The two of you head down...and as you do, you can begin to hear something. It sounds like singing.
"Nothing good can come of that. Listen to my song instead," Marie takes a breath and then starts to sing, playing to Oberuth's sensibilities and singing out some Crimson Guard marching songs!
Using the bardic music Countersong. Marie's perform check can be used in place of a saving throw vs a sonic or language dependent magical effect if the perform check comes out higher. She'll take 10 for 60, so any saves vs Shar's song that come below that can have a result of 60 instead.
The sound is counteracted, your countersong drowning it out. Oberuth takes a slight breath here and nods after a moment, "That should hold. Keep it up, don't stop."
Marie gives Oberuth a thumbs up, her majestic tulani voice filling the air as they advance.
Down here is a room fading to nothingness. Cells and floor crumble ahead into a swirling void, your own music counteracting the song that comes from all around. The sound of the lost comes from within that void, as if demanding you enter.
Spellcraft or knowledge to know wtf is going on here?
K:P and K:A.
[19:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47 planes
[19:14] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=18]
[19:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47 arcana
[19:14] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=5]
It looks like its a vortex into some manner of small demi plane.
Shouldn't teleport block be shutting that down?
It should, shouldn't it. Give me a Will save.
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+55 will
[19:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=18]
Before you the swirling vortex vanishes into shadows. Standing there is a dark thing, a mass of black in the shape of a human. A shadow and no ordinary shadow, Marie can tell that much on a glance.
Marie keeps her song going, even as she gives the shadow a challenging look.
[19:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47 religion
[19:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=15]
Who's this guy?
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/3
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
It looks to be some kind of profaned and highly evolved shadow. Nothing you've heard of, not to this degree - but Shar is painfully good at keeping secrets. Whatever it is surely has powers that eclipses normal shadows by an order of magnitude.
Oberuth growls as his blade is drawn, "Death comes for you," he warns as...
Init.
[20:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+11+5 nerveskitter
[20:05] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=20]
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/3
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+22 Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+24 Shadow
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=19]
Init is Shadow (43) > Oberuth (40) > Marie (36)
The shadow is utterly silent, yet it raises his hands up, as a cold, black rain begins to pour down into the room.
> roll 1d20+34
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=15]
SR?
46
Fort, both of you.
[20:45] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+52 fort +4 more if poison
[20:45] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+36
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=6]
> roll 30d8 Marie half Oberuth full
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 142 > [d8=1,6,6,8,6,8,3,7,8,4,5,3,6,1,7,4,1,3,8,3,1,7,1,2,6,7,4,3,8,5]
The rain that comes down erodes at you, weakens you. Whatever it is leaves you feeling empty and miserable, reeling from it and coughing, hacking. Weakness enters your limbs as you struggle to stay up, while the shadow drifts forward for you, coming to reach out for your throat.
> roll 1d20+43 touch AC Marielle
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=4]
Touch AC?
73 vs incorporeal, 40 otherwise.
Marie: 537/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/3
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Yet Marie's armor holds against the assault as Oberuth...
Will play cleanup since shadow beatdowns are a force missile mage's sweet spot. Go Marie.
Stepping back from the shadow, Marie briefly interrupts her song to cast a spell before it resumes right back up with barely a beat missed! Only just seen, a blade of force scythes down to hack into the shadow with a loud ripping noise, followed by another that crosses the first cut!
Queen's displeasure, twinned and maximised.
[21:29] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+60 queen's displeasure, twinned/maximised
[21:29] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=20]
[21:29] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+60 queen's displeasure, twinned/maximised
[21:29] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=9]
270 damage per hit.
Swift to resume countersong after casting.
Marie: 537/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/5/2
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Blades slash the shadow as Marie sings, her voice countering the song of loss. The shadow is slashed, hacked. Force enough to cut a mortal champion in half twice over, splitting it apart, yet the shadow working, fighting even as two halves. Oberuth glares at it, distinctly unimpressed, before settling in between Marie and the shadow. Tears flashes out and then...
> roll 1d20+47 (-10 CE, applies to Marie, testing its defenses)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d100 vs 50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d100=21]
The blade strikes true, yet the shadow flows around it, halves coming back to together, reuniting. A moment later the shadow writhes, darting for Oberuth this time.
> roll 1d20+43 touch AC Oberuth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=1]
The two clash, material blade against shadowy hand. The two clash and the shadow is pushed away, battered back for the moment with a flurry of thrusts and slashes.
Go.
She can't do her magic missile barrage to full effectiveness while keeping her song up, so Marie sticks with the seemingly effective force-sword routine, another two slashes slightly less potent than what came before but hopefully enough to finish off this greater undead before she resumes her song.
Twinned queen's displeasure, swift to resume countersong after.
[17:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+60 queen's displeasure, twinned
[17:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=17]
[17:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+60 queen's displeasure, twinned
[17:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=15]
[17:01] <@Ebiris> roll 30d8+30
[17:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 145 > [d8=2,2,8,8,7,5,7,4,2,4,5,4,4,2,7,3,2,8,1,4,1,2,2,1,8,1,3,1,5,2]
[17:01] <@Ebiris> roll 30d8+30
[17:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 157 > [d8=1,1,2,7,3,7,1,4,6,3,6,4,7,6,4,5,8,7,3,2,7,4,1,8,3,6,6,3,1,1]
Marie: 537/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/4/2
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Two force blades sever the shadow apart again, a deep and howling mourning noise as suddenly...!!!
Fort save, -6 penalty.
[17:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+46 fort
[17:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=16]
Any protection from ability drain?
Today in things to ask first, but I was legit trying to get going after an away. Dur.
Divine immunity.
Yet the shadow fades away after being sliced in two. Oberuth slowly lowers his blade, "It's done?" he asks, a glance at Marie. "I don't feel anything else."
"That thing's done anyway, there might be more. Keep your guard up until we've out of here," Marie says without interrupting her song, a major image spell-like ability used to create sound for her words.
Oberuth goes and peeks into a cell, then another. "Damn," he murmurs, then bellows, "HEALERS! WE NEED HEALERS DOWN HERE!"
Marie follows while keeping Shar's song at bay. Her healing isn't the best, but being able to cast cure serious wounds without any limit is certainly worth its weight in gold.
Cure serious SLA spammed where needed while maintaining countersong.
Looking into the cells then, I presume?
That was implicit, yes.
Inside the cells are people - or what were once part of one. Chests and bits of torso with a head, all hung with stout rope. Empty-eyed and twitching, breathing raggedly. Hunks of flesh that cling to life when they should not, mouths open and yet nothing but the barest gasps for air coming from them.
As you watch, in each of those empty eye sockets, you can see the endless stretch of nothingness, seeming to reach forever, yet held at bay.
None of these people look capable of managing the cries for help that she heard before... "They need more than I can give, but we saw this in Kesse and those victims recovered," she says via major image, maintaining her countersong as she uses her woefully insufficient cure spell down the line to at least stabilise them a bit before regenerate and hearts ease spells can be put to use.
Healers hurry in, checking them. After several moments, "The song," One calls, a half elf or an elf, you only get a glance of her. "It's holding something back from within them. Please, keep singing!"
Marie nods as she keeps exercising her vocal chords, having run out the Crimson Guard marching songs and moving onto gentle and uplifting Mystran hymns.
Soon enough, "We can't heal them, but something in them, stopping it. The song's keeping them at bay."
Oberuth scowls darkly, "Can we drive it out of them?"
"Maybe?" she finally says, "Powerful enough holy ground and dispel evil may do it."
Marie has her protective aura as far as anti-evil stuff goes if that's any help.
Would dispel magic do any good here? Knowledge checks of her own for ideas?
Marie: 537/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/4/2
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
K:A and K:R.
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47+15 arcana
[19:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=7]
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47+15 religion
[19:33] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=5]
Looking carefully, you can see a shadow lives within all of them, using the bodies to survive. Like a linked infection, surviving and sustaining with in them. Only a great deal of holy power could drive it out.
What about positive energy?
Could she hit the shadows with magic missiles without hurting the hosts, or at least alongside the hosts?
What about using Crushing Hand to grab just the shadows and not the hosts?
Positive energy would be soaked up by the surviving bodies. The missiles would hit the bodies before the shadows. Crushing hand would grab the bodies since it's inside of it and that's obviously a problem.
Using major image to speak while maintaining her song, Marie says, "Holy power would drive them out, but what I produce would risk killing them as well. We'll have to take them out of here unless someone can use dispel evil."
"Get Eudard," Oberuth orders tersely. "How long can you keep singing, Marie?"
"Bit under half an hour," comes the reply via illusory voice as Marie considers the problem.
Are the shadows possessing the victims via a spell or is it an Su/Ex ability?
Could she use Snatch Spell to take over and dismiss the effect if it is a spell?
Relevant text:
The effect must be one that does not depend on concentration but still relies on or responds to the caster's control (such as a summon monster spell or spiritual weapon, but not a wall of fire or acid fog). Furthermore, the effect (but not necessarily the spellcaster) must be within 30 feet of the incantatrix. The target spellcaster and the incantatrix make an opposed caster level check. A divine spellcaster receives a +2 bonus on this check.
Alternatively can she cast righteous smite at CL 1 for 1d6 holy damage (halved for neutral, nothing for good) to hit the victims/shadows? Then she can just heal the victims and repeat as long as required.
What's Snatch Spell from?
Incantatrix PrC.
You think you could snatch the spell.
Major image voice speaks up again! "I might be able to end the spell they're using to possess them, but that could pull the shadow out so can you all please position by him and be ready to cut it down?" Marie asks, pointing out one of the victims while her singing continues.
Then she attempts her trick of taking over and dismissing the spell!
[21:26] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+32 opposed CL check
[21:26] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=20]
You have it. In that moment you feel your will take over the spell, like holding nothing at all and yet felt, a deep chill.
Go, you made the check.
Making sure the Crimson Guard are in position to cut down any shadows that appear, Marie dismisses the spell!
Marie: 537/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended jaela's teleport block (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/8/9/9/8/7/6/0/4/2
Limited SLAs available: Radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
"Hold," Oberuth says, gesturing over another. "Ghost touch weapon." he commands shortly, the spell cast on his blade.
From there it's not long. When you let go of the spell, all shakes. From all the cells and captives comes a horrid cry, liquid black shadow pouring from empty eyes and wide open mouths. It begins to form, but Oberuth is there, blade coming down fast and hard.
> roll 1d20+58 (+1 defensive stance)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+53 (+1 defensive stance)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+48 (+1 defensive stance)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+43 (+1 defensive stance)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d8+46
> roll 1d8+46
> roll 1d8+46
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d8=3]
> roll 1d8+46
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d8=6]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d8=4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d8=3]
Oberuth's blade comes down again and again as he stands his ground, slicing away great black globs of the shadow stuff, which fades into a foul smelling smoke. Cleave after cleave lessens it, until at last nothing is left behind, the last of it turning to smoke.
"In Helm's name, perish!" Eudard's voice is heard, clangs of steel and flashes of light.
"Dragonfire of the Prncess, burn!" A second voice you don't know offhand calls, the crackle of flames following.
"Great Tempus, bring down your chariots of war!" Another voice you don't know, bringing a tremendous pounding of hooves.
"Lady Mystra, I call on your mysteries," A fourth voice declares, the ground shaking.
After a moment of no screams and no reaction, "Report," Oberuth calls, briskly.
"Neutralized," Eudard replies. "Banished in the light of Helm's vigilance."
"Likewise, sir," The second voice confirms.
"Returned to a proper rest," The third sighs.
Others follow, more and more. Oberuth exhales, "We were light on song mages and bards," he remarks quietly, "Tell Alicia that sending you was a fine idea."
Marie smiles proudly while keeping up her uplifting song, her illusory voice speaking above it. "Now lets take these people back to Balmuria so they can be properly cared for?"
Oberuth nods and lingers a moment, "If you ever need another job," he offers, "You know where to go. Alicia, Seira and Demedais couldn't have done it any better."
Awww, that means a lot to her! Oberuth was never mean to her in the past but she knows she was only tolerated as Alicia's silly familiar back in the Crimson Guard days. "I'll remember that," her illusory voice speaks up, "Balmuria was my home for some good years."
Oberuth nods and then severs the bondage of the poor victim before him, taking him as he screams silently now, expression growing grim.
"Justice has been done, and mercy will follow." Oberuth promises, as those empty eyes turn, gaping empty in Marie's direction.
Marie looks back at those eyes with her own compassionate gaze as she continues to hold Shar's song at bay with her own lyrics, a comforting hymn to Mystra on her lips.
The prisoner watches you all the while, even when taken out.
Meanwhile...
Marielle has grown. It seems she is worthy of my personal attention now, Alicia.
Marie is of course informed of that, which leads her to be extra wary for any avatars showing up as they finish up and leave the dungeon.
We both know that nothing is beneath you, Shar.
I will stop at nothing to liberate Marielle from her pain and suffering. When you fail to protect her and she falls to me, I will be there when she closes her eyes for the last time, the last thing she sees before oblivion takes her.
After all, you did such a fine job of protecting your last loved ones from my efforts.
Shar really is talkative. It makes Alicia wonder if she's lonely or bored, since she never gets this sort of chatter from her other enemies.
Still so proud of destroying a simple human family. Was it because I stopped those boys from sacrificing a goat to you when I was a teenager? You're such a small and petty being in the end, aren't you Shar?
Still so proud of freeing your family from the pain of life. A pain you were as unable to stop as you were unable to save them.
Would you like that memory, Alicia? The memory of their last moments, of what their gazes looked like as they faced death?
One day I'll see that look on your face.
Shar's laughter echos in your mind as she adds but one thing.
Come and try. I await your visit when you cease cowering in your realm, Alicia.
One day...
Antenora is there a moment later, face tight, a scowl set in place. "I curse whichever Incarnation gave Shar the right to contact us." she says sourly. "For she took seeming pleasure in ruining my mood."
"You as well?" Alicia looks up. "I think she's vexed by Marie's competence. At least I won a Competition against her over it, but she's such a sore loser it's hardly worth it."
Antenora slowly takes a breath, clenched fist loosening. "I suspect the same. So be it - she only stacks up yet more to answer for in the end."
"It does continually amaze me just how petty and talkative she is," Alicia says, leaning back and looking at the ceiling. "Though... Esthan was the same, wasn't he? It seems we're doomed to be eternally plagued by this sort of evil personality."
Antenora takes a seat, looking ahead. "I think it's something else. Shar hates, she does this to make us suffer and to assail our minds. She enjoys this, Alicia. She takes joy in hurtings others - even the divine. Perhaps especially us. Look at how she treated Emmaline."
"We're Shar's happiness, are we?" she swivels her head back down to give Antenora a dour look. "I can't wait until I kill her."
With a tight smile, "I'm sorry, Alicia, but you'll have to stop me from killing her first," Antenora says, "That is one thing I won't yield to you, should I have the chance to strike her down first."
"There's surely a long line for the honour, but I have been working on seizing the initiative when it comes to battle," Alicia smiles back. "Of course if I don't finish her off with one clash I'll have to rely on you."
Antenora chuckles, "If your sword doesn't finish her, then my spear shall for certain."
"Just have to keep getting stronger so we're ready when the day comes."
From there...
Anything else before your diplomatic trip to Warrior's Rest?
I'll give Marie that melody of the winds scroll when she gets back, assuming she returns home safely.
Melody of the Winds [Bardic]
Prerequisite: Perform 13 ranks, bardic music
Benefit: As a standard action, you can expend a daily use of bardic music to grant yourself and all allies within 100ft a fly speed of 30ft (good). This lasts for as long as you perform and five rounds after.
Otherwise no, unless something happens on the war front that pulls us in or other bullshit occurs.
Gimme a quick d100?
[19:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 97 > [d100=97]
You lie with Syala, the two of you alone in your room. It is a moment of peace with your real bodies when you sense it in your bones.
Io has freed the dragons you asked him to.
Took him a little while to talk to them all did it? Well hopefully they'll all have a good impact on Creation. Or at least get some peace in Madigar's case.
"Hm?" Syala murmurs pleasantly, "Alicia?"
"Yes?" Alicia asks, sitting up and brushing her currently unbound hair out of her eyes.
"Did you just...?" she murmurs, blinking sleepiness away. "I thought I felt something."
"Oh, you might have? The ones stuck in Io's maze have been released, that's what I just felt," Alicia says. "We might see some visitors here because of it, but either way I expect they'll make an impact wherever they go."
"Mmm," A soft noise at that, "Which ones do you think may come visit or make lairs here?" Syala asks.
"Champion would get along well with us," Alicia says for the first, leaning back against the headboard as she considers. "Perhaps Scandamalonax? She's interested in the arts of war, and may end up in Ysgard, but I suspect she'd more likely go to the Cauldron to observe or take part in the planar war from there. Faradanalumiskan might come here to test his fortitude against me again if he seeks to improve himself further. Those three feel like the most likely to visit here on balance, I think."
"Well, we could use more dragons," Syala agrees, "They're useful in a fight and even better as agents on the Prime, if you can wrangle their egos."
"Yes, and these ones are all exceptionally powerful, I expect they'll be keen to exercise that power and make a mark on the world after so long confined," Alicia says, climbing out of bed now and magicking herself refreshed and pristine before she starts getting dressed and equipped.
Syala lingers, watching you with a smile. "It amazes me," she says, arbitrarily. "How you seem to grow more beautiful by the year, Alicia. How each year you wear your light and authority with more comfort, how you look even more the commanding Queen."
She turns her head towards Syala while tightening the straps on her armour, smiling back. "It is nice to look better with age and not worse. I ascended right on the edge of when my body was starting to betray me." A wave of her hand and her inky black hair braids itself up at the back of her head to avoid catching on armour when she moves around. "Don't have to worry about ever seeing a grey hair."
"Mortality - what a strange thing," Syala says, "To condemn one such as you to a failing body. But..." Sitting up, "We go forward," she agrees. "Good luck at the Red Knight's, and after, we should spend some time focused on Sylica's community, if the looming war allows."
"What would you like to focus on in particular?" she asks, since 'focusing on the community' is pretty vague.
"The people, the culture, the cities that are beginning. Our followers see the ample bounty we have expanded with and explore it," Syala explains. "Antenora talks of a city midway on the Opal Mountain, nestled into the cliffsides. Of ports in the oceans, the beginning seeds of our navy. Great towns in rolling planes and atop green hills, where our faithful grow and prosper."
"Oh, you just want to visit places?" Alicia asks, comprehension dawning. "Do you want to do it officially or incognito?"
"Both," Syala says after a few moments, "Both have merits."
"Well we can make time for it, with our avatars if nothing else," she says, seeing the appeal of both morale boosting high visibility appearances and getting to see things from a less staged perspective.
Syala rises and gives you a kiss, a moment of unison between the two of you. "Then go show the Red Knight how Sylica hunts."
"You're coming as well," she reminds Syala, patting her hip after that kiss. "The party is you, me, and Jessica."
"...oh yes."
Syala has the graces to blush, "I'm sorry, something incredible distracted me," she says, eyes firmly on our chest. Clearing her throat, "We're ready to go?"
"You can see it again later," Alicia says indulgently, giving Syala a pat before they go to fetch Jessica.
As you go? 'Alicia,' Elle's voice in a sending, 'Efreet forces spotted in Astral. Preparing for possible attack. Be advised, contact me for more details.'
"Ah, hold on. Just got word from Elle about efreet on the astral..." Alicia says, frowning as she exercises divine will to contact Elle back.
Is it just efreet or have others joined? Do you want us to reinforce you?
'Just them so far, the situation's developing,' Elle replies. 'It could be a stray legion, a scouting force, the prelude to a great attack or bait. We don't know yet. Seira wants you to be advised.'
I see. I'm aware that Hell and likely others will soon join the war and I'm reserving my forces to counter their efforts when that happens. But if you or Seira ask we will help no matter the situation.
'I'll inform her. Thanks and be well, Alicia. I may be busy killing fiends and efreet soon, so today may be a good day after all.'
"No real information yet, but Seira might be calling for our aid soon," Alicia says. "For now I'll have my avatar ready our standby forces with Latha in case they need to go to the Cauldron in a hurry. We can still visit Red Knight ourselves at least until things actually cross that bridge."
Jessica is found waiting outside the bakery - which has expanded in size, more people in. You only get a glimpse as Jessica waits nearby, there and yet unnoticed by others.
Deferring to Jessica's preferences, Alicia makes herself and Syala similarly unseen as she appears beside her sister. "Ready to go, sister?" she asks.
"I'm ready," Jessica says, taking a breath, "Let's impress her, sister."
"You might get a friendlier reception from Mystra or Sharess, but they're a lot further beyond us. Red Knight is closer to what we are - indeed her relationship with Tempus parallels mine with Mystra, or Syala's with Sharess. She's earned her divinity and carved out a respectable place among the gods of Creation," Alicia says to mentally prepare Jessica. "Pay close attention to her for what you can learn, and be forthright. But don't let her intimidate you - we're close to being equals, and shouldn't be considered lessers in any parlay. Lastly, expect her to try and draw out more details on how you and Antenora ascended. Io's wish for secrecy must be respected, and we're not close enough to give away our own secrets. Deflect if you feel able, or simply say that it's a secret otherwise. She can't force anything out of you."
"I understand, sister," Jessica agrees, "Is there anything else I should know?"
Syala says with a pat of her shoulder, "That you'll impress the hell out of her before it's done."
"What Syala said," Alicia smiles after her serious exposition. "Come then, to Warrior's Rest," she opens a gate to the edge of Red Knight's realm, stepping through and then projecting her presence outwards in a divine 'knock' once Syala and Jessica have joined her.
The gate opens, appearing before you. It is of solid steel, polished and painted red. Ornate steelwork parts, revealing a secluded hunting lodge ahead. Forest surrounds it, dark and primeval. Yet the lodge ahead is made of sturdy red brick, three stories tall and untouched by the gloom.
Welcome.
The Red Knight strides forward, in armor save for a helm. Her hair is long and black, falling down her back. She strides forward, posture straight and strong. A warm smiles graces her face, "Alicia," she greets, "Syala, Jessica." The last she focuses on, "Ao thinks well of your family name to promote all three of you with it."
"Red Knight, well met," Alicia greets the other armoured warrior deity. "We have been exceptionally fortunate in that regard."
"Fortune favors the brave," Syala seconds, "Do you not agree?"
Jessica comes forward, holding her hand out for the Red Knight. The two shake hands firmly, "We all have the same fortune to never succumb and to always keep going. Perhaps Alicia stubborned us into it."
With a tight smile at that, "I would not wager against that," The Red Knight seconds.
"Flatterers," Alicia says indulgently. "So, your message mentioned a hunt?" she asks to move things along.
"A great hunt," The Red Knight declares, "Tell me, how do you each prefer to hunt?"
"I'm not a greatly practiced hunter I'll admit," Alicia says. "When I was younger I'd supplement my supplies while travelling off game. A simple bow and arrow to take down a rabbit or bird close to my camp would satisfy. Nothing dramatic about that," she smiles softly.
"As I am now," Syala raises her fist up to eye level, "With strength, with what I have and subduing them to the ground."
Jessica smiles faintly, "From the shadows, as a great cat ambushes it's prey."
Smiling at it all, "All worthy methods. Yes, this will do now. Allow me to provide you the hospitality of a good bow, Alicia." The Red Knight declares.
"Thank you. I probably would've used magic these days, but archery has a nostalgic charm to it," Alicia says. Though any prey worthy enough to be hunted by her can probably endure her archery without much difficulty, it'll at least give Syala and Jessica a chance to shine.
A bow and arrow appears before you, of fine make. Elven, if you don't miss your guess.
Just one arrow? Alicia takes them anyway, giving them a look over.
Take 10 for 56 on spellcraft.
Udal's Bow
This longbow+5 creates the arrows needed to fire it at will. The bowstring is said to be unbreakable and can work for any creature, no matter how strong or weak they are.
Does that mean it works like a composite longbow and I can add my strength to damage with it?
"A fine bow indeed," Alicia says, holding the weapon at her side now. "Thank you, I'll have its arrows strike true against whatever our quarry is."
Yes.
"What are we hunting?" Syala asks at that, slowly cracking her knuckles.
"Why, our quarry is Great Stags. These deer are remarkable, the product of thousands and thousands of years of breeding. No finer and more worthy a hunt will you find with any lesser deer." The Red Knight declares.
"Haven't had venison in a while..." Alicia muses, looking off into the dark forest.
"All the better," Jessica says, "We'll take something home for Roald to work his magic with." She smiles at that.
"Splendid," The Red Knight declares, a slight flux of will, four horses appearing. One great mount of pure red coloration, two identical of a creamy natural white and the last of a shadowy gray-black. With a smooth leap the Red Knight mounts her horse, "Worry not, these mounts can pass the forest as easily as a clear road."
"Even better," Syala smiles as she mounts her horse.
She's rather out of practice when it comes to riding horses, but Alicia still mounts one of the white horses easily enough after resting Udal's Bow over her shoulder. "That sort of trick's more Syala's than mine," she agrees. "Do you hunt from horseback or are these just to take us closer to where the stags range?"
Looking back with a sharp little smile, "Whichever you prefer," she says, urging her mount forward. The forest is a blur like this, mounts moving with the strange speed that reminds you of phantom steeds and yet more, moving through the forest at a steady clip.
As you go, "You bred these?" Syala asks, keeping her horse going at a steady pace.
"The children of horses touched by shadow magic, purged out of them because of one black bitch but the tricks of moving between places kept by centuries of careful breeding. They glide across the very surface of the Ethereal and Shadow, like a boat sailing across the ocean by the winds." The Red Knight responds.
"I know of the shadows and the power they have," Jessica agrees, "They're using the momentum of this world to drive them in those realms, and to in turn propel them forward?"
"And to avoid troublesome things stopping them," The Red Knight's hair is blown back as you move, the winds rustling through your own hair like a steady caress.
Syala took 10 on K:A. Jessica knows because shadows and ghostly things are in her wheelhouse thanks to perfect wight.
"It's a curious ability, certainly smoother than a phase spider's movement," Alicia says. "Syala's interested in breeding creatures for unusual traits. We recently obtained some research on creating behemoth creatures after attacking one of Yan-C-Bin's forts with Seira. Have you visited the Cauldron to look into that with her, dear?"
"A few times. It's progressing but war makes demands of us all," Syala notes.
"Ah, what a lovely war that's shaping up," The Red Knight seconds at that, "So many minds will rise the occasion and so many brave warriors will out think others."
"Seira is nothing if not brilliant, but I fear this war is going to swell more and more in the coming days," Alicia says, her mind on the current situation at the Cauldron. Sylica's endured its share of attacks, but she believes this is the Cauldron's first true test. Hopefully they'll prevail so they can take the battle to the efreet once more.
"There's no doubt, not now," The Red Knight agrees, "It will be a glorious war - and one you should fully intend to win. I hope to see all of your brilliancies displayed."
Syala smiles rather unkindly, "I'm afraid my brilliance ends up hammer first into my opponents, but I'll be sure to entertain."
"As things stand I'm confident in Cauldron and Celestia's triumph, but when others join on the side of the efreet we'll be there to counter them and help carry our friends to victory," Alicia says, seeing that moment come closer with every breath.
The Red Knight nods to you, "So you will. War comes - you understand. A great war, a war that will resonate beyond these paltry opening acts."
"The cause of it is just, and I hope that isn't lost sight of as things escalate," Alicia says. "But I must ask, are you happy to have your followers fighting on both sides?"
"I am," The Red Knight declares as the forest blurs all around you. "When it comes to war between law, I have an even hand on both sides of the scale. My faithful there are to grow and prosper in war, to exercise their brains and grow in wisdom in these battles - and to make inroads on both sides of the conflict. Why, should one of mine deal a heavy blow to the other side, my faithful on that side will be there to instruct them and bring them around to my service, for they then understand the power of strategy, tactics and the mind."
There's little point in debating morality with someone like this, but still that leaves an angle that surely not even Red Knight can ignore. "What about when your faithful on one side have to fight and kill their fellows-in-faith who fight under the other banner? Doesn't that grieve you?"
"It does," The Red Knight admits openly, "Does it not grieve you when yours come to blows, be it fists or naked steel?"
"It does," Syala echos the Red Knight, "I've had a few times - relationships gone bad, friends turned enemies or people incapable of getting along. It's like watching family members fight." Her voice is quieter now, closing her eyes and softly sighing.
"But..." Here the Red Knight looks ahead, "Those who serve me spend eternity competing against others here. From the simplest games of strategy to the greatest war games, they learn against one another and learn to maintain the bonds of brotherhood through that. When it happens, I am there to comfort those who spilled the blood of their spiritual kin and to praise the spirits of those who laid their lives down in my name."
After a moment to let those words end, "There are no winners in civil wars, Alicia, and while they will never agree on good and evil, Hell and Celestia are both of the same house of Law. Be thankful the house of Good has found a lasting peace between its dissenting siblings."
"I am thankful, and I know well the work it takes to maintain that understanding even with Good's simple better nature helping the way," Alicia says. "But this is no civil war where a country is rent asunder on rival claims to power, this is a battle of ideas and meaning, of the right to freedom and dignity. Picking a side is natural, staying out of it is understandable... but choosing to join and having your banner fly for both sides? Spilling blood one day to free slaves and the next to kill their liberators?" She shakes her head as they ride along. "I can't understand it."
"Said the archon to the inevitable," Jessica murmurs, and when Syala's eyes glance her way, "That's what this strikes me as. The priorities of law vs those of good. Laws are what they are, even when hurtful and cruel. A good man who values the law still does not uphold a cruel and hurtful law."
"It is not an easy burden, but it is what I am," The Red Knight agrees, as you come to a stop in a sun dappled grove, surrounded on all sides by primeval forest. "I do not relish this or relish when the forces of law put me in such a situation."
Alicia straightens up on horseback as they stop, looking around their surroundings.
Take 10 for 57 on perception and survival to look for any great stag traces.
"On a similar note, Seira has done better than I ever expected at balancing the conflicting needs and natures of her widely spread elemental allies. This is the closest its come to being tested, but so far things are holding," she says, rather than pushing further on Red Knight's contradictory support for both sides.
Ahah! A tell tale hoof print - one far bigger than a normal deer, but heading off into the forest.
"That speaks well of her diplomacy," The Red Knight agrees, "Even if Water clings to neutrality, but Air gusts in even now."
"I've been meaning to make inroads with the djinn royalty," Syala remarks at that as she starts to look around herself, focusing right on the same print you do. "Unfortunately, my one connection is through a disgraced caliph lingering with Aurora."
"Westwind, yes?" Alicia asks Syala. "Yes he's not exactly in good standing over there. But Water's neutrality I wouldn't necessarily see as a bad thing, back to the current war. A heavy incursion from there against the efreet would seriously strain Seira's friendship with Zaaman Rul, and likely prompt Kossuth to have Fire show a united front against Water. I know she's disappointed not to have more support, but I think it's for the best without risking the war completely changing its character and scope."
The Red Knight smiles as she gestures at that track, "I see you've found a trail," she invites. "Water's choice is but another move in the endless game between Water and Fire. A defensive and deceptive move that may yet become an offensive masterstroke."
At this Jessica smiles, "It reminds me of a sneaker from the shadows - effective, even if dishonorable, yet what is honor when your blade is sunk into your enemy's heart?"
With a warm chuckle at that, "Ah, that sounds like something Jarem would say. He's one of my most promising up and comers in a long time," The Red Knight says. "I believe yours crossed paths with the mage I have lending aid to. He may be a knight, but he has a streak of pragmatism in him."
Alicia smiles at Jessica as she confidently contributes to the discussion with the sort of concepts that will no doubt define her divinity.
"I met him briefly," she confirms when Jarem is mentioned. "Though a scholarly academy of mages is an odd place to find one like him, that mage has managed to capture one of Seira's daughters in her orbit as well. Expecting a lot out of her?"
"She has potential - raw, unfettered potential," The Red Knight says, "She gained a vast deal of power under unusual circumstances. What fool does not attempt to nurture and direct that?"
"Potential is often squandered, and just as often greatness crops up in unexpected places," Alicia says, thinking how Io expressed similar sentiments to Red Knight about Alyssa's potential. "Even if she could have her power directed for greater purposes, I would prefer to see what she's capable of in practice on her own initiative first."
"Of course as we talk our quarry waits - shall we pursue?" she asks, dismounting off her horse.
"Let me lead the way," Syala says, "Follow me."
With an amused look, the Red Knight follows.
Alicia lets Jessica and Red Knight go ahead before she too follows with her ranged weapon at the rear.
> roll 1d20+53
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=5]
Syala leads on smoothly, through forest that requires careful steps and travel "Shh," Syala murmurs as you go. Soon enough she stops and peers through a bush, kneeling. Silently and in your minds, 'There, look carefully past those trees.'
Alicia's a god she's fully aware of everything within 2 miles.
She looks past those trees.
Standing there is a stag. A stag tall enough to loom over you, majestic and beautiful. It's a casual glimpse of will to see it.
Jessica whistles low and murmurs, "Now that is a deer."
"It is," Alicia agrees softly. "Going to take it, sister?" she invites, so as to give Jessica a chance to show her stuff in front of Red Knight.
"Go," The Red Knight coaxes and with that, Jessica slips away and...
> roll 1d20+81 Stealth
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=2]
Silence. Not a sound, not a sigh as Jessica is gone. The Red Knight watches intently, waiting as Syala smiles. "You'll see," she murmurs.
> roll 1d20+64 (+12 perfect wight)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+64 (+12 perfect wight) crit?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=12]
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 151 > [d6=2,1,4,6,3,5,4,4,2,3,4,2,5,6,4,6,1,6,1,2,3,1,6,6]
A blur of shadowstuff - barely a glimpse, and then Jessica blurs past the deer and lands, rapier slowly lowered. The stag collapses, a rapier-hole in its chest pouring its blood out smoothly.
"Splendid," The Red Knight surges forward, to Jessica in a moment. "One strike, one kill. An elegant hunt."
"The way it should be. No pain, no torment - simply the gentle release of death, when death must be dealt." Jessica agrees, looking down at the slain stag.
Alicia emerges from her crouch and out of the undergrowth, approaching her sister and the slain stag. "Could not have done better myself," she praises Jessica.
Syala claps slowly, "Masterfully done."
Jessica claps the Red Knight on the shoulder, "We'll eat good tonight, I promise."
Smiling back, "That we will!" The Red Knight agrees.
The two share a look and then Jessica says, "You must have so many good stories to tell, they'd be best over dinner, told to us all."
"It would be good to trade tales of battles and adventures," Alicia seconds.
"So we shall," The Red Knight agrees, "But only Jessica has claimed a buck. Alicia, show me your archery next - even as is, you should be a marvel with it."
"That might be more than we can eat, but I'm sure we can find a good home for any excess," Alicia accepts the challenge, preserving the stag so it can be properly butchered later and teleporting it back outside Red Knight's lodge. "Your kill waits back at the lodge, sister," she tells Jessica before she looks for any sign of other stags nearby.
Take 10 for 57 on perception/survival.
You have to look around a bit, but you find a hidden set of tracks a little away, leading further into the forest. Looking down with a casual glance, you can see they go about a mile, before a small spring where another stag drinks.
"This way," Alicia gestures and starts creeping off through the forest towards that spring.
How close do you intend to get before taking a shot?
If I can get a clear shot at 100 feet I'll take it, otherwise as close as necessary past that.
I'll make sure to be downwind of the stag, circling around as necessary.
Sure, give me stealth.
[20:34] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+10
[20:35] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=16]
The stag makes no notice of you as you slowly circle around and approach, preparing your shot.
Drawing on the bow's endless supply of arrows, Alicia takes aim and shoots a small flurry of them into the stag's neck.
[16:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+51
[16:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=11]
[16:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+51
[16:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=13]
[16:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+46
[16:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=15]
[16:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+41
[16:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=14]
[16:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+36
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=5]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+31
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=6]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+19
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d8=4]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+19
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d8=4]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+19
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d8=1]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+19
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d8=6]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+19
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d8=7]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+19
[16:03] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d8=7]
Arrows pepper the stag, the volley of them enough to down the beast. It lies there bleeding out, a few weak movements before going still.
"Good shots, dear," Syala calls from afar.
"Not as graceful as Jessica, but all the same a clean kill," Alicia stands up, approaching her downed quarry.
As you approach the others appear at your side.
"Great shots, sister," Jessica smiles, your stag as magnificent as Jessica's. It lies there, slain by your archery.
The Red Knight thumbs your back with a hearty smile and adds, "Those were good shots. You would have made a fine archer in another life."
"I've trained in lots of weapons, but the directness of melee combat appeals and it complements magic better," Alicia says, preserving and sending this stag back alongside Jessica's. "Enough? Or shall we hunt more?"
"I can hunt later," Syala says, "I have no haste."
"Then we'll go back," The Red Knight agrees and...
Moving onto the next part of this meeting, then?
Sure.
The lodge is warm and decorated in a rustic way. Heads of various animals adorn the walls, thick animal carpets on the ground. Various weaponry joins it on display, the air thick and fragrant with the smell of cooking meat. Comfortable chairs and blankets are provided around the fire, glasses of spiced, warmed cider given.
"When I was mortal," The Red Knight begins, drinking from her cup with both hands, "I adored no other respite than a day of hunting during the colder months of year, then to spend the evening warming before the fire and feasting on the fruits of my labors."
Jessica drinks from her own glass and says, "And...you still do," she says, "I do not plan to give up my bakery or my family, your point is well taken."
Having given Red Knight that longbow back and with her sword resting on the floor to let her sit comfortable, Alicia leans on the armrest of her chair and sips at her cider. "Mystra has encouraged me to remind her about enjoying trivial pleasures to distract her from getting too removed in her duty," she says to further Jessica's acceptance of that point.
"I enjoy many things still," Syala agrees, "As we are, I can see everything for miles and more, be lost in all my worshipers." A long drink of her own cider, "That way leads to acting like Kossuth or Grumbar."
"So it does," The Red Knight agrees as she sips away as well, "It is a peril we all face, that we grow too distant from what makes us human and become little more than elemental forces, pursuing our Answers and losing our humanity in the process. What profit is that, what benefit does that avail us?"
"Nothing at all," Syala seconds, "I wouldn't be enjoying this cider, and you really must tell me how you make it. It's great."
"I'm more worried about Antenora for that," Jessica snuggles beneath her blanket, "I put my faith in Marie to keep her grounded, rather than losing herself in her duties."
"I think Antenora will be fine, she pays attention to the small things as much as the big things," Alicia says. "Though yes, Marie does help engender a healthy level of pettiness in her as well."
"Healthy pettiness," The Red Knight chuckles at that, "I hear your familiar promoted at long last, Alicia. Overdue from all I've heard. Congratulations."
"She was overdue," Syala agrees, "She's a tulani now, it's quite the advancement."
"She'd been serving above and beyond a coure's level for years, I think she's earned it and can be trusted with that power," Alicia says. Yes there are stories of celestials promoted too soon who proved unworthy and fell, but she can't imagine Marie being one to end up like that, not with all she's experienced of Hell, the Abyss, and being there for most of Antenora's rise from the pit. "Just yesterday Shar wanted to Compete with her and she performed superbly."
"Aaaah," The Red Knight laughs warmly, as warm as the cider you drink. "Splendid. No one likes Shar, no one. Cheers to Competing against the bitch." She raises her mug up, the others joining her in that.
"What strikes me about her is how sadistic she is," Syala says after that toast and the loud clinking of mug on mug, "We recently brought one of her faithful back to the light, and what she told us...the ways she did it, was so personal, so hateful. Like a cat playing with her food out of pure malice."
"I can't understand that," Jessica agrees, "It's the worst parts of the heart magnified a thousand times over, and we are the targets of it."
"She is the worst," The Red Knight confides, "She hates, she destroys - and she ends it all out of her hate. She hates the game so much she wishes to end it for everyone, rather than withdrawing and allowing us to continue playing. It is intolerable and so self centered. If Creation bothers her so greatly, ask one of us to put her out of her misery. She will find no shortage of worthy volunteers."
"And yet she joined the battle against Daa-vid alongside all the other Gods," Alicia says, close to something she's been pondering.
She still believes the use of the Fairest Star was monstrous, and in effect a monument to Shar in its entropic destruction. Yet if worst came to worst, could something like it be used again to slay her?
It wouldn't help with Ao of course, nothing of Creation could... but still, the sheer power of the Fairest Star demonstrated by the God King beguiles.
"Yet Asmodeus did not for his own reasons," Syala says, "It's always struck me as curious as to why the devils sought to aid that gnome so much."
Here The Red Knight adds, "Sometimes Shar does cooperate with us, if we'll have her. Have you ever heard of the Hecatoncheries? She would have participated, if we had allowed her to. She wishes to destroy all of us, but she does not reject us as fellows and kin. No matter how much it can vex us, and we have been greatly vexed by this over the eons."
"Mystra told me of it," Alicia says on the subject of that dread weapon. "I suppose even in asking to Compete with me, she's accepting me as an equal isn't she? As for Daa-vid and the gnomes... much of what we found in their ruins suggested a vast mastery of diabolical summonings and bindings. I don't know if the seal of the god-king has more to be discovered beyond what I saw before ascending, but I always believed Daa-vid had managed to ensnare Asmodeus himself, whether by power or the right kind of contract."
"If he did, he has never spoken of it," The Red Knight admits, "Though Asmodeus keeps his secrets as close as anyone."
"That would be amusing to see happen," Syala says, "Also a scary thought, as what if Daa-vid did it before he got the Fairest Star? What if he was that capable before even that happened?"
Alicia finishes off her cider before she speaks again. "If he was outwitted his pride would keep him from admitting so, and if he joined voluntarily self-preservation would reward silence on the matter. Though from what I saw of Sylian's perspective, Daa-vid wasn't some hapless bystander who lucked onto the Fairest Star by chance, so I'm sure he had his talents."
Jessica hms at that, "Well, either way..." A trail off, "Such weighty things we wonder about. What are the better sides of being ascended, sister?"
The Red Knight smiles at that, but defers to you, "Do tell."
"Having weighty things to wonder about," Alicia replies immediately. "Being closer to the mysteries of Creation and their answers. Yes it can be taken as a downside if you'd rather be peacefully ignorant, but that's not for me."
Syala reaches over and flicks your ear. "You were supposed to say your gorgeous, beloved wife being there for you whenever you want her."
With a soft little murmuring of amused laughter, smothered away, "Ever closer - perhaps that's why you're here. You're suited to searching for an Answer." Jessica suggests.
With her own smile lingering at the by play, "A seeker of knowledge, always a wise devotion." The Red Knight says, "Have you found more answers than questions, Alicia?"
"Oh yes, avatars means I have two of you," she responds to Syala with playful banter of her own before she looks at Red Knight. "Perhaps not, but the new questions I discover are interesting in their own right. It's not just about the knowledge though, it's about being an important part of Creation myself, having my words and deeds impact things on a grand scale."
"It seems Mystra chose wisely," The Red Knight says, raising her drink to you again. "Tell me: Were you as pleased with this choice when you first faced this opportunity, when you first claimed your realm of Sylica as your own?"
At that Jessica straightens up slightly, attention on you.
Syala smiles back and turns to the Red Knight, "It's something we always..." A pause here, "No one was expected to defeat Triel's Furnace. We were the ones who finally made it past the desert and then we defeated all the challenges beyond it without fail or pre knowledge."
Bumping this up for a reply since it was obscured by another post.
"Aside from some reservations about having to recuse myself from Daa-vid's judgement?" Alicia begins. "Yes, it's all as I said, I was given the chance to do so much more, for my actions to have greater consequences. And actually completing the Furnace was exhilarating - the challenge of pitting ourselves against challenges and the elements with nothing more than our skills and ingenuity? The reward felt like it had been earned at the end."
"No victory is as sweet as one you've earned," The Red Knight agrees, "Be it through blood and steel or wisdom and intellect."
"It's satisfying," Jessica adds, "From the small victory of a loaf of bread coming out just right to seeing the last moments of a fiend as my rapier punctures their heart." Now she adds her own smile, "I have no love of violence, yet the knowledge I've made Creation that little bit better is sweet as sugar."
"We're made to do things, made to create, made to tend and grow," Syala finishes her cider, the faintest ripple of the Red Knight's will refilling it. "Another reason why Shar is so terrible. All she does is destroy."
"Even that's not strictly true, is it?" Alicia says after Syala, much as she enjoys coming down on Shar. "She builds and creates things, even if in the service of subsequent entropy."
"Things that destroy others, net negatives," Syala frowns at that, "Nothing that matters, nothing worthwhile. Even something like Hell builds, no matter how wicked, built to last forever."
The Red Knight chuckles here, a warm and deep sound. "Is that the purpose of creating that's important or the mere act of creating, no matter what the end result and aim is? Is a poisoner still creating worthwhile when his poisons see a wise king to an early grave and a kingdom into chaos?"
At this Jessica sips her drink and puts it down, levitating in midair. The faintest ripple of will from her, unfocused, yet sufficient to do that. "Then the question is if any creation is worth it, or if creations that destroy more than the save still an act of creation. I say no. The work of destruction, the work of entropy: It matters not how it clings to the letter of the idea of creation, if it hews so sharply against the spirit of it."
Alicia wonders if Red Knight's example is a pointed one considering what Beth did. But even in divinity Jessica still has no recollection of that woman, her original sister lost to the Styx forever.
"Poison or a blade or a spell... you can't blame the blacksmith if the blade he forged is used to murder the innocent, the hand that wields it is at fault," she says. "Of course Shar does use her own creations, and use them terribly. But she's startlingly industrious by any standard, and that ought to be respected even if also feared and detested."
Drinking again and then sighing, "Damn her industriousness," Syala says, a sour note in her voice. "Now I feel as if I should go hunting unusual animals and specimens again, to benefit Sylica in the long term. The phase spiders are a success, and there's so many more we could have success with. All to keep up with that industrious whore of a deity."
"Then let's do real work, real constructive work of creating," Jessica says, "If the shadows must be a shield to blanket those who wish to create, then let shadows cover every creator there is."
"I see now why you are with us," The Red Knight raises her mug to Jessica, "With that attitude, you will Compete and Compete well with us."
Alicia raises her mug as well to join the toast. "Well said, sister," she agrees, pleased with Jessica's resolve.
Then to Syala, "More reason to look into those behemoth animals, then. The Cauldron is preoccupied with war, and we should take advantage of what chance we have to prepare before we too are drawn in."
Though calling Shar a whore reminds her of that time G'renna took her to task for using those sorts of insults against another woman, and she decides to give voice along those lines. "Not sure Sharess would care for damning Shar for being a whore when there's so much else to criticise her for. We all know how she came to possess that tree you used to guard, after all," she says, tone light.
Syala laughs at that, mood lightening with your tone. "Point to you," she concedes, "Fine, she's a bitch instead."
Frowning herself at that, giving way to a smile as she speaks, "But what about all the female dogs and wolves in Sylica? Aren't they kindly and worthy mothers?"
Syala's answer is to dump her mug of cider on Jessica's head, getting a squawk of protest from her and a hearty laugh from the Red Knight. Syala's look is pure dry pique, as if she's wondering why she's seeing this shit yet again.
At least Syala is dry, but hopefully Jessica can dry herself - she'll help if need be, but for now Alicia just laughs at Syala being boxed in so. "Good thing we're not Competing or you'd be in trouble right now, dearest."
"Why dearest," Syala rises as Jessica attempts to dry herself, somehow getting the cider all over herself with it. Standing up and shucking the blankets and even turning her glow off entirely, "I think it's time to have a good, old fashioned wrestling match. The Red Knight appreciates warfare of all kinds, and what is wrestling but another time of warfare?"
Alicia looks down over Syala's now entirely revealed body and then back up at her face. "Syala, please. Not in front of Red Knight and my sister," she says, mildly scandalised. Naked outsiders thinking they're above clothes is one thing, but Syala's implication right now is pretty clear.
Jessica shrugs, "Sister, we do share baths and hot springs, and it is just us girls here."
Syala turns her lights back on, "Wrestling. Just wrestling," she corrects with an even look at you.
"Alright then, if you insist," Alicia acquiesces, putting her cider aside and standing up from under her blankets. "Red Knight, do you have an open space where Syala can try to work off her aggression on me?"
With an amused smile, the Red Knight gestures points ahead. That section of the cabin instantly becomes a cleared space, a large circle perfect for wrestling. Her chair turns so she can watch, appearing next to Jessica's, which does the same.
Syala strides in and slowly cracks her knuckles with a smile.
Alicia walks over to enter the opposite side of the circle from Syala, stretching out her arms before her chest in response to Syala's knuckle-cracking posturing. "I'm ready when you are," she says, holding herself back a little since it's well established she can strike without warning before anyone else is ready.
Are you aiming for normal init or just letting Syala go here, to be clear?
Please tell me we're not actually rolling out a fight here.
I'm letting Syala go either way, it's just for fun.
Syala's skill here is still remarkable - she grabs you and wrestles you down, the two of you going.
The Red Knight watches the two of you as Jessica adds, "I like when they wrestle," she admits, "It's how they first met. Have you heard the story?"
"A few times," The Red Knight says, "A fine way to forge a relationship. The bonds of battle are as strong as steel."
"Got you!" Alicia grunts as a hand clamps around Syala's throat and the other punches her in the gut before she's flipped up into the air over Syala's back and thrown harshly to the ground, having to roll out of the way of a foot-stomp and kicking out to sweep the leg!
It's all very wholesome and ladylike.
As Syala lifts Alicia up with an uppercut and goes to slam her down, getting a wing buffet as a counter?
"My sister never had any interest in other women, but then Syala happened," Jessica says, "All it took was wrestling and magic."
"Magic," The Red Knight says with a tight smile, "When the body can change freely, gender becomes blurred. Were my best friend in my mortal life able to become a man, perhaps I would have been married instead of followed the path I did."
"Mm." A little noise from Jessica, "Roald and I...well..." Blushing, and as the Red Knight watches Alicia and Syala roll about, before the two part and pounce at each other anew?
"It's a natural curiosity most with the magic to do so indulge," The Red Knight chuckles to herself, "You become privy to all of what your worshipers think and do - not just the deeds you support them in. Prayers about if it's right to try that or simply granting a spell know what they'll do with it. It's not unlike being a mother to children."
At that Jessica groans as Alicia gets pinned down and elbowed, "My children are enough to deal with as it is!"
Alicia kicks out of that pin, kneeing Syala before getting her into a headlock as they work off energy, presumably over Syala's frustration at not getting any kills of her own during that hunt.
"Oh you'll hear prayers from people wanting patience for their unruly children too!" she calls over to Jessica.
Jessica hangs her head and facepalms, "I'm going to be a big, giant mother to everyone, aren't I?"
Clasping Jessica's shoulder, "The joys and the setbacks." The Red Knight agrees, "Parenthood is worthy training for our roles."
As Syala pushes out of that and side suplexes Alicia to the ground, she calls, "You get used to it, it's easier that way."
Laughing into her hands, Jessica looks up, "Then I suppose I am qualified for this," she finally says. "...I'm sorry," she says, and leans over to hug the Red Knight. "Your faithful fighting in this war must be all the more painful."
The Red Knight gently returns that hug, "They're rambunctious, but I'll clean them up before they come home for dinnertime," she remarks.
"Speaking of," Alicia grunts as she boxes Syala's ears and scrambles back up to her feet, "How's that venison looking?"
Syala shakes her head from that boxing as the Red Knight says, "Any time you are," she rises, "Enough of that, let's go eat."
"Good match," Alicia leans forward to give Syala a quick kiss, all made up after their exercise! Then she goes to rejoin Red Knight and Jessica, retrieving her sword to go eat the product of her and Jessica's hunt.
The meal is spectacular. The four of you feast and laugh over the meal, reliving the hunt and the good times. Stories of Jessica's stealth and Alicia's bowmanship are told again and again, each telling more spectacular than the last.
Is this not what you seek, my son? Your harem, your Sundered Suns, your friendship with the Sultans. Is this yet not the fruit of the tree of evil? What fruit grows from your trees, my son? What fruit grows from the tree of the opposite court? I pray that you look on and see the truth of this.
The lodge has a balcony to one side, where rocking chairs are placed with a beautiful view of the forest. Wrapped in blankets and drinking steaming hot wine, leavened with cinnamon and citrus, the four of you watch the stars rise.
"I grew up watching the stars," The Red Knight says, gaze fixed on the night sky. "The ever faraway friend of all, the navigator's aids sprinkled out like silver dust. A cold, faraway light that glitters with Selune as the crown jewel." As steam from your goblets rises up into the air, "There is a beauty to the night, one that deserves better than Shar."
Jessica takes the faintest sip of her drink before she adds, "You're right. More than anything else, you remind me of how I'm needed. The night needs me, the night needs someone better than Shar. Someone who will end this mockery and make the night a place for peace, not a place for undeath, for fear and for oblivion. Too many fear what lurks in the night, away from Lathander's hopes and dreams."
Shar does keep dominating conversation, doesn't she? Still, she can see how it's warranted not just from the problems she causes everyone but the specific overlap with Jessica's potential domain. "The night is beautiful, whether the twinkling of stars or the glow of the moon..." she looks up at the sky of Warrior's Rest while nursing her wine. "But too often the darkness does hide danger, yes. I'm glad we have you to offer a counterweight now, Jessica. Grow strong, and live up to that hope," she turns her head to look at her sister with those words.
"We all need you," Syala says, gaze on the stars. "You know why."
Jessica smiles as bright as the rising moon and says, "You'll have me." After a breath, "Thank you. All of you. For everything you did today. Was that the plan?"
"Imagine," The Red Knight says wryly, "The Lady of Strategy and Tactics has a plan. No, you are worthy to be called a friend. No quiet, shrinking amnesiac remains, but a dedicated protector and warrior." The Red Knight says, raising her goblet to the moon. "Selune, know that your crusade against the shadows of the night has another. Tempus, know that another warrior enters the field of battle. Shar, go fuck yourself." Concluding with that and a long drink from her wine, "To better futures."
"To better futures," Alicia raises her own goblet to that toast and has a deep draught after. "And I echo my sister's thanks," she says to Red Knight. "This has given her exactly what she needs to nurture her nascant divinity. I expect she'll grow into it even faster than Syala and I have."
"Cheers," Syala echos.
The Red Knight drinks deep, "I wanted to do this for the two of you, but Sharess and Mystra were possessive." Smiling over her wine, "We're alike in many ways, Alicia. Few deities are so naturally compatible as the two of us are."
"I was never particularly faithful in my youth, before I discovered my magic and then the temple of Mystra gave me so much support and encouragement. But in different circumstances I could well have ended up praying to you," Alicia gives Red Knight the compliment she's due.
"Though it does mean we end up drawing from a similar pool of potential worshippers," she smiles wryly, "I think I've managed to differentiate myself enough to stand out."
"All the more reason for us to know one another, so we can talk it out when our territories overlap," The Red Knight declares.
Jessica meanwhile bows her head in thought, "...Sister?" she asks, interrupting. "I thought I had to go out, fight some great evil to get ahead, to do something. But as I am now, what we did today did something, did it not? Something important."
"We did. Think of the stories you read to your children, what ones sink in best? Ones with a dramatic clash of swords, or ones where someone learns an important truth about themselves?" Alicia asks Jessica. "You have to get used to thinking of yourself as that sort of mythic actor now, the protagonist of a hundred stories. Better that they have a moral than just be a lot of flash, yes?"
Jessica's answer is a bright smile. As she does, you feel it, the connection to Jessica quickening, strengthening.
Node update for Jessica, go read and note you have.
Noted.
She smiles back. "And it seems like Seira has seen off that attack at the Cauldron Elle contacted me about earlier, so my avatar can stand down in Sylica. Our friend triumphs in her own battle, and we can conserve our strength a little bit longer."
She turns to Red Knight once more. "Though our participation there is inevitable, and will be sudden when it occurs, we are also taking the time to sally against Demogorgon on the world of Daun. I would be pleased to return your hospitality and give you opportunity to inspect our troops before they set off in a few weeks."
"I have but one question," the Red Knight asks, "When?"
How's our schedule for Daun looking? I'd like for Red Knight to inspect them a few days before departure when they're almost ready to go but any criticisms or comments she makes can be taken on board.
12 days, training's going fine.
"Eight days from now," Alicia says.
"To then," The Red Knight toasts and...
Ready to head back or do you want to add anything here while you have her?
We're good to go.
Thus you return back. Once you settle in briefly...
Alicia, please come to me for a few moments.
Alicia teleports off to wherever Antenora happens to be.
Antenora is on a vast cliffside plateau, the radiant light of the Opal Mountain shining bright. Here celestials work, magic forging a fortress city into the mountain itself. Antenora watches them from atop a raised cliff. Emmaline is with her, sitting with leg dangling off the edge of the cliff, watching quietly.
"Antenora. Emmalline," Alicia greets them both as she walks over to join them in overseeing the construction.
Emmaline rises with grace, bowing deeply to you, "Alicia," she murmurs.
"Alicia," Antenora echos, but with a smile, "It may not be Yetsira and Chronias, but my Opal Mountain will bring the fruits of good and redemption to those who seek them here. Strange how natural it feels to take this role now, how the elemental parts of me respond in a instinctual joy at the prospect of rulership. Is it my devilish birth or is it my lawful nature and my nature as a deity now? I know not."
"You have been overseeing this mountain for years, so any strange new feelings probably can be laid at your divine nature. We're supposed to be stewards of Creation after all," Alicia says. "There's no sin in taking charge or ruling over others. Hierarchy is natural."
"I don't mean it to be a sin," Antenora agrees, watching several devas carry great slabs of stone through the air. "Even if it comes from my deepest, most elemental and diabolical nature, I will see to it that it produces only righteousness. It's merely food for thought."
As the two of you watch the work for a short time, "Alicia, Antenora offered me a place here, to live and to learn when I am not busy with my other duties. May I have your blessing to do so?"
"If Antenora has offered then of course I give it my blessing," she turns to Emmaline. "I hope you find peace and wisdom here on our holy mountain."
"Thank you, my lady," Emmaline bows to you.
Antenora smiles slowly as she watches, the winds blowing, "Alicia, I also seek your advice on granting spells to my faithful. How it is done and began? I recall your first efforts with Syala."
"It's actually not hard at all," Alicia smiles, turning to Antenora. "You think a cleric doesn't work as hard as a wizard to master her magic? No, most of the mystical potency comes from the caster, you're doing little more than giving it your stamp of approval. Have you heard many prayers yet?"
"Some, with varying levels of clarity," Antenora admits ruefully, "As if a sending spell with interference from planar energies. They are slowly becoming clearer as I focus on them."
Alicia nods. "Okay, well one thing first is to set a holy time for you when they should be praying as when you'll be granting their spells. It doesn't have to be the same for everyone but there should be consistency. Azuth for instance grants spells at dusk, for Mystra it can be any time chosen by the worshipper - I used dusk myself for my own prayers. Really dusk and dawn are most common because they're easy to mark no matter where you are. So decide that yourself so you can set clear expectations with your followers. Ritual and consistency are important for them as well," she begins to explain.
"Dawn," Antenora says, no hesitation there at all. "With the first light of the morning that banishes the night."
"A thematic choice," Alicia agrees. "Which is important. Now once you have a routine it's easy enough - you'll hear prayers for specific spells along with all the other prayers you receive and you just approve them - those prayers have a different character than more mundane prayers, though you can deny or change them if you feel it needed. Don't worry about being overwhelmed, you'll be able to absorb and handle it all without effort. For actually starting that off you need to make clear your expectations in turn. You can give omens and messages to followers or prospective followers in various ways, or send messengers or heralds to provide more direct instruction on matters of faith. I used a mixture of the two in growing my faith, usually omens and miracles for initial contact before having someone appear in various guises shortly after to give those affected more direct guidance as to how I'd like my word and works to be spread."
Antenora absorbs all that and then says, "How much guidance do they need once they get started? I assume that lessens once the faith is properly established and the dogma is settled?"
"It depends on you, but ideally you want it to be self-perpetuating and self-growing, yes," Alicia nods, this a bit off the topic of granting spells but still important. "Some deities will remain hands on even then while others prefer to be more remote, it's really just a matter of your own preference and your worshipper's expectations. Would you like to try answering my clerics' prayers?" she offers. "Dusk is falling over Pallanth and in a few other places I'm worshipped so I've been granting a few while we've been talking and it's still going on. I can delegate to you so you can honour them in my stead."
"Please," Antenora smiles warmly at that, "A few minor ones, let me start simple in case something goes awry."
Alicia nods and connects one of her current devotions to Antenora. Clara Eointir is a half elf paladin living in eastern Pallanth who's resting at an inn after a recent adventure with some friends dealing with a nest of wyverns that were preying on outlying farms. Aside from actually showing devotion she's only praying to regain a few lesser restoration spells and making sure her special mount is okay, so it should be straightforward enough.
In point of fact Swifthoof is contentedly grazing in a paddock at the foot of the mountain right now.
To this you feel Antenora's will stretch out, connecting as invited.
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora Charisma
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=20]
Maybe...Antenora's just good at being a deity? Go figure. The dice sure drive her that way.
It's as natural as if you did it, the magic given with a faint pulse. "That was so easy," Antenora breathes after.
"Of course it was," Alicia smiles gently. "It's what we were made for."
"I can't believe how simple it was," Antenora murmurs, "It just..." You feel her will stretch out, reach towards her few faithful. She connects to them, spells flowing as requested.
Alicia reaches over and puts a hand on Antenora's shoulder. "You'd built it up in your head as this huge project, hadn't you?" she asks understandingly.
"...yes." Antenora admits with a growing smile, "It seems I overthought the difficulty of it." Her hand comes up to rest on yours, "What a thing to be talented in."
"Jessica seemed to be taking extremely well to things earlier when we were with Red Knight. It bodes well for Sylica to have two such talented deities on the rise here," she says, giving Antenora the praise she's due for coming so far.
"For you, Alicia," Antenora says, meeting your gaze, "We still have so much to do."
"We do," Alicia agrees. "I'll leave you and Emmaline to get settled for now, I have a few other things to take care of."
I guess I'll get ready for that tour/procession through Sylica's communities with Syala?
Also is Anty's node goal satisfied now she knows how to grant spells?
I was just leading to that, as I didn't expect you to clear it this time. This was meant to be setup to doing more with it later, but bam, there she goes. Once again Antenora shows a surprising competency at divinity.
"Of course, Alicia," Antenora says, as you feel it. A bond with Antenora, strong and vibrant once more. It resonates between the two of you as...
Node update, go read.
She pauses a moment before leaving on feeling that. "Well done, Antenora," she says earnestly.
The smile you get back is radiant, "Thank you, Alicia. Soon," she turns to look out over her city, "Soon."
Soon indeed.
But speaking of cities, she and Syala should sort out that tour she was talking about, so Alicia goes off to talk about that with her wife.
As you do, you notice a particular prayer from Savin, an elf wanderer who serves you.
'A Sharran. Guess I'm obligated, huh? Guide my blade and spells this battle,' he prays, as you feel it. He opposes a plump merchant in black, a dagger slowly drawn by a hand behind his back. The two face each other on a dusty road, ready to strike one another.
You know this merchant, of course, for you saw him murder another and desecrate one of your shrines.
More than just obligated! A fair fight hopefully favours Savin, and she hasn't seen that Sharran work with others so far, but Alicia directs her attention to the locale so she can give Savin a momentary warning in case there's more than just one foe to worry about. Otherwise she merely steels his resolve with her approval, hoping he'll triumph on his own skill.
It seems you chose wisely. Lurking under some bushes and tall grasses off the road is a warrior in leathers and with a crossbow, silently applying a foul black substance to the crossbow bolt. Poison - you know black lotus extract when you see it. Expensive and deadly, no two ways about it.
She gives Savin appropriate warning, hoping he can still win two on one with that given. Beware, a black lotus blooms in the tall grass to your right, a greater threat than stands before you. Her voice is heard in his mind, giving him the surety that it comes from no less than his own goddess.
> roll 1d100-10 for the apt warning
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d100=77]
Appropriate.
"Wha-" Savin breathes out as the merchant lunges at him, surely demanding the warrior to bring his blade up. Yet Savin instead falls back and swipes his blade to the side. It's perfectly timed, deflecting away a crossbow bolt with a metallic clang.
You hear it, a whisper in kind into the merchant's ear. Slip away into the shadows, remember how to fight.
Yet Savin sees a chance. He lunges as the merchant steps back, a single shot, a moment's chance.
Red stains the road.
The merchant stiffens as Savin's blade slides through his heart, a perfect lucky strike.
Alicia is pleased. One down and one to go, but that 'merchant' has been causing too much trouble lately by far. She won't micromanage Savin's battle, he knows what he has to do and he's no stranger to combat.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d100=84]
The crossbowman gets up and flat flees, moving far faster than he should. He wears plain, muddy boots - ones that sing with magic, boots of striding and springing. Savin turns to follow but stops, freeing his blade instead and shaking his head. "Won't catch him like that," he mutters to himself, "Still, one out of two's a good day's work."
After a moment he looks up to the sky, "Was that you? I...thank you." he finishes. "What else can I say? I hope that Sharran's death is what you wanted."
No more words for Savin, just a feeling of approval... and a sense that the job remains unfinished.
How he deals with the one that got away is on him, but diligence is important to Alicia.
"...yeah. One more. Got an assassin to track down," Savin mutters, "Well, I wasn't thrilled to head where I was going, anyway." As he kneels down and loots the Sharran?
You find Syala in one of Liberton's quiet offices, drinking a small glass of cider and looking out the window. "Did you just get that bastard of a merchant?" she asks, turning to you. "He'd given one of my own the slip and a scar to remember him by recently."
"I never saw him actually sell anything, he just dressed the part," Alicia says, going to lean against the windowsill. "But yes, he and a confederate ambushed one of mine on the road and had the tables turned. About time."
"Good," A warm smile is on Syala's face as she sips her drink. "Cheers to that."
After that, "Alicia, I didn't make you uncomfortable yesterday, did I?" Syala asks, right to the point. "When I turned my lights off to wrestle you."
"A little bit, I thought you meant it more as a foreplay sort of thing than 'just' wrestling," Alicia responds just as bluntly.
"Hardly," Syala smirks a bit, "I'd have been more direct." Looking down at her cup a moment before finishing it off and banishing the cup to elsewhere, "I wanted to ensure that my light's magic didn't give me any extra edge in the battle. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, dear." Then, with a smirk anew, "I'd be much more blunt about it if that was my aim."
"No harm done, it seemed to amuse Jessica and Red Knight anyway," Alicia says, shaking her head. "Anyway, I just got back from visiting Antenora. She and Emmaline were watching over a construction project on the Opal Mountain, a fortress city. It looked impressive and reminded me of that tour you wanted to do of Sylica's new cities and towns."
"The port first?" Syala suggests, "They haven't come up with a name yet, so going official and naming it would be apt. I'm thinking we'll go in alternate form to Antenora's city."
"Have any good ideas for a name?" Alicia asks. She named Sylica itself, and its first city; Mercia. Syala can have a crack at naming something if she feels able!
Oh wait, she came up with Cantenora for Martin, didn't she?
"Hmm...you feel like you have a theme," Syala says, "Mercia, Liberton, the Wychwood. Is there one?"
"Mercy, liberty... witch's forest?" Alicia says it plainly, any theme clearly broken on the last one. "You can't go wrong with a word that brings classic virtues to mind."
"Hm. Valora?" Syala suggests, "Mercy, liberty, valor."
"Valora's nice," Alicia says approvingly. "You name cities better than you do cats."
At this Syala nudges your side with her elbow, at your side in an instant. "Cantenora is still a better name than Martin," she says, with gentle firmness.
"It's really not," Alicia says flatly.
Smiling widely now, "What's wrong with it," Syala asks as she starts to walk forward, "It's a majestic name for a cat. Inspiring. Imagine Cantenora atop the Opal Mountain, watching all of Sylica while grooming himself?"
"It's not majestic, it's a silly joke name. That's why Marie liked it so much," Alicia says with a note of pique. "Why don't you ask Sharess if there has ever been a cat in history called Cantenora?"
Laughing at it all, Syala heads along but pauses, "Dear? I love you." Taking your hands, "Even when you're denying the majesty of a wonderful name."
"And I love you enough to let you get away with such tasteless suggestions," Alicia says indulgently, taking Syala's hands in her own.
With a ripple of divine will, in an instant the two of you are high above Valora.
For now, Valora is a simple collection of buildings and docks in progress. It is placed in a natural bay, a soft sea breeze blowing. Your servants build below, muscle and magic married to talent to see it constructed. A handful of ships are in the large, vaguely circular bay.
Did she just teleport us there?
Yes, somehow a line got lost there. Edited.
Alicia looks down. "Do you want to just fly down there and make ourselves known?" Alicia asks. "I was thinking we'd make it an official visit, give everyone time to pretty things up for us and plan an itinerary of things to show off for us to marvel at their hard work."
Playing to her ethos there, but it's her ethos for a reason.
"That was the idea," Syala admits, "Better to catch them as they are, than they are after preparing. It's more realistic that way."
"I thought that's what the incognito visits were for, but as you like it. I'll follow your lead here," Alicia allows since Syala seems intent on things.
With this, Syala flies down in a lazy spiral. She descends with her lights ablaze, radiance soon getting looks up. Gestures and calls follow, "Queen Alicia! Queen Consort Syala!" Work is paused as hundreds and hundreds kneel, all as Syala gently touches down.
Alicia's booted feet click onto the ground a second after Syala's bare feet do, looking over everything and letting Syala decide what or who they're going to examine in more detail or if she's going to make any kind of proclamation.
Syala stays there several long moments, letting the silence stretch and mature, growing heavy and full in the air. At last she declares, "Come forth, Galas."
The celestial that comes forth is an astral deva. He kneels before Syala, hair a pale white-blonde and body covered in muscle. He wears golden banded armor, his mace at his side. "I am here to serve," he intones.
"Return to work, the rest of you," Syala declares, and as people do that after a few moments, "We wish to see the progress of this city -" Raising her voice, "The city of Valora, which shall grow to be a mighty port."
"Valora, Sylica's gateway to the mighty Oceanus!" Alicia seconds, her own voice carrying.
Your voice carries far as does Syala's, a cheer going up amid your gathered vassals and servants.
Galas bows deeply, "Then I will show you all we have, though we are only still at the beginning." Taking to the air, he leads you to the bay and the harbor under construction. Ships are in the bay beyond as, "We will make this a bay large enough to hold a mighty navy," he declares, "It is fortunate that many of our faithful from your world know of the city of Balmuria, my Queen. The geography of this place resembles it."
"The geography of Balmuria did make it ideal as a trading port and conflux for travellers and goods alike," Alicia agrees, and while Valora might not have quite the same advantages in terms of where it sits between other nations and geographic features, it doesn't really need them either.
Coincidence or our will shaping things to what we know?
Aloud, Syala speaks, "You're taking measures to maximize the terrain advantages?"
"We will have aerial lifts, for when we must deploy more ships than the opening into the greater oceans allow. We have invited sea elves to come here and establish themselves if they like, as it has worked well for Balmuria and they are all about the River Oceanus." Galas explains, "We are gathering celestial dolphins as well, along with those of us with a bend for water magic. This harbor shall prosper." Then turning back and pointing - amid the warehouses being built is a large empty lot, "We shall make a university there, one dedicated to teaching the ways of the oceans and seas, of ships and water. Valora will be the heart that pumps life into Sylica's navies, my queens."
A bay is hardly unique, but yes I was thinking of Balmuria when we had our recent expansion.
"It is good," she says for mortal ears. "Balmuria never had much of a navy, but its fishing fleet was productive."
"There are fish aplenty," Galas agrees, "Though our fisheries will be on the coasts beyond this, since military need isn't important for them."
"No, and most of us don't need to eat either," Alicia agrees. "It is nice, though."
Taking to the air after that, "Beyond that will be houses and homes, barracks, all the things that make a city, stretching out away from the ocean. We're establishing those later, once we have the harbor finished, so we have little there so far."
"Are people here staying in temporary dwellings here for now or teleporting back and forth between home and work?" Alicia asks rather than find out via deific means.
"Both," Galas says, "As needed."
"I see," Alicia says.
"I think that's enough," Syala smiles, "Get back to it, this is going well." At that Galas bows and hurries off and with a blink, the two of you are away and in the sky, Valora in the distance.
"A fine start," she says, "Now the part you'll enjoy - I really will like seeing your disguise."
"Do you want to go with a particular theme?" Alicia asks. She does enjoy wearing different looks, it's true.
"We can," Syala says, "You take the initiative here, dear. You enjoy playing dress up so." Her smile is rather wide and inviting.
Alicia's panoply of magical items vanish and she herself shrinks to take on the guise of a coure eladrin, one with a waifish figure and long lime green hair, wearing what looks like pink pajamas. "Since Marie's been promoted I'll pay some homage to her old form," she says in a voice higher pitched than how she usually speaks.
Syala eyes you before breaking out into a smile and becoming a little mote of light, a lantern archon. She glows a merry blue color, "I'll pay homage to what Antenora never had the chance to be, then. ...though, can you imagine her charging evil as a lantern archon?"
"Given their lack of melee ability it would be both sad and endearing," Alicia says, sounding a bit like a child trying to come across as grown up with her current look and register.
Syala's voice is higher pitched, almost cutesy. She bobs once in the air, "In the name of Chronias I will crush all the evil before me," she declares. "Take this!" She charges in, a soft little bob against your body.
"Lets hope we don't run into Antenora out there, I think she'll want to take us home," Alicia says as her tiny and slender arms push Syala's spongy orb-body away.
Laughing at that, the two of you teleport.
Ahead is the city you saw worked in before, busy and being constructed. Fortresses are being built into the mountains, buildings onto the plateau. Levels and layers, all curving deeper inward, into a thousand caves being excavated at various points.
"So, want to go explore the caves?" she asks, looking over it from a different angle than she had when she visited Antenora earlier. "See what they're hiding?"
"Yeah," Syala laughs as she flies. There are many caves here - big and little, up high and on the ground. They're being excavated as you watch, strong bodied celestials working and with magic supporting them. Lots of muscles here, many shirtless as they work.
Alicia decides to investigate the busiest looking cave, since if it has the most work being done on it then clearly it's for a more important purpose than the rest.
Easy enough.
The biggest cave is in the back, gigantic, more of removing part of the mountain altogether. It's hundreds of feet tall and even more wide, stretching back and back. Glistening opal stones are set into the walls, providing light as you go deeper into the cave. Here hundreds of celestials work, magic and muscle clearing away yet more stone.
Others work here as well, plotting the ground and measuring, laying prayers and incantations. Sanctifying for a temple - that's simple for Alicia to discern. No stones have yet been laid, but other servants kneel and polished exposed Sylican opals, shining them to a mirror sheen.
Everyone looks to be working very hard, and she's not inclined to disturb them as she noses around, letting Syala sate her own curiosity.
Syala flutters around a little bit, taking it all in as people are busy, barely giving you a second look.
"A big cave temple," she says when she flies back to you, "Probably the lynchpin of any defensive effort for the city, knowing Antenora. Also boring, everyone here's so on task." A slight sigh from Syala, "I hoped to see a little bit of fun, but everyone's so motivated. Better than them being unmotivated, yet..." She droops a bit in the air.
"You'd have to wait till after it's been built and people are actually living here instead of being focused on construction," Alicia points out. "Want to try investigating anywhere else then?"
"Hmm..." Syala bobs in the air when...
"Excuse me, you two," A gentle, feminine voice. "What are you doing here, little ones?" The woman that approaches has gold tinted skin but no wings, gentle hair of the same blonde-gold. With a ready smile she comes over, wearing a battle leathers and chain, but no heavier armor. "I think Lady Jessica would want you two children to be taken care of and away from all this noise, hm?"
"We're just looking around, it's interesting. What are you building here?" Alicia asks, playing the curious coure and feeling mildly patronised on behalf of beginner celestials.
"The Heart Temple," Kneeling to face you face to face, the woman smiles. "It will be Lady Antenora's grand, first and primary temple in Sylica."
"Ooooh," Syala bobs side to side, "That sounds fun. Will it have places to race in? I like racing."
"I'm sure it will," The celestial smiles, then in a lower voice, "I bet that's something Lady Marie likes too, so I'm sure there will be some good places for that."
She could flatter Marie but without her being present to react in amusing fashions what's the point? "Heart Temple sounds nice. Lady Marie would like it since Antenora has her heart! Do you think she might swap to serving Antenora now actually?" she asks in high-pitched chatterbox fashion.
As Syala's laughter sounds in your mind, the woman hums. "...that's a good question," she admits. "I'm afraid I don't know.""
"She probably won't, since then she'd have to pray to her own wife. So who's your favourite anyway?" Alicia asks with a guileless smile. "Antenora, Jessica, Syala, or Alicia?"
With a soft laugh, "Some women want their husbands to treat them like divinity. But my favorite? Oh, that has to be Jessica. I'm going to serve her officially soon. Kindness is important, and so is being firm even in the shadows."
"That's a good choice," Syala opines, "Without kindness, we all die of thirst when we need refreshment the most."
"That's a wise saying. Who taught you that?" The woman asks, eyes widened slightly.
"Yes, tell us. They must have been very wise," Alicia prods as well.
"A rather wise if naughty feline," Syala says, "One who also understands discretion."
A soft, silent gasp, lasting only a minute before, "Ah." A smile takes her face, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"We're looking around, but Antenora has this well in hand," Syala keeps her voice down, a slight flex of divine will keeping the conversation private. Myga, you'd do well with Jessica, as long as you have steel to go with that silken softness. Head to Mercia and visit Jessica, I'll inform her you're coming. She needs good people like you to build with."
"As you say," Bowing her head slightly in respect but nothing else, "I will leave immediately."
"Show her kindness and you'll get nothing but back," Alicia adds, smiling encouragingly at Myga.
"Thank you, my Queen," Myga bows once more, "With your leave?"
"You have it," Syala says, "Go. Fly fast and you'll find it's not a long journey at all, not today."
With that Myga turns and goes. Syala watches her, a bob in the air, "Getting started is the hardest part," she remarks, "Jessica needs more support that just us, she needs reliable servants."
"It's nice to have early volunteers," Alicia agrees. "Once you have a core they can spread out and expand your influence more and more with time."
"A chain reaction that keeps building on itself," Syala agrees, "We've built something here for more than ourselves, love. We keep bringing more and more people in, and they support us and we support them. Our communities are prospering."
"Seen enough to be happy for now, then?" she asks, leaning a slender waifish arm over Syala's big squishy ball of light body.
A moment of togetherness and happiness - and you feel the connection with Syala, shining bright. It resonates between the two of you.
Node update. Go read and verify.
Seen it.
"Someone else approves, it seems," Alicia says wryly, before they return to Liberton and their normal forms.
"Someone wants to see us grow," Syala's smile is broad, "All considered, it's nice to see the forces of Celestia supportive of us. Like a big family with its disputes and wars, but ultimately still family."
"They've always been supportive of me, ever since I met Latha," Alicia says. "Of course it goes both ways, we help them in turn."
Smiling now, "Speaking of helping, I have something you can help me with. Privately." Syala says, as...
Got an immediate next move?
Lets have Marie visit the Crimson Guard and see if they got any good info from that Sharran base we hit the other day?
Sure. Any particular contact there you want her to hit up? She has the pull if you have someone in mind.
Lets go with Eudard?
Marie finds Eudard in a quiet office in the garrison. It is decorated with a sword on each wall, over which the holy symbol of Helm is displayed on a cloth banner pinned to the wall. He is sans his armor, resting back. Age slowly gnaws at him, the hints of wrinkles on his face and the graying of his hair. He drinks a mug of something warm and pleasant smelling - honeyed tea, perhaps.
A pair of comfortable chairs are before the desk - stuffed and cushioned, made of good, well polished wood and with cushions colored steel gray. With a gesture Marie's way, "Ah, Marie. Come in."
They've come a long way from back when she was sneakily scoping out the temple of Torm before it was unfortunately confirmed that he was evil. "Hi Eudard, good to see you again," the eternally youthful purple-haired woman says as she walks in and lowers herself into one of the seats. "Alicia wanted to check up on how things went since we hit that dungeon in the desert. Find any new leads from it?"
Eudard rests back, "Helm's vigilance has taken us far," he declares, "We have healed those that were injured, and those beyond us I have personally ferried to the House of the Triad, to be restored. Perhaps in time they will come to serve the Crying God, for many of his faithful come to him through his eternal mercy." He reaches up and slowly rubs his silvery bearded chin, shaved down and well groomed. "We have studied what we found there and divined, showing us unholy secrets that they pursued. Means to chase madness and meaning together, to listen to shadows that sing of secrets and destruction. In them we've found a few leads to spies and sleeper agents, which we are dealing with."
A pause for a drink before he goes on, "As for the instigator of all of this? Nothing but wisps of shadow. He moves like an afterimage, glimpsed while what he has wrought festers. Yet what we have gathered suggests he heads east again, east towards Pallanth."
"Skipping over the Baronies?" Marie asks at that last part. "What specifics did you find?"
"A book of Pallanth's recent turmoil, a famous analysis of it written by Lord Chillander," Eudard explains, "Things that divinations show are tied to him as well, such as bits of elven craft and studying. We realize it may be a feint, but Pallanth is a rich target. We also fear that if it is a feint and he's not coming for the Baronies, he may be heading towards Kelara."
"Could even be staying in the desert," Marie says reasonably. "I'll pass it on to Alicia and she can decide where to focus. Anything else you found that stood out?"
"Nothing important," Eudard says after a few moments of consideration. "Nothing that wasn't heresy destroyed and crushed."
As you talk, there is a knock on the door. After a beat, "Enter," Eudard calls.
The one who comes is tall, with gray hair and weathered features. He has a warrior's body, toned and well kept even as age encroaches. He wears steel armor, breastplate underlaid with chain. A sword is at his waist, a mace on the other side to complement it. In that instant Marie is aware, the barest flare of his power like a greeting. The avatar of Helm stands before you, Eudard getting up and then sinking to a knee.
"My Lord," he breathes, "You honor us."
Marie stands from her chair and steps aside from the desk, a hand going over her chest as her head dips in a bow of deferential greeting. She might not be blown away, but always being polite to Gods and Avatars is just good sense!
"Vigilant One, are you here for us both or should I leave? We were just finishing," she offers.
"Stay," Helm commands, "You are aware of Zariel's escape."
Helm comes and stays standing, "Understand." In a moment Eudard's eyes widen, "Zariel..." he breathes out. "I understand, master."
"Even now, Zariel works to save herself and cleanse her spirit. Her current task is one of the utmost importance to the Triad. You are to lend aid to her." Helm declares, "Know that this task may well consume the balance of your mortal life, and should you complete it before then, you shall have no need to serve the remainder."
"Am I to resign here, Vigilant One?" Eudard asks, gaze kept low.
"No, but you will have new responsibilities added to your current ones, and must balance and adjust as needs must," Helm declares.
Marie hasn't actually heard much of what Zariel's been doing since she left Sylica, but it's good to know she's working hard and being supported!
"I understand, my Lord," Eudard says, "Shall I got to them."
"Yes," Helm commands, "They have been granted a private keep in the House of the Triad. They will have others as well - I next to go your master, Marielle. Come with me."
"Bye Eudard, good luck in your quest. We all worked hard to liberate Zariel and want to see her do well," Marie smiles at the human man before she steps over to stand next to Helm.
With that, you are gone. In an instant you are at the door to Sylica as...
Alicia feels it. A divine presence just beyond Sylica. The avatar of Helm is there, a 'knock' of sorts sent your way.
Alicia and Syala relocate to one of the meeting rooms in Liberton, well lit and overlooking a parade ground, the pair sat on ornate wooden furniture by a long table as she broadcasts their presence and invitation to teleport here to the avatar.
In an instant Marie and Helm are there. The avatar steps forward, "Were you watching Marielle?" he asks, to the point.
"I was," Alicia confirms. "I know what Zariel is currently working towards, though she hasn't been in contact with us recently."
Meanwhile Marie walks over to stand behind and to the left of Alicia's seat, hands clasped demurely over her thighs and gaze slightly lowered, appearing the dutiful servant.
"If you could catch us up?" Syala asks, "It would be helpful."
Helm goes on from there, "She has spent some time patching old relationships and establishing her bases of power. I wish to give her several - she will need to draw on many for her task, and I do not wish her to stay in one place and grow complacent. I would ask you to provide a residence for Zariel here, one she and hers may use as they see fit."
"There was a spot in our Wychwood that she liked, I'll have something subtle built there for her there with room for a half dozen people's comfort," Alicia offers, having no problem hosting Zariel whenever she likes, considering she exerted herself so much to rescue her.
"It is done," Helm says, "I also wish to meet Antenora."
Alicia relays that!
Antenora, could you come here? Helm would like to meet with you.
In a mere instant Antenora is there. Helm comes forward and offers his hand, which is taken and shaken.
"Would you walk with me?" Helm asks.
Antenora nods to that and smiles, "I would be honored."
In that instant the two of them are gone.
"She'll tell us what it was about later," Marie pipes up once they're gone.
"Thank you Marie," Alicia says tiredly, a little vexed at her curiosity being so obvious. "Anyway, I think it's time you took Honey Bell on tour to Pallanth."
Syala chuckles, "If it was anyone but Helm, I'd think that was romantic. Yes, do focus on Pallanth, I'll have some agents elsewhere to watch west in case it was a feint."
"I'll get right on it!" Marie salutes and vanishes, intending to start herself out in Elfsander and working inland from there.
Once Marie's gone, Syala turns, "I doubt they'll be that long," she says, then with a knowing smile, "Let's set up a nice meal so we can get all the details from Antenora."
"That sounds good," Alicia agrees, letting Syala handle catering.
It's a meal of tropical fruits, grilled fish and little cream filled puff pastries, topped with golden strawberries. A pitcher of ambrosia is in the center. Once Antenora returns in due time, she smiles at it and says, "Details, Syala?"
"Details," Syala smiles widely, "Even Marie could tell Alicia was curious."
Even Marie is underselling it considering as Alicia's former familiar she should be naturally in tune with Alicia's moods and desires. "Please, unless it's anything you're sworn to secrecy about," she seconds.
Food is taken - the fish is fresh and hot, while the fruit is Sylica's new, tropical bounty from various islands. As you take a bite out of a sweet, tangy fruit Syala calls a aylberry, Antenora has a pastry puff before going on. "To begin with, he commended me for seeing to my newfound duties," Antenora states, "For vigilantly serving the both of you."
Popping a bit of fish into her mouth and enjoying that before replying, "You are ever dutiful," Syala agrees, and with a growing smile, "Then what did he tell you on your private walk?"
"That Creation needs more that remember their duty and serve what is just," Antenora continues, going for another pastry. "A sentiment I agree with completely."
"Just making early positive contact, then?" Alicia asks after eating a berry. "I suppose the niceties are important to keep our interactions with other powers running smoothly."
"That's right," Antenora agrees, "Also," Antenora pours herself a glass of ambrosia, taking a long sip, "He asked for me to aid Zariel if needed; of course I agreed to that."
"Naturally, we're all invested in her redemption," Alicia agrees. "I'm going to set up a small hideaway for her in the Wychwood that she can use whenever she comes back here."
Antenora goes for another puff, and after taking a bite, "I'll have to visit her when she's there. Also...hot cinnamon?" she asks Syala.
"Mmm-hmm," Syala smiles, "It goes well in the cream. I'll practice with you, see if your divine will can make those yet."
Finishing her puff off with a contented look, "That was all we talked about - it wasn't anything secret, I believe Helm wanted it to be one on one as equals."
"That's important," Alicia says, pausing to have a drink of ambrosia. "We stand together, but we stand as equals. Jessica got a lot out of meeting with Red Knight and treating with her on the same level."
"We stand," Antenora raises her glass to that. After that and a long drink she smiles widely, surely feeling the ambrosia. "Also. Now that I have ascended and become One...that will complicate any children Marie and I have, when we choose to have them. How have the two of you dealt with that?"
Syala sips her own, "We've held off. As much as we want to, there's too much going on for us, too many threats. If things come to a head and I was pregnant and infirm, I couldn't live with myself if I sat aside...and if Alicia didn't make it when I could have been there?" Taking a much heavier drink to follow, "I suggest the same for you, even if Marie decides she's ready."
"The Neverborn quite thoroughly put me off the idea of deities procreating, even if Seira and Amaryl proved it could be done," Alicia says a bit glumly. "Though," she forces a little cheer, "When we have more avatars it would be easier to make time for it. Syala's right that right now isn't the best time for it, though."
That rather pauses the conversation, Antenora looking to you, "That poor thing. No one deserves that, even if their nature would make them a monster."
"I know," Syala says, a flex of divine will giving you all extra privacy. "The righteous aren't the only ones that suffer from him. Pale Night, the Neverborn - they're victims, too."
"How much of Pale Night's misdeeds then are a result of her own desires, and how much being forced to wear a cloak of chaos and evil to fit Creation?" Alicia asks. "And does it make a meaningful difference insofar as how we treat with her?"
"Morally," Antenora says slowly, "We should strive to make things better. Pale Night suffers a dreadful injustice, but we know not enough about her to say beyond that."
"Morally," Syala butts in, drawing a bit of fruit to her with a flex of her will, then sitting back as she munches it down, "I don't think we can say, but we have to stop her if she's evil. If we ever find out more or can stop or free her for good, we'd revisit it then. It's all well and gone, and horrifying, but we can only deal in the here and now."
"She could have been a destructive invader to Creation like so many others, only the Incarnations made use of her rather than just killing her... for now though there's nothing we can do about her. She has Sylian to advance her interests where all this is concerned, so we'll worry about him first," Alicia says, unwilling to risk openly talking to Pale Night about Ao without a guarantee that the Arbiter can shield her from notice as well.
"One day." Antenora vows. She then gently closes her eyes and murmurs, "Cute." Opening them, "I believe Latha just prayed to me, and her exact prayer was, 'Are you paying attention, Antenora?'"
"I think a small bolt of lightning might suffice for that," Alicia says drily. "Just to keep her on her toes."
"I prefer an apple falling from the sky onto her foot," Syala says, "That gets the message across, too."
It is then you feel a rather remarkable visitor enter your realm - the dragon Kecasandarenala, the icy wyrm appearing atop a sharp, high and snowy peak above one of the myriad new islands in Sylica's oceans.
"Ah, and we have a visitor from Io's maze," Alicia says. Didn't he say he'd want a snowy peak surrounded by sand? Though he mentioned wastes rather than a nice beach. She keeps a divine eye on him but doesn't go to intercept him or anything. He can visit and explore Sylica like any other is welcome to. "Kecasandarenala, the dragon that silver and white dragons aspire to be like."
"Well, finally," Syala says, "I suppose the Cauldron would be too warm for him. Do you think he'll stay?"
"I'm not sure. He seemed nice so I don't know that there'd be a culture clash, but Sylica might be too temperate for him?" Alicia muses.
"Maybe," Syala hmmms, "We could use some snowlands, I've been considering it. A high plateau somewhere or similar geography, or a snowy forest." She sits back and taps her fingers, "I don't want us to be seen as catering to that dragon that much, but from what you've said, he'd be worth getting as an ally."
"He was powerful," Antenora agrees, "Assuming his morals are not blackened, there would be merit to doing so, no matter how it appears. With war looming, we would be foolish to neglect this opportunity."
"There's some snow on the mountaintop he plane shifted in at," Alicia points out. "I'm not fond of giving visitors to Sylica the hard sell on joining up with us, though. Let him have a look and see if we're to his liking. We can still be friends or allies even if he doesn't stay."
Syala doesn't argue it, while Antenora says, "That's a question: In the quest for souls to us, how hard is too hard, Alicia?"
"Hard enough for us to appear desperate or oppressive," Alicia answers. "Hard enough to drive people away rather than pull them closer."
"Yes, but how hard is that," Antenora asks back, "Is there a standard for that, a rule, some guiding principle which can be reliably followed?"
Antenora isn't embodying the best stereotype of her ethos right now. "Like all things social it can't be broken down to hard and fast rules that apply equally in every case. But in this case, with a dragon who so far has only teleported in to stand on a mountain and admire the view? Immediately approaching him before he has a chance to meet anyone or do anything is too much. Let him look around, perhaps make friends with some of the locals. If he looks to be making a lair or approaches us directly then we can talk."
Whatever her opinion, Antenora seems content to let that go and...
Got an immediate next move?
Nothing pro-active right now. Marie's doing her investigating, we're prepping our forces for Daun/Efreet.
Gimme a d100.
[18:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[18:17] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d100=24]
A few hours later...
'Can I come in?' It's a simple prayer, unremarkable. Yet the person who speaks it is anything but - Calley.
Well that sort of direct request is a bit rare for a prayer. Is Dawnhope with him?
She is. They're just outside of Sylica's boundary with Ysgard. Dawnhope looks rather tired but is still holding up.
She thus speaks directly to Dawnhope.
Sylica is your home too, you don't need to stand on ceremony even if you're bringing a guest.
'I know, but he wants to talk to you,' Dawnhope replies to your message.
Then bring him inside and take him to Mercia, I'll be waiting for you both.
Where in Mercia? General location/type is fine.
Lets go with an art gallery, give the kid some culture.
The gallery is airy and bright, sunlight coming in from roof windows that illuminates everything. Here people leisurely take in the section dedicated to metalworking. Calley's here, studying an iron state of a ghaele eladrin, rather fine work if a bit too loose with actual details.
Calley turns to you, a small frown on his face. "I wish people didn't get older," he says, without preamble.
"How is your grandmother doing?" Alicia asks, turning away from the statue to look down at Calley, her presence muted to the eyes and ears of everyone else at the gallery so they can admire the artwork without distracting people.
Calley looks down. "Her stomach had trouble. Tumors. I fixed it, but she's getting older, isn't she?"
Dawnhope just rests nearby, listening in and perching atop your head, lying there sprawled out.
Alicia considerately keeps her back straight so Dawnhope can rest on a stable platform. "Yes. I recently met a dragon who had some unkind things to say about humans and our mortality. Is it meant to be a prod so we feel compelled to squeeze more into our span of years? Why then when so many other creatures in Creation are given as many as they care to spend?"
"Life isn't fair, is it?" Calley admits, looking down with his bangs hiding his eyes, hands in his pockets. "That's something Mom's taught me with everything. How come none of the other kids can do what I can?"
Pausing at that, "But why isn't it fair? That's what you really want to ask."
"Humans, elves, dragons, demons, and gods... all of us were made for a purpose. Why are things a certain way and not another?" she smiles a little. "When I was a little girl I would ask questions like that. 'Why are trees green?' 'Why does eating too many sweets make me sick?' 'Why can't dogs talk to humans?'. But then I grew a little older and a little wiser and I learned that that's simply the way things are. I learned not to ask such questions. And yet now as I've grown even older and even wiser, my mind is drawn back to such questions of 'why'."
"We're like toys," Calley goes on, "We make toys and to have fun with them, to do a specific thing we want. When you break a toy or it finishes up, you just get a new one." Even quieter, "I know that children love toys, but when we get older, we toss them aside because we're bored of them."
He's disturbingly close to the truth with that analysis. Though... "Children are usually given toys rather than making them, but I understand. Is that why you came here, to talk about the impermanence of life?"
"I guess," Calley finally says, "It's not fair I don't get to be a child all the way, either."
Looking up at the statue, lost in inspecting it for a few moments, "I would have called him Daddy. It's not fair I didn't get to grow up with him." Hands still in pockets, "Are things like that not being fair why people become evil?"
"It's not fair," Alicia agrees. "Power is a responsibility, and one that must be earned. Your mother was wrong to burden you with it. But I don't think unfairness causes people to become evil - I've known awful people who came from privileged and pampered backgrounds. Unfairness is an injustice, and an injustice is a call to action that motivates us to right it, or at least ensure it isn't repeated."
"Then how come no one righted the unfairnesses that happened to Mom?" Calley asks back. He kicks at the ground after that, "Don't bother, I already know the answer, or you'd be out of a job."
"Why have you come here, Calley?" Alicia directly asks him after that bit of petulance. It might be expected from a child, but most children aren't powerful enough to necessitate her personal attention.
Not that Jessica's children are especially powerful, but that's different.
"Mom used Medi's legacy to make herself a spirit without dying," Calley looks up, "Did you do that to your loved ones so they wouldn't die?" His gaze is on you, eyes meeting your own in that moment, a brightness to them beyond a child's, beyond twenty years, forty years or a hundred.
Jessica became an outsider just from living around Alicia/Anty/Marie back in Balmuria. Does just living on an outer plane surrounded by outsiders make someone likely to become one over time?
It's known to happen, yes.
"Not consciously," Alicia answers, unperturbed by Calley's gaze, whatever in his eyes nothing compared to the prayers she hears on a daily basis. "Some of my closest friends are outsiders perfectly happy to have left their mortal lives behind. But simply living with me was enough for my sister to change, no ancient archmage's secrets necessary."
"She's lucky," Calley says, not looking away. "Do you think 21 could change that, get people to stop dying?"
"I've only ever heard of 21 being used to kill," Alicia replies firmly. "It consumes, it destroys. Don't make the mistake of thinking it will provide an answer that you seek."
"Yeah. It's just something that destroys to try and find a meaning," Calley agrees, "Still not fair," he murmurs.
"If you wished a sympathetic ear you need only pray. Since you sought me out physically I'll but ask; are you going to do anything about it?" Alicia asks directly.
"I could," Calley finally says, "But should I? Mom did a lot of thinks she shouldn't have done, no matter how she felt."
"Consider it carefully, and talk with your grandmother," Alicia suggests. "Will anyone be hurt by your actions? Will it be dangerous, will it require taking something from someone else with their own needs, will it invite reprisals? Sometimes a decision is obvious and clear, sometimes it's not. But you have time to weigh everything up and come to a considered decision in this case. Few of those who pray to me have the luxury of dying to mere age."
"They'd better not. Adults don't get any smarter as they get older," Calley says, "They just get older."
Abrupt.
A hug to your side, Calley giving you a brief one, "Thanks."
She pats Calley's head as she's hugged, smiling gently. "It's not age that gives us wisdom, it's experience. Some fit more into a year than others do in a lifetime... and I don't just mean violent experience like your mother flourished in. There's opportunities to grow and learn in all things, for those with eyes to see."
"Then we all need to gain experience," Calley agrees, letting go.
"So do that," Alicia plucks the resting coure off her head to let Dawnhope flutter in the air once more. "Dawnhope will help you."
Dawnhope startles, "Ah!" she cries.
""I will," Calley agrees, "There's still a lot to see and experience." He turns and goes at that, leaving you be.
Alicia lets him go and returns to her own business.
Has Kecasandarenala done anything since arriving in Sylica?
Kecasandarenala seems to be studying the horizon from his icy perch, taking it all in. On occasion he gets up and flies around a bit, a short but idle flight, stretching his wings, perhaps.
Yet as you check in, you see the dragon glare at a spot about 400ft down, rock tumbling away to reveal a raw vein of mithral. He flies down and hovers before it, studying it intently. A soft puff of his breath polishes it at once, stone and impurities running away and oozing down the mountain. It leaves the metal worked and pure, shining bright.
He looks like he's having fun, and that's good enough for Alicia. This isn't Mineral, she won't begrudge someone digging up some mithral out of Sylica with their own effort.
Back to reactive pose it is.
It's not long until Syala's voice is in your mind. 'Look towards Kecasandarenala, Alicia. He's busy.'
Alicia has another look at what the dragon's up to!
On the very tip-top of the mountain a floor is extending hundreds of feet in every direction. Mixed bands of clear, painfullly bright blue-tinted ice mix with bands of polished mithral, assembling before the dragon's eyes. Despite balancing on a tiny peak-tip of rock, the floor looks to be entirely stable, magic around it ensuring it doesn't fall.
'It does look like he's making himself at home,' Alicia's voice is sent back to Syala. 'Lets go and say hello, in that case.'
'Together,' Syala agrees, as the two of you appear as the dragon works, magic expanding the floor, mithral and ice coming from piles of it below.
With her presence unhidden, Alicia floats down towards where Kecasandarenala stands. "Welcome to Sylica, Kecasandarenala," she says. "It looks like freedom agrees with you."
"I adore the wind," The wyrm agrees, turning nimbly in the air. "But a mere mountain is not enough. A mountain atop a mountain shall do better."
Syala smiles faintly, "No half measures for you?"
"We only recently expanded Sylica and its population is yet to grow to match," Alicia says to explain all the empty space he's had available to work with here. "Even if you don't venerate us, I'm content in what I've seen of your character to allow you mastery of this island and the sea around it should you desire to make it your own. This is my wife Syala," she gestures at the other woman with her. "She and I rule here along with Antenora, and my sister Jessica whom you've yet to meet."
A gentle sniff of the air. "You smell of each other," The dragon says, "As you should. I accept your invitation."
"Be welcome then," Alicia smiles, unperturbed by that sniffing. "You may receive visitors as your fame grows. Don't be afraid to test them, challenges and obstacles are expected in the wilder places here. We do see attacks from demons and Shar now and then - possibly efreet as well soon depending on how things go with Seira. Defend your home should trouble come to it, but we'll mobilise our full strength in the case of anything serious."
"All the better," Your new guest says, "It will keep my claws and fangs sharp."
"You picked the right place to stay with that mindset," Alicia says approvingly. "I look forward to seeing what you do with this island. For now we'll leave you to your work."
"Do play nice, at least," Syala chides, before the two of you return. Once back, "I like him, I could use a grand quest to throw people to. He'll more than suffice."
"I was thinking that," Alicia agrees, the two of them now in their private garden. "It's very classic, isn't it? The remote mountain honeycombed with passages, traps, and foes, with a great dragon waiting at its peak. Just what Sylica needs."
"Easy treasure, too. Bits of worked mithral can be found as they climb," Syala says, "Which will fit the caves that were formerly mithral deposits and the traps I'm planning to install."
"Perhaps some of that Blue Ice in particularly frigid areas?" Alicia suggests as Syala gets into theorycrafting a dungeon.
"I was thinking the same," Syala says, "I'm thinking packs of wild mountain lions would be a good start to the danger. The ecology of it will be tricky, they'll need something to feed on. Something that lives in the caves."
"Or you can push them further down towards the beach, make them semi-aquatic and live more on fish... and explorers," Alicia chuckles. "Bears seem a better fit for the caves if you're sticking to animals. But yes they can't all be predators, you need a food chain. Kecasandarenala needs to eat too."
"Bears. The ever popular dire bear trapped in a tiny pit that the hapless explorer falls into," Syala remarks with a bit of a smile. "It always gets a reaction, one way or another. Especially if you count bleeding profusely as a reaction."
"You have to feel sorry for the bear though," Alicia says flatly. "Hmm, bears and honey and bees... I remember something with bees in the judgement ruins near Balmuria. But the climate is likely going to be too cold for insects to be a major part of the dungeon ecosystem. Fighting through a titanic beehive was an experience, though."
"Ice bees?" Syala says slowly, then begins to smile. "Giant ice bees."
"Replace honey with ice cream then?" she suggests while such abominations are being considered.
Syala focuses her will, in moments a bee about as large as you and much broader slowly forming in the air. It hovers in place, making no aggressive move. You can see the tiny hairs on its body, antennae twitching as Syala goes to it, strokes its head like an oversized dog.
"Whew..." Syala takes a breath, "So, imagine dozens of these facing down against worthy heroes as they strive for the dragon?"
"I was picturing something more icy and crystalline looking, but still... impressive that you can make such a thing real," Alicia says in surprise at the feat Syala just accomplished.
"Just," Syala says, "We did the same when we expanded Sylica, creating new animals to fill it. This is also just a giant bee, nothing touched by winter's power." Patting it a few more times, "A proof of concept."
"I'd thought of that as being a part of Sylica's expansion, and like it not something we can repeat casually," Alicia admits. "I may have been limiting myself."
"It's not easy," Syala admits, "Easier for me with animals because I'm tied to them." She focuses a moment, a tiny, normal sized bee appearing in her hand. I understand there's ways yet to grow better at it, and it gets harder with both size and the strength of the creatures." The bee flies off without prompting.
"That makes sense," Alicia nods. She doesn't try it herself regardless, since she has no reason to create life right now. Even if she just made an insect, she'd feel obligated to it.
Syala returns to her giant bee, "This one's a worker, it'll serve a queen well."
A prayer, a soft one, 'My Queen, all the portals,' A lantern archon named Rolens prays, 'Guide my path back to Sylica!'
Alicia has a look at where Rolens is to see how much guidance they need.
A valley in Ysgard - you don't know it offhand, but there's infinite Ysgard, after all. Dozens and dozens and dozens of portals are yawning wide there, thousands of demons pouring in - from lowly manes and dretches to commanding mariliths and raging balors, and stranger things yet. Rolens is at the lip of the valley, fluttering along and staring down in mute horror.
"Demons are invading Ysgard. Quite a lot of demons," Alicia says to Syala, reminded of one of the first invasions Sylica had to fight off.
Of course infinite Ysgard or not, can she tell where they are in terms of proximity to any of the local powers? Sylica included of course.
Teleport back to Sylica, child. Before you are seen.
She rods Rolens to not stick around when a casual unholy blight would kill him. Not the worst thing that can happen on Ysgard, but the demons might be looking for prisoners.
They're about 100 miles from a planar border with it and where they could march in.
Rolens vanishes at that, your words obeyed without question.
Syala blinks at that, "Let's take a closer look. Show me."
"They're not far from Sylica," Alicia says, guiding Syala's divine sight to the location. "Could be Malcanthet finally striking back at us."
Alicia's avatar meanwhile goes to meet Rolens so she can find out what he was doing there and what he saw before that prayer attracted her attention.
Demons pour in, more and more and more. Some fight, some brawl and some are already spreading out, into the caves and over the valleys, taking control of the area. A thousand different banners fly, a riot of colors and symbols.
Rolens is now in Sylica near Mercia, shivering all over, quaking in the air.
"It's alright Rolens, you're safe here," Alicia's avatar says, resting a hand on his spherical surface. "Tell me what you saw there when the portals began to form?"
"Lets mobilise our armies," Alicia says to Syala. "I'll call Marie back as well, this could be bloody."
"I was out f-flying," Rolens whimpers softly, "And I went over that valley and there they were. So many portals!"
---
"Let's," Syala concurs, as...
Okay, as far as this part it goes, what's your plan?
Get our army positioned on Sylica's flank closest to the direction of that valley while continuing to monitor what the demons are doing - are they rampaging/fortifying/coming here/going elsewhere? How we respond depends on that.
Getting the army moving is as simple as a few commands.
The demon hordes look to be fortifying and preparing the valley, extending outwards and downwards. What's more is that more come - riff raff for certain. Half fiends and tieflings, aberrations and oddities, corrupted elementals and mortal thralls. In spite of some battles and some killing in the ranks, there are s many that still show no sign of stopping that it's flooding out of the valley, usually in the general direction of Sylica.
After comforting Rolens, Alicia's avatar takes over the legwork of organising her armies while Alicia herself meets with Antenora, Jessica, Syala, Latha, Strength of Light, and a freshly returned Marie.
"So far it's a rabble with no obvious leader figure, if lots of major demons taking local charge," Alicia says as they stand around a map showing the terrain of Ysgard between that valley and Sylica, a stretch of the Oceanus between Sylica's islands and Ysgard proper. "That might change but right now we're seeing the dregs of the army coming out of the portals rather than a leader's bodyguard. They're definitely headed our way, so this'll be our first test of Sylica's defences without the bottleneck of the Felic Gate to secure us."
Antenora stands, arms crossed as she studies it. Latha is sitting, taking it all in.
Strength of Light goes to the map, "Right now, we see no leader," he agrees. "With demons that means something or nothing - sometimes a horde is simply a horde. What we're seeing of the banners shows symbols of Demogorgon, an Athux remnant, several independent companies, Pazuzu, the Blood Quintet, Pale Night and others. Which also means only so much, demons hardly hesitate to use the symbols of an enemy if it serves them."
"Does that mean we should be offensive and strike this down before it builds further, or wait for them to come for us? What of our allies?" Jessica asks.
"The lack of a leader means it could be a feint to draw us out, with another force waiting to strike after we sally out," Alicia admits. "But either way I'm reasonably confident Malcanthet stirred this up. Anyway, we usually do meet our foes outside Sylica so that Ysgard can make good our losses and I won't change that approach now. We have time to fortify up here," she points out a hilly area between the demon horde and the beach on the Oceanus, closer to Sylica than not, "And make our stand."
"As for allies, I haven't called on any. This isn't anything we can't handle ourselves," she tells Jessica. "But still I'd like to cut off this invasion before their numbers grow too much. You and Marie can handle that if you hit them at the rear - sneak in, shut down the portals, kill anyone trying to take charge or giving you meaningful opposition."
"I'll manage that when needed," Jessica agrees.
Antenora's watching the map, fingers drumming on her armored side, "If this is Malcanthet, I assume has more of a plan than throw demons at us and hope it works out. That's not her style. It's surely some sort of first step or a feint, as you said. The question is, what is it a feint for?"
"Either another demon army to hit our flank while we're occupied elsewhere, a chance to sneak infiltrators into Sylica to wreak later havoc, or have someone stealthy and powerful mixed in with that army poised to assassinate one of us in the chaos of battle?" Alicia speculates on the ways to take advantage of this demonic rabble if one were so inclined.
"Or to destroy something here directly," Syala remarks, "Something meaningful, like Liberton or Mercia - or anything of Antenora's, as that's the root of why Malcanthet is offended."
"We can't rule out a random factor, either," It's Antenora who goes on, "Seira recently had an attack that by all signs seems to have been a single person's insane plot. It could be something bizarre, or something involving something we can't adequately plan for. But all we can do for that is be ready and prepared, and crush the demons decisively."
"There's no shortage of targets. That's why Antenora, Syala, and I will remain in Sylica so we can respond immediately to any sudden new factors. Our avatars along with Latha can join our forces where they meet the demons head on, and have Jessica and Marie regroup with them after they complete their flanking attack," Alicia says. "Any other suggestions for how to handle this?" she asks the group.
"Be ready for anything," Jessica says, "But we'll do this, we'll win and we'll crush this invasion."
General agreement as...
Go ahead and lay out your general plans here.
Avatar Alicia, Avatar Syala, and Latha lead our army out of Sylica and into Ysgard in the path of the demon army, set up fortifications/difficult terrain and wait.
Jessica and Marie teleport to the far side of the valley they're pouring out of and sneak in to close the portals, kill some notable demons, cause some disruption then fade away and hide to wait on fresh opportunities.
Alicia, Syala, and Antenora remain in Sylica with our reserves to stay on guard and deal with any new problems.
Okay, while I work that all out, give me a quick d100.
[16:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[16:18] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d100=59]
We'll begin with Jessica and Marie's set up. Any prep for them I need to be aware of?
Marie will give Jessica a casting of epic mage armour (CL 32, +22 armour AC) if she wants it.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/8/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: Limited wish, radiant assault, heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Marie and Jessica step into a shadow, a small and rocky overhang on a cliff, a boulder there blocking the view into what's little more than barely a cave, half a dozen feet recessed in and forgotten. It's cold here, the crisp weather of Ysgard chilly this high up. But be it as it may, the two you are there, ready to go.
[spoiler]
Jessica
HP: 615/615
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Telepathic Block 20ft (Stops telepathy/summons) Magic Circle Against Evil 10ft (Protection from Evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+10 (+10(+22 before overlapping)) armor, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Defensive Roll 1/1 Plane Hop 1/1 Superior Invisibility 3/3 Ghost Form 3/3 Shadow Form 2/2
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL32)
Notes: +4 bonus to people who flank with her instead of +2.
"I'll go tiny and hold onto your shoulder while I'm invisible so we don't get separated," Marie says, doing just that. "Sneak us into the valley so I can get a good position to teleport block all the portals, then we'll see what extra chaos we can do?"
Superior invis cast.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+81 general stealth check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=17]
Jessica moves. It's in starts and stops, blurring between rocks and cover, leaping and moving. You can see demons flying out and poking out of caves, establishing territory. Mostly lesser demons here save for the ones in the air heading towards Sylica. Not a noise is made as she goes, not a single move until she lands in front of another cave, behind a pair of standing babau. As Jessica moves into the dark cave without a sound, you overhear them talking.
"...and it squishes," The fiend says. "Before it starts swelling and bursts in your hand. They scream so loudly when they do it." His voice is rapidfire, words almost running over one another. "Squish swell pop, squish swell pop, squish swell pop. Watch the blood. Listen to the screams. Savor the pain."
Marie has an idea of what they're talking about and she doesn't much care for it. She thinks she'll be doing some amazing barrages after she shuts down the portals, but Alicia's counting on her to do that first so she remains clung to Jessica's back without reacting until they get to the valley in a good spot for her to do her teleport blocking.
Jessica keeps any commentary to herself, but pauses in a shadow. She waves in your direction a moment then points at one and at her, then at the other and you.
Meanwhile...
"Silence," The second babau growls, voice deep, gravelly.
"But the pop," The first says, claws clenching open and closed. "But the blood. But the PAIN!" He turns, raising a claw.
The second turns and snarls, "Your pain, traitor. Can't help it, can't you? Don't even realize it."
The so called traitor stares a moment as the second goes right on, "Worthless fucking dog of the baatezu!" it howls, before going for the throat with both claws.
Well if she wants to get an early start Marie isn't going to begrudge her! She doesn't know if Jessica can see her through her high grade invisibility spell so she replies nonverbally as she returns to her normal size and pats Jessica's sheathed rapier to signal her willingness to inflict violence.
The demons might kill each other first at this rate, but even so she positions by them and prepares to summon her otherworldly sword to show off what it can do.
[19:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+46+20 stealth with superior invis
[19:50] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=16]
Your Stealth checks are good, go for it. You can get the drop on them as they fight.
Trusting Jessica will handle her target, Marie slices into the one that was marked for her, nothing visible but rends in his flesh as her sword of light carves him apart with skill that belies her typical focus on throwing magic missiles at every problem.
[19:58] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+48 blade of force, ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:58] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=20]
[19:58] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+43 ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=19]
[19:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+38 ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=12]
[19:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+33 ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=19]
[19:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+48 blade of force, ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC crit threat
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=20]
[19:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+43 ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC crit threat
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=2]
[19:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+33 ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC crit threat
[19:59] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=11]
[20:00] <@Ebiris> roll 2d8+42+24+2d6 epic/holy
[20:00] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d8=2,3][d6=2,2]
[20:00] <@Ebiris> roll 2d8+42+2d6 epic/holy
[20:00] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d8=7,5][d6=5,1]
[20:00] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+2d6 epic/holy
[20:00] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d8=2][d6=2,2]
[20:00] <@Ebiris> roll 2d8+42+2d6 epic/holy
[20:00] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d8=1,8][d6=2,3]
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 98 (touch 40, vs incorporeal 73), CMD 82, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +4 morale saves, +4 dodge AC
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+52
> roll 1d20+47
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=9]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+37
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+47 crit
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+42 crit
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d6=4,3,6,5,5,3,3,5,1,2,4,2,6,5,3,4,1,3,3,2,4,4,5]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d6=4,5,1,5,6,4,5,1,6,4,6,5,1,5,4,2,1,1,3,1,4,3,1]
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 161 > [d6=6,5,3,3,2,5,4,6,6,5,2,4,1,4,6,6,5,6,5,3,3,1,5,1]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 147 > [d6=4,4,5,3,3,3,2,6,5,2,1,1,6,2,5,3,1,4,6,2,5,2,3,5]
Blades thrust and slash - and in moments the two demons are foul dust on the wind, blood splattering about from the sundered bodies. Softly, "Good," Jessica murmurs, "Back on my shoulder."
Her sword vanishes, Marie turns tiny again, and then she clings onto Jessica's shoulder to resume their journey.
Have to remember these demons will be back up and about after dawn. She doesn't envy whoever's on cleanup after this battle.
Deeper into the cavern you proceed, Jessica little more than a blur as you hold on tight. Around a corner, the sound of footsteps coming this way. "Hold on," Jessica breathes out, barely audible.
Marie squeezes Jessica's shoulder to let her know she was heard.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Jessica takes 10 on Climb for 52.
Jessica leaps up and flies, the ceiling high enough up that it requires this. She grabs onto the ceiling, holding on tight in spite of no handholds to be seen. Moments later they can be heard, approaching, "...Then there will be even more," A woman's voice, sweet and deep. "At least one will have to be taken back to be made an example of. Except the erinyes, that filth dies."
A man's voice, sour, as flickers of red light can be seen from around the turn. "Like you matter for it. Remember Natara? She came out second best against Antenora. Let the bigger ones face those, we'll have enough easy marks to work on."
They actually think they can take Antenora? Seriously?
Anyway Marie just holds onto Jessica and stays quiet, her magically augmented senses easily able to pick out the people ahead and what they're doing and talking about.
"I can beat anyone," The woman retorts back, "Especially some jumped up erinyes trash." They turn the corner. The woman is a dwarf with hair like smoking flames, striding ahead fast despite her small stature. She wears dark blue pants and a matching top, flexible and light clothing paired with bracers and jewelry. With her is a taller human, muscular and carrying a greataxe in one hand. His eyes sweep over everything as...
> roll 1d20+18
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=7]
...as he shows no sign of seeing either of you. He's otherwise armored, though he eschews a helmet in favor of a green metal circlet. His skin is dark, deep blue bordering on black. "Focus on beating the celestials in front of us."
Jessica taps your shoulder, points at the ground just past the two of you, then taps you again and points at the woman.
Marie looks at where Jessica's pointing but she can't actually decipher the intent of the message. Does she want to kill these two as well? She should've cast message before turning invisible and silent...
Detaching from Jessica she floats down the point first marked and returns to normal size, waiting then to see if Jessica's going to attack the man. If she does then Marie will cut up the dwarf!
When are you flying down? Before they pass or after they pass?
Probably before since she'll do it right after Jessica does her pantomine.
Still invisible?
Very much so. Superior invis doesn't drop when she attacks.
Jessica nimbly drops and...
> roll 1d20+52
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+52 crit?
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=12]
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 164 > [d6=3,4,2,5,2,6,6,3,6,6,6,3,6,3,2,2,4,6,5,1,6,2,6,5]
Go for it, Marie.
Marie's own sword swings out, invisible but deadly as it carves up the man who wisely understood their chances against Antenora.
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+48 blade of force, ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=14]
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+43 blade of force, ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=11]
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+38 blade of force, ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=16]
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+33 blade of force, ignores armour/shield bonuses to AC
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=2]
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+12+2d6 epic/holy
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d8=4][d6=5,2]
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+2d6 epic/holy
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d8=6][d6=1,6]
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+2d6 epic/holy
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d8=7][d6=2,2]
[19:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+21+2d6 epic/holy
[19:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d8=2][d6=2,2]
Swords strike out - and the two fall. Yours is cut apart, the woman crying out as her clothing is stained red, a soft and gurgling noise. Jessica thrusts once, thorugh her foe's chest and heart, causing him to reach up and swing - but it is in vain, failing and falling to the ground. Got them.
Jessica shakes her head and strides forward, "Let them fear the shadows for once," Jessica says.
She'd rather just go wild with magic missiles and amazing barrages, but Jessica's the newly risen power with something to prove! Shrinking down, Marie latches onto her shoulder again to resume their stealthy transit.
Around the corner and deeper in. Down a winding passage and then crawling thew all following an underground river. Jessica barely slows down for any of it, keeping going as...
"HELP!" A faraway cry, echoing wildly, but a man's scream is heard.
[20:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 perception to pinpoint source
[20:05] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=10]
[20:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47 sense motive to tell if trick
[20:05] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=15]
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
It sounds legitimate to Marie's ear.
Can she tell its direction past all the echoing?
Ahead - down some passages you'd guess based on it the echo.
Bonus post since it's just a quick DM answer.
Jessica's already heading in the right direction so Marie doesn't need to prompt her to detour for now at least, they'll hopefully get to the source of it soon.
Jessica doesn't comment on it aloud, simply keeping her pace steady and quick.
Then, in the distance:
"931....932....933...." A man's voice, slowly counting. Ahead the river continues until a sharp slope going up just off the river. Jessica's heading in that direction, keeping her head down.
"934...935...936..." Looking ahead and up the slope, you see light there.
"HELP!" The voice is from that direction, but echoy and distorted. Further away, Marie's ears can tell. A pause in the counting, "Can't even deal with them correctly," it mutters. Filthy dogs."
Even if the scream sounded genuine, Marie has to wonder a bit at how someone can just repeat 'Help' over and over during a demonic invasion unless that's what the demons want him to be doing. Still, they're getting closer so they can do something about it on their way to shut down those portals.
Jessica stops here and taps you on the shoulder, then points ahead.
Does she want Marie to scout ahead? The problem is once they split up they won't be able to find each other again unless they break stealth, and there might be too many demons out there to easily clear things out.
Reluctantly she activates her greater invisibility spell-like ability and then dispels the far better superior invisibility spell she had on her. Now she can be heard and smelled and all sorts of things. "We shouldn't split up," she whispers as quietly as she can, tiny head by Jessica's ear.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
"Agreed," Jessica whispers back, voice barely a murmur. "Just giving you this one while I watch the rear."
This doesn't sound like what Alicia laid out for them in planning, but Jessica's the goddess, so Marie figures it'll do her some good to make alterations to the plan that suit her. Hopefully won't result in an avatar of Demogorgon dropping on them once they expose themselves though - she knows Malcanthet would give a great deal for her or Jessica, and they're pretty exposed out here.
"It'll be loud," she whispers a caution before she detaches from Jessica and flies up ahead solo.
"Then do it quietly," Jessica whispers back, "You can do that, can't you?"
She sticks to Jessica while they converse! "Not if it's a crowd. I'm not an assassin."
"Then change of plans, you watch the rear," Jessica asks whisper soft.
"What is the plan? Do you want to kill everyone out there or sneak past?" Marie asks, detaching from Jessica's shoulder.
"Kill quietly if possible, sneak past otherwise," Jessica says, "If it's just one, slay it before it knows you're there."
"Okay lets go," Marie pats Jessica's back, following behind her now they've got that cleared up.
"951...952...953..." The counting continues as Jessica goes ahead, peeking upwards. After a moment she smiles grimly and darts ahead, a shadowed blur.
> roll 1d20+52
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+52 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{72}
> roll 1d20+52 crit?
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+52 crit? --> [ 1d20=12 ]{64}
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6+64+22d6 --> [ 2d6=8 22d6=93 ]{165}
A moment later you hear a soft thump, then nothing. The counting ceases.
Marie hurries after Jessica, not wanting to lose sight of her!
Here is a narrow chamber, the wall pasted with hundreds and hundreds of splatters of fresh blood. Jessica shakes her head and strides onward, a winding path leading deeper in.
K:A.
[19:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47+15 arcana
[19:01] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+47+15 arcana --> [ 1d20=4 ]{66}
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
The bloodsplatters look like part of a ritual dedicated to pain and suffering. Something nasty, likely causing pain to all who enter - but it wasn't finished.
Would such a ritual work better or worse on Ysgard, all things considered? Well either way Marie latches onto Jessica again so they can get to the valley. And maybe run into the man calling for help along the way.
Past this is a honeycomb of passages, criss-crossing and connecting. Jessica heads through them swiftly when, "HELP!" It's nearby, coming from a tunnel to your right side. The same voice, crying out again.
"Right side, it's definitely a trap but I want to check it out," Marie whispers to Jessica.
Jessica nods slightly and veers to the right. Sneaking ahead, you can see it. A nude man, battered but unharmed, is tied to the wall here. Steel spikes are driven into it, a warrior's muscled body seen as he's held in place by strong chains.
Rather than revealing herself, Marie just telekinetically yanks the spikes from the wall to see what he does.
Telekinesis SLA used.
Certainly the situation here doesn't add up in the least to her. What demon would tie a man to the wall without hurting him and then just leave him there? Why haven't any of the other demons roaming around come along to poke his eyes out?
The man slumps to the ground in silent relief, "T-thank you," he manages. "He-help me, please. I can't rise on my own."
He's on fucking Ysgard so I'll sense motive that too.
[16:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47 sense motive
[16:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+47 sense motive --> [ 1d20=2 ]{49}
He's full of more bullshit than a cow farm.
Does Blessed Sight or Greater Arcane Sight turn up anything on him while I'm here?
[16:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+32 CL check if needed
[16:28] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
He radiates strong evil and is protected by a protection from good and greater mage armor spells.
Marie gives Jessica a little tug back the way they came, not inclined to waste any more time on this stupidity.
As Jessica heads onward and away from that curious trap...
Alicia's avatar is overseeing the defenses with Syala's avatar and Latha. As great barriers are built, stakes are laid and aerial defenses hovered in place, an astral deva in bronzed armor approaches and kneels, "My Queen," he says, "I bring a report from our scouts."
Real Alicia in Sylica is using her divine remote sensing to keep an eye on the demon army's front as well, but scouts are important and it gives them good practice. "Rise and speak," the avatar bids.
"A transparent dome has appeared over the valley, we suspect it blocks lawful or good creatures but does not impede demons," is the answer you get. "It may be the crux of their aerial defenses around their portals."
Good thing Marie and Jessica are already in there, although whoever put that dome up is probably quite powerful. Good target for Jessica to take out. "So they're fortifying around the portals? It sounds like they intend a permanent presence with that much effort."
Also means those portals can't just be someone maintaining gate spells, they've gone well past the duration of even the most powerful caster's abilities.
Any knowledge for how they're pulling this off on that note?
Sure, K:P.
[17:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50+15 planes, real Alicia is making the check while somewhat buffed
[17:06] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=7]
Well, there's a few ways.
First of all it could be an epic spellcaster doing various bullshit such as a custom gate spell that lasts far longer. Always possible and can't be counted out.
More likely they're semi to permanent portals made from either a transitive plane such as the Astral or directly to another plane. Not impossible, possible with the proper magic or divine will. This many at once suggests either divine will and strong divine will - divine will not countered no less by the resident deities of Ysgard, though admittedly that's not the nature of those on Ysgard, as they'd rather fight - or more likely some sort of magical working.
The upshot is that no matter the exact means, someone powerful is enabling this.
Well Marie can shut them down with her teleport block spell but if they're permanent they'll just ping back up after her spell ends which won't be much more than five minutes.
Alicia might have to step in directly after Marie and Jessica clear the area.
"What else have our scouts seen?" she prompts the messenger.
"Troubling," Latha murmurs, while Syala shakes her head, "We can take care of the portals if need be."
"There are demons of all kinds flying - mostly vrock, but any with natural flight ability and some without. A few obyriths have been seen as well, though always isolated from the other demons. We have seen banners and sigils of various unattached forces and assorted Demon Princes and Demon Lords, even ones who war constantly, such as Demogorgon and Orcus."
"Have any notable balors or unique demons in leadership positions been spotted yet?" Alicia asks.
"Shanazel, a balor who serves Demogorgon. Temparkus, a balor general who formerly served Graz'zt but is now leading his own company in the Blood War. Choking Waste, a former vrock mutated into a plague carrying monster and who roams the Abyss, ma'am," is the report.
Real Alicia will take 10 for 75 for more info on those three.
Shanazel is a demon who did well, promoting over the ages. A cruel monster, he thrives on driving troops forward to death or victory. He has a knack at getting victory. A skilled marshal and prone to furious rages, he can prod his demons to the same rages. He wields Arcanast, a whip that flays any creature struck by it.
Temparkus is a balor general, relatively cool headed for one of his kind. He hates but in a more intellectual way, driving others along to be his instruments of destruction. He rules from the rear, preferring not to do battle unless he must. His origins are obscure, but it's said he formed from a puddle of blood on Pazunia. He's known to wear a full set of adamantine armor he calls Mydakos that provides him powerful defenses and makes him hard to strike.
Choking Waste is a vrock experimented on by the former Oinoloth. He eventually was freed and released as a walking plague, infecting any he came on for ages. It's said in time he learned to control it - at least enough not to sicken his allies or minions. To get close to him is for disease to devastate you, to die a horrible death choking on your swollen throat and failing lungs. He carries with him Empty Grace, a greataxe said to be deadlier than his diseases, somehow.
"We'll have to be a bit careful with Choking Waste but the rest are fairly conventional. Shanazel is actually a lot like one of the nine Lifasan traitors, the goblin," Alicia muses. "Are the demons still concentrated in our direction or have any branched off?" she asks.
"They're concentrating with minimal guards on flanks, ma'am," Is the answer you get.
"Thank you. Syala, Latha, do you two have anything to ask?" she invites the other two before dismissing their messenger.
"Are there any signs of a disproportionate number of succubi or possibly mind controlled slaves?" Syala asks.
"No, My Queen," is the answer that is given. "Though must succubi are not front line warriors and may be concentrating in the valley itself."
"It's possible, but no," Syala says, "Even if it is Malcanthet's work," You feel her will flare, quietly sectioning off these words from your servant, "If she wishes it to remain uncertain, she'll ensure that we can't put it together so easily. If she wants it known, we won't miss it when she makes that obvious."
Alicia only nods. The second strike will certainly clarify things, although whoever's putting those portals up is already someone tremendously powerful, since the comparison with Latha's Legion's Gates spell does not come out in their favour.
Still, she hopes Marie and Jessica do well on their end...
Meanwhile...
Jessica hurries through the passages, the honeycomb passed. At last Jessica runs up a slope as you hold on, ducking into shadows behind some loose stones. Here is a cresting ridge that feels into a massive, open air cavern. The far side opens into the valley directly, letting in sunshine. Here a demon camp is established, hundreds and hundreds festering in like a sickness. Defenses are being prepared, various caverns all opening up into here. Demons hurry about as you position safely, a sea of tents and shanty houses thrown together.
"There," Jessica breathes, for amid them all sits one large tent, big as six tents together and topped with a banner of a bloated corpse.
"Want to attack it?" Marie whispers.
"We need a distraction," Jessica murmurs right back. "Or we both become completely invisible. Can you manage superior invisibility again?"
"Back us off first then, I can't cast it silently," Marie whispers.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/7/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Jessica sneaks back and away smoothly and...
Go ahead.
Marie casts superior invisibility then, first on Jessica and then on herself.
Superior invis, CL 32
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Jessica shakes her head, vanishing under her own power.
One daily use of superior invisibility from perfect wight used.
Give me Stealth checks, both of you, and I'll move you into this.
[spoiler]
Jessica
HP: 615/615
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Telepathic Block 20ft (Stops telepathy/summons) Magic Circle Against Evil 10ft (Protection from Evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+10 (+10(+22 before overlapping)) armor, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Defensive Roll 1/1 Plane Hop 1/1 Superior Invisibility 2/3 Ghost Form 3/3 Shadow Form 2/2
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL32)
Notes: +4 bonus to people who flank with her instead of +2.
Marie's clinging to Jessica rather than moving on her own if it matters.
[20:20] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+46+8+20 size/invis bonuses added
[20:20] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d20=18]
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/6/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+81
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=6]
Like this it's easy to creep back and from there - Jessica darts from safe point to safe point. Between boxes and supplies, rocks and tents. Jessica is utterly silent, not the faintest disturbance as she moves past things. Yet as you go - from faraway in the camp, you hear a roar of profound fury, of raw hatred. Roars answer in kind, the air growing thick with fury. It's harder to breathe, harder to feel anything but an urge to fight.
Jessica slides between two tents smoothly as this happens, not even slowing down for it. She slips past a humanoid in full armor without losing a step, who turns towards the roars.
These demons sure know how to whip up a crowd. Still, Marie tries to keep a clear head as she clings on to Jessica - killing demons here might be a bit productive, but shutting down those portals is most important.
Then all can bear witness to the amazing barrage in its element, oh yes.
Dart. Dodge. Fly. Roll. Leap. Under powerful magic and more powerful stealth, the two of you quickly read the back of the tent. Here Jessica kneels, tapping you, then tapping the hem of the tent enough to be visible.
Jessica what are you doing? The whole point was to get past here and out into the valley to deal with the portals!
Reaching down Jessica's shoulder, Marie pulls her arm to point towards the mouth of the cave instead.
There's a pause before Jessica simply starts moving again, heading onward.
Not being able to actually talk or communicate is a thing, a telepathy spell would be optimal here. Live and learn.
Jessica does have Godspeech.
Marie hangs on to continue their stealthy sneak through the demon camp!
That's true, she's not used to her powers yet so it's not natural.
I'm a fool, I'm not used to doing this. We can talk after all. Marie, I wanted to check to see if a general was in there, you could go small and do it stealthily.
It looks like a general's tent certainly. She squeezes Jessica's arm before slipping down to the ground, laying herself flat and lifting the bottom flap of the tent up a smidge for her to poke her invisible head through and take a look inside.
The tent is full of two things - weapons and mostly rotted skeletons, only a few scraps of flesh clinging to them. No one's currently in here.
Lowering the flap she climbs back up Jessica's invisible form. Praying to Alicia, who then contacts Jessica.
Marie says there's no one still alive in that tent, just rotten corpses. All those raging demons feel like the influence of the balor Shanazel though, he's been seen by our advance scouts as well but could be teleporting around.
We'll be on alert for that. Thank you, sister.
Good luck. Anyone able to hold those portals open for so long will be extremely powerful.
I got it, Marie. Are you ready to head out?
Marie pats Jessica's shoulder twice in what should pass for an affirmative!
Does Marie have mind blank or the like up?
No. She has nondetection vs divinations and divine immunity vs mind affecting though.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/6/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Sneaking and slipping, the two of you end up behind a tent just before the opening into the valley itself.
Look.
Dropping down again, Marie lifts the bottom flap of the tent to poke her tiny invisible head under for a peek.
A beat.
Out into the valley is what I meant.
It's a tent, within is...
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=22 ]{22}
...a few resting humanoids, armor and gear set aside as they rest.
She straightens up, pats Jessica's leg, then flies out through the cave mouth.
Ahead is a massive valley, just as seen before. Demons by the thousands are milling about, more coming every moment from the portals. The sky is tinted an off blue-purple, shimmering. A dome of sorts is above the valley, blocking it in.
Beyond that lies great tents and pavilions, all set up by the demons. Here they fester and spread, tents large as a dozen common within the valley. The water of the stream is visibly foul now, a pussy-yellow color to it. Demons crawl up the sides of the valley, into caves, up to the sky and more. Great processions of them prepare, more and more and more by the moment.
How many portals and how far apart are the two furthest portals from each other?
Also take 10 for spellcraft for 57 on the dome and the portals to see what Marie can discern about them.
Marie can spy about a dozen portals even - but with everything she could be missing a few in the crowd. They seem to be reasonably spaced, usually about 60ft apart but not always, sometimes coming closer together.
The portals are actual planar portals, freshly created. They'll need to be closed permanently to stop this for good.
How does one go about permanently closing planar portals without things like the Sword of the Sealed Gate?
Also any info on the dome?
A wish or miracle would do, or deific intervention, or specialized magic. Alternately, with freshly formed portals, a strong enough dimensional block/anchor/lock style of spell might be enough to cause one to collapse. The stronger the caster, the better.
And what does Marie know about the dome?
Marie's a very strong caster! Also the portals are really close together so she can easily cover them with the teleport block spell. Flying back to Jessica and groping around blindly where she left her she tries to reconnect. A prayer to Alicia allows her to pass on word.
Marie's spotted the portals. She can seal them and rile the demons up before she commences her amazing barrage to clear the field and you can handle any elites that meet her challenge.
The dome stops creature of law and good. Creatures of both chaos and evil are strengthened and mildly healed by going through it, gaining a profane blessing to attacking and defending.
That sounds wonderful. Thank you, sister. Then you can mop up the remaining forces.
Assuming she manages to latch onto Jessica again, Marie lets Jessica carry them out and nearer the portals so she can do her part. She doesn't really need to be that near to them anyway but she may as well work from the centre outwards.
Where do you want to be for this, Marie?
Marie prays to Alicia who is being very patient about all of this.
Marie would like you to take her out near the portals. She'll detach from you and make herself a target, you stay hidden until something worthy of your blade appears.
She was talking directly to Marie so she can directly reply, y'know.
By what means? Marie can't do godspeech and superior invis prevents her from speaking normally since it prevents all sounds.
People often reply to such in prayer. Jessica can be prayed to.
Okay strike my last post on the topic then.Marie earnestly prays her desire to go near where the portals are clustered so that she can make exciting things happen!
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/6/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
New round of Stealth checks here is called for.
[20:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+46+8+20 stealth with size/invis bonuses added
[20:14] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+46+8+20 stealth with size/invis bonuses added --> [ 1d20=8 ]{82}
You fly along, using cover as needed just in case. Hiding, going closer. Closer and closer - and you pause. Your path leads you near a few tents, to which a four-set of mariliths emerge, true seeing enabled eyes looking about.
Marie's confident in her anti-divination countermeasures, and Jessica should be more than capable of evading their gazes.
Honestly they're close enough they could do it now, but why not get a little bit closer?
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/6/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Refresh me, do you have spell stowaway for time stop? I think so, right?
I do indeed.
> roll 1d4+1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{4}
Suddenly, abruptly, you feel speed wash over you. You feel time stop flow over you, stowed away on with another's. Everything around you seems to come to a halt as...
Ball? It's in your court.
Can I see/hear/perceive anyone moving around?
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/6/7/7/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Yes. You can hear noise behind you, soft chanting.
Spellcraft take 10 for 57 to ID the spell being cast.
Marie turns her head to see who's doing that chanting!
Stepping out from a tent is a looming hezrou, about 110ft away. He's chanting a spell of greater heroism.
A hezrou archmage... hey didn't she hear a story about something like that once? Though the hezrou in that story actually reformed himself because he was educated enough to see the futility of evil.
Anyway as fun as it would be to give him a scare, Marie lets the demon do his routine uninterrupted unless he does anything that potentially threatens her directly. No point blowing the surprise for when she starts her own thing.
He girds himself in an array of enhancement and self powering spells, you note. The sort of spells you know well, the armaments a prepared warrior-wizard has at the ready and...
Going to let the time stop end or take action?
No action, she'll watch what he does after the time stop ends.
The hezrou growls low as it ends, before charging back into the tend. A moment later the sounds of the camp resume, as well as screaming within the tent. "Where did-?!"
Why did he leave the tent just to buff up while he was time stopped anyway? Either way, she and Jessica need to position for their own chaos to cause!
Still, her sharp ears pay attention primarily to what goes on in that particular tent, because it's interesting and the hezrou might be a dangerous enough threat to care about when this all goes down.
Gimme a Perception check in that case.
[17:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71
[17:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+71 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{90}
You hear a few more gurgling screams and then silence from the tent.
Fun times had by all in true Ysgard fashion, right?
Once she and Jessica are close to the portals, she reverts to full size and gives Jessica a silent hug before detaching, about to begin her show!
Floating up in the air about eighty feet up and thirty feet from the outermost portal, Marie begins to cast, her first spell gotten out in a quick blurt of words before a pretty purple-haired tulani appears hovering just above the befouled ground in the centre of all the portals.
Quickened Project Image. The image will now be the source for Marie's subsequent spells. Anyone interacting with the image can make a DC 32 will save to disbelieve it. Marie herself remains invisible.Brazenly appearing amidst the demons, the image of Marie grins and proceeds to cast a spell, severing the whole valley off from dimensional travel!
Reach spell Jaela's Teleport Block cast. 3200 foot radius around image Marie prevents any dimensional travel or summoning. It's extended for free by abjurant champion so will last 6 minutes and 24 seconds (64 rounds). CL 32 if it matters for permanently wrecking these newly formed portals.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/10/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/7/6/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Yes, we'll begin with a CL check.
[17:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+32 CL
[17:59] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+32 CL --> [ 1d20=6 ]{38}
In an instant, the portals wink out, demons stopped cold from invading further. A roar goes up amid the camp as hundreds of eyes turn in the illusory Marie's direction. Demons from the pathetic to the mighty, all glaring at that illusion as if it is a toy to be ripped apart in a child's rage.
This surely calls for initiative.
[18:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+11+5 nerveskitter
[18:07] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+11+5 nerveskitter --> [ 1d20=10 ]{26}
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/9/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/7/6/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Why yes, yes it does.
> roll 1d20+12 demon hoard
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 demon hoard --> [ 1d20=12 ]{24}
Init is Marie (26) > Demon Horde (24)
Open, Marielle.
As she's just one eladrin she doubts the demons will flee from her. More likely more will come crawling out of caves and cover to try and get a shot at her or at least enjoy the show. So Marie's image points at the fanciest tent in the valley before it gets blasted off the map by meteors!
True meteor swarm. Main meteor hits fanciest tent, 6 secondary ones hit individual tents within 200 feet of the main one.
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+34 true meteor swarm SR
[18:30] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+34 true meteor swarm SR --> [ 1d20=7 ]{41}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 15d6+15d6 main meteor, 60 foot radius, DC 35 ref half. Damage is fire+bludgeoning
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 15d6+15d6 main meteor, 60 foot radius, DC 35 ref half. Damage is fire+bludgeoning --> [ 15d6=55 15d6=48 ]{103}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 5d6+5d6 secondary meteors, 20 foot radius each, DC 35 ref half. Damage is fire+bludgeoning
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 5d6+5d6 secondary meteors, 20 foot radius each, DC 35 ref half. Damage is fire+bludgeoning --> [ 5d6=16 5d6=18 ]{34}Then a barrage of magic missiles sail off from Marie to strike a selection of greater demons within her range!
Reach/twinned/quickened/entangling/repeat/fell drain magic missile. She gets 8 missiles, doubled with twinned. 2 missiles each will target the most powerful demons she can see within 860 feet.
[18:36] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 magic missile SR
[18:36] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+39 magic missile SR --> [ 1d20=10 ]{49}
[18:36] <@Ebiris> roll 2d4+4 and entangled/2 negative levels vs 8 buff demons.
[18:36] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2d4+4 and entangled/2 negative levels vs 8 buff demons. --> [ 2d4=7 ]{11}
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/6/6/5/4
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+22
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{42}
A great barrage of meteors slam down on that tent as chaos erupts, demons pouncing on the fake. Missiles hit a charging balor, strike a looming nalfeshnee. Amid all the shuddering, out of control chaos...
I know you're warded, but do you have anything to stop true seeing from seeing through an illusion you cast?"
Nope, the projected image isn't part of Marie and doesn't benefit from nondetection or anything like that. True seeing'll see through it.
..."Fake! Illusion!" Cries echo out as demons look around, though a few still swipe at the illusion savagely, trying to rip fake Marie to shreds.
Go.
There should be enough demons roused by her entrance for her to start clearing the field of weaklings now. "Tell me what's fake about this?!" Marie demands as she raises a hand above her head, dozens and then hundreds and then
thousands of bright purple orbs spiralling around her and shooting up to the sky in a pillar of light before breaking apart, sending orbs off to impact every demon around, great and small!
Twinned amazing barrage and then quickened amazing barrage. Also the 8 demons from before get another 2 magic missiles each.
Every single demon within a 3300 foot radius takes 3 unerring projectiles.
[19:24] <@Ebiris> roll 3d3+93
[19:24] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 3d3+93 --> [ 3d3=3 ]{96}
[19:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 repeat magic missile SR
[19:25] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+39 repeat magic missile SR --> [ 1d20=8 ]{47}
[19:25] <@Ebiris> roll 2d4+4 and entangled/2 negative levels vs same 8 buff demons
[19:25] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2d4+4 and entangled/2 negative levels vs same 8 buff demons --> [ 2d4=6 ]{10}
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/8/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/6/6/5/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Like that, demons, fiends, monsters, elementals, servants, thralls and more fall. The demonic is momentarily shattered by your missiles, held at bay through pure magical might. Your barrage cuts a wide swathe throughout as meanwhile...
> roll 1d20+81
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+81 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{96}
> roll 1d20+51
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+51 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{64}
> roll 1d20+46
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+46 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{52}
> roll 1d20+46 (+5 shadow form, 30 HP damage from it)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+46 (+5 shadow form, 30 HP damage from it) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{61}
> roll 1d20+41 (+5 shadow form, 30 HP damage from it)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+41 (+5 shadow form, 30 HP damage from it) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{59}
> roll 1d20+46 crit thread 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+46 crit thread 1 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{53}
> roll 1d20+41 crit thread 2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+41 crit thread 2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{47}
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+64+22d6 --> [ 2d6=2 22d6=85 ]{151}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d6+64+22d6 --> [ 2d6=10 22d6=83 ]{157}
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+32+22d6 --> [ 1d6=2 22d6=69 ]{103}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+32+22d6 --> [ 1d6=4 22d6=67 ]{103}
> roll 1d20+43 improved evasion (-30 HP for +5)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+43 improved evasion (-30 HP for +5) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{44}
> roll 30d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 30d6 --> [ 30d6=111 ]{111}
There's an echoing boom from a tent a ways away, dissolving to a massive blast of scorching hate. Amid all of this various pairs of eyes look around and up, some staggering and not all that far away, in midair from the barrage and...
> roll 1d20+24
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{26}
> roll 1d20+22
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{33}
> roll 1d20+25
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+25 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{40}
> roll 1d20+20
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{28}
CL of your nondetection?
32, DC 47 CL to beat it.
Yet everyone is looking around in the chaos, some throwing around spells of fire or evil, hate and cold and a dozen other powerful things.
> roll 1d100 see if anyone gets lucky vs 90+
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 see if anyone gets lucky vs 90+ --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
Yet in those frantic, chaotic moments, none of the blind shots come too close to you - a few within 10ft, but none touching you.
I believe I just slew Temparkus. Keep going!
That was pretty good, every demon weaker than a vrock just got killed, another amazing barrage should clear out those as well!
"Come on, you're not even trying!" the illusory Marie taunts as she casts again, another swarm of projectiles, less than before but still enough to blot out the sky for a moment as they blast out in every direction from her projected image!
Amazing barrage
[20:08] <@Ebiris> roll 1d3+31
[20:08] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d3+31 --> [ 1d3=1 ]{32}She follows this up by blasting off more magic missiles, still focusing these on greater demons within her range.
Magic missile with enlarge/quicken/twin/repeat/entangle/fell drain.
[20:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 magic missile SR
[20:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+39 magic missile SR --> [ 1d20=12 ]{51}
[20:09] <@Ebiris> roll 2d4+4 and entangled/2 negative levels
[20:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2d4+4 and entangled/2 negative levels --> [ 2d4=8 ]{12}
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/7/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/6/6/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Missiles and projectiles fly true, slaughtering yet more demons. They're dropping by the dozens, a chaotic zone of massacre as the stronger surviving ones either rage about or flee. Dying demons are trampled by the attackers and retreaters alike, all chaos before Marie, seemingly undetected and safe as she's wrapped in her illusions. Are there no demons here strong enough to find her?
You'd expect the strongest demons would be at the front, not back here. But you'd also expect someone really strong waiting to handle the expected counter they'd make to shut these portals down. Marie will keep wreaking havoc but she'll preserve her magic for a bit now as she flies around, echoed by her illusory decoy, throwing righteous smites at unlucky clusters of demons with impunity.
Gimme Perception here, Marie?
[16:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71
[16:16] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=13]
You don't see any greater threats - just greater demons throwing attacks at open air, while others retreat. There's-
"RALLY!" A single word like lightning rips through the demons, focusing them in an instant. A voice from somewhere to your side, a savage snarl, "Find her and rip her apart!"
"I'm over here!" Marie's decoy calls, turning and sending a volley of magic missiles at the owner of that voice!
Twinned/repeat/enlarge/entangling/fell drain magic missile and quickened/twinned/repeat/enlarge/entangling/fell drain magic missile.
[16:38] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 magic missile SR
[16:38] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=3]
[16:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 magic missile SR #2
[16:39] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=14]
[16:39] <@Ebiris> roll 16d4+32 and 2 negative levels and entangled for first set
[16:39] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d4=1,3,1,4,4,1,1,3,1,3,1,4,2,4,2,1]
[16:39] <@Ebiris> roll 16d4+32 and 2 negative levels and entangled for second set
[16:39] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d4=2,1,1,1,1,3,2,2,3,1,2,2,4,2,2,2]
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/5/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/6/6/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Do you have anything that pierces a shield effect for magic missiles?
Yes.
Overpowering Missile
... In addition, a force missile mage's Magic Missiles might penetrate Shield spells and Brooches of Shielding. Against such protections, the force missile mage makes a caster level check with a DC equal to the caster level, in the case of Shield, or DC 20, in the case of a brooch.
Can just use her SR rolls for those, though she loses 2 points from spell penetration which wouldn't apply. So 40 and 51.
A tall balor armored lightly, looming like a sheer mountain of hate. Missiles fly forth and a shimmering barrier appears to block them. Yet the missiles hit it and the barrier tinkles and shatters, flying through them and peppering the balor. He growls low, a whip brandished as he cries, "No retreat!" Energy crackles around him, clinging to him and surely keeping him entangled within it.
Anything else this turn or was that all of it?
Standard and swift used up, all done.
Immediately Shanazel looks around and...
> roll 1d20+33
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=4]
CL on nondetection?
32, DC 47.
The balor produces a small glass ball, dashing it on the ground. Colorful mists rise up and to the sky, of every color of the rainbow. Moments later a luminous, glowing rain of rainbow colored paint begins to fall, "Eyes about," Shanazel barks, "Eyes about!"
Demons all about begin to look around as...
Go.
Does the balor have anything protecting against negative levels that I can see with greaterr arcane sight?
Also how spread out is the rain? For reference Marie is currently about 100 feet away from her decoy on the ground and about 50 feet in the air.
Shanazel has the following active: Epic Mage Armor, Voice of the Dragon, Extended Death Ward, Unholy Aura and Violet's Champion.
So Death Ward. Violet's Champion looks like it bestows greatly increased combat ability and defenses through an unholy pact.
Marie's decoy throws a superb dispelling at the balor just as her repeated magic missiles all fly off at him, while Marie herself casts a quickened superior invisibility to ensure these countermeasures don't spot her.
[17:59] <@Ebiris> roll 5#1d20+32 superb dispelling
[17:59] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 45, 52, 40, 50, 46 >
[17:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 repeat magic missile SR
[17:59] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=10]
[17:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 repeat magic missile SR #2
[17:59] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=9]
[18:00] <@Ebiris> roll 16d4+32 and 2 negative levels and entangled for first set
[18:00] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d4=2,1,4,3,3,1,1,3,2,4,1,1,1,1,1,2]
[18:00] <@Ebiris> roll 16d4+32 and 2 negative levels and entangled for second set
[18:00] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d4=3,2,3,3,1,1,4,4,4,4,3,4,3,4,4,3]
Superior invisibility renders the recipient immune to detection by see invisibility, faerie fire, glitterdust, invisibility purge, and dust of appearance, although creatures under the effect of the spell can be detected by true seeing. Certain mundane conditions (such as leaving footprints) can also render a subject detectable.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/5/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Missiles fly true as magic collapses around the demon, shattering like glass. As you cloak yourself, your missiles repeat and slam into the demon again, knocking him to a knee. Energy crackles around him as your assault lays him low.
Marie, take cover, now!
She still has her move action and has fly 200.
While her decoy stands tall where it is, Marie flies straight down to ground level and ducks under a convenient large rock!
You dive down to the rock, hiding as a moment later all the world rocks and turns white.
Reflex save, +4 bonus for cover.
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+52 reflex
[18:33] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=19]
Marie misses being a familiar sometimes.
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/5/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
200 damage halved, so 100 damage. That doesn't kill her, does it?
Absolutely not.
Any knowledge or spellcraft to know what the hell that was? She can take 10 for 57 on arcana, religion, nature, planes, and spellcraft where applicable
Marie: 508/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/5/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
You're blasted down but still going, a sharp spike of pain from the blast. From what you gather, it was a powerful blast of pure force, detonating like an overripe fruit in the claw of a balor.
Okay, no clue where it came from or what could theoretically make that sort of thing?
Also is it Marie's turn again or is more stuff happening?
More description coming, was giving you a chance to react and look up from your rock, keep hiding or doing something else.
Marie does indeed look up for the source of all that devastation. Pure force is her speciality after all!
Much of the camp is now leveled, blasted down and shattered. Amid the chaos, the few remaining demons are tossed about like forgotten toys.
An indiscriminate attack. Makes Marie wonder if perhaps it was an angry Ysgardian local rather than a demon.
But then again... demons. You never know!
You don't see any sign of Shanazel after that attack - be the balor slain or simply having retreated. But at the moment you know one thing to be the truth. The heart of the demon incursion is shattered.
Well he can't have teleported away!
Can he? Her teleport block is still up, right? Staying in cover Marie looks through her decoy's eyes as it scans the tainted valley, unbothered by anything.
[15:42] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 perception just to generally perceive things
[15:42] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+71 perception just to generally perceive things --> [ 1d20=8 ]{79}
Marie: 508/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/5/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
It's still up, alright.
Looking about you see Shanazel slowly emerging from beneath a broken tent, bleeding all over, breathing heavily.
Marie rewards his recovery with another flurry of magic missiles sent from her decoy!
Magic missiles twinned/quickened/repeat/fell drain/entangling
[15:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 magic missile SR
[15:50] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=12]
[15:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 magic missile SR #2
[15:50] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=4]
[15:50] <@Ebiris> roll 16d4+32 and 2 negative levels and entangled for set 1
[15:50] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d4=4,4,2,4,4,2,4,3,4,2,1,1,4,4,3,3]
[15:50] <@Ebiris> roll 16d4+32 and 2 negative levels and entangled for set 2
[15:50] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d4=2,1,3,1,3,3,3,1,2,3,1,3,2,2,1,1]Meanwhile she prays to Jessica to understand what all that was about!
Marie: 516/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/3/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Shanazel looks up with a look of disdainful fury, but can do nothing as the magic missiles slam home - and a moment later all is a nova of hate and fury, an explosion ripping through everything anew.
Ref against the whole death explosion.
Marie's probably pretty far away from him. She might not be since I didn't specify, but her magic missiles have long range and he's probably closer to her decoy than him.
[16:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+48 ref
[16:18] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=16]
He's also an advanced balor with a much bigger range of kaboom than usual.
> roll 30d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d6=6,5,6,3,6,1,4,4,2,1,6,6,2,4,4,6,6,4,2,4,3,4,2,5,5,3,1,1,2,5]
Halved.
This time Marie's knocked back again, arms thrown up to shield herself. That one stings, but she's okay, she thinks. Hurting but nothing more.
The demons had a back up plan. I neutralized it.
Marie heals herself a bit while surveying the battlefield in the wake of that through her decoy's eyes while she herself remains hidden in cover.
[16:38] <@Ebiris> roll 3d8+15 doubled from sensual blessing
[16:38] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d8=3,4,3]
Marie: 512/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/3/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
There's only a few straggling, wounded and dazed demons left in the camp. The camp itself is mostly blasted and ruined, portal suspended and tents ablaze, supplies broken.
Downside, in the various caves demons peer out, more and more starting to spill out.
She really needs a version of the amazing barrage that can hunt down things in caves or buildings! Either way Marie's decoy starts flying towards the caves and flinging righteous smites at the demons, enjoying the diversion before enough realise it's an illusion and bring some sort of order to the ranks.
Not that it'll actually stop them, as the ones out here discovered.
As you do that?
Are you hold up well and able to continue?
Marie prays back to Jessica. 'I'm strong and able, fighting at this level doesn't tax me at all.'
A moment later, a bellowing roar shakes the entire valley like a leaf in the wind.
Good, because we have a problem.
Marie flies back up into the air now to look around while her decoy stands still and blasts more demons brave enough to stick their heads up.
[18:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 perceiving things
[18:06] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=2]
Marie: 512/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/3/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Amid all the demonic caves, one is glowing an ugly, bloody red color. From it the following emerges: A great titan, rail thin and ready to snap. It is nude and you can count each of his ribs, skin so tight as to show each one precisely. It walks stooped and each step is a stumble, yet somehow it never falls. For on his back are countless hundreds, humanoid creatures on its back like an infestation, melded into the flesh of his back. Each and every one of them leans as close to the titan's ears as they can, whispering horrid, profane things to it. Things your mind recoils from and that you refuse to hear, that some instinct in your mind screams at you not to listen.
The titan's face is a rigid grimace, going on and on and on despite this. It looks on at you with eyes as empty as Shar's heart.
Will save.
[15:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+51 will
[15:48] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=15]
Any knowledge to know wtf?
Marie: 512/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/3/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
K:P.
[15:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47 planes
[15:57] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=1]
Marie isn't sure what particular nightmare of the Abyss this is - be it something rare, something new or just something horrid, she knows not.
She refuses to listen to the voices, refuses to start listening and hearing. Marie guards herself as...
Ball is in your court here.
[16:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+46+15 Alicia's watching so she'll make a planes check too.
[16:16] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=17]
Also is it looking at Marie or is it looking at her decoy?
That's a fair point.
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=7]
DC of getting past your nondetection?
47. Was a fun ride while it lasted.
The titan's gaze is indeed on the real Marie.
Okay. And Alicia's knowledge check?
Alicia knows this thing - Mazel, a titan who ventured into the Abyss and never returned. It's said he was cursed with the world's sorrows and doomed to always suffer beneath them. The one story Alicia knows from it says harming him is nigh impossible.
Alicia relays what she knows after Marie's prayer for guidance, not that it hugely helps her.
Still, Marie has an idea anyway. It's pretty out there and could backfire horribly, but she'll count on Jessica to bail her out if it does!
While the decoy holds stationary, Marie herself floats towards Mazef and shows him that true beauty still exists even with all the sorrows of the world!
She's casting Beauty Triumphant. Anything within 60 feet that can see her (not her decoy) must make a DC 37 will save or fall in love with her.
Marie: 520/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), greater invisibility (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/3/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Init, he's not going to let you act uncontested in that case.
He's currently 445ft away from you.
You just said the ball was in my court!
[17:04] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+11+5 nerveskitter
[17:04] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=4]
Marie: 520/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/2/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/4/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Well yes, but if you do something that leads to init, that means it is init time.
> roll 1d20+15 Mazel
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+24 Jessia
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+6 demon hordes stirring
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=7]
Init is Jessica (25) > Mazel (22) > Marie (20) > Demon Hordes (13)
I'll be ready to strike soon, Marie.
Meanwhile Mazel groans - a wretched, suffering sob from the back of his throat - and stumble-steps 100ft forward, now only 345ft away from your. The humanoids on his back keep whispering to him as he goes as...
Go.
While the decoy holds stationary, Marie herself floats towards Mazef and shows him that true beauty still exists even with all the sorrows of the world!
She's casting Beauty Triumphant. Anything within 60 feet that can see her (not her decoy) must make a DC 37 will save or fall in love with her.
Moving 200 feet as her move action.
Marie: 524/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/2/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+33
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=13]
Mazel stares for some time at you., momentarily entranced.
Whispers.
The titan looks at you, pleading without a word.
Whispers.
With a cry, the titan tears his gaze away, a full body shake passing through him.
Anything else this turn?
That's her.
At this, they begin to come - a tidal wave of demons erupting from the caves, a vast horde of slavering, screaming fiends charging to the battlefield. Explosions, fire, acid and more strafe the field, causing horrid bursts of hellish energies all around as...
> roll 1d20+28
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=8]
SR?
46
Yet all of those melt off of you, not touching you or meaningfully hurting your illusion as...
Whatever Jessica does you can't see. Mazel is up.
With you so close, Mazel lets out a howling wail of utter, soul scratching pain. It echos in your ears like a nightmare you can't awaken from, pounding into your mind.
Fortitude save.
[17:59] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+48 fort
[17:59] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=6]
> roll 10d8
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d8=6,2,7,6,7,3,1,5,3,4]
> roll 1d20+33 Jessica
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=7]
Sonic damage and you halve it.
The cry is hopeless and painful, making your head ache but nothing more, visions of nightmares fought off. As you stand there and endure it, the parasites on his back continue to whisper to him, more and more.
Go.
Flying closer, Marie stops fifty feet away from the titan and...
Any reaction from Beauty Triumphant at that range?
Also greater arcane sight to see what magic he has on him.
[18:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+32 CL on greater arcane sight if needed
[18:10] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=8]
Marie: 506/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/2/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/5/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Mazel stares at you but nothing else as you fly closer and...
How much closer?
No good on the read, something's blocking your divination from getting info on him.
To within 50 feet like I said. Does that change anything?
Oh whoops, dur. My mistake. It does not.
Marie prays to Jessica and Alicia that they need to find some way of helping Mazel, as she herself dispels whatever magic is on him!
How many checks?
Marie: 506/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/2/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
15.
[18:39] <@Ebiris> roll 15#1d20+32 superb dispel
[18:39] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 38, 46, 44, 33, 45, 48, 44, 36, 33, 40, 39, 46, 36, 37, 46 >As that happens, Marie's decoy sends magic missiles firing off at various demons so they don't forget about her!
[18:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 SR on magic missile
[18:40] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=9]
[18:40] <@Ebiris> roll 2d4+4 and 2 negative levels and entangled
[18:40] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d4=2,4]
Targets are 8 random beefy demons. All the usual metamagics applied.
Marie: 506/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/1/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Do me a quick favor and make Perception?
[18:44] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+71 perception
[18:44] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=14]
You can notice only a few demons are heading to your illusion. More and more are heading towards Marie herself, or at least in her general direction.
Okay. Turn still used up either way.
Init is Jessica (25) > Mazel (22) > Marie (20) > Demon Hordes (13)
The demon hordes are advancing - a great wave of them, howling and screaming. Burst of energy erupt everywhere, illusion battered as more and more aim in your general direction. They cluster around, closer and closer below you.
"Kill her!"
"Rend her soul from her flesh!"
"Bring me her screams!"
Cries come from the demons as energy washes over you, more focused this time in your general area.
> roll 1d20+30 SR
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=15]
SR, Marie?
46!
Marie: 506/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), superior invisibility (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/1/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Yet the horrid blasts rip through the air and do not touch you. You stay safe for now as - !
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=20]
The whispers pick up, Mazel glancing behind. But then -
Superior legerdemain used for a single flanking SA at range.
> roll 1d20+54 (+2 flanking)
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6+1d6 and 2 str nonlethal thanks Marie for the dispel
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d6=5,6,3,2,2,2,2,3,4,6,1,5,1,5,4,1,3,5,5,5,1,5,1,4]
Amid this magic crackles off the titan, as meanwhile the hordes are slowed. Magic missiles continue to hit - as abruptly Mazel grabs his neck with a roar of pain. At the same time the whispers grow more intense, a single word that can't be mistaken.
Hate.
Hate.
Hate.
Hatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehatehate!
The titan lurches backwards, whirling and turning his back on you, going for but one thing and suddenly - !
> roll 1d20+54 (+1 ???, +3???, -10 PA)
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=6]
A great stomp is leveled down, but it seems to hit only ground as...
I have his attention, Marie. Strike as you can.
Go.
[spoiler]
Jessica
HP: 535/615 (fast healing 2 in Ysgard)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Telepathic Block 20ft (Stops telepathy/summons) Magic Circle Against Evil 10ft (Protection from Evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+10 (+10(+22 before overlapping)) armor, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Defensive Roll 1/1 Plane Hop 1/1 Superior Invisibility 2/3 Ghost Form 3/3 Shadow Form 2/2
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Epic Mage Armor (CL32)
Notes: +4 bonus to people who flank with her instead of +2.
She doesn't want to strike, she wants to help him!
Actually if he's being messed with with constant whispers telling him bad things, maybe she can fix this like she did Shar's song?
Anyway, the demons have mostly got her location figured out for area attacks so why not let them see her? She dispels her own invisibility to let the demons see her in her glory. "Protect me!" she calls to her now enthralled fanclub before she starts to sing, a song of peace and liberation and joy!
Standard to drop my invis. DC 37 will or fall in love if you're within 60 feet (do you have to keep making saves every round of exposure or does one save give immunity?). Swift used to countersong against the whispers with bardic music.
Marie: 510/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/1/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Single.
> roll 1d20+23
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=8]
All around you, demons stare in awe. A few kneel, slavering and horrid things. Others look rauptly and yet others obey without question, turning to defend you. In moments hezrou face vrock, a flock of them above held back by a horde of gargoyle like demons. Twisted things look on at you with sheer adoration as...
Perform check, it may be relevant the way countersong works.
[16:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50 sing
[16:17] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=20]
Mazel cries out, holding his head and falling to his knees. He moans deeply, piteously as demons war around you, an absolute torrent of magic now coming your way, threatening to engulf all.
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=11]
Demons fall, but you do not. You are untouched as your defenders wage war - and the attacks often become defenders if they push too far, into your range.
Jessica holds a moment.
Mazel cries out in agony, "HELP!" a single, strangled request.
Go.
"Let no one interfere with me!" Marie commands her fan club before she resumes singing, this time with more kick behind it. She also flies around Mazef, staying within 30 feet of him but moving so more demons can get close enough to fall for her.
Song of freedom now, though it takes 1 minute to work and requires concentration.
Marie does get a +10 sacred bonus to break enchantment rolls though, so her song of freedom is stronk.
Marie: 510/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/1/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Before anything else, give me another Perform check? It may matter.
[16:42] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50 sing
[16:42] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=3]
Marie: 514/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/1/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Your song continues, Mazel groaning and holding his head. Chaos erupts amid it all, another elemental blast engulfing you as...
> roll 1d20+32
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
Yet magic fails against you, failing to touch you in the least. War is all around you, your forces holding and replenishing, - but less demons assault now, some falling back. You seem to be holding, at least for now.
Demons begin to approach Mazel -
> roll 1d20+52
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+47
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=18]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+37
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+52 crit 1
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=18]
> roll 1d20+47 crit 2
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+42 crit 3
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+37 crit 4
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=17]
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
> roll 2d6+64+22d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 160 > [d6=4,5,3,4,4,4,6,6,5,4,1,1,3,6,1,1,6,5,4,5,6,4,2,6]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 157 > [d6=5,5,4,6,1,5,4,1,4,4,4,2,5,4,2,1,6,6,3,5,6,4,1,5]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 147 > [d6=6,6,6,5,2,3,4,3,1,3,5,6,2,5,3,5,1,1,2,4,1,2,4,3]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 143 > [d6=2,5,1,3,5,1,3,6,6,2,4,4,3,2,3,3,3,4,2,2,1,4,6,4]
Woooooow at that rolling.
- only to cry out as they fall, punctures gushing blood as fiends fall one by one. Not a one seems able to approach Mazel.
Chance to react as your turn passes.
All Marie can do is continue her song and hope that her fan club and Jessica can keep enough demons occupied that none manage to disrupt her.
It'd be nice if she could do this faster, but at least her injuries are mending thanks to being on Ysgard.
Marie: 518/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/1/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Thus your demons are holding for now, yet another blast and another as you sing on and...
> roll 1d20+32 round 2
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d20+32 round 3
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
Both you and Jessica are safe.
> roll 1d20+52
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+47
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+37
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=11]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d6=5,3,4,5,2,1,2,3,1,5,6,1,6,2,5,5,2,1,5,2,1,4,1]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 107 > [d6=4,3,5,4,5,2,5,4,4,6,6,1,1,2,5,1,4,1,3,1,1,4,3]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d6=4,1,5,2,5,4,6,4,2,4,3,2,1,5,4,6,1,4,2,3,3,5,2]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 109 > [d6=1,4,1,1,2,3,1,6,5,5,1,5,5,4,3,3,2,6,4,6,6,2,1]
It's holding, at least for now, as meanwhile Mazel manages to cry out, "They won't stop! Why won't they stop!" Whispers are barely heard, suppressed by your song and yet still faintly audible. "Kill me! Kill me! Kill me!"
3/10 rounds down on your singing.
Well they can do that too, this being Ysgard it might even help! But Marie keeps singing in hopes she'll be able to drive the curse out of the unfortunate titan and give him a fresh start!
Her decoy sends some magic missiles off at some stubborn demons just to remind them it exists and to try and take some of the heat off though, since they're slinging some really powerful magic around!
[17:20] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 quickened/twinned/repeat/fell drain/entangle/enlarge magic missile SR
[17:20] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=18]
[17:20] <@Ebiris> roll 2d4+4 and 2 negative levels and entangled for 8 demons
[17:20] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d4=2,4]
Marie: 522/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
Demons are hit, slowed, illusory magic doing what it can as meanwhile...
> roll 1d20+32 round 4
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+32 round 5
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+52
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+47
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+37
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d6=3,2,1,4,1,1,4,5,6,3,1,1,4,5,6,2,4,2,3,5,4,1,5]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 115 > [d6=5,2,5,1,5,6,3,3,2,2,5,5,1,6,4,3,2,5,1,2,4,5,6]
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
> roll 1d6+32+22d6
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 110 > [d6=4,5,2,3,4,2,6,6,3,2,4,2,2,3,3,2,5,5,4,6,1,1,3]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d6=6,1,5,2,4,5,1,6,3,4,5,1,1,2,1,2,4,4,3,1,6,3,4]
It's holding. The line's holding! Then -
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Coming from the caves in your general direction is a shirtless humanoid, a glowing, sizzling and sparking darkwood staff held close to his chest. His eyes are wide and bloodshot, human features marred and old. Yet he's running in your general direction, demons getting out of his way.
[17:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47+15 knowledge planes/religion/nature/arcana/dungeoneering who the fuck is this guy
[17:28] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=4]
[17:29] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47 sense motive and does he want to fuck with me
[17:29] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=17]
Also repeat magic missiles
[17:29] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+39 MM repeat
[17:29] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=19]
[17:29] <@Ebiris> roll 2d4+4 and 2 negative levels and entangled for same 8 demons
[17:29] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d4=2,2]
Marie: 530/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/4/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
He looks like a bog standard human.
The staff is a staff of power. It looks damaged and unstable, energy surely ready to erupt within it. From your lore knowledge, you know that if it was used to make a retributive strike right now, it would be even deadlier than the norm.
Yeah, Marie isn't going to deal with that at all.
A giant hand of force rushes back at the man to shove him into the caves again!
Quickened crushing hand because fuck that noise. Using a bull rush on him.
[17:44] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+52 crushing hand bull rush cmb
[17:44] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=12]
Marie: 530/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/3/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d100 vs 25
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d100=20]
The hand sends the man flying back into the cave - and into the darkness, and a moment later the cave becomes illuminated in bright light, the pressure wave of a massive explosion washing out over the valley moments later, dead silent and yet turning that cave into nothing but a sea of the purest light.
Marie just keeps on singing, and if she looks a little bit pleased with herself who can blame her?
> roll 1d20+32 round 6
> roll 1d20+32 round 7
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d100 vs ????
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d100=57]
Your spell is holding, demons defending you as blasts eradicate demons more than you. They're falling rapidly, the chaos of battle beginning to dim and thin, the horde falling back, regrouping and finally giving you a moment to breathe.
All Marie's breath is spent on song right now, a song of freedom and love and joy! All the good things of the world!
Marie: 538/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/3/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=16]
One got through on round 8. Gimme Ref, both of you.
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+48 ref
[18:30] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=16]
Marie: 542/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/9/7/8/8/8/5/5/3/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
> roll 1d20+38 improved evasion Jessica.
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=5]
> roll 6d6 fire
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d6=1,2,3,6,5,6]
> roll 6d6 acid
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d6=3,2,6,4,6,2]
> roll 6d6 cold
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d6=2,3,1,3,5,6]
> roll 6d6 lightning
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d6=5,3,2,5,4,4]
How much of that gets through?
Does her save half it or anything?
Oh yes, she made the save. Halves.
Okay, lightning immune, resist 10 for acid and cold. So... 11 fire, 1 acid. 12 damage total.
Oh, and Marie has spell shield, that thing Afina used to have!
3rd level spell sacrificed to block 15, so she takes nothing.
Marie: 542/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/8/7/8/8/8/5/5/3/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
A spell shield of sheer magic pops up, blocking what little touches you. You hold on, at least for now, unhurt and...
2 rounds to go. A chance to react before we get to that.
Marie's busy singing but she can have her decoy act as it flies closer and calls to her fan club, "Form up and counter hostile magic! Protect me!" she calls.
Thus the remainder does just that - counterspells and dispels flying at your command, weakening the barrage of magic as...
> roll 1d20+26 (-6 counters)
> roll 1d20+26 (-6 counters)
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=17]
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=8]
Wise choice.
Yet at last your song of liberation finishes as the battlefield is a ruined disaster, demons still falling and others falling back, a moment of uneasy equilibrium as...
Go ahead. How does it work?
It works like a Break Enchantment spell:
Quote
This spell frees victims from enchantments, transmutations, and curses. Break enchantment can reverse even an instantaneous effect. For each such effect, you make a caster level check (1d20 + caster level, maximum +15) against a DC of 11 + caster level of the effect. Success means that the creature is free of the spell, curse, or effect.
Marie gets a +10 sacred bonus because she's a tulani and thus good at this stuff. Her effective bard level is used as her caster level for it. So...
[19:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 break enchantment CL
[19:05] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=9]
Marie: 546/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/8/7/8/8/8/5/5/3/3/2
Limited SLAs available: heal, meteor swarm, time stop
With a trembling shake, Mazel falls forward onto his face. The humanoids on his back erupt out and away, fading with howls of profane fury. These howls drive off the remaining horde, retreating back into the caves in bad order. Did...did you do it? Is it over for now?
Free act.
"Go after them!" Marie commands her fan club at the triumphant conclusion of her song, not really wanting to keep them around. Then she flies over Mazel and heals him.
Heal SLA used.
Marie: 550/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32), beauty triumphant (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/8/7/8/8/8/5/5/3/3/2
Limited SLAs available: meteor swarm, time stop
Demons go and chase the remainder as you heal Mazel. He is in terrible shake, broken and thin, but he's alive. He's also not moving as you hear Jessica next to you. "They're reverting to nature and doing whatever the hell they want now, most of which is smarter than challenging us now."
"We'll wait here for my teleport block and we can see if that broke the portals permanently," Marie says. "If not Alicia can come finish it. We've enough time to go back too before the rest of the army hits her defences. Think Mazel here needs a while to rest, but he should be okay..." she looks up and smiles brightly at Jessica. "We did pretty great, didn't we?"
"We really did," Jessica agrees, still unseen. "The heart of the demon army is crushed. Now it's up to Alicia to sweep away the fist of it."
As things stand then, Marie's happy to watch over Mazel and wait for her teleport block spell to expire naturally rather than ending it herself, in case having it up longer erodes those portals more and ensures their destruction.
Her teleport block ends about 6 minutes after casting, so we've got like 4 and a bit minutes to wait.
> roll 1d20+31
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=18]
Jessica is too strong for Marie's charms.
Meanwhile...
"They did good work," Syala declares, vision focused afar to the battlefield. "Now we just have to win our side of it."
"I wouldn't mind having Marie back for another amazing barrage on this end to thin their ranks, but we should be enough either way," Alicia says. "Especially good work with that titan, though."
"I knew there was a reason I was fond of her," Syala smiles, glancing over a bit, "Mystra chose impossibly well for your familiar. When I see something like that, I know how far we have to go to gain that sort of experience and wisdom. Fortunately, we won't need wisdom ahead - just a heavy hammer and a sharp sword."
"She's good at spotting talent, isn't she?" Alicia says. "But still, don't discount wisdom. The demons still have a lot of numbers on their side, we'll have to be smart in how we fight."
Actually on that note, taking proper advantage of Ysgard would be a good idea. Any local warriors or dangerous wildlife/terrain on or near the path of the demon horde?
Using multipurpose alter reality divinations or planar knowledge here I suppose.
There are several, of course. It's Ysgard. That's like asking if there's water on Water.
I can go into as much detail as you like here about them.
Basically stuff that's powerful enough to maul a big demon army and not care about dying (like horrible demon-eating plants) or can actually do hit and run attacks (like horrible landsharks).
Sure, gimme that check now, just so I know what I'm working with.
[20:06] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50+15+20 buffed planes check
[20:06] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 89 > [d20=4]
The Order of the Lances is nearby, and they have powerful mounted chargers who can fly and hit hard. They care little about death.
There's a few assorted dragons who while not associated with Sylica, do lair in the ai.ea. A silver dragon and an Oceanus dragon in particular, both rather solitary loners who have no love for demons.
The Firecask Army is nearby, a wandering force of dwarves who specialize in massive barrages of alchemist's fire and other such things. They wander Ysgard for the fights and the fire.
The Twenty Sworn are a small band of planetars who face anyone who cares to fight them, no matter what the odds are. They're a little farther away but in the general area, just far enough away to be unawares of what's going on.
Alicia will make use of these then. Diplomatic officers in her army are dispatched to ask for help.
The Twenty Sworn will be asked to perform raiding attacks on the demon horde to expend its resources and break up its cohesion on the march across Ysgard.
The Order of the Lances will be asked to attack the rear flank of the demon horde when it reaches the Sylican fortifications.
For the two dragons, Alicia herself back in Sylica will go ask Lightning if he wants to help them by harrying the demon army, and if he does he'll be asked to recruit the other two dragons to support him and serve as a good way of making his presence known to the locals. They'll attack groups of demons that get separated by terrain or chasing after the Twenty Sworn.
The Firecask Army will be asked to plant mines and other traps in the path of the demons close to the Sylican fortifications.
She's willing to pay all involved for their services if they're of a mercenary bent, and her officers are entrusted to negotiate and get the best deal for Sylica (though she'll deal with Lightning personally).
Meanwhile...
The demons look to be winding down - at least none of the survivors are venturing out of the caves now. Jessica and Marie stand tall as the teleport block ends...and the portals do not return.
Marie ends her Beauty Triumphant spell now since they'll be going home. "We've done our part Jessica. Lets take Mazef back to Sylica then we can check in with Alicia and Syala?" she suggests, floating over by the fallen titan.
Of course someone'll have to come here before dawn and stop all those dead demons from being resurrected, but that's a problem for later!
Marie: 608/608
Active spells: Extended superior resistance (CL 32), extended mind blank (CL 32), greater arcane sight (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 32), bibliotheca arcana (CL 32), extended nondetection (CL 32), epic mage armour (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), extended ray deflection (CL 32)
Defences: AC 94 (touch 36, vs incorporeal 69), CMD 78, spell resistance 46, energy immunity (electricity), energy resistance 10 (acid, cold), status immunity (petrification, polymorph, form-altering, energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, mind-affecting) protective aura, nondetection (DC 47)
Stat buffs/penalties: +11 shield AC, +15 insight knowledge, +25 competence perception
Perceptions: Darkvision 60, blessed sight 120, see invisibility, blindsight/tremorsense 60, scent, greater arcane sight, perception +71
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/0/10/8/7/8/8/8/5/5/3/3/2
Limited SLAs available: meteor swarm, time stop
"Before the demons realize they can teleport in again now," Jessica agrees quietly.
Plan to return?
Yes, we'll plane shift Mazef into Sylica and hand him off to some nice people who'll look after him and give him a hot meal when he wakes up, then go report to Alicia.
Thus Marie reports to Alicia, Antenora and Syala, who...
Go ahead and handwave the retelling as much as you like, this is mostly to springboard into things with reports of the situation coming in the next post.
Because Alicia was able to monitor what Marie was doing throughout, there isn't much need for her to summarise events. So she appears before the genuine Alicia while the avatar remains at the fortifications in Ysgard with Syala's avatar and Latha.
"Need me to do anything else? I can still manage a few more amazing barrages to thin out the demons," Marie offers.
"Not yet, we'll wait until the demons actually engage our forces, that way they won't have time to reorganise or plug the gaps you put in their formation by doing it," Alicia says. "Still, well done. You and Jessica did your part perfectly."
Marie preens at the praise.
"Thank you, sister," Jessica says, "Once this is over, I'd like our faithful to spread the story of what we did. Make it into a legend."
"It's worth a story alright," Alicia agrees. "A shame the only witnesses were demons - and Mazef. I'll send visions of the event to those who'll be properly inspired to craft a suitable tale of it."
Quick question, does Marie have a weapon?
No. She can manifest a Sword of Light at will which is a +6 brilliant energy and holy longsword, but she doesn't carry any physical weapons.
Technically she still owns her old tiny longbow but she doesn't carry it around or use it.
At that moment as Jessica smiles back, you feel it - a connection with Jessica, strong and vibrant.
Node update incoming. Notably, this one is as follows:
Jessica: Item Strengthening (Gentle Serenity and one other weapon)
So Bonds, Blessing of the Twelve or the Black Horn Spear. Any preference, Alicia?
Blessing of the Twelve has the least number of enhancements so give that a boost.
Blessing of the Twelve and Gentle Serenity both momentarily glow, power flowing into them.
Node update.
"Someone approves," Alicia says with a smile and glance between the two. "Anyway you can both rest, I'll call on you if you're needed to help our avatars in Ysgard."
Thus Jessica goes off for the moment to other things. Once gone, "I also have a report on the order of battle," Antenora announces. "The demons look to have mustered into a semi coherent horde and are preparing an all out charge. Something to drown us in bodies - and yet without reinforcements anymore, they are now the prey to break on our shields."
Marie sticks around since she can't really go back to her Honey Belle duties while waiting to be on call for amazing barrages like this, and it's interesting to listen to the high level strategy!
"They still have a lot of numbers," Alicia says. "But I've arranged for some outside help to thin them out and break up their cohesion before they hit our lines, then we'll see if our fortifications hold."
"That should do," Antenora says, "While leaving us the flexibility to strike if they have another plan in the offing."
"Which I wonder if they do now," Syala says, "But at worst, we overprepared. Again." Antenora gets a pointed look at that.
"It's still reassuring if we can handle something like this while still keeping plenty in reserve," Alicia says. "If we have to throw all hands on deck for every single demon invasion we'll never get anything done."
Antenora returns that look with a faint smile before saying, "Regardless, shall we adjust any before the demons charge?"
"Not unless you have any ideas for extra changes we can make?" Alicia asks.
Headshakes all around as...
Just so we're all on the same page, refresh me on your side's order of battle.
Sylican army has fortifications on Ysgard close to the border with Sylica. Difficult terrain to slow down movement, walls to funnel charges, fog to disrupt fliers, dimensional blocks to prevent teleportation. All that jazz. Intent being to mess up demon charge and have them stagger into our prepared lines in dribs and drabs.
Also if we got those dwarves involved there will be mines ahead of those fortifications too.
The planetars and dragons if they were recruited will be harassing the demons on the march to mess them up but won't commit fully and won't take part when the demons reach our army.
The lancers if they were recruited will attack the demon rear when they reach our fortifications just to drive them into it in even less order.
Plan is to fight a defensive battle and break them on our lines pretty much, then after they're defeated sweep forward to start banishing demon corpses at the battlefield and again at the valley, as well as claim plunder.
Okay, is Alicia or her avatar going to directly participate in battle here?
Her avatar, Syala's avatar, and Latha are participating.
Not majorly, she'll be seeing how her forces do for the most part since casualties don't matter on Ysgard, but she'll throw some spells down at long range and join melee if anything seriously badass appears.
As you prepare...
I see you're doing well for yourself, Alicia.
Of course she'll reply to that!
It's not the first demonic invasion to come our way and it won't be the last. They make for good exercise.
You share my opinion. I didn't want to steal your glory or your exercises uninvited.
Crush them.
I appreciate your prudence. We have this.
Certainly asking help from friendly neighbours makes life easier, but it bolsters morale for everyone here to see Sylica stand on its own, and the battlefield experience will keep everyone's skills all the more sharp.
Okay, go ahead and describe where you're standing with your avatar - you can literally manipulate terrain with divine will there, so I assume you've set up and adjusted as needed for forces. I'll roll off there, so describe fortifications and the like.
With the sea a few miles to their backs, the islands of Sylica off beyond, the army waits on a hill overlooking Ysgard's mountains and valleys ahead of them.
The sky above is swathed with a patchwork of fog clouds, some mere mist and others more exotic designed to stymie aerial attacks while those on the ground face an even worse gauntlet, the demon horde lured into a wide valley that progressively narrows as it reaches the Sylican lines, a fiery minefield their first problem before having to navigate a network of stone and iron walls, spiked pits, and broken terrain of slippery and uneven rocks.
It's all designed to snarl up and frustrate the demon advance and expose them to bombardment from the Sylican lines, with the last stretch up the hill past those walls mercifully free, giving impetuous demons a chance to rush into the prepared spears and blades of her dug in formations rather than stick together with the demons following through the gauntlet.
And Alicia herself? She's there to spur those demons on, at least in avatar form. Standing above her army behind the first few lines and visible for miles as a titanic figure of divine power and martial threat. She may not take much direct action herself, but what demon could resist a chance to take a swing at her?
Latha is ahead of you, dead center in the first line, a radiant target ready to move and lend aid over the battlefield, and take the wrath of any demons.
'It looks like you two cover the front,' Syala's avatar sends to you. 'I'll have a force ready to loop around and encircle if needed, or to finish it if they break and retreat.'
We should have the Order of the Lance helping by attacking the demon's back line when they hit our earthworks, see if you can coordinate it with them. If the demons about turn they'll need extra cover.
Then I'll be that cover. See you soon, love.
Good hunting.
And thus...it begins.
The demons come as one great wave, land and air both. A tidal wave of them, of thralls of minions, of summons and more. More and more, beginning to challenge the aerial and land based defenses. The fog and clouds look to be slowing them properly, while they rush towards the valley, all while dealing with harrying attacks -these are not fresh units, you can tell. Wounded demons, the occasional gaps in the line.
The harassment's done its job then, and there's no prospect of reinforcements teleporting in from the valley. They've interdicted teleportation around their fortifications of course but that still leaves plenty of places demons could teleport in and then rush from.
Any notable demons organising things or just particularly powerful individuals mixed in that are worth focusing long range bombardment on?
She still remembers the first demon invasion Sylica faced was ended by a single sunburst blinding the balor in charge.
It's a pretty good horde - you notice a marilith leading from the front, tail color purple and slithering along at a fast pace.
Another chunk is lead by a balor missing a hand, flames constantly leaking out of where his hand should be. He roars louder than the battlefield, advancing and leading them on.
Feel free to make K:P.
[16:27] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+47+15 buffed planes from real Alicia
[16:27] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=18]
The marilith is new - probably someone or another promoted would be Alicia's guess, or someone deeply obscure. Nothing that triggers any warnings unless she shows off power unexpected. Looking closely, you do spy the sigil of a white hammer on her weapons, a known sigil of Kostchtchie.
The balor is Hyl, a Blood War captain. He's only been at it about 3000 years and loosely serves Graz'zt beyond those duties. He's mostly noted for raw toughness and refusing to die, even if every other of his soldiers die.
Latha, the one-handed balor is yours.
Confident she'll do her part, waits for them to hit the minefield before she signals for bombardment to begin where it can inflict maximum disruption and allow the extra firepower to ensure deaths even against Ysgard's healing.
'Good,' Latha's answer is simple in your mind.
Perception.
[17:01] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 avatar has sensual blessing up, popping divine insight
[17:01] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 98 > [d20=13]
Invisible and unseen, demons cloaked in magic and spell to be almost impossible to detect. Yet your avatar is able to see them, ravaging babau slinking in, weaving amid the battlefield, avoiding traps with greater skill than the charging horde.
She warns Latha and Syala of this.
I can see a few invisible babau flitting in with the horde, they're not amateurs. Watch out, they'll probably evade most of our bombardment magic.
A rain of desolation once they get into range should work well, though. All that magic will count against them for that.
Take care of them. That's your bailiwick as the sorceress, dear.
She'll do her part, though this is mostly for the army rather than her flying over and slaughtering every demon herself.
She could do that of course, but the army needs practice!
On the demons advance, being slowed and felled as they hit the fire mines. It is then that your bombardment is ready, waiting merely for your command and directions.
"First rank, loose! Second rank, counter!" Alicia calls so they can fire off their spells to thin the ranks of demons while other casters prepare to stymie any demons that get themselves together enough to retaliate with long range spells.
Archers are reserved for shooting demons that fly over the earthworks and they're not quite in range for those yet anyway, that also being the domain of medium range magic such as rain of desolation.
A long range spell will do for now certainly, and Alicia adds a sunburst of her own somewhat further back from the leading edge of the horde since she has greater range than most and a bunch of blinded demons in the middle will mess up their charge quite neatly.
[17:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=5]
[17:51] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6
[17:51] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d6=6,2,5,5,4,5]
DC 41 ref half, blinded if save fails.
> roll 1d20+20 horde
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=17]
Fire and explosions, the power of the sun amid the horde. The center line is stunned, the charge faltering - until you hear Hyl's voice, screaming, "FORWARD! We can take that bitch's head and mount her body in Shendilavri!" The fire is doing its grim work as Latha begins to advance, the sunlight around her like a weapon, as demons die by the droves into your trap.
Oh Hyl, everyone loves an optimist!
Alicia assists with counterspelling now, keeping an eye on the horde and ordering her forces where to focus and when until the demons properly enter the earthworks past the minefield at which point she'll drop a rain of desolation on them and start marking out those sneaky babaus for individual attention.
Wait, when he said 'mount her body' did he mean it...
No, nevermind.
No matter what the answer is, you don't want to know. It's a demon.
More and more fall, the horde thinning - it's working. No reinforcements, just a slowing trickle following. You can see them pushing, your bombardments and defenses extracting the toll desired as...
Roll out the rain.
How many dispels?
12.
[18:36] <@Ebiris> roll 12#1d20+31 dispel checks
[18:36] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 44, 51, 50, 35, 38, 43, 36, 40, 36, 35, 51, 45 >
How many actually dispelled for the rain damage?
8.
[18:46] <@Ebiris> roll 21d6 cold, DC 36 fort half
[18:46] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d6=6,6,4,5,3,4,6,6,2,1,4,3,2,5,4,4,5,5,2,6,1]
A freezing rain falls, magic crumbling and revealing the babau - who even with speed are slower now, bombarded and attacked, as more demons yet fall. Yet a few advance - as you spy the golden tailed marilith going on as well, advancing on and on. They'll be to the clearing soon, numbers falling but not enough.
Latha is at the ready as...
Oh look, the remainder had a few surprises, but they're no match for me. Your end going well?
We're close to engaging.
She'll be able to swing her sword over the heads of everyone else to reap through the demons as they come up the hill too, but she'll reserve her blades until they're needed.
"Bolster yourselves," she orders her casters to start using their short duration boosting spells on themselves and their comrades in place of blasting, the earthworks giving the front rank demons some cover against most of it anyway.
She herself uses Righteous Wrath of the Faithful on those around her, leading by example.
On and on - and it is a ragged bunch that reaches the hill, perhaps 300. They are lead by Hyl, snarling and screaming, brandishing a long sword as he leads the charge, "To her! To her!" she cries. At this Latha smiles, walking forward to meet him, radiant in sunlight.
"Demon! I come for your head!" Latha's voice is heard across the battlefield.
Hyl's answer is one of pure fury, a twisted smile on his face as he charges ahead.
"Brace!" Alicia orders the rest, bolstering them further and letting the front ranks of warriors have the honour of defending their goddess while Latha duels the biggest demonic threat on the field.
More of her magic goes into augmenting the rest of her forces with Recitation so they can cut down this bedraggled charge and be ready to endure the next, since there's still a lot of demons to come.
Your forces brace, magic filling them as you stand.
"For Sylica!"
"VICTORY!"
"Cut them all down!"
Cheers come from your troops as they do just that, now all focused on the demonic horde. Latha and Hyl charge forward, light clashing into dark and...
Did you cast any of those spells on Latha?
Yeah, they hit all allies in range so she'd be covered.
+3 morale attack/damage, an extra attack like haste, +3 luck AC/attack/saves.
> roll 1d20+57 (+3 luck, +3 morale, +2 charge)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+33 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+43
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=5]
> roll 20d10 half lightning half divine
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 111 > [d10=6,1,4,6,1,3,8,7,6,3,4,6,7,4,7,10,7,6,5,10]
> roll 1d20+60 (+2 charge, +3 ???, +1 ???, +2 bane)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=1]
Light and fire, hate and glory. The two meet in a clash of mace against weapon - Latha's mace is blocked and blocked in turn, the two crashing together in deadlock. That is, before a bolt of divine wrath strikes down, slamming into the balor. It barely phases him but is enough to put him a step back, as demons crackle and burn under Latha's aura.
> roll 7d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d6=4,4,4,3,6,6,5]
"Brace!" Alicia calls to her first rank who're waiting to receive the demonic charge flowing around Hyl and Latha. She leaves her champion to handle the balor without interference, trusting her to handle it and focusing on the grander battle.
"Third rank, keep up the barrage!"
You have tremorsense?
Yeah, she'd have sensual blessing up. 60 feet.
As this happens, you feel something stirring deep in the earth beneath you, coming up towards you steadily.
"Tunnelers from below. Second rank move back and prepare!" Alicia orders, levitating herself to make a little space before she summons some elementals to glide down into the earth and intercept it.
Summon Monster X cast
[16:56] <@Ebiris> roll 1d3 elder earth elementals
[16:56] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d3=3]
As your elementals are summoned and go down?
> roll 1d20+33 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=13]
> roll 20d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d6=6,4,2,1,5,3,6,5,2,6,6,3,6,5,3,4,3,5,4,1]
> roll 80+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 120 >
> roll 120*2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 240 >
> roll 1d20+45 Will
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+33 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+43
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=11]
> roll 20d10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 126 > [d10=7,5,3,10,3,6,10,3,7,8,5,6,9,3,6,8,10,5,5,7]
> roll 1d20+30 SR
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=7]
The two meet again, Latha leaping back as the army is momentarily stopped, the charged checked due to the impact and bombardment. As general chaos erupts, holy power descends from above, the balor boiling as if water on the fire, entire nature rippling as he detaches part of its own flesh, hurling it at Latha. Yet Latha's radiance burns it away, holding her own as demons scream, those coming to help catching ablaze.
> roll 7d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d6=3,4,5,5,1,1,6]
For the moment, all's going as planned.
Alicia doesn't fully commit to melee, her vantage allowing her to see well over the battlefield and respond to any changes in the situation with new orders. She does summon a few more elementals to go down and cover their subterranean flank.
[17:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d3 more elder earth elementals
[17:14] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d3=1]
The demons are really lagging on the flanks. We have this - just crush the charge and we can finish this soon. No signs of the demons opening portals elsewhere that I'm hearing or seeing, love.
You can see Latha and the balor clash - holy power slams the balor back from above, leaving him tattered and boiling but unbowed. Demons rush into help, Latha's light incinerating the least of them and burning the lesser. The charge is checked, bombardment and warriors doing the rest. By all rights, as long as Latha finishes off Hyl, this is going your way.
d100.
[17:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[17:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d100=76]
Meanwhile...
> roll 1d20+42
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 54 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+73
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=14]
> OOC: +3 for 47, my typo.
Treachery, sister!
The avatar continues to command the battle without any disruption.
Because the real Alicia is back in Sylica and fully prepared for this eventuality, looking at Syala and Antenora even as she focuses her attention on where Jessica is.
What happened, Jessica?
Syala is ready in an instant, Antenora as well.
You see it. Out front of Jessica's bakery, a dart sticking out of Jessica's shoulder. A figure is rushing her as Jessica guards the door to the bakery. A figure seemingly normal - an elf, clad simply and with a rapier in hand. Yet he moves with impossible, unnatural grace and agility, far from even elven standards.
Can I tell through divine senses if there's any sort of teleport block or anticipate teleportation effect present there?
In your own realm? Sure.
You can sense there's a greater anticipate teleport active, yes.
"Teleport anticipate in play," Alicia tells Syala and Antenora curtly. "Stay in case of other ambushes."
Then she vanishes, reappearing just past the outer edge of the spell effect behind the rushing elf so she can help Jessica.
Thus you appear 250ft away, at the far end of the street, as people watch on in alarm at the scene and...
Go, you go first since Supreme Init.
On arrival, Alicia promptly stops time!
[18:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d4+1 quickened time stop
[18:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=2]
Delaying in case elf has relevant spell stowaway.
Alicia: 632+20/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33), many moments of prescience (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 33), keen edge (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32), greater heroism (CL 32), death ward (CL 32), divine insight (CL 32)
Defences: AC 74 (touch 36), CMD 85, spell resistance 46, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48)
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/saves/skills
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/5
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/22/21/11/7
He does not, go.
Alicia is already well prepared for battle so simply positions herself over the elf, then when time resumes she dispels him and attacks!
quickened superb dispel, how many?Alicia: 632+20/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33), many moments of prescience (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 33), keen edge (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32), greater heroism (CL 32), death ward (CL 32), divine insight (CL 32)
Defences: AC 74 (touch 36), CMD 85, spell resistance 46, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48)
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/saves/skills
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/8/5/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/22/21/11/7
18.
[19:33] <@Ebiris> roll 18#1d20+35
[19:34] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 47, 44, 44, 49, 45, 42, 53, 41, 41, 36, 36, 46, 42, 48, 49, 39, 45, 40 >Magic dispelled, she rewards the elf with a display of peerless swordsmanship as she hammers him with the flat of her blades to pummel him unconscious!
[19:36] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 10th level arcane strike
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=18]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 10th level arcane strike - will use many moments of prescience if 87 missed
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=14]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 10th level arcane strike - will use many moments of prescience if 87 missed
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=19]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 10th level arcane strike - will use many moments of prescience if 87 missed
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=14]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+64 10th level arcane strike
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=8]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+64 10th level arcane strike
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=4]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+59 10th level arcane strike
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=14]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+59 10th level arcane strike
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=8]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+54 10th level arcane strike
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=17]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+54 10th level arcane strike
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=3]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 crit check
[19:37] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d20=18]
[19:38] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+69 crit check - with many moments of prescience if 87 missed
[19:38] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=12]
[19:38] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+54 crit check
[19:38] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=13]
Many Moments of Prescience is +30 if needed.
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d8=1][d6=2,2,1][d4=3,2,1,3,3,2,3,2,1,4]
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d8=5][d6=6,2,6][d4=1,2,3,3,2,3,3,2,2,4]
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d8=2][d6=6,5,6][d4=2,2,4,3,1,1,4,2,3,1]
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d8=7][d6=6,6,3][d4=4,1,2,1,3,3,1,3,4,4]
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d8=1][d6=5,4,3][d4=4,2,2,3,2,2,4,3,1,3]
[19:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d8=2][d6=1,5,2][d4=3,4,3,3,4,1,4,1,2,4]
[19:39] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d8=1][d6=6,4,5][d4=1,1,4,4,1,4,4,1,4,1]
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 2d8+50+26+6d6+10d4 the 26 is fire and the 6d6 is holy, 2 negative level if holy applies - if 87 critted
[19:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 141 > [d8=4,8][d6=5,6,2,6,2,6][d4=2,2,3,1,4,4,2,4,2,2]
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies - if 87 did not crit
[19:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d8=3][d6=4,4,6][d4=4,2,4,3,2,3,3,3,1,2]
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 2d8+50+26+6d6+10d4 the 26 is fire and the 6d6 is holy, 2 negative level if holy applies - if 81 critted
[19:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 129 > [d8=2,1][d6=2,5,2,6,5,5][d4=1,2,3,4,3,3,2,1,4,2]
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies - if 81 did not crit
[19:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d8=2][d6=1,6,6][d4=2,4,2,2,3,4,2,1,4,1]
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 2d8+50+26+6d6+10d4 the 26 is fire and the 6d6 is holy, 2 negative level if holy applies - if 67 critted
[19:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 135 > [d8=8,8][d6=1,1,4,6,3,4][d4=2,1,3,4,3,2,1,4,2,2]
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+25+13+3d6+10d4 the 13 is fire and the 3d6 is holy, 1 negative level if holy applies - if 67 did not crit
[19:40] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d8=6][d6=2,2,4][d4=2,3,4,3,3,2,1,3,3,3]
All nonlethal.
Alicia: 632+20/632
Active spells: Extended nondetection (CL 33), many moments of prescience (CL 32), extended repelling shield (CL 33), keen edge (CL 32), sensual blessing (CL 32), vision of the omniscient eye (CL 32), greater heroism (CL 32), death ward (CL 32), divine insight (CL 32)
Defences: AC 74 (touch 36), CMD 85, spell resistance 46, status immunity (dazzled, blinding, polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), energy immunity (fire, cold, negative energy), nondetection (DC 48)
Stat buffs/penalties: +9 shield AC, 17-20 crit range, +25 competence perception, +10 insight perception, +4 morale attack/saves/skills
Perceptions: Darkvision 2 miles, scent, low-light vision, tremorsense/blindsight 2 miles, perception +86
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/13/9/9/15/8/7/7/7/5/6/4
Duskblade spell slots: 6/22/22/21/11/7
forgot to channel, add a maximised vampiric touch for 60 more damage per hit, 120 on crits.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+34 : 4 + 34, total 38[/blockquote]
that was the SR roll, add 3 more for spell power.
The barrage of blows is nigh overwhelming - and healing magic flows outward to mend him as you plummel him down, leaving him staggering. He tries to rise from it but pitches over, going still. A moment later a great fountain of spellfire and magical energy erupts from him all about, cascading upward like an eruption.
Free act.
[15:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+50 spellcraft
[15:30] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=12]
What's with the fountain?
Analyzing it, you find yourself frowning. Within is an incredibly, powerfully elaborate spell weave. The raw knowledge, skills and ability of a great champion was somehow fused into the elf's soul. Now that a preset condition has been fulfilled, it is discharging in a burst of powerful magic, fading before your eyes and leaving the elf.
If this is not the work of a deity, then you are facing a spellcaster or creature of sublime skill and power.
"Hold a moment, sister," Alicia says, magic coursing through her as she studies this magic in more detail.
[15:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 spellcraft using divine insight and guidance of the avatar, DC 85 to discover caster. Takes one minute of study.
[15:54] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=11]
Jessica holds. The magic fades - but lasts long enough. You get the name of the spellcaster: Violet.
Wasn't that balor Marie killed blessed with a spell from Violet as well?
"One of the radiant sisters empowererd him beyond all reason," Alicia says, her voice for Jessica's ears alone as she now picks up the fallen elf. "Are you alright?"
The elf is out cold.
Jessica takes a breath, "I'm fine, sister," she says, "It was a fell strike, but sending me to rest may have prevented a disaster." With a long, deep breath, hand curled tight around her rapier, "This is personal."
"There could be others. I'll place him in a dungeon and Naeys can go through his mind after the battle. Stay on guard, Jessica," Alicia says before she teleports to one of Sylica's high security dungeons, handing him to the wardens who'll have him stripped and searched thoroughly before put into prison clothes and confined under their best security.
Meanwhile...
You can see Latha and the balor clash - holy power slams the balor back from above, leaving him tattered and boiling but unbowed. Demons rush into help, Latha's light incinerating the least of them and burning the lesser. The charge is checked, bombardment and warriors doing the rest. By all rights, as long as Latha finishes off Hyl, this is going your way.
Back to the avatar.
It's important for morale and their image that Latha defeats that balor by herself, so Alicia leaves her to it unless the situation turns dire and she asks for aid. She keeps her focus on the battle at large, directing her forces where to strike for best effect, exhorting them to keep up their morale, and anchoring their battle-line.
> roll 1d20+33
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=1]
> roll 4d10+124+3d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 161 > [d10=7,5,9,6][d6=3,2,5]
Latha falls back and hurls more magic, the heat around the balor draining - yet nothing happens as it charges with a bestial roar, longsword slashing Latha's chest, drawing radiant blood as she holds position. Her front is blood splattered now but it's not a truly deep wound, bleeding but not decisive. The rest of the charge is slowly breaking, keeping up less and less under assault, demons crumbling before it all.
That's a pretty bad wound but Latha can take more so Alicia lets her carry on with it. Actually she better spare some attention just for blocking off the detonation when Hyl dies so she's half-prepared to throw up some quickened walls of force between him and her battle-line if Latha strikes a fatal blow.
> roll 1d20+33
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=10]
> roll 20d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d6=4,2,6,3,3,6,5,3,4,1,4,5,3,2,1,6,3,2,2,1]
> roll 99*2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 198 >
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+36 fort
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=16]
Latha falls back and gestures, vivacious flames erupting around the balor. At the same time it gestures even as it burns, shuddering - before a moment later it explodes as Latha holds her ground, walls of force blocking the blast. Whew!
She lowers the walls after they catch that detonation since they're also in the way of their spellfire. "Latha!" she cheers her friend's name as she triumphs over the demonic champion.
Cheers of Latha's name erupt as she stands tall, raising her mace high as your forces surge. With the head of the charge down and the source of the demons stopped, it seems to be nothing more than clean up - for now, at least.
Once the horde is broken, demons dead or scattered, then commences cleanup.
An act important elsewhere for removing demonic taint lest it poison the land, but doubly so on Ysgard since they'll be back up and ready to fight come dawn if they don't banish the bodies. Celestials with limitless magic for dispelling evil are made use of though Alicia and Syala's avatars do the lions' share with large scale banishments. The remainder help with gathering up loot and treasure for collating back in Sylica. Some will be destroyed, others locked away, and hopefully more redistributed.
Any corpses of unique greater demons won't just be banished but instead gathered securely on Ysgard so that when they do resurrect with the dawn they can be immediately captured for long term imprisonment in Sylica. It's unlikely if any will reform themselves, but they'll be taken out of circulation at least.
Syala is at your side as you oversee this, "This could have been worse if we were lax, unlucky or not as prepared. This was no feeble effort by Malcanthet - but our shared enmity is long established now. We really need to introduce her to a hammer or two."
"Yes, though with having to stay poised to join in Seira's war if the need arises we don't have much spare to commit," Alicia says. "Still we're coming out ahead, I don't think she's going to stop any time soon."
"For now, that's good enough," Syala agrees, "We have another war to fight."
"It never ends," Alicia nods, a smile on her lips regardless.
And like this...
Congrats, you've reached level 33. Closing this now.